Birthday Haul 2015

Last month I turned 30.
Along with all my other birthdays, since I'm signed up for quite a few rewards cards, I was drawn into having Birthday Savings at a lot of different places, as well as receiving giftcards.

Here's what I got from...

Sephora



I got the Nars lip pencils as a Birthday Gift from Sephora for being a Beauty Insider.
I also treat myself on my birthday every year to something else from Sephora since I'm already there, and decided to get the Too Faced Natural Eyes palette. It is now one of my favorite palettes I have ever owned, and I find myself using it almost every single day. All the colors are so wearable for my skin tone, and are just gorgeous.
I also picked up a new Urban Decay eyeshadow in Lost, and it goes quite well in my Urban Decay palette.



I purchased Sin either last year or the year before (I honestly don't remember), and it was so lonely. Now it has a buddy, and they look beautiful together.


Ulta


A couple of friends of mine gave me giftcards to Ulta for my birthday, so I decided to use them to get some things I had my eyes on, but never bought with my own money.
The CoverGirl mascara was kind of a dud- it's definitely not up there with my favorite mascaras, or even ones I just tolerate.
The foot scrub and foot balm were a couple of products I had been eyeballing, and when I went in they were BOGO 50% off, so I decided to try them and give myself a pedicure. Okay, a pregnant girl giving herself a pedicure is like the funniest thing, ever. If only you guys could have seen me. I will say both the scrub and the balm worked great, and I'm definitely glad I have them for after my pregnancy, but for now I will either ask my husband for help or leave it to the professionals.
The Morrocan Oil Mask is something that is so incredibly hyped that I just had to give it a try finally. I had been holding out to see if maybe I would receive it in a subscription box, but no such luck. I now know that it's definitely worth the money, and I can see myself saving rewards points to purchase this in the future.
The Eucerin hand lotion is something I always have at my desk at work. It's non-greasy, and unscented. And incredibly moisturizing.
The Covergirl Ink It eyeliner is another thing I've heard a lot about, and even though I didn't really need a new black eyeliner, I bought it. And I'm glad I did- I really enjoy it. It's very black, and does not go anywhere.
And, finally, cotton pads. I bought these because I knew I was getting the Marcelle eye makeup remover in my February 2015 Birchbox, and I didn't have cotton pads.



This is my second Ulta purchase in the month of February. It was only after I bought everything above that I remembered I get a birthday gift with Ulta, but it doesn't come until your actual birthday. So, this year, they gave away that eyeshadow palette (which, okay, that's fine, but I really liked the CKOne Mascara from last year and wish it was a higher-end brand product), and since I'm a Platinum Member I also received $10.00 off anything. I combined that with about $20 worth of rewards dollars, and purchased the Matrix Oils you see above. I had received samples of them from the girl that does my hair at Ulta, and they are pretty great.
I also got a sample of the itCosmestics Universal Brow Pencil from an email coupon- it was free with any purchase.



Overall, other than that Covergirl mascara, I'm pretty happy with all of my purchases. I've been really careful lately to truly think about what I'm buying before I buy it, and if I'll actually use it. I actually impulse buy a lot less now that I do a couple of subscription boxes, and I actually research everything I buy before I buy it, at least in terms of cosmetics. With the kid on the way (and the cost of daycare in the front of my mind all the time), I know I need to watch my dollars as carefully as possible!


FTC: These products were either purchased by me with my own money, with giftcards provided by friends, as birthday rewards gifts for being signed up for loyalty programs, or as a gift-with-purchase. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ulta Haul #1

I decided to place an order at Ulta.com- the Naked2Basics had just come out, I needed a new thing of Too Faced Shadow Insurance to have as a back up (plus, it was 1/2 off that day, thanks to Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty!), and there were a couple of other things I wanted to get with my $3.50 off of $10.00 for the month.



I am almost out of my Biore Charcoal Cleanser, and that is now a must-have item for me, so I had to pick it up. I also wanted to try the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash because I've heard it's great for dry skin, and my skin has felt super parched. I also picked up a black eyeliner from Ulta. It's not waterproof, and the one I'm used to is, so I'm reserving judgement on it until after I open it, but I'm not opening it until after my other one is used up.

And I almost always opt to get the variety sampler, and this is what I got. I just put it with my other samples I get like this, to try out "one day".


I am intrigued by the Deodorant Wipe, though.


FTC: All products have been purchased by me with my own money.

ipsy August 2014

I was able to unlock the spoilers for my bag on the 6th, and I got SO excited! And it's filled with completely different brands than my first ipsy!




