Another month has come and gone in the form of February 2013 and what a whirlwind of a month it has been! Of course that means it's time for me to share my monthly favorites with you all! Today's post is all about the best of the best... These are the stand outs among the plethora of products that circulate my vanity each month. Let's have a look, shall we?
[one] Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour full coverage foundation SPF 15 - Fair ($38): This base has been a longtime love of mine because of how well it works on my oily skin. It provides very full coverage (that can easily be sheered out with a Beauty Blender or a damp synthetic brush) while mattifying the skin. This is one of the few foundations that I don't have to set with powder, though I do anyway (those with oily skin will know my plight). It's also among the few lovely products that manage to mattify the problem areas without accentuating the occasional dry patches, making it great for most skin types. The lasting power is fantastic too. Knowing it will stay put on my skin all say and still look natural is why I reach specifically for this when I need my makeup to last. I'd definitely recommend checking it out if you're in the market for a full coverage, natural looking foundation.
[two] Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder ($7-10): Dare I say this powder has become holy grail for me? It's really that great. Surprisingly, it has taken the place of my beloved Rimmel Stay Matte powder and is currently part of my go-to face routine. Unlike my translucent Rimmel powder, Revlon's option adds a slight bit of coverage. Nearly Naked is so finely milled that the powder is almost
creamy... And that's also why you can apply as much as you want without it ever becoming cakey. I should also mention that it does an excellent job keeping my face matte for hours without touch ups. It's yet another amazing new addition to the drugstore, and the matching foundation is pretty nice too (should I do a review?).
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[three] Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion SPF 38 ($34): Lately I've really been into revamping my skincare routine and Shiseido has been consistently impressive with each product I've tried. I figured since I'm 23 it couldn't hurt to add a little protection and prevention into my skincare regime.
Regime. I love that word. Just me? ...Shiseido's Sun Protection line was an instant fit for me since I preach sun care and SPF religiously. This lotion is the best daytime face moisturizer I've used because it absorbs quickly and protects my face from sun damage. It has a lightweight, non-greasy feel but also hydrates my skin nicely. I'm pretty sure this will continue to be a staple in my routine for the Spring/Summer months due to its sand (yes, sand) and water-resistant properties.
[four] Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 34 ($32.50): This is yet another sun care product that I've been favoring recently and it pairs so well with the lotion I just mentioned. I'm definitely new to the expansive world of eye creams but this one had great reviews and a good level of SPF so I went with it. It caught my attention mainly because you don't really see SPF in eye cream too often, especially with anything over SPF 15. I've been loving this for daytime use because it hydrates my eye area but absorbs very quickly, leaving my eye area nice and prepped for the sun's daily wrath. I also haven't had any problems whatsoever with my under eye concealer creasing with this product. Overall I'm very pleased with this new addition to my daily routine. I'm all for starting good habits that are beneficial in the long run!
[five] Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush - Dazzled ($26): I got this blush in one of my recent Tarte orders... You know, the one I
had to place of course. 50% off Tarte blushes?!? I neither have nor want the willpower to pass up that good of a deal lol. Anyway, Dazzled is the one I was drawn to most upon getting my order, and it has since been on my cheeks every day that I've worn makeup. It is the prettiest rosy pink shade with
subtle shimmer running throughout it. On my skin it shows up as a warm rosy flush that looks very natural. The shimmer honestly doesn't translate to the skin in an obvious way. It really goes without notice, but I'm not complaining! If my blush has shimmer, I prefer it to be subtle as I can then add my own highlight where I want.
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Lately I've gotten several compliments while wearing this blush and I've found it to be quite flattering against my fair NW15 skin (see accompanying selfie). This shade will work well on most skin tones, though some more than others will need to exercise a light hand. I say that because the blush itself is so richly pigmented that it's really easy to overdo if you aren't careful. I don't have any problems with using a less dense brush and blending a bit more, especially when the blush is going to last all day. Dazzled has now become a staple in my makeup routine and is definitely one of my favorites from the entire Amazonian Clay Blush line. I
will do a post dedicated to the 17 shades I own from this amazing line soon! Oh, what a monster that post will be! You can find Tarte products at your local Sephora and ULTA.
MAC eyeshaodows in Woodwinked, Mulch, Vanilla, & Soft Brown:
[six] MAC Eyeshadows ($15) - Woodwinked, Mulch, Vanilla, & Soft Brown: Previously reviewed and swatched in my
everyday eye palette post. These four eyeshadows have been been my favorites for a while now, but this month they were on my eyes more than anything else. I just love the way these can create multiple eye looks using the same four shades. My favorite way to wear them is with Mulch across my eyelid, soft brown in the crease and as my transition color with Vanilla as my highlight. I change it up from the usual neutral eye look by sweeping Woodwinked all across my lower lash line. It really transforms the look and compliments my blue eyes nicely. I just love the combination of the warm colors with the pop of gold... It adds a little something special to a look. If I were to recommend a few MAC eyeshadows to start with, I would pick these four... plus Satin Taupe. What's your go-to eyeshadow look right now? I could use a bit of inspiration lately!
Lancôme Khôl in Love Eyeliner in Jade Crush:
[seven] Lancôme Khôl in Love Eyeliner - Jade Crush ($26): Possibly the prettiest eyeliner I've ever seen, Jade Crush has been on my waterline several times this month. It's a gorgeous vibrant aqua blue shade that really looks amazing with the neutral eye look I described above. Lancôme describes this as a dark green, which is baffling because it isn't dark and it isn't really green either. This super soft pencil applies like a dream and wears on my waterline for about four to five hours until I start to see fading. My only wish is that the wear was longer, but for a color this stunning I can reapply as needed. I can definitely see this being my reached for eyeliner during the Spring and Summer months. Jade Crush is limited edition item that released with Lancôme's In Love Collection for Spring 2013. I am tempted to buy a backup because I love it so much. The two other eyeliners that released with this collection are Deepwater Blue and Chocolate Affair. The whole In Love Collection is really beautiful (especially the blushes!) but Jade Crush is easily the star of Lancôme's Spring lineup.
Wearing Lancôme Jade Crush with the look I described above:
Sorry my February favorites post is a bit fashionably late, but better late than never right? Let me know what your favorites were for February in the comments below!
XOXO, Taylar
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