February Beauty Favorites + Disappointments

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What Luke has been hanging out in

febfavs-1_edited-1

Alright, I admit this may be the saddest favorites video in history. I decided to squeeze it in at the last minute last week when David was napping and my mom was watching Luke.

It’s 50% disappointing products, 50% favorites. So TECHNICALLY it’s not really a great depiction of a “monthly favorites” but I’m only 3 weeks postpartum, up feeding Luke at night, and there aren’t enough peach rings in the world to satisfy my craving right now. Is there such things as post-pregnancy cravings? Nursing cravings? Who knows. All I know is this: NO ONE in Raleigh sells peach rings. #helpamotherout

So, you’ll have to watch to see which products are the winners and which ones were disappointments!

Products mentioned:

Benefit Roller Lash

Maybelline Age Rewind Brightener (not the concealer which was mentioned here)

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in No Pressure (see it swatched here!)

drybar Triple Sec

I can’t promise I’ll be back next month with an expansive favorites video, but HOPEFULLY I’ll have a better ratio of disappointments to favorites in order to justify the title.

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Alicia says · 03.02.15

There are definitely post pregnancy/nursing cravings! When I had my daughter in December all I wanted was chocolate milk….and I hate milk! It was the weirdest thing!

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Cynthia says · 03.02.15

Am I the only one who likes the disappointing products in Kate’s videos?

Thank you for the tio on the brightened. I’m looking to simplify my makeup bag and that one might help, especially at that price point.

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Cynthia says · 03.02.15

*tip on the brightener

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Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says · 03.02.15

I like it! No one else tells you what NOT to waste your money on!

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Jordan says · 03.02.15

Post-partum cravings? Heck yes

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Jordan says · 03.02.15

… And if you’re desperate, I’ve seen peach rings at the Cracker Barrel stores. Can’t vouch specifically for the ones in my neck of the woods (Morrisville & Durham), but maybe your husband would be willing to check? 🙂 And I’m very impressed you found both the time and energy to do a video, Kate, way to go!

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ann a says · 03.02.15

Yes, my parents love them and get them there and I think also Kroger.

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Sara Beth says · 03.02.15

I’m so excited to hear I’m not the only one who isn’t a fan of Benefit mascaras! While they make my eyes look initially great about 30 minutes in they’re all smudged (I promise its not user error) and by the end of the day they’re completely gone. I actually liked your honesty– no need to apologise for being a Debbie Downer, especially because you gave a different version of a previous disappointment a chance and kept an open mind!

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Chelsey says · 03.02.15

All I wanted after my daughter was born was pineapple and clementines. My husband would bring me a little bowl of clementines while I was nursing! With my son it was pumpernickel bagels.
My husband and I have both had Birchbox subscriptions and we found that the men’s one was consistently good and the women’s one would have several bad months in a row. I ended up canceling it when I was pregnant with my first and never went back.

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Breanna Pye says · 03.02.15

Yes – post part cravings are totally a thing..I’m 7 months post partum (nursing as well), still having cravings and my sweet tooth is never satiated! I think it must be the hormones!

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Mylene says · 03.02.15

I’m going shopping this weekend and will look into picking up the brightener. I am currently using a concealer that I love but could use a bit more dark circle coverage. You’ve convinced me I need to try this product!

Congratulations on your newest addition! He is a gorgeous little boy! I’m currently 34 weeks pregnant with baby #3 – a girl, after having 2 boys, so I am so excited to finally meet her in a few weeks!

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Katie says · 03.02.15

Cravings totally! I swear I ate more nursing than when I was pregnant.

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Leann says · 03.02.15

I had pregnancy cravings, post cravings and I still get wicked cravings now right before my cycle. Will it ever end?? I’m pretty sure we have peach rings at the store here. I’ll check and if I see them I will email you!!

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Rebekah G says · 03.02.15

We have PLENTY of peach rings in Tennessee! I’ll be happy to mail them to you…but I can’t find Sour Patch Kids:Berries ANYWHERE!!! Pregnancy cravings probs!!!!

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Amy says · 03.02.15

I really like Dry Bar’s shampoo and conditioner. Just their normal shampoo and conditioner. I feel that it gets my hair really clean and it allows me to use products on my hair. It really works and doesn’t leav emy hair greasy.

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Melissa G says · 03.02.15

Great to see you! You look great. Love your springy lilac sweater! I am glad to hear I am not the only one who didn’t like the Benefit Roller Mascara! A couple other blogs I follow played it up so much I had to try. I ended up buying a sample size, and glad I hadn’t spent the money. I was so disappointed. And, like you, found it very wet!

