april favorites

It seems like a lot of what I've been reaching for lately has been the color pink, and I didn't even realize it until I took these photos. Not sure the reason for this, but I do love pink, so I guess it's okay. Here's what I've been loving lately...

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Amused: This has been on my wish list for quite a while. When Sephora sent an email with a VIB coupon, I figured it was the perfect time to finally purchase a couple of wish list items. I originally went with the intention to purchase the shade Dollface, but after swatching it, I realized I wanted a more intense and rich pink shade. This is a highly-pigmented, matte bright pink. Apply with a light hand and its a perfect flush on the cheeks for Spring. 

Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl Eyeliner in Nude: I've never owned a nude shade of eyeliner, but always a little interested. Black is my go-to. These are brand new and already have great reviews. I figured a $6 nude eyeliner couldn't hurt. I like applying it just in the inner corner of my waterline. I then finish the waterline with my usual black liner. It helps keep that black junk from forming in the inner corner and also brightens it up bit, which is a plus. 

NARS Turkish Delight: This was my other Sephora purchase. This is my first NARS lip product and it's well worth the splurge if you like light pink glosses. You can wear it alone or over a lipstick to lighten it up. Going to be my go-to shade for Spring/Summer nights. 

L'oreal Shocking Extensions mascara: I couldn't help but include this as a favorite again, just to let you know that I'm still loving it. Check out that post if you're interested. 

Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation: This is probably the most surprising favorite for me. I've loved my Revlon ColorStay whipped foundation ever since it's come out, but for some crazy reason,  I can't control my urge to try something when I hear great things, especially foundation. Covergirl is not my go-to brand for makeup, so I really didn't expect to like this. But I do. This shade is too light for me, so I'll have to go pick up a darker one when my Summer tan kicks in, but as for the formula and quality of the foundation, it's amazing. Let me know if you're interested in a full review! 

China Glaze polish in Shocking Pink: If you love hot neon pink and do not own this color, I recommend picking it up. Not only is the color spot on, but it lasts longer than the average on my nails. I'll be painting my nails and toes with this a lot more come Summer. 

Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Wink: Just when I didn't think I could love the baby lips line even more, Maybelline came out with new shades. This one is beautiful! It's the your-lips-but-better chapstick that you can't help but want to apply all day long. I still love the one in Quenched, but it's colorless. This one is perfect for when you need moisture and color quickly (read: without a mirror). This will be going straight in my beach bag! 

Have you tried any of these products?  What are you loving lately? Let me know! :)

Mallory

makeup in minutes

Anybody else feeling the effects of Daylight Saving Time? Now that it's completely dark outside when I wake up, my body's instant reaction is snooze... snooze.. snooze. Maybe I'll become a morning person one of these days. But that day is not today. Because of my limited time, I'm depending a lot on fast makeup application. If I'm running crazy late, I reach for products I can apply very quickly or take with me if absolutely necessary. I'd say I don't spend more than 5 minutes when I use just these products...

Smashbox BB Cream
This is a matte finish BB cream that I can trust to keep my skin oil-free all day. More on it here. I apply this with a disposable makeup sponge for quick application. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Spot Concealer
Since BB cream doesn't completely cover the issues my skin is having as of this week, this concealer does the trick to conceal any blemishes. I love that all I have to do is twist the cap, dab a little on each spot, and blend it in with my sponge. I am blessed to not have dark circles, but if I did, I would easily double up and use this as my under eye concealer as well. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder
This takes me just a few seconds to set my BB cream and concealer to lock it in place all day long. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Medium Dark
I'm quite pale right now and this gives my face some color. If I was a little more tan, I would most likely skip this step. 

ELF Blush in Pink Passion
The bright pink blush looks intimidating in the package, but a light application of this is a perfect flush of pink to perk up my face. 

Maybelline MasterDrama Eyeliner
I usually only apply eyeliner if I skip eye shadow. Lasts all day and it's a retractable eyeliner that doesn't require sharpening. 

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze
I've raved about this product before. Just swipe a little of this using my ring finger on to my eye lids and it looks likes I actually spent time to do my makeup. 

Maybelline The Falsies Flared Mascara
I like using this mascara on days when I'm in a rush because it dries so fast. It's also the one that I can use on both my top and bottom lashes without the fear of it ever smudging throughout the day. 

If I had to shorten it down even more, I would just use BB Cream, concealer, blush, and mascara. Sometimes I like the challenge of seeing how fast I can apply my makeup. If only I was more into challenging myself to see how fast I could run... 

What makeup products do you depend on for quick makeup? 

xo, Mal

12 beauty favorites of 2012

Looking back, 2012 was a great year for discovering new products. I have a lot of favorite products form the year, but only a few that I will re-purchase over and over again. It's hard to even pick an absolute number one makeup product or tool. 

So, here are my "top 12 of 2012." 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

A lot of people ask if both palettes are necessary. I personally love the Naked 2 better than the original. I use them both, but I reach for Naked 2 more because it has cooler colors that are perfect for everyday subtle looks. 

Maybelline Color Tattoos

I can't say enough about these. The longevity, pigmentation and price. Amazing. More on these cream shadows here.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

Ah, it was the year of the BB creams. Smashbox got it right. It evens out my skin tone, provides light coverage, and lasts all day. Perfect for days in the sun or traveling. 
My post dedicated to this BB cream is here. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

This powder is a savior for girls with oily skin. Apply it in the morning over your foundation and you're good to go for the rest of the day. For $6.00 at the drugstore, you can't beat it! 

Maybelline MasterDrama Eyeliner 

This year I finally found the only eyeliner that does not smudge throughout the day. This has better staying power than Urban Decay 24/7 glide on pencils, and you don't have to sharpen these.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

This is a creamy concealer that really brightens the under the eyes. I like it better than the YSL Touch Eclat concealer (which is $45). See my blog post on this amazing concealer!

Soap & Glory Hand Food Lotion

This is amazing stuff. This is the only lotion that doesn't leave a greasy feeling after applying.  Use before bed and your hands feel so silky and soft in the morning. 

Mary Kay Timewise Moisturizer

I've been using this since late 2011, but I never realized how much I loved this moisturizer until this year. I tried to stray, but I can't find anything like it. Hey, if it isn't broke, don't fix it. More on this moisturizer here. 

Maybelline Babylips in Quenched

The most moisturizing lip balm at the drugstore. They’ve since come out with some new colors that I’m dying to try. Read my post on Babylips here.

Clarisonic Mia

The Clarisonic has kinda changed my life. I’m not really sure how I ever washed my face before. I use it with a gentle Neutrogena cleanser and it gets every spec of makeup off. If you don’t have one, and have been on the fence about getting one, I say do it. It’s definitely well worth the money! 

Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Foundation

I know I've mentioned it before, but the Revlon ColorStay whipped foundation has ousted the liquid version as my holy grail foundation. I'm on jar number 3 in just 6 months because I use it so much. It's the longest-lasting foundation with the most natural finish.
More on this foundation here. 

Sultra Bombshell Curling Wand (1 ¼”)

I can honestly say that this curling wand has changed my hair life. I prefer a curling wand over a curling iron because the curls last… for days..and days. If only I was one of those girls that could go a week without washing my hair. But, by day 3 I need a wash and I’m always sad to see the wavy curls go. I highly recommend using a curling wand over a curling iron now. There are some great inexpensive ones at Ulta and Target. You can find the Sultra Bombshell at Sephora.

What were your favorite products of 2012?

xo, Mal