Smart is Always Beautiful

I have tried foundation after foundation, trying to find something that would give me perfect doll-like skin. I thought that if I blanked out my face with a full-coverage base and then drew back on perfect features I would give myself the look that I wanted. It's kind of ironic that when I stopped wearing foundation altogether, that's when I finally found my ideal look. I spent a week completely bare faced and the biggest problem that I faced without any base products whatsoever was that I turned into a sweaty grease ball by mid-day. Seriously gross. I knew that I didn't want to give in and start using foundation again so I started reaching for just primers. Primers are amazing. They smooth out the skin, blur, color correct, minimize pores, hydrate, add radiance, even out skin tone, and a whole bunch of other amazing benefits. The Perfekt 10 Skin Perfection + SPF 30 (my shade is Radiant) is like an amazing primer on steroids. It boasts 10 benefits that make it a super-charged alternative to a BB cream, CC cream, and tinted moisturizer; firm, treat, cover, prime, protect, correct, smooth, hydrate, longevity, and it's vegan and cruelty-free. I apply a large pea-sized amount to the face by pressing it into the skin. It feels like a silicone based primer and smooths on very easy. It has slight tinting but the coverage is sheer. It looks like my skin with all of its markings and imperfections only with a more even skin tone. My skin looks like it has the most perfect even texture with this on. Never have I ever been so in love with looking at my skin and the Perfekt 10 is has been a huge reason why. This product is really amazing and for $48, it better be.
I really don't want to use a concealer, but sometimes you just have to. It is allergy season and the redness on and around my nose is out of control. I also might tap some concealer on my chin if it's a little red. A few months back I picked up Becca's Ultimate Coverage Concealing Crème in Tahini at Sephora. It was a product that I just happened upon and honestly hadn't heard much about. I was having a Becca fan-girl moment at the time and the shade was a pretty spot on match for my face. I really like the texture. It's emollient, but a little stiffer until you warm it up. It is extremely pigmented and a little goes a long way. It's also in a pot and I'm not really a fan of cream products in a pot but I love that I I lightly tap my pinky finger into the product and it blends into the skin really nicely. Since I'm not wearing any foundation, any concealer that I dab on has to look like my skin. With this, I can apply the smallest amount, so that doesn't get too thick, and it also covers even the darkest hyper-pigmentation. The only word of warning that I might issue with this product is that it does not like to blend in on skin that isn't properly moisturized. Regardless, I really love this concealer.
The Kat Von D Shade and Light Eye Palette is one of those palettes that I think everyone should own. Kat might have well written the book on eyeshadow quality. These are all pigmented, blendable, and smooth. This palette is all matte shades and was designed to shape and define the eye. The palette is split into coordinating quads; neutral, cool, and warm. Each quad has a shade as a base, highlight, transition, and a dark shade to darken the outer corner/work as a liner. It also came with a card that tells you how best to use the quads to define the shape of your specific eye. You can also use the palette to create a gorgeous smokey eye: I love the transition shade in the cool quad, Saleos, all over the lid and along the lower lash line with Lazarus, the base shade, diffused into the crease. The dark black shade, Shax, can be placed in the outer corner and I like the cream shade from the neutral quad, Lucius, under the brow and the inner corner to complete the smokey eye. My absolute favorite way to use the palette lately is to contour the eye with a transition, outer corner, and highlight shades in this palette. Then once everything is placed and blended out I'll take a shimmery shadow and pop it into the center of my lid. Which brings us to my next product.
I picked up the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadows on the QVC's website. The shades that I have are Beach Sand and Rio de Rose Gold. They sold both shades together for only $8 more than one of these was being sold individually when they were new - $26 for the set. Like I said, I use the Kat Von D palette, or another matte shadow palette, to contour the eye. Then I shake these up and use the applicator to dot the pigment on the center of the lid. I blend this color out with my finger. They blend easy and dry very quickly. I suggest dotting and blending one at a time and working fast. They stay in place all day without creasing or smudging. The make up is half Argan-infused pigment half coconut water. They separate when they're not in use but when they are mixed together and applied, they create this gorgeous foiled shadow. You can get similar looks with a wet shimmery shadow, but these are great because you don't have to get your brushes wet and the Argan and Coconut oils hydrate the lids. I'm all over easier and less messy. This eyeshadow also feels really cooling and nice. The pigment looks smoother that dry shadows and I love products that look great and work to improve your skin. I can't get enough of these eyeshadows.
I am super obsessed with chubby lip pencils and luckily for me, they seem to be everywhere. I had to have the Clinique Chubby Stick the moment that I saw them. You would think by now that the obsession would fizzle out, but these days I am still very into it - in the form of the Bobbi Brown Art Sticks. What's unique about these lip pencils are that they are an actual sharpening, wooden pencil, not lipstick in plastic packaging. While twist up packaging is super convenient, the consistency of the product is very different from a traditional sharpening style pencil. These are slightly less creamy, but I'm taking it as a positive in this case. You can forget them in the hot car and they don't melt everywhere. Don't get me wrong, though, they definitely glide on and wear comfortably. They tend to wear better and last longer for me. Clinique's, Tarte's, and even Revlon's chubby lip pencils wear more like a balm to me than a traditional lipstick. These are very versatile. You can apply it on its own as a pigmented long-wearing lipstick. The shape allows for precision. They aren't really a matte finish. It has an ever-so-slight sheen. You can also wear it as a lipliner, top with lipstick, and/or gloss. They are super easy to throw in your bag and take everywhere. My favorite combination this month is one of these with the Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Sugar that I mentioned in my July Favorites. The shades that I have are Brown Berry (pictured) and Rose Brown (not pictured because it lives in my bag lately) and I love them both. Brown Berry is a medium nude brown. Rose Brown is a brown berry, definitely on the mauve side. Both wear really well and they pair with a number of looks. The craziest part about these is that I've been using the crap out of them and I haven't had to sharpen them but once. They are going to last forever.
So first and foremost - I'm sorry. I've never used the phrase "on fleek" in my life. I don't know what came over me. Anyway, I've been really loving using the combination of Benefit Goof-Proof Brow Pencil and NYX Control Freak. It's been really simple and easy to apply and my brows are still natural and perfectly in place at the end of the day. They are pretty much the only part of my face that I don't want to check-in on throughout the day. I just know that they look good and will all day long. The Benefit Goof Proof pencil in No. 3 is a dead on match and I love that it includes a spoolie - Although let's be honest, it's a requirement for me. I use the spoolie to brush my brow hairs into place. The I use the longer, flat side of the tip to define the top and bottom shade of the brow. After that, I use the fatter side to fill in the middle of the brow. Then I brush through with the spoolie again to smooth out any harsh lines. It literally takes me 30 seconds to do both brows. Then I take the NYX Control Freak and brush through my brows and everything is locked in place. The Control Freak has a full-sized, almost jumbo, mascara wand. It's a little intimidating, but the spoolie comes out clear, without any excess product. It's really super simple to use - and it works great. There's no goopy-ness. There's no stickiness. It takes a couple minutes to dry, but when it does, it doesn't dry crunchy. It leaves the brows looking super natural. If you're looking for a good brow gel, I strongly suggest checking this out.
I am all over cool-girl multi-tasking products, and Bite Beauty hit the nail on the head with their Multi-Sticks. If you haven't heard, they released these cream sticks that work three ways: as a blush, as a cream eyeshadow, and as a matte lipstick. They apply like a cream but wear like a powder for a lightweight, long-wearing result - perfect for all three applications. I picked up two shades, Blondie and Cashew. I wanted a couple shades that would wear really well on the lips, cheeks and eyes; not just one or two of the applications. Blondie is a nice nude beige. It's a great lighter, more wearable nude on the lips and cheeks. On the eyes, it works as a nice nude eye or works great as a base for other shadows. Cashew is a pretty mauve pink - very pretty on the lips. Dab a light amount on the cheeks for an equally pretty look, and it's okay as an eyeshadow blended lightly all over the lid. It's not so pink that it looks like you have pink eye, but pink enough to give you a nice girly look.

