April Favorites: Beauty.
Oh hi. I’m going to be a terrible example this month.
Let’s talk about how I went crazy with face stuff! Eeeeep. I tried two tinted moisturizers/BB creams, both of which I loved, a blush, a bronzer, a sunscreen… the list goes on. Little crazy. Why does Sephora have to have sales? They ruin my life.
Also! I have to tell you a story. I was super excited about a product this month… until I wasn’t. In early March I got a sample of the philosophy renewed hope in a jar. I used the sample and freaking LOVED it. The texture! The feel on my skin! The perfect moisturizer for nighttime! It felt like silk. I didn’t use it every night since it was a sample – probably every other or every third to make it last. Ha. Well.Â
I ended up buying the large jar. I started using it nightly. About a week later, my face exploded. It was insane. I have been really lucky in the sense that I very rarely ever break out. I didn’t have acne as a teen and haven’t so far as an adult. Probably because my skin is so dry. This was crazy. All over my cheeks, sides of my face, eyelids (?!?!), forehead – everything. It was a mess.
I read up on the moisturizer which has AHA’s, and I’m thinking I broke out from going balls to wall with the AHA’s every night. Do you know anything about this? IÂ have sort of sensitive skin, but not in the way that it breaks out with products. Does that make sense? I stopped using the cream (sad face) but read that sometimes your skin just needs to get used to it. Thoughts? Would you continue using it?
Anyhoo. New stuff this month but old stuff too. Things that aren’t mentioned: the gimme brow which I’m still dying over (so good), the tree hut sugar scrub (went through last month’s, on to a new scent), the kenra blow dry spray (am I broken record? it’s saving my hair with a baby), and batiste, of course.
First! I grabbed the SPF mineral sunscreen version of my favorite nighttime moisturizer. I really like the first aid beauty ultra repair (I’ll use it all over my body too) and was super excited to see an SPF version. IÂ like it – have been throwing it on every morning, sometimes under makeup, sometimes on it’s own. So far, it’s just as great as the regular stuff!
Here’s where I started to go overboard in the face arena. I mentioned last month that I really wanted to try the bare minerals complexion rescue but my shade was sold out everywhere. I found it about a week later and have REALLY liked it. Since I’m not a huge fan of foundation, this is like my dream tinted moisturizer/BB cream/whatever you want to call it. It’s great on dry skin and gives me a little luminous glow. I use the shade vanilla, which excites me. (shocking.)
You’ll notice that pretty much everything in this post is all about a luminous glow. Dry skin + barely any sleep = lots of glowy skin products.
So! A few weeks (maybe two?) after finding that, the sephora VIB sale started and I saw this meteorites baby glow makeup, which is essentially another tinted moisturizer thing. I bought this for one reason: I’ve used the meteorites pearls for a few years as a setting powder and LOVE it. In fact, mine is so old that I probably definitely need a new one for hygienic reasons. I bought that after reading reviews on Temptalia a few years ago, and I just think it’s the best powder for dry skin. I barely ever ever ever ever use any kind of powder, but the pearls give a glowly, not-so-powdery look. It’s awesome.
Therefore, I had to try it in the cream version. The only thing I don’t like about this is how highly fragranced it is. I love the meteorites signature fragrance (is it lilac?) but I don’t love putting the scent on my face. That’s the only downside. I got the lightest shade and it’s perfect… even a little pink toned. It also feels quite hydrating. I don’t think it gives quite as much coverage as the complexion rescue – but I HAVE mixed the two together and I really like that too. I’m currently going back and forth and love them equally, so next month we will see if a true favorite stands out.
It also has a pump, which I really like. I always end up squeezing way too much product out for my face so this is ideal.
Clinique chubby highlighter! This is a repeat, I know. Totally talked about it last month but it’s sooooo cool. Like a big, fat highlighting crayon! I swipe it on my face and use my fingers to blend if needed. I even use it in the center of my lips.
Prettiest shimmer ever.
If you’ve been reading for awhile, you know that for years the only bronzer I’ve loved is the too faced milk chocolate soleil. It’s matte and not too orange and smells like CHOCOLATE. I haven’t used shimmery bronzers in years (combined with the orangeness of bronzers and paleness of my skin it just looks like a hot mess) but have had my eye on the kevyn acouin tropical nights celestial bronzer forever. Â It starts as a lightly shimmery highlight and transitions down to a bronzer which seems a bit cool toned – my fave.
WELL.
I freaking love this bronzer. It looks SO natural and isn’t too shimmery but again – slightly glowy. How many times have I said glowy in this post? I don’t even know. But it’s true.
It’s not going to replace the chocolate soleil for me, but I have used it on it’s own and WITH the soleil. Love it both ways. Only downside is that the slight shimmer rubs off on Max’s face, which is why I don’t love it for everyday use.
I allllllso bit the bullet and tried a Clinique cheek pop! You guys have been telling me to for at least a year now. This is the shade pansy and it’s a light lavender – ummm, the shade I go nuts for. It’s kind of a powder verison of the benefit lollitint and it looks so pretty over it too.
This is definitely comparable to my favorite tarte blushes. I want more buuuuut do I really need more blush? Absolutely not. Whomp whomp.
Gotta talk about the benefit rollerlash again. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!! A few points to make from last month: I don’t know if it necessarily curls my lashes because I would never NOT use a lash curler. Mine are too stick straight. It does help hold the curl though. I really didn’t want to like a high end mascara – so have you used anything from the drug store that is comparable? My drug store faves are loreal carbon black and maybelline the falsies. Which I still really like, but are NOTHING like this. This is super lengthening. I’ve tried so many mascaras but have never come across one like this that I love.
Another repeat, but a fabulous one. The bare minerals pop of peach passion lip oil balm. This is the best thing if you have kids/a baby/zero time/are on the go. It’s super moisturizing and you don’t need a mirror. It lasts for a while too. But I think my favorite thing about this one is the shade – the springiest coral Super natural while having a little coral glow.
I’m still loving on the zoya satin polish in Brittany. This has been on my toes for weeks and is the prettiest shade. Like a nude, but better. A little pink nude.
But just wait. Neons are making their way into the season.
Finally, this is an oldie but goodie for me. Don’t mind the crinkled tube.
I’ve used the weleda skin food off and on for years, but am currently waaaay back on the bandwagon. With the cold winter, my lack of consistent skin care and exfoliating, my skin has been super dry – more so than usual. I started using this on my arms and legs too. Not everyday, but at least once a week. I just hate that it only comes in small tubes. Can’t they make a huge version of this? I find mine at Target (it’s like $20 there?!) but it is considerably cheaper on amazon.
SO what are you into this month? Did you binge on the VIB sale? Do you want to paint neon pink lipstick all over the place? I’m into it. Tell me!
{as usual, none of this is sponsored and all of these products were purchased by me. i am not affiliated with any of the companies above, nor do i accept free products. just love to talk about what i like, makeup junkie to makeup junkie. there are a few amazon affiliate links above. thank you for being here!}
53 Comments on “April Favorites: Beauty.”
So many good picks!
I’ve been wanting to try the new BareMinerals – even for someone who wears BBs regularly, is the coverage enough to feel “done” or do you need to layer up?
i personally think that it is, but i don’t love foundation. if i was going to get professional photos taken or something i’d probably wear foundation, but otherwise i think the complexion rescue is enough!
Oooh I love your picks!! I haven’t tried a Clinique Cheek Pop, but that one looks great! I did binge in the VIB sale ;-) 3 foundations (madness!!) plus some other things. I did a haul post if you’re interested. Urgh, I hate sounding like “Come check out my blog” anyhoo….. Love your blog, been reading for the longest time, Your cupcakes ( http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/08/milk-chocolate-cupcakes-with-fresh-mint-frosting/ ) have become the ONLY choc cupcakes I’m allowed to cook in my house anymore, everyone raves about them, I don’t do the mint frosting, but the cake recipie…omg divine.
thebeautybloss.com
ahhh i just looked! i really wanted to try the hourglass bronzer, do you like it? and i was also dying for the armani eye tints!
