January 2015 Favorites

January 2015 Favorites (apologies for the poor quality)

Welcome back, friends! Sorry I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus. I haven’t felt super inspired to blog, but I’ve planned out several posts for the future and hope to be back more regularly in 2015. And hopefully back with more creative posts…

But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at what I’ve been loving in January.

Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + – I have mixed feelings on using this on its own (mostly because I think it’s a bit too pale for me), but I’ve been mixing this foundation with both my CoverGirl Outlast and Estee Lauder Doublewear, and it is gorgeous! It mixes really nicely with both of them and prolongs the wear/matte look of the foundation. This is a new technique for me, but I’ve really been loving this.

Beauty Blender – Why this went away, I’ll never know. Especially when I’ve been mixing a thicker foundation like the Mat Velvet + in with foundations, this helps give my foundation a more natural look to the finish. It makes my skin look flawless, blends concealer really well, and is such a great tool!

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Powder – I hauled this several months ago and never made up my mind about it. It turns out, I was just applying it wrong! I was trying to layer too many powders/use the powder puff that comes with this powder. Instead, when it’s used as an all-over setting powder with a fluffy brush, it is really nice! It really does blur pores and makes skin look more flawless. Too much can look too powdery and fake, but just the right amount makes the skin look a.

Lorac Pro Palette – I talk about this palette a lot, I know. However, the matte brown look has showed itself again this month, and I was reminded just how pretty it is. I need to play with some of the non-neutral colors and get out of my comfort zone more, but for work meetings where I need to look really professional but still glam, I’ve been obsessed with this palette. Everyone talks about it for a reason!

Julep Shari – I’ve been really into soft neutrals for nails this month, and this one is so pretty and unique! The website describes it as “sweet pea creme,” but it pulls a little pink, mauve or grey depending on how you look at it. The formula of this polish is super long-lasting on me, too.

L’Oreal Amber Rush pigment – I love this product, as I’ve talked about a lot in the past, but this month, I’ve really rediscovered it. I like it paired with a simple cool-toned brown shadow – easy, pretty look!

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil – I haven’t used this since I stopped using the BareMinerals foundation system, and never really gave it a second thought. I got a sample somewhere along the way, and it is a really nice setting powder! It gives my foundation a “finished” look for the whole day, especially in my oilier zones.

Benefit Dandelion – It’s been years since I pulled out this boxed blush, but it is so pretty! Once upon a time, I used it as an all over brightening powder because it’s a super light pink…but that was not wise. When you layer it on the cheeks, it’s a really nice, soft pink blush that looks great with anything. It also smells amazing, so it’s back in the rotation 🙂

DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel – I had a sample of this and had to buy the full size even before I had finished the sample. When I’m wearing my hair really long, as I am now, I’ve found I need to pursue different hair products for my curls. This one keeps my curls defined and frizz-free throughout the length of my hair and keeps the texture intact for several days. I am all about second and third day hair, so this has been a love.

Bite Lipstick in Cava – This formula is so gorgeous! I don’t wear lipstick a lot during the winter because my lips are already so dry. However, with this lipstick formula, it’s really easy! I do find that I have to reapply throughout the day more than with others, but the pigmentation is great and it feels so comfortable on the lips. And it’s really pretty! The reddish tone pumps up my look without being too much.

So there we have it! Sorry for the long break between posts, but I have several scheduled, so hopefully we’ll be back on track soon. Let me know what you’ve been loving in January!