Summer Makeup Must Haves and Summer Makeup Wishlist

 Summer. The time of pool parties, sunshine, BBQ's and of course - dewy skin! When you're out in the sun, you want to look glowy and flawless, but you do NOT want caky makeup melting off your face. It's also super important to wear sunscreen all over your body including your face. Take it from someone who got sun poisoning in Cancun. Having people ask me if I had leprosy was not so fun and now it's so important for me to protect my skin. Below are my favorite makeup products for summer as well the makeup products I wish someone would buy for me. Many of these are inspired by some of my fave Youtube beauty gurus - Samantha Ravndahl, Alanna Davison, Jamie Paige and Rawbeauty Kristi. Not only are these ladies friendship goals, they are also makeup goals. They've been rocking bronzed and dewy radiant skin like it's their job (OK it actually is their job), but you get what I'm saying. So without further a due, below are my summer makeup must haves and must somehow find money to buys.

1. It Cosmetics CC Cream

I love this CC cream for everyday. It's called your skin but better and has SPF. Have I mentioned how important it is to protect your skin? It provides really nice coverage without looking like you're wearing makeup and it's also infused with anti-aging serum. Win/Win/Win.

https://www.sephora.com/product/your-skin-but-better-trade-cc-trade-cream-with-spf-50-mini-P425876

2. Tarte Chrome Paints 

These are little pots of magic. The warmth of your finger makes these melt into your skin and they last all day. The pigments are so vibrant and beautiful and super easy to apply all over your lid. My favorite colors are top yacht, sun drenched and frose, but you can't go wrong with any of them.

https://www.sephora.com/product/chrome-paint-shadow-pot-P427600?skuId=2060390&icid2=products%20grid:p427600

3. Becca Hydra Mist Set and Refresh

This powder is like nothing I've ever experienced before. I'm literally copying the description from Sephora because that will explain it best, but for me - it sets my makeup without looking powdery. It also feels wet on your skin, which is highly refreshing especially should you need to touch up by the pool!  

What it is:
An ultra-translucent setting powder that sets makeup for extended wear with a revitalizing, mist-like effect on skin.

What it does:
This weightless powder sets and refreshes makeup for a silky smooth, invisible finish. Formulated with 50 percent water and glycerin, this powder creates a mist-like sensation on skin, for a seamless finish and comfortable feel. Ultra-fine, light-reflecting powders float over skin to smooth and blur the look of fine lines and imperfections. Reapply it as needed to keep makeup looking fresh all day.

4. Dior Lip Glow 

 In the summer I'm all about balms and glosses. I want my lips to feel hydrated and look yummy. This dior balm is perfect because it enhances your natural lip color while moisturizing your lips. It's kind of like if a balm and a stain had a baby and I'm all about it.

https://www.sephora.com/product/dior-addict-lip-glow-color-reviver-balm-P236816

5. Fenty Gloss Bomb 

Probably my favorite gloss ever and it takes a lot for me to say that, but this gloss makes your lips look so juicy. It's glossy without being sticky and it's this beautiful rose nude shade that looks great on every skin tone, on top of any lipstick and with any makeup look. Rawbeauty Kristi said I needed to try it and she was right!

https://www.sephora.com/product/gloss-bomb-universal-lip-luminizer-P67988453

6. Hourglass Luminous Bronze Light 

 This is my ride or die bronzer. It goes on so smoothly and it never gets muddy, it just makes you looked bronze, natural, radiant and sun kissed. It's just beautiful.

https://www.sephora.com/product/ambient-bronzer-P395697

7.  Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray 

This is my perfect setting spray because it locks in my makeup and gives that dewy finish.

https://www.sephora.com/product/dewy-finish-setting-spray-P431850

Wish List

Have i mentioned that I wish one could register for makeup? And people could buy it for you for no reason?

