Category Archives: Beauty

Bath & Body Works Holiday Scents Pt. 2

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Bath & Body Works Holiday Scents Pt. 2

Howdy!! I used an afternoon off on Tuesday to pop into Bath & Body Works because I was running dangerously low on my beloved foaming hand soaps. The soap from B&BW has been a staple at chez moi ever since I got my own apartment and I simply refuse to buy anything else. They are the absolute best! While I enjoy many of the fragrances that are always available at Bath & Body Works, it’s fun to do a restock when their holiday scents drop. Yesterday, we discussed three of these fragrances and we will chat about the remainder today! Let’s get to it:

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Twisted Peppermint: From fragrances to flavors, I love all things peppermint! The Twisted Peppermint from B&BW is exactly what you would expect it to smell like and offers notes of “cool peppermint, sugared snow, and fresh balsam”. Now, I don’t know what sugared smell or balsam is supposed to smell like. I don’t even know what balsam is lol. But, you can definitely smell the peppermint and that is all that matters to me! Some peppermint products can be almost harsh smelling and super mentholy but not this one. The Twisted Peppermint is minty, yes, but it doesn’t sting your nostrils when you take a whiff. It is just right!

Frosted Cranberry: A few years back, I gifted Frosted Cranberry candles for Christmas and I remember really liking the scent. Fast forward to present day and it wasn’t as good as I recall it being, but it’s still nice enough! The fragrance notes for Frosted Cranberry are… “frosted cranberry (lol), red delicious apple, and blonde wood”. What I like about the Frosted Cranberry is that it is much richer in its berriness than the Golden Berry Mistletoe which we reviewed yesterday. Not the best, but certainly not the worst either.

Snowy Peachberry: I think I saved the best for last because the Snowy Peachberry is the bomb.com! This scent serves with hints of “snow-kissed cranberries, frosted peach blossom, and shimmering woods”. I can’t speak for the shimmering woods portion, but this is a perfect wintery peach fragrance. It smells fresh and sweet, but also has some tartness to it compliments of the cranberries (the scent not the band). Snowy Peachberry is a fragrance that I would buy any time of the year and I wish that it would linger beyond the holidays. See what I did there? 😉

My favorite to least favorite scents:

Snowy Peachberry

Pink Sparkling Spritz

Twisted Peppermint/Vanilla Bean Noel (I can’t decide between the two!)

Frosted Cranberry

Golden Berry Mistletoe

Normally after a haul from Bath & Body Works, I consider myself to be well set. However, I think I will definitely be shopping the post holiday sales because some of these fragrances are just too good to only have around this time of year. Give me ALL of the Snowy Peachberry, please! 😀

Will you be doing any sale shopping after the holidays? What is a B&BW fragrance that you wish they had year round? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

 

 

Bath & Body Works Holiday Scents

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Bath & Body Works Holiday Scents

Hellooooo darlings! It has been a FAT minute since I received any coupons from Bath & Body Works in the mail. Honestly, I get it though because I literally never buy anything lol. I cash in my freebie coupons, I do my foaming hand soap hauls, and that is about it. Hopefully this most recent purchase of holiday scented soap will put me back in B&BW’s good graces because your girl is running desperately low on shower gel and lotion!! Fingers crossed! As I eagerly await some mail from B&BW, let’s chit chat more about their holiday scents. We’ll start with three today and do the remainder tomorrow:

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^^^ Very aware that Peach Bellini isn’t a holiday scent, but it’s my fave so I always have to buy it! 😀

Pink Sparkling Spritz: This might just be one of the best ones from the Bath & Body Works holiday/winter line. It is bright, poppy, and oh so delightful with notes of “bubbly ginger ale, pink sugar, and raspberry fizz”. It kind of reminds me of another B&BW scent called Champagne Toast (or as Johnny would say, Champagne AND Toast). Imagine that Champagne Toast is a dry champagne. Pink Sparkling Spritz, on the other hand, is sweet as can be and always goes down smooth! 10/10 would recommend!

