Hey guys, Happy Monday! I just wanted to link my latest video (it's a quick 5 minutes)...I hauled some new products from Hard Candy yesterday and they look so promising!! There are scented Fox in a Box bronzers, blushes, and highlighters, Cashmere Silk Lip Balms, Highlighting Trios, a new palette that looks like Huda Rose Gold and more!
Milani Cosmetics recently released some brand new products on their website, including two eyeshadow palettes, shiny liquid lipsticks, and plumping lip glosses! There are also some new highlighters which I didn't end up getting just because I have too many powder highlighters at the moment and these days I've been gravitating toward cream formulas for my drier skin.
If you love First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream, now is definitely the time to stock up! Starting today and running until February (while supplies last) is a duo of their oversized 14 oz. tubs for $43.86 (a $116 value). The tiny little 6 oz jar retails for $30 at Sephora, so this deal is crazy-good!!
Each duo comes with the original unscented version (great if you use it on your face) plus a second tub in either the original version or one of these scents:
Coconut & Lime
Cucumber & Melon
Vanilla
Mango
The Ultra Repair cream is one of my all-time favorites because it has this beautiful lightweight, fluffy texture that sinks right in with no greasy feel...yet it's incredibly hydrating! I also love that you can use it all over your body, even on your face.
For a closer look, check out my vlog from this week (I talk about this around the 8:20 mark)...
Tarte just dropped their new Shape Tape Foundation and now there are even more surprises, including the new Maneater Volume II Palette ($30). It has a slightly different layout with the addition of a black shade. I compared the original (left) with the new version (right) and all of the shades have the same names, yet look slightly different. That could just be lighting though...I'm guessing it's the exact same palette with one extra shade.
Also new is the Busy Gal Brows Tinted Brow Gel ($18). It comes in three different shades that claims to be buildable, tinted pigment that's waterproof and lasts 12 hours.
Finally, there's a new Shape Tape Eye Primer Stick ($21) that claims to be a 4-in-1 waterproof, creaseproof formula that doubles as an eye primer, neutral eyeshadow, correcting tint, and soft highlight.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam palette was leaked on Instagram today, forcing @norvina to post official photos earlier than she wanted to.
In her Instagram caption, she wrote about her inspiration for creating the palette:
"Soft Glam was leaked, like everything else we launch nowadays. Here she is 😍😩 so proud of this palette. I wanted to create a neutral palette that is a go-to for anyone, transitions beautifully from day to night, and is a dream for MUA’s with a bridal clientele.
I made this palette for my mom @anastasiabeverlyhills She is a neutrals 👑 and likes what she likes. I’ve been staring at the same hues of shadows in her makeup drawers since I was little. In truth it’s not just for her, it’s for everyone that loves this color story & wants shadows that melt on your skin and are packed with pigment. I created 7 new shades, used 3 from MR (Modern Renaissance) & incorporated my moms favorite ABH single shades which happen to be nudes Sienna & Orange Soda. There’s also Noir, because some of my favorite bridal makeup is a cat eye using mostly shadow that some of my favorite MUA’s create My philosophy on using existing single shades of those that are in a palette is this; if I can create a brand new shadow that isn’t in the line wonderful, however if some of the shades that work within the configuration are close enough to be an existing shadow, I’m not naming the new one something else and making you purchase a shadow that you can’t find as a single should you hit pan. Fair is fair & beloved shadows especially neutrals don’t exactly go out of style. I have so much campaign stuff to show you late February, but for now, here she is SOFT GLAM
I just uploaded swatches on my story. They’re rushed & done while upset so don’t judge the sloppiness
Photos: @norvina on Instagram
To me, this is like the more neutral "sister" to the Modern Renaissance palette. It has three of the same shades (Tempera, Burnt Orange, & Cypress Umber) but none of the brighter reds and oranges that neutral lovers shy away from. It looks super wearable and I'm excited for it! :)
Each formula has 15 available shades and they're $39 each. They'll be launching online at Ulta Beauty on January 21 and won't be in stores until February 4th.
Head on over to TarteCosmetics.com and grab your shade before it disappears! (I picked up both formulas in the shade Fair-Light Neutral since it seemed to look less yellow than the other shades around it).
