October Empties

Hey y'all!

I've been so busy the past month or so that I haven't even emptied my empties bag...so y'all are reaping the benefits!

I will say that these are some of my favorite kind of posts because you truly know someone's true opinion of something if they have used up the entire thing, so I'm going to give you my full reviews on each product!

So many good stuff this month!

Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Shampoo & Conditioner

Sometimes if you get the "good" magazines like Bazaar or Elle they send the deluxe foil sizes.

I don't mind trying them out because I love sampling products & saving money-they add up!

This shampoo and conditioner were really soft & smoothing...and I love the scent-it really sticks to your hair.

Attitude Shampoo

I thought I was going to hate this shampoo, it's all green and cruelty free so I was thinking it was probably overrated.

I was a bit irritated because it didn't foam enough & I love a good foaming.

But this actually cleaned my hair unlike anything else, I don't know if I could stick to it permanently though-I think I would go through a ton of it trying to get a foam.

Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strip

I actually used two of these (I had received them as samples) and I like doing these during the weekends.

They really do clean out your pores & it's weirdly fun and satisfying to pull them off.

Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser

I love trying these out once again because I am able to learn if I want to purchase a full size or not.

This is one product that was decent, but if you check out the Exuviance cleanser below then you'll see the one that I want to purchase.

Bath & Body Works Pumpkin Frost Gentle Foaming Handsoap

First of all, this scent is not currently available...but Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin is very similar!

I love the foaming hand soaps, the scent to this one was very strong so if you don't want your hands holding onto the scent of pumpkin I wouldn't pick this one up.

There are tons of great Fall scents to choose from right now though!

Schick Hydro Silk Disposable Razors

So, I really like these razors. They last a really long time, but I won't be repurchasing...and my reason is going to sound silly.

The handles don't fit in our razor storage in the shower, so I need to buy something that fits better!

Silly, I know.

Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Cream

Y'all, I am SO sad that this product is gone.

If I had to pick a favorite product out of the entire bag...it would be this one.

It's creamy and gentle...well, all the things the name says!

I'll be repurchasing this one soon!

Olay Makeup Remover Towelettes

This was from the Target Beauty Box & it was the perfect size to take on vacation.

The scent was awful and I won't be repurchasing based on that, but I do have to say that they did a killer job of taking off makeup.

SeaRx Birchsap Moisturizing Lotion

This was an Ipsy sample and I kept it beside my seat in the living room to moisturize my hands.

Unfortunately this sample was too small to really get much of an opinion.

It was a little watery for my taste-but the grapefruity scent is pretty nice.

Victoria's Secret Love Spell Anti-Bacterial Sanitizing Hand Gel

When I found out that VS doesn't make this hand sanitizer anymore, I seriously wanted to cry.

I loved the luxuriousness of having this by my desk to use daily, and I am just so sad that I won't have it anymore.

If you have a favorite sanitizer-please let me know!

Taylor Swift Wonderstruck Perfume Sample

These perfume samples are perfect for stashing in your purse, by your desk, or to travel with.

I loved this one because it's so sweet & feminine. 

If I needed perfume (which I don't) I would purchase this one, it's not even expensive!

Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum

I have been working with Valentia on different product campaigns almost since I started my blog and have never been disappointed in any of them.

This one smells incredible and is seriously so hydrating.

I cannot wait until my new one comes in the mail because my skin is sad without it!

Bath & Body Works Honolulu Sun Deep Cleansing Hand Soap

I received this as a birthday gift & y'all-I'm obsessed with these B&BW soaps.

It smells just like the beach & the gritty texture makes your hands feel so soft.

I'm sure this scent will be back around this coming summertime!

Philosophy Lemon Coconut Shampoo, Shower Gel, & Bubble Bath

I can't speak to using this for a bubble bath or shampoo, but it's a perfect shower gel.

I purchased this from TJ Maxx and loved using it.

It's so rich & creamy, the scent is really tropical too.

Dessange Paris Balancing Shampoo

Guys, this came from a Target Beauty Box & it's probably one of my most favorite things I've ever gotten. It really kept my hair balanced...as weird as that sounds.

I'm definitely interested in repurchasing these!

Hask Bamboo Oil Strengthening Conditioner

This is my favorite conditioner of all time, I'm not even joking.

I've tried high-end, I've tried store brand and none of them have come close to how this one smooths and strengthens my hair.

I saw the Target display for Hask products & so I'm excited to be able to purchase these products there now.

Skintimate Strawberry Tangerine Twist Shave Gel

I usually just buy whatever shave gel is on sale, but Skintimate is always my go-to.

