Current Favorites: April 2012

Hi, beauties!! I’m BACK! I can’t believe I went so long without posting. Since it’s been a while, I thought I’d share with you my current makeup loves. Some of these items are rediscovered favorites and some are brand new to my collection. Hope you enjoy and be sure to leave a comment telling me your favorites as well!

• Makeup Forever HD Primer

For the first time since I started wearing makeup I have fallen in love with a primer! Unlike heavier products that contain silicones, this one feels more like a lotion. It’s lightweight, fresh and best of all it actually keeps my makeup in place. Even after an 8-hour workday, my blush still looks great.

No other primer I’ve tried has worked this good! Plus, its fresh scent and non-greasy/fast absorbing formula takes all the hassle out of priming. I actually look forward to applying this every morning. I love it!

• Urban Decay Dew Me (Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray)

Keeping with the theme of long lasting makeup, the Urban Decay Dew Me setting spray has been the perfect addition to my daily routine. This used in conjunction with the Makeup Forever HD Primer has meant all day makeup wear, with little fading.

In the past I raved about All Nighter (which I still love), but lately I’ve really been enjoying this hydrating version. The spray feels a lot like MAC Fix +, its lightweight, moisturizing and eliminates any traces of caked up powder. However, unlike Fix + this product is formulated to prolong the look of your makeup. All it takes is 4-5 sprays and you’re set for the day!

• CARGO blu_ray High Definition Face Powder (Shade 20)

My stand out product this month has definitely been the CARGO blu_ray pressed powder. It’s one of the nicest powder foundations I’ve ever used (including MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural), it’s finely milled and extremely pigmented.

Getting ready in the early morning for work has meant a drastic change in my makeup routine. To cut down on time, all I’ve been wearing lately is concealer and this powder. Unlike similar products, this one leaves behind a luminous finish. It’s unlike any other face powder I’ve tried. Plus, it lasts all day without looking blotchy or faded. Although the price point is steep (retails for $32), it’s the third one I’ve hit pan on. I adore this powder!

• Stila Garden Bliss Face Powder

When I first purchased this powder I was not impressed and really disappointed (mostly because of its lack of pigmentation). However, in an effort to really use the makeup in my collection I started reaching for this….and I have yet to stop.

Although it does take quite a bit of work to build up the pigmentation, the finished look is really soft and natural. Ironically, this powder (which I disliked so much at first) is also the one blush that consistently gets me compliments or questions from women wanting to know what blush I’m wearing. Lesson learned, be sure to give products a bit of time before writing them off!

•  MAC Studio Finish Concealer (NC20)

Yet another product I used to highly dislike and now I love. This concealer has been my best friend lately, ever since my forehead decided to erupt in breakouts. BUT, it can look cakey so a nice blending brush and a good exfoliator go hand in hand with this concealer.

Also, the formula can feel dry at times, so be sure to rub your finger in it for a few seconds to warm it up (it will turn creamy once you do). It has great pigmentation though, and its been excellent on my hyper pigmentation marks (yet another reason I despise breakouts). Not to mention, one teeny little container of this will last a lifetime!

• theBalm Meet Matt(e) Eyeshadow Palette

Okay, okay I know what you’re thinking. Yes, I gave this a TERRIBLE review last month. But, like the previous two products I’ve mentioned I also decided to give this another chance and now I actually enjoy it  -notice a theme here? – Though it’s still lacking in pigmentation, I’ve found some nice uses for this product.

For example, Matt Ramirez (the shade I’ve hit pan on) has been great as a brow fill. The darkened plum shade (Matt Batali) is beautiful when used as a liner and Matt Smith is perfect for blending. The rest of the shades are decent as liners. But, no matter how hard I try Matt Chung does not work for me. It’s not pigmented, its powdery and is just plain BAD. But, at least I’m getting some use out of the other shadows.

• Urban Decay Primer Potion (Original Formula)

What can I say, nothing compares to this eye primer.  I’ve tried others and while they were good, nothing keeps my shadows in place longer than this. No matter how hot or humid, this keeps my shadows locked in place and looking vibrant for 12+ hours. Plus, this new squeeze tube packaging makes it easier than ever to apply. If you haven’t tried this, please run to your local ULTA or Sephora and get some!!

• Covergirl Liquiline Blast (Dark Brown)

I honestly never thought a drugstore liner could rival my coveted Urban Decay 24/7 liners, but this one does!! It’s creamy, pigmented and lasts all day without smudging or fading. This dark cool toned brown is the perfect alternative to black liner and great for casual days or work appropriate looks. I found myself reaching for this nearly everyday last month, something I’ve never been able to say about any other Covergirl product!

• MAC Marquis’d Lipstick (Limited Edition)

It always seems to happen, my all time favorite products from MAC are limited edition. This lipstick has been re-promoted in the past, so I figured I’d talk about it in case they decide to release it again. Marquis’d is the perfect everyday, natural pink lip. It’s Lustre finish gives it a nice sheen that looks more like a gloss than a lipstick. I’m almost done with this tube, so I’m hoping they release it again soon! I love, love, LOVE this!

What products have you been loving? Leave ‘em below!

XOXO,

Julie