I'm on a shopping hiatus because I went crazy this month, with good intent. Retail therapy does wonders for the soul and I don't care what anyone says!

There were lots of beauty releases this month and I fell in love with every single one of them. I've been reorganizing my beauty collection, making room for all the new items.

I just enjoy beauty from all ends of the spectrum. It's my career, it's my hobby, it brings me joy. Everyone needs a hobby in my opinion ;)

Some of these products are brand new, some are just new to me.





1. Too Faced Peach Palette: If you are subscribed to my newsletter, you saw this in today's email. I was one of the lucky few who got this when it was released on TooFaced.com & literally broke the website. It sold out on Ulta.com, HSN.com, and it will soon be available in Ulta stores & on Sephora's website. It's Limited Edition & I've been wanting this palette for months. It smells like peaches and it's super heavenly. All the shades are super creamy & pigmented. It could use 1-2 more matte shades, in my opinion and the shades Peaches & Cream and White Peach are a little patchy but otherwise, this is my new favorite palette. I tend to stick to more browns & neutrals so I'm really glad to have bright pops of peachy pinks and greens, along with my favorite neutrals. If you can get your hands on this, and you love Too Faced, definitely pick this up!

Middle is Echo Park; bottom is Get Paid Liner; top is limited edition Poppin Matte X Lipstick

2. ColourPop Satin Lip: I placed an order with Colourpop a few weeks ago and I took this as a time to try their Ultra Satin Lip Lipstick. I hated their Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick because they were so drying-- I ended up just throwing them out because I never, ever wore them. These Ultra Satin Lips got really good reviews and the good thing is, they aren't matte so they never dry so they aren't drying. I got the shade Echo Park, which is a beigy, pinkish nude and I love it. It's really comfortable, not drying, and the color is gorgeous. I may try more, I may not, but they are really great alternatives for those who don't like liquid lipstick.


3. Becca Best of Becca Blushed Radiance: I don't have a lot of Becca products. I only have Champagne Pop, AquaLuminous Foundation, and the Jaclyn Hill Holiday Palette. I have been meaning to try more because I know Becca is an incredible brand. I saw this set at Ulta and knew it was a great deal. I decided to be adventoruous and silly and place a stupidly big (big for me) Ulta order and this was in it. I am obsessed! It comes with a mini size Mineral Blush in Flowerchild, mini size Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, Shimmering Skin Perfector Wand in Moonstone, and a mini Backlight Priming Filter. I've worn the primer (and it's amazing: full size, I'm coming for you!) and the Mineral Blush (full size, I'm coming for you!) and I have fallen head over heels. I already know I love the highlighters but this is a great little set if you're looking to try more Becca products.

How cute is the packaging & the stickers?!

4. Glossier Balm Dot Com: This is the best lip balm in the history of the world. I know it feels like I say that a lot but this is the best. I've been meaning to try it FOREVER and I finally bit the bullet. It's a thicker salve that can be used other places like your cuticles, elbows, or ankles. I put it on at night since it's a thicker formula and I wake up the next day to smooth, hydrated, and moisturized lips. It's so thick I still feel remnants of the balm the next morning. It's INCREDIBLE.

There are definitely a few more items that I've collected but these are my top favorites at the moment!

What are your new beauty buys that have been in your top drawer?

I've been on an avid self tanning kick. I swore off tanning beds for the past 2 years and I'm getting better at not sitting in the sun. I talked about most of this two weeks ago in my "Your Skin Is In" post and I couldn't wait to write THIS post.

While I've since been into self tanning, this didn't come without some doubts. I saw that self tanning was a major trend in the beauty industry amongst my favorite bloggers but I was always really skeptical that I wouldn't be able to do it. I was afraid of turning orange or having it come out really streaky or getting it all over my clothes.

I stopped myself more than once from experimenting with this foreign trend but when Vita Liberata sent me their pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mouuse last summer. After one use, I was completely hooked. It wasn't streaky, it didn't smell bad, it applied evenly and smooth, and the tan was not orange. It didn't rub off on my clothes either.

It was basically full proof and it was the tanning product I used all summer--I was self tanned more than naturally tan and I didn't hate it.

A few weeks ago, Vita Liberata invited me to a blogger event to introduce us to their Spring 2016 line. I was so excited to be there and I immediately wanted to tell everyone about it but it was very hush hush until the products were released!




They walked us through the 3 new releases, along with their other existing products and it was really interesting to hear from the founder of the company, Alyson Hogg, all about why they created the products they did, and how they compare to existing brands.





Vita Liberata was founded in 2003 and since then they have created countless self tanning products that center around the brand's main values: natural, odorless, pure formulations that give flawlessly perfect results!



Vita Liberata is just one brand in the tanning industry but they have their own unique niche. They use a moisture locking system that ensures soft skin and a natural fade (no one likes a tan that fades off in ugly patches). They use organic anti age and all non toxic ingredients -- I'm not huge into all natural beauty but if something I really enjoy is safe for me, I'm more prone to use it!

Probably my most favorite part of the Vita Liberata brand--quick drying application! I was really weary of the fact that I'd have to walk around naked in my house for an hour to let the tan settle but all the products dry instantly.

We were able to try out all of the products as well as get a free spray tan. I got a spray tan and oh my goodness, it was the best spray tan ever. I've only gotten a spray tan once in my life and it was a miserable experience but this one by Vita Liberata was insane. It smelled good, felt good on the skin, was totally even, and didn't smudge. It dried instantly and I was totally sold.




All the bloggers went home with goodie bags to try the the new items and of course that was my favorite part! The three new products introduced are Self Tan Dry Oil SPF 50, Self Tanning Anti Aging Serum, and the Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish.

I haven't tried the Body Blur yet but I saw it in action (below) and the results are astounding.



I use the Self Tan Dry Oil (which is such a cool product) and the Anti Aging Serum (OMG) and they are hands down, two of my current favorite beauty products. The Self Tan Dry Oil is exactly what it sounds like; it's a dry oil that contains SPF 50, which helps to moisturize and protect the skin. The oil has all the benefits of a Vita Liberata self tanner. It also has technology that allows you to build up the color gradually without being too harsh or dark. I have been using this in place of my original pHenomal Self Tanning Mousse.

The Anti Aging Serum is something I didn't know if I'd enjoy but I had really been wanting to incorporate serums into my beauty routine. I'm glad I proved myself wrong because this is amazing. It really does self tan your face, in a very gradual way. I add around 2 drops to my fingers and apply evenly after my face is throughly cleansed. It contains cucumber extracts, rosehip oil, and other essential ingredients to help with hydration, reduction of fine lines, and wrinkles.



The Body Blur is supposed to perfect skin and mash blemishes, while fighting sings of aging. It has photo reflective particles that give you a photo ready finish, all while providing you the benefits of all Vita Liberata products. I think this would be perfect to apply to your legs before a big night out when you're wearing a skirt or dress!

All in all, these self tanning products are incredible. They self tan you to your desire while providing incredible skin care benefits. It's the best of both worlds!

Shop some other Vita Liberata products below!



Have you tried any self tanning products?

The last Brand Buzz I did got so many positive responses so I thought I'd change it up and do a post on one of my favorite high end brands.

Too Faced has always been #1 for me and they just keep getting better and better. Their packaging is too cute for words, they have pretty unique products, and they're amazing.

I've tried a decent amount of product from Too Faced, but I haven't tried everything. There have been some things I didn't like -- like the renowned Born This Way Foundation and the Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer, and there are still things that I need... like the Peanut Butter & Jelly palette that is releasing next week!



For now, though, let's talk about the things I swear by!



Eyeshadows: Too Faced has the best eyeshadows in the business, in my honest opinion. It's better than the Naked Palettes, better than anything I've ever tried. I will always go back to Too Faced shadows. They are smooth, buttery, blendable, and pigmented. They are NOT powdery, don't have any fall out and you don't have to work too hard to apply them. My favorite palettes are the Chocolate Bar Palette & the Natural Matte Palette. They are both neutral palettes but they are a must have in anyone's collection!

Melted Chocolate Diamonds, Melted Candy, Melted Rainbow, Melted Chihuahua, Melted Nude

Melted Lipsticks: I was so excited when these came out. They were one of the first "liquid lipsticks" on the market, and they aren't really even liquid lipsticks. They don't have a true matte finish and they come in a squeeze tube, which is odd but really cool. I like the applicator, it's very unique and these have an interesting smell. I'm not prone to smells but some people are so that could be a turn off but it doesn't bother me. I really love these because they are easy to apply and have a semi long lasting power. The color selection is super unique and I just love everything about these!

Better than Sex: This mascara has the RIGHT NAME. This mascara is the best mascara I have ever used and I don't even know how many I've gone through. It was the first high end mascara I tried and if I had to pick one to use for the rest of my life, it'd be this one. The wand is pretty big but that is what I prefer, and the formula isn't too wet. It leaves my lashes with a lot of volume and it can be a bit clumpy/messy but that's never really a real issue for me. It also helps separate my lashes, which is what I look for in a mascara. I need something that is volumizing and separating and that is Better Than Sex. No other mascara compares to this one in my opinion.

Hangover Rx Primer: I've raved about this primer many times before so I won't ramble too much but it's incredible and I really miss having it since I ran out a few months ago. It's hydrating and I would sometimes just throw this on with some concealer and call it a day. It is made with coconut oil and is perfect for those with dry skin. If you have dry skin and need a moisturizing primer, definitely go try this one.

