Hello October. Hello Libra Season. Celebrating my birthday. I turn 38 this year and so the countdown to 40 has officially started and I am excited.
I have a secret/private 40 before 40 list that I drafted at the end of 2024 that I have essentially neglected for most of 2025.
But today we are testing something new. I am attempting to monetise the blog via affiliate marketing through Amazon to be more precise. So if you already don’t know Amazon now offer free direct delivery to Jamaica on orders over USD $35. I have successfully placed several orders since the option became available.
So essentially affiliate marketing works where you use my link and I get a commission. This feels a little icky and cringey but yeah I want to see if the blog can eventually pay for itself – hosting and graphic website services etc. I probably should’ve tested this with a book post. But let’s see the reach of my ‘influence’. That word tickles me for some strange reason.
So let’s begin with my current favourites, then I will share two things that are actually on my Amazon wish list.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
Current Favs
Skincare
The Clean Skin Club Towels XL disposable facial towels are a fav, I have already bought and used four boxes since I first started using them at the start of summer 2025. I typically get the 50 count packs. And I have an unopened one in my bathroom ready to use when the one on my counter is finished. I basically use these every time I wash my face (well most times). So most days, I use two towels as I try to maintain a basic skincare routine of wash, tone, serum, moisturize, then sunscreen in the morning and then at night, double cleanse, tone and night cream (some nights I use a retinol).
Then the e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Invisible SPF 35, Lightweight, Gel-based Sunscreen was gifted to me in August and I already ordered a second tube so I don’t completely run out. Please get the invisible gel, the tinted sunscreen will have you looking like the Sovereigns from Guardians of the Galaxy. I learned this through experience and even have pics as proof. The gel based sunscreen works well over all the daily moisturizers that I currently use without a white cast.
Continuing with e.l.f. I love the butter balms and my personal favourite is the Vanilla Toffee one, it is warm and beautiful on my skin and I love the smell. They cost USD $9 and I also have the cherry scented one and I will eventually get the others in the line. Don’t use too much at first because it can feel sticky so apply in layers. At least that is best way I have found.
Also, side note: Do you have a go-too general purpose scent-free and clear hydrating lip balm that actually works (I don’t mind re-appyling a few times throughout the day). But I need something that is hydrating and will wear well under other lip products that have colour. Share your favourites, thanks. I mean it, I want recommendations.
Birthday Wishlist
Haircare
I saw this brand on TikTok and I recognised the founder from her days as a hair influencer on YouTube in the 2010s but I want to try the Miche anti-humidity strong hold gel and I plan to get it as soon as I am done with the two gels I currently have.
Coffee
Now shipping this to Jamaica would cost me a lot due to shipping fees as well as custom fee so I may buy something similar locally but I saw this neat little coffee maker online and I liked it. It is small enough that I imagine it wouldn’t take up too much counter space and I like that it does hot and cold drinks. But for right now I make my iced coffee with instant coffee and I brew coffee in my French press.
And that is if my first affiliate post which may be a s—show but we tried.
Let me know if you’ve used any of these products or something similar and would recommend. And if you have or had a blog, how did you monetise it without display ads. I cannot stand display ads. Did you get sponsored content? Did sell digital products? Did you use the blog to launch into consulting? Please share what worked for you.
Chat again in a few weeks. I want to share Q4 plans and goals when we next chat and some upcoming blog changes I hope to implement in 2026.
Also what do you think of the new blog theme?
Be well. Take care until next time.
The butter balms are an all time favourite for me. I have all the shades/scents and each one brings a who different vibe.
Thanks for commenting Kimmi. I have three now, love all the scents but the blackberry sorbet is a tad bit dark on my lips but still love the scent and moisture it provides. Did you get the newest one, the vanilla ice cream clear one?
I got a tinted sunscreen and I don’t like how it looks. I will try your recommendation.
Hey Marsha-Gay the tinted sunscreens can be a little bit of trial and error for our darker skin tones. Far too many are created for lighter skin tones in mind. Was it ashy or poor coverage? Let me know if you end up trying the elf invisible gel sunscreen and if you like it.