A tiny liner that creates HUGE drama...

Tarte emphasEYES inner rim eye pencil

I've worn eyeliner every day for almost as long as I can remember and could never master the art of applying it right against my lash line (especially on my lower lid.) I bought this today to try it out because I was curious to see if it actually worked. Here are my thoughts:

• If you are sensitive about anything touching your eyes or even if you're just extremely ticklish, this may take some getting used to... Drawing on the inside of your eyelid is not exactly and everyday feeling and it really does tickle like crazy.
• For a really casual, not too made-up look, this is great all by itself with just a tiny bit of mascara to open up your eyes.
• The pigment is not super rich unless you go over the line a few times. Even with one coat it does fill in any gaps you may have between your lashes though.
• When applied in conjunction with a thicker liner, you get a really bold, dramatic look which I LOVE.
• The tip is really tiny and fine so don't expose too much of it or it will break. One or two clicks is all you really need to bring up at a time.

• Because this brand uses natural ingredients in all of their products, it doesn't feel like it would be irritating to sensitive eyes. 

Here are a few creepy, up-close pictures of my eyes so you can see the results. I have it along my inner rim with a heavier line on the outside.

Cost: $18

Tarte products can be found at Ulta, Sephora, online, and are sometimes featured on QVC.

 

To Prime or not to Prime?

Answer: Always Use Primer!

It's taken me a really long time to find a face primer that I really love... Most of the ones out there today have a silicone base and because my skin is on the oily side, they just slip right off my face taking my makeup with them. Kind of defeats the purpose of a primer right?? Don't get me wrong, these are amazing for people with dryer skin but for me, I need one with a water base. 

You can tell the difference right away by just running a tiny amount between your fingers. If it feels gel-like and slippery, it's got a silicone base (they are usually clear colored.) If it looks and feels more like a lotion and absorbs into your skin instead of sitting on top of it, it's water based. I suggest trying samples of both to see what works best before purchasing. 

The purpose of a face primer is to not only make your makeup stay in place longer, it also keeps it from settling into your pores of any fine lines. Lately, I like Napoleon's Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Primer because it's really light weight and easy to wear during our humid summers. 

I also use an eyelid primer everyday. If you don't wear a lot of eye makeup, it's really not necessary, but if you like to play around with shadows, it will change your life. The idea of an eyelid primer is really about the same as your face primer... just much more concentrated. It keeps your shadow in place and from creasing. It also controls oil on your eyelid so your eyeliner and mascara won't end up all over your eyelid by the end of the day. Also, a little goes a long way with this stuff so just a small drop is really all you need.  Right now I'm using Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

 Pictured:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance: $18 (I've had this .35oz tube since before Christmas and it's still at least half full)

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Primer: I got this .5oz size in a kit that included a full size mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, and primer for $39. Always check for these kits first when making a big makeup purchase but check the sizes first... If they're all miniatures, I usually pass. But if you get full size items like mascara (that you will always use), lipstick (as long as it's a shade you'll actually wear), and a good neutral shadow or blush, I say go for it. Then the trial sizes (like this primer that I'm completely obsessed with now) basically end up being free.

Other good primers:
Smashbox makes a whole line of primers for varying skin types and finishes.
NYX has some great ones that you can pick up for around $12
Mary Kay actually has a great eyelid primer if you know a consultant
Urban Decay also has amazing eyelid primers 

Budget Friendly Find #1

Maybelline Super Stay 10hr Stain Gloss

Unlike most lip stains, this "stain gloss" is soft, shiny and doesn't make your lips feel tight and cracked. I've been wearing it in a bright coral color that's fun for summer. Because it's a 10 hour stain, you can put it on in the morning or mid-day and still be able to change your color for night (because let's be honest, it's not really going to look the same after about 5-6 hours anyway.) But for a good long-wear lip color that actually feels good on your lips, this one is fantastic. And the fact that you can buy it for around $6 makes it even better!

Are your brows "Arch Enemies?"

Benefit BROWS a-go-go 

I love this little kit for creating a full/natural-ish looking brow. It allows you to define your arch without looking "painted-on" or "penciled-in." The set includes a brow shaping wax, 2 shades of setting powder (so you can change your look without changing your brows,) a double sided brow brush, mini tweezers, a highlighting powder, eye brightening cream, and a mini black eyeliner. It also includes a "how-to" to teach you what to use and where. 
If you really want to get serious about perfecting your brows, make an appointment with a Benefit "Arch Expert." They'll wax, arch, shape and transform your brows better than most salon or nail parlor stylists (in my opinion) and use this kit to lengthen your time between visits. 
Personally, my brows don't have a lot of natural arch but I've recently learned how to "fake it" and I'm pretty sure I'm hooked... Give it a try and you will be too ;)

Benefit Brows a-go-go kit: $38
**You can also buy the pieces individually but I'm a sucker for buying things in bulk.**

Runners Up:

NYX Brow Kit: around $6
CK One Cosmetics Brow Pencil/Gel Duo: $22 (this is one of the only lines I've seen that carries a brow color for red-heads)

 

Miracle in a Jar?

Mario Bedescu Silver Powder

This is one of the best products I've found for oily-combination skin. I don't think I've heard a negative review of it yet. It's designed to clear blackheads and minimize pores and I've seen it work not just on me but on my husband and next door neighbor... It delivers the same results every time. If you have really oily skin or enlarged pores you can use it 2-3 times a week but I really only use it when I feel like my skin needs it. It's made up of just three ingredients and is really easy to use. You just dip a damp cotton ball into the powder then blot it onto the area you want to treat (usually the t-zone) and let it sit for around 10 min. As the powder dries, it pulls out any buildup in your pores. To remove it, either rinse with water or wipe off using a toner (I prefer the latter.)

This product retails for $12 and will probably last you at least 6 months to a year depending on how often you use it. 

 

 

My #1 Ponytail Substitute

And it's amazingly easy

Just pull an elastic headband over the top of your hair. (just like the basic bohemian style that's trending right now) Next, just take the ends and tuck them over the bottom stretchy part of the headband. My hair is a little past my shoulders but the girl I learned this from has much longer hair and her's tucks in just the same. This style takes less than 2 min and is a really cool replacement for my go-to messy ponytail on my days off.

  

If only everything were this easy...

Philosophy Purity Cleansing Wipes

I've been using face wipes everyday for as long as I can remember. They're perfect after a late night out to wash the day away or to just get that leftover eye makeup off after washing your face. I've used just about every brand on the market and they all work just fine. The reasons I'm liking these so much are A) they come in a pack of 40 instead of 25 like most others so they last a few days longer. B) they don't leave a soapy residue on your skin. C) Philosophy does a lot of promotional packages where you can get these grouped with another product like the comparable face wash for a great price. These alone cost around $20.

A few runners up that I love:
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil Free Cleansing Wipes- around $7
Korres Pomegranate Grenade Facial Cleansing Wipes- $12

"Love is in the Airbrush"

This Napoleon Perdis Boudoir Mist is my new obsession in foundation. I was super intimidated by it when a Napoleon rep recommended it for me but after seeing it on a co-worker, I was convinced. It's super lightweight, easy to use and leaves you with a smooth finish that doesn't feel cake-y or heavy at all.  Just pull your hair back in a headband and spray a few inches away from your face until you get the coverage you're looking for. I was worried about the over spray getting everywhere but that wasn't the case... It didn't even get on my clothes. At $49 it's a bit of a splurge but if your looking for a good summer foundation, this is perfect. There are plenty of other spray foundations out there with a lower price point but most don't provide testers so choose your color carefully.  Other options include spray foundations from Sally Hansen $9, Aero Minerale $8, and Dior $54. 

Napoleon Perdis Boudoir Mist is available at Nordstrom and Ulta. 

 

 

Super Mario

Mario Bedescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel

Probably the most basic but important step in our daily skincare ritual is our cleanser. My new go-to is this little green guy. Mario Bedescu's Enzyme Cleansing Gel is gentle, non foaming, and exfoliates with grapefruit and papaya extracts instead of harsh, gritty particles that can actually tear your pores. My husband and I both use this cleanser daily so the cost of $20 for the large bottle is actually really economical for us. Smaller bottles can be purchased from around $7 for the trial size and $12 for 8oz. I'm a huge believer in this entire line so expect to see several more of these products soon!