- The Bag: I really like this! I can't tell what kind of material it's made out of, but this might be one I hang on to!
- Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner: I've heard quite a bit about this product, and I'm excited to try it!
- Urban Decay Perversion Mascara: I knew from seeing the spoilers that every subscriber would receive either the mascara or a 24/7 liner in Plushie. I was secretly hoping for the mascara, and I'm pretty psyched that I got it!
- J. Cat Beauty Flying Solo Eye Shadow: It says I'll be receiving the shade Half Naked, which sounds like it will be a neutral shade. It also looks like it has a little mirror! Very Cute!
- Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner: I can always use another lip balm, but I'm a little picky. Hopefully this will be one that I like!
- Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk: I've started showering at night, and dry shampoo has become a must for my oily hair!

Onto the unboxing!



Okay, I am not a fan of the bag. It both looks like and feels like a pool floaty. If this was fabric, I would have been all over it. But I'll definitely be putting this in my donation stuff once the month is over.


Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
This award-winning dry shampoo is the ultimate secret weapon to clean hair without water and to add amazing volume.
How To Use: Directions: Shake can well before use and in between sprays; Spray roots evenly holding can 10 inches from head. Do not spray on hair’s length–it’s meant for the scalp and roots; Leave product in for 2 minutes to allow it to soak up oil; Brush hair thoroughly to remove excess product and distribute evenly; and Style as desired!
How It Works: Klorane Dry shampoo with oat milk gently revives hair, ridding it of excess dirt, oil, build-up and odor while leaving hair soft, clean and full of volume. 
Will I Use It?: I tried it out and it's okay. It removed the oils from my hair, but my roots definitely showed a white-cast. I may have used too much, so I'll keep trying it out and do a full review later.





J. Cat Beauty Flying Solo Eye Shadow in Half Naked
Allow your eyes to soar with vivid pigments from an immense selection of Flying Solo eye shadows. The collection glides for every girl—from classic neutrals to the trendsetting shades in mattes and shimmers. The high-quality formula and texture can be worn wet or dry.
How To Use: Sweep over eyelid, wet or dry.
How It Works: Allow your eyes to soar with vivid pigments from an immense selection of Flying Solo eye shadows. The collection glides for every girl—from classic neutrals to the trendsetting shades in mattes and shimmers. The high-quality formula and texture can be worn wet or dry. Each shadow opens up to reveal a mini mirror and applicator, making this shadow perfect whether at home or on the go!
Will I Use It?: This is a really pretty neutral shade for my skin tone, and the texture of the shadow is wonderful. I really like that you open up the top and there's a teeny mirror and a sponge tip applicator, perfect for just tossing in your bag if you're in a bit of a hurry in the morning!



Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner
Dr. Brandt's quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin fits seamlessly into any regimen--skincare or makeup--because of its incredible ability to hide the appearance of pores and mattify shine. Available in a tinted formula too.
How To Use: Use in the morning after cleansing with Pores No More Cleanser. Can be used on top of your moisturizer and foundation. Re-apply throughout the day as necessary. For best results, use with Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner and Pores No More Pore Thing.
How It Works: Hides and refines pores. Absorbs excess oil. Smooths and evens skin's appearance.
Will I Use It?: I did try this, and it's okay. It has a mousse-like texture like the COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face. I didn't notice a lot of extra-staying power for my makeup or that it helped mattify, but I'll keep trying it and see what happens.



Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner
Jersey Shore Sun® Mongongo Nutrient Dense Lip Conditioners are 100% natural and USDA certified organic. Fresh organic flavors. No petrochemicals. Nothing artificial. No petroleum. 
How To Use: Slather on this balm for soft lips all year long.
How It Works: Mongongo oil has hydrating, regenerating and restructuring properties and offers a unique protection from UV and environmental pollutants in skin applications. Mongongo oil is rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc, cooper and anti-oxidants. 
Will I Use It?: I've used this a few times before bed, and I LOVE how soft it leaves my lips feeling. And it doesn't leave any kind of waxy, weird film behind. I think I may have a new favorite lip balm!




 
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
An eye duo for stand-out lashes: a creamy, lash primer that conditions and preps lashes, and an ultrablack mascara that lengthens and volumizes. 
How To Use: Perversion has a creamy, full-bodied texture that’s not too dry, not too wet. This allows just the right amount of “pull” so it glides through lashes. The result: incredible control for insane lashes. Go ahead and pile on coat after coat. Want to apply more before you go out at night? No problem. Even if it’s been all day since you applied, more Perversion always means more beautiful lashes. Our formula NEVER gets brittle or clumpy. 
How It Works: Enhance lashes with Urban Decay’s combo of Perversion Mascara and Subversion Primer. The limited-edition Subversion Lash Primer coats lashes with protective panthenol and conditioning vitamin E, prepping them for high-volume mascara application. The Perversion Mascara provides creamy, full-bodied texture that’s not too dry and not too wet, allowing for just the right amount of pull as it glides through each lash, achieving clump-free application. It is formulated with a nourishing blend that stimulates lash growth, and the triple-black pigments leave lashes looking ultrablack. 
Will I Use It?: Are you nuts? Of COURSE I've used it, and I loved it! It really separated my lashes and coated them with one of the blackest mascaras I've ever encountered. This may end up being a must have! (And I did try recoating later in the day, and it completely worked. I'm so in love!)


Second bag, second win! I love everything in this bag, except the actual bag, but even that I consider a bonus. I've discovered two new favorite products this month, and I can't wait to see what next month brings!

If any of you are interested in signing up for ipsy, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.


FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from ipsy, amazon.com, or the product page on the brand's website.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and an ipsyaffiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
The individual product links to the ipsy product page are not affiliate links.

Pinspiration: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

When I purchased my Urban Decay Naked 2, it was after I bought the Urban Decay Naked 3, so I thought about it for a long time. I wasn't sure how the colors would be on me, but after hearing my sis-in-law say it was basically her favorite, and really researching swatches for girls that have similar coloring, I ultimately decided to complete my Naked Palette collection and pick it up.




I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with The Small Things Blog, but I discovered her through pinterest and have been following her ever since. She has the BEST tips for hair and makeup, and her photo above is probably what pushed me over the edge of getting the Naked 2.




And this photo is just beautiful- this is like VS model eyemakeup!







And this is a fun way to use them all together! I actually love the way the combos look vertically together as well!


This has made me want to get out my Naked 2 palette again to play! Guess you might see that in next month's WIMMB post!

Pinspiration: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Since receiving the Naked 3 Palette, I've had a lot of fun coming up with ways to wear it. And I've been utilizing Pinterest to come up with new ideas!
Here are some of my favorite I've run across!

(Clicking on the link will take you directly to the pin so that you can repin to your own boards. Please visit the blogs of the people you pin- it means a lot to us bloggers to see that people enjoy what we do!)




I really love how soft and sultry this is.  And it's the only way I've been able to get Blackheart to work for me and not look like I got socked in the face, so that's always a good thing!





I haven't tried this look yet (I'm still a tad too afraid of Blackheart), but I plan on at least trying it out soon on a day when I'm okay with taking my makeup off right away (as in, not a work day). I really like the combination of colors used.





This has basically been my go-to, every day look since discovering this pin. The combo of colors is perfect, but still soft enough for my day job. I love it!


I really love the Naked 3 Palette by Urban Decay, and I highly recommend it if you haven't already purchased it. It is well worth the price for the quality and amount of product you are getting, and I definitely would consider repurchasing if anything was to happen. This is a solid runner up to the Lorac Pro as my favorite palette!

Perfect Palette Tag

I've seen this around YouTube and I thought it would be a really fun tag to do!


1. Best Packaging


I have to give it to the Naked Basics. I love that the mirror stays in place. I love how sleek it is. It's not always easy to open, but I do wish more of my palettes were like this, basically because I can set it on a table and it will stay open.


2. Best Color Payoff


It's a tie between my Lorac Pro Palette, and my original Naked Palette. I feel like the color payoff on both of these is really true to pan.


3. Most Versatile


This definitely goes to the Lorac pro. I can create any look I want with this palette- from super neutral to dark and smoky. Anything I want to do, eyes wise, I can do!


4. Best for Traveling


This is also a tie! If I need to go somewhere, these are the two palettes that I want with me. It's not that the Lorac doesn't have enough mattes- it certainly does! But between the two, I have a mirror that can stay open, and enough of a mix of mattes and shimmers that I can do any look I need to!

5. Biggest Regret


This is also a tie. I may lose seriously blogger cred, but I don't get the love with the wet 'n wild  eyeshadow palettes- at least not this one. I get crazy fallout, the shades are chalky so they don't blend well- I just don't get it! I really need to just purge this out of my collection. I'm willing to try some of the other wet 'n wilds because this could be a fluke, but I regret buying this.
The Cover Girl palette I mainly got for the green and blue, and now I have better quality makeup that I don't absolutely need a white base to get absolute color payoff. I would have to layer so much eye shadow on my eyes to get close to the shade in the pan that it just wasn't worth it. 

