As a follow up to one of my previous posts, Products That Aren't Worth the Hype, I want to take the time to give some love to the products that deserve it! These products have received some serious hype over the years, and for good reason. I want to reiterate that although these products may be holy grail status for me, they may not work so great for others, and vise versa -- that's the wonderful aspect about makeup. It's all subjective! I love the conversation my previous post generated, and would love to hear about what you think about my picks for Products That Are Worth the Hype.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $30
It look me a very long time to get on the "Better Than Sex" train, as I have been a long time lover of my Georgio Armani Eyes to Kill mascara, and Covergirl Lashblast. I finally caved because of the numerous recommendations from YouTubers, Bloggers, and friends of course. Sometimes, it takes me a while to realize that I love a mascara, but that was not the case for this one. I immediately loved it upon application and haven't put it down since. I love a mascara that adds volume, as I already have decently long lashes. This mascara accomplishes that by miles! I have had my same tube for a few months now, and it hasn't prematurely dried out which is another plus. I know many of you have heard this before, including myself, but you REALLY need to get your hands on this ASAP if you're wanting a bold lash.
Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment, $76
I haven't normally been much of a mask gal, but that was until this wonderful product came onto the market. My main concerns with my skin are my breakouts and discoloration, so one of the workers at Sephora recommended this to me. I remember hearing a lot about it on YouTube, and was really excited to give it a try. However, I wasn't so happy with the $76 price tag. It made me nervous to spend that much money on something that I wasn't sure was going to work. Nevertheless, I gave it a shot anyways. This mask has a very thick texture, and has a strong minty scent. What this mask does is it draws out impurities from the skin via activated charcoal, and is supposed to leave your skin looking clear and even. Upon my first use, I did notice my skin feeling a lot softer and looking more radiant. After about a week, I noticed my pores were much clearer, and my hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks was diminished significantly. If you have similar skin concerns to mine, this might be something worth your while to try. I do believe it was worth the $76, but am still looking for a cheaper alternative!
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, $27
I don't think I know of any makeup lover who doesn't have this in their collection, and for good reason. If you are someone who regularly fills in their brows, wants a quick fix, or is wanting to start for the first time, this is for you! This product is dual ended, featuring an added spooly brush to brush out the unruly brow hairs. The actual brow product rolls up by twisting the pen, which I love. One of the most common mistakes a girl can make while doing their brows is over-applying the product. Brow Wiz makes that almost impossible to do, due to the nature of how the product applies. It applies very lightly, making even those who have the heaviest hand successful in filling in their brows. Anastasia's shade range is amazing, and is sure to have you covered in that department -- even those who have red tones in their hair. I have recommended this to many girls, and will continue to do so. It's THAT good.
Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Perfume, $90
I swear I'll stop talking about this, but only after this post! I've mentioned it a few times on my blog since I've started it, so that must say something about how amazing this scent is. As I have also mentioned before, my ability to describe scents is non-existent. So, here is Sephora's description: "an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine." I find myself straying away from scents that are overly sweet or floral, and love something that smells unique. I do wear this perfume during all seasons, but I find that is especially pairs well in the Fall and Winter months. If you are like me and prefer scents that are unique and perhaps a tad more masculine, this is one you must get your hands on. There's a reason it's one of Sephora's best sellers!
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $24
Based on all of the YouTube beauty videos I watch, this is one of the most recommended products of all time. Before I purchased it, I remember thinking that these girls were nuts for going crazy over an eyelash curler. I thought they all did the same thing, but upon using this one I realized that wasn't true. This eyelash curler gives the PERFECT curl every single time. It eliminates the look of that harsh curl where it looks like your eyelashes are growing vertical out of your eyelid, you all know what I'm talking about. I only need to hold this on my eyelid for about five seconds, and the curl my lashes receive is amazing. It is dramatic, and will stay in place throughout the day. This would be an especially great purchase for those of you who struggle with short lashes. It will give you that extra bump making your lashes appear longer and more dramatic.
Urban Decay Eye Primer, $24
Although this isn't the most exciting purchase to make, it is one that is SO worth it. This stuff really does work magic. This product is used on your eyelids before applying eyeshadow. It creates an even base for the eyeshadow to be applied, and allows your shadows to stay put all day and night. I remember using this for the first time, and waking up the next morning in shock. I had forgotten to take off my makeup after a night out (classic) and woke up the next morning expecting to find a disaster. Instead, what I found was my perfectly placed eyeshadow from the night before. Urban Decay Primer Potion, my friends. Or UDPP, as the pros call it. This stuff is no joke, and really will keep your eyeshadows from budging. If you don't already own some form of eyeshadow primer, start the car and get yourself to Sephora STAT. This needs to be in your collection!
