maybelline

LIPSTICK & EYE SHADOW TIPS & PICKS FOR BEGINNERS

May 11, 2016 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

This week I have had two friends ask me on my personal Facebook page beauty related questions that I get asked on a fairly regular basis. First of all, I want to say THANK YOU FOR ASKING! There is not much more flattering to me than people asking me questions about makeup because it is a huge passion of mine. And second, today I have decided to share the information that I was gathering for them with all of you incase any of you have similar questions. If you find this post helpful, please share it or “pin” it to your Pinterest!

Housekeeping Note and Helpful Tip!

I have had two other friends recently tell me that they aren’t subscribed to KwapisFamilyTackles on YouTube or LeahTackles on YouTube because they don’t have a YouTube account but you actually DO NOT NEED A YOUTUBE ACCOUNT TO SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, OR LIKE A VIDEO! Your log-in is actually your Gmail log-in because Google owns YouTube! I hope that is helpful information! I appreciate every person who reads or watches my content, whether or not you’re subscribed, but if you want to get notified whenever I upload something new please subscribe! And I love subscribers ; ) I am doing a HUGE GIVEAWAY at 1,000 subscribers so be sure to subscribe for that too!

What are good lipsticks for someone who has never worn lipstick but would like to try? Something that isn’t “clown like”?

I was a lip gloss girl for years and the only time I had ever worn lipstick was for dance performances, but now I wear lipstick almost every single day. I think that the best way to start would be to try a couple of shades that I consider to be “your lips but better” which means they aren’t very different from your natural lip color. You can also try a tinted lip balm that gives a sheer wash of color. I would suggest grabbing a few lipsticks at the drugstore so that you can figure out what colors you like before you commit to something more expensive. Or, go to Sephora, Ulta, or the makeup counter at a department store and ask for help so that you can wear the lipsticks! Don’t be afraid to ask for help!! You can walk into a department store, try on a lipstick, and then do you shopping so you can wear it for awhile to see how you feel in it.

Lip Products I Suggest Trying:

IMG_3256 (1)

Here are some of my favorite lip products that I think are great “starter” lipsticks!

*Note: listed left to right

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien

M.A.C Cremesheen in Creme Cup

M.A.C Lustre in Syrup

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 08

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 130 Rose Velvet

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 001 Honey (my top pick!)

Covergirl Oh Sugar! in 6 Punch

Covergirl Oh Sugar! in 9 Jelly

What eye shadows should I buy? I have no idea where to begin? What about eye shadow brushes?

I suggest started with a neutral eye shadow palette or even a small trio or quad to start out. There are a lot of fantastic drugstore eye shadow options, which I will link, but also don’t be afraid to go play with the makeup at Sephora, Ulta, or a department store! You can also get a cream eye shadow or eye shadow base like the Maybelline Color Tattoos I will link below. I often apply these with my fingers all over my lid and then just apply mascara and eye liner! They’re easy and beautiful! They also make a fantastic base to put on before applying your other eye shadows. As far as brushes go, you can start simple by grabbing two or three brushes for $1-$3 each from E.l.f cosmetics. The backs of a lot of drugstore palettes like the ones mentioned show a general “map” for how to apply the eye shadows which is a great place to start! The higher end palettes usually come with a small beauty how-to guide that gives tips for easy looks.

Maybelline The Nudes Palette

Wet n’ Wild Walking On Eggshells Trio

Wet n’ Wild Comfort Zone palette

Too Faced Natural Eyes palette

Urban Decay Naked palette

Maybelline Color Tattoo

(I suggest Bad To The Bronze and Inked In Pink)

E.l.f Shadow Brushes

(Start with a basic flat eye shadow brush, a fluffy brush for your crease and for blending, and a smaller flat brush for smudging color on your lower lash line or putting a bright shimmery color near the tear ducts of your eye to brighten)

I hope that you found this helpful! I am doing a Q&A soon on my LeahTackles channel so be sure to ask your questions for that!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend : ) Thanks for reading!

