October 2014 Favorites

Hello lovely ladies! Today I will be sharing my October Favorites. Fall time is here, which means darker colors are in! I have to admit however, I haven't been very good with stepping out my comfort zone for a darker lip. Unfortunately, I won't be including any lip products in this post today. Moving farward though, I have a few blushes perfect for fall I've really been loving!

I have quite a bit of favorites this month so I'll jump right in!

First, let me apologize for the super messy lid on my foundation. I was honestly too lazy to clean it out... 

Moving on, starting with the first face products we have:

⚫ L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup.

⚫ L'Oreal True Match Super-blendable Concealer.

⚫ Rimmel Stay Matte Primer.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup

I had originally tried this a little over a year ago and I LOVED it. But then I tried others, and when I ran out, I forgot all about this. Recently, I was reminded of this long lost favorite when I was watching someone on youtube. I made it a mission to get my butt to the store and track it down. And I'm soooo happy I did! To me, this has such a beautiful flawless finish, and covers wonderfully. 

Even though I have super oily skin, I forgot just how much I loved this stuff. I usually like my foundations nice and matte with no trace of shine or "glow" (I know I know, defeats the purpose), which is how I wore this when I first used to use it by setting with a powder. This time around though? I can truthfully say that I have only used a setting powder with this once. Every other time, I skip the powder all together. You must be thinking how, if I'm so oily and it states "Luminous" right on the packaging, wellllll that brings me to my next favorite! (Yes, I went out of order, I'm sorry.)

Rimmer Stay Matte Primer

I'm not sure if other matte primers exists, but seeing how the cosmetics industry is always changing and trying to be better than the next, I'm sure there are. I've never heard of them, but when I went to restock on my beloved Rimmel Fix&Perfect Pro Primer, this had caught my eye (not because it was right above it or anything) and I really wanted to try it. 

Like I stayed above, I usually prefer my foundations to be matte, which most of them are. So not to any (or some) surprise, a matte primer paired with a matte foundation, well.. It's just TOO matte. BUT, Rimmel Stay Matte Primer paired with L'Oreal True Match Lumi, a perfect combo! 

This primer dries matte, but still leaves a smooth canvas for foundation application. This also makes my (lumi) foundation the perfect balance of luminous and matte. It still has that luminous glow, without being too oily or shiny. I feel like this primer controls that aspect extremely well, and my makeup even lasts all day. This is definitely a new staple piece in my collection, and the only one I will use with the lumi foundation!

L'Oreal True Match Super-blendable Concealer

I've only tried a couple concealers, but so far I really like this one. It covers my dark circles when I don't get enough sleep, and redness from sore breakouts. I haven't used concealers much until last month, since I really had no reason to. This lasts all day, but if you apply to much, it will get cakey. I really want to try out the Mac Pro-long Concealer, have any of you tried it? But until then, this is my current favorite and I would definitely recommend it!

Next I have a couple blushes to show. Blushes are my absolute favorite piece of makeup. I just love the gorgeous flush of colors you can choose to help really pull any look together.

⚫ E.l.f Blush Palette.

⚫ Flower Beauty Cream Blush.

⚫ Maybelline Fit Me Blush.

E.l.f Blush Palette 

When I was shopping on the E.l.f site about a month or two ago, I was really excited when I saw this. I'm a blush fanatic (if it isn't obvious already(; ), so of course I had to have it! There are two different palettes with convenient names "Dark" and "Light. I own both. My favorite one at the moment, can you guess? .. The dark palette! But since it was late afternoon when I took these pictures, the lighting is really off so here is a better image:

The lighting is still a bit off, but this shows the color much better. The colors I've been using the most are the two on the right. The top right is a really pretty darker form of a babie pink color, while the bottom right is a darker berry color. I do plan on doing a full indepth review of both palettes soon!

Flower Beauty Cream Blush

Flower Beauty is a new cosmetics line made by Drew Barrymore, which are sold exclusively in Walmart stores. Her line is very affordable, and of good quality (from her intentions and what I hear). I have only tried two products from this line, with this being one of them. There are several different blushes, and I believe I got the darkest shade? I'm not sure, it's been awhile. The color I got however is "Rose-O-Den-Dron". A unique name to say the least. But the color payoff, and how it looks and feels on your cheeks. Phenomenal. I'm obsessed. It's the perfect shade for fall, and I definitely plan on going back for more (when I'm not broke of course!).

