Tackling summer trends: favorite summer blushes!

Hey guys!  Today I'm continuing with my summer trends series with a post on my top blushes for the summertime.  Most of these follow the peachy-pink trend that seems to always be in style during the warmer months, but I also threw in two others that rank high on my list.
I used to feel really "meh" towards wearing blush.  I was shy towards using much color at all, fearing it would make me look too much like a clown; I'd end up using really sheer blushes that you could hardly even tell I was wearing.  Now, though, I've come to realize why blush is so important!  It's one of the easiest ways to perk up your face and make you look younger.  And, of course, you have to find the right way to apply it for your face shape along with getting the color you like best.  I used to think peachy pinks looked terrible on me, but I've found that ones with enough pink in them can be very flattering!  Since I think you can also wear other colors during the summer, I included a shimmery bronze and vivid lilac shade in this post as well- together, they all scream "summer" to me!  (PS- I have quite a bit of these because I rotate the blush I wear daily.  I'm sure a lot of you can relate :)

Clockwise from upper left: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends blush in Fresh 20,  Hard Candy Fox in a Box blush in Spicy & Sweet, Darling Girl Cosmetics blush in Yes, Virginia!, DCG blush in Paradise Pink

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends sheer highlighting blush in Fresh

This is a blush I use when I'm doing a brighter pink or purple eye look and I want a soft, cool wash of color on my cheeks.  It's soft yet bright, so it creates a nice balance for vivid eyes.  I actually didn't use this much until recently, when I started playing around a bit more with color.  It's very sheer so I don't recommend it if you prefer more pigmented blushes.

Hard Candy Fox in a Box blush in Spicy & Sweet

You can read my full review of this here.  I usually swirl together the pinker shades, avoiding the brown, but all the brown does really is mute the final color and make it more peach (as in it doesn't make the color muddy).  This can be pretty bold for me- and the color leans pretty deep- but in small amounts it's gorgeous.

Darling Girl Cosmetics blush in Yes, Virginia!

This isn't as WHOA PURPLE as it looks in the jar or in my swatches, first of all!  It's subdued and pretty on cheeks and I love the finish.  Like Paradise Pink, it's almost-matte with a tiny amount of sheen.  I love this for a cooler-toned blush, perfect with neutral or purple/pink/violet eyes.

Darling Girl Cosmetics blush in Paradise Pink

On my NC20ish skin, this gives a really natural and flattering look- like you're wearing blush, but it's not in your face.  It's more on the peachy side with less pink, but its finish (same as Yes, Virginia!) makes it natural.  I will probably buy this in a full size the next DGC order I make.  I love it!

Clockwise from upper left: ELF Studio Contouring Blush/Bronzer, ELF Studio Golden Bronzer, ELF Studio blush in Twinkle Pink

ELF Studio Contouring Blush/Bronzer, blush side

This has been a long-time favorite of mine, despite my "meh" feelings towards glittery blush.  The soft color makes it more tolerable, I think.  This is pretty orange for what I normally gravitate towards, but I actually love this a lot.  It's also perfect in combination with the contouring bronzer (who would have thought..).

ELF Studio Golden Bronzer

No I STILL haven't finished this yet!  I purchased this at the beginning of last summer, but having used it so many times I was pretty sure it would be gone by now (and since I hit pan on it several months ago).  When I'm in the mood for a shimmery bronzer, this is what I use.  It's light in color and the shimmer isn't chunky, so it gives my face a really nice "glow".  A little on the cheekbones, temples, and nose looks wonderful.

ELF Studio blush in Twinkle Pink

This is a new one, and it's not the best quality blush, but the color is really pretty.  I should note that if you have the Studio Contouring blush/bronzer, the blush color is pretty similar, just a little more orange-toned.  This one has more pink in it, but as you can see in my swatches below, they're very close in color AND finish (same type of gold glitter).  However, Twinkle Pink is much more powdery, more so than my other Studio blushes.  It's a gorgeous peachy pink for summer, though!

