February Beauty Favorites: the duos

I literally can't believe that it's already the end of February but I'm welcoming March with open arms in hope that it'll start to get a bit warmer. I'm an autumn girl at heart but all I really want right now is to take some long walks at the Stanford campus in a sundress.

This month's favorites was not intentionally pairs of products, but when I pulled out everything I've been loving, I realized they are things I love using together.

First up we've got a duo I've been wearing for probably two months now when I'm not in the mood to slather on a bit of YSL. The Laura Mercier Mineral Powder is something I've wanted to try since Esteé and Barbara raved about it quite a bit. Decent coverage, natural finish, no caking, you know how it goes. The BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in moonstone is something I usually wear under any foundation. That said, I find it looks particularly stunning under the LM mineral powder. Keep an eye out for a review of this soon. 

Is it a surprise I'm mentioning Patisserie? No, probably not. I'm still obsessed and wearing it daily. Paired with that, I've got NARS Douceur. Ever since I lost my beloved Tarte Exposed, I've been consistently wearing Douceur on the daily. It's the perfect dusty rose and goes with basically any lip and eye combo. Let's just say it's my new favorite blush.

I'm not that fussy about my nails, except when they chip after day 1 or 2. American Apparel Office lasted almost perfectly until day 6, and started chipping lots on day 7. I'll take it. Then there is Seche Vite, my topcoat of choice. It helps keep my polish in tip top shape and I really just like the way it feels, ha.

I got this little baby back in a Glossybox but threw it to the side and was all "yeah not interested". Well, things have changed. At first thought that this LIERAC Gommage Sensoriel was an exfoliator for your face. After a quick google search I was proved wrong (it's for your body) but that didn't stop me. I really love using this on my face — it's a pretty gentle exfoliant and once rubbed in, it turns milky and leaves your skin feeling super soft. I love it so much that I will be purchasing and reviewing it once I have the full sized tub in my possession.

Oh look. NARS Pro-Prime — do you guys remember how I was totally meh about this stuff? Fast forward to now. I tried going a day with out it and that was a baaaad mistake. My foundation felt as if it just didn't sit right on non-primed skin and I was slightly cringing all day. As for longevity, I found that certain parts of my foundation (around the nose/cheeks) faded faster than normal. Pro-prime, I'm sorry and I love you.

That's all folks! My fingers are now screaming from all that typing and my tea has gone cold, so I'm gonna go whip up a new mug and enjoy the day. What do you guys think of these products? Would you be interested in a (shorter) non-beauty favs?

Accessory: Catbird stacks

Catbird Classic Hammered First Knuckle Ring (pointer) 

Catbird Silver Alphabet Rings + Rose Gold Heart
Catbird Mignon Memory Ring* (pinky) 

This post is not in any way sponsored by Catbird. I'm just literally that much in love with them.

It's semi-hilarious to me that just a month ago I was like "yeah I don't wear much jewelry" and now I couldn't imagine not wearing FIVE rings on one hand. Who am I? I don't even know how this happened.

And I can't really help myself to be fair  — I literally have no restraint. After I posted my last post about the rings Richard got me, Catbird was lovely enough to send me a knuckle ring... and then I had to buy myself one. There's something about the knuckle rings that seems so delicate yet edgy, in classy way, of course. The detail they put into such small little pieces is never going to not stun me. They're just fun and soooo pretty and I really love anything that lets me express myself/my style. Plus I love that I can mix and match what I wear; if I don't feel like wearing the R ♥ C stack, I can pop the heart on my middle finger knuckle. If I want I can wear the hammered first knuckle ring on my pointer or my middle finger. I can cater to however I'm feeling that day. Maybe that's what I love so much about these — you can 100% mix and match to your mood and basically all of the rings they make/sell will look amazing together. If you're in the need for a little inspiration, check out their blog posts on stacking.

Images via Catbird

Come on now, what's not to love? I'm already saving for the Bittersweets NY Teensy Black Diamond Ring and the Catbird Tomboy. Someone needs to hold me down, seriously. Can't stop, won't stop. Sorry not sorry... and all that.

What do you guys think of my little stack + knuckle rings? I can't be the only one obsessing, right?!

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment / $19.50

When it comes to hair masks and treatments, I usually stick to LUSH. I know they're good quality and I know how well my lions mane reacts to them. That said, I'm always up for trying new stuff, especially if it means my hair looks and feels a bit healthier afterwards. 

This Ojon treatment isn't something that will transform your hair from brittle to perfection — but what it will do is soften, smooth, and help rid frizz. It's also supposed to help strengthen and repair. Does it though? I'm not so sure. That said, after using this I notice my hair is a lot less frizzy and that is a huuuge plus in my book, especially when I wear it all curly and natural. It's one of those things that I really enjoy using and while I do like the results, this isn't a product I couldn't live without. 

My two favorite things about this stuff? The smell and the application. I'm not exactly how to explain the smell. It's like a weird-ashy-caramel-I-don't-even-know kind of smell, but I'm into it. To apply/use this stuff, you scoop some of the treatment out with a spoon, rub it between your hands and ta-da! you've got a beautiful oily mess between your palms. Slather it in, comb through, and sit for 20+ minutes. I usually leave it on for an hour or so just because I feel like it. Wash out, style, and enjoy your silky locks. That's it.

What do you guys think of Ojon products? What's your favorite hair treatment or mask?

Currently reading: Grace: A Memoir

Grace: A Memoir / $23

Although I don't do it as much as I like to (or as much as I should) I really do love getting immensely submerged into a good book. I needed a little break from my other current read, Anna Karenina, which can be a lot to take in all at once, and figured this little number would be perfect. It looks like a lot of reading, but that's probably due to the stupidly huge font size. Ahem.

This is a book I've wanted to pick up for quite a while but hadn't had the chance to until now. It's basically supposed to give you a look into the life of not only Grace, but the fashion world itself. From modeling in the 60s to the production of The September Issue, us readers get a little peek inside something that not many people even get a taste of. Though I've heard some seriously contradicting reviews, I'm most definitely into giving this some of my time. I'm crossing my fingers that this won't be dry or dragging —more than anything I just hope to be a bit more inspired as I read. I mean, hello, Vogue!

I'll be doing another currently reading post once I've finished this baby so you all can get my full review/feelings on this book!

What do you guys think of this new feature? Have you read this?

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Liner in Beryl

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Liner in Beryl / $30

Now I'm not one to get soaked up in limited edition lipsticks or blushes, to be fair, I'm not really one to care for limited edition anything. Unless something really catches my eye, I try not to succumb to the hype. That said, when Chanel released its Spring Collection I was basically sobbing from the immense amount of lust I was feeling. 

Beryl is an extremely beautiful pale lavender eyeliner that is supposed to brighten and widen your eyes. Your peepers may even look a little whiter, according to the lovely Lisa Eldridge. Something about the not-so-traditional color literally make me squeal and I knew I had to have it... so I bought two. I'm pretty sure it's literally the most ridiculous purchase I've ever made makeup-wise but god I couldn't help myself (and to be fair, I'll probably gift it to my mom). I was just afraid I'd love it so much and never be able to get it again — lol at me saying that I'm not one to get sucked into limited edition releases. Right, keep telling yourself that. No, but seriously. It's so lovely for spring and adds just a little something extra to your eyes that is a nice change from the normal white or nude liner. 

If you're interested you should totally check out your nearest department store/Chanel counter and try to snatch 'em up before they're gone forever. 

What do you guys think of this liner? What hypes have you gotten sucked into?

PS - Sorry for lack of eyeliner-on-me photo, my camera was being quiiiite uncooperative (I blame the sun)