Winter Favorites 2016-17

Hello friends!
It's been very challenging finding the time to blog. I work a lot and I've just finished up finals, so it's been a stressful time. But since it's finally Spring, I decided to show you folks what I've come to love this past Winter.

I was originally considering writing two separate "favorites" posts like I used to--one for fashion and one for beauty. But if I wrote a specific post for clothing, it would be flooded in stripes and pale pink. Because that's basically all I wear anywhere.

This post has a collection of makeup, accessories, and random items that I've adored this Winter, so I hope you folks find some of these products intriguing!

Makeup Brushes

There are three eye shadow brushes that I've been using every time I do my makeup. The first one is a narrow e.l.f. eye crease brush. I got this as a free sample after placing an online order for e.l.f. a few months ago. I love it because it's small enough to where I feel like I have control and precision when applying certain shades. The second brush I've been really liking is the Urban Glow angled crease brush. Not only does it look gorgeous (rose gold = swoon!), but it does a really nice job of picking up shadows and not wasting any. I feel like I can get a decent amount of product on this brush and actually apply it fully. And finally, the Stella 12 brush. I got this (and the Urban Glow brush) from Marshalls. I like the Stella 12 brush because its bristles are super fluffy, so it makes blending a breeze.

Makeup Bag

   I knew right when I saw this bag at Target that I wanted it. I knew it would come in handy, and it definitely does. Not only do I think it's cute, but it's also helpful for those long days I spend in Dayton. Usually as I work on assignments for the majority of the day, my makeup starts flaking. This bag is large enough to carry the basic makeup products that I wear almost every day. So instead of losing my foundation and eye shadow brushes in my purse, I can place everything in here and slip it into my book bag before I leave each day. 

Basic E.l.f. Necessities

   I love the look of eye brow gel, compared to just drawing on completely new eye brows. I used to use water and brown eye shadow, but now I can not part without my brow gel. I feel like this fills my brows beautifully and looks more natural! And since it's a gel, it keeps my eye brow hairs nice and neat, just how I like 'em. Also included in these photos is my setting powder. Until this Winter, I have never used a setting powder. And now it just seems right! It keeps my makeup in place all day, even while I'm at work! It's nice looking in the mirror at the day and seeing that my makeup is still in tact. I appreciate that these e.l.f. products are not only good quality, but they're also very affordable.

Kat Von D Everlasting Lipsticks

   I've raved about these in the past, and I'll do it again. These, although they're a bit on the pricey side, are incredibly long lasting. Not to mention they have such beautiful, rich pigment! The brown shade I have is called Bow N Arrow, and the red is Nosferatu.

Makeup Remover Wipes

   It's so difficult for me to find makeup removal wipes that don't irritate my intensely sensitive skin. But while I was browsing Marshalls one day, I stumbled across this. These makeup wipes not only smell amazing, but they leave my face feeling healthy and happy.

Moisturizer

   I don't know if it's exactly the "proper" way to substitute face primer, but I've been applying E.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer every morning directly before I apply my makeup. I mean, I haven't had much time in the day to run out to Target and pick up more primer, so why not just use this? I've found that it works just as well, and keeps my skin feeling dewy all day.

Smelly Good Things

   This. Stuff. Smells. Amazing. I got it on sale from Bath & Body Works, and I can not part without it. It just smells so sweet and almost dessert-y. I'm in love, that's all I can say about that.

Organization

   What can I say, I love stationary. I found both of these goodies at Marshalls, and they make me excited to keep track of things. I keep the smaller steno notebook with me in case I need to write anything down, and I keep the longer note pad on my dresser for those moments when I need to write out a quick to-do list for the day. The greatest, most satisfying feeling is crossing tasks off the to-do list.

A Watch

   I found this little guy at Target for $15. Not only do I love the color and the details, but I just think it looks so sleek. I've been pinning a lot of big, round watches on Pinterest, so I'm glad I finally have one of my own.

Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you're all having an amazing Spring. Because the semester is finally over, I intend to get back to a better blogging schedule.

Keep on grinning!

​Lydia