March has been a pretty good month. I had two technological upgrades (well, one was more of a battery update), picked up a new hobby that doesn't require staring at a computer screen, started a semi-regular jogging routine again, got to see my grandmother for the first time in near 18 months, managed to enjoy the one week we had sun, spent a lot of time with Jo as we brainstormed a potential business plan while munching on baguettes and drinking tea. In terms of beauty, March has been one that's been filled with rediscoveries.
First up, I've been breaking out like mad the second half of the month and needed a base that provided a bit more coverage than my usual tinted moisturisers. The Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation ticked the boxes and was pulled out from storage. I mixed it with the Dior BB Cream (review) as the foundation itself was a couple shades too dark now I'm at my palest. I've also been using my fingers to press in the foundation and discovered that it really helps to 'melt' the base into my skin, leaving a natural looking base that doesn't skimp on coverage.
I forced myself to put down the matte eyeshadows at the start of the month and fell in love with the Stila In the Light Eyeshadow Palette all over again when I used it for my cousin's wedding. I also used this same palette the last time I went to a wedding. It's perfect to create a bright eyed, soft and glowy look that will suit special occasions or just your average day. While the packaging leaves quite a bit for desire, the quality of the shadows are impeccable (although the more shimmery shades are prone to fallout) and the price is quite reasonable and affordable.
I've pushed liquid liner to the back of my collection the past few months. But I've been getting the winged liner itch again and fished my trusty Collection Fast Stroke Liquid Liner (review) out of the drawers. A traditional pot and brush approach, the nib of the rubber/silicone(?) brush is flexible enough to draw a line without scratching your eyelids and firm enough for someone with a heavy and unsteady hand to operate. I would suggest wiping off the excess product on the rim of the bottle before going in to draw the line as the product is quite watery and might take a while to dry. It's always easy to go back in and darken the line. If I'm feeling like a particularly sharp wing that day, I like to go in with the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner to finish the ends of the wing.
As for lip products, it's been an oldie and another that I don't think has been mentioned on the blog before. I've been wearing a lot of natural lip colours since the year started, storing my brighter and bolder shades for special occasions. However, I've been using MAC All Fired Up (review and swatch) much more the past month. A medium pinky red, this is bold enough to make a statement but it's dark and muted enough to wear on a daily basis and not feel overdressed. It's also a matte formula that'll ensure to stay in place through constant snacking and copious cups of coffee/tea.
The new lip product that I've been throwing in my bag is the Essence Natural Beauty Lipstick. It's a mauvey pink shade that's fabulous for an everyday natural shade. It's a sheer-ish creamy formula that's quite hydrating. It's one of those shades that you can apply on the go and sans mirror. It reminds me of the MAC Lustre formulas but slightly more hydrating.
Last but not least, I don't normally feature products outside the beauty/skincare category in my monthly favourites but I thought I'd make an exception. I finally upgraded to an iPhone 6S+ at the start of the month. I've been operating on my aunt's old iPhone 4 the past year and a half, so it was definitely time for an upgrade. It was expensive, but I was able to leech onto Jo's contract renewal to bring the price down a bit. I also decided to embrace my inner 7 year old and dress it in a rather loud Pikachu phone case. It's not everyone's taste (both my younger siblings despise it) but I find the ears rather endearing. I've forgotten what it's like to have a smooth operating phone that doesn't threaten to shut down every 5 minutes. I've also forgotten what it's like to be able to have memory capacity to download apps. Tell me, what are some apps that I should download?
All in all, March was a much welcomed change from the horrible month before. I'm hoping that the rest of the year will only improve and not go the other way around. What have been some of your best moments in the past 31 days?
If there's an award for a drugstore lipstick that's insanely hyped up and relatively hard to get outside of North America, it would probably be the Wet n Wild Megalast Lipsticks. Retailing for less than the price of a fancy coffee, this drugstore matte lipstick has made its round on the beautysphere and it's influence is still strong. I managed to get my hands on several of these lipsticks last year and it's about time I dropped my two cents in the ocean of reviews on this line.
