It's that time of year again... the Spring Sephora sale is right around the corner and I feel particularly more excited than usual. My beauty shopping has been curt the past few months because I've mostly stuck to using my gratis at work, and have just trying to curb impulse shopping as a whole.

There have been so many incredible beauty launches recently and I'm dying to get my hands on them. I also need restocks on some old favorites that I'm running low on so the sale is coming at the perfect time. I'm not holding back anything... I'm in the mood to shop, to do a big haul and try a bunch of new things.

The sale starts on April 5th for VIB Rouge who get 20% off and April 9th for everyone else (VIB gets 15% off and Beauty Insider gets 10% off). Everyone gets 30% off the Sephora Collection until the sale ends on April 15th. 

Get your credit cards ready, it's time to shop. Below are my favorite products I think you should pick up from the sale and then everything I want to buy. I'll also link some reviews of my favorite products for you to read before shopping.

 It's the end of October which means one thing... yes, Halloween is happening but it's also time for the Sephora VIB Sale! Like clockwork, this sale comes twice a year and it's always one of the biggest events of the season. It's also one of the few sales I always look forward to because it's time to stock up on old favorites and try something new.

About a month before the sale starts I go on a Sephora diet and don't purchase anything so I can be ready for the 20% off and this year, I am ready! There's a lot of things I want to try and a nice amount of items I need to restock.

The Sephora Sale first opens to VIB Rouge members who get 20% off the entire website, then it opens to VIB members who get 15% off, and then the last tier are Beauty Insiders who get 10% off. For the past 5 or so years I've been VIB Rouge and while I should be embarrassed by that statistic, I'm not. Sephora is really my beauty retailer of choice and it just makes sense for me to continue to shop there. 

The Sephora VIB Rouge sale starts on April 14th for the VIB Rouge, on April 18th for VIB and Beauty Insiders. 

I will definitely be shopping on April 14th to get my 20% off... and 30% off Sephora Collection and I wanted to share my must have items from Sephora that I have been loving lately!

 It's that time of year again! The Sephora sale starts tomorrow for VIB Rouge and it's the perfect time to do all your holiday shopping or to stock up on your favorites. You know the drill by now: this sale comes twice a year and is 20% off for Rouge, 15% off for VIB, and 10% for Beauty Insider. 

I usually go a little crazy during the sale and this time around won't be any different. I've been putting off my Sephora cart for a little over a month to wait for the sale and I'm ready for some new beauty products. I recently decluttered a bunch of really old products that I had been holding onto for some reason and my collection, while still hefty, is missing some essentials. 

This sale is coming at a great time as my skin is starting to change because of the weather, and I know my sister and mom are asking for some beauty items for Christmas. For this post, I'm going to be breaking it up by what I'm buying, what I recommend for gifts, and then what I recommend for yourself, by category.

I'll try to make it as different as possible as the April post but some recommendations always stand! Let's get into it.

What I'm Buying Gift Ideas Makeup Skincare Haircare

The Sephora VIB Sale is coming up tomorrow and if you are a Rouge member you can receive 20% off your order from April 26th to May 1st. If you are VIB you will receive 15% off and Beauty Insiders will receive 10% off from May 1st to 6th.

This is the sale that beauty junkies wait for all year -- it is our Olympics and we're after the gold medal. I usually try to buy something special during the sale, something that makes the 20% off really worth it. This year is no different and if you're curious what I have my eye on, head to the bottom of the page.

However, today is all about YOU and what I think you need from the sale. I've been doing a lot more beauty shopping this year than I did in 2018 and my love of beauty has really reignited, as I've said many times.

I've discovered a lot of items that I've been loving over the past few months, some are new and some are old favorites but either way, you need to try them.

*Sephora has a very forgiving return policy so if you pick something up that you aren't crazy about, you can return it. Don't be afraid to ship your items back for a refund; Sephora pretty much takes anything back as long as it's not fully empty!

What You Need

Honorable Mentions

What I'm Going to Buy

What I'm Thinking About Buying

xoxo B

The holiday season has begun and holiday gift sets have been out since the last week of September. Brands have put out a lot of exciting, beautiful sets and so many of them have me ready to spend a ridiculous amount of money.

Every year, I like to buy a few sets to try some new items or stock up on ones I already love. Sometimes it's the packaging that pulls me in or an exclusive shade that I just can't resist. This year, I'm much more drawn to the skincare and haircare sets, however, there are a few makeup ones I have my eye on.

