Recent Beauty Favs

It's been awhile since I've rounded up my favorite beauty products and I’ve been using some new (to me) products in my daily routine lately. I’m not sure I’ll rebuy all of these when they hit empty – I’ll explain why below – but I have discovered a few holy grail products that I know I’ll be rebuying again and again. My makeup artists for my wedding (who I loved!) swore by BareMinerals so I’ve added a few of their products into my routine since then.

a beginners guide to eyeliner

Much to my dismay, I was not blessed with Kim K lashes. My lashes are pretty much the opposite-- sparse and blonde. I've been on a quest to find the perfect mascara/liner combo that packs a one-two punch since forever and have done my fair share of testing. While I can confidently say Benefit's They're Real mascara is one of the best (if not the best) mascaras on the market and my personal favorite, I'm still searching for a favorite eyeliner but have been playing around with a few different types.

Pencil//
Pencils are great for beginners or anyone who has a hard time holding a steady line. I use Mally's waterproof eyeliner which goes on really smoothly and the point is a bit dull. If you're looking for a really fine line, try a kohl pencil.

Liquid//
The pros of liquid eyeliner are that it glides on smoothly and gives you a dark lash line which makes your lashes look fuller. The con? It is not very forgiving so you have to be sure to have a steady hand and/or q-tips on hand to correct any mistakes Want perfect Lauren Conrad cat eyes? Liquid eyeliner is your best bet. New to cat eyes? This is a helpful tutorial. I use this liquid liner from Sephora.

Gel//
Gel liner is great for faking a liquid cat eye and for getting really close to the lash line. It is easy to use, incredibly forgiving and very long lasting. The downside is that you need a brush to apply it which may mean having to buy a new brush. My go to is Maybelline Eye Studio which I use almost daily. Benefit just released They're Real Push Up Liner which is a gel liner pen which I very reasonably assume means the all mighty Goddess of Lashes has finally heard my cat-eyed prayers. I'll test it out and let ya know what I think.

Loose Powder//
Don't overlook using loose powder as a liner. I use Bare Minerals Liner Shadow in black to create a soft smokey look. I also use my brush wet to make a darker, sharper line. Be careful not to load your brush up too much or the excess might sprinkle off onto your cheeks!

What are your favorite eyeliners?

benefit drug store dupes

high beam vs Elf

they're real vs maybelline

dandelion vs l'oreal

Ulta is pretty much my happy place. I love the variety, I love the prices, I love the lines they carry, I love the reward program, I love their return policy, I love that there isn't one in DC so I wouldn't spend more money there...

What I especially love is being able to shop some of my favorite higher end lines, like benefit (one of my all time favs), and pick up some of my favorite drugstore lines all.in.the.same.place. which lends itself to another favorite thing of mine-- scoping out drugstore dupes. Some people swear by high end make up but my bank account thanks for me for finding a balance of both. I prefer higher end mascara and bronzers because I like the staying power but like experimenting with drug store lipsticks and blushes.  They're real is one of my favorite mascaras, only second to DiorShow, so I pick it over maybelline Volum'Express even though it has very similarly shaped wand. And while I love dandelion, I think the l'oreal true match does the job just as well. But its totally up to you and what your make up preferences are!

xo

into to makeup brushes

all brush images from sephora

The brush isle at Sephora can be pretty intimidating. You know which one I'm talking about the- the wall full of jars with glass beads and what feels like millions of different types of brushes sticking out. Or when you're at the MAC counter and the MAC Artist has his or her hip pack with dozens of brushes sticking out telling you about all the products you need to/should try. And all you're thinking is, I literally came in for ONE thing, how do I have all this stuff in my basket (again). <---Maybe that's just me. 

But it is important to know that the right brushes can give your makeup more bang for its buck. Good makeup brushes really do your products justice as long as you know which brushes work best for what! Brushes don't necessarily need to be expensive- they just need to be the right brushes for the right product. When I first started using mineral powders, I used the same brushes I was using to apply pressed powder and I was underwhelmed by how "life changing" everyone told me mineral powders were. UNTIL, I borrowed stole my mom's kabuki brush which made all the difference in application. Using the appropriate brush for each product will absolutely make a difference. 

My brushes are a hodge podge mix of brands. My favorite higher price point brushes are from MAC, Sephora Pro, and BareMinerals. My favorite save options are from Sonia Kashuk and Avon Mark. 

OH and don't forget to take good care of your brushes by WASHING them regularly. 

is your make up expired?

During a recent closet purge, I decided to take an extra step and do a make up purge. It had been QUITE some time since I last cleaned out my make up drawers and boy, was it time. I couldn't even remember when I bought some make up and I didn't even realize how much was expired! YUCK. My plan moving forward is to add a little sticker to each new product with the expiration date so I don't have to do any guessing down the road.

Some other helpful tips.....

DON'T keep liquid eyeliner for more than 4 months

DO sharpen your eyeliner and lipliner regularly to keep it clean

DON'T "pump" your mascara. It only adds air and bacteria to your tube!

DO throw out nail polish after a year

DON'T dilute mascara or other make up with saline or water to make it last longer

DO keep your products out of direct sunlight and in air tight containers

DON'T keep make up sponges for more than a month

DO wash sponges weekly

DON'T forget to was your brushes with gentle brush (or baby) shampoo at least monthly (if not more!)

DO wipe down your make up bag regularly 

Hope that's helpful :)

xo

make up must haves

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11

While I'm certainly no make up guru, I'm a total product junkie (or as Aaron calls it, a product hoarder. Psh, whatever, Aaron). Even still, I tend to stick with my same must haves and staples and don't experiment much. In the winter, I like to vamp it up with a darker lipstick or a smokier eye but for the hot hot summer, simple and dewey is my JAM. Oh and of course with a pop of red lip. Can't stray from the red lips.

Friends! I need your help! I need recommendations for an eyebrow pencil or shadow. I hope around from drug store to brand name but can't find anything I love. Any suggestions?

xo