The Cake by Hannah

A small town girl spreading kindness like buttercream frosting

My Favorite Recent Amazon Purchases

Hey gal pals! Today Carleigh is sharing her favorite Amazon purchases as of late, and I am not gonna lie… I have added quite a few to my own cart now. Shop with us and see what Careligh has found (that can save you a ton of money $$$)!

xoxo, Han

Beauty/Fashion

Tinkle Eyebrow Razors– If you’re not shaving your face, you should be! It gets all the peach fuzz and dead skin off and helps your makeup go on smoother. I use these for my whole face in addition to cleaning up my eyebrows.

Face Wash– I have sensitive skin and really enjoy this exfoliating face wash! I use it in rotation with my Tula face wash and I like the balance between the two.

Beauty Blender Dupes– You’ve probably seen these everywhere, and for good reason. I’ll never buy a real Beauty Blender again.

Vitamin C Serum– I’ve used this Vitamin C serum in the past and really liked it, plus it’s way cheaper than most others out there!

Gold Hoop Earrings– These are my everyday, go-to gold hoops! They’ve held up really well and haven’t tarnished at all.

Hair Clips– These hair clips are STRONG! I have long, thick hair and these are the first clips I’ve found that can keep my hair up. Plus, they’re super cute!

Leggings– You’ve probably seen these everywhere too, and also for good reason. SO worth the hype. They sell out fast because they’re so good so you may have to keep your eye on them to snag a pair, but it’s worth the wait. They’re high-waisted, so soft and comfy, and perfect for lounging or exercising. Fit TTS, I ordered my normal size and they’re snug but in a good way, I wouldn’t want them to fit any looser.

 

 

Home Items

Popcorn Maker– I found out about this from Dede Raad (@dressupbuttercup) and it’s changed my life. I love the taste of real popcorn kernels way more than the kind in the bag, and this pops them SO much easier than anything else I’ve ever used.

Amber Spray Bottles– The perfect glass spray bottles for my Thieves cleaner!

Wireless Phone Charger– I especially like this charger because of the stand, so I can still use my phone and even watch something on it while it’s charging!

Smart Plugs– You can control these outlets from your phone, and they sync up with Alexa! I like being able to turn a light on in my house when I’m not home and being able to turn a light on without stumbling through a dark room to get to it ha!

Folex Cleaner– Again you’ve probably seen this everywhere too, and it’s worth the hype. I’m ashamed to admit that I had a 5 year old stain in my car, but I’ll tell you because this stuff got it out. Seriously. I was shocked! It’s so so good and I don’t even worry when I spill something now because I know this stuff will get it out.

 

Easy Sun-Kissed Look

Hey girl, hey! First thing’s first… raise your hand if you have made it into a nail salon since last Friday’s re-openings….
*raises hand* I got my toes done last Saturday and am going again this Friday for a manicure, and I am just so dang ready. The real question is what do I do for my first manicure in 2.5 months?! 😉

Obviously, there are so many other things worth our time and attention right now. But, it’s also a small glimpse of hope and a simple joy that feels like life is going back to “normal” – even if it requires a face mask for the time being. I hope you’re finding little joys in this season of life and transition. I wanted to share with y’all my most up to date every day make-up and skincare! Quarantine has required intentionality of me to feel put together, and that’s meant many days of this very simple make-up look!

Make-Up Routine

  1. Clinique Even Better Foundation: This is for real the best foundation I have ever used. It’s light and dewy feeling, but the coverage is great. I feel like I found my BEST skin match to date with this as well.
  2. Two Faced Chocolate Gold Bronzer: I love this stuff! I use a big brush for this and just sweep across my cheek bones and up the side of my hair line. I also put it on the very tip of my nose for a button-nose look. I took this trick from Cara Loren and love it!
  3. Watts Up Cream to Powder Highlighter: I dab the tip of my nose and then line the top of my eye brows with this!
  4. Anastasia Eye Brow Definer: This has legit been a game changer for me in regards to feeling “put together.” There are many days I don’t even touch my mascara, but if this + the previous 3 things are done… I feel 100%!
  5. Mascara: I have used Big Ego for about 6 months and like it a lot! I also have used Tarteist, and I just ordered their new Sea Surfer Curl!
  6. Translucent Powder: I love this stuff. It sets my foundation and provides a good runway for bronzer without my skin feeling greasy or wet. It doesn’t, however, take away the dewy glow of my foundation. It’s so light and does its job well!

