Review: Maybelline Brow Drama

This is Maybelline's newest brow gel: Brow Drama in "soft brown." I hate to say I was not all that impressed with this product. I am always on the hunt for great brow products. Since I have blonde lashes & brows, I use mascara and brow tint daily. I typically use a brow wax or pomade on a liner or angled brush, and I set it with a tinted or clear gel. At the moment, I'm using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade. On an everyday basis I set this with the e.l.f. clear brow gel and when I want a bolder look, I use Benefit's gimme brow (see my thoughts on that here).

I love gimme brow, but it's a bit pricey so I'm searching for a cheaper alternative. Unfortunately, this definitely doesn't qualify as a dupe. It doesn't seem to have many fibers or if it does, they're not working to add thickness to my brows. It doesn't help keep my brows firmly in place and doesn't add much tint, either. I was most surprised by the brush shape. It looks like a regular mascara wand but then has a big round bulb on the end. This is really a bad shape for brows. It was much too large to tint my brows without getting onto the surrounding skin. When I try to apply this neatly, I end up not being able to get enough product onto my brows. The product may be ok when applied with a normal brush, but this brush really ruined it for me.

I won't be repurchasing this and my hunt for the perfect brow gel will have to continue. I would really love to find a drugstore brow gel that holds hairs in place and has fibers for added volume. If you have any suggestions, please leave them below so I can check them out! Until then, I'll stick with Benefit!

Spring Blush: MAC Fleur Power Satin Blush

It's finally Spring time! I love Spring - I love the weather, the flowers, and the colors that we typically associate with the season. While I love Fall & Winter, I'm always really happy to break out the pastel nail polishes, bright blushes, and sandals when the weather starts to warm up! This is one of my favorite MAC blushes: Fleur Power. You can probably already tell by the name that it's perfect for Spring & Summer!

I think this is a really great choice for fair skin. It's also a great neutral if you're wearing a bright lip color as it doesn't really clash with much. It's a nice orange-y peach but it's natural enough to wear with other corals, pinks, peaches, and even red lip colors. As with most MAC blushes, a little bit goes a long way. This is a satin finish, so it's not exactly matte but it definitely doesn't have a shimmer. To me, this is the ultimate Spring blush color. Pink, orange, and peach all seem like essential Spring colors. 

As you can see in the swatch above, it's a really beautiful color but very subtle and natural. I love to pair this with Benefit High Beam when I want to brighten up my cheeks even more. However,  I usually wear this on its own without a bronzer or contour because I think it's so pretty that it deserves the spotlight. Because it's not super bright, it provides a tiny bit of a contour, too. With a little highlight on the tops of the cheek bones, this is my favorite spring time look. This would be suitable for natural makeup looks, too. 

What are your favorite MAC blushes? Which products do you love to bring out again when Spring returns? Post your favorite Spring products below!

First Impression: Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

I've seen this mascara many times in the store but I haven't heard much about Neutrogena mascaras so I've never picked it up. I was recently in a Target and decided to try this out. I got it in the shade "carbon black." It's a really skinny tube and it's packaged with the brush separate from the tube. So, when you open it for the first time, you open the mascara tube and insert the clean brush. This mascara claims to lengthen lashes 100% and includes vitamin E, olive oil, and antioxidants to increase lash health as well. It is anti-clumping, flaking, and smudging. 

The first thing I noticed about this mascara was the consistency. It's a lot thicker than the mascaras I typically use. I could tell it was a much thicker formula as soon as I inserted the brush. I noticed that this is beneficial when applying as it's a lot less messy, doesn't smudge onto my eyelids, and doesn't flake off onto my cheeks when I put it on. I was a little worried that would mean it'd be clumpy, but actually the opposite was true.

The first time I applied this, the first thing I noticed was how natural it looked. After applying one coat, it looked like I had naturally black, full lashes. It coated every lash but remained soft to the touch. I applied a few more coats to build up length and volume and was really happy with the finished product. This is definitely not a dramatic mascara - even after several coats it's very natural-looking. This would be a perfect "no makeup" mascara, a base coat, or a good everyday mascara if you're looking for something a little more subtle. 

This was just under $8 at Target and can be found in most drugstores and also at Ulta. It's a great mascara to keep in your makeup bag or to take when traveling because of its slim tube!

