January Favorites: Beauty.
oh my gahhhh. I’m so excited to talk about makeup. Is this okay? Can we talk about makeup for a minute?
After some prodding on instagram, pinterest and facebook I decided to give in and be a huge copycat: sharing a post at the end of each month about my favorite beauty stuff. Can I have one day a month to be a product junkie? Okay, good. Thank you. Even better: tomorrow I’m going to share a food, etc favorites post, so if makeup isn’t your thang, see you then.
If you’ve frequented my Crumbs section over here, you sort of know how much I love beauty products. I mean, I LOVE THEM. I have loved them since I was a tween. In my second life, I’d totally be a makeup artist. Except I’m a little skeeved out by touching other people’s faces? It’s true. But I’ve always looked at makeup as an art. I’ve never worn it to disguise or cover anything (thankfully, I realize I am lucky), but more so have worn it as… artwork. On my face. Does that make sense? It also explains why I am fascinated with every color BUT nuetral anything, so there’s that. Trust me, if I found it appropriate (and that my entire family wouldn’t disown me), I would definitely walk around with a face full of makeup like those amazing MAC makeup artists. I wish you could have seen my eyes on New Year’s Eve. I think some of my family actually DID disown me.
Anyway. Here is what I’m currently loving.
This Korres lip butter in Jasmine. AHHH! Out of all products, lip stuff is my favorite. I have more lipgloss, balm, whatever to rival the Rite Aid down the street, but I think I’ve told you that before. I only recently picked one of these up (like around Christmas?) and have to say I’m totally hooked. Not only on the butter itself, but the color! It’s such a pretty pale pink. And it smells amazing. Nothing like jasmine, which I imagine smells florally. Or maybe it does smell like jasmine. What do I know?
Next up: insanely bright lipsticks. Um, yeah. This is fairly new for me. For years I have preached about how I am not a lipstick person. I’m so much more of a gloss girl. I think it’s because I love to wear crazy (and I do mean !nutso!) colors on my eyes, therefore playing down my lips. But do you see these pinks? ugh. So me. I could not resist and now I’m sold. From left to right, we have MAC Candy Yum Yum, MAC Pink Pigeon (this is currently temporary + sold out) and Guerlain Girly. Uh, we need to talk about Guerlain for a hot sec. So expensive, but I discovered it on my favorite beauty blog ever, Temptalia, and the quality is incredible. I just have to starve for like two weeks in order to afford one of these lipsticks.
Coming from a self-proclaimed mascara snob, I am adoring this loreal voluminous mascara. Last year I wrote about how I was addicted to MAC zoomlash and then later, YSL faux cils in purple. Yes, purple. I still love those two, but decided to try this, ahem, more economical one and ding ding ding – worked! I find myself reaching for it almost exclusively which says a lot.
Next up: eyeliner. For years now I’ve only used Urban Decay 24/7, not only because of how it works but because their crazy colors? Obviously right up my alley. I think I have almost every shade at this point, but my current fave is that sparkly teal-ish one that… has glitter. Shocking, right? It’s called LSD. So appropriate.
Blush I’ve lived on: any and everything Tarte. The above two colors are my most used: exposed is the more neutral color and fantastic is the pink one. I use them both equally depending on what I do with my eyes/lips. Fantastic came in a gift set of four and as of right now, I don’t think it’s a permanent color. These have totally over taken my use of that “favorite” Nars blush which I later decided – is not my favorite at all. It sort of oxidized on my face and turned orangey, and even though I used it for years, I think it always did that and I was just trying to be cool and love it since everyone else did. Over that. I’m growing up.
A given: this is the only body cream I am using at the moment. I want to eat my arm off like every single day.
Face things! First up, I was so excited to see Yes to Carrots come out with grapefruit products. Grapefruit is one of my favorite scents (and fruits) ever. My cousin first introduced me to the vast selection of face wipes and while I use many different ones, I’m currently loving these due to their scent.