Swatches:

L-R with flash: DCG Yes, Virginia!, ELF Studio Contouring Blush/Bronzer (blush), ELF Studio Twinkle Pink, Hard Candy Spicy & Sweet, DCG Paradise Pink, Neutrogena Fresh, ELF Studio Golden Bronzer

Hopefully this shows the sparkle/glitter a little better!

Hope you guys enjoyed this!  My next post will be my June favorites (I don't have too many), and then I have a few photo tutorials in the works.  Thanks for reading, like always. :)

xox

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Summer Lovin'

 

After being sick in bed all week with a virus, being able to wear make up again has made me far more excited than it should. Normally one to back away from bright colours with rapid speed, this little break from make up has made me slightly more adventurous. Cue all manner of make up slapped onto my face. And you know what, I kinda like it!

While I'll always be a Winter girl at heart, I'm happy to embrace the summer brights for the next while!

Inglot Eyeshadow Quad (bottom two colours)

MUFE Aqua Liner in 21L Dark Grey

Maybelline Volume Lashes Mascara

Chanel Pro Lumiere

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer

MAC Harmony Contour Powder

MAC Well Dressed Blush

MAC I Like it Like That l/s

Currently listening to this and this while reading Hello Beautiful and Buy Now Blog Later.

Do the summer months result in you wearing brighter colours?

Happy Monday! x

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Summer Makeup tips

Natural makeup is perfect for summer, bronze powder, matte eyeshadows, creamy lipstick, and pastels are perfect for the hot period of the year.

Say no to foundation:
Instead use a tinted moisturizer with a spf, it will give you some coverage but wont melt off in the heat.
Powder:
Replace foundation with a powder, choose a light, smooth texture.
Bronze powder:
Avoid using bronze powder just after applying moisturizer. It will make it more difficult to apply. Skin should be dry. Apply to forehead, nose bridge, cheeks, a bit on the chin and neck.
Blush:
For more natural look use a creamy and smooth, fluid texture and warm colors. 
At the Beach:
Beach makeup doesn't have to forbidden, instead apply a light coat of waterproof mascara, then a lipgloss in a shimmery shade.
  

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Favorite (and least favorite) self tanners- Oompa Loompas not welcome!

Having fair skin, I have grown to love self tanners- ones that don't make me orange that is.  I tan naturally pretty easily for being fair, except I really don't spend much time outdoors anymore.  They quickly become my best friends during the warmer months!
The thing I struggle with, being about a MAC NC20 (when I'm not spending much time in the sun), is which ones give my skin a nice, healthy tan, as opposed to a "fake tan" tan.  Some come across too orange or just too dark to look natural.
These are the self tanners I currently own, and I'll explain which ones I'm fond of and which ones not so much!

Jergens Natural Glow

Jergens Natural Glow self tanners are my favorite (out of the ones I've tried, anyway!), mainly because they are gradual tanners and don't just wash off after one use.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (fair skin tones)

I use this basically year-round: on average every 3 days during the summer, and whenever I want an extra boost of color throughout the winter.  My favorite part about it is how gradual it is- you can see in the picture below that it takes one week to build the color.  My second favorite part is that the smell is bearable.  These two things together make it one of my HG tanners, because I'm super sensitive to scent and I really don't want anything too dark.  It's pretty fool-proof and won't leave you with streaks (YAY!  So unattractive).  The color is natural, so I wouldn't recommend this to someone who wants a deep tan (although they do have ones for medium/tan skin tones, that probably go darker).  It's perfect for me because it's usually not a hugely noticeable difference in my color, but just enough so I don't feel white.  And it's great for use in between my next self tanner, Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer!

(Showing the time it takes to build the tan)

Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer (fair-medium skin tones)

I use this specifically during the summer, because it provides a decent amount of color AND gives quick results (up to 3 days).  Hence the "express" part of it.  This is great if you want to be tan for something particular coming up, need it quickly, but don't want something that will wash off (like the two I'll show below).  The smell is still bearable, like the Daily Moisturizer, but a little stronger.  You also have to be a bit careful when applying this, because I've gotten streaks when I do it quickly.  I've used it on my face before even though it's deemed a "body moisturizer" and it actually gives my face a nice tan.  I'm really fond of this one.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze

These L'Oreal tanners are tinted lotions that last throughout the day, and then wash off when you shower.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion (medium-deep skin tones) & Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer Lotion

Because both of these tanners are pretty identical in the color, scent, and formula, I'm going to review them together.