I've only been using this for about a week so I can't review it's lash lengthening properties, but I would repurchase just because I liked the product. I've actually been using this as a base mascara because it separates lashes and coats them so they're totally black. Then, I go in with just one coat of a different mascara to add a bit more length and thickness for a bolder look. I have used this several times on "no makeup" days and I really love the way it looks just on its own. I've also been using this on my bottom lashes and it has not smudged at all.

Have you tried this lengthening mascara? Did you see any results? Let me know! I will provide an update after I've been using it consistently for several weeks.

Products I Love: Smith's Rose Salve Balm

I am obsessed with this lip balm. I have been using this for so long - I remember always having a tin of this when I was a little girl. When I rediscovered it years later in Sephora, I was dying for that minty rose scent again. I picked up the Rosebud Perfume Co.'s Minted Rose Lip Balm tin and have gone through several since then. It smells amazing, it's adds the slightest pink tint to my lips, it's very hydrating, and makes my lips look instantly soft and moisturized. 

When I was in Sephora again recently, I had already browsed through the mini items near the register and was actually on my way out when salve tube caught my eye. I had to go back and purchase the tube because I love the tin version so much but it's not as convenient or hygienic. Sephora calls it a "cult-favorite" and I have to agree; I have loved that balm for years and it's perfect for anyone at any age! 

I also love the packaging! It's very antique-looking and classic. The tin seals really tightly as well so it never gets dirty or opens up when it's floating around my handbag. These are both technically salves so they can be used for other things such as scrapes and burns, although I haven't tried them for anything other than dry or chapped lips. Their website claims that the salves can be used to tame unruly brows, flyaway hairs, to add a dewy finish on cheek bones, etc. 

The tin version definitely adds more shine and a bit more tint to my lips, but the tube is super easy to throw in my handbag and quickly apply some balm on the go. Also, I believe the tube is just rosebud scent rather than minted rose. I have to say I prefer the minted rose option, but I love the smell of roses and Rosebud Perfume Co. manages to capture the rose scent without it being overwhelming or too floral. These are perfect for everyday wear; they can be applied alone or on top of lipsticks or pencils to add a glossy finish. 

Like I mentioned, I picked both of these up at Sephora, but you can also find these (and tons of other products) on the Rosebud Perfume Co. website. I also have the strawberry lip balm and I love it as well. Again, it's a scent that reminds me of when I had this as a child. The tins go for $7 and the tube for $6 so they're super affordable and last forever! I have a feeling I will get through the tube much quicker since it's so easy to apply.

Have you tried any Rosebud Perfume Co. products? Do you regularly use salves? Let me know in the comments!

Products I Love - My Top 5 Favorite Lush Products

I'm a huge Lush fan. All-natural, hand-made, never tested on animals, amazing scents, real ingredients - what's not to love? I can honestly say I've never purchased something from Lush that I didn't like. Unfortunately, the closest Lush store to me isn't all that close, so every time I get a chance to pop into the store I pick up my old favorites and try out some new things as well. I have several Lush products that are a part of my regular routine, and some that I save for special occasions or pamper nights. 

On a regular basis, I use their Breath of Fresh Air Toner. Don't let the word "toner" throw you off - this is basically just a facial mist. It's not at all drying and doesn't have any alcohol in it like a lot of traditional toners. Facial mists are so refreshing; I love to use this during the summer when it's super hot outside. It's made with seawater, seaweed extract, & aloe vera so it's very soothing and moisturizing. I spritz this onto clean skin and then follow up with a moisturizer. 

Another favorite of mine is the Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub. I keep this in my shower and use it weekly on my body. It's made with sea salt, lime, and vodka so it's refreshing and gives your skin a very deep clean, but it also has avocado and coconut to keep skin moisturized. When my face is feeling particularly dry, I use this as a facial scrub, too. I love the smell of this! Reminds me of the beach.

One of my favorite cleansers to use in the morning is Angels on Bare Skin. I have very dry skin, so while I remove my makeup and cleanse with a more heavy-duty cleanser at night, in the mornings, I like to use something gentle and moisturizing. I don't like to strip my skin of necessary oils in the morning. This cleanser doesn't really lather or foam up like some cleansers, and because of the ingredients and consistency, it gently exfoliates as well. 

