Top 10 Summer Hair Products

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Lately, I've been very focused on trying new and different things with my hair. I've been using new products, trying to style it different ways (ok, lets be honest, in different ways to have long curls, those are my favorite), and breaking out of my usual mold by trying out balayage highlights (which look best with curled hair). In all of my experimenting, I've yet to share many of my recent favorites with you!

Luckily, for Top 10 Tuesday today, some of my favorite beauty bloggers and I are sharing our favorite hair products. My recent favorites (plus a few that I tend to keep back ups of), easily fall under the category of "if you want amazing summer hair, try these".

Read on to see what I'm in love with!

6

Top 11 Best Beauty Hacks and Tips

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Today for Top 10 Tuesday, my blogging friends and I are sharing our favorite beauty tips and hacks! While I've shared a lot of tips/hacks over the years, it was really hard for me to narrow down my list to my favorite 10. So, I'm sharing 11. Most of these tips have posts with more details, so I'll link to those if you want more information. As well, since some of those posts are older, I'm sharing my favorite products for these tips, at the splurge and steal price points. How many of these tips do you follow? If you have a great tip, I'd love you to share in the comments!

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Top 10 Plums and Berries for the Holidays

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2

My Top 9 Foundations and BB Creams

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I'm a big fan of lightweight coverage that makes my skin look better. In the past that meant a medium to full coverage foundation, but as I've gotten older, I've found that I look much better in lighter coverage, and I'm moving towards only BB Creams. It isn't necessarily because I'm trying to avoid having foundation settle into fine lines or wrinkles (I don't really have many for 38), but it's because I think the heavier coverage ages me. This didn't happen when I was younger, but it definitely seems to be an issue now that I'm in my late 30s.

So, here are the coverage products that I'm using the most recently. And yes, I've also been finding that investing more money in coverage products is really worth it!

6

10 Beauty Picks Under $10

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Today for Top 10 Tuesday, my blogging friends and I are sharing our favorite beauty products under $10. Do you know how hard it is to find beauty products under $10? It is surpringly difficult. I have a lot of products that I love in the $11-13 range. That may need to become a whole other post. I did find 6 products that I really love under $10, and if you read 15 Minute Beauty a lot you'll notice that some of them I've mentioned over, and over, and over... To fill in my extra 4 products I decided to show you a few of my other faves that you can buy in travel sized versions for under $10. I love buying a travel size when the option is there, it's a great way to trial a more expensive product without committing to a $35 purchase that might not work out.

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Top 10 Tuesday: The Best of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives

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I've already shared all of my Nordstrom Sale Beauty Exclusive Picks, as well as other best items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but for Top 10 Tuesday we decided to post our 10 Favorites. OMG..... It was hard to pick! This is what I ended up with!


1. MAC Look in a Box Sophisticate Face Kit (my MAC Sophisticate Palette Swatches): I was a bit surprised by how much I loved this palette, it isn't quite as warm as I had expected so it is much more wearable by everyone than I had expected! The colors are beautiful, peachy-copper golds.

2. MAC Look in a Box Style Maven Face Kit (my MAC Style Maven Palette swatches): When actually used, this palette is more neutral and less overwhelmingly purple! It's great for those of us that are cool toned, and the Performance Art shadow is one of my favorites.

3. Bobbi Brown Secret to Standout Eyes Set: I've been on a big Bobbi Brown kick lately, and this palette really just blows everything else of hers out of the water. Seriously. It has all of the neutrals that you need for every day, plus a few extras for fun. I love that it is only shadows as well, I don't tend to use the blushes or lippies included in palettes unless I'm traveling.

4. RevitaLash Advanced Duo: I'm obsessed with this stuff! It makes my lashes much longer and thicker. I bought 2 sets, which is a full year supply. This is by far the lowest price you'll see anywhere, so stock up!

5. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse Home & Away Set: I'm not usually big on sunless tanners, but since trying St. Tropez's In Shower Gradual Tan (In Shower Tanner review here), I've been trying out more products. I used their Bronzing Mousse before a recent trip and was pretty impressed with my results. I'll have a review soon, but since we're planning a beach getaway this fall, I'll be picking up this duo.

6. Clarisonic Smart Profile Cleansing System: If you don't already have a Clarisonic, this is a great time to pick one up! The Smart Profile is the super fancy one, but there are also less expensive options like the Mia, Mia2 and Mia3.