6. Best Color Names


Of the palettes I have, it has to be this palette. I think Too Faced really does come up with the funnest names! The names of this palette include Cut the Cake, Hot Cocoa, Lovey Dovey, and Licorice Latte, to name a few.

7. Least Used
I think it's safe to say that my least used is also the ones listed under "biggest regret". I don't use those much because I'm not into the color payoff or the fallout. I really just need to trash them.

8. Most Used, Most Loved, Desert Island
The Lorac Pro! It's listed in several categories, and I am just so in love with it. It's the only palette I own that I can actually see having to replace the whole thing because I will have run out of virtually every shade. There isn't a single shade I dislike in this palette, and all are pigmented and flattering shades for my skin tone. I can get any look I want (as I said above), and I never worry about not being able to come up with one look using ONLY this palette (I usually have to use more than one if I'm using any other palette I own). Overall, this is the palette I will go back to.  


I Tag: Jenna and Allie, specifically, and any of you that want to do it! If you've already done this tag, please feel free to leave a comment to the post or YouTube video, and I will definitely go check it out!


FTC: All products were with purchased by me with my own money or received as gifts. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette Swatches and Review

You guys. I don't think I have been this excited for a palette since the original Urban Decay palette. I mean, yes, I'm obsessed with my Lorac Pro Palette now, but I got the original Urban Decay Naked Palette within the week it came off, and I may or may not have purchased this shortly before clocking in for work on the day it came out. Needless to say, I'm super excited to show it to you guys!






I really geeked out over the inside of the box also being so pretty! It's those small details that really get me!


The case is basically the same as the Naked 2- a metal-like plastic. It clicks shut securely, though I have heard of people dropping them and breaking the little tabs that allow it to click securely shut. I know a lot of people complained about the original Naked not being secure enough, but I've never had any problems with mine!



Hello, gorgeous! I'll be honest- this it the first palette I've ever purchased sight unseen- I had only seen swatches. I'm not usually one that will buy a palette like that, but I couldn't resist with this one and I'm glad I didn't. All the shades are absolutely gorgeous.
They are as follows (from Left to Right): Strange (pale neutral pink matte-satin), Dust (pale metallic pink shimmer with iridescent micro-glitter), Burnout (light peachy-pink satin), Limit (light dusty rose matte), Buzz (metallic rose shimmer with silver micro-glitter), Trick (light metallic pinky-copper shimmer with tonal micro-sparkle), Nooner (medium pinky-brown matte), Liar (medium metallic mauve shimmer), Factory (pinky-brown satin), Mugshot (metallic taupe shimmer with slight pink shift), Darkside (deep taupe-mauve satin), and Blackheart (smoky black matte with rosy red micro sparkle).


(Left to Right - Strange, Dust, Burnout, and Limit)



(From Left to Right - Buzz, Trick, Nooner, and Liar)



(From Left to Right - Factory, Mugshot, Darkside, and Blackheart)

Overall, I'm really happy with the shades in this palette. I really like Dust as an allover "natural" lid color, but it is prone to fallout so you have to be careful with it! I don't see myself using Blackheart all that often (maybe as a cut-crease, but more likely as a tight-line color) but every other color I have used and been very impressed with the pigmentation and the staying power.



The palette also comes with four sample pods of the primer potions that Urban Decay offers- I already know I am not a fan of the original, but I love their anti-aging one. I'm kind of excited to try the other two, but to be honest, this isn't my favorite way to try a sample, and almost wish they had just given the little tubes, since they are easier to work with.



I really like that the name of the palette is on the brush. I'll probably always keep my brush with the palette, but it's still a nice touch.



The brush itself is okay. It's good quality, but I don't feel like it's the best at picking up all that the product had to offer. I have other better brushes, but it's good for travel or when I'm in a hurry.



My order also came with this sample that is probably going to the trash. I already know I'm not a fan of this primer. Though, I might just keep it in my kit for an emergency or to pass it off to someone that may like it better than me.


I'm really, really happy I decided to splurge and get this. I'm sure I'll form more opinions as I use it more, but so far as first impressions go (I've used this four times since receiving it), I don't regret my decision to get this, and I recommend it, especially if you're a fan of rose gold and taupe.


