First of all, I would like to send my prayers and condolences to those affected by the tornado in Oklahoma. So many lives were forever changed by this devastating event and I just hope that they can realize the support that is being lifted up by their family, friends, and this nation.
In the past six months or so I have been on a mission to learn as much as I can about make-up. I have spent many hours on Youtube learning about products and techniques. Tonight I will be sharing some new products I have tried over the past few months, as well as some of my old favorites.
New Finds
Okay, so that's not actually what it says on the packaging but I threw away the box it came in. I got this at Marshall's for $5 which is hella cheap considering the actual brand-name beauty blender is pushing $20. They have a few different brands at Marshall's, but I am currently using the one that is shaped like the picture shown here. I recently purchased another one that is more comparable to the actual beauty blender in shape, so I may review it later once I have had time to see which one works better. I will say that this gives me the most flawless finish I have ever experienced with any kind of make-up applicator. You run it under water, squeeze out the excess, and then literally pat your foundation all over your face. The tapered end is perfect for around your nose and applying concealer under your eyes. Love love love love.
Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer I absolutely adore this stuff. It is the first primer I have ever tried and believe me, I did my research before diving into this one. I tried this formula instead of their color correcting one because I read that this one does a better job at fine lines and pores. It really helps the large pores on my cheeks and nose, as well as providing a sleek canvas for foundation or powder. Oh, and it smells like bread. No joke. I have a Bath&BodyWorks French Baguette candle and the two smell exactly alike.
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation
This is yet another product that I had seen many Youtube tutorials on before deciding to make the purchase. I read very mixed reviews on whether the Normal/Dry skin formula was better than the Normal/Oily. I personally went with the oily and it has worked fine. The main "con" I read on the oily formula was that you have to work in small areas because it dries crazy fast. I find this to be very true, but not a big enough flaw to stop using the product. With my Clinique Super Balanced I can dab the foundation on my forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin before going back to blend them out. That is not so with this, I dab it on one area, blend, then move onto the next. This is a full-coverage foundation so I don't use it every day.
Yes, that really is the full name. I read reviews and watching tutorials on this one and it seemed legit. People were not lying when they said it works wonders! I use it on my under-eye area as well as higlighting the little triange from my eyes to my inner cheeks. I will say that you should not use this on blemishes because it is a higlighting product, and you do not want blemishes higlighted. I am on my second tube already because I use it every single day. A lot of people rave about the "Radiant" shade but I find it to be too pink for me, so I stick with the "Fair" shade which has more of a yellow undertone.
L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush in "Baby Blossom"
I had been on the look-out for a natural looking blush, and came across this one. It is a nice soft pink that adds just enough color.
PhotoReady Pressed PowderI know it sounds like I am a Revlon snob this season, but this blog was not meant to be brand-specific. I found that my Maybelline Mineral Power loose powder was just looking to cakey on my skin so I switched to a pressed powder. It works splendidly! On a regular work day, I layer this over the primer with some concealer and bronzer and call it a day. I also set my under-eye concealer with this. It does a great job at providing a matte finish and controlling oil for most of the day. I apply it around 6AM and don't have to blot until lunch time.
Old Favorites
I still use the following products all the time and maintain that they are some of my "all time favorites." I am not providing photos of these, but you can find pictures and detailed reviews of them in my old blog linked here --> http://lizthefashionista.blogspot.com/2012/09/lessentials-part-two.html
- Covergirl Lash Blash Mascara
- Clinique Superbalanced Foundation
- Clinique Pressed Bronzer in "Sunkissed"
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser - I use the new Maybelline Dream Lumi more for my under-eyes, but still use this one on occasion and find that it is also better for facial blemishes than the Dream Lumi.
