The Products I CANT Live Without

One question I always ask my #WCW's is "What is one product you can't live without?"

We all have our go-to products, products that we always end up going back to after trying new brands, products that do the job exactly how you imagined!

Im going to share a few of my favorite products that I must have in my makeup kit. Without these products, my look feels incredibly incomplete. 
(Click on the product & it will bring you to a link that shows the price & where I purchased it from)

1. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
Im so happy I came across this pencil. You can use it in many ways but I mainly use it as an eyeshadow primer. It makes the shadow more vibrant. I mainly use it for a highlight under my brows and the corners of my eyes. I apply this product to my eyes, smudge it out a little, & then apply what ever color I want on top. When used as a highlight, if you apply a shimmery white over this product you will get a highlight like the pros!

2. My e.l.f. Stippling Brush
If you wear liquid foundation, you need a stippling brush. I get so many compliments on my face makeup & its because of the even application. This brush gives you an even, airbrushed look. Blotchy foundation is not a good look. This brush will fix that problem. It is a must have! Not to mention these brushes are very affordable.

3.My favorite nude lipstick: Spirit by MAC
If you are looking for a perfect nude for everyday or a special occasion, this is it. Its natural but sexy at the same time. Its the satin collection so in my opinion its a mix between shine and matte.

4. Physicians Formula Bronzer/Highlighter
As you can see, I wore this thing out! A highlighted cheekbone is such a sexy look! No matter what season it is, I will ALWAYS add some glow to my cheeks. It brings attention to your smile :) Even better, its about half the price of any other high end bronzers. You can find this brand at CVS or Rite Aid.

5.Ulta Matte Primer
Ive only been using this product for about two months but, I must say, it is a must have if you have oily skin. I actually never thought to use a primer until one of my #wcw's recommended it. Before I would always just touch up some shine with my face powder. However with this product, there's no need to do so! My face stays oil-free all day/night! This isn't an exaggeration! I don't put on foundation without it! Also, if I'm in a hurry and want to rock a natural look, I put this bad boy on and then brush powder over my face and boom, Im done! Its also cheaper than any of the other good matte primers out there.

6. Prestige Lip Liner in Deep Plum
This may seem like a random product to put in this article but actually, this product has much purpose! I purchased this liner awhile ago from rite aid for a particular color of lipstick. Turns out, for some odd reason, this is a universal lip liner! This color is the sisterhood of traveling pants of all lip liner colors! It seriously blends so well with so many of my reds, burgundies, pinks, and even nudes! I even wear it with some of my lip glosses. If you want a lined lip everyday, this is the liner to get!

7. Favorite Eye Shadow Primers (Depending on the look): Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden
 & Sonia Kashuk Extreme Wear Eye Primer
If you are going to wear eye shadow, you need a primer. Ive been using primer ever since I first started wearing makeup back in high school. I refuse to wear eye shadow without it. Sometimes I even wear it alone! I use Sonia Kashuk if I'm doing my everyday look. I use Urban decay if I'm doing a glamorous look for a night out. Only because it shows up as a nude rather than clear, making the shadow really pop! My eye makeup lasts all day/night with these products. They even stay put while working up a sweat at the gym or even through a whole night of sleep (which I don't recommend).

8. Revlon ColorStay Pressed Powder
This is my go-to face powder. Ive been faithful to this product for a long time now because it has never let me down. It keeps my face shine free, evens out my skin tone, and it is my go-to product when I'm on the go and in a hurry. Mind you that my skin is really sensitive and prone to breakouts, but this powder has never given me a problem.

9. Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner
This is also a go-to product of mine. Ive tried many expensive liquid liners but I always find my way back to this one. It has a thin felt tip so its VERY easy to draw that perfect wing. Its so easy to change up your look with this liner, as the felt tip makes it easy for you to draw bold or thin lines.

10. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Last but not least, my brow wiz. I love this pencil. Ive experimented with so many brow products that I think this is for sure my favorite. You can draw your brows however you want with this little pencil. I love it because its easy on my brow hairs and it gives me a bold, yet natural look every time. Definitely recommend, especially if you have thin brows to start with like me.

What are your favorite products? Hope my recommendation help!

#WomanCrushWednesday: Brittany Jane

This week's #WCW goes to

Brittany Jane!