FTC: This palette was purchased by me with my own money. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Top 10 Makeup Products I Can't Live Without

About a month ago, I posted a "Top 10 Makeup Products I Can't Live Without", but it was a guest post by my sister-in-law, Jenna. I have never actually done my own.
After about a month of thinking about it, I have finally decided on my own Top 10.


1. The Lorac Pro Palette



As of this post, this is my absolute, cannot live without it, don't know how I never had it before, palette. It has every single shade I need to do all of my eye looks. It's the one I pack when I go places. And to be honest, when I don't have it in my makeup bag, I miss it. A lot. It has both matte and shimmer shades, and it's just the perfect palette, in general.


2. Too Faced Shadow Insurance



I never do my makeup without an eye primer, and this is my go to. As you can see above, I even have a backup. This is what I use when I do my makeup for any type of occasion where I know I need my eye makeup to stay put. I wore it on my wedding day. I wore it to my high school reunion. I wear it in the hot, 100+ degrees days of summer. My eye makeup NEVER creases when I wear this under it, and I never have to worry that it will do so. It really is a product I cannot, under any circumstances, live without.


3. Ulta Waterproof Automatic Eye Liner (specifically in black)



I know everyone goes on and on about the Urban Decay 24/7 liners, but this is really my holy grail liner. It is so black, and it never goes anywhere other than where I put it. It glides on super easy on the water line, and really stays put there. And it's cheap- at the most, it costs me around $8.00, but Ulta almost always has some type of bogo deal on all of their branded products. If you're still looking for that great, very black eyeliner, I recommend at least trying this one.


4. BareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Fairly Light



I did live without this product for a few months, and now I'm not sure how. Yes, my L'Oreal powder foundation is good. But there is just something special about the way this goes on, and the way it matches my skin so flawlessly. And the way it never seems to cake up on my skin, even if I do go a little overboard. I can never see myself being without this product again.


5. NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder



I didn't really start filling in my brows until about a year ago, but it really does make a big difference. Even if all I do it put on a little mascara and fill in my brows a bit, it makes me look so much more put together. And this kit really matches my eye brows well- I tend to go dark blonde when I dye my hair, and for the first couple weeks, I can use the darker shade, and for the last couple of weeks, I mix the two.


6. Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara



When I was thinking about my list, this is one of the first products I thought of. It's not a mascara I use all the time, but it is a mascara I will always repurchase, and always want to have on hand. It really thickens and lengthens, and never flakes on me. And it never clumps. It's pretty much the only mascara I own that I don't need to have a spooly to run through my lashes to de-clump them a bit. It is pricey, but completely worth it.


7. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette



I thought long and hard about this, but this is a must-have for me. It's surprisingly versatile, and has the best matte black (and yes, it is better than the one in the Lorac Pro Palette) I have ever used. All the shades are super creamy, and go on like butter. If all my other palettes just disappeared, I would replace the Lorac Pro first, and this second. And it would be enough for me.


8. Urban Decay eyeshadow in Sin



I choose the Lorac Pro over my Naked palette, but this shade is one I cannot see myself never having. It is the perfect shade for my skin tone- it matches beautifully. It goes on smooth. It's my go-to color when I'm having trouble deciding what else to wear. And right now, it's the only palette color I've loved enough to go out and buy a full size of.


9. Physician's Formula Mineral Wear blush in Pink Glow



Ahh, this blush. I get so happy every time I see it in my makeup kit, because it is my absolute favorite. It gives my skin the perfect flush, and still looks natural. And a little goes a long way. If all my blushes disappeared, this would be the first one I would replace, because it looks good with every single eye look I have worn with it.


10. Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray



I went out and bought this the night of my high school reunion because I was out. That is how much I cannot live without this product. Do I use it every day? Of course not! But on those days/nights where I really need to make sure my makeup stays put, this is all I use. It really does work.



I feel like this would be something fun to do maybe once a year or so, to see how much things change- because I feel like every time I try a new product, it becomes something that could be a product I can't live without. At one time, I did not own anything above, and now I would grab all of these things first. And, funny enough, I could do my makeup with all of these products and get a complete look (other than lips- I'm not really a lip product junkie so I don't have one I can't live without).

What are some products that you can't live without??


FTC: All of the above products were either purchased by me or a gift. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post does contain Amazon affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

10 Makeup Products I Can't Live Without - Sister-in-Law edition!

I went to San Diego this weekend, and got to hang out with one of my favorite people in the entire world, my sister-in-law, Jenna.