Morning Skin Care Routine

  1. Face Wash: I use good ole Neutrogena lately and have actually been extremely pleased. My “splurge” face washes are Drunk Elephant and Tula’s, though.
  2. Tula Eye Cream: I love this stuff! I use it every night no matter which evening skincare routine I follow, and I always use on my fine creases I have around my mouth and T-zone.
  3. C.E.O. Cream: I love this to start the day! Pair it with any Vitamin C serum – do serum then the moisturizer. But, Sephora has a new line of $20 serums (vs. $80+ for most!!) and I am trying it out. I will keep ya posted. $20 Vitamin C Serum, here.
  4. Tula Blurring Primer: This is one of my favorite products I have ever used! Put it on after you wash and moisturize and before applying make-up. Give some time between moisture and primer to let everything really settle in.

My Most Recent & LOVED Purchases

Hey girl, hey! I hope you are well and feeling fab today. You guys know I am all about sharing my favorite purchases as well as honest reviews about the not so great ones, and I wanted to give a round-up here for y’all of my most recent purchases I am L O V I N G. My goal in sharing my recent purchases is to help YOU spend your money wisely on items you might need. I don’t think you NEED all of these, but I hope it helps you make purchases you love and feel great about for pieces or items you DO need or are in the market for.

Shoes:

  1. Black Combat Boots: I wanted a new bootie I can wear, particularly on Sundays from stage when I lead worship, that didn’t have a heel… Because, pregnant. I was a little nervous these would look cheap, but I am actually really impressed with the look of them! They look like they could be Jeffrey Campbell or Sam Edelman. I can’t speak to long-lasting quality yet, but as far as a cute boot for under $6o, these are a great buy!
  2. Spotted Calf-Hair Sneaker: I needed a new fashionable sneaker to pair with jeans, dresses, or skirts. These are so dang cute, and they will transition perfectly into spring! I love the pop of coral on the side, and the spotted dalmatian look is so in right now.
  3. Blush Pink Loafers: I love these & the price is AAAAMAZING. There are a lot of colors on the site, but the blush is my favorite. Surprise, surprise. 😉 These look fantastic with a great pair of skinny jeans or a tailored dress.

Non-maternity Clothes:

  1. Oversized Tee Shirt Dress: This paired with the combat boots or spotted sneakers is going to be THE cutest for spring! I wanted some more pieces that can work for pregnancy but will work when I am post-maternity as well. Plus, this is $29 so you just can’t go wrong!

Maternity Clothes:

  1. Boyfriend Tee Shirt: I am all about some good basics, y’all. This is just a great gray tee with space for that belly to grow. And… $19, holla!
  2. Pocket Utility Pants: These cute joggers! I LOVE THEM. I will for sure be pairing these with the spotted sneakers and a tee. Throwing on a denim jacket is an easy way to make it a little less lounge, and you could definitely pair them with some heels if you wanted to really go for it!
  3. Square Neck Tee: This is so great for the classic jeans and a white tee look, and just great to have on hand for any time I just need something to pair with a jacket of any kind. I bought it to pair with the Utility Pants above for sure as well!
  4. Acid Wash Legging: I freaking love these. ALL THE HEART EYES. I can’t wait to wear these with the combat boots and an over-sized tee + only $26!
  5. Floral Blouse: I have had this blouse in my cart since I found out I was pregnant… not kidding hehe. It’s so perfect for spring + a baby bump, and I can’t wait to wear it!
  6. Moto Workout Legging: These are what I have on in these pics! I am so obsessed with this brand, and these can pass for a cute workout outfit and/or paired with a sweater and booties. I love a good athleisure outfit!

Skincare:

  1. Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer: I love this stuff. I like to use it at night with a serum. I tend to use my Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil with it for the best results.
  2. Virgin Marula Oil: I use this a few times a week and rotate it with wrinkle serums (currently without retinol). It makes my skin GLOW. I love it!!
  3. Renew & Rewind Eye Cream: I love Tula Products. I particularly love using Tula and Drunk Elephant during pregnancy, because they’re clean and the ingredients are ones you can actually read and pronounce. 99.9% of their products are pregnancy safe. If I recall correctly, I think Drunk Elephant has only ONE you cannot use *their Retinol product* and all Tula products are pregnancy safe!
  4. CEO Vitamin C Hydration + CEO Glow Oil: This is the best combo to kickstart your day with! Vitamin C is great for dark spots and refreshing your skin.
  5. Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream + Serum: This combo is like an affordable version of Protini & Marula Oil! I was so freaking impressed with this Gel Cream after two uses, and am suggesting it to everybody now as an affordable moisturizer!

