I'm back again with another monthly favorites round up, so here is all my absolute favorite beauty products from the past month! Can we also talk about how it is now March - FINALLY! - which means Spring, and all good things that come with it are right around the corner!
I've been keeping my face makeup pretty simple this past month - it has pretty well just consisted of my Loreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB, which is my favorite drugstore BB cream by far. Prior to applying the BB cream I've gotten back into the habit of applying Maybelline Baby Skin as my pores have been extra noticeable the past while. My go to concealer has been the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch which I've been especially focusing on the inner corner of my eyes, and along my cheek bones for a nice highlight/brightening effect.
I've been really slacking on my self tanning the last while, so to give my face a little bit of color and glow I've been loving the combo of Rimmel Natural Bronzer to warm up and contour slightly, and this Mac blush in Fleet Fast. This blush has a satin finish which gives a lighter wash of color, perfect for my pale skin at the moment.
As for my eye makeup I've been keeping it pretty standard with my UD Naked Basics - I've been putting Naked2 all over the lid, Foxy on my brow bone and inner corner, and finally blending a bit of Faint into the crease. I've been using my Maybelline Gel Liner in Blackest Black for my tight line - so super black and lasts all day long! Lastly I've been re-loving my Maybelline Illegal Length mascara - it gives such a nice length and lift to my lashes without clumping, and creates a nice soft look that is perfect for everyday.
Hey guys! So this is just a super quick post to give you a run down of one of my favorite eye looks I've been doing lately. It's super quick and simple and I've been loving how these colors make my eyes seem to pop.
I've been using my Mac paint pot in Painterly as a base. I then take my Naked 2 palette and apply Foxy on my brow bone and inner third of my eyelid as well. Next I take Tease (my favorite shade from this palette), and apply it all over the lid and just to the crease. I take a fluffy blending brush with more Foxy on it and blend it into the crease so both colors transition nicely into one another. To deepen up the outer portion of the lid and into the crease I apply Busted.
To finish off the look I apply a mixture of Busted and Tease to the bottom lash line. I then apply my favorite liquid liner - Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense, and Loreal Miss Manga mascara - full review of this mascara here. I always highlight my inner corner very last, and for that I take Bootycall on a small precision brush and apply it to my inner corner as well as a very light touch under the brow.
I don't know what it is about January but I always seem to be caught off guard at the end of it thinking - where did the month even go? All of a sudden its January 27th and I'm finding myself rushing to gather my monthly favorites together so I can finally get one of these posts up at the end of the actual month I'm talking about (lets cross our fingers I make it happen more than once!). Without further delay, lets get into these favorites, and start also making our way through the shortest (and most gloomy in my opinion) month of the year.
First off, I found myself reaching for these couple face makeup items pretty much every single day this month except for the days I wore no makeup at all. Loreal True Match foundation was always a favorite of mine, and after repurchasing it a couple months back I've found it back in my everyday makeup bag from the depths of my makeup drawers. Perfectly paired with the foundation was my Benefit Erase Pastewhich does a double duty of blemish and under eye concealing. I've been pretty constant on my bronzer and concealer this month as well - Nars Laguna Bronzer paired with the Rimmelblush in Pink Rose have been my dream combo.
As for the rest of my makeup I've been keeping it pretty simple as well. I've really been enjoying a more simple eye look with lots of mascara - the one I haven't been able to keep my hands off of is Loreal Miss Manga which I did a full review of this month as well. As for lips I have to say a shout out to one of my favorite bloggers and fellow Canadians Estee (Essie Button), as I saw in her Best Beauty Products of 2014 video that she mentioned the Revlon Balm Stain in Honey was a favorite of hers. Lets just say any lip product specifically that Estee calls her favorite of the entire year has got to be purchased, like.. yesterday.
(Top to bottom) Nars Laguna, Rimmel Pink Rose, Revlon Honey
There you have it guys! A very small but to the point January Beauty Favorites! Comment down below with some of the products you've enjoyed this month!
Foundation is one of those very individual things, and I know everyone has a different preference - dewy, natural, matte, light/full coverage etc - and everyone also has different skin types, which makes it difficult to wear certain types of foundation. I tried to choose a variety for this post so that there is something for pretty well everyone. As I've said in many a post before, my skin is combination. All these foundations work well for me, it just depends on what finish or coverage level I'm looking for on any given day.
