May Favorites!

Another month gone...

I had a fantastic May:  I had my birthday, I went to the UK for 12 days, and I discovered some fantastic products that got some serious use this month!

First thing on the list is the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in 0 Porcelain ($47).  This is a recent purchase, but oh man, this has got to be the greatest color match I've ever had with a foundation!  As a neutral-toned gal, I struggle finding foundations that suit my skin-tone.  They're usually too pink or too yellow, add the fact that I'm pale as a ghost and you have the great foundation hunt, which I have been on for years!  This is very light coverage, too, which makes it even better for me :)  I absolutely adore this stuff!  I've also been loving using the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent ($5) to set my foundation and concealer.  I suffer from a bit of oiliness in my T-zone, so I'm always looking for a powder that doesn't look like I'm wearing too much!  This is great because it's so affordable and it doesn't add any extra coverage, though still sets your foundation and concealer.  As you can see by the picture, I have been loving this so much, I've even hit pan (which is saying something)! 

Next up is the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ($27) (review here).  I bought this right after it was released and it has just sat in my collection ever since; however, once I started using this, I really couldn't stop, it's such a great palette for everyday and for travel.  I've also gone back to my trusty Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in Taupe ($42) (review here).  I didn't use this for about two months, and was using the MAC Lingering Brow Pencil, instead (which isn't my favorite).  The Tom Ford one is such a better match for me, plus it's easier to use than a pencil.  I really couldn't live without this!  Finally for eyes, I've been loving the Maybelline The Falsies Mascara ($6) for a while now.  After I first got this, I found it to give me too many clumps to use, but after it dried up a bit, it has quickly become my new favorite mascara.  It gives a little length and some decent volume, plus you can't beat the price!

As for lips, I loved using the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments ($22 each) (not pictured) this month.  In April, I had a horrible reaction to the  Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm.  My lips were peeling constantly, they were so dry.  I tried every lip balm I owned to try to reverse the damage, and this was the only stuff that actually moisturized my lips for longer than a couple of minutes.  I used up all of mine, but this will be the first purchase I make from Sephora when I get back to the US!  Thankfully, after about 2 weeks of no lipstick (due to Nuxe), I was finally able to start wearing moisturizing lipsticks about two weeks into the month.  That's where the Guerlain Apres l'Ondee Rouge Automatique Lipstick in 100 ($35) comes in to play.  After having swatched this multiple times, I finally purchased this at duty free before I went to the UK this month.  The color is stunning, it's moisturizing, plus it lasts pretty well.  All that being said, I couldn't put this down since I bought it.  I've been wearing this for over two weeks straight and there's no end in sight!

My last favorite of the month is Marc Jacobs Daisy EDT ($20 for Rollerball).  This is such a gorgeous, summer scent.  Not too heavy, not too floral, and the fact that I have the rollerball version makes it perfect for travel.  If you're looking into getting it, take the plunge, or just try the rollerball like I did :)

Have you tried any of these products?  Did you discover any new favorites this month that I should know about (I'm always on the search for a new product)?

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Laura Mercier Lush Nectarine Blush Review

Whilst browsing the new Laura Mercier stand at the Douglas in Frankfurt, I was on the hunt for something new.  Disappointed by the foundation offerings, I moved on to the blushers.  

One of the makeup artists noticed that I was swatching away and offered to apply some blush on to me and I just figured, why not?  She created what I can only call the most beautiful combination ever.  She mixed together Lush Nectarine and Spiced Cider to create the perfect blush color for any season.  Although I wanted both shades, I couldn't justify spending €28 twice, so I walked away from the stand with only one blush in my hands: Lush Nectarine.

Lush Nectarine ($24/€28) is described as a soft peachy coral, which it is, but then again it isn't.  What I would describe as more of an orange-based coral with a hint of peachy-pink with shimmer, this blush is absolutely stunning for Spring/Summer.  Despite the heavy orange undertones to the blush, it still manages to look natural on me, which is shocking, because most orange-based anythings look awful on me!

