BrandBacker Member

Friday, July 29, 2016

Empties {July 2016}


Hey y'all!

I know it seems like I've been doing a lot of "Empties" posts here lately, but I can promise they're usually collective! Like for June's that was products used right at the beginning of June and before then. This month's Empties started in the middle of June really-& I have been trying to use up and clean out a lot of my products!

I've linked the products below that I would recommend, so you can shop the post directly!


My husband and I have been spending a lot of time on the water this summer (canoeing and boating on the lake) so we've gone through this bottle fairly quickly.
It does a great job going on (just make sure you rub it in well and spray it all over!)
I'll definitely be buying another one of these!

Nature Made Adult Biotin Gummies (3000 mug of Biotin)
I live by my Biotin, I take it every day.
I know that it helps my nails and hair grow, but I'll be looking for a different kind of Biotin after I finish up my other bottle of these. The gummies just taste rubbery.

I bought these because I had run out of my last multi-vitamin and these were on sale at Target, I was skeptical at first but I ended up loving them!
I would definitely buy them again if I can ever find them at the store!

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer with SPF 15
I have had this one for a while in my stash and just decided to finally use it up.
I wasn't a big fan of it really, it was kind of watery and I don't really feel like it extended the wear of my makeup. I won't repurchase this.

I received this from Influenster to test out along with the conditioner (that I'm still using).
It worked okay, it wasn't great.
It was very, very hydrating so if you have very dry hair I think it would be good for you.
My hair is somewhat dry, but I think the hydrating shampoo+conditioner was just too much and weighted it down.
I probably won't repurchase, simply because I have a lot of other products to use up-but I would recommend it for girls with dry curly hair!

This is probably the product that I'm most sad to see go out of this whole post!
It's seriously a game-changer in the brow world, I love love love it.
I've got a few more brow products that I need to use up (including a few others from the same company) but when I'm done, I'm going back to this one!


As you can see-I've been working my way through a lot of samples!
A lot of people don't use foil packs, but I think they're a great way to find out what products you want full sized.


Maybelline Fit Me Set+Smooth Powder in Natural Beige
When I first got this pressed powder I really liked it, but the more I used it, it just seemed as though there was a lot of build up on the product and it became difficult to use.
I won't be repurchasing, so if you have any recommendations for a good pressed powder to help you stay matte all day let me know!

L'Oreal Lumi Cushion Foundation in Nude Beige
I received this in one of my Target Beauty Boxes and I was eager to test this out because I've heard so much hype about the cushion foundations.
However, I was really disappointed in how sheer the product was and how much work it took to use the little sponge.
I'll be sticking to my liquid foundation and beauty blender.

Epice Purifying Exfoliant
I got this in an Ipsy bag a long, long time ago and just now finished using it up.
I guess it's an okay product, I just didn't like the scent-too chemically for my liking.
I won't repurchase this.

I was so glad I had two of these because I loved this product so much!
It was so hydrating, it almost felt like putting water directly onto your skin except my skin just drank it up.
If it wasn't $100 for 1 FL. OZ. of this product, I would totally buy it & I highly recommend it if you have the money to spend.


This was kind of shared between my husband and I because we both love it so much.
During the winter, the air is so harsh on his lips because he works outside so he uses it religiously.
I on the other hand, love to use it every night before I go to bed as like an over night lip treatment.
It's tingly and is a thick formula so it feels really good!
Highly recommend!

Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment
I was kind of glad to see this go, because although it does it's job at clearing breakouts-I just don't like the cream formula (I prefer a gel).
If you don't mind the formula then go for it and pick it up, I'll be trying something new next time!

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
This was another foil packet from my Target Beauty Box and I really was excited to try it...until I opened it.
It's not really a cream, more like a thick pasty gel (think like Vaseline).
The smell was really bad and weird, and I hated the consistency of the product.
I will definitely never purchase this!

On the other end of the spectrum, this was also a foil pack from Target's Beauty Box and I adored it so much!
The scent was great, it was an awesome creamy, thick, luxurious body product.
When I head back to Target, I'll be picking this one up for sure.


NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil in Taupe
This is a pretty good drugstore alternative to the BDB pencil I showed above.
I had this in my stash and was just going to use it up, but it had dried out on me.
Like I said, it's good-I just prefer that the other pencil is a little thinner and has a spoolie on the end versus the brush on this one.

Victoria's Secret Night Perfume Sample
I was getting really tired of having these samples rolling around on my counter so I just decided to use them up.
Night by VS is actually really good, I like that it is warm but has some sweet notes in it as well.
It would be perfect for date nights!

BCBG Maxazria
This perfume is SO sweet, but I also love that about it.
I think it would be a great summertime perfume.
I was pretty sad to see it go & I would definitely consider purchasing if I didn't already have too many to go through.

Bath & Body Works Candles


Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut
If you love rich, sweet, bakery type scents from B&BW then you will LOVE this candle.
It was a little sweet for my taste so I didn't repurchase it, but it was good while it lasted.

Citron Cedarwood
I don't know if you can see in the picture, but I have had this one since 2014-that's insane.
That's why I'm trying to burn through my stash and not hoard candles.
This one smells so good, it's one of my favorite scents.
It's more of a warm cologne scent, but it has that light note of citrus that keeps it from getting too heavy. It's a definite keeper & I already repurchased it in the semi-annual sale.


Nantucket Sail
I was really sad when they didn't bring back these nautical type scents this year for summer because I had two or three that I really enjoyed.
This is another rich, cologne type scent with a hint of light citrus.

Sandalwood Citrus
This is very, very similar to the Citron Cedarwood that I talked about above.
It smells so good though!
I love the cologne scents (if you can't tell!)

Fresh Water & Sea Salt
To me, this one smells just like fresh laundry.
After it burned out, I used it on my candle melter in our bathroom & I loved how it always smelled like clean, fresh towels in there!
I highly recommend picking this one up because I think it's still available!
Also, you can't really tell in the picture but this one is in a beautiful light blue jar that I'll be repurposing.


I hope y'all enjoyed this little mini review/empties post!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 




Tuesday, July 26, 2016

{July} Target Beauty Box Battle


Hey y'all! 

I'm back with you today sharing what was in my latest Target Beauty Box(es) for the month of July!

What is the Target Beauty Box?
I'm glad you asked! Target's Beauty Box isn't like your regular monthly beauty subscription like BirchBox or Ipsy, instead it's more of a "surprise" because Target never advertises when it's going to be released.

How much does it cost?
Another great question, the boxes range from $5-$10 from what I've seen, obviously the higher dollar price the more/larger products are included in the box.
This month there were 2 boxes (some months there are only one, some months there is one for men & one for women, etc.) and both were $7.

How can I find out when they're released?
You can try to check back to Target's website daily at the beginning of each new month & see if you can catch it, but your foolproof way is to "like" my page Southern & Style on Facebook because I always post the link as soon as the boxes are up!
You can also follow me on Twitter, my handle is @SouthAndStyle, I tweet the link to the boxes out as well. 

Now that all those details are worked out-let's get into the two boxes!
I'll share all of the products with you, let you know what I think, and then I'll pick a winning box!


Simply Radiant

L'Oreal Color Vibrancy Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner
Although these shampoo and conditioner smell really nice, I don't color my hair (fun fact, I've never colored my hair!) so I'll be passing these on to my mom or sister. 

Dessange Paris Purifying Clay Balancing Shampoo (for oily roots & dry ends)
So normally I would be irritated, really irritated to get two shampoos in one box-but I really am excited to try this one, because I suffer from oily roots and dry ends so badly.

Wet n Wild Max Fanatic Cat Eye Mascara
Of course I haven't tried this one yet, but I can say that I'm happy to see some actual makeup/beauty in this box!
I love trying out new mascaras and the packaging on this one is really nice.

