New Eyeliner Rave and Halloween Makeup

Hi Everyone,

I feel like it's been a little while since my last blog.  So, no better way to check in than to tell you all about an AMAZING new eyeliner I found.

It's the L'Oreal Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner in Carbon Black.

I just recently purchased this liner, and am absolutely in love.  It goes on super smooth and creamy.  The color is BOLD.  You don't need to make several passes with the liner for the color to show up to its fullest potential, the way you do with so MANY liners.  It stays put and still manages to come off easily (when you want it to!)  It is the PERFECT tightlining/waterline liner.

I wouldn't use it for a lid liner due to it's very creamy consistency, which can make it difficult to draw close to the lash line.  I mean, it's doable, but it can be smudgy.  Really, the best purpose for this liner is water and tight lining.  And for that purpose it's fan-effing-tastic.

So, I started really playing with it today.  I discovered this liner even works well as a cream shadow.  Strange, I know, but it really does.  So, while I was playing with it, I stumbled into creating this bright, bold Halloween eye look, which I'll call Pretty as a Peacock.

Thoughts?  What bold Halloween looks would YOU like to learn how to do?

The $20 Makeup Challenge!

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a great weekend.  I know I did!  I did LOTS of shopping, and have plenty of new material for blogging.  I'm so excited.

Today I wanted to talk about The $20 Makeup Challenge.  It's been circulating around YouTube a lot lately, and I've been meaning to try it myself.  So, while I was at Ulta this weekend, I decided to give it a try.

The rules of my $20 Makeup Challenge:
-The total retail price of ALL items (excluding tax) must be $20 TOTAL or under
-You must buy a FULL face of items, meaning you must buy at LEAST:

• Foundation
• Concealer
• Blush
• Eyeshadow
• Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Lip product

-You must buy from at least 3 different cosmetic lines (ex. Maybelline, Revlon, L'Oreal)
-You can only apply your makeup with tools that you've purchased.  So if you could not afford to put makeup tools in the budget, you're using your fingers!


So, I'm sure those of you with a particular proclivity for makeup hauls can appreciate that this is damn near impossible.  In fact, it's completely impossible to do at Sephora.  (No surprise there!)  But, after an agonizing 75 minutes at Ulta, I learned that it's also impossible to successfully complete the challenge at Ulta as well.  (That actually SHOCKED me.)

So...how did I accomplish the task?  I went to Target.  And here's what I bought:

To break that down, I bought:

• Two Elf brushes for $1 apiece.
• Rimmel London Extra Super Lash Mascara for $3.29.
• Elf Contouring Blush and Bronzer Duo for $3.  
• Elf Brightening Eyeliner in Black for $1.  This included a sharpener.
• NYC Smooth Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation in 679 Soft Beige for $3.04.
• Elf Tone Correcting Concealer in Apricot Beige for $1.
• Bonne Belle Liquid Lip Smacker in Dr. Pepper for $2.74.
• Maybelline New York Perfect Pastels Eyeshadow Duo in Shocking Seas for $4.34.

 I know what you're all thinking.  I failed.  The total for those products comes up to $20.41.  Well, if you use your Target Card, they automatically give you 5% off, which makes the total come to $19.39.  I know that's sort of cheating,  but since using a Target Card is not some obscure coupon and most people have the ability to get one, I figured it was legit.

And with all of these products, I was able to create the following look:

So, with some effort, it certainly IS possible to create a great makeup look on a budget.  I bet you're wondering what I thought of the products, so I'll give you a full breakdown.

