Better-late-than-never June favorites

Happy Friday!  I have the day off, and I'm enjoying it as best as I possibly can!  Blogging, going to see Bad Teacher later with my cousin, and sitting outside in the sun (not without my SPF 45 of course ;).  What are you guys doing today?  I hope it's nice where you are, because I know I'm not the only one who is super excited it's summer!
Anyway, today I have my better-late-than-never monthly favorites.  When picking these out I actually had to think more than I usually do- I have quite a few things I started loving towards the end of June, and I almost put them in this post but will wait until July's.  I'll do mini-reviews under the products I haven't reviewed on the blog already. :)

ELF Essentials Blending blush

This is actually my sister's, but shh, don't tell her please!  She left it when she was here and I have yet to send it back to her.  Uh, this is as awesome as the other reviews say it is- you can apply eye shadow and blend with it.  Now, I still like my MAC 224 for light blending and a more precise tip- this ELF brush is dense and can blend color out too much if you're not careful.  Still, it's one of those one-and-done brushes that I can't get enough of.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal mascara

Hmm.. holy grail drugstore mascara?  It's one of the only Maybelline mascaras that I like, and also one of the few mascaras I've repurchased.  I've worn it in several EOTDs on the blog, and I also have a (very very old) review here.  It gives me awesome volume and thickness- not so much length, but average- and just plain organizes my lashes to my liking.  This one is also about ready to be tossed, sad. :/

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle roller, tinted

Yeah, this one kind of surprised me (and if you remember my review of it here, you'll know I wasn't too impressed with its coverage initially).  It still gives sheer-light coverage of my dark circles, but the cooling properties mixed with the lightweight formula has made it one of my favorites this month.  I've been topping it with a light layer of my Bare Minerals foundation to help add more coverage, too.

Alba Botanica Acne Dote Invisible Treatment Gel

I picked this 2% salicylic acid acne spot treatment at Target a few weeks ago, not really sure how it would work.  I've used several different spot treatments in the past (a few from Clean & Clear and Neutrogena), but not knowing much about this brand, I wasn't sure.  It works better than any that I've tried!  I don't have bad acne, but I get lone whiteheads in my t-zone pretty frequently, and prefer salicylic acid treatments over benzoyl peroxide.  Acne Dote claims to zap them in 4 hours, and it definitely works.  I first tried it overnight (which worked), but the next evening I applied it after dinner, and by the time I went to sleep (roughly 4-5 hours later), I didn't need to reapply.  This doesn't totally erase the mark of the pimple, but it reduces the size so you don't have big bumps on your face (or a giant whitehead).

ELF Mineral Booster in Sheer, Left: unblended, Right: blended

I'm still in the works of a full review of this, but I'll just say here that it's a nice basic powder.  It doesn't give me the same effect that my loved Bare Minerals Mineral Veil does, but it finishes foundation nicely.  I have to reapply throughout the day to keep completely shine-free.  It blends into my skin flawlessly, however, so you can't even tell you have powder on.  You can see how finely-milled the powder is in my swatches.

Darling Girl Cosmetics eyeshadow samples

I'm loving the dimension and sparkle that these colors have!  And the samples have plenty of product in them to last quite awhile, since you don't need much pigment.  DGC was the first indie company I purchased from, but last week I put in an order at Meow Cosmetics for some more samples.  I can't wait to get them!

What have you guys been loving this month?  Hope you're having a great day!

xox

May Favorites!

Hey guys!  I'm so sorry this is incredibly late- I had been meaning to post this in video form but filming just wasn't going smoothly.  I'll get a video up soon of something, I promise! :)  And on that note, I'm in the market for a new digital camera that also has HD video (my birthday is in a few months and my parents actually put the idea in my ear as a birthday present idea, haha).  I'm looking into a Canon Powershot or Nikon Coolpix, but I'm still comparing and researching.  If you have any suggestions feel free to share them!  I'd be really appreciative. :)
Anyway, these are my May favorites, better late than never I hope! :)

Clockwise from far left: Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Light, Urban Decay Naked palette, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer & Natural Glow Express gradual tanners, Epielle Cucumber cleansing tissues, HD contour blush brush, Urban Decay Good Karma eyeshadow brush 

Jergens Natural Glow gradual tanners (see my review HERE for a more in-depth explanation of these)

I've been loving both of these equally with the warmer weather that's here.  I use the Natural Glow Express every few days, and then the Natural Glow daily moisturizer every night to keep the tan.  This is also mainly because I'm almost out of the Express so I don't want to use it quite as much, haha.  But it's also harder to make mistakes this way.  Love these!

Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palette (see my review HERE for a more in-depth explanation!)

Since I've been on summer vacation I've actually done more looks with pops of color, but I still used this palette off and on since I got it in May.  I love the colors Virgin (a satin cream shade perfect for inner corners) and Sin (a shimmery nude champagne), along with Naked and Buck which are the two matte shades.  

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Light (left)

This is a great bronzer for contouring, because it looks natural and is matte.  It's a nice tan that doesn't lean too orange, so it doesn't make me look like an oompa-loompa!  The around $3 price tag doesn't hurt, either.  (PS- this is very similar in color, finish, and texture to the NYC bronzing powder in Sunny- I have a bronzer comparison post coming in the next few days, so stay tuned!).

Epielle Cucumber Cleansing Tissues (right)

After hearing rave reviews from both Gianna and Jeweled Thumb about these wipes, I finally found them when I moved back home for the summer.  I've been using this daily since purchasing them and am happy to report they don't break me out.  I still use Ponds cold cream to remove eye makeup, but I love these for face makeup prior to cleansing- and at $1 for 30 wipes the price is perfect.

HD Contour blush brush (see more pictures of this brush & the stippling brush-from the same line- in my post HERE)

This one is from Walmart, and actually doesn't have much for a brand name.  There is a small line of brushes like these with the multi-fibered bristles and they all come in blue packaging.  I also own the powder and duo-fiber stippling brushes, and both of them are incredibly soft and well made.  I love this contoured brush for bronzer specifically, although it works great for blush, too (I've been using my ELF Studio blush brush for that).  

Urban Decay Good Karma eyeshadow brush (bottom)

This is the eyeshadow brush that comes along with the newer Naked palettes, in place of the double-ended 24/7 eyeliner that they used to have.  It's my new go-to for applying lid colors, because it 1) is the perfect size for my eyes, and 2) distributes color evenly.  The bristles are rounded and slightly tapered at the end and almost silky!  And as corny as that sounds, it's accurate- my EcoTools eyeshading brush is soft, but this is a little different.   

Well, those are my favorites!  Thanks for reading, like always.  

xox

April favorites- trying some new things!

I'm getting this month's favorites post up on time, yes!  Last month's was just a giant fail.  But I've been trying a lot of different products lately (finally), so I was really looking forward to doing a favorites post again!

I have a post coming soon with my skincare favorites- stay tuned for that as well.

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Bronze Tint, Sigma F80, L'Oreal Double Extend Illuminator mascara, C.O. Bigelow Lemon & Raspberry lip balm, Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips eyeliner, Laura Mercier Illuminating tinted moisturizer

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips eyeliner for green eyes- I bought these eyeliners when they were 40% off a couple weeks ago, and used a $5 off coupon that was floating around on the internet.  I only paid around $2 for them- awesome!  The color here is a medium taupe; I apologize that I can't really photograph it better (see the swatch below for a better picture of the true color!).  I love using this on my lower lash line.  I have a really hard time finding eyeliner colors that don't look too harsh on my lower lash line, and before using this I didn't really line my lower half for that reason.  It's a little creamier than I'd like, but once it sets it doesn't budge.

Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki brush- I received this brush after joining Sigma's Beauty Affiliate Incentives program, and I'm so so impressed.  It's become my new favorite brush for stippling foundation- the brush head is small enough to get around my nose and under my eyes, and it doesn't eat up all my foundation.  

L'Oreal Double Extend Illuminator mascara for green eyes- I actually got this as part of a BzzCampaign through BzzAgent.  I meant to review it on here but didn't get around to writing a post.  It's funny- I actually really disliked this until this week.  The formula must have gotten to the right consistency, because now it really volumizes and thickens my lashes to my liking.  I still don't like the "illuminator" side (not a fan of glittery lashes), but the mascara is pretty good!

Laura Mercier Illuminating tinted moisturizer- You can read my review of this HERE if you'd like!  I received it from Jennifer earlier in the month and just love it.  Currently, I'm needing something with heavier coverage because my skin is hating me :/ but as soon as it clears up I'll be right back to using it!

