Category Archives: Lyn

Sephora 20% off–spring edition

Posted on by Lyn
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I haven’t bought much at Sephora lately. It’s not that I haven’t been picking up new products–let’s be real–but I’ve been really digging a lot of drugstore makeup or cheaper lines like Essence, Flower Beauty and Wet N Wild. I’ve actually returned quite things at Sephora (which I’ll mention below.)

Additionally–I haven’t had much time to watch YouTubers to even see what’s good out there. So there’s been little product FOMO in my life.

But with the 20% off discount code in my inbox–that was all about to change.

Here’s what I got in three categories: Restock, Give a Shot, Legit Wishlist with recommendations built-in. At the end, I included two bonus sections: Things I Returned and Things I Recommend:

Restock: I am obsessed with Drunk Elephant products. My skin just has never looked better and I’m using primarily this line, especially with my nighttime routine. Since DE products are on the pricey side, getting a discount seems like a good idea. Unfortunately, some of the items have a short shelf-life, so it’s not ideal to let them sit in a drawer. Without being able to see inside the packaging to know how much I have left–I had to just make a guess based on the weight of the bottle to see if it felt full or empty. Using that scientific determination, I decided to get a few items I think I’ll need in the next month or so. (sadly–i had JUST repurchased the Protini cream two weeks ago without the discount and it feels weird to return it and repurchase it on sale. but i still might…)

I credit my skin turnaround to the T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum. I love it completely. So I grabbed one of those since mine feels light. I mix it with the A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream, but I’ve purchased that fairly recently and I will definitely have enough to get me to November’s sale. But if you’re looking for a really gentle, but high performing Retinol cream–this is for you! I’m also completely in the tank for the Lala Retro™ Whipped Moisturizer and cannot go without it. So I grabbed one. I use the La La and Protini together often–or when I’m lazy–I’ll grab whichever is handiest. But they are very different creams, the La La being heavy and Protini is a serum/moisturizer hybrid. However, with summer coming (it is coming, right?) I decided to try the B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum again as my day cream moving into warmer months. I’ve tried it before and didn’t LOVE it, but I’ve been having such success with DE lately, I’m going give it another shot. I’ll just return it if it’s not what I really want.

If you haven’t tried Drunk Elephant before, they have a new trial box out called Get Even™ Kit with pretty good sized samples of the Night Serum, Retinol, Protini, the C-Firma™ Day Serum–which I use and like enough for something I do because I feel I should but not really sure I notice a difference because of it–and their sunscreen which I haven’t tried. These are some heavy hitters and you’ll definitely get enough uses to know if it’s for you or not. There’s also still The Littles™ Set which gives you more products to try but no Retinol. Neither of these sets have the La La cream and it’s seriously my favorite–but these are nice ways to try the line–especially with the discount on top of it. I would also strongly recommend the T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ Mask Mini which is a very impactful mask and a quantity that is realistic and more reasonably priced.

i got to use this photo again–i repurchased during the summer 20% off sale last year!

The other restocks I grabbed were my Milk Makeup Matcha Toner and Watermelon Brightening Serum which are both a couple weeks away from being cashed out. So the sale was good timing. I thought about not getting the Brightening Serum–but I really like it–so I’m keeping it as part of my morning routine.

Finally–and I can’t believe I’m admitting this–I’m obsessed with the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk. I have spent a stupid amount of time trying to find the right dupe for it and I just can’t. I love it so much. It’s just perfect for me so I got the full size one. UGH.

me using all the new products including the pillow talk pencil and sugar sugar marc jacobs beauty gloss that is my go-to combo and my new giannis mean mug t-shirt!

Give a shot: I have no problem returning products I don’t like, so I use the sale as an opportunity to try out products I’m curious about–they could be amazing or terrible–and I’m for finding out.

When it comes to high end products, my favorite line recently has been Marc Jacobs Beauty. The Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Stick was one of my top finds of 2018 and I now have them in several colors although Sugar Sugar is my favorite. I got a Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner during the November 20% off sale and have already picked up a few more in matte, shimmer and glitter finishes. I love them all and they have replaced UD as my favorite eyeliners. I got a couple of the Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème liquid lipsticks during a Wow sale but the colors I grabbed are sold out online–they were available at the West Towne Sephora when I was there over the weekend. These are very nice liquid lipsticks–not drying at all. And then on a Facebook recommendation during the November 20% off sale–from Rachel I think–I got the Shameless Youthful-Look 24H Foundation SPF 25 in Light R250 and I’ve really liked it a lot! It’s been my go-to non-drugstore foundation option ever since.

Thanks to a Kathleen Lights video on what to grab during the sale, I got the Velvet Primer – Epic Lash Primer and the See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow in COPPERAZI 86. I’m wearing both for the first time today. I don’t have an eyelash primer at the moment and I like this. I’m going to try it a little longer. But I can already tell the shadow is going back. It’s toooooo glittery for me but also doesn’t really pack much more punch than some of my more shimmery copper shadows I already have. So nope.

Legit Wishlist: These are items I’ve had in my “Loves” and have been waiting for an excuse to purchase. I have a friend who is desperately searching for a good pore filler and I really haven’t been much help in finding something I like. The Tatcha, The Silk Canvas Protective Primer Mini always comes up–including in that Kathleen Lights video–so I decided to get it. I’m wearing it today and I think it may be a winner! My skin is looking pretty legit so fingers crossed this might we the one!

I love face oils and tinted moisturizers so I noticed the KOSAS, Tinted Face Oil Foundation in Tone 3 the second it showed on on the “Just Arrived” page. Tati did a review of it that was positive but it’s expensive so it’s just been waiting. I got it and tried today. It’s HELLA watery. So much so it may be a deal breaker. BUT! My skin looks really good. I think I’ll give it a week and see how I feel. I’ll keep you updated on Instagram if it goes or stays.

I’ve never tried the Beauty Blender, liquid blendercleanser® so I grabbed one to see how it fairs compared to the solid–or just soap TBH. We’ll see.

And then I use the world’s smallest mirror at my desk at work, so I ordered a small but WAY bigger than what I’ve been using mirror which I already love! Sephora Collection, Seeing Double Compact Mirror is perfect!

Things I Returned: Perhaps you need to be talked out of some items or minimizing your order a bit. Here are some things I tried recently but returned.

Sol De Janeiro, Coco Cabana Cream made me understand the people who couldn’t get over the scent of the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream which I love. This scent was an immediate NO! for me. And I also started to feel a little icky about spending $45 on lotion, so I bought a lotion from The Body Shop at Ulta during a discount and it was less than $20 and I really like it.

Milk Makeup, Lip Color in OG Red is messy and slides easily and just no. Way too many fantastic and cheap lipsticks out there–and I’m not hurting for red lipsticks. It went back.

Nudestix, Nude Gloss Balm Founder Set: Ugh. This was a in-line impulse purchase I immediately regretted. These glosses are nudes and are basically all the same color and all too light for me. This wasn’t event close.

