Sunday, December 29, 2013

My Top 13 of 2013 - Where To Buy

My Top 13 of 2013 - Where To Buy

If you are wondering where to purchase the items seen in my Top 13 Makeup Products from 2013 post, you are in luck.  To make shopping easy for everyone, I've linked where you can purchase below.

I do not get any commissions or payments if you shop through these sites, I'm just posting to be helpful*. 

Too Faced The Secret To No Makeup Makeup Fresh & Flawless Face Palette: http://www.toofaced.com/p-1324-the-secret-to-no-makeup-makeup-fresh-flawless-face-palette.aspx $39 
 
Becca Resurfacing Primer: http://www.sephora.com/resurfacing-primer-P375985 $40 
 
Embryolisse BB Cream: amazon.com  $35.30 2-day free shipping for Amazon.com Prime members
 
RMS Beauty "Un" Cover-Up: http://www.beautylish.com  $36 
 
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder:  http://www.sephora.com   $45
 
Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Naked Rose: http://www.sephora.com $26
 
The Balm Frat Boy Blush: http://www.amazon.com  $13.48 2-day free shipping for Amazon.com Prime members 
 
Becca Eye Tint: http://www.sephora.com  $24
 
NYX Nude Matte Shadow: Harmon Beauty Supply there are also some colors available at http://www.drugstore.com   $4.50 
 
Too Faced Exotic Color Intense Eye Shadow in Firefly: http://www.toofaced.com/p-462-exotic-color-eye-shadow-singles.aspx $18 
 
IT Cosmetics Tightline Full Lash Length Black Primer With Peptide Enhancing Serum: http://www.beauty.com  $24
 
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara:  http://www.beautylish.com/s/too-faced-better-than-sex-mascara $23
 
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Wand Ball Brush:  http://www.beauty.com  $48  
 
*I do not get paid to write reviews or recommend products. Some of the products listed here were sent to me for review. However, all of my reviews are 100% honest and I am only posting links to make shopping easy for my readers. 
 
 
Happy Shopping! Don't forget to subscribe, it's free and helps support the site. You can also connect with me on Twitter @MakeupMatters1 and follow me on Pinterest to check out my beauty boards, which are updated frequently. I can be found on Pinterest under MakeupMatters1 also. 
 
I hope you all have a very safe and happy New Year's Eve.  Thank you again to my loyal readers and subscribers, and a huge thank you to all of the companies who sent me products to review for my readers this year. It has been so much fun testing out new products and sharing my favorites with everyone. Looking forward to reviewing more products in 2014! Happy New Year!  

Friday, December 27, 2013

Top 13 Makeup Products from 2013

 This post contains both products purchased by me
and products sent for consideration

My Top 13 Makeup Products from 2013
As always, choosing my favorites proved challenging.  Like every year, I tested tons of new products in 2013 and found so many great products that I truly love. These products are all items that were new to my stash this year so you won't see any repeats from last year's post. 

These 13 items left some sort of a lasting impression on me, and are items that are true favorites.  If you are interested in purchasing any of the items seen in this post, I'll publish a follow up post with where to shop including prices like I did last year. 

Without further delay, here are my top 13 makeup products from 2013 (in no particular order):

#1 Too Faced The Secret to No Makeup Makeup Fresh & Flawless Face Palette - This handy little palette includes a Bronzing Veil, Creme Blush, Powder Blush, Concealer, Luminizer, and Brightener for under the eyes. Why it made the list: This is literally a full face in one handy palette. Too Faced even included a mirror and guide with how to use the products inside.  The "no makeup makeup look" is really having a moment right now, and this palette truly contains everything you need to achieve the look effortlessly. 

I especially love the concealer, luminzer and brightener, and often use them even when I'm not using the rest of the palette, because I find it really convenient to have all three products together in one palette. 

#2 Becca Resurfacing Primer- This is a smoothing primer that really helps fill in fine lines and wrinkles to create a smooth base under foundation. Why it made the list: I find this primer really extends the wear time of my foundation, more than most.  It is also formulated for all skin types, which means I don't need to switch up to a different primer as the seasons change.  It is pricey, but I truly see a difference in this primer compared to others I've tried. Plus the squeeze tube makes this easy to use professionally, as I can easily squeeze out as much as I need onto a palette for easy application. 




