March Favorites

So many goodies, so little time. But despite my constant urge to switch things up and try the next latest thing, I kept reaching for these amazing products over and over this month. They are....

Suave Visible Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion - My one and only gripe with this lotion is that I'm pretty sure Suave didn't even TRY to disguise the horrible self-tanner scent that I loathe (and I know I'm not alone on that hatred!). Aside from the awful fragrance, this stuff gives great color payoff and it builds easily and naturally. It actually looks like a real glow, not orange or streaky. My wrists are a little tell-tale, but that's because I wash my hands too soon after applying it. I use it at night so I don't have to smell it, and shower it off in the morning and voila! I don't look as ghostly as I normally do! Added bonus: this stuff is under $10!

L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara in Blackest Black - I've used this mascara in the past, and found it on clearance at Target so I snagged it up yet again. I forgot how much I love this stuff. It packs a serious punch in the volume department and makes my lashes look darn near like falsies! I don't know why people splurge on high-end mascara... the drugstore is FULL of great options! Once I go through my slew of mascaras, I'm going to put this on my repurchase list forever and ever. 

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner - I rotate between primers, but lately this pore refiner has been my go-to. It smooths easily over the skin and is slightly tinted. Once it's applied my skin looks completely poreless, like glass. This is just a mini sample size, but it could be worth a full-size purchase in the future! 

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish in Babe Blue - Cream nail polishes are my favorite, and this nearly neon blue is a stunner. I got so many compliments on this polish and I couldn't pull my own eyes away from my hands! Rarely do I use the same nail polish twice in the same year (don't judge me on my humongous collection...) but you can bet I'll be grabbing for this again soon!

Physician's Formula Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Blush in Natural - I admit, when I saw the packaging and design of these blushes I judged them by their cover and had to have one. I really love Physician's Formula blushes though, so I wasn't let down in the least. This color is a really pretty pink and blends easily and naturally on my cheeks. If you've heard people go on and on about how heavily scented these are like I have, I can honestly say I hardly even notice the smell. I mean, it's lame they fragranced these blushes, but don't let that deter you from trying one out! 

L'Oreal Color Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift - This is a beautiful cream blush that is a gorgeous shade of pink with gold shimmer. I used this so much this month because it looks natural and makes my face dewy so there's no highlighter required once you use this. But my favorite thing about this blush is that it LASTS. 8+ hours of wear ain't no thang for this cream blush! (Seriously, just look above at this beauty up close...ugh... gorgeous)


What have you been loving this month? Let me know!

August Favorites!

This month's favorite products are a bunch of "new to me" things - nothing particularly new to the beauty world. Nonetheless, they are all so worthy of sharing with you as I've thoroughly enjoyed everything you see above this month. Let's get to it...

My absolute favorite moisturizer this month was the Plantlife Patchouli Body Oil. I'm a die-hard patchouli fan, so I loved applying this all over and smelling magnificent all day long. I used this at the end of my shower in the morning, and even 9+ hours later I could smell it on my skin! I like pairing this with warmer perfumes such as Britney Spears Hidden Fantasy, as it creates a unique earthy fragrance.

Second best in the moisturizer category this month was The Body Shop Early Harvest Raspberry body butter. This smells AMAZING. For all I know, I'm smearing real raspberries all over me, that's how good the scent is. This body butter is extremely moisturizing and keeps my skin soft all day long. 

On a whim this month, I picked up the Nature's Bees Natural & Organic lip balm. I'm not a fan of Burt's Bees lip balm, so I don't know what posessed me to try this, but I am so glad I did! This balm has a soft mint scent and give the slightest tingle to the lips (nowhere near as tingly as Burt's Bees) and it moisturizes like no other. I picked this up at Big Lots for 99 cents I believe, and I love it so much I think I need to buy a backup or two!

For a summer glow, I've been turning to Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder in Transluscent. This highlighting powder is comparable to higher end versions I've tried. It gives the most beautiful sparkling sheen that really finishes off any look when applied to the tops of the cheekbones. It's a great option if you're looking for an affordable highlighting powder.

What have you been loving this month? Have you tried any of these products? Let me know!

