Products I’m Loving Lately


I’ve been testing out a few products here and there and I can finally dish on the ones that I’m really loving! 




Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener




I randomly spotted this under eye brightener at Sephora and decided to give it a whirl. You’re supposed to apply it before using your concealer and can build with as much highlight as you need. So it brightens, it doesn’t conceal. You can also use this as a highlighter for your cheekbones or wherever you like to highlight. I really like the applicator (it’s a brush) and find that a little goes a long way. It’s a double-duty product which I love when travelling! 





Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer 




I mentioned this bronzer a few weeks ago after I was finally able to find one in stock – these were scarce around Boston probably because we all needed to fake some color! First and foremost, the smell is the most amazing thing ever! It smells like summer in a bronzer – like the best tanning oil you’ve ever put on! I actually went with the lighter color and find that it has just the right amount of color for my skin tone and it’s buildable if I need more color. I’ve used other Physicians Formula products in the past, but none that I’ve loved as much as this one. I’m tempted to buy at least two more on the off chance they decide to discontinue this. It does come with an applicator that seems to be more useful if you want to contour with the bronzer, but I like an all over bronze, so I don’t use it.  


Defy & Inspire Target Exclusive Nail Polish




I’m slowly starting to become more conscious (I probably always should be) about products and toxins which is why when I saw Target’s new Defy & Inspire nail polish line I paused because it’s 5-free formula. If you’re like me and didn’t know what 5-free meant it’s basically free of the three most common chemicals (Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde) and also another two (Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor). Usually this means that your nails will chip faster because it doesn’t have all the other chemicals, but it’s not thanks to their dual-polymer technology that bonds to your nail. So I’m slowly getting rid of my other polishes (there are some tried and true favorites I will never part with) but Essie & OPI are 3 free so that’s good! 



Lavanila – The Healthy Deodorant


I recently mentioned that I’ve switched deodorants to an all natural one found at Sephora – Lavanila. It currently comes in 5 different scents (one travel size too) and I’m using the Vanilla Lavender scent. I’ll be frank – the price hurts when you’re used to paying about $3 for your regular deodorant and then to shell out $14 for their larger bottle, but when I think about all the years that I’ve unknowingly (and now knowingly) been applying what’s not so good for me, I’m willing to pay more to be safer (even if it might be in my head). I had a lot of questions about the scent, the wear-ability & overall thoughts so I’m excited to share that with you – only speaking about the Vanilla Lavender scent. It doesn’t necessarily glide on, you do have to rub a little harder than with normal deodorant, but once it’s on, it’s on. I read that it takes your body a little while to get used to the new product, so I carry it with me in my purse to touch up if needed during the day – probably a good idea in the summer too! I personally really like the deodorant and while I haven’t made a dent in using it, I think it will give me just as many uses, if not more, as my regular deodorant. 



L’Oreal Quick Dry Primer Spray


For anyone that doesn’t have a lot of time to blow dry your hair – this primer spray is for you. My hair is long and even though it doesn’t take as long to dry as some might think (30 minutes tops to air dry) when I blow dry it using this spray it cuts it down to about 12ish minutes and leaves my hair silky smooth! Love the finish and the smell! 


Burt’s Bees Lipstick (Nude)


I picked up this lipstick and then put it back down because I wasn’t really sure how good Burt’s Bees lipstick could be…well I’m a fan! It’s 100% natural (just like their other lip products) and also moisturizes while giving you the perfect amount of color! There are 14 shades to choose from and Iced Iris is the next one I have my eye on. This particular shade is a great everyday color because it’s not too harsh, so you can feel comfortable wearing lipstick to work and not worry about it being too loud. 




Not too many new products because I have been trying to get through all my samples – seriously they just pile up! I don’t need a face cream or moisturizer for the next year…I’m sure I’ll find an excuse to buy one anyway! Have you tried any of these products?




