It's been so long since I've done a "Favorites" post. But I do have some things I've been loving lately, most of which are brand new products for me. These are not my every day, no fail, "have to reach for" products. These are products I've either rediscovered or purchased recently for the first time. I love them so much, I thought I'd share them with you... in a "Current Loves" post. And it's a long one. ;)
Here goes...
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We'll start with the foundations of the face - what holds the look together.
Revlon Colorstay
Normal/Dry
200 Nude
I have posted before about Revlon Colorstay. Back last year sometime, I purchased the Oily/Combo version. And I hated it. Only tried it a few times... but I knew it was not for me. However, I kept hearing everyone on YouTube rave about it. I just didn't get it. That's until I saw a video by MakeupByTiffanyD just in the past month or so. She had the same feelings that I did about the Oily/Combo version. So she's been using the Normal/Dry version for a while and loving it. And I have to say, I DO, TOO. It's TOTALLY different in consistency and finish. It's more lightweight, blends SO much easier, and has a very natural finish. And it still has the staying power that Colorstay products are all about.
Merle Norman
AquaBalance
L26
On days when I don't want/need as much coverage, I've been reaching for my Merle Norman AquaBalance foundation. I had sort of "replaced" it with Maybelline Fit Me, which I still love, simply because it's much cheaper. But I wanted to go back to AquaBalance for a while. It's a great foundation for all skin types and it's perfect for Spring and Summer.
A few times, I've even mixed AquaBalance with Colorstay for medium coverage and a natural dewy finish.
For my concealer step, I've been using this combo:
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
Eraser Dark Circles
Fair
I don't have to tell you about this concealer. It's amazing. And I've raved about it before. But it works great with the next product.
Bare Minerals Concealer
Eye Brightener
Well-Rested
I have terrible dark circles. Terrible. And I had heard so many great reviews about this product that I couldn't wait to try it. I couldn't hold out any longer. And it IS amazing. After I apply the Maybelline concealer and blend out with my fingers, I use a large fluffy shadow brush to sweep Well-Rested in the corners of my eyes and down under. It "sets" the concealer and adds brightness, while also hiding the darkness. And a little goes a long way.
NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer
Sunny
This is the time of year when we all want to look sun-kissed. I use bronzer throughout the year. I don't do heavy contouring. I just use it to give a little life to my skin. I purchased this product back during the winter, but it was just too much color for my pasty skin. Since it's now getting close to Summer, and I've gotten a little sun on my pale complexion, it works much better. I sweep it along my cheekbones with a Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush. It just wakes up the skin.
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Now we have the fun, color stuff!
For shadows, I've been reaching for 2 palettes lately.
Wet n Wild
Comfort Zone
My "go to" look for the past week or so has been a bronzy eye. Sometimes, I'll throw in a little color on the bottom lashline, since that seems to be a hot thing right now.
Gold/Bronze looks are so flattering on blue eyes. And they are just so summery. And I'm ready for Summer! For a CHEAP, but amazing quality shadow option, you just can't beat Wet n Wild.
Lorac Pro Palette
I've also been reaching for my Lorac Pro Palette a lot. It's just so perfect. It has an amazing mix of matte and shimmery shades and the color range is excellent. This is a great palette to own. And it's perfect for traveling. It's a "one stop shop."
e.l.f. Studio Blush
Twinkle Pink
This blush was featured in my last blog about e.l.f. blushes. It's just great. It's got pink... it's got peach... it's got shimmer. Makes for the perfect Spring look.
Merle Norman
Soft Touch Eye Pencil
Blackout
Not enough people talk about Merle Norman products, but you know I'm a firm believer and supporter. This is one of those products I just can't live without. The WHOLE LINE of Soft Touch liners is great. I've got several colors and they do not disappoint. I reach for Blackout the most. It's a true, rich, deep black. And it has amazing staying power. It also smudges easily for a smoky look. I've never been one to rock dramatic eyes, until lately. I've loved playing with different color combos and thick black liner. And I've also been wearing this product on my water line... something I've never been a fan of. But this pencil stays put and does not irritate my eye.
The last is a brush. And I apologize, but I don't even know the brand. All I know is that I bought it in a set of 3 from Wal-Mart. I THINK they say something about High Definition on the package. This particular one is perfect for blending and adding a crease color on my eye. I love it. It's just perfect. And the other end is a pencil brush, which I use for inner corner highlight. LOVE LOVE.
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Next, lips.
Nivea
A Kiss of Milk & Honey
This is a great lip balm. I keep one in my purse and one by my bed. I have been having a problem with the corners (actually just one corner) of my mouth cracking. So I've been applying this product like crazy. It helps to heal and takes away the itch.
Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner
East End Snob
I'm not a big lip liner user, but I saw Kandee Johnson use this one in a prom video. I loved the color. It looked like the perfect nude pink. And I was right. It's a great color and would go with almost any lip color. It's not drying, but stays true to color and lasts a really long time.
The next 2 I've been wearing as a combo.
CoverGirl Lip Perfection
Jumbo Gloss Balm
205
I hate that these products don't have names. But this is a soft pink. Very natural and nude. And I love the texture of these gloss balms. I want to get more.. and soon.
MAC Lustre
Politely Pink
I've been topping off the CoverGirl Gloss Balm with this lipstick. It's almost the same color exactly, but it's got a shimmery sheen. These 2 products look so pretty together. I also feel that the Gloss Balm gives the look a little better staying power.
MAC Sheen Supreme
Supreme Style
I LOVE this lipstick. It's perfect. It's a soft peachy pink. Just so perfect. It is sheer, glossy, and smells great. It's just a great "go to" color. One you can grab and slap on with anything you're wearing.
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For body, I have 2 brand new products.
Curel
Daily Moisture Lotion for Dry Skin
I have been a fan of Curel lotion for, well, my whole life. As a child, I had lots of trouble with eczema and extremely dry skin. And I still fight it on occasion. Lotion is something that I like to switch up. I try different ones each time. I had been using a lotion by Jergens, but I wasn't really happy with it. It was just "ok." I was running low, so I decided to go ahead and pick out something new... I don't like to completely run out of anything. But then, I get so excited about the new one, I usually end up throwing the old one away. :)
This is a GREAT lotion. You get a lot of product. And it goes a long way. The smell is soft and very nice. I have rarely used a lotion that lasts ALL DAY after I apply it. And this is one of those. I apply it immediately after my shower. At bedtime, my skin is JUST AS SMOOTH and moisturized as it was in the morning. Amazing.
Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner
I used to use toners religiously... twice a day. For the past few years, I had just gotten lazy with that step in my skin care. But I recently noticed that my skin texture wasn't as "pretty" and smooth as it once was. So I went on the hunt for something to fix that problem.
And I found this product. This toner has Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids. These are great for exfoliating and resurfacing skin. After just a few uses, I could tell a DRAMATIC difference in my skin. And the best part, my skin is back to its soft and smooth texture. Life saver.
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There you have it. my Current Loves.
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