Beauty Reviews in 3s (#1 - Giorgio Armani, Lancôme and NARS)

Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Cream  - I always have a hard time saying no to lightweight, sheer bases. Tinted moisturizers, BB Creams, CC Creams, Sheer foundations, whatever you want to call them, I'm all in. I stumbled upon the Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Cream about a month ago and immediately needed it. This product claims to give skin a "well rested appearance", make the complexion look more radiant, protect with SPF 35, color correct, and is infused with "an energizing antioxidant complex that's enriched with jojoba and macadamia nut oils" (Sephora). I have this in the shade number 6, which I initially thought would be too dark for me, but is actually perfect. If you are familiar with Mac foundation shades, I range between an NC35 and NC40, for reference. However, that is one of my cons for this product; there are only 6 shades, 6 of course being the darkest. I'm not dark skinned at all, so for this to be the darkest shade is quite frankly a shame. A wider range of people should be able to experience how lovely this product actually is, from the palest to the darkest skins, but I digress. The texture of this cream is smooth and thin which makes it easy to apply. I apply this with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to really work this into the skin. Then I use the Real Techniques Stippling Brush to build up more product where I want more coverage. Even though this is a sheer to light coverage cream, I find that it color corrects and builds nicely, whilst never getting cakey or heavy on the skin. I have hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks due to past breakouts (thank you hormones) and I'm really pleased with how much this evens out my skin tone. It's not perfect, but I'm not aiming for perfection. I just want my skin to look like a healthier, more even toned version of what it is, and this product does just that. This CC cream is also luminous, as the name would suggest, without being shiny or greasy. I have oily skin, but I prefer bases that are luminous because I find them to be more natural and youthful looking. This product does not exacerbate my oiliness. I do have to blot a little throughout the day, but I have to do that with everything, so I'm not bothered. Also, for such a lightweight base, this lasts quite a while on the skin. I can wear it for an entire work day without it breaking down oddly or going away in patches. It does breakdown, but it somehow just evenly wears away, and on me, only towards the end of my day (keep in mind that I ALWAYS set any base with a powder to extend longevity). This doesn't accentuate dryness, or highlight imperfections. It just looks like skin and feels as if I'm not even wearing makeup. In other words, it never feels heavy or uncomfortable. It's lightly scented, but nothing cloying or overwhelming. The scent is light and fresh and does not linger. I could go on about this product for ages, but I'll spare you. Let me leave you with this, since purchasing this, it's the only foundation/tinted moisturizer/base product I want to reach for and it's actually become one of my favorites. This is pricey at $55 for a 1.01 ounce tube and I was fortunate to find my shade on eBay for quite a bit less (never underestimate ebay!). To be honest, once I run out of this I wouldn't hesitate to pay full price. It really is that lovely.

Lancôme Tonique Radiance Clarifying Exfoliating Toner - I go through toner like a crazy person. I use it morning and night so every few months I need to purchase a new bottle. I was in a toner rut and wanted to try something new and stumbled upon Lancôme Tonique Radiance. Let me just be upfront. I DESPISE this product! There is not a thesaurus large enough to help me describe how much I hate, loathe, abhor, this toner. This claims to "help support natural cell turnover to improve skin tone, texture and clarity." Oh, how thee sits on a throne of lies! The only thing this toner gave me was cystic acne. No kidding, my skin broke out in these painful, large, cystic bumps. Just what I want, little Mount Fujis resting on my face. NOT! I had such high hopes for this, because overall, it has high reviews. I don't know what it is, but my skin really did not get along with this product. It is heavily fragranced, which I initially didn't care for. It also has such a high alcohol content that it's almost eye-watering. For a $26 product I'm expecting something more than fragranced alcohol. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of alcohol in toners, but it is quite common and I have used some that my skin really gets on well with. Hey, if it works, it works. I can overlook the ingredients. I have used $6 toners from the drugstore that actually treat, and prevent breakouts, unlike this spawn of Satan. Save your pennies and look elsewhere people. Don't be suckered in by the luxurious packaging and fancy French. This little guy is like a wolf in sheep's clothing. 
I could probably use the remaining product that I have as a weapon. Don't even try to kidnap me. I've got Tonique Radiance in my purse and I'm not afraid to pour it on you! "It burns us, Precious!"

