Showing posts with label Makeup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Makeup. Show all posts
It's that time of year again when the air begins to get crisp and the leaves begin to change. I know in Chicago it's still eighty degrees (which is insanely abnormal), but the leaves on many trees are already changed and bright yellow or orange. I thought I would kick off my series of fall related posts with a much needed "Makeup Favorites". To be honest, I haven't been purchasing much more new makeup.
It must be my will to keep using what I already have and what I already have, I love anyway. So, I thought I would share what I am still currently loving and will be using this upcoming fall.
For my eyes, I have been loving the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. It has really been my go-to eye product recently and can curl my lashes better than most of my other mascaras and ones I have tried in the past. It's a cult favorite. I have also been loving the Essence Brow Designer as an inexpensive alternative to any of the Anastasia brow products. It is very handy when I am traveling and don't want to bring a spoolie.
For fall, I know that my nude lip shades will be a necessity. The Wet n Wild Liquid Catsuit matte lipstick in Rebel Rose is one of my favorite shades for this upcoming season. It lasts all day and gives off great color.
I have had some go-to base products that I am obsessed with, as well. The Too Faced Hangover Primer has been my favorite hydrating primers that I have ever used and love the coconut scent. The foundation that I have still been using is the Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint. It keeps my face looking matte and also hides any dry patches I might have or get as the colder months come.
I have also been finding that this amazingly inexpensive Wet n Wild eyeshadow primer has impressed me so much compared to any higher end primer. It's probably my favorite at the moment and I don't think anyone should have to pay more than five dollars for a great one.
I have also been using the Mac Studio Fix Powder to make sure my makeup is set and matte for all day long. It has been one of my must haves because I always find this to be the savior if my face ever needs a quick touch up or fix.
To add a bit of color to my cheeks, I have been using up my NYX Terra Cotta blush. This golden color is probably my favorite cheek color I've used. It creates a very subtle warm glow. If I want more, I love to add a bit of my Benefit Hoola Bronzer around my cheeks and on my jaw line.
To add some color to my eyes, the definition of fall is in this Anastasia Modern Renaissance palette. All of the golden browns, rich reds, and vibrant oranges have me swoon. This palette is a favorite of a lot of beauty gurus and lovers, so it had to make it on my fall beauty favorites. You can make so many different looks with this palette and the shades are so well pigmented. I am so ready to where this look this season!
Surprisingly, Chicago has been very cool and today it reached a high of 65 degrees. Even with the sun beating down, it can sometimes get a little toasty. We are blessed with better weather that's not so oppressively hot or humid and I haven't been wearing much on my face. However, I do every now and then love to dress up and I have been loving breathable makeup. Not "natural", but comfortable makeup.
I have some older and newer products that I have been enjoying a lot this summer and I really haven't stopped using the Naked 2 Basics Palette. They are all classic colors and I love wearing taupe shades on my lids. For my eyebrows, I have been continuing to use the Anastasia Brow Pomade in Medium Brown. It has been one of my favorite brow products and I have really been wanted to try out the Brow Whiz.
As for my face, I keep it pretty simple. I normally wear a BB cream and a light powder. I wear a light base and use the Rimmel BB Cream. I love it because it protects my skin with SPF 25 and covers my imperfections without being too thick.
After I apply it with a Beauty Blender, I dust on some Mac Studio Fix Powder to mattify and keep my face from getting oily. I really love this powder and it's great to travel with because it has a mirror and a compartment for a sponge.
Sometimes I like to line my under eyes with the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Gold Rush and it adds a bit of dimension and color. Then I will usually line my eyes with the L'Oreal Lineur Intense Eyeliner which has a great and easy applicator and gives you very sleek and thin lines.
To top it all off, I have been loving the Covergirl Plumpify Mascara because of how much it volumizes and "plumps" my lashes.
Lately, I have loved pink lips and a subtle pop of color on the lips has been in this season. The Laura Mercier Lipstick in French Kiss is a great pink tint for the summer. What type of makeup look have you been loving this summer?
