November Favorites: Beauty.
Oh November… are you seriously over?
I can’t believe I’ve been sharing these posts for almost a YEAR. That’s just nuts. I’m such an old lady and time is flying.
I have lots of stuff to share with you this month but in all honestly, a lot of things on my face have been super boring. For the first time ever, I’ve gone completely crazy over dark lips. It’s been almost all about my lips this month and I’ve been super easy on my eyes, doing nothing too wild and sticking with neutrals for the most part. I’ve fallen in love with bold, almost-shocking dark lips, that are soooo dark on my pale skin that it sometimes frightens people. I don’t care though – I stand by my thoughts on if it’s applied evenly and you wear it with confidence, rock it!
A few randoms: I’m still using all the same stuff on my hair – the macadamia products and the kenra blow dry spray (cuts my drying time in HALF!). I’m still using the cuticle solar oil a few times a day and it’s a saving grace now that it’s freezing out. I’ve also still been loving the tree hut sugar scrub, though I’ve also been using my own too. Almost finished my trader joe’s pumpkin body butter, still dying over my josie maran whipped argan body butter and loving my bond no. 9 and flowerbomb perfumes.
Moving right along…
Lipstick loves! So as far as lipstick goes, I’ve still been using MAC rebel paired with the MAC nightmoth lipliner. I also bought the above, urban decay shame, and while I really love the color (it’s more burgundy while rebel leans purple), I think that rebel applies more evenly. Shame isn’t quite as dry as rebel though, so there’s that.
I really think that the nightmoth pencil makes a huge difference in these colors and I’m not sure I can explain just how much I love it. It’s scary dark, but awesome.
I’ve only ventured into reds a handful of times this month, but my choice has been this revlon matte balm in standout. I bought this one when I got the others last month and I still really love these. They are matte but sort of moisturizing, if that makes sense. I tend to go for cooler toned reds and find this shade works.
At the Sephora VIB sale I picked up this hourglass gloss in icon. OH MY GOSH. Really liking it. You may remember that I’ve been wearing this gloss in the color fortune all year, and I have to say that this has become my new favorite lip gloss. It’s so smooth and creamy, not sticky at all. It stays forever. Cannot say enough good things.
Okay, I’ll stop.
One more lip product that I grabbed at the VIB sale was the sugar lip therapy. I’ve never had any interest in the tinted ones because I always prefer either a lipstick or a gloss – I don’t really care about a “wash” of color. They are also overpriced. I already have my two all time favorite lip balms in the dior creme de rose and burt’s bees, so I’ve never been too interested. And! When I asked about these earlier in the month, the response was 50/50 – half of you loved it, half of you thought it was crap.
When I went to Sephora, they only had one of the dior balms left (I had planned on getting two which would have lasted me a good six months), so I figured that allowed me a little cushion to try this out. WHOA. Loving it more than I ever thought. A little over a year ago I had a weird issue with my lips where they became chapped beyond a point of control. No idea if it was a virus or something, but it was unbearable and I was almost in tears. Nothing was working – not aquaphor or vaseline or carmex or neosporin or chapstick or anything. Ever since, I’ve been extremely picky about my lip products before bed, and this has surely made the cut. I think this is SO worth it. I’m still not interested in the colors, but I will be using this one forever evah.
On to eyes! So the only stuff I have been putting on my eyes this month is my NARS smudgeproof base, topped with my MAC painterly paint pot. If I want to do a little something extra (not smoky, just a little color), I’ve been reaching for my lorac pro palette. I love this thing so much. And as you can see… I always go for a little shimmer. Shocking.
If I’m not using the pro palette, I’m sticking with the base, the paint pot and a little layer of stila kitten. It’s super bright and glittery and I think it pairs perfectly with the dark lips. It really brightens up my eyes and leaves room for false lashes, which we all know I can’t live without. This product has been in my life forever (as you can see by the total mess that it is) and a little goes a long way. It’s not too different from urban decay sellout, other than being so much more shimmery. If I’m going out or doing something a little more fancy, I wear this.
