October 2013 Beauty Favorites

     It's that time again! I think I wasn't shocked when September came and went because I was so excited for the upcoming fall months.  Now that October has basically left us, I'm quite sad.  Halloween will be here before I know it and I haven't even carved pumpkins!  So many AUTUMN THINGS I haven't had time for.  Even though I haven't had the time to do all the cliche little things I want, I definitely have been enjoying more fall-themed products.  Because this is my favorite time of the year, I think that I may add in a non-beauty favorites?  I definitely have pulled out my ALL-TIME favorite candles (because autumn is my all-time favorite everything) and have come across some really amazing and interesting recipes for fall.  But for now, here's my favorite beauty products from this past month:

1. Tarte Call of the Wild Palette      This palette has fall written all over it - copper, brown, plumy purple, and an interesting navy blue.  I've been really really really loving coppery colors, whether they're more orangey, brown, or plum colored.  The copper color in this palette is the perfect blend of all of the above.  All of these colors have been favorites, though.

2. Vermont Honey Apple      Pumpkin and apple are my two favorite scents for fall and I forgot JUST how much I'm obsessed with this fragrance.  I stocked up last year on Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and Honey Autumn Apple (which they decided to change to Vermont Honey Apple this year - no idea why) from Bath & Body Works and I have been fully enjoying them once again.  The pumpkin scent is always amazing in fall but I can't get over how amazing Vermont Honey Apple Smells on me - perfectly sweet, perfectly crisp, perfectly apple.  Layering the lotion and fragrance mist makes the scent all the more sweeter and amazing.

3. Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Stick Foundation      I picked this foundation up towards the beginning of the month and had high expectations for it.  With the first few uses it didn't live up to my high hopes.  After the first week I found that just changing the way I applied this foundation drastically changed the coverage, lasting power, and oil-control.  Strange.  I found that using my Expert Face Brush DAMP was the best way to apply it.  Using my foundation brush damp helped the product smooth over my skin without breaking up the pigmentation - it gave much better coverage and totally transformed the way the foundation wore and held up on my skin!  Now I love this stuff!

4. E.l.f. Translucent Mattifying Powder      I purchased this products quite some time ago but never used it because I found that it became "cakey" looking much too easily and was almost TOO mattifying.  This month it just kind of popped into my head that my new Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Powder Brush might make this powder bearable. (I'd say this is the last time I went on about Real Techniques but that would probably be a lie - I just keep finding more and more amazing uses for them!) The duo-fiber brush sheers out this powder and makes it look natural and normal without taking away from it's mattifying power.  It now keeps me matte for hours without drying out my skin or giving me cake-face!

5. Tarte Eyelash Curler      Most people don't think eyelash curlers are a big deal, but I've really been loving this one.  I really needed to get a new one and this one is really quick and easy to use.  First of all, you don't have to worry about looping your fingers through the holes - it just has rubber handles.  Second, no pinching! Last, amazing curl!  All I can ask for.

6. Benefit Hoola Bronzer      This has been a favorite of mine for a couple years now, but every once in awhile I forget about it and then have to pull it back out and fall in love with it all over again.  It is matte and non-orangey enough to contour with, but is so soft and non-irritating I can use it on a daily basis.

September 2013 Beauty Favorites

1. Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion in Pore Perfect      A little goes a long way with this primer; I've had it forever and am only now getting down to the end. It's a very thick primer but it fills in all of your pores, creating a smooth canvas for your makeup while controlling oil.  I pulled it out of my collection recently and have been loving it once again. 2. Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Night Moisture      Over the last couple years I've found anti-oxidants are my skin's very best friend and this moisturizer is great for adding in that little boost. Because it is a night cream, it is on the thicker side. It makes my skin feel plump, very smooth, and also helps get rid of acne and scarring. 3. Benefit High Beam      This is a well-raved about highlighter; I'm sure you get it by now. Revisiting my love for it! 4. e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit      This has been great for a strong brow that still looks natural; I've been using it with my favorite angled eyeliner brush from e.l.f. that I featured in my last favorites.  I will say that I haven't been a fan of the wax the longer the product has had the chance to dry out. 5. Real Techniques Buffing Brush      If you didn't catch my review on the Core Collection from Real Techniques, do it! The buffing brush is so dense it makes sure my make up is always blended flawlessly. 6. Real Techniques Contour Brush      I've been using this brush everyday for a natural contour; in love with it. Also in my Core Collection Review. 7. Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Face Brush      If you saw my Shopping the Stash post, then you know I've started using the L'oreal Hydra Perfecting Loose Powder.  I'm sure we all know how messy loose powder can be-- probably the only reason I don't use it all the time! This is basically a duo-fiber powder brush and it makes messy loose powders simple! 8. Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Eye Brush      Another brush from the Real Techniques Duo Fiber Collection (which I believe is limited edition).  I thought I was really good at getting my eyeshadows perfectly blended, but this brush cuts the necessary effort on my end in half! Expect a review of the Duo Fiber Collection soon! 9. Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black      This mascara is great at building volume; it's a drier, thick consistency. I think my favorite thing about it is that the non-waterproof version comes off insanely easily, but I don't have flaking or transferring throughout the day. 10. Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Volum'Express      This is the new Falsies mascara that has a top lash and bottom lash wand on each end of the tube.  I'll admit, I haven't even tried the top lash end yet, but the bottom lash wand and formula is so awesome I'd purchase it just for that!  I don't like putting mascara on my bottom lashes because it's easy to get everywhere, brushes don't fit in that area, and it always ends up clumpy! Clinique has their bottom lash mascara that everyone raves about, but I hate repurchasing something that's a little pricey for my teeny tiny bottom lashes-- this solves that! Perfect formula that is entirely non-clumpy with a bitty baby brush that fits in there perfectly. 11. Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells      Love this little trio!  Wet n Wild has great eye shadows for an incredible price, I've especially been loving the lighter colors in this trio for an all over lid color and then going in with a medium/deep matte brown in the crease. Simple, quick, and neutral. Hope you all are enjoying the changing weather! It's back and forth here - slightly chilly, and then back to hot.  Can't wait for crisp autumn to really hit--but I've been saying that for the past month, haven't I? Guess it's another favorite!

