Obviously March has been a whirlwind of a month, and really 2020 has been chaotic since the beginning. We’re all stressing and I know it seems there isn’t much to be happy about these days, but I don’t want to focus on that right now!

Instead, I want to highlight the things that I have loved this month, from products, little moments, and more. So let’s get into my “March Favorites”!

1. Nespresso Vertuo Espresso Machine 

Honestly, I’m in love! I’ve been wanting an espresso machine for years now, and this one is simply perfect for my wants needs! It comes with the espresso machine and the Aeroccino, which can froth both hot and cold milk for a variety of drinks.

1a: my sweetheart did a surprise delivery of this coffee gift from Heaven by leaving it on my doorstep (wiped down with a clorox wipe of course)on my third day of quarantine, while he waited to see my reaction from his car at the end of my driveway. I mean, talk about a melted heart, right? 

It retails for $249 here, and comes in five colors! 

2. Veriphy Power Trip Serum

This stuff is seriously wondrous! The phytoglycogen and aha serum in the product makes your skin feel bright, tight, and fresh because it gently exfoliates and lifts. Plus, Veriphy is vegan and cruelty free too!

It retails for a (unfortunately expensive) $74.44 USD (105 CAD as it’s a Canadian company) for just 1 ounce of product, but the results are unreal. Find it here! I got this in an Ipsy bag and I’m deeply wishing I could scoop some more up soon because my skin has never been smoother or clearer, and we’re in one of the most stressful times of our lives, soooo?

3. Lash Extensions

I’ve been raving about these since February, but I’m kind of obsessed with long wear false lashes now! Lizzie from Lizzie Luxe Lashes in Noblesville, Indiana does an amazing job of applying each of these false lashes to my real ones, while allowing me to stay completely calm and relaxed during the ~1.5 – 2 hour session. I haven’t had to wear mascara in nearly two months, I clean the lashes with a cotton pad and micellar water, and I simply use a spooly to brush the lashes out when they need it! 

Her rates are normally $99 for a full set and fill (which you get about three weeks after the initial set), but with my code CACTIS20 you can get your lash game on for just $79!  That’s a total steal when considering most other places charge upwards of $300 for just a set!

4. Garnier Micellar Water

OH MY GOSH. Why did I not hop on this skincare trend sooner? Why did none of you tell me?! This is seriously one of the best things I have ever introduced to my skincare routine, and I’m blown away. It makes my skin feel so smooth and silky, and like I truly cleaned out my pores at the end of the day. 

It retails for $6.77 on Amazon, and will actually change your life. Just, just do it already and thank me in three days when your skin is completely different!

5. Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder from Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

I have never used a baking powder before, but this product does such a great job of “carving” my cheeks and jaw to make my features really pop! I have mine in the shade “Butter” and adore what it does as a lightweight product, that also really makes an impact on my makeup routine and overall appearance!

The best part is it comes in two sizes, so you have the option to simply test the product out, or snag yourself a travel size! The larger (0.98 ounces) size goes for $32, and the smaller (0.27 ounces) size is just $18 at Sephora. Live your best life, get the makeup!

6. Surprise Road Trip to Florida

Due to the recent outbreak my plans to go to Iceland over spring break on a school trip were cancelled. As unfortunate as losing out on going on this trip was (and still is) I’m extremely thankful to have a school that has the students’ best interest at heart, and that I wasn’t in Iceland already when things began to get even more hectic! Additionally, I’d like to say that travel plans changing is the least of worries in the world right now, but that it’s okay to be upset by the loss of something for a while, as long as you can still see the things that you do have.

That being said, I was able to end up making a short trip to Florida to help my friend drive home and spend a few days in the sunshine! We ate the tastiest shrimp, splashed in the pool, and made sand castles out of our names. Thanks for letting me tag along with you Elli, I had an amazing time with you and your family!

Side Note: I ended up cutting that trip short as well because when I made the decision to go to Florida things were not as scary as they are now. Within three days of being there I had booked a ticket home and made sure to travel safe when I started hearing talk of travel bans and outbreaks occurring.

I hope that this list of my “monthly favorites” urges you to think of the items and experiences that you’ve enjoyed this past month. I know times are hard and uncertain, but take a moment to appreciate what you do have, and have done.

With love,

Candace