beauty roundup

1. Essence's All About Matt | 2. NYX's Creme Blush | 3. Real Techniques' Complexion Sponge

All of today's beauty products just happen to be from Ulta! There aren't a lot of Ultas in the Bay Area, but there are some huge ones in and around Long Beach and I'm so glad I stopped by over Christmas break! One thing I have to say I love about Ulta is that they have awesome deals and coupons online and in store. Sign up for their newsletter and they'll send you deals all the time! You can also use your points from their rewards card for salon services in-store. I'm saving mine for a gel manicure next time I'm down in the LBC. I'm so ready for that jelly. 

The first product is Essence's All About Matt fixing compact powder. I've been searching for a fixing powder for a long time. Right now I have a tiny sample size of Bare Minerals' mineral powder which generally works great but I wanted something pressed and a bigger size so I could dip my face brushes into the product. This poweder is so finely milled-- it's amazing! I set it at the center of my face only, not on the outer areas that can sometimes be dry. I was turned onto this by Sharon Farrell (check out her YouTube video on the product) and am so glad I grabbed it...especially because it's under $4. 

The next product I've been obsessed with is the NYX Creme Blush in Orange. I have darker skin so orange comes out amazing on me...if you have fair skin I would test it before getting that shade. In general though, the product is amazing. It leaves that dewey appearance to the skin that many makeup artists talk about. It's also great for people with dry skin, like me! I try to avoid powder products at all costs when my eczema is flaring up. 

Lastly, I've been using my Real Techniques Complexion Sponge to apply my Mac Face and Body foundation and my NYX creme blush. It's so amazing, and a fraction of the cost of a Beauty Blender. If you don't want to fork out the $20+ for the BB, I would suggest grabbing this for around $5. 

Beauty Roundup: Best of Hydration

I want to kick off the New Year on this blog by sharing my most used items to hydrate and help my skin stay soft. My two top items are 1) Parachute Coconut Oil and 4) Vitamin E Oil. I've been using both these products for several years for my skin and I cannot live without them! I check in luggage just to be able to take my coconut oil on trips. Not only does it help soothe my skin when my eczema is flaring up, but both these products nourish skin throughout the year. 

I've used Rosebud salve as my go-to Chapstick since college. The Boots Mango body butter is from Target, and since Boots the drugstore of my birthplace (Ennnnglaaaandddd), I highly endorse it. I'm very sensitive to fragrance and this has not been at all irritating. Also, it was like...$2. Hollerrrrrr!

beauty roundup

1. Clinique Naturally Glossy mascara | 2. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock | 3. Maybelline Gel Eyeliner

I thought I'd share my staple beauty/skin products! Are you excited? I know you are. Stop being so excited! OMG!

The first is Clinique's Naturally Glossy mascara. I've used this bad boy since high school and have never looked back. It's my every day mascara; it gives a little lift, doesn't irritate my eyes, and can build up to be more dramatic. I definitely have other mascaras I use for nights out, but this is a staple, every day choice.

My second pick is the Neutorgena Sensitive Skin SPF lotion. For those of you who know me, you know I gots the cray-cray skin. Seriously. I'm allergic to most everything that is supposed to be soothing in skin care (oats, tomatoes, eucalyptus) and I went through several tries before finding a facial sunscreen that works and is non-irritating. This is a physical, not a chemical, sunscreen. If you have reactions to SPF, you should use physical. Google that shit.

Last but not least is my magical Maybelline Gel Eyeliner. I mean, godDAMN, this eyeliner is awesome. It takes a few tries to get the swing of it but once you do, the payoff is incredible. It's super long lasting and has such a great pigment. I would highly recommend playing around with it, even if you're scared of gel eyeliners. It's around $7! Common, people.