May your clothes be comfy, your coffee strong & this quarantine… be OVER! Okay that’s not exactly how the quote goes but come on…I know we’re all thinking it!
Hi friends + welcome back to Lipstick & Bubbly!
Hope you’re all having an amazing week!
I just took a look at my day planner + realized that I’ve been working from home for the last 9 weeks! I actually can’t believe it’s been that long. And what a wild ride it’s been! Anyways, when I think back on the last couple of months, there have been a handful of items that I’ve reached for A LOT during lock down.
And so, instead of a monthly favorites post, I’m talking favorites…QUARANTINE EDITION!
So if you wanna see some of the beauty, fashion & lifestyle products I’ve been loving over the last 9 weeks, then just keep on reading!
BEAUTY
Tom Ford Extreme Eye Bad Ass Mascara
Everything about this mascara screams…luxury! From the packaging to the formula, to the … $61 CAD price tag. Now before you start judging, let the record state that this was a gift! Every time I saw my favorite YouTuber’s apply this mascara during a GRWM, my eyes would roll at the thought of anyone spending that much money on a mascara (I mean, a lip product I totally get haha but not a mascara). Anyways the joke’s on me because after receiving it at Christmas and applying it to my lashes for the first time, I’ve been obsessed ever since. This Tom Ford Extreme Eye Bad Ass mascara is lengthening, thickening and does not smudge! It’s packed with jojoba esters which helps to moisturize and care for lashes + is free of parabens, phthalates and mineral oil. I honestly could not imagine my go to no makeup, makeup look without it. Seriously, one swipe on the lashes does more than 5 coats of some other mascaras! That being said, I’ve found myself in quite the little predicament. Now that I’ve reached the end of this luxurious tube, the one question on my mind is…am I willing to dish out the $61 + repurchase?! I recently bought the Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift mascara thinking that it might be a good dupe; sadly the drugstore product doesn’t stand a chance against the Tom Ford mascara. Ughh decisions, decisions!
Where to buy: Sephora
Hempz: Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Body Moisturizer
Okay, before you make any rash decisions based on the name of this brand, hear me out! This is hands down THE most incredible moisturizer that I’ve ever lathered on my body. I’ll admit, I’ve passed by products from this brand for years + have always stuck my nose up at it. Now that I’ve experienced the magic that is the body moisturizer w/ hemp seed oil, I’m not sure I’ll ever use another kind of moisturizer again.
Now, for those of you wondering what the benefits of using a moisturizer like this are, here’s what you need to know (according to Hempz)…
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of many compounds found in cannabis. Unlike THC, the compound that produces the high from marijuana, CBD doesn’t cause any mind-bending effects. But CBD is anti-inflammatory, so it acts as a soother in skin and body care formulas.
CBD comes in a few forms. The one that Hempz uses is CBD isolate, which is purified CBD with nothing else. It’s clean, uncontaminated, and odorless.
Hempz won’t get you high. CBD doesn’t get people high, THC does. CBD generally isn’t risky, even in large amounts. THC is. CBD is safe for people of all ages. THC isn’t.
What Are the Benefits of CBD in Skincare?
As an anti-inflammatory, CBD helps reduce redness and soothe the skin. It also helps counteract breakouts by helping to regulate bacteria and lipids, and it softens the look of signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. Smoothing CBD on your skin, rather than taking it as a supplement, allows you to get targeted results more quickly.
Key Features & Benefits of the Hempz Herbal Body Moisturizers:
- Enriched with 100% Pure Natural Hemp Seed Oil
- Paraben-Free, Gluten-Free, 100% Vegan, THC-Free
- Miracle Oil Blend™ – Signature blend of essential oils effectively nourish skin helping to hydrate, repair and restore skins moisture barrier leaving skin soft, smooth, supple and nourished
- Pineapple Extract – helps to condition, soften and invigorate skin
- Honey Melon Extract – a natural antioxidant with Vitamin A and E properties help hydrate and nourish skin
- Jojoba Seed Oil – natural anti-inflammatory properties help to provide even skin tone while keeping skin hydrated, nourished and conditioned
As you can see from the bottle, this is a VERY well loved moisturizer. After about a week of having it in my life, it very quickly made its way into my daily skincare routine. My skin actually craves it so I lather it on in the AM straight from the shower & indulge in a couple more pumps before bed. Not only do I wake up smelling like a tropical little treat but my skin is SO smooth and hydrated! Now that I’ve hit the halfway mark, I did order two more bottles…because well, I just couldn’t help myself. So I am not so patiently awaiting the arrival of “Goji Orange Lemonade” & “Pink Berry Chiffon” and I seriously can’t wait.
