Showing posts with label Makeup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Makeup. Show all posts
Recently, I got the honor of being able to try out one Esqido's famous Mink strip lashes and eyelash glue. I've only talked about lashes on my blog once or twice, because I don't normally wear them on my everyday look, but I am always curious and open to trying out new ones every now and then.
I would also like to disclaim that I was sent these to try out for you guys and also my poor application job. I'm still learning as you can tell, but in no way did my sloppy application take away from the quality and comfort of the lashes. I gave them two good goes and I think I did a better job the next day I wore these. Just takes practice! I'm also a fan of the stylish rose gold packaging and was impressed by the look of the case that the lashes come in.
According to Esqido, the Mink style lashes are "the most natural looking false lashes" and I couldn't agree more. I ended up choosing the Radiance lashes. These lashes are a new addition to the collection and are light volume. I really wanted something that didn't look so drastic and dramatic on my eyes, but could be noticeable and add more curl to my normal lashes.
I personally think my lashes stick out really straight and I find it hard to curl them with the curler sometimes. So, I was curious to see how "false" these actually looked on. They even have more lashes that look even more subtle than what I have on.
As for the glue, I was surprised that the tube was almost a full tube of mascara. I loved the metallic details and sophisticated type on the packaging. I'm really sensitive to glues and made sure that my skin wouldn't react to it first by putting a dot on my hand. The long applicator made it easy for me to get enough glue on the lashes, as well.
After I easily got them on as close as possible, I put a layer of eyeliner and just a swipe of mascara as I normally would. I was in love with how they curled and gave the butterfly effect I adore.
As for the wear of the product and how it performed, I was really impressed. They stayed on pretty much all day. I had no sensitivities and they never came off or unstuck from the glue. Taking them off was no issue either. It was so satisfying to just peel it off my lid and not have to worry about gross glue residue, even though I did cleanse my face after.
I would say one critique I have is that for the price of these lashes, around 29 dollars, I have definitely tried some drugstore lashes that are a fourth of the price and almost, if not the same, quality. I was really pleased with how fast they came in the mail and customer service was helpful and quick with fulfilling my request.
I was surprised by Esqido and see why a lot of beauty gurus love these lashes. They add way more glam and are perfect for completing looks. Personally, I've found satisfaction in drugstore lashes because I don't wear them as often and can't dare spend 30 dollars on lashes all the time, but it was nice to be able to try some high-end ones to compare.
I would love to try out more styles if I could in the future, but knowing me, I might just stick to plain 'ol mascara. Do you like the look of false lashes?
If you're a beauty and makeup lover like me, then you probably collect dozens of minis and samples of products you want to try out or maybe just ended up getting when you bought a full-size product or gift box. Minis and travel size products are my favorite because you get to try out the product without committing to the full-size, they're usually a lot cheaper than the full product, they're easy to travel with, and no product is wasted.
A lot of my makeup collection consists of minis, as shown above, and to be honest I wouldn't be mad if all makeup was sold in smaller sizes. It just makes sense for me since I don't wear a full face of makeup every single day. I do understand that a lot of people need more than .5 oz of something like an eyebrow pencil or foundation, but these little guys get the job done.
Face
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer- I have had to make sure that I take this tinted moisturizer wherever I go. This is probably one of my favorite, all-time tinted moisturizers and leaves a very natural glow without sinking into lines or feeling incredibly dewy.
Milk Blur Stick- This was a new discovery and probably one of the best lifesavers when it comes to covering up a zit or uneven pigmentation. It smells so good, too.
Nars Concealer- I've also loved Nars's concealer and a lot of their face products. This mini concealer is also another lifesaver when I'm traveling or at school.
Nars Pore & Shine Primer- I'm gonna have to buy the full-size of this primer because it does an amazing job leaving my skin matte and smooth with my foundation on.
Bare Minerals i.d. Powder- I also have been a big fan of Bare Minerals and their powder does wonders, especially around the t-zone and areas that produce the most oil on my face during the warmer months.
Benefit Hoola Bronzer- This mini bronzer is so cute and all of you know how much I love this as it's the only one I use and like to use doing my makeup. It's the child of my full-size one!
Eyes
Lips
Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel- This is a given, but the lip caramel by Fresh is by far the best tasting lip balm I've ever tried. So smooth, too!
Makeup Forever Lip Gloss in Sweet Pink- I have had my doubts and dislikes over this lip gloss, but I've started to like the simple shine and sheer color on my lips. It's nice to have as an option when you forget to bring your other favorite gloss on a trip.