Next, this Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial. I’ll be honest – this was a big impulse purchase when I grabbed the lip butter above. I always just use that super heavy Cetaphil moisturizing cream at night but was sucked in by the words “advanced brightening.” Um, I love this. A word of warning: it definitely smells like roses or something floraly. It is STRONG. Which makes practically zero sense since I just whined above about how I hate floraly scents, but this… reminds me of my grandma. I don’t know. It just smells like an old lady. It’s comforting or something. Not to mention it is perfectly moisturizing and absorbs quickly. I have slightly dry, slightly sensitive but very normal skin and this is awesome.
Last year I talked about my infatuation with the Smashbox eye brightener, but I have since stumbled upon this Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Brightener. As you can see, it is pink. It is SO brightening. I have pretty pale skin with cool undertones, and this is perfect. I actually wear it alone and love it.
MAC Fix+. Yeah yeah – some people say that spritzing water on your face after you do your makeup will give you the same effect, but I beg to differ. As someone who strives for the “glowy and dewy” skin constantly, this is amazing. It’s one thing that I use daily, no matter what.
Can I have a favorite out of my favorites? This is it. Last year I mentioned that I had discovered Bond No. 9 West Side, but could not justify the price at ALL. Actually, I didn’t “discover it,” but moreso was accosted in Nordstrom by a sales associate and tricked into smelling a million perfumes until I wanted to gag. I was pretty partial to my longtime favorites though and there was no way I was paying for that perfume. Then. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. For over six months, I sprayed it on myself every time I came across it, hoping to find something similar. I researched perfumes that had similar undertones, hoping to find a cheaper version. Every time I sprayed it, I thought about it for DAYS. I didn’t even want to wear my go-to scents anymore. Luckily, I ended up getting it for Christmas (sort of shocked) and now we have a major problem: I can’t stop wearing it. I spray it on myself even when I spend 12 hours in the kitchen, cooking ALONE. I need to stop. It’s bad.
FYI: I have never gotten so many compliments on a scent before so if you are considering taking the plunge… it’s worth it.
Also: I’m a terrible influence.
(Note: that is an amazon affiliate link; it is considerably cheaper purchasing any Bond No. 9 perfumes from Amazon as opposed to Nordstrom or Saks.)
Hair stuff: freaking out over this Kenra blow dry spray. I can’t say enough good things about it. !!!!! I have a ton of hair and it takes eons to dry. This not only protects it (I guess?) but it reduces the drying time by a third, maybe more? It is incredible and I’m sort of pissed I haven’t been using it my entire life. If you wash your hair every other day or so, it lasts a long time too.
Lastly: this Revlon polish in midnight. I’m all for glittery pinks and pastels but realize that I need to not always act like I’m 17, so am trying to drag out the dark colors until February or so. We will see how that goes. Regardless, I wore this all through November and December too. Big heart.
Whew. That was long. Okay party people. Back to regularly scheduled programming tomorrow.
Oh but first, tell me what you’re loving right now. Because clearly… I really need MORE products. Oomph.
142 Comments on “January Favorites: Beauty.”
Love that nail polish…will check that out and the lipstick and the blow dry spray too!
Too Faced BB Cream- LOVE it! It goes on very lightly, but enough to cover any slight blemishes or spots. Very moisturizing, but doesn’t make your face oily at all! Sometimes my face can be oily, but at the end of the day, it looks great! Love this stuff.
i actually just bought that but haven’t used it quite enough to judge yet. so far, i agree with you and love it!
I need that blow dry spray! And now I’m dying to smell that perfume. I currently Mac’s lipstick Baron’s Rose…it’s dark red with gold glitters, and it looks amazing with a tiny bit of gloss for a night out. And for eyeshadows…I obsess over the Naked palette by Urban Decay! More neutrals, but perfect for daytime, everyday.
I had no idea there was a yes to grapefruit option. I ALWAYS say yes to grapefruit. (I’m currently using the Yes to Tomatoes facewipes and love them, though.)
I’m a huge fan of all the Covergirl Lashblast mascaras. Currently, the Clump Crusher is my fave. Affordable and both lengthens and thickens my lashes :D
I want that MAC stuff. You are a terrible influence. Do you get birchbox? Samples every month? There’s TONS. I love it. It’s the highlight of my month.