It's the middle of July (woah) and that means oppressive heat and sunny days...and chapped lips. I know that no one desires to have chapped lips and recently I have been consistent with moisturizing and exfoliating my lips.
I have always been a chapstick and lipstick obsessor, but lately I have been loving lip scrubs and exfoliators. They leave you with amazingly soft lips and there are even some great ones at the drugstores.
Before I use any lip products, it has been added to my makeup and skincare routine to exfoliate my lips because I have forgotten how important it is to take care of them. I was at Target a while ago and stumbled across the Elf section and was wondering why there was a mint green lipstick! To my surprise it was a lip exfoliator. The best part? It's in a tube! No mess and great minty taste. I also got this other clear one that tastes like Shea butter or cocoa butter. You just apply it to damp lips, massage in circular motions, and try not to lick it all off (hehe). These are so inexpensive and great for on the go and no more sticking your clean fingers into sugar scrub pots.
I have always been a huge EOS fan and all of their products have been mentioned if not loved. I was that teenager who was obsessed with lip balms and tints and I had one of every flavor or color and couldn't finish any of them, but just didn't care. It may sound pathetic, but it might show how much I actually love and continue to use them. I have never found that the Blueberry Acai has been a current favorite and I also really love Summer Fruit.
Another balm I have been using, which is also a classic favorite of mine, is the Burt's Bees Bring Back the Bees Coconut and Pear lip balm. It is so summery and I will always support environmental movements or campaigns that companies do. It's nice to switch back and forth to have options. Both give very smooth and soft lips. What has been your favorite lip balm?
I may or may not be too late into the game to share the new L'Oreal Lash Paradise mascara, but I'm going to share my thoughts on it anyway. First things first (I'm the realist), the packaging undoubtedly reminds me of the Maybelline Lash Sensational and that's perfectly okay because I am obsessed with that one and rose gold. When I first used it, it was so much of a curling mascara, but a lengthening and volumizing one.
My lash curler helps with curling my lashes more and I was really impressed with this mascara. I think it is the first one I have actually enjoyed using from them.
I love the shape of the brush; it's more of an hour glass shape so it really helps to get all of your lashes in just a couple swipes. They have many different colors, but I decided to stick with Blackest Black and the original formula instead of water proof. I think this might be my new go-to summer mascara! It really opens up my almond shaped eyes and lasts pretty much all day (disregard hot and muggy days). It's not clumpy and doesn't really smear unless you try very hard. What has been your favorite drugstore mascara?
Over the years of my makeup journey, I never thought I would have more than one primer or concealer. When I was in middle school, it was simply mascara and lipgloss. Now that I am older, I have had a bit more freedom to venture out and see what types of products work for me. Finding the perfect base makeup for your skin can be a struggle. I know it has still taken me a while to figure out my exact skin type and I probably never will because it constantly changes all the time. Today, I want to share my base collection and how I have managed to select these products.
These are all of the eye primers that I have (shown above). I have really tried to look for options that were not as expensive and I think I did very well. I feel like an eye primer doesn't have to cost you $20. I found the Maybelline MasterPrime Shadow Primer and loved how it doubled as a primer and a base shadow. For only about five dollars. If you want to go even less expensive, I would have to say the Wet'n'Wild Photo Focus Primer was only around three bucks at Walgreen and has incredible staying power.
Also, if you are looking for a deal, go to Nordstrom Rack. I found this Urban Decay Primer Potion there for only $10. This one ultimately stays the longest because it is a great quality primer, but the Wet'n'Wild one for sure took the cake. It seamlessly covers all the veins and really does a great job at keeping my eye look in place.
