What's In My Makeup Bag: September 2014

What's in my bag: 

Smashbox Photo Finish foundation primer 

CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation [805 ivory] 

Sephora MicroSmooth powder [light 15] 

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer [027 Sun Dance] 

Smashbox High Definition concealer [fair] 

Sephora Black Magic makeup palette 

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara 

Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate lipstick [113] 

e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set 

Courtesy of Neutrogena: [thank you!] 

Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer 

Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother [Glimmer 15] 

Deep Purple + Black Smoky Eyes

What I'm wearing: 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer [003] 

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation [ivory] 

Smashbox High Definition Concealer [fair] 

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear loose powder [translucent light] 

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer [027 Sun Dance] 

Physicians Formula multi-colored blush [Blushing Peach] 

Sephora eyeshadow [Peach Beige N*13] 

Revlon Luxurious Color eyeshadow [045 Black Galaxy] 

Urban Decay eyeshadow [Rockstar] 

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara 

Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother gloss [Glimmer 15] 

Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate lipstick [113] 

e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set spray [not pictured] 

I know, it's a lot. This is not a low-maintenance look. 

What's In My Makeup Bag: August 2014

In my makeup bag:
Smashbox Photo Finish foundation primer
CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation 805 ivory
Smashbox High Definition concealer fair
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear loose powder translucent light
Rimmel London Natural Bronzer 027 Sun Dance
Rimmel London Glam Eyes HD eyeshadow palette 027 Brick Lane
Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara
Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate lipstick 113

Happy August!

My everyday makeup for this month is a 'barely there' neutral look- a nice change from the dark lips and smoky eyes of the earlier summer months. I'm playing around with pastel hair colors right now, and less complicated makeup compliments the look nicely.

I really love the Rimmel Glam Eyes HD eyeshadow palette. These shadows stay put very well [I suffer from oily lids], and it's so cheap! I must admit I'd probably never have tried it if I didn't get it for free a while back.. Rimmel made me a believer!

What makeup are you wearing right now? 

What's In My Makeup Bag: July 2014

What's in my bag: 

Tarte Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer Agent 04 

Sephora MicroSmooth powder light 15 

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer 027 Sun Dance 

Kat Von D True Romance eyeshadow Fever Ray 

Rimmel London ScandalEyes waterproof eyeliner 001 Black 

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara 

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers blush Illuminator 05 

Rimmel London Lasting Finish By Kate lipstick 113 

I've always been a fan of shimmery wine and pink shadows with blue eyes, and pale lips. Paired with intense black lashes, it looks amazing! 

What's In My Makeup Bag: June 2014

What's in my bag: 

Tarte Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer Agent 04 

Sephora MicroSmooth powder light 15 

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer 027 Sun Dance 

Sephora eyeshadow Peach Beige N*13 

Urban Decay eyeshadow Rockstar 

Rimmel London ScandalEyes waterproof eyeliner 001 Black 

Benefit They're Real! mascara 

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick 663 Va Va Violet 

Outfit: Your Ribs Are Showing 

I'm really loving dark purple eyes and lips right now, especially with my light blonde hair- it really balances out my look, with the dark clothes and light complexion.

I must admit I was afraid of dark lipstick in the past. But it's one of those things you just have to try for a while, and it grows on you. I am now a lover of bold lips and won't go anywhere without my lipstick!

What's In My Makeup Bag: May 2014

What's in my makeup bag: 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer 

Studio Gear CC Cream in Linen [light] 

Smashbox Halo To Go loose powder in light 

Rimmel Natural Bronzer 027 Sun Dance 

Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion 

Rimmel Glam Eyes eyeshadow palette 027 Brick Lane 

Rimmel ScandalEyes waterproof kohl eyeliner 001 Black 

Benefit Watt's Up! highlighter 

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara 

Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick 642 Nude Delight 

I've been drawn to shimmery nude palettes lately, since they're so quick and easy to apply- no need for precision -and with a light dusting of bronzer, really make your skin glow. Simple and effective. 

I go out walking/hiking a lot, and this is the time of year I switch to tinted moisturizers and CC creams with SPF. Nothing looks worse than heavy foundation on a hot, sunny day.. especially if it's the wrong color, which happens to all of us as we tan. Use a lighter formula, like a CC cream with SPF [20 or higher]. 

Sun protection is important! I started using Vitamin C serums recently, which provide additional protection [among a ton of other benefits]. [Note: Vitamin C serums are not a replacement for sunscreen.] Try to use makeup, and especially lip products, with SPF. If you dye your hair, you will want to use products to protect against fading. I make sure to spray my scalp [since my hair is short and braided] with sunblock before going out in harsh sunlight. Burnt scalp sucks! I learned that the hard way. 

Sunlight is good, but I strongly advise against tanning. It fades tattoos and makes you age quicker. 

Love your skin. <3

What's In My Makeup Bag: April 2014

Time flies by so quickly! We're already in the second week of April, and I still haven't shared what's in my everyday makeup bag this month! 

What's in my bag (in order of application): 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer 

CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation 

Sephora MicroSmooth pressed powder 

Rimmel Glam Eyes eyeshadow palette 027 Brick Lane 

Rimmel ScandelEyes waterproof kohl eyeliner 001 Black 

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara 

Rimmel Natural Bronzer 

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate lipstick 113 

Urban Decay De-Slick makeup setting spray (not shown) 

I was never a fan of Rimmel London in the past, but after being a part of their #staymatte campaign and scoring a bunch of makeup goodies, I've noticed a huge change in product quality- the eyeshadows and liners in particular are amazing, and last all day! The Stay Matte Primer has become my all-time favorite foundation primer, and the Natural Bronzer adds a light, healthy glow to my super-fair skin- not at all orange-y, nor looks like dirt. Amazing! 

My biggest makeup concerns are natural-looking coverage and durability. I'm a Sephora addict, and when I find a drugstore product that works better than their professional counterparts, I'm ecstatic. A lot of the new drugstore products are amazing! As a frugal shopper and avid coupon clipper, this opens a lot of doors for me- I can look great, for super-cheap! 

Of course, this doesn't mean I've stopped shopping at Sephora- I still have my much-needed indulgences. A girl needs pampering, after all.. But I spend a lot less money now. 

What's In My Makeup Bag: March 2014

March is upon us already! And once again, I've updated my everyday makeup bag to include my favorite items for the season. (shown below, as placed on top of my lyrics notebooks, which date as far back as 2008..) 

What's in my bag: 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer 

CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation 

Smashbox Halo To Go loose powder 

Sephora Black Magic eyeshadow palette [discontinued] 

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara 

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate lipstick 113 

Brushes: 

e.l.f. Essential Professional Complete Set of 12 

I really love the Rimmel Stay Matte foundation primer. It has a consistency similar to that of Elmer's glue, but dude- it makes shit stick like no other primer I've tried. Wow. 

Another new favorite is the Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate lipstick in 113. It's an awesome light nude matte lipstick that stays for hours (if you don't mess with it too much). It's not nearly as drying as a lot of the other matte lipsticks out there, but you will definitely want to apply a good lip balm beforehand. 

Have you used any of these products? What do you think of them? 

Makeup: Black Mystery Smoky Eyes

Lately I've been wearing a basic soft black smoky eye (no eyeliner), and playing around with different sparkly loose pigments. My favorite right now is Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments in 30 Black Mystery. The blue sparkles are so cool! 

Today I skimped on my makeup routine (no primers or highlighters!), but I think it's good to take a break every now and then, and not obsess over the little things. 

What I'm wearing: 

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation 805 Ivory 

Sephora MicroSmooth face powder 05 light 

Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments 30 Black Mystery 

Sephora eyeshadow N*13 Peach Beige 

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara 

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate lipstick 113 

Urban Decay De-Slick makeup setting spray 

Brushes: 

e.l.f. Essential Professional Complete Set of 12 

I applied the black shadow all over my eyelids, as well as underneath, with a damp makeup brush, to help it last longer and avoid the black powder falling onto my cheeks (which, the black on super-pale skin can make a terrible mess). I like to use a somewhat thick (but flat) brush for a more dramatic effect. Then I highlight my browbones, and underneath my eyes, with a nude shimmer shadow. I usually skip eyeliner these days because with dark eye makeup, a harsh line is a bit too much with light blonde hair, I think. 

FYI: 

Regardless of bad skin days or unflattering lighting, I will not retouch my photos here. (This, of course, does not apply when I work with other photographers, as those photos are products of their talents.) As a personal style/beauty blogger, I am exposing myself to you- I think you should see me as I really am. This isn't about vanity, it's about documenting my life. 

What's In My Makeup Bag: January 2014

It's been a little while since I last shared what I'm using right now, so here it is- what's in my makeup bag January 2014!

I've been rocking a more natural look since I've been so rushed with everything lately.. I've only had time for the basics, brush on some eyeshadow real quick, and if I have time, a little eyeliner!

In my bag:
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
CoverGirl Ourlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation in 805 ivory
Sephora MicroSmooth powder in 05 light
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips eyeshadow palette in classic nude
Sephora 12HR eyeliner in 01 black lace
Benefit They're Real! mascara

Brushes:
e.l.f. Essential Professional Complete Set of 12

Do you use any of these products? What do you think?

What's In My Makeup Bag: Christmas 2013

Cold winter weather is so harsh on my skin, so it's hard to find makeup that not only looks good, but also moisturizes and protects. Here's what I'll be wearing Christmas 2013: 

Studio Gear CC Cream 

Studio Gear Holiday Smoky Eye Palette 

Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix 

Sephora MicroSmooth powder 

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara 

Benefit Watt's Up! highlighter 

Smashbox Photo Ready foundation primer 

Both of the Studio Gear products, which I love, have been gifted in exchange for a review, FYI.  

I don't have anything special planned for the holidays. Gary and I would prefer not to celebrate, really. So we're keeping it low-key. And I intend to create a less dramatic smoky eye (think black and gold shimmer) this year. Plus my usual skin products- perfection! 

Are you doing anything for the holidays? And what makeup will you be wearing? 

Sunday Sephora Haul!

Today I picked up a bunch of goodies at Sephora, and for a great price!

What I bought: 

Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix ($12) 

Sephora Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner ($7) 

Nails Inc. Special Effects glitter nail polish in 431 sloane square (sale $4, originally $9.50) 

Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish in 042 houses of parliament (sale $4, originally $16) 

Kat Von D Sinner eau de parfum rollerball (sale $5, originally $18) 

Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Concealer in light 18 - for Gary ($25) 

Benefit A Little Bit Bad Gal Lash mascara mini ($9) 

My early birthday gift: 

Benefit They're Real! mascara 

Benefit Watt's Up! highlighter 

Some of these products are things I already use, and others I'm trying for the first time. I can't wait to test and review the new ones! I'm most excited about the Mist & Fix (still looking for that perfect makeup setting spray for winter) and Benefit highlighter. 

I'm thrilled about this haul because it only cost me $65.97 before tax- I saved $30.53 (that's 32%!) and got 2 free minis. Go me! 

Have you bought any new beauty products lately? 

In My Makeup Bag Right Now: October 2013

*This post contains affiliate links.* 

I've added a few new products to my bag since last month's post- check it out: 

YesTo Tomatoes daily balancing moisturizer
Urban Decay De-Slick makeup setting spray
Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 foundation
Sephora MicroSmooth face powder
Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow in fever ray
Benefit They're Real! mascara
Neutrogena MoistureShine gloss in natural boost

I'm a big fan of the YesTo Tomatoes moisturizer. I bought it a week ago and immediately saw a great difference in my skin quality. It moisturizes, fights breakouts, and is neither thick nor oily. It gives my skin the amazing, healthy glow it has never had. I can't wait to see how it reacts with my dry winter skin over the coming months...

I forgot I had this lip gloss in my collection, so it was amazing to rediscover it. I used to use the Neutrogena MoistureShine gloss in whisper for years, then eventually decided to try natural boost as well. Now that I've gone back to my natural hair color, I think this gloss looks better on me. The staying power is a definite plus as well. I absolutely love it!

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think?

Makeup: Winged Eye #2

*This post contains affiliate links.*

Like Winged Eye #1, this is one of the least dramatic winged eye looks I'll show you here, and perhaps even less time consuming than the first. It is also probably the eye makeup technique I use the most right now.

Note: These photos have not been edited other than cropping and resizing for this post. I have not edited out my imperfections because 1) this is who I am, and 2) I want to 'keep it real'.

What I used: 

Kat Von D True Romance eyeshadow trio in Fever Ray 

Benefit They're Real! mascara 

How I did it: 

First, I used the medium, matte shade to cover my entire top lids, lined the bottom, and extended out toward my temples. Then I applied the dark shimmer shade to the outer corners. After that I brushed the light shimmer on my brow bones and along the bottom lids, beneath the darker shades. And to top it off, I applied a coat of mascara. No liner necessary- this is a softer look. 

Application time: 

Less than 5 minutes. 

In My Makeup Bag Right Now: September 2013

*This post contains affiliate links.* 

For those of you who may be curious, here is what's in my makeup bag right now. 

Some of these I bought, others are samples, and I love trying new things. You just never know when you'll come across something you like better than what you're currently using. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes with finding the perfect mascara for you. Or lipstick shade. Or whatever. 

Tarte Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer 

Sephora MicroSmooth powder 

Smashbox Photo Finish foundation primer 

Lorac CC Cream 

Benefit They're Real! mascara 

Sephora Black Magic makeup palette 

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer 

I am especially digging the Black Magic palette right now. I haven't come across many makeup palettes in which I could use every single color, and this is one of the amazing few. I can come up with so many great looks, I'll probably use it up long before I get bored with it. 

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of them? 

**This post does contain affiliate links, but I (obviously) own and recommend these products. I would never suggest buying a product I don't like.