March Favorites

You guys, I can't believe it's the last day of March! Spring is here, I have one more month of school to get through, then it's also my birthday! So many good things ahead, I can't help but smile :) I'm also smiling about everything listed below! These products are so good, most of which I've been using for over a month now. Without further ado - 

1. You Make Loving You Easy wood sign from East Plum. Ever since I first saw this sign on Sarah's instagram, I knew I had to have it! The words instantly reminded me of Rob. I knew it would be the perfect addition to our little space. When I saw it wasn't available on Sarah's Etsy shop, I messaged her asking if it was going to be restocked. She was so sweet and told me that she would be sure to have it available during her next restock. I love supporting small businesses, especially when their products are amazing quality. Be sure to check out Sarah's instagram @eastplum to see her latest creations! 

2. Loren Hope Sarra Cuff in Iridescent. If you've been following me for the past few months, you know that I've grown to love this cuff! It came in my last Rocksbox, and I think I've worn it every day since! The stones are gorgeous and it matches everything. It's the perfect piece to add a little sparkle to your outfit. (PS. You can get your first month of Rocksbox FREE with code pinebarrenbeautyxoxo) 

3. HelloLegs Shaving Cream. This shaving cream is life changing. It came in my spring Fab Fit Fun box (review here). It is the smoothest, softest, creamiest shaving cream I have ever used. It left my legs feeling so moisturized! I will definitely be getting this when I run out. Their site is not active yet, but if you can't wait until they open I definitely recommend getting the spring FFF box - it has so many goodies this season!

4. NARS Blush/Bronzer Duo in Orgasm/Laguna. I've been using this duo for a couple months now. I love the shimmery shades. They are so beautiful and give my skin the perfect glow. I can't wait to start using them in the summer time when I have a nice tan :) They blend out well and I feel that they would work on a variety of skin tones. BUT if you love a peachy pink blush, Orgasm is the shade for you! 

5. Moroccan Oil Dry Texture Spray. This is a first - this product has made my favorites list two months in a row! I try not to repeat things, but this dry texture spray is just TOO good. It holds my curls like a flexible hair spray would, while also giving it a beachy texture. Since my hair is super soft, I like a little gritty feeling without it being crunchy and this spray does just that. I repurchased it which definitely means I LOVE it. It's going to be perfect for summer!

As always, thanks for stopping by! Leave a comment to let me know what you've been loving lately!

xo

For previous monthly favorites, click here!

February Favorites

Is it just me or did February fly by (even with an extra day)?! I have so many good favorites for you guys this month, I'm so excited to share them! 

1. Moroccan Oil Dry Texture Spray: This texture spray is awesome! I deviated from my usual hair spray to try this out and I am definitely pleased with my choice. I've never used a texture spray before, but I love the way it makes my hair look & feel. It gives it more of a relaxed, beachy look, which I'm all about for spring and summer. I also love the packaging - the teal is so pretty!

2. Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation: This is the first REAL foundation I've ever used and I am in LOVE. It's full coverage, lightweight, and lasts all day. It makes your skin look flawless and has a pretty finish. It's also non comedogenic which means it WILL NOT clog your pores. This was the most important factor in me choosing a foundation because the BB cream I was using previously clogged my pores. They have tons of shades so you will definitely find something that matches your skin tone. I use the shade Santa Fe. 

3. Planner: I love this little calendar from Target! In the beginning it has a monthly calendar, then it has a whole section in the back for notes/lists. This is perfect for day to day because you can pencil in your schedule/appointments in the calendar, then make longer lists in the back. Not to mention it's super cute and the price point is great! It is by Sugar Paper (all of their planners are so cute!)

4. Alex & Ani Rose Quartz Bracelet: This bracelet is so pretty! I'm a big fan of Alex & Ani, especially their beaded bracelets. They add the perfect touch to any outfit. I love the gold & rose quartz combo. 

5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer: Two words. Life. Changing. I had been using a powder to fill in my brows for a while, and before that I used the Anastasia brow wiz. I decided to give the definer a try because it's angled, just like a brow brush, and I wanted something a little bolder than powder. BEST DECISION EVER. I will repurchase this again and again. I love that it goes on smooth and really gives you shape as well as fills in sparse areas. 

