Saturday, March 31, 2012

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.

16 comments:

  1. that mac l/s is really pretty! great favorites! <3 x

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  2. I am really liking the Maybelline mascara too :D
    And the Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheek in Peach Macaron is super cute. I have it too, although I haven't really used it much D: Its just too cute!

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  3. Haha, I laughed with the "I finally brought myself to touch it" comment, I've had the same experience with Amber Diamond too! I felt it had to be left intact for 2-3 months before I can actually use it, was so scared of ruining the pattern ;)
    xx

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    1. Glad I'm not the only one! The good news is I've been using it a lot this month and it still looks nearly untouched :)

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  4. I've always wanted to try Ravishing - pretty swatch! This reminds me I need to put out a month's fave post!

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  5. I love the combination of ravishing and peach macaroon---- perfect for spring :) Ravishing has been on my radar for a while now!

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    1. I'm surprised Ravishing isn't more raved about. It's got a nice balance of color and nudeyness without the retro finish a lot of peach lipsticks have.

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  6. i was able to trade for dior amber diamond a few months ago and i LOVE it!!! I like it in a different way than mary-lou...it seems more appropriate for daytime since it's more subtle!

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    1. Yeah, it looks more like sheeny skin, whereas Mary Lou pops more but looks less natural

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  7. You have some very cool beauty purchases here :) I love your mascara, it has done wonders for you!

    http://fashioncherry.co/fashion-trendsetter-solange-knowles/

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  8. Love the look of the mascara very natural but boosting!

    Sarah
    http://fashionismyh2o.blogspot.co.uk/
    xx

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  9. Natural mascara is usually my go-to on more relaxed days, but when I go to work or an event, I always bust out my Dior mascara just because it makes my lashes go for dayyyysss.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  10. Thanks for sharing with us your great picks! they all sound great. I have peach macaron too and love it!

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    1. I think I had to have it after seeing it on you :)

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  11. Wow, that mascara looks awesome on you! Lash Stiletto and Falsies used to be among my favorite but I won't be repurchasing since they aren't cruelty-free. That Puff de Cheek looks sooooo cute!

    BTW, I just answered to your comment regarding if Benefit was cruelty-free or not on my blog, I'm pastin my answer here:

    When I first decided to go cruelty-free, I could not find a clear statement from Benefit and what I found is that they could not claim that all of their ingredients were cruelty-free. I have recently looked at their website again and here's what I found:

    "Benefit does not test our cosmetic products on animals. When selecting the ingredients to be used in our cosmetic products, Benefit requires raw material suppliers to provide safety information based on scientifically accepted alternative testing methods that meet international safety standards and regulations. Benefit products must meet both consumers' needs and consumer safety, while respecting animal life. Benefit continues to strongly support & favor alternative testing and is committed to following all animal testing laws and regulations in order to ensure our products' safety for the end consumer."

    I don't see anything tricky in this new statement, so I guess it's a big improvment? What do you think?

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    1. Hi Gaby, I really appreciate the time you took for this! I had just seen that statement from Benefit the other day and wondered if other people were interpreting that as not being fully commited to cruelty-free production, but I had found it promising. I'm wondering if I want to stick with companies that have statements like this, or only ones on PETA's list (I have mixed feelings about PETA's methods). Like you, I'm not going to throw out my stockpiled stuff from non-cruelty-free companies, but I'm trying to stop purchasing from the likes of MAC (Estee Lauder) until they go back to it (the long shopping list of eyeshadows will just have to wait for that day). And by the time I get through my favorite foundation (by L'Oreal) and its back-up, I hope they've either kept with their "Cruelty-free in 2013" promise or that I've found something I like even better from a better (read: vegan :P) brand!

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