The first two I grabbed are both similar in that they leave a more dewy finish to the skin - not in the 'I just left the gym' kind of way though. Maybelline Fit Me is a wonderful one for a nice medium coverage, and leaves the skin looking dewy, but not oily. It does have an spf built in which is great for protection your skin, but should be avoided if you're planning on getting your picture taken - white cast is bad news! Rimmel Wake Me Up is my other favorite drugstore foundation in the glowy catagory. This has a very, very fine shimmer to it which reflects the light giving you a lovely 'lit from within' look. It's medium coverage, and I especially love this foundation for this time of year because of the glow, and the fact that it gives any dry areas on my face a little extra moisture.
If you're not so much into the dewy look, these next three will be more your style. If you're after the most matte face possible, Rimmel Stay Matte is right up your alley. This is probably the most mattifying foundation I've ever tried - if your curious about the finer details, you can read my full review of it here. Loreal True Match foundation is much more a middle of the road type of foundation. I would call it medium to full coverage, and because it is oil free I feel it does a good job of keeping oily areas at bay, but does not have the extreme matte effect of the Rimmel Stay Matte.
My last pick, and my most favorite as of lately goes out to Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous. I've raved about this for about two straight months now - I've done a full review that you can read here - but to sum it up, it's a long wearing foundation with medium to full coverage that keeps your skin looking matte and flawless all day. The price point of this (about 6-8$CAD) for the quality is simply astounding. I think it's safe to say I'll continue to be raving about this for many months to come.
Throw a comment below on some of your favorite drugstore foundations!
Being rushed in the morning to get all the things done that you need to before you have to get out the door and on with what your day entails can be a struggle for everyone. Some days I just find myself wondering where the time has gone, and realize I need to get myself publicly presentable in only a matter of minutes.
The look may change slightly (specifically my lip color of choice), but in general these are the products I use to get my face and hair looking fresh and awake without taking up any extra time.
When time is of the essence I love to reach for a BB Cream. I've really enjoyed this Loreal Skin Beautifier BB - it primes, perfects, hydrates and corrects. It leaves my skin looking good and natural, but much improved on my bare face. Once I've applied my base I have to reach for a good concealer. The one I love to reach for is the Maybelline Age Rewind because it conceals my under eye circles, and also does a nice light cover up of any blemishes I may have going on.
Brows are a must for me, I just don't feel like I look right if I don't give my brows a quick fill in. This Revlon Brow Fantasy is the quickest and best for the job, and there has been a reason I've been raving about it constantly lately. It's both a pencil and brow gel, so it seriously doesn't get any easier than this two in one product.
To wake myself up a little more I like to add just a touch of color to my eyelids, and the easiest way for me to do that is with a cream product. You all know I love my Mac Paint Pots, but I adore the Maybelline Color Tattoos as well - today I used the shade 'Bad to the Bronze', simply applied with my finger tips.
We're almost there, next is mascara. Obviously any mascara will work the exact same, I've just been really love this Miss Manga mascara from Loreal. When it comes down to it I can really skip the cream shadow step, but there is absolutely no skipping mascara for me, I truly don't feel human without it.
Finally I like to add a touch of color and moisture to my lips, and my favorite product for being able to accomplish both is the Revlon Lip Butters - today I went with the shade 'sweet tart'. Once I've gotten all that done I spray some dry shampoo through my hair to freshen it up and then do my go to quick hair style of a couple bobby pins to pin my hair half up.
There you have it! The products I use and steps involved in me getting ready in a rush!
Like a faithful beauty blogger I am always up for trying a new mascara - I feel like I'm on an eternal search for the perfect mascara. I don't believe this is a super new product in stores but I felt instantly drawn to the packaging, and I've also heard some positive reviews floating around so I thought I would give it a shot. This is actually the first Loreal mascara I've picked up in a long time. Lately I've been more devoted to my Covergirl and Maybelline ones, but it's always nice to switch things up!
The Claim:
Voluminous Miss Manga Black Angel mascara featuring the 360 degree Flexor Brush to build bold volume with high intensity from top to bottom. Instantly builds oversized volume for up to 15x lash volume in a flash. Top lashes amplified and bottom lashes maximized for an ultimate wide eye-look.
The brush, as you can see, is smaller at the tip, and then the bristles grow in size the closer you get to the cap. I really enjoy these kinds of wands because it always makes it super easy to get the lashes at the inner corner of your eye, as well as you bottom lashes.
The above picture is full makeup minus any mascara or lash primer. I think as far as lashes go I've got decent ones. They're moderately long and decently thick, but not very dark in color.
After applying the mascara (3 coats, just as I always do every day), you can visibly see it added length and volume to my lashes. The formula is very black, which I love, and pretty thick/sticky, which I also love. I imagine, as with all mascaras, the formula will change slightly after a couple more uses once some air has gotten into the tube. This demo is based on my very first time opening, applying and wearing the product so just keep that in mind!
