Every Day Makeup Drawer

I am very much a creature of habit.  I change things up a bit, but seem to always go back to my tried and trues.

Same applies with beauty products.  Sometimes I am blessed with a keeper, other times, well, not so much.  Because I have sensitive skin, I tend to keep using what works.

These are the products that I use on the daily.  A few are new to my collection (they are in bold), but most are oldies but goodies:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit – I am loving this glow kit! This was very much a splurge for me, and I’m glad I bit the bullet and made this purchase.  Even though I have fair skin, I use every color in this palette. I always apply my highlight before my blush to give me a gorgeous glowing cheekbone.

Maybelline Master Prime primer (Blur & Smooth) –  This primer was a backup when I didn’t use the Too Faced Hangover primer.  Unfortunately, I have developed an allergy to coconut water/oil, so I had to get rid of the Hangover primer.  The Maybelline is now my go to primer.

Benefit Porefessional primer –  I received this sample size and it’s OK. It does as it’s intended. I most likely will not be buying the full size as the Maybelline works the same for a few dollars less.

Chicken Poop Lip Junk –  I love love love this lip balm.  I use it to prime my lips in the morning while applying my makeup.  I also use it throughout the day in between using the Rimmel Stay Glossy lip gloss.

Rimmel Stay Glossy (Dorchester Rose) – I wear this all day long. I have a few different shades, but this one is my favorite.  It’s a lovely light nude shade that sparkles.  It’s gorgeous.

NYX Color Correcting palette – I use this palette almost every day to cover redness.

e.l.f. flawless foundation (Porcelain) – I have been using this foundation for a few years.  It makes my skin look amazing.  I do try different foundations, and I really like the Too Faced Born This Way foundation, but I always go back to this one. e.l.f. has recently changed the name from Porcelain to Natural.  The color is a perfect match for my fair skin.  I can’t see me finding anything I like enough to replace this foundation.

e.l.f. High Definition powder (Sheer) – I use this to set my foundation.  I just dab my brush and pat it on my face, keeping the powder away from my under eye area.

NYX Micro Brow pencil (Espresso) – I have black hair so I think this color is too brown, but I use it because I keep forgetting to pick up a darker shade. 😉 I love that it is micro because I tend to have a heavy hand and this keeps me from going overboard in the shading department.

Too Faced Better than Sex mascara – I recently received a sample size and I loved it! A friend gave me a full sized mascara and I noticed that it is clumpy and the brush picks up too much product. I’m a bit disappointed, so I’m not sure I’ll be repurchasing. I may just pick up another sample size here and there.

e.l.f. Volumizing & Defining mascara – I use this for my lower lashes.  I am NOT a pro at applying mascara to my lower lashes, in fact, I don’t always wear it because I suck at applying it!

Too Faced Love Flush blush (Love Hangover) -Before I received this blush, I used the e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzer powder in Fiji.  I forgot to add it for the photo. I just received this Too Faced blush last week.  I ordered it during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty.  I love the color and it looks beautiful on my skin.

e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Sheer Tint Finishing Powder (Fair/Light) – I sometimes use this powder once my makeup is done.

Jeffree Starr Androgyny palette – When I am feeling bold enough to wear eyeshadow (not an every day thing), I reach for this palette.  I LOVE it.

Jeffree Starr Beauty Killer palette – The statement above applies here, also.  🙂

Pure Cosmetics Buff Collection – Ditto to the statement up there.  😉

Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray – OMG I love this spray.  I actually rotate between this and the e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set.

That’s it!

What is in your every day makeup drawer?  Let’s see ’em!

 

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Dr. Lip Bangs Lip Freak Buzzing Balm – A Review

This stuff is weird.

This came recommended by a friend because of my love of lip balms. Two weeks ago I headed over to Ulta to purchase.  It’s $4.95 USD. I picked up the flavor Sin-o-Mint. 🙂

I couldn’t wait to try it because of the buzzing feeling that was described to me and advertised on the packaging. I opened up my new balm, wiped off my Chicken Poop, and applied this new gem to my lips. It took a few seconds before the buzzing kicked in.  It is bizarre to say, but yes, it makes your lips feel like they’re buzzing!  It’s the craziest thing! Your lips don’t feel cool or soothing as if you used peppermint balm, like Burt’s Bees.  It really is a buzzing feeling!

Lip Freak is 100% natural, but is not vegan as it is made from humanely harvested white beeswax.