#3 Embryolisse BB Cream - Last year Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm made the list. While I still love and use that one, this one from Embryolisse has really become a favorite this year.  It comes in one universal shade and contains an SPF of 20. This BB Cream is formulated to work on all skin types. Why it made the list: This product is truly a multitasker for me. On days where I am in a rush, I can use it as my skincare, sunscreen and makeup in one. It contains light reflecting mineral pearls that help create a soft glowing finish on the skin. It just looks so natural on my skin, and I find it works all year round no matter what the season is. 


#4 RMS Beauty "Un" Cover-Up #11 - This concealer has become a true staple in my daily beauty routine. I tend to apply it with a synthetic brush. However there have also been days where I mixed a little bit in with my moisturizing sunscreen to create my own natural looking tinted moisturizer. Why it made the list: This product is just so lightweight, it literally feels like you aren't wearing anything at all. I also find it super moisturizing, which I particularly love during the winter months when my skin is extra dry. A little goes a long way, so this jar will last me for quite a while.  I can use this both under the eyes and to conceal blemishes, making this natural looking concealer a must-have in my book.






#5 Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - I have mentioned this powder in previous posts because it is truly a unique and special product. Totally splurge-worthy, this high end powder comes in several shades to help you find your perfect light.  While I love all of the shades offered, my two favorite from the line are Diffused Light and Luminous Light. Why it made the list: These setting powders really enhance the way your skin looks. Plus they photograph really well, making them a great choice for weddings or special events. Diffused Light is a soft pale yellow that helps minimize redness in the skin.  Luminous Light is a champagne pearl that I especially love for evening looks. 



#6 Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Naked Rose - I am a big fan of the Illamasqua blushes in general, but Naked Rose is my perfect Winter blush. Why it made the list: This soft neutral pink is highly pigmented and finely milled.  The pan is a nice large size, making it easy to dip any brush into. I find this shade works well on most skin tones, and leaves the most beautiful natural flush on mine. Last year, I chose Tarte Exposed as my favorite blush, and while that one still gets a ton of love from me, this one has gotten a lot more use in my Winter makeup routine. 





#7 The Balm Frat Boy Blush - This was my go-to blush for spring and summer. The packaging is just adorable, and the blush has a smooth creamy texture and awesome pigmentation.  Why it made the list: This talc-free formula is so finely milled, the texture and color are just perfect.  On my skin color, this leaves the most natural looking flush ever.  It's a matte finish, which I strongly prefer in my blushes. A lot of people do want some shimmer, but I prefer matte, and will add a highlighter on top if I want a more luminous look. 



#8 Becca Eye Tint - This is a smooth sheer base that works great solo or under powder eyeshadow. It's water-resistant which makes this a must have for me in the spring and summer. Why it made the list: I just love the texture of this, it is light and easily blended. The color is sheer, but you can build the color to your desired intensity if you want to wear it solo. My only complaint is I wish the tube was bigger because I use these a lot. Try Baroque which is a lovely mushroom beige color that works well with most neutral eyeshadow looks.  I also love Paracus which is a brown-grey color. The formula is completely crease resistant, so these can be used as an eyeshadow primer as well. 



#9 NYX Nude Matte Shadow - These eyeshadows have become a staple in my kit. They are affordable, pigmented, and come in a large variety of neutral shades. Why it made the list: Well pigmented matte eyeshadow like this is so versatile because it can be used as eyeliner, brow powder, contour color, or as a mid tone depending on the shade you select. I find the formula to be smooth and layered over a primer it really does last all day. You can't beat the quality of these matte shadows for the price.  I do have a couple of matte palettes from NYX, but really appreciate these singles as good quality matte eyeshadow can be difficult to find, especially in this large of a color selection.  If you have mature eyes, you will really appreciate these shadows.

Pictured above: NYX Underneathe It All (brown), Covet (olive green)

#10 Too Faced Exotic Color Intense Eye Shadow in Firefly - I like the formula of these eyeshadow singles from Too Faced in general, but this specific color is just gorgeous! Why it made the list: This color is a light antique gold with the most beautiful shimmer. I have these in a few shades, but Firefly just leaves the most lovely feminine sparkle on the eyelid. Of all the eyeshadows I've used over the past year, this color is my absolute favorite. Plus, this particular shade is vegan friendly. 

