Everything I Used in June

I definitely didn't go through as much stuff in June as I did in May. But I think it's important for me, as a consumer, to keep up on my empties posts so I can chronicle what I use and hopefully that will help me reducing my spending (and plastic use) in 2019. 

I apologize right now for these photos. I have a maybe 2 hour window to take photos and sometimes I don't have the best light. Not proud of them, but they're what I've got! C'est la vie and all day. I don't usually use stock photos for posts like this, but in this case, I felt I needed to, as these photos required so much editing to make them not look dark brown... it was honestly like I went back into a 1970s photograph, honestly. 

Anyway, let's jump in! 

1. Biobelle #UnicornGlow Mask

I got this Biobelle mask in my June ipsy bag, and I quite like it! It didn't smell as sweet as I thought it would, as I mentioned, but it did leave my skin very soft. I have one more of it to use, then I'll have to decide how much I really love them. 

2. Mickey Mouse Charcoal Face Mask

I kind of impulse bought two of these Mickey Mouse masks from Target a few weeks ago and decided to use this charcoal one first. I was pretty disappointed. This mask is quite dry, first of all, and the mask itself was very small and oddly shaped. It did make my skin feel quite soft, but given the price and the dryness of the mask, it definitely wasn't worth $3. 

3. Purlisse Coconut Oil & Coffee Body Scrub

If you remember, I received this in my April ipsy bag. I originally liked it quite a bit, but found myself never reaching for it as I found it quite messy to use in the shower! However, it was really nice to use after I use fake tan, as it helps get any orange bits off my ankles or knees. 

4. Tony Moly Painting Therapy Pack 

I received this tube of mask in my May ipsy bag and, ugh, it's one of my favorite masks I've ever received! It also had a ton of uses in this little tube, which is probably why I like it so much--more bang for my buck! I was sad to use up the last little bit, but I'm trying to have less teeny tiny tubes floating around. 

5. Clear Skin Nose Strip (from TJ Maxx) 

Listen: I know these aren't good for my skin. However, I have found that if I do a pore strip on my chin about 2 weeks before my cycle starts, I get less breakouts. I've been experimenting with how to help my face get less congested, especially throughout my cycle, and this is one step that surprised me, but also made total sense. I'll have a post on this later, but for now: these aren't very good for your skin, but I've found a place for them in my routine. 

June 2018 Wrap Up: Summer's Here!

Tomorrow is the last day of June. I can't believe I'm writing that sentence to be perfectly honest. It doesn't feel like we should be here yet. Danny is on summer break (teacher life) and I'm trying to work while he gets to relax with Forrest (it's fine, I'm not jealous). The weather is great. 

We're prepping for our big vacation of the summer (we're just going to Idaho), but there are a few things I wanted to write about on this post. I love writing these wrap ups because it's nice to look at the month and really talk about how it was. 

A post shared by Michelle 💐 (@michellelocke6) on Jun 1, 2018 at 7:31pm PDT

1. My 5-year wedding anniversary

My anniversary is June 23. It feels so strange that 2013 was only 5 years--and also, 5 years ago. 5 years is a long time. It's also weird to think that Forrest is almost 3. At the time when I got pregnant, it felt like we had waited a long time to get pregnant after getting married. But not really! I've learned a lot about relationships over the past 5 years. Sometimes, things are really good; and sometimes, things are really difficult. It's not always perfect and I don't think there is any value at pretending otherwise. Marriages don't have to be constant drama to be good, but they also don't have to be perfect 24/7 to be good either. 

A post shared by Michelle 💐 (@michellelocke6) on Jun 9, 2018 at 8:45pm PDT

2. A month with no surprises

Can I tell you guys something great? In June, we didn't have any major expenses. I wrote before about how from January to May, we had a major expense almost every single month, rarely under $500. It was rough. That's a lot of money, y'all! It felt like we were really drowning for a while and it was very stressful. But thank goodness, nothing happened in June and, fingers crossed, July will be the same. I'd love another month without me crying over a checkbook, thanks. 

