Happy Monday, friends! Other than living for loungewear lately, I’ve also been all about skincare and beauty routines because there’s obviously a lot more time to think about those things! I have to say, it wasn’t until I started this blog that I really got into trying different products and changing up my beauty routine. I’m a creature of habit, so I always just stuck with what I had, and that was usually just from the drugstore! Luckily, I have evolved to incorporate some higher end products into my routine, and some of them have become my tried and true favorites that I purchase over and over again.
I’m sure you’ve heard about the Sephora sale that started recently, but if you haven’t or aren’t sure of the details, here is a little recap. Sephora has two big sales a year and depending on which tier you’re at as a Beauty Insider determines the discount you’ll get on your purchase. You can still join the rewards program and get the discount this week! The membership is free and you basically earn points with your purchases to redeem for trial size products, you get a birthday gift, and receive access to sales like this one, along with beauty classes in store and lots of other perks!
Membership details
Rouge Members get 20% off (4/17-5/1)
VIB members get 15% off (4/21-4/29)
Insider members get 10% off (4/23-4/27)
Use code SPRINGSAVE
WHAT I USE
FOUNDATION: I’m a full coverage foundation kind of gal, and I love this one. It’s not too thick, it blends smoothly on your skin, and it’s the one I’ve been wearing lately. A cult favorite is the Estee Lauder Double Wear which is in my rotation, and it’s also included in the sale. I always use this primer before applying my foundation. For powder, I used this one until Ella dropped it and broke it. 🥴 It gives you a light, matte finish and a little goes a long way. I’ve been using this as backup, and it also gives you a very matte finish with good coverage. If you have drier skin, this may not be for you because it applies with a very powdery consistency and might make your face feel even drier, if that makes sense? Sephora has a shade finder you can use to match you so you’re not left guessing which color to try to get!
CONCEALER/CONTOUR: I’ve been addicted to Tarte’s Shape Tape concealer because it has such great coverage (it’s on sale 50% off here), but I’m ordering this one to try because I’ve heard a lot of buzz on it and it has great reviews so I want to compare. I always use this beauty blender to apply my concealer because it blends without leaving any creases. When it comes to contouring, I know it can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! It is one step I never skip, even if I’m just doing powder, mascara and gloss. I have used this palette for years and swear by it!! The colors have amazing pigment, and adding this to my makeup routine was a game changer. I use the color ‘Java’ under my cheekbones before applying blush.
These are the brushes I use most frequently (here and here). They come in a pack with various sizes and have held up so well. Others I use are below.
FOUNDATION BRUSH (This type of brush blends your foundation SO SMOOTHLY! This is the expensive version, but the exact one I use is half the price and you can find it here).
EYESHADOW BRUSH FOR CREASE + BLENDING
BLUSH/BRONZER: Another product I always use is bronzer. It gives your face an extra sun kissed glow and really makes a huge difference! This is the bronzer I’ve been using for the last year or so, and it gives you a light and shimmery sheen without being too overboard. (color is ‘Radiant Bronze Light’) I love it. For blush, I alternate between MAC and NARS (color is ‘orgasm’) and love them both equally!
EYE MAKEUP/BROWS: Urban Decay’s Naked Palette (the older one) has been in my makeup bag forever, and I love the pigments. Ella got ahold of my eyeshadow palettes recently and mixed all the colors together so I replaced it with this one and the shades are so gorgeous! I linked a few other palettes that have really beautiful colors and are brands I’ve tried and would recommend. This is the eyeliner I used for a couple of years (color is ‘Mulholland Drive – metallic brown’)…it ran out so I’m ordering a new one because I miss it! I’m also wanting to try this liquid liner by Fenty Beauty to change it up a bit. For brows, I use this pencil (color is ‘taupe’) and it stays all day, and gives me just the right amount of depth in my brows that I want.
I haven’t worn mascara in over a year because I’ve had lash extensions, but now that they’re falling off and I’m not able to get them filled, I’m in need of a new tube stat! I’ve been using this one until the ones I’m ordering arrive. The two mascaras that have always been my favorite are this and this. Applying a lash primer before your mascara makes all the difference in the world, and this is the one I plan on ordering. I used Tarte’s primer in the past and loved it, but I decided to try something different this time around!
LIPS: So far, I have come to absolutely love this lipstick and lip liner. It’s what I’m wearing in the picture above (color is ‘pillow talk’) and the formula is lightweight and basically feels like you’re not wearing anything on your lips. I’ve had lipsticks in the past that were thick, too creamy, and smeared on your teeth so those had to go. I’m planning on ordering the shade Kim K.W since I don’t have many nude lip colors. This is the gloss I use when my lips need some shine (with or without makeup) and it’s so pretty! It comes in several colors….I wear ‘Crystalline’ and it’s a pearly + pinkish/nude gloss.
HAIR: Most of the hair products I use come from the salon where I get my hair done, (Oribe products are life!) but there are few at Sephora that I’m a big fan of. I love the OUAI line, especially the leave in conditioner! Their texture spray and dry shampoo are products I use often too. It has more of a strong but clean scent, and that’s why I like it….especially on days when that dirty hair needs a good refresh! Since my hair is short, I haven’t used my T3 curling iron in awhile, but I do love the waves it gives your hair! The 1.25″ is my favorite barrel size for loose curls.
SELF TANNER: I have always alternated between two self tanners, but when my Loving Tan turned green recently (it was old) 😲 I had to toss it, and I went back to using St. Tropez since I had a pretty full bottle. I forgot how good it was, and feel kind of bad that’s it’s been sitting there not getting used! It’s easy to apply, goes on evenly, and leaves you with a natural tan without making those hard to blend areas look dirty. I actually just used it a few days ago! I know so many people SWEAR by the Isle of Paradise tanning drops so I’m ordering those in dark to try them out. They can be used on your face and body and you mix a few drops in with your lotion. Sounds pretty easy so I’m excited to test that out too!
WHAT’S IN MY CART
FENTY BEAUTY LIP GLOSS: 10K reviews and over 4.5 stars so I gotta try! I’ve been wanting to try products from her line for the longest time.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY UNDER EYE SETTING POWDER: I always use my face power for under my eyes, but I want to try this to brighten up my eyes even more.
FARSALI ROSE GOLD 24K SKIN MIST: This is supposed to be good for setting your makeup or even spraying on before applying to give you a smooth glow.
TARTE BB TINTED PRIMER: I’m curious to see the difference in this primer since it’s tinted compared to what I have now. Some people just use this in place of powder or foundation on days you want to skip face makeup.
TOO FACED BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION: I’ve heard so much about this one, and since foundation is such an important part of my routine when I do full makeup, I want to try it to review.
ISLE OF PARADISE SELF TANNING DROPS (DARK)
HOURGLASS VANISH AIRBRUSH CONCEALER (BIRCH)
TARTE SEA PACK YOUR BAGS UNDER EYE PATCHES: Lately, I’m in desperate need of all the under eye treatments.
BUXOM FULL ON PLUMPING LIP POLISH GLOSS: Okay this one has 12K reviews and nearly 5 stars. Get in my cart, I need to see what you’re about!
