Ok, so um where have I been? Yes, it's been four months and I bet you're wondering why. Honestly, I gave up blogging for awhile because it's very time-consuming and difficult with school and all my extra-curricular activities. Now that it's December Break, I finally have some down-time! I'm not positive how frequently I'll be able to write, but from now on, I'll be making more of an effort :) I missed you guys! But don't worry, in these past few months, I have still been trying out A TON of makeup items and I have a bunch to share with you. So, I've decided to post about my new favorite products and some of my old must-haves. Enjoy!
Face Products:
-CoverGirl CGSmoothers Concealer: You all probably already know that I've loved this concealer since I started wearing makeup! I think it might actually be the only product I've never stopped using. It's smooth, easy to apply, quick to blend, and super long-lasting! It's honestly one of the most amazing products out there and it's somehow completely underrated.
Eye Products:
-Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner (Black/Brown): You guys know I've always LOVED the Maybelline Define-A-Line Liner, but I've been having some serious problems with smudging recently. Because of the hot weather, my eyeliner has been sliding off my face! I decided to try a new liner out and I'm really glad I did. This eyeliner is super pigmented and especially long-lasting! It's really easy to apply because it glides smoothly on the waterline without tugging on the eyes. Plus, it's been the perfect solution to my smudging problem!
-Maybelline 24Hour Color Tattoo (Barely Branded): I'm pretty sure I've shared this product with you almost every single month, but it truly is incredible! During summer, I like to stick to the simplest and most waterproof makeup possible. This shadow is absolutely perfect! It's completely waterproof (I've even worn it swimming!) and completely effortless to apply. I just swipe some on with my fingers and I look like I've done so much more work than I have. I would highly suggest you try these!
-Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volume Express Mascara: This is the most amazing mascara I have ever tried. It does everything you would want a mascara to do: lengthens, volumizes, and separates! Plus, it's surprisingly easy to remove. This makes my lashes so long that I've been asked if I'm wearing fake lashes! My only complaint for this mascara is that the waterproof formula is far from it... I tested it out in the shower and it ran insanely! Otherwise, this is the most perfect product out there!
Lip Products:
-NYX Butter Gloss (Créme Brûlée): I received this in my Ipsy bag and, let me just tell you, I love this gloss! It's moisturizing, glossy, pigmented, long-lasting, etc. The color is a beautiful nude that is perfect for summertime! I especially love that this product is not the least bit sticky, as many glosses tend to be. Plus, the smell is INCREDIBLE. I am super excited to try more of these glosses out and would recommend you do too!
Hair Products:
-Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Shampoo & Conditioner: I am obsessed with these products! They add volume to my hair, make it super soft, and add so much shine. I've also noticed my hair is so much stronger and surprisingly easier to manage! I've had less tangles and frizz. Not to mention, the smell is freaking AMAZING :)
Nail Products:
-CoverGirl XL Gel (Whole Lotta Guava): Thank you so much CoverGirl for inventing this incredible product that's been on my nails for 6 days with no chipping! This product has all the benefits of gel without the hassle: no salon, no UV lamp, and no damage at all. It simply needs two coats and looks perfect for days! I currently have it on with no top coat and it is insanely shiny. Plus, I feel like it actually strengthened my nails by adding some thickness to them. I am definitely going to be trying out the other colors
Face Products:
-CoverGirl CGSmoothers Concealer: You all probably already know that I've loved this concealer since I started wearing makeup! I think it might actually be the only product I've never stopped using. It's smooth, easy to apply, quick to blend, and super long-lasting! It's honestly one of the most amazing products out there and it's somehow completely underrated.
Eye Products:
-Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner (Black/Brown): You guys know I've always LOVED the Maybelline Define-A-Line Liner, but I've been having some serious problems with smudging recently. Because of the hot weather, my eyeliner has been sliding off my face! I decided to try a new liner out and I'm really glad I did. This eyeliner is super pigmented and especially long-lasting! It's really easy to apply because it glides smoothly on the waterline without tugging on the eyes. Plus, it's been the perfect solution to my smudging problem!
-Maybelline 24Hour Color Tattoo (Barely Branded): I'm pretty sure I've shared this product with you almost every single month, but it truly is incredible! During summer, I like to stick to the simplest and most waterproof makeup possible. This shadow is absolutely perfect! It's completely waterproof (I've even worn it swimming!) and completely effortless to apply. I just swipe some on with my fingers and I look like I've done so much more work than I have. I would highly suggest you try these!
-Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volume Express Mascara: This is the most amazing mascara I have ever tried. It does everything you would want a mascara to do: lengthens, volumizes, and separates! Plus, it's surprisingly easy to remove. This makes my lashes so long that I've been asked if I'm wearing fake lashes! My only complaint for this mascara is that the waterproof formula is far from it... I tested it out in the shower and it ran insanely! Otherwise, this is the most perfect product out there!
Lip Products:
-NYX Butter Gloss (Créme Brûlée): I received this in my Ipsy bag and, let me just tell you, I love this gloss! It's moisturizing, glossy, pigmented, long-lasting, etc. The color is a beautiful nude that is perfect for summertime! I especially love that this product is not the least bit sticky, as many glosses tend to be. Plus, the smell is INCREDIBLE. I am super excited to try more of these glosses out and would recommend you do too!
Hair Products:
-Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Shampoo & Conditioner: I am obsessed with these products! They add volume to my hair, make it super soft, and add so much shine. I've also noticed my hair is so much stronger and surprisingly easier to manage! I've had less tangles and frizz. Not to mention, the smell is freaking AMAZING :)
Nail Products:
-CoverGirl XL Gel (Whole Lotta Guava): Thank you so much CoverGirl for inventing this incredible product that's been on my nails for 6 days with no chipping! This product has all the benefits of gel without the hassle: no salon, no UV lamp, and no damage at all. It simply needs two coats and looks perfect for days! I currently have it on with no top coat and it is insanely shiny. Plus, I feel like it actually strengthened my nails by adding some thickness to them. I am definitely going to be trying out the other colors
August 2014 ipsy bag
Another month, another Ipsy bag! I've been loving getting Ipsy bags... They always seem to brighten my day :) Enjoy!
Coastal Scents Shadow Palette Sample I've heard so many great things about Coastal Scents, but have never tried them! From this product, I can tell their eyeshadows are great quality. They're creamy, pigmented, and easily blendable. I'm not in love with the palette I received because they're colors I won't use very often: a white, a shimmery black, a turquoise, and a sea green. Although I won't be using these everyday, I think they would be super fun as a pop of color eyeliner!
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara This mascara is pretty mediocre. It makes my lashes look long, adds volume, and doesn't clump... but it costs $22 and my $8 Maybelline mascara does the same things! Plus, the formula is way too wet for me. I got it all over my eyes when applying it and felt the need to wait for it to dry. Overall, I just don't think this mascara is worth it. It's not bad, but nothing special or worth the hefty price tag.
Cali Cosmetics Evulcano Body Lotion with Sicilian Lemons and Volcanic Minerals I really like this lotion! It's so moisturizing, but surprisingly lightweight. I hate when you apply lotion and have to wait for it to absorb, but I don't have that problem with this. It feels like it absorbs into the skin almost instantly! I also love the citrusy smell (which lasts really long). The full size of this product is a bit pricey though!
Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner My first thought about this was, "Ugh. Another lip balm?" But I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality of this lip balm! It's extremely moisturizing and adds the perfect amount of gloss to the lips. I've been using it everyday to sheer out my lipsticks, which I've found it does a really good job of. The best thing is that this product is super affordable!
Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo Although I couldn't use this as a highlighter due to my skin issues, Ipsy's Instagram gave me another idea... Mix it in my body moisturizer! I add a dime size amount of this to my body moisturizer and it gave my skin a nice, sheer glow. It also seems to have brought out my summer tan a bit more (which I am very thankful for)! I like this product, but I probably won't be repurchasing.
The Bag: I loved this month's bag! It was perfect for summer, decked with colorful polka dots and a waterproof material. This bag is perfect to take to the beach or the pool and I definitely will be doing this.
I've decided to start totaling the value of my bag. This month's bag was valued at $23.13, which is $13.13 over the price of the bag!
Want to join Ipsy? Use my link :) http://www.ipsy.com/r/34w5 (Plus, I will be posting swatches of the products ASAP!)
Coastal Scents Shadow Palette Sample I've heard so many great things about Coastal Scents, but have never tried them! From this product, I can tell their eyeshadows are great quality. They're creamy, pigmented, and easily blendable. I'm not in love with the palette I received because they're colors I won't use very often: a white, a shimmery black, a turquoise, and a sea green. Although I won't be using these everyday, I think they would be super fun as a pop of color eyeliner!
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara This mascara is pretty mediocre. It makes my lashes look long, adds volume, and doesn't clump... but it costs $22 and my $8 Maybelline mascara does the same things! Plus, the formula is way too wet for me. I got it all over my eyes when applying it and felt the need to wait for it to dry. Overall, I just don't think this mascara is worth it. It's not bad, but nothing special or worth the hefty price tag.
Cali Cosmetics Evulcano Body Lotion with Sicilian Lemons and Volcanic Minerals I really like this lotion! It's so moisturizing, but surprisingly lightweight. I hate when you apply lotion and have to wait for it to absorb, but I don't have that problem with this. It feels like it absorbs into the skin almost instantly! I also love the citrusy smell (which lasts really long). The full size of this product is a bit pricey though!
Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner My first thought about this was, "Ugh. Another lip balm?" But I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality of this lip balm! It's extremely moisturizing and adds the perfect amount of gloss to the lips. I've been using it everyday to sheer out my lipsticks, which I've found it does a really good job of. The best thing is that this product is super affordable!
Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo Although I couldn't use this as a highlighter due to my skin issues, Ipsy's Instagram gave me another idea... Mix it in my body moisturizer! I add a dime size amount of this to my body moisturizer and it gave my skin a nice, sheer glow. It also seems to have brought out my summer tan a bit more (which I am very thankful for)! I like this product, but I probably won't be repurchasing.
The Bag: I loved this month's bag! It was perfect for summer, decked with colorful polka dots and a waterproof material. This bag is perfect to take to the beach or the pool and I definitely will be doing this.
I've decided to start totaling the value of my bag. This month's bag was valued at $23.13, which is $13.13 over the price of the bag!
Want to join Ipsy? Use my link :) http://www.ipsy.com/r/34w5 (Plus, I will be posting swatches of the products ASAP!)
BACK TO SCHOOL: 5 PRODUCTS IN UNDER 5 MINUTES
This is my first post in my "Back to School with Belle" series and I am so sorry that it is so late! I don't go back to school until September 4th, so I wasn't even considering school until this week. I'm one of those girls who likes to look nice at school, without spending much time getting ready. There's a bunch of ways I like to do this... Most importantly, I always pick my outfits and accessories out the night before. Last year, I always spent about 15-20 minutes doing my makeup in the morning (which is a big waste of time for me!) I decided to simplify my makeup routine so that it only contained five products and took five minutes. Enjoy :)
1. Conceal: Use a highlighting concealer to conceal your under eye circles. This is definitely essential for my dark purple bags :( During the school year, I tend to get very little sleep and usually look exhausted. This simple step can brighten up the entire face and takes less than a minute to do. I would suggest Maybelline's Dream Lumi Touch Concealer because it's easy to blend and brings a ton of light to the face.
2. Mattify: Instead of using a foundation and powder, why not have the best of both worlds? There are generally four types of powders: powder foundations (high coverage), bb powders (medium coverage), regular powders (light coverage), and translucent powders (no coverage). Depending on your skin, you should choose the one that's best for you. I like to opt for my Physician's Formula Super BB Powder because it has decent coverage, which helps to conceal my redness and any acne scarring I have. I tend to have pretty clear skin, but I think this powder would do a great job of covering blemishes as well. I just lightly dust my face with this powder using my favorite ELF Powder Brush. It takes all of 30 seconds and leaves my skin looking smooth and flawless!
3. Line: Eyeliner can completely change a look! You should pick your eyeliner look depending on your eye shape! For example, large eyes look better with a dark liner on the waterline and lower lash-line and small eyes look better with a white or nude eyeliner on the waterline and lower lash-line. Some eye shapes look better with eyeliner above the eye, while some look better with eyeliner below the eye. You can figure this out by experimenting with different looks and seeing what works best for you! Personally, I have very large eyes and always use a dark brown eyeliner (my favorite is the Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black/Brown) on my waterline and lower lash-line. This makes my eyes appear a bit smaller and really compliments my brown eyes. This simple step only takes about a minute, but adds a lot to your makeup look.
4. Mascara: Mascara is an essential for everyone, even those just starting out with makeup. The type of mascara you choose can be determined by your lashes: short lashes should use a lengthening mascara, flat lashes should use a volumizing mascara, and clumpy lashes should use a separating mascara. Personally, I like to use Maybelline's Plumped Up Colossal Volume Mascara. This mascara adds both length and volume to my lashes, without causing clumping! Applying mascara to your upper and lower lashes can really open up your eyes and change up your look. This step usually takes me about a minute or two and is something I could never forget!
5. Lips: For school, I like to keep my lips pretty simple. I tend to reach for my favorite nude gloss, which is currently NYX's Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee. This simple step (which takes less than a minute to do) makes it look like you've spent much more time on your makeup than you really did. Plus, it adds moisture to your lips without making them sticky or heavy feeling (which is sometimes what happens with lipsticks).
All together, these simple steps add up to five minutes or less! This look is perfect for all ages... Middle school or high schoolers can wear this without looking too made up. The most important thing to remember is that makeup shouldn't be disguising what you already have, but drawing attention to your best parts. Remember, you are naturally beautiful and don't need to hide yourself behind layers of foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick. I especially love this look because it allows your natural beauty to shine, while still providing teenage girls some confidence :)
1. Conceal: Use a highlighting concealer to conceal your under eye circles. This is definitely essential for my dark purple bags :( During the school year, I tend to get very little sleep and usually look exhausted. This simple step can brighten up the entire face and takes less than a minute to do. I would suggest Maybelline's Dream Lumi Touch Concealer because it's easy to blend and brings a ton of light to the face.
2. Mattify: Instead of using a foundation and powder, why not have the best of both worlds? There are generally four types of powders: powder foundations (high coverage), bb powders (medium coverage), regular powders (light coverage), and translucent powders (no coverage). Depending on your skin, you should choose the one that's best for you. I like to opt for my Physician's Formula Super BB Powder because it has decent coverage, which helps to conceal my redness and any acne scarring I have. I tend to have pretty clear skin, but I think this powder would do a great job of covering blemishes as well. I just lightly dust my face with this powder using my favorite ELF Powder Brush. It takes all of 30 seconds and leaves my skin looking smooth and flawless!
3. Line: Eyeliner can completely change a look! You should pick your eyeliner look depending on your eye shape! For example, large eyes look better with a dark liner on the waterline and lower lash-line and small eyes look better with a white or nude eyeliner on the waterline and lower lash-line. Some eye shapes look better with eyeliner above the eye, while some look better with eyeliner below the eye. You can figure this out by experimenting with different looks and seeing what works best for you! Personally, I have very large eyes and always use a dark brown eyeliner (my favorite is the Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black/Brown) on my waterline and lower lash-line. This makes my eyes appear a bit smaller and really compliments my brown eyes. This simple step only takes about a minute, but adds a lot to your makeup look.
4. Mascara: Mascara is an essential for everyone, even those just starting out with makeup. The type of mascara you choose can be determined by your lashes: short lashes should use a lengthening mascara, flat lashes should use a volumizing mascara, and clumpy lashes should use a separating mascara. Personally, I like to use Maybelline's Plumped Up Colossal Volume Mascara. This mascara adds both length and volume to my lashes, without causing clumping! Applying mascara to your upper and lower lashes can really open up your eyes and change up your look. This step usually takes me about a minute or two and is something I could never forget!
5. Lips: For school, I like to keep my lips pretty simple. I tend to reach for my favorite nude gloss, which is currently NYX's Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee. This simple step (which takes less than a minute to do) makes it look like you've spent much more time on your makeup than you really did. Plus, it adds moisture to your lips without making them sticky or heavy feeling (which is sometimes what happens with lipsticks).
All together, these simple steps add up to five minutes or less! This look is perfect for all ages... Middle school or high schoolers can wear this without looking too made up. The most important thing to remember is that makeup shouldn't be disguising what you already have, but drawing attention to your best parts. Remember, you are naturally beautiful and don't need to hide yourself behind layers of foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick. I especially love this look because it allows your natural beauty to shine, while still providing teenage girls some confidence :)
♥ July and August Favorites ♥
Eye Products:
-Wet n' Wild Coloricon Shadow in Walking on Eggshells: I've finally rediscovered this amazing drugstore eyeshadow! I've had this in my collection for awhile, but tended to reach for my Naked palette instead. I recently decided to give this another try and I am glad I did. Now that I've tried higher end eyeshadows, I can truly say that this trio compares to the quality of my Naked palette. The colors are ultra pigmented, shimmery, and long-lasting. If you're someone who doesn't want to splurge on a $52 eyeshadow palette, I would definitely suggest you reach for these!
-Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner: I just tried this eyeliner out based on a friend's suggestion and wow, I am super impressed with the quality! This eyeliner is ultra pigmented and long-lasting, plus very easy to apply. I've always struggled with winged liner, but this makes winging out my liner much easier! I think this is the perfect eyeliner for people who are just beginning with liquid liners.
Lip Products:
-Softlips Lip Balm in Birthday Cake: I've always been a huge fan of Softlips, so when I saw this unique flavor, I just had to pick it up. Like all Softlips products, this is super moisturizing and prevents my lips from peeling and cracking. I definitely think this is a little more fun than the other Softlips! It smells (and tastes) amazing, while adding the perfect amount of shine and moisture!
-Starlooks Lip Liner in Naked: I received this in my Ipsy bag and I really love it as an all over lip pencil. It's really creamy and blends well, so it really doesn't have to be used as a lip liner only. I especially love the color... It's not your ordinary nude! It combines a nude with a light pinky coral shade. I personally think this is really flattering on all skintones!
-Sugar Rose Lip Balm: This product is so incredible! Yes, it is very expensive and I would be extremely hesitant to purchase it. I have to thank Sephora's Beauty Insider program for giving me a travel size version of this lip balm on my birthday! I've had this since my last birthday (May 2013) and I still have a decent amount left. Even when I do use this up, I plan to buy another one. It is the most moisturizing lip balm I have ever owned and it adds just the perfect amount of glossy rosiness to my lips.
Nail Products:
-CoverGirl XL Gel Nail Polish (Buxom Blue and Plump Up Plum): Knowing how much I loved this nail polish, my incredible mom surprised me by buying me the complete collection as a gift! This polish is seriously so amazing... I don't know if I'll ever want to use anything else! I especially love these two colors. The first one, Buxom Blue, is a beautiful light blue shade. The second, Plump Up Plum, is a dark lavender shade that would be perfect for the Summer-Fall transition. If you didn't know, these polishes are gel polishes without the UV lamp. Therefore, you avoid the time, damage, and salon trip with these! They normally last me about a week and a half to two weeks, which is great for me because I usually chip my nails within the first day. Plus, they remove with normal nail polish remover and don't damage the nails at all. In fact, I've actually noticed my nails have been stronger and grown out since I started using this polish.
Brushes:
-iOn Beauty's Foundation Brush: I've had my amazing iOn Beauty brushes for month's now, but have never found a use for the foundation brush. Since all the liquid foundations and BB Creams I've tried have broken me out, I tend to steer clear from all liquid face products... except undereye concealer! I've recently been using this brush to blend out my undereye concealer and I really love how well it blends it out. Plus, it's a lot quicker than using your fingers and much gentler on the skin!
★ July Ipsy Bag ★
I'm so sorry for how late this post is... July was a really busy month for me! I juggled tutoring, work, and theatre at the same time and never had any time to post. Better late than never though, right? I was pretty disappointed with my July Ipsy mainly because I couldn't use many of the products due to my sensitive skin. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!
bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum SPF 15 This product is amazing! I received the shade "Devine Wine," which is a beautiful taupe color. This cream eyeshadow works well as a primer, lasts long, applies so smoothly, and has great color pigmentation. I was so surprised by the incredibly smooth and soft texture of this. I would definitely consider buying the full size for $18 and highly recommend this product to you guys!
Befine Food Skin Care Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 Unfortunately, I am unable to use this product on my face because of my skin allergies and sensitivity. I've been using it as a lightweight hand lotion and it does the job! I wouldn't say I especially love this product... It's very watery! It smells a lot like sunscreen, so if you don't like that scent, I would definitely steer clear of this. Overall, this product was nothing special.
Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass This product is a cheek and lip stain very similar to Benefit's Benetint. I wasn't that excited to receive this because, once again, I couldn't use this on my cheeks because of my skin. I did try this out on my lips though and I didn't mind it. I'm not really a stain person because I find they dry out my lips, but this one doesn't dry my lips too badly. It's a beautiful rose color that lasts all day! My only complaint is that you have to blend it out really quickly or else you can see where you applied it to the lips.
Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 08 As soon as I saw this in my Glam Room, I knew I would not be using it. Tanning oils are definitely not for me! My skin burns really easily and I tan well even with SPF 50 on. I really just don't have a need for this product. It does have a really nice smell and shimmer to it. I read some reviews on this product and it has very mixed reviews... A lot of people claim it worked well, while some say it caused terrible sunburn. Overall, this just wasn't something I would use.
Puür Minerals Big Look Waterproof Mascara I have never had a mascara like this before! It's so waterproof that it's nearly impossible to remove. It adds a decent amount of volume and length, while still separating the lashes. I wouldn't use this as an every day mascara because it's just way too hard to remove, but I will definitely be bringing this with me to the beach next week! Plus, the packaging is adorable.
The Bag: I loved this month's bag! It was pretty simple, but beautiful. It was a neon, hot pink scalloped bag that is perfect for the summertime. I've actually been using this bag as a pencil case because I love it that much!
bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum SPF 15 This product is amazing! I received the shade "Devine Wine," which is a beautiful taupe color. This cream eyeshadow works well as a primer, lasts long, applies so smoothly, and has great color pigmentation. I was so surprised by the incredibly smooth and soft texture of this. I would definitely consider buying the full size for $18 and highly recommend this product to you guys!
Befine Food Skin Care Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 Unfortunately, I am unable to use this product on my face because of my skin allergies and sensitivity. I've been using it as a lightweight hand lotion and it does the job! I wouldn't say I especially love this product... It's very watery! It smells a lot like sunscreen, so if you don't like that scent, I would definitely steer clear of this. Overall, this product was nothing special.
Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass This product is a cheek and lip stain very similar to Benefit's Benetint. I wasn't that excited to receive this because, once again, I couldn't use this on my cheeks because of my skin. I did try this out on my lips though and I didn't mind it. I'm not really a stain person because I find they dry out my lips, but this one doesn't dry my lips too badly. It's a beautiful rose color that lasts all day! My only complaint is that you have to blend it out really quickly or else you can see where you applied it to the lips.
Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 08 As soon as I saw this in my Glam Room, I knew I would not be using it. Tanning oils are definitely not for me! My skin burns really easily and I tan well even with SPF 50 on. I really just don't have a need for this product. It does have a really nice smell and shimmer to it. I read some reviews on this product and it has very mixed reviews... A lot of people claim it worked well, while some say it caused terrible sunburn. Overall, this just wasn't something I would use.
Puür Minerals Big Look Waterproof Mascara I have never had a mascara like this before! It's so waterproof that it's nearly impossible to remove. It adds a decent amount of volume and length, while still separating the lashes. I wouldn't use this as an every day mascara because it's just way too hard to remove, but I will definitely be bringing this with me to the beach next week! Plus, the packaging is adorable.
The Bag: I loved this month's bag! It was pretty simple, but beautiful. It was a neon, hot pink scalloped bag that is perfect for the summertime. I've actually been using this bag as a pencil case because I love it that much!
May and June Favorites
Once again, I'm sorry for how late this is! As you know, I chose not to blog during May and June because of school and other commitments. Since I didn't get an opportunity to tell you guys my favorite products each month, I've decided to do a combined May and June Favorites!
Face Products:
-Physician's Formula Super BB Powder (Light-Medium): I used this powder a few months back and didn't realize how extremely amazing it is! I recently broke out really badly because of an allergy and, now that my skin has cleared up, I have some discoloration :( With this powder, I barely need to use any concealer. It hides all redness, dark spots, blemishes, etc. and completely eliminates shine. My only complaint is that you definitely need to apply this lightly to avoid it from looking too heavy!
-Neutrogena Natural Radiance Bronzer: This bronzer gives my skin the most perfect bronze appearance! It's completely natural and not overly shimmery. I love how pigmented it is, without being too orange or dark for my skin tone. I've been loving dusting this under my cheekbones, on my temples, and on my neck for a perfect glow!
Eye Products:
-Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner (Black/Brown): You guys know I've always LOVED the Maybelline Define-A-Line Liner, but I've been having some serious problems with smudging recently. Because of the hot weather, my eyeliner has been sliding off my face! I decided to try a new liner out and I'm really glad I did. This eyeliner is super pigmented and especially long-lasting! It's really easy to apply because it glides smoothly on the waterline without tugging on the eyes. Plus, it's been the perfect solution to my smudging problem!
-Maybelline 24Hour Color Tattoo (Barely Branded): I'm pretty sure I've shared this product with you almost every single month, but it truly is incredible! During summer, I like to stick to the simplest and most waterproof makeup possible. This shadow is absolutely perfect! It's completely waterproof (I've even worn it swimming!) and completely effortless to apply. I just swipe some on with my fingers and I look like I've done so much more work than I have. I would highly suggest you try these!
-Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volume Express Mascara: This is the most amazing mascara I have ever tried. It does everything you would want a mascara to do: lengthens, volumizes, and separates! Plus, it's surprisingly easy to remove. This makes my lashes so long that I've been asked if I'm wearing fake lashes! My only complaint for this mascara is that the waterproof formula is far from it... I tested it out in the shower and it ran insanely! Otherwise, this is the most perfect product out there!
Lip Products:
-NYX Butter Gloss (Créme Brûlée): I received this in my Ipsy bag and, let me just tell you, I love this gloss! It's moisturizing, glossy, pigmented, long-lasting, etc. The color is a beautiful nude that is perfect for summertime! I especially love that this product is not the least bit sticky, as many glosses tend to be. Plus, the smell is INCREDIBLE. I am super excited to try more of these glosses out and would recommend you do too!
Hair Products:
-Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Shampoo & Conditioner: I am obsessed with these products! They add volume to my hair, make it super soft, and add so much shine. I've also noticed my hair is so much stronger and surprisingly easier to manage! I've had less tangles and frizz. Not to mention, the smell is freaking AMAZING :)
Nail Products:
-CoverGirl XL Gel (Whole Lotta Guava): Thank you so much CoverGirl for inventing this incredible product that's been on my nails for 6 days with no chipping! This product has all the benefits of gel without the hassle: no salon, no UV lamp, and no damage at all. It simply needs two coats and looks perfect for days! I currently have it on with no top coat and it is insanely shiny. Plus, I feel like it actually strengthened my nails by adding some thickness to them. I am definitely going to be trying out the other colors
Face Products:
-Physician's Formula Super BB Powder (Light-Medium): I used this powder a few months back and didn't realize how extremely amazing it is! I recently broke out really badly because of an allergy and, now that my skin has cleared up, I have some discoloration :( With this powder, I barely need to use any concealer. It hides all redness, dark spots, blemishes, etc. and completely eliminates shine. My only complaint is that you definitely need to apply this lightly to avoid it from looking too heavy!
-Neutrogena Natural Radiance Bronzer: This bronzer gives my skin the most perfect bronze appearance! It's completely natural and not overly shimmery. I love how pigmented it is, without being too orange or dark for my skin tone. I've been loving dusting this under my cheekbones, on my temples, and on my neck for a perfect glow!
Eye Products:
-Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner (Black/Brown): You guys know I've always LOVED the Maybelline Define-A-Line Liner, but I've been having some serious problems with smudging recently. Because of the hot weather, my eyeliner has been sliding off my face! I decided to try a new liner out and I'm really glad I did. This eyeliner is super pigmented and especially long-lasting! It's really easy to apply because it glides smoothly on the waterline without tugging on the eyes. Plus, it's been the perfect solution to my smudging problem!
-Maybelline 24Hour Color Tattoo (Barely Branded): I'm pretty sure I've shared this product with you almost every single month, but it truly is incredible! During summer, I like to stick to the simplest and most waterproof makeup possible. This shadow is absolutely perfect! It's completely waterproof (I've even worn it swimming!) and completely effortless to apply. I just swipe some on with my fingers and I look like I've done so much more work than I have. I would highly suggest you try these!
-Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volume Express Mascara: This is the most amazing mascara I have ever tried. It does everything you would want a mascara to do: lengthens, volumizes, and separates! Plus, it's surprisingly easy to remove. This makes my lashes so long that I've been asked if I'm wearing fake lashes! My only complaint for this mascara is that the waterproof formula is far from it... I tested it out in the shower and it ran insanely! Otherwise, this is the most perfect product out there!
Lip Products:
-NYX Butter Gloss (Créme Brûlée): I received this in my Ipsy bag and, let me just tell you, I love this gloss! It's moisturizing, glossy, pigmented, long-lasting, etc. The color is a beautiful nude that is perfect for summertime! I especially love that this product is not the least bit sticky, as many glosses tend to be. Plus, the smell is INCREDIBLE. I am super excited to try more of these glosses out and would recommend you do too!
Hair Products:
-Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Shampoo & Conditioner: I am obsessed with these products! They add volume to my hair, make it super soft, and add so much shine. I've also noticed my hair is so much stronger and surprisingly easier to manage! I've had less tangles and frizz. Not to mention, the smell is freaking AMAZING :)
Nail Products:
-CoverGirl XL Gel (Whole Lotta Guava): Thank you so much CoverGirl for inventing this incredible product that's been on my nails for 6 days with no chipping! This product has all the benefits of gel without the hassle: no salon, no UV lamp, and no damage at all. It simply needs two coats and looks perfect for days! I currently have it on with no top coat and it is insanely shiny. Plus, I feel like it actually strengthened my nails by adding some thickness to them. I am definitely going to be trying out the other colors
June Ipsy
Once again, I apologize for this being so late. Don't worry though, I would never forget to post about this amazing June Ipsy bag! Ipsy never fails to impress me... It's truly incredible! The price of the products always exceed the $10 the bag costs. Enjoy!
Be A Bombshell Lash Out Mascara You've probably already heard about this makeup catastrophe... This mascara was absolutely terrible and, in some cases, harmful. Be A Bombshell claims that something went wrong with the shipment of the mascaras, causing everyone to receive extremely smelly mascaras. Plus, some people wound up getting infections or irritation from using this mascara. Definitely a no-no! Before I heard about this, I actually did try it out. The mascara itself wasn't too great... It didn't add any volume/length, clumped terribly, and smelled horrible. I really hope something went wrong with shipment for the sake of Be A Bombshell, because this way terrible!
Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray Unlike the above product, this smells amazing! It smells EXACTLY like a Piña Colada, which is basically the scent of summer! Unfortunately, my hair is so straight that no beach sprays will add any texture to them (including the best of the best). I do still like this spray though! It makes my hair smell fantastic and a bit easier to style! Although I probably wouldn't repurchase this, I still like it.
NYX Butter Gloss I have ALWAYS wanted to try these and I am so glad I got to! These are incredible lip glosses that are ultra pigmented, smooth, and not sticky at all. The color I got, Creme Brûlée, is a beautiful nude pink. I really have no complaints for this full size product, which I will most definitely be repurchasing in different colors. I would highly suggest you guys try this out!
OFRA Universal Eyebrow Pencil This is surprisingly my first eyebrow pencil since I've never been a fan of filling in my brows. I do like this pencil though, it's the perfect color to fill in my brows! Plus, it's long-lasting and easy for beginners (like me). It's both water resistant and easily blendable!
Realtree for Her I really like the scent of this perfume! It's very floral, which is right up my ally. The perfume itself is very strong and a little goes a long way. I personally love receiving perfume samples because they're perfect for traveling and trying new scents out. Plus, the pink packaging is adorable!
The Bag: I LOVE THIS BAG SO MUCH :) It's from Rebecca Minkoff and it's a beautiful pineapple pattern. It's probably the cutest Ipsy bag there's been so far!
Try Ipsy with my link if you'd like :) http://www.ipsy.com/r/34w5
Be A Bombshell Lash Out Mascara You've probably already heard about this makeup catastrophe... This mascara was absolutely terrible and, in some cases, harmful. Be A Bombshell claims that something went wrong with the shipment of the mascaras, causing everyone to receive extremely smelly mascaras. Plus, some people wound up getting infections or irritation from using this mascara. Definitely a no-no! Before I heard about this, I actually did try it out. The mascara itself wasn't too great... It didn't add any volume/length, clumped terribly, and smelled horrible. I really hope something went wrong with shipment for the sake of Be A Bombshell, because this way terrible!
Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray Unlike the above product, this smells amazing! It smells EXACTLY like a Piña Colada, which is basically the scent of summer! Unfortunately, my hair is so straight that no beach sprays will add any texture to them (including the best of the best). I do still like this spray though! It makes my hair smell fantastic and a bit easier to style! Although I probably wouldn't repurchase this, I still like it.
NYX Butter Gloss I have ALWAYS wanted to try these and I am so glad I got to! These are incredible lip glosses that are ultra pigmented, smooth, and not sticky at all. The color I got, Creme Brûlée, is a beautiful nude pink. I really have no complaints for this full size product, which I will most definitely be repurchasing in different colors. I would highly suggest you guys try this out!
OFRA Universal Eyebrow Pencil This is surprisingly my first eyebrow pencil since I've never been a fan of filling in my brows. I do like this pencil though, it's the perfect color to fill in my brows! Plus, it's long-lasting and easy for beginners (like me). It's both water resistant and easily blendable!
Realtree for Her I really like the scent of this perfume! It's very floral, which is right up my ally. The perfume itself is very strong and a little goes a long way. I personally love receiving perfume samples because they're perfect for traveling and trying new scents out. Plus, the pink packaging is adorable!
The Bag: I LOVE THIS BAG SO MUCH :) It's from Rebecca Minkoff and it's a beautiful pineapple pattern. It's probably the cutest Ipsy bag there's been so far!
Try Ipsy with my link if you'd like :) http://www.ipsy.com/r/34w5
May Ipsy
Sorry this is late! I explained on the homepage that I would be taking a break for the months of May and June. But, be excited, because it's Ipsy time again! I've been loving Ipsy ever since I subscribed… It's like a birthday gift every month! Unfortunately, I couldn't use some of the items I got in this bag due to issues with sensitive skin. I've done my best to try everything out for you guys!
Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF50 I wasn't totally excited to get this, but I don't mind. You can never have to much sunscreen, since it is a HUGE necessity! This sunscreen is the PERFECT size for carrying around in my backpack or purse, in case I want to reapply during the day. I tried this out and it's the perfect consistency! It's not sticky or oily… and it smells amazing! Also, the packaging is absolutely ADORABLE :)
Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo I was really excited to get this product in my Ipsy bag because I've never tried Pacifica before! I would say this product was pretty average. It's not very chalky, but not overly pigmented. I received this in the light champagne and gold color, which are both very pretty and natural for everyday! Overall, I probably wouldn't suggest this product. You can definitely get much better quality shadows for the same price or less!
Avène Thermal Spring Water This spray is so refreshing! It can be used on the body or the face for refreshment or setting makeup. Because of my sensitive skin, I haven't tried this out as a setting spray on my face. However, I really love how refreshing this product is as an all-over body spray! If you're interested in a refreshing spray, I would definitely suggest this one!
Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Champagne This is such a beautiful polish that is the perfect copper color for all seasons! My only critique for this polish is that it takes a few coats to get the color to show up. I would say three coats are the perfect amount for full pigmentation, which may take a while to dry. Otherwise, this is a great polish that I would definitely recommend. I'm so happy that I got to try out a Nailtini Polish!
Pur~lisse pur~moist hydra balance moisturizer Unfortunately, I wasn't able to test this product out because of my skin. I did, however, test it out on my hand and I loved the gel consistency! It applies super smoothly and dries completely matte. I would definitely suggest that you try this product out, especially if you have oily skin!
The Bag: This month's bag wins my favorite! It's an "eco-friendly" material (I know I didn't describe that right) with beautiful, green leaves! I've even been using it for school as my makeup bag!
Try Ipsy with my link if you'd like :) http://www.ipsy.com/r/34w5
Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF50 I wasn't totally excited to get this, but I don't mind. You can never have to much sunscreen, since it is a HUGE necessity! This sunscreen is the PERFECT size for carrying around in my backpack or purse, in case I want to reapply during the day. I tried this out and it's the perfect consistency! It's not sticky or oily… and it smells amazing! Also, the packaging is absolutely ADORABLE :)
Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo I was really excited to get this product in my Ipsy bag because I've never tried Pacifica before! I would say this product was pretty average. It's not very chalky, but not overly pigmented. I received this in the light champagne and gold color, which are both very pretty and natural for everyday! Overall, I probably wouldn't suggest this product. You can definitely get much better quality shadows for the same price or less!
Avène Thermal Spring Water This spray is so refreshing! It can be used on the body or the face for refreshment or setting makeup. Because of my sensitive skin, I haven't tried this out as a setting spray on my face. However, I really love how refreshing this product is as an all-over body spray! If you're interested in a refreshing spray, I would definitely suggest this one!
Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Champagne This is such a beautiful polish that is the perfect copper color for all seasons! My only critique for this polish is that it takes a few coats to get the color to show up. I would say three coats are the perfect amount for full pigmentation, which may take a while to dry. Otherwise, this is a great polish that I would definitely recommend. I'm so happy that I got to try out a Nailtini Polish!
Pur~lisse pur~moist hydra balance moisturizer Unfortunately, I wasn't able to test this product out because of my skin. I did, however, test it out on my hand and I loved the gel consistency! It applies super smoothly and dries completely matte. I would definitely suggest that you try this product out, especially if you have oily skin!
The Bag: This month's bag wins my favorite! It's an "eco-friendly" material (I know I didn't describe that right) with beautiful, green leaves! I've even been using it for school as my makeup bag!
Try Ipsy with my link if you'd like :) http://www.ipsy.com/r/34w5
💜 April FAVORITES 💜
It's
Eye Products:
-Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner (Brownish Black): This an old, yet returning favorite. I ran out of this a while ago and somehow completely forgot about it and how much I love it! It's seriously one of the best drugstore eyeliners I've ever tried. It's creamy, ultra pigmented, and long-lasting. I also love this unique shade… It's a super dark brown, that's not too intense but not too light!
-Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil (Black Velvet): I received this in my Ipsy bag and am CRAZY about it! It's amazingly pigmented, creamy, and smudge-proof. I've bee n wearing this everyday on my tight line and it NEVER smudges! It makes my lashes appear so much thicker and doesn't wind up running or transferring under my eyes.
-Wet n' Wild MegaClear Mascara: I love this product for my brows because it's really long-lasting and doesn't make your brows flaky (I know that sounds weird, but I have used products that do this!) This keeps my brows in place all day and would also be great to set any colored brow products (although I don't use any!)
Lip Products:
-EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint: You all know I love EOS lip balm, but this one is by far my favorite! It's minty scent and flavor are really soothing and cooling for dry lips. Plus, it does a great job of treating my chapped lips! I'm also obsessed with the adorable mint green packaging!
Body Products:
-Coconut Water & Bamboo Leaf Extract Ultra Fresh Hydrating Body Wash: I LOVE this body wash because it has an amazing, long-lasting scent (coconut/tropical)! Plus, it's really moisturizing and leaves my skin feeling super clean and smooth. It's also inexpensive!
-Bath and Bodyworks Japanese Cherry Blossom Spray: I never realized how amazing this scent is! It's a beautiful floral scent that is surprisingly long-lasting for a body spray! I just love this scent for Spring :)
Brushes:
-ELF Complexion Brush: I love this brush for powder application! It applies powder really lightly, which makes my face matte (yet still a bit dewy!) Plus, it's really soft and inexpensive!
Any suggestions for next month? Leave them on the home page!
finally May, which just happens to be my favorite month :) Not only is the weather perfect, but I also get to celebrate my birthday! (I'll post a haul if you guys request it) Enjoy my April Favorites!
Eye Products:
-Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner (Brownish Black): This an old, yet returning favorite. I ran out of this a while ago and somehow completely forgot about it and how much I love it! It's seriously one of the best drugstore eyeliners I've ever tried. It's creamy, ultra pigmented, and long-lasting. I also love this unique shade… It's a super dark brown, that's not too intense but not too light!
-Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil (Black Velvet): I received this in my Ipsy bag and am CRAZY about it! It's amazingly pigmented, creamy, and smudge-proof. I've bee n wearing this everyday on my tight line and it NEVER smudges! It makes my lashes appear so much thicker and doesn't wind up running or transferring under my eyes.
-Wet n' Wild MegaClear Mascara: I love this product for my brows because it's really long-lasting and doesn't make your brows flaky (I know that sounds weird, but I have used products that do this!) This keeps my brows in place all day and would also be great to set any colored brow products (although I don't use any!)
Lip Products:
-EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint: You all know I love EOS lip balm, but this one is by far my favorite! It's minty scent and flavor are really soothing and cooling for dry lips. Plus, it does a great job of treating my chapped lips! I'm also obsessed with the adorable mint green packaging!
Body Products:
-Coconut Water & Bamboo Leaf Extract Ultra Fresh Hydrating Body Wash: I LOVE this body wash because it has an amazing, long-lasting scent (coconut/tropical)! Plus, it's really moisturizing and leaves my skin feeling super clean and smooth. It's also inexpensive!
