2019 Annual Makeup Favorites — And One Big Fail!

Happy New Year!  I’m excited to share my 2019 annual favorites.  This year I’m breaking it up into two categories — Makeup and Skincare.

I love sharing my favorite makeup products.  I’ve included one in each category, and I will also lists some honorable mentions.  I usually don’t include products I don’t like, but I have one extreme fail this year that was a favorite on many people’s lists.  So read to the end if you want to know what foundation didn’t work for me at all!

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These are my favorite and most used products of 2019.  If I have reviewed or mentioned them before, I’ll link that post.

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Tati Beauty Textured Neutrals Vol. 1 Palette — I purchased a few new palettes this year and got a couple in PR that I really like. This one stood out to me because I really love Tati and wanted to support her, and I’ve never seen a palette laid out like this.  Gorgeous!

Honorable mentions are the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette.  I used it a lot this year.  It’s such a nice, neutral palette.  A new one that’s a favorite is the Colourpop Going Coconuts palette.  I will be reviewing that one soon. And my favorite colorful palette is the Natasha Denona Sunrise palette.  It’s so gorgeous!    

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NARS Makeup Your Mind Eye & Cheek Palette — So this palette holds my favorite bronzer, Laguna and my favorite blush formula from the year.  I love all three of the blush shades in this — Luster, Orgasm and Dolce Vita.  Beautiful!

Looking back on my monthly favorites for 2019,  I really didn’t have many blushes or bronzers in there.  In November I purchased the Colorpop Pressed Powder Blush in Enchanted Mirror and the Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder in 01 Sun Light. I have been loving both of those.  I would love to find more favorites in these categories this year.

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Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer — I purchased this in the spring Ulta 21 Days of Beauty, but just started using it in the fall.  I used it up in 2 months!  I will be purchasing again.  A primer I loved for the warm weather is the Touch in Sol No Poreblem Prime Essence.  I received it in a BoxyLuxe this year and loved how smooth it made my skin!

Catrice Cosmetics HD Liquid Coverage Foundation — This isn’t a new foundation, but it was new to me this year.  I love that it gives a natural finish with a nice coverage.  It doesn’t look like I’m wearing makeup. Honorable Mentions are the Pur 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Foundation and the Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation.  Both look so nice on my skin and don’t settle in my pores or lines.  I do need both of them in a darker shade, but I think they are nice, too!

Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer — This is one of the best concealers I have ever used!  It’s easily blendable and gives great coverage.  Plus it stays in place all day.  I do not have a runner up in 2019, because nothing compares.  Lets see if there’s a better one for me in 2020…

Urban Decay The Ultimate Brush Off Translucent Loose Setting Powder — I love the texture of this powder.  It sets under my eyes and all over my face flawlessly.  And it doesn’t sit in my pores and lines or look cakey.  I’m not a big fan of the packaging and hope they repackage it into a normal container without a brush.

Beauty Bakerie HD Flour Setting Powder is a close second.  I purchased it in the Spring Ulta 21 Days of Beauty and used it up in a few months.  I will be purchasing it again once I go through some powders I have.  It is light and doesn’t settle into pores.

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Essence Pure Nude Highlighter — This is an oldie but goodie!  I rediscovered this highlighter in 2019.  It can look soft and natural on or be built up to be blinding.  I do have a few other highlighters, but I don’t really love any other of mine right now.  I think I’ll try to find a perfect highlighter in 2020!

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara — What an amazing mascara! I alsways have the issue of my mascara smudging under my eye, even when I don’t put mascara on my lower lashes.  This is a tubing mascara, so it only comes off when I take it off with just water! Amazing! I also love the L’Oreal Unlimited Length and Lift Mascara.  It gives amazing length and builds up to be really voluminous.

Wander Beauty Frame Your Face Micro Brow Pencil — I got this in an Ipsy Glam Bag Plus. I no longer get that box, but I’m happy I received this brow pencil!  It is the perfect consistancy for me, not too soft or too waxy. Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Ultra-Fine Shape & Define is my runner up for brows.  It’s insanely pigmented, so a little goes a long way.  But it works so well on.  I love the micro pencils when doing my brows.

Pop Beauty Pout on Point Lip Liner — I have had this liner for a couple of years and it is almost out.  The color I have is Nude.  It’s not too creamy, so it stays on all day.  But it does glide on and blend like a dream!  I don’t have another lip liner I love as much, so I might have to make a Pop Beauty order soon.  I am always on the lookout for an amazing lip liner that doesn’t cost too much.