Overview: If I had to sum up these lipsticks it would be - matte, insanely pigmented, and horrible packaging. With 26 shades, there probably isn't a drugstore lip product line that has a more expansive colour range. It has variations of nudes, pinks, reds, berries, and your deep dark vampy shades. The formula is definitely a matte - I'd liken them almost to the formula of MAC Retro Matte lipsticks. Some people might find them too drying, but while I don't have that problem, I would most definitely use an ultra hydrating lip balm the day I know I'm going to be wearing this lipstick. This means that, true to the name, they won't budge after application. As the formula is quite dry, they do tend to tug at the lips a bit upon application. The colour is opaque in one coat (as seen from the swatches above). I've worn the line up to 8 hours, fading at the 6 hour mark. It fades evenly and will leave a stain behind so touch ups are rarely needed.
If there was one thing that reflected the price of this lipstick line, it would be the packaging. I'm not talking about the aesthetics, I'm talking about the practicality. Under no circumstances are these handbag lipsticks - unless you want a reason to trash the inside of your bag and destroy your lipstick in the process. The cheap plastic cap will fall off, it falls off even if it's rolling around in my makeup bag. Another thing is that the lipstick doesn't completely wind down, so unless you're one of those fully concentrated, hands insanely steady people, chances are the lid of your lipstick will be coloured with product. But as high maintenance as the packaging is - the quality of the lipstick itself is still worth the hassle and more.
903C Just Peachy: This is a light warm peachy nude that would work really well on anyone with fair to medium skin. I'm more prone to reach for these colours in the spring, but I could see it working year round.
904B Rose Bud: If I had to pick favourites, then it would be this shade. As the name suggests, it's a beautiful light dusty rose shade. It's muted enough to be natural looking, but still adds some colour into the look.
906D Wine Room: Now if I had to pick my favourite shade name, then the crown would go to Wine Room. Contrary to most shades that have 'wine' in the name, this shade isn't as dark and burgundy as the name would suggest. It's quite similar to Rose Bud in the sense that it's a rosey mauve shade, but just a couple shades darker. I'd categorise this as a 'high key neutral, low key dramatic' shade. It's one that I reach for when I want a little more colour but still want to keep the whole look quite toned down.
915B Spiked with Rum: I'd describe this shade as a muted brick red with tints of brown. I don't reach for this shade as much as I thought I would as I think it pulls a little bit too brown on me for my liking. I think this is a shade that warmer skintones would get along with better, but I still like it when I'm feeling particularly 'grunge' that day.
908C Sugar Plum Fairy: Probably one of the most famous shades from the line, this is a colour dupe for MAC Rebel. A dark berry shade, this one is absolutely perfect for the colder months. The purple in the berry will also perk up the sallow winter 'yuck' skin.
918D Cherry Bomb: I bought this shade when I first started dipping my toes in the darker, vampy hues last autumn. Often mentioned as the lovechild of MAC Diva - a deep, dark burgundy shade, I figured that I might as well try this shade out. Even if I hated it, it'd only mean one less trip to Starbucks. It's a good thing that I did that as while I quite like the shade, I just don't see myself wearing such dark colours enough to justify paying beyond what I did. That said, I especially love wearing this shade when I'm wearing all black and revisiting my younger emo days.
I purchased the Wet n Wild Megalast Lipsticks off of Beauty Joint, which does international shipping at a low price. These lipsticks are amazing and probably the best 'true matte' formula in the drugstores. I have my eye on a couple more shades, so who knows, I might end up doing a 'I totally need more lipsticks' delusional midnight order some time.
Have you tried the Wet n Wild Megalast Lipsticks? If so, what are your favourite shades?
Korean makeup is having its moment on the international platform and rightly so. I have more access to this trend now that I've moved back to this Eastern Asian island. But I must say, I've been completely enticed by one brand and haven't really explored other options. Innisfree is an ecofriendly brand that was born on Jeju Island. Most, if not all, of the brand's products include various natural extracts. They also have a great membership that encourages recycling old packaging. It's not an understatement to say that Innisfree is my favourite Korean brand to date. I've tried a fair amount of products from the brand and these are the five products that I think you should definitely give a shot.
