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Favorites, Makeup, Skincare

April 2015 Beauty Favorites

May 6, 2015

I have a lot of awesome favorites to share with you guys this month! For some reason, I was very spendy last month – I shopped A LOT. Brands I shopped from last month included History of Whoo, Shu Uemura, MAC, Marc Jacobs, Creme Simon and Hourglass. So much new stuff have piled up yet I can’t play with most of them yet because I’ve got tons of other things I’m still in the process of reviewing! Ugh. It’s bittersweet. LOL.

Anyways, on to my favorites!

By Terry Ombre Blackstar “Blond Opal”

I’ve reviewed three of my By Terry Ombre Blackstars here.

I mentioned in my review that Bronze Moon is my all-time favorite, but for this month, the crown goes to “Blond Opal”, a gorgeous metallic golden champagne perfect for highlighting the eyes.

Check out my review for swatches.

I love using this in my inner corners and on the very center of the lids. It gives a very soft, luminous glow.

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Powder

I raved about the Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation here in my January 2015 Favorites post. However, I never mentioned the powder!

That’s because I never really used it much, until last month. I was in a rush doing my makeup and couldn’t find my usual setting powder, and the Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Powder was the only powder I could find in my stash, so I went ahead and used that to set my under eye concealer and spot concealer.

Needless to say, I’m glad I couldn’t find my setting powder that day because this powder is GORGEOUS. After application (I use a Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter brush – my favorite under eye setting brush, and sometimes use the sponge that it comes with) the skin’s texture feels so much smoother! The powder also helps decrease creasing. It is a powder foundation so it does give extra coverage when used as a setting powder, which is awesome.

I highly recommend this powder, and it’s drugstore, so it’s super cheap!

Dior Gentle Toning Lotion

I have been struggling with acne for the past two months because I’ve been travelling a lot, and the climate changes isn’t helping at all, so I’ve been using my Proactiv Repair lotion and although it’s very effective, it can be very drying too.

This toner is so amazing for people with dry to normal skin with sensitivity/redness issues. Ever since I started using this toner before I apply my Proactiv Repair lotion, my skin never had any dryness issue anymore. It also helps alleviate redness around my nose/cheek area.

Plus, it smells so divine!

Giorgio Armani Eye Tint “9 Cold Copper”

I’ve reviewed this eye tint here and it’s just so amazing for days when you’re in a rush and in need of a quick eyeshadow application.

Cold Copper is my current favorite as it’s a very neutral all-over-lid shade. I love wearing this with my Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in “Cocoa Mirage”, which is also a favorite last month!

L – R: Giorgio Armani Eye Tints “9 Cold Copper”, “12 Gold Ashes” and “6 Green Iron”.

Check out my review for swatches!

MAC Lipliner “Dervish” & MAC Lipstick “Cosmo”

These two have been my go-to lip combo for a natural, MLBB color. MAC lip liners are very long lasting and MAC lipsticks in general are very creamy. Gotta love these two!

Marc Jacobs Blush “Promiscuous”

I hauled these three Marc Jacobs products when I was in Sephora Indonesia early last month and immediately fell in love with the blush and bronzer.

I’ve been eyeing the blush for almost a year, so I was glad I finally decided to get it. The shade is a gorgeous warm, medium pink. It’s slightly pinker than NARS Orgasm, and has much less shimmer. The blush has a luminous finish, much like the Clinique Cheek Pop blushes which I’ve reviewed here.

Marc Jacobs O!Mega Bronzer

I’ve also been obsessed with the bronzer, which is as big as my baby’s face. Yes, it is HUGE.

I love contouring with this because it’s not too muddy brown/orange, but it’s not too dull and grey. It really warms up the skin and applies so evenly and smoothly.

I will be reviewing these separately in the near future.

Maybelline Dream Wonder Foundation

Now, I do have a love-hate relationship with this one. I have dry skin, so I love it for use in hotter, more humid climates because it feels like skin and is very lightweight whilst providing adequate coverage.

If you have normal to oily skin, you will love this. 🙂

Check out my review on the foundation, complete with swatches and demonstrations!

Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad “Cocoa Mirage”

Lastly, this probably has been the only quad I’ve used in the month of April. Words can’t describe how perfect this quad is. The pigmentation is spectacular, the texture is so buttery and smooth, the longevity is amazing, and the colors in the quad are so neutral – it’s such a dream to work with and is, hands down, my favorite eyeshadow quad of all time. Yes, of all time.

