Best in Beauty 2013- Hair, Face, and Body

Hey Loves! Here is the last post from my Best of Beauty 2013. I have compiled a few of my favorite products for hair, face, and body.  I have to admit that I am not crazy into skincare and one of my goals for next year is to focus on a better skincare routine.  I was originally going to include nails in this post as well but honestly, I am not a nail junkie. I paint my nails like once a month and maybe once every three months I will get shellac done at the nail salon. I am not super picky about colors or brands so I figured I better just leave that out- I don't have any stand out nail products. Just like my last post I have included prices and stores where I get the products from. So lets jump right into my most use products:

Face:

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque- Walgreens, $3.79- I had heard this product raved about all over YouTube. I finally purchased this mask in the summer of 2013. I love it! I have oily acne prone skin and this mask is wonderful for controlling oil and keeping acne at bay. I use this mask once a week and I leave the product on for around 20 minutes. The mask has a slight mint smell and when you apply does have a cooling affect. The mask applies like a think cream and then completely dries before you rinse off with water. 

Sephora Instant Moisturizer- Sephora, $22.00- I learned about this product from Emilie Clarke on YouTube. She has raved about this for years. I had used other drugstore moisturizer and always found my skin feeling greasy. This product is made in Switzerland-total luxury skin care item for a great price. I only buy this usually three times a year so each jar lasts me about 4 months. You only need a small amount-I apply on my face and neck morning/night. 

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser For Normal to Oily Skin- Target, $9.49- I first started using this product when I first started getting acne around age 13. I was recommended this by my dermatologist because the cleanser isn't harsh, no dyes, or perfumes. I like to use this in the morning in the shower when I have no make-up on. This cleanser does not leave my face feeling tight or dry. I do notice that this does not lather up like some face wash but my skin feels soft after using. 

Body:

Caress Evenly Gorgeous Burnt Brown Sugar & Karite Butter Exfoliating Body Wash- Walmart, $3.97- If you love Bath & Body works twilight woods scent then this body wash is for you! I love that scent but I can't stand how drying B&BW body washes are. This has a similar scent but to me just smells a little more creamy and the formula is more moisturizing. This body wash does have little exfoliating pieces but I normally use a loofah so that doesn't make a difference to me. If you are looking for a heavenly scent in the shower this baby is for you.

Sun Labs Self Tanning Lotion Ultra Dark Instant Tint- SunLabs, $16.49-  I have used this self-tanner for two years now. I do love the product. The tanner comes out looking like a brown with a green base so you do not ever look orange. Obviously there is a self-tanner scent that develops over time after applying. I find that the tan lasts for a good week if you exfoliating before applying and are religious with applying lotion everyday. Next year I am going to try out some new tanners I am thinking about Million Dollar Tan or Versa Spa. Do you have any favorite self-tanners?

Boutique White Nectarine & Pear Softening Hand & Nail Cream- TJ Maxx, $4.99- I will admit that I am terrible at applying body lotion daily. I used to always buy the B&BW lotions- which by the way don't  moisturize your skin at all). I have been trying to use lotion more frequently but I am struggling. I found this beauty at TJ Maxx a few months ago and I love the soft citrus scent and non greasy feel. My goal for next year is to start using up all of my extra body products- all those B&BW products included

Hair:

Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner- Wal-Mart, $4.97- I like to use a dandruff shampoo once a week because I use a lot of dry shampoo (shown below) which tends to dry my scalp out slightly and the cold Wisconsin winter weather doesn't help either. I like to the shampoo + conditioner ones because who doesn't need a little extra mositure, right? I like all the scents this one happens to be Ocean Lift.

Bain de Terre Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner- TJ Maxx, $9.99- I started using this brand of shampoo and conditioner after Sam Scheurman on YouTube raved about this being the best hair goodies around. I get mine from TJ Maxx- I just get whatever flavor is available but my favorite was the light blue bottle. These can be purchased at a Salon but the price will be more expensive. My hair has never been so soft and healthy. My hair smells great for days and is incredibly shiny. If you can get your hands on this at TJ Maxx try them out!

Hair:

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product- Target, $12.39- This has been a holy grail product of mine for years. I tried out the Sally's brand Heavenly 7 (I believe) which is not as great as the real thing. I love the scent this product has and how amazing my hair feels after using this baby. If you are trying to grow your hair out or have damaged hair I would recommend this for you. I heat style my hair daily and this helps protect against damage. Totally recommend!

