beauty

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette Review

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I come to you today with a review of a very popular palette! I am talking about the Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH) Modern Renaissance palette. This is the first permanent palette added to the very popular ABH collection. Today I’m going to give you a quick run down of this product!

The Specs

This palette retails for $42 and features 14 shades in neutral to berry tones. There are basically 12 mattes and 2 shimmery shades, although a few of the shades have some sheen but its negligible. There is a decent sized mirror and it comes with a double ended brush which isn’t totally horrible, but I would probably only reach for in emergency situations. It feels pretty sturdy, and the size is great for travel.

The Pros

The shadows themselves have amazing color payoff. They feel like butter when you dip your finger in, and they blend very very easily. If you put too much on, simply swipe your brush back and forth a few extra times and you will see it diminish quickly. The shades in the palette go together very well and you can easily put many full eye looks together in this one palette. The mattes as well as the shimmers have great color payoff, which is surprising because I do feel like shimmer shades in palettes tend to come off glittery and lacking an opaque color. This is not the case with this palette. The quality is most definitely there in this product.

The Cons

These eyeshadows have A LOT of fallout, meaning when you put your brush in the shadow, little bits of shadow fly everywhere, and the same can happen on your eyes as well. This can be prevented on your eyes by tapping off your brush many times to shake off excess product. Even so, I would still recommend doing your eye makeup before your face makeup especially with this palette. It will avoid a mess, possibly ruining your makeup and having to (gasp!) start all over. That being said I always do my eyes first, it’s just what I would typically recommend anyway.

Also, what some may see as a negative is the berry shades. They are not the neutrals we are all used to seeing, and they may end up unworn. It’s safe to say you can do an entirely neutral look with this palette easily, but when spending your hard earned money on something, you want to be able to use everything. Now this isn’t really a negative for me, I see it as more of a challenge to change up my go to looks a little bit. If you do dive in with the berry’s start slow, sometimes you can look a little sick if you do it wrong. Either way, it’s just makeup and it wipes off!

To sum it all up, I give this palette two thumbs up. Fallout is just what happens when making buttery, easy to blend shadows. You can take only this palette to travel and get a lot of great looks. These shadows are beginner friendly, as long as you do your eye makeup first. So if you were thinking about it, give it a shot!

Thanks for stopping by!

Tayler

 

 

 

Biggest Tip for Acne Prone Skin

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We are back today with a short and sweet post about acne. I have acne prone skin, basically meaning my pores get clogged REALLY easily.  Some people’s pores do not clog easily and some people’s pores clog if the weather changes 2 degrees. I fall into that second category. Now I tend to have am extensive skincare routine, but what I really feel is important and applicable to anyone who suffers from acne is salicylic acid.

This is a very popular ingredient that is featured in many products at the drugstore. As a long time acne sufferer I am just going to explain why this is important to me and my routine and what I use.

After working out, or at least once a day typically at night, I use a salicylic acid based toner. This is just going to really ensure that your pores are open and empty of junk that shouldn’t be in there.

This is a strong toner and it works well for me but USE SPARINGLY! You will dry out your face, and dry patches just re-clog your pores, which is no good. I use this once a day or after working out if I don’t have the ability to shower immediately after. This has 5% salicylic acid and tea tree oil. A great use for this too is on your chest or back if you find yourself getting a few break outs there. I see results in decreased size of break outs the next day, and in between break outs it keeps my skin clear.

Another salicylic acid product I use is simply Clean and Clear Acne Triple Exfoliating scrub. This is a great drugstore option with 2% salicylic acid I use whenever I am in the shower to scrub my face and body. It also has micro-beads for an extra level of exfoliation.

The most important thing you can do with this ingredient in your routine is to use it consistently. Do not wait until you have break outs, just use it every day or every other day. The consistency of use is what will continue to keep your pores clean and reduce breakouts. These are just some products that I have found work great for me, and an ingredient that I have found makes a big difference in my skin care routine. Thanks for stopping by!

Tayler

February Favorites!

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Ok after a brief intermission we are back with some favorites!

