I know I just did a Favorites-like post (if you missed it, you can check it out here), but it only included recently discovered items, and I stuck only to makeup. Since there are still plenty of other favorites I’ve been using this month, I figured I would share those as well! So, without further ado, here are my April favorites!
I’m going to start with a skin care item that seems to be getting a lot of buzz lately – at least the brand has. It’s the Michael Todd True Organics Tropical Fruit Scrub. I tend to like a relatively rough scrub, even on my face. The problem is, most of the “scrubbier” scrubs use ingredients with rough edges that can cause microscopic tears in the skin. Jojoba beads are probably the safest alternative to many ingredients used in scrubs, but often I find jojoba bead scrubs are so gentle that I can barely feel the scrubbing action. The Tropical Fruit Scrub mixes the best of both worlds by using jojoba beads to exfoliate, but they’re large enough that you can feel them scrubbing. It still feels very gentle, but I can feel something is working on my face. It’s really the perfect balance. Plus, the Tropical Fruit Scrub smells really good! There’s a slightly “off” tropical fruit scent to it. By “off,” I mean it doesn’t quite smell natural, which is strange because there is no artificial fragrance added. Maybe it’s more of a tropical fruit juice kind of scent. Either way, yum! J My skin feels soft and smooth after using this scrub, and I think it looks a bit more radiant too! If all that were not enough, it is also 96% Organic, Certified Vegan and Made in the USA! I really love the Tropical Fruit Scrub, so I guess the hype is well deserved! J
Next is a Clear Hair Gloss. I’ve seen it discounted at my local Ulta, so I’m hoping it’s not being discontinued! I’m not a big one for doing much more than wash and condition my hair in the shower, but I rediscovered the Healthy Sexy Hair Reinvent Color Care Top Coat this month. I’ve had this for a long time, but never feel like adding the step to my shower routine. Once I started using it again, I feel like my hair really is shinier! It’s really simple to use – you just apply it like any other shampoo or conditioner, and leave it in for about 3-5 minutes. Then, you simply wash it out. Couldn’t be much easier! It doesn’t make my hair overly shiny, and it doesn’t feel dry or greasy, my hair just looks healthier and shines like hair is supposed to. I’ve really been loving this and will be mightily upset if it’s been discontinued! J
On to nails. I don’t know what I would do without my Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat! My first bottle was just about gone, so I tried a few others in hopes of finding a less expensive alternative, but no luck! I ordered another bottle of the Julep, and it is amazing stuff! My polish dries quickly and it gives the most amazing shine! You can read my full review of it here.
Moving into makeup, I absolutely love the Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in “1.” It’s very similar to the famed Bobbi Brown concealer, but I think the Laura Mercier version is even better (and still cruelty-free)! It’ very creamy and a great peachy-tone that really helps cover dark circles. It’s also not so peach that you need to add a flesh-toned product over it. It stays put and I haven’t found it to crease or settle into fine lines. What more could you ask for? J Definitely give the Laura Mercier Secret Concealers a look when you have a chance!
Next, there is one lipstick I find myself reaching for over and over again. It is both for the formula and the shade. It is the NARS Lipstick in Niagara. The formula is really comfortable, not at all drying, and it stays put. It's no where near as dark as the bullet looks. The shade is just a nice, subtly bright pinky-coral. It’s a really great lipstick and I love the color! Sadly, I’m not in love with a lot of the other shades of NARS lipstick, but “Niagara” is well worth a look! J
Wearing NARS Lipstick in "Niagara"
Lastly, I have another brush from Bdellium Tools! It is the 772 Small Shadow brush. I really like this because it’s quite small, which makes for precise placement of eye shadow. It’s great for shading under the lower lash line as well. I use it for brightening the inner corners of my eyes sometimes too. It’s just a great detail brush and I use it all the time! J
Sorry it's dirty!!! :/ The tip is usually white.
And there you have my additional April favorites! If you’ve tried any of these products, I’d love to know what you think of them! I’d also love to know what products you’ve been loving this month! Feel free to leave comments below! I read them all and try to respond, but I do admit that I’m not always super fast with responses. I love hearing your feedback though, so please, comment away!!! J
