Because I love a "Challenge"

I said yes to one, half way through. Now we grind to the finish...

On March 16th I got a message from ShopMy - the affiliate platform I use to make personal shopping lists for friends & clients - offering me a 2 week posting challenge “opportunity.”

Post 20 links before March 30 and get $150 - the links need 10 clicks or 1 sale to count.

Now if you know me, you know I love a challenge.

There was a time I would respond to most any dare with a (foolish) “I’ll do that!”, do a brutal 14 day full body cleanse with ease, or give up a vice cold turkey with no problem. I tend to struggle with discipline by nature, but the rigidity of a challenge with a deadline seems to work for me.

I accepted the “opportunity” a week in to it on March 23 - so now it’s an experiment AND a sprint - with the added bonus of getting me back in the flow of posting on social media. I’ve somehow become a viewer rather than a participant lately, so even the (cringy) practice of posting links is a good way to get me back in the game.

This is a list of products I’ve linked so far (plus some I have yet to share) - all things I’ve purchased (not pr gifted) & often repurchased - all things I love.

You’ll find them in my kit, in my personal makeup bag, in my purse & on my vanity at any given time. They’ve earned their place through the trial & error of someone who keeps it natural/minimal & wants a low hassle quick routine.

Here are makeup products that I love for myself & use almost daily:

My fave skin tint - gives just enough coverage & a skin perfecting glow that always draws compliments to my skin

My Ride or Die lip color that’s about as old school as you can get (for Gen X)

This perfect cream color for lip & cheek that I use with/without anything else

For anyone that likes that blurred lip trend & is comfortable in deeper lip shades

The cream blush I avoided due to all the hype but actually lives up to it (jokes on me for waiting so long to get it)

These haircare products cover the bases for my color treated hair that typically requires a bit of extra effort to stay healthy:

Obsessed with this shampoo & conditioner combo (smells amazing, leaves my hair soft & comes with refill options)

This hair mask that I use a few times a month to give it a repair boost

The OG leave in treatment that I cocktail with this styling cream to strengthen my strands & give it body for air drying after a little scrunching

This styling/finishing cream that everyone should own

Makeup products I’ve added to my pro kit in 2026 that I’m loving so far:

This highlighting gel that comes in the perfect mini sizes (I have them all) & can be used alone or as I like to use it, under foundation for a natural lit from within glow

This pink Lip Oil shade that a celeb client recommended as her fave to swipe on all day for a polished but natural look

These liquid eyeshadows from a trusted artist led brand that are gorgeous - easy to apply & stay put. Perfect on their own or as a base for shadows

I hate how expensive this undereye concealer is but I love it & had to replace them all for 2026

I picked up this palette at the Duty Free shop in the airport as I was traveling to meet up with a client for a week in Toronto. The link goes to a different shade but the one I got was called Nude Dress & it is perfect for no makeup makeup looks. Layerable soft formulas with gentle neutrals

More things I’ve added, replaced or continue to obsess over in my pro kit:

This has been reformulated but I still love it

Another eyeshadow palette in shade Nude Essentials - sensing a pattern here? I was tired of my eyeshadow selections as the year began & went in search of replacements. This has 9 usable/wearable shades with a great formulation

This is the most reasonably priced of the mix - a great lip formula that looks & feels more expensive than it is. Perfect for giving to a client for touch ups & affordable to replace easily

I’ve waxed poetic about this bronzer in the past & I’m still at it. It’s buttery, the shades are great & it glides on with a fluffy or dense brush. Also not huge like so many bronzers are these days (it’s the perfect size)

I’m obsessed with this brand. I have so many things I love from them in my kit but this is just one small thing I’ve added out of many. Super special, looks gorgeous on & is an overall lovely company to support.

I tried others & came back to these. It’s my ride or die kit concealer & you can’t make me stop using it!!!

Lastly, I’ve talked about this highlighter since its inception, but apparently the world caught on because I see it everywhere lately. I have the pearl shade but will be getting the bronze as well because I have a feeling it will be gorge on the eyes as we get into warmer days & fresh looks!

So there you have it substack.

Personal faves, kit faves & a whole lot of products to explore if that’s something you enjoy doing.

I need 4 more qualified links to complete this challenge by 3/30. Will I succeed? Who knows.

The effort alone has brought me back here & got me posting on IG again so perhaps that’s success enough??

Do me a favor & click the links anyway, I like to win!!