NARS Translucent Crystal Light Reflecting Setting Powder (Pressed) - Let's end on a positive note, shall we? I was searching for a setting powder that was lightweight, not mattifying, but still properly set my makeup without altering the finish of whatever base I wore underneath. For a while, my holy grail setting powder was the Rimmel Stay Matte , but I actually find it to be too heavy looking on my skin. I have very soft skin that can easily look overdone. Powders can especially look cakey on my face. I kept hearing wonderful thing about this NARS Ridiculously Long Name Powder but shied away from it for a while because of the price. I mean, $37 for a powder? I THINK NOT! But I was really getting fed up with the Rimmel looking heavy on me (still holy grail underneath the eyes though, peeps. This is a good powder. Go get you some.) and did a little eBay search. WHAT?! $24!? Yes, please. Put it in my cart. Mail it to me and then get on my face. Seriously, one of the best $24 in makeup spent. This powder is so lightweight, when I apply this I can't even see it on my powder brush and it feels like I'm sweeping nothing on my skin. It doesn't mattify the skin, so the integrity of the finish of whatever base this is applied over isn't completely compromised. This is literally invisible on the skin. But when I touch my face after application I can feel that my makeup has been properly set. I get the same longevity with this product as I do with the Rimmel Stay Matte and I don't get shiny or oily any sooner than I normally would with the Stay Matte. The Rimmel sets makeup well and does offer good oil control, though I still need to blot with it. I get the same benefits with the NARS powder without my makeup looking heavy. If you are weary of face powders. but still want to set your makeup to increase its wear time, I highly recommend that you look into this little gem by NARS. It is really something exceptional and it has become my absolute favorite face powder. NARS, you've done it again. You've reached into my wallet and took my money and I don't regret it one bit. I say, "Take it again!"

Always, 

Alana 

March 2015 Favorites

I’m going to spare you all from the typical “I can’t believe another month has passed! Where does the time go?” All I know is, even though I actually like cold weather (these born in Massachusetts bones find it refreshing) I’m looking forward to Spring, minus the tiny specks of yellow dust that have been irritating my nasal passageways. However, I will take a few sneezes for this 70-degree weather that is forecasted for this coming week.

 I don’t have many favorites this month, but the items that I do have to share with you all are really noteworthy products.

Feel free to click the image for a larger view

Simple Micellar Cleansing Water. When I ran out of Bioderma, I wanted to find another cleansing water that was significantly cheaper. I didn’t even know Simple had a micellar water until I stumbled upon it in Target. This is a great product. It’s gentle on the skin and really does a great job removing my makeup and prepping it to be cleansed with my other cleansers. At a $5.99 price point, I don’t think I’ll go back to Bioderma. I even like the smell of it; it has a mild, earthy scent.

thebalm Geranium Toner. I’m always on the hunt to find another great toner. The Geranium Toner by thebalm is alcohol free, so it does not feel like it’s burning on the skin. It also contains glycolic acid, which further helps to cleanse pores and even the texture and tone of the skin. It’s also gentle and doesn’t make my skin feel tight and dry. If you’re in the market for a good toner, this is one you may want to check out.

Kiehl’s Rosa Artica Eye Balm. When I first started using this product, I wasn’t sure if I liked it. I’m more accustomed to creamy eye products and this one definitely has a unique texture. When they say balm, they mean balm. When you wipe your finger in the jar, you barely lift up any of the product, save a few white “chunks”, but whether you see it or not, it’s there. It almost has an oily consistency. I only use this at night because it is rather rich and emollient, so much so that I don’t need to use an eye cream during the day. The more I use this, the softer the skin around my eyes becomes. It’s moisturizing and soothing and I look forward to using it every night, even if it is unconventional.

