2017 Makeup No Buy Update: January Temptations

We've all heard of the term 'Sober January'. In my case, I didn't put down the booze but the beauty products. I made a resolution this year to not buy any new makeup items...well, who am I kidding? I knew that would be nearly impossible given my level of addiction. Rules were made to be broken, after all. I will, of course, make concessions for limited edition releases that I would regret not adding to my collection and I'm sure I will partake in a few major sales. But for the most part, my cosmetics consumption will be drastically cut! I'm talking a 90% decrease in purchases! This is a lot for someone who freelances in the industry and is constantly surrounded by the lure of new releases at a discounted price. One of my favorite hobbies is watching YouTube beauty videos which is also infiltrated with temptation.

January was a "no exceptions" month meaning there were no loop holes for me to jump through. Not only did I give up shopping for makeup this month, I hardly bought anything at all! I kept track of every dollar I spent regardless of how big or small the purchase may have been. I limited my consumption to basic entertainment necessities (concert tickets for future dates that I didn't want to sell out, birthday dinners, etc.). As they say, "spend time, not money."

I've been keeping track on my Pinterest Wish List board of the things that I normally would have splurged on. It will be interesting to see how many items are added but not purchased by the end of the year. If anything is still on there that I'm severely lusting after by the holidays, I may treat myself a bit after Christmas. I won't go crazy with buying though because that would only negate the progress made all year. But a girl deserves a little reward now and then. Without further ado, here are the products that I was tempted by during the first month of my makeup no-buy:


Clinique Happy Gelato Body Cream in Sugared Petals, $35

I'm not including skincare in my makeup no-buy but because January was a month that I tried to refrain from purchasing most things, I withheld picking this up. The scent is lovely and the adorable packaging makes me so happy. It reminds me of something the Korean beauty lines would produce. I will treat myself to this for Valentine's Day.


Chanel Spring 2017 Blush in 370 Elegance, $45

I freelanced for Chanel in January so of course the new Spring collection caught my eye. Chanel knows how to make a blusher and this beauty is no exception. It's the most natural shade with just the right amount of warmth and as its name suggests, elegance. I need to clear out my blush collection but I have a feeling this one will be on my mind for months. If it weren't for my no-buy, I definitely would be using birthday money to procure its place in my collection. I believe it's limited edition. The temptation is real.


Clarins Limited Edition Skin Illusion Blush, $21.50

The packaging sold me. I adore a lot of my Clarins makeup but I prefer the range for what they're known for, skincare. I have some gift cards so this might be a Valentine's Day cheat. Put a heart on something and I'm sold.


Clarins Limited Edition Lovely Energizer Lip Balm, $20

Along with its accompanying blush, this limited edition lippie has tempted me. Because it won't be out for long, I might have to treat myself to this with a gift card. Not only does this product hydrate but it also leaves behind a beautiful pink tint that matches to your body's chemistry. I have similar products in my collection but the packaging is too cute to pass up....and it's technically skincare. ;)


ColourPop Moonwalk Eyeshadow, $5

This is a gorgeous shade of goldish-green that I absolutely would have purchased if I weren't doing my no-buy. I have too many ColourPop eyeshadows. This I know. I will step away from the shadow. If it's still available at the end of the year and I'm still thinking about it, Moonwalk will be mine.


Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, $24

It wasn't until the past year or so that I felt I even needed to wear concealer. I don't like to collect them or foundation but this product seemed to be on everyone's best of 2016 list. Concealers don't excite me like other products but this one definitely sparked my interest. If I freelance for Tarte at some point in the year,  I will be sure to play around with this. Maybe an end-of-the-year purchase or VIB sale splurge if I like it.


Chanel Bronze Universal, $50

A cult classic that seems to be having a resurgence in popularity. I've always thought this bronzer made fair-skinned people look orange but many of the lighter ladies I follow keep mentioning it. I recently made a sample of it when I worked for Chanel. I'll put it on my maybe list. I tend to not like the feel of cream products on my skin but the way that this is whipped is very light in texture. I think the ColourPop cream bronzers helped to ease me back into the notion.


Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lipstick in Amoureux, $37

I just got rid of a ton of liquid lipsticks. I just don't care for the way they look and feel on me. I think the trend is so tired and unflattering and wish it would go away once and for all. But this formula isn't bad and I love the feel of the frosted glass container. This particular shade, unlike most liquid lipsticks, is subtle, natural and complimentary. I'm not tempted much but it's on the list.


Chanel Tinted Top Coat Nail Polish in Black Metamorphosis, $28

I'm not necessarily including nail polish in my makeup no-buy but I am trying to keep my spending to a minimum. When you have as many bottles as I do, there are few colors that get released that you don't have a dupe for or something similar. Black Metamorphosis is unique in that is deepens and darkens the color of whatever polish you have on. It can also be worn alone for an interesting grey hue. I think I'm going to hold off on this for a couple months. If I'm still thinking about it in the Spring and it's still available, I might let myself get it because it's unlike anything I've ever owned.


ColourPop Pressed Eyeshadow Palette in Lo-Key, $18

When I set out to do my makeup no-buy, I knew the one thing that would tempt me more than anything would be if ColourPop released regular pressed eyeshadow or traditional tubed lipsticks. Within days, this little gem was released. I asked for it for my birthday. Loop holes. The last thing I need is another eyeshadow palette (especially a warm-toned orange one) but as a ColourPop afficionado, I had to have this in my collection.


Dior Lip Scrub Sweet Exfoliating Balm, $33

When I freelanced for Dior a couple weeks ago, I was sure to try this out before I even considered buying it in February as a birthday/Valentine's Day treat. It's skincare, okay? It works very well and leaves behind the loveliest pink tint. I've been on the hunt for the best lip scrubs and this is a very gentle one that instantly works and can be used on the go. No mess. Highly recommend!


MAC Lip Scrubtious in Candied Nectar, $16

Speaking of lip scrubs, I was excited to see these in person. I'm glad I was able to experiment because the Candied Nectar scent surprised me as my favorite. It smells divine! I will be getting this with birthday money. I have been disappointed by the past few lip scrubs I've tried so hopefully this will surpass my expectations.




While I do get a substantial discount on these brands and always use Ebates to get cash back when I shop online, the total retail value saved from not purchasing these products would have been over $350! 

All in all, I'd say that January was an easy month. I only freelanced a few times so many products were out of sight, out of mind. With the holidays just over and my birthday at the start of Feburary, I tend to not spend a lot in January as it is. There weren't a lot of releases that tempted me. I know that as Spring approaches, things will become much more difficult when the collections start to launch and the sales pop up. May the force be with me!




Items I 'shopped from my own stash' this month:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit, $40

I haven't reached for this in quite some time. I usually let my bronzer do the contouring job but on days when you have the extra time, this is a handy little kit.


Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Brightener, $7

I love the Age Rewind Concealer but I initially wasn't a fan of the Brightener. I thought it was too pink. But if you use it in conjunction with the concealer and immediately blend it in, it works fairly well.


Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette, $49

I love my Too Faced palettes. They have an incredible eyeshadow formula and such sweet packaging. But I have admittedly put them to the side in exchange for some of my newer purchases. I enjoyed using my Chocolate palettes this past month. I have no desire whatsoever to get the Peach palette. Enough is enough!


Chanel Le Volume Mascara, $32

I had several samples of this mascara and decided to give it another shot. I really liked the way Le Volume paired with the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. I find Le Volume to be very thickening. While Better Than Sex purports to also be a volumizing mascara, I find that it also delivers very well in the lengthening department.


Inglot Gel Eyeliner in 77 (Deep Black), $15

When it comes to eyeliner, I almost always prefer pencil over liquid. Gel? Rarely. It just seems like an extra step with a brush that isn't necessary and can produce a less than natural result. But when you want a little extra va va voom, this gel liner delivers a sultry, long-lasting line. It is a very deep shade of black that somehow does not look harsh and it won't budge. The price is reasonable, the quality is fantastic and you get a lot of product. Definitely a cult favorite for a reason!












Now Playing: "People" by Yellow Days
*Just discovered his music and I'm loving it!

2016 Skincare Favorites: My Most Used Products for Normal to Dry Skin Types

I wasn't always a skincare type of person. With the exception of being ultra sensitive to the sun, I was fortunate in that I never really had any problems with my skin. I liked the idea of starting to take precautions against aging fairly early on but never put much effort into fostering a solid routine...not until I was in my late 20s that is. A job I picked up over one holiday season turned into a worthwhile position with the french luxury line Clarins. At the time (and still to this day), I was much more of a makeup junkie. I was a bit reluctant about my new role but was eager to learn as much as possible. I was excited to go through training and learn the exemplary techniques that Clarins skincare specialists use in their Parisian spas. Application is key, ladies and gentleman. Always gently pat and press your product into the skin; never pull, rub or tug!

While I was never enthralled with skincare products in the same way that a makeup palette can make my eyes light up, I was grateful for being placed in that role. If it weren't for that fateful alignment, I might have never bothered to put such a valiant effort into the care of my skin. With trial and error and a little bit of diligence, I have transformed my skin from very dry and dehydrated to balanced and normal. I'm proud to say that my skin is one of the things I get complimented on the most (I will be 31 soon but am frequently asked if I am in college). I take pride in keeping my skin looking the best I possibly can and am curious to see how the measures I take today will reveal itself in the years to come.

While every one has different skincare concerns and requirements, these are all products that I highly recommend. What works for one person doesn't always do the same for another, so precede with caution. Always ask for complimentary samples before delving into a new regimen. Save your money and try before you buy! And don't attempt to experiment with more than one product at a time; this will ensure that you can formulate an honest critique of whether something is working for you. Now, on to the products!




Cleanser:

Dove Moisture Beauty Bar Soap, $5

Most skincare snobs will tell you to never let a bar of soap touch your face. I'm glad I never listened to that advice because this moisture beauty bar transformed my skin. It's the most delicate of cleansers and easy to use in the shower. It instantly clears any blemishes and balances the skin. Best yet? It's very affordable! My only concern is the 3/4 version has been MIA from the market. I've used it for years and can't speak highly enough to its performance. I'm not sure if Dove changed the formula or its offerings. Anyone out there have an answer for me?

Bioderma, $17

Bioderma is a cult beauty favorite for a reason. It is one of the best products I have ever used. If you're American, there was a time not long ago when you had to know someone in Europe or pick this up while traveling in order to procure its presence in your arsenal. I vividly remember when I went to France a few years ago and asking the girls in my group if we could stop at a Pharmacy so I could bring back this miracle in a bottle. Fortunately for those of us who are stateside, you can now easily get Bioderma through Beautylish for a very reasonable price. I use Bioderma to cleanse my skin, take off my makeup, prep it for further product and refresh in the morning. It is a dream come true for those of us who have dry, sensitive skin. It has more or less replaced every makeup remover I have in that it does a tremendous job at gently sweeping away product without leaving behind a filmy residue. If you have yet to try Bioderma, I can not recommend it highly enough. I love micellar water in general, and there have been many wonderful releases, but nothing stands close to the original.