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80 Comments

  1. Rachel McCarthy
    May 24, 2016 / 10:31 am

    I definitely need to check out this defy & inspire nail polish! I'm always looking for products that are better for you, but I have never heard of these polishes! Such pretty colors too! Thanks for the recommendation, Biana!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  2. Tara | The Mix
    May 24, 2016 / 10:46 am

    I need to try that blow dry spray ASAP!

  3. Andrea Nine
    May 24, 2016 / 11:18 am

    I use a PF bronzer in "sunlight" but I must try this one, I don't tan my face so I like a good bronzer that blends well! I've also been wanting to try a natural deodorant so this looks perfect!! Fun round up girlie, always great to be introduced to products by real people, oh and awesome, beautiful people too!!

  4. a little bit of emily
    May 24, 2016 / 11:35 am

    Great reviews! That nail polish sounds awesome, as does the deodorant and lipstick! I don't give much thought to what I am putting on make up/product wise but that is probably something I should be much more conscious about!

  5. Girl Meets Bow
    May 24, 2016 / 11:38 am

    Loving that shade of lipstick! I'm always looking for ones that moisturize while I wear them.

  6. Jenn
    May 24, 2016 / 11:51 am

    I want to try almost all of these!!! The deodorant (after I use up my PiperWai), the bronzer and the hair dry primer spray! Thanks for a great list of fun products!

  7. Quinn
    May 24, 2016 / 12:00 pm

    I am always interested in what products everyone likes – so, naturally I loved this post. The Burt's Bees lipstick looks like it has an amazing pigment to it!

    xx qustomquinns.com/blog

  8. Sarita @ it's my girls' world
    May 24, 2016 / 12:03 pm

    I try my best to use natural deodorant as well! But in the summer, I sometimes need to switch back. I'll have to try that polish line!!

  9. Carly
    May 24, 2016 / 12:06 pm

    I seriously want like every single shade from that lipstick line! I love the color payoff and how smooth and non-drying they are & you really can't beat the price! I'm also intrigued by that bronzer- I keep hearing about how amazing it is!

  10. taislany
    May 24, 2016 / 12:16 pm

    I've never tried them, but they look awesome!

    Take care doll!! Ps: I'm hosting a Giveaway. I'd love if you entered!
    BLOG | TAISLANY

  11. Unknown
    May 24, 2016 / 12:26 pm

    Wow what a great list! I haven't tried any of these and now they are on my must try list. I am really intrigued by the deodorant!

    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  12. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    May 24, 2016 / 12:27 pm

    Yeah welcome to the hippie girl side of the deodorant world! šŸ˜‰ At least that is what Mark says to me every day. It is so much better for you and I'm glad you found one that works. I have picked up that nail polish at Target before but never committed good thing to know it's worth the price point.

  13. Heather
    May 24, 2016 / 12:30 pm

    Definitely need to check out that primer spray! I liked the Pillow Proof one but I didn't want to keep paying the price so this should be about half and I can live with that! I tried switching to a natural a couple summers ago and it just didn't cut it down here for me. Wouldn't hurt to try, thanks for sharing!!

  14. Kate at Green Fashionista
    May 24, 2016 / 12:37 pm

    I still need to try Burt's Bees lipsticks! And you already know I need that Smashbox under eye brightener! Looks like an amazing product, and you've never steered me wrong <3
    Green Fashionista

  15. Evelina
    May 24, 2016 / 12:38 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  16. Evelina
    May 24, 2016 / 12:42 pm

    I have seen the Burts Bees lipsticks on other blogs and everyone seems to love them! Do you find that it lasts well on your lips?
    Xo, Evelina @ Fortunate House

  17. Ashley G
    May 24, 2016 / 12:45 pm

    I love how hydrating the Burts Bees lipsticks are! Plus the colors are so natural and pretty!

