I can’t remember where I heard about this book, but I wish I could reach out to them and give them a big ol’ hug. Emily Fridlund’s History of Wolves is exactly the coming of age novel that I wish for. Too many novels about young people portray them at pretentious, unnaturally wise, with a point of view that feels forced, even in the hands of some really talented writers. This book manages to completely avoid that, and to instead give us the perfect teenaged protagonist in Linda, a former cult kid and semi-misfit at school who finds herself in the kind of predicaments that only the naive can.
After her only sort-of friend goes missing following a scandal at school, Linda is pretty much on her own. Her parents (or maybe not her parents? Linda isn’t really sure which of the former cult members were her true parents) are pretty self-absorbed, but in the mist caring way possible. They don’t mean it, they just aren’t used to being on their own, I think. But Linda is pretty free to roam the Minnesota wilderness as she pleases.
She befriends the city gal, Patra, who moves into a house on the same lake, just visible through the bare trees, with her young son Paul. Her husband, who we learn is a scientist and many years her senior, has suspiciously sent her to the woods while he’s in Hawaii doing... something sciency. Patra is as lonely as Linda, and she continues to rely more and more on Linda to care for Paul.
We know from the very beginning of the story that there is tragedy to come, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. I had forgotten by the time I came upon it in real time, and I liked it that way. But what I liked even more was how everything played out. It felt realistic, like I was reading someone’s memoir. Nothing was beautiful or tidy. This novel felt like real life-- messy and fraught with so many reasons to look back and wonder what decisions you could have made differently.
I’ve already been recommending History of Wolves to anyone who will listen. It’s captures the desolation of teenage years perfectly. I cared about Linda as if she was my own child, or as if she was actually me. I’m giving this 6.5 berries out of 7.
This month’s box was all about taking care of your skin and hair in the wake of summertime dryness. And I could’t be more on board with that. The change of seasons can wreak havoc on skin, and with the sudden fall temperatures, I could use a little moisture.
I’ve been wanting to try something from Wabi-Sabi Botanicals for a while, but their prices are just a bit too rich for my blood. This balm retails for $76! This creamy balm is meant to be used at night to soften skin, lock in moisture, and protect skin from the elements. It can be used on your face and neck, on your hands or body, and even on your hair for an overnight deep-condition. It contains Peruvian coca butter for it’s anti-infamatory and anxi-oxidizing properties, African shea butter to boost collagen, hydrate, and reduce the effects of free radical exposure, Chilean rose hip seed oil for it’s anti-aging and wrinkle-reducing properties, macadamia nut oil to heal and restore dry skin, plum seed oil to promote cell regeneration, and maracuja oil to nourish shin and reduce inflammation. I love the sweet, citrusy scent!
Herbivore Sea Mist Coconut Hair & Body Mist
This spray is meant to help create or revive curls while hydrating hair, and can also be used as a body mist to hydrate skin and wake up the senses. Unlike a lot of other sea sprays, this one contains aloe vera so that it moisturizes hair and skin, along with the sea salt that adds awesome texture, but can be a bit drying on it’s own. The addition of coconut pulp and vanilla essential oil make it smell absolutely divine!
So how did we fair?
Another excellent box from Art of Organics! In my forever quest to be more environmentally friendly in my skincare and beauty products, I love that it allows me to test out some high end products and helps me discover new brands. I know I must sound like a broken record every month, but I can’t recommend it enough!
**Art of Organics is not a sponsor! But you can go sign up for the subscription here and get 10% off your first box!
A day late, but better than never, right? August has flown by, and there were quite a few contenders for this list that helped me get through it all while still looking and feeling good-- physically, mentally, and emotionally. So here are the five things that I fell in love with this month.
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Night Concentrate
This is the most amazing night cream that has ever graced my face. It’s not even really a cream, it’s more of a water-gel type texture, so slippery that you need their little spoon to get it out of the jar. It’s such a pleasure to use, my skin feels instantly pampered. And by morning, my skin is hydrated, glowing, and visibly more plumped.
It’s got a decadent price tag to match, unfortunately, although I received this jar from my mother for my birthday. But remember, Tatcha is cruelty free, and also donate a portion of their proceeds to Tatcha’s Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures partnership with Room to Read allowing girls from impoverished countries to attend school.
Make Up For Ever Star Lit Powder
You all know I love a good highlight. Sheen is where it’s at. And I wanted a more unnaturally-hued highlighter for my more adventurous days, so I purchased this in the color Frozen Purple. The powder is super fine, and even though the jar is small, it will last a long time, since a little goes a long way. It’s also got some serious shimmer.
The formula includes Pure Mother of Pearl, and man does it catch the light. I love the purple tone too, which I like to think gives me a bit of a sexy robot vibe. I fell in instant love with this highlighter the first time I used it, and the honeymoon phase has no end in sight.
DevaCurl Supercream Coconut Curl Styler
This was an impulse buy based on my current love of all things coconut and my need for a nee way to wrangle my hair in the humidity. Just one pump of this non-sticky cream is all I need to control the frizz, give my waves some bounce, and moisturize each strand. I don’t have to worry about my hair at all as it air dries; I know it will look great. I also don’t look greasy on the second day.
PÜR Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara
I bought this mascara after Niomi Smart recommended it on her channel. I was very interested in the magnetic thing, and I had a coupon to Ulta, so I gave it a whirl. It gives almost a fake-lash look, which I love. Plus it’s fortified with a vitamin B5 and Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 to condition and strengthen lashes. It’s not waterproof, so in certain situations, I have had to tidy up my undereye in the afternoon. But this is my go-to mascara for daytime. Plus, it’s cruelty free!
The Sinner
I love a good who-done-it, but this limited run series takes that a step further. We see Jessica Beal’s character kill a man in the first couple minutes of the first episode. But we don’t know why-- she doesn’t even know why. This poor, fucked up gal had a terrible childhood (which we see through flashbacks) and whole months missing from her memory. She’s putting together the pieces at the same time we are. Plus there’s Bull Pullman as the kind detective with some sex preferences that could only make it to television after 10 pm. A lot has been made of Jessica Beal’s performance, but my unpopular opinion is that she’s basically just a mildly beautiful wet blanket. Luckily the bonkers storyline could make me watch and LOVE this series no matter who's on the screen.
