[All purchased by me]
On the flip side of products that I bought but didn't feel strongly about, I think some of the things I really enjoy aren't really discussed on the big, wide world of Internet beauty blogs. I guess this comes from just buying and liking a lot of makeup. Hopefully, some of these things are kind of new to you and finding something interesting!
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| NYC Liquid Lip Last, Bareminerals Moxie lipgloss, Maybelline Eyestudio Palettes, Real Techniques base shadow brush. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof eyeliner, Sephora Flashy Liner Waterproof, Clinique High Impact Curling |
NYC Liquid Lipshine in Wine n Dine:
A super-opaque, non-sticky borderline liquid lipstick that smells like buttercream and comes in a nice range of non-frosty shades, these have come a long way since the lipglosses NYC offered back in the day. If you're interested in the Rimmel Apocalips (Show Offs), but think that they're too intimidating or want a wine option for the Fall, this is the one for you.
Bareminerals Moxie Lipgloss in Gutsy
For another highly glossy, non-sticky and pigmented lip option, this is a really nice one to try, especially if you want a minty taste. It isn't plumping and there's no tingling sensation, which I prefer. I'm pretty sure Bareminerals and it's sister company Buxom make some of the better lip products available of any high-end brand and I'm excited to try some more out.
Maybelline Eyestudio Color Explosion in Caffeine Rush and Forest Fury
These seriously remind me of Asian drugstore shadows in their creamy texture and shimmery finish. They include a glitter topcoat like many Asian brands and offer good pigmentation that isn't over the top. The applicator includes a smaller end that can be used in the crease or as liner and is better quality that any other drugstore sponge applicator I've found.
Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush
I know Real Techniques brushes get tons of hype but the eye brushes kind of get overlooked and I can understand that since synthetic bristles don't pick up as much product as natural hairs. However, this is my go-to brush for applying and blending shadows on the eye when I'm not doing an overly smoky look. This is more pointed than the Mac 217, so it fits in the crease better.
Sephora Flashy Liner Waterproof in Flashy Violet
Pigmented purple liners are very hard to find, just like pigmented purple shadows. This is very creamy, pigmented and long-wearing. These might have been discontinued but I believe Sephora has replaced them with a different formula and more colors.
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof in Moray
I have these in several shades and they are pretty amazing. They walk the line between super creamy and super long-wearing and are retractable which many of the new "gel" formula liners are not. I find these easy to use, easy to blend and then set for the majority of the day. If you find these in a set like I did, I think these are a great buy.
Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara in Black
This is my holy grail (HG) mascara. It holds a curl, amplifies volume and exaggerates length like nothing else I have ever tried. Since the brush is curved, I can coat my lashes with the curve side up then flip over to reach the lashes on the edges. It is the kind of waterproof formula that removes only with warm water, a feature found usually on Asian mascaras. If you're someone who prefers to remove all eye makeup in one swipe, this might frustrate you. However, I find splashing warm water on my eyes is a little less harsh than tugging my eyes with a cotton pad.
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| Indirect Light: NYC Wine n Dine, Bareminerals Gutsy, two Maybelline Caffeine Rush shades, two Maybelline Forest Fury swatches, glitter topcoat shade swatched above, Sephora Flashy Violet, Stila Moray |
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| In Direct Sunlight |
There you have it! I can recommend any of these products and I hope something here offers a solution to something you're looking for!