A post shared by Michelle 💐 (@michellelocke6) on Jun 22, 2018 at 11:40am PDT

3. Promising more adventures

Danny and I are homebodies, by nature, but in the past few weeks, we decided that we didn't want Forrest to be bored all summer. We drove to the coast spontaneously the day before our anniversary. And we have a few other day trips planned for this summer. I'm a planner by nature, so it's hard for me to let go and not plan everything down to every single minute detail. But it was really fun to just explore, drive, and talk as a family. 

A post shared by Michelle 💐 (@michellelocke6) on Jun 20, 2018 at 8:03pm PDT

4. Potty training success

We've been potty training for exactly a year now that it's June. And finally, finally, Forrest has it. In February, I thought we might be successful in watching the Elmo potty training DVD around the clock and talking about potties nonstop--but no dice. At the beginning of June, I told Forrest he couldn't go to preschool if he didn't start wearing underpants and using the potty. And guess what? A few days later, he started wearing underpants and going in the potty almost every time. I mean, seriously. That's all it took? Preschool? 

Beauty Review: OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo

If you've been reading my blog for the last year or so, you know that I've been trying just about every shampoo under the sun to help my scalp.

Around November, I started developing some scalp dryness that left me feeling very itchy. Visits to the dermatologist confirmed that it wasn't dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, or anything medical; I just had dry skin on my scalp. Which is so odd because I have very oily skin otherwise. How can one half of my head be oily and the other half barely produce any oil? 

I've tried every tea tree oil shampoo under the sun, alongside everything from Head & Shoulders to T-Sal. 

I went sulfate-free. 

I've reviewed a ton of shampoos. 

I realized the other day that this same thing happened the last time I had very long hair. I asked a few friends and some of them expressed the same thing. When my hair is short, my scalp doesn't get dry; when my hair is very long, it's as if my hair steals all the oil from my scalp, leaving it dry. That probably isn't scientifically accurate, but some long hair forums I've been reading suggest the same thing. 

I keep holding out for a Holy Grail product to come along. The closest thing I've found so far is the OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo. After my brief success with the Kristen Ess sulfate-free shampoo, I bought this on impulse at Target. It was sulfate-free, check; and it promised to moisturize, check. Here's what it promises: 

“This deliciously creamy and nourishing blend, infused with coconut milk, whipped egg proteins and coconut oils, helps to strengthen and hydrate your hair, leaving it softly scented, super soft and glowing.”

Upon first wash, it did help my scalp last 2 days before it got very dry and itchy. I'm going to have to give up my lofty dreams of only washing every 3 or 4 days, because I think that's the limit for my poor scalp! Here's the schedule I started following: 

• In the evening, I apply a mix of coconut oil & jojoba oil to my scalp, then braid my hair. 
• In the morning, wash my hair and let air dry. 
• Repeat every 2 days. 

This seems to give me the most moisture for my buck. I added the OGX Coconut Milk Conditioner as well, and that has helped my hair's health a lot. Due to my scalp getting so dry, I found myself with a lot of split ends and hair damage; my hair just wasn't getting enough moisture. 

OGX does have a Coconut Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist, which I'm very interested to try. A friend suggested applying jojoba oil to my roots every day, which I do think would help--but it makes me hair super greasy as a result. Not a great look for going to work or running errands, honestly. I do think on my next trip to Target, I need to grab this just to see if it helps! 

So, what's my final verdict on the OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo? It's not really the Holy Grail that I'm looking for (I'm still searching), but it's definitely improved my scalp enough that I don't feel quite so down about it! There is nothing worse than having a problem you just can't find a solution for (besides cutting off all my hair). If you're struggling with dry skin on your scalp, definitely give this shampoo a try. 

My Summer 2018 Wishlist

I don't often write wish list posts on my blog. To be completely honest, day to day, I can't ever really think of anything I wish for or need. I have too much stuff as it is, and sometimes worry about my love of things. Part of running this blog, for me, has been learning to use things multiple ways, trying to spend less money on beauty (I've succeeded in the last year and my blog has not suffered for it!). But sometimes, it's nice to just fantasize about what I would buy if I had all the extra money. 

