October Favorites (no flunkies!)

 Please excuse my tardiness in posting this month's favorites a few days late. I have been insanely busy this month (such is the life of a grad student), and thus my makeup routine has really simplified. My main concerns have been concealing dark under eye circles and adding some color to my cheeks to mask just how sleep deprived and crazy I feel. These past few weeks I have forgone eyeshadow almost completely, but have discovered that the trick to fooling people that your look is really put together is a quick swipe of red or berry lipstick! No flunkies to report this month, because I have really buckled down on spending.

Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer

Using this again after a few months of being out has reminded me of why I adore this moisturizer so. It is a must for oily skinned folks, but is moisturizing enough to suit normal skin as well. This soaks in quickly, making for a great morning moisturizer. Read my full review here.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Sand

Bloggers the world wide web over have raved about this product, so when my last setting powder was nothing but pan I picked up this budget friendly powder. I have been really impressed so far- it sets my foundation without making me look cakey, and adds a little extra coverage on days when I opt for just a tinted moisturizer. I still need to blot every once in a while and I don't think this is heavy-duty enough for my super oily summer skin, but for the cooler months it is fitting the bill. Review coming soon.

Revlon SuperLustrous Lipsticks in Black Cherry & Really Red (matte)

There is no better time than autumn to bust out the berry lippies, and this month Black Cherry has been my pick. I picked this up because I heard this vampy, glossy burgundy red shade is a MAC Media dupe, and I have been loving this for evening looks. During the day, I have been gravitating towards Really Red, a true red matte shade, for a clean and classic pop of color. See Really Red in a lineup of some of the other Revlon matte shades here.

Maybelline SuperStay Makeup in Natural Beige

A friend of mine passed this along to me after she accidentally selected a shade too dark for her, and this baby has been sitting in my makeup collection untouched and unloved since then. Now that the weather is cooling off, my typically oily skin is balancing out (dare I say it is almost normal?!) so this foundation has replaced my usual matte finish formulas. SuperStay is a creamy, natural finish foundation with a great wear time.

NYX Cream Blush in Natural

Last month the shade Boho Chic made it on to my favorites, but this month I have really been reaching for Natural. It is a no-brainer shade that goes with every look, and it gives me that 'I'm alive although I only got 2 hours of sleep' flush that I need. Check out swatches of this shade and other NYX Cream Blushes here.

wet N wild ColorIcon Eyeliner Pencil in White

To keep my tired peepers looking bright, I have been applying this liner to my lower waterline. There are tons of white liners on the market, but this one is creamy, easy to apply, opaque, and best yet, super cheap! It also was essential in my Adele inspired look.

Urban Decay Glide-On 24/7 Eyeliner in Whiskey (on double-ended liner from Naked Palette)

Since I have been enjoying more natural and subtle eye looks this month, brown eyeliner has been an October staple. I loved it so much, in fact, that I used it all up!

Zoya Yara (not pictured above)

I am usually not into green that much, but this polish blew me away. How could you not love this olive green with gold flakies?! It was also a perfect base for my Frankenstein nail design. 

What have you been loving this month?

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Posted in Favorites and Flunkies , Maybelline , NYX , Revlon , Urban Decay , Wet n Wild , Yes to Tomatoes , Zoya

September Favorites (No Flunkies Allowed!)

Forgive me for being a few days late on this month's favorites and flunkies post. Due to my busy schedule my makeup routine has simplified, and I have started to opt for more neutral, foolproof shades. As I look at my most used products, I can see that I have been slowly transitioning from summer to fall. Because I have been really limiting my spending, I thankfully don't have any flunkies to share with you this month either. Here is what I have been loving this month!

Slatkin & CO Marshmallow Fireside Candle

I picked this up at Bath & Body Works during their recent 2 for $20 candle sale. This may actually be the most delicious scent I have ever smelled in my life. Just like roasted marshmallows and campfires, the scent is part creamy, sweet marshmallow, and part smokey and woodsy. You need this in your life, trust me!

