May Favorites: Beauty.
It seriously cannot almost be June.
I know. So annoying. I say it constantly but I just can’t get over it.
Welcome to my beauty favorites where I take pictures of things I like on my bathroom floor and tell you about them! Fun Fun.
This month is mostly some repeats and old favorites because, well… I’ve been busy and have a boatload of makeup. A product junkie’s liiiiife.
Okay, first. This shampoo.
You know I’ve been talking about the Macadamia conditioner all year now. Stil completely in love with it. Well, the shampoo thing is pretty big because I probably haven’t changed my shampoo in six or seven years. I use the loreal series expert absolut repair, which I get from my salon when I’m there. Long story long, I ran out before my appointment, was feeling lazy and just grabbed the above at Target. I had a small travel bottle of it that I used last year and knew I liked it… but wow, I didn’t realize how MUCH I like it. I love it. It lathers a lot more than my loreal shampoo. I honestly can never really tell a difference with shampoos – I use pretty high-quality products that fit my hair needs and I take them with me when I travel, so I can only tell that my hair feels gross if I use a hotel sample or something. But this… I adore it. It smells good, though I am probably in the minority and don’t really care how my shampoo smells.
Face stuff!
Remember my predicament last month in searching for a daytime moisturizer that I loved as much as my (very expensive and full of silicones and parabens) Trish McEvoy beauty booster? A bunch of you mentioned that I should try the Josie Argan daily moisturizer and holy crap, I LOVE IT. First, it smells like fruit pebbles or something. Second, it just feels incredible on the skin – and mine is pretty normal but a little dry. Third, it has SPF 40. I have worn it every single day for the last month. I use about two pumps each time. IN LOVE. I have gone through multiple moisturizers, trying a bunch of high end and low end and the favorites of Olay, Nuetrogena, Aveeno, Garnier, etc. I am so happy I finally found one. Picky much?
Next, back in January I talked about how much I was enjoying my Korres wild rose brightening nighttime facial as my nightly moisturizer. Well – it clearly lasts forever as I was just forced to replace it this month. You only need a tiny bit. I didn’t use it every single night because if my skin was feeling extra dry, I used my go-t0 Cetaphil cream moisturizer, but I definitely used it 5-6 times a week and occasionally, 7. When I went to get another one, I saw this greek yogurt version and was immediately like, um, food in my makeup? I can get down with that.
This actually seems a little creamier than the wild rose one and therefore, I love it. It’s the same type of packaging and you only need a little so I’m sure it will last just as long. However, since it’s summertime and hot outside, I might not need the heavy Cetaphil cream as much and go through this a little quicker. Obviously, I will probably let you know.
Speaking of stuff you throw on your face…
Instead of any sort of foundation, almost this entire month I’ve been using this Dr. Jart BB Cream. I’ve actually had this for probably close to a year, back when I was trying to determine is BB creams were a thing or if they were just crap. (Spoiler alert: they are pretty much just crap.) This one was a little too dark for my pale skin, but since I’ve been using some of the St. Tropez, some Jergens Glow and been outside a little bit, it matches perfectly these days. I really love how this looks on my skin. Almost flawless? I don’t really use a powder or anything on top either. And it has SPF 45! The only thing is that 1. I lost the cap and 2. the pump sucks. It spits and spatters it everywhere. I still really love the Tarte BB Cream I have been using, but since it’s way too light for me right now I just decided to use what I have.
And still going strong with the MAC radiant rose from last month. Love this stuff. I just use it under my eyes and it’s perfect for me.
OMG, Tarte blush. Are you so sick of me talking about it? I think this is the third time I’ve mentioned this specific color – Tipsy – this year. It’s so coral but you can make it work. If I haven’t been wearing that, it’s been the Milani dolce pink from Target that I raved about on Instagram a few weeks ago. I really like this because it’s shimmery where as most of my Tarte blushes are matte. Super pretty.
My favorite bronzer of all time is Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soliel. I think this is my third compact of it which is huge for me considering I really only wear bronzer in the summer. This is light enough so I don’t look orange. I’ve been a huge fan for years. Um, it also smells like chocolate. Like you need to know anything else.
Shocking. More Urban Decay liners!
You know I have my fair share of these, but they are really the only eyeliners I use and by far my absolute favorite. These are two of the only new makeup things I bought this month – the colors freak and asphyxia. I am a giant green and purple fan when it comes to my eyes and I love using the Naked Basics palette neutrals and using these on the lower lash line. Purty.