And to be perfectly honest, even with that caveat... I still found it very hard to compile this list! That's me, absolutely over-practical until the very end. 

Anyway, here's my summer 2018 wish list. Share what you're wishing for in the comments! 

Too Faced Peach Perfect Foundation

1. Too Faced Peach Perfect Foundation

I'm working on a mega blog post about foundation right now (it has been about a month in the process at the time I'm writing this and it doesn't go up until mid-July). As a result, I have about 100 foundations I just really want to try. Ever since I saw the Peach Perfect foundation, I wanted to try it, but I'm always wary of Too Faced complexion products for some reason. That being said, I got a sample while writing my mega-foundation post... and while I don't want to give my full review here, I really loved it. 

Tie-Dye Y-Back Mini Dress

Floral Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

2. These Dresses

It's been a really long time since I bought new clothes that I felt really good in. I primarily live in a wardrobe of leggings, t-shirts, and sweaters. But a few weeks ago, I bought a maxi dress at ROSS for $9 and suddenly, it's like I'm back in the game. I'm ready for a summer wardrobe again, after getting rid of every single one of my dresses over the last two years. 

Aloha Beaches Graphic Sun Hat

3. An Instagram-Worthy Sun Hat

Sometimes, it's nice to admit you want something because it will look really good in photos. Case in point: I want one of these hats because they look really cute it Instagram photos. Also, sun protection. But mostly Instagram photos. 

4. A Really Good Vacation

Danny and I have been saying for months that we want to go on a legit vacation soon. A real one. Not one that's about Forrest (although he can have fun too). Not one that is about education. Not one that is about visiting anybody or cramming in activities. A vacation. A real one. Where we lounge around a pool, spend our evenings watching TV or around a fire pit, and generally eat too much, but get lots of exercise. No planned activities. No theme parks. A good vacation. It probably won't happen this summer, but maybe next. 

My Top 5 Affordable Beauty & Skincare Items

You guys know I love saving money. I'm not typically a spender; buying anything more than $30 requires me to spend at least a week thinking about it. Whenever I feel like I own too much stuff, I end up going on a huge purge where I get rid of what feels like half of everything I own. 

I wanted to share, alongside my tips for saving money, my favorite affordable products. These are the products that give me the most bang for my buck--something that is very important to me. 

1. Wet'n'Wild MegaCushion Foundation, $8.99

I posted about this foundation in my May empties post--I said then that it lasted me about 8+ weeks. Well, as the weather has gotten warmer, I've stopped wearing my super high coverage foundations. Instead, I've been wearing this one every day and I'm definitely going to need a new one by July. It's that good. I love how it looks on my skin so much! And for $8.99 (and often on sale at Walgreens), it's not going to break the bank! I use the shade Light Ivory (#106A) and it feels like a really close match to my skin tone. 

2. ColourPop Lippie Stix, $5.50

I received my first Lippie Stix (Stick?) in my very first ipsy bag, in the shade Glam Bag. At the time, I said I didn't think it was a very seasonally appropriate color and I stand by that assessment. However, now that it is actually, officially summer... I've been wearing this a ton. I told Danny that I planned to order a bunch of Lippie Stix for fall; he asked me how much they were. I said, "$5.50." He said, "go nuts then." Very few lipsticks have the same staying power, with velvety smooth feel, like the Lippie Stix. 

3. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, $11 (for 2)

Listen, I love that sponge I got in my May Ipsy bag, but at $17.50, it's not... quite worth it. Real Techniques sponges are $11 for 2 on the official Real Techniques website--but if you cruise your local Marshall's or TJ Maxx, they almost always have them for $3.99. 

4. ColourPop Super Shock Blush, $8 

I'm kind of a sucker for blush, which can be an expensive habit. Especially because the amount of blush the average person uses day to day is so small... there is no way I will be able to use all the blushes I own in the next year. Or two years. Or three years. But let me say, my favorite blushes are the ColourPop Super Shock blushes, which are only $8 a pop. I've mentioned before that I prefer purple-toned blushes, as it's the color most of us are more likely to flush (instead of peachy or straight pink). My favorite blush from ColourPop is the color Rain, which is a cool-toned lavender. 