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer. I briefly touched on this product in my most recent post and I’m only going to mention it briefly here because I’m going to have an entire post on tinted moisturizers. I wore this base the most out of all my tinted moisturizers and foundations this month. It’s got good coverage for a tinted moisturizer, feels light on the skin and has a beautiful dewy finish. It is also incredibly long lasting on the skin for it being a tinted moisturizer.

butter London Cheeky Highlighter Tint. I also mentioned this product in my last post. With the weather warming up, I’ve been craving a warmer glow to my skin and this is the product that I’ve been using to help me achieve that glow. I mix this in with whatever foundation or tinted moisturizer I’m using and it just makes the skin look radiant and healthy.  A little goes a long way, use too much and you’ll end up looking metallic and not in a good way.

NYC Smooth Mineral Loose Finishing Powder. Since I’ve been wearing more luminous, dewy bases recently I was seeking a setting powder that wouldn’t make me look completely matte. That, and my other translucent powder from thebalm was looking a bit heavy on my skin. I was going through my makeup stash and found this. My mom actually gave this to me ages ago and I forgot I had it. I’m not sure if NYC even makes this anymore. This is a very lightweight translucent powder that sets my makeup without looking heavy or making my skin look totally matte. NYC is such a budget friendly brand with some standout products and this is one of them.

NARS Striptease Lip Gloss. I don’t think there is anything particularly special about the formula of NARS lip glosses, but Striptease is such a nice shade. It’s a warm, peachy nude with subtle shimmer that does not look frosty on the lips. It’s not a very opaque shade, which makes it more wearable. I have quite a few nude lip products, but nothing quite like this color. It pairs well over lipsticks and can warm up a nude lipstick that is too cool toned and make it more wearable.

MAC Blankety Lip Stick and MAC Stone Lip Liner. I was at the MAC store in Chicago eyeballing Blankety. I’ve actually been eyeing Blankety since 2013, but always talked myself out of it because I thought it would be too cool and grey for my skin tone. However, once I swatched this on the back of my hand, I was like “Shut the front door! Slap someone! Throw a tantrum!” This shade is just so beautiful. It’s a nude with pink undertones and dare I say, a touch of taupe. The formula is standard for an Amplified lipstick: creamy, smooth and pigmented. The lovely Sales Associate at MAC suggested I pair it with MAC Stone Lip Liner. I tried not to give her a strange look because when I saw Stone the only thing I could think of was that brown, harsh lined lip of the 90’s. Stone is a cool toned, taupe-brown shade. However, applied with a very light hand just to define the shape of the lips underneath Blankety, it is really stunning. It almost creates a subtle gradient effect. This will be a lip combo that I will sport all year long.

Those are my favorites for the month of March. Have you tried any of these products? What were your favorites for March?

- Alana

Make-up Travel Essentials: The Illinois Edition

Last week my sister and I spent some time in Illinois visiting family. The hardest thing about packing a suitcase is deciding what NOT to bring. I love my skin care and my make-up collection keeps growing, so deciding what tidbits to leave at home for a week took some real thought. So today’s post will be the makeup (and one skin care item) that were the essentials. These are the products that I took with me on my trip that were easy to use, versatile and just got the job done. 

Shisiedo Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+. The texture of this actually feels quite powdery, so I was able to use this as a make-up primer as well. The high SPF protection ensured that whether I was out just running errands with family, visiting Lake Michigan, or spending a day in Chicago just exploring, my skin was will protected from the sun. This served me well as a primer, which is great because it’s always nice to have products that can double up. It’s a great way to save space. 

