Spring Style Spotlight

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I started putting together a spring style post and noticed everything I was loving was from BB Dakota.  I've been a fan of BB Dakota since I was in high school and worked in a boutique that sold it.  They have have trendy, yet classic high quality items and I've had several of their pieces for years.  I am really loving their spring line this year so I decided to put together my favorites for you.  While I really like all the pieces here my absolute favorite is the Robinston Stripe Mini Dress, stripes are huge for spring and it has the cutest cutout in the back.  All the pieces pictured here are super versatile and are perfect to wear all spring and summer.  After looking at all of these I definitely think that I've found a few pieces I just need to purchase for spring!  I mean the whole point of a new season is to update your wardrobe right?

(P.S. This post is in no way sponsored by BB Dakota or any retailer, I just really love their spring line!)

SHOP THE POST HERE:

Which pieces are your favorite?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Thursday Fashion Files, Spotlight, and #WIWT.

Must Haves

1. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner

This is hands down my favorite conditioner.  I did two posts with Living Proof last year (you can find them here and here!) and have been hooked on this ever since.  First off it smells amazing, but it has also changed my hair for the better.  It's a thick conditioner, but never weighs my hair down and always leaves it looking polished.

2. Mario Badescu Facial Spray

Ok so I've talked about this on here a lot lately (like here, here, and here!), but I'm obsessed with it and I couldn't not include it on my Must Have list!  I spritz it on in the morning before my moisturizer and then throughout the day to hydrate my skin (which it usually needs).  This is so refreshing, especially after coming in from walking around campus, and I think that it has helped with my seriously dry skin this winter.

3. Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don't Stray

I've been using this for about two years now as a primer for my undereye concealer (and it is amazing for that!), but I recently started using it on my lids as well.  I have very veiny eyelids and this lightly covers them up while looking very natural; it just makes them look a little bit nicer in my opinion.  My one disclaimer though is that I don't use it as an eyeshadow primer because it doesn't prevent the shadow from creasing as well as Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion does.

4. NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Train Bleu

This is the most beautiful dark lipstick and has been my favorite lip color all winter.  I have plans to wear it as much as I can this month before I switch to brighter colors for Spring.  I may even rock it a few times during the warmer months because I love it that much!

5. Rimmel Moisture Renew Universal Lipliner

This is my trick to keeping the super dark lipstick above (and really any lipstick I wear) in place for hours and prevent it from feathering.  I love this because it is transparent so you only need one lipliner to help stop it from feathering and bleeding instead of one in a coordinating color for each lipstick you have.  This works really well, is a great price, and will definitely save you money.

6. Avalon Organics Soothing Lip Balm

I talked about this in my post about Health Food Store Beauty Buys a few weeks ago.  I have been using this lip balm for a few months and have found myself constantly reaching for it over the other lip balms in my bag.  It's super moisturizing, but my favorite part is the super yummy orange flavor!

7. Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt Gel-to-Oil Cleanser

I started using this about six weeks ago and have been really happy with the results.  I picked up a travel size to try because my skin has been so dry and this has definitely helped with that.  If you're looking for a moisturizing cleanser that removes all the stuff that doesn't need to be on your face I recommend checking this out.

8. Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion

This has been a favorite of mine for years (like over ten years) and I recently started using it again.  To be honest I'm not sure why I ever stopped using it (probably just because I'm a product whore and wanted to try something new) because it is amazing!  It's very moisturizing, lightweight, and smells really good.  It also tightens skin and I've had good luck in the past fading stretch marks with it.  I know I am going to be sticking with this as my body lotion for quite some time!

What are your must haves of the moment?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Tutu Tuesdays, Confident Twosday, and Style Sessions.

Welcome to Tutu Tuesdays a linkup with The Blush Blonde and The Fairy Princess Diaries!  Linkup whatever you'd like and make sure to do a little mingling - our goal here is to create a community of bloggers where we can all connect, find new blogs, and support one another.  We love new friends, supporting other blogs, and meeting fellow girl bosses!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.

Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

Jordyn: The Fairy Princess Diaries  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.

3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!

4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.theblushblonde.com/" title=“Tutu Tuesday"><img src="http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab203/blondi52145/button250_zpsnqtszhlp.png" alt=“Tutu Tuesday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Amuse Bouche Lipstick by BITE Beauty

I was super excited to receive the Amuse Bouche by BITE VoxBox from Influenster.  The box contained three lipsticks from BITE Beauty's new line Amuse Bouche.  The Amuse Bouche line features thirty-four shades of highly pigmented, ultra hydrating lipsticks that smell like yummy citrus.  To moisturize lips the lipsticks have twelve food grade oils that contain vitamins, nutrients, and omegas that leave lips feeling quenched.  These lipsticks are made in small batches with triple milled pigments to load lips with gorgeous color.  I think the best part of the lipstick though is that it has a citrus flavor made from fresh pressed fruit, which makes for a unique touch.

