My Daily Essentials: Makeup Brushes

I shared my daily makeup essentials a little while back and as promised, here is my set of essential makeup brushes that have elevated my routine–without cleaning out my bank account. 

(Fair warning, these are all Real Technique brushes–

they are seriously amazing and the price can't be beat!)

(From right to left)

1. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush: Hands down the best liquid foundation brush ever, and I do mean ever. I have recommended this brush to at least two close friends and now it's the only foundation brush they use too. It blends liquid foundations seamlessly (say goodbye to brush strokes) and looks so natural while still giving full coverage. I also love using this brush with powders like my Bare Minerals foundation for a medium to full coverage look.

2. Real Techniques Blush Brush: I love my blush so if I can find something to make it look even better than count me in. This brush adds just a whisper of color to your cheeks and applies the color smoothly and evenly.

3. Real Techniques Multi-Purpose Brush: When I received this brush as a gift for my birthday last year I wasn't really sure what to do with it. It's too dense for a powder brush and not dense enough for liquid foundation. I've found it to be very good at contouring and highlighting and that is now it's official job.

4. Real Techniques Powder Brush: The newest addition to my collection, this powder brush may just already be one of my favorites. It's big, fluffy and so soft! It allows for a light dusting of powder to set makeup without looking cakey and also helps to blend out any too harsh contouring or blush. Sometimes I like to tap it into my [The] Body Shop Matte Bronzing Powder and dusting it all over my face for a nice tan glow.

5. Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush: My favorite way to use this one is for all-over lid color. It's a little more dense, which is good for packing on eye shadows making it ideal for lid colors.

6. Real Techniques Domed Shadow Brush: Best crease brush alert! The Domed Shadow Brush applies shadows into the crease with ease while still blending well.

7. Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush: Have you ever wondered how people apply darker shadows at the outer corner of the eyes? This brush is your ticket! It's pointed tip allows for precisely placing shadows in the outer corner and the flat sides help with blending it over the outer edge of the lid and up into the crease.

You can find Real Techniques online (www.realtechniques.com) or at Ulta stores.

What are your favorite makeup brushes?
Check out the rest of my daily makeup essentials here.

Face of The Day || Spring Look

 

Products Used:

FACE:

-Revlon Colorstay Foundation in 150 Buff buffed in with Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.

-Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Highlighting Concealer in Ivory used to cover my dark circles.

-Physicians Formula Concealer Rx in Fair Light patted over blemishes with clean fingers.

-The Body Shop bronzing powder in 02 Fair Matte lightly contoured with Real Techniques Powder Brush.

-NARS Orgasm Blush applied with Real Techniques Blush Brush.

EYES:

-Sephora Nano Eyeliner Pencil in Black smudged at the top lash line with my fingers.

-L'Oreal Infalliable Liquid Liner in Black applied close to the last line with a slight flick at the outer corners.

-L'Oreal Butterfly Effect Mascara in Black.

-Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette Naked 2 & Faint mixed together and worked into the crease.

-Maybelline Define-A-Brow in Taupe used to shape and fill in my brows.

LIPS:

-Neutrogena Revitalizing Healthy Lip Balm in Sunny Berry.

I wore this look in a haul video I recently filmed, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vOpxSIIrnU

My Daily Essentials: Makeup

 My morning routines consist of rolling out of bed, grabbing coffee and breakfast, then makeup and clothing time! Within my makeup routine, I have my daily essentials–products that are 

vital in getting me out the door while still looking my best all day.

(From top left going clockwise) 

1. Revlon Colorstay 24 Hour Foundation (150 Buff): *Holy grail product alert* I don't know how it covers and blends so well while still staying put (mind you, shine-free) throughout the ENTIRE day without ever breaking out me out! I don't know how it works and I don't care, I am just happy it does.

2. Physicians Formula Conceal Rx (Fair Light): This stuff is some serious business right here. With the consistency of a thick paste it conceals with ease and doesn't budge once it sets.

3. The Body Shop Bronzing Powder (02 Fair Matte): Most shade of bronzer are too intense or ruddy looking for my fair skin. However, this shade is PERFECT for my fair skin ladies out there! It's pretty light and not too pigmented allowing easy blending for a natural glow.

4. NARS Blush (Orgasm): A cult classic, this shimmering beauty affords the perfect natural peachy-pink glow and works on just about any skin tone! After all, there is a reason why it has a cult following.

5. L'Oreal Lash Out Butterfly Effect Mascara (Black): I rarely go a day without mascara, it ties a makeup look together and makes everything look more polished. Plus, the tips of my lashes are blond so mascara is a must for when I want to look pulled together.

6. Maybelline Define A Brow (Light Taupe): This is like mascara for me–having filled in brows just pulls a look together and looks more polished. I don't do a ton of filling in, I like to just enhance the shape of my brows a bit.

7. L'Oreal Super Slim Infalliable Liquid Liner (Black): I reach for this liner whenever I don't want to bother with smudging pencils or time-consuming cream liners (which, to be honest, is most days.) It's pen-like shape features a very fine tip making it a breeze to apply in a pinch. No smudging or budging here, just clean liquid lines that stay put all day.

8. Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Highlighting Concealer (Ivory): I talked about this product all of the time. It brightens the under eye beautifully, no matter if you stayed up too late watching Netflix, without weighing your eyes down or settling into fine lines!

9. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder (Natural): To set my new face in place, the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder comes to the rescue. Never looking cakey, this powder locks everything in place and gives my face the nice matte look that I am always wanting.

Check out my daily essential makeup brushes here.

Spring 2014 Makeup Trends You Can Wear to Work

This seasons biggest trends elegantly graced the runways, but aren't that wearable in the workplace–I'm looking at you bright orange lips! Today we're talking how to wear these trends without looking like Cirque Du Soleil at the office or school.

1. Orange Lips

Kicking off this roundup, are the much debated orange lips! To pull off this trend while still being appropriate for meetings or class, choose an orange/peach tinted lip product. You achieve a hint of orange color without having an opaque neon orange pout. Also opt for a lippy that is on the glossy or satin side which will be more wearable than matte. I like Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Creamsicle for a fun orange-stained tint that still looks fairly natural and moisturizes.

2. Smoked Out & Winged Liner

Save the full out smoky eye for after work. During the day, run a thin line of pencil liner along the top lash line and smudge with finger. Follow up with another thin line of liner right at the base of your top lashes. I recommend the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner in black.
For winged liner, less is more. Thinly line the top lash line and add a little flick at the outer corner of your lash line. My all time favorite liquid liner is the L'Oreal Infallible Liquid Liner. It handles like a pen with a very fine tip, allowing you to have more control and create a very thin line.

3. Pops of Pastels

Adding pops of pastels to your eyes is a fun way to add a little color. For a subtle work appropriate version, grab a pastel liner instead. There are a couple of ways to have fun with this trend. You can thickly line the top lash line with a pastel liner and follow up with a thin line of black liquid liner right at the base of your lashes–leaving a little pastel to peek through above the liquid liner. Another way to master this trend is to line the water line with the pastel shade. It will add a surprising pop of color without overwhelming your face. Try Rimmel Scandaleyes in Light Blue.

4. Natural

This look follows the mantra "less is more." With pale shimmery lids (love Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded) and dewy skin (try a tinted moisturizer like Laura Mercier's Oil-Free or Illuminating one) this look is all about glowing.

To illuminate your cheeks, without shimmering like a disco ball, try Physicians Formula Shimmer Strip in Riviera Strip. Swirl a brush into the top three shades and dust on the tops of the cheekbones for a pretty glow.

5. Berry Stained Lips

Effortless berry-stained lips were a staple on the runway this season–and are versatile and suitable for the workplace. These berry balms hydrate your lips and give a nice flush of color while still looking natural. Try L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Plush Plum for a glossier look or Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm in Sunny Berry for a more natural sheer color.

Which of these trends will you be trying out?

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara Review

Claims:

"This lash-enhancing mascara instantly builds lash volume by 400%. The patent-pending formula with a touch of olive oil penetrates and helps plump the core of each and every lash. The Visible Volume Brush coats and builds even the smallest lashes with rich, volume-building color. No clumps, smudging or flaking!

Healthy Volume® mascara rinses clean with any Neutrogena® makeup remover or with soap and water. Get beautiful, conditioned and volumized lashes with the sweep of a wand." -Neutrogena

Pros:

• It may have made my eyelashes a little longer and thicker after continuous use, but nothing dramatic.
• The packaging is nice and sleek.

Cons:

• It didn't build up volume...at all. My eyelashes looked almost the same as when I wasn't wearing mascara.
• For some reason it would not coat the tips of my lashes. The mascara would somehow just slide right off (problematic for my slightly blonde-tipped lashes.)
• Couldn't hold a curl...and I have naturally curly lashes so it was surprising when mid-day my lashes looked flat.
• My final complaint is how difficult it was to remove! I even had the non-waterproof version, but it just didn't budge. When I thought I finally removed all of the mascara, I would still wake up with raccoon eyes.

Bottom Line: Sadly, I would not purchase this mascara again. I tossed mine after about a week and a half because it was really not working for me. Sorry Neutrogena, just not a fan of this one!

Online Shopping Hidden Gems

Super cute and affordable clothing and accessories await you at these lesser known, yet still top-notch online shops. Delve into our picks for the best sites that are offering seriously cute and one-of-a-kind buys that won't break the bank!

Spool No. 72

With super trendy and adorable sweaters, dresses, tops, boots and more, Spool No. 72 will have you running for your wallet. Featuring casual, vintage yet chic items, this shop sells out fast and boasts new apparel frequently -- making sure you're getting a one-of-a-kind steal. If you find something you like, snag it before it sells out!

Esther

Have you ever seen a fabulous dress in a magazine and thought, "where do I find a dress that amazing?" Check out this fabulous site. With dresses that look fit for the red carpet with a much smaller price tag. This company is based in Australia but fret not, they offer free worldwide shipping to any country.

Tobi

Tobi features items on sale daily, and not just clearance items, most items are marked down by 30% every day. From trendy fashion-forward tops and dresses to classic accessories and outerwear, Tobi has apparel for any style at a discounted price.

DailyLook

*Obsession alert* Great quality meets fabulous styles for an inexpensive and stylish shopping experience. This is your one-stop-shop for great quality items that hit the latest trends with ease. Right now they are having a discounts on items with a candy corn by them for Halloween. Plus, you get 20% off your first order! What's not to love.

HauteLook

HauteLook features designer apparel, accessories and home decor at a fraction of the cost (we're talking more than 50% off in most cases). How it works: HauteLook puts up a new designer event for a set amount of days and you can shop the deals until they're gone (or when the set amount of days are up). After that a new designer sale takes its place. Shop quickly, some sales sell out within hours.

Top Notch Beauty + Fashion Apps!

Beauty and fashion meets technology to create irresistibly trendy apps for smartphones. There are countless beauty and fashion apps out there, but here are the top notch (not to mention free) finds every beauty and fashion lover will go gaga over.

1. Beautylish

This ultra-handy app is a one-stop shop for all things beauty; From online shopping for high-end beauty products to useful beauty articles and videos to reviews and more.

Pros:
-Useful articles about a multitude of beauty-related topics.
-Access to so many reviews of products all in one place.
-There are beauty forums to talk to other users to get advice and discuss.
-You can shop!

Cons:
-None!

2. Polyvore

A fashion haven on the web, Polyvore offers an app that might be even more amazing than its web counterpart. Polyvore is a site (and app) that showcases different collections of fashionable outfits that users put together. You can then tap on an outfit collection and it will show each piece of clothing, the price, where they're from, a link to buy them, and the capability to like, comment and share the outfit. Whether you're looking to purchase or just for fashion inspiration, this app is a must!

           Pros:                                                                                      Cons:

-So much fashion inspiration.                                                -You may end up with a lighter wallet due

-Easy to buy the items you're coveting.                                  all the amazing items.

3. Trendabl

Basically Instagram but solely for fashion, Trendabl lets users post pictures of their outfits and tag their pictures with the designers/stores the clothing is from. Other users can tap the tags to see all the pictures that have been tagged with that specific designer. You can also heart, comment, repost and share pictures for fashion inspiration. This app also features a shopping section, but it is minimal.

Pros:
-Many designers post their own pictures of outfits.
-Fun to see clothing items organized by designers.
-Great fashion inspiration.

Cons:
-Minimal shopping capabilities.
-Not all clothing is tagged with designers, meaning some swoon-worthy items you see may be hard to find if not tagged.

4. Swackett

Have you ever looked at the weather forecast and thought: okay well I know what temperature it is going to be, but what do I actually wear? Swackett is the answer! Swackett shows what type of clothing is ideal for both men and women depending on the toasty, or chilly, temps outside. Swackett takes it a step further with a UV index and describes what essentials are needed for the day i.e. sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella etc.

Pros:
-Tells you the type of apparel to wear.
-Shows the weather forecast.
-Might be good if you are vacationing and don't know exactly what the weather will be like.

Cons:
-It won't know what's in your closet so you still have to figure out an outfit to wear.

5. Sephora

This one isn't much of a surprise, but this app is amazing for any of the Sephora lovers out there. Users can shop, read reviews, get exclusive mobile offers, check out the latest hot products and more. It even has the capabilities to scan a products barcode in the store and will display product information and reviews. This app is your own personal shopping guide to Sephora.

Pros:

-Super easy to use and navigate.

-You can buy all Sephora products on the app.

-Assists you in making better informed decisions about the products before you buy them. (Nobody wants to shell out a hefty sum of money for products that don't work!)

-Allows you to manage your beauty insider account.

-You can add products you want to purchase to a virtual shopping list.

Cons:

-Only displays the products carried by Sephora.

There we have it! These beauty and fashion apps will have you styling in no time.

Face of the Day || All About Eyes

For today's look, I used the Covergirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencil in Melted Caramel Flame on my enticed eyelid and into the crease. I deepened the crease with Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze, then lined the lash line with my favorite black ELF Cream Eyeliner. I finished the eye area with the Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara.

On my face I used Revlon Colorstay foundation in 150 Buff, Physicians Formula Concealer in Fair Light on blemishes, and Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Highlighting Concealer in Ivory under my eyes. I did a little bit of contouring with NYX Matte Bronzer in Medium and used NARS Orgasm blush.

To finish the look, I used Covergirl Smoochies Lip Balm in #Sweet Tweet. 

For hair I did a french braid through the front of my hair, continuing the braid into a high ponytail. My beaded headband is from Forever 21.

What do you think of this look?

Xoxo Jess

Face of the day || Casual Chic

For today's makeup look, I started with the Revlon Colorstay Foundation in 150 Buff then concealed under my eyes using Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Highlighting Concealer in Ivory. 

For eyes I used my Urban Decay Naked Basics palette, more specifically the shades Naked 2 and Faint in the crease. I then defined my lash line with Elf Cream Eyeliner in Black and applied the Covergirl Flamed Out mascara. 

For cheeks I popped on a little of NARS blush in Orgasm. I went a little more colorful with lips today by opting for MAC Viva Glam 1 lipstick and dabbed it on my lips for a more sheer color.

I decided that an easy casual topknot bun would make for a cute but still put together look.

*Click the pink words for product links

CVS Beauty Haul!

Hi Loves!

There were a lot of great deals at CVS on the makeup this week and I had a 25% off coupon as well as a $6 off a beauty purchase of $30 or more. I went a little coupon/deal crazy just to see how much I could save. I found a $1 off Covergirl eye makeup coupon online at coupons.com In store, there were a ton of great deals. My CVS had: Spend $15 on any Covergirl eye or lip and get $5 extrabucks. (which is basically a free $5 off on any future purchase.) They also had a deal for any two Neutrogena products purchased you get $6 extrabucks. On to the haul!

I picked up the Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara and Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara (left)–both of which I have never tried but looked promising.

I also grabbed a couple of the Covergirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencils which I LOVE (bottom left). I have the metallic brown called Melted Caramel Flame and I am obsessed. I decided to try Ginger Flame (shimmery pink gold. Almost a dupe for Urban Decay Sin) and Ashen Glow Flame (shimmery olive). They stay put all day long and are super easy!

The last two things I wanted to try were a Covergirl lipstick in Honeyed (a nice nude pink) and Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm in Sunny Berry (bottom right).

Total Before Coupons: $58.75  
(when did the drugstore get so expensive?!)

Total After Coupons: $33.21 –plus another free $6 in 

extrabucks to use on my next purchase!

 

Trader Joes Micellar Cleanser Towelettes Review

Inexpensive face wipes that are gentle, yet still remove makeup and dirt? Sign me up! These little wonders ring in at a budget-friendly $3.99 and are worth every penny.

I have very sensitive skin and loved the Simple gentle makeup wipes–but these Trader Joes ones are even better! The cloths are so soft and saturated with cleanser. They also don't irritate or leave residue on your skin unlike most facial wipes.

These Micellar wipes are free of allergens, alcohol, colorants and parabens–making them super gentle. I use these wipes to take off my makeup and then cleanse with the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. I think these could be used purely as a cleanser, I just like to use an additional moisturizing cleanser each night.

All in all I am now obsessed with these face wipes! I recommend them if you can get your hands on some!

What is a micellar cleanser you ask? Here's how Trader Joe's explains it: 

"basically, molecule clusters made up of one side that attracts water, and one side that repels it. When the towelettes are applied to your skin, these molecules break apart, and whatever isn't water (i.e., dirt, makeup residue, etc.) is gently pulled away from the skin." -Traderjoes.com

 

 

xoxo Jess

Revlon Colorstay Foundation

The Rundown:

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation is said to wear up to 24 hours while giving your face a flawless look with a lightweight feel.

In the shade 150 Buff

The Reality:

Packaging 3/5 stars

The glass tube is a little heavy, but does have a nice substantial feel to it. The packaging loses stars when it comes to the top, there is no pump making it the standard pour-out tube of foundation. This makes it difficult to get the right amount (foundation comes gushing out of the bottle) making it messy.

Staying-Power 5/5 stars

This is where this foundation outshines others. It stays put all day even on the most oily skin types. Because it is so good at staying put, it can be a little difficult to remove. I use the Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Water to take it all off.

Shade Range 5/5 stars

This brand has two lines, the combination/oily skin line which has 15 different shades and the normal/dry skin line which has 12 different shades. (I have combination skin and have used both the combo/oily and normal/dry ones and have loved both.)

Coverage 5/5 stars

This foundation is a medium to full coverage foundation and is very build able. It is very easy to blend and I recommend using a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to buff it into the skin seamlessly. it takes a bit to dry so I wait a few minutes for it to set before apply powder over the top.

Price 5/5 stars

As far as drugstore foundations go, this one comes with a little higher price tag. It costs about $13-$14 depending on where you purchase it.

Lives up to its claims 4/5 stars

It doesn't feel as lightweight as other foundations I have tried, but that's expected since it is a medium to full coverage foundation. Other than that, this foundation is longwearing, blends well, has great coverage and stays put all day.

OVERALL 5/5 stars

Revlon Colorstay Foundation is my go-to foundation and I have been completely obbsessed with it for the last four months. I have tried a variety of high end and drugstore foundations but this one is argueably my favorite.

xoxo Jess

Side note: How pretty is this tree outside my window?! I love how bright red it is turning, it makes it feel more like Fall. 

New Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation

The Rundown:

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation is a gel stick foundation with an anti-shine core, supposedly leaving a natural matte finish. The lightweight powders in the anti-shine core are meant to instantly dissolve excess oil.

Shade: 115 Fair

The Reality:

Packaging 5/5 stars

The black tube with metallic light pink writing is so cute and durable! The packaging feels a little cheap but looks nice and is very easy to travel with or throw into a handbag. While it is a small tube, the gel-stick formula makes it much easier to transport and makes putting on foundation a breeze. The only caveat is you end up going through the foundation pretty quickly.

Staying-Power 3/5 stars

This is where I had some trouble. It does stay on and shine-free longer than most foundations however, I found that after about 4 hours my foundation was looking a little patchy. I've been spoiled by the Revlon Colorstay Foundation that stays on 8+ hours. This foundation is lighter feeling, stays matte longer than most, and feels powdery almost instantly after applying (in a good way).

Shade Range 4/5 stars

There are 12 shades in this line which isn't bad. There are a wide variety of lighter/medium shades, but the line is lacking deeper shades.

Coverage 4/5 stars

This foundation works best as a light to medium coverage foundation. The foundation is buildable, but the more you build the cakier the foundation starts to look. This gel formula works best as a light coverage foundation.

Price 5/5 stars

As far as drugstore foundations go, this one rings in at an average price of about $8 depending on where you purchase it.

Lives up to its claims 4/5 stars

The anti-shine powder core does as it claims, it makes the foundation go on silky and smooth. The gel stick foundation also works to keep the shine at bay without looking powdery.

OVERALL 4/5 stars

I would say if you're looking for a gel based stick foundation to keep you fairly matte and have combo/oily skin, you would be in good company with this foundation.

xoxo Jess