[Sidebar: a bunch of you asked about my brows on instragam last week. Truly, I never even filled them in until this past winter (maybe December?) and I’ve done it extremely gradually so people in my everyday life wouldn’t think I’m a lunatic. I’ve waxed my eyebrows myself since I was 16 so I don’t have a ton of tips… and I just use an old MAC espresso eye shadow to fill them in. If I’m going out, I will use this Tarte waterproof brow mousse since it’s a little more dramatic. And most of the time, I still look like a clown.]
Speaking of the Naked Basics palette, that is pretty much all I’ve exclusively used the last two months but since it’s been warmer out, I am loving the bronzy shades in my Naked 2 palette. A few months ago I talked about how my current favorite color was Tease, but since it’s summer I’ve been addicted to Chopped, Half Baked and even Snakebite.
I also am freaking out over this maybelline color tattoo in Seashore Frosts. Oh my gosh. It’s such an awesome color. I love these things – I raved about the pink one in the winter – they are so great for a quick and easy look.Â
Lips! Nothing new here. I’ve just been obsessing over things I’ve had for awhile. My current favorite lip looks have been:
1. the revlon kissable balm stain in cherish. Still loving it.
2. the revlon lip butter in pink lemonade. Perfect pinky-coral-ish color.
3. the maybelline vivids lipstick in shocking coral. First got this in February but it’s so much more appropriate now.
4. the combination of MAC creme cup and NYX eclair butter gloss. Creme cup has been a longtime favorite of mine and topped with the gloss – perfect.
You know I can’t go one month without talking about my favorite body lotions. I finished all of my Body Shop body butters and thought this Satsuma scent smelled the most like summer. I swear I smell like one giant citrusy margarita. This stuff is THICK, so I use it after I shower at night or if I have a few hours before I need to get dressed and go somewhere.
I’m not one to use Jergens Glow consisntently, but I use it to sort of “prolong” the St. Tropez that I mentioned last month. And for the first time I got the face-specific stuff and really like it. I don’t use it every day, but may 2-3 days before I have something to do or somewhere to go? Like maybe a day or two before the weekend starts!
I saved the prettiest for last. It’s like a watermelon explosion!
Last summer I was in love with the color on the left, pool party. It was ALL I wore. This year though, I’m equally in love with shocking pink and in the limelight. Maybe it’s because summer isn’t in full force yet? We shall see. Either way, these colors are super bright and you know me…
That’s all for now. You know the drill: what are you loving? Share share.
[I’m not in cahoots with any of these companies, I just really like all of their stuff. They have no idea who I am. There are a few amazon affiliate links above.]
84 Comments on “May Favorites: Beauty.”
Hi Jessica! I love reading your blog – but I extra love reading your Beauty Favorites. Looks like my next purchase might be the Josie moisturizer! Thanks for posting and have a great June!
My boyfriend told me the Josie sunscreen smells like cough syrup and now I can’t get it out of my head. It’s killing me.
(Also, sorry if I ruined it for you too. That wasn’t very cool.)
I especially love your beauty posts too! And OMG those Urban Decay liners…I love them! I use Mainline every day. I just cannot get enough of that color! And I love how they stay on all day, but are still smudge-able when you first put them on!
Your beauty posts are the best! I have been loving my Essie In the Cab-ana nail polish. Such a pretty blue.
I love that Maybelline Shocking Coral too. You would like Milani’s Flamingo Pose too!
The Vaseline spray moisturizer is great too, I can put my skinny jeans on right away after using it.
so funny – i have that on my nails right now!
I bit the bullet and bought MAC Fix +. It quickly became part of my beauty routine.
I also bought the Maybelline Eye Studio Color Explosion in Blue Blowout and Pink Punch and the color payoff is pretty good in both!
Too Faced Primed and Poreless powder. It totally locks my makeup and prevents my concealer from moving throughout the day.
Milani Best Lash Extreme and Covergirl Lash Blast volume together is my new go-to mascara combo.
Definitely going to need to hit up Target soon to try a few of these. Completely agree with you about bb creams. After trying a dozen different ones I went back to using Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. Love seeing all your beauty picks, especially lip products :)
um, how did I miss this sexual picture of you and Eddie on instagram?! I’m a stalker failure.
Come live with me so I can use all your pretty things. I’ll do your hair and eat your food too…. xoxo
The Dr. Jart cap allows the product to flow down to the pump! If you have the cap and set it on its end while not in use it doesn’t spray so crazy!
ahhh thank you!