6. Shiraleah Embossed Clutch: This clutch is amazing. The embossing detail is perfect and I love the gold tassel. It's a great size because it's big enough to fit my essentials, but small enough to not weigh a ton. It also fits perfectly in my Louis Vuitton Never Full bag which makes it easy to grab and go. You can see detailed photos of this clutch in this post. This one is by the same designer & same style. I also found this one with the same embossed pattern but in a wallet style with fringe!

As always, thanks for stopping by! Be sure to leave a comment with your favorite recent products!

Side note: I've also been loving Kygo radio on Pandora - such a good vibe! 

xo 

January Favorites

Happy Mani Monday! Can you believe January is over already! It really just flew by. Make sure you're still working towards the goals you set for this year - don't give up!

This soft white manicure is first on my list of January favorites. This was by far my best color choice all month. My previous mani was a deep purple, which looked pretty, but this one just knocks it out of the park. The soft white is so simple and clean. The color matches everything which is perfect. I also love how it looks different depending on the lighting (see image below). This particular color is Tammy Taylor's Gelegance in French Vanilla. If you're in the South Jersey area and would like to book with my manicurist, click here; she always does a fab job!

RING: Perry Street via Rocksbox (review coming later this week; in the mean time, use code megandbff1 to get your first month FREE!)

The rest of my January faves are quiet the variety (as you can see)

1. NOTEBOOK. This notebook has been my go-to lately. The rose gold foil lettering is so pretty. Even the edges of the pages are trimmed in rose gold - insert heart eyes emoji here. I also love the quote on the front. It's motivational and serves as a great reminder to keep making progress towards my goals on a daily basis!

2. BEANIE. This beanie is fab! The jeweled top is so my style. I also love the neutral color because it matches a lot of different outfits. It's the perfect go-to for when I want to add a little sparkle to my look. 

3. HEAT PROTECTANT. This instant protection spray by Living Proof is amazing! Confession: I've never really used a heat protectant on my hair before. I don't blow dry it that often (I usually shower at night and let it air dry) so the only heat it sees is from my curling iron. My hair is very healthy so I guess I just never thought of it. When I read that this product not only protects your hair from the heat of the tools you use, but also protects it from the sun's UV rays, I was sold. 

4. RAY-BANS. These mirrored Ray-Bans were a Christmas gift from Rob and I have been wearing them nonstop! I love love love the color because it compliments my hair well. Definitely my go-to pair of sunnies right now. (mine are the color brown/pink)

5. TOTE BAG. This tote bag is everything. I've been using it as my carry all between my parent's house and Rob's. It's large enough to fit my hair products & curling iron, my makeup bag, and some clothes. The leather is so soft and it is currently on sale! You can see photos of the full bag in this post. 

That's all I have for you ladies this month. Be sure to leave a comment below with the products you've been loving lately.

Thanks for stopping by!

xo

December Faves & New Year Goals

One full week into the new year, and here I am writing up my December faves and goals for 2016. Talk about being behind lol. But, better late than never I guess! (Or never late is better, as Drake would say.)

Now, let's get to it!

Starting with my December Favorites: 

1. S'well Bottle. Now, this may or may not be cheating since I haven't had it for a full month yet, but I LOVE my S'well bottle my mom got me for Christmas! I've been wanting one of these bottles since the summer time, but I could never bring myself to splurge on it. Well.. no more plastic tumblers for me. This bottle is EVERYTHING. Absolutely worth the money. My water stays cold all day long (If it makes it that far haha. I usually refill a few times throughout the day - staying hydrated is so important you guys!). I haven't tried it with anything hot yet, but I'm sure it works just the same. *Mine is from the glitter collection in the color sparkling champagne. 

2. Black & Pom Pom Beanie. I've been wearing this black beanie so much. My favorite thing about it is that it's lined on the inside so no cold air gets in. I also love that it's cable knit and has the fur pom on the top. It's the perfect accent! Mine is the brand Mitchies and it's from Sadee's. There are a ton of these online right now so I linked a few options here: one, two, three, four, five, six

3. Gold & White Initial Mug. The white and gold combo is so in right now. My mom picked up this mug for me and I love it! Don't get me wrong, I also love the oh so popular one from Anthropologie, BUT the handle is so tiny! This one is at the top of my list because the handle is big and I love the polka dot accents. I also love the initial on the inside - how adorable! 

