A Few Weeks of Absolute Must Haves!!!

Hello my faithful beauty bloggers! Thank you to those who have continued to bug me to update the blog. I thought it was time to take a few minutes to myself and report on some of the great (and some of the not-so-great) samples I have been testing. I almost don't know where to start!

Let's start with foundation. Due to a sample from Ulta, even one that was the wrong shade (LOOK 2), I tried and became instantly addicted to China Doll by Napoleon Perdis. I actually ordered it (because I wanted the very cool sample kit noted in my last blog) and was somewhat traumatized by the $50 price tag. I was wayyyyyy more traumatized when the product arrived because it is teeny tiny! However, I must say that a little does go a long way - a very long way! It is such an amazing foundation and provides such phenomenal coverage that it is going on my must-have list! For those of you who know my skin tone (very fair), I ordered LOOK 1. It's perfect for me. You can try LOOK 2 as a free sample right now at Ulta.com.

The reason I had to get foundation is because I just do NOT have time for this whole Bar Essencuals Bare Minerals ritual every freaking morning. For god sake! I haven't slept most nights and I'm seriously lucky to get a quick shower. This whole Double Foundation, well-rested, mineral veil, warmth, blush, bronzing thing is just too much right now! So ... it did take quite some time to find a powder that would set my China Doll. I tried to use the Bare Minerals, but that didn't work. MAC still doesn't work because it settles into my fine lines. Yuck! But I did find Cargo Blu-Ray Pressed Powder. Using my basic Sephora powder brush, this provides excellent softness and sets the makeup just right. It feels fantastic all day long and I love that my Smahbox O and Origins cheek stain slides right on. It's great for fast coverage and a soft, set, all-day look.

Speaking of blushes and stains - I did try Stila Convertible Color Lip and Cheek Cream in Lillium. I definitely like it for a quick, VERY light makeup look, but I wouldn't buy it on its own. It's too creamy for a blush. I like the stains much better.

Oh ... and let's talk lip gloss for a moment. Bare Essentuals Bare Minerals to start - lovely. Does't last all day or even though a large iced tea, but lots of great colors and you can totally reapply, can't you? On the other hand, Sephora's Brilliant Shine Lip Glosses absolutely suck! They don't even last as long as it takes you to look in the mirror and see if you like the color. If you have the offer to use your 100 beauty insider points this month on the Sephora Gloss, I'd skip it. My absolute favorite right now is Bare Essentuals Buxom Lips. Yes, you have to get used to the fact that they will tingle all day, but the result is totally great looking lips all day ... even after two or three iced teas! Plus, it's completely fun to see which Buxom Girl you are. I just recently chose Betty, which is no longer available (of course). It's like a deep ruby (although there is color for the woman Ruby.) Betty is closest to the new Carmen. Just go take a peek for yourself. If you have thin lips or thick lips, you'll love this! Careful when you kiss your man (or babies) - the plumping agent can transfer to them too. Lastly, while you seriously will feel the need to EAT your lipgloss if you purchase one of Philosophy's newest - like Bubble Gum, I recommend against Mimosa (for the color it is too) and they are just way too sticky!

And, for another MUST HAVE ... I recommend Smahbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener. This fabulous little under eye illuminator blends perfectly with your skin to help erase those dark circles. Just like I am in love with Chanel to help the puffiness, this is the one to get rid of the darkness. Again ... a perfect duo to make it look like you got a great night's sleep.

And one last MUST HAVE for your evening - Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer. This is the absolute perfect compliment to a flawless look, whether from Bare Minerals or some other foundation. Just dab a bit on the upper cheekbones, the bridge of your nose and your chin and your face looks instantly dewey and noticeably younger. It lasts all day too. Mineral Veil sets it quite well, as would HD High Def Powder.

Okay ... I have to get back to work, so I hope this little teaser can keep you satisfied for a bit. Also, be sure to notice the new Sephora Promo Codes to the right. Skincare and makeup samples (and more mascara testing) to come!