January 2020 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

There are a few new items; however, none of them were bought by moi.  I have been taking up knitting as a hobby and it has lessened my constant desire to buy makeup etc.  I've been enjoying palettes and colors that I haven't previously been able to enjoy because of being inundated by new makeup.

1.   Juvia’s Place Eyeshadow Palette in Festival
This has a good deal of colors that I like.  Juvia's place has a really nice eyeshadow formula and some really nice shades in their various palettes.

2.   Kat Von D Eyeshadow Palette in Fetish:
I have to say, the packaging for Kat Von D's Fetish Eyeshadow palette is beautiful!  It has a bunch or warm red colors that I like and some lovely accent colors for my lid like the greens a purples.

3.   Kat Von D Single Eyeshadow in Swoon
Swoon is a shimmery red shadow.  This color was first in a limited edition palette -- Better Together-- that was a collab with Too Faced.  Swoon if one of those colors that is in almost every Darkling's capsule collection.

4.   Kat Von D Eyeshadow Palette in Lolita:
I actually wasn't quite sure if I liked this palette at first.  I thought that the other shades that were chosen to accompany Lolita might be too cool-toned for me.  After wearing this numerous times, I think this is a beautiful palette and looks so good on!

5.   Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in L.U.V.
A very pretty pinky purple shade.  One of the things I loved about KVDs older Studded Kiss formula is that it was a lot like the newer long lasting lipstick formulas in the slim tubes. The packaging of the Studded Kiss lipstick is one of my favorites.

6.   Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Lolita
The Lolita that I have is from the newer formula.  Not as "dry" of a formula but with a lip liner not as slippery as some -- which is good.  Lolita is one of those "your lips but better" dusty rose colors.

7.   Morphe Lipliner Pencil in Foolish
This goes well with KVD Lolita Lipstick.

8.   CoverGirl Instant Cheekbones in Refined Rose
I heard about CG Instant Cheekbones from YouTuber emilynoel83.  Refined Rose is a color that can go with most eyeshadow/lipstick looks.  The three shades means it can be darkened or lightened by mixing with change of skintones.

9.   Morphe Blushing Babes Blush Trio in Pop of Pink
I like using this with cooler toned eyeshadow/lipstick looks.  The shade on the left can be used as a contour in a pinch.

10.  Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette
The Alchemist palette can be used as highlighter or eyeshadow.  This is one of KVD's better highlighters.  (The highlighters that came out after that tend to have a lot of glitter in them.)

11.  Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Neon Travel Spray:
This smells exactly like Black Opium and Prada Candy Gloss mixed together.  I just love it!

• Per Sephora:
• Key Notes: Neon Coffee, Orange Blossom, Dragon Fruit
• Fragrance Description: Black Opium Neon is a new twist on the classic Eau de Parfum. With adrenaline-rich coffee, sparkling orange blossom, and mesmerizing dragon fruit accord, it is a vibrant and indulgent perfume that’s the perfect combination of seductive and sweet.

12.  Kat Von D 24-Hour Super Brow Long-Wear Pomade in Dark Brown:
I keep forgetting how much I like this sometimes.  The color is great.  Not too dark, not too warm.  I get side tracked by those micro-thin pencils.  Of course, the pomade would be nothing without that fantastic eyebrow brush of theirs.

13.  Nyx Multitasker Mixing Medium:
Brow pomade after a while gets drier.  It doesn't matter what brand it is. Sooner or later it will get drier.  This can be used to wet the brow pomade.

14.  Ofra Mini Highlighter in Pillow Talk:
If you prefer a highlight that is not subtle, you will love Ofra's highlighters.  These babies glow!

15.  Kat Von D #70 Pomade Brow Brush:
I can't sing the praises of this brow brush enough.  The brush is razor thin and really helps to get a precise line!

16.  e.l.f. Blurring Powder Brush (as foundation brush):
This is one of my favorite foundation brushes!  I do not use this as a powder brush, unless I'm going to use powder foundation.  The brush is densely packed and can navigate a few more areas that a flat brush can't.