I've been using it for years and will probably always buy it...unless there is something on sale for cheaper ;) 

St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotion (Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract)

So I heard of these lotions (the spray kind) and just had to try one out!

While I found the formula to be a bit thin, it was really quickly drying.

The scent was really nice too, I will be repurchasing soon!

Nature Made Adult Biotin Gummies

I always keep biotin on hand because I feel like it makes a major difference in my hair and nails-my skin too!

The taste of these was a little flat, but they were bearable and not too expensive.

Derma E Firming DMAE Moisturizer

This was another Target Beauty Box find & y'all I love these rich, creamy night creams.

This one had a very strong, almost cinnamon-like scent so that might be off-putting for some but I really enjoyed it.

Body Merry Stretch Mark & Scar Cream

This is basically a coco butter in a fancy jar.

I was sent this to try out & I felt as though it gave me really soft skin...I didn't notice any difference in my stretch marks.

Bath & Body Works Praline Pecan Cobbler Candle

This candle smells so, good. I wish that B&BW had come back out with it this year.

It's a warm Fall scent, kind of a blend of cinnamon and caramel...and a little nutty too!

Plus, the jar top is really pretty-I'm going to have to keep it and use it to decorate :)

Village Candle (from Publix) Warm Apple Pie

A while back Publix was having a buy one get one free sale on these candles, so of course I picked two up. Guys, these smell SO yummy.

You need to run to your Publix and buy one-they last a really long time as well.

Bath & Body Works American Apple Candle

This smelled like biting into a really fresh apple, the perfect apple scent.

The label was really pretty & I wish that B&BW would bring this one back too...seriously, they get rid of all of my favorite scents!

Well alright guys, that's all for this month-let me know if you've tried out any of these products below!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Fight the Fight, Find the Cure (Breast Cancer Awareness)

As many of y'all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

This is a month & cause that is dear to my family's heart as my sweet mother-in-law was diagnosed with this awful disease.

Each year around this time I like to pick out several companies & promote their items that give back to breast cancer awareness and research...enjoy my roundup & help us fight like a girl for a cure!

Pink Glitter Edition California Chardonay by One Hope Wine

First of all, this bottle is absolutely gorgeous & one that I would love to keep on my bar-cart or gift to a girl friend!

Every two bottles purchased fund a clinical trial for one woman with breast cancer.

Land's End Suede Strappy Heeled Sandals in Tea Rose

This color is absolutely stunning & the strappy look is on trend.

15% of net online purchase price goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Teleflora's Pink Grace Bouquet

I think this gorgeous bouquet would be perfect to send to a friend or family member who are battling breast cancer or who just need a pick-me-up!

15% of the purchase price goes to fund the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

La Mer "The Breast Cancer Awareness" Lip Balm

This small lip balm is super moisturizing and the perfect size for tucking into your purse or keeping on your desk to always have on hand.

For every balm purchased, La Mer will donate $10 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Bobbi Brown Breast Cancer Awareness Art Stick Duo

This is a great value set with two colors (Dusty Pink & Electric Pink)

These can be used to fill in and line your lips & have long lasting color. 

For each set purchased, Bobbi Brown will donate $10 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Nest Fragrances Passion Breast Cancer Awareness Candle

Nest candles are some of the best on the market with their long burn-time & delicious scent.

This candle is also a gorgeous magenta-pink shade, perfect for your insta shots!

I also want to add the link to the BCA reed diffuser for those that would rather have those than a candle!

10% of the retail price will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Tory Burch Ivy Micro Cross-Body in the color Bedrock

This is literally the perfect size cross-body bag (especially for all you college gals who need a small going out bag!) and the color is so sweet.

From October 1st to October 31st, 2016 Tory Burch will donate 20% from the purchase of this bag in this shade to the Breast Cancer research foundation (to a maximum of $35,000)

I hope y'all found a product that you love & would love to purchase to help us find a cure for this disease which robs so many women of their health & their lives.

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Target Beauty Box {August & September}

Hey y'all!

While I'm at the beach for our long weekend I wanted to update y'all on some things that have gotten away from me with the blog, starting with these Target Beauty Boxes.

Enjoy my mini product reviews :)

I have been majorly behind on posting about my Target Beauty Boxes, but today I'm catching up on the past two months for y'all!

Let's start with August...

The August box had a great mix of products...

Up & Up 5-blade Disposable Razors

I haven't tried these out yet, but I'm not picky about my razors at all so I'm sure these will be great!

Juice Organics Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner in Coconut

I love travel size hair care, they're perfect for going on trips & also when I've run out of my regular hair products! These smell yummy!

