Showing posts with label drugstore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drugstore. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Drugstore Favorites Part 2

The Best Blush





Why?  Think back to when you would color as a kid.  Did you also have a hard time picking a realistic skin color for any of your illustrations or was that just me?  I felt like the yellow, brown, peach, white, etc.  didn't really capture a realistic color when used by themselves.  But when you mix just the right amount of various colors, bam! Way better.  Much like mixing a bunch of different tones with crayolas, this blush does the guesswork for you.  By sweeping your brush over the different shades you automatically get a dynamic color!


Best Bronzer(s)



Why? As explained above with the blush, different tones are a plus.  Especially with bronzer.  In my experience, I prefer to buy a bronzer that has multiple tones or a touch of shimmer, so that my complexion doesn't look sallow or ruddy.  This bronzer is apparently "mood boosting" with it's violet scent and probably some made up chemical they put on the box.  But the hearts are so darn cute and the color looks lovely, so I guess they can call it whatever they want.

I also love:




Why? I really like this particular bronzer because it comes in 3 different shades-that way you can find the appropriate shade for your skin tone.  Because it's definitely not flattering to look like you smeared clay across your face (if it's too dark) or drew on your cheeks with chalk (if it's too light).  And it's partially organic and comes in a biodegradable container.


Best Lipgloss


Why? This lipgloss is super sheer and available in a ton of different shades.   It's also moisturizing, unlike some lipglosses that just sit there looking goopy.  Plus, SPF 20!  Celebrate with me, people who get cold sores from lip sunburns!



The Best Lip Balm



Why?  Never underestimate the power of chapstick, even Napoleon Dynamite doesn't.  Besides costing the amount of money you could find under your couch, it's a great overall moisturizer when you're in a pinch.  For instance, I've used chapstick on my cuticles when they are all dry and ragged, windburn on my face, on my flyaway hairs, even on my ashy ankles-ha!


The Best Lipstick





Why? There are 48 shades to choose from!  You're bound to find something you like with that kind of selection.  The color goes on smooth and it doesn't make your lips feel dry like some lipsticks can.  I especially love Very Cherry- it's a perfect scarlet red.


The Best Nail Polish




Why? This nail polish is just pretty darn fantastic.  First of all, it's fast drying.  And for those of you that don't have the time or patience to sit around and literally watch paint dry, you have found your soul mate with this product.  Second of all, the pigment is so intense that two coats are not necessary.  Third of all, the brush applicator is fantastic and distributes the product evenly.


-Oh and P.S. Urban has 20% off their shoes for the next few days. woop woop

I need these shoes in my life.



I really enjoy it when people give me topics to write about on my blog-so feel free to let me know!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Drugstore Favorites Part 1

     I have come to a realization:  Not everyone loves makeup as much as me.
I'm sure some of you would rather rub a cherry popsicle across your lips than buy a $25 lipstick.
And I don't blame you, popsicle-lipstick-wearer.  There's a lot of things I wouldn't want to spend a ton of money on either.
And why should good makeup have to be expensive?  Expressing the look you want shouldn't be a luxury.
So, I've compiled my own personal beauty awards for my favorite products in the drugstore world.


My personal award winners:




Best Liquid Foundation:


Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Liquid Foundation




Why? Great coverage, blends easily, doesn't feel heavy, 16 shades to choose from, and it's mineral based!  So its better for your skin.




Best Powder Foundation:








Mineral Wear Talc Free Mineral Illuminating Powder Duo


Why? There's two different shades of powder in one...so as your skin tone changes with the seasons (or the amount of fake tanner you apply) you can adjust the mixture to match your color.  And, it has SPF 16!






Best Waterproof Mascara:






Covergirl Lashblast Volume Blasting Waterproof Mascara


Why? The brush on this mascara is awesome!  It provides great lash separation, and since it's waterproof,  it will hold a curl and withstand tears or a water gun fight.




Best Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara









Maybelline XXL Pro Extensions Washables


Why?  The base gives your lashes a coating to make your lashes look lush and lengthen them.  Then the mascara gives you additional length and volume. Poifect!




Best Liner


Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner


Why? This liner is "mmm, creamy" (I hope you all caught the Old Greg reference there). It's super blendable, and it's rich in pigment.  Everything I love in a liner!




Best Liquid Liner








Wet 'N' Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner


Why? It's the best liquid liner I've ever tried, and for the price, you should buy one in every color!  Won't come off until you use makeup remover.  The felt tip is also great for applying a line as thick or as thin as you'd like.




More drugstore favorites to come soon!


Has anyone else already broken their New Year's Resolution?













Monday, December 27, 2010

Constructive Criticism

I was talking to my sister today about my blog and what she thought of it.
Not only because I value her opinion, but because I was fishing for compliments.
Amongst the nice things she had to say, she told me I rely heavily on Sephora for the links to products.

My reasoning behind this is that Sephora carries over 250 brands and you can get basically anything you want all at once, without having to pay multiple shipping costs/visit multiple stores/rack up points to get free stuff/they have a great return policy.  


And although I tend to be bias to the beauty giant, there are some gems Sephora doesn't offer.

So, I thought I would feature some companies that are fantastico-where the bolded word on my blog doesn't lead you to Sephora's website.



Whaddup KITTY LIPSTICK?!  Even if this lipstick was poor quality, I would still buy it because it is so adorable.  But it's not!  So lucky us!  And you can find their cosmetics on Urban Outfitters!  And that's pretty much the cherry on top of all of that good news.





This company can be found at some department stores, yet Sephora is not a carrier The products I've tried-their liquid liner, lipstick, and their pigments-are all really pretty wonderful.


Here's me and my lovely roomate Moe.  I'm wearing Mac Liquidlast Liner in Inky in this photo.

This is me and my longtime friend Kelsey in Germany together!  Our friend Alexa did my makeup with the Mac Pigments in Copper Sparkle (I think).



The Drugstore Heroes
Maybelline, Wet N Wild, Almay, Loreal, Revlon, Rimmel, Physicians Formula, Covergirl, word.


You really don't have to pay the equivalent of a down payment on a car to have great makeup.  A few of my drugstore favorites:


 Almay Intense  I- Color for Blue Eyes.
This company makes a shadow trio for hazel, brown, and green eyes as well.  Basically a no brainer in helping you figure out which colors will help your eyes stand out.






Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Liquid Foundation
Has great coverage and is mineral based-so it's better for your skin.  And with 16 shades to choose from, you'll be able to find your perfect shade!  It's also good for people with sensitive skin.






Wet N Wild H20 Proof Felt-Tip Liquid Eyeliner
It will not come off for anything! It won't budge through tears, swimming, water gun fight, whatever.  Unless someone bombards you with eye makeup remover, then it might come off.  






I'm wearing this liner in the picture at the top of my blog



Cargo






This Plant Love Lipstick is 100% natural, has a tube made entirely of corn, and the box packaging has flower seeds infused in it so you can plant it in the ground.  So if you happen to consume some of this lipstick at least you know you didn't just eat some freaky chemicals.  And it's environmentally friendly, which is always a plus.








In unfortunate news:  I'm stuck in the midwest and can't fly home because of the awful snow storm.


In fortunate news:  By the time we finally get home, my Sephora order should be waiting at the door.  Yessss.