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Monday, May 20

Let's Talk Makeup/Beauty Products

I love talking beauty products with friends.  It's fun to get recommendations and find new things to try.  Last year I did an Everyday Styling over on ABM, where I shared my basic daily routine.  I've found some new products since then, stuck with some old standbys, and changed up my routine a bit, so I thought I share some of my current favorites!

1. Sephora Smoothing and Brightening Concealer-- I use this for under my eyes to brighten up.  I used to use the Stila version, but my local Sephora doesn't carry it anymore.  I was pleasantly surprised by the Sephora brand in this particular product, plus it's quite a bit cheaper (win!).
2. Sumita Raina Contrast Eye Pencil-- This is a blue eyeliner that is really bold and pretty.  I originally got it in my Birchbox, but I have been using it a ton.  
3. Kiehls Line-Reducing Concentrate--  This is the only product in this grouping where I'm unsure on how I feel.  This is a sample that I have been using off and on for a bit now, and I'm not sure if I'll buy the product or find something a little less harsh.  I did feel it was worth mentioning because A) I have been using it, and B) I know you're not really supposed to talk about getting fine lines and whatnot, but I've hit that 30 mark, guys, and I'm starting to explore these sorts of products.
4. Sephora Eyebrow Pencil 02-- I seriously stocked up on these eyebrow pencils when they were on sale a year or two ago (I bought 20) and I still love them!  
5. Maybelline Falsies Mascara-- I'm still going strong with this brand of mascara.  It gets the job done and doesn't make my lashes too stiff.
6. Clinique All About Eyes Rich-- I love Clinique eye creams.  I had been using the Anti-Gravity version of this, which I think I liked a little better.  I do really like this one, though.
7. Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-- I also got this in my Birchbox semi-recently and I really like it for those days when I wake up and my eyes are all swollen underneath.  Gotta love allergy season!
8. The Balm: Mary-Lou Manizer--  I love this eyeshadow as a highlighter on my brow bone, cheeks, and inside corners of my eyes.  It has such a pretty shimmer.
9. Mary Kay Loose Powder-- this is my good ol' trusty.  I've tried a lot of other finishing powders and loose powders and I always come back to this guy.
10. The Balm: Hot Mama Shadow/ Blush-- The name of this blush makes me feel a little embarrassed, but it is a really great blush!  It has a lovely shimmer and the color is great with my skin tone.
11. Maybelline Line Stiletto--  I also find myself using Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner, but between the two of these, I have my liquid liners more than covered.
12. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm--  Before I got this particular BB cream in my Birchbox sometime last year, I never wore any sort of foundation or tinted moisturizer.  This stuff goes on really light and doesn't settle in my (ahem) fine lines like a lot of others do.  If you are in the market for something like this, I highly recommend this one.
I've found a lot of new things from signing up for Birchbox (this is my refer-a-friend link, FYI) this year.  It is $10 a month, but even in the months where I'm not that excited about the contents, it's still fun to get a surprise package. Otherwise, I just try things that friends have recommended or use the samples they give you at Sephora to find new products.
Where do you find new products?  Do you have any especially exciting things you'd recommend?


31 comments:

  1. I have such sensitive skin and I'm allergic to so much gnat it's hard. I can't wear anything at all on my eyes period.

    I love Mac studio fix. I've found gnat loriel has the best red lipstick called true red and that's all I really wear! Hair wise I have tons of good recommendations- it's a 10 is hands down the best leave in!

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  2. thanks for the tips - your skin always looks so good! I received so many samples in my birchbox - some I fell in love with and bought. It is a great way to find new products without spending a lot on a full size.

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  3. Thank you for this comprehensive list! I've been wanting to try a BB cream for some time now. One product I love is Maybeline's Baby Lips lip balm in Quenched. It goes on clear and it has the clinical strength my dry lips need.

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  4. And you have gorgeous skin as always. Thanks for the tips & suggestions ^_^

    xo melanie
    thehalfginger.blogspot.com

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  5. I agree with Gina ^ Your skin always looks great. It's lovely to see what products others use. Here in the UK I used to get a Glossy Box but they kept sending me products which just didn't suit me so I cancelled but it seems like Birchbox sends some great things out! Rosie x

    www.everywordhandwritten.blogspot.co.uk

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  6. i tend to lean more towards all natural makeups or make up with less chemical stuff because i have really sensitive skin. i found the body shop made this liquid eye liner that was semi natural and works really well for me, but THEY DONT MAKE IT ANYMORE!!! i am so sad :( i hope i can find something compatible before i run out! i also use a lot of honeybee gardens products...they make a great natural eye liner pencil that has been my go to for a few years and mascara! i also recommend Yes to carrots brand make up remover cloths...they work so well and smell so yummy! i like to use them at the end of the day (they are especially good for traveling) and i sometimes even use them after i wash my face to get all the makeup i may have missed :)

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  7. You always look lovely, thank you for the handy guide to what you use, I might try out some of the eye products you've mentioned as I've not quite got it right yet
    http://ahandfulofhope.blogspot.co.uk/

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  8. Thanks so much for sharing! I suck at doing makeup, so it's always nice to have some recommendations.

