Tag: #sephora

Concealers Worth Your Money, Honey! | Part II

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One of my most viewed blog posts is my “Concealers Worth Your Money, Honey!” post from October 23rd, 2016! I thought it was time for an update and to my surprise, only one of the concealers mentioned in that previous post has remained a present day fav! If I had to guess, this subject has such popularity because of how common dark circles are for all of us! Whether you have them because they’re hereditary, or you’re a new Mom, an overworked employee, whatever the circumstances may be…we all seem to struggle with being tired and/or having discoloration in our under eyes. I wanted to include different brands, price points, formulations, etc. to fit the needs of the variety of skin types/concerns of my readers. Just to give you some background information about me. I am always tired due to a new job with a very demanding work schedule. I also have dark, blue-black circles underneath my eyes from genetics. Plus, I have seasonal allergies which play a big role in the puffiness and swelling that I experience this time of year. Safe to say, I have less-than-perfect under eyes and personally NEED to wear concealer in order to feel comfortable. It’s a step I never skip, whether I’m going for a natural, “no makeup makeup” look or a full glam beat! There is never a time (unless I’m physically ill or in a state of emergency) that I’ll pass on concealer. Since I do have this great need, I’ve tested a lot of different formulas from many different brands and have narrowed down my list to 5.

L’Oréal Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer | $13.49

I stumbled upon this product when I was trying to find a more affordable dupe for the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. After reading reviews and testing swatches in store, this one seemed to be the closest match on the claims and coverage from Tarte Shape Tape. This is a very full coverage product that dries to a matte finish. I would definitely recommend applying this with a damp beauty blender to thin out the formula. I really like the large doe foot applicator because it covers such a wide area very quickly! It claims to be water resistant and all day wear, but I’ve never really tested it to withstand either of those conditions. I can tell you that it for about 14-15 hours on me and didn’t fade. I really like the versatility of this concealer because I can use it to cover up imperfections, such as blemishes and dark spots, and also use it underneath my eyes!

Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer | $27.00

If I could only recommend one concealer to you, it would definitely be this one! I’ve used it for years and it’s just so consistently amazing. Not only is it very full coverage, but it is also lightweight and very blendable! Warning: this can get cakey and look dry if you 1. Apply too much (all you need is a small swipe of product underneath each eye) or 2. You blend it out with a brush. I’ve found that using a damp beauty blender is key to sheering out this concealer and making it look more skin like and natural, without taking away from any of the coverage it provides. It also will not settle into your fine lines, exaggerate pores, or cling to dry patches. I think it’s also very important to mention that this is formulated without Parabens, Mineral Oil, Phthalates, Triclosan, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, and Gluten. It’s also Vegan and Cruelty-Free! I have 2 of these in my collection at the moment. One is in the shade “Light Neutral” which is about 1-2 shades lighter than my skin. It’s definitely personal preference, but I’ve found that buying a concealer that is a shade lighter than my foundation, really helps brighten up my under eyes. I also use the shade “Light Medium Sand” to conceal blemishes, which I want to match the color of my foundation and provide extra coverage for redness and inflamed looking skin.

Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer | $29.00

If you have dry under eye skin, combined with dark circles, then I would highly recommend this Too Faced concealer to you! The formula is infused with coconut water, alpine rose, and hyaluronic acid which keeps your skin plump and refreshed throughout the day! I’ve noticed that this product is a lot thinner than the previous two I’ve mentioned, however it still has high coverage and will conceal darkness and discoloration. It has a very lightweight feeling once applied and blends effortlessly into foundation. I’ve actually found that it pairs so perfectly with the Born This Way foundation from Too Faced! I know this product works really well on mature skin because it is so nourishing and won’t settle into fine lines. You definitely have to set this! I would use a really finely milled translucent setting powder on a tapered brush and just tap tap tap out the creases! I find that all hydrating concealers require setting powder to last all day. I use this in the shade “Snow” which is one of their lightest colors. It does oxidize (turn a shade darker) after it’s applied, so be warned of that as well. I would test some in store on the back of your hand, walk around for a bit, then check back to see if the color has darkened since first applied. That’s how I had to select my perfect brightening color!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer | $9.99

Okay I HAD to include this because I don’t use it alone, but rather in conjunction with all of these other concealers to brighten the darkness first, and then cover it with a shade of concealer that is closer to my skin tone on top. The “Brightener” shade is a peachy pink, color correcting product that is going to counteract the blue/black tones of your under eyes. It instantly gives life to sallow, sunken areas that need an extra boost! I’ve found that I use less concealer when I first apply this, which ensures that I never look cakey around my eye area. It’s seriously so good! I really love the shade “Neutralizer” as well. These are such a great affordable concealer that I seem to always have in my collection. Such a staple!

bareMinerals bareSkin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer | $22.00

If you really don’t have bad dark circles, but mainly just want to brighten and hydrate your under eyes, then this is going to be your bestie! This has such a silky, smooth texture and glides evenly over the skin. I love the way this feels on my skin. It is definitely not the most full coverage, but it does cover and will last for 8 hours (sometimes more) without fading! The way I apply this is by creating the standard diamond shape underneath my eyes, then letting the product sit there for about a minute. Then once I feel like it’s started to set, I will blend it out with my damp beauty blender. I’ve found that this method works best if you want to get the maximum amount of coverage from this concealer. As always, I think it’s really important to know that this formula is Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Formaldehyde-Free , Chemical Sunscreen-Free, Triclosan-Free, Triclocarbon-Free, Propylene Glycol-Free. Mineral Oil-Free, Coal Tar-Free, Microbead-Free, and Cruelty-Free. If you get this concealer, I guarantee that your eyes will look more healthy and hydrated!

