Top 3 High End Mascaras & Top 3 Drugstore Mascaras

Welcome back dolls!

 I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE mascara. It is my all time favorite beauty product because I believe it makes every makeup look ten times better. While I typically use higher end mascaras, I have found some pretty good dupes at the drugstore! (I know some of these mascaras are a little pricey, but I highly recommend splurging on a good mascara). You get what you pay for in terms of color payoff for mascaras. The higher end mascaras require less coats to achieve the desired looks.

A question I am asked a lot is: "Do you wear waterproof mascara?"... and my answer is no. I don't use waterproof mascara just because I find it to be damaging to my eyelashes. I use a good eye makeup remover, but taking it off is always an issue for me. I never like having to scrub my eyes ,and I definitely do not like damaging my lashes. If you like wearing waterproof mascara, then you are welcome to try these in the waterproof formula. I am not sure if the formula is exactly the same though since I have never tried them.

1.  Giorgio Armani: Eyes to Kill Excess in Color 1 (Black)  $30.00

 

This mascara is my all time favorite mascara. I have tried a bunch of mascaras, but this one is amazing. I love the brush and the formula. It separates and coats your lashes in just one coat. I love heavy dramatic lashes so I use two-three coats, but the coverage is crazy. My only issue with this mascara is that it is a little pricy, but I just love it so much I keep splurging on it every couple of months. Highly suggest giving this a try.

Find it here:

 http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/giorgio-armani-eyes-to-kill-excess-mascara/3136227?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=246&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_B


2. Too Faced: Better Than Sex in Color (Black)  $23.00

 

 

 I discovered this mascara at Ulta when I got a free sample, and I decided to give it a try. I was so impressed with it. The brush looks a little strange, but it works so well. The coverage is fantastic, and the mascara is very black. It is a little cheaper than the Armani, and I hate to admit that I like this one as well as the Armani (which I never thought I would say.) Another great thing about this mascara is, it is available at Ulta & Sephora (when it's not sold out).

Find it here: 

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2263444&productId=xlsImpprod5530007&bstore=ulta&oos=yes&_requestid=420326

3. Chanel: Le Volume de Chanel in Color (Noir)  $30.00

I decided to give this mascara a try one day while doing some online shopping. I  was a little skeptical because the brush was rubber, and I am usually not a big fan of those type of mascara wands. Most of them do not separate my lashes, and I end up with a huge mess. However, this mascara works really well. I don't think it separates my lashes as well as the Armani or Too Faced, but it does give great coverage and it makes your lashes look really long. I would only recommenced trying this mascara if you have long lashes, or you know how to work with a rubber mascara wand. I could see how someone who is new to makeup would have a hard time using this product. It took me a while to figure out how to use it. Another issue I have is that it is a little hard to get off when you use a lot of it. It isn't waterproof, but it seems to stay on like it is waterproof. Overall it is a great mascara, but I would not recommended to a beginner.

Find it here & at most department stores:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chanel-le-volume-de-chanel-mascara/3405125?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=249&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_1_D

4.  L'Oreal: Voluminous Full Definition in Color (Blackest Black)  $7.99

 

 

 This product does exactly what the name suggest. It creates a lot of volume, and separates your lashes to make them look more defined. The brush is comparable to the Armani Eye to Kill, but the coverage is not as great. You have to use a lot more coats to achieve a really dramatic look. It is a great product for the price, and is one of my favorite drugstore mascaras for sure.

Find it here:

 http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=VP00033

5. Revlon: Lash Potion in Color (221 Blackest Black)  $ 7.99

I absolutely LOVE this mascara for several reason. First, how cute is the packaging? Come on it's adorable. (I am a sucker for cute packaging). I also love how large the brush is, and the coverage is amazing! It is so black, and coats your lashes without making them look clumpy. My one issue with this mascara is that it rubs off on my eyelids throughout the day. I do love it though, so I usually just do a touch up throughout the day. This mascara is comparable to the Two Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.