From the Lip Bang’s website: Lip Freak contains the following ingredients: Beeswax, Proprietary Essential Oil Blend Including; Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil),Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon Oil), Natural Tocopherols (vitamin e), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary Oil Extract), Stevia Rebadiana Leaf Extract, Natural Flavors. Some flavors may also contain Mentha Piperia (Terpene Free Peppermint) Oil.

The website claims what makes it buzz is “a super-secret, patent-pending blend of pure essential oils that, when combined together, create that unique buzzing sensation”.

I like it but I don’t know if I like it.  I’m not sure it’s a lip balm I can reapply throughout the day because I think the buzzing would soon grow to annoy me.  But, as something to use every now and again for a weird sensation, I’m into this, and at $4.95, it’s no big loss if I don’t use it all the time.

Have you tried this lip balm?  Do you find it as weird as I do? Do you have a favorite flavor?

 

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty

I am excited for Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty sale, so much so that I visited my Ulta store and peed on the things I want to claim as mine!

Just kidding!  I haven’t done that, but I have put some of the things I want in my online shopping cart.  🙂

Here is the link to shop Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty online.

Day 1 begins tomorrow!

March 19th:

• Too Faced Love Flush Blush (Love Hangover)
  • Regularly $26/Sale $13

March 20th:

• Fiona Stiles Light Illusion Prism Palette
  • Regularly $28/Sale $14

March 22nd:

• Buxom Full On Lip Cream (Not sure of the color I want!)
  • Regularly $20/Sale $10

March 26th:

• Becca Backlight Priming Filter
  • Regularly $38/Sale $19

March 31st

• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
  • Regularly $32/Sale $16

April 8th:

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz pencil (Granite)
  • Regularly $21/Sale $10

HOT BUY (Available every day of the event):

• PÜR Miracle Mist Hydrating Spray
  • Regularly $18/Sale $13

Not a bad haul for under $100!

What will you be picking up during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty? Is there something I missed that I should try?

FOOD – Meal Prep

This week I am working six days, so today is my day to cook my meals for the week.  I have been browsing recipes trying to find meals that include anything but chicken.  I love chicken, but I’m a bit chickened out.  😉

Rather than spend my only day off in the kitchen, I have decided to keep it easy.  This week, I will do a tuna salad salad.

If you have not tried this “mayo”, holy moly, it is awesome!  I am not a fan of mayonnaise, but sometimes need it for recipes, and this is an amazing alternative.

To make the tuna: I used regular tuna in water.  I added cucumber, carrots, pineapple chunks, and olives to the tuna.  I mixed the tuna with Vegenaise non-dairy mayo, and added a tiny bit of pineapple juice for some sweetness. I sprinkled some non-dairy vegan cheese on the top.  I added a lemon wedge because I love a spritz of lemon juice to give my food a zangy pop! I plopped a good sized portion of the tuna on top of a bed of baby spinach. 🙂

I sautéed asparagus in olive oil, pepper, sea salt and garlic.

I’ll have my standard baggie of fresh, raw green beans, a handful of almonds, and since organic red delicious apples were the same price as regular, an organic red delicious apple will also be a yummy snack.

Do you meal prep?  Do you have a favorite go-to recipe when you’re not in the mood to cook but still want to stay on track?  Please share your recipes!

 

 

 

TonyMoly I’m Real Avocado Mask – A Review

A friend of mine gave me this TonyMoly I’m Real Avocado sheet mask a few days ago and I decided tonight was the night to treat my face to some nutrition.  This mask can be purchased at Ulta for $3.75.

Upon opening the package, the goo smelled really good.  Oddly, it did not smell like avocado.

The mask was super saturated but to the point where it easily tore removing it from the package.  You can also see that the mask tore on my forehead from adjusting it to my face.

Do not be fooled by the unpleasant look on my face.  I’m happy, I really am.  🙂  The instructions say to leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes and then massage remaining goo into skin.  I decided to leave it on for 30 minutes.  I recently had an eczema breakout on my face thanks to an allergic reaction to coconut water/oil in a few products I had been using, so I haven’t really used any masks except for the e.l.f. water sheet mask, which is AMAZING for hydrating your skin.

Afterthoughts:  I like this mask and the way it smells and feels while on my skin.  The goo also dried pretty fast and my skin does look a bit healthier.  It’s always hard to tell if these masks really do anything.  It didn’t irritate my skin, which is a huge bonus, and it looks to have helped with the remaining bit of eczema that’s hanging around my face like an annoying ex-boyfriend.

