Current Beauty Favorites feat. Revlon, NARS, Smashbox, Urban Decay, NYX, Rimmel, and Tarte

 

I wanted to share my most used products right now. I have been using these products and nothing else (aside from the occasional gloss) for at least a month or two.

 

Here's what my routine has been lately...

 

Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss

This is my absolute favorite balm right now. It is so soft and creamy and moisturizing. It makes my lips feel amazing and gives them a very pretty shine. It is perfect for this cold dry winter weather!

 

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

This is my second sample of this and I love every drop. I focus it on my t-zone where my foundation has the hardest time staying put.

 

Revlon Colorstay 24 Hour Foundation for Combo/Oily skin in shade 110 Ivory 

As you can tell from the empty bottle above I love this so much I've used every last drop I can get to! The only store in my small town that sells this has been out of my shade for weeks so I've had to resort to buying something else (Maybeline Fit Me, color is great formula is horrible!!) and I can't wait to get my hands on this again! It is the only foundation that lasts on my oily mess of a face!

 

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer in 230 Ivory/Light 

This is my second tube of this concealer and I love it for under my eyes. I wish it was a little longer lasting (since I put my makeup on at 6:00am and don't take it off until 10:00pm) but it does the job and it is the best I've tried in a long time. Plus, it's affordable!

 

Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder in Translucent 

I don't know how many of these compacts I've gone through over the years. I'm really quite pale so this translucent powder is pretty much the only thing that doesn't leave me with a crazy obvious color difference from my jaw to my neck. Plus, I really need the oil absorbing help!

 

Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Thankful 

This is one of the most pigmented blushes I've ever owned. I love that I only need a tiny amount on my brush to get the color I want on my cheeks. This is going to last forever!

 

Jane Aguaceuticals Aquaglow bronzer in Sunset Bronze  

I don't actually use this as bronzer I just use the top two shades and highlight my cheekbones. I love the subtle highlight it provides. I bought this in 2011 from Hautelook and I'm not sure if they still make it but if they do I totally recommend picking it up. I've also used all the colors as eyeshadow when I didn't have anything else with me!

 

e.l.f. Eyebrow set in Light 

This is my go to brow product. When I really feel like going to town on my makeup I will use both the powder and the cream/wax but most days all I need is the cream/wax side. I was so worried when it first came in the mail because it was so much darker than the powder but it is only lightly pigmented. Just enough to fill my brows without looking crazy and the waxy texture helps keep the hairs in place! Plus, it was such a steal. Normally $3.00, I got it on sale for $1.50! And it's going to last forever!

 

NARS eye shadow primer 

This is a sample I got in a free set from Sephora but I've been using it for months and I absolutely love it! This primer is amazing! It keeps my shadows from creasing all day! And I only have to use the tiniest amount. I'm going to be so sad when this runs out because it is far to expensive to repurchase. But if you have the money, I would say get it!

 

Wet n Wild Color Icon eye shadow palette in Vain

 

I have had this palette for several years and lately it has been the only eye shadow I've used. As you can tell I love the two lightest shades, especially the matte one. My second favorite shade is the matte tan color. My go-to eye look has been the matter ivory on the lid and inner corner with the matte tan in the crease. Really simple and classis but pretty!

 

L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense liquid eyeliner & Tarte emphasEYES smoldering clay liner

I have been wearing two eyeliners everyday. I wear the L'Oreal liquid liner on my eyelid and the Tarte liner along my lower lash line. They are both very long lasting and the Tarte liner can be smudged along the lower lash line right after applying and then it sets and stays all day! I have such a problem with mascara and liner on my bottom lashes smudging and smearing throughout the day so now this is the only liner I wear down there.

 

Covergirl Lashblast Volume Waterproof mascara & Smashbox Full Exposure mascara

I've never been a huge fan of waterproof mascara and I haven't ever really felt like it was necessary but over the last 7 or 8 months I've had a huge problem of the mascara on my bottom lashes smudging into my under eye area throughout the day. So I decided to try a waterproof formula. I only use it on my bottom lashes because it was WAY too hard to get off my top lashes but it is perfect for the lower lash line. My most used mascara right now for my top lashes is this one for smashbox that I got in a smashbox sample set. I really really like the formula and the large brush. I tend to layer it with a different mascara every couple days but always with this as the base.

 

Urban Decay de-slick makeup setting spray & NYX Matte finish setting spray

The last thing I do when putting on my makeup is set my makeup with one of these sprays. This is my second bottle of the NYX setting spray and I've used about half of it. I think it is a really nice spray for oily skin and it is affordable. The Urban Decay was a new purchase about a month ago and it is only a sample size but I'm already OBSESSED. It is amazing. It really works wonders on controlling my oily face. BUT it is so pricey that I don't see myself ever buying a full size.

 

Hope you enjoyed seeing what makeup I've been using most lately!

