Get That (Subtle) Glow!

Hello Beautiful Ones!

We're officially approaching that deep part of summer where there becomes a fine line between looking 'glowy' and looking like you are about to melt into a pile of sweat (that's never happened to us right?). Trust me there are some summer days here in Nebraska where 'hot mess' isn't just a phrase, but an actual lifestyle. So how then do we get just that right amount of glow?! Well L'Oréal  might have just the thing: the True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator.

I ran across a display of these during a trip to ULTA the other day. They come in three shades and each shade also has a powder version, but I've always been a sucker for a good liquid highlighter especially during the summer time. I just don't like to put a ton of powder on my face when it's really hot. The three shades are Golden, Ice, and Rose. I went for Rose.

I was already sold when I thought this was just a liquid illuminator, but when I got it home and started actually reading the package I realized that it was being marketed as either an illuminator or can be mixed with foundation for an overall glow boost. Naturally, my little multitasking heart was overjoyed.

The first thing I noticed when I squeezed some of the product onto my finger was that the color was not exactly what I was expecting. I guess I was thinking that it wouldn't be quite so bronzy? I don't know. But it is a nice rose-gold color. Here's a color swatch:

As you can see, it blends into the skin easily which is nice. And it does create a nice little glow. I wasn't sold at first, but I think it just wasn't exactly what I was expecting. But now that I've been wearing it regularly for about a week I've been really loving it. Sometimes I use it as more of a spot illuminator on my cheeks and on the bridge of my nose, and other times I just go all out and wear it all over. It's subtle enough that you can wear it on your entire face or mixed with foundation. If you're feeling like a light makeup day I think you could even wear this on its own for just a little extra glow. It lasts well and applies easily. Just make sure you blend it in well so you don't get any streaks or harsh lines.

As far as drugstore makeup goes this is a little on the pricier side at $12.99 a bottle, but I do think it's a nice product to have in your arsenal. Especially in the summer when it's nice to have a little extra glow!

How do you like to get that subtle summer glow? Let me know!

XO- Brittney

Read More

Stila Aqua Glow Perfecting Primer

Hello Beautiful Ones!

We are definitely in the middle of summer, it's a sunny 91 degrees here in nebraska, and I couldn't be happier! There is something about summer heat that just makes me feel so weightless and happy, but you know what else the summer heat does? Melt off your makeup (ugh). This is of course unless you have a great makeup primer! So today I'm telling you about a new one: the Stila Aqua Glow Perfecting Primer.

Stila is marketing this product as a primer stick that is cooling, hydrating, and reduces pores and redness. That all sounds pretty good to me, so I was pretty excited to try this. In fact I was basically stalking it in Sephora for a couple of weeks until I finally convinced myself to buy it (My curiosity won out against my frugal side this time). I also found it interesting that it comes in a stick form, most of my favorite primers come in tubes but this seemed like it would be especially handy for traveling. 

The first thing that I noticed when I popped open the lid was that it, is a solid but it has the consistency of a gel when you touch it. Then I actually put it on my face... oh my goodness, it really is cooling. It kind of reminds me of an aloe vera gel that you would use to calm sunburned skin, except it doesn't have all that sticky mess that comes with an aloe gel. It feels so good to apply on a hot and sticky summer morning. 

When it comes to application you can either rub some onto your finger and apply it that way or just go for your face with the stick (which is usually what I do). It feels very light on the skin which I love. It isn't a miracle on pores or redness, but I do think it helps. The big plus is that it is very hydrating, and possibly most importantly it makes my makeup stay on my face even in the heat (hallelujah). My favorite moisturizing primer for a long time has been the Too Faced Hangover, but I have to say that this one gives it a run for its money. I just love the cooling properties of this Stila primer. 

Bottom line? This is a MUST HAVE for the summer or someone who lives in a warm climate. Definitely worth the $28 price tag. 

Have you tried this one? Let me know! As always thanks for reading and make sure you go out and enjoy the sunshine if you're lucky enough to have it (she says from inside an air conditioned coffee shop)! 

XO- Brittney 

Read More