Since I’ve been sticking with the dark lips, my eyeliner game has been minimal as well. I haven’t done much black because it comes off a little harsh, but you know I need SOME color in my life. I finally got the nars eye paints that I mentioned in my autumn wish list and have been using them as an eyeliner instead of a base. I bought snake eyes (the green) and tatar (the purple) and love ’em. They aren’t too bold but give a slight hint of color. Hoping I can use these all up before they dry out. Is that even possible?
As for cheeks, I’ve been keeping it pretty neutral with my favorite tarte exposed, but also using this tarte blushing bride quite a bit since it meshes with the season. These freaking blushes. Holy heck. They just have SO much color. I can touch it lightly with my brush and it’s almost too much. I just think they are gorgeous and don’t know if I ever will even want another blush besides these and my estee lauder tease.
This shade is also a bit shimmery while most of my other tarte ones are matte. It doesn’t have huge chunks of glitter though.
On my face, I’ve still been sticking with my tarte tinted moisturizer. However, I think I was a little spoiled by wearing foundation a couple times earlier this year, and even though I don’t really care for it, I liked how even it made my skin look. I found this it cosmetics bye bye redness cream at ulta and have been mixing the slightest drop with the moisturizer. I’m talking like barely a dip of the tip of my pinky in the jar. At first I thought it was under eye concealer (it might be?) but it didn’t work out that way for me. So I did this!
It’s super messy and on it’s own, a little too dark for me. But when mixed with this moisturizer? Flipping out. Love love love it.
P.S. is there a new word for love? I’m overdoing it.
So.
At the beginning of November (actually on my birthday), when I went to the VIB sale, I was lured into Lush. I still use their lip scrub but have shied away from using most of their products on my face just because I have things I really like already and don’t want a ton of crazy scents. I also think I’m too old for it. Ridiculous? Am I too old for it? I think, maybe. But I’m also beauty product stunted. (except with hello kitty. no way to hello kitty. never. not a fan.)
Anyhoo. I smelled this little facial scrub and almost died. IT SMELLS LIKE A BAKERY!
It’s so crazy. It’s like cookies and cake and popcorn and cinnamon rolls all rolled into one, but not in a sickly sweet way. It’s warm and wintery and just… comforting. I can’t get enough.
I’ve only been using it about once per week since I use my clarisonic daily and have been on a face mask binge, but it’s fun. I look forward to using it. And then I want to eat my face.
Speaking of faces, I also grabbed the glam glow youth mud mask that I had mentioned. So far, I have used this six times. I like it a lot – but is it worth the ridiculous price? The jury is still out. I’ve been using it in conjunction with my (super cheap favorite) queen helene mint julep mask, and I think they are sort of similar. Even though I have slightly sensitive skin, I don’t break out very much (thank you universe) so I may not be the best judge.
For me, face masks have a lot to do with the whole “experience” of pampering yourself and relaxing, and I’ve tried a bunch that I’m not a fan of. This one definitely wins in my book, but I’ll give you more deets once I finish the jar. It’s also become a little ritual of sorts for my husband and me… and we definitely do face masks together twice a week or so.
Yeah.
Super cold weather means I’ve been lathering up under my eyes. I know I’m boring and mention it all the time but I just love the kiehl’s avocado eye cream so much. Nothing crazy – just moisture. It’s reliable and wonderful.
Also!
I bought a bright pink body wash. Talk about being too old for things. I’m semi-embarrassed but am unable to hold anything back. When I first discovered Lush a few years ago, I bought snow fairy lip gloss. I’m a sucker for the scent – it’s sugary sweet, a mix between cotton candy and bubble gum. Man do I love it. It’s only available around the holidays so I bought this big honking container. Happy birthday to me.
Finally, let’s talk about nails.
Before I even posted about my VIB sale suggestions, Eddie gave me some birthday gifts and had two of these formula x polishes wrapped on top. Does he know me or what? Okay, I think he got lucky since they were on display when he walked into Sephora, but still… he made a good choice. He bought me the two colors on the left. Love them. I ended up buying the “system” since so many of you recommended it to me and it came with one color of your choice.
I am SUPER impressed with the wear time of these. I do a good amount of work with my hands and these have been put to the test. I’ve also worn the base and the topcoat with a different brand of nailpolish (color) in between and have been impressed by that as well.
Also… the COLORS. Damn. I can’t believe the selection they have.
