July 2022 – The Hustlin’ Homemaker

Quarterly Empties | Products I’ve Used Up

Welp I’m a month late with this empties post, but I still want to share some mini reviews on things I’ve used and loved!

Let’s start with some hair care.

This Dove Dry Shampoo is one of my favorites, it really does help with the oil in my hair and adds some volume. The fragrance is a bit strong, but it dissipates quickly. I would repurchase.

I like to use a texturizing spray in my hair when I curl or wave it. This Kristen Ess one is really nice for that, and adds the perfect amount of texture without making it crunchy or dry. It just gives the curls and waves a less “done” look and makes them look more beachy. I already repurchased!

Another texture spray that I tried was the Living Proof Dry Volume Texture Spray. I also liked this one! It is pricier than the Kristen Ess one, and it did exactly the same thing. I prefer the Kristen Ess one because it is cheaper and I like the smell more. I probably won’t purchase this.

I always use the Garnier Micellar Water to remove makeup; I’m sure it’s been in every empties post I’ve done! I use this on a makeup eraser cloth and it takes all of my makeup off super easy and then I go in with cleanser. Already repurchased!

I just raved about the Tree Hut Shave Oil in my recent favorites post HERE, and I just used up the Coconut Lime scented one. I use one pump on each leg when I shave, and it makes my skin so smooth and soft. I really noticed a difference when I started using it. They have a bunch of scents; I saw a watermelon one yesterday, so I am going to try that one next. Already repurchased!

Do you guys use oil blotting sheets? I use them in the summer when my skin gets a bit oily because I don’t like putting powder on when it’s hot. They absorb all of the oil without taking off my makeup. The Boscia ones are good, but really any brand works! Already repurchased.

If you know my blog, you know I’m a die hard Bare Minerals fan! There is nothing better than their Original Powder Foundation, but geez, why is it so messy?! It gets everywhere. Anyway, I used one up, and I actually bought a MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation compact. I like the finish of the BM more, but the Studio Fix does the job and is way less messy. The BM really does give a skin-like finish and is the light coverage that I love. I would repurchase it, even though it makes a mess on my counter.

Oh, Tarte Shape Tape. I can’t live without you. No concealer I have compares to this one, it has the mega coverage I need for my dark circles, and I just love it. One tube lasts me like a whole year. Already repurchased.

The L’Oréal Lash Paradise is also in every empties post; it is my favorite because it lengthens, volumizes, and holds a curl. I recently tried this Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara, and dude, I love it just as much. I repurchased both.

Lastly, a little baby Lawless Forget the Filler Gloss. I LOVED this gloss! It smelled good and the formula was so smooth and non-sticky. I noticed a slight plumping, but nothing crazy and it isn’t spicy. I would repurchase this.

That’s it for the empties!!!

Thanks for reading xx

Reading Wrap Up | July

I finally caved and bought a Kindle! I know, I know, there isn’t a better feeling than turning the pages of a good book, but a kindle is just so convenient! I LOVE it. The screen is not like a phone; there isn’t a glare, and it’s so lightweight so you can take it anywhere. I’ve been reading so much more since I got it.

Anyway, you are here for some book reviews, and I have four to share with you!

Sharp Objects By Gillian Flynn

I have just discovered Gillian Flynn’s books these past few years and I really love them. I found out that this book was made into a series, so I wanted to read it before I watched the series, and omg. I loved the book AND the series. I love reading a book and then watching the screen adaptation.

This book was really good, it was a psychological thriller about a reporter who goes back to her hometown to investigate a murder. She stays with her estranged family, and they’re super creepy. I didn’t see the end coming at all, and I thought about this book for days after I finished it.

The Twin By Natasha Preston

This book was also a psychological thriller and it was honestly, just ok for me. It seemed to be kind of for a younger audience. It was about twins who are school aged and have divorced parents. They previously each lived with one parent, but are forced to live together since their mom died. The twins don’t get along and couldn’t be more different. One of the twins gets obsessed with the other and well, I can’t tell you the ending but it was just kind of lackluster. I guessed how it would end and I usually can’t!

The Good Sister By Sally Hepworth

This book was also about twin sisters, but was more of a family drama. It was really good and had a lot of twists and secrets! It was about two very different sisters, and how they lead two very different lives. Fern is shy and innocent while Rose is more outgoing. Fern wants to do something nice for her sister, so she decides to have a baby for Rose since Rose can’t have children. She plots to find a father for the baby, all while she plans this as a surprise for Rose. The plot was actually crazy, but it was a very entertaining read!

Local Woman Missing By Mary Kubica

This book is a suspense thriller about a woman who goes missing, and then not long after, a woman and daughter who go missing in the same town. These cases go cold, but then 11 years later, the daughter shows up, alive. The town is shocked and they all want answers as to where the women are. This book is very suspenseful, and has some good twists.

That’s it for my reading wrap up! What books have you read this month?

Thanks for reading xx

July Beauty Faves

Hello friends! I’ve got a bunch of summer approved beauty faves to share with you today! I have been loving all of these products and using them nonstop this summer.

I have to talk about this Tree Hut Shave Oil. This is the second bottle of this that I have purchased, and I can’t live without it now! I used to just use body wash to shave my legs, until I discovered this. I use this in the shower, applying one pump to each leg, and my razor just glides. I get such a close and smooth shave. SO SMOOTH. Not to mention, this one in Tahitian Vanilla smells divine, and I would also recommend the Coconut Lime scent. So summery and perfect.

I have tried every self tanner known to man, and these Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops take the cake! I pump some body lotion into my hands, add 6-7 drops of this into the lotion, and rub it into my skin. It is so easy, and leaves such a pretty tan. It doesn’t make me orange, and doesn’t smell THAT strongly of self tanner. I love how easy to use and foolproof this is.

For hair, my girls and I have all been using this RedKen One United Multi Benefit Spray. This is one of those multi use products that you spray in the hair after washing and conditioning, and it had a whole bunch of benefits to your hair. It detangles, protects from heat, adds shine, smooths the hair, etc. It claims to do 25 things! My girls and I really like this one, and it smells good too.

Cream/liquid blush is the move this summer! I have tested out a whole bunch, and I absolutely LOVE this Saie Liquid Blush in Chilly. This comes with a giant doe foot applicator, and I place one dot on each of my cheekbones. I usually just blend it out with my fingers, but it works good just blending with a normal blush brush too. It gives theeee prettiest color and glow (no shimmer) and lasts all day long. This package will last forever too, since you only need a tiny bit.

Here’s a swatch!

Next up is my favorite thing ever, the Dior Lip Oil. This stuff is really hard to find and super popular, and for good reason. The packaging is perfection (duh, Dior) and it glides so smooth on the lips and looks so pretty. It comes in a bunch of shades, but this Cherry shade is my favorite. I also have the pink shade. All of the shades are very sheer, and they feel like a light gloss, not sticky whatsoever. They’re always in my bag!

Lastly for the faves, this NYX HD Concealer. I like minimal makeup for summertime, and this concealer is great for that. I use this under my eyes and around my nose, and it provides really nice, skin-like coverage. It’s the best everyday concealer! I wear the shade Alabaster.

That’s it for my July Faves! What have you been loving this summer?

Thanks for reading xx