Fragrance
Chloe Perfume- This scent has also been a favorite. It's super floral and summery. It adds a bit of flirtation and can save you in desperate times. These mini sample perfumes are literally found in every bag I own.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara- This Tarte mascara is one of my favorite curling and lengthening mascaras. It's the perfect touch up in times of need.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz- Another classic is this brow pencil that I always use even when I have the minimal amount of makeup on. Finishing and touching up sparse areas on my eyebrows makes me feel very put together.
Lips
Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel- This is a given, but the lip caramel by Fresh is by far the best tasting lip balm I've ever tried. So smooth, too!
Makeup Forever Lip Gloss in Sweet Pink- I have had my doubts and dislikes over this lip gloss, but I've started to like the simple shine and sheer color on my lips. It's nice to have as an option when you forget to bring your other favorite gloss on a trip.
Fragrance
Chloe Perfume- This scent has also been a favorite. It's super floral and summery. It adds a bit of flirtation and can save you in desperate times. These mini sample perfumes are literally found in every bag I own.
I thrive off of mini samples of products because they're the best option for trying out new products and not having to commit to spending so much money on a large product you may not like. In the future, I will continue to try and find new products that work for me and going small. I would like to know if any of you try to buy the travel size or get samples a lot before you go out and buy the full product! Or do you stick to samples? I am finishing up my last couple of weeks of school, so there will only be one post for this week! Hope you guys understand!
While I try to embrace the beginning of Chicago spring, I've lately been drawn to a lot of floral scents even though my city has lack of flora to be seen. Perfumes and finding scents I like can be very hard because I don't want anything too strong and I'm very particular with what type of flower it is or what other notes the perfume has in it. I'm still trying to decide my favorite perfume, as the Jo Malone peony and blush suede is high up on the list, I have a couple other favorites that I can't put down.
This first perfume is the Daisy by Marc Jacobs which I know is a classic and very popular perfume choice for many women. I would say that this perfume is on the sweeter side of the spectrum as it has notes of strawberry as well as jasmine and violet leaves. I love it when a perfume can be balanced with fruit so you don't get that overly dramatic wave of grandma that I truly despise in a perfume (sorry grandmas). It is very feminine and is the perfect flirt for any occasion.
The next scent that I have been reaching to lately is this Michael Kors Rio de Janeiro perfume. It leaves a springy and summery scent. The notes are mango, honeysuckle, and jasmine. I'm obsessed with anything mango scented. It reminds me of being on the beach and enjoying the summer rays. It also has a nice blend of fruity and floral which makes this perfume not as overpowering.
I think these two will be on my perfume tray for a while as I hope the sun actually comes out sometime soon. Perfume and wearing specific scents always bursts my mood depending on the day. What's your spring scent this season?
I have become a pretty big Jo Malone fanatic and I have been loving the scents that Jo Malone offers in the collection. It's been hard for me over the past couple of years to find scents that I truly love and can see myself constantly wearing and liking. I think I have found a couple of my signature scents.
Now, I like a number of different notes and scents when it comes to perfumes, but there are a lot that I don't like in particular. I love light florals and fruits, but I do not like rose or extremeley sweet fruit scents that are sickening to smell. I don't want to smell like a 12 year old's PINK body spray blew up in their locker. I'm passed that now, haha. I love notes of peony, sandalwood, citrus, and jasmine. These two perfumes really stood out to me.
Peony and Blush Suede
This one is probably my all time favorite. I know a lot of beauty bloggers rave over this and claim that it's their favorite, too. It has notes of red apple and jasmine. It's a very fresh and flirty scent. I love it especially in the spring and summer. It's warm and sweet. Just two sprits will do and the staying power is amazing.
Pomegranate Noir
This is my newest addition to the Jo Malone family. It is more of a warmer and spicier perfume. This has a balance of pomegrante, plum, and raspberry. It also has notes of pink pepper and spicy woods. This is a perfect fall and winter scent. I would say that it is a bit muskier and stronger, but is sexy and sophisitcated as well.
I'm sure that my collection will grow and I want to continue to smell all of the great scents in the range! There's probably a scent for everyone. I would definitely recommend going into the store and trying a few out to see which is perfect for you! The 1oz bottles are just the right amount because one or two sprits goes a very long way. Have you used a Jo Malone perfume before?
It's already February and I am still in awe at how fast the weeks go by. Time flashes! This week and next is midterms, so this will be the only post for this week and there will be one post next week, as well. Education comes first kids!