Overall I'd have to say I believe I'm really going to love and enjoy this mascara. It creates a great bold lash which is what I love. Even on a day to day basis when I'm not wearing foundation, concealer and the whole works I still do mascara, which is why I love when one single mascara can accomplish both length and volume.
Let me know if you've tried/want to try this mascara and leave any opinions below! Hope you enjoyed this quick little review/first impression!
I know, I know, it's basically half way through January of a new year now, but I figured better late than never. With that being said, here are my favorite beauty products that brought me into the new year!
Bath and Body Works Frosted Wonderland Body Cream
The scent of this is absolutely heavenly, and the formula is my favorite as far as body lotions go from Bath and Body Works - extremely moisturizing for this time of year especially.
Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation
I've previously mentioned this foundation in another favorites post, and have also done a review which you can read here.
Covergirl Lash Blast Volume (waterproof)
This mascara is an old favorite. I decided to repurchase it a while back and can't believe I ever stopped using it. It is one of my top drugstore mascaras ever for sure.
China Glaze Evening Seduction Polish
I truly love dark polishes all year round, but especially through the fall and winter. This has been my go to quite a bit lately - almost black, but not. It's actually a very deep purple shade that I find extremely flattering, long wearing and shiny, even without a top coat.
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
This bronzer is completely matte (love), and has a cooler tone (also love), which makes it perfect to give you some color this time of year, but does the job without making you look overdone or orange. There's really no time of the year that I'm not obsessed with this bronzer.
St. Ives Smooth and Nourished Oatmeal Scrub + Mask
I've tried this product as a scrub, but I was not a huge fan, but I have absolutely loved it as a hydrating mask. I remove my makeup, cleanse my skin and then apply this for about 10-15 minutes once or twice a week. It leaves my skin feeling super soft, plump and hydrated and has really helped with some of the dryer areas around my nose and chin that I tend to get this time of year.
Rimmel Exaggerate Full Color Lip Liner in Enchantment
These lip liners are my absolute favorite from the drugstore and overall. This is the most perfect neutral plum shade - perfectly pair with many medium toned lipsticks of like color, or just as beautiful on its own (my personal favorite lately).
Revlon Brow Fantasy
I've been completely obsessed with this little duo pencil and brow gel, it is awesome! I did a review on this which you can find here .
Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense
This is a classic and old love of mine - look back to any post from probably two years ago and it was probably included. I ran out of my Maybelline Line Stiletto around the middle of December and decided to go back to Loreal just to switch things up. I honestly don't know why I ever gave this stuff up. So easy to work with and perfectly bold and black.
Hope you enjoyed seeing my (very late) December 2014 beauty favorites!
It's that time of year again, the weather is getting colder and everyone is beginning to bundle up. Along with the change in seasons, there is a change in what makeup I have a tendency to reach for. I have really been into deeper makeup looks, and have been using a lot more shimmery champagne shades along with deeper browns and purples. This look includes the later - deep and warm purples, which I use to make a smoldering eye. This look could easily be turned up another notch, by lining the waterline in black, doing a heavier liner and adding false lashes.
Hey everyone! I just wanted to share this little 'get ready with me' video I made which shows you how I've been doing my eye makeup this past while. I have been absolutely loving this eyeshadow combo for this fall - warm and slightly smokey, but also very appropriate for everyday wear!
Products Used;
Maybelline 24hr cream shadow - Tough as Taupe
Mac e/s - Mylar
Mac e/s - Soft Brown
Maybelline Shadow - Shimmery Taupe shade from the Natural Smokes Quad
Maybelline Shadow - Redish Brown shade from the Natural Smokes Quad
My makeup routine lately has been pretty simple and basic, after having twins you really can't expect much else after all! One thing I have been really enjoying however is a simple wash of a gold shadow over the lid, plus some black liner and a mascara. If I'm feeling extra daring, or have the time to spare, I will go in with darker brown shadows in the outer V to create a more 'complex' look, but for every day wear simple is best!
Urban Decay e/s - Half Baked (Naked 1 palette)
One of my all time favorite golds, and I'm certain others can agree, is Half Baked by UD. It is literally the perfect gold and applies so easily to the lid - you can do a light wash, or use a dense brush to pack on the color for a more intense look. If you don't want to put your money into the Naked Palette, you can always pick up this shadow in a single pot form.
Loreal e/s Quad in Kerri's Bronzes
This is a fantastic palette for the price, I am a real lover of all Loreal palettes in fact. This one in particular has been meeting my needs nicely lately - it has the perfect four shades for a lovely fall eye look. Of course you can use these shadows separately or all together, both options are fantastic!