L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Setting Spray

I know I have mentioned this, but this favorites is going to roll a little differently. I am going to be telling you reasons I like this besides what you already know. Obviously a cheaper alternative to the Urban Decay All Nighter, it will set your makeup, and keep it tight. ALSO though, it will take away the powdery look that happens after we (shocker) apply powder. This helps melt the makeup into the skin, similar to Mac Fix Plus but with more staying power. This is also great for dampening your beauty blender if it’s a little dry, and you can use this with metallic eye shadows to make them pop more.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless

This foundation has come on strong with me. We did not like each other at first, and it feels like a winter romance because come summer I know this won’t last. With my typically oily skin slightly drier, this matte gives just enough life to my skin to make it look almost luminous. This is not a flat matte foundation, this is more along the lines of a satin, but once applied it stays all day just the way it looked originally. No extra oil or slippery feelings. This line has so many shades, it’s very easy to find one that matches you and your undertones.

L’Oreal infallible Lip Paints in 314 Spiced Blush

Really not much to say here, it’s just the perfect ‘my lips but better’ color. It lasts a long time (not liquid lip long) and the doe foot applicator hugs the lips nicely. They have a ton of colors, and are reasonably priced. This is something that when you see it in the drugstore, and you are wanting to buy something, won’t let you down.

Coty Airspun Powder

Ok you’ve seen this from me a million times I know! BUT this is for a different reason. I have recently been playing with day to day very light looks. Think just some concealer under eyes and on blemishes, no foundation. When I do that (and I have tried many times and it almost never works) and I set it with this powder I find my pores blurred, redness dulled, and an overall even complexion. This powder makes the biggest difference on no foundation days. If you are that type of person, I really recommend giving it a shot. Also great for making your face full coverage bullet proof but that’s a post for another day!

Thank you so much for stopping by! Until next time!

Tayler

Perfecting the Undereyes

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I am here today to talk about those pesky undereyes. The delicate skin under your eyes are often the first to age, and poor makeup application can also easily make you look much older then you are. I have a few things to discuss that I have found really help!

Eye Cream

I am not kidding when I say START NOW. You are never too young to start moisturizing the skin around your eyes. This is what I use, which is the iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex. It’s considered medical grade skincare which I have been dabbling in, and thoroughly hydrates the under eye area as well has helps diminish those tiny wrinkles and even crows feet. The most important thing is just to add this step in your skincare routine regardless of the product. For those of us in the younger ages, you may even consider starting with drugstore options, such as this or this which will do a solid job of hydrating. Start using once a day, then possibly move to twice if your eyes aren’t too sensitive.

Eye Masks

These have been increasing in popularity which is great for us because it makes them easier to find! The masks above are from Sephora, and can be found for about $5 a mask. I use these a few times a week at night, and they are very relaxing, great for your own little spa moment at home. They will give you extra hydration and can help depuff or brighten the undereye with repeat wear. Quick Tip: store these guys in the fridge, the cold will provide extra help in the depuffing and invigorating department!

Use the right powder

You have conealed your undereye darkness, and you go to set that concealer to help it stay all day. This is where mistakes can easily be made. First, you should never be using a foundation powder to set your undereye. Anything that says it provides coverage is a no no. Your best bet is a loose translucent powder, and when it comes to which one  to use it’s all about preference. Many popular options include the Kodi Airspun Powder (above), RCMA no color powder (above), Laura Mercier Translucent Powder, and a new product I want to try the Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder which contains no talc. You can read reviews, but this seems to be something for me that I have to try myself. If you don’t like the way your eyes look throughout the day, try changing your powder.

And most importantly with this step is, DO NOT use too much powder. Baking is very popular right now, which is putting a lot of powder over your concealer and letting your body temperature help melt some of it into your skin, then you dust off the excess. It has it’s benefits, but for everyday use I find it can really be too much. Always remember less is more.

I hope these tips help!

Tayler

 

 

 

 

 

January 2017 Favorites

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Today we have a short and sweet favorites post for the month of January!

I have not been using a ton of new products religiously, nothing has been shouting my name, but I am always down for change in the future!

Skinceuticals Daily Moisture

I have oily, acne prone skin. However, it is winter and my skin is dehydrated but it seems that EVERY moisturizer clogs my pores. Until this fabulous moisturizer. You can pile this on heavy, and it sinks into your pores within minutes leaving your skin plumped and hydrated all day and night. I use this for both my daytime and nighttime moisturizer. The Skinceuticals brand falls under “medical grade skincare” and I have been trying out a few of their products and loving the results!

Mac Fix +

I mentioned this in my last post reviewing the L’Oreal total cover foundation, and I have been using this with all other foundations as well. I spray it underneath my foundation on bare skin, just for some quick hydration and a nice barrier layer between my skin and the makeup. And when it’s SUPER dry outside, I even spray it over my makeup, giving me a nice JLo glow, which in any other condition would make me look like a greasy hot dog. TMI? Maybe!

