Maybelline's SuperStay Foundation

Maybelline's SuperStay Foundation 

(photo courtesy of maybelline.com)

 

As every girl always is, I was worried about trying a new foundation. You have one and it matches your skin tone and you start getting bottle after bottle. At some point though, you find yourself needing a new foundation whether they changed your old one or it's just time to mix it up. For me, it was a sale. I have Urban Decay's foundation, but it's $38 a bottle at Sephora. I was using a Netroeugena  product, however it was $15 a bottle and I didn't need the skin clearing anymore part of it. So I found this one.

For around $9 a bottle, Maybelline's SuperStay foundation surprised me. I got it in Sand Beige and even though it's not the easiest to apply, it's like any liquid foundation and it went on super smooth. I don't feel cakey or heavy. I actually feel very light.

I also guessed the perfect shade while in store. I'm usually one up from the lightest color places make in foundations. This one was no exception and it matches my skin tone perfectly. The next test for it will be when I go outside. It's 85 degrees and sunny today and I used to sweat off both my old foundation and the Urban Decay ones. I powdered post foundation application and will see how it goes! So far so good though.

 

Revlon's Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner

Revlon's Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner

(Photo courtesy of revlon.com)

 

I will say, I'm not really a Revlon product fan. I have a couple of their eyeliners, however overall, I haven't been quite satisfied with their products. Now, to give them some credit, liquid eyeliner is hard to fall in love with. For about $5, this product wasn't really worth it. Maybe I just have some issues with liquid liner. That is very possible. 

I just found that this stuff smudged and was extremely difficult to apply. I'll take my gel eyeliner any day. I gave up after trying this product on liquid liner so there may be some that are much better on the market, but I don't think I'll ever be a liquid liner girl.

CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipcolor

CoverGirl's LipPerfection Lipcolor

(Photo courtesy of covergirl.com)

 

Every little girl dreams of her lipstick. She plays with her mother's. It's one of the first things that tells us "oops, she got into my makeup again." For me, it was a late transition into lipsticks. To me, they were for dance recitals. I had no idea of a good color. I liked the vintage and bright reds, but also some softer tones that were closer to my natural lip color. 

Priced from around $5-7, CoverGirl's Lip Perfection was a good starter choice. It has a wide variety of choices, works like a typical lipstick and has good lasting power. I make sure to moisturize with lip balm beforehand, however this stuff sticks around. It may seem like it's coming off at first, but by the end of the night, you'll still notice some color on your lips. 

 

In my makeup bag, I own two of these. One is a soft, pink tone that's good for everyday use. The other is a stunning "Very Cherry" that's bright and perfect for those little black dress nights where looking good is just a priority. The bright red provides a good contrast to the rest of my features and I find it a fearless act when putting it on. It's not a safe color, but it's one every girl should learn to rock every once and awhile, just for her.

Aerie's Bras

Aerie Bras

(Photo courtesy of ae.com)

For awhile, I loved Aerie bras. They had a decent fit and one of my favorites was their lightly lined Ella. They were fairly true to size and I didn't have any issues. I'm not quite sure what happened recently with the company. 

Running a bit cheaper than Victoria's Secret, Aerie bras have sunk. I love their underwear, don't get me wrong, but for bras, I won't really shop there anymore. Recently, their bras are not true to size. They also have a "cheap" feeling to the quality and overall, I'm just not pleased. 

Sizing wise, they tend to run small and when a usually A cup girl is exploring into Bs consistently because the As are too small in both cup and band, something's up. It's not just the cup size that's off. It's also the band size that runs small. Measuring around my ribs, I'm about a 31/32. In an Aerie bra, a 34 doesn't fit. Yeah, I told you something was off.

I enjoyed my Aerie bras while they lasted and I still have a few, however they definitely will not be my number 1 for bras anymore. Underwear and comfy clothes? Of course. But bras I'm headed to VS and their cotton lingerie line especially.

eos Lip Balm in Sweet Mint

eos Lip Balm in Sweet Mint

(Photo courtesy of evolutionofsmooth.com)

 

For around $3.30, eos is definitely one of the best balms I've tried. I purchased it in Sweet Mint and it's actually really fun and minty. The eos design is unique. I find myself wanting to put it on just because it's fun to do so. I go between my eos and my homemade balm from a farmers market. Both prove to be quite effective. The winter is always tough on lips and I had been wanting to try eos for awhile. Not only that, but it's cheap. If you're like me, I want to have a million lip balms everywhere because I have enough purses, backpacks and regular bags that I simply cannot remember to move it over every single time. Definitely worth the $3.

