September 2018 Beauty Favorites

This is the first time all year that I’ve really been consistent in using skincare and makeup. It’s definitely been that kind of year, gotta love it. And honestly, it’s been so fun really kind of pampering myself. It’s also given me the chance to break out some oldies but goodies, and try out some new things that I’d been sitting on. In the process, I’ve definitely (re)discovered a few favorites along the way.

It’s been a long month, for a lot of people. There’ve been a lot of high energy astrological events, the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, and personally I had a lot going on. Work was very tough this last week, and I’m grateful that I had this past weekend to relax a bit- and sleep in until 1 on Saturday. I’m also grateful, and proud, that I’ve been more consistent with content, even if only mostly on Instagram. Without further ado, let’s get into my beauty favorites for September.

Tarabusi Creek Fairy Garden Sugar Scrub

If you’ve looked around on makeup/skincare/blogging twitter, you’ve probably seen Tarabusi Creek products! They’re handmade, small batches, and all plant based. I’ve been really trying to take good care of my skin, and finding a scrub to physically exfoliate has been a little challenging for me. Then I tried the Fairy Garden Sugar Scrub.

This scrub smells floral, and actually reminds me of the garden my aunt used to have when I would visit her in Connecticut! The sugar in this scrub isn’t harsh at all, and it washes off very easily. After use, my skin doesn’t feel stripped and instead feels refreshed, softened, and smooth. I even use this to exfoliate when I have body breakouts! Also, it’s just, like, really pretty. As far as skincare products go, this is one of my favorites right now.

At the moment, Tarabusi Creek is undergoing rebranding and updating their products so this scrub isn’t available right now. Steph’s doing an awesome job getting everything done for the rebrand, and I can’t wait for the scrubs and face masks to come back!

Tarte Tartelette Palette

This is one of those OG makeup products that you’ve at least heard about, even if you haven’t used it. The Tartelette palette is an all matte, neutral palette that is perfect for everyday use and can be used to create a wide variety of looks. Each shade blends beautifully, works with the others, and lasts all day long. What you see with the shades is what you get, which makes putting together looks very easy. There are neutral, cool, and warm shades, as well.

I loved using this palette for busy days and weeks, as I could throw it in my bag with a few brushes, and create complete looks quickly and effortlessly. No hassle, no mess, no fuss. It worked for going from class to work and hung in with me on my twelve hour days with no fall out and no fading. Something else I really enjoy is the inclusion of the purples, which works great on my eye color but also gave the palette a little extra something beyond the standard neutral palettes.

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon- Cava

While I get that warm ones are very popular, I honestly prefer cool tones, especially with my hair, eye, and skin color. I also prefer more mauve tones in nude lipsticks, which lead me to the Cava shade in Bite Beauty’s creme lip crayon. I’d never tried Bite before, even though I’d heard so much about it and followed them on Instagram!

I had picked up this shade a while ago, and in trying to make my makeup routine quicker I started bringing this along with me for wear throughout the day. This shade went with every look I did, flattered my skin tone beautifully, and wore comfortably all day long. I love low maintenance makeup, since I’m busy and I need to be able to set it and forget it. After wearing it so much this month, I’d even say this is one of my favorites in my whole collection.

Wet n Wild Stick Makeup Stick- Blush and Highlighter

*As of May 2019, Wet n Wild is no longer considered cruelty free. For a full explanation of the situation, please see this post on Logical Harmony.*

Like I said, I love low maintenance makeup, and that has started to include cream makeup products. I have oily skin, so for a while I shied away from using cream blush- though I have used and loved some cream highlighters. In one rushed morning as I was packing my makeup bag, I threw the megaglo makeup stick blush (in Floral Majority) and highlighter (When the Nude Strikes) in and I was out the door.

The products went on smoothly, with just enough pigment, and wore throughout the day, no problem. I prefer deeper shades in blush rather than light pinks, and Floral Majority was just perfect for that slightly flushed look. When the Nude Strikes is a lovely neutral pink, and has just the perfect amount of shimmer. None of it rubbed off, and my skin looked healthy and glowy all day long. Whenever I’m in a rush, or I’m just feeling lazy, I grab these guys.

NYX Doll Eyes Mascara

I haven’t done much in the way of playing with different mascaras, but I do know that in the ones that I’ve tried, I haven’t really loved most of the ones I use. I’ve also found that ones that aren’t waterproof just don’t hold a single curl for me. So, to replace a mascara I hadn’t been overly found of- but didn’t dislike- I bought the NYX Doll Eyes waterproof mascara a few weeks ago and finally cracked it open this month!

At first, I was a bit clumsy and the mascara clumped a tad, but I changed how I applied it. Now, I absolutely love it. It dries very comfortably, and gives my eyelashes a natural but better look. As much as I like false lashes, I don’t like overly dramatic mascara. Sometimes, I just want to look a bit spruced up, but not made up. This is works perfectly for my needs, and looks incredibly flattering all day.

Spirit Element Sacred Heart Heart Healing Body & Ritual Oil

Our water heater broke earlier in the month, and in a series of bizarre events it ended up that the showers in my house aren’t working. So, the only thing that works is the faucet for the bath. With some ingenuity, we’ve figured out how to take hot baths, and in the process I realized how many wonderful bath products that I have that I’ve been sleeping on. I actually received this one in one of my Goddess Provisions boxes, which I’ll be reviewing next week!

This bath oil is formulated to connect with the heart chakra and the vibration of love. The color is beautiful, a deep blue green with shimmer. Scented with rosemary, lavender, and sandalwood, I find it very relaxing, soothing, and healing to use. I’ve used this almost every time I take a bath, and I always come out feeling calm, balanced, and happier than before. It can also be used as a moisturizer and in ritual, which I’m definitely going to try. I’ve wanted to work more with the heart chakra, and this has been a great start. It’s been a beautiful way to make a generally mundane process more magical.

Soul Sunday Unicorn Aromatherapy Roller

Something else I received in a Goddess Provisions box is this incredibly uplifting aromatherapy roller. I’ve struggled a bit in finding fragrances that are cruelty free and a bit more natural, so I’ve been using a lot of essential oil rollers. They’re convenient, and I can stick them in my bag quickly for whatever vibration I want to tap into for the day.

This one smells like lavender and peppermint, and I always feel more energized after using it. I apply it either directly to pulse points or to a diffuser necklace that I bought off Etsy! One way I’ve enjoyed it is using it when I’m stressed or dealing with a depressive episode. While it doesn’t “fix” everything, it’s made coping a lot easier. Also, I’ve gotten a few compliments on it, which always helps. What essential oil rollers do you recommend?

Let me know what your favorites have been this month!