17.  e.l.f. Powder Brush:
Guess what I use this for?  I've used this for powder for years.  I like pressing powder in with this rather than "dusting" it on my face.

18.  Haus Laboratories Liquid Eye-Lie-Ner in Punk:
I got this as a gift. This works great! It can draw a thin line if need be.  It's nice and dark and matte.

19.  Haus Laboratories All Over Metallic Creme in Glam Attack:
A dear friend got this for me. It is a metallic soft rosy red.  I thought it was a liquid lipstick all of this time and had been wearing it as such   Turns out, it was a liquid eyeshadow.  It looks really nice as a liquid lipstick, though!  LOL. My only caveat with wearing it as a lipstick is is does feel a little drying on the lips.  So a nice lip-scrub and balm would be in order afterwards.

20.  Prada Candy Florale:
This was part of a Christmas gift that also included the original Prada Candy (which I also love) and Prada Candy Kiss (which I am undecided about as of yet).

• Per Sephora:
• Notes: Sparkling Cedrat, Bouquet of Cosmos, Benzoin, Caramel, White Musk
• Style: Sensuous. Coquettish.

21.  Chanel Les Exclusifs Coromandel:
I've had this for probably thirteen years.

• Per Google (?) :
• Notes: A rich composition of Frankincense, Benzoin and Patchouli, COROMANDEL is a powerful oriental-woody fragrance. It unfurls the enveloping notes of its amber vibrato before giving way to a lingering voluptuous accord.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

My friend's cat, Billy.

(Billy is Luna's brother.)

REPOST: My Favorite Travel Essentials Pt 1 -- Makeup

So, I was doing the Part 2 blog.  I thought I accidentally published it.  I deleted it; and, realized I deleted Part 1.  Oy vey!  So I am reposting.

Since 2010, I travel, at least, three times a year.  Once a year, we travel to some states we haven't been to (which entails a plane ride, car travel and several hotel rooms).

Let me tell you -- I really HATE packing!  I really do!  Because of this, it has been a never ending quest of mine to make packing easier for myself.  I'm not quite there yet, but getting close.

As seen in the picture, all of the items on this blog fit into my Medium Trish McEvoy Makeup Planner.  When I am not traveling, most of the items (with the exception of some of the items in the clear bag) stay in the planner to minimize time that I have to spend on packing.

Case, Palettes Liner:
Trish McEvoy The Power of Makeup Medium Planner:  I got this planner at least six years ago -- if not more.

Linda Hallberg Infinity Palette:  IMO this is the perfect travel face palette for fair to med-light skin tones.  It has pretty much everything you would need to create a look.  There's even two eyeshadows in there.  There is a warm and a cool blush, a cool contour powder, a face powder (or a nude shadow), two shades of shimmery highlighter, a medium brown (with a little mustard yellow mixed in) eyeshadow and a black eyeshadow.

Kat Von D Anniversary Palette: I originally got this palette in a FOMO moment.  I realized that this palette has a wide variety of colors in it and would be great for travel.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner in Olive:  I got this from either Hautelook or Nordstrom Rack.  A really nice soft flattering color.

Essence Micro Precise Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown:  Essence was having one of those buy one get one 40% off sale at Ulta.   One can never have too many micro brow pencils.

Brushes Left Side (Left to Right):
Wet n Wild Large Concealer Brush:  I use this for applying eye primer.

Wet n Wild Large Eyeshadow Brush:  This is one of my favorite eyeshadow brushes!  I will use it to blend a lighter color into the first crease shade or to put that first crease shade on.

Morphe M164 Small Flat Angled Contour:  I use this for applying contour on my nose and inner brow area.

Morphe M574 Pencil Crease:  I will use this sometimes to blend a darker crease color.  I will also use this for placing shadow under the eye.

Brushes Middle (Top to Bottom):
e.l.f. Travel Blending Brush:  I use this for contour.  