I have read that a lot of people have had problems applying these as an eyeshadow, but I apply them over a primer, with a cream shadow brush and it goes on really well and lasts all day. I see minor creasing somewhere between six and eight hours, but it's easy to tap it back into place. I use my finger to dab the color onto my cheeks and blend out. They look really natural and blend easily. They actually set to a natural powder-like finish and it really lasts all day. The powder formula seems weird to apply to the lips but it actually applies and wears really well. The pigmentation is great and they glide on easy - no pulling on tugging. They feel really smooth and velvety and they leave a beautiful matte finish. They are long lasting without feeling tight or drying on the lips. However, they are less forgiving with cracked, peeling, chapped lips. This formula does accentuate any of that. It's really easy to throw on a gloss like Supergoop Shine On Lip Screen over it and problem solved! I really love this in all three applications. The packaging is the exact same as the Bite Butter Cream Lipstick, which I'm a fan. The packaging feels really solid and has a magnetic pull. I feel really safe throwing it in my bag for touch-ups on the go. Bite released 18 shades and they all look gorgeous. I would probably consider picking up a few more.
I found myself really really loving the Charlotte Tilbury Instant Beauty Palette The Dolce Vita Look in August. The eyeshadow trio is really really pretty and easy to use. It's shimmery but not in an overly glittery way. It just adds the nicest shine to the lids. It was designed to just accentuate the eye in a very flattering way. It really helps facilitate a really natural look. They are all excellent quality and pigmentation. This with my first foray into Charlotte Tilbury shadows and I'm really happy. I was initially disappointed that the Filmstar bronzer and highlighter included aren't the same shades as the duo, but as I have both I'm now glad that I don't have duplicate products. The formulas are the same and they are both gorgeous - just different shades. I started absolutely loving the blushes though as soon as I realized that Swish and Pop aren't just their names - they describe how they are supposed to be used. You are supposed to take Swish, the lighter more peachy-pink shade, start on the apple of your cheek and swish it back towards your temple. Then you take Pop and pop it on the apple of your cheek. It is a gorgeous combo and it helps blend everything together in a natural way. I am really glad that I picked this up.

I normally don't talk about nail polish but I fell in love with Essie In Stitches back in late July - early August. It was love at first sight. A gorgeous fall blush-berry shade that isn't really pink but not really plum either. It a gorgeous, feminine neutral shade that was perfect for kicking off the season. I have been rocking this polish on my toes since the beginning of August. It's still going strong. I also rarely paint my fingernails but I had this on for a good week in August. Love, love, love this color.
Breakfast and snacking have never tasted so good, seriously. I spotted the Nature Valley Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares Banana Bread & Dark Chocolate at Target and I immediately bought three boxes. I love banana anything, but throw dark chocolate in with it and I'm in love. These are like a thicker oatmeal cookie with bananas and dark chocolate chips. They are so soft too. This is what I've been keeping in my purse as an emergency snack. One bar is enough to fill me up and not just tide me over for a half hour. One bar is 150 calories, 6 grams of fat, 23 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of sugars. So a banana is probably better for you to grab and go, but it's way better than something from a vending machine. And, the carbs will help keep you moving throughout the day. If you see these in the store, give them a try. They are tasty enough to hunt them down.
My husband may not think so, but I have scaled back my purchases substantially this month. However, I do have a favorite purchase this month. It arrived the last day of the month, so it doesn't qualify as a favorite product that I used in August, but it was something that I just couldn't pass up and it is as beautiful as I imagined. The Bobbi Brown The Nude Library 25th Anniversary Palette was definitely a splurge. Earlier in July I had been debating picking up a nude Bobbi Brown eyeshadow palette and decided to pass. I've seen some of the limited edition palettes through the years and they've always spoken to me, but I've never made the leap. Now I'm glad that I didn't, because now I own all of them in one convenient place.
I have been extremely impressed with the quality of these shadows. All 40 shades have had excellent pigmentation and have been creamy and smooth. Even the sparkle shades that look like they are going to be a fallout nightmare have been easy to apply and to blend. I haven't had a problem with fallout at all. I cannot say that about a lot of palettes with a fraction of the shades that this one has. For a brand to get 40 shades right, that's pretty impressive. I have been using the crap out of this palette and I haven't had a bad experience yet. They are all nude shades but there's such a variety that I haven't gotten even close to being bored. I feel like there are hundreds of combinations of looks in this palette. Every look that I have put together has been gorgeous.
The packaging is amazing. It's super high quality and the whole thing is mirrored and shiny. I feel like I could drop it and not have the whole thing come apart on me - not that I want to test my theory. I love the look of the packing, but it does make me a little crazy trying to keep it from looking like a dirty, fingerprint-covered mess. I also like that you can use the center divider like a mirror, but also kind of wish it was easier to flip from side to side. The easiest way is to close it completely and reopen to the correct side. There is no clasp, but it feels like it has a magnetic pull to draw the book closes and keep it closed. I am extremely impressed with the palette and feel that it's worth every penny. I ordered mine from Nordstrom after their first restock. It's now available on the Sephora website, as well as Lord & Taylor.
Do you like the theme of this month's photos? I thought it was fitting as August was back to school month but also as because I feel like I spent the month learning a lot about myself, my skin, and my makeup techniques. I'm working on a lot of other posts - I promise. I will hopefully soon share what I loved in September also. As well as empties, holiday stuff and more!
What products have you been loving lately? Do share in the comments below!

I use a lot of facial mists in my routine. Like, a ridiculous amount. I was looking at my vanity the other day and wondered if I needed all of them or if I was just a crazy person. My answer was: yes, yes I do need them. The jury is still out on the crazy thing though. These are pretty vital steps in my routine and because of these sprays I use less makeup in general. So, I thought that I would go through all of my sprays and explain what I used them for and maybe I'd sound a little less cuckoo. But, probably not.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water is a silicone-free, alcohol-free, oil-free water that is infused with electrolytes. It is designed for use three ways: Creating a light, sheer, even canvas prior to makeup application; setting makeup to lock in your look with added hydration; and spraying on face throughout the day to refresh makeup and restore radiance. I love it for two of those three purposes. I spray it on my face after my last skincare step to prime my face for makeup. Then I use it to set my base makeup. After I apply foundation and concealer I spritz it on and let it dry before I apply any powder. This probably isn't the most necessary step, but I really feel that it helps everything stick around every day. Layering is the key. Then, if I need a refresh or my face feels a little parched this is what I reach for. It makes everything feel revitalized and look refreshed. I use it so much that I go through a ton of it.

Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix is the setting spray that I am currently using; MAC Fix + also serves the same purpose and I've found them both to be about on par with one another. Setting sprays are NOT fixing sprays. Setting sprays are used to serve a single purpose: mesh all your makeup together to create one layer of makeup. In Photoshop you create an image with multiple layers. When you are done, you save the image and it flattens back into one single layer. That is basically what the fixing mist does for your makeup. Think of your foundation of one layer, and concealer another. Blush is another and so on and so forth. After everything is applied you spray this on your face and it makes everything become one meshed layer. When you look at your face after it dries you'll notice that it made everything look smooth and airbrushed. That blush that wasn't quite blended in now looks perfectly blended. Add a little too much powder? The fixing spray fixes the cakiness. It really doesn't  do anything to make your makeup stick around longer though. I do use this also as a medium to apply eyeshadows wet for the foiled look. This medium makes the eyeshadow pop like crazy and last all day. I also use this on a eyeliner brush with an eyeshadow and it creates a really nice liner that doesn't smudge or budge all day. For me, it's easier to apply but with the right shadow it looks like a liquid liner. This is pretty much the #1 essential in my kit.

Urban Decay DeSlick Makeup Setting Spray is the very last step in my makeup routine. This is a fixing spray and it's sole purpose is to make your makeup last all day, especially when added on top of the setting spray. I like this one specifically because it helps oily skin stay matte throughout the day as well as making makeup stay put. If your are at all like me, you spend a good part of your morning routine putting on your makeup and it's frustrating looking at your face in the middle of the day and seeing all your hard work gone. I can't tell you how many bottles of this that I've gone through. On the hottest day of the year, I'll look at my co-workers who are sweating up a storm and look like an oil slick. I, on the other hand, look nice and matte and my makeup hasn't budged. It's pretty awesome. When I use this I basically ignore setting powders except under my eyes. I really like skipping that step, and less makeup is always a good thing. I use this on the regular especially during hot months. I don't necessarily use this every day during the cooler months.  I highly recommend this fixing spray if you have oily to combination skin.

Okay so hear me out on this next one, okay? I got the Avene Thermal Spring Water in an Allure box and immediately thought that I would never use it. Then I tried it out a few times and now I kind of don't want to live without it. I like it for two real reasons. First being the ease of use. I hate bending over a sink and splashing water on my face. A washcloth isn't much less messy and after it's been used even once it can host bacteria. I will wet my Clarisonic and add cleanser. Then I spray this on my face to wet and cleanse away. Afterwards I rinse and spray again to saturate my face. Then I take a clean dry towel and use it to dry my face and make sure that all the soap residue is gone. That is the second reason. Where we live, we have extremely hard water. I'm used to the hard water. If I go somewhere that has soft water, I'm not used to the slick feeling you get when you rinse. It feels, to me, like you can't get the soap off. Hard water though, has a lot of extra minerals and those minerals can severely dry your skin out and leave extra residue. I have used this 1.7oz can for more than a month and there is still quite a bit left in it. Crazy right? I picked up a set of Evian Mineral Water Spray 6-1.7oz cans for $21 during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. That works out to $3.50 a can, which makes me feel better about spending money on canned water. Normally Sephora sell a set of 3 of the 1.7oz cans for $21. There are other uses that the water is good for: post-procedure, during travel, allergic reactions, redness, itching, and after sun. Evian claims that it can also be used to refresh makeup throughout the day, but I'm not quite sure I would use it for that purpose. I can live without this. It's not the most necessary product ever, but I do really like having it.

Add this one to the optional, but super nice to have list: Origins Maskimizer. This is pretty new still but it's basically a primer for a face mask. You saturate your face with this and then apply your face mask like usual. The primer is a Marine Algae Complex that boosts the potential of your mask. It also helps the mask spread over your face easier and more even. And then when you remove it, it makes that easier too. I really do feel like I see a difference when I use my Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. I feel like it's a little more hydrating. It's a pretty rough mask to remove normally and a little harsh, but this makes the whole process easier on my skin. Imagine what this could do for a hydrating mask. Again, this isn't on the must have list, but I'm really glad that I have it.

What face sprays do you use? Share your thoughts in the comments below!