Summer Favorites

Covergirl Intense Shadow Blast, Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, Tarte Smooth Operator Illuminating Serum, Tarte Natural Cheek Stain

I think everyone has a hard time finding products that work for them as the seasons change.  I have been experimenting a lot to find the right combination of products to keep me looking my best in the Summer heat and humidity. This post is devoted to sharing some of my favorite Summer products.  Personally, I like to wear lighter makeup in the Summer months, and I try to look for products that will stand up to both heat and water.

Base: I have been loving how Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (shade light to fair) mixed with a little of the Tarte Smooth Operator Illuminating Serum gives me a nice dewy look with a little coverage, as well.  These two products do a lot; I am getting moisture, SPF, coverage, and illumination all in one step.  I also add a light dusting of Laura Geller Balance N' Brighten Foundation to my T-zone to eliminate any shine.  If you haven't tried Balance N' Brighten Foundation, you are missing out; it feels super light your skin and really covers well.

Laura Mercier Pink Mosaic Shimmer Bloc, Tarte Park Ave Princess Mineral Bronzer, Laura Geller Balance N' Brighten Foundation in Fair

Bronzer: I contour my face with the Tarte Park Ave Princess Mineral Bronzer.  I really like this bronzer because it isn't too dark for my fair skin and it blends well. 

Laura Mercier Pink Mosaic Shimmer Bloc, Tarte Park Ave Princess Mineral Bronzer, Laura Geller Balance N' Brighten Foundation in Fair

Blush: For a day at the beach, I use Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Glisten to give my cheeks just a hint of lasting color.  I have also been enjoying my Laura Mercier Pink Mosaic Shimmer Bloc for everyday because when the light catches the shimmer it looks so pretty.

Eyes: Covergirl Intense Shadow Blast Primer + Rich Shadow is perfect for Summer.  The Beige Blast and Forever Pink shades are pretty by themselves or used as primer for eyeshadow.  These do not crease and really seem to hold up well in the heat.  I just smooth some on with my finger, add a swipe of mascara and my eyes done!

L to R: Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, Tarte Smooth Operator Illuminating Serum, Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Glisten, Covergirl Intense Shadow Blast in Forever Pink and Beige Blast

I hope you are all having a great Summer and enjoying some fun in the sun.  I'd love to know what your favorite Summer products are!

Unii and Z Palette Reviews

Top: Unii Palette; Bottom: Z Palette

 After much deliberation, I finally decided to attempt depotting all of my single eye shadows in an effort to save space in my makeup drawers.  This decision led me to order Unii palettes and a Z Palette to store the depotted shadows in.  Both of these palettes are great, though I think I am a bit partial to the Unii palettes due to their durability, design, and over all cuteness.  So far, I am pretty happy with my new palettes and how my depotting experience went; I only had one casualty!  Though I did manage to slightly dent most my shadows in the process; I feel like I will get more use out of my single eye shadows now that I have grouped them together into palettes.  It definitely makes it easier to find the shadows I want to use!

Unii Palette filled with depotted NYX, MAC, and e.l.f. eye shadows

Unii Palette Features:

• Has a large mirror, which is good for travel or doing your makeup on-the-go
• Has thumb grip to prevent placing fingers in makeup
• Made of durable, hard plastic with a sturdy closure
• Comes apart for easy cleaning
• Comes with magnet strips
• Available in several colors
• Inner Dimensions: 2.8"D x 5.4"L x 0.4"Thick

Z Palette filled with depotted Cover Girl, NYX, and L'Oreal eye shadows

Z Palette Features:

• Large surface area for depotted pans
• Clear window for viewing makeup
• Easy to open magnetic closure
• Comes in designer prints
• Light weight design

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Pros of Depotting:

• Save space
• Organize eye shadows by color or coordinating groups for easy use
• Can create personalized palettes for traveling or on-the-go use

Cons of Depotting:

• May crack or dent eye shadows
• May be necessary to destroy original packaging to remove eye shadow
• Takes time and patience to depot eye shadows

Before you think about depotting your precious eye shadows, be sure to do some research.  I watched a number of videos on how to depot eye shadows, as well as how to fix eye shadows that have been cracked while depotting.  I've included links below to the most helpful videos.

EnKore Makeup Depotting
Depotting NYX Single Eye Shadows
EnKore Makeup Mending Cracked Shadows 
Kandee's How to Fix Broken Eye Shadows 

Happy depotting everyone!

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.

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.