#11 IT Cosmetics Tightline Full Lash Length Black Primer With Peptide Enhancing Serum - IT Cosmetics sent me a tube of this earlier this year as part of a kit to review. While I loved all of the products in the kit, this lash primer is one of the most innovative makeup products I came across all year. It's a lash primer with a super thin wand that when pressed gently against the upper lash line, literally tightlines your eye! Why it made the list: This product does exactly what it promises. It tightlines the eye, and the thin brush coats every single lash adding serious length. Because of the brush size, this also works great as a bottom lash mascara. I typically wear this under my favorite mascara, but if you are in a rush, this will work well by itself too.  While I did receive this as a sample from IT Cosmetics, I am now on my third tube. I love the stuff so much that I repurchased it because I simply can't imagine my makeup routine without it. 
#12 Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - This is the best mascara of 2013. The hourglass brush helps add both length and volume to lashes to an impressive degree. This also makes your lashes super black. Why it made the list: We all know how hard a good mascara is to find. Some that lengthen well, don't provide volume. This is the one mascara I've used that gets every lash, volumizes, lengthens and separates easily. If you like a dramatic lash look, this mascara is a must-have. When I first tried to purchase this, it was sold out everywhere, and I see why. I am very picky with mascaras and find that I often don't like some that others love. This one seems to be loved by everyone I know who has tried it, and with good reason. Too Faced really did a great job in the formulation of this product, and their hard work really shows.  Plus, the formula is paraben free.





#13 IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Wand Ball Brush - This super luxurious tapered brush is great for so many uses. It works well for powder, blush, bronzer, and luminizer. The rubberized handle provides a comfortable grip, and the bristles are among the softest in my entire brush collection. I was fortunate enough to have IT Cosmetics send me this brush for review, and it has become a staple in my personal makeup routine ever since. Why it made the list: As you guys know, I am a makeup brush junkie. Brushes are my favorite thing of all beauty items, and this one is my favorite of the year. It's the softest brush I have, and this shape is difficult to find in good quality synthetic brushes. I use this brush pretty much everyday, and it looks just as new as the day I got it. Well constructed, and easy to use, this is my favorite brush, of all the brushes I own.



I hope you enjoyed this look at my top 13 makeup products of 2013! Make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss my next post which will have all the websites and prices where you can buy these for your collection. Thank you all for your support this year. I've really enjoyed reading all of your comments, and look forward to sharing more reviews, tutorials and tips with everyone in 2014!
 
Please share your favorites of the year in the comments below!
 
*This post contains some products that were sent for consideration. This in no way alters my review. I do not get paid to write reviews. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Top 5 Drugstore Stocking Stuffers - A Cruelty-Free Beauty Blog Collab

All products in this post purchased by me 

Top 5 Drugstore Stocking Stuffers - A Cruelty-Free 
Beauty Blog Collab 

Happy Holidays!!!  It's that time again, when I collaborate with my fellow cruelty-free beauty bloggers Catherine from Buying Cruelty Free and Christine from Makeup Guinea Pig. In this post, we each chose 5 drugstore favorites that work great as stocking stuffers. Some of us wait until the last minute for our holiday shopping and get stuck waiting in horrible lines, or paying extra shipping to rush delivery on a gift. However with a little knowledge and creativity, you can find great makeup related gifts right at your local drugstore or beauty supply store.  These are products I have in my collection that I love and highly recommend. It's obviously difficult to pick out a foundation or concealer for someone, but color cosmetics can be universal if you know the right brands and colors to search for.

Here are my five drugstore stocking stuffer ideas:
  1. Wet n Wild and/or Physicians Formula eyeshadow palettes + a brush- I'm a big fan of the 8 and 3 pan eyeshadow palettes from Wet n Wild. For those nude eyeshadow lovers, try Physicians Formula Nude palette. Why not throw in a push liner brush, or any other eyeshadow brush single to add to the gift. 
  2. Milani and/or NYX Blush- Milani makes great baked blushes that work well on all skin tones. 
  3. Milani Color Statement Lipsticks- Toss in one, or bundle a few in festive shades.
  4. Real Techniques or Eco Tools Brushes- Make great stocking stuffers that won't break the bank.
  5. Milani Eyeshadow Primer-Toss this in the stocking solo, or pair it with an eyeshadow palette. 
 Eyeshadow Palettes & Brush: If the person you are shopping for loves color, Wet n Wild Color Icon eyeshadow trios and 8 pan palettes are a great buy. Check out Petal Pusher and I Got Good Jeans for palettes that will work well on all skin tones. If the person you are shopping for prefers nude eyeshadow looks Physicians Formula Nude eyeshadow palette has 9 shimmery shades, and the darker shadows work great as liners. Why not pair the palette with a push liner brush or any other brush single? Check out Eco Tools for a cruelty-free brush line that is sold at drugstores, Walmart and any other discount stores.