7. Bobbi Brown Brush Set: The Anniversary Sale is a great time to buy makeup brushes. I typically will only buy sets during this sale or at the Holidays. While I also love the MAC basic and advanced sets, this year my favorite pick is the Bobbi Brown set. There are 2 face brushes in it that I've been coveting. It's hanging out in my cart.

8. Charlotte Tilbury On the Go Essentials Set: This set is hanging out in my cart, I haven't pulled the trigger yet. It has a lot of items that I want to try out... debating!

9. Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain Exclusive Trio: YAAAASS to more glossy stains! Also in my cart while I dig out all of the ones I own to make sure the colors aren't duplicates.

10. Tom Ford Lips and Boys Set: I've been wanting to try out Tom Ford's amazing lipsticks for a while, and this set is a great deal. I just don't tend to wear many lipsticks, so it is still hanging out in my cart while I think about it.

What items have you picked up so far? Or are you plotting for when the main sale opens?

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5

My Top 10 Summer Beauty Picks

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This summer I'm reaching for pretty, more natural colors than I usually use in the summer. Maybe it is because we haven't had many days that are really warm yet. I'm mostly in jeans still, not in skirts and shorts. I've barely worn my flip flops (though my toes are summer ready!), and I just want a pretty, natural look that is me, only a bit prettier and better rested. Especially that better rested part!

Here are the top 9 color items that I'm reaching for right now (I admit that I only came up with 9!), whether it's my blush, a lippie or even my polishes. What have you been using?

1. Stila Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in Rosewater (from Stila): I've really been obsessing over this new blush from Stila! I'm using Rosewater, which is a very pretty soft pink color. It creates a very pretty glow and I'm using it pretty much every day. Check out my full review of Stila Watercolor blush.

2. Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette (from Too Faced or Sephora): I've been wanting light, natural and nude but not boring eye looks. So, I've been reaching for one of my oldie but goodie looks, which is with Too Faced's Boudoir Eyes palette. You can see my swatches and a look at my favorite eye look here.

3. Chanel Rouge Allure Colour & Shine Lip Gloss in 17 SUPREME (from Nordstrom or Chanel): I splurged on this gloss in my Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale order last week, and I'm already plotting my next pick! It's thicker and more pigmented than a normal gloss, but isn't quite a liquid lipstick. It somehow is very bright color without making my lips look thinner. I think next I'll buy 15 Sensible, which is a lighter pink to wear every day.

4. Dior Addict Lip Glow in Pink (from Sephora or Nordstrom): This balm has been living in my pocket, I've been using it constantly for the last few weeks when I want a pretty flush. It automatically changes itself to the perfect pretty pink color.

5. Morgan Taylor Nail Polish in Sitting Pretty (from Amazon): This is a brand that I've only mentioned a few times, but I should more often! The polish applies like a well pigmented dream. Not at all streaky, the colors are beautiful, and they last for days without any chips. Sitting Pretty is my perfect bright pink for a pedicure color! It's on my toes now.

6. Morgan Taylor Nail Polish in Sweet Surrender (at Amazon): While my toes are bright and colorful, my fingers have been soft and subtle. I've been alternating between this soft pink and the purple-grey of the Dermelect.

7. Dermelect Nail Polish in Dune My Thing (at Dermelect): This is pretty similar to Chanel Particuliere, but slightly more purple.

8. Too Faced Snow Bunny Luminous Bronzer (from Too Faced or Sephora): I'm not usually a big bronzer girl. I'm so pale that bronzer can easily look dirty on me. Too Faced's Milk Chocolate Bronzer works well on me, but I really like the added pink and a little bit of shimmer. This is perfect for using with a (very large) brush all over my face, and in particular on my cheeks, my nose and anywhere that the sun usually hits just to add a little glow.

9. Mary Kay At Play Shadow & Liner in Mint to Be (from Mary Kay): You can see my full Mary Kay at Play review, but I'm really impressed with the formula of their At Play shadow and liner. The dark green of the Mint to Be pencil is really pretty when added to an otherwise neutral eye!

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3

Ten Great Blushes For A Pretty Flush

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When you're as fair as I am, a little blush can go a long way to looking like I'm awake and... healthy. Especially with a newborn! Today for Top 10 Tuesday we're sharing our favorite spring blushes, though obviously they work all year long. I like to use blushes that give me a pretty flush, especially cream blushes.


1. Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Beauty's Touch (my review here, get it from Drugstore.com): This is a very versatile powder. With a small brush it can give a more pigmented look, or a bigger brush and just brush it around my face. It won't show up that way, but it does make my face look more alive and people don't ask me if I feel ok (the struggle is real my friends).

2. Maskcara Cream Blush in Pink Grapefruit (from Maskcara Cosmetics): I've only had it for a few days, and I haven't even uploaded the pics yet from my camera, but the newly reformulated Maskcara blush is just as amazing as the original. You can read my Maskcara IIID Foundation review if you're thinking about ordering!

3. Stila Convertible Color in Lillium (from Stila or Sephora): I really love Stila Convertible Color. I only use it on my cheeks, but the color is nicely pigmented and easy to blend. I usually layer it under and then over some translucent powder to make it last all day.

4. Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush (my Sweethearts Blush review, get it from Too Faced or Sephora): Just enough shimmer to be super pretty! I love that there are a few colors in one little heart, so when you blend them together the result is much prettier and glowy.

5. NARS Multiple in Orgasm (from NARS or Nordstrom): It's a classic for a reason. The perfect pinky-peach. I think the effect from the Multiple is better than the powder blush.

6. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Dollface (get it at Tarte or Sephora): A bit more of a pinky-nude than the other choices, and this one is matte. It's very natural and subtle, the color lasts all day.

7. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Pink Plum (from Drugstore.com and ULTA): This is one of my go-to cream blushes. The Bouncy Blushes tend to be one of those love them or hate them things, and I love them! I apply only with a small blush brush, with my fingers I have a hard time blending it out.

8. e.l.f. Studio HD Blush in Headliner (from ELF): One of my best products from ELF, this is a very pretty blush that is easy to blend and is a great dupe for a much more expensive MUFE blush.

9. Urban Decay Naked Flushed in Native (my Naked Flushed Blush review, get it from Sephora or Urban Decay): I don't use the bronzer in this blush (it is too dark and too orange for my skin tone), but I do really like this pretty pink. I add in a little of the shimmer when I apply the blush, then apply the highlighter to my inner eye, brow bone and cheekbone.

10. It Cosmetics CC+ Radiance Palette (via It Cosmetics or ULTA): I'm reaching for this palette all. the. time. It is so amazing! Again, I'm not using the bronzer in this one (also too dark for me, just like that UD), but the peach blush is very pretty and I like the light shimmer/bronzer in the illuminator. I usually add the two together as a blush and then use the illuminator all over. I get compliments on my blush when I use this from my friends.

What are you go-to blush products?

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7

10 Luxe Beauty Stocking Stuffers (Under $35)

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Let's face it, we all want to be pampered and given luxurious things, or just buy them for ourselves! But, super high end luxury items, even the more affordable "gateway" beauty products, are often out of our price range. (And yes, even for me. And I'm a doctor.)

But, there are some great finds under $35 from those brands! Can't afford a $4,000 purse from Chanel? Try a lip gloss. Want to feel like Victoria Beckham with her huge Hermés bag collection? They make a perfumed soap that's in the affordable price range even for us mere mortals.

There are a lot of great finds, and while I'm only showing 10 of them in this image, I'm giving you a few great options below. They're all small enough to work as stocking stuffers. Who's fancy now? You, with the Chanel and Gucci stocking stuffers!

1. Perfumed Soap
Here's the Hermés Eau d’orange verte Perfumed soap, and there are similarly priced soaps from Chanel with their Number 5 and Coco Mademoiselle scents, and Dior's Miss Dior Silky Soap.

2. Shower Gel
Even if you aren't a bar soap person, you can splurge on a luxe item! Chloé 'L'Eau de Chloé' Shower Gel

3. Perfume Roller Ball
There are a ton of rollerballs from luxury brands. It's a great way to try out a new fragrance or take your favorite with you when you travel. A few options: Balenciaga Paris 'B.Balenciaga' Rollerball, Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum Rollerball

4. Mascara
Yes, there are some amazing mascaras at lower price points. But that isn't what we're after here, is it? Try: Le Volume de Chanel, Diorshow Mascara

5. Lip Gloss
I'm a sucker for a good gloss, and there are some great high end glosses that I want to take everywhere with me!
Gucci Lip Vibrant Demi-Glaze Lip Lacquer (in 160 Iconic Gucci Red), Dior Addict Gloss, Burberry Lip Glow Natural Lip Gloss, Chanel Rouge Allure Colour & Shine Lip Gloss

6. Lip Stick
This is probably the most classic way of giving a luxe beauty item, though if you're giving it away try a classic color or a more forgiving translucent lippie like Chanel's Lipshine.
Try: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Lipshine (shown in Monte-Carlo), Yves Saint Laurent 'Rouge Volupté Shine' Lipstick

7. Eye Liner
Eye liner isn't usually something that most of us think of splurging a lot on (aren't all black liners the same?), but it really can be worth it! I've been lusting after this Chanel Or Blanc Stylo since I first saw it on Mostly Sunny's Blog. It has just the right amount of gold and shimmer to really be a great accent! Gucci's Impact Long Wear Eye Pencil comes in a few vivid accent colors that are hard to duplicate elsewhere.

