Concealers Worth Your Money, Honey! | Part II

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

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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“Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette” Review and Swatches!

It’s sweater weather, so you need a warm eyeshadow palette to feel extra cozy! The “Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette” is a brand new, 12 shadow palette from one of my favorite makeup brands, Tarte Cosmetics! I really love wearing warm shades on my eyes and find them to look somewhat natural on a daily basis. Even though I love makeup and have so many different options, I get the most out of my warm-toned, natural eyeshadows! I was so drawn to this palette in particular because it has both matte and shimmer shades. I knew I could create multiple looks using this one product, making it perfect for getting ready in a rush or traveling!

I wanted to give you a break down on all of the shades and the way they apply! As you can see, the shadows swatch beautifully, but some of them require a little extra work to show up equally as pigmented on the eyes! There are 5 shimmer shades and 7 mattes and I am super pleased with that ratio! In my opinion, you need to have more matte shades so you can create depth in the crease. It’s also nice to highlight your brow bone with a matte light shade and also have a dark enough matte color to add a shadow liner or deepen the outer crease.

  • S’more – This is the perfect “all-over-the-lid” shade. I use this after I apply eye primer to set my eyelid and give an even base to the shades I blend overtop. This is the perfect brow bone highlight too! It’s a bright, matte beige color that will work for a lot of skin tones.
  • Sunrise – I wasn’t very impressed with this color when I swatched it, just because it seems so sheer! I’m happy to report that it looks a lot prettier when you apply it as an eyeshadow! It is a cream shade with a slight golden sheen. If you like to wear really natural colors, you would love this! I love putting this in my inner corners to help my eyes look more awake!
  • Sunset – This is such a perfect gold/bronze shade! It’s not packed with sparkles, so you don’t feel overly glittery when wearing this on a daily basis!
  • Crackle – This is actually such a unique eyeshadow! It is a true brown base, but also has gold flecks throughout! When blending this shade, some of the glitter falls out, so be warned! I think this is best applied in patting motions using your finger to prevent any fallout!
  • Cashmere – A creamy, matte peach shade! I love using this as a transitional shade in my crease! It will be perfect on “no-makeup makeup” days to lightly define!
  • Warmth – This is my favorite matte color in the whole palette! It’s a rusty, terracotta shade that is super pigmented! You need the smallest amount of this color to make a statement! It will instantly warm up any eyeshadow look! I think this is going to be so pretty blended all over the eye and paired with a dark lip for Fall!
  • Flame – By far one of the most metallic colors in the palette! You can apply it with a brush and it will definitely show up on your eyes, but this is another shade that works best with your fingers. It’s a bright copper color with gold shimmer throughout.
  • Cozy – I absolutely love this matte brick color. It’s super creamy and applies evenly on the lids. You do have to be careful when using this alone, either all over the eyelid or underneath your eye because it can make you look slightly sick haha! I think it’s best to add dimension on the outer edges and that’s how I’m personally planning on using it.
  • Candle – I’m so indifferent towards this color because it’s chunky and glittery, but looks so gorgeous on the eyes. I would describe it as a sparkly champagne shimmer! This is the most “high maintenance” color in the palette because you have to use a mixing medium, like M.A.C Fix Plus or the Too Faced Glitter Glue to make it work. You will have a ton of fallout if you try to apply this dry with a brush. It’s best to use your finger to pat it on and work in light layers because it can look uneven and patchy when trying to build it up!
  • Latte – This is my perfect crease shade! It’s one of the more neutral colors in the palette and will help add some variety to natural and more dramatic looks!
  • Simmer – My favorite shimmer shade in the entire palette! This is the most beautiful copper color! It has a gold shift and applies really well with a brush OR your fingertips! I can see this complimenting blue eyes so beautifully!
  • Fireside – This swatch doesn’t do this shade justice, it looks kind of patchy, but it’s really creamy and blendable on the eyes (which is what really matters)! This is a deep plum/brown that looks beautiful as a soft liner if you want to naturally define your lashline. Or you can use it right on the outer corners of your eye for extra drama!

