Happy first day of summer! This DMV region has a terrible reputation for hot and humid weather. But when I think back to the bitter cold winter days and grueling mornings of defrosting my car, I never thought this day would come. So I’ll take it!
The summer season has reminded me it’s time to scale back on my makeup routine. Whether it’s a trip to the beach or the need to rely on melt-proof makeup, I’ve rounded up the best beauty products for summer.
Last year it was all about the matte lip, but now I’m obsessing over a glossy glass-like finish. It’s been taking up serious real estate in my makeup bag and I want to share with you what I’ve found to be the best lip gloss for every budget. Whether you’re ready to splurge on a must-have or are watching your pennies, I’ve got the gloss for you!
If you frequent this blog, then you know I’ve been a fan of Buxom Full-On Lip Cream, which has a cool tingling sensation and a mild plumping effect. I seriously own multiple tubes because I love rotating different shades for work and weekend. In this post I’m wearing Sangria, but I also love Bellini and Berry Blast.
These are the two key factors that help me determine what qualifies as good on-the-go makeup products: Portability and utility.
Before you buy that must-have product or before you decide whether it’s worth it to take it in your purse, tote or suitcase, ask yourself this: Can you fit it in your purse or makeup pouch? Is the product bulky in size or compact? Can your product double as something else? Can you use it for day and night? Will it go with your what you’re wearing?
I always ask myself these questions and this process never fails me. I’ve saved myself hundreds of dollars just by simply assessing whether this product could really fit into my lifestyle.
Maybe you don’t always have time to do your makeup before work but don’t mind adding a coat of mascara in the car, or perhaps you travel frequently but you can’t seem to confine your makeup stash to just the essentials. “But what if you need that product?” you say. Girl, what if you don’t?
Raise your makeup bag if you’ve been a loyalist to black eyeliner. I’m right there with you but I recently started using copper eyeliner and it’s truly made a difference in my look. Don’t get me wrong, Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner in jet black will always hold a special place in my purse—but certain shades can intensify your natural eye color and in my case, copper is one of them.
If you have blue, green or hazel eyes, contrasting shades like copper eyeliner will make your eye color truly pop. Whether you’re dotting just the inner corners or keeping a tight line, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite copper eyeliners:
I think every gal needs a trusty Kohl eye pencil in their makeup bag. Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil in Brown Copper is my go-to for crafting a smoky eye. It’s dark enough to make my eyes pop without it being black.
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Spice works double duty as a classic pencil liner or a smudgy eye shadow. When I’m not in the mood to wear eyeshadow, I’ll swipe and blend with my finger across my lid for an easy and effortless look. Stila Got Inked Cushion Eyeliner in Copper Ink is recommended for tight lines and cat eyes. It’s a pigmented liquid eyeliner in a cushion soaked pot. Right now, this is marked down on Sephora for just $17. Just remember to use a thin, stiff brush for picture perfect results.
I was first exposed to NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Appia at a Nordstrom beauty trend event. I ended up buying this on a whim and I’m so glad I did. It’s easy to apply and long-wearing (but not so difficult to wipe away with makeup remover). Via Appia has just the right amount of shimmer and it glides on so easy. I’ve also discovered this waterproof eyeliner by Mally Beauty is eerily similar to my NARS pick (and slightly cheaper) so if you’re pinching your pennies, you’re in luck!
Do you have a favorite copper or another colored eyeliner not mentioned in this post? I’d love to get your thoughts or product recommendations! Leave a comment below.
Shop the products featured in this post:
I’m a terrible blogger—while I’ve been beachin’ it in Ocean City, I’ve been slacking on checking my emails and keeping track of important dates… like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. One of the biggest shopping events of the year kicks off this Friday but Nordy card holders have early access to shop now. I’ve rounded up five beauty exclusives under $50 below.
The Bold Lip Essentials:
I love a good bold lip and when I wear one, I always reach for NARS. This set includes their Satin Lip Pencil in Yu (shocking pink), Luxembourg (vivid watermelon), Provocative Red (a limited-edition fuchsia rose), and a mini sharpener. The lip pencils are so portable and easy to apply, you’ll use these year round.
NARS ‘True NARS’ Lip Pencil Set, $49 ($81 value)
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