October Beauty Favorites

Here we are again my friends! October beauty favorites!  I struggled to restrain myself with this post because I bought a few products right at the end of the month that I wanted to feature but it seemed disingenuous to call them favorites if I've only used them once or twice.  But they're SO great!  

Anywayz, on to this month's goods.  

Let's start with skin care shall we?  I've made a concerted effort to up my skincare routine this month, especially in light of the coming winter months.  My skin tends to get very dry in winter so I want to keep it in tip top shape.  

L'Oreal Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser

I went in search of a nighttime cleanser at Ulta and I had a few drugstore options that interested me.  Ultimately, this cleanser beat out the others because the price was right (I'm nothing if not frugal).  Even after the first few uses, I was very pleased.  It's a somewhat thicker formula with a super creamy consistency.  It lathers well and it isn't drying.  I've found that it even helps to slightly resurface my skin and fight any scars and spots. 

Physician's Formula Intensive Wrinkle Corrector Eye Cream

As part of my skincare overhaul, I've even dedicated myself to use an eye cream on a nightly basis.  The reason I've mostly been so slow to adopt an eye cream is because it's rare to see benefits right away.  Instead, eye cream is more like an investment that pays off over time.  Admittedly, this eye cream is no different.  However, I find the formula smooth and soothing, it moisturizes well and doesn't leave me feeling greasy.  As far as eye creams go, I think this is a great introduction to my routine.   

Got2B Powderful Volumizing Styling Powder

I feel rather silly that I've haven't mentioned this in past favorites.  I've been using it quite regularly since early summer.  It's a feather-light powder that I sprinkle sparingly onto my roots on days that I've washed my hair.  It creates awesome volume and just a bit of grip to help styling.  And since you need so little, this bottle has lasted me months.   

Onto hands! 

Sally Hansen Cuticle Massage Cream

This stuff.  The smell.  Heavenly!  Along the same lines of my renewed skin care routine, I've also been focusing on taking good care of my hands and nails.  This cuticle cream is non-greasy and well-moisturizing and as I said, the smell is totally intoxicating.  

Nourish Organic Coconut and Argan Body Lotion

This little gem was in October's Ipsy bag and what a total delight.  This formula is so thick and creamy but absorbs into the skin within seconds.  And the smell is to.die.for.  I was beyond delighted to discover that the full size is available at Target for around $10.  I have no doubts that this will soon be a staple at my bedside table.  

Seche Vite Top Coat

This probably needs little explanation.  It's a cult favorite for a reason.  It's the BEST top coat I've ever used and I think I'm already on my 3rd or 4th bottle.  It creates a super shiny finish and makes my nails feel strong.  Holy Grail status.  

Now onto eyes!  

Maybelline One by One Volum' Express

Now, this mascara has not fully replaced my beloved L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess but it may be a close second.  I find the formula decently volumizing and impressively lengthening.  The formula is buildable for an awesome dramatic look and there's no smudging all day.  

Essence Liquid Eyeliner

Now, I'll say upfront that this eyeliner isn't particularly long lasting and I didn't really expect it be when purchasing.  However, it has a great teeny tiny precision tip that I use in combination with black eyeshadow and an angled brush (see below).  Paired together, it gives me just the right winged tip.

Lorac Pro Palette

This palette is everything.  I've been wanting it for months but the price tag kept deterring me.  I finally discovered that I had about $36 in unused Ulta Rewards Bucks and I didn't think twice about buying this.  This a rare palette in which I would wear each and every shade.  The formula is so pigmented and practically buttery soft with no fallout.  A combination of these colors have been nearly the only thing on my eyes all month long (and I don't expect that to change in November either).  

As I said, I've cut back on a heavy liquid liner these days and have been opting more for just a little accent in the outer corner of my eye using an angled brush and some black eyeshadow.  I find it's so easy to work with and I can even do it when I'm half asleep.  

NYX Cream Blush in Red Cheeks 
Don't be alarmed by this blush's vibrancy!  It shears out so beautifully and creates a warm rosy glow that lasts all day.  I've been a NYX Cream Blush fan for months now but this shade is currently top of the list.  

