Laura's Ingredients to BEAUTIMOUS

Today's guest bringing you their favorite things is my great pal, Laura.  Some know her as Bop ... or Baby Bop ... because let's face it, in high school we realized she looks like a baby dinosaur (but an oh so cute one!).  Laura and I met in high school because our last names were next to one another in the alphabet, so we were always seated by each other. Our lives have continued to mesh well into adulthood because we seem to be on a similar track. Although, she could speed up the pregnancy part and I wouldn't hold it against her :0)  I love the gal, she's real real great.

Alright so you should know the routine by now but if not, I had each gal send me a list with their descriptions and links to their favorite products. I put together their "favorite things" collage (to make all of the posts look the same) but from here on out - Lil Laura has the floor... :

First things first, I'm a review-reading junkie. I read and I read and I read until I decide to probably not purchase. I could give you the statistical average on reviews of millions of products that I've never owned, nor seen in real life. Stupid, I know. It's a guilty pleasure. Few products make the cut for me and you can bet that all of mine are tried and true. The real deal. While they may not be groundbreaking, they work for me and have become lifetime faves. Take a peek!

1. Benefit Coralista blush 
• I love the color. I love the brush. I love the smell. I love Benefit. Win-win-win-win. And actually while I'm at it, I love this whole set (1b)  
2. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle 
• I have brutally tangly hair. It used to take my hairdresser 30 minutes to comb it out. I've been known to use Johnson's No More Tangles up until about age 22. It's bad. But this stuff helps immensely. I use it once a week to keep my hair soft and tangle free. It's cheap and smells like a dream.
3. Oscar Blandi Texture & Volume Spray 
• I was certainly skeptical of this product, but it does wonders for my hair. The perfect pick me up. It adds a little texture and va-va-voom to dull hair. Bonus: It also adds a little life to hair on those days that you forget to wash. Major plus for this girl.
4. Sebastian Shaper Plus Hair Spray 
• This has been a staple in my life for about 10 years. It's the most perfect hairspray out there - great hold, not sticky or heavy. I blame all of my bad hair days in the past year on the fact that they discontinued it. I've been through countless hairsprays since and nothing compares. But I'm happy to report it's back!  I'll be purchasing 10 bottles to avoid any mishaps in the future.
• Hi! Katie here -- I wanted to pop in and mention ... this girl knows hairspray and I've got the photo to prove it, so I'd recommend taking her up on this advice ... too good not to share. Now, carry on Laura...

1. theBalm Stainiac Lip Stain in Beauty Queen 
• This one's a stain, so not moisturizing, but you'll never know it's on your lips. No icky lipstick or lip gloss texture and it lasts all day.
2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer 
• Finally! The foundation product I've always wanted. It's super light, but with great coverage. So easy to apply. And SPF included! This is something I probably read 600 reviews on and am so happy that I purchased. I'll use it for the rest of my life.
3. Sugar Lips in Rose 
• Probably my very top product. It's super soft & moisturizing like your favorite chapstick, with a pop of the most perfect color. The color of your lips, but a little better.  

Baili's Ingredients to BEAUTIMOUS

The first gal pal sharing with you her favorite beauty products is my dear friend Baili.  I think I have described Baili before as the mom of our group.  She's the one who keeps us all in line and keeps everything together. She is the key to the kingdom when it comes to organizing events, gals nights, and any other detail that needs a close eye.  She is a lover of the lake and we share one too many happy place memories there. Baili is the gal who will be a bridesmaid in every wedding from now until the year 2090 because she's that good of a friend. She also has one of my favorite alter-party ego's {Madtard} - but we'll spare those stories for a later post :P ... hehee!

So, like I mentioned yesterday, I had each gal send me a list with their descriptions and links to their favorite products. I put together their "favorite things" collage (to make all of the posts look the same) but from here on out - Miss Baili has the floor.  So here she is ladies and gents:

1. Mia Clarisonic
• Seriously my one and only true love when it comes to my skin care and beauty regimen.  Not joking when I say it has changed my skin. I honestly don’t feel like my face gets truly clean unless I use it. I just pump some Cetaphil on the brush head and get down to work! I have the Mia version, which seems to be the most affordable one. Not sure what the difference is between the others, since the brush heads are all interchangeable, you can really get whichever brush is best for your skin type. Be sure to order those off Amazon though, much much cheaper!
2. Mint Julep Masque
• I use this mask every Thursday so prep my skin for the weekend. It will clear up any blemish and leaving your skin feeling taut and smooth. Doesn’t hurt its called Mint Julep, a little nod to my Derby City!
3. Benefit Hoola Bronzer
• This is a great NATURAL looking bronzer that’s not too orangey and lasts a relatively long time. I’m also a sucker for Benefit’s cute packaging! Check out their other bronzer names.. .too fun!
4. Cetaphil
• I buy this thing by the industrial vat, seriously it’s that good! It’s gentle but gets the job done. There are a few different versions as far as skin type. You can pick it up at your local drugstore.
5. Cover Girl Tinted Moisturizer
• The only tinted moisturizer I keep going back to. I’ve tried the BB creams and other tinted moisturizers but those tend to be a little too thick and make-upy for me. Since I don’t use a foundation I really like to just have a little coverage and a moisturizer all in one.
6. Urban Decay Build Your Own Palette/ NakedPalette
• I went crazy for the Naked palette when it came out. It was nice to be able to try out colors I wouldn’t normally buy. Once those began to run out I discovered that Urban Decay has a ‘create your own’ palette option where you can pick 4 of your favorite colors in the regular size and pop them in yourself! I think it actually comes with one already in there. Such a deal at $18. The full size shadows are $18 themselves.  Also, Sephora is 8% cash back on Ebates right now!
• On another note, if you don’t have Ebates you’re missing the boat! You basically get money for shopping online—seriously that easy. Each online store that participates has a different %  of money back  on orders. Ebates will send you your earnings quarterly.