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Brush: Excellent for placing highlight on the inner corner of eye.

e.l.f. Eyeshadow "C" Brush:  I lay down the first shadow color under my eye with this & sweep it in an upward direction.

Morphe Flat Shader Brush:  These brushes are excellent for patting color on the lid of the eye.

e.l.f. Eyelash and Brow Wand:  When rocking a brow pomade a spoolie will help diffuse the pomade on the inner brow and take any areas that have too heavy an application.

e.l.f. Foundation Brush:  I actually use this for concealer.  I don't actually think these types of brushes make good foundation brushes.

Brushes Right Side (Top then Left to Right):
Morphe M431 Precision Pencil Crease:  As the name says, this is a slimmer pencil brush for creating a more defined crease with a darker eyeshadow (this differs greatly from "cut crease").

Kat Von D #70 Pomade Brow Brush:  I decided to try these when they were having a sale.  I already had the powder brow brush, which I thought was really wonderful.  When I tried the pomade brush -- OMG -- I had never used a brow brush that was capable of making an almost razor thin line!  This brush is so worth it!!!

e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush:  I heard about this brush from YouTuber emilynoel83.  She uses this for cream blush or other cream cheek products.  It works excellently for that; but, I also love using it for powder blush.  It cuts down on the chances of applying too much pigment to the cheeks.

Sonia Kashuk Foundation Bush:  This was actually from a set of face brushes, some years ago.  It has a nice, densely packed flat top foundation brush.  I now keep it with my travel items.

e.l.f. Powder Brush:  I love using this as a powder brush.  It's got a good surface area to work with.  I also think a flat top brush is better for simulating that pressing action that you can get with a velour puff, rather than just sweeping the face.

e.l.f. Small Taper Brush: Another recommendation from emilynoel83.  This has GOT to be my favorite cheek highlighter brush!

Makeup Bag (Top then Left to Right):
Covergirl Outlast Active 24HR Foundation 845:  I actually purchased this from Walgreeens while traveling.  It works decently and contains SPF.  I lighten or darken it with e.l.f Mix to Match Shade Adjuster.

L.A Girl Pro Conceal in Peach:  L.A. Girl makes some really nice concealers at a very decent price.  I just wish they'd exchange that tiny brush for a regular squeeze tube tip.  The peach color is really great for disguising dark undereye circles.  They also have a darker orange for richer skin tones.

e.l.f. Mix to Match Shade Adjuster in Lighten & Bronze:  I'm one of those people whose skintone can be on a spectrum from fair to really tan. Traveling means my skintone is never static.  I end up mixing foundation a lot - when I travel it's better to have smaller tubes that I can mix with.  I tried these e.l.f. Shade Adjusters and like them.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Mama:  I originally bought this as a dupe for Lime Crime's Pumpkin Liquid Lipstick. I'm finding this is one of the colors of lipstick that I love taking with me.

Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick in Mortis:  I don't feel right w/o having a red lipstick as an option.  I love Black Moon's formula and Mortis is a little darker than a bright red lipstick.

Kosas Kosasport Hyaluronic Lip Fuel:  Lips can get parched when traveling.  I got this because it has the added benefit of Hyaluronic Acid which can plump skin up with moisture.  I like to put balm on while I'm doing the rest of my makeup; then, I wipe it off before I put my lipstick on.  Before bed is when I can slather this on and sleep with it.

Wet n Wild Photofocus Pressed Powder in Light:  I just love this powder.  It gives a satin finish rather than a straight up matte finish.  

e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator in Coconut:  Why stick your fingers in grainy goop to exfoliate your lips, when you can have it in "lipstick" form and rub it on your lips.  Just rub on your lips for about 10 seconds (or more), wipe off and -- voila!

Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick in Gloom:  I like having a nude lipstick option in my arsenal.  Black Moon makes some of my favorite nudes.

Laura Geller French Vanilla Highlight:  I love using this to help set my undereyes. It's a subtle highlighter so it makes the undereye are look more natural.