Whew, that was a lot! If you made it to the end, thank you SO much for sticking it out and reading all 5 of my recommendations. Each of these concealers is so different. I wanted to give you a variety to choose from because I know that we don’t all have the same skin types and concerns! If you know of an incredible concealer that I’m missing out on, then please leave me a comment so I can try it next! Love you!

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October Favorites!

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I feel like I always say this, but WOW this month flew by! I feel like this entire year is going by fast. As always, I’m bringing you my monthly round up of the top products I used and loved throughout October! These posts are so much fun for me to write. I get an opportunity to thoughtfully reflect on the things I’ve been using and give insight into application, wear time, etc., which could only be determined over a period time. If you like these types of posts, please “like” and share with your fellow makeup lovers and leave a comment so we can talk about your loves for the month of October!

Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick | Sephora, $36.

I’m going to start off this review by stating who may not love this type of foundation stick… If you like full coverage, want your base makeup to look flawless, or have combo/oily skin… I wouldn’t recommend this to you. If you like light coverage, want your face to look natural (freckles still showing, etc) and have dry skin, I think you would love this! I picked up the Milk Makeup foundation stick to wear on days where I do a very minimal routine and need some extra hydration. Now that the Fall and soon-to-be Winter is here, I’ve noticed that my skin is becoming more dry and needs that extra layer of a moisturizing foundation throughout the day! I apply this by drawing lines all over my face, then blending it all out with a flat top brush to get maximum coverage. This is great for the “no makeup makeup” look because your moles and freckles will still show, but you’ll have an even skin tone and can build coverage on areas where you may need additional concealing. I love this for traveling too because it’s in stick form and can easily be applied on the go! I love the shades in this line as well. “Golden Sand” is so complimentary to my olive complexion.

Ilia Soft Focus Setting Powder | Sephora, $34

If you only buy one thing from this post, this is what you need to get! On my quest for finding clean beauty products that perform better than their less natural competitors, I stumbled upon the Ilia translucent powder. This has become holy grail status for me! It is talc-free, which helps my sensitive skin stay clear and healthy! Since using this powder, I have not produced any mila bumps near my eyes and it’s all because of it being talc-free. I’ve become so reliant on this powder and *dramatic statement ahead* but I really don’t like the way my makeup looks whenever I use something different to set my face. This is my one and only to help prolong the wear of my makeup, aide in oil control, and improve the softness of my skin!

PÜR Skin Perfecting Powder After Glow | Ulta Beauty, $26.

I am a complete highlight addict. I own a shameful amount of golden, champagne shimmers that give my face a gorgeous glow! This one from PUR is absolutely stunning! I would describe the shade as a true bright gold that is highly reflective. You’re definitely going to get the “wet look” with this product. A little goes a very long way, so you definitely get your money’s worth! I love using this as an inner corner highlight shade to brighten and widen the shape of my eyes too. The texture is so creamy and finely milled, which makes this a dream to blend! This was a product that honestly shocked me because I haven’t heard it talked about yet. It really encouraged me to check out some more products by PUR!

CoverGirl TruNaked Queenship Shadow Sticks | Ulta, $9.99.

One of my favorite “throw on and go” products are the CoverGirl shadow sticks in the shades “Frivolous” and “Leading Lady”. I love these two colors for different reasons! Frivolous is a super bright rose gold color that has a ton of champagne shimmer throughout. Once applied, this maintains is brilliance throughout the entire day! The glitters do not transfer and the color doesn’t fade as time goes on. Truly impressive for this price point! I love the matte cool brown color in Leading Lady to use as a smoked out eyeliner color on quick makeup days where I need to swipe something across the lids and quickly blend out for an effortless smudged look. The only con to this product is that once is sets, it’s set. These really don’t budge, so you have a short amount of time to blend and manipulate the color in any way before it is completely budge proof on your eyes. There are a few other shades in this line that I’m dying to try, but these 2 have been in heavy rotation throughout the month of October!

Neutrogena Lip Gloss Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine, Berry Brown | Target, $8.39.

As much as I wish I was sharing a bold, cranberry lip color with you for Fall…that’s just not the reality of my daily life! It’s so nice to have a gloss to apply on the go, without having the fear of precision or transfer! This Neutrogena gloss is so hydrating that it honestly gives your lips a plumper appearance, without the stinging sensation that most plumping products will give you! The shade “Berry Brown” has a hint of mauve and a gorgeous warmth, making it a lovely Fall lip color option if you prefer a more natural look! The texture is hydrating without feeling heavy or sticky. You really can’t go wrong with this line of glosses! I own a few different colors and every shade is consistently wonderful.

Thank you so much for reading my monthly favorites for October! These aren’t the most festive products or “on theme” for Fall, but this is what I truly used and never wanted to put down! I hope it gave you some good ideas for products to pick up the next time you’re browsing the isles of Sephora and Ulta. As always, I would LOVE to know the products you’re adoring for the month, so please leave me a comment with your top picks too!

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Huda Beauty “Nude Obsessions” Eyeshadow Palette | First Impression Review and Swatches

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Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow PaletteHuda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette

I am so excited to bring you a full first impression review, swatches, and wear test on 2 of the new Huda Beauty “Nude Obsessions” eyeshadow palettes! I chose the Nude Light and Nude Medium versions because honestly, the Nude Rich had too many red-toned shades and sometimes my eyes can get really sensitive to that specific pigment in shadows. I can do mauves and even rose pink colors, but straight burgundy’s and brick reds can cause irritation on my eyelids from repetitive use. I also love the mix of lavender/cool tones in the light palette and the warm, gold colors in the medium one. It’s awesome the Huda did come out with 3 options for everyone to select what fits their needs/skin tone/preference best!

Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow PaletteHuda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette

These palettes feature 9 eyeshadows, varying in texture and finish. Upon first swatches, the mattes are super rich and soft to the touch, the shimmer shades are ultra metallic, and the glitters are very smooth and pigmented! At $29 each, I do find these to be a great value and definitely worth the price point. I picked both of these up at Sephora. Their faux crocodile packaging is really eye catching, but not over the top. Although these are small in size, I wouldn’t suggest traveling with them because of their soft formulation. You may discover some broken shadows if you have experience a bumpy ride!

Huda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow PaletteHuda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow Palette
Huda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow Palette

My first set of swatches belong to the Nude Light palette. This was the first one that really caught my eye because I don’t have anything else like it. All of these swatched so evenly. When applied with a brush, there was some fall out from the shadows. Because they’re so finely milled and soft, I did expect this from the beginning. I personally don’t have an issue with it, but thought it was important to share. The standout shade for me was the shimmering lilac with gold sparkle in the center row, all the way to the right. I wanted to incorporate my entire eye look around that shade because it’s such a fun pop! Purple is one of the few “bold” eyeshadow colors that I actually feel comfortable wearing during the daytime. Blues and greens can sometimes feel a little foreign for work makeup, but I always feel like “myself” in purple tones. I wore this shadow for about 8 hours until I noticed that some of the shimmer did transfer from my lid to my crease. I did wear my NARS eyeshadow primer underneath and usually shadows do hold pretty well with that as a base. I was surprised to notice that this transferred, but it wasn’t anything to significantly sway my favorable opinion of this palette. I love the matte formula a lot! Each shade I tried blended so well, with zero patchiness or uneven pigment. The shimmers were stunning too, but I feel like it’s a lot more rare to find good mattes in these multi-finish palettes. This is my first time trying Huda’s shadows and I was so impressed with her formulation!

Huda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow PaletteHuda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow Palette
Huda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow Palette

The Medium Nude palette was equally as impressive. I was impressed that there was proven consistency spanning from palette to palette. I absolutely LOVE the look I created with this one. I don’t know if it’s because it’s suited for medium skin tones and these shades are naturally more complimentary to me; or if it’s because this is my most used (hence most comfortable) arrangement of color for my every day eye looks. I’m just very drawn to this color story! The only downside to this palette (for me personally) is that there isn’t a matte light highlight shade for underneath the brow bone. That is the only thing that could’ve made this palette a home run for me. I think this one features really thoughtful depth, so you can differentiate shades on your lid even after you’ve blended them. I’ve noticed that more and more brands are creating palettes with colors that are practically duplicates of one other. Then once you have them blended out, you can’t even tell which one you used! I think that’s such a cheap marketing ploy to sell large palettes that are a “better value” when practically half of the shades are nearly the same as the one next to it in the palette. I can tell that all 3 of these palettes were strategically curated and I really appreciate that! These shades wore just as great as the ones I tried in the Light palette. They stay pigmented and vibrant for 10 hours until slightly noticeable fading began.

If you are a neutrals girl and want to add another high quality palette to your collection, then I would definitely recommend the Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions eyeshadow palette to you! For me personally, I didn’t need another eyeshadow palette (or 2…to be exact) but I really wanted to test these for you and get my honest review out there for readers to make an educated buying decision. I’m so happy these worked out for me and I definitely want to try some other products from Huda! I have a sample sized lipliner and lip strobe from the line, but that’s it! Let me know if you enjoy these first impression reviews. I really like writing my initial thoughts on a product as soon as I’m finished testing, so these are really fun for me to write! Which palette did you prefer more? I don’t think I can pick one! I hope you’re all having a wonderful day and look forward to more reviews coming from yours truly! Thank you for reading!

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Stila Eye for Elegance Liquid Eye Shadow Set! Review and Swatches!

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It can be so stressful trying to find the perfect gift. With the holidays approaching, I wanted to feature some makeup sets that would make great presents for friends and family members that love all things beauty! During the Sephora VIB Sale, I snagged this Stila “Eye for Elegance Liquid Eye Shadow Set” and I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts with you on how amazing it is! First we can talk about how great of a deal this is, you’re getting 6 deluxe size shadows for $45, for an overall value of $72! There are two different formulas in the set, “Glitter & Glow,” which is exactly as the name states, very glittery with noticeable sparkles. “Shimmer & Glow” is a shimmer, satin formula that doesn’t have any chunky glitter. The “Shimmer & Glow” shadows won’t be released until Spring, so I was very excited to try a product that you can only use if you buy this set!

What I love most about these liquid eyeshadows is their long lasting formulation and the very limited fallout I experience (if any) throughout the day! The “Glitter & Glow” will most likely drop a couple sparkles down from your eyelids, onto to your face, but it’s nothing horrible! I always use these before I do my face makeup, just so I can clean up any fallout before I do my foundation and concealer! The consistency of the formula is somewhat watery, but they do dry very quickly so you have to work fast to blend them out! Once they have set, they’re not going anywhere, so make sure you place it exactly where you want it!

I love that you can layer these liquid shadows, without them breaking up and separating on the lid. The applicator is perfect for placing the shadow down, but I like going in with my ring finger and softly blending out the edges of the shadow right after.

Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows

  • Kitten – This is exactly like their award winning powder eyeshadow, a beautiful champagne shade with a bright peachy, pink shimmer throughout. I would use this shade all over the lid to create an easy, but gorgeous eye look that only takes about 30 seconds to look complete!
  • Grace – I’m not going to lie, I thought this color was a little too similar to Kitten and if I was personally curating the shades selected for this kit, I would’ve chosen something that was more golden to give some variety. With that said, this is a very beautiful taupe color with a champagne shimmer. It looks stunning on the eyes and I think I’ll be getting a lot of use out of it!
  • Twig – This is a warm, chestnut brown with golden shimmer. I’ve been using this on my outer corners to give added depth. This is also beautiful smudged on the lower lash line and looks less harsh than a traditional eye liner.

Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows

  • Peachy Sheen – I don’t know if this color will be everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally love it! It will give you that editorial, glossy lid look that you see in high-end beauty campaigns! The peach shimmer is going to be complimentary on so many skin tones as well! This doesn’t have the pigmented base that the other shadows have, but the glitter is incredible and will give you an effortless, while still on-trend eyeshadow look!
  • Smoldering Satin – This is my favorite shadow in the entire collection! I know this is the shade that I’ll get those most wear out of because it’s a neutral champagne shade that has a ton of gold and silver glitter! I am so excited to pair this with a bold lip for upcoming holiday parties! This would also be beautiful with an all matte eyeshadow look on the top eyelid, with a glitter accent on the lower lash line!
  • Next to Notte – I already have a look in mind for an upcoming tutorial using this eyeshadow! It is a gorgeous cranberry red, with pink and silver shimmer! I am really excited to step out of my comfort zone and rock this stunning red glitter shadow!

I can’t say enough good things about this set! I think it’s definitely worth the money and I know I’ll use all of these shades. I think this would make a great gift for anyone that loves makeup! The formula is on point and I think there are enough wearable shades for someone to use these on a daily basis! The box is so cute that you can just stick a bow on it and you have a perfect little present to place under the tree! What did you think of the swatches? Are you planning on giving makeup sets as gifts this Christmas? Let me know in the comments! Thank you so much for reading this review!

Shop this set here!

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How to Look Well-Rested with Brighter and Wider Eyes!

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Do you have dark circles, puffy eyes or just a sleepy looking appearance after repeatedly hitting snooze on your seven alarms? Because same. I developed a routine to de-puff and give a highlighted, lifted appearance to my under eye area, while also brightening and widening my eyes! Keep reading to see the list of products I use and the ways I apply them to look more awake!

I always wake up with puffy eyes and the Clinique “Pep-Start” Eye Cream is my go-to for hydrating and brightening! I love it for so many reasons. I’ve struggled with finding the perfect formula to lightly moisturize my under eyes before I apply concealer. Whenever eye creams are too heavy, it will cause whatever you put on top of it to look heavy and crease. This one is so lightweight, while also being hydrating, so it’s the perfect formula for A.M. application! It is cooling to the touch, which helps with de-puffing as well! I’ve also noticed that this doesn’t give me those small white bumps, which sometimes can happen with different eye creams that I’ve tried. I use a small, pea sized amount and tap it on with my ring finger since it applies the lightest amount of pressure! I wait about a minute for it to sink in and then I go onto the next step!

I’ve been using the Becca “Under Eye Brightening Corrector” for a couple years now and I can’t imagine this product not being in my daily routine! If you have stubborn dark circles that show through with even the most full coverage concealers, then you need to invest in a good corrector! This one is a peach color with light reflecting illuminators, which will counteract the blue tones in your dark circles. A little goes a long way with this product, plus it lasts all day long! I apply this with my damp beautyblender underneath my eye and in the inner corners.

After I’ve moisturized and corrected, I apply a full coverage concealer! I always purchase one that’s 1-2 shades lighter than my foundation to give a highlighted effect! My holy grail formula is the Tarte “Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer” (that’s a mouthful!) and it comes in 14 shades so you’re bound to find your perfect match! It is by far the most lightweight, full coverage formula that I’ve ever tried! It truly conceals acne, dark circles and redness so flawlessly! I always use this product with a damp beautyblender to help sheer it out slightly! If you’ve struggled with your concealer wearing off, then you NEED to try this one because it doesn’t fade during the day or look drying!

By this point, I’ve used so many creamy, liquid products underneath my eyes, that I have to set it with a powder to lock it all in and prevent any creasing! I always choose a yellow-toned, matte highlight powder to enhance the brightening effect I’m going for! Even if you have a different skin tone than me, I would still highly suggest checking out the NYX “Highlight Pro Singles” on Ulta.com! These aren’t sold in store, but I always stock up online! At only $5 a pan, they’re extremely affordable and there are 12 different shades to choose from. I was constantly buying the Anastasia highlight refills and then I discovered these, which are just as pigmented! The powder will also help smooth out any fine lines you may have, which is an added bonus!

Now that my under eyes are concealed and bright, I move onto making my eyes look big and awake! On a daily basis, I typically just apply my bronzer in my crease and take a shimmery shade all over the lid. Even when I’m rushing, I will never forget to highlight my inner corners with a shimmery, champagne eyeshadow! This makes the biggest difference in opening up your eyes and reflecting much needed light in an otherwise shadowy area! I love using this L’Oreal “Infallible Eyeshadow” in “Iced Latte” to brighten everything up! I take my pinky finger and dab the shadow on my inner corners, blending it outwards to seamlessly fade into my lid color.

I have round eyes, with a lot of lid space, so I always use eyeliner on the top lash line to help define and thicken the look of my eyelashes! Whenever I don’t put eyeliner in this area, I feel like my eyes look super tiny and tired. My favorite liners to use are the Kat Von D “Tattoo Liner” in “Trooper” for an ultra black, winged liner and I love the Marc Jacobs “Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner” in “(Earth)quake 41” for a smudged out, brown liner look! I also use the Marc Jacobs liner on my top waterline to further define that area, as well as smudged out on the outer corners of my lower lash line!

I’m pretty sure the best makeup secret to opening up your eyes and making you look awake is using a nude eyeliner in your lower waterline! The Tarte “Fake Awake Eye Highlight” is the most pigmented and long wearing one I’ve tried so far! I’ve repurchased it so many times because nothing compares! The nude color will neutralize any redness you have from having your eyes closed all night long. Using a light color in the lower waterline will help widen and brighten your eye. Back in the day, I would use a white eyeliner, but I’ve started to enjoy the more natural effect of a nude eyeliner now! If you haven’t tried this beauty hack yet, you really need to! It makes the biggest difference and I really can’t do my makeup without it!

Do you have any tips or tricks to getting a fresh and well-rested appearance when you’re really just a sleepy gal?! Let me know by leaving me a comment! I love learning new techniques from you guys! Thank you so much for reading, I hope you found this type of product review/routine helpful!

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September Favorites!

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I have been trying so many new things in September, but only a few items have stood out as absolute favorites! I love sharing the different things that I recommend to my family, friends and coworkers! My “monthly favorites” are the products that I know will work for a variety of skin types and people with different levels of experience with makeup. I try to include products that are great for everyday use because the majority of my life consists of work and activities that limit how glam I can be from 8 am – 5 pm (although I do wish I could wear glitter eyeshadow to weekly meetings).

Anastasia Beverly Hills, Brow Powder Duo – $23.00

I recently picked up this old favorite of mine that I haven’t used in years! The Anastasia brow powder duo is a two-shade product that helps fill in and shape the brows! This is the most natural way to define your eyebrows, so if you don’t like using a pencil or pomade, definitely try this out! The formula is so good, it will stay put and is completely smudge proof. You can build up this powder, so I recommend using different amounts of pressure to get the desired light-to-dark effect on your brows. With the lighter shade in the duo, gently fluff it with feather-like strokes into the front of your eyebrows. With the darker shade, use slightly more pressure and precisely shape your arch and tail. They have 11 shade options to choose from and I use the duo in “Ash Brown.” By using a powder, you will get a much softer and natural effect, while still looking like you put effort into your eyebrows!

China Glaze, Street Regal Collection – $7.50

If you know me, you know I have an obsession with blue nail polish. I have always loved royal blue shades, but I’ve noticed that so many of them chip within a day of wear. I know certain colors are more difficult to formulate than others, so maybe blue is one of the cursed ones! I finally found one that is a cream finish and lasts really well on my nails! The China Glaze “Street Regal Collection” is online only at Ulta.com. The blue polish is called, “Born To Rule.” They have some absolutely stunning Fall shades in the range and I would recommend checking them out online if you enjoy doing your nails at home! I have been pairing any polish with the CND Vinylux Weekly Topcoat and I think that also helps prolong the wear of the manicure!

L’Oreal, Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick – $9.99

This is by far the best liquid lipstick formula at the drugstore! The most standout feature for me is the longevity, this will stay on your lips without fading or transferring for hours…it lasted throughout an entire meal without budging! You actually have to use an oil-based makeup remover to get this stuff off! It’s matte, but not uncomfortably drying. I really love the applicator because it allows you to be super precise when filling in your lips and it distributes just the right amount of product. I have mine in the shade, “Stirred,” which is a vampy, burgundy color. Be warned that the colors are darker than what they appear in the tube! I’m super excited to try out some of the more wearable nude shades now that I know the formula is top-shelf status!

Kiehl’s, Midnight Recovery Eye – $37

My under eyes are such a problem area for me. I’ve tried a lot of different eye creams and never found “the one” or a formula that did everything it claimed to do. I have super sensitive skin, so most eye creams would actually burn my skin and give me a reaction with small white bumps. I have been testing the Bobbi Brown eye cream for awhile and it’s really good, it was actually my favorite for a few months. When I ran out of that one, I decided to try out the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye because 1. Sephora finally sells this brand 2. So many people rave about it being their holy grail eye cream 3. No parabens, mineral oil, fragrance, silicones 4. Affordable in comparison to other popular eye creams! This claims to help with dryness, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. Since using it, I’ve noticed a significant difference in my dark circles, which is super exciting! I’ve noticed an increase in hydration and my fine lines seem to be fading! It’s absolutely a miracle product and I would highly recommend it if you’re like me and desperately trying to prevent any signs of premature aging!

Tarte, On the Prowl Tarteist PRO Magnetic Palette – $10

These magnetic palettes make life so much more convenient! You can pop in your single shadows, blushes, highlighters, powders, literally anything that you can de-pot and keep them in one little place! These are really ideal to keep your 3-4 essential products that you know you reach for every day. You don’t have to dig through your vanity or worry about misplacing anything, because you have it all in one compact place. I have a few different Z Palettes and although they’re nice, I really do prefer these Tarte magnetic palettes so much more! These come with a mirror and they’re more padded than the other ones I’ve tried in the past. I would definitely feel comfortable and confident that my powders wouldn’t break when traveling with the Tarte version. The camo print is so adorable and fun! They also have a leopard print and some limited edition holiday versions as well! Any product that helps keep me and my makeup collection somewhat organized is a winner!

That is all for my September Favorites! I love using all of these products and I feel like you would too! Let me know if you are also enjoying any of these beauty items! What were your favorites in September?! Please leave me a comment letting me know! I love talking to you guys and I feel like I get so many awesome product recommendations! I hope everyone has a great week!

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Shop the products here!

Anastasia Brow Powder

China Glaze Nail Polish

Loreal Liquid Lipstick

Kiehl’s Eye Cream

Tarte Magnetic Palette

August Favorites!

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Too Faced, Matte Chocolate Chip Palette, $26.

