Guilty! I skipped my October favourites last month, but I’m (hopefully) making it up to you by sharing a bunch of great things this time around. Continue reading to see everything I loved during the month of November.
Beauty:
Garnier Travel Size SkinActive Micellar Water
It’s the moment I have been waiting for and it came conveniently before going to Jamaica last month! Garner released its fabulous micellar water in an adorable travel friendly bottle! I’m not sure if this is actually available in Canada yet. My mom spotted it on a shelf while shopping in the states a few weeks ago. But chances are it will be coming our way soon! I literally cannot live without this product and have used many bottles over the year. This new petite size makes it so much easier to pack and carry with me wherever I go.
Matrix Biolage R.A.W. Nourish Conditioner
While I do enjoy the shampoo from this range, I like the conditioner even more! As I mentioned in my product review, it’s on the thicker side – like a hair mask. It’s very rich and can take some work to rinse away, but I find it tames some of my frizz and makes my usually thin hair appear more full. I took this away with me to Jamaica and while there’s basically no hope for me and humidity, I did feel like it helped repair my hair from the ocean. Instead of dry and crunchy strands, it felt soft and hydrated. The sweet scent also seems to linger, which I enjoy.
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47
It may seem strange to talk about a sunscreen as we gear up for colder months, but SPF is just as important during the fall and winter as it is in the summer! I actually used it on my face while in Jamaica and aside from a little redness on my nose, it did a really great job preventing a sunburn. The all-natural formula is suitable for sensitive skin, therefore it never made me break out, which is often a problem I have with chemical sunscreens. It’s lightweight, massages in easily, does not feel greasy and with the addition of green tea, it has a lovely scent! I now use it every day under my makeup.
Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel in Autumn Spice
I bought this polish with the intent of creating a ‘Fall Scented Beauty Products’ post way back when I first started Beauty by Birdy. Unfortunately the post never came to be and then I completely forgot I had this unique nail colour! To answer your question…yes, it actually does smell! There is still a chemical essence is when first applied, but as it dries a faint scent of cinnamon becomes noticeable. I’ve often caught a whiff while fussing with a strand of hair or scratching an itch on my face. It’s delightful!!
The colour is absolutely stunning as well! It’s a chocolate-y brown with red and gold multi-dimensional shimmers, which can make it look a little copper-y or purple in different lighting. It’s unique and perfect for this time of year.
Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact in Highlight 01
This product has been on my ‘want list’ for a very, very long time! I’ve swatched it numerous times in Sephora and ogled at the gorgeous pale champagne highlight, but I could never justify the hefty price tag ($48). Until last month! I finally ordered this stunner and I am SOOOOO HAPPY I did!
The matte finish powder provides a radiance to the skin without adding any shimmer or glitter. It’s the most natural looking glow I’ve ever seen. Trust me, I have tried to go overboard with this product and I don’t think it’s possible! It has a sheer formula, which can be built up to a desired opacity, but even super pigmented it still looks luminous and natural. I’ve been wearing it every day since it arrived on my doorstep!
ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip in Frick N’ Frack
This was my perfect fall colour, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to for winter as well! The rosy-brown liquid lipstick is vampy, but not too dark and super long wearing! My only complaint about this product is about the packaging itself, because all of the beautiful silver writing has rubbed off and I haven’t even had it for long.
Lifestyle:
Bath and Body Works Spiced Gingerbread Candle
I just bought this yummy candle last weekend while shopping Black Friday sales, but the minute I inhaled the spicy, yet sweet scent, I knew it would be a favourite and I’ve been burning it every day since! With notes of vanilla icing, sparkling cinnamon sugar and fresh ground nutmeg, it smells almost exactly like a fresh pack of Voortman Gingerbreak Cookies. I wish I had bought more than one!
I’m also head over heels for all of the Bath and Body Works holiday packaging this year – the designs are so festive and beautiful! I love the gold metallic borders on each label and the embossed tree on each lid is such a cute added detail.
The Girl On The Train
I know…I’m a little late on this one, but I don’t seem to read as often as I used to…
A friend kindly let me borrow her copy to take away with me, and after getting through the first chapter I was sucked into the plot. I have yet to read the entire thing and the suspense is absolutely killing me. Whodunnit?!
It’s narrated by a few different characters (all of whom are slightly damaged), which provides a look at the story from multiple angles. It’s hard to ever take a side of the three female protagonists – just when you begin to believe they’re good, a twist or secret about their past is revealed, making them unlikable again. However, it’s this flip-flopping that makes the pages so easy to read. It’s never boring and I constantly find myself thinking, ‘what happens next?’
Marvels Jessica Jones on Netflix
This Marvel series can be added to a very small list of TV shows that Dev and I have enjoyed watching together. Seriously…Game of Thrones, Vikings, Gotham, Stranger Things and now Jessica Jones are the only shows we’ve really made ‘date night’ out of. I say date night lightheartedly because it seems ironic that we wear comfy clothing and don’t leave the house. Regardless, it’s an entertaining activity we both enjoy!
Jessica Jones in particular is dark, mysterious, twisted, gory and super captivating. I found myself curious at the end of each episode and eager to watch the next. Krysten Ritter is super bad-ass as the a-typical superhero and I love her sarcasm.
Unfortunately with all Netflix shows, it’s impossible to watch just one episode at a time. Therefore it didn’t take us long to complete the entire series, and now I’m sad that I have to wait for season two (if that is even in the works) to watch more.
Adult Colouring
Colouring seemed like the perfect activity to keep me busy on our flight to Jamaica, but ironically I didn’t end up using my fresh pack of markers and the eye-catching colouring book remained tucked into a pocket of my carry-on bag. I blame Girl On A Train, which kept me entertained pretty much the entire flight there and back.
But for some reason I decided to start colouring one night while relaxing at home and I’ve been enjoying the peaceful activity almost every day since. It’s my time to unwind and think about nothing but colouring inside the lines.
Chokers
By now we shouldn’t be surprised when trends repeat themselves…bell bottoms, turtlenecks, fringe, overalls, crop tops and even jelly sandals have all made a comeback. Now chokers are making their triumphant return and there are so many styles that have me weak in the knees! The two I’ve been wearing recently are from Forever21 and I like that they are both so different. One is a layered, black suede necklace with beaded accents (similar) and can be worn casually with a ton of different shirts or sweaters, while the other is a silver chain (similar) that adds a bit of shine around the neck and can dress up any outfit. I wore it in the photos for my brown monochromatic makeup post you can see here.
I hope you enjoyed this monthly favourites post. It’s going to be the last one of 2016, since the end of December will mark a time to discuss products I discovered and loved throughout the entire year.
Ps. Christmas is so soon! Who’s excited?!
xxx