5. bliss lemon & sage refreshing body wipes, $8

You know those times where you find yourself kind of sweaty and gross? For me, it's always when I'm out with Forrest; I've had to carry him across the parking lot and it's 80 degrees, he's swinging his feet, sweat is dripping down my back. Once we're all loaded up and in the car, I feel like a mess. I recently bought a pack of these bliss lemon & sage body wipes, which include deodorant, to keep in my car for emergencies. And really, they are miracle workers for freshening up on hot or stressful days, after working out, or when you finish work and need to head to an appointment. Plus, they smell amazing. 

Beauty Review: My June 2018 Ipsy Bag

The theme of this month's Ipsy was, of course, Pride. As someone who doesn't identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum (aside from being an ally), this made me excited, as I was hopeful to see those who are infrequently featured in major beauty campaigns highlighted. 

If you frequent any beauty groups, like those on Reddit or Facebook, you probably saw that Ipsy had a pretty severe stumble with their Pride video. The first speaker in the video made a point to emphasize that she identified as an "authentic cis woman," as opposed to a trans woman. This made a lot of people mad. Ipsy finally apologized (you can read their apology here) and removed the video. This made me unsure of how to move forward as an Ipsy subscriber: I don't want to contribute to a brand that puts that kind of voice forward in a video on Pride month, but I felt their apology was heartfelt--but the apology is not one for me to say is good enough. It's not an apology to me. Those in the LGBTQIA+ community seem satisfied with Ipsy admitting they were wrong. We just have to see if things really change though. 

I didn't want to start this review without mentioning that controversy. I want you to know that I saw it, I understand the issue with it, and I stand with the LGBTQIA+ community regarding how hurtful statements like that (intentional or not) can be. I had told myself I would keep Ipsy for a year (it was a gift to myself), so if after September, I don't feel they've made steps towards improving, I will be cancelling. (I already prepaid 12 months!)

With that said, let's jump in to the products I received this month.  

(As always, you can read my past Ipsy bag reviews here. And you can use my Ipsy referral code to sign up here.) 

1. Biobelle #UnicornGlow Perfect Radiance Facial Mask, $4.99 per mask

I received 2 of these masks (giving this item a $9.98 value). Here's what this mask promises: 

“In just 15 minutes, our delicious antioxidant-rich chocolate and mulberry act together to help visibly brighten and treat uneven skin tone while honey hydrates and softens skin, giving you a perfect complexion!”

The mask does smell slightly like cocoa, but that's about it. I expected a bit... more, in terms of scent from this mask, with the promise of Chocolate, Mulberry & Honey. But at least it wasn't overpowering, I suppose! I did enjoy this mask: it wasn't too goopy or wet, the mask fits well, and it had a lot of extra serum (which as you know, I save!) I previously received other Biobelle masks in my February bag. What's funny is that these masks make no promises in regards to what they do; the ingredients listed on the front are all foods, but besides cocoa butter or oil, I can't figure out what... is actually in them. 

2. Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic, $4

This is one thing in my bag that made me a little disappointed the moment I saw it. Many people swear by Glow Tonic--and I just can't get into it! I don't know if my skin is impervious, but it honestly doesn't ever feel like I've put anything on my face besides water. I used an entire $20 bottle of this stuff and it did nothing. I'm going to give it this one last shot, but... you all know I hate wasting money! I'll update you in my June empties if this worked. 

3. Beaute Basics Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe, $14.99

I oddly cannot find this single eyeshadow on Beaute Basics' website (they only have like 6 products listed on their website, which doesn't seem sketchy at all, you know). But the other single eyeshadows clock in at $14.99. I had to lie down as I read that. That's insanity. It is a big pan of eyeshadow, but... the quality? I've also received this color at least 3 times previously from Ipsy. I'm pretty close to saying no more eyeshadows, except a few months ago, some people got an entire eye palette in their bags! I don't wanna play myself, y'all! But I've got taupe eyeshadow coming out my eyeballs. 

4. Luxie Beauty 245 Small Shader Eye Brush, $12

You can never have too many eyeshadow brushes and I was so excited to get this one! I have a larger shader brush that I use, but sometimes I need something that lets me get a little more definition to pack on eyeshadow. Luxie brushes are some of my favorites, as well, as they're so pretty and pink! 

From left to right: NYX Cosmetics Powder Puff in Puppy Love, Wet'n'Wild Cushion Soft Matte Lip Cream in Melon Like It Is, and Doucce Luscious Lip Stain in Passion Peach

5. Doucce Luscious Lip Stain in Passion Peach, $28

I'm not entirely sure why this is called a "luscious lip stain," as it is a liquid lip. It dries down to a powdery finish similar to the NYX Cosmetics Powder Puff Lippies and the Wet'n'Wild Cushion Soft Matte Lip Creams. Actually, the color I received is very similar to the color I have in both these lipsticks; I included a swatch of just Passion Peach. It's a bright, bright coral with a mainly orange undertone. In the multi-swatch photo, from left to right is NYX Powder Puff in Puppy Love, Wet'n'Wild Cushion in Melon Like It Is, and then Passion Peach. As you can see, the NYX shade is slightly more pink, whereas the Wet'n'Wild color is almost identical to Passion Peach. It is quite a pretty shade, is very long lasting, and feels nice on the lips; it does go on quite streaky, so it takes some finessing. Is it worth $28, however? Already owning two nearly identical dupes, I can say that I prefer the Wet'n'Wild Cushion as it is really soft, lovely, and wearable... while only being $3.

Final Thoughts

The full value of this bag is $68.97. That's pretty average for my Ipsy bags. I love almost everything in this bag (even though I feel there are better dupes out there for some things), except the taupe eyeshadow and perhaps the Pixi Glow Tonic (though I'm holding out hope that something miraculous happens). If you'd like to try Ipsy, use my referral code here.  

How I Save Money on Skincare & Beauty

Having skincare and beauty products as a hobby can be, well, expensive. And if you guys know me, you know I'm not one of those people who can just buy, buy, buy without a second thought. I worry a lot about overconsumption, especially of products as long lasting as makeup, and it can be very easy to get into a "collector" mindset about things (like palettes) without thinking of how you'll actually use them. 

That being said, like all people, I love trying new things. Even though I try not to buy very often (maybe once a month, if that), I do have some tips for saving money and getting the most bang from your buck. 

1. Shop at TJ Maxx & Marshalls. 

Hands down, this is the best tip I can give you. If you're in the mood to buy makeup or skincare, TJ Maxx and Marshalls are the two best stores to do it. I buy almost all my face masks here--in fact, some of my favorites are from Marshalls! As well, if I need a new moisturizer or face wash, I check TJ Maxx and Marshalls first. They often have high end brand lipsticks and palettes. You have to be fast though! I've found the best times to shop are Tuesday mornings and Saturday mornings, both right at opening. However, your stores might be different! 

2. Use Influenster.

If you don't know what Influenster is, it's a website where you review products, answer surveys, and quality for VoxBoxes, aka PR boxes. I write a lot of Influenster sponsored posts with products I receive; if you want to start a beauty blog or a beauty Instagram, it's a great place to start getting products sent to you without cost! I've often used these posts to leverage other brand sponsorships. If you link your social media networks, you're more likely to qualify for VoxBoxes. 

3. Save the leftover serum from face masks. 

I save all my old jojoba oil bottles, rinse them out, and use them to save serum from masks. I then use this as my night serum; it often contains all the good stuff I want to buy a fancy serum for. But I've already used the mask! I usually squeeze the face mask a little bit into the package, then squeeze the package out into the jar or container I'm saving it in. You can also buy packs of dry face masks on Amazon and reuse the serum this way. Either way, that $2.50 mask you bought at Target becomes a serum you can use at least 5 more times. Score! 

4. Get samples. 

If you go to Sephora or Ulta to purchase a basic (like your foundation or powder), don't be afraid to ask if they have any samples. Often, I'll get a whole bonus pack of skincare and beauty samples thrown into my bag. Asking nicely goes a long way and gives me the opportunity to try a lot of new things at once. As well, at Sephora, you can ask for a sample of just about everything; I knew a girl once who designed an entire facial for the evening, then bought one mask at Sephora and got samples of everything else she wanted to use! 