LOVE LOVE the Benefit Creaseless shadows. I am a home hospice nurse, and feel I don’t want to do a full eye everyday. So, I use these every single day with my Mac liner. When I do decide to do a full eye, I still use these shadows on my lid.

Ok, so I finally tried the Bumble and Bumble Dry Spun you recommended a long time ago! I LOVE it!!! So if the Amicka is better, I’ll have to find that and give it a shot. I recently tried the Big Sexy Hair Powder Play and really liked it too. I just find I don’t have as much control with the powder as I do with a spray. But, you should give it a shot and let us know what you think!!

Your “close in age babies” is taking me back 10 years. I had 4 kids in 27 months. They are 12,11, 10, 10 now and all I can say is enjoy.every.moment. It goes so fast!! And how wonderful your mom is there. My mom passed away before mine were born!

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Rhonda says · 03.02.15

Thought I’d share that I’ve tried numerous dry shampoos and the Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush is amazing! It works on dark or light hair without residue and smells amazing! I get a week out of a blow out with it. Give it a try if you are looking for one. By the way Kate, I tried the square lifting foam and it is wonderful! It’s a staple in my hair routine now.
Thanks for your videos-I love them!

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Rhonda says · 03.02.15

Square-not square-haha

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Rhonda says · 03.02.15

Aquage-not square-haha (gotta love auto correct)

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Kim says · 03.02.15

Thanks for sharing these! I always love seeing disappointments too so I know what to Avoid 🙂

Kim
http://trendkeeper.me .. Snow day?!

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Jennifer says · 03.02.15

I get my eyebrows done at a Benefit Brow Bar, I went the day Roller Lash was launched. The girl tried it out on me and omg such a curl!! It lasted all day too (fyi I also do not like They’re Real) the Roller Lash brush has hooks on it so you have to use it the right way, start with the brush facing down like a frown and roll it up it your lashes like a smile. She also told it works best with a coat of your fav mascara over it, and she was right! I think it works if you use it the right way, but the fact that I’m using it in addition to my regular mascara is annoying and pricey! I think it’s best for ladies who already have a thick lash and are just interested in more curl.

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Kathryn Boase says · 03.02.15

Thanks for the reviews! Going to try the Maybelline Eye Brightener.

Also have you checked World Market in Raleigh? Usually find all those gummy candies in their candy section. 🙂

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Lindsay says · 03.02.15

I LOATHED the Roller Lash sample in my February box, it wasn’t anything special, and then it wasn’t even on my lashes anymore. The whole application ended up under my eyes by 9am. Fail.

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Sara D says · 03.02.15

When I have been nursing my sweet tooth can be out of control! My midwife says that is the body’s way of saying you need more protein! Who would have thought! LOL

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Crystal says · 03.02.15 Reply
Amy says · 03.02.15

I’m excited to try the brightener! Also, my biggest cravings were while I was nursing too, not when I was pregnant. If you can get your hands on Haribo peach rings, they are the best! World Market sales them, or Amazon 🙂

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Jennie says · 03.02.15

Kate, congrats again! Luke is gorgeous, and you look amazing!

Do you mind sharing the link to the cream eye shadows you’d mentioned? I have the hardest time finding cream eye shadows. Thanks!

Jennie

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Megan H. says · 03.02.15

Kate, what do you do with the products you hate?? That’s my biggest issue with trying new things, if they are junky I won’t pass them on, but can’t stand to see the money go down the drain. 🙁

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Cheryl says · 03.02.15

You can return items you don’t like to the store. I have done this at Target, Ulta and Sephora without any problem. It helps if you have your receipt.

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Megan H. says · 03.02.15

That makes sense. I think I tried to return an unopened box of hair color one time with receipt and got denied. Just assumed health and beauty products were not acceptable returns. Maybe it was just Walmart. Huh, good to know. I’ll have to look up return policies. Thanks!

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Tyana says · 03.02.15

Love the video

check out my newest post
xx
Tyana
theluxedition.blogspot.com

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Angie P says · 03.02.15

I have seen peach rings at World Market and 5 Below in Raleigh & Cary!!

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Evelyn says · 03.02.15

Just so you know, I love your favorites videos. I know that those are always subjective but that’s fine, I want to hear how you feel about them. Even if you just have 2 favorites, that’s fine with me! And I also like to hear some of your disappoints, for instance, the mascara I’d try anyway because I believe it really depends on your eye lashes, but the drybar one I wouldn’t, I trust your feeling on hair products and my money can be better spent somewhere else I guess.

Bottom line, I liked the video, keep them coming!

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Nikoleta says · 03.02.15

Great post!
I really like Garnier concealer and Roller Lash Mascara! Great products!

Nikoleta, xoxo.

