My 2017 Favorites!

January 24, 2018March 7, 20183 Comments

I’m a little late to the game on posting these but sometimes a girl needs a ~~few days~~ a month to figure out her sh*t. I know you guys get it.

So. In no certain order, here are my favorite products from last year!

MAKEUP

Foundation

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

This two-year winner takes the cake for a menagerie of reasons. It covers well, lasts long, looks natural and is priced reasonably.

Concealer

Tarte Shape Tape

It’s true, everyone and their dog loves this concealer. Because it is perfection.

Powder

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Foundation

I fully realize that the reason I love this powder so much is because it is also a friggen’ foundation and therefore, the coverage is insane. But I don’t care and neither should you. This powder is velvety soft, beautiful on the skin and makes me feel airbrushed.

Bronzer

Benefit Hoola

Oh Hoola, I can’t quit you. I’ve tried so many bronzers and contour shades and Hoola remains always in my line-up. always on my cheekbones and forever in my heart.

Blush

Milani Baked Blush in Rose D’Oro

Where in the F has everyone been on discovering this underrated color from Milani? Sure, we’ve all sung the praises of Luminoso but this color is absolutely stunning as well. I wore non-stop last year.

Highlighter

Revolution Blushing Hearts Highlighter in Goddess of Faith

I realize as I am typing this that this is the first time I have EVER spoke of this product. I am shooketh. This is hands down, 10 out of 10 the BEST HIGHLIGHT I have ever used. And it is from the DRUGSTORE. And it is heart-shaped. It is perfect on my pale skin, boasting a gorgeous icy champagne hue that is so extra I can hardly contain myself. Hat tip to sister Megan for discovering this gem.

Setting Spray

Milani Make it Last Setting Spray

Although the mister on this thing isn’t my favorite (FAR too much product is centrally distributed), the effects are great. YES it contains alcohol but if it goes in my mouth, why can’t it go on my face? TWSS.

Eyeshadow

Stila Magificent Metals in Diamond Dust

Why do I not own every shade of this product? WHY? I give SO many props to Stila for inventing thee most practical way to apply intense glitter.

Pencil Eyeliner

Too Faced Perfect Eyes Eyeliner

This liner is super creamy so take that as you may. I love how richly pigmented and black it is and being that I am not oily, I have no issues with smearing.

Mascara

TIE! Between Covergirl’s The Super Sizer and Total Tease

The one characteristic these two miracle-workers posses is their ability to separate and be buildable at the same time. If you’re a person who enjoys over 3 coats of mascara, then run out and buy these then come back here and thank me ;).

Lashes

H&M Lashes

Go figure, these .99 cent lashes on closeout from H&M have been easily my favorite of the year. I have worn them multiple times and I cannot get enough of the super thin and flexible band, the natural clumpiness and realistic curl. Here’s what they look like on me:

Lipstick

Mac Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup

You guys saw this one coming 782378435 feet away. This color is just perfect on me and it just so happens to come in my favorite finish AND it’s Mac so it has the vanilla scent. I just feel more myself wearing this, ya feel me?

Lipgloss

Buxom Full-On Lip Creme in Bellini

I cannot recommend any of the Buxom glosses enough. They provide a lil’ plump and a healthy dose of color. What’s not to love?

Lipbalm

Brazilian Kiss Cupuacu Lip Butter by Sol de Janeiro

I know this is good because when I wear it to bed David always says I smell good :). It is super moisturizing and also a jumbo size.

AND of course, Treat Beauty Jumbo Lip Balm in Confetti Cake

These jumbo lip balms are the best! All natural, come in THEE BEST flavors, jumbo sized AND from Portland Oregon!? What more could you want?

Tools

Flower Beauty Makeup Sponge

As I said in this post, this has to be the softest, most bouncy-soft makeup sponge on the market. You can get yours at Wal-Mart for $9 or pay over $20 at Sephora for a Beauty Blender. CHOICE IS YOURS!

HAIRCARE

Shampoo + Conditioner

Davines is where it’s at y’all. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every product from this brand. My stylist uses Davines color on me as well. The whole brand is great and I highly recommend!

Dry Shampoo

Batiste!

Absolutely nothing beats this dry shampoo and I have tried a few (RHYMING!). Yes it leaves a white-cast but I like me a white-cast! How else do you know it’s working?! The tropical scent is my favorite because it smells like coconuts.