Kat Von D Super Brow Extreme Long-Wear Pomade:  I love using this with the KVD brush to get a more precise application.  Sometimes I will outline my brows with my micro brow pencil and fill in with pomade afterwards.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

 It was a Luna kind of Monday.

The Blush Tag

1. Best packaging

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Palette Color Wheel (Holiday 2016)

I had never tried Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Blush formula before.  I thought this was a pretty ingenious way to fit more into less packaging.  I use a separate mirror; so, it doesn’t bother me that there is no mirror.

2. Prettiest color

It Cosmetics Ombre Radience in Sugar Plum

This is kind of an odd question for a makeup addict.  "Prettiest Color" is contingent on what makeup it's been worn with, skin tone etc.  

So, I’m calling this the prettiest color based on how it looks in the pan – it’s ombre and has shimmer and is a pretty mauve color..

3. Most pigmented

Coastal Scents Forever Blush

I had heard of these blushes; but, it wasn't until I heard emilynoel83 of YouTube talk about them that I got some.  She was right.  These blushes are PIGMENTED and they last!.  I would say, if you're on a budget and want a blush that you're not going to have to replace very quickly -- this is it!

4. Everyday blush

Cherry Custard by Laura Geller

I don’t have an everyday blush.  But, I thought of what I would reach for if I was in a hurry.  The answer would be Cherry Custard by Laura Geller, which is in the Baked Color and Contour Palette.  The fact that there’s a contour and highlight in the palette makes it very easy to use when I’m in a hurry.

5. Party blush
Makeup Revolution Blush Queen Palette

I'm not sure what a "Party blush" is supposed to be.  Again, it all depends on what I'm doing with the rest of my makeup.  I would probably put something with a touch or shimmer on.  In that spirit, I will say the Makeup Revolution Blush Queen palette which is a palette of eight shimmery blushes.  No matter what I decide to do with my makeup for a party there will be something in there for me.

6. Regret purchasing (Two Answers) 

e.l.f. Blush (A bunch of them)

      YouTubers would rave about these blushes -- how pigmented they are, how beautiful the colors look on the skin.  I bought mine during a sale a few years ago and was severely disappointed.  Mine were so NOT pigmented.  The quad blushes that sell for $6 work just fine; but, the single ones, never work for me.

Cream or Liquid blushes

I like cream and liquid blushes.  However, I have so much makeup that cream and liquid formulas just sit there and go bad.

7. Least used

NARS Exhibit A

This probably doesn't need any explanation.  It looked beautiful in the packaging. There is something about red -- eyeshadow, lipstick, nailpolish that captivates me. It is usable with an ultra light touch.  I think it's the inconvenience of having to be so careful with it that puts me off from using it.

8. Most used

Morphe Brushes 9N Palette

This is easy to grab for.  The blushes are easy to wear -- especially with the bolder eyes and lips of today.  And they are good quality!

8.1 would never let go of.

My two Kat Von D Shade and Light blushes

These were out on the market for a hot minute.  I managed to get my hands on two of them before they disappeared from the market permanently.  I have Piaf/Poe and Bonnie/Clyde.  I wanted Morticia/Gomez; but, alas, it was not to be.  

9. Favorite blush brand
None At The Moment

I don’t know that I have a favorite blush brand at the moment.  I suppose if Kat Von D or even Black Moon Cosmetics were to release some, I would probably be in love with those.

My requirements, now, are:

Cruelty free

Have pigmentation

Have a color I like

Don’t be chalky.

10. Greatest blush discovery of the year
Kat Von D Shade and Light blush

I really liked them and wanted more.  But, like I said, it was not to be.  I was fortunate enough to get my hot hands on two of them.

11. Most practical
Cherry Custard by Laura Geller

(See #4)

12. Least practical

NARS Exhibit A

(See #7)

13. Most expensive

Becca Beach Tint Shimmer Souffle in Guava Moonstone

I think at the time I bought my NARS blushes, they were still around $25.  These are $27.  I love that there's a bit of shimmer in them.