Tata Harper, Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint: Please don’t even look at the price. My lips were super chapped. I was feeling low and made a bad decision. Luckily, Sephora has a generous return policy when I came to my senses.

Things I Recommend: I bought an RMS Beauty Wild With Desire Lipstick sampler during the November sale and really love the formula and would recommend the set. I’m crazy about Temptation in particular and got the full size this winter. It’s AMAZING!

I still really miss my Laneige Sleep Mask, but I got this Farmacy, Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm at some point and it’s very nice. And at $10, it’s more than a drugstore lip balm but nicer by a lot with really good ingredients.

My love for Fenty Beauty by Rihanna is well documented. I picked up two more Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Thicc – sultry mauve and
Ma’Damn – royal red and my only regret is I can’t find my red!

So yeah–that’s a lot! But I hope it gives you some ideas before the sale ends on May 6th. What’s on your list? We’ve all got a few days to do a little more damage! What do you recommend? What do should be avoided? Let us know in the comments below!

All my money. Which makes that stupid Tatcha Harper even more embarrassing.

Flower Beauty vs. Glossier: battle of the blushes

Posted on by Lyn
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I really like cream products. I like the easy application–you just dab a bit and go. No brushes or blenders or other tools necessary. It also feels like playing–and really–isn’t the joy of makeup getting to play with color and textures?

We’ve been big fans of the Glossier Cloud Paint since Pamela introduced them to us in spring of 2017. I know she’s still a Cloud Paint stan and I’ve been converted, too. They have been a go-to blush option since they launched and part of my basic makeup routine.

So I was super intrigued when Flower Beauty launched a VERY similar product in the fall of 2018. Flower Beauty Blush Bomb Color Drops are based on the same premise as the Cloud Paints–cream blushes in a tube.

my four from each line: Glossier Cloud Paint and Flower Beauty Blush Bomb Color Drop

Over the past few months–and a few Ulta sales here and there–I’ve grabbed a range of Flower Beauty blushes to compare with my Cloud Paints. I tried to get different colors because I actually want to use them and definitely don’t need anymore redundancy in my makeup collection. I mostly wanted to see how they compare in application, color and wear time.

My basic takeaway: they are both amazing!

Each line has six shades in the range. While it seems like there is overlap–Bubbly and Puff, for example, are both a light cotton candy pink–of the four I have from each line, I find the colors quite different. A lot of my recommendation is based on the colors you want instead of the products themselves. (ftr–i have puff and never use it. too pink for me.)

There are really only two drawbacks to the Glossier Cloud Paints: 1) you can only order them online (unless you wade through the CRAZY that is the NYC flagship store) which means you have to meet minimums for shipping, etc. 2) they are SO pigmented a little really goes a long way so you do have to be a little careful when using them. Their tube has a wider opening where the Color Drop releases less product per squeeze–which is nice.

the glossier store in nyc was probably the busiest store i’ve ever been in

But the benefits of Cloud Paint are mighty: amazing color payoff, super long lasting–both on your cheeks and in the tube–it will take me forever to work through one of them–and the color selection has everything you need.

With Flower Beauty, you can get them at Ulta or anywhere Flower Beauty is sold including Walmart, which makes it very convenient to give them a try. (and remember–you can always return it if you don’t like something, including through glossier!) And they are $10 instead of $18 with Glossier, and you can often get them on a discount.

Color Drops are also less pigmented so I find them a little easier to use. I’m not as concerned about the possibility of clown cheeks with their formula. Their wear time is slightly less than the Cloud Paint, but comparable.

There really aren’t downsides to the Color Drops aside from a few missing colors. My favorite Glossier Cloud Paints is Storm. It looks really intimidating because it seems like its dark red, but it leaves a gorgeous rosy finish. I love it. I don’t see there is a similar option through Flower Beauty.

I also have Haze from Glossier and Bitten from Flower Beauty–a purple berry color–and between the two, I prefer Haze. It has a softer hue and doesn’t read as harsh considering how pale I am. They aren’t exactly the same, but I’m likely to return Bitten because I don’t see myself using both.

And while the Cloud Paint Beam seems to be the same as Color Drop’s Nectar, Beam is a lot peachier. Nectar is more coral and has more brown to it. I like them both. I don’t have the Cloud Paint coral option, Dawn so I wonder if it’s closer to Nectar. But I would just stick to Nectar for a coral cheek. I have used Beam a lot though–especially in the summer–and love it.

Of the Cloud Paints, as I mentioned, I don’t have Dawn and I also don’t have Dusk. But my favorite of the Color Drops is Pinched, which I think is the perfect everyday blush color. I’m not sure how to describe it exactly. It’s not a bronzer but it does warm up your cheeks. It’s also not very pink or peach or berry–it just reads like a perfect nude lipstick–but for your cheeks. I’m obsessed. Dusk might be closest to it for Cloud Paints, but I don’t have it to confirm. I find it’s an especially great compliment on red lip kinda days.

Speaking of bronzers, I also have Color Drop in Cinnamon which I use as a bronzer, not a blush, and really like it. I think it pairs perfectly with Pinched and I can see myself putting these two together often.

me wearing pinched and cinnamon today–although not super easy to see

Overall, I think they are both great! I love the concept, application and finish. I would decide based on the colors you want and if you want to just pick it up or have other Glossier orders to make. I’ve liked a lot of Flower Beauty products including these and they are often discounted at Ulta. Glossier has a discount on buying two Cloud Paints at once which also gives you free shipping, if you were thinking of trying them out.

You really can’t go wrong with either option if cream blush is your jam.

Have you tried these products? What do you think? Please comment below!

And yes–paid for by me.


Standouts and Game Changers of 2018!

Posted on by Jess
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Another year is in the books, and you know we LOOOOOOOVE a good round-up of favorites! We’ve got beauty we can’t stop reaching for, life changing products, and things that just make life better. And away! We! Go!

Jess

LanoLips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm

Pamela gifted this to me last year, and as winter tries to turn me into dust, this stuff is a lifesaver. I put it on my lips every night before bed, and it’s still a little bit there in the morning! It’s also great for those dry spots that show up around your nose, or cuticles, or basically anywhere. I hope to never be without it!

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncuffed

I know Lyn has gotten us all to buy something Fenty over the past year or so, and with good reason: this shit is bananas. I picked up the shade Uncuffed during one of the V.I.B. events late last year, and it is PERFECTION. The shade is the absolute perfect rosy mauve, which is my go-to shade for “I don’t want to look dead but I don’t want hot pink lips today” every day wear. The formula is truly weightless, and while it’s not 100% transfer-proof, it’s pretty locked in, and it fades without getting clumpy or flaky. I reach for this almost every day, and it lasts through coffee and lunch and life.

Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Retractable Brow Pencil

While I love the Kat Von D Brow Struck Dimension powder and think it’s seriously a stand out this year in the world of brow products, I find myself reaching for this $4 pencil nearly every day. It applies soooo quickly and easily and lasts all day. KVD comes out to play if I’m being fancy, but this guy is my ride or die right now.