C.O. Bigelow Lemon & Raspberry lip balm- These were on sale for $3 last week at C.O. Bigelow, along with all the other lip products from the brand.  I bought this and a tinted lip gloss (although there's not much of a tint to it after all!).  I looove the smell/taste of this, along with how well it moisturizes my lips and makes them shine.

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Bronze Tint sample- My sister got this with a Sephora purchase and gave it to me.  I've only been using it this week, but I really love it so far.  I can hardly feel it once it's on my skin, it's easy to blend, and the tan tint is very subtle- not orange in the slightest.  I'm not much of a primer girl so this isn't something I'd purchase in a full size, but it's fun to try out.  (And as for the "evening out skin tone" claims, I noticed some corrective qualities, but not many to make a big difference.)

See pictures below!

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips eyeliners for green eyes- taupe on left

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Bronze Tint

That's it for my monthly makeup favorites!  Anything you guys have been using as well?  Like I mentioned earlier, stay tuned for my skincare favorites (a very, very long overdue post!).

Happy May! :)

<3

My February favorites

I seriously cannot believe it's March already.  Wasn't it just Christmas?  I was talking to my mom on the phone the other day, and she made a comment about me having only about two more months of school left (I was venting, lol), and I'm still wondering where the time has gone!  It's crazy.

OK, so tell me if this rings a bell with any of you.  Some months I feel like I really experiment and use a wide variety of products in my collection, and some months I gravitate towards a select few.  February was like the last kind- the following were basically the only items I kept in my everyday makeup bag and I didn't really "branch out" from them.  

MAC Too Chic beauty powder- This is from the Stylishly Yours collection- I used it a little right after purchasing, but then I really fell out of my love affair of highlighters.  Well, it's come back in full force!  I love that this gives my cheeks more of a sheen rather than a glittery/shimmery highlight (I don't prefer shimmery cheeks on myself, unless it's a special occasion).  

Jane blush in Blushing Earth Sheer- This fell to the bottom of my blush drawer, but my recent preoccupation with peach blushes has made me look at it again.  It's shimmery, but on the high points of my cheeks it's really flattering and natural. 

ELF Essentials Tinted Moisturizer in light beige- This is depotted because the squeeze tube mine came in started leaking.  I haven't tried many tinted moisturizers, but I love this one for its price and coverage.  It's $1, and it has enough pigmentation to cover minor spots and redness.  Topped with powder, it's easy and quick.

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone eyeshadow palette- Do I need to explain my love for this more?  See my posts here and here (the second link for my EOTDs with it) to read why I used this probably every other day since I bought it.

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin- This is the perfect eyeshadow primer to enhance eyeshadows and make them shimmery.  It has the same lasting power as the original version (for me), but the champagne color makes my eyeshadows to another level.  Love it especially for nights out or special occasions.

MAC Impeccable Brow Pencil in Taupe- Sorry my picture makes this and the eyeliner below it look so dark!  That's my fault- and my poor photography skills.  My roommate, a photo major, would be shaking her head at me for this!  Anyway, I'm not too experienced with brow products, but this is one of those universally-flattering colors that looks natural.  The pencil form makes it easy to apply and control.  You'll see in the swatch below that it's not really pigmented, making it hard to overdo.

Victoria's Secret eyeliner in Dark Brown- This eyeliner, like the other one I own in Dark Forest, is beautiful, long-lasting, easy to apply, and comes with a smudge tip that helps with that "winged" look.  For $10, I think this would seriously rival some of the high-end long-lasting eyeliners in stores right now.

That's it for my February favorites!  Any of these that you've been loving, too?  I'd love to know! :)

January 2011 favorites!

Better late than never, right?  I really apologize for the sporadic posting the last couple of weeks.  I've been pretty busy with school, friends, and other typical life stuff- I'm sure you can all relate!  So thanks for bearing with me.  I had quite a few new favorites this month, since I actually bought some new makeup over Christmas break.

Wet 'n' Wild eyeshadow trio in Silent Treatment- I've been getting more into taupes lately, and the eyelid shade in this trio is just gorgeous.  It's a real, true taupe with the right amount of shimmer.  This is also a great quad for an easy day-to-night look (neutral enough for daytime, but buildable for nighttime).