Onto some more primers I have (including another eye primer). I haven't been driven away from Benefit's Porefessional primer and I have been using it for so long now I might need to buy a new one! It is so smooth on my skin and really sets up a clean and silky base for all of my other makeup. It does a wonderful job at hiding my pores, too. I have recently been using the Too Faced Hangover Primer as my base for makeup because it is so hydrating and infused with coconut water. It's a great wake-me-up when you are out all night or just need something to make you look refreshed. An older primer I have is the Laura Geller Spackle Primer which I didn't enjoy as much as the Too Faced one, but loved on days when I was wearing heavier makeup because I felt like it could withstand a full face of makeup.
I also have the Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer that I really liked using and might repurchase. It has a doe foot applicator which comes in handy and does a really nice job keeping my shadow in place. For what it's worth, however, I do still recommend the less expensive Wet'n'Wild option the most. Last, but not least, I have the Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer which I love using to hide any dark circles or redness I find when I wake up. Perfect for travel.
My base collection has drastically changed over the years and will keep changing as my skin changes. It all comes down to preference, I think. Whether you prefer a type of product to do a certain thing or not. It also comes down to which product you would want to spend more or less money on. I would say investing in a very nice facial primer is better than investing in a nice eye primer. You can totally find both great products at the drugstore. It just depends on preference! Which base product do you prefer spending more money on?
I feel like I haven't written about makeup in so long, probably because I've been busy finishing school and finally graduating. I wanted to share my typical, spring makeup that I actually wore on my graduation. When it comes to spring, I love color and light face makeup. No one wants a cake face when it's 75 and sunny. Chicago has been warming up over the past few weeks and I have just celebrated Memorial Day at the Indiana Dunes and hanging out with all of my closest friends. The last thing you want to worry about is all of your makeup melting off.
Bobbi Brown BB Cream- Recently I have been into bb creams and they're pretty much all I use nowadays. I just think they can give the perfect amount of coverage anytime. I love wearing them during the warmer months when I don't care to use a full face of makeup.
I especially have been loving the Bobbi Brown BB Cream and it has really changed my outlook on all foundations. It has incredible blurring power without feeling dewy, dry, or anything worse. It really makes my face feel fresh and au natural.
Nars Travel Concealer-I haven't strayed away from this concealer at all. I love how creamy and full covering this concealer is. It doesn't crease and lasts all day long. I am really considering purchasing a full size one.
Mac Studio Fix Powder- I also have been using this powder so much. I switch back between this and the Coty Airspun Powder when I want to bake my under eyes or not use pressed powder. This is great for travel as it has a compartment for a sponge. I love how matte and oil free it makes my face. Really great for the warmer months.
Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer- I just tried this out about a month ago and have really fallen to love it. It smells like paradise and palm trees while also creating the most smooth and makeup ready skin. While I have never had a hangover, I'm convinced that this could help revive anyone who need a wake up call. The scent is perfect for this time of year and it is great for traveling.
Bobbi Brown Color Corrector- Normally, I don't use correctors, but recently I have found that this Bobbi Brown corrector really helps to brighten and correct imperfections when I get bad zits or bags under my eyes.
Stila Bronzing Beauty Balm- To be honest, I was weary of using this at first because I don't like liquid anything, however, I dab a bit onto my Beauty Blender and then onto my cheeks and love the dewy J Lo glow! Who doesn't want that?
Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade- This pomade has been in my collection for a while and I still continue to use it because it does a tremendous job at sculpting out my brows. I skip the eye brow mascara and solely use this with an angled brush.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara- A classic and one of my favorites, this mascara is a given especially when you want butterfly lashes. I love the sample size because it's easier to get all of your lashes with the smaller applicator.
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked in Pink- I have had this eyeshadow for so long, but I can't bare to just toss such a great shade. This rose gold cream shadow is great as one color all across the lid. Spring is the best for colors on the face and I think this looks so elegant with eyeliner and mascara.
Ysl Lipstick in Rouge Rose- Last, but not least, I do think that a pop of color on the lips does a girl wonders. Sometimes I prefer nudes, but this Ysl shade has me dreaming. I love coral lips and this smooth lipstick will brighten any neutral eye look. I didn't wear this with the pink shadow, but I'm sure it'll look good with just about anything.