A DIFFERENT LIPSTICK FOR EVERY DAY OF THE MONTH {FEBRUARY}

March 9, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

This week just seems like the week of lip product related posts from me, doesn’t it?! On Monday I shared Chapstick Product Reviews & Giveaway with you and that sets us up perfectly for today’s post topic: Lipstick! I own ~~too many~~ lots of lipsticks, so I thought it would be fun to wear a different one every single day for a month. So often I get a new one that becomes a favorite, or a get suck in a lip color rut and wear the same one for days or even weeks at a time, so I thought it would be a good way for me to rediscover some of my old products. Today I am sharing the lipsticks with you : )

LIPSTICK SWATCHES FOR FEBRUARY 2016:

*Listed from right to left

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Shine in 805 Kissable Pink

Maybelline Baby Lips in Punch

Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick in 14

Younique Stiff Upper Lip Lip Stain in Sultry

Lancôme Juicy Tubes Smootie Lip Gloss in Grand Café Creme Brulee

Tréstique Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Nantucket Nude

L’Oréal Color Riche Collection Exclusive in 402 Blake’s Red

Revlon Super Lustrous Gloss in 235 Pink Pop

The Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes in Committed

L’Oréal Color Riche Collection Privée in 610 Eva’s Nude

*Listed from right to left

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 725 Lilac Flush

Estée Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in 03 Crystal Pink

Maybelline Color Whisper in 90 Oh La Lilac

Wet n’ Wild Fergie Collection Lipstick in A033 Fergie Daily

Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Melted Nude

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 715 Hibiscus Pop

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 430 Magnificent Mauve

L’Oréal Collection PrivEe in 620 Julianne’s Nude

L’Oréal Collection Exclusive in 405 Frieda’s Red

*Swatches from right to left

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge VoluptE in 1

NYX Butter Gloss in Merengue

L’Oréal Collection Privée in Liya’s Nude

Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Melted Peony

Cover Girl Oh Sugar! Lip Balm in Punch

Stow Away Lipstick in Muted Plum

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 660 Touch of Spice

M.A.C Disney’s Cinderella Collection Lipstick (limited edition) in Royal Ball

Philosophy Lip Gloss in Pink Marshmallow Buttercream

I hope that you enjoyed this post! Have a wonderful week : )

My Travel Makeup Reality

February 22, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Today I thought I was keep it real and just share a picture of my hotel bathroom counter this morning while I was in the middle of putting on my makeup. Can anyone else relate? ; )

I hope you are having a fabulous start to your week!! Please don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for pictures of my life and loves every day!! xx

YOUR BEAUTY QUESTIONS ANSWERED! FIRST EVER LEAHTACKLES BEAUTY Q&A!

December 30, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I have never done a question & answer blog post, and I do get friends and readers asking me questions on a fairly regular basis (and I’m honored every time!), so I decided to do my first ever LeahTackles Q&A! This one is beauty related, but feel free to ask any questions you have for me in the comments for my next Q&A! You can also ask me on social media, or via email if that makes you more comfortable. This first handful of questions is from my sweet friend Tammy who sent me an email with a big list, some of which I’ll tackle today. I do have more questions, but I don’t want this to be too long, so I’ll save them for the next time.

1. Do you have tips for applying Younique 3D Fiber Mascara? I always seem to get fibers in my eyes! How many coats of the gel and lashes do you suggest I use?

2. How much should I tip my hair stylist? What about for facial waxing?

I always tip my stylists, and anyone who I tip, 20%.

3. How should I clean my hair brushes?

This is SUCH a great question! For years I was guilty of just pulling out the hairs and that was that. Hair brushes harbor grease, dust, and dirt which then you re-deposit back onto you hair every time you use a dirty brush! Um, YUCK!!? If the brush is plastic, I remove the hair (you can use a teasing comb pick if it’s really stuck) and then soak in in a baking soda mixture bristle side down in a bowl. If it’s really bad, I make a little mix of water, baking soda, and shampoo and then brush with a toothbrush. If the brush is made of wood, you want to be careful about soaking it! If you don’t mind the smell, you could use a few drops of Tea Tree oil mixed with water to clean the brush.

4. Do you suggest a pencil or powder for brows?

My absolute favorite brow product of all time is the Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Wiz eye brow pencil. I was terrified of brow pencils until trying this one, and it’s a miracle worker!! I also like the It Cosmetics Universal Eyebrow Pencil now, too. To answer the pencil vs. powder debate, I’m going to cheat. On a day when I have time, or for a special occasion, I use both! I use the powder by my nose where my brows start for a more natural look for those baby hairs, and then use a pencil to define the arch and finish the tail of the brow. But everyday? I use one or the other! I also like to set my brows with a clear brow gel.

5. I’ve always had the problem where my under eye area gets dark & smudgy looking after only an hour or two of wearing eye makeup. Am I applying the wrong products?

After apply foundation and concealer, I like to set my makeup with a powder. I also usually set my under eye concealer with a brightening powder. E.L.F Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder is a great drug store option, and Laura Mercier Secret Brighting Powder a fantastic one as well and something that lasts a very long time. I always start with either an eye shadow base or an eye shadow primer when doing my eye makeup, even if I’m only swiping one color on my lids that day. I am a HUGE fan of the Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24 Hour Shadows! I wear them alone all the time, or as a base for my eye shadows. M.A.C Paint Pots are also great for this. I also always, always, always wear waterproof or water resistant mascara! I like to curl my lashes (on days when I’m not rushing so much) and then apply a coat of Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara in water resistant. I know a lot of people aren’t fans of how hard it is for water proof mascara to come off at night, but I don’t have a big issue with this and love the security of my makeup not running. I often will put waterproof on both my upper and lower lashes, and then add a coat of another mascara to my top lashes. As for eye liner, I always use liquid eye liner! My absolute fav is Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper, but also have great luck with e L’oreal Lineur Intense.

Thank you so much for reading!! I appreciate it so much more than you know : ) Don’t forget to ask me questions! I hope that you all have a safe, happy, and healthy 2016!! Cheers!

6 Lip Colors You Can Apply In A Rush! No Lipliner Required!

August 12, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

First I want to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my husband, Stephan, who is celebrating his 29th birthday today! Thank you for your constant support and positive attitude!! I love you so!

Today I want to share my top 6 picks for lip colors you can apply in a rush. I love gorgeous bold lipsticks as much as the next girl, but I definitely can’t rock those colors every day. For one thing, I am constantly kissing little faces and that can be a pain ; ) But more often than not it is because I need to be able to apply color fast, and often times without a mirror, or in a moving vehicle.

*Note: please don’t try to apply makeup while driving ladies, it’s just not worth an accident! <– yes, I had to be a mom for a second.

From left to right:

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

NYX Butter Lipstick in Hunk

Tarte Lip Surgence Matte Lip Tint in Alluring (*Similar)

L’Oreal Colour Riche in Sunset Angora

Maybelline Color Whisper in Oh La Lilac

Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss in PopSugar Exclusive (*Similar)

I am ALWAYS on the hunt for great new lip products, so let me know YOUR FAVORITE lipstick for when you’re running out the door in the comments : ) I hope you have a beautiful week!

Still Can’t Keep Up? 5 Ways to Simplify Your Makeup (Drugstore Edition)

July 27, 2015 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I got a positive response from last Wednesday’s post, Can’t Keep Up? 5 Ways to Simplify Your Makeup (High-End Edition), and so today I am sharing my drugstore picks. So, here are the drugstore items I would pick if limited to 5 to get an amazing look!

1. Revlon ColorStay Makeup For Oily/Combo Skin

This is my favorite drugstore foundation for days when I want a full coverage, flawless look that will not budge. A little goes a very long way, and I like to stipple it on, but a beauty blender or fingers work fine, too. They do have a dry skin version of this, as well as a whipped version.

2. E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer in St. Lucia

I love this set for traveling because the blush is gorgeous, the bronzer is beautiful and although it is a tad orange, is still usable as a contour color on my fair skin if I use a light hand. This also has a huge mirror, which I think is so handy.

3. Maybelline The Nudes Palette

This is an awesome value, and if you can’t justify an expensive neutrals palette, this is the way to go. I also have The Blushed Nudes Palette from Maybelline which I do love, but this I feel is overall better quality and you can get a bigger range of looks out of this.

4. L’Oréal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eye Liner

This is a great liquid liner for everything from a fine line to a big wing. I love the brush tip because it is easy to control, and the color is very dark black.

5. CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara

I absolutely always have this mascara on hand! I personally like the water resistant formula. I use this daily! It is always on my bottom lashes, and I like to use this on my top lashes after curling to keep the curl. For more nautral days, I wear this alone, and for more dramtic looks this is a great layering mascara.

Please let me know what your favorite items from the drugstore are in the comments! Commenting is easy (just click by link under the title of each post!) AND it makes my day!! ; )

Have a beautiful week! I will see you Wednesday!

Drugstore Contour Kit?! Makeup Haul!

April 1, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Thank you so much for reading my blog! And if you haven’t yet, be sure to check out my *NEW* YouTube channel! I have been uploading two videos a week and would love it if you would each check it out. Subscribing can be done with the click of a button, and if you have a Gmail account you have a Youtube account because YouTube is owned by google. If you are signed into your email, you can like, subscribe, and comment on any video!

Today I have a few drugstore makeup goodies to share with you, including a $3 contour kit! Whaaaat?! I’ll stop rambling on and let’s get into it : )

Drugstore Makeup Haul:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 006 Really Red:

My sweet hubs got me 3 drugstore lipsticks as part of my birthday gift because he researched M.A.C lipstick dupes for me because he thought it would be a good blog post!! <–Yes, seriously! I had no idea. How cuuuute is he?!I love this classic red lipstick! This one is supposed to be a dupe for Russian Red. It is matte, so it seems a tad drying, but not anymore so than any matte lipstick. I usually gravitate to blue toned reds, so I am excited to add a true red to my makeup collection. Also, I love the Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks in general! Sleek, classic packaging, and a huuuuuge color range.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 013 Smoked Peach:

This is a dupe for Ravishing by M.A.C and I am really glad Stephan got me this because I would have NEVER chosen this color on my own for me. I am pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the salmon-y peach color on me! I thought it would be too orange for my light skin, but with a bare face it worked almost like one of my favorite nudes but a bit fresher…perfect for spring! This is a matte, so again it is going to be a bit drying, but I found this to be less drying than the Really Red mentioned above.

Wet n’ Wild Lipstick in Pinkerbelle:

This is supposed to be a dupe for Viva Glam Nicki. This is a SUPER bright in-yo-face pink and I think it will be so fun for a statement lip in the summer. It does seem a bit drying, but I think with a little balm it will be great for occasional use.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in Brightener:

I love this salmon-y brightening under eye concealer! I repurchase this over and over again! When I want to really cover my bad dark circles I use this first and then a skin toned concealer over this.

Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder in 10 Porcelain Ivory:

I love this powder! It is soft and has a buildable coverage, but I like to just use a little bit of it to finish my foundation. Be careful, it can be cakey if you reapply too much/too often. I buy this again and again!

Covergirl Ink It! Eye Liner in 250 Charcoal Ink:

I have a hard time getting eyeliner to stay on the waterline, and I was hoping that this would stay for me but it doesn’t : ( Wah waaaah. I do think that this glides onto my lid smoothly, and would be nice for a smokey eye, but that isn’t a look I do often. Still, a nice pencil eyeliner with a precise tip. I do like that this doesn’t need to be sharpened.

Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Palette:

I love this!! I am a huuuge fan of the Urban Decay Naked 3 and this does have some comparable shades. A few of the lighter shades are a bit powdery and sheer when swatched, but I find good pigmentation with more colors than not. I love the way this is set up, just the The Nudes palette from Maybelline, in quads, trios, and duos which they show on the back of the package! It is very user friendly and if you don’t have the Naked 3 and you’re on a budget or a beginner, I definitely suggest this. I found this at my local Walart for $9 and I know it’s been sold out almost everywhere, including my store, but I just happened to be there right when it was stocked. If you’re interested in a comparison post or more information, please let me know in the comments!

eos Visibly Soft Lip Balm in Coconut Milk and Vanilla Mint:

I love eos lip balms and I was excited to try these new visibly soft ones. I can’t really tell THAT much difference from the original eos balms, but the packaging is adorable and I still use them every day before applying lip color. I prefer the Coconut Milk and would repurchase that over the Vanilla Mint.

Wet n’ Wild Coloricon Contouring Palette in 750A Caramel Toffee:

I am sooo excited for this one! I love love love the hidden gems that Wet n’ Wild offers (hello amazing cheap eye shadow!) and am so happy they’ve decided to offer a contouring product. I think it’s genius that it only has two colors because there is no picking which contour or highlight shade to use, you just have one option for each. My Walmart only had one shade, but I have seen online that there are in fact two avaliable. I love that these are matte and I love how much product you get. I will say that it was a *tiny* bit powdery, and not crazy pigmented, but I think you can definitely build it up as needed. I think this is something that would be perfect for contouring beginners, and a great option for anyone who loves to contour and wants to try something new. You really can’t lose when it costs about $3!

What items have you been loving from the drugstore lately? Please let me know in the comments! Commenting is SUPER easy, just click the link by the title of this post! Don’t forget to subscribe (pretty please!) and check out my LeahTackles YouTube channel!! I appreciate each and every single one of you!! XOXOXO

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!!

Drugstore Beauty Haul!!!

October 1, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday! And Happy October : ) This month means Halloween, and after Halloween?! In my mind, go ahead and decorate for Christmas!! ; )

I haven’t done a haul in awhile, and today I want to share a small but collective haul from two shopping trips. There are some great things out in the drugstore right now, and if there is anything new that you are loving (or new to you!) please let me know so that I can check it out!! Commenting is easy…just click the link by the title of this post : )

Drugstore Beauty Haul:

Maybelline “The Nudes” Palette:

I shared my love for this gorgeous palette in my September Favorites. I think that most of these colors are beautifully pigmented, and I love that this palette is set up in quads, trios, and duos. I think that this is great for anyone who loves neutral eye shadow looks, and it is a fantastic price point! If you have been holding off on Urban Decay Naked or other high end neutral palettes, definitely give this a shot!

Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder in Porecelain Ivory:

This is the powder that replaced the Maybelline Dream Matte when it was discontinued, and it is my favorite pressed powder to set foundation with.

Maybelline Color Show in Dressed To Kill:

This nail polish such a gorgeous blend of a dark purple, brown, and burgundy! Check this out the next time your in a drugstore or supermarket, because even with my *extensive* nail polish collection, I didn’t have anything quite like this! I am loving this color for fall and winter.

Wet n’ Wild Color Icon Trio in Silent Treatment:

I love the Wet n’ Wild eye shadows and this is a trio that I have been wanting to try. The pigmentation is wonderful and I think this will be a great little trio for both everyday looks and a slight smokey eye.

Hard Candy Single and Loving It Eye Shadow In Attraction:

Hard Candy Cosmetics are exclusive to Walmart and there are several items that I love from the line. I think that this eye shadow will make a beautiful crease or outer corner color, and I LOVE the sparkle that it has! I can’t wait to start playing with this color : )

Hard Candy Top Ten Trendsetters Eye Shadow Palette in Birthday Suit:

This is a BRAND NEW item from Hard Candy for the fall of 2014!! Hard Candy Cosmetics has several of these “Top 10 Treadsetter” palettes that just released and I wanted to try this neutral one. I wish the eye shadows were softer and slightly less powdery, BUT with that said I did find that they blended well and lasted all day for me with a primer underneath. I was impressed! I think these palettes are a great option to try colors that you aren’t comfortable with as well because the price point is so low.

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

I am a big fan of the Benefit Cosmetics Gimmie Brow and I am thrilled to see a fiber brow gel in the drugstore. This can be used alone on your brows or to help set a pencil or powder. The brush isn’t quite as small as the one from Benefit, and more product comes out with the brush on the Hard Candy wand. I love the highlighter end of this product, it is a gorgeous pink-y champagne and it blends beautifully! It reminds me a little bit of the Benefit Cosmetics High Brow, but at a lower price point. I am excited to continue using this!

Thank you, as always, for reading my blog!! And if you have subscribed, thank you so much!! Don’t forget to check out my other social media links which are at the top of this page!! Again, thanks!! XO

September Favorites!

September 29, 2014 & 5 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a great weekend! One of my good friends visited, and we had a wonderful time with beautiful weather! And my alma mater won big at our homecoming game : ) I am combining my beauty favorites and lifestyle favorites into one post this month. Let’s get right into it…

September Favorites:

1) M.A.C Paint Pot in Bare Study

This isn’t new to my collection, but I have been using it a lot lately and have fallen back in love. I love this as an eye shadow base or on days when I want a super natural look, alone.

2) Wet n’ Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana

This is definitely NOT a bronzer, but it is part of the Coloricon Bronzer collection from Wet n’ Wild, and what it is is a *OMG* gorgeous highlighter. The price cannot be beat, and it comes with a huuuge amount of product. Love it!

3) Maybelline “The Nudes” Palette

I had been holding off buying this because I have so many neutral palettes…but when I saw it was buy one get one 50% off at Walgreens, I went for it because I needed some other Maybelline products. If you do not have this yet and you love neutral eye makeup, or if you have been holding off getting the Naked palettes by Urban Decay or other neutral palettes from high-end brands, YOU NEED THIS! It has had some mixed reviews, but I absolutely love it! I have worn it more than any of my other eye shadows this past month, and think it is definitely worth the $10-12. On the back it shows how you can break it up into quads, trios, and duos which is super helpful for people who maybe don’t know where to start with an eye look, and I find the quads especially to be fantastic! The pigmentation overall is good, although I will say that they wear and swatch much better with an eye shadow primer used first. The packaging is simple, not bulky, and very sleek for drugstore, but my one complaint is that there is no mirror. I could gush on and on about this, and if you’d like more information please let me know because this palette really could have its own post!

4) The Balm Shadow/Blush in Down Boy

This is a perfect baby pink blush! I love this because it looks great with so many eye shadow and lip combos! You can’t go wrong with it, but it is HIGHLY pigmented, so you only need a tiny bit!

5) Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder in Porecelain Ivory

This is my go-to everyday pressed setting powder ever since the Dream Wonder line replaced the Dream Matte line. I like that it gives an ever so slight coverage in addition to any foundation or BB cream you might have on.

6) EOS Lip Balm in Pomegranate Raspberry

I love the EOS lipbalms! And so does my 3 year old ; ) I like to apply these while I’m doing my makeup so that my lipsticks have a nice base…and this lipbalm is even thin enough that my matte lipsticks still appear matte but have a little moisture underneath.

7) Dual Ended Brow Brush with Spooli

Brand really doesn’t matter too much here, there are great low cost options as well as more high-end brushes, but I have been using powder for my brows lately and loving a dual ended brow brush with spooli.

8) NCLA Los Angeles Nail Polish in Rodeo Drive Royalty

I adore this nail polish! I mentioned it in my “Leah’s Friday Five” on the Pearls and Pastries Shop Blog, and it has been on my nails almost all month! I keep re-applying it because I can’t get enough of this gorgeous color!

9) Bauble Bar Arc Pendant Necklaces in Rose Gold

I have been loving my plain rose gold arc necklace layered with my pavé rose gold arc necklace! So simple and beautiful! This necklace from Bauble Bar is similar.

10) Gorjana Viceroy Necklace in Yellow Gold

This is such a beautiful simple piece! It goes well with everything!

11) Minnie Mouse Coffee Cozy

I found this adorable crochet Minnie Mouse coffee cozy from LNRCrochetDesigns on Etsy! The seller is super helpful and shipping was very fast. How cuuuute is this?! Seriously! Cute!

12) Name Bubbles Small Contact Clothing Labels

This is mostly for all the moms out there! Or maybe if someone is stealing your jacket off your chair at the office or your food out of the fridge at work, you too ; ) These labels are WASHER AND DRYER SAFE! And just STICK ON! Amazing. And they come in really cute designs, too. I was able to use a coupon code “B2SNB” for 10% off as well.

13) “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids” by Laura Markham on Audible.com

This book is amazing! Stephan and I are only halfway through listening to this book, and it has changed our relationship with our kids (and eachother!!) for the better. I don’t think you need to be struggling or think there is a problem at all to gain a great deal from this book! I really think this book would be benefital to anyone, with grown kids, or without kids at all! We plan to pick up a paper copy as well to highlight our favorite parts. Seriously, READ THIS IF YOU HAVE KIDS!

Phew! That was pretty long! If you read all that, thank you so much! What things have you been reaching for and loving this past month? I would love to know! I hope that you have a great start to your week, and don’t forget to subscribe!! : )