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  9. Katie you are so sweet and also your make up expresses it as you are ..
    .:magiko:.

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  10. You are just so gorgeous. I've been wanting to try the Falsies mascara, but I'm scared of clumping and have been using Mac mascara for so long that I'm unsure about switching! I have dark circles under my eyes and thought about using the Clinique eye cream but a lot of reviews said it was really harsh! Did you have any problems with that?

    My sister started using Nerium for fine lines about two months ago and says she really loves the results. It's on the expensive side, but she raves about it and says it's totally worth it!

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  11. Ah I've been searching for a good BB cream. I'll have to check out Dr. Jart+!
    I've been using clinique eye cream the last few months too and really love it (finally starting to wear an eye cream at 28....oops!) haha.

    xo Kelli
    <a href='"http://www.kellimurray.com/news/">kellimurray.com</a>

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  12. I love the Maybelline stiletto liquid eyeliner, have been using it forever too!

    Carina xx
    http://www.carstina.com/

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  13. Love this Katie!!! -- I've subscribed to Ipsy (a similar beauty box) and love it! I've found that they have a lot more full size products than Birchbox and it's $10 per month as well. Definitely worth trying out!

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  14. Clinique is one brand that I trust with my life. Great post! You look lovely and fresh-faced!

    Elise

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  15. Just about to sign up for Birchbox in the UK- not sure how it works but do you have a code I can put in as the link is for refer a friend in the US? Thanks!

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  16. I'm a make up addict, and I too have been loving the Falsies mascara because it doesn't seem as dry as some of the others on the market.

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  17. I liked to read about your favourite porducts! I have some of these as well, and as for new products, I get a similar box that is sold here bi-monthly. It's called Pixibox, but it is practically the same idea. And as far as nail polish is concerned: I usually spot it on other people (in the street or at the gym or wherever I go) and then I go to a store and stand in front of the shelves until I find that exact colour :) Anyway, would you write about nail polish as well? I know that your friends, Elsie and Emma uses them, but I don't see it on you very often.

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  18. I really need to try #6! I look much more tired than I usually am, and it's awful.

    But I find new products just by thinking of what I need and reading reviews. I try to use mostly Benefit + Tarte products (besides lipsticks) which makes it much more easier when picking out products to try. :)

    x Sara
    tinysugarbee.blogspot.com

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  19. I love BB creams. It saves so much time and money and saves your face really. I like the Loreal BB cream but I'm always willing to try new ones. I like to review make up for my Make Up Monday posts so I'm definitely going to try the ones here and review them.

    Sara Ivy
    http://saraivy.org

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  20. can you recommend a reddish brow pencil or whatever it is you use? i'm going red tomorrow! thanks :)

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  21. Hopefully you can get it in the US, but I SWEAR by Liz Earle cleanse & polish as a face wash. It's life changing & not too expensive!x

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  22. I love Dr Jart+ BB cream! its done wonders for my complexion, i wear it for hours and hours at a time and it doesnt dry out or fade either - i'm obsessed! i also use products from the Simple line as my daily face routine and its been amazing! highly recommend.

    I used to use falsies mascara as well, but i recently switched to Benefit's Theyre Real after i received a sample from Sephora - i think it has even more coverage with less build-u and lasts forever.

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  23. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post! I'm a total beauty junkie and you can find my favorites (if you're interested) on my own blog at www.notesfromtheslife.com. I'm also a huge fan of Birchbox and feel the same about the Kiehl's eye cream, I've used almost all of it but haven't made up my mind how I feel about it. Will definitely check out the Falsies mascara. If you are looking for more random beauty finds, check out Miss Glamorazzi on youtube. She's got great videos.

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  24. Congratultions you have a very nice and interactive blog. Regarding makeup, do you try a lot? I liked your recommendations and style. Keep it up

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  25. I've recently dipped back in forth from Sephora's makeup to healthier ingredient makeup [Zuzu/Gabriel or Mineral Fusion]. I love, love, love the liquid eyeliner with Zuzu as well the rest of their line-it's irreplaceable for me. They sell it online, but also in health food stores like Whole Foods Market. My current addiction is Benefit's Illuminator -I dab just a few drops of this cream along the height of my cheekbones and its like BAM! dewy, glowing skin!
    I'm trying harder to find anti-aging products that I can feel...I'm mainly using products that have fruit stem cells, Vitamin A serums, etc.

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  26. I notice you don't have a favorite sunblock. Do you have? I'm looking for some good one.

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