Monthly Favorites
July 2011
{bareMinerals Original Foundation in Medium Tan, e.l.f. Studio Powder Blush in Pink Passion, MAC Strobe Cream, e.l.f. Studio Under Eye Concealer and Highlighter}
Although bareMinerals is usually my go-to powder foundation, I switched things up by going one shade darker (from Medium Beige to Medium Tan) to give my face a little bit of a tan for a soft summer glow. If I use this shade as a full foundation it is way too orange for me, so I use this as a setting powder over my usual liquid foundation with a large fluffy kabuki brush and buff it in so that it just gives my face a bronzed glow.
I love the e.l.f. Studio Powder Blushes and I've been hooked on this hot pink shade, Pink Passion. I lightly dip my MAC 109 brush into it and just dab it onto the apples of my cheeks and lightly blend it upwards. It creates the perfect pink cheek without having that "clownish" appearance.
MAC Strobe Cream has been my secret weapon for glowing, radiant skin this summer. I love this stuff. I apply it all over my face concentrating it on my cheeks and upper cheekbones after I apply my usual moisturizer. It just gives a nice glow under my foundation.
The e.l.f. Under Eye Concealer and Highlighter is kind of a weird product for me. I like it, but I find it isn't a necessary step in my makeup routine. I apply my usual MAC Studio Finish Concealer first because it has way better coverage, following up with a liquid foundation, and then I dab this e.l.f. concealer under my eyes and lightly pat to blend it in. I find this seamlessly blends everything together and because of the moisturizing and liquid formula, it helps prevent my makeup from looking cakey underneath my eyes. Is this necessary? No. But I like the overall effect it gives so I've been using it a lot this month.
{Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Pop, MAC Hello Kitty Lipstick in Strayin', MAC Lipstick in Lovelorn, MAC Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe}
Revlon's formula for the Super Lustrous Lipglosses are great. I find they have excellent lasting power and don't completely dry out my lips during wear. I've been layering Pink Pop on top of everything to add a bit of brightness and a pop of pink. And because the color is a blue-based pink, it actually makes my teeth appear whiter. You can click here for a full review and swatches.
MAC Lovelorn has quickly become one of my favorite lipsticks. It is such a pretty shade of pink that I find to be incredibly wearable (click here for the full review). My other most worn lip color for this month has been Strayin. It is limited edition from the Hello Kitty collection and I never wore it much until recently. I love the bright pop of color it gives without being too over the top or in your face bright. It looks great paired with Revlon Pink Pop Lipgloss.
Satin Taupe Eyeshadow is one of those great everyday grayish-browns that can be suitable on just about every skintone making it perfect when I'm tan and more pale in the winter. I love wearing this on my outer corners paired with MAC Shroom or Ricepaper Eyeshadow.
{e.l.f. Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths and e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set}
If you read my review here, you already know that I'm officially a fan of these inexpensive makeup wipes. They're cheap, effective and rather moisturizing. What more can you ask for in a makeup wipe?
I had been wanting to try this Makeup Mist & Set for quite some time now. I've been using it all month and I actually like it. While I don't think it actually helps my makeup last any longer, I do find it has the same effect as MAC Fix +. It just seamlessly blends all my makeup together to prevent from looking cakey or overdone. It's also incredibly refreshing to use in the hot summer months.
{Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream, Daisy Eau So Fresh Travel Bottle, Up & Up Nail Polish Remover Pads}
I picked up this hand cream on whim at Sephora just because I loved the smell. After I tried it, though I was hooked for an even better reason. This hand cream not only smells delicious but it makes my hands feel silky smooth. It leaves the most amazing feeling after the moisturizer is absorbed. And the size makes it compact and easy to throw in an size handbag or clutch. I never leave home without it.
One of my very good friends got this adorable little travel size bottle of Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh for me and I love it. It's just to tiny and adorable not to love. Plus, the smell is so airy and fresh making it the perfect scent for summer. I keep this in my purse at all times so I always have it on me to freshen up whenever need be.
These Target brand Nail Polish Remover Pads are awesome. They work incredibly well and are so convenient. I love that they come individually packed and are big enough to remove all the nail polish on both hands, probably even enough for my toes too! I always keep one or two in my handbag for those emergency moments when I need to remove any chipped nailpolish. I work in front of customers all day using my hands quite a bit so chipped nail polish is out of the question for me. I love that I always have nail polish remover on hand.
What were your monthly favorites?