Goody Spin Pins

I never spend much time on my hair, and this has especially been so now that I have been so busy with school. Even if I am stressed and under slept I still want to be polished and professional, so a messy ponytail simply won't do. Spin pins have been my hair savior this month. You can create a ton of different looks with these, but I typically use them to quickly transform my messy long locks into a cute, secure bun.

NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic

For a full review and swatches, click here. I adore everything about this product. The cream to powder formula is easy to blend and lasts on my oily prone skin. The shade is a cool toned milky pink with subtle shimmer that adds a natural glow to my face. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed

Read my full review and see swatches here. This blush was something I really had to step out of my comfort zone to try, but I am literally obsessed with it now. It is a pigmented, long wearing nude pinky brown that it is going to be perfect in the fall to create a natural, warm flush. This is also the ideal shade, in my opinion, to pair with a deep, berry or red lipstick.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Iced Mocha

After a long lover affair with Milk, I have recently been reaching for the shade Iced Mocha religiously. This medium brown with silver shimmer acts as a phenomenal sticky base for all of my brown eye looks.

 E.L.F. Studio Single Eyeshadow in Coffee Bean

I received this as an extra in a recent MUA swap and honestly didn't have high expectations. Coffee Bean is a pretty dark brown with silvery shimmer but on its own the pigmentation isn't stellar. However, this shade layered over NYX JEP in Ice Mocha has been my go to eye look these past few days. I have been really loving this combo. Since both shades have silver shimmer (which I think is pretty unique, as most shimmery browns are laced with gold), they create a gorgeous icy brown smokey eye that has just the slightest touch of taupe.

Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner in Everlast

Expect a full review on this phenomenal liner soon! I don't know why more people aren't obsessing over this product.  This liner lasts forever, is super dark, and easy to apply.

Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Soft Nude

Read my full review here. This has been my most used lipstick recently. It is the best nude I have found to date, and is a great budget find! 

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Sandy

When it comes to lip gloss, I am typically not willing to buy high end but this one is worth every penny. The formula is wonderfully cooling and tingly on the lips, and I do feel like it makes my pout look plumper. The shade is a pinky nude that is lovely on its own or layered over most any lipstick. Pairing this with Revlon's Soft Nude has been my go to lip combo this month.

What have you been loving this past month? 

Any flunkies to report?

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Posted in Bath and Body Works , Buxom , E.L.F. , Favorites and Flunkies , Goody , Hair Care , Milani , NYX , Revlon , Tarte

August Favorites & Flunkies

 August came and went more quickly than I would have liked, and we are now officially into September. Nonetheless, I am getting excited for autumn, but the summer heat is still blasting in my neck of the woods. August was a relatively uninspired month for me, in terms of makeup. I could be seen sporting either dark, dramatic lids with a nude or even bare lips, or a bold lip with a minimalist, mascara-only eye. I didn't haul much either. I spent most of my summer incredibly tight on money, and when I did finally get some extra cash to play with I found that nothing really peaked my interest.  I do have a Cherry Culture order on its way though!

Here are the goodies I have been reaching for this month, as well as two flunkies. Also, please forgive me for the photos. I have been fighting with Blogger to rotate them, but I gave up after the third round of editing and resizing the pictures. Sorry!

Urban Decay Naked Palette 

Once again, this much adored palette makes it onto my monthly favorites list. However, this month I gave some love to the four shadows that I usually neglect the most. Toasted and Hustle, with their purple undertones, paired together made for a gorgeous, updated brown lid, and Creep and Gunmetal helped me create some gorgeous smokey eyes. Creep is also my go-to shade for setting liner now.

wet N wild Color Icon Palette in Comfort Zone

When I have opted for more neutral eyes this month, I have been reaching for the first two shades in this awesome, budget friendly palette. The first shade is a shimmer yellow beige and the second is a shimmery orange peach.

The palette also includes this amazing shadow, a brown/red/green multichrome, that makes for a simple and multidimensional dramatic lid or an interesting liner setting shade. I suspect this is very similar to MAC's Club, but since I don't own it I can't officially say how dupe-worthy it is. Regardless, it is a unique, high quality shadow.

Revlon Color Burst Lipstick in Soft Nude

Nude lipstick perfection. After seeing this on multiple blogs, I picked this gem up and couldn't be happier. It is my perfect pinky nude- my lips looks muted, but not dead. And it is budget-friendly. Holla!