• The Elf brushes:  I won't lie.  They absolutely sucked.  I actually prefered using the little spongy applicator that came with my shadows on my eyes.  The bristles were so cheaply installed on the brush that they actually were falling out all over the place upon use.  They were rough on my face.  These are probably a pass for me in the future, despite how inexpensive they are.
• Rimmel London mascara:  This was an ok product.  It did lengthen my lashes and gave me some volume.  It was on the clumpy side though.  And I absolutely hate the packaging.  Like, HATE it.  It almost looks like a permanent marker...and I know the packaging shouldn't matter THAT much, but this is just SO bad that it's hard to get past...  Nonetheless, I'd consider buying it again in a pinch.
• Elf Contouring Blush and Bronzer Duo:  This is so obviously trying to be the Nars Orgasm/Laguna duo.  And it's not.  It's fine, for what it is, but it doesn't hold a torch to Nars.  The bronzer is sort of a muddier brown and doesn't blend easily.  The blush is pretty, but neither product is particularly long-lasting.
• Elf Brightening Eyeliner in Black:  I LOVE this liner.  Like, seriously, love it.  Glides on super smooth.  Tightlines beautifully.  And is an AMAZING waterline liner...a rare find at any price.  It can be a little smudgy, so you have to be careful when applying it and use a Q-tip to get rid of excess.  But I plan on using this regularly.  Who would've thought?  A great liner & a sharpener for $1?!
• NYC Smooth Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation:  Another pass.  There is no dispenser or way to squeeze it out, and the bottle neck is super long, which meant that I was there trying to shake the foundation out of the bottle for 5 minutes (I wish I were exaggerating!) before any came out.  The product itself was fine and gave reasonable coverage.  It was not long lasting at ALL.  In 2 hours, the coverage was gone...and all I did today was housework.
• Elf Tone Correcting Concealer: The coverage on this wasn't horrible considering how inexpensive it was, but again, another product with no lasting power.
• Bonne Belle Liquid Lip Smacker in Dr. Pepper:  I like this product and will use it.  It's basically a clear gloss with a reddish tint to it.  Not sticky.  Tastes and smells like Dr. Pepper.  Moisturizing.  And has reasonable lasting power.  A great little product for under $3. 
• Maybelline New York Perfect Pastels Eyeshadow Duo in Shocking Seas:  The color of the shadows in this duo are gorgeous.  They're a bit brighter than what I typically use, but they're certainly fun!  The color payoff is pretty good.  There's virtually no run off with them, which is great.  They blend OK, but do leave a bit to be desired in that department.  (Granted, take that with a grain of salt because I was using shit brushes and an eyeshadow sponge.)  I do wish they lasted a bit longer, but I also couldn't afford an eyeshadow primer, so perhaps they'll be better with a primer underneath.

All in all, I would definitely repurchase the eyeliner.  I would probably repurchase the gloss and the eyeshadow.  And, in a pinch, I would at least consider repurchasing the blush/bronzer & mascara.

Do you think YOU could complete The $20 Makeup Challenge?

Beauty: Back to Basics

Hi Everyone!

I hope you're all having a lovely Wednesday.  Today I've decided to go back to beauty basics.  I'm going to define some beauty/makeup terms, explain the different kinds of makeup brushes, and give you some other basic knowledge!

First up:  My Beauty Glossary

• Buildable:  When I say that something is buildable, I mean that it gives sufficient color/coverage with one layer of product, but that adding more layers of product will successfully intensify the color/coverage of the product.
• Cheekbone:  The part of a person's bone structure below her eyes that form the prominence of her cheeks.  This is where you apply blush.
• Contouring:  Using makeup to create dark shadows and give the appearance of narrowing or receding a feature.
• Corrector:  Commonly confused with concealer, corrector is a beauty product used to correct a discoloration.  Concealer is used to brighten up an area (like dark circles), but CORRECTOR is used to cancel out a discoloration (like redness).  I swear, they're 2 different products!
• Cupid's Bow:  The tips of your upper lip that form two peaks.
• Expiration Date:  I thought I'd throw this in here.  All makeup has an expiration date.  You can find it on the packaging.  It will look something like this.  (The number corresponds to months you have prior to expiration.)