8 & 9. Nail Polish
Some of the most iconic nail polish shades out there are from luxe brands (like Chanel's Vamp).
Try: Chanel le Vernis Nail Color (shown in Phenix), Diorific Nail Vernis (shown in Gold Equinoxe), Yves Saint Laurent 'La Laque Couture' Nail Lacquer, Tom Ford Nail Lacquer, Dior Long Wear Nail Lacquer

10. Candles
This is a great way to up your hostess gift game! Diptyque Limited-Edition Spice Candle

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5

The 10 Best Hair Masks To Repair and Hydrate Your Hair

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(Read more about my fried hair and which products helped here.)

1. Brocato Cloud 9 Miracle Repair Treatment: I first tried this conditioner when I fried my hair a few years ago. (Never, ever, skip using heat protection! It took years to grow out the damage and have my hair back to normal!) I went to see my hairstylists and she used this conditioning treatment on my hair. She spread it from root to tip and stuck me under the dryer for 30 minutes. The warmth and time really made the treatment sink in. It was the best treatment for making my straw-like damaged hair feel like normal, healthy hair. The results lasted through a few hair washings, and I immediately ordered a big bottle on-line.

2. Rene Furterer Karité Intense Nourishing Mask: I first experienced Rene Furterer when I went to Paris and had a treatment in their salon. It was 45-60 minutes of insane hydration for my hair, and I went home with a huge array of products. While I no longer have the time for layering oils, creams and waiting for them to absorb into my hair, this is the next best thing. This creamy deep conditioner is the Rene Furterer product that I think packs the most punch in a shorter period of time.

3. L'Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm: This is a great drugstore mask. I've found that it really is better for when I have some damage or split ends, it smooths those areas over and makes my hair look much healthier.

4. Klorane Mask with Desert Date: Yes, lots of hydration!

5. Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Rehab Deep Hydration Masque: I fully admit I added this one to reach 10, it's on my list of "things I really, really want to try!" It is a mask for protecting your hair color and restoring hydration. I've heard a lot of great things about it!

6. Kerastase Chroma Reflect Masque: I have a tub of this in my shower at all times and use it once a week. I think it adds some great hydration, but mostly it keeps my hair color from fading. Expensive, but you don't need much and it is really worth it!

7. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask: One of my favorite drugstore hair masks, this one is a bit lighter weight than the other options, so I leave it on a tad longer.

8. Darshana Hair Oil: I love how flexible it is (see my Darshana Hair Oil Review). You can use a little on your hair at night before you go to sleep, add a ton and use it for a very intensive treatment, pretty much leaving it on as long as you want. The result is always hydrated hair, and the smell is amazing!

9. Alterna Caviar Exfoliating Scalp Facial: This is a very interesting product, essentially it is a scrub for your scalp (but! It's a treatment! That's why I included it). You squeeze some out onto your scalp, and rub the product into your scalp with the little brush. It is basically a shampoo with little microbeads in it, and it will help to remove buildup and take take of any itchy/flaking scalp issues. It takes a pretty long time to use, so I use it as a spot treatment rather than all over my head, so the little spots of my eczema that flare up with weather changes are perfect for this treatment! It really does help make them feel and look much better. My word of caution is that it can be very difficult to get all of the microbeads out of your hair since they don't dissolve, so you'll need to rinse for a very long time. I find it is better to use a hand held shower head so I can really get in there, and it is a great reason to only spot treat your scalp. I'm hoping they'll come out with an update where the microbeads are easier to rinse out and perhaps dissolve, so are more environmentally friendly.

10. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deeeeep Conditioner: There's a whole line of these 3 minute masks from Aussie, each with their own purpose. The Moist is my favorite since it is so insanely hydrating in such a short time (without weighing down my hair), but the Shine version is yes, full of win.

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6

Top 10 Tuesday: The Best Holiday Beauty Limited Editions

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Today for Top 10 Beauty we're sharing our favorite limited edition beauty items for Holiday 2014! I have to admit that I cheated a bit for today's post. I went over (I have 12 items) and I kind of shopped for myself.... These are the items that I have my eye on right now, though there are a few things that I already have and they are so amazing that I think everyone should have them!

1. Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System
I know what you're thinking... the Clarisonic isn't Limited Edition! Well, technically, that Turquoise color is, so it counts! There are a bunch of Clarisonic sets out right now, and if you don't already have a deep cleansing brush then you need to check it out! I just got the Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solutions Set, I'm really excited to see how it helps me deal with my melasma from pregnancy. But, the Mia 2 is the best place to start if you haven't tried the Clarisonic yet.

Set includes:
• Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing Device
• Sensitive Brush Heads
• Protective Travel Case
• Full-size Refreshing Gel Cleanser (it works with any cleanser, this is a nice one though)


2. Urban Decay Full Frontal Lipstick Stash
I have a lot of lipsticks that I don't really wear already, but I really love this formula. Plus, they're mini! Perfect for stashing in your pocket or purse.

Set Includes:
• Mini exclusive Revolution Lipstick in Ladyflower (bright rose pink), Crush (hot pink), Illicit (sheer baby pink), Gash (deep red with tonal shimmer), Liar (pinky brown nude), F-Bomb (classic red)
• Full-size 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Ozone (clear)


3. Trish McEvoy Sexy 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Duo
I recently declared this one of my favorite fragrances, but I'm out of my spray and the lotion is to die for! On my Christmas list for sure!


4. Dior Deluxe Holiday Palette
I've somehow never tried Dior's shadows, and lately I just can't stop looking at their palettes! This big one is perfect for travel, it has two completely different looks for day and evening.

Palette includes:
• Six Eyeshadows
• Two Lip Colors
• Blush
• Shimmer Powder


5. Dior Holiday Eyeshadow Palette
If the other palette is too big, I also really like this one with just 4 shadows.


6. MAC Studio Brush Kit
MAC always puts out some great travel brush sets, and this year this is the one I'll probably buy. Many of my facial travel brushes need replacing and this one has a great powder brush, a great foundation brush and the 224!

Set includes:
• 129 SE Powder Blush Brush
• 190 SE Foundation Brush
• 224 SE Tapered Blending Brush
• 213 SE Fluff Brush
• 209 SE Eyeliner Brush


7. Trish McEvoy Power of Makeup Planner Collection Timeless Beauty
I keep saying that I'm going to buy one of these makeup planners and I haven't done it yet. Someday!!

Collection includes:
• Makeup Planner Leopard
• Eye Base Essentials in Bare
• Full-size Intense Gel Eyeliner in Black
• High Volume Mascara
• Instant Eye Lift
• Two Makeup Wardrobing Pages
• Eyeshadows in Taupe, Linen, Delicate Pink
• Glaze Eyeshadow in Lavender Glow
• Eye Definers in Emerald and Hamptons Nights
• Dual Sunlit Bronzer
• Blush in Natural
• Deluxe travel-size Translucent Finishing Powder
• Essential Pencil in Model’s Choice
• Deluxe travel-size Beauty Booster Lip Gloss Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in Brightening Pink
• Pencil Sharpener


8. Bobbi Brown Mini Eye Palette
8 really pretty shades! This one is a Sephora exclusive.


9. Kate Somerville Simply Glowing Set
I really like ExfoliKate (my original ExfoliKate review), and I ran out just before my pregnancy. Now that I've delivered my baby girl, I can use it again! This set is the same price as the ExfoliKate alone, but has a gentle cleanser and the Dilo Oil I've been wanting to try out!

Set Includes:
• 2 oz Gentle Daily Wash
• 2 oz ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
• 1 oz Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment


10. Drybar Big Hair Don't Care Holiday Kit
I really want to try out the products in this set, but if you're in the market for a great dryer this looks like a good one based on the specs. And the entire set is the price of just the dryer alone, so it's a good deal!

Set Includes:
• Buttercup Blow Dryer
• Lil' Lemon Drop Detangler To Go
• The Full Pint Medium Round Brush
• 1.7 oz Texas Tea Volumizing Shampoo
• 1.7 oz Texas Tea Volumizing Conditioner
• 1.7 oz Texas Tea Volumizing Hair Spray


11. Bond No. 9 New York Bon Bon Eau de Parfum Box
Over in my favorite fragrances post, there were quite a few Bond No. 9 fragrances! The Bon Bons are a great travel size, you can buy a 9 Bon Bon S or 18 Bon Bon Set.


12. NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette
This is a great facial palette, highlighter, Laguna bronzer and multiple blushes all in 1 spot!

Palette includes:
• Miss Liberty Highlighting Blush Powder
• Blush in Sex Fantasy (pale lavender pink), Deep Throat (sheer peach), Final Cut (peach coral)
• Laguna Bronzing Powder (brown with gold shimmer)

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6

Top 10 Tuesday: My Favorite Alternatives to Black and Brown Eyeliners

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Today for Top 10 Tuesday we're sharing our favorite colorful eyeliner alternatives to black and brown liner. I'm definitely an eyeliner girl (I have a huge collection), and while I have my fair share of blacks and browns, I really love reaching for another color to add some depth to my eye look. I had a really hard time coming up with this list, but these are the ones that I seem to reach for most frequently. I even found a drugstore dupe in my collection for one of the discontinued Urban Decay pencils!



1. Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in LSD (get it here or here)
LSD is a navy shimmer with bright turquoise micro-sparkle according to Sephora. I love to layer this one over a black eyeliner and smudge it out just to show off a hint of the shimmer.



2. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Precision Glide Eye Liner in Blackberry (get it here)
I'm usually a huge fan of the Elizabeth Arden Smoky Liner, but they recently sent me a few of their Precision Glide Eye Liners to try out and I'm in love! They last all day, the colors are beautiful, and I can't stop wearing Blackberry.



3. L'Oreal Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner in Silver
4. L'Oreal Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner in Gold (get them here or here)
These are by far the best applying, most vibrant metallic liners I've ever used. They do have a few tricks to using them (see my full L'Oreal Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner Review) such as a few tricks for properly sharpening. They're worth the trouble!



5. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 12L (get it here)
This is a super pretty blue With Green Highlights, I wear it usually as just a hint of color on my upper or lower lash line.



6. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Precision Glide Eye Liner in Sapphire (get it here)
Similar to the eyeliner in Blackberry, this is a great black/brown alternative. On the eye it is hard to tell that it isn't just black, but it adds some great depth to my eyes. It really does look better than black many days!



7. Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Crash (get it here or here)
I hadn't realized that Crash was discontinued until I was looking it up for this post! It is one of those cult colors that UD seems to release in special sets frequently. I have 2 of them (this is my back up), if you keep your eyes open it will be available! According to their "discontinued UD liner page" they recommend trying Delinquent or Rockstar as alternatives.



8. Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Mars (get it here or here)
Another discontinued liner, I got this one in a special holiday set and really love it! It doesn't appear on their discontinued liner page like Crash does, and while I initially thought Junkie on that page would be a similar green, it's pretty different due to shimmer.


Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Mars vs. CoverGirl Vivid Impact Eyeliner in Jade (buy it here or here)
But!!! I found a drugstore dupe for Mars! Check out my CoverGirl Vivid Impact Eyeliner review.



9. L'Oreal Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner in Cobalt Blue (get them here or here)
Definitely the brightest blue liner I've ever owned! (see my full L'Oreal Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner Review)


10. CoverGirl Vivid Impact Eyeliner in Amethyst (buy it here or here)
Check out my CoverGirl Vivid Impact Eyeliner review.

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4

Top 10 Tuesday: The Best Gold and Silver Makeup

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Today for Top 10 Tuesday we're sharing our favorite Gold and Silver makeup (and nail polish) picks! I feel like I have a lot of colors that have some gold or silver shimmer or "leaning" in them, but when I went to look for actual gold and silver... I didn't have that much! So, you'll have to excuse the pinky-champagne colors that I included. I made the executive decision that their gold shimmery-ness was enough to make them count. Because I love them.



1. Zoya Seraphina Nail Polish
This one was really hard to get a good picture of, primarily because the little glitter is impossible to clean off 100%. Seriously, I cleaned up my cuticle 3x. I gave up when you could still see them. (In real life this will fall off after an hour or so of wear, no biggie. Internet pics? Ugh... please don't leave me nasty messages! I tried!)

Anyways, I love that this color is silver, white, all kinds of glowy... The shimmer is very pretty in person. It is great as a full mani or an accent nail. This is 3 super light coats to opaque.



3. Too Faced Instigator, from the Pretty Rebel palette
9. Tarte Up to No Gold, from the Rainforest After Dark palette

I thought it was easiest to swatch the two eye shadows together. These are both gold, but oh so different! Instigator is a bit more aggressively gold, I like to use it really more as a color of it's own, especially when paired with a pretty pink (it's great with Ringleader from the same palette).

Meanwhile, Up to No Gold is more of an accent for me right now, something that I'll layer over other shades to add some depth and interest to my eye look. It's also really pretty when used lightly in the inner corner of the eye.



2. Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener: It isn't a concealer, really this is a light nude-gold highlighter that is pretty subtle. I like to mix it into other products like foundation and concealer, it works great all over the face.

4. IT Cosmetics Hello Light Illuminating Powder: This is a super pretty champagne-gold color. There's just enough gold shimmer to catch the light, but not so much that it looks like "I'm wearing shimmer!"



5. Dermelect Gilded Nail Polish: This is a very pretty darker gold, it really foils itself. However, it is a bit bumpy, which you can see in the picture here because I only used a normal top coat. With something thicker like Seche Vite (I once again lost all of my bottles, I have about 5 and couldn't find any of them yesterday) the bumps are gone and it looks much smoother. I love how this green looks with navy and camo green, I know I'll be using this for a lot of accent nails this fall!



6 & 7. Gold and Silver Eye Liners, L'Oreal Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner (see my full review, including info on sharpening you will want if you buy them!): These are definitely the easiest way to add a silver or gold accent to your eye this fall!



8. Zoya Ziv Nail Polish: Another pretty gold polish that foils. I think this one is harder to work with than the Dermelect (see the end of my middle finger? It looks like of not quite right? It looked fine in person, but not on camera. Then I tried to fix it with a little more polish, and something just wasn't laying right.)

I love the brightness of this gold, I want to wear it with a navy polish on Michigan Football game days (when, presumably our offense or the defense will forget to show up. That's ok! I still went to school there, for 8 years! Go Blue!)



10. Zoya Bar Nail Polish: Another gold-pink tone. This is one of their Pixie Dust polishes, so they're very versatile. Here I have 1 coat on my pink, then working my way up to 4 full coats so you can see the coverage. I like to use most of the Pixie Dusts as a fun layer over another color, but you could definitely use them on their own as well.

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Top 10 Tuesday: My 10 Best Makeup Brushes

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Today for Top 10 Tuesday the bloggers are sharing their favorite makeup brushes. I've shared some of my favorites in the past, over on eBay and Babble mostly (including the favorite makeup brushes of makeup artists).

I thought to switch things up a little bit today I'd share my favorites that together can create an entire makeup kit's worth of brushes. I was a little bit surprised, I think of myself as a cheap makeup brush girl, but that seems to mostly hold true for my eye brushes. I use a lot of ELF brushes. But, once you expand out to the face, I seem to reach mostly for higher end. The good news is that these brushes can last for a really long time if you care for them properly!

Face

1. IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush: This brush is super soft and the bristles are very dense. I use it for applying product and blending it.

2. Clinique Blush Brush: I've had this brush, or something so similar that I can't tell the difference, since 1995. Really. The same brush. Mine is just now starting to shed and look a little less than great, so I'll be buying a new one soon. 19 years is pretty good for a makeup brush! I love that this is just the right size for getting blush on to the apples of my cheeks. No other brush has ever worked as well for me.

3. IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush: This is great for foundation, but I mostly use it to apply translucent powder and then buff it in to my skin.

4. Urban Decay Naked Flushed Double-Ended Brush: This brush isn't very big, it's actually just the right size to use with the new Urban Decay Flush Palettes. I like to use the flat side to pick up the highlighter and apply it to the upper cheekbone while the angled side is what I use with the bronzer to apply a light contour under my cheekbones and around my temples.

5. BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge Applicator: Not a brush, but kind of the same because it applies/blends makeup, right? I really love my BeautyBlender. I use it every day to blend my makeup, it works best with bouncing it on your skin.

Eyes

6. e.l.f. Essential Eye Shadow Brush: I own about 7 of this brush, it's my basic brush for applying shadow all over my lid.

7. e.l.f. Studio Contour Brush: The perfect size/shape for applying shadow into my crease.

8. NARS #45 Smudge Brush: In an effort to replace my beloved Sonia Kashuk smudge brush (the exact brush I loved was changed and then discontinued), I've looked at basically every smudge brush out there and this one from NARS is the closest. The bristles are dense and fairly stiff, the brush is a bit thicker as well. It's great for smudging the liner in my upper lash line.

9. e.l.f. Essential Smudge Brush: This smudge brush is a bit more flexible, I like it for smudging shadows (instead of liners). It's perfect for when I've applied a little shadow over a liner and need to blend it out a little.

10. Laura Mercier Smudge Brush: This brush is smaller than it looks, it's actually the perfect small size for adding a little extra pop of color under my lower lash line!

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Top 10 Tuesday: My Favorite Time Saving Beauty Products

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I have to admit that I had a really hard time paring down my product list for this post! I restricted myself to a few product categories, and there are a few options for some of them, though my fave product made the picture. I've found that multi-tasking products are wonderful, and that the "fast" products, which promise results in a fraction of the normal amount of time, can be both good and bad. I'm also a fan of just multi-tasking myself. So, I wear a face mask, a deep conditioning hair mask, and tooth whitening strips while I'm doing my at home pedicure. Look at the hours saved!

1. POND'S Luminous Finish BB+ Cream: This is my favorite BB Cream, though there are other great ones out there! I love that it has my moisturizer, sunscreen and some light foundation coverage all in one step! For days that I think I need a bit "more", I mix in a little bit of a highly pigmented concealer that is the exact same shade as my skin. Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer is the best one for that.

Other Options:
Garnier BB Cream Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector
Kiehl's 'Actively Correcting & Beautifying' BB Cream
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream


2. AG Hair BB Cream: these creams do a ton of things to your hair all at once! It's like a leave in conditioner, smoothing serum, frizz fighter, shine serum, etc... all rolled into one.

Other Options:
Pantene BB Cream


3. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Eyes: I still need to write a full review of this product, but I really love it! It's a pretty pigmented concealer, but also an eye cream, and I swear it will not settle into fine lines and wrinkles.


4. DevaCurl Deva Towel: It's true, gently squeezing the water out of your hair with a microfiber towel will dramatically cut down on drying time.


5. Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover: This stuff takes 30 seconds and gives you absolutely perfect cuticles! It's a professional manicure in a (much) cheaper bottle.


6. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment: I put this on in the shower (when I can, it isn't pregnancy safe so that isn't for another 3 months), and it is a super powered exfoliating treatment, but still gentle enough for my sensitive rosacea skin.


7. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle: Every woman should own a dry shampoo. Period. End of story. It is perfect for soaking up greasies on days you don't have time to wash your hair (let's face it, we should all be skipping days anyways, it isn't great to wash your hair every day), it also adds some much needed texture and volume.

Other Options:
Dry Bar Detox Dry Shampoo
Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo


8. Maybelline EyeStudio Master Smoky Mechanical Eyeshadow Pencil: It's shadow and eye liner rolled into one, creating the fastest and easiest smoky eye ever! Apply around your eye, then blend it out with a smudge brush.

Other Options:
NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil
Too Faced Bulletproof 24 Hour Eyeliner
Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Primer + Shadow + Liner


9. Stila Convertible Color: I use it mainly as a blush, but this cream formula can be used on your eyes and lips as well! It looks like a very pretty flush when blended out with a brush.

Other Options:
Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush


10. Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover: Yes, even I hate removing my makeup at night! But, I hate going to sleep with eye liner around my eyes. This face wash (and the Kiehl's below) both are gentle enough to use around your eyes, but they also actually remove eye makeup. (Ok, they really remove regular eye makeup, they both only get about 90% of waterproof eye liner off.) I call that pretty amazing. 1 step instead of 2 (I get to skip eye makeup remover) and I'm that much closer to bed!

Other Options:
Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

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Top 10 Tuesday: The Best Sunscreens for Sunny Summer Days

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I'm a bit sunscreen obsessed, so I had to participate in this week's Top 10 Tuesday! I've previously shared 9 Full Spectrum Sunscreens and 7 Lippies That Offer Full UV Spectrum Coverage!, though you can find a lot more sunscreen tips and some of my favorite over on my sunscreen Pinterest board, Sun Savvy. I'm of the opinion that we should all be wearing sunscreen every day, and when you're out in the sun you should reapply every 2 hours (here's How to Reapply Sunscreen (While Wearing Makeup)).

Today I thought I'd share the sunscreens that are around my house and that we really use in my family. They're all at least SPF 30 and off Full UV Spectrum coverage. Note that there are other full spectrum sunscreens out there, but these ones seem to feel lighter weight and aren't greasy feeling, so we opt for these ones. And my list is only 7 long, because that's what is here in my house.


1. Aveeno Active Naturals Baby Natural Protection SPF 50+ Lotion
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide






2. Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock Lotion SPF 110
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone









3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone









4. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone









5. Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Lotion
Octinoxate, Octisalate, Zinc Oxide







6. Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 for Face
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone








7. Coppertone Sport High Performance Sunscreen Lotion
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone

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