Vanilla Bean Noel: I have always been fond of Vanilla Bean Noel and am thrilled that B&BW brings it back time and time again. I am a huge vanilla fan and this scent is simply scrumptious with hints of “fresh vanilla bean, warm caramel, and sugar cookies”. Freaking YUM! Also, major shout out to one of the employees who looked all around the store to find my Vanilla Bean Noel for me. I would have been SO disappointed if they were completely out of stock because it has become one of my holiday scent staples.

Golden Berry Mistletoe: I feel very in the middle about Golden Berry Mistletoe. It’s nice, yes, but it isn’t my favorite. Why did I buy it, then? Because I was freaking sick of smelling everything lol! I was starting to go nose blind so I just went for it. This scent features notes of “sparkling berries, sugared spruce, and frosted air”. Whatever frosted air means. If you are looking for a softer holiday fragrance, Golden Berry Mistletoe is a safe bet. If you want something that packs more of a punch, however, you should skip on this one.

So far so good with this holiday hand soap haul! Stay tuned tomorrow because we will be talking Twisted Peppermint, Frosted Cranberry, and Snowy Peachberry. I bet you can already guess which one is my favorite! 😉

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works holiday scent? What is your least favorite holiday scent (I HATE cinnamon and pine!)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

BFF Christmas Gift

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BFF Christmas Gift

Hi darlings!! In the past few days I have received so many early Christmas gifts and it has warmed my little heart. My Christmas countdown has been going on since the beginning of the month and these early prezzies are the perfect thing to tide me over until then. I am SO looking forward to some time off to celebrate with my family and finally giving them the gifts that have been sitting in my apartment for months! This Tuesday, I was delighted to receive Santa Mail from my beautiful angel best friend, Kate, of Live In The Nautical. She is my blogging/IRL bestie and her gifts this year simply sleighed – check it out:

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For literally every gift giving occasion, Kate wins. Lol, I consider myself to be an excellent gift giver but my best girl is on a whole other level. For my Christmas prezzies, Kate gifted me with a hand massager and an amazing set of horror themed bath bombs by Rusted Acre Soap Co. What I love about presents from Kate is that her gifts are always perfectly tailored to me. They are SO thoughtful and I can tell that she saves little tidbits from conversations in her Christmas Rolodex to find something just right. In fact, her gifts to me are either something that I would buy for myself or think about purchasing but never do. It’s that best friend telepathy, baby!

Kate gave me the gift of pampering this year and I can’t wait to use all of my new goodies. A car accident when Johnny and I first started dating left me with a lot of issues in my hands and arms that come and go. Spending a ton of time on the computer doesn’t exactly help the cause either lol so the hand massager is going to be fabulous to use! It is also so sweet to me that Kate clocked my complaints of hand pain throughout the year and said “I know the gift for her”. Johnny is also most eager to use it too haha so it’s a double gift. 😀

The piece de resistance, however, is the horror themed bath bombs by Rusted Acre Soap Co. Kate and I are both avid true crime fans, but she is SO not a horror movie gal! Yours truly, on the other hand, lives for them and I clutched my pearls when I opened my bath bomb box. These bath bombs are the absolute coolest and they look so great that I almost don’t want to use them. I totally will, though, and I just know they are going to be awesome. Bath bombs are a product I love, but rarely buy for myself and they are almost always a staple in Kate’s gifts. She has gifted me with spooky bath bombs before, but these ones take the cake!

The best gift of all will forever be having a best friend like Kate. I thank my lucky stars for her every day and for the wonderful blogosphere that brought us gals together. I love you, BFF!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

What is your favorite scary movie? How did you and your bestie meet? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Glitter Gold & Ruby Nails

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New Glitter Gold & Ruby Nails

Hello!! This past week hasn’t been the best for yours truly so it was super nice to take a pause on Tuesday afternoon to get my nails done. I needed a new full set in the worst way and, as always, my nail tech hooked it up! Prior to my appointment, my acrylics felt dangerously close to a break with one wrong move. Now, they feel sturdy and durable and look amazing too. I am loving the glitter color combo I selected and my claws look perfect for the holiday season! Check it out:

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When I get my nails done around the winter holidays, I like to do something seasonal without being too obvious about it. I have never been one for nail art (way too expensive!) and the only holiday I go all out for is Halloween. To give a subtle tip of the cap to the holiday season, I wanted to steer clear of the traditional red and green motif. That’s not to say that red couldn’t be in the color palette, however, and I opted for a gorgeous glitter ruby and gold, instead. The ruby red had me feeling all of The Wizard of Oz vibes a la Dorothy’s slippers and the gold was like tinsel for a Christmas tree. This color combo feels festive without being too in your face about it and that is exactly what I was going for.

