November Favorites | A little of this & that


I’ve skipped a few months of doing monthly favorites, but not for November!! Here’s a quick round-up of things that made life a little easier, more tasty and just plain better last month! 













Favorite New Beauty Item – The Matte


Living in the city our space is limited and that means my space to get ready is smaller than most, so I’ve taken to the bathroom to get ready and utilizing the sink by using The Matte. The matte starts out the size of an iPad so it doesn’t take up much room and then expands to perfectly cover the sink area, giving me plenty of counter space – something I’m really lacking! Since it’s perfectly sized, I take it with me when I travel and to friends’ houses so that I don’t take up too much room while visiting them! You can see it in action here. If you like getting ready in the bathroom, but hate having all your items thrown all over the place – the matte is for you! 



New Favorite Mascara




I purchased the Sephora Lash Favorites during the sale last month and I’ve been using Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara non-stop! It lengthens, adds volumes and straight up makes my lashes look fake without having to wear a primer underneath! I’m obsessed! Safe to say I’ll be buying the full size version after I’m done with this one and the other ten in the lash favorites








Favorite New Exfoliator


I received a sample of Farmacy’s New Day Gentle Exfoliating Grains and it honestly feels like I’m giving my face a facial every time I use it! The product comes out as a grain and then as it combines with water foams to a great exfoliator. All you have to do is pour a small amount of the grains about the size of a quarter – into palm and blend with a few drops of water. Mix until a smooth, foaming paste forms and massage onto skin. After washing my face it felt incredibly clean and so soft!! Almost felt guilty putting makeup on! 







Favorite New Drink

I found this Polar sparkling drink at the store earlier in November and have not been able to stop drinking it. There are tons of flavors, but the Pink Grapefruit is my favorite! It’s perfect for those days when I need something a little tastier than water! 







Favorite Song


I heard this song when we were driving one weekend and it was so different from anything that I ever expected Coldplay to put out. The video is straight up ridiculous, but I love the song! If the video is too weird for you, this is them performing it live







What were some of your favorites from November? 



Linking up with Jenn & Jessi for what’s hap-pinning Wednesday! 






Disclosure: The Matte and Farmacy was provided in exchange for an honest review. 






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95 Comments

  1. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    December 2, 2015 / 11:07 am

    I need a good exfoliator right now, my forehead is already getting dry and flaky. 🙁 I'll check out the Farmacy. The Matte sounds like a great idea for those with limited space.

  2. P!nky
    December 2, 2015 / 11:09 am

    I soooo need the MATTE, what an ingenious invention!

  3. Andrea Nine
    December 2, 2015 / 11:16 am

    I do to like lash primers so I am all about a good, by itself, mascara!! Definitely going to try it!! I have been and will always be Coldplay fan, so unique and timeless. Have a wonderful day!!

  4. Jenn
    December 2, 2015 / 11:41 am

    So many great things you've got going on here. The matte looks awesome for small spaces and I love those little cans! Perfect for an on the go drink!
    Link this up with Jessi and I today!

  5. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    December 2, 2015 / 11:44 am

    I've heard so many amazing things about that mascara! The second mine needs replacing I'm grabbing that one! And I really need a good exfoliator for winter. My skin always feels so dry. <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  6. Kelly Rodriguez
    December 2, 2015 / 11:45 am

    My husband loves that Polar seltzer; he has the grapefruit in the fridge now. 🙂 I love Coldplay too. Have a great day!

  7. Whitney and Blaire
    December 2, 2015 / 12:04 pm

    I am always looking for new mascaras, so I will be checking that one out. I love that Ulta caries Too Faced and it's right around the corner from me. It would also be a great stocking stuffer idea!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  8. Ashley G
    December 2, 2015 / 12:45 pm

    My favorite mascara ever!

  9. Evelina
    December 2, 2015 / 12:52 pm

    Where has The Matte been all my life? I need that!

  10. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    December 2, 2015 / 12:55 pm

    That matte is such a great idea especially with shared mutual bathroom counter space. That would be great to travel with!

