Pros
–Affordable
–Cruelty free
–Vegan
–Wand allows you to grab and lift each lash
–Lives up to all of its claims
–No flaking
–Volumizes
–Good formula :: not too dry or too wet
–Color options
–Lashes looked full
–No smudging
–Lengthens
–Separates
Cons
–Online only
–No waterproof option
–No brown shade
Final Thoughts
Colour Pop nailed it, again! I love everything about this. It does everything it says it does and for $8, you can’t beat it.
Wild Fable Pink Sunglasses
–These are very Elton John-esque and extremely extra and this is exactly why I love them.
–My dad said they looked like a prop from a photo booth. *insert eye roll*
–They’re from Target, they’re cheap, and I love them. End of story.
Highs & Lows Ring
–I’m pretty sure I came across this on Instagram and I knew I had to have it.
–I love the message behind it and I love wearing it every day as a reminder that God’s got this, whatever “this” turns out to be.
–The website has lots of other awesome products so check it out and use code “HDAWSON15” to save some money! The link and code are affiliate links. You don’t have to use my code or link, but if you do, thanks!
Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder in 01 Sun Light Quick trip down memory lane: I didn’t start wearing bronzer until 2 or 3 years ago because there wasn’t a bronzer that truly worked for fair skin. They were all too dark or too orange and just not right. I didn’t even own a single bronzer until the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer came out 2016ish maybe. I now own 5. THANK YOU MAKEUP PEOPLE FOR HEARING OUR PLEAS.
—I FREAKING love this bronzer. I’m almost willing to say it’s my most favorite ever. The tone and shade are perfect and a fair skin dream.
–It blends so easily and isn’t muddy or orange or too warm or too anything.
–It’s perfection and I haven’t stopped reaching for it all month.
Colour Pop Lux Lipstick in Cinderella
–Fun fact: Cinderella is my favorite princess and has been since I was a tiny tot and saw the movie for the first time. I believe this was foreshadowing to my shoe obsession. –Cinderella is proof that one shoe can change your life. AMEN, SISTER.
–Naturally when two of my favorite things, lipstick and Cinderella, collided, I had to have it.
–NOT TO MENTION, the shade is my favorite shade of lipstick ever, a soft pink.
–This purchase was a no brainer and I have no regrets. This is the perfect, every day neutral for me.
Bobbi Brown Lux Lipstick in Uber Pink
–I found this at TJ Maxx for $12.
–The packaging is so heavy and pretty and luxurious and I just said YOLO and bought it.
–Do I have at least 4 other shades similar to this? Yes. However, no regrets here. I feel like a rich, elegant lady when I wear this and you really can’t put a price tag on that.
Before you try to convince me that they are the same color, YOU’RE WRONG. Thank you, next.
I don’t know how I’ve lived my monogram obsessed life up to this point without monogram stickers for my pens. I mean, how freaking cute?! Again, it’s extra, BUT no one will steal my pen from my desk and it’s adorable. No regrets. I want more. Every writing instrument I own (which is a lot) needs a monogram sticker.
This month’s favorites are SUPER random, but this is what I’ve been loving so I wanted to share anyway!
Erin Condren Planner Folio
–I didn’t get an EC planner this year, but I love this planner folio aka planner holder.
–Of course, I went with the custom option because I wanted to put my dogs and other favorite things on it instead of a design, but there are lots of options.
–I don’t do the full own scrapbook planner with tons of stickers and fancy layouts, but I do use some stickers and this folio is great way to keep all of my stuff together.
J Crew Factory Suede Tassel Stretch Flats
–I got these on super sale and I am obsessed! I love the tassel and the pointed toe. The leopard is calf hair which I love and the tan is suede.
–I ordered the tan first and they were so comfy that I immediately ordered the leopard and black. I accidentally ordered the wrong size in the black and my correct size was sold out so I ended up giving those to my sister. ‘Twas a sad day.
–They are completely sold out, but there are a few sizes available in the leopard. Size up a half size!
Sephora Collection Dynamic Duo On The Go Face Brush
–My elf Massaging Facial Cleanser died and I’ve been too lazy/forgetful to get a battery. I saw this in Sephora and it was cute and travel friendly so I picked it up to try.
–The brush side isn’t too harsh and I love using the silicone side to really cleanse my pores.
Milani Prep+Set+Glow Powder
–This product is so good that it’s getting it’s own post here shortly, BUT in the meantime, just know this is a dry skin dream.
Colour Pop Constellation + Bare Minerals Nude Chiffon
–I always use some kind of primer or cream base when I wear eye shadow. It helps the powder stick and extend wear and it also intensifies the color.
–I don’t love Constellation on its own, but it’s GORG paired with this BM shade.
–It’s been my go to look for eye shadow this month. It’s easy, takes no time, and packs a punch.
–I got the BM shadow at TJ Maxx for $4 or $5 and I can’t find it online to link, but if you see it, get it. It’s so pretty!
It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil
–When I first tried this, I didn’t like it. It pulled very orange/red toned on me.
–I got it in a gift set recently and gave it another try and now I really like it. The shade is a good match and I like the formula too.
–I have cheaper favorites so I’m not going to repurchase when I use this up, but it is a really good product.
Colour Pop Constellation + Bare Minerals Nude Chiffon=GORGEOUSNESS I finally got a diploma frame, 5 years after graduating, and then I couldn’t find my diploma. Most of my stuff is in storage and I went through every box in my storage unit and couldn’t find it. I ordered a replacement and finally got it hung up in my office. SHE IS BEAUTIFUL.My sister gave me these scripture cards for Christmas and it was one of my favorite gifts. I have them on my desk and flip to a new verse every day. I look forward to doing this every morning and starting my day with God’s word. I share them on Instastories and I’ve gotten several questions as to where to purchase them. You can get them on Amazon!I got these Adidas sneaks half off at Belk a few weeks ago and they’re cute and comfortable. I’ve been meeting a friend to walk at the park after we get off work and these don’t hurt my feet no matter how many miles we walk. Image via.
There are some new products I’ve purchased in the last few months that I wanted to share, but didn’t want to do a separate post on.
Colour Pop Jelly Much Shadow
–Shade: We Jammin
–Price: $8
–Cruelty free
–Love the shade. It’s a bright, white gold that’s very metallic and vibrant
–I usually layer a powder shadow over a cream like this, but you’ve got to wait for it to dry if you want to do that. I don’t have to patience to wait because it does take a little while so I recommend using this alone.
–I like to use it to brighten up the inner corner.
—LIKE but don’t love
Colour Pop Creme Gel Colour
–Shade: Call Me
–Price: $6
–Cruelty free
–Creamy, easy to apply, and stays in place
—LOVE
Colour Pop Brow Boss Pencil
–Shade: Taupe
–Price: $5
–Cruelty free
–Has a spoolie on the end which is a major plus
–Small tip allows for easy control and precision
—LOVE
Wet n Wild Liquid Matte Creme Eyeshadow
–Shade: Camel Back
–Price: $5
–Cruelty free
–Reminded me of the MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre
–Can wear alone or use as a primer, I used it as a primer
–Dried down matte and shadow blended easily on top of it with no creasing!
—LOVE
Colour Pop Supernova Shadow
–Shade: Constellation
–Price: $7
–Cruelty free
–Patchy AF when worn alone
–Dries down
–Would work better as a base or topper. I don’t recommend wearing alone.
—LIKE but don’t love
Becca Mineral Blush
–Shade: Flowerchild
–Price: $32 (got mine half price!)
–Cruelty free
–Pigmented AF! Use a light hand
–Love the color and the luminous finish
—LOVE
Essence Fresh & Fit Awake Primer
–Price: $5.99
–Cruelty free
–The consistency is too thick to me.
–Works fine, but I prefer a more thin, lightweight primer.