Blush: My favorite drugstore brands for blush are Milani Baked Blush and NYX Stick Blush. Shades like Hibiscus from NYX, will flatter light to medium skin tones.  Milani Baked Blushes in Dolce Pink and Luminoso flatter all complexions. Plus, they come with a mirror and brush for application on the go. You can tie them together with a pretty ribbon, because the gold packaging is festive enough, no wrapping required.





Lipsticks: I just love the Milani Color Statement Lipsticks. They come in a great variety of finishes and colors so you are sure to find something that works for that makeup lover on your list. My favorite picks for the season are Best Red, Sangria, D'Oro, Chocolate Berries and Orange-Gina.  These are super pigmented, long lasting and non-drying on the lips. The gold tube looks much more expensive than it is, which adds to the spirit of the season.




Brushes: You didn't think I'd write a blog post that didn't include brushes did you? If the receiver is anything like me, brushes are always a great gift to get. My favorites from the drugstore are Real Techniques and Eco Tools. You can buy a set and split it up, or buy individuals from either line. Favorites include the Expert Face Brush from Real Techniques and the Push Liner Brush from Eco Tools which I believe is sold as part of a set. Tie a couple together with some ribbon, and you're good to go.

 
Eyeshadow Primer: Some people don't splurge on extras like eyeshadow primer. This one from Milani works just as well as many high end brands on the market.  Pair it with one of the palettes mentioned above for an easy gift idea. This primer works on all skin tones, is lightweight and creates a smooth invisible layer for your eyeshadows to adhere to.  
 



I hope you enjoyed this look at my drugstore stocking stuffer ideas. Are you buying any beauty related gifts for someone?  Please share in the comments below. Don't forget to check out the posts from my fellow cruelty-free beauty bloggers Catherine from Buying Cruelty Free and Christine from Makeup Guinea Pig for more great stocking stuffer ideas.

* All products in this post purchased by me.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

The 5 Eyeshadow Types You Need in Your Stash!

*This post contains products purchased by me as well as samples sent for consideration. 

The 5 Eyeshadow Types
You Need in Your Stash!

My favorite makeup product has to be eyeshadow. There are so many colors and textures to choose from. As an artist, there are endless looks you can create with eyeshadow. However, your average person does not need to buy a million eyeshadows. If you are new to wearing eyeshadow, or just someone who prefers to have the basics, I've put together a list of the five eyeshadow types I recommend. The actual colors, textures and brands you choose are up to you, and will differ depending on your skin tone and eye shape. However, this overall guide works well for most.

Here are my top five eyeshadow types:

1. Highlight: These shades work to bring light to areas of the eye such as the lid, inner corner or brow bone. 
2. Transition: These shades help create a smooth transition between your highlight and contour shades so that you achieve an even blend. 
3. Contour: A contour color helps define the eye and bring more depth to your look. It can be any dark shade, but for the purposes of this list I kept it to browns as a matte brown is the most versatile.  It is important to note that I strongly prefer my contour shades to be matte. This is the shade often used in the crease of the eye and the outer "V."
4. Shadows that work well solo: While any eyeshadow can be used on its own. There are certain shadows, that you can literally just apply to your lid and have it look completely done. I call these my "one and done" shadows. It's important to have one of these on hand for those days where you are pressed for time. 
5. Liner: I rarely use actual pencil eyeliner other than to tight line. I prefer to use a deeper eyeshadow on an angled or push liner brush for a softer look.  You can always dampen your brush for a more intense look.  Liner shades can be any texture depending on the desired look.

Highlight Shades: The proper highlight shade will definitely depend on what part of the eye you are highlighting as well as your skin tone. Some of my go-to shades are: pure white (for when I want a very strong highlight), a shade that matches my skin tone very closely, a shimmery white (for the inner corners of the eye), a peachy gold tone for deeper skin tones. 

 Above: Wet n Wild I Love Matte palette has a great pure matte white. 
I also love Sugarpill Tako (not pictured)


 Above: Makeup Geek Vanilla Bean is very close to my skin tone. Although it is technically a satin, it works well as an allover base for nearly all of my eyeshadow looks. This creamy beige has great payoff and the texture, like most shadows I've tried from this brand, is very creamy and smooth. I also often use NYX I Have a Headache or Arbonne Vanilla (not pictured) as a base. 

