Fall Beauty Product Haul

Posted on August 18, 2016 by missalaneyus

I’ve gotten a few beauty products recently that work as well now as they will into fall.

For starters, I picked up this barely there lip tint from the Estee Edit line at Sephora (shown on the far left). This cocobalm is moisturizing, the packaging is gorgeous, and the sheer berry hue gives your lips a little oomph.

Some friends and I did a white elephant beauty exchange a few weekends ago. I came away with this magic, lip gloss plumper from Buxom in Dolly. The color is slightly pink, but still neutral – great for day or night.

Last, but certainly not least, is this eye shadow palette from Smashbox. The colors are long-lasting and versatile. I’ve been wearing it non-stop and love that all of the shades are matte (no shimmer), which means I can wear them to work without feeling disco fancy (save that for girls night).

Micellar Cleansing Water

Posted on August 11, 2016 by missalaneyus

So, this past year, I switched to a heavier duty mascara, and while I’m obsessed with it, Ponds Cold Cream was about the only thing that would take it off.

In the winter, that’s great, because my skin is typically dry and could use the extra moisture, but when summer rolls around, it’s not ideal.

I knew there were eye make-up removers on the market I could use in tandem with another cleanser, but that sounded like a lot of work. I really wanted an all-in-one to be sure I’d actually use it. You can imagine my delight when I heard* of Micellar Cleansing Water by Garnier Fructis. Basically, it’s powerful, but is really gentle on your skin. I love how quickly I can wipe off the day’s make-up with just a few swipes. It even gets rid of my stubborn mascara. (Did I mention it’s under $10?)

Have you tried micellar water? What did you think?

*I read it is “beloved by French make-up artists.” Is that true? Either way, it got me to try it.

January Beauty Haul

Posted on January 7, 2016 by missalaneyus

Here’s my take on a few products from my recent beauty haul.

Left to right:

Pearl Eye Mask, Sephora: I’ve used the facial sheet masks before and like them, but they are a little restrictive. You basically have to lie down to keep them on. Well, I’m here to report the eye masks not only work (my under eyes were brighter), but I could actually roam around while wearing them, which allowed me to multi-task and beautify.

Color Curators Nail Polish, Formula X: Aimee Song has color curated the prettiest nail polish shades. This pink is almost white and goes on opaque. I love it. Though, full disclaimer, it took a lot of coats to cover.

Sugar Lip Treatment: My friend Kim turned me on to these tinted lipsticks. I’d used the plain ones before, but never those with color. All the shades are really beautiful. They’re sheer, but still add some punch to your look with only minimal effort.

Naked Smoky Eye Palette, Urban Decay: I love Urban Decay’s eyeshadows. This palette has the perfect components to build a million smoky looks. I’ve used the purples, chocolates and grays. I adore this.

Any other great make-up products I should try?

Winter Beauty Haul

Posted on December 3, 2015 by missalaneyus

As a member of make-up anonymous, I feel it is only fair to pass on news of my favorite, new, beauty products. Plus, sharing it here helps justify future purchases. Because, obviously, I need another reason to buy cosmetics.

Left to Right:

Becca, Beach Tint Summer Souffle in Watermelon Moonstone: This creamy blush smells like watermelon and has the perfect mix of highlighter woven with color.
Tony Moly, Pocket Bunny Mist: Although it is a little strange looking, this is my favorite item. I spritz a little on each day before putting on a moisturizer. Love it.
L’Occitane, Cleansing & Softening Shower Oil with Almond Oil: The little bottle you see here was part of gift set I received. I love the shower oil shown here, but all the of the items in this L’Amande series smell amazing and are really moisturizing.
Elizabeth & James, Nirvana Black Rollerball: I’ve loved the Nirvana Black smell for awhile. Having a little rollerball, like this one, around the house makes putting it on easy. It also very convenient for travel.
Anastasia Beverly Hills, Brow Wiz: The brush part of this double ended pencil broke after a recent trip. I’m thinking of replacing it, because the brow brush alone was that good.
Urban Decay, Eyeshadow Palette: So, this one is a little unfair to include here, because it’s a VIB gift………….That being said, I remain a firm fan of all eyeshadow by Urban Decay, and if you haven’t tried out one of their palettes, run. Don’t walk to your nearest Sephora.

Smashbox Double Exposure Palette

Posted on April 16, 2015 by missalaneyus

I’m a sucker for a good eyeshadow palette, and this one, the Smashbox Double Exposure palette, is pretty special. The colors are wearable and rich. There are options for both day and night, which let’s face it is pretty critical. No one is a vampire here (at least that I’m aware of). They work wet and dry, giving you 28 different colors instead of 14. All of this is great, but my favorite things about it are these:

1. The eyeshadow brush is perfection. On one end, there are short, thick bristles which work well for applying color to your lids. It deposits the pigments really evenly. On the other side, you’ll find an angled brush that I use to turn wet shadow into a great eyeliner. Win win.

