My Favorite Things | February 2022

A refreshing face wash, a comfy pair of joggers, a feel-good romantic novel…what more do you need? Here’s a look at my February favorites.

You may notice this bottle is empty..I am currently on my third bottle of the Derma-E Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash. I used to swear by my Cetaphil Facial Cleanser as my everyday face wash, but they changed the formula; the new one broke me out overnight, so I switched to Derma-E and have been loving it ever since. This wash makes my face feel purified and fresh; not the least bit dry or tight. I actually look forward to using it each day. If you have normal to combination or even oily skin, this is a great little hidden gem at Ulta. I will buy again and again.

I think using primer is one of the key ways to keep your makeup looking fresh and in place all day. This month I decided to splurge on the Too Faced Plump and Prime Primer Serum, and I am loving it so far. Usually serums tend to break me out, but this one makes my face feel plump and hydrated. It soaks in quickly too, so no oily residue; yet it has the barrier of a primer. A little bit of luxury but so worth the money.

I’m a lip balm junkie, always looking for my next favorite! I’ve been on a peppermint kick lately; I love how refreshing it feels on your lips. The Dionis Peppermint Twist Lip Balm has been my go-to. It isn’t too waxy or goopy, and almost has a thin, milky consistency when you apply. Also has pretty long staying power. I’m also a fan of the chunky tube. I’ve already bought a backup!

Shein

I was shopping on Shein a few weeks ago, on the hunt for joggers. I’ve been a lifelong fan of leggings, but was on the hunt for something more flowy. While these Grey Marled Sweatpants look like standard cotton joggers, they are not! These joggers are made of the most AMAZING material. They are cooling and cozy at the same time. Not what I was expecting when I purchased them, but now these are my FAVORITE pants and they cost $11. Can’t beat that! As a warm-natured person, these comfy and breathable pants are a godsend. Might have to buy a couple more pairs. They are true to size but also forgiving. I bought a small and still have plenty of room, without looking baggy.

Amazon

Sometimes you just need a light and easy read…this month I absolutely LOVED Josie Silver’s newest novel, One Night On The Island. I’ve read all three of her books now–and I have to say this one is my favorite!

Cleo is a London-based columnist who writes about trying to find love, with no luck so far. Her 30th birthday is approaching, so her boss sends her on assignment to a remote Irish Island in an effort to “marry” herself — as in accepting where she is in life. When Cleo arrives, she finds out her cabin is double-booked with an American, Mack — who is reeling from a divorce. Unenthused with sharing a space together, Mack and Cleo soon find out they have more in common than not, and start to fall for each other.

While the story seems predictable, I found it to be heartwarming and thoughtful as well. Both Cleo and Mack have to make peace with where they are in life, even if it’s not what they expected or exactly where they want to be. I know that I can relate to that, all day every day!

My Favorite Things | FEBRUARY 2020

Let’s not waste any time…today I’m sharing my February 2020 Favorites! There’s a good mix of TV, music, skin care and beauty items this month. Hope you enjoy…

S K I N  C A R E

Whether you’re a makeup wearer or not, you need this item right here! The Cucumber Spritz from Rhonda Allison will absolutely CHANGE. YOUR. LIFE. Most facial mists on the market are filled with drying ingredients and artificial fragrances (and I admit that I still use a setting spray to set my makeup) but this spray is on a whole new level. It smells like HEAVEN.

So fresh, a little warm, a little sweet–but not in an annoying way. The mist is so fine that it feels like pure refreshment when it lands on your skin. If you’re in need of some extra moisture or just want a little pick-me-up, you have to buy this spray! It honestly brings me joy.

M A K E U P

I’ve tried quite a few lip glosses throughout the years, and the Milani Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Glosses remain at the top of my list. Even though it is a drugstore product, the formula and packaging really does feel expensive. The other day, I picked up the shade Champagne.

At first glance, it looks like a standard peachy-pink gloss, but when you hold it up to the light, you can see the soft golden sheen. It is one of the prettiest lip gloss shades I own because it complements any rose or pink color worn underneath. This gloss even looks good with terra cotta! Best of all, it’s not frosty. Pair it with your favorite lipstick or liner; the formula is non-sticky and slightly minty. I also love the oversized wand. No matter which shade you pick in this gloss range, it is a win-win.

I used to think you had to pay a high-end price for a smooth, matte black liquid liner. But the Maybelline Hyper Easy Brush Tip Liner has proven me wrong! Finally, a drugstore formula that doesn’t budge and is truly opaque.

One of the most unique things about this liner is the packaging; the felt tip is housed in a geometric tube that is easy to hold, which makes it perfect for drawing a wing. Make sure you give it a good shake before you apply so the pigment is nice and dark. I was a little afraid about the waterproof formula, but it does come off easily with micellar water. No scrubbing necessary!

T O  R E A D

Jane The Virgin is one of my favorite TV shows; I so enjoyed watching it when it was airing. If you remember, Jane is an aspiring author, and her favorite just so happens to be Isabel Allende, who even appears in an episode. I saw A Long Petal of the Sea reviewed in People and in my Kindle advertisements and decided to give it a read.

If you’re looking for a quick read, this novel may not be for you. But if you are looking for something to get lost in, by all means, go pick this one up! It tells the story of a young couple who escape war-torn Spain for Chile during the Spanish Civil War. But there’s a twist: Victor, a successful young doctor, decides to marry his deceased brother’s wife so they can immigrate to Chile together with her newborn son.

This novel spans some 60 years, but kept me engaged the entire time. Though Victor and Roser hope to find a better life in Chile, they are met with even more political unrest. Petal explores how they grew and changed throughout the years. It is rich in character development, and Allende describes the scenery so vividly it’s like you are right there with the characters.

 T O  L I S T E N

I’ll be honest–I have jumped on the Sam Smith train only within the past six months. I know, I’m so late to the party. But I have really grown to love him and his music. His voice is one of the most angelic sounds I have ever heard. So smooth and full of emotion! I’ve loved listening to his album The Thrill Of It All, and am also a huge fan of his new song, To Die For. His lyrics are so honest; you can really feel what he is going through. I really hope he goes on tour because I WILL get tickets!

T O  W A T C H

I watched Schitt’s Creek just before Christmas and into January. It is BEYOND me why I have just now written about it! If you need a good chuckle in your life, you need to watch this show. It’s about a rich family who lose all their money due to a bad business deal, so they move to a small town called Schitt’s Creek–which they bought as a joke years back.

The first couple episodes are sort of tough to get through because each character is over-the-top and annoying. But listen–stay with it! Over time, they shed their snobby egos and turn into likable people. I promise. Schitt’s Creek is so funny and heartwarming. Eww, David!