Makeup:

  1. Clinique Even Better: This is a great foundation! It’s great coverage, lightweight and it doesn’t cake at all.
  2. Watts Up Highlighter: I bought this, because Cara Loren said to… haha. I do really like it, though, and it’s the last touch I put on before I am done with my face!
  3. Too Faced Bronzer: This stuff is so great and it smells yummy, too. It goes on great with a big brush, and then I top it with a pink blush using a smaller brush.
  4. Gimme Brow Gel: Okay y’all, I never thought I would be a brow filler kinda gal… but here we are. I love this stuff and it is way easier to use than I expected.
  5. Loose Setting Powder: This translucent powder goes on after my foundation/concealer/bronzer.

Finding the Perfect Face Primer

Hi loves, Carleigh here! If you’re new around here, I work with Hannah and make all things The Cake happen behind the scenes and am lead Media Manager for our Social Media Management Company. First, I want to give the disclaimer that I am by no means a beauty expert. But, I am self taught on things as I have been on a journey to find the best face primers for my skin type, and I wanted to share for those of you that may be searching as well. Here at The Cake HQ, we are all about sharing life hacks and finds to make your life easier (and sweeter!). AND, we always hope to save you $$$ when it comes to the trial and error of trying new products. I hope my finds can help you out!

For reference, I (Carleigh) have combination skin and my biggest skin issues are large pores, acne, and scarring. It’s important to keep these factors in mind when searching for primers, foundations, etc. that will work best for you. These are the products I have tried so far- I hope some of this information helps you find the perfect face primer for you!

Bare Minerals- Prime Time BB Tinted Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

  • This has been my favorite primer for years. I love that it’s tinted, has SPF 30 in it, and lasts a good amount of time so you aren’t having to rebuy it too often.
  • I give this primer 4.5 stars. I really only stopped using it because I wanted to try something new! It evened out my skin tone well, worked well with my foundation, and had SPF 30 to protect my skin.

Tatcha- The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

  • It’s very smooth and silky like it says, but it didn’t last as long as I hoped it would. I definitely had to use more than the recommended amount to cover my face. I didn’t think it did a great job at minimizing my large pores.
  • I give this primer 2.5 stars. It’s a fine product that may work better if you don’t have the same issue of large pores, but it does claim to help with that and I didn’t think it did. I just expected it to do more and don’t think it’s worth the price tag.

Too Faced- Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

  • Let me start by saying that this primer does exactly what it claims. It’s hydrating, replenishing, and keeps your makeup in place! I think it works for all skin types (oily skin, dry skin, combination skin) and lasts a decent amount of time.
  • I personally didn’t love this primer just because I need more help in covering up/blurring imperfections in my skin and less help in keeping it hydrated. This primer simply does different things than what I need. If you need a primer that is more hydrating then I would recommend trying this one!
  • I give this primer 4 stars because it does exactly what it says and is great for those who need more hydration in their skin. If that was my issue I think I would have loved this primer!

Benefit- The POREfessional Face Primer

  • I LOVE this primer. It’s tinted, lasts a long time, and does everything it’s supposed to. It definitely helped reduce the look of my large pores, blurred imperfections, and evened my skin tone. It turns almost powdery when you rub it in- the feel of it is so soft and smooth.
  • I give this primer 5 stars. This primer did everything I hoped the over-rated Tatcha primer would do. It made my skin look more even, covered imperfections, and lasted a long time. (And it’s way cheaper!!)

Tula- Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer

***This one is Hannah’s favorite, too! She gives it 5 stars and tested it out for Tula before it launched. 

  • I just started using this primer and I LOVE it!! After hearing everyone rave about it after it came out I knew I needed to try it, and it lives up to the hype. It changes color as you rub it in to give you a little bit of color while still matching your skin tone. I definitely feel like it evens out my skin tone and it’s really moisturizing!
  • I give this primer 5 stars. It does everything it says it does and gives your skin a really pretty, natural look! It works great as a primer under your foundation, but also looks good on its own! (Hannah wore it by itself more often than not!)

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, y’all! If you’re looking for an encouragement to hear YOU GOT THIS- take this as sign. Whatever you’re facing, hear me say: “You’re loved. You’re capable.” I don’t know about you, but I have had… a hellofuh week. It’s been frustrating, hurtful at times, and just kinda crappy. I had a situation where I literally just left telling myself “You need only be silent (calm/still depending on the translation), the Lord will fight for you.” So, that’s my encouragement to you today. The Lord fights your battles, my friends.

Keep pursuing the Lord. Keep giving everything you’ve got in whatever you do. Keep looking to the Creator of all things. You can do this, because He’s got you. You don’t GOT you. He does. You just need to be faithful.

Okay, so, that said. Do something for you this weekend. I can pretty much guarantee I am going to get my nails done after this week and am having some friend time. 😉 I hope you do the same!

Love you guys! Enjoy these every day go-to items of our team’s here at The Cake by Hannah.

xoxoxo,

Han

 

 

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