2. I also love how well this stuff stays on. I have the hardest time keeping my makeup in place (I’m constantly rubbing my face. I know it’s a bad habit), but these shades stay put – all day long.

Neutral Nail Polish

Posted on April 8, 2015 by missalaneyus

Neutral nail polish is hot for spring, and if like me, you have a hard time staying on top of your manicure, this is great news. If your nails get a little chipped, it is relatively easy to cover up or pretend like it’s not happening. Chipped navy nails stand out a little more than I’d like them to. Not cool, navy. Not cool.

So, if you’re ready to embrace this “trend,” which let’s face it is a classic, there are a number of great neutral nail polish options on the market. Here are four shades I’ve fallen for recently.

listed from left to right

Sally Hansen, Shell We Dance, 210: This color is pictured on me in the photo above. It actually covered pretty consistently and left a nice sheen on my nails. The overall effect was very natural, but prettier than real life.

Essie, Minimalistic: The palest pink, this lovely shade takes quit a few coats to get opaque coverage.

Essie, Tuck it in my Tux: If you’re going for a nail that is nearly white, this polish is just what you’re looking for. It will take several coats (plus a base and top coat), but I promise, you will have the chicest nails on the planet.

Essie, Just Hitched: This matte, pale pink nail polish was my favorite of the four. It has a light sheen, but the flat color makes the whole thing sophisticated instead of bubblegum.

Explore: Face Mask Fun

Posted on March 20, 2015 by missalaneyus

Through most of 7th and 8th grade, I spent my summers walking to Sally Beauty Supply to stock up on loot. In addition to sparkly nail polish, I also grabbed a lot of facial masks, because folks, I have a face mask addiction. That being said, I haven’t done one in a long time. I like to blame it on the baby, though it probably stopped happening in college.

Well, you can imagine my delight when I spotted this fun trio from Boscia in the Sephora checkout line. I had to have it. Somehow, it managed to leap in my basket. (Still not sure how that happened)

Applying the masks is easy, though a little messy. After allowing it dry, you’ll peel it off to reveal really, happy smooth skin. Good stuff. Try a mask this weekend if you have a chance and let me know what you think.

The weekends should be for exploring. Every Friday this month, I’m sharing something fun to try.

Spring Make-Up Finds

Posted on March 11, 2015 by missalaneyus

It’s always great to refresh your look for spring. Picking up a few new beauty products is one easy way to do just that. Here are my favorite recent spring make-up finds. Items listed below are pictured clockwise.

1. Neutral lips are in for spring make-up. I’m already obsessed with Rimmel’s Airy Fairy, but wanted to find something with pink tones. Tarte’s Ethereal Pink lipstick is buttery and just the right shade for me. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to wear, I’d definitely recommend this line of lipsticks. Next, I’ll be hunting for something pale green to add to my collection.

2. These contouring sticks from Clinique are really fun. The one on the left is sculpting, while the right one highlights. If like me, you’re unsure of how to use them, take a look at the Gal Meets Glam post. It makes application easy.

3. Saturated pastel eye shadows are hot for spring. I picked up this iridescent purple (fishnet) at Sephora, and the color is really pretty. Lightly applied, it is subtle enough for work, but with a heavier hand, it’s best suited for the weekend. I also like it layered under gray shadow for a night out.

4. Colorful eye liner is also in right now. I picked up this long-lasting Make-Up For Ever pencil in I-90 iridescent purple. The color is fun and could work for both day and night. The cobalt blue version is from L’Oreal. It is really silky, and the pigment is dark. I liked it best with a nude shadow and a cat-eye shape.

Fall Make-up Refresh: Eyeshadow

Posted on September 10, 2014 by missalaneyus

Updating your look for fall can be done really inexpensively. This year, easy-to-wear purple and metallic eyeshadows are on trend, so I picked up some drugstore finds to tackle each look. Both pack a lot of style for just a little money.

The one on the left is from Sonia Kashuk. I found it at Target, and it is named rather fittingly, The Metallics. The lavender compact is Revlon. On the backside, it gives pointers for using the shadows. I love it when cosmetics come with directions.

Lilac Eyeshadow

In the first look, I’m wearing the purple shades from the Revlon Color Stay 16-Hour palette in Seductive (Yes, that’s really it’s name.). I paired it with black ink pen liner, my favorite Josie Maran cheek color in Endless Guava and a new-to-me lipstick from NARS, Funny Face.

Continue reading →

Missalaneyus

Recipes, Fashion & Fun

Tag Archives: beauty