I have been loving matte eyeshadows for my quick and easy, every day makeup routine. This little palette has all of the shades you could possibly need for a simple look! There are 11 eyeshadows included and they are all super buttery and creamy. I love that the largest shade in “White Chocolate” is an all-over cream shade that you can use to set your entire eye lid or highlight the inner corners and brow bone with. I can tell I’ve almost hit pan on this one because I use it daily! It’s also the perfect size for travel. I would compare it to the size of my hand, extremely portable and compact. I love that there is variety in the shades, you have cool/warm tones and light/dark. Having such a seamless color range helps me easily create a “put-together” eye look in less than 5 minutes! Also it smells like cocoa so I’m instantly happier each time I use it! This is limited edition, but I found it in stock on the Too Faced website! I will link everything below!

Kat Von D, Shade & Light Face Contour Palette Refill, $14.

Am I the only one who always hits pan on the highlighting/brightening shades in the contour palette first? I can never get through an entire dark bronzing/shading color! I’m so happy Kat Von D started selling refills for the shades in her infamous contour kit. The Shade & Light Palette is my absolute favorite for powder contour and highlight. Her shades are so pigmented, creamy and long lasting! The yellow, “banana” color called, “Lyric” is my absolute favorite for brightening up my under eyes. Sometimes concealer isn’t enough and I need an extra oomph of light! Setting underneath my eyes with “Lyric” helps me look well-rested and more youthful, plus it won’t give you the heinous flashback in photos like some translucent powders can! Since the back of these refills are magnetic, I typically just pop it into a small Z Palette to store it. I would highly recommend these refills if you don’t feel like buying an entire contour palette, especially if you know you’re only going to use 1 or 2 shades! Save your money and only buy what you’ll actually use!

Essence, “Make Me Brow” Eyebrow Gel Mascara, $2.99.

I’ve recently been trying out more affordable products and this eyebrow gel is incredible for the price point! I have mine in the darkest shade, “Browny Brows 02” which brings me to the one and only con I have of this product, not enough shades! At Ulta, there are only 3 shades to choose from, Blondy, Soft Browny and Browny. If you compare to a high end eyebrow brand like Anastasia Beverly Hills, they have six different tinted brow mascaras compared to Essence’s three. I think it would helpful to add a black, light blonde and a red/auburn shade. Now onto all the reasons I love this product! The formula has tiny fibers that attach to your natural hairs and help to build up thickness. My eyebrows do have sparse areas, so running this product over helps fill in any spots in a natural way. It seriously lasts all day without fading or transferring too! It has a really strong hold, so if you like to brush your hairs straight up or lay them flat, you can rest assured that they will stay in that exact style all day long. I really can’t say enough great things about it! I have tried the Benefit Gimme Brow and this is an exact dupe (if not better) and a fraction of the price!

Bite Beauty, Prismatic Pearl Creme Lip Gloss, $22.

Metallic lips are on-trend for Fall 2017! I’ve been loving this lip gloss by Bite Beauty to give me a glittery effect. You can definitely use this product in different ways based on your personal preference. I find that if I wear it on its own and apply it just like a normal lip gloss, it can be a bit too foiled for my liking. Instead, I apply a matte lipstick first, then pat this gloss onto my lips using my ring finger. I mostly just focus it onto the center of my lips to help them appear fuller and more dimensional. These last for so long, which can be rare in glitter glosses. They are also not gritty at all! You can rub your lips together and not feel a single grain of sparkle! I have mine in the shade “Champagne Pearl” because I tend to wear warm nudes on an every day basis, but if you are into more bold lip colors, I would highly recommend checking out “Peacock Pearl.” I swatched the teal/blue shade in store and was blown away by its beauty! It has a green and red shimmer throughout and looked so fun and editorial!

NARS Lipstick, $28.

This is my favorite go-to lipstick! I have the shade “Dolce Vita” and it is a sheer nude pink color. I love this so much because it makes my lips look so healthy and hydrated! This is the type of lipstick that you can put on without a mirror since it’s super creamy and light. Although it does give color to the lips, it definitely is more on the sheer side, which I really like because I can feel comfortable wearing this product at work, on the weekends, day, night, really just any occasion! Even though it is a satin finish, I find that it still lasts on my lips for 2-4 hours, which is a perfect amount of time for me! I would highly recommend these lipsticks if you’re looking for something to wear daily! They have so many shades so you’re bound to find one you love!

Thank you for reading about the products that I’ve been loving for the month of August! As always, I want to know what you are obsessed with! Please leave me a comment letting me know! Also, how crazy is it that we’re already in September?! I think this year is flying by! Like this post if you’re excited for future Fall fashion and makeup content on my blog!

Shop these products:

Too Faced Eyeshadow Palette

Kat Von D Refill PowderEssence Eyebrow Gel

Bite Beauty Lip Gloss

NARS Lipstick

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Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5! Review and Swatches!

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Have you ever heard of Natasha Denona? She is an international, highly acclaimed makeup artist who started her own brand! Her signature look includes glowing skin and shimmering eyes, so it’s no surprise that the majority of products in her line will give you a similar appearance! I have read many reviews about her eyeshadows being incredibly pigmented and blendable, but they’re also pricey, so I decided to wait until I could buy during a random sale at Sephora. I recently was able to earn 4x the points as a VIB Rouge, so I decided to purchase the palette and use it towards maintaining my rewards status until 2019! I wasn’t planning on dedicating an entire blog post to this product, but as soon as I swatched it, I knew I had to share it with you all!

