Milani and Jordana Both On Sale Now

Milani Summer sale

Right now both Milani and it’s sister company Jordana are having summer sales.  I’m chiming in a couple days late on this, but both sales are good through Monday, 6/30.  Milani is offering 30% off with code SUMMERLOVE and Jordana is offering 25% off with code SUMMERTIME.  Orders over $25.00 ship free within the continental US for both sites.  Visit milanicosmetics.com to see what Milani has to offer.  Don’t forget that Milani has a Limited Edition section that is separate from the rest of their products.  To order from Jordana, go to jordanacosmetics.com.  (or you can simply click either image to take you to their corresponding websites.)  I have trouble finding both Milani and Jordana in my area, so this is a great time to place an order with these sales going.

Jodana Summer sale

10 Best of 2013

It took me a while to figure out how I wanted to do my favorites of 2013 post.  If I listed all of the products I loved this year it would be the longest post ever.  So, after mulling it over and narrowing down, I finally decided to do a top 10.  There are plenty more products that I love, but I can’t include everything, so these are the best.  While many of these products were released in 2013, that wasn’t a requirement.  These are the products that I personally loved this year, no matter when they came out.  Most of these products are drugstore, but there are two higher end items because they truly are favorites.  If you have been following this blog, you probably will recognize every item on this list because if they didn’t get full reviews, they were at least mentioned in Monthly Favorites posts.  So, let’s get started.

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

Probably the best product to come out all year was the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation.  I was really surprised because I don’t usually like CoverGirl foundations, but this one rocks.  This foundation is really great and unique because it works equally well for those with oily or dry skin.  Very few products truly are for all skin types, but this foundation really is.  CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous is mattifying, without drying out your skin.  It has solid medium coverage, but is still lightweight and not cakey.  The best part is that it lasts all day long.  I have worn this foundation for 16 hours in 90 degree Florida humidity and it did not budge, sweat and all.  If you are looking for a good liquid foundation, this is the one you should try next.  The only downside is that the 3-in-1 claims are bogus.  I still need a primer because I have ginormous pores and it will settle in if I don’t prime first.  You will also need a concealer if you have major issues like dark acne scars or really dark circles.  CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous is a great foundation, despite the over the top advertising.  Try it, you’ll probably like it.

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation

The other foundation that I have loved in 2013 came out in 2012, but is still a winner.  The Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation, like CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous, is good for all skin types.  (This jar is still in it’s packaging because I recently ran out of my last jar and this is my replacement.)  Revlon Whipped Creme is a full coverage foundation with an odd pudding like texture.  It blends like a dream and will last all day long.  This is a serious foundation, and may be a little much for every day use for some of you (not me), but it’s awesome for nights out or special occasions.  I usually turn to Revlon Whipped Creme when I know I’m going to have pictures taken because I love the look it gives me.  Despite the thicker texture, I don’t feel that it lays heavy on the skin.  I really like Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation and it has definitely been raved about all over the internet.  If you haven’t tried it, take a chance.

Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder

My final favorite face product of the year was definitely Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder.  Though the Nearly Naked Foundation that was released at the same time didn’t do it for me, the Nearly Naked Powder has been fantastic.  I love how light it is, and the soft focus effect it gives to my skin is lovely.  It blurs the imperfections and makes me look younger.  I tossed the ridiculous little pillow sponge it came with and apply it with my e.l.f. Powder Brush.  Revlon Nearly Naked is, in my opinion, the best powder in the drugstore.

Lorac Pro Palette

Moving to eyes, the Lorac Pro Palette launched Fall 2012, but I didn’t get in until Spring 2013.  Though it rivals the Naked 2 palette for my favorite, I think that the Lorac Pro is more versatile and universal, so it is a better overall product than the Naked palettes.  For more details and pictures check out my review.  The Lorac Pro is a fantastic palette and could conceivable be all you need if you aren’t a makeup addict like me.  The entire top row are matte shadows in a range of light to dark.  The bottom row of shadows are a variety of shimmer and metallic shades.  Not only can you achieve lovely neutral eye looks, but there are copper and purple shades to add some variety.  The dark matte brown and black are great liner shades.  The only thing I don’t like about the palette is the rubberized packaging that picks up everything and constantly looks dirty, no matter what.  Oh, well, we can’t have everything.  If you could only get one higher end palette, the Lorac Pro is an excellent choice and one of my favorite products in 2013.

Jordana 12 Hr Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil

If CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation isn’t the best release of 2013, then the Jordana 12 Hr Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils definitely are.  Long-time readers know of my obsession with NYX Slide On, Glide On, blah-blah-blah liners that were my number one favorites until these Jordana beauties came out.  Now, I am completely obsessed with these.  The Jordana 12 Hr Made to last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils are the best pencil liners on the market (IMO) and they are only around $3.  These pencils are designed to give you the same intense color as a liquid liner.  They have a creamy formula that glides onto the lid with ease.  Even on the waterline, there is no tugging or pulling needed to get the color to show up.  They take a minute to set, so you do have some time to smudge them out and work with them.  Once set, these babies don’t budge at all despite sweat, tears, rain, you name it.  You need this.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Taupe

Another 2013 liner that I’ve loved is the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Taupe.  This is such a great shade for the lower lash line for some definition that is appropriate for the daytime.  Rimmel is extremely affordable and the Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajals have a great formula.  Taupe is my favorite of the bunch because it is a unique shade to my collection and a really versatile liner.  In a sea of blacks and browns that can be a little much for some people, Taupe is easy and comfortable- a great choice.  Rimmel also offers a Nude version of the Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajals, which is a unique shade for the drugstore and the creamy, yet long wearing formula makes it a wonderful choice for brightening the waterline.  Both Taupe and Nude definitely deserve a look.

Maybelline Volume Express the Rocket Mascara

The best mascara of 2013, hands down, is Maybelline Volume Express the Rocket Mascara.  I love this.  It has unseated CoverGirl Lashblast as my favorite drugstore mascara.  Though Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes is my all-time favorite Holy Grail mascara, the Rocket is a close second.  The Rocket has a large rubber brush and a slightly dryer formula, similar to Lashblast.  Something about the Rocket makes my puny lashes really shine.  I have tried a lot of mascaras this past year, but none have done as much for my lashes as The Rocket.  This product deserves all of the rave reviews.

Jouer Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment

Though I’ve only mentioned it a few times on this blog, I have been consistently loving Jouer Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment all throughout 2013.  I originally got a sample tube through Birchbox and discovered how great it is.  This is my second full-sized tube.  I use the Jouer Lip Enhancer as a night time lip treatment and it works wonders on my dry lips.  When I apply it at night, I wake up with soft, smooth, healthy-feeling lips.  I can definitely feel the difference when I don’t use it.  The Jouer Lip Enhancer is a little pricey, but not too bad and the tubes last forever.  I bought two tubes last January and I just busted out this second tube a couple months ago.  A little goes a very long way.  I don’t want to ever be without the Jouer Lip Enhancer, it’s that good.

Maybelline Color Whisper in Made-it-Mauve

I’m sure it’s no surprise that my favorite lip product of 2013 is the Maybelline Color Whisper in Made-it-Mauve.  This was made for me.  I love the Color Whisper formula.  It’s so creamy and moisturizing, and the Color Whispers have completely unseated the Revlon Lip Butters in my collection.  They are fantastic.  Made-it-Mauve is such a good color for me.  I love those pinky-brown my lips but better shades, and Made-it-Mauve is in that family but with a bit more rose.  I could wear this shade every day and not get tired of it.  If you haven’t tried the Maybelline Color Whispers, you must.  They are so comfortable and there are a ton of shades.

2013 Favorite hair products

I am a dirty cheater, and am counting my favorite hair products of 2013 as one thing.  I know, I know, so sue me.  First, Batiste Dry Shampoo is the best hair product ever.  What rock was I living under that I took so long to try dry shampoo?   My hair gets oily super fast, and Batiste has become my new best friend.  I tried a few other brands, but Batiste is by far the best in the drugstore.  I like the Hint of Colour Dark & Deep Brown version because it doesn’t leave a white cast and it has very mild scent.  Some of those dry shampoos are like spraying perfume in my hair, which isn’t my favorite thing.  If you haven’t found a dry shampoo that you like, I highly recommend Batiste.  My favorite hairspray (for years now) is the Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray.  It works the best for my hair for solid hold without making it crunchy or sticky.  It’s also really inexpensive and easy to find.  Finally, for shampoo and conditioner, I am partial to John Frieda.  I really like the Luxurious Volume Thickening line, but the Full Repair line is probably the best.  I have pretty healthy hair to begin with, but I do color it, so this shampoo and conditioner keep my hair healthy.  You should definitely try it if you need good hair care on a budget.

Those are my top 10 (or so) products of 2013.  There are so many more products that I could have mentioned.  (Like the Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse foundation, Jordana Twist & Shine Balm Stains, Michael Todd skincare products, Sigma brushes, Sleek Makeup and so much more.)  But, I couldn’t name everything.  I’m curious as to what products made your list of favorites for 2013.  Let me know in the comments below what you loved the most in the last year.

November 2013 Favorites

Monthly favorites November 2013

I’m so happy that it’s December!  This is my favorite time of year.  I want December to go by as slowly as possible so that I can really enjoy the Holiday season, but if the rest of this year has been any indication, time is going to fly by.  Before we know it, it will be 2014.  Crazy!  Anyway, on to my November favorites.  November was an odd month, makeup wise.  I was so sick at the beginning of the month that I didn’t do anything, not even basic skin care.  As a result, my skin rebelled and the second half of the month was spent trying to undo the damage.  Which leads in to my first two favorites.

Michael Todd True Organics Pumpkin Mask

I have reviewed Michael Todd True Organics here on the blog before.  You can read my review of several of the products from the brand here.  After completely ignoring my skin for about a week and a half, I had some healing to do.  My skin got pretty dry and flaky while I was sick, so the first step to getting it back to normal was this Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich facial mask.  I ended up with two deluxe samples that were 1 oz each, so I’ve really been able to get a feel for the pumpkin mask and I really like it.  At first I was worried that the glycolic acid might be too much for me, but my skin reacted just fine and it didn’t tingle too much or sting like some with sensitive skin have said.  The mask really helped to get rid of all of the dry flaky patches and helped my skin look and feel a lot healthier.  And the best part is that the mask smells so amazing, just like pumpkin pie.

Michael Todd True Organics Avocado and Mango mask

Also from Michael Todd True Organics is the Avocado and Mango Mask.  This mask did so much to rejuvenate my skin and bring the moisture back.  This is a hydrating mask, which isn’t always my favorite kind of mask because I don’t feel like it’s doing anything.  However, this month I really grew to appreciate just what a hydrating mask can do and now I am hooked.  The Avocado and Mango Mask feels and smells like fresh mango puree and makes me crave smoothies.  I love it.  I have been so impressed with all of the Michael Todd True Organics products that I have used (there have been a few more since my review) and am becoming a big fan of the brand.

Sleek Blush by 3 in Sugar

I still haven’t gotten around to posting my review of the Skeek Makeup products that I purchased several months ago.  (I’m so back-logged.)  However, I mentioned my Sleek Blush by 3 palette in Lace in my August favorites, and now I have the Sleek Blush by 3 palette in Sugar for November.  I love pulling out my darker blushes this time of year.  Sugar includes the shades Turbinado, Muscovado, and Demerara.  They are gorgeous blushes, and so very pigmented.  I just have to touch the tip of my brush in for major impact.  They blend well and are long-lasting on my skin.  I love them.  For those of you with lighter skin who are afraid of red and berry blushes, you can wear these shades without looking like a clown.  I recommend a duo fiber stipple brush and a very light hand.  Swatches of all of my color cosmetics will be at the end.

Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched

I am surprised by how much I like the Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched.  I received it in my November Ipsy bag, which you can view here.  Subtly Suntouched, as  the name would imply, is very subtle.  It is just barely dark enough to show up on my skin as a very light bronzer.  I haven’t really been in the mood to do a full contour and highlight this month, so I’ve been using this product to give my face a touch of warmth and it works beautifully.  I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this during the winter months.

Tarte shadow quad

For my eyes, I’ve been loving this quad from the Tarte Gorgeous Getaways palette.  You can see my full review and swatches of the the Tarte Gorgeous Getaways palette here.  I love that warm tan shade as a transition color for a lot of different looks, and I am a sucker for any green shadow.  This quad is such a no-brainer for me and I love the way it looks.  The blush is gorgeous for a light, natural look.  Be sure to check out my review post to see swatches.

Jordana Twist & Shine in Terra Crave

I showed the Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Cranberry Crush multiple times, but I haven’t mentioned Terra Crave yet.  Terra Crave falls into that pinky-brown, dark nude family that I love so much.  For me, those type of shades are no-brainer, go-to shades that always work no matter what.  I like the Twist & Shines very much, and you can see my full review and swatches of the other two shades that I have here.

Swatch of the color cosmetics

Here are the swatches of the color cosmetics mentioned.  The top three are the Sleek Blush by 3 palette in Sugar.  Obviously you wouldn’t wear the blush that bold, but I wanted you to see how pigmented the blushes are.  They can also be used as eyeshadow.  Underneath that is the Pixi bronzer.  Again, it’s very subtle, but looks beautiful and gives the skin a bit of warmth.  On the bottom is Terra Crave, which looks a little more pink here than in real life (on my lips it pulls more brown), but the swatch is pretty close.

B&BW Creamy Nutmeg Wallflowers

I don’t have my last favorite to show you because I’m using them right now, but here is a pic from B&BW website.  I know that I’ve mentioned before how much I love Bath & Body Works Wallflowers for the home.  One of my favorite holiday scents is Creamy Nutmeg.  I am not a fan of typical holiday scents of cinnamon and pine.  Creamy Nutmeg is “A warm blend of fresh ground nutmeg, vanilla and pralines” that smells amazing.  The vanilla tones down the nutmeg so that it isn’t too spicy, but the scent isn’t sugary or too sweet.  It smells like Christmas in a way that is both sophisticated and homey at the same time.  Love it!  You must smell it while it’s still in the store.

That’s it for my November favorites.  I can’t wait for Christmas, but I also can’t believe that 2013 is almost over.  How did that happen?  I managed to score some pretty good sales online, so I was able to get most of my Christmas shopping done without having to face down the Black Friday crowds.  The problem with shopping early (for me) though, is that want to keep going.  I love shopping, and I keep finding things that I want to get for my family members even though I’ve already got their presents.  How about you?  Did you do any Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping?  Are you looking forward to Christmas?  Our tree went up over the weekend and we have gotten about 90% of our decorations done.  Do you decorate right after Thanksgiving, or do you wait a bit?  What are you looking forward to?  Let me know in the comments below.

October 2013 Favorites

Monthly Favorites October 2013

I’m back today with my Monthly Favorites from October.  I’m still sick from a nasty sinus infection.  I’ve spent most of this week lying on the sofa drifting in and out of consciousness while watching Glee on Netflix (yep, I’m that sick).  But, I’m feeling a little better and I wanted to get my favorites up before it gets any later.  Most of my October makeup choices were experiments, trying to test products that would stand up to Florida heat while I was on vacation.  I ended up with a really good mix of products that held up really well on my trip.

Urban Decay Blush in Overexposed

I could name the entire Urban Decay Shattered Face Case as a favorite this month, but since I just did a review on it, I’ll stick to one product in the Face Case that I can’t get enough of.  I love the blush in Overexposed that comes in the case.  It is such a good color for my skin.  It’s dark enough to show up, but light enough to look really natural.  The matte, warm mauve-toned nude is the perfect shade for me and I wore it most days as my blush of choice.  The formula blends really well and has pretty decent staying power.  For swatches and to see my review of the Shattered Face Case by Urban Decay, click here.

CG Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

I am so glad that I had Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation while in Florida.  I brought a couple options with me, but this is the foundation that I used everyday of my trip.  I’ve never sweat so much in my life!  No offense to anyone who lives there, but I can’t handle a place where it’s 90 degrees on Halloween.  CG Outlast gave me great coverage that held up through the sweltering heat and humidity for 14-hour days in the parks.  The SPF 20 was also a plus.  The only thing is that I have to wear a primer with this foundation because it does sink into pores without one.  But, I wear a primer with all of my foundations anyway, so it’s no big deal for me.  With a primer, it looks fantastic on the skin and blends in really well.  This would be a great choice for oily skin too, so check it out.

Jordana Liner in Charcoal Definition

I reviewed the Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils a couple weeks ago and mentioned how great the staying power was.  I want to say again that they are fantastic.  I wore Charcoal Definition almost every day of my trip.  No matter what I put it through, this liner did not budge.  It looked freshly applied at the end of the day, despite sweating in 90 degree heat and getting a face full of water on Splash Mountain.  I can’t believe that these liners are only three or four dollars.  They are so good.  To see my review click here.

e.l.f. Zit Zapper

I’ve mentioned e.l.f. Zit Zapper before, but it deserves another mention.  With traveling to a different climate, using heavy-duty sunscreen, and everything my skin was exposed to, I had a few spots to deal with.  E.l.f. Zit Zapper really works.  I would not use this on a large area of acne because the blend of Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel and Camphor can be harsh on the skin.  However for a spot treatment, it’s really effective.  For $1, I totally recommend it to everyone.

SH Salon Effects in Frockstar

I have gotten back into Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips.  They are so easy and they stay really well on my nails.  Not wanting to mess with nail polish while on vacation, I applied Frockstar (a total glitter bomb) Saturday night.  It stayed with no chipping or issues until the following Friday.  Once you get the hang of applying them, the polish strips couldn’t be easier and there is no curing or processing needed for an artistic mani that stays put for a week.

B&BW Seattle Hazelnut Latte Hand Soap

Last but not least is this amazing scent from Bath & Body Works.  Seattle Hazelnut Latte was released with the other Fall scents.  Oh my god, you guys, this scent is amazing.  According to B&BW, the scent is described as “Seattle coffee beans roasted with hazelnuts and warm vanilla sugar”.  It smells so good that I could drown in a vat of this stuff and die happy.  Unfortunately B&BW only made this scent available in the hand soap and not the body wash or lotion.  I wish that I could get the scent in more varieties because it smells so good.  I know that the Winter scents are already being pushed, but you can still get the Fall scents for a bit longer.  I totally recommend going to your local B&BW to smell Seattle Hazelnut Latte.

That’s it for my October favorites.  I hope that you enjoyed them.  The first week of November is over, and I am looking forward to the Holiday season and can’t wait to start decorating for Christmas.  I know that I’m a few weeks early since most people would say that the holiday season doesn’t kick off until Thanksgiving.  But I am ready.  This is my favorite time of year.  Halloween, Thanksgiving and especially Christmas are my favorite holidays.  I’m feeling really positive.  The first half of 2013 was pretty rough for me, but I plan on closing it out with a bang.  Only good times from here on out.  Who’s with me?  🙂

Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils

Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils

Today, I want to finally get around to reviewing the Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils.  Jordana came out with several products for Fall and I’ve been very pleased.  You are probably sick of hearing about the Twist & Shine Balm Stain in Cranberry Crush by now, and I mentioned Continuous Almond from the new 12 HR Jumbo Eyeshadow pencil line in my monthly favorites last month.  Jordana is still on a roll with these 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils.  They are really great.

Here is what Jordana has to say about the 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils: “Intense, Instant Color Eyeliner that is Water & Transfer Resistant and Made to Last (Up to 12 hour wear).  Smooth-Gliding Pencil For Precise Application. Paraben-Free. Made in USA.”  Pencils designed to give you the same intense color as a liquid liner, they have a creamy formula that glides onto the lid with ease.  Even on the waterline, there is no tugging or pulling needed to get the color to show up.  They take a minute to set, so you do have some time to smudge them out and work with them.  Once set, these babies don’t budge at all.

I definitely think that the Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils perform as well as higher end liners like Urban Decay 24/7 liners and Stila Smudge sticks.  You know how much I love NYX Slide-On liners, but these may just be better.  Jordana products are some of the least expensive items in the drugstore. At full retail price the pencils are only around $3.  I really want to stress the low price of these liners because it’s easy to forget when they perform as well as liners that cost $18 or more.

The three shades that I purchased are Charcoal Definition, Jade Jewel, and Espresso Last.

Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil in Charcoal Definition

Charcoal Definition is a Steely Gray, metallic liner.  I wanted an alternative to black that was still smoky and that’s exactly what this shade is.  It’s not silver, and it smokes out for a beautiful look.

Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil in Jade Jewel

Jade Jewel is a gorgeous deep metallic emerald green.  If you like green on the eyes at all, this is a must-have.  Gorgeous!  This jewel tone is also great for a smoky look that is perfectly on-trend.

Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil in Espresso Last

Espresso Last is a creamy chocolate brown.  This is a perfect brown liner for every day, and I’ll be getting a ton of use out of it.  Of the three shades that I purchased, this is the only one without any shimmer.

(L-R) Charcoal Definition, Jade Jewel, Espresso Last

Here are the swatches of the three shades.  See how pigmented they are!  They glide on so easily.  Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils have my vote as great drugstore bargains.  For half the price of most other drugstore liners, they outshine them all.  Definitely check them out.  I have only ever seen Jordana at Walgreens.  I believe that they are also sold at K-Mart and I know they are available online at cherryculture.com and walgreens.com.  Check out Jordanacosmetics.com for more information.

Favorite Fall and Winter Lip Colors from the Drugstore

Today I want to talk about my favorite lip colors for Fall and Winter.  I am a big fan of cold weather, and Fall and Winter are my favorite seasons.  I don’t believe that there are any hard and fast rules where makeup is concerned- wear what makes you happy- but in general lighter and brighter shades are for the spring and summer months.  When the temperature drops, the deep reds and purples tend to come out to play.  In this post, I want to take you through some of my favorite Fall and Winter lip shades, suitable for a variety of skin tones and ages.  (Not everyone can rock a vampy purple lip, y’know?)  I have ten lip colors to recommend, and all of them are from the drugstore (plus one bonus).  I broke this list up into categories and will take you through the browns, reds, and berry/wines in my collection that I think will work for you as well.  Any of my photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

NYX Ulysses and Revlon Fig Jam

Let’s start with brown.  (I did not include any dark nudes or mauve shades because I wear those all year round and it isn’t hard to find examples of them here on the blog.)  I still like to keep my makeup on the warm side in the Fall.  Basically, up until around Thanksgiving I like to play with green, warm browns, reds, and oranges on my eyes and lips.  I know some of you hear the word “brown” and flash back to the 90’s when deep brown lipsticks were where it was at.  As much as I loved to rock that look in high school, those shades aren’t flattering on everyone.  Now that I’m older, especially, I need a brown with some red or pink undertones.

NYX Ulysses(L) and Revlon Fig Jam(R)

NYX Round Lipstick in 523 Ulysses is a beautiful red-toned brown that can be built up for major impact.  It pulls more toward red when worn lightly and deepens into a deep warm brown when layered.  NYX Round Lipsticks have a smooth, creamy formula and they are a cult favorite for a reason.

Revlon Lip Butter in Fig Jam is a good way to explore a brown lip color without going all out.  The sheer finish and pink tones make this extremely wearable for almost anyone.  It’s a great choice for Fall.

NYX Ulysses (top) and Revlon Fig Jam (bottom)

Ulysses looks a lot more red in this picture than it is in real life, but you get the idea.  The shades would really warm up the face and look great with a variety of Fall eye looks.

(top L) Revlon Romantic, (top R) Revlon Adore, (bottom L) Revlon Red Velvet, (bottom R) e.l.f. Royal Red

Red lips are beautiful in Fall and Winter.  November and December especially, are great months to wear red.  What red you choose depends on your skin tone.  Again, most of the reds that I recommend are warm-toned or neutral.  I find that it is very hard for most women to pull off a cool-toned true red.  If you can, more power to you.  Some of these shades are lighter, and some are more bold, but all of them are flattering and good for a beginner.

(L-R) Revlon Romantic, Revlon Adore, Revlon Red Velvet, e.l.f. Royal Red

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic is a sheer tomato red with orange tones that is a great choice for early Fall.  It’s still bright and light enough to look great with warmer-weather clothes as you transition toward the cooler months.  I know that some places in the country are still experiencing temps in the high 80’s and will for a bit longer.  If that’s you, Romantic is a great red option that won’t remind you of Christmas in the slightest.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Adore  is a little redder than Romantic (which can sometimes be too orange for some).  It is still warm, but it is deeper and closer to a true red.  This is a  great shade for someone who isn’t used to wearing red.  You can sheer the Balm Stains out so that you just have a hint of color on your lips.  This is a great every day, daytime red.

Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet is a neutral true red that is pretty pigmented and really lovely.  You can sheer it out, but it goes on opaque.  Because of that, Red Velvet is a good choice for a casual look with a pop of color on the lips as well as a great Holiday color.

e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick in Royal Red is more of a dark brick shade with some neutral brown tones.  It is a deeper shade than the other three, but still quite wearable for a variety of skin tones.  It’s a shade that would work well in the late Fall and in the Winter months.  I feel like this shade works well for older women who want to wear red.

(top L) Revlon Romantic, (top R) Revlon Adore, (bottom L) Revlon Red Velvet, (bottom R) e.l.f. Royal Red

No matter what shade of red you choose, be sure to line you lips to keep your lip color from migrating and to get a precise line.  (I didn’t do that for swatching.)  If you have fine lines, you may want to pick up a clear lip pencil to line the outside of your lips to keep color from feathering into lines.  E.l.f.’s lip locker pencil is a good choice, and I believe MAC makes a good one as well.

(top L) Jordana Cranberry Crush, (top R) Jordana Sugar Plum, (bottom L) NYX Narcisse, (bottom R) Maybelline Berry Ready

Berry and wine shades are very popular this year, but I tend to wait until Winter to pull these shades out.  I think they look best after Christmas, in January and February.  But, that’s just my opinion.  I personally can not pull off a purple lip to save my life, so I don’t own any purple lip colors.  Purple is a very difficult lip color for many people, though there are some beautiful purple shades on the market this year.  Here are some beautiful berry shades that are right on trend.

(L-R) Jordana Cranberry Crush, Jordana Sugar Plum, NYX Narcisse, Maybelline Berry Ready

Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Cranberry Crush has been mentioned many times on this blog, so I won’t go into too much detail.  It’s a light berry that can be sheered out for a easy any time color or built up for a slightly bolder lip.  Cranberry Crush is such and easy shade to wear and it is flattering on almost anyone.  It will also make a great transition shade from Winter into Spring.

Jordana Easyshine Glossy Lip Color in Sugar Plum is a surprisingly dark neutral berry shade.  It packs a lot of punch for how cheap it is.  Glossy and moisturizing, it has a great formula for a bold lip because it doesn’t sink into lines.  Sugar Plum is easier to wear than one might think, so even if you are afraid to try a bold lip, don’t rule it out completely.  Jordana Easyshine Glossy Lip Colors are only a couple dollars, so it’s a great way to experiment with shades that you wouldn’t normally try without much risk.  It’s so gorgeous and comfortable that it get’s my vote.

NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Narcisse is my only real vampy shade.  It’s not the easiest shade to pull off, but this does fall into  that plum wine category that is popular right now.  Younger lips will look best with this type of color and it does sink into lines.  Topping the shade with a gloss makes it more wearable for those with dry lips or lines.  Though it may take a little TLC to look it’s best, Narcisse can be very pretty for a daring, powerful look.

Maybelline Color Whisper in Berry Ready doesn’t really whisper in my opinion.  It shouts fun, flirty, and fabulous!  This is a gorgeous raspberry shade that is extremely pigmented for a Color Whisper.  It’s a little lighter than Jordana Sugar Plum, so you may find it a better option if you don’t usually wear bold shades.  The Color Whisper formula is fantastic, so this is an easy shade to wear because it won’t settle into fine line or accentuate dryness.

(top L) Jordana Cranberry Crush, (top R) Jordana Sugar Plum, (bottom L) NYX Narcisse, (bottom R) Maybelline Berry Ready

I do have one final shade to show you, and it’s a gloss.  Though it doesn’t fit into any of these categories, I really love this product for Fall and Winter.  I have a travel sized tube of Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Gloss in Dare Devil.

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Gloss in Dare Devil

Dare Devil is a gorgeous berry shimmer that would look fantastic on a variety of lips.  Though not drugstore, I wanted to include it because I do recommend checking it out.  The Marvelous Moxie Glosses have a minty taste and smell, but do not sting like a real plumping lip gloss.  I thought that I’d throw Dare Devil in as a bonus because I do really like it.

And that’s it for my Fall/Winter lip color recommendations.  Almost all of these products can be found at the drugstore.  E.l.f. Royal Red is available at eyeslipsface.com, and possibly Target.  NYX Narcisse is available at cherryculture.com, and possibly Ulta.  Dare Devil should be available anywhere Bare Minerals is sold.  I hope that you liked my picks.  What are your favorite lip colors for Fall and Winter?  Let me know in the comments below.

Monthly Favorites for September 2013

Monthly Favorites for September 2013

Is the first week of October already almost over?  How did that happen?  September really flew by for me.  I have my September favorites to show you today, but before we get into them I have couple quick announcements about the schedule for October.  First of all, my anniversary is on Tuesday and The Husband took a couple days off of work for a four-day weekend.  I won’t be posting next week until Wednesday.  Also, the last week of October I will be in Walt Disney World, so there will probably be no posts for that week.  I am going to try to get a couple put together and post-date them for that week, but I’m not sure that I’ll have the time.  Maybe a guest post or two?  I’m not sure yet, but plan on that being a hiatus week.  Thanks for understanding.  Now on to my favorites.  For those of you who are new to this blog, “Monthly Favorites” are the items that really stood out to me that I reached for over and over again throughout the month.  I didn’t have a ton of favorites this month, but the ones that I do have I really, really like.

Michael Todd Honey and Oat Deep Pore Cleanser

The first two products I have as favorites are both from Michael Todd True Organics.  I reviewed the entire line of products in the Dry Skin Regimen here, so be sure to check that post out for a lot of information about the company and each product.  I am especially loving the Honey and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser.  First of all, it smells like honey suckle or maybe honey and orange blossoms.  It smells amazing.  It leaves my skin feeling so fresh and soft.  I feel like it really cleanses my skin without drying it out in any way.  I love it!

Intensive Eye Treatment

The other Michael Todd True Organics product that made it into my September favorites is the Intensive Organic Cream Eye Treatment.  Again, be sure to read the full review for more information.  I really love how silky smooth this eye cream is.  It feels so luxe, like I’m treating my skin to high-end spa treatment type stuff.  The best part?  It’s 90% Organic.

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes mascara

Next up is the Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Big Eyes mascara.  This is the one with the regular brush for your top lashes and the small brush for your bottom lashes.  I don’t usually use mascara on my bottom lashes because I find mascara wands unwieldy on the bottom lashes and I use eyeliner there, so it’s not necessary in my opinion.  But, I wanted to give it a try and maybe skip the bottom liner.  I really like the formula of The Falsies Big Eyes mascara.  It’s not too wet (I like a dryer mascara) and it gives nice length and volume to my sad wimpy lashes.  It doesn’t replace my CoverGirl Lash Blast, or Maybelline the Rocket as my favorite drugstore mascaras, but it’s a nice change and a good option.  I really liked the small brush for bottom lashes.  It was a lot easier to handle than a regular size mascara wand and a good option for when I wanted to do minimal eyeliner.

Jordana Twist & Shine Balm Stain in Cranberry Crush

I recently reviewed the Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Cranberry Crush, so you can check out that post for details and swatch photos on my lips.  In short, it’s a chubby lip pencil that goes on smoothly and feels great on the lips.  Cranberry Crush a lovely berry shade that looks beautiful both sheered out and built up for bold color.  I like this one a lot and will be going back for more shades, probably Terra Crave and Honey Love.

Jordana 12 HR Eyeshadow Pencil in Continuous Almond

Also a new item from Jordana is the 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencil in Continuous Almond.  This baby is awesome.  I thought about doing a full review, but since I only have one shade of the 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencils and I knew it would be in my favorites, I opted not to.  So, I’ll say a little more than usual here.  If you have tried the Milani Shadow Eyez 12 HR Eyeshadow Pencils then you have an idea of how the Jordana pencils perform.  Milani and Jordana are sister companies, so there is some crossover.  The pencils are smooth and creamy, have great pigmentation, and last all day with no creasing or fading.  They are fabulous bases under powder shadow instead of a primer or can be worn alone.  They really great part is that they are as fabulous as the Milani version (which easily rivals Urban Decay), but for half the price.

Jordana 12 HR Eyeshadow Pencil in Continuous Almond

Here is a closer look at Continuous Almond.  It’s the perfect nude base.  Milani Shadow Eyez are all shimmery or metallic except for a limited edition collection released this past spring of neutral shades.   Jordana’s Continuous Almond is pretty much a dead on dup for Milani LE Almond Cream.  So, if you missed out, definitely pick up Continuous Almond.  There are eight shades total in the collection, some shimmery and some matte finishes, and they retail for $3.50-$3.99.

That’s it for my September favorites.  Definitely check out my previous reviews for some of these products.  I am very happy that October is here.  As you can tell from the first paragraph of this post, I’ll be pretty busy with some great things to look forward to.  I’m going to try to do a couple Halloween tutorials if I can manage it.  Do you have any requests in that department?  If so, let me know in the comments below, and if you have any questions about the products featured here let me know as well.

Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain Review

Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain

Today I have two of the Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stains to review.  Earlier this month I showed you the display of some of the new products out for Fall from Jordana.  One of them was the Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stains.  These really intrigued me because of the similarity to the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains, which I love.  My hope was that Jordana’s version would be just as good (or better), but for half the price.

Here is what Jordana has to say about the Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stains: “Moisturizing Balm Infused with a Light-Weight Stain.  Applies with a Glossy Finish then Transforms into the Perfect Flush of Color.  Long-Lasting, Retractable, No Sharpening Required.”  Shades in the collection include: Nude Chic, Sweet Pink, Tropical Frenzy, Candied Coral, Honey Love, Cranberry Crush, Rock n Rouge, and Terra Crave.

The Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stains do really remind me of the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.  They are a little bit more hydrating than the Revlon version, but they aren’t super moisturizing either.  They glide on smoothly and feel really nice and hydrating for the first 45 minutes to an hour, but then they dry down a bit.  I’d say that they fall in between Revlon Balm Stains and Maybelline Color Whispers when it comes to moisture throughout wear.  The Twist & Shine Balm Stains go on with a subtle shine that is not glossy at all.  The shine wears off within the first hour and leaves a satin sheen behind.  The color fades evenly, and the darker shades leave a stain behind, but the lighter shades do not.  They are comfortable on the lips and wear very well.  I get 3-4 hours of wear time if I’m not eating or drinking.  Twist & Shine Balm Stains don’t need to be sharpened, simply twist them up.

I picked up Candied Coral and Cranberry Crush for myself.

Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Candied Coral

Candied Coral is a bright pink-toned coral shade.  While the formula was comfortable, this mod shade is a little tough to wear and it does settle into lines and emphasizes “lip cleavage” (you know what I mean).  If you have young, smooth lips you will probably love this shade, but drier or older lips may look better in another shade.

Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Candied Coral

Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Cranberry Crush

Cranberry Crush is a lovely berry shade that can be sheered out or built up to pretty bold color. Unlike Candied Coral, Cranberry Crush is very forgiving.  It does not settle into lines and would look beautiful on almost anyone.  Olive skin tones may have issues with this shade, but otherwise it would be a good choice for a wide range from fair to dark skin tones.  It’s also a great way to dive into the trend for this Fall of berry, wine, and plum lips.

Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Cranberry Crush

I am very pleased with the Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stains.  I am definitely going to get more shades.  The best part, is that these great lip products are only $2.99.  You can afford to experiment with many shades at that price.  There is a good selection of nudes, neutrals, pinks, and red.  I definitely recommend checking the Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stains out.  I find Jordana at Walgreens, but I believe that they are also available at K-Mart and some Wal-Marts.  And of course you can find them online.

Spotted: New Jordana Fall 2013

Jordana Fall 2013

Before I get into today’s post, I wanted to remind everyone that Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty is still going on.  Be sure to check their site so that you don’t miss out on any special deals that you are interested in.  While I was out and about this weekend, I stopped by Walgreens to see if they had the new WnW Tough Girl Beauty Army Collection.  No luck there, but I did spy some new products from Jordana for Fall.  I snapped some shots so that you can see what they have to offer.

Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil

First up, the Jordana 12HR Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencils.  From Jordana’s website: “Intense, Instant Color Eyeliner that is Made to Last.  Smooth-Gliding Pencil For Precise Application.  Long-Lasting (Up to 12 hour wear) as well as Water & Transfer Resistant.”  Available Shades: Black Point, Espresso Last, Charcoal Definition, Purple Fix, Aqua Stone, and Jade Jewel.

Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain

Next is the Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain. “Moisturizing Balm Infused with a Light-Weight Stain.  Applies with a Glossy Finish then Transforms into the Perfect Flush of Color.  Long-Lasting, Retractable, No Sharpening Required.”  Shades include: Nude Chic, Sweet Pink, Tropical Frenzy, Candied Coral, Honey Love, Cranberry Crush, Rock n Rouge, and Terra Crave.

Jordana 12HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencil

And the final product for today, Jordana 12HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencils. “Long-lasting (Up to 12 Hour wear) Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil.  Easy to use. Water-Resistant and Crease-Proof.  Shades: Eternal White, Stay On Black, Tenacious Brown, Continuous Almond, Pink Evermore, Prolong Purple, Aqua Last, and Endless Emerald.

With all of these new products at such great prices, of course I had to make a small purchase.

Jordana Haul

I didn’t get everything, but I did pick up some of the liners, two lip balm stains and one of the jumbo eye pencils.  I am very interested to see how these products stand up to similar drugstore items.  It would be great if Jordana can dupe Revlon or NYX for an even lower price.  I’ve begun testing and am pleased so far.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

August 2013 Monthly Favorites

August 2013 Monthly Favorites

Before I get into my post for today, I want to let you know that NYX is on sale on Hautelook today.  They have some new offerings and interesting combinations, so be sure to check them out at hautelook.com.  It’s already the 4th of September, so it’s time for Monthly Favorites again.  For those of you who are new to this blog, “Monthly Favorites” are the items that really stood out to me that I reached for over and over again throughout the month.  I was kind of all over the place in terms of makeup throughout August.  I didn’t have a “look” that I kept returning to like I’ve sometimes had in past months.  I do have a good number of products that I continued to reach for, though, so let’s get started.

Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation

A new foundation to me this month is the Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation.  I believe that this came out at the beginning of the year and I had been meaning to try it for a long time.  I was hesitant because it’s a long-wearing foundation and those tend to be drying.  I finally gave it a shot after several recommendations and positive reviews and, despite my dry skin, I really enjoyed it.  Cover Girl claims that it is: “All-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step! The 3-in-1 formula provides a flawless look that lasts all day long.”  Though I don’t agree that it is truly a 3-in-1 product, it is a decent foundation.  Let me know if you want me to do a full review of the Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation.

Sigma F80

I have been absolutely loving my new Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush.  I jumped on the 20% off sale that Sigma offered last month.  I didn’t think that I would love it as much as I do.  I had heard so many people talk about how great it is, but I didn’t think that there would be that much difference between the F80 and the really good low-cost brushes that I own.  I was wrong.  I don’t know why, maybe it’s how densely packed the bristles are or how super soft they are, but the F80 blends foundation like a dream.  I am going to do an in-depth review of all of the Sigma brushes I purchased during the sale, but I can say right now that the F80 lives up to the hype.

e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer in Tone-Adjusting Green

I’ve been using the e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer in Tone-Adjusting Green.  I think I’ve mentioned the regular clear e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer in a past favorites post.  I wanted to give the green primer a try because of my issues with redness.  I’m not normally a fan of green products because they either sheer out completely and do nothing, or else they give the skin an alien looking gray cast that is really unflattering.  But I figured that, even if I didn’t like the green aspect of it, I knew that I would like the formula of the primer and I did.

e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer in Tone-Adjusting Green

As you can see the primer comes out a a dark mossy green color, which was a surprise.  I didn’t expect it to be so dark.  The right side of the above picture is the primer half-way blended out so that it would still show up on camera.  The color sheers out completely when blended, so I didn’t see it doing much tone adjusting.  It’s not going to cancel out major redness.  Despite that, it is still a good primer and I am certainly getting use out of it.

Milani baked bronzer in Soleil

Since it is still summer, I’ve been pulling out my Milani baked bronzer in Soleil.  I don’t usually use shimmery bronzers, but I do like a bit of shimmer in the summer time.  I have reviewed all of the Milani baked products on this blog and mentioned them several times.  In short, they are awesome, go get some (especially the blushes).  This gigantic bronzer is going to last me forever.  I really enjoyed it all through August.

Sleek Blush by 3 palette in Lace

I placed an order with Sleek Makeup in July and am really glad that I did.  Sleek is a UK brand that I’ve been wanting to try for years now.  I plan to do a brand review on all of the Sleek products that I got, but one item was definitely a favorite through August.  The middle shade out of the Blush by 3 palette in Lace is called Guipure.  It is an absolutely gorgeous shimmering rose gold that I’ve become completely addicted to.  All three of these blushes are lovely, extremely pigmented and long-lasting, but Guipure caught my attention and did not let go.  I’m looking forward to showing you my Sleek haul and doing reviews because I think that you will be very interested in the products.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Taupe

I may have mentioned the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Taupe before, but it is worth mentioning again.  I love lining my under eye area with this shade.  It defines without being too bold, and is perfect for the day time.  Rimmel products are so inexpensive and these kajal liners are of great quality.  I’d say Taupe is a must-have.  I have a review on the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal liners, so simply enter the name into the search box if you want to read more about them.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing mascara

A new mascara that I have really been enjoying is  the Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing mascara.  I picked this up at Walgreens because I want to possibly do another $20 makeup challenge and wanted to try some inexpensive mascaras.  It was only $3.99, but it performs really well.  I’m impressed.  I have walked out the door with only one coat of mascara on because this does so much for my lashes.  I have sad, puny, short lashes, so I need length and volume.  Jordana delivers for me.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

Finally, For lips I have been loving my Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey.  I knew that I would.  I really love those soft mauve-ish, my lips but better shades, and Honey is just that.  I don’t like wearing shades that are too nude because I think I look like a corpse, so shades like this are my version of a natural lip.  I’ve mention the Revlon Balm Stains to death on this blog, so I won’t say too much about them here.  Honey is a perfect no-brainer lip color that you don’t have to think about and looks good with anything.

(L-R) Taupe, Guipure, Honey, Soleil

Here are the swatches of the color cosmetics.  First is the Rimmel liner in taupe, followed by Guipure, that rose gold blush in the Sleek Blush by 3 palette.  The next two swatches are Revlon Honey Balm Stain, and then Milani’s baked bronzer in Soleil.  For some reason Honey is looking pretty dark in this picture.  In real life, it’s a lot lighter.  Check out that gold flip when Guipure hits the light.  It’s such a beautiful blush and no need for an extra highlighting product.

So that’s it.  Those are my favorites for August.  Let me know in the comments below if you want me to review any of the products that I mentioned in this post.  September is shaping up to be a really good month.  The Husband’s birthday is next week, and I will be running in my first 5K this month as well.  We are also gearing up for a Disney World trip in October that I am very excited about.  Summer is winding to a close and I am really excited for Fall.  My favorite time of year is Fall and Winter, so I will not miss the Summer at all.  I can’t wait to be in sweater dresses, leggings, and boots again.  How do you feel about the end of summer?  Let me know.  🙂