December 2012 Favorites - Beauty, Craft, Food and Lifestyle

You might notice that the title of this is different from months past. That's because I've decided to stop doing monthly misses. If you've noticed over the last several months, there isn't always something I tried and disliked in a month. I will probably add things when there is a month when I really do dislike something, but otherwise it will be just things I was loving that month.

Beauty:

Real Techniques Stippling Brush
I got this at the beginning of the month and I love it. I'd previously just used my fingers to apply my makeup and I was looking for a better way to do it. This fits the bill! It makes putting on my foundation and blending everything in a breeze. The only thing I sort of don't like is that I tend to use more makeup when I use this than when I was using just my fingers. However, the overall application is much more smooth and even looking.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 001 Honey
I freaking love this stuff. It goes on super smooth and easy with a hint of a mint taste. The color payoff is amazing for being a balm stain and it lasts a very long time. This past week or two I've had a super bad cold and while it wipes off after a time or two of blowing my nose, the stain part stays for quite a while after the initial application has been worn/wiped off. I'd really like to get these in more colors.

Hawaiian Tropic Aloha Kiss Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Island Berry
Am I the only one who didn't know Hawaiian Tropic had lip gloss?? I got this baby for free for winning a brand challenge on Influenster, but I think I may have eventually picked it up for myself had I seen it at the store. It's a pretty good lip gloss and I love the flavor. The only down side, I find, is that it tends to wear off quickly. However, at the same time, the perk to that is that I get to taste it again when I reapply. It tastes amazing.

Revlon Colorstay Foundation in 220 Natural Beige
I discovered the Revlon Colorstay foundation line this month and I'm so sad I hadn't done it sooner. Previously I was using Revlon's PhotoReady line and I loved that too, but it was just missing something for me. I found that "something" in this new foundation. Honestly, the color is a bit dark and orange for my skin tone. I could have gone at least a shade lighter and been fine. To get me through until I can justify buying the correct color I've been mixing it with a little of a PhotoReady shade that's way too light. I love the coverage and coupled with the heavy hand I seem to have with my stippling brush, it tends to hide blemishes and acne scars I have pretty well.

Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara
I feel like I've mentioned this in a favorites before, but I can't help mention it one last time. I say one last time because I'm pretty sure it's going to give out on me here soon. I've had it longer than the recommended for a mascara but it's still good! The formula was pretty wet when it was new and it's drying up quite nicely actually. The wand is a bit funky to work with at first but once you can find an application method that suits your lashes you're golden. I can't tell you how much I really love this stuff and I'm only sad that it will cost so much to replace.

Craft:

Monster Corner Chomper Bookmarks
At the beginning of the month I got a request for a custom order of these babies and I really remembered that I enjoy making them. Plus, people tend to like them and they sell out quite quickly when I have them in stock. They're a great use for scrap paper and I feel like sometime soon I need to sit down and make another stock pile of them. If I have any for sale you'll be able to find them here.

Food:

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
I think that once the cold hits I really want comforting foods and for breakfast, few things are comforting like oatmeal. My favorite flavor is apple cinnamon, but I'm open to trying new flavors every now and then. I also love that when I need to stay full longer, two packets seems to do the trick.

Lifestyle:

I got this bracelet from my BFF. She's an amazing person and so thoughtful. I adore this bracelet as much as I adore her. It's beautiful and I only wish I had more places to wear such a fancy bracelet since I know I won't be able to wear it to work.