Beauty/Skincare Favorites

Today I’m sharing with you some of my current beauty and skincare favorites. I don’t do beauty posts very often – I’ve typically been much more of a utility shopper for makeup, and tend to buy the same favorites over and over again. In the past year though, I’ve found a few new great products (and been on a bit of a lipstick binge), so thought I’d share some of my favorites!

Hourglass Illusion Tint: I’m not a foundation person – I probably need it, but I’m not good enough at makeup and plus I don’t have much time in the mornings. So most days I’ll end up with either nothing at all, or just a little bit of this tinted moisturizer on my face. I have dry skin now (a recent development), and this Hourglass tint glides on very smoothly, and isn’t drying at all. I just use my fingers (it’d probably be even better with a Blender sponge).

Make Up Forever HD Blush: I bought one of these a few years ago, and these are still my favorite blushes – I just keep adding new colors. This one is #410 – a universally flattering coral shade. Another item that I just apply with my fingers – I don’t have a brush for this at all.

MAC Eyebrow Definer: I’ve recommended this eyebrow pencil multiple times on the blog, and it’s still my favorite. I always have at least 2-3 backups ready to go. My go to color is Lingering, and its a universally flattering shade to anyone with brown/black hair.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in Blackest Black: My friend recommended this (she’s a professional makeup artist), and I’m such a fan! The brush is great and I feel like my lashes have great volume and length. I love that its a drugstore purchase too…I always toss and replace my mascaras every 3 months, and it makes it easier on the wallet.

Now, my two current favorite lip products. I used to be a lip gloss person, but over the last few years I’ve transitioned almost entirely to either plain lip balm, or lipstick – the one exception is the Fresh Sugar tints, which I still love!

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick: My newest favorite lipstick line – a great combination of staying power and decent moisture. My current favorite color is Sweet Cream – I’m a neutrals lover, and this is a great neutral a nice coral pop of color without being too bold.

NARS Audacious Lipstick: This color is Brigitte. I love pinkish coral shades for my lipsticks, and this color is one of my all time favorites. I also have to say that I just love the NARS packaging here – its a sleek, magnetized tube that snaps shut with a satisfying click.

Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream: As I mentioned earlier, my skin has recently gone from combination oily to quite dry. I’m pretty sure this is yet another sign of aging (why the gods think its fair to go directly from acne to wrinkles is beyond me). Anyway, this is a great cream which I use daily, and helps my dry skin immensely. And the price isn’t outrageous.

Tatcha Eye Serum: This is my favorite eye cream right now, not least because of the great applicator. It’s the only eye treatment that I’ve found which doesn’t make my eye makeup come off, so I use it in the mornings under my SPF. I also love the ceramic applicator – it keeps the product hygienic, and feels so nice and cool going on the eyes. It’s seriously refreshing, and I love using it on planes especially. Why don’t more eye creams have a ceramic applicator?

Sephora Weekender Travel Case: Speaking of travel, I thought I’d share with you my current favorite travel case. I used to use a set of Harajuku Lovers cases which I’ve had for a decade now, but the zipper of one finally gave out so I decided to update. These travel case from Sephora holds all of my skincare and makeup in one neat package when I’m traveling – there’s a ton of pouches, as well as a brush holder (awesome). I also love that there’s a hanger – helps when you’re staying somewhere with little counter space, so you can just hang everything up.

The case is a little bulky if I’m just doing a weekend trip, but I don’t really mind – plus the fact that it zips up in a long rectangle still makes it pretty sleek.

Slip Silk Pillowcase. Last, but not least. One of my favorite products that I’ve found. Silk pillowcases are often touted as being better for your hair and face at night (less slippage and breaking), and I’ve found that to be marginally true – I don’t have the same lines pressed in my face in the morning (I’m a sprawl out with my face mashed against the pillow type of girl). My hair also looks better in the morning vs with a cotton pillowcase.

The best benefit for me though, is just how cool and nice the pillowcase feels every night. Its nice to have that little bit of luxury at the end of the day. The only con? I have to iron mine weekly, but it only takes a few extra minutes. Worth it, for all the benefits.

What are some of your current favorite beauty products?