Maybelline Big Shot Mascara

This is all over the internet so you know I had to give it a shot. A BIG shot, get it? Sometimes I am too much even for me. Anyway this is an addition to the Maybelline Colossal line of mascaras and I have to say it is a great one. If you buy the blackest shade, you get great dark lashes, good volume, and not bad length as well. I have been using it all month and it is a great mascara available at any drugstore.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lovesick

I have a difficult time picking out lipstick shades that are not nudes, so naturally my mom picked this out for me. It is a little brighter then a baby pink and I love it. I have blue eyes, and I find it really brings out my eye color nicely. Her liquid lip formula is very matte, but it is not the worst I have tried by a long shot. This is coming from someone who doesn’t like liquid lips all that much.

That’s all I have for you! See you here Tuesday, I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Tayler

 

 

The BEST Drugstore Mascaras

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With the hundreds (idk maybe it just feels that way) of mascaras in the drugstore, you can get overwhelmed very easily looking for ‘the one’. Lets make that a little bit less likely to happen. I have created a list of four that I think are the best of the best!

 

From left to right:

L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black: This is the one it seems everyone has heard about and for good reason. This coats the lashes and is very black and has tons of volume. The formula can get clumpy (I really could not think of a better word) depending on the number of layers you put on, but even with the clump I think it looks great. A tip with this is to make sure you let this dry a little between coats. This mascara especially gets very wet and can get everywhere if you don’t let it dry.

Covergirl the Super Sizer: This wand is definitely different. Not the typical wand you see on a volume mascara, it is very thin and plastic. Think of it like a comb but mini. It does a great job at coating the lashes, and you can really wiggle this wand at the base of the lashes (a technique called tight lining) probably better then any of the other mascaras listed. This is great for someone that likes there eyelashes a bit less clumpy but still with volume. I get slightly more length with this then with the L’Oreal Voluminous.

L’Oreal Voluminous Feline Noir: I feel that this formula is exactly the same as the original formula listed above, but the wand is very different. It is more plastic, similar to the Super Sizer. This mascara is a mix of the first and second mentioned, and a great option to get volume without the clump.

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express: This is the newest mascara I have purchased and I instantly loved it. This is great for volume AND length, and not a ton of clumping. This also goes great on the lower lashes, as sometimes volumizing mascaras are just a mess on the lower lash line. I have not heard a ton about this, so I would definitely encourage going and picking this one up if you haven’t tried!

It kind of goes without saying none of these mascaras flake off or irritate my eyes, as they probably wouldn’t be on this list if they did 🙂 I like mascaras that give a mix of volume and length and I do not use waterproof on the daily. Seriously how do anyone’s lashes survive everyday removal of waterproof mascara! I hope this post was helpful, and have a great holiday !!

Tayler

 

 

Easy Everyday Eye Look

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After a short intermission I am back, bringing this super easy everyday eye look.

me 1

 

 

on the lid

When I say simple I mean SIMPLE! This look is perfect for work or just being out and about. This eye look is 1. the basis for most other eye looks I do and 2. With practice it probably takes me a solid 2.5 minutes. Not a lot of time to add to your morning routine, but it makes you look slightly more together and awake. We will be using:

all eye

  • The Morphe 35O palette (great inexpensive palette to have with lots and lots of neutrals)
  • 3 Morphe brushes (mostly because I have them, you could easily use 2 or 1)
  • Your favorite mascara

palette 1

I only used three colors from the palette (1,2,3 used first, second, third).

  1. Use this first color in your crease, or where your eye folds. This is called your transition color. Use this in windshield wiper motions throughout the entire crease. Use a larger fluffy crease brush for this.
  2. This color is used to deepen up the outer v (shown below). With a light hand create that v shape. Use the same fluffy crease brush as above.

outer v  3. Use this color directly over color 2. This will deepen the crease. Use a smaller more precise crease brush if            possible.

I used the third brush and a very light color to highlight directly underneath my eyebrow, which is optional.

Tips for making this work:

  • Always go lightly. Dip your brush in a color, tap the brush on the edge of the palette to tap off excess shadow and then start on your eye. You can always add more but its very difficult to take away.
  • Have three shades of a similar color (brown is usually easy) and go from lightest to darkest. Do not go in directly with a dark color, that is how we start to look like we have black eyes. The first color should be a shade or two darker then your skin color and then go down from there.
  • Blend. If things get a little crazy keep going in with your fluffy crease brush, no product on it, just blending. Blending is your best friend.