Even though a few of these eyeshadows require a little more work than others, I think this palette is totally worth it! I’m so happy I purchased mine before it sells out and I can already tell that I’m going to use it all the time! You get 12 Amazonian Clay eyeshadows for $46! That’s a really good deal, making each shadow a little less than 4 bucks! They are all extremely pigmented and very creamy, they also smell like vanilla! I have sensitive skin and haven’t had any reaction to the scent or red pigments in these shadows, hooray! This would make an awesome gift for the holidays too! The only person I wouldn’t recommend this palette to, would be someone that hated warm toned eyeshadows because that’s literally all that is inside! Haha! What do you think of this Toasted Eyeshadow Palette? Do you own any of the other Tartelette palettes? If so, I would love to know how this one compares! Have a great week and thank you so much for reading!

Shop the Toasted Palette Here!

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How I Stay Tan All Year Long!

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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Unicorn Makeup Look!


Unicorn makeup is definitely a thing right now, so I decided to do a little look on my interpretation of the trend! I purchased the Tarte “Make Believe in Yourself: Eye & Cheek Palette” because it has really gorgeous neutrals, as well as fun pops of color! It’s an awesome deal too, 10 eyeshadows, plus a highlight for only 40 bucks! Tarte released this palette as a part of their new collection of other Unicorn-themed makeup items! 

           


      

I typically steer clear from purple and blue eyeshadows, but I was drawn to these shades in particular because they’re surprisingly wearable. I wanted to create a look that was definitely colorful, but not intensely shocking on the eyes. 

      

  1. I primed my eyes using the Urban Decay Primer Potion in the shade “Eden” and set my entire eye lid with my translucent setting powder for a smooth and even canvas. Next, I blended the only matte shade in the palette “Myth” into my crease. I pressed this color onto my outer corners as well for added dimension. 
  2. I took the shade “Mystic” on a flat shader brush and applied it to the inner corners of my eye. This icy blue color is super bright and beautiful!
  3. For my all-over lid shade, I patted “Trance” using my finger tips. This is a pretty lavender color that has a lot of silver and taupe shimmer. I found that applying with my finger gave this color maximum color payoff. 
  4. I used the darker purple in the palette, “Fairy” to shade in my outer corners! I do wish I had a darker matte shade in this palette to use for this step. It’s just my personal preference to not use so many shimmery colors in the crease, but I surprisingly liked how this color worked out! 
  5. I wanted to do something a little different than my usual black winged eyeliner, so I opted for a navy blue gel liner by Tarte! I think this just helped the look stay super cohesive since it’s all in the same color family. I also applied my Tarte “Tarteist” Lash Paint Mascara, I love that stuff so much!
  6. I used the turquoise color in the palette called, “Dream” to define my lower lash line! I also blended “Mystic” over top of that to give it a softer appearance. I also used a pastel blue eyeliner by ColourPop in my waterline to make the whole look pop! 

       


What are your thoughts on the Unicorn makeup trend? I actually really liked the way this look turned out! It’s fun and different, but it’s also wearable since I kept the rest of my makeup super neutral. The eyeshadows in this palette are actually really pigmented and super buttery, which means they are going to be applied best with your finger! I noticed some glittery fall out when I was trying to blend out a couple of the shades, but that’s super common with sparkle eyeshadows so it was to be expected! Next time I’ll just use extra setting powder underneath my eyes to wipe away the fallen shadow! 

    

Let me know if you would like to see a look where I use this palette to create a super natural look! I think it would be fun to compare the warm, neutral shades in the palette and see if they are equally as magical when applied to the eyes! Thank you so much for reading this post! 

       

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Tarte “Skin Twinkle Lighting Palette: Volume 2” Review and Swatches!


Glow, baby! Glow! I cannot get enough highlight in my life and I’m so tempted whenever I see my favorite makeup brands release new products to make my skin look lit from within! The new Tarte “Skin Twinkle Lighting Palette: Volume 2” is seriously glow goals. I wanted to review this highlighting/strobing palette because these shades are truly some of the best I’ve ever used. I love how universal this product is too, it really can work for any skin tone! At $42 for 4 highlight shades, I think this palette is totally worth it since that’s only about $10 per highlight, which is on par with drugstore makeup brands! If you are a makeup artist and do a lot of bridal/special occasion makeup, I would highly recommend because of the variety in shades and long-wearing formula! These are so creamy and blendable and they will not cling to any dry patches or emphasize skin texture. They’re super shimmery, but not glittery! If you’re a fan of the lit-from-within, glossy highlight then you will really love this formula!        