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum-  Salon- $20.00- I used to use this product a few years back within the last year I have found a new stylist and she used this on my hair and I totally forgot how much I loved the scent and how soft my hair was after. I think the product smells like watermelon the only not so great thing is you need to be light handed because too much can make your hair feel greasy. This is definitely another holy grail hair product of mine. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo A Hint of Colour Medium & Brunette- Ulta, $8.99-  Over the past year I have been trying to wash my hair less and this has been a savior. I like this color or the deep dark brown one- those two do not leave a white/grey cast on the roots. I just spray into my hair, rub into my scalp, and style has usual. You can also find this product at TJ Maxx for $5.99-I usually stock up if I see it there. 

Hopefully you found some new products to try out for yourself from my best of beauty 2013 hair, face, and body! Like I said I am going to try to focus more on skincare this next year to improve the condition of my skin. I have already purchased a Clarisonic-hopefully will improve the texture of my skin. What are some of your favorite products? 

Best in Beauty 2013- Makeup

Hey Loves! I hope everyone had a great holiday season! I had an awesome time for Christmas with family and friends. I am looking forward to the new year and what is next to come! Today I have a super exciting post for you guys! The Best in Beauty 2013- Makeup Edition. I am going to tell you my favorite products in every category. The thought process was long for each item and category.  I was having trouble narrowing down to one of two items to call my most used products of 2013.

I will also be doing a Best in Beauty 2013- Hair and Body edition as well! This post is just strictly makeup related goodies!! I am sorry the picture quality isn't the best. I used my iPhone and I have a crack over the camera so the words are blurry. I have linked all the products to where you can buy them with prices. I have also included mini reviews for each item. Check out my favorites below-

Best of Beauty 2013

Primer-
 Sonia Kashuk Primer Perfecting Transparent Mattifer - Target, $14.99 - I purchased this half way through the year after Nicole Gurriero raved about this primer for oily skin girls- totally me. I was on the hunt for a drugstore mattifying primer. This primer does have a silicon feel and applies as a clear gel. I do think this primer makes my make-up stay more matte than other primers but I don't think it necessarily keeps my makeup on any extra amount of time. My tube is empty but I am currently trying out a few new primers- would repurchase.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden- Sephora, $20.00- I have been using this primer since I got a sample with the Urban Decay Naked palette a few years ago. I actually like the color Eden best because it has a slight tan/skin tone color that helps to conceal over veins or discoloration on your eye lid before applying eye shadow. I do think this eye shadow primer intensifies the pigmentation of my eye shadows and does keep my eye looks crease-less. I buy one tube every year it seems like spending the money on this is worth it in my book but I do like the e.l.f. mineral eye lid primer which is only $1.00 but doesn't perform quite as well-will continue to repurchase.

Foundation:
Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in Buff Beige- Target, $7.99-  I am so excited about this foundation such a gem from the drugstore! I believe this is one of the best full coverage drug store foundations available. There is a wide range of shades and is rather affordable. I find this gives great coverage and has great staying power- at least 8 hours without a touch up. I have already gone through 3 whole bottles- will continue to repurchase
Kat Von D Lock-It Longwear Foundation in L 48- Sephora, $34.00-  I got this foundation before going on vacation in Las Vegas last November. If you love a good super full coverage foundation this is for you. I do find if you don't blend the foundation in all the way or apply powder to quickly your face can look cakey. I like to use my Sigma F80 or damp beauty blender when applying this foundation. I think this is my favorite high end foundation this year. I still have a good portion of this bottle left but I will repurchase when I am empty

Concealer:
NYX HD Photogenic Concealer in Light- Ulta, $4.99- I just started to highlight my face using concealer probably mid-summer. I don't have under eye bags or dark circles. I like the light feel of this concealer and good coverage that it can give. I like to use my beauty blender to blend under my eyes and down the bridge of my nose. Definitely a good bargain with good coverage- will repurchase
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC20- MAC Cosmetics, $19.00- Just purchased this beauty in November from MAC. Although this concealer is a little pricey I love that it comes with a pump and has amazing coverage. I like to only apply this under my eyes as a highlight. I was applying to upper lip and on my forehead and I was breaking out from the concealer so I just stick to my under eye area. I feel like I waste a lot of product because you can not control how much comes out of the pump you just get a huge squirt- just wish the packaging was little different- definitely will repurchase