Finish off this look by curling your lashes and applying a couple coats of your favorite mascara! This look is light and easy, and really helps your face look pulled together.

Happy blending!

Tayler

 

 

 

Target Haul

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So we have a wee bit of a Target haul coming up today! Went in for trash bags, came out with:

haul

I know I am not the only one. Ok starting from the top left and moving clockwise:

Maybelline Color Jolt in Stripped Down: I bought the lighter pinkier shade and loved it so I had to buy another one. On my light skin it looks like a nice brown and I love it. Great formula!

Caress body wash in Mystique Forever: I needed a new body wash, this was $3.99 and smelled amazing so there ya go.

NYC Liquid Lipshine in Brighton Beach Peach: I just love lip glosses. This is so shiny and light and not sticky and was like $1.99 I can see this being used a ton in my future.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser: I bought this to keep in my shower. I like to have a more aggressive cleanser for my chest and back after a really sweaty workout. TMI I know but also important!

Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil: Cleansing oils are all the rage now, and to be honest I have never felt that makeup wipes did a whole lot of anything to take off makeup pre cleanse. I gave this a shot and have really been loving it. It was the cheapest cleansing oil I could find, but if I continue to really like it a more expensive one may be coming up!

Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Shampoo: I have to wash my hair twice when I wash it. Even though that isn’t everyday I feel like I burn through my high end shampoo so so so quickly so I am on the hunt for a good one from the drugstore.

Shea Moisture Clarifying Mud Mask: I love mud masks and charcoal masks, and after hearing about this brand being great I decided to try this guy out. At around $15 it is much much cheaper then the GlamGlow Super Mud that I love and I am hoping he might turn out to be a cheaper alternative.

Maybelline Better Skin Foundation in 15 Ivory: This was straight impulse. I saw Casey Holmes talk about it and I love love love foundations so in my cart it went. I tried it last night for the first time and thought it was pretty good but I will report back!

I think Target hauls are my favorite because I feel like we are all in the same boat, just stopping in for two items, casually perusing the beauty isles and bam, exiting the store with no less then 10 items!

Thanks for stopping by!

Tayler

 

 

Favorite Drugstore/ Affordable lashes

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It’s officially time for my first post!

And for my first topic we have one of my favorite beauty items to really just take up any look. Before lashes was a sad time for my makeup. I just could not figure out why all these beauty guru’s just seemed to have their eyes on another level! When I thought fake lashes, I thought dance recitals, and I couldn’t see why I would even need them with my decently long lashes. Mascara should do the trick right? Wrong.

So when I finally tried them out I quickly realized the error of my previous ways. They were game changing! And while there are many many different kinds of lashes (very high end mink, very low end shiny) I feel I have found some very affordable options for all needs. Here we go!

All Lash 2

There they are! From the top going clockwise we have:

  • Eylure Exaggerate No 143
  • Ardell Natural Babies in Black
  • Ardell Natural Beauties in Black
  • Eylure and Vegas Nay Grand Glamor
  • Ardell Wispies

So we will go from the biggest most glam to the most natural. I bet you can guess what we are starting with. That lovely blue box, the Eylure and Vegas Nay Grand Glamor lashes! If you are looking for a big lash that is somehow still really wearable, you will find it with these. Fluffy and slightly wispy with some great volume.

Everyday Glam Lash

 

Next in the slightly more natural/ everyday lash department we have these guys. The Ardell Wispies are classics. They look like your lashes just longer. Much longer. That is the only thing I will say, be aware that they may reach up to those eyebrows, but they definitely still have a natural look. The Eylure Exaggerate 143’s are a great find. I typically can only grab them at Ulta, and every time I go if I see them I snag them. They have slightly more volume then the Wispies but are definitely shorter. They just really give me the finished eyes I am looking for. Both of these guys are my go to lashes, night or day, just to bring my eyes to the next level.

Natural Lash

 

Finally we have the natural guys. For the lash beginner, I definitely recommend starting here! The Babies are literally for those who just want some slight “umph” to their lashes. No length really, just slight volume. But they are great when you are first starting just to throw on to practice applying lashes. The Beauties are a step up, with slight length and slight volume, but really nothing crazy by any means. The natural line by Ardell has many options for the lash newbie, and I recommend any really, the more wispy the better.

Both of these brands are available to drugstores (CVS, Walgreens), Target, and Ulta. They are very affordable (around $5 a pair) and can be worn a few times before tossing.

Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you soon 🙂

Tayler