Maybelline Fit Me Blush

The last blush I have been loving this month is this one from Maybelline's Fit Me Line in Light Nude. Even though the name is nude, I certainly see a peachy tone to it. It's by far a gorgeous color, but it does take a few strokes for it to show up on my fair skin. I really love the color though, so I don't mind. I'm not sure if all the blushes in this line are like this, as I only own one, but I do plan on adding more to my growing collection. 

For eyes, I have a few products I've been loving and obssesing over.

⚫ Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascar Sample.

⚫ Maybelline The NUDES Palette.

⚫ L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes.

⚫ E.l.f Smudge Pot.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara

I've never tried a high end mascara before until I recieved this in a gift set along with my purchase. This is also the first time I have used a fiber mascara. And I have to say, the first stroke/coat seriously amazed me. I have never tried a mascara that was anything close to this. I would definitely by the full size if it were in my price range. This gives both awesome volume and length, I couldn't ask for anything more. And being a fiber mascara, I had no problem with getting anything in my eyes (yay!). The formula on this is great, not to wet or dry. Perfectly in the middle. And since I like my mascaras to be more dry, a few days of using, I love it even more(;

Maybelline The NUDES Palette 

Everyone has already raved about this all over the beauty community, and I just had to add to the hype! I haven't worn eyeshadows in years. I didn't plan on buying this, but one day I said what the heck. It's cheap, affordable, and in arms reach. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and boy do I ever! With 12 different shades, the possibilities are nearly endless! And they blend sooo smoothly (with an eye primer of course). My eyelids do tend to get oily also, and so far I have gone a full work day with no creasing. I have not tried using this without a primer, so I really can't be sure if it's the primer or both. I'm certainly happy I finally caved though, definitely going to be a repurchase for me!

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

I picked this up when I couldn't find my beloved one by Rimmel. I haven't tried many L'Oreal mascaras, simply for the fact I haven't had much luck. But this. This one really takes the cake! My lashes look so full and rich, I believe I have a new hg. I honestly wasn't expecting much, but I have to stop judging a book by it's cover..or brand. Just because I had no luck with a few, doesn't mean I will with all, right?

E.l.f Smudge Pot

If you saw my beauty bundle post, then you should remember this. This is a cream eye shadow in the color "Back To Basics". I don't really use this as a straight shadow, but rather a base/primer. I've ony used this with the Nudes Palette, and it does a great job. The color is a pretty light shimmery gold, and goes with just about every color beautifully. The color payoff is also really great. I love the formula and smooth consistency of this. Super easy to apply with an eyeshawdow brush or just using your fingers!

And finally, contouring! 

⚫ Covergirl Tru Blend Pressed Powder.

Covergirl Tru Blend Pressed Powder

I haven't really found anything that I really like to use for a contour. I know your supposed to use a cool tone color, but since I have no idea how to tell what undertone a product has, I'm left guessing. This is a good product, and since I've been using it the majority of the month, I decided to add it to my favorites. However, I'm not sure this is really my favorite product to use to contour with.. I got this in the shade "Translucent Honey", thinking any darker would have been too dark. But, I was wrong. This shade is a tad too light. I'm still deciding if I will pick this up in a darker color or not or try something else. We shall see!

*I know this is up a bit early, but since we are moving in just over two weeks, I wanted to make sure it was up in case I get too busy. But that is all for my favorites this month, I hope you enjoyed!

What have you been loving this month?!

September 2014 Favorites

Since I've been testing out different foundations, I won't be including any in this month's favorites. Seeing how I didn't really "favor" one, I didn't find it appropriate. 

Moving on to what I did love this month! 

I don't have too much, as I've been trying out some new things. There is a nice little mixture however of skin care, hair, and makeup items. 

Starting with face products:

 Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Pro Primer

This is by far my favorite primer I've tried. I'm on my second tube, which sadly does not last very long. But I don't even care (yes I do). It provides such a beautiful, silky smooth canvas for your foundation. As long as this is available, you bet your sweet butt I'll keep purchasing!