Elf mineral e/s in Natural
Out of all the shadows I am showing you, this one is by far the furthest from your standard 'gold' shadow. This is much more of a cross between a champagne and gold - although it appears to have peachy tones in the pot it does not come out that way when applied to the eye. These mineral shadows are fabulous actually, and for a mere $3 you really can't go wrong - much more affordable than Mac pigments that's for sure!
Mac e/s in Honey Lust
This comes off as more of a peachy gold, at least on my skin tone, but because of that it makes it a great shadow for every day wear, being not as intense a golden look as Half Baked would be. I do find there is some fall out with this shadow, but it's nothing a light sweep of a fluffy brush over your cheeks wont fix!
I hope you all enjoyed this look into my favorite golden shadows! Let me know if you have a favorite golden shadow as I'm always looking for new products to try!
So as I have already mentioned, I gave birth to my twin girls on July 3rd, and needless to say, things have been pretty crazy around my household! But as I am getting into a better routine I am trying to get back into blogging and also filming for my Youtube channel.
That being said, I have a new monthly favorites video today!
A lot of people love these types of videos so I figured this would be the perfect place to start off!
Hope you all enjoy this and I will be back with many more blog posts and updates soon!
(For my base I used Bare Study Paint Pot by Mac - silly me I forgot to include it in the picture!)
Eyes;
Mac Quarry e/s
Mac Mineralize e/s Twilight Falls (this shadow was limited edition, but essentially any dark purply-plum would do for this look)
Covergirl Champagne e/s
Maybelline Eyestudio Blackest Black Gel Liner
Covergirl Lashblast 24hr
Lips;
Rimmel Exaggerate lip liner in 030 Natural
Loreal Color Riche l/s in 235 Nude
Hope you enjoyed this look - I personally loved it and got several compliments throughout the day on it as well. Also, the lip combo I used is my go-to combo at the moment, I absolutely love that Loreal lipstick!
I am a huge fan of self tanning, whether it be winter and I feel I just need a little bit of a glow, to this time of year when I utilize these types of products to even out and improve the natural tan I have.
I have compiled all of my tanning products together, which range in quality and price, so that you can gain an understanding of some of the products out there, as well as my experiences with them. Click the video below to hear more about what I have to say about these products, as well as to get a more up close look at them.
Loreal Sublime Bronze One Day;
The most temporary tan solution I have ever tried - washes off easily with soap and water and has no residual tan effects. Perfect for a night out when you need a little extra color on your legs etc, but don't want to commit to more long term option. It is also affordable and readily available at many stores.
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (For face and body);
Creates a subtle and gradual result. I find it looks extremely natural (you don't go from being pale one day, to super bronzed as if you just spent a week in Cuba the next). Very easy to use, even though it has no color to it - I have never had any mishaps with this product and I have been using it since I was in high school. Pleasant smell, not overly bold/strong, and does not linger on the skin long. Both the body and face lotion are also readily available and affordable.
Loreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelee;
By far my least favorite out of all the products shown/spoken about in my video, and the product I would recommend most to avoid. It is not easy to blend or work with, regardless of how I have tried to apply it. It also does not have much color to it once applied to the skin, so any mistakes cannot be seen until the product has had a chance to develop. The color pay off isn't terribly natural either (and isn't that what we're all looking for if we choose to save our skin the UV rays and fake tan?) This also has the unappealing signature 'self tan scent'.
Loreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion;
My most loved low-end self tanning product EVER, hands down. As the name states, it is a tinted lotion, so not only is application made easy by being able to see where you have applied it, but the formulation makes it a pain free experience as well. The scent is that of a 'self tan' kind of smell unfortunately, but that is really the only down side I can think of. The color result is lovely, and can be either applied a couple times a week for a lighter result, or daily to bring out a more dramatic 'tan'. This product can be found very easily at drugstores etc, and is very affordable as well.
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion & Mousse;
These two products (which I myself find extremely similar - it is all about personal preference to formulation when deciding between the two) are by far the most amazing self tan items I have ever used. I am a true believer in the St. Tropez brand, and although they are much more costly than the other drugstore items above, to me the cost is worth it. The result is the most natural looking color you could possibly imagine - not orange, not streaky, and bonus.. it doesn't smell like self tanner! And although this product takes the most time commitment, I have found ways to easily work around this. It also lasts the longest out of any of the products I have mentioned as well.
I hope some of you have found this information useful. If you would like any further details regarding any of these products then please just let me know!