July’s box was larger in size than the typical Clean Beauty box, which automatically gets me excited because it means there are large, full-size products inside. All organic products, as the name suggests, from environmentally conscious companies.
And as expected, I was not the least bit disappointed by the contents! There were three amazingly usable and lovable products in this box. Seriously, Art of Organics have the best track record of any subscription I’ve ever seen.
Lilfox Eucalipto Moroccan Black Soap and Body Mask
This black soap is made from Moroccan olive oil and eucalyptus leaf oil. It’s meant to leave you soft and revitalized, and is especially helpful at soothing skin after a day in the sun. It can be used as a cleanser-style soap for you body, which is how I tried it. I found that a little went a long way, and the lather was wonderful. I loved the smell, and my skin was exceptionally soft afterwards. They say that you can also use it as a body mask, although I’m not exactly sure how. It’s not a cream soap; it’s more like the consistency of silly putty, and it didn’t seem easily spreadable without getting all lathery. But I can see how that would really invigorate your skin. I love this as a body soap and will absolutely use every last dollop.
Honua Hawaiian Beauty Water Liquid Exfoliant
This gentile exfoliating toner is meant to revitalize and hydrate summer skin. I didn’t know hibiscus was an antioxidant, but apparently is it, and it’s said to be great for evening skin tone and tightening pores. It also contains rose hip oil for anti-aging, coconut water to hydrate and cool, papaya enzymes for exfoliation, and Hawaiian sugar to rejuvenate skin. They recomend using 1 to 2 spritzes on a cotton round, but I’ve found I need more than that. I do love the way my skin looks after using this toner, and it smells divine. Plus, my skin has never behaved better than it has this summer, and I attribute at least part of that to this toner. I’d absolutely buy this again.
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
This is another product that I’ll definitely buy again. It’s an all-natural deodorant that eliminates odor while absorbing sweat and soothing my too-often-shaved armpit skin. It uses hops and eucalyptus for their anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties to neutralize orders, baking soda and Kaolin clay to absorb sweat, and aloe to sooth skin. This deodorant has won awards, and I can see why. It really does work. I also love the scent far more than the gross, powdery scents of most deodorants. The eucalyptus does give a bit of a tingly sensation when it’s first applied, so this may not work for really sensitive skin. But I love it; it makes me feel like it’s working. I find that my armpits need me to switch up my deodorant a lot, so I plan to alternate between Ursa Major and my previous love, Lavanilla.
So how did we fair?
Again, Art of Organics hits it out of the park! I do love the soap, but the stars of the show were the toner and the deodorant. I am toner illiterate and never know what to buy, so I was happy to find this natural, cruelty free option that my skin loves! Plus, I know that people prone to Alzheimer’s are supposed to use natural deodorants, and it makes me happy to find one I love so much. As usual, I can’t recommend Art of Organics enough! They have the best curation, plus is natural and cruelly free!
I am really loving my current stylist, Cyndi. She totally gets me. The only thing that rubs me the wrong way is that, after complaining that my last stylist never looked at my Pinterest, Cyndi always mentions it. But she’s doing a great job of choosing pieces that I love, so I can’t hold it against her.
Let’s take a look at the pieces she chose for me this time!
Karla Lace Detail Knit Romper by Kut From the Cloth
I want a goddamn romper so bad. Why is it so hard to find one that is long enough for my body and also cute? Unfortunately, I fear I never will. This one is cute enough, but top short om the torso.
Also, I’m not sure what it is about this one, the color or the crochet detailing at the yolk, but there is something too “formal” looking here. The kind of romper I want is casual and easy-breezy. This one just isn’t for me.
Cristen Shirt Dress by 41Hawthorn
Now this is a dream dress! I could see this dress fitting into any season or any style of situation. This will look great with or without tights, and it can be dressed up or down depending on my mood.
The sleeves can even be long, or rolled to 3/4 with a button tab to hold them up. It also doesn’t hurt that it fits perfectly, and has super cute buttons. I love everything about this dress, and I know it will see a lot of wear.
Sofie Crochet Detail Blouse by Daniel Rainn
This top is fine. I really, really need more cute tops. I am so great at finding dress and skirts, but I am seriously lacking in the top department. Especially for these warmer seasons. Unfortunately, this one just isn’t for me.
It’s just a bit tight in the boob and shoulder for me to commit to this one. The print isn’t my favorite but I don’t hate it, and if it fit great, I could easily get over that. What I can’t get over, though, is the mesh sleeves.
Helene Dress by Collective Concepts
This is such an easy dress, and I tend to favor this style for work because it takes zero effort. But I just don’t love this one on me.
It’s just a bit too flowy at the shoulders, which is my least favorite part of my body. They’re so wide, and this makes them look even wider. I’m also, as I said, not in the market for “just any dress.” So this is an easy pass.
Randeen Lace Up Knit Hoodie by Honey Punch
Perfect summer sweater, 3/4 sleeves, lace ip, hood. Easy color to wear with anything.
So how did we fair?
Fantastic! I try to only buy one item from each Fix, but I couldn’t help but keep two! The sweatshirt was too perfect to turn down, and as someone who is always cold, I know it will see a lot of use. I took the dress with me on my trip to London and wore it with these super cute booties I bought from Primark. It’s still a little to warm in Portland for sleeves, but I can’t wait to live in both of these pieces this fall!
**Stitch Fix is not a sponsor! However, you can use this link to try it out, and I get a little kickback.
July’s Birchbox Theme was products that “pack more punch” into summer. It feels a little bit like that’s the only theme subscription boxes can think of: products that make it easy to wash and go in the summer. Not that I really mind; I like a good time-saver as much as the next person.
This month, I chose the curated box, so I knew exactly what I was getting. And I wasn’t disappointed!
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser
I’ve been a fan of Kiehl’s Rare Earth mask for a while, so I was excited to try the cleanser. Both products have a bit of a weird-clay smell, but if you can get over that, it makes skin look clean and blemish-free. It gets rid of makeup, bacteria, toxins, and excess oil, so it does it all, leaving behind clean, clear pores.
Juliette Has a Gun Anyway Eau de Parfum
I like the minimalist packaging of Juliette Has a Gun, and this summery scent seemed like it would be right up my alley. This perfume, a blend of green lime, neroli, and jasmine, has a bright, citrusy scent. The unfortunate part is that it fades super fast. So unless you’re someone who is wiling to carry their perfume with them all day, this is a no go.
MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Skin
This is a primer and illuminizer in one. As someone who generally skips primer, especially in the summer, I find this to be an odd choice for this month. Yes, this is a product that does two things. But it doesn’t exactly scream easy-breezy summer. Either way, this seems like a perfectly good primer. And as you can see in the swatch below, it does have some light catching properties. I’m just not really that interested in buying a full size of anything when I only prime for major events (and love Hourglass’s mineral primer so hard).
Oribe Matte Waves Texture Lotion
This was the product that made me choose the curated box. I love Oribe. (I also hate Oribe because I want all their very expensive products.) This lotion didn’t disappoint. It’s lightweight, but still kept my unruly hair under control, even in the late-July humidity. I didn’t even need to do any touch ups the next morning before work-- I woke up with great looking waves, and the matte effect meant I didn’t look the least bit greasy. I love this product!
Beautaniq Beauty Blush Serum
I received this rather large sample in the color Sunrise. I love cream blushes in summer, and this one takes it even a step further and is a serum. It’s easy to blend,and the apricot seed oil and vitamin E nourish my skin. The color, swatched here above the MAC Primer, looks really natural on my cheeks.
I don’t particularly like it on my lips, it’s a little too pale for me, but I’m interested in trying it as an eyeshadow in a pink/burgundy look. I’m also thrilled that a little goes a long way so that this sample will last for ages!
So how did we fair?
Fantastic! You may have noticed that I didn’t review Play! by Sephora this month-- that’s because I dropped my subscription. I’m much happier with the items I get from Birchbox, especially because of the good mix of makeup, skincare, and haircare. My favorite items from this box are the Oribe Texture Lotion and the blush serum, and I’ll happily use the Kiehl’s cleanser to the last drop. The perfume and the primer are a bit of a miss for me, but I’m still very pleased to have tried them. Another kickass month from Birchbox!
**Birchbox is not a sponsor. But if you want to sign up, use this link and I get $5 to spend in their store. PLUS enter the code ORIBEBAGGU at checkout to get a free Oribe travel set with your first box!
So this, I guess, is what happens when I don't take my own advice to avoid super cerebral novels during the summer. In my defense, when I requested this off my to-be-read list from the library, it was by accident. I had meant to select the title beneath it. After I brought the book home, read the blurb on the inside flap, and realized my mistake, I should have just returned to book. But I needed something to read, and so I started Night of Fire by Colin Thubron. Hoo boy, what a mistake.
Night of Fire is about the tenants of an apartment building that is burning. And as each person realizes (or sometimes doesn't really realize) that their home is on fire, we get some insight into who they are and what experiences have shaped them. It's not a bad premise at all, and maybe in December or January I would have loved this book. But under the circumstances, it was just too philosophical.
That's not to say there weren't parts that I enjoyed. Each chapter is devoted to one tenant's story, and naturally, some are far more compelling than others. The priest was a particularly interesting guy, recounting a story of going on a pilgrimage across Europe with some of his fellow men of the cloth in the wake of a personal tragedy. But honestly, I found a lot of the stories instantly forgettable, and because each chapter is it's own fully contained story, it's easy to just stop and go days without picking the book back up. In that way, it felt a little bit like a book of short stories, except the writing wasn't good enough to make me want more.
This has been an exceptional year for me, reading-wise. There have been a couple just-okay novels, but mostly I've been really pleased with each book I've picked up. Night of Fire, unfortunately, is not a book rec at all, but a book wreck-- I thought it was terrible. But I have read worse, so I'll give this one 1.5 berries out of seven. Don't waste your time.
I’m sure you’ve heard of The Ordinary. They are pretty much THE it-brand of the moment. But this is one fad that I can totally stand behind, because The Ordinary not only talks a big game about integrity-- they actually follow through. Under the DECIEM umbrella, The Ordinary is all about developing quality products at affordable prices.
And the icing on the cake is, like all DECIEM products, they are 100% cruelty free. All of The Ordinary products are also free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, benzalkonium chloride, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, and oxybenzone, and most of them are vegan! What a total win!
To test them out, I placed an order with The Ordinary for $25, which is the required amount for free shipping. I got the 4 products (for $25! such a steal!) listed below, and I’ve been loving them!
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
This was the reason I first decided to order from The Ordinary. I tried one free month of Curology, and azelaic acid was the major ingredient of my prescription. I liked how my skin was looking, but I wasn’t willing to spend $20 a month. Azelaic acid an antioxidant that, I’ve learned, comes from grain. It’s said to brighten skin tone, improve the evenness of skin texture, and naturally reduces the occurrences of blemishes. You can apply it day and night, but I’ve just been using it at night, as I had been with the Curology. My skin looks bright and clear, and for a mere $7.90 for 30ml, it’s totally worth it.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
You all know how much my skin loves hyaluronic acid. After some research, I’ve learned how and why. HA can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water! And apparently, there are a variety of molecular sizes of HA, which determines how deep into your skin it travels. This formulation “combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration.” So this is a higher powered HA than a lot that I’ve been using, which means a little goes a long way, especially for just $6.80. This formula also has Vitamin B5 which helps with surface hydration. I’ve been using this before my night moisturizer, and my skin is certainly plump and smooth.