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15. I've been trying a TON of tinted moisturizers lately (a collective post on those soon). On this trip I had a bit of a dilemma figuring out which one to bring. The day before I left, the Chantecaille Just Skin arrived in the mail and I made my decision. I figured it was a good opportunity to give this a test drive. It's perfect for those light makeup days when I just want to even out my complexion but not look too made up. It's perfect for plane rides or running errands with my family here because it's low maintenance but still looks beautiful on the skin. The added SPF 15 is always a pleasant bonus.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation. I wanted to bring a base product on my trip that provided more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but still wouldn’t look heavy. Not only is this the most travel friendly packaging for a foundation, its pretty low maintenance as well. Because foundation dries down nicely and doesn’t make you look too dewy or to matte, you can save yourself a step and save some room in your travel bag and skip the powder. It also wears longer than the Chantecaille Just Skin, so when I knew I was going to have a longer day out and about; this was my base product of choice.

butter LONDON Cheeky Tinted Hightlighter. I actually picked this item up while I was in Illinois in the shade Pence. I love illuminating products that make my skin look like it's glowing without making me look like a greasy disco ball. This is a beautiful warm gold that isn't too brassy. I mixed this in with my foundation or tinted moisturizer for a healthy, warm glow. The packing is also sleek and very travel friendly, no leaks here.

thebalm Hot Mama Blush. This has got to be my all time favorite blush. I wanted to bring a blush that pretty much went with anything and this one always fits the bill. Plus I own this in the sample size so it takes up virtually no space in my makeup bag. Also, because this has a golden sheen, I didn't have to bring a highlighter with me. I also took Benefit's Dallas with me because it's a neutral shade that goes with almost any makeup look, but I really only reached for Hot Mama.

NYC Sunny Bronzer. This is my go-to Bronzer, so there was no doubt in my mind that I would be taking it on this trip. It's easy, quick, fuss free and almost impossible to overdo. It adds just enough warmth to the face so I don't look pasty. My makeup on this trip has pretty much been my standard makeup look, but simpler in some ways. This was a not a Kat Von D Shade & Light palette trip. I didn't need to contour the living day lights out of my face. The NYC Sunny Bronzer provides subtle definition and nothing more.

NARS Lip Gloss in Striptease. Oh NARS, you and your cheeky names. I only brought three lip glosses with me but this was the only one I wore, minus one or two days. It's easy and goes with almost everything. It's a warm, peachy nude that doesn't wash me out. The color is not extremely opaque, which makes it versatile and low-key.

These were my standout products from my trip to Illinois. When you travel, what are your most reliable products?

-Alana

Fall and Winter Make-Up Essentials

It’s my favorite time of the year people! November to January is prime time for me! I love the weather, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the prospects of a New Year. I also look forward to breaking out my warm cozy sweaters, boots, scarves and changing up my make-up routine just a bit. Like most people, I start whipping out deeper lip and blush colors and go for a more “flawless” face look.

So let’s talk about my staple make-up products for the fall and winter seasons! As a disclaimer, the majority of the products in this post are high-end products. I’ve been experimenting more with higher end makeup and I have really grown to like what I’ve tried out so far!

Lips

Clockwise: Dior Ultra Addict Gloss in #652, NARS Russian Doll, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey, YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #2

Swatches from Left to Right: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #2, NARS Russian Doll, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey, Dior Ultra Addict Gloss #652

 *My lighting makes everything look too red. I'm going to work on different lighting. But in the mean time bear with me. The YSL and NARS lipsticks are a lot deeper and more purple than shown. 

·      YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in #2 – What would be a fall/winter makeup look without a berry lip? I’ve wanted to try one of these YSL lipsticks for AGES but the price tag is nauseating! One of these bad boys is $35. But I ransacked the Internet and on eBay I scored this one for significantly cheaper. I should do a post on how I find good deals on eBay and not get ripped off by scammers. Hmmm, that’s an idea…. But this is a beautiful lipstick. It’s got a light, smooth, pigmented formula, think Revlon Lip Butters, but not so soft to the point where you feel like it’s going to crumble when you apply it. It smells like a Jolly Rancher and you can wear it sheer or build it up to an intense berry. It isn’t overly shiny, provides a nice sheen to the lips and leaves behind a nice even stain on the lips as it wears off. It claims to be moisturizing, but I’m not too impressed with how well it “moisturizes” my lips.

o   A great drug store alternative is Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush. It has a different finish on the lips because it’s a stain, but the shade is in the same family.

