A handful of products that I've been using lately...

I haven't purchased nearly as much makeup as I use to (as I haven't blogged in so long and haven't found the need to buy in excess), but I thought I'd share some of the products I've been using lately that I haven't talked about before!

Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Luminous Foundation - I purchased this on a whim at Target when I completely ran out of foundation and needed a simple every-day foundation. I wasn't expecting much, but I ended up really liking it for daily wear. The coverage is light, but buildable to a light-medium. It conceals my skin imperfections pretty well and evens out my skintone. The finish is really natural and makes my skin look slightly glowy and fresh, and it lasts all day. I'd compare it to something like L'Oreal True Match Lumi, but with a creamier BB Cream-like texture. The only downside is that the tube only has 0.06 oz (what!?) and you can't unscrew the product to scoop out any last bits of product. With daily use, I finished the bottle in barely three weeks. I will repurchase though, because I do really like it. For reference I purchased the shade Vanilla, which is good for light, warm skintones tones (around MAC NC20 coloring). If I'm around NC30, I'd go for Buff. 

MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm - I have still yet to find my absolute favorite BB cream, but recently I've been using this one from MAC. The coverage isn't the best, but it's buildable. If you want a solid medium coverage, you'd have to apply a good amount, and by that point, it feels a little sticky on the skin until it's set with a powder. So instead, I like adding a pump of my regular medium coverage foundation with this and it provides me natural coverage for daily wear. I'll finish the tube, but I don't think I'd repurchase. I think there cheaper alternatives out there that work better. If you use this, I'd love to know what you think of it in the comments. 

Maybelline Fit Me! Shine Free Stick Foundation - As far as foundation goes, this product isn't very good, but I use it for the sole purpose of contouring/bronzing. I purchased this stick in the shade Cappuccino, which is a really nice caramel-brown. I like buffing the product through my cheeks and around the frame of my face to give me a natural, bronzed look. It can also work good as a base for powder bronzer if you have issues with your bronzer fading quickly throughout the day. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer - I've been wanting to try this concealer for years, and I finally bought a tube along with a fresh bottle of Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (I'll talk about that later - it was one of my top foundations until it was reformulated and with three days of use I had a face full of acne that took over a month to clear up). I guess I was a bit underwhelmed with the results, as I expected it to have full coverage, but it doesn't. It's thick, yet it's translucent, so I need an additional brightener under my eyes as the shadows under my eyes still peek through. Again, with this product I'll try finishing the tube, but I don't think I'll be repurchasing.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - This has been my new favorite setting powder. It's really finely milled and doesn't add any color to the skin, it just softens the complexion and adds a soft glow. I use it every day with a stippling brush, and I even like using it with a beauty blender to set my under-eye concealer (you do have to be careful not to apply too much because It can stay in one spot and not move once you've blotted a load to an area). I have this powder in the shade diffused light, and it works perfectly for when I'm lighter or tan. 

Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner - Love this stuff! If you like Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Liner, you'll like this one too. The shape and density of the felt tip is perfect for creating a wing, and the pigment is really dark. I still like Stila a little bit better, as it's waterproof, but this one is a for sure second. Plus, I was able to find a three-pack at TJ Maxx for under $10 - was I just lucky? 

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base - I've talked about this before on my blog, but in the past, I've only used samples from the BB counter. I finally purchased a full sized container, and I've really been enjoying using it daily under my makeup. It moisturizes my sensitive skin really well without irritating it or making it greasy, and it makes my skin look fresh and supple. It's a bit expensive, but a little goes a long way. If you feel uneasy about contaminating the product with your fingers, I'd recommend buying cosmetic spatulas from your local beauty supply store, or even eBay.

Unite Hair Products - I've been wanting to talk about this brand for months. This has been the main brand I've been using for haircare. I learned about it from the salon I go to occasionally, and Unite is the brand they use exclusively. Each time the products were used on my hair I loved the way my hair looked, smelled, and felt, so I would end up buying at least one product each time I'd get my hair done. What I love is that the shampoos are sulfate-free and the products are all free of parabens. My main favorite products are the 7 Seconds Condition Leave-in Spray, U Luxury Argan Oil and my newest favorite, the Lazer Straight Relaxing Fluid, which relaxes my hair really well prior to blowdrying. I've also used a few of their shampoos and conditioners - right now I'm using the Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner (I have very dry hair) which work really well, but it's so moisturizing that with repeated use, my hair gets a little weighed down, so I need to use a clarifying shampoo every couple of weeks. Highly recommend Unite - all of their products have great reviews on Amazon.

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss Review, Photos, Swatches!

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss ($24) is a sheer, nude-pink with bright pink & golden-white shimmer and a glossy finish. Because it's sheer, it only provides a light wash of shimmering, tinged-pink color to the lips. The result is beautiful, natural and won't overpower your look. It's a great Summer gloss.

The consistency gets an A+ from me - it feels silky smooth and moisturizing on the lips. Despite the shimmer, you can't really feel it. It's not thick, runny or sticky. Just perfect.

It has a hint of mint, so it leaves the lips with a light cooling sensation when first applied.

The lasting power is quite good. I typically get around 2-3 hours of wear from it.

Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lipglosses have been raved about from many bloggers - one including Temptalia, who recommends and loves these as some of her go-to lipglosses. I can totally see why!

Bobbi Brown Burnt Sugar Eyeshadow Review, Eye Look, Photos and Swatches!

Bobbi Brown Burnt Sugar Eyeshadow

Bobbi Brown Burnt Sugar Metallic Eyeshadow ($21) is described as a deep, golden brown. Although I would categorize it as more of a medium, golden brown as it's not dark at all on the lids. In the pan, the color looks very neutral - almost like a taupe brown, but on the skin, the golden tones appear. It's not really a yellow/orange golden, it's rather a bronze.

Although it's not all that unique, I don't own any exact dupes. The closest matches are MAC Tempting and Urban Decay Smog, but both are slightly deeper and warmer.

I've had this shadow for a couple of years now, and reach for it every now and then for a quick eye look. I'm all about simplicity when it comes to my everyday eye makeup, and I love shades that work well solo and give off the "illusion" that I'm wearing more than one shadow, and that it took me more than 30 seconds to complete the look. Burnt Sugar is one of those shades that you can wipe across your lids, apply a little mascara and be done with it. In fact, I don't think I've ever worn this shadow with anything else.

Bobbi Brown Burnt Sugar applied (packed heavily) all over the lid, stopping slightly above the crease, and smudged on the lower lashline. Then, used a tapered blending brush to blend out the edges and slightly bring the shadow upward, toward the brows. MAC Nylon Eyeshadow applied to the brow bone and inner corner for a highlight.

Guest Post: Review: Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation

Guest Post Written by Lindsay

We're all on an endless journey to discovering our favorite foundation - From one foundation fanatic to another, Lindsay of 'Lindsay C Makeup' shares with us her opinion on Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation.

Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation

I am a foundation addict! I can admit it. I have found many foundations I love or really like but I have yet to declare one my *Holy Grail.* So far, I have been loving my Bobbi Brown foundation.

The Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation claims:
It gives skin a soft, healthy, even-toned glow as it helps reverse the visible signs of aging. Formulated with a natural collagen boosting, skin firming blend of Hexapeptides and Milk Thistle Extract. Softens fine lines and imperfections. Skin looks and feels refreshed, renewed and beautifully luminous. Offers medium-to-full coverage. For Normal to Dry Skin.

Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation in Natural Tan 4.25 (MAC NW35-40 equivalent)

This foundation is definitely moisturizing! It kept my super-dry skin moisturized throughout the whole day. The consistency and feel reminds me of NARS Sheer Glow. However, I feel the Bobbi Brown lasts much longer but a bit more matte than Sheer Glow. It gives a 'luminous' finish without looking glittery or shiny. The website claims it provides medium to full coverage, but I found it to be more light maybe light-medium coverage. The foundation blends nicely with a foundation brush or sponge. Overall, I'd rate it an 8/10 because it gives me a natural glow without fading throughout the day.

A recent trip to the CCO (Cosmetic Company Outlet)!

I took a recent trip to my "not so" local Cosmetic Company Outlet, as I've had to urge for several months to stop in and see if I can find any good, discounted cosmetics.

I was mostly hoping to get my hands on some MAC brushes, but the items that particular CCO had in stock were a little on the "sad" side.

I did manage to find some things, though!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 1W1 Bone - After wearing countless foundations that don't get me through a long day, I started to miss an old favorite - Estee Lauder Double Wear.

It's a foundation that I could always rely on that provides full coverage on those shy-of-perfect skin days, is transfer-resistant and long wearing. Love this stuff.

MAC #192 Cheek/Face Brush - A small, synthetic paddle shaped foundation-type brush with a tapered tip that was designed for use of face products, such as moisturizer and/or cream blush. This brush has been discontinued.

I was drawn to this brush immediately as I love using foundation brushes to apply my concealer as opposed to tiny concealer brushes. This brush looked like the perfect brush to apply my concealer. I haven't tested it out yet, but I'm pretty anxious to!

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in #55 Pink Cloud -The only thing that stinks from buying makeup from a CCO (other than it being very old) is finding an awesome shade, and then later finding that it's a discontinued shade. Le sigh.

Pink Cloud has the potential of being my favorite pink lipstick, but it appears that our love will be short lived, as I'm sure I'll have trouble finding a back-up.

It's a creamy, light yellow-toned pink (which makes it appear slightly coral/flamingo pink in the tube). On the lips it's a little bit lighter, and more of a bubble-gum pink. It reminds me a little bit of one of my older favorite lipsticks by MAC called Colour Crafted (but much more wearable).

MAC Royal Azalea Sheen Supreme - A shade that would typically be very unlike me to purchase in the past. It's funny though how certain colors I couldn't wear when I was tan, are flattering on me now. And vise-versa. I wouldn't get near a blue-based pink in the past (being a tan MAC NC40), but now, chillin' in my au natural NC15 skin, MAC Snob doesn't look all that bad, and my HG MAC Shygirl doesn't look too HG status anymore.

Royal Azalea is a light, cotton candy pink with blue undertones. It's incredibly creamy with opaque coverage, and very comfortable on the lips.

MAC Kissable Lip Color in Enchantee - MAC Kissable Lip Color Lip Glosses were limited edition glosses that launched early last year in the MAC Peacocky Collection. They claimed to be a hybrid of a lipstick and gloss, giving you the coverage of a lipstick, with the finish of a gloss that is lightweight and will last for hours.

Enchantee is a cool toned light pink. It's very lightweight, non-sticky, provides good coverage and lasts longer on my lips than typical lip glosses. Bummer this was limited edition!

 MAC Enchantee, Bobbi Brown Pink Cloud and MAC Royal Azalea.

If you'd like to see individual reviews for any of these products, let me know!

I won a giveaway and I'm so psyched!

 

It's very rare that I enter a giveaway - and by rare I mean very rare. Almost never. The only giveaways I'll typically enter on occasion are the ones sponsored by Temptalia and Makeup and Beauty Blog.

For some reason I decided to try my luck and enter The Best Thing in Beauty's recent giveaway for an adorable Bobbi Brown Mini Shimmer Brick in the shade Sandstone.

I've been a long time subscriber of The Best Things in Beauty (I believe ever since I started my blog in '09 - she started a month before me!) and if you haven't stopped by her blog yet, I really urge you to. She's known as "Charleston Girl" and she is sure to keep you drooling over the newest high-end makeup collections and her lovely sunlit swatches. She is one fabulous woman with wonderful taste and a passion for beauty. What are you waiting for!? Go read! (click here)

Anyway, I really couldn't believe I won, and here comes my package in the mail yesterday morning!

Of course as generous and sweet as her, she added in a couple awesome extras. I'm so thankful and can't wait to try everything out!

Believe it or not, as big of a makeup fanatic as I am, I've never tried a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. I've always been curious, but since I own so several MAC MSF's that are on the shimmery side, I passed up ever purchasing any. I'm definitely not afraid of shimmer, glitter or frosty cheek products. There are some people that want nothing to do with anything that shines, but I love a matte blush just as much as I love a shimmer.

Sandstone (limited edition shade) contains five stripes of pure, glowy goodness. There is a lovely champagne ivory, golden tan, bronzed brown, copper brown and chocolate brown. All stripes are of course frosty and pigmented.

What's really great about Shimmer Bricks is that you can use the colors individually (on eyes or cheeks) or you can swirl them all together for a beautiful golden, tan glow. 

Bobbi Brown Sandstone Shimmer Brick

Bobbi Brown Sandstone Shimmer Brick

If you're wondering about the compact, it's actually metal - and yes, heavy! The compact has a very high-end look and feel. I'm sure you could even use it for a little paper weight.. haha! It has a magnet closure, which frankly, I'm quite obsessed with. This little compact was a Bobbi Brown exclusive back in 2009, so I'm sure they are very hard to find now.

Bobbi Brown Sandstone swirled together.

I'd like to thank Charleston Girl again for this awesome prize, and I can't wait to put it to use!

Have any of you tried Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks? Have any favorites?

Bobbi Brown Pale Pink and Blushed Rose Pot Rouge Review, Photos and Swatches!

Bobbi Brown Pale Pink and Blushed Rose Pot Rouge

After hearing news of Bobbi Brown discontinuing their pot rouges, I'm pretty sure I spit out my coffee. Thankfully, Bobbi Brown isn't getting rid of pot rouges all together, but reformulating them. Although, I don't know what was wrong them in the first place!? I'm hoping they still hold on to some of their great shades, as well as come out with some drool-worthy new ones.

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge is a cream formula for both cheeks and lips.

There are still some sites that have some in stock online - Nordstrom has a few shades (Chocolate Cherry, Milk Chocolate and Pale Pink), Sephora still has Pale Pink in stock, and I'm sure there are many other sites that would have them if you shop around. I was always able to find pot rouges at my nearest Cosmetic Company Outlet (CCO) so I wouldn't doubt they would have some (I'd call before driving there).

I've only owned Blushed Rose, but recently got my hands on Pale Pink. Powder Pink and Stonewashed Pink were on my wishlist for a few years, but never got around to purchasing them. *Le Sigh*.

Blushed Rose is a warm brownie pink with a rose undertone. It's a very natural shade that works on a variety of skintones for that every day, natural blushed effect.
Pale Pink is a medium toned pink. I would consider it a warm pink, but it's not overly warm. It's somewhere in the middle. In comparison to Bobbi Brown's Pale Pink Powder Blush, they are very different. The powder blush is more blue based and brighter. The pot rouge is a slightly deeper pink. 

Swap Haul! Nars, MAC and Bobbi Brown.

Hey Everyone,

If you didn't know by now, I'm a complete swap-a-holic. I love swapping and browsing blog sales for great deals and hard to find items. It's a great way to try new products when you're on a budget. If you don't know what swapping is, click here to view Makeupalley's Swap FAQ page.

(Sorry, MAC Hottest Pink Glitter Vial is hiding behind the Nars Multiple)

NARS South Beach Multiple (Mini)

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow in Stone

MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipstick

MAC Black Tied Eyeshadow

MAC Hangin' Loose Nail Lacquer

MAC Hottest Pink Glitter Vial

MAC Jardin Aires Pigment Vial

READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS! 

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner in Black Ink + Photos & Swatches! PLUS BB Cream Shadows!

I thought I would give a little update on how my Bobbi Brown Gel Liner has been working out for me lately.

I am still in love with it! My opinions about the product remains the same. It doesn't smudge on me, doesn't flake off, lasts all day and is very pigmented!

I received Black Ink in a swap recently.. maybe around two weeks ago and I've been using it just about every day. Other days I use Graphite Shimmer just to switch off. The colors are somewhat similar, but Graphite Shimmer is a little more of a charcoal black with a touch of shimmer and Black Ink is a flat, intense black. It is by far the blackest liner I own. (Hooray! I'm always on a conquest for the blackest blacks) I am still rating this product a 5 out of 5! ♥

And a side note, I came across some full size BB gel liners at my CCO (Cosmetic Company Outlet). Unfortunately, none were sold separately. They were all a part of various BB makeup sets. They did have some Cream Shadows (which I thought were liners at first because of the same packaging) I like the consistency of them. They are buttery soft and apply very smooth. They also had several palettes that have a mixture of gel liners and cream shadows. (I actually got a brand new one in a swap.. pics at the end of my post!) I have heard from many others that they have found BB gel liners at their CCO's sold individually, so if you're interested in purchasing one, check your local CCO first! :)

And, this is the palette I received in a swap. What i love about the palette is, it's soo sturdy and each liner has a tight lid so the colors won't dry out. Thank you, Bobbi Brown for using your brains with this! :) haha.

Bobbi Brown Honey Glaze Long-Wear Eye Palette

For whatever reason, it was impossible to get a good picture of this palette. I didn't swatch any of the colors yet because.. well, It's so pretty I don't want to ruin it. LOL But, if anyone wants swatches, I'll gladly do that for you. This palette was available at my CCO (In Aurora, IL) and I caught a glimpse of it on http://www.allcosmeticswholesale.com here. OR you can purchase it directly from Bobbi Brown here. I'll post a review once I use it!

Review: Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner in Graphite Shimmer + Photos & Swatches!

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner

Product Description - This award-winning liner offers the precision of a liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula. Awarded: "Elle" Magazines's ‘Top 5’ (Nov. 2009), "In Style" 'Best Beauty Buy' (2008), and "Allure" ‘Reader's Choice Award’ (2008).

To apply: Dip tip of Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush into gel formula (coat both sides of brush head). Wipe off excess on tissue before applying to eye. Work quickly as product becomes transfer-resistant once dry.

This is a product I've been wanting to try for EVER! I picked Graphite Shimmer Ink. On the website, it says that it is a dark gray. I would maybe call it a deep charcoal gray with silver flecks. Once applied, it looks much darker. It basically looks black. Its very creamy and spreads very well. For me, it doesn't fade throughout the day. And, at the end of the night, I don't have trouble removing it. I usually will powder my lids so my liner won't smudge or budge, then apply it to my lash line with an angled liner brush. I've been using Sigma's angled brush. I prefer BB now, over MAC Blacktrack Fluidline, Stila Smudgepot & Wet n Wild Creme Liner.

Here are a few descriptions of what I like and don't like about the following liners..
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline - I love this, but the texture always gets dry for me halfway throughout the pot. I LOVE when I first purchase it, but it doesn't ever stay creamy. I can tell its a bit thicker than the other creme liners mentioned. Also, this sometimes crumbles on me. What I do like about it is, it is extremely black and the lasting power is pretty good. I have repurchased this several times.
Stila Black Smudgepot - I love the consistency of this product. The consistency is somewhat similar to BB. It is very creamy and light. It applies very nicely & black. For me though, it fades throughout the day and I'll have to reapply. I'm not sure If I would repurchase this.
Wet n Wild Creme Liner - Again, good creamy consistency. It doesn't crumble for me, but just like the Stila Smudgepot, this fades throughout the day. Great deal though and will probably repurchase b/c of the price and it works well.

Here are some swatches, courtesy of kmbirkel. Indigo Ink & Ivy Ink look gorgeous! They look like they would go well with any of the NARS eye shadows I posted in my previous post! I think Black Ink will be my next purchase.



Do you have a favorite gel/cream liner? What is your preference or HG liner?

Bobbi Brown Light Peach Corrector Review, Photos and Swatches!

 Bobbi Brown Corrector

For very dark circles and extra coverage, Bobbi Brown's secret is her Bobbi Brown Corrector ($23). 

Bobbi Brown Correctors are super creamy pink and peach based creams that are designed to be layered under your regular concealer to neutralize darkness for maximum coverage.

There are twelve shades in total. The shades are as follows: Porcelain Bisque, Light Bisque, Porcelain Peach, Light Peach, Light to Medium Bisque, Bisque, Peach, Medium to Dark Bisque, Dark Bisque, Deep Bisque and Very Deep Bisque.

I originally purchased Peach, which is actually a really good match for my skintone when I'm tan (MAC NC40), but I prefer my concealers to be a little bit lighter than my skintone (even though this is a "corrector", not a concealer, I still couldn't bear using something as dark as my skin). So, with that said, I exchanged it, and purchased Light Peach.

Light Peach is a pale, milky peach. It's probably best suited for light to light-medium complexions - a very good match for MAC NC20-25.

This swatch shows the color very true to life.

For color comparison, here is Light Peach swatched next to MAC Select Cover-up in NW25.

The consistency of this product is very, very creamy and slightly tacky. I initially thought it would have a similar consistency to other cream concealers (MAC Studio Finish for instance), but it's completely different. Cream concealers are very dense, while Bobbi Brown Corrector is very soft.

Something I've really realized with using this product is that you only need the tiniest bit. When I first purchased it, I realized I was using too much product (the same amount I'd use of concealer). It covered very well, but by the time I applied my concealer, it felt too moist under my eyes. I've come to realize that you really only need a tiny amount for it to get the job done and I shouldn't go back for seconds. 

My favorite way of applying this is with my ring finger and tapping it into the areas under my eyes where it's the most purple. On days where I'm in a rush, I'll quickly sweep it under my eyes with my finger and it works just as well.

In conjunction with my concealer, my dark circles are completely covered. More covered than they'd be with the concealer alone.

Although I don't really need too much additional coverage, I always apply a little concealer on top. In the photo below, I applied a little Physician's Formula Conceal RX Concealer in Light lightly with my fingertips.

All I need is a little powder on top, and I'm all set for the day!

I really like this product and recommend it to those who suffer with severe dark circles, or those who want to just look a little more awake in the morning!

I will be repurchasing this product when I run out, and I'm interested in trying some of their pinker (Bisque) shades to really brighten up my under-eyes.

Have you tried Bobbi Brown Corrector? What'd you think? I'm also very interested in trying Bobbi Brown Concealers. Do you recommend any??