Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Monthly Must Haves! March Favorites!


"I can't believe March is over"
Said EVERY Beauty Blogger EVER!
(wah blah blah) 
I can believe March is over & I'm grateful! 
I am one month closer to the summer & where I live the weather has been so cold & miserable it cannot end fast enough!
I need to know warmth is around the corner in order to survive & not eat my own body weight in candy.. sorry I digress! 

Anyhow here are my Monthly Favorites for March - all the names are linked to where you can buy the product or just get more info.

Let's Start With Some Makeup Shall We?


MAKEUP:

Got this with my Sephora Beauty Insider points - it was part of a Smashbox kit of some sort. I finally have nailed down a contour technique that is working for me & I've been using this as part of that process. I really liked that it's matte (but not muddy) & light. I think this would work on fair & medium complexions but not for a darker skin tone.  Another big plus is that I've been using it all month and I haven't even put a dent in the sample size. Also have used this as a crease color in a smokey eye as a blending color - works well.

e.l.f Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer in Porcelain ($3.00)
This is good enough to be a high end product I S*&t you not (I'm so classy).I use this as my 
under-eye concealer and if I had fine lines (which I don't... I do I'm just in denial) it wouldn't settle into those lines (If I had them... I do... aging is a slow denial process after your 20s) I did have to use a second layer to make sure it didn't bring out my pores but I found that using a primer & a damp makeup sponge helps disguise those stupid little suckers! Overall very happy & already purchased 2 backups.



Now let me being I with I have both naked palettes & this was a total peer pressure purchase. Lot's of peer pressure in beauty blogging.... but it was a purchase I'm happy I made. I say don't bother with the other $50 Nakeds just go for this one. It's got all the basics  shades that are good whether you are a pro or a makeup beginner. 

I use this on my entire eye area. On my lid, my undereye section & my eyebrows. It's got a silicone feel & I feel like it fills in my fine lines (That I don't have... I do). Over everything I love that it prolongs the wear of my concealer & brow pencil better than my face primer can. I know $35 price tag may seem steep but I've tried a few eye primers on my undereye section & none perform as well as this.   

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eye Shadow Single in Brulee ($1.99)

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery & this puppy is the perfect example. This is the dupe of all dupes... (Dupes = Drugstore Duplicate of a High End Makeup Product).  A perfect match to MAC's Brule' - I dare even say that this is better. It's thicker & more velvelt-y & smooth. It also costs a fraction of the price. I use this on my eyelids everyday. Sometimes as a base for a more intricate look but on most days it's the only thing I wear. It's the color I wish my eyelids were! I also use this to set my concealer on my under eye when I look like I haven't gotten any sleep. It's thicker than powder & blends perfectly with my eyelids. 

I tend to be cautious of raving about "just out" products but I have faith in this recommendation! This mascara will give you some serious kick ass volume! Some bloggers & You-Tubers have complained that it can give you too much volume making your lashes look like they are falsies... Uhm WTF - when is super voluminous lashes a bad thing!?! I use this as a base, sort of like a primer - it creates the volume I crave & then I use the Maybelline Cat Eyes to give my lashes length & separation... The only thing I don't like about Maybelline Mascaras? Is these f*****g ridiculous names. Sometimes I feel like it's a tongue twister to say! 

 Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Cat Eyes 
(Get @ Walmart They Have The Best Price for $5.00) 
 Grrr Bitches! Now I have no negative reviews with any product that has leopard print :) but this mascara truly deserves it. This is comparable to the new Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara. Now the Dior one can give you more volume with less swipes but the Cat Eyes can keep up but it just need more applications. I would say 3 swipes to 1 Dior. I've been using this after the Maybelline the Rocket Volum' Express to separate & give me lenght & this combo has been awesome! I liked this mascara enough to go buy 5 backups. If that's not a ringing endorsement I don't know what is.



I use this to set my brows after I'm done with my eyebrow "routine". I have been using it for years despite the fact that it's for lashes. It's light, keeps unruly brows in place (without being stiff) & it doesn't flake during the day... I mean who wants something that looks like eyebrow dandruff.   

I have pretty full eyebrows but they are sparser in certain areas. I also lighten them to make them light/medium brown (since they are naturally pitch black) & I have found that using a lighter pencil than my eyebrow color also gives me a softer, more natural look rather than a brown pencil. This has a thin tip works best in itty bitty wipes...like drawing little brow hairs.  

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in 027 Sun Dance ($4.99)

In my makeup process I like to use a light bronzer all over my face to create some warmth. I have an olive skin tone so in the winter it can tend to look a little green so I need to get some tan up in my mug so I don't look like i'm nauseous. This worked great - good for all over the face, great price & good amount of product. This is also good to use on your neck & chest for blending it all together. BUT be aware that it has the slightest shimmer. I think it is basically undetectable - it's more of a glow than a glitter but in the spirit of disclosure I wanna let my dolls know! The packaging is not "throw in your purse" friendly. It has a screw on top that doesn't screw shut and screws you :) 

 BRUSHES & TOOLS
I don't use this for blending but rather as a fluffy brush for all over lid application. I apply a light skin color shadow. One swipe with this & I have covered my entire lid - I use this every single day & I haven't been able to find any tool that can match it's application.
I often apply my makeup at work & I've been trying to pack a lighter makeup bag (Click Here To See What I Pack In My Work Makeup Bag) so I like brushes that can do a few things. I've been using mostly for my concealer since it does a great job in blending and shaping triangle for highlight. I've also used it for applying & blending tinted moisturizer, BB Cream or foundation. I've also used to pat powder over to set my concealer.


Not too much to say about this. Whether you are an amateur or a pro with your smoky eye this is a great brush to have in your arsenal. It's amazing for blending even if you tend to be a bit klutzy in your application. I count this as one of my muse have in a basic brush kit. 
SKIN & BODY CARE


I have super sensitive eyes and I have generally disliked eye makeup removers for years (aside from a few chosen ones). But since I've been shelling $100+ a month for thicker lashes with Latisse I've been efforting a more gentle approach to cleansing my eyelashes. I did take my eyes a few days to get used to it but once we got on a roll it was smooth sailing. Very delicate but strong enough to break down mascara without having to sing for your supper. 

Look at that shiny bright Allure Stamp! Yes it was that easy to get me to buy them! Turned out to to be gentle on my face & had no strong scent - both 2 great pluses. It's important to know though I do not use makeup wipes on my lashes. I use them on my face & eyelids as my first step to makeup removal. I do not use 'em eyes (& I don't think you should either!) so I cannot vouch for the capability of removing mascara... but Allure & I cannot both be wrong :)  


Elizabeth Arden Millenium Hydrating Cleanser
(Full Price for Cleanser only $29.00) 
Got this at Sam’s Wholesale (along with a matching nighttime cream) for a great price - if I remember around $29. Has been a great addition to my skincare treatment (as I'm obsessive about my cleaning my skin). It’s very creamy & really melts my makeup off. I rub it all over my face then let it sit while I brush my teeth & then I wipe it off my next favorite! P.S I was at Sam's last weekend & they still had this available.
Body Shop Soft Facial Cleansing Sponge
($5.00 - On Sale Now For $3.75)

Nothing super special about this but it's one of the items in my
skincare routine I couldn't live without. I use this wet/damp to wipe off my cold cream - it does a much better job that if I simply rinsed my face. It's so soft & with a few squeezes & rinses it comes out perfectly clean - I use this for 2 weeks & then wash it in the washing machine with my white clothes. I have a few so I rotate them in & out. After about 4 cleanses/uses I chuck em.... Always have to be careful to keep this dry & clean since sponges can harbor bacteria.

I read a review on this product where it said "this sucked all the dirt from my pores" SOLD! I'm not going to lie I was a bit reluctant to spend $69 on a face mask... & when I say reluctant the lady at sephora had to rip the money out of my hands. Now this has turned out to be an amazing purchase but not because of what it did to my pores.  good job cleaning out my pores - not better than a Biore Strip... BUT here is the reason I’m telling everyone to buy it. I had an oncoming pimple. It was at red & growing stage... I used this as a spot treatment for 20 minutes. The next morning the pimple was dry and on it’s way out... we are talking gone in less than 24 hours! I've done this on another 2 pimples & same thing. GO GET THIS NOW! 

HAIR
This hairspray is kick ass. Strong hold yet doesn't make your hair stiff. I use this for both teasing and setting my hair & it keeps my style looking like I just did it all day long. It does have a strong smell, the typical fruity/natural/fresh fructis smell.


Aveda Calming Composition ($21.00)

Now if I told you this was a beauty suggestion from my dad would you believe me? Well it was (I think he gets it from me) I have a very dry scalp all year round that is at its worst in the colder months. Untreated dry scalp = flakes = I can't wear black... you see where I'm going with this? I know no one likes to talk about this but yeah I get dandruff during the winter... It's unattractive & makes me feel self conscious (Hey I'm being honest). I have found this to be a a magic elixer - I put this all over my scalp - Concentrating on my driest areas (Hairline & part) I leave it in for an hour (if I can overnight) & then wash my hair. It improves the flakes right away & I've also found that the more I've been using the better my scalp has been getting. This is also a great massage oil & body oil if you have dry skin.  


TreSemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray 
(Best Price @ Target for $3.99)

I originally got this because everyone (& their mother) on YouTube was talking about how great it was. I have to say I agree. I have seen a difference in my hair using this product - I don't get split ends as quickly as I used to, before I started useing a heat protectant. I also like the fine mist distribution - really one of the best ones I've = tried. I air dry my hair, then style it in the morning - this wets my hair just enough to be able to get the kinks out  & work on my coif.


RANDOM:

Victoria Secret PINK with a Splash in Warm & Cozy
(Prices Vary But Look for pricing around $13.00)

I love caramel, vanilla, coconut warm sultry sweet smells - and this one hit the nail on the head on all counts. I have a small one at my desk and one at home that I spray all over after my shower. Best part about being a girl is the smelling good part so i never pass up an opportunity to smell yummy! I don't know if this is a VS seasonal scent but I could only find it on Amazon. 



At the end of January my fiance’ got me a Sephora Favorite Fragrance Deluxe Sampler For Her. This comes with 12 sample sized perfumes & a certificate for a full sized perfume. I picked this one :). This is a light flower scent mixed with fresh notes (Bamboo, Nashi, Lotus Flower, Balsa Wood). It's not an overpowering perfume but more a refreshing scent - take a whiff next time you are at Sephora.


LEFT ME DISAPPOINTED:


Now let me start with the fact that there are very few things that come from Wet n Wild that I don't like, so when I saw they had a makeup remover I figured it was an undiscovered drugstore gem. Oh-My-God NOOOO! First off it smells like lemon dish detergent. As soon as I applied the drenched cotton round to my eyes the burning sting began. It burned my eyes so bad I was yelping as I furiously splashed water in my peepers. YES it was that bad! Bad enough that I didn't want to try it out twice! I usually keep makeup removers I'm not crazy about as spot "fixer" but this is just too terrible to use even for little mistakes!



Sephora counter purchase for 10 bucks... Can I get my cash back please?? This cream may get the job done - which I respect  -but it smells like diaper cream! If you haven't had the pleasure of trying this - pass on this version. I do hear L’Occidante has much more to offer with other scents ~ & yes I know at Sephora $10 is nothing to spend on something that you don't like, but If I spent the same amount at a drugstore on a product i'd be rip-Sh*t about it having a smell like baby butt cream!

This product honestly had me confused... nothing came out on the wand! I feel like there was no product in it! I did a hell of a job trying to get enough to cover at least one eye of lashes & I swear to you I couldn't get enough to even coat a small section of my lashes. I love most elf makeup so I was disappointed - don't buy this... $3 or $10 I don't like to waste my beauty bucks.


Yu-Be Lip Therapy ($5.00)I got this because I adore the Yu Be Polish (To check out my review click Here). Since the cream is a holy grail product for me I thought the chapstick was going to be a lip savior. WRONG! It smelled awful, didn't do anything for my lips & it feels like museum wax when you put it on. Don't waste your time or money - get yourself a $1 Blistex Chapstick (With SPF of course) & you will be way better off. I will use this for my cuticles since it still can be an effective moisturizer for those suckers.

GOOD BUT NOT FOR ME:



I got a HUGE size of this from QVC & I kinda wish I hadn't. Don't get me wrong it's a good primer - it helps create a smooth canvas & definitely prolongs the wear of my makeup .... but that's about it. I like my primer do more. With all the choices available I look for a primer that fills fine lines & pores, evens my skin tone & maybe even offers SPF. I also prefer a silicone based primer & this one has more of gel consistency. So good yes but just not for me - best for skins that don't have to worry about large pores & are looking for a basic primer. 



I got this in a sample bag along with a couple more things from the MyBody skincare line.
It was a great eye cream. You really feel it working it kinda burns/stings/tingles. It did do work on my under eye circles. Thought I couldn't wait for it to finish. I lasted almost 3 entire months. (I only used in at night). When I looked it up online & saw that it was $95 ... ehh not so convinced. Yes it did work, yes it lasted a long time but I didn't think it was 100 bucks. If you are looking to quick kick to your anti-aging eye treatment this could the IT product but I don't feel comfortable recommending a product this price tag to you guys... so it's buy at your own risk.


 Well there you have it dolls My March Favorites!
What were your go-to products this month?

 Don't forget if have a beauty question check out my Ask Aly page & drop your question in a comment!

 XO

 Aly!
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