14. Least expensive  (Single blushes)

Nyx HD Blush Amber

 As I don't have my e.l.f blushes anymore, Nyx HD blush at $6.99, is my least expensive.

15. Longest Wearing

Coastal Scents Forever Blush

(See #3)

16. Best Blush Palette

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Palette Color Wheel (Holiday 2016)

Not only are these great blushes; but, I love how they fit ten of them into a very compact space by using both sides of the compact.  There are warms, cools and even a highlighter and bronzer shade in here.

Ta Ta For Now!

May 2016 Favorites -- Beauty & Bath

1. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer + LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer, Orange Corrector + Garnier Skin Care Skin Renew 5 Second Blur Instant Smoother, 1 Fluid Ounce + BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector™ Spotlight Trio = The Best Concealer In The World!!!:   I already had all of the things mentioned and wanted to use them up; but, didn't know how.  Lots of people absolutely LOVE Bye Bye Under Eye concealer; but, I've always found it too thick for my liking.  The L.A. Girl Orange Correcter was a little too dark for me.  One day I decided to experiment and play mixologist.  The ratio was basically 1/2 or a little less concealer (I used up whatever was left in the tube of the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye, added little of the L.A. Girl orange concealer, and a little of the Becca liquid shimmering skin perfector), then I added 1/2 or a little more of the primer.  I don't think Garnier is the only primer that can be used for this.  After I am out of this I want to experiment with a cruelty free primer.  I may try using my NYX Angel Veil primer.
2. CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream:  I like to use this when I wear powder foundation.  I mix this with my vitamin C serum and my Paula's Choice 9% BHA serum.
3. belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb:  I got this as a deluxe sample a long time ago from Sephora.  I didn't try it until I saw all of the YouTube gurus raving about it.  I didn't hold out a lot of hope as my skin care needs can be a bit finicky.  But I LOVED it!!!  It's very moisturizing; but, not oily or greasy!  I have, since, got myself a full size jar of it. Sometimes, I use this and skip the foundation primer.
4. Essential Wholesale Leave-In Detangler Spray:  I decided to give this a try -- which was actually a dangerous notion, as the smallest size I could get was 1/2 a gallon and I have never tried a spray-in conditioner that I felt I loved.  I added a little vial of pear fragrance oil to it, that I bought from them.  I absolutely LOVE this!!!!  I had to use my own bottle which is actually an old VERB bottle.  So far, I've refilled it 2X and am still in love with it.  I use it every time I brush my hair.
5. Shade + Light Eye Contour Quad in Rust:  I bought this to use as an "In The Hurry" eyeshadow quad.  I have ADHD  & having a palette full of colors can cause delays.  LOL  They are my kind of colors, really pigmented, blend well and work really well with the e.l.f. cool bronzer palette!
6. e.l.f. Bronzer - Cool: As I said in my You Tube Made Me Buy It Contour/Bronzer entry, this can be used as contour, matte highlight, bronzer, blush and eyeshadow.  I like to have this on hand for when I am in a hurry and even in the handbag for touch-ups.  (This will definitely be a stocking stuffer item during the holiday season!!!)
