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: 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. 

Nail Polish Inspiration February 2014 - Deep Reds and Purples

I'm really into deep reds and purples this month. Here are my favorites: 

Sinful Colors 265 Rich In Heart 

Maybelline Color Show 420 Wine & Dined 

Maybelline Color Show 765 Amethyst Couture 

Revlon Parfumerie 150 Wild Violets

CoverGirl Outlast 305 Eternal Oceans

Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish 042 Houses of Parliament

Nails Inc Special Effects 162 Cheyne Walk

P.S. For a classy and simple Valentine's Day look, try:

Dark Glitter Stripe Nail Art Tutorial: Maybelline Color Show 420 Wine & Dined and 765 Amethyst Couture 

hand model: Gary 

Striped Nails: CoverGirl Outlast Nail Polish 305 Eternal Oceans + 290 Constant Caribbean

I have a thing for contrasting striped nails right now, especially purples and teal/greens. Why play by the rules? Loosen up and have some fun!

What I'm Wearing:
CoverGirl Outlast 305 Eternal Oceans
CoverGirl Outlast 290 Constant Caribbean

I really like the CoverGirl Outlast nail polishes. They carry some especially bold (and awesome!) colors, and as for durability, they're the second best I've tried (next to Maybelline Color Show). Love them!

What are your favorite nail polish lines right now?

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?

New Year 2014 Nail Color Inspiration

When it comes to New Year celebrations, I'm all about bright, glittery, crazy nails. I want them to sparkle like disco balls! 

Here is my inspiration this year: 

Nails Inc. Special Effects polish in 431 sloane square
Nails Inc. Special Effects polish in 162 cheyne walk
Maybelline Color Show Brocades polish in 765 Amethyst Couture
Kiss Gradation Polishes in silver/black
Revlon scented nail enamel in 310 beach
CoverGirl Outlast polish in 305 eternal oceans
CoverGirl Outlast polish in 290 constant caribbean

I love, love, LOVE every single one of these shades, and absolutely must share them with you!

Here's my first attempt at the Kiss Gradation polishes:

What do you plan to wear on your nails this New Years Eve? Have you decided yet?

Makeup: What I Wore To The Zombie Ball

*This post contains affiliate links.*

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it

Last night was the Zombie Ball, before which I did not have time to take outfit photos. But other people happened to snap some photos while we were there and I can at least talk about the makeup I wore.

I was super prepared as far as the makeup goes... I woke up this morning to find it hasn't budged one bit. Not a single crease. Spilling my drink down my chin didn't do anything to it. I tell you, these are miracle products right here.

To get that perfect pale complexion, I used...
CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation
Sephora MicroSmooth powder

On my eyes, I used...
the matte black from Revlon Colorstay eye shadow quad in Siren (applied dry with a sponge applicator to line the eye, then with a brush to extend outward)
Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant mascara

To set the look, I used...
Urban Decay De-Slick makeup setting spray

black corset by Charlotte Russe, gifted from a friend

I passed out with my makeup on last night (bad, I know...) and even now, as I'm sitting in my robe with a hangover, I still look fabulous. In fact, I'm actually kind of dreading washing it off and finding out how bad my under eye circles really are...

So if you're going to an event, or just want to be sure your makeup stays 10+ hours, I really suggest trying these products out for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Review: Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

*This post contains affiliate links.*

Lately I've been using the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Fondation in 805 Ivory, as I'd had a few people recommend it to me.

It's smooth, covers wonderfully, and gives me a beautiful glow. However, I do not like to use it on its own, despite the fact it has a primer mixed in. I still apply my Smashbox foundation primer beforehand, and the makeup stays for as long as it needs to, until I take it off.

It is a bit drying though... I've found that using YesTo Tomatoes moisturizer at night revitalizes my skin while I sleep, and then I wear Murad Oil-Control Mattifier during the day to keep my skin (and makeup!) in check.

Overall, I absolutely love the Covergirl foundation, and am glad I found a workaround for the drying issue. I will definitely buy it again. As far as recommending it to others, I would suggest it only to those who have oily or well-moisturized skin.

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?