I’m also all about metallics right now and I definitely have enough that I didn’t purchase any new formula X ones.
This sally hansen shade in guilty party is a great mix between silver and rose gold. I want metallic everything!
Annnnnd that’s it. Lots of new stuff I’m liking, thankfully. One thing I did purchase at the VIB sale was a new brush head for my clarisonic and they sold me on the cashmere luxe brush? Not a fan. It feels like nothing on my skin – like lighter than my fingertips. It barely removes my makeup so I just don’t know how it could be removing more residue. I’m gonna go back to my sensitive skin brush head and call it a day. The end.
Now share share share and tell me what you’re loving this month! I’m a junkie and need my fix.
[as usual, none of this is sponsored and i purchased everything myself. i am not affiliated with any of these companies and don’t receive anything for talking about them. there are a handful of amazon affiliate links above. THANK YOU!]
45 Comments on “November Favorites: Beauty.”
My favorite thing right now is the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit. (http://www.birchbox.com/shop/liz-earle-cleanse-polish-hot-cloth-cleanser-starter-kit) Have you tried this yet?? It’s amazing! I got the sample in my Birchbox and it’s seriously the best Birchbox product I’ve ever gotten. I ordered the full-size last week. It smells amazing and is super thick and luxurious…it basically feels like a spa treatment every time I use it!
You should try the Real Techniques brushes. They are awesome!
Greetings from Mexico. Love your blog.
i love them!
The facial scrub that’s cookies and cake and popcorn and cinnamon rolls all rolled into one – I seriously want that! And stuff from Lush. And most everything in this post. The fun I could have!
Uh, it’s like you’re in my head or something? The Tarte 12-hour blushes in doll face and blushing bride are totally on my Christmas list. Also, I just tried the Revlon Just Bitten lip stain, and I sort of love it? My fave of this month is definitely my Too Faced bronzer in snow bunny. Love these posts!
I just bought a Korres lip butter in jasmine and I’m OBSESSED. It’s way too expensive for what it is, but damn does it make my lips smooth AND it tastes delicious.
agree with you, this is one of my fave lip products too. i love it.
I’m LOVING using BB cream as a primer. BB cream was great during the summer when I wasn’t looking for much coverage, but between being pregnant, the cold weather, and lack of tan, I need a little something more and I need to make sure my foundation sticks. Perfect combo!
I’m pretty sure if you got your brush head from Sephora you can return it even if it’s used. You should get your money back, girl! I have so many gift sets on my Christmas wish list, so I’m holding back on buying any high end makeup for myself right now. I have been loving some drugstore products though. Evian mineral water is so necessary to spritz on my face for some moisture and makeup setting power. I love my Revlon Ultimate Suede lipsticks because they go on like a butter so they feel super moisturizing but then they dry into a longer lasting suede finish. Also loving Jane water resistant eyeliner (so easy to apply!) and somewhat surprisingly, Revlon Lash Potion mascara. I know you aren’t big on foundation, but I also know you love Maskcara, so I was wondering if you ordered her kit?
i haven’t! i was just looking at her blog yesterday though so i’m thinking about giving it a whirl, even to just support her because i adore her.
Yeah, I’m really excited but also checking my expectations because I’m afraid I’m not going to love it as much as I want to. Since you are in love with your blush, you can totally just get the foundation kit and save yourself some bucks. It’s supposed to be super quick to apply, so maybe you’ll like it?
I just placed an order from http://www.maskcara.com for her makeup set. I can’t waitt to get it!
If you order it, please post your thoughts on it! It sounds like it’s what Ihave been looking for. I am terrible at picking out makeup colors but Cara seems to know what works for all of us!
Lorac Pro Palette- HECK YES. It’s seriously the best ever. And you’ve got me so excited for Tarte blushes! I ordered a few from Hautelook and I can’t wait to try them!
Ok, so for nails, I tried Formula X hoping that it would hold up to my majorly chip-prone nails and it was certainly longer-lasting than other polishes but I still didn’t find it amazing. However, I didn’t use the system so I may give that a try. I did just discover a base coat called “Gelous” (at Sally’s) and it’s phenomenal. I use it as a base and top coat AND sandwich it between polish coats too. Sounds nuts but it’s absolutely the best thing I’ve tried so far.
You’ve been posting these for a year?! Nuts. My lips were crazy chapped about a month or two ago (tmi?) and Carmex saved my life (i bought 5–one for my purse, one for my bedside table, car, etc.), so the sound of the Dior one sounds very interesting to me.
Love the sound of the polenta/cinnamon scrub! Sounds like a good breakfast to me ;)
Sometimes Lush feels a little gimmicky to me (maybe that’s what you mean by feeling too old for it?), but their Handy Guru seriously changed by world last winter. I do marathons so I’m always out running in the cold in the winter and my hands are pretty much destroyed from December-March. That stuff worked like magic.
that is the perfect way to describe it! but yes – there are some things i totally love.
i need to go sniff this lush body wash! i’ll probably end up picking it up when i go christmas shopping later. i got a sample of let the good times roll and it’s SO YUMMY ahhh i love using it!
Haha I feel the same way about Lush- probably because I first discovered them in London when I was a junior in college, and that was.. A while ago, haha.
I also love the Formula X topcoat, I’ve been using it with my Essie polishes and I love how long my nail color lasts!
I had the same issue that you had with my lips. It was horrible . They were peeling and cracking all the time. I had tried lip scrubs, aquaphor, pure lanolin, everything and nothing worked. My hairdresser let me try rhis product and i was amazed at the results. You rub the treatment on your lips. It looks and feels like you’ve been eating confectionary sugar. Pat it on just above your lip line and all of your lips. Let it dry and then gently rub it in circular motions with a damp cloth. Put the balm that is in the lid on and wow! You will love your lips! It is pricey but worth it and lasts a long time!
Skinlogics® Lip Apeel®Your lips will be softer than ever in just two easy steps. Use the special exfoliator to remove dry skin and minimize the appearance of lines. Then apply the lip balm to moisturize and soothe for extra-soft, kissable lips.Key Benefits:• Paraffin, allantoin, botanical waxes and bisabolol help dry lips to feel soothed.• Orange peel oil helps to moisturize dry lips. 97Price:  $22.00Size: 1.25 oz. /YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Skinlogics® Lip Balm  $14.00 Skinlogics® Lip Balm with SPF 20  $12.00Â
Love your picks! I always look forward to your beauty posts and enjoy seeing what other people are loving in the beauty department. I picked up the Stila lip glaze set at Sephora and I love it. The shine and staying power has made an instant fan of me. 2 things on my Christmas list are the Naked3 palette and Tocca Meet the girls spray set.
I am battling the same chapped lips from NOWHERE virus right now. What is up with that nonsense??? Can’t wait to try the no more redness cream – I’m getting the under eye treatment, too. I’ll keep you posted so you can go back to sleeping nights instead of wondering about my face.
At the VIB sale I bought the Donna Karan cashmere mist deodorant which is insanely pricey compared to drugstore brands but I read so many amazing reviews that I had to try it and it is really great, works so so well. I also bought the Josie maran argon oil concealer stick which is really fab bc it goes on really smooth and gives a dewy look (which I like) without looking oily (I also user her Argan face oil with spf40 underneath- also sold out right now, I’m freaking bc I swear by it). I also got these samples of first aid beauty radiance pads and they are soooooo amazing I’m just waiting to get a oft card at Xmas to purchase the real thing since it’s also a little pricey!!
Love this series and the comments from readers :)
3/4 of the stuff you recommend is u available here. I once bought berts bees lips softener. I threw it away. It was awful. I use Labello or Nivea, the smell of which I adore. Also if my lips do get chapped I brush them with my toothbrush.
You certainly buy a lot of cosmetics. Why do you buy so much when you’re still using what you’ve already got?
You’re certainly not too old for anything. I’m nearly 70 and I love glittery lipsticks.
Still enjoy your purchases. Actually I really can’t talk. I’ve a cupboard full of creams and serums and enough perfume to last me up to 120 God forbid.
So much good stuff in here! I’ve been looking for a good straight up eye moisturizer, so I’ll definitely be checking out the avocado one!
I’m seriously loving this Becca Rose Gold highlighter…first time trying this brand, and it’s a must-have. It gives you such a nice, natural highlight with a slight wash of color. i absolutely love it! I want some of the other shades… but this the rose gold is limited edition so I had to get that first. http://www.sephora.com/shimmering-skin-perfector-pressed-rose-gold-P382937?icid2=BECCA_Your_Look_Perfected_Carousel_P382937_image
I so look forward to these monthly beauty round-ups!! I am such a
beauty junkie, even though at 51 i think i should be way past the age…
but still…
Loving the Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Highlighter Stick in Persian Sunset.
Just a swipe over your cheekbones for some natural looking glimmer.
The Naked Basics matte eyeshadow palette because sparkly shadow not for me.
Giorgio Armani Maestro fusion fundation…LOVE!! Goes on so light but great coverage.
Also, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill mascara. Awesome!
Quick chapped lips tip my dermatologist told me when nothing was seeming to work my for chapped lips. If they’re extremely chapped you can mix a teeny tiny amount of corticosteroid cream (like cortizone) with aquaphor before bed. Only do this very occasionally because the steroids can thin your lips if you use it constantly but it really worked for me when nothing worked!
Also I love these posts! i stocked up at the VIB sale on josie maran coconut water blushes and urban eye liners based on your recommendations and am loving them!
Yes! Was going to recommend going to a derm for a steroid cream as well…seriously the only thing that works for some types of cracks!
I bought the Kenra blow dry spray and have to say I’m not impressed. It didn’t seem to cut down any on the drying time and I can’t see that it made any difference overall.
ah that’s a bummer! what is your hair like? i wonder if it really only works with a large amount/fairly thick hair? it’s been a total game changer for me!
My hair is fairly thick and is also wavy. Between drying and straightening it’s a rather arduous process, even though it’s just collar length. It was worth trying and I’ll continue to enjoy your posts regardless!
I must admit…I LOVE reading your monthly beauty favorites! :)
Oh. My. God. I am way obsessed with Formula X. Two of the greatest shades everrrr: Freaky like Freud and Outburst. SO GORGEOUS. and i have Hyped, over which I applied Essie Shine of the Times and HOLYCRAPSOINSANELYAMAZING. Like I can’t stop staring at my nails. LOVE the tarte blushes, I’ve been using one since August and it still looks brand new. Are these blushes magic or something? Seriously? As always, I love ipsy (OBSESSED with every product I got in my November bag): http://www.ipsy.com/r/11ar and Julep (gorgeous nail polishes): http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/184696/ What I love about Julep is that you can skip any month you want without being charged! Awesome!
I’m sorry – I hate to be a pain but I don’t understand which lip treatment ended up doing the trick for you – the sugar lip therapy of the dior balms?
not a pain at all! the dior creme de rose is one i’ve used for years and just love to pieces – it’s my go-to. the sugar one is one i just tried this month and also loved, so i’m adding it to my favorite balms!
Where did the Jose Maran Daily Moisturizer go? I can’t find it anywhere and I’ve been wanting to try it out! Anyone?
I have been dying for that Hourglass gloss! It is so beautiful and I hear it really does last forever! It’s on my list!
Have you seen the new Essie Encrusted Treasures collection??? Sparkles to the max!
Loved your favorites. I’ve been loving my Becca Satin Skin foundation. Obsessed!! Also the Maybelline color elixirs! LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM! You must try!
Just wanted to report that I bought the Kenra blow dry spray and it is amazing. It does’t really cut much time out of my drying routine but my hair looks incredibly polished…even two days after washing! I was so impressed I just purchased one of their curly hair products (my hair is somewhere in between curly and straight and while I long ago mastered the art of straightening, I’m still searching for the perfect curl product.)
Because I like Lush products but am cheap, I feel it is my duty to pass this on in case you were unaware…
December 26 all Lush gift packs go on sale – buy one get one. I randomly discovered this a few years back and now use the opportunity to stock up every year. It isn’t every product, but a lot of season and bath items. I’ve gotten packs with the snow fairy body wash the past two years and it is really nice a little supply of bath bombs and the like year round in the seasonal scents. According to the sales rep I talked to, this is the only time that Lush ever has any sort of sale and it lasts as long as the products do. I’ve always gone to the store in person, but apparently it is also online. :)
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