What's in My Makeup Bag

Using the products listed below, except I omitted the Too Faced Beauty Balm, Juice Beauty powder, and Juice Beauty lipstick, and I have butterLONDON Lippy in Rosie Lee on my lips.

Highly original topic, I know.  I'm in a "minimalist" phase, and in my fantasies this is ALL the makeup I have (but of course, that isn't the truth). Someday, maybe!

 

I'm listing the items in the order I'd put them on because the photo is too random :-P

 

Lip Balm - Crazy Rumors Root Beer (my favorites are Cola and Red Velvet)

 

Tinted Moisturizer - Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow (I did a side-by-side comparison one day with Elf Tinted Moisturizer in Light Beige, and as a moisturizer I preferred the Elf! Plus, it's a more makeup-bag friendly size and it's cheaper.  I'm trying to use this (very good) product up and I probably won't repurchase... once I get through the backup I already have...)

 

Primer - Elf Mineral Infused Primer (I've tried SO MANY primers and this is hands-down my favorite.  Yes, I love it more than Hourglass Veil Mineral!  It has that slick, velvety feel of the Smashbox primer but it's much cheaper and it doesn't make me break out.  It just makes my foundation smooth on like butter and my pores seem to disappear under my cheapest foundation... like all those other primers are supposed to do but never have for me.  Other primers I can think of that I've tried: Too Faced Primed & Poreless and Primed & Poreless Pure, Make Up Forever HD, Bare Minerals Prime Time, Benefit The Porefessional, L'oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base... I'm sure I've tried more but this Elf one is still the best I've tried and probably the cheapest, too.)

 

Foundation - Wet'n'Wild CoverAll Cream Foundation in 816 Fair/Light (like a match made in budget heaven with the Elf primer.  It lasts all day in conjunction with the primer and also resists transfer (a HUGE problem I've had with most foundations.  Hourglass Immaculate went back to the store for that problem). 

My pores are nearly invisible with this duo and I don't even set it with powder most of the time.  It's a little off color-wise and the color selection is pathetic (7 shades, I think) but I just love the consistency and performance of this product so I let the imperfect shade not bother me.)

 

Concealer - Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer in Perfect Nude (not HG but pretty darn close... it creases under my eyes if I wear it alone and don't set it with powder.  It creases far less over the Elf primer and WnW foundation even without powder.)

 

Powder - Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Simply Flawless Pressed Powder (I don't usually use this, to be honest.  It doesn't really prevent the concealer from creasing under my eyes.  It does, however, help to blur the look of pores when I wear this alone with tinted moisturizer which is pretty darn great.  For setting my concealer I prefer Elf's HD Undereye Setting Powder, which is not in my makeup bag.)

 

Blush - Elf Studio Blush in Twinkle Pink (is what Nars Orgasm is supposed to be, but Orgasm makes me look rashy; it has too much red for me.  The only complaint I have about this is it has glitter (which I don't mind but others might) and so-so-lasting power (but it's cheap so I just re-apply once during the day.)

 

You may notice the lack of bronzer and highlighter.  I don't usually wear either, but if I need highlighter the pinkish shade in my eyeshadow trio is gorgeous.  I don't like wearing bronzer most days because I feel like it brings out my pores... even matte, expensive ones.  I like to keep attention off of my cheeks because I have acne scarring, too.

 

Eye Primer - Elf Essential Eyelid Primer (This $1 elf one works just fine... I do get some creasing once in a while, but that happened with UD's primer on me.  The best primers I've ever used are Lime Crime (who doesn't consistently label their primer as Vegan on their website so it makes me uneasy... but I do own it currently) and Too Faced (not vegan, and much too drying to use every day.)

 

Eyeshadow - Wet'n'Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells (I have a backup or two, but if they discontinue this I'm rioting!  The pink shade is perfect for lids and the closest I can get to MAC All That Glitters (since they are no longer cruelty-free).  It's also great for highlighting cheekbones.  The light shade is fine under brows and on the inner corners, but it is a little sheer.  The bronze shade is perfect for either crease or lids on its own.  The blogging world loves this trio and I'm just another raver :-)

 

Brow Filler - Too Faced Exotic Intense Eyeshadow Single in Enchanted Garden (I can't find anybody else on the internet advocating for using a shadow with any glitter/shimmer like this one to fill brows, but I seriously cannot tell the difference between this and my beloved Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Pencil in Medium Brown once applied.  It sticks around on my brows all day without setting gel and I can't detect any of the fine gold glitter in my brows in person or in photos, so I let this product multi-task as my brow filler and my eyeliner/crease darkener.  I don't even have to wet my angled liner brush.)

 

Eyelash Curler - Japonesque BCA Travel Lash Curler (I don't really need this unless I'm skipping mascara.  The mascara I use pushes my lashes up and holds them that way.)

 

Mascara - Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara (It's not even waterproof but it holds/creates a curl  in my lashes!  This is amazing stuff, and I was a VERY happy girl when I found out it's Vegan :-)

 

Lipstick - Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Purely Kissable lip color (A pinky nude that is okay... I prefer my Elf Mineral Lipstick in Runway Pink, but to be honest both smell a little funny to me... I'm really picky about how my lip products smell, and want them all to smell like candy ;-)

 

Blotting Linens - Boscia (Alas, is no longer cruelty-free but I bought loads of these before they decided to sell in China :*(  I'm still going to use them up... at least they aren't made by P&G.)

 

Bag - ecoTools by Alicia Silverstone (came with brushes I swap out when they are dirty for these Elf ones... both are great.)

 

Brushes - Elf Studio Powder Brush (I use it for powder but it's great with most foundations, too.  I can apply the Wet'n'Wild CoverAll Cream Foundation and blend so quickly and nicely with my hands over the Elf Mineral Infused Primer, however, so I don't use the brush for foundation.)  Elf Angled Blush Brush (A great size and shape for my cheeks.) A synthetic Coastal Scents brush I don't know if they make anymore... not numbered.  Elf Contour Brush (Awesome.) ecoTools Angled Eyeliner brush (I don't think they make this anymore, which is a serious travesty!  If you can get it in a discontinued kit or something, I recommend it because it's the best angled brush I've ever used).

 

Whoa, this post wound up WAY longer than I originally intended... but that's because this is also sort of a "Perfect Minimalist Makeup Collection" post for me.  All I'd add are my two favorite lip colors of the year:  Elf Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick in Movie Star (glossy sheer-but-buildable red) and butterLONDON Lippy in Primrose Hill Picnic (glossy pinky-fuchsia that makes my teeth look whiter).

 

If you read all that you win all the KitKat bars I have leftover from Halloween!

XOXO,

Sarah S.

 

 

 



 

 

Angry Pixie

Happy Halloween, lovelies! 

Sometimes Halloween makeup is minimal.  We went the non-scary route this year, and I've got a no-makeup look so I can pass as more child-like.

I did, however, wear primer (elf Mineral Primer), foundation (wet'n'wild CoverAll Cream in 816), concealer (Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer in Perfect Nude), blush (Sleek Pixie Pink), and mascara (Flower Lash Knockout).

 

You know you've got a good husband when he's willing to dress up as Peter Pan so you can be Wendy with your baby as Tinkerbell.

Evy really got into character ^.^

 

gif from mrwgifs.com

She's just mad she can't eat any candy yet ^.^

And the Pixie is Back

 

Not having the best hair and skin day, but I keep it real on this blog (har har...).
Husband said he counted like 7 gray hairs in my bangs alone 0_0
Lots of gals try out the pixie cut once in their life, and after the agonizing experience of growing it out, vow "Never again!"  I'm sort of the opposite.  I keep trying to grow my hair out and then I loathe the feeling of hair on my ears and neck... eventually on my shoulders... I just feel more like myself with this unconventional hair cut.  Who knows - maybe it'll wind up dyed red again, too!

Style Concept (Inspired by Into Mind)

Long time no blog!  Missed you all <3
I'm always finding myself inspired by Anuschka Rees via her minimalist style and beauty blog Into Mind.  She has that elusive "chic simplicity" I strive for down pat, and wonderful tips on how to streamline your own style.  Her recent post, the anatomy of a seasonal style concept got me giddy to define my own style of late.  I used her template and put this together:

F.Y.I. I also re-chopped my hair into a pixie!  I must admit to myself I am just not a hair person.

Do check out Anuschka's amazing blog - the design of the blog itself is simply divine!

FOTD and My Current Edit

Hi lovelies!  Long time no see, but such is life, sometimes.  You understand... I've been catering to this diva's every whim ;-)




Her bib says "It's all about ME!" and she appears to be ennumerating her demands with her fingers, no?  :-D And yes, friends, those are legwarmers <3

On my hubby's birthday we went out for sushi, and I actually managed to put on some makeup:

 

Finding decent light and covering a bad skin year day are entirely another issue, but I tried!

 

Growing out a pixie cut is also brutal.  I might cave and chop it all off again soon...

 

Anyway here's the deets: 

Skin

Boscia Vital Antioxidant Moisturizer SPF30, OCC Skin:Primer, Wet n Wild CoverAll Cream Foundation in 816 Fair/Light (this stuff is AWESOME guys, and only $4!  Didn't need powder), Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Full-Coverage Foundation in Light worn as concealer (daylight is harsh, so I wanted to keep my coverage lighter than concealer allows), Too Faced Ultra-Flush Blush in Cocoa Rose

 

And let me just say my skin is REALLYREALLY bad right now, so this combo covered the redness, not the texture. I'm telling you, the redness is ALLOVER, you guys.  I'm seriously considering trying the acne.org regimen... anybody tried it? It's vegan :-D

Eyes

Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse in Taupe, Lime Crime Eye Primer (still vegan? The packaging says yes, but their website doesn't make the claim anymore), Pacifica Mystical Supernatural Eye Palette (so pigmented and smooth, my favorite eyeshadow brand of the year), Wet n Wild Fergie Turn up the Volume Mascara (website says it's vegan, but packaging lists beeswax -not synthetic beeswax- as an ingredient)

Lips

Nothing. At least my lips don't suck right now :-P

 

Also, you may be shocked by this next photo:

 

This is my current makeup collection edit (not pictured: the two foundations mentioned above, six Butter London Lippies, three Too Faced La Creme Lip Creams, and a few Glassy Gloss Lip Gels and Megalast Lipsticks from Wet n Wild).  Don't worry, I didn't chuck out all the rest; a lot of it is in my two Muji 5-drawers in a closet or at the office in my desk.  I did shove off a lot to my sister, though.  I've been scaling back and trying to keep only my favorite things, because I just wasn't liking how my massive makeup collection was haunting me at my vanity.  Every time I'd pass by it would snicker and scold me for my hoarding and neglecting and my wallet would weep at the waste.  This edit looks fun and functional, while also being manageable.  I really feel I can do most of the everyday looks I sport, plus several of the fun looks I usually gravitate towards (yeah, there are two red eyeshadows there).

 

That's all my nail polish now, too D: Gasp! (ok, I have a few bottles at the manicurist's).

If you want me to identify any of the bits, let me know in comments below... also, tell me how your makeup collection edit is going right now?

<3

Sarah S.

Acure Organics: Brand I'm Psyched to Try

Hey guys! I'm so pleased because I recently e-mailed a company about the Veganity (haha, made up a word) of their products and they got back to me lightning-fast and I'm so excited to try them out.  I really appreciate a company that has such responsive customer service.
I wrote them:

Can you provide me a list of your vegan products? Also, are you going to become vegan certified or join the leaping bunny list for cruelty-free companies?

They replied within a day (on a holiday weekend!):

Hello Sarah!
Thank you for your interest in ACURE and for your questions.

It is easier to list the products in our line that are not vegan than to list the ones that are, as only 4 products in our line are not vegan.

• Lip Balm
• Line Erasers
• Radical Wrinkle Complex
• Night Cream

The Lip Balm and Line Eraser due to the beeswax and the Night Cream and Radical Wrinkle Complex because they utilize a milk (bovine source) and sugar (honey) enzyme as a preservative.

Initially we had begun the application process with CCIC Leaping Bunny program and decided to go with PETA instead, as they already acknowledge our non-profit partner, Bright Pink (www.bebrightpink.org). We are 100% cruelty free, meaning we do not associate with any supplier or charitable partner that supports testing on animals. I hope this eases your concerns and thanks so much for your diligence on this issue. It is most definitely an important one!

If I can answer any additional questions, please let me know!

Shellie Daly | Director of Education & Merchandising, Esthetician | ACURE | www.acureorganics.com

Direct 214-334-5840 | shellie@acureorganics.com

Acure for your skin. Acure for the Planet. Acure for a Cure.

 

 

I heard about this brand because I subscribe to pinksofoxy on youtube.  I'm dying to try their Facial Cleansing gel, argan oil, and Seriously Firming Serum.  They're all pretty reasonably priced, too.

Once I've given them a good trial run I'll let you guys know if I'm in love.  Skincare takes a long time to evaluate thoroughly so expect to hear about their skincare after several months.

<3

Sarah S.

(Disclaimer: I am not in any way affiliated with Acure Organics or pinksofoxy, I am merely a fan. I will be purchasing the products with my own money.)

In which I wear circle lenses...

...and attempt Dolly makeup!  Yeah, I'm almost 30 and I don't have the bone structure for it, but it was fun anyway <3  Please ignore my bedhead :[

 

Circle Lenses are Acuvue Define (prescription) which I bought from Contact Lens Xchange (no affiliation).
Makeup: Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer in Perfect Nude, Sleek Blush in Pixie Pink, Too Faced La Crème Color Drenched Lip Cream in Marshmallow Bunny, Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit in Light
Eyes: ELF Eyelid Primer, Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Trio in Don't Steal My Thunder, Wet n Wild Shimmer Eye Liner in Black, Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Perfect Black, Wet n Wild Idol Eyes Cream Eye Shadow Pencil in Pixie on waterline, and Ardell Demi Wispies Lashes applied with Duo Lash Glue

The Bare Minimum

Will you go out without makeup?  I've been leaving off the slap completely a few days a week even now that I've been back at work for a couple months.  Call me lazy if you like - there's no denying I look better with makeup on.  That's what it's for, after all!  If you don't look better with makeup, you are probably doing something wrong XD

That said, I went nearly my entire maternity leave without wearing any.  My husband didn't scream and run for the hills or issue an ultimatum about me letting myself go, so maybe looking imperfect isn't really such a big deal. 



Wearing ELF SPF15 Tinted Moisturizer in Light Beige, Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer in Perfect Nude, Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Powder and Highlighter (FYI Juice Beauty sells in China), ELF Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick in Pink Umbrellas, ELF Studio Cream Eyeliner in Coffee, and mascara.
My sister said I need to start filling my brows regularly, which I did not do here... thanks, sis :-P

Wearing OCC:Skin Primer, Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow, Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer in Perfect Nude, ELF Studio Tone Correcting Powder in Cool, and mascara.  This is the minimum I really ought to wear ^_^;;

Wearing only OCC:Skin Primer, the Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow, and a clear gloss on my lips.  I think I need concealer/powder and mascara because I still look too unpolished here.
 

No makeup, no moisturizer, nothing. Ugh, my skin! Those dark circles! My tiny lashes -_-

What is the bare minimum for you?

Everything I've bought so far

Hi guys! Nope, I'm not dead - I've just found working full-time and being a (of course, also full-time) new mom to be completely consuming and I'm lucky if I get to read beauty blogs, let alone write for mine.  Part of me misses it, but I'm also glad I don't feel forced to do it. It's always been a labor of love for makeup ;-)

And here is my Number One Love, Yvette:

While I find far fewer are the days I get to play with makeup, I won't sugar-coat the fact that shopping for makeup is probably the real hobby!  I thought I'd let you guys know what I've bought/repurchased/received as gifts so far this year so if you are curious about any of these products and can't find a review on another trusted beauty blog (or just want to know what I think of them) you can request a review/swatches of something from the list and I'll carve out some time to actually blog!

XOXO,
Sarah S.

Eyes
1	Lime Crime Eye Shadow Helper
2	e.l.f. Studio Contour Brush
3	e.l.f. Studio "C" Brush
4	e.l.f. Studio Long-Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Toast
5	e.l.f. Essentials Eyelid Primer in Sheer
6	e.l.f. Studio Waterproof Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara (2)
7	e.l.f. Studio Cream Eyeliner in Ivory
8	Jemma Kidd Make Up Bio-Mineral Essentials Kit in Chocolat
9	Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler
10	Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette
11	Pacifica Wanderlust Mineral Color Set
12	Too Faced Matte Eye Shadow Collection
13	Too Faced Exotic Color Intense Eye Shadow in Enchanted Garden (2)
14	Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eye Liner in Black
15	EcoTools Flat Eyeliner Brush
16	Fyrinnae Pressed Eyeshadow in Arcane Magic: Sorceress
17	Fyrinnae Pressed Eyeshadow in Serendipity (2)
18	Fyrinnae Pressed Eyeshadow in Meerkat
19	Fyrinnae Pressed Eyeshadow in Parental Advisory
20	Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells (2)
21	Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in I Dream of Greenie
22	Wet n Wild Idol Eyes Cream Eyeshadow Pencil in Pixie (2)
23	Wet n Wild Color Icon Shimmer Eye Pencil in Black (2)
24	Wet n Wild Color Icon Shimmer Eye Pencil in Copper
25	Sephora Collection Emerald Eyelash Curlers
26	Korres Volcanic Minerals Volumizing Mascara in Obsidian Black
27	Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Plus Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum
Lips
1	Lime Crime Carousel Gloss in Present
2	Lime Crime Carousel Gloss in Snowsicle
3	Crazy Rumors Lip Balm in Ginger Ale (2)
4	Crazy Rumors Lip Balm in Red Velvet (4)
5	Crazy Rumors Lip Balm in Cola
6	Crazy Rumors Lip Balm in Black Cherry
7	Crazy Rumors Lip Balm in Root Beer
8	Crazy Rumors Lip Balm in Pink Grapefruit Juice
9	Crazy Rumors HibisKiss Flavored Lip Color in Coral
10	Butter London Lips and Tips in Shambolic
11	Butter London Lippy in Primrose Hill Picnic
12	Butter London Lippy in Snog
13	Butter London Lippy in Trout Pout
14	Too Faced La Crème Color Drenched Lip Cream in Juicy Melons
15	Too Faced La Crème Color Drenched Lip Cream in Naked Dolly
16	Too Faced La Crème Color Drenched Lip Cream in Marshmallow Bunny
17	Too Faced La Crème Color Drenched Lip Cream in Honey Bear
18	Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Sugared Fig
19	Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Purely Kissable Lip Color
20	Wet n Wild Glassy Gloss Lip Gel in 3-2-1 Glass-t Off!
21	Wet n Wild Glassy Gloss Lip Gel in This Too Shall Glass
22	Wet n Wild Glassy Gloss Lip Gel in Glass Confusion
23	Wet n Wild Mega Last Lipstick in 910D Red Velvet
Face
1	Boscia Make-up Break-up Cool Cleansing Oil
2	e.l.f. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer Oil-free in Sand
3	e.l.f. Studio Small Stipple Brush
4	e.l.f. Studio Flawless Concealer Brush (3)
5	e.l.f. Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder
6	e.l.f. Studio Blush in Tickled Pink
7	e.l.f. Studio HD Blush in Headliner
8	e.l.f. Essentials Tinted Moisturizer in Light Beige
9	Real Techniques Powder Brush (2)
10	Real Techniques travel essentials Set
11	EcoTools Alicia Silverstone Brush Set and Bag
12	EcoTools Buffing Brush
13	Pacifica Radiant Shimmer Coconut Multiples
14	Pacifica Good Karma Skin Care Kit
15	Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes
16	Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
17	Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow (2)
18	Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer
19	Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder
20	Too Faced Full Bloom Ultra Flush Blush in Cocoa Rose
21	Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer in Perfect Nude
22	Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Simply Pure Chamomile Cleanser
23	Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Simply Nourishing Moisturizer
24	Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Simply Flawless Pressed Powder
25	Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Irresistable Glow Facial Highlighter
26	Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher in Mellow Wine
27	Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Oil Free in Ivory
28	Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel
Body
1	Pacifica Magic Carpet Ride Body Butter Set
2	Pacifica Body Wash in Tuscan Blood Orange
3	Pacifica Body Wash in Hawaian Ruby Guava
4	Pacifica Body Wash in Brazilian Mango Grapefruit
5	Soap & Glory Cream and Soaper Duo
6	Soap & Glory Heel Genius Amazing Foot Cream
7	Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Body Wash
8	JASON Glowing Apricot Body Wash
9	Philosophy Ooey Gooey Cookie Shower Gel
10	100 Percent Pure Honey Almond Hand Buttercream
11	butter LONDON Blagger Nail Lacquer
12	Orly Oh Cabana Boy Nail Lacquer
13	Color Club Halo Hues Holographic Nail Lacquer in Kismet
14	SpaRitual Sole Mate Hydrating Foot Balm
15	SpaRitual Water Mini Nail Lacquer Set
16	SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in It's Raining Men