Makeup Life Span

 Do you still have makeup from the beginning of high school and are now in college? If so, that should probably get tossed. Depending on what type of makeup it is, it has a shelf life. Many people think that if they have not used the entire container, it's all set. It's not. Makeup has bacteria. From the transferring to your face back into the bottle or via brush, bacteria is present and to be the healthiest you can be, some makeup should be thrown out after certain times.

The best thing to do is after you open a new makeup, write a date on it and/or an expiration date. The more organized you are, the better. 

Mascara: Every 3 months. Mascara is known as having the highest bacteria to bottle transfer because of the closeness to your eyes.

Eye pencils: 2 years

Eye shadows: Liquid shadows last 12 months while powders are good for 2 years. However, if you have had a recent eye infection like pinkeye, everything needs to be tossed.

Lipsticks: 2 years

Cream blushes: 1 year

Powder blushes and powders: 2 years

Mosturizing foundations and stick concealers: 18 months

Oil-free foundations and liquid concealers: 12 months. 


(Resource: dummies.com)

Upcoming Products

Aerie Yoga Pants
Liquid Eyeliner
Aerie Bras
Victoria Secret's Thongs
Maybelline Concealer
Revlon Eyeshadow
CoverGirl Lipstick
Eos Lip Balm

Bath & Body Work's Pink Chiffon Shower Gel

Bath and Body Work's Pink Chiffon Shower Gel

(Photo courtesy of bathandbodyworks.com)

 

This stuff makes showers just that much better. In my favorite scent (Pink Chiffon,) it helps have a relaxing shower and doesn't make you stink in a cloud of scent afterward. Some scent products have a tendency to stick around for way too long, but Bath and Body Works has it right. For $11 either online or in store, the shower gel also has shea butter in it which helps with dry skin.  

I've tried my fair share of body washes. I've got back and forth with what I like. I think this stuff is here to stay. I use only a bit on a poof (loofah?) and it lathers well. I find myself relaxed afterward and happily enjoy my shower time.

Clean and Clear's Daily Pore Cleanser

Clean and Clear's Daily Pore Cleanser

(Photo courtesy of cleanandclear.com)

 

Recently, my friends and I began the journey on a new health kick. I now work out 6 days a week. I eat healthy. I'm taking my multivitamins and drinking protein shakes. The one downside of this whole thing is sweat. Sure, the exercise and eating right will help my skin. That has been scientifically proven. But the thing with sweat is the amount of it, how it clogs your pores and how much more you have to shower and wash your face. 

 

I didn't want to get an acne treatment cleanser because yes, I do break out around that time of the month, but with the consistent use I'd be using the product, I didn't want anything too harsh on my skin. So off to Walmart I went and found this product for $4.97. So far, I think it was worth it.

 

My skin has felt cleaned and pores definitely opened up and sweat free. I have a routine of giving myself a face massage while lathering up with face wash and it definitely helps reduce stress and make my skin look better. This is a great basic product that can be used a lot, isn't harsh at all and is just a nice overall face cleanser. 

Aerie's Underwear

Aerie's Underwear Collection

(Photo courtesy of aerie.com)

One of the things I've identified and I'm sure many others have identified, is the big brand differences between Victoria's Secret and Aerie. American Eagle's Aerie line is cute. It's comfy. Quite frankly, it's perfect for single girls who just want some comfy, adorable clothes and underwear. Victoria's Secret has the sexy down. They have the red and black lace that might not be perfect for day to day, but sure is great for a date night.

Aerie boasts one of the best quantity for your money as they run 7 for $26 rather than VS's 5 for $25. They run true to sizes as far as their underwear goes (bras can run a bit on the small size. You usually have to go up a cup size or have some fitting trial and error.) Aerie offers a full collection of styles from hipsters to bikini to thongs and everything else. Their Boybrief style is probably the most popular due to its comfort, but the rest are there and easy to find. 

I find that Aerie has actually taken over most of my underwear drawer. They're soft, they're cute and you can find bra matches. The patterns are fun (I own a pair of polar bears, penguins and elephants even) and it's definitely a way to brighten your mood on a gloomy day.

Maybelline's Mega Plush Mascara

Maybelline's Volum' Express Mega Plush Mascara

(Photo courtesy of maybelline.com)

 

After hearing some good reviews on this mascara, I can actually say I'm a bit disappointed. For around $8 at any local drug store, it wasn't that special. I think I actually liked Maybelline's Falsies better. The "flexor" brush really doesn't do anything. It's a good mascara, but not worth the hype. I don't find it really "plush." My lashes feel the same as they do with the Falsies. I mean, Maybelline always makes good products. I have a ton of their lines. However, I definitely feel I could do better. This may be an emergency mascara for me or something to just keep in my purse. For day to day, I think I'll go back to my Falsies for now. 

Sephora- Microsmooth Blush Duo

Sephora's Microsmooth Blush Duo

(Photo courtesy of sephora.com)

After my experiences with the Covergirl blush and not being too thrilled, I headed to Sephora. Now Sephora may not be the cheapest around, but their products last the longest and I've found some good quality products there. For $17, I picked up this blush in Rose Emotion. The best part about Sephora is having the attendants help you out with shade matching and application. You can really get a trial run before you buy and then you know if you've gotten the right shade.

I had someone help me pick out the shade and right away, I loved it. It brought color and light to my face and helped offset my pale skin. It was exactly what I needed. Since bringing it home, I've used it a couple of times and I'll tell you, they are right when they say a small amount goes a long way with this stuff. You don't have to use much at all. My first time applying it I completely messed up and had to wash off that half of my face and redo my foundation. The trial and error has been worth it though. This stuff will still be on my face and exactly where I applied it for hours and hours later. So far, so good.

Upcoming Products for January

Here's a list of the upcoming products you can see reviewed here along with some special topics!

Special Topics:

Makeup Life Span

Products:

Aerie's Underwear
Aerie Yoga Pants
Maybelline's Plush Mascara
Liquid Eyeliner
Aerie Bras
Victoria Secret's Thongs
Maybelline Concealer
EcoTool's brushes
Revlon Eyeshadow

Maybelline: Define-a-Line Eyeliner

Maybelline Define-a-Line Eyeliner

(Photo courtesy of maybelline.com)

 

This was one of my first eyeliners and I will say, although I enjoy the eyeliner putt more, this stuff is great for waterlines. When using eyeliner, you need to have the right tool for the job. Now, this stuff isn't so great as a main eyeliner. It smudges a bit too easily. However, for the waterline, this stuff does a pretty good job. I find toward the end of the day, it may be a bit smudged, but I'm ok with the results. I don't like a too heavy eye all day and since I do a more dramatic upper eye, the waterline smudging a bit doesn't bug me. 

This product runs about $5 at your local CVS or Walgreens. Maybelline has kept this line going because I actually have an older discontinued release of it. However, it is the same product and I've had it for over a year now to the point where I should probably get a new one simply because of age and the possibility of bacteria. (I will make a post all about makeup life spans later today.)

Just rolled out of bed beauty

This one is less of a review and more of an open discussion. Girls, how do you feel in the morning? How do you feel when you roll out of bed? Besides being foggy and half awake, once you're awake, how do you feel? Telecommuting five days a week over break has taught me something important and that's just how pretty I am in the morning. I wake up and go the mirror and notice just how pretty I am. No makeup, no fancy clothes, no hair done, nothing. Just me.

In society, we're taught that we're the ugliest in the morning before we get our daily routine in of face washes and foundation and eyeliner, etc. Truly though, the morning is one of the best times to embrace you. I can look myself in the eye in the mirror and truthfully smile and start my day off right. It's more important than one would think. Now I love my makeup and if I'm going out for the day or seeing someone, I will do the whole face. But days in which I'm working from home and simply not going anywhere, it doesn't make sense to do everything. I go at least the full morning without anything.

Try it for a day. Either find a day you can go the whole morning just being you or start out by getting up, looking at yourself in the mirror and really noticing how pretty you are. It will help and over time, you'll start to feel that way all the time.

Covergirl: Instant Cheekbones Contouring Blush

Covergirl's Instant Cheekbone Contouring Blush

(Photo courtesy of covergirl.com)

 

This was one of the first blushes I ever purchased. To be honest, before this blush I hadn't used much blush. I walked into the department store without much of an idea as to what to get. This palette amused me because it did have a variety of shades so I was hoping to be able to find out what I liked. I did and I didn't.