The colors I recieved left to right are Gazpacho, Pepper, and Beetroot.  Gazpacho is a true red with blue undertones, and gives a classic look.  Pepper is a dusty rose and the perfect neutral; this is my favorite color out of the three.  Beetroot is a dark pink color and is perfect for winter.

The one thing I was really disappointed about is that one of the oils the lipstick contains is Almond Oil.  I'm very allergic to nuts so I was unable to use the lipstick because of this.  Thankfully my Mom (who is an avid lipstick devotee) was more than happy to take these off my hands and test them out for me! She said that they are long wearing and very moisturizing. She also LOVES the citrus flavor and thought that this was a really great touch, because as she said most "grown up lipsticks" don't have the best flavor. She hasn't stopped raving about them since I gave them to her and is a big fan.

Although I couldn't test these out as lipsticks I was able to swatch them on my arm; from top to bottom the colors are Beetroot, Pepper, and Gazpacho.  The citrus scent was pretty strong and I could see why my Mom loved it.  They felt super creamy when I was applying them and I could tell that they are very hydrating.  These are especially great for those with dry lips or for the winter months when we all need a little extra moisturizer.  If you're not allergic to nuts, I recommend checking these out because according to my Mom you will not be disappointed!

Thanks to my sweet Mom for helping me out with this post!

*I recieved these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes, but opinions are all my own.

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with #HowIFall, Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Weekending, and MIMM.

Friday Favorites

Favorite Blogger Beauty Caitlin Covington's Lipstick

I have been on the search for a matte hot pink lipstick in a very specific shade and was so excited to see just what I wanted in Caitlin's Instagram post.  She was kind enough to tell me that it is Lancôme Color Design Matte Lip Crayon in Drive to Pink.  I can't wait to get one and rock this gorgeous shade all spring long!

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Favorite Easter Decor Watercolor Floral Eggs

One of my favorite parts of Easter is definitely decorating eggs!  When I saw these beauties on Pinterest I fell in love.  You can find out how to make these yourself here on Dream a Little Bigger.

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Favorite Drink Sugar Factory Ocean Blue

My sister is in Florida for her Spring Break this week and went to Miami yesterday.  While she was in Miami she went to Sugar Factory and got the coolest drinks!  She got both the Lollipop Passion (their signature drink) and the Ocean Blue, which is what she's drinking below.  She said both were good, but the Ocean Blue was her favorite and it had the cutest shark gummies 'swimming' in it!

Favorite Video BarkBox Best Day Ever

I literally started tearing up when I watched the below video about an amazing little girl, Bella, and her equally amazing service dog, George.  To thank George BarkBox created the best day ever for him and Bella!  This is a must watch.

She needed him, so fate brought them together.

Posted by BarkBox on Monday, March 7, 2016

Favorite Song Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande

I recently discovered this song and am obsessed.  Right now it's #1 on the iTunes chart and is perfect to listen to all weekend long.  Listen to it here.

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What are your favorites this week?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Casual Friday, Friday Favorites, Oh Hey Friday!, Fab Favorites, The Pick, Five on Friday, Friday Favorites, and Friday Favorites.

Tuesday Ten: Luxe Beauty Buys Under $10

Who doesn't love when they can snag a great deal?!  Being the beauty junkie I am I especially love when I can score a good beauty deal.  There are so many amazing products that feel super luxe and ring in at or under just $10, and today I have ten of them for you!

1. Sephora Collection Sheet Face Mask $6.00

I've tried a few of these sheet masks and I would say they are definitely comparable to any other, more expensive, sheet mask at Sephora.  My favorite mask is definitely the honey because it nourishes, soothes, and moisturizes my dry skin.

2. Essie Nail Polish $8.50

I am a huge fan of Essie Nail Polishes and think that they are some of the best polishes on the market.  My absolute favorite polish they make is Ballet Slippers, which is a super flattering pale pink that makes nails look simple and chic.

3. Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens $10.00

These blotting sheets soak up any excess oil, which is great for girls with oily skin or even those with drier skin like myself in the summertime.  These won't mess up your makeup and have the antioxidant green tea to help skin fight free radical damage making them good for your skin.

4. Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Solid Perfume $6.50

This solid perfume smells sweet like coconuts and actually lasts.  You're sure to get a ton of compliments when you wear this!

5. Kocostar Hair Therapy Deep Conditioning Steam Hair Wrap $7.00

I haven't actually used this yet, but Caitlin from Southern Curls and Pearls has raved about it several times on her blog.  She has gorgeous hair and I really want to give this a try!