What's been your spring makeup pick?
I have recently added a new bb cream to the bunch! I have already raved about great bb creams and I thought I would put this one under the spotlight because it's so good. I'm not normally a huge, heavy makeup fan in the first place, so anything that allows me to look like I have goddess-like skin, without the cake, is always a winner in my book.
Now I received this Bobbi Brown BB Cream as a gift and would only ever want it as a gift because it's not reasonably priced. I think it's nice to splurge, though, and this might just be worth it.
This is probably one of the most expensive products that I own and I feel very fancy while using it. I apply it with a Beauty Blender like I would with any other foundation or bb cream. While it is not a very easily replaceable product, I use it sparingly and a little goes a very long way. For being the second Bobbi Brown product I have, I am incredibly impressed by it's quality and staying power.
It's infused with not only spf, but caffeine! This is not your average 7am pick-me-up ladies! It's better; it reduces redness and reduces discoloration in the skin which is something an espresso could never accomplish, let alone fix.
This bb cream is a bit more covering in the sense that it doesn't leave a very natural look because it does a great job at covering up imperfections while feeling light and airy. I haven't noticed any oxidization, but Bobbi Brown has about nine shades to choose from which is pretty decent for a high end brand. You can always mix colors (only if you have money to spare on another $46 bb cream). It pretty much matches my skin tone and will look even better as soon as I tan a little more.
I also noticed that the wearability of this bb cream is so long and goes for a while without creasing super bad. Yeah it's makeup and you will need to fix it here and there, but for what it's worth, it has remarkable staying power and doesn't leave you oily, which is also amazing because of how hydrating it is.
Have you tried any Bobbi Brown products lately that you love?
It's not everyday that a girl gets to wear a forty dollar lipstick, amirite? I was so gratefully gifted this lipstick by one of my best friends and I am truly thankful for her kindness. I have always wanted to try Yves Saint Laurent products, but I couldn't bear opening my wallet for just a lipstick. This isn't any lipstick I have ever tried. That's why I'm dedicating this post specifically for it; because it's just that damn good.
I wouldn't say that I am a total makeup geek or anything and I hardly know anything about higher end makeup. I have heard of YSL don't get me wrong, but it was never a brand that I found reachable to my financial standards (mostly college is in the way). I have the YSL Lipstick in Rosy Coral. I have realized that this might be an awesome gift to give to your most lovable and deserving mother for Mother's Day, which is in about a week or so.
First of all, the packaging is just glorious. Everything I could ever want and more. It's sleek, glamorous, and very minimalist, which I highly appreciate.
This lipstick describes me on so many levels. It's very easy to travel with and bring along anywhere at anytime. Like, look at the detailed engraving? I'm so scared to mess it up! So far, I am impressed beyond expectation. I think this is just a beautiful decorative piece on its own. Perfect for any mother's makeup collection.
The color is just unbelievably vibrant and opaquely pigmented. The formula is beyond smooth and silky. It feels like butter. There isn't a strong distinct smell, but you can tell that it's very high end.
I have only worn it a couple times and it barely moves during the day. Obviously, you might need to reapply, but other than that, it performs beautifully. This coral shade is perfect for this season. I never thought that coral and bright oranges would actually look good on me, but I was surprised to see that this shade works very well with my olive skin tone.
This product is probably something I never thought I would ever try until I was probably thirty because of it's expensiveness--or until I was a mom. I guess that's really the only downside I have faced with it.
Would I recommend this? Yes. However, if you are on a budget like me and don't have the most amazingly generous friends like I do, I would suggest many affordable options that you can buy at Sephora and the drugstores like L'Oreal, Makeup Forever, Mac, or even Wet'N'Wild. Sometimes you gotta live a little and splurge. When it comes to are mothers, though, they deserve the best of the best. What are you doing for your mom?
