Product Backups (Makeup)?

         Backups, a word often used in a makeup guru’s vocabulary. I’m by no means a ‘guru’ but I do tend to buy backups (besides soap). Sometimes when you find that product that you just have to have and you know that there won’t be another opportunity soon to buy that product at discount, you buy a backup. Maybe, that product is a limited edition, you buy a backup. 

         If that eyeliner or mascara cost a pretty penny and they’re having a sale, I’ll buy a back up. There have been times when I ran out of a product and at the time I just didn’t have the funds for it. When Sephora has their VIB Sale, I always buy a back up of a couple of products. The following products are items I use on a daily basis and are my all time favorite. I mean, why would I spend my money on something I didn’t like? Right.   

On my list every time are products like, Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Chocolate Brown, Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil and the Blendercleanser solid by Beauty Blender. Yes, makeup expires. I won’t buy five eyeliners knowing I won’t use them all within a year. I may buy two, because in one year I will use three to four pencils of Clinique.

Keeping track of how many times you use something within the year, helps minimizes spending unnecessary money. There are times when keeping track is just impossible. I use OPI’s Nail Strengthener as a base coat. I cannot count how many times I use this within the year. However, when Ulta is having a sale I will pick up two because I know I will use it.

I know sometimes it seems ridiculous that people (including myself) spend money on backups but if it’s something you use everyday and may never find again, why not. After all, your who’s going to use.

-Melissa

Products Back in Rotation

There are those shades of polish, lipstick, blush or some form of makeup that you love to bring out during fall (or certain times of year). For fall it’s no surprise that darker colors are the ‘in’ thing. I (personally) can’t help but be excited to bring back some of the darker colors I use in rotation. There are certain lipsticks and eyeshades that I love to use during the fall and into winter.

Mac’s Down Brown, is my absolute favorite matte color for an everyday eye in fall/winter. I use Mac’s Cork (satin) all over the lid with Down Brown on the outer V. This eye look is a perfect combination for a professional office environment.

Mac's Down Brown

From Urban Decay’s Naked Palette, I am so happy to bring back Darkhorse, Toasted and Hustle. Whether worn alone or with other colors they are gorgeous.

I bought Bobbi Brown’s Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 in Rosy, years ago. It’s still good. I remember buying it because I wanted a color out of my element. Something that would go good with my skin tone but wouldn’t think of wearing, I’ve been wearing it.

**Takes a deep breath**

Makeup Forever lipsticks are the best. Hands down the best! They are very pigmented and have a very long lasting staying power. These two colors are my absolute favor colors that I continuously repurchase. MUFE’s Rouge Artist Intense #29 lipstick, I set-aside during spring/fall. MUFE’s Rouge Artist Natural in N9 Cooper Pink, I don’t even have words. To tell you the truth I usually wear them year round but this year was different. This year I wore the brights, something out of my element. I was going for out of my element this year.

And the reason why I didn’t take the cap of one (I used a mini I had to demo N9). You can see why. Told you I used them.

Is there anything you’re excited about?

-Melissa

My Nude-itude (polish)

      It’s official fall. Hooray!! Sadly, it still feels like summer here. (Yes, I’m not a fan of summer). I love fall, it’s the introduction to my favorite time of year…winter. First thing first, fall. Fall brings darker colors, sweaters, and an excuse to drink hot beverages (well for me). Fall also brings a different attitude when it comes to polish. Good-bye bright polish and hello nudes! I love wearing a nude polish when fall rolls around; it’s like a perfect fit.

     A nude polish just seems to go with everything. No matter if it's a night out, day of shopping or just a evening of staying at home, a nude nail fits. Don't get me wrong, you can wear whatever you want on your nails there's no rule or anything, I feel it just fits the season. Maybe i'm just a little to happy I can no longer say it's summer and to tell you the truth at this moment, I'm a little over the brights. They've had there moment to shine, now for the other colors. Time for OPI, Zoya and other brands to bring out the dark reds and the browns. For me there are five polishes I always gravitate to. 

    For some reason I always reach for these colors when fall rolls around; Butter London’s Flash Pack, OPI’s Barefoot in Barcelona, Butter London’s Yummy Mummy, Deborah Lipmann’s Naked and Inglot’s #716. My absolute favorite is Butter London’s Yummy Mummy; I have literally had to repurchase this a couple of times because I use it so much.

OPI 'Barefoot in Barcelona'

Deborah Lipmann's 'Naked'

Inglot #516

Butter London's 'Flash Pack'

Butter London's 'Yummy Mummy'

What’s your favorite fall color?


-Melissa 

September Ispy Bag

            I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy with my Ipsy bag. They’re like little monthly treats that curve that makeup fix you've been looking for. When you receive a bag with something you like you’re of course happy, when you get an entire bag with products you actually like and will use, well you’re just over the moon.

            I love to try different makeup brushes brands. I already liked Crown Brushes but to get a duo, it’s like a double score! 

            I have never heard of the brand Hikari. Lipstick and I aren’t very good together. I can never pick a good shade for myself, it either washes me out or it looks like something I already own. I was a little timid of this shade cabernet, but once I put it on... wow. It actually works well with my skin. It also has a pretty good staying power. After a couple of hours (about four) you'd think my lips were stained, I did use a lip primer though.

            I’m not a fan of Pacifica. I have not liked anything I’ve received from this brand. However, they sent me an eyeliner and in brown. It’s decent, it was easy to apply. With some brands of pencil liner like NYX it takes a while to build a good line. With this liner I had no problem, in fact it lasted longer than I expected it to. After a couple of hours (maybe five) you could see some fading but nothing massive, again i'm surprised.

            LeeAnni Eco 3-in-1 Revolution Light, is a toner, serum and moisturizer in one. It’s not a bad product; I wore sunscreen over it and didn’t break me out anything. I didn’t have a bad reaction to it, which is great!

            I saw Briogeo on the Sephora website while I browsing for deep conditioners. When I received it in my Ipsy bag, well I was pretty happy. I have thick hair and a lot of it. After I using this I added Josie Maran’s 100% Pure Argan Oil and let my hair towel dry, I didn’t have that morning frizzy hair I sometimes have with conditioners. I like it and we have a very humid climate here and it worked great. I probably wouldn’t buy this all the time it’s pretty pricy at regular price ($26, on Sephora's website) but maybe if I feel like a little splurge.

I’m curious, what did you get in your Ipsy bag that you liked? I’d love to know. 

-Mel