The first shade is, “Daylight” which is described as a white gold! I love this color because it is so bright and has a gorgeous golden shimmer throughout. I find that this is pretty unique because many of my white-pearly colors have a silver or champagne shimmer, making them look a little cool-toned once applied to the face! I think this is perfect for fair skinned gals! I personally cannot wear this color because it’s too light, but I love mixing it with the second shade and placing it on the very tops of my cheekbones and under the brow bone! On its own, it makes an amazing inner corner highlight! 

      

The second shade is called, “Skylight” and this is a true light pearl shade with a silver/champagne micro-shimmer! Although this color is gorgeous, I typically do not grab for a cool-toned highlight on a daily basis! However, if I were to use gray eye shadows or a cool-toned pink blush, I would definitely use this shade in combination with one of the more golden colors in the palette! It’s amazing how evenly pigmented this color is and how bright it reflects in-person and in photography! 

      

Next, is my absolute favorite highlight and the color I cannot stop wearing, “Spotlight.” It is a true golden shade with champagne shimmer! I love this color so much because it compliments my medium-olive skin tone and gives me a gorgeous, noticeable glow! I basically bathe in this color since it’s so glossy! This is also the main color I mix with the two lighter shades to get a even brighter highlight that is borderline blinding. I would compare this color to Laura Geller “Gilded Honey” highlight, which is my all-time favorite product! 

     

Lastly, we have “Candlelight,” which is the perfect rose-gold, copper color! If you have tan to dark skin tones you will love this color! I’m so excited for this to be my go-to shade whenever I’m more tan in the summertime! I can picture this color melting beautifully into a peach blush or bronzer and giving the skin a healthy tan glow! 
     

If you are a highlight lover like me, then I would totally purchase this palette! It’s absolutely worth it since it’s made with awesome skincare ingredients like algae and marine flower to help smooth and soften skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! Coconut and vitamin E to provide moisture and enhance skin elasticity! I love this because I always use great skincare products underneath my makeup, but it’s awesome to know that what I’m laying over top of that is also helping maintain my healthy skin! I’ve noticed that all of the Tarte “Rainforest of the Sea” products are super creamy and hydrating, which I especially love using in these drier, winter months! I really hope you enjoyed reading my review on the new Tarte “Skin Twinkle Lighting Palette: Volume 2!” I have been using this product non-stop since I first bought it and I see no reason to slow down! I decided to post this now that Tarte’s website has this item back in stock after it’s been sold out for a few weeks! I would recommend getting your hands on it as soon as possible! 

     

I really want to try out some new drugstore makeup products for my next blog post, but I want to know which ones specifically you would like to see put to the test! Please leave me a comment below of a new, affordable makeup product that you’ve been dying to see used in a tutorial/first impressions post! There are so many new products that I just want to buy everything, so I would love any extra help narrowing down my shopping list! Thank you again for reading! 

    

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Concealers Worth Your Money, Honey! 


Most gals wear concealer, but with so many different brands and formulas on the market, it’s hard to know which ones are worth it! I’m sharing my favorite ones that are tried and true! Each of these concealers are ones I’ve either repurchased or will repurchase! 


Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer    

       
I feel like this concealer is great for any skin type, mature or young, pink or yellow-undertone; literally everyone. Urban Decay’s Naked Skin concealer is by far the most lightweight formula I’ve tried. It is extremely opaque, so you can trust it will cover the darkest of under eye circles. Since it is such a lightweight and thin formula, it can be very buildable, without looking cakey, which is always concealer goals. My favorite way to apply this product is with a Beauty Blender because it buffs it into the skin beautifully, leaving behind a luminous, natural finish that luckily doesn’t settle into my fine lines! I recommend this concealer to everyone because it seems to work amazing on every single person that uses it, regardless of their skin type and makeup preferences! I have repurchased this concealer three times and I will definitely continue buying since it’s such a staple in my every day makeup routine! 

    
    

Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer

       
If you love full-coverage and long-lasting concealers, then look no further! The brand new Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape concealer is EVERYTHING! I rarely come across formulas that are longwearing, completely opaque in coverage and also hydrating. Tarte released so many different shades for all different skin tones, which is amazing to see on the market! I always go a couple shades lighter with my concealer to provide a brightening effect and I love the shade “Light Neutral” for my medium-olive skin tone. I really think the best part about this concealer is the long lasting capabilities! It will not settle into any fine lines underneath your eyes and it doesn’t budge all day long! The applicator is really large, which helps whenever you’re highlighting with concealer in the “V’ shape underneath each eye. This is another concealer I confidently recommend to people of every skin type and undertone because it just works so well!

     
   

Too Faced Born This Way Naturally Radiant Concealer

      
I have a full first impression/review on this product here, but this is another one of my all-time favorite concealers. If you have dry skin, I think you would absolutely love this product. It is a very creamy, radiant formula that hydrates the under-eye area. It isn’t full-coverage, but it is certainly buildable. If you check out the ingredients, this concealer is made with hyaluronic acid, which is amazing for tightening fine lines without drying your skin out. Also a lot of Too Faced products have coconut water, which I’ve found to be an amazing ingredient for hydrating my sensitive, dry skin. 

   

Sephora Collection Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer

   

I wanted to mention this concealer because it’s only $14, but has a very high-end, luxurious formula! It’s very creamy and buildable in coverage. I would agree with its description of a gel-serum formula, which really helps with the lightweight feeling! The only problem I have with this concealer is that it will settle into my fine lines if I don’t immediately set it. Other than that, I find myself going back to this product all the time! I love the fact there are SO many shades in the range too! Anyone can find their perfect concealer shade and that makes me very happy! I use the shade “Custard” and find that it has a perfect, subtle, yellow undertone for my skin.  

    

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer    

   

If you want full coverage, with a matte finish and just overall flawless looking under eyes, then you need to get this concealer as soon as possible! The MAC Pro Longwear Concealer is definitely a permanent member in my holy grail makeup collection! I have used this product for the last 5 years and I think I will always have it in my makeup bag! It’s a very lightweight formula, but it’s super full coverage and will hide the darkest of circles! This one also works great on blemishes too! It will not move, fade or transfer throughout the day, so you can rest assured it will last. I wear the shade NC25 and it works amazing to highlight my skin in a subtle way. If you have tried this product and feel like it looks too cakey, I would highly recommend blending it out with a damp Beauty Blender because that really changes the look and feel of it! It’ll be a bit more hydrating too, which always helps if you have dry skin, like me! 

    

I really hope that this post helped you decide with high-end concealer would work best for you! I know these are pricy compared to drugstore, but if you’re someone like me with stubborn dark circles, then you know the struggle of finding a good product that really works! In my opinion, all of these are worth their price tag and really work as well as they claim to! Let me know your favorites in the comments below! Concealers are one of my favorite makeup items to try out and put to the test, so I’m always looking for recommendations to review! Thank you for reading! 

    

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Tarte “Amazonian Clay Blush Palette Color Wheel” Review and Swatches!


With the holiday season quickly approaching, all of our favorite beauty brands are releasing their limited-edition sets! I love shopping on Sephora because they show you the price of the product (duh) and they also show you the value of the set, so you can see how much money you’re saving! This usually sways me one way or another when deciding which sets to buy and which ones to pass up on. I discovered the Tarte “Amazonian Clay Blush Palette Color Wheel” on the super addicting “Just Added” section on Sephora’s website. It was a $150 dollar value and I paid $44 for 8 blushes and 2 highlights! I feel like that’s a great deal since Tarte blushes are my absolute favorite formula (they last forever on the cheeks) and I really liked the variety of both cool and warm toned shades! I have owned other Tarte seasonal blush palettes in the past and was very pleased to discover that their permanent blush shade’s formula is what is used in their limited edition sets.       