-Bath and Bodyworks Japanese Cherry Blossom Spray: I never realized how amazing this scent is! It's a beautiful floral scent that is surprisingly long-lasting for a body spray! I just love this scent for Spring :)
Brushes:
-ELF Complexion Brush: I love this brush for powder application! It applies powder really lightly, which makes my face matte (yet still a bit dewy!) Plus, it's really soft and inexpensive!
Any suggestions for next month? Leave them on the home page!
April Ipsy 2014
Wow. I am officially IN LOVE with Ipsy! My bag this month was amazing, with a value of approximately $60. That is $50 more than what I paid for… I am absolutely amazed at how great Ipsy bags are. Here's what I received and what I think…
Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil Travel Size I love this so much, that I've actually been using it every day since I received it. First of all, it is a travel size product that is surprisingly not much smaller than the real one (only 0.01 oz less), which sells for $20. The quality of this eyeliner is amazing… It's a creamy, long-lasting, super pigmented black. I've been obsessed with using this to tight line my eyes because it doesn't run or smudge and is ultra black, giving the lashes a thicker appearance. I'm so happy that I finally got to try out Urban Decay's Eyeliners and now know that they are most DEFINITELY worth the price!
Coastal Scents Medium Shadow Brush I'm always excited to receive brushes, especially eye shadow brushes, because you can never have too many! This brush sells for $2.49 and is pretty decent quality for that price! I would say that this brush is the same quality of ELF Brushes… it's super inexpensive and does the job. The bristles are super soft and I really like that the handle is much longer that ELF Brushes, because it makes it easier to use (I don't quite know why!). I definitely wouldn't say this is an amazing eyeshadow brush, but I would suggest it to anyone looking for cheaper brushes.
dr. brandt®microdermabrasion I honestly cannot review this product for you at all because it's a product that contains ingredients that do not react well with my sensitive skin, so I gave it away to my friends. However, I do know that the full size is $78 and that the reviews of this product are amazing! I believe this is a brightening exfoliated that reduces acne and redness.
Elizabeth Mott pop! goes the shadow I'm always up for eyeshadow, especially beautiful champagne colors like this one. This reminds me of a slightly less pigmented version of Stila's Kitten. It's decently pigmented, applies smoothly, lasts long, and is a gorgeous color for all over the lids and as a highlight! Plus, the packaging is super cute! I'm really glad that I got to try out some Elizabeth Mott products and cannot wait to try some more!
Starlooks Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil I was kinda disappointed when I saw this in my bag because I don't wear lip liner, but I definitely shouldn't have been! This lip liner is so creamy that it can be applied all over the lips for a natural look. Plus, the coral nude color is beautiful and compliments my skin tone very nicely! I love that this pencil is super pigmented, long lasting, and easy to apply. It also looks AMAZING with ELF's Mineral Lipgloss in Au Naturale for a perfect nude lip!
Try Ipsy with my link if you'd like :) http://www.ipsy.com/r/34w5
Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil Travel Size I love this so much, that I've actually been using it every day since I received it. First of all, it is a travel size product that is surprisingly not much smaller than the real one (only 0.01 oz less), which sells for $20. The quality of this eyeliner is amazing… It's a creamy, long-lasting, super pigmented black. I've been obsessed with using this to tight line my eyes because it doesn't run or smudge and is ultra black, giving the lashes a thicker appearance. I'm so happy that I finally got to try out Urban Decay's Eyeliners and now know that they are most DEFINITELY worth the price!
Coastal Scents Medium Shadow Brush I'm always excited to receive brushes, especially eye shadow brushes, because you can never have too many! This brush sells for $2.49 and is pretty decent quality for that price! I would say that this brush is the same quality of ELF Brushes… it's super inexpensive and does the job. The bristles are super soft and I really like that the handle is much longer that ELF Brushes, because it makes it easier to use (I don't quite know why!). I definitely wouldn't say this is an amazing eyeshadow brush, but I would suggest it to anyone looking for cheaper brushes.
dr. brandt®microdermabrasion I honestly cannot review this product for you at all because it's a product that contains ingredients that do not react well with my sensitive skin, so I gave it away to my friends. However, I do know that the full size is $78 and that the reviews of this product are amazing! I believe this is a brightening exfoliated that reduces acne and redness.
Elizabeth Mott pop! goes the shadow I'm always up for eyeshadow, especially beautiful champagne colors like this one. This reminds me of a slightly less pigmented version of Stila's Kitten. It's decently pigmented, applies smoothly, lasts long, and is a gorgeous color for all over the lids and as a highlight! Plus, the packaging is super cute! I'm really glad that I got to try out some Elizabeth Mott products and cannot wait to try some more!
Starlooks Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil I was kinda disappointed when I saw this in my bag because I don't wear lip liner, but I definitely shouldn't have been! This lip liner is so creamy that it can be applied all over the lips for a natural look. Plus, the coral nude color is beautiful and compliments my skin tone very nicely! I love that this pencil is super pigmented, long lasting, and easy to apply. It also looks AMAZING with ELF's Mineral Lipgloss in Au Naturale for a perfect nude lip!
Try Ipsy with my link if you'd like :) http://www.ipsy.com/r/34w5
March FAVORITES
First of all, my apologies for this EXTREMELY late post... I've been super busy and I'm finally able to just sit down and right.
Face Products:
-Maybelline Fit Me! Blush in Deep Coral: I've always really loved the Maybelline Fit Me! Blushes, but had never tried this beautiful coral shade before. When I saw it, I instantly knew it would become a favorite mainly because it is such a complimentary shade on my skintone. However, I'm really impresses with everything about this product! It has such amazing (yet natural) pigmentation, applies very smoothly, and has only a subtle hint of glitter. Overall, all of these blushes are super flattering and I definitely recommend them!
Eye Products:
-bhCosmetics "Forever Nude" Palette: This palette kinda fits into everyone of my favorite categories... It's seriously perfection! It includes 6 shadows, a highlighter, two blushes, and two lipsticks. I can't get over the eyeshadows and their similarity to the Naked 3 Palette... the pinky tones are very flattering and beautiful on every skintone! This palette includes a shimmery lilac color, a matte medium pink, a copper, a rose gold, a shimmery white highlight, and a dark brown (perfect for liner). I've been wearing these shadows every day because they're amazing quality. They're pigmented, smooth, and very long-lasting! The highlighter is also beautiful, but I've been using it to highlight my inner corners and browbone instead of cheekbones. I also am in love with the two blushes (a light pink and a deep mauve) when they're swirled together and applied on the apples of the cheeks for just a hint of color. Lastly, the lip colors are surprisingly great for potted lipsticks. The palette includes a deep nude and a beautiful pink tone... They're both super natural but pigmented and moisturizing! I would highly suggest this palette that I got for only $10. It's amazing!
Lip Products:
-Bare Minerals Lipstick in Get Ready: I received this lipstick in my Ipsy Glambag for March, and haven't been able to put it down ever since. It is such a beautiful natural rose shade! I was so surprised by the consistency of this lipstick... It's very lightweight and moisturizing, almost like a lip balm! I am officially in love with Bare Minerals products and cannot wait to try some more!
Hair Products:
-Suave Keratin Infusions Leave-In Conditioner: I really like this product because it's very lightweight and makes my hair so incredibly soft and easy to brush. It also smells amazing and is a great drugstore alternative to many high-end leave in products.
Nail Products (100% Sinful Colors):
-Sinful Colors Polish in Rise & Shine, Island Coral and Violets are Blue: Rise and Shine is such a beautiful emerald green/tealish color, while Violets are Blue is a periwinkle color and Island Coral is a bright coral color. These polishes are so pigmented and apply really smoothly! I was wearing Violets are Blue in my March Ipsy pictures, and you can probably see that it's almost an exact dupe for Essie's Bikini So Teeny.
-Sinful Colors Clear Coat: I saw this polish for the first time and knew I should try it out because I've always loved Sinful Colors Polishes. However, I didn't expect the top coat to surprise me THAT much! It's a huge life saver. Any polish it's paired with lasts at least a week with no chips. I did an experiment by putting on my cheapest polish that chips usually within the first day and it lasted me, chip-free, 8 days! I would HIGHLY suggest you try this polish out!
I hope you enjoyed this month's favorites! If you have any products you want me to try out, let me know on the home page!!!
Face Products:
-Maybelline Fit Me! Blush in Deep Coral: I've always really loved the Maybelline Fit Me! Blushes, but had never tried this beautiful coral shade before. When I saw it, I instantly knew it would become a favorite mainly because it is such a complimentary shade on my skintone. However, I'm really impresses with everything about this product! It has such amazing (yet natural) pigmentation, applies very smoothly, and has only a subtle hint of glitter. Overall, all of these blushes are super flattering and I definitely recommend them!
Eye Products:
-bhCosmetics "Forever Nude" Palette: This palette kinda fits into everyone of my favorite categories... It's seriously perfection! It includes 6 shadows, a highlighter, two blushes, and two lipsticks. I can't get over the eyeshadows and their similarity to the Naked 3 Palette... the pinky tones are very flattering and beautiful on every skintone! This palette includes a shimmery lilac color, a matte medium pink, a copper, a rose gold, a shimmery white highlight, and a dark brown (perfect for liner). I've been wearing these shadows every day because they're amazing quality. They're pigmented, smooth, and very long-lasting! The highlighter is also beautiful, but I've been using it to highlight my inner corners and browbone instead of cheekbones. I also am in love with the two blushes (a light pink and a deep mauve) when they're swirled together and applied on the apples of the cheeks for just a hint of color. Lastly, the lip colors are surprisingly great for potted lipsticks. The palette includes a deep nude and a beautiful pink tone... They're both super natural but pigmented and moisturizing! I would highly suggest this palette that I got for only $10. It's amazing!
Lip Products:
-Bare Minerals Lipstick in Get Ready: I received this lipstick in my Ipsy Glambag for March, and haven't been able to put it down ever since. It is such a beautiful natural rose shade! I was so surprised by the consistency of this lipstick... It's very lightweight and moisturizing, almost like a lip balm! I am officially in love with Bare Minerals products and cannot wait to try some more!
Hair Products:
-Suave Keratin Infusions Leave-In Conditioner: I really like this product because it's very lightweight and makes my hair so incredibly soft and easy to brush. It also smells amazing and is a great drugstore alternative to many high-end leave in products.
Nail Products (100% Sinful Colors):
-Sinful Colors Polish in Rise & Shine, Island Coral and Violets are Blue: Rise and Shine is such a beautiful emerald green/tealish color, while Violets are Blue is a periwinkle color and Island Coral is a bright coral color. These polishes are so pigmented and apply really smoothly! I was wearing Violets are Blue in my March Ipsy pictures, and you can probably see that it's almost an exact dupe for Essie's Bikini So Teeny.
-Sinful Colors Clear Coat: I saw this polish for the first time and knew I should try it out because I've always loved Sinful Colors Polishes. However, I didn't expect the top coat to surprise me THAT much! It's a huge life saver. Any polish it's paired with lasts at least a week with no chips. I did an experiment by putting on my cheapest polish that chips usually within the first day and it lasted me, chip-free, 8 days! I would HIGHLY suggest you try this polish out!
I hope you enjoyed this month's favorites! If you have any products you want me to try out, let me know on the home page!!!
March 2014 Ipsy
First of all, I would like to apologize for this very late post :( I've been super stressed out with school and extracurricular activities and haven't really had any time to sit down and write a blog. This month's Ipsy bag wasn't amazing, but it wasn't bad either. I would say that it wasn't as good as February's bag or as bad as January's bag! Here's what I received in the month of March:
Bag: The bag itself was very cute! I like the modern artistic design of it, which I thought was really unique and different from other bags. The material is very shiny and, therefore, easy to clean and manage! I think this may have been my favorite bag so far :)
bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie™ Lipstick in Get Ready: When I found out that this was part of my bag, I flipped out. I've seriously always wanted to try some bareMinerals products... and now I had the chance to! Wow, my expectations did not let me down! This lipstick has the perfect formula, which applies smoothly and evenly. Plus, this lipstick is super moisturizing. I also love the rosy color I received because it was natural enough for me to wear to school without looking too dressed up!
Nicole by OPI Roughles: I was so excited to receive this polish because, as you know, I'm a HUGE fan of OPI's textured nail polishes! This color is a beautiful light turquoise-blue with dark blue specks, that dries with a matte, kinda chunky finish. I personally think this would be a beautiful polish for the beach, especially because of its sand-like texture! My only complaint about it is that it's almost impossible to remove, as most textured/glitter polishes are.
Be a Bombshell Bora Bora Eyeshadow Quad: I was so excited to receive this $16 quad... which is already $6 more than the bag itself! I actually really do like this palette. The eyeshadows are very pigmented and the colors are flattering for all skintones! My only complaint is the color selection. All of the colors are very "out there" and it's nearly impossible to create a look solely from this quad. Most of the colors only serve as crease colors, why the bright blue is really only good for liner. However, I think some really unique and stunning looks can be created by combining this with other palettes!
Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer: I said this when I received my first Ipsy bag, but I'll say it again: I don't like primers and I can never find a use for them. However, I think this primer in particular isn't very good. It's extremely glittery, so much so that it could even be used as a highlighter. Instead of creating a smooth base for makeup, it's kinda sticky and adds a heavy feel to the skin. It also takes a really long time to settle into the skin before foundation can be applied, which is really a hassle in the morning. Overall, I don't think I'll be able to find a use for this product.
Rating: This month's Ipsy bag gets an 8 out of 10... It wasn't amazing, but I did enjoy some of the products!
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Bag: The bag itself was very cute! I like the modern artistic design of it, which I thought was really unique and different from other bags. The material is very shiny and, therefore, easy to clean and manage! I think this may have been my favorite bag so far :)
bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie™ Lipstick in Get Ready: When I found out that this was part of my bag, I flipped out. I've seriously always wanted to try some bareMinerals products... and now I had the chance to! Wow, my expectations did not let me down! This lipstick has the perfect formula, which applies smoothly and evenly. Plus, this lipstick is super moisturizing. I also love the rosy color I received because it was natural enough for me to wear to school without looking too dressed up!
Nicole by OPI Roughles: I was so excited to receive this polish because, as you know, I'm a HUGE fan of OPI's textured nail polishes! This color is a beautiful light turquoise-blue with dark blue specks, that dries with a matte, kinda chunky finish. I personally think this would be a beautiful polish for the beach, especially because of its sand-like texture! My only complaint about it is that it's almost impossible to remove, as most textured/glitter polishes are.
Be a Bombshell Bora Bora Eyeshadow Quad: I was so excited to receive this $16 quad... which is already $6 more than the bag itself! I actually really do like this palette. The eyeshadows are very pigmented and the colors are flattering for all skintones! My only complaint is the color selection. All of the colors are very "out there" and it's nearly impossible to create a look solely from this quad. Most of the colors only serve as crease colors, why the bright blue is really only good for liner. However, I think some really unique and stunning looks can be created by combining this with other palettes!
Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer: I said this when I received my first Ipsy bag, but I'll say it again: I don't like primers and I can never find a use for them. However, I think this primer in particular isn't very good. It's extremely glittery, so much so that it could even be used as a highlighter. Instead of creating a smooth base for makeup, it's kinda sticky and adds a heavy feel to the skin. It also takes a really long time to settle into the skin before foundation can be applied, which is really a hassle in the morning. Overall, I don't think I'll be able to find a use for this product.
Rating: This month's Ipsy bag gets an 8 out of 10... It wasn't amazing, but I did enjoy some of the products!
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A Beginner's Guide to Makeup
February Favorites
Sorry there are so few this month!
Face Products:-Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer: I complained to you guys that I was kinda over of my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, but couldn't find anything that worked better for concealing my under eye circles. This is seriously perfect because it not only conceals, but highlights and brightens as well. I've actually been using this as a highlighter for my nose and brow bone, which surprisingly works really well. This is an altogether amazing product! In fact, my mom even tried to steal it from me (hehe) because she loved it so much, too!
Eye Products:
-Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten: I am seriously obsessed with this color! The eyeshadow is so richly pigmented and adds so much dimension to my eyes. I've been wearing it every single day since I purchased it. It comes with a hefty price tag, but I purchased it in a set and have discovered that it's definitely worth it. It really opens up the eyes and adds an "awake" look!
-Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner: This also came with the Stila set I purchased and I was amazed by it. This is the most impressive eyeliner I have EVER seen! It is truly waterproof, sweat proof, etc. I even tried wearing this in the shower, and it didn't budge at all(: The eyeliner itself is super black and pigmented, yet easy to apply. I love that the thickness of the line is easily varied… I usually opt for a super thin line, that just makes my lashes appear fuller!
Lip Products:
-Sugar Lip Balm: I got this as my Sephora birthday gift, yet never really used it frequently. I was kinda upset because the balm has a very gentle and delicate consistency, which caused the balm to break a bit before I even used it. However, after revisiting this product, I've discovered that it is a truly incredible lip balm! It makes my lips super soft, which is really important in this never-ending winter :( I would highly suggest you try this out!
Skincare Products:
-Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser + Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Cleanser: I recently started breaking out again (boohoo!), and decided to try mixing two products together! My Cetaphil has always been a little bit too gentle for my skin, while the Neutrogena Cleanser has been way too harsh. I've been using two pumps of Cetaphil and half a pump of Neutrogena… and my skin has almost instantly cleared up! I love this combination so much(:
-70% Rubbing Alcohol: This is a kinda weird product, but I've recently been using Rubbing Alcohol as a spot treatment. I just dip a Q-Tip in Rubbing Alcohol and apply it to any pimples I want to reduce. Surprisingly, any pimples I had were so much smaller the next morning!
I hope you enjoyed this month's favorites! If you have any products you want me to try out, let me know on the home page!!!
Face Products:-Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer: I complained to you guys that I was kinda over of my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, but couldn't find anything that worked better for concealing my under eye circles. This is seriously perfect because it not only conceals, but highlights and brightens as well. I've actually been using this as a highlighter for my nose and brow bone, which surprisingly works really well. This is an altogether amazing product! In fact, my mom even tried to steal it from me (hehe) because she loved it so much, too!
Eye Products:
-Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten: I am seriously obsessed with this color! The eyeshadow is so richly pigmented and adds so much dimension to my eyes. I've been wearing it every single day since I purchased it. It comes with a hefty price tag, but I purchased it in a set and have discovered that it's definitely worth it. It really opens up the eyes and adds an "awake" look!
-Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner: This also came with the Stila set I purchased and I was amazed by it. This is the most impressive eyeliner I have EVER seen! It is truly waterproof, sweat proof, etc. I even tried wearing this in the shower, and it didn't budge at all(: The eyeliner itself is super black and pigmented, yet easy to apply. I love that the thickness of the line is easily varied… I usually opt for a super thin line, that just makes my lashes appear fuller!
Lip Products:
-Sugar Lip Balm: I got this as my Sephora birthday gift, yet never really used it frequently. I was kinda upset because the balm has a very gentle and delicate consistency, which caused the balm to break a bit before I even used it. However, after revisiting this product, I've discovered that it is a truly incredible lip balm! It makes my lips super soft, which is really important in this never-ending winter :( I would highly suggest you try this out!
Skincare Products:
-Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser + Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Cleanser: I recently started breaking out again (boohoo!), and decided to try mixing two products together! My Cetaphil has always been a little bit too gentle for my skin, while the Neutrogena Cleanser has been way too harsh. I've been using two pumps of Cetaphil and half a pump of Neutrogena… and my skin has almost instantly cleared up! I love this combination so much(:
-70% Rubbing Alcohol: This is a kinda weird product, but I've recently been using Rubbing Alcohol as a spot treatment. I just dip a Q-Tip in Rubbing Alcohol and apply it to any pimples I want to reduce. Surprisingly, any pimples I had were so much smaller the next morning!
I hope you enjoyed this month's favorites! If you have any products you want me to try out, let me know on the home page!!!
February 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag
This month's Ipsy Bag was incredible... I've been using nearly every product I received(:
Bag: I love the simplicity of this bag! The bright pink color makes it stand out beautifully. The inside has a gorgeous pink leopard detailing, which adds a subtle flare to the bag. I think this would be a perfect bag for every day use, especially since the size and material make it easy to manage.
POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini (Product #1): I received this sample size lip gloss in the color "Peony Petal." I love everything about it! It's a super moisturizing gloss that has a stain-like effect when it wears off. The color lasted me for a good few hours because of this! The color itself is a beautiful rose pink, that I think would compliment most skin tones really well. I love how this gloss isn't drying at all, unlike many I have tried! Plus, I was super excited to finally try out something from the brand "Pop."
Zoya Nail Polish (Product #2): The color I got was "Odette," which is a beautiful purple gray (that I'm currently wearing!). This is the first Zoya Polish that I've tried... and I LOVE IT <3 The color is very opaque and really only requires one coat (I do two to prevent chipping!) It applies really smoothly and is naturally super glossy, so I didn't even feel the need to use a top coat with it. The best part is that it dried in seriously less than five minutes! My biggest issue with painting my nails is that I'm so impatient when waiting for them to dry... well, NOT THIS ONE!!! I will DEFINITELY be purchasing some more Zoya Nail Polishes.
