It’s no secret that I love my Erin Condren Life Planner and how it helps me organize my life. I use my planner for everything from blog planning to budgeting to weight loss; it truly helps me plan my life.
Recently I got a bunch of awesome things from Erin Condren that I wanted to share:
It’s my birthday month and I recently picked up a few new things from Sephora — including my free beauty insider birthday gift! I love reading haul posts, so I hope you enjoy mine!
I’ve finally picked up some of the new LUSH Valentine’s Day products and I am super happy with everything! There were quite a few new products this year, but they also brought back my favorite Valentine’s Day item — Unicorn Horn bubble bar!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
We went to Sephora’s VIB Rouge “Beauty Before Brunch” event this morning and we had a great time. The Beauty Before Brunch event was an exclusive VIB Rouge shopping event to launch the 15% off spring sale. I attended last year’s spring event, and overall, I would say that this event was better.
I RSVP’d right away for myself and a guest. We arrived today at around 9:30am and they checked us in at a table near the entrance — everyone was super friendly and energetic. I was really fun to be around people who are all excited about beauty, skincare and makeup.
For the Sephora VIB Rouge event there was a small setup of food in the back of the store — way smaller than last year’s spread. It was kind of disappointing, but I didn’t come here for the muffins & bagels…
I already had a list ready to go…with a few minor changes. And I found everything on my list! Yay!
I got the new Marc Jacobs #InstaMarc Light Filtering Contour Powders in 40 Mirage. This was the main reason I went into the store instead of ordering online. The 40 Mirage shade has been sold out online for a while but they said it was available in store. I went to the Marc Jacobs section right away and they were out of this color….I was super sad until I turned around and saw it on a “Contouring” podium. hallelujah!
These powders are so soft and the brush is mega soft, plus the compact is HUGE!!! I can’t wait to use it!
With 15% off, I picked up another Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation. I love the coverage of this foundation and how easy it is to apply. I first picked this up at Sephora’s Spring Sale last year!
I picked up the Dior Lash Plumping Serum as an eyelash primer and I got the waterproof version of my favorite mascara — Lancome Hypnose Drama!
I’m really happy with my purchases and the sample baggie we got. Great customer service today as well — really makes VIB Rouge feel a little extra special. We got a ton of awesome samples and color matched for two great foundations. Everyone was awesome today and I’m really happy we went.
What did you pick up today? Or what will you be getting during the sale? 🙂
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Matte makeup looks are supposedly really on trend this summer. I was really excited to get this matte color stick from NARS during the Spring Social Event at Sephora. I chose the color Altai because it looked like the perfect contour color for my medium toned skin. I had seen some pictures on Instagram & it either looked amazing or really orange, but I decided to give it a try.
I’m really happy that I did because it is not orange at all but instead, it’s an amazing natural bronze color that is perfect for contouring.
It is $40 for only .26oz, but it will last you a long time. Altai is very pigmented. You can apply it directly to your face or lips for a very strong color payoff or you can apply it with a wet applicator for a more sheer look. I use it directly in the hollows of my cheeks and blend out for a more natural contour.
The formula is very smooth and creamy; very easy to blend but not greasy at all. I love the consistency. It lasts all day for me and looks flawless over my Tarte Airbrush Foundation. I really like Altai and how it’s so easy to apply and blend in but for the price, I don’t think it’s worth a repurchase.
Have you used any of the Matte Multiples? Which colors are your favorite and will you be repurchasing?
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I picked up the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish at the Spring Social event last Sunday at Sephora. I’ve been using it every night and have noticed a difference in my lips already!
I prefer this lip scrub over the Lush ones because the scent/flavor is better and because it is more hydrating. I have the Bubblegum and Mint Julips variations of the Lush sugar scrubs but I stopped using them because I didn’t really like the scent anymore. I never liked the Bubblegum & Mint Julips was ok, but it was weird to me to smear chocolate-mint flavor on my lips. The FRESH Lip Scrub is a plain, sweet brown sugar scent; very neutral and clean.
The Lush lip scrubs are more abrasive than the Lip Polish from FRESH. I always felt like they were really getting off the dry flakes, but they seemed to make my lips drier. I’d follow with a nice balm but the next day my lips would be peeling and uncomfortable; it was a horrible cycle. The FRESH Lip Polish is so much better! The sugar pieces seem finer and there are oils built into the scrub. So, I feel like it’s gently buffing away and dry or rough areas while hydrating at the same time.
My lips have been in better condition anyway since I began using the Dior Creme de Rose Balm. But now using the FRESH Lip Polish in conjunction with Creme de Rose, my lips feel soft and amazing. I gently rub the Lip Polish on my lips and then let the sugar sit for a couple of minutes and just wipe it away with a tissue. I then follow with the Creme de Rose as usual and wake up with happy lips.
You don’t have to use the Lip Polish every day…probably once to two times a week would be fine. It’s a nice way to pamper yourself and help your lips to be soft and hydrated! There are no parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, or triclosan in this scrub, so your lips will be happy and healthy!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
The Spring Social was Sephora’s first store-wide VIB Rouge event and we had so much fun. If you were already VIB Rouge, you might have received your invite in the mail or through email.
The event was “closed door” from 9-11am today for all VIB Rouges who RSVP’d. My friend and I got there about 9:30am and the store was super busy! They checked us in at the door and we were greeted by everyone. There was fun music, Starbucks, cute little waters & snacky pastries in the back.
Two hair styling stations were set up in the back and every beauty station had someone getting her makeup done. It was such a fun vibe and it was cool to shop with other people who love beauty, skincare and makeup as much as I do.
I had a list of everything I wanted to get and I was super excited about the extra 15% off + VIB Rouge goody bag!
My bag kind of got messed up in the car, but the products are all that matter!
And then the freebee bag is really cute and quite large with the zip around opening. I think it might be too big to throw in my purse, but it’ll be nice as a small travel makeup bag.
I had a really great time today at Sephora and I’m really excited to try out all of my new products. Did any of you go to the Spring Social in your store? If you didn’t get a chance to make it in to the event and you’re VIB Rouge, you can still get the 15% off with
PROMOCODE: ROUGETICKET
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Now that my eyebrows are cleaned up, I wanted to buy a highlighter stick to help define them. Of course, I had my eye on High Brow by benefit — I loved it when the esthetician used it on me — but I couldn’t decide whether to go for the matte color ($20), or the shimmer ($20).
I swatched them both in Sephora but couldn’t decide….but then I found the Anastasia Brow Duality ($23) and I didn’t have to! The Brow Duality pencil has both a matte and shimmer color in one pencil! Yay!
I bought the Matte Camille / Sand Shimmer color and it’s awesome. It’s a great highlighter and the consistency is nice. I prefer it over an eyeshadow because it’s slightly creamy and I can blend it out better for a more natural look. Plus, it’s compact and easy to throw in your purse for an on-the-go brow lift.
I’m really pleased with this purchase. I also bought a sharpener separately, as the pencil is chubbier than a “normal” pencil. The color/highlight lasts all day and isn’t greasy or chalky.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
1. Starbucks Gift Card | Starbucks, various denominations
If your Valentine likes Starbucks, gift cards are the way to go. They even have cute, Valentine’s Day themed cards online and in-store. Even just $5 is super sweet to give to school friends, family or a co-worker.
2. Veranda Place Bee Wristlet | Kate Spade, $98
This wristlet is so cute! Pink with bows? You can’t go wrong. It’s great because it can hold your cards & money and be a sort of on-the-go wallet or throw it in your purse to help you stay organized. Perfect for your sister or best friend….or yourself!
3. togoPower Boost Keychain | Photojojo, $40
This keychain holds up to 1.5 hrs of extra battery life for your phone. It’s small and fits on your key ring. This would be great for anyone, even the guy in your life. A boost of power can help you stay connected with your Valentine when they need it most.
4. Valentine’s Day socks | Nordstrom, $10
Everyone loves a cute pair of socks. These pink, heart socks are sweet and cozy. Perfect for your sister or school friends. Tie them up with a ribbon and some candy & you’re good to go!
5. Too Faced Plump Gloss Glow | Sephora, $42
This set from Sephora comes with a mascara, nude lipstick, and a heart shaped pink blush. Very Valentine’s Day appropriate! The blush looks nice and rosy with a shimmer highlighter built in. A great Valentine’s Day gift for the makeup lover in your life.
6. Rue iPhone 5 Case | Marc Jacobs, $48
This iPhone case is so fun and pink! With a black cat with white mascara detail around the eyes, this gift is perfect for your best friend or sister who like trendy things or anything Marc Jacobs. The case bulges in certain areas around the phone so you’ll always have a good grip!
7. “Love Edge” Stud Earrings | Marc Jacobs, $42
Sleek, simple heart earrings are perfect for a casual day or a romantic Valentine’s Day evening. Delicate & dainty and perfect for the girly girl in your life.
