November Beauty Favorites

Hello Beautiful Ones!

I don't know how it happens but every month I find myself sitting here and thinking "wait, is it time for a monthly favorites post already?" So I know it's three days late, but better late than never right? I would promise to do better next month but that would probably be a lie. :)

This month I've been loving all things shimmery and moisturizing.

Living Proof Nourishing Styling Cream- $15 (2 oz.)
As I've mentioned before my naturally curly hair is always in constant need of moisture, and that is especially true during the colder months. Lately I've been really loving this styling cream from living proof. You can get the small travel size for $15, but it really does last quite a long time. I just work a small amount of it through my damp hair after I get out of the shower.

Lorac Pro Palette 2- $42
I've had this palette since it came out in the summer. I remember really loving the Pro 2 when I first got it, but then it sort of just drifted to the back of my collection. I've only recently rediscovered it. The palette is 16 shades (8 matte, 8 shimmer) of really high quality shadows. I know the price tag is a little hefty at $42, but I promise you won't regret it. The colors are highly pigmented and long lasting.

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream- $10 (0.5 oz.)
I recently received a small travel size of this product as a beauty insider reward at Sephora and I've been really enjoying it. I have the worst time with dry skin during the winter, especially on my face. I just put a little of this argan oil cream on the dry spots on my face before I apply my foundation and it helps my makeup glide on smoothly. As you probably know trying to put makeup over dry flaky skin is a nightmare. This will help you avoid that whole mess!

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream in Light- $38
Some days I want moisture more than I want coverage, so on those days I skip the foundation and instead reach for this. I like BB creams, they're kind of like the ultimate multi-tasker. You could also layer this under your foundation, but I usually just wear it on it's own or with a little concealer.

Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color in Twilight- $24
I got this shadow pencil as part of the #GILTYLOVE Holiday Set at Sephora (you can read my whole review on the set here). All of the Nudestix products come in a handy little tin case and with a sharpener. These magnetic eye pencils have become my new go-to shadows. Not only are they super handy, but the lasting power is awesome and they are incredibly pigmented. This champagne color called Twilight is my favorite.

That's all I have for this month. As always, let me know what you guys have been loving!

XO- Brittney

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Back-To-School Beauty: Bright Eyes

Hello Beautiful Ones!

It's that time of the year again when a lot of people are heading back to school (while some of us are still trying to figure out how to be a grown-up). But whether you're dragging from an all night study session or you just stayed up too late on the internet (I wouldn't know anything about that), I'm going to give you all some tips on how to make your eyes look bright and fresh even if you didn't get quite enough beauty sleep. 

Here's my toolkit: 

You can choose the brands and shades you like best for yourself but you're going to want to grab three things for bright eyes:

1. Concealer
2. Under Eye Brightener
3. White Eye Shadow (a shadow stick is the most convenient)

You'll to want to start with your concealer. Choose one that will go on smoothly and won't crease under your eyes during the day. Lately I've really been enjoying the Sephora Collection 8 Hour Wear Perfect Cover Concealer in shade 13 Light Pink Porcelain. This shade is slightly lighter than my foundation which I think adds to the brightening effect. I just smooth it over the dark circles under my eyes and then go over it with my foundation.

After I've finished the rest of my eye makeup I add my under eye brightener over the concealer and foundation. I love the Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener. Just dab a couple dots under your eye and then gently blend it in with a brush or your finger. It will just add a touch of glow that will make you look sunshine-y and awake.

Lastly I like to add a little touch of white eyeshadow to the inner corner of my eyes. This is tried and true makeup trick that will work every time. You can use just about any white eyeshadow that you want. I really like using a shadow stick because it is so easy to just grab it quickly and dab it on my eyes or throw it in my makeup bag. I've been using the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in the Shade 608 Cottage Cheese. This is a really pretty shimmery silver/white. Here's a color swatch:

That's it! Just three easy steps and you'll be bright eyed and fresh just ready to take on the day (well at least you'll look like it)! I hope all of you who are gearing up to hit the books again have a very sparkly new school year!

XO- Brittney

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Current Makeup Favorites for Summer

Hello Beautiful Ones!

It is officially summer here in Nebraska! The heat has arrived (I'm happily sitting inside my air-conditioned house with a glass of iced green tea as I write this)! Even though I do occasionally complain about the heat, I have to say that I would definitely choose this over freezing cold and snow (controversial opinions... I know). I guess I'm just a summer-time kind of girl! If I could wear flip-flops all year round I would be one happy lady! Oh well... I guess I just have to enjoy it while I've got it!

In the spirit of embracing everything summer, I've pulled out three of the makeup products that have become my current summer staples:

Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow in Topaz- $20.00

I picked up this cream shadow in Macy's a few months ago and I have been loving it ever since! The formula is really smooth and creamy. I bought the color Topaz, which is a light and shimmery golden color. I put this over my trusty Urban Decay eyeshadow primer and it stays on really well. This is a summer staple for me because it's easy, all I have to do is swipe a little on my lids with my fingers and I'm good to go!

e.l.f Essentials Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal- $1.00 (Yes, you read that right!)

I picked this up on a whim at the grocery store the other day, and I've been pleasantly surprised with how much I actually love this! The color I grabbed is Lilac Petal which is a very light and shimmery nude/pink. This is beautiful on the apples of your cheeks when you just want a little extra glow. Again this is very easy, no brushes required!

Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm in Peppermint- $3.99

I'm sure you have all heard about Baby Lips by now, but I don't think I'll ever stop talking about these! I absolutely LIVE in this clear peppermint flavored one. This lip balm is extremely moisturizing and has a nice faint peppermint smell. It's also perfect for the summer because it has SPF 15. Even our lips need sun protection!

Thanks for taking a break from the heat with me. Let me know if there are any summertime makeup favorites that you absolutely can't live without. Hope you can all stay cool!

XO- Brittney

P.S. Let's have a Twitter Party! :)

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