Home Decor Candles

I just recently decided that I was going to redo our living room, after moving in only 7 months earlier...Crazy I know, but I wanted a change. So after scouring Pinterest for hours I finally decided on a good look that I am really enjoying. Our apartment is painted a very ugly tan/cream color making decorating very difficult, especially because I am a huge fan of WHITE CLEAN spaces. So I picked up a few different decorative "Candle/Smellgoods" that I am super impressed with! 

Bath & Body Works-  3-Wick Candle - $22.50 -  "Lilac Blossom"

I am a huge fan of the Bath & Body Works "Fresh Picked" collections. I really prefer fresh scents that are simple and CLEAN! I really love lemon, mint and floral smells.

I have Lilac Blossom in my living room and I LOVE it! First of all, how cute is this packaging? This will be an awesome jar to use after I burn up all of the wax.(DIY Candle Jar) It's so fresh and if you are familiar with Lilac, this is absolutely true to scent! It smells like you have bouquets of fresh picked Lilac in your house. The scent does travel pretty far around our house but our apartment is pretty small ;)  

Bath & Body Works - Concentrated Room Spray - $5.50 - Lemon Mint Leaf
Target - Wax Melter - $16.99While I was buying candles from Bath & Body Works, I thought about how much I hate burning candles ALL the time to have the house smell good. I was considering a "Wall Flower" but remembered that an open plug-in is a hard thing to find in our house lol. So I decided I would try a room spray.
I HIGHLY recommend these! I didn't know if it would work like I wanted it to, but to my surprise 2 pumps of this concentrated spray was almost too much!! I sprayed each room and the scent lasted for a few hours. This is great for when your expecting company and you don't have time to burn a candle and wait for the scent to fill the room. It's a pretty small bottle, but a little goes a LONG way!

So next thing I bought was this Wax Burner. I knew for a long time that I wanted a wax burner because I have a lot of candle wax from my B&BW candles that are left over after the wick burns out. I wasn't going to spend money on the "Scentcy" burner, so while I was walking around Target looking for more decor for the house I found a bunch of different little wax burners. This one really caught my eye because it looks like a cute little Mason Jar. Target had over 20 different styles, so there's one for everyone! It's super easy to use and so cute!! My only complain is that the cord isn't very long :/ but I made it work!

We have a fireplace, so I was wanting some tall candles to put on the end of the mantle but couldn't find what I was envisioning anywhere! But, while I was looking at the Wax Burners I saw these and thought they were pretty cute! They came as a set of 3, all different heights. They were only $19.99 so I thought what the heck! They come with the candles inside, they are "Vanilla Sugar Cookie", not my favorite smell, but I won't be burning these candles anyways. I think these were a great deal, and a good small accent piece to the end of my mantle decor.

Hope you enjoyed today's post!

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xoxo, Michelle

KISSABLE LIPS

SMOOCH SMOOCH!

We all want kissable lips, right? Here are some of my favorite lip products that I use on the daily! 

I've always been a Burt's Bees fan but I really don't care for stick form lip care. So these Lip Treatments in the tube is perfect! It's a squeeze tube applicator, kind of like a lip gloss. They have a few different kinds but I really prefer the ULTRA MOISTURIZING. I find it gives a really great glossy look, as well as hydrating your lips. I usually use this during the day time because of the easy application, and I use my NIVEA LIP BUTTERS when I'm at home when I'm looking for deep moisture.

If you don't like using your fingers to apply product to your lips, NIVEA Lip Butters probably aren't for you, but if you don't mind that, I HIGHLY recommend these. They are absolutely wonderful! They have a few other flavors but these two are my favorite! Raspberry Rose Kiss gives your lips a SLIGHT light pink tint that goes away shortly after application, but leaves your lips so smooth and so KISSABLE!! Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss gives your lips a SLIGHT white/nude tint but just like the other, goes away after being rubbed in. These are the ULTIMATE moisturizer for your lips. Definitely the deepest and longest lasting moisture I've had in a drugstore lip product. I use it right before I go to sleep every night and I wake up with smooth, hydrated lips. I also use it every morning when I wake up. 

You get .59 OZ  of product in the pan, which sounds like not very much but mine last FOREVER!

These products really help me fight dry, chapped lips in the colder months! 

Hope you enjoyed today's post!

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xoxo, Michelle

BUY or DENY?

