Makeup Stash: Foundations

The main makeup product that I'm most picky about are foundations. Either I can never find one exactly my shade, it oxidizes too much, its too oily, matte, heavy...I seem to find more cons than pros with foundations & I don't know if its because I'm too damn picky or what but, foundation is kind of a big deal when it comes to makeup (& mascara, but thats for another post, another day) & so I think for me, that justifies me being so picky about them. I do heavy research before I go out & commit to buying any one foundation, because 1. they are expensive, usually & 2. for reasons stated above. The research I do means reading reviews, watch YouTube videos, the like.

Its also rare that I ever finish one up completely; the last one I did was Dior's 'Diorskin Nude BB Creme', which since I have repurchased but, I've also noticed that it oxidizes awfully pink on my skin now, & I don't know why. I've come to put that on the back shelf, sadly. I will tell you why I loved it though: it never felt heavy, it gave light coverage (BB creme after all) but it didn't separate, never irritated, & lasted for a good part of the day (with work thrown in between). Its sad that I can't use it anymore, I may try again during the fall/winter months, but thats a debate I need to take on myself.

Another BB Creme, which was a bit of a surprise to me on how much I ended up loving it, is the Physicians Formula 'Argan Wear Renew BB Cream'. Its this thick, hydrating & softening foundation that just sits on my combo skin lovely. Even though its a bit thicker in consistency than I'd normally like, in no way does it feel that way. There is a bit of a fragrance to this, but it fades away. Like Dior, I've never run into any issues on this one, & the fact that its super affordable, it will be a constant repurchase again & again & again...

Moving away from BB Cream's now...

The next 2 may not surprise many and I won't make this too lengthy due to the fact that you can find so many reviews & videos on these products. Chanel's 'Vitalumière Aqua Foundation' & Giorgio Armani's 'Luminous Silk Foundation': Both are standout foundations. If you want more of a medium-to buildable-full coverage, Chanel's your best bet out of the two. They both settle on the skin very smooth. Armani is less watery of the two; you really got to shake up the Chanel one before use or it will get slippery. I do notice that Armani clings to dry parts of my face at times, just a note for more drier skins. Also, these two give a more 'dewy' look to the skin so, if you're on the oily side, these probably shouldn't be your top picks but, maybe a matte primer or moisturizer before applying may help subdue that part. I will say that I do love the Armani one just a bit more, only because I was able to find practically my exact skin color in a bottle, which is like HOW WOW FANTASTIC THANK YOU. A lot of positive feelings here.

Clarins' 'Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation': Its about medium, buildable coverage & consistency, probably almost or just as thick as the PF's 'Argan Wear'. Like the 'Argan Wear', the bit of thickness doesn't feel heavy on the skin. I found that a light moisturizer/primer works best underneath this foundation for best longevity & less of a chance of it breaking apart on. I noticed the first few times using it, it had the tendency to do this, mostly in my more oily areas & cling to drier patches, but hasn't since I started incorporating a lighter moisturizer (currently like to use Diptyque's 'Protective Moisturizing Lotion' underneath). I also like applying this with a particular makeup brush, Lancome's 'Foundation brush #2'; this flatter type of brush really helps this foundation disperse evenly and smoothly onto the skin for a marvelous application and look.

A little side-note, like most Clarins products, this does have a fragrance to it. Its not overly strong and  doesn't stay on the skin for very long...yet, if you are very sensitive to fragrances, I may read the ingrediegents list first and/or stay a way from this one, just to be safe. With that said though, I do really love using this and I have been picking this up more lately because it's been outstanding in Florida's summer heat and humidity. It gives such a nice, subtle, radiant look. Its not overly dewy or luminous (which can look more oily than luminous for those prone to oiliness). I'm rarely ever disappointed with Clarins, & this is no exception.

Meet the Reds

Just a little heads up: Sorry about the weird changes going on with the blog. At the moment, I'm trying to work out a new layout & color scheme; if you see this blog changing colors like a disco ball, thats why!

What woman doesn't own a great red lipstick? Well, I have 7 of those that I rotate throughout the year, depending on the mood, occasion, etc. But a red lip is like a owning that perfect little black dress, it's that must-have necessity that everyone should/needs/has to own, even if its just one. A red lip can change an outfit & can stop a crowded room in its tracks. Its a strong symbol of not only femininity, but confidence. With a red lip, we hold our heads higher, backs straighter, and our esteem soars, ready to take on anything that comes our way. 

Nowadays though, a woman can't just have one red lipstick because there are so many different brands and shades and hues of it that we need to have; one for each of our moods, but still always have that one at arms reach when ready for battle. This post is a quick look at my red lipsticks in all its glory, I try to stay in more of the blue-reds, since those end up being the ones that I love with my light complexion. 

What are your favorite/must-have red lipstick(s)?

* Lipstick Queen: Medieval 

* Clinique: Black Honey

* MAC: Media

* Dior: DiorAddict Extreme 829 Sunset Boulevard

* Too Faced: Divine Wine

* MAC: Diva

** Dolce & Gabbana: Sicilian Jewels Collection 'Rubino 175'


*You can find these lipsticks at: Ulta, Sephora, and/or MAC counters/stores. 

** Since this lipstick was from a special edition line a while back, I believe that its no longer available for purchase (originally purchased this at Sephora sometime last year). If you really desire it though, with some thorough google search, you may get lucky! 

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Top 12 Makeup Products I Can't Do Without.

Odd number 12, well I like it so, it helped me (sort of) narrow down this list. I could have added a few more but, I felt like this post has enough information for you to get through a whole kettle of tea...so have that ready! Here we go with my top makeup products...




FACE

Primer: Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer

Ok so, I literally bought this like 3 days ago…3 days ago & I already can't be without? What the what?! Firstly, I’d like to make this known that I never use primers, like ever. When I first started getting into beauty I was all about them, but any that I had tried always felt silicone-ish in texture & even when applied to my skin, gross. I tried so many that after a while, I just stopped using them full stop & would substitute a moisturizer/serum for my makeup base. Before Sephora’s VIB Rouge Event (that started on SUNDAY, by the way…), I had been at my local Sephora just roaming around…for no particular reason (does there need to be an excuse?), & I came across the Sunday Riley section, naturally had to take a peek. 

Sunday Riley is not cheap by any means, but their products speak for themselves. I have only tried a few, though I didn’t get the right products for my skin concerns so they went back. Yet, I couldn’t just quit on them (The Artemis Oil is still on my skincare wishlist!). I spotted this tinted primer, which I haven’t come across before of its kind, & decided what the heck, let’s test this stuff. Ladies. Gents. Just by testing it on the back of my hand in-store, my skin was so perfectly soft, like SO PERFECT. I don’t know what voodoo magic is in there that makes it that way but, it’s absolutely amazing. When the start of the event rolled around, I took advantage of the 15% off & picked this badgirl up. 

           Let’s get into this “tinted” situation for a moment…the color of the primer comes out looking like a foundation (‘tinted’). It saids on the bottle you can wear this alone as well, and you could, if you have normal/perfect skin & want just an itty-bitty amount of coverage…like, literally ITTY BITTY. Or you can wear just cause you want super soft skin like I have been because I am a bit coo-coo. No heaviness or silicone-feel to it, just cherub wings lightly flapping their wings on your face (THANK YOU SUNDAY RILEY ANGELS).  

I honestly have never had such strong, positive feelings about a face primer before but it’s happened and I am not ashamed to admit it. Now, if only they can make a tinted moisturizer/bb creme/light foundation with the same like-ness (just with some coverage). I'll be waiting for that Sunday...

Foundation: Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme

I can literally talk about how much I love this BB Creme all the time in every post but…I won’t. 

I’ll save you guys from that (for now). I don’t buy into the ‘benefits’ of BB cremes, but since I enjoy the lighter foundation path I decided one day to pick up this Dior one based on reviews, & it’s been a love affair ever since. Thicker than a tinted moisturizer, but lighter than a medium coverage foundation; it’s light & breathable. Even with my slightly-there dark spots, this helps cover them up and helps conceal any redness I may have (though you will need concealer if you have more noticeable imperfections such as blemishes). If you have never tried anything from Dior’s makeup range, I’d recommend this to be your first thing to break you into the brand. A little goes a long way & you’ll thank me for it later.

Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer

        Where have my under-eye bags disappeared to?? Oh, just hiding underneath this amazing concealer. This is such a drugstore gem that I can’t believe I've overlooked it for so long. Other under-eye concealers I've tried in the past have either been too heavy/cakey, not moisturizing enough or did little to conceal those little devils. This one by Maybelline does it all. Easy application that can be patted in with a finger or smoothed out with a brush. 

Powder: NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder, Translucent Crystal

I always prefer translucent powder to the ones that come in different shades because its always a win win & its foolproof. This one by NARS is the best one I have come across & have been using it on/off for about (or a little over) two years now. I have loose powders & matte powders too, but I always go back to this one. It applies smoothly & never looks like you just slapped a bunch of powder on your face.

