Lavenderwalls & Me...: April Favorites...and Not-So-Favorites

Woooo.....What a week, what a week!!! I hope yours has been delightful and exciting!!! Mine, as has been the trend the last several weeks, has been non-stop, jam packed, and certainly eventful and busy. BUT…it's here!!! Finally!!! Ze'Weekend!...and this particular one is mighty, mighty special because it's MOTHER'S DAY on Sunday!!!!

So, before I send you off to spend some quality time with the Moms in your life...Let's debrief on April and check out the faves...and the, well, "Um, you kind of suck!" items.

So, without further ado, ...Here they are!

April's Ipsy Bag

People! I was so impressed with this past month's Ipsy shipment. Not only was the bag super adorable, but the products included were amazing! Everything in there was something I would or could use. It definitely overshadowed April's Birchbox by a million! If you haven't checked out my last post on the April Birchbox vs. Ipsy Showdown, go NOW!!!

Neiman Marcus Cosmetic Bag

I kind of picked this up on a whim at Neiman Marcus Last Call. What really drew me in was the orange and teal color combo and the ikat pattern. If you haven't figured it out by now, those 2 components on its own can sell me on just about anything! Now, once I calmed down, I really started to hesitate whether or not I should get this bag because this little plastic-y thing was about $30, which is very unnecessary. But, of course, I had to have it...and I am glad I bought it!

I recently went on a business trip and was pleasantly suprised at its durability and truly how much it holds without being bulky. All my make up fit into both compartments and I could still easily button the top snap with room to spare. In addition, the plastic vinyl material makes it really effortless to clean and keeps the bag looking fresh and new.

This product has been a long time favorite and made a great comeback in the month of April. Lately, I have been trying all sort of concealers from different brands, of different textures, and of different consistencies. Therefore, I wasn't grabbing this Nars one as often. However, one day, I decided to dig this back up and use it...Dude! I was reminded how great this concealer is. It's quick and easy to apply with the doe foot wand, the coverage is amazing, it lasts all day and doesn't crease...Just amazing!

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Lionfish

I featured this in my last Ulta haul as a repurchase. I just want to say that this eyeliner is a consistent favorite, especially during April! Again, eyeliners were something I was experimenting with for months. However, April got a little busier for me, so I needed to keep my makeup routine quick, simple, yet polished. This Stila liner in Lionfish was definitely the go-to, holy grail product. Quick because there is no need to sharpen, easy because the formulation is smooth and creamy, and reliable because it never smudges or fades through the day. The color, in particular, is my favorite. It gives a clean definition around the eyes, but the iridescent dark plum brown makes my eyes stand out, brightens them, and complements no eyeshadow to minimal eyeshadow looks.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Another come-back favorite this month! I have loved this primer since the first day I tried it, but it is incredibly pricey. So, I took a little break from buying this to explore some other primers. Well, Christmas rolled around...and if you are familiar with purchasing cosmetics during that time of year, you know that you can get some incredible deals. Sephora will do something during this time where they sell cult-favorites and popular products in a larger size. Now, I have gotten myself in trouble before with this event when I purchase liter size bottles of Philosophy's Purity and Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash, but I figured I would take the risk again, and this time, sprung for the 2oz tube of the Hourglass Veil primer. I am sooooo glad I did! They sold out so quickly and for very good reasons. It's oil-free, so it won't add to the natural oil production through the day, which in turn, helps with keeping shine at bay and your make-up staying put. There's SPF 15...I'm all for sun protection. The consistency is silky smooth, which allows for easy application. Overall, a great product that is a must-try!

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

A.K.A. Bronze Universel to beauty gurus around the social media circle. This bronzer is just as great as everyone raves it to be! I am not a cream blush or bronzer fan...at all. I feel like it's more work to apply than I have time and patience for. However, the positive reviews got me curious as to why this bronzer is so popular. I totally get it now! The color is so gorgeous. On my skin tone, it gives me a beautiful and natural contour right below my cheeks. I can throw it on by itself to add some healthy glow...I can build up the product to contour and bronze...I can layer my other bronzers on top to intensify the color. This truly is a universal bronzer. Is it hard to apply?...No. Is it as convenient as powdered bronzers?...No. But, is it worth the extra effort?...Absolutely!