Over this past year, I have learned a lot about my routine and what I truly like wearing. I've come to realize that my makeup collection has significantly decreased. I only wear a couple face products and some products on my skin and hair. I'm embracing minimal makeup and it honestly takes so much time out of my morning when I have to put on makeup.
I have really been loving light foundations and tinted moisturizers on my face. I normally just apply it below my forehead, just because it gets into my lines and looks funny. The Bobbi Brown BB Cream has to be my favorite foundation so far this year. I have used it a bit in the past, but it's one that I grab regularly.
I have also been obsessed with Ouai's haircare line. The Texturizing Hairspray is the only wave texturizing hairspray that is so flexible and smells just like the beach. This is a hair product to splurge on in my opinion. If you're done with sticky hairsprays! For face cleansers, I am drawn to ones that are unscented and are great at wicking away oil, dirt, and makeup all at once. The Kiehl's Facial Cleanser is my go to in the shower and whenever I need a deep cleanse (which is always).
I have just discovered Milk cosmetics and am so intrigued. I got this little guy in a sample box and actually love it. This Blur Stick primer smells almost like candy, I can't describe it, but it's great. It glides on and leaves my skin really smooth and my makeup lasts really long when I put it on. Definitely will have to try out more in the future. Along with this primer, I have been trying out the Nars primer which has also really impressed me. No surprise because I love Nars so much!
I have also become a huge Origins fan and was in the search for a great charcoal mask. I found this travel-sized charcoal mask that is so great for clearing out pores and dead skin. My face always feels refreshed after this.
I also just got another Benefit They're Real and I swear, I have no idea why I stopped using it in the first place. It does all the things I want a mascara to do! I've tried many others and whenever I use Benefit's, I truly can't go back.
Something that I recently discovered from some Youtuber was that she was using only lip liner to fill in her lips. It gives the best, nude look! I tried out the Essence Lip Pencil in the shade, In the Nude. It is the perfect nude color and gives me the matte, natural lip I'm looking for!
I'm pretty sure that I have talked about all of these products shown above, but I'll write a little blurb about them as a reminder. Both of the Glossier products are amazing. I am truly in love with this brand now. The Cloud Paint in Beam is a versatile cheek and lip color that has vibrancy and warmth. It is so easy to blend and apply, too. The Balm Dotcom is just a great hand and skin salve for everyone, especially during these cold months.
I've also been drawn to Fresh products. They also remind me of Glossier in that they are minimal and really pay attention to the ingredients and quality of the products. The Fresh Lip Caramel I think cheats as being a lip balm, but I love it anyway. It literally tastes and smells like caramel.
I know that this year I won't be buying as much makeup because I have a lot that I already love, so I apologize in advance for a decrease in new makeup reviews or hauls. It isn't bad to just love what you already got! I will see you all next week with another post as I nestle down for my second college midterms. Woo. What's a product you can't ever seem to stop using?
This past month I have finally caved in and bought some Glossier products to try out. I really haven't been buying new makeup, but I have been hearing a lot of great things about these products across the internet. I have been drawn to how minimal and sleek all of the packagings are. Glossier is one of those minimalist brands and I really appreciate it. For someone who doesn't wear a lot of makeup anymore, these products are more than enough.
The first product I bought was the Coconut Bomb Dot Com Universal Skin Salve. Now, I was never really a fan of salves or Vaseline type products, but this salve isn't as oily or sticky as some that I've tried in the past. I mostly use it on my lips, but this is really moisturizing on knuckles and elbows, too.
I especially love the coconut scent. I'm curious to try out the rose and the mint scented one. I have added this to my nighttime ritual and can't go to bed without putting a bit on! I think the size of this is perfect because a little goes a long way.
The last product I got was the Cloud Paint in Beam. I am really drawn to orange or coral shades for my cheeks, so this was a great purchase. I was always hesitant with cream blushes and pigments, but this one really blends in well and again, a small amount goes a far way. I kind of wished I bought the Puff shade, which is like a cotton candy pink. However, this one really brings warmth to the face and looks amazing with bronzer.
This will be another shorter post for this week. I'm still trying to figure out some upcoming things for my blog and may or may not post them on Thursday. I feel like this break is just going to be very flexible and loose as to how much or what I am going to post.
It can get so hectic this time of year, so I am taking small steps and getting more creative as I collect new things and am inspired by other bloggers. So, lately I have been using this one mascara and I really can't put it down.
The Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara has really proven to lift and curl my lashes so well. I love my Tarte Lash, Camera, Lashes and my Better Than Sex mascaras, but this one is probably up next to those two in terms of how great it is. Yeah, and I've used the Maybelline Lash Sensational, and that's good too, but I am trying to branch out and this one really does it.
I am in the process of trying out so many new makeup products because there are so many gift sets and whatnot. I do have some gift guides in store and might post both the same week because Christmas is a' comin! Jeez time flies. What are you doing to prepare for the holidays? I just finished my Christmas shopping, yee!
I have just written my gift guide for her, but thought it would be fun to make a post geared to stocking stuffers, too. I don't know if it's a Christmas tradition for everyone, but for my family, it's all about the little things: makeup, candy, Silly Putty, you get the rest. Even if you are doing a small gift exchange with some friends, there are a lot of little things, like beauty products, that make perfect gifts. I know Sephora has great minis and travel sized products that are affordable and so cute not to get for that beauty lover!
I really think everyone appreciates a little skincare and especially when it's firming and lifting. Who wants wrinkles anyway? I think that the Lancome Renergie Microlift is amazing at making my skin feel tight and awake. I feel like it really lifts my skin! Along with it, eye cream is really nice to get as a gift. I think a lot of people don't really pay attention to their eyes as much and it's vital to make sure they are hydrated and moisturized, too. The Trate Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment is so rich and is one of my favorite eye creams.
Also, nail polish is something that I think goes a little underrated when it comes to gifts. The Essie Tassel Shaker nail polish has been my favorite for a long time now and it's perfect for the holiday season. Especially for New Years!
I really think the Shiseido Wrinkleresist24 Balancing Softner is so amazing on my skin. I normally like to use it on a cotton pad after I cleanse my face and all that jazz. I still think it's never too early to start preventing fine lines. The perfect gift!
I also love receiving perfume and you can get full size or roller balls to put in stockings. The Sexy Rio de Janeiro by Marc Jacobs is a very fruity and musky scent that I am drawn to. It's like wearing paradise. Who doesn't want that?
I'm never one to really ask for anything hair related, but the Ouai Texturizing Hairspray has me swoon. I've never found a really nice texturizing hairspray, and its the only product I use for my hair anyway. Why not treat yo self! They also have travel sizes that are perfect for stocking stuffers.
I think lipsticks are the perfect stocking stuffer and liquid lipsticks are really on trend. The Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit in Rebel Rose is the classic nude pink for a lot of skin types. It doesn't really crack on the lips like most liquid lips and it is super affordable. I'm utterly obsessed.
As the holidays become right around the corner, I am still shocked by how fast this month has gone by. It happens every single year! Why not make this year's Christmas worth while with some great Christmas/holiday gift ideas? I hope you all have a very nice holiday with all the people and food you love. I know I will. I will be back next Tuesday with a new post. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
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Over the course of my makeup experience, covering up acne, scars, and other imperfections have been one of the subconscious steps in my makeup routine. Concealing and correcting my imperfections has been something that I continuously do whenever I put makeup on. Even if I don't put full coverage foundation on, I like to use concealer anyway to ensure that my face is at least presentable and even. These products have been lifesavers when it comes to unwanted breakouts and really late nights.
I have a couple concealers and correctors, that are all pretty much dupes for eachother, but I thought I would share the ones I feel have been really nice on my skin lately. I have been loving the Bobbi Brown Face Corrector to help neutralize my dark circles and odd pigmentation that I have due to scarring on my skin. It is very creamy and is buildable as you want it to be. I think a small amount can really make a difference. Along with the corrector, I have used the Stila Stay All Day Concealer on top of it where I feel like I need more coverage and assistance.
I recently found a more inexpensive dupe for both the concealer and corrector, which is the Almay Smart Shade CC Concealer + Brightener. This is a great duo for traveling and has the same consistency and coverage as both the corrector and concealer. It is a great option for someone who doesn't want to spend so much on face products, especially as little as these ones are. I always have concealer, if not corrector, on hand with me when I feel like my face needs a little help sometimes on bad skin days.
Let's be honest, most days we wake up and try to roll out of bed, but we can't because we are just too tired. College has introduced me to so much more free time and sleep time. I don't normally think about putting on a full face of makeup when I wake up for a 9 am class, but when I do, it is minimal and very natural. I have still been loving a few products and my routines haven't changed a lot. I am still trying to use up products before the holiday season and I think it is good to use products for a while that you enjoy instead of buying new ones over and over.
