Happy Monday Dollz!
Don’t know if there is such a thing but hey let’s
make the best of it with some Monthly Faves!
I’m not going to go through what seems to be the mandatory open of all Beauty
Blogger & Vloggers with Monthly favorites…
Come on you know it! Say it with me!
“I can’t
believe July is Over!” HA!
So let’s get started with this - For me to say I
will repurchase is a big deal... a HUGE endorsement for a product! I buy, test
and have a ton of stuff, so rarely do I keep buying the same things - I do
have some Holy Grail/Can’t live without it products and I put em in my Must
Have Mondays.
Also if I put a product in my monthly favorites it's a
recommendation for you to try it but doesn't mean I will repurchase it. I really have just too much makeup!
I just like to try new products and spread the
good (or bad) word to all other beauty addicts
Let get goin' with it....
Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion
(Available @urbandecay.com, @ Sephora & Ulta - $20)
This has been a secret weapon for me this month. This eyelash primer can take any mascara from "ehh" to VaVaVoom - adding volume and lenght! Use before your mascara - coat lashes with primer (I do two coats), then go over with any mascara. Do not wait for the primer to dry - I've found that the white fibers are harder to cover if you wait. I hit one eye with the primer, move to the next, and when that eye is done I start on the mascara. In testing this product I used it under my $25 Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara & my $2.99 Wet n Wild Mega Length Washable Mascara in Very Black... the difference was really minimal - they both looked like a million bucks! A mere $20 bucks to make every mascara a winner is a very small price to pay in the glamour game! It's been selling out fast so check the web before you go to your local Beauty joint.
Bvlgari Omnia Coral
(Available @ Sephora & Ulta. Starting at $47)
This is my summer scent and could possibly just become my signature perfume! It's got Bergamot, Goji Berries, Hibiscus Flower, Water Lily, Pomegranate, Cedar Wood. It's hard to find a good summer scent that won't be too overpowering but Omnia Coral is light enough to rock when it's hot! Everyone always asks me what I'm perfume I'm wearing because they love it! That's how you know it's a homerun!
Pangea Organics Lip Balm in Egyptian Fennel With Grapefruit & Sweet Orange.
(Available @ Amazon.com & pangeaorganics.com - $12 )
Got this from one of my monthly Sampling Service called "Look Bag" (Post coming up about Sampling Services Soon). This is an organic product which is always a nice plus in my view. It smells divine and goes on super smooth! I went through this tube in a little over a month & I'm totally going to repurchase!
Lancome's Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara in Excessive Black
(Deluxe Sample)
(Available @ Sephora, Ulta & High End Department Stores - Full Size $26)
Got this deluxe sample as a Sephora Beauty Insider Reward and really liked it. Not sure if I will buy the Full sized product just yet but only because I have a dozen mascara samples to try but I would definetely recommend it. It works on both volume and length, and two coats will give you sexy, dramatic lashes!
Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream In Light/Medium & Medium Dark
(Available @ Drugstores - $12.99)
When the whole mania with B.B. cream hit this was the first one I bought, mostly out of curiosity. Since then I have tried many B.B. creams, high end and drugstore and this one still remains one of my favorite ones. I started using this combo regularly this month as the weather got hotter and I still wanted some coverage & color. I mix these two shades, stipple them on - hit with powder and they give my face a great glow. I would say the consistency is between foundation and tinted moisturizer. If you are looking to try a B.B. Cream I would definitely point you to this one.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer In Shade 20 Light Pale
(Available @ Drugstores. $9.99)
My mom got me hooked on this concealer. Love the consistency and I ADORE the applicator. I draw an upside down triangle under both my eyes and then I blend in (With my next must have stippling brush). Sometimes the cap gets really dirty which was my only gripe with this product. To remedy I just cleaned the cap the every few to avoid any bacteria gathering.
Real Techniques Stippling Brush By Samantha Chapman
(Available @ Ulta - $9.99)
I've been looking for a good stippling brush for a while & had not found the perfect one. I had seen Real Techniques on The Ulta website and just decided to take the plunge... And am I glad I did! I have just fallen in love with it! I use it daily for my concealer and also use it to apply my setting powder @ times. I had heard people raving about this on YouTube & now I know why! Definitely worth purchasing and recommending and for $9.99 it's a real steal!
Revlon Brow Fantasy Pencil & Gel, Dark Brown 106
(Available @ Ulta & Drugstore.com - $7.49)
I had never used colored brow gel and thought I'd give this a whirl. This was a good drugstore alternative since the other option was spending $30 on just a Brow Gel @ Sephora...This came with a matching eyebrow pencil and a price that didn't break the bank. So far so good. It bring depth to my eyebrows, makes them more prominent and shiny! I'm not sure yet if this is a product I will repurchase. My eyebrows are very dark & I usually just fill in some gaps with an eyebrow pencil and keep the bad boys in place with some clear gel. But if you like to use colored eyebrown gel i think this is a great one to try out.to be seen!
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Amused
(Available @ Sephora, Ulta & tartecosmetics.com - $25)
This was a sheer peer pressure buy! So many Beauty Bloggers were abuzz about Tarte blushes I just had to see what all the hype was about. The price tag left me a little hesitant at first but once I started using the product I was happy with my buy! The color I purchased is the perfect hot pink and a little goes a long way. In addition when Tarte says this is a 12 Hour Blush they mean it! I'm one of those people that's always rubbing or touching her face and this blush stayed strong despite all my manhandling! I'm surely getting other colors of this blush!
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup in Deep Glow
(Available @ Drugstores & Drugstore.com - $12.79)
I haven't had much time to tan or self tan this summer but there is nothing that I hate more than mozzarella white legs. This is my rescue balm for ghostly legs. Spray in your hand, then spread on your legs, wait 5 minutes and then get dressed. Two coats is perfect for me, makes my legs look like I just came back from vaca! It's got great staying power and It's also water resistant, so don't worry about it smearing on your clothes or coming off. You are going to have to scrub with soap to get this off! Only gripe - almost $13 at the drugstore... wish it was a little cheaper!
Dermagenics - Physician Formulated Revitalizing Collagen Recovery Cream with Peptides.
(Available @ dermagenics.com & Amazon.com - $85)
Hold your horses before you shoot me some "Are You Effing Crazy!" Comments and Emails. I agree $85 is a lot to pay for 1.7 ounces of face cream - that why I take the tremendous burden of trying out these products for you :) I'm in my VERY early 30s... Did I mention very EARLY? and I believe that prevention is the best solution, so I try and take very good care of my skin. Someone told me about this anti-aging cream... she started with "It was originally formulated for burn victims..." SOLD! Took that jar as fast as I could. I would say one Jar lasted me about a month and half, and in that time it truly transformed my skin! I would use only a dime amount for my face and as I would spread it felt so luxurious - it left my skin feeling like velvet and after a week my skin looked more radiant, more supple and just darn awesome! I am going to repurchase this despite the hefty price tag.
Morrocan Oil Frizz Control
(Available @ moroccanoilproducts.com - $32)
I got this in a sampling service I'm subscribe to- NewBeauty - TestTube™ - Click Here for Deets! Scent is incredible and does an amazing job keeping my hair smooth. I spray it on after I towel dry my hair and Voila' I'm done! Sometimes I use it when I'm done styling my mane just to give my ends a little sheen! This product has been quite the little wonder for me and after a month I still have a TON of product left.
Dove Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Soap
(Available @ Drugstores, Walmart & Target - $1.59)
My skin is very sensitive and hives for just about anything. I was having a very hard time finding something that wouldn't irritate my skin. My boyfriend recommended this soap, I gave it a go and I was really happy with it! It's strong enough to leave me squeaky clean but keeps my skin moisturized. It smells very good, very fresh and simple - not overbearing! And for $1.59 I feel like I hit Suds Success!
EOS Shave Cream Ultra Moisturizing in Vanilla Bliss
(Available @ Drugstores, Walmart & Target - $4.99)
This is the only shaving cream I have ever purchased that I could use on my legs basically without water. You know those days you had decided to wear pants but on a last minute game change you decide you are going to rock a skirt, but you haven't shaved your legs and you can't go through the whole ceremony?? Well this is your sh*t then! I wet a washcloth, run it over my legs, spread this bad boy and shave. Not one red bump, no irritation, no itching and no nicks - and I have sensitive skin! Can you believe it!!??? It has the consistency of hair conditioner, and thought it supposed to smell like Vanilla but the odor is very faint which I kind of like.
Laura Geller Balance N Brighten Foundation in Regular
(Available @ laurageller.com, Ulta & qvc.com - $31)
I purchased this on my very first Ulta Haul (Click Here For That Post) Still loving on this bad boy! It has the same medium coverage as a foundation just without the heaviness. I use this over my B.B. Cream or sometimes just over my concealer to set it in place. In both cases it does a great job! Really good for summer coverage!
Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder in 02 Brunettes
(Available @ Sephora - $50)
This is one of my all time favorite products! I repurchase this as soon as I run out! It's a classic great light bronzer with a slight shimmer that makes you GLOW! A magical mosaic of five shades it's perfect for all skin types! Don't walk to get this... RUN!
Skindinavia Make Up Finishing Spray
(Sample Bottle)
(Available @ skindinavia.com - 2oz to 8oz Bottles, $19.99 - $39.00)
I found out about Skindinavia Finishing Sprays from GossMakeUp Artist! (Check Out His Channel Here) He said this was a very good makeup spray.. and he said it with a british accent so you know I had to believe him and get it. I give it a shake and I do a couple of sprays on my face. I has prolonged the wear of my makeup, and like I mentioned before I'm on of those people who is always touching her face so it takes some real setting power to make my makeup stay put!
My NOOK Tablet™ - 16GB
(Available @ Barnes & Noble Starting at $199)
A Gracious and Loving Gift for my father who still spoils me and makes me feel special! I'm just in love with this gadget! I have 12 of my magazine subscriptions in it and I can read various books without lugging 30 pounds worth of literature with me every day. You have access to any book, or magazine your heart may desire in under 1 minute. Infinite Choices and Fast? I kinda wish my nook was a man :) It does have an option for Apps but I have an IPhone and that's really got all the apps I need (163 of them and growing everyday!)
And Last But Not Least
My Ombre Highlights
I do still like them and I think I will keep them through the Summer...
I'm actually looking for some advice on what kind of color and cut to get in the Fall . Check out my options on my Pinterest "What Will Be My Fall Hairstyle!"Board
There Are Your Monthly Must Haves!
Which Ones Will You Pick Up?
Much Love & Godspeed!
Aly
Disclaimer: All the products mentioned were either purchased by me or given to me as a gift from family. I am not affiliated with any company, and these are my own honest opinions. So Don't Bust My balls!
Available @ Sephora.Com & Sephora Stores.
This Bronzer has the same coverage as it's sister powder foundation from Laura Geller. I don’t however recommend using it all over your face unless you are trying to go for a full on/deep tan look. I like to use as a contour/light tan. If you are looking to get this product I would suggest you order it online. I went to Ulta 5 times and they were always sold out. Better off saving the time and getting it on the web. Also this bronzer can be very dark so be careful when selecting your shade.
Perfect if you have a more fair complexion - I recently recommended this to fellow Beauty Blogger Lip Junkie from Ramblings of A Lip Junkie (Check Out Her Blog Here - You will LOVE it! Required Reading) who was looking for A Wet n Wild Bronzer than could work with a Light to Medium Complexion. AND 
Both of these bronzers had me at chocolate! - Great Matte Bronzers. Wonderful if you like your bronzer sans shimmer or if you are a contour addict! 
I saw this on LoveMelisaMichelle's YouTube channel (Click Here For Her Channel) and thought it was a genius idea. Buy your favorite powder in darker shades and voila' you have matte bronzer!!!!!! How awesome is that! Girl is Smart! I use the natural Tan as an all over bronzer and Cocoa as a contour! 