Can you please talk more about waxing your own eyebrows????? Impressive!! Always love this post!!
haha i don’t know what to say about! i’ve done it for so long… i think my mom took me to get them waxed once and then i just continued to do it on my own? i truly don’t know why i’ve always done it myself – probably because i’m such a control freak. i think what i use is by sally hansen and i just get it at rite aid!
I’m not sure how your mosquito situation is where you live – but the satsuma body butter is supposed to be a natural repellent!
a new purchase for me was the bobbi brown blush in pale pink – i swear it is the perfect color.! it looks scary, but goes on so beautifully with a smashbox bronzer on top!
I need a new liquid eyeliner (black) – MAC is all smudging into my eye corners in a bad way since it’s been warmer out. any suggestions?
oh cool i had no idea!
i’m not a huge fan of liquid liners so unfortunately i don’t have any suggestions. i did try revlon colorstay once and it seemed to work okay though!
Hourglass. I have the ultra fine tip one. You put it on, it doesn’t budge. Good if you put it on correctly, you are crap out of luck if you slip though.
Not that you’re looking for recommendations, but i am IN LOVE with Stila HD Beauty Balm. It’s good for your skin and is just perfect. Enough coverage, blends in with your skin tone and is so light all at the same time! :)
I LOVE your beauty posts!
I am also a product junkie! I may or may not use your beauty posts as a “to get” list. :)
What is the best way to apply the Color Tattoo eye shadow cream? I picked out a gorgeous navy blue and have been using my finger to apply it and look like someone punched me in the eye. I tried brushes but it seems TOO creamy. I’ll take any suggestion!
i just use my fingers! however, i don’t have any super dark colors like the one you’re mentioning so maybe that is why it’s being difficult? have you tried patting it on?
Yes, it’s pretty dark. I’ll try a more gentle approach like patting. Thanks for responding! I also have to try that Macadamia shampoo soon. I just got highlights for summer and it’s dry as straw after a shampoo. I’m sure my Herbal Essences shampoo doesn’t help! LOL
Ugh, I wish I could just get a makeover from you! I wear super minimalistic, pretty cheap makeup and I just have no idea how to get started using good stuff that will actually work.
Also summertime + no AC = huge toll on my skin and makeup use. Any tips for staying dewy fresh when you’re feeling more sweaty slick?
LOVE THOSE POLISH COLORS!!!
I am so addicted to NYX lip stuff right now. I have purchased so many different shades of lipsticks, pencils and glosses. The apple strudel butter gloss is a pretty pale coral shade and has a sweet little taste to it but not overwhelming at all. My current fav product is an NYX eyeshadow called Gypsy. It is the perfect shade or brown with just the right amount of gold shimmer. Eeee, I just got Pool Party and can’t wait to try it out.
Thank you for reviewing the BB Cream! I have been eyeing it down on Birch Box for weeks now deciding if I want it or not. Ive been out in the sun a lot lately and i am getting pretty dark, and I was a bit worried it would be too dark for me, but Im thinking that if it was, I could lighten it up with a flat powder.
Thanks again!
Friendly note from a Master Esthetician to those up in cahoots about Parabens…there are far more parabens in the food you eat than any products you use on your face. So if you see a company promoting “paraben free”…it’s just a marketing thing.
Also, I cannot figure out how the crap to use the Maybelline color tattoo as a primer…I mean, if it’s pigmented, why use it as a primer for other colors of eyeshadow. And the Revlon lip color….my favorite! I’m in love with the Creme Brulee shade. And The Body Shop body butter is seriously God’s gift to the earth. That stuff is miraculous.
oh i know, i am not one of those people that is totally anti-paraben after doing my research and realizing it actually occurs in everything else. thank you so much for mentioning it though because it makes me feel even better!
haha i’m with you on the color tattoos – i think i could only use the light tan (which i don’t even have) one for a primer??
Love the post and can only imagine how long it takes you to create with all the pics, links, text, etc. Wow, you out-do yourself every month!
So many tips but the shampoo and conditioner. Need that for sure!
I’m seriously with you on this…how is it possibly going to be JUNE in 2 days!? Totally want that argon oil!!
Can you believe it is going to be June on Saturday. Like 1 1/2 days away and it is snowing here!! Someone help me, please!!! I think I need to go shopping on amazon (no good stores up here in this snowy town) and order all these products to make me feel better and like I have something summery on way. I think those nail polishes would totally do the trick! Plus, if I surprise my little girly girl sister with those colors she would freak with excitement!
I am the same way with the months, “June already say WHAT?!”
That moisturizer sounds divine! Yeah Dr. Jart didn’t work for me either, i’m too pale and even after the summer will still be too pale.
That seashore eyeshadow is lovely! Might have to try it! Do you think it will go with brown eyes?
AND your brows, AMAZING! I am horrible with my brows, and of course I have like bushes for eyebrows…yay me. As a brow novice, I don’t know what you mean by “fill-in”? Do you mean with a brow pencil?
Thanks! And as always love these posts!
xx
M
yep, that’s what i mean by fill in, but i just use an darker eyeshadow because a brown pencil scares me!
I love that you love stuff as much as I do! My addiction to beauty products is borderline crazy, but I can’t help it! I’m curious to try that shampoo since it’s less expensive than my Bumble & Bumble, which I love, but wondering if it’s safe for color treated hair?
i’m not quite sure – my hair is color treated as well… i think i read once that it is sulfates that strip the hair of color, but i could be totally wrong! this is sulfate free. would love someone to answer this, haha.
LOL I just looked at the bottle again and it says “color safe” as the very first thing! Oh man, I am in need of a glass of wine today. Or another cookie.
omg… well that makes my response even more ridiculous. HA!
For the bronzer – are you talking about the Milk Chocolate Soleil or the regular Chocolate Soleil? I know the milk chocolate debuted last year – to go through three compacts of it over one summer seems…odd? Maybe not though! But the regular chocolate soleil has been out for quite awhile now. Just wondering, because I’ve been thinking of picking up milk chocolate! Great post btw :)
i use milk! absolutely LOVE it.
i used a compact of the traditional chocolate soleil when it came out and i actually liked it a lot too – but once the milk came out it was so apparent that was the color i needed. so much easier to use on my skin. if you are light skinned, you will adore it!
I’m loving Jergens natural glow also! I feel like I mentioned this when I commented last month, but I actually bought the kind that is SPF 20, so I use it as sunscreen and trick myself into thinking that the sun is actually making my pale skin darker… Good to know that the face stuff works!
I finally bought some Revlon lip butter and I really like it! I bought a shade that is a little too shocking compared to what I usually wear, but I love how soft it makes your lips.
The only new thing I bought this month is John Frieda FrizzEase spray- and so far so good! Nice smell and makes my hair smooth and shiny!
I love posts like these because I always find something new that I want to try!
Ahaha I remember the first time I filled in my eyebrows and felt like a total freak. Now I can’t go a moment without them. I love these posts!
I love these posts! The nail polish shades are so pretty. I’ve been loving my Naked palette, too. My Dove dry shampoo has been a savior, as well as my Strawberry lipbalm by Rosebud.
Pingback: I love lists, Friday! – Shutterbean
These posts make me excited and scared all at the same time. Love the nail polish colors. I am so ready for something fun and bright!
Always enjoy reading your favs posts! I love Jose Maran products, especially the pure Argan Oil…it’s the best! I’m in love with the nail colors…just gorgeous. I think I need to get all three! :-)
Oh my gosh, if you like the Josie SPF 40 moisturizer then you will like all of her other products. Sounds like an exaggeration, I know, but since I switched to silicone/paraben free products (honestly think it was the silicones that don’t agree with it, but as for parabens– I really don’t eat a lot of processed anything so pretty short on those in my diet) my skin changed 180 degrees for the better. It is awesome.
I’m SO glad you mentioned the Mac radiant rose again! I was going to ask you to check into some under eye highlighters as I’m going for that “Falcon Crest/Dynasty” eye look…well, not literally…kind of…maybe a little…
POINT IS: it’s on my list and I’m looking forward to it! LOVE your posts…I just made a pact with myself that I cannot buy even ONE lipliner all summer…I have a bajillion…we should compare stashes ;)
I love Shocking Coral too… but, I feel like it’s more pink than coral.
It will be in my faves post too…next week, for real! I have a pile of stuff and I’m debating on whether or not to whittle it all down or just share it all. #firstworldprobz
For those of you filling in your eyebrows for the first time: the trick is to make very short, light, hairlike strokes with the eyebrow pencil. You want to duplicate the natural look of the eyebrows so don’t just draw a line.
Jessica, have you used Obsessive Compulsive eye shadows? I just purchased a few (I can never limit myself to just one or two) and love them. They seem to go on a little bright at first but then fade to just the right intensity. I am using the Authentic (copper) with either Triptych (gold) or Clove (pink) most often. The copper really does make my blue eyes pop.
i haven’t! i should though because i love occ lip tars.
I could probably find this in a previous post but what kind of mascara do you prefer? I love thick and dramatic without caking. I just can’t seem to find one I like. The last one I tried was Maybelline rocket volume express and I like it but even the waterproof remover won’t get rid of it. It builds up on my lashes, it’s gross.
I am obsessed with the combination of Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black and Maybelline the Falsies. I layer them or occasionally wear one or the other. Before that, I wore MAC Zoom Lash for about 5 years straight but I love this combo more!
Hi Jessica! Love your blog and these beauty posts!!! I’m dying to know if you have a favourite hand cream? I’ve been looking for the perfect one forever, it needs to be moisturizing, creamy not greasy, and of course smell amazing! Any ideas?! Thanks!
I’m so weird! I actually hate hand creams because I feel like they are almost always greasy on me! I think it’s because i have to use my hands all day every day and I just feel like stuff sticks to them if I use cream? I know. Weird.
Love seeing your new beauty favorites each month!
oh my gosh you are a beauty junkie…i wish i had a bathroom filled with all your cool fun stuff…mine unfortunatly fits in a nice makeup bag.
You have more product on this page than I own but I get a kick out of seeing it anyhow. Junkie it is!
My daughter gave away all of her hair products when she lost her hair after starting chemo. I mean it was amazing…for ONE person you have 40 bottles of ‘stuff.’ You two could probably dish.
Loving the blushes and these cute, summer nail polishes :)
Hey Jessica,
Have you ever tried Sugar tinted lip balm by fresh? It is a bit expensive -$22 a stick, but lasts quite a long time. I am kinda obsessed with their new color petal and put it on every time I walk near the store. Do I dare spend $22 on a tinted lip balm? Or do you have suggestions for a similar product and less expensive? Thanks!
i have! i really like it… not sure of something that would be similar – i love the revlon lipbutters but they have a bit more color to them!
I love your beauty posts – I just wanna go out and buy everything! But living in Europe I can’t get hold of all the brands, so I’m making a shopping list for my US vacation this summer, inspired by your posts :)
Love reading beauty posts from the USA! So many new products I haven’t herd off, it’s very exciting :) have a very big shopping list for when I make it over the pond :) love the post xxx
Your beauty posts are so great, I want all of these things now! It’s probably a good thing for my bank balance that most of the brands aren’t available here!
Erin x
Not sure if it’s been mentioned already, but the Josie Maran Daily Moisturizer with SPF 40 is being discontinued. *major sads*
They are replacing it with a reformulated version that they promise will be better.
So, one day my friends Cody and Katie joined me in the city on a Sunday for bottomless mimosas (seriously had about one bottle each) and some amazing brunch food (Croque Madame, anyone?) and then I ended up buying a $10 lip blam from L’Occitane. Hated myself for it once I was out of the champagne fog BUT it’s probably the best lip balm I’ve ever purchased. EVER. Totally feels like $10 when I put it on. It has 10% shea butter which is why I think it’s so silky. Hopefully it lasts forever since I don’t see myself dropping another $10 on a tube of lip balm any time in the near (sober) future.
I’m SO glad to hear you say that BB creams are crap! I’ve been thinking the same thing, but everyone else thinks they’re amazing. I used one and it clogged my pores so badly in just a few weeks that I’m STILL trying to get clear skin again. And it was an expensive brand, too! I can’t believe they’re putting such crap into a product and saying it makes you glow, and women are buying it up. I’m glad we’re on the same page.
I love your beauty picks. Always and forever. Amen.
I am so behind the times. I don’t know why BB cream is a “thing” but thanks for sharing that most are crap. I’ll have to try the Tarte one though as soon as I go through my foundation. Tarte has never let me down before.
Hi Jessica!
First of all, I LOVE your site and LOVE, LOVE your monthly beauty faves! I look forward to it each month, and have gotten so many new products based off your rave reviews. Thank you, thank you!
I have been trying to find a great body lotion. I do love Fresh lotion in sugar lychee, but do you have any recommendations? Anything less expensive, but great? Do you still love the TJ coconut butter? Is it too heavy for summer?
Thank you so much!
Kris