My 2016 Favorites

January 17, 2017January 16, 20179 Comments

Per usual, I’m a bit late to the party with my fave things from 2016 but hey, at least I showed up!

Makeup

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

I used this foundation for most of 2016 and for good reason. The coverage is really great with a pretty small amount and it lasts very nicely. I found that it applies best with a buffing brush rather than a beauty blender and doesn’t require a whole lot of setting. Also, the price is right at under $30.

Maybelline Better Skin Concealer

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For a drugstore concealer, this one takes the cake for me. Due to my transparent skin and vitamin-deficient diet, my under eyes require a hefty dose of concealing on the daily. As such, I tend to go through concealers quite frequently. If my wallet allowed, I would go to town with Nars Radiant Creamy or Tarte Shape Tape (which I really MUST get my hands on), but for under 9 bucks a pop, this concealer works juuuust fine.

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

This is the perfect under-eye setting powder. It is SUPER finely milled and (as the name suggests) is very brightening. Do not be alarmed by the white color of this powder when freshly applied, as it blends away like a dream!

Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer

This bronzer is seriously BEAUTIFUL. The color is perfect on me and it blends wonderfully. On top of that, it smells cuh-razy good. As in, I want my whole body to smell like it. And it’s from the drugstore so win-win!

Marc Jacobs Shameless Bold Blush in Obsessed

This color is just perfect. It is described on the site as a “warm pink” and I find that to be pretty accurate but sometimes it even leans on the peach side. Great formula. Long-lasting. Good stuff.

Wet’n’Wild Mega Glo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals (on the right)

This limited edish highlight sent me on quite the wild goose chase (read about that here) but was totally worth it in the end! I would describe the color as a slightly pink-champagne. It is completely gorgeous, on par with other $40 highlighters and costs under $4. SUCH a find!

Covergirl Supersizer Mascara

For the second year in a row, this mascara has captured my heart. While it can be a little B to remove completely (try micellar water!), one cannot deny it’s separating and lengthening effects. I love to combine it with the L’Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara which is another front-runner in the drugstore mascara race.

Stila Stay All Day Water Proof Liquid Eyeliner

If you are looking for the easiest, most richly pigmented waterproof liquid liner – LOOK NO FURTHER. This eyeliner has beat out so many others for me. As the name suggests, it does in fact stay all day, is super black and VERY easy to apply.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Moss Lipstick in Rock N Roll Nude

This is the perfect shade of lipstick for me. Similar to my ride-or-die Mac Creme Cup, this color is lovely for every day. I can throw it on without thinking and it compliments any eye look perfectly. I also like the smell of these Rimmel lipsticks!

Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in White Russian

This gloss is perfect on it’s own or over any nude or pink lipstick. It gives that “wet” look without any glitter or shimmer and it has a slight plumping effect which I personally enjoy. I really could purchase SO many colors from this line.

Treat Beauty Jumbo Lip Balm in Confetti Cake

I have raved about this lip balm since I purchased it 6 months ago. It is by FAR my favorite lip balm and I love that it is in the jumbo size. The first ingredient in this stuff is organic coconut oil so I also use this under my eyes for a quick moisture boost whenever I need it!

iBeauty 21 Brush

I found this Artis-style brush at TJ Maxx for $7.99 and wasn’t sure how I would like it. Wellll, I don’t like it. I LOVE IT. It applies most foundations super duper smooth and even. Plus, it is a fun design. What’s not to love?

BODYCARE + MISC

Dermadoctor KP Duty Lotion

This stuff aint cheap but I can confirm it DOES work on the keratosis pilaris on my legs. It is the best treatment lotion I have used and doesn’t leave a chalky feel afterwards like the prescription lotions can.

Castor Oil

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So I have reallllly enjoyed owning this bottle of Castor Oil. First off, it is what I run through my eyelashes every night to help with growth, thickness and to keep them conditioned. Secondly, during these cold as tits winter months, I tend to rub this all over my hands, feet, knees and elbows at night time for added hydration. It doesn’t have a weird scent, costs next to nothing and works wonders. I love this stuff.

