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.

February 2012 Favorites

I'm afraid I'm going to have to make this short and sweet, or in the case of one of my favorites, Spicy & Sweet.
(ha. ha.)

Lorac Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D and 4D $22 each (so much Zazzz! Sticky kiss-repellant, but so pretty <3) on my lips here, here, here, and here.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Natural $11 (a go-to when I don't want to deal with more-pigmented peachy blushers. Lovely scent and obviously adorable!)

Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush in Spicy & Sweet $6 (surprisingly natural flush)

Benefit Hervana $28 (I have to pick up TONS of product to get this to show, but it gives a fittingly angelic flush to cheeks when it finally does... and of course it smells heavenly, too!)

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment $13.50 for 1oz. size (not pictured) (controlled my frizzies, no smell really, didn't flake like other stylers, didn't make me break out, and I managed to finish up the 1oz. size!)

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer $17 (non-silicone feel for the most part, and makes my L'oreal Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation hang around until the work bell rings)

Adventure Time (with Finn and Jake)
I couldn't get enough this month. It might have left me poo-brained, but I watched it non-stop!

Not my property - got this screen cap off Wikipedia

January 2012 Favorites

Hi Everybody! Again, sorry for the lack of posting. I'm trying to reign in my beauty spending and I've certainly cut back lately.  I just haven't had good light or time for blogging, either.  I'll try to post more often in February; especially fun, romantic looks!

To be honest, I didn't really play with makeup much this month. Sure, I swatched things and messed around with organization (One of my Christmas presents to myself was two 5-drawer Muji acrylic cases... love them!). But I really played it safe with my eye makeup and reached for a base that was quick and fuss-free to apply most days.

L'oreal Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation in 518 Natural Buff $15
Thanks to raves from Danielle of Bloomin' Beauty and Elle Fowler (AllThatGlitters21... I think she and her sister might be affiliated with L'oreal but it's Danielle's photo with this foundation that got me to buy it at last), I decided to pick up this relatively (to Chanel, anyway) inexpensive foundation.  I had tried the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse years ago but found it too drying... it really highlighted any flakies in my skin, but this whipped foundation does not.  Applied with any foundation brush, this foundation blends in with full-coverage almost instantly.  In the rush of recent mornings, I couldn't appreciate it more!  It really does impart an airbrushed finish and covers most of my acne and post-acne red spots.  It also covers the redness around my nose and, dabbed with a finger, my dark circles.   When this first came out, I remember thinking, "Blahhh, that is much too expensive for a drugstore foundation," but with how well it performs I really think it's a steal now.  It doesn't last all day, unfortunately, but I get a good six hours of perfect wear before it starts to fade.  It doesn't oxidize on me or allow my face to get super-greasy, so I can accept the fading.  A primer (I'm using Hourglass Veil Mineral) and a setting powder (whatever I have on hand seems to work) helps this to stick around to *just* the end of my work day.  If you need a bit of coverage and are rushed in the morning, I highly recommend checking this foundation out during a drugstore sale.

The brush is wet because I just washed it

Real Techniques Stippling Brush $10
This is my favorite to apply the L'oreal Magic Smooth Souffle Foundaton.  I also have used my Sephora #55 Airbrush, but I find that brush more difficult to get clean and tend to save it for my Perfection Lumiere or when this brush is dirty.  I love that this brush's duo-fibre construction helps keep me from picking up too much product.  I don't get streakiness, but that is in part due to the foundation as opposed to the brush.  The Real Techniqes stippling brush is a great size for applying foundation in my opinion, is soft, has synthetic bristles, and stands on it's end (flat) so I can use it a few times before washing without worrying I'll smear foundation on anything.  I haven't had ANY shedding, which is nigh on a miracle.  And it's $10, people!  I want to go buy two backups!  Thanks to Vivianna Does Makeup for mentioning this brush... and thanks to the Real Techniques ladies for pricing it at $10 so I would take a chance on it!

Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Mascara $9
An oldie, well-known, and a goodie! I can't help but try tons of mascaras but I've come back to this one several times.  It's just so reliable!  It darkens, lengthens, thickens, and separates, all while looking fairly natural.  It is, pardon me, "easy-breezy-beautiful" LOL please don't hit me! The best everyday mascara I've tried.

