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We’ve got makeup, we’ve got jewelry, we’ve got press on nails, we’ve got books, we’ve got art, and we’ve got so much more! Let’s get to it, shall we?

Amazon Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes have been something I have needed for quite some time now. As luck would have it, I was watching Instastories and ran across someone sharing these, a dupe for some really nice and expensive brushes. When I realized they were only $15, I scooped them up and the eye makeup brushes too, which is what I desperately needed. I love them all. They’re a little gaudy, but I guess I can be too. Ha! I think they’re excellent for the price I paid.

Beautycounter Satin Finish Lipstick

Wearing Shade Inspired
Wearing Shade Independent

If you follow me on Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen me share about this new product plenty. But if you haven’t, allow me introduce you to Beautycounter’s newest power play, the Statement Maker Satin Finish Lipstick. She’s beautifully pigmented and lasts until I eat. I do need to reapply after eating, but I think that’s fair in a lipstick that doesn’t promise to stay on all day.
Plus, y’all know how much of a stickler I am for clean lip products. I hate that we ingest what’s on our lips, so I like to make mine clean. Grab one here.

Red Aspen Almond Shape Nails

Wearing Wren in White Sands here

I love a good manicure, but I refuse to pay and sit for an actual one in a salon. I discovered Red Aspen on Instagram and gave them a try. I haven’t looked back, and I am LOVING these almond shaped ones. I am normally a short nail gal, but after giving these a try, I think this extra bit of glam is exactly who I’m supposed to be.

Walmart Triple Link Bracelet

Remember when Hoda Kotbe talked about these fancy and expensive bracelets? Well, Walmart came through with a $6 version!!! It has held up pretty well, and I love the chunky style. Plus, it’s 3-in-1. What’s not to love?

New Balance 237

One of the happiest birthdays was my 37th. My husband spoils me to no end, and I am not ashamed to say how much I love it. I sent him a link to these adorable sneakers after falling in love with the 327s. He surprised me with them, and I have found them extremely comfortable and so pretty.

Not the Norm Boutique

Cinco de Mayo top
Harlow Satin Tank

Listen, I am loving all the things from Not the Norm and am so happy to be able to support them. This local boutique hosts pop ups and is always open online. I am still loving my Cinco de Mayo top (wore it today but it’s out of stock) and I got so many compliments when I wore the Harlow Satin Tank. I got the size x-large in beige and find it fits pretty true to size. I could wear the large but liked the extra room in my chest. The quality of these clothes is fantastic, and you must give them a follow on Instagram and shop online right now!!!!

Loopy Case

I love a Loopy Case. I’ve had so many over the years. I just can’t quit the convenience of having the loop to carry on my hand. I thought this butterfly one was perfect for spring and summer. Paul must have listened to me talk about it, because it was a late birthday surprise for me. Highly recommend trying these out if you haven’t yet. Use code THANKYOU10 at checkout for 10% off.

Mallory Mize Art

We gifted our moms a piece of Mallory Mize art this year for Mother’s Day, and Paul got me one too, from the dogs. I don’t know if you’re aware of what paper art is or what it can be, but I’m here to tell you this is such a unique and beautifully crafted piece of art to add to your collection. I already have plans for an Iris Apfel piece because it reminds me of my Aunt Sharon and maybe the oranges in the bowl because those colors are GORGEOUS! If you have children, consider having her custom create a silhouette. They are remarkable!

Books

I read seven books in May, but these two stand out the most. I am all the way ready for summer reads, and Book Lovers by Emily Henry totally fits the bill. I also thought that Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn was way too much fun and the perfect way to kick off your summer reading.

Watermelon Punch

From a recent Instastory. I 100% think adding lime juice makes it even better!

The happiest of summer cocktails is this!

