This powder leaves a sort of sheen on the skin that gives life to your skin, allowing your makeup to look natural but with added coverage. It's kinda hard to explain but take my word for it-it's amazing! NYX offers an array of 16 colors - from the lightest in Ivory to the deepest shades in Deep Dark, with great choices of both cool and warm undertones (to find out your skin undertone, check out my post ) Never Wear the Wrong Foundation Color Again!
It's Friday, y'all! And that means another product spotlight on one of my favorite products of all time. This weeks honorary mention goes to my ever faithful and oh so loved NYX Stay Matte Not Flat Powder Foundation. This powder is so versatile and great on all skin types. An added bonus is that it's Talc free, which is a common ingredient in face powders that can be brutal on dry skin, so even my super dry girls out there who suffer from dehydrated skin like me can wear it! This powder foundation works to minimize shine and take away the "wet" look that some foundations can leave, but does not leave you looking flat like some other matte powders. It also works great on its own without liquid foundation-just remember to use a primer to make your look last extra long! This powder leaves a sort of sheen on the skin that gives life to your skin, allowing your makeup to look natural but with added coverage. It's kinda hard to explain but take my word for it-it's amazing! NYX offers an array of 16 colors - from the lightest in Ivory to the deepest shades in Deep Dark, with great choices of both cool and warm undertones (to find out your skin undertone, check out my post ) Never Wear the Wrong Foundation Color Again! The compact includes a sponge pad for application, which I love to use for quick touch ups throughout the day. But I really like to apply it with my E.l.f Powder Brush: All in all, I absolutely recommend this powder foundation to everyone, especially as a great alternative to the popular high end MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation. Its a third of the price, does not dry out the skin, and leaves a beautiful sheen on the skin. What more is there to love?! Hope you try out and see for yourself and let me know what you think!
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I love pink- hot pink, baby pink, cotton candy pink, you name the shade, I'm all over it! I love wearing different shades of pink all year long, but I look forward to spring and summer where bright pinks are so popular and look great with that newly acquired tan! Here are some of my favorite pink makeup products I love to wear which compliment any skin color: Lip Gloss NYX Butter Glosses: If you've read my post about switching over to the "gloss side" (Welcome To The Gloss Side) then you know how in love I fell over these glosses! They smell yummy, have great color pay off, and not sticky! Here are my favorite pink shades:
Lipstick Matte, satin, glossy- I love them all! Don't be afraid to experiment with bold colors! Check out my post Pop of Color for tips on how to wear a bold lip.
Blush A soft pink color on the cheeks goes great with that warm weather tan, and can compliment every skin tone.
I just love all the pink in this post! It's a color all girls can relate to-especially makeup lovers like us! What are some of your favorite pink products to wear for Spring and Summer?
With summer approaching, you need to be makeup ready for the heat that comes with it! Summer is the time when our makeup gets lighter and fresher, but that doesn't mean that we have to throw all our favorite goodies out the window! Here's a list of some of my top summer essentials that can hold up under heat, sweat, and long days at the beach! Face: To keep your look light, opt for a sheer foundation or a tinted moisturizer. Or follow the craze of the BB creams and choose something similar. What you want is a skin like feel and coverage that isn't too heavy because summer is all about getting that nice tan and showing off your glow! Plus, on those hot days when sweat is inevitable, you don't have to worry about your foundation streaking or running down your face from the heat. Here are some of my favorites to wear: Blush: To keep the face looking natural, stick to the color your cheeks would turn after spending some time in the sun. Pinks and corals are very popular for spring and summer and compliment every skin tone. Cream blushes are great to use to achieve that summer "glow". I would recommend applying the blush with a stippling brush to control the amount of product and diffuse the cream on the cheek to keep it looking as natural as possible. Here are some examples: Bronzer: Bronzing the face is great during the time you're working on getting your own "glow" in the sun. It's also great at contouring the face to create defined cheekbones and a slimming jawline. All in all, bronzer is one of the top products for summer. Who doesn't want to look and feel like a bronzed goddess?! Here are my two favorites: Eyes: Waterproof mascara is your best friend during the summer if you want to avoid the dreaded raccoon eyes from smeared mascara. But remember to keep the application light and skip the falsies for the summer! Here are my tried and true, stay put faves: For eyeshadow, stick with neutral skin tone shades or pink and coral shimmer colors. These work great with bronzed skin and make your eyes look more open and awake. If you want to wear eyeliner, I would recommend using dark brown eyeshadow and applying it with an angled brush to keep the eye looking soft while still getting a defined line on the eyelid. Lips: Lipgloss and tinted lip balms are great for warm weather because reapplying them is easy and doesn't require a mirror to do. Lipstick needs a more precise application, requiring a mirror and a steady hand, which is not always ideal while at the beach or at a pool party. You can even double your cream blush as a lip stain to minimize product use as well! Sweat and Oil Control: To avoid looking like a hot, sweaty mess, carry some blotting sheets for eliminating excess shine on the face due to oil or sweat. Blotting sheets are great because they don't disturb your makeup and make touch ups easy. Here are the ones I always carry in my makeup bag: NYX Blotting Sheets From Day to Night Long summer days may also lend to long summer nights, so you want your makeup to last and be able to transition from day to night. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
May your summer be filled with great makeup days with these simple tips on creating a fresh, glowing face during the summer heat!
I love makeup brushes as much as I love makeup itself! And by looking at my growing collection, I can say I have found some tried and true, everyday use, affordable and accessible brushes that can fit anyone's makeup level and most importantly, budget! Here are the essential brushes that can create a complete brush set, all for $20!! E.l.f Studio Powder Brush ($3) One of my all time favorite brushes! Great at blending in powders and liquid products. Stiff enough to give great product coverage but still gives you an airbrush look. E.l.f Studio Stippling Brush ($3) Great for all over blending on the face, as well as liquid products such a foundation and cream blush. I love using stippling brushes to apply blush because they give you a soft look that you can control as you build up the product you're applying. A brush at a great price with multiple uses is a great tool to have! Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($5.99) Want that professional, airbrush look? Using a beauty sponge is the secret behind that look. The texture and application process of this sponges creates an even application of foundation on the skin which creates a smooth and beautiful canvas for the rest of your makeup. Submerge the sponge and completely soak it in water, squeeze the excess, and apply your foundation in a bouncing motion on the skin. This sponge is great to sheer out your makeup when you've applied too much foundation, powder or blush. To clean, just wash with mild dishwashing soap or baby shampoo. With average use, this sponge should last about 3-6 months. Crown Brush C413 Brow Duo ($3.28) Brows are so important in your everyday makeup routine, so of course a brow related brush has to be included in this list! Crown Brush is great at making dual ended brushes which are a.) so convenient and b.) are very good quality. The spoolie on one end is to keep your brows groomed and in place. The stiff angled brush on the other end is to fill in the brows with either powder or gel products. However, if you're not one who fills in their brows, you can also use the stiff angled brush to apply gel eyeliner. E.l.f Essential Eye Shadow Brush ($3) A must have for any brush set is an all over eyeshadow brush. This is the brush to use when applying one shade all over the lid and when packing on color to create an intense eye look. E.l.f Essential Blending Eye Brush ($3) Great for blending in a crease color when adding depth to the eyes, a blending brush is THE must have eye brush that should be in everyones brush set! Using a blending brush softens your eyeshadows, creating a seamless look, melting each color together to guarantee a perfect shadow blend. Okay, so I kinda cheated and went over the $20 by about $2 but it was worth it! I think this is a great starter kit for anyone who wants to get their hands on great brushes but want to do it on a budget. Remember- its not what the tool cost, but the quality and application process you put behind it. Hope you try some of these out for yourself and begin to build your own brush collection!
Ever since I shared my most unconventional beauty product, the Monistat Chafing Powder Gel as a face primer (check out my essential page for more info) I have been asked about many others that have been talked about or that I have tried. So I've compiled a list of products that you'd be surprised to hear have actual beauty benefits. Apple Cider Vinegar: This is one of natures "super food" that has so many benefits for the skin. It can be used as a face toner to reduce inflammation. Use a 2 to 1 ratio with water to create your own bottle of toner at home. Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial substances that helps with break outs and clogged pores. Preparation H for puffy under eyes: I know what you're thinking- but let me explain. This may be one of the most used, top secret products used by celebrity makeup artists everywhere. Why does it work? The hydrocortisone in the ointment is to reduce puffiness and redness. Although the tube clearly states not to get it in the eyes, be cautious when trying this out. But hey, if it's good enough for super models and actresses, why not give it a try? Diaper cream for zits: Rashes and breakouts have two things in common- bacterial build up or infection of the skin. Diaper cream is used when both of these symptoms occur, so why not on the face to treat breakouts? Diaper creams contain anti fungal ingredients to treat bacteria, which is the cause for breakouts. It's probably much more affordable than acne treatments and is great for spot control when you see one of those wretched little stinkers creeping to the surface! Spray hairspray on a toothbrush to tame brows: Run out of your favorite brow gel or just need to tame your "overdue for some grooming" brows? Take an old toothbrush (clean, of course!) spray it with some hairspray, then brush onto your brows. This also works great for smoothing down flyways around your hairline. Are you willing to try any of these out? I have and was left pleasantly surprised! Do you have any to add? I'd love to know!
