Another new series I'm going to try out... Brand Buzz. It'll be different than Beauty to Know because it won't just be beauty, and it won't be just "underrated brands". For example, today I'm talking about one of the most beloved beauty brands in the industry, Maybelline.

Maybelline is a drugstore brand that I flock too. I don't know if it's the packaging, the name, the brand spokespeople, or the quality of the products but I definitely have more Maybelline than any other brand in my makeup collection. I'm not knocking the other drugstore brands, I just always get really lucky with Maybelline -- they always work the best for me.

But like every brand, there are definitely hits and misses, which is why I thought I'd round up my favorites from Maybelline.

• FIT ME Matte & Poreless foundation: This is a foundation that came out last year and one of the first few foundations I fell in love with. It gets rave reviews on Youtube and rightfully so. It applies very smooth and leaves your face matte but not too matte. It gives the most flawless, beautiful finish and blends like a dream. It's everything you could want in a foundation and more. Whenever I'm going out at night, or to a function and I need my makeup to look perfect, this is my go-to foundation.

• Fit Me Stick Foundation: This is the first ever foundation I tried almost 4 years ago when it was first released. Stick foundations get a bad reputation but this one is great in my opinion. It has a hydrating core which is perfect for my dry skin. It applies really light weight and has a powder finish so it's not heavy in any way. It gives light coverage and I just apply it directly from the tube and blend with my fingers--it makes for easy and quick application. It's a no muss, no fuss foundation which is sometimes what I need.

• Better Skin Concealer: This is the newest concealer from Maybelline and I love a good concealer. This concealer, in my opinion, has more coverage than the Fit Me concealer and it blends like a dream, while also hiding my dark circles. It has a weightless finish and is just an all around good concealer for spots, dark spots, under eyes, and anything else! 

• Lash Sensational Mascara: I can be kind of picky when it comes to mascara. I like my lashes to be separated and voluminous. I don't care too much about length because I have long lashes already. I like mascaras with very thick brushes -- skinny brushes do nothing for me. The Lash Sensational mascara has a curved wand that curls your lashes for you (similar to the wand of Benefit Rollerlash). It's a pretty wet formula but doesn't smudge (on me) and leaves my lashes looking exactly how I want them to look.

• Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipsticks: This were released at the start of the matte lipstick trend and still stand true to be the most comfortable matte lipsticks around. There are so many shades to choose from and they glide on smoothly, no patches or rough areas. They aren't drying and they dry to the most beautiful matte formula. They aren't hard to maintain during the day and stay on for a decent amount of time. They're a go to for me.

I love when I start to see new things at the drugstore, Ulta, and in Sephora. It makes my beauty loving heart so incredibly happy!

I was browsing Ulta's website the other night and saw all these new items from drugstore (and a few high end brands) being released!

A lot of the items I was interested in are from Maybelline (my favorite drugstore brand).

I'll probably place an order on Ulta's website soon because while it's not super convient, I know they'll have everything I need and could just get everything in one shot.



The one item that I have already purchased and have been LOVING is the Loreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation. I ordered it a little less than 2 weeks ago and have fallen head over heels. I'll be doing a post focused solely on that product soon!

UGH, I'm not supposed to spend money but all this drugstore makeup looks amazing!

What new product are you excited to try?


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Thank GOD!!!!

Oh I am so happy August is over! I think February-April & July-August are my least favorite months. August is hot and sweaty and humid. It's the Friday of summer, yes, but I am very happy to welcome September with open arms!

August was an odd month. I still feel like I should be sitting in a classroom instead of in an office and the realization is just as bad as it was last year (ok, maybe not THAT bad). I feel like it went very slowly and I'm perfectly fine with that. I can't believe how fast 2015 is going, and has already gone.

Before we know it, it'll be Christmas! Oh I CANNOT WAIT.

Before I begin rambling more and more, let's get into my favorites. I didn't keep track this month of what I loved, so we're rolling with the punches, especially since I'm writing this at 8 PM on Sunday, after a very long and tiring weekend. I was on a work trip and was basically up for 24 hours straight (#socialmedialife) and then I went to a Mets game with my friends on Saturday afternoon. It was a tiring, exciting, and overwhelming weekend for sure.

Side note: It's also been ONE YEAR since I posted my first favorites blog -- oh how things have changed!

Ok ok, no more rambles!



//Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer: I have been an avid wearer of the no make-up, make-up look all summer. I barely wear any liquid foundation so I've been sticking with concealer and my powder foundation. This concealer from Maybelline is new to drugstore shelves and it's the only thing I've been using this month. Maybelline concealers are my favorite and you'd know it from looking at my concealer drawer (yes I have a concealer drawer). This one is very thin in consistency but covers your under eye like it's nobody's business! I have not used anything else and I'm perfectly okay with that.

//Too Faced Amazing Face Powder Foundation: I feel like I spoke about this once before but I couldn't find any record of it. I bought these foundations (yes plural because I have 3 different shades) a few months ago for $8 in Nordstrom Rack. I really wanted a powder foundation and these seemed like a safe bet. I bought one, my mom bought two, and she decided she didn't want them anymore so now I have three shades. I've already hit pan on the deepest one "Honey Beige" because it was honestly all I was wearing for two months straight. It was just easier to apply before work, and I couldn't stand the feeling of foundation during the heat and humidity.

//Caudalie Lip Conditioner: I've spoken so many times about my problem with dry skin, and my dry lips. I've used so many different lip balms, trying to find the perfect one. I've had no such luck; they all work fine for the first week or two, and then they don't work anymore. The latest one I had was the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment and it was $22 and lasted about two weeks before I was finished with it. Not worth the money! I was on the Birchbox website, looking for something to spend money on and realized I needed a new lip balm. I saw this Caudalie one and OMG I'm IN LOVE. It's hydrating, nourishing, I don't have to reapply too often, and it doesn't feel heavy on the lips. It's $12 which is pricey for a lip balm but I think I need something heavy duty and I'm willingly to spend that much if it works.

//Herbal Essences Dry Oil Spray: I got this in a Target Beauty Box (not the one I posted about) and I have used a decent amount. I've never used dry oil and I never really use oil on my hair but now I see the benefits. This is really easy to apply (no greasy hands), and it leaves my hair soft, smooth, shiny, and frizz free. It's a life saver in the heat and humidity.

//ban.do planner: August is national planner month apparently so when August 1st struck, I was stoked to start using my ban.do planner. It's small but mighty in my opinion. It fits in all my bags perfectly, yet still big enough to write in. Not to mention it's SO cute! I'm always looking for a reason to take it out and write things down--definitely a good purchase in my book.

//Seamless: This is such a typical NYC, basic girl favorite but I've been ordering off Seamless basically everyday at work, for lunch. I hate bringing my lunch because it's never as appetizing as something fresh. If I bring a sandwich, by the time lunchtime comes, I no longer crave that. It's easy to just decide right then and there what I'm in the mood for. It's dangerous and I need to stop spending money on food.

I probably have more favorites but this month has minimal in terms of "things".

What were your favorites this month? Tell me in the comments!!

Shop my favorites below: 

I meant to have this post up last week but honestly, I just wasn't about it. It's at that point in the summer when I'm lazy and tired and the heat is just getting to me. I blame it on the fact that once August 1st hits, I'm programmed to think that I'll be going back to school.

I can't believe how fast time is passing. The summer is over and now it'll be TWO years since my senior year started. It's honestly really scary to think about and I think it's starting to hit me that this is life now. I work, I play, I have to figure out things on my own.

People my age are getting engaged and starting a whole different chapter of my life, and I don't have the energy to leave my bed in the morning.

I still feel like I'm living this fake life and I don't know when it's going to feel real, but with the summer being over, my first summer of working full time and not being a fresh out of college post grad, it's starting to get there.

Oh it's scary as hell.

I always tend to ramble during my monthly favorites post because it's another reminder of how fast my life is going by, and I don't know how to keep up with it--but maybe I'll save this for a different time.



I loved a lot of things this month, like A LOT but I narrowed it down to my top favorites.

//BlueSky Planners: The planner obsession was alive and real this month, as I got a bunch of new planners in the mail. They were all from BlueSky, and I'm so grateful that they sent them to me! From the Day Designers to the regular planners, I'm a little obsessed. I love staying organized and having my shit together -- writing things down just works for me and these planners have been a life saver.

//Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid Touch: I talked about this in my Recent Beauty Hauls post, and it's been my go to all month. It's so light weight, blends beautifully, and dries to a powder finish so it doesn't feel like anything on your face. Plus, the packaging is gorgeous, in a cute glass bottle.

//theBalm Brow Pow: I love theBalm products, but they're so hard to come by. You have to order them off of their website, or Birchbox, but sometimes they don't have everything you want -- and sometimes I do like buying things in a store. When I was walking past a Duane Read near my job, in Manhattan, and I saw that they have a section called The Look Boutique that has high end products. They aren't super high end but brands like Cargo, Vincent Longo, 100% Pure, etc... and theBalm! I was so excited I nearly cried. I went in one day, and just bought this brow powder and an InStain Blush. I wanted a brow powder to do my brows because I haven't found a pencil I really love. This powder has been the only thing I use and it makes my brows bold, but soft at the same time. I got it in Light Brown and it's incredible!

//BeccaxJaclyn Hill Champagne Pop: Everyone and their mother is talking about this highlight, and I also talked about it my Recent Beauty Hauls post. It has every right to be talked about, because it's gorgeous and pretty much will flatter everyone. I never had any Becca products before this, but this highlight is so buttery smooth and stunning -- I may have to try some more. This is the only highlight I've worn all month and I'm pretty sure it'll continue like that for a while.

//First Aid Beauty Blemish Patrol Pads: I've been meaning to talk about these, and you'll probably see them in another post this week. A little more than a month ago I noticed that I had a lot of bumps on the side of my face, along my jawline. It wasn't technically acne, but probably little whiteheads. I was on a quest to find something to cure this and low and behold, First Aid Beauty came in and saved the day. Their Blemish Patrol Pads claim to help prevent breakouts, control oil, and minimize pores. They're also safe for sensitive skin because that's what FAB specializes in. It comes with 60 pads, which is great because if you want to use one everyday, you have enough for two months. I was religiously using these, and saw results in less than a week. I was shocked and excited and continued to use them everyday for almost the entire month. Once I saw most of the bumps were gone, I would use these a few times a week, or whenever I saw a pimple popping up but my skin has remained in tact. I still have a good amount of pads left in the tub and will probably repurchase after they run out.

Another random favorite is not wearing jewelry. I rarely leave the house without at least one necklace, ring, or bracelet, but this month it was just too dam hot. I have been going to work, and going out sans baubles and I'm kind of loving it. I'm much more comfortable in the hat without the extra metal hanging on my body.

Here's to the last month of summer, and one step closer to Fall!

What were your favorites this month?

I've been trying to buy less and spend less money on make-up but it doesn't seem to be working. I've definitely cut back, but I still like to treat myself to something new every so often.

These items have been collected over the course of two months and I've been loving & using all of them religiously.

There's always new things at the drugstore, and obviously those are more affordable but I do love myself a good high end make-up splurge!




Here are some of the beauty items I've been LOVING lately.

//Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid Touch Foundation: I've been lusting after this drugstore foundation since it came out last year. It's definitely on the pricey side of the drugstore, rounding out anywhere from $10-$13. I finally splurged on it and it's been life changing. It's a very liquid, water like foundation that has medium-full(ish) coverage. I apply it with a Beauty Blender and it gives me the most beautiful demi matte, powder finish. It wears pretty well throughout the day and I've been wearing it almost everyday. It's well worth the price.




//Maybelline Lip Studio Color Blur: I have been obsessed with lip products lately and I cannot get enough. When I saw that Maybelline released a new line of matte lip colors, I went searching for them and couldn't find them for weeks at my local CVS or Duane Reade. I finally went to Rite Aid in my neighborhood and they had ALL the new beauty products. I picked up this one in "I Like to Mauve It" and love it! It's a little on the pinker side of mauve but it's a great "Kylie Jenner" type of color. It's really comfortable on the lips and the perfect everyday color.

//Loreal Colour Riche Le Matte Lipcolour Stick: In the same breath, L'Oreal released their own line of matte lip colors. They also had ones called "Le Lacquer" and I may want to try those too. I got one in the shade "She's So Matte" and it's a little darker than the Maybelline one. Still, it's very comfortable and a little more matte than the Maybelline. Once again, a perfect every day color!



//Too Faced Sole Mates Blushing Bronzer: These are $34 and 'limited edition' and were released around Valentine's Day. There's only two shades, named after two of the best TV couples ever "Carrie & Big" and "Rachel and Ross." I wasn't going to spend $34 on it so I never got it. That was, until I was in my local Nordstrom Rack and they had a whole bin full of both shades, for $8!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I picked up "Carrie & Big" immediately and haven't used another bronzer since. It's really hard to use the bronzer and blush separately, so I just take a kabuki brush and swirl them together for a luminous, bronzy glow. Ugh, I cannot get enough!





//Too Faced Love Flush Blush in Love Hangover: When I saw that Too Faced was releasing new blushes, I knew I needed one. I didn't know when they were being released, until I woke up one morning and saw that they were up for grabs on Home Shopping Network. I immediately ordered it while I was walking to the train station (I have an addiction) and within a week, this adorable little blush was at my door. It's the perfect everyday, warm pink color that looks very natural on the cheeks. They are 16 hour blushes and honestly, they are very long wearing. They're smooth and perfect and I want more!





//Becca Cosmetics + Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector: I watch a lot of Youtube videos, and love a lot of Youtube v-loggers. All of them talk about Becca's highlighters, and all of them love Jaclyn Hill. With good reason too, as she is one of the OG's of Youtube Beauty Blogging and she is funny, beautiful, down to earth, and relatable. I want to be her! Anyways, Becca & Jaclyn collaborated on a new highlighter called "Champagne Pop". It's $38 but I needed it because it's limited edition and I was in need of a new powder highlight. It was worth it because it's the most intense, beautiful highlight. I've been wearing it every day and I can't stop. You can build up the intensity as much as you want and it looks good on pretty much everyone. I'm obsessed and may never wear another highlight again.

What beauty products have you picked up lately? Tell me in the comments!




Shop my picks below!