RM: My Ingredients to BEAUTIMOUS

Today is Recipe Monday.  The day where I normally share the latest and greatest recipe I'm wanting to try, or the latest and greatest recipe I did try and can no longer live without.  However, today and this entire week actually, I've enlisted some help from some of my besties to share with you a different kind of recipe.  A recipe made up of our absolute favorite beauty ingredients that make us look and feel like rock stars.  In the words of our favorite Honey Boo Boo Mama, June, the stuff that makes us down right BEAUTIMOUS!

I'll share my list of beauty must haves with you today - and then I'll highlight some of my gal pals for the rest of the week to divvy up their can't live without lists.  

It has been so fun to look at everyone's must haves and see what makes them tick.  It's not so great for my bank account however, because it makes me think I in turn need the items as well. If they're good enough for my pals, than I absolutely MUST HAVE THEM TOO ... Duh!  It's a blast though to see how passionate people are about "THEIR" products, and hear their excitement when they talk about them.  Because they are SO life changing, and make everything SO much better! ... Hehehe

I wish I could say I was different and haven't been sucked into the endless black hole that is the never ending abyss of retail beauty products, but I am no better my friends.  NO BETTER.  I actually may be worse.  For instance, when I was soliciting their help for this little project I started analyze my morning routine and realized how much I rely on every day items.  For instance, if someone were to ask me to choose between my teasing comb or my bronzer and said I had to quit the other 100% cold turkey, I really don't know if I'd be able to do it. Like really, it would inevitably cause a full fledged meltdown with tear stained cheeks and a ugly cry face.  I wish I were simply being dramatic for the sake of story telling, but I truthfully think it would be THAT devastating.  SEVERELY life altering.

So here goes, my list of favorite things that I use to make me feel BEAUTIMOUS!