As the months get warmer, I have been relocating my bb creams because I'm the type of girl who doesn't love wearing a full coverage foundation when it's 70 and muggy out. Even though Chicago is still struggling to stay consistent with it's beautiful spring weather, rain and cool temps become an issue when it comes to doing my makeup. I have always loved bb creams and how versatile and great they can be for pretty much any skin type. All bb creams have some sort of spf, which is great during this time. I have been through a good number of bb creams in my life and have found some that I really enjoy using.
Bobbi Brown BB Cream Spf 35- I was recently gratefully and generously given this from a good friend of mine who didn't really use makeup. I have tried it already a few times and I am really impressed by it. This is my second Bobbi Brown product that I have used (besides the color corrector concealer) and I am really happy about the way it applied and lasted on my skin. It has a very sheer finish and feels very hydrating while also mattifying and fresh. This is probably my new favorite foundation (besides the Nars tinted moisturizer which I love dearly). I just find this one to be a step down in coverage from the Nars one, so I didn't want to include it in this post because I think it's more of a full coverage tinted moisturizer.
Rimmel London BB Cream Spf 25- I think this bb cream really takes the cake. No, it doesn't cake on your face. I think this one is just as great as the Bobbi Brown one. What I noticed is that it is more mattifying than the Bobbi Brown one or the Laura Mercier one. If you are looking for a super inexpensive option, I would recommend this one. It has more of a natural finish and is really great if you don't want to look like you have any makeup on.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Spf 20- I bought this tinted moisturizer last year because I heard so many great things about it. They were right! I would compare this more to the Rimmel one because of its sheer coverage. It isn't as matte because it is a moisturizer, however, the right about of powder will make it last all day. I use all of these interchangeably, but when I really want to have a more glowy skin look and when my skin is actually cooperating, I like to use this one.
My love for bb creams seems to not end and I don't think it ever will. I love how there's so much in one product that can do so many great things for my skin. Especially during the warmer months, these can be lifesavers because they don't leave your skin feeling sticky and gross. What are your favorite bb creams?
So, this weekend, my family and I are headed off to Virginia to go visit my sister and my close family friends. The last time I was on a place I think was when I went to San Francisco last spring. If you don't know me, then I will tell you that packing is probably one of my favorite things to do when travelling. I love picking out things to wear and trying to consolidate things I may or may not need. Now that more makeup brands are carrying travel friendly makeup and beauty products, travelling with these amenities (or necessities) has become so much easier and convenient.
I thought that I would share what I am bringing on my trip. It's also Easter weekend, so I thought it was a little important to bring at least some blush and lip gloss along. I also love to see what types of things people bring and leave behind when they go on trips.
The first thing that I think is necessary to have on a trip is a tinted moisturizer of some kind. I love the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer because it is light and is great for sunny trips because of its spf 20. They have a ton of shades and I love how matte it actually is. I love to pair it with this mini Nars Concealer which is very full coverage and creamy. It's blendable and great to bring along for touch ups. Under my eyes I love using the Smashbox Undereye Primer to make sure that my concealer stays all day!
To top off my face makeup, I have been using this great Bare Minerals Powder that mattifies my look and keeps everything in place. I have also been trying out this mini Tarte Cheek Stain in Sheer Berry and it surprisingly is easy to blend and gives great pigment. I love the mini size, too.
I have been exploring color correctors and I knew that peach was great for minimizing redness under the eyes and my friend happened to give me this Bobbi Brown Color Corrector which I have really been loving. It kind of acts like a concealer, but evens out my skin.
I also have this mini Makeup Forever Lipgloss in Sweet Pink that's great to soften up a look and add some shine to your lips.
My good friend Ellaby also gave me this Clinique Compact that is also very great to take travelling. It has a taupey-cream shade and a coffee brown eye shadow shades and a great travel sized blush that I can use if I don't feel like using the Tarte one. I haven't ever tried out Clinique makeup before, but I love the pigmentation of it so far. I like to bring along my very tiny Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eye Shadow Primer that I love and got in a Christmas makeup set that Benefit had a while ago.
