Please overlook my lack of makeup updates as my mind has been preoccupied with hockey (Let's Go Pens! Back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions!). April was a complete and utter disaster in terms of sticking to my no-buy. I expected this to be one of the most challenging months of the year due to the Sephora spring sale along with 50% off through my freelancing. The good news? May was the easiest month so far. I cleared out my collection and gave my little cousin who is in high school a massive bag of perfectly good products that weren't getting the attention it deserved. It felt wonderful to narrow down my stash. I can honestly say that everything I currently have is something that I cherish and will make the effort to put into regular rotation. I still have a huge collection but it is much more pared down. I wouldn't exactly say it's well-edited but it's a fair downsize for a maximalist such as myself.
I am at the place in my collecting years where few products are tempting me. There really isn't much that strikes my fancy. In order for me to be attracted to something, it truly has to be unique or new to the market. Here are a few of the items that recently managed to catch my eye:
Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Treatment Lotion Mist, $22
This is technically a skincare product but with the heat and humidity finally swinging into my area, I'm all for spritzes of hydration. I love a good mist and think this is a nice one for prepping your makeup application. It's especially good for those who have to be up and out the door early.
Dose of Colors Baked Browns Eyeshadow Palette, $32
I don't own anything from this brand (I would be content in never buying another liquid lipstick, something it's known for, ever again) but this palette struck me as very well put together. The colors are definitely my type but therein lies the problem. I probably have several dupes already within my collection. I have yet to buy any eyeshadow palettes in 2017 and it's looking like that trend might make it all the way through the end of the year. I simply do not need anymore eyeshadow...especially warm tones. It's all I have. Drawers of browns, nudes and sepias. Enough is enough.
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer, $15
For the past few seasons, this has been the bronzer that everyone and their next-door neighbor hasn't stopped talking about. Physicians Formula is one of my favorite drugstore brands and I love the few bronzers I already have from them. I'm not sure that this one will be all that different but it has been on my list long enough. I'll probably add it to my collection sometime in the next year or so when I see it on sale. Physicians Formula produces good quality powders but it is rather expensive for the drugstore.
Etude House Glitter Pigment Eyeshadow, $10
I'm not really a glitter eyeshadow type of gal these days but it's nice to have a couple options for victory parades and celebratory things of that nature. You never know when a party or costume might call for a dash of sparkle. The packaging of this one was too cute to miss. It sold out before temptation got the best of me. If I make an order from Etude House before the close of the year and this item is still available, consider it snatched.
Gucci Nude Freesia Sheer Blushing Powder, $49
I adore the Gucci products that I have...extremely good quality and incredibly beautiful packaging. Unfortunately, the blush that I picked out online a few years ago, is way too deep for my complexion. A $50 blush is a commitment. If I can find someone to sell my original blush to, I might justify replacing it with a more neutral shade like this easy-to-wear color from their newest collection.
Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Honey Glam, $26
The Clarins lip oils are among my favorite products in my entire collection. I have all of the shades with the exception of a couple. I intend to add Honey Glam and Tangerine into my collection before the end of the year.
Items I recently 'shopped from my own stash':
Lancome Belle de Teint Bronzer in 01, $45
I was on the fence about purchasing this beauty but I'm so glad that I did. It's a gorgeous little palette that creates a very natural bronzed glow. The powder trio is very flattering on fair skin and the packaging is a delight to use.
MAC Eyeshadow, $16-$32
My MAC eyeshadows are some of the oldest products in my collection. Powders never go bad if they're kept sealed and in proper storage areas. I began adding MAC single and holiday eyeshadows to my collection long before the notion of palettes grew in popularity. It requires a bit more forethought to pair singles together but the quality of the shadows have definitely held up and stood the test of time.
Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation, $28
I've wanted to use the Dior Airflash foundation for years but the lightest color is still a few shades too deep for my fair skin. Dior's version is far more expensive so I was thrilled to see that there was finally an affordable alternative on the market (and with a much wider color range!). Believe it or not, the lightest shade in the launch, the one that I purchased (Cream), might actually be a bit too light for me. That never happens! PS: I also recommend Sephora's mist blush.
NARS Highlighter in Albatross, $30
This is one of the first highlighters I ever purchased. It's a bit loud and in your face but it sure is a beauty.
Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Setting Powder, $35
I was happy to finish a couple deluxe sample compacts of this. I have dry skin but this is excellent for setting the under eyes or anywhere that might produce a bit of shine in the heat and humidity. When my samples run out, I will definitely be purchasing the full size. Luckily for my wallet, a little goes a long way.
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