Aquaphor
I love getting little pots like these!
Aquaphor is such a great product, here are just a couple of things you can use it for:
Moisturizing chapped skin
Relief from blisters
Ease pain from dry, cracked lips
Smooth dry cuticles or heels
Soothe a painful runny nose
Protect cuts and burns for faster healing

Basically it's great for everything!
I'll either be tossing this in my bag or keeping it in my emergency bag at my desk just in case.

Acure Facial Cleansing Gel
I'm so excited to try out this product because I love skincare (even though these boxes are usually skincare heavy, which is annoying!)
I'm almost out of my Exuviance Cream Cleanser, so I'll be trying this one out after that's done.
It has a really nice, fresh scent that I'm excited about.

Derma-E Firming DMAE Eye Lift
I'm also looking forward to using this, after I finish up my Tula eye cream.
I love pampering my skin and notice a true difference when I use products that take care of it, I'll have to let y'all know how this stands up to my Tula one!



Fresh & Fabulous

Umberto Beverly Hills Lifting Powder
I have never, ever heard of a product like this one, but I'm excited to try it!
I'm always looking for a quick way to add some lift and body to my roots so I'm more than willing to try it.

Tom's of Maine Anti-plaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Peppermint Natural Toothpaste
I have actually heard several people mention this brand so I'm going to hope that it's a good one!
We've got a couple of trips coming up, so I'll be glad to have a travel toothpaste for my toiletry bag.

NYX Butter Lipstick in Moonlit Night
This lipstick is so, so creamy.
I love the color but unfortunately it isn't really a summer shade, so I'll hold on to it until Fall.

Garnier Skin Active Clearly Brighter Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
I love using a daily moisturizer with SPF in it, and I'm slowly working my way through my stash since I've been better about moisturizing twice daily.
I can't wait to try this one out!

Sweet Spot On-the-Go Wipes
I love the idea of having these on hand, they're so small so they can be tucked into a purse or gym bag, even a backpack if you're going to school.
I'm thinking they would be great for spills, sticky hands, sweat, or even if you get stuck in a stall with no TP!

Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo & Conditioner
These smell really nice, and once again I love having travel sized shampoos/conditioners on hand (even if I just use them because I'm too lazy to go to the store and pick up a full size new shampoo).
But I'm so sick of shampoo being in every single box, let's get some more makeup!


What's the verdict?
Well, normally people would assume the bigger box would win, but not in this case!
I am going to have to choose the smaller box because I really like the idea of those individually wrapped wipes, the NYX lipstick, and the root lifter.

I think they're both pretty nice boxes as far as value goes though, & I'm trying things that I normally would not try.

If you could pick a winning box (or a winning product) which would it be?
Let me know below!


Until next time. . .

xoxo, 




Saturday, July 23, 2016

The #NSale {My Picks!}

Hey y'all!

I'm going to keep it short and sweet today, especially since I feel like every other blogger in the universe has basically covered everything that everyone needs to know and more about the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. 
For your ease, everything I mentioned (& a few more things I just loved) are included in the widget below my graphic, they'll take you straight to the sale & that item!

I just wanted to share with y'all what my picks are and what I would purchase if I had unlimited funds!

I only made one purchase from the sale (so far!), but it is on recommendation from specifically the blogger Sheaffer Told Me To (formerly known as Pinterest Told Me To!) and that what she calls the "Baby Blardigan" because it's half blanket/half cardigan! I cannot wait to wear this to teach in this fall.

The jewelry that I'm including are all from two brands that I love-the necklace is from Kendra Scott and I think at just over $30 it would be a great birthday present (or even stock up for Christmas!) and the watch and earrings are both from Kate Spade and are staple pieces that could be worn daily and would match anything.

As far as shoes go, I adore these Halogen flats that lace up, especially in this fun print! And those booties from Steve Madden are just killer for Fall-the cut out part is SO fun!

You know I had to pick out a few items for the home and candles are my big thing-we have at least three out in our living area/kitchen right now that we alternate burning.
The taller one is Himalayan Trading Post & I'm in love with the hurricane design-I would reuse that! And everyone talks about the Nest candles so now is the perfect time to buy them on sale :)

Lastly, I tossed in some random favorites like these Butter London polishes-it's a great value & my personal favorite out of the six is Oxfords Not Brogues (it's the bottom right!) because it's the perfect nude with slight shimmer.

I didn't buy those polishes & now I'm wishing that I had! They're gorgeous!

And my last featured product is the beautiful wine colored cross body by Sole Society!
I'm just imagining that it is going to be the perfect color for Fall & it's a great price at $32-such a steal!

I hope y'all enjoyed my little roundup & I'm hoping it was shorter & sweeter than so many of the posts that I've read about this sale!

Use the widget below to shop all of the items that I'm loving (even more than just the ones I posted in the graphic!) and let me know what you love or that you bought from the #NSale!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 


Tuesday, July 12, 2016

I Say I Do, But I Will Forever


The same day that I took my graduation photos, my sweet friend Amy (also our amazing photographer!) took some one-year anniversary photos for us!

Looking back now, it probably wasn't my best look-the Lilly dress I chose to wear under my gown (because it was short enough & kept me cool!) showed every little bump and curve of my body.

But guys, let's get real-we're all human and we all have imperfections.
It's important to love ourselves along the journey and appreciate how wonderfully made we are!




My campus is so beautiful!









Favorite from the entire shoot!


I fell in love with Chris several years ago and I have only grown in my love for him.

Our first year was a rollercoaster of adventures, ups, downs, and everything in between.

We not only survived, but we thrived!

I'm hoping for at least 100 more ;)

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 




Saturday, July 9, 2016

Summer Swimwear


Hey y'all!

Today I'm talking about something that most of us dread buying...swimsuits.

They're a necessary evil of summertime and when I was at the lake over Memorial Day weekend & the Fourth of July, it occurred to me that I need to move up from my standard Target bathing suit that I've had for the past three or four summers.

What's becoming really on trend lately are one-piece bathing suits, they aren't just for your mama anymore!

What occurred to me as I was scouring the internet when creating this post is the outrageous price for pretty, high quality swimwear, so I'm thinking I'll put together a dupes post for these bathing suits in just a week or two.

My favorite right now is the Navy Tommy Bahama one above, I'm thinking I'm going to have to break down and buy it soon.
But the pretty floral Mara Hoffman is absolutely stunning, I love the cut out!
The off the shoulder one in the center is also from Mara Hoffman and I think that detailing would be so flattering.

If you aren't a one piece kinda girl, check out the widget below for bikini options, and also some other one piece options!


I hope y'all enjoyed this round-up!
Let me know down below-are you a one piece maven or a bikini beauty?

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 


<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/17486511/?claim=k6ejkarmnfg">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Monday, July 4, 2016

Happy Fourth of July (Steals & Deals!)


Happy Fourth, y'all!

I hope you're already having the best time celebrating our nations birthday today!

The weather here in Alabama is beautiful and I cannot wait to spend our evening watching fireworks over the lake!

I just wanted to drop by and let y'all know of a bunch of sales that are going on for today-if you're taking a minute to rest from the festivities, grab your phone or laptop and shop around!


BaubleBar20% off everything, no discount code needed
Gap40% off with the code JULY4
J.Crew Factory- 50% off everything + 15% off with the code HAPPYSALE
Old Navy- Up to 60% off everything + an extra 25% off your order with the code SUN
Kate Spade- Extra 30% sale styles with code SUNSHINE
Lilly Pulitzer-Free gifts with every purchase + free shipping
Tory Burch-Extra 30% off sale styles with code EXTRA30
Bath & Body Works-$10 off $30 purchase with code MORESALE or $20 off $50 purchase with code YES2MORE
Red Dress Boutique- 15% off everything + free shipping with code AMERICA15
Macy's- 20% off with code FOURTH 
  

I hope y'all enjoyed this little roundup and that you find a couple of things that you love this holiday season!

Most of all-stay safe!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 






09 10