Perfect Pairing: Purple and Peach Look of the Day

Nice alliteration in the post title, eh?

I've been doing a "shop my stash" type of thingy lately (y'know, where you go through your collection and find something you haven't worn in a while and make it a point to use it).  One of the things I put in my "use this product" basket is Milani's Baked Blush in Luminoso.  Nikki from Nikki Tutorials has been raving about and using this blush a lot in her videos lately, and it made me want to pull it out, which then gave me the idea to "shop my stash."

Face of the Day With Some Drugstore Favorites

There is so much good makeup to find at the drugstore these days.  I decided to use nothing but some of my drugstore favorites today.  The hardest part was choosing which favorites to use!

Complexion: 

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation -- I like the fluid texture and light-medium coverage of this foundation.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer -- This has a lovely light texture, but covers well, and it doesn't settle into my wrinkles.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder -- Non-powdery and non-cakey.  Important qualities for a face powder.

Cheeks:

Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Amber Nectar -- I use this as a bronzer.  It gives a lovely glow to the skin.
Milani Baked Blush in Corallina -- A beautiful coral blush.  Of note: this is sparkly.  But I like sparkly stuff.  It's also really pretty in the pan.

from left: Milani Amber Nectar Illuminating Powder, Milani Corallina Baked Blush

Eyes:

Wet 'n' Wild Petal Pusher Palette -- I adore purple eyeshadows, so this is right up my alley.  The texture of the shadows is quite soft.  I used the "definer" shade from the left side as the only color on my lids for this look.  It's more sheer than the other shadows in the palette, but it's still pretty.  It's a sparkly bluish purple.

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum -- I like the calligraphy-style brush on this liquid liner.

L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara -- My favorite mascara at the moment.  It gives lots of length to my lashes.

Wet 'n' Wild Petal Pusher palette "definer" shade

sparkly!

Lips:

NYX Lipliner Pencil in Nectar -- Nectar is a very pretty, slightly metallic coral.  It's fairly creamy for a lip pencil.

Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Fresh Papaya -- This chubby lip crayon is quite moisturizing and almost balm-like, smells nice and fruity, and gives a good dose of color to the lips. Fresh Papaya is a shimmery peachy coral.  One of my favorite lipsticks ever!

from left: Neutrogena Fresh Papaya MoistureSmooth Color Stick, NYX Nectar Lip Pencil

What are some of your drugstore favorites?

Bronzer as Eyeshadow Look of the Day

Ever have those days where you just don't quite know what to do to make the day feel "right"?  I was having one of those.  I thought sitting down to do my makeup would help, but I was feeling completely uninspired and didn't feel like doing much.  I thought to myself "I know!  I'll use a bronzer as an eyeshadow just to mix it up!  That will be fun!"  After I applied it, I decided I wasn't really digging it.  Meh.  Maybe I'll play with some eyeshadow tonight (yes, I do that) and add a bunch of pink and purple to it.

Eyes: LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer as eyeshadow all over the moving lid
         Urban Decay eyeshadow in Toasted in the crease
         Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder to blend out Toasted
         Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara

Cheeks: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush and Bronzer in Rosy Glow

Lips: Maybelline Color Sensational The Elixir lipgloss in 095 Blush Essence

from left: LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer, Urban Decay Toasted eyeshadow, Rimmel Stay Matte powder, Neutrogena Rosy Glow blush and bronzer, Maybelline The Elixir lipgloss in Blush Essence

My "winter blues" slowly changed into "I'm sick of winter" depression and is now an "I hate winter" rage.

*Shakes fist at Mother Nature*

Stay sane my friends!

10 of My Favorite Makeup Items From 2013

I thought I'd share a few of my favorites makeup items of the year.  I didn't include skincare or haircare because I've done favorites and empties posts for them, and they don't really change for me.

Some of these were introduced this year, and some were new to me.  All of these became favorites of mine.

In no particular order:

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser -- This has a nice lightweight formula that doesn't settle into the lines around my eyes.  It covers decently, and I think it is quite fun to use because of the little puff applicator.

Maybelline Color Elixir lipgloss (review) -- I think these have a lovely formula.  They were introduced late in the year, but they quickly became a favorite of the year.  They are some of the nicest lipglosses on the market, in my opinion.  They feel plush and hydrating on the lips.

Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Sticks (review) -- These smell wonderful (if you like fruity scents), are very hydrating, and make the lips feel softer, even after they wear off.