1. Dominique Cosmetics Lemonade Palette OR Violet Voss Flamingo Palette 

vs

I'm torn between these two palettes because the colors in the Violet Voss palette are so beautiful. They just scream summer to me and I can already envision all of the fun looks I'd love to create. The colors in the Lemonade palette are really pretty, but not quite as vibrant and lemonade-y as I hoped for and I've been waiting for the reveal of that palette for months. That said, my Dominque Cosmetics latte palette is one of my all time favorite palettes. Christen's formula is so smooth and buttery, they blend like a dream and I know the quality will be there. I've actually never tried Violet Voss shadowns and I've heard mixed reviews. Let me know your thoughts because I'm torn. In a perfect world I'd just get both, but no this ain't no perfect world and a girl's gotta eat.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter 

Whether you wear this under your foundation, over your foundation or both (I'd do both) this gives you the most beautiful dewy glow. That Hollywood glow if you will and I'm so Hollywood.

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/charlotte-tilbury-hollywood-flawless-filter-for-a-superstar-youth-glow/4899583?country=US&currency=USD&cm_mmc=google-_-shopping_ret-_-1377287001-_-58599619601_d8cec20b-6079-4aa0-b5f0-5a84eb61d320&cm_mmca1=pla-443392026135_16358146&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9tDB4trM2wIVh8BkCh0Htw-NEAQYASABEgIjDfD_BwE

3. Hourglass Illume Sheer Trio 

This product has been sold out from Sephora and I'm sure it's because of Samantha Ravndahl. Hourglass products really never disappoint. This product has a cream to satin finish and I just love cream products in the summer. According to Sam (I feel like I know her so I'm gonna go ahead and call her Sam) all of the colors (the bronzer, the blush and the highlight) are stunning and I love pretty much all of Sam's recommendations. It looks so beautiful and I WANT IT.

https://www.sephora.com/product/illume-sheer-color-trio-P407707

4. YSL Tint in Oil and YSL Vinyl Cream

And more recommendations from Samantha Ravndahl. She's been wearing the Vinyl Cream in 406 in numerous videos and that juicy, glossy, bright orange lip - I NEED. According to Sam they are super comfortable and dry down into a beautiful stain that lasts long and looks great all day.

https://www.sephora.com/product/rouge-pur-couture-vernis-l-vres-vinyl-cream-P410743?skuId=1858067

5. Becca Gradient Sunlit Bronzer 

So although my hourglass bronzer is my favorite, I also love Becca's bronzers and I really love Becca highligters. Well, this magical bronzer combines Becca's sunlit bronzers with their shimmering skin perfecter in Opal (Opal happens to be one of my favorite highlights ever) and the result is a beautiful, radiant, just stepped off the beach glow. Jamie Paige tried it out in a video and she really liked it and it looked just as I imagined it would.

 https://www.sephora.com/product/gradient-sunlit-bronzer-P429917

What are your summer must haves and wants?

Depression is real and it sucks

So honestly, I tried to rename this blog because I have so many thoughts. Many of them involve makeup, but many of them do not. Alas, I can't change the title of this blog (or more likely there is a way and I'm just too technologically challenged). So it's going to be a plethora of topics including but NOT LIMITED TO makeup.

The past few weekends I could barely get out of bed. This is common when you are suffering from depression and your meds stop working. People probably assume I'm out a Hollywood hot spot. Oh who am I kidding, they used to assume that. Now they probably realize I'm likely watching Netflix with my dog. The latter is more accurate, but either way, I don't think people would suspect that I suffer from depression and it can just be crippling. People who really know me can sense things. My best friends told me that my energy seemed low and I really only seemed happy around Simon. When I finally admitted to my mom that my Paxil wasn't working anymore, she said she suspected as much.