7. Wet n Wild Color Icon Collection Bronzer SPF 15 in Reserve Your Cabana:  I had this a long time ago; and, gave it away as I didn't know what to do with it.  I bought it again because I heard it was a good substitute for Laura Geller Baked French Vanilla highlighter.  I discovered that, instead, I liked mixing this with powder foundation to help it not look dry on the skin!
8. Kat Von D - Lock-It Tattoo Foundation: This actually goes along with number 9.  I've been using this foundation mixed with Backlight Priming Filter which has some luminosity to it and really enjoying it!  It thins the foundation out a little bit; and, give it a bit of dimension with the luminosity.
9. BECCA Backlight Priming Filter:  (See #8)
10. It Cosmetics Superhero™ Mascara: Holy length and volume Batman!  I got this off of QVC in a two pack -- that way I ended up paying not much more than 
11. Colour Pop Ultra Matte Lippie in Bumble:  I ordered this almost a year ago.  It was my favorite color out of the 12 that I ordered at the time.  It is still a favorite of mine .  their description is perfect,  "dusty warm terracotta".
12. NYX Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick in Embellishment:  I bought this along with 4 or 5 other colors some months back.   The first couple of times I used it, I didn't think I liked it.  For some reason I was under the impression it left my lips looking cakey and dry.  Several months later, I decided to use it again and I loved it!  Maybe my lips were chapped at the time or something.  Embellishment has some lavender in it that goes very nicely with my skin tone.
13. Laura Geller Filter Finish Setting Powder: I decided to try this because it's difficult to get the Baked French Vanilla highlighter and the Baked French Vanilla highlighter is a bit small for what I use it for (all over the middle of my face).  I decided to give this a try.  It's has just a tad more shimmer and works just as well -- and is A LOT bigger!!!
14. Morphe Brushes 35OM - 35 COLOR MATTE NATURE GLOW EYESHADOW PALETTE:  I loved the 35O palette so I knew I would love the  35OM & S palettes.  I love collecting Morphe eyeshadow palettes.  They're really nicelty pigmented and really fun to use.
15. Morphe Brushes 35OS - 35 COLOR SHIMMER NATURE GLOW EYESHADOW PALETTE:  (See #14)
16. Dr. Woods - All Natural Eco-Friendly Castile Soap Pure Tea Tree:  I've been using this for a while.  I have a new found love for it ever since I went on vacation & decided I didn't need decant a little in a travel bottle to take with me.
17. Nubian Heritage COCONUT & PAPAYA BODY WASH with Vanilla Beans:  I love this stuff!  It smells great!  It's moisturizing and it helps brighten skin.
18. Flora Udo's Choice Super 8 Hi-Potency Probiotic 42 Billion Cells:  I firmly believe a beauty routine is not just about what you put on the outside or how you groom yourself.  It's also about how you take care of yourself on this inside.  Science has been finding out more and more about the benefits of probiotics for mental as well as physical health.
19. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser -- I like to use this with with either a cloth or my FOREO to take makeup off.  It feels good and doesn't leave a greasy residue that I have to scrub off.
20. Bragg Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar:  Again, I believe beauty is taking care of the inside as well as the outside.  Cider Vinegar is good for the complexion, appetite, blood pressure and all sorts of other stuff.

