Drugstore Concealers and Eye Brighteners

After spending the past year in school, I didn't bother much with concealer or foundation. But I'm going to start working soon, so I am starting to look for good concealer options for my dark circles. I want to look polished and put together, I don't want to look tired!! I want to look awake and put together.

I decided to check out the drugstore, since I've seen a lot of positive reviews for budget concealers. 

I am VERY happy with these! They work really well for me. 

The first is a concealer by Physicians Formula, which is a medium coverage for me. It's their 'Concealer Twins Correct and Cover Cream' product. I got it in the shade yellow/light because i have blueish toned dark circles and the yellow cancels these out. Then the light covers up the yellow color. I have been applying primer to make it apply smoother, and set it with a light dusting of powder. 

I don't have problems with creasing when I use a primer. I personally love concealers with wands. I blend with my fingers, but I like being able to dab the product on where I want it first. Very easy to use. 

I got mine at CVS, I don't remember how much it cost, but on Physician Formulas website it was only $7.65. Great price!

The second product is Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser. (below) I got this after reading a review by blogger Veronika from Veronika's Blushing. I got it in the pinkish-beige shade, it's labeled 'Brightener'. 

I use this when I want light coverage and brightening. The product itself is very lightweight, and liquidy. 

I don't need to apply any primer with this, it stays put as is, and doesn't crease. Very speedy to apply!

I also bought this from CVS, and it was $7.99. 

Buying Backups of Makeup Products: What Products Do you Do this For?

But I just bought 2 backups of a product that I haven't even used up! Call me crazy, but I am in love with this product. 

this image is from google (gold dust is the bottom right)

Its Estee Lauder Shadow Creme Eyeshadow in 'Gold Dust', and its limited edition, and sold out in many stores. I bought it over the summer, and it is my perfect everyday look. 

It literally looks like gold dust is delicately sprinkled on your eyelid. On me, no base color shows up at all ( I have a medium skin tone), just the gold sparkle. And since its cream, no glitter fallout, no creasing, and it just stays wherever you put it. I love it!!!

I bought it online via Apothica.com, which I only recently discovered, and love that I can find many brands that I don't have near me. However, currently their descriptions and reviews, even the pictures are not always great for the products. I think this is a good website only if you know already what product you are looking for, not for browsing. 

A few times in my life I have re-purchased a product I really liked after using it all up, but usually not immediately.

A list of my re-purchased products:

-Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Foundation-my go-to foundation-Worn for 4 years

-Clinique Stay Matte Pressed Powder-Worn for 3 years

-Covergirl Eyeshadow Trio in 'Shimmering Sands'--Repurchased 3 times

-Benefit Dallas Blush/Bronzer-Repurchased 2 times

-Clinique Lash Definitions Mascara-Repurchased 4 times

My Project 10 Pan Completed

I am trying to down-size my cosmetic collection and makeup collection to fewer products, and use products up all the way, instead of getting into the habit of wanting to try something new before I used up the previous product. 

These are products that I used up! 

I started keeping track of what I used up on August 23, and I completed this on November 18 (today).  I didn't count my daily moisturizer, sunscreen, or eye cream, that I replaced right away. 

Here's what I used up:

1-Neutrogena original handcream

2-Burt's Bees Grapefruit Neroli Body Wash

3-Covergirl Eyeshadow in Shimmering Sands

4-Clinique Lash Definitions Mascara in Black/Brown

5-L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

6-Poshe Top Coat for Nails

7-Victorias Secret Shimmer Mist Body Spray in 'Bombshell'

8-Sephora Purifying Cleansing Brush Shampoo--don't buy this, i hated it!

9-Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in RSVP

10-Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Foundation in 04-Fresh Vanilla

Beauty Q and A!

This Q and A was originally posted on Kelly's Makeup Bag blog, and I thought it would be fun to answer these questions too!

Here's my answers!

1) What is your favorite liquid liner?

 - I usually don't wear liner! I only recently began wearing it occasionally. I own a liquid liner from mac, but I have only used it once so far. I prefer to line my eyes with a dark eyeshadow.  

2) What is your favorite mascara? 

 Hmmmmmm, I have always had a weak spot for Clinique mascaras, but right now I am trying out more natural/less chemicals mascaras, and I am a big fan of Tarte's Eco-Friendly Lash-Hugger Mascara. I have bought it twice already. But Sephora doesn't seem to sell it anymore. So I'll probably try something new next. 

3) What was your first MAC eye shadow?

 - My first Mac Eyeshadow was 'Green-Smoke', a pretty olive-gray with shimmer. I only own three total--besides that, I own Carbon (matte black) and Sushi-Flower (pink), which is my favorite! I wear that one the most of the three. It's soft enough to wear to work, with brown eyeshadow. 

4) Do you have a favorite MAC brush?

 - I love my pencil brush from mac. (#219) My favorite brush ever is my Body Shop Kabuki Brush. I use it for applying mineral foundation, mineral bronzer, blush, etc. Its so soft!! 

5) What is your favorite blush of all time?

 My favorite blush is by Lorac, it's called 'Soul'. Its just the perfect mix if pink, slight bronze, and a hint of shimmer. 

6) What is your favorite go-to single eye shadow color?

 - The dark chocolate-y brown matte color from my Croc Palette by Lorac. Its fine to wear alone, but I love it because it also blends so well with other colors too. 

7) What is your favorite nail polish brand and color?

 - Essie's 'Mambo', a peachy nude. 

8) What is the weirdest beauty fad you've gotten into?

 - I've always been into a more natural look, soft colors. I want to break out and try out a crazier trend. I love the look of glitter liner on the bottom lid, it looks crazy, but in a good way, and i'm going to rock that this holiday party season. 

9) What is your favorite drugstore brand?

 - NYX! Second runner up is probably Revlon. 

10) Where do you buy most of your clothes?

 - Express. And I love Nordstrom's for shoes. 

11) What is the first makeup product you remember using?

- I got a tube of Body Shop Mascara for Christmas when I was 13 or so, and I felt so glamourous! That was when I first starting wearing makeup. 

12) What is your favorite beauty product that came out recently?

 - I love Estee Lauder Shadow Creme in 'Gold Dust'. It looks like gold dust was sprinkled on your eyelids. 

13) What is your favorite upcoming fashion trend?

 - I really love all the chunkier boots that I have seen this year in stores, my favorite is by Frye, and it's called 'Vera'

14) If you could only buy one makeup brand, what would it be?

 - That would be so sad! I would have to say probably Clinique, because I have had so many products over the years from Clinique that I have used all up, and loved the results. 

15) How do I start getting into makeup?

 - I'm not an expert either, but I say start with neutrals! Its hard to go wrong, and play around until you get better. If you want bright colors, start with bright eyeliner. Also, go to a counter and ask them to show you how to use their products. If they're rude, just go somewhere else! Don't get discouraged. 

Wishlist: New Nars Holiday 2011

Aren't these gorgeous? This is from the new Holiday 2011 collection, and is limited edition. This eyeshadow trio is called 'Arabian Nights', and is described on the website as 'black with red pearl, black with purple pearl, and black with gunmetal shimmer'.

I think it is so beautiful, and after seeing it in person, it is definitely on my wishlist. I swatched in store, and these are all very pigmented. I didn't have enough time to play around though, so I can't say how they look on!

My Favorite Lip Products

My favorite lip products! As you can see, I favor a very light, sheer lipstick or gloss in a natural looking shade.

The last one is dark in the tube and online, but very sheer when applied. However, it is still the most daring out of these, and its almost all used up, so when it runs out I'm going to replace it with something a little more daring!

I love all these products because they are very moisturizing.

Tarte Lipgloss in '40 winks'. I love this lipgloss, and have been a big fan for about 2 years I believe. This color is my favorite, I also liked the 'Om' shade, but I've replaced my 40 winks three times, so you can see that this one is my favorite.

It is a peachy-pink with gold shine, so its perfect for layering over all the lipsticks below, and it looks great by itself.

Boots No 7 Mineral Lipstick in 'Innocent'. A very sheer nude with a hint of pink. It is very creamy and moisturizing. This is my 'nude' shade. 

(Below) Origins Rain and Shine Lipstick in 'Pink Lemonade'. Another very sheer shade, this one has shimmer to it. Its a pretty soft pink that compliments my skin tone perfectly. 

Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment, this is a pretty pink with a hint of red on me. Love it! Looks very dark in the tube, but applies very sheer. 

Enter to Win Shabby Apple Dress at Socialite Dreams Blog!

I love Shabby Apple's style!

Check them out here 

This is the pretty "Spanish Steps" dress that you can win by going here to Socialite Dreams Blog and entering to win it! Isn't it gorgeous? I love the cream and tan color combination. Its so feminine and pretty, with a vintage-inspired look. Perfect for date night or going out dancing!

October Favorites And Not-so Favorites

FAVORITES!

These are my favorite, go-to products of October! These are the products that I used the most this month.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Blushing Bride. Such a pretty, sparkly plum color! It gives your cheeks a nice color and shimmer to them. I love quick and easy makeup, so it's nice to use this, then you can skip a step and not highlight. Its also the perfect blush for fall.

Mac Eyeshadow in 'Green Smoke'. This is an eyeshadow I've neglected for awhile. But I pulled it out while cleaning out my makeup collection. I was deciding whether or not to keep it, when I rediscovered how pretty it is! It looks not as exciting in the pan, and without primer, its color is lost. But when applied wet, or over the right primer, it looks gorgeous! I wore it out for a dark green-gray smoky eye. 

I plan on trying it with my new Too Faced Liqui-Fy to try it as an eyeliner as well this fall. 

My most used product is this Estee Lauder Shadow Creme. I bought it in almost all the colors because its so fast and easy! I love it for the mornings when I'm in a rush, and tired. Its a no brainer, and you don't need primer, or to blend. Just swipe it on with your fingers, and it looks great!

I have been using the Antiqued Gold the most. It has gold shimmer to it, while the base is a nice darker toned brown. Love it by itself, or layered with eyeshadow.

I bought this eyeshadow palette with a Sephora Giftcard I got for graduation. (Below). 

Its by Lancome, and very pricey, at $48 for a small palette, so I hesitated at first to buy it. But I loooved all the colors, and its such a complete array of colors that you can create a lot of different looks. It has matte and shimmer, and glitter shadows all in one palette, which I love! Its also a pink-toned palette. The pink shimmery shade also works as a blush or highlighter. 

My most used shade is the top color, its just the right shade for my skin tone to work for blending out my eyeshadow, and I use it under the brow. This color is fairly similar in my opinion to Naked, by Urban Decay. (from Naked Palette). The darker matte brown in the middle is similar to Buck (also from Naked Palette), these two colors are the most used by me as well for blending, or neutral eyes, so I really like that now I have similar colors in such a tiny package, perfect for travel or carrying around with me to work or gym!

My body wash this month is new to me. Its by Loving Naturals, and it is the 'Peppermint and Vanilla'. I love it! Its so refreshing and smells wonderful. Its also all natural, with no chemicals, preservatives, etc, and it feels very gentle on my skin. Love it! 

NOT-SO-FAVORITE!

The following products were disappoints to me.

I got this as part of the Tarte 500 point perk, and was really excited to try it! Some of my favorite products of all time are by Tarte.

This is the Smooth Operator Illuminating Serum with Amazonian Clay. I always wanted to try this.

It made my skin feel very sticky and like I wanted to wash it all day. I don't wear liquid foundation on a daily basis, and am very picky with what I do wear, because I hate this feeling. So for those of you that wear medium to full coverage liquid foundation, this might not bother you.

I didn't really find it that illuminating. And it doesn't last for very long. I prefer Benefit High Beam, or powder highlighters to this.

I also tried mixing it with my liquid foundation, and I couldn't tell much of a difference, and I broke out. Bummer.

I also tried this tinted moisturizer by Lorac, in the shade 'Tawny Temptress'. It is called the protecTINT tinted moisturizer. I got sample of this from sephora, and it lasted me 4 days.

It matched me perfectly! I was very excited about that, since I do have a yellow tint, so some brands don't match, and this brand only has 4 options. I applied it both very lightly, and layered it for more coverage. I loved the consistency, it very soft, silky, and mousse-like.

BUT, the reason I don't like it is because it doesn't last all day with me, and it makes me break out. Not immediately, but by the second day and on, I got more and more breakouts. :(

The biggest deal breaker though is the lasting power. On me, it lasts about 6 hours, my work day is 12+, so I need something better.

A few fall wishlist items

Wow, has it been a busy couple of weeks!!

Here are a few things on my wishlist for fall.

Lip scrub. I love this lip scrub by Lush, its called 'Sweet Lips' and it smells like some delicious chocoately-sweet dessert you can eat!! Smells so good. Its very moisturizing too. This is perfect for fall and winter when your lips start to get so dry.

I also love this cute shirt dress from J Crew, but I prefer it in navy. It would look so cute with boots and tights. 

My favorite hoodie ever! This is from J Crew also, and its lined on the inside to make it even cozier and fuzzier.

And new boots!! I really am loving the tough look of these boots for fall. Very cute!! These are called 'Vera', and are by Frye. I love the slouchy look and chunky heel. 

Meet Another Very Hungry Caterpillar

Very, very hungry caterpillar! The fennel in my garden is pretty much all gone. I buy this little one a little fennel bulb (organic) with leaves still attached every 2-3 days, and he pretty much strips the whole thing each time. 

He was about half an inch long, and about a 1/8 of an inch wide, when I picked him off the fennel outside, he was a tiny little thing. He looked like this:

(This photo is not mine, it is from this website, this is one of the websites I used to identify the caterpillars in my garden.)

Now, only 2 1/2 weeks later, he looks like this:

Meet Henry!!

Comparatively, he looks like a monster! And a totally different species. But he's not, these caterpillars just change a lot during their lifecycle. 

He is about 2 1/2 inches long now, and about half an inch thick at the head. Crazy how fast they grow!

He is called a yellow swallowtail butterfly, also known as anise swallowtail, for the fennel they prefer to grow on. They are beautiful butterflies! 

I usually prefer to let them grow naturally, but all the others (almost 20 caterpillars that I counted) all got eaten by predatory wasps or birds.  This was the last one! I really wanted to give this one a chance at least to make it to a butterfly.