Recent Favorites and a Fail

I am happy to be back to blogging consistently and figured we’d start things off with a bang and share some recent product favorites and a fail! I am actually surprised how many products I have recently tried and loved because I don’t feel like I’ve tried that many. I guess I’m just having good luck.

Laura Mercier Caviar Volume Panoramic Mascara:

If you’ve been following me for awhile you know that I am generally a drugstore mascara lady! While I do have some high end favorites, I typically do not purchase high end mascara because I think drugstore mascara is just as great. That being said, I received a travel sized version of this Laura Mercier Mascara in a free gift from a purchase at Ulta. I didn’t have high expectations, but I am obsessed with this mascara. It applies so beautifully, separates and lengthens my lashes, AND most importantly, doesn’t get clumpy and spidery when I add multiple coats.

BYBI Bukachiol Booster Facial Treatment:

I picked this booster up over a year ago, to test out as a Retionoid alternative and never ended up opening it until recently! I am obsessed. I currently am not using a retinol oil like I normally do, so I figured it was perfect to add into my routine to test out. I have to say, I have been loving the results. It is much gentler than retinol and a ‘more natural’ alternative to retinols. I simply add a few drops into my night time moisturizer and that’s it!

Native Almond & Shea Butter Strengthening Hair Mask:

I picked up this hair mask on whim on a recent Target trip because I have been needed a hair mask. For some reason, I’ve been having a really difficult time keeping my hair tangle free and I think it’s because it has been drier than normal. I even thought a hair cut would solve the issue, which is did help a little, but ultimately I knew I needed to get a mask. I love Native deodorants so I figured I’d give this one a shot and I noticed a different after just one use. I use it about 2 times a week (when I wash my hair) and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing out. I am happy to have found an affordable solution to this hair problem because I am not super hair savvy!

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser:

I cannot say enough great things about this cleanser. I love the packaging and pump. I love the scent. I love the texture and consistency for cleansing. I just absolutely love this cleanser. You need so little product, so don’t be put off by the price. I had been wanting to try this one for over and year and when Ulta had a sale, I bit the bullet and got it and I’m so grateful I did. I really think it’s contributing nicely to my overall much more even skin tone. Also hooray for cleaner ingredients!

Essie Expressie Nail Polishes:

These polishes are not new to AFB but I recently brought them back out after not painting my nails for almost a year and I fell in love with them all over again. (Let’s just say getting engaged and having a ring on my finger had something to do with it….haha). I have so many shades and these are all I use for my nails now. I love the staying power most because that is the hardest part for me about nail polish. I have super oily nail beds and gel nails peel off after a couple days no matter what I try (even professional)! I can easily get a week out of this polish with very minimal chipping. Highly recommend!

Fetch App:

I had been hearing about Fetch Rewards for a little while and finally decided to try it out when I saw a friend post her referral link. I am obsessed haha. You simply take pictures of ANY receipts no matter how much you spend (I even do my prescriptions) and you get points that can be redeemed for gift cards. There’s so many to choose from but I am always saving for Amazon gift cards. haha I also have it linked to my Amazon account and email so that when I make purchases there, they will sync with the app! Click the link here if you’d like to sign up and you’ll get a bonus 2,000!!

AND A FAIL…

Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush:

I had such high hopes for these cream blushes because they reminded me so much of the Cloud Paint from Glossier and Maybelline usually does no wrong for me!! I was really hoping for a more affordable dupe. At the end of the day, they just don’t have enough pigment and are not buildable. At first not having a ton of pigment isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as I can build up to the level I want. However, when I tried to start building it up, it got patchy and messed up with foundation underneath and I normally don’t have this issue with cream blushes. Sadly, I’d say pick up the Cloud Paint from Glossier if you’re really wanting this type of product.

What have you been loving recently? Any fails for you? Let me know in a comment below and I’ll see you next time here at Andrea Fontana Beauty!

Sending love,

Andrea

Disclosure: Some of the above links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty

Schwinn iC4 Review (Peleton Dupe)

Hello Friends! I’m so excited for this blog post because I have fallen in love with my Schwinn iC4 bike over the past couple of months. Many have asked what my thoughts are on this purchase, so today I will be sharing my review of the bike. I will be talking about. what is included, how much I paid, how it works with the Peleton app, shipping timeline, and so much more.

A quick reminder that I ordered this bike during COVID quarantine, so some things might have changed since, including price. I purchased this bike with my own money and this review is completely 100% my own opinion.

How much does it cost and where did you purchase from?

I purchased my bike in mid May so I was able to snag it for $799 plus tax (Roughly $845). However, I’ve noticed it has gone up $100 (as of when this post was written) and is now $899. However, this does include free shipping. I would still purchase after the price increase. I did not pay for the set up fee because I was happy to set the bike up on my own (which I did and took me under an hour).

I purchased directly from the Schwinn website because it was the most cost effective (free shipping) and I figured it would be best to purchase directly from Schwinn incase I had any future problems (easier to contact one company, rather than multiple). I haven’t had any problems so far, so I can’t really share anything regarding this aspect. I did not pay for the extended warranty.

How long did it take to ship and arrive?

At the time of my purchase it said that the bike would be delivered within 45 days of purchase. I assumed this meant 45 business days, so technically it did arrive on the 44th business day. Roughly, about 9 weeks from purchase to arrival. I did purchase when there was slow downs due to COVID-19 shutdowns, so this might be quicker if you are to order now. There is a link that you receive in an email that allows you to check in on your order and see the status of it.

What is Included?

Along with the bike, I received two 3-lb weights that have holders on the bike, a heart rate monitor that can sync with the bike (I use my Apple watch instead), two water bottle holders on the bike, a flat pad that holds the phone or tablet of your choice (I use my iPhone 11 Pro Max and it works great), clips for if you have spin shoes that clip in, toe cages if you want to use regular tennis shoes, and a digital monitor that’s easy track mileage, speed, RPM, heart rate, etc. It also has a spot where you can plug in a USB charger and charge whatever device you are viewing your class from. You adjust the resistance with the knob which is very easy to use while riding. The handlebars and seat are also easily adjustable.

I already owned spin shoes, so I didn’t need to buy those (I believe the Peleton does include these). While they aren’t required to use the bike, I highly recommend investing in some if you are going to be doing a lot of cycling, because you get a more effective workout with them. The only two bonus things I did purchase for the bike are this black mat to put under the bike, and this padded bike seat to make it a little more comfortable to ride on. Both were inexpensive, easy to wipe down after each ride and I’m loving how they are working for me. You can see both in the photos above.

How does it sync with the Peleton app?

I was worried that it would be difficult to figure out how to sync the bike with the Peleton app, but it was actually very easy. The first time I rode with the bike, I simply pressed the bluetooth button and opened up a Peleton class, clicked a button within the class to open up which devices are synced to Peleton and clicked on the iC4 bike. If you are confused you can easily Google and figure this out. I use my Apple Watch to monitor my heart rate and the bike to monitor my cadence; both of which are displayed on the screen during my Peleton rides.

As far as the cost of Peleton works, it is $13.77 for me a month (including tax) to have unlimited access to both live and prerecorded Peleton workouts. I believe the Peleton membership if you have an actual Peleton bike is around $40 a month, so this is definitely a huge savings in this regard (besides the actual bike being less than half the Peleton price). This includes the cycling classes, but also yoga, strength training, running, and so much more! I absolutely love these classes, the instructors, and that I get access to more than just spinning. I especially love the yoga classes and am excited to try the led runs too. I personally haven’t used the Peleton app with a Peleton device, so I can’t share how different it is to use the Peleton app without them. I have found that I have never felt like I’ve lacked anything by not having an actual Peleton device though. I know that with an actual Peleton it calculates your output based on the resistance and cadence you are spinning at, which is used in the leaderboard to compete against others. To my knowledge that is the only difference from not having a Peleton device, but please comment below if that is wrong.