This girl has a love for makeup and she sure knows how to use it! 

She loves to try all sorts of styles and techniques & she pulls them off well!

Check out her advice & recommendations!

(Instagram: amywinedout)

1. What is your favorite foundation?
I've been using Mac Studio Fix Fluid for about 3 years. It does the job.

2. Favorite line of lipsticks? 
Right now my favorite line of lipsticks are Maybeline's Color Sensations, so many cute colors.

3. Favorite mascara?
 This is a toss up between Mac's False Lashes Mascara and Tarte's Amazonian Clay Mascara.

4. What is your favorite look to do? Ex. Glamorous, sultry, smokey, bronzed, natural?
My favorite look is definitely more natural, with the bronzed version of a smokey eye. Depending on if I'm going out at night, I like more bold lip colors and during the day I like more subtle lipsticks like nude or plums.

5. What is your everyday makeup routine?
I always make sure I have a freshly washed face. Apply primer then foundation. I curl my lashes and apply mascara. Then I fill in my eye brows and apply a coat of clear gel to them. Apply eye shadow. Next, bronzer and blush. Finally I dust NYX mineral powder over my entire face.

6. What is one product you can't live without?
I think I'm going to have to say my Becca face primer. I have very oily skin and it helps save my t-zone from looking greasy throughout the day.

7. Must have skin care products?
A good face cleanser, scrub, and face lotion! Maybe even a small tube of acne spot cream for those unexpected blemishes.

8. Any personal tips or advice for a fellow makeup junkie or someone who knows nada about makeup?
It sounds very irresponsible financially but TRY EVERYTHING! I honestly feel like finding the right make up for you is trial and error. I would suggest buying the smallest version or even asking for samples at Ulta or Sephora just so you can get a feel for the more expensive products. Also, do your research online. This has helped me make a lot of decisions.

9. First lip color that pops in your head, GO! :
Nude! I am on a huge kick to find all the gorgeous nudes thanks to Maggie's post.

10. Liquid, gel, or pencil eyeliner?
It really depends on what look I'm going for but I prefer liquid and pencil.

I LOVED Brittany's Interview because she is an advocate of

"treating yourself", budgeting, and trying new products…, which is what this

blog is all about!

Thanks Brittany!

#WomanCrushWednesday: Rebecca Wylie

This week's #WomanCrushWednesday goes to

Rebecca Wylie!

Rebecca is a beautiful, trendy, woman that I had the pleasure to meet while living in Richmond. Her makeup was, and still is, always on point! One thing Ive learned from Rebecca is to never wear cheap lipstick! Lipstick is one product that you should really invest in.

This girl really knows her stuff. She only uses the best of the best products. She's a true makeup addict! Check out her interview!

(Instagram: whitewanderlust)

1. What is your favorite foundation?

Favorite foundation, toss up between Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick and Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk Foundation. Bobbi's Foundation stick is amazing because it comes in a wide variety of tones and the coverage is very buildable, you can use it sheer for the gym or running errands or layer your coverage for night. Plus the stick doubles as your concealer, you can use a very concentrated coverage for blemishes and you don't have to worry about blending forever because it is the same shade as your foundation. Armani's Lasting Silk is just gorgeous, the formula looks like butter on the skin, it is so smooth and glowing. The foundation has light reflecting mica particles so it gives your skin that candlelit glow and total bonus as it gives you a 12hr wear (even running around at work for 8hrs it looks flawless)

2. Favorite line of lipsticks?

My favorite line of lipsticks hands down is YSL, these lipsticks offer the truest pigment and softest finish. They have Shea butter and vitamin A and E so it feels like a Chapstick. The YSL lip stains are amazing too, they are highly pigmented and offer buildable color with a glossy finish, perfect for going out, you can makeout with your man all night and your lips won't need any touching up. The only downside to YSL lipstains, you have to take them off with eye makeup remover!

3. Favorite mascara?

I have 2 favorite mascaras, Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill is perfecting. It offers volume and length, gives lashes that spidery faux lash look. Second favorite is Jordana Best Lash Extreme, this is magic in a bottle. It's a very liquidy mascara so you need a steady hand not to get it everywhere but you can layer and layer and layer it on until you have insanely long doll lashes, and super bonus it's only $2.99 as opposed to Armani's $35 Eyes to Kill. 