Iconic London Lip Gloss — I love this lip plumper!  The shade I have is Nearly Nude.  It’s lightly plumping and looks gorgeous over a lip liner or any lipstick. I don’t wear lipstick that much any more, usually just a lip liner with a gloss over it.  Although this is very nice, I am on the lookout for my perfect sheer gloss.  I need to use up ones I have before I will let myself try some more.

And now, my (probably controversial) fail for 2019:

L'Oreal Fresh Wear Foundation

L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation — Almost all reviews I saw for this last year were positive.  And there was a lot.  The only two reviews that weren’t as positive were ladies around my age that said it made them look like they were wearing foundation instead of just having beautiful skin.

For me, this foundation was just awful. It settled heavily in my pores and fine lines.  I tried so many different primers, serums and combinations of those to try not to look like a cakey mess when I wore it.  They didn’t work. Finally (before I gave it away), I had one day that I used an oil under it along with creams and primers, and it only looked slightly bad.  Almost passable.  LOL!  I gave it away after about 10 uses.

It was so sad because I was hoping to love it like so many others.  But I did find a perfect (for me) foundation, the Catrice one.

Did you try this foundation?  What did you think?

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I found so many amazing products in 2019!  I might have purchased too much, because I’m still working through them.  I still get BoxyCharm, BoxyLuxe and BoxCharm Premium, but I have got rid of my other subscriptions.  I am also going to try to purchase items I need in 2020.  And of course, a few I want.

Stay tuned for my skincare favorites of 2019 and I think I’m doing an annual Project Pan this year.

Giant Ulta Points Haul!

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Hi all!  I recently turned in my Ulta points and did an amazing haul! I got the items above and this advent calendar:

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The Body Shop Online Only Essential Advent Calendar ($70 USD) — I can’t find this on the website anymore!  So sad!  It’s really cute and smells amazing! They still have the more expensive one.  The Online Only Deluxe Vegan Advent Calendar.  It’s $110.  You can purchase it here.

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Here’s the calendar open.  I’m excited to open this in December!

Here are close up pics of the other items:

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The pink bag was a gift with purchase.  It’s full of a bunch of deluxe samples.

And I’ve been wanting the recent Anastasia Beverly Hills collabs.  The top palette is the Carli Bybel palette and the bottom one is the Jackie Aina palette.  I will be doing full reviews of both (and the Tati Beauty palette which I just ordered today)!

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From the top is the Tarte Travel Size Timeless Smoothing Primer ($19 USD).  Tati Westbrook talks about this all of the time, and I’ve decided to try it out.  And I love that it’s in a mini. I always use a pore filling primer over a hydrating one.  I’m using up a couple now, but I will try this out once they are used up.

I have also heard a lot about the new Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer ($22 USD).  I purchased it in the shade 2, which may be too light for me.  I probably should have got shade 4.  But that’s okay, I’ll give it a go.

I picked up two items from Catrice — the Lip Treatment ($7.99 USD) and the HD Liquid Coverage Foundation ($10.99 USD).  I love a good lip treatment and I have heard amazing things about the foundation. I picked it up in 020 Rose Beige.  I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m hoping it’s an okay match to try.  Of course, since I got it all with my points, it’s FREE MAKEUP! It’s not the end of the world if the match for that and the concealer isn’t perfect.  I can always mix them with other products.

The other products I got are the Morphe X Jeffree Star JS4 Fly High Brush ($10 USD), Morphe Highlight & Contour Beauty Sponge ($8 USD),  The Ordinary ”Buffet” ($14.80 USD) and the Peter Thomas Roth Mask MashUp ($25 USD) which is unfortunately no longer on the website.

I’ve been sick, so I haven’t really tried anything out yet, but I might wear makeup tomorrow to try somethings out.  This is my largest points haul yet, and I’m so excited about it!

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Have you used any Ulta points for free makeup?  What did you get?

 

Get Your Shine On With Metallic Makeup For Fall!

Metallic eyes and lips are very on trend this fall. And luckily, we can achieve the look without spending a ton!

I was sent these gorgeous metallic eye shadows, a lip topper and brushes for my honest review:

CATRICE Liquid Metal Eyeshadow
CATRICE Liquid Metal Eyeshadow ($5.99 USD each) — This highly pigmented powder, with a liquid metal finish, instantly creates stand-out eyes. Unique 3D embossment turns this eyeshadow into an absolute highlight.
What I think:  I love these, they are so pretty on.  I apply them with the wand  then blend with my finger.  They blend really well, but they dry quickly so I have to be careful!  Once they dry, they are only coming off when taken off!  The shades are so pretty on and can be built up for a really shimmery metallic look!
essence cosmetics The Metals Eyeshadows
essence cosmetics The Metals Eyeshadows ($3.99 USD each) — This new formula goes on smooth with serious color pay-off and a metallic shimmer. Available in 9 shades ranging from soft bronze to vibrant teal.
What I think:  These are metallic powder shadows in perfect shades for fall!  They apply well and blend out nicely.  I like using a brush for a softer look, but when I apply with my fingers, it’s full glamour!  And the price is hard to beat!  You can stock up with a few shades to make a complete eye look.
CATRICE Million Styles Lip Topcoat
CATRICE Million Styles Lip Topcoat ($5.99 USD each) — The creamy texture provides a shimmering finish, or covers the lips with silver-metallic particles. Simply apply over dried lipstick for an instant transformation – the effect is intensified with every coat.
What I think: This comes in two shades.  I have the shade on the left, Shade 20: Metallic, which is a silver shade.  There is also Shade 10: Highlight – for a iridescent finish.  The metallic one looks really cool alone (Halloween?) and very pretty over lipstick or lip gloss.  This is a really cool way to switch up your look.
MODA Metallics Custom Flip Kit

MODA Metallics Custom Flip Kit ($24.99 USD) — Start with MODA Brushes signature limited edition black studded Flip Kit and add 3 Finishing and Complexion brushes and 3 Eye, Brow and Lip brushes. You’ll be set to slay your weekend travel the Metallic way.

What I think:  I have been testing lots of MODA brushes and really like the quality.  They have soft synthetic bristles that blend really nicely.  The metallic collection is really gorgeous and there are lots so different brushes to choose from to customize your kit!

 Available at beautyusa.royalbrush.com
Are you a fan of metallic beauty?  What products do you love?

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Gorgeous Lippies For National Lipstick Day

It’s National Lipstick Day, Hooray!  For me, lipstick it the finishing step to a complete

From the classic lipstick bullets, to tints and balms to the popular liquid lipstick — there are amazing formulas and brilliant colors for everyone! Buckle up, everyone — here’s a long list of amazing choices!

CATRICE Ultimate Colour Lipstick

CATRICE Ultimate Colour Lipstick ($6.99 USD) — Color Counts! This CATRICE lipstick is highly pigmented, with perfect coverage and shine. Creates a smooth, creamy and long-lasting texture. Available in 13 shades.

essence matt matt matt lipstick
essence matt matt matt lipstick ($2.99 USD) — Once, twice, three times kiss proof! This smooth new lipstick glides over lips to provide a sophisticated, longlasting matte finish and bold color without drying out. Available in 8 shades.
Purchase at at Ulta and essencemakeup.com
Lipstick Queen Nothing But the Nudes

Lipstick Queen Nothing But the Nudes ($24 Each) –The rich texture delivers the perfect amount of pigment with an ideal sheen to show off your nude. Enriched with natural oils, waxes and antioxidant Vitamin E, these smooth, luxe and comfortable nudes are super-charged with hydrating nutrients to impart a modern, vinyl-like look and feel to the lips.  Effortlessly chic and universally flattering, this is a collection for the nude obsessed and the nuances that go into a beautiful nude experience. The shades available are The Truth – Pretty pinky nude, The Whole Truth – Perfect peachy nude, and Nothing But the Truth – Beautiful beige nude

Available at lipstickqueen.com on August 1st
Sassy Lips Make the Moment collection
Sassy Lips Make the Moment collection ($25 USD) –Encapsulated within every lipstick in this collection are gold flecks and a single wild chrysanthemum flower.The lipsticks turn to different shades of glossy pink and fuchsia and vary according to your body temperature.

Jelly-like texture feels soothing and hydrating, it offers the high shine of a gloss with the comfort of a lipstick. Gold flakes inside impart a subtle shimmer to your lips.

Available at www.sassylips.us

LORAC Alter Ego Hydrating Lip Stain
LORAC Alter Ego Hydrating Lip Stain ($19.00 USD) — This sexy and playful stain coat your lips in highly- pigmented color and hydrates with nourishing Jojoba Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Shea Butter and Mango Seed Butter for all day pigment, shine and hydration.
Available at loraccosmetics.com
ALIMA PURE LIP TINT
ALIMA PURE LIP TINT ($14 USD) — Lip Tint is a buttery lip balm, packed with lush pigments, that conditions lips with a sheer wash of color. Formulated with a blend of soothing oils, including coconut, pumpkin seed and pomegranate seed oils, butters and waxes for a rich moisturizing finish. Available in seven shades.
Available at AlimaPure.com, CredoBeauty.com
BLACK/OPAL Color Splurge Color Stick Lip
BLACK/OPAL Color Splurge Color Stick Lip ($7.95 USD) — Get the convenience of a lip pencil with the vibrant color of a lipstick in a easy-to-apply retractable pen. Enriched with emollient butters and vitamins C & E, these pigment-rich lip color sticks provide smooth, creamy jewel-toned color with a non-drying finish.
Available at BlackOpalBeauty.com
Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick

Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick ($18 USD) — Ultra matte budgeproof liquid lipstick delivers intense long wear color! High coverage long-wear formula dries fast and doesn’t smudge! Formula is feather proof and does not settle into fine lines. Lightweight moisturizing texture feels comfortable on lips. Suede matte finish does not crack or flake on lips.