8. Hanalei Triangles iPhone 5 Case | Pura Vida Bracelets, $20
This case is fun and beachy. Perfect for your friend who isn’t really into Valentine’s, but you still want to get them something. It has a slightly romantic feel with the layers of colors, but it’s perfect to give year round. Check the site for other fun case options!
9. Heart Compact | Marc Jacobs, $7
This mirrored compact is super cute to give to your teammates, school friends or anyone who would like a heart shaped mirror. At just $7, it’s a cute gift for everyone.
10. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Gift Trio | Sephora, $120
My favorite fragrance of all time! Flowerbomb is a super floral scent that just makes you happy when you smell it. This set comes with the fragrance, a shower gel, and a body cream. And if you get it from Sephora with your Beauty Insider card, you’ll earn triple points. This gift is great for a girlfriend/wife.
11. Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Complexion Kit | Sephora, $68
This set is perfect for your mother, your sister, or anyone who likes makeup/skincare. The set comes with a bottle of the Josie Maran Argan Oil Light, Cheek Gelée, Matchmaker Powder Foundation, and Matchmaker Serum Foundation. It’s limited edition and there are three color options.
12. Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm | Sephora, $27
Love this lip balm! It’s amazing! Perfect for the bestie or family member in your life who cares about skincare or lip products. This balm will heal chapped, winter lips and can be used as a primer, on its own, or as a treatment. Plus, it’s sheer pink and romantic in its embelished white case.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I popped into Lush to get a few favorites, but I was also excited to see their Valentine’s Day items. I got the Comforter Bubble Bar (my FAVORITE!), two Sex Bomb Bath Bombs, and a small chunk of the new Neon Love Soap.
The soap is limited edition for Valentine’s Day and is a super pretty reddish-pink color with a white heart running through the middle. The hearts were cut all weird in the blocks at the store, but one of the sales associates was super nice and cut me a piece with a perfect heart! ❤
From Lush “With fresh passion fruit juice to cleanse and soya yogurt to nourish, Neon Love is one we want to use all over our bodies in the bath and shower. A new perfume was blended for this bar, and includes citrusy bergamot, rosewood and spicy cinnamon leaf oil. Hiding inside the huge heart-shaped soap are little white hearts to ensure every slice looks just as beautiful as it smells.”
I really like the way this smells and kind of wish I’d gotten a larger piece. It smells warm and cinnamon-y but not spicy; and sweet and citrus-y; very clean. The scent lingers for a while. Plus, it makes a sweet pink lather which is amazing. It did made my hands feel kind of dry after washing with it & I had to use some hand cream to get rid of the tightness. :/
Have you tried the Neon Lush soap? Or any of the Valentine’s Day items from Lush? What did you think? 🙂
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I got a bunch of awesome skincare items that I’m excited to start incorporating into my regimen. A lot of anti-aging and preventative treatments — never too soon to start!
Above:
NIA 24 – Gentle Cleansing Cream
MD Formulations – Facial Cleanser
Thalgo – Bio Protective Cream
Decleor – Total Anti-Aging Night Cream
Ole Henriksen – Truth Creme Advanced Hydration
Priori – CoffeeBerry Revitalizing Cleanser
Peter Thomas Roth – Glycolic Acid Facial Wash
I also got these serums as well:
NeoStrata – Cellular Restoration
Serious Skincare – Pure Pep: Innovations
SkinCeuticals – C E Ferulic: Prevent
I’m super excited to try everything out. Have you tried any of these products? What did you think?
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
When I first heard about Landon Austin on Youtube, I thought he used auto-tune on his voice. He has a really unique sound, accompanied by an acoustic guitar and his songs are pretty mellow. I am really liking Once In A Lifetime. Even though it’s a slower song, I like to listen to this when I’m running.
This movie was much better than the first. The Capitol establishes new rules in order to surpress a rebellion encouraged by Katniss Everdeen’s breaking the rules in the last Hunger Games. Peacekeepers are enforcing more rules on the different Districts and Katniss and Peeta must fight again in the 75th Hunger Games. If you liked the first movie, you’ll really like the second. By the end, I was holding up my three fingers and whistling the Mockingjay tune!
I’ve been loving Chipotle so much in November. I get a burrito with: white rice, fajita vegetables, sofritas (only served in select states/locations), the green salsa, corn, sour cream, and guacamole. MMMmmm. So good. I’ll sometimes get the chips and guacamole on the side, but only if I’m super hungry.