I rounded up a number of different sets that look worth the value and I'd think about buying (or gifting) but I also wanted to highlight the sets that I will probably be picking up!



1. Fresh Non-Stop Radiance: The Fresh Beauty sets are always my favorite and a great introduction to the brand depending on which set you get. They have gift sets in all different price ranges but this year I really am drawn to the Non-Stop Radiance set. It comes with a full-size Soy Cleanser (THE BEST), a mini Lotus Youth Preserve Mask, a full-size Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer, a mini Vitamin C Antixodant Glow Face Mist, and a mini Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment.

2. NARS Manic Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set: Every year NARS releases a four piece set of their full size lip pencils. Every year I say I want it but never pick it up. Will this year be the time I finally get my hands on this gorgeous set? Who knows but I really want it! I'm pretty sure the set comes with 4 limited edition, exclusive shades but they look so gorgeous and perfect for the holiday & winter season, it's too good to pass up.

3. Origins Mini Mask Musts: Origins has some incredible masks and I love this set of their five best selling masks. For under $30, you cannot beat this!

4. Sephora Collection Wish Upon a Star Advent Calendar: I've been wanting an advent calendar for years now but all the ones I see are super expensive. Sephora Collection, which has amazing products for a reasonable price came out with their own calendar this year and it's under $40. I might just scoop it up!

Below are the rest of my picks for the holiday season! 

Skincare Sets

I was talking last week in my Current Beauty Favorites post that I was revulating all my beauty content, which in turn became a full on blog audit. I'll get into that tomorrow in the Royal Round Up but I wanted to kind of introduce this series.

Even though the market is so overly saturated, I still get so excited when brands release new products. There isn't a week that goes by that I am not obsessively checking the Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom 'New Arrivals - Beauty' section.

While I don't love everything that is released, nor do I want everything, I still love to talk about the new releases and almost analyze them, to see if it's a budding trend, something that is really unique or something that is so tired and overdone.

I tried doing that with my failed newsletter, The Beaute Report -- which was just too much to do so maybe a monthly round up post will be more managable.

Some of these items are things I'm really excited about and others are just really hyped up releases that you've probably already seen.

September New Arrivals

1. Summer Friday's Overtime Mask: The Jet Lag Mask is one of my favorite products of the summer and has quickly become a holy grail moisturier for me. I was completely overjoyed when I saw that they were releasing an exfoliating mask called 'Overtime'. The mask is in similar aesthically pleasing packaging that matches the Jet Lag Mask and also has pumpkin enyzmes as an ingridient so it makes it the perfect fall treat. I haven't picked it up yet but I will be this weekend!

*Something to note: It is $4 cheaper than the Jet Lag Mask coming in at $44, however, it does have the same amount of product (2.25oz)

2. Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk Collection: The Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillowtalk is one of the most coveted and talked about lip liners in the world. It's weird that I do not have this lip liner or the matching lipstick but I keep putting off buying it. They are both also frequently out of stock. That being said, Charlotte Tilbury has taken the love of Pillowtalk and created an entire collection around it-- well, she's added two additional items that follow the Pillowtalk theme; a blush and eyeshadow palette. I need both but they sold out within minutes and I missed my chance. It's a buzzed about collection so I'm sure she will restock soon!

3. Fenty Diamond Bomb Collection: The only Fenty product I have is one Matchstick that I don't use too often. I personally think Fenty is really overhyped and it doesn't do anything for me. However, everyone bugs out whenever there is a new arrival. The Fenty hype happened again this month when Rihanna put out the Diamond Bomb Collection, consiting of a Fenty Gloss Bomb in Diamond Milk and the Diamond Veil in 'How Many Carats' which is essentially a pearlsecnt, silver highlighter.

4. Too Faced Peaches and Cream Collection: TF expanded their Peach range this month to include more Moisture Matte Lipsticks (which I have one of and I LOVE), a Lip Balm & Scrub, and a new wet/dry face & eye palette. I'm very intrigued by the lip balm and it may eventually end up in my posession but nothing really excites me about this collection, expect maybe some new lippie shades!

5. Coverfx Power Play Concealer: I like Coverfx a lot but haven't tried a lot of their products. This concealer though, has me really excited. I didn't try their Power Play Foundation because it was marketed as more matte and I am as dry as the sahara, but this concealer is intriguing. I really like the weirdly shaped applicator and I'm drawn to the packaging for sure. It also has pollution defense (very trendy right now) and is supposed to be creaseproof. If I purchase and try it, I will report back!