Other Hair Products

Davines Oi Oil

Here’s Davines again! This smells amaaaazing and I love to use it on my ends.

Davines MELU Hair Shield

I love how lightweight this spray is. It smells nice and provides the best protection for my hair.

BODYCARE

Lotion

CerVe Renewing SA Lotion

As you might have read about in this post, I have KP (keratosis pilaris). This lotion was recently recommended to me by my dermatologist and I do really like it. Being the winter time, I have not had to be as diligent about putting it on everyday but I do apply it to the affected areas after bathing. It uses salycilic acid to exfoliate and break down the keratin around the hair follicle.

Brazilian Kiss Body Mist by Sol De Janeiro

(in this set)

This body spray smells like everything I want to be. That should tell you all you need to know.

Dr. Teals Epsom Salts

Call me old fashioned but I love me a good ol’ epsom salt bath to cure what ails me. So great for sore muscles and the Dr.Teals brand has so many scents to choose from. I have tried nearly every one and haven’t found a dud yet!

And that wraps it up folks! What are YOUR favorites from 2017??

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

hrp-22104-2

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.

Sephora/Drugstore Haul

February 8, 2016Leave a comment

Man oh man. It’s a mouthful guys.

Much like this delicious CWS from T.Bell. Srsly go to Taco Bell right now and order one because your mouth will be the mayor of tasty-town. (Did I just say that?)

So. Did I get some GC’s for xmas/my bday this year! Money to Sephora, Lush, Bath & Body Works and Ulta is ALWAYS money well-spent in my book.

Ok. Here’s all the new goods!

Sephora

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer in Alabaster

I heard about this foundation from Kandee Johnson’s YouTube channel. Her recommendations are usually spot-on for me, so I decided to give it a shot. The color is a really great match for me and the price was good at $27.

Marc Jacobs Shameless Bold Blush in Obsessed

This was a TOTAL impulse buy for me. I had convinced myself that I wanted to get the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Captivating but as I walked by the Marc Jacobs section, this little sucker was like, “hey girl heyyy”. Annnnd I caved.

GlamGlow Plumprageous Gloss Lip Treatment

I have the gloss on in this pic! Annnnnd my lips look the same…

I believe this is a newer addition to the GlamGlow family. I have been wanting to purchase a lip-plumping product for quite some time now and was debating whether or not to get the Too Faced Lip Injection. That one is $28 so when I saw this stuff at $24 from a reputable brand like GlamGlow I knew I had to try it. The verdict is still out, but I will of course keep you cats updated.

Nars Lip Crayons (Sephora Birthday Gift)

I actually like the consistency of these, but neither colors are really my thang. Give me a pinky nude or an orangey-red any day!

Stila Lip Glaze in Fig, Cream Blush in Peony and Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner in Intense Black

I received this gift with purchase from Ulta while I did some Christmas shopping. And lemmejustsay this is a LEGIT gift with purchase. The eyeliner, (which is full size) is worth $21 alone and is amaaaazing. The Stila Lip Glazes are really my thing but the cream blush is absolutely beautiful.

Drugstore Items

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation in W2

Yes, I jumped on the cushion bandwagon! I have used this foundation a handful of times now, and I can definitively say that I like it! Plus, once again, we have vurry nice packaging.

Wet’n’Wild Blushes in Pearlescent Pink and Apri-cot in the Middle, Makeup Wipes

You guys, these blushes are so great. If you aren’t already privy to the AMAZING Wet’n’Wild eyeshadow trios (i.e Walking on Eggshells) then like, WHAT are you doing? But anyway, the blushes are also great and when the brand released a new formulation, I had to grab a couple of these. Pearlescent Pink is absolutely beautiful and very pigmented. You have to be pretty careful with this color because if you don’t remember to shake out your brush before applying it to your face, you WILL look like a baby doll. However, the Apri-cot in the Middle color….is just WONDERFUL. I srsly cannot wait to wear this color in the summer when I have a tiny dab of a tan because the color is everything. It is a wonderful, kindof deep peachy color with a bit of luminosity. Oh my gosh I am obsessed. Here’s another close-up of it:

Alright that’s it guys! Comment down below if there is something at the drugstore that I need to try because I am all ears!