November Beauty Favorites | 2018

Discoveries and Rediscoveries

I can’t believe December is here already! Today I have a quick round-up of beauty favorites. There are some new and some very old, I’m sure you can spot the old right away. This year has flown by; not fast enough in my opinion. I’m very much looking forward to 2019. I’m also looking forward to Christmas, and I have a few suggestions on ways you can give back this holiday season. Let’s get started! 

Thanks Miranda

I’m absolutely crazy about the KORA Organics Noni Radiant Eye Oil (0.34 oz/$38.00). It’s a more recent skincare product in my routine along with the Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil that’s a favorite this month as well. It’s quite a unique product, I’ve never used anything like it.

According to KORA Organics, it’s “an organic eye treatment formulated to smooth, tone and brighten the eye area for a youthful and radiant appearance.” They weren’t lying; it does all of that! 

It’s made with noni fruit extract, tomato fruit, coffee seed oil, and marine bamboo extract. These ingredients help brighten, firm and revitalize the eye area. I love the rose quartz roller ball applicator; it feels soothing and relaxing, and it dispenses the right amount of product. 

I massage it all over the eye area and tap lightly into the skin, and instantly my eyes look bright and awake. It absorbs quickly so no oily or greasy residue. And it works beautifully under makeup; I’ve used it with several concealers with no issues whatsoever. I’m excited to try other products from KORA Organics.

The OG

There are so many palettes on my wish list now like the Pat McGrath Mothership V Bronze Seduction and Natasha Denona Lila Palette to name a few. Then I remembered the Forgotten Favorites challenge I made to myself this year and thought, “Before I buy anything I’m going through my collection and use a palette that I’ve been ignoring” and lo and behold, the Urban Decay Naked Palette ($27.00).

Now Urban Decay has discontinued this palette. Why? I don’t know. They even had a eulogy for it on Instagram which I found a bit obnoxious. That said, I think this is a wonderful eyeshadow palette, and I’ve enjoyed using it throughout the years. The quality of the shadows is fantastic for the exception of one or two. My favorites are Sin, Toasted, Hustle and Half Baked is a beautiful gold shade.

You can’t go wrong with the original, it has great basics and there is a plethora of looks you can create. This is actually the only palette in the Naked series I own; I’ve never been interested in the other palettes, not even the Naked Heat which everyone loves. I can’t say this is the best because I haven’t tried the others, but if you’re into neutrals this a winner. It’s sad to see it go, I had fun playing with these shadows again.

Gold Lust

I recently ran out of my hair mask and remembered the Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner (6.8 oz/$52.00) can be used as a treatment mask. Yes, Oribe products are ridiculously expensive, and a tad overhyped in my opinion. I was talking about Oribe with my hair stylist Paula, and she and I agree that the best thing about the products is their scent. It’s heavenly. 

This conditioner smells incredible. Most importantly this conditioner makes an excellent hair mask; I was so happy with the results. My hair can be a bit dry and dull because I heat style often. I put a good coat of it from my ears down, and let it sit for 5 minutes or so, and it leaves my hair sleek and shiny.

Smooth Feet Indeed

Legendary Apothecary contacted me and asked if I would like to try their Smooth Feet (1.0 oz/$35.00). After a lengthy summer of wearing nothing but sandals I said yes! They’re based in Los Angeles, and Smooth Feet is their sole product no pun intended. I’m all about keeping my feet soft and smooth, and I give myself regular pedicures so this is right up my alley. The brand models itself after the age-old custom where one would go to a local apothecary for medicine and herbal remedies. 

Smooth Feet only has three ingredients: vegetable glycerin, pure lavender oil, and sugar cane alcohol. And it’s free from toxic chemicals, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrance. The oil feels light, and it absorbs fairly quickly. My feet didn’t feel sticky or tacky at all; they just felt super soft. 

Legendary Apothecary recommends using the oil for 10 days straight for best results. I saw a significant difference after five days. I can’t wait to use it on my mom next time I give her a pedicure. It would make a lovely holiday gift as well! 

Cocktail Bling

Essie Cocktail Bling (0.5oz/$9.00) has been on my nails the entire month. It’s a pretty light gray with a hint of lilac, it looks more like a spring shade, but I prefer it for the winter months. It’s a nice alternative from the dark blackberry varnishes I see everywhere and I always get compliments when it’s on my nails. 

Giving Back

On a separate note, I’ve decided not to post a Christmas Gift Guide this year. I didn’t participate in all the Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales. However, I did purchase one item I’m excited about, and there’s a review coming soon! Hint hint #welovecoco. For some ideas check out last year’s gift guide. Today I have a few charity recommendations for you! 

For my South Florida peeps, the Miami Rescue Mission serves the homeless community in Miami and Broward. They provide meals, safe shelter, residential programs, and more. They have a great mentor program as well. You can contribute in a multitude of ways. The American Red Cross are doing incredible work helping those that were impacted by the fires out west. They provide shelter, relief supplies, and meals. Please consider making a donation to their wildfire relief program. St. Jude and Save the Children are excellent organizations as well. 

If you have a favorite charity, please leave it in a comment below!