Friday, September 27, 2013

Top 5 Fall Eyeshadows - Collab

This Post Contains Both Products Purchased
By Me and Samples Sent For Consideration
Top 5 Fall Eyeshadows (collab)
It is with great pleasure that I am introducing my favorite fall eyeshadows in collaboration with my friends Catherine from Buying Cruelty Free and Christine from Makeup Guinea Pig. As always, all three of our posts include only products that are cruelty-free (not tested on animals).  If you love makeup, you probably love Fall makeup, and more specifically, Fall eyeshadow. This year, the trends we've seen include everything from mattes to metallics, and bold to subdued.  I've tried to include a little bit of everything in this post, but as usual it was super hard to narrow it down to just five, especially this season. 
Some people follow trends, others don't. I personally, love trends and am always willing to try something new, no matter how crazy or off the spectrum it may be. That being said, I believe the five shadows I chose are wearable for just about everyone, regardless of your makeup preferences. 
Here are my five must-have eyeshadows for the Fall season: 
  1. Stila Fire (from In The Know Eye Shadow Palette)
  2. Arbonne Java eye shadow 
  3. Stila Dahlia (available in single & 10 pan eye shadow palette)
  4. Sugarpill Poison Plum
  5. The Balm Shady Lady All About Alex (available in single & Shady Lady palette)   
Stila Fire: This shade is included in the palette called In The Know. It's an all matte palette, and one of my favorites from the brand. Orange is a huge eyeshadow trend for fall, and this one from Stila is particularly wearable. Although it is a matte shade, it can be applied dry or wet depending on the level of intensity you prefer. While it may look intimidating in the pan, when used in conjunction with a warm brown, it's earthiness really is wearable.  I find this shade in particular makes my blue eyes really stand out since orange and blue are complimentary colors. 

Arbonne Java: While previous seasons have been all about dewiness, this Fall there is a definite focus on matte.  Java is a medium dark brown with a matte finish. I chose this shade because Pantone has declared the color Carafe as one of their Fall 2013 colors.  As I sifted through my collection, this shade seemed the closest to the Pantone shade. Everyone needs a good matte brown in their collection, and this shade is the perfect contour color.



Stila Dahlia: Prune is another popular shade this fall. This deepened matte purple color from Stila is a personal favorite that I have had in my kit for a while. I have it both as a single and as part of a larger palette. This matte purple/blue shade can be applied dry or wet. I'll often use it on a dampened push liner brush to line the eyes because it adds more dimension than black. This color is highly pigmented, and blends like a dream. If you use a fluffier brush, you can also use this as a wash of color allover the eye, which is how we've seen colors like this worn on many of the runways for Fall 2013. 

 As I write this post, Dahlia is currently available on sale as part of the Stila 10 pan eye shadow palette for $35.
Above (left to right): Stila Dahlia, Arbonne Java, Stila Fire
Sugarpill Poison Plum: Another one of the Pantone Fall 2013 colors is Acai.  While I do actually have an eyeshadow by this name from Tarte, it was a limited edition from last holiday season, so I decided to include this version from Sugarpill instead. Poison Plum is one of my all time favorite purple eyeshadows. It's a deepened matte purple with a somewhat satin finish. I purchased this color in the Burning Heart quad, but it is also sold separately. The pigment is rich, smooth and you get a lot of product in the pan.  Try it as a contour color, or solo for one hell of a bold smokey eye. 



 Above (left to right): Sugarpill Poison Plum, Stila Dahlia, Arbonne Java, Stila Fire

The Balm Shady Lady All About Alex: Although matte skin is a must this fall, we are also seeing a metallic look on the eyes. All About Alex, found in the Shady Lady palette, is a color I love so much, that I actually purchased the single as well. This shade looks good on all skin tones, and is a favorite of mine among my entire eyeshadow collection. It's a golden khaki olive color, that looks different depending on how the light hits it. Aside from how beautiful the color is, the texture is out of this world. The Balm makes some of the best eyeshadow on the market texture wise, and anyone from beginners to experienced artists will appreciate how pigmented and blendable the formula is. This shade holds is own and can be worn solo without help from any outside colors. Seriously, if you don't own this eyeshadow, you should. It is truly perfection in a pan. 

 All About Alex is available in the Shady Lady Palette or as a single

I hope you enjoyed this look at my favorite fall eyeshadows.  Don't forget to check out Catherine & Christine's posts as well. We are all on Twitter too!

Follow us here:
@MakeupMatters1
@MakeUpGuineaPig
@bcrueltyfree 
Catherine's post can be read here: 
Buying Cruelty Free
Christine's post can be read here: 
Makeup Guinea Pig


Here is a fall look I created using Stila Fire & Arbonne Java:




What are your favorite eyeshadows for Fall?
Please share in the comments below.  
*This post contains both products purchased by me, and samples sent for consideration. I do not get paid to write reviews. I do not get any commissions if you purchase any of these products. All opinions are my own, and 100% honest, always. 

Monday, September 23, 2013

Too Faced - My Favorite Products - Collab

All Products In This Post Purchased By Me

Too Faced-My Favorite Products (Collab) 

Today's post is a collaboration with beauty blogger Jessica of Drunken Beauty. We both read one another's blogs, so I thought it would be fun to do a collab together, since I noticed we like a lot of the same products. More specifically, we both really like the brand Too Faced. This cruelty-free brand is known for it's cute packaging, and high quality fun-named products.  A large part of my makeup collection comes from the brand, so narrowing it down to my top five proved challenging. The five products that I've chosen are ones that are tried and true for me. While the brand has come out with some really innovative newer products, the following list are old favorites that I have been using pretty consistently. 

Don't forget to see Jessica's favorites here: http://drunkenbeauty.blogspot.com/

Here are my five favorite products from Too Faced:

  1. Amazing Face Oil Free Close-Up Coverage Fondation
  2. Candlelight Softly Illuminating Translucent Powder
  3. Milk Chocolate Soleil Light/Medium Matte Bronzer 
  4. Who's Your Poppy? Blush 
  5. Lip Insurance Smoothing, Anti-Feathering Lip Primer 
 
Amazing Face Oil Free Close-Up Coverage Foundation: As we are heading in to the Fall season, I have swapped out my tinted moisturizer for a real foundation. This may just be one of the most underrated foundations on the market and I'm not sure why. I rarely hear people talk about it, yet in my opinion, it is one of the best products offered by the brand. This liquid foundation just blends effortlessly into the skin. While it isn't cheap, it is cheaper than some of the luxury brand foundations on the market, yet the quality is just as good if not better.  You really can layer this on to achieve the desired coverage without it ever looking cakey. I have combination skin, and find this works like a dream to help even out my skin, while keeping it looking smooth and fresh. 





Candlelight Softly Illuminating Translucent Powder: If one were to just look at this product in the pan, the shimmer may seem a bit scary. Yet when actually applied to the skin, it imparts the most delicate glow. I do actually use this as a setting powder, not a highlighter. However, unlike typical matte powder, which I apply with a puff, I prefer applying this to the face with a large fluffy brush.  This can also be used more strategically as a highlight by using a smaller brush.  Believe it or not, this one shade works on just about every skin tone without making anyone look ashy or washed out.  The idea behind this product, is to give the face a candlelit glow, and somehow, Too Faced truly does seem to make that happen with this perfect powder. 


 Above: Heavily swatched on the left Too Faced Candlelight Powder 
next to Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer 



 Milk Chocolate Soleil Light/Medium Matte Bronzer: I have been in love with this product for a long time. If you are a fair-skinned girl, you know how hard it is to find a good bronzer that looks natural. In my opinion, no other company does bronzer quite as well as Too Faced. With the large selection of bronzers offered by this brand, their Milk Chocolate Soleil is still my favorite.  First of all, it's matte.  For everyday, I generally don't like shimmer in my bronzer. The color looks so natural, that you can use it both for contouring, or to add a sun-kissed glow to the face. I have tried countless bronzers over the years, and this is the one I keep coming back to. It's a lighter version of the brand's most popular bronzer Chocolate Soleil.  Bonus points for the yummy chocolate scent. 

 Note the revamped packaging (above)
 Above: Before & After-left photo is Too Faced Foundation & Candlelight Powder, Right picture adds Milk Chocolate Soleil into the mix for a warmer, yet natural look (un-filtered photo).


 Who's Your Poppy? Blush: Like Nars Orgasm but better is the only way I can think of to describe this blush. Oddly enough I had been wanting to try it forever, but never really got around to it until Sephora released the Happy 15th Birthday Too Faced/Sephora collab palette. Once I swept this warm peachy golden goodness onto my cheeks, I instantly fell in love!  Don't worry, you don't have to buy an entire palette to try this, it is available for purchase individually. It's long lasting, super pigmented and I adore the texture. If you don't like shimmery blushes, this isn't for you, but if you love blushes with a brightening effect, this is great one to try. Plus, it works on all skin tones from fair to deep. This blush is also vegan friendly and paraben-free.



 Above swatches: Who's Your Poppy? Blush, Candlelight Powder, Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
 Since I am so fair, I usually apply with a duo-fiber brush
 
Lip Insurance Smoothing, Anti-Feathering Lip Primer: If you have been reading my blog for a while, then you have definitely read about this product before. The kind folks over at Beautylish sent me a free sample with purchase a while back, and I immediately ran to purchase it in full size. Too Faced is famous for their shadow insurance, and this gem does for lips exactly what that does for eyes. It creates a smooth base for lipstick to adhere to. If you are one of those people who struggles with lipstick feathering beyond the lip line you need this product stat! I know with primers in general, a lot of people think you don't need them, but once you start using them you will kind of start to wonder how you ever lived without them. Even if you don't use this everyday, it is an absolute must for special occasions.  I put this on today, went out, ate lunch, and literally, my lipstick did not budge. This product extends the wear time of your average lipstick by hours. Extra points for being paraben-free and vegan friendly. 

 The tube & applicator are similar to a lip gloss

 Swatched heavily (above) to show color and texture. When actually applied to the lips it is colorless, yet lips appear smoother and more nourished. 

Now that you know my favorite products from Too Faced, don't forget to check out Jessica's!  Here five favorites can be found here: http://drunkenbeauty.blogspot.com/ 

Like what you just read? Don't forget to subscribe and comment below. It's free and helps support the site. 

What are your favorite Too Faced Products? Have you tried any of the products mentioned in this post? Do you love them as much as I do? 


*This is NOT a sponsored post. All products pictured in this post were purchased with my own money.  I do not get paid to write reviews.  Any links included are only for the benefit of the reader. 



Sunday, September 15, 2013

How To Rock A Bold Lip

All Products In This Post Purchased By Me

HOW TO ROCK A BOLD LIP

 If you are like most makeup junkies out there, Fall is the season for makeup. The colors are just a bit more bold, trends are a bit more daring and everyone is feeling just a bit more joyous as we near the holiday season.  One of my favorite trends is the bold lip.  Full-on lip color can really make a statement, and when done correctly can brighten just about anyone's day.  Everyone has their own way of doing it, and you should continue to do whatever works for you. However, if you are new to makeup or just want to dip your toes in the water, here are some helpful tips that will ensure a perfect pout:

#1 Choose your weapon: Before we tackle application, you must first make sure you are selecting the right color. Think about the size of your lips, the season, your undertone and what else you will be wearing. For example, if your lips are very thin, a deep lip color might not be the best choice, so you may want to opt for something on the brighter side to help balance things out. In addition to color, you will also want to think about texture.  Are you going for a matte lip, or do you prefer a little bit of shine? After you decide on color and formula, you are ready to move on to step 2.

Stuck?  Here are some bold lip colors that I personally love!:

Starting from top left: Flower Beauty Lip Service Lip Butter in Cherry Chiffon, Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Best Red, Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Flirty Fuchsia, Ilia Lipstick Crayon in Karma Chameleon, OCC Lip Tar in Hoochie

 
 #2 Prep: A bold lip color on chapped lips.....not cute. Don't do it.  I recommend exfoliating lips with a lip scrub, then prepping with your favorite lip balm. My go-to balm is Nuance by Salma Hayek Rose Petal Hydrating Balm. I usually apply this first, do the rest of the makeup so it has time to sink in, then blot off any excess before moving on to my lip color. This is such an important step. If you skip it, you may not be happy with how things turn out. Remember, when you are rocking a bold lip, your lips will be the focus of attention, so we want to do everything possible to make them look smooth and ready for color. If you are concerned about lines, or want to make your lipstick last extra long, try a lip primer such as Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer.

 Nuance By Salma Hayek Rose Petal Hydrating Balm







#3 Be Precise: Don't worry there are tools you can use to help you get the most precise lip line possible. You will need a lip liner, a lip brush, and some concealer. Depending on the situation, I often prep the lips with a little bit of concealer (if I'm not already using a lip primer).  If you'd rather not, simply line your lips, tracing your natural lip line and filling in slightly. Then, blend inward toward the center of the lip using a lip brush. I'll often apply lipstick directly from the tube to the center of the lips, then use a lip brush to get into the corners of the mouth with more precision. You may also choose to use a light reflecting concealer around the lips to help clean up the edges. Just be very careful about doing this if you plan to take pictures, as you don't want to see a circle of light around the lips due to flash photography.

My favorite lip brush for creating a bold lip?  Bdellium Tools #542 Bold Lip brush from the Yellow Bambu set (also available separately).






#4 Set: This is the step most people skip. If you really want your lipstick to last all day, you have to powder.  There are many different ways to do this. Some prefer blotting papers, some powder over a tissue. I usually just take a very small amount of powder (try RMS beauty "Un Powder") on a sponge and lightly dab over the lipstick.  Be sure to blend around the mouth as well, being careful not to smear the work you've already done.  After you've powdered, reapply your lipstick with a lip brush and blot off any excess. 




#5 Make sure you are in balance: Typically, a bold lip is best when worn with a neutral eye.  You don't want your facial features competing for attention. There are of course exceptions to every rule. If you are intentionally trying to do the dark eye, dark lip thing, that's fine, but just make sure your overall makeup look is in balance.  A safe bet, keep the eye makeup to a minimum.  This fall one of the biggest trends is a bold lip, with a totally naked eye (sans mascara!).  I know not wearing mascara scares the hell out of most people, so if you can't ever imagine leaving the house without coating your lashes, don't worry, you can still mimic the trend by swapping out a brown mascara for your usual black one. 

Want to see the difference between the different looks? See below.

 Above: Bold lip, no eye makeup or mascara at all (just curled the lashes)
 Above: Bold lip with dark eye makeup


#6 Be prepared to touch up: I assume no matter where you are going, you will be doing normal human things like eating, drinking, talking.  Therefore, no matter how much you prep, it is likely at some point your bold lip will need a touch up. You don't have to bring all of the things you used to create the look with you, but at the very least, carry the lipstick along for easy  touch ups. 

Now that you've learned how to rock a bold lip, go out and do it!!!  The most important step is to HAVE FUN!!!  

Finished Lips

What are your favorite bold lip colors? Share below! Tried any of the tips above? Tweet me a photo of your bold lip look @MakeupMatters1  

 

Sunday, September 8, 2013

What Do You Use On Your Skin?

This post contains both products purchased by 
me and samples sent for consideration

What Do You Use On Your Skin?

It sounds like an easy enough question to answer. Yet, every time I am asked the question, I don't quite know how to respond. The reason is largely due to my combination skin, which forces me to use different types of products on different parts of my face, or address certain concerns as they arise. The answer may also change depending on what type of makeup I'm wearing that day, and how I prep my skin for the foundation I plan on wearing that day. Skincare does not have to be as complicated as I make it, but I am kind of obsessed with my skin. Each night, I assess it to see what it needs. Each morning, I consider what my base will be and choose accordingly. First of all, let me just state that I am not, nor do I pretend to be an expert in skincare. I am not a dermatologist nor am I telling anyone to run out and buy any of the products mentioned in this post. I will say, that I have practiced a very regimented skincare routine from a very young age, and I know what works for me. It actually takes me longer to get ready for bed each night, than it does to get ready most mornings because of my lengthy skin analysis habits. As a teen, I did some modeling after attending Barbizon Modeling School (I know...). During my "schooling", they drilled into our brains the importance of skincare so much, that I became terrified that if I didn't follow the proper cleanse, tone, moisturize regimen laid out for me that I would wake up with horrible skin.  While, terrifying teens is a bit much, I am actually really grateful for the good habits that stuck.  Now in my mid 30s, my skin looks pretty good for my age. I'm not saying I have perfect skin, trust me I don't, but I do work hard to put my best face forward. 

Like so many people, the two things I combat are acne and aging. During the times where my acne is under control, I switch to my anti-aging products. When my acne flares up, I use products to treat it. Common sense right? Not really. There are so many products on the market these days, that most people end up wasting a lot of money on products that don't work.  For every skincare article I read, I find another one that contradicts it. All I know, is this is what works for me. These products will not work for everyone, because each person should use a product formulated for his or her skin type. However, since I have combination skin, there are products listed below that may help with a variety of skin types.  You may note that I use products from a variety of brands. While some people frown upon mixing brands, in my opinion it is no different than mixing different designers in fashion as long as you know the active ingredients to look for. Certain active ingredients when placed together can render one inactive, or worse create irritation.  It is important to be knowledgeable about what you are putting on your skin,and make the right choices for your unique situation. While the products I use change from time to time, the following list contains a good mix of old favorites and new loves. I've tried to narrow it down by product type in case you want to skip ahead.

These are some of the products I'm currently using:

Cleanser: Kiss My Face Potent & Pure Clean For a Day Creamy Face Cleanser
Why?: It is a very gentle soap-free formula that doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. It cleanses, hydrates and removes makeup. This is a creamy formula with a light vanilla citrus scent.  It is made with organic ingredients and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth.

Toner: Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Hydrating Facial Mist
Why?: While the jury is out on if toners are actually necessary, I have used toner since I was a teen and consider it an important part of my skincare regimen.  Unlike the alcohol laden toners of yesterday, this one is hydrating and gentle enough for all skin types. This can also be sprayed on over makeup to refresh your foundation later in the day.

Exfoliate: Nuance by Salma Hayek Ageless Clarity Daily Resurfacing Pads
Why?: These pads contain Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid & Vitamins A & C.  You apply after cleansing, allowing the product to sit on the skin for up to three minutes before rinsing. This product is gentle enough to use daily, and I prefer it to a physical exfoliation such as a scrub. I've tried higher end brands, and find this one does the job just as well for a fraction of the price.


Treat: Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
Why: This product contains 2% Hydroquinone and when I use it consistently, I have seen a noticeable reduction in my hyper-pigmentation and freckles.


Acne Spot Treatment: Nuance by Salma Hayek Correcting Spot Treatment
Why?: This is a 10% sulfer acne treatment ideal for treating the occasional blemish. I do not like this as an allover treatment because it can be drying. However, if I get one stubborn blemish, and apply a small amount of this at night, by morning the blemish is gone or significantly reduced.


Eye Cream: Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment
Why?: While a lot of people think eye creams are overpriced moisturizers, this one just works for me. It is filled with antioxidants that combat free radical damage. The skin underneath my eyes tends to be pretty dry, and the one area of my face that has really started to show signs of aging. I honestly think this cream nicely hydrates my under eye area and leaves it with a brighter looking appearance. If you don't expect miracles from  your eye cream, and are realistic about what an eye cream can do, this is a great one to try. Plus it absorbs quickly, so you can apply makeup right after without any problems.






Face Oil: Mogador Certified Organic Argan Oil
Why?: Argan oil has so many wonderful uses. It can be applied to the face as a moisturizer, applied to hair and cuticles. I was using Josie Maran's version, which I liked, but the price was just too much. After a little research, I found this gem, which has all of the same benefits at a fraction of the price. The bottle pictured here is my backup, but I have been using this specific brand for over a year now, and it continues to be a favorite. I certainly don't mind paying up for quality, but this product seems to be exactly the same as higher priced versions I've tried.





Moisturizer: Nuance By Salma Hayek Ageless Clarity Acne Treatment Moisturizer
Why: When I'm dealing with breakouts, regular moisturizers can be too much sometimes.  Anything too emollient creates more acne. This product which contains lactic acid, tepezcohuite & calendula extract soothes my irritated skin, and treats breakouts with salicylic acid while providing some hydration.




Protect: Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 
Why?: This is a product I use mostly in my t-zone area. It helps keep oiliness at bay, while providing some hydration and SPF protection. This is a thicker consistency, but it dries to a non-greasy matte finish.  





Serum: Hourglass No 28 Primer Serum
Why: As the name implies, this is a primer/serum hybrid. It can be used both as a base for your makeup, or solo as a skin care treatment. This product is very hydrating, so I tend to use it on the drier patches of my face, or if I am working with a mattifying foundation and need to create an extra barrier between my skin and foundation. 


Primer: IT Cosmetics No. 50 Serum Collagen Veil Anti-Aging Primer
Why?: This is another serum/primer hybrid, though I tend to favor this one as a true makeup primer. This product is hydrating and contains peptides, essential lipid-rich oils, vitamins, extracts and botanicals. It works so well, that I can use this instead of a moisturizer on most days.  However I am sure to never skip the addition of sunscreen. 



Night Cream: Green People Organic Base No Scent 24-Hour Cream
Why?: This omega rich facial cream is ideal for those with sensitive skin. In the winter, when my skin is particularly prone to dryness, I slather this on at night, and wake up with rejuvenated, hydrated skin. Plus, this product is completely vegan.





Makeup Artist Must Have: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre 
Why?: Nearly every makeup artist has this in their kit. This is a great base for makeup, and the primary one I use for all beauty makeup.  It really smooths the skin, and is super gentle. This product is paraben-free and contains aloe vera.  It doesn't have any weird ingredients that will interact with other things I put on my face, so I really like this as a basic daily moisturizer.




SPF: Stila CC Color Correcting Cream Broad-Spectrum SPF 20
Why?: This is the newest product in my skincare arsenal.  I love this because it protects my skin with SPF 20, while providing lightweight coverage.  The product dispenses as a green cream, that when blended adapts to your skin tone to help brighten the skin.  It is available in 6 different shades, and leaves skin with a matte to satin finish. Please keep in mind, this is not the sunscreen I wear if I am going to the beach (I wear a much higher SPF), but it works great for daily wear.  If  you like the idea of a makeup/skincare hybrid, this is a great one to try.





I hope this answers the question of what I use on my skin!  As I age, and new products come to market, I am sure the brands I reach for will change over time. However, I will probably always cleanse, tone, treat and protect.  What are your skincare must haves?  Any holy grail products you can't live without?

Related posts:





    

*This post contains both products purchased by me, and products sent for consideration. I do not get paid to write reviews. All opinions are my own. Anything I write in this post is completely honest, and consists of products that I actually use on my skin. 

Monday, September 2, 2013

August Favorites

All Products in This Post Purchased By Me

August Favorites

Fall is almost here, and for me that means changing from tinted moisturizer to foundation, lip balm to lipstick and bronzer to blush.  September is a month where we are in between seasons. It's still super hot outside, but later this month things will cool down. I spent much of August with minimal makeup, but continued to play with and test out the new fall lines that are already launching in stores. Like July, my focus was mostly on skin, an getting my base just right, for a minimal makeup look. 

To view a complete list of my favorite products from the month of August, don't forget to visit my Pinterest board at:

 As usual I tried a ton of new products last month.  My top 5 of the month included some new items to my collection, as well as a couple of old favorites. 

Here are my top 5 favorite beauty items from August: 

  • Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm ($34) - I bought this BB Cream several months ago from beautylish.com, and loved it from the moment I tried it. Since I am always testing new products, I haven't finished the tube yet, but I am certainly getting close. I wore this skincare/makeup hybrid the most last month because it's just so easy!  It feels light on the skin, and stays put much longer than a regular tinted moisturizer. This product has a broad spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen, and is ideal for those who want to spend minimal time at the makeup table each morning. If your skin is a little bit on the drier side, you may want to layer it over a serum for added hydration.  The coverage isn't full, but it is buildable and a little goes a long way. I usually work it into my skin with clean fingers, then go back and apply a little bit more in areas where I need additional coverage. It leaves skin with a bit of a glow, which I find perfect for summer. My skin is pretty sensitive and this product does not irritate me at all. It is oil-free and a personal favorite among my BB Cream collection. The shade I wear is Vanilla Glow. 
  • Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Skin Conceal ($20) - I purchased these in a couple of shades directly from OCC's site because they do offer a makeup artist discount. However, Sephora.com now carries them as well. This concealer is not only cruelty-free, but it is also completely vegan, as is everything from this brand. The reason this one is a favorite of mine, is that I find it super versatile. I've used it for everything from priming the eyes, to creating my own tinted moisturizer (just mix a little with your regular moisturizer).  In addition to being a great product, the brand also offers an impressive shade range. The colors are broken up into yellow and red based skin tones, Y0 being the palest yellow based skin tone, and R5 being the darkest red based skin tone offered by the brand. This concealer is free of parabens, petroleum and fragrance, making it ideal for those with sensitivities. The pigment is quite concentrated, making it a great choice for covering blemishes, or anything else that needs maximum strength concealing. Most recently, I have been using this as a base for my eyeshadow. It helps cover up the veins in my eyelids, and when set with a powder shadow over top, my eyeshadow does not budge. As heavy duty as this baby is, it still feels super lightweight  on the skin.
  •  Christopher Drummond Beauty Veludo Velvet Foundation ($4.99-$65) - This product is an old favorite. I've been using Christopher Drummond Beauty products for a while now, and have purchased them from a variety of places. One of my favorites from the brand is the mineral foundation. If you have sensitive skin, this product is a must have. I used it a lot last month, because it is super quick and easy to use, leaving my skin even and smooth.  This product is completely sweat resistant, making it a great choice for hot summer months.  I wore this yesterday, and was outside in super hot weather all day. At the end of the day, when I looked in the mirror, my skin still looked even, and there was no sign of redness popping through. If you aren't a fan of mineral makeup generally, this is a good one to try. I use it with a Mineral Mate tray, and flat top buffing brush. Unlike so many mineral foundations on the market, this one is bismuth free, feels super light on the skin and is completely vegan. I currently have this in Ivory and Light, and go between the two shades, or mix as needed. A little goes a long way with this finely milled powder, so one container will last you a while. The brand also offers sample sizes on www.christopherdrummond.com . Don't forget to check out my guide to mineral makeup here:  


 


  •  Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee ($22) - I am so excited about this product! It just screams summer!  I first read about this in a magazine, then my friend Christine at Makeup Guinea Pig did a great review of it in July. So needless to say, my curiosity led me to purchase this. This gel blush is completely vegan and is a great choice for all skin types. What makes this cheek color different, is that it is so long lasting. I would almost consider it to be more of a cheek stain, than a gel blush. This can be applied with fingers or a brush, but I typically like to use a very small brush to stipple then blend along the cheekbones. It does contain argan oil, which makes it not only pretty to look at, but also beneficial for your skin. Sephora currently carries six different shades, so you are sure to find one that works for you. I purchased mine in Pink Escape, which provides the most natural flush on my skin tone. I love wearing this over my Too Faced BB Cream, for a natural fresh-faced look. 
  • Too Faced Pretty Rebel ($46) - To be honest, this was a total impulse buy.  I saw the reviews on this palette, and thought it looked beautiful, but if there is one thing I have too many of it's eyeshadow palettes. One day I was at my local Sephora and saw it on display. The rest is history. I just couldn't pass up the beautiful packaging, and bold colors staring back at me. This palette begged me to buy it! Truthfully, if you have a lot of eyeshadows, you probably have similar colors in your collection. However, Too Faced really hit it out of the park with the pigmentation and texture of these shadows. I am very particular about the type of eyeshadow I like. I prefer softer shadows that have a more buttery texture, and lots of pigment because they are easier to work with and more pigment means they will show up on more skin tones.  I am a big fan of Too Faced as a brand, but I have to say their last couple of eyeshadow palettes have really been stellar. This palette speaks to my inner rebel, with it's collection of matte, shimmer and metallic shades. The palette is nicely put together, and you can create everything from a neutral day look, to a rebellious wild-night-out kind of look.  The names of the colors are very fun, and the packaging is pretty, yet functional. I really like the way the shades are laid out, and I feel that this is a complete palette, meaning you can easily create a variety of looks without having to bring in outside shades. I particularly love Dainty as a blending color. It is absolutely pigmented enough to blend out even the darkest shade in this palette. You get a total of 10 brand new shades that you can mix and blend together to create your own unique colors. The palette also includes a nice wide mirror, and a card with look suggestions.  I will likely post a tutorial using this palette soon, as I've been wearing it a lot lately. 
I hope you enjoyed this look at my August favorites.  I've been testing a few more palettes, and other goodies from various brands, so I'm sure to have some more exciting things to share with you all soon. I am also due for a giveaway, so I will probably have one later this month. Make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss it!

Thank you for reading, and don't forget to share your August favorites in the comments below!