Five Beauty Items I’ve Been Loving This Month (August)

Let me start off by saying, I’m sorry for the dirty brush. **Face palm** At least you know I’m not lying when I say I’ve been loving it. I’ve been using Real Technique’s Setting Brush with Bobbi Brown’s Tinted Eye Brighter. I use the brush to blend out the brighter and it’s been working great. I got the idea from blogger/vlogger Lilly Pebbles, when she said she used this brush to blend out concealer under her eyes (I’m pretty sure she said concealer).

I bought the Drybar Lemon Drop Daily Detangler about two years ago but hardly ever used (maybe a handful of times). I used it this everyday this month to help blow dry my hair straight. I have some natural waves in my hair and since my hair is thick and long, this method has helped me maintain the frizz.

Origins Eye Doctor has been the most moisturizing product under my eyes. I had originally bought NARS Radiant Concealer but I had to return it because it looked too cakey on me. The lady at Sephora asked if I used an under eye cream…no. So far so good, I can feel the difference under my eyes.

Lastly, Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks. These have been a lifesaver when it comes to makeup under the eyes. I’ve been trying a new mascara (which sucks) and it has helped me from looking like a giant raccoon. Who wants to look like a raccoon, not me.

-Mel

Just an Idea on How to Store Makeup Brushes.

      For a long time I wasn’t sure how I wanted to store my makeup brushes. I have limited space, so I don’t have the luxury of having one drawer dedicated solely to brushes. Also, the thought of my brushes staying out like that bothers me. The words ‘dust’ kept popping up in head. I kept wondering when the time came that I needed a brush, would I have to spot clean it every time, what if I was in a rush?

      Although this isn’t the ‘best’ method, it works for me. I decided I wanted to store them in a clear container; it also helps to see what I have. When I first receive a brush I always wash it, I don’t spot clean it. Two reasons why, I have no idea if someone may have used it before me (returns) and bacteria (you never know). Once it’s dried I place it in a box.

       I’ve tried my best to separate my brushes but I keep buying brushes (thank you blogs and YouTube). Slowly but surely I’ve had to buy more containers but the positive thing is I can always use the last container for something else. There hasn’t been an instance when I have an unused container. So a good idea is to buying a bigger container than you need if you know you'll end up buying more brushes. 

      All the containers were purchased at the Container Store. These have worked great from keeping the dust away. With this method the brushes stay clean, side note: I actually clean the container itself. Sadly, I can no longer find the large containers at the Container Store.

      I’m sure the day will come when I’ll have to find a new method of storing them, but if you have a small/medium collection of brushes this may work for you. It’s been working for me so far and I can’t complain.

-Mel

Sleek Au Naturel Palette

         I’ve heard rave reviews about Sleek, from many British YouTubers and blogs. It was time that I find out for myself. On vacation I made it my mission to find an eye shadow palette from them. When I try new products I usually go for the eyeliner first, then the eye shadow. Based on rave reviews I decided to go straight to the eye shadow.

         I wanted a palette that I knew I would wear. Something everyday and not something I would use sometimes or only during one season. I wanted a palette that would benefit me year round. I wear a lot of brown, natural, matte (sometimes satin) colors most times of the year, in the winter I may add a bit of shimmer.

         Enter the Au Natuel Palette by Sleek, a mineral based eye shadow palette. I used this product with my NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, it lasted the entire day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., when I came home from work. Yes, primer has something to do with it but the shadow also plays a role.

         During the weekend I have been reaching for this palette for a simple everyday look. I have been sweeping cappuccino all over the lid; add liner, mascara and I’m done. When you live in a city whose temperatures have reached over 100 degrees, less feels better on the face.

Left to Right/ Natural Light / No Flash
Conker / Moss /Bark / Mineral Earth / Regal / Noir

Left to Right / Natural Light / No Flash
Nougart / Nubuck / Cappuccino / Honeycomb / Toast / Taupe

The colors are very pigmented and blended very well. There is a tiny bit of fall out but nothing excessive, just remember to tap the brush prior to application. There is a mixture of colors. Most colors are matte except for four which are Conker, Mineral Earth, Moss and Taupe have what seems to have gold flex.

It’s a beautiful palette. I can’t wait to really build up the darker colors in fall.

-Mel

Tanya Burr, Nail Polish

         My mission was to find Sleek’s Au Naturel Palette. I completely forgot about my other mission: find Tanya Burr’s nail polish. I was in Windsor's, Superdrug when I saw some colorful bottles on a shelf all by themselves. I don’t know what came over me but I decided to go take a look. There they were.

         You can guess what happened next. I spent the next 10 minutes deciding which one to get. The two that won are Mischief Managed and Peaches & Cream. I wanted a polish that I knew I’d wear (realistically) and something that would be great for the upcoming fall as well as summer.

         These polishes are said to be long lasting, chip resistant and a non-fade nail polish (per Superdrugs website). I have to agree. I am in love with these colors!

         Mischief Managed: A red/orange, perfect summer color that reminds me a bit of Christmas. This polish is true to color.

         Peaches & Cream: A great color for year round. It’s a pink/peach nail color, a great neutral color. This polish it more peach than the color inside the bottle.

         The brushes on the polish are nice and long great for application. They're brushes are also not too thin but not thick either. The application of Mischief Managed goes on very pigmented, as does Peaches & Cream. There isn’t a harsh smell either when applying like many cheap polishes.

 

Left to Right
Mischief Managed and Peaches & Cream
Two coats each nail

          Peaches & Cream does require more than one coat; otherwise you’ll be able to see your nail, so you will have to build it up. It’s a prefect color that matches well with my skin tone. Mischief Managed, you’re able to get by with one coat but looks amazing with two coats.

        I’m not a fan of wearing polishes for a long period of time (the most three days) but after taking a shower and of course having a topcoat, the polish managed to stay on for a good amount of time. It didn’t chip off the next day, impressive.

         I sincerely hope that this polish comes to America and that she creates a larger range of shades. If I ever get to go to London again, I will differently pick up some more shades. I’m differently sold on this polish.

-Mel

What's In My Makeup Bag? Well...

                                                                                                                                               Bloglovin

   
 I was debating on this post. Not because it’s not a good topic but because I wonder if anyone would be interested. However, there are tons of videos on YouTube about what’s in someone’s bag. Although, this isn’t YouTube I thought it would be interesting as a post. I am sometimes in awe with what some people carry. Although my items aren’t glamorous, it’s what I need/carry on a daily basis’s.

Confession, I don’t like to wake up early for work. In fact I wake up in time to put at least foundation and eye shadow the rest is in my bag. 

                The bag: I bought received this as a gift from my best friend at Christmas time. I love this bag! It has a zippered compartment inside, great for putting any tweezers. I mean seriously, looking inside a makeup bag for a small item can be annoying.

                The makeup:  So part of my ‘face’ comes with me, like Clinique’s Quickliner for Eyes, MUFE Concealer, mascara (right now I’m trying Maybelline's Rocket Waterproof Mascara , two to three lipsticks (which changes), Julep Essential Cuticle Oil, and Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed Powder and Mac's Prep and Prime for lips.  

                The supplies: My Tweezerman Eye Lash Curler (and my only eye lash curler), a powder brush, a compact dual sided mirror, blotting tissue and of course my Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks, which are amazing! 

                 This is my makeup bag, what's in your's? 

-Melissa