Favorites of 2012

For the most part, putting together my list of H.G. items was pretty simple, especially since I like to keep a bag of back-ups under my makeup table. The following are all the products that I've used throughout the year and have repurchased.

~Hair~
*Wen*

Even though I've been using this product for a couple years, back in the Spring, I started using it more as a conditioner than cleanser. With regular shampoo, it makes my hair look shiny and feeling healthy. I did attempt to try out different products but nothing else could compare. For the winter months, I'll be using Fig, which is more moisturising than the other "flavors".

*TRESemme' Thermal Recovery Shampoo*

After spending over a year of only using a cleansing conditioner on my hair, the search for a great shampoo proved to be a tad difficult. Luckily, on my second attempt, I found my now go-to product. Just like Wen, I absolutely love the way my hair looks and feels...plus, there's the added bonus of heat protection.

*TRESemme' Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray*

I didn't notice this until it was mentioned in an Emilynoel83 video and have been using this ever since. Not only is it affordable, but the hold is great without leaving any sticky residue.

~Face~
*bareMinerals Foundation in Golden Fair*

I started using this in the beginning of January, when I was suffering from horrible breakouts and acne scars. Over the past 12 months, it has not only covered up any imperfections but my face has also cleared up wonderfully. This is a product that I simply can't imagine being without and has been the absolute best foundation I've ever tried.

*bareMinerals Bisque*

Adding this to the mix has given me even more coverage and truly erases everything from dark circles to the occasional breakout.

*bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil*

This offers such a great airbrushed look and really evens everything out. Before I initially tried this I really didn't understand the purpose for a "finishing powder", however, this have been a product that I never leave the house without.

*bareMinerals Prime Time*

When I use this, my make-up stays on all day and rarely needs to be touched up...plus, it hasn't caused any break outs.

~Eyes~
*Tarte Lights Camera Splashes Mascara*

I've been using this for over two years and have continued to repurchase. I love everything about it from the way my lashes feel and look to how bulletproof it is. I don't doubt that this will be on my H.G. list for quite some time.

*Smashbox Limitless Liner in Onyx*

This is another product that I have been using for over two years. Over the past twelve months I've been having a lot of fun using a colored liner on the top on my lids and Onyx in the waterline. It's quite rare when I need to reapply in the middle of the day.

~Skincare~
*Philosophy Hands of Hope*

Last year when I bought my first tube, I didn't think I'd repurchase...ironically, I've had HOH in my bag ever since. It's so moisturising, especially perfect for the cooler months, and has no scent so I don't have to worry about it competing with my perfume. I'm yet to find a cheaper dupe for this.

*Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Neck Cream*

I absolutely love this product! After the first month of use, I could see such a difference in the tightness of my neck and decollete area...the smooth feeling is a bonus as well.

*bareMinerals Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser*

Last January after using BEs makeup for a few weeks I decided to venture toward their skincare and haven't looked back since. I use the exfoliating cleanser first thing in the morning and as a mask once a week. I also really like the fresh scent it has.

*bareMinerals Purifying Facial Cleanser*

I use this every other night and it's such a gentle cleanser that takes the day off.

*bareMinerals Deep Cleansing Foam*

I use this on nights when I don't reach for the Purifying Cleaner and it applies almost like a mask.
I've been using all three cleansers for a year and not only has my skin cleared up immensely but it also looks a lot brighter. I don't think I'd want to use anything else.

*bareMinerals Skin Rev-Er Upper*

I use this morning & night and it's really helped to clear my skin without drying it out.

*bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum*

This is such a light serum that goes right into the skin. My face has looked amazing since I've been using this product and I fully believe that this is what helped to erase all my acne scars...that and the Skin Rev-Er Upper.

*bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer*

This moisturizes my face without causing any breakouts, which is what I think was initially my problem, using the wrong face cream.

~Shower~
*Philosophy Candy Cane*

This 3in1 is part of the holiday collection, however, I keep it in my bathroom all year long. I'm not 100% sure but this has to contain Menthol because it really opens up your nasal passages and gives off a nice cooling sensation. I love using this when I'm sick or on hot summer nights....I use this on my son as well.

~Lips~
*EOS Lip Balm*

These are great to use prior to applying lipsticks or glosses. They're not greasy, smell really good, and leave my lips nice and soft. I take these wherever I go.

*Laura Geller Italian Marble Lipstick*

As of right now I have seven shades from this line and love all of them. The colors range from sheer to a bold pink and feel just like a lip balm.

*bareMinerals Moxie Lip Gloss*

After I tried a couple out, I soon became addicted and loaded up on more...and more. They're long lasting with shades ranging from clear to a deep berry. What I love it the candy scent they have and the minty feeling I get when I wear them.

So there you have it-my list of 2012 Go-To/Holy Grail/Repurchased items. I apologize for the long length of this post...thanks for sticking with me :)

Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchange for a positive review. For more information, please check out my Disclaimer.

Smashbox Studio Pop Eye Palette and Brush Trio

Last year I missed out on Smashbox's Photo Op Mega Palette so when I saw this, although, slightly smaller, I jumped at the chance to order it.

I'm thrilled because this marks three firsts:
1. First Smashbox eyeshadow
2. First Smashbox palette
3. First holiday '12 makeup set

In the past, all I had tried from this company were the eye liners, which I love. In fact, I've exclusively worn the Limitless Liner in Onyx on my waterline for several years.
I figured that this would be a great value as I could try their shadows, cream liners, and brushes all at once.

To the best of my knowledge this is exclusive to QVC. Yes, I have seen the palette in other locations, however, I haven't been able to find the trio anywhere else.

 The Smashbox Studio Pop Eye Palette and Brush Trio comes with:

-3 Brushes

-Palette consisting of 16 Photo Op shadows and 4 cream liners

-4 Lesson Cards ranging from easy to pro

~Brushes~

* #7 Tapered Shadow Brush: Oh my I love this brush!!!! It's incredibly soft and since the bristles are looser, I use this to apply a lighter shade all over my lids.
* #15 Definer Brush: I like to use this to apply shadow in my outer v blending into my crease. It's small enough and yet, is perfect for a precise application.
* #20 Double-Ended Smudger Brush: It took a little getting used to but I like how easy it is to apply cream liner with the smaller bristles. Even for a first timer like myself, the application looked flawless. I also enjoyed the smaller rubber tip on the other end for smudging pencil liner...it created a cleaner line.

~Shadows~
At first I had a tiny bit of buyers remorse and, while very pretty, I couldn't help but wonder about what the big deal was with these shadows...I quickly found out. Upon first swatch, I was immediately impressed. I have never encountered eye shadow so smooth and pigmented. All I have to do it lightly tap the brush and I get tons of product, but without any fall-out. The quality is just amazing, not to mention the fact that there are a lot of different looks that an be created with this palette.

~Shades~
*Nocturnal: Shimmery Deep Navy
*Lunar: Shimmery Silver
*Emerald: Shimmery Light Green
*Nude: Matte Caramel
*Vanilla: Matte Vanilla (great for highlighting!)
*Obsidian: Shimmery Slate
*Champagne: Shimmery Beige
*Bark: Shimmery Deep Brown
*Cinder: Shimmery Violet
*Pastel: Matte Soft Pink
*Orchid: Matte Dark Purple
*Flamingo: Shimmery Coral
*Smoke: Matte Dark Gray
*Amethyst: Shimmery Violet
*24K: Shimmery Gold
*Nutmeg: Shimmery Golden Bronze

~Cream Liners~
At first I was a little afraid because I had never used any kind of cream liner before, however, I've really been enjoying this product a lot. They've lasted all throughout the day without smudging and is probably the easiest to apply out of all the other liners I've used in the past. My only concern is whether or not they dry out in this palette...time will tell (hopefully not).

~Shades~
*Bronze: Shimmery Bronze
*Royal: Deep Purple
*Picasso: Deep Blue
*Nightlife: Shimmery Black

(shadow swatches)



(liner swatches)



Overall, I can't really find anything wrong with this set. I've been using it for several weeks and continue to find new color combinations...the possibilities seem to be endless. My only complaint it that this came out after my vacations as this is perfect for travel.

Unfortunately, I waited too long to post this as it seems to be no longer available, however, you can get the palette itself at these other locations:
-Macy's
-macys.com
-Nordstrom
-nordstrom.com
-Sephora
-sephora.com
-smashbox.com (I haven't seen this on their site as of yet)
-Ulta
-ulta.com

As always, I thank you for reading my blog.

Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchage for a positive review. For more information, please check out my Disclaimer.

Today's Eye Look

I decided to go for a natural look so I went with a quad from Bonne Bell, Cafe Classics. In my opinion, there's more shimmer than pigmentation but it was cheap...plus, it's the same one (newer, of course) that I wore for my prom. The nice part about this is how it makes my eyes look open and awake.

Here's how I came up with my look:

*Peach shade all over my lids and brow bone

*Taupe shade pat on my outer lids

*Deep Plum shade smoked out in my crease and also used on top of my liner

*Silver shade in the inner corners

Then, I used Laura Geller's Plum Paradise liner on my outer lid (on top) along with my Smashbox's Onyx liner all over my waterline. I only line the outer part of my lid because I've found it creates a nice shape for my eyes and makes them look more open.

Of course, as a finishing touch I used Tarte's Lights, Camera, Splashes mascara.

FOTD Featuring LG's Toast of The Town Collection

With Spring right around the corner and the weather as nice as it's been, I decided to go with some bright colors from Laura Geller's Toast of The Town Collection.

On My Face:

Be Prime Time primer

Be Foundation in Golden Fair

Be Bisque

Be Warmth (for contouring)

Be Faux Tan

Laura Geller Blush and Brighten in Mimosa

Be Pure Radiance

Be Veil

On My Eyes:

ELF primer

Laura Geller Eye Dreams in Belini

Laura Geller Brightening Eyeliner in Bone

Laura Geller liner in Purple Passion

Smashbox liner in Onyx

Laura Geller Brow Marker in Taupe

Tarte Lights Camera Splashes Mascara

On My Lips:

Laura Geller Tropics Lipstick

Laura Geller City Lights gloss

FOTD & Review

I centered this look on my new Bare Escentuals Ready shadow set-The Scenic Route. While it was love at first sight, I admit I was a little intimidated at first. I think I did a nice job with it, though :)

~Face~ (after moisturizer & primer)

I mainly wanted the attention to go on my eyes, so I kept my face natural and glowy.

What I used:

*bareMinerals foundation in Golden Fair

*bareMinerals Warmth used as a contour

*bareMinerals Faux Tan All Over Face Color

*Laura Geller Baked Blush in Mimosa

*bareMinerals Pure Radiance as a highlight

*bareMinerals Veil

Eyes

*bareMinerals Ready shadow in Breathtaking (shimmery white with a bit of gold from The Scenic Route)

I applied this lighter color in the inner part of my eyelid and around the tear ducts to look more awake.

*bareMinerals Ready Shadow in Spectacular (shimmery green with a gold undertone from The Scenic Route)

This was applied on the outer corners of my lid (a little goes a long way)

*Tarte Light green eyeliner from The Jewelry Box palette (from Dec. 2010)

I lined the outer corners of my top lid to make the green shadow pop. I've found that by only lining about half of my upper lid, it makes my eyes more defined and open.

*Tarte shimmery deep gold shadow from The Jewelry Box palette (from Dec. 2010)

To me, this looks like it's just a bit deeper than Spectacular-I used this to smoke out the outer portion of my crease.

*Smashbox Limitless Liner in Onyx

As always, I used this to line my waterline.

*Tarte Shadows from The Jewelry Box palette (from Dec. 2010)

To balance out all the shimmer from the shadows, I used a light cream shade (matte) as my highlighter on my brow bones. In order to make my eyeliner pop a little more, I used a deep green shimmery shadow over the green liner and a shimmery purple on the outer corner (near my waterline) for an unexpected pop of color.

*Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes waterproof mascara

*Laura Geller Brow Marker in Taupe

~Lips~

*Laura Geller The Tropics Lipstick

~The Scenic Route: Review~

The shadows feel like silk and are incredibly pigmented-you only need a slight touch to pick up the product. The colors are absolutely beautiful...they're bright, yet are quite wearable. Just like all Bare Escentuals products they enhance your features as opposed to hiding them. I have a big feeling that I will be picking up more in the (very) near future.

Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchage for a review. For mor information, please check out my Disclaimer.