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

I have actually received several of these in Target boxes & haven't tried any of them yet...because you have to put them on at night and wash them off in the morning, and ain't nobody got time for that!

But I promise, I'm going to try it out...eventually.

NYC Color Get it All Lip Color

I love receiving beauty products in these boxes, but the color that I got wasn't really my favorite.

I may either pass it on or try to work with it, depending on the formula! 

Olay Make-Up Remover Wipes

I was so excited to have these, they seemed like they would've been perfect for our Labor Day weekend beach trip.

But guys, these smell awful!

I will never purchase them again.

Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Deodorant

I have heard a lot of people positively review this, so I'm going to take it on our next beach trip and test it out!

Covergirl Katy Kat Eye Mascara in Black

I seem to hoard drugstore mascaras, so I haven't opened this one up yet because I don't want it to go bad. I try to only keep two going at one time!

Crest 3D White Strips

I tried these a long time ago and wasn't a huge fan, but I will be going to my dentist next month-so I'll ask him if he thinks these are okay for me to use or not, because I've been wanting to whiten my teeth for a while now!

The September beauty box was okay, not great...but okay.

Lineige Water Bank Moisture Cream

Yet another product from this company.

I haven't tried this out yet because I just got a new moisturizer, but this is going to be my next one to use.

Maybelline Push Up Drama Mascara

I have already purchased this a long time ago & I liked it pretty well.

It wasn't a miracle worker, but it did okay.

I have so many to use that I've never tried before, so I passed this one on to my sister!

OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner

Apparently we were supposed to get the shampoo to go with that, but Target must've left that one out of my box.

I brought this with me on our long-weekend trip to the beach & used it for the first time last night and it's great!

S.W. Basics Organic Lip Balm

I stuck this in my drawer to use after I use up some of my current balms.

The packaging is really nice though, very chic for a lip balm.

Kimmel The Only 1 Lipstick

I love the shade and formula of this Rimmel lipstick (one of my favorite products to try out in these boxes!)

It's a perfect pinky-nude & I think it'll wear great this Fall.

Eden Body Works Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner

I have a love/hate relationship with deep conditioners like this.

I love how they make my hair feel, but I hate how they come in a package that I can't keep in my shower.

I basically have to put this in another container to keep in the shower & it annoys me.

Biore Baking Sode Pore Cleanser

I have another sample size of this that I need to try out, and I do want to try it out because I've seen other bloggers talk about this and they have sang it's praises!

I hope y'all enjoyed this backed up round-up of the Target Beauty Boxes!

What was your favorite product?

Let me know below!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Wedding Belles: Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Hey y'all!

It has been a long while since I have posted a wedding blog, but since so many of my friends are getting hitched this season I wanted to give a couple of posts dedicated to my favorite topic!

Today's post is all about my wedding day essentials/a.k.a an emergency kit for the day of!

On my big day one of my most used things was our basket.

My maids and I kept it in our suite while we got ready & ended up using several things from it, & then before the ceremony started, we left it in the guest bathroom. There was also a men's version which was the same, minus the girly essentials!

Some of the most-used items were bobby pins (duh!) I think I may have used half the pack for my own up-do!

Girly products are also perfect to keep on-hand, I love the green package pictured above-they're called Sweet Spot wipes (you can get them from Target!) & they're great for cleansing sweat & more.

Another great essential is Evian facial spray: it's perfect for blending makeup, helping re-style your hair, and keeping you cool.

Even in the fall, down in Alabama it's still warm so keeping cool is a must.

The best part about this emergency kit basket is that after the night is over, you can take all of these items with you on your honeymoon because they're all TSA travel-approved sizes!

Here's a comprehensive list:

Band-Aids (a must for any boo-boos!)

Ice Breakers mints (keeps bad breath at bay)

Tide to Go Pen (perfect for wine stains)

Pantene Air Spray (This is my favorite hair-spray because it doesn't have alcohol in it, which means it doesn't dry your hair out & doesn't make it crunchy)

Dove Spray Deodorant (This is perfect for people to share because it doesn't touch anyones sweaty armpits, but keeps everyone fresh)

Off! Bug-Repellant (this is necessary for outdoor weddings!)

Evian Spray (This can be used in a million different ways, it's a necessity!)

Lotion (a great smelling lotion is the perfect treat)

Band-Aid Friction Block (Y'all, this is a miracle drug. You slide it on your heels and it keeps your shoes from rubbing)

Kotex (Must-haves for all the ladies at your big day)

Nail File

Aleve

Toothpicks (Get the mint-flavored ones!)

