Summer Necessities

Hey y'all!

I am so excited that summertime is finally here, especially now that we've had Memorial Day weekend which we spent out on the lake with some of our really good friends.

Today I want to share with you the things that I've found essential for summer time fun, these are tried and true-especially after putting them to the hard test out on the water for the past three days!

One of the best parts about summer is being on the lake, by the pool, or on the beach.

But you have to be prepared for anything when you're going to be under the sun all day!

I have to have my iPhone, of course. It plays all my favorite summer jams. I usually use spotify because I can play any artist or pre-made playlist.

A cute beach bag is another essential because you need to get everything from point A to point B safely.

I love using my Lilly Pulitzer bags because not only are they cute, but these are water resistant which is awesome, especially for the beach!

A cute towel is a must as well, along with an adorable koozie like this one from Lauren James.

If I'm not drinking something out of a can, I prefer to use my adorable Lilly tumblers to keep my drinks iced cold & cute all day long.

Now let's get down to the actual products I use and why I choose these time after time.

First things first, sunscreen. Y'all know I'm a big proponent of making sure I prevent any signs of aging before they have to come. If that means being pale, then so be it.

I love the Smart Stuff brand for both sunscreen and insect repellant.

The sunscreen is mineral based, natural, water-resistant, and plus it isn't tested on animals which makes me happy, happy, happy.

The insect repellant is a spray on formula that repels mosquitos and ticks.

It doesn't use chemicals, is eco-friendly, and uses oils to naturally repel.

I love the light peppermint oil scent that it has-so much better than the strong scent left behind by other name brands!

Of course I use my sunglasses to protect my eyes, they're from Costa and very comfortable.

My other love for keeping myself comfortable on the beach or by the pool is the Evian Natural Mineral Water facial spray.

This seems like a really silly product right? It's a water mist.

But oh, no, no.

This stuff is a must-have for your beach bag.

Yesterday, I was burning up on the boat. I simply reached in my bag and misted my face and was feeling much better instantly.

It's cooling and refreshing, I love the instant hydration you get.

The pool chemicals damage your facial skin and harsh sun and salt water suck moisture from your skin-Evian facial spray helps combat both of those!

I also always have to have a book with me, maybe not on the lake-but definitely if I'm out on the beach or by the pool.

This one is a light read, a Christian author who writes in an Amish setting.

As a history buff I really enjoy reading these books (it brings out the sociology in my background!)

I would highly recommend grabbing a book to read that isn't too heavy, this is a novella meaning there are four short stories in this one book. Perfect for reading one in an afternoon by the water.

My Dachshund, Coco and my sister's pup Zoey had to join me for a mini photo shoot by the pool. They were killing it in front of the camera!

I hope y'all enjoyed this little mini review of the products that I love to use on a summer afternoon.

Since this is my first summer completely off, I'm going to soak up and enjoy every minute of it!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

A big thank you to BrandBacker for providing me with product in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting brands who support The Southern Stylista.

Empties (May 2016)

It's been just a few months since I've shared my empties with y'all & I've been using a little bit of everything up.   

In this post, I'll let you know if I would recommend you buying it or not and letting you know if I had any thoughts about the products!

Let's just jump right in!

Equate One Daily Women's Health Vitamin

These were alright vitamins (I'm a big believer in taking a daily vitamin), but I've moved on now to a more grown up version...the gummy vitamin!

These are great if you want to save a couple of bucks and still want a vitamin though.

Dial Gold Antibacterial Hand Soap

This soap is a buy for you if you just want a plain-jane hand soap for your bathroom.

Since I've tried out the Bath & Body Works soaps, this one just doesn't do it for me.

Maybelline Fit Me! Matte+Poreless Foundation (Foil Packet)

I had two of these to try out in the colors Classic Ivory and Natural Beige.

I really enjoyed these samples, the foundation went on smoothly and lasted a very long time.

A little bit also went a long way which I like-totally would recommend!

Kenra Platinum Revive Conditioner

I was able to try this entire Kenra Platinum system out and I loved how the conditioner made my hair feel.

I would totally repurchase this in the future (if I ever get tired of trying out new hair products!)

Bath & Body Works Pink Grapefruit Foaming Hand Soap

I'm a sucker for citrus scents, especially in a hand soap.

This one smelled so clean and fresh, I loved having it in my guest bathroom for spring and would recommend you picking it up if you see it at B&BW!

CHI Infra Texture Hair Spray

I'm a huge fan of CHI products (& I'll be searching my TJ Maxx high and low to repurchase this hair spray). I loved that this didn't make my hair crunchy...my husband even liked to use it!

Kenra Platinum Revive Shampoo

As much as I liked the conditioner, I also really enjoyed the shampoo from Kenra.