Coverage Foundation
You already know from my July favorites post that I love love love this product. I didn’t go into my shopping knowing that I was going to try the foundation, but I did remember that Fleur de Force gave it a good review, so I was admittedly intrigued. And since I’m in the market for a new, cruelty-free foundation, I took the plunge. I chose the color 2.1Y, which is called “medium” with yellow undertones, and it matches my skin perfectly. This medium to full coverage foundation comes in 21 shades with a variety of undertones. I always cut it with the Manna Kadar shimmer lotion so that the coverage isn’t so intense. I love the texture, which is that of a lightweight, non-oily cream. It also has SPF 15, but they can’t claim that in the US until more testing is done. (However it’s officially on the packaging in the UK and the European Union.) Especially at $6.90 for 30 ml, this foundation is an amazing value and my new favorite!
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
This was an impulse purchase to get me to the $25 for free shipping. I do have blemish-prone skin, though, and I thought this would be a good choice to help with the blackheads that I still struggle with. Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxyl acid that exfoliates the skin, and this 2% treatment solution specifically helps exfoliate the inside walls of pores to fight the appearance of blemishes and for better visible skin clarity. This formulation also contains witch hazel, which is a natural toner to help shrink pores. I’ve been using it at night as needed, and though I’m not blackhead-free yet, I haven’t had any breakouts at all. At a mere $4.90, you really can’t go wrong.
So how did we fair?
Beyond amazing! I can’t recommend The Ordinary enough! I love the azelaic acid so much, it’s really transformed my skin. But that is a little specific to my skin. If you’re looking to test something out, I’d recommend the coverage foundation and the HA for sure. The next products I’m hoping to try are Plant-Derived Squalane and the Niacinamide & Zink solution. I’m also looking forward to their release of more makeup products!
Let me know what you’ve tried and loved from The Ordinary!
Lyon + Post is a free service that is designed to eliminate the need for fitting rooms. They send 4 items from your queue of favorites at a time. You get to try them on in the comfort of your own home, and you only pay for items you decide to keep.
I received two shipments from Lyon + Post in June. You can really get as many or as few shipments as you want. I tend to keep my items for the full 7 days before sending them back, to give myself enough time to try everything on and be sure of what I want to keep.
I love this service so much. I love to keep my queue full of pieces that I might actually keep, but I also love to throw in some dreamy pieces that are just amazingly fun to try on. Here are the shipments I received this month!
My first parcel was full of dreamy pinks & whites. It’s the perfect palette for summer!
Artemis Trench Coat by Jack by BB Dakota
I had high hopes for this coat. I’ve been looking for the perfect trench forever, and just before this one arrived, I received an email telling me that this one had gone on sale! But unfortunately, it just didn’t look right on me. It’s also a bit too thin for Maine weather. So the search continues!
Elissa Dress by BB Dakota
I was a bit disappointed when I pulled this peach colored dress out of the box. It looked prettier online than it did in person. I love a good lace dress, and the details on this one are divine. I love the circle lace that trims the neck and arm holes, and the delicate diamonds at the hem are just perfect.
But I didn’t love the stiffness of the lace. I’d hoped this dress would be more flowy and romantic. But it just has a bit too much structure, which causes it to poof out a bit too much at the waist for my taste.
Hope Dress by BB Dakota
Now THIS is a dress! Holy jesus I love this dress so much. But I’m wondering if it will get enough use. It’s bit too fancy to just wear around on the weekend, and pure white doesn’t exactly lend itself to casual afternoon BBQs or evenings at the bar. But the off-the-shoulder style also isn’t appropriate for work.
So, I’m going to pass for the time being. I added the dress back to my queue and will wait and make the decision another time. I can totally picture myself wearing this for various wedding-related activities, though. I’m hoping that maybe it will go on sale eventually, and I can snap it up then.
Allie Top by Velvet by Graham & Spencer
This top is beautiful. I instantly fell in love. Again it’s the beautiful lacy look that I’m very into at the moment. I also feel like it’s totally versatile. I can picture it tucked into skirts for work or worn with skinnies for a more casual look on the weekend.
Unfortunately, it’s a little too big. The arm holes are very obviously gaping. It’s still available in all sizes, so I added it back to my queue in a small. I’m hoping that the smaller size will fit better.
So how did we fair?
I didn’t purchase anything from this box, but there are two items that I loved enough to add back to my queue. Realistically, if I wanted either piece badly enough, they’re available online from a couple retailers (places like Nordstrom) for the same price. But I prefer this approach, as I don’t have to deal with paying up front and then sending things back if they don’t fit.
Let’s move on to shipment number two!
This go-round I leaned more toward the blues, which are probably my very favorite colors to wear.
Marceline Faux Suede Dress by Jack by BB Dakota
As soon as I pulled this dress out of the box, I knew it was love at first sight! This is the most amazing dress! (And it doesn’t hurt that it also happened to be on sale!) I think the faux-suede, which is very of the moment, is both gorgeous and super soft against my skin, and I really appreciate the structure that it leads to the dress.
The full-length zipper is such a cool touch, and I love that it has actually real front pockets! So handy! I can see myself wearing this with sandals in the summer, and with a shirt under it, jumper-style, with tights and boots in the winter. So versatile!
LS Striped Pocket Tee by Sundry
I am really great at keeping my closet full of fun, unique pieces, but I’m not so great at keeping it stocked with basics. So I’ve been making an effort to find some t-shirts and casual pieces. I had high hopes for this shirt, which fits solidly into that category, while still having a bit of flair.
I love stripes, and they go with everything. I especially love the gold stitching down the back. What a cool detail! But this shirt just seemed to fit me a bit oddly, and it was a bit pricey for a shirt that I didn’t absolutely love.
Quad Tank by Sachin & Babi
Sachin & Babi is a brand that I discovered using Lyon + Post, and I absolutely adore their stuff. The perfect dress I bought earlier this year was by Sachin & Babi. And just like that piece, this tank has some really cook mesh details. (They must be from the same collection!) I love the windowpane effect from the print. too.
