January 2018 Favorites!

Happy New Year! January is almost done, so it's time to discuss my favorite products from this month! Four of these items this month are relatively new - bought either this month or the end of 2017 and I didn't start using them until January, so they count as "new." I bought so much at the end of 2017 that I haven't felt the need for "new" stuff, which is making my low buy a lot easier!

2017 Favorites - New Releases

This is the first of two posts containing all of my favorite products from 2017! I did a poll on my Instagram asking what type of favorites posts were more enjoyable - new favorite products or tried and true favorites that got a lot of use that month. (I try to do a mix of both, but sometimes I don't buy anything new!) The result was pretty split, so I decided to do one post of new new products, and one post of new to me items to sum up my 2017. This post is all about my favorite products that were released in 2017.

Final 2017 Purchases & Reverse Rouge Challenge for 2018

New year, new goals! I'm one of those people who does New Years Resolutions, I'm not ashamed to admit it. One of my goals for 2018 is to spend less and be more mindful of what I do spend. But before I talk about that, I wanted to share my last few purchases of 2017!

October 2017 Favorites!

October has come and gone far too quickly (isn't that always the case?) and November is here and there is a chill in the air.  Most of this month's favorites have been showcased either on previous posts, or on my Instagram - but that's what makes them favorites, right?

August 2017 Favorites!

It's not the end of September, so I'm not THAT late in posting this! The end of summer (or rather, all of summer...) is hard for me in terms of makeup (I hate humidity), so my favorites this month are light, easy items from my makeup, skincare, and haircare stashes.

July 2017 Favorites!

Another summer month has past, and I managed to not melt in the process. This month's favorite's have a bunch of warm weather staples, and some warm weather colors.

March Sephora Play! Box

March's theme is The Gleam Team, focusing on products that highlight and shimmer. It's finally starting to warm up, so it's nice to see some lighter, springier products to try! Unfortunately, i was kinda meh on this month's box, only because a lot of the product don't work for me. The value is good though - I definitely prefer the Sephora box over other subscription boxes due to the brands that are given out each month. But let's take a look at March's offerings!

August 2016 Favorites!

Life has been so busy lately, and I've put off this post long enough. I'm glad that summer is winding down, but here are my favorites for the last month of summer, August!

June Sephora Play! Box

Another month, another box! I've been getting Sephora's Play! beauty box for a few months now, but I started reviewing them with my May box. Sephora used to ship out the boxes near the end of the month after billing on the 4th or so, but the last couple of months they've shipped out a bit earlier. I received mine on June 17th!

This month's theme is "The Minimalists," focusing on emphasizing "less is more." For the start of summer, it's definitely better to wear less than have more makeup melt off your face in the humidity! I'm actually excited about a couple of this month's products, and disappointed by a couple of others.

May 2016 Favorites!

Another month, another set of favorites! Late, as usual, because I really am the worst.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - I picked up the travel size bottle when I went to Texas in April to try and combat the heat and humidity. Now that's also hot and humid at home, I've been using this over De-Slick pretty much daily. My makeup isn't melting off my face halfway through the day (or rather, as soon as I get into my sunbaked car...) so I think this stuff really works! I'm not an all night partier, so I don't know how true the all nighter claim is, but the setting claim certainly is true!

Urban Decay Naked Skin One and Done  - Two months in a row! This sits so light on the skin, making it perfect for summer weather. I've found that it applies best on its own (it has SPF but not enough for sun protection since you aren't loading it on) or over sunscreen that has had 15 minutes to sink into the skin. I've applied this with my fingers and with a beauty blender, and I like the finish for both. I don't always pair this with a primer, since it's supposed to be an all in one product, but I do need a concealer with it for anything needing more coverage.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone - Another travel size! To be honest, the regular size is such a massive bottle of highlighter that is seems unnecessary, so I was happy Becca released Moonstone in this smaller size. (I have a full size of Pearl, going strong for over a year...) This liquid highlighter goes on sheer and can be built up to fulfill your disco ball dreams. It sinks into the skin making it look more natural than a powder highlight, and it also doesn't emphasize my skin texture as much. I've worn this with no base products, just a few taps onto the high points of my face for a natural glow.

