Tag: eyes

Budget Beauty

Everyone loves a deal. And a beauty steal is even sweeter. Here are some of my favorite budget beauty buys I’ve discovered lately:

Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask – Sheet masks are all the rage and this one has a great price if you are ready to dip your toes in. For around $1.50 per mask, the 100% cotton adjustable facial boosts hydration, smooths fine lines and firms skin. The scent is refreshing but not overwhelming. And Hada Labo’s proprietary Super Hyaluronic Acid™ plumps skin and strengthens skin’s natural moisture levels.

Softlips Cube Lip Protectant – While my love of these cubes isn’t new, I did just discover my favorite new scent, Vanilla. This Shea Butter packed formula nourishes my lips and leaves just a bit of shine. And the cozy but still tropical scent is delicious. Bonus points for included SPF 15 protection.

CoverGirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner – My eyeliner collection is borderline obsessive. It is probably the product I enjoy trying out most – it gives my bigger eyes much needed definition. My former favorites have always skewed luxury, so I was surprised to find my current favorite in the drugstore aisles. This paddle-shaped felt liner in Intense Black is inky, easy to apply and stays on like a champ.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

image here

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip and Phyto-Eye Twists

Sisley-Paris’ Twists are luxury, creamy packages of on-to-go beauty. The Phyto-Lip Twists have been in my rotation before, but I had yet to try the Phyto-Eye Twists. And they are a great addition to the collection. Both formulas glide on skin and are packed with plant-based skin care ingredients. You can use for full on pigmented or a wash of color. Love having the option but you probably can guess I particularly love the more natural and blended wash of color.

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip Twist is more of a tinted balm than lipstick. But the vibrant color comes out glossy. No sharpening needed – just twist up for more product. The tapered shape allows for outlining of lips and coloring all in one stroke. The bold shades like Pinky and Candy are surprisingly wearable. But I equally love the nourishing Nude.

The Sisley-Paris Phyto-Eye Twist are designed to be shadow, pencil and eyeliner. They are slightly smaller than the lip twists, but still with a large tip. So precise lining isn’t easy, but with these bold shades you won’t mind a slightly thicker look. The formula has ingredients like Green Tea, White Lily, Camellia that protect and improve delicate eye area. I like applying to my lids close to the lash and blending with a finger. But you can also color the entire eyelid or add a graphic, bold line.

I prefer the more neutral Bronze, but the blue Lagoon shade is stunning! I cannot wait to wear it for a special occasion. Topaz is now on my wish list to add to my collection.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

Running Late!

Thanks to an infatuation with and current re-watching of the 1983 WWII mini-series, Winds of War, I stayed up WAY too late last night. As a result, I slept right through all the severe weather last night. Tulsa was spared but those affected in Oklahoma City and elsewhere are in my prayers. I also woke up at 8AM – oops.

Since I knew I only had about 15 minutes to throw myself together, my makeup routine was seriously pared down. First, I’ve been using the Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanning Cream – the best self tanner for the face I’ve found to date. So that natural glow allowed for a little less makeup.

I alternate between Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint and bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream but this AM I reached for the bareMinerals in Natural. I am completely obsessed with the RMS goodies I found this past weekend in New York. I apply RMS UnCoverup in 22 just below my eyes, on any blemishes and around my nose. RMS Living Luminizer goes on my cheekbones and brow bones (and, frankly, anywhere else I am feeling it – this stuff adds a perfect natural glow). The pale golden shade also nourishes skin with ingredients like coconut oil and rosemary extract. I know I keep mentioning it, but the Tata Harper Voluminous Cheek and Lip Stain in Very Vivacious is ideal on the apples of the cheeks.

The last step was a surprise obsession. A friend gifted to me the Kevin Aucoin The Mascara Volume Mascara a couple weeks ago. I usually don’t have any luck with the tubular mascara – just a personal preference – so I was hesitant. But I have come to be totally impressed with the lack of fall out, clump-free separated lashes and long-lasting, inky finish.

Boom, I was out of the door and at my desk almost on time.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

image via DTTSP

ULTA’s Lorac Dazzling Dozen 2 Eye Shadow Collection

A little follow up from this post announcing the start of ULTA‘s twice yearly 21 Days of Beauty – I will be sharing some of my favorite products from the prize pack I am giving away below over the next couple of days. While I have always liked LORAC, it isn’t a brand that is heavy in my rotation. That all has changed now that I have my paws on their Dazzling Dozen 2 Eye Shadow Collection.

Exclusively at ULTA, the set includes twelve shadows that are silky and pigmented. I love using my fingers to play with all the wearable shades. For work, I have been wearing a wash of neutral colors from the top row. Last weekend, I added some glam with Gilded just at the center of my lids. Black Light makes for a stunning, glittery smokey eye.

Shades include (left to right):

Top Row: Blanc, Bone, Soft Pink
Second Row: Caramel, Rose, Acai
Third Row: Gilded, Denim, Sage
Bottom Row: Ecru, Storm, Black Light

Each day through 4/4, ULTA will feature a “Beauty Steal” and a “Beauty Focus Day” – Beauty Steals are special offers on top beauty products & Beauty Focus Days feature demonstrations like customized makeup lessons, expert beauty tips, and one-on-one appointments. 21 Days of Beauty brands include Stila, Urban Decay, IT Cosmetics, Bare Minerals, Benefit, Too Faced and more. This beauty extravaganza is celebrated in all ULTA Beauty stores nationwide with special offers also available here.

To celebrate, I’ve teamed up with ULTA for a huge giveaway! The exclusive ULTA beauty prize pack includes kits from brands like LORAC, bareMinerals, stila, Becca and more. Enter using the widget below (sorry again international friends, US Only).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Samples and giveaway prize have been generously provided by ULTA. As always, opinions are my own.

NARS Spring 2015

I am way not on the ball when it comes to NARS Spring – so unlike me! Their launches are usually among the ones that I am most excited for probably because it is always so darn good. And somehow I didn’t get this up until today – a couple weeks after it hit shelves.

If it was even possible, I am drawn more towards neutrals as the years go on and Spring 2015 is all about nudes – but not neutral – a more daring subtle color palette. Something in my wheelhouse but just a slight twist – I like it.

Tilda Swinton is featured in the collection’s photos designed by François Nars to “expose a new natural state”. Look for pink shimmer on cheeks, barely there eye shadow and deep neutrals. The shades pictured above (from left to right):

Liguria Lipstick – Nude caramel
Porto Venere Eye Paint – Soft pale pink
St-Paul-De-Vence Duo Eyeshadow – (L) Shimmering nectarine (R) Chestnut
Valhalla Single Eyeshadow – Soft shimmering pink peach
Guyane Lip Gloss – Seashell pink
Vent Salé Lip Gloss – Silver highlight (to be used on top of a deeper shade in the middle of the pout)
Reckless Blush – Sheer pink shimmer

Available now at narscosmetics.com and Sephora.

mark. All Time Eye Hook Up Longwear Shadow

Well let’s just call it a trifecta. I have been loving the eye makeup offerings from mark lately like this one and this one. The latest eye goodie from mark that I’ve been testing is no different. mark. All Time Eye Hook Up Longwear Shadow, like the others, is long-lasting, natural looking and easy to wear (not to mention super budget-friendly).

This ultra-rich and pigmented liquid shadow as simple as a swipe. I like using one shade for a wash of color. I just swish on some color (not much) and blend with my ring finger. I get a full days wear and no creasing and – you know me… I am that girl that loves neutral shadows. So no wonder that Tender Love is my favorite with its golden glisten. The metallic finish is festive but not over the top.

Plus, I also happen to be that girl that still misses 4PM Oprah. So no wonder that I am also enthralled that this shadow is a 2014 Oprah Fall Makeup O-Wards Winner. What can I say? I share her great taste.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.