Victoria's Secret eyeshadow single in Beloved- I finally purchased this for myself after lemming it for the year and a half that I worked there.  It's a deep shimmery olive green that runs on the sheer side but is buildable- you need several swipes to get the same color as what it looks like in the pan.  I actually like this, because it means I can use it in my crease without it being overbearing.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear mascara- The formula of this seems similar to me to Covergirl LashBlast Fusion (I was using these simultaneously for a few weeks).  It's a drier formula like LashBlast, but the wand is a little different.  I like it, but I've mostly been using it so I can finish it.  Wouldn't repurchase.

Prestige Total Intensity eyeliner in Strong Slate- I actually didn't love this at first because of the shimmer, but my recent lemming of long-wear, waterproof eyeliners has had me reaching for this frequently.  It lasts all day and night and doesn't tug/pull when applied.

Bare Minerals original SPF foundation in Fairly Medium- I actually haven't used this so much since I've returned back to school, because my skin has been insanely dry.  But I love it normally and can't wait to get more use out of it when warmer months come!

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil- Everything I've read about this translucent powder giving your skin a "glow" is true- for me, anyway.  It's really subtle and probably only noticeable to me, but I can really tell a difference after I've applied this over my foundation.

Urban Decay Original Primer Potion- I'm still trying to use up my old Victoria's Secret eyeshadow primer, but I purchased this at the beginning of January and have used it several times.  I love it so much.  My VS primer will start to crease towards the end of the day, but this baby keeps my eyeshadows/liners on all day/night.

Revlon Age Defying concealer- I got this for under $3 at the CVS beauty clearance sale, and it's been my go-to concealer ever since.  It works great for under eye concealers and redness around my nose/chin. 

ELF tinted moisturizer- I've had this thing since last spring, but brought it back out because I wanted to finish it.  My tube just broke so I depotted it into one of the sample jars I received from Mario Badescu.  Plain and simple, I love it.  It gives me enough moisture and coverage for these dry winter months, and lasts all day when topped with powder.  It's also natural-looking enough for me- I still like to see my natural skin peeking through when I wear face makeup.  

Those are my favorites for this month!  Any that you guys have on your list, too?  I'd love to hear any comments you may have.  

Thanks for reading! :)

October Favorites (AKA my fail-safe products of the month)

I've been so uninspired this month.  I've hardly bought any new makeup, and I haven't been experimenting at all with different looks.  I think I'm in a rut!  My wallet is certainly thanking me, though, so I can't complain in that area.  :)
These are the products I used on an almost daily basis in October.  Once I decided I loved them on me, I went back to them over and over.  The best part?  They go with just about everything!

MAC Naked Lunch, Club, and Rimmel Spark It Up! eyeliner in Peridot- Naked Lunch is one of my favorite "all-over wash" eyeshadows, and I love pairing it with Club for a neutral, everyday look (See my EOTD in this post for something similar!).  The Rimmel eyeliner is a dark, shimmery teal that enhances Club.

NYX Flamingo, Wet 'n' Wild Lust palette (matte light pink and dark shimmery purple shades), Maybelline Full 'n' Soft mascara, EcoTools angled eyeliner brush- I've been loving the combination of NYX Flamingo all over my lid, the matte light pink shade from the Lust palette in my crease/highlight, and then doing a winged eyeliner look using the dark shimmery purple.  I usually highlight my inner corners with the shimmery white, too.  It's a light look for daytime with a little extra something.  And the Full 'n' Soft mascara is amazing!  It flakes on me occasionally, but for the most part it's not a problem.  I'll do a review of this soon.

ELF Studio Contouring Blush/Bronzing Powder- I was using the Studio Golden Bronzer religiously, but I wanted something a little darker.  I had been applying this bronzer with my EcoTools bamboo bronzer brush, but yesterday I tried it with my ELF Studio complexion brush (a big powder brush) and it shows up way better!  I'm also using the blush side of this duo.  Although I'm not typically a fan of peachy shades, I love this.  It's subtle enough for me.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk, and Physicians Formula gel/cream liner for green eyes- When used sparingly, this JEP is really great!  I find if I accidently use too much my eyeshadow creases on me, but as long as I don't go into my crease I'm OK.  It really helps bring out the colors of any eyeshadow.  Lastly, this gel liner is just gorgeous.  I love the color, it stays on all day, and it's easy to apply with my EcoTools angled eyeliner brush (see above picture).