E.l.f Makeup Mist & Set

I've never actually tried a setting spray before this one, so I have nothing to compare it to. Although, since I've been using this, which was about a year ago (and I'm only half way through!) I can say that it has helped prolong my makeup. After trying this one, I now want to try the one by MAC and maybe Urban Decay.

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Concealer

I've tried a few different concealers this month, and this one I find myself always grabbing for! It does a great job of blending, and gives awesome coverage. This stuff seriously lasts all day, I never have to touch up! It comes with a wand like a lip gloss that I don't like very much, but I still love this concealer!

Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer (corrective green)

As for clearing acne goes, I haven't seen a difference. I've been using this for a few months now for correcting red spots. It does a pretty good job, but like any corrector, it can be tricky to apply. If it's on the rep spot but also blotchy around, you'll have an unflattering white ring once your makeup is applied. So make sure to use a q-tip to clean the edges afterwards! Since I have used this so much I included this in my favorites, but I probably wouldn't repurchase.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara

This is my absolute favorite mascara hands down! I have repurchased this more times than I can remember, and I've tried quite a bit. My lashes aren't particularly long and full, but this gives my lashes amazing length and volume with no clumps. What more could you ask for? I really love this paired with a new mascara I've been trying, also from Rimmels Scandaleyes line is Retro Glam. I'll be doing a separate review on that later!

E.L.F Eyebrow Kit

I'm still getting the hang of doing my eyebrows, and I've tried a few different inexpensive kits, but I do have to say, this one by e.l.f is pretty amazing. (Talk about a run on sentence). E.l.f has a lot of hit or miss products, and this is definitely one. I love that it has both a gel and powder to use, as well a little brush. I believe this is about $3, so if you haven't tried it, you definitely should!

Next I have a few lip products that I've really been loving this month!

Makeup Academy Sugar Lip Scrub

I love the fact this is in a tube like a lipgloss versus a jar where you have to dip your fingers. Not only is this super convenient, but it's really easy to use. This makes your lips soo soft, and smells (tastes) amazing! I love using this if I'm going to use a lipstick especially.

Wet and Wild Bare it All 902C Lipstick 

I'm not a huge lipstick person for the fact I work 40hrs a week, and I have no where to where it. But when I do, this is my favorite nude-y color! It also pairs beautifully with Nyx Butter Gloss in Crème Brulee.

NYX Butter Gloss Creme Brulee

I never really cared for lipgloss nor do I now. However, this is a beautiful color and it stays nicely. I do have to reapply often, but these are super creamy and smell soooo yummy! This particular color is my favorite. I'm very pale, so anything dark or bright really washes me out.

Blistex Medicated Berry Balm spf 15

This is a really random one, but I wear it all the time, and I feel like it does a pretty good job.This stuff lasts forever on the lips and smells well, like berries.

I wasn't going to include any brushes, but I couldn't resist!

E.L.F Small Stipple Brush

I've absolutely been loving this brush, particularly for cream blushes! This is the first stipple  brush I had ever used or owned, but my goodness this leaves the most perfect flush of color. It did take some practice maneuvering, but I eventually got it down. The bristles are sooo soft but yet dense enough. Certainly not something you'd expect for $3

Next is some skin care I've used for years and can't get enough of.

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

This is the only one I have only started using a few months ago. I used to use the very orignal Dickinsons Original Witch Hazel. When I saw this though, I wanted to see which one I liked better. I like them both, but I do prefer the first original. This does do a really nice job at cleaning all the excess residue and really helps tighten up my pores. If your sensitive to smells though, you may want to pass as this is pretty strong.

Noxzema Classic Clean the Original

I don't know what it is about this stuff, but I have litterally been repurshasing this for years. This really grabs ahold of everything, including makeup and takes it right off like nothing. The smell reminds me of a vapor rub, but I don't mind it (my bf hates it). After your all done your skin feels nice and refreshed!

St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub

When I used to work for Dunkin Donuts, one of my eployees recommened this to me. That same day I ran out and bought it and I've loved it ever since! You're supposed to use this one to two times a week, anymore than that will irritate your skin. Also, when I was going to cosmetology school I remember my teacher telling us that it could also really damage the sensitive layers of our skin. I like to use this just once a week in the shower, and it does a really great job at preventing acne. And even though I've been having problem breakouts lately, I will still hold onto my faith of this product!

