LBH July Monthly Favourites: Blue Ice Snowball Microphone, Sony Headphones, Stila, Sephora

Time for another Monthly Favourites!  It's a bit of an eclectic mix this time but that's the fun of Monthly Favourites, wouldn't you agree?

I picked up a new microphone this month.  I had a headset that had an attached microphone which was falling apart.  There was a lot of looping back which was irritating and confusing.  I thought that a completely separate microphone would eliminate that issue and settled on the iCE Snowball by Blue.  It is Skype certified.  So far, I am really happy with it.  It is so easy to use.  Just plug it into your computer and away you go!  The headphones that you see are a pair by Sony that I gave to Monsieur a while ago so I am not sure if this particular model is still available but you can find similar ones here.  I am "borrowing" them back from him, much to his chagrin.  They are noise cancelling and come with an adaptor so that you can use them on an airline.  Because they are suitable for travel, they fold down compactly.  I am not sure if Monsieur is getting them back any time soon because I am in love with them.  They are so comfortable and the noise cancelling feature really does work.  When I put them on, it is like my ears are inside a vacuum.  It means I can concentrate on hearing the other person's voice (or whatever I am listening to).

On a different note, I had to pick up more blotting papers.  Sephora discontinued the blotting papers that came in a mirrored compact so I got their latest version which comes in a cardboard envelope.  Blotting papers are a must during the hot summer months.  I am not a fan of piling on the face powder as it just feels icky by the end of the day.  I find that blotting papers do a fantastic job of soaking up excess oil and sweat and taking down the shine without having to add on more face product.

A late addition to my Monthly Favourites is a little treat for myself from Stila.

When I heard that Stila was now cruelty free, I was so excited!  I rushed out right away and got the Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Lionfish which is a wonderful metallic bronze. There aren't that many quality high end brands that are both cruelty free and widely available (the line is carried by both Sephora and Shoppers) so this was fantastic news.  I am really looking forward to exploring Stila's other products and am already eyeing their convertible blush and eyeshadow palettes.  Have you tried anything by Stila?  Any suggestions?

This is not a sponsored post.  Some links are affiliate links.

Summer Makeup

Hello Friends,  Summer is finally upon us!  I don't know about you but my face tends to become an oilslick by the end of the day.  I am not quite sure what it is about an office environment but the recycled air just causes my skin to go into hyperdrive.   I really wanted to find makeup that would last 8 hours plus in the office.  I came across this fantastic coral toned blush from Too Faced that is supposed to last 16 hours (!).

I haven't had it on for 16 hours but I have had it on for at least 12 hours and yes, it does last without fading even without primer. Granted, I am in an office and not at the gym but so far so good!  The coral tone gives a natural, subtle flush and is perfect with a summer tan.  And check out the little bunnies pressed into the powder.

How cute is that?  When I showed it to Monsieur, he immediately said I would be reluctant to use it and it is true.  I have been swirling my brush very carefully around the bunnies.  And what's not to love about a heart shaped compact?
Lately, I have also been obsessed with my Stila waterproof eyeliner.  This stuff stays on!

The last addition in my Summer makeup collection is these very cool looking Sephora blotting papers.  They are made of charcoal.  They come inside a handy mirrored compact and soak up the shine like nobody's business.  Now I am on the hunt for a long wearing lipstick.  Most longwearing lipsticks tend to dry out the lips so if you have any suggestions let me know!
Lastly, I have finally hopped on to the Instagram wagon.  You can find me at @lheurebleuewithchloe and @lheurebleueathome.

I am linking up with Share Your Cup.