Überliss RituOil (Product #3): I honestly can't tell you if this is a good hair oil, because I haven't used it with heat (how it's supposed to be used). I did, however, try applying it to my wet hair and let it dry naturally. Surprisingly, I did notice a slight difference! It was a bit softer and smelled amazing! I will update you guys on this product when I'm home from vacation and can try it out with a blow dryer!
Tini Beauty Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base In One (Product #4): I was given the color "Spiced Rum," a dark copper color. I cannot even explain how much I love this! It has great pigmentation, but isn't too intense. When being used as a primer, it makes shadows last a little longer than they would normally. I mainly use this as a cream shadow though because I just love the color I received! Also, I love how this is a full-sized product, that is compact enough to carry around. I'm so happy that I had the chance to try out the Nailtini/Eyetini brand(:
J.Cat Beauty Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue (Product #5): Sigh. The only product I was truly disappointed in! I'm not a fan of fake eyelashes, but I'll try to play around with these ones. The pair I received is pretty natural looking, but I do have naturally long eyelashes and never find the need for fake lashes. Plus, I've heard that these drugstore lashes are poor quality :( I'll keep you guys posted about them!
Rating: I give this month's Ipsy a 9 out of 10 because I loved most of the products! They're pretty much all things I would use daily. I estimate the price of these products combined is $43, while the bag only costs $10... This month's Ipsy is DEFINITELY worth it :)
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Bag: I love the simplicity of this bag! The bright pink color makes it stand out beautifully. The inside has a gorgeous pink leopard detailing, which adds a subtle flare to the bag. I think this would be a perfect bag for every day use, especially since the size and material make it easy to manage.
POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini (Product #1): I received this sample size lip gloss in the color "Peony Petal." I love everything about it! It's a super moisturizing gloss that has a stain-like effect when it wears off. The color lasted me for a good few hours because of this! The color itself is a beautiful rose pink, that I think would compliment most skin tones really well. I love how this gloss isn't drying at all, unlike many I have tried! Plus, I was super excited to finally try out something from the brand "Pop."
Zoya Nail Polish (Product #2): The color I got was "Odette," which is a beautiful purple gray (that I'm currently wearing!). This is the first Zoya Polish that I've tried... and I LOVE IT <3 The color is very opaque and really only requires one coat (I do two to prevent chipping!) It applies really smoothly and is naturally super glossy, so I didn't even feel the need to use a top coat with it. The best part is that it dried in seriously less than five minutes! My biggest issue with painting my nails is that I'm so impatient when waiting for them to dry... well, NOT THIS ONE!!! I will DEFINITELY be purchasing some more Zoya Nail Polishes.
Überliss RituOil (Product #3): I honestly can't tell you if this is a good hair oil, because I haven't used it with heat (how it's supposed to be used). I did, however, try applying it to my wet hair and let it dry naturally. Surprisingly, I did notice a slight difference! It was a bit softer and smelled amazing! I will update you guys on this product when I'm home from vacation and can try it out with a blow dryer!
Tini Beauty Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base In One (Product #4): I was given the color "Spiced Rum," a dark copper color. I cannot even explain how much I love this! It has great pigmentation, but isn't too intense. When being used as a primer, it makes shadows last a little longer than they would normally. I mainly use this as a cream shadow though because I just love the color I received! Also, I love how this is a full-sized product, that is compact enough to carry around. I'm so happy that I had the chance to try out the Nailtini/Eyetini brand(:
J.Cat Beauty Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue (Product #5): Sigh. The only product I was truly disappointed in! I'm not a fan of fake eyelashes, but I'll try to play around with these ones. The pair I received is pretty natural looking, but I do have naturally long eyelashes and never find the need for fake lashes. Plus, I've heard that these drugstore lashes are poor quality :( I'll keep you guys posted about them!
Rating: I give this month's Ipsy a 9 out of 10 because I loved most of the products! They're pretty much all things I would use daily. I estimate the price of these products combined is $43, while the bag only costs $10... This month's Ipsy is DEFINITELY worth it :)
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January Favorites
Sorry I'm a bit late on this :( This month has been midterms at school and I wound up developing flu and some form of stomach flu and missed a few of them. It's been really hectic and I may be absent for a few more days, because we have to apply for courses next year and I have to make up the rest of my midterms. Don't worry though, I will be back and posting many vacation-related articles because I will be traveling for February Break in a few weeks and am SUPER excited. I hope you enjoy and I apologize again!
Eye Products:
-Jordana Single Shadow in Pink of Me: Ever since the Naked 3 was released, I've become slightly obsessed with pink and rose toned shadows. I really don't feel like I need another $52 palette, so I decided to try out some alternatives. Wow, I love this shadow! It's a beautiful baby pink with metallic flecks that give the eyes a beautiful 3D appearance. It's also only $1.99, so what's to lose? I've been loving pairing this with any brown or plum toned color in the crease (Urban Decay's Hustle or Toasted are perfect).
-Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked Pink: Did I tell you I was obsessed with pinks or what? I included this in my favorites a few months ago and then completely forgot about it. I just recently started using it again and it seriously makes all eyeshadows look gorgeous! I love pairing this with the Jordana shadow I mentioned above. This also looks incredible alone and stays in place all day!
-ELF Essentials Liquid Eyeliner: I know I also mentioned this a few months ago, but I've totally fallen back in love with it. I've recently been lining my upper lash-line with a really thin line in order to give the effect of longer and fuller lashes, and this is the only eyeliner that makes that possible! The brush is so fine, making lining the eyes incredibly simple. It's also only $1, so how could you resist?
Lip Products:
-Clinique Chubby Sticks in Broadest Berry and Mightiest Maraschino: Clinique's Chubby Sticks are literally the best lip products out there. They're indescribably incredible. I've been loving sheering out these two dark colors to give a stained effect! This works really well and makes them stay all day. Plus, they're super moisturizing unlike many other lip products. The price may be a bit much at $17, but they're definitely worth it! -Malin and Goetz Mojito Lip Balm: I received this in my Ipsy bag this month, and am super obsessed with it. It is seriously the perfect lip balm to use when sheering out darker lip products, like my Chubby Sticks. I just apply this first and then apply the bolder color on top for a beautifully natural effect. This product is really moisturizing and really glossy!
Skincare Products:
-Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer SPF 15 for Sensitive Skin: This is an amazing moisturizer! Unlike many moisturizers with SPF, it doesn't leave any sort of white film on your face. It is also completely mattifying and, because of this, a great base for makeup! My biggest problem in the winter is that I have peeling, yet super oily skin. This has helped both by moisturizing my skin without adding excess oil. I would highly suggest this underrated product(:
Hair Products:
-Pantene Aqualight "No Weight" Shampoo: I can proudly announce that I've finally found a perfect shampoo. This product controls the oil in my hair, smells great, gives me great volume, makes my hair extremely soft, and doesn't weigh down my hair at all. I would 100% suggest you give this shampoo a try, because you will not regret it!
Nail Favorites:
-OPI Liquid Sand Polishes (Honey Ryder, Pussy Galore, and Tiffany Case): I love these polishes so much! They're a really unique texturized polish that dries as a chunky matte glitter. They last a really long time without chipping and are so easy to apply because they dry instantly! "Honey Ryder" is a gorgeous gold, "Pussy Galore" is a beautiful baby pink, and "Tiffany Case" is a light turquoise blue.
I hope you enjoyed this month's favorites! If you have any products you want me to try out, let me know on the home page!!!
Eye Products:
-Jordana Single Shadow in Pink of Me: Ever since the Naked 3 was released, I've become slightly obsessed with pink and rose toned shadows. I really don't feel like I need another $52 palette, so I decided to try out some alternatives. Wow, I love this shadow! It's a beautiful baby pink with metallic flecks that give the eyes a beautiful 3D appearance. It's also only $1.99, so what's to lose? I've been loving pairing this with any brown or plum toned color in the crease (Urban Decay's Hustle or Toasted are perfect).
-Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked Pink: Did I tell you I was obsessed with pinks or what? I included this in my favorites a few months ago and then completely forgot about it. I just recently started using it again and it seriously makes all eyeshadows look gorgeous! I love pairing this with the Jordana shadow I mentioned above. This also looks incredible alone and stays in place all day!
-ELF Essentials Liquid Eyeliner: I know I also mentioned this a few months ago, but I've totally fallen back in love with it. I've recently been lining my upper lash-line with a really thin line in order to give the effect of longer and fuller lashes, and this is the only eyeliner that makes that possible! The brush is so fine, making lining the eyes incredibly simple. It's also only $1, so how could you resist?
Lip Products:
-Clinique Chubby Sticks in Broadest Berry and Mightiest Maraschino: Clinique's Chubby Sticks are literally the best lip products out there. They're indescribably incredible. I've been loving sheering out these two dark colors to give a stained effect! This works really well and makes them stay all day. Plus, they're super moisturizing unlike many other lip products. The price may be a bit much at $17, but they're definitely worth it! -Malin and Goetz Mojito Lip Balm: I received this in my Ipsy bag this month, and am super obsessed with it. It is seriously the perfect lip balm to use when sheering out darker lip products, like my Chubby Sticks. I just apply this first and then apply the bolder color on top for a beautifully natural effect. This product is really moisturizing and really glossy!
Skincare Products:
-Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer SPF 15 for Sensitive Skin: This is an amazing moisturizer! Unlike many moisturizers with SPF, it doesn't leave any sort of white film on your face. It is also completely mattifying and, because of this, a great base for makeup! My biggest problem in the winter is that I have peeling, yet super oily skin. This has helped both by moisturizing my skin without adding excess oil. I would highly suggest this underrated product(:
Hair Products:
-Pantene Aqualight "No Weight" Shampoo: I can proudly announce that I've finally found a perfect shampoo. This product controls the oil in my hair, smells great, gives me great volume, makes my hair extremely soft, and doesn't weigh down my hair at all. I would 100% suggest you give this shampoo a try, because you will not regret it!
Nail Favorites:
-OPI Liquid Sand Polishes (Honey Ryder, Pussy Galore, and Tiffany Case): I love these polishes so much! They're a really unique texturized polish that dries as a chunky matte glitter. They last a really long time without chipping and are so easy to apply because they dry instantly! "Honey Ryder" is a gorgeous gold, "Pussy Galore" is a beautiful baby pink, and "Tiffany Case" is a light turquoise blue.
I hope you enjoyed this month's favorites! If you have any products you want me to try out, let me know on the home page!!!
January 2014 ipsy glam bag
I am so excited to announce that I finally received my first Ipsy Glambag! For all of you that don't know, Ipsy is a monthly subscription box that costs $10 a month. It includes 5 makeup samples (sometimes even full-sized products!) and a super cute bag to store them all in. Every month, I'll be reviewing my Ipsy Glambag and the products I've received. Enjoy :)
Bag: Compared to other month's bags that I've seen, I think this bag is completely average. Although it is cute, it isn't really a makeup bag I would purchase in a store. Another thing I'm not a huge fan of is the plastic smell of this bag. I'm hoping it will go away, but so far it isn't seeming to! Otherwise, I think this bag is pretty decent. It's a durable quality that seems like it would be easy to clean. I actually think the different makeup products printed on the bag would make it super cute for traveling!
Benefit the POREfessional (Product #1): I was actually incredibly disappointed with this sample. First of all, I am completely unable to use face products from Benefit Cosmetics because of my sensitive skin. Whenever I try makeup from Benefit, I seem to break out into itchy hives or acne. I did, however, try the Porefessional on my hand and was extremely impressed with the quality. It really does do what it claims to do, which means it minimizes pores so much that they seem to disappear. Another thing I was upset about was the size of this product... .01 Fl Oz is simply not enough! I seriously don't understand how you can gain an honest opinion of a product with only 2-3 uses, which is all this size will provide. Otherwise, I do really like the quality of this product and am sad that I cannot use it :( I'll most likely wind up giving it to one of my friends.
(MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito Lip Balm (Product #2): I am really impressed with this lip balm! It is seriously unlike anything I have ever tried before. I've been having really dry and cracked lips recently because it's really cold where I live. As soon as I tried this, I noticed a huge difference! My lips look flawless and feel so incredibly soft. I also really like how this balm has a very glossy appearance to it, which means I can wear it instead of a lip gloss (which tends to dry my lips out even more). This is also a full-size product which is valued at $12... already $2 more than the entire bag itself :)
Balanced Guru Balm Me Up Organic Sweet Cocoa & Tangy Body Balm (Product #3): I can't even explain how perfect the timing of this product was... I seriously ran out my favorite body balm the day before I received my Ipsy bag. After trying this out a few times, I think it is a decent product. It's very moisturizing, but slightly sticky with a strong scent of Menthol. Plus, the small container it came in makes it really hard to get out and use. I do really like using this product on my elbows and knees, but wouldn't suggest it as an all over body balm!
Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissue (Product #4): Like the Porefessional, I'm unable to use these wipes all over my face because of my sensitive skin. However, I tried them out as eye makeup remover wipes and really liked them! They're slightly drier than wipes I would normally prefer, but remove all traces of makeup easily. I think these would be great wipes to travel with or keep in your locker! If you're not a fan of a heavy pomegranate candy-like scent, then I would definitely steer clear of these! I actually do like the smell though(:
yaby Liquid Foundation (Product #5): At first, I was super disappointed because I couldn't use this product (once again because of my skin). Then, I decided to try it out as an under-eye concealer (because this area is not sensitive or acne-prone) and was pleasantly surprised. This product has full coverage and is very brightening. It's also easy to blend in and long-lasting when used with a setting powder. My only complaint is that it will settle into creases if not blended out completely, but it's an easily fixed and minor problem. If you were to use this as a foundation, it is a really small sized sample that you would get about 2-4 uses out of.
Rating: I give this month's Ipsy a 6.5 out of 10 because I was unable to use some of the products and wasn't extremely excited about any of them. However, this bag was definitely valued at much more than $10, so it is worth it(:
Bag: Compared to other month's bags that I've seen, I think this bag is completely average. Although it is cute, it isn't really a makeup bag I would purchase in a store. Another thing I'm not a huge fan of is the plastic smell of this bag. I'm hoping it will go away, but so far it isn't seeming to! Otherwise, I think this bag is pretty decent. It's a durable quality that seems like it would be easy to clean. I actually think the different makeup products printed on the bag would make it super cute for traveling!
Benefit the POREfessional (Product #1): I was actually incredibly disappointed with this sample. First of all, I am completely unable to use face products from Benefit Cosmetics because of my sensitive skin. Whenever I try makeup from Benefit, I seem to break out into itchy hives or acne. I did, however, try the Porefessional on my hand and was extremely impressed with the quality. It really does do what it claims to do, which means it minimizes pores so much that they seem to disappear. Another thing I was upset about was the size of this product... .01 Fl Oz is simply not enough! I seriously don't understand how you can gain an honest opinion of a product with only 2-3 uses, which is all this size will provide. Otherwise, I do really like the quality of this product and am sad that I cannot use it :( I'll most likely wind up giving it to one of my friends.
(MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito Lip Balm (Product #2): I am really impressed with this lip balm! It is seriously unlike anything I have ever tried before. I've been having really dry and cracked lips recently because it's really cold where I live. As soon as I tried this, I noticed a huge difference! My lips look flawless and feel so incredibly soft. I also really like how this balm has a very glossy appearance to it, which means I can wear it instead of a lip gloss (which tends to dry my lips out even more). This is also a full-size product which is valued at $12... already $2 more than the entire bag itself :)
Balanced Guru Balm Me Up Organic Sweet Cocoa & Tangy Body Balm (Product #3): I can't even explain how perfect the timing of this product was... I seriously ran out my favorite body balm the day before I received my Ipsy bag. After trying this out a few times, I think it is a decent product. It's very moisturizing, but slightly sticky with a strong scent of Menthol. Plus, the small container it came in makes it really hard to get out and use. I do really like using this product on my elbows and knees, but wouldn't suggest it as an all over body balm!
Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissue (Product #4): Like the Porefessional, I'm unable to use these wipes all over my face because of my sensitive skin. However, I tried them out as eye makeup remover wipes and really liked them! They're slightly drier than wipes I would normally prefer, but remove all traces of makeup easily. I think these would be great wipes to travel with or keep in your locker! If you're not a fan of a heavy pomegranate candy-like scent, then I would definitely steer clear of these! I actually do like the smell though(:
yaby Liquid Foundation (Product #5): At first, I was super disappointed because I couldn't use this product (once again because of my skin). Then, I decided to try it out as an under-eye concealer (because this area is not sensitive or acne-prone) and was pleasantly surprised. This product has full coverage and is very brightening. It's also easy to blend in and long-lasting when used with a setting powder. My only complaint is that it will settle into creases if not blended out completely, but it's an easily fixed and minor problem. If you were to use this as a foundation, it is a really small sized sample that you would get about 2-4 uses out of.
Rating: I give this month's Ipsy a 6.5 out of 10 because I was unable to use some of the products and wasn't extremely excited about any of them. However, this bag was definitely valued at much more than $10, so it is worth it(:
Top 13 Products of 2013
Instead of writing my usual monthly favorites, I thought it would be fun to share my favorite makeup items of the year (in no particular order). First of all, I would like to wish you all an amazing 2014! I love you all <3 Also, I will be doing favorite makeup, hair, nails, fashion and skincare items separately.
- Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation: Although I only discovered this product two months ago, I can honestly say it is one of the most incredible products I have tried this year. This powder foundation provides a ton of coverage with looking "caked on." After applying this all over my face, my skin looks smooth and nearly flawless. Plus, it's non-comedogenic so it won't cause any further breakouts!
- Urban Decay Naked Palette: I also only recently purchased this product, but I've been using it everyday since and loving it. The colors are so beautiful and vibrant, with just the perfect amount of shimmer to add a hint of glam to any look. The eyeshadows blend so well together and, with a good primer, will last throughout the entire day!
- Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara: This mascara was definitely one of my greatest discoveries of 2013! Although I just began using this as my everyday mascara, I've always loved it for it's amazing waterproofness and staying power. It also adds extreme volume and separation to my lashes, without clumping! Also, this mascara is perfect for sensitive eyes. I've recently developed an extreme sensitivity to most mascaras, and Ithis is the only one I'm currently able to use without completely irritating my eyes!
- Maybelline Color Tattoo 24Hour Cream Shadow: These are definitely the best existing cream shadows out there! They're long lasting and extremely waterproof, with great pigmentation. These shadows look great alone or under another eyeshadow as a base/primer! I love how easy these are to apply when you're in a rush, yet they still look amazing!
- CGSmoothers Stick Concealer: I seriously LOVE this concealer so much! It is flawless. It provides nearly full coverage without looking "caked on" or unnatural. The stick also makes it super fast and easy to apply, with no mess made! Like Neutrogena's Powder Foundation, this product is non-comedogenic :)
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer: This is another amazing concealer that is perfect for hiding under eye circles, which I unfortunately have :( This concealer is super lightweight, allowing it to conceal dark circles easily and without looking unnatural. The only thing I dislike about this concealer is that it is not non-comedogenic and should, therefore, only be used on the undereye area of those who have sensitive skin like me. Using this all over my face, resulted in a major breakout!
- Clinique Chubby Stick: Looking back at my past favorites, I'm surprised I haven't raved about these before! These lip crayons have such incredible pigmentation and are super moisturizing. My usual complaint with lipsticks are that they are extremely drying, while these actually help soothe and treat dry lips. I love sheering these out by combining them with a lip balm or Vaseline. I currently have a red color, a pink color, and a dark burgundy color. I definitely plan to buy more!
- Maybelline Fit Me! Blush in Medium Mauve: I love this blush so much! It isn't too pigmented or shimmery like most other drugstore blushes. Instead, it provides a natural hint of color and just a slight glow. I think this is a perfect blush for everyday wear, especially for going to school. Despite the fact that it isn't labeled non-comedogenic, I have never had any issues with this blush breaking me out!
- Maybelline Baby Lips: In general, I've always been a huge fan of Baby Lips. These tinted lip balms are perfect for people who aren't comfortable wearing pigmented lipsticks but still want a hint of color. I love how moisturizing these lip balms are, with just a sheer touch of color. My current favorite colors are "Strike a Rose (Electro)" and "Grape Vine." I seriously cannot get enough of these!
- ELF Mineral Lip Gloss: I am also so surprised that I haven't mentioned these glosses on my blog before! I think this is my all-time favorite ELF product, that I've been especially loving in 2013. I have the color "Au Naturale" and wear it on top of basically every lip product I own and oftentimes on its own. This gloss is so pigmented and smooth to apply, yet not sticky at all. Surprisingly, this gloss is extremely long-lasting! I would highly suggest trying these glosses, which are only $3 (and apparently they're a MAC Lip Glass dupe!)
- Smith's Rosebud Lip Salve: This is a lifesaver when it comes to dry lips! This Vaseline-like balm is so moisturizing! I had a major problem with dry and cracked lips and this has completely healed my lips. It also has a really glossy affect and can, therefore, even be worn on its own! I often use this lip balm to sheer out dark lipsticks, such as my Chubby Sticks.
