Monthly Makeup Favorites: March, 2013

Moisturizer: Embryolisse, Lait-Crème Concentrè  ($28 on Embryolisse’s Website)

I got this in a December’s Birchbox and almost immediately ordered a full-sized tube. It’s really thick and emollient yet hasn’t broken me out. It has a silkening effect, which has made it a good moisturizer/face primer.  It’s has a “soapy” scent, which I quite like, but if that worries you--it does go away once dry.

Base: Smashbox, Photo Ready BB Cream ($39 at Sephora)

I bought this several months ago and no matter how many other BB creams and tinted moisturizers I try, I always end up coming back to this one. It’s the perfect consistency, blends easily, and doesn’t settle into dry patches. It’s available in 5 shades, which makes it much better than most BB creams. I love that it’s neutral in tone and has an SPF of 35.

           

Concealer: Make Up For Ever, 5 Camouflage Cream Palette in 01Concealer Palette in 01 ($38 at Sephora)

I featured this in a recent haul video and I’ve been using it regularly since. It’s quite thick, extremely pigmented, and a little bit goes a long way. However, because of the consistency, I wouldn’t recommend it under the eyes (as it can easily crease). Between the five colors it’s so easy to find/create the perfect match year-round.

Brow Product: Lancôme, Brow Expert Le Crayon Poudre in Taupe ($25.50 at Sephora)

This eyebrow pencil is so different than any of the others I’ve tried. It almost dries to a powder finish which not only gives it a softer, more natural look, but it also doesn’t leave any wax clumps on your brows. I definitely prefer it to any brow product I’ve tried.

           

Highlighter: Guerlain, Météorites Perles in Teint Rosé 01 ($58 at Sephora)

I’ve had this little guy for ages but only fell in love with it recently. In the past I’d used it as a setting powder and while I liked it—I wasn’t convinced it was worth the hefty price tag. However, when used as a highlighter it is phenomenal. I feel that it actually gives you a believable and gorgeous glow.

Contour/Bronzer: Benefit, Hoola Bronzer ($28 at Sephora)

Hoola was the first product I ever used to contour and it’s the one I always find myself coming back to. It’s completely matte and while I wouldn’t consider it completely cool-toned, it isn’t orange either. It’s really pigmented and a little bit goes a long way. It’s smooth in texture and not at all chalky feeling. I’ve also found that it also makes for a great crease shadow.

Eyeshadow: Naked Basics Palette ($27 at Sephora)

I’m so glad I broke down and got this. I still think that once on the lid, there isn’t a big difference between W.O.S. and Foxy but I still use them both frequently. My favorite look using this pallete was from Miss Lipgloss.

Mascara: Too Faced, Better than False Lashes in Black ($35 at Sephora)

This is a 3-step process, but to me, it’s totally worth it for the lengthening effect you get from this. I haven’t been using it very long and in a few more weeks I might do a post reviewing only this. Is it truly a substitute for false lashes? No, not really, but I haven’t used any mascara that makes them look as good. FYI-This only comes in one color.

Eyeliner: Jordana, INCOLOR Fabuliner in Black ($2.99 on Jordana’s Website)

This is definitely the most user-friendly liquid liner I’ve tried. It’s a firm felt tip and despite using it for several months regularly, it hasn’t begun to fade at all. It doesn’t skip/drag and makes doing a winged liner so easy! The inexpensive price doesn’t hurt either. It’s true black in color (not blue/gray), matte finish, dries quickly, blendable. This comes in both black and (dark) brown.