Loving the Hourglass Bronzer, and have mixed feelings on the Armani tints. The Green one (green iron) is fab.u.lous. The others are a little meh. I’d definitely go for the darker/brighter colours rather than the nudey ones xx
Your favorites are always so lovely!
Christine
http://www.DimesandDonuts.com
I always love your beauty pics! I still swear by the Kenra blow dry spray that you recommended. I love it! Will never go back again. I really want to try the Zoya polish. What a pretty nude color!!
With AHA’s, sometimes your skin is just purging out crap, so you end up breaking out like a crazy person. I’d recommend the boring route of patch testing on a spot you never break out in for another week, and see what happens.
ALSO. I’ve been following your blog for about six months now and have never left a comment, but I think you may be my spirit animal. Because we love all the same things, and have the same colouring/love of all the cool toned pinks ever.
So, I’m defs kinda creepy, but you’re just super cool.
thank youuuu!
Who didn’t go nuts at Sephora with 20% off anything (and everything lol)? It’s better than Christmas because it isn’t Christmas (only have to think about yourself). I went in for my semiannual complete makeover (the one with their pro for an hour and a half). And if you never treated yourself to this, you really must. This is the most fun a beauty junkie can have. The gal at my favorite Sephora store is soo much fun. When you call the store for the appointment, make sure they know you want the 90 minute appointment. You don;t have to be Rogue but I think you have to be VIB and it requires a minimum purchase $150 (I think). Anyhow my new LOVE product is Algenist (if you haven’t tried the line, you should) Repairing Tint and Radiance moisturizer SPF 30. It’s a BB with Algenist benefits, yummy!
My haul bag is huge and would take my own blog to cover but there is one more must try product. Hourglass Ambient Bronzer. I got the Luminous. Not sparkly or orange. It is my new contour in addition to bronzer.
About the AHA, use it every second or third night while your skin adjusts. For some ppl ingredients like AHA or retinol cause such a change in their skin chemistry, the skin has to expel a lot of stuff that is deep inside thus the break outs. If after a couple of weeks your skin is still breaking out then return the product to Sephora (another of the myriad reasons to shop there, the return policy). Good luck :)
i have never done that – you just totally sold me though!
so i was looking at online swatches of the hourglass bronzer and thought that even the lighter one looked orange. i think i really need to see it in person! do you love it?
I do really love it (the hourglass). (and sorry for the double post, thought I was just correcting my boo boo) My skin is totally yellow based so most bronzers look awful on me
Believe me, you will not regret being worked on by one of their pros ( and the minimum purchase is $125 not $150). I take my mom (she visits me in April, opposite coasts). she has a great time and doesn’t suffer from my affliction-beauty junkie. I love it because the pro applies stuff to my mom while I play with dozens of products (which she goes and picks for me along with stuff I put on my Love List because I want to try before I buy) but she is at my elbow to help me when I get stuck (plus we get closer to 3 hours with the 2 of us)!
Based on your review I just ordered the Guerlain baby lights (got a 10% off coupon from my excursion the other week, you don’t want to know how much I spent). I’ll let you know how it works for me.
Who didn’t go nuts at Sephora with 15% off anything (and everything lol)? It’s better than Christmas because it isn’t Christmas (only have to think about yourself). I went in for my semiannual complete makeover (the one with their pro for an hour and a half). And if you never treated yourself to this, you really must. This is the most fun a beauty junkie can have. The gal at my favorite Sephora store is soo much fun. When you call the store for the appointment, make sure they know you want the 90 minute appointment. You don;t have to be Rogue but I think you have to be VIB and it requires a minimum purchase $150 (I think). Anyhow my new LOVE product is Algenist (if you haven’t tried the line, you should) Repairing Tint and Radiance moisturizer SPF 30. It’s a BB with Algenist benefits, yummy!
My haul bag is huge and would take my own blog to cover but there is one more must try product. Hourglass Ambient Bronzer. I got the Luminous. Not sparkly or orange. It is my new contour in addition to bronzer.
About the AHA, use it every second or third night while your skin adjusts. For some ppl ingredients like AHA or retinol cause such a change in their skin chemistry, the skin has to expel a lot of stuff that is deep inside thus the break outs. If after a couple of weeks your skin is still breaking out then return the product to Sephora (another of the myriad reasons to shop there, the return policy). Good luck :)
The Kevin Aucoin bronzer looks so, so beautiful!!! I’m dying to try the Clarins balm, too. I have the tube version and love it! And ahhhh Roller Lash! I managed to get my hands on a few samples recently and still have not tried it!
I bought the bare minerals complexion rescue last week and absolutely LOVE it so far!! It’s so light and perfect for me to put something light on if I’m going to work out in the morning or just running errands and don’t want to put on a full face of makeup. Glad you were able to find your color :)
Don’t throw out your renewed hope in a jar yet! I had a similar issue and discovered it was because I was using TOO MUCH of it (my skin is so dry & so sensitive). My sephora skin specialist told me you only need a small amount, the tip of your pinkie, and rub it between your fingers to warm it up. This helps it absorb into your skin. She also gave me a spatula so I could scoop up the correct amount. HUGE difference. I don’t use it every night, maybe every other.
You need to get Fresh beauty’s Seaberry oil. Super moisturizing and the lightest, yummiest, scent.
omg this makes so much sense! because with the sample i was using it sooo sparingly then when i got the big tub, started using more every night. if i’m brave enough, i may try it again.
i’ve eyed the seaberry oil for awhile – do you put it on under the cream? i usually use rosehip oil.
Buy the small travel sized Seaberry oil (it’s under $20). And yes, it goes on before moisturizer (though I find 3-4 drops of the oil is enough unless it’s winter).
When applying skincare products it’s serums, oils, lotion. That’s what my sehpora skin care lady told me. :)
Oooh i agree about the Seaberry oil! Also the Fresh sleeping masks, black tea is current fav but just bought the Peony. And very important point surlykitchen, emulsify all beauty products (creams, oils) between your fingers before you put it on.
I’m also obsessed with the new roller lash mascara. Love the idea of a lavender blush and I need that bare minerals lip oil balm! I scored a Laura Geller set at TJMaxx that included her baked blush in roseberry and color drenched lip gloss in berry crush: http://www.laurageller.com/just-berry.html
Loving them both!
Also currently trying out a few Dr. Brandt products – pores no more cleanser and dark spots no more serum. I have combo skin that’s been really oily lately. The pores no more is helping, but i may need something stronger to combat this acne.
The tinted moisturizer I’ve been using for the last few months is Jouer in Matte. Works great except on days when my face is super oily it gets cakey and runny. They have a luminizing version that gives a very pretty glow you might like.
ooooh i tried the jouer sample a few years ago from birchbox and liked it too – even the matte one!
Going to hunt down that Zoya shade now! Loves it.
OKAY, this is extremely important – you MUST try the Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara (with the curved wand, natch). It is THE BEST. MASCARA. EVER. And I’m pretty high-end when it comes to makeup, usually. My Target had two for $9 package thing and I won’t even tell you how many I bought.
i tried it when it first came out and i think i liked it but wasn’t totally wowed – maybe i will try again!!
I used the Hope in a Jar for years as a night time treatment, and I love it! I am super oily and acne-prone, so I was concerned that it would make it worse. But it really helped to feed my skin after all of the exfoliating and acne treatments.
Maybe try it at night for a bit, and see what happens! I’m going to try the stick highlighter soon!
I have that Clinique highlighter and really like it! That Clinique blush looks so pretty!!! I’ve been avoiding sales and such but now I want to go makeup shopping.
Need the Zoya color…I’ve been wearing Butter’s Yummy Mummy as an easy neutral, but I’ve been wanting more pink in it. Love to add some suggestions, but this time, I’m just making a shopping list from yours :)
I’m obsessed with the BareMinerals Rescue Complexion! It’s so good, I could never see myself living without it anymore…:P
I’m super fair with red/cool undertones and I just tried Too Faced Pink Leopard bronzer and am absolutely in love. My face literally glows, so if you decided to switch to a new bronzer, I highly recommend it. Also, if you have Benefit’s high bream highlighter, I heard if you mix a couple dabs with your liquid makeup and apply with a brush, the result is very dewy and glowy.
i looove highbeam!