  18. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    May 24, 2016 / 1:06 pm

    I've heard the most amazing things about that bronzer, I think I need to go pick it up after work today… if I can find it! And that highlighter sounds amazing, I love Smashbox! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  19. Caroline The Petite Fashionista
    May 24, 2016 / 1:22 pm

    I have been curious about those Burt's Bee's lipsticks so thanks for giving a little review! I may have to try that spray too since my hair takes FOREVER to blow dry haha. Thank you for sharing!! šŸ™‚

  20. kerri @ cheshire kat
    May 24, 2016 / 1:37 pm

    i really need to pick up that butter bronzer. adding it to my list to find it! and the burt's bees stuff are always addicting if you ask me. i still need to try the ones with color – next on my list!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  21. Kay R.
    May 24, 2016 / 1:52 pm

    I really want to try the butter bronzer ive heard only great things!

  22. The Lilac Press
    May 24, 2016 / 1:54 pm

    I've been trying to be really conscious of the toxins in my food and beauty products as well!! I did not know that target made a 5-free nail polish! I also might try that deodorant! Thanks for sharing!! Xo -L

  23. Shannon Jenkins
    May 24, 2016 / 2:04 pm

    I love the Burts Bees lipsticks! Love that they are all natural too!! I need that drying spray ASAP!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  24. P!nky
    May 24, 2016 / 2:20 pm

    I have been huge about getting rid of toxins where I can in products, because let's get more healthy. Great new list, lady. Lots of fun things for me to try!

  25. Marie
    May 24, 2016 / 2:23 pm

    I just picked up the Burt's Bees lipstick in nude! love it!! I have to try that Smashbox under eye brighter as I'm always looking for something to brighter my under eye area.

  26. CubicleCouture
    May 24, 2016 / 2:45 pm

    I love the burt's bees lipsticks!! I need to buy that deodorant but haven't been near a sephora lately! Thanks for the thorough reviews! XOXO Make today work, Rachel -CubicleCouture

  27. Lindsay @ Lovely Life Styling
    May 24, 2016 / 3:00 pm

    I have heard great things about the smashbox under eye brightener… may have to give it a try! And that bronzer sounds perfect. I love all Burt's Bees products!

  28. Rebecca Jo
    May 24, 2016 / 3:05 pm

    I still keep meaning to pick up some of that Burt's Bee's lipstick. My lips need it for summer photo sessions. I always get so chapped in the sun without something.

  29. Pamela @ alittleglitter.com
    May 24, 2016 / 3:07 pm

    I have heard such good things about that Bronzer! I need to pick some up. Lord knows my pale white skin can use a bit of color!

  30. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    May 24, 2016 / 3:19 pm

    I want to be better about what products I use too…so I'll have to purchase a few Target polishes, I didn't know they were 5 Free! My faves are from Pacifica (7 Free I believe) and Zoya polishes! I tried a natural deodorant not long ago, but I hated it…it did nothing for me. I might have to give this one a try…it is pricey. I love that bronzer…but I find that applicator to be so funny…I mean, what can a girl do with that! LOL! I'd much rather have more product than an applicator.
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lilyļ»æ

  31. Katie Elizabeth
    May 24, 2016 / 3:34 pm

    Oh I need that hair stuff! Anything to cut down on the time spent blow drying, it's like my least favorite thing ever. And I can't wait to check out these polishes at Target, I haven't heard of them before!

  32. awhite
    May 24, 2016 / 3:41 pm

    I have been hearing some great things about that PF bronzer- especially the smell! šŸ™‚ I need to check out out, STAT!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  33. Jalisa
    May 24, 2016 / 3:41 pm

    Looks like you've got some really great, interesting precuts here, Biana! I'm really interested in that nail polish, I need to pay a visit to Target! I, too, have been trying to switch over as much as I can to products that are all natural and chemical/paraben/cruelty free. I love Zoya, but they are not only pricey, but really hard to come by, unless you purchase online! Only certain salons and spas sell them in the city. I mentioned to you when you first shared the deodorant with us, how I've been using this all natural one that's been irritating my skin, but that's said to be part of the process of having your body adapt to an all natural product. Once I finish that one, I want to check out the one you've shared here, it sounds great! I've been seeing the Burt's Bees lipsticks a lot, but haven't picked any up, glad you like them, so I'll definitely consider them the next time I'm shopping. Since you're trying to go the all natural route with your beauty/makeup products, I highly suggest Mineral Fusion, which is a brand you can find at Whole Foods. Let's just say I was breaking out in acne REAL bad for over a year. I used Tarte and other brands that claimed to be more all natural and better for the skin and when I stopped using them and switched to MF, my acne has been clearing up drastically! They contain so many great ingredients, check them out! Thank so much for sharing, I really enjoyed this post (as always)! I hope you're having a great day so far, beautiful!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  34. The Fashion Folks
    May 24, 2016 / 4:03 pm

    Love Burt's Bees products, they're terrific! Xx

    thefashionfolks.com

  35. Elise Von E
    May 24, 2016 / 4:05 pm

    I am for sure trying the under eye brightener, the L'Oreal blow dry spray and the Burt's bees nude lipstick!! Awesome!

    xx, Elise
    sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

  36. Emelia at Dream Big & Buy the Shoes
    May 24, 2016 / 4:20 pm

    oh girllll I NEED that bronzer, everyone has been talking about it!

  37. Dana Ivy
    May 24, 2016 / 4:21 pm

    I have the healthy deodorant in my sephora cart because of you! Never heard of that blow-dry primer but umm, UHMAZING!

    Xox Dana Ivy // iadorewhatilove.com

  38. Missy
    May 24, 2016 / 4:27 pm

    I love a good round up like this. It is so good to see how a real person finds these products for them. I have not tried any of these but I will have to check some of them out!

  39. Myra
    May 24, 2016 / 4:34 pm

    The Burts Bees lipstick looks fantastic! I love their chapstick, so I'm sure I'd be a fan of the lipstick too. I also need to check out that primer spray. Especially when sometimes I need a really quick blow dry so I can get out of the house. xoxo

  40. Unknown
    May 24, 2016 / 5:01 pm

    I bought that bronzer because I saw you talk about it in a previous post and I am freaking in love, it will definitely be showing up in a Friday Favorites. Also, I recently switched to all natural deodorant as well but I went for the far less pricey Toms of Maine LOL. It's been doing pretty good so far but I've heard great things about the Lavanila brand so that may be a future investment. Great post, happy Tuesday sweet gal! XO -Kim

  41. Dress in Sparkles
    May 24, 2016 / 5:02 pm

    I'm going to have to give the Burt's Bees line a try!

    xo Kylie
    dressinsparkles.com

  42. Sarah Blodgett
    May 24, 2016 / 5:03 pm

    That bronzer truly is amazing!!!
    Kisses,
    Sarah
    EverydayStarlet

  43. Lindsay's Sweet World
    May 24, 2016 / 5:31 pm

    Glad to hear the deoderant is still working well… I still have two packs of my regular deoderant, so once I use those up I might make the switch!

  44. Larissa
    May 24, 2016 / 5:45 pm

    Nice products. I only use natural cosmetics so the deoderant and the lipstick are intersting for me. I have a hard time finding a really good natueal deodorant and keep trying one after the other since years. I will try to make my own one next week and see how this goes šŸ™‚
    I would be very happy to stay in touch! Let me know if you wanna follow each other on bloglovin, or just follow me and I will follow back : )
    Xx
    Larissa
    conscious lifestyle of mine

  45. Nadine
    May 24, 2016 / 5:47 pm

    You are after my natural loving heart with all of these products. I already told you I want to pick up that deodorant, now I need that polish!!! I love the Burt's Bees lipstick! I got it like the week it came out. The packaging is so cute. So many people rave about that bronzer, I clearly need to grab it too.

  46. Karly @ What Karly Said
    May 24, 2016 / 6:05 pm

    That is so interesting about the nail polish – I had no idea what that meant either! I'll have to check out that new line, but I'm happy to hear that Essie and OPI are at least 3 free. I've heard rave reviews about Burt's Bees lipsticks! Definitely picking up that L'Oreal spray once I make my way through my current heat protectant.

  47. According to Kiki
    May 24, 2016 / 6:07 pm

    My local Rite aide just started carrying those defy polishes. I need more polish like a hole in the head, so I didn't both to check them out. However, 5 free?! I'll keep that in mind!

    I was also curious about the Burt's Bees lipstick. I think I'll scoop one up when they go on sale!

  48. Gold Coast Girl
    May 24, 2016 / 6:26 pm

    Such a great round up of products! I didn't know Burts Bees made lipstick.
    ~Samantha
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  49. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    May 24, 2016 / 6:36 pm

    I don't use that bronzer, but I do use another one by PF & love it.

    I bought a lavender deodorant at the lavender farm two weeks ago. I like it so far, curious to see if it stands up to summer sweat!

  50. Wynne Prasetyo
    May 24, 2016 / 7:02 pm

    wow that Quick Dry Spray sounds like something I could really use for my morning routines!

  51. Ashley Lillis
    May 24, 2016 / 7:28 pm

    That bronzer is gorgeous! I haven't really branched out in the bronzer department, but I definitely want to give that one a try! I also need to try the Burt's Bees lipsticks because I've heard such great things about them!

  52. Unknown
    May 24, 2016 / 8:45 pm

    I'm totally picking up that polish! That perfect, especially for my daughter! And that spray sounds pretty awesome too!

  53. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    May 24, 2016 / 9:05 pm

    You know I'm all about the natural products! I really want to try the Burts Bees lipstick too. I love that color.

  54. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    May 24, 2016 / 9:23 pm

    Well you already know I love those Burt's Bees lipsticks! I have it in three colors – def try Iced Iris and Blush Basin!

  55. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    May 24, 2016 / 11:03 pm

    I need to try that primer spray! My hair takes forever to dry because it holds so much water! And LOVE Burt's Bees lipsticks! xo, Champagne&Suburbs

  56. sara [at] journey of doing
    May 24, 2016 / 11:31 pm

    Thanks for the info on the deoderant. I ended up really liking our 13euro stuff we bought when they lost our luggage so I've been looking for a better alternative. I'll have to look into this one!!

  57. Unknown
    May 25, 2016 / 12:34 am

    So, I've been using the lavanilla (classic vanilla) deodorant for a while when I friend mentioned that antiperspirants are pretty bad for you! I wanted to switch to a deodorant only, so I picked that one (I wear the perfume a lot). It didn't work for me! A couple hours later, my underarms smelled so bad! Haha…I realize this is a bit TMI, but I'm wondering how often you're having to reapply? Maybe I'm just a unique case… Thanks! Kelsey @ So Much Life Blog

  58. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    May 25, 2016 / 12:55 am

    The under eye brightener sounds pretty fantastic. Luckily I don't often get dark circles but it's always good to brighten up around your eyes.

  59. Christina Lea Loves
    May 25, 2016 / 1:14 am

    I definitely want to check out that under eye brightener – sounds amazing!

  60. Julie @ Just the Joy's
    May 25, 2016 / 1:32 am

    So many great finds! I never knew that about the chemicals in nail polishes!

  61. Kristina @ Ms.Modify
    May 25, 2016 / 2:35 am

    I need that under eye brightener. Dark circles is something I swear I was born with, so anything to brighten them I'm all about! xo, Kristina

  62. Laura Darling
    May 25, 2016 / 3:46 am

    I recently got some Burt's Bees lipstick and I am also a major fan!

  63. Unknown
    May 25, 2016 / 3:55 am

    I so need to try that primer! My hair takes FOREVER to dry!

    Heidi || Wishes & Reality

  64. Nikki @ makeupHER
    May 25, 2016 / 4:15 am

    I need to get that deodorant, sounds good. I have long and thick hair so that primer sounds amazing, totally picking that up because anything that cuts down on dry time is awesome! Burt's Bee's lipsticks are so great!! I had a makeup trial today and she used the under eye brightener and it was so pretty on so I may have to pick it up next time!

  65. Gladys Walters
    May 25, 2016 / 10:47 am

    Amazing beauty product!
    X
    missydress.com.au

  66. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    May 25, 2016 / 12:44 pm

    Oooh that Burt's Bees lipstick looks like an AWESOME color! Definitely my kind of nude! And I am TOTALLY going to try out that Smashbox brightener–I'm all about that super highlighted look under the eyes! Thanks for sharing all these awesome products!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  67. Unknown
    May 25, 2016 / 2:15 pm

    I didn't realize that Burt's Bees made lipsticks!! I love all of their products so I'll have to pick up a shade for myself!

    thecourtneydiaries.com

  68. Darcy
    May 25, 2016 / 2:38 pm

    I need to try that bronzer! I have been wanting a new one!
    amemoryofus.com

  69. Jaclyn Y
    May 25, 2016 / 2:40 pm

    I need to try that deodorant, I've tried more natural ones before but haven't found one I've loved yet. I sweat so much under my arms, it's a struggle!

  70. Unknown
    May 25, 2016 / 4:02 pm

    I need to try some new lipstick brands! I've been using Revlon for a while, and I love it… but I would like to try some other brands. I'm not a big makeup girl, so I'm somewhat passive about it. :o)

    ā™„
    Amber
    All the Cute šŸŽ€
    Today's Post: Alena's Style: Blue Florals…

  71. Unknown
    May 25, 2016 / 4:53 pm

    I've never tried any of these products before but they all sound great. I really like the polish colors as well. Thanks for sharing

    artadorned.com/2016/05/indiana-jewels-a-brimfield-travel-guide/

  72. Elegance and Mommyhood
    May 25, 2016 / 5:57 pm

    I have been meaning to do a post like this. I even took photos but have been too busy or forgot. The Burt Bee's and Physician's Formula products sound great as does that lavender deodorant but man that is steep. The colors of your new nail polish(es) are the two IT colors of 2016. How much are they each?

    Thanks for doing this post B! Happy Hump Day!

  73. Zelle B.
    May 25, 2016 / 7:03 pm

    Such a great post! Definitely need to try that smashbox product!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  74. Veronica-VeroSays!
    May 25, 2016 / 7:11 pm

    Ooooh I didn't know what 5 free meant either except that they were better for your nails! There are definitely some I wouldn't be able to part with but I'll def have to give Defy a try! Thanks for sharing! Xo

  75. The Siberian American
    May 25, 2016 / 9:32 pm

    I need to try that bronzer! I've been on the hunt for a new one. šŸ™‚

  76. Tania
    May 25, 2016 / 10:20 pm

    I've been looking for a "healthy" deodorant but so far all the ones I've tried make me feel kind of sticky. Will have to give this one a try!

    xx freshfizzle

  77. Auna
    May 25, 2016 / 10:43 pm

    Love hearing of new beauty products thanks so much for sharing!

    XX Auna | simplyauna.com

  78. Lizzie @ This Happy Life
    May 26, 2016 / 12:24 am

    I love Burts Bee's products but have never tried their make up, I will definitley have to check out that lipstick! And that under eye brightener is on my list to pick up this weekend! Thanks for these reviews, girl!

  79. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    May 26, 2016 / 6:31 pm

    okay i am definitely getting the bronzer next time i see it. and i've heard amazing things about that lipstick, so i will have to check it out! love burts bees.

  80. Lindsay Latimer
    May 27, 2016 / 2:06 am

    Girl, that bronzer is amazing! I couldn't believe how wonderful it was! And the smell! It's like the beach for sure.