Sweet Spot Wipes

Lint Roller

Bobby Pins

I hope this was helpful to all you bride-to-be's!

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 Southern & Style.

Insta-Roundup

Hey y'all!

It's been almost two months since I've shared my insta posts with y'all, so I decided that I'm going to do a mini roundup and catch you up with my life!

If you're not following along already, visit with me over at @SouthernAndStyle 

I share my favorite outfits, products, what I'm up to, etc. over there :)

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Sep 25, 2016 at 11:01am PDT

On Sunday, I shared one of my favorite snacks-an iced coffee (in my favorite Lilly tumbler no-less!) and some yummy granola.

This granola is actually one of my favorite snack finds that I've stumbled upon lately.

It's by a company called Luv Michael & it is not just a tasty snack.

This company was born from an 18 year old boy who has autism.

Michael loved to cook, but was unable to attend culinary school because of his lack of a high school diploma. Luv Michael was born as a way of expressing his love of cooking as well as allowing other individuals with autism to gain vocational training.

Other than the positive message of this company-which is amazing in itself-the granola tastes so good!

It's like your mother's oatmeal cookies, but even better because it's Gluten Free, Nut Free, GMO Free so that means lots of people can enjoy it!

My second favorite way to enjoy it (other than just plain!) is crumbled up on top of greek yogurt with a touch of honey, it's so yummy!

Pumpkins, ghosts, & fall leaves-oh my! New Lush goodies have me ready for cooler temps & bubble baths 🛀🏽😍🎃🍁

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Sep 24, 2016 at 9:58am PDT

Y'all, it is still SO hot in Alabama right now.

But when I was wandering around the Summit last weekend I had to stop in at Lush.

Those bath bombs all smelled, well....bomb.

They smelled so good & I cannot wait for the weather to cool down so I can relax in a warm bath!

Hello Sunshine ☀️ Sunday morning coffee with my absolute favorite creamer 😋

So I just want to let y'all know how much I love companies that take care of their "fans"...

I tweeted International Delight about how I would love it if they "sponsored my mornings" because then I would never go without my favorite creamer again.

They tweeted me back & asked if they could send me some goodies, my favorites are the "hello sunshine" spoon & the knitted coasters-so cute & such a sweet company!

I'm ushering in Fall with open arms & an open heart 🍁🌻🍂💛🕯

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Sep 17, 2016 at 8:39am PDT

This sign that I bought last year from Hobby Lobby (on sale too!) has been used at so many parties, y'all.

This is a shot from my husband's 30th birthday party-I loved decorating for it & will hopefully be sharing more photos soon :)

Who is counting down the hours until the @LillyPulitzer After Party Sale?! I know this girl is! Tell me below what you're wishing for 🎀

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Aug 21, 2016 at 8:37pm PDT

On our summer trip to Nashville (it seems like so long ago!) I tried on these two beauties in the Lilly store at Green Hills mall.

I fell hard for the white embroidered dress, but didn't fall in love with the $200 price tag.

I wanted it so badly during the Lilly After Party Sale, but didn't manage to get on the website in time...

Thanks to the beautiful Lilly community on FB, I was able to track down that dress for less than $100 in Tulsa and had it shipped to my door.

Needless to say, I was thrilled!

I can almost taste Fall 🍁🍂🍃

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Aug 24, 2016 at 2:36pm PDT

I LOVE this shot so, so much.

These pears came from my husband's sweet grandfather's pear tree & they tasted amazing.

There is nothing more than fresh apples, pears, and pumpkins that makes me think of Fall.

cutting board

Day-dreaming about these pretty blooms I put together for last weekends party! 🎉💐🌻

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Sep 15, 2016 at 5:09am PDT

pitcher

This is another shot from my husband's birthday party-I put together some of my favorite blooms for the tables; hydrangeas & sunflowers look amazing together!

I hope y'all enjoyed this update post-I know some of you don't follow along on Insta so I wanted to share here too :)

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.

My Hair-Care Routine

Hey y'all!

Today's post has been a long time coming & I am so, so excited to finally share my hair care routine with y'all.

I have always loved having long hair, but when I was younger I didn't really know how to take care of it and I fried it by constantly straightening it and not giving it the nourishment that it needed.

Up until a few years ago, I didn't really understand how important quality products are!

My hair has completely turned itself around in the last year; it's grown so much, it's strong, and it's more shiny than ever-I'm so happy with it...so let me tell you how I got here!

Vibrance Hair Growth Vitamins

I have been a long-time believer in taking vitamins & have sworn by Biotin forever, but when I got the chance to try out the Vibrance supplement I jumped at it.

Each pill is packed with 23 vitamins, minerals, & herbs (including biotin)

You're supposed to take 2 capsules daily with water (or you can open them and put them in a smoothie!) and in 6-8 weeks, you're supposed to see growth & less split ends.

I've only been taking these vitamins for about two weeks and I can see a measurable difference, but if you don't-there's a 90-day money-back guarantee, so it's risk free, which is something else that I love.

Hask Bamboo Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner

Honestly, I feel like Hask is such a well-kept secret in the beauty world. Both of these hair products are less than $5 each & not only do they smell amazing, but they work great!

I have the hardest time with my hair getting build up from shampooing and conditioning it every day, but I have never had that problem with Hask products. 

These honestly smell amazing & I'm incredibly happy with how well they've treated my hair.

Kenra Platinum  Revive Oil

As much as my shampoo & conditioner are budget-savers, this hair is a budget spender-but once again, I'm okay with it as long as it works!

I've had this in my collection for  a while, because I've been hesitant about putting oil in my hair...

but y'all, I put two pumps of this starting about half-way down my hair to my ends & I can do it every single night & it doesn't make my hair feel oily at all.

I love how soft it makes my hair and I really do feel as though it's helping slow the breaking of my brittle ends-and those need all the help I can get.

The scent is also a huge plus, it smells awesome!

Nume Silhouette Flat Iron

I ordered this probably about three years ago & it's one of my best hair care purchases to-date.

You can control the temperature, which is great because it helps me prevent getting my hair too hot.

I love how sleek the design is & how light and easy to maneuver the flat iron is.

Nume always has sales too, so if you're in the market for a new straightener watch out for those on their website!

I inserted this terrible mirror selfie so that y'all can see just how long & shiny my hair has gotten to be lately, it's so much better than it used to be.

Well y'all, there it is-my hair care routine.

You get a sneak peek at everything I use; from my supplements, to my products, all the way down to my tools.

I don't use a lot of stuff in my hair, just because I don't feel like I really need it.

I feel like my routine is really streamlined for quick and easy use!

If you have any questions or want to know anything, just leave a comment below...

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.

Current Favorites

Hey y'all!

Today I'm popping in because I want to share a couple of my current essentials/favorites-just things that I've been loving & finding useful lately...I hope y'all enjoy this shortie of a post!

Bath & Body Works Bourbon Strawberry Vanilla Body Spray

Y'all, when I started writing out this post I was going to B&BW website to link this product and I realized that it's gone for the season (hopefully it will be back in the Spring!)

This spray was gifted to me by my sweet Mother-in-Law for my birthday & I absolutely love it

It smells so sweet, but clean & fresh as well.

Sometimes, B&BW scents overwhelm me and give me headaches, but this one is just enough.

It's also a long lasting scent-I love that I don't have to use a ton of it.

Lastly, that packaging though...it's so gorgeous!

Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer

I have been a fan of Valentia products for quite some time, I have two of their serums that I use on a daily basis that have been game changers for my skin.

When I got the chance to work with them to promote this moisturizer, I didn't have to be asked twice-I knew when they contacted me that I would not be disappointed.

It claims to lighten dark spots, restore skin radiance, even skin tone, diminish fine lines, and provide all-day hydration because of it's key ingredients like Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Ginseng, Salflower Oil, and Shea Butter. 

So far, I can attest to the evening of skin tone, skin radiance, and the all-day hydration-those were all almost immediate for me!

I highly recommend trying out anything from Valentia, but especially this moisturizer-it just can't be beat, especially since we're about to go through a season change (that always messes up my skin!)

Make sure you follow along with Valentia on Facebook or Insta for product releases and updates :) 

Evian Facial Spray

I have an entire post coming up about this product (how I included it in my wedding day-yup, the wedding belles series is coming back!) but today I just wanted to let you know that I have fallen for this product so, so hard.

I first tried it out about two years ago, and since then have gone through several bottles, both travel and full-sized.

I use it in the mornings as I do my makeup, I use it on my face to keep from getting too warm (it's perfect by the pool or beach!), and I think it would be great for travel-hello dry airplane air!

Also, today I'm going to let you know about a giveaway that I'm hosting with Evian (you can enter below!) If you win, the prize is a $25 Amazon gift card, a 10 oz Evian Facial Spray, a 5 oz Evian Facial Spray, & three 1.7 oz travel sized Evian Facial Sprays (which is a total value of over $75!)

Well y'all, that's all for today! Be on the lookout for several posts coming up in the next few weeks-I've got big plans for y'all :)

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.