4. eos Lip Balm. I'm a huge fan of eos! I even use their shaving cream! I thought their holiday collection was so adorable with these stickers! I was a little disappointed because some of them came off. However, my purse is a mess at the bottom so I'm sure they were banged around a little. Either way, this three pack was worth it. Such a great product and an even better idea to add stickers!

5. Dermalogica Active Moist. I LOVE this lotion! I use this one every morning after I wash my face. It keeps my skin hydrated and smooth. It has a light texture which I also like. It came in the kit I bought a few weeks ago, but I definitely plan to purchase the full size when I run out. I've been loving all of my Dermalogica products and I can't wait to do a review for you guys with my new skincare routine :) it's only been a few weeks, but I've already seen a difference!

As if this post isn't long enough.. Now I want to share my goals for the new year (both blog related and life related): 

Sophia Bush posted this quote for the new year and I couldn't agree with it more! I've never been a major "New Years" girl because I've always thought resolutions were kind of silly. The idea of setting intentions, rather than resolutions, is so refreshing to me. I believe that setting a goal, loving yourself, and acting under these conditions will ensure growth and success. I also believe that this can be done at any time; not just new year's. It's important that you are ready to make these changes and go after a goal so you can reach success. 

So here are my goals for 2016. 

1. Do more yoga. I LOVE doing yoga, but I can never get into a solid routine. Maybe taking a class would help, but I do like being able to do it at home so I can set the vibe and truly focus on the moment. It's such a great activity because it has so many benefits. I first got into it because I liked the flexibility aspect. As I kept going with it, I really began to enjoy the meditation part of it. It really does help me find balance and calmness. Which is why I need to do more of it!

2. Look at the stars more. There's something so intriguing about looking up at the sky on a clear night and noticing all of the stars. For me, it reminds me that there really are infinite possibilities in this life and that appreciation of everything around me is truly important. 

3. Become better at flat lays. I love looking at carefully curated and beautifully put together flat lays. And I totally wish I could recreate them, but I need some practice. There's a certain style I want to convey and I have some ideas up my sleeve, so bringing them to life is definitely something I want to focus on!

4. Post more lounge wear/fitness gear. I don't wear leather pants and faux fur every day of my life lol! I really love lounge wear and fitness gear so I want to start sharing that with you guys. When I first started my blog, I had the idea of doing Fitness Fridays, where I would post an outfit and some health & wellness tips. If this is something you would be interested in seeing, comment below to let me know! (If you haven't already, read my about page so you know the possible tips I will provide come from my educational background in health & exercise science.)

5. Focus on style, rather than trends. Don't get me wrong- I love some of the trends that come around. However, trends aren't forever, but style is. And style is so much more than what you wear. It's how you think, how you act, what you believe in, etc. I want to create a place where you can come and truly relate to my style; not just think I'm a trendy girl living a blogger life lol!

Comment below to let me know what your goals are for this year and what you would like to see more of! 

xo

November Favorites

Happy December! I can't believe it's here already and Christmas is just 24 days away! Tis the season of snow angels, hot chocolate, and pretty lights! 

Now.. my November favorites!

1. Signature Soy candle in scent Winter Mint. This scent is amazing and it's been getting me in the Christmas spirit over the past couple weeks! I always rave about these candles because the price is right and the quality is great! *This is a limited edition scent and I found it in store. There are plenty of other scents available online if you don't have a Target near you!

2. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. This dry shampoo is AMAZE. It's the first dry shampoo that I've ever used that actually does it's job and lets  me get an extra day out of my hair before having to wash it! If you're a dry shampoo lover you NEED this in your life! I promise it's a game changer. 

3. Living Proof Style Lab Flex Shaping Hairspray. I always have high expectations when it comes to hairspray because I've tried so many and I use it on a daily basis so I need to trust it. This flexible hairspray is the BEST one I've ever used, hands down. It keeps my hair soft, but in place. It makes it easier to brush through my curls for a more natural look. It also smells good! I can't wait to try the rest of the products from Living Proof; this brand is amazing!

4. Fight On. I've had my eye on this book for a while. It's short and sweet, but so inspirational. It's great for days when you're feeling down or need that extra kick of motivation. It's like a little story about how you are in control of your life and you can do anything you want as long as you put your mind to it and think positive. 

