Another month, another set of favorites! All of these things have felt like steals, scores or just simple things that are making my life happier this month!
1. Philosophy Help Me Retinol Day Treatment (SPF 30)
So listen, my mom and I have this bad habit of calling each other when there are fun things on QVC and then making impulse purchases. Wait, now that I think about it, it’s always me that’s making the impulse purchases and my mom that’s doing the calling…hmmm. Anyway, she talked me into buying this in May because as you know my skin is kind of a nightmare and I had been looking for a good sunscreen AND a retinol product. Turns out this is one of the only 2 for 1s on the market and I’ve been using it for about 30 days and am pretty sure I want to marry it. Judge me if you must. The texture of my skin has become notably smoother and my jawline breakouts have not been as severe. They haven’t gone away completely, but on a scale of 1 to 10 the are about a 3 instead of the usual 7. And that’s ALL MONTH LONG, ahem.
2. Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Flash
True Story: I am suuuuuuuuuuuuuuper lame with liquid eyeliner. Eyeliner in general, really. My friend Sarah was kind enough to break it down for me once and I am still not confident. I mean, I wear it, but I don’t feel like it’s pulling together my look, you know?
I got a sample of this Stila liquid liner in my birchbox a couple months back and kind of shook my head. Who the hell wants to wear gold, glitter, liquid-eyeliner, birchbox? “Birchbox, you are on notice!” I thought. And then I tried it and um, apparently *I* want to wear gold, liquid eyeliner. It’s super easy (and idiot-proof!) and very subtle. But also, definitely a step up from my plain brown eyeliner. What is not idiot proof is taking a picture of my eyes with my iphone. You will just have to trust that IT FREAKING RULES!
3. Oil of Olay Silk Whimsy Body Lotion with Rose Extract and Almond Oil
You will just have to forgive the stupid name. I don’t find that I have a particular need for a whimsical body lotion, but I will tell you that in summer I don’t even touch half of my stash because it is too thick. And super emollient lotion + Sacramento’s HOT HOT HOT HEAT is a recipe for unsightly ass sweat marks on your clothes. You know what I’m saying, right? If you don’t, you are on of the lucky ones. Anyway, I am impressed with this lotion’s ability to moisturize while being INCREDIBLY light, so as the temperature’s have increased it has become my Go-To. But do you know what I really love about it? The scent. Now, when you hear Rose Extract and Almond Oil it sounds a little bit Old-Lady ish. It also doesn’t help that Garrett calls all of my Olay products Oil of Old Lady. But let me assure you, it actually smells subtle, a little sweet, and the scent lasts ALL DAY LONG. From a lotion! And for the record, I’m not a fan of floral scents, so the rose isn’t exceptionally floral or overpowering. Promise.
4. Old Navy Vintage V Neck Tees
I read about these a couple of weeks ago over on Wardrobe Oxygen and I have to say, I was skeptical. Old Navy quality is just so hit or miss and in the past few years I have found most of their stuff stretches and becomes ill fitting while you are actually wearing it. I HATE THAT! Not worth the bargain. But for $8.50, I had to check out this alleged amazing tee. And I ended up totally falling in love! They are super thin and worn in (you do have to wear a cami or something under them unless you like your stuff a little see through) but they are comfy as all get-out AND mine didn’t even shrink in the wash!
The other fun thing? They have a men’s version, and that one is cheap and totally Garrett approved! If you must know it took me years of convincing to get him to wear a v-neck shirt (he didn’t want to “look like a girl” — um, WHATEVER.) But he is a total lover of these tees. The kicker though — you must look where the v-necks are manufactured. For the women — the ones made in Vietnam are the softest. For the men — pick the ones made in India. The have a million colors, and the also come in crew-necks if you prefer those, so seriously — CHECK THEM OUT.
5. Dresses
Interesting fact about me: I hated dresses in high school. Like, so much so I eschewed the entire prom experience because the thought of picking out some 1990s dreamy Gunny Sax number actually made my skin crawl. Thank you very much I will enjoy my flannel shirts and work boots while I’m listening to Pearl Jam, reapplying Toast of New York lipstick. Ah…memories.
Anyway, as I’ve gotten older I’ve come to embrace dresses. They are fun, stylish, flattering…yada yada yada. But do you know what else they are? A LAZY LADY’S WAY OF LOOKING PUT TOGETHER WHEN IT IS HOT AS BALLS OUT! Lately all I want to wear is a dress. The other day I put on pants and a work appropriate blouse and I just felt…frumpy and hot. As such, I’m amassing quite a collection this season and you know what? I’m having so much fun with it! I know most of you are probably shaking your head and thinking “DUH, Holly.” But this is sort of a revelatory moment for me, so I’m going to enjoy it. Also — I’m going to recommend it highly, because throwing one item of clothing over your head in the morning completely trumps trying to coordinate 3 or 4!