As far as longevity goes, you can't get much better than this stuff.  A good 7 hours after application, the blush is still in tact and looks as if I had just applied it not 10 minutes before!  However, at the 11 hour mark, it starts to look a little faded, but somehow not patchy.  I can't say anything, except the longevity is amazing!

However, despite the gorgeous color and the longevity, there is something I just can't get over when it comes to the LM Blushers: the amount of product.  Despite spending a hefty $24/€28, you only get 3.5g of product!  That's the same as any one of the LM Eyeshadows, which I think is nothing short of disappointing.  The blusher is so small and compact, and although that's great for travel, it makes me feel a bit ripped-off.

Longevity: 4.5/5

Pigmentation: 4/5

Packaging: 4/5

Texture: 4.5/5

Application: 4/5

Value For Money: 3/5 

Overall Rating: 8/10

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Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed Review

As an admitted blush addict, I'm always on the hunt for a new blush.  I have a collection that would scare most people, yet I can't help but buy them!

Although, I have found love with Estée Lauder's Pure Color Blush in 15 Blushing Nude ($28) (review here), I find it to be too warm to wear with certain looks and when those moments come I always turn to the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed ($26).

Exposed is a brown-pink color with the slightest hint of shimmer in the pan (but it doesn't seem to transfer to the cheeks) that looks so natural on anyone I've ever seen it on.  It doesn't look like you're wearing blush, it just looks like you have a healthy glow to your cheeks.  It's probably the closest color I've found to matching my actual flush color, which is really what anyone looks for in blushers, right?

Since this is a brown-pink, it is warm in color, but it's more pink than brown, making it the perfect blush choice for fair-light skins (such as myself) and not too warm for those with cooler-tones, but warm enough for those with warmer-tones.

The texture is chalky to the touch and is not the easiest to swatch; however, once you pick up a brush, the product is picked up very easily and applies really nicely (I use the Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush)!  It's quite pigmented when applied to the cheeks, so you don't need much.

As for the whole '12-Hour Staying Power' - well, I'm not convinced.  The blush does have good staying power, lasting around 8 hours on me, but 12 hours is definitely not the case.

The packaging is also a little hit and miss.  Each blush in this line has the color packaging that reflects the color inside, which is really helpful for when you're searching through your collection (especially if your collection is rather large - like mine).  However, the overall look seems a tad cheap, in my opinion and it doesn't look like you spent $26, which is a shame.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this blush if you're looking for a natural, pink flush.  Otherwise, if you're looking for a different shade, I know there are a lot of different ones in this range, and if the formulation and pigmentation is the same throughout (I'm not sure, I've only tried this one), then I would definitely say to go for it!

Longevity: 4.5/5

Pigmentation: 4.5/5

Packaging: 3.5/5

Texture: 4/5

Application: 5/5

Value For Money: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

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Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry Review

After professing my love for the Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush (review here), it was only a matter of time until I picked up another one in a different shade.

Some serious swatching occurred at the Clinique counter, but I left with a new tinted lip balm in my hands and I have been so pleased with it.  I opted for Super Strawberry ($16), a wearable bright pink.

It's described as a sheer berry pink, which is exactly right.   Super Strawberry is exactly the color you would think of when you think of strawberries.  This shade is a great way for adding a pop of color, without going overboard and without sacrificing hydration to your lips.

My lips were recently somewhat destroyed thanks to a certain lip balm (*cough* Nuxe Reve De Miel *cough*) and the Clinique Chubby Sticks and the Chanel Rouge Coco Shines are the only lip products I can wear on my lips besides actual lip balms.  So, if you're looking for hydration and a bit of color, look no farther.

On to longevity, it's about the same as any other tinted lip balm, about 2 hours.  I feel like if you're looking into getting a tinted lip balm, longevity shouldn't be the question you're asking (they all tend to be the same on me), the question should be pigmentation.

One thing I've noticed with the Chubby Sticks is that there not as pigmented at the first bit of the bullet, but once you used up the pointed end and start using what's inside the tube, it becomes more pigmented (very confusing, hope it makes sense).

I also know that there is no shortage of dupes out there, all for about half the price of the Clinique version, but I personally prefer the Clinique version to the dupes I've tried!  

I would definitely recommend this shade to anyone who's looking for a new, bright lip shade for everyday wear :)

Longevity: 4/5

Pigmentation: 4/5

Packaging: 4/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 5/5

Value For Money: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 8.67/10

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40 Beauty Questions :)

I thought I'd do something a little different today :) I hope you enjoy it!

SkinCare

How many times do you wash your face a day?

Twice a day - once in the morning,and again at night.

What skin type do you have?

Normal to Combination.

What's your current face wash?

In the morning I use the L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Cleansing Foam ($27), which is OK, and the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm (£34), which I really enjoy!

Do you exfoliate?

I don't exfoliate my face often enough, I should really get on that...

But I use a body scrub in the shower twice a week, because I suffer from dry skin on my arms and legs..

What moisturizer do you use?

I am currently using the Algenist Firming & Lifting Cream ($94) (review here)! 

Do you have freckles?

I have some freckles on my face, and I love them all!  I can't bear wearing a foundation that doesn't let them shine through :)

Do you use eye cream?

Yes, I recently started using the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($28.50 for 0.5 oz) for in the evening; I really like it so far, but I do think it's a bit too heavy-duty for morning..

Do you or did you have acne pron skin?

Not really, I get the occasional spot, but thankfully it's not too often!

Make-up

What foundation do you use?

I usually switch between the Burberry Sheer Fluid Foundation in Trench No. 01 ($52), the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Porcelain 0 ($47), and the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 51 (£10.99).

How about concealer?
Burberry Sheer Concealer in No. 01 Light Beige ($40) for under the eyes, then Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 Fair (£4.19) for any spots or redness on my face.

Do you know your undertone color?

Neutral, I believe..

What do you think of fake eyelashes?

I've never used them, but I'd like to try them out for a night out or something.

Did you know you're supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?

Yes, and I try hard to stick to it, as well :)!

What brand of mascara do you use?

Um...currently using...6.  I switch between all six: YSL Shocking Mascara in 5 Cherry Black (review here) ($30), YSL Effet Faux Cils Mascara in 6 Deep Night (review here) ($30), Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara ($6), Maybelline The Falsies Mascara ($6), Maybelline The Rocket Mascara (review here) ($6), and Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara (review here) ($5).  I like them all (except I'm still on the fence about Maybelline's The Rocket), though!

Sephora or MAC?

Probably MAC, since I could get everything at Sephora from somewhere else if I HAD to!

Do you have a MAC pro-card

No :(

What make-up tools do you use in make-up application?

I use a Sephora Mineral Powder Brush for foundation, a Real Techniques Domed Shadow Brush for concealer, a spooli for my eyebrows, usually a MAC 217 for my eyeshadow, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers, an EcoTools Bronzer Brush for Bronzer, Real Techniques Multi-Purpose Brush for Blush, and a MAC 109 for Highlighter (though this all changes quite often except for the spooli, the concealer brush, and the eyelash curlers!).

Do you use a make-up base/primer for your eyes?

I'm currently trying to work my way through my Urban Decay Primer Potion ($20), though I prefer the NARS Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base ($24) (review here).

For you face?

I don't usually use a primer for my face, but sometimes I'll use the Burberry Fresh Glow ($48).

What's your favorite eyeshadow color/shade?

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No. 02 Trench ($29)! It's the perfect color to match my skin-tone, couldn't live without it!

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Sometime I use a pencil, but I usually use MAC Smut ($12) smudged into my lash line instead of liner or I'll use MAC Teddy Eye Kohl ($16) on my lashline.