 I used to think of depression as being a weakness. I didn't think I needed medication or therapy and I was insulted that anyone would have the nerve to suggest that I did. I thought that people would view me as damaged. I thought I could handle it. The thing I realize now is that admitting you need help takes a lot of strength and courage. Therapy is amazing. Having an objective professional give you coping mechanisms and new or different ways of looking at things and dealing with things is so helpful. When it comes to antidepressants, my therapist said something that really resonated with me. There is no magic pill that is going to fix your life, but she compared it to driving over speed bumps. There are some people who just feel the speed bumps so much more and there are pills that can help make going over those speed bumps easier.

With social media, we all show our best lives. Kate Spade left behind a billion dollar empire, a beautiful daughter, and a family. Her whimsical designs made so many people happy, who would have ever guessed that she might not be? Anthony Bourdain traveled all around the world, he ate delicious food, had a CNN show. Both Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain were talented, hard working, inspiring and had more money and success than most people could ever dream of. If this isn't proof that mental illness is a real problem, I don't know what is.

Hopefully these tragic deaths will make people think twice before tweeting something cruel or saying something cruel. Hopefully it will inspire people to hug their loved ones tight. If you think someone you love is going through something, they probably are and you shouldn't be afraid to ask or at least let them know you are there. Depression isn't a weakness, you'd be surprised how many people suffer from it. If you follow me on Facebook then you know my finances currently suck. I'm single. There's so much I thought I would have accomplished by now that I haven't. If Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain couldn't find happiness, what chance do I have? But what I do have are the best family, friends and doggy in the entire world and that is a LOT.

My favorite AFFORDABLE MAKEUP

So not gonna lie...I'm kind of a makeup snob. Which is silly because there are so many affordable makeup brands and drugstores are really upping their makeup game. I believe (and always will) that the place to invest your extra dollars for makeup should be on foundation and skincare. After all, it's all about that base when it comes to your face. NYX, Wet and Wild, Elf, Flower Beauty and Colourpop are some of my favorite affordable brands. They are just fantastic. I've found some products that I truly LOVE that are super affordable and I wanted to share them with you. I don't have products for every single category, but I have most covered.

Foundation
Flower Beauty Light Illusion Foundation
https://www.ulta.com/light-illusion-liquid-foundation?productId=xlsImpprod17631333

Flower Beauty is owned by Drew Barrymore and I looove Drew Barrymore. I love her movies, I love her boho chic style, I love how down to earth and fun she seems and her 90s grunge makeup vibe still makes me happy. This foundation is one of my favorite foundations EVER, which is amazing because it's $14!! If you have oily skin, it probably won't be your friend. If you have dry skin like me then you will absolutely love it. The coverage is great, the finish is dewy and beautiful and when I set it, it lasts on me for a good amount of time. I'm truly obsessed.

Concealer

Colourpop No Filter Concealer
https://colourpop.com/products/fair-02

Again, this is one of my top favorites of all times. It's creamy, it gives nice coverage, it doesn't make my undereyes look dry or cakey and I'm impressed with how little it creases. The best part...it's $6!!!

Powder
RCMA No color Powder
It's $12 and performs really well, even on my super dry skin. I will say that I hate the packaging, but you do get a ton of product and it will last you a really long time so your $12 goes a long way. 

Blush
Milani Baked Blushes
https://www.ulta.com/baked-blush?productId=xlsImpprod17081057#

These blushes are beautiful. They have such a nice sheen to them and are easy to build up. My favorite is Luminoso of course. They are $8! I've heard great things about the Flower Beauty blushes as well.

Highlight
Wet and Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
https://www.ulta.com/megaglo-highlighting-powder?productId=xlsImpprod16411015&sku=2516739&_requestid=3218666#

These are so gorgeous. They are not as blinding as I usual go for, but amazing for everyday. It gives such a beautiful glow to your skin and they are like $5. I actually bought these for my best friends as part of their christmas gift because I love them so much and they wear them most days too.

