While we hope it was a great week, we also desperately hope that everyone has really taken the time to consider what this election means for our future. We hope that you will vote against discrimination, vote against restricting freedoms, and instead vote for restoring the hope that we can all move forward united, fighting for our personal freedoms, our opportunities, and our planet. We can’t just keep our fingers crossed that it will all be ok when we have the opportunity and right to vote our voice. With that said, let’s take a small break with this week’s links.
This week’s house tour is a modern 70s dream home but through the visionary brain of YSG Studio. The color palette is warm and desert-like but with a million textures, patterns, and perfect pops of color, this home is SO exciting to look at. You just have to see for yourself. Go check it out here!
From Emily: Given that the Sephora Savings Event started on Friday, we thought we’d give you a peek inside our shopping carts (well, those of us who needed to make some purchases). So I’ll start! But don’t forget the promo code SAVINGS when you check out. I had to replace my Merit concealer this week (I wear the color Dune if you must know but they have like so many different shades). It covers so well and stays put (why are concealers the hardest????). I also rebought the Charlotte Tilbury highlighter and Liquid Glass Smoothing Blow Out Hair Cream (hair protectant – Dry Bar has the most compelling names), and the daily exfoliant cleanser by Kate Sommerville (and replaced my empty ExfoliKate mask).
From Arlyn: I’ve always loved the Amika dry shampoo, but at $30 a bottle, it just got too spendy for me. I bought this ~$15 one on a whim at Target recently and I think I’m over Amika. It’s really good, guys! I have very dark brown hair, and this one, made of rice starch, disappears with just a few shakes. It has taken a three-day-old grease fest and turned it into something quite passable, and for that, I am eternally grateful to it! I can also use it a few times in a day/days, and not get that caked-on chalky feel others I’ve tried in the past gave me. It’s a win for me!
From Caitlin: As you read this, I’ll be flying back to LA after a whirlwind weekend at my college roommate’s wedding on the East Coast! The dress code was black tie optional – a tricky one to manage on a budget! – but I hit Nordstrom last week and found an INCREDIBLE little black dress that felt a bit more formal than my go-to floral number (but not too formal that I won’t be able to wear it again). Entering the fitting room, my expectations were REALLY low ($118, strapless, form-fitting – it wasn’t screaming “This is the one for you”) but guys, it was MAGICAL. I don’t know if it’s the super-dark black hue or the cut or the material, but there was nary a lump or bump in sight. It looked polished, even though I was bloated beyond belief (pro tip: consider going to the movies AFTER you try on clothes). I got an XL, which is my normal size (usually a 12-14ish), and am so pleased with the fit. ANYWAY – if you’re also the type to re-wear the same dress to every formal event you’re invited to, this is a REALLY good one!
From Mallory: I popped into Sephora earlier this week to snag some more of my all-time favorite deodorant I never shut up about (2 of my best friends bought it too and are obsessed), and I decided to snatch up a few makeup items as well! First off, I’m not the kinda girl that wears a full face of makeup every day and also has a 12-step skincare routine…instead, I use about products total (sunscreen, concealer, mascara, eyebrow stuff, lip stuff) and call it a day. So those 5 products better be GOOD is what I’m sayin. I scooped up my new go-to concealer which I found out about because it has RAVE reviews on TikTok and I get it now. It’s light on your skin and glides on smooth/blends well, but it still has a nice amount of coverage. I love that it’s not cakey and thick like some other concealers. Then my friend Olivia was wearing the most GORGEOUS lipstick/gloss and I asked her where it was from every time she put it on. SO I finally snagged it. It’s the Hourglass Volumizing Glossy Lip Balm (she uses the color Haze but she has dark hair so I snagged it in Slip for a more everyday color on my fairer complexion). Then last but not least I got my trusty mascara. This mascara I’ve also been talking about for YEARS on here because it’s the #1 thing people ask me about when they meet me. It not only volumizes but it lengthens too so your lashes really the most outta it!!
From Gretchen: Some of my favorite buys are often the ones that make your life even 1% better. This week, I have the silliest product that does just that! In my kitchen, I have three small appliances out on my countertop. Are they an eyesore? Yes. Is it ideal? No. But if I can’t see something out, I often don’t remember it exists. So my air fryer, ice maker, and coffee machine stay put. The real annoyance for me has come in the form of scooting these bad boys back and forth to use. They all come with rubber feet that aren’t conducive to moving freely, and that’s a problem when I need to load the back of the machine with water, etc. Thankfully, there is a solution for everything these days. And for just $10 I can add little slider feet to all three of my beastly appliances. It totally solved my problem–now they move so easily, and the only frustration I have left is looking at them.
Also From Gretchen: I recently re-purchased two of my all-time faves from Sephora and I’m kicking myself I didn’t wait for their big sale. Since high school, I’ve been using (and loving) the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. Don’t worry, it’s not the same container for all those years…though it does last a WHILE. It’s just so good. It takes care of any oily spots I have and still feels so light on my skin. A win, win. Then, I went ahead and re-upped my tried and true foundation, the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream. This one is a favorite of mine because the shade Fair Light matches me so well. But also because it’s full coverage, that again, doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin. When I slap this on it really just feels like another layer of lotion, in the best way. Honestly, I’ll probably buy another backup of each this weekend because they’re just that good and it’d be nice to have a spare on the shelf!
From Jess: I finally got my everyday Apple Watch wrist strap and have already been complimented twice by two different friends (always the best:)). It’s a classic gold chain link but comes in 4 other metal colors. I have a silver Apple Watch but I like the silver/gold mix. If you want the same color on both, but your watch isn’t the color you want for a strap, they also have covers to solve that problem. Anyway, it’s a pretty affordable, great-looking strap option if you’ve been hunting for one!
Also From Jess: I too took advantage of the Sephora Savings Event and did a little restock/grabbed a few new things I can’t wait to try. First up are the restocks. I love my undereye concealer from Haus Labs. It’s medium coverage, totally buildable, hydrating, and depuffing so ya, I love it. Then my all-time tried and true retinol from Shani Darden. I love it and will likely use it forever. Then speaking of Shani, I decided to try the mini size of her Triple Acid Signature Peel. No downtime and hopefully my face will be bright and full of hope:). I also got convinced to get one of these Dr. Jart sheet masks that are supposed to be sooo good for dry skin. I’ll report back. My lips are also chronically dry and since the internet won’t shut up about these OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment balms I got one in the color Strawberry Sorbet. Hope they actually help! Lastly, I got an eyeshadow pencil from NUDESTIX in the color Rustique because I too want to look like a cool French girl. Au revoir!
Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the rest of your Sunday and please vote. It matters more than ever.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kailtin Green | From: Dreams Coming True!! The Barn Floral Mural Reveal Is Finished And You NEED To See It
