Best Drugstore Makeup Releases of 2015

When the Covergirl Star Wars lipstick collection came out in September, every fan girl rushed to the drugstores to grab their own. These lipstick play up fun colors, quality pigmentation, and the year of Star Wars revival. Even if you aren't a Star Wars fan, you'll easily become a fan of these lipsticks.

[caption id="attachment_3518" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Covergirl Star Wars Lipstick Collection[/caption]

Maybelline makes a lot of great eyeshadow palettes, but this totally nude palette really hits the spot. This affordable palette comes with 12 eyeshadow colors, ranging from the palest to darkest. The usual problem with drugstore use palettes is an overwhelming amount of shimmers, but Maybelline knows to play that down in this palette by giving us a fair amount of mattes.

[caption id="attachment_3520" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Maybelline the Nudes eyeshadow palette[/caption]

This last one is not quite drugstore, but are sold at H&M at prices that cannot be beat for its value. H&M had discontinued their makeup line a while back and came in September 2015 with a generous collection that won our heart.

[caption id="attachment_3516" align="aligncenter" width="600"] H&M Beauty Collection[/caption]

What were some of your favorite makeup and beauty products of 2015? Watch out for out post on the most exciting releases to anticipate for 2016!

Favorite Makeup Products of the Moment

Continuing with the theme of favorite makeup of the day, here are some of my favorite makeup products of the moment that I've reviewed on the blog before. Feel free to share yours below!

Favorite Eyeshadow Base: I keep finding myself going back to the Sigma Eyeshadow Base Kit in Dare. Dash is probably my favorite of the group. Read my Sigma Eyeshadow Bases swatches and review for more information.

The Sigma Eyeshadow Base Kit in Dare contains Unveil (a shimmery gold), Strike (shimmery burgundy) and Dash (matte plum).

Favorite Blush: This affordable Everyday Minerals sheen mineral blush has an amazing peachy pink glow that is reminiscent of NARS Orgasm blush. I always keep this in the drawer because it never gets old. See Everyday Minerals swatches and reviews.

Everyday Minerals Snuggle Blush

What are some of your favorite makeup products of the moment?

Favorite Holiday Things & Recommendations June 2013

1. Summer on the Shore. This lovely beach view was from my hotel room (which I received from a generous upgrade). I love spending my days on the beach. It's partially because of the lovely sun and mostly due to the fact that time spent on the beach is time not spent working and frantically checking emails. Speaking of, I am really behind on email correspondences, so please be patient with me if you contacted me and haven't heard back yet. I spent all week on the beach and am still easing out of vacation mode. 

2. Revercel Triple Duty Sunscreen. I have been using this Revercel sunscreen and tint (review here) as my go to foundation for my "good skin" days. It gives off an amazingly natural and dewey glow. I have been wanting to try the Illamasqua Skin Base foundation for the dewey look, but I think I will save myself the $40 and stick to this spf 45 tint for the summer months.

3. Sigma Eye Shadow Base. I pack light when I am on vacation. These Sigma eyeshadow bases (swatches and review here) are the perfect eyeshadow and base for the shore. They are lightweight, pigmented and can be used as eyeshadows and/or base. Granted they are not completely waterproof, but they lasted well for me under the hot sun.

4. Birthday Cupcakes. There are very few things I enjoy more than a scrumptious red velvet cupcake. I enjoyed this one on my birthday and indulged in some unhealthy treats and drinks. I won't regret this one because vacation is supposed to be filled with guilty indulgences!

Favorite Products & Recommendations May 2013

Time goes by too quickly. I enjoyed the month of May a little less than I had hoped. The main reason being that the weather has been horrendous. Spring really skipped by. It is cold one day and hot the next. The unfortunate weather conditions and storms all over the world also really sucks. That said, there are a lot of great products I have thoroughly enjoyed over the past month.

This nuNaat Brazilian Keratin treatment has been a life saver! I dyed my hair this season and has been so worried about breakage and drying. I've been using the treatment religiously and have noticed that my hair looks ever healthier than before the dying process! I definitely recommend this whole kit. The conditioner makes my hair feel so smooth right after a shower.

The Beauty Nectar drink by Ashieda is really delicious. I'm bewildered that it can actually be good for my skin. It's like feeding someone soda and saying, it will make you lose weight! The added sugar probably helps make the taste, but I do feel like my skin has been looking a lot more radiant and flushed since starting this drink. It's worth a try.

Okay, so this one is not so much a product as a whole bike. I am in the process of putting a custom bike from Villy Customs together. I love the colors and can't wait to take it for a ride! I'm trying to be more active and returning to biking seems like a such a fun way to get in ship.

Disclosure: This post mentions products sent for consideration. All opinions expressed therein are the honest opinions of the author.

After Spring Cleaning: The Must-Have Fashion, Food & Tidbits

As I am tossing out old magazines, unused knickknacks and tattered handbags, I feel the need to fill the void they leave behind. I've donated a lot of clothes sitting in my drawers, a lot of makeup I never reach for, a lot of books I've grown tired of reading. I have a mental list of things I want to buy, but I have also organized this list of things I really wish for this Spring. Because really, what am I going to do with all this space in the closet and in my life now?

This Pretty Smitten Hello Darling iPhone 4s Case is so simple yet I fell in love with it at first sight. The Pool & Green color is vibrant enough but not overwhelming. I found this selling for $54.95 on Joss & Main, but then found the original seller (Pretty Smitten on Etsy) selling it for only $50.00. I don't understand why websites like Joss & Main and One Kings Lane tries to rip off it's buyers with overpriced products that they pretend are discounted. Rather than shopping at these "members-only site that offers limited-time sales", I would suggest a more traditional approach such as a department store or boutique.

With the weather getting warmer and beach season approaching, a cupcake should not be on my wish list - but it is! A little indulging can do wonders to the mind. These chocolate cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery are deliciously moist chocolate cupcakes with a smooth velvety texture and dark chocolate flavor, vanilla butter cream and assorted sprinkles. And if you ever visit Magnolia Bakery in New York, I definitely recommend the pistachio cupcakes with pistachio meringue butter cream.

This one is not so much a must have as it is a must read. My friend recommended Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express to me after seeing my obsession with Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. I haven't gotten around to reading much of it as of yet, but I like what I see so far.

Fashion Friday: Are Hairbands Back in Style?

I truthfully don't know if hairbands are coming back to make a statement in the fashion industry, but I know they are making a fine comeback for me! I'm not sure why I gave up on them after my middle school years. They are fantastic at keeping hair out of the face and they are just as much a fashion statement as any other accessory. Surely hairbands are more useful than a necklace and much less burdensome than a ring or heavy bracelet?

The thin glitter headbands look great to brighten up any dull look. And the flower headband is just a favorite all around!

Hey, I'm just here to show off the head gears.

Soaking up the sun with Miracle Skin Transformer

Happy Independence Day to my US readers! Before I go bathe myself in sunlight, I have to rave about my new favorite facial sunscreen: the Miracle Skin Transformer SPF20 Face.

It isn't advertised as such, but the Miracle Skin Transformer is basically a BB cream. It does everything a traditional BB cream promises to do - with a little extra gorgeous on the side. It's a mattifying formula, but the sheen finish is gorgeous and gives my face a whole new glow. It isn't supposed to be a foundation, but it's good enough as an all-in-one for me. It's slightly hydrating, primes, mattifies, contains SPF and gives my skin slight coverage. Before I make you fall in love with it (further), let me warn that at $48 for 50 mL, this product can be pricey. But if you don't require too much coverage, it might be worth the price as the Miracle Skin Transformer is all encompassing.

Sigma Beauty Favorites and Recommendations

Some of my favorite products from Sigma include (in no particular order): Paris Makeup Palette, Dry'n Shape, F80 Flat Kabuki, Cleansing & Polishing Tool, E25 Blending Brush and Mrs. Bunny Travel Kit!

The Recommended Sigma products:
Paris Makeup Palette - (See swatches and photos here)
Mrs. Bunny Travel Kit - (Read review here)
Dry'n Shape - (Read review here)
Cleansing and Polishing Tool - (Read review here)
F80 Flat Kabuki Brush
E25 Blending Brush
See all Sigma reviews

Back in 2010, I said that the MAC 187 was my favorite brush. Two years later, I realize that the Sigma F80 has long replaced the 187 in my heart. Sigma F80 is much easier to work with and it helps apply foundation so quickly and smoothly. I can easily do makeup in seconds and I have Sigma to thank.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Favorite Personal Fashion/Lifestyle Blogs

buy now, blog later is a shopping blog written by Laura (also previously known as lollipop26). Laura's beauty and fashion reviews are both quirky and honest. Her entertaining writing is lighthearted yet intimate and allows readers to live (and shop) vicariously through her blog.

Cupcakes and Cashmere is where Emily shares the details of her personal life as well as her advice and wisdom on home organization, fashion, beauty and cooking. She is a beautiful gem, both inside and out. Her photographs are top quality and the writing that accompanies them brings life into every shot.

A Cup of Jo is written by the sweet, amiable Joanna. As a writer, a mother and a wife, Joanna shares some of the most fascinating stories and tidbits of her life. She'll blog about anything from fashion to bikes to yummy treats for the little ones.

On not becoming a makeup hoarder in 2012

As much as I love to shop and spend money on things I don't necessarily need, I'm not as much of a hoarder as I may lead you to believe. I try to use things up - or if not, give them away. I have relatives and friends that are more than willing to take up any beauty products I may not use - and I am more than happy to let go. That said, I have a very difficult time giving up things that I love; and being a beauty blogger, I tend to love a lot of things.

In the past month, I've been very adamant about tossing away expired makeup, using up skincare products, not leaving just that bit of orange juice at the bottom of the container, etc. For the most part, things have worked out well: I am now in less danger of makeup poisoning, I've learned to regularly hydrate and take care of my skin, and my family is a lot less disappointed when opening the fridge. All said and done, I am still unhappy with the enormous about of makeup I tote around. Do I constantly need three bronzers, four blushers,  and several shades of pinky nude lipstick? No, I certainly don't. And here's where my 2012 resolution comes into play.

Recent Favorites: Inspiration Cosmetics, Yves Rocher

I've been busy with work lately (and here I thought I was on holiday) so please excuse my lack of detailed posts. I just wanted to share with you today some recent beauty favorites. Great products to start the new year out with, I hope! Look forward to the full reviews for these little charms soon.

Inspiration Cosmetics Imagine - Awe Inspiring Eyes and Face Make-up Kit

Favorite Beauty Products of 2011

Makeup Favorites and Reviews from Glam Beauty Board

Benefit Brow Zing, Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, Rimmel London Volume Accelerator Mascara, Urban Decay Eyeshadow, Revlon Matte Lipstick

As a proud member of the Glam Beauty Board, I get the honor of reviewing some of the makeup items handpicked by Glam Media’s Beauty Editor, India-Jewel Jackson. I am thrilled to be a part of this program because I get to join some of the best beauty bloggers in reviewing the latest and trendiest cosmetics. I've been introduced to some great makeup this month and am very excited to share this news with my readers.

Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zing in Dark (for dark brown to black hair)

Editor's Pick: Drugstore Eyeliners You Need

Wet 'n Wild Mega Eyes Creme Eyeliner
Just under $4 in stores and even cheaper online, this eyeliner is the best of its kind. The consistency is a little odd, sort of a mixture between cream and gel. It comes with a brush that isn't so great - but that doesn't stop this eyeliner from being the best budget eyeliner (ever). This stays put all day and is quite comparable to Stila's smudgepot, Bobbi Brown's gel liner and MAC's fluidline. I am still surprised that Wet 'n Wild managed to pull off something this decent. And they're charging barely anything for it. If you haven't tried it, it won't hurt to do so.


Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner
This liner is truly silky smooth and completely waterproof. It is creamy, yet works great on the waterline. If you don't want to shell out the cash for the Urban Decay 24/7 or MAC Powerpoint Pencil, the prestige eyeliner would be a nice alternative. There is a wide selection of colors to choose from. You will have to sharpen it often if you want to keep that thin, sharp edge. Prestige recommends you buy their sharpener, but I suggest you just stick to their eyeliner.



Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner
I have been using this eyeliner for five years now. It isn't the best eyeliner in the world and certainly can't make a great wing liner without smearing, but somehow, it remains a favorite. I have tried so many different eyeliners throughout the years, but I always go back to this one. It is extremely easy to use and lasts well throughout the day. Even when I accidentally smudge it or sleep in it, somehow my eyes don't look too bad. I use the Colorstay Eyeliner for my lids and my waterline and can finish the job within seconds. It is smooth, dark, affordable, and in my book, irreplaceable.

Do you have a favorite drugstore or budget eyeliner?

Some Beauty Favorites

I've put together a collage of some of my current beauty favorites.

I have been searching for a good night cream for some time now. I don't think I've found it yet. Currently, I dab some Kiehl's Cryste Marine Firming Serum on my forehead and expression lines and then apply Neutrogena's Light Night Cream all over my face. Since I am quite young, I don't know if the serum is actually doing anything, but I think the lines near my cheeks and mouth are less noticeable now.

I know there must be something better than the Neutrogena light night cream though. It moisturizes pretty well for the night, but I would like something with some sort of enhancement. You know, one of those things that not only moisturizes and repairs your skin, but also magically smooths out your face and gives you that perfect baby glow. Because I don't suffer from an acne problem, I want to venture out to find something amazing.

I have these obvious expression lines on my forehead when I raise my brows or make a face. I wonder if there is anything that is made for that. Any recommendations? I am also looking for a good eye cream that prevents/reduces fine lines. What is your skincare routine like?