Givenchy Mister Mat Primer - I liked this when I initially bought it, then I fell out of love, and recently I've picked it up again! I found that the key to using this primer is to really wait at least 15 minutes after my sunscreen has been applied to make sure there's no pilling of product when I apply. That, and doing more patting than rubbing into the face makes this work really well. I definitely notice that my face looks less greasy over the course of the day when I use this. Unfortunately, it's a little expensive for a primer ($38!) so it may have to wait for a sale should I decide to repurchase.

Sixteen92 Lolita EdP - (Full review here!) I'm one of those people who takes too long on their eyeliner or false lashes in the morning, so when it comes time to select a scent, I get overwhelmed. I've been grabbing Lolita lately, because it's so easy to just spritz on as well as being super fruity and summery! I really do love my EdP Lolita over the perfume oil, it lasts so much longer and seems much brighter over the course of the day.

If you haven't noticed, waiting 15 minutes after you apply your sunscreen before applying your makeup is a real game changer! Even something as fast absorbing as the Biore Watery Essence that I use can really benefit from some time to sink in. What have you been loving lately?

December 2015 Favorites

Now that the whirlwind holiday season is over - it's time to get back to business! Here are my favorites from the month of December.

1. Sixteen92 Detangling Hair Mist in Maple Pecan Shortbread - This is my second bottle of detangling spray from Sixteen92. I haven't finished the first, I just wanted a fall/winter scent. This spray is light, and is able to ease the job of combing out my very fine hair. I have to use more spray than I'd like to get the job done, but the product does not weigh my hair down. The scent isn't overly strong, and fades pretty quickly (especially as I blow dry my hair.) I really like this spray, and seeing as I already have two, I'll probably purchase more!
2. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone - I have a ton of highlighters, I won't deny it. However, I've been reaching for this one most often. It's a mini size, which is perfect, as I have too many highlighters to begin with. Also, a little bit of this product goes a long way! It's very shimmery, but can be blended out easily. I also have Moonstone in the liquid formula (also in the smaller size!) and I feel it's a perfect highlight shade for my skin tone.
3. Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Cameo Blush No. 2 - I received this for Christmas, and have been using it almost daily since! In the pan, it seems like a bright almost baby pink, but sheered out on the skin it's a much more natural, flushed shade. It's buildable, but I haven't built it up to the pan shade yet, which is not exactly what I'm looking for. It applies and blends like a dream, and I love the heavy, luxe packaging. I don't really need more blush in my collection, but I have my eye on the Earthy shade in this collection next.
4. Stila eyeshadow in Kitten - I'm a big fan of champagne eyeshadow shades...almost as much as I love rose gold. Kitten is great built up on the lid for a shimmery pop, or for an all over wash of color. It also looks wonderful when foiled with a spritz of water and then applied to the lid. A little goes a long way, so if you have this in a palette, even better!
5. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Sugar Frost - This is my go to inner corner highlight shade. You can just swipe it on and go. Unfortunately, I have had some issues with this formula creasing when applied all over the lid, which is why my new default shadow sticks are the By Terry Ombre Blackstars. I'm intent on finishing this one though, since it's so perfect for the inner corner!

Platinum Perk Coupon and Points - Ulta Haul!

Ulta has one of the best rewards programs - the points you accumulate can be used towards merchandise. They often have point multiplier promotions, which lets you rack up points quickly. I like to hoard my points until a 20% coupon valid on regular and Prestige cosmetics comes around, so I can haul hard with no money out of my pocket. Ulta recently had a coupon soooo...here's what I picked up!