Also if you’re looking for a night time moisturizer, I highly recommend Origins Night-a-mins or the Drink Up Intensive Overnight mask. The best thing that I have ever given my dry acne prone skin is that mask- scout’s honor.
That’s so disappointing to hear about the renewed hope in a jar lotion! If you bought it at Sephora, they’re usually pretty good about opened returns. I’m also loving the Clinique highlighter. I blend mine into my skin with my beauty blender after i’ve done foundation – that way you avoid getting your hands messy! Roller lash is also really freaking good!! I was so surprised at how it made my lashes look. April as a good beauty month!
M.
Have you tried Loreal’s Miss Manga mascara? It’s my go-to lately.
i did try it when it was first released, didn’t love it at the time unfortunately!
Have you ever tried any of Julep’s products? They started out with mainly nail polish but now their beauty selection is amazing!
i haven’t!
I had the same problem with Philosophy products. I have super sensitive skin and I tried to continue using them, but it only got worse. It actually resulted in a steroid shot (long story and not very fun) so I had to stop using them. I switched to Yes to Blueberries for the “anti-aging” and haven’t had any problems. Also, I love that Zoya polish!!
HA that Benefit Mascara—I like it too. The Laura Mercier Eye Art Palette is gorgeous(very nice for lighter eyes, too!), every single UD Revolution gloss but specifically Assassin and Failbait, and HempZ Papaya lotion smells delicious. I’ve also stocked up on some NYX Soft Mattes–Prague, San Paolo, and Copenhagen are all gorgeous. (All of this stuff is just from Sephora and Ulta, too.)
Loving Wow Pop lipstick by Clinique.
Agree on the Brittany polish. Wore it last week.
Love High Impact Mascara by Clinique. My Go-To.
I bought Daisy Eau So Fresh in the VIB sale.
I use Murad face wash with AHA and BHA in it twice a week. LOVE IT.
Almost finished with my Crystal Baby lipstick by Estée Lauder. I have maybe 2mm left on the bullet!! Can’t wait to be done loving it.
i’m dying to try those pop clinique lipsticks!!
Try the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara. The brush looks very similar to the Roller Lash. I don’t know how the formula compares, but it is my new favorite. I’ve been stuck on a couple high end mascaras lately, and the Lash Sensational is hands down better than any I’ve tried. Curls, thickens, and lengthens. I’m sold!!
I second the lash sensational!!! Reminds me of a better version of Roller Lash!
Also, I found you can build on more layers without it getting clumpy/spidery which happened with Roller Lash for me!
I love the First Aid Beauty repair cream like you do. You should try their facial radiance pads….I use one every night after I cleanse my face. They are amazing! They work as a gentle daily exfoliater.
I love Wedela stuff. Yes, they are expensive. I hoard up when they go on sale.
I’m just recovering from an exfoliating toner burn. When will I learn. Have tried various kinds and every single one burns my face and leaves it looking like I have a very bad sunburn or chemical peel. Loving the Benefit Gimme Brow too.
i definitely picked up the philosophy renewed hope in a jar and I do love it! I hvemt had any break-out issues from it (yet?) but did have some issues due to post-partum hormones for a good while there. Things seemed to have leveled out (fingers crossed!) but we will see?
I also got the Tartelette matte shadow palette. LOVE! I’ve been using Oribe anti-humidity spray to combat frizz and really love it on rainy PNW days. Also tried out the Pantene dry shampoo and like it more than my batiste…but i think it’s because since becoming pregnant and having Casper, a lot of scents have become overpowering for me. Other than those, nothing new. Though I do want to try the Leneige cushion because I saw it on The Beauty Department and you can find it at Target…I’m looking for it today.
i did buy a few things at sephora. im sad i didnt get a sample of the bare minerals compl rescue to try. next time ! i bought some gel effect nail polish but have yet to try i have a friend who says it lasts great for her. im taking a break from gel manicures and it freaking sucks! having to paint like every 2-3 days. so annoying.
i am loving my tarte amazonian clay blush still, hourglass ambient powder in radiant glow, bright pink lipsticks when i have no time for eye makeup, and my blow dry cream from bumble and bumble in the gray tube (smell sucks but helps straighten my hair when i dry). my skin is back and forth right now with oil on forehead and dry cheeks cuz of the ohio weather. i also loooove the chocolate bronzer and use it to highlight/contour daily. thanks for recommending that !!!! im also fair skinned with pink undertones so regular bronzers look ridic on me.
I tried the chubby stick highlighted in store and wasn’t convinced. The shimmer made me nervous. I loved the contour shade (no shimmer). Any one have opinions on the highlight?
.xo
I just bought over 12 polishes from Zoya during their Earth Day sale – half price!! I’m super excited to try their top coat. The sale ends today, so… you know. Hit it. I also bought the Clinique Cheek Pop in Ginger this month during their gift promo (I missed the Sephora sale!!) and I like it so far. Not sure if I love it as much as my old MAC blush, but we’ll see.
I also got a bunch of samples of the Clinique Smart Serum (which I am loving so far), and their new Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer, which even in the lightest color is too dark for me (I’m somewhere between your shade and Casper), so I can’t really give it a proper trial run. For now I’ll keep mixing my own concoction of their Acne Solutions Foundation and their awesome CC cream. Also, on the mascara front, I’m LOVING their new Lash Power feathering mascara. My eyes water a lot and this stuff lasts without a flake until I wash it off. Plus, the brush gives you really defined, feather-like lashes. Amazing.
I’m all about the Clinique on my face. :D
Between the sale at Sephora and one on Josie Maran’s website, I did some real damage. However, it was mostly all skin care things that I ran out of and held off on buying for like a month, so at least it saved me money in the long run! I’m really crushing on Josie’s products. I use her Argan Milk morning and night and find that it has helped heal some minor acne scarring/hyperpigmentation. It says it’s a hydrating treatment but it is more like a magical wonder treatment. I adore it so much. I also use her Argan Oil Lite, her Argan cleanser (the best cleanser/makeup remover in the world), and her exfoliating powder. I also bought her new self-tanner (I’m looking forward to seeing how it compares to St. Tropez, which I love) and her illuminating/enlightening wand, which gives a nice subtle champagne glow to the skin (if you want more glow products look at her enlightenment/illuminating stuff!). I also really love her mascara (it gives my lashes great length, it’s not too clumpy, and the wand itself really hugs the lashes). Also, it’s cheaper at QVC!
I love that Bare Minerals tinted moisturizer, too! It’s totally my kind of thing (I have dry skin, too, and am always looking for GLOW, BABY). Also, lol, that Philosophy night moisturizer. I used a sample once a week at night and it was good, but at some point I ran out of my daily night moisturizer and tried to use the Philosophy one instead. Bad news bears, kids. So it’s back to once a night!
I’m totally with you on not wanting to love a super expensive mascara. I was a die-hard L’Oreal Carbon Black fan, but the only thing I didn’t like was that taking it off was such a lengthy process. Just got into the L’Oreal Telescopic mascara — have you tried it?? I think it lengthens and separates so much better than Carbon Black. I’ll still do CB if I want something really full, but right now I’m like Telescopic even better.
I have to also profess my love in total agreement with you on the roller lash mascara. I have never liked high end mascaras and thought I was perfectly happy with my drug store mascaras, but I was on a trip to Chicago at the beginning of March and was at Macy’s on Michigan Avenue with some time to kill and was hit up by the makeup guy at benefit to try the mascara. I knew I wouldn’t like it (haha) but i tried it anyway and now I am in love. I don’t use an eyelash curler on a regular basis and now I don’t think I ever need to again because I feel like if you get the angle right on the wand then it curls your lashes for you. I never wanted to get hooked on a high end mascara but I did and now I am stuck!!!!!
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