Face Powder:
MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium, MAC Cosmetics, $30.00- Oh my how do I even rave this product up to its full potential. I went months without this powder on a makeup no buy I cheated and eventually purchased. This is the best finishing powder on earth. Your skin looks matte, flawless, and not cakey. I am willing to splurge on makeup items that are really worth the money and this is one - will always repurchase

Bronzer:
bareMinerals READY Bronzer in The High Dive- Sephora, $24.00- I purchased this bronzer in November last year-obviously this product is well loved and I have hit major pan on. I don't like this bronzer as much as I did at first. I think the color is a little orange for my olive skin tone and can sometimes get a little patchy. I am trying to finish this product up and move on to a more matte, less orange bronzer. I also don't think this product is worth the money you shell out- won't repurchase

Blush:
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Dollface, Ulta, $26.00-  This line of blushes is amazing in every shade. They are so pigmented and last all day without becoming patchy or overly shimmery. This is actually just a small size I got with the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Bronzer trail kit. This is the perfect blush for that light pink cheek. I think you can wear this with a smokey eye or a neutral look. I am actually thinking about purchasing another color in Exposed which is much raved about online. Well worth the money for staying power, amount of product, and color selections available- will purchase another

Highlighter:
bareMinerals Face Color in Pure Radiance- Ulta, $19.00- First off, just let me say that I do not love highlighters. I think it is because I have oily skin and I feel like highlighters look oily on me- probably all in my head but I did purchase this when Ulta had the 21 days of beauty sale. I think this is too shimmery for a face highlight I do use this on my inner corners and brow bone- will not repurchase

Brow:
Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown- Wal-Mart, $6.48- I love this pencil. I already have a lot of eye brows going on naturally but I like to fill them in to define them. I do not use the gel side of the pencil but I use the pencil end daily. I think the gel dries a little grey toned and flakes off. I find a lot of brow pencils that are brown can appear to reddish but this is a true dark brown. I buy this baby usually every other month- continue to repurchase

Eyeshadow palette:
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette- Sephora, $52.00-  I love neutral eye shadows and this palette is full of tans, browns, taupes, greys and black all perfect for a great smokey or everyday look. I have hit pan on several shades but my favorites are Tease, Foxy, Bootycall and Suspect. These palettes are such a deal for 12 full sized eye shadows and a double ended brush. I think after I hit pan or finish a few shades I will purchase a replacement
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette- Sephora, $27.00- I love love love this palette. I think these matte colors go great with any look for the perfect matte crease or transition color. I also use Faint and Crave to fill in my brows occasionally. Venus is the perfect satin shade for all over the lid or brow bone highlight- will repurchase

Eyeliner:
Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Blackest Black-Walmart, $5.97, I find myself going back to this eyeliner continuously not only is this thing cheap the color is truly black. I do not have trouble with this liner transferring onto other places or rubbing off- will repurchase
Urban Decay Glide-On 24/7 Liner in Perversion and Smog- Ulta, $19.00 a piece- I got both of these eyeliners in a gift set last year for Christmas. These liners are well-loved products in my collection. I use this on my upper lid, tight line, and water line. I do have rather watery eyes so I do find sometimes I get a little excess on the inner corner of my eye which isn't that big of a problem for me. Perversion is a black liner and Smog is a metallic brown perfect for brown/green eyes. I want to try Rimmels new liners but I will repurchase these liners 

Mascara:

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara in Carbon Black-Target, $5.89- I hardly ever try out new mascaras-this baby works the best for my lashes. I get awesome volume and length without getting clumps. I do like to apply several coats at once. I like to purchase this mascara and open the package and then let the mascara age for a week or two I find this dries out the formula for better thickness- will continue to repurchase
Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara in Black- Walgreens, $2.99-  I wanted so badly to love this mascara not only is it cheap but I heard it was awesome. After trying this out for several weeks I just found that this transferred onto my brow bone off my lashes and flaked. My eyelashes looked awesome not clumpy with lots of volume. I tried to combine with L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black but I still did not have luck. I even purchased another tube hoping my first one was bad-even tried to let it dry out a little bit, no such luck- won't repurchase but I do encourage you to try out

