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: 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.

Tag! 10 Makeup Items I Would Repurchase

The purpose of this tag is to list the first ten items I would repurchase if all of my makeup somehow disappeared (destroyed in a fire, stolen, and so on). I believe it was actually called the "If All My Makeup Disappeared" tag around this time last year. Either way, it's the same general idea and it's fun, so I decided to do it.

1. MAC Studio Finish Concealer (NC 15): Although I hardly ever wear concealer to cover my blemishes, I opted for concealer rather than foundation. If all of my makeup disappeared, I would let my skin breathe (more than it does now) and only attempt to cover dark circles and large blemishes. However, I would also consider trying the Hard Candy Glamouflage since they recently released a lighter shade (the one that used to be the lightest was slightly too dark for me). Then I could just mix the concealer with moisturizer and have a tinted moisturizer.
2. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder: This powder has been one of my favorites for a long time. Although there are several different shades for the powder, it is pretty sheer, but that doesn't bother me. 
3. Covergirl Cheekers Blush in Natural Rose: I'm really hesitant to put this here. This is because ever since CoverGirl decided to re-release their tinted moisturizer and market it as a BB cream, I've been boycotting the brand (because to my knowledge, they still haven't even mentioned their shady behavior... poor PR move in my opinion). So to be more precise, I would buy a color exactly like Natural Rose because it looks nice on my skin.
4. Maybelline Color Tattoos: This really isn't going to be a surprise to anybody who reads my blog regularly, but I love these. Barely Beige is my favorite, but it's limited edition. From the permanent collection, I love Bad to the Bronze and Tough as Taupe.
5. Stila Smudge Crayon: Now, I know I already mentioned a cream eye shadow, but the thing about the Stila Smudge Crayon is that it can be used as an eye shadow and an eyeliner and it actually stays put all day (except on my waterline, but I have yet to find something that does and since I don't wear eyeliner on my waterline on a daily basis, it's not a deal-breaker). 
6. Wet 'N Wild Eye Shadow Trios: I have three of these and love all of them. I'd probably buy Walking on Eggshells first because it gives a subtle look.
7. Rimmel Extra Wow Lash Mascara: This mascara is inexpensive, but it gives me the same effect as most mascaras that cost more.
8. C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shines: these lip glosses aren't sticky and they taste nice. I'm not a big fan of going overboard with the lip products, so usually I opt for some form of lip balm.
9. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater: Technically a skin care product, but since my skin is becoming quite dry, I've been spraying this on after applying foundation. I will be trying plain rosewater from a different brand after I finish this, but this is actually more accessible, so I'd be willing to buy it again. Plus it's only $7.
10. Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder: again, this is technically a skin care product, but when I have a really bad breakout on my face and I'm not going anywhere, I do apply this to my blemishes and it calms them. I feel like it was a good buy because it will probably last me a year (which is probably past its intended expiration, so that is impressive).

So those are the 10 things I would repurchase first. There are some items I've never owned that I would seize the opportunity to try if my collection disappeared. For example: Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. I don't own it, but I want it. It's probably one of the best palettes to start out with anyway.

What would you repurchase if your makeup disappeared?

Review & Swatches: Wet N Wild Eye Shadow Trios

I don't know anybody who openly detests a good bargain. That being said, I do know people who doubt the quality of things that appear to be too "cheap" - I think in terms of makeup, these views stem from bad experiences with first makeup products. However, if you started wearing makeup more than a couple of years ago, you might be shocked to learn that Wet N Wild has amazing eye shadows. If you frequent beauty blogs, then you may not be so surprised.

I've only tried three Wet N Wild eye shadow trios and they are: Sweet as Candy, Walking on Eggshells, and Silent Treatment. These cost $2.99 at drugstores, so even if you happen to dislike these, buying one won't break the bank.

Pros:

• These shadows are soft and pigmented. 
• Inexpensive - $3 a piece
• I want to say there are at least 8 different trios (EDIT: Drugstore.com is selling 12, so that's even better than my estimate), so you should be able to find one you like. I'm not very dangerous with colors, so these are my favorites. There is also a great one for a smoky eye.

Cons:

• Although these shadows are soft, they can be too soft. I always spot one or two of these completely shattered when I am at the drugstore.
• The packaging isn't the sturdiest

Overall I definitely recommend giving these a shot. I wouldn't hesitate to repurchase or buy more.

What are your favorite bargain buys?

July Favorites! (2012)

I feel as if my posts for monthly favorites are slowly becoming less and less interesting because I'm so focused on finishing my makeup that I tend to grab things I know I don't love so I can use them up sooner (but if I find that I have a strong dislike for a product, I do not tend to keep it because I hate clutter). Occasionally I do find something I can truly call a favorite, and I am always happy when I can say that something I have spent my money on truly delivers.

Although the E.L.F. eyelash curler is not the best eyelash curler in the world for my eye shape, it IS the best eyelash curler for $1. It has never ripped out any of my eyelashes or pinched my eyelid. I've noticed that I do experience some difficulty when it comes to curling some of my outer eyelashes because of the shape of the curler, but I have that issue with other eyelash curlers.

A more childish favorite is Lip Smackers! The particular flavors I have loved this month are Cotton Candy and Coca Cola. These aren't the most moisturizing lip products on the market, but they do moisturize my lips enough for summer. They also smell great and taste great, so they're overall just fun. For some reason I don't own Dr. Pepper, a cult favorite.

Although I have heard so many praises on the Wet 'N Wild Color Icon eye shadows, it took me ages to actually go out and buy one. When I finally did, I bought Sweet As Candy, but I ignored it for a while and didn't actually try it until this month. I was spending the night at someone's house and I figured this would go nicely with my outfit for the next day. Before I packed it, I tried the trio and I must say I am amazed with the quality of these eye shadows. They are smooth, pigmented, and they show up on my eyelids without primer (this only happened once because it is now a habit for me to use primer - it makes all the difference). The look really was something I would call "sweet" and feminine. Normally I don't wear shimmery pink eye shadows because I have a fear of looking like I have swollen and infected eyes, but this pink looks nice on my lids and all of the colors complement each other very well. I definitely have my eye on the "Walking on Eggshells" trio and I hope Wet 'N Wild will release more colors soon.

I reviewed the Almay Clear Complexion Makeup on here last month and featured it as a favorite last month as well. Although I don't use this every day, I am officially at the halfway mark. I can only name two other foundations I have finished before: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse (not the best foundation and definitely not the best shade range) and L'Oreal Bare Naturale foundation (I think it is now True Match Minerals, but to make a long story short, I noticed that I had more breakouts when I used this foundation and I also thought it was very cakey)

When I bought my Too Faced Glamour to Go Palette, I was given a deluxe sample of their Shadow Insurance in "Candlelight" - I only need a small amount for my entire eyelid and I used this nearly every day I wore eye makeup this month (and I think I've had this tube for a long time and I used it several times before this month). The tube isn't even empty - I would say I have at least a week's supply left. I will definitely purchase the full size.

I know lash growth serums are pretty controversial because of the cost (most are very expensive) and some simply do not deliver on any of the promises that are made. I personally think that the Rimmel Lash Accelerator serum is quite a neat product. I had some shorter eyelashes on my right eye (I assume they just came off when I was removing makeup or something... not pleasant). I think this product definitely sped up the growth process of those particular lashes. I won't say my lashes have a significant amount of extra volume or length from this serum, but they do look nicer without mascara. I try to apply this day (on my lashline) and night (as a "clear mascara" of sorts). I don't recommend wearing this under mascara - if you tried, you would probably dislike it. There were also a few nights I forgot to apply it, so that might be why I have not seen dramatic results. I will try to post an update when I finish the tube.

Now, for something that may shock some... I like the Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes mascara. I bought this after discovering what a fail of a product the E.L.F. 3-in-1 mascara was and I am very pleased with how it makes my lashes look. I don't get a dramatic look from this mascara, but I would say it is miles better than the original Great Lash. I like it so much that I may try Great Lash Big and Great Lash with the curved brush. I personally enjoy wetter mascara formulas and this is without a doubt a wet formula. The brush is like a Christmas tree and it really separates my lashes. I only use one or two coats of mascara at any given time, so I am not sure how this would work for people who like to use more than two coats of mascara (which I have always found to be too much anyway).

As for random favorites: I saw the Amazing Spider-man with my boyfriend on his birthday and I thought it was a fantastic film... although the fact that Andrew Garfield is 9 years older than me and playing a high school student just seemed strange. Anyone else notice that Dr. Connors also played Luna Lovegood's father in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1? Another favorite of mine is a bit strange for this time of year, but I have gone through a box of chai tea. My parents love to keep our house slightly... well, freezing, so I tend to drink hot drinks all year round.

That is it for my July favorites. The next time I make a favorites post I will be back at college! It's strange to think that most of my summer is already over. What were your favorites this month?