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow-- I like that this has 3 colors of blush that you can either swirl together, or use just the coral color or the pink color (although you need a smaller brush to pick up just one color or the other).  I do consider this a highlighting blush due to the shimmer, but it doesn't look glittery on the skin.

Josie Maran Coconut Water Cheek Gelee in Poppy Paradise (swatch) -- This blush is great for giving a natural flush to the cheeks.  It's very easy to apply (I always use my fingers for this one) and feels sort of cooling, which is especially nice in the summer.

Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette -- I didn't get this palette until November, but it is one of the best palettes I own.  The shadows are very pigmented and soft, and there is an excellent mix of neutrals, brights, metallics, and darks.

Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy -- This was one of the great discoveries of the year for me.  It is amazing how different shimmery and glittery shadows and pigments look over this.

Benefit They're Real Mascara -- I really only wear this when I want dramatic lashes.  It separates, volumizes, and lengthens all at once.  It is more difficult to remove than most non-waterproof mascaras which is why I don't wear it everyday.

JinSoon Nail Laquer in Nostalgia (review) -- This is my favorite nude nail color.  The formula is long-wearing and shiny, even without a top coat.

Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Nail Color in Firefly  (swatches)-- I wore this almost non-stop in the fall.  It's a complex color that changes from pinky copper to gold with some green depending on how the light hits it.

Obviously, this is not a complete list of favorites (that could get very long), but just a few that stood out to me.

What are some of your favorites from 2013?

Recent Empties

I actually used up some stuff!

Marc Anthony Instantly Thick Volume shampoo and conditioner -- Okay, I can't take full credit for using these up since my husband (who has much longer, more beautiful hair than I do) also uses these.  They don't have a strong scent, which makes them nicely unisex, and they don't interfere smell-wise with the perfume I'm wearing.  I do think they plump up the hair strands slightly due to the proteins in the formulas.  The shampoo is gentle and the conditioner is lightweight.  We've been using these for years.
Repurchase: Yes

L'Oreal EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner -- I actually use this most days of the week and use the Marc Anthony shampoo every 2-3 days.  It has a sort of a light coconut scent, and it seems to cleanse my very fine hair effectively.  I still use conditioner everyday with it, though.
Repurchase: Yes

Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil -- A staple in my skincare routine.
Repurchase: Of course

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes -- I use these every night.  If I haven't worn makeup that day (lazy Sundays) I feel like it cleanses well enough alone.  The rest of the time I use it to remove makeup and any eye makeup remover residue before I wash my face.
Repurchase: Yes

Benefit They're Real Mascara -- This mascara is pretty excellent for when I want really crazy over the top lashes.  It doesn't clump and gives great length and decent volume.  It's rather difficult to remove, and makes the lashes feel slightly crunchy, but I like it anyway.  I'm not sure I want to spend the $23 dollars on the full size mascara when the $10 tube worked well for me.
Repurchase: Yes (the little version)

Physicians Formula Eye Definer Felt-Tip Eye Marker -- I probably had this liquid liner for too long, and it finally dried up.  It was also the only liquid liner I used for a long time, so it probably ran out as well.  It has a firm felt-tip applicator that makes drawing a line very easy, and the formula isn't too wet so it sets quickly (which is excellent) and doesn't smudge.
Repurchase: It's a good liner, but I seem to be liking the calligraphy-style tips for liquid liners better, so probably not at this time.  But, I would definitely recommend it for people who like firm felt-tip liners!

There is something oddly satisfying about using up beauty products.

Rachel McAdams Purple and Peach Look of the Day

I found a very pretty picture of Rachel McAdams wearing violet shadow, and it inspired me to try the look.

Eyes:  Sephora Prisma Chrome Eyeshadow in Purple Prisma (limited edition)
          Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eyeshadow in Sandstone
          Wet 'n' Wild Eyeshadow in Brulee
          Tarina Tarantino Hyperliner in Tommy Jet
          Benefit They're Real Mascara

Cheeks:  Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Lips:  Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Juicy Peach




Has a celebrity's makeup ever inspired you to copy it?

5 May Favorites

So it's the beginning of a new month, which means it's time for a favorites post.  Here are my picks from the month of May.

Urban Decay Naked Palette -- I've rediscovered the greatness that is the Naked palette.  So many looks so little time!

