As I was catching up on my digital Vogue reading this weekend, I came across a video series, which is excellent. Whether you are a beauty buff wanting a modern smoky eye, or the makeup novice who just wants a fresh face, Vogue offers some terrific tips. After all of these years, I have a few of my own. Today I share products that I absolutely love, and a very special sale at Stila Cosmetics!
Prime Time: All About That Base
If you want to lighten up your face, this product does it in the most subdued way. It is what I am currently using as a primer. It does wonders for your pores, feels fabulously soft, it's lightweight, and adds just the perfect amount of color to my face. I find that I use much less foundation when using this product. When I wake up in the morning, this is my "go to" item to freshen my face. Love it!
Stila
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liner
Eyeliner is more important to me than mascara! Without it, I look totally tired, and that's not good. This "magic marker" for your eyes, is my new fave. It never skips, runs or fades, until you take it off. I highly recommend it. I wear the black every day. "The thin marker-like tip is easy to use even for the least experienced, and delivers a defined thin line to a dramatic bold line with precision."
Stila
Take 25% Off And Get Free Shipping! Code: SPRING25 Ends 3-13
Eye Shadow Pan in Compact - Kitten
My idea of the perfect eyeshadow color. It can be worn wet or dry. It's the perfect nude/pink and an ideal base for any eye look.
Stila
Take 25% Off And Get Free Shipping! Code: SPRING25 Ends 3-13
Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer
Laura Mercier, the pioneer of Foundation Primer, has quite a selection of primers. One for every skin solution. Once again, I choose the radiance type, as I am always looking for a healthy glow. This is an excellent product that works. It does not, however, offer much coverage. See all of her primers at...
Nordstrom
P.S. Purchasing beauty products at Nordstrom makes so much sense, as they offer free shipping and 3 free samples with every order.
Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zings
This complete brow kit comes with all the tools you need for clean, smooth, perfect brows. Shaping & defining lesson included. What I like best about the kit is the tinted "gel," It does a really nice job at "taming" those wild hairs. I prefer my Tweezerman tweezers, but on the go, the included mini tools work just fine.
Benefit Cosmetics
M.A.C. Strobe Cream
My newest makeup must. I decided to give this luminizer a try since there is a small $10 size. I have used it everyday for a month, and haven't begun to dent the tube. A little goes a long way. I am sure that I will have the tube left at the end of 6 months or a year. I love to mix a dab in my foundation for a "lit from within" radiance. This is what M.A.C has to say:
"The ultimate quick fix for the skin. Super-powered with potent botanicals; de-snoozes, de-stresses, moistens, freshens and boosts the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin with a fully loaded vitamin zap and a mega dose of green tea."
Nordstrom
Sephora Contour Edit
Contouring is a makeup must do in my opinion. Why have a flat face, when you can add dimension and highlights? I enjoyed the video "how to's" that you will see on the page. And Sephora's own Contouring 101 Face Palette is so nicely priced, compared to others, you may want to start there.
Sephora
Bare Escentuals Angled Brush
This is THE tool you need to contour your cheekbones. If you are using a powder, there is no other way to go. I have owned this brush for maybe 5 years or more. It looks good as new. I couldn't live happily without it. The best price I found on it is at...
Amazon
Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials
If you have trouble with eyeshadow creasing or not lasting all day, most likely you are not prepping your lids. This is a beauty step that I have always used since I can remember. Trish makes one of the best ones out there. I love the choice of shades, and am currently crushing on 'Demure," a shimmering nude. (don't worry, the shimmering is more of a soft glow). These bases brighten the eyes so well, that one would not even need eyeshadow. This product is a real eye opener!
Saks Fifth Avenue
Everything always ships for free at Saks!
Code: FREESHIP
Laura Mercier Eye Base
I like this product equally as well as Trish McEvoy's. It truly does create a perfect canvas for eyeshadow. It's sheer and creamy. The only problem with both eye bases, is that I tend to go through them quickly, and they are not inexpensive.
Nordstrom's
Nars Orgasm Shade Illuminator
One of the most universally flattering colors of any brand, I think, is Nars Orgasm. It is the perfect peach pink nude with just an undertone of gold. I use the Illuminator, to add a pop of color and sheen to my cheeks. The color pay off of all Nars products is really great, so only a dab will do ya. This color is truly prettier than pink!
Saks
Laura Mercier High Coverage Concealer
I have only been using this product for about a month, and I don't think I will be be changing anytime soon. It is fabulous. I must say that I "thought" I wanted a creamy formula in my concealer, and this is the opposite, but I love it. Two things to remember when applying this dream cream - make sure eyes are hydrated first - and literally you only need the tiniest amount. It is so pigmented that you only need a pin point. I love that the tube is made so you can only squeeze out a bit at a time. No wasting product here! I wear #2, as I wanted the shade to be lighter than my foundation (the secret to concealing under the eye).
Nordstrom's
Ready To Wear Lash Extensions
This product delivers longer, fuller, thicker and healthier-looking lashes in seconds. The magic is applying it to your own wet mascara. I don't use it every day, just when I want a more dramatic eye. It takes just a bit of practice. In the end, you will be happy with the look of your lashes. They sell a mascara duo with the extensions for the same price. I have not tried the mascara, but it's kind of free! Watch a video here...
Your Gift With a $70 Purchase
Bloomingdale's
Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
Gosh I have been using this product for more years than I can count! I have had many other samples, but nothing works as effortlessly as this blue bottle. I should know, because most of my eye makeup is waterproof. It works, and never is a problem for my sensitive eyes.
Bloomingdale's
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So that's a few of my favorite beauty products. What's in your bag?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Stila
Eyeliner is more important to me than mascara! Without it, I look totally tired, and that's not good. This "magic marker" for your eyes, is my new fave. It never skips, runs or fades, until you take it off. I highly recommend it. I wear the black every day. "The thin marker-like tip is easy to use even for the least experienced, and delivers a defined thin line to a dramatic bold line with precision."
Stila
Take 25% Off And Get Free Shipping! Code: SPRING25 Ends 3-13
My idea of the perfect eyeshadow color. It can be worn wet or dry. It's the perfect nude/pink and an ideal base for any eye look.
Stila
Take 25% Off And Get Free Shipping! Code: SPRING25 Ends 3-13
Laura Mercier, the pioneer of Foundation Primer, has quite a selection of primers. One for every skin solution. Once again, I choose the radiance type, as I am always looking for a healthy glow. This is an excellent product that works. It does not, however, offer much coverage. See all of her primers at...
Nordstrom
P.S. Purchasing beauty products at Nordstrom makes so much sense, as they offer free shipping and 3 free samples with every order.
This complete brow kit comes with all the tools you need for clean, smooth, perfect brows. Shaping & defining lesson included. What I like best about the kit is the tinted "gel," It does a really nice job at "taming" those wild hairs. I prefer my Tweezerman tweezers, but on the go, the included mini tools work just fine.
Benefit Cosmetics
M.A.C. Strobe Cream
My newest makeup must. I decided to give this luminizer a try since there is a small $10 size. I have used it everyday for a month, and haven't begun to dent the tube. A little goes a long way. I am sure that I will have the tube left at the end of 6 months or a year. I love to mix a dab in my foundation for a "lit from within" radiance. This is what M.A.C has to say:
"The ultimate quick fix for the skin. Super-powered with potent botanicals; de-snoozes, de-stresses, moistens, freshens and boosts the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin with a fully loaded vitamin zap and a mega dose of green tea."
Nordstrom
Contouring is a makeup must do in my opinion. Why have a flat face, when you can add dimension and highlights? I enjoyed the video "how to's" that you will see on the page. And Sephora's own Contouring 101 Face Palette is so nicely priced, compared to others, you may want to start there.
Sephora
This is THE tool you need to contour your cheekbones. If you are using a powder, there is no other way to go. I have owned this brush for maybe 5 years or more. It looks good as new. I couldn't live happily without it. The best price I found on it is at...
Amazon
If you have trouble with eyeshadow creasing or not lasting all day, most likely you are not prepping your lids. This is a beauty step that I have always used since I can remember. Trish makes one of the best ones out there. I love the choice of shades, and am currently crushing on 'Demure," a shimmering nude. (don't worry, the shimmering is more of a soft glow). These bases brighten the eyes so well, that one would not even need eyeshadow. This product is a real eye opener!
Saks Fifth Avenue
Everything always ships for free at Saks!
Code: FREESHIP
I like this product equally as well as Trish McEvoy's. It truly does create a perfect canvas for eyeshadow. It's sheer and creamy. The only problem with both eye bases, is that I tend to go through them quickly, and they are not inexpensive.
Nordstrom's
One of the most universally flattering colors of any brand, I think, is Nars Orgasm. It is the perfect peach pink nude with just an undertone of gold. I use the Illuminator, to add a pop of color and sheen to my cheeks. The color pay off of all Nars products is really great, so only a dab will do ya. This color is truly prettier than pink!
Saks
I have only been using this product for about a month, and I don't think I will be be changing anytime soon. It is fabulous. I must say that I "thought" I wanted a creamy formula in my concealer, and this is the opposite, but I love it. Two things to remember when applying this dream cream - make sure eyes are hydrated first - and literally you only need the tiniest amount. It is so pigmented that you only need a pin point. I love that the tube is made so you can only squeeze out a bit at a time. No wasting product here! I wear #2, as I wanted the shade to be lighter than my foundation (the secret to concealing under the eye).
Nordstrom's
This product delivers longer, fuller, thicker and healthier-looking lashes in seconds. The magic is applying it to your own wet mascara. I don't use it every day, just when I want a more dramatic eye. It takes just a bit of practice. In the end, you will be happy with the look of your lashes. They sell a mascara duo with the extensions for the same price. I have not tried the mascara, but it's kind of free! Watch a video here...
Lancome Beauty Bonus
Calling all Lancome Girls! Here are two Gifts with any $39.50 or $70 Lancôme purchase! Choose your cosmetics bag duo at Bloomies
Bloomingdale's
Gosh I have been using this product for more years than I can count! I have had many other samples, but nothing works as effortlessly as this blue bottle. I should know, because most of my eye makeup is waterproof. It works, and never is a problem for my sensitive eyes.
Bloomingdale's
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
So that's a few of my favorite beauty products. What's in your bag?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
