Well, it happened.
The Guerra’s got Covid.
I write this to you from my living room couch. My head hurts a bit, and my throat is all kinds of busted-feeling. I didn’t get much sleep because I couldn’t get comfortable. I’m congested everywhere you can be congested.
Ergo, I’m quarantining with my husband for the next few days. I have books to read, shows to watch, and a manuscript to chip away at.
But first, a Monthly Favorites newsletter to write.
Welcome to Monthly Favorites!
At the end of every month, I will (try my very best to) round up the things I loved over the course of those few weeks. This is an especially exciting part of my newsletter because I get so many fun products in PR, but don’t always get to write about all the things I’m obsessed with.
So, here we are. Up ahead, I’m listing my favorite things in July. Please note that, at this time, I am not affiliated with any of these brands, nor am I getting paid to write about them.
Ok, let’s go!
Beauty
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Matte Makeup
$10.99, target.com
I immediately fell in love with Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Instant Perfector, and I think you would, too! It’s a deliciously whipped, super lightweight formula described as a BB cream, concealer, primer, and mattifying powder all in one. I started using it at the beginning of summer on days when I didn’t feel like putting on a full face of makeup, and that’s pretty much been my vibe all of July. I apply with clean fingers for an even more natural finish, add mascara and lipgloss, and I’m out the door.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen
$29, sephora.com
On days when I’m looking for a bit more coverage, I’ve been reaching for the Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer. It offers light to medium coverage and comes in over 20 shades. It sits nicely on the skin, giving it a nice even finish with a bit of a glow. Plus, it contains SPF 20, and any additional sun protection is a win in my book.
GXVE BY GWEN STEFANI Hella On Point Clean Ultra-Fine Brow Pencil
$24, sephora.com
I wrote a review of GXVE Beauty for INSIDER when the brand first launched and, admittedly, wasn’t blown away by this product. However, I do note in my review that the pencil does offer a soft, no-makeup-makeup finish, and that’s exactly what I’ve been leaning into this month. It’s become a staple in my everyday routine (I used the shades cool taupe and warm light brown interchangeably) and it’s the perfect your-brows-but-better tool.
Josie Maran Skin Dope Ultra Nourishing Body Wash
$34, ulta.com
I could wax poetic about how much I love Josie Maran products, but I’ll spare you. What you need to know is the Skin Dope Ultra Nourishing Body Wash makes your skin feel so incredibly soft, and, according to my husband, smells amazing. I love it as a body wash, and I love it even more as a shaving cream for my legs.
Bath & Body Works SEA SALT & SAILS Wallflowers Fragrance
$7.50, bathandbodyworks.com
I may be hard of smelling, but my nose picks up notes of this fragrance from Bath and Body Works. It makes your bathroom smell like vacation, specifically the salt water of the ocean. Mark and I are both fans. I’ll leave it plugged in overnight and unplug it in the morning to prolong it’s shelf life.
Fashion
Petal & Pup Mishka Kimono
$72, petalandpup.com
If you’re a Kimono lover like I am, Petal and Pup have plenty to choose from. I was generously gifted the Mishka Kimono in cream and I adore it. I’m only 5’2”, so it’s very long on me (trails the floor), but I love the way it lifts behind me when I walk. I’ve also found Petal & Pup to have great quality clothing, and this piece is no exception. It has a relaxed fit, but the print is so gorgeous and fun that it can dress up a tank and jeans (how I’ve been wearing it) or a basic bodycon dress.
Gymshark x Whitney Simmons Mesh Sports Bra
$40, gymshark.com
If you read my last post (I’ve Been In A Funk), you’ll know I’m trying to get back to a regular exercise routine. The Covid cloud is putting a damper on that plan, but before the sore throat and pounding headache, I was lifting, dance cardio-ing, and getting back into yoga. One of the things keeping me motivated to do so is this sports bra. It’s the most beautiful style I own, looks as amazing on as it does in a drawer, and offers the perfect amount of support for these kinds of activities. I recommend it to everyone who will listen. Buy this. It will make you feel fab.
Cult Naked Purple Killa Bandeau
$140, cultnaked.com
I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and into the Cult Naked Purple Killa Bandeau and, let me tell you, I am so glad I did. This vegan-leather tube top is giving “cool girl” vibes. It’s form-fitting but so comfortable, and I love (and appreciate) the way it smoothes out my torso. I do own the matching pants but haven’t had the chance to step out in the set yet. Instead, I styled the top with a pair of distressed denim shorts and dug the contrast.
Windsor Wildflower Crew Neck Mini Dress
$26.90, windsorstore.com
I have been scouring the internet and browsing stores for the ideal spring/summer casual dress, and finally found it at Windsor. I wore this blue and white floral-patterned number to one of my best friends’ baby showers, and it was perfect. You can dress it up with wedges and jewelry, but I opted to keep my look simple by pairing the mini with my go-to pair of white Sam Edelman sneakers (that are, unfortunately, sold out).
Snacks & Supplements
Oomph! Sweets Chocolate Chews
$24.99 for a 6-pack, oomphsweets.com
Does anyone remember Nesquik Chews from the 90s? They were like Laffy Taffy, but chocolate? Well, anyway, Oomph! Sweets Chocolate Chews is essentially the healthier version you never knew you needed. The rich chocolate gem is stick-to-your-teeth chewy, so I recommend approaching it like a candy you would suck on (plus this will make it last longer). It’s low calorie, super high in fiber, and my current favorite after-lunch snack. One to two chews is enough to curb my craving.
Grillo’s Pickles Whole Classic Dills
$7.49, instacart.com
Some people love pickles. Some people loathe pickles. I, Julia Guerra, love pickles. My sister introduced me to Grillo’s pickles, and I’ve never looked back. Yes, they’re pricy, but they are WORTH IT. So juicy, so crisp. I crave these on the regular.
Metamucil Psyllium Husk Fiber Supplement
$32.49, amazon.com
It’s not TMI. As the book explains, “everybody poops.” But if you have trouble staying regular (all my IBS sufferers please stand up), I recommend asking your doctor about this fiber supplement from Metamucil. I pop two each day (or whenever I remember), and I do see a difference. Can’t hurt, right?
Good Reads
This Alaska by Carlie Hoffman
$9.58, amazon.com
Poetry fans, I implore you to pick up my friend, Carlie Hoffman’s collection entitled This Alaska. It’s a beautiful compilation of poems that I couldn’t put down. I finished the entire book in one sitting, but keep returning to the book to re-read my favorite verses.
So, did any of my favorite things pique your interest? Tell me in the comments below, and let me know what you’ve been loving in July!
I can’t believe we’re days away from August. 2022 is flying by. But, that means September is just around the corner. Give this post a like if you’re excited about some fall content! Let me know if there is anything specific you want to see from me as we head into autumn. Who knows? Maybe I’ll write more than once a week to really savor my favorite season…
In case you missed my byline:
The Fascinating Science Behind Freckles
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Loved the Article!!!!!!😀😀😀😀
I was just thinking about freckles! I loved that article!