Lip Liner:
NYX Retractable Lip Liner in 14 Grape Fruit-Ulta, $4.49-  This liner is the perfect pink for a your lips but better look or under a pink lip gloss or stick. I like to use this when I want a long lasting pink lip. I don't wear pink lippies often but when I do I reach for this liner. I do think this allows my lip stick to last longer and provides a good color base. The formula is non sticky and not drying- will repurchase
Jordana Easyliner for lips in Tawny- Walgreens, $1.99- This is probably one of most raved about lip liners online by beauty gurus. How can you pass up a cheap liner that works for all kinds of lip looks. I like to use this best for neutral looks or a full on nude. I even wear this liner by itself with some chapstick. This formula is also non sticky and not drying also glides on really easily- will repurchase

Lipstick:
MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Myth and Hue- MAC Cosmetics, $15.00- These are my most worn lippies out there. I have continuously purchased these nude beauties. I have not found any drugstore nudes that are this gorgeous. Myth is a satin finish but I do think the formula is a little drying and does cling to dry patches easily. Hue is a glaze finish that applies more like a thicker gloss but is totally not sticky. Myth is the more pigmented nude both are pinkish beige in color. I think MAC lipsticks are always worth the cost because they have very unique shades that are long wearing and who doesn't love the subtle vanilla scent- will repurchase

Lip Gloss:
NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee- Target, $4.99- Whoever thought of this formula is genius! I have never come across such a creamy buttery finish with such amazing pigmentation. I love wearing these alone or over my favorite nude lipsticks (mentioned above). Both in the picture are Creme Brulee my favorite shade that is a creamy pink beige. This line of lip glosses have a cupcake scent that is amazing and I don't notice it while wearing the lip gloss. Totally inexpensive and amazing if you haven't checked this out you need too-will repurchase.

Whew! This was an exciting post to create and hopefully gave you insight into what my favorite and most used products are!! Leave me a comment with your favorite products. Stay tunes for the hair and body best of beauty post next! Enjoy :)

Haul- December 2013

Hey loves! Happy Holidays! Just a little post about some new products I got this month. Ahh this is  going to be the last haul for the 2013 year. I am sure there are other things that I routinely pick up but I couldn't remember exactly what they were. I have tried out a few of the products so I will let you know what I think about them so far!

Clarisonic Mia in Turquoise

Available- Sephora or Ulta

I actually got this beauty for Christmas. I have been wanting this for months now but I didn't want to shell out the money for it. This specific kit comes with a trial size cleanser and charger.  I actually liked the scent of the cleanser and I used the brush system once so far. I am looking forward to see what this does for my oily acne prone skin. 

Acqua di Gioia by Giorgio Armani

Available at Sephora, Ulta, Younkers, or Macy's

Another perfume that I have been eyeing for months. I have several friends that wear this on the regular and I just couldn't wait to buy this treat for myself. I purchased mine at Ulta when they were having 10% of fragrances and were offering a free bath robe. I paid $40.00 before discounts and is 10 fl.oz. I am regretting not getting a bigger size.

Benefit Big Time Prime

Available at Ulta or Sephora

Kit includes trial sizes ( 75mL) of POREfessional Primer and "That Gal" Primer. I have been wanting to try the POREfessional Primer after Casey Holmes and Nicole G have been raving about this for months. I didn't want to get the full size product that is (22mL) for $30.00 if I wasn't sure that I loved it. I have worn both primers twice and I do actually think my pores appear smaller and "that gal" also leaves the skin with a slight sheen. 

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Available at Ulta, Sephora, and Urban Decay Cosmetics Online

How can I not get the next palette in the Naked series? I love my naked palettes so much. I am a pretty neutral eye shadow lover. My favorites are Naked 2 and Naked Basics palettes. I have been testing this palette out for 2 weeks now and honestly I am not in love with it. Maybe after playing around a few more times I will write a post about what I think of it. 

Hoola Bronzer by Benefit

Available at Ulta or Sephora

I have been on the hunt for a new matte bronzer for contouring. I have been using two bronzers from Bare Minerals and these appear a little to orange based on my skin. This is a matte milk chocolate color that is great for a strong contour. I have worn this twice and I am in love. 