I will also be writing a separate review on this one. If it’s within your budget, this is definitely worth the investment.

So I hope you had a great month, and I hope May will be an even better month for you! Can you believe we’re almost halfway through 2015? Time flies!

See you next time, dolls!

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Favorites, Makeup, Skincare

February 2014 Beauty Favorites

February 27, 2015

Stephanie Casidy

Hey, dolls!

I can’t believe another month has passed by.

Time for another favorites round-up and I have tons to share with you all!

My favorites this month include new products I’ve just discovered, and products I rediscovered from my collection.

Read on for my mini reviews!

Enjoy!

Makeup

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss “Pretty”

I’ve always wanted to try Chantecaille Brilliant Glosses because Amelia Liana just won’t stop raving about her favorite lipgloss of all time – the Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky. So I went in to Mecca Cosmetica earlier this month and swatched all of them in store.

Before swatching them, I was really keen on getting Lucky based on Amelia’s recommendation, but Pretty was actually the one I couldn’t take my eyes off of.

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss “Pretty”

How pretty is “Pretty”? 🙂

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss “Pretty”

It’s described as a “glistening strawberry pink” and has tiny specks of shimmer, but is very subtle. It adds a nice warmth to the lips and has the ability to brighten up my whole complexion. It is opaque enough to be worn alone, and I love that it doesn’t feel too sticky on the lips.

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss “Pretty”

This has been an in-purse staple of mine ever since I got it.

It retails for US$34 on the Chantecaille website or Nordstrom, and AU$42 at Mecca Cosmetica.

US$34 currently equals to about AU$43 so it’s actually slightly cheaper in Australia (plus, our prices are already tax inclusive!).

Cle de Peau Beaute Rosy Frost Blush

I won’t get into much detail with this one because I’ve already raved about it here.

Cle de Peau Rosy Frost Blush

It’s a beautiful rosy pink cream blush, but the consistency is very thin, unlike other thick, creamy cream blushes in general. Once I start dabbing it on my skin it somehow feels a bit powdery, which makes it feel so smooth.

Cle de Peau Rosy Frost Blush

It has a subtle frosty finish which gives the skin a luminous glow.

It retails for US$55 in high-end department stores but is unfortunately a limited edition.

Keep an eye out for other shades though!

Guerlain Meteorites Perles de Blush “Angelic Radiance”

This is probably the only blush I’ve been wearing over the past few weeks.

It’s just so beautiful and it has that signature Guerlain Meteorites scent.

Guerlain Meteorites Perles de Blush “Angelic Radiance” & Guerlain Meteorites Pearls of Powder “02 Clair”

The pearls are significantly smaller than the Guerlain Meteorites, and a lot of bloggers have complained about this. I personally don’t have a problem with it though.

Here are the blush and meteorites powder side by side:

Guerlain Meteorites Perles de Blush “Angelic Radiance” & Guerlain Meteorites Pearls of Powder “02 Clair”

The pearls come in three different shades: a rosy medium pink for blush, a light baby pink for added luminosity, and a champagne white shade for highlight. When swirled together it creates the most beautiful, skin-brightening flush for the cheeks.

It truly gives an angelic radiance to the skin.

Sorry the swatch isn’t that clear!

Guerlain Meteorites Perles de Blush “Angelic Radiance”
L – R: Mixed swatch, blush shade, pink highlight shade, champagne highlight shade

I will be writing a full review on this blush soon.

It retails for US$53 in Sephora and high end department stores.

ILIA Lipstick “In My Room”

A lovely reader of mine recently got in contact with me. She read my previous Favorites post here and she also happened to love the Josie Maran Argan Infinity in Limitless Pink. She loves the shade so much but had trouble with the longevity of the product on her lips – it only lasted about 30 minutes before it faded. So she asked me whether I knew of a long-lasting lipstick that has the exact same shade as the Limitless Pink.

Josie Maran Argan Infinity “Limitless Pink”
January 2015 Favorites post here.

I honestly couldn’t think of any – I didn’t have any lipstick with the exact same shade and tone in my collection. The YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in 12 Coral Fauve, which I’ve got in my collection, is actually a verrry close dupe – but I’m not a fan of the formula.

Long story short – I came across the ILIA cosmetics range when I was at Mecca Cosmetica getting my Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss, a brand new organic cosmetics brand.

ILIA Lipstick “In My Room”

I was so surprised and ecstatic when I swatched the shade – it’s a full-on dupe, except it’s in lipstick formula. It’s described as a muted pinky brown, and I love that the undertone is warm-neutral (not too warm/orange, and not too cool/blue either).

It’s the perfect MLBB (my lips but better) shade!

Here are ILIA Lipstick “In My Room” and Josie Maran Argan Infinity “Limitless Pink” swatched side by side:

L – R: ILIA Lipstick “In My Room” & Josie Maran Argan Infinity “Limitless Pink”

The texture is quite creamy with amazing color payoff. The finish is definitely not matte, but it’s not overly shiny either. It lasted for over 6 hours without touch up. The packaging is beautiful and lux-looking (texture feels like the Fresh SUGAR balms). And the scent isn’t overbearing. It’s moisturizing too, without that heavy/thick feeling. I’m so happy that this doesn’t chap my oversensitive lips.

The shade seems paler in the following swatch. Just imagine it to be slightly pinker.

ILIA Lipstick “In My Room”

I found my new “favorite lipstick of all time” and I can’t be happier.

In the US, it retails for US$26 before tax on the ILIA website, and AU$34 at Mecca Cosmetica in Australia. Again, I’m impressed that it’s actually cheaper in Australia.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer “Bisque”

This has been the only base product that I’ve been wearing over the past few weeks, and it’s been a favorite of mine for years.

I’ve been testing out so many different foundations over the past few months, but I somehow miss this so much. I decided to start wearing it again earlier this month and fell right back in love with it.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer

I reviewed this in my “Holy Grail Products I Keep Repurchasing” post here.

It retails for US$44 in Sephora and AU$59 (approx. US$45) in David Jones and Myer.

Paul & Joe Eyeshadow Duo “Gingerbread”

Back in December 2013, I purchased the Paul & Joe Eye & Cheek Color Set in the shade 002 Gingerbread at Harrods in London. It’s part of Paul & Joe’s Christmas Collection.

It came with a makeup bag, an eyeshadow duo, a cat-head shaped lipstick/blush stick, and an eyeshadow “top coat”.

I’ve just been loving the eyeshadow duo so much lately. I haven’t been able to have too much free time lately, so my makeup routine has been very simple. I don’t have time to blend eyeshadows!

So I’ve just been wearing the pink shade on the lids and the darker reddish brown shade on the outer corners using only my fingers for my everyday eye look.

Paul & Joe Eyeshadow Duo 002 Gingerbread

The shadows are very creamy and blendable! The slightly frosty finish highlights the eyelids beautifully. And it never creased on my lids. (I never wear this without primer so I won’t know how it’ll hold up without it).

This set is currently sold out but other Paul & Joe eyeshadows are just as amazing!

Body & Skin Care

Crabtree & Evelyn “Summer Hill” Collection

Summer Hill has always been my favorite scent from Crabtree & Evelyn, but I haven’t actually tried anything from the line except the powder and Eau de Toilette. The scent has very strong white flower tones like lillies, orange blossom, freesia and wildflowers. It has slight peach, grass and woodsy tones too.

The name “Summer Hill” fits this scent so well, doesn’t it!

Crabtree & Evelyn “Summer Hill” Collection

I recently received a $15 voucher from them for my birthday, so I decided to splurge on the line!

I love this scent so much I even got their drawer liners!! My clothes now smell like green pastures in the summer 🙂

I also got the body lotion and bar soap, and I’ve been loving them so much.

The body lotion has a lightweight, silky-smooth finish that isn’t tacky or sticky at all. I love wearing this at night because when my legs touch, they don’t feel tacky at all, which often happens when I use other body lotions.

The soap is also lovely because the scent lingers for a few hours after I finish showering. It makes the skin feel squeaky clean and soft!

Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure Mud Mask

This has been the only mask I’ve been using ever since I ran out of my Glam Glow Supermud (my all-time favorite!) and I’ve just been loving this just as much. It’s just not as easy to remove as the Glam Glow, but the effect on the skin is just as good.

Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure Mud Mask

My skin’s been acting up a bit lately ever since I returned from Indonesia. Climate changes, I guess? So I’ve been getting a bit of congestions/clogged pores here and there – and this mask has helped in getting rid of the bumps.

This is so affordable and I highly recommend this!

A 100 ml bottle retails for US$5.99 at Ulta and AU$8.99 (currently on sale for AU$6.99!) at Priceline.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex

I will be reserving my full thoughts on this for a separate post on this moisturizer!

All you need to know is that this moisturizer aims to prevent signs of aging, provide significant moisture, and boost radiance.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex

I got this moisturizer in the States and fell right in love with it. It has a lovely, fresh cucumber scent and has a lightweight lotion texture that goes on so smoothly on the skin.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex

It’s the perfect moisturizer for drier climates (like Australia and the States!) and I love how it keeps my skin moisturized without that sticky, heavy feel on the skin. I notice that my skin’s much brighter too, although it could be the effect of other skincare products I’ve been using.

I love this so much that I got a back up of it already.

A 50 ml tub retails for US$42 in Sephora. Unfortunately, I don’t think Fresh Beauty products are readily available in Australia.

Guerlain Insolence Eau de Parfum

I walked into a Guerlain counter asking whether they had a perfume with the scent of the Guerlain Meteorites earlier this month. I don’t know why I waited so long to finally ask that question! I’ve always loved the scent of Guerlain Meteorites powders.

Well, the SA introduced me to the Guerlain Insolence fragrances (there’s an Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum) and it basically smells like the Guerlain Meteorites – it just smells less powdery.

Guerlain Insolence Eau de Parfum

It starts off smelling a bit too sweet and strong, like berries and candies. However, after about 10 minutes, the nauseating sweetness slowly fades and it starts smelling more like the Guerlain Meteorites – the smell of powdery violets.

Guerlain Insolence Eau de Parfum

With the Eau de Parfum, I find that the longer you wear it, the better the scent gets! This lasted the whole day on me. I’m so in love.

I’ve found my new signature scent.

I smell like a huge tub of Guerlain Meteorites.

I’m so in love.

A 50 ml bottle retails for AU$122 in David Jones and Myer.

Sorry for the painfully long post. I just had too many favorites to share!

Hope you enjoyed the post, and hope you had a lovely February!

See you in my next post.

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Favorites, Makeup, Skincare

January 2014 Beauty Favorites

February 8, 2015

Stephanie Casidy

Hey everyone!

January has been a wonderful month – I’ve been able to try so many new products and am glad to share with you some of my favorites!

I actually had so much more, but had to cut it down to these 13 items.

Here’s my full face of makeup using all these things (except the Covergirl foundation because I obviously can’t wear two foundations at a time!).

Read on for mini reviews and swatches galore!

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Pomeade

I don’t know why I waited so long to get my hands on these. I just thought they were hyped up for no reason, but boy was I wrong. So glad I got this while I was in the States. This has totally changed my brow game – my brows have never been more on-point!

Still natural looking because I brush the excess off and disperse them with a spoole, but it’s much sharper and precise than usual. Long lasting too! I’ve been using this nonstop ever since I got this.

2. Cargo One Base Concealer + Foundation

The fact that this is a concealer and foundation in one really interested me because as a new mom, I rarely have time to do my makeup. Heck, I sometimes don’t even have time to brush my teeth! LOL.

Cargo One Base Concealer + Foundation OB-03

So this really does the trick for me. It’s super lightweight but the coverage is buildable! Check out the swatch below – it really isn’t as thick as foundation, but evens out the skin really well, and has enough coverage to conceal dark circles.

Cargo One Base Concealer + Foundation OB-03

Perfect for new mommies and if you’re often in a rush! Perfect for travel too!

My current travel essentials!
The Cargo One Base Concealer + Foundation is a staple because it’s two products in one!

I highly recommend this!

3. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

I remember being very skeptical about the bronze shade when I did a first impressions review of my Charlotte Tilbury haul here. Again, I was so wrong – I shouldn’t have doubted the Sculpt shade.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

I was skeptical because it seemed too light, I didn’t think it showed up on my skin well. But that’s actually the catch! It’s not supposed to be too visibly orange or red or brown. It’s supposed to be a “natural shadow” color.

The Sculpt shade is perfect for contouring because it’s a greyish brown. It’s perfectly toned – not orange at all, and not too reddish or muddy. If you see my photo up there, you can notice my jawline is slightly contoured, but it’s the perfect “shadow” shade.

It literally looks like shadow! And I love the fact that it lasts all day!

4. Cle de Peau Silky Cream Foundation

I got this during the Shiseido Sale, check out my haul here. I have been using this foundation nonstop ever since I got this. This is my second tube and I don’t think I will ever stop repurchasing this.

Cle de Peau Silky Cream Foundation B30

B30 is the perfect shade for me when blended out well. My skin undertone is neutral, and even though this foundation leans more toward the pink side, it actually suits me really well. It brightens up my complexion without giving a white cast, and it really feels and looks like skin.

But the main reason why I love this so much is the consistency and finish. It’s literally “silky” smooth, and doesn’t feel thick although it’s named “Creamy”. It seems to have light coverage, but is actually very buildable.

Cle de Peau Silky Cream Foundation B30

I have so many other open foundations in my stash now and I know I should circulate my foundations – but I just can’t!

Another thing I love about this is that it doesn’t break me out or clog my pores even though I use it every day.

5. Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 202

Again, I got this during the Shiseido Sale! Check out my first impressions/mini review here.

This is my current purse lippie staple. I never go out of the house without this.

Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 202

It’s a very wearable rosy pink shade – easy to slap on without risks of it bleeding out or looking messy. Its slippery, balmy texture also makes it very moisturizing.

My lips are very sensitive and easily chap whenever I wear lipstick, but this doesn’t make my lips chap/flake at all!

6. Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Color Balm

OMG – this is probably one of my many blushes that I own that cannot live without.

I’ve been trying out a lot of blushes lately, and I don’t know why, most of them just seem too cool-toned for me that it sort of darkens my whole complexion. When I don’t have time to fix them, this Clinique Chubby Stick is my lifesaver. I just wipe off a bit of the blush I was wearing with a dry cotton pad, and swipe this Clinique Chubby Stick on!

This 02 Robust Rhubarb shade is a peachy pink shade and has a warm undertone. It automatically warms and brightens up my whole complexion!

Swatches: Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip & Cheek Cream Limitless Pink and
Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Color Balm 02 Rhobust Rhubarb

It lasts more than 8 hours on my skin, and has a very velvety (kinda powdery) smooth finish, which I love. It isn’t patchy either, which is a major plus for cream blushes!

7. Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Fresh Complexion Oil Free Foundation

I purchased this foundation in Vegas during the New Year, and immediately fell in love with it! It’s oil free so it’s perfect for hot, summer weather, but it’s also suitable to be worn during winter because it doesn’t dry out the skin. I guess it’s suitable for all skin types!

This does not oxidize, which is great because once you blend it out on the skin it will remain the exact same color throughout the day.

It also:

Has great oil control
Lasts up to 12 hours (set with powder)
Feels lightweight on the skin
Matte finish but doesn’t dry out the skin
Has a cream texture, but not thick at all
Has light to medium coverage

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Fresh Complexion Oil Free Foundation 210

This shade is tad too yellow on me, which is why I’ve been using the Cle de Peau Silky Cream Foundation nonstop ever since I got it towards the end of the month. But I love both so much, this definitely has got to be my favorite drugstore foundation EVER!

So if you’re looking for a great affordable foundation, you definitely have to give this a try!

8. Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Cream – Limitless Pink

This is also another current purse lippe staple of mine! I can’t handle how beautiful the color and finish is!

I got this from the Josie Maran Winter Dreams Argan Color Collection from Sephora.

Josie Maran Winter Dreams Argan Color Collection

The texture seems to be a combination of oil and cream when you first squeeze it out – you can see the oil separating from the color below.

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip & Cheek Cream Limitless Pink

Once blended out it gives the cheeks a very dewy, natural flush. See the swatch above (with Clinique Chubby Stick).

However, I don’t actually use this for the cheeks – I mainly use this for my lips!

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip & Cheek Cream – Limitless Pink

I love the naturally glossy finish look it gives, and the pink MLBB shade is just perfect for everyday use. I was using this on top of the Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 202 in my photo at the very beginning of this blogpost.

9. Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow – Rio de Rose Gold

I also got this in the Josie Maran Winter Dreams Argan Color Collection and I seriously don’t think I can live without this product!

I’m a big believer in using cream shadows as a base before using powder shadows to ensure longevity, and this “watercolor” is just the most amazing thing ever.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow – Rio de Rose Gold

It comes in a transparent glass bottle and the pigments don’t mix in with the water until you shake it up. Once the bottle is shaken well and the pigments are mixed with the water, twist the cap open and it comes with a doe foot applicator.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow – Rio de Rose Gold

Simply apply this lightly on the eyelids and blend it out with a clean finger (or a brush – both hair and synthetic works!). See below for the swatches – left one is first application without blending, the one on the right is after it’s blended out with a finger.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow – Rio de Rose Gold

I was wearing this as a base in my photos in this post. It acts as a perfect base for all my looks because this particular shade is very neutral. The sheen and 3D-like effect it gives is beautiful beyond description! It lasts the whole day even without primer during hot, summer days!

I will definitely be getting more shades from this range!

10. Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting

Because I have dry skin, I always aim to dew-up my skin every single day because dewy skin seems more youthful looking. So I’m always on the hunt for awesome highlighting/luminizing products.

I’m so glad I ended up buying this. I’ve already got the powder version of this, and I really liked it, so I was wondering if the liquid version would make the highlight look a bit more natural because I can mix it in with foundation…

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting

Just look at that glow!

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting

I love that I can mix this up with my foundation, and even when worn alone, it isn’t patchy at all, unlike most liquid highlighters when worn on its own.

I’ve also tried the Josie Maran liquid highlighter from the set, and it seems a bit patchy and obviously artificial on the skin. So the fact that this has a very smooth, skin-like finish really makes me appreciate it despite the price! 😛

11. Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow – 206 The Lolita

UGH! I don’t need to say much, just look at those shadows!

Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow – 206 The Lolita

I love love love the pigmentation, shade and finish variety, texture and blendability, creaminess, pigmentation and color-payoff, and of course PACKAGING!

Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow – 206 The Lolita

In my eye look above, I wore the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow in Rio de Rose Gold as a base, and topped if off with the Marc Jacobs The Lolita palette shadows – furthest right color as an all-over wash of color on the lids, second from the right color in the middle of the lids, inner lower lashline and inner corners as highlight, darkest brown shade as contour on the outer corners, and the second from left color as a skin-color blending shade.

I added a bit of blue in the outer corners, and that’s using the Smashbox Double Exposure Palette, which I am in the process of reviewing.

12. Tarte CC Undereye Corrector

I’ve struggled with dark undereyes all my life! Genetics, hyperpigmentation, and lack of sleep are not to blame because the culprit behind my dark undereyes is my eye shape – the darkness is mostly caused by shadow! The skin underneath my eyes are also very thin so my dark circles are a bit bluish. So I’m born with dark undereyes and sadly there’s nothing I can do about it.

However, this color corrector has been a lifesaver. I use the Medium shade and it has a very peachy, orange undetone and it corrects my undereyes really well.

This is not concealer so I don’t use it on its own because it acts just to cancel out the bluish hue, so I usually top it off with my favorite concealer, the Cle de Peau concealer. The Cle de Peau concealer has a drier finish, and this color corrector has a rather tacky finish, so the Cle de Peau concealer sticks really well on it. It can last the whole day if I set it with powder!

13. Vera Mona Color Switch Duo

People are becoming more and more inventive these days and I am just beyond grateful for the existence of this perfect lil’ helper of mine.

Vera Mona Color Switch Duo

So the outer (black) sponge is basically a sponge that can completely remove eyeshadow color when you stroke/swirl your brush on it. This makes eye makeup application a breeze because I don’t need to constantly wash my brush when I need to use it for a different color! I usually have to have tons of eye brushes out when doing a colorful, complicated eye look – but with this around, I really only need a couple of brushes out! No need to worry about not having a clean brush!

The tiny white sponge in the middle is a sponge that you can soak in water, and use it for wet makeup application. Simply dip your brush in the wet, white sponge to pick up any eyeshadow you want with a wet brush!

PHEW! That was a lot!

Hope you guys enjoyed that, and hope you had a lovely January!

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Favorites, Makeup, Skincare

November 2014 Beauty Favorites

December 4, 2014

Stephanie Casidy

How crazy fast has this year flown by? I can’t believe December is here – the month I’ve been waiting for is finally here!

I’m obsessed with Christmas. Have always been. And I’m so excited that I will finally be going on holiday NEXT WEEK! Can’t wait to share my travel diaries and culinary adventures with you guys.

For now, let’s get into my beauty favorites for the month of November.

I skipped October favorites because I really didn’t have much to share. I spent the whole month in and out of the hospital and getting used to nurturing my newborn bub, I didn’t have time for makeup and even skincare! Which was why I had a crazy bout of breakouts. Blargh.

So, now that I’m much more settled and have adjusted well to my new life with Zayden, I’ve been able to spend more time playing with makeup and taking care of my skin.

Last month was all about healing my breakouts and getting my makeup done on-the-go. Read on to see my favorites that really get the job done!

Makeup

L’Oreal Color Riche Lumiere Eyeshadow in 500 Gold Mania

I bought this during the crazy 40% Priceline sale and oh – my – goodness I’m so glad I got this shadow. Seriously one of the prettiest gold eyeshadows I’ve ever encountered!

I’ve been loving this eyeshadow for use as an all-over lid color. When I’m in a rush, I just swipe and blend this shadow on my eyelids and it looks like I’ve put a bit of effort in getting ready!

This is a gel infused eyeshadow so the texture feels a bit more plush and a tad more “bouncy” than powder eyeshadows.

I find that the best way to apply this shadow is to wet your brush or finger before picking up the shadow. It looks so much more vibrant and adheres on to the skin better when applied wet.

The swatch on the left is a dry swatch, and the left is wet.

How vibrant and beautiful is that?!

MAC Face Kit by Rebecca Moses in Brown

I’ve had this all-in-one palette for a while now, I think I purchased it last year at a Cosmetics Company Store outlet in Orlando. I love that those stores sell limited edition MAC goodies at such affordable prices!

This palette or “face kit” comes with a powder blush (left) in shade Melba, four eyeshadows (Orb, All That Glitters, Smoked Sepia and Show Stopper) and two lip colors in Ravishing (top) and Myth (bottom).

“All That Glitters” is my favorite MAC eyeshadow to date, and when I saw this palette I just had to have it because it had that shade and three other neutrals that can help me achieve my signature eye look (i.e. frosty champagne or gold all over the lids with a contoured crease and outer corners).

Melba has always been one of my favorite MAC powder blushes too.

The whole palette has a warm, coral tone to it but is perfect for any skintones or undertones.

I’ve never actually touched the lipsticks but I love how they’re encased in a plastic cover that can open up and close to protect them.

The palette also comes with a double ended brush – an eyeshadow brush on one end, a lip brush on the other end.

This palette is perfect for traveling! Lately, I’ve been doing my makeup in the car – seriously don’t have time to do it at home. So this comes in very handy – four amazing eyeshadow shades, a very wearable powder blush and two lip colors (even though I’ve never used them!) and a double ended brush. Really helps save a lot of space when you can’t bring much!

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon in Brown

The Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayons are my favorite pencil/crayon eyeliners because they seem to be the only ones that work for my waterline.

I’m a contact lens wearer and pencil liners that have a lot of oil content in them would usually end up making my lens cloudy and blurry because the oils from the pencil would transfer on to the surface of the lens. Incredibly annoying!

So, this is the only one that’s worked well for me so far. And it lasts a long time too, up to 6 hours!

I love the black shade too but lately I’ve been using this a lot just in the outer corners of my lower lashline (not the waterline) to make my eyes “pop” a bit more and it would seriously last all day. And I guess it’s pretty water resistant because I use eye drops during the day and this doesn’t budge.

I can’t live without this baby!

Too Faced Teddy Bear Hair Brush Set

Eek! Just how adorable are these brushes?!

These (especially the eyeshadow brushes) have been the only ones I’ve been using for the past month and a half. Seriously. I’ve forgotten about all my other brushes.

It comes with a powder, all-over shadow, contour, liner and blender brush. It’s everything I’ve ever needed! I just wish it’d come with a blush brush though, that’s be really handy!

The four eyeshadow brushes are the only brushes I’d ever need to create any type of eye look and all five of them are the softest brushes I’ve ever had. It’s so soft that I get sleepy every time I use the powder brush all over my face. It’s that soft.

I’m also obsessed with the makeup pouch that it comes with!!

Gucci Face Sheer Blushing Powder in 060 Pink Camelia

This has been my favorite blush for the past two months.

Click here for my full review of my recent Gucci purchases.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the beautiful embossing on that pressed powder blush?

I ordered this online only a few days after it’s released in the States and back then there were no swatches of any of their products available on the Web, so ordering this shade based on the pictures on the official Gucci website was such a gamble!

I’m so glad I got this shade though, it’s a medium cool-toned pink with a luminous sheen to it.

Swatched on the left hand side is the swatch of the blush once blended, and the right one is a heavy swatch, built on a few layers. It does look very cool toned when swatched heavily but when applied lighthandedly on the cheeks it has a very luminous sheen to it that I don’t even need to apply a highlighter on top of it to add dimension to my cheeks.

I am also in love with the Gucci Eye Magentic Color Shadow Quad in 030 Crystal Copper but I don’t really want to include it in this month’s favorites because I’ve only used it once, and as beautiful as it was I wanted to give it a few more tries before I can list it as a favorite!

Click here for my review of all my Gucci purchases.

Makeup Bag with Brush Roll by LauraKCreations

This has been my go-to makeup bag for the past month. I love it so much!

A makeup bag with a brush roll attached to it? Yes, please!

This makeup bag is handmade by Laura from LauraKCreations on Etsy and there are lots of different patterns and colors to choose from! You can even order a customized one. Check out her store here.

I can fit all my Too Faced Teddy Bear Hair Brush Set brushes here and there’s space for one more, so I usually put my blush brush in there. And the makeup bag itself is pretty spacious. Great as a weekender or on-the-go makeup bag!

Skincare

Proactiv Plus Pore Targeting Solution

Don’t know how I could live without THIS.

I’ve been a Proactiv user for years but had to stop using it when I was pregnant. Not because the Benzoyl Peroxide, but because it was way too drying for my sensitive skin. My skin was super duper sensitive during pregnancy.

Well I’m glad I got the Proactiv Plus Pore Targeting Solution because this is the new version of the original Proactiv 3-step system’s “Repair Lotion” (third step). This newer version is much less drying, even the consistency of the lotion is much thinner and runnier than the original.

This has helped heal my acne and skin congestions tremendously. I love that it’s not as drying as the original forumla. Such a lifesaver.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron

Even though the Proactiv Plus Pore Targeting Solution isn’t as drying as the original formula, it can still be a bit drying. Just occasionally though, especially when the weather is really dry. So, my skin has been a bit dry and tight lately, but it’s a combination of hormones and weather too!

I usually resort to my Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum when I have terribly dry skin, but lately it doesn’t seem to work. So, I was browsing through moisturizers in my local pharmacy a few weeks ago and came across this product. I’ve heard a lot of hype about this product, so I thought I’d give this a try and my oh my, I’m obsessed!

This hydrating serum has a gel consistency that is very tacky once applied on the skin, kind of weird at first but I got used to it after a while. It’s not supposed to replace moisturizer, it’s just a hydration “booster” for the skin. Ever since I’ve been using this (day and night), my skin has felt so much plumper and less tight/dry.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

However, I’ve also been adding this gem to my routine. So the credit goes both to the Hydraluron and to the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

I love mixing this with my moisturizer. The current one I’m using is the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream and it’s been working wonders for my skin. My skin has never felt so smooth and problem-free!

Santa’s Lip Scrub

My skin isn’t the only thing that’s been really dry. My lips have been too!

It’s been peeling a lot and this lip scrub has been my lip’s lifesaver!

I love that it smells like Cherry Cola and when washed off, the taste and smell still lingers!

Smooth skin. Smooth lips. Life is good!

So what have you guys been loving this month?

Were there anything from my favorites that you’ve tried? If so, let me know what your thoughts are!

See you in my next post! XO

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Favorites, Makeup, Skincare

September 2014 Beauty Favorites

October 2, 2014

Stephanie Casidy

Hi everyone!

I can’t believe October is finally here! It’s like September just flew by in a blink of an eye!

Big thanks to Amanda of @itsrainingmakeup on Instagram for tagging me to do the September Favorites post!

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