Everyday Makeup Products

NYX Control Freak Clear Eyebrow Gel: I have pretty sparse brows but this is really helpful for making them look a little more full, brushing them up and setting them in place.  

Sonia Kashuk Duo Blush in Glisten: I picked this up from Target on clearance and I love it!  It is the perfect color for summer.  It is so easy to use and provides both blush and bronzer in one sweep.  

Tartelette Matte Palette: This is my favorite eyeshadow palette at the moment.  The colors are so pretty and perfect for everyday wear.  They are matte so they are super flattering.  They apply smoothly and blend beautifully.  If you are looking for an eyeshadow palette this is one to check out!    

NYX Wonder Stick in Universal: I'm still a contour newbie but this little product is making it a little easier.  I don't use the highlighter as much but the contour stick is awesome!  I just swipe it in the hollows of my cheekbones and blend it in with a brush.  

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: I have combination dry and oily skin.  I always need a lotion to moisturize my face but I need to make sure it doesn't make me oily.  This product is lightweight and also provides sunscreen which I love.  

Wet N' Wild Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde: I'm still working on my brow game, not on fleek yet.  This product is super cheap and I have really been liking how it applies.  

Rimmel Long Lasting Foundation: I purchased this foundation on a whim to wear at Disney and fell in love!  It is long lasting, has good coverage and feels good on my skin.  

Almay Smart Shade Lipstick in Pink: These smartshade lippies are some of my favorites.  I still struggle with finding the right shade for my skintone and Almay takes the work out of it.  This one is supposed to be a flattering match for fair skin.  I really like it, not too pink but enough to brighten my face.    

Rimmel Perfect Match Concealer: I love this concealer!  It hides everything I need to hide (bye dark circles), it isn't too thick and it stays all day.  Being that it is Rimmel it is super affordable too!  

e.l.f. Gel Cream Eyeliner in Brown: This eyeliner is super easy to use, just swipe a brush in it and draw it along your lashline.  It gives a pretty definition and doesn't look to made up.  It is a really pretty natural eyeliner look.  

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion: Yay for drugstore mascara!  I love a good mascara and CoverGirl is my favorite!  This one plumps my lashes and doesn't get clumpy.  

My Favorite elf Dupes

I love e.l.f cosmetics!  I discovered them in college and was amazed at how cheap they were yet still able to have such an quality product.  They are dupes for some of the most raved about makeup items and at a fraction of the cost.  They work exactly the same you just have more money in your wallet.

- Smashbox Photo Finish primer ($39) vs. e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Primer ($6)

For a fraction of the cost you get a primer that works just as well, if not better than the Smashbox version.  This one really helps keep your makeup on all day.  It smooths out your pores and helps your foundation to go on perfectly and last all day.  They also have some that reduce redness.  

- Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder ($34) vs. e.l.f. Studio HD Powder ($6)

I used this for my wedding and it made such a difference in my pictures.  This helps to define your features and makes things look beautiful in pictures.  The only downside is it makes a little bit of a mess...so be careful when you open it.  

- NARS Blush/Bronzer Duo in Orgasm/Laguna ($42) vs. e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder in St. Lucia ($3)

This is my favorite blush duo!  The blush color is a perfect coral pink.  I use the bronzer for contouring.  Compared to the NARS version the colors swatch exactly the same.   

- Benefit Coralista Blush ($28) vs. e.l.f. Studio Blush in Candid Coral ($3)

Another elf blush that is just like the more expensive version.  This one is the perfect coral color that looks good on pretty much everyone.  

- Mac Cremsheen Lipstick in Creme Cup ($16) vs. e.l.f.  Studio Matte Lip Color in Natural ($3)

The studio lipstick is such a beautiful matte lip color that lasts all day and swatches an almost exact match to the Mac.  

- Anastasia Brow Powder Duo ($23) vs. e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit ($3)

Your brows are such an important step to do because they frame your whole face.  The Anastasia duo is raved about in the beauty community but it is so expensive.  This elf version is so much cheaper and works exactly the same.  There is a wax portion to hold them in place and color to fill them in.  

What are your favorite elf products?  

Five Things Friday

1. Cedar Cove: I started watching this show on a whim on Netflix when my husband was away for the weekend on interviews and fell in love.  The story line is great, small town, romance and sweet characters.  It is Hallmark so you know its pretty good and based on Debbie Macomber's book series.  I finished the first season and am patiently awaiting the 2nd season to air on Netflix.   

2. Essie in Ballet Slippers: I am obsessed with this nail polish!  Seriously how have I never tried this before??  It is such a beautiful pale pink color that looks classy and sophisticated.  I mean Emily Maynard wore it on The Bachelor so how can it be bad?

3. Anthropologie Homegrown Monogram Mug: I got this as a gift from a friend and it is my favorite mug.  Mine of course has an "e" on it and it is the perfect size.  It holds a large amount of coffee or chai tea so you can get energy in the morning and it fits perfectly in my hand...plus how adorable is that print?

4. BCBG Build Your Own Affirmation Strap Bracelt: I have been eyeing these bracelets for a couple of years and just never bought one.  I picked mine up at Belk on sale and got my initials and my husbands.  I really wanted to do a heart but they were all sold out, I'll keep looking.  It is a little hard to put on at first.  My husband had to help push through the leather but it gets easier.  I love the look and have been piling it on with everything.    

5. e.l.f.Studio high definition powder translucent
This is such an amazing product.  I use this on special occasions or when I know I am going to have my picture taken.  This makes your makeup last and your features look defined and beautiful on camera.

What have you been loving this week?

Five Things Friday

1. The Elite (The Selection): This is the second book in The Selection series.  I finished this one this week and sped through it.  It was really interesting and the story line was good.  I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but sometimes I got a little irritated and felt like the love triangle is carried out a little to much but still a good read and I've already started in on the third book.  

2. Shipping Wars: This is such an addiction for me...and I really can't explain it.  I just love Shipping Wars.  I can watch this show all day long, seriously one summer I was at my husband's house (then boyfriend) while he was at work and I watched Shipping Wars all day.  Well I recently discovered it on Netflix and have been watching while I do things around the house (dishes, laundry, etc).  Don't ask me why I like it I just get so into the people and their shipments and their problems.  

3. essie Nail Color in Watermelon: Perfect pink color for February and it makes my nails feel all springy :)

4. e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Cream, St. Lucia: This is one of my all time favorite blushes.  It is the perfect coral pink that brightens up my face and the bronzer is great to add a little warmth or use as a contour.  This is what I used for my wedding and I have been loving it ever since...plus at $3 you really can't beat that.  p.s. it's also a dupe for NARS blush in orgasm.  

5. Bertolli Tiramisu Cups: So my husband has been doing a lot of interviews for his doctorate degree and that meant I was on my own for the weekend.  So I decided to splurge and get a good dessert.  I found these at Ingles on sale and figured they were worth a shot.  Oh my goodness are they delicious, rich and creamy and with just the right amount of coffee flavor from the ladyfingers and the chocolate ahhh delicious!  Too bad there are only two cups in a package...actually maybe that's a good thing....