That's it for my monthly favorites!  I'm so excited for what November brings.  To me, this new month is representing new beginnings.  It's a great feeling.

Hope you're all having a wonderful start to your week.  <3

September Favorites (It's fall already?!)

I still can't get over the fact that it's October.  Doesn't it seem like summer was just here?  I remember talking about teals and blues and getting into bright colors... and now it's time to switch gears.  But that's ok because I love fall colors/trends.  Berry and gold eyes, rosy cheeks, red lips- the best!
Anyway, here are my favorite products that I used almost every day this month (I would have more, but I've been using a lot of different things every day).  I included a little of everything beauty-related.

Non-makeup:

Victoria's Secret PINK Warm & Cozy body spray:  This was one of the first body sprays I got when I first started working at VS last fall, and it's my go-to cold weather scent.  It reminds me of Christmas, I don't know why.  It has vanilla, pink peony and raspberry notes in it and it's just so warm/yummy smelling!

Victoria's Secret More Pink Please perfume:  I layer this and the PINK Warm & Cozy spray, because scents last longer when you layer!  LOL, it's in the same family as Warm & Cozy, and since body sprays last honestly 10 minutes on me, I have to layer.  This has top notes of mandarin and orchid and base notes of vanilla and amber (among others).

The Icing nail polish in Pinot Noir:  I got this on clearance back in August for like $2.25, and it's such a pretty cranberry/gold shimmer!  Perfect for fall.  I have this on my toes now.

Makeup:

(Some of these i've mentioned before, sorry!)

MAC Retrospeck eyeshadow:  I've been really into light/neutral eye looks, and this a great all over lid color.  It is a sparkly light gold with awesome pigmentation (Unlike some of my other MAC eyeshadows).

ELF Studio Golden Bronzer:  I've hit pan!  I use this daily to make myself look more alive.  I love love that cream highlight color- it makes my skin glow.  Definitely will be repurchasing this when I run into more pan.

Rimmel Spark It Up! eyeliners in Peridot and Black Gold:  Peridot is a dark shimmery blue-green, and Black Gold is a dark antiqued gold.  They are both great alternatives to standard brown or black without being at all "obvious".  I love these for giving neutral looks something extra.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector concealer/highlighter:  I'm so glad I finally got this when Maybelline was 40% at Walgreens awhile back.  Jamie, you're right, it's awesome!  I use it to cover blemishes (Fortunately I don't yet have problems with under eye circles), and it's the only concealer I've tried in a long time that hasn't caked/worn away.  It's also really pigmented so you don't need a lot.

Well, those are my favorites for this month.  Have you tried/been using any that I mentioned?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

August Favorites

Can you guys believe August is over already?  It seems like it came and went way too fast!
I stopped doing my Wednesday Weekly Favorites awhile ago because I wasn't buying new makeup as often, so this month I feel like I actually have something worth sharing.  I've talked about most of these products at some point before, but now I've gotten a chance to really use them on a regular basis.

1.  Maybelline Mineral Power powder foundation in Light #2- I think I've declared my love for this foundation before on this blog, but I've fallen head over heels for it all over again!  It's a perfect match for my skin (The closest I've found in my foundation experiences, anyway), and it's super quick to apply.  You just swirl your brush in it, tap it off, and buff it into your skin.  No effort required.

2.  MAC Retrospeck eyeshadow- This is a really pretty, really sparkly light nude-gold eyeshadow.  MAC describes it as "bleached blonde" which is a great description IMO.  I love this as an all-over wash of color on the lid.  

3.  Wet 'n' Wild new Color Icon eyeliners in Amethyst, Purple, and Olive- I didn't like these at first- they smudged and disappeared when I tested them just by themselves on my eyes.  I guess I needed to try them with a full eye look, because when I use them now they're really nice.  The colors are stunning, and the formula is creamy and just overall so much better than the old one.

4.  ELF Eye Definer brush- I've been using eyeshadow as eyeliner a lot lately, and I love using this for it.  It makes a nice thicker line, and it's easy to blend the eyeshadow up into the outer corner.

5.  EcoTools Bamboo Bronzer brush- I raved about this in my review of my other EcoTools brushes, and I still love it just as much!  I sometimes end up using this for all my face makeup- my Maybelline powder foundation, my blush, and bronzer.  It leaves a really light finish, and the bristles are buttery smooth.