Sephora Gradual Self-Tanning Face Water

It makes me sad to look at this stuff and then realize the pasty ghost I’ve allowed myself to become RN. Anyway, this stuff reallly works in the best way possible. I, for one enjoy a nice healthy glow and this product delivers flawlessly. I will apply this with a cotton pad for maybe 3 days in a row to build up a nice, subtle glow and then keep using every 1-2 days to maintain.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Vacation Time

I have painted my nails this color probably 4-5 times in 2016. Says alot.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

DO NOT overlook the Batiste Dry Shampoo in the Tropical scent. It smells like coconuts and makes you feel like you are a Roxy model.

Rose Jam EVERYTHING

But mostly, the Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner which I have talked about over and over again. It is the best product probably ever invented by anyone. Ever.

Wet’n’Wild Highlighting Gold Bar

October 18, 2016October 19, 20163 Comments

EVERYONE JUST STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING.

What could, quite possibly be the MOST beautiful highlight of all time is now in the world.

And, oh yis. She is marvelous.

She is pigmented, long-lasting, SUPER shimmery with a subtle hint of sparkle and

GOLD.

Annnnnnnnnnnnd. She costs $3.99.

I found and purchased two. Of course I did.

The only problem is that she is elusive. Rare. One cannot simply go out to CVS/Rite Aid/Walgreens and procure this fine specimen. I would implore all my readers who lurve a dope highlight to drive out of their way, to remote, lowly drugstores around the great U.S of A and git yerself this wondrous, majestic substance. If this fails you, you may resort to Ebay and spend triple the retail price, but friends…it would be worth it. YOU SEE, this product is (rumor has it) an exact dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold that will set you back $42.

So, good people – GO. Go get you this. Go to the ends of the earth.

You will be glad you did.

Edited to add:

Currently Coveting – Fall 2016

September 15, 2016September 14, 20161 Comment

It’s baaaack!

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ME rn

There’s not much we can do guys. The leaves barreelly start turning colors and all the basics run home, create 5-10 “fall 2016 Pinterest inspo” boards, sprinkle sparkly pumpkins around their homes and wrap themselves in Barefoot Dreams cardigans (see below).

Me? I threw up in my mouth when I saw the pumpkins outside Fred Meyer. I am wearing my GD neons until Sept.22. I can’t give in yet guys. But I CAN prepare for the upcoming months by lusting after things. Objects, you know. Sh*t I don’t need. Isn’t it wonderful!?

Beauty

Essie Nail Color in Angora Cardi

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Essie polishes are terrible if you ask me, but I just die for this color – which is GORG.

Abercrombie 8 Perfume and Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose

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Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops

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Because OF COURSE I need another highlight.

Jeffree Star Lip Ammunition Lipstick in Beauty Pageant

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Because it is sparkly and I feel like I would be doing mankind a disservice if I did not own this. AMIRIGHT?

THINGS

Barefoot Dreams Cardigan

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My sister got me onto these expensive, super-soft cardigans. They went on sale during the Nordstrom Half-Yearly and both of us missed them :(. Anyway, I feel like there is no need to justify this item because it is practical and very very cozy.

Black Booties

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I have a beat-up old pair from Target that I like, but they are a little bit too tall and I’d prefer to stay under 6’3″ if I can.

Black Destroyed Denim

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LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING. I have had the darndest time trying to find a good pair of black distressed jeans. I even went as far as to consider non-destroyed jeans and I can’t find a good pair of those either! Keep in mind I pretty much refuse to spend over $100, so I realize that’s a hurdle. I even ordered a pair of my favorite Gap Always Skinny jeans and they looked terrible. I will keep up the search though, and let you know how it goes!

Tory Burch Oxblood Nylon Backpack

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I love backpacks theee most and this one is nylon which means my accident-prone self can wipe it clean AND it is in a trendy (but not too trendy) color. It is also over $200 so POOP.

Troop Beverly Hills Sweatshirt

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If you do not know this movie than I’M SORRY. I actually will probably buy this for myself very soon because I really don’t know how I have gone without it for this long. “We’re the wilderness girls and it’s cookie time!!” Oh lord I need it.

Lippie Haul

August 26, 20162 Comments

I kindof get annoyed when people refer to lip products as “lippies”, but I just did it myself so maybe I don’t hate it that much.

Rimmel Lipsticks in Rock n Roll Nude (Right) and Coral Nude (Left)

Rock’n’Roll Nude

Coral Nude

I really like both of these lipsticks, especially for the money. Rock’n’Roll nude is def more of my color (more on the pink side) but both are pretty. They also have a slightly sweet scent to them, in case you’re in/not in to that.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Istanbul

Soooo…I may be hooked on this formula. I love the way it applies and the coverage! I feel like I need at least 2 more shades. Yes?

Neutrogena Moisture Stick in Sweet Watermelon

I picked this up because one of my favorite YouTubers swears by them. To me, this is just mehhhh. A very natural color and super moisturizing, so maybe I’ll wear it to yoga, or camping, or while eating granola.

Treat Jumbo Lip Balm in Confetti Cake

I have wanted to try this lip balm for AWHILE now. Kandee Johnson raves about these and uses them basically as an all-over balm. They are like $8 on Amazon and come in AMAZING flaves. They are totally organic and mostly contain coconut oil. The smell is SO good and I love squishing my lips together and just rubbing this all around #TWSS. I have also dabbed this around my eyes and on my cuticles too. I want the marshmallow cream one next!

Kat Von D Lock-It VoxBox

August 15, 2016August 12, 2016Leave a comment

Hey makeup nerds!

I am back with you for one heckuva Vox Box. Like, the Simone Biles of Vox Boxes.

(and no, I am still obsessed with Simone. or any of the other gymnasts for that matter. including the 41-year Uzbeki old one.)

As I have mentioned countless times, I am signed up for Influenster, and so can you. I have no affiliation with them other than the fact that I am a member. Check out their site to learn more because I am not an expert. What I do know, is that they send me cool sh*t. This time it was a box of goodies from Kat Von D! A brand I have never tried before (SHOCKING I KNOW) but always wanted to. Here is what I received as well as my initial, very early thoughts!

The box included:

• Lock-it Concealer Crème in Light 11 Neutral
• Lock-it Concealer Crème in Light 5 Neutral
• Lock-it Setting Powder
• Lock-it Edge Concealer Brush
• Lock-it Setting Powder Brush

Lock-It Concealer Cremes

As of right now, I really love these concealers. Both shades are nice and fair (perfect for my Scandinavian-princess skin) and the packaging is really cute. The wand is a nice angled doe-foot and deposits a good amount of product.

I swatched these both on my hand and then blended them out slightly (pictured below). They blended really nicely and both looked like they had great coverage.

Here are a couple shots of me with the lighter concealer on under my eyes with the setting powder (sans mascara in the first one #alienface). Overall, I like this concealer. It may not be as crazy of coverage as say the Mac Pro-long Wear, but I def need to play with it more!

Lock-It Setting Powder

10 points for packaging on this one, Miss Von D! I also LUURVE that the product is dispensed out of a star! I only used this one time but so far it is an excellent, finely-milled translucent powder!

Lock-It Concealer Brush

Both brushes are very nice. Super soft too! I usually use my finger to press concealer onto my undereyes but this brush might convert me. I love the slight angle to it and the fact that it is a duo-fiber.

Lock-It Powder Brush

Can I also get an AMEN for these stiletto-like handles!? This brush is stupid soft and I love the fact that it is tapered at the top. Getting the perfect amount of under-eye setting powder on this brush is so easy and it deposits the product perfectly in that area.

