Super September Day 14: My Travel Makeup Bag

Well, I've procrastinated on this post long enough. I don't travel too often, but when I do, here is what I take with me!

I try to keep it as simple as possible. I want products that can multitask for me. That is why I finally caved and bought the Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation. It functions as a primer, foundation, and concealer. I agree that it lasts a long time on my skin and also covers well. And it has a pump! I follow with the Covergirl Clean Oil Control Powder. I don't love this, but I had it in my purse and I thought it was long gone, but I still have quite a bit of powder left. I hope this is the next powder to make it to my empties list because I just want to finish it.

For my eyes I simply bring my favorite Maybelline Color Tattoos (Barely Beige and Bad to the Bronze). For eyeliner I typically pack the Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Blackberry, although a couple days after I took this picture, I did take this traveling with me and somehow the eyeliner broke off the base and dried up, so now I will be packing the same eyeliner in black with me. For my lashes I have been using Maybelline The Rocket Mascara (non-waterproof). It doesn't give a very natural look, but I personally love to have dramatic eyelashes.

I also use Aquaphor to keep my lips from feeling dry. The only problem is that Aquaphor does nothing to moisturize my lips... it just makes them feel temporarily moist. If I want to wear lipstick, then I usually pack the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Wink for Pink. I typically choose this over any other lip stick because the color itself works beautifully as a lipstick and a cream blush.

I apologize for taking so long to finish this post. One day I will finish a series on time. Keep watching for my September favorites!

Super September Day 5: Revlon Colorstay Review (Normal/Dry)

I first mentioned using this foundation back in July. I was staying at a friend's and I had forgotten to pack foundation. Since I'm not too keen on greeting the world with a bare face, I decided to go to the drugstore to see what I might want to try. Naturally, I had to eliminate most of my options simply because of my fair skin. Eventually it was down to Revlon Colorstay for Normal/Dry Skin versus Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation. Since it is nearly impossible to really see the color you are getting from the Whipped Creme formula, I eventually chose the Normal/Dry version in 110 Ivory. 

I have tried the Combination/Oily formula in the past and I wasn't the biggest fan. I'm not saying I hated it, but it didn't match my skin well. To be honest, neither does the Normal/Dry formula. Before I turn this into a comparison review, here's a short list of the product's claims and features (and what I think of them):

• Wears for up to 24 hours: This claim is crazy. Not only because it won't last for 24 hours, but also because you should not be wearing foundation for 24 hours. I chose Normal/Dry because I was having dry skin issues because of Tretin-X. This holds up for about 8 hours and kind of goes downhill from there. But I also don't have mega dry skin.
• Flawless look: I actually agree with this statement. My skin looks amazing. It doesn't cover my larger bumps, but it covers hyperpigmentation like few other foundations will
• Lightweight feel: I agree with this statement as well. It doesn't feel heavy on my skin. I think the Combination/Oily version felt heavier, but I think there also may have been a reformulation since I used the Combo/Oily version.

Other things to be aware of:

• This foundation is not paraben-free: I know there is a lot of controversy about parabens and how a lot of people argue that they are the safest preservative, but I think I would rather use up my products with parabens and stick to having one item in each "category" that is free of parabens. Of course, I don't condemn others for using products with parabens, and every now and then I will probably pick something up with parabens without checking the ingredients first. The point is, it has them. If you want fewer parabens in your products, this is not the foundation for you.
• The packaging is a pain: In some countries it has a pump, but here in the States we get the bottle that likes to keep on giving. So it leaves a problem: do I waste this extra foundation, or do I contaminate the foundation in the bottle? On those rare days when I pour out the exact amount I need, I am happy.
• I think it used to have SPF, but now it doesn't: I heard this has been reformulated over the years. When I started wearing makeup, it had SPF 15, but I can't find any sign that there is any sort of sun protection at all in the newer formula.
• For a drugstore foundation, it's kind of expensive: I say "kind of" because drugstore makeup is becoming more and more pricy. 

Bottom line: I like this foundation and would probably buy it again if it matched my skin well and if it was free of parabens. It ranges between $10 and $14 and is available at drugstores, Walmart, Target, and so on.

Super September Day 2: Drugstore Makeup Kit for Beginners! (Tools Included)

In 2010, I made a video with the same idea. If you go on YouTube, there are plenty of videos suggesting products for makeup newbies to try out. I've been wearing makeup for over 4 years and I still watch these videos from time to time to see what people are recommending (and it's fun).

Since I am really trying not to buy makeup right now, I won't have every single item I recommend, but I can promise you that I have probably mentioned most of these products before, so if you're a regular reader, you might roll your eyes and label me a broken record... but it's okay! I can live with that label. I am going to separate things into different categories. My goal is to make this list as short as possible, but with the best possible products. The prices I am using are from the Ulta/CVS and Walmart websites and these products are found in the United States.

