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! 💄💋