Saalt Menstrual Cup

Early in the year, I was maybe 85% thinking about making the switch to menstrual cups; when Pamela told me she was switching, it was enough to make me take the plunge. After trying an ok, but not quite right cup the first go around, I found the Saalt cup on Amazon and it is my glass slipper. I like the Saalt because it is a softer silicone, made for “”active women. It’s totally comfortable, and haven’t had any leak issues despite deadlifting, working on my feet, dancing, sleeping… whatever. Plus, it just feels… well, less gross overall!! They last for years, so a bonus is that it feels great to not be throwing/flushing so much (including dolla bills) away. I also like that the company is owned by women who give back to women who may not have access to period care. I am seriously mad I got all the way to my 40’s before realizing cups are the way to go BTW- once you get past the learning curve (and yeah, it for sure takes a cycle or three to get the hang of it), my period is no longer such a pain in the ass. Well, obviously it still is a little, but for sure way less of one.

Apple AirPods

I have gone through about 17000 variations of arm bands, pockets, bluetooth devices, and fanny packs trying to listen to music or podcasts at the gym. My husband finally convinced me to YOLO and buy a pair of AirPods, and they are PURE WIZARDRY. I don’t even know why I resisted for so long. I haven’t ever liked the earbuds that come with Apple products, but somehow these feel mostly invisible in my ears, and yeah, they don’t fall out! I use them everywhere, too- not just the gym. Washing dishes? AirPods. Cleaning my office? AirPods. Grocery shopping? AirPods. The charge lasts forever- did you know they charge right in the case?? I probably charge them once a week or so, but I’ve never even come close to draining them. If I had any complaints, it’s that I wish they would get just a tiny bit louder, but it’s probably better for my health if they don’t. 😉

Spindrift Sparkling Water

For whatever reason, I, along with the hipsters, can’t get enough of sparkling water lately. BUT HAVE YOU TRIED SPINDRIFT?? It is sparkling water with real juice squeezed in!! Not a lot- just like, if you squeezed a lemon wedge into your drink. It’s enough, though, to make it crazy good. Like, CRAZY good. Does it add a few calories? Sure, but the worst offender (grapefruit) only has 15 calories per can. I haven’t gotten my hands on every flavor yet (so far I’ve only found it at Target and Costco), but the blackberry and grapefruit are worth having in your fridge AT ALL TIMES.

Lyn

Drunk Elephant, everything: Okay–maybe not EVERYTHING–but a lot. This girl ain’t loyal when it comes to skin care products and I’m notorious for bouncing around and trying lots of things to see what’s magic. Well–I think Drunk Elephant might be it! My top favorite is the T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum. It is pricey, but a little goes a long way and the results are immediate. It’s crazy to me how incredibly different my skin feels in the morning after using it at night. I also find the Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream is luxuriously divine. Wanna give them a shot and see what you think? The minis pack The Littles™ is a great introduction to the line.

Urban Decay, Born to Run eyeshadow palette: I’m really unclear why this palette didn’t get much love when it came out. The layout is great–especially if you generally dislike the long, skinny shadow structure of the Naked palettes–this one is in squares and the rows act like little mini palettes. The color range is very unique and offers a lot of new looks. I also like that the palette itself is thin, but sturdy and it has a huge mirror so it’s great for travel. Definitely a good deal with 21 shadows and a lot of room to play.

Marc Jacobs Beauty, Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Stick: I tried one of these in Sugar, Sugar and then went HAM and bought a bunch. I’m crazy for these in so many ways. They are a gloss–but a stick and not goopy or sticky or messy. I think even you would like them, Jess! They give the perfect amount of reflection to make your lips look full and fab. And layered over pencils gives them even more versatility. Definitely worth the price.

Norman Kamli, Kamali Kulture Go Crew Neck Dress: This is the greatest, easiest dress of all time. I know that sounds crazy and like a huge over-exaggeration, but it’s not. It’s an instant classic LBD. It’s100% flattering, super soft, simple to pack, no wrinkle, forgiving, like pajamas but classy, any occasion dress. Put Vans on and it’s casual. Throw a necklace on and heels and it’s dressy. Grab boots and it’s somewhere in the middle. With tights–it’s perfect for winter. No tights–it’s a spring/fall/cool summer day dream. If I could wear it every day, I would. I honestly might order another one to have a back up, I love it that much.

photo courtesy of shopbop.com

Apple, AirPods: Jess and I were going to do a joint review of these magical wonders, but never got around to it. (aah, life.) I agree with everything she said. I also bought them because Michael Boggs told me to–in fact–Team Boggs drove me to the Apple store and went with me to get them. I keep them in my pocket and use them constantly. They are super convenient so you can just pop them on and go. I walk a lot and always have them on, even if I’m just going a few blocks. They are also the only way I’ll talk on the phone anymore. I will legit tell someone I’ll call them back so I can grab them, if they aren’t immediately available. You don’t have to yell when talking and you can hear perfectly. Unlike Jess, I have had them die on me, but I’m also spacey about charging them. Which is silly because they charge super fast. I think it’s less than an hour to bring them back to full capacity. The only downsides are the volume isn’t super loud which Jess mentioned–I guess it’s good because it makes it so you can still be aware of your surroundings when walking with them–but on some podcasts I feel like I’d like a little more juice. When you wear them on an airplane, you have to keep your Bluetooth on to have them paired with your phone, so you can’t go into full “airplane” mode. And I do feel a little self-conscious wearing them because they are kinda douchey looking and I lose the effect of traditional headphones that say “I can’t hear you so don’t talk to me.” But aside from those few things, I can’t say enough about what a game changer they were for me this year. Bonus–I’ve had them for six months and haven’t lost them, which is huge!

(and side note: yes to fenty beauty too! and there are 10 new mattemoiselle plush matte lipsticks–thicc being my favorite!)

Schitt’s Creek: Another shout-out to Jess–she called this one and was ON ME  (and you) to watch it–and she was so right. I haven’t been this excited about a show in a long time. And it’s coming back on January 16th so you have time to get caught up before the new season comes out, if you didn’t take her advice the first time around to check it out. I’m the worst at binge-watching and we blew through this faster than any series ever. Also–my closet goals = David Rose and Dan Levy is a great IG follow, if you’re not already on it.

 

Milwaukee Bucks: YOU GUYS!!!! We have the best team in the entire NBA!!!! Seriously!!! We are #1 right now!!! I told you not to sleep on the Bucks two years ago and I’m telling you again–get on it!!! #fearthedeer

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone! We love you all so much and are excited for new products, adventures and all the everything and nothings life invariably throws at us. We’d love to hear what rocked your world in 2018 or things you’d like us to check up on for you in upcoming posts. 

Because if 2018 taught us anything–life can be much too much sometimes (and also that it’s okay to declare “it’s my turn to take a selfish!”)–and 2019 could be more of the same.

So let’s do 2019 better–together.

