estee lauder

Esteé Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Powder Foundation Review

July 11, 2017 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I mentioned in Monday (read that post here) that my usual summer makeup is more minimal, and a lot of days I just wear concealer or a mineral foundation. I had purchased the Esteé Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Powder Foundation (see the video where I haul it here) to use as a setting powder, but decided to try it for a light coverage on summer days, and it turns out I LOVE IT!

Packaging

This is typical powder compact packing with a button to open the compact and a mirror inside. The powder and mirrior are are what you see when opening the compact, but the powder flips up to reveal a cosmetic sponge which can be handy in a pinch, but to me is mostly wasted space because I do not use the sponge and would rather a slimmer compact. The plastic is navy blue the signature Esteé Lauder “EL” cursive logo in gold on the top. I like the navy and gold packing, it isn’t as sleek as some other brands, but it is classic and somehow comforting (I think it reminds me of walking the makeup counters with my mother as a kid).

Shade Range and Cost

$42 for .45 oz

There are 26 colors in the range and I have been using the shade 1N2 Light Ivory Beige with Neutral Undertones (I am typically 1C1 Cool Bone in their liquid foundations).

Why I Love It

Some days I go without a foundation, but I do tend to get oily in my t-zone, so I like a bit of powder to stop the shine. I love that I can apply this as quickly as I would any other powder to both combat the oil and also give me a little extra coverage.

Wear

This is a very natural looking light to medium coverage powder foundation that helps me even my skin and combat shine. This is super fast when I just want a touch of makeup to give me that “no-makeup makeup” summer look that I love.

Shop

You can purchase this from Sephora, Ulta, and department stores.

Have you tried this? What is your go-to “no-makeup makeup” item? I would love to hear about it in the comments! xx

Products I’ve Used Up?! January Empties! Part 2

January 7, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Today I will be continuing my post from Monday, Products I’ve Used Up?! January Empties! Part 1, and sharing if I would repurchase, and a mini review.

Empties Part 2:

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray:

I love the Urban Decay makeup setting sprays, I have already repurchased one but I picked up All-Nighter this time instead of De-Slick.

Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder in 10 Porcelain Ivory:

I love this powder! It is fantastic for setting my foundation, and adds a little extra coverage. I have already repurchased this.

Orajel Training Toothpaste Fluoride-Free in Berry Fun:

This is for the kiddos, and we have already repurchased it! We are getting Hailey ready for “big girl” toothpaste but continue to use this for Connor.

O•P•I Drip Dry Drops:

I ran out of these so long ago and seriously need to repurchase them! These drops help dry your nails SUPER fast when you’re rushing! I don’t use them every time I paint my nails, I do find they dull the shine just ever ever ever so slightly, but they’re amazing for when you don’t have forever to sit around waiting for your nails to dry!!

Pureology Serious Colour Care Antifade Complex Shampoo:

I love these shampoos! I have not repurchased, but have a different Pureology shampoo in my shower.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks:

I used this during this pregnancy and I do like it for my belly, breasts, and buns! But I did not repurchase it because I opted to use an oil by Burt’s Bees.

Colgate 360 Toothbrush:

These are my favorite toothbrushes! For 2015 I would like to get us some nice electric toothbrushes, but these are my standbys for sure! Any suggestions for a great electric toothbrush would be apprecaited! Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite!

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream:

I really like this hand cream in the winter months. I didn’t like it at first because I was using too much, but if you use just a pea sized dab works beautifully! I will repurchase!

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Hair Mask:

I only had a small sample of this, so I only got a couple of uses out of it, but I did enjoy it! I don’t plan to repurchase it because there are lots of other hair marks I have on my “to try” list, but this did seem nice.

Estée Lauder Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Eye Cream:

I got a sample the last time I went to purchase my Estée Lauder staples and I did enjoy this eye cream, but I have not repurchased it.

H2o+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment:

This was a small sample from my Ipsy Glam Bag but I got quite a few uses out of it. It is a gel consistency, it felt hydrating, and did not break me out. I would consider purchasing this in the future, I think it would feel great in the summer!

Patagonia Ayres Body Butter with Essential Oils Jasmine and Rosemary:

This was another small sample, but I did enjoy the rich formula and the scent was very relaxing.

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Ash:

I adore this and it has already been repurchased this! This will help you make sure that your brows are on fleek (on point!) : )

Thank you SO much for being here, reading, and for the continued support! Please be sure to subscribe! It’s easy, just enter your email in the box that says “subscribe” and you will get an email to confirm your subscription! Thank you!!

Products I Used Up?! January 2015 Empties! Part 1

January 5, 2015 & 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I have been saving all of my empty beauty and tolietries in a basket in my closet for awhile now so that I could share an empties post with you! I love reading these types of post and watching these types of videos because 1) It’s helpful to hear if people would repurchase or not and a quick mini review, and 2) Let’s be honest, isn’t everyone just a *tiny* bit nosy?! It’s fun to see!

Let’s get into it!

January Empties:

Estée Lauder Advanced Time Zone Night Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Cream:

Fabulous, thick, and luxurious night cream! This lasts because a small amount goes a long way. This has already been repurchased (by my momma for Christmas! Thank you!!) and will be for a long time! Love!

Estée Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF:

Same as the above! I love this and it is my favorite moisturizer. It is PERFECT for my combo/oily skin.

Gillette Venus Spa 3 Blade Shave Gel Bars:

I have been using Venus razor blades forever! I love the build in gel bar because it saves me so much time!

Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea Fine Fragrance Mist:

I don’t really like body sprays, I am definitely a perfume girl, but I like using a body spray in the evenings as part of my nighttime routine or sometimes when I’m just getting out of the shower or bath. I was glad to use this up and I won’t be repurchasing it, but not because there is anything bad about it.

Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Fine Fragrance Mist:

Same exact review as above!

Kleenex Hand Towels:

I use these to dry my face after cleansing because it is much more sanitary than using a towel. I love these and have already repurchased more.

Caress Evenly Gorgeous Burnt Brown Sugar & Karite Butter Exfoliating Body Wash:

I LOVE THIS! I will repurchase this over and over!! It smells amazing, exfoliates beautifully, and feels just as fabulous as a more expensive body wash. Awesome!

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Nourishing Baby Oil:

I am SUPER pregnant (maybe when you read this I won’t be anymore?! maybe?!) and I like slathering this on my belly, breasts, butt…all the areas prone to dryness and strech marks. They make a Mama Bee Oil, which I also like, but this works just as well for me.

Lollia At Last Perfumed Shower Gel with White Petals & Rice Flower:

I got this in one of my PopSugar Must Have Boxes. I liked this, but I would not repurchase because I do not think that it was anything that special for the price point.

Dove Clinical Protection Clear Tone Deodorant Solid:

I love the clinical strength deodorants for the peace of mind, and will continue to purchase this.

Equate Sensitive Skin Feminine Wash in Soft Petal:

Using a special feminine wash or completely scent free soap is so important…gotta protect those lady bits! I have used both this brand, the Walmart brand, as well as the Summer’s Eve and like them equally.

Dr. Scholl’s For Her Rub Relief Gel Spots for Tartgeted Blister Protection:

I love these in my heels and flats! I have even put them in my husbands Sperry’s! These work so well!

Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti-Humidity Hairspray:

I really like this hairspray for a light hold and daily use.

Philosophy Eye Hope Multitasking Eye Cream for Dark Circles, Puffiness & Lines:

I love this! I have not repurchased it yet, but I would in the future.

Benefit It’s Potent! Eye Cream:

I have been using this for a couple of years now as part of my morning routine. I really like this because I have VERY dark circles from a combination of genetics and mommyhood and this really helps.

Phew! That was a lot and that was only part 1! Thank you so much for reading : )

Requested Fall Makeup Look with 90’s Lip!

November 5, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

When I posted my Family Clothing Haul a few weeks back it was requested by a sweet subscriber that I share my makeup from those pictures. I re-created the look to share with you today with some close up pictures and will also share the products that I used. Thank you so much to Jaime for her comment and participation! It means a lot to me : )

The Look:

I love this look for fall because it is really easy!! A statement 90’s lip with a winged eyeliner is really all there is to it! I love doing a slight wing and a bold lip because it looks very put together, but in fact takes wayy less time than a more complicated eye look.

Products Used:

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner

I really like this as a primer around the sides of my nose and you can use it for any areas where you have larger pores. I used this a couple of years ago and then decided to try it out again.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 1C1 Cool Bone

This is my ultimate favorite foundation! This doesn’t budge, even on my longest days and on my combo/oily skin.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Brush On Glow BB Highlighter in 1N Extra Light

I love this to conceal and brighten my under eye circles.

Benefit Boxed Blush in Rockateur

This is such a gorgeous blush! I have been reaching for this a lot this fall.

NYX Mosaic Powder in 01

I like swirling this & lightly sweeping it on the high points of my cheeks for a little extra glow.

Hard Candy Brows Now! Brow Fiber Gel + Highlighter in Light Medium

I like this brow gel for a quick brow fix, but what I really love about this product is the highlighter! This looks stunning right under the brow bone and in the inner corners of the eye!!

M.A.C Paint Pot in Bare Study

Usually I use this as an eye shadow base, but in these pictures this is the only product on my lids!! It is great for a day when you’re rushing or want a very natural look. I just sweep this over my lids with my ring finger and blend.

L’Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black

I love this! This is super black, a nice felt tip, and great for beginners! I used this for my lid & wing.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Black

I wore this in my waterline! I also love this in nude.

Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara Water Resistant in Black

I love using a water proof mascara for my first coat after curling my lashes and this is my go-to!

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara

This is a deluxe size mini that I have been reaching for a lot lately, and I really like focusing it on the outer parts of my lashes.

Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler

All eyelash curlers are NOT created equal! This is my first eyelash curler that isn’t just whatever random one I grabbed at the drugstore, and it is worth EVERY PENNY of that $17 price tag! I love this baby!!

EOS Lip Balm in Strawberry Sorbet

I love using this before applying lipsticks!

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Rock N’ Rose

This is GORGEOUS! And if you’re looking for that Kylie Jenner lip everyone has been rocking, this is an AMAZING find because it costs $1-2 and works perfectly!

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 08

I love love love love looooove this! The PERFECT affordable 90’s lip color! I also love the Kate Lipstick in 14 for a slightly lighter version! Stunning! Go buy this!

****Thank you so much as always for reading! Please show me some love by subscribing, sharing, and pinning this post if you enjoyed it!! Thank you!!!****

Also, don’t forget to Enter to Win a Butter London Eyeliner!! It’s easy!! : )

My Morning Skincare Routine

August 27, 2014 & 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Awhile ago I shared my Get Unready With Me: My Night-Time Routine and now I would like to share my morning skincare routine. While pregnant I do not use certain products, so this will be updated after the pregnancy and I can share that when the time comes.

MY MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE:

Step 1: Solve Math Problem Alarm App , Drink Water, and Drink Coffee

Math isn’t my thing, and so having the Freaky Alarm App makes sure I get up because I really have to think to solve even simple math in the morning!! The next step is throwing on a sweatshirt or a big comfy sweater because even in August, I’m cold most mornings. And then I drink a big glass of water which absolutely is part of my skincare routine(sometimes lemon water). And then finally, finally, my coffee (decaf right now!)…through a straw of course ; )

Step 2: Hair Goes Up

I put my hair up into a messy bun using a hair tie like these from Lucky Girl Hair Ties on Etsy or a big claw clip.

Step 3: Cleanse Face

I wash my face with my all-time favorite facewash, Purity by Philosophy with my Clarisonic. Then I dry my face with Kleenex Hand Towels to make sure that I’m not putting a dirty towel onto my just cleaned face. I also use a wash cloth just for my face after showering that I change out every couple of days to keep it as clean as possible.

Step 4: Use Toner

My favorite toner is an oldie but a goodie, Sea Breeze, and I like the one for sensitive skin.

Step 5: Use Moisturizer

I use Esteé Lauder Day Wear and it is my FAVORITE of all time!! I love that it has built in SPF 25, and never feels greasy on my combination/oily skin.

Step 6: Use Brightening Eye Cream

I have pretty bad dark circles…maybe it has something to do with two little kiddos and a pregnant mama?! ; ) To counteract the dark circles, I have been using the It’s Potent! Eye Cream from Benefit for a couple of years. I can tell that it helps, because a few times when I have not used it for awhile I can really notice a difference.

That’s it : ) Then I do any needed body grooming, get dressed, do my makeup, and hair. I hope that you enjoyed this post! What do you like to use for your morning skincare routine? Have a fantastic rest of your week and don’t forget to subscribe by entering your email in the box on the right side of this page! Thank you for reading!!

High-End Beauty Haul

June 25, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Today I have a collective high-end beauty haul to share with you! This haul is a combo of online shopping, Sephora, and Esteé Lauder. Once again, all titles are links!

Let’s get started!!

Lorac:

Summer Glo Eye Shadow Palette:

I am completely LOVING this little palette! At $24 the price is affordable for a great quality 10 pan eye shadow palette that is different than anything else I have in my collection. I am definitely a neutral girl, but I love all of the subtle pops of color that are showing up everywhere this summer, and I think this is a great way to dip my toes into the pool of color possibilities ; ) I love that there are both matte and shimmer colors, and that the palette provides neutral browns and colors to blend with. I have been loving putting the blue shadows along my lash line for a different summery look. If you’re interested in a more indepth look at this, let me know!

Zoya Nail Polish:

In this GORGEOUS coral color called Wendy! I can’t stop wearing this on my nails! And in Rooney which is the *perfect* pink for summer. I love these two colors for a mani/pedi combo…they aren’t matchy matchy, but compliment eachother well.

Esteé Lauder:

DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 25:

This is my absolute favorite moisturizer! I was out, and excited to opt for the SPF 25 instead of 15.

Advanced Time Zone Night Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Creme:

I have never used this before and I am SO excited to have it! It is such a rich and luxurious moisturizer for nighttime.

Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Eye Creme:

This is just an itty-bitty sample and I’m excited to try it!

*Thank you to my mom for the anti-aging goodies ; ) So important!

Pure Color Lipstick in 03 Crystal Pink:

This is a creme lipstick that was a gift with purchase and it’s a pretty, neutral pink that I like because it feels so nice on the lips.

Anastasia Contour Kit:

This is limited to one/customer online and is hard to find in Sephora stores…for good reason! I have heard that people aren’t pleased with the cardboard packaging, but it seems to be study to me, and I think that also kept the price reasonable. The contour shades and highlight shades all blend beautifully, and even on my pale skin the contour shades do not appear at all orange or fake. The pans are removable and you can replace colors as you run out. I can’t wait to play with this some more!! If you can find this, grab it!! And let me know if you’d like a full review on this kit : )

What high-end items have you been loving lately? I would love some new suggestions! Please don’t forget to subscribe by entering your email into the subscribe box on the right side of the screen! You’ll make my day ; )

April Beauty Favorites!!!

April 30, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi There! Happy Wednesday!!

I cannot believe that April is already ending! Didn’t we just celebrate Valentine’s Day?! Time is FLYING by, as usual! Because it is the end of the month, I want to share my beauty favorites today! I will also be sharing my “lifestyle” favorites (a.k.a my everything-that-isn’t-beauty-related favorites) this Friday. Be sure to comment (click on the link by the title of this post) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to tell me what YOUR favorite products have been for the month of April! I would LOVE to hear from you! I also, as usual, have created a Luvocracy collection if you’d like more information on any of these products, or would like to shop online. I’m feeling chatty today, so I’ll stop myself before I ramble on and just get started ; )

LEAH’S APRIL BEAUTY FAVORITES:

Lips:

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Pretty Social

This lipstick is long wearing, feels nice on the lips, and has very sleek matte packaging. To me this is a perfect light cool toned pink, it’s light but not TOO light…yet light enough that I can easily wear this without a lip liner or constant touch ups. This is neutral enough that I can wear it with a lot of different make-up looks.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 915 Blushing Beige

This is one of the nude colored tube lipsticks from the Maybelline Vivid line. I LOVE the formula of the Maybelline Vivid lipsticks: it is very moisturizing, and feels very comfortable on the lips. I love this color because it is a very wearable, slightly pink-y nude and it looks great with everything.

EOS Lip Balm in Summer Fruit

I love this lipbalm! I use them under lip color or by itself. It is always in my bag!

Cheeks:

Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick by FaceStudio in 20 Pink Fever

This is a cool toned cream blush in a stick form. I like to stipple this on with a brush or blend a very tiny amount on my fingers. It blends easily and lasts on my combination/oily skin. This color IS intense, but blends out to be a stunning color.

Maybelline Master Hi-Light by FaceStudio Hi-Lighting Blush in 251 Natural

This is part of the Dare To Go Nude Spring 2014 Limited Edition Collection from Maybelline. This is a golden highlight that is absolutely stunning! I have worn this every day since I bought it, and I know I will use it all summer! It works so well on my pale skin, but I think it would also look gorgeous on deeper skin tones. If you come across this, pick it up before it’s gone! I hate when they make colors like this limited edition!

FACE:

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder 1

This is a setting powder that I use almost daily under my eyes! It brightens up the area, and doesn’t settle into any fine lines. This is my go-to under eye setting powder.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup in 1C1 Cool Bone

This stays all, covers everything, and makes my skin look perfect! I love this foundation for my combination/oily skin. It even stays on my nose area where foundation likes to come off of on me first. A little goes a long way with this foundation and it does set quickly, so work in sections on your face!

Estée Lauder Double Wear Brush-On Glow BB Highlighter in 1N Extra Light

This is a beautiful brightening concealer for the under eye area! I like to dot it on with the brush it comes with, but then I use my own brush or my fingers to blend it out.

Estée Lauder DayWear

This is my favorite moisturizer for day and night! It never leaves my skin feeling oily (we will see how it does this summer!) and provides lots of moisture to nourish my skin.

EYES:

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash

This is my favorite eye brow pencil! I had always preferred powders until I found this pencil! It is a super fine point that allows you to make tiny strokes that look soft and natural. It also comes with a spooli on the other end, which is nice! Love this!

NAILS:

Nicole by O•P•I in Am I Making Myself Claire?

This is from the Modern Family Collection by Nicole by OPI and is such a unique color that I’ve been loving for spring! It is a gray-ish lilac cream color, and the formula wears well on the nails.

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in 405 Coral Reef

This is a GORGEOUS coral color for spring! It is just so bright and beautiful, and shockingly I didn’t have any coral shades like this in my collection! The price is right with this polish, and the formula is great.

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

I didn’t notice a difference with this immediately, but I kept using it every night for a few weeks and now I can see a big difference. I had this in my collection for so long just sitting unopened (it came with a set I believe that I had gotten for Christmas) but I am so glad I tried it. It smells great too! My one complaint would be that it can be slightly difficult to open.

RANDOM:

Warm Lemon Water!!

I have been taking 2 minutes every morning to heat up some water in the microwave and squeezing a lemon into it because of the many heath and beauty benefits! I am no expert, I am just experimenting with it right now, so I will link one of the websites that I found that explains why lemon water is beneficial. I also brush my teeth BEFORE drinking the lemon water, because I read that if you brush immediately after it is actually worse for the enamel on your teeth. I do rinse my mouth out with water after drinking my lemon water.

Wow! Another long post : ) If you read all that, thank you! What products have you been loving this past month? I would love to hear about them! Comment (just click the link by the title of this post!) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Please also let me know if you have any requests for things you would like to see on my blog! If you have enjoyed this, please subscribe! If you have already subscribed, thank you!!! Have a fantastic day!

March 2014 Collective Beauty Haul from Sephora, Estée Lauder, and CVS Pharmacy

March 26, 2014 & 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Today I have a collective beauty haul for you! My birthday was a couple weeks ago, so there are a few birthday gifts, and I also did a little shopping this past weekend. This haul has stuff from: Sephora, Estée Lauder, and CVS Pharmacy. Links to all of the items mentioned are in pink as always and I have created a luvocracy collection for more information on the products or if you want to shop for them online.

SEPHORA:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes:

I have been in love with the Hourglass Ambient Powders since late 2013. I received a limited edition Ambient Lighting Powder set for Christmas that has Dim Light, Incandescent Light (limited edition), and Radiant Light. This set it no longer available, but you can purchase Dim Light and Radiant Light individually, as well as the other Ambient Lighting Powders in the permanent collection. I was so excited when I heard about their blushes launching, and at first they were very hard to find, but now they are readily available at Sephora. Each blush is swirled with one of the Ambient Lighting Powders.

Diffused Heat:

This is described on Sephora.com as “vibrant poppy blushed combined with Diffused Light for a subtle halo effect”. This is a beautiful pinkish coral color that isn’t too orange.

Dim Infusion:

This is described on Sephora.com as “subdued coral blush fused with Dim Light to add warmth”. I have a hard time with coral blushes, and often reach for more blue toned pinks, but this is the perfect coral! It isn’t orange at all. These blushes have a beautiful shimmer, but it isn’t chunky or too much. This shade is very light, but I was surprised at how pigmented it really is! I think that it would be a nice highlight or layered over other blushes as well.

Overall I think these blushes are beautiful! They are a bit pricy at $35 a piece for .15 oz. I really did my research figuring out which of the shades I wanted by looking at swatches online and at Sephora. They seem to last all day on my combination skin, and remain true to color. I think I will have them for a long time time because they are very pigmented and you don’t need to apply very much product per wear.

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray:

I am a big fan of makeup setting sprays! I first used one for my wedding almost 4 years ago and have been using them ever since. I have only used Urban Decay All Nighter and De-slick. De-slick is meant to be oil controlling, but I find that All Nighter controls my oily spots just about the same. I like to use this after I have put on my foundation and concealer, and then again after everything but mascara is done. Using a setting spray like this one helps my makeup to stay on longer. I also love that it helps to give a more fresh-faced look, by helping to prevent a cakey or powdery appearance after applying lots of powder products. The one I got is a 1oz. travel size for $14 but the regular is a better deal at $30 for 4 oz. Urban Decay made an “XL” 6 oz. version when they had the old packaging, but I haven’t seen it since they launched the new packaging.

Benefit The Porefessional:

I will buy this primer again & again! I have combination/oily skin with my largest pores on either side of my nose. I love that this is a pore minimizer and primer in one. It is $31 for .75 US fl. oz. and I find that one tube lasts me a long time even with daily use.

Benefit They’re Real Mascara:

I received this as part of my birthday gift from Sephora for being a beauty insider. I love this brush and can’t wait to try this out! I do not like using the mini mascara sample tubes in general because I find it’s harder to get the brush exactly where I want it, but it’s great for travel or to toss in your purse.

Benefit Watt’s Up Soft Focus Highlighter:

I am a big big fan of highlights and couldn’t wait to try this one! This little baby is what made me pick the benefit cosmetics set for my free birthday gift for being a beauty insider. It’s a beautiful champagne color that is very soft to the touch cream-to-powder formula that applies in stick form. I really like the stick form, it allows for precise application and it is hard to mess up. It seems to blend well with the fingers, but I haven’t tried it with a brush yet.

ESTÉE LAUDER:

I finally was at a Macy’s this past weekend and was able to go to Estée Lauder to be color matched.

Double Wear Foundation:

I’m really excited to try this foundation! I love my Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + and have heard that this is also a great choice for people with combination/oily skin. They were out of my shade (I believe it is 1C1 Cool Bone) and are shipping it to my house, so I do not have a picture yet.

Double Wear Brush-On Glow BB Highlighter:

This is a new product for the under eye area that conceals, brightens, and highlights. I have very dark circles and was amazed at how well this concealed them. While I was being color matched the makeup artist also used the product to highlight the brow area and it looked beautiful for that as well. I only had this on for a couple of hours, but didn’t notice any creasing under the eyes (a total pet peeve of mine with lots of under eye concealers!). My shade is 1N Extra Light.

Lily Pulitzer free gift with $35 purchase:

This gift is so fun for spring! I was especially excited about the Lily Pulitzer print! It’s completely up my alley and oh so adorable!

You could pick your eye shadow quad, lipstick, and moisturizer out of a couple different options. My mom ended up taking the lipstick since they had a color she really liked. They also threw in an extra mascara and lipgloss duo ended wand because they didn’t have the foundation in stock and had to ship it to my house. You can see more about the limited edition gift Estée Lauder gift here. The sales associate also told me that later this spring they will have a larger Lily Pulitzer tote for those who might be interested in that! Do you ever buy something at a makeup counter just to get the free gift? Let me know in the comments (comment by clicking the link next to the title of this post) or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! I didn’t know about this gift ahead of time, but this is one that I might actually do that for! Especially because I could use the exuse of stocking up on a staple item and getting some freebies out of it.

Lily Pulitzer Makeup Bag

Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black

Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion

Advanced Night Repair Serum

Pure Color Eye Shadow quad with lily Pulitzer packaging (60 Sugar Biscuit, 47 Nude Fresco, 35 Hot Cinnamon, 45 Lavish Mink)

DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15

Shimmer Lipstick in Sugar Honey

CVS PHARMACY:

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 001 Black:

I love my Scandaleyes eyeliner in nude for an everyday brightening look for the waterline and wanted to try out the black.

Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink:

I have been hearing about these Milani blushes for months and just now got around to picking one up! It has a lot of shimmer and sparkle to it, so if that isn’t your thing you would probably want to pass. I think that the gold shimmer is enough to skip a highlighter when using this blush, and it applies and blends beautifully. It reminds me a lot of Nars Orgasm.

Out The Door America’s #1 Super Fast Drying Top Coat For Nails:

I love this top coat because it is fast drying, inexpensive, and I don’t get the annoying shrinkage that can happen after applying some top coats (shrinkage is where the polish looks like it pulled away from the tip of the nail or when it looks like you have tip wear but just applied the polish).

Phew! That was a long one! If you are reading this, thank you VERY much!! I can’t wait to really dig in to all these new goodies! If you would like a review or more information on any of these items, please let me know by commenting (click the link by the title of this post) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!