When it comes to a lazier morning, I try to make sure I moisturize a ton. Usually, it wakes me up and I can count on my skin being soft and smooth throughout my lectures that I have. The Lancome Renergie Lift cream has been the most hydrating and repairing for my very dry skin now that it's almost winter. I apply a dime size amount and immediately feel relieved of dryness and redness. I will also follow it with the Lancome Renergie Microlift cream on spots where my skin looks a little tired or around my jawline and neck to really waken up my skin.
Next, I usually like to put on a primer, even though I'm not wearing any face makeup. I have found that for my lazy days, the Too Faced Hangover Primer does the best to my skin to make sure my pores are minimized and my skin looks fresh and bright for the day. It has more of a dewy finish, which can make you look more healthy and "alive" for classes.
Over any dark spots or acne that I might have, I do like to correct them and make my face look somewhat even. I use the Bobbi Brown Color Corrector under my eyes and around trouble spots. It really helps when you wake up with sleep marks and dark under eyes. I do like to add a pop of color to my face sometimes, and the Tarte Flush Cheek Stain is sheer enough to look very natural. I top off my look with just a couple swipes of the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and I am good to go!
This can usually take me about five minutes or less to achieve and it is practical for me on most days when I can hardly get out of bed to go to class. The last thing I want to deal with is a full face of products and it just makes everything easier when I don't have to worry about it. I usually like to spritz a body spray or perfume on before I leave and my Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede perfume is my classic scent of choice. What is your lazy day routine like?
There's a lot more to the "perfect autumn outfit" than one may think. While the cosiness of wearing no makeup, sweats, and just cuddling up in our blankets all day may seem like the most amazing thing ever on these cold and crisp days, it might not be the most practical when it comes to making plans with friends or even trying to make it out of your warm bed. When I feel like I need to be a little more "presentable" shall we say, I like to add a bit more color to my ever-so-pale and tired face. Let's be honest, we're all pretty tired this time of year, adding a pop of pigment will do the right trick!
I have really been trying to venture outside of my comfort zone more this fall and I have really missed wearing vibrant lipstick. I used to sophomore year of high school a ton, and I don't know why I stopped because everyone liked it on me. I know for a fact that over the past years, I have been really into nude and blush-toned lips, but I still think classic reds will never go out of trend.
The Maybelline Color Sensational lip range has struck me as one of the best drugstore lipstick ranges I have discovered. They have literally every kind of shade and every type of lipstick you might want for a really nice price. The lipsticks themselves are very great quality and are very pigmented and opaque.
The Dynamite Red is the perfect blue-red that makes your teeth really white and is also the "Gigi" red lip if you've ever noticed her signature red shade. I am really in love with this statement shade and think it is perfect for the fall and winter. I also have a berry shade, obviously!
I am loving the look of berry shades on all skin types and it's the perfect color for fall. This shade is called Deepest Cherry and really is that perfect reddish purple. It looks like you've been eating a ton of cherries! The Maybelline lip range has loads of different shades and types of lipstick that I can't even tell you how many there are. I would definitely recommend checking it out because they're a great price for what they're worth.
I am loving the look of berry shades on all skin types and it's the perfect color for fall. This shade is called Deepest Cherry and really is that perfect reddish purple. It looks like you've been eating a ton of cherries! The Maybelline lip range has loads of different shades and types of lipstick that I can't even tell you how many there are. I would definitely recommend checking it out because they're a great price for what they're worth.
I know that the "natural brow" has become more of a trend lately, and I have to say that I'm loving it. I've always been messing with my brows and trying to change the way they look, but really, less is more when it comes to filling them in and trying to reshape them. I've found that the fewer products you use and the fewer strokes you make, the less there will be room for uneven, catastrophic brows.
I've been using a couple Anastasia Beverly Hills products and just recently bought the Brow Wiz pencil which has been way easier than the pomade. I was using the pomade for a while and felt like it maybe intensified my brows more than I like them to be.
With this Brow Wiz pencil, I can make smaller strokes on my brows and have it look way more natural. I really love how it is a little waxier and the little spoolie on the other end is very helpful. I don't know if there is an exact "trick" persay, but I know that you do not need to outline your brows drastically to achieve this look.
I also know that when you groom, pluck or wax your brows, you don't want to do it so much that every single stray hair is gone. Since the look is natural, you should leave some hairs on the outside of the brows. I know I really like this natural brow look, but I was wondering what all of you think. Are the more natural and minimal makeup looks seeming to become the new thing?
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