August 2013 Beauty Favorites

1. Dr. Jart + Premium Beauty Balm

I've been loving this for almost every day! I can't logically choose a foundation anymore when I know this will actually do something for my skin while giving some coverage. Make sure you check out my Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream Review!!!

2. Essie Sunday Funday

I just got this color more recently and have been loving it! Such a pretty pink with the tiniest touch of micro shimmer. Currently, I have Essie As Gold As It Gets (gold metallic flecks) layered over it; fun fun fun.

3. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

This powder is so finely milled that it doesn't look like powder at all - it just makes your skin look so smooth and non-shiney. It goes perfectly over the top of the Dr. Jart+ BB Cream. I will say that I don't think this powder does much for controlling oil; I can be a little oily in just a couple hours.

4. Essie The More The Merrier

This has been the perfect "one last hurrah" for summer shades before all the fall colors start coming out. It's a bright pop of light green but it isn't too crazy. Very pretty!

5. Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream 

I rediscovered this product earlier in the year, and then had to rediscover it all over again this month because it is so amazing. I tell you all about it in my Clinique All About Eyes Review

6. E.l.f. Small Angled Brush

I've always liked filling in my brows a little bit - but I've been absolutely obsessed with brows this month! This brush is the best and most affordable eyebrow brush there is! $3 for a very small and very precise angled "eyeliner" brush. I like the look of using powder to fill in my brows, but always found pencils to be easier; but this brush is the one! It makes it so quick and easy to get a defined brow that isn't overdone.

7. Maybelline EyeStudio Eyeshadow in Amethyst Ablazed

I've been loving keeping this on hand for a little pop of purple. I've been either using the lightest purple for a lid color with brown in the crease or I've been taking the lightest and mixing it with the pretty deep purple (below the silver in the palette) for definition on my lower lash line to contrast a neutral eye look on top. LOVE doing that; makes brown eyes look so rich and vibrant.

8. NARS Blush in Deep Throat

While last month I was thrilled about my Nyx Summer Peach blush, this month I've been crazy about NARS Deep Throat. It's the same pretty pink but slightly coral color, but this one is less in-your-face-pink; more neutral, natural, and glowy. NARS blushes are pigmented, smooth, and creamy.

Hope you guy's are all geared up for September whether you're going back to school, back to work, or just looking forward to getting closer to fall! Let me know if you like this kind of magazine-like picture for my favorites or if you prefer the way I've done them in the past (all photographed together).
                                  Cupcakes and all that sweet crap,

July 2013 Beauty Favorites

Let's all take a moment of silence for our beloved friend, Summer.

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Does anyone else feel that as soon as August hits, summer is basically out the door? August always flies by and while autumn is my absolute favorite season, I'm sad summer will be gone soon. We've had a really good summer where I live and my summer "want to do" list is far from completed (hardly even started, truth be told). But I've been loving my makeup routine this month because I've found some really great products that make it quick and simple but look "done up" at the same time.

The Products I Can't Get Enough Of Recently:

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation and Airbuki Brush

This brand new foundation by Tarte has taken over my makeup routine; I haven't used anything else since I got it. Nothing. Check out my in-depth review of the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Powder Foundation here.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Most people love this, a few hate it. The complaints are "it doesn't blend well" or "it's chalky". I find that it is slightly harder to blend than the old Urban Decay matte eyeshadows, but they have WAY better staying power and is really smooth; win. I use this everyday.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Blunt

I like this color for summer because it is a pretty gold color with a little bit of copper to it. Perfect for all over the lid.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara

I've been loving this mascara for everyday use and it has improved the look and feel of my lashes the more I've used it! They seem a little longer and definitely healthier. Check out my review on the Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara. 

Nyx Blush in Summer Peach

I picked up this blush recently and worn it nearly every day. It is very similar to my Nars Deep Throat blush but just ever so slightly more pink than coral.

Calvin Klein Eyeshadow in Artic

This may sound silly to some but I use this eyeshadow as a highlighter. I love it for this purpose because it creates a really natural looking highlight when applied with a light hand. Most other highlighters are too frosty and can accentuate summer oilyness. This has the tiniest of sheen but is mostly a really smooth matte. This works best for a natural everyday look during the summer to bring out the highpoints of my face without adding to my natural grease-glow.

Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion

I reviewed the Banana Boat Self-Tanner here not too long ago because it's become my new favorite drugstore self-tanner. It's ridiculously easy to apply and provides a natural and longer lasting color than any other drugstore product I've tried. At around 7 bucks you can't beat that!

Let me know what your favorites are for July and this summer!

  Hope you all are staying cool and beautiful, 

June 2013 Beauty Favorites

This month has been a laid back, let-my-skin-breath, look-fabulous-with-nothing-on, no-makeup-makeup kind of month. It's getting really hot here, and whether I'm outdoors or in for the day I've been opting for a natural bare-minamalist approach to my makeup routine. Light, bronzed, and healthy.

So Here's What I've Been Loving To Create That:

Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Foundation 

(20% off right now on drugstore.com)

This is a foundation that was a little too dark a few months ago, now it's perfect! I've been wearing this for days when I want real coverage with a natural finish; but this has great staying power on my oily skin. I like to sheer it out just a bit with a damp beautyblender sponge. Otherwise, I've been just wearing some choice concealers instead of foundation.

E.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Cream

How many times have I mentioned this product already? Too much. I love the staying power of a cream and being able to set it with powder; makes everything last so much longer for summer.

Philosophy Lit From Within Healthy Cream Blush in Feel Warm All Over

I love this for the same reason I love the Bronzer from above. Lightly applied cream underneath powder stays SO WELL in summer. The color is also a light pink coral-y color with a glow to it. Looks like I'm naturally blushing and my complexion is bright. (But I will apologize because I think it's discontinued. Philosophy doesn't seem to want to keep make up products around.)

L'oreal MagicLumi Concealer in Fair

I hadn't gotten much use out of this product in the past because I found that it was too dry to use underneath my eyes (which was my original reason in purchasing this; hoping it would brighten up under there). But this month I have discovered the perfect use for it: days that I don't wear a foundation (which has been about every single day) I apply it in areas where I apply normal highlighters and blend it out with my pointed foundation brush. I love doing this because it highlights but it also adds just a tiny bit of coverage so the higher points of my face look flawless without a bunch of foundation on. Easy. Perfect. Love. Obsession this month.

Revlon ColorStay Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch

Since my makeup has been super simple I want products that are quick and handy. I use this as a base for my eyeshadows. I find that it doesn't need much blending out like my favorite eyeshadow primer; this is quick and easy. It's also a little more moisturizing since I don't have as many products on my face in the summer.

Maybelline Expert Wear 8-pan Eye Shadow in Sunbaked Neutrals

This has everything I need and it's tiny. Maybelline eyeshadows have really stepped up their game since I first started using makeup. (Okay, drugstore makeup in general has really been stepping up it's game.) I have brown matte colors to create a natural but defined eye; I have goldy, coppery, and greeny colors for something special, or a pop underneath the lash line; I have a small compact that is easily stashed in a cosmetic bag; I have it ALL in this!

Hard Candy Stroke of Gorgeous Felt Tip Eyeliner in purple

Since I've been wearing really neutral eyeshadow most of the time, I will sometimes opt for a pop of color on my lash line. This is the perfect purple that doesn't scream hey look at me, but it's flattering.  (I do have to set it with powder because it doesn't have the absolute best staying power.) You can find Hard Candy at Walmart.

Maybelline MasterShape Eyebrow Pencil in Soft Brown

Love this. I've repurchased this a few times but always go back and forth between using this and using good ol' powder to define my brows. I find that powder can be more natural, but since I've been using the minimalist approach I figured a nice strong brow looks really good to bring definition to my eye area. It's like applying wax to hold your brow in place and color to define it in one step. Quick and easy; exactly what my summer makeup has been all about.

L'oreal Color Riche Le Balm in Tender Mauve

Love love love this. It gives the perfect amount of color while looking natural, balmy, shiny but not like a lip-gloss, and healthy. Feels great on the lips; hydrating. This color is just slightly darker than my lips; perfect!