My new favorite from Lush is the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner. I picked this up a few weeks ago and I have been obsessed with it since then. This is a shower lotion. Yes, a shower lotion. This is meant to be applied to damp skin while you're still in the shower and then rinsed off before getting out of the shower. This. Smells. So. Good. I could smell this all day. It's made with rose, cocoa butter, almond and Argan oils. I'm pretty lazy when it comes to moisturizing my skin after a shower and this becomes a bigger issue in the winter when my skin is much drier. Slathering this on in the shower and rinsing it off quickly is much easier and it leaves my skin so soft and hydrated. I have used this every other shower and I have not had any dryness at all. It was a little pricey at almost $35 for about 8 and a half ounces, but I will definitely be repurchasing this. It was totally worth the price to me - it feels so luxurious on the skin, smells amazing, and really works. Also, it doesn't take much to really moisturize a large portion. I still have more than half of the pot left and I've been using this for several weeks now. 

My last Lush staple is their Butter Ball Bath Bomb. I love to try out all their seasonal bath products, but this is one that I always pick up to use when I feel like a nice luxurious bath. It smells so good - like creamy vanilla and cocoa butter. This fizzes up as soon as you drop into your bath, makes the whole room smell like warm vanilla, and rehydrates skin that may have been dehydrated by a hot bath. I keep a few of these in my bathroom and they scent the entire room. 

I love making a trip to the Lush store to see what new bath bombs they have and any other products I need to try. Let me know what you can't live without from Lush!

Until next time! xoxo

Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara - Review

There hasn't been much hype around this mascara (I can't figure out why) but I spotted it in Sephora and decided to give it a try. I'm a long-time fan of simple, old-fashioned mascara wands. I'm not a huge lover of plastic brushes, curved brushes, fancy wands, etc. I tend to stick to more basic brushes and I find that they give more volume and length without clumping or getting all over my eyelids. I love the packaging of this - it's a bamboo tube with simple but cute labeling and design. The wand is just a normal mascara wand, nothing crazy; it reminded me of my all-time favorite, holy grail mascara - the L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black formula. 

I love the brush! It's fat (but not so much that it makes a mess when applying) and fluffy and gives really great volume and length. It holds a curl but it isn't difficult to remove. I never have problems with smudging, running, or it wearing off after a long day. This is definitely one of my new favorite mascaras! I also like the smell (weird?) it's a bit sweet and almost vanilla-like. A little weird in a mascara, but I'm not complaining.

I will definitely repurchase this mascara. I feel that it doesn't damage my lashes much (if at all) because it's easy to remove and the formula doesn't feel too harsh. In fact, I was noticing such a change in my lashes that I decided to look up the description of this mascara to see if it's meant to improve the quality of your lashes. Sephora's description of the gifted mascara claims that it's meant to repair, strengthen, and rebuild lashes. I can definitely see the results after just a couple weeks! It's easy to apply - only takes a couple coats and you're ready to go. Even without curling my lashes, it adds volume, length & lift. I have also tried the Lights, Camera, Flashes statement mascara by Tarte (you can read my thoughts on it here) but I definitely prefer this formula. It's perfect for everyday wear and could easily be a staple in your vanity. 

A bonus is that it's formulated without mineral oil, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Also, Tarte does not test on animals!

What are your favorite mascaras? Do you prefer a traditional brush or a plastic one? Let me know in the comments!

Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat - First Impression

Just a quick first impression of this gel polish! I got this as a free gift with my VIB points at Sephora. I'm a big fan of the slightly pink natural nail polish. My all-time favorite is the Dior Nail Glow which costs a whopping $27 but looks so natural and pretty on my nails. When I saw this as a gift option, I knew I had to try it! 

A pink-toned clear polish is a perfect option when you need to swipe something onto naked nails in a hurry. You don't have to worry about being precise or getting any on your skin, because you won't be able to tell anyway. Also since it's "clear" you don't have to use so many coats - I swipe on a coat or two and that allows it to dry quickly so I can move on. Perhaps the best part about wearing a natural shade like this is that the nicks and chips don't show. I use this during busy weeks because if it chips, no one will be able to tell and you can wear it a lot longer before it starts to look worn. This polish claims to strengthen and brighten your nails. My first impression is that it dries really quickly, but it's not as rosy as the Dior version. It also really stinks - like a very strong top coat. The full version of this is $30 for .6 oz., which is still much cheaper than the Dior version ($27 for .33 oz.). I would imagine that the .6 oz. bottle would last a long time. I use my Dior polish more than any other polish I own and I haven't made much of a dent yet. After 2 days of wear, I don't see any chips in the polish. It is super shiny like a gel and seems to be holding up much better than Nail Glow usually does. My only complaint is that it really isn't very pink. I think next time I'll try 2 coats of Nail Glow and top it off with a coat of this Perfect Formula polish. Maybe that will be the magic combination!

What are your favorite natural nail shades? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time... xoxo!

Products I Love: BeautyBlender & BlenderCleanser

I'm in love with my beauty blender!! I was holding out for quite a while and using off-brand (Sephora, Ulta, etc.) beauty sponges, and I did NOT know what I was missing. This has totally changed the look of my makeup, particularly my foundation. It blends foundation, tinted moisturizer, concealer, and whatever else seamlessly and it's amazing on my dry skin. I know I'm a little late to the party on this one, but if you're like me and you've been holding out because of the hype or the price, I'm telling you it's worth it! It's definitely not your average makeup sponge. I guess it's the material they used, but its so soft and bouncy and it just blends foundation so well and pushes it directly into your skin instead of smearing it around. I have been using mine for a few months now and I still love it so much.

I rinse it out before using and just squeeze most of the water out - leaving it a little bit damp. I dot my foundation onto my skin and then use the damp sponge to blend it in. Then, I repeat the same steps with my concealer. I use the larger end for foundation and the larger parts of my face and the tapered end for under eye concealer so I can easily blend it under my eyes and in the inner corners. 

I got mine at Sephora for around $20 and it has lasted me several months. I just recently picked up the BlenderCleanser Solid which is actually just a little bar of soap formulated for the beauty blender. It's supposedly safe to use with it because it doesn't damage the material. I have heard that if you try to use regular soap or brush cleaner, it can dissolve the material and take chunks out of the sponge. I was a little hesitant to buy the soap, I actually thought to just buy a whole new beauty blender instead (it's only about $5 more), but I picked up a sample with my VIB points and it cleans the sponge SO well! After I was finished washing it, it looked brand new. Definitely worth buying, and you could (and probably should) clean it bi-weekly or so and your beauty blender will probably stay in really good condition.

Have you caved and tried this famous sponge? Let me know your favorite foundation-application methods below and how you clean your makeup sponges!

Until next time! xoxo

Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade

I've been a long-time fan of brow "pomades" or "waxes" and I prefer them over pencils and/or powders. Having lighter brows, it's an everyday must for me! For several years I've used the e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit in medium and it's the perfect shade for me. It's not too light or too dark, and most importantly, it isn't red. I have a problem finding eyebrow products because 90% of the brow tints/pencils/powders/etc. on the market are way too red. Since I have light brows, any warm tones show up really vividly and end up looking much too red. When I first picked up a DIPBROW pot, I chose the shade "caramel" and it was definitely too warm and yellowy. I ended up returning it for the shade "taupe" and, while it's better, I'm still not convinced this is my perfect shade. I'm thinking I need to head back to Sephora and try "soft brown" or even "medium brown." 

Regardless of the shade, I love this product! It makes my brows look flawless, sculpted, and perfectly tinted in just a few swipes with my favorite eyeliner brush by e.l.f. It doesn't budge, and it stays looking perfect all day long. This shade, "taupe," is a bit green or maybe too ashy, but it doesn't have the warm tones like the "caramel" shade, so it's a better fit, but I still think I'd prefer a more neutral shade. Luckily, Anastasia has a pretty large range of shades - I was surprised by the number of options (11 total). You have plenty of warm, cool, and neutral shades to choose from. It's hard to find the perfect shade, I think, without using the product on your brows. Swatching on your hand can give you a preview of the color, but you can't really tell which shade is best without applying it directly. Luckily, Sephora is great about returns!

When going to check this out for the first time, I was expecting it to be really pricey. Anastasia Beverly Hills is definitely a more high-end brand and for brow products, they're usually a bit expensive. However, I was happily surprised with the price. This .14 oz. pot costs $20 and you barely need any product to get the desired look. I use a ton of the e.l.f. pomade in comparison with the amount of this that it takes to get really sculpted and flawless brows. I imagine this would last for a really long time. In my opinion, totally worth it!

I'll let you guys know if I find a shade I like better than taupe! If you've tried any brow pomades or waxes that you love, please let me know!

Until next time - xoxo

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Touch Up Review

I picked this up a few months ago at Ulta where they have a really large selection of Bare Minerals products. I actually found this near the register (gets me every time) on my way out. I have tried mineral veil before and it's a product I always go back to. For me, it would be the perfect product if I could change one thing. I hate loose powders! They're so messy, especially if you want to keep one in your handbag. The powder gets everywhere and when you open the lid you end up dusting it all over yourself. I decided to try this because it's in a compact and it has a mirror. It comes with the standard pad/sponge inside but it also comes with a mini brush, which is nice for traveling. This is perfect to throw in your makeup bag or take it to-go in your handbag. I also like the idea that it adds a little glow. 

Let's be honest - the packaging is what made me buy this. It's super cute and seemed to be very handy for on-the-go situations. I really like Bare Minerals brushes, too, so I was happy that this came with a travel-sized powder brush. I've mentioned before that since I'm very dry, I don't usually powder my face. However, on really hot days, oily days, or days that I know I'm going to be wearing makeup for an extended period of time, I like to at least set my under-eye concealer. Lately, I have been using this under my eyes and in my t-zone to set everything and keep it matte (but not flat) on long days out. This never looks cakey, it sets everything really well, and illuminates without being sparkly or shiny. I have been using it so much, I may pick up a full-size illuminating mineral veil to set my makeup, and keep this in my handbag for touch ups. They also have a pressed translucent touch up powder (full size) if you're not into loose powders. 

I've been really happy with the brush, too. It's soft and the perfect size to set under eye concealer and touch up smaller areas on the face (like the t-zone). I've been using this for my t-zone and anywhere else I tend to get oily after a long day, and this Real Techniques setting brush for under my eyes. I'm not usually a fan of powder mineral foundations, but Bare Minerals has so many other products to offer. They have expanded so much and they really seem to have something for everyone. Some other products I love include their bronzer and sometimes their loose powder mineral foundation to set my liquid foundation and add a bit of extra coverage. 

What are your favorite Bare Mineral products? What products do you use to set under eye concealer and/or ward off an oily t-zone? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time... xoxo

Disappointing Product: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch highlighting concealer

Sorry, Maybelline, I still love you... but this product was a miss for me. I picked up the Dream Lumi Touch highlighting concealer hoping it would be a similar product (maybe even a dupe) to the YSL Touche Eclat, which is a pricey $41. The Dream Lumi Touch is around $8 so I thought I'd give it a try. I was pretty disappointed with the product. Disclaimer: I have not yet mustered the strength to splurge on the YSL original, so I can't compare the two. I can only tell you what I thought about the Maybelline version on its own - compared only to my thoughts on how it should or is supposed to look. The YSL touche éclat is definitely on my wish list, but a major splurge item. 

There are tons of Maybelline products that I love, but I do find it hit and miss with skin products sometimes. I believe this is solely because of my skin tone. Maybelline tends to be on the warmer side of the spectrum and a lot of their face products can be too warm or too orange on my skin. This is no fault of the brand, it just simply doesn't work as well as some other brands with my skin tone. That being said, I still have several Maybelline foundations, concealers, powders, etc. that do work with my skin and look great. 

The shade I picked out is a pink-toned highlighting color. I knew I would be using this as a highlight rather than a concealer. I understand the same is true with the YSL product - it's not so much an under-eye concealer as it is a highlighting pen - meant to highlight, not necessarily cover up. Because I had read reviews on the touche éclat, I went for a pinky/salmon shade rather than a normal "ivory" shade because I wanted to test this out as a YSL dupe, rather than just another under eye concealer. I was planning to use this on my cheekbones as a creamy highlighting product.

My first complaint is the packaging. I'm not a big fan of the twist-up brush applicators. As you can see in the photo, things get messy pretty quickly. The packaging also felt very light and cheap, which is probably true as it only costs $8. Also, I had to twist forever to get any product to come out. Another reason I hate this sort of packaging is because you can't tell how much product you're dispensing. I might twist 5 times and get nothing... so I twist another 5 times and tons of concealer comes spewing out. My advice is twist slowly and be patient. The color is my second complaint. I know I chose a rosy shade (radiant 310), but it's much too pink. It comes off as a salmon color that's a little too orange and a little too pink. It just doesn't look good on my skin. I think I could possibly make the shade work better if it had a different formulation, but the consistency of the product is my biggest and final complaint. It's thick and dry... it doesn't blend well or easily and it ends up just being a cakey mess. You can see the lines where the highlight ends and your skin begins. It never seems to blend in seamlessly no matter what application method I try. 

You may be able to tell just from the photo how it settles into fine lines, looks thick and cakey, and doesn't have the right silky consistency that these type of products need to look good. You can also see the color here - it's a very bold salmon color that just isn't flattering on my skin tone. I have not tried any other shades of this product simply because I wasn't a fan of the formulation, but I could have just picked the wrong shade for my coloring. Maybe I should have gone with my trusty "ivory" pick, instead. I don't think I'll be finishing this product as I can't figure out a way to use it that works. 

Have you tried the Dream Lumi Touch highlighter? What were your thoughts? I'm also open to other drug store highlighting pen suggestions! I will still keep the YSL touche éclat on my list - let me know your thoughts on that as well! Is it worth the splurge?! Let me know in the comments!

Until next time! xoxo

Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner Review

The name is definitely a mouthful, but the ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner is the best eyeliner I have ever used. I use this daily, no matter what. Whether I'm sporting a full face of makeup or having a "no makeup" makeup day, I always use this liner. I like to tight line my eyes most of the time, and I tend to prefer tight lining over a winged liner or smokey eye. Even with minimal makeup, tight lining really adds thickness to your lashes and frames your eyes. 

Two things I look for in a standard black liner are water resistance and softness. I like a really smooshy liner so that it applies easily to the inner lids without pulling or tugging on my eyes. This glides on and the liner is really dark and pigmented. Sometimes the waterline is... well, watery and it can be difficult to get liner to "stick," but not this one. My other requirement is that it's waterproof. Again, your waterline can be a tricky place to not only apply makeup, but also make it last. This liner lasts all day and night on my waterline and never smudges or fades. If you swatch this on your hand, you can see that it won't budge after it dries. This is especially useful if you have watery eyes, allergies, etc. 

As you can see, I have just about used up my last pencil and have already repurchased a backup. I keep one of these on hand at all times. I have tried several other similar drugstore options and nothing else compares. If you like to tight line your eyes, or are looking for a really good waterproof liner, I highly recommend this! Also, since it's Rimmel, you can find it at your local drugstore for under $5. They offer a range of other colors as well. My only complaint about this liner is that you have to sharpen it. I am always on the hunt for a twist-up liner that is just as black, just as waterproof, but still soft and easy to apply.

If you've found a liner ever better than this one, please let me know in the comments! If you haven't tried this yet, I would definitely recommend it. Tweet or Instagram me with your pics, favorite liners, etc!

Until next time! xoxo

MAC bronzing powder & Sigma F05 Brush Reviews

MAC Bronzing Powder in "Golden" & Sigma Small Contour F05 Brush

Bronzer can be really tricky when you have fair skin. It takes a lot of trial and error to find the perfect one, and when you do - you tend to stick to it. I have been using this bronzing powder by MAC for years, and I always come back to it. It is probably my holy-grail bronzer. As always, the quality is very good and it's just formulated really nicely. I don't use a lot of bronzers, but this has always been a staple in my makeup drawer. It's not matte, but it isn't shimmery either. It has a glow to it, but it's subtle enough that this can still be used as a contour shade. I use this not only as a cheek bone contour  but all over my face, too. Golden is the lightest shade, and it's the perfect color for my skin tone. I struggle to find a good bronzer because they're always much too dark and I have to dip my brush in very lightly, be sure to dust off most of the product, and then blend like crazy to make sure it doesn't look scary. I also struggle with finding bronzers that don't show up orange. In my opinion, an orange face is one of the biggest makeup faux pas. This is light, but buildable. I start off with just a little, and if I wanted a more intense contour, or to add more color to my face, I can build up the color to be pretty dark. I definitely see myself continuing to repurchase this - even if I try out other products, it's nice to have this as a trusted back-up. On darker skin tones, this would give a really nice glow all over the skin, perfect in the summer. 

I recently placed an order with Sigma specifically for a small counter brush. I found the F05 small contour brush and knew it would be perfect. I'm a big fan of Sigma brushes - I always check their website before I look anywhere else. They are really high quality brushes - right up there with MAC brushes, but they're a fraction of the price. Literally, they are half the price of MAC brushes. This small contour brush is $21 which, in my mind, is still a lot to spend on one makeup brush. The MAC version of this particular brush is a whopping $35. I still think the $21 was a splurge, but I had really been wanting a small brush with this exact shape just for contouring, which is something I do quite a lot, so I felt it would be worth it. As usual, I was not let down! I love this brush - it's perfect for contouring. It gets right into the hollow space under my cheekbone for a really precise application. As with all Sigma brushes, it's super soft and never sheds. Another perk about shopping with Sigma is that they always have a promotion or sale going on. Free shipping? Yes, please!

These two products are a match made in heaven. I have been using them together daily and have a feeling they will be making their way into my January favorites! What are your favorite bronzers? I would love to try out a good drugstore bronzing powder. Let me know in the comments!

Until next time... xoxo



PS - Don't forget to check out my "52 Books in 52 Weeks" book giveaway! 

Foundation Friday: Laura Mercier, Revlon, & NARS

#FoundationFriday

I wanted to put the spotlight on these foundations that I've been loving recently. There's something for every skin type and every budget. I've tried and tested these so that I'm able to do a complete review on them and share with you exactly why I love them so much. If you're looking to change up your foundation routine in the new year - this post is for you. You won't be disappointed with these fab foundation options.

I wanted to start out with the most affordable option - the Revlon Nearly Naked foundation is a beloved staple I've used for quite a while. For just around $10 (1 oz.), this is super affordable, which makes it the easiest to try out. It has very light but buildable coverage - one layer will give you a really natural finish, but you can add another layer or two in any areas where you like more coverage. This never cakes or clings to dry patches and it always looks like natural skin. I have this in the shade "ivory," which is their lightest shade. I love Revlon's color ranges, especially if you are fair. Their "ivory" shade is a perfect match for my skin at its palest and never looks orange or too dark. This could easily be your new "everyday" foundation. If you have oily skin, you can set this with your favorite setting powder for all-day lasting power. If you're like me and have dry skin, this on it's own has great staying power and never breaks up or sticks to dry skin after a long day.

NARS Sheer Glow foundation is a fan favorite - I was a little late to jump on the bandwagon but I'm glad I finally did! This goes for around $45 (1 oz.) at Sephora, so it's definitely pricier than my drugstore favorites, but I think the quality matches the price. The packaging is really luxurious and nice (you can purchase a pump for an additional $6) and the formula truly feels like a nice high-end foundation. It's smooth and creamy, but it has a thin consistency so it's still sheer and perfect for dryer skin types. I use this in the shade Siberia and it's a good match for my skin tone. This foundation (or, at least, this particular shade) has very yellow undertones to it. This is really nice if you suffer from redness or have pink-toned skin. This helps even out my skin to give me a neutral complexion and it masks any redness (including redness from breakouts). If you have oily skin, there's a sheer matte option. This doesn't ever irritate my skin as it's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. A little bit of this foundation goes a long way and it can get cakey if you apply too much. If you do apply too much on the first application, don't set it with a powder, use a damp beauty blender and give it some time to sink into your skin. After it oxidizes and settles, it looks much more natural. I will definitely repurchase this when it runs out (which will be a while since a little goes such a long way) and it pairs perfectly with the NARS radiant creamy concealer. I apply this a little at a time with a damp beauty blender and sometimes set my under eye area with a translucent setting powder.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide has easily become my all-time favorite foundation. This was definitely a splurge at $48 (1 oz.), but I really love it. It's oil-free but it has "reflective waters" that add a glow to the formula so it looks really nice and dewy on dry skin. This is packaged in a sort of tube that you have to really shake well to mix up the "two part formula." I shake this for a good 10 seconds before I apply it. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the packaging - when you open it, because the foundation is thin, it leaks into the cap and you lose some of the product. Sometimes it squirts out after shaking, too. That being said, the formulation more than makes up for the packaging. It looks so beautiful on - I get compliments every time I wear this and it really does give a flawless finish. I use it in the shade "creme" and it's a good match for my skin. Again, it's lightweight but you can apply several layers to add coverage. I don't use this everyday because it's the priciest of my foundation options, but it's perfect for a night out or special occasions. It's definitely worth the price, in my opinion. It's also the slimmest out of the 3, so it would be perfect to throw in a makeup bag or for traveling. Before you buy - make sure to test out the shades, as I thought I would be the lightest (as usual) but actually went for the 3rd shade as it matched my skin tone better. The range is not necessarily sorted from lightest to darkest.

Are you a fan of any of these foundations? What are your #FoundationFriday favorites? Let me know below!

Until next time! xoxo

Review: Sephora Collection Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer

I don't usually use primers (other than the L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer when I need an added glow), but I picked this up before a big event because I wanted my makeup to look good in photographs and really achieve that flawless face look. This Sephora Collection primer creates a perfectly smooth surface by smoothing over fine lines, wrinkles, etc. to allow your foundation to glide over skin and sit nicely on skin, rather than settling into any fine lines. This really does make my foundation look ultra-smooth and perfect. I don't feel like this is a product I need daily, as I don't usually wear makeup for prolonged periods and since I'm not oily, my foundation doesn't typically slide around on my face. However, this is really handy for an event or special occasion or any time when you need your foundation to stay in place and look flawless and silky all day and night. I paid around $15 for this half ounce bottle and it will definitely last me a while. I use about half of a pea-sized amount for my entire face. 

Again, I don't typically reach for primers unless there's something specific that I'm looking to achieve. For day-to-day foundation wear, I wouldn't use a primer, but this is affordable and effective enough to be used daily if that's something you need in your makeup routine. It's a really nice silky, velvety consistency, blends easily into the skin and does all that it claims to. There are a few other varieties that Sephora offers for anti-shine and other issues, but this seems to be the standard option. It's packaged nicely in a sleek bottle with an airless pump and secure lid so it won't leak. It's paraben free and can be used all over the face, including eyelids, so it can double as an eyeshadow primer. 

I would definitely recommend this if you're in the market for an everyday or all-purpose primer that's affordable and really works! I have tried several Sephora Collection products and I've been happy with them all so far. 

What's your favorite primer? Do you use a primer daily or only on certain occasions? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time! xoxo

Disappointing Products: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil

I recently made a trip to Sephora to pick up some skincare items for a special event I had coming up. I love Clinique and wanted a few skincare products - some I've tried and loved and some I have not yet tried out. As you know, I'm a sucker for cleansing oils. A while back, before I was into cleansing oils, I remember Tanya Burr mentioning a Clinique "Take the Day Off" cleansing balm. I kept that recommendation in the back of my mind and when I was at Sephora last week, I decided to finally check out the range. Included in the Take the Day Off range is a cleansing oil. Obviously, I had to try it. 

Clinique take the day off cleansing oil

This pains me to say it was a disappointing product because I absolutely love Clinique products - especially their skincare. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed by this product and cannot continue to use it. I love the formula - it's so silky and smooth and it really dissolves makeup quickly and completely. There's no obnoxious smell and at first, I was really pleased with the oil. However, as soon as I began to remove my eye makeup, it started to sting my eyes pretty badly. I realize this will not be a problem for everyone - as different products react differently with each person, but it was so intense that I definitely won't be using it again. I'm sad that I have to return this. I'm not sure if there's a particular ingredient in this formula that isn't in my other cleansing oils, but this does seem to be a lot less natural than The Body Shop version. I ended up with red, watery eyes that stung all night.

Although the ingredients didn't agree with me, I thought the name of this range was really cute and unique. I definitely want my evening skincare products to "take the day off" and leave my skin feeling fresh and clean. I also love the packaging. I wish all cleansing oils would take note of this! The pump lid twists into a locked position so that it doesn't leak (perfect for traveling). It's also in a pretty translucent purple bottle which looks nice and would be suitable to be displayed on a bathroom counter. It's definitely the best packaging out of all the oils I've tried. If this didn't burn my eyes it would be a definite winner. 

Even though this product isn't for me, it hasn't put me off Clinique. Some of my favorite skincare products are made by Clinique and I will continue to try out their other lines. I don't think I'll be trying any more from this particular range, but my quest for the perfect cleansing oil will continue! Another thing to consider if you're looking to try this product is the price. It's the priciest oil so far - going for $27 for 6.7 oz. The Garnier oil is the cheapest at just under $8 for 4.2 oz., and The Body Shop oil goes for $18 for an even larger (6.75 oz.) bottle. 

Have you tried this oil or any other products from the "take the day off" range? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments. As always, I'm still accepting recommendations for other cleansing oils!

Until next time! xoxo