For $3.75 USD, I’d buy this product.

Have you tried this mask, or any other masks by TonyMoly?  What are your thoughts?

 

When Your Highlight is on Point

I couldn’t resist! 

Have a great day, y’all! 

Favorite Brushes

Ok, y’all.. it’s Monday, so let’s talk makeup brushes.

How addicted are you to buying brushes? I love browsing the brushes whenever I’m in Ulta or Sephora, even Target and Wal-Mart. I am subscribed to the Liveglam MorpheMe service (I receive several Morphe brushes each month for $19.99).

These are the brushes that I keep out on my vanity.  How cute are those holders, right? They are wine glasses that I bought at the dollar store, and my friend who runs a decal business made the awesome decals.  I love these so much!

Even though I keep all of these brushes out, there are only a few I use on a daily basis.

My favorites are:

• Morphe M439 – I use this to apply foundation (occasionally I use my beauty blender)
• Morphe G36 – I use this to apply setting and finishing powder
• Morphe M441 –  I use this to apply highlight
• e.l.f. Angled Blush brush – I use this to apply blush
• Real Techniques Multi-Task brush – I use this to blend in my blush and highlight

I do not have any favorite eyeshadow brushes, and I don’t always bronze or contour so I don’t have a favorite for either.

I clean my brushes every few weeks with Aveeno Baby wash for eczema.  Sometimes I spot clean by spraying with isopropyl alcohol and wiping with a cotton pad.

What are your favorite brushes?  Do you store your brushes in a unique holder?  Show me!

The Original Beauty Blender – A Review

Finally! My beauty blender review!  I kept putting off posting this review because I wanted to continue using the beauty blender a few more times in hopes that I’d fall in love with it.  But, that just didn’t happen. *sad trombone* 

Here we go…

So, a month ago, I decided to splurge and purchase my first original beauty blender.  I’d used the Real Techniques beauty sponges prior, and wasn’t a big fan.  I mean, they were just OK. I decided it was time to try the REAL, the Original Beauty Blender.

I used the beauty blender the next morning and I liked it. I thought the application of my foundation looked nice and streak-free. I do feel as if it only provided medium coverage regardless of if I used a full coverage foundation. The beauty blender is a bit more bouncier, softer, and easier to squeeze out excess water than the Real Techniques sponge.  I was impressed with the difference, BUT…

I used it again the next day, and for the next several days.  I cannot lie, after each use, I found myself goin’ back with my Morphe brush to apply more foundation.  I just wasn’t feelin’ it.  It seemed like a lot more work to apply foundation. With my Morphe brush (or any of the other brushes I have for foundation application), application is effortless and my foundation looks flawless.  I never have to add more foundation.  I still continued to use the beauty blender, and even used it one day to apply cream blush and contour. I used it to apply powder, and used it dry to remove any product from under my eyes.

Overall, I do like the beauty blender, but I will not repurchase when this one falls apart.  I prefer to apply my foundation with a brush.  I also do not bake my face or use concealer under my eyes, so the beauty blender really doesn’t provide much of a purpose for me.  I really wanted to like it enough to use every day.  Now, I will say that I do find myself reaching for it should I accidentally get some product under my eyes, or accidentally go ham with the foundation.

The beauty blender is good product, it does as it promises, but it’s quite a lot of work for me, and just too pricey for my needs.

Ipsy – March Unbagging

My March Ipsy bag is adorable. It’s a lovely peachy pink bag with a pretty rose gold zipper pull.

If you’re not familiar with this, Ipsy is a beauty subscription service for $10/month.  You receive 5 beauty products; some deluxe sample sizes, with the occasional full size product.  Everything arrives in a cute zippered makeup bag. 🙂   This is my third bag, and for $10, I don’t have any complaints.

This month’s beauty products include:

• Marula Facial Oil (deluxe sample) – A 1 fl.oz bottle is $58. (IPSY2017 for 25% off)
• INT Cosmetics eyeshadow in Goddess Gold – $4 (IPSY20 for 20% off)
• theBalm Bahama Mama bronzer (sample) – A full size is $20 (IPSY20 for 20% off)
• Elizabeth Mott  blending brush – $15 (Blending50 for 50% off)
• OUAI Hair Treatment Masque (deluxe sample) – Full size $32 (IPSY20 for 20% off)

I am subscribed to Boxycharm, Liveglam’s MorpheMe brush subscription service, and the Beautycon subscription service.

 

Chicken Poop Lip Junk – A Review

Yes, you read that right.  This review is about a lip balm called Chicken Poop. A disclaimer on the balm : Contains no poop.

I first bought Chicken Poop Lip Junk three years ago.  Ever since a visit to Massachusetts in 2006, my lips haven’t been the same. I am constantly needing to apply lip balms, lip gloss, anything to keep my lips moisturized. I have a bin full of balms and rotate through them depending on my mood.  Burt’s Bees has been a favorite for years as I love the cooling effect it provides, but it just doesn’t hydrate.  I still keep my Burt’s Bees on hand, but my go-to balm for the past couple months has been my Chicken Poop.

I found Chicken Poop by searching online for natural lip balms.  I am allergic to almost everything, so I have to be careful and read ingredients.  I have incredibly sensitive, and sometimes dry, skin (eczema survivor right here), and I’m allergic to almost everything soothing to the skin, including coconut oil.  RIGHT?!  How is that even possible?  I am also sensitive to 100% pure aloe.  Hi, my name is Cherilyn. I have weird toes and eczema and I’m allergic to aloe vera and coconut oil. *sigh*

So, I was searching online and came across the Chicken Poop website.  I decided to buy one. It has a light scent, almost smells like green tea.  It doesn’t have peppermint so there isn’t a cooling effect, but it’s super hydrating and feels really good on my lips.  I wear it all day when I’m not wearing lip gloss, and I never fail to smear it all over my lips before bed.  I had an annoying smidge of dry skin smack in the middle of my bottom lip that even with exfoliation, I could NOT get rid of. It was driving me insane.  I’d pick it off and it’d reappear.  I started using my Chicken Poop and I haven’t had the dry skin patch since.

One tube of Chicken Poop is $4.  They also have a Chicken Poop- Outdoors.  I bought two, but not a fan because it’s white like sunblock.  I may use it outdoors when kayaking, but I love my Baby Lips lip balm by Maybelline because it has SPF and is clear in color.

If you have dry lips, go to Chicken Poop’s website and find a retailer near you, or order a tube online.  It’s great lip balm, and a great conversation starter when someone notices your lip balm is Chicken Poop. 🙂

Highlighters – Application

I have an obsession with highlighters.  I know I am not alone in this obsession.  🙂

A favorite I have been using regularly is this Vintage double highlighter palette that I received in a Boxycharm.  I LOVE it!

 

However, I just received my Anastasia Beverly Hills Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit, and I know this will quickly become my favorite! But this post isn’t about all the amazing highlighters out there…

I want to talk about highlight application.

I have watched a million makeup tutorials with application of highlighter, and everyone seems to apply it the same: the highpoint of the cheek or along the cheekbones over top of their blush.

Whenever I put highlight over my blush, even with blending it out, it looks harsh and heavy, so I started applying my highlight first and applying my blush over top, then blending it out together. It provides a beautiful, shimmery look that isn’t harsh, but still leaves me glowing for the gods.

I love seeing the soft glow of my highlight peeping through my blush.  It just makes it look so much more natural, and I’ve received many more compliments on my skin.

How do you apply your highlight?  Which highlighter do you find yourself reaching for the most from your collection?

 

 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – A Mini Review

Late last night I received my Sephora package containing my ABH Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit, and also in the box was a sample of the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara in a pretty pink tube.

I used it this morning and OMG I am in love!  My eyelashes looked AMAZING. The wand grabbed each lash and perfectly separated and coated each one.  My lashes look long and just amazing! That wand is perfection.

I haven’t paid more than $6 for a mascara in years, but I am so damned impressed with this stuff that I’m going out tomorrow to buy a full size.

Do you use the Better Than Sex mascara? If not, what is your holy grail mascara?

 

Do What You Can’t – Casey Neistat

Feeling discouraged?  Feeling like you can’t live the life you want to live? Need inspiration?

WATCH THIS.

 

 

Morphe Brush Box – March Unboxing

NOTE:  I did NOT participate in the No Makeup Challenge YET.  🙂  I think the e.l.f. Nourishing Night Cream upset my eczema because I used it the night before the challenge and woke up with irritated skin.  😦  So, the No Makeup Challenge has been rainchecked.  I will do it, though!

Ok… so, I’ve been subscribed to Liveglam‘s Morphe brush subscription box now for two months.  Today, I received my second set of brushes.  The packaging isn’t all that cute- it’s a black bubblewrap envelope, and the brushes are in plastic sleeves.  It does come with this cute accordion style flyer that explains the purpose of each brush.  I don’t really need foo-foo packaging, but I do enjoy it when I receive my Boxycharm and Ipsy packages.  🙂  It’s an extra smile on my face.

