NEW YRS EYE *2011* MAKEUP

Face: Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab Foundation Classic Tan 160

Cheeks: Stila Illuminating Powder Bronze & MAC Blush Ombre Vintage Grape

Eyes: Avon Mega Impact Liner Black, Sephora Glitter Liner Gold, & Covergirl Lash Blast 24HR Very Black

Lips: Chapstick

MAC Daphne Guinness & Tour De Fabulous Haul

Vintage Grape Blush Ombre (Daphne Guinness) $23 & Style Packed Lipglass (Tour De Fabulous)

Blush Ombre .31oz ($23) compared to standard MAC Blush (my highland honey) .21oz (standard blushes are now $19.50)

(face Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab Classica Tan 160 foundation, eyes: Covergirl Liquiline Blast Green Glow, Sephora Glitter Eyeliner Gold, Covergirl LashBlast Fusion)

Wearing: Vintage Grape Blush Ombre & Style Packed Lipglass 

The Style Packed Lipglass doesn't feel as sticky as the Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass, which is a plus. It is super pigmented & shiney! I like! A+

Vintage Grape Blush Ombre- I Love how much product you get with this.  This is HUGE.  The colors are gorgeous, and this is unlike any blush I own (which justifies my purchase lol).  Highly recommend for tan to deep skintones but would look nice on lighter skintones as well.  Great Winter blush. I'm impressed. A+

Beauty Besties of *2011*: Part 1 FACE

I can't believe that this is the end of 2011, and it is soon to be 2012! Where do the years go?! This year went really fast for me, but overall it was a good one.


This is Part 1 of my "Beauty Besties of 2011" series, where I show you guys the top products of 2011, in my opinion. I'm breaking everything down in categories, and I'm starting with FACE products (foundations, powders, concealers). 

BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION:

Revlon Colorstay- This stuff is definitely FULL COVERAGE, and it covers EVERYTHING from acne, to dark spots, hyperpigmentation, scars, red blotches, you name it.  I've tried the Studio Fix Fluid by MAC, and in my opinion, this covers more with less product.  You don't need a lot of this stuff to get full coverage, but with the SFF, you do need to build a few more layers to get the same coverage that you get this the Revlon Colorstay with just 1 or 2 layers.  The good thing about this too is that there are 2 versions available, 1 for combo/oily & 1 for combo/dry skin. 

BEST MEDIUM COVERAGE FOUNDATION:

MAC MatchMaster- This stuff literally does transform to be the perfect color for your skintone (atleast it does for me).  5.0 is the perfect shade for me.  This foundation is supposed to adjust to be your perfect shade, with a demi-matte finish.  This is definitely true medium coverage.  It's not sheer or light, and it's not full coverage either.  This isn't heavy on the skin, which is good, and it does a decent job of covering imperfections.  If you want a demi-matte finish, that looks natural and gives nice, medium coverage (not too much/not too less), this is perfect.  It blends in well.  No annoying foundation lines.  I'd recommend this for normal to dry skin.

BEST LIGHT/SHEER COVERAGE FOUNDATION:

MAKE UP FOREVR Face & Body- This is a fantastic foundation and one of my GO-TO HG foundations.  This completely trumps the MAC version.  They are both sheer, but the MAC is more runny and liquidy.  The MUFE version is more of a gel-like texture.  This blends out really well.  One of the complaints of this foundation is how light of a coverage it is, but that's what I like about it.  I don't usually like a lot of coverage on a daily basis.  I like a natural look, and this is perfect for that.  I would consider this buildable, because with 2 layers it gives decent coverage.  If you set this with a powder, it gives even more coverage.  I usually just go with 1-2 layers of this, and I don't usually set it.  When I do set this, I use MAC's Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Cajun or the Studio Careblend, which has excellent coverage on it's own.  This is very naturally looking, like real skin but only better (more polished & even skintone).  This is also lightweight.  I can't feel this on the skin at all.  This is waterproof too, which is a huge plus, especially in the Summer (& gym friendly!).  I recommend this for ALL skin types. 

MOST NATURALLY LOOKING BASE:

Benefit You Rebel Tinted Moisturizer- I LOVE this stuff for Wintertime.  This looks so natural on the skin.  This is definitely sheer/light coverage, but if you set it with a powder (my FAVs are the MAC Magically Cool Liquid & the Studio Careblend), you get nice, natural coverage for natural yet polished skin.  My skin is dry in the Winter, and this doesn't cake up on my dry areas around my nose, which is a huge plus.  It has aloe in it, which is soothing for the skin, and it's moisturizing without being greasy.  Oily skin may find it a bit too moisturizing though.  In the Summer, my skin was oily, and this was just too much moisture for me.  In the Winter, it's perfect.  Oily skin might find it greasy looking, but I highly recommend for normal/dry skin types.  As I mentioned, this is very sheer coverage, but it evens out skin tone quite well.  With the setting powder, you get really nice natural coverage, which looks like your skin only better.  This is great for foundation beginners, young girls,  or people who don't like to wear foundation, but want light coverage. I'm NC40 in MAC (NC42 in Summer), and the original shade in this is perfect for my skintone and up.  If you're any lighter than me, you need to go with the You Rebel Lite, as this will be MUCH too dark for you. 

BEST POWDER:

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder- This powder has the BEST coverage of any powder that I've ever used.  Even by itself, it covers really well.  Sometimes I just use this alone or over concealer for great added coverage.  I like the pressed formula- less mess & travel friendly for touch ups.  I always keep this in my purse. This is the only item that I've EVER hit pan with, and I would definitely repurchase. This has a natural finish, so if you want a mattifying powder, this isn't for you.  If you want a setting powder that delivers good coverage, without being cakey or powdery, you will love this.  I'm not usually big on powders, because they look too powdery or cakey.  This glides on my dry skin like I dream.  I used this in the end of Summer when my skin was still on the oily side, and I liked it then as well.  Great for all skin types.  *If you use the puff that it comes with, you get more coverage.  It you use a fluffy brush, this works as a nice, light setting powder.*

BEST CONCEALER:

MARK Speedway Do Everything Stick- Best Concealer hands down!  This little .14oz stick looks small, but a little goes a long way!  This will last a long time.  I've had mine for 8 months, and there is still plenty of product left.  I primarily use this a concealer, but it's marketed as an all purpose makeup stick.  It can be used as a foundation or concealer.  I've used it as both.  If you use this as a foundation, you may definitely go through it faster than if you just use it as a concealer.  This covers really well.  It covers everything- blemishes, red splotchy areas, dark circles, dark discolorations.  The little tube is perfect to throw in the smallest bag or even your pocket.  This is creamy but dries down perfectly.  At $8 bucks a pop, you can't beat the price.  Recommend for all skin types!

FOTN: My Makeup For Christmas Eve Mass

Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab Foundation *NEW* Shade 160 Classic Tan 

(LOVING this so far)

Cheeks: MAC Mineralize Blush in FLUSH *Semi Precious L.E* & Benefit 10 Bronzer/Highlighter

Eyes: Covergirl Perfect Point Eyeliner & Sephora Brand Glitter Liner Gold, Covergirl LashBlast 24HR Very Black

Lips: Revlon Lip Butter Berry Smoothie

Revlon Lip Butter: Review & Swatches

I have been wanting to try these since I first heard about them on Youtube, watching the rave reviews & read about them on beauty blogs.  My area is just now getting these in stock.  Last Sunday, I went to Target & they had limited stock.  I picked up Tutti Fruitti.  I had originally only wanted Strawberry Shortcake, but they were sold out.  I went back to Target last night, and they still hadn't restocked.  This time they only had about 3 of the Lip Butters left.  I picked up the last Cotton Candy.  Today, I went to Rite Aid to get some last minute Christmas candy, and ofcourse, I had to browse the makeup isles.  I noticed a large display of the Revlon Lip Butters over by the perfumes, with EVERY color in stock!  Definitely felt like Christmas to me.  I picked up Berry Smoothie, Strawberry Shortcake, & Sugar Plum. So far, Berry Smoothie & Sugar Plum are my favorites.  I've gotten quite a few compliments on the Tutti Fruitti that I've been wearing to work daily.  Tutti Fruitti is the MOST pigmented out of the ones that I own.  It's extremely buildable, and it's the most gorgeous wearable orange shade on the lips!  These are worth the hype!

5/5= A+

Tutti Fruitti

Berry Smoothie

Sugar Plum

 Strawberry Shortcake

Cotton Candy

Covergirl & Olay Tone & Rehab Foundation 1st Impressions

Lips: Revlon Lip Butter Cotton Candy

Shade 160 Classic Tan (for reference I'm NC40 in MAC Studio Fix Fluid & NC42 in MAC Mineralize Satin Finish/NW35 in Pro Longwear)

I just purchased this tonight from Target & I had to wipe my current makeup on & apply this as soon as I got home.  This is the only store that I've been able to find this in.  I don't necessarily NEED another foundation, as I have quite a few & I have 3 HGs that I rotate (MUFE Face & Body is my #1, then MAC Mineralize SatinFinish & MAC MatchMaster).  However, I can never resist something new.  I chose this over the new Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam.  

First Impressions:

This stuff smells really good.  It has a built in primer.  The packaging is nice & sanitary with the pump.  This blends out like a dream- No Pesky Foundation Lines with This Stuff (& as much as I love my MAC Mineralize Satinfinish, I did have one of those lines today when I got to work & had to blend out like crazy with my MARK Speedway Stick.)  My skin is dry right now, as it is Winter.  I get really dry flakes around my nose, and my forehead gets dry.  This stuff did not cling to my dry patches as all.  It applies so smoothly and blended right in. 

So far, I really like how this applies and looks. 

I'm going to have to try it out over the next few days in order to get a full review on this.  Based on first impressions, this stuff is pretty darn good.  

It's very lightweight & moisturizing, and I don't find it greasy at all. 

Recommendations: Normal to Dry Skin & Mature Skin Would Love This.

Cons: Price

This is $13.99 at Target, which is pricy for Covergirl.  However, their Covergirl & Olay line is more expensive than their regular line to begin with.  This isn't quite as expensive as high-end brands though.  You get 1fl oz. Not too expensive, but not as affordable as Covergirl's other foundations. 

Coverage: Light to Medium/ Natural Finish

*After about 2 hrs, I'm still happy with how this looks.  It looks like my skin only better.  It doesn't look like I have foundation on (which is a good thing), but my skin tone is evened out and polished and has a nice glow to it*

Maybelline Baby Lips Review

Peach Kiss

($2.99 at Target & around the same price at Walmart.  This was $3 & some change at Rite Aid, where I purchased it & got 20% with my Wellness Card)

I've been curious to try these for awhile.  These new lip balm products seems to big the big rage lately.  Revlon has their Lip Butters, that still aren't sold where I live.  I also saw a similar product o the Lip Butters by L'Oreal when I was in Rite Aid.  I had been wanting to try the Baby Lips in Peach Kiss for quite some time, but that shade is ALWAYS sold out at Walmart.  I happened to find it last night at Rite Aid and couldn't beat the price.  I wanted to see what the hype was all about.  

First Impressions: 

I really LOVE this lip balm.  The Peach Kiss shade isn't pigmented at all.  It looks like my natural lip color, only glossier.  This shade does have shimmer to it, while the others do not.  I would like to try the Pink Punch & Cherry Me, as they do look more pigmented from the swatches that I've seen online.  These are VERY moisturizing.  They have a glossy feel, without being sticky.  I find that my Avon Satin Satisfaction lip color, which normal applies splotchy & is drying, applies smoothly when I have the Baby Lips on first.  I also like how this looks alone.  If you have dry lips, like I do in the Winter, pick these up! You will LOVE them. These are very affordable & really do make your lips baby soft. 

A+

MAC Matchmaster Foundation Review *RAVE*

Shade 5.0

I got my hands on this around the time that it first came out.  I got it Brand New in Box in a swap on MUA.  (& to that jerk on youtube who was harassing me calling me poor for using MakeUpAlley & saying only poor people swap on there can kiss it! cause I LOVE MUA.  I can try products & get rid of products that I no longer use & save money in the process!).  My shade is 5.0 (supposed to be comparable to NC40/42, which are my shades in MAC).  5.0 is the perfect shade for me.  I have Pro Longwear in NW35 (NC40 was too dull & 42 was too orange), which is a good shade for me, however, it sometimes looks orange throughout the day.  I also have a hard time getting the Pro Longwear blended out on my dry skin, and I end up with orangey splotches of the foundation in my cheeks (not a good look).  With this foundation, I don't have that problem.  Matchmaster shades are supposed to cater to the neutral undertones, whereas the NC is for Warm & NW is for cool tones.  I have more of a neutral undertone.  Not very warm or very cool, so these neutral toned shades are perfect for me.  If you are NC40/42, I'd highly recommend the 5.0.  

(after 9 hrs of wear) *also wearing Tarte Blushing Bride Cheek Stain*

Recommendations:

I think this is great for normal/dry skin.  I would be able to work on more oily types as well, but you would get a more dewy finish (& be prepared to blot). 

Coverage: MAC Quotes this as having a Moisturizing Demi-Matte finish & I agree.  This is medium coverage in my opinion, though it can be built up, I feel that if you build it up too much it can look cakey or overdone.  I wouldn't say that this is full coverage.  I still think Studio Fix Fluid has more coverage, but I personally wouldn't recommend that because it broke me out immediately. 

*Lasted me all day, but I still feel that the Pro Longwear has a better staying power.*

Grade: A

I would recommend trying this out, even if you've had bad luck with MAC Foundations in the past.  I've also tried the Studio Fix Fluid (Epic Fail), Face & Body (Prefer MUFE's version), Pro Longwear (which is a trusty foundation), & Mineralize Satin Finish (which I REALLY like,especially for special occasions).  My top three are Mineralize Satinfinish (I like the glow it gives & the lighter coverage), MatchMaster (really does feel weightless & has decent coverage), & Pro Longwear coming in 3rd.

You get 1.18 oz & this foundation is $32.50, but I think it's worth it.  I do find that it blends better than the Pro Longwear on dry skin, but I still recommend Pro Longwear for Oily/Combo skin. 

FOTD: 12/12/11 ft Tarte Dollface

MUFE Face & Body #34

Cheeks: Tarte Cheekstain Dollface & Amazonian Clay Blush Dollface (layered overtop)

Eyes: Covergirl LineBlast 24HR (black) & Mark Metalliner (Bronze Edge) over it. Covergirl LashBlast 24HR (Very Black)

Lips: Jabot Cosmetics Lipgloss Pink & Mark Lipclick Bare Hug

FOTD 12/8/11 Ft. Covergirl Eye Products

MUFE Face & Body #34 Honey Beige

Cheeks: MAC My Highland Honey Blush

Eyes: Covergirl LineBlast 24HR (*new*) in Black & Covergirl LiquiLine Blast Green Glow (top & bottom) Covergirl LashBlast 24HR Very Black

Lips: Avon Ultra Color Rich 10K Gold Lipstick Red Karat (worn off-- end of the day)

Covergirl LashBlast 24Hr Mascara Review

One Word: AMAZING!

This stuff is fantastic! I wasn't even going to try it out either.  I noticed it when I was leaving the beauty isle at Walmart.  (I went in that store for groceries and was in there for a little over an HOUR! Spent most of my time in the makeup & beauty isle! Ahh!).  It was on a display on the end of one of the isles, along with the LineBlast 24HR Eyeliner and the new Blast Flipstick two sided lipcolor.  I ended up with the mascara and liner.  I didn't need another mascara, beings that I just picked up the L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes mascara n regular recently and the waterproof that same day (which was my favorite up until I tried this!).  I don't go for non-waterproof mascaras either, but I'm glad I did pick this up.  It's fantastic.  The wand is flexible and rubbery.  It looks similar to the wand on Benefit's They're Real mascara.  The formula is very wet compared to some of the drier mascaras (even compared to the L'Oreal one).  I like that about this.  I like wet mascaras (like this and the original Maybelline Great Lash).  They are easier to layer.  I've also tried the yellow and orange tubes of LashBlast, as well as the Fusion in the purple tube (I like this for length and natural looking lashes).  This trumps them all.  This stuff is dramatic and can be built up.  It also works well on my bottom lashes.  The wand is really good for the bottom lashes and for lengthening and volume.  It's definitely worth trying out, even if you think you've found your "HG" mascara. 

*P.S. The Liner is fantastic as well.  It doesn't budge.  I applied it on my hand and then wipe my fingers over it several times.  No smearing no budging at all.  Super easy to apply and get a nice line too, unlike a lot of the liquid liners I've tried (the Mark Get In Line & Stila Stay All Day, for example).  The Mark didn't smudge, but it's not easy to get a nice line.  The Stila was very messy- hard to get a nice line and smudged like crazy.  This Covergirl liner is a felt tip, like a marker, and super easy to use.  Both the items were under $8, each, which is a steal.  The quality is fantastic.  Covergirl really stepped their game up & impressed me.  Can't wait to try the new lippies. 

Walmart Haul 12/7/11

Payday! Went to Walmart to pick up some groceries and had to look at the beauty stuff ofcourse!


I ended up with the L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Fiber Mascara in Waterproof this time (Very Black).  I love the original so much, but non-waterproof just wasn't working out for me.  
I got the Covergirl Liquline Blast in Green Glow.  It's awesome.  It is hard to remove...doesn't budge at all, which is a good thing.  It seems like it will last all day.  Worked well on my waterline.  (I have the purple shade too.)
The Lineblast 24 Hour (new!) Liner in Black, which I'm loving.  It makes it easy to make a precise line.  It's felt-tip.  (Not smudgy or messy like the Stila Liquid Liner)
I also got the Covergirl Lash Blast 24 Hour Mascara in Very Black.  This TRUMPS the Original and the Lash Blast Fusion (which i LOVE!).  This makes my lashes so long and dramatic and definitely adds volume too.  Glad I picked this up.  
I also go a Nicole by OPI Nail Polish (i Love this line!) in "You're An Angel", as well as 2 Bodycology Shower Gels/Bubble Bath (Warm Vanilla Sugar & Coconut Lime) and the Lotion in Warm Vanilla Sugar (dupes of Bath & Body Works. Smells amazing and the same & cheaper.  The Travel Size shower gels are $1.47 and the ones at BBW are $5!  The full size Bodycology items are under $5 too!).  I also got a travel size of the Dove Go Fresh Body Wash in Cucumber & Green Tea (tried the soap before and it was good).  

November/December '11 Collective Haul

Avon Ultra Color Rich 10K Gold *limited edition* Lipsticks: Red Karat, Platinum Pink, & Glitzy

Mark Metalliner Bronze Edge, Mark Get In Line Liquid Liner Black

Mark Glow Baby Glow Luxe Petal Luxe Lipgloss

L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara

AE Bohemian Rollerball Fragrance

VS Sexy Little Things Noir Tease Body Mist *travel size*

12/3/11: Leopard Obsession

I've been obsessed with leopard print lately.  I've been searching for a leopard cardigan since LAST Fall/Winter, and I just FINALLY found one.  I got it from Express (40% off Black Friday).  They actually had one last year, but it sold out so fast that I missed it.  (I can't seem to find this one of their website anymore either.)  I happened to score a matching headband with a super cute bow on it from ASOS.com, while I was browsing their accessories.  My black shirt is from Rue 21, and I actually got it 5 years ago for a concert where we needed black and silver.  The back is actually all lace.  I LOVE it. My flare jeans are from ASOS as well, by A Wear, an Irish High Street brand.  Ironically, these are my FAVORITE jeans thus far, and I've been wanting to order these for a while.  I just finally broke down and got them on Black Friday, when ASOS had a 20% off for Black Friday.  They fit better than my jeans from the ASOS brand, and my only regret is that I didn't order these sooner.  (They aren't too pricy to begin with either.  They are about $38 or so originally and still available right now.  They quality is really good, and they resemble designer jeans like 7's and Lucky's.  They only drawback is that they aren't accessible in the US.  ASOS is the only place I've found them so far, and they are UK based.  Another plus to ASOS.com is they always have free shipping and returns, by the way.)  I'm wearing tan clogs from American Eagle, that I have also been wanting for MONTHS and finally scored them for $14.99 during Black Friday weekend!  I'm glad I waited lol. (My pearl earrings are also Express, which I got during Black Friday online for $8 and some change!)

FOTD:

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer

Cheeks: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Tipsy & Park Ave Princess Mineral Bronzer

Eyes:Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil Bourbon, L'oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara

Lips: Nothing

12/1/11 Leopard Print!

Fashion:

Headband- ASOS Shop!

Yellow Seamless T Shirt- The Limited Shop!

Sweater- Express Shop!

The Headband & Leopard Sweater were both Black Friday (12am!) online purchases that I received in the mail yesterday! It was like Christmas to me.  My clothes from Express, ASOS, & Forever 21 all arrived, along with dress shoes from the Children's Place & an adorable bath time baby doll from Amazon for my daughter.  Awesome deals on everything, scored free shipping, & got cash back shopping through ebates.com.  (Check out ebates! A co-worker told me about it, and it is awesome! You go to the website and sign up.  Then, type in your favorite stores and access them by clicking on the link for them through ebates.com.  That way, you earn a certain percentage of cash back, and you get it back on your paypal account or in a check.  I got cashback from Express.  Sephora has 8% cashback and beauty.com is there, along with Walmart too and a wide variety of other stores.)  My Black Friday shopping experience was awesome cause I did it from my bed between 12am-2am, without having to get up.  I got free shipping and great deals, without standing out in the cold or dealing with long lines, big crowds and rude shoppers.  I have a better time shopping online then in the stores honestly.  I actually find better store online and more unique items.  Yay for online shopping!  Did you all do any Black Friday shopping?  I know a lot of people who go just for the fun of it.  

Makeup:

Face: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer (medium to olive)

Cheeks: MAC My Highland Honey Blush (limited edition Holiday '10)

Eyes: Mark Metalliner Bronzer Edge, L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara

Lips: Avon Ultra Color Rich 10K White Gold (limited edition Holiday '11) Platinum Pink (those 10k gold lippies are amazing! I have the Red Karat as well, and it's the perfect red.  These have gorgeous silver shimmers and are really moisturizing.  I'm getting the berry and golden color for myself and the brown shade for my mom before they sell out!)  get yours!

NOTD: 12/1/11

Just did my nails tonight (for tomorrow) with the new nail polish that I picked up tonight from Walmart.  It's by Nicole by OPI, and it's actually part of the Kardashian Collection (which I didn't even know when I first picked it up).  The shade is called "The Right Things", and it's pretty much the perfect red.  This is the 2nd Nicole by OPI polish that I purchased within the past 4 days!  The other shade was a similar color but deeper red with noticeable shimmers.  It is called "I Love You Cherry Much". This is pretty matte and more red.  I also have My Lifesaver from the Justin Beiber collection.  I'm in LOVE with these polishes because the formula is fantastic and so easy to work with.  I love the brush and how these just glide right on and dry quickly.  My favorite used to be Sally Hanson, and I always thought OPI was overrated, but boy was I wrong! These are great.  Highly recommend these.  The Nicole polishes are $7 a pop (Target & Walmart), and the regular OPI polishes are around $8.50   The Sephora by OPI polishes are $9.50.  Honestly, I think the Nicole ones are just as good and cost less. 

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*My Beauty Staples: Cosmetics Edition*

Cosmetics

• MARK Speedway- This is a foundation/concealer stick.  It's little .14oz and perfect to throw in even the smallest clutch or your pocket!  Even though it's small, a little goes such a long way.  I've had this for about 6-6 1/2 months, and I still have at least half of the product left.  I prefer to use this a concealer.  It works great for concealing blemishes or red areas and works well for undereye circles too! If you set it with a pressed powder, it can do some heavy duty concealing.  It's affordable too! $8! I've tried a ton of concealers.  My all time favorite was the Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer, but that is now discontinued.  This is runner up in my book and definitely the only concealer that I use.  I will definitely repurchase when I run out. (Get Yours Here!)  
• Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick-  These are amazing.  My favorite is the limited edition White Gold Version (2011 Holiday Exclusive) in Red Karat.  It lasted through Thanksgiving dinner (eating & drinking!), and it was so moisturizing.  It has a glossy sheen to it.  I also have a peach shade and Ruby Red, which is the perfect red for my skintone.  The color pay off is great, and these aren't drying.  I never have run out of a lipstick, but if I did, it's repurchase!  (I'm sure I'll be trying more colors!)
• Clinique High Impact Mascara (Black)- Best mascara I've tried so far! I've tried several drugstore brands, as well as the extremely pricy Diorshow (not worth the hype in my opinion).  I didn't think this would perform as well as it did, but I was pleasantly surprised.  My aunt gave me two of these in a sample size that she had gotten free with her Clinique purchase.  I finally tried it recently, and I was AMAZED!  This made my lashes so long! I can get a natural look with this mascara, as well as build it up with 2-3 coats for a doll-like, almost false lash effect.  My favorite thing about this is that it's so easy to use on my bottom lashes and lengthens them like no other! I'll be purchasing the full size for sure!
• Benefit You Rebel Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15- Now, I'm NC40 in MAC, and this is the PERFECT shade for me.  So, if you're lighter than me, you're going to need to go with the Lite version of this.  I LOVE this for in the Wintertime! Now, in the Summer, this doesn't work for me (Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer is my go to tinted moisturizer for Summer!).  My skin is more oily in the Summer, and since this is so moisturizing, it can look greasy almost.  Since my skin is dry right now, this works really well.  This is really moisturizing, but doesn't look or feel greasy on my dry skin.  This smells really good too.  This has aloe, Vitamin A & Vitamin E, and its smells really good.  The aloe is soothing on dry skin. This also has SPF15.  I usually wear this to work (on most days when i want natural coverage) either by itself, or I'll set it with the MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder (when I want to add a bronzy glow) or Studio Careblend (when I want more coverage).  
• MAC Mineralize Satinfinish Foundation SPF 15-  A lot of people don't like this because of the light coverage, but I LOVE this.  This is my favorite MAC foundation.  I've tried the Face & Body (I prefer the MUFE version.  The MAC feels sticky.), Pro Longwear (okay when my skin wasn't so dry), Studio Fix Fluid (broke me out immediately), and the new Matchmaster (This did conform to my skintone, but the coverage is too much. I prefer a lighter coverage, natural look. This actually looked quite heavy and didn't seem worth the price.  I got it in a swap luckily.)  Back to the Mineralize Satin, there are sparkles in it when swatched on my hand, but I didn't notice any on my face.  This looks really natural.  My gram didn't think I had any foundation on at all (which is a good thing).  She commented how my MAC Matchmaster looked too heavy and unnatural, so I went and took it off and applied this.  She said "MUCH BETTER!  See you don't need foundation!"  (*Little did she know I had this on!  It's that good!*)  :)  This does a nice job of evening out my skintone and doesn't look like I have "foundation" on.  It just gives me a nice "glow", and this is the best foundation I've tried when it comes to being photographed!  This stuff looks the best on camera than any other foundation (Benefit You Rebel & Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancers look nice in photos, no white cast, but this stuff looks so radiant in photos!).  In this, I wear NC42 (in Studio Fix Fluid I'm NC40 & I'm NW35 in Pro Longwear), and it's the perfect shade.  (NC42 in Pro Longwear and SFF are too dark.  This runs light, so I suggest going up a shade).  
• Make Up Forever Face & Body- (#34 Honey Beige)  I lucked out and got this (along with Shade #32) in a swap on MUA.  (#32 works too.  This stuff is so sheer, that both of the shades work for me, but I prefer the undertone of the #34, which is beige, while the #32 is a bit too yellow.  I don't have yellow undertones).  This trumps the MAC version in my opinion.  This isn't sticky at all like the MAC. I could feel the MAC on my face, but with this, I can't feel that I have anything on my face at all.  This looks and feels like real skin, only better.  Believe the hype! This is great for natural coverage.  I like to set it with MAC Magically Cool Powder in Cajun, but it works well on it's on.  Really nice for dry skin, and I feel it can work on all skintypes!  I have this with the pump, which is great. A little goes a long way.  This is very sheer coverage, and can be built up in layers.  Photographs really well too, and it's waterproof (for those of you who wear makeup to the gym/pool, it won't budge!).  If you want medium-full coverage, you won't be a fan of this.  However, if you like lighter coverage and tinted moisturizers (but don't like the greasy feel that some of them have or don't want the added moisture), you'll fall in LOVE with this.  I will repurchase if I ever run out, but I'm pretty stocked up for the time being. 
• NARS Sheer Glow- My Go-To Winter foundation- 'nuff said!  Last Winter, I was in love with this.  During the Summer, it didn't work so well with my skin being more oily.  This is recommended for normal to dry/very dry skintypes.  The Sheer Matte is for normal/oily skin.  Now that my skin is normal/dry right now, and a lot of the foundations that I've been using cake up on my dry areas, I decided to pull this back out again.  My shade is Barcelona, but Syracuse works too.  Syracuse would perfect for my skin coloring in the Summer, when it's more tan.  This is light to medium coverage.  Don't let the name "Sheer" fool you.  It can be built up, but it's definitely not full coverage.  It's not light, like a tinted moisturizer either.  It does feel light on the skin, but it's definitely not "sheer".  This photographs really well too.  I have been using this a lot and will continue to use it throughout Winter.  A little goes a long way!
• Tarte Park Ave Princess Mineral Bronzer-  (This is the Mineral Bronzer, not the Waterproof Matte Bronzer.)  I received this as a free deluxe sample with a Tarte order last Fall.  I've recently been using this a lot.  I LOVE using this along with MAC's Full Fuchsia Blush (PRO).  I love the effect the give together.  This version does have shimmer to it.  This is more brown toned than Laguna, which leans more golden compared to this.  I love how this is natural too, and a "green" product, free of Parabens and harsh chemicals.  This deluxe sample is a decent size.  If I ever run out, I'll definitely purchase this.  I'm not big on bronzers or a bronzer pro, but I love this and how easy it is to apply.  Hotel Heiress is the darker shade and would be great for darker skintones.  This one is good for light-medium/tan skintones and those like me who have a heavy hand with bronzers/blushers, because it's so easy to use.  
• NARS Penny Lane Cream Blush-  The beauty consultant tried this on me at Sephora, along with Laguna bronzer, which I fell in love with (& put on my wishlist!).  She loved how both products looked together, as did I.  I ended up purchasing this from Beauty.com during their Friends & Family Sale with 20% off, along with a backup of Super Orgasm blush for my gram (Christmas Present.  She LOVE it and was almost out & needed a back up).  I LOVE this.  I never looked twice at it before, because I didn't think it would show up.  (I tried Enchanted, and it didn't show up at all on me, besides Glitter!).  This gives a nice, light pink, natural-looking flush to my cheeks!  I apply it with my Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Brush, and it applies so nicely with that brush!  This is really buildable when you use a flat top brush.  I love how this is a cream-to-powder finish, and it isn't sticky like some cream blushes.  The Sephora store when I went to had this in stock, but it's no longer sold online at Sephora.com. The NARS Cream Blushes are available @ Beauty.com and narscomsetics.com.  (I've also tried this in Cactus Flower, in a swap on MUA, but I swapped it back out because it was just too bright for me.  Cactus flower would look amazing on deeper skintones.)  
• Lorac Baked Matte Blush Hollywood- Received this in my first MUA swap last Fall, and I never really tried it until a few months ago (this Fall!).  I had too many cheek products, so I had just this sitting in a makeup case.  I decided to try this and fell in love with the texture.  Hollywood is a rosey/nude shade.  This gives a really pretty bronzy flush to the cheeks.  It's like the effect of a blush and bronzer in one.  This definitely isn't "matte" though.  There's a shimmery sheen to it, but it's not glittery or obnoxious.  It's glowy and pretty.  I'm in LOVE with how smooth the texture is and how easy it is to apply.  This just glides right on the cheeks! Honestly, I like the texture better than my MAC blushes (original and mineralize) and my NARS!  The quality is outstanding.  I never really heard much about this brand before, but I'm impressed.  I'd like to try more from this line!  The Flaunt blush (a bright pink) has had amazing reviews, and I'd like to try it next.  Also,Hollywood is very pigmented, so use a light hand!

*My Beauty Staples: Skincare Edition 2011*

I thought it would be fun to share with my fellow of beauty and fashion lovers my "Must Have" beauty products, the items that are staples for me and that I either have or would restock.  Here it goes!

Skincare Staples

• Cetaphil Gentle Daily Skin Cleanser-  I've tried the Purpose Gentle cleanser, but I prefer this one hands down.  Don't get me wrong, the Purpose does a nice job of getting my skin clean, without irritation, but my skin feels like it has a soapy residue on it even after rinsing my face several times.  The Cetaphil doesn't have any sort of residue or soapy feel to it after I wash my face.  Also, the Purpose was quite drying, and the Cetaphil doesn't dry out my skin, which is a huge plus in the Winter.  I went through 2 large tubs of this in college! I used this stuff to wash my face and my body in the shower! I don't have why I ever stopped using this. I went back to this during the Summer when my skin got really oily and was breaking out badly.  Harsh cleansers made things worse, since my skin is sensitive.  My grandmother actually had a large tube of this and let me have it.  This stuff is really gentle and great for sensitive skin.  Along with Tea Tree Oil, this stuff got my skin back on track.  Highly recommend this as a good, basic everyday cleanser.  This is definitely a staple in my daily routine, and I will restock when it's empty.
• MAC Cleanse Off Oil- I purchased this back in March, after reading good reviews.  I wasn't getting all of my makeup off just from cleansing my face, so I thought this would be a good to use before cleansing.  I have about 1/4 of product left of this.  I use this at night to remove my makeup (apply to my face, let makeup come to the surface, than wipe off with toilet tissue).  This is kind of pricy, but it lasts a long time.  A little goes such a long way; you don't need much at all. Highly recommend this as nightly step before cleansing.  Your skin will be much cleaner.  (I don't recommend this for removing eye makeup though, as it makes your eyes blurry for a while after using on your eyes.)
• Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion SPF 15 (Oil Free)- I got this in a $12 set when the B.Right Skincare line was first released from Benefit Cosmetics.  (Benefit had sent me a full sized Total Moisture Cream & the gentle cleanser for reviewing purposes, but I purchased this set on my own.)  I love how lightweight this is.  It isn't thick or greasy at all  (Total Moisture was quite thick).  I love that this is oil free as well (Total Moisture isn't).  This has a slight fragrance, but my skin is very sensitive, and this didn't irritate it.  (Sometimes when I use the Oil Of Olay too often, it irritates my face.)  I have finished up the small bottle of this, and I will be purchasing the full sized when I go to Sephora in a few weeks.  This is pricy, $28, I believe, but more high-end skincare items are.  Benefit teamed up with Louis Vuitton's beauty team to make this, and the quality is really amazing.  I don't moisturize everyday, as I should, but my skin is getting to me dry again. (It was oily in the Summer, but right now, I have dry flakes again.)  I usually moisture about 2-3 times a week.  So far, this is the the best moisturizer that I've tried.  It's great for daytime use to, whereas the Total Moisture by Benefit is a nighttime moisturizer, but I usually moisturize at night.

FOTD: 11/26/11 ft. MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass

 Face: NARS Sheer Glow Barcelona (*a Winter foundation favorite*)

Sheer Glow is recommended for Normal/Dry Skin types, and I find that is true.  I recommend this for drier skin types.  In the Summer, my skin gets oily, and this doesn't work as well.  NARS considers this a "dewy" foundation, while the Sheer Matte is supposed to be matte & for oily skin.  This was a favorite of mine last Winter, and I find myself loving this again this Winter.   Barcelona is a good color for me in the Winter, but in the Summer, I feel that I would need Syracuse.  Stromboli isn't much lighter than Barcelona, but it's yellow-toned.  I tried it before, and it was WAYY too yellow.  (It's been swapped out!)  Barcelona is described as medium with golden, peachy undertones, and Syracuse is medium-dark with brown undertones.  Stromboli is for olive tones.  For reference, I'm NC40 in MAC Studio Fix Fluid, NW35 in Pro Longwear, & NC42 in Mineralize Satinfinish.  I'm #34 in MUFE Face & Body & 153 in the HD.  Highly recommend this as a Winter staple, if you have drier skin & want a light-weight, natural looking foundation.  I feel like that is light coverage, but it can be built up to medium but not full coverage.  I apply this when my face is a bit wet for best results, and I've seen gurus on youtube applying this with a wet beauty blender.  

Cheeks: I contoured my cheekbones with Tarte's Mineral Bronzer in Park Ave Princess.  This was one of my deluxe samples from an order that I had placed last Fall on Tarte's website.  They now have a matte, waterproof version of this.  The one that I have has shimmer to it, and I like that about it.  It adds a nice sheen & glow to the skin.  When I was at Sephora earlier this month, the Beauty Consultant tried Laguna Bronzer on me, and she loved how it looked.  I did as well.  It has shimmer in it too.  Personally I think that the Tarte & NARS are similar, but the NARS is more golden, whereas the Tarte is more brown-toned. I find the Tarte extremely easy to apply.  The formulation is great- finely-milled & blends like a dream.  This isn't too dark of a bronzer, so it's hard to over-do (perfect for Bronzer beginners or someone with a heavy hand, like myself).  (Tarte has this bronzer available in Hotel Heiress, a darker shade perfect for darker skin-tones.)
I then applied my blush, MAC's Full Fuchsia (PRO).  This is a Pro color that I managed to get at the local CCO during the Summer, and I haven't reached for it since.  When I first tried it, I had clown cheeks because this is extremely pigmented & I have a heavy hand when it comes to blush.  This time, I gently tapped my brush into the product and tapped it on my hand.  I had a better time controlling it.  (A little goes a long way!).  This would look amazing on darker skinned ladies.  It can be built up for a dramatic cheek.  I only used a dab for a daytime appropriate look.  This blush is very versatile, and I highly recommend getting your hands on this if you have a PRO store near you.  You won't regret it.
LIPS: MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass There again, I've had this for a while.  I purchased this when it first came out.  It is still available at Here! in Viva Glam Gaga 1 (baby pink) & Viva Glam Gaga 2 (nude).  I found this in my makeup bag today and decided to try it again.  It's the perfect baby pink.  I needed 2 layers to get a good amount of color.  This does come off after eating and drinking, so you'll need to reapply. 

FOTD: 11/25/11

FACE: NARS SHEER GLOW BARCELONA
CHEEKS: CONTOUR- TARTE PARK AVE PRINCESS MINERAL BRONZER & MAC FULL FUCHSIA BLUSH
EYES: MAC MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW PINK SPLIT
LIPS: AVON ULTRA COLOR RICH LIPSTICK *10K GOLD EDITION* RED KARAT

Natural Look ft: MAC Fancy Ray Blushcreme

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top Brush & Fancy Ray (limited edition no long avail)

This blush is limited edition & no longer available.  I happened to get it in an MUA swap, and I'm glad I did.  I find I get better results with creme blushes when I apply them with the Sonia Kashuk Flat Top brush, as opposed to using my fingers.  I have the Blushcreme in Lilicent & it's more peach where as Fancy Ray is more of a neutral darker color. 

MAC Mineralize Satinfinish Foundation NC42

Cheeks: NARS Penny Lane (that was already on) & MAC Fancy Ray (both creme)

Eyes: Urban Decay 24/7 Liner Bourbon & Clinique High Impact Mascara

Lips: Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick Red Karat (limited edition white gold for winter 11)