Beauty:
I'd really like to pat myself on the back for not purchasing one single MAC product this month. Most of these are all drugstore items and I know a lot of you will be appreciative!
Benefit High Beam
I've used 3 sample sizes and decided it was finally time to get (or swap for) a full size. It's great for brow highlighting and the lasting power is impressive too. Unfortunately, the applicator isn't the best, I have to blend it out with a makeup brush to get the finish I want.
Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush - Spicy & Sweet
I've heard quite a few raves about this, so I wanted to try it out. The packaging is really cute - similar to Benefit's blushes. The pigmentation is amazing. This may be more pigmented than my NARS blushes, and only 1/5 of the cost! There are four colors within the box so you can create a few different looks; I usually just swirl my brush (definitely not the one it comes with) over all four colors.
L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum
This was the only product I "splurged" on this month. And for $12, it still isn't that bad cost-wise. It was a little pricey for a drugstore item. Some are comparing it to Rapid Lash and other lash-growing serums, but that's an unfair comparison. This just helps "boost" your lashes; it conditions them, it doesn't have anything to make them grow faster. I used to wear quite a few layers of mascara; rubbing my make-up off night made my lashes very brittle. I apply this serum on clean lashes at night and immediately notice a difference in the morning. I only need one coat of mascara to get the length & volume I want now.
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish - Soft & Gentle
It's the only highlight [product I use anymore. It's the perfect subtle color (especially for fair-medium) skin tones. I apply this on the top of my cheekbones with the Sigma Tapered Blending Brush. Occasionally, I use this for a brow highlight and on my chest and color bones, too.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock
I've never really worn sunscreen just because I couldn't stand the oiliness plus sweating. I've been reading a lot of skin articles and getting a little more paranoid about tanning and UV rays. This sunscreen makes me want to apply it - it smells great, dries immediately, and seems somewhat moisturizing. It feels like a normal lotion.
Nubar Nail Polish - 2010
My nail polish collection is much larger than it should be, but sadly, I'm already bored with most of the colors I have. This is a dupe for the limited edition and rare Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure. I've been wearing on top of any and every color just to see all the different results. It's large rainbow flakes, but with different colors underneath the result is always different.
NYX Lip Liner - Mauve
I found a nearby local-owned store that carries NYX products for cheap, I was looking for a lip liner to match MAC Velvet Teddy and I think this may be the one. It's one of those "the color of your lips but better"to give definition.
Ponds Cold Cream
I needed a replacement for my MAC Cleanse Off Oil (almost on my 4th bottle - not wallet friendly.) I had a few coupons and ended up purchasing this for only $2. For whatever reason, I always associated cold cream for older skin. The concept of smearing a thick lotion over a full face of makeup was really weird at first. It removes every trace of makeup and leaves your skin feeling moisturized.
Sonia Kashuk Metal Eye Lash Comb
I've heard of people using all types of odd items to get rid of mascara clumps - specifically safety pins and bobby pins. I've always used a plastic eyelash comb, not the greatest - but got the job done. I've been loving most of the beauty tools from Sonia Kashuk, so for $3 (coupon), I thought I'd try it out, and I'm glad I did. With just one sweep of the metal comb, the lashes are completely clump-free and separated.
Urban Decay Naked Palette - Sidecar
I'm still loving the Naked palette, but specifically the color Sidecar. It's a super shimmery champagne. I've never been much of a one-color eyelid person but because of laziness and humidity, I have been opting just for this color.
Thrift Stores
I mainly look at the home decor and accessories. Occasionally, I'll browse through the clothes and find a high-end item like new or new with the original tag for about 10% of its full price. Nearly all thrift stores (not consignment) that I've been to get all their items donated and the profit goes to charities. So you can feel even better about getting an item for cheap and knowing your money is going to a charity of their choice.
My favorite finds of the month were these throw pillows for $2.50 each and three canisters for $5.00 total.
boosted lashes & thrift finds,
-Kaitlyn
Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram
