March 2012 Favorites

I *almost* wasn't going to do a favorites post this month.  So many of my looks have been uncreative, the products I've reached for have been repetetive... but there are a few things I've been peppering my rotation with that I'm loving and may affect my buys in the future:

Giorgio Armani Fluid Master Primer - $57 for the full-size
With the record high temperatures this month, my well-loved Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer just wasn't going the distance.  This primer is also not infallible, but it does eek out a couple more hours from my base makeup than the Hourglass does.  It smooths on with ease, and though it is silicone-y like MUFE and Smashbox Primers, it feels loads lighter.  I only have the sample size (I got sent when I bought Lust Red and Khaki Pulse Eyes to Kill Intense shadows) and it's been lasting as well as can be expected, used here and there.  The next primer I buy will definitely be this one!

no mascara

Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara

Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara - $8
After reading this glowing review by the Muse (who never muses me wrong, lol), I bought this back in January but didn't crack into it until this month. This mascara is wonderful for length and volume alike (though it does clump a lil bit).  It is also great for layering with any other mascara on the planet.  I think this over Covergirl Lashblast Volume could be my HG, but of course I have heaps of other mascaras still to test (thank you, Sephora Lash Stash) so I hope I will remember how well that combo works when the dust settles :-P

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural Medium Plus - $29
Unfortunately I finally got around to trying this out after they bumped the price up by $2, but I can definitely see why this pressed mineral powder is so popular. It gives a beautiful finish to skin, just like loose mineral foundations do, but without the mess.  It doesn't control my greasies whatsoever, but I have read enough reviews to expect that.  It's not perfect, but I like it!

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Ravishing - $14.50
A permanent shade in the moisturizing Cremesheen range, this is a gorgeous color that reminds me of LE Ever Hip in its corally-ness, though it's not neon at all and much more subdued. I've seen this described as a peach but I think it's more of a melon shade.  Either way, perfect for warm Spring days!

Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheek in Peach Macaron - ???
I can't remember what I paid for this adorable little blusher in its tin reminiscent of a French Macaron, but I got it last year off iMomoko.com.  I don't believe it is available from there anymore, sadly, but this is a total packaging win.  It's just so cute, I could coo at it (but I will restrain myself).  The product itself is an easy-to-wear sheer peach that is great for everyday. I wouldn't go for it if I were much darker, though, because I'm sure it'd look chalky.  Still, it's one I can reach for and pop on really quickly, no-brainer style, without fearing clowncheeks.  And did I mention it's ADORABLE?

Dior Amber Diamond - $44
Finally, FINALLY I was able to get this last Fall.  I can't even remember if I got the Friends & Family discount at Sephora or not (I think so, though).  My beauty-blogging mind has gone so twisted that the $44 price tag that originally put me off from trying the widely HG-lauded highlighter doesn't really seem that bad now... I wouldn't hesitate to spend that now >_< What a nasty addiction we have, girls!
That said, I finally brought myself to touch it and, again, I can see why this is such a cult product (like the MSFN).  The highlight is subtle, natural, glowy... like a daytime version of my favorite cream highlighter (Twilight Beauty Mortal Glow Blushing Creme in Swoon).  I prefer this to also-popular Mary Lou Manizer from theBalm, too.

MAC Ravishing, Majolica Majorca Peach Macaron, Dior Amber Diamond

Vampire Academy Series
I don't even know where to start. FAVORITE.VAMPIRE.SERIES.EVER.
Read it. Just do it.
Happy Spring, Loves!
<3
Sarah S.