Shiseido Facial Cotton, $10

A bit on the pricey side but worth every penny! I use the Shiseido cotton daily along with my Bioderma and softener. For those who use liquid makeup remover, this cotton is also fantastic. I also use it to take off my nail polish if I'm feeling fancy. You can even saturate a pad to use for pampering. It's the softest cotton on the market and does not shred. If you have sensitive eyes and skin, there's nothing worse than cotton particles interrupting your regimen. If you haven't done so already, give this a try during a Sephora VIB sale or use reward points (I love Plenti) to cut back on the cost. It makes such a difference.



Exfoliator:

Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains for Face, $44

Because my skin is a bit sensitive when it comes to harsh exfoliators, it was semi challenging to find one that does the job effectively without irritation. These grains are on the pricey side but a little goes a long way. I usually only exfoliate my skin as needed (on average, once every week or so). This product is unique in that you can use it on its own with warm water or as it's designed to be mixed in with your favorite foaming cleanser. I have paired it with my Dove beauty bar as well as traditional cleansers from Clarins and have yet to experience a bad reaction. Tip: Even though the sand grains are soft, be extra gentle when massaging the product into your skin, cautious to avoid the eye area.

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner, $39

My skin tends to lean on the dryer side of normal so I don't reach for this product very often. But during the warmer, more humid parts of the year or during "that time of the month" when my skin is experiencing additional oil production, I apply this mostly to my T-zone with a Shiseido cotton pad. It does a good job at removing dead skin cells and adding brightness. Tip: Because this toner contains salicylic acid, be careful not to expose your skin to the sun while using this product.



Softener/Toner:

Shiseido Benefiance Balancing Softener Enriched, $45-$73

This softener has been one of my favorite products for several years. It transformed my skin. Because I lean dry, toners just aren't my thing. They usually do more harm than good. If you're in the same boat, I can't recommend a softener highly enough. It is the perfect addition to your regimen. After cleansing, I saturate a cotton pad with this softener and apply it on my face, neck, decollete and even hands. It works to balance the pH levels in your skin while hydrating and prepping it for further product. It increases the performance of serums and moisturizers and works like a dream. I can't be without this phenomenal product! If you are dry, definitely go for the enriched version (which costs the same as the regular formula). If you are normal to combination, the regular softener should work nicely for you. If you're oily, definitely stick to a traditional toner.



Serum:

Lancome Advanced Genefique Serum, $78-$175

I call this wondrous potion my super serum. It's excellent for using in partnership with a stronger serum. The texture is fast absorbing and feels wonderful on the skin. It's fantastic for all skin types and works to increase radiance and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Clarins Double Serum, $89-$119

I wasn't always a fan of this serum but as I've gotten a bit older, I've really grown to appreciate its potency. A very rich formula, I recommend this for combination, dry and mature skin types. I like to use it every other night. The scent is delicate but pleasant. It helps to boost the power of my moisturizer and works to battle wrinkles and enlarged pores.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, $65-$95

I have a slight love-hate relationship with this serum. I don't particularly favor the scent or the consistency (it's rather sticky) and my dropper never seems to smoothly release the product. But it works. I use it at night in rotation between the Clarins Double Serum. Results include plumper skin with less fine lines and wrinkles. I adore the shape and color of the bottle. It feels like something you would find in an apothecary shoppe.



Moisturizer:

Shiseido Future Solution LX Night Regenerating Cream, $260

This is one of my favorite night creams for providing saturated hydration and anti-aging properties. While the astronomical price is a tough pill to swallow, I am fortunate to get an insider discount on the line and am cautious to only purchase it around the holiday season when there are value sets and bonus gifts offered. It's an investment in the future of my skin as this product definitely helps to nourish and protect from the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. If I slack on using this product, I start to see the difference and conversely, when I reintroduce it into my regimen I see instant results.

Shiseido Future Solution Total Revitalizing Cream, $230

I have been using this cream in rotation for the past couple years and finally finished the container. It was my introduction into high-end moisturizers and what a foray it turned out to be. This is a very rich cream so I only recommend it for those with dry and/or mature skin. It's phenomenal at adding a boost of hydration and plumpness to the skin. If you go to sleep with this moisturizer on, you will awake with better looking skin. I'd love to be able to afford another jar to put into rotation with the other Shiseido Future Solution cream but as of right now, that's not in my budget. Tip: Prioritize what is most important to your beauty routine. I never pay to get my nails or waxing done. The money that I save on services like this allows for me to allocate those resources to my skincare products.

Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream, $75-$95

If the Future Solution Line does not fit into what you would like to spend on a night cream or feel that it is too concentrated, I highly recommend this Bio-Performance cream. It's very similar in texture to the Future Solution line but much easier to wear. It's light enough that it can even be used during the day for those who need the extra hydration. I rotate this cream with the others mentioned and find them to produce somewhat similar results at maintaining a youthful appearance.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry Skin, $17

Because I go so hard with my nighttime skincare routine, I usually find by morning that my face needs minimal attention. I can usually skip an AM moisturizer but when I wear makeup, I always like to prep my skin with a fast-absorbing gel-cream formula. There are a few products on the market that I like but one that stands out the most is this one from Neutrogena. It instantly hydrates and plumps the skin while creating a wonderful base for your makeup. When it comes to the drug store, Neutrogena really hits it out of the park with so many of their bath and body products. I can't recommend their line highly enough.

Clarins Extra-Firming Advanced Neck Cream, $89

This might sound preposterous to some but a solid neck cream is critical in your skincare routine. When I was in my late 20s, I started to notice a few lines deepening on my neck that appeared to have formed from looking down at my phone and sleeping on my side. I quickly realized that the delicate neck area is one of the first places that shows your age. Anything that you use on your face, you should be carrying down to your neck and chest. But when it comes to a moisturizer, the neck's surface requires special attention. I've found that my own responds extremely well to the Clarins neck cream. It absorbs quickly and you see and feel results instantly. The price is painful but the results are phenomenal. In the few years that I have been using this product, those lines have dramatically faded and I notice firmer skin.



Eye Care:

Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate, $67

Using a serum before a moisturizer helps to boost the potency of your products by allowing the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin. This goes for the eye area as well. I didn't care for the Ultimiune face serum but the eye concentrate is pretty good. Shiseido scientists spent a lot of time and resources developing this line of products with Harvard researchers and the results I have seen are worthy of a mention.

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate, $85

This is one of the best eye creams I have ever used. It's light enough to wear during the day under makeup but it's also effective enough to use as a night treatment. It's very hydrating, fast absorbing and helps to reduce dark circles, puffiness and fine lines and wrinkles. I have sensitive eyes and wear contacts but have yet to experience any irritation. Tip: Always gently press the product into the skin as opposed to rubbing. I am liberal with where I apply my eye cream. Rather than just patting the cream under the eyes, I also put the product on the entirety of my lid up to the brow bone. In addition to this, I also apply to the areas where I have dubbed "the mask of Zorro". I apply eye cream to the space above my eye brows, in between where 11's form, and around the contour where crow's feet develop. Many people use their moisturizer as their eye cream but you should really be using a separate cream. The skin surrounding the eye area is different than the rest of the face and requires special attention. A heavy night cream or even a lighter day moisturizer will be too richly saturated and cause swelling and puffiness.

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream, $52

I love using this eye cream during the day underneath my makeup. Similar to the Clarins (and much less expensive), it is fast absorbing and hydrating. I don't necessarily see this as tremendous for correcting fine lines and wrinkles but its hydration properties are definitely helpful. You can always rely on Bobbi Brown's skincare products to work cohesively with makeup.

Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream, $74

This eye cream is thicker in consistency and works best at night as a treatment. Some people like to use it during the day but I prefer not to have a heavy eye cream under my eyeshadows even if it's fast-absorbing. When applied at night, you will notice in the morning a firmer, more lifted appearance to the lids.

Shiseido Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream, $130

Speaking of heavy eye creams, this is one of the thickest I have ever tried. I use it once or twice a week at night when I want to have extra treatment for my eyes. It's wonderful at correcting fine lines and wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming. It can also be used around the mouth to correct any lines that may have emerged in that area. While it is an expensive product, the deluxe sample that I received from my Future Solution holiday value set has lasted me a very long time.



Hand Care:

Etude House Pink Vital Water Serum, $20

As mentioned above, serums are very helpful in boosting the performance of your creams. Hands are no exception. In the latter half of the year, I decided to use this serum from Etude House on my hands and chest area as it's lightweight and affordable. It's not at all sticky and absorbs quickly into the skin. It's also good as a hydrating daytime serum for the face.

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, $30

I've never been a fan of using hand creams. I find that they're usually sticky or take too long to dry. The Clarins hand cream is a wonderful exception. It's on the thicker side without being too heavy. Despite its somewhat rich consistency, it absorbs very fast. It works to improve hydration and diminish the appearance of aging. I also like to use it on my nails and cuticles. The scent isn't for everyone but it's one that I've actually grown to appreciate as I now associate the botanical fragrance with being effective at healing my skin.



Lip Products:

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Honey, $26

I touched on this product in my previous 'best of' beauty post but felt compelled to include it on this list as well. It definitely falls in line with both a makeup and a skincare item. It's phenomenal!

Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, $24

The same can be said for this fantastic balm. To read a bit more on what I think of it, please be sure to check out my previous post.

Pangea Organics Italian Red Mandarin with Rose Lip Balm, $14

I discovered this indie brand several years ago through a Birchbox. It is one of my favorite lip balms of all time. It is silky smooth, hydrating and fairly long lasting. The ingredients are good for your lips, the scent is pleasant and the pricing is pretty good. It's harder to find than most products but as of the time this post was written, you can purchase it through Amazon which I have linked above.

Chanel Hyra Beauty Nourishing Lip Care, $50

If the price doesn't send you running for the hills, this is an excellent luxury lip balm. Because of its packaging, for sanitary purposes and convenience, I tend to only use it before bed when I am in the comfort of my own home and have easy access to a tissue. I've never been a fan of having to dip my fingers into a potted lip product but this formula is wonderful for healing dryness. You get a good amount of product (.35 oz) and a little goes a long way. One container, with off and on usage, has lasted me a couple years. When I finish this product, I plan to repurpose and fill the elegant packaging with one of my more affordable lip balms. Keeping it real. Keeping it bougie.



Treatments:

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream All-Over Miracle Oil, $28

I've been a fan of body and hair oils for years but there's something about putting oil on my face that is only now catching on with me. When I first bought this multipurpose oil, I resorted to mainly using it on my hair and body. The scent is relaxing and very pleasing to the senses. It was not until recently that I became brave enough to apply a bit of this oil on my face (usually when I'm feeling dryer than normal). It's also wonderful to add a few drops in with your nighttime moisturizer. It leaves the skin, hair and body feeling soft and supple. I love that it has a spritz dispenser and isn't in glass packaging. You get a good amount of product for your money and a little goes a long way (3.4 fl oz). I highly recommend trying this out-- if only for the scent!