Um…Winning!
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So what’s rocking your world this month?
I got the eyeliner in my birchbox, too! I’ve been scared of it. I haven’t so much as opened it yet. I have no idea how to use liquid eyeliner at all; the last time I did I looked like a mega-goth.
Did you open it yet? Get on that, lady! It’s so fun 🙂
LOVE ME some liquid eyeliner! I like the Almay kind that looks like a little bottle of ink, in brown. The applicator isn’t super long, so you have more control over it. 😀
HOw did I not know they come in a men’s version? Totally snapping up some for my husband who actually tried to wear my version of the tee because he liked the color and softness of the fabric!
Oh yeah, the softness was the major selling point, but you are totally right that it depends on the manufacturer. There are multiple for the men’s version so DEFINITELY check for the ones made in India! They feel just how a worn in t shirt should feel!
Okay, so first things first: FUCK OFF, JAWLINE BREAKOUTS. I have been rocking a literal BEARD of acne for weeks now. OVER IT.
Secondly, that Olay stuff smells so freaking good! My friend had the body wash of it when I visited and I’m totally going to buy that and the lotion when I run out. Smells amazing!
Ok, so I have a weird and too-personal question regarding the dress situation: do you wear something underneath (uhhh..aside from undergarments, obviously)? My thighs rub together when I wear dresses and I get sweaty. Then I end up feeling like a tub-o-lard with raw inner thighs and the crotch sweats (eww…you’re welcome for that). Too hot in the summer for spanx, so what’s a girl to do?
HA! Melisa, you are hysterical! You know depending on the style of the dress I most often wear boy shorts instead of just regular underwear, but I know A LOT of gals who swear by wearing some kind of spandex shorts or spanx for just that reason. Or if you don’t want to invest in all of that rigamarole, maybe BodyGlide? If it works for marathoners thighs and armpits, WHY THE HELL NOT FOR DRESS WEARING!?! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005L8YVRO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=holl0f-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005L8YVRO
Hmmm…interesting idea. I might just have to give that a try! I can’t find any boy shorts that I find comfortable, plus they give me the worst panty lines ever. Too much junk in this trunk, I guess (this trunk ROCKS the squat, though!). ;o)
Melisa! Check this stuff out… it’s a lifesaver. Put it on your chaf-y spots to prevent rubbing!
http://www.amazon.com/Monistat-Soothing-Chafing-Powder-Gel-1-5-Ounce/dp/B0012ZNSWE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1340205807&sr=8-2&keywords=chafing+lotion
Wow, now I want to go out and buy all of that stuff! Don’t worry about the eyeliner- I teach a lot of make-up classes and personal lessons and eyeliner is ALWAYS brought up. It really just takes practice. Practice enough with the one that is subtle and you’ll be a pro for darker colors later!
I will! I may just go out and buy some dark liquid eyeliner just for fun, to see if my skills have improved at all with all of this gold eyeliner application. 🙂
You should! I still struggle to make my own look the same on both eyes and have spent hours in front of the mirror with liner and a make-up wipe trying to get it down. I would recommend the L’oreal Lineur Intense, the spongey applicator is easy to work with. I am also really loving the eyeline markers that several brands are putting out (I know MAC and TIGI both make them), because who can’t use a marker?! The gel eyeliners in the pot are nice too because they go on so smooth 😉
The very SECOND I’m done breastfeeding, and can therefore use retinols again, I’m buying that philosophy stuff. It sounds like exactly what I need.
Oh do it! At first, when I got it I thought WOW, that’s kind of pricey for such a small container — but a little goes a long way AND it’s two products in one, so I’m feeling more forgiving now. Especially because it is working! 🙂
I love that you use lady and hot as balls in the same sentence. It might sum up one of the reasons I love your blog so much.
Oh, and I tried those Simple face wipes you recommended and they are super gentle. Good tip.
HAAAA! This made me laugh. Also, it made me think “I did? Jesus, Holly. Do you even go back and edit your crap?” LOL Well, at least I can provide some entertainment. Glad you liked those Simple face wipes. I think they are pretty darn fabulous! And so soft!!!
I am glad you have come around to the ways of The Dress. 😉
I am officially drinking the Dress Kool Aid. In fact, I probably need a bigger straw!