Ta Ta For Now!

Perfect Palette Tag 2

There has been a second Perfect Palette Tag floating around YouTube.  Again, I was not tagged; but, I thought it would be fun to do.  Enjoy!

1. Eyeliner, brush or nothing included?

Nothing: A brush collection is so essential nowadays to makeup; that, I feel adding a brush to a palette is unnecessary.  Plus, someone, on even the tightest budget, can get good quality brushes. Cosmetic companies can do themselves and the environment a favor by not adding brushes and applicators (especially really cheap unusable ones). 

2. Name a palette you have hit pan on.

e.l.f. contour palette:  This is pretty typical of any contour palette for me.  The actual contour shade is the one to go first. I would actually love for a company to make a contour pan that is as big as those Wet n Wild bronzer palettes.  Or a 1/2 and half contour and highlight that's like Laura Geller Baked French Vanilla.

3. Favorite “Naked” palette?

      

Can you hear the crickets chirping?  I have to be honest and say, I'm not a fan of the Naked Palettes.  I've had Naked 3 before.  They are great quality.  But, the whole neutral thing isn't for me, I've discovered.  It doesn't excite me.  Not even in rose tones.  (Although I do like Kat Von D's Shade & Light Palette.)

4. Favorite Holiday or Limited Edition palette?

Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix Palette:  How do I love this palette?  Let me count the ways:  First there's the awesome pigmentation.  Second, there's the variety of colors -- even neutral ones, Third, there's the almost vinyl record album look of the packaging.  Fourth, there's the cool names of the colors.

Makeup Geek Manny MUA Palette:  The colors in this palette are so beautiful and edgy!!!  I fell in love with it when I saw Mirrors and Haze demonstrate it.  

BH Cosmetics Pride + Prejudice + Zombies™ - Eye + Cheek Palette: These colors are right up my alley.  The pigmentation is really nice too and easy to blend!

5. Name a palette you would repurchase or wish you had a back up of (if it’s no longer available)?

Morphe Brushes ACC4 - EMPTY MAGNETIC PALETTE:  I kind of cheated -- with the amount of palettes I have, there is NO WAY I am ever going to finish a palette.  But I could certainly use more empty palettes.  This one is less expensive than the Z-Palette and works superbly.

6. Name a shade you wish were sold individually.

Morphe Brushes 35O - 35 COLOR NATURE GLOW EYESHADOW PALETTE:  There is no name for the color but it's the color on the bottom right corner. It's all sorts of shimmery orangey copper goodness!!

7. Wild Card Question: Pick a question from the original Tag to answer.

"4. Best for traveling"

NYX COSMETICS Go-To Palette in Wanderlust:  With 6 shadows, a shimmery highlight, blush and a bronzer/contour, this palette not only serves as a great travel palette but it also serves as a great "in a hurry" palette.

8. Name the palette you would recommend to a friend. 

Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette: At first glance, you may think this is your average matte neutral palette; but, you would be SO wrong!  If you've ever wanted neutral shadows to look edgy -- this is your palette.  The shadows a highly pigmented and highly blendable.  

You Tube Made Me Buy It -- Contours and Bronzers. Plus My Favorite Contour Brushes!!!

I love contouring.  I'm so glad this made it into mainstream makeup.  Here are the contours that You Tube made me buy.  Descriptions at the bottom of the pictorial.  Also, pictures of my favorite contour brushes and description below.

1.  e.l.f. Contour Palette (pressed powder) -- I've hit pan on the actual contour color and the matte highlight color but I'm not crazy about the matte highlight.  The bronzer is nice.  I've only started incorporating bronzers into my routine in the last month by using it around my hairline and above my jaw.  The shimmery highlight is not that shimmery and comes off a bit dry looking for me.  I'm such a sucker for these quads from e.l.f. though.  I'm not sure why I fall for them so badly!  LOL

2.  e.l.f. Cream Contour Palette - I've only used this once, so far.  I'm not used to applying cream contour and highlight; so, I have to get used to this.  If I recall, the contour is quite pigmented, so, I have to be careful not to pick up too much when I use it.

3.  Too Faced Bonjour Soleil Bronzing Wardrobe Palette -- I got this, originally, for the packaging.  It was so cute!!!  But this is really a great palette!  Plus it smells really good everytime I open the palette up (like cocoa).  The Chocolate Soleil bronzer makes a really nice contour.  The Sun Bunny Bronzer is a shimmery two toned bronzer that I like to use on my hair line area.  And the Snow Bunny Bronzer is a really pretty highlight.  Plus, whenever I'm done with the makeup in there, I can use the box to house makeup pencils.

4.  Morphe Brushes 9BZ - THAT GLOW BRONZER PALETTE -- This is a beautiful bronzer palette with different tones of bronzer and some that have a bit of glow to them.  I love the glowy ones for near the hairline.

5.  e.l.f. Bronzer Palette -- I think this is a nice bronzer palette.  A lot of people complained that it wasn't nearly dark enough for them.  I can see why.  e.l.f. heard the complaints and has since come out with a darker palette.  This again is a nice basic palette for around the hairline and above the jaw for me.

6.  Morphe Brushes 9C - 9 COLOR HIGHLIGHT/CONTOUR PALETTE -- I love this palette.  The contour shades are beautiful, there are a couple of matte highlight shades in there (one with a yellow tone, one with a peach tone), there is a shimmery gold highlight shade in there that goes on beautifully, plus some bronzing colors.  Just a wonderful palette overall.