- ELF Eyelid Primer: This is such an amazing primer ($1), comparing to the Urban Decay Primer Potion ($12). It seriously makes eyeshadows last so much longer, without creasing or smudging throughout the day. I really don't know how my eyeshadows would look at the end of the day without this... and I'm thankful I don't!
- Sephora Eyelash Curler: I bought this eyelash curler in early 2013 and haven't put it down since! This eyelash curler works miracles on eyelashes, adding such volume and curl. I particularly love how the padding on the curler is soft and almost "bouncy," unlike many others that are a rigid plastic. I find that this just adds so much more curl, without damaging my lashes. I also love the color of this curler... it's a beautiful dark green!
November favorites
Wow! I actually can't believe it's already December!? I feel like this year is going so fast :) Enjoy!
Eye Products:
-Ciel du Soir (Lancôme): I was given a palette that included this color for my birthday this year, but never got the chance to try it out because it is definitely outside of my comfort zone. After trying it out, I actually think I'd be willing to splurge on it if I hadn't been given it as a gift! It's such a beautiful dark purpley gray color, that is perfect for any fall look! I've been loving adding this to the outer corners of my eyes and blending it into my crease for a more dramatic look. Plus, the quality is amazing! The shadow glides on so smoothly and is super pigmented. I'm actually in love with it <3
-Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Cat Eyes: Don't get me wrong, I love CoverGirl's Clump Crusher Mascara, but I noticed a serious problem. For some reason, the mascara tended to flake off into my contacts, which really irritated my eyes! I decided to try out this mascara by Maybelline and I'm really happy I did! It adds a ton of volume and length, without causing any clumps... which is exactly what I look for in a mascara! The brush is really unique and perfectly separates the lashes so that they still look natural. The packaging is also adorable, so that is always a plus!
-ELF Wet Gloss Lash and Brow Clear Mascara: I needed something that would keep my brows in place, without adding any color (this always looks super fake on me!) I decided to try this out because it's only $1 and it actually works really well. It keeps my brows in place all day, without making them look sticky. The only thing I really hate about this product is the scent... I can't really describe it, but it just doesn't smell good. I'm still willing to use it though because of its amazing quality and price!
Lip Products:
-Nivea A Kiss of Milk and Honey Lip Balm: Nivea has always been my favorite lip balm brand, so when I ran out of my all-time favorite "A Kiss of Smoothness," I decided to try something new. This is a great lip balm. It smells incredible and makes my lips so soft, which I really need during the colder seasons! I also love how it gives a kinda "glossy" look, so I've been wearing it to school everyday!
-Lush Santa's Lip Scrub: My friend bought this for me when she was in London, and I seriously love it so much! It helps to scrub all the dead skin off of my lips, making them super soft and healthy! It also looks and smells incredible! It smells just like cola and is red with heart sparkles in it... seriously, how could you resist!?
Skincare Products:
-Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: I've finally switched back to Cetaphil because my skin has been awful lately! This has helped so much, it's actually incredible! My acne has began rapidly disappearing. If you have sensitive skin, I assure you this is the BEST cleanser out there because it's completely non-irritating and non-comedogenic. I can't think this stuff enough!
-Sephora Cleansing Brush: I love using this brush about twice a week to exfoliate my face. It's gentle enough not to irritate my face, but still removes any excess product and dead skin. Plus, it's way more affordable than the Clarisonic... by about $117!
Body Products:
-Bath and Body Works' Foaming Anti-Bacterial Soap in Candy Cane Bliss: I am completely obsessed with this scent! I'll wash my hands for no reason just to smell like this. Also, it doesn't dry my hands out like most soaps seem to do. If you haven't tried them, I'd highly suggest trying out Bath and Body Work's Antibacterial Soaps... they're great(:
-Bath and Body Works' Nourishing Hand Cream in Fresh Sparkling Snow: My hands are always super dry in the colder seasons, just like my lips! I decided to try this hand cream because it is much more affordable than some of the other great hand creams. I also really love this scent and bought a bunch of other products in it! It smells very sweet, but I can't really describe it otherwise because it's nearly impossible to do(: I also love the packaging... it's royal blue with gold and silver specks (or snowflakes) on it!
Hair Products:
-Dove Hair Therapy Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Conditioner: I was looking for a conditioner similar to my favorite Dove Damage Therapy Heat Defense Conditioner because I'm pretty sure they discontinued it :( I decided to try this, and it's almost identical... It makes my hair smell amazing and feel so soft! It also doesn't add excess oil, which is definitely important in a conditioner.
Candle Favorites: It's that time of year!
-Bath and Body Works' Black Tie Three-Wick Candle: This is an amazing scent! It smells similar to their "Flannel" scent, but a little more floral and feminine! It's a perfect fall scent and makes my room smell amazing. I also love the gold, black, and silver packaging... It reminds me of New Year's Eve!
-Target's Red Velvet Cupcake Soy Candle: This candle smells identical to a red velvet candle... It's unbelievable! I love how it makes my room smell like I just baked. Plus, the packaging is also really cute! It has cupcakes all over it.
I hope you enjoyed this month's favorites! If you have any products you want me to try out, let me know on the home page(:
Eye Products:
-Ciel du Soir (Lancôme): I was given a palette that included this color for my birthday this year, but never got the chance to try it out because it is definitely outside of my comfort zone. After trying it out, I actually think I'd be willing to splurge on it if I hadn't been given it as a gift! It's such a beautiful dark purpley gray color, that is perfect for any fall look! I've been loving adding this to the outer corners of my eyes and blending it into my crease for a more dramatic look. Plus, the quality is amazing! The shadow glides on so smoothly and is super pigmented. I'm actually in love with it <3
-Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Cat Eyes: Don't get me wrong, I love CoverGirl's Clump Crusher Mascara, but I noticed a serious problem. For some reason, the mascara tended to flake off into my contacts, which really irritated my eyes! I decided to try out this mascara by Maybelline and I'm really happy I did! It adds a ton of volume and length, without causing any clumps... which is exactly what I look for in a mascara! The brush is really unique and perfectly separates the lashes so that they still look natural. The packaging is also adorable, so that is always a plus!
-ELF Wet Gloss Lash and Brow Clear Mascara: I needed something that would keep my brows in place, without adding any color (this always looks super fake on me!) I decided to try this out because it's only $1 and it actually works really well. It keeps my brows in place all day, without making them look sticky. The only thing I really hate about this product is the scent... I can't really describe it, but it just doesn't smell good. I'm still willing to use it though because of its amazing quality and price!
Lip Products:
-Nivea A Kiss of Milk and Honey Lip Balm: Nivea has always been my favorite lip balm brand, so when I ran out of my all-time favorite "A Kiss of Smoothness," I decided to try something new. This is a great lip balm. It smells incredible and makes my lips so soft, which I really need during the colder seasons! I also love how it gives a kinda "glossy" look, so I've been wearing it to school everyday!
-Lush Santa's Lip Scrub: My friend bought this for me when she was in London, and I seriously love it so much! It helps to scrub all the dead skin off of my lips, making them super soft and healthy! It also looks and smells incredible! It smells just like cola and is red with heart sparkles in it... seriously, how could you resist!?
Skincare Products:
-Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: I've finally switched back to Cetaphil because my skin has been awful lately! This has helped so much, it's actually incredible! My acne has began rapidly disappearing. If you have sensitive skin, I assure you this is the BEST cleanser out there because it's completely non-irritating and non-comedogenic. I can't think this stuff enough!
-Sephora Cleansing Brush: I love using this brush about twice a week to exfoliate my face. It's gentle enough not to irritate my face, but still removes any excess product and dead skin. Plus, it's way more affordable than the Clarisonic... by about $117!
Body Products:
-Bath and Body Works' Foaming Anti-Bacterial Soap in Candy Cane Bliss: I am completely obsessed with this scent! I'll wash my hands for no reason just to smell like this. Also, it doesn't dry my hands out like most soaps seem to do. If you haven't tried them, I'd highly suggest trying out Bath and Body Work's Antibacterial Soaps... they're great(:
-Bath and Body Works' Nourishing Hand Cream in Fresh Sparkling Snow: My hands are always super dry in the colder seasons, just like my lips! I decided to try this hand cream because it is much more affordable than some of the other great hand creams. I also really love this scent and bought a bunch of other products in it! It smells very sweet, but I can't really describe it otherwise because it's nearly impossible to do(: I also love the packaging... it's royal blue with gold and silver specks (or snowflakes) on it!
Hair Products:
-Dove Hair Therapy Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Conditioner: I was looking for a conditioner similar to my favorite Dove Damage Therapy Heat Defense Conditioner because I'm pretty sure they discontinued it :( I decided to try this, and it's almost identical... It makes my hair smell amazing and feel so soft! It also doesn't add excess oil, which is definitely important in a conditioner.
Candle Favorites: It's that time of year!
-Bath and Body Works' Black Tie Three-Wick Candle: This is an amazing scent! It smells similar to their "Flannel" scent, but a little more floral and feminine! It's a perfect fall scent and makes my room smell amazing. I also love the gold, black, and silver packaging... It reminds me of New Year's Eve!
-Target's Red Velvet Cupcake Soy Candle: This candle smells identical to a red velvet candle... It's unbelievable! I love how it makes my room smell like I just baked. Plus, the packaging is also really cute! It has cupcakes all over it.
I hope you enjoyed this month's favorites! If you have any products you want me to try out, let me know on the home page(:
EVERYDAY MAKEUP ROUTINE
Hey guys! It's been 5 months since I posted my last "Everyday Makeup Routine," and I've realized that it's COMPLETELY changed. I decided that it's time to post an "Updated Everyday Makeup Routine," because I've been using new products and trying out completely new looks. This is the look I usually wear to school, and it takes me about 10-15 minutes to do in the morning! I hope you enjoy <3
I still always start by moisturizing my face with CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream ($13.39). This is a great moisturizer, that actually helps prime my face too! It smooths out my skin, making it easier to apply my concealer. Then, I use my all-time favorite concealer, CoverGirl's CGSmoothers Concealer ($7.29), to cover up any blemishes and my under eye circles. This concealer blends so smoothly and has medium-full coverage, so it gives your skin a flawless look! If I have a really irritated blemish, I'll layer CoverGirl's Fresh Complexion Concealer ($5.19) on top. I find that this concealer does a great job of hiding redness and irritation! I also use a highlighting concealer for my under eyes. I prefer to use Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind ($10.39) over the CGSmoothers Concealer because I find that the two together create longer lasting coverage. After concealing my dark circles and any blemishes, I like to set my concealer with Neutrogena's Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation ($13.99). This surprisingly has great coverage, and helps to further hide any imperfections. I prefer using powder foundation than liquid foundation, because it looks and feels more natural. Now that I'm done with my face, I move on to my eyes. I start off by priming my eyelids with either ELF's Eyelid Primer ($1.49) or Urban Decay's Primer Potion ($12) because this helps my shadows to last longer. Ever since I've purchased my Urban Decay Naked Palette ($50), I've been using it every day! It is seriously the best quality eyeshadow I have ever used and the colors are beautiful. I usually use Sin (pinky champagne) on my lid and either Buck (matte brown) or Toasted (pinky dark brown) in my crease. I also love to use Virgin (shimmery white) in my inner corners to make me appear more awake (and I need it on school days!). Then, I line my waterline using Wet n' Wild's MegaLast Retractable Eye Pencil in Dark Brown ($2.29). I actually like to apply the liner on my lower lash line instead of my waterline because it looks more natural and makes my eyes appear bigger. I've recently been loving CoverGirl's ClumpCrusher in Black Brown ($6.89) because it makes my lashes super separated and long! After that, I just apply some sort of lip gloss or lip butter (I included some examples in the picture above!) and I'm ready to go!
I still always start by moisturizing my face with CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream ($13.39). This is a great moisturizer, that actually helps prime my face too! It smooths out my skin, making it easier to apply my concealer. Then, I use my all-time favorite concealer, CoverGirl's CGSmoothers Concealer ($7.29), to cover up any blemishes and my under eye circles. This concealer blends so smoothly and has medium-full coverage, so it gives your skin a flawless look! If I have a really irritated blemish, I'll layer CoverGirl's Fresh Complexion Concealer ($5.19) on top. I find that this concealer does a great job of hiding redness and irritation! I also use a highlighting concealer for my under eyes. I prefer to use Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind ($10.39) over the CGSmoothers Concealer because I find that the two together create longer lasting coverage. After concealing my dark circles and any blemishes, I like to set my concealer with Neutrogena's Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation ($13.99). This surprisingly has great coverage, and helps to further hide any imperfections. I prefer using powder foundation than liquid foundation, because it looks and feels more natural. Now that I'm done with my face, I move on to my eyes. I start off by priming my eyelids with either ELF's Eyelid Primer ($1.49) or Urban Decay's Primer Potion ($12) because this helps my shadows to last longer. Ever since I've purchased my Urban Decay Naked Palette ($50), I've been using it every day! It is seriously the best quality eyeshadow I have ever used and the colors are beautiful. I usually use Sin (pinky champagne) on my lid and either Buck (matte brown) or Toasted (pinky dark brown) in my crease. I also love to use Virgin (shimmery white) in my inner corners to make me appear more awake (and I need it on school days!). Then, I line my waterline using Wet n' Wild's MegaLast Retractable Eye Pencil in Dark Brown ($2.29). I actually like to apply the liner on my lower lash line instead of my waterline because it looks more natural and makes my eyes appear bigger. I've recently been loving CoverGirl's ClumpCrusher in Black Brown ($6.89) because it makes my lashes super separated and long! After that, I just apply some sort of lip gloss or lip butter (I included some examples in the picture above!) and I'm ready to go!
🎃 OCTOBER FAVORITES 👻
I am so sorry about how late this is! But, hey, better late then never, right? Enjoy! I also apologize that a lot of these are high end... I usually don't splurge!
Face Products:
-Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation: Lately, I've been having a ton of unexpected breakouts :( I guess that's just what happens when you're a teenager! Because of my breakouts, I wanted to try using a light coverage foundation and, let me tell you, this stuff is PERFECT! I use this to set my concealer in place of a mattifying powder every day. Not only does it keep my face oil free, but it provides me with the most flawless looking skin that lasts all day! This is possibly one of the best products I have ever tried. The best part is it feels like you're wearing nothing because it's so lightweight!
Eye Products:
-Urban Decay Naked Palette: Everyone is obsessed with this palette and I finally know why! I've been wanting this palette for two years but could never make myself spend $50 on a palette. One day I was at the mall and just decided to go for it on a whim! I normally am so mad at myself when I impulse buy, but I don't regret buying this at all. I have worn this literally every day since I've bought it. The colors are so pigmented, long lasting, and simply beautiful. Here are some of my favorite, everyday combinations:
1. Sin (beautiful champagne pink) on the lid, Buck (matte brown) in crease, and Virgin (shimmery white) in inner corners.
2. Naked (matte tan) on the lid, Toasted (shimmery warm brown) in crease, and Virgin in inner corners.
3. Half Baked (gold) on the lid, Buck in crease, and Virgin in inner corners.
I know this palette is a lot of money, but I would HIGHLY suggest it. You can create so many different looks and the quality is unbeatable!
-Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (I also found a dupe!): This primer came with the Naked Palette and my eyeshadows last seriously 10x longer when I use it, with no creasing! Plus, the packaging is adorable. And, SUPRISE, I found a drugstore dupe for this primer! ELF's Studio Eyeliner (I think it is $1) has a very similar consistency and also helps eyeshadows to stay in place for longer! If you don't want to splurge on the Urban Decay one, try the ELF one!
-Maybelline "The Rocket" Volum' Mascara: Didn't I just tell you guys I hated this? Well, I decided to try it again and I kinda love it. The trick is not to apply to much... otherwise, it will clump! But seriously, this adds so much volume and length to my lashes! I really love how it looks. I haven't been wearing it every day to school though because it can take some work to apply!
-CoverGirl Clump Crusher: I used to use this mascara and then, like all mascaras I love, I got sick of it. I decided to use it again after seeing a beauty guru rave about it and I love how it looks for school. It doesn't add too much volume (only completely clump-free length!) so it isn't too dramatic!
Lip Products:
-Essence of BEAUTY Pomegranate Apple Lip Butter: This is definitely one of my favorite Autumn lip products! It is so moisturizing and adds just a hint of a red/berry color. Plus, it smells absolutely amazing!
-Sugar Lip Treatment in Rosé: I got this high end lip product for my birthday from Sephora (if you guys were unaware, if you sign up for a Beauty Insider Card at Sephora, you can get a free gift during the week of your birthday) and I seriously love it. It is the most moisturizing lip product I have ever used and the color is absolutely beautiful... It's such a pretty rose!
Skincare Products:
-Acnomel Adult Acne Medication: As I said before, I've been breaking out A LOT recently. This has been such a help in clearing up my skin! I just apply a thin layer of this to my acne spots (my forehead) before bed and rinse it off in the morning. I've noticed it can completely reduce the size of a pimple in only one night! Plus, it's from the drugstore and no prescription is needed!
Body Products:
-Bath and Body Works "Napa Autumn Blackberry" Body Wash: I've always been a huge fan of Bath and Body Works body washes and this one in particular smells so great! It smells like "a luscious blend of succulent Napa blueberry, zesty mandarin and honeysuckle touched with a hint of raspberry and cocoa." Plus, it's super moisturizing and makes my skin feel so soft!
Body Products:
-Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula: Another annoying part of being a teenager is having oily hair and this product has helped me so much! Once a week, I use this shampoo to cleanse all of the buildup out of my hair. After I rinse this out, my hair smells amazing and is incredibly soft and easy to brush.
Tools:
-iOn Beauty Makeup Brushes (16 Set): I found these brushes at TjMaxx and decided to try them out because I've been in need of good makeup brushes and these were only $20. I was so surprised at the quality! Every single one of these brushes are amazing. They're extremely dense and durable, unlike many of the ELF Essential Brushes. Plus, they're super soft!
Face Products:
-Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation: Lately, I've been having a ton of unexpected breakouts :( I guess that's just what happens when you're a teenager! Because of my breakouts, I wanted to try using a light coverage foundation and, let me tell you, this stuff is PERFECT! I use this to set my concealer in place of a mattifying powder every day. Not only does it keep my face oil free, but it provides me with the most flawless looking skin that lasts all day! This is possibly one of the best products I have ever tried. The best part is it feels like you're wearing nothing because it's so lightweight!
Eye Products:
-Urban Decay Naked Palette: Everyone is obsessed with this palette and I finally know why! I've been wanting this palette for two years but could never make myself spend $50 on a palette. One day I was at the mall and just decided to go for it on a whim! I normally am so mad at myself when I impulse buy, but I don't regret buying this at all. I have worn this literally every day since I've bought it. The colors are so pigmented, long lasting, and simply beautiful. Here are some of my favorite, everyday combinations:
1. Sin (beautiful champagne pink) on the lid, Buck (matte brown) in crease, and Virgin (shimmery white) in inner corners.
2. Naked (matte tan) on the lid, Toasted (shimmery warm brown) in crease, and Virgin in inner corners.
3. Half Baked (gold) on the lid, Buck in crease, and Virgin in inner corners.
I know this palette is a lot of money, but I would HIGHLY suggest it. You can create so many different looks and the quality is unbeatable!
-Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (I also found a dupe!): This primer came with the Naked Palette and my eyeshadows last seriously 10x longer when I use it, with no creasing! Plus, the packaging is adorable. And, SUPRISE, I found a drugstore dupe for this primer! ELF's Studio Eyeliner (I think it is $1) has a very similar consistency and also helps eyeshadows to stay in place for longer! If you don't want to splurge on the Urban Decay one, try the ELF one!
-Maybelline "The Rocket" Volum' Mascara: Didn't I just tell you guys I hated this? Well, I decided to try it again and I kinda love it. The trick is not to apply to much... otherwise, it will clump! But seriously, this adds so much volume and length to my lashes! I really love how it looks. I haven't been wearing it every day to school though because it can take some work to apply!
-CoverGirl Clump Crusher: I used to use this mascara and then, like all mascaras I love, I got sick of it. I decided to use it again after seeing a beauty guru rave about it and I love how it looks for school. It doesn't add too much volume (only completely clump-free length!) so it isn't too dramatic!
Lip Products:
-Essence of BEAUTY Pomegranate Apple Lip Butter: This is definitely one of my favorite Autumn lip products! It is so moisturizing and adds just a hint of a red/berry color. Plus, it smells absolutely amazing!
-Sugar Lip Treatment in Rosé: I got this high end lip product for my birthday from Sephora (if you guys were unaware, if you sign up for a Beauty Insider Card at Sephora, you can get a free gift during the week of your birthday) and I seriously love it. It is the most moisturizing lip product I have ever used and the color is absolutely beautiful... It's such a pretty rose!
Skincare Products:
-Acnomel Adult Acne Medication: As I said before, I've been breaking out A LOT recently. This has been such a help in clearing up my skin! I just apply a thin layer of this to my acne spots (my forehead) before bed and rinse it off in the morning. I've noticed it can completely reduce the size of a pimple in only one night! Plus, it's from the drugstore and no prescription is needed!
