The lipstick obsession continues

Look what I found at Five and Below for less than $3. 

Beauty Treats Velvet Matte Lipstick in shade 103 (bright fuchsia pink). 

Another mauve lippie!

I've been on a bit of a lipstick kick lately and any neutral mauve shade is my favorite.This mauve lipstick goes on smooth and has somewhat of a gloss to it. Around $5 from Avon. 

High End vs. Drugstore (aka. Affordable cosmetics)

As a reformed product snob, I have to say that the lure of packaging is what often gets one to purchase high end cosmetics but many times, the actual product isn’t any better than many more affordable brands.  That is why I try to find dupes of many high end products, most of which I get free samples of or are part of some of my beauty subscription boxes.

I’ve also learned that there are a few items that are totally worth the splurge (within reason).

Spend your money (wisely) on these high end items:

1. Foundation – For flawless skin. I like Makeup Forever HD foundation and Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundations.
    
2. Skin care- This is tricky because there are some high end skin care brands that are complete rip-offs. Your best bet, is to ask for samples of skin care at cosmetics counters or stores like Sephora and Ulta. For online shopping, Paula’s Choice offers a range of skin care options that are semi-affordable and you can also request samples.www.paulaschoice.com
    
    
3. Perfume-Don’t limit yourself to the cosmetic counter at the department store. Check out stores online for niche fragrances or even perfume oils. Although it’s not really “high end”, Bourbon French Perfumes in New Orleans, LA can customize a scent for you. (You can do this online unless you’re making a trip to NOLA soon or live in the area.)www.neworleansperfume.com
    

 

Save on the following:

1. Color cosmetics (lipstick, eyeshadow, gloss, eye liner, mascara, nail polish, etc.) Some brands are better than others.  Some affordable brands I love are: NYX, e.l.f., Colour Pop, City Color and Cover Girl.
2. Try out stores like the Dollar General for shampoos and body care. Many of their brand dupes are spot on and work just as well as those from Bath & Body Works.
3. If you’re a beauty junkie (like yours truly) you’ll love subscription boxes where you can try a variety of both affordable and high end cosmetics. Boxy Charm, Ipsy, Birchbox are ones I have tried and highly recommend.

I hope this was helpful. Happy Fall! 🍂🍁🍂

My new favorite lippie!

I bought this lipstick/lip gloss on a whim just to see how it would work and at about $3, why not? I'm glad I did because I absolutely love it!! The lipstick side goes on matte and you can add the gloss for some shine. It's also that greige-nude-mauve shade that's trending right now. 

City Color Matte to Gloss in Mauve Dazzle. Around $3 at Five & Below stores. 

May favorites

This is a little late due to the big move, but here's what I've been loving recently. 

These matte liquid lippies from LA Girl are amazing! The Wet n Wild brand liquid lipsticks I was using tended to be drying and would flake off the lips. These aren't as drying and they don't flake. Goes on like a gloss only with a matte finish. Shown in the colors Fleur, Iconic, & Dreamy. These were around $5 at http://www.lagirlusa.com

Ever since I was a teenager, I had bumps on my upper arms. This lotion, which contains lactic acid, has made them smooth and soft. First I swipe my arms with the glycolic pads from Avon I mentioned in my previous favorites, then I apply the lotion just to my upper arms. Around $16 at drugstores. 

For a complete body lotion, I've been loving the Yes! To Coconuts spray lotion. It's soft, non-greasy and smells heavenly. Around $7 at drugstores. 

I recently went blonde and after reaching the shade I was happy with (light ash blonde) I've been loving this hair gloss from John Frieda that also reduces brassiness. (Box shown) $6 Walmart

 Now that the summer weather is finally upon us, make sure you're using that sunscreen! ☀️

May Boxycharm Box

This was a bit late getting to me since moving house but now it's playtime! I can't wait to try the Revealed palette by Coastal Scents! Stay tuned! 

April Favorites!

I've been busy moving to my new house. It's exciting and exhausting all at the same time. Anyway, here's what I've been loving. 

I recently went blonde and was looking for a rich conditioner. This one from Trader Joes was around $3 and by far is the best conditioner I used. I just wish Trader Joe's store was closer to where I live.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dry nail polish is one of the few quick drying polishes that stays on the whole week without chipping. I use it with a base coat & Seche Vite top coat.

I recently started using the micellar water from the brand Simple. I prefer it to the cleansing wipes I was using as there is no fragrance with the micellar water. While it doesn't remove waterproof mascara, I still like it. 

This time of year calls for a lilac perfume. Lilacs are my favorite flowers. I love the smell of fresh lilacs but sadly, most of the lilac perfumes fail to smell like the real thing. This one from Yves Rocher got it right! 

My preferred lippie of the moment is the Milani Matte lipstick in Matte Blissful. See my previous review of this lipstick. The color is like no other I have. 

This wraps up my favorites for now. I'm moving house and hope to have my beauty stash organized soon. 💋

Xxoo 

The lipstick I'm loving right now.

You need this lipstick in your life!! 

Milani moisture matte lipstick in matte blissful. Matte look but not as drying as a lot of other matte lip products. I use a lip balm prior to wearing. 

I found mine at CVS drugstore for $5. Sweet deal! 💄💋

March Favorites!

Happy Spring, everyone! Here's what I was loving the most in March. 

 Aussie 7N1 Dry Shampoo- This smells amazing! Some of the other dry shampoos I’ve used either have a funky smell to them or they make my head feel like I’m wearing a clay pot. This does neither.  

NYX HD wand concealer and NYX Conceal-Correct-Contour palette. I am loving both right now! The HD concealer is one of the few that resists creasing if used around the under eye area. The palette is great for contouring and highlighting.City Color bronzer in Caramel Drizzle is the perfect light matte shade for us fair skinned lovelies. I apply it using a kubuki brush. 

Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel is a chemical exfoliator that you apply 2-3 times a week. I’ve used this for a while then forgot about it. I recently began using it and I’m already seeing results. It helps fight blemishes, too.

Yves Rocher Blackberry eau de toilette is my go-to spring/summer fragrance. For some reason this reminds me of trips to the Maine seacoast.  I could no longer find my Molinard Blackberry scent so I decided to give this one a try. A definite win!

The lip product I’ve loved recently is the NYC Smooch Proof Liquid Lip Stain in On Everyone’s Lips. This is the perfect just bitten lip shade and also works well on cheeks for a just-come-in-from-outdoors glow.

That wraps it up for now. It's been a long winter here in upstate NY. I hope warm weather is fast approaching. Until next time, all. Xxoo💋

February Favorites!

 

Greetings all! Here’s what I was loving in February. ❤️

Maybelline Fit Me Matte foundation and powder.  This is good foundation if you have oily skin. My skin is so oily foundation seems to disappear by midday. Not with this. (I also use it with NYX Dewy Finish setting spray.

I picked up this moisturizer with sunscreen just by chance. It was only $6.99 and I had a coupon so I figured, “Why not?” It goes on nicely with no fragrance and doesn’t make me break out. Win!

Since using this leave in hair BB crème (Yes, it’s for hair) I haven’t had the usual struggle with frizz. I smooth it all over the ends of my hair while it’s damp. Either air dry or blow dry for frizz-free hair.  Pantene BB Creme 

These gel eyeliners are the bomb! These have truly been the only ones that seem to stay put in the waterline all day with no need to retouch. L.A. Girl Glide On Gel Liner 

For lighter makeup days, I’ve been reaching for City Color Tinted Moisturizer.  I was impressed for a $5 tinted moisturizer.

I’ve also been loving Maybelline Master Concealer. It looks thick when it comes out of the tube but feels light on the skin. It doesn’t seem to cake or crease. I set it with NYX HD Loose Powder.

I’ve been obsessing over liquid lipsticks for a few months now but for February I was loving the Wet N Wild Liquid Lipsticks (shown in Pink Perfection)  and City Color’s creamy lip stain (shown in Flirtini). 

I think I’ve found a mascara to replace my Maybelline Falsies staple. It’s the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara in waterproof. This mascara makes your lashes look super long and holds the curl. I remove it with Sonia Kashuk eye makeup remover.

The cold weather we were having up here in upstate NY has finally broken. Happy Spring! 💐

Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Lipsticks!

 

Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Lipcolor is my latest amazing drugstore find and a good dupe for the Anastasia and the Kat Von D liquid lipsticks. I tried 4 of the colors (shown on lips and swatched on the back of my hand). All were very pigmented, dried quickly to a matte finish, except the pink which dried to a semi-matte, satin finish. The best part about this find? The price. I found mine for $2.99.

Valentine's Day

I put together some Valentine's Day inspired color combos. Enjoy! 💋 Xxoo

Rimmel Provacalips in Pucker Up with Avon nail enamel in Romance (the lighter shade) and Decadence. 

Mark On-the-Dot Neutral eye shadow palette, LA Colors mineral blush in Dewy, LA Girl lipstick in True Love and Physicians Formula Eye Booster Instant Eyelash Extention Kit. 

Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️

January Favorites

Here's what I loved in January! ❄️

Essence lipsticks are super long wearing & comfortable. $2.99 @ Ulta

NYC BB Cream. I posted this in my last entry as part of my current face routine. It gives the skin a glow without looking greasy. Perfect if you get dry patches on your skin in the winter that more pigmented foundations might make more visible. Available at drugstores.

Liven up your skin with a light bronzer (not orangy) perfect for those of us with fairer skin tones. Bourjois Delice de Poudre bronzer & ELF Kubuki brush. Bourjois Cosmetics available at ASOS & ELF available at Target.

Best gray nail polish ever! Storm by L.A. Girl available @ Rite Aid. 

This Avon Pedi-Peel is by far the best pedicure product I've come across. I often get dry, cracked skin on my heels and a swipe of one of these pads once a day followed by a foot cream keeps my tootsie smooth & soft. Avon.com

I've always been intimidated by face oils because I've had my share of breakouts through the years but fear not! This face oil doesn't feel greasy once applied to damp skin. Just pat over your face after cleansing and applying any serums underneath. Available at Target. 

A non-irritating cream eye makeup remover perfect to remove those stubborn bits of mascara or eyeliner in the shower. (I use this in the shower after using regular makeup remover. This gets the last stray bits of makeup). Available at Walmart.

The perfect lip liner (and price point!) to compliment any dark lip colors (like color of the year Marsala!) $2 Walgreens

Not necessarily a beauty item but Tiger Balm helps my neck & shoulders relax after a long day.  I rub it on before hopping into bed. Available at Walmart.

 

I'm sure I could come up with loads more stuff I loved in January but this about sums it up. What were some of your favorite beauty items in January? Xxoo