Unfortunately, this tank is a little too tight around the boob area and a bit too short for me. I’d try it in a size up, except that I don’t love that the fishnet material lines the whole tank. It’s just uncomfortable enough to make me pass.
Sprit Swimsuit by Alia Blue
I’ve been in the market for a one-piece swimsuit since last winter. I was hoping to find one before our vacation in Cancun at the end of February. I love this print-- it’s the most perfect colors. And I was hopeful that the tie-neck would mean I could make this suit fit comfortably on my freakishly long torso.
But no. It seems there’s no way to wrap a piece around my long bod. When I tied it comfortably taut (i.e. with my chest actually covered), the swimsuit ends up too stretched out and makes my boobs look weird. If I tie it loose enough to look natural, I’m a nip slip waiting to happen. The search continues...
So how did we fair?
I think finding one piece a month that I love from Lyon + Post is the perfect amount, so I’m thrilled with this month. The suede dress is like nothing else that I own, but I already know that it’s going to be become a year-round staple. I love that this service is risk free, as it costs nothing to participate. I can’t see myself quitting anytime soon. It’s such an easy way to discover new loves!
**Lyon + Post is not a sponsor. But! If you’re interested in trying them out (and how could you not be!) you can use this link to sign up, and you’ll get $30 in credit to use on your first purchase!
It's summertimeeeeee, and the readin's easyyyyy. Similar to my feelings on vacation reading, I feel like summer is a great time to read some of the less literary choices on your to-be-read list. I spend a lot of my summer reading at the beach or on our back deck in the company of friends, and less complicated stories lend themselves better to that kind of distracted reading. And thus, I chose to dive into Caite Dolan-Leach's Dead Letters.
This is literally the definition of "beach read." It's about this girl, Ava, who has fled her family and moved to Paris, but is forced to return to her sleepy, upstate New York hometown when her twin sister Zelda+ dies in a barn fire. To make things even more complicated, Ava immediately starts receiving texts and emails from Zelda. Are they coming from beyond the grave? Is Zelda secretly still alive? We just don't know! But what I did like about this book is that it doesn't really matter. Yes, in the end, we find out what really happened to Zelda. But that's not the point. The point is that Ava needs to grow up and stop running from her family-- both literally, but also mentally.
What makes this book perfect for summer is the ambiance. The story takes place on the family's vineyard on a lake, and it was easy to imagine myself there. Ava and her remaining family members are also constantly drinking wine, and so even if you're reading in the backyard by yourself, it's totally like you're enjoying a glass of rose with a friend.
This isn't a life-changing novel by any means. But I thought it was fun, and I enjoyed the story even if I was simultaneously hating every single character. I'd give this a solid 4 boozy berries out of 7.
I know I’ve been a bit MIA this month, but I have a really good excuse: I’ve been living my best goddman life! But of course, as I’ve been doing so, I’ve encountered some amazing products and items and experiences that I can’t wait to tell you all about! Let’s get on to my favorites for July!
Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Waterproof Mascara
This mascara has, without a doubt, the best waterproof formula I have ever used! In summer, I live in waterproof mascara so that I can avoid the raccoon look even on the sweatiest afternoon. And this mascara is a dream. There is a bit of an initial learning curve with the spherical brush, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll love the precision it allows and the control you have over each of your lashes. It gives my eyes the most amazing definition, almost with a fake lash effect, and it lasts until you wash it off. I recommend either a waterproof makeup remover or an oil cleanser to remove it, but a regular cleanser does do a decent job.
Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
Speaking of oil cleansing, my favorite at the moment is the Tatcha cleansing oil. I tried this for the first time in a Sephora Play! box, and then my mom very generously bought me the full size for my birthday. The full-size is great because it has a pump dispenser, so you never end up pouring out too much. I love this cleanser for removing makeup, because you can do it all in one step. You just slather this oil onto your dry face, then massage while adding a little bit of water at a time. It removes every trace of makeup and leaves your skin feeling super clean and moisturized. Especially right now when glowy skin is in, oil cleansing is the perfect first step for a summery, bare-face look. It’s a little pricey, but with each full-size purchase, Tatcha makes a donation to its Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures partnership with Room to Read, which helps girls in 9 counter across Asia and Africa attend school.
Source Vitál Make Your Own Facial Serum
The next step in my summer look has been this customizable face serum. What a novel concept-- and I can’t believe this hasn’t been done before! But Source Vitál allows you to add the exact combination of ingredients your skin needs to your choice of oil base for a product that is uniquely yours. You even get to give it your own name!
While I was in Europe, I really tried to pare down my skincare routine, so after cleansing in the morning, I used this serum, then topped with a moisturizer with SPF and I was good to go!
I’m Sorry
I’m Sorry is a new half-hour comedy straight from the mind of comedian Andrea Savage. As you would expect from Andrea, it’s hilarious in that cringey way that I absolutely love. And it doesn’t hurt that she’s got an amazing supporting cast, including two of my all-time favorites, Judy Greer and Jason Mantzoukas. If you love shows about a group of quirky weirdos who genuinely love each other even when they’re being complete assholes, then this show is for you. It’s on TruTV Wednesdays at 10 (Eastern time), but available all the time on their website.
The Ordinary. Coverage Foundation
In my forever quest to go more vegan and cruelty-free in my makeup, I had to find a replacement for my favorite NARS foundation (as NARS was just bought by Shiseido). I’d been interested in planing an order from The Ordinary for some time, and I finally took the plunge! (I’ll do a full review in the near future.) This foundation is AMAZING, and at $7 for a 1 oz bottle, you really can’t beat it! The variety of undertones means that most people can find their perfect shade (I’m 2.1Y), and the finish is full-coverage, but super natural looking. It lasts all day without fading or caking, even in the heat! I’m totally in love!
What things are you loving this month? I’m especially interested in products glowy, bare-faced products for summer, and of course, any media that I should be consuming. Happy Summer!