Body Products:
-Bath and Body Works "Napa Autumn Blackberry" Body Wash: I've always been a huge fan of Bath and Body Works body washes and this one in particular smells so great! It smells like "a luscious blend of succulent Napa blueberry, zesty mandarin and honeysuckle touched with a hint of raspberry and cocoa." Plus, it's super moisturizing and makes my skin feel so soft!
Body Products:
-Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula: Another annoying part of being a teenager is having oily hair and this product has helped me so much! Once a week, I use this shampoo to cleanse all of the buildup out of my hair. After I rinse this out, my hair smells amazing and is incredibly soft and easy to brush.
Tools:
-iOn Beauty Makeup Brushes (16 Set): I found these brushes at TjMaxx and decided to try them out because I've been in need of good makeup brushes and these were only $20. I was so surprised at the quality! Every single one of these brushes are amazing. They're extremely dense and durable, unlike many of the ELF Essential Brushes. Plus, they're super soft!
MAYBELLINE VOLUM' EXPRESS FALSIES BIG EYES MASCARA ★★★★
🍂 September Favorites 🍂
Face Products:
-CoverGirl CG Smoothers Concealer: I used to use this concealer all of the time, but then I switched to the CoverGirl FreshComplexions Concealer (which I still do love!) instead. After starting to use this again, I've noticed that it blends in really quickly and doesn't settle in creases or pores! Using a stick concealer is much less time consuming than a liquid one, so this is perfect for early morning school days!
-Maybelline Shine Free Powder: I know, I know… I finally tried a powder different than Maybelline's Dream Matte Powder! I started noticing that the Dream Matte Powder wasn't controlling my oil throughout the day, so I decided to venture out. I am in love with this powder! It keeps me shine-free all day, is really light weight, and gives my skin and airbrushed finish! I am so surprised that no one ever talks about this product. I definitely suggest you try it out!
-Two Faced Sweathearts Blush: I'm sorry this is high-end, but I just had to include it! This is my new favorite blush that I've been wearing pretty much every day. It is shimmery, so I wouldn't suggest splurging on it if you don't like shimmer. I personally love mixing the two lighter shades for an everyday school look. It's so natural and the shimmer makes me look more awake, which is a definite plus!
Eye Products (I'm sorry for not having many! I haven't had an opportunity to try many new things out because of school):
-Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner: I used to use this really often, but I kind of stopped wearing eyeliner (not including liquid) for a while because I thought it was too harsh for Middle School. Now that I'm High School, I've started wearing a very little bit of this eyeliner and I love it how it looks. Plus, it applies so smoothly and lasts all day without running!
Lip Products:
-Estée Lauder Pure Color High Gloss Lip Gloss (Flash Dance): This is a high-end makeup product as well, but I got as a free sample and it's probably my favorite lip gloss ever now. It's such a beautiful glossy pink, that has the perfect texture! It's really moisturizing, not too sticky, and lasts so long! I've worn this to school basically every day so far. In my opinion, the full size is worth the $18.50!
-Maybelline ShineSensational Gloss (Sparkling Grape): This is such a pretty color for autumn! I've been wearing this beautiful berry color a lot in order to pull of a less intense dark lip. I love the texture! It's not at all sticky and lasts forever. I also love the scent… It smells like grapes!
-Nivea "A Kiss of Shimmer" Lip Balm: Unlike a tinted lip balm, this doesn't have any color payoff. Instead, it provides the most beautiful hint of shimmer and shine! I've kept this in my backpack since the first day of school and have been constantly applying it. It is so moisturizing and smells amazing! Plus, it has SPF 10 to keep your lips protected from the sun.
Skincare Products:
-Clean & Clear Exfoliating Scrub: I love this scrub! This scrub is perfect for sensitive skin because the exfoliating beads are not very large, making it not too rough. It also doesn't contain salicylic acid, which is an ingredient that is often very harsh on the skin. After washing your face with this, your skin feels so refreshed and clean!
Body Products:
-Dial "Himalayan Pink Salt and Water Lily" Soap: This is the most moisturizing hand soap I have ever used. My problem with soap is that it usually tends to dry out my hands, so I decided to try this one and it really does work! It also has a very floral scent that smells amazing.
-Marc Jacobs "Daisy Eau So Fresh" Perfume: I've been wearing this perfume pretty much every day because it smells so great! It smells very floral like the original Daisy perfume, but this one has a little hint of fruitiness. The packaging is also adorable, so that's a definite plus!
-Estée Lauder "Pleasures" Perfume: I got this as a sample as well and it's the perfect perfume to wear for nicer occasions, such as going out to dinner. I can't really describe it, but it's a very floral scent that isn't too overpowering. I've actually gotten compliments on how I smelled when wearing this!
Nail Products:
-DeMert Nail Enamel Dryer: This actually works really well. After painting my nails, I just spray some of this on and my nails dry much more quickly than usual. I've been using this every time I paint my nails and will definitely buy this again!
-Sinful Colors (Rich in Heart): I love this color! It's such a beautiful dark maroon or burgundy, perfect for autumn. Plus, it only requires one coat and lasts for really long time!
-CoverGirl CG Smoothers Concealer: I used to use this concealer all of the time, but then I switched to the CoverGirl FreshComplexions Concealer (which I still do love!) instead. After starting to use this again, I've noticed that it blends in really quickly and doesn't settle in creases or pores! Using a stick concealer is much less time consuming than a liquid one, so this is perfect for early morning school days!
-Maybelline Shine Free Powder: I know, I know… I finally tried a powder different than Maybelline's Dream Matte Powder! I started noticing that the Dream Matte Powder wasn't controlling my oil throughout the day, so I decided to venture out. I am in love with this powder! It keeps me shine-free all day, is really light weight, and gives my skin and airbrushed finish! I am so surprised that no one ever talks about this product. I definitely suggest you try it out!
-Two Faced Sweathearts Blush: I'm sorry this is high-end, but I just had to include it! This is my new favorite blush that I've been wearing pretty much every day. It is shimmery, so I wouldn't suggest splurging on it if you don't like shimmer. I personally love mixing the two lighter shades for an everyday school look. It's so natural and the shimmer makes me look more awake, which is a definite plus!
Eye Products (I'm sorry for not having many! I haven't had an opportunity to try many new things out because of school):
-Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner: I used to use this really often, but I kind of stopped wearing eyeliner (not including liquid) for a while because I thought it was too harsh for Middle School. Now that I'm High School, I've started wearing a very little bit of this eyeliner and I love it how it looks. Plus, it applies so smoothly and lasts all day without running!
Lip Products:
-Estée Lauder Pure Color High Gloss Lip Gloss (Flash Dance): This is a high-end makeup product as well, but I got as a free sample and it's probably my favorite lip gloss ever now. It's such a beautiful glossy pink, that has the perfect texture! It's really moisturizing, not too sticky, and lasts so long! I've worn this to school basically every day so far. In my opinion, the full size is worth the $18.50!
-Maybelline ShineSensational Gloss (Sparkling Grape): This is such a pretty color for autumn! I've been wearing this beautiful berry color a lot in order to pull of a less intense dark lip. I love the texture! It's not at all sticky and lasts forever. I also love the scent… It smells like grapes!
-Nivea "A Kiss of Shimmer" Lip Balm: Unlike a tinted lip balm, this doesn't have any color payoff. Instead, it provides the most beautiful hint of shimmer and shine! I've kept this in my backpack since the first day of school and have been constantly applying it. It is so moisturizing and smells amazing! Plus, it has SPF 10 to keep your lips protected from the sun.
Skincare Products:
-Clean & Clear Exfoliating Scrub: I love this scrub! This scrub is perfect for sensitive skin because the exfoliating beads are not very large, making it not too rough. It also doesn't contain salicylic acid, which is an ingredient that is often very harsh on the skin. After washing your face with this, your skin feels so refreshed and clean!
Body Products:
-Dial "Himalayan Pink Salt and Water Lily" Soap: This is the most moisturizing hand soap I have ever used. My problem with soap is that it usually tends to dry out my hands, so I decided to try this one and it really does work! It also has a very floral scent that smells amazing.
-Marc Jacobs "Daisy Eau So Fresh" Perfume: I've been wearing this perfume pretty much every day because it smells so great! It smells very floral like the original Daisy perfume, but this one has a little hint of fruitiness. The packaging is also adorable, so that's a definite plus!
-Estée Lauder "Pleasures" Perfume: I got this as a sample as well and it's the perfect perfume to wear for nicer occasions, such as going out to dinner. I can't really describe it, but it's a very floral scent that isn't too overpowering. I've actually gotten compliments on how I smelled when wearing this!
Nail Products:
-DeMert Nail Enamel Dryer: This actually works really well. After painting my nails, I just spray some of this on and my nails dry much more quickly than usual. I've been using this every time I paint my nails and will definitely buy this again!
-Sinful Colors (Rich in Heart): I love this color! It's such a beautiful dark maroon or burgundy, perfect for autumn. Plus, it only requires one coat and lasts for really long time!
🍉 AUGUST FAVORITES 🍉
Face Products:
-Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush (Rose Petal): I have put off purchasing this blush for so long because I've heard many negative reviews. But as soon as I heard that this blush was non-comedogenic, I decided I just had to try it! If you have sensitive skin, you KNOW it's difficult to find non-comedogenic cream blushes, especially ones from the drugstore. I tried applying this with my fingers and was really disappointed with the color payoff-- I saw basically nothing! I began looking online for the best way to apply this blush and was directed to take the blush compact itself and dot it on mu cheeks, then blend it out. After trying it, I was amazed at the difference! Not only is the quality amazing, but I love the color I chose! It's the perfect pinky peach that looks so natural. I am so excited to try out more of these in different colors!
Eye Products:
-Wet n' Wild Coloricon "Walking on Eggshells" Trio (Top Color): I've always been a huge fan of this trio! I've been using the lid and crease colors every day for a few months now! Surprisingly, I've always hated the top highlight color. I found it so unpigmented… I needed to really press down on the shadow to even get a little color! At the beginning of August, I had to rebuy this trio after completely hitting pan on my old one. I was shocked to see that the white in this palette was completely different! I don't know if my last one was defective or if they recently changed the formula, but the highlight color is now smooth and super pigmented! I've been using it every day in my inner corners. It's completely replaced Jordana's "Snowy White."
-ELF Essential Eyeliner Brush: I've never really liked the look of eyeliner on my waterline on me. It just looks too intense and dark, even if it's brown! This month, I started using brown eyeshadow (from the Wet n' Wild "Walking on Eggshells" Trio) directly beneath my lower lash line. I just love the way this looks! It's much more natural than liner, but still gives my eyes a more defined look. I feel that using this brush is the key though. It makes the line so thin and precise!
-ELF Makeup Remover Pen: I don't know if I'm the only one with this problem, but whenever I put mascara on my lower lashes (which is every day), I get some under my eyes. Using makeup remover pads just winds up wiping away my concealer and I have to start all over again. This "pen" has completely saved my life! It makes it really simple to remove the mascara without taking off my concealer too!
-Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara (Very Black): I used to love this mascara and use it everyday! For some reason, I stopped using it and replaced it with CoverGirl's Clump Crusher. I suddenly decided to try using this mascara again and just fell in love all over again! It provides so much more length and separation than the Clump Crusher… I would never switch back again! Ever since I started wearing this, I've gotten so many compliments on my lashes!
Lip Products:
-ELF Essential Beauty School 4-Piece Shimmer Gloss Set: I don't know why I just started using these now, but I love them! The collection comes with four glosses: a fuchsia, a red, a pink, and a nude color. I really like the fact that these aren't very sticky. Plus, I just love the colors! My favorite is the light pink… I've found myself reaching for it almost every day!
-Maybelline Baby Lips (Grape Vine): I'm pretty sure Baby Lips have been included in every monthly favorites. I mean, seriously, what's not to like? This month though, it's specifically Grape Vine. I just love this berry color tinted lip balm! I just feel that this is the perfect way to rock a bold purple lip, without looking too extreme!
-Korres Lip Butter (Pomegranate): This is a high end product, but based on the amount of product it comes with, it's definitely worth the $13.50! This coral color lip butter gives an amazing hint of color and is super moisturizing!
Nail Products:
-Jordana Nail Polish (Pink Bunny): I have to say, this shade is my absolute favorite of the Jordana Nail Polishes! This bubblegum pink is super opaque and never chips. I've found myself wearing this polish a lot this month!
Body Products:
-Boots Extracts Brazil Nut Body Butter: I have fallen in love with body butters! The thick consistency makes them really moisturizing and adds shine. I've been using this body butter on my legs after shaving and have noticed an extreme difference! Plus, the smell is amazing. This is definitely a dupe for The Body Shop's Body Butters. The best part? The full size of this only costs $10, while The Body Shop's costs $20… it's half the price!
-Bath and Body Work's Full Size Hand Sanitizer (Sugar Lemon Fizz): I've always loved these hand sanitizers! If you've ever read my blog before, you've probably noticed I include them in almost every post about my necessities. My favorite part about this one is the scent: it smells exactly like fresh lemonade, which makes it perfect for summer!
-Crest 3D White Multi-Care Whitening Rinse: After I got my braces off, I noticed some yellowing of my teeth. I decided to try using this before getting my teeth professionally whitened, and I'm so glad I did! This has worked so effectively, I wound up not needing my teeth whitened after all. I just gargle this twice a day, morning and night!
-Softsoap Ultra Rich Shea Butter and Almond Oil Body Wash: Wow. This has to be the best body wash I have ever used. I actually accidentally discovered this while on vacation. My mom went to the nearest drugstore and just picked out a random body wash. I was amazed to find out that this is so creamy and moisturizing! After using this, my legs and arms are so soft. I definitely plan to repurchase this.
Hair Products:
-Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Shampoo and Conditioner: I also discovered this by accident when on vacation. I love everything about these! After using this for a week, I've noticed such a difference in my hair. It feels significantly softer than it did when I used my other shampoo and conditioner. I just wash my hair with this every other day and am amazed with the results!
-Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush (Rose Petal): I have put off purchasing this blush for so long because I've heard many negative reviews. But as soon as I heard that this blush was non-comedogenic, I decided I just had to try it! If you have sensitive skin, you KNOW it's difficult to find non-comedogenic cream blushes, especially ones from the drugstore. I tried applying this with my fingers and was really disappointed with the color payoff-- I saw basically nothing! I began looking online for the best way to apply this blush and was directed to take the blush compact itself and dot it on mu cheeks, then blend it out. After trying it, I was amazed at the difference! Not only is the quality amazing, but I love the color I chose! It's the perfect pinky peach that looks so natural. I am so excited to try out more of these in different colors!
Eye Products:
-Wet n' Wild Coloricon "Walking on Eggshells" Trio (Top Color): I've always been a huge fan of this trio! I've been using the lid and crease colors every day for a few months now! Surprisingly, I've always hated the top highlight color. I found it so unpigmented… I needed to really press down on the shadow to even get a little color! At the beginning of August, I had to rebuy this trio after completely hitting pan on my old one. I was shocked to see that the white in this palette was completely different! I don't know if my last one was defective or if they recently changed the formula, but the highlight color is now smooth and super pigmented! I've been using it every day in my inner corners. It's completely replaced Jordana's "Snowy White."
-ELF Essential Eyeliner Brush: I've never really liked the look of eyeliner on my waterline on me. It just looks too intense and dark, even if it's brown! This month, I started using brown eyeshadow (from the Wet n' Wild "Walking on Eggshells" Trio) directly beneath my lower lash line. I just love the way this looks! It's much more natural than liner, but still gives my eyes a more defined look. I feel that using this brush is the key though. It makes the line so thin and precise!
-ELF Makeup Remover Pen: I don't know if I'm the only one with this problem, but whenever I put mascara on my lower lashes (which is every day), I get some under my eyes. Using makeup remover pads just winds up wiping away my concealer and I have to start all over again. This "pen" has completely saved my life! It makes it really simple to remove the mascara without taking off my concealer too!
-Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara (Very Black): I used to love this mascara and use it everyday! For some reason, I stopped using it and replaced it with CoverGirl's Clump Crusher. I suddenly decided to try using this mascara again and just fell in love all over again! It provides so much more length and separation than the Clump Crusher… I would never switch back again! Ever since I started wearing this, I've gotten so many compliments on my lashes!
Lip Products:
-ELF Essential Beauty School 4-Piece Shimmer Gloss Set: I don't know why I just started using these now, but I love them! The collection comes with four glosses: a fuchsia, a red, a pink, and a nude color. I really like the fact that these aren't very sticky. Plus, I just love the colors! My favorite is the light pink… I've found myself reaching for it almost every day!
-Maybelline Baby Lips (Grape Vine): I'm pretty sure Baby Lips have been included in every monthly favorites. I mean, seriously, what's not to like? This month though, it's specifically Grape Vine. I just love this berry color tinted lip balm! I just feel that this is the perfect way to rock a bold purple lip, without looking too extreme!
-Korres Lip Butter (Pomegranate): This is a high end product, but based on the amount of product it comes with, it's definitely worth the $13.50! This coral color lip butter gives an amazing hint of color and is super moisturizing!
Nail Products:
-Jordana Nail Polish (Pink Bunny): I have to say, this shade is my absolute favorite of the Jordana Nail Polishes! This bubblegum pink is super opaque and never chips. I've found myself wearing this polish a lot this month!
Body Products:
-Boots Extracts Brazil Nut Body Butter: I have fallen in love with body butters! The thick consistency makes them really moisturizing and adds shine. I've been using this body butter on my legs after shaving and have noticed an extreme difference! Plus, the smell is amazing. This is definitely a dupe for The Body Shop's Body Butters. The best part? The full size of this only costs $10, while The Body Shop's costs $20… it's half the price!
-Bath and Body Work's Full Size Hand Sanitizer (Sugar Lemon Fizz): I've always loved these hand sanitizers! If you've ever read my blog before, you've probably noticed I include them in almost every post about my necessities. My favorite part about this one is the scent: it smells exactly like fresh lemonade, which makes it perfect for summer!
-Crest 3D White Multi-Care Whitening Rinse: After I got my braces off, I noticed some yellowing of my teeth. I decided to try using this before getting my teeth professionally whitened, and I'm so glad I did! This has worked so effectively, I wound up not needing my teeth whitened after all. I just gargle this twice a day, morning and night!
-Softsoap Ultra Rich Shea Butter and Almond Oil Body Wash: Wow. This has to be the best body wash I have ever used. I actually accidentally discovered this while on vacation. My mom went to the nearest drugstore and just picked out a random body wash. I was amazed to find out that this is so creamy and moisturizing! After using this, my legs and arms are so soft. I definitely plan to repurchase this.
Hair Products:
-Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Shampoo and Conditioner: I also discovered this by accident when on vacation. I love everything about these! After using this for a week, I've noticed such a difference in my hair. It feels significantly softer than it did when I used my other shampoo and conditioner. I just wash my hair with this every other day and am amazed with the results!
MIDDLE SCHOOL MAKEUP IDEAS
6th Grade: In 6th grade, your makeup should be extremely simple! Most 6th graders JUST started wearing makeup. The key is to look like your not wearing any!
Face: Usually, 11-12 year olds usually have flawless skin. Because of this, foundation isn't necessary! Instead, try this: Take any moisturizing lotion and apply it to your face. My suggestion is Clean & Clear's Morning Glow Moisturizer. This moisturizer actually has a subtle hint of shimmer in it, just enough to make your skin glow. If you have a problem with dark circles, try using a light coverage concealer. Maybelline's Fit Me! Concealer or CoverGirl's FreshComplexions Concealer would both do an excellent job of hiding dark circles, without looking fake or made up.
Eyes: I've noticed that many middle schoolers tend to wear intense eye makeup. Thick eyeliner and dark shadows are definitely NOT the way to go, especially in 6th grade! In my opinion, eye shadow and eyeliner isn't necessary for 11-12 year olds to wear to school. Because of this, skip right to mascara. The key to mascara is to make it look like you aren't wearing any-- avoid clumpy or thick mascaras! My suggestion is to use CoverGirl's Clump Crusher in Brown. Brown mascara looks much more natural than black! Just apply a thin coat of this mascara on your top lashes.
Lips: I remember that gloss was my best friend in 6th grade! Gloss is a great way to experiment with lip color, without being too intense. Try using a clear, light pink, or peachy gloss for lovely looking lips! I love the Wet n' Wild MegaSlicks Glosses because they aren't too sticky.
7th Grade: At this time, you're starting to become a teenager, so you can begin experimenting with a bit more makeup. Like 6th graders, you shouldn't stray from the natural look!
Face: Breakouts tend to start happening around 7th grade! Because of this, concealer is always a must-have! Once again, take your lightweight concealer and apply it to your dark circles AND any blemishes. To blend everything together and control oil, try applying a mattifying powder as well. I absolutely love Maybelline's Dream Matte Powder because it's super lightweight and never looks caked on!
Eyes: Eyes can be played up a little bit more than in 6th grade. Start by using a cream shadow all over your lid for just a hint of color. My suggestion is Maybelline's Color Tattoo in Barely Branded. This is the perfect champagne cream shadow, especially for a natural look. Apply some brown mascara to your upper and lower lashes and you're done with the eyes!
Lips: Once again, glosses are perfect for this look! Unlike the 6th grade look, you can choose from different colored glosses like red, dark pink, coral, etc! This will give you just a bit more color without looking too intense!
8th Grade: Eighth grade is the perfect time to start playing around with more makeup! Although the look should still be natural, the makeup can be a bit more intense than it was in 6th and 7th grade.
Face: For those who struggle with acne, tinted moisturizers or bb creams are a great choice! They provide coverage without being to heavy or caked on. My favorite bb cream is CoverGirl's CGSmoothers BB Cream because it provides the perfect amount of coverage! For those who don't have many pimples, stick to the same 7th grade face routine and just use concealer. My biggest tip is to only use what is necessary! At the beginning of 8th grade, I also started to use a heavier coverage under eye concealer. This will just make you appear slightly more awake! Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer is perfect for this, because it never seems to look caked on! Once again, set this all with your powder and try applying a light pink blush. I love Maybelline's Fit Me Blushes because they look really natural.
Eyes: 8th grade is the perfect time to start experimenting with your eyes more! For eyeshadow, start out by using any primer of your choice. Then, layer a light beige or pink on your lid, with a very light brown or taupe in the crease. I usually use Wet n' Wild's Coloricon Trio in "Walking on Eggshells" because it has the perfect colors for a natural look! Take any white shimmery shadow and dab a bit into your inner corners for a more awake look. This time, you can use a more dramatic mascara. My personal favorite is Maybelline's Illegal Length in Black. Just apply 2 coats to your upper and lower lashes to complete the look!
Lips: It can be fun to try using more color on your lips in 8th grade, but lipstick can be too intense! Instead, try using a tinted lip balm for just a sheer hint of color. I would definitely suggest trying out the original Maybelline Baby Lips, because they are super moisturizing and have the most beautiful color payoff!
I hope you guys enjoyed this and found it helpful! Remember: NEVER try to grow up too fast! You'll have plenty of time to wear dramatic smokey eyes and red lips!
Face: Usually, 11-12 year olds usually have flawless skin. Because of this, foundation isn't necessary! Instead, try this: Take any moisturizing lotion and apply it to your face. My suggestion is Clean & Clear's Morning Glow Moisturizer. This moisturizer actually has a subtle hint of shimmer in it, just enough to make your skin glow. If you have a problem with dark circles, try using a light coverage concealer. Maybelline's Fit Me! Concealer or CoverGirl's FreshComplexions Concealer would both do an excellent job of hiding dark circles, without looking fake or made up.
Eyes: I've noticed that many middle schoolers tend to wear intense eye makeup. Thick eyeliner and dark shadows are definitely NOT the way to go, especially in 6th grade! In my opinion, eye shadow and eyeliner isn't necessary for 11-12 year olds to wear to school. Because of this, skip right to mascara. The key to mascara is to make it look like you aren't wearing any-- avoid clumpy or thick mascaras! My suggestion is to use CoverGirl's Clump Crusher in Brown. Brown mascara looks much more natural than black! Just apply a thin coat of this mascara on your top lashes.
Lips: I remember that gloss was my best friend in 6th grade! Gloss is a great way to experiment with lip color, without being too intense. Try using a clear, light pink, or peachy gloss for lovely looking lips! I love the Wet n' Wild MegaSlicks Glosses because they aren't too sticky.
7th Grade: At this time, you're starting to become a teenager, so you can begin experimenting with a bit more makeup. Like 6th graders, you shouldn't stray from the natural look!
Face: Breakouts tend to start happening around 7th grade! Because of this, concealer is always a must-have! Once again, take your lightweight concealer and apply it to your dark circles AND any blemishes. To blend everything together and control oil, try applying a mattifying powder as well. I absolutely love Maybelline's Dream Matte Powder because it's super lightweight and never looks caked on!
Eyes: Eyes can be played up a little bit more than in 6th grade. Start by using a cream shadow all over your lid for just a hint of color. My suggestion is Maybelline's Color Tattoo in Barely Branded. This is the perfect champagne cream shadow, especially for a natural look. Apply some brown mascara to your upper and lower lashes and you're done with the eyes!
Lips: Once again, glosses are perfect for this look! Unlike the 6th grade look, you can choose from different colored glosses like red, dark pink, coral, etc! This will give you just a bit more color without looking too intense!
8th Grade: Eighth grade is the perfect time to start playing around with more makeup! Although the look should still be natural, the makeup can be a bit more intense than it was in 6th and 7th grade.
Face: For those who struggle with acne, tinted moisturizers or bb creams are a great choice! They provide coverage without being to heavy or caked on. My favorite bb cream is CoverGirl's CGSmoothers BB Cream because it provides the perfect amount of coverage! For those who don't have many pimples, stick to the same 7th grade face routine and just use concealer. My biggest tip is to only use what is necessary! At the beginning of 8th grade, I also started to use a heavier coverage under eye concealer. This will just make you appear slightly more awake! Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer is perfect for this, because it never seems to look caked on! Once again, set this all with your powder and try applying a light pink blush. I love Maybelline's Fit Me Blushes because they look really natural.
Eyes: 8th grade is the perfect time to start experimenting with your eyes more! For eyeshadow, start out by using any primer of your choice. Then, layer a light beige or pink on your lid, with a very light brown or taupe in the crease. I usually use Wet n' Wild's Coloricon Trio in "Walking on Eggshells" because it has the perfect colors for a natural look! Take any white shimmery shadow and dab a bit into your inner corners for a more awake look. This time, you can use a more dramatic mascara. My personal favorite is Maybelline's Illegal Length in Black. Just apply 2 coats to your upper and lower lashes to complete the look!
Lips: It can be fun to try using more color on your lips in 8th grade, but lipstick can be too intense! Instead, try using a tinted lip balm for just a sheer hint of color. I would definitely suggest trying out the original Maybelline Baby Lips, because they are super moisturizing and have the most beautiful color payoff!
I hope you guys enjoyed this and found it helpful! Remember: NEVER try to grow up too fast! You'll have plenty of time to wear dramatic smokey eyes and red lips!
💕 JULY FAVORITES 💕
Face Products:
I actually have no new face product favorites this month! I've become a huge fan of the ones I've been using, and haven't felt the need to try more. If you have any suggestions though, I'd love to give them a try! Leave a comment on the home page!
Eye Products:
-ELF Essential Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black): I love this product! It's really easy to use and NEVER SMUDGES, which is something I always look for in an eyeliner. The only problem is that it tends to fade throughout the day, so it needs to be reapplied once or twice. Otherwise, the quality is amazing! The liner glides on so smoothly.
-Lancôme Eyeshadow (Off the Rack): I know, I know… this is a high end product! I've really been loving lilac eyeshadows this month, and this shade is the perfect metallic shadow. I love applying this to my lid for a pop of color. The quality of this eyeshadow is amazing! It glides on smoothly and lasts so long!
-Jordana Eyeshadow (Pink Ice): This shadow is a really close shade and quality to the Lancôme one! Plus, it's only $2. This color is a little more wearable for an everyday look, because it isn't as metallic. It's extremely pigmented and the color is just beautiful! I love wearing this on my lid with a darker purple in my crease.
Lip Products:
-ELF Luscious Liquid Lipstick (Nude Pink and Pink Lemonade): These are so similar to the Stila Lip Glazes! I literally love everything about these-- they're super pigmented and glossy, not sticky, and last all day!
-Maybelline ShineSensational Lip Gloss (Treat Me Sweet and Peach Sorbet): I love how shiny these glosses are! "Treat Me Sweet" is a beautiful shimmery pink and "Peach Sorbet" is a nude, glossy color. These look great layered on top of lip stick or on their own! Plus, the packaging makes them super easy to apply.
-ELF Lip Exfoliator: This is amazing! It removes all dead skin from your lips, without irritating them! I also love the packaging-- it looks exactly like a lipstick tube! Plus, it smells like vanilla and brown sugar!
-EOS Lip Balm (Summer Fruit): Since my dog ate my other EOS Lip Balm (I know, hehe), I decided to get a new one! I love this scent/flavor-- it's perfect for summer! I've been carrying this around all month.
Nail Products:
-Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear (Lacey Lilac): Finally I've found the perfect lavender nail polish! I love this color and the quality of the polish is outstanding. With only one coat, this was extremely opaque! This is perfect if you're in a rush and need to paint your nails.
-Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear (White On): I've really been into the white nails trend, and this is the perfect color! It's so creamy and applies really well--with two coats, it was fully opaque!
-Revlon's Blue Lagoon AND Whimsical: These colors look amazing together! Blue Lagoon is a Cinderella blue and Whimsical is a light blue top coat with different size sparkles. Painting this on top of Blue Lagoon gives the perfect polka dot affect! I love how long this polish lasted-- a whole two weeks!
Body Products:
-St. Ives Moisturizing Body Wash: During the summer, my skin gets so dry! I recently bought this body wash and fell in love with it! It's so moisturizing and makes my skin smooth and shiny. Plus, it's hypo-allergenic, so I don't need to worry about it affecting my sensitive skin!
-Lush Dream Cream: This is kind of a high end product, but I recently received the Lush Beach Box as a gift so I thought I'd include the products I've liked in my favorites. This is possibly the most moisturizing lotion I've ever used. After I get out of the shower, I apply this all over my legs and arms and my skin just feels so smooth! I will DEFINITELY be repurchasing this in the full size, which is about $30.
Hair Products:
-Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Hairspray: Another high end product, I know. I have this in the travel size and am really considering buying it in the full. This is the best hairspray ever. It's not too sticky, yet holds everything perfectly in place! I love using this for updos and flyaways!
-Lush Sea Spray Hair Mist: This also came in my Lush Beach Box and I am in love with it! It makes perfect waves! I just braid my damp hair, go to bed and spray this in when I wake up. This makes the waves more defined and longer lasting!
I actually have no new face product favorites this month! I've become a huge fan of the ones I've been using, and haven't felt the need to try more. If you have any suggestions though, I'd love to give them a try! Leave a comment on the home page!
Eye Products:
-ELF Essential Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black): I love this product! It's really easy to use and NEVER SMUDGES, which is something I always look for in an eyeliner. The only problem is that it tends to fade throughout the day, so it needs to be reapplied once or twice. Otherwise, the quality is amazing! The liner glides on so smoothly.
-Lancôme Eyeshadow (Off the Rack): I know, I know… this is a high end product! I've really been loving lilac eyeshadows this month, and this shade is the perfect metallic shadow. I love applying this to my lid for a pop of color. The quality of this eyeshadow is amazing! It glides on smoothly and lasts so long!
-Jordana Eyeshadow (Pink Ice): This shadow is a really close shade and quality to the Lancôme one! Plus, it's only $2. This color is a little more wearable for an everyday look, because it isn't as metallic. It's extremely pigmented and the color is just beautiful! I love wearing this on my lid with a darker purple in my crease.
Lip Products:
-ELF Luscious Liquid Lipstick (Nude Pink and Pink Lemonade): These are so similar to the Stila Lip Glazes! I literally love everything about these-- they're super pigmented and glossy, not sticky, and last all day!
-Maybelline ShineSensational Lip Gloss (Treat Me Sweet and Peach Sorbet): I love how shiny these glosses are! "Treat Me Sweet" is a beautiful shimmery pink and "Peach Sorbet" is a nude, glossy color. These look great layered on top of lip stick or on their own! Plus, the packaging makes them super easy to apply.
-ELF Lip Exfoliator: This is amazing! It removes all dead skin from your lips, without irritating them! I also love the packaging-- it looks exactly like a lipstick tube! Plus, it smells like vanilla and brown sugar!
-EOS Lip Balm (Summer Fruit): Since my dog ate my other EOS Lip Balm (I know, hehe), I decided to get a new one! I love this scent/flavor-- it's perfect for summer! I've been carrying this around all month.
Nail Products:
-Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear (Lacey Lilac): Finally I've found the perfect lavender nail polish! I love this color and the quality of the polish is outstanding. With only one coat, this was extremely opaque! This is perfect if you're in a rush and need to paint your nails.
-Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear (White On): I've really been into the white nails trend, and this is the perfect color! It's so creamy and applies really well--with two coats, it was fully opaque!
-Revlon's Blue Lagoon AND Whimsical: These colors look amazing together! Blue Lagoon is a Cinderella blue and Whimsical is a light blue top coat with different size sparkles. Painting this on top of Blue Lagoon gives the perfect polka dot affect! I love how long this polish lasted-- a whole two weeks!
Body Products:
-St. Ives Moisturizing Body Wash: During the summer, my skin gets so dry! I recently bought this body wash and fell in love with it! It's so moisturizing and makes my skin smooth and shiny. Plus, it's hypo-allergenic, so I don't need to worry about it affecting my sensitive skin!
-Lush Dream Cream: This is kind of a high end product, but I recently received the Lush Beach Box as a gift so I thought I'd include the products I've liked in my favorites. This is possibly the most moisturizing lotion I've ever used. After I get out of the shower, I apply this all over my legs and arms and my skin just feels so smooth! I will DEFINITELY be repurchasing this in the full size, which is about $30.
Hair Products:
-Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Hairspray: Another high end product, I know. I have this in the travel size and am really considering buying it in the full. This is the best hairspray ever. It's not too sticky, yet holds everything perfectly in place! I love using this for updos and flyaways!
-Lush Sea Spray Hair Mist: This also came in my Lush Beach Box and I am in love with it! It makes perfect waves! I just braid my damp hair, go to bed and spray this in when I wake up. This makes the waves more defined and longer lasting!
💄 MY EVERYDAY MAKEUP ROUTINE 💄
I always start my makeup by applying my favorite moisturizer, CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream ($15). This is a little pricey, but it's amazing quality and comes with a ton of product. I love using this as a makeup base because it always seems to give me a matte finish, which is perfect for my oily skin. I don't use foundation, because I don't really need it. I have typical teenage skin: slight acne, but easily coverable with concealer. I use two different concealers: one for my under eyes and another for my blemishes. I start by concealing my blemishes with the CoverGirl Fresh Complexions Concealer (Natural Beige, $5). This is my favorite concealer because it's extremely light and never looks caked on, but provides the perfect amount of coverage! I just apply this to any pimples and gently pat it in. Then, I conceal my under eye circles using the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer (Light, $8). This concealer is the perfect amount of coverage for my under eyes! I just apply it in an upside down triangle shape and blend it in. After I'm finished concealing any flaws, I set my makeup using Maybelline's Dream Matte Powder (Medium Beige, $6), using my ELF Powder Brush ($3). I swear by this powder-- it absorbs oil and hides any redness. Plus, it makes my concealer last all day! I usually don't use blush, because I have naturally rosy cheeks. After setting my makeup, I go straight to my eyes. I start by priming my eyes with the Maybelline Color Tattoo (Barely Branded, $6). I apply this all over my lid for a shimmery, champagne base. For my daily eyeshadow, I always use the Wet n' Wild Coloricon Trio (Walking on Eggshells, $3). This is super pigmented, long lasting, and inexpensive! I apply the bottom color (shimmery pink) all over my lid and then use the middle color (brown) in my crease. I apply my eyeshadow using two different ELF Essential Eyeshadow Brushes ($1 each) and then blend both colors together using my ELF Blending Eye Brush ($1). I like to keep my eyes natural and simple, especially for school. I then highlight my inner corners using Jordana's Eyeshadow in Snowy White ($2). I just dot a small amount of this shimmery white using my fingers. Before I apply mascara, I curl my eyelashes using my Sephora Eyelash Curler ($16). This is definitely pricey, but it's definitely worth it. I've had this curler for over a year and it's still in great shape, plus it curls my eyelashes amazingly. I use the CoverGirl Clump Crusher (Black Brown, $6) every day. I love how natural it looks! I finish off this look with any tinted lip balm or gloss. Recently, I've been loving the Maybelline Color Whispers ($8), the Maybelline Shine Sensational Glosses ($4), and the ELF Lucious Liquid Lipsticks ($1). Then, I'm done! This routine takes me about 10-15 minutes, and leaves me with a natural makeup look, perfect for school!
JUNE FAVORITES
Face Products:
-Maybelline New York Fit Me! Blush (Medium Mauve): I love using this as my everyday blush. It's such a natural color, that adds just a flirty hint of rouge. I really like the slight shimmer in this blush--it provides a nice glow to your face! I would definitely suggest trying this product out.
-Maybelline Cover Stick (Fair): This is a GREAT waterproof concealer! Whenever I know I'll be going in the pool, ocean, or just playing sports outside, I wear this. It is so smooth and easy to use, yet so long lasting! I love this!
Eye Products:
-Maybelline Color Tattoo (Inked Pink): I've always really loved the Maybelline Color Tattoos, but Inked Pink is definitely my favorite! This color is the most beautiful shimmery pink color, that looks great on its own. It takes only a few seconds to apply, but gives the most natural eye look. I love wearing this every day to school (which still hasn't ended for me)!
-Jordana Eyeshadow (04 Snowy White): This color is a great highlight--it hasn't the perfect amount of shimmer! I wear this in my inner corners and under my brows. Although this shadow only costs $1, do not be fooled! It is great quality: long lasting, greatly pigmented, and smooth!
Lip Products:
-Maybelline Vivids (870 Shocking Coral): I love this product so much! It's the perfect coral color that's so easy to build on. You can either wear a bit for a more natural look or layer it on for a full neon shade of coral. This color is so smooth and it even smells really good! I have yet to find a negative aspect of this product.
-Maybelline Baby Lips: I have fallen back in love with these! These are just perfect for Summer--they provide just a bit of color and moisture!
-Wet n' Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss (578): I really love this lip gloss! It's lightweight, yet super pigmented! I like applying this over any glossy lip balm, because it can be TOO pigmented on it's own. The color I have (#578) is a beautiful baby pink!
Nail Products:
-Fresh Paint (Guava): This color is amazing--it's the perfect mix of hot pink and coral. I love how easy this product is to apply because it dries extremely fast and doesn't require a top coat! Plus, this was only a few dollars at 5Below.
Skincare/Body Products:
-Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser: Wow. This stuff is literally amazing. After one week of using this, my acne completely cleared up. This is the perfect cleanser for those with sensitive skin--it thoroughly cleans without irritating your skin! Plus, this is supposed to help reduce redness.
-Bath and Body Works Spray in Malibu Heat: This scent is perfect for Summer. It's not a heavy perfume, yet it still provides a great coconut fragrance. I also really love the packaging of this product--it's super cute!
-Bath and Body Works Pure Paradise Scrub in SUPERFRUIT: I've been looking for a good (yet inexpensive) body scrub and this is definitely it! This scrub smells AMAZING and rubs off any dead skin almost instantly. I just apply it in the shower and wash it off after! My skin has never been softer!
Any product suggestions for next month? Leave a comment on the home page(:
-Maybelline New York Fit Me! Blush (Medium Mauve): I love using this as my everyday blush. It's such a natural color, that adds just a flirty hint of rouge. I really like the slight shimmer in this blush--it provides a nice glow to your face! I would definitely suggest trying this product out.
-Maybelline Cover Stick (Fair): This is a GREAT waterproof concealer! Whenever I know I'll be going in the pool, ocean, or just playing sports outside, I wear this. It is so smooth and easy to use, yet so long lasting! I love this!
Eye Products:
-Maybelline Color Tattoo (Inked Pink): I've always really loved the Maybelline Color Tattoos, but Inked Pink is definitely my favorite! This color is the most beautiful shimmery pink color, that looks great on its own. It takes only a few seconds to apply, but gives the most natural eye look. I love wearing this every day to school (which still hasn't ended for me)!
-Jordana Eyeshadow (04 Snowy White): This color is a great highlight--it hasn't the perfect amount of shimmer! I wear this in my inner corners and under my brows. Although this shadow only costs $1, do not be fooled! It is great quality: long lasting, greatly pigmented, and smooth!
Lip Products:
-Maybelline Vivids (870 Shocking Coral): I love this product so much! It's the perfect coral color that's so easy to build on. You can either wear a bit for a more natural look or layer it on for a full neon shade of coral. This color is so smooth and it even smells really good! I have yet to find a negative aspect of this product.
-Maybelline Baby Lips: I have fallen back in love with these! These are just perfect for Summer--they provide just a bit of color and moisture!
-Wet n' Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss (578): I really love this lip gloss! It's lightweight, yet super pigmented! I like applying this over any glossy lip balm, because it can be TOO pigmented on it's own. The color I have (#578) is a beautiful baby pink!
Nail Products:
-Fresh Paint (Guava): This color is amazing--it's the perfect mix of hot pink and coral. I love how easy this product is to apply because it dries extremely fast and doesn't require a top coat! Plus, this was only a few dollars at 5Below.
Skincare/Body Products:
-Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser: Wow. This stuff is literally amazing. After one week of using this, my acne completely cleared up. This is the perfect cleanser for those with sensitive skin--it thoroughly cleans without irritating your skin! Plus, this is supposed to help reduce redness.
