A Few Favorites...

We all have our guilty pleasures and one of mine is reading reviews of beauty products.  Sure, it sounds boring, but there's something so exciting reading about how a product changed someone's life or how it's become a product they've relied upon for years.  Through my addiction of hoarding beauty products, I've come across a few gems of my own...

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque

Every now and then I would see a pin pop up on Pinterest of this hair mask that fellow Pinners claimed was a "game changer."  I immediately felt the need to deep condition my hair, but at $34 for an 8.5 oz jar, I was reluctant to invest in this so-called magical mask, but then I found that Target.com was selling this product for only $17.49 for the same 8.5 oz jar!  A few days later, the magical mask arrived at my doorstep and I was ready to test it out!  I'm pleased to say that this product definitely lives up to the hype.  My hair was noticeably softer and smoother.  This also has a fresh, natural scent that will linger at least a full day after using it.  I would suggest using this once a week.

Jolie MD Skin Metamorphosis

It was my lucky day when I won this two-step skin care through a giveaway from Maskcara.  This is a two-step system consisting of a softening serum and an enlightening serum.  Used nightly, this product claims to reveal brighter, healthier, younger looking skin.  The softening serum contains acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and the enlightening serum contains ingredients to repair discoloration.  While I didn't suffer much from acne as a teenager, I have struggled in my adult years.  I've tried every product under the sun and never experienced successful results.  Not the case with Jolie MD!  I could go on and on about how great this product is for adult skin, but to sum it up, I've experienced less breakouts, old acne scars have started to fade, and my overall skin tone appears brighter.  While I was lucky enough to win this product, the one downfall is the price of $96.  If you're willing to take the plunge, take a browse on the Jolie MD website and view some of the before and after photos.

LORAC Blush & Bronzer Duo

The time is coming for bright and bronzed cheeks!  I was running low on my current bronzer and was looking to try something new.  This blush and bronzer duo is the perfect item for the upcoming summer months.  I purchased this duo in, "Hot Flash," which includes a bright, cheery pink blush and a darker bronzer which can also be used for contouring.  The compact also has a secret compartment for storing the brush.  You can purchase this little gem at Ulta.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

So if a lovely new zit has appeared the night before a big event, don't fret, this drying lotion from Mario Badescu is your new best friend.  This spot treatment is formulated with salicylic acid and calamine to drastically shrink large zits and reduce redness overnight.  Dab on at night using a Q-tip and rinse off in the morning.  While you may be tempted to shake the bottle, please refrain as the product will not work as effectively.  Find this at your local Ulta.

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Lipstick

Last, but certainly not least is this beautifully packaged lipstick from YSL.  This lipstick was actually a Valentine's Day gift from my husband who was strongly encouraged by a J. Crew employee to go buy me, "something French."  My husband saved the receipt from Sephora worried that I wouldn't like the color he chose; however, this might be my favorite color amongst the many lipsticks I own.  The color is Nude Beige and is the most perfect everyday shade.  It is a creamy, neutral pink-beige that will instantly brighten your complexion.  Not only is this lipstick beautiful to look at, but it also contains SPF15.  Venture to Sephora to own this little slice of heaven.

Perhaps one of my favorite things will become one of your favorite things!