Evian Mineral Water Spray Duo, $15

This has been a favorite of mine for years. Mineral water in a can, perhaps. But I love it for so many different purposes. I keep it near my bed so I can spritz myself in the morning on days when I'm not in the mood to get out of bed. Who needs to splash water on your face at the bathroom sink when there's an Evian bottle right next to you? I wish I was kidding but I'm fully serious. I love it as a refresher during the day or while I'm traveling. It's excellent in the winter to relieve dry skin and in the summer to cool you down. It's wonderful to prep your skin before makeup or to cancel out any excess powder. I can't tell you how often this product comes in handy. I definitely recommend purchasing the smaller size so you can toss one in your purse or carry-on bag (I won't go on a plane without mine).

Etude House My Lash Serum, $5

As far as I am concerned, this is the best kept secret in lash and brow serums! If you've ever shopped around for one, you'll quickly realize that they are all extremely overpriced. $100 is the norm for a tiny tube. I have tried these products and they are good but not worth the money. I gave My Lash a try on a whim and I'm so glad that I did. I was so impressed and pleasantly surprised with my results! I use this product every night during my skincare routine on my lashes and brows. I noticed after only a week or so that my hairs were softer, shinier and longer. While it takes about a week to truly see the benefits, you will feel the results the next morning. You can not find another product on the market that does what this does for such a low price! I have repurchased several times over as I apply a generous amount and go through the tube rather quickly. Do I recommend you buy one? No. Buy 5 of them! 

Etude House Sheet Masks, $1

I couldn't include a best of skincare list without mentioning my favorite sheet masks! Also from Etude House, these marvelous wonders are both extremely affordable and effective. There's a mask for every concern. Etude House has excellent price points but you can almost always apply a discount code to get their products for even less. I have experimented with several of their offerings but have never had a negative reaction to their ingredients. You could tell me that these masks would do nothing for my skin but I would still continue to repurchase them as they're so relaxing to apply on the skin. I love spending an evening or two a week listening to soft music, a meditation or a podcast with one of these masks on. You can not beat the quality for the price. Korean beauty products are once again among my favorites of the year for their playfulness, affordability and high quality. And because I haven't said it enough already in this blog post...I highly recommend!


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Now Playing: "Maneater" by Lower Dens (Hall & Oates cover)

Recent Beauty Favorites, Winter/Spring 2016

 It has been quite a while since I shared some of my favorite beauty products. After working in cosmetic sales and artistry for the past few years, I have skillfully navigated the land of luxury makeup and skincare. Through trial and error, I have discovered what's worth the splurge and what can be better substituted at your local drugstore. Here are a few of the products that I have been recently loving:

• Lancome My Parisian Pastels Shimmer Cube: An adorably packaged product with a unique design. Can be used as highlighter, blush, eyeshadow or finishing powder.
• OPI Hello Kitty and New Orleans Collections: My favorite brand of polish delivers once again with a wide range of beautiful colors including Kitty White (a shimmering white with a silvery finish), Charmmy & Sugar (a standout shade of metallic pale pink with sparkles), She's A Bad Muffuletta! (a strawberry red with pink undertones), Rich Girls & Po-Boys (a beautiful, boyish shade of blue that's somehow still very feminine).
• Clarins Lip Oil (01 Honey), Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, & Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (07 Toffee Pink Shimmer): I've been fixated with keeping my lips hydrated with oil, balm and a moisturizing product. The newest shade from the Instant Light collection is my favorite out of all of them- the most beautifully natural shade of pink.
• YSL Gypsy Opale Face Palette: The dynamite packaging is what sold me but the product itself keeps me reaching for more. A wonderful color correcting finishing powder. 
• Shiseido Future Solution Night Cream: A steep price tag but worth every penny. The Future Solution range of skincare products has been my guilty pleasure for several years. It truly keeps fine lines in-check and hydrates beyond belief.
• Bioderma Cleansing Water: Many brands are attempting to knock off this cult-favorite product (Simple, Garnier, etc...) that was once only available for purchase in Europe but thanks to sites like Beautylish, Bioderma is accessible to the masses and at a fantastic price. Nothing beats the original! Perfect for dry, sensitive skin. Takes makeup off and leaves the skin clean. 
• ColourPop Eyeshadows: This brand has been one of my favorite discoveries. I adore everything about their range- affordable, cutting edge, on-trend, fun and good quality. I love all of their products but every girl needs to own at least one of their eyeshadows.
• Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer (Ivory): I don't like to wear heavy foundation and prefer light coverage on my face. This BB/tinted moisturizer hybrid is phenomenal at delivering just enough hydration and coverage to even out my complexion without masking my natural skin beneath. 
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer (Fair): I have tried plenty of high-end concealers but this drugstore find is still my favorite. I recently turned 30 but am just now starting to need coverage under the eyes. This concealer has been a go-to. 
• Etude House Sheet Masks: A few times a year (when the Korean beauty site offers sales and free shipping), I place an order for my favorite Asian cosmetic items. These sheet masks are affordable and a wonderful addition to your skincare routine. 
• Estee Lauder Double Wear Eyeliner (Gold): My eyeliner collection is obscene. There are a lot of terrific pencil liners on the market but this formula and color from Estee Lauder has been my favorite.
• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water: I thought this was a gimmick when I first purchased it. "Diamond water? Riiight." It turns out that this primer is everything. If you have dry skin that rejects foundation, this formula will agree with anything you place on top of it. It helps with the application of your makeup but more importantly, it truly prolongs its wear-time. If they ever discontinue this baby, I will be buying a lifetime supply.
• Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream: This is terrific for day or night and a must-have before prepping for concealer. 
• Lancome Miracle Cushion Compact Foundation (Alternate: L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation): My love for Asian-inspired skincare and beauty products has found its way into my foundation routine. When I need a bit more coverage than a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, I reach for these. They're still light-medium coverage and very comfortable on the skin. The downside? You don't get a lot of product for what you pay but the finish is gorgeous. 
• Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Eyeshadow Palette: Too Faced is one of my favorite brands- so feminine, fun and flirty. I have so many of their products and love of all of them. If Peggy Bundy ever designed an eyeshadow palette, it might look like this. 
• Clinique Cheek Pop Blush (Nude Pop): I'm not much of a Clinique girl but this blush's cutesy floral and acrylic packaging lured me in. The formula and shade is also incredible. 
• Chanel Nail Polish (683 Sunrise Trip): From the Spring 2016 LA Sunrise Collection, this shade looks nearly black in the bottle but on the nail, it's an original shade of royal purple with navy undertones. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect, bright, neutral-yet-wearable, neon purple (that's not asking too much is it?) but this shade will be fine until that polish is discovered invented.