Also, if you don't like the look of a product I am recommending, that's fine. There is no "perfect" guide to the best makeup kit for beginners because every person has different needs and preferences. My kit is created with a college student in mind because I am a college student. Will I create a makeup kit with middle/high school students in mind in the future? Probably! (Let me know if you want to see it this month - I have most of my Super September posts planned, but there is plenty of room to make changes. I'd rather post something people are interested in!)

Pricing Guide:
Orange text is the Ulta price. Blue text is the Walmart price. If one is missing, then that product is not sold at the store with missing information (hopefully that made sense!) Since sales tax varies, I won't be including that.

Face

• Primer/Foundation/Concealer: Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation ($12.99/$9.47) - As the title of this bullet-point suggests, this product functions as a primer, foundation, and concealer. I spent a long time deciding whether or not to buy this. I was annoyed with Covergirl for repackaging their tinted moisturizer and calling it a BB cream and I came to the realization that I didn't really love Covergirl products in general. When I heard about this foundation it sounded like the perfect base. It takes a few minutes for the product to set properly, but my skin looks great after it does set. Another advantage is that the lightest shade is not too pink or dark for me. There are 14 shades of this ranging from very fair to dark. I think the Covergirl Queen collection also has its own version of this with 14 different shades, which is also great!
• Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte ($4.99/$3.97) - I recently mentioned that I wanted to try this and eventually broke my Project Minimize goal (yet again) and I love it. You get so much powder for such a low price. It gives my skin more of a semi-matte look than the "flat matte" look that so many people dread. This powder also doesn't irritate my skin, which is a plus. After I finish my other powders, I think I will just keep buying this one.
• Blush: Covergirl Cheekers Blush ($4.99/$3.74) - These blushes are not the most pigmented, but there are plenty of colors for you to experiment with. These are scented and don't have the best ingredients, but I still recommend them.
• Bronzer/Highlighter: Wet n Wild Color Icon "Reserve Your Cabana" ($3.93, this one is tricky. Wet n Wild products are not sold at Ulta to my knowledge and not every Walmart sells Wet n Wild... Walgreens and CVS do sell Wet n Wild, and they sell this for $3.99) - This is great for highlighting your cheekbones. I cannot recommend a bronzer because I do not wear bronzer, but this is from their bronzer line. The only piece of advice I have for this is to be careful... it is not pressed very tightly, so it can break with a slight drop. It hasn't happened to me, but I've heard of it happening to other people. Another suggestion I have for highlighting your cheekbones is just a shimmery single eye shadow (cream or peach colors are nice). I have heard people rave about the NYC Sunny Bronzer if you really really want to try one, but I wasn't a fan.

Eyes

• Primer/Base: Maybelline Color Tattoo's ($6.99/$5.94) - I don't think I've raved about these at all ;) - just kidding! It's like I never stop talking about these. I know some people don't love them, but I do. Bad to the Bronze is quickly becoming my favorite (yes, it is even passing Barely Beige). Not every color has the best formula, but I always get really excited when Maybelline releases some new ones.
• Eye Shadow: Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Collections ($2.99-$4.99) - These are the only drugstore eye shadows that I constantly find myself recommending to people. I will say that drugstore eye shadows have improved tremendously even over the past 4 years... but they still don't really compare to my Urban Decay or Too Faced eye shadows, so I rarely try drugstore eye shadows.
• Eyeliner: Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner ($4.49/$3.97) - These are smooth, inexpensive, they last pretty well (not the absolute longest wearing eye liners, but they are still wonderful), and there are plenty of different colors to try.
• Mascara: Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes ($5.49/$3.97, rolled back from $4.44) - I hate the classic Maybelline Great Lash. The formula is wet, the brush doesn't work with it. I don't get a remarkable look from the product at all. Oddly enough, the different brush makes all the difference. My eyelashes look long and full and it seems to take less time to dry than the classic Great Lash.

Lips

• Lip balm (non-tinted): Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm ($3.29/$2.97) - If you like honey, I highly recommend this lip balm. I don't think this will be the best product for winter, but for the first time in a while, my lips are smooth.
• Tinted lip balm: Maybelline Baby Lips ($3.99/$2.97) - These are also pretty hit and miss. I love Cherry Me, but Peach Kiss is just okay.
• Lip gloss: Revlon Lip Glosses - Okay, so this one is less specific because I prefer Revlon lip products in general.
• Lipstick: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick ($6.99/$4.97) - These have an unoffensive flavor and scent, are smooth, and there are so many colors to choose from. As I said, I just adore Revlon lip products in general. I think my favorite color is Wink for Pink, but I really want to try Cherries in the Snow.

Tools

• Real Techniques brushes: Surprise, surprise. These brushes are amazing. If you can get any of their brushes, definitely get the Expert Face Brush. I also love their brush sets.

I hope you've enjoyed Super September day 2! Stay tuned for day 3.

What products do you recommend for beginners?

Super September Day 1: Another Challenge + Hogwarts-Inspired Looks!

Why indeed, I have set another goal for myself. I want to publish a blog post every other day... starting today! Some posts will include videos. I will be posting reviews, makeup looks, and anything else that just sounds fun.

It's not a secret that I am a Harry Potter fan. I first read the books in 2002/2003 when I was in fourth grade. I fell in love with the story and the action and just about everything else in the series. Any fan of the series will know that yesterday, September 1, was the day that Hogwarts students would board the Hogwarts Express, sit through the Sorting Ceremony, eat an endless supply of food (but only because of house elves), and then be on their way for a new school year. So for Super September Day 1, I wanted to post pictures of looks inspired by the Hogwarts Houses!

As I've said before... I'm not particularly good at applying makeup. I may try just as much as everybody else, but the end result just looks average (or worse). I also decided that even if the end result to each look was bad, it didn't really matter that much. Why? Because this is just for fun. And I need to step out of my comfort zone every now and then. This is way out of my comfort zone! Oh, and I realized as I was creating these looks that my eyebrows were looking very unkempt and my tweezers were nowhere to be found. Ah, my first world problems ;)

I will actually begin by listing the face makeup I used in each look (as well as mini-reviews because I can't resist sharing my thoughts). Any different products used (blush, highlighter, etc.) will be listed below each picture!

• Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer - I got this as a sample a long time ago and was afraid to use it. I like how it gives my skin a glow without looking greasy, but I won't purchase the full size version. 
• Revlon Colorstay Foundation (Normal/Dry formula) in 110 Ivory - I like this foundation, but I also have some major issues with it. Ivory is too pink for my skin. The next shade up (Buff) is the right undertone, but it is too dark. Mixing the two colors doesn't help (I tried that back in the day). Why did I repurchase it? To be honest, I had $10 in CVS ExtraBucks and I forgot to pack foundation when I was on a trip. Had I been thinking clearly, I would have chosen something else. It's a good formula, but the color is not right for me. Oddly enough, I've used about 1/3 of the product inside the bottle. I honestly have a love/hate relationship with this stuff. Odds are, I will repurchase it at some point in my life (assuming I finish this bottle, of course!) Also - why does it have a pump in some countries? Come on Revlon. You know you want to include a pump for this foundation in EVERY country you sell it in ;)
• Covergirl Clean Pressed Powder (Oil control) in 510 Classic Ivory - I think I mentioned having this a long time ago. I knew it was in a makeup bag in one of my purses, but I didn't have the motivation to find and finish it... until I started using up the powders in my collection. I doubt I would repurchase this powder, but I do want to try the Rimmel Stay Matte powder. I had it years ago, but I can't remember what I thought about it.
• And in every look I used the Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara. Not face makeup, but I never used a different mascara.

Now that I have bored you with the face makeup used for this look, I am finally going to show you my Hogwarts House-inspired looks!

Gryffindor (scarlet and gold)

• Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold
• The plum & gold colors from the Revlon Colorstay palette (Embellish) - I would recommend MAC Cranberry over the plum color, but I don't have Cranberry and I probably wouldn't use it too often, so I tried using something comparable. Fail.
• This is the only look with a corresponding lip color. I used the L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in British Red

Hufflepuff (canary yellow and black) 

• Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold
• Mark i-Mark in Stellar
• Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero (I tried to wing my eyeliner out to make this look more interesting)
• Burt's Bees Honey Lip balm (it's an inside joke. I had to put it in)

Ravenclaw (blue and bronze - yes, I realize that in the movies it is blue and gray, but I am basing this off the books)

• Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze
• Wet N Wild Idol Eyes in Distress (or MAC Freshwater)

Slytherin (green and silver)

• Maybelline Color Tattoo in Silver Strike
• The silver color in the Revlon Colorstay Palette (Embellish)
• Wet N Wild Idol Eyes in Envy (or MAC Humid)

I'll probably try this again in a couple years. Hopefully by then I have the courage and skills to create a tutorial instead. Watch out for Super September #2!

Makeup Collection: Lips

I have mentioned in the past that I am not as much of a fan of lip products as I am of eye or face makeup. However, the right lip color can really pull a look together, so I try not to underestimate the power of lip products. I think this is my least impressive portion of my makeup collection, so I'll try to get through it quickly.

Here are my lip treatments, lip balms, lip stains, and lipsticks (and a wild Stila Lip Glaze).

At the very top of the picture there is the C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Buffer.

For some reason, I have five Lip Smackers. The flavors I have are Barq's Root Beer, Coca Cola, Sprite, Cotton Candy, and Vanilla.

As for real/standard lipsticks, I only have three at school with me. The first is by Revlon and it is the Super Lustrous Lipstick in Wink For Pink (616), which has a pearl finish. The other two I have are both from Wet 'N Wild. I have the colors 968 (Pinkerbell) and 901B. The last product in the row is a Maybelline Color Sensational Pop Stick (from Summer/Fall 2011) in Pink Lollipop.

In the next row I have a Stila Lip Glaze in Guava (I'm not sure why I included it in this picture... it is a lip gloss, after all). Following that is my only Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey.