I spent a wonderful almost two hours at Elysian Nails getting all of the pampering done. It always takes a bit longer when I get a full set because soaking my nails off beforehand is an absolute must. I am a huge baby and I cannot stand it when my nails are taken off without a soak. It hurts!! Once my nails were soaked off, it was so weird to see my real nails beneath the acrylics. At this point, acrylics are my real nails so that will forever come as a shock lol. Thankfully, it wasn’t long until my nail tech created brand new nails for me and she crushed. They are strong, shaped to perfection, and I couldn’t be happier with the end result!

These Glitter Gold & Ruby Nails are about as festive as it gets for Lil Red, but I would be a liar if I said they didn’t make me think of Christmas every time I look at them. I can’t wait to celebrate with my family! ❤

Do you get nail art when you get your nails done? How do you incorporate the holiday season into your personal style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

November 2023 Finishes

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November 2023 Finishes

Howdy!! November is drawing to a close, which can only mean that it’s time to discuss my monthly beauty finishes. I can’t say that this was the most successful month of empties, but damnit if it isn’t satisfying to finish products up lol. Good or bad, I always enjoy trying something new so it’s always exciting for me to use something up and move onto the next thing! There isn’t too much to discuss today so let’s keep things short and sweet and get right to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm: YES!!!!

Bath & Body Works Mimosa & Spearmint Hand Cream: MAYBE

Peptid+ Collagen Moisturizer: NO

Why/Why Not?

IGK Hair Balm: The Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm from Sephora is an absolute must in my stockpile. I got a sample of it many moons ago in a free Sephora Play! Box and immediately bought it in full size and have been using it ever since. I use this product before straightening my hair, but also sporadically throughout the week to give my locks the moisture boost it needs. The IGK hair balm leaves my hair so soft and shiny and serves as an amazing heat protector too. With my shorter hair, I only need about a nickle sized dollop because a little goes such a long way. It takes me between five or six months to finish one bottle and is worth every penny.

B&BW Hand Cream: I am not a fan of the hand cream from Bath & Body Works in any sense of the word. In my opinion, they don’t moisturize well and the texture is very greasy. I am always disappointed when I get a freebie coupon for a hand cream in the mail, but free is free. The Mimosa & Spearmint scent left a lot to be desired and it smelled neither here nor there. I noticed no positive improvement in the dryness of my skin in the week it took me to finish the travel size tube.

Peptid+ Moisturizer: I have been dabbling more in moisturizers with collagen or retinal in it as I approach my thirties. Unfortunately, this Peptid+ Collagen Moisturizer was not it. It took me about four weeks of twice daily use to finish the jar. While I appreciated the value of it, this moisturizer is one that I wouldn’t use again or recommend. It did nothing for my skin and, therefore, did nothing for me. In fact, I am noticing more positive differences with the moisturizer I just started using as opposed to this one! It’s a no from me, dawg.

November was a bit of a dud for empties, but that’s okay! It’s nice to know what products to not spend money on again and I like to let all of you know my findings too. A penny saved is a penny earned or whatever! 😀

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

New Hair, Who Dis?

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New Hair, Who Dis?

Hello!! This past Friday, I spent a wonderful day getting pampered by my amazing stylist, Anna, at the Shear Shop. Last time I got my hair done by Anna, we introduced a gorgeous new Pulp Riot shade called Nightfall which is a navy blue. We both loved it SO much and decided that we needed to see more of it during my next appointment so I couldn’t wait to make that happen. For this look, we used all Pulp Riot colors of Pyro, Fireball, Satire, and Nightfall and it turned out absolutely divine. Check it out:

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^^^ Keep it locked for a brand new OOTD coming soon! 😀