To finish off the simple eye look, I use the mini Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara which I have fallen in love with recently. It was an impulse buy in the travel section of Sephora, but man is it a great mascara. I would compare this to the Maybelline Lash Sensational, but I love how much length and volume it gives in comparison.
I leave for my trip very early this morning and I am so excited to just get away for this weekend! I don't normally go on trips like these right during school, but it's nice to just take a break every now and then. What's your must-have beauty travel essential?
I have been getting into highlighters recently and thought that I would share the few (yes, few) that I have. I'm always a sucker for glow, especially when it's a J-Lo glow. My highlighter collection is clearly small and needs some more additions, but I don't often use them as much as blush or bronzer and I have been very impressed and content with these three.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector full size $38- I had to include this mini rose gold highlighter because it's such a great product. I haven't ever used Becca before, but I get the hype of all of her products. I wouldn't normally use this on my cheeks as much, but it is a beautiful eye shadow and adds a pop of shimmer and color to any summer or spring look. I don't know if you can buy this mini separately because I got it in a Sephora Favorites set.
Soap & Glory Glow All Out $15- I really love this highlighting powder in the winter because it is more of a frosty and "moonlit" type of highlighter. It's subtle, but can be flattering on many people. I think this would be a great powder to use to brighten up the face by lightly dusting it on after foundation. It gives off a very natural shine.
Essence Pure Nude Highlighter $4.49- I have to say, this highlighter takes the cake and really impressed me. This golden highlight really gives off the J-Lo glow vibe. It's very opaque and a little amount goes a very long way. I love the way this looks in the summer and I am obsessed with it's versatility because you can also use it as an eyeshadow like the Becca one. For the price and the quality, it's well worth it. I haven't tried many of Essence's products, but this by far, is one of the best drugstore highlighters.
Whether you are looking for the J-Lo glow or not, these highlighters do a bomb job at achieving it either way. I have slowly been acclimating to all of the highlighting nonsense and really adore the way highlighting can transform any look. There are some great expensive and inexpensive quality products that are amazing and no one should feel like they have to spend their paycheck on it. My worth it buy was probably the Essence highlighter because of how pigmented and creamy the formula is and how great the price is.
What highlighters have you been loving?
I have been loving liquid lipsticks lately, however, the problem of dry and cracked lips always ruins the look. I have seen all of the scrubs and oils, but I wanted something handy that I could just easily and conveniently use to scrub my lips before I applied my favorite liquid lipsticks. The E.l.f. Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac has been a game changer and really has made my routine a whole lot easier.
For many of you makeup lovers, liquid lipsticks are probably a staple and dry or cracked lips are totally not. It's safe to say that I have probably found one of the best solutions out there. Forget the messy and oddly flavored Lush lip scrubs, Elf knows where it's at! With six other flavors, including pink grapefruit and coconut, elf has created a convenient lip sugar scrub that's totally edible and easy to use before using your Kylie Lip Kit. For only $3 dollars, you can have the most soft and kissable lips out there. Who doesn't want that?
These lip scrubs are infused with vitamin e, Shea butter, avocado, grape and jojoba oils to smooth and help protect your lips. All pretty safe ingredients to me! I like to wet or lick my lips before applying it because it can be harsh on dry lips. Then I either lick it off my lips or wipe it off with a tissue and apply my lip balm or lipstick. I just find it so easy because you don't have to abandon your makeup routine to go into the bathroom to get your fingers all messy while scooping out your bubble gum lip scrub. If you aren't a diy fan and don't feel like making your own sugar scrub, I would really suggest purchasing this amazingly inexpensive one. It's so convenient to just bring along for quick fixes.
I have been so impressed by Elf lately and love all of their products. They really kill at making great quality and affordable makeup. I know sometimes Elf can be overlooked because it's too "cheaply priced" to be good. You just have to try it because there are some really great products.
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