• Fall out:  "Fall out" refers to the uber annoying situation when excess product (usually you say this regarding eyeshadow) falls off of the designated area, so you have makeup "falling out" of place to other areas of your face.
• Glitter:  Relatively large, chunky bits of sparkle in makeup
• Glossy:  Shiny or lustrous
• Highlight:  Using light shades of makeup to draw attention to a specific feature
• Holy Grail (HG):  I will use this term in reference to a beauty product that I absolutely love, use regularly, and is my all-time favorite
• Matte:  A "matte" makeup product is one that does not have any shimmer, gloss, shine, glitter, etc.  It is simply the color without any extras.
• Payoff:  This refers to how many layers of a product you'll have to use in order to get a product to show up.  The fewer layers you need to make a product show up, the better the payoff.  (This term usually refers to eyeshadow.)
• Some eyeshadows have AWFUL payoff.  You can keep trying and trying to get them to show up, but they just suck!
• Pigmented:  Refers to how well the color shows up.  Highly pigmented products mean that the color shows up really well. 
• Primer:  A liquid, gel, or cream used underneath makeup with the purpose of enhancing the makeup's color and staying power.
• Setting spray:  Sort of like hairspray for your makeup.  Spray it on your face after you're done applying your makeup and it will help remove surface oils to keep your makeup in tip top shape all day long.
• Shimmer:  Shiny or sparkly, but not containing large chunks of sparkle, like glitter
• Swatch:  To test a makeup product, by smearing or applying it onto your hand, arm, etc.
• Tightlining:  Accentuating your lash line by lining the space between the eyelashes from underneath, instead of lining on your actual eyelid.
• Waterline:  The area of your eye, on your lower lid, where your tear ducts are.  It is usually moist, and can therefore be tricky to apply eye liner to.

Ok, now that we know our beauty terms, let's talk a little bit about makeup brushes.  You may think they can be overpriced, or that it's a pain to have to buy so many different types of brushes just to do your makeup.  I don't disagree with you, but in order to get quality results, you need quality tools.

In general, there are two types of brush types:  natural fiber and synthetic.  Each certainly has its pros and cons.  Natural fibers tend to be softer.  They are porous and absorb some of the product for more natural looks.  These work great with powders, like finishing powder and eyeshadow.  Synthetic fibers can be cheaper and can create more pigmented looks due to less product absorption.  Synthetic fibers are optimal when you're using the brush to apply gel liners or lip products.

One major rule I have before I start the brush introductions is:  the recommended uses I list for the brushes below are generalizations.  All rules are meant to be broken.  Many brushes can be used AMAZINGLY for unorthodox purposes.  EXPERIMENT with your brushes!

Brush Type #1:  Large, Fluffy
 A brush like this is fantastic for applying finishing/setting powder to your face, over your foundation.  I have also used this type of brush to apply highligher, although it is not optimal for that.

Brush Type #2:  Large Angled Contour
I use this brush daily to apply and blend in my liquid foundation.  A brush like this can also be good for contouring, finishing/setting powder, highlighting, or blush, although isn't optimal for those purposes.

 Brush Type #3:  Stippling Brush
This brush is great for applying finishing powder or highlighting.

Brush Type #4:  Fan Brush
This brush is great for applying bronzer, blush, highlighter in a very light, natural looking way.

 

 

Brush Type #5:  Lash Brush
This brush is great for sweeping through mascara clumps and brushing your eyebrows into place.

Brush Type #6:  Angled Brow Brush
Optimal for applying brow powder.  Can also be used for shadow liners, or blending pencil/gel liners.

Brush Type #7:  Medium Blending Brush
If I had to get by with one brush, this would be it.  It's got gorgeous, dome shaped bristles that have a moderate density to them.  It's ideal for blending eyeshadow any which way necessary.  I also use this brush daily to blend in my under eye and blemish concealer for a natural finish.  Can also be used to apply shadow if you are going for a very light, whispy shadow look.  In a pinch, I have also squeezed the bristles and used it as a brow powder brush.  Moral of the story is, this brush is a workhorse, and its uses extend only to your own level of creativity.

Brush Type #8:  Large Fluff
This brush's short, wide, and reasonably dense bristles make it ideal for blending eyeshadow on a specific part of your lid.  (Example, you want to blend the shadow near your lower lid, but don't want it to travel to your crease or brow bone...this is your brush.)

Brush Types #9 & 10:  Small Angle and Flat Definer
Both of these brushes are great for applying shadow liner & blending liner.  The angle may make winged liner slightly easier.

Brush Type 11:  Eyeliner
Self explanatory.  This brush is for applying liner, particularly gel liner. Due to the tiny nature of this brush, it's not the best blender.

Brush Type 12:  Shading Brushes
Angled or not, shading brushes are your eyeshadow brushes.  I don't recommend blending with them, but they're perfect for direct, hit it & quit it application of a color.

Brush Type #13:  Pencil Brush
Due to the pointy, and densely packed bristles, this brush is great for applying a highlight on your inner corner of the eye.  It's also great for applying a deep colored eyeshadow in a small area (like when creating a smoky eye.)

Brush Type #14:  Lip Brush
This is pretty self explanatory.  This brush is used to apply lip product.  Just remember that in terms of lip brushes, synthetic fibers are usually better.

Brush Type #15:  Short Shader
This brush is crucial to have.  You want to apply shadow to your lower lashline to make your look cohesive?  This is your brush.  You can also use this brush to blend liners or even create a course & gritty shadow/liner look.

Brush not pictured here?  No problem!  Figure out how to use a brush all on your own by asking yourself a couple of questions.

• What is the general size of the brush?  Obviously, an enormous fluffy brush isn't used to apply eyeliner and a small angled brush won't be applying your blush.
• How dense are the bristles?  Generally, dense bristles mean you want to apply a LOT of product to the area you'll be using the brush in and focusing it there.  That's why liner brushes are small and dense and powder brushes are huge and more dispersed.  Brushes that look like they could be for shadow but have more dispersed bristles could make excellent blending brushes.
• And when in doubt, EXPERIMENT!  For many brushes, there really is NO wrong way to use them!

This post is dragging on forever, but I have to say it!  Try to wash your brushes once a week ladies.  If you use dirty brushes, you are making yourself susceptible to potentially harmful bacteria and breakouts.  And make sure you dry your brushes bristle side down, or you can damage the bristles!

And with that, I bid you goodnight!







XOXO.

How to E-Shop!

Hi Everyone!

It's no secret that I love to shop.  I could shop all day, every day and be perfectly content doing so.  It's kind of a problem.

So anyway, today I was e-shopping at Macys.com, and that little spree inspired this post.  First, can I just share with you that if you register at Macy's, they give you 5% of the total money spent on your registry gifts back in a Macy's giftcard!  It's insane!  Jeremy and I registered at Macy's (among other stores) for our wedding, and we ended up getting enough money in giftcards from Macy's that we just bought a juicer for free!  Oh, no...that's not all!  I also got the following beauty items from Macy's for 100% FREE!  I didn't even pay shipping!

Free Item #1:  Dior Diorshow Extase Kit.  Original price $28.50. 

Free Item #2:  MAC CremeSheen Lipstick in Japanese Maple.  Original price $15.

 

Free Item #3:  Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara.  Original price $10.

Free Item #4:  Clinique Makeup Brush Cleaner.  Original price $14

 

 

Moral of the story, register at Macy's.  

Ok, now that I'm done with my Macy's PSA, I thought I'd bequeath to you all some of my best e-shopping tips.