Also in September, beauty brands start to release their holiday collections. Once everything is released, I'll probably do a full post but so far, nothing excites me!

What do you think about these new releases?
xoxo
B

I've been thinking of new content to create for the blog and I think I want to incorporate new beauty content. I took a look at my content over the past few years and there was a lot of beauty series that  I started and kind of just forgot about. I'm kind of analyzing that beauty content and redoing some of it to bring it back and make it better and more consistent.

One thing I want to do monthly is this post right here -- my current beauty favorites. I include a lot of beauty products in my monthly muse/favorites posts but sometimes I'd rather include a handbag or an app or something random and not focus on the makeup product. Sometimes I love things and use them so much but I loved something else more.

That's why I'm going to start doing a monthly current beauty favorites post to talk about some products more in-depth. I'm want to review the product for you more closely and just be able to ramble a bit more.

There was a time where I took a break from makeup and wasn't excited about anything but recently that has been changing so it's time to bring it back to my blog.

*You will see repeated products mentioned but I think it's more authentic that way. It shows you that I'm really using and loving the product.

So let's get into my favorites right now! 

My skin has not been in the best shape the past few weeks. I've been super dry and had some weird allergic reactions to a few things (I think a Charlotte Tilbury eye cream was to blame) so I've been really trying to get everything back to normal.

About a month ago I noticed that I felt super dry, everywhere. My mouth, nose, hands, cuticles, face, and body were just completely parched. I drink my weight in water each other (it's the only thing I drink) so something had to be done.

I've been in a huge beauty funk; I wasn't really taking care of my skin and I wasn't feeling any of my makeup and I was just over it. Within the past 2-3 weeks, I've hit a reset button and makeup/beauty is all I want to do.



It worked out well because I've kind of amped up my skincare routine, or at least started using some products a little more strategically.



1. Neutrogena Skincare: About a month ago I did a sponsored post on Instagram with Neutrogena. They sent me their Hydroboost line and holy hell, I've been obsessed. I've been out of the drugstore game for a while but this pulled me in. My three favorite products have been the Cleansing Lotion, Exfoliating Cleanser, and Multi-Vitamin Booster.

I love a good cleansing oil but this cleansing lotion is not as emollient as a cleansing oil and has a much better consistency in my opinion. It's gentle but removes all my makeup like a dream.

The Exfoliating Cleanser is also super gentle but it doesn't dry out my skin like some exfoliators can; it has tiny beads that aren't too rough and also has a great gel-like consistency. It deep cleans my skin and leaves it feeling fresh and hydrated.

Finally, the multi-vitamin booster serum has been great to lather on at night when my skin needs an extra boost. I haven't noticed a huge difference when I use it but I like to incorporate some kind of serum into the routine and this has been a great addition.

2. Tatcha Violet C Radiance Mask: I don't think this can really count since I used it once, and it was a foil packet sample but holy crap, I'm buying the full size. My skin was feeling very discolored, uneven, and blotchy last weekend and I was fed up with it. I knew this mask had amazing reviews and I knew I had a sample of it. I slathered the violet mask on, left it on for 15 minutes and was stunned at the results. My skin looked totally different; a lot of the spots were gone and my skin looked brighter. The results have lasted almost a week later. I am stunned at the magic that is in this mask and I need more of it. I have never seen a skincare item act so fast and so well.



3. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: If you have seen my Instagram post, you know I've fallen in love with the latest social media beauty craze. Star influencer Mariann Hewitt launched her brand Summer Fridays a few weeks ago and the first product is this Jet Lag Mask. It's very aesthetically pleasing in terms of packaging and is perfect in the formula. It's made to be a mask that will hydrate your parched and ragged skin, two things that happen to your skin when you're constantly flying and feeling jet lagged (get the name?). A special thing about this mask is that it is a white cream but doesn't look like a regular face mask when applied on your skin. It's basically clear or looks like a regular moisturizer. Since receiving it a few weeks ago from Sephora, I haven't used it as a mask. I use this nightly as a night cream, after my Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil or the Neutrogena Serum. I wake up and my skin looks healthier, plumper, and just better all around. I never, ever want to be without this mask.