Luxe Living: Christmas Wishlist

1. Hair Dryer. I have a ton of hair. I'm definitely in need of a quality blower that will get the job done faster and more efficiently.

2. Prada Candy. I'm fortunate to get 50% percent off at the end of the month so I'm going to stock up on a few fragrance sets and roller balls.

3. Guerlain Meteorite Pearls, Limited Edition Holiday 2014. I'll probably pass on these because it's red not pink. The beads complement someone with darker skin. But a beautiful beauty item none the less.

4. Gucci Cosmetics. I was ecstatic when I found out Gucci was launching its own makeup line. I purchased a number of things as an early Christmas present to myself. I plan to do a review post sometime in the next few weeks.

5. Gallery Leather Planner. I've had this planner every year for the past few and it's a favorite. Worth the splurge. I'm old school and still prefer to write everything down.

6. Guerlain Primer. I've had my eye on this for the past couple years but can't justify the price tag. I'd like to eventually add it into my collection but it would make a nice Chistmas gift for the lady who loves a bit of glamour.

7. Shiseido Future Solution Set. My favorite skincare products! Nothing beats Shiseido. My gift to myself for the year. I'll try and do an in-depth blog post on my skincare routine sometime during the holiday season.

8. Amazon.com Gift Cards. To know me is to know my love for books and getting things in the mail. Can't beat the prices on Amazon. Check out my Pinterest Bookshelf Board to see the ever expansive list of what I've been reading or plan to get my hands on next. I really need to do some more Get Lit blog features and reviews.

9. Vinyl. Thrifted, used, new, old... always appreciative of adding new music into my collection. Pittsburgh is a gold mine for vinyl- especially oldies.

10. Louis Vuitton Wallet. I really wanted the Josephine wallet in green but it sold out when I was in Paris this spring. I may be interested in the yellow one but might wait it out. I also think the 'multicolore' business card holder is adorable.

11. Satellite Radio. This one I'll probably hold off as a birthday present (Feb. 1) since I most likely won't be driving my regular car this winter because of the weather. Pittsburgh has the worst radio stations in the country. I'm confident of that. I'm not tech savvy enough to mess around with anything beyond CDs. I'm not going to invest in any more than I already have. It's time for radio. Good radio.

12. Not Pictured: Viper Tool Chest. And the item that is at the very top of my actual Christmas list is not pictured above (note to self: learn to use a new platform other than Polyvore).

This beauty would lend itself perfectly to storing my makeup collection. It's pretty massive. If the majority of my stash doesn't fit, I'm seriously going to make some drastic cuts. I get excited just thinking about organizing everything. And yes, I am clinically insane. Fa la la la la la la la la!

Now Playing: "Count On Me" by Jefferson Starship
*A favorite.

5 Minute Face, 5 Products

1. Foundation/Powder.
I've been a fan of MAC Studio Fix since high school. MAC is one of the few brands that actually makes a shade light enough for my fair complexion (N3). This evens out redness, conceals any blemishes I might have and creates a flawless canvas for any other makeup I apply.

2. Gloss.
I always apply this last. Of course I'll take it with me for reapplication. Red light? Save yourself some time (and product) and wait 'til then for the first swipe. I have a lippie from every brand under the sun but use Revlon and Chanel the most.

3. Brows.
Well-groomed brows shape the entire face. If your eyebrow situation is in check you still look natural but put together. If we're only talking one product, go with a pencil that has a built-in spooly. When I really take the time to make my brows look their best, it's a bit of a process: base, pencil, spooly, powder, spooly, seal. If you were in a pinch, you could also use this item as an eyeliner.

4. Mascara.
Necessary to look alive. Makes all the difference in the world. Current Favorites: Benefit Bad Gal, Lancome Defencils, L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes, Too Faced Size Queen.