Neutrogena Shine Control Powder -- This is working really well for me.  I love the light feeling on the skin. (review here)

Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer -- I think this makes it into my favorites every month.  I use it just about every day, often with nothing underneath.  (review here)

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Achiote -- I purchased the Tarte Gifts From The Lipstick Tree Achiote Color Collection set from Sephora during the Chic Week sale, and I have been wearing this blush quite frequently.  It is such a pretty warm, dark, matte pink.  (review and swatches here)

Tarte Lipsurgence Natural Lip Luster in Achiote -- This also came in the Gifts From The Lipstick Tree Achiote Color Collection, and it matches the blush color, and has a little sparkle.  (review and swatches  here)

What were your favorites this month?

Neutrogena Shine Control Powder Review

I always use a setting powder, and since I recently ran out of my Sephora matte powder foundation, I thought I would try a lighter powder for summer.

Neutrogena says:  Neutrogena® Shine Control Powder helps skin stay shine-free and fresh-looking all day. The lightweight powder with patent-pending rice protein technology acts like a sponge to absorb excess oil and instantly eliminates shine for a fresh look that lasts for 8 hours. Layers invisibly over makeup with a matte finish.

Honestly, I'm not sure what a rice protein complex is or how it works, but it sounds kind of like cool technology and an interesting ingredient.

I'll be finishing this one soon, and I definitely will be  repurchasing it!

This is a translucent, lightweight powder that mattifies without looking chalky.  I like using this with a large, dense brush when setting my makeup, but the included flat, spongey puff also works well.  It is a fairly slim compact, so it is really easy to carry with you for any needed touch ups.

My skin  is usually pretty shiny/oily after I apply my makeup since I use Josie Maran's Argan Oil (which I love) and usually just Stila's tinted moisturizer (which I also love).

I use this to set my makeup after my tinted moisturizer, and it keeps me pretty much shine-free for about 6-7 hours, which really excellent, in my opinion.  I get a little break through shine on my forehead, but most days I don't feel like I need to even re-powder anything and just blot my forehead (if I'm going out in the evening, I'll touch up my makeup and reapply).  I've recently tried the Maybelline Dream Matte powder, and I definitely see a lot more shine much earlier in the day when wearing it, so I know the Neutrogena powder is doing a good job of controlling oil.  It doesn't look chalky or powdery and feels very light on the skin.  It is completely translucent, so don't expect any kind of coverage from this.  It doesn't feel at all drying, like some powders, so I think any skin type could wear this happily.  It gives the skin a beautiful finish that isn't overly matte.

This reminds me quite a bit of MAC's blot powder, but I used that so many years ago that I could be remembering it wrong.

unblended swatch

blended

I'm quite impressed by the Neutrogena Shine Control Powder and definitely recommend it for a translucent setting or touch-up powder, especially for anyone with combination or oily skin.

Recent Empties and Repurchased Products

Since my favorites haven't really changed within the past month, I thought I would do an empties post instead (which I've never done).  Besides, these kind of work as favorites because I don't think I would use up something I don't like!

Skincare

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes
     Repurchase:  Yes.  I've been using these for ages.  They are really easy to use and effective.  I keep them on my bedside table.

Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil
     Repurchase:  Yes.  I've been using this oil for a few years and absolutely love it.  It's so soothing and moisturizing.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer
     Repurchase:  Already have.  It is has a lovely lightweight texture, and is hydrating and gentle with broad spectrum SPF 40.

Makeup

Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation
     Repurchase:  Yes.  I've actually repurchased this a couple of times.  It's a sponge-on foundation that gives adjustable coverage depending on how much you put on the sponge.  I sometimes go without concealer when I wear this because I can get pretty full coverage when I pat it on a spot instead of swiping it across the skin.  It feels light on the skin, and has a satin (not dewy, not matte) finish.  It does not contain sunscreen.

Sephora Mattifying Foundation
     Repurchase:  I would, but they repackaged and may have reformulated this.  I decided to try some different pressed powders for summer, to see if they would control oil better than this for the warmer months.

Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara
     Repurchase:  I think so.  I have a bunch of mascara samples to try, and I was thinking about trying the Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal mascara, but I've been pretty happy with the Full 'N Soft since it gives nice volume without making my lashes feel stiff or crunchy.

Anastasia Hydrafull Gloss in Lychee (a sparkling very light (almost white) pink)
     Repurchase:  Yes, but most likely in a the holiday set the put out in November-December.  I've bought the set the past two years they offered it, and have actually used up three or four of the glosses in them (to finish a gloss is unusual for me!) which I think says a lot about the formula.  It is really smooth and slightly sticky, but very moisturizing, which is why I like it so much.  I use these more because I like the formula and not so much for the colors because they all look pretty similar on my lips.


Any favorites you've repurchased numerous times?