L'OREAL PARIS 
BOOST IT 
HIGH LIFT CREATION SPRAY

A lot of products you have to use a few times before you can give a good review on them, but others you can really tell if it's going to work for you within just one use. First of all, the packaging really attracted my attention. For someone with flat hair, the word BOOST in bold letters really gets your attention! I had seen a few reviews on YouTube of this product, and kinda put it in the back of my mind. Of course when I went to TARGET it was on an end cap, catching my attention. It was on sale for $3.99(+tax) so I decided, what the heck! 

-- A little history on my hair: I have VERY thick straight hair, but all my volume is in the middle to ends of my hair. The top of my head is very flat and NOT easy to tease. I've always loved the look of teased hair but mine just doesn't ever turn out the way I want it to. Most likely because I have very soft, silky, thin stranded hair; so when I try teasing it just ends up falling out and uneven. I've always been a fan of dry shampoo, not to soak up oil but for volume. Although I really hate the white cast it leaves on dark hair --

Earlier in the day before I purchased this, I had curled my hair, so mind you I had a fresh curl on 2nd day hair. When I got home of course I had to try the spray!! Sectioning off the top, I sprayed just a small amount under the top layer and had immediate results! The lift and volume ISN'T AS good as a normal tease would be on normal hair, but it really helps give your hair some OOMFF!! I love it! You can spray it on the roots to give volume or on the mid-shaft of your hair for some added fullness! Would be a great spray to back comb with instead of hairspray. It also has a very pleasant smell! Which is always a plus!! :)

L'OREAL PRODUCT CLAIM: "Our high-performance finishing tool now at your fingertips. Get targeted root application with our unique fan spray for instant life and fullness and a modern back combing effect. Strong hold boosts body on any style for a voluptuous, textured look that lasts."

BUY or DENY??

TOTAL BUY!! 

Hope you enjoyed today's post

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xoxo,Michelle

January Favorites!

Here are some products I have been really loving this month! And the best part? You can find all of these things at the DRUGSTORE! I'm usually not a fan of drugstore products, but these are the ones that REALLY work!

1. Garnier Moisture Rescue Cleanser - This cleanser is sooo awesome if you have dry skin like me! It leaves your face feeling clean and fresh as well as moisturized! I personally cannot use a cleanser with salicylic acid in it because it is too drying on my skin, but this cleanser is perfect! It is very gentle and has a great scent! I've been using it for about a year already and love it. I always use it with my CLARISONIC MIA 2, but you can use your hands or how ever you like to wash your face. It does break down make-up but I recommend removing your make-up first with either cleansing wipes or a cleans-off oil. 

2. Botanics Conditioning Clay Mask - This mask is something I use when I feel like my skin needs a good deep cleaning. Usually I use this once a week. I love clay masks, they are cooling and really make my skin feel detoxed. This is a very affordable mask. I found mine at Target. It also lasts a very long time! You get 4.2 OZ and a little goes a long way! 

3. RIMMEL Scandaleyes Waterproff Kohl Liner - I LOVE this liner! I used to be a die hard fan of the Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Perversion, but one day I ran out and needed a good liner quick from the drug store... This is a TOTAL DUPE for the UD 24/7 Liner! So creamy but it is waterproof so it doesn't smudge or budge throughout the day! And the best part is.. its a THIRD of the price! Although there aren't as many colors to choose from like the UD liners, the RIMMEL liners are great for everyday wear!

RIMMEL Lash Accelerator Mascara - I also purchased this mascara when I got he Kohl liner^^ I had heard really great things about this mascara but I wasn't sure about it. I don't tend to care much for drugstore mascaras. My staple mascaras are the "Benefit They're REAL" and "TART Amazonian Clay" , but I thought I would give it a try and I LOVE it! Really gives me length and volume as well as separating my lashes! I do recommend using a waterproof mascara underneath if your lashes don't hold a curl like mine. But overall a great drugstore mascara!!

4. L'oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Day/Night Moisturizer & Serum - I had been starting to hear some talk about this L'oreal Line of skincare on YouTube and it really intrigued me. I have larger pores and an uneven texture and coloration over my whole face. So I went to Target and picked this up. They were $19.99 each, (probably cheaper at WALMART) The first night I used both products, my face felt like it was peeling off, but I think that was just because it was "Texture Perfecting", but that only happened the first time using it. I use the Moisturizer Day and Night, and the Serum only at night. Aaannndd I LOVE IT! I've only been using it for a short time, but I have noticed a change in my skin! My redness has been diminished, as well as my cheeks being much smoother. My make-up application has improved and so far I am very happy with the outcome! 

