2015 Beauty Favorites | Eyes

I'm back with my beauty favorites of 2015! Only this time we are talking about products for our eyes. Let me tell ya, I am so freaking picky when it comes to eye makeup. Well, eyeshadow not so much but everything else has to be spot on. I have very sensitive eyes that have to blink a lot. When I do blink, cheap formulas always smudge and wipe away. So anything that you see in this post is top notch!

Eye primer

*Highend: Urban Decay Original Eye Primer $20

There are so many eye primers out there on the market. Every one has a different favorite but the primer potion is my tried and true. I can always rely on it for a long, vibrant wear. One day when I get married this will be the primer I put my faith into.

Drugstore: E.l.f Mineral eye primer $3

 E.l.f's eye primer is somewhat similar to Urban Decays, just not as good. However, it's great for the price. It will keep my eyeshadow in place all day long. If I ever do run out of primer, this is the first one that comes to mind if I need to purchase one in a jiffy.

Eye Shadow palette

*Highend: Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar $49

I actually just got this palette not too long ago. I always thought the original chocolate bar was amazing but I was wrong. The Semi-Sweet has softer shadows and the colors are even better. Though, either way, both palettes contain a great assortment of neutral/must have shades. I can't live without either one!

*Drugstore: Morphe 35 N $19.99

I'm not going to lie, Morphe can be hit or miss when it comes to their eyeshadows. Luckily, with the 35N palette I think the majority of the shades perform like high quality makeup. They're soft, blendable and pigmented. The staying power is good but better with a primer. The price point is what makes it a top competitor. The palette cost me around $20 and contains 28 beautiful shadows. I reach for it all the time when I am in the mood to play around with my makeup. The variety of looks is astounding with this palette.

Single eyeshadow

*Highend: Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Solstice   $21

I know the Moondust eyeshadows are not traditional eyeshadows but I included them anyway. I love how unique the properties are of the Moondust shadows. They're basically for the mobile lid alone but I can't help but think of these when I try to pick my favorite high end shadow of 2015. The iridescence is so dimensional and star striking. It can be applied dry for a nice sweep of color & glitter or applied wet for a full dimension of different tones. The tone of the shadow can be different depending on the base you apply under it.

*Drugstore: NYX Prismatic Eyeshadows $5.99

I used to love the Loreal infallible eyeshadows the most but once I tried the Prismatic formula everything changed. Like the Loreal, they are metallic/ shimmery, affordable, smooth, pigmented and long wearing. The only difference is the Nyx formula is a little creamer, so the shadows are not as powdery and have less fallout. My only grudge about the Prismatic shadows is the durability. They tend to crumble easily. Other than that, I love them to pieces! 

Cream eyeshadow

Highend: Mally Ever color Shadow stick $25

Looking for a creamy eyeshadow stick that doesn't budge all day? Go pick up one of Mallys Ever Color shadow sticks. They blend out easily, then once set, they don't move. Plus, they're very pigmented.

Drugstore: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoos $6.99

This is one of those cases where the drugstore out beats the high end brands. Maybelline's color tattoos are so amazing. Everytime I use one I'm blown away by its awesomeness. They are PIGMENTED. They don't just blend into nothing like some cream shadows. No, they stand out and they're like a tattoo. Do they blend easily? Of course (before they set)!  They're only $7 and you get a lot for your money. You need them in your life.

Gel eyeliner

*Highend: Tarte Tarteist Gel Liner $24

This stuff is so great. It glides over my wrinkly eye lids like no other. It's intense black and lasts all day. If you're looking for a highend liner, this is the one. You won't be disappointed.

Drugstore: Essence Gel Eyeliner $3.99

Essence has the best gel liner. It's shockingly creamy, long wearing, lasts forever in the jar, and it's even more wickedly black than Sigma's. Best part is it's less than $4.

Liquid eyeliner

Highend: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner $22

This liner is very pigmented and easy to apply. It's darker than your exes heart! I really love the thin tip and how it locks into place all day. 

Drugstore: NYC Liquid Liner $2.77

I love the wand on this liquid liner. It's so thin and precise. I'm able to achieve a wing with ease and it always looks great. It's super black and doesn't move all day.

Pencil eyeliner

Highend: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eyeliner in Perversion $20

 This eyeliner is very creamy, pigmented, rich, blendable and smudgeable(before it dries)....BUT, it's not as good as Pixi's Endless Silky pen in Black Noir. Yet again, another instance when the drugstore beats high end brands.

Drugstore: Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black Noir $12.19

This eyeliner is like a gel eyeliner in pen form. Every time I use it I'm just in disbelief of its creaminess. Not only is it extraordinarily creamy but it stays put all day. It so dark and smudge-able. I mean, just thinking about it makes me want to go smoke my eyes out right now. It's like black butter on a stick but desirable. If that makes sense? If not, let me make this clear for you all... You, your family, your friends and every girl on earth needs this liner!

Mascara

Highend: Too Faced Better than Sex $23

 Ok, I'm going to do mascara a little different. I pretty much get the same look from these two mascaras but the only thing that is different is the price. Both mascaras are pitch black, voluminous, lengthening, long wearing, clump resistant, flake free and transfer free. With this kind of mascara I don't even need false eyelashes.

Drugstore: Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black $7.99

Read the paragraph above for information on both the Better Than Sex mascara and Carbon black.

Brow Pencil

Highend: Anastasia Brow Wiz $21

 Anastasia has the best colors in the brow pencil world. They look realistic and they're easy to move across the eyebrow. They'll stay in place all day and keep you in the brow game. It's easy to use to shape your eyebrows and the tip is the perfect size.

Brow product

Highend: Anastasia Brow Pomade $18

This is for the girls who don't have much eyebrow hair. It's the best product out there to fill in your brows without disappearing later in the day. Anastasia has many shades to choose from and the price is affordable. It's creamy, yet easy to use. It lasts forever and applies without having a tug-a-war. All you need is a good angled brush and you and your brows are ready to take on the world.

*Drugstore: NYX Tame & Frame Brow Pomade $6.99

This stuff is a lot like the Anastasia Brow Pomade, not exactly the same but it gets the job done just as good. It's pigmented, long lasting and the shade options are pretty decent. I say save your money and buy this one instead. It's just a lot cheaper but still good. 

Ok, that's it for this post. Be sure to stay tuned for tomorrows post, which is my favorite lip products. Click here to read my 2015 Beauty Favorites for my face! 

Don't forget to tell me what your favorite eye products are for 2015 in the comments below. It's always nice to hear your favorites as well. I like to try new makeup too! (obviously, haha)

---

2015 Beauty Favorites | Face

2015 flew by as fast as a jet this year! In the beauty world, I would say it was a successful and fun year. Many trends were worshiped and practiced. And Brands released amazing products. But I have to say my favorite thing about 2015 (beauty wise) are the new holy grail products I found. Going through last years list made me realize just how much my favorites have changed. I still love all of the products I mentioned in last years favorites but this years products are the light of my day.

All of the new favorites have a (*) beside the category it's In. If you're wanting to check out last years list it will be right here.  If you're interested in purchasing a product, click on the price beside the name. They are not affiliate links. 

Primer

Highend: Stila One Step Step Correct Trip Swirl Helix Primer $36

The first thing I notice when I apply this primer is how powerful the green correcting pigment is. When I'm having a really bad breakout I apply this primer and it helps calm down the redness before my foundation is applied. The next thing I notice is the extended wear of my foundation. I have a problem with my foundation breaking up all over my cheeks and chin. However, when I wear this primer my foundation doesn't budge all day long. This primer is seriously a miracle worker. The only thing I don't like is the price of it. So I don't use it all the time. 

*Drugstore: Maybelline Master Prime Blur + Redness Control $9.99

I love this primer because it prepares my skin for foundation but also helps neutralize redness from my acne. It's not as good as the Stila primer but it's good enough for day-to-day makeup.  I don't find it helpful for oil control though! 

Foundation

Highend: Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme $44

For so long I was on the hunt for the perfect foundation. When I saw this foundation on Ultas website, I was instantly intrigued. I'm so happy that I purchased it. This foundation provides a seamless full coverage finish. It lasts all day and does not break me out. Fortunately, i don't get oily in my T-zone, unfortunately, it can cling to some dry patches. To fix that problem, just add some liquid luminizer to the foundation and viola, it's perfect for dry skin as well. I just can't get enough of this foundation. Plus, the packaging is so sleek! 

*Drugstore: Loreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup $9.99

This foundation is nice for combo skin. It's neither oily or dewy. The finish is natural and lasts all day if set with a powder. Just like the name states, it's super blendable as well.  Plus, the color range is awesome. I really love it.

BB cream

Drugstore: Maybelline Dream Pure with acne treatment $8.99

At first I hated this BB cream. I tried it for a week and didn't notice any difference in my skin.. Then after I stopped using it, I started to break out really bad. Why? This BB cream actually did help my skin. It helps reduce the amount of acne I have and provides a light to medium coverage while I wear it. The only thing I don't like is how it tends to stick to my dry acne. You definitely need to moisturize before hand. Other than that, it's a great drugstore BB cream. I especially think people with oily skin will love it. It would even be perfect for men who have problems with acne and they would benefit from the coverage (due to the lack of self confidence). 

Undereye concealer

Highend: MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear concealer $21

I had a hard time choosing between Mac's pro Longwear concealer and Nars radiant concealer. The reason I chose Mac's is becuase it works great as an eye primer too. If your not worried about that, both concealers are high coverage, creamy, crease-resistant, Blendable and dependable. If price helps you choose, then go with The pro Longwear. It's only $21 and has a pump, which is also great for preventing bacteria growth. Plus, it doubles as a facial concealer. 

Drugstore: Maybelline Isntant Age Rewind concealer $8.99

There are a lot of gems in the drugstore but nothing is as good as Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer. It's  coverage packs a huge punch and the creaminess is divine. My under eyes instantly look brightened and I love the awakening appearance it creates. It's also crease-resistant, lasts all day and the price is a steal. You seriously need to try this concealer. I promise you won't regret it.

Facial concealer

Drugstore: Hard Candy Glamoflauge $6

Hard Candy's concealer is often raved about. Being only six dollars and having full coverage, it's bound to stand out in the drugstore. I personally don't think it provides "full coverage" but I do think it provides the best coverage from the drugstore. I can still achieve a full coverage look if I wear a full coverage foundation but then things tend to look a wee bit cake-y. I suggest getting this concealer if you're okay with a Med-full coverage. However, if you want ultimate coverage, go to Ulta or Sephora and get yourself a high-end concealer. If you're on a budget, than this is your best bet from the drugstore. Worn with a natural looking foundation, it looks nice and lasts all day. It doesn't break me out or crease into my fine lines. Overall, it's a spectacular concealer for the price. 

Translucent powder

Highend: Tarte Smooth Operator Clay translucent powder $33

This powder is the best powder I have found to diffuse the appearance of my imperfections. That alone is the reason why it's my favorite translucent powder so far! It gives me such a silky appearance and I can't get enough of it.  

*Drugstore: Coty Airspun Powder in Translucent Extra Coverage$5.97

 I really love this foundation for its multipurpose properties. It's great for setting foundation, concealing and baking. I do find it helpful for oil control  but at the same time it's not drying. I also really love the price point at just $5!

Powder foundation

*Highend: Dermablend Instense Powder Camo $31

Anyone who has problematic skin needs this powder foundation. It's so light but provides FULL coverage. I have terrible acne but this powder is enough on its own to tackle the redness from my flare ups. I'm in love with it and I don't see it going anywhere. From what I can tell, it's average when it comes to oil control.

Drugstore: Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder $4.99

I'm sure by now you have all heard of this powder foundation. It's sets makeup amazingly, keeps oil at bay and it doesn't look cake-y. 

Bronzer

*Highend: Too Faced Chocolate Solie Matte Bronzer $30

No, I don't love this bronzer because it smells like cocoa (although that certainly doesn't hurt), I love it for its blend-ability, color, staying power and texture. It's one of the best out there!

*Drugstore: Physicians Formula City Glow Daily Defense Bronzer in New York $7.49

The packaging is actually what  sucked me into buying this product. I thought I would prefer the Paris version more but the New York bronzer has a better tone to it. They both blend beautifully but I love how natural and non-orangey this bronzer is. Really, most of the bronzers from Physicians Formula are great. Just close your eyes and take a pick.

Blush

*Highend: The Balm Instain Blush line $22

The Instain blushes are very affordable but perform like champs. They last all day, hence the name, they blend easily and the packaging is killer. I love them and I look forward to the day when I own all of the shades.

*Drugstore: Milani Comsetics Rose Blush in Romantic Rose $8.99

When I first got the Rose blush by Milani I was really disappointed. It swatched chalky and felt dry but it performs like a whole other product on my cheeks. It's smooth and blendable. The staying power is really good, too. And I'll admit it, the design is what helps it stay at the top of my favorites list. It's so darn cute!

Highlighter 

*Highend: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop (LE)  $38/ The Balm Marry Loumanizer $24

My favorite highlighter of 2015 is Becca's Champagne Pop but it's limited edition. It's still available but I prefer giving the spotlight to products that are permanent, like the Mary-Lou manizer by The Balm. It's a pale champagne highlight with gold tones. It can be Intense but not overwhelming. The glow is more of a high sheen rather than  a glittery finish. It's a great pick for your first highlighter!

*Drugstore: Wet N Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana $3.99

Another affordable but perfect product from Wet N Wild! I picked this up early in December and I instantly fell in love. It's so natural but beautiful on my texturized skin. I use it almost every time I do my makeup.

Setting spray

Highend: Mac Prep & Prime Fix+ $22

Guys, the hype is true. There are days when I put on way too much concealer and what comes to the rescue? That's right, Mac Fix+. It takes away the powdery look and leaves a beautiful canvas after a light spritz. The only thing it doesn't do is prolong the wear of my makeup. But that's ok, I have primer for that. 

Drugstore: NYX Dewy setting Spray $7.99

Nyx setting spray is pretty much the same thing as Mac Fix+. However, it doesn't take away the cake-y appearance quite as good but it does prolong the wear of my makeup. I use it daily and save the expensive one for parties, holidays, ect. 

Alrighty, that's it for my "face" beauty favorites of 2015. Of course I have many more products I love but I love the products I mentioned above the most. 

Be sure to come back to see my picks for the eyes and lips! Or you can follow me on a social media website of your choice. Just click on the social media tab at the top of my website and bam you'll find my info there. 

Don't forget to leave your favorites in the comments below, loves! 

---

Acne Coverage Test | Loreal True Match

Welcome to the new "Acne Coverage Test" series. Last week I mentioned I may start a new series where I test the coverage of any foundation on the market and see how it performs covering acne. It's just so darn hard now-a-days to find a review of a foundation by someone with problematic skin. I'm the perfect candidate, so why not me? 

For my first pick I actually grabbed a foundation I used quite often- The Loreal True Match Foundation. I didn't plan on starting my series right away but this morning I just had an urge to share the results of this foundation. 

Three Layers Applied With Beauty Blender

I love how blendable it is and it's easy to build. Typically I use three layers of the foundation and don't notice any cakeyness. It does cover most of my problem areas but the coverage isn't completely full. I do still have big pimples that need to be covered with concealer. That's ok, though. Foundations that are full coverage usually look too cakey for me anyways. This one thankfully does not! 

The wear time is actually really good. It will last on my combo skin for about 8 hours before breaking down. Almost always,  my foundation breaks down within a couple hours because my skin is just so stubborn but I don't worry about that with this foundation. I can easily see it being my holiday foundation. I really look for one during the holidays that keeps up with me on my busiest day of the year. No girl has time to worry about her makeup! 

How does it compare to others? Well, it's not the fullest coverage I have tried but it has enough coverage for me to feel comfortable wearing it. I also like how natural the True Match looks. Even though I wear a lot of it, it doesn't bunch up or look too cakey. I'm totoally head over heels for it. The shade selection is really good... Hence the name true match. It's also affordable at only $9.99.( click here to purchase) The packaging is functional. I wish it included a pump but I'm ok with pouring it onto the back of my hand. 

I'm for sure going to repurchase this when I run out. Honestly, I love this foundation so much, it makes me want to try the new Loreal True Match Cushion Foundation. Future participant.. Hmm? 

Alright guys, if you have any questions feel free to ask!

Coverage: Medium to semi full

Finish: Natural 

Best for: dry or oily skin (set with powder)

Best applied with: beauty blender

---