–Glow, yes :: pore minimizing, no
—NOPE (for me, but not a bad product)
NYX Foil Play Cream Eye Shadow
–Shade: Beauty Buzz
–Price: $5.99
–Cruelty free
–You HAVE to apply this with your finger and I hate using my fingers to apply makeup
–Very foiled and metallic
–Work best alone, powder shadows don’t blend or sit well on top
—NOPE (for me, but not a bad product)
Essence Color Correcting Liquid Concealer
–Shade: Pastel Pink
–Price: $3.99
–Cruelty free
–Not much coverage or pigmentation, very thin
–My dark circles need more coverage than what this gives
—NOPE
Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter
–Price: $28
–Cruelty free
–Works for fair skin
–Pretty packaging and presentation
–Not as blinding as I thought, but it’s still really pretty
—LOVE
Tarte Hamptons Weekender Contour Palette
–Price: $19 (I got it for $10)
–Cruelty free
–SO pigmented so use a light hand
–Perfect size for travel, but the pans are big enough to get your brush in
—LOVE
Y’all know I love some Colour Pop and almost lost my mind when I saw they were releasing a stick foundation. I love a stick foundation because they’re super quick and easy to use.
I did not like the liquid No Filter Foundation, review here, so I was a little hesitant about this, but of course I had to buy it and try it anyway.
Claims
–Conceal, correct, and perfect for a flawless complexion in seconds
–Medium-buildable coverage
–Instantly blurs pores, covers blemishes, and blends effortlessly
–Natural, skin-like finish
–Never cakey or drying
Pros
–Shade match help, can match by brand
–Cruelty free
–Vegan
–Lasted all day
–Easy to blend
–Creamy
–Shade range
Cons
–No shade match for me
–I set it with powder but it didn’t feel like it actually set down
–Looked a little cakey on my dry skin
Final Thoughts
This foundation wore fine throughout the day, but I didn’t love how my skin looked. This shade was too warm for me, but the fair cool shade would have been too dark. They need a 0.5C. I had to use a white mixer to make it work. The Ulta foundation stick is better and there’s a perfect shade match for me. (review on the Ulta stick here) I think this is better suited for normal, combo, or oily skin. Not good, not bad, just meh..
Before & AfterBare face :: Foundation + Mixer :: Foundation only :: Full faceAM & PMUlta swatch on top :: Colour Pop Swatch on the bottom
CLAIMS –Primer: Preps & smooths skin for better looking makeup, minimizes pores, optical blurring powers, creates a smooth surface for makeup to glide on & stay on –Spray:Extends wear of makeup, fights oil, blurs pores, micro-fine mist, smooths texture, creates an invisible barrier to defend against melting, creasing, cracking, & fading
PRICE –Primer: $10 for 0.88 oz –Spray: $10 for 4.0 oz
–Both are available at colourpop.com
PROS –Primer: Affordable, vegan, cruelty free, smells good, smoothed, not overly mattifying which I liked since I have dry skin –Spray: Affordable, alcohol free, lots of product for a good price, cruelty free, oil free, vegan
CONS –Primer: Online only, thicker consistency, little difficult to blend –Spray: Online only
FINAL THOUGHTS –Primer: This was a meh product for me. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it. It definitely didn’t blur my pores as well as my Catriceprimer. It didn’t dry out or make my foundation look bad even though I have dry skin. It created a smooth canvas before makeup application. If you have really oily skin, I don’t know that this will work at keeping oil at bay all day. –Spray:LOVE this. It lives up to all of its claims, except the pore blurring part. I still used a pore filling primer. It definitely extends the wear time of your makeup. I wore my makeup for 12+ hours, took a nap, and my makeup still looked good. The Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is $32 for 4.0 oz and this is just as good so save your monies and get this one instead.
Claims
–Weightless
–Soft focus, matte finish
–No flashback
–Not heavy or cakey
Price
–$9 for 0.30 oz
—Compared to Laura Mercier Translucent Powder $38 for 1 oz
–Available at colourpop.com
Shade Range
–Affordable
–Cruelty free
–Vegan
–Silky smooth & finely milled
Cons
–Contains talc
–Online only
–Didn’t work with certain foundations, the Colour Pop foundation being one of them
–Showed every fine line under my eyes
Final Thoughts
–I wore this with my beloved Rimmel foundation and it didn’t cake up at all. Then, I tested it with the Colour Pop foundation which was a disaster. It was too much matte for my dry skin.
–I think you have normal or normal/oily skin, you would like this. If you have dry skin, you can make it work, but you have to use the right combination of primer, foundation, and setting spray to make it work.
–It’s not a bad product, it’s just not a good product for me.