The Ulta Love Your Skin Event has been in full swing during the month of January, with 50% off deals happening every day. Today's deal really jumped out at me because it's two serums that I've used in the past and would definitely recommend!
The Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum, $59(Reg. $118) is one of my favorite vitamin C serums and when I was using it I felt like my skin looked brighter and less lined. I finished out the entire bottle and would definitely repurchase! It didn't irritate my skin or cause redness like some other Vitamin C serums I've tried either because they use a derivative of C (3-O-Ethyl ascorbic acid). It's more stable and longer-lasting, so you don't have to worry that the potency will decrease halfway through the bottle.
bareMinerals SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Infusion, $19 (Reg. $38) claims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and help your skin look vibrant and healthy. I'm not sure about the fine lines and wrinkles part, as I didn't see too much of a difference there (maybe I didn't use it long enough) but I loved using this serum when I wanted my skin to look healthy and glowy. It really gave me a noticeable boost, which is great in the winter when my skin looks dull.
Have you tried either one of these serums? Do you plan to buy either one today?
I've always been into skincare, but the older I get, it's taken over as the most important part of my beauty routine. Now that I'm 40, I'm noticing more fine lines, visible pores, and especially dark spots from past sun exposure coming through. Out of those three things, I think the dark spots bother me more the most because I'm having to use a lot of foundation to cover them up. At this point in my life, I'd like to be able to go without so much foundation...my skin is dry and it tends to look cakey and mask-like. So I've been searching for products that will lighten those spots and even out my skin tone and I recently came across the Sunday Riley Bright Young Things kit ($90) at Sephora.
It's a $117 Value and contains:
.5oz Good Genes Serum
.5 oz. C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
.5 oz. Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream
I've been using it for a month straight and documented the process, taking before and after photos. Check out my video below to see my results...they definitely surprised me!
Tarte just surprised us tonight by adding two new Shape Tape foundations to the Ulta Beauty Website (launching on 1/21 online and 2/4 in-stores).
Shape Tape Matte ($39) "provides the same full coverage as its concealing predecessor Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer - it smooths over pores & imperfections with rich, airbrushed full coverage that dries to a flawless matte finish using a unique, concealer-inspired wand. The formula absorbs oil & shine while leaving skin creaseless, hydrated, free of flakiness or cakiness & helping to improve skin health with every application." Skinvigorating Ingredients:
Vitamin E: A natural preservative that also works as an emollient & antioxidant
Mineral pigments: Soothe & soften skin
Dermatologist tested. Hypoallergenic. Waterproof. Longwear. Vegan. Oil-free. Talc-free. Alcohol-free. Shape Tape Hydrating ($39) "Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation provides the same rich, creamy full coverage as Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer in a skin-smoothing, weightless gel. The collagen & hyaluronic acid-packed formula is like a drink of H2O for your skin, continuously hydrating while helping to plump skin & refine pores for 12 hours, without creasing or caking." Skinvigorating Ingredients:
Biopolymer filling spheres: Expanding spheres help smooth surface imperfections while promoting water retention & hydration
Hyaluronic acid: Naturally-occurring ingredient in the human body which delivers moisture, firmness & suppleness to skin
Collagen: Helps plump the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
Barley extract: Helps restore the lipid barrier to smooth over fine lines & wrinkles
Dermal filler: Cross-linked hyaluronic acid that works overtime to help restore skin volume & smoothness
Vitamin C: Antioxidant free radical fighter that helps prevent premature signs of aging & brightens skin
Amazonian clay: Nature's most perfect ingredient for better, longer, truer wear
Hypoallergenic. Tarte 12-hour power. Oil-free. Dermatologist tested. Will you be getting one of these when they launch? I can't wait to try them! Coming soon to Ulta Beauty (Shape Tape Matte) & (Shape Tape Hydrating)
Starting today on QVC! The IT Cosmetics New Year New Confidence in Your Skin Collection is available for presale (the TSV is on 1/13). If you've been wanting to try IT's skincare this is the kit you need to try because the price is kind of insane compared to buying these individually at other retailers. For $79.96, you get:
Confidence in a Cleanser ($28)- This is a super gentle, non-greasy cleanser that doesn't strip your skin and removes makeup easily.
Confidence in a Cream ($48)- I love this moisturizer...it's super hydrating but not greasy! It gives my skin more of a matte finish so it's great under makeup. It makes my skin feel so soft and smooth.
Confidence in an Eye Cream ($38)- Claims to reduce puffiness, fine lines + wrinkles, and darkness and helps to firm the under-eye area. It also has Drops of Light technology to brighten right away.
Confidence in a Compact ($38)- I wore this foundation all summer long...it was my go-to because it's not as heavy as the CC+ cream and still has the SPF 50+. It doesn't have quite as much coverage but it's buildable and it works really well on dry skin because it doesn't cling to dry patches.
Heavenly Skin Skin-Smoothing Complexion Brush ($48)- IT's brushes are the best, and this one is perfect to apply the foundation with.
These are all full sizes and a $200 Value! I love every single one of these products so this is my favorite TSV in a long time! Are you picking this one up? Available now at QVC.com *Links are affiliate links (I make a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on the link). All of my profits go right back into my blog/YouTube channel, so if you choose to use my links, thank you so much for your support!) *Product mentioned was sent to me complimentary from IT Cosmetics.
Lorac Cosmetics sent me their newRoyal Treatment Primer & Mascara Duo ($24) last month and I've been using it non-stop since then. I'm usually a drugstore mascara kind of girl, since most higher-end formulas don't impress me any more than the cheaper ones. But this one is definitely on my re-purchase list!
It has a bright blue primer with a flexible plastic brush on one end, and a deep black mascara with a tapered soft bristle wand on the other. The idea is that the two colors mix together on your lashes to create a blue-black shade that brightens your eyes. I honestly don't notice my eyes becoming brighter when I use this, since the effect is probably subtle (although I have heard that using navy eyeliners can brighten so it makes sense!), but I like the formula so much I don't really care if it brightens or not.
The primer goes on easily and the wand makes it easy to get a really healthy coat of it on your lashes. The mascara isn't too wet or too dry...it's the perfect medium and the brush is amazing. The pointy end helps you grab the lashes at the inner corner of your eye and the dense bristles ensure that it doesn't clump at all (even after several coats).
The best part is, it doesn't smudge pr flake on me at all, and most mascaras leave me with raccoon eyes by the end of the day.
To see an application demo, check out my short video on YouTube below:
Lorac Royal Treatment Primer & Mascara Duo is available now at Ulta Beauty and Kohls.
*Links are affiliate links (I make a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on the link). All of my profits go right back into my blog/YouTube channel, so if you choose to use my links, thank you so much for your support!) *Product mentioned was sent to me complimentary from Lorac Cosmetics.
Milani Cosmetics has some exciting new releases on their website including the new Bold Obsessions Palette ($20) which made me do a double take when I first saw it on Instagram (I thought it was a Stila palette!). I love Milani's Everyday Eyes palettes...they're some of the best at the drugstore so I'm very excited about this one, despite the high price tag.
Also new (and pictured above) is the Prime Protect Primer with SPF 30 ($13) , Stellar Lights Highlighting Palette ($13), Keep it Full Nourishing Lip Plumpers (9 shades, $9), and the Amore Shine Liquid Lip Color (12 shades, $9). There are also new Holographic Lip Toppers, Make It Last Loose Setting Powder, Instant Touch Blur Stick and more.
Head on over to MilaniCosmetics.com to check out all the new stuff. Have you seen these popping up in stores yet? Which products interest you?
e.l.f. Cosmetics recently sent me their Massaging Facial Cleanser ($20) and as soon as I opened it, I was reminded of my Foreo Luna ($169)...both have soft silicone bristles and gently vibrate, pushing cleansers deeper into your skin.
Both options are great for those who are sensitive that find a Clarisonic device too harsh, yet they still give you a deeper clean than just using your fingers.
The good news is, I actually like the e.l.f. version even more than the Luna, given its tapered head. I have always felt that the Foreo had an awkward shape that made it difficult to get into the cracks and crevices of my face and it seemed as though larger areas like my forehead and cheeks were getting most of the benefits. But the e.l.f really gets into those spaces around my nose and under my eyes with ease and I think that the bristles are even a little bit softer!