(Top- MAC Retrospeck; Bottom- Wet 'n' Wild eyeliners, Amethyst, Purple, Olive)

Do you guys have any of these?  Have you had a different experience?  Let me know!

June Favorites (It's July Already?!)

(PS- I updated my post from yesterday about the Maybelline Diamonds collection with pictures, you can view it here)

I don't think I'm alone in that I can't believe it's already July.  Where did June go?
This month I had more favorites than usual.  I switched around quite a bit between products, which is why I couldn't really narrow my list down any more.  But that's OK; it just means I have even more to recommend to you.  :)

Wet 'n' Wild eyeshadow palette in Vanity: You all should know by now my love for Wet 'n' Wild (Or at least I hope you do after 5 posts about it in one week!).  These palettes are no exception, and ever since I purchased this one it's been getting lots of love.  I think I got it Monday, but I'm including it in this month's favorites just because it will be put to good use.

N.Y.C. Mosaic Translucent face powder: I'm new to face powders, so I don't know which are the best or worst.  However, I've used this one atop my Maybelline The Eraser foundation for the last few weeks and like it.  It keeps any shine far at bay (I should note that my skin is on the dry side), and isn't cakey on my skin.  

E.L.F. Contouring Blush & Bronzing powder, the blush side: I hated this blush when I first got it, because I wasn't a fan of peachy colors on my skin.  It has since grown on me, and I like how it still has a decent amount of pink in it.  There is also a fair amount of gold shimmer throughout which adds to the gorgeousness!

And more!

(Clockwise from left)

Maybelline The Eraser treatment makeup in Buff Beige: I just LOVE this stuff.  I'd say it gives light to medium coverage, because now that my skin has cleared up a decent amount (I finally don't have anymore "mountain" pimples!  Knock on wood!), I can put this on and not have to wear concealer.  I can't tell you how the aging treatment part of it works, but for a nice and light foundation I'd highly recommend it.  Especially if you're like me and don't want to take the time to apply liquid foundation.  You just buff this into your skin, apply a powder, and you're done!  It gives me that nice, "Your skin looks flawless but not like you're wearing makeup" look.

Fresh. Sugar Lemon perfume: My sister got this perfume for me last spring, and it was my go-to scent that summer.  It's got quite a strong citrus lemon scent, but the sugar makes it wearable.  It's perfect for the hot weather!

Clean & Clear Advantage mark treatment: This is a spot-treatment acne medication that is designed to get rid of acne and blemish scars/marks, and contains 2% salicylic acid.  I like that it has salicylic acid versus benzoyl peroxide, as benzoyl peroxide does absolutely nothing for my skin.  I've been using this the last 2 weeks on several spots on my face (One pimple on my forehead, and some blemish marks along my T-zone), and have noticed a HUGE difference.  

Rimmel Spark It Up! eyeliner in Tiger's Eye: This is a gorgeous, shimmering shade of bronze eyeliner.  I love that it "glams" up my neutral eye looks.  Read my mini-review of these eyeliners here.

Covergirl LashBlast Volume mascara: I know this is a cult favorite mascara, but I have to jump on the bandwagon.  This month I rediscovered my love for this stuff, and I've yet to find a mascara that gives me the same thick fringe as this one.  

E.L.F. Mineral eyeshadows in Natural and Wild: These are gorgeous together.  And since I've been into more neutral-color eye looks, these work perfectly for me!

Whew, props to you if you read through all of those!  What are your June favorites?  Do you love any of these like I did this month?

May Favorites

I can't believe May is already over (Although it did seem rather long to me).  It was a good month, though, and it's hard to believe that I only started this blog May 1st.  Seems like way longer!

Here are my favorite products that I found myself using on an almost-daily basis.

1.  CoverGirl Eyelights eyeliner in Vivid Ruby- Remember how I was displeased to find this was a pretty standard dark brown?  It's still dark brown, and it's still no fancy color, but I just love the deepness of the shade.  It's staying power is nice, too, which has been great with the warmer weather.  I've even been using it on my lower waterline now that I've started doing that, and it works wonderfully.

2.  E.L.F. Eyeliner & Shadow Stick in Pearl & Glow- This is something I got a few months ago but never used until recently.  The eyeliner end, Pearl, I don't use as much- but the eyeshadow side, Glow, works nicely to highlight just under my eyebrows and the inner corners of my eyes.  I initially didn't like the eyeshadow, but this has been a useful purpose for it (It's a little twisty stick-it looks like a large retractable eyeliner pen).