4. What is your favorite look to do? Ex. Glamorous, sultry, smokey, bronzed, natural?

My favorite look is healthy glowing skin and sparkly eye shadow. I use Bobbi Brown's BB cream to give my skin that plump healthy look. I love a sheer cream blush in coral or a rosy raspberry for that healthy flush. When I use a lot of creams on my face I skip bronzer to avoid getting that muddy consistency on my skin. Then I use Bobbi Browns sparkle eye shadow in Baby Peach, the pigment is light but the sparkle is stunning. Then I line the inside of my eye, the wet line, all around with a light brown liner, the combination of peach and brown make my blue eyes pop like crazy! This look is simple and effective.

5. What is your everyday makeup routine?

My everyday makeup routine starts with good skin care. Never ever ever skimp on eye cream or moisturizer, it'll make your makeup look so much better. After I've done my serum, eye cream, and moisturizer I use Bobbi Browns Stick Foundation all over and then go back with the same foundation using it as a concealer to cover any blemishes. Then powder, make sure you press your powder into the skin instead of sweeping it over the face, this will insure that your foundation lasts much longer. Then I love a good tinted eye brightener, I use Bobbi Browns, it eliminates any darkness and really brightens up my whole face. Then I go in with a bronzer, I love a little contour under the cheekbones, on the neck and forehead. Then I chose a blush the same tone as my skin when I get flushed. I place a glimmering highlighter on top, Mary-Luminizer from the Balm is my favorite. I sweep that on the top of my cheeks, my neglige and the tips on my shoulders. After I define my brows, I use a mahogany cake liner and an angle brush to fill them in and add a little shape. Next I use a bone color all over my eyelid to get rid of any discoloration. Depending on my mood or outfit I will do a black cat eye with benefits gel liner or a smudgy brown liner. Then sweep 4-5 coats on mascara and I'm done!

6. What is one product you can't live without?

I could not live without Bobbi Brown's buffing grains, it's customizable microdermabrasion, you can add it to any cleanser and it'll automatically make your skin look brighter and more vibrant.

7. Must have skin care products?

Must have skin care products are Chanel Sublimage cleanser, it is a little pricey but so worth it. The cleaner automatically removes any debris from your face and smooths out the texture of skin. I noticed my pores shrinking after just a week of use! I love my Bobbi a Brown hydrating eye cream, it removes any puffiness and reduces wrinkles, once you place makeup over it, you will notice a difference. I use Giorgio Armani brightening serum, it's got a ton of vitamin c that really brightens up skin and gives a glowing finish. Moisturizer is so Important, I use La Prairie's advanced marine biology day cream. This stuff is killer, it plumps the skin, clears up blemishes, hydrates, doubles as a primer, and protects the skin from any environmental damage. Tip, always put moisturizer on your neck, in the long run it'll help with the 'sagging neck effect' and gives you a healthy glow.

8. Any personal tips or advice for a fellow makeup junkie or someone who knows nada about makeup?

Clean your brushes at least 2x a month!! Bacteria will grow and cause you to break out! If your cheeks need a pick me up, dab clear lip gloss on the tops of your cheeks, you'll look bright and cheery without piling on color. Make sure when you line your eyes, your top line is always darker and thicker than your bottom line. Invest in pot rouges, these products double for lips and cheeks and give the freshest glow. If you don't have a steady hand, skip the liquid liner, it'll end up looking messy and unprofessional, opt for a gel liner, they are easier to maneuver and give the same effect. Your fingers are your best tools, nothing will blend your foundation better then your fingers. If your foundation looks light, yellow, or like it's sitting on top of your skin, place your hands on your face to warm up the product, often products need to be warmed up before they blend perfectly. If your eye shadow isn't staying, even after you've used a primer, press it in with your fingers, the pigment will stay truer longer. Try using loose eyeshadow with a wet brush, if it's sparkly it'll give a gorgeous metallic shine. Don't neglect your neck! If you use bronzer, bring it down to your neck and neglige, it's sexy and put together--no floating heads.

9. First lip color that pops in your head, GO! :

Plum lips look great on all skin types

10. Liquid, gel, or pencil eyeliner?

I prefer a gel liner because they generally last a lot longer and are really easy to apply.

If you're ready to step up your makeup game, follow this girl's advice!

She's been in the beauty industry for some time now so I'm pretty sure we can trust her ;)

Thanks again Rebecca!

Are you a makeup junkie? Contact me to be featured in a future #wcw article!

All About Brows.

Ask & you Shall receive!

Ive been getting many questions about my brows and the techniques and products I use. 

The products I use are-

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Brunette: I LOVE this product. Let me say that I did not use this product at first. First I simply used dark brown eyeshadow and an angled liner brush (which is still a great technique for those of you that don't feel the need to buy "Brow" products). Then I thought I stepped my game up by buying Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow. I thought I liked this product, but after awhile I felt like it was too much for my little eye brows. To me, this product is made to sculpt brows that already have a great arch and are already somewhat thick. Or this is for someone who isn't afraid to rock some bold brows everyday. Unfortunately I don't think I pull that look off very well. But fortunately I decided to go with the Brow wiz. Ive heard nothing but good reviews about this product. Now its an everyday necessity. Its a very, VERY, thin mechanical pencil that glides on perfectly so that you may sketch out a perfect brow. You can either go bold or natural with it. I love this product because my brows are thin to begin with, so this product makes them look more full, but natural. It is a little pricey for a little pencil but it is SO worth the price.

2. NYX Cosmetics Control Freak Eyebrow Gel: This is a great finishing product. Its a clear gel that brushes out the brow hairs and gives them a defined and "cleaned up" look. I definitely recommend. Its also only $5.99!

3. A Concealer of your choice & an Angled brow/liner brush: I use this brush to apply the concealer below and above the brows to clean up and to highlight. You want this to be a full coverage concealer so that it may cleanup any uneven lines.

Now here are my steps:

1. Apply the brow wiz to your brows, go along with your natural shape.
first line the bottom, then the top
NOTE: I lightly line the top of my brows until I reach the arch, it makes them look a little less bold.

2. Next fill them bad boys in! You can go as bold or as light as you please. I always go light, but i make sure the initial out line is blended.

3. Now clean up the lines and any stray hairs using your concealer and an angles brush.

4. Now smooth the hairs out with your NYX Control Freak Brow Gel

NOTE: If you don't have this product, OLD mascara will do the trick!

And now the final Product :) Hope this helps!

How do you do your brows?

#WomanCrushWednesday: Jenn Muñoz

This week's Interviewee is
Jenn Muñoz!
This lovely makeup addict has some flawless makeup techniques, techniques that are easy for everyone to learn! She loves trying new looks and she pulls them off perfectly! Check out her everyday makeup routine and her other Beauty tips :)

For more Beauty tips & Makeup inspiration, Follow Jenn's Beauty Instagram

@jennpulido

1. What is your favorite foundation?

My favorite foundation is Cover Olay Facelift Effect Foundation, nothing beats a lightweight medium to full coverage foundation that has products to benefit the skin! 

2. Favorite line of lipsticks?

This one is tough, I would have to say the VS Pro line, they have a wide range of colors, very pigmented and don't crease! 

3. Favorite mascara?

 Right now I'm in love with the Pür Big Look Mascaras, the waterproof and regular. One of the ingredients is Argan Oil, does good to the lashes! 

4. What is your favorite look to do? Ex. Glamorous, sultry, smokey, bronzed, natural?

That's what I love about makeup, you can switch it up, but my favorite lately has to be natural! 

5. What is your everyday makeup routine?

For everyday makeup, I like to keep it simple and light. To prime my face I use NYX Angel Veil, for a light coverage I apply Covergirl Olay Facelift Effect Foundation with my damp Real Techniques Sponge. My go to concealer is L'oreal Age Rewind, it's lightweight and benefits the under eye. Next it's time to contour and for that I use my trusty Anastasia Contour Kit. This kit is so amazing I use it for so many things, contour of course and then I use the same powder to put on my lids to give it a natural look. I use her Banana powder to set my concealer and the Sand for highlight on my cheekbones, brown bone and tear duct!  For blush I use Milani's Luminoso, I swear I use it everyday! I fill in my eyebrows with Anastasia Beverly Hills Pomade in Dark Brown, set it with her powder and clear brow gel, Pür mascara  for top and bottom lashes, and to finish the look off I use Vs Pro Lipstick in True, it's a pretty nude-pink. Then I set all that hard work with Urban Decay Setting Spray and VIOLA! 

