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

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
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
Twists and plaits. It sounds like an exercise regime, but it's so much better! This hairstyle trend was seen everywhere on the runway for spring, and tons of celebrities have been rocking this twist on braids for the past few years. There are so many ways to wear this trend, so forget the normal braid and get super sophisticated. I've found the best way to rock this hairstyle for the shape of my face is either the milkmaid crown, or the half-braid that frames my forehead. Poppy Delevigne is where I've looked to for inspiration, and Emily Blunt has worn this as a go-to for a lot of her red carpet looks. That's definitely why this is one of my favorite hairstyles, you can literally wear it casually or formally. That's a winner, for sure!
(PHOTOS VIA: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 )
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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
Let's talk my beauty routine that I do everyday, and the products** that I use daily. I've been watching a ton of beauty vlogs (Kristen Leanne, Glam & Gore, MadeYewLook) lately, so that has created the inspiration to talk about what products I use to 'make up' my face! Most of the them are the drugstore brands, because they're what I can afford in my budget and because I've had good usage out of them. There are two products I use the most, and they are the Stay Matte Primer and the Tone Rehab Concealer. I find that these two combined really help combat the redness that comes with my fair skin, and because I tend to perspire a little bit more.
I start with the primer first, spreading it evenly over my entire face. Primers have been hit and miss with me, but this Stay Matte Primer from Rimmel London is the best I've had so far. It keeps everything in place, and maintains an even skin tone throughout the day. Then I add the foundation, applying with the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge, making sure to cover everything. This foundation from Covergirl + Olay is probably my favorite foundation I've ever purchased. It's in the Classic Ivory shade and is a perfect fit for my skintone.

With the bigger fluff brush from up & up, I then take the truBlend Minerals and add to the apples of my cheeks to attempt some contouring. For my skin tone, this shade 415, also acts as a bronzer. A little bit goes a LONG way with this powder, and so I only add about a pinch or so on each cheek. After all of that is blended perfectly and I have an even look, I move onto my eyes. I really tend to stick with more browns, golds and lighter shades of color when applying eye shadow. I'm still not daring enough to do something bold.  Someday though, right?!

The eye shadow that I've been using for quite awhile now is a eye shadow duo by elf professionals and 'Sensational Effects Eye Shadow' from Lancôme. To apply I use the eye shadow brush from elf professionals, where I usually put the lighter brown on the inside of my eye and then the darker shade on the crease of my eyelid. I've been into the more ombre effect lately, so I try to do that as often as possible. For mascara, I use CoverGirl lashblast fusion and it's been my go-to mascara for the past couple months. I like to put on at least 3 coats on the upper and lower lashes to create a bigger eye. My lashes are already pretty long, so I don't use an eye curler or anything.

I'm pretty excited that I have finally found the perfect shade of lipstick to add into my routine! I've not been the biggest user of lipstick, I mainly used chapstick or lip gloss. Not only do I now have the perfect shade, I have TWO go-to lipsticks in my beauty bag. The first is from NARS and is a velvet matte lip pencil, called Cruella. It may be a pencil but I've been using it as a lipstick since it can go so far by itself. The second is from Maybelline and is another matte version called Siren in Scarlet! I've been using that one a lot lately and it's so great because it's long lasting and doesn't smudge.

When it comes to perfume, I really enjoy floral and sweet scents. I have two rollerball perfumes right now that work perfectly because they're both very fragrant and last for awhile. Kate Spade New York 'Live Colorfully' is my FAVORITE right now, and I'm obsessed with wearing it. It just makes me feel feminine and flirty, which is how you should feel when putting a perfume on. The other scent is from Torrid called Siren's Call, and is bright and luminous. Both are going to be repeat scents that I'll purchase. 
 
Last but not least is the makeup removal process. I like to use face wipes instead of soap or anything, I find they tend to get more off. The Olay Fresh Effects wipes are perfect for everyday use, but I also like to use a face mask from LUSH Cosmetics called Mask of Magnaminty. I use it about once a week and it leaves my skin feeling smooth and replenished, it even removes blackheads!

So, all of this eventually leads to this!
**I'm also currently learning more about makeup and about animal testing with beauty products. PLEASE let me know if any of these products/brands test on animals, and any similar ones that do not so I can interchange them. I'd greatly appreciate it! xoxoxo

What are some of your favorite products to use? Let me know in the comments below!

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Always,
Mostly Lisa



It's almost that time! Time to get spruced up and fancy for whatever celebrations you're going to be apart of for New Year's Eve! Since I've already shared what outfits I recommend for your bash, here are some beauty tips that will get you in the mood to celebrate. I'm a bit obsessed with sparkle and shine at this time of year, so bear with me that all of the products have some type of shimmer to them. I know I'll be decorating my nails and eyelids with some type of gold or glitter when I start getting ready tomorrow night. Shop all the products below, and let me know what your New Year's Eve festivities are going to be! Hope it's something fun. xoxo

 
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Always,
Mostly Lisa


  
"You know that place between sleep and awake? That place where you still remember dreaming? That's where I'll always love you... Peter Pan. That's where I'll be waiting." - Hook (1991)
I think I can say that it's been a very tough and emotional week for everyone, especially people who grew up during the popular time that Robin's movies were out. It's been trying for me because the cause of his death hit very close to home, and to just understand that mental illness is real and can affect even the happiest of people. I try not to talk about these issues a lot on here, it's just not that type of blog, but depression is a disease that is very personal as I've had to battle my own war with it for the past 8 1/2 years. It is something I have to stick up for in regards to saying that it's real and sometimes it's not fixable. While I wish Robin's passing did not have to happen, I am very grateful that it's brining more awareness to mental illnesses. Thank you, Robin for building my imagination up with your movies and making me laugh. If you think someone you know is suffering, reach out to them, but when you approach them just try to understand they might not want the help right away. It's the worst to feel that when someone is on your side, you just might treat them like dirt. Just take it a step at a time. 
Moving on from the sadness, which has been hard to do the past couple days, I wanted to share a few items that I'm thinking of getting before summer ends! Yes a lot of them are a dream item, but some are more attainable and what I've been looking to buy to spruce up my bedroom. The desk is probably at the top of my list, it's from Pottery Barn Teen and matches perfectly with the armchair! I like the more sophisticated feel of it, and it's definitely a step up from the current desk/chair I have now. If anything it's going on my Christmas list! Also, I'm in awe of the embellished dress by Holly Fulton! How gorgeous is it? And only $3440! Can I be rich for like a day? Finally, I obviously need to update my DVD collection and re-purchase 'Hook' again, just in honor of Robin. They seriously need to play some of his movies on T.V. soon.
Have a great weekend!
Always,
Mostly Lisa
 
 

So happy it's finally Friday! I am ready for a weekend of doing nothing but lounge around the house and staying warm. Do any of you have any fun plans?

Today's post is pretty cool! I was approached by a Community Outreach Manager for HSN (Home Shopping Network) to talk about a budget-friendly post on beauty tips. The first part will be from one of their bloggers, Lara, who started a list that has some great advice on how to find the right product that you can buy within reason. Not only will your wallet be happy, but you'll have long lasting makeup that you can enjoy for an extended period of time. Here is the beginning of her list, and I thought I would add a couple of my own!

1. Build A Better Makeup Bag
At times, I look through my stash and find no fewer than a dozen variations of the exact same lip shade. None of these products get used consistently and they mostly end up expiring before I can even scratch the surface. I've learned that by better editing my purchase decisions, I can make sure that I have a variety of products that I use more frequently – and I’m more likely to use them to the very last drop.

2. Clean Your Brushes
Not only are makeup brushes expensive, but they also touch all of your makeup. By keeping them clean, not only are you extending their life, but also the life of your products. Keeping powders and blushes free and clear of oils and bacteria that tend to break them down will help them live a longer life.
 
3. Keep It Pretty
You will never find my hard earned makeup knocking around in a vanity drawer or at the bottom of my purse. Oh, the horror! I’m careful to keep my beauty treasures tucked inside of pouches when I’m on the go or on a tray sitting on my vanity at home. This way, there’s far less chance that they will crack or explode, wasting precious product.

4. Scrape The Bottom
I recently discovered these little spatulas that you can use to actually scrape the bottom of your makeup bottles to get to the very end of them. I’ve also been known to use them after cutting open tubes of concealer and lip gloss to collect one final application. Brilliant!

5. Portion Control
It may go without saying, but using only what you need can really make your makeup last. I found that I was always left with unneeded foundation or extra moisturizer after applying, so I downsized my dose and I’m wasting less. Making other small changes like not spraying my fragrance into the air and walking through it has also helped!



Here are my tips....
1. Testing...One, Two, Three
I have a big belief in trying things out before you actually invest in buying it. This goes hand in hand with whatever type of beauty product I decide to purchase. Samples of these said products are really great and so I enjoy asking for them because then I can test the waters and see what works best for me. While I've only recently been beginning to wear more makeup, I've had the courage to venture out of the norm since I was able to see what worked for my skin tone and eye color. By being able to get free samples you can then go ahead and invest in buying the products. Easy, right?

2. What Works Best
 Another great way to update your beauty regime on a budget, is to know what will work best for your skin tone. Since there are 'typically' three different types of skin tones, you can easily go out to a drug store and be able to match the best color to yours. I would recommend actually going to a beauty counter and get someone to do it for you. I am still scared to do this after seeing people get one side of their face done, haha. This shouldn't be stressful though and there are tons of helpful sites out there for all of us to look at.

3. Be Able to Multi-Task
Since you want to be able to save when you are buying beauty products, why not invest in something that can give you various options in one item? This focuses more on eye shadows, blushes, eyeliner, etc. There are some great eye shadow palettes out there that come in a range of colors that you can mix together to become something completely new! Some can be a highlighter, brow filler and eyeliner all in one!

........There you have it! Hope you enjoy!

(Photos: 1. | 2.)

Always,
Mostly Lisa