6. Tocca Stella Blood Orange Hand Cream $10.00

Tocca makes the most luxe, super moisturizing hand creams and they always smell amazing.

7. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 $9.00

This lip balm is great for soothing very dry, chapped lips.  It comes in flavors or unflavored, but I recommend getting the flavored ones because unflavored tastes like Vaseline.

8. Josie Maran Argan Pure Cleaning Essentials $10.00

Josie Maran's Argan Cleansing Oil gently cleanses skin and keeps it moisturized making it the perfect cleanser for the wintertime, especially for dry skin.  This kit also comes with a small package of Bear Naked wipes, which are great for taking off makeup.

9. MAC Cosmetics Sized to Go Zoom Lash $10.00

This mascara was recommended by one of my friends in The Best Mascaras post and it is her favorite mascara because "it provides great shape and color to my lashes."  This mini version is great to test out the mascara and perfect for keeping in your purse or for travel.

10. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, & Rosewater $7.00

I am completely in love with this refreshing spray.  I spritz this on in the morning before I put on my moisturizer and then throughout the day to give my skin a little hydration boost.  If you try only one thing from this list this has to be it!

SHOP THE POST:

**Don't forget to enter to win Smile Brilliant Whitening Kit of your own like in this post.  Click here to enter to win a Smile Brilliant store credit worth $139.95, which equals Teeth Whitening Trays + 3 whitening gel syringes and 3 desensitizing gel syringes or the Teeth Whitening Trays + 6 whitening gel syringes.  {The giveaway is opened internationally, but if the winner is outside of the US, they will have to pay the shipping cost for sending their impressions back to Smile Brilliant.}  Good luck!**

 

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Tutu Tuesdays, Confident Twosday, and Style Sessions.

Welcome to Tutu Tuesdays a linkup with The Blush Blonde and The Fairy Princess Diaries!  Linkup whatever you'd like and make sure to do a little mingling - our goal here is to create a community of bloggers where we can all connect, find new blogs, and support one another.  We love new friends, supporting other blogs, and meeting fellow girl bosses!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.

Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

Jordyn: The Fairy Princess Diaries  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.

3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!

4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.theblushblonde.com/" title=“Tutu Tuesday"><img src="http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab203/blondi52145/button250_zpsnqtszhlp.png" alt=“Tutu Tuesday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

February 2016 on Instagram

I can't believe February is over already and it is absolutely crazy to think that with each passing month I get closer to graduation!  This month brought lots of fun and goodies, which I of course documented on Instagram for all to see.  Below I have a recap of my February in pictures and if you're not following me (@theblushblonde) make sure to do that now!

My phone case was getting pretty beat up so I ordered this one from Casetify and love it!  I knew I wanted something girly and fun and this is definitely that.  The only hard part was picking just one because Casetify has a million to choose from.

I had to go home at the beginning of the month and it turned into a winter wonderland because of a snowstorm.  I really love the snow and was happy to be home because we got way more then at school.  I took this behind our condo and it looks like we live in a winter forest!

I have been wanting a succulent for forever and I finally got one at the beginning of the month.  My Mom and I actually stumbled across succulent three packs at Costco so I took one of them back to school with me.

My sister's birthday was on the 11th.  This year was her 21st and I was beyond excited.  I'm three years older so I've been waiting for this birthday for a while and we had so much fun!

I made sugar cookies for a sweet Valentine's Day treat!

There's an old mansion on the section of campus I live on and it always intrigues me!  I think it is so gorgeous and I had to go check it out in the snow.

I think that Stella & Dot has the cutest packaging!  Could I really call myself a blogger if I didn't Instagram this?!

This was taken at the Senior Day basketball game at school.  Not going to lie it was kind of emotional knowing it was my last home game on campus that I was attending as a student.  Thankfully it was a great game and we won!

My sister loves cookie dough and for her birthday I special ordered from Cookie DŌ NYC.  She has Celiac and they can make almost all of their safe to eat cookie dough gluten free, which is amazing!  I got her Snickerdoodle and Salty & Sweet, I got myself Peanut Butter, and I even got Doggie DŌ for Coco.  They were all delicious!

To end my month I went to a painting and wine party for my little's birthday.  We painted this fun picture of the Eiffel Tower and the umbrella was supposed to be red, but I of course had to ask for pink paint instead.  I can't wait to go to another one of these parties, I had such a good time!

So this was my February in pictures!  Come check me out on Instagram (@theblushblonde) and follow along with me to see more of what's here!  How was your February?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with #HowIFall, Hello Monday, Let It Shine, Weekending, and MIMM.