Whether at home or on the go, a well educated makeup maven knows that disaster can lurk around every corner. Step outside into a gust of wind? Bam! Something flies into your eyes and now your eyeliner is smudged! Day turned out to be much hotter than expected and now you're looking like a shiny grease ball? Where's a blotting sheet when you need one?!Having a well planned out and fully stocked beauty emergency kit can be your rescue next time you're in a beauty distress. Here are some emergency essentials to have in your makeup bag or in to keep in your car. I've included links to products I use and would recommend. Nail Rescue- Nail file and nail clippers: I hate when my nail somehow breaks or has a snag on one side and it keeps scratching me or getting caught on my clothing. One easy use from these items will solve that problem in a snap! Hand and Body Lotion: This one is pretty self explanatory. Nobody likes the feeling of dry skin. The winter months can leave your hands dry, and wearing sandals in the summer can leave our heels cracked and just not cute! Get a little skin refreshment with your favorite hand or body lotion on the go! Oil Blotting Sheets: These are a lifesaver for anyone with oily skin. Small enough to throw in your purse, these will instantly help oil control and mattify the skin. Not only for oil control, I use them when the weather is hot and sweat begins to gather on the hot spots of the face (forehead, upper lip, etc). Sunscreen: Living in California, the weather never seems to make up its mind. One minute its sunny, then cloudy , then sunny again. To be prepared and protect you skin from the harmful rays, a bottle of sunscreen, both for body and face, is great to have anytime, anywhere. And because it has a long shelf life, you don't constantly need to replace it with a new one. Chapstick: I'm the kind of person who constantly needs to put on some kind of chapstick or lip balm, so I tend to have one in my car and every room of the house! This a staple in everyone's car, whether male or female, but it's always handy to have an extra one. I would recommend having one with SPF during the summer for further protection from the sun. Tissue: Runny nose, sweat on the forehead, watery eyes- need I say more? Packs of tissue are essential no matter who you are, or where you are- they always come in handy! Sanitizing Gel or Wipes: Need to wash your hands but don't want to stop at a restaurant or gas station? Having sanitizing products can be a lifesaver when you need clean hands stat! You don't want to stick your dirty finger in your eye when you feel like something is having a dance party in there! Plus, if you are one of the many who apply makeup on the go, having clean hands is important before any makeup routine, whether at home or in the driver seat. Baby Wipes: Now unless you're a mommy like me, you might already have these in your car- and your travel bag, and your bathroom,the kitchen... you get the idea. But don't let their name fool you- these are not just for babies, or butts for that matter! Baby wipes are handy when you need a wet wipe for your hands, or a quick body refreshment on those hot days or long car rides. Deodorant: For those times when, well, you might not be your freshest! Quick tip: placing deodorant on the inner thighs and underarms below the arm pits creates a barrier for sweat spots on those hot days when it seems like you whole body is sticking to itself! Eye Makeup Remover Q-tips: These come in handy for those windy days when stepping outside means going to war with gusty winds and flying debris that always finds its way into your eyes, which means smudged eyeliner and runny mascara is sure to follow! A quick touch up with a q tip and makeup remover and you're good to go! Also works great when you get that "raccoon" look at the end of the day when your bottom lash mascara has worked its way off your lashes and onto your bottom eyelid. One can never be too prepared! What would you add to the list? Has there been a product that has come to your beauty distress rescue? I'd love to hear about them!
Just as every other woman in the world, I have struggled to realize what true beauty means and the reality of inner beauty. The world knocks us down with its unreachable and unfathomable standards that we know we can't live up to- yet we stretch and claw our way to reach it, hoping that one day our hands will grasp it and we will truly be happy. But we won't. We can't. And it's okay. Why? Because we all have our own beauty, we just blind ourselves to it. I believe that we are all made in the image of our Creator- God has uniquely chosen us to bear His image, which already make us beautiful in His eyes. Yesterday afternoon I caught a glimpse of the "inner beauty" that He is creating within me- my little baby, jumping around and growing healthy and strong. Seeing that life inside of me made me excited, nervous, but overall humbled- humbled that I was blessed to have another child, another life created in God's image. So when it seems like the pressure is too much or you feel you don't live up to what true beauty is, may this video be a reminder of who the most beautiful One is and where true beauty comes from. Yes, we can still enjoy makeup and get all dolled up-we are free to do so- but we must remember the real beauty that's there when the makeup is not. I hope this video brings encouragement and enlightenment as it did to me.
It's Friday-woohoo! And you know what time it is- it's product spotlight Friday, where every Friday I share a new or favorite product of the week! And this week's winner is... drumroll please... Here in California, our weather has been a bit crazy with tornado like winds and temperatures reaching up and over the 100 mark, so its suffice to say that my hair has been a mess and I've been sweating like a mad woman (hey, life isn't always beautiful, that's why God invented makeup!) And boy has this been my lifesaver! Not only is this one of my holy grail foundations of all time, but it is THE best for hot, sweaty, humid weather. It's staying power is like no other and it doesn't easily break down under heat like most other foundations do. All this protection and it still manages to keep you looking flawless and fresh. I wear shade 842 Medium Beige. It's product description claims it to be an all day, long wearing formula that provides a smooth, flawless finish with the power of a primer, foundation, and concealer in one. I have worn it without a primer and can say it still provides great wearing time, though I do prefer to wear a primer for added longevity. As for its concealer power, it does provide a decent amount of coverage, but I still like to apply concealer under my eyes for extra coverage, so this may be an area of personal preference. I have very dry skin and I don't feel like this foundation dries me out or enhances any dry patches on the face. It dries to a smooth, velvet finish, more matte than dewy, but without the flat, dry look that many matte foundations can leave. I give it two thumbs up!
Throughout the years since makeup was introduced to the mainstream woman, many products have come and gone, been tried and replaced- but there are those precious few that have proven the test of time. I remember when my grandmother would lay out her beauty regimen and skin care routine and I would marvel at how delicate she was with each movement. She passed on that beauty "tradition" to my mother and to my surprise, many of the same products that my grandmother used were the same ones that my mother would swear by. So of course when I was old enough to wear makeup, I wanted to try those very same products because I figured, if it was good enough for my grandmother, it was good enough for me! So here are some tried and true beauty products that remain to be true jewels in the beauty world. Ponds Cold Cream: Whose grandmother didn't use this! This timeless classic goes back to its invention in 1846 and its introduction to the cosmetics industry in 1910. It was hailed as the "vanishing cream"- magically removing signs of fatigue and bringing a glow and youthfulness to the face. It's also used as a way to remove makeup, which is how I remember my mother using it. This was my go to face cream in high school and has reappeared in my skin care routine. Here's an ad that appeared in newspapers in the early twentieth century: Coty Airspun Translucent Face Powder: Introduced in 1935, this powder was manufactured in the attempt to revolutionize the cosmetic industry. Many women complained of a too "gritty" feeling powder and wanted something finely milled that would provide smoothness, good coverage, and softness to the face. Coty set out to do all this and with groundbreaking technology, "airspun" powder was born, the most finely milled powder on the market. It quickly saw success and continues to be a favorite and secret weapon for makeup artists and makeup lovers like us everywhere. I love wearing this on top of full coverage foundation to lock it in place and avoid the dreaded "cake face" that many powders can give you. Here's one of the original ads put out by the company: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara: Who hasn't heard about this mascara?! This green and pink tube is iconic in the makeup world and continues to be a favorite. This was the mascara my mom wore and when I got my first tube, I felt like I had graduated into the big leagues! It's been a long time since then, but I still love it for its great lash separation and dark pigment. The brush is on the small side, so it may not provide big volume if that's what you're going for. It's more of a "natural lash" formula, but works great on the bottom lashes since its brush is small enough to get each individual lash. Here are some magazines ads from the 60's and 70's: The Iconic Red Lipstick: You can't have a list of iconic beauty product without including one of the most iconic of all- the classic red lip. Both my grandmother and mother wore red and wine hued lipstick all the time and it has become a true favorite of mine to wear too! It's such a simple way to feel glam and looks great on all skin tones. It was the look made famous by Hollywood starlets in the 1930's. Here are two of the ladies that I think wore the red lip the best: And in case you haven't seen it, here's the video I made in honor of my mother and her red lips: Sometimes I wish I could have lived during the time when all these makeup inventions, discoveries, and breakthroughs were happening! It's so cool to see how makeup has influenced the times and how many things have stayed the same. What are your favorites that have stayed true to its origins throughout the years? Have you been influenced by women in your family and their beauty secrets? I'd love to know!
I've always been drawn to bright colors, whether it be clothes, accessories, or makeup. I love wearing a neutral eye just like any other girl, but sometimes it's fun to put some POP! in your look with a bright lipstick, eyeshadow, or eyeliner- a little something to liven up the face. With Spring in full effect, it's a great time to play with color and experiment with new looks. For those not used to color or are scared of doing it the wrong way, here are some easy ways to incorporate a pop of color next time you want to spruce up you look! Peekaboo Colored Eyeliner: I love this because it can be as subtle or as bold as you want. Instead of wearing a bright color on the entire lid, keep the eyeshadow neutral, apply a dark application of your favorite liquid or pencil liner, then add the color of your choice right on top of the liner. This can be done with an eye liner, eyeshadow or eyeshadow crayon. For extra lasting wear, layer on the same color eyeshadow on top of the liner to intensify the color and lock it in place. Bright Lipstick or Lipgloss: This is my favorite way to wear a pop of color. If you've visited my site from the beginning, you know my love for lipsticks! Wearing a very natural, neutral eye with minimal eyeliner and lots of mascara is the perfect companion for a bright pop of color on the lips. It's a very easy look that takes no time at all and brings a freshness to the face. Pop of Color on Bottom Eyelid: An alternative to the peekaboo eyeliner is a pop of color on the lower lash line using either eyeshadow or eyeliner. This method will produce a softer look when using eyeshadow, creating a colorful smokey effect. You can pair this with a color coordinating lip color or keep the lip nude to keep the focus on the eyes. So after deciding you want to try wearing color, you might still be wondering what colors are complimentary to each other and to your skin tone. Here's where the famous color wheel comes in: Here's how it works: each color on the wheel corresponds to the color right across from it. For example, purple and yellow are complimentary colors. I've found that the two colors on either side of each color can also be paired with its complimentary color. Pink and dark blue are on either side of purple, so yellow can also be paired with these two colors as well. My favor combos are: Look out for a future color POP! video on my Youtube channel! And you know it's going to involve bright lipstick!! What about you- are you daring enough to try this trend or will you leave the color wearing to the brave ones? Remember -makeup is supposed be fun and creative, give it a try!
We all want to get the most use out of our makeup. Hey, after spending some quality time at the store and our hard earned cash, we want to get our time and money's worth! So here are some products that can be used in more ways than one that can stretch our makeup's lifespan and save us some time getting ready in the morning! 1. Mascara as Eyeliner: Running low on your favorite eyeliner or just can't find the darn thing?! Just grab your mascara wand, a flat or pointed eyeliner brush, and you've got instant eyeliner. Pick up the product using your brush from either the wand or the top of the tube, then apply as usual. If you use waterproof mascara. then you'll get a no smudge, waterproof eyeliner! 2. Shimmery Eyeshadow as Face Highlighter: Shimmery shadows (those without glitter) can give you the same effect a highlighter can on your face. Just as it's used as a highlight for under the brow, you can also place it down the bridge of your nose, forehead, the top of your cheekbones, and anywhere else you want to accentuate on your face. (Brow bone color in trio can be used as a highlighter) 3. Matte Pink Eyeshadow as Blush: Just as with the shimmery shadow, a matte eyeshadow can give you the same pink flush a blush can. It's best to stick with matte shades and then use a highlighter to add shimmer to the face, if not you'll end up looking like a crazy disco ball! 4. Clear Mascara as Brow Gel: If you're the same age as I am, you may remember this oldie but a goodie, the first mascara we were allowed to wear before moving on to the "big girl" black mascara! Clear mascara is great when you just want to perk up your lashes without adding any color; but it's also great as a brow gel to tame your brows. A mascara works to hold your lashes in place, so the same applies when put on top of your eyebrows. I use this everyday after filling in my eyebrows with pencil and brow powder and let me tell you, this stuff works! All day hold without clumps or flaking. 5. Matte Bronzer as Eyeshadow: A matte bronzer is a great alternative for a transition color to put in your crease. Since a bronzer is formulated to bring warmth to the face, using it in your eye crease will give you the appearance of a bigger eye and give you a defined look, but still keeping it natural at the same time. Do you have any products you use for multiple uses? Please share, I'd love to know!!
I'm starting a new series called Product Spotlight Friday, where every Friday I will showcase a product I am currently loving or have just picked up and am testing out to do a review on. For this week, I chose Revlon's Colorstay Whipped Foundation. Not a new product from Revlon, but one I hadn't tried yet. I can get so comfortable with my foundation routine that I neglect trying new foundations, but I sure am glad I tried this one! I picked it up this week at Target during their makeup deal that gives you $5 off any makeup, hair care or skin care purchase of $20 or more (prints from coupons page on Target website or you can access through the mobile app). I doubled my savings by using manufacturer coupons (I get mine from Coupons.com) which saved me almost $5 on each one! The sale ends Saturday so get on it if you can!
The foundation comes in a mousse type formula which melts into the skin. It's description on the Revlon website states that it has "all day flexible wear without flaking, caking or feeling heavy. Buildable to full coverage for flawless skin; soft, matte finish all day, and withstands heat and humidity-great for the summer". I've been testing it out for about a week and I can definitely say that its a winner for me! Feels light on the skin, easy to apply (sponge or brush), and you can definitely get a full coverage application with this foundation- and a little goes a long way! I haven't seen its reaction to heat and humidity since the weather has cooled down a bit, but from what I've seen, it stays in place and doesn't change color throughout the day as some other foundations can. This foundation works well with dry to oily combination skin, drying to a soft matte finish. Those with oily skin will like its non dewy appearance; and if you have skin on the drier side, you may not need to use a finishing powder to keep it in place. I've tried it with and without powder and it works great both ways. Definitely worth picking up when you want extra coverage for those "extra fancy" makeup days!
Have you ever been in a rush and needed a quick fix to a makeup dilemma? Or maybe wanted to know some tips and tricks that you could do yourself to improve your makeup or create something new? Well I got some quick tips and tricks you can do with items you may already have at home. Use a toothbrush to exfoliate your lips: Just as it's great to exfoliate your face, it's a good idea to also give your lips a good scrub to keep them soft and smooth. Just grab an old toothbrush or grab a cheap one from the dollar store, preferably a stiff one) and scrub away! I like to use vaseline or make my own lip scrub out of sugar and olive oil, which helps with moisturizing after scrubbing off all the dead skin on the top layer of the lips. Make your favorite lipstick turn from shiny to matte: I've often found myself loving a lipstick but hating its super shiny finish. I lean toward a matte or satin finish with minimal shine,, which limits me to certain brands at the drugstore. But I learned a useful trick from a makeup artist that can turn any lipstick into a matte finish. Heres what you do:
Make your eyeliner last all day: Do you ever apply your eyeliner and then an hour later its shifted or is now on your bottom eyelid? To fix this, after applying your eyeliner (pencil or gel liner) apply the same color eyeshadow on top of it to lock in the color. Just remember to do this while your eyeliner is freshly applied so the eyeshadow sticks to the pigment. Make your own lipgloss or lip balm: Using some vaseline or clear lipgloss and eyeshadow, you can create your very own custom made lip product! Using a clear lipgloss in a tube, just crush up the eyeshadow you want to use, use the applicator to pick up the eyeshadow and push into the tube, give the gloss a good mix, and you've got instant colored lip gloss! Using vaseline creates more of a lip balm texture and can be stored in small plastic containers such as the one shown in the picture. This is a great tip when you can't find the color you're looking for but have an eyeshadow that is. Plus it's cool to know you've made it yourself! Hope these quick tips and tricks are helpful next time you're in a "makeup jam"! Got any to add to the list?
I've always been a lipstick girl, through and through. Gloss just seemed like an after thought to lip color. I mean, if I'm going to put color on my lips, I want to see it. And the texture? Why would you want to put that goopy, sticky, super shiny goo on your lips?! I tried so many brands and formulas but still returned to my roots that lipstick was the best. But then I went to Ulta.... and tried these: NYX Butter Glosses I had heard so many good things about them and I'm such a sucker for bright colors that I gave in, and boy am I glad I did! They give just the right amount of color, not sticky, smells like candy, and goes on "like butta"! I loved all the colors and I think it was because I have a lipstick in about every bright color you can think of, but I restrained myself and went with some neutral pinks for those casual makeup days. Here is the color selection: (there are also some limited edition colors that just came out this year- this is the permanent line) I picked up Vanilla Creme Pie, which is a great natural pink that gives you that soft pink pout you find on the lips of babies- I think I loved it because it reminded me of my daughter's pink pout! I give these butter glosses two thumbs way up and a big puckered kiss for their amazingness!! These will definitely be making an appearance on my essentials page! Have you ever tried a makeup product you never thought you would like and became a believer? I don't think I'll ever judge a product again based on past experiences- thats the beauty of makeup, always trying new things because you never know what you might find! And for those who found humor in my reference to Star Wars, thank you and you're welcome ;)
As promised, here's part 2 of my affordable dupes for high end products. Enjoy! NARS Blush This NARS blush is probably the most sought after and loved blush in the beauty world! It's the perfect combination of peach and pink tones with a hint of shimmer. Where the purpose of its uncommon and might I say, kinda off the wall, name comes from, I don't know, but nevertheless, it's a favorite! For this blush, I actually found two blushes that could pass as dupes: Here are the swatches side by side- what do you think? MAC Blacktrack Fluidline Liner One of the most popular eyeliners from MAC, this eyeliner is a basic black gel liner.
