Physicians Formula Happy Booster Makeup

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush and Face Powder

Ok, I know the idea of  makeup that makes you feel happy sounds like a ridiculous gimmick, but I had to try these simply because of how cute they are.  And, they do make me happy to look at them.  On their website, Physicians Formula claims this about these products:

"Infused with our Happy Boost Blend, featuring Happy Skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins and helping protect the skin from environmental stress.  The sweet scent of Violet provides a feeling of joy each time you apply."

I don't know about all that...but, I really do like the products.  They smell nice, and the packaging is soooo pretty.  I have had very good luck with nearly every Physicians Formula product I have tried.  While they tend to be a little pricey, you can often find them buy one, get one half-off at the drugstore.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Natural

I really like this blush for everyday; it is rosy with a hint of shimmer.  It has a nice, light floral scent to it and the hearts are just precious.  What's not to love?

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Face Powder in Translucent

This powder is a light champagne shimmer and has the same light floral scent as the blush.  I have only used this as a highlighter on my cheekbones, but I suppose it could be used lightly all over the face for a nice glow.  This is another winner for me; it's a great product and super cute too!

Looking For a Good Moisturizer?

I'm sure most of you are looking for a good moisturizer right about now as the winter dryness is setting in.  So, I thought I would tell you about a moisturizer that I have really liked using.  Olay Complete SPF 30 for sensitive skin combines good a moisturizer and sunscreen in one bottle.  I love the light feel of this moisturizer; it sinks right into my skin without feeling greasy and thick (two things you never want your face to feel like!).  It has a very light scent that disappears once applied.  It's a teeny bottle, but I've been using the same bottle for a few months.

Favorite Blushes

In going through my makeup collection the other day, I realized that I have quite a few blushes, several of which I use on a very regular basis.  So, I thought I'd share some of my favorite blushes.

NARS blush in Orgasm, NARS blush in Sin, Benefit Sugarbomb blush

First, I have a few high-end favorites.  NARS blushes are absolutely top quality; they are very pigmented and come in a broad range of colors.  My two favorite colors being Orgasm and Sin.  Orgasm is a shimmery, peachy-pink that is perfect for any complexion.  Sin is more of a deep rose color; I apply this shade with a light hand.  Another high-end favorite of mine is Benefit's Sugarbomb.  This blush comes in a cute box and smells divine, though the scent does not linger once applied.  I think this is actually my all-time favorite blush; it is just the perfect shimmery, rosy shade for adding a light flush to the cheeks.

Cover Girl Classic Color blush in Soft Mink, Maybelline Dream Mousse blush in Peach Satin, Maybelline Expert Wear blush in Gentle Rose

I have several drugstore favorites, as well.  Cover Girl Classic Color blush in Soft Mink has been a staple in my collection for years.  I've hit pan on this one for good reason; it's one of those shimmery rose colors that anyone can wear.  While I am not a huge fan of cream blushes, I have found one line that works great for me.  The Maybelline Dream Mousse blushes are wonderful!  The light mousse consistency of these blushes allows them to blend flawlessly into your skin.  I find this blush great for the summer months when I want a more light and natural look.  And last, I have a blush that I didn't really know was a favorite...but I hit pan on it; so, I must use it a lot.  Maybelline Expert Wear blush in Gentle Rose is a very light pink shade great for a naturally flushed look.  I tend to use this to top off cream blushes because it is so light.

Swatches left to right: Cover Girl Classic Color blush in Soft Mink, Maybelline Expert Wear blush in Gentle Rose, Maybelline Dream Mousse blush in Peach Satin, Benefit Sugarbomb blush, NARS blush in Orgasm, NARS blush in Sin.

Must Have Eye Quads

Maybelline Stylish Smokes Eyeshadow quads in Natural Smokes and Charcoal Smokes

These Maybelline eyeshadow quads are great for a quick and easy everyday eye look.  They even have writing pressed into each shadow indicating where it should go; this is great for someone who is new to makeup application.  The reason I feel that these are must haves is because you can create natural or dramatic looks with these shadows, and the colors are so unique and nicely pigmented.  At $6 a piece you can't go wrong!