Setting Spray: MAC Prep + Prime Fix +

        Like primers, I rarely have used setting sprays. I had tried one from Urban Decay ages ago, & it never did anything for me; hadn't picked up one again, until I was looking into this one by MAC. My skin has been going through the changes within the last year, hence why I have started to include things that had been lost in my makeup routine for a while. I like to spray this on right after I apply my foundation & than one more time after I set it with powder & this has worked out wonderfully for me. The only con about this is that I wish it was a bit bigger in size because I feel like I am going to go through this quicker than I thought…regardless, this has been the first setting spray that has legitimately WORKED for me & couldn’t be more satisfied with this [long overdue] discovery.

EYES

Eyeliner: Lord & Berry Kajal Stick [pictured below]

 I love kajal/kohl eyeliner, plain & simple. Kajal is always more vibrant & bold in color & applies softer than regular eyeliner. I have been using kajal/kohl eyeliner for years now, starting with the Rimmel ScandalEyes Eyeliner (kohl), than I moved on to the Guerlain’s Terracotta Loose Powder Kohl Eyeliner, which I throughly loved yet, since I am not a pro at applying an eyeliner such as that, I use it sparingly. I found this kajal stick by Lord & Berry, which has been my favorite of the 3 (hence why its on the list). From what I have read about the brand’s eye makeup, they create it with sensitive eyes in mind. It glides on beautiful & smooth, with easy blending if need be. I use this specifically in my waterlines & have never got irritations. It also lasts pretty much all day unless you rub your eyes all about; its also easily removable with pretty much any kind of eye makeup remover or water.

Liquid Eyeliner: Lancome Artliner

      Another eyeliner makes it to the list, but I use this one specially on my top lid for my cateye. I am one that has struggled with trying to get my winged liner perfect with my shakey, nervous hands. This glides on like a dream despite this. I haven’t found another that compares to this one. It dries in good time, enough to let myself retouch any uneven spots without ruining the look. I wouldn’t recommend this for all day wear, because by days’ end, it starts to fade a bit. It removes quite easily though, which can be a good or bad thing…a bad thing if you have an itch or accidentally rub it because it will come right off, yet that has yet to bother me. If you are someone who always struggles to get that perfect wing or just getting started with the winged-liner look, than this is something you should consider looking into!

Brows: NYX Cosmetics Tinted Brow Mascara 

Another surprise that I literally bought a few days ago is this tinted brow gel by NYX, another drugstore gem (starting to think I should do a drugstore makeup post soon, hmmm…). I had been using the Anastasia brow gel for the past few months & am almost out of it, so a good friend of mine recommend I try this one out instead of repurchasing the prior. Though I love the one by Anastasia, this one is the PERFECT shade for my eyebrows & I never have had to retouch it or take excess off. I love the little brush too, it makes application & those little spotty areas easier to fix without getting the product everywhere. 

Eyeshadow: NARS 'And God Created The Woman' Eyeshadow Palette 

I have a backup of this eyeshadow palette because thats how much it’s well-loved by me. First of all, the size is so cute & great to throw in the purse or when traveling. The colors are phenomenal, wonderful pigment & great staying power but, what else do you expect from NARS? All across the board, hands down, this has been a favorite eyeshadow palette out of all the ones I own (yes, even tops the Naked palettes). I am a simple girl at heart, & this palette plucks all the right heart strings.

LIPS

Lip Balm: Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm [pictured below]

I have used this pretty much everyday since I bought it, and on the days I don't use it, I feel my lips get dry (withdrawals?) . My lips love this stuff a lot. It comes in this cute little pot & smells divine & gives the lips just a light, rose tint (also has SPF 10!). I apply this either by itself or before/after I apply lipstick. I do notice a slight “plumpness” to my lips; I have naturally full lips, but this still gives it some kind of extra UMPH, which makes all the difference. I never leave home without the stuff

 Lipstick: MAC 'Patisserie'

Being on my second tube of this lipstick, it’s safe to say that this is probably my favorite lipstick from MAC and favorite lipstick in general. A beautiful sheer, pinky-nude with a lustre finish, which doesn’t make the lips to shiny looking. I have more lipsticks by MAC, but more than not they usually dry out my lips for some reason, no matter the finish, except this one & another favorite which isn’t on this list (but probably should have a spot), Half N’ Half. It works for any makeup look you're going for, whether decked out or low key.

Did you guys make it to the end?! Yay! Appreciate the dedication of reading this lengthy post, below are all the faves mentioned with prices & linked to where you can find them!

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer, $48 

Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme, $45

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer, Orig. $8.99, currently on sale for $5.39

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder, $36

MAC Prep + Prime Fix +, $22

Lord & Berry Kajal Stick, $20

Lancome Artliner, $30.50

NYX Cosmetics Tinted Brow Mascara, $6.99

NARS 'And God Created The Woman' Eyeshadow Palette, $59

Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm, $28

MAC Patisserie, $16

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