1. Clean & Clear Daily Pore Cleanser
• This is MY face wash, and has been since I was about 14.  The bottle has changed appearance from time to time - but what's inside is grand. I've tried other face cleansers, but nothing seems to work on my skin like the teeny bopper brand.  So I will remain an ever loyal customer!
2. Sephora Cleansing pad
• I use #2 along with #1 and make my own Clarisonic.  Ugh, I've been wanting one for some time now and I know I need to break down and get one.  But I just haven't seemed to find the time, money or rationale.  But I hear once you get one you can never go back - so maybe I just need to turn in the flimsy cleansing pad and upgrade to the big girl status of the Mia. Or mayyyybe the Easter Bunny will bring it in my basket! -  Cough, cough: PENNY, ARE YOU READING THIS?!)
3. Amor, Amor by Cacharel
• My musk.  Again, a tried and true Katie-ism.  I was at the ripe old age of 17 when I found this stuff. My long time bestie, Jessica and I flew out to Denver, CO to visit her older sister Megan at the University of Denver.  Megan drove the coolest black 4-runner, played volleyball in Colorado, and took us to Bruegger's Bagels to eat lunch one day (side note: I still love all of these things, and I think it is all partially due to this trip, because I was so entranced by the whole scenario).  Anyways, when we climbed into Megan's ever so awesome Black 4-runner, it smelled so heavenly I swear I could have died a happy teenager right then and there.  And when we went out that night, I spotted the scent.  She spritz a little on before getting out of the car (because she kept a bottle and the lotion in her car - HOW SMART?!). I caught a glimpse of the label and I swore I'd make the purchase as soon as I got home.  Annnnnd here we are today. I still track the stuff down (on the Internet because they don't see it in many stores) and wear it like no other. Now, I'd be lying if I said I didn't throw in other scents every now and again, and Hubs buys me new perfumes.  But this is the one that tugs my heart strings. - Also, Megan if you're reading this - I apologize for how creepy I sound! 
4. Mebco Teasing Comb
• As I write this, I shrill at the thought of my life without it.  Now, I am by no means a "the higher the hair, the closer to Jesus" kind of girl, in that BIG hair is a must.  BUUUT, if my hair has not been teased at least a little bit, I feel downright heinous.  It's part of my routine.  I picked it up on college, well before the Snooki poof.  But, I rocked a decent half-up|half-down poof, and always added volume to my pony.  It's a must have item. MUST. HAVE. MUST.
5. Brazil Nut Body Butter
• I don't know about ya'll but I think it's kind of a challenge to find a good lotion.  I feel like many lotions have flaws: too greasy, not heavy enough, too heavy, overly scented, smells like an old lady, etc.  This little beaut seems to be just the right amount of scent, creaminess (hate that word), and non greasy.  Plus, it's an easy snag at your local Target!
6. Oscar Blandi - Pronto Dry Shampoo (powder)
• So, I'm one of those gals who always has wispy hairs in my face and some for (any length) of bangs hanging (even when I rock a pony).  So those fringe pieces around my face tend to get a little oily.  Plus, having dark hair - they seem to grease up a little quicker.  WELL - dry shampoo is my best friend when it comes to needing to throw myself together in a pinch.  I sprinkle a little on my finger tips - rustle it around my fringe and off I go.  Voila.  Squeaky clean (or at least my hair looks like it)!
7. Bare Minerals - Warmth - Bronzer
• Another absolute must have.  Dash a little of this on my cheek bones and I can take on the world.  Just a pop of color without appearing to orangy or oompah-loompah.  Bronzer isn't a gimmick. It's a lifeline.
8. Osis + Dust It Matifying Powder
• As mentioned above, in conjunction with my teasing comb.  This magical red bottle brings my roots to life.  The texture is a little funky, so use sparingly until you get the hang of it.  But my hair dresser used this on me for a wedding I was in almost 2 years ago and I've been hooked ever since.  It adds texture, volume and just enough life to SHAZAM those roots!  Buy it on Amazon - it's MUCH cheaper than what it retails for in a salon.
9. Victoria's Secret - Lip Gloss
• I won't name names, but I have a friend who tells me I'm not allowed to wear bright colors on my lips (specifically hot pink and red) b/c I've got big lips and big teeth.  Ergo, not a perfect combo.  Bottom line, there are some ladies who can rock it and some who can't.  I fall amongst the "can't" category but I'm okay with it.  This lip gloss has great flavor and doesn't stick with you.  It adds just enough neutral sheen and is great for everyday wear.
10. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
• I rub this little cream all over my face before I touch it with a make-up brush.  It helps to smooth everything out, keeps the oil to a minimum and helps to fill in some of those pesky pores.  Plus it keeps your make-up in tact for JUST a little longer.

So there you have it.  All of the items I use to make myself feel BEAUTIMOUS!  Stay tuned all week for updates from some of my best gal pals to see their MUST HAVE items!

Confessional Friday

TGIF!! TGIMARCHMADNESS!! TGINICEWHEATHEROUTSIDE!!

Today I'm joining Leslie for Confessional Friday and pictures from my parent's dinner last night at Paula Dean's restaurant {Lady & Sons} in Savannah looked sinful enough to require a confession, even if I didn't so much as have a single actual bite of the meal.

I confess ... that I actually want to bathe in the gooey butter cake pictured above.  It sounds glorious and mom assured me it tasted just as good.

I confess ... I was so tired I took a 1.5 hour nap after work yesterday. Which in turn led me to "cooking" Spaghettio's for dinner ... at 8:00pm for both myself and Shane.  Hubs smiled and choked it down.  Bless his heart.

I confess ... for lunch today I ordered a grilled chicken salad ... and a side of fries.  Pregnancy is winning.

I confess ... I probably will not be in the running for mother of the year award this year.  I ordered Baby U's furniture last weekend and was informed it will arrive in 14-16 weeks.  That means the odds are VERY good that Baby U will arrive before his furniture.  Looks like I'll be getting that bassinet after all.

I confess ... while on vacation next week I will be wearing a tankini (to spare innocent bystanders the let-it-all-hang-out pregnancy look).  Watch out ladies. 

I confess ... Hubs and I are bringing Miss Maggie Moo on vacation next week.  

I confess ... due to the above confession I have a twinge of anxiety and I also instantly giggle picturing bringing her through airport security and how she will act while caged under the seat in front of me.  But I imagine it will all be worth it when she scampers on the beach for the first time.

I confess ... that last night hubs was breathing so loudly I threatened to move to another room.  But then the thought of moving seemed to much of a task.  (Do loud breathers make anyone else crazy?) This is a new found thing he's discovered and I am NOT a fan.

I confess ... one of my friends discovered a hilarious website today and I have to share it with you.  Note: if you've made a cake for a bachelorette party - you may be interested. 

I confess ... because of above said website my friends are discussing possible ways to reuse the bachelorette cake pan for the cake for my baby shower.  One idea was to make a rattle.  They may be on to something ... (okay not really, but we did talk about it - and it would be really funny).

I confess ... My little brother melted my heart this week and invited me to lunch.  He's the greatest.

I confess ... I am so excited about next week's blog posts that will feature some surprise guests and favorite things.

Happy Friday. Happy March Madness. Happy small dose of spring time weather finally. Have a GREAT weekend!