5. Bronzer/Blush/Highlighter.
Depending on your coloring, this is a good choice for one of the five products. Because I'm so pale, if I'm only doing one product, I'd choose NARS Laguna Bronzer. I'm not much of a "bronzer girl" but without any eyeshadow, a bit of color helps me. Ideally, I'd find a bronzer/blush/highlighter trio like Physicians Formula Shimmer Strip in Waikiki. You could also use that for eyeshadow. But if I'm going for a more natural, no fuss look (5 minutes!), a bit of flat bronzer lightly dusted over the cheekbones and eyes wakes the skin up just enough.












Now Playing: "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" by Kendrick Lamar
*When the song is over, you better be done with that face ;)

Recently Purchased

Here are some new additions to my collection of things I didn't really need but wanted:

1. Chloe Green/Gold Aviator Sunglasses.
Scored these beautiful sunnies for an unbeatable steal. HauteLook is my crack.

2. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Luminous Lip Gloss in Precious Petal.
I don't own anything else from the brand but the formula and color of this is nice for easy, everyday wear. The built in mirror on the packaging is convenient but not the clearest.

3. YSL Manifesto Eau de Parfum.
The vanilla notes sold me. I'm still on the quest for the perfect signature scent for my late 20s. Maybe this one will fit the bill?

4. Too Faced Candlelight Glow.
I can never ignore a chandelier- even if it's just embossed on makeup. The only product I had from Too Faced was the Shadow Insurance (which I swear by). I love the packaging, color and formulation on this. A beautiful highlighter.

5. Hologram Satchel.
I got this from Nasty Gal. I've mentioned before that I'm all for the holographic trend. I have a cute wallet from Urban Outfitters that I admittedly have yet to use. But I couldn't resist this bag. It reminds me so much of the shape and style of purses I used to wear in grade school back in the mid-nineties.

6. The National at Stage AE.
One of my favorite bands. I'm so excited to see them again live. It's on the birthday of one of my best friends, so it should be a really fun night out! Also can't wait to hear their new album, Trouble Will Find Me.













Now Playing: "Until We Bleed" by Lykke Li

What To Buy The Woman In Your Life?

1. Cashmere/Wool Scarf

Burberry makes gorgeous styles but if you're not looking for a luxury product, you can always go with something in your own price range. If you take care of your scarfs, they can last a lifetime. It makes a wonderful gift. She'll get lots of wear from it and surely receive plenty of compliments.

2. Crystal/Diamond Stud Earrings

If diamonds aren't in your budget, Swarovski makes stunning crystal earrings that are of high quality. It's a reputable brand that will last for many years to come. I love stud earrings because they can be worn every day or dressed up for the evening. Swarovski catches the light quite beautifully. It's a terrific alternative to diamonds and she won't have to worry about losing them.

3. Artwork

If you're shopping for someone creative, she will appreciate art as a gift. Etsy has plenty of independent artists who can custom make something for you. It's a unique gift that she will have forever.

4. Nail Polish

If the woman in your life likes to do her own manicures, nail polish is an excellent stocking stuffer. Chanel is pricey but every girl likes to have a bit of glam in her life. Quality nail polish brands that are favorites among many ladies include OPI and Essie. Popular colors for 2012/2013 are reds, neutrals and glitters. If your girl prefers to have her nails professionally done, treat her to a gift certificate to go with a polish that you like for her.

5. Tickets

Be it a concert, the ballet, theater, museum, sporting event or movies... whatever the lady in your life enjoys, tickets are always a nice way to share a gift together. If you're both movie fanatics, yearly passes are available at many complexes. The same goes for most cultural centers. If you wanted to kick it up a notch, plane tickets are also a nice surprise. Vacations or weekend getaways make an excellent present. Having something to look forward to in the new year is always fantastic.

6. Wallet/Handbag

Most women appreciate a great leather wallet or handbag. Treat your special someone to their favorite designer. If you're not one for labels, a leather craftsmen can custom make something for her that is one of a kind. 

7. KitchenAid Stand Mixer

This is the item that is always on every woman's wedding gift registry. It's the type of product that most women want but don't wish to spend the money for on themselves. If she likes to bake, this makes a fabulous gift. Just make sure it suits her needs. It comes in many colors, so choose wisely! Sidenote: Unless she is an aspiring Betty Crocker, I would avoid this as your only present. It's expensive and very generous but lacks romance. 

8. First Edition Book

If your lady is a book lover, find a first edition copy of one of her favorite works. If she is a big fan of a certain author, contact their PR person and arrange to have a copy personally autographed. Speaking of books, companies like Shutterfly.com help to make wonderful scrapbook photo keepsakes. Your lady friend will appreciate the time and effort you put towards such a special gift.

Every woman is different but these are just some ideas of  presents I would be more than happy to have under my Christmas tree!

Now Playing: "Last Christmas" by Wham!

February Favorites!

EOS lip balms. I love these little spheres. They are super cute and quite addicting but I fear that I'm in lust with its packaging rather than the product itself. Honeysuckle & Lemon are my current favorites but I have yet to try the Mint!

Vera Wang Perfume. I've had this fragrance for awhile. I got it on sale at Marshall's- score! Maybe that's why I have neglected it and treated it like it wasn't as good as some of my finer fragrances. Nevertheless, in February, I grabbed this one quite a lot. Maybe because Vera is synonymous with weddings and I've been preparing for my friend Maggie's March nuptials.

My favorite piece of jewelry this month (and one of my favorites for a lifetime) were the earrings my mom got me for my 25th birthday on the 1st. They are green amethyst and diamonds and so beautiful! They are subtle enough to wear in the daytime but are unique and beautiful enough for evenings. They go well with just about anything. I LOVE them!