TheBalm Mary Loumanizer
I'm no highlighter expert and I'd go as far as to say that this is my first proper highlighter but I'd like to think I know a good thing when I see one.  This highlighter is so lovely, subtle and shear.  I do a quick sweep across each cheekbone and it provides a beautiful glimmer that catches the light whenever I move.  TheBalm knows how to do highlighters right.    

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Natural 
Not too exciting, eh?  With all the excitement I've had with my Lorac Pro Palette, I've been keeping things on my lips somewhat neutral.  This shade is a pale pinkish nude that I swipe on throughout the day.  Admittedly, it's not a SUPER long lasting formula but reapplying a few times throughout the day is no skin off my nose.  

If you're interested in any of these monthly favorites, I've also made a Pinterest board for easy access!  You can follow it here: http://www.pinterest.com/AnniesCtyKtchn/monthly-favorites/

So what have been your favorites this month?

September Beauty Favorites

Monthly favorites time!  I wanted to get this posted last Monday but I had just moved apartments and I was too flat-out exhausted to even consider it.  I know you've been waiting with baited breath.  Anyway, let's get at it.  

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Brightener
NYX HD Photogenic Concealer in Glow 
L'Oreal True Match Powder in Deep Cool
Revlon PhotoReady Powder in Light/Medium

Yikes!  That's a mouthful.  I'm lumping all these together because they were just in last month's favorites and they're still going strong.  With the move and all, I really relied on some trusty standbys instead of buying new products that I'd just have to pack up.  However, I have tried one or two new mascaras that still didn't make the cut to a favorites list.  My Million Lashes Excess is a tough one to beat.   

Simple Foaming Cleanser

When it comes to skin, I feel like I'm pretty lucky.  While I certainly get the occasional breakout, I've never had to deal with any major skin issues.  It feels like I'm at an age where perhaps I should start investing a bit more with my skincare but perhaps I'll save that for next month because Simple is an affordable drugstore brand and I've been pleased with it so far.  Since this cleanser is gentle, I tend to use it in the morning for a quick wake-up and to catch any leftover makeup bits that didn't make it off the night before.  It NEVER stings my eyes and I've had zero irritation with it.  This one is a no brainer.  

September Ipsy Glam Bag

Ipsy time guys!!  Woo hoo!  I'm beginning to wonder what I'm gonna do with all these makeup bags...  And speaking of which- this month's bag is cute!  Dark blue with a black floral-y lacy pattern.  Adorbz.

First up, Jcat Lipstick in Honeycrisp.  I think this retails for about $2.50 and reminds me a lot of a few NYX lipsticks I have.  The quality seems decent, nothing super special but it doesn't seem particularly drying.  However, I can't manage to pull off a nude lip if my life depended on it.  So unfortunately, this shade just won't work for me.  But if you're on a budget, I think this brand is a good option for your money.  

Elizabeth Mott It's So Big Mascara- Quite the cheeky name, no?  So I was fully expecting to dislike this mascara.  I can't even quite tell you why.  I think it's because I've never really heard of this brand and I assumed if it was any good, I would have heard of it by now.  Good news is, it's actually pretty great!  I mean,  it doesn't beat my L'Oreal Million Lashes Excess but it's pretty decent and it made some great length.  Bad news is, it retails for $19.99.  In my opinion, there are just far too many great drugstore mascaras that are as good or better than this that sell for half the price.  Save your money guys.  

NYX Eyeshadow in Charcoal- I always love me some NYX!  This eyeshadow is a dark grey with a slight sparkle and seeing as how I generally stay in the brown family for eyeshadow, I'm glad to get this shade so I can experiment with new looks in fall.  In terms of quality, this eyeshadow isn't quite as nice as some of my more expensive palettes but I think it's probably the best value for a drugstore brand.  The payoff is good and I never have a fallout problem.  Pretty pleased! 

Starlooks Eyeliner in Obsidian- Suupppper happy to see this!  I've been needing a new black eye pencil for quite a while but I kept putting off purchasing because I always want to buy more exciting things at Ulta.  I used this the other day and in regards to texture, it applies so easily and creamy.  It doesn't tug on the eye at all and it's a deeply pigmented black.  However, I found that it's certainly not long lasting in the waterline.  I've actually never found an eyeliner that stays in the waterline well so this was just par for the course for me.  All in all, I think it's great if you don't intend to use it much in the waterline.  