I got the 5 pan palette because I really couldn’t commit to the cringe-worthy price of her larger 28 shade palettes ($239) YIKES. Now that I’ve tried the shadows, I know they’re definitely something special, but I personally could never justify spending that much on eyeshadow, sigh. However, for $48, you can get 5 extremely high quality eyeshadows in 13 different color combinations. I decided to purchase “4,” which includes the shades, Aura, Cool Bronze, Oxide, Cool Plum and Moonstone. I love wearing one metallic color across my entire lid and they’re all gold/rose gold/bronze tones, which are my absolute favorite for every day makeup looks. I wanted to buy the colors that I knew I would get the most wear out of! I was super close to getting “2” and “10,” but I’m extremely happy with my choice and find the colors to actually be more wearable than the online product photos portray!

I barely pressed my finger into the first eyeshadow and was truly shook at the color payoff. Like you need the smallest amount to get a full, metallic, pigmented layer of color on your eyes. I tried these shadows with my fingers and brushes and they definitely show up more foiled with your finger, but if you want a more subtle effect, I would recommend a flat, synthetic shader brush! The shade “Cool Plum” is a satin matte formula, so that’s why it isn’t “BAM” when you look at it compared to the other shades! I used it in my crease to add depth and it was really creamy and blended so well. These have minimal fall-out, which is so rare for a sparkle/glitter eyeshadow. They are even water-resistant…so you know that implies how long-wearing and fade-proof these will be throughout the day!

Here is just a little natural, easy eyeshadow look that I created with this palette!

  1. I only have eyeshadow primer and translucent powder on my eye at this point, no shadows!
  2. Since there isn’t a matte transitional shade in the palette, I threw some bronzer in the crease to help add depth and blend any harsh lines from the lid shades that I apply next.
  3. I patted Moonstone on the inner half of my eyelid. I wanted to use a brighter shade towards the front of my eyes to help them appear larger!
  4. With a flat shader brush, I swept “Cool Bronze” on the outer half of my eye. I love the subtle transition from light-to-dark that this combination of colors gave!
  5. Using a fluffy blending brush, I buffed “Cool Plum” into my outer third to give depth and shape my eye. With my finger, I patted “Aura” on my inner corners to help open the eyes and help me look more awake!
  6. I really dislike this angle because eye whites and veins 😂 however, I wanted to show you that I used “Oxide” on my lower lash line to give a little drama and definition!

Here’s the final look! As you can see, it really came out super natural and it was incredibly easy to create! I’m so excited to wear these warm metallic shades in the Fall with a dark red lip! I really want to buy another one of these 5 pan palettes, but have you seen the new Natasha Denona “Lila” Eyeshadow Palette coming out to Sephora in September?! It has 15 eyeshadows, so of course it’s expensive, but the colors are literally calling my name! So many purple and gold shades, which are my absolute favorite to wear! Let me know if you’re thinking about getting it, I want to read your opinion of the swatches! Thank you so much for reading!

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How I Stay Tan All Year Long!

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Am I the only one who feels 197639640 x better with a tan? I refuse to bake my body in the sun for hours upon end and tanning beds are simply out of the question, so what’s a gal to do? Well, I have been using the best self tanner duo to make sure I have a bronzed glow all year round! I wanted to share these products with you because for years, I was under the impression that the only way I could be tan was to go outside with all the SPF 5 oils, but now I’m really starting to prevent fine lines and wrinkles and with the statistics on skin cancer, it’s just not worth it to me. Self tanning at home always seemed like such a stressful burden to me and I was fearful that I would turn orange or splotchy, but I promise these products will give you a natural, olive-undertone tan!

For my body, I’ve been using the Loving Tan Self Tanning Mousse for years. I was previously trying out a lot of other popular brands like St. Tropez and Fake Bake. They weren’t “bad,” but they weren’t the perfect formula or color for what I really wanted. When I came across the Loving Tan Instagram, I was shocked at the before and afters! That’s really what sold me on trying the product! The difference in one usage was dramatic (in a good way) and I absolutely loved the natural, olive-toned tan that it gave even the most fair-skinned girls! Nothing about it appeared orange or uneven, just a perfect, “I just got back from the beach” suntan! I definitely wanted to try it out for myself and see if it lived up to the hype. I initially ordered their “Ultra Dark” formula, which instructs you to leave it on for at least six hours. I would typically just apply it at night after I have showered and exfoliated, then go to sleep and rinse it off in the morning before work. If you want the most dramatic, “wow I can’t believe I’m this tan” effect, then definitely go for this! It’s worth it to just sleep in for a night to have perfect bronze color for a week without fading! I still enjoy this color, I just would use it only in the summer, or for special events or a vacation in the colder months! Throughout the Fall, Winter, early Spring months, I do use their “2 Hour Express Dark Self Tanning Mousse” because it is just more believable that it’s my skin color! It’s still very tan, but it’s not as deep and I really like that it’s completely ready to rinse off in 2 hours. I like being able to just get it done as soon as I get home from work or on a weekend morning, it’s just really convenient since you don’t have to wait for too long! I really wish they made the “Ultra Dark” in a 2 hour formula, but for now, the dark shall do! They also have a Medium shade if you are very fair and want to ease your way into the self tanning trend! There are many other absolutely amazing things about this self tanner. One of the greatest being NO SMELL! There is nothing worse than getting a spray tan and smelling like absolute garbage for 12 hours. This one is practically odorless and just smells slightly sweet, rather than rancid. It also has a color guide, so as you apply it, you can visibly see the areas that you’ve placed the self tanner and where you haven’t. Don’t worry if you look a tad crazy and splotchy as it dries, I panicked the first time I used this because it looked super dark in some places and not dark enough in others, but once you rinse it off it will look completely even and flawless! I have super sensitive skin all over and it has never broken out my body or face! I also just love that it lasts! It isn’t until about 7-10 days after my initial application, that I start to notice it fading. I really can’t say enough good things about this product! You can absolutely use the self tanning mitt that comes with the product, but I would highly recommend this Tarte one! It’s so soft and fluffy and I think it buffs out the mousse so evenly. I love that it’s so durable as well and will stay put on your hand throughout the application! I’ve actually tried the Loving Tan “Back Applicator” and I just cannot make it work, so please leave me a comment on how you tan your back! 😂

