Wednesday Roundup

As you all know, when it comes to Wednesday Roundup, I am all over the place.  For this reason, I've decided to compartmentalize my thoughts into four sections: Work It, Watch It, Wear It and Want It. Check it out and enjoy. Happy Wednesday!

Work It

I'm notoriously cheap in the fitness department, and as a result, I'm usually found working out in my room to the tune of whatever YouTube workout I can find.  My most recent favorite is the "Standing Abs Exercises" video from FitnessBlender. It doesn't require crunches or fancy equipment, making it perfect for those of us just looking to tone up a little with minimal investment or pain.

Watch It

Call me crazy (or at least beauty-obsessed), but I love watching skincare routine videos on YouTube. Chances are, if you're into routines, you do too. The latest and greatest routine video I've found is Vivianna of Vivianna Does Makeup.  This is like pure product porn for all of my fellow skincare junkies.

Wear It 

Welcome to Thanksgiving week, where sweatpants are (almost) always acceptable attire, especially post-food coma.  Here's some adorable options by Aerie.  P.S. it's 40% off right now, so head on over to ae.com/aerie ASAP.

Want It

I'm a full on candle junkie and after reading Emily Weiss' review of Le Labo's Laurier 62, I'm more than a little bit tempted to head on over to their website and drop $70 on a candle.  Maybe one of these days...

So, what does you have to say about this week's Wednesday Roundup?

Makeup Crush Monday: Lulu Organics Hair Powder

Philosophical question: does the early bird still get the worm if the only reason she's up early enough to get the worm is because she procrastinated on getting the worm in the first place?  Just something to think about.

In case any of you are wondering why this bird is up so early, it's because I procrastinated on a Spanish paper (the proverbial worm in this scenario).  The procrastination is going to continue on for a minute as I tell you about my latest discovery, which is Lulu Organics Hair Powder in Lavender-Clary Sage.

Not only does this dry shampoo make procrastination easier since I won't have to wash my hair this a.m., but it also smells ah-mazing, very clean and somewhat herb-y. I was once (and kinda still am on some occasions) a steadfast baby powder fan, but I got tired of smelling like a baby when I didn't feel like washing my hair.  For this reason, I recently went out in search of something new and I stumbled upon the Lulu Organics hair powder.  It apparently has its own cult following, which I love!

Cult products usually achieve their "cult" status for a reason and I'm happy to say that the reason the Lavender-Clary Sage Hair Powder is a cult fave is because it keeps your locks smellin' good and grease free on "days of unwash," as they so eloquently put it.  I've been using my this hair powder quite a lot in these past couple of weeks and it really has done its job.  Not only can I sleep in for the extra 30 minutes I might typically use to shower on days like today, but I can also carry the conveniently small powder in my purse for touch ups on the go!

You can purchase the Lulu Organics Hair Powder online here.  They also have a few other scents, including Jasmine, Patchouli + Amber and Vetiver + Black Pepper, just in case Lavender-Clary Sage doesn't tickle your fancy.

Have you tried the Lulu Organics Hair Powder?  Do you have any other dry shampoo faves?

Weekend Ramblings: 4 Beauty Tools You Need

If you're into beauty like me, chances are your grooming routine is rather extensive.  It also undoubtedly involves some tools that leave your boyfriend, or even some of your friends, scratching their heads (looking at you, facial extractor).  Below you'll find a list of my favorite, not-so-confusing beauty tools that I fully believe are worth an investment.  Have a look-see!

1. Tweezerman Tweezers:  Any pair of tweezers is about the same when you're looking at the short game.  However, in the long run, Tweezerman tweezers are miles ahead.  Once you've dulled these bad boys up (and trust me, it will happen), you can send them in to Tweezerman and have them sharpened for free.  So pay $25 versus $10 only one time and have a great pair of tweezers for life.

Gen-yoo-wine snake skin

2. The beautyblender: Yes, paying $20 for a makeup sponge seems a little ridiculous, but to be quite honest, the materials of the cheap dupes I've encountered pale in comparison to the materials of the real deal beautyblender. Also, the beautyblender makes a colorless version, which I think is far safer than the popular dyed options (even those offered by beautyblender itself).  Most importantly, though, it makes your makeup look airbrushed and who doesn't love that?

 
3. Revlon Emeryl File:  I used to be the girl who changed her nail polish every three days, but due to a serious lack of time these days, my nails are typically bare. BUT, they're always shapely.  I have my beloved Revlon Emeryl File to thank for this.  One of the worst things ever is trying to file your nails with a frayed emery board.  With the Emeryl file, this never happens.  This durable metal file lasts for ages and will never fray.  Did I mention that it only costs $3?  You need this. 

4. The Clarisonic: I must say, I was on the fence about including this one.  Not only is it the most cliched beauty investment ever, but it's also not easily accessible to everyone, especially my readers on a college budget. I really do love my Clarisonic Mia, but dropping $100 or more isn't the only way to get a good face scrubbin'.  If the Clarisonic is in your budget, great.  Go get one.  However, if not, some decent alternatives are this pink silicon scrublet from Sephora or a soft baby washcloth.

 
As far as beauty tools go, these are all of my favorites. What tools do you all keep around? Anything investment-worthy?