Summer Beauty Face Favorites - 2016

Summer is here and there are at least a million products that have launched including the million Vice Lipsticks from Urban Decay, which sadly I have not tried yet. But, here I will share my favorite summer products so far, some are new, most are classics that just don't go out of style. Check it out and share yours too. :)

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation 1.7 fl oz.

This foundation is perfect for summer...if you want medium to build-able full coverage. I much admit that I can be quite the oily monster in my T-Zone area especially during the hot, humid weather. It's been a struggle to find something that actually has good coverage (which can be sheered out with a Beauty Blender) and also has oil control. I have finally met my match. This foundation is infused with this magical amazonian clay that helps keep my oils at bay. Also it blends so nicely into the skin when buffed in with my Morphe Foundation Brush.

It Cosmetics CC Cream with SPF 50

For those light days, I go to this. I thought this would not help my oily problem but it didn't make me oilier than usual. I am not sure if its because I used it with some Laura Mercier - Loose Translucent Powder or if the Urban Decay De-slick Setting Spray. Either way the coverage is light but also buildable and it helps me look presentable.

Nars Creamy Concealer

It took me a while to try this out this concealer. But like the weakling that I am, I caved and paid the hefty price to see if it was worth the hype. I must say that I was very much impressed on how well this works for all kinds of concealing. It covers my dark under eye circles quite well, without caking up or settling in my fine lines. "Baking" works well with this concealer if you're into that.

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Light/Medium Matte Bronzer

 

I love this bronzer for warming up my very pale complexion. It's subtle and looks very natural and not too orange, thank god. I find most bronzers too orange for my skin tone (cool). I generally use this all over the parameter of my face and blend it down my neck with my Sigma F20. 

Urban Decay De-Slick Make-up Setting Spray (Oil Control)

This is my summer savior to keep me from looking like a greaseball and melting under the summer rays. It holds up well for like 6 plus hours even in humid climate for me so I recommend this for for my fellow oily pals.

Review: Origins Checks and Balances

Origins Checks and Balances

If you like a face wash that gives you that cooling sensation and gets nice and frothy. Meet Origins Checks and Balances! The way I can describe how it feels is, toothpaste for your face. I know that sounds a bit weird but its so refreshing. It cleanses gently and doesn't leave my skin feeling tight afterwards. I love the fresh scent as well, its very pleasant. A little of this goes a long way with this so even though its a little more expensive, I believe its worth it.

Favorite Summer Blushes - 2016

Man o man do I love blush. Its ridiculous really, how excited I get when I find yet another blush that I can't not take home with me. So here I share my favorite blushes for summer 2016 :) Please share yours! Enable my unhealthy obsession :). So here they are, in no particular order. Enjoy.

Milani Blush - Luminoso

 

This affordable blush has been my go to for multiple summers now. Nothing beats a nice peachy pink to bring color to the face and the nice sheen it has makes it even more beautiful. If you want an affordable dupe for Nars Orgasm then this is a good choice. I actually own both but find myself reaching for Milani more often.

theBalm - Frat Boy

Another peachy-pink but this one is more on the darker side and matte for those days where you want to go HAM with your favorite highlight. Cool thing about this blush is that despite it being matte, its not patchy. It lasts all day and goes with so many different looks. Definitely a must have.

NARS - Luster

This beautiful bronzy blush is so underrated! It doesn't look like much in the pan, It actually comes across as a dusty apricot/peach color. But the sheen it has is subtle but just looks so smooth especially on tan skin. Definitely a favorite.

NYX - Peach

 This blush has been in my collection for years, I always end up going back to it. Don't be mistaken by the name "Peach" its really a baby pink. NYX is sometimes weird about their naming of products. There really is no orange in this blush at all. *shrugs* Still a very affordable and pretty blush for spring and summer.

 MAC - Mineralized Blush - Warm Soul

 

This blush is a MAC classic. If I had to describe it, its a bronzey/golden with a  pinch of peach. Also since its mineralized it has that nice sheen, so I don't ever use a highlight with this product. It looks amazing when you have a bit of a tan going. Unfortunately the lasting power isn't that great to be honest.



I know a lot of these, if not all, are older/classic blushes. But regardless of my collection, I always end up reaching back for one of these every summer. Hope everyone is having a great summer :)

Favorite: Youtuber gossmakeupartist

gossmakeupartist aka Wayne the winker is pretty awesome. He is truly an amazing makeup artist and gives techniques that are 'outside the box' . There are so many youtube beauty gurus or MU artists who spew the same information over and over, not my buddy Wayne, he comes up with things that are like.. WHAT?? WHY didn't I come up with that idea? Pretty Cool.

Now for the not so important facts, ahh he is easy on the eyes girls/boys. He is entertaining and sometimes hilarious, and best of all he winks at you at the end of every video. It's all about the little things. Check this dude out, guarantee that he will teach you something new or at least develop a crush :)

Garnier BB Cream Review

Garnier BB Cream readily available at your local drugstore for an okay price! Exciting eh? Well here's a little background on my skin:

NW 15-20/light complected with pink undertones
Combination Skin/Oily T-zone
Hyperpigmentation

Okay you get the idea...

Packaging is whatever, just squeezy tube, does the job.. its fine.

When I first started to apply, you get a huge wiff of the lovely Garnier scent. Now most of you that have used Garnier products know what I mean, and maybe some of you don't like the fragrance at all, to each their own.

It was nice a creamy, blended okay with fingers but I found that I had a better application with the Sigma F80 brush. It helps it blend nicely into the skin and what not. Coverage is nice, light.. but with more of an orangey tone.. the Light/Medium was not light enough for my skin at least not yet. In the summer it will be cool beans though.

Wear: I set it with a translucent powder because of my oily paranoia and it lasted fine throughout the day.. I did become a little oily of course in the middle of the day but thats normal for me. It wasn't enough for me to have to blot. It did NOT transfer, which is something I have had an issue with BB creams in the past. So all in all I do recommend you give it a whirl if you are looking for something new or a hardcore asian BB cream lover and feel like bashing the US versions! :D haha. They don't compare thus far in my opinion :)

Try it guys! If you hate it, return it and call it a day :) Let me know what you guys think.

Selena Gomez shares makeup must haves!

If you don't know who Selena Gomez is you've been living under a rock! This month in an interview with Teen Vogue she shares some of her favorite beauty items.
“I travel so much and it makes my skin dry. I have two bottles [of lotion] always,” “I have a lot of chapstick. I do Burt’s Bees or Rose Bud. And I have hair ties because I’m always putting my hair up.” she says to Teen Vogue.

Woot for Selena knowing that Burts Bees is up there with the top chapstick contenders. BB Pink Grapefruit seems to be her favorite 

Also she carries Rosebud Salve around, which makes sense seeing as it basically hydrates everything it comes in contact with! Give it a whirl guys, its worth the $6.

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Mac Prolong Wear Concealer

I originally went in to get the infamous Studio Fix Concealer but they recommended this one simply because my “problem areas” were dry and if I went with the pot concealer it would end up looking cakey. So when I brought it home, I was like ehhh I don’t know, I hadn’t seen any reviews on this at the time, so I figured it would just be okay. Well boy was I wrong, I love this! It is a thinner consistency but covers like a cream only without caking up. It is pretty amazing, I use it for under eyes, blemishes, some discoloration spots, it can be used to conceal anything really. It is long wearing and feels light on the skin. Now the only draw back is the dang little pump, it tends to, no matter how much little pressure u apply, squirt out too much product and it gets a little messy. Other than that, woot to Mac :)

Top Favorites from Elf Cosmetics

I love Elf Cosmetics so I put together some of my favorites! Enjoy :)

 Eye Lash Curler: This $1 baby works wonders, does a great job of curling my lashes. The handy little grip handle is nice as well. The only issue is the pad does need to be replaced after a few months but at 1 buck I can’t complain too much. 

 Studio Cream Blush: With its one of a kind consistency (reminds me of fluffy play dough) and great pigmentation, these cream blushes are at the top of their game. I have the color “Vixen” which is a nice berry color. The only setback is their bulky packaging.

Cream Eyeshadow: Here you get a duo of cream eye shadow for a dollar. I have “Butter Pecan” which has a nice coral shade and a bronzey dark brown. They are creamy and if applied over a primer, and lightly, they will not crease. I like to use them under powder shadow but its up to you! I have had mine for over a year and it shows no sign of drying out :)

Studio Conditioning Lip Balm: A tinted lip balm with SPF 15 just screams summer to me. I like these and they feel so smooth on the lips, I have the color “Mellow Melon” which can be described as a milky pink with a hint of coral. I did wish they came in a different form other than the pot, just because for sanitary reasons, but of course elf has answered my prayers! They just released the “Moisturizing Lip Tint with Spf 8” so when I get a chance I plan to try that out.

 Super Glossy Lip Shine: I have been an elf customer for a while and I can’t figure out why I have not tried these sooner! I found some at my local Big Lots and decided to try one and I am in love. They have great pigmentation are not too sticky and last for a while on my lips, lets not forget that they are only a $1! They come in 12 different colors, my current summer favorites are “Candlelight” and “Pink Kiss”. Next time you place and order, try these out.
 

Studio Powder Brush: This guy is my “go to” powder brush everyday. I love it because of its flat top, it lets you pat the powder into your skin without disturbing foundation or concealer. Works great and I wash it regularly and it has never shed. For 3 bucks I love using this brush instead of powder puffs to set my foundation. 

 
Smudge Eye Sponge: The name says it all! Its a smudge sponge with a handle. I use this little guy to soften my eyeliner when its too harsh, he is my best buddy especially for a dollar. :) 

Studio Blushes:  I have like 5 of these! My favorite is "Candid Coral", these are great blushes for such a low cost of 3 bucks. I want to collect them all! They wear well and are nicely pigmented, some more than others to be honest.

You can get all these awesome products at Elf Cosmetics! Sign up to get all the latest sales that elf offers. :)

Do you have any Elf favs? 

Have a GREAT day guys 

<3 Ditto 

Review: Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush

Price: $5

I picked this up at my Sally’s Beauty Supply and so far have used it 3-4 times. It does come out white so us brunettes might have to do more to blend it in. The scent is weird, I am not really a fan and its crazy since “Blush” is supposed to be the better smelling of the three. Regardless, it works very well, absorbs yuckyness and adds a significant amount of volume and texture. Overall, it is recommended to all :)

What's your favorite dry shampoo?

Summer Pick: Benefit Silky Finish Lipstick in I Do, I Do, I Do

Pinky coral shimmery color. I know it is not for everyone but I am loving it, it gives a nice bronzey sheen on your lips with a hint of coral that is in for this season. I usually rock this with light bronze eyes and peachy cheeks. It all seems to come together with this on my lips. The formulation is okay, very moisturizing but since it does have glittery particles it can feel a bit gritty. Small price to pay for such a beautiful color! What are you wearing on your lips this summer?

Zoya: The Touch Collection

Check it out! These colors look stunning, I am loving nudes lately so I think I need these in my collection. Are you getting these or one of them if so which one?

Minka : "Zoya Nail Polish in Minka can be best described as: A pale, milky beige nude with yellow undertones and a hint of pearly silver shimmer. An opaque, full-coverage nude, especially flattering on skin with neutral and olive tones"

Shay: "Zoya Nail Polish in Shay can be best described as: A dense, fleshy light peach with slight orange-red undertones and a hint of pearly silver shimmer. An opaque, full-coverage nude that compliments warm skin tones"

Pandora: "Zoya Nail Polish in Pandora can be best described as: A medium pink-beige nude with blue and mauve undertones and a hint of pearly silver shimmer. An opaque, full-coverage nude that works beautifully on skin with cool tones."

Get these at Zoya, for $24 for the minis or $8 each.

Review: Sigma Sigmax Brushes

Price: $42

Available @ Sigma Beauty

When I first saw this trio of brushes, I was like "Ok new brush fad that will die down" but seriously I am starting to think its not a fad, but these brushes are here to stay. So I bought the trio, although the F80 seems to get the most love for applying liquid foundation, I love them all! They are super soft, none have ever shed and I have washed them multiple times, YAY Sigma.

F80 - Flat Top Kabuki
F82 - Round Top Kabuki
F84 - Angled Top Kabuki



The F82 is awesome for cream blushes/bronzers (like formerly known as Chanel Bronze Universal)

Essie Nail Polish Summer Collection 2011

Oh dear, excuse me while I stare at the purdy colors. I can't decide which one to get first, if not all of them. Want to see them on some nails? Check out Temptalia

Comment! or even better, follow me :)

Favorite: YouTuber Pixiwoo

I love these ladies, I truly have learned a lot from them, they are brilliant makeup artists. If you don't know who they are you MUST! For those that do, has anyone tried out Sam's Real Technique Brushes? Comment! :)

Update on Suave Dry Shampoo!

I am so disappointed in this product! I used it TWICE and it's empty! Maybe I got a defective bottle but darn, I really liked it and now I don't. :| Has anyone experienced this with any other dry shampoo's? I want my 3 bucks back! lol. Have a great memorial day ladies and gents, don't forget your SPF!

<3 Ditto

Spring Picks: Revlon Lilac Pastelle Super Lustrous Lip Gloss

Review: I love this color, its perfect for spring/summer but not over the top. Its subtle and pretty, I usually use this with Colorburst Lipstick in Lilac and it tones it down a bit. Next time you are at your local drugstore pick this up! You won't be disappointed.
 

What I Bought Today: Sephora Professionnel Platinum Concealer Airbrush #57

Price: 24 bucks

Get One: Sephora


I originally saw this brush mentioned from LegallyBrunette24 and it looked interesting. I finally picked it up today and came home and tried it out with my Make up forever concealer palette, so far I am loving it. It does leave a nice airbrushed finish when concealing under eyes or other areas. YAY for this purchase. Do you have this brush or use something similar? Share and Follow please!

<3 Ditto

Review: Mineral Mate

Price: $9.99 including shipping in the US.

Review: This little buddy is great. Even though I don't primarily use it for mineral makeup, I use it for mixing cream/liquid foundations and foiling eye shadows. I have however used it for some mineral makeup and it was easy and a lot neater and sanitary. If you're a makeup artist, this is a must have. 

Get One NOW: Mineral Mate

Spring/Summer Pick: Model In A Bottle

Price: 14-18 bux

Ok this stuff is a must have for hot, muggy summer days. I use this as a true finishing spray (after Mac Fix+) for long time wear through tough weather. It works well, helps everything stay in place, so you dont't end up melting! Give it a whirl! Check out Overstock.com where I got a deal for 2 for the price of one.

Spring Picks: Mac MSF in Porcelain Pink

I am loving this Mineralized Skinfinish in Porcelain Pink, it is limited edition but easily available on ebay. It gives a golden pink sheen that's subtle but beautiful. I am using this daily this spring with light bronzer in the contours of my cheeks and neutral eyes. Even when I use a pop of color on my eyes I can use this highlight. Check it out!