·      NARS Russian Doll – Don’t be fooled by how dark this lipstick appears in the bullet. It’s extremely versatile. It has a satin finish and I prefer to wear it as a stain by lightly applying it to the lips and then really working it in with my finger. This is a deep, cool burgundy shade with purple and brown undertones. This can be built up to full intensity if you want to go for a really vampy look. I think this would look amazing on really pale skin with a subtle, smoky eye and flawless foundation. Literally like a porcelain doll (I see what you did there NARS).

o   Other lip products of a similar shade (though different finishes) are Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Raging Raisin and YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #1.

·      Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey – This a great, everyday lip color. I gravitate more towards this product in the cooler months because it has more mauve, brown undertones than Rimmel’s Show Off/Apocolips in Celestial or YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick #9.

·      Dior Ultra Addict Lip Gloss Glow in #652 Mischievous Rose – The Dior Addict Glosses are my Holy Grail favorite lip glosses. The texture is so silky, smooth, shiny and luxurious. They are pigmented, hydrating and make your lips look unreal. They don’t last incredibly long on the lips because the formula is so slick, but I don’t mind. Mischievous Rose is a brown toned rose shade, that once it warms up on your lips, it looks so natural and pretty without being over the top. When I saw this in the tube I was scared it would be too brown, but it’s not once applied. Good stuff Dior, good stuff. I have no dupes or similar products to this one. 

Eyes

·      Urban Decay Naked2 Palette – For what ever reason I tend to stray away from eyeshadow in the warmer seasons, but once things start to cool down, I break this bad boy back out. Even though I have warm, yellow undertones to my skin, I prefer taupe eyeshadows and there is something about this palette that screams fall and winter to me. It’s slightly cooler toned than the original Naked palette, but still won’t look odd on those of us with warmer undertones. It’s got a ton of shimmer shadows and three matte shades that make it versatile; perfect for a simple every day look, or a festive sparkly look for those holiday parties.

·      Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze – This is the perfect eyeshadow base for the Naked2 palette and it works well on its own. Another eye product I really only break out during this time of the year because it’s a taupe shade.

Cheeks 

Swatches from Left to Right: theBalm Mary Lou-Manizer, NYX Mocha, Milani Red Vino, Tarte: Breathless, Embraced, Whimsy, Bashful, Irreplaceable.

*Again, my lighting makes everything too red. My bad!

·      NYX Blush in Mocha – This is the perfect everyday blush shade that goes with a variety of looks. In the summer I tend to go for blushes like NARS Orgasm, theBalm’s Hot Mama or Milani’s Baked Blush in Luminoso, but once things start to cool down, I want shades that lean more on the berry side. This blush just gives the perfect flush with a matte finish. It’s also at a great price point to at around $5.

·      Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino – This blush looks horrifying in the pan and it is insanely pigmented, so you do need to use a light hand, but when applied lightly, it gives such a beautiful berry hue to the cheeks. It is laced with gold shimmer, so it also provides a nice glow to the cheeks. I remember the first time I wore this, a coworker asked me why I looked so flushed. This is one of those blushes that makes you look like you’ve been in the cold for a few hours. It’s a great quality blush at around $7-8. Can’t beat that!

·      Tarte Pin-Up Girl Blush Palette – This  is my first Tarte purchase and I’ve wanted to try their 12 Hour Amazonian Clay blushes for a while. So, when Sephora had Tarte’s holiday blush palette, I snagged it. I really like this palette and it has a great selection of shades for any look you may want to do. It has three matte blushes and two with subtle shimmer. The main reason I wanted this palette was for the matte tan blush (perfect for when you want to wear a bold lip) and that purplish blush next to it with the subtle sheen. Very pretty.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer – I’ve wanted this highlighter for aaaages! Literally, I think at least two years, but I always talked myself out of it. But I finally caved and purchased it and I have used it practically everyday since getting it almost two months ago. Like I said earlier, I tend to go for more of a golden sheen on the cheeks in the warmer months and I like to cool things down in fall and winter. I wanted a highlighter that would still compliment my warm skin tone, while also complimenting the cooler toned blushes I start to wear again. This is also such a nice highlighter; soft and pigmented. It’s easy to go over board with this though, so apply with a light hand!