Makeup
The first one is going to be no surprise to anyone that's read my blog in the past couple months. The Water Glow Cushion Foundation has been a firm favourite since I got it at the start of the year. So much so, there's a complete review on it right here. A light coverage that's just enough to even out the uneven patches, this cushion foundation gives a natural, slightly dewy look that will last all day without the need for powder. It's perfect to use on the go as it literally holds everything that you need to apply your base, and can be layered up so you can forego concealer when you're in a rush.
The next makeup product is actually the product that got me hooked onto the brand. Jo gifted me the Creamy Tint Lip Mousse when I first got back to the island country and it's been love at first sight. First things first, it's called a tint, but it's really a liquid lipstick. One coat and you get full opaque colour. These dry down to a satin, almost matte finish, and lasts for hours without feeling drying. I haven't worn these through a particularly greasy meal, but they hold up to your usual light meals. The texture of the product reminds me slightly of the Sephora Lip Creams, liquidy but slightly on the moussey side. I think these might be my favourite liquid lipsticks, winning on the scent. Unlike your usual 'sweet cake batter scent', the offering from the Korean brand is more on the tingy side, smelling like the powdered lemonade that I loved as a kid.
Skincare
Korean beauty brands are probably most famous for their skincare, and not without reason. There's even the infamous 10-step skincare regime that's making its rounds on the internet. While I'm still a step or two short of the comprehensive routine, I've since developed a more advanced regime that includes half a dozen Korean products. Innisfree, without surprise, has secured its spot in my skincare lineup.
The Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil was the product that convinced me to switch to oil-based cleansers. Not only is it true to the name and smells like juicy apples, this is like a makeup assassin, breaking down my makeup in seconds. It also leaves my skin feeling plump and almost hydrated after I wash it off. Plus, how cute is the fresh green packaging?
I know it's a bit weird to include samples in the recommendations, but seriously, I have enough samples of the Orchid Enriched Cream to last me a couple of months. If you've ever been to a Korean makeup store, you'll know that they hand out samples like air. I normally don't fall in love with samples, but this purple-packaged moisturiser was an exception. The slightly gel-like texture hydrates the skin without feeling too heavy, and leaves behind a soft hydrated glow when the product is completely absorbed. Also, I love purple.
Last but not least, I've completely fallen head over heels for the Eco Safety Daily Sunblock. Armed with SPF35, this is one that I've really been enjoying when the sun isn't out to blaze the land. There isn't that weird sunscreen smell, nor does it have the annoying coconut scent that some brands do (I really don't like coconut, alright?). It's light on the skin, easily blendable, and doesn't leave a white cast behind. I've really been seeing a difference since I started wearing sunscreen on a daily basis. My skin is a lot smoother and my old acne scarring has since faded a lot quicker. In short, I've been converted to wearing sunscreen on a daily basis.
While Innisfree may not be the easiest brand to physically locate outside of Asia, their official website does international shipping at an affordable price. Plus, there's almost always some kind of offer going on. I really should venture out and try other Korean beauty brands, but quite frankly, I'm completely infatuated by Innisfree and can't see myself cheating on it. Have you tried anything from the brand before? If so, what are your favourites?
Makeup is confusing. And it can get very expensive very fast. I'm not the best candidate when it comes to budgeting, but I can say that I'm usually pretty good at spending smartly. I've had my fair share of recklessly spending all my money on makeup when I first started as I had no clue where to save and where to invest. After a lot of trial and error, I've developed a general blueprint - that's not to say that there are things in the save category that I would sometimes splurge on and vice versa. But think of it as a rule of thumb that I tend to follow.
Save
Powder: I spent a fortune on one powder once. It was in my early makeup days and I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. Fast forward to now, that's the only expensive powder I have as I've found drugstore brands are more than capable when it comes to delivering awesome powders. From oil-controlling powders to illuminating ones, you'll have a lot of great quality options at hand.
My picks: Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot, Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder, Bourjois Java Rice Powder
Blush: While I own more than a couple of expensive blushes that I adore, realistically speaking, the drugstore is more than capable of producing equally good quality blushes. If I had to rank my top five blushes, then the drugstore would probably take up 3 of the 5 seats. There's also quite a wide variety of colours amongst the budget options as well.
My picks: NYX Powder Blushes, Rimmel Blushes, Essence Blushes
Brows: This one was hard. If you have access to Korean makeup brands, then save your money and go for the budget offerings. There's a wider selection of colours, ranging from warm toned to cooler toned options. The formula and lasting power are often top notch as well. If you don't have access, then the drugstore still has some great options. Although admittedly, they tend to run along the warmer spectrum. If you're a brow powder person, then chances are that you'll have an eyeshadow that you can use on your brows and won't even need a separate brow product.
Bronzer: Another one that's also a bit tricky depending on your skintone. Quite a few drugstore bronzers tend to run slightly on the warmer side. But that said, there are still some really good budget options out there that tend to sit in the middle. Again, chances are there's a chance that you already own an eyeshadow that could double up as a bronzer.
My pick: the Body Shop Honey Bronzer
Mascara: I once likened mascara to toilet paper in terms of refusing to spend more than necessary on these products. Mascara is one of those things that the drugstore excels at and I struggle to find any sort of justification to spend more than drugstore prices on something that dries up or finishes up on a regular basis.
Eyeliner: Again, one of those products that the drugstore excels at. And if you're one to use eyeliner quite frequently, then you know how quickly one goes through pencils. Pigmented, longlasting, and waterproof, you have more options than you can count in the aisles of the drugstores.
Foundation: I get along better with higher end foundations as they tend to wear better and have a nicer finish. The shade range is often more inclusive than drugstore options as well. Remember to do your homework, try it out at counters or ask for a sample before investing, if possible. That said, there are still some great budget foundations in the drugstores if you have light-medium skin.
My pick: NARS Tinted Moisturiser, Jouer Matte Moisture Tint, Bobbi Brown Long Wear Foundation
Concealer*: We're talking face concealers here. As I tend to wear lighter bases nowadays, a heavy duty concealer is crucial for me. I'm all for spending a bit more on full coverage concealers as I've found that drugstore options rarely live up to the 'hiding spots and scars' claim.
My pick: Makeup For Ever Full Cover Concealer, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
Highlighters: Highlighters are something that I would suggest spending a bit more money on as the expensive options tend to be more 'glowy' and less 'glitter ball'. I also find that higher end highlighters also tend to stay in place a lot better and are less prone to travelling to all corners of your face.
My pick: theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer
Eyeshadow: I always campaign for spending a little bit more on eyeshadows. In general, higher end eyeshadows are better formulated with buttery quality and gorgeous pigmentation. They also tend to last longer and are less prone to creasing. Matte shadows, especially, are rare in the aisles of the drugstore. Plus, realistically speaking, eyeshadows are one of those things that take a while to finish up.
My picks: Urban Decay Naked Basics, Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette, MAC eyeshadows
Well...
Illuminating Primers: Yes, I realise this is a very specific category, but not without reason. A lot of this depends on how frequent you use this product. If you're just testing out the waters, then there are a lot of drugstore options out there that work quite well. If you're looking for something to add some glow to your base, then even mixing a cream highlighter into your foundation will suffice. However, if illuminating primers are something that you consider to be essential, then go forth and spend my child.
Concealer: Now we're talking undereye concealing. I'm on the fence about this one as I'm still on the voyage of finding the perfect product to camouflage the light sucking dark pits under my eyes. If you're someone that isn't troubled with dark circles (lucky you!), then I'd say the drugstore has a huge selection of pretty good options. But if you're someone that is on the Titanic with me, then I'd say spend a bit more. Another option is opting for something like the Bobbi Brown Corrector (which is worth every penny and more!) and pair it with a drugstore option. This is because, as aforementioned, I find drugstore concealers rarely offer anything more than medium coverage.
Lipstick: Ah yes, this is going to be a controversial one. Let's divide it into categories: if you like glossy and sheer lipsticks, then definitely save and go to the drugstore. But if you're someone that likes bright, opaque, satin/matte lipsticks and hate touching up? I'd say spend just that little bit more to keep those coffee mugs pristine.
Brushes and Tools: Quality over price is important here. There are a lot of budget brands that are great in quality (e.g. Zoeva, Real Techniques), but there are certain tools that are worth investing in. For example, the Beauty Blender, Shu Uemura Lash Curler, MAC 217. The right tools are worth investing some more pennies in as they will take your makeup game to the next level.
Makeup is expensive, especially if you have a collection that no longer fits in one makeup bag. I've set out my general blueprint. What is yours - where do you tend to save and where do you tend to invest?
It's been a while since I've done one of these drugstore roundups. Quite frankly, a lot of these products naturally merge into my routine, I often forget that I have yet to talk about it on the blog. None of the products I'm talking about today are newly launched, but in a time when everyone is talking about the newest sparkly thing, it's often quite refreshing to talk about something that isn't exactly in the spotlight. So let's get on with the affordable products I've been really enjoying lately.
The Essence Blushes have been around on the blogsphere for a while now. It gained more attention in the past than it does now, but that doesn't mean it should be forgotten. One of the most affordable blushes in the drugstores, the formula of this line in on par with some of my most expensive blushes. The formula is soft, smooth, and with a beautiful colour payoff. Plus, the embossing on the product isn't one of those 'one swipe and gone' types. Perfection, much?
I discovered the Reserve Naturelle Eyeshadows when waiting for a connecting train last time I found myself in Belgium. It's not the easiest brand to get outside of Belgium and France, but if you do stumble across it, might I suggest you pick up a couple or ten. The quality of these shadows are superb, like Too Faced or Urban Decay superb. I have the shades 38, a beautiful golden brown, and 99, a peachy champagne. I've really been enjoying using these two as an everyday shadow combination as they're smooth, pigmented, have just enough shimmer, and are a dream to blend out. Plus, they smell like genuine chocolate - not the fake kind that gives you a headache 30 seconds later.
It's been a long journey finding a brow product I really like in the aisles of western drugstores. But the L'Oreal Artist Brow Plumper(review) is one that I've really been enjoying. While not an exact dupe, this drugstore find is a good alternative to the Benefit Gimmie Brow. Both volumising brow gels that'll add depth and colour while keeping your brows looking natural. The difference between the two, other than the obvious price gap, is that the L'Oreal offering doesn't run as dark as the expensive alternative. I've linked a whole review I did on this product here, complete with application photos because I'm nice and considerate like that.
Of course, we're ending this post with my favourite category - lip products. Let's start with the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream. I've lusted after them for years, and I'm happy to report that they live beyond the hype that's surrounding these products. The moussey texture allows them to have the attributes of a traditional liquid lipstick without feeling drying. The colours are gorgeous, pigmented, and will last through constant drinking and light snacking. I have a complete review and included swatches for Cannes, Zurich, and Prague in this post.
Last but not least, the Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Satin Lipstickin Man Trap. It's a medium red that strangely looks like a rose shade in the above photo that's beautiful and just lowkey enough to wear during the day without feeling too out of place. The formula of the lipstick is just as gorgeous - pigmented, comfortable to wear, and long lasting. I've been sporting this colour quite a bit since Jayeincluded it in her 'I MISS YOU' care package.
I've been guilty of subconsciously gravitating towards high end products the past several months, often ignoring the aisles of the drugstores. But what I didn't realise was that these drugstore products were so naturally merged into my routine, I overlooked how much I actually loved these products. First world problems right there. What are some affordable products that you really love?
With Love,
Daphne x
Previously On: Be Nice To Your Bank Account #1 | #2
Despite the title, I'm not one to tell people what they should or should not do - I might strongly suggest and advise, but unless it's a dire 'do or die' situation, I think people should have the freedom to make their own choices. Even if it sometimes means it's a ridiculously stupid one. And while I'm not breaking that rule today, there are five things that I strongly advise everyone who wears makeup should have at hand.
A 'do-it-all' base: Y'know what I'm talking about. A base product that'll literally cut down your makeup routine by precious minutes - the base that can double as a moisturiser, even out your skintone, enough coverage to forego concealer, has SPF. While this base might not be great for a night out or when you desperately need coverage, a 'do it all' base is one that's great to have when you're short on time or just feeling particularly lazy. Bonus points if you can apply the product with fingers and it'll look just as good, if not better, than when used with a brush or sponge.