• M412 – Deluxe Pointed Blender ($5.99)
• M521 – Chisel Oval Shadow ($5.99)
• M401 – Large Pointed Powder ($13.99)
• M436 – Mini Duo Blender ($6.99)

Total: $32.96

I’m enjoying this subscription so far.  I’m receiving a nice variety of brushes, most of which I do not already own, for $19.99/month.

I am subscribed to Liveglam’s MorpheMe, Boxycharm, Ipsy, and Beautycon, and am happy with my boxes so far!

Which beauty (or non beauty) box(es) do you receive?  Which do you want to try?

No Makeup Challenge

I have worn makeup off and on since I was about 25.  As I’ve aged, I am now 44, I only go without makeup on my days off.  I’ve never gone to work without my face done up.

Today I went to work to drop off something for a coworker, and I wasn’t wearing any makeup. Three people I see on a daily basis noticed, all men, and had nothing but positive things to say about my appearance.  I have noticed over the many years, that when I feel like I’m having a bad hair day or a bad makeup day, those are the days I get the most compliments.

I don’t have many skin imperfections, I’m just very pale, and use makeup to give me a bit of color and glow. I feel I just look better with my face done!

A challenge was proposed that I go to work tomorrow sans makeup.  I don’t know if this is something I can legit do!  I mean, I have to wear mascara or else I just look like the walking dead.  But all day at work without makeup?  Does a tinted moisturizer count as makeup?  Is the challenge busted if I wear mascara?

Ok, so maybe I can just do mascara and a lip balm.

Hmm..  stay tuned to see if I did this challenge!

Can YOU do this challenge?

Equate Beauty Cleansing Facial Wipes – A Review

I recently went on a 3 day primitive camping trip and purchased these so that I could cleanse my face.  I’d use one in the morning, sometimes one in the afternoon, and one in the evening.  I’ve used facial wipes before and they were not my favorite, but these are actually pretty good!

They were $3.48 for a package of 40 at Walmart.

While camping, I’d use a wipe to cleanse my face and then I used the Equate Beauty moisturizer (similar to the Cerave moisturizer) on my face.  The combination worked wonderfully on my sensitive skin.  At the time, I had a small eczema break out and these wipes (or the lotion) did not irritate my skin.

Since I have been home from camping, I thought I’d set the wipes aside and keep just for camping, but I have been using these wipes after work to remove my makeup and cleanse my face.  I pair the use of the wipe with the e.l.f. Revitalizing Mist, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE.

I probably go through one bottle a week!  Ok, so I just checked e.l.f.’s website and do not see the mist anymore!  OMG. This is upsetting!  I just sent them a message on Facebook. This cannot be happening!

Get a grip, Cherilyn!  Ok, let’s get back to the wipes.  They are pretty large in size, they’re nice and thick, really heavy duty which is good because the wipe won’t tear during use, and unlike most wipes, you can use the other side because your makeup hasn’t seeped through.  They work great at removing eye makeup, but be careful not to get the wipe in your eye as it will irritate. Just as you do with the micellar water, or any cleanser, hold it against your closed eye for a few seconds then wipe away your eye makeup.  The wipes are fragrance free and do not leave a residue on your skin.  The claim of for sensitive skin rings true, as I have sensitive skin and the wipes are not irritating at all.

As mentioned, I use the cleansing wipe, spray my face with the e.l.f. Revitalizing Mist, and if my skin is in need of extra hydration, once the mist has dried, I will apply the Equate Beauty moisturizer.  Before purchasing these wipes, I’d use micellar water to cleanse my face after a hard day’s work, but I actually prefer these wipes.  I’m sure I’ll rotate the use of both products.

These cleansing wipes are a definite must have in my vanity.

What product(s) or method(s) do you use to remove your makeup and cleanse your face?

Blah

I have been battling with a stomach virus since Monday.  😦

There are so many posts I want to write, but I’m just not feeling it at the moment.  I want to review the beautyblender, a Jeffree Star Lip Ammunition lipstick, and so much more!  UGGH!

Today is my day off and I am doing nothing but resting (and watching Game of Thrones).  I am hoping to be back on track with posting soon!  If I feel better this afternoon, maybe I can post my beautyblender review.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!  Hang on, the weekend is almost here!