Face

·      Laura Geller Spackle Primer in Ethereal – I love to mixed this in with the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer. It provides such a lovely glow to the skin and really makes your foundation look nicer.  I wouldn’t say this is shimmery, it’s more opalescent. It doesn’t look glittery at all, it just glows. Perfect if you’re trying to achieve that flawless skin look that people strive more towards when the weather is colder. It really makes you look “lit from within.” This is also a very generous size. Most primers come in 1 ounce tubes. This is 2 ounces, so you are getting more for your money.

·      The Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals Liquid Foundation – I can only wear this foundation when it is cold and dry outside because otherwise it will slide off my face. It has a dewy finish and I find it to actually be quite moisturizing. This is not an oil free foundation, but it does not break me out. It has light to medium coverage and gives a natural look to the skin. It’s perfect for those cold winter days and you want a foundation that’s going to provide some extra moisture to your skin.

·      Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Foundation – This foundation has a huge hype around it and I’ve been curious about it for quite sometime. I finally got my hands on it and I like it quite a bit. I have the shade B40, which is the perfect shade for me when I don’t have a tan. It’s wears nicely and has a satin finish. It feels like nothing on the skin. It has light to medium coverage and I feel like the longer I have this on my face, the better it looks. It really makes my skin look flawless. The wear time is great on my skin, for me being having oily skin. For the price point I wanted it to really perform, but at the same time I didn’t want to like it so much because then I’ll want to repurchase when I run out. Guys, I like it too much. So long money. Send me a post card from France, signed by Chanel (that ain’t gonna happen). Lovely. Pricey. But lovely.

These are all my makeup staples for Fall and Winter. Quite a long post I know, but I really wanted to share these items with you all! So for those of you who actually read everything, you're the best!

That are you cold weather makeup staples? Have you tried any of these?

- Alana 

Top 10 Summer Beauty Essentials of 2014

Like most chicks, I’ve got a thing for beauty products. Makeup, skin care, hair care, if it comes in pretty packaging, pretty colors, and claims to work miracles, I’m all over it.

This summer I discovered some great hot weather beauty staples that really made a difference in my skin and makeup routine.

1.     Rimmel Stay Matte Primer – I have oily skin and in the summer my skin can turn into a grease slick. I’m talking, I just face planted a pile of fried chicken, oily. So makeup products that claim to be oil controlling really appeal to me. I’m a big fan of the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent (I’ve gone through at least 3!). Now primers can be pretty pricey, so when Rimmel released their Stay Matte Primer (I think I paid no more than $5 for mine), I jumped on it. This primer really works for me! It doesn’t control oil all day, but it controls it for a few hours before I feel like I need to blot.

2.     Blotting Papers – Speaking of oily skin, I could not have gone through summer without blotting papers! I just buy the Target brand and they work just as well as the Clean & Clear ones. I used to think there was nothing special about blotting papers. Why not just use a tissue? Wrong! I was so wrong! They do make a difference because they really absorbed the oil on the skin and don’t disturb your makeup as much as blotting with a tissue.