Random Haul + Mini Reviews!

August 5, 20163 Comments

Hello kidlets!

August is officially bumming me out. HOW is summer almost over? I am def NOT ready for fall – not ready for PSLs, not ready for pants and DEF not ready for the election #voteforpedro. The only saving grace this month is the Summer Olympics where I will inevitably stay up until 2 am watching gymnastics because SIMONE BILES.

Anyway. Here is some random crap I have purchased lately. Most things I have used a few times and therefore, will provide a quick review on.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

I decided to return the two-pack of Ulta sponges I bought in this haul and go for these ones from Real Techniques instead. I have used this a few times since getting it and it is a close dupe for the Beauty Blender…however, it is still not as good. I really like that it has the flat side, but it just lacks that Beauty Blender BOUNCE (you know what I mean) that I am obsessed with.

Lipsmackers “Tsum Tsum” Lip Balm

This Minnie Mouse EOS-esque lip balm from Lip Smackers is absolutely ENORM. I really like the size, because it is SO easy to find in any black-hole purse or backpack. I did leave this in David’s car, in a dashboard compartment so sadly, most of the lipbalm is now stuck in the lid but like whatevs. You know I be scrapin’ it out with my dirty fingernail.

My iBeauty Skin Brush 21

I found this at Marshalls for $7.99 and after doing a quick Google search on it, (and discovering it retails for about $25, I decided to go for it. I am REALLLLLy glad I did because I am truly obsessed with this brush guys. I have used it with BB Creams as well as foundation and both work flawlessly. I especially like to use this with my Nars Sheer Glow because it goes on SO incredibly smoothly.

Essence Lipliner in #11 In the Nude

I really like this color! It is PERFECT with Buxom’s White Russian lip gloss but is also pretty on it’s own, as you can see here:

Dermadoctor KP Duty Lotion

This seemingly boring product is something I am actually REALLY pumped about. You all know I suffer from keratosis pilaris (or KP, or chicken skin) and I have tried different product to help keep the bumpies under control. After doing some research on the active ingredients I need, I ran across STELLAR reviews on both Ulta and Sephora on this particular product. First of all, it is $38 for 4 ounces. YIKES is right. Waaaaayyyyy to much. But then I compared the prices to some other cheaper options from the drugstore, costing anywhere from $15-$25 and decided to take the plunge and buy the spendy one. So far, it really has made a noticeable difference. I put it on every night before bed on ONLY the areas I need it. I still have the bumps, but the are way less prominent and not red at all. I hate to say it, but I will probs be a life-time user of this stuff.

Marc Jacobs Glowstick Review

June 24, 20161 Comment

Shoutout to Influenster for sending me this product to review! (ANYONE can sign up for Influenster, btw I’m not that cool)

When I found out I was receiving this box, I was of course, overjoyed and promptly watched the application video on the Sephora website. What I really liked about the video, was how the guy was putting it basically ALL over the face. I mean YAASSS QUEEN. It truly looked so natural, dewy and gorgeous on the model.

PACKAGING

The packaging is very true-to-form MJ. Black and white, very sleek and modern. I really like the little rounded square shape and the fact that it twists up.

FORMULA

The formula is pretty much your run-of-the-mill cream product. It’s not too thick, but not too thin. It is not sticky, nor does it have a smell.

PERFORMANCE

One swipe

I realllllly love the glow this product gives! It is striking without being overpowering and the fact that it’s a cream gives it even more of a natural look. The staying power was good, I did not notice it disappeared on me, but I also didn’t think it was particularly long-lasting either. The way I applied this was with my fingertips and then used a duo-fiber brush to buff it in a bit.

OVERALL

I love it! I am so excited to use this all summer on not only m’mug, but my decollete and shoulders. This is truly the first cream highlight I have seen that really packs a punch in terms of pigmentation and blends out smoothly.