• Let's say you're shopping for something really specific, like royal blue satin wedges.  ADORABLE.  Not more than $150.  Somewhere between 3 and 5 inches high. (That's a true life example for me...I looked for MONTHS to find these shoes, which became my wedding shoes!)  Don't be afraid to actually Google EXACTLY what you're looking for.  The same way you would describe it to a girlfriend.
• See what Google shopping comes up with.
• If Google shopping doesn't come up with anything you like, try your refining your search terms.  You can try including a brand name that you think might have what you're looking for along with your description.
• Look on eBay for ideas.  I don't really advocate for buying something on eBay if you are counting on the namebrand being authentic or the quality being superior, but you can see if you find a brand that carries what you're looking for on eBay.  Then take your new information and incorporate it into your Google searches.  

• Let's say you're shopping for something specific, but not overly specific, like cute flats to wear to work that won't cost more than $35.  
• Know your go-to sites that will give you plenty of options.
• Don't be wooed by something you love that is unjustifiably expensive.  (True story, I've been courting a pair of Steve Madden flats for 6 weeks now.  But they're not even leather, so they're definitely not worth $90.  Know how much you think any given item is actually worth, and don't budge.)
• Oh what's that?  You're just shopping because you're bored?
• If you want great deals, keep in mind that items are generally the cheapest when they're no longer "in season".  You can get GORGEOUS winter coats at anywhere from 10-30% of retail price in February.  Swimsuits will start going on sale in August.  Sandals will be DIRT cheap come Labor Day.  You get the idea.

Ok.  So where do I like to shop online?  Sites I frequent include:

• Ruelala.com
• Hautelook.com
• 6pm.com  (Seriously.  You couldn't ask for a better selection of shoes.  Anywhere.  And the price can't be beat.  I once got 11 pairs of shoes for less than $100 total.  Including shipping.)
• Overstock.com
• Kohls.com (I admittedly have an unhealthy obsession with the LC Lauren Conrad line.)
• Sephora.com (Well, that's just a given.)
• Gilt.com
• Target.com
• Forever21.com (All the selection, none of the screaming 13 year olds.)
• DSW.com
• CharmingCharlie.com (Their website is down until the Spring, but it's a GREAT place to buy SUPER cheap accessories.)
• TopShop.com
• Nordstrom.com
• Macys.com

 Ok.  Before I set you (and your poor wallets!) free, one last thing.  There are coupons EVERYWHERE online.  And no pimple faced 17 year old cashier is going to give you the side eye when you use them online!  Any time you're about to buy ANYTHING online, google "Store Name Coupon".  See what comes up and test out the coupon codes.  My absolute favorite coupon site is Retailmenot.com.  You will always find deals and codes on there that will save you money.  Just today, I used a coupon code which took $10 off at Macys.com.  Seriously.  Use it.  You'll thank me later.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Sephora HAUL and Some Makeup Shopping Tips

Hello again!

Can I just tell you all how EXCITED I am?  It's my absolute favorite time of the year.  The weather isn't too hot or cold.  The leaves are falling and just starting to crunch beneath your feet.  And all of the holiday makeup value packs are starting to arrive in stores.  Is there anything better?

Of course I just HAD to take advantage of Value Set Season at Sephora and these were today's purchases:

Tarte 5 Piece LipSurgence Collector's Set

Tarte Fantastic Foursome 4 Piece Amazonian Clay Blush Enthusiast

Tarte EmpasEYES Eyeliner in Black

Buxom Lipgloss in White Russian

Buxom Lipgloss in Dolly

Buxom Lipstick in Brooklyn

Ok.  Let me start by telling you all about the LipSurgence set.  You get 5 FULL sized (yes, you read that right) lip surgences.  Two are glossy, two are shimmery, and one is matte.  I have used them before and I will say that not only do they last, but they've got a fantastic minty taste to them.  Normally, just one full sized Lipsurgence product would cost you $24.  This set of 5 will run you a mere $35!  Uh...yes please!

The colors in this set are swatched below.  They are (from left to right): Escape, Enchanted, Exposed, Sweet, and Elite.

Escape is a gorgeous, medium bright pink with a silverish shimmer.  Enchanted is a glossy rose color that is super buildable.  You can make this color look very light and sheer, or build it into a rich rose color.  The color of Exposed...well, I'd say it's SLIGHTLY darker than my natural lip color, but really not by much.  It's totally matte, and would serve well for a "your lips but better" look.  Sweet is a warmer, coral-y pink color that has subtle gold shimmer to it.  And Elite is a reasonably warm, very glossy pink that will still look very natural when applied.

First impression:  Great value.  I'll get a lot of use out of this.  The colors are versatile and all subtle enough to wear to work.


Now, let's talk about the Fantastic 4 Set of Tarte Amazonian Clay "blushes".  This set contains four miniature "blushes".  They are smaller than the regular Tarte Amazonian clay blushes, but don't let that worry you.  I own other "miniature" Tarte blushes.  They've lasted a year so far and are still going strong...which just goes to show that you really don't NEED a full size Tarte blush, but I digress.

Anyway, the blushes are "miniature" in size and the colors are swatched below.  They are (from left to right):  Angelic, Fantastic, Magic, and Stellar.

Angelic really isn't a blush, but is definitely more of a highlight.  Don't worry, I put a LOT on for this swatch, it's not normally that dark.  It's a pretty goldish champagne that you can definitely use to highlight without looking like a disco ball (promise!)

Fantastic is...well, it's fantastic.  It's a gorgeous soft fuscia.  Not too bright, but certainly has some pop to it!  I LOVE it!

Magic is a pretty pinkish coral.  Subtle, but effective.

And Stellar...I wish I could say it's stellar.  It's VERY nude in color and has shimmer.  Almost nude to the point of...why was this product created?  I suppose that it might show up better on lighter skin, but it was still sort of a disappointment for me.  I will say though, this IS a perfect shade for people (you know who you are!) who are terrified of blush.

So, that was it for my Value Sets today.  While I was in Sephora, I was determined to buy a mechanical eyeliner.  I've just been growing very frustrated with my regular pencil liners lately.  I feel like they've been drying out, getting dull very easily, and have not been drawing uninterrupted lines.  Liquid liners are great, but they can create a really heavy look, which isn't always appropriate for daytime.  And shadow liners are great, but they take time to get it perfect.  So...mechanical liner it was.

I ended up buying the Tarte EmphasEYES mechanical liner in black, and I love it already.  Doesn't smudge.  Draws a perfect, uninterrupted line.  And can easily draw either thick or VERY thin lines.  Look at the difference between a kohl liner and a mechanical liner trying to keep continuous lines!

The writing at the top is with a regular kohl liner.  The writing at the bottom is with a mechanical liner.

So, needless to say, I'm pumped about this liner and will keep you updated about how our love affair is coming along.

I also ended up getting some free gloss and lipstick with my VIB points today.  I got two Buxom lipglosses in White Russian and Dolly and a Buxom lipstick in Brooklyn.  They are swatched below:

White Russian is on the left.  Dolly is on the right.

This is the Brooklyn lipstick.

First impressions:  I'll totally use the glosses.  They're both glosses and lip plumpers, which is fantastic for me since my lips are so thin.  They're not too sticky and have a pleasant smell to them.  The White Russian is a light, neutral pink and the Dolly is a light plum color with gold shimmer.

The lipstick is a bit dark for my usual taste.  It's sort of a burgundy color, has some sheen, but no shimmer or glitter.  With a ligher gloss layered over it, it's got potential.  But certainly not bad for free stuff!


Since this post is getting kind of long, I'll just wrap up by adding some simple, but very important advice to follow when purchasing makeup.