My pick: NARS Tinted Moisturiser
An everyday lipstick: Whether it be a nude, a pink, or even a red, an everyday lipstick is one that you subconsciously reach for the most. It's one that'll go with almost every makeup look and allow you to feel comfortable wherever you are. Chances are you'll usually find this lipstick shade in your handbag or in your jacket pocket.
My pick: MAC Faux, MAC Twig
A power lipstick: I know most people say a red lip, but quite frankly, not everyone feels comfortable in that classic shade. A power lip should be one that will make you feel like you can move cities and change the world when you wear it. Be it a classic red, a bright orange, a bold fuchsia, or even a dark berry. Find your power shade and wear it proud.
My pick: MAC All Fired Up, NARS Dragon Girl
A good cleansing balm: I've recently been converted to cleansing balms and I'm not looking back. A good cleansing balm will not only remove (waterproof) makeup like the Black Widow, it'll also leave your skin feeling plump afterwards and almost slightly hydrating.
My pick: Banila Co. Clean It Zero
A heck ton of q-tips: Ah yes, the cotton buds that are so often overlooked. You never realise how much you need these little white 'double ended fluff sticks' until you accidentally get mascara on your nose and have nothing to remove that artificial sunspot with. From correcting eyeliner, removing stray mascara, to blending eyeshadow when you don't have a brush and scooping out product from a tiny sample pot, q-tips are the overlooked hero that deserves some spotlight.
My pick: literally, just any q-tip you can buy in bulk that won't break the wallet. ALL THE Q-TIPS.
I'd put more skin care stuff in this post, but quite frankly, these are things that everyone, makeup wearer or not, 'should' have in their arsenal. While I'm not saying that every makeup wearer should inspect their own arsenal and see if they're short one of these products or not, I'm strongly advising you do so. I mean, sure, you can make the choice not to but you'll have to deal with the consequences of smudged mascara...
Do you agree with the five things I've mentioned above or what other things do you think should be included in the list?
Advice is always nice to get, especially when you're lost and without a clue. Who doesn't like some good guidance, eh? Note that the keyword here is good. Not all advice, no matter the intention, is advice that's right for me. Like the pick 'n mix candy stands, you'll need to waddle through all the options before deciding that the gummy bears and sour worms are the best sweets available. I've been on a slight sugar low alright? Anyway, I've been given a lot of makeup advice along the years and there are some that would've saved me a lot of time and effort if I just rejected it in the first place.
Always air dry if you have natural curls - so this might be true for some people, but on me? Air drying equals Asian Ms. Frizzle. I always have to completely blow dry my hair for it to become reasonably tame the next day. Even on days when I'm just a tad more lazy and only dry 80% of my hair? Still a mini static frizz attack the next morning that I definitely have to go in with straighteners to sort out.
Bright blush can perk up your complexion - okay, definitely not untrue. I tend to reach for my bright blushes when I look particularly sallow and need a lot of help. BUT I definitely need to make sure that my base conceals my naturally red cheeks before I top it up, otherwise I'll look like I have a huge rash on my cheeks.
You're Asian so you have warm undertones. NO. Just no. It took me a long time to figure this out but just because I'm Asian, it doesn't mean I run really well with the oranges and can't get along with the blue-based colours. I'm quite neutral, and maybe a slight on the cool undertone side, so anything too yellow based, or even orange, won't look that good on me as it would on someone with true warm undertones.
If you have oily skin, you should stick to a matte foundation. No, just because you have oily skin, it doesn't mean that you can't chase the highlight, dewy base trend like you're a puppy chasing after its own tail. However, it means that you'll need to prep your skin with something the likes of an oil-controlling primer beforehand and use a setting spray in lieu of a mattifying powder.
Bright lipstick isn't suitable for a daily basis. This is one that's definitely arguable. Depending on where you're wearing it to, you can make it work by blotting down the colour, or choosing one that's less 'BAM in your face' bright. Of course, if there's a strict prohibition on wearing lipstick where you're going, this is probably a rule that you're going to need to stick by even if rules like this are stupid and should be broken.