I’m still training for a half marathon, and I’m using the Nike+ Running App to track my runs. Just the other day, I logged my farthest run – 7.25 miles! Yay. I’ve still got a ways to go and a lot more conditioning, but I really like how the Nike+ Running App lets you create goals how you can “race” with your friends. Add me (MuffinChanel) and we can race!
I love Lush baths; especially during the colder months. Relaxing underneath a blanket of bubbles is so perfect. My favorite combination at the moment is The Comforter bubble bar and Think Pink bath bomb & to make it extra amazing, I add a dropper of Josie Maran’s Argan Oil! With this bath ^, I used Sandstone soap to exfoliate and Sweetie Pie shower jelly. Amazing!
I’m so excited that I was selected to participate in the Starbucks Holiday Star Dash. As you can see, I earned my 16 stars and will get the $10 eGift! Yay for those Very Berry Hibiscus Refreshers!
I got this lens for my birthday and it’s awesome. If I have to choose from the three they offer, this is the one I choose. I love it because it is both Macro and a Wide angle lens — just unscrew it to get the Macro.
My little cousins shared their Rainbow Looms with me over Thanksgiving! They taught me how to make the Starburst and Fishtail bracelets! You can get the Rainbow Loom at Michael’s for $17 and each Rubber Band Pack of 600 bands is $4.
Grand Theft Auto 5
I recently bought GTA 5 and it’s so much fun. I have GTA 4 (but I never even finished the story mode), but GTA 5 is so much better. You play as three different characters in story mode & the online mode is so much fun; I’m already on level 16!
I bought this in my Sephora VIB Rouge haul to try it out and it’s awesome. My hair looks and feels softer and healthier. I’ll repurchase the larger sizes when I run out. I do like these small bottles though; perfect size for traveling.
What have you been loving this November? Let me know in the comments.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Many of you may be traveling for the upcoming holidays. It’s always fun to go somewhere new or see friends & family, but it can be difficult deciding what to pack or just carrying everything you want.
I always try to pack just the “essentials” so my bags aren’t loaded down and I’ll have room in case I get a few souvenirs. You really need to ask yourself what you want; try to only bring products that have multiple uses. For example: with makeup, see if you can find a blush you like that can double as an eyeshadow. Or a dark eyeshadow that you can also use to fill in your brows. With beauty items, it can be a little more tricky. You don’t want to neglect your skin while you are on holiday, but you don’t want to carry your full sized bottles either.
This is where those sample sizes from Sephora or little mini bottles of products come in handy. I always save the samples for traveling because they hardly take up any room and you can just discard them when you are done. If you don’t have the sample sizes of the product you want to bring with you, there are always those mini travel bottles you can buy at the drugstore.
Here’s my travel makeup bag:
This bag is actually a clutch from the Marc Jacobs collaboration with Target last year; it’s a shiny metallic pouch that’s fairly large and fits all you see here ^ very nicely.
Here’s my skincare and toiletries bag:
This bag was a gift with purchase at Victoria’s Secret a few years ago. It’s metallic gold, but has vertical pink stripes inside and it’s pretty large.
What’s inside?
Let me know if you have any holiday travel plans coming up and what your must-have beauty travel essentials are! ❤
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Another Sephora Haul! Yay! I actually purchased these items over the course of a few weeks. I had two other Sephora gift cards and a 20% friends and family coupon to use and I got some great things! I am so close to VIB Rouge!
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush – Dazzled
I already showed a picture of this on Instagram. 
(Follow me! ❤) I love this color — sort of like a mauve-y rose with slight gold shimmer. I had heard lots of good things about this blush, but I decided I really wanted it after reading Vanessa’s blog: Let’s Talk Makeup. 🙂 I’ve only used it once, but so far I really like it. Review to come!
GLAMGLOW – SUPERMUD: Gift Sexy
I’m super excited to try this out. I hear nothing but great things. Have any of you tried it? What did you think?
REVIEWS HERE!
Laura Mercier – Secret Brightening Powder
I tried this out as a setting powder for my under eye concealer — amazing! The powder is super light; finely milled. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or make your concealer look cake. I love this so far.
Josie Maran – Moroccan Miracle Hair Duo with Argon Oil
I saw this in the check out line and thought it would be nice to try this hair serum. It comes with a vile of the oil treatment which seems cool too.
Lancome – Hypnose Drama mascara
Definitely my favorite mascara. I like how it builds without getting clumpy. The waxes seem moisturizing to the lashes and removal is super easy with my Purity cleanser.
Viktor & Rolf FlowerBomb – 250 Point Perk
VIB Rouge Countdown: $34!!!
UPDATE: I unlocked VIB Rouge!