Sorry for the short hiatus, but I’ve been very busy trotting the globe! Now that I’m safely back home, we can return to our regularly scheduled programming!
Art of Organics continues to be my new favorite box. This month features Akar Skin, a brand I’ve been wanting to try since I read about there lip butter on a blog somewhere.
Committed to non-toxic and eco-friendly practices, Akar Skin is EWG certified, vegan and cruelty-free. The brand was founded by Kate Chen, who draws inspiration for her line from teachings that come from the Tibetan plateau. In fact, Akar means “white crystal” in Tibetan. Products are packaged in dark violet glass to filter out UV rays, which helps elongate the shelf life if the products. Let’s see if they live up to the hype!
Desert Rescue Lightweight Hydrating Face Oil
The literature for this product says that it’s perfect for summer because It’s a light oil. It’s made with baobab oil to hydrate and nourish, jojoba oil to balance sebum and prevents the clogging of pores, seabuckthorn extract to heal, rosehip seed extract for it’s anti-aging properties, and almond oil to improve dark circles. They recommend you use it on damp skin, like just after you’ve used a facial mist. It helps with absorption and, because this oil creates a moisture barrier, the moisture from the facial order is held against your skin. It’s meant to improve skin elasticity, and the antioxidants and vitamins A, E, and D rejuvenate dull skin and aid in the production of collagen. I like this oil, but to be honest, I don’t find that it absorbs fully into my skin. This is a nighttime use only for me.
Ruby Tiny Lop Butter
Now this is the shining star of the Akar line. Soothing oils and nutrient-rich extracts in this lip butter smooth fine lines and keep lips soft, and it gives lips just hint of color that would be flattering on any skin tone. It’s made with goji seed oil to hydrate, seabuckthorn to heal and nourish, rose flower oil as an anti-inflammatory, and rosehipseed extract to promote anti-aging.
I am absolutely in love with this lippy! It’s perfect for summer, when I don’t want to feel “made up,” but I do want a little bit of color on my lip. I find myself reaching for this balm all the time. It’s super long-lasting on the moisture end, and though it doesn’t say it has SPF, I feel like it’s formula prevents any damaging sun exposure.
So how did we fair?
This wasn’t my favorite month from Art of Organics, but I still feel like the products were amazing and super high quality. Plus, I am obsessed with the lip butter. And even though the face oil isn’t perfect for me, I have heard from a lot of people who love it! (Please let me know if you’d like my gently used bottle! I’d be happy to share!)
A thousand apologies for the late post, but with the Fourth of July long weekend following so swiftly on the heels of my birthday, it was inevitable. I’ve been busy making the most if this gorgeous weather, and that doesn’t lend itself to being in front of a computer screen. However, today is a day of recovery (and binging the newest series of Serlock). Here are the products I loved most during the month of June.
Amly Silver Rich Face Mist
Facial mists are big right now. I’ve used a couple in the past, mostly at work. I find the recycled air in the courthouse to be very drying. But this is the first one I’ve really fallen in love with. It’s a blend of silver-rich spring water with organic flowers, fruit, herbs, and essential oils. I can’t say for sure if my skin’s radiance has been boosted, as the bottle suggests. But I can say that I find my skin more hydrated than it’s ever been. Maybe it’s the silver, but I’m more inclined to think it’s the hyaluronic acid, which you all know my skin loves. But what really sealed the deal is the fantastic scent. It’s light and calming, and perfect for a spritz just before bed.
Care/Of Vitamins
I want to be a healthy person, inside and out. But I’m also quite lazy. That’s why I love Care/Of vitamins. I filled out a questionnaire about my health and goals online, and they recommended the perfect pack of vitamins for my needs. (I ran their suggestions by my doctor before taking them, of course.) The best part is because I can stash packets all over, I rarely forget to take them!
Care/Of reached out to me and offered my readers a free month of vitamins to try (up to a $50 order). Just visit takecareof.com and enter the code R7K9V at checkout!
Noosa Yoghurt
Noosa is a stupidly expensive yoghurt, but I’m absolutely obsessed, especially with this blackberry serrano flavor. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and spice. I particularly like it with a handful of Honey Bunches of Oats for added crunch. One container can make two breakfasts that way. If you’re looking for a little treat that’s not terrible for you, I can’t recommend this enough.
Julep Cushion Complexion 5-in-1 Perfector with Turmeric
My understanding is that this complexion corrector is meant to be an all-over foundation, but I find the packaging to be a bit odd for face. What it’s perfect for, however, is undereye concealing! A couple clicks filled the soft applicator with just enough makeup to swipe under my eyes. I then blend it in, either with my fingers or a beauty blender. And because turmeric brightens skin, my circles fade a little with each use!
I used the quiz on Julep’s website to select the right color, and as you can see from the swatch below, it’s pretty perfect.
Supergoop Setting Mist with Rosemary
I first bought this setting mist last year. I don’t really wear enough makeup on my face in summer to warrant a setting mist. But I do try to always wear sunscreen. The problem is that I often forget to put sunscreen on under the small amount of makeup I do wear. And then, when I’m about to go outside, I either have to forego spf, or else slather it on top. But not with this spray! I can just spritz my face, and I’m good to go! What convenience!
So there you have ‘em, my top picks for products in June. What have you been loving?
After being really disappointed by my last fix, Stitch Fix reached out to me and offered to waive the styling fee on my next box. So, even though I was thisclose to being ready to cancel my membership, I decided to give them one more chance to impress me.
So they hooked me up with a new stylist and sent out a batch of summer clothes. I had asked for a pleated, midi-length skirt and some brown wedge sandals, but unfortunately, they didn’t have anything that fit the bill. What they did, send, though, was a vast improvement on the last couple fixes!
Tory Distressed Ankle Zip Skinny Jean by Pistola
Despite my resistance to destroyed denim, I actually fell in love with these jeans. They fit perfect, and I feel really cool in them. The zipper detail on the inner ankles make them really special, and the ankle length makes them perfect for summer.
