Favorite Things 2024
Sometimes you need recommendations and reviews from a regular person. I love the influencers that I follow, but I don’t actually know them (even though sometimes it feels like I do). But I have been burned by some purchases that either didn’t work as advertised or didn’t even show up in my mailbox. I just want to stuff to show up and be exactly what I need it to be—is that too much to ask?
(Disclaimer: I receive commissions for purchases made through links for Amazon)
Without further ado, below are my favorite things from this year that I’ve tested, tried, and loved! No tricks. Happy shopping!
#1 - e.l.f. Mascara + Lash Serum
I shared this at the bottom of my last blog, but I’m not done talking about it. It’s a serum AND an everyday mascara with the serum infused. I’ve been using the serum semi-consistently for almost 2 months, and I can tell a difference in the length of my lashes. Not to mention, it’s a fraction of the cost of the serums I was getting served on social media with zero scary side effects.
#2 - Orolay Women’s Winter Coat
I’ve shared this coat with so many friends—it’s amazing and worth the investment. I’ve had my coat for 4 years now! It’s so warm, not bulky, and machine washable. Amazon runs sales on it around this time of year—don’t miss out! It’s currently $88 instead of $150. RUN to get this coat.
#3 - DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer
I used to use Glow Screen (no shade), but I found this brand was cheaper, had more product and more SPF. It’s also got hyaluronic acid and niacinamide so I didn’t have to purchase those serums separately anymore. Win, win, win!
#4 - Hatch Restore 1 Sunrise Alarm
This is the model I have and have used for 4 years. It’s only $100 and works just as well as the newer models. I wanted one so that I could stop using my phone alarm to wake up. Waking up more naturally and keeping my phone away from my bed GREATLY reduces my anxiety in the AMs. It also has a sound machine built-in!
#5 - dae Dry Shampoo
I was a Batiste girl through and through—again, no shade. But I wanted something non-aerosol with natural ingredients to put on my scalp. Now, it takes more product to soak up the oil than traditional dry shampoos, but I use it 2 days a week and have had the same bottle since March. This bottle will last me well over a year! Batiste would only last me a month or two.
#6 - OWYN Cookies & Creamless Shakes
If you are trying to get your protein (1g per lb of body weight), IT’S HARD. I have to have at least one protein shake a day to do that, and I’m picky about what that shake tastes like. I’m not going to force feed myself. This flavor and format is so delicious! Plus it has one serving of greens, no whey or allergens, vegan and gluten free. I’m warning you not to try other flavors or types if you want to keep it smooth, not chalky or too thick—trust me.
#7 - Amallow Whipped Tallow Cream
A friend put me onto this as a moisturizer. Now, most of you know I’m an oil cleanser girly (seabuckthorn oil), and I still am. But in the winter months I need a little more—enter beef tallow. It’s all natural and mimics our skins barrier. It’s got all the vitamins and it’s clean for sensitive skin. Sometimes I just use it as an under eye cream. A little goes a long way—this jar will last me another year.
#8 - Favorite Books From 2024
If you’ve been thinking about reading any of these, consider this your sign to actually do it. The last one is a great gift for baby showers or kid’s birthdays.
#9 - Women’s Oversized Crop T-Shirt
I have this in black and in white—it’s the perfect length crop that doesn’t show your stomach. It’s advertised for workouts, but I wear mine as everyday casual clothes. There’s like 20+ color options, the quality is so good and the sleeve detail makes it seem nicer than it is. I bought size Large because I wanted a lot of room, but a Medium would’ve been plenty big. Right now they are $10 instead of $20!
#10 - Nespresso Creatista x Breville Espresso Machine
This is for the select few of you looking to upgrade your coffee machine or really bless a family member with an espresso machine—it’s a major splurge. However, this particular one is very slim on our studio apartment counters and easy to use. It requires Nespresso pods instead of grinding and packing your own beans. You can steam milk for lattes, do shots of espresso for americanos, or just run a pod straight through. We are BIG fans, and it keeps us from buying $7 lattes.
Drop me any questions about sizes, how-to’s, etc. I am just a normal girl who wants to share reliable products. Thanks in advance for your support!