Where to buy: Chatters or HEMPZ
BITE Beauty Agave+ Intensive Vegan Lip Mask
Anyone else been reaching exclusively for lip balms during Quarantine? Over the past 8+ weeks, I’ve always made sure to have a balm within arms reach. The winner of the Quarantine lip balm has definitely been this pricey little guy from BITE Beauty ($34 CAD). It’s SO thick (but not in an uncomfortable way) and leaves the lips feeling incredibly hydrated, more so than any other balm I’ve tried to date. But seriously, I apply this before bed and wake up with THE juiciest, plump lips I’ve always dreamt of having. To keep the juiciness alive, I do keep this on my desk + apply throughout the day.
The BITE Beauty lip mask that I have is in their original formula + apparently they’ve recently reformulated it…and people are NOT happy. Even though I use this balm several times a day, a little goes a long way so I won’t need to repurchase it any time soon. These lip masks come in two shades, a clear (which is called Agave) & a rose gold, pearl shade (called Buzzed). They’re described as being a lanolin-free, clean, vegan, intensive mask — supercharged with superfood ingredients — for deep hydration and extreme recovery.
These masks are packed with the following highlighted ingredients:
Agave Nectar: Bite Beauty’s signature ingredient to help soothe and nurture for more kissable lips.
Mangosteen Extract: A tropical fruit known to be rich in antioxidants that helps keep lips moisturized.
Açaí: A small but mighty nutrient-rich fruit that gives lips an antioxidant boost.
If you’re in the market for a high quality balm & don’t mind the hefty little price tag, then definitely check this one out (and let me know what you think of the formula!).
Where to buy: Sephora or BITE Beauty
FASHION
Pink Velvet Scrunchie
Let the record state that I did not seek out the scrunchie life, the scrunchie life sought ME out. While at my favorite little boutique (PRE-pandemic obvi), I was at the checkout counter + saw a little stand with these super cute scrunchies…and I just couldn’t help myself. They had velvet scrunchies in every color, leopard print and polka dotted ones. Honestly, scrunchies take me back to a simpler time, which is exactly what I need during all of this craziness.
Since I started #wfh, I’ve also committed to a no heat hair routine because I need this little angled bob to grow! This velvet scrunchie provides a perfect (and stylish) way to throw up my hair into the tiniest little pony without the damage that normal hair elastics can cause.
Where to buy: Bella & Coop
Blue Light Glasses
I’m the girl that flew out to YHZ to meet her pilot bestie + found a “pretend” pair of glasses at Urban Outfitters. I’m the girl who then spent the weekend wearing said “pretend” glasses…and I’m also the girl that wore said “pretend” glasses to work the following week haha. Need proof?!
So, yes, I am THAT girl haha.
Anyways, several months later, Bonlook opened at our local mall & while all of my friends were buying the cutest frames, I just so happened to notice that my Lasik had {conveniently} started wearing off. I jumped at the chance to get my own pair of spectacles with a weak prescription and fell in love with this pair the minute I saw them.
Now, what I especially love about these glasses (besides the stylish, semi-over sized frames) is their blue light blocking lenses. Like many of you, I’ve been sitting in front of my computer & phone for what feels like 20 hours a day. I’ve also had more headaches than I can count since entering quarantine, and I have a feeling that there could be a correlation. So, on days where I know I’ll be plopped down in front of the screen for long periods of time, I make sure to have my glasses on + voila, no headache pour moi (that’s “for me” en français, duh!).
So, how does this protection against blue light work & who should wear them?
These lenses are transparent, light, thin, with a very light residual yellow tint and no blue reflection. In fact, they contain light-absorbing molecules able to protect against the harmful effects of blue light. People who want to soothe their tired eyes, influence positively their sleep cycle and prevent potential eye diseases. Do you suffer from sleep disorders, headaches, eye dryness and fatigue, blurred vision and stiff neck? If you answered yes to all or some of these questions, it is likely that you are experiencing visual strain caused by overexposure to digital devices.
Where to buy: Bonlook
H&M Black Sherpa Pullover
This sweater + lululemons = one cozy gal! Annnd it’s also been my Quarantine uniform! But seriously, this is THE comfiest, coziest sweater I’ve ever owned and I only wish H&M still sold it (and in different colors). “Sherpa” is essentially an imitation sheep wool, so you can be comfy AND be guilt free while wearing it (since no sheep are killed to make it)!
Since H&M no longer offers this sweater (typical haha), I did find two dupes at a similar price point from Old Navy and Amazon…so you’re welcome!
Where to buy: Old Navy or Amazon
LIFESTYLE
Dalgona Coffee
If I were to step into my Positive Patty pants + come up with a handful of positive things to come from COVID-19, first thing on the list would have to be these whipped coffees. The discovery of these magically drinks has definitely been the silver lining to what feels like house arrest + I can’t imagine having quarantined without it! As someone who would normally indulge in one, two or even five coffees a day, ONE dalgona coffee in the morning is all it takes to give you the energy that you need to tackle the day ahead!