7.  e.l.f. Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder - St. Lucia -- The Contouring part of this palette works great.  The blush has almost no pigmentation.  I have a feeling the pigmentation can vary from batch to batch.  I've seen some people on YouTube say that theirs has great pigmentation.  I'm not willing to gamble on buying another palette to find out if that's true or not. Just a waste if it isn't.  

8.  It Cosmetics Vitality Brightening Anti-Aging Face Disk -- I bought this when I saw how big this was.  I also bought this before I started liking shimmery highlights.  But, once I started getting into shimmery highlights, I hit pan on the highlighter, using it both on my cheek bones and on the inner corner of my eyelids.  The bronzer is VERY warm; so, this does not make a good contour unless you have VERY warm skin. But for those that like to bronze all over, this would be good. This wasn't my favorite palette.  I accidentally dropped it one day & what I had left of all the powders broke.  (I was actually kind of glad because I was tired of using it.  LOL)  But, for someone who likes to buy one thing stick to it, this would be great!

9.  Nyx GO-TO PALETTE - Wanderlust -- I am always looking for travel friendly palettes-- things for weekend getaways and things for a week or two.  This is actually a really nice basic palette.  Everything is nicely pigmented, and the highlight is gorgeous and very shimmery, no glitter or sparkles just wonderful shimmer!  The contour color is a little warmer than their HD Blush in Taupe; but, still works as a contour for me.

10. Wet n Wild Color Icon Contouring Palette 749A Dulce De Leche -- I love the contour on this.  It's subtle and a good color for my skin.  I've used most of it up, actually.  However, I don't like the highlight.  It's too dry & dusty looking for my skin.  If they made this big compact in just the contour, I'd be all over it!!

11. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Refill - Fawn -- I bought this to put in my custom travel palette, which I am in the process of creating.  I heard great things about the Anastasia contours.  I had to do some research to see which one would fit me best.  Fawn turned out to be a great option!

12. Nyx-HIGH DEFINITION BLUSH - Taupe -- Before Nyx came out w/HD blush, this shade in their regular blush was a YouTuber favorite.  I've not tried the other version but I love this.  It tends to have a bit of fallout but I still like it.  From what I've seen on YouTube, the colors between the two, vary slightly but not enough to make it too noticably different.  If they still make the older one, after I'm done with my HD versions, I may try the original.

13. e.l.f. Bronzer - Cool -- This is a very versatile "palette".  This can be used as contour, matte highlight, bronzer, blush and eyeshadow for a quick, natural, inexpensive take it with you palette that won't overcrowd the handbag.

My Favorite Contour Brushes

I have a round face.  My face does not benefit from densely packed straight edged contour brushes. I do, however, like densely packed, tapered top, oval shaped brushes for the job.  I've found some contour brushes that I really love!  Most of my favorites are priced so that even someone on a tight budget can afford them!

e.l.f. Selfie-Ready Powder Brush -- This is currently my FAVORITE contour brush!!!.  It's like the e.l.f. Blending Brush but not as wide.  I only have one of these and want to get backups as soon as they restock this on e.l.f.'s website.  You can get this for only $6!!!

Morphe Brushes E47 Small Flat Angled Contour Brush -- I love this brush for contouring my nose and under my inner brow.  It works so well! $8.99 on Morphe Brushes site.

e.l.f. Blending Brush -- Before the e.l.f. Selfie-Ready Powder Brush came out, this was my favorite contour brush.  It works really well without having to call in a second brush for additional blending.

Sedona Lace 316 Synthetic Flat Contour -- Before the e.l.f. Blending Brush came out, this was my favorite contour brush.  It's a flat contour brush but it is neither densely packed nor stiff so it allows for blending while it contours.  I would say more angular faces would really like this brush as well.

Ta Ta For Now!