February 2017 Play! by Sephora

So it's that time again! I'm starting to feel that sephora is a little inconsistent on shipping out boxes and sending tracking info. It's not that big of a deal but it can be frustrating at times. For me this box had more misses that hits, but overall I would still say this was a good box. If you're interested in a detailed review, continue reading below!

• Sephora Length + Volume Mascara - I thought this was just going to be your basic type of mascara but I was wrong! This completely separated every lash plus it was very buildable without getting clumpy. What made this a miss for me is that it didn't give my lashes very much volume or length. 
• Marc Jacobs Perfume in Divine Decadence - I usually like MJ perfumes but this is the one of the few that I don't. It's very, very, sweet. While it goes well with Spring, I feel like it would suit someone younger. 
• Clinique Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer - This is one of the very big hits for me, that makes this box good. This is such a good versatile product. You can use it alone as a moisturizer or under your makeup as a primer. I prefer the latter, because it actually does have a blurring effect but it also gives me all day moisture and controls oil. I love this so much I'm already planning on putting it in the place of my normal primer. Price wise, I feel like its worth it since a little goes a long way.
• Too Faced Lip Plumping Gloss in Milkshake - I've actually been eyeballing these for awhile now, so when I saw that it was coming in this box I was pretty excited. I feel like the effect in this and the other shades is a lot stronger than it is in their normal Lip Injection Gloss. What made this a miss for me is the color. While I am able to use it if I just use one swipe, any more than that gives me a horrible ashy look. I think it would have been a lot better if they had given a coral or the slightly darker nude shade instead.
• Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream - So I tried this one time, only because I wasn't really going to try it at all. There isn't anything particularly amazing about it but there also isn't anything bad. It does do what it says, when I applied it I felt a light tingling, which i'm guessing is the "Refreshing" part of it. The only reason this is a miss, for me, is that I don't have a need or want to use eye creams.
• NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Bound - When these were first released I swatched them in store and didn't love the formula, so I didn't bother too much with them after that. I am so glad that this came in the box. While the formula is a weird hybrid between a lipgloss and a lipstick, its almost like a Colourpop Satin lipstick, but more lightweight. The color was a perfect match to my lips, which is pretty funny because it give "no-makeup makeup" a new meaning. Its almost a MLBB, but its just too spot on to the color of my lips that it just looks like I have some chapstick on. I still love it though and I'm considering buying the full size. 

Okay, so many two out of five doesn't sound so good, but honestly, the Clinique Hydroblur makes up for it. Its usually very rare to for me to find a primer that I like. I'm hoping that I continue to love products in the upcoming months but also, I hope that Sephora gets on top of shipping.  

January 2017 Play! by Sephora

Hey Y'all! It's time to start a monthly review of each Sephora Play! box so I don't end up piling them up all at once again. I think that January was one of the best boxes for me by far. I actually wasn't too excited about it when some of the other boxes were revealed, but I feel like I really lucked out once again. This month, unlike most of last year, I attempted to try out every product to have the full experience.

• Pinrose Wild Child Perfume Towelette - I really wanted to like this, but of course like most of the other months, I just couldn't. I feel like if it came in the regular little vial I might have been able to use it, but with the towelette you have no control over how much you use. It ended up being too strong. The smell is actually the same as the description, jasmine and gardenias, I felt like I ran and rolled though a garden of flowers.
• Caudalie Resveratrol Lift - This moisturizer/sunscreen wasn't too special. I tried it out for a couple days and I just noticed I would get extra oily, mostly because the sunscreen. It is supposed to "volumize, firm and smooth the look of mature skin." So, I'm not sure if its because I don't have mature skin, but I saw no difference in my skin while using this.
• Dermablend Loose Setting Powder - I really loved this, so much I'm thinking about buying a full size. I use this all over my face to set my foundation. It gives my face a nice, smooth look. The only con for me is that I gives me a tiny bit of a white cast, nothing noticeable to anyone else but me though!
• Ouai Hair Treatment Masque - I usually don't like to try the hair products because I have very long curly hair and would need like half a full size bottle, but I tried it this month! I used it mainly on my ends and a few random dry spots. I felt like it really left my hair softer, I wish I would have had the chance to try it on all my hair.
• Tarte Frixxxion Stick - I don't know what it is about this, maybe because its a stick, but I absolutely loved it. I washed my face with it every morning until it ran out. I loved that it exfoliates but is still gentle on the skin. Also, for more exfoliation, you can leave it on as a mask before washing off. If I didn't already have a good skincare routine going I would buy this in a heartbeat!!
• Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey - A few years ago this exact product was so unbelievably popular, but when I tried it I was disappointed because it barely showed on my lips, that are almost the same color. Now, however, I love it. It's the perfect touch to my no makeup makeup days. The only con is that it came broken, it would have been fine if it was just some of the tip, but it was broken at the base, which I later found out a lot of other people had this same problem. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed using everything this month that I went back to some of the items I never tried in the other months and used them up, nothing was particularly life changing, but it was really fun trying things out. Like always, if you're able to, sign up for this box! 

My Liquid Lipstick Collection

 
It's no secret that I'm addicted to lipsticks. So when liquid lipsticks got even more popular, I was all over it. Theres so many different formulas and so many similar colors, but I love each one differently.  People love matte, non transferring lipsticks so much that you can now find them in the drugstore all the way up to high end beauty. Here's what I've collected over the year and my thoughts on them.

L-R: Cherry Cobbler, Mango Sorbet, Mixed Berry Soufflé,
Raspberry Tart, Tiramisu.

Jordana: This brand is a good drugstore option. Some colors are different in their formula but you really can't beat their price. For a full length review on these you can find it here.

L-R: How Fleek isYour Love, Too Tulip to Quit, Video Vixen

Wet n' Wild: Another great drugstore option, however these aren't carried everywhere, though I recently saw them on permeant display at walmart. They are sold online on the WnW website. These liquid lipsticks really surprised me because they are so good. They do have a lot more colors to choose from now so its even better. The formula is different from the other brands that I have. Its almost creamy and it takes a little longer to dry. One thing I love is that they don't have a scent to them. These retail for around $4.99 on the website and a bit more in stores. If I didn't already have so many other options, I would buy more colors in an instant. 

L-R(t-b): Adorable, Precious, Loved, Gorgeous, Emotion, Sugar, Magnetic, Matterialistic, Chromatic Addict

Milani: In my opinion, this is the best drugstore brand. Their formula is pretty consistent, with the occasional few. They have a slightly sweet scent to them, though not as strong as the Jordana. These retail for $7-9 depending on where you go. My biggest complaints are that some of lighter shades tend to crumble off easily, and there's so many different color options, but they're all too similar. The last two shades in these pictures are from the Mattalics collection, which seems to have different, but better formula. They can last so long, when I wear them only a small part on the inside of the lip fades away if eating, but its never too noticeable and its easy to touch up. 

L-R: Stingrae, More Better, Bumble

Colourpop: I feel like Colourpop lipsticks are a hit or miss depending on the color. The formula is mostly liquid-y and they don't have a scent to them at all. These three are my absolute favorite colors from but the formulas are a bit different for each one. Stingrae is mostly good, but it separates more than any other lipstick I own. More Better is long lasting and vibrant, but is almost like a satin lipstick, it transfers easily and can be wiped off normally. Bumble is overall the best shade, theres actually no con to it. Ultra Matte Lips retail for $6 online. If you don't mind the wait, shipping prices and looking up swatches, this is the best route to go. Completely affordable with a wide range of colors.

L-R: Smashbox Drivers Seat, Out Loud, KVD Backstage Bambi, Kylie Cosm. Ginger, ABH Ashton