Summer Lovin' - FOTD

It FINALLY feels like summer here in Minnesota - kind of sad, considering it's July 21... but we've just been graced with some 80+ degree weather for the last few days and I am absolutely loving it. All this sunshine and warm weather had me feeling so good that I decided to sport some dressed up eyes just for the heck of it. Here's how you get the look:

On my face, I began by moisturizing. See my current skincare routine for the products I use to do just that. For foundation, I used a cosmetic sponge to apply the Revlon ColorStay foundation; I'm the lightest shade, #110 Ivory. I set it using my go-to Rimmel Stay Matte powder. For a pop of color on my cheeks, I used a blush that's been featured many times on this blog, Physician's Formula Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Nude. 

I filled in and set my eyebrows using the Wet n Wild eyebrow pencil in Taupe and the Maybelline Great Lash in clear. On my lips I'm wearing a NYX Xtreme Lip Cream in the shade Nude Peach Fuzz, an awesome pigmented cream that is more like a liquid lipstick. Because this look is more dramatic for me than normal, a nude lip color is a nice choice so the attention stays on the eyes.

For my eyes, I started by using the Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin, a shimmering champagne color. To define the crease, I used my all-time favorite NYX single in True Taupe with a fluffy blending brush. Any matte brown that is just a couple shades darker than your skin tone will do. 

I then pulled out my Sephora Primal Instincts palette seen above to do the real work. Using the lighter shimmery purple shade called Tea Rose (top, right) I filled in the outside of my crease and then pulled it in along my lid. To really define the outside of the crease, I then used the jewel-toned shimmery purple called Plum. I pulled this slightly around the top of the lid for a bit of definition. To brighten up the middle and inner corner of my lid, I used a rosy champagne color (top, left) called Apricot. And wa-lah! That's all for the eyeshadow.

Because my eyes always need a pop of eyeliner to look complete, I used a brown liquid Covergirl liner (unnamed) and went over it with the Sigma eyeshadow base in Strike, a shimmery burgundy brick color. To complete the look I used a couple coats of Eyeko's Black Magic mascara. 


This look is super easy to replicate, and you definitely don't need to use the exact same colors I did to achieve something awfully similar. If you recreate this look, send me a link! I'd love to see!

FOTD - September 11, 2013

I was struck with a bit of inspiration today to try a different, fall-feeling combination of warm browns and thought I'd show you what I came up with. Take a look!

Here's what I used to achieve the look... 

I started off by moisturizing my face, as I always do. I've been trying to get through this Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer, so that's what I chose to use first. I then use my Sigma F80 brush to apply my favorite drugstore foundation, the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 foundation in Ivory (for my full review on this foundation, click here). I set this foundation using my favorite powder, the Rimmel Stay Matte powder in Transparent. To warm up my face I used NYC's Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny on the hollows of my cheeks, down around my chin, and on my temples. For a pop of color on my cheeks, I used my Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Nude. 

Under my eyes I used the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in Fair. I've really been enjoying this concealer, as it doesn't cake up in the fine lines under my eyes like many concealers do. Then I primed my eyelids using my favorite primer, theBalm's Put a Lid on It. All over my lid I used the Ulta Color Coat Cream Shadow in Shimmering Topaz. This is the bronzey pop you see in the middle of my eye in the pictures above.  In the crease, I used my Crown Brush Neutral Colors Smokey Eye Palette that I got off Hautelook not too long ago. I used a combination of the three colors you see in the collage to create a warm matte copper brown to define the crease. I used my holy grail Wet n Wild Mega Liner liquid liner in Black to create a winged out, super black liner look. For my lashes I used Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous in Brownish Black.

No lip products (other than Aquaphor) as my lips are too dry to sport anything cute despite loads of moisturizing lip gloss. Only a few more months of medication that dries my lips out - thank GOODNESS because I miss my lippies!

I liked this look and I think it's perfect for fall! Have you tried any of these products? Let me know in the comments below!

Face of the Day (FOTD)

I'm new to the FOTD-post world, and I have to say I'm a little nervous about it... but please be kind. I think it's fun to see others do these types of blogs, and I really enjoy seeing how people use certain products, especially if I have the same products in my own makeup collection. I hope you enjoy! (and please, excuse the camera angle that makes me look like I have a five-head!)

Click to enlarge image

Products used

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in 805 Ivory

Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Concealer in 205 Very Light (under eyes)

e.l.f. High Definition Powder in Translucent

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Nude

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded (eyeshadow base & inner corner highlight)

e.l.f. Long Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Soiree (eyelid color) 

Wet n Wild Mega Liner in 861 Black

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara in 01 Noir Midnight 

p.s. I'm working with my camera to find the perfect balance.... I think my face looks a little yellow in this image, but I promise you it doesn't in real life!