5. Love x Style x Life. Confession: I haven't read this whole book yet. BUT what I have read, I really enjoyed. It's very insightful and has given me a lot to think about as far as who I am and what I want my blog to reflect. 

6. Threshold Faux Fur Blanket. Blankets are essentials for me! I always want to be cozy when I'm curled up on the couch or in bed. The color of this particular one is so pretty and perfect for winter. There are three colors available, mine is in the color brown.

That's a wrap! Time for a workout and holiday decorating! Leave a comment to let me know what your current favorite products are!

xo

October Favorites

Happy Halloween! I can't believe October is over already! It was here and gone in the blink of an eye and I'm not sure how I feel about it since it is my favorite month! Besides October being my favorite month, I have so many new favorite products to share so hopefully you find some new stuff to try :)

First: The Wet Brush. Where has this brush been all my life?! It is AMAZING. Because my hair is so long it gets super knotty, especially when it's curled. It would be such a pain to brush out all the knots, but not anymore! The bristles are flexible and thin so they move through your hair painlessly. I never would have thought a brush could make so much of a difference but it makes ALL the difference! 

Second: The Urban Decay Naked2 Basics palette. I had been dying to buy the Naked Basics palettes for so long since they're the only ones I don't have. I went with the Naked2 because the colors have a little more of a grey tone which I prefer on my eyes. Needless to say I love this palette of matte shades and I definitely recommend it! It's my new go to! I also got the Naked 24/7 Glide-On Double-Ended Eye Pencil in the shade Naked Basics and love that as well! 

Third: The Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Sandwash Pink. Now, I am not a huge lipstick girl, so the fact that this made my favorites list speaks volumes! All of the lipsticks I have are MAC, but I must say, this one by Bobbi Brown is perfect! It's creamy which is great because my lips don't get dry while wearing it and my hair doesn't stick to it. The color is beautiful; it's just enough to give fall feelings without being too dark. 

Fourth: As always, the Signature Soy candle from Target in the scent Cinnamon Pumpkin Muffin. I've been burning this candle every day and I love it! I recently stocked up on some holiday scents because they were on sale. 

Fifth: The Threshold tray pictured above from Target. I found this in the store and I HAD to buy it! When it comes to home decor, I love trays! They are perfect when grouping other decor pieces together. They define the space and add a little extra. The color of this tray is perfect and I plan to use it on the kitchen table Rob and I are in the process of making! 

Sixth: The fur blanket pictured above from Pier 1. This blanket is amazing. It is so cozy and warm, and the price isn't bad. I see so many fur blankets that I want, but they're super pricey. This one is reasonable and you definitely get what you pay for. The opposite side is still fuzzy so it's comfortable on your skin. 

Well, that's a wrap! I hope you ladies give some of these products a try; you won't be disappointed! Have a safe & happy Halloween!

xo

September Favorites!

I cannot believe it is already October! This past month FLEW by, but I have to admit, October is one of my favorite months because this is when it starts to feel like fall. Except it's supposed to rain for the next week :( totally not fun. But to brighten these next few rainy days, I found the prettiest fresh cut flowers yesterday in all the colors of fall! Major heart eyes for these beauties (yes they're the ones in the picture above!!) But, without further ado, here are my September faves!

My first favorite is the Urban Decay Naked Skin Illuminating Beauty Balm. I am SO in love with this product! I've been using the regular Naked Skin Beauty Balm for over a year now because it gives the light coverage I need while keeping my skin smooth and breakout free. I finally read the reviews on the Illuminating Beauty Balm and there was not one bad thing said about it, so I decided to give it a try. I honestly love it, almost more than the regular one. The regular one gives a nice matte finish, whereas the illuminating one gives more of a dewy finish. I've always been a fan of a matte finish on my skin, but the subtle glow given by the illuminating beauty balm is perfect and it is slightly tinted so it provides light coverage. It's so easy to pair with a blush, mascara, brow powder, and tinted chapstick for an easy, natural look. Needless to say, I absolutely recommend this product. You won't be disappointed!