I’ve only been using the Coola “Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Serum” for about a month and it’s absolutely amazing! I use exfoliating skincare products and a Clarisonic nightly, so applying self tanner onto my face doesn’t always make sense when it usually fades in a day or two. I read a lot of reviews on the Coola serum and decided to purchase it to see if I could finally find a product to match my face to the rest of my body! I don’t wear makeup every day, so when I go into public with a fresh face, I do get a bit self conscious knowing my face is visibly more pale compared to the rest of my body. I just mix 2-3 pumps of this serum into my moisturizer and apply it directly to my face. It took 3-4 days for me to get the desired bronzed shade, but wow this stuff is so great and looks natural! The color is even and it will give your skin a glowing appearance! It hasn’t broken me out at all, which is super shocking since most serums do! This one is created with organic ingredients and has hyaluronic acid for anti-aging! It is lightly scented, but I absolutely love it. I’m pretty sure it smells like a sweet, coconut/pineapple scent, which will you feel tropical even in the dead of winter! I will say that the tan does fade after 3-4 days, so you do have to stay consistent with it, but for me it is totally worth it!

Thank you for reading about how I stay tan all year round! These products simply work and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a safe and natural tan. I really want to know your favorite self tanning products, so please leave me a comment below! Also any orange, cheeto girl horror stories are welcome! 😂 I always picture Ross from friends when he got the Mystic Tan! I hope you all had a great weekend and a great rest of the week!

Shop the Loving Tan Self Tanning Mousse

Shop the Coola Sunless Tan Anti Aging Face Serum

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Eyebrow Routine!

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Eyebrows are essential. I seriously fear leaving my house without having them done…they frame my face and compliment the makeup that I put on. I have naturally full eyebrows, but they're totally different shapes and heights…LOL isn't the saying, "eyebrows are sisters, not twins?" Well, mine are like two distant cousins that live on opposite sides of the country. I do have my good brow (right side) and I can always count on it remaining thick and fluffy, but also nicely arched. My ol' bad brow (left side) is quite a troublemaker and always makes me spend extra time trying to make it symmetrical.

I have used countless brow pencils, powders and pomades. After years of trial and error, I feel like I've finally found a combination that gives me the eyebrows that I love most; natural and bushy! I know what you're thinking, what about tweezing/waxing/threading?! I try to maintain some sort of an arch and pluck any stray hairs underneath the brow and in the middle, but I've stayed away from removing any hair above my eyebrow. It's helped me grow out the horribly over-plucked, sperm shaped mess that took years to undo (thank you, 8th grade) and it gives me more of an undone, natural effect. I love 80's supermodel eyebrows, think Brooke Shields and Cindy Crawford. These ladies brushed their hairs straight up and usually sprayed hairspray on their spoolie to keep them in tact. You definitely don't have to go for this look if you don't like it! It is totally fine if you prefer a more precise, clean brow, I think that look is so beautiful too! I've just had a lot of requests to post an eyebrow routine and I wanted to show you how I've been filling them in lately!

Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade, "Chocolate" and Anastasia #12 Angled Brush.


Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel, "Chocolate" and Givenchy Mister Brow Groom.

  1. These are just my all-natural eyebrows! Something for you to compare for a before and after! ☺️
  2. I always use my Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade. One little jar of this stuff lasts forever and it will never fade throughout the day. I find that it's just the easiest way for me to fill in my brows in a natural way. Using an angled brush, with a spoolie on the other end, also helps me get this done precisely and quickly! I first draw a line underneath the brow to get a defined shape. I always start on the bottom because you can just brush excess product upwards if you apply too much, it's incredibly harder to correct when you start from the top. I focus on emphasizing my arch and extending the tail of my eyebrow as well. With the spoolie side of my brush, I gently swipe any extra product into the hairs, making sure to cover any blank spots.
  3. Now I move onto the top. You can see that I've drawn a pretty harsh line to carve out my arch. This also helps me create additional symmetry and give an illusion that they're the same height.
  4. I've blended all of the lines into the eyebrow hair and brushed through everything a few times with the spoolie. It is so important during this entire routine to never put excess product towards the front of the brows. That's when things can get very unnatural looking! Instead, I take whatever is left on my brush at the very end of the sculpting process and gently fluff it through the front part to lightly shade it in.
  5. I used the Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel to give some highlights and dimension to the hairs. It also helps warm them up a little and match my current hair color a bit more. I love this eyebrow gel on its own, but of course I'm extra and add another one in the mix.
  6. I applied some of my Givenchy Mister Brow Groom and used the applicator to brush upwards on my hairs. This is a clear gel, so it's totally fine if a little gets on your skin from brushing them straight. This product is so pricey, but if you have hairs that fall or get wild throughout the day, it may be worth it. This stuff is like superglue and I love fluffing the front section of my eyebrows with this product. It also helps separate each hair and will help you look like you just naturally have beautiful, bushy brows!

What is your must-have eyebrow product? Have you ever tried any hair growth products that helped you get thick, full brows? Let me know! The bushier, the better and I just want the type of eyebrows that could make Lily Collins envious! I really appreciate you checking out my blog and reading this post! Feel free to leave me suggestions on what I should write about next!

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