  11. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    December 2, 2015 / 12:58 pm

    The Too Faced mascara really is one of the best! How cool is The Matte?! That would be so perfect for travel! Great favorites!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  12. Zelle B.
    December 2, 2015 / 1:11 pm

    I've never heard of The Matte! Such a neat concept! I have bathroom space but find myself doing my makeup in front of my floor-length mirror while sitting on the floor so this would be great to have to keep my makeup from getting on anything other than my face. And so perfect for traveling!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  13. Katie @ Champagne and Suitcases
    December 2, 2015 / 1:19 pm

    I've never heard of The Matte but I'm thinking I need to get one because we live limited bathroom space as well!

  14. kerri @ cheshire kat
    December 2, 2015 / 1:25 pm

    the matte sounds super rad! especially for tiny apartments as you say! that's great. and polar drinks are my fav! hard to find down here but the vanilla. girl. it's life changing ha. will have to add that mascara to my wishlist!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  15. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    December 2, 2015 / 1:39 pm

    Oh good to know about the mascara! I'll have to try it. Love the idea of the matte. Have a great day, Biana!

  16. Veronica-VeroSays!
    December 2, 2015 / 1:40 pm

    The matte sounds like a city girls dream! That's awesome! Thankfully I have space, but I know a few ladies who would totally love that!! I used that mascara a year ago and loved it!!!!

  17. Danielle
    December 2, 2015 / 1:42 pm

    I don't like the mascara I'm using now, so I'm glad you mentioned how fabulous that Too Faced mascara is. I'll get it next time I visit Sephora. Have a nice day, Biana!

    Danielle
    spring2spring.com

  18. Paige @ An Uncomplicated Life Blog
    December 2, 2015 / 2:00 pm

    I just picked up a Too Faced lipstick, and I have to say, I'm SOLD on that brand! If their other products are as good, they're some of the best. Hopefully I find more of their stuff in my stocking this year!

  19. Kate at Green Fashionista
    December 2, 2015 / 2:03 pm

    I've been loving Cold Play lately too! And that mascara! Even the tubing is too pretty to pass up <3

    Green Fashionista

  20. Shay from Great, Now What
    December 2, 2015 / 2:07 pm

    That matte idea is genius! I haven't ever heard of that, but it would have come in so, so, so handy in our last place. The number of times my eyeliner fell in the sink probably made in unhygienic.

  21. Kati Rose @ Constantly Seeking Wonder
    December 2, 2015 / 2:12 pm

    I really enjoy Coldplay's new song (Actually they're whole album from what I've heard so far) but that video creeps me out. What's up with the monkey theme? I just don't get it.

  22. Amanda | Kids and Cabernet
    December 2, 2015 / 2:26 pm

    The Matte is genius! And the sparkling drink sounds so good! So many fun new things to try.

  23. Rachel McCarthy
    December 2, 2015 / 2:33 pm

    This is such a great round-up, Biana! And the matte!! I cannot believe I have never heard of this! What an amazing invention — adding it to my wish list!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  24. Laura
    December 2, 2015 / 2:45 pm

    I love the Better Than Sex Mascara! It's my favorite and I've added to my Christmas list this year!

  25. a little bit of emily
    December 2, 2015 / 2:48 pm

    Oh my gosh, that matte is such a great idea! I love it!

  26. Meghan @ Me as Meghan
    December 2, 2015 / 2:49 pm

    I have heard so many good things about that mascara…I need to get my hands on a sample size of it! Also the matte looks so useful. I can't tell you the number of times I have been doing my makeup over a wet sink and dropped a brush so then it gets all wet and then I can't use it! The matte would get rid of that problem!

  27. Unknown
    December 2, 2015 / 2:51 pm

    Definitely need to try that drink!! Thanks for sharing! xo
    publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2015/12/public-lives-mushroom-stew-secret-recipes-mushie-toast.html

  28. Carly Messmer
    December 2, 2015 / 2:55 pm

    I drink a lot of La Crois – love them. I need to try the Polar brand.

  29. Marie
    December 2, 2015 / 2:57 pm

    I love that matte! What a great idea!! I'm sure it is also great for travel.

