May Favorites 2014 - Blog Edition

Every month I upload a video onto my YouTube channel discussing my favorite products that I’ve been using.  For today’s post, I thought I’d share with you all more details about those products that I wasn’t able to fit into the video. 

If you haven’t seen the video, you can check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRbOIYqErr0

Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Toner

This has been my new go-to toner, replacing my long used Boots toner.  If you’ve watched any of my videos in the past year, you know the toner I’m talking about.  I’ve definitely loved this product this month.  It works well, makes my skin feel fresh, and is great quality for the price that you pay.

Aveeno Foaming Face Wash

I began using this product in Spring of 2013 when MissGlamorazzi first recommended it.  I used it for a few months, and then moved on to another product.  I’ve recently returned to, and have fallen back in love.  It’s a great refreshing product for the skin, and really purifies the pores.  I really like any foaming face wash, and this is probably one of my favorites that I’ve used.  I’m honestly not sure why I stopped using it to begin with now that I’m back with it again.

Essie “Fiji”

This polish has been one of the most talked about products in the beauty community since it’s release.  I remember when I first began watching videos and following blogs – even before starting my own was a thought – this polish was a major thing.  I never thought much of it, since pale colors were never my thing.  But recently, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pale pink shade that was actually opaque.  All of the colors I’d previously tried were very sheer and once applied, you couldn’t even tell I had something on.  This, however, is perfection in a bottle.  The formulation is amazing, the color is gorgeous, and it’s completely professional looking.  I’ve gotten so many compliments on it since I’ve started wearing it, I can’t believe it took me this long to purchase such a staple color for any collection.

Sally Hansen Triple Shine “Dive In” Nail Polish

A widely discussed color for this past month, “Dive In,” is the perfect summer color.  It’s bright, fun, and very beachy.  The Triple Shine line is fairly new to Sally Hansen, and this is the only polish I have from the line.  So far, so good.  I have no complaints about the line.

EOS Lip Balm “Summer Fruit”

This is by far my favorite scent/flavor from the EOS lip balms.  I really like these balms in generally as they are super moisturizing and soft on the lips, and they are super affordable.  This scent is more “fun,” to me, than the mint on that I’ve tried, which just didn’t agree with me.  If  you’re looking for only one scent to try from the line, I’d recommend going with this one.

Secret Deodorant, Destinations “Hawaii”

I first heard of the Destinations line of deodorants from the 11^th Gorgeous girls on YouTube.  There are currently three scents, each coming in a variety of formulations (solid, gel, etc).  The scents are Brazil, Paris, and Hawaii.  I do not recall what the Brazil smelled like, but I do remember that the Paris scent was to floral for me.  Some of you may remember that I’m not someone who particularly likes floral scents/things.  The Hawaii is a very fresh scent with a hint of citrus to it.  Definitely more ‘me.’

Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara

This mascara has been talked about by Allison, or Amarixe, on YouTube for so long, but I only just got around to trying it.  And I’m in love.  It really does add length to the lashes, but also makes them look extremely bold at the same time.  I can’t believe it’s not more talked about within the beauty community!  (I was also a little too excited that Meghan Rienks talked about this product in her May Favorites too!)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation

Lately, my Revlon ColorStay foundation, my favorite drugstore foundation, has been making my feel cakey and not as fresh faced.  After hearing people online rave about this foundation for years, I decided to give it a try, and it did not disappoint.  The formulation is definitely light, but provides high coverage, which I love.  It reminds me of my Bobbi Brown foundation in that way.  I’ve been wearing this almost exclusively since I’ve purchased it, and I haven’t had any problems with it.  I’ve tried it with several different kinds of primers and setting powders, and all options have worked well with it as well.

NYX HD Translucent Powder

I’ve loved using translucent powders to set my makeup for a while now.  The first one I tried was by Tarte, and recently I’ve been loving this one from NYX.  Both are great in quality, and don’t leave you feeling (or looking!) cakey by any means.  Translucent powders are definitely are a great alternative to regular tinted setting foundation powders and I highly recommend checking them out if you’re looking to liven up your makeup routine!