Frozen watermelon cubes (the amount is trial and error until you get the desired consistency)
2 shots of vodka (or less, or more, or none-it’s an excellent mocktail)
A squeeze of fresh lime juice (or the bottle stuff- I use it too)
A spoonful of simple syrup (but only if your watermelon isn’t very sweet-otherwise, it’s not needed)
Blend in the blender

I tried it with tequila, specifically reposado. It’s okay. But watermelon pairs best with vodka or silver tequila in my opinion.

Simple Syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Heat in a boiler over med to high heat (don’t boil) until sugar dissolves. Stir as needed. Set aside and let cool to room temperature. Add to cocktails/mocktails as needed.

Cheers to summer!

Product Review: Color Intense Lip Set from Beautycounter

PRODUCT REVIEW: COLOR INTENSE LIP SET FROM BEAUTYCOUNTER

I’ve said this before about this product: I love them so much. I really do.

I’m wearing 9 to 5 here. It’s the one I’ve been wearing the most this fall.

I know I’m a little biased because I do work for this company, but I believe in their mission and their products. And when I heard that we ingest the products that are on our lips, I thought lip products would be a great place to make a switch to safer beauty. And for someone like me who loves lipstick and loves wearing a different color everyday, you know, to coordinate with my outfit, I knew this set was going to be perfect.

They arrived in the mail on a Tuesday. I told Paul I needed these, and seeing as how I’d just placed a pretty large order to Beautycounter, he was less than thrilled when I told him about the lipsticks. (Husbands…)He conceded and told me I could have them for Christmas. I could share with clients, but I couldn’t wear them because they were supposed to be wrapped and put under the tree. Well…had that actually happened, I couldn’t write this post for you. So, it’s technically still a Christmas present, but I’ve been wearing them everyday since they came that Tuesday.

Pigmentation and Longevity

Beautycounter has found a fabulous way to make these lipsticks super pigmented and safe for you. Praise be! I have to blot sometimes because the color is too intense if I’m heavy handed that day. However, that’s why it’s name is the Color Intense Lip Set. Aren’t they beautiful?

As for how long they last? I put my lipstick on just before I walk out the door which is sometime between 7:00 and 7:30. I usually eat a snack and drink from my water bottle from that time until lunch at 12:30. Now, I’m a messy eater. I’m the girl that needs two or three napkins per meal, and when we sit down at a restaurant, Paul immediately asks for more napkins because he knows I’ll need them. So, I eat lunch and really use my napkins. 🙂 At that point, most of my lipstick is gone. My messiness notwithstanding, I’d say that the lipstick is long-wearing. We’ve all worn lipsticks that wear off quickly, and these simply aren’t one of them. Thank you, Beautycounter!

Let’s Try Them On

The set consists of five gorgeous, flattering colors: Girls’ Night (classic red), Little Black Dress (rich berry), Brunch (tawny nude), First Date (rosy pink), and 9 to 5 (luminous mauve). Aren’t those names fun? Get ready for a whole lot of me. If you can get past so many of my faces, you can really tell the difference in the colors. There’s no filter on these pictures to show you a true look at their color. These were taken on a cloudy morning.

Why is Beautycounter Lipstick Safer?

“Our lipsticks get their moisturizing touch from plant-based ingredients such as jojoba esters and their light minty scent from peppermint oil—not from synthetic flavors, fragrances, or chemicals that may have harmful health effects.”- Beautycounter Website

This right here is why I love these products so much. There are already so many factors that play into the harm of our health. Why let your makeup and skincare be one more thing? Beautycounter has a very transparent ingredient list for all of their products. And one of the best things about this company is their Never List. I like knowing that these chemicals and ingredients will never be in my skin care and makeup. Make the switch today!

Links

If you’d like your own Color Intense Lip Set or any of the Beautycounter products, I’ll leave a few helpful links below.

Color Intense Lip Set

Holiday Sets

The Never List

The Beautycounter Website

Hurry before they’re gone! And please let me know if I can help you. I’d be delighted to help you make the switch to safer beauty.

XO,

Elizabeth