Showing posts with label beauty essentials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty essentials. Show all posts

 

(photo via: crfashionbook)

We're right in the midst of fall and while I haven't necessarily needed to wear any makeup or buy new products because of quarantine, I wanted to touch on a few products that I've been using since March and that have easily transitioned into this new season. One thing I love about beauty products is the fact that they can do such a transition and you don't have to feel like you're wasting the products because you purchased it at a certain time. Here are five products that I'll be using this fall and more than likely the rest of this dumpster fire of a year. At least my skin will look (and smell) good! What are you using this autumn?

1. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum: ($80) - This product has been great to use in my daily morning routine. I usually put it on as my second step as to make sure it really blends well into my skin. There is a scent to this but it does go away for me after I put on my moisturizer. The price is a bit hefty, but I've had it for about a month and half and have used it almost every single day. I particularly like using this on my neck and have noticed a difference in how loose my "double chin" is. Highly recommend!

 


2. First Aid Beauty Cleanser: ($32) - I've started using this product as my first step in my morning skincare routine! After being recommended by a Sephora employee to use it on my neck/chin after getting a wax, I haven't looked back. It's super easy to apply and has a soft scent, not at all overwhelming, and a little goes a long way. 

3. Yves Saint Laurent Perfume Mon Paris: ($100) - An investment to add to your collection, that's for sure, but I definitely believe it's worth it. Another product where a little can go a long way and it'll be worth having it be in certain sections on your skin. This scent makes me feel romantic, sexy and confident. The packaging doesn't hurt either. 


4. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray: ($33): This product has been in my collection for a few years. It's just a necessity to have, to be honest. Gives you smoother looking skin as well as locks in your makeup all day long. You must get it!

5. Colourpop Cosmetics Pressed Powder Shadows ($7): I love finding a good deal, who doesn't? So I was so excited to find these pressed powders from Colourpop when shopping in Ulta a few months ago. They are so affordable and pack a lot of punch when it comes to pigmentation and longevity of wear.

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Always,
Mostly Lisa
New Year's Eve is now SO close that you can literally taste the champagne flowing, hear the end-of-year playlists playing and also have the possibility of finding tons of glitter or confetti wherever you step. If you're like me, you can find all of these quite fun - because who doesn't love the chance to sparkle + shine while you're celebrating! I wanted to share five ways to do just that tomorrow night, including everything that you will need to ring in 2017 with a dash of glitter. Make sure you've got the right wine, a few of your friends, some delicious food and you'll be ready to party. Who knows, you may even be able to wear any of these all year long!
1. A showstopping dress -  ASOS CURVE Mermaid Embellished Shift Dress ($69): The name of this dress says it all! Feel like a mermaid while dancing the night away with the absolute perfect length sleeve + hem. I'm loving the relaxed fit and the all-over embellished sequins!

This week has been a whirlwind of emotions, but the one feeling that has really stood out to me is one that I got at the beginning of this week. Just let me say I'm glad this one popped up then, because excitement is definitely something you want to feel on a Monday! The reason why I was so excited? The Baking & Strobing Brush Set by Sigma Beauty was dropped into my lap (and now my beauty routine) on the day that it launched! This is HUGE, so unexpected and I haven't had this much giddiness over new beauty products in quite awhile. Obviously I then I HAD to try it out and after watching the Facebook Live video that Sigma did + the Snapchat stories various beauty bloggers did with this set, I finally felt confident to give it a try myself.
If you haven't heard about the Baking & Strobing Brush Set, make sure to watch that awesome Facebook video and you'll have this technique down solid. I, for one, had never even heard of these two techniques before but I can't believe how easy they are to add into what I do on a daily basis already. I then set out on finding out what these terms meant, and actually found a decent amount of information on them. According to StyleCaster + makeup artist, Jamie Greenberg, baking is commonly used with:

"...concealer and a translucent loose powder to highlight an area of your face. Greenberg says that you’re applying concealer and then a lot of powder over top, letting it sit for about 10 to 20 minutes. She says you can apply the powder by taking a regular sponge, ripping it in half, and pressing it onto the concealer. “You want it to be very visible. The more powder the better,” says Greenberg."

While Laura Keller of StyleCaster says strobing's most important step is:

"...highlighting all the right places. It’s all about brightening up your face, so think of where the light naturally would hit you. Dab a highlighter onto the apples of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose and your cupid’s bow to highlight the main areas of your face."

Here is how I used this set for the first time!
1. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer: Apply primer all over face to set the skin.
2. NYX Cosmetics Stay Matte Not Flat Foundation: Apply like you normally would with your beauty blender, covering your entire face/neck.
3. tarte cosmetics Maracuja Creaseless Concealer: This is where it gets fun, and the new brush kit comes into play. First though, apply concealer with your finger to the upper part of your cheeks and under the eyes.
4. F79 Concealer Blend Kabuki: Blend concealer with this brush under the eyes, and upper cheek. Gives a full-coverage finish to the skin.
5. Stay Matte Not Flat Powder Foundation: This powder is so nice because it matches the foundation I already used, so it's basically a set and you don't have to worry about different colors happening. 
6. F89 Bake Kabuki: Exclusively from Sigma, this angled kabuki brush has a flat edge designed to apply powder foundation right up to the lower lash line. Press powder as firmly as you can into the skin.
7. P89 Bake Precision: This is a smaller version of the F89, but has the same angled head and flat side to apply concealer and powder right under the eye.
BAKE FOR 5-10 MINUTES
8. F06 Powder Sweep: Take this small powder bush and sweep the excess powder from under the eyes for a clean finish.
9. F42 Strobing Fan: I absolutely love this brush, and I'm so excited to finally have it in my collection. It's a fan-shaped highlighting brush, designed to flawlessly apply and diffuse powder and cream products. I decided to have a little fun with the color of my highlight and used the Loose Shimmer Powder from Sigma in 'Felicity.' 
What do you think of the final look?! This entire process, including my eye makeup and other touch-ups, took about 25-35 minutes! It's super easy to incorporate into your routine, it's also a LOT of fun to play with all of the brushes since they're so unique and can actually be used in multiple ways! That being said, you can purchase the brushes by themselves, in pairs or get the best deal and buy the entire set together. I'd highly recommend the last one. 

Thank you so much to Sigma Beauty for this absolutely beautiful Brush Set, and for creating such unique and multi-functional tools for people who are still getting used to applying makeup and using it everyday. 

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Always,
Mostly Lisa
It's hard to believe we're in the last month of summer, but we're going strong and it'll be over before you know it. August so far, yes I know it's only been three days, has been extremely humid and I haven't really ventured outside for long periods of time. For beauty, I've thoroughly decided to keep it a little more natural and not as heavy as I would during winter. I've been scoping out products that are going to keep my skin looking refreshed, but not oily. tarte cosmetics has a great range of foundation and concealer that is water resistant, so if you're sweating a little bit more, it's going to last and not fade throughout the day. But anyways, get ready to shop six beauty products that I would highly recommend to keep you cool all month long.
1. pack your bags 911 undereye rescue patches ($22): My sleep schedule has been a little out of whack lately this summer, and I've noticed that bags have been forming underneath my eyes. They're really pronounced too, since I wear glasses, and I've been on the hunt for a great formula to help out in this area. After seeing several Snapchat stories with the ladies at tarte trying this product out, these rescue eye patches are at the TOP of my list to try before August ends.
2. Kate Somerville Detox Daily Cleanser ($34): I don't know if any of you follow Clever Style on YouTube, but they've been doing some fun Beauty Break challenges all summer long. They recently just got sent to Kate Somerville in L.A. where they got the celebrity facial treatment. Not only did it look absolutely luxurious, but it instantly made me want to venture out and try one of the products that I could actually afford. A daily cleanser? Maybe, just maybe, I'll get that celebrity treatment in the comfort of my own home.
3. Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Palette ($49): Glitter eyeshadow? You need not say any more, because I'm already sold. They're so dreamy, literally, and this would be such a great palette to transition into fall. This is definitely on the more expensive side, but a little goes a long way with all of these hues.

4. Mini Lip Color ($12): From the description I've read, this lipstick is supposed to leave your lips hydrated and smooth all day long. For only $12, I'm definitely down to give this matte lip color a try.
5. Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 ($7.50): I've used this lip balm several times in the past, and it is one of the best ones I've ever purchased. It keeps your lips nourished all day long, even after one application. Plus, it has SPF 25 in it. A+!
6. Photo Finish Foundation Primer Travel Size ($16): I picked up this travel size version in Sephora, and it's been the best primer I've ever used. It applies evenly and keeps foundation, concealer and highlighter on all day long. It's oil-free, so it doesn't feel greasy after application and clog your pores.

What beauty products are you looking to buy this month? 
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Always,
Mostly Lisa
Like I had talked about yesterday, we're now in full swing for spring so it's now the time to add staple pieces to your wardrobe AND switch up your beauty routine! As I've been getting more and more used to trying new beauty routines, I've also been on the hunt for new products to use. It's pretty crazy how many beauty products that are out there on the market, and I'm peeking down the rabbit hole wondering if I should jump in. I look to a lot of YouTube users for inspiration on what products are best, and that alone is another endless abyss to go into, but it's been helpful to see what I should invest in when buying.   That being said, I've been sticking to a few brands for the past few months and they've really improved my overall skincare and my beauty bag.

I've decided to round-up six products that are some of my favorite spring beauty must-haves! There's a little bit of everything with these, from lipstick to facial cleansers, so it's time to put your freshest face forward. Enjoy, and let me know what is in your beauty bag for spring!

1. Intense Butter Gloss by NYX Cosmetics

I am such a HUGE fan of NYX Cosmetics right now and I owe that mostly to one of my favorite beauty YouTuber's, Kristen Leanne! Not only has she recommended + tested so many NYX products in her videos, she's really made me appreciate how fun makeup and beauty application can be. Now that there is a NYX store at the Mall of America, I've been spending a lot of time testing and trying out the products in person. I came across this butter gloss in 'Cherry Custard' and instantly fell in love. I've talked about this before, but it is one of the easiest lipsticks I've ever applied to my lips. It's rich and creamy, plus the applicator is super easy to use and glides on nicely. I can't wait to buy more colors in this!

2. Soothing Serum by e.l.f. cosmetics

So I have yet to use this smoothing serum on my face, but I'm slowly learning that it is very important to put on a moisturizer before you apply any makeup. It's come about the hard way of me realizing this (a few more breakouts than I've had before) so I'm definitely going to be investing in this serum by e.l.f. cosmetics! If the formula is anything like their foundation that I've been using, I'm positive it will help soothe my skin throughout the day. PLUS, it has tons of positives reviews on their website.

3. Complexion Pore Perfecting Primer by Urban Decay

I'm all about a good primer to keep my makeup looking even and smooth throughout the day! While I've been using a primer from Rimmel London for the past year or so, I figured it'd be time to switch it up. I only hear good things about Urban Decay and their skincare products, so this is another great investment I'm going to be looking into. I guess it also perfects your pores? Sign me up!
I couldn't go through a beauty must-have list without including one of my favorite brands, LUSH Cosmetics! What better way to include them with one of the best face masks I've ever used, the Mask of Magnaminty. Talk about a refreshing, redness calming, pore reducing 'ultimate face mask.' The minute this mask starts to harden, you can feel it working and just diving head first into your pores to clear them up. When you start washing it off, it's like your face wakes up from being dry and dull. I highly recommend giving this mask a try, even as a sample. Your pores will thank you... or me! ;)
A brush that is made out of eco-conscious materials, and affordable, oh my! This is a product that I actually recently just researched, and I'm looking forward to adding to my bag soon. The hunt for a good contour + highlighting brush has been at the top of my list, and the reviews for this one are extremely positive. Good on you, EcoTools!

6. Open Sesame Loose Shimmer by Sigma Beauty

I got the chance to try this loose shimmer a few days ago actually, and it was amazing. Talk about pigmentation and long-lasting wear! Glitter is always kind-of a must for me when wearing makeup, because who doesn't want to feel magical when they're all glammed up? I particularly really enjoyed this shade since it had little flecks of other colors in the finish, which made the entire look extra special and unique. Go check out the look on my IG
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Always,
Mostly Lisa
We all have our favorite lip color that we like to go to every day, and I'm no exception. Since I've only really recently been wearing lipstick, my options are not as endless as I'd like but there is always room to grow. I'm also slowly learning which colors work best for me, and which brands have long lasting coverage throughout the day. So I thought I would share some of my current favorites, since they are ones that I already own and have in my collection. 

I quite like sticking with a basic red, nude or dark pink for lip colors. The boldness in me has not purchased any crazy colors yet, but hopefully as I learn more tricks to beauty for my complexion, it will happen then. These colors below are your every day colors, and work best with a variety of colors in your wardrobe. 


1. Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Prague: This is my current favorite, as it is literally velvety smooth and stays on for a really long time. It glides on better than any lipstick I've ever owned.
2. Nyx High Voltage Lipstick in Mirage: This is the first lipstick I've owned in a nude shade, and it's surprisingly one of my new favorites. If you're not looking for a dramatic red, this is a great way to have coverage and at least have something on.
3. elf Cosmetics in Red Carpet: This is another lipstick that glides on extremely smooth, and has long lasting coverage. Plus, tons of hydration!
4. Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte in Siren in Scarlet: This was actually one of my first red lipsticks that I purchased, and it's been a go to ever since. It's made me branch into other brands and other shades of red, mostly because of the matte finish!
5. Sigma Beauty Lip Vex in Sheila: A beautiful lip gloss that actually stays on throughout the day! Brava!
6. Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bloom in Blushing Bud: Look at that lip though! Pastel color, matte finish and so much more. Highly recommend this shade.
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Always,
Mostly Lisa

We're now officially halfway through the WEEK OF LOVE and today I'm talking about my beauty essentials for Feb. 14th. Since I'm slowly getting into more ways of applying makeup, I thought this would be perfect to show what I've been using on a day-to-day basis. These are some of the more basic ways to use makeup, I'm no makeup artist, and products that I truly enjoy using. You have to look good for yourself, or on your date, right?!

  • Purse - Betsey Johnson Cheetah Print Crossbody Bag (Similar): First things first, you're going to need something to keep all your beauty essentials in check! What better way than to find the a purse that not only does that, but is also going to look great with what you'll wear on the day of. It should be fun + flirty at the same time, and this cheetah print is the perfect way to bring both with complete ease. 
  • Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer - Bath & Body Works London Tea Time Shortbread: Keep your hands germ-free on your date while smelling delicious! This version is extra sweet and based off my favorite city.
  • Mascara - almay one coat lengthening mascara: It's always helpful to have a tube of mascara handy throughout the night, even if it is long-lasting version. Get those lashes plump!
  • Lip Balm - Kiehl's Lip Balm #1: Make sure to keep your lips hydrated throughout the night, with a soothing lip balm that will protect you from the drying effects of the weather.
  • Lipsticks - Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte in Siren in Scarlet + Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bloom in Blushing Bud: Having two types of lipsticks in your bag can be really helpful when trying to decide what look you're going for. I tend to opt towards the Siren in Scarlet shade, as it is this great pop of red and I instantly feel sexy in it.
  • Eye Brushes - e.l.f. Essentials Eye Shadow Brush + e.l.f. Essentials Defining Eye Brush: While you might apply your eye shadow at home, it doesn't hurt to have a pair of brushes in your purse to help reapply or fix throughout the night. 
  • Concealer - Ideal Flawless Cream Concealer in Fair: For another way to refresh throughout the night, this concealer is lightweight and will continue even coverage with a silky finish.
  • Primer - Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer: This has been my favorite primer to use for the past year or so! It makes my skin feel super smooth and helps keep my makeup stay on longer than it ever has before. 8 hours of coverage!
  • Finishing Spray - NYX Makeup Setting Spray - I had never had a finishing spray in my makeup routine, but using this Matte version has really improved how long my makeup stays on. It keeps everything in place and gives you an extra boost of freshness. I highly recommend using this brand!
  • Towelettes - Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes: Finally, you're at the end of the night and need to remove all the makeup you've applied. These towelettes are refreshing and are super effective at removing all the dirt and grime leftover. They're super soft and they're even gentle enough to use on the eyes.
  • Candy - BB-8 Valentine's Heart Tin Lollipops in Strawberry (similar): Treat yourself to some tasty candy, you deserve it! HOW CUTE IS THIS TIN?! 
Most of all, just make sure to enjoy yourself and make the night something to remember. Thank you to everyone who has been joining in on this series, and I hope you enjoy what else is to come! Tomorrow I will be sharing some gifts to get your Valentine's, and make sure to check out my Instagram for posts that coincide with each day on here. 
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Mostly Lisa