July 2012 Favorites

Haven't seen a favorites post here for a while, have you? I will say that I'm way too much of a creature of habit to be able to churn out a list of favorites every month - well, that, plus I have trouble getting my timing right...

While I'm frantically packing the last bits to head out for an Oregon road trip with my family, you get to see my favorite beauty products of the past couple of months; not too bad of a deal, heh? You might have noticed that a lot of posts this month were scheduled in advance, the reason being that my mother-in-law plus my two adorable sisters-in-law are currently visiting and I never get the chance to do any blogging when the family is in town - been there, done that. I'm really proud of myself that this time I actually managed to come prepared so that you guys still have something to read!

Anyway, back to my July Favorites; it's a bit of a mish mash, but there goes. I don't have that many make-up bits to show you this time since most of them I already featured in my Summer Face Routine post, and that's primarily what I'm packing with me for our vacay. Some more things that I have been reaching for every other day are Laura Geller's Blush-n-Brighten in Apricot Berry that I indicentally loved around the same time last year; it just gives the most perfect glowing tan to your cheeks! I've also been wearing Maybelline's First Class Fuchsia lipstick ever since I got it - also because it matched my favorite manicure color this month, Essie Cute as a Button. In terms of skincare, I've just incorporated a new product to my nighttime routine - Reviva Labs Skin Energizing Gel*, a Hawaiian algae extract-based gel that improves the absorption and effectiveness of your night cream, but can also be used alone for a softer, more hydrated skin. It feels very refreshing and cooling on hot summer nights!

As I mentioned in my routine, I use Rimmel's Match Perfection 2-in-1 Concealer & Highlighter every day under my base to even out any darkness or redness in my skin; it feels very light and looks invisible yet covers very well. I sometimes use the bdellium 776 crease brush (supposedly a dupe for MAC 217) to blend it out but I love this brush even more for quick one eyeshadow looks.

Something I forgot to mention in my Sun Protection Must-Haves: Alterna Bamboo Color Care UV+ Fade-Proof Fluide with organic bamboo and kalahari melon. Your hair gets a lot of damage during summer, especially if it's color-treated, and since I got my copper highlights, I've been a lot more careful not to expose my hair to sunlight unprotected. This little oil shields from damage, extends the life of your color, conditions and smells absolutely divine, like tropical fruit cocktail!

I've also been obsessed with my travel-size Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray. It's a conditioning and texturizing spray with argan oil that's supposed to bring out the natural texture of your hair - waves, curls, whatever you've got. The thing is... my hair has no natural texture - it's just straight. I still love this though, as it smells very aquatic, and gives more grip and definition to my sometimes too silky strands. Also, if you use it at the roots, it almost works like a root booster/dry shampoo - the matte effect of the spray gives some lift at the crown and keeps the hair looking less greasy. I'm almost out of it already, sad times!

For fragrance, I've gone back to Carolina Herrera 212 Eau de Toilette. I absolutely loathe the double tennis ball packaging (I mean, what the heck?!), but there's something about this soapy white floral that makes it very suitable for the summertime. The more prominent notes include orange blossom, bergamot, freesia and gardenia with a lot of musk and some sandalwood at the base. It feels very clean, refreshing and feminine when I wear it, plus the lasting power is really good, no doubt due to the massive synthetic musk content. Nothing groundbreaking and slightly too 'administrative assistant' most of the time for me, but I still reach for it over my other perfumes in the hot sunny weather.

My favorite candle of the moment is Slatkin & Co. Jungle Kiss - I haven't really been burning it though, I just enjoy sniffing that fragrance every time I take a bath (I keep it at the edge of the tub). I love its bright coral color and the notes of tiger lily, peach, sandalwood and coconut; it's a sweet fruity scent that I wouldn't normally go for, but somehow like in a home fragrance.

Phew, that was a lot! I hope there have been some things that caught your eye in this very long-winded post! What have you been loving lately? Please share in the comments!

* denotes a PR sample. I am not compensated to feature it on my blog nor am I affiliated with the brand. All other products featured were purchased by me or given to me as a gift. All opinions are my own and 100% honest, as always!