I had pinned these on Pinterest, so I was happy to see proof that my stylist was paying attention to the information I was putting out there for them. I actually got a lot of compliments on these when I wore them too. I just have to be careful not to stick my foot through the knee holes when I put them on.
Scheutzen Bow Detail Blouse
If you can sum up my summer style in a single piece of clothing, I think this tank is it. I am impressed (and truly a little bit shocked) that my new stylist seems to get me so well! I love the stripes, I love the sweet little bow, and I love the relaxed fit.
This tank looks great tucked in to skirt, or out and flowy over a pair of skinnies. I did feel like the size small I was initially sent was a little small in the boob, so I returned it for a medium. My returned was processed really fast, and I got my better-fitting tank in just a few days.
Evander Dress by 41Hawthorne
This dress is pretty cute, and very clearly perfect for my work style. The elastic waist means it will stay comfy all day, and the notch in the neckline adds a little jazz. I just don’t love the print.
The colors are beautiful, but the faded thing isn’t my favorite. It makes the dress look like it’s already been washed a bunch of times. This isn’t a keeper, but it definitely fits my style, so I can clearly see why my stylist included it.
Tammi Dress by Pixley
I’d pinned this in a different print, which is more proof my stylist is listening! This is a super cute dress, and it’s perfect for work. I love the delicate straps at the neckline that show off my shoulders. It also fit me really well.
But unfortunately, I have a very similar blue dress with tiny, bright colored sailboats on it. The print and vibe is just too similar to justify keeping both.
Dowling Crew Neck Blouse by Alice Blue
This was the big miss of this fix. I couldn’t see myself wearing this tank even if it was free. The print is just a little to bizarre for me.
It also didn’t help that it was a little too tight in the boob area. And I don’t know if you can really see it in this photo, but there was already a little stain near the neck. This was an easy pass.
So how did we fair?
Certainly better than last time! In the end, I kept the ankle jeans, a new summer staple, and the striped tank, which is one of my all-time favorite subscription box finds. I was totally ready to let StitchFix go. Despite the great start I had with them, I’d had several dud months in a row. But this proves that it’s not StitchFix that is the problem. It was probably my stylist. After the homerun this month, I’m looking forward to getting another fix!
**StitchFix is not a sponsor. However, if you sign up using this link, I get a $25 kickback.
The theme of this month’s Play! by Sephora box was “rising stars.” In my personal opinion, that’s exactly what the theme of every sample box should be! I want to know what products are up and coming and give them a try!
And this month, much to my delight, every single product I received was brand new to me. I’d herd of some of the brands but not tried these specific items. So without further ado, let’s get to it!
NUDESTIX Magnetic Matte Lip Color
They tout this Nudestix as a “three-in-one” product-- a lip stain, a lip color, and a lip liner. I don’t know that I’d really consider those three separate things, but I get the vibe that they’re intending. Unfortunately, this color does absolutely nothing for me. Or, that’s not actually true-- it makes me look like an actual corpse. (You can see the swatch in the photo below.) I’m not sure if this is something I can pull off for a dramatic, gothy look in winter, but it’s absolutely not a color I can pull off in summer. I can say that this preservative-free lippy has some serious staying power. So while this color was a miss, I’m definitely interested in checking out a different color Nudestix matte lip.
treStiQue Highlight + Perfect Multipurpose Stick
This crayon is a gel highlighter in the color Maldives Luminescent, a champagne pink shimmer. I’m not sure how “multipurpose” any highlighter really is, but I love the coconut oil in this formula. It hydrates as it highlights, which gives a really natural look, as you can see here below the Nudestix.
This shimmer definitely leans more pink than champagne, but I don’t mind since my Becca highlighter is a true champagne color. I’m not sure that I’ll ever run out and buy this, but I’m very happy to give it a shot!
Rahua Omega 9 Hair Mask
This hair mask is made with rahua nut oil, which is apparently an Amazonian secret for luscious locks. They’re totally on to something. This is probably my absolute favorite hair mask that I’ve ever tried. It left my hair feeling silky, looking smooth, and it smells incredible! Luckily, I’ve been able to get several uses out of this tube, because it is a bit pricey. But I promise, it’s totally worth it.
Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
This oil cleanser is meant to clean skin without removing it’s natural moisturizers. I love Tacha, and I’ve never tried anything from them that hasn’t felt amazing on my skin. Their formulas are based on ancient Japanese beauty traditions, and clearly these people know what they’re doing. I love oil cleansers for removing makeup, and this one didn’t disappoint. But again, this is a bit more expensive than I’d prefer to spend on a cleanser. I’m pleased I got to try it.
Belif Hungarian Water Essence
I expected this product to be a facial spray, based on the name. But it’s actually a hydrating treatment, which is essentially the K beauty hybrid of a serum and a moisturizer. Made with soothing botanicals, it’s like a pre-moisturizer hydrator. it feel light and pleasing on my skin. I’m very interested in K beauty and want to do a little more research about how to incorporate this into my skincare routine.
TOCCA Stella
Toque’s Stella scent is a blend of blood orange, spicy lily, white freesia, and sandalwood, inspired by the aura of Milan. This scent goes on a little strong, and I didn’t like it initially. But after about a half an hour, it mellowed out to a very pleasant scent. I’m not running out to buy a full size, but I’ll definitely throw this sample into the rotation.
So how did we fair?
Now that’s more like it! After a questionable selection last month, Sephora killed it will all new, exciting products! I’m very excited to get to try the Tacha cleaning oil and to see that the Nudestix lasts forever and ever. Without a doubt, my favorite discovery in this box was the Rahua hair mask!
**Sephora is not a sponsor, but goddamnit, they should be!
There’s a whole sea of perfumes out there to test, but as you saw with the Birchbox kit I reviewed earlier this year, I never know where to start. I usually just end up spritzing on something I receive as a sample randomly, and if I don’t hate it, I consider that a win. I’m not sure if I just have a weird nose, but I feel like there are a lot of scents people love that I find difficult. So I was super psyched to find out about Scent Trunk.
They will send you a cute mini kit that contains the 6 most popular base notes for perfumes, you get to test them out and rank them, then Scent Trunk perfume specialists will crete a one of a kind scent just for you!
You get a cute little atomizer each month for only $11, and you can request new or different scents whenever you want (like if you want a change for the season), or skip a month if you feel like you have plenty. I thought this was a super fun activity. Not only did I end up with a perfume just for me, but I also got to learn about what I like to sniff!
One
Scent One is a “citrus” concept, and as such is zingy, fresh, and juicy. I selected “like” for this scent. I thought it smelled fresh and clean, but it wasn’t my absolute favorite.
2
Scent 2 is described as “woods,” which I didn’t realize was a concept of perfume. But I’m glad I know now, because this scent definitely fit in my “love” category. It was described as woodsy and fiery, and there is definitely some warmth there, but I didn’t think it smelled like fire (though I do love that smell). I thought it reminded me of walking through a really deep wood-- like the slightly decaying smell of leaves and pine needles. It sound like a gross description, but I really, really liked this one.
III
Scent III is the very enigmatic “aromatic.” I mean, come on. At least “woods” is a place. Isn’t every smell an aroma? (I’m so out of league here.) But here’s the weirdest part-- this was easily my favorite scent of the six. Love, love, love. I’d describe this as herbal and warm. I couldn’t stop smelling it, and I’ll probably even use this one alone as a perfume.
4
Scent 4 is the “floral” concept, and I could have told you even before I sniffed it that it would be a strong dislike. One of my biggest issues with most perfumes is that they’re too floral and sweet. I love the smell of real life flowers, but for some reason, in a perfume, I always find the scent to read more like the sticky-sweetness of dead, decaying flowers. Like when you forget about a bouquet on your dining room table to so long all the water evaporates. Gross. Definitely my least favorite.
V
Scent V is “amber.” I liked this one, just not as much as some of the others. It smelled kind of spicy-sweet and warm. Nothing about this was overpowering, though. It’s the kind of sweet I can totally get behind.
No. 6
Scent No. 6 is “Chypre,” which, I’m sorry, what? Clearly I know nothing at all about perfume, because very few of the words in this vocabulary mean anything to me. This concept was described as dark, fruity, and floral. In theory, dark and fruity sound good to me, but I found this scent to be very cloying. Not a fan at all.
So how did we fair?
About a week after I completed the scent test, I received my first perfume in the mail. I couldn’t wait to smell it-- and holy shit-- they totally got me! It smells incredible. It smells exactly like the perfume I’ve been searching for my while life.
I was a little disappointed that they don’t give your scent a name other than “your scent.” I kind of wanted something weird and cool that I could relate to as the epitome of the “Halli” smell. But that’s such a minor complaint. My personal perfume has top notes of lavender, absinthe, and rosemary, middle notes of sandalwood, almond, and hay, and base notes of moss and woods. I’m totally in love, and totally sold on Scent Trunk!
** Scent trunk is not a sponsor, but you can use this link to find your own perfect scent!
This is my second box from Lyon + Post. I didn’t keep anything the first time around, but the best part about this box is that it costs NOTHING at all to receive it! So there’s literally no downside!
Since we’re planning-slash-paying for a wedding, I’m trying not to buy anything simply because I want it. I’m trying only to buy things that speak to my soul, you know? But even so, it doesn’t hurt to try on pretty things every once in a while.
In this box, I received a fun variety of summer dresses. Aside from the zero dollar obligation I love that everything I receive is something I’ve selected. I don’t necessarily know what I’m going to get each time, because some items are not available when my box ships. But I have control of my queue, and it means I never get things I ABSOLUTELY HATE. (Although, sorry Jess, that does make for a less fun review. haha)
Borealis Dress by Sachin & Babi
Now THIS is a dress! It’s absolutely gorgeous! I love the avant garde style and print mixing. The icing on the cake? It fits me like it was made for me!
I’m especially in live with this fun mesh detailing. And what makes this dress totally sometthing I need, versus something I want, is that it’s 100% work appropriate while still being so fun and unique. Not to mention I got it for a steal!
Shilla Lace Midi Dress by Gremlin
This color didn’t thrill me in person the same way it did online. But still, I was totally game to give it a try. Unfortunately,y it was too big for me, and I really hated the way the straight across neckline looked on my body.
It looked more like I was wearing the fanciest towel ever instead of a beautiful dress. And, of course, it didn’t help the that color totally washed me out. The straps are lovely, but this clearly wasn’t the dress for me.
Trois Dress by Just Female
I love this dress! It fits perfect, and I could instantly picture myself wearing it to work all the time. I didn’t feel instantly sure about the color blocking. The front is really cute, but the back is almost solidly one color, the medium blue which you can kind of see in the picture, and I found it to be a little bit jarring. I truly considered picking this dress as the one to keep, but my love for the other was just far too strong.
Jamila Printed Dress by Jack by BB Dakota
This dress is maybe pushing the traditional definition of “summer,” but here in Maine, we need long sleeves far longer than most of the country. This cute dress seems like it could be pretty versatile, but its just not right for me. It “fits,” in that I can get by body inside it, but I find the style to run too small to be comfortable. And it’s too short if I lift my arms.
I’m also not in love with this print. I find I’m never that drawn to warm coors, and while this red looks pretty on me, I just don’t care for it. I’d much more apt to fall for the cooler colors.
So how did we fair?
I wear a dress to work every day, so I’ve been focusing on selecting those from Lyon + Post. And like I said, I’m being judicious about what I purchase. But I am so in love with Borealis dress, and I’m thrilled it’s mine. I even showed it to my mom, and she was aghast at the deal I got! I can’t wait to wear it! And I can’t wait to see what I get to try on next!
**Lyon + Post are not a sponsor. BUT you can use this link to sign up and you’ll get $30 toward your first purchase! You’ll basically be stealing some new clothes!
