Current Beauty Favorites + Mini Reviews

Face Products

 IT Cosmetics CC + Cream Illumination SPF 50+

(My Shade: Medium)

I recently finished up my CoverGirl BB cream (will post a review later) and wanted to pick up another foundation within the lines of a BB or CC cream. During school and work days I rarely wear heavy foundation due to the humidity of Florida and the dryness of my skin (I know this sounds odd). I find that BB and CC creams provide just enough coverage for day to day use without that heavy feeling that foundation has. 

IT Cosmetics has some of the best CC creams, They have the coverage of a liquid foundation but feel like a feather has touched your skin. They are also incredibly easy to blend (I prefer to use a beauty blender sponge with this). The Illumination is the newest in their collection and what makes it different from their original formula is that this one adds a little glow to your skin as well as some hydration. It lasts very well and I have not had any trouble with it caking on my face. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish

in the shade Medium Plus

This is an oldie but a goodie. I was cleaning out my makeup (much needed) and found that I had some backups still in their packaging (#lifeofamakeupaddict). I remember loving and using this powder religiously in high school. It not only sets my makeup but gives it a natural finish to my skin (not too matte but still controls any shiny problem areas). Plus it also adds a little extra coverage. Sometimes I just wear concealer and this powder alone without any foundation. 

Lip Products

Bare Minerals Gen Nude Under Over Lip Liner 

in the shade On Point

I have never been a huge fan of lip liner until I found this product. For a pencil lip liner I was shocked at how creamy and smooth it is. It glided on my lips so effortlessly. The color is also pretty great. There are 5 colors in this collection and out of all of them On Point is my favorite. It is a nude terracotta with some pink undertones. I actually like to wear it all on its own. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was how difficult it was to sharpen. If you are not careful it will melt down inside the sharpener. I suggest putting it into the freezer for a little bit before sharpening. 

Milani Color Statement Lipstick

in the shade Naturally Chic

This has been my go 2 nude lip color for the past 2 months. The lipstick itself is creamy and feels nice on the lips. It doesn't over dry or flake. I find that you can wear this with or without a lip liner underneath. 

elf Cyber Monday Haul

Hey guys I know that this is a bit delayed but Fedex once again screwed up my delivery. I don't know why but Fedex has never been reliable for me when it comes to packages. Well anyways here is my 

Cyber Monday haul. Everything on elf (www.eyeslipsface.com) was 50% off plus a free kabuki brush with every order. Elf is known for their very affordable makeup. There will be reviews on some of these products in the future.Everything except the Kabuki brush which was free is still available online at full price.

Blush Dios in (from Top Left, Top Right, Bottom)

Antigua

St. Lucia

Turks & Caicos 

Retail- $3.00 (each)

Sale- $1.50 

Blush Palette in Dark

Retail- $6.00

Sale- $3.00

Single Blush in Mellow Mauve

Retail- $3.00

Sale- $1.50

Left: HD Mattifying Balm 

Retail- $6.00

Sale- $3.00

Right: Clarifying Pressed Powder

Retail- $1.00

Sale- $0.50

Smudge Pots in Crusin' Chic (Left) & Poppin Party (Right)

Retail- $3.00

Sale-$1.50

Long wear Lipliner + Sharpener in Bitter (Left)

Retail- $1.00

Sale- $0.50

  Powder Brush (Right)

Retail- $3.00

Sale $1.50

Slanted Kabuki Brush

FREE!!! 

Retail- $6.00

What's NEW @ The Drugstore!!!

L'Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray

PACKAGING: 

Comes in a plastic black spray bottle

Contains 1.4 fl oz of product

FORMULATION:

I was very surprised and glad that there is finally a DRUGSTORE setting spray (excluding NYX Cosmetics). Setting sprays are a great alternative to powder when it comes to keeping your makeup intact on your skin. The mist comes out pretty evenly and not drippy. It is light weight and very refreshing. In terms of how well this product actually works for my dry skin it did a pretty good job keeping the makeup on my skin. In comparison to Urban Decay's All Nighter Spray it wasn't as long. I would say after 6-7 hours the L'Oreal spray started to stop working. I noticed my makeup starting to look a little blotchy. As for the Urban Decay's All Nighter Spray I would get a good 8-12 hours. For people with oily skin it does tend to fade a little bit faster but everyone has different skin so this may not apply to all people with oily skin.

Over all I say this is a decent alternative to more higher end brands such as Urban Decay's or the Skindinavia setting sprays. The price is a bit more on the expensive side $17.99 and don't forget to include tax. But the higher end brands can range from anywhere at $20 and up. Prices may change once this product hits mass market. There are people out there that has bought this for about $16. So definitely do a little research and be on the lookout.

Almay Smart Shade Loose Finishing Powder

Packaging: 

-Plastic container

-Shifter inside along with a powder puff

Formulation:

-Colored loose powder

-Very well pigmented

-Sets matte

-Comes in 3 shades

Coverage:

-Build able medium coverage

-Can be used as either a setting powder or foundation on its own

Where to purchase/pricing:

-Drugstores nationwide

-$13

Review: Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder

Packaging: Comes in a similar plastic packaging like the Dream Matte Powder with the exception of a clear top and rather the bottom layer sliding to reveal the mirror and sponge this powder packaging opens up.

Formulation: This particular powder has a very smooth and silky texture. Compared to the other powders from Maybelline this one offers a build able medium coverage so definitely use a light hand if you don't intend to use it as a powder foundation. It leaves the skin with a semi-matte finish. It also left a rosy finish nothing too crazy but for some odd reason it made my skin pinker (very odd for an Asian with yellow skin undertones) 

Wear Time: Wear time varies with skin type. Oily skin I recommend staying away after awhile it can get greasy and oily looking. For dry skin this powder gives a natural luminosity to the skin. I have very dry skin especially with the recent temperature drop. It lasted on my skin for a good 8 hours without any touchups. If definitely won't last this long during the hotter months coming up but you can always use a setting spray on top to enhance wear time.

The color selection is very nice comes in 16 shades. If you have a darker complexion you may have a bit of trouble finding your color. 

Overall: 3.5/5
Not a bad powder overall. For me this isn't a powder I would use on an everyday business especially with the upcoming warmer months. I prefer my powders to feel light along with coverage. This powder had the coverage but not the light weight. 

$ and Where to Purchase: Since this product is brand new it can be a bit tricky to find. CVS for sure carries them and other drugstores like Walgreens are just starting to get them in. Select Targets as well as Target online have them in stock. And of course prices will vary depending on where you purchase but it will be less than $10 where ever you decide to purchase it.