My 51 Favorite Songs of 2018

Posted on by Lyn
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It’s such a process to pull my list of favorite songs together. I had a ton of albums that I was super into (I’ll give you my favorite albums on a later post) so I thought my list would suffered or have a limited scope.  But luckily–it was nothing to worry about!—I had MORE than enough songs up for consideration. My list could’ve been over a 100 deep this year—but who wants to listen to all that!—so I knew I had to trim it down. So I did–to a reasonable 51–and I think my list is banging! (51 because drake. i wasn’t going to–but then i had to.)

To weed out songs and make the list slightly more manageable to put together—I put a hard stop on when a song had to be out to be considered for the list—no song out after October 31 was eligible. And I tried to only include songs that came out after November 1, 2017. (i did make one small exception for a song i LOVED but came out october 17, 2017. but it’s from a pretty unknown band so it’s getting some love.)

My rules mean that some songs that show up on lots of year end lists like “thank u, next” and “Love it if we made it”—Pitchfork’s top song of the year–came out a couple weeks ago so you won’t find them below.

And quite honestly—there’s so much music out—it’s already hard to get to everything anyway. I legit didn’t listen to any of the songs that came out after my deadline—I sequester all new music which is hard but necessary—so I can really sort through the over 300 songs that were in my playlist for consideration. These songs are great—I’ve since listened to them a ton!—but I had to draw the line somewhere. So I will put some links below to other year end song lists that may be more comprehensive and give you more songs to check out.

For this year’s list—I will give you the song, artist and my favorite line along with a link to the video—if available–AND will link the genius.com lyrics. The newish Genius feature on Spotify is one of my favorite recent music developments. I get way too happy when a Genius is linked to a song I’m playing on Spotify. Plus some of these songs have interesting stories that are included on Genius with artist videos, so they are worth checking out. And if there’s a Song Exploder episode about a song–I’ll link that, too.

So without further ado—my favorite songs of the year—starting with my favorite song and then sequenced with your listening enjoyment in mind. (therefore—don’t shuffle!—at least not for the first listen.)

1. Missing U, Robyn: “all the love you gave, it still defines me.”

2. Why Didn’t You Stop Me, Mitski: “I know that I ended it, but why won’t you chase after me?”

3. High Horse, Kacey Musgraves:  “I bet you think you’re first place, yeah, someone should give you a ribbon and put you in the hall of fame for all the games you think that you’re winning”

4. Doesn’t matter, Christine and the Queens (Song Exploder): “And of lately the only people I can stare are the unraveled ones with their hands laying bare” 

5. Grooves on the Vinyl, Gorgon City: “we’re switching it up and making it right”

6. All Nerve, The Breeders: “you don’t know how much I miss you”

7. Please Don’t Die, Father John Misty: “Oh god, you must have woken up to me saying that it’s all too much”

8. Thanks 4 Nothing, Nilüfer Yanya: “Will you and I waste this? I won’t even try in case it don’t work”

9. Bite the Hand, boygenius: “Your hands are gravity while my hands are tied”

10. lovely, Billie Eilish, Khalid: “Need a place to hide, but I can’t find one near”

11. breathin, Ariana Grande: “All I need is to see your face”

12. Pristine, Snail Mail: “I’ll still love you the same”

13. Lemon Glow, Beach House: “This game I play, I do it every day, Then promise I’ll be fine, bear it every time”

14. Mariners Apartment Complex, Lana Del Rey: “And who I’ve been is with you on these beaches, Your Venice bitch, your die-hard, your weakness”

15. C’est La Vie No. 2, Phosphorescent: “I don’t stand out all night in empty fields and call your name no more”

16. How Deep is Your Love, PJ Morton featuring YEBBA: “We belong to you and me”

17. Long As I Live, Toni Braxton: “I’ll never get over (you getting over me)”

18. Only Love, Mary J. Blige: “I was so over love till you came right in and you brought me home”

19. I Do, Cardi B featuring SZA: “Pussy so good, I say my own name during sex”

20. Remind Me to Forget, Kygo, Miguel: “You left your mark, reminding me to forget”

21. Dissolve, Kllo: “Should we dissolve this?”

22. Loose, Daniel Caesar: “See you walking out the door, Wonder why it took you so long”

23. Consequence, Camilla Cabello: “Loving you was sunshine, safe and sound, a steady place to let down my defenses, but loving you had consequences”

24. The End of Love, Florence + the Machine: “I’ve always been in love with you, could you tell it from the moment that I met you?”

25. Vincent, James Blake: “But I could have told you, Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you”

26. Back to You, Selena Gomez: “You could break my heart in two but when it heals, it beats for you”

27. Song for You, Rhye: “I saw that fear when you showed me that kiss, We fell in love”

28. ‘Til It’s Over, Anderson. Paak: “I really thought that I can handle it but the funny thing is, I was holding back tears”

29. Woman, Cat Power featuring Lana Del Rey (Song Exploder): “Doctor said I was not my past, He said I was finally free”

30. Nameless, Faceless, Courtney Barnett: I wanna walk through the park in the dark, Men are scared that women will laugh at them ,I wanna walk through the park in the dark, Women are scared that men will kill them”

31. Chun-Li, Nicki Minaj: “He keep on dialin’ Nicki like the Prince song”

32. One Kiss, Calvin Harris with Dua Lipa: “I just wanna feel your skin on mine, Feel your eyes do the exploring”

33. Dancefloor, Tracey Thorn: “Someone singing and I realise it’s me”

34. Accelerate, Christina Aguilera featuring Ty Dolla $ign, 2 Chainz: “I’ll be with my ladies you can find me there, try to play us, we gon’ start a riot up in here”

35. My My My!, Troye Sivan: “Let’s stop running from us”

36. 4Ever, Clairo: “Are you gonna be around for me to count on?”

 

37. In My Feelings, Drake: “Kiki, do you love me? Are you riding?”

38. Dancing, Kylie Minogue: “When I go out, I wanna go out dancing”

39. Can’t Run But, Paul Simon: “I had a dream about us after that long goodnight”

40. Make Me Feel, Janelle Monae: “It’s like I’m powerful with a little bit of tender”

41. When We, Tank: “Who came to make sweet love? Not me.”

42. International Lover, Prince: “Am I qualified?”

43. I Know You, Craig David and Bastille: “Falling together, arms round each other, I know you, know me too”

44. No Place, RÜFÜS DU SOL: “You run your fingers through the palm of my hand, pulling me closer, drawn by your command”

45. Made for Now, Janet Jackson featuring Daddy Yankee: “We’re made for now, not tomorrow”

46. Bodys, Car Seat Headrest: “Those are you got some nice shoulders, I’d like to put my hands around them”

47. San Luis, Gregory Alan Isakov: “Cutting through the avenues, I’d always find my way to you”

48. Addictions, Lucy Dacus: “Was I a risk without reward or did I make you proud?”

49. Naked, Ella Mai: “But what if I told you there’s nothing I want more in this world than somebody who loves me naked”

50. symbol, Adrianne Lenker: “Do you not, do you not tell? That smile always makes me well”

51. Shallow, Lady Gaga and Bradley: “We’re far from the shallow now”

There you have it! What a year it was!! Here’s a link to the playlist on Spotify:

 

And YouTube:

And here are some other lists worth checking out from Pitchfork, Consequence of Sound, NPR, The Fader and Gorilla vs. Bear.