The packaging on this product is absolutely stunning and very high quality! I love the fun, purple swirls on the front of the palette. It’s very sturdy and not light in weight, so I think this would be amazing for travel! The blushes range from matte and luster finishes and it comes with two beautiful pearlescent highlighters. The palette is split into two with 5 warm shades and 5 cool toned shades. There is also a plastic divider between both sections to prevent your blush pans from transferring onto one another! 



Let’s begin with the warm toned side, which of course is my favorite! The first shade is a highlighter named, “Idol” and it can be described as a golden-bronze shimmer. The formula is very smooth and it applies very evenly and glossy on the cheekbones! I feel like this particular shade will go with medium and darker skin-tones beautifully since it has that gorgeous golden undertone! Next is the blush in the shade, “Culture” and it is a very pretty, peach shade with golden shimmer. I already know this is going to be one of my favorite blushes in the palette! The next color, “Surreal” is a violet-based pink shade that has a neon vibe to it! The shade “Deco” is also very neon and bright, but is a coral color with an orange undertone! This type of shade is awesome to provide an energized, awake look to your skin when you’re running late to work and need a quick, fresh makeup look! Lastly, “Mod” is a very muted, nude-peach shade that has a rose undertone. I feel like this color is going to be perfect for fall makeup looks! 


“Crafty” is a champagne highlight with slight silver reflects. It is very cool toned, but unfortunately does not apply as smoothly as the other highlight in the palette. I find this color looks better as an inner-corner eye highlight shade, rather than on top of the cheekbones. It isn’t a total fail, just not my absolute favorite. The blush called, “Montage” is a plum-berry shade that is really bright, yet wearable. “Ironic” is a brick-red, rosy shade that is actually pretty warm toned. Next is, “Icon” and I would describe it as a rosy-peach-pink color that is very cool toned. I think this will look beautiful during the winter months and will go with so many makeup looks! The last color, “Concept” is a nude shade with a cool, mauve undertone. I feel like this will be another favorite of mine because it’s very wearable and can go with any makeup look! 

     

As you can see, you get so much variety in this palette and it’s definitely a good value for only $44! This is perfect if you’re looking to invest in a good quality blush palette with lots of different shades! I’m really happy they included a couple highlighters as well. These blushes last 14+ hours on my skin, so I never have to worry about fading! They are also formulated without parabens, so thank you Tarte for caring about the ingredients in your products! I would highly recommend this product if you love blush and enjoy changing it up on a daily basis! I know I’m going to get a lot of use out of this palette, but that’s only because I wear blush every single day! What holiday sets do you have your eye on this season? What would you like to see me review and swatch next? Let me know in the comments! Thank you so much for reading! 

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New Favorite Nude Lipsticks! Swatches and Review!

bareMinerals GEN NUDE™ Matte Liquid Lipcolor, “XYZ,” $18.


I raved about the new bareMinerals GEN NUDE liquid lipsticks in my July Favorites post! These are by far the most beautiful and comfortable matte lip products that I own! I cannot get over how smooth and liquid-like these apply (which is usually a sure sign that it’s going to be painfully drying) yet they remain comfortable on the lips throughout the day. One swipe has enough pigment to cover your top and bottom lip. Plus I’m obsessed with the applicator that makes it easy to precisely apply without the need for a lip liner. The color “XYZ” is my perfect, warm-nude shade. I am so excited to try out other colors in this range because the formula is so incredible. I would highly recommend these if you’ve been searching for the perfect liquid lipstick that dries extremely matte, without feeling or looking chalky! Let me know your favorite GEN NUDE liquid lip shades because Sephora is calling my name!   

   

tarte Tarteist™ Glossy Lip Paint, “Snap,” $20.


The new tarte Glossy Lip Paint’s are amazing! These are a thick, buttery, gloss-like product that provides full-coverage pigmentation as a lipstick would! I am obsessed with the high-shine effect that this formula gives off! This gloss does not have any shimmer, which I love because my lips just look shiny and full when I wear it, without being too over-the-top. The shade “Snap” is actually pretty unique because it’s a cool-toned mauve, which I rarely buy! There is a slight gray-brown undertone that makes the lip color seem super edgy and on-trend for Fall makeup looks! I don’t buy lip gloss too often because if I want to wear anything on my lips, I want it to show up. Most glosses are just too sheer for me to love them, so it was great to find such an extremely pigmented lip gloss by Tarte!    

