Oh, hi!

When I declared my intent to unplug a little more and blog a little less back in October, a month-long leave of absence from the Internet wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. Somehow, November slipped right through my fingers…

But let’s get back to business.

One of the things I’d like to [try to] do on the blog is share my beauty favorites each month (inspired by Pretty Shiny Sparkly). The fact that I’m posting my November picks a week into December just speaks to my excellent procrastination skills.

Here we go!

Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream and Powder – This has been my daily duo for the last six weeks. It has all you need in an everyday product: sun protection, color correction, and some built-in skincare benefits; plus it’s paraben-free. The cream reminds me of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer; it dries to a light-reflecting matte finish with a medium coverage that just looks like healthy skin. The powder compact is like a pressed dupe of Guerlain Meteorites. Here’s the best part: you can get both — with a complementary concealer — for about $20.

Butter London Lippy Tinted Balm – This has replaced just about every other lip product in my handbag. The formula has vitamin E and avocado, mango and shea butters that make it slip on easily like a balm, but the colors are highly-pigmented and subtle for every day. My favorites are Abby Rose (pink) and Teddy Boy (nude). These are also paraben- and phthalate-free.

Ole Henriksen Lavender Body Oil – I bought this natural body oil for 50% off at TJ Maxx — they have a bevy of beauty products, why didn’t anyone tell me? — and it’s become my daily all-over moisturizer. It’s such a simple formula: lavender essential oil, sesame oil, and sweet almond oil. The scent is super relaxing and my dry skin drinks it up.

U.S. Apothecary Rose Water Bubble Bath – C surprised me with a night at the Ritz for my 30th birthday last month. I splurged on this bubble bath in the spa gift shop while he checked out the golf course. I also bought the hand and body lotion (I couldn’t resist). I’m rationing this stuff like liquid gold, but I love having a little piece of that weekend at home.

Tangle Teezer – This compact little wonder tool makes easy work of brushing through my over-processed highlighted hair, wet or dry. This was another discounted TJ Maxx find, but I would happily hand over 20 bucks for one.