My second favorite is the Signature Soy Cozy Nights candle from Target. This candle smells AMAZING, especially for fall! The best part is it's only $10, it lasts for over a month (I still haven't burned all of it yet), and the scent is still as strong as it was when I first burned it. I also have this candle in the scent Vintage Lace, which smells just as good. Next on my list is one with a pumpkin scent, so check back for my October faves to see if I find one that makes the list! 

My third favorite (not pictured because I used it all and threw it away, sorry!) is the Not Your Mother's She's a Tease Volumizing Hairspray. You can either purchase it from the link I provided, or at your local Walmart. I love this hairspray because it smells like apples.. delicious! I also love it because it provides a strong hold without making my hair stiff or knotty. My hair is pretty long and thick, so hairspray is essential when I want my curls to last. This one does the job better than any other I had ever tried.. not to mention the price tag is great! 

My fourth favorite is the Good Vibes Only phone case by Sonix. When I saw this phone case I HAD to have it! I love that the letters are reflective and change color depending on the light. I love that the letter "o" is an eye. I also love that it's clear so the background is gold! I've gotten so many complements on this case, how could it not be a favorite?! I also love the message it sends. Good vibes and positivity are something we should all spread. Being positive just makes life better :) 

PS. I want to wish my big little brother a happy 19th birthday! I can't believe how fast the time really goes. He's such a young man it's crazy! Love you Gar! 

And one more thing.. Tory Burch is having a fall sale now through Monday, October 5. Just use the code "FALLEVENT" to get up to 30% off!! Take advantage of this while it lasts!

xo

August Favorites!

I can't believe today is September first! August is over & I started class today, so that means summer is over :( On a happy note, I'm really excited for this post! I thought it would be fun to do monthly posts where I share my favorite products/things from that month. So here it is.. my August favorites! 

PS. If you have any current favorites please let me know in the comments! I'm always looking for new things to try out :)

xo

First is my new 17 month Lilly Pulitzer planner from Paper Source! I am IN LOVE with this planner! (And I thought I loved my Kate Spade one from last year!) There's a ton of reasons why I love this planner, but the top three reasons are that I love the cover (how adorable are the elephants, especially in gold foil?!), it has a monthly calendar AND a weekly calendar with more than enough room for me to write all my homework assignments, and it has adorable stickers to decorate with! Having a planner is essential for me because it keeps me organized and this one is definitely worth the money.

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Second is my SkinCeuticals sunscreen. This sunscreen is amazing! I'm outside just about every day during the summer so protecting my skin is really important to me. This particular bottle is a white sunscreen that is a little thicker. I have also used their tinted sunscreen which has a thinner consistency and goes on a little smoother; however, both are great! I use this on my face only and I love it for my face because it DOES NOT cause me to break out like other sunscreens have in the past. One bottle lasts me all summer so again, worth the money! I purchase this sunscreen at the salon & spa where I get my hair done, but it is also available online and linked above!

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Third is my Urban Decay Perversion Mascara. I have been using this mascara for a long time because it came in the Naked On The Run palette as a travel size. The travel size lasted for months because I only used it when I was going out, not on a daily basis (I was being cheap and didn't feel like spending the money on the regular size when I figured drug store mascara worked just as good). I finally caved in and bought the regular size and I can honestly say I will never buy a drug store mascara again. This mascara goes on so smooth and makes my lashes long & bold without being clumpy! Such a difference from the drug store one I used to use. IN LOVE! 

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Fourth is my Capri Blue candle from the Muse collection in the scent Volcano. I love this candle because it smells SO GOOD and the jar is adorable so it can be reused! As you can see, I currently store my Alex & Ani bracelets in it. (To remove any left over wax from the jar just put it in your freezer over night, then take it out the next day and scrape away the wax at the bottom with a dull knife. The wax should come off easily, if not use baby oil to help! Then rinse the jar and you're all set!) I also have this candle in the scent Modern Mint, which smells delicious as well. I purchased this candle at a local boutique but it can also be purchased from Anthropologie (they have a wide selection of different jars!) or directly from Capri Blue's website. 

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Last on my list for my August favorites is the Pandora station "Jubel." Jubel is a song by Klingande and I am currently OBSESSED with it (thanks to my cousin-in-law!) This has been my go to Pandora station for the past month and probably will continue to be. It just gives good vibes and puts me in a good mood. Just create a new station in Pandora titled Jubel and you will be set!