• Smashbox: I can't exactly say how these are compared to the other shades since I only have one, but I've swatched most colors and the formula seems pretty consistent. Out Loud tends to separate a bit more, but goes back to normal after shaking/mixing. These don't have any scent and the formula is mousse-like. The wand applicator is different than the other lipsticks I have. Almost like a teardrop shape with an open center. I actually like it more, because you can get a more precise line with the tip. These retail for $24 
• Kat Von D: My very first liquid lipstick I got in early 2014. KVD ahead of the game. BB is a great shade, however the formula on this one is a bit difficult to work with. Since my lips are dark, it shows up very patchy. This one also has no scent, and the formula almost seems like a cream lip stain. I would love to try other colors in this line but I feel like I already have dupes and don't really need to. (Except for some of those new shades, omg) These retail for $20.
• Kylie Cosm.: Theres was speculation that these are just Colourpop lipsticks because Kylie and Colourpop use the same lab but both brands came out to say that their formulas and colors are completely different. I feel that this color that I have is almost the same formula as CP Bumble, with the exception that Kylie lipsticks have a very strong sweet scent. I would say too similar to dish out the $29 for a lip kit or $17 for a single, plus $9 shipping, unless theres a specific color that you're looking for. 
• Anastasia Beverly Hills: First, I want to say that this colors is amazing and I want to wear it forever. Second, I'm so on the fence with this formula, but I also don't want to buy more colors because there isn't too many different options. The formula is very mousse-like, more so than Smashbox. It doesn't completely dry down, but it is matte. There is no scent with these and they retail for $20.

L-R(t-b): Androgyny, Doll Parts, Masochist, Redrum, Unicorn Blood, Dominatrix, Weirdo, I'm Royalty, Blue Velvet

Jeffree Star Cosm.: Overall, I think this is the best liquid lipstick brand. Aside from Jeffrees actions, this really takes the cake. The formula is a bit liquidy, but it gives you enough time before drying to correct a mistake if you've made one. Most of the lipsticks don't have a scent, however the ones that do smell somewhat like rootbeer. Its not the best choice, it ends up smelling medicinal and weird. These retail for $18, you can find them on his site or on beautylish. 

Out of all the lipsticks I own, I know JSC is the best formula, but I think that newer colors seem to only fit people with his skintone, which is a let down. I'm excited to try out Beauty Bakerie lipsticks because they seem to really take into consideration how lipsticks would look on medium - dark skin more than other brands. As great as LL are, I feel like you can only have so many before they start to dupe each other. I know half of my nude colors look similar, but they're still different enough for me to enjoy each one.  I hope you enjoyed reading my rambling and my opinion on each brand. If you have any suggestions on which other brands I should try next, let me know!

Play! by Sephora 2016 Monthly Review Pt. 2

I feel like during the last half of the year the boxes definitely improved. In this post will be the last six months on 2016 and my thoughts on the products I received.

July:

• First Aid Beauty Red Clay Deep Cleanser
• Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
• Ouai Wave Spray
• Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer
• BeautyBlender Blotterazzi 
• Nest Citrine

This is around the time that Sephora started doing somewhat customized products for every type of variation, as well as putting the products into a bag instead of a box in box. This box ended up being another "eh" type box for me. I already had the full size TF Bronzer, so that was given away along with the Ouai Spray. The Nest Perfume actually smelled similar to the Atelier Cologne from May. BB Blotterazzi, if used as its intended purpose, is a bit too gimmicky, but its made from the same sponge material that the original BeautyBlender is from so it can also be used to apply makeup. As for the Smashbox Primer, I wanted to love it, but after testing flash photos while using it, I saw that it gives a white cast, so I immediately stopped using it.

August:

• Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
• Sephora Eye Pencil in Taupe
• Caudalie Resveratrol Eye Lifting Balm
• Clean Reserve in Blonde Rose
• MUFE Shadow in I544
• Lancome Energie De Vie Moisturizer

I received the wrong box this month but I didn't actually mind because there wasn't too big of a difference in the products. I didn't use the Eye Lifting Balm, because my eyes don't need to be lifted(just kidding), but mostly because there was little to no product in the tube. Also, I didn't use the perfume because it wasn't my taste at all, and I didn't use the Lancome Moisturizer... because I only just now found out what it was. I expected to love the mascara but it left my lashes too clumpy. I know thats a look some people like, and I don't mind that, but my lashes will basically turn into three big lashes if I don't use something that separates them. I did end up loving the Sephora Eyeliner, because its not too dark and it lasts a good while on my waterline, and I'm just a big fangirl for MUFE shadows, so of course I loved it.