• When you really admire someone's makeup, stop and ask them what products they used.
• Know your skin type and skin tones.  Just because a color looks great on your friend who is so white she's almost translucent doesn't mean it'll look good on your Asian or Latina warm toned skin.  And just because your BFF with oily skin uses mineral foundation doesn't mean you should wear mineral foundation with your dry-as-the-Sahara skin.
• Swatch EVERYTHING.  This is a great way to figure out a product's consistency, lasting power, and how the particular shade will work with your skintone.
• Don't let a pushy salesperson talk you into buying something you don't want because the product you DO want is sold out.
• Whenever possible, don't go to a brand-loyal store or kiosk.  
• Example, if you go to the Dior counter, the sales lady will try to sell you every possible Dior product, regardless of whether or not those products are actually the best on the market.  Maybe Dior has a truly great eyelash primer or mascara, but their eye shadows suck and have no payoff.  Maybe Urban Decay has similar colors that have better payoff and lasting power than the Dior shadows.  Do you really think the lady behind the counter is going to tell you that?  No.  She'll do whatever she has to to make your face look great for 5 minutes and then send you on your way with lackluster products.
• Stores like Sephora and Ulta are not brand specific and their sales teams will direct you to the products you're looking for without bias.
• If you ARE going to a brand-loyal store or kiosk, KNOW which products are worth buying, and which you should pass on.
• If you DO buy a beauty product you don't love, take it back.  I know for a fact that Sephora, Ulta, and CVS will take back products...even if they are used.  Even if you have no receipt.  If they sell it, they'll take it back.  And that's a good thing.  Beauty products add up.  And sometimes, even if you DO swatch it, you'll only know how you feel about a product after several days' use.  There's no shame in it.

And with that, I'll say goodnight!

Xoxo,

Cathy

10 Beauty Products I Would Repurchase...A TAG Post!

Hi Everyone!

So I've been seeing a lot of "tag" posts on YouTube lately that challenge people to post about the 10 beauty products they would repurchase if by some sick joke, all of their makeup suddenly vanished.  So, I thought this would be a nice, light post for a dreary Monday.

This post was actually a lot harder to write than I had originally anticipated...because, well, I'm sort of a perfectionist, and I can find a flaw in just about anything.  It's actually quite shocking that the biggest complaint I have about my husband after five years together is his gas...but I digress.

This was a difficult post because I really started tearing my tried and true makeup products apart.  I started asking myself, "If, God forbid, all of my makeup tragically burned in a fire, would I REALLY repurchase this?  Would I even be TEMPTED to buy something new and different?  What if it was on sale and had really pretty packaging?  What if, what if, what if?"

I told you.  I'm anal.  And super hard on just about everything.  And everyone.  My makeup products are no exception.

So when I ended up with this list, TRUST me when I tell you that these products are my absolute HOLY GRAIL.  I would buy them again if I had to pay full price, had no coupon, was already broke, and was in a completely shittastic mood.  I swear it.  And the products are (in no particular order):

1.  Cle de Peau Concealer in Ochre

I've said it before.  I'll say it again.  I looked for over a DECADE for a concealer that would adequately disguise my racoon-esque dark circles.  I've tried dozens upon dozens of concealers.  The next best concealer covers about 40% of what this bad boy can.  It's worth the money, and I'd buy it again.  And again.  And again.

2.  Dior Diorshow Lash Primer

This lash primer is AMAZING.  Truly, truly amazing.  Nearly every time I wear it, I'm asked why I am wearing false lashes.  (Psh!  False lashes happened ONCE in my life...on my wedding day!  How much time do think I TAKE to get ready!?)  My mother didn't believe me.  Then I forced her to try it on one eye after she had already applied her "amazing" product on her other.  I will be ladylike and not repeat the four letter word that came out of the bathroom, but I will say that she promptly dragged me to Sephora to show her EXACTLY what she just used.  It's not cheap either.  I won't lie.  But it's worth it.

PLEASE NOTE:  Do NOT wait for the product to dry before you put on mascara or it'll be ClumpFest 2012.  Apply the mascara immediately after putting on the primer and it'll be perfect.

3.  L'Oreal Voluminous Lashes Mascara in Carbon Black

I first discovered this mascara during a summer I fondly refer to as my Quarter Life Crisis.  I had just withdrawn from Law School after a rather hellish first year and was waiting tables while I tried to figure out what was next for me, career-wise.  Anyway, a fellow waitress always had THE most amazing eyelashes.  I would regularly compliment her on them...until one day I realized, "Bonehead!  Your lashes can look like hers.  Just ask her what mascara she uses."  She led me to this mascara, and my new love affair was born.  This mascara gives you VOLUME and length...and the waterproof version DOES NOT BUDGE, even when you're doing the ugly cry (as I discovered on my wedding day!)  And for less than $10 a tube, it really can't be beat!

4.  Nars Lipgloss in Chihuahua

I love Nars glosses.  Striptease and Chihuahua are my favorites.  But Chihuahua is a new one for me, and I have to say, I like it even better than Striptease.  It's a gorgeous color that Nars describes as "guava" colored.  So...what the HELL does that mean?  Yeah, I didn't know either.  Basically, it's a gorgeous pink shade that is neutral in tone.  It's very natural looking and is the perfect way to balance out a heavy eye look.  It's not cheap, but it is long lasting.  I'd buy it again.

5.  Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface

Tarte makes AMAZING blush.  My absolute favorite colors are Dollface and Exposed.  Dollface, pictured above, is a gorgeous light pink color that is perfect on just about any skintone.  And Exposed is a more natural, rosy hue...again, gorgeous on any color.  What makes the blush special?  It stays.  ALL DAY.  You want to apply your blush at 7am and have it on when you leave work?  This is your blush.  If I were broke and makeup-less, I'd buy the package that contains both Dollface and the Park Ave. Princess bronzer (which is also awesome).  Together, they cost just $15 at Ulta.  Not bad, considering a full sized blush will set you back $25.  Will it last?  I can't say.  I've only had mine for a year...
6.  L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black

Not much to say really.  This is the perfect black liquid liner.  It's long lasting.  It doesn't smudge.  The felt tip makes for an easy application.  Seriously, I have successfully applied this liner on the subway.  It's THAT easy.  Oh...and it's under $10.  There's NO reason whatsoever to buy another liquid liner, especially one that's more costly.  This little guy will do the job right.  Every time.

7.  MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft n Gentle

This highlighter by MAC is unbelievably gorgeous and flattering on just about any skin type.  It's quite pigmented, so use a fluffy brush, and a little dab will do.  I've used it as a regular highlighter and as an eyeshadow and I always get compliments on it.  In fact, I've had to safeguard it against several attempted thefts from one of my cousins.  It's awesome!

8.  Essie Mademoiselle Nail Polish

Those who know me well may find it amusing that I included a nail polish in this list.  I basically have no fingernails.  I've bitten my nails since I could chew.  It's really unfortunate, but it is what it is.  This nail polish is gorgeous.  Stunning.  Sophisticated.  Goes with EVERYTHING.  It's a very classic, elegant sheer pale pink.  A nice manicure, and two coats of this, and I always feel like a new woman. 

9.  Urban Decay Naked Palette

Yes.  I'll be cliche.  If I had to start over, I'd buy the Naked palette again.  The shadows are superior in quality.  There is excellent color payoff.  There are plenty of neutral shades to get you through your workdays, and the edgier colors are perfect for going out looks (Gunmetal being my favorite!)  The palette comes with a brush and UDPP, so the value is not lost on me...even with the recent increase in Naked Palette prices.

10.  Nars Tzarine Eyeshadow Duo

This eyeshadow duo is absolutely gorgeous.  The gold is a beautiful, lighter shade of gold with just enough sheen.  The other shade can look steely grey, or green, depending on the lighting it's in.  The colors blend seamlessly together for the easiest smokey eye look imaginable.


Now tell me, what products could YOU not live without?