Jenna is as obsessed with makeup as I am, if not more so. She actually is a makeup artist, and did the makeup for my wedding (as well as her own, and many others). 

I asked Jenna if she would mind sharing some of her favorite products with me, so I could make a blog, and fortunately she didn't think I was nuts, and wanted to do it! I always love the way Jenna does her makeup, so this was also eye opening for me! I just find what other people use to be so fascinating! 

Take it away, Jenna!

10 Makeup Products I couldn’t live without, in order of application. This is basically my daily routine. Obviously I’m a MAC whore.

1. MAC Prep + Prime Skin http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/160/967/Products/Face/Primer/Prep-Prime-Skin/index.tmpl

  

I use this pretty much every day (unless I accidentally skip this step, which I ALWAYS regret it when I do!). I apply with my hands like a lotion. It’s a little sparkly, which always makes me happy while applying (because sparkles are the key to happiness in case you didn’t know) and it’s covered up after foundation so it’s not like my face is all Twilight-y.

2.     MAC Pro Longwear Foundation http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/10180/Products/Face/Foundation/Pro-Longwear-Foundation/index.tmpl

I go back and forth between this foundation and another from MAC. Overall, this one is my favorite. I like the built-in pump, I like the coverage, just overall, I like this one.

3. MAC Studio Fix Powder + Foundation http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/159/251/Products/Face/Powder/Studio-Fix-Powder-Plus-Foundation/index.tmpl

I couldn’t live without this powder. It provides top notch coverage for my very splotchy face. I’ve tried other powders, but nothing beats the coverage of this powder.

4.     MAC Powder Blush in Margin http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/156/329/Products/Face/Cheek/Powder-Blush/index.tmpl

 

I have lots of blushes from MAC, but Margin is my all-time favorite and matches most all makeup looks.

5.     MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/159/782/Products/Face/Powder/Mineralize-Skinfinish/index.tmpl

 

I use this as a highlighter around my eyes, down my nose and on the top of my lips. I also use contouring powder every once in awhile, but if I had to pick between having a highlighter or a contour powder, I’d pick the highlighter any day!

6.     MAC Eye Brows in Lingering http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/149/263/Products/Eyes/Brow/Eye-Brows/index.tmpl

My favorite brow pencil. The only negative thing I can say about this pencil is you reach the end without warning and sometimes you don’t have a chance to get to MAC for a couple days. AHHH my eyebrows looks TERRIBLE during that time. I have a Cover Girl eyebrow pencil as my backup pencil, it just sucks so much in comparison!

7.     Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette http://www.urbandecay.com/urban-decay/eye-makeup/naked2-palette/282.html

A non-MAC item! I love Urban Decay shadows. They are great and pigmented. I have both the Naked and Naked 2 palettes (among others that I love just as much). I choose the Naked 2 palette over the original Naked Palette for its packaging. The colors are equally as great, but I love that this one closes tight. I also like the matte black shadow over the sparkly shadow in the original Naked Palette for eyeliner.

My everyday look with the Naked 2 Palette is: Browbone and Tear Duct - Bootycall; Lid - Chopper, Verve, or Suspect; Outer Corner - Snakebite; and Outer V (if I want to go darker for the day) - Blackout

8.     MAC Penultimate Liner http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/151/4253/Products/Eyes/Liner/Penultimate-Eye-Liner/index.tmpl

Love this eyeliner. It’s so easy to be precise with it. I love doing a cat eye so it’s perfect!

9.     Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara http://www.smashbox.com/product/6030/18515/Eyes/Mascara/FULL-EXPOSURE-MASCARA/index.tmpl

Favorite Mascara. I just love the giant wand and the formula is great too.

10. MAC Lustre Lipstick in High Tea http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/168/310/Products/Lips/Lipstick/Lipstick/index.tmpl 

All time favorite lipstick. It’s pretty much nude with a little sheen. It’s perfect because even when it starts to wear off it’s so close to my normal lip color that you can’t tell, like with darker lipsticks. I just heart it so much!

Thanks, Jenna!

As you can tell, Jenna loves MAC. She bought me my very first MAC item, a studio fix powder, that I used on my wedding day, as well as pretty much every day for a setting powder, or a touch-up powder. We actually went to the MAC in Downtown San Diego while I was there visiting, but we only bought for my mother-in-law. I think I always get nervous in MAC, though I will say our MAC artist was very helpful, and my mother-in-law is extremely happy with our color choices for her!

I guess now I'll have to do a 10 Makeup Products I can't live without! Be on the lookout for that soon!