Favorites Of The Month - November 2012 Edition

Long & Forgotten August & September 2011 Favorites

I've been so insanely busy lately with work, finishing up my BA and events that I completely forgot to post my monthly favorites. Shame on me! I apologize. In August, I kept in pretty simple with a little perfekt primer/foundation, a quick eye and some nude lips. In September, I went a little more heavier. I wanted really bold lashes with a frosty eye.

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Pressed Power ($32.50): I initially purchased this powder to help with some of the redness in my face. I tend to get super flushed and have been looking for a product to calm that down throughout the day. I do find that this does eliminate the redness, however, it can be a bit heavy and not good for dry skin types. If you use too much of the product, you can easily see it. I also think it's a bit too yellow. I imagine it would work best for someone with oily skin who is on the fairer side and more of a yellow undertone.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Satin Nude #22 ($19): I'm crazy about this lipstick and with good reason. It's extremely hydrating, long-wearing and gorgeous. It's described as a "satin nude." but it swatches as more a pink nude.  I tend to describe it as a "white nude." It really depends on the look you're going for. Either way I'm obsessed will definitely repurchase.

Perfekt Beauty Skin Perfection Gel in Radiant ($57.50): I love this product in the summer time. It's more a "your skin but better" kind of a foundation. It's multipurpose that offers a primer, foundation and setting powder all in one. What I love about it is it has Smart Color Technology that matches your skin perfectly every time. This is the smaller size they sell at Sephora, but the large size is a much better value.

Fresh Supernova Mascara ($25): This mascara is meant to give you dramatic lashes and in that sense, it delivers. I tend to partner this along with a length/separation mascara. When I was younger, I had long, full lashes, but after using so many cheap drug-store mascaras my lashes aren't the same. I love the formula for this mascara and recommend to anyone who wants dramatic volume.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Natural Mascara ($19): This mascara is a 4-1 threat: curling, lengthening, volumizing AND conditioning. Oh yes. I love love love this mascara. I had it for a while and just never seemed to grab it. I discovered it again over the summer and needless to say, it's been used ever since.

Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer ($28): This is just gorgeous for that shimmery, dewy look. You can see my   previous review here.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner #13 Matte Black ($23): Easy to use, water-resistant and long-lasting. What's not to like?

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Egea ($33): Another eyeshadow duo at the bottom of the stash. I can't believe I forgot about this beauty. It comes with two shades that are described as "frosted sage" and "smokey lilac." This a great duo for that awesome frosty eye. They're extremely pigmented and smooth. Definitely one to check out.

Tarte Eye Couture, Day-to-Night Shadow Palette ($44): This palette is perfect for someone who wants that signature bronze or smokey eye look. It has 5 shadows in the bronze family and 5 shadows in the charcoal family. Easy to go from day to night.

Have you made any purchases that you love lately?

Fragrance Fave: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Extreme

I've been a lover of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb for about a year or so now. I can't get over how gorgeous the scent smells and I love that the brand comes out with different editions for the holiday seasons. I recently finished my original Flowerbomb and was curious if I could find an older edition to try. I found two older editions that I wanted: Extreme Edition & Tutu Edition. I ended up purchasing the Extreme Edition and I was not disappointed. It smells AMAZING. It smells almost the same as the original, but a little more intense. I can really smell the vanilla in this one, which I LOVE.

"Flowerbomb Extreme is an intensified version of the original Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb fragrance. This bright mixture is laced with pure vanilla for a subtle sensuality that complements the intense explosion of jasmine and osmanthus flowers that makes up the heart of the fragrance."

I also really want the Tutu Edition. Just look at the bottle:

Is that not the cutest perfume bottle ever?! I definitely recommend the extreme to anyone who loves the original Flowerbomb, loves sweet scents or just loves vanilla. You won't be disappointed.

Retail: It can be a little difficult to find online. I found it on Fragrance Net for $95. You can also get a 15% off code when you purchase through their site. 

Have you purchased any fragrances you love lately?

June 2011 Favorites

I've been so busy lately that I totally forgot about my June favorites post! I only had a few favorites that I found myself constantly using. Let's take a look:

MAC Lustre Drops in Sun Rush:

I purchased this last Summer and fell in love with it. It's described as "liquid bronzer" and that's basically what it is. It's water-based and applies easily. I love this when I'm going for the dewy look we all love in the Summer. It's a pretty natural-looking highlighter with a shimmering finish.

Retail: $19.50 at MAC

Hourglass Film Noir Lash Laquer:

I wasn't sure if I was gonna like this or not. I actually find myself reaching for it in the morning once I've applied my mascara. It reminds me of old Hollywood glamour with their big, bold and glossy lashes. Kinda like Rita Hayworth...

She was so gorgeous -Sigh- I love old Hollywood. They definitely knew how to do it. See her lashes? 

Or what about Marilyn Monroe? Yup.

This lacquer kind of does that. It takes your lashes to the next level and gives them a glossy shine.

Retail: $28 at Sephora

Too Faced The Bronzed & The Beautiful:

From Left to Right: Snow Bunny, Sun Bunny & Pink Leopard

I love that this set comes with three of Too Faced's best selling bronzers. Depending on my look--I can opt for a lighter bronzer or a darker one. + it comes with a mini kabuki brush. Too Faced just launched a new version of this palette that comes with four shades including a gold shimmery highlight. I considered getting it, but if you already have this, you don't need it. 

Retail: $38 at Sephora

NYX Cosmetics Trio Eyeshadow in Anti Diva:

I think this trio is perfect for the warmer months. You can create the perfect blue summer eye. I like using the blue on my lid, orange/gold in my crease and the white under my brow. Gorgeous. I'm thinking about buying a few more of these trios from NYX. They're such good quality and super affordable.

Retail: $8 at NYX Cosmetics

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare: Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel

I'm obsessed with this peel. I try to use it everyday, but I'm lazy (honestly!) I love the way my skin looks & feels once I've done one of these. This pads helps to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, helps with acne scars/dark spots, balances oil, tones skin and increase clarity and radiance. It also helps to calm redness, sensitivity and irritation. I noticed a difference in my skin the very first time I used it. I can see that my skin was brighter, less red and felt smoother. I definitely recommend everyone to try these. You won't regret it!

Retail: $80 for a 30 day supply at Sephora

What were you loving this past June?