I would once again repurchase this if I ever get tired of trying out new hair products!

Nature Made Biotin Vitamins

I take a daily vitamin, but on top of that I take Biotin daily because it really does seem to make my hair and nails grow quickly.

I would've repurchased those vitamins, but there was a gummy version...so you know which one I went with!

Bath & Body Works Italy "Espresso Cafe" Candle

I cannot express how happy I am to see this candle go.

It is NOT a coffee scent, it's more of a chocolate scent & I hate it.

I burned it because I didn't want to waste it, but I definitely won't recommend it and won't buy it again.

Digestive Advantage Probiotic Gummy Vitamins

Y'all know by now that I love me some gummy vitamins.

These are the probiotic ones that my husband and I both take daily to keep us feeling good!

10/10 would recommend!

Bath & Body Works London "Tea and Lemon" Candle

For as much as I hated the Italy candle, I love, love, love the London candle!

The tea scent is so true and I love that it is not too overpowering.

I've already repurchased and am tempted to buy another backup because it's that good!

Clean & Clear Essentials Deep Cleaning Toner

I've had this in my linen closet for a long time and just decided to finally use it up.

It's a nice toner, but a little bit too harsh for my skin, even if it is for sensitive skin.

I need a new toner, but I don't think I'll rebuy this one!

DG Health Fabric Adhesive Bandages

If you think all bandaids are created equal, you would be wrong.

I prefer fabric bandages because they aren't so stiff, but I hated these from Dollar General.

My advice? Spring for the Band-Aid brand ones, they'll actually stick and stay stuck

Simple Cleansing Wipes

These came in a Beauty Box, and while I like the scent and the softness of the wipes they just weren't moist enough.

I won't buy them.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes

I don't have to tell y'all how much I love these wipes.

Sometimes I go to other brands, but I always come back to this one!

TopCare Cotton Swabs

These are a must in any bathroom, in my opinion.

I use them with my makeup, to clean out my ears, to clean up the edges of my lipstick, etc.

I will buy these, and if not these, then some kind of swabs again.

Bath & Body Works Black Raspberry Vanilla Creamy Body Wash

As y'all can probably tell, I'm trying to use up all the little odd bottles of body wash, etc. that I have laying around.

I had just a few washes left in this old bottle and I used it up before tossing it.

This is a classic B&BW scent, so if I run out of body wash any time soon I would definitely pick this up!

Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strip

Sometimes I get lucky and I get cool samples like this in my magazines.

I love these pore strips, they work so well and when I run out I'll be picking some more up!

Bath & Body Works Secret Wonderland Shower Gel

This stuff smells really good and the scent lasts a really long time.

I prefer this for winter time because it's a really strong scent, but I would totally recommend picking this one up!

Publix Regular Nail Polish Remover

I'm pretty sure I picked this up on vacation, but it has definitely done it's job.

If I didn't have two other polish removers on hand I would buy this one-it was pretty good!

Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Flirty Mango

I love using this brand of shave gel, no matter the scent.

I've tried lots of others and this one is just the best.

I'll continue buying it until I find something better!

Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Lay it On Thick Shower Cream

I only had a few washes left in this bottle, it was pretty old.

I may have liked it when I first got it, but reusing it now I wasn't a fan.

The shea butter scent was too "natural" for me.

I won't buy this again.

Off Brand Beauty Blender

I got this imitation beauty blender in my stocking and used it until it was pretty gross.

It was pretty hard and now that I've used an imitation beauty blender that is closer to the real thing, I know I won't buy this one again.

Love My Nails Hardener & Strengthener

This is super old and it was just time to finally let it go.

I've graduated to more adult top coats that do a better job than this one.

I won't buy this again.

Chapstick in Classic Cherry

This is a must in my purse because I can apply it over lipstick without my lipstick coming off on my lip balm (because it's pink!)

I will always keep a tube of this on hand!

Marc Anthony Morocco Hair Spray

I'll just be honest and tell y'all from the start that I didn't use this up because I didn't like it.

I did pass it on to my hubby who used it up and said it was fine (he didn't mind the scent).

Revlon Colorstay Foundation

It's been a little while since I used this up, but I do remember that I really enjoyed it.

I didn't repurchase because my sister gave me a foundation to use that she didn't like, but I will probably buy it again when I finish my current one up!

Kimmel Stay Matte Primer

Every time I finish one of these up I think I don't need another one.

But then for some reason or other I pick one up and remember how much I love it.

I'm going to beat myself to the chase and just buy one next time I'm at Target!

Have y'all tried out any of these products?

Let me know what you think of them below-or if you have any favorites that I should try out!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Target Beauty Box (May 2016)

Target's Beauty Box's are seriously a gift from the heaven's.

I'm a bad blogger too, because I haven't been getting these posts up in a timely manner-in fact you just got April's box last week!

I'm going to go on and jump to sharing this, but just know that these boxes are low in stock and in high demand when they are released each month.

If you follow me on Twitter at @BowtieBell or like my Facebook page at The Southern Stylista

then you would know that when Target releases the boxes, I notify my followers so they can jump on the deal!

This month's box name was Spring Fling with the prettiest purple tissue, packaging gets a 10/10!

Without further ado, let's hop into this awesome box-which was $10 this month, the highest price it's ever been-but it makes sense because it's a good one.

Andalou Naturals Night Repair Cream

I honestly wasn't too excited to see another cream, I really wish they would include more beauty products in the beauty box. Not just skin care. But overall, I think it'll be a nice product to have on hand.

Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil

I've never tried a cleansing oil before, and Burt's Bees is one of my all-time favorite brands, so I was actually really pleased to see this show up in the box.

I also love the travel size-perfect for my upcoming trips this summer!

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream

Here's what I don't get...two creams in one box?
I hate that.
But it is a good sized product and good quality.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes for Body
I have been wanting to try tanning towels for SO long!
I'm a little nervous because I'm really pale & this is medium, but I'm going to give it a try pretty soon.
Keep an eye out for a review on a future post!

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
A third cream in the box, I guess cream was the theme this month.
I guess this is an alright product sample, but I'm not a fan of the foil packets.
It's hard to get worked up over a third cream.

Clairol Hair Food Dry Shampoo infused with Kiwi Fragrance
I'm not a dry shampoo girl, my hair is just too oily.
However, I did like the smell of this and sometimes do use dry shampoo to give my clean hair some extra volume up top so I'm okay with this one!

L'Oreal LA Lacque in Lacque-y You
I was beyond over-the-hill thrilled about getting an actual beauty product in this box!
This color is really nice and I love the formula.
It's going to be great to keep in my bag for application throughout the day.

Derma-E Firming DMAE Moisturizer
What do you know, a fourth cream!
-_-
I know these creams are all great name brands and are a good amount of product for the price, but you're killing me Target with the creams!

Cera-Ve Foaming Facial Cleanser
I love having these travel sized cleansers for vacations, but this sample size was REALLY small.
I've heard this is a very gentle cleanser and I'm excited about seeing how it works with my skin.

I hope this little preview of each product helped you decide if the Target Beauty Box would work for you or not.
Normally, you don't get all these creams-that's what I disliked about this month.

But the lip product and tan towel were both fun products so I'm excited about those!

Have you ever gotten the Target Beauty Box before?
Let me know which products you like, dislike, etc. down below!

xoxo, SS

Eyebrows on Point

I've talked about brows before here on the blog and so all my readers know how I feel.

I like 'em bold & I like them as the kids call it nowadays "on point".

I've been using the Billion Dollar Brows universal brow pencil for the past couple of months and I have loved it-in fact I've tossed every other brow product in my collection, in favor of BDB products.

So when I heard that they were coming out with a new collection of micro pencils I knew I needed to be one of the first to get my hands on it.

This product is a must have for summer because it's waterproof (& it actually is, it doesn't just claim it!)

So if you're like me and can't go to the pool or beach without at least a little makeup (especially my brows!) then you'll understand why this was the biggest selling point.

It comes in the four colors pictured above and each color pairs absolutely perfect with the BDB eyebrow powders (which I'm a huge fan of as well).

I personally like to give my eyebrows some dimension (and my hair isn't a perfect one-dimension shade) so I use both the light brown and the taupe.

I'm thinking that once Fall rolls back around and my hair gets dark again I'll be adding in a little of the raven as well.

The tagline that Billion Dollar Brows uses is that "good brows are a right, not a privilege" meaning that they want their products to be fairly priced so everyone can get them!

You can shop their micro pencils at the Billion Dollar Brows website and when I visited earlier I realized that they have 15% cash back with eBates!

Ebates is one of my favorite things about shopping online; you can sign up through this link and then when you shop at places like Target, Wal-Mart, Khols, Amazon, and even Ulta you get cash back.

I thought it was kind of a gimmick, but I signed up and I've gotten two (small) checks.

Even though it hasn't been much, it's worth it to me because any savings is a help when you're a newly-wed and a recent college grad.

They even have a section on their website for you to browse coupons so you can save twice as much!

The part about eBates was completely unsponsored, I'm just obsessed with saving $$$ and think that website and concept is SO neat.

Have you ever tried Billion Dollar Brows (or Ebates?!)

Let me know your fave brow products (& money saving websites!) down below!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

A big thank you to Billion Dollar Brows via BrandBacker for providing me with product in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting brands who support The Southern Stylista.

Target Beauty Box (April 2016)

Hey y'all!

Time is just flying by!

