items i loved from february

I wanted to share some of the items that I loved from last month. These can range from clothing, to beauty, to home, to books and hobbies. Basically, a highlight of some of the things I shared that really stood out to me and, in my opinion, deserve a standing ovation! Everything I share on Simply Elsa I stand behind, so if it’s not on this list, that is not to say I didn’t love it, because if I shared it at all, I do. These are just the knockouts!

FOLLAIN BRIGHTENING SERUM

Last month, Follain launched some new serums which they were kind enough to send me to try out! I am *obsessed* with their brightening serum, as well as their firming collagen serum. The brightening serum is something I use at night, the texture is smooth but dewy, so I prefer to use as I sleep. I put it on before my moisturizer or night cream. About four weeks of consistent use later, I have seen a noticeable decrease in hyperpigmentation and my skin is slowly but surely starting to appear more even and bright. It has become a favorite and permanent part of my skincare routine. Follain’s products are also clean! Free from parabens, sulfates, gluten and synthetic fragrance, so if you have sensitive skin like me it’s a great option.

MADISON MATHEWS COLLARED CAFTAN

I recently came across a “new to me” brand, Madison-Mathews via my favorite local Vero Boutique, Sassy Boutique. Madison-Mathews is a Charleston based designer and I am SMITTEN with their block prints. I cannot resist a good block print, a love which I inherited from my mother, and these are simply beautiful. I love this collared caftan dress, I am wearing the XL and it runs generously. The sizing appears to just go up to XL, but I am a 16w and wear this comfortably!

HOURGLASS UNLOCKED MASCARA

HOLY MOLY. This. Mascara. It is quite possibly the best mascara I have tried. I am a huge Hourglass Cosmetics fan and before I came down to Florida, a sales associate at Blue Mercury suggested I try this. I was looking to find a cleaner option but really struggled with the smudging a lot of clean mascaras I tried produce. I try to strike a balance with using clean makeup and beauty products where I can. Hourglass makes most of their products free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehydes and synthetic fragrance. This mascara is SMUDGE PROOF and within three swipes, my lashes are long and clump-free. This particular mascara is “Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, triclosan, and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances” – Sephora.

TUCKERNUCK GOLD TWISTED HOOPS

I usually don’t gravitate towards hoops, but I love thick gold mid-size hoops. This pair is STUNNING and I can’t stop wearing them. They have a beautiful twist design that makes them look so elevated and frankly they look and feel way above their price point! They also come in a mini pair which I have on my wishlist. I have worn these hoops time and time again, they feel like a classic take on the gold hoop trend, and this pair will never go out of style IMO. They also aren’t too heavy at all and my sensitive ears wear them comfortably. I love them!!

FREEDOM MOSES RUBBER SANDALS

Okay, friends. THESE SANDALS! These sandals. I cannot say enough great things. They are insanely comfy and pretty much the easiest slide for spring and summer. My friends Carly and Ashley turned me on to them, and I am so glad I gave them a try. They feel like a more refined version of the rubber Birkenstock, a little less bulky and less clunky if you know what I mean. At first, it took a couple of days to break them in but that process was blister-free for me. Once I broke them in, I have barely worn other shoes. They come in size ranges like “6/7” or “8/9” and I am a perfect size 9, sometimes wide, and got the 9/10 size and they fit perfectly.

NECK FLASHLIGHT FOR NEEDLEWORK AND READING

I picked up this neck flashlight for needlepointing from a local needlepoint shop, Seaside Needlepoint, here in Vero. This has been GAME CHANGING for both stitching and reading at night. I no longer need to sit next to the table lamp leaning under the light to see my canvas, and can stitch happily with light DIRECTLY shining on my work in progress. You can also adjust the light intensity and it is rechargeable. IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY!!