September:

• Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Overnight Hair Night Cap
• Ole Henrikson Sheer Transformation Moisturizer
• Sephora Rouge Shine Lipstick in Love Spell
• Atelier Cologne Sud Magnolia 
• Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

This box contained a repeat, KVD liner, which isn't so bad if I liked it more. Sud Magnolia smelled very citrusy still but with a hint of floral. If my hair wasn't long and curly I would have actually tried the Hair Night Cap. I love the Ole Henrikson Moisturizer, I used this every night, I still do when I alternate from my normal skincare routine. I didn't bother with the lipstick because I know its just a tad bit creamy looking, so on me it look ashy and pastel. ABH Clear Brow Gel is HG status now, I've tried dupes of it and nothing is as good is the real thing. Definitely something that I will be purchasing again and again.

October:

• Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Drivers Seat
• Madame C. J. Walker Scent & Shine Coconut Oil
• Derek Lam 10 Crosby Silent St.
• Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
• The Estee Edit Flash Photo Lipgloss
• Pharmacy Skin Dew

I was so excited to get the liquid lipstick in this box because I had been wanting to try the formula. Even though I didn't absolutely love the color, I ended up buying a full size in a different shade. I gave away the Night Serum because I knew I wouldn't use it, I tried the Skin Dew once but the smell was too strong and it made my skin too oily. The perfume smelled good but easily forgettable, not something that makes me want to jump and buy it, but it was nice to have a sample of. The last two products I think were completely ridiculous. "A high-tech, high-shine gloss with cool blue micro-pearls to help bring out the white in your smile." Straight from the Sephora site. The whole Estee Edit line seems like a desperate attempt by Estee Lauder to appeal to younger consumers, it seems cool, but the lipgloss ended up being very thick and sticky and the "micro-pearls" did nothing. Coconut oil is amazing, I actually do use this product, only because its coconut oil, however theres a strong scent, seemingly to mask the natural smell of the oil. Theres no actual way to go wrong with coconut oil, until you're charging $27 for 1.7oz, when you can buy the same thing from the grocery/drugstore (and sometimes ulta) for way cheaper for so much more product.

November:

• Sephora Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink
• CoverFX Illuminating Primer
• Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet
• Stella McCartney Pop
• Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Rose Gold
• GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate

This box was mostly a hit. The only product I didn't not use was the perfume because to me, all I smelled was tomatoes. The lip gel was so amazing to me that I ended up having friends gift them to me for Christmas. It is so shiney and glossy without being too sticky and it lasts so long. I liked the primer because it gave a more natural glow than the Becca one I received in a previous box. The Caudalie Moisturizer was so amazing, I didn't need that much for my face so a little went a long way, but at the end of the day my t-zone had a little extra oil. The Caviar Stick is awesome, I've used it a few times as a base, because once it sets it doesn't budge, but the color itself is beautiful too and can definitely be used alone. The first time I used the Glamglow mask, it left my skin soft and so refreshed. The second time, it tingled too much and almost felt like it burned, I had to wash it off before it dried. It left my skin with little red bumps where it hurt the most.

December:

• Elizabeth & James Nirvana Bourbon
• Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Always Red
• DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo
• MUFE Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer
• Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara
• Urban Decay All Nighter

The mascara ,unfortunately, was too clumpy for me to use and of course I didn't use the dry shampoo and it was given away. I still haven't used the MUFE primer because I feel like it will make my face too matte. The Cream Lip Stain was so great I kept thinking about buying the full size, because the sample was a little bigger than a quarter, so with my big lips it lasted for about 2, maybe three applications. It was so comfortable and I think I still might consider buying the full size for the upcoming spring months. I never knew I could love a perfume so much. Nirvana Bourbon wasn't even a type of perfume I liked, but now I love it, loved it so much I bought it. So I can now smell like Bourbon, and leather forever and ever. I used to always buy DeSlick, the travel size, before they raised the prices, and it wouldn't work that well to keep me not oily, so I deemed it not useful. I stopped using setting sprays for awhile actually until I got this one and I feel like I now know the secret for long lasting makeup. I used the sample size up so fast that for the first time I actually went and bought a full size bottle. 

I know after going through every month that I didn't actually keep or use every product, but for $10, its still worth every penny. Even when its just one out of six that I like, I still think its okay, because there is usually a good amount of product, and if I don't like something I know someone who would. I would have never bought All Nighter or Nirvana Bourbon if it weren't for this, so I'm pretty happy overall. If you have the choice, definitely get on the waitlist for this!! If you read this far, thank you so much! Also, if you receive this box, let me know which were some of your favorite products or favorite months!

Play! by Sephora: 2016 Monthly Review Pt. 1

Beauty boxes are one of the best ways to test new products without dropping major cash and risking not actually liking it, of course, you could always go into Sephora and ask for a sample of something. My favorite part of monthly subscription boxes is that I get to try out things I never would have thought to or never wanted to.

The difference between boxes is mostly your preference, for example, there are boxes that you can customize more to you and the samples sent out would reflect that, or there are some that are completely random. In the beginning, Play! was a set 6 samples sent to everyone. However, now, there is a few variations per month and it all depends on what you have in your Sephora beauty profile. I, personally, choose Play! over other boxes because it's brands that I know/love.

  January:

• Tocca Isabel
• Clinique Chubby Highlight Stick
• Dr. Brandt Needles No More
• Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel
• Living Proof Prime Style Extender Spray
• Sephora Honey Eye Mask

This was my first box after being on the waitlist for about a month. It came in a box in a box, with tons of little crinkled paper. From this box I only used two items, the Sephora Mask and the Clinique Chubby Highlight Stick. The other items did not appeal to me because I wasn't too into that type of skin care, I have too much hair and I'm too sensitive with smells to use just any perfume. The Highlight Stick has been a staple in my minimal makeup looks since receiving it, I actually still have it and use it because it has so much product.

February:

• Tom Ford Black Orchid
• Bumble & Bumble Prêt-a-powder 
• Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes
• MUFE Rouge Artist N9 Lipstick
• Lance Drama Liqui-Pencil
• BareMinerals Pop of Passion Lip Oil-Balm

My second month in and I was already considering cancelling. I wasn't sure if it was completely worth it. The MUFE lipstick seemed like left over from the 2015 birthday gift, my lips are way too pigmented for anything thats supposed to be a "pop of color" and again I couldn't handle the perfume scent. I tried out the dry shampoo but it just ended up giving me dandruff. The only product I used and loved from this box was the Lancome Eyeliner. Its so pigmented and it lasts so long. 

March:

• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil
• Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
• Replica Beach Walk
• Murad Invisiblur
• Sephora Airbrush Sponge
• Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

I actually really enjoyed this box. I gave away the sponge, because I had recently got a new beautyblender at that time, but it was a full size sponge worth more than the box itself. The perfume smelled amazing, the soy face cleanser didn't do anything for my oily skin but I used it anyways. This gave me the opportunity to finally try the KVD Liner, while I liked it, I prefer a liquid liner with a brush. I was completely obsessed with the Murad Invisiblur, it worked so well and it lasted for a few months. The Primer Oil is the first item that I ended up buying full size shortly after using it. This box also included a little sample container. It was there so you could go in and get color matched at Sephora and get a sample of foundation. Being the shy, introverted person that I am, it got put in a drawer and forgotten about.

April:

• Derek Lam 10 Crosby 2AM Kiss
• Milk Sunshine Oil
• Sunday Riley Good Genes 
• Sephora Colorful Cheek Ink Gel
• Nars Satin Lip Pencil
• Clinique Pep-start Eye Cream

In this box I tried two things and the rest were given away. 2AM Kiss is one of the better perfumes to be sent out in the boxes, my only wish is that it was sent out in the Fall. One of its bigger notes is salted caramel, so as amazing as it was, it didn't go well with Spring. I don't think I've ever been more disappointed in a product than I was with the Sunshine Oil. I heard Milk was such a good minimal brand and couldn't wait to try it out, but the oil ended up being too thick to use as a skincare product, or anything else for that matter. While I'm sure other products from Milk are great, This ended up straight in the trash.

May:

• Tarte tarteist Lip Crayon
• Bite Amuse Bouche in Kimchi
• Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine
• Origins Maskimizer, plus two sample masks
• Briogeo Dont Despair, Repair! Hair Mask
• Korres Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial 

For a while I used the Korres Sleeping Mask but the smell eventually got to me and I couldn't use it. The lipstick and the lip pencil ended up working really well together and I loved the formula of them both. I also liked the perfume, but it smelled like I just got different citrus' and dumped the juice on me. The maskimizer seemed pretty gimmicky, to where I only used it with the masks it came with and that was it. Again, I didn't use the hair product.