Next I have... a "few" Maybelline Baby Lips lip balms: Pink Wink, Coral Crush, Peach Kiss, Twinkle, Pink Punch, Cherry Me, and Peppermint.

Finally (at least for this picture) are my Revlon Lip Butters. Since my review a few months back, I've bought two more. The colors I have are Pink Truffle, Cherry Tart, Strawberry Shortcake, Sugar Plum, and Sweet Tart.

Not pictured: Burt's Bees Honey lip balm, Mox Botanicals Lip Butter (Pomegranate & Fig), Benefit Posietint, Benefit Benetint, my NYX round lipsticks, and a Revlon Colorstay lip gloss.

These are all of my lip glosses. I have the Revlon called the Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Pursuit, Urban Decay Lip Junkie in Naked.

I have quite a few miniature tubes of the Bare Minerals Moxie Lip Glosses. The colors I have are: Hot Ticket, Socialite, Gutsy, Fashionably Late, Rebel, and two of Dare Devil (one came in one of my beauty subscription services and the others came in the Bare Minerals holiday collection).

Now, for the three lip glosses that are hanging around the others... I have the Mirenesse Lip Bomb in 9, the MyGlam Glam Gloss in 1, and the Be a Bombshell Lip Gloss in Hot Mess.

I have 4 products by C.O. Bigelow: the Mentha Lip Shines in Vanillamint, Bubblemint, and Peppermint Mocha. I also have the Mentha Lip Tint in Plum Mint. Finally, I have the Jane Sparkle Gloss in Sparkle Pink.

That concludes this edition of my makeup collection. I'll probably do this again sometime in the distant future. Feel free to share a link to your makeup collection below! (or any of the other posts from this series, really)

Makeup Collection: Eyes

Eye makeup is something I tend to love, but I also stay within a certain comfort zone. Most of what I have won't be a surprise to anybody who has read my blog for a while. That being said, I still hope this is an enjoyable read.

Eye Shadow Primers:

Eye shadow primers are something that I consider to be essential, but I haven't found one that doesn't work for me, so I haven't ventured too much. I only have Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight (I have a sample size that has lasted forever - I'm not joking, I've used it at least 20 times), the full sized version of Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight, and of course, Urban Decay Primer Potion (Original). I have Urban Decay Primer Potion in the old packaging because when the new packaging was being released, I got this in a package of two for a pretty good price. I used the first tube for a long time (by the way, I didn't even finish it... it started smelling weird and I will probably feature it in my next "empties" post if I remember to.

But anyway, these are the primers I have (I also have the Mirabella Prime for eyes and face, but I don't plan to use it on my eyes).

Brow Products:

I am very low-maintenance with my brows. Sure, I cold take the extra minute to fill them in, but on an every day basis, it just isn't necessary. I have the Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel (which I got in a monthly subscription box) and the Maybelline Mastershape by EyeStudio in Deep Brown.

Eye Shadows:

And so begins the longest part of my post: eye shadows!

I have two L'Oreal Infallible eye shadows: Bronzed Taupe and Pink Sapphire.

I've gone a bit crazy with the Maybelline Color Tattoos. I have five: Audacious Asphalt, Tough as Taupe, Bad to the Bronze, Barely Beige, and Rich Mahogany. Of course I really want to try out some of the new releases, but I will wait as long as I possibly can to do so because of my spending ban.

Now for most of my palettes! I have the Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette, Too Faced Naked Eye Palette, Urban Decay Naked Basics, NYX 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette in Champagne and Caviar (now called Caviar and Bubbles, I believe), and the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. Clearly I love neutrals a little too much.

Here is a palette I have mentioned many times in the past: Too Faced Glamour to Go.

I also have the NYX Butt Naked Eyes palette, but for some reason or another it was impossible to get a decent picture of the actual palette this time around.

Here are my drugstore trios/quads/palettes/whatever you'd like to call them. I have three by Wet N Wild: Sweet as Candy, Silent Treatment, and Walking on Eggshells.

I also have tried two of the Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadow Quads. I have Siren and Embellish (which was released fairly recently, if I'm not mistaken)

The final item is a face and eye product, but I hate this on my face, so I have designated it for my eyes. It is the Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Bronzer, Blush, and Eye Shadow in the shade Riviera Strip/Sand Bronzer.

Next up is my two loose eye shadows. Both of these came in the MyGlam/Ipsy bag at some point. I have the NYX Ultra Pearl Mania in 02 Pearl and the Salty Cosmetics Loose Luxury Mineral Eye Shadow in Glama-ZOID.

Ah, now for the Z Palette. I'll be honest: mine looks pretty terrible because of all the exposed magnets and just lack of real organization, but these are all eye shadows I want to finish up, so I have to just deal with it. I will be listing these from the top row to the bottom row, so here it goes:

I have the Covergirl Cafe Au Lait trio followed by the Covergirl trio in Smoke Alarm.

Next I have the four eye shadows from the Stila Garden Bliss Palette (from two years ago, I believe). I also have The Balm's Meet Matte in Matt Batali at the end of row 2.

In row 3, there is the Covergirl quad in Fairytale and the Mark eye shadow in Stellar.

The last row has a random bronze eye shadow from Mirabella, the ELF Brightening Eye Shadow Quad in Brownstone, and a Mark eyeshadow in Glitterati.

Eyeliners:

To the left are some eyeliners that I have either received with the purchase of another product or in a beauty subscription box. I have the Be a Bombshell Liquid Eyeliner in Onyx, Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in Jet Black, and the Starlet eyeliner in All I Want is Peace, Love, and Chocolate.

The Stila Smudge Crayon is technically not only an eyeliner, but also a cream eye shadow. It really depends on the color you use. I have two full-sized ones (Antique and Rose) and three mini-sized ones (Black, Umber, and Smoke).

I've raved about the Revlon Colorstay eyeliners before - one color in particular. Here are the colors I have: Charcoal, Teal, Black, and Blackberry.

Here are my Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencils. I have mixed feelings about these, as I have said before, but I do think that the pigmentation is impressive. I have two in Zero, and then I also have Demolition, Underground, and Bourbon. I have all of these in the smaller size.

Here is every mascara I own. I'm very strict about throwing mascara away every three months, so at the rate I genuinely use mascara, I think I have a little too much (I won't need to buy any until sometime in March). I have two samples: (The Balm What's Your Type? Mascara in The Body Builder and Perfekt Lash Perfection Gel) and I also have three full-sized mascaras: Rimmel Extra WOW Lash in Extreme Black, Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex in Extreme Black, and Model Co Fibre Lashxtend in Extreme Black (I got this in a Birchbox, I think).

My other palettes (inside)

NYX "Butt Naked" Eyes (inside) - by the way, the sponge applicators do not make life easier with this particular product. Just thought I would let you all know.

Too Faced Glamour to Go (inside) - how have I not hit pan on the  top right one? It's my favorite sparkly eye shadow ever! This picture does not do the color justice.

So those were are all of my eye products! If you want me to review or swatch anything that I haven't already, just let me know.

Makeup Collection: Face

As I believe I have mentioned before, I tend to buy an excess of face products. This is because my skin... well, to be honest, it isn't a pretty sight most days. Lately I've calmed down on the excessive purchasing of face products (and not just because of "project minimize") and although I do have a lengthy list of products I really want to try, I will hopefully refrain from purchasing what I do not need. Although most of my collection is with me at school, there are a few items I always leave at home with the assumption that I won't bring my makeup home with me. This never happens, but as it is, I don't actually have the space for the few other products that are sitting in my acrylic storage unit at home (actually, I did an experiment and discovered that I could fit it all in a Birchbox).

I won't be reviewing things that I mention because part of the purpose of this collection post is to show you what I have so I can actually review something that has been requested. As you've probably noticed, I just review what I am using and move on to the next item. I will also link to any reviews I have already posted, so hopefully that is helpful.

Once again I am rambling and telling you more than you probably needed to know, so here is my collection!

Base Products (primer, foundation/BB cream, powder, etc):

Primer:

I am not big on using face primers. To me, they are just an added step that I have personally never thought of as necessary because I've never found one I loved. Both primers I have are sample sizes, so I really need to just use them up so it's not taking up the space. I have the Mirabella Prime (which is for face and eyes) and a sample of Lancome La Base Pro (which I got at Sephora as a 100 point perk, I believe). Both of these are silicone-based. If I ever do buy another primer, I really want to try any of the Korres primers or the Tarte BB Tinted Treatment (which is a tinted primer).

Foundation/BB Cream/Tinted Moisturizer:

Foundation has always been my favorite, yet least favorite thing to buy. I love how my skin looks with a good foundation, but the frustration of finding a foundation that matches my skin and doesn't irritate it is pure torture. That might be a slight exaggeration, but I've spent more money on foundations in my lifetime than I have spent on anything else... and I still have nothing that is perfect for my needs.

But, I digress. I currently have the L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream in Light, Shiseido Dual Balancing Foundation in Very Light Ivory (I 00), and Clinique Acne Solutions in Fresh Alabaster (01).

Not Pictured: Estee Lauder Double Wear in Ecru and Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow

Powder (including a powder foundation):

Powders are another thing I can't get enough of. My skin is oily and I generally like most of the powders I buy. I tend to buy pressed powders more often than loose powders because they aren't as messy and make traveling easier.

The powders I have are: NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Face Powder in Translucent, Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Cream (Light 4-5), Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Powder in Classic Ivory (10), Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation in Classic Ivory (10), Covergirl Clean Oil Control Pressed Powder in Classic Ivory (510), and Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder (more of a skin treatment, but it is a powder and I do use it on top of blemishes when I'm not wearing much makeup).

Not Pictured: Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder in Porcelain (110), Bare Minerals Mineral Veil, and Bare Minerals Matte foundation in Fairly Light.

Concealers:

I get lazy with concealer. I usually only use concealer under my eyes, but if I have a particularly nasty pimple or if I have an occasion where I want my skin to look great, then I will take the time to cover it up.

I think a lot of people either own or have tried MAC Studio Finish Concealer at some point (I have shade NC15). I also have Revlon Photoready Concealer in Fair (I'm not sure why I am including this because I probably have a few days worth left) and I have the Rimmel Match Perfection 2-in-1 Concealer & Highlighter in Fair (125).

I do like the concealers I have, but eventually I would love to try something new just because that is how I am. Besides, this blog would get quite boring if I never tried anything new. (So it totally makes sense that I'm limiting myself to 12 unnecessary beauty-related purchases this year, right? ;)

Blushes, Bronzers, and Highlighters:

I finally got two Z-palettes! One is specifically for face products and the other is for eye products. So let's give this overview in columns (so the left column will be listed from top to bottom, the middle column will be listed from top to bottom, and the right column will be listed from top to bottom). By the way, don't worry about the gunk on the bottom (from the glue that Covergirl uses for their palettes). I cleaned it off after taking pictures, of course! ;)

Left column: Benefit Bella Bamba, Benefit Dandelion, and The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer

Middle column: Covergirl Cheekers Deep Plum, Covergirl Cheekers Natural Rose, and a poor cracked blush from the Stila Garden palette.

Right column: Mark Blush in Star Glo, Mark Blush in Kitten Glow, and Mark Bronzer in Golden Glo.

Next up are my only blush singles in the original packaging. I have the MAC Mineralize Blush in Hand-Finish, which is really old and was limited edition back in 2009 (I think). I'm not proud of the fact that I am not even close to finishing it, but when it comes to powder products, I plan to keep it until it actually seems to be going bad.

I also have the NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Boho Chic. Finally, I have the Sula Natural Blush in My Little Secret.

The next products I have are all by Benefit: Posietint, High Beam, and Benetint. I got these a long time ago, but as I said for the MAC blush, until it seems to have expired, I'll probably hang on to these. I am not proud of the fact that I've struggled to even remember to use these products.

There has been a lot of buzz about the Wet N Wild products in recent years. I believe the Wet N Wild Color Icon Bronzers were released around this time last year. I only have Reserve Your Cabana because I am not a big fan of bronzer as it is, and this is really more of a highlighting product... even for my fair skin.

And finally, my blushes and bronzers that come in palettes specifically for face and eye makeup! I have the Too Faced Glamour to Go palette and the NYX Butt "Naked" Eyes palette, both of which I have talked about a lot on here.

And that is every single bit of face makeup I own. If you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer them below.

My Top 12 Products of 2012

I haven't written a favorites post for a long time because I've been working toward my goal of finishing more products and buying less. However, there are quite a few products that I've fallen in love with and can see myself buying again once I run out. These things are in no particular order, but let's get to it!

1. LaVanila Pure Vanilla Perfume: I have this in the small rollerball form and it has become my favorite fragrance ever. I don't wear it every day because I want to save it for special occasions, but I can see myself buying this again and again. The notes are: Madagascar vanilla, Freesia, Patchouli, Heliotrope, and Tonka Bean. You can buy the rollerball form for $19 at Sephora.
2. My Too Faced Palettes: I have three different palettes, the Naked Eyes palette, the Romantic Eyes palette, and the Glamour to Go palette. I personally love all of them and constantly find myself using them. My most used of the three is definitely the Glamour to Go palette.
3. NYX Butt Naked Eyes Palette: I didn't use this as much as I wanted to (since I have about five other neutral palettes), but I fell in love with it over Thanksgiving break. I love having all the blushes and eye shadows I need in one place.
4. Revlon Colorstay Eyeliners: These aren't necessarily a new discovery for me, but I did "rediscover" them this year when I was in search of a smudge-proof eyeliner. These can run dry, but they work well once you know how to work with them. Blackberry is my personal favorite.
5. Maybelline Color Tattoo's: I think a lot of people already know about these and if you've read my blog for any amount of time you'll know that I love these. My favorite color is Barely Beige, which was limited edition, but a similar shade has been released in the 2013 metals collection.
6. Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Skin Ointment: I had an allergic reaction to something I was trying to finish up a couple of months ago. This really helped my skin. Tea Tree Oil is supposed to help with cuts, burns, and acne. I've never noticed whether or not Tea Tree Oil really helps my acne, but this product really soothed my skin irritation.
7. Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup: I wear the shade Fresh Alabaster in this. I don't think I have ever mentioned this on here, but I always used it when I was "between" my other foundations that I have finished this year and I've come to realize that it is actually my favorite foundation that I've used this year. It doesn't actually treat my breakouts as far as I have noticed, but it also doesn't break me out and it is the closest match I'll ever find from a Clinique face product. Actually, I wish they had a lighter shade. It would probably be perfect.
8. Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder: I use this when I don't wear other makeup and I've been really happy with it. It calms my skin and seems to work well. It comes in a huge container and I don't use much, so I feel like I'm never going to finish it.
9. Sally Hansen Complete Care Extra Moisturizing 4-in-1 Treatment: This is a nice base and top coat. It's the only one I have used this year.
10. OPI Nail Lacquer in Just Spotted the Lizard: This is from the Spiderman collection and it is probably the most interesting color I've bought this year. I won't even begin to attempt to describe the color, but it does remind me of a lizard.
11. China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Smoke and Ashes: I'll admit that I loved the Hunger Games and I was really excited when China Glaze released a nail polish collection dedicated to the movie release. Smoke and Ashes looks boring, but if you look carefully it has greenish blue shimmer in it (forgive me if my description is subpar... I am terrible at describing scents and colors).
12. Tangle Teezer: My hair is very prone to tangles, so this has been a miracle for my hair. I'm so happy that I tried it and I hope to buy a couple more soon so I don't have to remember to take it back and forth with me when I am going home for a weekend.

I didn't really have any lip favorites in 2012 because I don't usually go crazy over lip products (although you'd never believe it if you could see my collection). What were your favorite products in 2012?

Updated Foundation Routine! (November 2012)

So I've finally switched my foundation routine up a bit, so I thought I would share it! So far I am pleased with the combination of products I am using. I've only been doing this routine for a few days, so if my opinion of anything changes, I'll be sure to post an update.

• Moisturizer: Right now I am using the travel sized version of the Willa Clear Face Moisturizer. I was curious about this because it is a liquid moisturizer, so I bought the overnight kit (with a bag, cleanser, and the moisturizer). I like this moisturizer, but I think I will need something more hydrating in the winter, so at the moment I'm working on finishing it up. I also occasionally spray the Mario Badescu facial spray after applying moisturizer (really I use it sporadically... either way it's a nice product).
• Treatment: Clindamycin 1%/Benzoyl peroxide 5% gel. This is just the generic form of Benzaclin. I was prescribed this two weeks ago and you can't buy this over the counter. I don't like the fact that it contains benzoyl peroxide, but my dermatologist said to use it and I decided to listen (for the time being, that is). I'm putting up my skin care routine post within the next few weeks, so if I end up liking this I'll be sure to include it.
• "Foundation": L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream. This is said to prime, perfect, hydrate, and correct. It's a nice product, but there isn't much in the tube, so I'm not sure if it is worth the money at full price (if you can get this on sale, I recommend at least trying it). It gives light to medium coverage and doesn't leave my face in a greasy mess. Dare I say this, but I think I am beginning to like this better than my Smashbox BB cream. I've noticed my skin is less oily, but I also realize this could be a number of factors (the change in my skin care, the changing weather, and the change of my foundation routine)
• Concealer: I've been using the Revlon PhotoReady concealer for a while and I intend to use it until I finish it. If I repurchase it, it'll be a while.
• Powder: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder foundation. This has light to medium coverage and it has an SPF of 20.

I don't have a blush I use every day right now - I just use whatever I feel like using for the day. What products are you currently using for your foundation routine?

October Hits and Misses! (2012)

My monthly favorites seem to be getting shorter and shorter. I blame this on the fact that I am really working to finish as many products as I can. I still want to have an interesting collection, but I don't want to have piles of things I'll never use

• Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream: I've talked about this a lot and I even finished it this month. I would buy it again eventually, but I have a lot of foundations and BB creams to finish, so for now I will not be repurchasing.
• Revlon Photoready Concealer: I bought this on a whim a little while before I banned myself from buying makeup this past summer. It's great for under-eye circles. I don't use it on blemishes because I usually don't bother to cover those.
• Rimmel Extra Wow Lash: This mascara is inexpensive ($5 or less) and it works quite well. The formula is a little dry, but it never makes my lashes feel dry or brittle (which I can't say for other mascaras I've tried recently). This is a definite keeper.
• Stila Smudge Crayons: I've talked about these a lot, so I'll keep it to the basics. They last on my eyelids and have convenient packaging.
• Too Faced Glamour to Go Palette: I bought this a while ago and I keep switching between this palette and another palette. The color in particular that I love is in the top right corner. I didn't really use the blush or bronzer in this palette, so I didn't take a picture of those. Plus I think I already have taken pictures of both.
• Lush Seanik Solid Shampoo Bar: I've used this almost every time I wash my hair and it is very clarifying and volumizing. 

And for the misses? No beauty products, but... I have officially decided that Starbucks coffee beans and I do not get along well. I love their lattes, but their beans have honestly never impressed me. I prefer going to places like Fresh Market with a variety of coffee (if you've been there, you know just what I'm talking about).

Foundation/Face Routine: September 2012!

As some readers may know, I have been working to finish my Almay Clear Complexion makeup so I could work to finish some other foundations. Well, it finally happened, so now my routine is different! However, I haven't technically posted a foundation/face routine on my blog before, so some of the products I had been using with my Almay foundation varied day by day. Since I'm trying to finish some products up, I'm sticking to the same products on most days just so I can finish things up product by product.

Now, if you're new to my blog, here is some information about my skin type: I have combination-oily acne-prone skin with hyperpigmentation. My skin gets drier in the winter and I generally do not use foundation primer because I haven't found one that actually worked for my skin. I used to be a big fan of medium to full coverage foundation, but lately I've really enjoyed products with light to medium coverage and if I add concealer if I really need it.

• Moisturizer: Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 15. This moisturizer does have fine shimmer in it, but it's not noticeable on my face because I only need half a pump on my skin. People with drier skin might need a full pump. I don't use a separate sunscreen.
• Treatment: Mario Badescu Drying Cream. I apply a thin layer on any active breakouts and my makeup has never looked any different than it does when I don't use it.
• "Foundation": Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream. This doesn't last as long on my face as my Almay foundation, but the color match is better and the coverage is just a bit lower. I will be using this BB cream until I finish it. The only complaint I have is the price... $39 for one fluid ounce. If I ever repurchase this, it will be a while before I do because there are so many other BB creams out there to try!
• Concealer: Revlon Photoready. This has SPF 20 and I use it on the dark circles under my eyes and on any bigger breakouts on my face. I used to love this concealer, but now I just categorize it as "average" because it does the job, but it also creases a bit.
• Powder: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Compact Powder Foundation. This sets my makeup and gives me a bit of added coverage. I actually switch between this powder foundation and the ELF Mineral Blemish Powder. 
• Blush: Benefit Bella Bamba. It took me a while to figure out to use this without having bright cheeks. I use a stippling brush instead of a regular blush brush. Overall I don't love this, but I did get it in the "Big 10" set that came out last year, so I want to use it up before I move on to the next blush.
• Highlight: Benefit Dandelion. This is a brightening face powder so I use it on my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, and on my chin. 

What products do you use for your foundation/face routine?

Review: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner

I am always on the lookout for a longwearing eyeliner. I tried the Revlon Colorstay eyeliners the first time a few years ago and almost always had one in either Black or Black/Brown in my collection. Right now I have four: Blackberry, Teal, Charcoal, and Black.

Cost: $7.49 a piece at Ulta

Color Range: 7-8 shades

Color Descriptions:

• Blackberry: black with a plum shimmer
• Teal: matte teal
• Charcoal: dark metallic gray
• Black: matte black

Overall Impression: These are very dry in comparison to the Urban Decay 24/7 liners, so it makes application difficult. However, in terms of lasting power, these are better for me. I like the colors that are available. My personal favorite is Blackberry because I've never owned a color like it. Well, to be fair, I've also never owned a color like Teal, but Teal is a bit too bold for my personal preferences. For me, Blackberry can be a great everyday color without being plain or garish. Another thing I love about these liners is that they twist up. I personally don't use the sharpener at the ends because I had a bad experience with the tip of the liner coming off and getting stuck in the sharpener. It's easier to just line carefully.

These eyeliners are good, but as I said, they run on the dry side. For me, that is reason enough to keep looking at other eyeliners from time to time. The only color I don't think I will repurchase is Teal because it's not a good color for my skin tone.

Swatches: Left is the original swatches (top to bottom: Blackberry, Teal, Charcoal, and Black). Right is after the smudge test. They do rub off a bit, but I don't have to set them with anything to prevent smudging, which is great!

Product Review: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters

I know that the Revlon Lip Butters are old news, but I also know that when I am about to purchase a product, I tend to do extensive research (with the exception of some items for the $20 makeup challenge).

I'm not very dangerous when it comes to lip products. A flavored lip balm or a C.O. Bigelow lip gloss usually keeps me happy because I prefer to focus on my eye makeup and I hate to fuss around with lip products. I also don't really pay attention to how long a lip product wears because I'll probably wipe it off within twenty minutes anyway.

But anyway, when the Revlon Lip Butters were released a few months ago I was interested because there were about 20 shades to choose from and they were only $6-8.

I would consider these to be right between tinted lip balms and lipsticks. I've had tinted lip balms that were actually drying and had little to no color payoff, but these are actually moisturizing. They also have more color payoff than other tinted lip balms I've tried, but less than lipsticks. The darker colors aren't quite as sheer as the lighter colors, so if you want intense color these are not for you. They also give off a nice sheen that makes them look almost like a lip gloss, but they aren't sticky. I also haven't noticed any scent or flavor to these, which I think is good for people who might dislike scented products. The best thing is that even though they are unscented, the Lip Butters don't smell like plastic (N.Y.C. lipsticks, anyone?)

So bottom line: I think these are really nice! I recommend them if you are into more natural feeling and looking lip products. Some of the colors are bolder than the ones I have, but even Cherry Tart is wearable in my opinion.

The three shades I own are Cherry Tart (a cherry red with some shimmer), Sweet Tart (a medium pink), and Strawberry Shortcake (a pale pink).

Cherry Tart

Sweet Tart

Strawberry Shortcake