You don’t have to use the Peleton app to use this bike, it syncs with many other apps, or you can ride at your own pace, etc, which I have done as well and love too.

What was your spinning experience prior to purchasing?

I have been an avid cycler since I was in high school. I used to take weekly spin classes at my local gym and in college took some as well. Since graduating, I have often used the spin bikes at my gym to do more of self directed classes since I have taken so many led by in person instructors.

This past winter, I started getting back into spinning 3-4 times a week on days that I wasn’t running. I told myself that if I spun consistently at the gym for 6 months and saved the money for it, I would buy myself the Schwinn iC4 for my 30th birthday in May 2020. As with any large purchase, it’s very important to evaluate realistically how much you would use the item. If you have never cycled before, I would definitely recommend taking some classes to make sure you enjoy it, because that is the most important thing in getting the most use out of it long term. I was planning on purchasing the bike before COVID and quarantine happened, however I am SO happy to have this amazing piece of equipment in my home now, because I don’t have to leave home and was able to cancel my gym membership.

Do you regret anything and would you recommend?

I do not regret ANYTHING regarding this bike. I would purchase it again and recommend it to any of my friends who enjoy cycling and are considering a long term purchase.

Random things to note:

• The bike does require being plugged in to track your workout so you need to make sure you can place it close to an outlet.

• This is VERY important if you are going to buy the Schwinn iC4 bike. The resistance levels DO NOT match up to the Peleton numbers the teachers use in class (I’m not sure if this is for other cycling apps as well). The iC4 is much stronger of a resistance at a lower number. I didn’t know this for a few classes and finally googled it because I couldn’t believe how heavy the Peleton instructors were wanting the resistance. haha You can google it but basically here are the correct conversions —> iC4/Peleton = 5=25, 9=30, 17=35, 25=40, 33=45, 49=50.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post! If you have any additional questions regarding my Schwinn iC4 or Peleton experience, please feel free to comment, email or DM me with more questions! Hopefully I covered everything you could need to know.

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Some of the above links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty

Pixi Beauty Skincare Favorites

I am lucky enough to be on Pixi’s PR list so periodically I get sent new and old products as they launch and promote them. Thank you Pixi Beauty. I like to integrate the skincare items into my routine and test them out, so today I’m sharing some of the products that I enjoyed the most from the lines I’ve received recently. Stay tuned for a bonus flop at the end that wasn’t my favorite.

Disclosure: Some of the below links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

Hydrating Milky Cleanser

I have kept this cleanser in the shower since I received it and I would say that this is a great cleanser for two specific types of people; someone who has sensitive skin and needs a basic cleanser, or anyone who does most of their treating with the rest of their skincare routine (i.e. serums, masks, oils, etc). I don’t use this on days I’ve worn makeup (after I’ve removed my makeup first) or when my skin is really struggling because I don’t think it does a good enough job of deep cleansing. However, everyone should have a simple basic cleanser on hand for when you just need a gentle cleanse. This would be great as an AM cleanser if you don’t need much treatment.

Retinol Jasmine Cleanser

I love this cleanser for days when I’m feeling drier than normal. For reference, I’m usually normal to oily in the warmer months and normal to dry in the winter months. I think this would be a great for someone who is on the drier side and looking for anti-aging products in their routine. It definitely leaves my skin feeling hydrated and nourished. The thing I love most about this Retinol line from Pixi Beauty is that none of the Retinol products are extremely concentrated so the will not leave you feeling dry and peel-y like some retinoids. They are a great intro to Retinol line.

Glow Tonic

I don’t think this needs another ‘glowing’ review because it definitely is a cult favorite (pun intended). If you’re looking for a good daily Glycolic Acid toner, check this one out. Remember, whenever using exfoliating products it’s important that you are wearing your SPF daily, even if you won’t be in the sun for long periods of time.

Rose Ceramide Cream

I can’t remember which collection this moisturizer came in, but I love it. Another basic that I think is important for every woman’s skincare routine, a good ceramide moisturizer is great for nights when you feel dry. I like the light refreshing rose scent.

Peel & Polish Resurfacing Concentrate

I love this exfoliating product because it’s great for days when you don’t have the time or energy for waiting for an exfoliating mask to sit. It is kind of a 2-in-1 physical and chemical exfoliation, but is still gentle. You simply apply it (avoiding your eye area), let it sit for a couple minutes, and then either wash it off or massive it in for a bonus physical exfoliation. I would do it 2 times max a week, unless you are doing more exfoliation throughout the week.

Glow Mud Mask

This is one of my favorite types of masks because it feels like a science experiment on your face haha. You apply it like a typical charcoal mask and as it dries, it dries darker in areas where you have trouble spots. I think this is great if you are newer to skincare and don’t necessarily know how to distinguish this yourself. I love to add my hydrocolloid zit patches after using this mask so I know which areas need extra help after the mask.

DeroxifEYE Facial Treatment

I love a good eye patch but am really specific about which ones I use since I often give these to clients before makeup applications if they are puffy in the undereye area. While I still prefer my Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches these are definitely a close second and much more affordable option. They are great at depuffing and smoothing out the undereye area if you struggle with fine lines, allergies, puffiness, etc.

Overnight Retinol Oil

This is probably my most used product from Pixi so far and I love it. It is a simple retinol oil that you apply as your last step at night. I love how hydrating it is, but really feel like it helps keep the texture of my skin smoother. Again, as I mentioned earlier in this post, I love how this oil is a great every day retinol product and highly recommend it for someone who is looking to add a simple retinoid into their routine.

Bonus Flop: Hydrating Milky Makeup Remover

I have tried so hard to love this product for months but I just can’t get behind it. In order for me to really love a makeup remover, it needs to be able to remove all eye makeup easily without me having to use much pressure on the eye area. This is a delicate space that needs to be taken care of, especially if you are someone who wears makeup regularly. This one claims to remove even waterproof makeup, but I find it has issues removing even my regular non-waterproof mascara. I find that I still gravitate towards oil cleansers for this first step of a makeup removing double cleanse. If you do not wear much eye makeup or want a makeup remover for just your face, this might be a good option for you, as I love the pump dispenser and smell.

Have you tried anything from the recent Pixi Beauty launches? Comment below and let me know what you’re loving!

Have a beautiful week,

Andrea

Books I've Recently Read #8

I’m finally back with an updated Book Review post! Reading is probably my favorite hobby after cooking, and I love sharing what I’ve been discovering with you. As usual if you want to support a small local bookstore near you and purchase one of these books, you can click the link below and the entire list of books mentioned in this post will be available to shop at Bookshop.org.

My shop with Bookshop.org

Otherwise, you can click the title of each book and shop it on Amazon. (Warning, I do receive a small commission if you choose to use my links, but it does not change the price of the books for you, and helps me keep creating more content for you)!

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

I wish I had read this book before I read The Great Alone and The Nightingale both by Kristin Hannah. I think I would have enjoyed it more because it was just not what I was expecting. I love Kristin Hannah because her writing in those two books truly makes you escape to another time and place. Firefly Lane is more a more modern and typical setting than I’m used to for her, so I think that is what threw me. This is the first in a trilogy I believe, but I haven’t decided if I’m going to continue reading. Not because I didn’t like it, but because there is just so much on my To Be Read list that I’d rather read first. As usual with Kristin Hannah, it was still a page turner and consuming story, just not my favorite from her. With that being said, The Nightingale was hands down the best book I read in 2019, so there’s obviously big shoes to fill and this was written before that.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

I think everybody read this book this year…haha. It was super popular! It was definitely a quick thriller read that you can’t put down, perfect for a vacation. I really liked it. I can see what all the hype was about. I did feel like I could predict some moments, but it still kept me entertained.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Another super popular book that I really enjoyed. If you’ve been following my reading recommendations you know that I love a good WWII era story. This one was very sad but there were moments that were so powerful. I definitely want to read the sequel as well.