Above: Anastasia's Bold and Beautiful palette features 4 eyeshadow colors that work as a highlight, lid color, contour shade and liner. The bottom shade pictured above is an ivory with pink undertones.  I love this shade for fair, light and even medium skin tones as a highlight.

 
Above: Wet n Wild Fergie Centerstage Collection Photo Op Eyeshadow A031 Metropolitain Nights has a great shimmery white shade that can be used as a highlight for the inner corner of the eyes. I love using this when I want to do a "no makeup, makeup" look, but still want the inner corner of the eyes to appear open and more awake. The gold shade in this palette can work as a great highlight for deeper skin tones. 

Above: Flower Beauty Smoke and Mirrors has a great soft creamy beige in the lower left hand corner of the quad.  This is a good match for most light skin tones and works great as an allover wash from lash line to brow.

Above: Wet n Wild Comfort Zone brow bone shade in the top left corner is a beige  that applies like a satin/frost.  If you prefer a shimmery highlight, this is a good, budget friendly option. 

 Above: Physicians Formula Nude palette the second shade above is a lovely peachy gold shade. It's too dark to be used as a highlight on my skin tone, but would be beautiful on deeper skin tones. I use it on myself as a lid shade.

Above highlight shade swatches from left to right: Physicians Formula Nude palette, Wet N Wild Comfort Zone Brow Bone shade, Flower Beauty Smoke and Mirrors, Wet n Wild Fergie Centerstage, Anastasia Bold and Beautiful, Makeup Geek Vanilla Bean, Wet n Wild Matte White Brow Bone shade
 
Transition Shades: These shades (also known as a mid tone shade) help blend your contour shade into your highlight shade.  You typically want something a couple of shades deeper than your skin color. I strongly prefer for my transition shade to be matte. One of my favorite brushes for applying a transition shade is the Bdellium Tools Pink Bambu Tapered Blending 785. I've rounded up some medium matte brown shades that I like to use for this purpose. You will want to consider your skin tone as well as the look you are trying to create to determine if you want a warm brown, a cool brown or a taupe. 


Above from left to right: Matte Taupe from NYX Nude on Nude palette, Illamasqua Heroine, Makeup Geek Creme Brulee, NYX Blame it on Midnight, Too Faced Chinchilla, Too Faced Tufted Suede (which can be used as an all over base shade or transition shade depending on your skin tone), NYX Tryst is a great choice if you prefer a cooler tone (not pictured)
 
Contour Shades: Also known as the "crease color" this doesn't have to be brown.  This can be any color of the rainbow, but I strongly prefer a matte formula. This shade is used in the crease as well as the outer corner and often under the lower lash line. I've selected some of my favorite darker brown shades as they will work with most eyeshadow looks. 

Above from left to right: Wet n Wild I Love Matte palette dark brown crease shade, Flower Beauty Foxy Browns quad, Arbonne Java (sample), Makeup Geek Mocha, Makeup Geek Cocoa Bear

Shadows that work well solo: Everyone should have that one shadow in their stash that works well solo. The shadow you can just blend on your lid and go without any further fuss. For this shade, I generally prefer a shimmer or satin, something to highlight the eye. The color I use will often depend on the time of season, what I'm wearing, or the mood I'm in!  


Above from left to right: Makeup Geek Prom Night, Makeup Geek Glamorous, Makeup Geek Shimma Shimma, The Balm Jet Setting Jennifer, The Balm All About Alex (my favorite for Fall), Wet n Wild eyelid color from the Walking on Eggshells Trio

Liner: I frequently use eyeshadow as liner. It just creates a softer look, especially for daytime. Some shadows, such as the ones from The Balm are intended to be used as both a shadow and a liner. However, if you dampen an angled brush, or push liner brush, almost any dark, well pigmented shade will work. 


Above from left to right: Too Faced Matte Eye palette London Fog, Off Black shade in upper right of NYX Nude on Nude palette, The Balm Caught in The Act Courtney, The Balm Risque Renee, Makeup Geek Corrupt (the blackest shadow on the market), Sugarpill Bulletproof (not pictured)
 
 I hope you enjoyed this look at the top 5 eyeshadow types you need in your stash!  What shadows are your must haves?  Please share in the comments below. 
 
*This post contains both products purchased by me and samples sent for consideration. This in no way alters my opinion. I do not get paid to write reviews.  All opinions are my own.