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Ash Brown - I jumped on the dipbrow bandwagon when it first started, and have had a pot of Dark Brown for over a year, with a bunch left. However, ABH released an extension to the shade range earlier this year, including Ash Brown, which I thought would be an even better fit. I've been waiting MONTHS to finally get my hands on this! My old pot must be dried out, since I was not prepared for how soft and smooth the new product would be.
• SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Hair Masque - What a mouthful! I wanted to get something as a deep conditioner for my hair, and this sounded wonderful. I really like my SheaMoisture clarifying shampoo, so I'm really excited to try this.
• Becca Radiant Glow Collection - I've had this sitting in my cart since the day it came out. I've been wanting a pressed Moonstone highlighter, so I decided to get the set with the mini, since the full size is absolutely massive! (I have a full size Rose Gold, and it is huge.) This set comes with a mini pressed Moonstone, a mini Opal liquid, a mini Under Eye Brightening corrector, and a full size Beach Tint Lip Shimmer Soufflé in Raspberry/Opal. The eye brightener jar is super teeny, which makes it difficult to get a brush in, but it really does brighten! I love Moonstone, and the lip tint is nice as well.
• Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer - Everyone seems to be putting coconut water into everything. I'm not a fan of the beverage, but I love putting it on my body! This primer is supposedly hydrating, and helps less blendable primers (ahem, Becca Ever Matte...) spread more easily. 
• Too Faced Candlelight Glow Highlighter - Highlighters are my new thing, end of story.
• Ulta Crystal Nail File - I like crystal nail files, and I really needed a new one. Now I have two - new one for home, old one to keep at work!
• Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Mascara in Soft Brown - I really want to buy Benefit's Gimme Brow, but I don't want to spend that much! I'm going to play with this brow mascara in the meantime.
• Scunci Hair Ties - I was out, so why not get them with my points???
• Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray - I've been out of this stuff for months, but I didn't feel like shelling out for it. I love this setting spray. I use it after Fix+ to actually set my makeup. I get oily, so I buy the De-Slick one, though a lot of people swear by All Nighter.
• Alterna Bamboo 2-in-1 Volumizer - I love Alterna volumizing products, so I decided to try a new one! This cream is supposed to add a bit of texture as well, which my hair desperately needs.

I also picked up the Lorac Unzipped palette, but that came separately (due to realizing I had more points, and then a shipping mishap...) I'm excited to try it! Have you gotten anything awesome with Ulta's reward system?

August 2015 Favorites!

This past month I've really been trying to focus on my skin, and the products I've been reaching for a lot reflect that. Since it's been so humid out, I figured I might as well roll with dewy skin - no way I was staying matte!

1. YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation - I love this foundation for many reasons. It applies beautifully, smells so nice, and looks like skin! The downside is that it isn't cheap. ($57 for 1 oz.) The coverage is sheer, but can be built up a little bit for more coverage and still not look cakey. For reference, I use two pumps of shade B20 mixed with a pump of B10.
2. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid in Moonstone - Can I just say that I love the smaller size squeezy tube? Becca also offers this in a pump bottle that's about the size of a foundation. Moonstone is a wonderful pale gold that is the right mix of glow and sparkle. It isn't full on GLITTER, and is great for the cheekbones, cupids bow, and brow highlight. I like to apply this right on top of my foundation for the most natural effect.
3. Becca Beach Tint in Fig - I have this in a mini version from a Beach Tint duo I picked up a while ago, but I will end up buying the full size when this is out. The Beach Tints have a nice scent, and can be applied over foundation to give a subtle wash of color, or can be built up for a more defined cheek. I like to use a light wash of color to achieve a natural shade that sinks into the skin.
4. MAC Eyeshadow in Shroom - I've had this eyeshadow for ages, and it's lasted so long because I really only use it as an inner corner or brow highlight. This shadow is great to add a subtle wash of shimmer that doesn't scream HIGHLIGHT!
5. Kat von D Tattoo Liner in Mad Max Brown - I've been loving brown liner lately, and I love the KvD Tattoo Liners! I've used this for wings, or just to get a close line by the lashline to emphasize my eyes a bit. This liner is great for summer humidity because it just doesn't budge. I also like the fact that brown is a little more natural on me than a black liner, so it isn't as harsh.

Now that fall is coming, I can't wear to break out my darker lipsticks and dramatic eye products. Can't wait to see what I'll reaching for in September!

March 2015 Favorites!

End of another month already! It's time for my March favorites...this time I've included a bath/body product to mix it up a bit.

1. Nivea In Shower Body Lotion - On the recommendation of a few reddit friends, I picked up this in shower lotion from Nivea, and I am in LOVE. This winter has been especially bad for my skin concerning post shower dryness, and I have been going through a ton of body lotion. This makes life a lot easier, especially getting the small of the back that is hard to get by yourself! There are several formulas as well, for normal to extra-dry skin. I will definitely be keeping this in my shower for a long time to come.

2. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - I don't know how I haven't picked my go-to concealer for a Favorites post yet. I love the Radiant Creamy Concealer (RCC for short!) and I use it for everything - blemishes, under eyes, and covering any extra redness. I find that it is the perfect consistency of a little creamy but not too thick, buildable but not coming out cakey. The only letdown is that there's a very limited shade range for this concealer. (I use Vanilla.)

3. MAC lipstick in Viva Glam Miley Cyrus - When this was announced, I didn't really think twice about it, owing to my large collection of pink lipsticks. However, I received it as a birthday gift from some friends, and it looks fantastic on me! It's an amplified finish hot pink, a little bit darker than the photo shown here. Of course, all proceeds go to an excellent cause, which is another great gift from my friends.

4. Becca Ever Matte Poreless Perfecting Primer - Another one of my go to products. When Becca says matte, they mean MATTE. I wear this primer and at the end of the day, I may end up with a satin finish on my foundation, and that's a big may. I know the application may be tricky for some, but my best advice would be to get a sample if you can, and try warming it up on your fingertips and try patting it on to areas that are extra oily during the day, and then blending out with a patting motion from there. Be sure your moisturizer and SPF have fully sunken in before applying the primer.

5. By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon - This was another gift from my friends, and I was floored when I received it! Ombre Blackstars are a new favorite product of mine, and Bronze Moon is a lovely addition to my collection. These cream shadow sticks blend beautifully, and they are gorgeous just worn alone and blended out. My new quick eye look is taking a Bronze Moon to the lid, blending out to the crease, adding more product to the lid, and adding a little liner and mascara for a quick, subtle daytime smokey eye.

October 2014 Favorites

I can't believe it's already November! Sorry for the lack of posts the past few weeks, I do a lot of traveling in October, and haven't had a chance to build up my queue. With the oncoming sales of November, plus secret Santa season, I should have plenty of stuff to review and post about! But for now, let's talk about things that I really loved this past month!

1. Beautyblender PRO - I've tried both the regular pink beautyblender and the black PRO beautyblender, and for me, the PRO takes the cake. I'm not sure why, but I just happen to like the little black egg more. I find that it rinses cleaner, and doesn't suck up as much product as its pink counterpart. Also, my pink one shredded almost immediately, whilst the black one was far more durable. I always buy my PRO blenders in double packs from amazon - the price can't be beat!

2. L'occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream - This stuff saves my hands when I am stuck in the land of public restrooms, such as New York Comic Con, or Disney. After having to use harsh soap to wash my hands, this can fix dry skin in an instant. It's a staple in my purse, and the best part is, a little goes a long way. It absorbs quickly, and does not leave a residue on your hands. There's a variety of scents, but the original shea butter is a great way to go.

3. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid in Moonstone - I only have a sample of this from Sephora, but boy am I lusting after the full size (or rather, the travel size, the full size is HUGE!!) This gives just the right amount of glow to the skin, without delivering a load of glitter. I also have this in Pearl, which is white, while this is more of a golden tone.

4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Mushroom - When I'm in a hurry, I reach for this liner. It's the perfect shade to add a bit of dimension to the lash line, but not to look overdone. I'm a sucker for taupe shades, and this certainly delivers. I'm about halfway through this liner, and I will most definitely be rebuying. There is a bit of shimmer to this, but there are no visible chunks of glitter that you can sometimes encounter with a UD product.

5. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment  - There are tales of people finishing Chapsticks. I've never done that, but I've finished about three of these to date, and I keep going back for more. The price tag is a bit steep for something as silly as a lip balm, but I find them worthwhile. These don't further dry out my lips, and I apply nightly before bed to have my lips ready for more drying products the next morning. I've tried the other, more 'intense' version of this product, and did not like it as much. This is a definite 'HG' product for me.