3.  E.L.F. Eyeshadow quad in Nouveau Neutrals- I've been really big into light eyeshadow colors recently.  I still love smoky eyes, but on a day-to-day basis I love the look of light eyeshadow with big, thick lashes.  Anyway, this has been the perfect quad to do that with.  It is standard good-quality E.L.F. eyeshadow, with colors that are shimmery but not too much.  Just enough to give the light brown, light olive, and champagne a little something extra (The highlight blue doesn't have any shimmer).

4.  Benefit High Beam- I've had this forever, but I love it for the summer.  I use it underneath my foundation (Or whatever I'm wearing that day), and it gives my skin a nice glow.  Usually I just use it on my cheekbones.

5.  Maybelline Mineral Power Powder Foundation- One big reason I'm raving about this is because of how easy/fast it is to apply.  If I'm running late in the morning or just don't want to mess with applying foundation, I just sweep this over my face with a kabuki brush and I'm set.  It's the only mineral powder foundation I've ever used, so I don't know how it compares to others, but I find it's light on my skin yet covers my imperfections nicely.  It's great for evening out my sensitive skin, which flares up after I wash it in the morning.

6.  Bath & Body Works Triple Moisture Body Cream in White Citrus- Normally I'm not one to like strong citrus scents, but this is an exception.  To me it seems like one of those "energizing" smells, like something that would be good to put on in the morning.  Anyway, scent aside, I love B&BW's Triple Moisture Body Creams.  The formula is thicker but super creamy, and makes my body feel hydrated.

7.  Target brand Up & Up Radiant Skin Lotion SPF 15- This is comparable to Aveeno Positively Radiant face moisturizer, but a little less expensive.  I was using this every morning before my makeup, but now that I have my Physician's Formula TM with SPF 50, I'm going to switch to my Neutrogena moisturizer.

8.  CoverGirl Instant Cheekbones Contouring Blush in Refined Rose- This is an old favorite.  I got this awhile back, never used it, and then just brought it out recently.  The middle, medium pink/almost-peach shade is the one I use the most.  I like light-colored blushes, and this suits my fair skin perfectly.  I use this pretty much every day.

I'm interested to see how this will change this month- what I will use more of, less of, etc.  I know with scents I tend to have different favorites every month or so.

What were your favorite products from May?

April Favorites

April has been feeling quite spring-y this year!  Out here in the Midwest, we tend to get at least one snowfall after March, but so far so good.  I'm not complaining one bit.  :)  

This has made me bring out my bronzer (For my face, anyway).  The ELF studio bronzer I just got this year, actually, and it's made me so excited for the upcoming summer season! 

 I'm currently in the middle of transitioning my makeup from winter to spring.  It's such a good feeling to go from heavy, deeper colors to light, airy textures and looks.  Here are my favorite items from April:

Left to right: ELF Studio bronzer in Golden Tan

The Icing e/s duo- it doesn't have a name, but it's a light creamy pink highlighter shade, with a deeper, brownish purple color.  It's really pretty.

ELF Studio e/s in Pebble

Top to bottom: MAC blending brush 224

ELF Studio "C" brush

Covergirl Lash Exact in black brown

Almay Bright Eyes eye base+concealer 

L'Oreal HiP eyeliner in Violet Volt

I love the ELF eyeshadow "C" brush for applying crease colors; it really gives my eyes definition.  The MAC blending brush is an oldie but goodie.  I got it years and years ago, but just recently brought it back out.  It's a good thing brushes never go bad!  :)

The Lash Exact mascara doesn't give me false-looking lashes like I usually crave, but I like it for an everyday look (Especially for work).  The black-brown shade is just softer than black, too, so it's a good change for spring.  

I'm really loving the Almay eye base!  I bought it on a whim at Walgreens during a BOGO1/2off sale maybe a month ago, having never heard anything about it.  I've been pleasantly surprised, though.  While I haven't used Urban Decay's Primer Potion, from the reviews I've read online, Almay's eye base is a pretty good dupe (I'm thinking of Maquilagem Masstige's review in particular).

Alright, what products are you loving right now?  Are there any you just discovered that you can't imagine yourself living without?