To create my new do, Anna began by bleaching my roots and we let that sit for around twenty-five or thirty minutes. After washing and drying, it was time to mix up the Pulp Riot dye and, as always, take a commemorative whiff of it. Lol, if you have used Pulp Riot products before, then you will know it smells exactly like Sweet Tarts! 😀

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The fun truly begins when Anna starts to dye my hair and brings our vision to life. Although we were using the exact same colors from my previous appointment, changes needed to be made. It was already decided that we needed more navy in our lives and we swapped the yellow I originally had in front for navy instead. This choice was made for aesthetics, sure, but it was also strategic. While we both adore the gorgeous yellow shade of Satire, it looked very unflattering when my dark roots came in against such a bright hue. Anna is a master of her craft and she not only thinks about the immediate result, but what it will look like when it grows out too and that is much appreciated.

To achieve this look, Anna started out by painting my roots with a deep red called Pyro. It makes my regrowth virtually undetectable and is a must every time I get my hair done. Then, she painted my bangs and the hair framing my face with Nightfall as well as creating a navy halo underneath the red. She also left a few strands out that we could paint with Satire, but that was easier said than done. The yellow is very close to the navy and the last thing we wanted was for a funky green shade to pop up. Finally, she pulled through the rest of the back portion of my hair with the brighter red of Fireball and we let the color sit for around fifty minutes.

Once the color was ready to be washed out, Anna proceeded with caution because we didn’t want any of the colors to blend. She used a fabulous color locking shampoo that pretty much eliminated any bleed out and we were most impressed. Afterwards, it was onto conditioner and a treatment to soften my hair and add some shine. That is always much needed after we put my hair through the ringer! My hair felt wonderful after and it was as if we never did anything to it in the first place.

The end result of Anna’s hard work blew us both away and it turned out exactly how we wanted it to. I am obsessed with the navy framing my face and I love how it looks against my complexion. My red was back and brighter than ever and there was no green to be found from colors blending. It’s always a coin toss to do something this bold with your hair, but I know that I am in the best hands with Anna. I can’t wait to see what we do next! 😀

Keep it posted here on lifewithlilred for a brand new OOTD, bloopers, and a bit of a surprise because your girl got a new piercing for the first time in years this past weekend!! It is very cute, if I do say so myself! 🙂

Have you changed your look recently? What is your favorite hair care product? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Embrace Green Beauty With Washable Skincare Essentials

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Embrace Green Beauty With Washable Skincare Essentials

Imagine a world where your beauty routine aligns perfectly with your values of protecting the planet. This world isn’t a distant dream; it’s a reality you can start living now. As you explore sustainable beauty, you’ll discover an array of washable skincare essentials that care for your skin and cherish our planet. This guide will unveil the secrets of transitioning to a sustainable beauty regimen, focusing on a critical element revolutionizing skincare: washable skincare essentials:

Understanding Sustainable Skincare:

As you delve into the world of sustainable beauty, you might wonder what exactly makes a beauty routine ‘sustainable.’ At its core, sustainable skincare is about choices that respect the earth and its resources. It’s a commitment to products and practices that minimize environmental impact and support ethical, responsible sourcing.

What is Sustainable Beauty?

Sustainable beauty, for you, means embracing products and practices that have a lesser environmental footprint. It’s about saying ‘no’ to single-use plastics and unnecessary waste and ‘yes’ to reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable options. When you choose a sustainable beauty path, you’re not just deciding for yourself; you’re making a statement about the kind of world you want to live in.

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Skincare Products:

Recognizing the impact traditional skincare products have on our environment is crucial. Countless disposable wipes, cotton pads, and plastic-packaged products end up in landfills and oceans, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife. You might feel that your choices are just a drop in the bucket, but remember, every drop counts. By shifting your focus to sustainable options, you’re part of a growing wave of conscious consumers driving a positive change for our planet.

Benefits of Switching to Washable Products:

Switching to washable skincare products comes with many benefits beyond just being kind to the planet. These reusable items can be more cost-effective in the long run. Think about how often you buy disposable wipes or cotton pads. With washable alternatives, you invest once and reuse many times, saving money and reducing waste. Additionally, many of these washable options are made with gentler, more natural materials, which can be kinder to your skin.