I’ve been experimenting with different variations of the drink & have found that plopping this whipped concoction on top of an icy cold glass of soy chocolate milk makes all of my caffeinated dreams come true!
Need a refresher on how to make your own dalgona coffee? Just click the link below 🙂
How to make: COVID CHRONICLES: Instagram Made Me Do It!
Sugar Skulls Adult Coloring Book
Yes I’ve been coloring, and you know what, I’m not embarrassed about it! There’s something to be said about sitting down with a whipped coffee (or a vodka soda) + coloring the stresses of the day away. In perusing the online aisles of Indigo, I came across this skull (FYI – I’m kind of skull obsessed!) themed adult coloring book, and I mean, there’s no way I could have kept scrolling without adding it to my cart. Anyways, spending 20 minutes coloring is the perfect way to intercept any oncoming anxiety (which happens all the time).
Coloring is said to:
> reduce stress & anxiety
> improve motor skills & vision
> improve sleep
> improve focus
Indigo has TONS of different coloring books to choose from. Take a look at some of these titles:
– F*CK OFF, I’M COLORING! Swear Word Coloring Book
– The Beauty of Horror
– Mommy Drinks Because You Cry: A Sarcastic Coloring Book
– 50 Shades of Bullsh*t: A Delectable & Impolite Adult Coloring Book
– Graffiti Art Coloring Book
– Tattoo Coloring Book
– Darth Vader and Family Coloring Book
– The Stoner’s Coloring Book (yes it’s exactly what you think it is haha)
So find yourself a themed coloring book that’ll make you happy & get coloring!
Where to buy: Indigo
The Middle Finger Project by Ash Ambirge
Your girl is all about a self-help/female empowerment/follow your dreams kinda book + this raunchy one by Ash Ambirge is an incredible one! It’s the perfect pick me up when I’m feeling blah (which we all know I’ve had my fair share of) and need some inspo.
Here’s what Indigo has to say:
Fresh, funny, and fearless, The Middle Finger Project is a point-by-point primer on how to get unstuck, slay imposter syndrome, trust in your own worth and ability, and become a strong, capable, wonderful, weird, brilliant, ballsy, unfuckwithable YOU.
“Don’t worry, this isn’t a book about God, nor is it a book about Ryan Gosling (second in command). But it is a book about authority and becoming your own.” –Ash Ambirge
After a string of dead-end jobs and a death in the family, Ash Ambirge was down to her last $26 and sleeping in a Kmart parking lot when she faced the truth: No one was coming to her rescue. It was up to her to appoint herself. That night led to what eventually became a six-figure freelance career as a sought-after marketing and copywriting consultant, all while sipping coffee from her front porch in Costa Rica.
She then launched The Middle Finger Project, a blog and online course hub, which has provided tens of thousands of young “women who disobey” with the tools and mindset to give everyone else’s expectations the finger and get on your own path to happiness, wealth, independence, and adventure.
In her first book, Ash draws on her unconventional personal story to offer a fun, bracing, and occasionally potty-mouthed manifesto for the transformative power of radical self-reliance. Employing the signature wit and wordsmithing she’s used to build an avid following, she offers paradigm-shifting advice along the lines of:
• The best feeling in the world is knowing who you are and what you’re capable of doing.
• Life circumstances are not life sentences. If a Scranton girl who grew up in a trailer park can make it, so can you.
• What you believe about yourself will either murder your chances or save your life. So why not believe something good?
• You don’t need a high-ranking job title to be authorized to contribute. You just need to contribute.
• Be your own authority. Authority only works as long as you trust that someone smarter than you is making the rules.
• The way you become a force is by being the most radically real version of yourself that you can be.
• You only have 12 fucks a day to give, so use them wisely.
UGHHH just thinking about it is making me wanna dive back in and finish Chapter 4…brb!
Where to buy: Indigo
Tik Tok
Say what you want about Tik Tok, but it is by far the best source of entertainment … especially during quarantine!
I’ve lost hours of my life to this app + I’m not mad about it. From dancing videos to pranks, all of the cute animal content to hilarious lip syncing vids … there’s a video (or thousands) for everyone!
The app is totally free + you don’t even have to sign up to enjoy it! Just download the app and the endless videos will begin. Okay, click here to watch a few of the cutest Tik Tok’s and tell me you’re still not interested.
Where to buy: App Store
And there you have it friends, a few of the products that I’ve been loving during quarantine!
Thanks so much for stopping by & until next time!
Stay safe,
xo