Sugarpill Chroma Lusts in Stella and Asylum $12 each
Sugarpill shadows are amazing. I can't believe I waited so long to order these beauties. I finally broke down when I saw Asylum swatched on A Brilliant Brunette.  As you may know if you check out my posts this past month, I'm very into red eyeshadows lately.  As for Stella, I just couldn't resist the rainbow micro-sparkles!  Even dry these go on smoothly and so pigmented it's amazeballs!  I have Stella on here and Asylum on here.

L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Bronzed Taupe and Sultry Smoke $7
These were go-tos this January for a quick swipe of shadow across my lid. I actually have yet to make a full look using my Infallibles, because they work so well (just like the Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense shadows) on their own.  Along with the foundation I've been reaching for, speedy looks have been necessary this month and these are great for that.

Jack Black Intense Therapy SPF 25 Lip Balm in Natural Mint $8
This is an amazing lip balm - it's not over-hyped in my opinion because it's one of the few balms out there that actually soaks in!  Most just kind of sit on top of my lips.  I don't get chappy all that often, but this balm will clear it right up if I do.  I also like how the finish is matte and yet my lips look naturally plumped when I wear it.  I have almost forgotten to put on lipstick/gloss in the morning wearing this balm!

Slightly embarrassing beefcake on the cover... good thing I usually read in private!

House of Night Novels (just read #9 Destined) $12 hardcover
If you follow me on Twitter (BeautyVSarahS), you might have seen me asking around for the next fantasy series I ought to read (I finished this latest installment this month and am reading Vampire Academy at the moment).  In the dead of Winter (and the heat of Summer) I tend to get into reading like it's going out of style because I want to stay in the climate-controlled comfort of my house.  These are definitely no-brainer books but they are fun and well-plotted.  I can blow through one of these on a cozy evening in.  All I need is a nice hot drink and my Harry Potter snuggie and it's a good night (wow, what a dork, right? XD).  I can't wait to know what happens next!  If you like fantasy YA novels, I'd be shocked, SHOCKED if you didn't enjoy this mix of vampires, mythology, Native American culture, romance, and high school ^.^

So, I guess it's pretty obvious this January I've been almost makeup-free on a couch for most of my free time.  Sometimes we just need to kick back!

P.S. I just got it so I can't exactly call it a "January Favorite," but MY GOODNESS MAC's All That Glitters is seriously GAWGEOUS!  I always thought it was your standard champagne shadow, but I was so wrong.  I don't have a dupe for it in my stash at all (yeah, I did already say that in my last post)... somehow, it is just that nuanced and unique.  Sorry, husband, this shadow is going to be my Valentine ;-)

EOTD: Still Gaga for Red Eye Shadow

Happy Saturday! You know you're in love when the first thing you do in the morning is reach for a product.  Normal people would probably reach for a face cream or a foundation or mascara... I'm currently having a love affair with red eyeshadows!

Used: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Rust (needs primer underneath to prevent this creasing, but I was just playing around so I skipped that step)
Sugar Pill Chromalust Loose Shadow in Asylum (to DIE for, and I usually have no love for loose shadows)
Tokidoki Sodashop Palette Romeo (dark cranberry red) and Ciccio (gold-copper)
Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Liner in Perversion (to be honest, I preferred this look before I added the ubiquitous slash of liquid liner)
Milani Liquif'eye liner in Gold
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in Black

I did up this eye look before I even covered any pimples, y'all! I'm obsessed!

My Top 7 in '11 (and the 7 HG products I'm still on the hunt for)

This year I've truly been a blush and eyeshadow hoarder... I've loved so many and amassed such a collection of palettes that I could probably do all the makeup for NYFW 2012.
That said, here are the Top 7 products that have made the biggest difference in my beauty life in 2011:

Yes, I bought all of these... please don't do the math!

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips - I am all thumbs and have ZERO patience for drying my nails! So unless I was going to be absorbed in an activity which doesn't use my hands (Gemini = Ruled by Mercury = cannot NOT use my hands!) my stained nails would have shown all year!  I love lime green and yellow polishes and managed to stain my nails several times, necessitating constant cover.  Enter Sally Hansen Polish Strips, and suddenly a girl without the patience for nail art can have snazzy tips that fit her eccentric personality <3 It's true love <3 The only improvement I could imagine is if the glitter ones would not dry out and peel off too easily, but I had no problem with the regular "creme"-finish patterns.

I cut the tube open and depot what's stuck inside when I can't get anymore out - it's about another week's worth!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - I've suffered with moderate-to-severe acne since I was 10 years old (yucko, I would only wish this on a truly heinous enemy ;) ).  I've used every brand and strength of antibiotic pill, lotion, Retin-A cream, you-name-it that can be prescribed by dermatologists.  I went through uncomfortable microdermabrasion and laser treatments.  I've been willing to try just about anything for years.  I did have luck with a daily antibiotic pill back in college that kept me clear for about a year but it has since been pulled from the market for turning limbs blue (I had to quit it after that year when the blue spots began to appear... luckily, they disappeared several months after I stopped!).  So basically, NOTHING has worked... until I decided to be a bit spendy and give another pricey drugstore brand a go on the recommendation of Tiffany from Will Work for Makeup and Lil Lady's Life.  The change in my skin was swift and dramatic! While it hasn't cured my acne completely, I don't get all the nasty whiteheads and clogged pores that I used to. I still have leftover red spots and some other inflammation, but the pores on my cheeks have gone MIA and I swear to you I look much younger!  Even though mild acne remains (as well as scarring), I will seriously cry if I have to be without Effaclar Duo!  It has refined my skin in a way my Clarisonic Mia and various peels promised but failed to do.  I've been using it for about three months, since October of this year.  One tube lasted me two months applied once daily (though I think I'll want to step it up to twice daily soon) and it can be found for around $30.  If you're oily and spotty you MUST try it!

My third tube

Origins VitaZing - Thanks to thorough reviews from Jessica of Getting Cheeky and Vivianna Does Makeup, I decided to give Origins another shot after years of avoiding them because of a spoiled mascara episode.  This is what a tinted moisturizer should be - so many in the past have required another moisturizer underneath and as much blending as foundation, but not VitaZing! I can slap it on in a rush and it self-adjusts and gives me a wonderful, lively glow.  It also has enough coverage that I can simply spot-conceal and run out the door if I need to. Bonus - it smells lovely. Total win, people!

You know you love it when you buy every color

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Enhancing Gel Creamliners - This has been featured as a favorite already recently, so I don't think I need to go on and on.  Check out my previous mentions here and here for some swatches and a breakdown of their sweet, sweet HGness.

TBH this is a mere fraction of the Colorburst lippies I've got...

You know you love it when you've got a pile of it!

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick, Gloss, Lip Butter - Not one of these disappoints.  The lipstick alone made me believe in drugstore lipsticks again (and made me brave enough to try some of the more-raved Cover Girl LipPerfection, Maybelline Color Sensational, and Wet n Wild Megalast shades).  The glosses' packaging looks just as chic as Chanel Glossimers, IMHO, and I love that they are non-sticky and pigmented.  The lip butters, released so recently, were really the coup de grace and I have little desire anymore to invest in anything more expensive than MAC's $14 lipsticks (I must confess a moment of weakness, though, in a recent purchase of Chanel Rouge Allure Lacques in Dragon and Empire... but I have a little bit of buyer's remorse about them). Save for Wet n Wild eyeshadows, I don't usually find bargain shadows to be worth it (conversely, neither have I found $32 shadows to be worth it), but I really feel Revlon can do no wrong with their affordable, amazing Colorburst line!

My workhorse - tube #2

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara - One of the few items I use all the time, you can find my original review here.  Now I never want to be without a dedicated bottom-lash mascara!  It's not pricey at $10, but I'm still hoping drugstore brands will roll out versions of this in 2012 for me to eagerly try ^.^

Shu Uemura Lash Curler - I've had tons of other curlers, but since I got this one I don't bother with them.  It lives up to its hype, but its so annoying that it's more difficult to find in the U.S. these days! I got mine from iMomoko.com.

 HG Products I'll be hunting for in 2012:

1.Makeup remover wipes that are extremely effective (ala Lancome Bi-Facil) and affordable
2.Eye cream that is highly moisturizing but won't cause milia
3.Foundation that looks as good as Chanel Perfection Lumiere in photos, too!
4.Concealer opaque enough to cover zits but won't crease under my eyes
5.Face cleanser of Philosophy Purity -quality at a more affordable price
6.Hair Styling Product - I love Ojon Damage Reverse Serum and other oils I've tried, but my hair needs a bit more control along with the frizz-fighting
7.Primer that works well enough to justify the extra step and expense (recently I tried a sample of Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, and this might be The One... I'm going to have to get my hands on a bottle to find out for sure!)

What products attained HG status for you in 2011? 
What products will you be seeking in 2012?

November 2011 Favorites

Another month... flew by! I imagine the last month of 2011 will be the same.
Here are the favorites that maintained my cosmetic obsession this November:

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters, $7.49 each
I have nothing to say about these that hasn't already been said, but here are a few in my current rotation:

Left to right: Sugar Frosting, Pink Truffle, Sugar Plum, Creamsicle, Strawberry Shortcake, Peach Parfait

Great reviews and swatches can be found at Beauties in Bloom, Don't Call Me Jessie, and Beauty Gala.
There is not a thing I do not LOVE about 'em!

Sephora #55 Airbrush for liquid foundation application $34
It can be a pain to wash it after every use, but I'd rather spend the time washing this (best cleanser I've found for this purpose: Beauty Blender Cleanser), than trying to scrub foundation off of my fingers!  The application tends to be sheerer than other methods (beauty blender, fingers), but also very natural and quick!  Thanks for Jessica from Don't Call Me Jessie once again for mentioning this on her blog ages ago (it was on my list until the F&F sale!).

Pond's wipes $5-ish
They're extremely easy to find at any drugstore, which I love.  I'll admit they're not as good at eye makeup as MAC or CVS wipes, but they are rather wet and seem to more thoroughly remove base makeup from my skin.  I must admit, though, that I'm dying to try E.L.F. makeup wipes since I read Yu's recent rave review!

Toss up: Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style Baby/Jingle G ($25 for the .33oz, $45 for the 1oz)
Obviously, the packaging is over-the-top adorable, but I really love how festive ornament Jingle G smells the way I wish fruitcake would smell!  I'm wearing it constantly in the cooler weather.
I had the mini-size of Wicked Style Baby, but I had been wanting one of the soft, felt-haired full-size bottles from the Wicked Style line.  I couldn't justify it until I noticed my husband sniffing me blissfully one afternoon... what a relief I remembered it was Wicked Style Baby that'd I'd spritzed that morning!  After confirming with a fresh spritz of it to the husband's nose, I ordered this during the V.I.B. sale at Sephora.  I heard Harajuku Lovers fragrances are going to be discontinued, so if you are wanting to collect them all you might want to get a jump on it!

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Enhancing Gel CreamLiner Glam Eyes ($10.95 at drugstores, but often on sale)
These are really great gel liners you can get at most U.S. drugstores.  The brush they come with isn't even half bad.  They also make amazing creaseless eyeshadows (as seen here).  The Glam Eyes and regular line alike come in many colors and several of the colors have glitters... I love The Dark Side of Beauty writer Nancy's eye looks with Stila Smudge Pot in Little Black Dress (black with purple glitters), but I can't find it anywhere.  Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips makes a black with purple sparkles, too, but I can't remember which set it's in cuz I hauled them all... but if you're wanting to dupe Nancy's amazing looks, I think these work well for the cost!  Check the packaging to find out which glitter you're getting :)

Pictured: Top = Glam Brown Eyes trio (the gold is a dupe for UD Primer Potion in Greed, and I'm wearing the black with bronze sparkles thickly as liner here), Bottom = Glam Green Eyes trio

Lorac 3D Liquid Lustre ($16)
I'm on my second bottle (for sanitary reasons), but I never want to be without this gorgeous, multi-purpose shimmer fluid.  The dropper packaging is rather stupid, I'll admit.  It also tends to lighten shadows a bit but its sparkle is just too beautiful to let that bother me.  Reasonable price, too, in my humblest.  The quickest, no-brainer/no-skill evening look I do with it is just dab it across my lids and high up on my cheekbones over my day makeup.

Don't have dirty thoughts! The consistency is definitely water-like :-P

MAC Nordstrom Exclusive Holiday 2011 Festive Face Kit (no affiliation, if you're wondering) $59.50
I don't know if this is still available or not, but this is all I took on my Thanksgiving visit to family in St. Louis and I found it to be extremely versatile!  I apologize I don't have photos of the looks I did with it, but I found it was super-easy to just vary the placement of the very blendable shadows included to get completely different, flattering looks.  The colors look amazing with my light eyes, and even better with my reddish (dyed) hair.  The brushes are also pretty decent and I didn't miss any brushes I'd left at home.  My review and swatches can be found here.  If you've got similar coloring to me you will NOT regret picking this set up!

Y'all ready for Christmas/Hanukkah/New Years yet?

October 2011 Favorites

October always seems to blow by, doesn't it? What with prepping for Halloween and the changing weather, it's such a dynamic month.  I, for one, was so busy I rarely had time for my trademark colorful eyeshadows and found myself primarily sporting statement lips!
Without further ado:

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder 001 Transparent $4
I never would have purchased this powder without hearing about it first from Hayley of Hayley is TCB.  She's such a makeup prodigy!  I trust products she recommends because I think she's quite the artist.  I haven't been disappointed in this matte setting powder at all.  It is an incredible bargain, doesn't make me break out or cause skin irritations, and doesn't make my skin appear paler.  It really controls oil, as well, for hours! My only complaint would be the packaging, but at $4 I'm not complaining!

Boo! Haunted powder!

Milani Lip Flash Pencils are $6.99 each, have great pigmentation and lasting power, and are nice and glittery for Halloween looks (or festive holiday looks in the coming months).  They sharpen really easily and are mostly smooth, though a bit sticky (I think that's why they last) and slightly gritty.  I bought these to be dupes of those Sephora-exclusive Urban Decay lip color pencils, but I don't own those so I can't compare.

03 Flash Light - the driest of the pencils

04 Photo Flash - really soft and moisturizing

05 Hot Flash - almost-dupe of Hourglass Siren gloss

Hot Flash topped with LE Milani Hot Flash gloss - even closer to Hourglass Siren

06 Flashy

07 In a Flash - this one is really sheer. Used in a FOTD here

08 Star Flash - difficult to cover my pigmented lips

Bath and Body Works Liplicious Lip Gloss $4 (Crazy for Candy Corn/Cookies & Scream) These are both yummy and glossy, but also sticky and I keep licking them off.  If you can avoid eating them, they last pretty long because of the stickiness.  I liked to wear them alone to feel festive or over the Milani Lip Flash pencils for extra gloss and moisture.  I blame the Muse for featuring Bath and Body Works products so often -- you can only witness so much cuteness before you give in!

NYC Bronzing Powder in Sunny $2.99 for when I don't go after Too Faced Chocolate Soleil in my Sweet Dreams Palette.  It's in my bathroom, handy for quick contouring when I'm running late (every day...), and a great bargain Stephanie C. from In Her Makeup Bag found.  Thanks, Steph!

MAC Painterly Paint Pot $17.50; best under cooler eyeshadows.  I use Soft Ochre for warmer shades, but this month I was reaching for more plum-toned neutrals when I had time to do eye makeup.

The blushes from Stila Travel Girl palettes, $14 per palette.  I have several so they're running the gamut of shades I've been reaching for to complement my bold lips.

Left to Right: Love and Empower palette hope & joy; Stila Loves Roxy palette gold coast & swim; Find Your Magic palette love & shimmer. Original review here

Ballet Flats (too cold for sandals, too warm for boots!), though it's starting to get too cold around here to skip out on fuzzy socks! For most of this month, though, I've been rotating the ballet flats collection.  It's just a coincidence that all these are a bargain, too!  I have to mostly stick to fabric shoes because I don't wear real leather.

Ballet Flats from Target and Kohl's

Do you go for comfy shoes and easy bold lips when you've got a busy month?