Revlon Perplex nail polish. It's basically an exact dupe for Chanel's Paradoxal. I got it for a dollar at Big Lots! I have been on a purple/lavender kick all month long. Purple reminds me of February because it's still winter, Amethyst is my birthstone, it's close in the color family to reds (Valentine's) and because when Spring finally rolls around, it's all about lavenders and light pastels. I loved wearing this polish in February and can't wait to wear it again in the fall.

February in Pittsburgh is notorious for nasty weather. While we were fortunate enough to have a splash of Spring temps, there was definitely a lot of rain and snow this month. That's when my KORS Michael Kors rainboots came in handy! I ordered them from shopbop.com on sale as a birthday gift with intentions of wearing them to Bonnaroo but I've been getting a lot of wear out of them. I have a hard time finding boots that fit me nicely but I couldn't be happier. They remind me of Daria Morgendorffer's combat boots but with a splash of Quinn's fashion sense, lol!

I purchased quite a few lipglosses this month but I kept reaching for Revlon's ColorBurst Lipglosses in Hot Pink, Orchid and Crystal Lilac. These lipglosses are creamy, non-sticky, pigmented and affordable. The packaging is so beautiful and I like them better than my Chanel glossimers!




This month I have been experimenting with blush. I have used the same few shades of blush for year's but lately, I have tried a few new ones. I saw one of the beauty gurus on YouTube apply MAC's Pink Swoon and thought it looked great. I bought it for myself and I love it! It's very subtle but gives a nice brightness to the face. I love it!

I asked for the Urban Decay Naked Palette for my 25th birthday and I'm sooo happy that I scored the last one at my Ulta. I got the original packaging with the duo-sided 24/7 eyeliners and they are amazing. The colors do have a bit of glitter fallout, but if you can get passed that it's so worth it. I've never used Urban Decay before but I am now a devoted fan. If I had to use one eye palette for the rest of my life, Naked would be it! The whiskey eyeliner looks amazing against my coloring, the baby primer potion is fantastic and the colors are so versatile. I can't recommend this product enough to any girl who loves a natural eye with a little bit of glamour!

My favorite lipstick this month was Chanel's Aqualumiere in Galapagos (101). I'm all about finding the perfect shade of pink. This just might be it! It's formula is like butter and the color is subtle yet chic.

NARS Albatross was one of the first products I splurged on from the company and this month, I couldn't have been happier with my purchase. This is such an excellent quality highlighter. I use it to highlight my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, my cupid's bow and even my brow bone. It's on the pricer side but a little goes a long way!

My favorite fashion/beauty moment of February was Selena Gomez in J. Mendel at the Grammy's. I adore this look in its entirety. The dress is gorgeous, the face is fresh, the hair is fabulous. I want that lipstick/lipgloss... need to find out the brand!

My favorite beer of the month was Samuel Adams' Noble Pils. I had this during happy hour after my friend's bridal shower. And a happy hour it was! Delicious!

My favorite YouTube Channel of the month was WinterRose84. She's a beauty guru from Australia who is fair-skinned like me. She has such a beautiful accent and I could listen to her talk for hours about her massive and enviable nail polish collection (she must have 400 bottles of OPI alone). She also has more Lancome Juicy Tubes than I have ever seen in my life! But she seems like a sweet girl who just loves to collect makeup. Check her out!

My favorite movie of the month was Conviction starring Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell. This film came out in the fall but I didn't get to see it until it was released OnDemand. I thought it was excellent! It was so interesting and well-acted that the movie felt like it was only 30 minutes. You know you're watching a good movie when you don't look to see how much time is left! It was based on a true story and it was very inspiring! I highly recommend you watch this if you haven't done so already.

My favorite song of the month was hands down, "Lotus Flower" by Radiohead. I have listened to this on repeat countless times. It doesn't get old for me. I think the video is interesting as well but the song- wow. It's gorgeous. I just LOVE it!

My First BIRCHBOX!

Yesterday, my first BIRCHBOX arrived in the mail! It was for the month of February. I'm really pleased with the goodies that I scored. I haven't had the chance to use and review them yet, but I thought I'd atleast give a sneak peak. In case you are unfamiliar with the service, you pay $10 per month and BIRCHBOX sends you 4-5 deluxe-sized beauty samples. It's nice for people who like to try out high-end products without the risk. I like getting the little surprises in the mail. I'm a fan of beauty products in general but I also love miniature things. It's kind of perfect for me. I don't plan on doing this every month ($110 is a bit steep for my budget) but I will probably do 4 or 5. I'll probably order another BIRCHBOX for June (summer), September (fall), October (Halloween) and December (Christmas). But I'll be curious to see what's inside the BIRCHBOXes for the months I passed on. I love that the internet and YouTube can satisfy my curiosity. But on to the products that I got for February (my birthday/Valentine's Day box).

1. Befine, Night Cream. Full-size, $30

2. myfaceworks, Sheet Mask. Six Full-Sized masks, $55

3. NARS Face Illuminator, Full-size, $29

Pomega5, Daily Revitalizing Concentrate. Full-size, $48

5. (Birchbox Treat) sweetriot Chocolate-Covered Cacao Nibs

I'm really into skin care these days. I'm one of the few girls who doesn't own NARS orgasm blush/bronzer. I do like illuminators, so I couldn't be happier to try this out. If it works well with my skin, I may buy the full-sized product to mix with body moisturizer. It would be nice in the spring/summer for the face & shoulders. I'm excited to try the sweetriot chocolate! What girl doesn't love a little candy for Valentine's Day?



Now Playing: "I'm Not Calling You a Liar" by Florence + the Machine