Quick Sephora haul & New Glasses

I ran to the mall to pick up my new glasses then decided to stop by Sephora. I went in looking for a concealer and came out with a few extra things. Story of my life.

1. First, here are my new glasses (link here). I haven't had a pair with an up-to-date prescription in about ten years. I'm so tired of putting in contact every day! These fit well though I wish they weren't so wide. It still feels weird wearing glasses, but I'm hoping they'll grow on me!

2. I had some reward points to cash in, so I chose this sample of Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover (here). Like I stated earlier, the main reason I went into Sephora was to find a concealer. I have very dark brown under eye circles, and I can't seem to find a concealer that really hides them while also brightening the under eye area. After the salesperson tried a couple concealers out on me, I decided to give this Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer (here) a go. Unfortunately, after I got home from the mall, I looked in the mirror and saw that it had already settled into all of my fine lines. I'll give it a couple tries but am already feeling hesitant.

3. While my blogging may give a different impression, I don't take a lot of time to get ready and tend to neglect skin and hair care. I keep hearing about how Wen products are so great, so I decided to get this On-The-Go Travel kit (here) for a trial run.

4. Again, I'm not a fussy person (for the most part). I was also on the hunt for a new scent that wasn't too sweet, overpowering, or floral...just fresh and clean. In the end, I picked this Giorgio Armani Aqua di Gioia (here) perfume. I'm not good at describing scents, so here's what the site says: "Off the coast of Italy, the island of Pantelleria is a place where the deep blue-green Mediterranean Sea meets the sun and earth. Joyous. Aquatic." Oooo...fancy. Maybe when I wear this, I'll forget I live in a frozen tundra.

5. I need to step up my skincare regimen. Old and wrinkly is not a good look on me. I mentioned having fine lines around my eyes to the saleswoman, and she recommended the Peter Thomas Roth Resurfacing Eye Serum. Of course, they were out of the singles, so I obviously HAD to buy the whole damn set. This is the Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Resurfacing Kit (here) which includes a retexturizer (exfoliator), resurfacer (face serum), eye serum, and regenerator (gel cream). Sounds like I'm having construction work done on my face. On the bright side, Sephora has a pretty good exchange policy which I will take full advantage of if I don't notice a difference.

I'll keep you all updated on how these products are. Seriously. I went in for concealer. You know how rich people hire personal shoppers? I need a personal shopping restrainer.

Best of 2014

These are some of my favorite things over the past year. Some are newer while others are items that I have been using for years.

1. Tory Burch Large Logo Stud Earrings (here). For some reason, Tory Burch is no longer selling these (small studs still available), but I did find them on the Nordstrom site. I've had the silver studs for a couple years and decided to purchase the gold ones more recently. As you can probably see, I've loved the heck out of the silver ones and wear them more days than not. I think they're a cute alternative to basic diamond/cubic zirconia studs, and now that I have them in silver and gold, I can wear them with anything.

2. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (here) and Ponds Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream (here). I'm sure you're all familiar with the Cetaphil cleanser as it is the favorite of many. I have sensitive skin, keep trying other cleansers, but have come back to this year after year. I don't think there's anything outstanding about it, but no complaints. I've also been using this Ponds cream for years. I don't think it's ever too early to start wrinkle prevention. Even though it's a cream, I use it day and night and have never broken out from it. It doesn't feel heavy on the skin, especially in the dry winters.

3. Luth Bath Bombs/Bath Melts (here). I've jumped on the Lush bandwagon, and I'm not jumping off. Perfect for those days where you're about to meltdown, or the perfect way to end a perfect day. I love the bath melts with skin soothing/hydrating oils the most. I also love displaying them in this clear cookie jar on my bathroom shelf.

4. Neutrogena Hand Cream (here), Acure Oil Castile Liquid Soap in Peppermint (here), and Neutrogena Body Oil (here). Minnesota winters + skin = not pretty. If nothing else, I highly recommend the Neutrogena hand cream. It makes the driest hands look amazing and moisturized in seconds (I should work in advertising...did you hear that line?) It can be used on the lips as a balm as well! Definitely a holy grail product. The Acure soap is a new find for me, but I love the peppermint smell. While I'm not a organic fanatic, I find it cool that this soap is made with organic oils, vegan, paraben free, sulfate free, gluten free, and fancy free. Not sure what some of that means, but sounds good to me!

5. NYX Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray (here). I have combination/oily skin, but I still love a dewy finish, even in the winter. I feel like it just makes a person look healthier and livelier. I do throw a little powder over this (mainly on the forehead) as it can be a little overbearing, but it does what it is supposed to. I didn't add any other makeup products to this list as I'm constantly changing my makeup routines and products. Nothing standing out too much right now in my makeup bag.

6. Tigi Bed Head Headrush Shine Spray (here) and Big Sexy Hair Spray (here). Again, a couple products I've been using for years. I love the shine spray for days when my hair is a little lackluster. Yep. That's all it is. Makes your hair look all shiny. The Big Sexy Hair Spray is also my go to, but don't over do it. It can build up quickly. 

People...I have an exciting trip coming up in less than two weeks. I'm so nervous. It's my first time going to this place. Still shopping for outfits which totally contradicts my last post. Whatever. I never said that shopping less was a resolution.

Any guesses?