Kerastase Specifique Densitive GL

Kérastase Specifique Densitive GL · $40

So this is a little different than my normal product posts buuuuut sometimes different is good. 

I purchased this little bottle on a whim (but also with a recommendation) after getting a haircut last week. When my hair is in its natural state aka curly and big enough to double as a lions mane, I have no issue with volume and body at all. When I straighten my hair which is most of the time, my hair tends to lay flat and not really do much of anything. When I went in for my cut and style, I told the stylist what products I use, told her what I was looking to achieve when styling my hair, and she recommended this. 

Kérastase Specifique Densitive GL is a thickening spray which is supposed to soothe the scalp and stimulate micro-circulation while also adding texture and volume to thin/lifeless hair. You spray it on — roots to ends — and blow-dry for the finished effect. What you're left with is natural looking volume and body. I normally spray this roots to mid-shaft (leaving out my ends) and massage into my scalp before blow-drying. I feel as though my ends don't really need it/there isn't really a purpose for spraying them because I want most of my body at the top and middle! You can also spray this on dry hair and blow-dry for a nice and even more voluminous effect. Overall I'm really happy with this so far and it's definitely helped me use less product in the long run while doing my hair. I really want to check out the Kérastase Résistance shampoo and conditioner which is supposed to be amazing for weakened and fine hair. 

Have you tried any Kérastase products? Which are your favorites?

Anastasia Want You To Want Me Eye Shadow Palette

Anastasia Want You To Want Me Eye Shadow Palette · $34

I've been looking for a new palette, preferably one that would have colors to compliment all the berry/wine colored lipsticks I've been wearing lately. Upon searching the depths of the internet, I came across this limited edition holiday set and knew I had to have it.

The set comes with a palette of 9 colors, a sleek black liquid liner, a clear brow gel, and a little bitty brush. I already own the Anastasia Brow Wiz, so the brow gel will definitely compliment that on days where my brows are a little unruly. I've strayed away from black liner completely as it seems a bit harsh on me lately but I'm still excited to try this one (possibly for nights out). The whole kit is supposed to be a "nod to the glam and decadence of the 1970’s" hence the names of the colors, and I think it's such a cute idea.

The palette itself is full of gorgeous purples, mauves, pinks, and tans which are so perfect for this season considering the trends. The colors blend effortlessly and seem to stay on well with no issues at all. They're velvety smooth and just lovely to use. For the price it's honestly a steal, so if you're looking for a little something new, try and get your hands on this! My only qualm about this is that it's made of that velvety fabric (like the UD Naked palette) so it's already full of fuzzies! Oh well. Still worth it ;)

What do you guys think of the set? Are you loving the colors in the palette as much as I am?

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin'  — once I hit 100 followers I'm doing a huge giveaway (worth $100)!

Monthly Recap: L I F E

I haven't done one of these in a while and I thought it'd be fun to give a little update on what I've been doing outside of my blog. That said, I've been so busy lately between blogging and work, I barely have time to do anything else!

Richard and I did a ton of shopping last month which resulted in new shoes for the both of us as well as leather jackets. I don't even know if it'll get cold enough here to wear it a lot, but I have worn it a few times and it'll definitely be perfect for nights in SF. Other than that, I bought some collartips, worked from the comfort of my bed, ate some beans on toast <3, and got a haircut! Yay life.

The next few months are going to be packed solid full of trips to see family for holidays and I'm interested to see how long it takes before I get seriously stressed, ha. Aside from that, I need to get a new passport which I've been putting off for a while (procrastination at it's finest). I'll be applying to LCC this year which means the possibility of me moving to London which I'm both excited and scared about (which is also something I've been putting off, oops!). Weeeeee'll see what happens!

What has everyone else been up to this past month? Any fun trips planned?

Birchbox Man: October 2012

Birchbox Man · $20/mo

This months BB Man is pretty badass if I do say so myself (Richard thinks so too ;). When I took the package out of the mailbox I was like "why the hell is this so heavy?!". I now know why.

First up are the Teroforma Whisky Stones — how awesome are these? They're one of those things that I've looked at/considered buying for Richard but never did. Luckily we're now the proud owners of six which means no more watered-down bourbon! They come with a cute little pouch to keep them in and a set of instructions so we can be sure we're using them correctly (can you really go wrong?).

Going along with the theme of alcoholic beverages, he also received a BB Man jigger — another thing we've thought about buying but never have. Precisely poured cocktails here we come! They also included a $10 gift card (not pictured) to Caskers, a craft spirits website, which I thought was a nice touch.

As with every other box, there are some everyday skincare/lifestyle products thrown in as well. This month is:

• Samples of Nickel Super Clean Scrubbing Gel, Super Speed Moisturizer, and Morning After Rescue Gel — all products are spa quality and should be interesting to try.
• Cartier Déclaration Eau De Toilette — A citrusy but musky scent which I've fallen in love with and seems perfect for the fall season. 
• Borghese Fango Delicato — A mud face mask rich in minerals for delicate dry skin. We all know how much Richard loves face-masks so this is a pretty foolproof item!
• The Art of Shaving Unscented Pre-Shave Oil (not pictured) — This kind of got lost under the other stuff so I forgot to take a photo (and to be fair I'm really not bothered). We have a few samples of this in the house and Richard is a bit meh on the whole Art of Shaving brand, so it's whatever!

What do you guys think of this months box from Birchbox Man? Totally loving all the drink making goodies!

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed · $25

I'm definitely not one of those girls who can have only one or two blushes. I like to wear blushes depending on my mood/outfit/weather/etc. Since autumn has just begun, I figured it was time to set aside my summer colors and look for a few new ones for fall and winter. 

I'm not sure about anyone else but I'm definitely embracing the dark lip trend this F/W so I wanted a few blushes that would be subtle and work with the dark plums and dusty roses. Exposed is one of those blushes. It's actually described as "nude" which isn't really true — it's more of a rose than nude but it's still perfect and exactly what I was looking for. It gives me a nice, soft flush of color as if I had just walked in from the cold (I wish, it's so warm here lately). 

As for the 12 hour claim, I don't think it lasts that long but it does last at least 8 hours on my normal skin. This is my first Tarte purchase and I'm sure it won't be my last. I'm really impressed with how wonderful this blush is to apply and wear — and the packaging is adorable! If you're looking for a more delicate looking shade to go along with dark or deep lipstick, you really can't go wrong with this one. 

What do you guys think of Tarte products? Have you tried their Amazonian 12-hour blush?