    

M.A.C Lipstick, “Velvet Teddy,” $17.


I have been lusting after M.A.C’s Velvet Teddy lipstick for so long! I felt so accomplished when I finally purchased this cult-favorite lip color recently! It’s described as warm-nude shade, which is right up my ally! This is a matte formula, so it definitely isn’t the most hydrating lipstick I own, but it’s nothing too terrible! I think the color of this is my perfect, every day nude shade, but also amazing to compliment intense, smokey eyeshadow makeup looks. It’s crazy how different this shade looks swatched onvarious skin tones, so keep that in mind! I think this product is worth it since you can manipulate the color with different lip liners. For example, I can use a brown-toned lip liner like M.A.C “Whirl” and get a darker, natural, nude lip; or I can use a pink-toned lip liner, like my Makeup Forever 3C and create a peachy-pink nude shade. Let me know if you have any other ways you like to make this product versatile!

   


Thanks for taking the time to read this post! I love nude lipsticks and personally believe that all of mine look different…Delusional? I just may be. I am always trying to hunt down the newest lip products because I personally love changing up my lip color every day! If I had to recommend only one to you, it would be the GEN NUDE liquid lipsticks from bareMinerals because I’ve literally never tried a more comfortable and better formulated matte lipstick before. They are truly innovative and one-of-a-kind. Plus the shade selection is huge, so you’re bound to find your perfect color!

   

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July Favorites!


It’s that time again! I’m sharing my monthly beauty, fashion and skincare favorites with you for July! These products have been my most frequently reached for all month long, so you can trust that they’re high quality! I’m always interested in knowing your favorite products for the month, so please comment below and let me know! 

Beauty     

      
Urban Decay Naked Skin Complete Coverage Weightless Concealer, “Light Warm”

This is my go-to under eye concealer because it’s lightweight and full coverage, aka the best of both worlds! This product blends out so beautifully and never creases underneath my eyes. I love the shade “light warm” because it is a bright yellow color that acts as a highlight on my medium skin tone. Another amazing aspect is the longevity, this will not fade or break up throughout the day. If you’re looking for a new concealer, I would definitely suggest this for any skin type and any skin tone! I’m always amazed at the intense coverage I get from such a lightweight formula and that is why I always go back to this product time after time! 

    

Buxom Full-On Lip Cream, “White Russian” 

You need this lipgloss. I just don’t know what else to say other than you need it in your life and you’ll love it more than all other glosses. This creamy formula plumps your lips without stinging! It actually feels cooling when you apply it and somehow gives the look of fuller lips (which I’m obsessed with.) The shade “White Russian” is a very light nude shade that looks great on its own, or paired on top of a nude lipstick. Just a warning, this is a very creamy and thick formula, so if you don’t like the feeling of lipgloss on your lips then you will probably dislike this product! The scent is like a vanilla-mint, which I’m personally a huge fan of. Buxom makes a lot of other shades in this range, so if a super nude color isn’t for you, check out some of their others! I’m also obsessed with the “Hot Toddy” shade as well! 

    

Bare Minerals Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lip Color, “XYZ”

Obsessed is an understatement. This is BY FAR the best liquid lipstick formula that I’ve ever tried! It’s so thin and liquidy, so it dries super quickly once applied on your lips! It’s very matte, but not extremely drying. My lips stayed pretty hydrated throughout the wear of this, which is something I’ve never experienced before with a liquid lipstick! I noticed I didn’t have to wear a lip liner with this product because it doesn’t transfer or bleed outside of the area you apply it. The color is amazing as well! XYZ is the perfect nude-brown shade for medium skin tones. This formula lasts for about 5 hours before fading on me, which is amazing! It even stayed put during eating and drinking! Plus it leaves behind a beautiful stained effect, which I love. 