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Clever Girl Reviews says · 03.02.15

I’ve been wondering about the Brighter shade! I need it but it’s always out!

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Suni says · 03.02.15

yes! Nursing cravings are real! I had more nursing cravings than pregnancy cravings. I was also hungrier while nursing than ever during my pregnancy. You are not alone, Mama!

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Tori says · 03.02.15

So I realize that the point of this post was not the peach rings, but as a fellow gummyholic I just needed to tell you that there is a kiosk in the food court at Crabtree Valley Mall that sells all the best. (gummy fruit salad MY FAVE) 🙂 Congratulations on your beautiful new boy, by the way!

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Jenny says · 03.02.15

Okay- so this entire time I’ve been using the Maybelline Age Rewind, I’ve been using the brightening thinking it was also a concealer. I pay attention, haha. Now I feel slightly dumb. Thank you for making me aware!
xx
Jenny // Mish Mosh Makeup

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jodi says · 03.12.15

jenny, How can you tell the difference? I’ve been looking for the Brightener that Kate recommends, and it looks the same as the concealer that she didn’t. I want the Brightener, but it doesn’t look like it actually says “brightener” on the package.
Thanks!
Jodi

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Shannon Ashley says · 03.02.15

Someone that just had a baby, should not look as amazing as you do… totally not fair 😉
You have got to try too faced’s better than sex mascara… especially when paired with Tarte’s best in Faux… OMG magic! And yes, I had nursing cravings the whole time I nursed (chocolate chip cookies). Congrats on baby Luke and big brother David!

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Chrissy says · 03.02.15

Keep sharing your disappointments! I had the dry shampoo in my Sephora cart and its nice to know that I should avoid it. I’m going to be trying those Benefit shadows though!

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Hush Hush says · 03.02.15

I didn’t know Maybelline had Maybelline Age Rewind Brightener . Thank you for sharing.
Have a nice day.

hushhush990.blogspot.com

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Denise says · 03.02.15

I’ve been really unhappy with my birchbox lately too! I hope they get better soon!

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McCall J says · 03.02.15

So, what is the order you apply your face make up in? Brightener, concealer, foundation? Or other way around?

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Christen S says · 03.02.15

I loved peach rings while I was pregnant…. My favorite ones were the store brand from Walgreens!!

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Nancy says · 03.02.15

I, too was using the Bobbi Brown under-eye corrector and find it a bit heavy, so I was anxious to try the Maybelline Age Rewind corrector. I picked it up in Target – I have to say it was a little confusing because it’s actually called “Eraser” and I was looking for “Brightener”. But Brightener is actually the shade – it also comes in colors like Honey, Medium, etc. My skin isn’t as light as Kate’s, so I was reluctant to try the Brightener shade, but I did. I sponged a little on under each eye and smoothed it out with my ring fingers, and WOW!! I absolutely LOVE this product! The color matched perfectly with my skin, it doesn’t crease at all, it’s very light, and goes on super easy! I’m fairly new to Kate’s blog and, at 55 years old, didn’t honestly know how much I’d be able to get from her posts (her being a new mom, and I’m an empty-nester!). But I have gotten SO many great products, tips and recommendations from this blog, and I appreciate her honesty in product reviews! I’m hooked!

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Michelle says · 03.02.15

The cravings are so normal. I usually take salty over sweet but with both my deliveries I was on a sweet kick like nothing I could have imagined. Cake doughnuts with maple frosting!! Cinnamon rolls! And then one day it was just gone.

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valerie says · 03.02.15

Since I am almost out of my Benefit Erase paste (it lasted over 2yrs, so definitely worth the price), I decided while at Target to pick up the Rewind Brightener. You’re spot on about it. It works just like Erase Paste, but a little thinner which works out great because sometimes the paste is a little thick. As always, I use my go to Bobbi Brown eye cream before applying anything under my eyes. No caking or crepe-y dry look. Easy to travel with and easy applicator. Can’t hate $7 either. Thanks for the recommendation!

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Christy says · 03.02.15

Debby’s Hallmark at Brier Creek sells peach rings, not sure about the other locations. Congratulations on your new baby boy!

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Kristin S says · 03.02.15

Kate, you look gorgeous!

Birchbox – I gave up (I also finally gave up on Stitch Fix)
They’re Real – don’t like either
Brightener – gonna have to try that because the older I get, the darker my inner eyes have become
Triple Sec – I saw Shay (mix and match mama) recommended that and I was going to try it. BUT I totally trust you more. I’ll stick with the one I love already.

Looking at your “bangs”. Mine need your help! Growing out isn’t painful yet but I just don’t know how to dry them.

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Michelle says · 03.02.15

Youc can order the best peach rings in the world here:
http://www.albanesecandy.com/all-gummies/gummi-peach-rings/

🙂

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Sue says · 03.02.15

I like the Faves & Disappointments, keep ’em coming!

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Sue says · 03.03.15

I have no idea what a peach ring is but I’m assuming it’s something you eat and not put under your butt after giving birth – that kind of ring I know about! Preferred the shorter video – I often have to hide from the family to indulge my secret pleasure of watching your longer videos. This one was perfect! Awesome effort – but grab those nap times to nap yourself…

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Daisy - émoi émoi says · 03.03.15

Really interesting to find that out about the Benefit mascaras – I was always a bit wary about They’re Real because I’ve found that sometimes Benefit makeup just rubs off quickly and is over priced and now I think I’ll give them a miss.

I agree with the other comments, your disappointments are just as interesting as your favourites!

Daisy
http://en.emoi-emoi.com/blog/

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Mollie says · 03.03.15

Nursing cravings hit me like a truck! My husband was pretty disappointed in my lack of cravings during pregnancy, but once our little one was born, I devoured pretty much everything in sight! Go with it as you’re burning all those calories. 🙂

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Kristin Potts says · 03.03.15

I did not like the roller lash until I watched a how to video on Sephora’s website. The wand should look like a sad face then roll up as you brush. Once I mastered the rolling technique the curl was amazing. No clumping either. Love your blog!

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Erin says · 03.03.15

You can get peach rings at Fresh Market in Cary! 😉

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Heather Anderson says · 03.03.15

I saw peach rings at Walgreens today…when I was picking up the eye brightener.

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Sarah says · 03.03.15

Support a local business by buying peach rings from the Farmers Market! 🙂

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Ashley says · 03.04.15

So I also got the roller lash in my birch box (I also agree they have been a box of disappointing lately) and I have played around with it a little because I want to like it the full size wand it all textured and cute so anyway I want to like it. I still am not ready to order the full size but I have learned that if I use it slowly it goes much better. So I start near my eye and slowly almost slow motion slow pull it through my lashes and that helps a little. Of course you really don’t have time to do anything slowly with a toddler and a newborn but I thought I would share anyway in case one day you are out and that is all you have left?.?. I don’t know just thought I would share that with you. Enjoy your maternity leave and your sweet boys!

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sparklygoddess says · 03.04.15

That Benefit cream eyeshadow looks so cute I am huge fan of cream eyeshadows and I think this will be my next purchase

sparklygoddess.blogspot.com

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Deanna says · 03.04.15

I’m so glad you tried the brightener! I was going to leave a comment on the other post about it but I forgot. I like the yellow toned neutralizer as well. I have not tried any of the other colors but I use the brightener and neutralizer every day! I love the formula of these compared to the NYX concealers which seemed drier and settled into fine lines.

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Tracy says · 03.07.15

Just wanted to leave a little tip I use regarding the Maybelline brightener. I always remove the sponge on top because I don’t like to waste product and I can actually see how much is coming out. I noticed with the sponge it would suck up more than you would use or you would click too much before you would realize the product was out. So I always toss it and use my concealer brush. Saves product and you can see what you are using! Love your blog!

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Becky Bomar says · 03.09.15

I tried the dryer 3 in 1 texture spray. I really like it. For the days i was a really messy look it works great! I don’t find it makes my hair heavier, but feels thicker. I already have really thick course hair. So it does make it feel super dry but not crunchy and i still have some shine. I’m having a hard time trying to find the best texture spray for me. For the messy look days i use the dry 3 in 1, for beach wavy natural looking curly day i use the redone sea spray. I am still trying to just find a regular every day one.

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Susan R. says · 03.12.15

Oh bless your heart! I have had 5 great kiddos and had different craving AFTER they were born. I never had morning sickness and never had pregnancy cravings, but boy did the cravings hit afterward. I always craved pebble ice (with or without a cola), salt, beets and mini wheats cereal.
I so get the peach ring thing and I would be more than happy to supply you with peach rings. I happen to live next to a ranch supply store and they sell the best peach rings. I know…odd place to find peach rings, but they have a bunch of old time candies. I would be happy to send you an assortment.
Are you familiar with this new Younique brand fiber lash mascara? I have seen it on my Facebook page (a bunch of friends are selling it) and I wondered if you’ve ever tried it. I myself do not wear mascara, of any kind, I have severe eye allergies and can’t wear any eye make up (liner, shadow, mascara). I am able to have my lashes tinted though, so I’ve got that going for me, which is nice. I just wondered if you’ve tried the fiber lash mascara. If I were able to wear mascara, I would probably try it.
You can email me with your address and I will send you those peach rings (no worries if you aren’t comfortable with that).

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