MAC Musky Amethyst

I fall in love with this lipstick every time I use it- it balances red and plum in a wearable way. It has been a really versatile shade for me as well: a few dabs and it serves as a subtle lip stain, or a proper application makes for a gorgeous statement lip.

MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipglass

When I am at work I do not have time to touch up my lipstick, so this opaque nude gloss has been a savior. I can tuck it into my pocket and reapply whenever I feel the need, allowing my look to remain polished and fresh looking. I don't like this on its own so much, but it is great to layer over or revitalize nude lipstick.

LORAC Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D

I received this deluxe sample in a Sephora kit, and I really adore it. 3D is a rose bronze shade with multicolored shimmer. The look of this on the lips is almost metallic.  I love to layer this on top of MAC Musky Amethyst.

NYX Lip Liner in Rose

In August I rediscovered lip liner, and I can't believe I have been wearing lipstick without it. I have a few of these NYX liners and am impressed with the quality of all of them, but I have been reaching for Rose, a light pink, most often. The formula is a bit dry, but the pencil doesn't drag on my lips and it makes my lipstick last a lot longer.

Benefit Erase Paste in No. 2

 This concealer was a rediscovery for me. After sitting unloved in my makeup drawer, I dragged it back out and have been using it almost daily. I realized that I didn't love it before this summer because it was too dark for my skin, thus emphasizing dark circles. Now that I have a bit of a tan, it works like a dream.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner

I broke my vow to use only natural shampoo and conditioner this month. Although the overall condition of my hair is good, my blonde locks were looking dull. This duo has really revitalized the appearance of my hair: after just two week I notice my hair is shinier and less brassy.

My homemade sea spray

Water, a bit of salt, and a few drops of coconut oil in a little spray bottle make for a great sea spray. A few mists on my dry hair emphasizes my natural waves and adds some texture. Try it out!

Flunkies....

blinc Mascara

I received this in my most recent (and last...but more on that in a future post) Birchbox. Initially I was really intrigued by this mascara, which creates tubes around your lashes. Although removing it is super easy and mess-free (the tubes just slide off with warm water), this is a really natural looking mascara. I need more volume and length, so the novelty of the "tubing" isn't enough to sell me.

Estée Lauder Double Matte Foundation

My hunt for my HG foundation brought me to the Estee Lauder counter, where the sales associate offered me a sample of Double Wear and Double Matte. Double Matte, contrary to what the name suggests, doesn't provide a long wearing matte finish. Even with primer and powder, my oily skin was in its full glory halfway through the day. Read my full review of Double Matte and Double Wear here.

What have you been loving this month? Any regretful purchases?

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Posted in Benefit , blinc , Estee Lauder , Favorites and Flunkies , Hair Care , John Frieda , Lorac , MAC , NYX , Revlon , Urban Decay , Wet n Wild

July Favorites & Flunkies

July was a really exciting month for me! Not only is July my birthday month, but I made a big change and moved to a new state! As far as makeup goes, I didn't haul much but I had a blast rediscovering some oldies but goodies in my collection. I had been in a bit of a makeup routine rut that finally broke this month. Here is what I have been all about this month, along with two flunkies that disappointed me.

 Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gash

Gash is a shimmery, coppery dark red with a slight metallic sheen. It looks a little intimidating in the pan, but it is a really divine and versatile shadow. This month I have been blending this in to my crease for an interesting take on a smokey eye. Or when I am feeling really dramatic, I pack this all over the lid- sounds scary but it looks awesome, and really makes my green eyes pop. 

Urban Decay Naked Palette

An old favorite that I fell out of the habit of using my UD Naked Palette until just recently. This month it has definitely made a comeback- it has been ideal to create bronzed and golden eyes that are perfect for summer. I have been particularly loving Smog, Half Baked, and Darkhorse.

 

 Essie Topless & Barefoot

For the first part of summer I was obsessed with bright colors- especially coral and orange. This month, I have opted for more subtle and sophisticated nudes and pastels. Topless & Barefoot is the perfect nude for me, and made for an awesome birthday manicure.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Mint Sorbet

This is a recent purchase and unfortunately I forgot to snap a picture of my mani while wearing this. I have been craving a pale mint green and was debating between this and Essie Mint Candy Apple. I picked Mint Sorbet because the Essie one is a touch more blue. Mint Sorbet has a really delicious creamy finish and looks great against a tan.

Sephora Sculpting Disk- Bronzer section

Bronzer has been a must-have for me this July, and I have been adoring  the one in the Sephora Sculpting Disk. I already used all of the translucent powder, and the highlighter is just so-so but the bronzer is perfection. It is a matte brown that doesn't lean orange and is great as an all over setting powder or contouring shade.

 MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2

When I first bought this, I was afraid it was too pale and gave me the dreaded concealer lips. Now that I have a bit of a tan, this lipstick is the perfect nude. It is a creamy beige that doesn't lean pink with an amplified finish. 

e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick in Runway Pink

I rediscovered this lipstick this month and it has been my go-to shade. It is a gorgeous creamy pale pink that goes with most any look.

 

 Maybelline Lash Stiletto

  I bought this during massive CVS haul and paid less than a quarter for it so I figured it was worth a shot. I don't particularly like this for my top lashes because it doesn't deliver the volume I seek, but it is superb for the bottom lashes. The wand is small and slightly pointed making it ideal for reaching those small inner corner lashes, and the lengthening formula gives a doll-like look. 

Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black

I have been trying out a few mascaras lately, so this old favorite fell to the bottom of my collection. I started using it regularly again this month and it makes me wonder why I even bother to try other mascaras! The formula is truly volumizing without getting too clumpy, and the consistency only gets better with time.

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top Brush

I received this in a Makeup Alley swap and it is a much welcomed addition to my brush collection. It is technically a blusher brush, but I have been using it to buff in my liquid foundation. The bristles are really soft and dense and delivers an almost airbrushed finish.

Korres Fig Shower Gel

I  received this in my July Birchbox and was so excited to try the Korres brand. I love that this is all natural and lathers well, and the fig scent is right up my alley: earthy, dark, and slightly sweet.

ybf automatic eyebrow pencil in universal taupe

 This was also a recent Birchbox goodie, and has been a trusty addition to my daily routine. This pencil is soft with nice staying power, a good match for my brow color, and the spoolie on the end is handy.

Unfortunately, July also brought me two flunkies:

Benefit Coralista

I might get some grief for this one, but I wasn't all that impressed with this cult favorite. This was a 100 point perk at Sephora, and never one to say no to a coral blush I snagged it. The color is nice, but not too unique in my opinion. But what really gets me is the smell! It is strongly scented, and the sweet sugary perfume lingers on my skin. Yuck.

alba Coconut Creamy lip balm

I loved this when I first picked it up for just a few cents during my CVS sale haul. I love that it is all natural and I am obsessed with anything coconut. But because it is made of mostly natural oils, this baby cannot hold up to heat.  A summer day in my purse and this lip balm was totally melted. I do like this, but sadly it has to live my by nightstand and stay indoors. 

What have you been lovin' this month? Any flunkies to report?

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Posted in alba , Benefit , E.L.F. , Essie , Favorites and Flunkies , Korres , Loreal , MAC , Maybelline , Sally Hansen , Sephora , Sonia Kaschuk , Urban Decay , ybf

June Favorites (no flunkies allowed!)

Here we are, fully in the throes of summer! As usual, this month came and went all too quickly. I only hauled an item or two this June (can we get a round of applause for my astounding self-restraint?), and I am elated to report that I don't have any flunkies to share with you today! I am getting a lot better at researching items and only buying those that fill a need in my collection. However, my birthday is coming up in July so expect some hauling that throws all that to the wind!

On to what has stolen my early summer heart....

All my followers! This is my third full month blogging, and I have had so much fun posting, reading other blogs, and interacting with all of you! Today I hit 80 followers! That means I need to put together a giveaway like I promised quick! I am continually surprised that people want to read my posts. You all are the fiercest of power femmes, and thank you for joining me on this adventure!

e.l.f. High Definition Powder- I bought this a few months ago when I was looking for an affordable HD powder, and somehow over time it fell to the bottom of by collection. I assumed that this product wouldn't hold up to the summer heat, but I was wrong! This is now my go to summer setting powder- whether I am wearing tinted moisturizer or full coverage foundation, this locks in my look and controls my oil and shine for a good portion of the day. And at $6, you can't beat it!

Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer- When I reviewed this product, I initially stated that it wasn't the best to concealer under eye circles. Minor retraction! While I am still a bit disappointed with the limited shade selection, I have found a new appreciation for this concealer. I have been applying this all month with a damp Sonia Kashuk blending sponge and it has been doing a great job of concealing my under eye circles. I like this as a summer concealer because it is thin (yet crazy pigmented!) as opposed to thick and creamy so it won't cake up or slide off in the heat.

  
Zoya Creamy- Despite my trepidation, I took a shot at the yellow polish trend and I am so glad I did! Creamy's formula is not perfect, but I am willing to put up with it because the color is so divine. Usually I get bored with a mani after a few days, but I wore this one until it was chipping off!

 Revlon Super Lustrous in Primrose- This came out in a limited collection, but I still have seen a few of these lippies floating around my local shopping stops. Primsore is a pale, milky pink that leans lavender. It is a bit cool for me, but I can still barely pull it off. I have heard some describe this is a Victorian pink, but I think it can also be used to achieve that "Playboy Bunny" pale pink lip and smokey lip if you are feeling wild. I really adore the Super Lustrous lipsticks, and the formula on this one is no exception.

ecotools Retractable Kabuki-  This brush is oh-so-soft and convenient to throw into your purse. It is multipurpose powder brush, but my favorite use for it is to apply bronzer. It is small enough to contour my cheeks and temples and evenly distributes and buffs product.

Laura Geller Baked Blush n' Brighten in Honey Dipped- This gem came in my June Birchbox. This isn't a product that I would have picked out for myself, but I am more than happy to have it on my collection! Look at it- can you even handle it's beauty?!?! Despite the bronze color this is far too shimmer to use as a bronzer to contour with or dust all over the face. I use this like a blush, and it offers a healthy, golden glow to my skin. It is really pigmented, and the neutral shade goes with most all looks. I even use just a tiny dab of this on top of my other blushes to add a summery golden sheen to my cheeks.

Pangea Organics Italian Green Mandarin & Sweet Lime Facial Toner- This also came in my June Birchbox. Ever on the hunt for new natural skin care goodies, I think this one is a permanent keeper. This generous sample should last me a while longer, too. I mist this on my face morning and night after I cleanse, and let it dry before I put on my moisturizer. This hasn't performed miracles on my skin, but I can tell that my skin feels more balanced and hydrated since I started using it. It also feels really cooling and refreshing in the summer heat!

What are you adoring this month?

PS- I updated my Blog Sale! Prices and shipping costs have been slashed; I am also open to swaps and haggling. I move in two weeks so I am eager to find these goodies new homes!

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Posted in E.L.F. , Ecotools , Favorites and Flunkies , Hard Candy , Laura Geller , Pangea Organics , Revlon , Zoya

May Favorites & Flunkies

Since Project 10 Pan I have really buckled down on my spontaneous spending and hauling. As such, I don't have a ton of favorites to share. Some are products I rediscovered gems in my preexisting collection, while others are new finds that I researched before purchasing. Unfortunately, a few I got a few flunkies this month, and all are products that I did not research before I threw them in my cart. I am slowly learning my lesson to be a conscious, educated consumer.

First, the favs:

•  Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat- I usually only have time to do my nails in the evening, and before this product I had problems with my polish denting as I slept. Seche Vite may smell awful, but it performs as promised. My lacquer is dry in around 5 minutes and has a glassy, hard finish. My only complaint is that I experience some shrinkage with some polishes where Seche Vite pulls away from the tips of my nails as it drys. This is only with some polishes, and I can live with it.
• Wet n Wild Color Icon Trio in Sweet as Candy- This is a foolproof trio of shadows that is great for when you are in a rush or just want a simple, natural eye look. The colors themselves are not necessarily unique, but that is okay- they make sense together, are soft and pigmented, and a real bargain. Check out the FOTD I created with this trio.
• Physicians Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls in Translucent Pearl- I wouldn't have picked this up at full price, but I had a few CVS extra bucks and Physicians Formula was having a sale so in the cart it went. I had read a few rave reviews on these Mineral Glow Pearls, and it did not disappoint. This is a beautiful soft pinky beige highlight that I will be using a lot this summer when I want glowy skin. It is quite shimmery though, so apply with a gentle hand.  
•  E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner in Black- This also made it into last month's favs. I use this everyday, though it is particularly awesome for creating a winged liner look. It is creamy and pigmented, but dries quickly. This never creases onto my lid and literally lasts all day. I don't know how this compares to other brands (like the Loreal Hip one, MAC fluidline, or the Wet n Wild gel liner), but I am really happy with this. 
• fresh Citron de Vignre Eau de Parfum- I have mentioned elsewhere that I have difficulty finding fragrances that I like because I am generally turned off by feminine floral scents and unfortunately most women's perfumes fall into that category. I found this perfume at Sephora and it is absolutely divine! It smells like sangria- citrusy and spicy with notes of red wine. It is a very unique scent and I have been wearing it all month.
• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk- I don't really have anything new to say about this cult favorite that hasn't already been said. It is a creamy white that has worked as an awesome base for most all of my May eye looks.
• Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer- I picked this up in a mini haul recently from Nordstrom Rack and have been really enjoying it. I wear it alone, or mix it with my regular tinted moisturizer or with a dab of my foundation if I want more coverage. This doesn't make my oily skin freak out, and it gives me a nice subtle bronzed glow. I wore it in a couple FOTDs this moth, like this one here.
• Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF 60+- Sunblock should be a staple in your skincare routine year round, but I am guilty of forgetting it most mornings. However, as the sun starts to come out more this Spring I have been making an earnest effort to remember it. I opted for a baby sunblock because they tend to have more naturally derived and gentle ingredients and to have higher SPFs. I mix a pea sized amount of this creamy sunblock into my moisturizer in the morning and have been really surprised by how non-greasy this leaves my face. Usually sunblock leaves me feeling like an oil slick, but this soaks in nicely and I can apply my makeup soon after. And the classic sunblock smell, which I am not fond of, is mild.

 Now, for the flunkies:

•  Sinful Colors Nail Art- I picked these up in a Walgreens haul at the beginning of the month. I was totally lulled in by the cheap price tag and stellar colors. However, I should have known better; since these are neon shades, they apply very sheer and thus don't make for very good nail art designs. Bummer. 
• Maybelline Define-a-Brow Pencil in Light Blonde- I have been on the hunt for a good brow pencil, and this one actually matches the color of my brows nicely. However, everything else about this is pretty crappy in my opinion. I though that I would like that it was an automatic pencil, but it is not self-sharpening so the tip is flat making for imprecise application. Also, if you twist it too much, the product crumbles very easily when applying it. 

So there are my favorites and flunkies of May. What are you loving and regretting?

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Posted in E.L.F. , Favorites and Flunkies , fresh , Maybelline , Neutrogena , NYX , Physicians Formula , Seche Vite , Sinful Colors , Stila , Wet n Wild

April Favorites & Flunkies

Where did April go? I spent most of this month in front of a computer screen finishing up my MA paper (and taking a blogging break every now and then, of course). This past few weeks I was introduced to a few fantastic products, as well as a few disappointing ones. So what have I been loving and regretting?

Favorites:

 

•  Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 674 Coral Berry- I have been wearing this shade all month. Coral Berry is a rich creme orange coral that leans towards a strawberry pink. It definitely isn't a subtle lip,  but it is totally wearable, especially when paired with neutral eye looks. This coral has ushered in my spring in a sophisticated, juicy way!