-Bath and Body Works Spray in Malibu Heat: This scent is perfect for Summer. It's not a heavy perfume, yet it still provides a great coconut fragrance. I also really love the packaging of this product--it's super cute!
-Bath and Body Works Pure Paradise Scrub in SUPERFRUIT: I've been looking for a good (yet inexpensive) body scrub and this is definitely it! This scrub smells AMAZING and rubs off any dead skin almost instantly. I just apply it in the shower and wash it off after! My skin has never been softer!
Any product suggestions for next month? Leave a comment on the home page(:
MAY FAVORITES?
Hey! My May favorites are included below, in "My Favorite Drugstore Makeup Products." This is because I haven't been able to try out that many products this month, but I promise I will be doing a June Favorites! If you have any suggestions for what I should try out, just leave a comment on the home page! Thank you :*
♡ mY favorite drugstore makeup products ♡
Hey guys! Because most of my favorite products of the month are listed here, this serves as a "May Favorites" as well. This is in no specific order, but these are just some of the products I love!
- Maybelline Dream Matte Powder ($6 at Walmart): This is literally amazing. I actually think this might have been one of the first products I owned. It sets, conceals, and mattifies! I love this because, like many powders I've tried, it doesn't create a "fake" look. It makes my face look smooth and airbrushed!
- Maybelline Anti-Age Concealer ($10 at Ulta): I love this so much! It conceals my under eye circles so well, which many concealers can't do since I have very deep set eyes. Many people dislike the roller-ball packaging, but I find it easy to use! I suggest you give this concealer a try.
- CoverGirl Fresh Complexions Concealer ($10 on Amazon): This is supposed to be for under eye circles, but in my opinion it's slightly too translucent for that. I prefer to use this on any of my pimples or imperfections. It works really way and provides great coverage! With this, I find I don't even need BB Cream or Foundation!
- Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush ($12 at Ulta): This blush is perfect! It provides such great color without looking fake. Plus, with all of the different colors included, the combination possibilities are endless! It is shimmery, so if you're someone who prefers matte blushes, this may not be for you!
- Maybelline Color Tattoos ($7 at Ulta): I love these so much!!! They last for so long and provide such great color. I love using Barely Branded as a base! Personally, these are perfect for the summer because they'll last while swimming, sweating, or even when it's raining! I HIGHLY suggest you try these out. The colors are beautiful too! My favorite is Tenacious Teal(:
- Wet n' Wild Coloricon Eyeshadow (Trios are $3 and Palettes are $5): I love all of these shadows! They are so inexpensive and have such great pigmentation. These are easily comparable to many high end eyeshadow brands, such as Urban Decay. I find the lasting power is much better if you use a primer or base before applying to your lid or crease!
- CoverGirl Clump Crusher ($9 at Ulta): This is my all time favorite mascara. It coats every lash and provides such length and volume! The best part is that it never smudges, which is a problem I have with many mascaras!
MY APRIL BEAUTY FAVORITES
Face Products:
-CoverGirl CGSmoothers BB Cream (Light to Medium): I've never used a BB Cream before, but as soon as I started using this, I fell in love. It makes my skin look airbrushed, yet completely natural. The lasting quality of this isn't great, but it's easy to reapply. Plus, it's Non-Comodegnic, which is a definite plus when you're Sensitive-Skined like me!
-CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Concealer: I love using this concealer over my BB Cream, just for a bit of extra coverage on my imperfections. It's too translucent for under-eyes, but perfect for acne spots.
Eye Products:
-CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara: This stuff lives up to its name! It lengthens my eyelashes without causing any clumpiness! I got it in Brown-Black for a more natural look. The best part is that this doesn't smudge throughout the day!
-Maybelline Color Tattoo (Barely Branded): I use this everyday as a base for my Wet 'n' Wild ColorIcon Trio in Walking on Eggshells. These two combined create the most beautiful shimmery eyeshadow. This base is amazing by itself, too! The best part is it lasts all day long!
-ELF Eyelid Primer: This is only $2, yet it's amazing! It keeps my eyeshadow on all day, without creasing or fading. Try this out, you won't regret it!
-Wet 'n' Wild ColorIcon Set (Comfort Zone): This is only $5, yet so pigmented! All the shadows are easy to blend and extremely pretty colors. My favorite is the one in the bottom right corner… It's a metallic gray with just a hint of green!
Lip Products:
-Maybelline Color Whispers (Rose of Attraction and Pink Possibilities): I am in love with these! First of all, these two colors are so beautiful, one is a pop of pink and the other is a gorgeous rose color. Second, they create such natural looks, that I find perfect for school. Plus, they're even a bit moisturizing! I highly recommend these!
-EOS Lip Balm (Honeydew): I really like this product! I've never really been a fan of EOS Lip Balms, until I tried this one. For some reason, the formula of this one is different than my others. This is extremely moisturizing and I love the smell! Plus, the packaging is super cute and easy to use.
-Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Color (Blush On): This is amazing… It literally stays on all day! I mean I wouldn't go so far as to say it lasts for 24 hours, but definitely at least 8-10 hours! I find that if you use the gloss and then the moisturizer, your lips look and feel great. This product is so lightweight, I can never even tell I'm wearing it!
Nail Products:
-Sinful Colors Nail Polish: I have a ton of these and love them! I recently bought a bunch more and have been using them every time I paint my nails. They come in such beautiful colors! Plus, they're extremely opaque and last up to two weeks! My favorite is Mint Apple.
-Jordana Nail Polish (Lilac Hearts): I love this so much! It's basically just a clear coat that contains sparkles and little purple hearts. It looks nice painted on top of any color! Plus, it makes the nail polish last super long!
Hair Products:
-Tresemme Split Remedy Shampoo: This month, I've been noticing a lot of breakage in my hair. I decided to try this shampoo and wound up loving it! It works pretty well, and I've been noticing my hair is shinier and healthier looking. My favorite part is the smell… it kind of reminds me of apples!
-Batiste Dry Shampoo (Floral): I love this product so much! It smells great and is really easy to use. It's really hard to find a dry shampoo that blends well into dark hair, and with only a few strokes of a brush my hair looks great. It soaks up the oils really quickly and doesn't make my hair feel like straw, which is often a complaint I have with dry shampoos.
-Suave Detangler for Kids (Double Dutch Apple): I have really long hair (a little past my elbows) and it gets super knotty. This saves my life! I just spray it on a brush and brush it through. It smells amazing too!
What products should I try in May? Leave a comment on the home page(:
-CoverGirl CGSmoothers BB Cream (Light to Medium): I've never used a BB Cream before, but as soon as I started using this, I fell in love. It makes my skin look airbrushed, yet completely natural. The lasting quality of this isn't great, but it's easy to reapply. Plus, it's Non-Comodegnic, which is a definite plus when you're Sensitive-Skined like me!
-CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Concealer: I love using this concealer over my BB Cream, just for a bit of extra coverage on my imperfections. It's too translucent for under-eyes, but perfect for acne spots.
Eye Products:
-CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara: This stuff lives up to its name! It lengthens my eyelashes without causing any clumpiness! I got it in Brown-Black for a more natural look. The best part is that this doesn't smudge throughout the day!
-Maybelline Color Tattoo (Barely Branded): I use this everyday as a base for my Wet 'n' Wild ColorIcon Trio in Walking on Eggshells. These two combined create the most beautiful shimmery eyeshadow. This base is amazing by itself, too! The best part is it lasts all day long!
-ELF Eyelid Primer: This is only $2, yet it's amazing! It keeps my eyeshadow on all day, without creasing or fading. Try this out, you won't regret it!
-Wet 'n' Wild ColorIcon Set (Comfort Zone): This is only $5, yet so pigmented! All the shadows are easy to blend and extremely pretty colors. My favorite is the one in the bottom right corner… It's a metallic gray with just a hint of green!
Lip Products:
-Maybelline Color Whispers (Rose of Attraction and Pink Possibilities): I am in love with these! First of all, these two colors are so beautiful, one is a pop of pink and the other is a gorgeous rose color. Second, they create such natural looks, that I find perfect for school. Plus, they're even a bit moisturizing! I highly recommend these!
-EOS Lip Balm (Honeydew): I really like this product! I've never really been a fan of EOS Lip Balms, until I tried this one. For some reason, the formula of this one is different than my others. This is extremely moisturizing and I love the smell! Plus, the packaging is super cute and easy to use.
-Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Color (Blush On): This is amazing… It literally stays on all day! I mean I wouldn't go so far as to say it lasts for 24 hours, but definitely at least 8-10 hours! I find that if you use the gloss and then the moisturizer, your lips look and feel great. This product is so lightweight, I can never even tell I'm wearing it!
Nail Products:
-Sinful Colors Nail Polish: I have a ton of these and love them! I recently bought a bunch more and have been using them every time I paint my nails. They come in such beautiful colors! Plus, they're extremely opaque and last up to two weeks! My favorite is Mint Apple.
-Jordana Nail Polish (Lilac Hearts): I love this so much! It's basically just a clear coat that contains sparkles and little purple hearts. It looks nice painted on top of any color! Plus, it makes the nail polish last super long!
Hair Products:
-Tresemme Split Remedy Shampoo: This month, I've been noticing a lot of breakage in my hair. I decided to try this shampoo and wound up loving it! It works pretty well, and I've been noticing my hair is shinier and healthier looking. My favorite part is the smell… it kind of reminds me of apples!
-Batiste Dry Shampoo (Floral): I love this product so much! It smells great and is really easy to use. It's really hard to find a dry shampoo that blends well into dark hair, and with only a few strokes of a brush my hair looks great. It soaks up the oils really quickly and doesn't make my hair feel like straw, which is often a complaint I have with dry shampoos.
-Suave Detangler for Kids (Double Dutch Apple): I have really long hair (a little past my elbows) and it gets super knotty. This saves my life! I just spray it on a brush and brush it through. It smells amazing too!
What products should I try in May? Leave a comment on the home page(:
MY MARCH BEAUTY FAVORITES
Face Products:
-Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer: This is amazing! I have really bad dark circles and this covers them flawlessly. Another plus is that it easily hides redness, which is one thing I always look for in a concealer. I'd seriously recommend buying this if you have dark circles like me.
-Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush (Pink): This gives the most natural glow I have ever seen. The formula is smooth and glides on easily. It does contain some shimmer, but not so much that you look insane. I use this every day and can we just talk about the packaging? It's adorable!
Eye Products:
-Wet n' Wild ColorIcon Trio (Walking on Eggshells): I am in love with this. For the price, the shadows are AHMAZING. The formula is silky and smooth, and glides on easily. I use this for my everyday eyeshadow, simply following the directions given. It creates the most beautiful, natural look. I love this so much and will definitely be repurchasing!
-Wet n' Wild ColorIcon Pencil (White): I bought this to use in the inner corners of my eyes as a highlight. When I first tried it, I despised it. It had absolutely no pigmentation! Now don't be fooled. After sharpening this ONCE, it became a completely different product. It glides on and makes me look instantly more awake.
-ELF Liquid Eyeliner (Black): This month, I've found myself in need of a liquid eyeliner. I was given this as a gift and had never really tried it out so I decided to. This stuff is great and so simple to use. I've never been able to do winged eyeliner and after trying with this, I perfected it. I'd highly suggest this for any beginners.
-Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara (Very Black): I love this so much. I've never been able to find a mascara that doesn't smudge throughout the day and I finally decided to try this one. I am THRILLED with the results. This lengthens my eyelashes so much, I've been asked if they're fake! I will DEFINITELY be repurchasing!
-Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara: This is great for setting your eyebrows and it lasts all day long. It's extremely simple too!
Lip Products:
-Revlon Lip Butter (Cotton Candy): This is my new favorite lip product. It's extremely moisturizing AND the perfect shade...SHIMMERY PINK, perfect for Spring! I love this so much and use it almost every day.
-Wet n' Wild Lipstick (519A): This is a really bold red lipstick. For the price ($1), it's insanely pigmented. This month, I used this A LOT when I played Snow White in a showcase. It stays on forever and is just such a beautiful color.
-ELF Glossy Gloss (Pink Candy): This color paired with my Revlon Lip Butter creates such an amazing look! The quality of this is insane...I can't believe it's only 3 dollars!
-Burt's Bees Lip Balm (Pink Grapefruit): Everything about this product is amazing: the smell, the quality, the price. Everyone knows I AM OBSESSED WITH PINK GRAPEFRUIT and when I found this I had a mini heart attack. It's also incredibly moisturizing and heals chap lips so fast! Great product:)
Nail Products:
-Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear (Mint Sorbet): Words cannot describe my love for this. It's the most beautiful color and it drys so quick, which is a definite plus!
-Maybelline Express Finish (Sunshine): This is such a pretty yellow color, perfect for Spring and Summer. It takes a while to drive though, but that's the only problem. It lasts for so long without chipping!
-Revlon (Blue Lagoon): This is the prettiest light blue. It's the perfect pastel color for Spring. It lasts SO LONG and it only requires TWO COATS. This is amazing! Definitely my favorite Spring polish!
Hair Products:
-The Wet Brush: This is a miracle. I have hair that stops a little bit before my belly button and it's insanely thick. I've never had a brush that has gotten through the knots and made it so soft and shiny. I love this so much!
-Tresemme 24 Hour Body Conditioner: This makes my hair so soft and shiny! I love it and would definitely recommend it. My only complaint is the smell...it reminds me of plastic or something else unpleasant, BUT it disappears immediately after rinsing it out.
What products should I try next month? Leave a comment!
-Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer: This is amazing! I have really bad dark circles and this covers them flawlessly. Another plus is that it easily hides redness, which is one thing I always look for in a concealer. I'd seriously recommend buying this if you have dark circles like me.
-Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush (Pink): This gives the most natural glow I have ever seen. The formula is smooth and glides on easily. It does contain some shimmer, but not so much that you look insane. I use this every day and can we just talk about the packaging? It's adorable!
Eye Products:
-Wet n' Wild ColorIcon Trio (Walking on Eggshells): I am in love with this. For the price, the shadows are AHMAZING. The formula is silky and smooth, and glides on easily. I use this for my everyday eyeshadow, simply following the directions given. It creates the most beautiful, natural look. I love this so much and will definitely be repurchasing!
-Wet n' Wild ColorIcon Pencil (White): I bought this to use in the inner corners of my eyes as a highlight. When I first tried it, I despised it. It had absolutely no pigmentation! Now don't be fooled. After sharpening this ONCE, it became a completely different product. It glides on and makes me look instantly more awake.
-ELF Liquid Eyeliner (Black): This month, I've found myself in need of a liquid eyeliner. I was given this as a gift and had never really tried it out so I decided to. This stuff is great and so simple to use. I've never been able to do winged eyeliner and after trying with this, I perfected it. I'd highly suggest this for any beginners.
-Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara (Very Black): I love this so much. I've never been able to find a mascara that doesn't smudge throughout the day and I finally decided to try this one. I am THRILLED with the results. This lengthens my eyelashes so much, I've been asked if they're fake! I will DEFINITELY be repurchasing!
-Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara: This is great for setting your eyebrows and it lasts all day long. It's extremely simple too!
Lip Products:
-Revlon Lip Butter (Cotton Candy): This is my new favorite lip product. It's extremely moisturizing AND the perfect shade...SHIMMERY PINK, perfect for Spring! I love this so much and use it almost every day.
-Wet n' Wild Lipstick (519A): This is a really bold red lipstick. For the price ($1), it's insanely pigmented. This month, I used this A LOT when I played Snow White in a showcase. It stays on forever and is just such a beautiful color.
-ELF Glossy Gloss (Pink Candy): This color paired with my Revlon Lip Butter creates such an amazing look! The quality of this is insane...I can't believe it's only 3 dollars!
-Burt's Bees Lip Balm (Pink Grapefruit): Everything about this product is amazing: the smell, the quality, the price. Everyone knows I AM OBSESSED WITH PINK GRAPEFRUIT and when I found this I had a mini heart attack. It's also incredibly moisturizing and heals chap lips so fast! Great product:)
Nail Products:
-Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear (Mint Sorbet): Words cannot describe my love for this. It's the most beautiful color and it drys so quick, which is a definite plus!
-Maybelline Express Finish (Sunshine): This is such a pretty yellow color, perfect for Spring and Summer. It takes a while to drive though, but that's the only problem. It lasts for so long without chipping!
-Revlon (Blue Lagoon): This is the prettiest light blue. It's the perfect pastel color for Spring. It lasts SO LONG and it only requires TWO COATS. This is amazing! Definitely my favorite Spring polish!
Hair Products:
-The Wet Brush: This is a miracle. I have hair that stops a little bit before my belly button and it's insanely thick. I've never had a brush that has gotten through the knots and made it so soft and shiny. I love this so much!
-Tresemme 24 Hour Body Conditioner: This makes my hair so soft and shiny! I love it and would definitely recommend it. My only complaint is the smell...it reminds me of plastic or something else unpleasant, BUT it disappears immediately after rinsing it out.
What products should I try next month? Leave a comment!
❄ MY FEBRUARY BEAUTY FAVORITES ❄
Hey everyone! I thought it'd be fun to do my favorite beauty favorites at the end of every month so here they are for February. Enjoy! ALSO, you'll probably notice that most of these products are drugstore products. That's because I'm trying to center this blog around beauty on a budget.
Face Products:
-Maybelline Dream Matte Powder: This stuff is literally amazing. It provides coverage as well as keeping me shine-free the whole day. It's also really great that it doesn't make you look caked in makeup.
-CoverGirl Smoothers Concealer: This covers my dark circles really well. I don't have much acne, but I'm pretty sure it'd provide great coverage for that, too!
-Clean & Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer: Despite the name, I'd only suggest using this at night. It's really moisturizing and smells nice, but it contains A LOT of glitter. You'll be sparkling all day like Edward Cullen. No joke. But if you use it at nighttime, all the glitter soaks into your skin giving you a slight glow.
Eye Products:
-ELF Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette: I have the color "Cool," but unfortunately it was discontinued:( BUT, I'd highly suggest purchasing it in either "Everyday" or "Natural."
-Maybelline Define-A-Line Liner: It's really pigmented, but smudges really easily. Be careful... it's a great product though!
-Sephora Eyelash Curler: Okay, I'm sorry this isn't drugstore but this is seriously my favorite thing I own. It costs $16, which is actually a great price for it's abilities. People constantly ask my if my eyelashes are fake when I use this. It adds such volume it's incredible. Plus, the colors it comes in are super cute.
Lip Products:
-Maybelline Baby Lips: I own three of these (Pink Punch, Cherry Me, and Grape Vine) and I love them all. They're the perfect amount of pigmentation for school.
-Rosebud Salve: This also isn't a drugstore product ($8 at Sephora) but it's an amazing lip moisturizer for super chapped lips. If you don't want to pay $8 for it, Vaseline works pretty well, too!
-Nivea Lip Balm in A Kiss of Smoothness: Ohmygosh. I love this. It's amazing for chapped lips!
Nail Products:
-Essie in Sand Tropez: Such a beautiful nude, perfect for any season!
-Wet 'n' Wild in Caribbean Frost: Amazing product for the price! The color is a nice metallic Emerald.
Hope you enjoyed my beauty favorites for this month!
Face Products:
-Maybelline Dream Matte Powder: This stuff is literally amazing. It provides coverage as well as keeping me shine-free the whole day. It's also really great that it doesn't make you look caked in makeup.
-CoverGirl Smoothers Concealer: This covers my dark circles really well. I don't have much acne, but I'm pretty sure it'd provide great coverage for that, too!
-Clean & Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer: Despite the name, I'd only suggest using this at night. It's really moisturizing and smells nice, but it contains A LOT of glitter. You'll be sparkling all day like Edward Cullen. No joke. But if you use it at nighttime, all the glitter soaks into your skin giving you a slight glow.
Eye Products:
-ELF Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette: I have the color "Cool," but unfortunately it was discontinued:( BUT, I'd highly suggest purchasing it in either "Everyday" or "Natural."
-Maybelline Define-A-Line Liner: It's really pigmented, but smudges really easily. Be careful... it's a great product though!
-Sephora Eyelash Curler: Okay, I'm sorry this isn't drugstore but this is seriously my favorite thing I own. It costs $16, which is actually a great price for it's abilities. People constantly ask my if my eyelashes are fake when I use this. It adds such volume it's incredible. Plus, the colors it comes in are super cute.
Lip Products:
-Maybelline Baby Lips: I own three of these (Pink Punch, Cherry Me, and Grape Vine) and I love them all. They're the perfect amount of pigmentation for school.
-Rosebud Salve: This also isn't a drugstore product ($8 at Sephora) but it's an amazing lip moisturizer for super chapped lips. If you don't want to pay $8 for it, Vaseline works pretty well, too!
-Nivea Lip Balm in A Kiss of Smoothness: Ohmygosh. I love this. It's amazing for chapped lips!
Nail Products:
-Essie in Sand Tropez: Such a beautiful nude, perfect for any season!
-Wet 'n' Wild in Caribbean Frost: Amazing product for the price! The color is a nice metallic Emerald.
Hope you enjoyed my beauty favorites for this month!