I do!
LOVE THIS. I’m also a beauty junkie and rarely re-purchase unless I fall desperately in love. Korres Lip Butter is perpetually a fave, currently working with “Plum” to indulge my vampy side. Other obsessions: Lorac Front of the Line Pro liquid liner (like a Sharpie but better?), Too Faced La Crème in Razzle Dazzle Rose (lighter pinks scare me but as long as your exfoliate lips first it’s gorg and wears beautifully), and Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream (I used to wear Estee Lauder Double Wear everyyyy GD day and now I can get away with this + concealer on casual days).
Since you’re such a product junky, have you ever enrolled in Birchbox? Four to six deluxe size (I’ve even gotten full size) beauty samples for $10 a month…. Really, you may want to consider it. :)
yes, I get it!
Why haven’t I heard of this?!
I LOVE Kenra hair products! Thanks for sharing your faves with us!
Ooh I love Urban Decay’s 24/7 eyeliner!! And a Trader Joe’s is FINALLY opening up close to me in March. I was obsessed with TJs when I lived in California, but they’re few and far between in South Carolina. The first thing I’m going to grab will be the coconut body butter for sure.
I’m in love with The Balm’s Mary-Loumanizer luminizer powder. It’s so light, but shimmery. I usually use it as a base for eyeshadow, under my brows, and on my cheeks and nose! And the case is an adorable mirrored compact.
Also! Birch Box is fine but I’ve been liking Ipsy more and more. Same deal as BB, $10/month, they have more makeup than skincare or scents but all their samples come in cute makeup bags. And I’ve gotten much bigger samples from them which I like because it gives me more time to judge how I like a product!
Agree with you on the IPSY. I had both and canceled Birchbox.
YESSSS finally! thanks for finally sharing, you are always hinting at beauty products and I’m excited to see your favorites! I especially got excited about your description of how you feel about “everybody’s favorite” Nars blush because I feel the same way!! It does something funky and orange on my skin and I prefer Tarte’s amused or exposed waaaaaay more. I’m currently obsessed with Benefit’s hoola bronzer and the Revlon kissable balm stains. Not overrated!
1. Laura Mercier Radiance Primer- SO good, and gives you the perfect dewy look.
2. philosphy help me night retinol treatment- I am super new to actually taking care of my skin, but at almost 26, better late than never?
3. MAC Mineralize Foundation- also helps achieve the dewy look
4. Too Faced Cinnamon Lip Creme
5. Bumble & Bumble Salt Spray- perfect for natural waves
6. Aquage Root Lifter- I have super thick hair so when it’s longer it tends to get heavy and weigh my roots down, this is by far, my favorite hair product, ever.
I would love to know what you use for brows and undereye concelear?
oh gosh you listed so much stuff i want or love already.
i don’t do anything to my brows – i know, i know… but i have dark hair and am way too scared to mess with that.
for concealer i use that one above (the age rewind) for minimal makeup and when i wear more makeup (weekends/going out) i use the lightest shade of cle de peau. i adore it! i also use YSL touche eclat radiant touch pen.
I am currently OBSESSED with Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream. It is a great moisturizer for winter. I’ve never been a foundation kind of girl, so this is the perfect about of coverage!
Also, I can’t agree more about the L’oreal mascara!! I’ve been using it for years and constantly get compliments on my lashes :)
Annnnd thanks for adding Coconut Body Butter onto my TJ’s list for the week!
Uh Oh. I just ordered the perfume. :)
girl, you could talk to me about beauty products ALL DAY. I am going to grab some of that Kenra spray this weekend! Also, I’ma try that mascara too…as I’m a DiorShow addict.
Do you do any product subscription programs?
ahhh! dior show is like the one mascara i have yet to try. have you tried givenchy noir couture mascara? incredible too.
i do birchbox but honestly… not that impressed.
I do BirchBox too, but I’m over it.
I haven’t tried the Givenchy noir couture, but it’s totes going on my list!
Keep these posts comin’! I am currently LOVING a few Chanel products (I was suckered into a makeover recently but am surprisingly love everything I bought!) — they are:
Eclat Lumiere for under-eye circles
Glossimer lip gloss in 149
Rouge Coco lipstick in Cambon (number 31)
Long Lasting Eyeliner in Beryl
Inimitable Intense Mascara in Black
Whew. I guess I went a little overboard. these products are totally worth it!
I love Inimitable! So spendy though :(
I keep hearing more and more GREAT things about the Tarte blush and I want to give it a try! I still use (and still love) Nars (Orgasm/Laguna duo) but I’d like to mix it up now and then :)
My sister just got me into using the tarte blush (amazing and SO natural looking!) and hourglass mascara…have you heard of that one? Love this mascara so much – it looks totally natural but really elongates the eyelashes. Love.
And for nail polish, I recently discovered L’Oreal…never used it before, but it goes on like a dream and is super glossy. I’m currently wearing Paparazzi Perfect, a dark purple color with hints of navy.
So yeah…I have problems too :) but there are worse things…
i just got an hourglass lipgloss that i am infatuated with, so i can only imagine that the mascara is fab!
Love this! I love Bond New York Andy Warhol, I bought it to wear on my wedding day and love it. They make amazing products. I don’t even like perfume or overly scented things but it’s amazing….
hugely second this. i am super sensitive to perfumes and could not agree more.
Also, I just bought a candle (whatever I hate scented things and I bought a freaking candle) but it’s Tocca in Stella – Blood Orange and if you love citrus, it’s amazing. OK, that is all, no more spending money on things that aren’t food!
Hi! I don’t think I have ever commented on your amazing blog before (I just secretly drool over your recipes e’ryday), but had to today! I just did a round up post that is similar; that Voluminous mascara is in mine, too! Seriously the best, and SO much cheaper than all the others I used to buy. I just bought the Carbon Black version last week. Just as lovely as the orig.
I am definitely looking for that body butter next time I hit up TJ’s….I can’t picture where it would be, but I will find it!!!
And that is one pretty polish color. Pretty impressed with that Revlon colorstay line, and I am a total Essie snob. I am looking for a Revlon color called “Bare Bones” tonight….prettiest nude I have seen (online, at least). I plan on painting brightly-colored French tips over the nude color!
the body butter is with the vitamins/toiletries/soaps at TJs!
I use Cle de Peau and am ob.sessed. It’s very seriously the best concealer I’ve ever used, and it turns my whole face around (that sounded weird. It just makes it look better). I’m really interested in trying the tarte blushes, because I LOVE their Amazonian clay brightener stuff. It’s semi-magic.
I mainly use MAC products but I wish I would venture out more. Your list is helpful. One beauty product I am obsessed with is a nail base cost by Essie. It is called Grow Stronger. My polish last a lot longer since using it with hardly any chips.
Voluminous Mascara?! OMGee – I cannot find it anymore in Atlanta and I am so sad. Hey! Maybe I can get it online!
I hadn’t even thought of that! Thanks Jessica!
Im into nail polish in a HUGE way right now. Head to sephora and get some illamasqua colors. They have this Tiffany blue that is just gorgeous!
I also use MAC Candy Yum Yum!
That TJ’s Body Butter is the best stuff! The way it looks and smells, I just want to eat it up! I’ve also gone back to using Voluminous mascara – I really love it, especially for the price. I was using DIorshow before, and that gives me more volume, but I’ll stick with the Voluminous for now. The Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip glosses are my favorite, I love everything about them.
I’m obsessed with korres brand. I use the pomegranate gel face moisturizer and its the first one I’ve ever used that feels exactly the way I want a moisturizer to feel :light, non greasy, moisturizing but not heavy, pore filling. Idk can’t describe, it’s heavenly and prob awesome for summer if you are using the rosé one now.
I also have their mascara, the volcano black or something? Love that too and I use Anastasia lash genius over it, also awesome product. It water proofs and sets the mascara and separates all the lashes.
I also just got a tarte lip stain, it comes in pencil form and I love the matte color an then the ability to put gloss over it for a diff look.
That TJs body butter has replaced every single lotion I’ve ever bought. I have extremely dry skin, always have, live in a dry climate and no matter what I do, try, eat, slather on, etc…I am just prone to it and that stuff is a gem! It’s the only overall body lotion ive been using for about 6 mos and love it!
Also everything else you mentioned. Years ago used Kenra shampoo, great quality. And MAC. Love hearing about your latest finds. Last week I opened up one of the 3 stuffed trunks I have and I let Skylar go shopping in one of my trunks. She’s in glittery heaven :) Love this post, keep it up next month!
I’m so excited to see this post b/c I have been doing a total revamp of my beauty collections. I, too, absolutely adore grapefruit products so I’m thrilled to be introduced to Yes to Carrots! I hopped over to their site and saw that their products are not only made with organic ingredients, but they are incredibly inexpensive compared to their competitors!! I was sold then, but then I saw that they also chose a school in my hometown for their Yes to Seed campaign. I have a feeling I will totally be a fan for life!
Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm – best stuff you’ll ever put on your face. Makes you look dewy and feels so light on your skin. Light coverage hides flaws and evens skin tone. Even after I take it off, my skin feels great!
So many things we haven’t even discussed. Grapefruit facey wipes? Boom.
I am totally obsessed with beauty products as well.
Recently I am loving:
Too Faced bronzer and bronze primer, it smells like hot chocolate. I am fair too and it doesn’t make me look orange.
I also use Loreal Carbon Black mascara.. its great! I used to use MAC Haute and Naughty and it does the same thing for me
Redken Quick Tease, awesome to give the hair some lift
MAC lipstick in Rebel has been everywhere and I totally love it too
MAC Soft and Gentle is such a great skin finisher
I just got started on my Sigma brush collection and have been very happy with what I’ve gotten so far.
ahh that’s the chocolate soliel bronzer, right? dying for it.
i also love rebel + soft and gentle! use both.
yes! it’s a great bronzer! Also, have you checked out JaclynHill1 on Youtube? She has such great tutorials! She’s quick and funny too
I love Bond no 9 Manhattan! It is an expensive perfume but so worth it :)
Well thanks… Or not… I just added 90% of these to my amazon cart. My personal fave this month is TheBalm Hot Mama which I love, love, love. I have two and keep one in my bag for on the run. I am in love with Harvey Prince Ageless (grapefruit!!) and Harvey Prince Skinny Chic has piqued my interest too.
My favorite thing to play up is my eyes. I’m totally obsessed with fake eyelashes. Totally. The problem? I seriously cannot get them on. Anytime I try, I get glue all over my eye lid, it drips down the side of my cheek, despite that whole, “wait 60 second” crap and then I end up applying them crooked. AND…they don’t stick. If you have any recommendations at all, I would really love to hear them. Aside from hiring a personal beauty assistant to glue them on for me, I don’t know that I’ll ever get to wear them!
oh girl, if you lived closer i would teach you! i liiiive for false eyelashes. have been using them for 10+ years. i only use the singles though – have you tried those? i use 3 on the outer corners of my eyes. if it’s some big occasion (like wedding), i might use a full set. but otherwise, singles are the best!
I’ve not tried the singles. I’ll take a brand recommendation if you have one. I had a patient the other day that tried to tell me to use a magnifying glass to put them on. I hadn’t heard that one before-but then again, I’m the one with glue all over my face.
i use ardell – you can find them at target and ulta! i use “short black.” i also use the ardell glue. i simply squeeze a little out onto a flat surface, dip the edge of a single in and place them on the outside 1/3 of my lashes after my makeup is done. no magnifying glass! then i let them dry for 5 mins or so and do mascara. they definitely take practice, but i adore them!
I kind of wish I would have seen this post a few minutes ago – before I walked out of Target. Or actually, maybe that is a good thing. I think I’ll start a little make-up fund for some of these products.
Are you getting a glambag or birchbox? Because you need to!
I love love LOVE that Korres lip butter. I was first introduced to it years ago as one of my free samples that came w/ my Sephora purchase. Like you & many girls, I have more lip glosses than I know what to do with. I stopped buying glosses ages ago because I’ve accumulated so many. Out of all I have, this lip butter is the best.
Don’t get me started on MAC. That place is my obsession. I get sucked into a black hole. I agree I thought the Fix + was useless, but I tried a different brand of something similar & it didn’t have the same result. I am going to give Fix + another shot. The makeup artist I spoke with told me it has glycerin in it that helps the makeup “stick”.
Love this girlie post :)
Makeup-wise I am an Urban Decay addict – I don’t even go for crazy colors most of the time, but LSD is one of my personal faves too. It can add that pop of color to a neutral smokey eye that makes it really unique. :) My mascara has to be Dior… Sigh. So expensive, but impossible to find a suitable replacement.
My big thing is nail polish. I LOVE polish. You know what makes dark, winter nail polish REALLY fun? Cirque XX. Seriously, my nails are throwing a 24-7 party right now, and my base color is charcoal. I can’t wait to see what it looks like over my bright summer colors, hahaha.
Have you tried the “super” version of your old “favorite blush”? It’s pretty amazing and should probably be a spring/summer color, but I keep grabbing it. I’m also in love with the Maybeline Instant Age Rewind foundation. So easy to apply!
I’ve actually used L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara for a long time too and love how good it is for the price!!
Thank you for sharing the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser too, because I’m totally in the market for something to get rid of the dark circles under my eyes… they won’t go away! I currently use some kind of Garnier Fructis stuff but it makes my eye twitch which, um, scares me.
Ahh best post! I will now be purchasing a majority of these products…hey thanks :)
I love your makeup posts!!
So many great products are mentioned in this one – and some I used daily (like that Loreal mascara and Korres lip butter, mine is just a different shade).
There’s a yes to grapefruits line?!! I’ve only seen carrots, cucumber, tomato and blueberry. Grape fruit sounds so refreshing!!
What do you use to sharpen your 24/7 pencils? Everytime I buy them they sharpen like garbage and I end up getting grumpy. I LOVE them though. I now use a Nars long wear eyeliner that is self sharpening but I miss my Urban ones.
hmmm i just use a regular sharpener, it actually may have been one from ulta a few years ago? though i recently got an urban decay one in a gift set and i use that now – it’s great. i must say though that i never really noticed having an issue with sharpening any of mine!
If you like the UD 24/7 liner, you should check out the ones from NYX. They have a stupidly long name like Slide-On Glide-On, but they are exactly the same as the Urban Decay ones. They come in tons of shades and they’re $8, look for them next time you’re in Ulta. Try Sunrise Blue, it’s a gorgeous cobalt with silver glitter.
Hi! Love your blog, and LOVE this post! I can’t wait to read more like it! Korres products are amazing! I use both the night cream and lip butter you mentioned and also use their QUERCETIN & OAK eye cream. I love it!! Have you ever tried Origins VitaZing moisturizer? I got it in one of my BirchBoxes and was AMAZED! I don’t know what is in it, but It seriously makes your face glow. It’s perfect after a rough night of no sleep or too much wine! BTW I tried the SmashBox eye brightener when you first wrote about it. I love it and now I’m excited to try the Maybeline stuff.
Love your beauty posts!!
i do have the vitazing – it’s not my go to moisturizer but i do like it. i almost feel like it’s slightly dark for me (i’m super pale) so i sometimes mix it with other moisturizer!
I’m a complete lipstick girl. I like mauve-ey colors or berry ones. Regardless of the season, that’s what I’m wearing!
I’m so boring! But I love the Cat Eyes mascara in midnight black by maybeline.
And my favorite perfume ever is Ralph Lauren Romance.
best body wash/scents are aromatherapy eucalyptus spearmint. OMG.
i was so excited to see this! i definitely want to try out the trader joe’s body butter! i’m currently using lancome hypnose mascara which i like a lot – but will have to try that l’oreal. and pretty polish! i’ve become a big fan of the zoya brand.
zoya is my all time fave polish brand!
love the new favorite beauty product post. i am obsessed w new product information. (see allure’s beauty product reviews) since you are my imaginary best friend, i totally trust your judgement.
thanks pal,
j