My Favorite Things

Now, I wish I could be like Oprah and give each of my readers my favorite things, but I'm not.  :(  However, I am an avid beauty product junkie (explains the high number of nail polish and beauty blogs I follow) and love finding new ones that work to add to my arsenal! I just thought I'd do a 'favorite things' blog about beauty products because, well, its fun & girlie. These are in the order I would use them in a day.
1. Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub

 I have dry, sensitive skin.  I got blessed by the skin gods and don't have acne problems so this doesnt' have acne medications in it.  I love it because it does have Beta Hydroxy Acid in it (from what I understand a mild version of salicylic acid) to help remove dirt, gunk & dead skin cells.  Its amazing at night after a day outside (Oklahoman heat, humidity, wind & dirt) because you get that 'squeaky clean' feeling without getting dry spots.  More reviews here.

2.  Clinique All About Eyes Rich

I have really bad allergies, which means most mornings I have really puffy eyes.  A little of this (I keep it in the fridge so it's always cold) around my eyes fixes it right away.  It is supposed to help keep dreaded crows feet and smile lines at bay, too! It's a little pricey but Clinique almost always offers it as a part of a freebie 'bonus' set at Dillard's or Macy's along with a purchase.  It also comes in a serum with a roller ball applicator that I have yet to try. More reviews here.

3.  Jergens Natural Glow Healthy Completion Daily Facial Moisturizer

I have a confession to make: I hate wearing sunscreen.  I know from my mother, grandmother & sister that I shouldn't leave the house without some type of SPF on my face but I just don't like the whole tan body/white face combo--its a look that not very many people can rock.  I didn't wear sunscreen of any type (I found moisturizers without SPF to wear under makeup) until I tried this product, which contains SPF 20.  I love it! I am a big fan of self-tanners (more later) and this is my favorite daily one for your face.  It is fool proof since it is gradual, doesn't have that self tanner smell, doesn't leave my skin greasy or irritated (a miracle for something with sunscreen in it) and does exactly what it claims to do.  I now wear it every day and have seen fine lines around my eyes (yes I have them, I'm a sun worshiper) become smaller & smaller which I think has everything to do with the SPF.   More reviews here.

4. bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer

I used to not be a believer in the need for primer, until I got to college.  Then I didn't have time to make touch ups but wanted/needed my makeup to last all day without having to carry it around with me to class, meetings and late night study sessions.  This primer does what it says it is supposed to do (a big accomplishment in the beauty world, if you ask me) AND it does not clog my pores, which happens frequently to me with primers that contain silicone (this one contains no toxins & is all natural).  My makeup stays fresh all day and all night until I wash it off, and I don't need a separate eye makeup primer either--this one does it all! I will never be without this product.  If you don't believe its this good, both my mom, grandmother & younger sister use it too and all of us have very different skin types and problems.  It also comes  in brightening & oil control versions.  More reviews here.

5. bareMinerals SPF 15 Original Foundation

I love this makeup! I hate looking like I'm wearing makeup, but because I'm fair skinned, freckled and puffy eyed I need to.  I used to use liquid foundation in fear that powder versions would dry my already dry skin out even more--wrong! This is so easy to control the coverage of and is fast.  Even if I don't have good lighting I know I won't have the telltale 'makeup line' on my jaw or hairline that you can get with some foundations.  I buy mine at one of their boutiques (in most malls now) so I got a consultation on which shade, finish and temperature (warm, cool  or neutral) of their foundation I needed.  It may seem expensive but it lasts quite a while, and you don't need to re-apply.  I also use it as a concealer, I just switch brushes.  More reviews here.

6. Covergirl Cheekers Blush

I first got this blush from my mom.  I now use it simply because I don't have a reason to not like it.  It's cheap, if I run out or it breaks I can just got to the store or a drugstore and get a new one, and it works.  It isn't shimmery or sparkly like some blushes are, and the color is buildable (you can use as much or as little as you want).  The colors are also great, but I use Classic Pink.  The only thing I would change would be the brush, it's small and the bristles make it go on very uneven and streaky.  Other than that, how can you go wrong with a product that has been around as long as this one has?! More reviews here.




7.  Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

I first tried this product because I had dropped (and broken) my expensive TooFaced bronzer that I had been using, little did I know that there was a better product in my local Wallgreens! It comes in three shades, is supposedly all natural (I haven't checked out it's ingredient list) and looks good.  I don't leave the house without bronzer and mascara, at least.  It is a staple product year-round in my makeup bag.  This one is very affordable, available with or without shimmer and is buildable to where you can contour, highlight or use as a powder in a pinch. Oh, and the size is great, it's huge and lasts forever (mine lasted almost 4 months with everyday use)! More reviews here.

8. Too Faced Natural Eye Palette

I have a love/hate relationship with eyeshadow.  I love how it looks when I do it, but I don't like taking the time to do it correctly, find the separate shades and brushes that are usually needed.  But, this little boxed set takes care of all of that.  It is literally all I use now (I used to be a slave to Urban Decay, Clinique and bareMinerals).  It has 3 'looks', look cards (instructions) and a brush that is actually great.  It lasts forever and covers all bases for your eyeshadow look needs.  The colors are really pretty neutrals that can be mixed and matched so you have 9 different shades and finishes to play with! More reviews here.

9. MAC Cosmetics Penultimate Eye Liner

I usually don't use liquid eyeliner, but when I do I use this one.  It stays put FOREVER and because the packaging is like a felt-tipped marker it is very user friendly and easy to control.  The tip is softer than you think it would, so it doesn't pull or hurt to use like some can.  It is worth the investment if you like the look liquid eyeliner has, and it lasts a lot longer than some cheaper brands I have tried.  More reviews here.







10. Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer

I love eyeliner, and this is the kind I wear on a normal basis.  I use waterproof because it won't melt off in the humidity and if I line my tear line or do a 3D line (top and bottom water line) this one stays all day without irritating my eyes.  It is also fairly cheap, so I don't feel bad when I use a lot of it! It can go on thin or thick, clean or smudged thanks to the built in smudger (or your finger works, too).  More reviews here.







10. Covergirl Volume Exact Waterproof Mascara

I am a mascara junkie.  I try the latest technologies, trends and brushes and usually come back to this one.  It just works.  It stays on without flaking, the brush is amazing for getting the small lashes and combing through the longer ones, the formula doesn't clump and it is inexpensive! I have tried Clinique, MAC and numerous expensive brands but this classic formula and brand are it in my book! More reviews here.







11. Covergril Professional Loose Powder

Another CG product! I used to use the bareMinerals finishing veil, but I went through that stuff too fast to pay that high of a price for basically (even though it is great, don't get me wrong) a finishing powder.  I tried this one because I trusted the brand and my mom (she has great taste in beauty products) used this forever.  The only reason I use a finishing powder is mainly because I don't feel *done* without it, and it makes my products stay on longer and takes away any shine I may have on my forehead or nose. I also love the packaging, you get a ton of product and the puff that comes with it actually works really well. This one is great, the color choices and price are great, I don't see why anyone would try a different finishing powder.  More reviews here.


12. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Am I the only one who finds it ironic that we not only pay hundreds of dollars a year for makeup, but also for remover to take off said makeup? Oh well, this one does the trick for all of my waterproof eye makeup without irritating or drying out my skin.  It can feel a little greasy but I use it before I wash my face so it gets washed off, too.  It also works on stubborn shades of lipstick, just be sure not to get it in your mouth--it doesn't taste too good! More reviews here.





12.Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream

This is my night moisturizer for the warmer months of the year.  I love love love this product.  I used to love love love Clinique's Moisture Surge, but this product is so similar and so much cheaper, it has my heart now.  It sinks in instantly and refreshes my skin after I wash it.  It isn't sticky or too heavy but it is heavy enough to make my skin really soft & smooth.  It also has no sunscreen in it, so it doesn't irritate my fussy skin at all. More reviews here.





That's a day in the life of my face! I almost never use all twelve products in a day unless I am required to wear a full face of makeup or am going out.  Next up: fun extras!


xox,
Meg

*none of the images are my own property but belong to their respective owners and brands



Do or Do Not...There is no try

I have a big, dark secret that I have been keeping to myself since high school: I hate running.

I know most of you are thinking 'Where the heck did that come from!?' and with good reason. You see, I have always wanted to be a runner. They have beautiful legs, toned arms and flat tummies. Me? Nope. I danced for a long time, mostly ballet, but nothing serious--I was always too tall to become a ballerina (5'10"). But besides that I have the athletic ability that God gave a goose.

I know that you're thinking, Running!? You don't have to be athletic to run, you just do it! But, my friend, you do. I have friends that run triathlons at the age of 18, 19 & 20. I know women who run miles a day, every day. Most of these women started running in junior high when they played sports, me? No, like I said--athletic ability of a Goose.  I almost cried when I had to play putt putt golf with my boyfriend's very athletic family (they are also very competitive & they kept score like it was the Master's). I'm just not competitive or athletic. See the connection?

I hate it because I'm not good at it--and I find it boring, but that's not because a lack of trying. I have subscribed to online newsletters, bought iPhone Apps, had running buddies--all of this in vain. I know I have terrible form, am not dedicated enough & have hopelessly flat feet--but I am going to keep trying.

My real love is Yoga. I have practiced on & off since high school. If you haven't tried it, you should. It teaches you patience and determination and helps you to understand your limits and how to push yourself. If you think it is too serious or all the wacky breathing stuff is for the birds think again. My yoga instructor (she was amazing)said the best thing about it one day when everyone in the class was having a difficult time with a head-stand position that she popped right into (she's also 65 years old): "Laugh at yourselves, yoga isn't about who can be the most serious, it's about learning about yourself--which can't be done without laughter". Love. It.   Right now, since I'm at home for the summer I'm using  DVD's instead of driving to a studio. All I can say is Rodney Yee is a beast, and will work your butt off, in the best way possible.


If you are a runner or anything else, what is your trick to keeping yourself running/yoga-ing or just doing whatever it is you do? And if you're a runner and know what I'm doing wrong, let me in on your secrets!

One more thing: I added reactions to my posts, so if you don't feel like commenting just click a box!

Thanks for reading!

xox,
Meg