Haley’s December Picks

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Photo by Haley Gonzalez

List item number eight, natural nails. Gel polish done at Lena’s in Waukee.

Wanna see my top picks for the month of December? This list of 10 items can range anywhere from a current favorite song, to some fabulous products. Before we jump into it, allow me to preface: I am aware I am very basic human being. So let this list be a reminder that basic things are basic for a reason, they are usually fabulous!

  • Benefit Rose Cheek and Lip Stain

This blush-lip combo has been a recent go-to for me. It is one of the best and most versatile products in my make-up bag. With a doe foot applicator, this liquid can glide onto your cheeks and be blended in with your finger. The best part of the bush aspect is the natural color it gives. The rose tint is not too pink or harsh, making it the perfect shade for any skin tone. As for the lips, I love it even more. I apply the product like any normal lipstick and rub in wateriness, so it sinks into my lips with the whole stain affect. Following this, I just top it off with a lip gloss, to see the best part, absolutely no transfer.

  • Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Perfume

I think I have found my signature scent with this one… Though this product tends to be pricey, I assure you it is worth the money. I have never used such a quality perfume before this one. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Bath and Body Works body sprays, but this designer perfume takes the cake. Not only does the scent have a perfect combination of floral and fruits, but the wear is insane. This product will last all day and only takes two or three sprays. The investment is definitely one to argue for because with a product where a little goes a long way, it does not take nearly as long to get through the bottle.

  • Iced Chai Tea Lattes

This one is short and sweet. Iced Chai Tea Lattes are my new obsession from any coffee shop. Though adding vanilla flavoring can also enhance some flavor, my personal recommendation is to go without. I suggest going to any coffee shop in the area and trying this drink, whether you head over to the Morning Grind in Adel or take a trip to Waukee for some Starbucks, you will be sure to have some deliciousness in a cup.

  • Sun Tan City

First off, if you decide to start tanning at Sun Tan City, make sure to always use eye protection and sunscreen to save your skin. I personally love tanning. I have the Faster Membership for the 6 month commitment and pay monthly. This allows me to tan whenever I want in a regular bed or a stand up bed. I tend to go around twice a week for my desired look. I usually have pretty pale winters but since I’ve started tanning, I feel like my skin just has an extra glow to it. I am sure not to go too often because I want to protect my skin and do not want too much color, but a couple shades darker never hurts.

  • Solid colored sweatshirts

This one probably shocked you, but I promise that it has purpose. Recently I have really been enjoy simplistic outfits that are without too many patterns or business. But let’s keep the Iowa weather in mind, shall we? I have found that plain colored sweatshirts are super easy to style and pair with any sort of bottoms. It can look like a whole outfit no matter what you pair it with, without looking too sporty. I think this works because there is no distraction on the front, making it easy to throw on with any color on the bottom half. Another plus that comes from these types of outfits, you can get these sweatshirts from anywhere. I have a blank creme colored one from Lululemon that costs over $100 and wear it just as much, if not less, than a $12 from Gilden.

  • Cherry Hill by Russ

I don’t have much to say about this one, other than the fact that this song is so beautiful. Have you ever heard one of those songs that just sound so yummy… I can’t think of another way to phrase. It is just is so good to listen to, and admittedly I have gone a 30 minute car ride with it on repeat. This song came out many years ago but I have just recently found a new appreciation for it, and I suggest you do to.

  • Pavoli Gold Hoops

This brand of jewelry is an exclusive carrier with Amazon, which makes it all the more better. I have been wearing the same medium size gold hoops for months, and they have not tarnished one bit. I know they are not real gold because they costed me around $15 but the quality could honestly convince me otherwise. I have tried other pieces from this company and loved them as well, but these hoops are seriously at the top of my list. They are the perfect size, and find a good in between classy and casual. I wear them on a daily basis, when I swim, and even in the shower, and have gone without a single issue.

  • Natural looking nails

I have this awful habit of getting my nails done, to the point where I feel incomplete without it. But regardless, I must continue to feed into it. The past few times I have gone to the salon, I have opted for a nude color on the natural length of my nails, and I fell in love. This may seem silly, to get a natural color on preexisting naturally colored nails, but it gives such a finished look. They look so clean and honestly just makes you look very put together. Additionally, they can go with every single outfit and do not look too flashy if you are not into that.

  • Hair Coils

You could quite possibly be thinking how silly this one may seem, but I assure you, it is not. Using normal hair ties is something we, as a society, can now move away from. It is safe to say that using hair coils has changed my life. If you don;t know what hair coils are, let me educate you. Hair coils are plastic, slinky, type bands for your hair, to put up in a pony tail or bun. Say goodbye to hair tie creases in your hair because these coils avoid that completely. I couldn’t tell you what it is about them that leaves your hair dent free once removed, but it is magical.

  • CeraVe Moisturizer

Lastly, I have a skincare product for you. If you don’t want to take my word for how amazing this moisturizer, let me just flex that is the the #1 Dermatologist approved over the counter moisturizer on the market. I hate, hate, hate having scented cremes on my face, and this one is completely scent free. Another reason this is good, is because some people can be allergic to certain scents or break out because of the extra sulfates added to them. This moisturizer is also very affordable and available in bulk.

Though this list is comprised of my top picks for the month of December, these are all things to be enjoyed year round.