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Palette

Don't even begin to ask me why I bought this because I will not have an explanation for you except for the fact that I wanted it. I will say I am SO glad that I purchased this palette, because I have just about used it everyday since I have had it. The colors are rich and pigmented, and the array of colors allow you to come up with looks that range from super natural to sultry smoky.

On top of that, the shadows are all named after chocolate flavors and confections...AND they are made of 100% natural cocoa powder, so they all smell like chocolate!!! To tell you how much I love this palette and absolutely risking the fact that I may be ruining a surprise, I have purchased this as a present for a friend whose birthday is coming up in June --- and I know she is going have as much fun as I have!!!

Sephora Favorites Meet Your Match Set

What a great deal for $25!!!! This set of quality products is pretty awesome because it pairs a nail color with a matching lip color. This is so perfect when you want to wear minimal makeup, but still find a way to keep yourself looking polished. What's also great is that you get a nude pairing, a pretty purple-pink pairing, and bright coral pairing so that you get variety and options that will go well with the color scheme of your outfits. This set makes a perfect gift for a teenage girl just getting into makeup, anyone that doesn't wear a lot of makeup but is looking to add dimension and color to their looks, or really, anybody in general. In fact, this will actually be part of the birthday gift that I will be giving my friend, as well!!!

Dove Go Fresh Rebalance Body Wash in Plum & Sakura Blossom

I think most of us know that Dove body washes in general are marketed as thick and creamy washes that add moisture to the body and locks it in with its Nutrium Moisture technology. I've tried their regular scented one, and although it was thick, creamy, and moisturizing, I just didn't care for the scent...and if the scent of the body wash doesn't capture my attention, I won't pay attention to anything else it can do for me. However, I received a coupon to get a Dove body wash at Walgreens for super cheap and thought, "Why, not? This scent doesn't sound too bad." People, if there is a drugstore body wash that smells expensive and luxurious, it is defintely this one! I can't describe it. You just need to run out and get it and love it!

Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover

I guess April was the month of repeat favorites! Another very happy and proud repurchase! For month's, I have been trying to use up another eye makeup remover that will be mentioned later on…and it was just not fun. So when I finally used up the last drop, I pulled out this long-time favorite, Lancome's Bi-Facil, and was happy once again. You just dab a little onto a cotton round, place it on your eyes for about 15 seconds, and all the make up just cleanly melts right off - even the waterproof stuff. I feel like other eye makeup removers require you to tug and pull and vigorously swipe. Not this one!

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream

This was actually given to me by my friend, Monique, to test out a long long time ago. On the box it claims to do just about everything short of tucking you into bed…Ok, not that extreme. But, it truly does a lot. I keep it in my purse and anytime I have something going on with my skin, I pull this out and put some of this stuff on….I tell you, anything - dry skin, chapped lips, insect bites, reviving my concealer, paper cuts. However, most recently, I have been using it on a gnarly burn I have on my forearm. I just need to apply the tiniest bit and my skin is instantly soothed!

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

If you follow me on Instagram (@lavenderwalls), you will know that I JUST bought this. I was hanging out with my friend and just had my wallet and keys, but no lip balm…and my lips were very dry! Luckily, we were at Sephora…I heard good things about the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, so BAM! I was a proud owner of this amazing lip treatment. People. For me to only have owned this for a short period of time and call this my favorite is a testament of how good this stuff is! It's very, very hydrating, but it doesn't suffocate your lips! It lasts a long time and once it is gone (like after you eat or drink something), your lips are left super soft and not dry. Such a winner!

Tory Burch Robinson Smartphone Wristlet

This wristlet is not new to my collection, but it definitely was an April favorite (although it really is an overall favorite in general, year-round). I went on a few business trips this past month and the added convenience of carrying only the personal items that you need (driver's license, credit cards, business cards, cash, and keys) in a wristlet came in handy! When I travel for work, I already have a piece of luggage for clothes and toiletries, and then my work bag that has my laptop, chargers, and a notebook. Adding on a handbag would be overkill for my short arms and clumsy nature, especially since I really only need my wallet and a chapstick at most.