The only downside to the e.l.f device is that it has batteries that will need to be changed out every so often, while the Luna is rechargeable (and each charge lasts for months!). But for $149 less, I'll happily buy batteries for it.
To see my YouTube comparison, click below:
What are your thoughts? Will you be trying the new e.l.f. Massaging Facial Cleanser?
*Links are affiliate links (I make a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on the link). All of my profits go right back into my blog/YouTube channel, so if you choose to use my links, thank you so much for your support!) *Product mentioned was sent to me complimentary from e.l.f. Cosmetics.
Bad Habit Beauty has done it again with another amazing dupe coming soon to ShopHush.com! The Artistry Palette looks to be a dupe for the Anastasia Master Palette by Mario, which was a limited edition that never came back once it sold out.
So if you're regretting the fact that you never got your hands on the Mario palette, fear not because Bad Habit's palettes are excellent quality and have proven to be (in my opinion) just as good as the originals and in some cases even better (ahem, Huda palettes). They're also usually exact color dupes, so this should be almost as good as having the real thing.
Photo: Bad Habit Beauty
I don't have a launch date or price yet but once they start teasing them on Instagram, we usually see them come out in about a week or so. Prices are typically between $10-$12.
Burt's Bees has just launched some new products on the Ulta website, including an Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment, Conditioning Lip Scrub, Moisturizing Lip Mask, and Glossy Lipstick ($2.99- $8.99).
They also have a new Hydrating Sheet Mask ($2.99)that's 99% Natural and claims to "instantly moisturize and improve skin texture".
I definitely want to try the scrub and overnight lip treatment! The lip mask sounds interesting but I haven't had the best luck with those ones that look like giant rubber lips...they didn't really seem to do anything!
I'm obsessed with the Essence Satin Touch blushes, so when I saw their new customizeable My Must Haves Palettes, I couldn't wait to create my own and fill it with blushes (they also have eyeshadows, bronzers, and highlighters as well as an 8-pan palette!)
The 4-pan palette is $3.49 and each pressed powder is $1.99, which made this palette $11.45...definitely more expensive than the average Essence palette but when you consider the fact that you get to choose your own shades, it's not too bad at all. The pans aren't magnetic (they're plastic) but they snap securely into the palette.
I added three blushes and a highlighter and I'm happy to report that these blushes feel very similar to the Satin Touch formula...they're very soft, easy to pick up, and nicely pigmented (but not overly so). The highlighter is super subtle (similar to their Pure Nude formula, only lighter)...it gives a really pretty lit from within glow but doesn't look like you're wearing a highlight.
If you like the idea of custom palettes, this is an affordable option you may want to consider!
I initially purchased one shade (Rosewood) while I was at Walmart back in November and fell in love with the formula. Unlike a lot of matte liquid lipsticks, they're actually comfortable to wear. They do dry down completely but they take a few minutes to do so, giving you time to work with them a little bit. They can transfer a little on cups at first, but I haven't had issues with them migrating outside my lip line. Also, if you blot your lips with a tissue after they dry down and take off the topmost layer, they don't transfer any more after that. They go on very smoothly and last for several hours (about 6-8 on me) without crumbling like other formulas I've tried. When you first apply them, they do make your lips look very smooth (that blurring effect they claim to have) but after about an hour, I do notice my lip lines coming back through a little bit. Thankfully, it's not in a pronounced way that makes my lips look overly dry. They do have a scent, and I would describe it as a light, subtle vanilla flavor.
One thing I love about Flower Beauty is that they always manage to choose the most beautiful shades, and these are no exception...every single shade is super flattering and beautiful. Here, I applied Nude Blush and then topped it off with a bit of Bare Honey to tone down the pink-ness a bit.
Wearing Bare Honey over Nude Blush
Overall, I would definitely recommend the Miracle Matte Liquid Lipsticks...especially if you're looking for a formula that's comfortable to wear!
Which shade is your favorite?
The product featured in this review was sent to me complimentary by Flower Beauty. All opinions are my own.