But most important–what’s on your list? I always create a new list of songs to check out based on other year-end lists, so add your submissions below!

Here’s to a heck of a year for music!!

New masks reviewed–keep or return?

Posted on by Lyn
2

Masks are such an indulgence–but sheesh–I really love them! And with the Sephora’s recent 20% off sale, I grabbed some high profile products to try.

I’ve only used these a few times over the past couple weeks, but I definitely have some first impressions I thought I’d share, especially since masks make great gifts or ways to use the onslaught of Sephora gift cards that will hopefully be coming your way this holiday season. (or truly–you can just go to sephora and get samples–which is perfect for trying out new masks.)

All of these masks have received not only high marks on Sephora.com but also have logged a lot of reviews. Are they worth the cash? Do you really see a difference? Let’s find out!

OLEHENRIKSEN, Cold Plunge Pore Mask: Full disclosure–I got this one a few months ago but I’m not sure I ever wrote about it. Of all the masks, I’ve found this one to be the most basic, but also has the best and most reviews of all these options. It’s not terribly different than a clay mask you can get at Walgreens for a fraction of the cost. And from my POV–I’d save my money on this one. It’s kinda thick and gunky. It definitely has a cooling sensation. But I would not say it’s pore minimizing which it claims in the description. If you were having troubles with breakouts, this would definitely be your option in the bunch, but again, I think there are better options out there for the price.

Omorovicza Cosmetics, Deep Cleansing Mask:  This one is DEFINITELY the most expensive of the bunch. Like by a lot! I got it as part of a three-pack of products called, Omorovicza Heroes. All of these products, especially the mask are extremely lux. The scent is straight up spa. Does it work? It does. My skin really looks fantastic after using it. Very bright and fresh. There is a noticeable difference after using it that isn’t just temporary. My skin still looks good a few days after. This mask has great reviews and people are definitely obsessed–and I can see why. It also carries the Clean at Sephora™ designation and is CF, which makes me happy. Should you rush out and buy it? If you feel like your skin needs a wake up call or you need something that gives you a 20 minute spa experience–sure. But I would mainly recommend it in this setting and during a discount period.

Drunk Elephant, T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™: Because if you really are having a skin emergency–dull skin, roughness, just general blah skin–this would be the product I would recommend more than any other. I’m having a serious Drunk Elephant moment and this product is another home run for me. I picked this up in the checkout line as a smaller trial size. While I’m sure the per ounce price jacks up an already pricey product sky high, I would definitely recommend going that route before spending $80 on a mask to make sure it’s a good match for you. It’s got a weird color but goes on easily. It does generate a tingling sensation to your skin and I would only use it at night. The trial size I bought came with a tiny vial of the virgin marula oil. It is recommended to put the oil on after removing the mask. I have been doing this, but any moisturizer will work. I do want to note thought–I actually don’t find it that drying even though it’s basically an acid peel at home. But it doesn’t hurt to load up on the moisturizer just to be safe. All Drunk Elephant products are also Clean at Sephora™ certified.

Summer Fridays, Jet Lag Mask: I’m struggling the most with this one. It’s extremely weird. Let me try to explain. The whole point of the mask is hydration. To be fair–I haven’t actually flown anywhere and worn it there like it’s name suggestions. (when I do fly–i tend to load up on an oil like Josie Maran, Kora Organics, Acure Organics or whatever i happen to have at that moment. anyway!) When you put it on, your face legit looks like you have a filter on it. It’s kind of amazing and also kinda weird. You have NO pores when wearing the mask. Yet, it’s not meant as a primer. It also feels like you have a seal on your face. Like wax on Gouda cheese. But it also doesn’t FEEL waxy. It’s like if you mixed a little wax or plastic into your moisturizer. It’s also a mask you don’t have to take it off. You can just wear it overnight. Like a souped up lotion. But you can also remove it after 20 minutes. I’ve used it both ways. Putting it on and sleeping in it and removing it after a spell with a warm wash cloth, as recommended. But here’s my complaint, when you sleep in it and wake up in the morning, it feels exactly like how it felt when you went to bed. But when I rinse it off in the shower, my skin doesn’t actually feel more hydrated than days when I just follow my overall routine. So it feels good on–but I just don’t know that it’s doing anything. With all that said–I also haven’t had any major redness or skin episodes that may call for a mask like this–however, I’m not sure I ever really do.  Overall–I think it needs to go back.

Kora Organics, Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening & Exfoliating Mask: I weirdly really like this one. I’ve used it a few times in the morning in the shower and it really softens my skin and gives it a glow. It also has a tingling effect but it’s not annoying and doesn’t make my skin red. The reviews are also super strong on this one although there aren’t as many of them as the Cold Plunge mask. It’s a grainy mask with pretty big pieces in it. It doesn’t feel abrasive, it just really feels like your skin is getting a good clean. And it feels like you really accomplished something when you use it.  I’m a fan and I also like that it’s part of the Clean at Sephora™ collections.

There you have it! I wish I could take back the Cold Plunge but I think it’s been too long. The Summer Friday needs to be returned, but the others are all very solid masks just as the reviews state that I think I’ll be keeping. They all do sort of a similar thing but in different ways. If I had to choose just one, I’d go with the Drunk Elephant but the Kora Organics would be right behind.

Any masks you’re loving? Anything you picked up during all the sale periods you’d like to share? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Empties: all the things!

Posted on by Lyn
4

I felt like I had recently done an “empties” post—until I opened my bag of used up products and was shocked by what was in there! So. Much. Stuff!!

So I’ve got lots to review and I don’t want this post to be as long as it could be—so I’ll try to keep it brief—try.

L’Oreal Visible Lift Radiance Booster: This actually wasn’t empty, just expired. I liked it fine, but it’s not my favorite, so I really didn’t reach for it that often.

SheaMoisture,100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Wash: This was my summer JAM in the shower. If you love coconut–get this. So moisturizing and smells divine.

Wet N Wild, MegaCushion Foundation SPF 15, Cream Ivory: This is now my every day foundation. I love it. I have repurchased.

Tarte Cosmetics, colored clay CC primer, light: RIP former favorite every day foundation. All that’s left are options for darker skin tones, so no repurchasing for me.

Skyn Iceland, Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels: I really love these patches. They are a little more expensive but very good. I try to get them when there’s a sale.

Earth Therapeutics, Hydrogel Under-Eye Recovery Patch, in Rose and Green Tea: A cheaper option and still get the job done. No difference between the two so whatever you’d prefer is fine.

Urban Decay Cosmetics, Aphrodisiac 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, Zero: This was pretty old and dried out. I like other UD pencils better, so I wouldn’t get this particular one.

Anastasia Beverly Hills, Lip Primer: I bought replacements for this during the Ulta 2-for-1 lip sale. At a reduced price, I love this one!

Clary Bath + Body Oil: This was a gift from Pamela and I loved it! I ended up finding the same product, just a different version at a little store in Arkansas and grabbed it.

Sunday Riley, Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment: Ah, this was ok. But I’m using Drunk Elephant’s nighttime serum and I’m totally hooked on that, so I’m done with this one.

Batiste, Hint of Color Travel Size Dry Shampoo: I still struggle with dry shampoos. I got this to use in between color appointments. It reminds me to get in!

Suddz, AquaFix® Hydrating Conditioner: And when I’m at Co Leigh Co Salon–I always make sure I’m good with my conditioner. Legit the only thing I’ll use.

Algenist, Concentrated Reconstructing Serum: It took me forever to get through this–but it was pricey–so I did. That says it all.

American Provenance, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Deodorant; Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Clove: My favorite. Repurchased.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II: People are crazy for this and the reviews are so good. I totally don’t get it. I also think it’s been rebranded.

Milk Makeup, Matcha Toner: I really like this, as you already know.

Sephora Collection, LashCraft Length & Volume Mascara: This mascara has a flat brush which I dig. But not CF, so not repurchasing.

NYX Professional Makeup Worth the Hype Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara: Not worth the hype, but fine.

Too Faced, Hangover Replenishing Face Primer: This one IS my favorite primer. Period. Already had a backup.

Bumble and Bumble, Bb.Curl Defining Creme: I have another hair product I like better but this was fine for travel.

Clinique, Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15: I really liked this! And it was a panic purchase at an airport. But alas–not CF.

Maybelline, Eyestudio® ColorTattoo® Leather 24HR Cream Gel Eye Shadow:  Covergirl just went CF! Maybe Maybelline will do the same soon? Because I like these.

Smashbox, Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Dark Spot Correcting, Light: Also liked this but see above: not CF.

Lush Cosmetics, Ro’s Argan Shower Moisturizer: Ugh. I love this so much!! But it’s expensive. I’ll probably repurchase but I haven’t so far.

Phew!! We did it! I’m super proud I worked through so many things–but I also know I can’t wait so long between “empties” posts!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for you!!!!

What you and I grabbed at the Sephora 20% Rouge: weekend one

Posted on by Lyn
5

For this year’s VIB Rouge sale, I wanted to try some things I’ve had on my “loves” list for a while. Most of the items I learned about from YouTube videos and have been curious to check out.

I started with an actual trip to the Sephora at West Towne on Sunday night. With my Sephora app open and ready to go, I started my visit with a return—a $14 Cover FX setting powder that I could just tell I wasn’t gonna use.

Return one, pick up seven—seems right. *eye roll*

Before you judge too hard—I do actually return quite a bit—it’s one of my new rules to return things I can tell won’t work for me right away.

And already by Thursday night—there are a few things from this trip I know I won’t be keeping.

Back to the visit—once my return was made—I made the rounds. I took a bunch of things off my list like all the Sephora Favorites collections. The lip one just didn’t have colors I was that into and the lashes one had too many non-cruelty free options. Same with the skin care—all just meh.

After checking out the holiday sets at the front of the store, I turned left towards the Marc Jacobs area. I had heard magical things about the Marc Jacob, Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss in Sugar, Sugar from kathleenlights and decided to give it a go.

Marc Jacobs, Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in (Grape)vine 63, a matte purple also found its way into my awkward Sephora basket, because why not? I really like my other liners from the line and I’m always down for a new purple one.

Next up: concealer. I headed up the aisle to Cover FX. While I returned the Cover FX powder, I wanted to try the Power Play Concealer after watching this video from Teni Panosian. So I picked up the N Light 1.

And since I was in the Cover FX aisle, I also grabbed the Anti-Aging Primer because it was a “WOW” deal down from $38 to $22 plus 20% so I thought it was worth seeing how it was.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Sephora without at least one unnecessary lipstick. I decided to get the Bite Beauty, Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Chai after seeing Jaime Paige’s fall lip video.

I’ve really been digging my Drunk Elephant skin care products, which basically make up my current nighttime skin care route. I picked up those products during the last 20% off sale, so I decided to try the Drunk Elephant, C-Firma Day Serum after watching this Wayne Goss video that raved about this serum.

Since the kit was only $8 more than the serum alone, I decide to pick this holiday pack up so I’ll have a travel polypeptide cream and I can try some of the other day time products.

Finally, I was just wandering around and made one spontaneous purchase that wasn’t on my list and that was the Summer Friday, Jet Lag mask.

I’m intrigued because it’s supposed to be very hydrating and it’s part of the “Clean” program. And I like the packaging. I’m a sucker for packaging.

There were a few more items I wanted to try that weren’t at the store, so I also did one late Sunday night purchase right before I fell asleep order. ( i’m guessing this is not healthy behavior.) They arrived Thursday afternoon—just in time for me to include them in this post.

I really did wanted a holiday lip kit so I decided on the Becca X Chrissy Teigen, Lip Icing Glow Gloss Kit I don’t wear a ton of glosses so these little ones are perfect—they aren’t super small like a sample—but a nice purse size. And I really love the colors. Plus at $29 plus 20% off, I feel like it’s a pretty good deal.

As we know—I love stick products—so in the above video when Teni recommended NudeStix, Nudies Tinted Blur Stick ,I decided to also give those a try. I wasn’t sure on shade since I was ordering online so automatically one of these will be going back. I went with Light 2 and Light 3.

Finally, this one has been on my wish list for at least a year. I’ve had samples of the Omorovicza products and have been crazy for all of them. Omorovicza Heroes pack  included three of my favorites, so I had to try them in their full size. This one is always sold out—it was when I tried to get it once before—but it comes back in, so sign up for an email alert.

Here’s me today with the Marc Jacobs lip gloss over UD Liar lip pencil, the concealer, serum and my new Pat McGrath palette (!) which sadly, I love because they are wicked pricey

One week in, I’ve tried many of the products. I love the Marc Jacobs products. I’m still on the fence on that concealer but I’m going to try it another week. And the primer is fine—definitely worth the discounted price—but I’m not sure it’s worth full price.

There is something in the Bite Beauty formula that does not agree with my lips. That lipstick felt like it burned my lips, for real. And I kinda remember having the same thing happen the last time I did their nighttime lip treatment. I’m not sure what it is, but it’s going back.

And I’ve only tried the serum a few days. So far, I don’t really notice anything. But I’m willing to give it a fair shake.

The Chrissy Teigen lip glosses are as delightful as her IG feed so they are staying.

I haven’t tried the mask, NudeStix or Omorovicza products but I’ll keep you posted.

I also had the great, great fortune of being the new owner of a Pat McGrath Labs, MTHRSHP Subliminal Dark Star Eyeshadow Palette.Thank you, Anjee!!! I love it! Today I wore Interstellar and I’m completely in love!

Speaking of Anjee—I asked on the socials what everyone else is getting to add it to the blog—and Anjee spoke super highly of all the Pat McGrath Labs shadows. One palette in and I may also be hooked!

Anna said she’s grabbing both of the Fenty lip glosses. We all know Gloss Bomb is my holy grail! I’m so excited to hear how the new one looks. She’s also picking up the IT Cosmetics Illumination CC Cream—I know my friend, Norma is the leader of the fan club and also a member!—so it does come highly recommended by her. It was a little too shiny for me and slightly too high of coverage, but the formula is really nice.

And Rachel got the Naked Cherry palette and gave it super high marks! She said it’s heavily pigmented and rally different from the Naked 3, which was my main concern. I’ll definitely be giving it a look.

So there you have it—the obsession continue!

Did you grab anything? Looking at anything for the second weekend? Hit me up below!

Per usual—my addiction, my money. 

Otto Titsling’s newest creations reviewed including ThirdLove

Posted on by Lyn
1

It’s been two years (TWO YEARS!!) since I chatted about my favorite bras. Not too much has changed regarding my favorite style—bralettes—or my boob size: small (although I have confirmed my “A” size—more on that below.)

What has changed is the number of online shops featuring specialty undergarment lines since that first post published including our girl, RiRi’s launch: Savage x Fenty, which just rocked New York Fashion Week with a runway filled with all the shapes, sizes and styles you can imagine.

In my limited experience, new outfitters are AGGRESSIVE. I swear I get a postcard mailer weekly from ThirdLove boasting their best fitting bras. And if you should decide to check out their website—be aware—their ads will follow you everywhere. And I’m having a similar issue with AdoreMe which I haven’t purchased from and am reminded by them of that every day.

And some retailers are adding undergarments their collections. One of my favorite online clothing sites, the reformation.com, famous for its sustainable, reclaimed textiles just launched a line of lingerie that quickly sold out, but has since been restocked.

I figured it had been a while since I had picked up anything new—and with a post request from a friend on ThirdLove—now was the time to see what’s good in the world of Mr. Otto Titsling’s newest creations. Let’s recap!

Savage x Fenty

I am an unabashed Rihanna stan. Period. But I try to be honest about reviewing her products—it just so happens I’ve also really loved them—so it hasn’t been hard to continue stumping for her.

The makeup line is wonderful. I just got a deluxe sample of her Pro-filter Primer and just ordered two of her three new Stunna lip paints to check out.

Could her lingerie line live up to the level set by Fenty Beauty? What do you think?

Yes—of course—it’s wonderful, too!

There are so many styles and fabrics and it’s incredibly inclusive. I wouldn’t imagine you could go to the site and NOT find something you’d like to order regardless of your size. Honestly, going to the site is worth it just to see the gorgeous models she used and all the personality and beauty it celebrates.

one of the sets i purchased. photo courtesy of savagex.com

I ordered three sets during a recent sale. It was 2/$39 bralettes, 3/$24 undies and 25% off online. Overall–I got three full sets for $80–which is just over $26/set which is incredibly cheap.

The fit—especially the bras—is exceptional. I also really, really love the fabric. It feels substantial without being thick or heavy. It’s very smoothing although it’s not designed like Spanx or that kind of product. It just lays without lines or bunching.

There is a small detail along the edge of the underwear that I was able to snag with my fingernail, which was a little disappointing.

the little black detail on this set is what i managed to snag. oh well. photo courtesy of savagex.com

But I liked the fit of the underwear so much I bought five more through their recent 5/$35 sale.

There is one negative. Savage Fenty offers a $49 subscription service/membership. I did this with my first order to get a shipping discount. But I will be canceling it. I don’t see myself needing to buy anything else in the near future that would offset the cost of the annual fee. But in case you were wondering, this is what’s included in the membership according to the website:

  • Enjoy membership-only pricing, 20-25% off every style.
  • Free Shipping – Both ways on us.
  • The Drop – Early access to our latest drops, before they sell out.
  • Xclusive Access – Members only access styles hand-picked by Rihanna!
  • $30 Reward – You will automatically receive $30 off your first purchase of $35 or more after your free trial ends.

So unless you buy a lot of lingerie, I don’t see this as a necessity. And they also seem to have lots of sales going if you aren’t in a rush to get something and can wait for a deal.

 

The Reformation

I have a lot of thoughts about this line but I’ll stick to the lingerie.

Of the three purchases I made, these are my absolute favorite. They are so simple but fit perfectly and are super comfortable.

Some of the looks are very basic–but I find them to be quite pretty in their simplicity.

a basic black set i selected, photo courtesy of thereformation.com

I am always reaching for just a basic bra to wear, especially under t-shirts. This style is exactly what I want and I’ve been wearing it constantly.

this one is gorgeous–and i look exactly like this when i wear it. 😉 photo courtesy of thereformation.com

The lace options definitely have more pizzazz and I really liked this green color, so I grabbed this set, too.

Lace is tricky, especially to take care of and I’m really bad at not just throwing everything in the wash, but so far they have held up nicely.

They also lay flat so there aren’t lumps or ridges showing through when I wear them, which is nice.

I feel the prices are fairly standard for a higher end option, especially ones that fall into the sustainability subcategory. Bras run from $35-45 and the underwear is $12-$18.

Overall, I would definitely purchase from here again.

ThirdLove.com

I had been asked to do a review on this brand a while ago and kept forgetting. But then I got a postcard in the mail and thought it was time.

Their whole concept is to find the best fitting bra possible. Regardless of your size, even if you’re are a half-size, they believe they have a bra for you.

But honestly–this isn’t really my problem.

I generally buy a 36/B when purchasing my specific  band/cup size. If I’m buying by general sizes, I’m usually a medium or large depending on the band more than the cup.

Since I usually wear bralettes, the fabric conforms more to my chest than I have to fill up the cup, if that makes sense.

It gives me more flexibility in selecting bras to wear.

When you start with the ThirdLove process, you take a quiz. It asks you about the fit of your current bras and what you generally wear.

Then it asks you your breast shape. Honestly–I had never thought about this! It seems pretty naive, but I didn’t even think about boobs coming in different settings, just sizes.

I was really surprised by this concept, but based on the descriptions, I figured I was teardrop since I can lay my hand flat at the top of my chest and my boobs come out under my hand. (very scientific, i know.)

It recommended a 38/A for me in the T-shirt style–a larger band and a smaller cup. And this was what I ordered.

this is the bra it selected for me and i purchased, photo courtesy of thirdlove.com

They say you should wear your bra on the loosest setting, so the 38 does kinda make sense–although I’m not sure I notice a difference in how it feels with this change.

And in this particular style, the A was a good choice. It definitely doesn’t gap or feel loose.

My issue with the bra is that the fit is fine. I don’t generally wear an underwire and the fabric is slightly padded.

It’s just more bra than I’m used to–and at $68 for one bra–it’s a lot. I got three sets through savagex.com for $12 more.

But I also understand that my bra size makes it easier for me to find a bra that fits.

So I checked in with my friend, Shelly who definitely has a different bra issue than me.

She ordered through ThirdLove.com and her size was a 34/G. So while I have a larger band size, my cup size is small. She has the opposite issue. (i actually didn’t know there was a thing called a G.)