My 2014 March Favorites

Every month on both of my YouTube channels, I do favorites videos for beauty products and random products.  This month, I decided to create a combined blog post where I can go into more depth about the products and share the information with those of you who may not watch my videos.  So, without further ado, let’s hop in!

Beauty Products

·      Real Techniques Blush Brush

This has been my favorite brush all month, especially when it comes to applying my favorite blush of the month (discussed next).  The bristles are super soft, and dense, so the application is smooth, and gets a great pigmentation from the blush, without giving you the ‘clown look’ that is dreaded amongst all females.  If you’re looking for a middle-ground priced brush that is amazing quality, I highly recommend this brush. It’s not as expensive as a Mac or Sigma brush, but definitely more quality that other drugstore brands.  A definite score all around!

http://amzn.to/1e8haDI

·      Milani Baked Blush (Luminoso)

My go-to blush for the month, Luminos has been a much talked about blush from gurus all over YouTube for basically forever.  I always hesitated getting it, but finally grabbed it with some ExtraBucks that I had at CVS.  It was definitely worth it.  It gives the skin a healthy, beautiful glow, and is very buildable.  You can wear it lightly for a subtle glow, or make a more pink tone with a rose-gold glow, making it extremely versatile for the drugstore price.  I love wearing it both ways, and highly recommend it to you!

http://amzn.to/1ruj9Yx

·      NYX Wonder Pencil (Light)

A relatively new product to the NYX lineup, this product lives up to its name.  It’s the ultimate highlighting pencil.  I love using it to outline my brows to create more definition instead of concealer that I’d been using (and it’s more cost effective), but it also works great as a waterline highlighter, and a lip-liner in reverse.  And who isn’t excited that CVS now carries NYX products??  I definitely am!

http://amzn.to/OVPoAS

·      Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder

I originally got this item in a post-Black Friday sale at Sephora that came in one of the $10 kits they had with small samples of products.  This is a basic non-colored powder that works with any skin-tone and works as a powder foundation.  I like this better than my old Clinique pressed powder as it makes my face look less chalky, and more polished.  I also have the NYX version of this item that I’m going to be trying in the future to compare.  I highly recommend trying out this type of product if you’re looking to switch up your foundation routine- it’s a simple but effective and powerful change!

http://amzn.to/1nXooAP

·      Essie Ignite the Night nail polish

Ignite the Night is part of the newer glitter collection from Essie.  It’s a gorgeous basic sliver glitter that just works perfectly with any shade or accent that you wish to create.  I’ve been looking for something like this for ages, and finally found it in this polish, and I’ve loved it this month.  I’ve been using it with almost every manicure I’ve done (and I re-do my nails almost every 2-3 days!).

http://amzn.to/1hW4EpS

·      Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer

A new moisturizer for me, this gel one is pretty darn amazing.  It doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy, and works well with my naturally acne-prone, oily skin.  Plus, it makes the skin feeling fresh and clean after applying.  I haven’t been using it very long, but so far, I haven’t had any issues with it, and am definitely loving it!  If you’re in the market for a new moisturizer and don’t want to spend a ton of money, I would definitely check out this one!

http://amzn.to/1hW4IpF

Random Favorites

·      iPhone

A few months ago, I joined team iPhone!  I can’t even begin to say how jazzed I was about this tech change in my life, especially after months of phone issues with multiple replacements (I’m not even kidding).  I got the blue iPhone 5C.  I know this isn’t considered the “top of the line” iPhone model, but it’s absolutely perfect for me.  It does everything I want it to, and has served me perfectly.   If you’re looking into making the switch to an iPhone but are hesitant, this is an excellent option and is a cheaper one compared to the 5S.

·      VSCOcam

VCSOcam is my #1 photo editing app for my Instagram pictures.  I know editing pictures for Instagram isn’t very important, but I enjoy taking a few minutes to do this, and this is a great app to do everything all in one step.  You can apply filters, change the saturation, fade, crop, and do so much more, and then save the edited photo to your camera roll.  If you’re just as into Instagram as I am, I highly recommend checking out this FREE app!

·      Allegiant (book)

This month I’ve been reading the final book in the Divergent trilogy, Allegiant.  I’ll admit to you guys, that I’m not as thrilled as I had been about the other books in the series, but I do like it. 

http://amzn.to/1jDHc1R

·      Divergent (film)

I’m not going to jump into too much detail about the film Divergent as I gave some detail on it in a recent post (linked at the end), but I will say I loved it!

Buy the soundtrack: http://amzn.to/1m4jJbx

·      Frozen (film)

Another film I mentioned in the previous post, I LOVED this movie.  So adorable, so hilarious, and just perfect.  Even if you’re older, I highly recommend this movie!!

http://amzn.to/OWLzuY

·      “Let it Go” – Frozen Soundtrack

The most popular song to come out of the film Frozen this song has been on repeat on my Spotify player ever since I saw the film.  It’s such a powerful song, has incredible vocals, and the animation that matched it in the film is absolutely mind blowing.  I’ve linked the ‘music video,’ or the clip from the movie that goes along with the song, that Disney Animation released.  It’s beautiful- I suggest giving it a watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moSFlvxnbgk

Buy the song: http://amzn.to/1dKYWVh

Buy the entire soundtrack: http://amzn.to/1m4jehN

Check out my previous post where I talk more about Divergent here:

http://constantcomments1.blogspot.com/2014/03/update-i-visited-jmu-divergent-movie.html

Yearly Favorites 2013: Face Products

Here we come to the end of my 2013 favorites series with the final installment- the face products.  These products are my most reached for face makeup items of the 2013 year, and I highly recommend them all to you.  There’s a good mix of high-end and drugstore products here, so there’s definitely something for everyone.

Face

MakeUp Forever Professional HD High Definition Primer: This is the first full-face primer that I’ve ever used, but it’s been a long-time favorite, and I just had to share it all with you.  I have oily skin, and keeping a full face of makeup on all day has always been a struggle for me.  But, thanks to this product, I can keep all of my makeup in place, with no worries for a full day, regardless of what I am doing.  This was especially great for those 16-18 hour days on campus or those long and sweaty 8 hour shifts at work.  Whatever you are doing, this is a great primer, especially if you have acne-prone skin like me.

http://www.sephora.com/hd-microperfecting-primer-P217906?skuId=1097146

Revlon ColorStay Foundation: As I mentioned above, I have oily skin that is acne-prone.  This foundation is a full coverage foundation that is quite honestly, my all-time foundation.  It beats out any high-end foundation I’ve ever used from Sephora or any other brand, and it’s only a few dollars at a drugstore (how great is that??)  Pair this with my MakeUp Forever primer, and I’m set for day of craziness!

http://www.target.com/p/revlon-colorstay-makeup-normal-dry-skin/-/A-11127802#prodSlot=medium_1_29&term=revlon+colorstay

Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel: This past year in 2013, I really began grooming my brows and making the look good, and tried to make myself look more polished overall.  This brow gel is by far the best one I tried out, and the different tints really help give you a polished look and help with filling out your brow hairs.  After using this, I don’t think I can go back to using just a clear brow gel, unless I absolutely had to- that’s how incredible this product is.

http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=ANASTASIA%20BEVERLY%20HILLS%20Tinted%20Brow%20Gel%20P187202&skuId=829713&productId=P187202&_requestid=90075

NYC Bronzer (Sunny): An incredible drugstore bronzer that retails for quite literally less than $3, this is the perfect bronzer for beginners.  I was terrified of bronzers prior to using this, but it blends so easily, and is easy to work with.  NYC has other great bronzers as well, but this is the most well known, and after using it I can see why.  I have personally given this in gift bags to several people, and have gotten many positive reviews on it.  If you’re looking for a good starter bronzer, or are curious about bronzers but don’t want to invest a ton of money in one, start with this one!

http://www.amazon.com/Color-Powder-Bronzing-Smooth-Sunny/dp/B004ZDTRE8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388345473&sr=8-1&keywords=nyc+bronzer+sunny

NYX Blush (Bourgeois Pig): I love the NYX blushes.  They have a great color selection, and are amazing in quality for a drugstore product.  This particular one, Bourgeois Pig, happens to be the star of the year for me.  It is just a beautiful pink color; similar to what I would consider to be a ‘classic’ blush color, looks great on the cheeks, and is very buildable, so that you can wear it lightly or more intensely if desired.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/_/Ntt-NYX+blush/Nty-1?Dy=1&ciSelector=searchResults

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush (Rose Petal): The dream bouncy blushes from Maybelline are so much fun to just play with, it’s hard not to want to buy them all.  They come in a great range of colors; I just want each one of them.  Rose Petal is a pretty, soft pink that is great for days when you want a softer makeup look, are want a more toned down cheek.

http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-dream-bouncy-blush/-/A-13872722#prodSlot=medium_1_6&term=maybelline

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush (Candy Coral):  Another dream bouncy blush from Maybelline, Candy Coral is a bright coral color that is perfect for the spring and summer time.  I love wearing this color with a more neutral eye look for a real pop of color on warm days.

http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-dream-bouncy-blush/-/A-13872722#prodSlot=medium_1_6&term=maybelline

Benefit Boxed Powder (Sugar Bomb): One of Benefit’s boxed powder’s Sugar Bomb is a mix of pink, purple, and orange tones that you swirl together to get a unique cheek color with a slight shimmer.

http://www.sephora.com/sugarbomb-P252916?skuId=1221399

Benefit Highlighter (High Beam): One of Benefit’s cheek highlighter’s, High Beam is a liquid highlighter that is applied to the cheekbone with a brush and rubbed in with the finger.  I really like adding High Beam on special days to give my look more ‘oomph!’ or just to make my face look brighter and more awake.

http://www.sephora.com/high-beam-P1281?skuId=108829

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray:  Another lifesaver for me when it comes to making my makeup long-lasting, is the De-Slick setting spray by Urban Decay.  After applying all of my makeup, I take this spray and lightly spritz on my face and let it dry.  This just gives my makeup an extra hold power that I like and need.  While The primer does work well to keep my makeup on my face, I find that by adding this spray on extremely long days, or days when I’ll be running around more, my makeup stays on longer, and remains looking ‘polished.’  Plus, I like knowing that I don’t have to worry about doing minor touch-ups during the day- I’d much rather do my makeup once in the morning, and get on my way for the day!

http://www.sephora.com/de-slick-oil-control-makeup-setting-spray-P277222?skuId=1458181

Yearly Favorites 2013: Favorite Eye Products

Flashback to last week with me for a few minutes and I’ll tell you about my favorite eye products of the 2013 year.  I love to experiment with eye makeup, so this was a bit hard for me to limit myself on, but when it comes down to it, these are my ‘must-haves,’ the products that I reach for when I’m in a rush, or just looking for a look that is easier for me to put together.

Eyes

Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base: Having super oily eyelids can be an issue when it comes to keeping eyeshadow in place all day, but thanks to this eye primer, I don’t have to worry.  It’s super strong, and holds my shadows in place.  I first heard of this product through MissGlamorazzi on Youtube, and Ingrid was right- this is an amazing product, and is completely worth the hype, and the price tag.  I admit, it’s a bit on the pricier side of things, but I’ve had my first tube for over a year now and it’s still going strong.  I definitely recommend this primer to you all!

http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=nars%20eye%20primer&skuId=1236843&productId=P261211&_requestid=91631

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: Another great primer for your eyes, I needed to get a second eye primer as unfortunately I do have a few select eye products that my Nars primer just doesn’t have any effect on, such as my Sephora eye palette.  However, I gave the primer potion from Urban Decay a shot, and it works wonders.  This one comes in travel sizes so like me, if you are unsure about it, you can try it out in a smaller size, and lower cost. 

http://www.sephora.com/eyeshadow-primer-potion-tube-original-P284716?skuId=1515733

NYX Slide on Pencils: These quickly became my favorite all around eyeliners this year once I discovered them.  They are super pigmented, have a creamy application, don’t run down your face giving you that “panda eyes” look, and have a great range of colors.  I own several of them, and love them all.  I only wish I discovered them sooner.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3490137&_requestid=293840

Maybelline Master Drama by Eyestudio Eyeliner (Vibrant Violet): My personal favorite drugstore purple eyeliner, this is one of my go-to liners.  I love the look of purple liner for people with brown eyes, and this one is amazing.  It has a great lasting power (again, I have oily eyelids, so I have to be super careful about eyeliners, and eye products in general to avoid the dreaded ‘panda eye’), is pigmented beautifully, and is super affordable.  I haven’t tried out other liners from this line by Maybelline, but I definitely want to, as I’m sure they are all just as good.

http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-eye-studio-master-drama-eyeliner/-/A-13521434#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=master+drama

MAC Eyeshadow (Satin Taupe): This is my first ever MAC purchase, and it’s a gorgeous taupe eye color that looks great when paired with purple liners (my personal favorite way to wear it!).  The MAC shadows in general all have such an amazing formulation and are super silky, unlike anything I’ve ever used before, and are definitely something worth investing in. 

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/154/363/Products/Eyes/Shadow/Eye-Shadow/index.tmpl?SKU_ID=SKU1672

CoverGirl Shimmering Sands EyeShadow Trio: This shadow trio is a great drugstore product for creating a beautiful neutral eye look on a daily basis.  I use this all the time, it is one of my most reached for products, and I am constantly recommending it to people, because not only does it have great colors for a great look, it is super affordable, and is a great quality product.

http://www.target.com/p/covergirl-eye-enhancers-3-kit-shadows-shimmering-sands-110/-/A-11206295#prodSlot=medium_1_15&term=covergirl+eyeshadow

Maybelline Color Tattoo (Bad to the Bronze): I love all of the color tattoos by Maybelline, but this one is by far my favorite, and it’s ironically, the first one that I tried.  The color is so pretty, and so wearable and great for any look, that it’s pretty much an essential product for any woman’s makeup collection.  This bronze/golden color is perfect as a base to some of the Naked palette colors, or just on it’s own.  The formulation of the product is smooth and goes on seamlessly, and stays on well without a primer, though I admit I do occasionally use an additional primer with it.

http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-eye-studio-color-tattoo-24hr-cream-gel-eyeshadow/-/A-13872454#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=maybelline+color+tattoo

Maybelline Color Tattoo (Barely Branded): A pretty nude color, this is a great base color for shadows if you were looking for a cream shadow to use as a base for other shadows.  I have used this product for that purpose, but mostly, I use this color as an eyeshadow, same as I would any other color.  It really creates a nice neutral look and looks great when paired with bolder, brighter liners.

http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-eye-studio-color-tattoo-24hr-cream-gel-eyeshadow/-/A-13872454#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=maybelline+color+tattoo

Maybelline Color Tattoo (Inked in Pink): Inked in Pink is a really pretty, soft pink cream shadow that looks great alone, which is how I choose to wear it most often.  I tend to pair it with a navy liner, or a silver/gray one from NYX.  Either way, it’s great for creating a softer, girly look on the lids and really lightens up the face.

http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-eye-studio-color-tattoo-24hr-cream-gel-eyeshadow/-/A-13872454#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=maybelline+color+tattoo

Maybelline Mascara, The Rocket: My mascara favorite of the year, I love the big wand on this mascara and how it just seems to pull all of your lashes up for miles and really gives them volume.  I like the color brown-black, which is unlike me, as I typically stick with the blackest of black mascaras.  But, due to a now happy accident, I purchased the wrong color, and ended up falling in love with it.  Overall, a great mascara, that definitely beats out ‘the falsies flared’ by the same brand.

http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-volum-express-the-rocket-waterproof-mascara/-/A-14310161#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=maybelline+the+rocket