6. What is one product you can't live without?

I would have to say concealer! Nothing beats a product that can make you look more awake in just seconds!

7. Must have skin care products?

The entire Proactive line, Argan Oil, Biore Strips and Mask of Magnaminty from Lush! 

8. Any personal tips or advice for a fellow makeup junkie or someone who knows nada about makeup? 

Ever heard the saying, "less is more"?   It really is, it's easy to get carried away and use so much product. That leads to a "cakey" face, not a good look!  Start with little product and build from there. You can use 20 products but it doesn't have to look that way if used correctly! 

9. First lip color that pops in your head, GO! : 

Purple! 

10. Liquid, gel, or pencil eyeliner?

Gel, it's easy to work with and blends so well! You can control the amount of product you use. 

This woman isn't afraid to try a different look! She's such an inspiration! She also knows when to treat herself and when to budget! 

Thanks again Jenn!

Are you a makeup junkie? If you'd like to be featured in a #WCW article please contact me!

My FAVORITE Drug Store Lipstick

Just because you don't shop at Sephora or Ulta for your makeup doesn't mean that you can't have High quality products. Whenever Im running out of something or if Im feeling spontaneous, I always make a stop at a rite aid or CVS to tend to my makeup needs. 

My favorite product to get from there is Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color. 

In all honesty these are my go-to lipsticks. Yes, I like to treat myself to MAC and other high end brands, however, these lipsticks ALWAYS satisfy me…& even better, they are half the price of high end lipsticks. 

They are long lasting and very pigmented. They go on like butter and never dry out my lips. They have a variety of colors from "Vivids" to "Buffs".

If you want High quality Lipstick that is easy on your wallet, I definitely recommend this product. I always get compliments on my lip color when I am wearing these lipsticks. Its a win-win situation :)

Check them out!

The Secret to a Glowing Complexion

As a makeup junkie, it's important that we take care of our skin. 

Yes we might invest a lot of money into makeup products, but investing money in skincare products are equally important! All that makeup may put a toll on your skin. Thats why its important to keep your skin clean and moisturized everyday. Also, it would be extremely beneficial to let your skin breath every once in awhile.

In addition to your skincare routine, there's one product out there that is a must have for makeup addicts…

One day I wandered into CVS on a search for a good face mask to add to my skin care routine (I usually get all my skincare products from there anyway). Thankfully I came across Freeman's "Feeling Beautiful Charcoal & Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask".

This mask works WONDERS!

At first sight of the label, I was a little skeptical. I mean, charcoal? On my face? It sounded kinda toxic to me at first (lol). But the description is what really had me sold...

"Dual-action purifying mask & smoothing exfoliant. Pollution - debris - it's a wonder skin can breathe! This unique mask and scrub works double time to detox skin. First, naturally purifying activated charcoal helps absorb oil and impurities without over-drying. Then, black sugar helps exfoliate away dulling skin cells for softness and clarity. Perfect for all skin types (CVS website)." 

It was exactly what I was looking for. Even better, it was only $3.99! 

So I went home and tried it out that night. Its more like a scrub rather than a mask. The texture seems kind of rough for your skin at first, but after a few scrubs it feels so good. You can tell all the impurities are being buffed out of your skin. After that, I left it on for about seven minutes. It does feel a little tingly while you wait (or maybe I'm just paranoid, I have sensitive skin). FInally, I washed it off, patted my face dry, and Good Lawd my face felt BEAUTIFUL! 

I have never felt my skin so smooth and soft. It literally felt clean! 

It also LITERALLY glowed as if I never put any makeup on my skin in my whole life. Whats even better is that this glow carried on to the next morning! There was none of that "morning oil-sleepy shine" on my face (My skin type is oily). Its like giving your face a clean slate. Its like washing and waxing your car every week. I use this product at least once or twice a week. I wouldn't recommend doing it more than three times a week, only because it is a pretty rough scrub. This product is amazing. It is not just a recommendation, it is a must have! Ive never been one to put face masks into my skincare routine, but I realize that masks are important if you wear makeup at least three times a week. This mask really does buff away old makeup, oil, and dead skin that is left over on your face. It scrubs away what normal face wash doesn't. I definitely insist that you try this product. You won't be disappointed! 

Have you tried this product? What do you think of it?