Freeman Face Masks-  I love love love these.  I already own about 4 or 5 Freeman face masks (the full size bottles) but I haven't tried any of these versions.  The thing about Freeman masks is, it's not like they're life changing.  If you're looking to totally rejuvenate your skin, that will likely take more investment than a $3.99 face mask.  But for me, I like these masks for a once or twice weekly pick-me-up.  Sometimes, my skin just looks dull and it needs a good sprucing-up.  For the price, I think these are awesome and I always have a few varieties at home.  

All in all, I really liked this bag.  There are probably a few products I wouldn't re-purchase, based mostly on price,  but the quality is good and I love trying new brands.

What did you think of this month's Ipsy Glam Bag?  

The Five Product Face

If you follow my blog at all, it's no secret that I like makeup.  Like, a lot.  So even my everyday makeup routine involves about 20 products and I love every minute of it.  However, I can appreciate the benefit of a quick "face" when you're short on time or traveling light.  So I've narrowed down a routine to 5 products (quite a feat for me) for those days when you just ain't got the time (and just don't care) BUT you still want to look polished.  Extra bonus, they're all drugstore products that are super affordable.  

First up, my fave NYX HD Photogenic Concealer.  When I need to be out the door quick, there's just no way I'll fiddle with foundation.  This concealer is light and easily blendable.  Use it on your spots and under eye circles and your skin is done! 

Can you tell I love NYX?  Next is the NYX Cream Blush in Orange.  Now, I know this color is bright in the pan but trust me when I say it's super blendable and incredibly natural.  It's just the perfect kind of pigmentation to add a little kick but nothing crazy.  I dare say it's my favorite blush.

Ah, Maybelline Color Tattoo, how do I love thee, let me count the ways.  Bad To The Bronze is just the perfect everyday shade that's natural enough to require almost no effort but impactful enough to wear totally on it's own.  This stuff is holy grail makeup material to me.  Give it a swipe on your lids and little into your crease and that's all the eyeshadow you need. 

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara- You can really just chose your favorite mascara here and swap it in but the idea is, mascara is a must.  Along with lipstick, mascara is a real "bang for your buck" product.  It wakes up your eyes and adds a little drama.  I like The Falsies for a bit more of a natural look but with added length.   

Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti- Yep, it's pretty much orange lipstick.  But, like, a coral-y orange.  And the great thing about the Revlon Lip Butters is that they apply sorta shear at first and you can build the color to your preference.  This, paired with the blush, is so complimentary and bold.  

What do ya' think?  Some bold colors in there but I promise it's not TOO bold.  

So what's your Five Product Face? 

August Beauty Favorites

Beauty faves time!!!  This is one of my favorite beauty posts to write because I could just gab about beauty products for hours and hours and hours (and hours and hours).  Let's get at it! 

Psssst!  Dry Shampoo- Fear not, my love affair with Batiste Dry Shampoo hasn't ended.  I actually happened to have a bottle of Psssst waiting in my medicine cabinet so as soon as I ran out of Batiste (which lasted FOREVER btw), I gave this a go.  Now, this one isn't colored so there's a definite white cast on the hair but it brushes out so easily that it's no big deal.  I've also found that there seems to be less build-up in my hair after using it, even for a few days in a row, so I'm totes in love.  

                        

L'Oreal True Match Powder in Deep Cool-   Yes, this color is WAY too dark for me as a regular face powder but, on Maskcara's recommendation, this is a perfect contouring powder!  I used to try contouring awhile back and eventually stopped because I didn't really like the powder I had and I probably wasn't using the right brush.  I've switched things up a bit this time and I contour every day now!  It takes about 30 seconds and I think it makes a huge difference.   

Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm- This particular shade is Cantaloupe Cream but really, I could recommend them all.  This is probably my very first Almay purchase because I generally just don't find most of what they offer very intriguing.  However, EssieButton mentioned these a few times in videos and posts and something caught my eye.  I love the simple packaging, the price (they're about $5.99), and the shear wash of color.  I've worn this on its own and over lipsticks pretty much every day for two weeks.   

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Brazen Berry- Admittedly, this looks a little bold in the tube!  However, it's such a fun bright purple-ish pink and goes well with a surprising number of looks.  This has really been one of my go-to shades the last month when I want to punch things up a bit.  And the formula for the Maybelline Color Sensational collection is really great and not drying.  

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess- Well do I really need to say much more about this mascara?  It's still going strong as my top mascara and I luurrvveee it.  I'm sort of torn because I genuinely enjoy shopping for and trying new mascaras but I really don't see the point anymore after using this one.  There's gotta be a pretty strong case for a different mascara for me to try it at this point.  

Dove Invisible Solid Deodorant in Fresh- Seems sorta weird to call out a deodorant but I'm pretty pleased with this purchase.  I mostly just buy whatever the heck is on sale (which was the case with this too) so I guess I maaayyyy have just been using a lot of cheap deodorant before.  This stuff goes on smooth and smells soooooo good.  Not perfumey or flowery, just super clean and fresh.  

NYX HD Photogenic Concealer in Glow- Look familiar?  This is the same concealer from my June Favorites but it's a different shade.  I ran out of the original bottle so I went to buy another but they were out of Light.  I started looking around for a few other shades and realized that Light may have been to light for me all along.  Glow is a much better match for me and now I seriously love this stuff even more.  So affordable and effective.   

Revlon Photoready Powder in Light/Medium- I've had this powder for MONTHS and really started using it again out of necessity.  My Rimmel Stay Matte powder started to get slightly too light for me after some time in the sun so I gave this a shot again.  It's the perfect shade for me and it really does seem to blur the face a bit (in a good way) that just blends everything together.  The perfect finishing touch! 

Formula 10.0.6 So Totally Clean Deep Pore Cleanser and Pores Be Pure Mud Mask- Part of me feels like this line of products is maybe for tweens or something?  I don't know why I think that but it doesn't really matter because I love it anyway.  The Deep Pore Cleanser is an excellent spot treatment to stop blemishes on the horizon and the Mud Mask is awesome for clogged pores.  Not to mention, I always see this brand on sale at Ulta and I somehow bought these, plus two other products, on sale and with a coupon for under $8.  No clue how I did that.   

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Coffee Cake -  Minus the entirely ridiculous product name and packaging on this, it's a reealllly awesome cream blush.  I know the color doesn't look like much in the picture but it's just an awesome warm brownish-pink shade that goes with practically everything.  Now that I know the beauty and splendor of cream blushes, I'm never going back!

What are your favorites this month? 

July Beauty Favorites

It's that time again laaaddiiees!  July Favorites!  Woo!  I should also note that I've still been loving the heck out of all my June favorites too.  Ok let's get started.  

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and Shading Brush: These are my first Real Techniques brushes and I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!  Until now, I've mostly owned pretty cheap brushes.  I mean, they got the job done and they were decent but when I saw a Buy One Get One 50% Off sale at Ulta, I immediately scoped these up.  I kept hearing about them on all the blogs I follow and they definitely live up to the hype.  And now, of course, I want the whole collection.

NYX Matte Finish:  I mentioned this setting spray in my Ulta Haul and I've definitely used it every day since purchasing.  Like I mentioned, it's not a miracle spray and I still get a little shine by the end of the day but I can confidently say that this keeps my makeup in place all day without the drooping eyeshadow/blush look.  Totally affordable and effective.  

L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense: Ok so given my strong feelings about another L'Oreal product, you might think I'm an idiot for trying another one but this is the version that Makeup By Tiffany D actually recommends and I can see why.  I've actually heard mixed reviews on this but I've found that it doesn't smudge at all on me and it doesn't lose pigmentation through out the day.  Plus, it's easy to apply.  It's a win for me.

NYX Cream Blush in Tea Rose:  So I don't think I need to drone on and on about my NYX Cream Blush obsession anymore since I seem to mention it on a weekly basis.  But I wanna give a shout out to Tea Rose because I think it's the most wearable every-day shade.  It reads a little dark in the pan but on the cheeks it's a lovely warm rosey color and just subtle enough to go with most anything.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Brightening:  So I deffiintely bought the wrong version of this the first time I purchased it.  It worked alright though the color was a bit off.  As soon as I tried the brightening version though, welp I was sold.  At first it seems almost shockingly pink but once it's blended, it brightens up the under-eye like whoa.  Ah-mah-zing.

Milani Lipstick Chilled Brandy:  In reality, I could have listed all of the Milani lipsticks but I narrowed it down to a very un-summer color which is fabulous.  I just tried Milani lipsticks for the first time this month and I can't believe I've waited this long.  They are so well pigmented and they really don't dry my lips out at all (which I ALWAYS have problems with).  At about $5 a piece, they're an amazing steal.  I basically want the whole collection.

Elf Makeup Remover Pen:  I ordered this pen online, from Elf's website, months and months ago.  I actually didn't entirely know what it was but it was $3 and I figured I'd find a way to put it to use.  It's pretty much makeup remover in a spongey tip applicator pen and it's so perfect for clean up around the eye.  No matter how many times I use liquid eye liner, I still always have an unsteady hand so this pen has saved me many a time from just dunking my face in the sink and starting over again.   

theBalm Nude 'tude Eyeshadow Palette:  The second I saw this palette mentioned in a YouTube video, I was immediately on the hunt for it.  I managed to find it online for $20 and I think I've used it every.single.day since I got it.  Neutrals are my jam for life and this palette does not disappoint.  It's even got a great deep magenta shade that's really wearable.  I already know this will be a longtime fave for me.  

Welp, that's all I got ladies gents.  What have you been loving this month?

Ulta Beauty Haul

More accurately, I could basically call this a NYX beauty haul.  These days, when I head into Ulta I almost surely leave with about 5 products and 80% of them are NYX.  If you haven't explored NYX yet I suggest you do.  They've got a huge collection for very low prices and the quality is mostly great (though there can be a few duds).

Anyway!  On to my first and only non-NYX choice.  Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Electric Blue (oddly, they don't have that specific color on their site.  This is a link to the other colors).  This is probably my 7th Color Tattoo and I've loved every single one.  It's a cream eye shadow with excellent pigmentation and it' SO easy to apply.  In fact, I don't even use a brush, I just smear it on my lids with my ring finger.

Most of the colors I own are browns and pinks and bronzes so this blue is a huge step for me.  I'm basically terrified of blue eyeshadow because I don't want to look like I've stepped out of a 1980's music video (or do I?).  However, this is a deep blue and I'm hoping I can make it work with a smokey eye.  Wish me the best.  Hilarity will likely ensue.     

NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray.  I've only recently gotten into setting sprays but this is my first matte setting spray.  I tend to have oily skin, especially in summer, so I need all the help I can get to avoid shine.  I can't say I noticed a huge difference in shine control (maybe slightly though) but it was about a 10 hour day and my makeup really stayed put.  At $7.99, I think it's reasonably priced for the quality.  Don't be expecting any miracles though!

NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic: If you're looking for miracles, this blush is where it's at.  I've waxed poetic about NYX Cream Blush before so when I realized how much I loved it, I knew I wanted to try more colors.  Honestly, I would have gladly purchased every color but I decided to reign in the crazy and go for a wearable everyday color.  This is a lovely baby-doll pink with a slight shimmer that's subtle and natural.  So in love.  

NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu:  This is my first go at NYX Butter Gloss (I've tried their Mega Shine Lip Gloss before) and if I'm being honest, I don't totally know the difference between the formulas.  However, I still really love this gloss because it's not super sticky, it has only a mild scent, and it's a beautiful pinky gold color.  I expected something a bit more brown with a name like Tiramisu but I'm pleasantly surprised anyway.  At $4.99 I foresee many purchases in my future.  

NYX Round Case Lipstick in Pure Nude: $3.99 people!  For Lipstick!  This particular line has about a million shade choices and from what I can tell, they're all very well pigmented.  I chose Pure Nude and even though it looks sort of pink-ish, it actually applies quite nude with only the slightest pink undertone (which I think works well with my skin).  I think the quality is really decent given the price though I would recommend your lips are well moisturized before applying.  My sister detected a slight waxy texture but didn't so it may vary a bit depending on color and your own lips.  I won't make the argument that this lipstick is the same quality and higher-end stuff (as if I even own anything high-end) but in terms of affordable lipsticks, this was a winner.    

What are your favorite Ulta purchases?  Anything I NEED to try? 

June Beauty Favorites

 

 My very first "favorites" post!  Considering I spend approximately 70% of my life either reading baking blogs, beauty blogs, or watching You Tube makeup tutorials, I thought it was time I tried my hand at a monthly makeup favorites post.  Goodness knows I own enough products to gab your ear off for the next week.

Ok, first up, hair.

Hair Donut

Boy oh boy do I love this spongey donut thing.  If you're unfamiliar, it's used as a supplement (?) to a "sock bun" which is all the rage on the web.....and in real life.  Basically, I make a ponytail on the crown of the head, put this donut at the base of it and then start swirling my hair into/around it to make either a messy bun or a sleeker bun.  Or sometimes messy when I'm trying to be sleek.  It happens.

This is the quickest and easiest way to make a hairstyle with impact and it's SO PERFECT for dirty hair.  I'm admitting on the internet that I do not wash my hair every day (and sometimes not even every other day) and let's just say I know a thing or two about dirty hair.  Sock bun is the way to go on dirty hair days.

I bought mine at Claire's Boutique (because I'm 12?) for about $6.50 but I've seen them at Ulta, Target, Sally's and a bunch of other places.  Get at it.

Batiste Hint of Color Deep and Dark Brown

Umm, speaking of dirty hair......  You gotta have dry shampoo in your arsenal.  Aside from its obvious use of soaking up oil, it's actually great to use for volume too!  I recently discovered that I was using dry shampoo wrong because I didn't read the directions (obvi).  The trick is, you need to let is sit in your hair for about 5-10 mins so the powder can soak up the oil.  Then brush it out.  It all makes sense now.  

This particular variety says it has a slight brown tint and I would agree that slight is a good description.  I have relatively dark hair so I still get quite a bit of white-cast powder residue but it's really easy to brush through.    

NYX HD Photo Concealer in Fair

Before this concealer, I was choosing my concealers all wrong.  I kept buying that cheap-y stuff (because I'm cheap) that comes in a stick and looks like a lipstick tube.  No no no no no.  Silly Annie.  

This liquid concealer is light and slightly creamy.  I use it to cover up blemishes and for under-eye darkness.  And trust me, I got under-eye circles like whoa.  It's easy to blend and holds up all day.  Luurrv it.  

Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze 

This is just one of my many Color Tattoos and in the pot, it doesn't look particularly impressive (in fact it's not quite so dark in person) but it's a gorgeous warm bronze shade that is totally perfect if I don't have time for much eye makeup.  Just a swipe of this with some mascara and I'm ready to go.  It's also a great base if you're going for a bronze-y smokey eye (and it pairs well with the Urban Decay Naked Palette).  Plus, it takes so little product to make an impact that I'm pretty sure this will last me until 2027.  

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in #109

This lipstick is sooooooo not me.   But it is!  I'm conflicted!  The picture really doesn't do it justice because it's more orange and coral in person.  

I have worn some truly awful orange-toned lipsticks in my time so I just assumed they're not for me.  But I was looking through some Rimmel lipsticks at the store and something about this one really caught my eye.  It's somehow subtle but bold.  I'd say it mostly reads red but with a definite orange tone.  I'll admit, this does dry my lips out considerably after a day's wear but for the price, I can handle applying some chapstick now and then.  

Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Ticket to Brazil.  

Man I have had a tough time finding a bronzer I actually like.  Part of the problem is that I'm so cheap so I'm determined to find a drugstore bronzer for cheap and I started to think maybe inexpensive bronzers just aren't great quality.  Until this one!  It's crazy pigmented and it takes a little blending to ensure it looks natural but the tone suits my skin color so well.  I wear it every day now to add just a touch of color to my skin.    

I probably could have gabbed about a million other products for hours (how did I not mention a nail polish?!) but I thought I'd keep it (sort of) brief.  What have been your favorites this month?