Hopefully you enjoyed my little haul for this month. I hope to continue to test out these products and write more in depth reviews if  I love them or hate them. Keep posted for updates! Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. 

How to: Clean Brushes

Hey loves! I am here to show you how I wash my makeup brushes. This should be a regular part of your beauty routine. Your brushes come in contact with products and your face daily and can be a breeding ground for bacteria. I try to wash my brushes at least once a week. Remember that there are severals ways to wash makeup brushes but this is what works best for me. I probably should wash them more often but that doesn't always happen. 

Here is the how to:

Start with dirty brushes- my normal weeks worth

Grab an empty container, dish soap, and olive oil. I like to use antibacterial soap and the olive oil helps melt away the makeup residue and keeps the brushes moisturized. 

Add soap- I always just eye ball the amount of soap. Usually I cover 3/4 of the bottom of the container.

Add olive oil- I cover the rest of the container with olive oil. Usually 1/3 of the container. Remember this amount varies for how many brushes you are washing. There is not a specific measurement.

Wet brushes under warm water and swirl into mixture. I rub brushes against the palm of my hand and rinse until water becomes clear. You may have to repeat this step several times depending on the dirtiness of your brush. Remember to rinse thoroughly- you don't want excess soap or oil left on your brushes. 

Lay out to dry-I lay my brushes on a towel over night. You can shape your brushes into the form you desire at this point.

Usually I wash my brushes on Sunday nights and let them dry over night for 8-10 hours which seems to work well. Don't forget to wash your beauty blenders too! 

LOTD: Fergie Daily

Hey loves. Here is a first impression and a LOTD (lip of the day) post! How spoiled you are to have a two in one deal. First off I purchased this lipstick from Wal-Mart for $1.99 from Wet N Wilds Fergie Collection. This is actually the first thing I have tried from her line. Yes total deal, I know.  I first heard about this lippy from Steph from SMLx0 on YouTube. She has been raving about this lipstick for months. I finally found it and had to try it out. 

Now let me tell you I am a super fan of MAC's Myth and Hue which are both pink/beige nude colors. Although Myth is almost a concealer toned the color is awesome for fair skinned ladies for that perfect nude lip. I was thinking this was going to almost be a dupe for Hue but I find that Fergie Daily is a little more beige than it is pink and actually has more color pay off than Hue which is a Glaze formula. Fergie Daily is more like Myth which is a Satin finish.  Take a look for yourself:

Fergie Daily

Pros:

-great price

-pigmentation

-long wearing

Cons:

-slightly drying 

I would totally recommend this to anyone who is looking for a great cheap nude color and doesn't want to shell out $14.50 for a MAC lipstick. I did not notice a scent or any annoying glitter or texture when applied. I would suggest applying a lip liner or chapstick under first to avoid creasing and drying on the lips. 

Enjoy =)

What are some of your favorite nude lipsticks?

FOTD: Red Lip Neutral Eye

Hey loves I am back with another FOTD (face of the day). This one features a light smokey eye and a dramatic red lip. Keep reading to find out what products I used:

Face:

Benefit Porefessional Primer

Kat Von D Lock-It Longwear Foundation In L 48- Sigma Flat Kabuki- F80 brush

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC20- Sigma Tapered Kabuki- F86

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium- Real Techniques Buffing Brush 

Contour:

bareMinerals Ready Bronzer in The High Dive- Real Techniques Contour Brush

Blush:

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Dollface- e.l.f. Blush Brush

Urban Decay De-slick Setting Spray

Eyes:

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette 

Foxy (lid color)- Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush

Naked 2 & Faint (crease color) - Sigma Diffused Crease Brush - E38

Crave (outer v) - Sigma Buff and Blend Brush - E39

Venus (highlight) - Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush

Faint (lower lash line) - Real Techniques Accent Brush

Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Liner (upper lash line) in Blackest Black

Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil Liner ( water and tight line) in Perversion 

L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara in Carbon Black

Eyebrows:

Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown (pencil side)

Urban Decay Naked Basics Shadow in Faint & Crave - Real Techniques Detailer Brush

Lips:

L'Oreal Colour Riche LaLaque  in Lacque-Onic

Shirt- Forever 21

Hair- Conair Curling Wand (red handle)

Enjoy =)


**All pictures are in natural light without any filters or altering.