Skincare for Men: Creating a Basic Routine

A few weeks ago, a piece from MEL Magazine hit the internet like a brick. Entitled "All the Insane Ways Men Do Skincare," it had started as a fairly basic set of interviews about how men perform skincare rituals. The overwhelming end result was one of shock and disbelief: most men don't perform skincare and when they do, it's... well, it's a little frightening. 

Some of the responses include things like: 

• Washing their faces with as hot of water as possible, with the belief that the hot water sanitize
• Vigorously brushing their beards
• Using bar soap, but only on the sides of their noses
• Using body wash on their face or, if they feel greasy, using antibacterial hand soap at best or dish soap at worst

Skincare has become a big business in the last year. Some women have taken to using spreadsheets to track their skincare routines, their reactions to skincare, and the items they like best. All in the pursuit of perfect skin, we've fallen head over heels for Drunk Elephant, despite the steep cost of nearly all their items, and the Ordinary, despite the fact that we know their CEO (and other leaders) are maybe not the best humans on the planet. 

This trend is just starting to bleed over to men. As we become increasingly aware of the desire of men to wear makeup, we should also be aware that many men probably want to start a skincare routine. Men have skincare concerns too, from dry skin to acne. Who doesn't want to improve their skin? And besides, skincare is ultimately just daily pampering; if it makes me feel good to put on my oils and serums and moisturizers at night, why can't it feel good for my husband? 

So, if you're a man (or just identify as one, or you're a woman who is new to skincare too,) and you're looking to start a very basic skincare routine, here's everything you need to know to start.

1. Start with Face Wash

Skincare starts with the most basic of all basics: washing your face. Most men, it seems, do this, even if it just means splashing their face in the shower or (worse) scrubbing with dish soap. Please, please do not wash your face with dish soap!

Men have thicker skin than women, in general, as well as more collagen (lucky), but men's skin is still thin on their faces, just like women (just not as thin). That means it is delicate. And that means that you can damage the pH balance of your skin really badly by using inappropriate cleansers. 

• For oily, acne-prone skin, try the Body Shop's Tea Tree Face Wash. 
• For dry skin, try Ren Evercalm Cleansing Milk. 
• For combination skin, try Philosophy's Purity Made Simple Face Wash.

2. Moisturize & Use SPF

Moisturizers are usually divided into day moisturizers (which include SPF) and night moisturizers (which don't). For those just starting a skincare routine, it's easy to get overwhelmed--so for now, let's stick with one moisturizer and SPF for both day and night. 

Men need to wear SPF every day, just like women. Sun damage can occur pretty much any time you're outside--it doesn't have to be sunny. I've been nagging my husband to wear SPF for two years now and he is finally taking me seriously! Here are some suggestions: 

• For skin with redness, try Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C with SPF 30
• For dry skin, try No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Moisture Day Cream with SPF 30
• For acne-prone skin, try Mario Badescu's Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 30

3. Pick a Mask 

My favorite part of skincare is masks. I think every skincare routine should have at least a weekly mask that you enjoy using and helps improve your skin. There is really nothing more relaxing than reading in the bathtub while wearing a face mask! Here are some suggestions. 

• For dry skin, try the Cosrx One Step Moisture Up Kit
• For acne-prone skin, try the Body Shop's Tea Tree Mask
• For combination skin, try Tony Moly's I'm Real Peach sheet mask

4. Get a Beard Care Kit

One of the best gifts I've ever gotten my husband was a beard care kit. He loves that kit! It came with a jojoba and almond oil mix that he started using not just on his beard, but on his face to help moisturize. If you have a beard, taking care of your beard is part of your skincare routine. Here are some suggestions. 

• The Beard Envy Kit, which includes beard wash, a brush, and styling product
• The Jack Black Beard Grooming Kit, which includes beard wash, beard oil, and beard conditioner
• The Percy Nobleman Travel Kit, which includes a folding comb, a styling stick, and beard oil