Oct 22, 2014

5 Current Beauty Faves

Wowzers, it's been a good while since I linked up for a 5 Faves post! The lovely Jenna over at Call Her Happy has recently taken over as hostess and she's doing a mighty fine job ;) Be sure to check out the link up over there!

Today's 5 Faves are all beauty related because I'm vain and sometimes a little extra something is all that will help with the frumpy factor I've felt during this last trimester of pregnancy. And because I don't want this blog to turn into ALL things pregnancy and motherhood. I have other interests too, I swear.

1. Reverse Washing
I first heard about reverse washing over on the blog Nouveau Cheap about a month ago. Essentially, you "wash" your hair with conditioner first, let it stay in your hair while you go about your shower business, and then wash the conditioner out with shampoo last. My hair has leaned slightly toward the oily side recently, probably because summer and because hormones, so I wasn't sure how this would work out for me but let me tell you: I love it. It leaves my hair feeling so soft and manageable, even when I don't do a darn thing besides let it air dry. I find myself needing to wash it less, too, which I can't explain but it's great.

2. NYC Liquid Liner
When it comes to cheapo drugstore makeup, NYC is a brand I tend to steer away from. I just haven't had much luck with their products in the past (even though everyone swears by this bronzer...it makes me look like an oompa loompa) and their prices are just right there where I figure I might as well go with something that's slightly better quality. Recently Tati recommended their liquid liner and since I was in the market for one and I'm a sheep, I took her advice. I was shocked to find it at Target for less than $2 and it's just wonderful for doing little flicks. It's super black and doesn't flake off like some liquid liners do. I will say it's not waterproof and I can't speak for how it works with contacts, but it lasts all day on my eyes so long as I don't cry. And it doesn't take any scrubbing to get off at the end of the day which is awesome, because ow.

3. Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade
Have I talked about this stuff yet? I feel like I should have considering I've had my pot of it since the summer. If you regularly fill in your eyebrows, it's life changing stuff. I apply it using a small angled brush, following the shape of my brows very lightly and then filling them in, all while brushing through often with a spoolie to smooth everything out and keep it from looking drawn on and harsh. It took a little practice but now I know how to apply it with a light hand for a softer look and a little darker for a stronger evening look. The stuff doesn't budge but is surprisingly easy to wash off. It's a bit of a splurge, but I'm pretty sure the pot of it will last years (okay that's probably not sanitary) and their vast color selection at Ulta and Sephora makes it worth it, especially considering most "dark brown" eyebrow pencils have some seriously unflattering red undertones.

4. Milani Bronzer XL in "Fake Tan"
I'm not a huge fan of using bronzer, but since I didn't get outside much this summer because Texas heat + pregnant + no pool, I'm looking a little paler than I usually do this time of year. I didn't want to spend a ton of money on one because like I said, I'm not usually a big fan of them, so I took Emily's recommendation and tried this one out (you can get it at CVS). Guys, I love it. I feel like it really warms up my face without looking too orange or too brown. And the compact is hayooooge and will probably last me years so that's cool too. I swirl both colors together because I haven't gotten the hang of contouring quite yet, but the deeper side is a great cool tone to use for that purpose if you fancy.

5. Facial Massage
Do y'all know about Lisa Eldrige? She's one of the first makeup artists I started watching on YouTube years ago and she's kind of perfect. She's someone who does makeup for fashion shows and premieres and probably celebrity weddings, yet she is so incredibly warm and down to earth and you feel like you're kind of already friends with her just by watching her videos. Anyways, she recently posted a video on how to do different types of facial massage, citing it as a reason she's been able to avoid wrinkles and other signs of aging all these years. I've only tried out a few minutes of it here and there but have big plans to do 10-20 minutes of it one night before Zoe comes and then in the future when I'm able to spend some time pampering myself. Lisa makes it look so easy and relaxing and if it's something free I can do to prevent signs of aging, sign me up.


Okay now it's your turn to tell me if you have any recent beauty favorites! I'm particularly on the hunt for an affordable face primer and brightening undereye concealer...goodness knows I'll need it pretty soon! :)

2 comments:

  1. Okay, your first share. Reverse washing?? I need to do this. My hair does not dry in a way that is nice. It would be nice if I could find a wash or to-do that could help that!

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  2. I think I am going to have to try that reverse washing thing! With the fall/dry weather setting in, my hair is freaking out in a not-good way, and I'm looking for something that can keep it from getting all tangly and gross by like 3 p.m. every day.

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