5. Organix Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner - Lately I have been dealing with a very dry scalp. I think just because of the dry cold weather in the Washington area.. I have tried everything trying to get my scalp moisturized but nothing has worked. I usually use the Organix Argan Oil Repair Mask, but thought I would try the Conditioner. So instead of using this on my ends I put this all over my scalp and let it sit for about 5 minutes and then rinsed with cool water and it really helped to moisturize my scalp! Granted the moisture did not last until my next hair wash (I only wash my hair every 3 or so days to protect my hair) but it really did help give my scalp the moisture that it was craving!! 

Hope you enjoyed today's post!

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xoxo, Michelle  

ESSIE POLISH SPRING/SUMMER - FALL/WINTER

Current ESSIE Polish Favs! 

I love ESSIE nail polish, and I love buying new colors because there are so many to choose from! But, lately I've been really happy with the colors I already have! There are so many different colors to choose from when you look at the display it can be a little overwhelming. If you're just looking to get into ESSIE nail polishes, I'm here to give you a look at some really versatile shades that are great to start off with!  

These are the 8 shades I think EVERYONE should own. They are great starters and gives you a taste of all the different formulas that ESSIE uses in their nail polishes. 

Top Left to Bottom Right

"Lapiz of Luxury"
"Good as Gold"
"Bahama Mamma"
"Licorice"
"Set in Stone"
"Mint Candy Apple"
"Mind your Mittens"
"Sexy Divide"(NOT mentioned below, terrible formula)So let's start talking about the different shades and what I use them for!!

Spring/Summer Shades: 

These are just a few great colors I think work great for the Spring and Summer Seasons! They are light and girly, and makes a great statement! They each have a different formula so they all apply different. Here are my thoughts on each one:

Set In Stones - Chunky Round Glitter with small glitter underlay. I recommend using this over a polish. This is great over ANY color, great for an accent nail! The only negative thing is it is VERY difficult to remove. It wears for a very long time, but when you're ready to remove it, I suggest wrapping your nails with a cotton ball soaked in acetone with foil over the top for about 10 minutes.

Lapiz of Luxury - The perfect Periwinkle color! Definitely more on the purple side rather than blue. So amazing for Spring! The formula is average opacity so 2 coats of this polish is necessary to get a great coverage. (I find that using 2 coats of any ESSIE nail polish makes them last much longer!) 

Mint Candy Apple - This is such a popular shade since Mint nails have really been trendy the past few years. I love this color during summer! It's a great shade to give your nails a POP and looks AMAZING on tan skin! The formula of this polish is great! The opacity gives you the option of only applying 1 coat, but I do recommend always using 2 coats for longer wear!

Good as Gold - First of all, let me say this formula is AWESOME! Because of the metallic in the formula, it makes this polish dry almost instantly after application! Great for if you are running late and don't have time to let your nails dry. The opacity allows you to only use 1 coat as well! So this is great for a super fast manicure! The only thing I have to say is, make sure that your nails are buffed and smooth. Because this is more of a matte metallic, it really emphasizes the ridges in your nails. But over all this is a great polish for all year round! Great for Summer with a great tan, or in Winter for the Holidays!    

Fall/Winter Shades: 

These are some of the great polishes I use during the Fall and Winter months. Dark, vampy colors are really trending right now for fall and winter. They match with any outfit and look really clean and edgy. 

Bahama Mama - This is a classic deep cranberry color. Perfect for the Holidays with the "Good as Gold" accent nail. Very festive, but also can be used during the Fall and Winter for everyday wear. The formula is also great, but 2 coats is necessary because the polish can apply a bit uneven. 

Mind Your Mittens - This is a very dark blue/green shade that is great if you don't want to wear black, but still want to have a dark, clean, simple looking nail. The formula is thick, but just like all the rest I recommend 2 coats to get the true color. This is a cool toned polish great for Fall/Winter wear! Looks wonderful on all skin tones, especially lighter tones. It gives a great contrast from skin to nails!

Licorice - This is by far the best BLACK polish I've ever tried. Many other black polishes are very thick and difficult to work with or they are very thin and take many coats to get a true black. This is the PERFECT formula! 2 coats will give you the perfect opacity and wears great with a top coat! I love wearing a black polish, its very trendy as well as clean and matches with everything! I have a light complexion and black really contrasts beautifully. This polish is super easy to work with and goes on very smooth! 



I ALWAYS recommend using a top coat for ALL polishes you use. No matter what!!! 


Those are all of the polishes I really recommend EVERYONE to go get for great staple everyday wear from the ESSIE line. There are of course a ton of different shades from ESSIE that are equally wonderful and wearable but these were just a few. 

Hope you enjoyed today's post!!

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xoxo, Michelle