Washable Makeup Remover Pads: A Game Changer:

Among the various washable skincare products, one stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness: washable makeup remover pads. These pads are a game changer in your skincare routine. They work just like the disposable ones but without the guilt of adding to landfill waste. Soft, gentle, and practical, these pads can be used with your favorite cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup and be easily washed and reused. By incorporating washable makeup remover pads into your routine, you’re taking care of your skin and doing your part in reducing environmental waste.

Incorporating Washable Essentials into Your Routine:

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Choosing the Right Products:

First, pick washable products that suit your skin. If you have sensitive skin, look for soft materials like organic cotton. There are also options with a bit of texture for gentle exfoliation. The goal is to find eco-friendly products that meet your skincare needs.

Caring for Your Washable Skincare Products:

To keep your washable products in good shape, rinse them after use and wash them with your regular laundry. Put them in a mesh bag to keep them together. Avoid fabric softeners to maintain their absorbency. Air-drying is best to keep them soft and effective for a long time.

Embracing sustainable beauty routines is more than just a trend; it’s a commitment to a healthier planet and a more conscious lifestyle. By incorporating washable skincare essentials into your routine, you’re taking a significant step towards reducing your environmental impact. These simple changes in your daily beauty regimen can have a profound effect not only on the environment but also on your well-being and finances!

New Navy & Grey Nails

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New Navy & Grey Nails

Hello!!! I don’t know about all of you, but I had an excellent weekend! I got my nails done on Friday and my bestie girl came over and on Saturday I attended the Akron Comicon. You will see much more about that this week – it was a hoot. 😀 I couldn’t wait for my appointment at Elysian Nails after my work day on Friday because my nails were looking pretty rough. They were lifting and outgrown and I always know that it’s time for a fill when my acrylics poke through the gloves I wear to clean the bunnies’ litter box. So gross lol.

Thankfully, my tech got me right and the timing couldn’t be better – I’m attending an event this Friday that I am beyond excited about. It’s a surprise, but you will all be informed soon!! Check out my New Navy & Grey Nails:

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During the fall and winter, I always gravitate towards bold, rich nail polish paired with a lighter hue. It creates a gorgeous contrast and I think it looks so chic and sophisticated. After oxblood and beige nails during my last fill, I wanted to get away from warmer hues and delve into something more icy and cool. I have been obsessed with all things navy since adding the shade into my hair a few months ago and needed more of it! I selected a deep navy and softer heather grey for my colors and love how it turned out. They make me feel like a total ice queen!

Normally when I get my nails done, I opt for a first thing in the morning appointment. That didn’t work out this time around, but it was pretty nice to wrap up my week at the nail salon. Closing the work day out by getting pampered was most relaxing and, as always, my nail tech crushed. She got my janky nails looking brand new again. They feel so secure and sturdy as if some of the nails hadn’t been lifted at all. The shape is exactly how I like them, the colors are divine, and I can’t wait to show them off this Friday at a shindig with a local celebrity. 😀

There is nothing like a fresh fill to get your girl back to feeling her damn self and I can’t stop looking at my new nails. And, yes, I already booked my December appointment in October lol. Make sure you get your beauty appointments scheduled while you still can for the holiday season!

What color of nail polish are you rocking? When during the day to you like to schedule your beauty appointments? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

October 2023 Finishes

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October 2023 Finishes

Hello!! October is drawing to a close which means it’s time to discuss my beauty product finishes for the month. Although I wish it could be Halloween season all year round, I am pretty excited about November lol. Am I the only one who has been craving Thanksgiving food something fierce?! 😀 In October, I used up a lot of products that I have been working on for a while and most of them were A-okay in my book. Take a look and let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Bath & Body Works Gingham Gorgeous Lotion: MAYBE

Bath & Body Works Poppy Shower Gel: YES!!!!!

Pearlessence Dewy Glow Serum: YES

Clean Beauty Deep Hydration Moisturizer: MAYBE

Evoluderm Micellar Water: YES

The Body Shop Shea Butter Hand Cream: MAYBE

Renew Intensive Skin Therapy Hand Cream: MAYBE

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Lotion: I love the lotions by Bath & Body Works and think that they work marvelously. However, I just could not get behind the Gingham Gorgeous scent. This lotion smelled like a flower shop on steroids and it was a bit much. While I normally never really care about a lotion’s scent because I only use it at nighttime, I was SO ready for this one to be over! Of course, I’d use it if I got it as a gift but I wouldn’t select Gingham Gorgeous for myself again. It took over one month of daily use to finish the bottle.