 

xoxo

Freebies: Target Beauty Bag

Hey ladies,

Just wanted to show my Target Beauty Bag freebie I got in the mail this past Friday.

The box it came in, so cute...

Small Sonia Kashuk makeup bag

Happy Sensation body lotion, Pantene shampoo for fine hair, Neutrogena naturals lip balm

I already have this lotion in full size but it will be nice to have a travel size I can throw in my purse.

I have never used this shampoo before and I don't have fine hair but it says it's volumizing and I'm always down for that :)

The Neutrogena Naturals lip balm seems nice. I have used it 2 or 3 times so far and can't decide how I feel about.

Fekkai Shea Butter moisturizing shampoo and conditioner

I have already used these little samples and I will be honest... I'm not impressed. BUT I think it's because I have a ton of hair and these samples were not enough for my hair. It smelled good though!

And finally...

$25.00 in Target coupons

Which, if you got this freebie, can be stacked with manufacturer's coupons. So if I you print off a coupon or clip it from the newspaper or magazine and it isn't specific to a store (like these are) then you could use it with one of these and get a great deal on some products!

Coupons just make me happy. The End

Oh but want to know something sad, every other bag I have seen got a Maybelline lip gloss sample and I did not :(

If you didn't take advantage of this freebie opportunity, there are always great deals going on around the internet for coupons, freebies, and samples. Target and Walmart always have samples you can sign up for as does P&G, All You, Vocal Point, etc. There are also great places you can go that will hunt down the greatest samples and sales all in one place like slick deals, the thrifty couple, etc.

So go on and start hunting for those deals!

xoxo

FOTD #2: Natural

Hey ladies,

I don't often feel the desire  to do an entire face of the day post but I was using all my new Too Faced products and really wanted to show you how the products looked (plus I was having a pretty good hair day too. I love when that whole natural wave/wannabe beachy thing works out!).

Hair:

Garnier Fructis Leave-In conditioning cream

Herbal Essences volumizing mousse

got2b fat-tastic root boosting spray

Face:

L'oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting base

e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish foundation in Porcelain

Maybelline Dream Mousse concealer in Fair light 0-1

Covergirl Fresh Complexion Pocket powder foundation in ivory (605)

Physician Formula Healthy Wear Bronzer in Light

Neutrogena Healthy Skin blends sheer highlighting blush in Fresh (20)

e.l.f. Studio Blush in Gotta Glow (highlight)

Brows:

Maybelline Define-A-Brow in Light Blonde

e.l.f. Wet Gloss Clear Brow mascara

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance eyelid primer

Too Faced eyeshadow duo in Cocoa Puff&Honey Pot

e.l.f. cream eyeliner in Coffee

Too Faced Lash Injection mascara

Lips:

Nivea Kiss of Smoothness chapstick

Jane Aguaceuticals lipstick in Oasis

e.l.f. Mineral lipgloss in Au Naturale 

If you want me to review any of these products, please let me know!

xoxo

Things I'm looking forward to...

1. I have an order with e.l.f. that will hopefully be on its way to me soon! They had free shipping Monday night which is one of my favorite kinds of sales, instead of spending $6.75 on shipping, I got to buy more makeup! It still hasn't shipped yet, but I'm trying to be patient. I haven't had an e.l.f. order since July and I just wish it was here already!



UPDATE: It shipped It shipped! I made the order Monday night (10/11/2010), It posted on my e.l.f. account Tuesday (10/12/2010) and it shipped today (10/14/2010)! I have found e.l.f. can really vary when it comes to the amount of time it takes to actually ship an order. Some of my orders have shipped the same day, others have taken over 7 days before they finally ship. I'm glad this one was only 2 days, I can't wait for my stuff to arive!


2. I have totally straightened my vanity and am going to do a makeup/beauty collection/storage post. I'm trying to decide if I should take a million pictures or if I should make a video to post on here... The video would be easier but an actual post would be prettier. I'm just worried about how long it will be, but that's the boring stuff I will think about. Mostly, I'm just excited to show you all my vanity. I love having my own girl space where I can sit and have all my girliest things right there to play with and use as I get dressed up.



3. I am also going to be reviewing the new Nivea Happy Sensations body lotion because it's AHmazing, my sister and I are obsessed, and it's on sale at Walmart right now for $5.00 which is a total steal!



4. Oh and my first attempt to de-pot some eyeshadows was a total disaster but I plan to show you the aftermath and my creative way to save my once pressed powders... if you catch my drift.

That's all I have for now but be sure to check back soon!

xoxo

Little Weekend Shopping

I had such huge plans for my drugstore trip this past weekend, unfortunately the sales I posted about weren't all going on at my local stores. Luckily, I was still able to take advantage of the Neutrogena and CoverGirl sales but those were the only ones going on in my area. Maybe I will take the money I would have spent and put it towards an E.L.F. order... TBD. I only got a few things but here they are...

Neutrogena SkinClearing oil-free makeup

Microclear Technolgy

Blemish Treatment with Salicylic Acid

1 FL OZ in Natural Ivory 20

Originally $13.99, On sale at Rite Aid for 40% OFF making it $8.39, Minus $3.00 coupon

GRAND TOTAL: $5.39

I am so excited for this foundation for a couple reasons. First, I realize this isn't going to make my face miraculously free of blemishes however, if it doesn't clog my pores and maybe does a little bit of good in the process then I'm all for it. Second, while standing in front of the 15+ shades of the foundation I picked up this bottle and used the tiniest drop on the back of my hand to match the shades. After blending out the tiny drop the shade was flawless against my skin but more importantly the pores on my hand covered by the foundation were gone. Completely disappeared. It was like all the little imperfections on my skin were invisible. I couldn't believe it. My sister and I stood there staring at the little invisible circle on my hand, it was ridiculous! I couldn't believe it and had to buy it! (The price I paid was pretty good too!)

Freshcomplexion pocket powder foundation

10.5 g in Classic Ivory 610
Originally $7.60, On sale BOGO making them $3.80 each, Minus 2 $1.00 OFF coupons

GRAND TOTAL: $2.80 each

I love this powder! I love BOGO Free sales! And I love skin clearing, oil absorbing facial products. 'Nuff said.

Nivea Strawberry Tinted Lip Care SPF 4 0.17 OZ

Originally $2.99, Minus $1.00 off coupon

GRAND TOTAL: $1.99

Looks So Red!!
I have never really used a tinted lip balm before and I LOVE this stuff. It is such a sheer gorgeous red. And it's so moisturizing, I'm addicted. However, I do think the SPF 4 is a joke. Why even put the 4 in there lol. Oh well, some is better than none, right? Either way, the color is gorgeous and I totally recommend this tinted lip balm.

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of them? Did you buy anything fun lately? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

The things that happen while I wait for my prescription to be filled...

I must occupy my time with hair, body, and beauty products of course. To be honest I only picked up a few things, so I thought I would do a quick post to show you!

St. Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Scrub Blemish and Blackhead Control, $2.97

This is my second bottle of this scrub since St. Ives re-did the packaging of and expanded the line of their apricot scrubs. I keep it in the shower and use it 2-3 time a week. I start out scrubbing my face and use the excess in my hands and off my face to scrub my neck, shoulders, and chest. I consider exfoliation to be a really important step in my own skincare routine and St. Ives makes great affordable and effective scrubs.

Nivea body Happy Sensations daily lotion in Bamboo Extract & Orange Blossom scent w/ free travel-size Touch of Happiness moisturizing body wash

(Please notice the orange fluff in the background who was just so interested in everything going on, meet Tigger)

Originally $6.40, minus $3.00 coupon = Final price $3.40 (Plus an additional trial size body wash!!)

I have never tried this lotion before and to be honest I haven't heard anything about it either but I got a great coupon and I have always been impressed with my Nivea purchases so I'm hoping this will be about the same! :) What I can tell you is about the scent. Normally I don't chose anything orange scented but from some reason this stuff doesn't bother me. When I first put it on it gives off two smells. From a distant (only about a foot or so) it smells sweet and citrus-y. When I bring my hands right to my nose it is pure sitting in the grass during half time at my 8 year old self''s soccer game eating orange slices. That is the smell I love. After a while it smells more like an orange-vanilla combo. Boy, that was complicated. At least it was complicated in a good-smelling way.

N.Y.C. Long Wearing nail polish in (Left to Right) Starry Silver and Skin Tight Denim

Retail Value: $0.98 each
Minus BOGO FREE coupon: $0.49 each

Okay how cool are these colors?! The navy blue is gorgeous and I'm so excited to use the stars and glitter. I think this will make a great pedicure combo!


Curious by Britney Spears with an additional rollerball version of the perfume, $20.00
This was my first perfume I ever had when I was 15 and it was just a little 0.10 oz. bottle so when I saw the full 1.0 oz. bottle with a free rollerball for such a good price I knew I had to get it! I love this fragrance but I can't for the life of me describe it... so I'm getting it straight from http://www.britneyspearsbeauty.com/

"An exhilarating white floral wrapped in the sensuality of vanilla-infused musk. Scent "ingredients" include: Louisiana magnolia, golden anjou pear, lotus flower, star jasmine, pink cyclamen, rich creamy sandalwood, radiant blonde woods. "

To me, most of that means nothing. The best I can say is if this musky floral fragrance was a nail polish it would be a rich burgundy pink and not the bubblegum pink you expect from most floral. Actually I'm quite proud of that comparison... then again I can actually smell the perfume.

Well that's everything I got on my trip to Walmart, I really shouldn't be left alone when there are beauty products to be purchased.

Oh yeah, and one last thing...

Because Thing 1 got to make an appearance and they are both too curious for their own good, I give you Thing 2, my fat kitten Ford, also trying to help me take pictures for the blog.

xoxo