Loganberry, Cinnamon Kiss, Pink Chocolate, Nude Beach

La Creme Lipsticks: Another great lipstick by Too Faced! These are very moisturizing and have a tendency to bleed but I just can't get enough. They feel amazing on the lips and the color selection has every shade you'd ever need. And the packaging? YES PLEASE! How cute is the gold? It's very heavy and feels luxurious so I feel like a true beauty guru whenever I use them.



Love Flush Blush: These blushes are no joke, between the colors, the names, the 16 hour wear, and the dam packaging!!!! I bought this off HSN last year when it was released and it's one of my most worn blushes. I have the color "Love Hangover" and it's a beautiful peachy pink--these blushes are pigmented in a good way, but not too much where you look like a clown. They're soft, blendable, and really do last a good while.



Little Black Book of Bronzers: I'm pretty sure I've talked about how much I wanted this product before but I never wanted to spend $50. I mean, the bronzers inside are very tiny, but I still couldn't justify it. Thankfully, I found it in Nordstrom Rack a few months ago for half the price and scooped it up immediately. It's a little book that has every Too Faced bronzer and my goodness, I'm very happy I have it. Their Chocolate Soleil Bronzer is one of my favorites so it's nice to try out all the other ones. There is a bronzer for every single occasion and I basically never have to buy bronzer again! All of them have similar formulas, whether shimmery, satin, or matte -- they blend out beautifully, aren't too pigmented where you can't control how much product you apply to your face, and the chocolate bronzers smell like chocolate! Too Faced definitely does bronzers right!

I need more Too Faced in my life but these are hands down, some of the best products I've tried from them!

Here are my other posts where I talk more in depth about Too Faced:

Too Faced Better Than Chocolate Essentials

Too Faced Beauty Blogger Darlings

5 Minute Beauty Routine



What is your favorite high end brand and your favorite products?

Eye cream is something that you may not know you need but it's the #1 product you should be using in your skincare. This is a great article from Self Magazine summing up why you need eye cream and I agree with every word.

Eye cream has been in my routine for a few years now and I've tried many of them. I suffer with delicate under eyes and super dark circles so if I don't apply my eye cream, I can tell. I feel like my under eyes are dying of thirst and my dark circles look more prominent. I never leave my house without it.

I've tried some great ones and tried some not so great ones. I definitely have my favorites and they're mostly high end. The best eye creams are ones that I have found in Sephora-- drugstore eye creams just don't do it for me. If anyone has any good drugstore eye cream recommendations, let a sista know!

Most of the eye creams I've tried are to brighten and moisturize, so if you have dry skin and suffer from dark circles, these are going to be some eye creams you want to try.

• Tarte Maracuja C Brighter Eye Treatment: This is my #1 bae. I got a sample of it last year and couldn't wait to buy a full size. I notice a huge difference in when I use this and when I don't. It leaves my under eyes smooth and moisturized but the best benefit of using this eye cream? I notice my eyes look brighter and less dark right after I use it. It's also been a gradual process of lightening up my under eye area. The C Brighter is a lifesaver. I'm almost done with my first full size and I will be repurchasing it after I finish this up. 

• Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Eye Concentrate: I first received this as a deluxe sample from Sephora and I'm still making my way through it, but I'm obsessed. Fresh has amazing skincare and I was dying to try out their eye creams. This has a thicker consistency than the Tarte cream but it's even a little more moisturizing. It claims to visibly firm and prevent the signs of aging under the eyes, and it also has a hefty price tag. I probably won't buy the full size because it's too expensive for me, but if I could, I would. It feels cooling on the under eye area and it feels wonderful.

• Murad Renewing Eye Cream: If I never discovered the Tarte eye cream, this would be my favorite. I bought it last year on Murad's website after discovering I was allergic to fragrance and needed something stronger to soothe my under eyes. This also has a nice, hefty price tag but I got it 20% off, cash back on Ebates, and free shipping so I made it work. It also lasted me FOREVER! I just finished it a few months ago after buying it in April. It made my eyes feel soft, hydrated, and smooth. I noticed a huge difference the day after applying this and it was well worth the price tag.

• Benefit It's Potent: I had a mini sample of this a few years ago and it was the first eye cream I ever used. I always meant to go back to it but I love trying new things so I rarely repurchase but I received a sample size a few months ago and ugh, I forgot how much I loved it. This leaves me with a similar feel that the Tarte C Brighter does. Initially it feels thicker than most eye creams but once you blend it out, it becomes incredibly light weight and feels super weightless on the skin. The price tag feels right on this one and I will be repurchasing, most likely after I finish the Tarte one.