December Favorites & Giving Back

Hey, everyone! Happy Tuesday :)

Today I wanted to talk about my favorite products of December. Sorry that its so late! I have been super busy with school and work. This month I discovered and re-discovered a ton of amazing things I wanted to share with you guys!

Before I begin, I just want to talk a little bit about giving back.  As part of my New Year's resolution, I am trying to do more for other people.  So, for the months of January (and I am going to tap into my will power to try and do this for February as well) I am going to be going on a no-buy for any kind of thing that is unnecessary. Which means.. shopping is a no-go.  While this is in part because of my trip to the NYC IMATS in April (there's another announcement!), I also want to use the money to give back to the community.  WIth the money I am saving from not spending on myself, I'm planning on buying some toys to take to the Children's hospital, school supplies for the local preschools... and anything else I can think of (if you have any ideas or suggestions, PLEASE post them in the comments box below!)  Don't worry, I will keep the blog posts coming!! This is just giving me an opportunity to use up some stuff I haven't gotten a chance to yet.  

At work this week, we had a food drive for the local women's shelter.  So many associates (including myself) brought in items and we filled a huge amount of boxes.  Way to go everyone! I know that the deserving recipients will really appreciate it. 

On that note, here are my DECEMBER FAVORITES!!!

Glam Glow Mud Mask 

So I put the best item first.  Oh, my God.  It is AMAZING!! Its a miracle product, and the greatest skincare item I have ever owned.  Glam Glow makes two masks, and this is the second, newer one they have released.  It's advertised as an acne mask, and the other is supposed to be strictly exfoliating, but after trying both as samples, I am definitely a bigger fan of the mud/acne one.  Though I don't have acne (and I probably just jinxed myself.. and a breakout is headed my way), it pulled out every impurity there could ever possibly be in my skin.  I was shocked. But, the greatest part is that, as it dries, you get to see everything it uncovered.  It was life-changing.  Whenever my no-buy is over, that is the number one product on my list.  Seriously, you need this product. (Sephora)

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

After being a hardcore Bare Minerals fan for the last 4 years or so, I decided to change it up and try a liquid foundation.  I am beyond impressed.  There is such a huge range of colors, and I really like their idea of "half" colors-- which are smack in the middle between two colors.. which is perfect for people like me (I am shade 4.5).  I've been applying it with a Beauty Blender (which will be featured in a review coming up soon).  It's medium-level coverage that glides onto your skin beautifully.  Another plus is that it lasts- I've been using mine daily since the first week of December and I'm only 1/2 way done with the bottle. (www.urbandecay.com)

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment

This is more of a year-round favorite that I've just been using more frequently now that my lips are dry from the cold! It's the perfect shade on me and provides sheer color and a ton of moisture.  (Sephora)

Smashbox Under Eye Primer

I have been blessed with huge, puffy, dry, dark circles underneath my eye that no amount of concealer can ever seem to cover.  Luckily, I found this.  I put it on after my eye cream (Clinique's All About Eyes Rich), allow it to dry, and then apply my concealer. Not only does it provide a ton of hydration, but it also makes concealer last longer and apply more smoothly. (Sephora)

Soap and Glory Hand Food Hand Cream

I bought this as a replacement for my Bath and Body Works' Warm Vanilla Sugar anti-bac hand cream.  It's heavily moisturizing, but a light formula.  It smells amazing, and has marshmallows in it (who knew they could work so well in a hand cream?) (Sephora)

Bath and Body Works Body Lotion in Lemon Vanilla

I am a sucker for Bath and Body Works.  I am also a sucker for anything with lemon (think.. L'Occitane Verbena!) and Vanilla.  So, on my annual day-after-Christmas-shopping, I saw a bottle of this wonderful product for just $3 for the Semi-Annual sale.  I can't believe I never knew about this whenever it was a regular item.  I bought two bottles.  Needless to say, I am on bottle number two. (bathandbodyworks.com)

Urban Decay Vice Palette

All I can say is wow. It comes with 20 never-before-seen colors in the new formula!  Right now I have to say, my favorite color has to be Vice! Good job naming the palette after it, UD :) (www.urbandecay.com)

Thanks for reading... Talk to you soon!

XOXO

ANM