They are both a shimmery, deep bronze color (see pictures below) that looks scary until you blend it in.  It actually leaves a very subtle amount of color behind and I've applied double layers in the past.  I actually don't use these very much because I find they rub off easily on clothing and stain, and the smell is also pretty bad (in comparison to the Jergens tanners).  On the positive side, I do think they're really flattering for skin- the shimmers highlight and the deep color makes skin look like its glowing.  If you like these kind of tanners I'd recommend them, but personally they're not my thing.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer- huge amount on top, blended in on bottom.  

Note: I definitely squeezed out too much!

I hope this helps!  I've tried out several different self tanners in the past, and these are the ones I own currently and use when I feel like tanning.  I'm also planning on another post showing the makeup bronzers I own and which ones I like best.

Which self tanners do you guys use, if any?  I'd love to know if you have any recommendations- I'm always on the lookout for better tanners!

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My Top 10 Summer Products

 Elf Makeup Mist & Set (2 oz)- With Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumber and Vitamins A, C & E
L'OREAL Sublime Bronze (200 ml)- Beautifully radiant sun-kissed look, Smoothing action + Golden illumination
Elf Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 (0.7 oz)- With Aloe, Cucumber and Vitamins A, C & E

Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara (0.27 ml)- Builds a natural to dramatic look.

Elf Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil- Boldly Bronzed

Bokeh Face Mineral Eyeshadow- No. 006 Swiss Vanilla

Rimmel Bronzer, Elf Bronzer

 Rimmel Natural Bronzer (0.49 oz)- 021 Sun Light Natural Bronzer with minerals. Gives face a sunkissed glow.
Elf Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder- Luminance A touch of sunshine to warm up every complexion with its soft and silky texture for a beautiful and natural glow.

Aquafina Flavor Splash Lip Balm (0.1 oz)- With Jojoba oil, Almond oil and Vitamin E

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear- Bubblegum Pink

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Sinful Colors=HOT PINK Toes!

Now normally I go to the salon and get a pedicure but money is a tad bit tight right now so I decided to paint them myself last night!

I used the Sinful Colors Professional #920 (It doesn't have a name on the bottle?) But It's a hot pink! Totally perfect for warm weather! I love wearing neon colors in the summer!

And that is my favorite base coat next to it!

I am on the hunt for a neon blue, got any brands to let me know about?

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Wednesday Weekly Favorites: Glow-y Summer Goodies

This week was a sort of continuation from a couple weeks ago when I went a little lighter with my makeup.  I've been very into making my skin/makeup look as healthy and clear and glow-y as possible this summer, and these products have helped me in doing so.

MAC 252 Large Shader brush- OK, this is one of the two products that doesn't go along with the theme.  For my 13th birthday, my mom took me to a MAC counter to learn how to do my makeup, and she bought me two brushes; this one and the 224 tapered brush.  Ever since I came across ELF's brushes, I haven't really used this.  Actually it's been longer than that.  I haven't used this brush in a looong time.  But anyway, I got it all nice and clean last week, and decided I needed to put it to the test again.  Surprise, surprise- I love it!  Like you've probably heard, it's great for "packing-on" color to the lid area.

Wet 'n' Wild Walking On Eggshells eyeshadow trio- This gives me such a pretty, shimmery eye that I love to wear during the summer.  The colors are soft and pigmented, and I feel like the combination of shades help brighten my eyes.

ELF Tinted Moisturizer in Light Beige- I bought one of these awhile back, fell in love with it, purchased a back-up, and then fell out of love with the first one before I even finished it.  Last week I opened the back-up to see if the consistency was any different since it was "new".  It was a little thicker in texture than the one I had been using for months, and I think that made all the difference.  I've been using it ever since- I'm back in love with this product!  It gives me light coverage that's not sheer, and doesn't go on super shiny like other TMs can.  Plus, the color is pretty much a perfect match for my skin.