MAC Lipsticks, $20
With a variety of colours and finishes, it is no surprise to see these on my list! I wear MAC lipstick almost every day, and can always find a shade to suit my mood. They have excellent staying power, and I am a big fan of the light vanilla scent each lipstick possesses. Whether you like a matte finish, high gloss, shimmery, or semi-matte, MAC has got you covered. Their shade range is by far the most diverse in comparison to other brands, which is what makes these lipsticks stand out among the rest. Pinks? Yep. Blue? You bet. Reds? They have 50. Get yourself to a MAC counter and you'll immediately see what all the hype is about.
Origins GinZing Eye Cream, $38
Some words of wisdom from one of my favorite YouTubers, Nicole Guerriero: It is never too early to start using eye cream! Eye cream can't reverse the signs of aging, but it can most certainly delay them when used right. My main concern with my under eye area is the puffiness I experience when waking up. I am lucky to not have to deal with dark circles, but it seems like I was blessed with extreme puffiness to make up for that. As per Nicole's recommendation, I went and purchased this eye cream. What is especially unique about this eye cream is it contains caffeine to naturally wakeup and refresh the skin around your eyes. I notice a significant difference in the appearance of my eyes after using this cream. They are noticeably de-puffed, and appear more bright and awake. If you are new to the eye cream realm, this one may be a great start for you, as I have noticed a significant difference on myself!
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, $23
What makes this eyeliner stand out among the hundreds of others on the market is it's extreme pigment and staying power. I would notice some fading over a day's time with other liquid liners I have used in the past, and am happy to say I have eliminated that problem with this liner. When I use liquid liner, it is usually just a very thin line on my upper lash line to make the lash line stand out; I keep it pretty simple. If you are like me and like to keep it simple, or if you are one who likes to rock a wing, this liner might be your new favorite! The tip is extremely thin allowing for adequate precision. Kat Von D has taken the makeup world by storm in recent years, and I am so excited to see what she brings to the table in the future.
Batiste Dry Shampoo, $9
Dry shampoo has become my new best friend in recent years, as there are some mornings I just can’t be bothered to wash my hair. My first one I tried was from Sephora, and was by Oscar Blandi. I loved it and still do, but at $24 a bottle I just can’t justify it when I now have one that works just as well, for a lower price. I heard a lot about this one, but waited to try it because I loved mine by Oscar Blandi too much. I finally took the plunge when I found it at Winners, and I loved it! What I will say is that if you have dark hair, it may leave a noticeable white cast on the areas you spray it. But if you are blonde and have to deal with roots like me, this dry shampoo will be your saving grace. While it absorbs excess oil and adds volume, it will also blend my roots in with my existing blonde making them almost disappear! I use this almost every day for that reason. They do make a formula for those with dark hair to avoid the white cast, but I have yet to try it because I no longer have dark hair. I love this product so much, and can’t see myself parting with it anytime soon!
Urban Decay Naked Palette (1st) , $64
Although I am not a big fan of the third Naked palette, this one right here is my most used eyeshadow palette in my entire collection. I rarely ever use anything but neutral shades on my eyes, so you can see why I love this as much as I do. These shadows are extremely blendable, making them easy to use for beginners as well. I use the shades Naked and Buck the most, as they are perfect shades for a naturally contoured crease. On a night out, I love to use Creep along my upper and lower lash line to create a smokey eye. It has a dark blue tint to it, which brings out my brown eyes and makes them pop. With the exception of a few shades, all of these shadows lean quite warm. If you prefer cooler tones on your eyes, this might not be your favorite, but for warm loving people like me, I think this is something that is certainly worth a try.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, $46
Highlighters are one of my favourite products to look at and buy, so it is no surprise that I caved and purchased this one as soon as I did. These highlighters are extremely blendable and buttery, and apply amazingly on the skin. The shade I chose was Opal, and is a very warm champagne shade, filled with shine. Opal is beautiful on those with medium to dark skin tones. For those with lighter skin, I would recommend Moonstone or Champagne Pop (very similar to Opal, but a tad lighter).
via Temptalia
I have included a swatch so you could see for yourself how pigmented and shimmery this is. I can't stress enough how beautiful this looks on the skin. In my opinion these are completely worth the $46. There is a ton of product in each compact, and will be sure to last you a very long time.
Thank you for reading along with me today, and as always, let me know your feelings on my choices above! Have a great week!
Brittany x