Available at CargoCosmetics.com

Lipstick Queen Famous Last Words in Cheers

Lipstick Queen Famous Last Words in Cheers ($24 USD)  Introducing FAMOUS LAST WORDS in CHEERS! Cheers contains the same non-drying properties as the other shades in the Famoius Last Words Collection with an added mesmerizing sheen. It glides on smooth and wet, then sets to a luxurious velvet matte finish, leaving your lips moisturized and pigmented down to the very last word. Cheers!

Purchase in October at lipstickqueen.com

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My Beauty Favorites — Week of October 31 – November 6, 2016

We are officially in November!  I hope your weather is chilly enough for boots and sweaters!  I tried today, but had to remove my sweater and wished I wasn’t wearing boots…sigh.  I hope it gets cooler in Kansas City soon!

What I am enjoying is gorgeous and affordable makeup in fall hues. The products below will round out your fall makeup collection nicely:

Hard Candy Cosmetics
Hard Candy Cosmetics

Freshen up for Fall with the new products from Hard Candy!  From bold lips to statement eyes, gorgeous Fall makeup looks are bold, daring and inspirational!  So go ahead and jump start the season with Hard Candy!

Hard Candy Top 10 Satin eye shadow palette($6 USD) — 10 shades in a variety of finishes to ensure a custom look with each application. Product is cased in a chic tufted fabric wrapped compact that also includes a mirror

Hard Candy Fierce Effects Daring Lip Gloss ($5 USD) — Intense shiny lip gloss infused with argan and citrus oils. Stunning splashes of daring lip color drench lips while blended exotic oils hydrate the skin. Available in 16 different shades

Hard Candy Fierce Effects Lipstick ($5 USD) — Ultra soft formula infused with argan oil for added moisture and shine.

Hard Candy products are available for purchase only at Walmart and Walmart.com.

essence Me & My Umbrella
essence Me & My Umbrella

Rain, snow, or shine, essence is here with a new limited edition collection exclusively available at essencemakeup.com! Enjoy the season even more with essence’s limited edition collection Me & My Umbrella. Perfect for the winter weather, the collection will be sure to make you glow!

essence Me & My Umbrella Blush ($3.99 USD) – Bring some color into your day with this limited edition blush. Like a blooming flower after a rainy day, the beautiful rose shade gives any complexion a fresh, healthy touch of color.

essence Me & My Umbrella Matt Lipstick ($3.99 USD) – Sure to put a smile on your face, this neutral pink shade creates an intense look with a matte finish.

essence Me & My Umbrella Mini Contouring Set ($4.99 USD) – Achieve a beautiful glow any day! This limited edition contouring set contains two mini pencils with a creamy blendable texture. Use the darker shade to define and the lighter shade to highlight. But no worries! It includes step-by-step instructions for perfection every time.

essence Me & My Umbrella Contouring Brush ($3.99 USD) – Expertly angled for sculpting and contouring the cheekbones, this limited edition brush is perfect for blending powder and cream textures.

essence Me & My Umbrella Matt Eyeshadow ($2.99 USD) – These limited edition matt eyeshadows have a velvety, soft texture that last all day and are sure to make eyes pop even on the gloomiest of days. Available in a vanilla and grey shades, both perfect for any makeup style.

Purchase at http://www.essencemakeup.com

Eyebrow Filler Perfecting & Shaping Gel  ($5.49 USD) Fall means full-blown brows. Accentuate yours with the swipe of a wand. The tinted gel formula integrated with fiber fillers expertly grooms, thickens and defines brows. Dries quickly and doesn’t clump for a flawlessly effortless look. Available in 2 shades.

Prime and Fine Anti-Shine Blur Stick ($7.99 USD) — Erase pores, fine lines and imperfections with this miracle working retractable stick. The smooth texture has a transparent shine-free, matte finish and works on all complexions.

Ultimate Stay Lipstick ($3.99 USD) — This highly pigmented, long-lasting lipstick comes in a variety of deep, fall shades and leaves behind a satin-matte finish. Achieve high coverage without drying out lips.

What I think:

CATRICE products are available at Ulta, You can check out the full range here: http://www.ulta.com/brand/catrice

Have you tried any of these great products!