Currently…

kj_320May 29, 2020

Taking inspiration from some of my favorite bloggers, I wanted to do a series of posts that focus on one central theme. In this case, it’d focus on things that are “Currently…”

Technically speaking, I’ve actually had this post semi-drafted for weeks, but I never felt like I had completed what I set out to do in writing the post in the first place – until now. For the first ever, “Currently…” I wanted to highlight a few things that I’ve been using on repeat lately, somethings I’ve bought, and even things hanging out in my shopping basket(s) at various retailers websites.

So to kick it off, let’s talk about what’s currently:

In My Shower

Dae Shampoo & Conditioner – these were a Sephora sale purchase, and honestly I couldn’t be happier with the purchase. You’ll slowly learn (if you haven’t figured it out already) that I will do and spend whatever necessary to make sure my hair is happy and healthy. When I was researching the Dae brand I learned that it was created by a blogger that I was familiar with. Knowing that I looked to her for advice before, I took a leap and immediately purchased both the shampoo and conditioner. Now that I know how much I love the product, I will be adding the Deep Conditioning Treatment at some point.
KÉRASTASE Blond Absolu Purple Shampoo & Strengthening Conditioner Value Set – another Sephora sale steal (by steal I mean, literally it was a steal!). I love buying value sets like this when I want to try a new product. I have been coloring my hair for 15 years and I’ve probably been every color under the sun at one point in my life. When i decided to move back from Orlando, I had dark hair again. It definitely didn’t last long. Once I was officially back, I went back to our family hairdressers and got my highlights done. In the two and a half years I’ve been back, I’ve finally gotten my perfect color and I will do whatever it takes to maintain it! That’s where purple shampoo comes in. I’ve tried a bunch of different kinds, but this came out right when the sale was happening and I jumped on the opportunity. I’m so very glad I did. It is the BEST I’ve used to date. You’ll see, again, how many shampoos/conditioners/masks I alternate in between washes. All for different things, but each with it’s own purpose.
Ouai “Thick” Shampoo & Conditioner – these I’ve spoken about numerous times before. I did a few Trial and Error posts (here and here) where I talked about what I thought of the products. Honestly, I liked them – I didn’t love them. Why? Mostly because I didn’t feel like my hair had bounce after I was done washing it, HOWEVER (and this is a big fat BUT) I liked the product so I kept it and I use it at least once every other week in between washes. Specifically because I have thick hair and there isn’t another shampoo catered to that specific trait.
DRYBAR – Blonde Ale Color-Enhancing Brightening Hair Mask – I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but that Sephora sale really was amazing. I bought this mask, and the Vibrance-Boosting Brightening Powder, as well. Until these two products, I hadn’t seen a hair mask catered to blonde (or color treated) hair. I’m sure if you follow me (whether it be here, on Instagram, or even Pinterest), then you know I love DryBar. It can be their salons, products, or tools – doesn’t matter, I am a huge fan. I can tell you with 100% certainty, like the mask more than the powder. I didn’t see a huge change between the mask and the powder on my hair, and the mask is just so much easier to use and have handy in the shower.
DRYBAR Liquid Glass and On the Rocks Shampoo – I have the 8.5 oz Liquid Glass Shampoo & Conditioner, as well as the On the Rocks Charcoal shampoo in a 33.8 oz size. Next to the Dae, I would say that the Liquid Glass is my second favor “daily” shampoo/conditioner. The On the Rocks is a clarifying shampoo (the first that I’ve tried which doesn’t strip my hair or color) so I use it in between washes similar to the purple shampoo. If I had to pick any shampoo or conditioner from Drybar, it would absolutely use these two. I absolutely won’t stop bragging about how much I love them because they really are my favorite in their line.
Billie Razor – If you follow at least one influencer on social media, then you’ve heard about the Billie razor. I can 1000% tell you I was totally influenced by someone when I first ordered it, but since then I have ordered two more. One for travel, one for the gym bag, and the one in my shower. I absolutely love, love, love this razor. I don’t think I’ve actually ever cut myself shaving since I’ve started using it. For $9, you can get the refills monthly, every other month, or seasonally. I have actually upped it to monthly so I could have spares for said gym bag and/or travel bag. I have the baby yellow and the pink/purple one.
Kylie Skin Cleanser – you will quickly notice I am a fan of Kylie Skin products. I may not necessarily love the Kardashian/Jenner’s, but I will not dismiss them when a product is actually worth the money and time. Kylie Skincare line is that for me. I don’t love her lip kits, but I do have a few of her glosses that I like as well. However, her Skincare line is a favorite of mine.
Kylie Skin Coconut Body Scrub – I love this scrub, and I love the body lotion as well (that is definitely not in my shower, but rather next to my bed!)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser – this is actually a relatively recent purchase, but so far I am a fan. I needed an exfoliating cleaner to join the Kylie Skin one in my shower.
Moon Activated Charcoal Fluoride-Free Whitening Lunar Peppermint Toothpaste – I have this one in my shower, and the Anticavity on my sink. I really love these, and that’s a first for me. Finding the right toothpaste has always been such a drama for me.

In my Vanity

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY – Youthquake Hydra-full Retexturizing Gel Crème Moisturizer – I actually started with this in the travel size and loved it so much that I bought the JUMBO size. A few weeks later, Marc Jacobs Beauty had a sale on their site and I bought the regular size as well for when I finish my jumbo sized moisturizer. I can’t tell you enough good things about this moisturizer. It’s one of the two I use.
Kylie Skin Moisturizer – this would be the second moisturizer I use. This one is most definitely more on the go, in my gym bag, after I shower before I hang out around the house, etc. I have these tubes in what feels like every corner of my room. In my vanity, in my gym bag, and in my underwear drawer. I actually even think I left a tube at my desk at work!
SUMMER FRIDAYS – Super Amino Gel Cleanser – this is the cleanser I use every morning when I wake up, and before I go to bed if I’m not lazy and resort to a wipe. I bought this right as the world was shutting down due to COVID, then during the Sephora sale I bought another for when I’m done with it. I am a huge fan of this relatively new brand, they just turned two this year, and I have the CC serum and one of the masks as well.
SUMMER FRIDAYS CC Me Vitamin C Serum – self-explanatory. I actually bought this when my Kylie Skin finished and since then I haven’t gone back. I love it, not to knock Kylie’s hers was good too…but this one is a definitely favorite.
SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask – of their masks, this is the OG and the only one I use religiously. The other two masks are on my list to try when I get the chance.
Gucci, KKW, and Ilia Mascaras – there is a mascara round-up post coming, but until then these are the three mascaras I’ve been using daily. Even in quarantine I’ll wear my mascara as a pick me up, especially on the weekends when I know I’ll run out for food or a quick errand. I can’t even tell you enough good things about the mascaras. The KKW definitely wins as the value mascara, then goes the Ilia, and the Gucci. I love to put them on together. Starting with the Ilia, then the Gucci and then the KKW to finish or Ilia, then KKW, and finish with the Gucci. I even bought mascara wands on Amazon (Target also sells) for when I’m done with the second coat, I can separate the lashes that got stuck together and then add the final coat/mascara.
Bioderma – Sensibio H2O – Biodegradables Wipes – Cleansing and Make-Up Removing – Skin Soothing – for Sensitive Skin – these were a recent purchase that I absolutely loved. I ordered more this morning. I keep a pack next to my bed, and one in the vanity for when I’m about to wash off my makeup and I want to make sure the mascara doesn’t stain my makeup towel. They’re so good and the best thing is that they’re for sensitive skin, which makes it all that better.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – purchased during the Sephora sale, but also sold at Ulta (Sephora is always sold out!), these two products were the least expensive and have been the most fun. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this brand, and I finally got my hands on some of the products during the Sephora sale. I recommend signing up for the notifications if you see that it’s sold out, when they come back in stock you can snag it faster with the heads up from Sephora!
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 – I have always heard great things about this, so I decided to give it a shot and I fell in love. I have very sensitive skin and breakout easily when I put sunscreen on, but that hasn’t happened with this.
ISLE OF PARADISE Self Tanning Drop – since we’re on the subject of sun, I ordered these drops after watching numerous people reference them on Instagram. Little did I know they’d actually work. I fell in love. But since I’m usually very, very fair skin I ordered the light shade. With two drops, it’s plenty of color. I don’t need any more than that!
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream – another Instagram recommendation, and one I’m glad I took advantage of! I bought the light/medium and the medium shade and I mix them together. This reminds me of the Lancôme UV Expert Mineral CC Cream SPF that I tried a while back. Although I love the Lancôme one, this one is much more budget friendly.
Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant – I had been looking for a new deodorant when I was walking in Target and saw this on the shelf. I bought it in the Rosy and the Sunny Pits scents. The Rosy one is my absolute favorite, and the Sunny Pits has become the backup. Highly recommend.
Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream with Sweet Almond Oil – when the nationwide lock down started, I hadn’t waxed my mustache in like two months. My eyebrows didn’t concern me, I’d pluck here and there but normally I don’t do those as often…but my ‘stache? I started to freak out. I googled ways to remove the facial hair, and this was one of the options. Also bleach, but I didn’t end up using it because this cream was all I needed. Five minutes and boom it was gone. It’s so good my aunt tried to steal it from me!

Using

I am currently using a variety of hot tools and brushes and products that go outside the typical beauty realm. Here are a few:

Dyson Airwrap™ Styler – Although I still have not figured out how to use the curling barrels, I have mastered the smoothing/straightening brush and the round brush. I actually love the the round brush on this, specifically, for the front part of my hair.
DRYBAR Double Shot Blow Dryer Brush – I didn’t love the Revlon, it seriously fried my hair, so I jumped on this when Drybar released it. I use this bad boy like crazy. I will be 100% honest, if you have this, you do not need the Airwrap. They essentially do the same thing, except one is with heat and one is with the Dyson technology that doesn’t use air (blah, blah, blah). Not to say I’ll be returning my AirWrap, because I won’t, but if you were on a budget I’d stick to the DRYBAR one.
Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (White/Silver) – I bought this last summer, and it’s been the best purchase ever. Even with the Drybar blower brush, I use this thing almost every single time I wash my hair. Typically, I rough dry with this and then proceed to either the AirWrap or the Double Shot blower brush (depending the look I’m going for).
DRYBAR THE TRESS PRESS STRAIGHTENING IRON 1.25 – I have both, the 1″ and the 1.25″, but the 1.25″ is the clear favorite. Why? Because I have long and thick hair. It works so much better for me.
DRYBAR Lemon Bar Brush – Paddle brushes have always been my favorite, but when Drybar brought this one out earlier this year I had to buy it. I like their regular paddle brush, but it was never the favorite. This one is. I’m not sure if it’s the shape, or what, but it works so much better on my hair (and knots!).
Kristin Ess French Pins – again, another post will be coming for my go to accessories but I couldn’t possibly do a post about things I’m currently using or trying or doing without adding this. These are my BEST FRIEND. Not even kidding, I use them like crazy. My sister even stole one and now uses it all the time. They’re a god send. I’m pretty sure they’re sold out every where, but if you find them GRAB THEM! Definitely worth the $10!
Olive & June – Everything Box – another quarantine purchase. I was never, ever, ever good at doing my own nails and I’m not going to sit here and tell you I’m good (yet), but this has made a significant difference! It brings the polish, the remover, clippers, nail file, top coat, the poppy (best thing ever), etc. It has taught me how to do my own nails good enough to get away with not going to the salon every week or two. I’m genuinely obsessed. The summer colors just came out, and are sold out, but I’m hoping to get a pre-order in for when they come back in stock. I actually think I like this for a friend that has a birthday coming up (hmmm I have to get on that).

On TV

100 Dias – I’ve mentioned before that I work for NBCUniversal/Telemundo and we had a show coming out this Spring. Well it is out, and it is SO good! Honestly, not being biased or anything, it’s great. I have my mom and cousin watching it, I’m currently catching up on the episodes and I hope my friends watch too. It’s also going to be on Peacock when it goes live in July (if you have Xfinity, you can already watch it!).
The Bold Type – I have to binge the last five episodes of the last season, before the new season kicks off in two weeks. I absolutely love this show, and I can’t wait to watch what happens next!
Criminal Minds – Season 15 – I am a huge Criminal Minds/Law & Order fan, and the final season has been something I’ve been putting off since it aired. I just watched the second to last episode of season 14 in preparation for the final season. I am so bummed that it’s ending, but I know exactly when it’s on air for reruns!

Reading

I did a post a few days ago about what I’m going to be reading, but I officially started the American Royals and I can tell you I’m hooked! I can’t wait to get back to reading. I’ll have to go to buy the second book, but I want to try and read something else in between. I really want to get back to the bookworm part of my life. Make sure to follow me on Goodreads 🙂

Waiting for

I am currently waiting for a few recent purchases.

Tie Dye t-shirt(s) – I bought some (one and two) tie dye tops on Amazon that I’ve been anxiously awaiting for a few weeks.
Birthday presents – My mom’s birthday is next Friday, my cousin’s on Tuesday, my aunt, older sister and dad next month. I bought my mom something on Etsy, my aunt a necklace that I got for myself (but for her initial). I’m still trying to think of what to get my sister, cousin, and dad.
Relief with Love Bracelets – I ordered a few bracelets, some I already got, some I’m still missing. The money was donated to healthcare workers in NY that are on the front line fighting COVID-19. It inspired me to buy my own bracelet making kit and my older sister and I are going to make some this weekend!
Bathroom Rug – I actually just received and returned the rug I ordered, so I am back on the hunt for the perfect “cute” rug to put in my bathroom. I originally had the winky face one from Urban Outfitters, but it has definitely been around the block so I need a new one. I bought a (plain) blush pink one at Target for in front of the shower, but I need a smaller one for the vanity area. I bought this one (and as I said I returned it today). As cute as it was, it was WAY too big for the space. Back to the drawing board it is.

Wanting

My Amazon cart seems to always been full of crap I want. Crap I honestly don’t need, but will most likely order anyway!

Reusable Cotton Rounds
Makeup Sponge Blender Set
2 Pack Apothecary Jars
Tie Dye Printed Short Lounge Pajamas Set
AmazonBasics Slim, Velvet, Non-Slip Clothes Suit Hanger

That’s just my current Amazon cart, I also have created Amazon Lists of things I want to eventually buy or I have bought already and would totally recommend again. I have a list for Fashion, Beauty, Home, Fun, Summer, Health, Reading, Tech Stuff, etc..

Additionally, I’ve been floating around the idea of ordering a third Helen Ficaolra charm but this one would be in gold (I have two in white gold). I keep going back and forth because what I really want to do is buy the same initial I have in white gold, but in yellow gold to wear with my diamond cross. I also want to get the white gold charm of Enzo’s birth stone.

The last thing currently on my want list is the Theragun G3 Pro. Especially with the massage places being closed because of COVID, I am in desperate need of this baby…but I can’t seem to get myself to take the plunge.