4. Drunk Elephant Baby Facial: I might've mentioned this once before, either in a video or in an old blog post but I've been thoroughly enjoying this mask lately. It's like a reset button for my face and I put it on whenever I feel like I need to even my face out, or when I just need to get rid of dead skin cells. There is a reason it's so popular and it's because it really works. Similar to the Tatcha mask, I see immediate results, like I actually went and got a facial, after I use it. It's expensive AF but if you could get the mini size like I did, I recommend it!


What are your current favorite skincare products?
xoxo
B

I've spoken time and time again about how my makeup purchasing has decreased, but I've been more obsessed with trying skincare.

Skincare is having a major moment and it's not going away in 2018; one of the biggest trends you're going to see is skincare as makeup. That means more natural finishes, more radiance, more hydration, and just more natural beauty. I for one am excited about this because I love a good trend and I'm ready for some new stuff!

Now, this post isn't necessarily about skincare but it is about masks. I'm not talking about face masks or sheet masks, I'm talking about nonface masks.

There are masks for everything now, for every part of your body and for every concern. I love a good nonface mask and I've tried my fair share. I think I love the 'gimmick' but just as you take extra care of your face, you need to take extra care of other parts of your skin/body as well.

I've tried my fair share of all different types and I've come up with these as my current favorites.



1. Skyn Iceland Eye Masks: I've tried so many eye masks but I always go back to these. They're soft, smooth, and very cooling. They don't tug on the skin and don't slip or slide all over the place. They are the perfect undereye mask and I don't know if I'll ever be able to try anything else.

2. Sephora Lip Masks: Sephora Collection is sneakily becoming one of my favorite brands and I love their lip masks. They're inexpensive, easy to use, and makes your lips super soft. I always make sure I have at least one on hand.

3. Patchology Lip Masks: In the same breath, I love the Patchology lip masks too. They're gel masks that fit on your lips perfectly and feel really nice on your lips. My lips feel very soft and smooth after using these! I don't think these are better or worse than the Sephora ones but just different in texture.

4. Sephora Collection Hair Masks: I bought one of these masks on a whim and used it one random night when I knew I had to wash my hair in the morning. OMG I was stunned. I've never used a hair product that made such a quick and noticeable difference. After using the rose mask, my hair was softer, shinier and easier to style. I need everyone to try one of these, ASAP.

5. Nails Inc Overnight Detox Mask: I wouldn't forget your nails, would I? I love a good at home manicure and probably get a salon manicure 1-2 times a year. This overnight detox mask has really helped my nail growth and strength. Every so often I'll take my nail polish off, let this sink in overnight and then repaint in the morning. It's nice to give my nails a breather

6. Sephora Collection Foot Mask: TMI but I have really terrible feet. They're always dry, cracked, and just gross. I do my best to take care of them with the Emjoi Micro Pedi but sometimes I need extra help and these Sephora foot masks are the ticket. They leave my feet so soft it's actually insane. After using one of these, my feet feel like a baby's butt.

What are your favorite non face masks?
xoxo
B

When thinking about what categories I wanted to include for Best of 2017, beauty was a no-brainer... I mean, I do classify myself as a beauty blogger most of the time.

This was the year that I back peddled on a lot of beauty purchases and really didn't spend as much as I usually do. I was grateful for that because I was spending way too much on makeup... when I work for a makeup company.

My collection is starting to overwhelm me and I need to declutter some of my items but that I'll save for 2018. For now, I'm ready to talk about my favorite beauty items of 2017. I say beauty and not makeup because some of them are skincare and tools.

Some of these items I've mentioned this year and some I have not so let's get into it.



1. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer: I think this was my favorite item of the year... I think it was everyone's favorite item of the year. It's such a creamy, full coverage concealer that just looks so good. I've gone through three tubes of this concealer and it is truly a miracle worker. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it.

2. Kylie Cosmetics Twenty Lip Kit: I don't know if I've ever loved a lipstick more than I love the Kylie Twenty Lip Kit (I know it's sold out but it's still my favorite and who knows if she'll restock!) . I already loved Kylie lipsticks and my love took a backseat this year but this lipstick saved the day. I have barely worn another liquid lipstick for months. It's the perfect mauve/plum shade without being overpowering. The formula is the same as other Kylie's but it's the color that really is queen.

3. Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette: When I saw this palette on Instagram, I knew that it was going to be a major hit. I knew I needed it and I immediately bought it the moment it was available. I've only ever had the Naked3 palette and I loved it to death so I knew I'd love this one too. It was probably my favorite palette of the year with all the warm and toasty colors. It is stunning and the formula is bomb dot com!

4. Laura Geller Quench-n-Tint: This was released in April of this year and it kind of took Laura Geller by storm. I mean, I know a lot of our customers like it because I run the social accounts and hear it constantly. It is such an amazing hydrating, tinted moisturizer that has the highest concentration of water of any foundation on the market. It blends out beautifully and is perfect for no makeup days. I wore this a lot over the summer and it layers with other foundations perfectly, if you want to use it as a primer or layer a powder foundation on top. Please try it, you won't regret it!

5. Laura Geller LashBOSS Mascara: Another Laura Geller product that was a favorite and one that I've gone through many tubes of (probably 4-5 to be exact). LashBOSS mascara is a triple benefit mascara that has a dual-sided wand and really makes your lashes pop. I don't think I'll ever buy or use another mascara-- I've tried to go back to other favorites or even try new ones and nothing compares.

6. Emjoi Pedi: I didn't know how much I needed this product until it arrived on my doorstep. It's a little gross but it has changed my feet and has really made all the difference. I used it a lot in the summer and need to get back on it to get rid of the dead, dry skin in the wintertime. If you're in the market for a callus/dry skin remover for feet, buy this one.

7. Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk: I just finished this after having it for months on end and I miss it dearly. It's already in my Sephora cart and I'm ready to order another. It's the perfect everyday cleanser while also acts as a great makeup remover. It's gentle enough to use on sensitive skin but also works really well at cleaning and removing everything on your face. It's not as pricey as you'd think, just under $30 and it lasts for a while. I haven't loved a face wash like this in a very long time.

8. PUR Skin Perfecting Foundation Brush: I don't apply my foundation with a brush but when/if I do, it's this brush. It's similar to the Artis brushes without that ridiculous price tag and works just as beautifully. I use this mostly with stick foundations and I've never loved a brush the way I love this one. Try it, you won't regret it.


What did you love this year? Give me suggestions in the comments for some new favorites in 2018!
xoxo
B

Whenever the cold weather hits, I immediately reach for all my dark lipsticks. There is just something about the cold weather, the holiday season, and the chill in the air that makes me want to wear a vampy lip -- even more so than the fall.

Just give me all the plums, purples, reds, berries!

I think I speak for most people when I say that the holiday season especially brings out these feelings and when you're out and about at holiday parties and gatherings, you want to have your best lip on.

I know this kind of goes against a lot of beliefs but I love matte liquid lipsticks more in the winter than any other season. I say it goes against a lot because your lips are usually very dry and chapped in the winter so the last thing you want to do is put a drying, matte formula on your lips.

However, I think matte lips are so chic, sophisticated and classic winter. I definitely get the most use out of my liquid lipsticks in this chilly season.

I won't ramble too much longer but I wanted to break down my favorite vampy lip colors and formulas that will work for just about anyone this holiday season.


I've included (in this widget) a lot of Laura Geller lipsticks; from our Love Me Mattes which has a great shade called Coffee Craving to the Fifty Kisses Liquid Lipsticks in Makeout Merlot and our Iconic Baked in Broadway Plum (one of my oldest favorites).

I also have been really enjoying the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Rock Steady; it's a gorgeous red/berry shade that really screams holiday to me.

Below, you'll find a few other lipsticks that may not be available right now so I've included some dupes.

Kylie Cosmetics Twenty Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Pomegranate (similar) Marc Jacobs Le Marc in Bad Behavior (similar)

I also LOVE the Winky Lux x Betches 'Crazy Pill' lipstick -- it's a very dark plum, that almost looks black and it's stunning.

I have to say one thing: the Kylie Cosmetics 'Twenty' lip kit is probably my favorite lip color of all time. It's deep enough that it feels 'fancy' but light enough that it's casual for every day. The formula is one of the best Kylie's I've had in a while and it's just perfection. I have to stop myself from wearing it every single day.

What are your favorite vampy lip colors for the holiday season?
xoxo
B

SaveSaveSaveSave

I'm currently sitting on my couch with my aunt, uncle, & mom, watching Football and awaiting for the appriporate time to eat leftovers.

I was going to blog Wednesday & yesterday but just didn't have the time. I was cooking and baking and had to run errands, and I was just exhausted by the end of it.

I wanted to have this post up earlier but I woke up late and was spending time with my family (and working because uh, it's the biggest shopping day of the year).

I've already shopped a few Black Friday sales before Black Friday even began, so I don't have too much shopping to do but I still wanted to round up my favorite sales of the day/weekend.



Kate Spade: 30% off with code GIVEJOY


May Designs: 40% off notebooks, 20% off accessories

Nordstrom: Extra 20% off sale items

Charlotte Tilbury: 50% off select kits & deals all weekend long


*I really am tempted to buy one of the beauty advent calendars for 50% off and I'm doing my best to resist temptation.

J.Crew: 40% off your purchase

J.Crew Factory: 50-60% off everything



Sephora also is having their $15 and under kit sale which I also shopped and picked up this IT Cosmetics skincare set. 

Don't pass on QVC today either; 5 ezpayments on all their beauty & electronic items AND free shipping on everything. It's a must shop in my opinion.

Let me know what you're buying!! Happy Shopping!

xoxo
B

Becca is a newer brand on the beauty scene.. if 2001 is newer to you, but it really flourished back in 2014/2015 if I do say so myself.

It was a brand that was known for their highlighters, most noteworthy Opal. They've since branched out with other products but in their heart of hearts, I think they always stay true to their heritage as a highlight brand. They are always releasing new highlighters in limited edition colors and designs, and combining different highlighter colors to make a new one.

What I'm saying is that Becca Cosmetics has a lot of highlighters and pretty much have something for everyone, but they do have other great non highlighter products too.

I've been using Becca since 2015 and have used a lot of their products so I figured it was time for a Brand Buzz and time to give you my favorite products.



1. Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop: Opal is no longer the most famous highlighter in the universe; it was overtaken when Jaclyn Hill teamed up with Becca and released this gorgeous golden Champagne highlighter. It is by far my favorite highlighter and I have it in 4 separate forms (the original compact, the Jaclyn Hill Face Palette, the poured version, and the Slimlight. It is a gorgeous champagne gold that looks good on everyone. The formula is creamy and smooth but applies really nicely. It's just a great shade and I recommend everyone buying it.

2. Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured in Champagne Pop: I love cream products so when my favorite Becca shade was released in their cream formula, I jumped on it. It's the best cream highlighter formula I've ever tried because it's not too powerful in pigment but still packs a punch. It's also very easy to apply whether with a duo-fiber brush or your fingers. I love, love, LOVE this shade in the cream highlighter version.

3. Mineral Blush in Wild Honey: I love nothing more than a warm, neutral blush and Wild Honey is THAT perfect color. The formula is super soft, pigmented but not too pigmented so it doesn't get messy. It applies perfectly and smoothly on the skin and blends out really well too. This is a blush that I go with whenever I don't know which blush to wear and it always comes through.

4. Aqua Luminous Foundation: This is the only foundation I've ever really finished and I was just reminded at how much I loved it when I sat down to write this post. It's a very watery, liquid based foundation so it feels so good and light on the skin. From what I remember it's a medium coverage and blended out really well with a beautyblender. I also liked that it was a luminous foundation because my dry skin responded very well to it.

5. First Light Priming Filter: I don't know if I've ever loved a primer this much. I used it a lot when I first got it but then like most of us, I got bored but rediscovered it recently. I've been religiously using it for the past month and my goodness, I forgot why I loved it so much. It is one of the few primers that makes my makeup look really good all day long. Everything blends out really smoothly and evenly over it and I just LOVE IT. I highly recommend getting this over the original primer and Sephora has it in a mini size.




Honorable Mention: I LOVE my Jaclyn Hill face palette & eyeshadow palette (I was one of the few that had a good batch of shadow palettes and opted to keep it) but you can't get either of them anymore but I wanted to mention!




Also, I've been loving the Apres Ski Glow palette they just released for the holidays! I highly recommend getting this palette this season.

Below are the items on my Becca wishlist!






What do you love from Becca Cosmetics? 
xoxo
B

I didn't realize it until I started working in the beauty industry but in retail, the holiday season starts at the end of September and that is usually when you start seeing all the beauty companies putting out their holiday sets.

It can be very overwhelming to log onto the New Arrivals section of Sephora and Ulta during the holidays because there are so many sets and limited edition product to choose from. Most companies don't release permanent items during this time but may introduce something that is limited edition to get an idea of how customers react to it.

While the end of September/early October is a little early to really consider holiday shopping (in most cases), I like to scoop up some of the sets I know I definitely want and might sell out. Usually, once holiday sets are sold out, they won't come back in stock. Sometimes though, you get lucky and the retailer does restock. I like to shop early just in case.

I can do this because well, I'm not shopping these sets for other people, I'm shopping for myself LOL.

When I was presented with all my options this year, I knew there wasn't going to be much I wanted. None of the Too Faced or Benefit stuff intrigued me, I don't need or necessarily want a limited edition eyeshadow palette and to put it simply, I don't need a lot of other stuff that's available.

I only picked up two items so far and I'm contemplating a few other ones.

When I saw the eyeshadow palette that Becca was releasing, I wanted that so badly but then after much consideration and a few reviews, I opted against it. I was glad when I did because then I saw the face palette Becca released and fell in love.






First, the packaging is incredible. I'm obsessed with icy blue this season and I think I blame this packaging. I feel like Queen Elsa when I use this palette and I love it! I don't have any of the colors in the palette so it's well worth it for me. The formulas great and the colors are perfect for winter -- I highly recommend picking this palette up if you love Becca, loved limited edition items, and love face palettes!

The other item I purchased was one from Bite Beauty. I got the Champagne Discovery Lip Set because I've been dying to try the lip gloss and Multi Stick lipstick. Also, my love of Champagne things has not faltered this year. It's also three full-size items for $35 so you cannot go wrong with this one.





The outer box is so adorable because it has 'I WISH' embedded in it so it has the touch of holiday cheer without being cheesy. The products inside aren't limited edition and are great quality -- I've been wearing all of them nonstop.

Like I said, I only bought these two holiday items so far but below are some others I have my eye on and some that I think would make great gifts for the beauty lover in your life:

When Fenty Beauty was being buzzed about, I don't think I was as excited as everyone else in the beauty world. I didn't really get why it was being talked about the way it was being talked about. I mean, I get that it's Rihanna's makeup line and Rihanna is BOSS but to me, it was just another brand.

That is until it launched and I saw all the hype. I mean, 40 foundation shades at the initial launch? YES.

After a few Youtube videos, I was intrigued and started browsing the Sephora website. Once I saw what Fenty was all about, I was in on it. I loved the fact that it was so heavy on the complexion while still having some color with the blush and highlight shades, both in compact and stick form.

I liked the fact that she had only one lip, because lip is more universal than foundation.

I was also in on Fenty after I saw the price tags. I mean, $25 for one Match Stix? YES. To me, that's a decent price for a new brand in Sephora, especially a brand as hyped up as Fenty; especially when Rihanna is behind it.

I wasn't in on the liquid foundation because I'm in between shades and really don't need another foundation (also, the reviews aren't that great for dry skin and my skin is getting super dry as the weather gets colder)

As intriguing as the blush and highlighters were, I knew that I didn't need any more at that moment (and at this moment) so I opted for the Match Stix in a shade that would work as a foundation and concealer.




My on the go makeup bag (which really means my work makeup bag) needed some help in the complexion category and I needed something that would be easy to apply and that I could do without thinking. I thought the Match Stix was perfect!



I got the shade Bamboo which I think is pretty decent for me (I never have trouble shade matching online. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I work at a makeup brand so I know the difference in shades, but it just is something I don't struggle with).

When the stick arrived, I was impressed. The packaging is super cute and weighty without being too heavy. The pale pink is super cute and I love the fact that it's magnetic so it can click to other Match Stix.

The formula is a little dry but I heard Emily Noel say she added a bit of oil to her face beforehand and it worked great. That doesn't bother me though because it blends out really nicely and offers a decent amount of coverage.

The Match Stix is defined as a matte stick formula to correct, conceal, contour, and touch up so it basically does everything and I can attest to that.

I used it as a foundation and concealer and it covered everything up nicely while giving me a nice, even finish to my skin. It definitely is a matte formula but doesn't dry my skin out.

I've been using it pretty consistently for the past few weeks since I got it and I love it. I blend it out with my Elf Blending Brush and it works like a dream.

I definitely would like to get a darker shade for contour and even the blush/highlight shade in Sinamon.

I'm not too crazy about the Fenty holiday collection but I am excited to see what else they have in store for us!

Have you tried Fenty Beauty yet? What were your thoughts?
xoxo
B

About a month ago, I saw Nails INC post that they now had a limited edition line of caffeine-infused nail polish inspired by coffee colors. I was at a beach party but couldn't pull up Safari fast enough to order two colors.

The two colors that spoke to me the most were Chai Kiss and Afternoon Mocha. I'll probably have to purchase Espresso Martini because I can't resist a good, chocolate brown. I figured that the two I ordered were good starts to a new fall nail polish collection.

Now, I'm all for trendy, gimmicky items so I could NOT pass up caffeine-infused nail polish. I also love a good caffeine inspired beauty product (and I need as many as I could get) so this was right up my alley.

The nail polish is supposed to help with nail growth because of the cell regeneration that caffeine helps with. That's the main reason that it's a good thing to have coffee inspired nail polish -- it basically doubles as a nail treatment!

So, I  have already worn Chai Kiss (I'll do another Mani Monday with that color soon) and that was a beautiful color and a great formula. Right now I have on Afternoon Mocha and I don't know if I've loved a color this much since Angora Cardi by Essie.




First, let's talk about color. This is a really unique color in my opinion; I want to say it's a brown with a touch of plum undertone but it also feels like something a little more. On the website, it says it is a light brown but this is a deeper color, at least on my nails.

It's so beautiful and I truly never want to take it off; I haven't worn a dark nail polish yet so this is getting me in fall mode for sure!

The formula is beautiful. I have never used a Nails INC nail polish before and was very surprised at how smooth it applied. The brush is flat and thick so it allows for even coverage and application (it's my favorite type of brush), so that's a plus. Two coats give you a very opaque color and it's very shiny. I used my Essie Gel Setter Top Coat but I feel like the nail polish itself is very shiny.

I also don't know if it's my head but I feel like this nail polish almost has a protective shield over it (does that even make sense?). My nails feel tough, in the best way possible.

Also in the collection is an exfoliating caffeine scrub and I wasn't going to order it until I did over the weekend. It's advertised as a hand and foot scrub and I desperately need that, especially with cold weather coming.

What's on your nails this Monday?
xoxo
B

When it comes to makeup, I've never been a full coverage kind of gal. My skin is not that bad and it's pretty dry so I lean toward more medium coverage, radiant foundations. However, during the summer, I usually don't wear any foundation at all.

It melts off my face as soon as I step outside and continues to annoy me as I sit on the hot subway. During the hot months (or even when I'm running super late) I tend to stick to light coverage 'foundations' and tinted moisturizers.

The thing I love about tinted moisturizers is that they can be applied quickly and easily. There is no need for a brush or sponge, using your hands is just fine.

They also provide just the right amount of coverage without feeling heavy or tacky on the skin. I also think there is enough of a range amongst the beauty community that you can find a tinted moisturizer that fits your skin tone and type.

This summer tinted moisturizer was the only thing I wore with the exception of a few days where I went full foundation (or sans foundation completely)

These were my must-have tinted moisturizers of the summer *and pretty much of all time up until this point*




1. Laura Geller Quench-n-Tint: If you haven't figured out by now, I work for Laura Geller (I don't know if I've ever posted that on here but it's public knowledge). When I found out that we were releasing this product, I could hardly contain my excitement. This is for sure one of my favorite products we've ever released. It's a very, very light weight, almost sheer, but really evens out and hydrates the skin. You have to feel this to believe it (go to Ulta now and try it) but when applied, there is a release of hydration and it feels like you're splashing water on your face, and it's amazing. It was my most worn product of the summer for sure.

2. NARS Tinted Moisturzer: I don't know if I would classify this as a tinted moisturizer but I figured I'd mention it anyway.  I have talked about this before in my May favorites and it's stood the test of time. It's a fuller coverage tinted moisturizer but doesn't feel like an actual foundation. It's the only complexion product I've tried from NARS and it's definitely a favorite and must try!

3. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue: This was a purchase from last summer and it's still a favorite right now. It has SPF in it which is ideal for summer (and all year round really) and is a cross between the NARS and Laura Geller. It has good coverage but feels incredibly light weight on the skin. This can 100% be applied with your hands but if you want a little more coverage, you can build it up with a sponge or brush. This was one of the first tinted moisturizers I really took a liking too and it remains one of my favorites.

What is your favorite tinted moisturizer? 
xoxo
B