Find it here:

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5420005

6. Maybelline: Volum' Express Falsies Big Eyes in Color (Blackest Black) $7.99

As you have probably already figured out, I love mascara with larger wands. Shocker right?! Well using a large wand on my lower lashes with my tiny eyes is a no go. So I have been searching for a great lower lash mascara, and I have finally found it.... Introducing Maybelline Big Eyes! I only use the lower lash side of this mascara because I am not a huge fan of the upper lash brush. The lower brush is so skinny, and separates lower lashes perfectly without getting mascara everywhere. This is my new favorite product for lower lashes, and best of all it is available at most drugstores!

Find it here:

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5540009


These mascaras are my all time favorites! I encourage you to try one if you are in the market for a great mascara! Please leave me any questions, and let me know your favorite high end or drugstore mascara as well. Thank you so much for reading.

Until next time,

Stay Beautiful ♥

My Favorite Makeup Brushes

Hello Dolls!

Today I want to share with you the greatest makeup brushes on the market right now. Sigma brushes are used by pretty much every YouTube beauty vlogger around, and there is a reason why! They are the BEST brushes, even better than MAC in my opinion, and they are less expensive as well. If you are just getting into makeup, like I was a few years ago, you probably have no clue which brush is used for what and which ones are necessary to purchase. Think of makeup brushes like an investment. I have had Sigma brushes for over 2 years now, and they still look brand new. I know the price can be scary at first, but you will use these everyday and if you take care of them they will last a very long time! I do have a lot of brushes because I have been collecting them for a few years, but I did not buy them all at once. I did buy the Essential Kit- Mr. Bunny Collection to begin with, and built from there. You can decide if you want to invest in the kit which comes with most of my favorite brushes, or they do sell them all individually if you want to buy a few at a time. I will let you know which brushes I think are a MUST have, and which ones you can go without. Prices vary depending on color. Most of Sigma's brushes come in silver, copper, or gold (listed by least expensive- most expensive. The only difference is the color of the ferrules(the metal part of the brush) for the copper and silver brushes. The actual brush is the same. The gold collection is a little different though. I think the brushes are nicer, but unless you are a professional makeup artist or you really like gold I don't see a benefit of spending the extra money. Let's get started!



1. F50 & F55 Duo Fibre Face Brush  $23.00 or $18.00

This brush is a MUST have for anyone who uses a liquid foundation. It comes in two sizes the F50 is the larger brush and the F55 is the smaller brush. I use both sizes equally and think they are both great! The larger brush is more dense and has more bristles, but like I said I think they both give the same effect. This type of brush is great for applying your liquid foundation because it gives an airbrush like finish to your face. If I could pick one brush to use the rest of my life, this would be the one! If you are not ready to splurge on this brush you can try out Real Techniques Stippling Brush from Ulta it is $9.99 and is a great brush for the price.



Get them here:


http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/f50.htm

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/f55.htm



2. F25 Tapered Face $29.00

This brush is used for powder, and if you use a liquid foundation, setting it with a powder is a must. I love this brush because it picks up a lot of powder, but distributes it evenly onto your face without making you look cakey. It is also tapered which allows you to precisely apply powder to smaller parts of the face easily. This brush is a MUST have for me!



Find it here:

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/F25_Tapered_Face_Tapered_Face_Brush_Face_Brushe_p/f25.htm



3. F05 Small Contour $18.00

I use this brush for bronzer, highlighting, and for blush. I love the shape and size of the brush, and it applies products very nicely. It blends easily and doesn't leave harsh lines which can happen when you contour or highlight. This is a MUST have!



Find it here:

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Small_Contour_F05_p/f05.htm



4. F35 Tapered Highlighter $21.00

This brush is great for applying highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones. I use it everyday, but for someone that doesn't use highlighter often I would say this isn't necessary. You can use the F05 (mentioned above) for highlighting as well. I just like this brush better because it's tapered, and I can put the highlighter exactly where I want it. This is not a must have, but I do highly recommended this brush. If you aren't ready to splurge on this brush, try out Real Techniques Setting brush from Ulta ($7.99). It is perfect for highlighting as well!



Find it here:

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/f35.htm

Real Technique Brush:

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4260019




5. F86 Tapered Kabuki  $21.00

I love all of Sigma's Kabuki brushes, but this one is my most used. I use it specifically for applying my under eye concealer. It doesn't tug or pull on my eye area, and it fits under my eye nicely. This is not necessary especially if you don't wear under eye concealer. You can always use your ring finger to smooth out the concealer instead of a brush. The brush just makes it easier for me and I do use it everyday.



Find it here:

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Sigma_Tapered_Top_Synthetic_Kabuki_F86_p/f86.htm



6. Essential Kit Mr. Bunny $155.00 also comes with a travel brush holder

As you can see below, it comes with a lot of great brushes to start your makeup brush collection. It is a cheaper option than buying all of these individually.

Includes:
-E05 Eye Liner
-E30 Pencil
-E40 Tapered Blending
-E55 Eye Shading
-E60 Large Shader
-E65 Small Angle
-E70 Medium Angled Shading
-F30 Large Powder
-F40 Large Angled Contour
-F50 Duo Fibre
-F60 Foundation
-F70 Concealer

Find it here: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Essential_Kit_Mr_Bunny_p/bbla.htm

Thank you so much for reading! Let me know if you try out any of these brushes, and let me know what you think. What are some of your favorite brushes?



Until next time!



Stay Beautiful ♥

How To Get A Flawless Face!

Hello Dolls!

Today I will be explaining how to get a flawless face because I mean who doesn't want to look flawless??

*Click on the pictures below to find out more info or to buy the products mentioned*

Step 1: Primer

Primers are not for everybody, but I personally love primers. Primers are used to prep your face before you put on foundation. Most primers fill in pores/lines giving you a nice base to apply your makeup. My favorite primer is the Benefit Porefessional. I put a small amount on my fingertips and put it all over my face.

Find it here:

Benefit Porefessional  $30.00

Step 2: Foundation

After your face is primed, now it is time for foundation. I use Chanel Perfection Lumiere in 20 Beige. It is a long wear foundation that is supposed to make your face look more luminous and glowing. I apply my foundation with a Sigma F50 or F55 (the large or small duo fibre brush) in a circular motion on my face. (I avoid my under eye area and the tops of my cheeks because I will be using concealer to cover my dark circles next.) This brush is great because it really gives you a flawless, airbrushed appearance. The key to foundation is using the correct amount. Most people think foundation is supposed to cover up every blemish so they keep adding more foundation to the face thus giving you "cake face." If you have blemishes you are trying to cover, use concealer after foundation. Another tip is to buy a long wear foundation to prevent it from wearing off throughout the day. I highly recommend splurging on a higher end foundation because high end foundations are just better quality than anything you could ever buy at the drugstore. There are some good drugstore foundations out there, but they will not be as long wearing. I will list my favorite drugstore foundation below, along with my brushes and Chanel foundation.

*always be sure to get color matched when buying a new foundation. If the color doesn't blend well with your skin tone then you will look either darker/lighter than your neck. You do not want to be able to see a make up line along your jawline.

Find it all here:

-Chanel Foundation $55.00

-Sigma F50 brush $23.00

-L'Oreal True Match in W2 Light Ivory  $9.99
* I like this foundation because it is super bendable and it comes in a bunch of shades.

Step 3: Concealer and Concealing Dark Under Eye Circles

*I know in the video I concealed my under eyes before foundation. I usually conceal my under eyes before my foundation and then conceal blemished after my foundation. I just wanted to combine both my concealers together because they just went together better.

After my foundation is applied, I look for any redness, break outs, or dark circles remaining on my skin. I have dark under eye circles that need to be covered, but if you don't just skip these next couple of steps. Concealing under your eyes can be tricky for the simple face that concealers like to move their way into all the fine lines that are under your eyes. These tips will help you avoid creasing. First, be sure you are using the correct concealer!!! Do NOT use the same concealer you would for a breakout for under your eyes. Typically under eye concealers are liquid, not thick and creamy like blemish covering concealers. If you use the wrong type of concealer, there WILL be the dreaded under eye crease. I apply my MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20 with a damp beauty blender. If you don't have a beauty blender you can always use your ring finger to blend. A beauty blender just makes it easier. After I apply my under eye concealer, I apply my Laura Mercia Secret Brightening Powder in 1 using a Real Techniques Setting Brush. Setting your under eye concealer is an important step in keeping it in place and from settling in fine lines. Be sure you are not using a powder that is heavily pigmented! Under eye/ setting powders are finely milled powders which prevent a build up on your face. Do not use a Covergirl Compact powder to set your under eye concealer. Using the wrong type of setting powder is the #1 mistake people make. After I set my under eye concealer I move on to concealing any blemishes and redness on my face with my MAC Studio Finish in NW20. This concealer comes in a compact and is way thicker than the Pro Longwear. I apply concealer with my finger or my Sigma concealer brush. Dab concealer on, but do not rub it in because that will just spread the concealer around and it will not do it's job. I will list the products I use below along with a drugstore option.

Find it all here:

*Under Eye Products

-MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20 $19.00

-Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder in #1  $24.00

-Beauty Blender $19.95

-Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush  $21.00



- Drugstore Under Eye Concealer- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind  $8.99

*Face Concealer

-MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW20   $18.00

Step 4 Setting Your Foundation

 After your face concealer and foundation are finished, you then need to set your foundation with a setting powder to keep it in place. NEVER put powder under liquid because you will end up with a big mess! Always put powder OVER liquid. My favorite setting powder is MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light Plus. This skin finish is amazing. It leaves your skin looking velvety smooth while controlling oil all day. Everyone needs this powder in their life! I apply this all over my face (avoiding my under eye area which has already been set with a powder) using my Sigma F25 Tapered Face Brush.

Find it all here: 

 -MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural in Light Plus   $30.00

-Sigma F25 Tapered Face Brush  $29.00





These are all the steps I use to achieve a flawless face. After I am done, I always apply blush, bronzer, highlighter, eyeliner, mascara, and some type of lip product. You need to add color back to your face to avoid looking corpse like. My day to day look changes depending on what I am wearing, and where I am going. I will do a full face makeup tutorial soon!

Until next time,

Stay Beautiful ♥



Winter Time Skincare Routine

Hello dolls!

Today I will be talking about my current skin care routine, and I will be giving you tips and tricks that have been working for me. I figured this would be a good time to share this post because with the cold winter months upon us a lot of people suffer from dry skin. I have combination skin which means my T-zones (forehead, nose, and chin get oily), and my cheeks are very dry. I would also classify my skin as sensitive because a lot of products break me out and irritate my skin. It is important to know your skin type before choosing what skincare routine will work best for you. My skincare routine is simple, and it will work well for any skin type. Please read all ingredients on product labels before trying them to be sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients though. So now that you have a little background on my skin type let's jump into how I take care of my face in the winter time. Click on the links and pictures to get more info! Enjoy!

Visit my YouTube Channel to watch the video! Just click on the YouTube icon-->

1. Face Wash: Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser
$10.00- $33.00 depending on size of the bottle

I wash my face morning and night using a washcloth with one quarter size amount of cleanser. I use lukewarm water (you never want to put really hot water on your face it causes temporary redness and can dry out your skin).  This cleanser is great because it takes off all makeup, and really balances out your skin. It does not dry your face out, and it can be used for all skin type. If you would like a cheaper option, Cetaphil is also a great gentle cleanser. It can be found anywhere drugstore products are sold and is around $10.00.

Find it here:

2. Exfoliation: Clarisonic Mia  $125.00 or Facial Scrub

Exfoliation is an important step in any skin care routine, however, most people do not exfoliate regularly. Exfoliation is important because it takes all the dead skin cells off your face, and allows moisture to get into your skin. If you keep adding a moisturizer to dead skin, you will not see a change. Dead skin cells create a barrier between your skin, and moisturizer. So if you have problem patches that never seem to go away, try exfoliating. I have been using a clarisonic, which is basically a fancy face brush that vibrates, and takes the dead skin off your face. I use a drop of my facial cleanser on the brush, turn it on, and work it around my face in a circular motion. I do not use it for more than a minute, and I only use it twice a week. I use the delicate brush head, but there are many different brush heads to chose from depending on your specific needs. You do NOT have to go out and spend the money to buy one to exfoliate. Although, I LOVE my clarisonic and believe it's a great investment for a staple skin care product. Great exfoliation can come from a simple scrub as well. I will list some drugstore scrubs that I use and love. Exfoliate! Exfoliate! Exfoliate!

Find it here:

Clarisonic's website describing all models:

http://www.clarisonic.com/shop-our-products/clarisonic-cleansing-devices

Some great scrubs:

Neutrogena Gentle Scrub Oil Free
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod2074370

Neutrogena Invigorating Foaming Scrub
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod2116576

St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod5021998


3. Toner: Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner  $7.99

I love toners! I love the way they make my skin feel super clean and fresh, but I did not like how some toners dried my face out. Finally I discovered a Neutrogena toner that has NO alcohol in it, which is great for me because it is gentle on my skin. Toners are great for restoring the balance of moisture in your face, cleaning off left over dirt/makeup/oil left on your face after washing it. You will be surprised to see what's left on your face after you wash it. I take a cotton round, pour the toner on it, and rub it around my entire face. It's a simple step, but it makes a huge difference.

Find it here:

4. Moisturizer: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion & Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil in Light

The last and final step of any skin care routine is moisturizing. After you wash, exfoliate, and tone your skin it needs moisture put back in. My two moisturizers are the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion, and the Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil in Light. I take a quarter size amount of the Skin MD lotion, and then I add 3-4 drops of my Argan Oil to the lotion and mix them together. Then I apply it generously to my face and neck. The Skin MD lotion is supposed to trap the moisture in your skin to prevent it from drying out. I think it is a great moisturizer for anyone, but especially people with sensitive skin. I cannot express how much I love the Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil. I know it sounds crazy putting oil on your face, but to answer your question no it will not clog your pores! Crazy, right? It is even good for people with oily skin. This is a very hydrating product, and it has made my skin softer than it has ever been. The production description states: "This must-have oil actually reduces sebum production, so it is ideal for all skin types, especially breakout-prone and sensitive skin."

Find them both here:

*Skin MD: you can find it in some drugstores, online at several store. I usually buy mine through amazon or eBay. Prices vary from store to store.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=skin+md

*Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil in Light  $17.00 for 0.5 OZ. It lasts a long time for me!

 

http://www.sephora.com/100-pure-argan-oil-light-P380805?skuId=1548270

5. Mario Badescu: Drying Lotion $17.00

This is a great product for acne spot treatment. It has salicylic acid that dries out pimples overnight, and this product is safe for all skin types! I use this product whenever I have a breakout, and it reduces the time it takes for it to go away. I use a Q-Tip and dip it into the bottom peachy clay like stuff and then apply to my breakout before bed. I highly recommend this product to anyone who gets breakouts often!

Find it here:

Thank you for checking out my skin care tips! Please feel free to ask any questions, and leave me your favorite skin care products below! Also let me know what type of video/blog you would like to see next!

Until next time,

Stay Beautiful ♥

Welcome Dolls

Thank you so much for checking out my blog. My name is Jessica and I am so excited to launch my first post.

As you may have already guessed, I love makeup and created this blog to share tips, tricks, and products with you all. I am not a professional, but I do know what products work and which products don't. This channel is for all of you! So please give me feedback, and let me know what you want to see next time! I want to answer any questions you may have so please leave lots of comments!

Until next time,

Stay Beautiful ♥