As someone who loves wearing makeup and hoarding beauty products, I’m ashamed to admit that last month was a beauty disaster for me. Between starting a new job and moving in to another apartment, my once convenient beauty routine had fallen a part. Luckily, my April makeup forecast is looking a lot brighter than March and I’m excited to share with you new makeup and tools I’ve discovered after a much-needed beauty spree at Ulta.
I used to love waking up early in the morning to take my time primping and getting ready… now not so much. I need every minute of sleep possible. Now I tend to rely on a quick and fool proof routine and since the ‘no makeup’ makeup look was a popular trend on the spring runways, I thought I would take that inspiration and incorporate it in to my daily beauty routine. Here’s a look at my spring makeup essentials:
Lately I’ve been obsessing over cream shadow sticks and smudge pots. I’m really lazy when it comes to my eye makeup but if I could live off one-step eyeshadows forever, I would. In the midst of moving I discovered Mally Age Rebel Shadow in Smokey Quartz, a brightening and slightly shimmery shadow stick that’s easy to blend with my finger or brush. For a cohesive look I typically like to smudge some color along my bottom lash line but again, all depending on time. I prefer Japonesque Professional Eye Shadow Fluff Brush because of its flat shape for blending purposes. I also like e.l.f. Essential Smudge Pot in Cruisin’ Chic, a pretty shimmery taupe/nude that costs a mere $3. I know I’ve raved about this mascara on my blog before but I really can’t get enough of Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara. My lashes always feel light and feathery and I love that feeling. I like to lightly apply layers upon layers of Glossier Priming Moisturizer (another product that’s still in rotation) on my skin for a fresh and dewy look. This may sound weird and I’m not a fan of this word but dare I say my skin feels ‘plump’ after using this? If I think of a better word to describe that feeling I’ll let you know. In the meantime, take note of this new tinted gel moisturizer from bareMinerals. Complexion Rescue is quite possibly one of the best tinted moisturizers I’ve ever tried. The sales associate at Ulta totally sold me on its counterpart, a Smoothing Face Brush that helps give you that airbrushed look. I’m not sure I’ve gotten quite a perfect finish like that but the brush definitely helps with blending and keeping it natural looking. I’m close to running on empty of my Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener—no dark shadows with this tube! I’ve always been a fan of Stila Convertible Color Dual Lip and Cheek compacts but when I saw this Beauty in Bloom Convertible Color Trio, I thought these would be perfect to stash in my makeup pouch for work. Right now Tulip, a deep berry, is my go-to cheek color.
What spring beauty products are you loving right now? Drop me a line below!
As much as I love a good cream or gel blush, I’ve always been a powder devotee when it comes to my rouge. With warmer temperatures right around the corner, Le Métier de Beauté The Cheeky Chic Kaleidoscope has me all giddy for spring. I’ve been alternating daily between these two shades in the scope: Velvet Underground, a pure matte salmon-pink; and Dali, a pure matte classic pink. Both of these shades are primed with a base of pure white (which is why it lays on skin with brightness and clarity). Ondine, is a silky matte beige-nude (a pretty bronze for summer) and Electra, is a sheer gold luminizer. When I’m not in a rush to primp, I like to apply Electra on the tops of my cheeks for a shimmery finish. (Side note: I stumbled upon this really helpful guide on Pinterest on how to apply blush according to your face shape.) If you’re unsure how these shades will look on your complexion, I highly recommend visiting the Le Métier de Beauté counter at Neiman Marcus and spending some quality time with their experts. I always leave with a bevy of samples and a Parisian chic makeup look.
Last year it was my mission to find my signature red lipstick. This year, it’s all about finding the perfect pink pout. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I couldn’t think of a more perfect reason to treat myself to a new tube. Depending on your mood, the type of finish and staying power, I’ve rounded up the best hot pink lipsticks for date night.
I love the creamy consistency of Too Faced Melted Long Wear Lipstick in melted fuchsia. It has true staying power and it instantly brightens my mood.
There’s something about a tube of Le Metier de Beaute Lipstick that just makes me feel so Parisian. This formula (shade is called Paris) has a silky finish that won’t smudge or feather.
Revlon is my go-to drugstore brand for lipstick budget buys. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, 815 Fuchsia Shock looks like a lipstick and feels like a balm. I do recommend applying lip liner as a base if you want a full coverage lip look.
Every now and then I crave an ultra glossy pout so I reach for Stila Stay All Day Vinyl Lip Gloss in hot pink vinyl. But be warned—it is a little sticky and you’re significant other may avoid kissing you.
I’ve always had a special place in my purse for NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Yu, a bright pink portable pencil that’s shinier than a lipstick but a lot less than a gloss.
Do you have a go-to pink lipstick? Leave your picks in the comments section!
As much as I love snow days, romantic nights by the fire and curling up with a good book, winter can take a toll on my skin. Around the holidays cold weather is nice but post-New Year, I’m ready for spring. We’ve got at least a couple months before it starts to get warm again so in the mean time I thought I’d share my winter beauty essentials. From a new soothing eye gel to a hybrid texturizing and dry shampoo hairspray, I’ve rounded up my skin, makeup and hair products that I can’t live without this season.
Eyes:
Benefit unveiled a new product, Puff Off! (they always come up with such clever names!), a soothing eye gel that de-puffs tired eyes. I’ve been using this with my Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener instantly brightens my under eye area every morning, not to mention hides my dark circles. My once massive mascara wardrobe has dwindled down to two lash stunners: CoverGirl Clump Crusher Extensions and Lancome Grandiose Mascara. The Lancome one definitely adds drama to my limp lashes at night but it is a little clumpy. I don’t care though—it looks like I have babydoll lashes when I use this wand.
For me, 2014 was the year of great skin. From moisturizers to hand creams to beauty masks, I was obsessed with making my skin glow from the inside out. Putting together my top ten beauty finds of 2014 was hard though because I discovered a bevy of new products that have taken up a permanent residence on my beauty vanity. See which skin, makeup and hair products made the cut!
Earlier this year I discovered my favorite pink lipstick this year—Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Amelia. It’s the perfect shade of pink and it lasts for hours.
The Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette was actually a Christmas gift from 2014 but I didn’t really start using it until this year. It took some practice but I love creating new looks with this palette.
Prepping my pout with Aerin Rose Lip Balm is a part of my morning ritual before I leave for work. I can’t live without it.
One of the reasons I never enjoyed wearing false lashes was because they would never last a full evening and I’d always run in to fiascos. I love wearing Esqido Mink Lashes because they are so easy to apply and can be worn up to 30 times.
My Glossier Priming Moisturizer has a cushiony texture, making it the perfect canvas for fresh, glowing skin. I don’t mind wearing this alone because it’s just that good.
I rarely wear a specific nail color more than once but Essie in Double Breasted Jacket has easily become my favorite red polish of all time.
I’m very picky about my hair products. Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner is equal parts luxe and and effective, leaving my hair feeling soft and silky.
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