Some of these tormented me for years - especially the warm undertones one. I have a collection of mismatched 'warm toned' foundations that were handed to me by the sales assistants. You'll get a lot of advice along the way, some more welcomed than others. What are some of the beauty advices you never should've listened to?
February started out good as I sinned with gluttony. And then it sucked. Starting from delayed payments and pesky technological hardware problems, everything was wrapped up with the perfect bow the last week of the month as I became a walking bio hazard. Actually, walking is definitely too generous of a term. I was more like a biohazard ball rolling around and moaning in agony. Y'know what? Nope. Couldn't even roll around. Rolling meant the possibility of triggering this weird extra gag reflex I managed to get with the first wave of the flu, inducing the urge to uh, haul out my stomach contents. Except I couldn't. Trust me, that's more painful than the alternative. So really, I was more like a bio hazardous...log.How about THAT as a toxic source for the next superhero movie? And yes, I did say first wave. I somehow managed to not only get both waves of the flu (one being a super virus???), I also won an ear infection, my period wanting in on the fun and coming a couple weeks early, and a stupid cough with a blocked sinus that's not even supposed to be part of the flues that are going around. It wasn't fun at all. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm sick of my bed now after being bedridden for the past week.
Anywho, on happier notes cuz I know how to push and pull like that, makeup was pretty much absent the last week of the shortest month. BUT even while things were kept relatively simple the first three weeks, it's not to say that there weren't some outstanding products that made the pick.
I've been using the Dior BB Cream on the days that I'm not patting away with my innisfree Water Glow Cushion Foundation. I've been lazy in reaching for brushes and it just so happens that this is one of those bases that look the best when you use your fingers to really press in the product. As opposed to using a brush or sponge. The coverage is also quite nice, covering my 'post-gluttony' spots just enough that I don't feel compelled to reach for a concealer. It's slightly on the heavier side compared to the other bases I have on a regular rotation, but it's just enough for when I need to feel 'extra put together' but not wanting to resort to an actual foundation.
I've been trying out the innisfree Eco Brow Pencil the past month and I really really like it. It has my favourite wide tip that fills in my brows a lot quicker than using a skinny pencil. The shade isn't as dark as my now-most-likely-discontinued love, the Etude House Drawing Brow Pencil, but it works a lot better now that I've stripped down the amount of makeup I'm wearing. Or rather, the visual amount.
I've been reaching for my old love of the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette the past month. I've deepened the dent in the cool grey shade of Naked 2 by using it to do some simple shading in the eye crease and hamster cheeks. A little goes a long way in hiding the evidence of binge eating. And as I've also been quite lazy in actually reaching for products, the only shimmer shade, Venus, also acts as a great highlighter.
I've been hitting myself ever since I tried the YSL Babydoll Mascara. I almost hate myself for it. It's such a flipping good mascara. So good, in fact, I literally had to delete the censored word and change it to a much more children friendly one. I have a potty mouth that can't be stopped. So why do I hate myself for it? I am adamantly against paying more than drugstore prices for a flippin' mascara. I have no qualms with people that do, mind you. But mascaras are one of those things that I am not able to convince myself to splurge on. Kinda like toilet paper - not that I'm likening the two in terms of...well, whatever. While this is probably hands down, one of the best mascaras I've tried, I'm probably only going to purchase this if I'm as loaded as Taylor Swift.
We're at the ends of my monthly favourites, and I know, NO LIPSTICK???? Shock horror. Well, hold your horses people cuz I'm bringing another shock factor - a skincare favourite. I've been falling head over heels for the Botanic Farm Natural Energy Sheet Mask. These are probably my favourite of the various Korean sheet masks I've tried. My skin always looks much more hydrated, plump, glowy, and repaired after using a sheet mask.
I've never been happier to say goodbye to a month before. February, you had your moments, but adios and see you never. That said, it's also been a month with some great new products that I'm testing out so keep your eyes peeled. Things seem promising. What were some of your favourites from the month of 29 days?