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

At this point am I a broken record when I talk about how obsessed with Outlander I am? haha This was the 5th book in the series and again, the longest I’ve read so far. I haven’t picked it back up since I started my reading challenge in June, but I’m excited to get back into it. This is my one exception to the rule of reading only BIPOC authors because if I go too long without reading Outlander, you start forgetting the details. So much happens within these books that they aren’t something you can pick up every now and then and still remember it. I still think Outlander and Voyager are my favorite two so far, but The Fiery Cross was still AMAZING!

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

If you haven’t read this one yet and you are white, you need to because BLACK LIVES MATTER. It’s a great book with a lot of easy to understand information that is so important. Ijeoma touches on some really important topics that should be basic knowledge at this point. It was very eye opening to read. Highly recommend.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

This was probably the most recommended book I’ve seen this year. haha EVERYONE is reading Verity. Again, another fast paced thriller (those seem to be the most popular these days). It definitely had an OMG moment at the end that left you hanging and debating what side you believe of the story.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

When it came time to start my BIPOC reading challenge (you can read more about that in this blog post), I wanted to start with a Maya Angelou classic because I couldn’t believe I had made it through my 30 years without reading it! I had always heard some amazing things about this book and now I know why. Maya has such a gift at evoking such emotion with her words and while at times it was so sad to get through, it really makes you appreciate what you have and the blessings life has given you. I try really hard to incorporate more classics into my ‘Want to Read’ list, and I’m happy I read this one.

How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

This is such a phenomenal book. It is written SO well and has so much important information. I love how Ibram starts more general with the topics, and as the book progresses he gets more and more detailed. This is another must read for anyone wanting to do the work and start learning more about systemic racism and white fragility.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

One of my big goals with my year long reading challenge, was to read Toni Morrison’s classics. I purchased a special set that included her 3 most popular novels and started with the Bluest Eye. I liked it a lot, however it wasn’t my favorite book. I think this was partly because I had recently read I Know why the Caged Bird Sings and that one really struck me. Of course I think the message is very important and I would still recommend checking it out because Toni Morrison is a phenomenal story teller.

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

With my new BIPOC reading challenge, I’ve been getting into more historical books that teach me about various topics. One topic I really wanted to learn about was the prison system,; it’s history and how it’s currently affecting the country now. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is one of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time because I learned so much. Sometimes these very dense books can be hard to get through because there’s so much to digest, so I was surprised how quickly I got through this one. Michelle Alexander does such a great job of teaching you and keeping you engaged and wanting to know more. If you are wanting to support the Black Lives Matter movement more and understand how the prison system is hurting the black community (WHICH YOU SHOULD) this book has to be on your To Be Read list.

He Said, She Said by Kwame Alexander

I was not expecting this to be a young adult book, which was probably my fault. It was one that I just picked up in one of my book buying sprees. It was a great quick read after such a heavy topic in The New Jim Crow so I’m happy I read it when I did. Kwame Alexander does a great job of writing a modern story line on teens standing up for what they believe in and creating a protest. I think this would be really great for a high schooler to read and discover a perspective other than their own experience.

From Scratch by Tembi Locke

I bought this one in an out of town trip to a small bookstore (one of my favorite things to do). It was sad, but honestly with everything going on in 2020 I feel like this was perfect timing to read. Tembi Locke is an amazing writer. In this book she tells you the story of meeting her Italian husband, his death due to cancer, and the grief that follows. She does a great job of bouncing through different time periods within their relationship which I always love, when it’s done well. She shares her experience of being a black woman marrying an Italian man, which was very important for me to hear; not because I’m black, but because my own Italian family has it’s issues. Reading her experience with the problems of his family not accepting her and the history of Italian families doing things a certain way because that’s the tradition, really hit home for me when reflecting on some of my own family members. The other part that I really loved about this book is how well she describes her grief when her husband dies. I was sobbing when I was reading it because Tembi really puts into words what I would imagine many can’t. While I haven’t experienced this grief that she has, I felt like I was right there with her in it. I wouldn’t recommend this one to someone who has recently been through significant grieving, but maybe down the road this could be healing for them.

The Truths We Hold: An American Journey by Kamala Harris

I wanted to learn more about Kamala Harris, so I read this one pretty quickly. I liked the format of how the book was written. Sometimes autobiographies can be slow, when you’re working through the beginning parts (i.e. I know Becoming is sometimes a challenge for some to get through in the beginning). However, I found this one particularly easy to get through because the timeline of her stories wasn’t necessarily always sequential. At times it did feel fluffy and obvious that it was written before she wanted to run for president, but I think this just comes with the territory of being a politician. I do feel like I got to know her better and I’m happy she is Biden’s VP running mate for this election!

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

Add this to your list now. I haven’t watched the movie yet (I am a very strict book before movie gal) but I’m super excited for it because this book is amazing. I will say, I’m happy I read The New Jim Crow before I read this one, because I understood the prison system on a deeper level which helped me connect to this book even more. All I can say is the the world needs more people like Bryan Stevenson. It is the perfect mix of storytelling that actually teaches you important lessons.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

I knew this one was going to be a heavy hitter and it did not disappoint. Toni Morrison is such an exceptional writer. Her ability to tell a story and make you feel it, is amazing. This one was really sad, but also really beautiful and important. It was eye opening and there were many times I had to pause and read specific sentences over and over to feel the impact of the words. While Song of Solomon is still on my list (the third book in that trio I purchased), I highly recommend this one to start if you haven’t read any Toni Morrison.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

It took me a second to get into the style of writing for this book, but boy! I see why everyone is obsessing over Elizabeth Acevedo. She can pack a punch with such few words and this story was so powerful. This book is another must read to learn about a perspective different than your own. I cannot wait to buy these books for my future teenage children and I will be buying them for my personal library.

With the Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

This was another stellar hit from Acevedo. While this was another Young Adult story, it still had such a powerful message and I think it’s really important that these perspectives are being shared with our young adults today. I loved that this story involved cooking and again Acevedo is really great at creating a powerful story in a short word count. I can’t wait to read more from her.

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

I was really excited for this one to arrive from my online library account (I use Libby) because I had heard such great things about it! However, I didn’t realize how short it was. It’s a multigenerational family story, that is told from multiple perspectives. In the beginning I felt like I wasn’t sure where the story was going and how anything meaningful that didn’t feel rushed could happen, but then the story flipped and you hear a perspective that changes everything. It all then makes sense and looking back I’m glad that it wasn’t any longer. It was insightful and leaves you realizing how without multiple people’s perspectives, it’s impossible to know the entire truth of a situation. We do not know the battles others could be fighting, and it’s important to remember this.

There you have it! 18 of my latest reads. Have you read any of the books I mentioned? What did you think of them? Tell me below in a comment and as always, leave me all of your book recommendations!

PREVIOUS Books I’ve Read Posts:

Books #7

Books #6

Books #5

Books #4

Books #3

Books #2

Books #1

Happy reading,

Andrea

Disclosure: Some of the above links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty

Intentional Shopping Faves

If you have been following me for a while, you know that I try to shop with intention. Today I’m here to share some amazing products made by meaningful companies. Whether they are small, owned by a BIPOC and/or female owner, sustainably made, etc…these are the companies I try extra hard to seek out and support with my purchases. I try to make it a priority to shop secondhand first, but also intentionally if I can’t find it secondhand. These are some of the favorite items and companies I have purchased from recently.

Juvia’s Place Eyeshadows: I share these eyeshadows all the time but I couldn’t write a blog post about intentional shopping and no include these because they are 1. created by a woman of color and 2. amazing quality products. I would say that 90% of the time they are all I use on my clients because I can trust that they will always perform and be stunning.

megababe Rosy Pits Deodorant: I have been on the natural deodorant train for years now (at least 6, maybe longer) and I have tried a lot. Megababe is owned by an amazing woman, Katie Sturino, and her products are created for REAL women problems. While I still love my Native deodorant as well, I love this megababe one just as much!

Bee Joyful Shop Beeswax Wraps: I am so jealous that Kalamazoo now has an ethical and sustainable zero-waste shop! Bee Joyful opened during quarantine, so I jumped on placing an online order when I could. I am obsessed with their Beeswax Wraps because they are the best brand I have tried (even better than the original). They mold so easily and I feel like they seal better than the other brands I’ve tried because they are a little thicker. I highly recommend buying a set if you are looking to cut down on your plastic wrap usage.

Ceramic Incense Holder: I found Hannah Desch Ceramics after an Etsy browse for an incense holder. I wanted a natural texture like ceramic, a neutral color (Mine is white with black speckles) and this fit the bill perfectly. You’d be surprised how hard it is to find a super minimal and earthy incense holder. I love how it’s round but big enough to catch the little ashes that fall as the incense burns. Definitely check out her Etsy page to get a one of a kind incense holder.

Kalamazoo Candle: This is my favorite candle brand. I love that I can purchase them locally at my local Schuler’s bookstore or Whole Food, but I also order online from time to time. If you’re ever in Kalamazoo, you need to check out the store. You can make your own candles which would be a really fun date night (not sure if this is currently going on with COVID precautions so look into that first FYI). They have some really unique and really classic scents and I love the neutral containers they come in. They designed them so that they are easy to reuse, which you know I love! I try to burn only soy candles and I love that they are all 100% natural soy. I am currently burning the Salted Grapefruit scent right now as I write this post and it is so amazing.

Incense Variety Pack of 60 Sticks - Energy Art and Goods: After I purchased my incense holder, I was really happy to stumble upon this big variety pack of 60 Incense sticks, also from Etsy. While not all of the scents were my favorite, it was great to test out a bunch of different scents. I recommend trying this if you are new to incense and don’t know what scents you like yet. They are great quality and burn slowly which I like.

Nerdy Babies Board Books: If you know anyone with babies or kids, you MUST buy them this series. I am slowly collecting them all for my nephews and we are all obsessed. The thing I love most? They are written and illustrated by a Kalamazoo, MI author, Emmy Kastner. As a science nerd myself, it’s really important to me that I find unique books that teach my nieces and nephews science in a fun way!

Fortress Coffee Brazil Santos Roast: I know I’m probably sounding like a broken record by telling you to try Fortress Coffee Co, but guys…. COME ON! What are you waiting for? It’s the only coffee that Mikey and I really buy, not just because we are good friends with the owners, but because it’s our favorite. I love the Brazil Santos roast best, but every roast I’ve tried is amazing!

“Arches” Good + Well Supply Co. Candle: Another candle…can you tell I burn a lot of candles for my clients in my studio? Haha Everyone knows my love for them and the best part is that my people know to give me ones from small businesses. This small business is new to me, but I am so happy to discover it because 1. I LOVE the smell of this Arches candle and 2. I love the concept behind the scents, matching them to various National Parks. The owner, Megan, started a lot of time camping and taking in the scents of the outdoors and this is what inspired these candles. I love it. If you need a gift for someone, get this Arches candle. There’s no way they won’t love it. Again, the tins are also really beautiful and would be great for re-purposing. They also offer incense which I can’t wait to try as well.

What are your favorite businesses to shop at that promote intentional shopping? Comment below and let me know. Have you tried any of the ones I’ve listed? If so, what’s your favorite product from them?

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

I Like These Products pt. 1

Quarantine has been an interesting time for most of us. I have gone through spurts of absolutely no online shopping and then some weeks I have so many packages coming I have to make a list. Regardless, I’ve had more time to research products, discover new things, and upgrade a few items that I use frequently.

When it comes to shopping my main goal is to shop small, secondhand, and local when I can. Especially with the current worldwide pandemic, I am being extra mindful to shop small and support all of the owners who are struggling. However, like I mentioned, it can be hard to get everything I need this way. Also, some items are gifted to me from companies or from family and friends. Today’s post is reserved for the things I’m loving that aren’t from a small business; those will be saved for their own post soon because they are deserving of special attention.

I don’t usually try enough things to share a monthly favorite post, so I’ve decided to just call these ‘I Like These Products’ and share them every so often when I have enough I’m in love with. I hope that’s good with you!

Fresh Rose Petal-Soft Lip Cream

This product was sent to me for free for review (Thanks Influenster!) and I am absolutely obsessed. I am extremely picky with lip balms due to ingredients but also if they actually hydrate the lips. This one is light and nourishing and feels so good on the lips. Before trying this one, my favorite was the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, which I still love but haven’t tried since they reformulated and repackaged it. While I do usually prefer a squeeze tube to a pot, I keep this one in my bathroom and put it on morning and night after I brush my teeth. Kind of debating buying a second one for my purse since it’s that good, but will probably wait until it cools down, since pot balms are not my favorite in the heat in the summer.

PMD Clean - Smart Facial Cleansing Device

I received my PMD Clean in my last Causebox (which is a whole other favorite that I highly recommend if you want a good ethical subscription box. If you want me to get into that more, leave a comment below or DM me so I know you want to hear my opinion on it). Click here to get $10 off your first Causebox

Anyways, while I didn’t pick this out myself, I couldn’t be happier for it. The entire brush is made out of silicone and has a two-sided head. The brush side has tiny little silicone bristles that gently cleanse your skin while the other side has slight divets to help you massage your products in. There are 2 cleansing settings and 2 massage settings and I especially love the massage side. The best part is that the PMD Clean is water resistant and you can use it in the shower. I love to use it once a day after my workouts to get a really good clean! I also love incorporating into my weekly at home facial nights. After my masks, I use it to massage in my serums and oils and it feels so soothing and good.

Welly Face Saver Clear Spot Bandages

I have tried quite a few zit stickers since they came out and these are definitely at the top of my list as far as effectiveness goes. If you’ve never heard of zit patches, they are hydro-colloid bandages that you put on a zit when it’s coming to head. They absorb excess fluid from surface level wounds (i.e. blemishes). This means that they only work on surface level zits, so don’t expect a miracle on anything deep and cystic. I am obsessed with the Welly brand in general because all of their bandages come in cute tins that are perfect to reuse (ex: I love to keep them for travel for small items…well back when I could travel haha). However, these face saver bandages are extra clutch right now with the mask-cne I’ve been struggling with here and there throughout the pandemic. I just pop one of these stickers over my blemish at night and remove it in the morning and it’s way flatter! I definitely recommend keeping a pack of these on hand if you find that you randomly break out!

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

When it comes to items I use in my makeup kit, I definitely choose performance over ingredients. Unless a client as requested something specific, I use my tried and true products. That being said, I had been using the classic Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray for YEARS. It works well for any skin type and really helps the makeup stay on. However, I’ve always hated the mechanism of the spray bottle because no matter how gentle you try to be, you scare your clients when you spray it. haha Enter the Morphe Continuous Setting Mist. It works just as well as the All Nighter spray, is less than half the price AND has a gentle continuous spray mechanism. Also, whenever I do weddings, at least half of my clients every time tell me how much they love the smell. Highly recommend.

Kristen Ess The One Signature Shampoo & Conditioner

I know I’m probably the last person to try Kristen Ess hair products, but I’m really not a hair person, as you probably know! I don’t do a lot with my hair so I like simple hair products. I randomly picked up this duo over quarantine when Mikey and I were running out of shampoo and we loved it so I’ve already repurchased it in the larger size with pumps. It smells great (Mikey likes it too) and is a great lightly clarifying shampoo for my hair. I have pretty fine and straight hair, but I only wash it every couple of days, so I need a good cleanse when I do.

Fine-Tip Multi Colored Gel Pens

Am I the only one who is obsessed with pens? I always have been, but I hadn’t had a good set of gel pens in a while. When I was little I had every kind and color under the sun! There’s something about writing in fun colors in my planner that makes me happy and more productive. I am a firm believer in making your planner a happy and creative place so that you are more likely to want to use it and accomplish tasks. These are a great dupe for the Muji gel pens. I didn’t realize they weren’t actually Muji brand until I received them, but they are still great. I love the 0.5 mm fine tip and the range of colors is great too!

Meilliner 25 pack of Assorted Dual-Tip Highlighters

On that same note, I bought this huge 25 pack of Dual-Tip Highlighters thinking they were actual Zebra Mildliners (Mental note: ANDREA READ THE FINE PRINT). I like the color range and again, they do a great job of making my planner happier and prettier. I prefer to highlight tasks when they are completed instead of crossing them out, so this wide range of colors allows me to always have the colors I need to coordinate with my different weeks.

Dried Lavender

In May when I turned 30 one of my best friends gave me some dried lavender. I put it on my dining room table in a vase and it is still going strong. I can’t recommend this enough for yourself or when you need a little something for a friend (instead of flowers), because it lasts so much longer and smells amazing too! Plus you don’t have to worry about watering anything because it’s already dried. The only thing I would warn you about is that it is very delicate. If you touch the branches too much, the dried lavender buds will fall off, so keep it out of reach if you have kids or animals so it doesn’t get everywhere! Dried Eucalyptus is also a great one to try.

Amazon House Dress

I discovered this dress from Meredith over at @tinybitsofhappiness_. If you don’t follow her on IG, you need to. Her words are great, her recommendations are great, her dog Stella is so adorable. She’s basically gold and you should be following her. If you saw my studio redesign from about a year ago, she made my beautiful custom Andrea Fontana Beauty doormat! Anyways, back to the dress. She introduced me to this Amazon dress and it has quickly become my go to at least 2 times a week (likely more haha). It is so comfortable, makes you feel like you are way more put together than you are, and comes in SO many colors. I would suggest sizing up if you want that really comfortable flowy fit like I wanted. Also I do not dry because I’m always worried Amazon things will shrink. It’s not the most amazing quality, but it’s pretty damn great for under $30! Pre-COVID, my 2020 goal was to only buy secondhand clothing for the entire year. I’m proud to say that even despite quarantine, I have done a pretty good job at sticking to this goal. I think this is the first time I’ve broken it to buy something new. Well worth it, thanks Mere!

OLLY Sleep Melatonin Gummies

I used to have a solid bath routine as a pre-wedding ritual the night before weddings. I would always make sure that I had a calming evening to ensure good sleep the night before a big day. However, moving from my old apartment means that I no longer have a bathtub so I had to adjust my routine. Now, I take a nice long hot shower, get in bed early to read, and enjoy some OLLY Melatonin Gummies about 30 minutes before I want to go to sleep…haha I only use these a couple times a month, but I love them whenever I do. Obviously, make sure you check with your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.

What have you been loving lately? Comment below and let me know!

Best,

Andrea

Disclosure: Some of the above links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty. 

Books I've Recently Read #7

I have been reading so much that I didn’t realize I haven’t recapped what I’ve been reading since last December! So here we are. These are the 18 books that I’ve read so far in 2020. Overall, I’m pretty happy with what I’ve been adventuring through. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve read anything good too, especially because of quarantine!

**As usual, all book titles are clickable links for Amazon. If you’d prefer to support small bookstores local to you, click this link here and you will be sent to my Bookshop.org Book List for this post!**

Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale - by Adam Minter

If you’re interested in learning more about the secondhand world, especially globally, I highly recommend picking this one up. I found it really interesting to see what happens to a lot of things after they go to the trash or to the thrift store. Reading this one helped strengthen my desire to buy less and purchase more secondhand items outside of just clothing.

Miriam’s Kitchen - by Elizabeth Ehrlich

While I don’t know a lot about the Jewish culture, I loved reading this book because it reminded me a lot about growing up in my house. The kitchen was the center of so many family events. I spent so much time at the kitchen counter learning the Italian and Brazilian cultures of my family through cooking. I always enjoy and appreciate a book that explores this idea, especially with a culture I don’t know a lot about.

The Catcher in the Rye - by J.D. Salinger

One of my goals for this year was to read more classics because I’m finding that as an adult I enjoy them so much more, after a bit of life experience. While I didn’t have to read this one in high school, it was fun to devour this book. I think it only took me a few days because I couldn’t put it down. I know this is kind of a love or hate classic, but I personally loved it so much and laughed out loud reading it.

Outlander - by Diana Gabaldon

I will try to keep this short. I have absolutely fallen for Outlander. I haven’t loved a series this much since Harry Potter and will always remember the first time reading it. While I’m still working through the series, I cannot recommend it enough. I will say that this series is better for someone who has a good amount of time to read because there is a lot of information and details to remember. Gabaldon researches heavily to write these books and it’s obvious. So if you can only read a couple pages a day of something, this might not be the time to read this one. The story is amazing and you will quickly be immersed a story of love, science, history, fantasy and so much more. As I review the rest in the series, I will let you know my thoughts on each book, but nothing will ever beat the first one, because it’s where you fall in love with Claire and Jamie and their story.

First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies - by Kate Andersen Brower

I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately it was just ok. After reading Becoming and Eleanor Roosevelt, I really thought this book was going to suck me in because I love learning about first ladies. However, it felt like a long string of facts about them without much of a story line or purpose. While, there was some interesting facts here and there, I wouldn’t rush to read this one anytime soon.

Little Fires Everywhere - by Celeste Ng

I am totally a ‘read the book before the tv show or movie’ girl, so when I heard that this was coming to Hulu I knew I needed to pick it up. I really liked the story and it kept me guessing. Now that I’ve read it though, I don’t find myself desiring to watch the show. Have any of you read it and watched the show? Should I watch it?

The Nickel Boys - Colson Whitehead

I loved Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad so I was excited to read this next piece by him. He is really great at writing historical fiction, which I really love reading. I’ve only read two of his books at this point, so I’m not sure if this is a classic way in which he writes, but I love how he completely shocks you with some detail you didn’t see coming at the end of his books when you think they are over.

Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2) - by Diana Gabaldon

This was my least favorite Outlander book so far of the four I’ve read, I think because she tackles such a wide time period in this book and jumps around a lot. I know a couple people who have dropped the series after starting this one, so if you are reading it and struggling to keep going because of all the details and info, I can’t stress enough to push through it. The second half is way better than the first and I found myself back in love with the whole story at the end and excited to move forward!

Watching You - by Lisa Jewell

I really liked a Lisa Jewell book that I read last year (Then She Was Gone), so I was excited to pick up a few from her section at the library. This one was just as intriguing as the one I read last year. It kept me on my toes guessing and I finished it in only a couple of days. I still love Then She Was Gone more and recommend you read that one first, but this is a great story too!

I Found You - by Lisa Jewell

While this one was again a classic Lisa Jewell Thriller that alternates between different characters points of view, I liked it the least of her books so far. The story was a little more predictable.

An American Marriage - by Tayari Jones

I can see why everyone was raving so much about this one. The story is so good. It’s heartbreaking at times, but is the perfect example of how life can throw curve balls at you that are no one’s fault. There is power in accepting the cards you’ve been dealt and making the best of them.

Voyager (Outlander #3) - by Diana Gabaldon

I absolutely loved this Outlander book. There are so many moments where you are sucked into Claire and Jamie’s world and you cannot put it down. I liked that Gabaldon took the story onto the waters and into a different climate because it brought something new to the story which I loved.

The Last Romantics - by Tara Conklin

I was worried that this book would be over-hyped but I was pleasantly surprised to have enjoyed it. I love stories about families and this one was really interesting. I love a story that is portrayed as a reflection or memory when it’s written well and Conklin did a great job with this.

Such a Fun Age - by Kiley Reid

Now for a book that was VERY over-hyped that I did not understand why everyone loved. I think Reid had a great potential for the story line but it was not executed well. It felt like Reid was trying to write a relatable story, except it felt very fabricated and inauthentic; as if trying to write about an experience that she had no experience with. I’m not assuming anything about her experiences by saying this, just relaying how it felt as a reader. I would not recommend this one.

The Kind Worth Killing - by Peter Swanson

This one was recommended by someone I follow on Instagram and I devoured it quickly. It is an awesome thriller that keeps you on your toes. A little gruesome at times, but it is very unpredictable and I love when a book takes me in a direction I was not expecting.

Drums of Autumn (Outlander #4) - by Diana Gabaldon

My favorite Outlander book so far (besides #1 obviously). I loved where the story headed in this one. There was some amazing reunions that I was hoping for and I cannot wait to see where the story takes me next.

A Week in Winter - by Maeve Binchy

I loved the format of this book, but I was hoping for more. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a character and the story slowly builds as each is introduced. As more characters get involved, the story starts elaborating and it’s cool to see how all of these people’s different perspectives and lives intersect based on this ‘week in winter’. However, I expected it all to be building up to something big in the end and it fell short of that desire. It was still interesting though, and I always appreciate when I read a format that I haven’t seen before.

The Paris Wife - by Paula McLain

I was really excited to dive into this one because Ernest Hemingway is from Michigan and I didn’t know much about him. While this story was a fictionalized story of his first marriage to Hadley Hemingway, it was hard to get through at points because I felt like it was somehow lacking. While I know historical fiction can be a difficult genre to write, I have preferred other books more.

Have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts on them below in the comments. Also, let me know what you’ve bee reading! I always love adding to my ‘Want to Read’ list on GoodReads!

Happy reading,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty. 

Recent Amazon Favorites

I don’t know about you but I love to see the random things people purchase on Amazon and what their favorites are. Here is my list of items I have been very happy with recently.

1. Bamboo ‘Cotton Rounds"‘:

   As I mentioned on IG, as a way to track one of my 2020 goals of making more sustainable swaps in my everyday life, I am switching up something every month. In January I bought these reusable and machine washable natural bamboo cotton rounds and I love them! They are bigger than disposable cotton rounds which makes them great for removing makeup and applying toner!

2. Glo Minerals Pencil Sharpener:

   If you love jumbo pencil-type lipsticks, i.e. Nars, Glo Minerals, etc, you need to have one of these pencil sharpeners. It’s the perfect size and works so well!

3. Glo Minerals Suede Matte Lip Crayons:

   These are my favorite lip products for brides because they look so special, but are never too intense. The formula is perfect for a wedding day because they are comfortable but stay on really well. I love the shades “Monogram” and “Trademark” for my brides.

4. Conair Fabric Defuzzer:

   This is another ‘gadget’ that every woman needs to own, especially if you are a thrifter! It’s a great way to clean up and bring some loved and pre-worn pieces back to life. Let’s also not forget how satisfying it is to shave your clothes and watch them appear neater. My people who love power washing and vacuuming will get this! haha

5. Popsocket:

   I have been a faithful popsocket lover for a couple of years now and I have noticed how much more comfortable using my phone is when I have one. It SAVES your pinky. Now that I have the iPhone 11 Pro Max too it’s especially helpful because this phone is huge and heavy.

6. Book Dart Bookmarks:

   I technically bought these for Mikey for his birthday to go with a book I got him but since the set came with 18, I asked if I could steal one and I am obsessed. If I ever lose mine I will buy my own set, because they are amazing. They are so thin and sleek in your book, but hold your exact line where you leave off…if you are one of those crazy people who can stop reading in the middle of a chapter!!! I am not…haha

7. Washi Tape:

   There is something about washi tape that makes me super happy. I use it in MANY things. In my planner, to wrap presents, to decorate cards, etc. I just love having a diverse supply of colors so I can always have something that works on hand.

8. Gold Necklace:

   I bought this necklace to test out the quality and see if I like this trend of many layered gold necklaces and I’m pleasantly surprised with how much I love the quality of it. I was expecting my neck to turn green but thankfully it hasn’t! I never take it off along with my other gold necklace and it still looks beautiful.

9. Stasher Bags:

   Stasher bags have changed my life and I have several now. I love how I can throw them into the dishwasher to clean them which not all reusable bags can do. They are great quality and I also love that they come in many different colors and shapes. Adding more to my collection is also on my list of sustainable swaps this year!

10. LED Book Light:

    I have only had this book light for about a week but I’m already obsessed. It grips onto your book easily, is rechargeable with an included USB charger, and it has 3 light settings which are awesome! If you need a book light, I highly recommend this one!

Have you purchased anything from Amazon recently that you love? Tell me in a comment below! I am always curious!

Happy Valentine’s Day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty. 

Best Beauty Discoveries of 2019

In the past few years I’ve really tried to become more aware of how many beauty products I’m buying and trying to do more research before purchasing. While the amount that I have been trying has certainly decreased, I still managed to discover some pretty awesome products during 2019. Therefore, I give you my best beauty discoveries of 2019; the products that stand out and I continued to love after many uses.

1. Weleda Skin Food Light

   I have talked about the Weleda Skin Food moisturizer many times on my blog, but in May I received the Light version (which I didn’t even know had come out!) for my birthday and I have used it for most of the year. For those of you who love the original Skin Food but want something lighter for the summer or because you are on the oilier side, I highly recommend trying the Light version. Same amazing smell!

2. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

   I am super hesitant to use too much Retinol and too high of a percentage, but when I visited the Deciem store in Chicago this past September, I was really excited to find this Retinol suspension in Squalane oil. It’s way gentler on the skin but I still feel like it’s smoothing and perfecting the texture of my skin, including my mini wrinkles starting to form on my forehead (hello 30, I see you coming in 4 months…)

3. The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder

   I was also really excited to discover this L-Ascorbic Acid Powder for another affordable price during my Deciem trip. Ascorbic Acid is Vitamin C and some Vitamin C products don’t end up being very effective because the shelf life of Vitamin C can be compromised when in liquid form. I love being able to control when I use the Vitamin C (I mix it in with my Weleda Skin Food Light during the day). Remember, Vitamin C is really important to use during the day because it is an Antioxidant and helps boost the protection of your SPF!

4. Hylamide SubQ Mist

   Yet, another Deciem visit discovery, except this time in their product range Hylamide that is a price point higher than The Ordinary. I am obsessed with this toning mist as a pH balancer, hydrator and it just feels amazing after cleansing my skin. I love the rose aroma.

5. Kaja Moon Crystal Sparkling Eye Pigment in Rose Quartz

   If you’re looking for an every day, one swipe cream eyeshadow product, look no further than this one from Kaja at Sephora. They have many different shades and the product is perfect for every day wear. They are all sparkly shades, but are so beautiful either on their own or paired with another eyeshadow on top!

6. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask in Smashed

   I was reluctant to put this one on my list because it looks like they have reformulated but this is one of my top products of the year FOR SURE. The smell of this product is amazing and it hydrates my lips unlike anything I’ve every tried before. I love the Smashed shade because it gives just a hint of rosy tint to make the lips look naturally healthy. I love using it as an every day lip balm, but also on my brides who don’t want a lipstick on their wedding day, but still want their lips to look nice and natural. Fingers crossed that when it comes back in stock, they haven’t changed the formula or gotten rid of the shade Smashed!

7. Invisibobble Hair Ties

   I’m officially an Invisibobble convert. I am obsessed with these hairties, and while I initailly tried the knock off brand first, I can truly tell a difference with the actual Invisibobble brand hair ties. They don’t stretch out as easily and they feel more secure in my hair. I wear these every day for running, cycling, and every day use.

8. Moda Brushes

   One of the best discoveries I made in 2019 was finding a new brand of brushes that I absolutely love. I have my friend Jodi to thank for this, as she introduced me when she started working for the company so SHOUTOUT to Jodi! I love how durable, soft and light all are the brushes are from Moda that I’ve tried. They wash and hold up well. I initially started using them on clients at weddings to test them out and not only did I love how they were performing but I was getting so many compliments on how nice they felt on my clients’ faces! They are also SUPER affordable. If you click the link in the title above, you can save 10% off!

9. Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighters

   I certainly fell in love with these highlighters early in the year and used them throughout 2019. I love how natural they look on the skin; not gliterry by any means. They also last all day on the skin. I even gifted quite a few of these to friends because I loved them so much. All of the shades are awesome, but I love the Champagne one most.

10. Loreal True Match LUMI Glotion

    It is no secret that I fell in LOVE with Glotion this year. I went through many bottles and mixed it into my foundation 99% of the time I was wearing makeup. I love how it mixes with foundations, looks great under foundation, or even on it’s own! I like the light shade because of the pink tones and I can’t recommend it enough if you like a dewy and glowing skin look.

11. Pixi Glow Mud Mask

    I have tried a LOT of charcoal, gray looking masks to clean the impurities out of my skin, but none have every worked as well as this one. One of the coolest parts is that you can see where your problem spots are as it’s drying. To me this shows that it’s actually drying and pulling out the impurities if it can recognize the troubled spots. I received this one as a gift from Pixie, but I was so excited to receive it because I had been wanting to try it. I wasn’t disappointed when I started using it.

12. Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm

    I rarely discover lip balms that I like because I’m super picky and here I am with two for the year! This one came in a kit, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have tried it out. It is super expensive for a lip balm and how much of it you get, but I love this one. It feels so good on and I can tell it is actually moisturizing my lips, not just coating them and making them more chapped.

13. The Ordinary Coverage Foundation

    For the price of this foundation, I didn’t think there was a chance I was going to love it, but boy do I! It is the perfect mix of coverage, while still looking natural. It builds well and mixes with my Glotion if I want it to be more luminous of a finish (it has a pretty satin/matte finish). Highly recommend giving it a shot if you’re looking for a good and affordable foundation.

Did you discover any products this year? What stood out to you? Tell me below so we can all share our recommendations!

Have a great day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty. 

The Glow Mud Mask from Pixie was sent for PR purposes, however all opinions are my own and I was not paid to talk about this product.

Books I've Read Recently #5

I’m not going to lie. This book post is kind of sad. Not because of the books, I loved the books! More so because I just haven’t been reading like I normally do the past few months. I’ll explain more later as you read because I’m 100% blaming it on a book I was reading… (Click the book titles for links to the books)

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (By Truman Capote):

I can’t believe I had never read this one yet. I watched the movie years ago, but couldn’t really remember the story. I spotted it at the library one morning and decided now was the time. It’s a quick read and an interesting one. I feel like it’s one of those that everyone just has to read because it’s such a classic. Now I want to watch the movie again.

CALL THE MIDWIFE: A TRUE STORY OF THE EAST END IN THE 1950’S (By Jennifer Worth):

I absolutely adored this book. Apparently the PBS show that is based on these books (this is the first of a few) is really great too, so I’m excited to add that to my list. I loved hearing all the different stories about being a midwife in the Post-War East End of England. I was actually surprised how advanced they were with childbirth and everything they did at people’s homes. I will probably end up reading the rest of the series later on. If you are interested in childbirth, science, or just love this time period (I’m all of the above haha) I would definitely recommend this one.

BIG LITTLE LIES (By Liane Moriarty):

This was another one that I couldn’t believe I hadn’t read yet. I will say it was a little predictable. I totally called what was going to happen, I just didn’t know it was going to go down the way it did. I’m a big believer in reading the book before the movies/tv shows so you bet I haven’t seen the HBO series yet. I am also terrible at watching TV shows unless Mikey is encouraging it, so I want to get to this one eventually too. I really loved the book and it was a quick read. Great if you need a vacation read this summer!

THEN SHE WAS GONE (By Lisa Jewell):

This is another that would make for a great vacation read. I think I read it in two days because I was so sucked into it. This was a book chosen for my book club and I loved it. I don’t know if I would have ever come across it otherwise, because I’d never heard of it. It’s another thriller that will keep you guessing. I love when a book surprises me with a story line and this was definitely one of those!

THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY: MURDER, MAGIC AND MADNESS AT THE FAIR THE CHANGED AMERICA (By Erik Larson):

One of my best friends (Thanks Margie!) recommended I read this one when I met up with her last summer in Chicago and I was happy to finally snag a copy from the library to read. I absolutely LOVED this one. It’s kind of hard to get through at some parts, but keep going. It’s definitely one of those that you have to read frequently so that the names and facts stay fresh in your mind, but I learned so much about the history of Chicago, the Ferris Wheel and the huge fair. It was written really well. I have another Erik Larson book on my shelf that I’m excited to read now because I love his writing. The only thing that made me sad was that I wished that the two main stories (one about the fair and the other about the murderer), intertwined a little more. It felt like a lot of buildup, but then the stories didn’t mix as much as I assumed they would. If you like history and love Chicago, this is a must read.

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (By Delia Owens):

Another one that I read super quickly because I was so sucked into it. This one reminded me so much of ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’. Not because of the story line, but the way it’s written and some of the characters and such made me think of it. I was so excited to hear that it will be becoming a movie because I think it’s going to be great.

THE SHAPE OF WATER (By Guillermo del Toro):

This is the book that ruined me the last few months. I renewed it from the library three times before finally giving up. I just couldn’t get through it. I HATE not finishing books because I’m always hopeful they will turn around, but I was so uninterested in this one that it made me not want to read. I finally told myself to return it and move on to something I was excited to dive into. It probably didn’t help that I had a lot of people telling me that they hated the movie, so it didn’t give me much hope that things would turn around. I doubt I’ll ever watch the movie or pick the book back up at a later time.

ANIMALS (By Emma Jane Unsworth):

This was another book club book and I have to say it was my least favorite that we’ve read so far. The summary on GoodReads seemed so good, so I’m surprised that I didn’t enjoy it that much. The book wasn’t that long and it took forever for anything to start happening which frustrated me. I will say though, it ended better than I thought it would and I didn’t predict it, which is a huge determining factor in if I love a book. However, I’d say this one is a skip.

What have you been reading so far this summer? Let me know in the comments below and happy summer reading!!

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

What Did You Think of That? #1

Welcome to my newest series here on Andrea Fontana Beauty; What did you think of that?

I often get asked this question regarding items I haul on my IG stories, so I figured instead of spotlighting each one in a separate post, it'd be fun to share a post like this every so often with my thoughts on what I’ve tried recently.

It’s not necessarily a favorites or empties post, but just catching you up on my thoughts on what my thoughts are. I try so much stuff some months and hardly anything others, so I figured this would be a great as needed post for those interested. If you want more in depth information of specific products, never hesitate to reach out and ask. Now let’s get to it (click the product titles for links)!

Drunk Elephant Products:

I recently tried a couple kits from Drunk Elephant because I hadn’t tried anything from them before and I thought this was a great way to get a good feel for the brand and try a few things out that I’d been wanting to try. So here are my thoughts.

• B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum: If you’re looking for a clean hydration serum this is a good option. I personally didn’t find it that special compared to others I’ve tried, so I’d base your decision on budget.

• C-Firma Day Serum: While I love a great Vitamin C serum for during the day to amplify my SPF effects and for the antioxidant protection, I can’t stand the smell of this one, so I doubt I’d ever buy it. Rosehip oil people. Way cheaper too!

• T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: You can probably guess that I loved this one because I pretty much love all Glycolic products. haha I am an addict and liked this one a lot. It’s probably my favorite thing that I tried from all of the products from Drunk Elephant.

• Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil: Everyone raves about this oil so I was honestly a little surprised when I first tried it because I didn’t think it was anything special. However, if you’re looking for a hydrating but not super greasy facial oil, test this one out. I liked how quickly it absorbed. I have learned to love it more than I initially did.

• Lippe Balm: This is my favorite item I tried from Drunk Elephant and would consider buying it over and over. It’s a clean, petroleum-free lip balm that can double as an eye balm! I love the texture and how well it hydrates my lips. I also love the size and shape of it for application.

• D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops: These have been amazing this spring while wanting to add a little extra glow to my face coming out of the winter paleness. I love adding a few drops to my moisturizer to wake my color up a bit. I just love all of the good ingredients too that protect you from environmental damage throughout the day. This is a product that I would definitely purchase the full size for because it looks natural and healthy.

What’s your favorite Drunk Elephant product that you’ve tried? Let me know in a comment below.

L'Oreal Glotion:

I normally mix a liquid illuminator in with my foundation, so when I started hearing about this Glotion, I knew it had my name written all over it. It’s easily my favorite liquid highlighter I’ve ever tried and if you only try one thing from this post, let it be this one!

Herbivore Botanticals Natural PRISM Exfoliating Glow Potion:

I’m obsessed with this night serum because it’s so clean and all of the chemical exfoliants come from natural fruit sources! There’s Lactic Acid (from Bilberry), Glycolic (from sugar cane), Citric acic (from orange peel), Malic acid (from apples), and so many other great ingredients. I know this one is expensive, but a little really goes a long way and I love what it has been doing to my skin.

Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner:

Shocker, I tried another Herbivore product and fell in love with it. I just really love this brand, especially for those of you looking for clean skincare. I love this one because it is soothing (aloe), protective (antioxidants from green tea), fights my blemishes (willow bark), and more! It smells so good too so it’s calming and enjoyable to spray on your face. I think this will be one that I will keep on hand in my gym bag because it’s so nice in the mornings after a run!

Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser:

I am normally not a cream cleanser girl, but I was super curious about this one so I decided to pick it up from Whole Foods a little while ago. If you’re looking for a clean option and you have normal to dry skin, I would check this out. I prefer it on days when I’m washing and don’t have any makeup on, because it’s a pretty thick cleanser. I’m always amazed by it because it feels like it would leave an oily residue behind when your face is dried, but it’s always surprisingly clean and happy!

So there are some of the products I’ve tried recently. Have you tried any of them? What are your thoughts? Let me know in a comment below and have a great day!

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

Pixi Skin Treats

I was lucky enough to be sent the most beautiful skincare package from Pixi Beauty. I am extremely grateful when companies send me products to try because it allows me to review and share my thoughts with you! However, always remember that I would never recommend something solely because someone sent it to me. While I technically didn’t pay for these products, the opinions below are completely my own.

This ‘Skin Treats’ package from Pixi was filled with amazing masks and treatments for the skin. Pixi products are available at Target if you want to check them out in person.

Depuff:

I love a good eye gel mask for under the eyes, in fact I carry them in my kit to give to most brides, especially those who haven’t slept well leading up to the wedding! My go to brand though is Peter Thomas Roth’s De-Toc Cucumber Hydra-Gel Eye Patches, because they work the best out of all the ones I’ve tried (Click here to see my previous post about how well they work). However, I have to say these Detoxif-EYE Facial Treatment Eye Patches gave the PTR one’s a run for their money. I have used them on a couple brides now and myself and I think they do just as great of a job! I used them this past weekend on a bride who was puffy from allergies and they did such a great job of smoothing out any puffiness and fine lines before applying her makeup.

Detox:

The product I was most excited to see in this goodie box was the Glow Mud Mask, because I had heard other bloggers/youtubers RAVE about it (cough*@whatkatefinds*cough). I have to say, I was really impressed with it! I love how when it’s try you can see it working in your trouble areas. This is great if you are congested or oily and new to the skincare world and don’t quite know what to look for on your skin. It paints a clear picture as to where your trouble spots are when it comes to impurities. I love it. I love that it’s pretty quick drying too so you only have to wear it for about 15 minutes.

Peel:

This Peel & Polish mask is a fun way to prep your skin and exfoliate it before a treatment mask. I love how quick and effective it is. Simply apply it for 2 minutes and it will chemically exfoliate your face, then if you want a little extra exfoliation you can scrub it with wet finger tips and gently buff the skin a little more. As you probably know, I am not the greatest fan of mechanical exfoliation, but I like how gentle the grit is of this product. As expected though, I use it more so for the chemical portion and barely move it around before removing with a gentle damp cloth (which they so kindly provided in the goodie box! You really thought of everything Pixi Beauty)!

Glow:

You know I was excited to see the GLOW Glycolic Boost Sheet Masks come in this box because I love a good Glycolic Acid product. It really helps give a glow to your skin when used regularly! I loved this sheet mask. I am excited that I received more than one and this is a product I will definitely buy in the future. I try to use a low level glycolic acid serum every night, but love a slightly more intense treatment every so often. I like that with sheet masks you don’t rinse the product off afterwards, which is important with glycolic acid because when it’s at a lower level, you want it to sit on the skin to do it’s magic. I love this mask for nights when I’m in a rush but my skin is breaking out and needs some help. Aka, last night on day 2 of my period. haha

Purify:

I should have read more carefully with the T-Zone Peel Off Mask, but for some reason I didn’t realize that it was basically going to mimic a Biore Pore Strip. So you might be able to guess, but I’m not a big fan of these types of products and I tell you to generally stay away from them. Here’s why; the stuff in your pores is called sebaceous filaments and it’s simply a sign of healthy oil production which is a good thing! I understand that sometimes it can be too much and you can feel self conscious about it, so my suggestion is to skip the pore strips or peel off masks and go straight for the mud or charcoal masks (like the GLOW MUD one above!) and dissolve the excess oil instead of ripping it out. This is too rough on your pores, leaves them wide open and susceptible to acne infections and such. Plus, if you remove this oil too often, your body will simply up your oil production and try to refill your pores with even more oil!

Overall, I’m really loving most of the products Pixi Beauty sent me. I highly recommend checking some of them out if they sound like they could work for some of your skin issues. As always, let me know if you have questions about any of them!

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

Pixi Beauty did send me these products to try for free, but all opinions are my own and I was not asked to review them.