What I really love about this particular wristlet is that it is made of Saffiano leather, which makes the piece really durable and scratch and stain resistant. Even more, there are card slots, a zipper pouch and a place for your phone to keep everything organized…AND do you see the bright blue interior? So so nice!!

Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals

An obsession with these sandals is a HUGE understatement! As you can see, I own multiple pairs - all in a different color and trim pattern. Very comfortable, perfect for spring and summer, they go with every type of outfit and if you are a traveler, these are also very sleek and easy to pack.

I had purchase a couple pairs at regular price, but here's a tip in case you want to get your hands on multiple pairs of Gigi sandals, but don't want to pay the full sticker price. Hit up department store outlets like Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call, or Off Fifth. Since this style is a staple in the Sam Edelman sandal collection, they bring it back each year in different patterns and colors and sell off the past season's collections through the outlets…So there is always a pair or 2 at those stores that are still stylish and unique…but 1/3 of the price. In the last couple of weeks, I have purchase a couple pairs at Nordstrom Rack for $40 each. Sooo much better than $65!

To show you how the same style of sandals can be so versatile…I just bought this at Nordstrom. Instead of the signature brown insole, this one is black with white polka dots!!! My friend also purchase a pair with the American flag on the insole and pretty brass studs on the top trim piece.

At the recommendation of my friend, I took her advice and purchased this 12 pack at Costco…and OMG, this stuff is freaking delicious!!! It tastes EXACTLY like the yogurt you get at a legit fro-yo shop. This package came with 3 flavors: raspberry, lemon, and blueberry. All super good! I'm not sure if this is the best yogurt for you, but the satisfaction I get out of eating this out weighs my concern…Don't judge me!

Banana Split Oreos

Believe me when I say that I NEVER…NEVER buy Oreos. They never last long at my house, they are on the top of the list of best tasting "bad for you" foods in this world, and if they are around me, I find very creative ways of eating them that could potentially lead to my early demise (i.e. I have always dreamed of crushing them up and pouring milk over them so I can eat it like cereal…Yeah, I know. I'm that person.) HOWEVER, I was at the grocery store, and I saw that Nabisco had released a limited edition flavor…Banana split…and I had to try it! Definitely not disappointed! Just one cookie satisfies the little sweet tooth that I have! It tastes, in the most incredible way, like banana pudding. YUM!!!! I haven't finished the package yet (Yay!!!), but it's true---it's not lasting long in the house. Someone's been eating my cookies =(

This, my friends, was the eye makeup remover I was trying to use up before breaking out my Lancome Bi-Facil. I bought this at my special Walgreens, the only place (that I know of) where you can physically purchase Klorane products. I figured that since my holy-grail dry shampoo is also from this brand, the eye makeup remover would not be so bad. That's true…not so bad, but also not so great. Was it effective? Kind of. If I had eyeliner or mascara on, it took a little more patience and elbow grease than when I use Bi-Facil. What really honestly turned me off with this product is the scent!!!! Ugh! It's florally in the most annoying way! I dreaded using this product at fear of getting a waft of the cornflower. I am so glad our relationship is over!

Dreaming Cow Yogurt

There are 2 reasons why a grocery store would sell yogurt at a super discounted price: 1) It's about to expire. 2) It just sucks. Somehow, I realized point number 1…and that was not the case. However, point number 2 never clicked in my head when I purchased not 1, but 4 containers of this yogurt. It's just not good. I only tried the pear flavored one and after taking a bite, I was done. No, thank you! Never again. Lesson learned. Nice try.

I really wanted to like these, but unfortunately, they didn't work out - which makes me very sad! The huge flaw was the packaging. For some reason the lid would not snap shut. So, it didn't help with keeping the wipes moist, and therefore hindered the product's performance. Other than that, it wasn't really great at removing make up.