     

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation, “Medium Neutral” 

This product was a lifesaver during the month of July because it gives a full coverage foundation look, without being heavy at all! During the summer months, I tend to forgo liquid foundation because it’s heavy and tends to look cakey throughout the day, which makes a powder foundation super ideal! Not only does this product cover up all of my flaws, but it feels super light on my skin! I can forget that I’m even wearing makeup whenever I put this product on. My favorite way to apply this is by first putting on a primer all over my face so the powder has something to adhere to. Next, I use a flat top powder brush and buff it onto my skin in small circular motions! I love this because it’s super long lasting and prevents me from getting oily throughout the day, but it also isn’t too matte, making my skin look dull and lifeless. This is my new favorite powder foundation and I would recommend this to anyone who wants a lightweight feel, but a full coverage foundation look!

     

Ardell Demi Wispies Natural Multipack 

I’ve recently been loving these lashes to intensify any makeup look! They define my eyes so beautifully and give me a full lash appearance, without being over-the-top! They give a more voluminous lash look, rather than lengthening, which is my personal preference in a false lash style. I really wanted to share these because they look so gorgeous with dramatic, smokey eye looks and natural eyeshadow looks as well! I love how light the lash band is because they don’t feel uncomfortably heavy on the eyes, which allows me to wear them for hours without any discomfort! I highly recommend trying these out whether you wear false lashes all the time, or have never tried them! These are a great, versatile style and very easy to apply for beginners! 

Fashion 


Madewell, “Women’s Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee”

I never knew I could be so obsessed with a t-shirt until I discovered these! They’re so versatile and can be dressed up or worn very casually. What I love most is the style of these shirts, which is kind of baggy/loose, but not unflattering! I’m always finding that plan t-shirts are either weirdly tight to the point they’re uncomfortable in certain areas, or they’re so loose that they look misshapen. These are the perfect in between, which make them so great! I always buy them when they’re on sale, so definitely check them out when you can get a good deal on them! They wash great and do not have piling or random holes, which a lot of other cotton tees tend to do! Love, love, love these!

    
Tory Burch, “Miller Sandal” 

I have been wanting these sandals for the longest time and finally gave in and purchased them in July! I have been wearing these non-stop and find they go with every outfit. They’re also super comfortable, which is what I care about most! If you want to splurge on a fancy shoe for summer, I would really recommend these because you’ll certainly get a lot of wear for your money! 

    

Skincare


Tony Moly, “I’m Real Avocado Sheet Mask” 

Sheet masks are an amazing new skincare innovation! Although they look absolutely terrifying when you put it on your face, it’s amazing how they combine all of the skin benefits you would get from paying for an expensive spa facial! The at-home convenience of just taking a sheet and placing it on your face, makes me keep buying these. I love how easy they are because you don’t have to mix a bunch of different products and see what works together. Instead, these sheets are saturated with the exact combination of skincare ingredients to nourish and hydrate your face. The “I’m Real Avocado” is my favorite of the Tony Moly sheet masks because it plumps and softens my skin, giving me a noticeable glow as soon as I remove the sheet and rinse my face! 

   
Garnier, “Clearly Brighter Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller – Light/Medium” 

I love using this product to instantly de-puff and conceal my dark circles when I wake up! This product is a miracle worker when I’m rushing out the door for work and need to conceal my dark circles, while also hydrating my sensitive under eyes. Although I layer a more full-coverage concealer on top of this product, you could definitely use it on its own for a lighter, more natural effect! The roller ball is so cooling and feels incredible when you need something to help you wake up in the morning!

   
Lush, “Angels On Bare Skin Cleanser”

I am obsessed with this cleanser, ah! I recently bought this product at Lush after reading so many amazing reviews and it is truly a miracle worker! After removing my makeup and cleansing with my Clarisonic, I take this exfoliating product and scrub my face! I notice that it softens my skin since it’s infused with lavender and rose oils, but effectively removes all of my dead skin and rough patches with the ground almonds. I enjoy the fact this is all natural and just as powerful as some of the harsher skincare products I’ve used in the past. It’s amazing to see a product take away my redness and fade my acne scaring so quickly! I highly recommend you try this out because I can see it working great for any skin type!