•  Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gash- Metallic rust red might not sound like the most flattering shade for your lids, but I am finding this shadow really versatile. I have rocked a few smokey eye looks with this, but it is also nice blended into the crease for an interesting contour (check out my Fierce Femme FOTD for an example). More detailed images and a swatch can be found here. Green eyed babes like me will particularly love this.
• Slathin & Co. Candle in Salty Carmel from Bath & Body Works- We all know that Bath & Body Works sells some awesome candles, but in my opinion this one tops them all. Salty Carmel is an fantastic scent to start your warm season with. It smells just like going to the fair as a kid! Absolutely delicious!
• Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge- I had heard raves about the Beauty Blender, and while I do not know how this compares, I have been loving this blending sponge. It doesn't eat up much product and gives me a natural finish without compromising on coverage. The little pointed end makes it ideal for applying foundation around the nose or concealer under the eyes. This has totally replaced my old foundation brush.
•  Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment- A dime size of this on my wet hair keeps my long locks manageable and fizz free. With continued use I can tell it is improving the texture of my hair and keeping it moisturized. It doesn't leave me feeling greasy, and smells divine. The price tag for the full bottle of this is steep, but a little goes a long way and for the quality seems completely worth it.
• LAVANILA The Healthy Body Butter in Vanilla Lavender- This came in my April Birchbox, and I am definitely going to invest in a full sized bottle of this. It is moisturizing and soaks into my skin quickly. Also, I love that LAVANILLA is natural and packages their body butters in sanitary tubes instead of tubs like other brands. I associate lavender with sleep, so I keep this by my bedside table to apply at night. I am interested it trying out other scents as well.
• Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum- This stuff has totally transformed my foundation. This combo skinned babe now can have longer-wearing foundation, oil control, and a subtle luminous finish. Check out my full review here.
• Zoya Pasha- This month I have picked up quite a few polishes, but I can't help but come back to this one. It is a gorgeous silvered taupe with mushroom, almost purple undertones. Check out my full review and swatches here.
• E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner in Black- I wasn't too fond of this at first, but have really gotten into this liner this month. It is creamy and easy to apply, and once it dries this stuff doesn't budge or flake. I have been using it to line my upper waterline and it lasts all day.
• EOS Shave Cream in Vanilla Bliss- My legs and underarms have never been softer or more closely shaved. I can't find anything to dislike about this natural, deliciously scented, smartly packaged product. Check out my full review here.
• EOS Lip Blam Smooth Sphere in Summer Fruit- This lip balm makes me want to abandon all of my others. Clever packaging, hydrating, natural, great taste- I love it! Check out my full review here.
• Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy- I am not even tempted to buy another blush in the near future, unless it is other shades of this Tarte blush. The formula is that amazing, and Tipsy is an awesome coral for spring. My full review and swatches can be found here.

 Flunkies:

•  Revlon CustomEyes Mascara Waterproof in Blackest Black- The only reason I bought this is because I had a CVS coupon for it, a tactic that unfortunately sucked me in. The selling point of this mascara is that the brush is 2-in-1: with a twist of the dial, the wand changes between 2 settings, one for "Length & Drama" and the other for "Length & Definition." More like "Spikey & Clumpy" and "More Spikey & Clumpy." Total gimmick! The formula isn't bad, so in the spirit of Project 10 Pan sometimes I apply this as a first coat and use another mascara with a better brush as the second.

•  Yes to Tomatoes Deep Cleansing Facial Pads- I love the brand Yes to Carrots so this is upsetting for me. To be fair though, I am almost certain that the reason this product is sub-par is my own fault. I should have know better than to pick up an item like this from the discount bin at Walgreens, because I discovered at home that all the pads were totally dried up! I might give these another go, but pick them up from YTC directly.
• E.L.F. Super Glossy Lip Shine in Goddess- This sticky, cough syrup flavored gloss does not make me feel like a goddess. Good thing it was only a buck! Read my full review here.
• E.L.F. Essentials Natural Lash Kit in Black- These lashes are inconsistent, leaving me with one fluttery cute eye and another crazy, blinking doll one. Read my full review here.

Pheww! So there it is! What are you loving and regretting this month?

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Posted in Bath and Body Works , E.L.F. , EOS , Favorites and Flunkies , LAVANILA , Macadamia Natural Oil , Revelon , Sonia Kaschuk , Tarte , Urban Decay , Yes to Tomatoes , Zoya