January Essentials. Popsugar MustHaveBox, Books on Writing, Candles and Blankets

This January has been a very busy month for me. Right after Ben and I returned from Scandinavia, we moved into a new apartment in Manhattan, and I was immersed into the world of decorating, cooking and hosting cozy house parties. I also returned to writing my novel again, so you can imagine that my plate was full the whole time!

During this busy beginning of the year I have discovered a few items and books that I would love to share with you, so catch my January Essentials below!

1. Popsugar Must Have Box

POPSUGAR Must Have is a monthly subscription box for women. Every month they send you a mix of curated surprise beauty, food, fashion and home items. Opening a Must Have Box always feels like Christmas because you never know what you are going to get!

The value of every box is over $100, but you pay only $39.95 per month. If you subscribe for the Popsugar Box now, use the code SHOP5 for $5 off!

The January Box was great, and had lots of items that were perfect for our new apartment.

I especially loved the delicious coconut scented @glade candle, @maydesigns calendar, hair wrap towel and this $85 worth face peel from @goldfadenmd!

2. Books on Writing

Here are the books on writing, I read in the last two months. I strongly recommend On Writing by Stephen King and this Stant Litore book.

3. Adding Some Romance

Candles are the easiest and cheapest way to add some romantic vibes into your home!

4. Cuddle Masters

I absolutely adore cozy blankets and throws. I feel like cuddling with my husband under a warm, pretty throw, while watching favorite TV shows, is the most wonderful thing about cold weather!

5. PJs for Everyone!

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August Essentials. POPSUGAR Must Have Box review, coconut love, best concealer and more!

This August I discovered a few new items in the POPSUGAR Must Have Box that are perfect for a summer getaway. I found the best concealer I have ever used, developed a strong obsession with coconuts, and much more. 

Here Are my Top Favourite products of the month:

1. POPSUGAR Must Have Box.

POPSUGAR Must Have is a monthly subscription box for women. Every month they send you a mix of curated surprise beauty, food, fashion and home items. Opening a Must Have Box is always a fun and exciting moment as you never know what you are going to get.

The value of every box is over $100, but you pay only $39.95 per month. 

COUPON: Code SHOP5 will save $5 off your first box.

In my July Box, I particularly loved the Sunnylife Inflatable Swan Drink Holder, Emoji Napkins by House of Pom made exclusively for POPSUGAR MHB and a luxurious Sachajuan Hair in the Sun protector.

I have already started packing for my trip to Hawaii, and the Sachajuan hair product is coming with me! :) It protects hair from UV rays, and it won't be easily washed out by water in the pool or ocean. I definitely need more protection for my hair, especially after I switch to the blonde side few weeks ago.

2. Julien Farel Haircare.

Speaking about protecting my hair! Recently I discovered a new luxury brand, Julien Farel, and was excited to try their products. I have picked De-Frizz Restore that hydrates, nourishes and protects hair and a Smooth Creme that also "feeds" your hair with vitamin E and gives it a healthy and polished look. So far I am very satisfied with the results. Both of these products are specifically designed to prevent hair from ageing and keeping it strong and youthful looking. I have used both products only a few times, but my hair is already much softer and shinier.

3. "Put your hair in the coconut and wrap it all up..."

Everyone knows how good coconut oil is for your skin and hair, but lately I went a little bit coco-nutty. I got this raw coconut oil on Amazon and use it to repair my split ends, as a face and body moisturiser and as a tanning oil as well. Make sure you don't apply too much oil on your hair. The first few times I didn't apply the correct amount, and my hair looked greasy. 

Bare in mind that raw coconut oil is solid, but it can be easily melted in your hands or with the heat from your blow dryer. And please check the jar of your coconut oil! It has to be 100% raw and natural without any additional ingredients.

Moreover, I have been paying many visits to NYC's Vegan Mecca, by CHLOE (185 Bleecker St) just to get a delicious fresh coconut which they open right in front of you. Coconut water is my favourite drink this summer, and I am looking forward to having plenty of it in Hawaii. 

4. Striped tees and dresses.

The end of summer and the beginning of fall is a great time for sailing and going to the beach. The weather is starting to cool down, and nothing looks more appropriate for a romantic sunset next to an ocean than a striped tee or a striped shirt worn over your swimsuit. I have already invested in few striped pieces because it is such a classic seaside-fashion trend.

5. Best Concealer EVER.

I have received a Kat Von D Lock It Concealer Crème as a deluxe sample gift from Sephora (I applied a coupon code. Contact me on Facebook if you need Sephora codes!) and to be honest, I did not expect much. However, after the first try, I knew I finally found the best concealer for myself. Lock It is very creamy and a little bit on a heavy side, however even a tiny drop of this product covers my dark circles completely. I am definitely going to buy a full sized Kat Von D concealer after I am done with the gifted one.

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JULY ESSENTIALS. MY TOP FAVOURITE MAKEUP AND FASHION ITEMS

The abundance of products in the beauty and fashion market is incredible. It is often hard to keep up with all the new trends, sales, promotions and innovations. Therefore, I decided to share my monthly favourites with you. Let's start with makeup products!

1. Get That Summer Glow!

I have been hunting for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit for quite a few weeks now. Sephora was either out of stock or did not have the palette I wanted (I was waiting for the "Sun Dipped" colours). I have just started using it, and I LOVE all 4 colours in the kit. Highlighting has never been more pleasant and easy!

Alternatively, I have Becca shimmer in the Golden Bronze Pearl colour that I like using when I am more tan. I apply all of these highlighters with my new brush that apparently came out only recently - Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #23.

2. Perfect Skin

I try not to use a lot of makeup in the summer, however I want my skin to look perfect when my husband and I go out for a dinner or an event.

First of all, I apply my secret beauty weapon - Pores No More primer by Dr.Brandt that lasts forever (I have been using my 1 oz one pretty generously for almost a year already!). It does mattify my skin and makes pores invisible. But what makes a great difference is a well matched foundation. I have found my new favourite just last week: Estēe Lauder Double Wear Makeup in Shell Beige. Bare in mind that it is a bit heavy, but girls with oily or combination skin will never want to use anything else! So far I am extremely pleased with it.

I am also very fond of Belif gel-cream that I prefer to apply in the evenings.

3. Steve Madden Heels

I love shopping at Steve Madden because their shoes are so gorgeous AND super affordable. I have included it in my July favourites as they are currently running amazing sales and I had to share this information with you. I am actually about to buy a pair of these turquoise heels myself :) 

4. Off-the-Shoulder Swimsuits

It is, hands down, the hottest swimwear trend of this summer! I cannot wait to get one of these for our beach vacation :)

5. NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

Do I have to even explain? The Nordstrom July Sale is one of the most anticipated events in every shopaholic's calendar. Grab a designer bag or a beautiful dress at greatly discounted prices.