Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Beauty Obsessions

Today I'm going to highlight some of my current favorite beauty obsessions.  Everyone knows how cheap I am when it comes to beauty products and cosmetics.  My motto is "if it's free or on clearance it's for me, especially if I've got a coupon!".

So with that being said, recently I've been pretty successful scoring some great products at 50% off at Ulta or Bare Escentuals by signing up for their emails and rewards/points programs.  Because of such, I have tried lots of new items I never would have wanted to try before (simply due to cost).   So far I have not been dissappointed and honestly can tell a difference in the quality of the products.  Sometimes there is benefit in splurging (a little) on cosmetics.  But that's a personal decision that only you can make.  

So here is my opinion on the items that I've tried, currently L.O.V.E and plan to continue to keep in my beauty toolbox for the time being.

Concealer:
Physcians Formula Gentle Cover
I used to stick to my ol' faithful Wet n Wild cheapo concealer stick until I scored this at Harris Teeter on clearance during super doubles coupons a couple years ago. I essentially got it for free which is great since I wasn't sure I was going to like it.  Fell in love immediately.  It's now a must-have in my beauty tool box. 


Eye Shadow Primers:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
I love it because it makes the Urban Decay eyeshadow last much longer and not "crease" it also makes the colors look brighter

NYX Eyeshadow Base (white)

Love love love it because it can be paired with any eyeshadow and still works well.  I love the white base version because it makes my colored eyeshadows pop even more (see my Urban Decay Shadow Palette below which is full of color!  Pairs very well together to make those colors POP.
Foundation:
Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation (Matte & Original)
I've tried both versions and love them both.  The mineral veil that goes with it though is a must because it adds that finishing touch.  They even have tinted mineral veil which serves as bronzer essentially which is pretty great too.  I've not used any Bare Escentuals product to date that I didn't love.

Mascara:

It's hard to impress me with mascara because I have naturally long, curly and somewhat thick eyelashes.  I've tried every brand at your typical drugstore or Target/Wal-Mart as well as most brands you can find in high end department stores and have never found one that was like "oh my goodness, this is IT, this is THE ONE!".  Until....now.

Benefit - They're Real 

I tried this at the store (Ulta) with the assistance of a Benefit Beauty Consultant.  I spoke to her in length regarding what I was looking for and how I'd yet to find it and she forced me to let her put this stuff on me.  I agreed and man am I glad I did because it is really perfect for me.  It thickens them up even more and curls them.  I pair it with one light coat of a lengthening & separating mascara (usually Loreal Telescopic) then apply two coats of this magic and bam.  My eyes are FABULOUS! 

Eyeshadow
Anything Urban Decay.  There really is value in splurging.  I've tried every Urban Decay wanna-be that they sell and have to say nothing compares to it.  It lasts forever too by the way which makes the purchase over time not so bad...or maybe that's my way justifying the purchase to not feel so guilty?  Who knows?
Urban Decay Naked 2 Pallette - the basic nude colors are perfect for every day.  The dark smokey colors are perfect for a night out on the town and all in all you can't go wrong with the pallette.  Most of the colors have a little shimmer to them as well which is great and it lasts all day with no creasing if you use a primer base (which you definitely should).

Urban Decay Shadow Box - scored this on a super sale Ulta was having at 50% off and am in love with the colors.  The are pigmented well and when I use my NYX eyeshadow base the colors pop even more. A great pallette for spring/summer when you find yourself wearing brighter colors.

Foundation Primer
Bare Escentuals Prime Time
Love it because it's not overly oily or greasy and it doesn't break my skin out like so many of the other brands do.  It's very light and doesn't make your face feel like plaster.

So that's just my two-cents on what I'm using and love right now.  I'd love to hear if you have products that you swear by so I can try them too!  I'm still in the need for a moisturizer/BB cream that is good for every day use and won't clog pores and break my face out.  Any suggestions?  Seems like the ones that are most highly rated are the most expensive ones from what I've found.

Until Next Time...
XOXO Crazy Jess