links + small things
Must-Have Nourishing and Repairing Hair Products
The heat is no joke this week in Raleigh, but that is par for the course of Raleigh at this time of year!
I got the new ilia mascara in a PR mailing and really, really love it! I liked the original formula for a no-nonsense, easy to swipe on mascara, but this new formula really packs a punch. It builds quickly and easily, and you get the look of thick, volumized lashes with only two layers. Ilia is a clean beauty brand too!
I’m working on a fun post all about crew neck white t-shirts. I bought a handful and will try them on and compare them to see which ones I like the most! I paid from $13-$80 per tee and will be sharing the whole try-on process on stories and instagram.
I remember reading about the 15% pledge that Sephora committed to and am really pleased to be a fan of the brand and a partner with the company as a part of the Sephora Squad. There are a handful of Black-owned brands that I have used and loved for a long time (like the retinol product I love, or the Fenty lip glosses), but I’m happy to see the results of their pledge as evidenced by more and more black-owned beauty brands becoming available at Sephora. There is an entire helpful section on their site that offers a lot of information and direct links to the brands, and I recently purchased a few new-to-me products that I’m enjoying! The Caked Up Candle from FORVR Mood is, like, baked goods happiness in a candle. The keynotes are Almond, Honey, and Vanilla Bean. I also got the LYS Higher Standard Satin Cream Matte Blush in self-love. This is a clean product, and I love a cream blush so it’s right up my alley.
And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:
Bandwagon Sunglasses – a fun alternative to traditional black sunglasses!
Shani Darden Retinol Reform – still love it as much as I professed in this post!
Floral long-sleeve dress from LOFT – so pretty.
Pima Robe – just added a new color to my collection!
Nugget Comfort – I just bought this recently for the kids and they are LOVING it!
Barcelona Wine Bar – I can’t stop thinking about the Tapas that we ate at this restaurant!
Killjoy Cocktail Bar – I can’t wait to go back here one day, it’s a beautiful cocktail lounge/bar in Downtown Raleigh
Bagging Rights tote bag – such a fun tote bag. I love the color!
Chantelle high rise brief – best underwear around.
Aera Diffuser – if you haven’t bought the Vanilla scent capsule yet, don’t wait another second. Buy it!
Big Dog Little Bed Video Production Company – We’ve filmed 4 videos together and I can say they are fantastic to work with!
Jordan Maunder Photography – best photographer in the biz!
White roll cuff top from Banana Republic – ya’ll loved this on Instagram, and I do too! It’s a beautiful blouse that can be worn for work or play.
Miranda Frye Sawyer bracelet – a pretty bracelet
This week’s discount codes (#partnerships):
KATE10 gives you 10% off any items at Bagging Rights
Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!
Spanx: Use code “Katexspanx” for 10% off plus free shipping!
Beddy’s: Code “SmallThings” saves you 20%!
Questions from Monday’s Q&A box on Instagram!
How do you prevent creases under your eyes from makeup? I swear it’s all in this setting powder I use!
Favorite foundation at the moment? Since I’m fighting some dark spots, I’m really loving the Lancome foundation I talked about in this post.
Considering the humidity where you live, do you use a primer and setting spray? Right now I’m only using a setting spray. I love the Urban Decay All-Nighter Spray!
Have you tried Bondi Boost? I have not.
Do you have a link for your Kindle Case? I do not have one in a case, but I do have a pop socket on the back to help me hold it!
Do you have anything special that you use for breakouts? Honestly, the Proactive moisturizer has been helping my chin area GREATLY!
What is your opinion on Collagen for hair health? To be fully transparent, I’ve heard mixed reviews about whether or not ingesting collagen does anything at all for your hair, so I’m currently skeptical but open to learning more.
At what age did you start Botox? I’ve never had botox.
Amika The Shield spray, better to use before or after other products? My personal favorite way to use it is after I curl, but you can definitely use it before heat styling!
comments
Hi Kate! Can you link or name the portable charger you mentioned in your stories earlier this week?
Thanks for sharing this sweetie, I loved reading it!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
I’m curious, what are your thoughts on a curved hem tee verse a straight hem tee. I can’t wear the crop tees due to my comfort level. So I’m asking what is the current trend on tee shirt hemlines? Are there pros and cons? I would like style advice on this hemline question. Thank you so much for your advise. Can’t wait to hear from you.