How often do you poke your eyes with your eyeliner?

Not too often, but when I do it's ALWAYS when I'm lining my tightline!

What do you think of pigment shadows?

They look fantastic, but I haven't tried one yet - hopefully that'll change soon :)

Do you use mineral make-up?

I have the Laura Mericer Mineral Powder in Real Sand ($36)  , but it's a tad too dark for me, so I rarely use it, but I love the way it looks on my skin!

What's your favorite lipstick?

Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush ($16) (review here) all the way!

How about lipgloss?

I HATE lipgloss with a passion.  I always find it way too sticky and my hair constantly gets stuck in it!

What's your favorite blush to use?

Tie between NARS Douceur ($29) and Estée Lauder Pure Color Blush in #15 Blushing Nude ($28) (review here)!

Do you buy your make-up on eBay?

I've only ever bought one palette from Benefit off of eBay - I'm always too scared that it'll be fake!  Though I have bought used perfumes off of eBay before.

Do you like drugstore make-up?

Yes!  Sometimes I forget how much I love it, but I always try and use a couple drugstore products everyday because they're often just as good as my high-end stuff.

Do you go to CCO's (cosmetic company outlets)

No, I don't think we have them in Germany and I think the closest one to my hometown in America is something like 4 hours away...

Have you ever considered taking a make-up course?

Yes! But I'm not sure where I could take one back home...

Are you clumsy when putting on make-up?

Only if I'm doing something I haven't quite got the hang of - like liquid eyeliner *shudder*.

Name a make-up crime you hate?

Spider lashes!  They really bother me.  I once saw a girl on the train apply mascara for 30 minutes straight.  Her lashes were so spidery and gross, I wanted to change seats just so I wouldn't have to stare at them anymore...

Do you like colorful shades of make-up? ( lipsticks, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?

I love bright lips, and I love using darker shades for my eyes and lips in the Winter, but I'm a major neutral lover overall!

Which celebrity always has great make-up?

Lauren Conrad always has stunning makeup!  But I don't really follow celebrities that much, especially beauty-wise.  I find more inspiration through Blogs and Youtube!

If you could leave the house using just one make-up item, what would it be?

Definitely concealer!

Could you ever leave the house without any make-up?

Yes, and I have many times, I just prefer to have a bit of concealer, a bit of mascara, and my eyebrows filled in if I can!

Do you think you look good even without any make-up?

Yeah, I think it's important to realize you look good without makeup instead of being dependent on it.  So whenever I feel like I don't look good without makeup on, I force myself to go out without makeup.  I like to dive straight into the deep end when it comes to makeup.

In your opinion, what is the best make-up line?

If I could only use one brand it would probably be Burberry.  Their foundation and eyeshadows are my favorite of all time, plus their powder, concealer, blushers, and lipsticks are really nice, too!

What do you think of make-up?

I love make-up, it gives me an opportunity to accentuate my features, to add color to my otherwise dead complexion, to brighten up my eyes, to sculpt my face; it lets me achieve something sultry and daring, or natural and glowing.  I love playing around with colors and trying out new looks, and it's amazing how different you can look with just a little bit of concealer and an eyebrow pencil!

I hope you enjoyed this post :)  If you've done this, make sure to link it down below, I love reading these posts!

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NOTD: Essie Maximillian Strasse Her

Essie's new Spring Collection recently arrived here in Germany and I couldn't help myself when I saw the lovely array of shades!  I only bought one, but there's a few more that I definitely have my eyes on.

I opted for the gorgeous grey-tinged, sage green shade, 'Maximillian Strasse Her'.  I picked it up partly for the beautiful shade, but also partly because it has a partially German name :)  Although, the name makes no sense, if I'm honest.

However, names aside, this shade is stunning.