And finally, hair products!

Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-residue Formula

This was raved all over youtube awhile back so I wanted to try it out. I only use this two to three times a month, and when I do boy does my hair and scalp feel super clean! I'm really crazy about my hair and keeping it as healthy as possible, so this is the only hair product I own that contains a sulfate.

Shea Moisture Argan & Raw Shea Extra Moisture Conditioner w/ Sea Kelp 

Talk about a long name. Anywho, I really love this conditioner because not only is it super moisturizing, it contains no sulfates, silicones, parabens and a bunch of other stuff that's not good for your hair. See? I even read the ingredients. This makes my hair soo soft and smooth. I like to leave a little exta in as a leave in conditioner, especially since my hair does not retain moisture very well. It sort of helps lock it in.

So that is it for my September favorites, I hope you enjoyed reading!

What were your favorite items this month?

Let me know in the comments below! (:

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation Review

**I know I haven't posted in a very long time and I apologize for that. Unfortunately these past few weeks haven't been that great for my family, but I promise I haven't gone anywhere. Now to the post! (:

I've been getting into trying more foundations lately, and while at the drugstore a few days ago I saw this and decided to try it out. I own quite a bit of Rimmel, including their Stay Matte Powder which I really love, I've purchased it several times. So I thought, maybe I'll love the foundation just as much! 

Rimmel's claim for their Stay Matte Foundation is: 

"Feather-light, liquid mousse blends flawlessly for natural-looking, all day shine control. Silky smooth formula leaves a perfectly matte, baby-soft finish. Lightweight texture won't feel heavy or greasy."

The packaging is really nice and convenient for travel. 

It comes in a plastic matte (how appropriate) squeeze tube, which is very nice for distributing just the right amount of product you want to use. Also very sanitary, seeing as you don't have to double dip. 

Unfortunately, the color choice for this is pretty poor, as there are only 8 colors to choose from. The one I have is second to the lightest shade in light ivory, and thankfully enough it matches pretty well. 

As you can see, the consistency of this is quite thick. This is actually the thickest foundation I now own. Which, on first impression I was happy with it, hoping it had great coverage to match. Which it does! 

So, in this picture there's a couple things going on.

 First off, the foundation dot previously above, I wanted to spread it fully out for you to see the coverage and just how well this blends. So in the picture above, from the start of my wrist up to my knuckles (I know it cuts off, but that's how far I was able to spread it out) is how much I was able to cover with just that little bit. A little definitely goes a long way with this stuff! And if you compare the two pictures, you can see that this foundation had covered the red blotchy-ness very well, leaving flawless even skin tone and of course a matte finish! 

Now, the "swatch" is another smaller dot I had placed after blending, to show you what it looks like sheered out a bit. So even though this is a thick foundation, I feel like this can be sheered out enough to be light coverage if that's your preference. But this is definitely medium to full coverage. I'm very impressed, blending is a dream and this most certainly dried to a matte finish almost instantly. 

My overall review/thoughts? :

• Rimmel definitely lived up to it's claim. It blends flawlessly, has a matte finish and is very light weight on your skin. 
• This applies well with an e.l.f powder brush and a beauty blender. 
• This foundation lasts for HOURS seriously. I have super oily skin, and this lasted me from the time I got ready for work (5:30am) till the time I finally washed my face (9:40ish pm). 
• I was slightly oily around the tops of my cheeks and my nose (by the time I took it off) but not so much as "shiny" (I didn't find the need to blot). Thanks to the anti-shine conrol part of it! 
• For being a really oily person, I didn't even need to use a setting powder. It was matte already. Infact a little too matte I had to put some moisturizer on my t-zone, which seemed to do the trick. And even then, I still didn't need set with a powder. And for you oily girls, you know that's a big deal! 

   All in all, I really loved this product and I definitely will repurchase! However, as much as I loved this, I wouldn't recommend this to someone with already dry/very dry skin, as you may have issues with this clinging in an unflattering manner. But if you have oily skin, be sure to check this out!

And that's it for today's review. Thank you for reading, I hope all enjoyed this! 

Have you tried Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation? Let me know what you think in the comments, I would love to hear! (: