My March Beauty Favorites!

Most Loved Beauty Products March 2013

We're already halfway through April, but I still wanted to share with you all my March beauty favorites! My schedule has been a little hectic this month, so I apologize for the lack of updates. I appreciate those who have asked about my aunt - there have been a couple of complications, but overall she's recovering very well!

The products I'll be talking about in this post are beauty products that I've used frequently and loved in the month of March. Reviews for each of the products will follow!

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Makeup Base - $34

I've used samples of this product in the past, but have only recently been using it regularly prior to applying my foundation. As far as silicone based primers go, I really think this is one of the best. It smooths out my skin for a flawless, even application of foundation and it doesn't cause my skin to itch, feel heavy or greasy like many other silicone based products tend to do for me. I love applying this before my concealer to mildly fill in fine lines and provide a smooth base for a more natural finish. I also like applying this on my chin and forehead (where I tend to have visible pores) and it softens them so they aren't as noticeable. I'm definitely going to purchase a full size container.

MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF15 Foundation - $33

I've been using this foundation all month and I really like it. This foundation seems to oxidize (or darken) a little bit after applied, so I've been mixing it with a lighter shade of MAC Studio Fix Foundation and it works perfectly. I love the thin, creamy consistency and how well it blends across the skin. It gives an almost transparent veil across the skin with light (to light-medium, not full) coverage and a dewy glow. I highly prefer wearing this foundation mixed with another foundation as on it's own it's a bit too shiny for my liking, and transfers easily. Mixed with Studio Fix Fluid, it gives my skin the right amount of glow and looks great all day.

Urban Decay Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizer - $30

This is only the second tinted moisturizer I've ever used (the other one was Laura Mercier) and I love it! It provides just the right amount of coverage and evens out the skintone and covers mild discolorations/red splotches without making the skin look "made up" with foundation. The lasting power is great too. After wearing it the first time I was really surprised that my face wasn't blotchy or greasy by the end of the day. The only downside is that it oxidizes like crazy! There are only 4 shades, so it doesn't leave you with too many color options. In order to make this work, I like taking a concealer  (or concealer/highlight pen) that's lighter than my skintone and apply it under my eyes in the shape of an upside down triangle, down my nose and in the middle of my forehead and blend outward. It adds a highlight to the skin without really adding much more weight or coverage.

MAC Give Me Sun! Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - $30

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powders are some of my favorite products to use for bronzing and contouring. The powder is very soft and lightweight and glides across the skin so well without ever looking patchy. Give Me Sun is a light, peachy-tan which leans on the orange side, but with my coloring, I really like the look of terracotta toned bronzers. It gives lots of warmth and healthy color to my face and pairs really well with coral blushes.

Benefit Bella Bamba Blush - $28

Bella Bamba is a watermelon pink with golden sparkles. It sort of leans into the Nars Orgasm category of shades, but there aren't really any peachy-coral tones. It has a prominent warm, vibrant pink tone, and in conjunction with the golden sparkles, it gives a nice sheen to the skin. I've been loving this blush on the days where I want a little color on my cheeks (since most days my blush is pretty subtle).

Milani Baked Powder Blushes - $8

Believe it or not, I haven't tried any of Milani's baked blushes, so I recently picked up a couple. I got the shades Dolce Pink - a light-medium rosy pink with golden shimmer and Corallina - a vibrant coral-orange with shimmer. I love both blushes equally. They are super soft and blendable and provide such pretty, glowing color. Corallina is especially nice if you're a lover of peach and coral-toned blushes. They do alright without a base, but I find they last much longer with one. I usually just dab a neutral cream blush on my cheeks to give the baked blush something to stick to, and it prolongs the wear. Definitely recommend for a good drugstore blush, although if you prefer a matte finish, you may want to skip.

Swatches from left to right: MAC Give Me Sun! MSF, Milani Corallina Baked Blush, Milani Desert Rose Baked Blush and Benefit Bella Bamba Blush.

The Jewelmint Midnight Blues Ring.

Jewelmint Midnight Blues Ring

I apologize for another accessory post, but my Jewelmint packages have been piling up over the past month. Recently, there was a promotion going on for 4 rings for $40 ($120 value). I quickly jumped on that promotion and promptly received my rings in the mail.

Jewelmint Midnight Blues Ring is my favorite ring of the ones I chose and it's easily one of my favorite Jewelmint items I own to this date. It features a cheetah with gray rhinestones and sapphire crystal eyes and a large sapphire crystal stone. The ring has an oxidized (antique finish) silver finish.

I really like that the ring itself is a statement piece without being too oversized. Sometimes similar style oversized rings can steer into tacky-ville, but I think it's the perfect size and looks really chic and eye catching on the hand.

The quality of this ring is really good and it's an item I would have definitely paid full price for. It's currently sold out, but if it happens to come back, it's an item I highly recommend.

My First Rocksbox - First Impressions, Review, Photos and Discount Code!

My First Rocksbox

Rocksbox is a brand spanking new membership-based jewelry styling service. I know, another membership site, but Rocksbox is a bit different from the rest. As many other membership sites, you start out by taking a style quiz (or style profile) and based on your selections, a stylist will handpick items for you that should fit your own personal style.

In your Rocksbox, you will receive designer jewelry - (3) items to be exact to trial for up to 60 days. So unfortunately, all of the goodies aren't yours to keep permanently, but if you are interested in purchasing any items you received, you can with a 20% off member discount. What's really cool is that if you don't like your items, you don't have to wait for the month to be over. Just send the items back in the enclosed padded envelope and you'll be sent an alternative package. The amount of items for you to try each month is unlimited, and you will only be charged the one-time monthly fee of $19.

I wasn't sure what to think about borrowing jewelry, but once I received my box I quickly changed my mind.

Here's what I found in my little box:

• CC Skye Enamel Pave Dome Ring ($195 retail price)
• Viento Tooth Pave Necklace ($120 retail price)
• Gamine Sarah Dagger Charm Earrings ($59 retail price) 

I'll be back soon!

Hey Everyone!

I just wanted to give you all a quick update and let you know why this whole week has gone by without any new posts.

About two weeks ago my aunt (who lives with my family) went to the hospital for pains she was having, as well as some other minor things. They did a series of tests on her and among some of the problems she was having, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. This past Monday she had surgery to remove the cancer, and thankfully it didn't spread to any of her other organs. So all of this week has mostly been spent in the hospital with my aunt until she recovers. She's doing really well and we're hoping to have her back home as soon as possible.

I asked for prayers on Twitter on the day of my aunt's surgery, and I really appreciate all of your kind responses. Thank you so much!

Hopefully I should be posting again this week.

Talk to you all soon!

xoxo