4 MAKEUP FAVES

I just keep on buying makeup, so it looks like here's another makeup post on the blog! I've actually had all four of these items for a while now, so I can totally vouch for the quality of these items. But for someone whose makeup looks almost the same every day, I'm hoping to be able to jump out of my comfort zone one day and try a bold makeup look! 

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer: I have combination skin, and I apply this just around the dry parts of my face and it's been an amazing skin-saver. It's so nourishing, and it keeps the under-eye concealer from creasing. It also smells really good, and the handy pump keeps me from making a mess.

Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals: I've heard about this drugstore highlighter all over the internet, and I can see what all the hype is about. The formula is pigmented (and no pre-scratching required) and totally layer-able, so it can take you from a natural look to a blinding one. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette: Totally late to the party, I know. But I don't think I've ever come across an eyeshadow palette with so much color payoff. I'm someone who likes to play on the safe side, so I've just barely experimented with the intense reds and pinks, but this palette just makes me feel the need to try something new and use these smokey autumnal colors. This palette has an amazing range of colors, and I can't wait to try out more looks with this. 

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent: To be honest I never even used to use setting powder, but when the weather started warming up, I needed something to keep my face together. This  is a great powder for all over the face, and it helps a little with the shine. And after using this for a few months, it hasn't caused any breakouts (like some powders I've used), so there's that!

BURBERRY BEAUTY

I've grown to like Burberry as a makeup brand throughout the year, and I'm so thankful that our family friend Patrick got me all these goodies for Christmas-- mascara, lip gloss, eye liner, and a deluxe set of mini lipsticks. It's February now, but I haven't even gotten around to trying everything! 

Aside from the 3-year supply of Cat Eyes mascara, I've only tried the glosses. With February having Valentine's Day and all, I think it would be a good time to try out various shades of lipstick (but I'm not the type to be adventurous with makeup, so we'll see!).

MAKEUP: THE BASICS

As someone who has gone through those terrible makeup phases in high school (cause midnight black eyeliner should not be covering all of your eyelid), I find great satisfaction in finding a makeup routine that I feel confident with. I'm definitely no pro, and my eyebrows are far from looking like I actually try, but with these recent makeup products that I've picked up at Sephora (the ones underlined), I can go through the day knowing they're dependable and will keep me looking like I had enough sleep.

-FACE-

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer + Porefessional Primer

I've not yet encountered a concealer better than this one. My combination skin is fickle, and I find myself cursing at it when it decides to be oily and dry at the same time. Though I can't ever seem to find a cure for my dry skin, I don't necessarily struggle with my pores as much. But the primer does a great job of keeping the concealer in place and preventing shine, especially in this humid summer weather. As for the concealer itself, it matches my skin tone perfectly and does a good job of concealing my permanent dark circles. I don't use foundation, as I've never felt the need to (and I like to keep my makeup light), so this Nars holy grail product does everything I could hope for.

-LASHES + LIPS-

Mascara + Mac "Mocha" 

Everyone says that a little bit of mascara makes all the difference, so I just put on a bit of any drugstore mascara I've picked up. Lately I've been using the L'oreal Voluminous Butterfly since it fans out my lashes quite nicely. As for the lips, I keep it natural using a brown/pink nude with Mac's Mocha, and I finish it off sometimes with Nyx's Butter Gloss in Tiramisu if I'm feeling spunky. They go quite nicely and make me look like I have some color to my face.

-BROWS-

Anastasia Brow Wiz + Elf Brow Kit

I'm a brow beginner, and as my little sister puts it,  my eyebrows still look like blobs (a real self-esteem booster she is). But ya gotta admit, they're a lot less blob-like and just a tiny bit more shapely when I apply these products on them! This high-end + drugstore combination is a little strange, given Elf is one of the cheapest makeup brands out there, but if it works, then it's fine with me. If you haven't been able to tell, I've totally beaten up my Elf brow kit since it lasts forever (look closely enough and you'll see that I've hit the pan) and does a great job of it, too! I outline the shape using the Brow Wiz, and fill it in with the brow kit.

LET'S GLOW!

As much as I hate to admit it, I'm not one to keep a very good skincare regime. And it took nearly a month past the onset of winter for me to realize that my skin was not in the best condition... Usually I can get away with it during the summer when the air is humid and the sun is bright, but now these cold winds are seriously drying out my face, hands, and legs. Nobody wants dull winter skin, so naturally I decided to do something about it.

-1, 2, 3, GLOW!-

Skin gets dry when it lacks moisture. It's a no-brainer to assume that a good moisturizer is key when you're looking for healthy skin! In addition to a healthy diet with lots of water, it's important to be using a moisturizer that works with your skin type and one that locks in what it adds. You wouldn't want a strong breeze blowing away all that hard work...

One of my favorite stops for a good lotion is The Body Shop. They have so many different scents, and I can guarantee that all of them are extremely moisturizing. I like a more neutral scent for everyday use, so I stick to their bestselling olive body butter, and when I need that extra kick of moisture, I go for their Chocomania scent, which is one of their most hydrating. I got a peach lotion as well, and I was afraid it would be too strong to wear everyday, but it leaves such a light, sweet scent.

-... AND WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MAKEUP-

As for my face, I reach for my Neutrogena lotion that I can just pick up from Target, and I go for Clinique's Overnight Turnaround lotion after an evening shower. But when I put on my makeup for the day, I want to add an extra little kick and illusion of glow.

I've finally gotten around to trying the Burberry makeup that I talked about in this post, and I'm glad to say that it's been a huge help to my everyday routine. The Fresh Glow Primer is hydrating and gives a dewy glow that works on any skin tone. Pair that with a natural-looking eyeshadow that adds a hint of sparkle to my lids, and I'm almost good to go!

After all the eye and face makeup, I add my finishing touch: Benefit's Watt's Up Highlighter. I've been planning to get my hands on this ever since I set my eyes on it at Sephora, and thanks to my older sister, I finally got to try it out! I dab it on my cheekbones and down the center of my nose just so the light could illuminate the high points on my face. I'm ready for that glow all season long *smirk emoji*.

BURBERRY AND CARNATIONS

This Thanksgiving, my older sister brought her high-school friend over and he got us some Burberry goodies (thank you!). And being the makeup lover that I am, I'm super excited to try these out. I didn't even know that Burberry made cosmetics, considering how they're known for their classic British trench coats. I got some eyeshadow, nail polish, primer, and a cheek/lip color, and I can't wait to incorporate these into my winter makeup routine.

And on a side note, I got these adorable pink carnations from Alex this past week. And despite them being flowers, the color kind of reminds me of clean, crisp winter air. Bring it on, December! I'm ready for the holiday season.