Last week, I shared a few things I’m thankful for. Before I get to the rest, though, I want to take a moment to also share that next week's post will be the last for the year so I can gear up for 2016. Next year will bring several big changes which I'll get to January (I'm NOT knocked up!), but they will force me to change up the blog's format a bit. I'd like to stay in touch over the holidays and beyond, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, as well as Periscope for live makeup demos - my handle is @ElectraLane on all formats. On to the favorites!
Makeup is awesome, but you have to take it off at some point. Although I've tried many makeup-removing wipes, some Bioderma on a cotton pad thoroughly cleans my skin without any irritations or breakouts. And as much as I wish I washed my face and did a mask every night, on the nights when this is all I can squeak out, I don't wake up with wrecked skin.
2. Chocolate Cake
I have a deep, undying love for chocolate. So does my husband - he's the only person I know who loves chocolate as much as I do. I eat a little piece of dark chocolate most days but, if I could, I would have a piece of chocolate cake with chocolate filling and chocolate frosting every day. My favorite recipe is the Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Cake (unless you use something else for the filling, I highly recommend making a double batch of the frosting). Serve with a giant glass of whole milk.
3. Candles from The Little Market
If you around 30, you might be slightly obsessed with Lauren Conrad from Laguna Beach and The Hills. I've always felt like she and I could be friends...anyway, LC has an amazing company called The Little Market and its mission is "to empower women artisans to rise above poverty and support their families." These candles smell incredible, they don't give me a headache, and they last: I've burned the one pictured above every day this month for about four hours each time, and it's still going.
4. Becca Cosmetics x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfector
The thing that deters me from most illuminators is the fact you can see them, which defeats the purpose of creating a subtle, from-within glow. At least for my skin tone, this is the perfect highlight because it’s light and sheer – until the light hits my skin. It's also stunning on the shoulders and collar bone! You can see it in action HERE.
5. Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap
This is what I use for my monthly makeup brush bath – my favorite scent is almond - but it's also an incredible multi-purpose item for uses that range from washing your face to mopping your floors.
6. The Ivanka Trump Newsletter (sign up on the website)
This website, just over a year old, is unlike any other blog/website/etc. I've visited before - so much so that I've signed up to receive her weekly newsletter. It's filled with advice and tips in a modern, upbeat and concise manner, and I actually look forward to it each week. This week, Ivanka and her her team showed us what's in their work bags, aptly titled The Spill, so I was inspired to spill my own everyday bag in the upcoming Friday Flash (search Electra Lane Channel on YouTube, or follow THIS link on Friday).
7. Wayne Goss The Brow Set
Filling in your brows with an angle brush is like flying down a mountain filled with switchbacks in my 2010 Honda Civic. Filling in your browns with with these bad boys is like taking the same switchbacks in a Lamborghini.
8. NARS Sex Appeal Blush
Ever the wordsmith, NARS also knows how to make flawless blushes. Not one who likes to bring attention to my cheeks, I do love how much life a little flush brings to one’s face, so I’m glad to have finally found this.
9. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
The last thing you want is to wake up Christmas morning looking like Rudolph, so for that disgusting, cystic pimple that comes out of nowhere, I keep this on hand. This stuff isn’t a miracle, but it’s the best product I’ve found that destroys the zit without drying out the skin around it.
10. Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
…or any of UD’s setting sprays. Not only will this spray keep makeup in place throughout your New Year's Eve party, but it also gets rid of the heavy look of any powder sitting on the skin.
And, of course, I'm so thankful for you! Best wishes for a lovely Thanksgiving, and I'll see you Friday on YouTube.