B&BW Shower Gel: Now, Poppy was a scent that I would definitely use again! It was fantastic and Johnny loved it too lol. Poppy was fruity and sweet but not overly so and it was so nice to use every morning. I really enjoyed the notes of pear and I was sad when I ran out. This is a scent that I think anyone would like and I would happily use it again. It took over one month of daily use to finish the bottle.

Pearlessence Serum: The Dewy Glow Serum by Pearlessence is one that I use frequently from TJMaxx and it hits just right every time. This serum is a bit thicker in texture, but absorbs really quickly and sits well under makeup. I think it definitely helps to revitalize my skin in the morning – especially when I am feeling super tired. I love how fresh my face looks with each use and will always get myself a bottle of it when it’s available at TJs. It took me about a month of twice daily use to finish the bottle.

Clean Beauty Moisturizer: I am kind of torn about the Clean Beauty Deep Hydration Moisturizer. On one hand, I am a huge fan of its value. It took me at least five and a half weeks of twice daily use to finish the jar. On the other hand, I have never noticed mind blowing results from this moisturizer. This is not the first time I have used it and I had similar sentiments every time. If there is nothing else available at TJs, I’d buy it again but otherwise I would skip on it.

Hand Creams: I have been steadily dwindling down the random hand creams I own and both The Body Shop and Renew creams were fine. However, I wouldn’t go out of my way to get them again. Neither of them exceeded my expectations in any way, but they would be nice to have handy on the go during the wintertime.

I am really pleased with my October empties overall. Although there were several “maybes” none of them were completely awful and I consider that a GREAT SUCCESS!!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

 

TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

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TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

Hello!! During my last shopping trip to TJMaxx, I went with the intention of finishing up my in store Christmas shopping and I am pleased to say that I did. The last thing that I want is to be in a crowded store, browsing through a picked over selection as the holiday season gets closer! Of course, I couldn’t say no to a few treats for myself either and I’m amazed I made it this long into my early shopping without purchasing a gift for myself too lol! While I was at TJs, I decided to restock the skin care items I needed to get me through the rest of the year. Now, I really don’t need to be in a store until 2024. 😀 Check it out:

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^^^ All of these products are cruelty free!

Thanks to previous Skin Care Hauls from TJs, my beauty care hoard was still fairly well stocked. However, it wasn’t good enough to bring me into the new year and that was the goal. The first order of business was more of my beloved micellar water by Evoluderm. I am halfway through my last bottle in the stock pile and that simply won’t do! There have been several products that I have gotten from TJs that I have loved and never seen in stock again. Thankfully, that is never the case with my micellar water and there was still plenty to spare on the shelves after picking up three bottles!

As a rule, I like to have three of each item in my beauty routine readily available. I was all set for eye cream but definitely needed to achieve my perfect balance for moisturizer and serum. For a new moisturizer, I found a Palmer’s cocoa butter night cream that I think will be fantastic. I am a fan of anything cocoa butter and I’m sure this cream will be lovely once it starts getting really cold out. I also went with a collagen serum by Provence Beauty. I wasn’t particularly thrilled with the skin care options during this shopping trip as a majority of the products weren’t cruelty free. I probably would have selected a different serum if more choices were available, but maybe this one will surprise me.

The last item on my restock list was a new face wash and I am excited to try the Hydrate Foaming Cleanser by ValJean Labs. I have never heard of this brand before, but foaming cleansers are my absolute favorite. A foaming formula always makes my skin feel squeaky clean without drying it out and I was glad to find one for the winter months. The brand name also reminds me of my niece’s name, Valerie Jane, so it was like a sign that I had to get it! 😀

With my beauty hoard fully intact again and my in store holiday shopping complete, I am thrilled to be done. Now, all that’s left to do is online shop till I drop for the remainder of my gifts and it will be smooth sailing all the way till Christmas Day! 🙂

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? What are your winter skin care staples? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah