Summer Round-up: Best Beauty Bits
Another in my Summer Round-up series! I spent a large part of my summer without access to my full beauty collection and that really helped me decide what was essential if I was actually wearing makeup (which I didn't for the most part). So here I present to you my Best Beauty Bits for Summer 2014.
Here there all are. And sorry that some are a little worse for wear. They are just very well-loved! Continue reading below for the reasons why I love these products and check out them all out on my collection on Luvocracy.
PRODUCT BREAK-DOWN (and why I luv 'em)
This tinted lip balm came in a glossybox or ipsy bag and I like it when I want to wear a stronger lip. I think the red suits me (though I might be wrong...). I like that it dries quickly, last a long time, and is super pigmented. I don't really like wearing it by itself because it is very matte, but the Nyx Butter Glosses layer on it well. I even like the little brush in the top.
When I was deciding what palette to bring with me when I was traveling, I kept coming back to the Naked Palette. It is so versatile because I can put together so many looks. Smoky gold or purple looks; matte nudey brown that just accentuates my crease; or just a wash of shimmery color. Are those my go-to looks because of this palette or do I like this palette because those are my go to looks...? I'm not sure, but either way it is working for me. Maybe we will see when I finally buy the other Naked Palettes. I think they might have more matte shades (which this one lacks).
Though I like this foundation, I really haven't found any foundation that is my absolute favorite. This one is working for me right now because it blends relatively well and matches my skin. The finish is not completely matte, but is not as glow-y as I would like. And I feel like I'm wearing a lot of makeup with it on. I would also really like a pump in the bottle. Oh well, for the price, I'm content!
I have yet to find a Real Techniques brush that I don't like. This one is a particular favorite of mine! It is great at blending in my bronzer and even my blush. In a pinch it is also good for a quick application of powder. All that and it has a cover! Sam and Nic, you're the best!
I'm not sure I would pay the $23 to re-purchase this mascara, but I sure am glad I got it in one of beauty subscription boxes! The brush is supposed to be two-sided with one giving you the optimum volume and the other the optimum length. I actually really dislike the brush because the design makes it smudge-prone. Once I got beyond that annoyance I really have to admit that my lashes look really great. I won't re-purchase but I'll enjoy it while I have it.
This rollerball perfume was bought because of Essiebutton. She is rarely wrong it seems because I loved it in the store, but funds are low, so I only splurged on the rollerball instead of the full bottle. I've loved wearing this over the summer and can see it being appropriate during the fall and even the winter as well. Flirty, feminine, but a little bit sexy. So pleased!
Another "well-loved" product (not sure why the finish is peeling off) and another purchase made under the influence of the #EssiebuttonEffect. She raved about the Honey Bronzer from the Body Shop and she was right to do so. This is a great matte bronzer and really works well as a bronzer or a contour. It isn't too orange or muddy and blends really well. I have it in 03 Medium Matte, which might be a tad bit too dark for me as we get into the winter months, but brings life into my face for the moment. Definitely go to try other things from the Body Shop's make up range!
Everyone seems to think primers are miracle workers. They are not! Nothing is really going to hide your pores completely. You are a human after all. This primer does a relatively good job at minimizing the appearance of my pores and has the added bonus of increasing the lasting power of my foundation. At a fraction of the price of high end primers. Good work Maybelline!
The Revlon Lip Butters are my go-to product when I just want a no makeup day, but I need to go out and I need just a little something for my lips. They are good even when you have makeup on. Moisturizing with just a hint of color. Right now my favorite one is Peach Parfait.
I heard a lot about Milani Baked Blushes before I got this one. When I first picked one up I was almost completely discouraged into trying others in the range because I got Corallina. Corallina looks gorgeous in the packaging. It is this nice shimmer coral, which usually suits me well. When I tried it, I got very vivid pink which would only be right for a child beauty pageant contestant. I then found people were recommending Luminoso, so I bravely tried that one instead. I'm glad I did because it is the perfect glow-y peach.
Sidenote: The packaging really doesn't wear well. Boo!
Thanks for checking our my favorites from this past summer! I hope you try some of them out during the coming fall and winter because all are great year-round picks.
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