  30. Kelsey @ The Peacock Roost
    December 2, 2015 / 3:03 pm

    I'm always on the lookout for a good mascara! Thanks for sharing how pleased you were with this one 🙂
    Kelsey
    thepeacockroost.com

  31. Trac~
    December 2, 2015 / 3:05 pm

    I'm always looking for a great mascara and that grapefruit drinks sounds delicious! 🙂

  32. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    December 2, 2015 / 3:09 pm

    Umm….that mat would have changed my life growing up!! I seriously had a sink that size and it is always such a pain when I go home to visit. Maybe I can talk my mom into gifting me one. 🙂

  33. Emelia at Dream Big & Buy the Shoes
    December 2, 2015 / 3:24 pm

    I was using that mascara before I got my lash extensions and love it, it is really great!

  34. Unknown
    December 2, 2015 / 3:26 pm

    I am OBSESSED with sparkling drinks as well but have never heard of this brand. I'm definitely going to have to check that out! Great favorites! XO -Kim

  35. Rebecca Jo
    December 2, 2015 / 3:31 pm

    I only drink Sparkling seltzer water for the 'fizz' in my life – I'll have to try & see if I can find these. Those drinks arent the easiest to come across

  36. Meg Taylor
    December 2, 2015 / 3:47 pm

    Aww I miss Polar down here in SC! Waving hello to the Polar bear every time I drove to college was always the best 😉 Those little cans are SO cute. Just added that mascara to my "love" list on Sephora for next time I make a purchase. Thanks!

  37. Gold Coast Girl
    December 2, 2015 / 3:49 pm

    So many great beauty products! I'll have to check some of them out!
    ~Sam
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  38. Darcy
    December 2, 2015 / 3:52 pm

    The matte seems genius!! Luckily we have enough counter space in our house but it is always not the case when traveling!!
    amemoryofus.com

  39. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    December 2, 2015 / 3:56 pm

    I got a sample size of the Too Faced BTS mascara a while back and it convinced me it was the best mascara I've tried so far so I'm with you on that one. i'll have to look out for Farmacy's Exfoliating Grains….love a good exfoliator for the end of the day to wash away makeup.

  40. Shannon Jenkins
    December 2, 2015 / 3:56 pm

    OK I definitely need to pick up that mascara! I love one that makes your eyelashes look fake! All about the drama! 😉

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  41. Lauren
    December 2, 2015 / 4:02 pm

    The Matte is genius, especially for most of us in Boston with no counter space in the bathroom! I also got a sample of the BTS mascara and should've just bought the full size, it's that good!

    -Lauren
    prettypiecesblog.com

  42. Unknown
    December 2, 2015 / 4:04 pm

    Great pick I love the mascara and the coldplay song as well, I think my favorite part about it is the video, oh so funny.
    artadorned.com/

  43. Meghan Conard
    December 2, 2015 / 4:07 pm

    Great roundup! Thanks for sharing!
    xMC
    mc2squared.blogspot.com

  44. Jillian
    December 2, 2015 / 4:21 pm

    i need to try that drink! it does sound refreshing! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  45. Kristina (Ms.Modify)
    December 2, 2015 / 4:24 pm

    I need the Matte asap! That is seriously genius! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  46. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    December 2, 2015 / 4:27 pm

    Ya know, I have a full size of the Too Faced mascara, and I have yet to open it. I'm super curious now! The Matte sounds great! Happy December!

  47. Shannon Rice
    December 2, 2015 / 4:31 pm

    I need to see if I can find that drink…I love anything grapefruit! The Matte is a seriously great idea! I have very little counter space in my bathroom and this would make getting ready a lot easier!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

  48. Nadine
    December 2, 2015 / 4:48 pm

    That matte is so cool!!!! I have plenty of space at home, but when I travel…I could really use some more!!! I have been wanting to try that mascara so I will need to pick it up soon. I have never heard of that face exfoliate but I like the sounds of it!

  49. Bri Runde
    December 2, 2015 / 4:57 pm

    I haven't ever heard of that drink. I will have to look for it!

  50. JMO
    December 2, 2015 / 5:24 pm

    Ok I a. want to try that mascara and b. want to try that drink! Yum! Thanks for linking up! xo

  51. Brianne
    December 2, 2015 / 5:30 pm

    I love sparkling water! I need to find that.

  52. Alecia Mariana
    December 2, 2015 / 5:33 pm

    Okay, I must get my hands on some of that mascara!!

    xx,

    La Joie de Vivre

  53. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    December 2, 2015 / 5:45 pm

    I love Coldplay so much, so I'm so glad they are finally releasing new music!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  54. Unknown
    December 2, 2015 / 5:59 pm

    I've always wanted to try the Sephora better than Sex mascara! I'm now even more tempted. I love how the Sephora sets really allow you to try so many different items. I so want the lip kit!

    Annessa
    seekingsunshine.com

  55. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    December 2, 2015 / 6:35 pm

    um, the matte sounds amazing! both of our bathrooms are super small, so i am definitely getting me one of those.
    good to hear you like the better than sex mascara! i have it, i like it more than benefit's they're real (only because they're real is SO hard to get off) but I'm not sure I love it yet. I heard it gets even better after a month or so because it dries out a bit (in a good way, less clumps) so we'll see!

  56. Threads for Thomas
    December 2, 2015 / 6:35 pm

    I want all of your November favorites! I'll definitely be trying the Too Faced mascara, and the seltzer flavor looks so good!
    Rachael
    threadsforthomasblog.com

  57. According to Kiki
    December 2, 2015 / 6:40 pm

    What?! I totally need THE MATTE in my life. That's genius for apartment dwellers that have teeny tiny bathroom counter space. (:

  58. Karly @ What Karly Said
    December 2, 2015 / 6:43 pm

    I love that Coldplay song! The music video is a bit wacky, but I wouldn't expect anything different from them. Um, The Matte is pure genius – what a great product!

  59. Pink and Fabulous
    December 2, 2015 / 6:47 pm

    Better than Sex mascara is one of my absolute favorites! It's amazing! I have to get that Diet Polar in my life stat!

  60. Nikki @ makeupHER
    December 2, 2015 / 7:11 pm

    Woah ok I need that matte in my life!!! Love that mascara too!

  61. Elegance and Mommyhood
    December 2, 2015 / 7:23 pm

    WOW thanks for this post. It was helpful to me. I literally want to try every product, especially the face cream. It sounds amazing, girl. I pinned all of these. The grapefruit drink is what I am craving, NOW! LOL

  62. Unknown
    December 2, 2015 / 7:24 pm

    Love that mascara and I'll definitely need to try and track down that water, I love grapefruit!

    Wishes & Reality

  63. Ashley | Life on Meyers |
    December 2, 2015 / 7:42 pm

    Too Faced Better Than Sex has been my lifesaver and absolutely favorite mascara for a few years now! It is just so darn good.

  64. Jenn
    December 2, 2015 / 8:08 pm

    omg i am seriously addicted to exfoliating my face! i may even do it too frequently, but my face is soooo smooth afterward! its amazing!

  65. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee
    December 2, 2015 / 8:09 pm

    I've been wanting to try Better Than Sex foreverrrrrrrr. I've heard nothing but good things about it and I'm a mascara FREAK!

  66. Kate
    December 2, 2015 / 8:10 pm

    I agree, love the Coldplay song–I wasn't very impressed with their last album, so this is much better.

  67. Courtney B
    December 2, 2015 / 8:24 pm

    I'm always on the hunt for new mascara… I just haven't found one that I love. Definitely going to try this one!
    I love sparkling water, gotta try that drink!

  68. Unknown
    December 2, 2015 / 9:25 pm

    I love beauty reviews! That mascara sounds pretty amazing. I think I may need to try it out when I run out of my current one. And how genius is that matt?? Perfect for small spaces!

    Taffeta & Tulips

  69. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    December 2, 2015 / 10:02 pm

    I'll keep my eye out for that Polar!

  70. Christina Lea Loves
    December 2, 2015 / 10:10 pm

    I might just have to check out that mascara, I never feel fully content with whatever I pick. Those drink cans are too cute – you sold me on the packaging!

  71. Sam K. Francis
    December 2, 2015 / 10:10 pm

    I love the curve and shape of that mascara – it looks like it would fit the eyelid and fan out that lashes really well x

    crossinglemons.com

  72. Katie Elizabeth
    December 2, 2015 / 10:45 pm

    Oh my gosh, The Matte is GENIUS! So many of my friends in the city need one of those!!

  73. The Siberian American
    December 2, 2015 / 11:12 pm

    I love that Too Faced mascara so much! Love the Coldplay song too! 🙂

  74. Kristina @ Medicine and Manicures
    December 3, 2015 / 1:15 am

    I'm with you on the minimal counter space- what a neat little invention!!

  75. Kait
    December 3, 2015 / 1:25 am

    That sparkling water is my favorite!

  76. Carly
    December 3, 2015 / 2:20 am

    Ohhh the matte sounds awesome- we have minimal counter space, so I usually get ready at my desk, but that would be such a good option! And I keep hearing such good things about that mascara!

  77. Anonymous
    December 3, 2015 / 2:37 am

    The Matte is genius! When I moved into this apartment and had no room for a vanity I ended up placing this big jewelry tray thing I had in my bathroom for just that purpose, but now that you mention traveling that does sound genius and really good for getting ready in hotel rooms and such.

  78. Traci Taylor Hart
    December 3, 2015 / 2:48 am

    I love when you do favorites. I'm going to try that Too Faced mascara. The Polar sparkling drink looks good too. I'm always trying to find calorie free things that I really like to drink. Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving.
    Traci
    waltzmetoheaven.com

  79. Kayla MKOY
    December 3, 2015 / 3:13 am

    I've heard SO many good things about that mascara but just can't quite bring myself to pay for it yet! 😉

  80. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    December 3, 2015 / 4:29 am

    I've been all about the sparkling flavored water lately. The pink grapefruit sounds awesome! And that matte is so smart! What a great idea!

  81. TRANGSCORNER
    December 3, 2015 / 5:47 am

    Love the music! Great post!
    Love,
    Kisses and hugs from trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

  82. Elle Sees
    December 3, 2015 / 11:48 am

    bts is one of my faves. big lashes are my weakness. as is a good mascara! 🙂

  83. Heather
    December 3, 2015 / 12:02 pm

    I love BTS mascara, pretty much all TF products are my weakness, lol. I saw you tease that matte on Insta and definitely think I could benefit from that. I'm always knocking things into the sink because my counter isn't big enough!!

  84. Summer
    December 3, 2015 / 12:07 pm

    The gentle exfoliation grains sounds good♥

    summerdaisy.net

  85. Unknown
    December 3, 2015 / 6:48 pm

    Very nice!!!

    Have a nice evening!
    Angela Donava
    lookbooks.fr/

  86. Jaclyn Y
    December 3, 2015 / 7:08 pm

    I have heard endlessly good things about the mascara and I keep saying I'm going to buy it instead of my favorite diorshow, I just need to do it!

  87. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    December 3, 2015 / 8:00 pm

    That matte idea is brilliant! Adding that mascara to my endless "to try" list! xo

  88. Ashley Lillis
    December 4, 2015 / 12:17 am

    I got Better Than Sex during the Sephora sale so it makes me so happy that you love it! I now can't wait to try it!

  89. Trish @ The Trish List
    December 4, 2015 / 12:26 am

    I love Polar products! I am going to have to try the pink grapefruit!

  90. julia mazzucato
    December 4, 2015 / 1:03 am

    I'm obsessed with trying out new mascaras, and I'm ordering this one next! My personal fave is L'Oreal Butterfly, but every now and then I splurge on a high-end mascara!
    Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture

  91. Kay R.
    December 4, 2015 / 6:07 pm

    That exfoliator sounds awesome!!

  92. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    December 5, 2015 / 1:21 pm

    That exfoliator sounds amazing! And the Matte looks really great for traveling! Also, I saw someone else drinking that water at work the other day and am on the hunt for it. Great reviews, girl! xo, Champagne&Suburbs

  93. Paula thirteenthoughts.com
    December 5, 2015 / 10:34 pm

    I looove that mascara! It's definitely one of my favorites 😉

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

  94. Julie @ Just the Joy's
    December 6, 2015 / 5:07 pm

    Holy smokes that Matte thing is genius!

  95. Eile
    December 7, 2015 / 10:02 am

    I'm always knocking things into the sink because my counter isn't big enough!!