ELF Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal- I talked about this here, when I compared it to my other favorite highlighter, Benefit High Beam.  I'm just trying to use this up, but I really do think it's a quality product.  I wear it on top of my tinted moisturizer or foundation, but under my powder so it doesn't look too shimmery.

Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express mascara- You all probably know how much I love this mascara by now.  I did a review of it here, so you can see why!  It's my current HG mascara.  Covergirl Lash Blast gives me great volume, but this one gives me great volume AND length.

Neutrogena Acne Stress Control face wash- The lovely Jamie at Maquilagem Masstige recently recommended this face wash for dry/sensitive skin.  I've been using it for about two weeks now I think and it's been working nicely for me.  It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin or leave it feeling tight, and I really think it has helped reduce the redness in my face (It has green tea and cucumber in it).  My skin usually gets a little red after cleansing, but it hasn't been so noticeable since using this.

That's it for this week!  Any of these products that you like as well?  Let me know!

:)

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Wednesday Weekly Favorites: Going Lighter

This week I finally felt like I made the transition to more "summer appropriate" makeup.  At least for a little while, anyway- who knows how long it will last.  I'm usually not one to lighten up my eye makeup during the hotter months, but this week I tried especially hard to hold back!  I also experimented with wearing less foundation again.  As I've mentioned before on here, I'm a foundation newbie- I just got into it recently.  And ironically, recently I've had more breakouts than normal.  It could just be due to the hot and humid weather, but I decided I'd see what wearing less makeup on my face would do for my skin. 

Anyway, enough talking!  These are my favorite items for this past week:

Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express mascara- I've mentioned this numerous times here, but I seriously love it.  It's the only Maybelline mascara that has given me good results!  

ELF Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder- This one I've also mentioned on here.  I've been using the blush, and I have to say it's about the only peach color I've tried and liked on my skin tone.  It has enough pink and shimmer in it to even out the orange.

NYC IndividualEyes compact in Central Park- Can you tell by now that I like this?  LOL.  I've been using this palette almost every day since I got it last week.  I love that bottom champagne color; it's getting the most usage by far.  I just love the colors together for a soft, neutral, everyday eye.

Aveeno Clear Complexion foaming cleanser- I've been rotating my cleansers (I collected quite a few last month, and now I'm trying to use them up), and this week I'm using this one.  I like that the foam consistency feels non-irritating on my sensitive skin, and it blends easily into a lather.  

NYC Smooth Mineral Natural Veil- This is just a translucent powder, but I really like the quality of it. It's very finely milled, and it sticks with me all day.  This week I've just been using concealer on my couple remaining pimples (Thank goodness the others cleared up!), and then dusting my entire face with this.

Mary Kay eyeliner in Amethyst-  I've been pairing this with my NYC IndividualEyes compact eyeshadows, and it's a great combination, especially for green eyes.  

Wet 'n' Wild Idol Eyes eyeliner in Dark Brown- I've been using the smudge-tip a lot, and then I'm also trying to just finish up the rest of this eyeliner.  I've had it for a few months and now have other dark browns I like better, so I want to get rid of this.  LOL.  It's still a good eyeliner, though, don't get me wrong.

Have you used any of these products?  What are your current favorites?

And one last thing before I go for the night-

I got this at Target today:

Definitely expect a review in a week or so once I've given it a fair trial!  

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Randoms

1) On a completely unrelated topic, look at what happened to my new Victoria's Secret eyeshadow palette (The one I purchased at the Semi-annual sale and did my most recent purple EOTD with):

!!!!!!!!

It fell out of my makeup drawer and hit my tile floor!  I was so mad.  Luckily it's not completely destroyed...

2) And another stupid thing I did on Tuesday, but just noticed it while I was in the shower this morning:

LOL.  So there I was at Target, thinking, "I need new shampoo.  Oh!  I should try the new Pantene stuff."  So I decide to get the kind for fine hair (I probably should've gone with the kind for medium-thick hair, but I wanted the volume stuff), and I'm looking at the different types.  They have one to get "Fragile to Strong" hair, and another to get "Flat to Volume" hair.  I don't know how I ended up with THESE, one Fragile to Strong conditioner and one Flat to Volume 2 in 1.  I never use 2 in 1, haha.  Whoops!  

3) Anyway, I'm going with my boyfriend to his hometown today/tonight.  It's out in the country, but it's also on a lake, so we're going to go swimming/to the beach and stuffs.  This is the first time so far this summer that I've really had to "summer-proof" my makeup.  Unfortunately I don't have waterproof mascara, but I'm wearing my Maybelline Mineral Power powder foundation on my face, Benefit High Beam on my browbones and cheekbones, and then just some eyeliner (My trusty Clinique Quickliner) along with mascara.  

I rarely wear this little makeup, and I practically ALWAYS wear eyeshadow.  But I think it'll do me just fine considering it's going to be 90+ degrees and 70% humidity.  Lovely!  :)

4) This didn't occur to me until today, but has anyone ever tried using paint brushes as makeup brushes? I wouldn't like throw out all my makeup brushes and only use paint brushes, but maybe having a few to complete my collection.  There are a few kinds of brushes I would like to have but don't want to dish out $$ on (Hobby Lobby has some decent prices, so I was thinking of checking out their selection).  Have you ever used paint brushes for makeup?

5) I achieved Carpenter Bee status on BzzAgent, haha!  Woopee!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

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Fashion Wishlist for Summer & New Layout!

The summer months make me think of flowy tops, casual accessories, and just lots of comfy clothes.  I hate being uncomfortable in hot weather.  I definitely need to go shopping for some new shorts, as most of mine are too old for wear anymore.  But dresses and skirts will work just fine in the meantime!
Here are some things I'm wanting badly for the upcoming season:

1. Keyhole T, American Eagle Outfitters

2. Beaded Dangle earrings, Forever 21

3. Linen Dreams Pleated dress, Forever 21

4. Mesh and Slub knit top, Forever 21

5. Beaded necklace, Forever 21

6. Colored denim shorts, Forever 21

7. Deux Lux Basketweave satchel, Urban Outfitters

8. Beaded bangle, Piperlime

9. Perforated oxfords, Urban Outfitters

I also updated my blog layout, using Blogger's new design feature.  I'm really impressed with how easy to use it is and the number of ways you can customize things.  Hope things are still just as easy to find/navigate!  (Oh, and this way my comment button is finally at the bottom of the posts again!  Yay!)

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EOTD: Teal and Gold

Hey everyone!  Happy almost Memorial Day.  I have to work all day tomorrow so it doesn't really feel like a holiday weekend to me, but that's ok!  It's finally feeling like summer here in the midwest, and I'm so excited to finally be bringing out more fun colors.  My "colors of the summer" are definitely going to be blues and turquoises, which is strange for me.  I've always, always been a true purple eyeshadow fan. I'm glad to finally be breaking out of my normal routine, though!

Anyway, this is a look I did a few days ago.  It started my current obsession: lining my lower waterline!  I did this when I first started using makeup, and then I stopped maybe 2-3 years ago because I thought I couldn't pull it off/it made my eyes look funny.  Well, the last week or so I've just fallen in love with it all over again.  :)

What I Used:

-Almay Bright Eyes eye base (all over lid, browbone, and underneath eye)

-MAC Dazzlelight eyeshadow (all over lid and browbone)

-NYC Waterproof eyeliner in Teal (upper lashline)

-Clinique Quickliner for eyes in Roast Coffee (lower waterline)

-ELF Eyeliner/Eyeshadow stick in Pearl/Glow (I used the Glow part- the eyeshadow- to highlight just under my eyebrows, the inner corners of my eyes, and underneath my lower lash line)

-Rimmel Glam Eyes mascara in Black

I love the pop of teal.  I used to think teal didn't look good with my eye color, but I think this deepened shade brings out more of the blue in them.

Oh, and before I go, I have a question.  :)  

What is your "color" for the summer?

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Outfit of the Day!

Hey girls,

I wore a really simple romper the other day and it looked super cute (if I do say so myself! Hehe).

Romper- Garage
Sandals- Aldo
Earrings- local jeweller
necklace- Forever21
Sunglasses- Diane von Furstenberg

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