My August Favorites

BEAUTY

bareMinerals Invisible Bronze :: Did I need another bronzer? Nope. But Jamie Paige listed this in her top 10 bronzers and I always find her recommendations to be spot-on, so I scooped it up in the shade ‘fair to light’. It’s a sheer formula with the teensiest amount of shimmer that gives the skin a really pretty glow, similar to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders. This is probably the reddest bronzer in my collection, but it works, because fair to light skin tones usually flush a little with a tan, so it looks really natural. I like to bounce it into my skin with an expert face brush, focusing the color on the tops of my cheekbones, the tip of my nose, and around the perimeter of my face for a “just hit the beach” glow.

Bite Beauty ‘The Lip Pencil’ :: I’ve never met a Bite lippy I didn’t love. They recently launched a collection of lip pencils in a gorgeous range of colors, and I picked up the shade 022 (a rosy brown nude) on my last Sephora pop-in. The formula is super-pigmented, creamy, long-wearing, and comfortable on the lips, and the color is so pretty I’ve been wearing it solo with a dab of lip balm on top.

MAC Prime + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base :: This stuff is like superglue for eye shadow! I love cream shadows because they’re so easy to swipe-on-and-go, but without a primer, they’re a mess in the summer heat and humidity. This eye base holds creams and powders in place allll day without fading, creasing or smudging, and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. I use the tiniest bit on my lids before I dab on my favorite cream eyeshadow, and it stays fresh and perfect until I wash it off.

Zoya ‘Naked’ manicure kit :: This is actually an old favorite that I rediscovered this summer because I’ve been too lazy to keep up with proper manicures. I love the clean, buffed finish it gives my nails (and I love not worrying about chipped polish even more.)

HAIR

invisibobble hair ties :: Karima McKimmie recommended these hair ties for migraine sufferers, and while I don’t get migraines too often, I’m no stranger to tension headaches and a tender scalp after a long day with my hair piled on top of my head. Initially, I didn’t see what all the fuss was about, but after a week of using an invisibobble exclusively, I pulled my hair into a topknot with one of my regular old elastics, and — I kid you not — had a headache within an hour. I’m converted! They’re pricier than traditional elastics, but I think they’re totally worth it, and they’re even comfortable to sleep in. Incredibly, I’ve only used one from the pack of three; considering I’ve lost half a dozen old hair ties in less time, I don’t know how I’ve managed to keep track of it for so long! (Probably because it’s always in my hair.)

BATH + BODY

Schmidt’s natural deodorant in Ylang-Ylang + Calendula and Lavender + Sage :: I’m trying to get back on the green beauty bandwagon, and finding an effective natural deodorant is always a challenge. I think Schmidt’s is a winner: it smells great, works all day — the Florida summer is prime time to test a deodorant, let’s be real — and so far, it doesn’t irritate my skin.

STYLE

Michael Kors ‘Sandrine’ satchel in black pebbled leather :: I typically don’t purchase Michael Kors bags (I’m not big on wearing logos) but I wanted a medium-sized black leather bag for everyday and found this one at TJMaxx for a great price. I love the leather tassel and gold hardware, and the strap is long enough that I can carry it as a cross-body.

MOTIVATION

Best Self Success Journal :: This was an impulse purchase from an Instagram ad at the start of the summer, when I was in a funk and feeling uninspired and scatter-brained. I liked the idea of a goal-specific planning journal to help me set some intentions and track my progress. This planning tool breaks down 3-month goals into manageable chunks, and ties your daily tasks to your big-picture goals to help you hit the target. I’m really enjoying using it, and if you’re familiar with bullet journaling, you’d probably enjoy it, too.