She kept her first bra through them–although it isn’t the miracle bra she was hoping for–and looked to try other styles.

Remember–the quiz helps you find the best style for your fit.

After the first bra recommendation, Shelly had a tougher time finding a second option that worked.

One thing we agree on with ThirdLove–they have amazing customer service.

You get a bunch of updates letting you know where your order stands and then they text you to see how it fits.

Even if they use bots–the texting experience was great and felt real!

Shelly ended up receiving and returning three different bras and none worked out. ThirdLove was in contact with her throughout the process and recommended they just give her a refund.

That’s some pretty impressive customer service.

Shelly  shared that as a 34 or 36 DDD, which is usually what she wears “it’s hard to find bras and definitely hard to find fun bras.”

For her size, she said “that’s why I love Adore Me – totally fun bras in my size! And prices are good. It’s amazing! Victoria Secret has a decent selection for bigger boobs, too but they are pricey.” 

I didn’t end up ordering anything from AdoreMe because at this point, I had already spent too much on undergarments!

But if a larger cup size is your issue, it sounds like AdoreMe is worth checking out.

I should’ve returned the ThirdLove bra because of it’s cost, but I kept it because of the customer service and laziness. And I’m really keen on both the Savage x Fenty and thereformation.com options.

Hopefully, this gives you some ideas on what’s new in the world of Otto Titsling and the current state of my underwear drawer (in major need of a declutter!)

What bras are working for you? Have you used any of these online sites? Thoughts? Any interest in hearing about my favorite online retailers for a future post?

Let me know in the comments below!

I’m on a spending freeze right now because I bought all these things with my own money. Even on sale–it was too much!

 

 

You are heard.

Posted on by Lyn
4

Last weekend, I had the honor of standing up in my cousin’s wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and it was so good to see so many family members and have it not be associated with a funeral–which seems to be our go-to reunion occasion of late. And Cousin Heather was beautiful and so happy. It was a day filled with joy and a feeling of peace.

photo courtesy of Tymber Wenninger

But it also served as a day of reflection for me.

Cousin Heather was my first friend and like a sister to me. As I’m the oldest of three girls, she was the one I modeled myself after.

And it wasn’t a stretch to think of us as sisters. We do look similar and people often confused us as sisters–when I was younger–and even at the wedding.

It was no less thrilling today as it was over thirty years ago.

I wanted to be her. I wanted to be as beautiful as her, as talented as her, as funny as her, as smart as her. My life was playing catch up to a someone who couldn’t have been a better standard bearer. She’s kind, thoughtful and curious. And she never seemed to mind having to spend time with me, even when I was small. And I had to be annoying. Grown-up Lyn can be a lot. I can’t imagine what it was like to deal with me as a kid.

So as far as role models go, I had one of the best.

During the reception, I had a lovely conversation with her youngest daughter. We talked about how gifted her mom is as an artist. She said she wished she had skills like her. I said I did, too.

I remember coloring with her at her kitchen table–and even though she’s a few years older than me–her drawing was the difference of comparing a child with a master. It was discouraging. But she told me I didn’t have to draw to be an artist. She said I would find my own thing.

She was right. And I shared the same advice to her daughter.

One Saturday morning at our Aunt Mary’s house–the usual Saturday hangout growing up–I told her that I wished I had freckles like her. She explained how she put pickle juice on her face to try and get rid of them. To bleach them out.

It was the first time I was ever aware that something I found magical about someone’s appearance could be the thing they disliked most. It was just as confusing then as it is now.

She also gave me the greatest birthday gift I ever received. A 45 of Rick Springfield’s Affair of the Heart and two Star Wars figures: Princess Leia and Yoda. She said I could add the record to my growing collection, and now I would have toys I could bring with me so I could be included when the boy cousins were doing their movie recreations on Saturday mornings. It was perfect.

Through my late elementary school and early middle school years, she helped me navigate tough times. I’m not sure she even knows how much her words mattered to me then and how I’ve held on to them still as a guide to seek safety and strive for success. But I do.

We haven’t reminisced about those times. She maybe doesn’t even remember. Standing in the sun on Saturday, I was reminded that it’s often in moments that are fleeting for you, when you are making an impact on someone else. Without trying. Without noticing. Without effort. Just by being you and being present and connecting.

She and I lost touch for a number of years. I was going through high school and college, while she was married and had her children.

We reconnected as adults. Peers. No longer a young kid idolizing her older cousin. She could lean on me during her tough times, just as I had–and would–lean on her.

We share ideas and talk about the world and encourage each other’s projects. It’s a relationship that means a lot to me. And standing behind her at her wedding helped me understand that it also means a lot to her.

Today is a difficult day for many women. It’s a reminder of memories hidden away. It’s a trigger for emotions we have spent our lives silencing. And it’s confirmation that things are still not equal for us. We are not inherently given spaces of safety and success, we have to seek them out and create them for ourselves.

Some will find comfort sharing their stories. Some will need quiet. All will need acknowledgement that we are not alone.

I’m choosing to use today to think about the women–whether through grand gestures or small moments–that have made an impact on my life.  There are many.

My Cousin Heather is one of those women. And you are, too. Just by taking your time to read these musings makes me feel heard.

And sometimes that’s all you need. A moment. You give me that.

Know that today I hear you, I see you, and I acknowledge you. Do the same for other women in your life. Especially today.

Cousin Heather and me

 

Songs I think you should know from 2000-2009: indie rock and dance edition

Posted on by Lyn
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I am fortunate to be the “aunt” to many of my friends’ kids. It’s a gift in my life and it’s so wonderful to be a witness to all their different life stages.

I totally love getting on the floor and playing dolls or LEGOS or whatever their thing is at the time.

I love catching their sporting events and piano recitals.

And I really love to find out what they are listening to–what artists are speaking to them, what songs are on repeat, what music from their parents resonates with them–and checking it out myself.

There are lots of current favorites I first heard about through these conversations–Billie Eilish, Smino, Khalid–but I’m always happy to find we have a lot of the same current artists loading up our playlists. I have always been a pop music junkie, and Spotify and other streaming services makes finding the top tracks pretty simple.

On the flip side, it’s a lot harder today to plug into music from other generations. A family doesn’t have to hear each other’s music if they don’t want to–even radiating out of closed bedroom doors–as listening through headphones seems to be most teenagers’ go-to for their music experiences.

I had to know my parents music and they had to know mine. But that’s not so true anymore.

However–based on conversations with my friends’ teenage kids–they are still as musically curious and adventurous as most teenagers have been in the past. It’s just overwhelming with so much music in front of them and very little introduction from trusted sources to know what’s worth a listen.

In these talks, I’m taken by songs I think everyone knows that are unfamiliar. Or styles that seem to be fading in relevance like guitar rock or experimental pop.

So I decided to put together a playlist of the songs that really opened up the world of indie rock and dance music for me during the time I was discovering this music, too to share with one of my friend’s kids.

A little backstory on why this era of music is so important to me:

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