June:

• BareMinerals BareSkin Serum Bronzer
• Bumble & Bumble Don't Blow It 
• Benefit They're Really Mascara
• Tarte Tarteguard Sunscreen
• Becca Backlight Priming Filter
• Tocca Florence

I think its safe to say that I don't like any Tocca perfumes and I won't use any hair product because my hair is too long and too curly, so I need specific type of products. Other than that, I enjoyed the rest of the box! I almost bought a full size of the Tarteguard, but realized that I could get a better sunscreen, and also the Becca primer, but in the end, it was a little too metallic for my skin. I tried the mascara when it was first released and I know I didn't like it, but my preference in mascaras changed since then and I used that baby up until it was all gone.


Having all twelve months in one post would be a bit too much for one read. So, if you're interested, stay tuned for the next part for the second half of the year! Thank you, as always, for reading!!

My 2016 Favorites

2016 was a big year for makeup, and so far it looks like 2017 will be even bigger. I feel like the most popular items of the year were liquid lipsticks, y'all know I jumped on that, and highlight. I can't even think about what I did to my face before highlight. Life before liquid lips, well, I lived and breathed MAC. As you can imagine, my makeup collection grew, here are the products I favored throughout the year, even though half the items I received/bought in December.

SKINCARE:

1. Dr. Jart+ Water Drop Moisturizer - I tried other moisturizers but everything left my skin feeling greasy or it never absorbed.  Water Drop is perfect because its lightweight and comfortable to where I can wear it under makeup while still giving me the moisture I need. I got this sample size bottle, plus two extra, by using my 100 point perks at sephora, once I run out I know I will be buying a full size bottle.
2. CeraVe Facial Cleanser - I realized I didn't need harsh face wash to help my oily skin, which was only making it worse. I tried this and I don't think I ever want to go back! 
3. (Honorable Mention) Mario Badescu Aloe, Herb, and Rosewater Facial Spray - I began using this every night and after I put on makeup. I can honestly say that using it made the oiliness of my skin go away. 

Foundation/Primer:

1. Cover FX Illuminating Primer - I love illuminating primers. The illuminating effect isn't as noticeable as the Becca primer, but this one is definitely more natural and creamy. I liked to pair this with my bb cream. A little goes a long way, but after I'm done with this sample, I don't think I'd purchase a full size. 
2. Smashbox Primer Oil - I first received a small sample bottle from the Sephora Play! box, I loved it so much I got the full size. I love that it gives my skin more moisture, plus it gives me a natural finish compared to the full matte face I used to rock. 
3. Maybelline Dream BB Fresh - This will forever be one my favorites, I've been loving it since it was introduced. It's my go-to for light makeup days, or no makeup-makeup days. I seriously cannot get enough, with my luck though, since I'm professing my love for it it will be discontinued next week.
4. Mac Prolongwear & Maybelline Better Skin - I got matched at Mac to be NW35 which happens to be way too orange on me, but of course I didn't notice until after I bought it and used it a couple times. I actually put this away for a few months. I received the Maybelline foundation from influenster, and I loved it, so I bought a few when I found them clearanced. It was, as I later found out, a bit too grey. I began mixing the two foundation, often with a little Becca liquid opal, and it matched nicely. It had a nice finish, but the work to get it mixed plus trying to get it right is a bit overwhelming. 

Highlight/Contour:

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Peach Nectar Illuminator - My first highlighter. Since I don't like the look of blush on my face, this served almost as very light blush as well, which I do like. I think the color is great for my skin tone, plus it didn't have the silvery/white look to it as most illuminators do. Luckily, when I bought this the website had a promotion for it and it came with their highlighting brush, which pairs so well with it.
2. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer - I had this put away for awhile while I was using the ABH Contour kit, but soon went back to it. I love that its a powder and so easy to blend. At first I used it only on light makeup days, but now its more of an every day use since I can layer it. Plus, it makes me smell like chocolate.

Eyes/Brows:

1. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara - I can wear this without curling my lashes first and they still look amazing. Complete magic in a bottle... tube? 
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel - Some how I never knew this existed but I'm so glad I got this in a Play! box. It makes my brows stay so neatly and it lasts unbelievably long.
3. NYX Matte Liner & Jordana Cat Eye Liner - Both really great liners, most of the time I get my wings even and straight with the Jordana Liner because it has a finer point brush then, I fill in and go over carefully with the NYX. When I'm feeling brave, I use the NYX liner alone, but that usually ends up with me taking off all my makeup.

Eyeshadow Palettes:

1. Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons - Honestly, I bought this because it was cute and smelled good. The colors are pretty nice but I usually end up only doing natural looks with it. Unfortunately, the nicer colors aren't as pigmented or they're very patchy, so they need a little extra work to get them to look good. As you can see in the picture the most used, and my all time favorite shadows, were Cafe Au Lait and Molasses Chip.
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance - Buying this was pure peer pressure. My two best friends bought it and so I decided I needed it too. I'm happy I did because it's so versatile and pigmented. I didn't think I was going to love it as much as I do. 

Pigments/Singles:

1. Colourpop Coconut - I eyeballed this for a very long time and decided to get it in a big CP haul. I absolutely love the color, I just wish that CP shadows were easier to work with and you didn't need to apply them with your finger.
2. MakeupGeek Insomnia Pigment - Compared to Mac Blue Brown pigment, this wins hands down. This is more vibrant and the color shift is more noticeable. I love MUG pigments because they are so cheap for the amount you get, then you only need the smallest amount.
3. MAC Copper Sparkle - I first got a sample of this at the counter and I never wanted to use anything else, however, their full size is a bit too much product and a little too pricey. I had a friend, whom I'm very thankful for, fill my sample container, so now I'll have it forever.
4. MakeupGeek Liquid Gold Pigment - I've always wanted a shadow this color, this pigment is amazing, a little messy but thats the only con. 

L-R: Milani Loved, ABH Ashton, JSC Androgyny, Milani Loved, Milani Matterialistic, Jordana Mango Sorbet

Lipstick:

1. Milani Loved and Gorgeous - Milani's formula is good for a drugstore brand. I ended up buying almost all of their shades but these two are my go-to. Loved is a pink nude, I almost always have this thrown in my purse. Gorgeous was bought because I kept missing JSC Masochist, and when I finally got it I liked this more. The color is a berry pink, it goes will with everything.
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Ashton - Perfect peachy nude, everything that I hoped JSC Gemini would be. The formula is very comfortable, not as drying as other liquid lips, but it does happen to come off easily.
3. Jeffree Star Cosm. Androgyny - This color looks good on everyone, I think, but it also looks completely different. On me is almost a grey toned, brown/nude color. I actually love most of his colors, but for the sake of this post I picked the one thats in my purse the most.
4. Milani Matterialistic - Part of their first release of their metallic lipsticks. The formula, in my opinion, is so much better than their normal liquid lips. This can last all day, though eating, drinking and a lot of talking, without touchups. The color is amazing, and its not too metallic.
5. Jordana Mango Sorbet - My summer shade. Their whole line is basically amazing. For $3 at kmart or $5 at walgreens, its completely worth it. Some of the shades are a bit different formula wise, but not something you can actually complain about for their price.

L-R: ABH Sepia, Sephora Gorgeous Red, Soap & Glory Clearvoyant, Sephora Fresh Mango

Lipgloss:

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Sepia - The best nude gloss. This is 99% of the time in my purse, actually all of these are. This formula I have found to be the best, not sticky whatsoever, nor greasy, plus they're insanely pigmented.
2. Sephora Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Gorgeous Red and Fresh Mango - Again, thanks to a sample in the Play! box, I got a few full size in different colors. They are so glossy, not super sticky, but they are definitely thicker than your normal lipgloss. 
3. Soap & Glory Pillow Plump Lipgloss in Clearvoyant - I've tried multiple lip plumpers and I think this has got to be one of the best. Their normal, not as strong lip plumpers are very good as well. I like this one because it works and its stronger. The only downside is that its not for someone with sensitive lips, as it is very strong and you can feel the effect for a long time.

If you made it this far, then thank you. If you read any of this, thank you too. I didn't expect to make this this long but I just wanted you to know why I liked what I liked. Even though its only two weeks into 2017, my list of favorites has changed a lot. I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did writing it, stay tuned for my next one!