June Favorites!

June favorites are here and I have some truly awesome things to share with you this month. If you missed my May Favorites and aren't quite sure what this is all about, my "favorites" posts are a selection of products I have reached for over and over again over the past month, and I usually include a mini review as well. Here goes nothing...

 

Covergirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in 215 Watermelon Twist

First up is a lip "balm" (I say that in quotations only because it is far more pigmented than most "balms") that I am absolutely in love with. As you can see, it provides a really good coverage, it's a gorgeous bright pink, and let me tell you - it is perfect for summer. These are hydrating and shiny, and I would highly recommend them. You can find these at most drugstores for about $7-8 each, and they come in 14 different shades. 

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in 008 Candy Pink

If Barbie had a favorite lipstick, I imagine this would be it. I hate to share this because I think this might be a discontinued product line, replaced by the relatively new Revlon Lip Butters, BUT I HAD TO. It is seriously so awesome. It is a sheer pink color that is buildable to a good pink coverage. The nice thing about this product is you don't need a mirror to apply it - it's a good one to keep in the purse for apply-and-go lip color.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in Ivory

It's been a while since I've changed up my foundation routine, but after hearing nothing but good things about this foundation from some YouTube "beauty gurus" that I watch, I finally caved and picked it up. What the HECK was I waiting for? This stuff is an instant favorite. The 3-in-1 means this foundation functions as a primer, concealer and foundation. The things I love most about it are that it has full coverage without having to apply a ton of product (total necessity with hot summer weather), it lasts all day long, and the pump bottle applicator rocks. I'm in love. You can find this at most drugstores for around $10.

L'Oreal Clean Definition Telescopic Mascara in Blackest Black

Perhaps you've heard others praise the amazingness of the Telescopic mascara line, and if so - you can add me right in to this group of lovers. I'm not sure if you can still pick up the Clean Definition version of this product (I believe Shocking Extensions is the latest version of this mascara) but you can find it at times at stores like Big Lots. This mascara draws out your lashes, separates them, and makes them look so long and full without looking clumpy. The skinny brush makes it easy to apply in all sections of your eye, whether its the inner corner of your lashes or the long outer corner lashes. A must have mascara, for sure.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in 25 Bad to the Bronze

Helllooooo awesome cream eyeshadows! This line rocks my freaking socks off. I own a handful of these colors, but my favorites from this line include this one, Bad to the Bronze, because it is an easy everyday color. (Mix this with Barely Branded and you're set for the day!) These cream shadows are super pigmented, easy to use, and they really do last alllll day long without creasing. These are a great, and much cheaper, alternative to MAC's paint pots. You can find these at drugstores for around $6.

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Nude

Since I bought this blush earlier in June, I have not been able to put it away. This is a seriously great product. The multi-colored aspect of it allows for easy blending and it adds a very natural looking definition to the cheeks. This is a great product to use when you're doing an all-over natural face look. You can find this product at most drugstores for around $10.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil 

When I first heard of this product I was like "put pure oil.... ON MY FACE?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" And then I did my research and found that this oil won't clog your pores, and is actually filled with antioxidants that help soothe blemishes or acne. This is one oil that your face will absorb nicely, so it won't sit on your skin and feel oily and gross. Maracuja oil is also supposed to help with fine lines and wrinkles. I use this nightly, primarily around my eyes to mega-moisturize that area and fight off any future wrinkles and fine lines. Now and then I use it on my whole face which feels divine. This stuff is kind of pricey (I got it in a gift set, which was basically the price of one of these bottles alone), running about $45. If this is too much for your budget, you can get maracuja oil MUCH cheaper if you buy it without a brand name attached.

Lush Lip Scrub in Mint Julips

Lippies are my weakness, and nothing is worse than putting on lipstick with gross peely dry lips. That problem is solved completely thanks to this awesome product by Lush (a favorite brand of mine). Essentially, this is a sugar scrub for your lips. You take a tiny bit out, scrub it all around, and then lick it off (it's all natural, baby!). It tastes just like you would imagine it would, and it works a freakin' miracle on my lips. You can get Lush's lip scrubs at any Lush store, or online at their website. They run around $9 each. 

What products have you been loving this month? And do you love any of these same products? Let me know in the comments below. :)