I think it's something that could work really well year round, it has that bit of grey in it that would make it work in Fall/Winter, but the sage green works so well for Spring/Summer.  Also, you really can't go wrong with Essie Nail Polishes in terms of longevity.  They tend to last about 4 or 5 days on me without any major chipping, which is pretty damn good considering it's only $8/€8!

I have a feeling this color is going to make multiple appearances on my nails; it's definitely a winner in my books, so make sure to check it out!

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I've Done Some Shopping...

While walking through town the other day (and again a few days later), I meandered through Douglas and there were some items I just couldn't resist.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in No. 10

The first item that made its way into my basket was the new and utterly lovely Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in No. 10 (the lightest shade) (€48) (review here).  I saw this for the first time last month when I was in Paris and it just didn't interest me.  I honestly thought they were just bronzers in really gorgeous packaging, and it all seemed a little bit too much for me.  However, once I realized it was a finishing powder (but you could use a darker shade for a bronzer, too), I was all ears!  No. 10 is cooler toned than the others in the lineup, though it's still more of a neutral tone, making it absolutely perfect to set my makeup with!  I'm already in love :)  This has been out in Europe since April, but won't be released in the US until August as far as I know, so keep an eye out for that!

Estée Lauder Vanilla Pods

I also picked up a new eyeshadow duo: Estée Lauder Vanilla Pods (€32/$32).  I initially was interested in getting Raisins, but the colors looked way too easy to dupe from MAC (All That Glitters and Cranberry, anyone?), so I decided to pick up something that I thought I could use on a more day to day basis and that I probably don't already have dupes of in my collection.  As you can see, both shades are very taupe-based, making them really great everyday colors for a neutral eye, which is really the only colors I ever wear on my eyes!

I also couldn't leave the store without picking up a new Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush (€20/$16) (review here). I recently lost this and was going mad for about a week before I realized I just can't live without this.  It is my perfect everyday color, a gorgeous, dusty rose that looks so natural on the lips.  I've written a full review on this shade if you want to know more!

I also recently placed an order on Feelunique to stock up on a few essentials.  I ran out my night cream recently and so I opted to pick up a new one: the Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream (about €40/$50).  I've heard good things about this night cream and about Antipodes in general, so I wanted to test it out for myself!  I also decided to try out a new toner: the Melvita Rose Water (around €8/$10).  I ran out of my LUSH Toner recently, so I thought I would try something new!  I also decided to get the L'Oreal Tecni Art 'Super Dust' (around €13/$17).  I've heard really good things about this, it's supposed to give great volume to your hair, so I'm very excited to test this out!

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Porcelain 0

I also decided to pick up a new foundation because I just really wanted to try something new.  I opted for the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 ($47).  I'd heard good things about this foundation and I really wanted to try a foundation from Bobbi Brown as I never have!  I'm in the shade Porcelain 0 (second lightest shade, yes!) and it's such a perfect match for me!  It's light coverage, which is perfect for me, and I'm really impressed so far :)

Bobbi Brown Creaseless Concealer in Porcelain

After being so impressed with the Bobbi Brown foundation, I decided to pick up the Bobbi Brown Creaseless Concealer in Porcelain ($23).  I've been wanting to try this for a while, so I'm very excited to try this out.

MAC Temperature Rising Eyeshadow Palette (LE)

MAC Patisserie Lipstick

I then went to MAC and picked up two things.  The first item that went into my basket is the new eyeshadow palette - Temperature Rising ($44) (review here) - from the Temperature Rising Collection.  There's three purple-toned eyeshadows and a random peachy-toned eyeshadow in it, but it looks like it'll be really good!  The other item that made it's way into my basket was the MAC Patisserie Lipstick ($15).  This is a pinky-nude lustre lipstick that I've wanted to try for about a year, so I thought it was about time that I bite the bullet and just buy it :)

Overall, I'm extremely happy with my purchases and I'm sure I'll be keeping you posted with reviews soon!  Anything you've bought recently that you're over the moon about?

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