I wanted to get this up in the month of April, but life happens.

I've also got the May Beauty Box to share with you, possibly this coming up week.

Seeing this box and May's should give you an idea of what comes in them & you'll be able to see if it's something you're interested in.

I always post on Twitter @BowtieBell and on my Facebook page The Southern Stylista when the boxes become available-since they go fast, make sure you keep up with my social media so you can catch it!

This month's theme was "hello, Sunshine!"

I loved the bright yellow paper and that Target is getting excited about summertime!

Here is an overview of what's in this month's box.

This box retailed for $7 but I got it for just under that because of my Red Card discount (plus 2% cash back through eBates!)

And here is a link to where you can purchase each of the items in the box separately!

There were 7 items (& one foil packet) in this box making a very well-rounded box that was worth the money.

Laneige Water Bank Soothing Gel Mask

I LOVE sheet masks and I cannot wait to try this one out (I think I'm going to save it for the night before graduation).

It's supposed to hydrate your skin and soothe and cool.

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

I've tried the Simple Micellar wipes before and I'm pretty excited to try these too.

I'm a Neutragena fan, but the Micellar wipes were very good.

CeraVe Healing Ointment

I wasn't really sure what this product was for, but when I started digging I actually found a coupon on the CeraVe website and I'm thinking I'm going to take advantage of it because this stuff is so good.

You can use it on chapped lips, dry elbows, cracked feet, and of course healing cuts and what-not.

It's just a great all around product to have on hand-my favorite way to use it is on my cuticles.

Maybelline Dream Velvet Gel-Whipped Foundation

I have a love-hate relationship with foil-packet foundations, I hate that they include them in boxes like this, but I do like trying out new foundations.

Pantene Air-Spray

I love getting travel sized hairsprays in these boxes because they're awesome for taking on vacations and trips.

This one smells great and I love that it's alcohol free.

Marlowe Body Butter

I wouldn't really call this a "butter" because it's not super thick.

But the herb-y scent is really nice (in my opinion) and I love the size.

It's great for tucking in your purse or keeping by the bedside table.

Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Ultra-Light 30 SPF Sunscreen

While I typically go for spray on sunscreens, this one has a really nice light scent and absorbs in quickly.

It makes me ready to go to the beach or lake!

Covergirl Colorlicious Lipstick in Yummy Pink

I love trying out new lip colors (& this one costs $6 which is almost the cost of the whole box).

The color of this is a pretty, pale pink (while I usually prefer more vibrant colors).

The scent of this is really nice (sweet and sugary) and I love how it glides on really smoothly.

Overall, I have to say that I really, really liked this box.

There's a lot of value for your money and I liked the variety.

My favorite products are the face mask, cleansing wipes, and the CeraVe!

Did you get the Target box?

Which of these products sounds the best to you?

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

A Little Bit of Life {No. 6}

Hey y'all!

I'm so glad to be coming back atcha with a new life update today.

I've got several other posts that I'm working on, and I can't wait to share more with y'all as summertime gears up (only 12 more school days!)

The people who owned our home before us planted several different beautiful flowers outside our kitchen window.

They're all starting to bloom and I'm loving every minute of seeing them outside.

The past week I started walking/jogging at our park in the afternoon's after school, just the other day I saw this precious little family of geese.

Did you really visit your horses, unless you take a selfie?

Belle, Gypsy, and Willow in the back were all being camera hogs when I went to visit them (they live at my parents).

Not pictured: Vixen, Velvet, or Wrangler. (They were too shy!)

This is another pretty shot from a walk at the park on Saturday.

I love having such a gorgeous spot to spend my afternoons!

It's much better than working out at the gym!

I have been absolutely loving the Hask products, especially the ones from the Bamboo Oil line.

My hair is really dry and damaged (mostly because I abuse it with a flat iron way too often).

The shampoo is awesome (so is the conditioner and the hair oil), but the real winner in the collection is the strengthening deep conditioner.

Y'all have got to get you some of this!

I don't know about y'all but the baby filter on Snapchat is my jam.

Saturday night my husband and I attended our local Cattlemen's Association meeting and I had to take a selfie while I was waiting for him to get in the truck.

Sunday was Mother's Day and I shared this picture across my social media, letting my Mama know just how blessed I am to have her in my life.

Wasn't she stunning at my wedding?

Sunday my husband and I stole away for a few hours and put the canoe that I bought Chris for Christmas in the Tallapoosa River.

Aren't these views just gorgeous?

I absolutely loved the few hours that we spent just the two of us; we laughed, we bickered, we learned, and we relaxed.

It was a blast!

I'm already counting down the days until we can go again!

What have you been up to lately?

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

A big thank you to HASK via BrandBacker for providing me with product in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting brands who support The Southern Stylista.