Nothing like a few up close, in-your-face pictures of me to start your week -Ha! But don’t worry, there is a reason. What I was trying to do is capture, really capture, my top 5 new beauty products in action. I’m not a beauty expert. I’ve always said that, but I do love to try new beauty products. I like trying the products sent to me in my Birchbox, the products my friends recommend, or even the products the beauty associate says is the next new “it” thing! If I love them, and only if I LOVE them, I share them with you guys! So here it goes: (Oh, and of course there is a story behind each one.)
“Dallas” Bronzer by Benefit– Long story short, when I walked into Benefit in La Jolla on our family vacation, I was feeling like a tired, haggard mommy, so I was susceptible to buy anything (a few of the items I purchased I’m not mentioning, like the eye liner- oh shoot, I mentioned it -ha!). But what I did buy was their Dallas bronzer. It made me feel lively and healthy! I’ve used another bronzer for the past year (NARS laguna), but I like this one better. It looks more natural and gives me just the right amount of color. I use it on my forehead, temples, under my cheekbones, a little on my nose, and sometimes on my chin. I don’t think you can tell I have it on. Now go look at the close up pictures! See, that’s why I have those ridiculous close ups -ha!
They’re Real! Mascara by Benefit– I’m telling you, I was in a weakened state, but this mascara deserves an entire post of it’s own. This mascara makes your lashes look long, full, and curled. But what makes it amazing is that it does NOT TRANSFER! I wore it everyday to Disney and there was not one spec of black mascara under my eyes! We even went on the wet rides and it still didn’t budge! I’m telling you, that’s impossible. Well, apparently not. PS- you’ll need an oil based make up remover to take the mascara off. This one is my favorite.
Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm– This pink lip balm was sent to me in my Birchbox. It is the perfect pink for a natural, fresh look. It feels like chapstick and doesn’t dry out your lips. Usually, when something goes on like a balm, it’s color isn’t very rich (like the one I bought at Benefit or my old fave Burt’s Bees lip balm). Well, not this one! I don’t know how they packed that much pigment into one tube.
Naked Skin Weightless Concealer by Urban Decay– My sister-in-law recommended this concealer to me, and I think it was after she noticed my concealer getting stuck in the creases under my eyes -ha! I’ll never know, because she’s too sweet to say. Anyway, I also like that it has a matte finish instead of the dewy finish like my other concealer. I think since my old concealer was oil based, it would attract other make up throughout the day.
Bobbi Brown Eyeliner– For the longest time I’ve used black eyeliner, but it felt too dark for every day. I switched to Bobbi Browns gel eyeliner in dark chocolate ink, and I’ve loved it. It’s a rich brown color, and I can get the line as thick or as thin as I want using her liner brush. You can see the thin line on my bottom lash line. It also doesn’t transfer and end up on my eyebrow bone! Am I the only one this happens to? Ha!
Makeup Links:
Mascara- Benefit, Blush- Bobbi Brown (Raspberry), Lips- Pixi(Pixi Pink), Bronzer- Benefit, Concealer- Urban Decay, Brow Gel- Benefit, Eyeliner- Bobbi Brown (Dark Chocolate Ink)
Oh, and I’m still loving my face wash and moisturizer by Colleen Rothschild (post here). It’s not too many steps and has amazing results! I just placed my third order.