Happy almost mid-October!
It’s finally starting to feel like autumn in New Jersey and I am elated. I wore heavier sweaters this week. I officially switched from iced to hot beverages. I’m adding a lot of soups and warm meals to my weekly menus.
And yes, I’ve been testing a lot of things.
I’ve loved putting these lists together, and you all seem to be enjoying them, which makes my heart even happier. I’ve gotten to the point in the year where my writing has slowed down. My brain is a tad burnt out. The words are not flowing as freely as they were in January.
But, writing my newsletter posts every week (even if it’s just one) brings me a lot of joy because I can get creative. I can speak my mind. I get to connect with all of you awesome readers who comment and email me your thoughts (or, sometimes, just a super friendly hello!).
And I get to review stuff I don’t always get the chance to in mainstream media. Hence, I am back with another Things & My Honest Thoughts About Them edition of Beyond My Byline. Let’s get to it.
**Please note that I am not affiliated with any of these brands, nor am I getting paid to write about them. I am generously gifted PR samples quite often, but don’t always get to write about everything I try - whether I love them or loathe them. Up ahead, I list a few products I tried recently and give you my honest review of them. Some I received in PR, some I bought with my own dollars.**
Glamnetic Press-On Nails
Photo courtesy of Glamnetic.
from $14.99, glamnetic.com
Believe it or not, these were the first press-on nails with glue that I have ever tried. I’ve tested stick-ons, regular polishes, gel polishes with UV lamps, and even dip powders, but never a glue adhesive, until now.
Starting this list off on a high note, I loved these fake nails from Glamnetic. I applied them on Saturday afternoon (one did pop off during an aggressive rummage through my shoe basket, so I had to re-apply that same day) and the majority of nails stayed on through Wednesday. The application process was easy and mess-free: Cut and buff nails, clean with an alcohol wipe (included with your purchase), apply a drop or two of glue directly to the nail, press the fake nail in place, and hold for 20 seconds.
Now, to be transparent, a pinky here and a pointer finger there did pop off between Sunday and Wednesday, but I wasn’t surprised. I’m constantly typing on a keyboard. It was inevitable. Otherwise, I loved these nails. They looked fantastic, I received a bunch of compliments about them, and they lasted longer than I anticipated. I was sent this set, but I’ll be buying from this brand.
Kylie Cosmetics Velvet Lip Kit
Photo courtesy of Kylie Cosmetics.
$35, kyliecosmetics.com
I was the beauty editor for BestProducts.com when Kylie Jenner released her first batch of lip kits, and when I tell you that they were impossible to get a hold of, I’m not exaggerating. Ask my colleague, Ashley, the fashion editor at the time. I bought one of the only available colors (a metallic black) with my own money (because samples were a dime a dozen) so we could test it on Facebook Live. The color wasn’t for us, but the formula was.
Fast-forward almost nine years later, and I’ve finally made Kylie’s PR list. I was quick to request a few kits to see if the formula held up and am thrilled to report it does. The lip liner is creamy and the liquid lip isn’t drying. I added a little gloss for some shine and noted the formula stayed put for about four hours.
Admittedly, I wasn't super impressed by the product’s packaging. The pencil and liquid lipstick are tossed in a box that, I think, is too roomy for their size. However, I do like the artwork on the packaging. As for the price, it sounds steep, but remember, you are getting two lip products with your purchase.
Kylie Cosmetics Matte Crayons
Photo courtesy of Kylie Cosmetics.
$18, kyliecosmetics.com
First things first, A+ for presentation. I received a bundle in PR and they came packaged in what looked like a crayon box from an art store. 10/10, loved it. The actual crayons themselves are also thick, like jumbo-sized Crayolas. Gorgeous.
As for the formula, it’s super creamy and the pigmentation is fantastic. That said, while the color payoff is satisfying, it does not last very long. In my experience, they averaged about two hours of wear whilst drinking my morning lineup (cold water, hot lemon water, and coffee) and eating breakfast. I’ll report back on how long they last after breakfast until lunchtime.
ROEN Cake Mascara
Photo courtesy of ROEN.
$28, roenbeauty.com
Mascara might be my favorite makeup product, at least right now. It could be a phase, but I’m living for this mascara moment. ROEN’s Cake Mascara lives up to it’s name, but not in a bad way. It doesn’t get cakey, but it does build beautifully with each coat you apply. I’m a fan of it’s flexible bristles and fluffy brush head, but I am a critic of the way it smudges if I apply it to my bottom lashes. Word of caution: Only apply this formula on top.
Elmhurst Pumpkin Spice Oat Milk Creamer
Photo courtesy of Elmhurst 1925.
$11.98 for 2, elmhurst1925.com
It’s no secret that I am a basic pumpkin spice girlie. I will try pretty much anything pumpkin-spiced once September rolls around, but this especially applies to coffee creamers. Elmhurst 1925 sent me this plant-based, pumpkin spice oat milk creamer and, you guys, I was not ready for how good it tastes.
The oat milk base is perfectly creamy (in my opinion, if a brand nails the consistency, oat milk is comparable to dairy creamer) and the flavoring is more pumpkin than spice, which I prefer. I’ll be buying this if I can find it in stores because my carton’s almost empty.
Silk Pumpkin Spice Dairy-Free Almond Milk Creamer
Photo courtesy of Target.
$4.99, target.com
I loved Silk’s PS DF Almond Milk Creamer until I tried Elmhurst’s, and the latter was much better. I’d still re-purchase Silk’s option, but warn that it is very sweet. A tablespoon and a half was plenty to satisfy my sweet (or should I say pumpkin-spicy?) tooth.
Trader Joe's Spooky Bats & Cats Sour Gummy Candies
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
$16.59 for 2 bags, amazon.com
Do you like Sour Patch Kids or Sour Gummy Worms? These are the same concepts, only better. I could eat a whole bag by myself. If there’s a TJ’s by you, these delectably sweet-but-sour bats and cats make for the perfect Halloween-themed movie night snack.
Mooala Organic Simple Almond Milk
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
$34.99 for 6, amazon.com
As grateful as I am to Mooala for sending me a carton of its Organic Simple Almond Milk to try, I was not a fan of this dairy-free alternative. The ingredients are great (filtered water, organic almonds, and sea salt), but it was a little too thick for me and I loathe when I taste salt in my breakfast cereal milk. Bottom line: Wasn’t for me, but I won’t yuck your yum if you’re a fan.
437 Cloud Sweat Set
Track Pant - $105, shop437.com
Quarter Zip - $115, shop437.com
Friends, I have been on a mission to find the quintessential sweatpants. I wanted a super baggy pair, but with a waistband that didn’t ride down my hips. They had to be warm and cozy, but not too warm and cozy that I couldn’t comfortably wear them while also cuddling under a blanket.
Alas, I have found the sweatpants of my dreams.
It just so happens that you can also purchase a matching quarter zip to go along with them.
Are the separates pricey? Yes. Are they a splurge when bought together? Also yes. The pants are so roomy and both pieces are lined with a light to medium-weight fleece material. I put them on and didn’t want to take them off.
So, would I, knowing what I know about the brand 437, having felt what I felt once I changed into these pieces immediately upon their arrival, recommend them to all of my friends and family in need of a lounge outfit fit for vegging on the couch or running errands? A million times yes. Thank you to 437 for gifting me this glorious set, and brava on mastering this design. (Note: The quarter zip is NOT cropped, but has a drawstring so that you can make it cropped if you’d like.)
Readers, I highly recommend treating yourself. Or, if you know someone in need of ultimate comfort, the holidays are coming…
Love the assortment of things on this list!! You’re making me want to try the Kylie lip kit and press on nails!
I could live in sweats lol