Great Inexpensive Mascaras

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara and Rimmel Sexy Curves mascara

Top: L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara brush; Bottom: Rimmel Sexy Curves mascara brush

Mascara is one of those products that you don't have to spend a lot of money on to get a great look.  L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara is my go to mascara for great volume and length.  There's nothing flashy or gimmicky about this mascara; it is simply a great product.

My second favorite mascara at the moment is Rimmel Sexy Curves mascara.  This is mascara creates more lash definition than L'Oreal Voluminous, but it is buildable for good volume, as well.  As for the curvy brush, I don't think it makes a difference; it just looks cool.  The bristles are very stiff which is what helps separate and define the lashes.  The more I use this mascara, the more I like it.  And, the best part is that both of these mascaras retail for $5-$6 at Wal-Mart.

Don't Waste Your Money

Cover Girl Shineblast Lipgloss

I am reviewing this Cover Girl Shineblast lipgloss just so that I can throw it out and make some much needed room in my makeup cabinet.  This gloss was a total waste of money!  It looks so pretty in the tube, but it really doesn't show up on my lips.  It's too greasy and vanishes within ten minutes.  There are way better glosses out there, even some from Cover Girl; so save your money on this one ladies.

Try the Cover Girl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers or the Rimmel Vinyl Bronze and Vinyl Gloss lipglosses instead.

For Glamour Girls Only?

Top: Blush in La Vie en Rose.  Bottom: Snow Bunny bronzer/blush.

I don't even know where to start with this palette; there is so much to love about it!  Not only is it exquisitely beautiful, but it has so much to offer!  When you open the cover, there are three look cards in a pocket that show you how to create different looks using the palette.  On the other side is the La Vie en Rose blush, a pretty rose color suitable to any complexion; and, Snow Bunny brozer/blush which creates a really warm shimmery effect when applied to the face.

Glamour Gloss in Pillow Talk.  Full-sized Too Faced Shadow Insurance eye primer. Eye shadows starting at top left: In the Buff, Exclusive, George & Weezie, Velvet Revolver, Honey Pot, Teddy Bear, Exclusive, Boy Toy, Peach Fuzz, Exclusive, Label Whore, Glamazon, Exclusive, Ooh & Ahh, and Stiletto.

This palette also has a neat little drawer that you pull out to reveal a full-sized Glamour Gloss in Pillow Talk, a full-sized Shadow Insurance eye primer, and 15 eye shadows.  The gloss is a nude pink and has a nice scent.  It is a plumping gloss; so it tingles a bit and does seem to have a plumping effect on my lips.  Too Faced Shadow Insurance is my absolute favorite eye primer!  At $18 a tube, it seems expensive; but, one tube will last for months and months.  Some of the eye shadow shades look a bit flashy for everyday...but they really aren't!  My favs are George & Weezie, Peach Fuzz, Label Whore, Glamzon, and Ooh & Ahh.  I used Ooh & Ahh to create a fun, sparkly eye look for New Year's Eve dinner with my hubby.

Too Faced Ooh & Ahh on the lid; NYX Gunmetal in crease; Maybelline brow bone color from the Charcoal Smokes quad as highlight; Revlon ColorStay liquid eye pen in black, L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara.

At $49 this palette is really a great bargain!  The colors are amazing and would look great on anyone.  You can create everything from a natural day-time look to a smokey, sultry evening look with this great palette!  This palette is definitely not just for glamour girls!

Amazing Face Powder

Too Faced Amazing Face foundation powder in Vanilla Creme

I got the uber cute Too Faced Amazing Face foundation powder compact for Christmas.  First of all, the compact is so pretty and has "Why be pretty when you can be gorgeous?" printed on the compact mirror.  How cute is that?  But, more importantly, the powder really is amazing!  It goes on very smoothly and leaves my skin looking flawless, not dry and cakey like some powder foundation do.  The compact comes with a sponge applicator; but, I use a big fluffy kabuki brush (try the Essence of Beauty Kabuki from CVS) to apply it.  I think this creates a more flawless finish.

If Too Faced is out of your price range or just not available near you, I have a great drugstore foundation powder for you.  Try L'Oreal True Match Super-blendable Powder in the gray compact.  I think this is a great comparison to the Too Faced Amazing Face foundation powder at a more affordable price.