Basically, their both very black and creamy, making them easy to apply. However I find that the MAC liner dries out very quickly compared to the Maybelline liner, which means that the Maybelline liner will last you much longer. Price difference: MAC Fluidline-$16, Maybelline- $8.99. MAC Lipsticks Even though MAC lipsticks hold a special place in my heart, if I can find the same color and formula in a more affordable option, then I'm all over it! MAC lipsticks are sometimes hard to find dupes for because they carry some pretty unique colors, but after some scavenger hunting through my own collection and trying out colors at the drugstore, I've come up with a list of some great alternatives for those who may have fallen in love with a certain MAC lipstick. but just not with its price tag! ($16).
And the list goes on and on! Wet n Wild is a great option when you want to save serious money on lipsticks, especially when you're wanting to buy a MAC lipstick. The funny thing is, I own most of these MAC lipsticks, yet I want to own the dupe as well! The only difference in comparing these Wet n Wild Mega Last Lipsticks with the Mac lipsticks is that the Mega Last lipsticks come in a matte finish (no shine) and the others vary from matte to creme sheen. So if you want it to look creamier, add a gloss on top. Or if you want to remove the shine, just blot with a tissue or place a tissue over lips and apply powder over tissue with a powder brush for instant matte lips. It's always fun to do these kind of posts! Saving money while still getting great products is one of my favorite things about makeup. I might just continue these affordable dupe posts, so stay tuned!
I know what you're thinking- she's actually telling us to spend money on expensive products?! Yes, drugstore makeup is my absolute favorite, but sometimes there's a reason why a product is hailed as a must have and is worth its hefty price tag. Though rare as this occurrence may be, I feel these products deserve to be recognized as some of the best high end products worth splurging on (although you know I must have a drugstore comparison or dupe stored somewhere in my encyclopedia of makeup!) Here they are: MAC Lipsticks ($16): If you've visited my essentials page (and you should!) you already know how much I love these lipsticks. Available in many finishes and color ranges, these lipsticks are known for their many unique colors. Although there are many dupes out there for many colors, getting an exact shade and finish comparable to MAC is sometimes hard to do. I love lipsticks so I don't mind spending a little more on these lipsticks because of their quality. Make Up Forever HD Foundation ($42): If you've never heard of or tried Make UP Forever products, let me give you a little history behind the brand. Originating in Paris, this brand was created as long lasting makeup for performers who needed waterproof and long wearing makeup, such as swimmers and dancers. This brand is all about makeup that stays put no matter what! And this foundation is just one of their many examples of how well their makeup lasts. Hailed as the must have foundation for brides, this foundations gives an airbrush appearance, making you're skin look natural but still providing a decent amount of coverage- think your skin but better! It dries to a satin finish, neither too matte or too dewy, the perfect finish for flash photography. I would definitely recommend this as a special occasion foundation, unless you can afford it then by all means wear it everyday!! You can find this product on my essentials page. Urban Decay Primer Potion ($20): A favorite for years among beauty gurus and makeup lovers alike, this primer is hailed as one of the best primers to bring out the intensity of your eyeshadows and make them last all day long. In my experience, I have drier eyelids since I have dry skin, so although I didn't see a big difference in using this product, I have heard from many others that it's amazing for oily eyelids. So if you fall into that category, give it a try! MAC Paint Pots ($20): These little pots are the magical bases that create some of the best eyeshadow looks. Also a favorite among beauty gurus, these paint pots are intended to be cream eyeshadows that do not crease and are long lasting, but what they are best known as are eyeshadow bases. The two most popular colors are Soft Ochre and Painterly. Soft Ochre has a yellow undertone, which is great for those with yellow to olive skin tones; Painterly has a more pink undertone, which would suit those with a more pink or red undertone in their skin. A little goes a long way, so your $20 will be well spent! MAC Pro Long wear Concealer ($19): Long wearing, doesn't crease, and provides full coverage- everything you need in a great concealer. With its thick formula and high pigmentation, very little goes a long way! Definitely a product I would recommend for photo shoots and weddings. You can also find this product on my essentials page. Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer ($36): Although I feel a little "iffy" on spending so much on a concealer, this product is hailed by makeup artists around the world as one of the best concealers for dark circles and discoloration. A salmon concealer works great for darkness under the eyes-that purple-lish hue that many women get as they get older or through hereditary genes. The peach tone in the salmon concealer cancels out the purple and creates an even skin tone appearance. Just like the MAC concealer, this product has a high coverage formulation which means you use less of it during each application. A great product to have in your kit for those who do professional makeup or freelancing. Do you have products you would add to the list? I love learning about products others recommend as "must haves" to add to my makeup arsenal!