3.     Dior Ultra Addict Lip Gloss Glow in #256 “Negligee Pink” – Man, oh man! This is by far, hands down my favorite lip gloss. It’s not sticky, feels luxurious and smooth on the lips, and makes the lips look unreal! And do I even need to mention the packaging!?  I pair this gloss with a lip liner that is almost the exact shade of my lips and it gives such dimension and shine to my lips. The color is in the nude family, with enough pink in it to not make the lips look dead. It also pairs wonderfully over nude lipsticks. For those of you who love a bronzed, glowing makeup look for summer, this gloss is the perfect compliment. I need to buy a back up… 

4.     Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Shine in “Pink Cognito” – The formula of this lipstick is fantastic! It is so light and smooth it feels like a balm. It is not fully opaque, which for a shade like this ,works well. Pink Cognito is Dior’s Ultra Addict Gloss #256 in solid form, just a little deeper in color. It’s perfect for no makeup days, light makeup days, or those days when you want to wear a full face of makeup and a dark smokey eye. The pink undertones keep it from being too nude on the lips. And paired underneath the Dior Gloss? Perfection!

5.     NYC Sunny Bronzer – I actually purchased this bronzer a couple summers ago, but didn’t start wearing it almost everyday until this summer. It’s only a few shades darker than my skin tone. I just use a blush brush to apply it on the perimeters of my face and down the sides of my nose. It’s the perfect shade, not too muddy, not too orange and blends easily. It just makes the skin look healthy.

6.     theBalm “Hot Mama” Blush – This has definitely been my go to blush this summer and I don’t think it gets enough recognition in the beauty community. It tends to get over shadowed by NARS Orgasm and Benefits Coralista. Now, I own NARS Orgasm and Hot Mama is extremely similar, and as much as I love Orgasm, there is something I prefer about Hot Mama. It doesn’t appear as pink on the cheeks as Orgasm and the gold sheen in it is finer. It just gives the most gorgeous, sun kissed look to the cheeks. I get compliments when I wear this blush. These type of compliments: “You’re face looks so good! Like a magazine add! I don’t know what it is, but keep doing it!” It’s the blush! It’s always a good thing when people can’t pinpoint what it is, and your cheekily thinking, “that my friend, is the power of a good blush.”

7.       NARS Illuminator in “Orgasm” (old packaging) – I apply this after my primer and before whatever foundation I’m wearing, if I decide to wear foundation that day. I was worried at first that this would look like I wiped glitter all over my face. Mixed with my oily skin, I also was scared that this would make me look like a disco ball. Again, I was quite wrong. This gives the skin such a healthy glow, that “lit from within” look. It keeps my foundation from looking flat and dull, especially since I gravitate towards products that give the skin a matte finish. Orgasm is the perfect shade for summer because the gold shimmer in it gives the skin a warm glow. 

8.     Maybelline Fit Me Powder in 240 “Golden Beige” – I rarely wore liquid foundation this summer. Living in a climate that has humid summers, liquid foundations can just feel down right gross on the skin. This powder matches my skin tone perfectly. It’s light and gives me just the right amount of coverage (I don’t like full coverage anything). First, I just apply a little bit of concealer where needed and buff this powder all over the face and my skin looks flawless, without looking cakey or heavy. It looks very natural and feels lightweight on the skin. Perfect for hot weather.

9.     The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner – This toner is very nice! It smells clean and feels refreshing on the skin. I don’t have a problem with this toner making my skin feel tight and stripped. I even started applying it down my décolleté, and down my back and it has really helped to keep my skin clean and clear. Definitely a summer staple!

10.  The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil - This stuff right here is just. So. Good. I purchased it on a whim early on in the summer. I thought it was going to be too heavy for my oily skin, especially in the summer. However, my skin drinks this up! This serum has really made all the difference in my skin. It has helped to smooth out the texture and tone, and since using this I have had ZERO breakouts, even during that time of the month. I already had a good skin care routine that kept my skin clear, for the most part. But once I added this into my routine, my skin went to the next level. In the summer I strive to wear less makeup because of the weather. This has made that possible because I don’t want to cover up my skin with a lot of products. It’s just made my skin that good.

Those are all my beauty staples from this summer. We still have a few more weeks of hot weather left before it cools down for autumn. I know I’m going to get a few more miles out of these products before I switch up for the upcoming season.

What were some of your beauty staples this summer?

- Alana