Showing posts with label beauty blogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty blogger. 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
Spring is officially here! It's time to get rid of those heavier, warmer aromas and embrace those lighter, floral perfumes that will put a pep in your step.

Here are five scents to get you in the mood for brighter and colorful days!
"Arizona - an idea, a dream. It conjures feelings of liberation to find a greater truth. Arizona - a name. A respect and love of nature, and a sense of unbridled freedom. Arizona - a state of mind."
1. Arizona by Proenza Schouler ($100-$130): Hints of tangerine. A muskier floral that embraces its sweetness at the same time. It will transport you to sunnier days. I think this will be the perfect new scent to wear all spring and summer.
"a beautifully fresh and floral scent, this fragrance exudes the natural grace and alluring confidence of a rose in full bloom. enhanced with playful twists of lemon, green tea, peach and lotus flower, it is unapologetically feminine and unabashedly confident."
2. in full bloom by kate spade new york ($28-$98): This third installment of their fragrance line, 'in full bloom' captures everything from 'live colorfully' and 'walk amour' into one new perfume. Fresh, flirty and unique to this season. You'll basically be living the '13 Going on 30' life with this rose-infused long lasting scent. I am a HUGE fan of 'live colorfully' so I am all about this incorporating similar notes.
"Gorgeous Gardenia is a paean to the lightness of the shrub’s first blossom and the addictive richness of it in full bloom—the result is gorgeously feminine. A sparkling prelude of succulent red berries and juicy pear give way to an opulent floral heart. The plushness of gardenia petals is enhanced by the creamy warmth of frangipani flower, underlain by the delectable aroma of patchouli and brown sugar."
3. Flora by Gucci - Gorgeous Gardenia ($78): If you are in the search of a new signature scent, 'Gorgeous Gardenia' will be right up your alley. This eau de toilette will be a staple in your daily beauty routine, and it offers a more intense floral, 'deeply sensual' fragrance. What I really love about this pick? It includes patchouli oil which is by far one of my favorite natural scents that is seen in bath oils and soaps.
"This sweetly feminine eau de parfum invokes sunny oceanside beauty with every spritz."
4. Mermaid No. 1 Perfume Spray by Anthropologie ($50): A whole perfume line inspired by the ocean and the secrets it holds? Are you ready to be transported to the beach and summertime? Well, this eau de parfum is for you. Vitamins and minerals are infused with orange blossoms into each bottle and can be used on the skin and even in your hair! The perfect spray for the season.
"What it is: Inspired by a new generation of Italian It girls, Valentina embodies a rebellious Italian heiress."
5. Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum ($92-$122): A new Italian It-Girl is the inspiration behind this Valentino perfume. She's cool and carefree and enjoys the finer things in life.  The secret to this fresh and fruity scent? Its top notes include: bergamot and truffle; its heart notes include: white flowers and strawberries; its base notes inclue: cedar, vanilla, and amber. Perfection!

What are you going to be wearing this spring?

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Always,
Mostly Lisa

A new scent. A highlighter palette made to shine. A hydrating oil to get you through the day. These all add up to the best way to update your beauty routine for spring! This season is the perfect time to hit the refresh button on what type of products you're going to be using in warmer weather. For me, I'm looking for products that will give me a dewy look, be long-lasting and most of all - hide the redness that creeps up and give me a natural complexion. I've already added a few items to my daily routine (can we talk about the NYX Cosmetics 'Love Contours All' palette or the Tocca perfume in 'Stella'?!) but there's always room for more! See below for ten beauty must-have products that made my list this year, and let me know what made yours. 
1. Quench Lip Rescue ($19)
2. Glow Kit - Moon Child ($40)
3. Hydrating Oil ($24)
4. Chloe Roses De Chloe Eau de Toilette ($95)
5. Bunny Eye Brush Set ($57)
6. Beauty Amplifier Set and Refresh Spray ($16)
7. Chocolate Brow-nie Brow Pencil ($23)
8. Dior Addict Lacquer Stick ($35)
9. Limited-Edition Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara ($23)
10. GALifornia pink blush ($29)
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Always,
Mostly Lisa
ICYMI: Sigma Beauty recently launched two new Lip Vex sets called Glaze & Dazzle back in January and they are absolutely perfect for anyone who wants a little bit of shine or glitter to complete their beauty look. What's even better about these sets is that they are a complete steal if you buy them together - $28 all together. If you follow me on Snapchat or Instagram, you may have seen me swatch both sets after receiving them in the mail and the fun that ensued afterwards. I figured since Valentine's Day is approaching us quickly it would be great to share just a few of my favorite hues from either. All of these long-lasting colors will go perfectly for a date night out with your significant other, a pizza + wine date with your gal pals or while you're spoiling yourself all day with flowers and chocolate. 
1. Vivid Glaze Lip Vex ($10): Shine bright in this coral pink gloss! It's my favorite shade out of both sets since it glides on so easily and leaves lips feeling smooth. I'd highly recommend wearing this with a sleek black ensemble, make your date really focus on the gorgeous color of your lips. Maybe you'll get a kiss at the end of the night.

2. Sheila Dazzle Lip Vex ($10): This Sheila won't take crap from any man, especially while wearing such a vibrant, satin gloss. I'd recommend wearing this color with a more classic ensemble that could translate from day to night, which is perfect for a night with gal friends. Think blazer, white blouse, a pair of denim and a chic pair of booties. 
3. Slip Glaze Lip Vex ($10): Oh-so-romantic! This baby pink shade has me falling in love with its peachy undertones and shimmer residue. I'd recommend wearing something a little more 'sweet' with this, maybe an outfit that will have you feeling like going to a malt shop and listening to oldies on the jukebox. A fit-and-flare dress, strappy flats and a cardigan that your sweetheart will admire you in.

4. Steady Glow Dazzle Lip Vex ($10): Hey peach, you're ready to shimmer. This vibrant shade slowly fades into a more subtle gloss that will last the entire day. I'd highly recommend wearing this with something red or pink, to celebrate the actual holiday, it will compliment the neutrality of your lip color. Take a chance and wear your heart on your sleeve this year. 

P.S. Pick up any of these Lip Vex sets at a very special Valentine's Day party that I'm hosting THIS FRIDAY at the Sigma Beauty Mall of America Boutique - it's the only brick and mortar store where you can purchase items in person. It's your turn to spoil yourself, beauties!
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Always,
Mostly Lisa
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

We are now in the throes of summer and that means really only one thing: it's going to be insanely hot outside (global warming at its finest, folks) and you have to prepare yourself. Yesterday, temperatures reached to almost 90 degrees and that wasn't even one of the hottest days last week! While I was going about my day, I began thinking of ways that I could make this summer more tolerable for myself and everyone else. These three things should make this season somewhat enjoyable, if not at least somewhat fun. Read on below!
1. Hair up, don't care: I thought I would include this step first, since it's something I would not normally want to do while keeping cool. I'm a little self conscious about putting my hair up, always have been since middle school, and I only tend to wear it up when I'm at home. It's the weirdest thing to be anxious about, self-image wise, but I don't like showcasing that I have a double chin and sometimes I feel like it's not flattering for the frame of my face. It gets to the point though of being so hot outside, that I literally just don't care and have to get my thick hair off of my neck. This was the case yesterday, and with a little help from Julia Engel and a Snapchat story she shared a week or so ago, I attempted to do the top bun. Lemme tell you, it felt super freeing to wear this out in public and to feel the breeze on my neck. Will definitely be trying this again.
2. Keep that complexion fresh: Because you can't forget a necessity like a hydrating moisturizer or mist primer during sweat-inducing weather. Want to know what is great about this tarte cosmetics product? It literally comes with a 4-in-1 blend of hydration, primer, setting spray and skin refresher! Having not purchased any product from the brand before, though secretly coveting every product in the Rainforest of the Sea™ line, I ventured out and finally did while shopping in Sephora! I've only had it for a couple of days, but after applying a few times here and there, I can really tell that this is a game-changer for my setting spray. If you spray it on before or after applying your foundation, it leaves the skin renewed and holds onto the base of your makeup.
3. Stay hydrated with water and cool drinks: As anyone knows, you will want to stay hydrated with water during these warmer days. While I enjoy water to keep my thirst quenched, I also enjoy mixing it up with other cool drinks from my favorite coffee houses! Whether it is Starbucks (who I found this amazing photo from) or Caribou Coffee, they both offer delicious drinks that will make your thirst feel extra satisfied. WARNING: Do not drink smoothies too quickly, as you will get a severe brain freeze, like I did yesterday. ;)

There you have it, my three tips to keep cool this summer. If you missed it, I shared these tips on my Snapchat yesterday, so go check that out! How do you stay comfortable during the summer?!

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Always,
Mostly Lisa

If there was any one piece of advice that I've taken to heart through my exploration of beauty and how I can incorporate it into my life, it would be to moisturize the heck out of your face before applying any type of makeup. Not only should you apply it in the morning, but it's even better to do the same at night as well. I took the plunge last week, purchased two different hydrating products and it was the best decision I have made in awhile! My face has been smooth, fresh and the blemishes that I had from a couple weeks ago have been disappearing before my eyes. I even received a compliment on my skin yesterday from a makeup professional, and if that doesn't prove that it's working, I don't know what will. Now you might be asking which products did I purchase? Let me tell you, and feel free to tell me what YOU use for moisturizing/prepping your face.

Product: e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer ($8)

Benefits: Easy application, with a dewy & refreshing finish. Leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated for several hours, even after putting makeup over it. Lightweight and lightly scented.
Ingredients: Purified water, Jojoba, aloe, Vitamin E, cucumber. Antioxidants such as; Shea butter, grape and orange.
Con: I really only have one negative problem with this product, and it's probably just because my skin can be extra sensitive sometimes. I've noticed that after applying the moisturizer, my cheeks get extra red and stay that way for a few minutes until the product has fully been absorbed in my skin. Again, this may just be my fair skin overacting, but I definitely need to let it calm down before applying anything else. 

Product: First Aid Beauty Vitamin Hydrating Mist ($17)

Benefits: Easy application, with a energetic and replenishing finish. Specially formulated for sensitive skin and helps reduce redness. Leaves skin with instant hydration + dewy skin. Has a lovely scent that is not overwhelming, it reminds me of cucumbers! Protects against wind.
Ingredients: Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and FAB Antioxidant Booster. 

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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