I consider myself a drugstore diva- I love using drugstore makeup because I believe that many products offered are great at what they do, and provide the same if not better results than their higher end competitors. Plus, saving money on makeup is a must for me because I love buying it! There's hidden gems found in so many brands at the drugstores and other retailers that offer exceptional makeup and affordable prices, you just have to look for them. That's the beauty of makeup- exploring different products and finding those you love! So as a beauty maven, I have tried to find some great alternatives to many of the most loved makeup in the world of high end makeup. But don't think that the term "high end" means better quality- although many times it does- however more often than not it just refers to the fact that they are on the "higher end" of the price scale. Here are some dupes for some of my favorite products and others that are comparable to its more expensive companions. 1. Naked Palette 2 and Bh Cosmetics 28 Neutral Color Palette: Ever since the launch of the Naked Palettes by Urban Decay, the craze over neutrals has skyrocketed! I myself own the Naked 2 Palette, which offers a range of warm toned to taupe colored neutrals and I love it! But I also own the Bh Cosmetics 28 Neutral Color Palette and love it just the same! If you're looking for an affordable alternative to either the Naked 1 or 2 palettes, I would absolutely recommend going with BH Cosmetics. Heres what it looks like: BH Cosmetics 28 Neutral Color Eyeshadow Palette: As you can see, it offers many warm and cool toned neutrals, both in matte and shimmer finishes. What I favor in this palette is the quantity of matte shadows compared tot he Naked palettes, which only offer about 2 or 3 in the whole palette. To extended the wearing time of the shadows, using a primer is always useful. Visit bhcosmetics.com for more info and for more great products! 2. Wet n Wild and Urban Decay Dupes: What do you get when you find the exact same color you love from a more expensive brand at the drugstore? A crazy lady at the drugstore doing a happy dance! (at least for me, that's what happens!) Here is what I found: Here's a side by side comparison with colors from Urban Decay: Pretty cool right?! And there's so many more! Wet n Wild offers so many alternatives to Urban Decay eyeshadows because they offer the same pigmentation and buttery smooth application but at a fraction of the cost. 3. Makeup Geek and MAC Eyeshadows: If you haven't heard of Makeup Geek, well you should, and now you do! Started by a lovely lady named Marlena, she started her makeup company with the intention of providing high quality makeup that is comparable or better than the high end products available in the stores. And boy, did she ever! Her eyeshadows are hailed by youtube gurus as some of the best they've ever tried! But the icing on the cake for her eyeshadows is being compared to the company known for its famous eyeshadows- MAC. I own some of her eyeshadows and let me tell you, they are better than MAC! Much more pigmented and smoother in application- and I'm not the only one who thinks so, just watch the countless reviews on youtube claiming the same thing. Check out makeup geek.com to view swatches of all her eyeshadows. There are so many more dupes that I can add to this list but then this post will be too long to handle! Look out for Affordable Dupes Part 2 coming soon. Do you have any dupes to add to the list? I'd love to hear from you!
Happy Saturday everyone! Here's the newest video on my channel using some of my favorite drugstore eyeshadows from Wet n Wild! Check out the full list of products used in the description box and my essentials page for links to where to find the products. Enjoy!! Have you ever tried a beauty product, fall in love with it, only to find out that the company has decided to discontinue it and now you have to scour the entire universe to buy the last ones on the shelf?! (okay, a little exaggerated, but hey, if it's that good, you would do it too!). This has happened to me so many times and have felt so betrayed- like why would they do that? Well, as I was browsing the internet the other day trying to find out if a certain product was still available for sale, I stumbled upon a website called www.buymebeauty.com, which offers products from makeup to skin care to hair care, both high end and drugstore brands, at less than retail prices that have been discontinued or pulled from the shelves due to change in packaging. They offer free shipping on orders over $35 or a flat shipping fee of $4.99, which is great compared to other sites. So go check it out!!
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When I'm not spending way too much time getting ready or drooling over the newest beauty product, I'm a stay at home mom of a rambunctious 4 year old boy, a sweet baby girl we lovingly call "sissy", and a wife to my high school sweetheart. Archives
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