10 Things I Would Repurchase Tag!

I've seen this tag going around on YouTube and since I generally prefer writing, I figured I would write up a post right here! The premise of this tag is to list the first ten things I would repurchase if I somehow lost all of my makeup. I'm not sure if tools are meant to be included in this or not, so I haven't included them.

1. Foundation: I technically haven't truly found my "holy grail" foundation, but if I needed to go out and buy something, I'd probably pick the L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB cream in "Fair" because it is similar to my Smashbox BB cream (it has lighter coverage and no sun protection, but the finish is similar and the L'Oreal one is cheaper).
2. Concealer: This may be surprising because I don't think I've ever mentioned it on my blog, but the MAC Studio Finish Concealer is probably one of the better values I have personally found for my needs. The best part (for me, at least) is that I can find a shade that matches my fair skin. Many drugstore concealers are orange or pink and they don't cover anything or they break my skin out.
3. Powder: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder. I accidentally left this powder at home, so I don't actually have it with me to photograph, but I love this powder. I remember when it came in more than four shades (this was around 2008, I think). It was the second powder I ever purchased (the first was by Covergirl).
4. Blush: I don't particularly have a "holy grail" blush, but I do like the NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic. I've also used the color on my lips and it looks great! I really like that cream products offer versatility.
5. Eye primer/base: Well, if this were to happen right now, I would go out and buy the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Beige. Since that is limited edition, my second answer would have to be Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight. I also love the Stila Smudge Crayons and I know I will repurchase them, but for the price, I feel like I would get more out of TFSI.
6. Eye shadow: This one was tricky. I have a lot of eye shadows I love... however, I remembered a particular palette that I used a lot last year: Too Faced Naked Eyes. I haven't really used it since moving back to school, but if I didn't have it, I know I would miss it.
7. Eyeliner: I think I would probably buy Revlon Colorstay in "Blackberry" before anything else. It is an interesting color (in fact, it is my favorite eyeliner color right now) and before I started trying to finish my Urban Decay 24/7 pencils, I was using this on a daily basis.
8. Mascara: Rimmel Lash Accelerator. After blogging about my wish list, I ended up buying this mascara and I've used it every single day since purchasing. It probably doesn't do anything for lash growth, but it makes my lashes look nice. I do need to find a good mascara for a dramatic look, though.
9. Lip balm: Coca Cola Lip Smacker. I know everybody used to love the Dr. Pepper flavor, but it has never been my favorite. This doesn't really give any moisture, but it smells good and is a fun product from my younger years.
10. Lip gloss: Anything by C.O. Bigelow. They aren't sticky or drying and they taste and smell amazing.

What 10 products would you repurchase if you lost all your makeup?

Review: My Lush Hair Products!

I posted my first Lush haul in July and since then I've really had a chance to try the products I bought. I was intrigued by the solid shampoo bars (and then shocked when I found three different shampoo bars from a brand at Whole Foods!) and I had heard some great things about the conditioners.

Before I get myself too off subject, I will mention what I do own: the Jumping Juniper solid shampoo and American Cream conditioner. I picked Jumping Juniper based on the recommendation of an employee at Lush and I picked American Cream over other conditioners because it was available in a small bottle so I wouldn't be stuck with it if I hated it and also because it's supposed to be more hydrating than Veganese (which is also available in a smaller bottle).

Jumping Juniper ($9.95) is specifically for oily hair. I actually wash my hair every day because of the oiliness of my scalp. I've tried skipping days before and the feeling just bothers me. Anyway, I use Jumping Juniper once or twice per week to remove any buildup from products (and buildup from my other shampoo). I enjoy the smell, but I'm terrible at describing scents. It is a bit strong, but to me the scent is pleasant and fruity and maybe has a hint of floral. I probably would repurchase this once I finish it.

American Cream ($9.95 for a 3.3 fluid ounce bottle) is supposed to be suitable for all hair types. I feel like this conditioner feels a bit too heavy for my hair, but it also isn't extremely moisturizing. It doesn't do much for my tangles. The bottle claims that it smells like strawberry vanilla cream, but I personally think it leans more on the strawberry side than the vanilla side. I actually don't think I'll be buying this again. I've found cheaper conditioners that work better for my hair. I will say since you can buy such a small bottle that it's still worth a try if you are curious.

I plan on trying the Seanik solid shampoo bar and once I do, I will post a review as soon as I have a fully formed opinion on it. I won't be trying it until I finish Jumping Juniper, though.

What are your favorite Lush hair products? Your least favorite?

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?