This stuff looks great when you first put it on and for about $5.50, it started off promising. However, I quickly learned that this stuff doesn't really last. I find it fading too quickly for my liking. Overall, I mean, it was a great starter, but it's time for me to move on and find something more promising, more fun and more bold. I love bold and this product just isn't me.

e.l.f. Foundation Brush

e.l.f Foundation Brush

(Photo courtesy of eyeslipsface.com)

 

For $1 at Target, this brush surprised me a lot. For $1, you're never really sure what you're getting into. Cheap? Hard bristles? Will it break by the second use? I used to apply my foundation with just my hands (amateur, I know), but this brush has changed that. Now I'm no makeup expert when it comes to applying foundation. I can actually be kind of bad depending on the day. Using the brush caused me to use a bit more liquid foundation than I'm used to, but the coverage was great.

It definitely feels like painting your face when you're using a foundation brush. Overall though, I'm pleased with how my makeup came out with the brush. And for a cheap investment, it was worth it.

Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing and Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing and Makeup Remover

(Photo courtesy of neutrogena.com)

 

After trying many makeup remover towelettes, I was tired of spending a lot to remove my makeup. As much as I love Neutrogena's Towelette products (It's the best I found as far as towelettes ran, I'll review those later), there's only so many in a package. For $6, this bottle was a wallet saver. Nighttime routine is extremely important and as a lazy college student who just wants to crawl into bed, the two in one was a great decision.

This stuff doesn't irritate my eyes and doesn't have an irritating smell or texture. It's easy to scrub in. I haven't yet perfected the way to wash my face without it being the Titantic, but that's a personal issue. My skin is soft after using it, it takes off all the oils along with moisturizing my face afterwards. I still use my Lush face lotion after, but again, personal preference.

I mostly just use this at night. I have a regular face scrub for mornings. It's difficult to get heavy eyeliner off, but you'll find that with most removers, even the towelettes. Overall, I give this product a thumbs up. It's always a chance to get a product that claims to be eye safe, but this definitely is.

Let Beauty Fly

Let beauty fly, let your wings take flight and smile. Don't dwell on the past or worry about the future. Fly free. Fly with a purpose. Don't be afraid to fly your own way because you are you and you are beautiful.

Victoria's Secret: Lace-Waist Cheeky Panty

Victoria Secret's Lace Waist Cheeky Panty

(Photo courtesy of victoriassecret.com)

This is my first of a few VS and Aerie underwear reviews and this is my newest discovery. Yesterday I headed into VS with Christmas money in hand and ready to shop. Although definitely a picked over store that needed more inventory, I was able to find 5 panties for their 5 for $26 sale. Before now, I had been sticking to the low rise hiphuggers or even a few thongs. The cheeky panties pleasantly surprised me.

The cheeky is a great mix between more coverage and a thong without the wedgie. Like many girls, I love a little lace and I love a cute underwear and the cheeky definitely is a great choice. I hadn't known exactly what to expect when I first picked it up. At first I was a bit worried that it would give me a more thong like wedgie (I love my thongs for different outfits, but not for everyday wear.) Although the cheeky took a bit of getting used to because it does narrow out and somewhat act like a thong (it's like a distant cousin), it's a lot more comfortable than your tradition thong. The more coverage on the waist and in the front was a welcome sight and it's cute without being trashy. For 5 for $26, I give the cheeky a go ahead and enjoy.

Garnier: Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk

Garnier Anti Humidity Smoothing Milk

(Photo courtesy of garnierusa.com)

Winter hates my hair. While I love leaving my curls down and pretty, the static of winter scarves and everything else in the air kills my hair. I get frizz, static and everything else on the face of the earth. Recently I tried calming it down with hair spray or consistently dampening my hair, but it really didn't keep. Today while I was out I picked up this handy little bottle, Garnier's Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk. It cost about $4 or so at Target. (Also available at pretty much any drugstore)

My roommate originally showed me this product and I'll tell you, it did the trick. I'm a person with a bad habit of touching my hair throughout the day (maybe it'll be a new year's resolution to stop!) so the static kept growing. I dabbed a bit on my fingers and brought it through my hair and instant difference. My hair calmed down and is actually much more manageable, even with my crazy curls. I'll definitely be keeping this product close the rest of the winter and into the summer months.