The Flower Beauty Shimmer & Strobe Hightlight Palette is stunning. It gives you that wet look, which I love. ($16)

https://www.ulta.com/shimmer-strobe-highlighting-palette?productId=xlsImpprod17631411

Eyeshadow Palettes

Colourpop has such amazing quality eye shadows for such affordable prices. My favorite palettes are the Kathleen Lights Dreamstreet and the Yes Please Palette.

BH Carli Bybel Palette
This is one of my fave palettes. It's currently on sale for about $18 at Ulta, which is insane. I know that when this sells out, it is gone forever so I'd highly suggest grabbing it now.

 

Juvias Place Masquerade Palette
This palette is $25, which is the most expensive item I've mentioned thus far BUT...you get 16 shadows, the pan sizes are large and these are some of the best quality eyeshadows I've ever worked with. Honestly, they are so buttery and pigmented, the shimmer shades are so shimmery, the matte shades blend easily. I also really adore the Douce Palette ($21) although it's not quite as wearable or as much bang for your buck. They do have sales so look out for that and you can also use discount codes from beauty influences. Nikkietutorials has one and her code is NIKKIE so you can save a couple bucks that way as well.

Mascara
Loreal Voluminous Lash Paradise
https://www.ulta.com/voluminous-lash-paradise-mascara?productId=xlsImpprod16151007&sku=2510037&cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&cagpspn=pla&CATCI=pla-343051781481&CAAGID=35321891920&CAWELAID=330000200001170922&CATARGETID=330000200001235593&cadevice=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3-W8ncDn2gIVFsNkCh1_bgp0EAQYASABEgK1-vD_BwE

This is a really great dupe for Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. Honestly, I think I even like it better and it's a fraction of the price ($10).

Lips

NYX Lip Lingerie Liquid
I'm not the biggest fan of liquid lipsticks as you may know, but I got one of these in my Ipsy bag was so impressed. It's comfortable, it lasts, it doesn't fade into a crackly mess. I'm a fan. I also love NYX butter glosses.

Colourpop
I know I keep mentioning colourpop, but it's one of my favorite brands. I am not a fan of their liquid lipsticks, but I do enjoy their lippies, lipsticks, ultra satin lips and glosses. I also love that they have so many fun colors, but also a huge array of nudes.

Setting Spray
Pixi Glow Mist ($15)
https://www.pixibeauty.com/products/glow-mist?variant=31991600899

I love using this to set and refresh. It gives me that dewy look. I also like using it in place of Mac fix plus to spray on my brush for shimmer shades to give them that extra metallic look.

To be completely honest, I don't have a drugstore bronzer because I love my hourglass one so much that nothing can compare. I also don't have a drugstore primer or brow products because I'm fairly set in my ways in those departments. What are your favorite affordable makeup products??

An Open Letter to Grey's Anatomy

Dear Grey's Anatomy,

I feel like I'm in an abusive television relationship with you. You will kick me in the emotional gut and I'll swear to myself that I'm NEVER watch again. Yet, somehow you always seem to pull me back in. Also, I'm a masochist.

The first few seasons were amazing. It almost pains me to watch them again now, but I've learned that I have to take you for what you are now and not compare you to who you were then. Through all the characters that have come and gone (and many, many characters have come and gone) the magic that the original cast has never been recaptured. The chemistry between Meredith and Derek, Christina and Burke, Izzy and Alex, Mark and Lexie, Arizona and Callie...none of the current couples can even hold a candle. Jackson and April came closest for me, but April is leaving. Glasses is not George.

Honestly, I wasn't too upset when George died. I felt like his character did all he needed to do and the way you killed him off was absolutely brilliant. You have a way of taking a lackluster season and delivering a killer finale. When Lexie died I was done, I swore I'd never watch again. Only I had to see what happened with Mark. I was actually OK when he died because he would be reunited with Lexie in heaven thus making them the ONLY Grey's couple that I loved to end up together, albeit in a tragic way.

When Derek died, I was REALLY done. Or so I told myself. His death was awful. It felt rushed, it was so frustrating and it just seemed mean. How does Grey's go on without Mcdreamy? You killed McDreamy and McSteamy! Any attempt at sex in the on call room seems forced. Christina Yang was given such a perfect send off and that made me OK with her leaving. Sure, I miss her but you really brought her story full circle.  And we have hope that one day, she might come back to Seattle Grace if even for one episode. You even brought Burke back, which made my heart happy. I didn't love the actions the actor who played him took, but I loved his character and he was so important to Christina's story. You realized that and I appreciated it. Derek though...what the actual fuck. I'm still mad about it.

You're probably asking why I started watching again. Two words: Martin Henderson. I love him. He starred in this random romantic comedy called Perfect Opposites, which probably no one else has seen, but I just love it. I actually didn't mind him and Meredith together. I liked that they both lost the loves of their lives and could empathize with each other. They weren't replacing their true soulmates, they were just deciding they had a right to be happy. Of course, then it turns out Martin Henderson's soulmate was still alive and he got to leave and be happy with her.

At this point, the only characters I really care about are the ones I've known the longest. Meredith of course, Bailey, Dr. Webber and Alex. I have grown to like April and I really like Arizona, but turns out that of all the actors to cut..it's them. Deluca is hot and meh and I don't know why I could care less about him, but I just could care less about him. Last night's episode with Sam being a Dreamer was interesting, but I wasn't all that invested in their relationship. Owen and Amelia - UGH. I like Owen, but I wouldn't really miss him. If he moved to Germany to be with Teddy, I'd be fine with that. One would think I'd like that there is still a Dr. Shepard, but she's pretty insufferable. I do not care about any of the new interns. Not one. I'm fine with Jo. I've liked Camilla Luddington ever since she played Kate Middleton and the made for TV version of William and Kate's love story. She and Alex are cute I guess but...Izzy though.

Maggie. Oh Maggie. I want to like her. She's nice enough. I like that she knows she's awkward. I think that she and Jackson have zero chemistry. Which is crazy, because Jackson is so insanely hot you would think he could have chemistry with anyone. But it just doesn't work. Stop trying to make Jaggie happen.

There have been a lot of amazing characters and a lot of really sucky ones. Most of them you've realized and either killed them off a crazy hospital shooting or sent them away (Dr. Hahn, Eliza whatever). You will do things and give a glimmer of hope like Scott Speedman. I love me some Scott Speedman and I do want Meredith to be happy. Poor woman has lost so many friends, her sister, her husband. She had a tumultuous relationship with her parents and they died too. She's suffered a plane crash, a shooting, a bomb, a miscarriage, a brutal attack, nearly drowning yet still managed to get a Harper Avery Award and be a strong independent woman and great mother. You have surpassed Private Practice and even scandal. I'd say you should have left the party a long time ago, but at the same time...I'm still watching.

I'm curious to see how Arizona and April will leave even though I don't want them to leave. Please don't kill them. I'm curious to see if Meredith will ever find her happy ending. Obviously, Derek won't be waiting for her at the edge of a dock like George Clooney in ER. So I'm hoping he's waiting for her on the other side of  an elevator.  The elevator to heaven. The best ending for me is honestly if Meredith Grey were to die so she can be reunited with Derek. And Lexie, Mark, George, her mom, Denny Duquette and all the other friends we've lost along the way.

Sephora VIB Sale: Recommendations and Wishlist

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Well, aside from Christmas. And the winter VIB sale because you get a bigger discount. Still, this sale only comes around a couple times a year so if there is ever a time to replenish your essentials or splurge on fun makeup...now is the time. Below are my recommendations (I've listed them by category) as well as my own personal wish list. Which I probably won't buy any of because I'm broke as a joke, but a girl can dream.

*Note: When it comes it to face products, I have really dry skin so I prefer really moisturizing and hydrating primers as well as dewy, yet full coverage foundations. If you have oily skin and/or like a light-medium coverage, my picks probably aren't for you. It's also a good time to stock up on beauty blenders!! Lately, I've been using my beauty blender for foundation, concealer, highlight, cream contour, almost everything except eyes and lips basically. Also, I've included direct links to some of the products, but not all of them cuz I'm lazy.

Skin Care

• First Aid Beauty Cleansers and Moisturizers
• Drunk Elephant Baby Facial
• OleHenrikson Sauna Scrub
• OleHenrikson Truth Serum

https://www.sephora.com/product/truth-serum-P42343 

•  Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream

https://www.sephora.com/product/brazilian-bum-bum-cream-P406080

Hair Care (for the damaged colored variety)

• Briogeo Repair Shampoo
• Brogeo Deep conditioning Mask
• IGK Smoke & Mirrors Conditioning Cleansing Oil

Primers:

• Smashbox Primerizer
• Becca Backlight Primer
• Milk Makeup Blur Stick

Setting Spray:
Cover FX illuminating Setting Spray

Foundation 

• Dior Forever Perfect Foundation - this is my holy grail, most favorite foundation ever. I basically mix it with any other foundation I choose to use.

https://www.sephora.com/product/diorskin-forever-perfect-foundation-broad-spectrum-35-P405059

• Hourglass Vanish Stick
• Too Faced Born This Way
• Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation Stick

I can't really recommend a concealer, because in my opinion nothing compares to tarte shape tape and sadly, they don't carry it at Sephora. That said, if you don't like super full coverage the urban decay naked weightless is a good one. I also highly recommend the Becca undereye brightening corrector.

Contour - Note (i'm pretty fair and prefer a cool toned contour)

• Fenty Beauty Matchstick in Amber
• Anastasia Foundation Stick Fawn
• Makeup Forever Contour Powder (I'm shade S116)
• Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette

Bronzer 

• Hourglass Ambient Lighting

https://www.sephora.com/product/ambient-bronzer-P395697

• Becca Sunlit Bronzer

Blush

• Tarte Amazonian Clay
• Hourglass ambient lighting

https://www.sephora.com/product/ambient-lighting-blush-collection-P384963?skuId=1581321&icid2=products%20grid:p384963

• Anastasia blush trio's

https://www.sephora.com/product/blush-trio-P420162?skuId=1942077&icid2=products%20grid:p420162 

Powder 

• Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder

Eyeshadow Palettes

• Anastasia Soft Glam

https://www.sephora.com/product/soft-glam-eyeshadow-palette-P58930227?icid2=just%20arrived:p58930227:product

• Anastasia Modern Renassaince

https://www.sephora.com/product/modern-renaissance-eye-shadow-palette-P409118?country_switch=ca

• Huda Beauty Desert Dusk

https://www.sephora.com/product/desert-dusk-eyeshadow-palette-P424149?country_switch=ca

*if you're willing to really splurge, you can't go wrong with Natasha Denona or Pat Mcgrath shadows

Also - Stila Magnificent Metals Liquid Eyeshadows and tarte chrome paint shadow pots
https://www.sephora.com/product/magnificent-metals-glitter-glow-liquid-eye-shadow-P63087293?skuId=1891340&icid2=products%20grid:p63087293

https://www.sephora.com/product/chrome-paint-shadow-pot-P427600?country_switch=ca&skuId=2029700

Mascara

• Lancome Monsieur Big

https://www.sephora.com/product/monsieur-big-mascara-P419848

Highlight 

• Becca Highlights (champagne pop is my fave)
• Anastasia Glow Kits and liquid highlight
• Cover FX custom enhancing drops

https://www.sephora.com/product/custom-enhancer-drops-P409765?skuId=1826924

Lips (you will tell that I really prefer moisturizing lipsticks or glosses. Kat Von D liquid lips are the ONLY ones I like)

• Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid lips
• Bite Beauty lipsticks
• Fenty Beauty Gloss Bombs
• Urban Decay Hi-Shine Lip Gloss

https://www.sephora.com/product/hi-fi-shine-ultra-cushion-lip-gloss-P429052?skuId=2055648

• Marc Jacobs lip gloss
• Nars Velvet Lip Glides
• Buxom Lip Glosses
• Dior Lip Glow Color Revive Balm

My Wish List

• Pat McGrath Mothership La Vie En Rose Palette

• Natasha Denona Star Palette

https://www.sephora.com/product/star-eyeshadow-palette-P413523?skuId=1877141&keyword=natasha%20denona%20star%20palette

• Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
• Lancome Skin Feels Good Nourishing Foundation
• Becca Hydra Mist Set and Refresh Powder

• Anastasia Amrezy Highlighter

https://www.sephora.com/product/amrezy-highlighter-P429201

• Marc Jacobs O!Mega Bronzer

• Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Serum

https://www.sephora.com/product/watermelon-brightening-serum-P430903

• Ole Henrikson Banana Bright Eye Creme

https://www.sephora.com/product/banana-bright-eye-creme-P426339

• Sol De Janiero Shower Creme gel

On Sale NOW at Sephora - My Recommendations

No one loves a good sale more than me. Especially when it comes to makeup. Because makeup is my crack. I love that Sephora has been doing their "weekly wow" and featuring products once a week at a discounted price. I'd highly recommend checking them out and also follow Trendmood and Trendmood deals on Instagram so you can stay up to date on all new makeup releases, steals and deals.

So if you don't know, now ya know. Below are the products that are currently on sale that I would grab while ya can!!

Beca Liquid Crystal Glow Gloss

https://www.sephora.com/product/liquid-crystal-lip-topper-glow-gloss-P420606?skuId=1936624&icid2=products%20grid:p420606

These aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I think they are stunning. They are on trend with the whole holographic thing, but they are subtle and give your lips a really pretty crystal, juicy, duo-chrome look.

UD X Kristen Leanne Kaleidoscope Palette 

https://www.sephora.com/product/kristen-leanne-kaleidoscope-dream-eyeshadow-palette-P428609?skuId=2039402&icid2=products%20grid:p428609

I was surprised to see this one on sale because it came out pretty recently. Quite honestly, I had no intention of picking this one up because the bright colors looked a little intimidating. Then I saw all my favorite Youtubers creating such gorgeous looks with this palette (I'll insert some links below) and giving it such great reviews, that at $20, I decided to grab it. If you are looking for a more neutral palette, her Daydream palette is on sale for $13. I passed over it only because I have so much like it in my collection, but if you are in the market for an everyday shadow palette, I've heard great things. These are limited edition so I'd say get them asap if you likey.

 Awesome Tutorials Using This Palette for Inspo

Atleeeey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djTowyMPSwk

Raw Beauty Kristi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4eCr2MISLc


Becca Light Chaser Highlighter 

https://www.sephora.com/product/light-chaser-highlighter-P420604?skuId=1936574&icid2=products%20grid:p420604

Becca makes some of my all time favorite highlights. The light chaser highlights are a little different than their regular ones, but still gorgeous. For $17 I'd say try yourself some champagne flashes Bellini.

Bite Beauty High Pigment Lip Pencil 

https://www.sephora.com/product/high-pigment-matte-pencil-P283905?skuId=1488253&icid2=products%20grid:p283905

I'm obsessed with Bite Beauty lip products. Their lipstick in honeycomb is in my top five lipsticks ever in life. The lip pencils are so creamy, they last long and glide on like a dream. At $10 so you should probably just get all of them.

Natasha Denona 

https://www.sephora.com/product/lip-color-matte-P417344?skuId=1909829&icid2=products%20grid:p417344

While on the lipstick train, this weeks Weekly Wow has some Natasha Denona lipsticks. So I'm going to be honest, I've never tried her lipsticks. But I love her makeup. It's super expensive, but they eyeshadows are incredible. She also has some beautiful blushes, highlights, foundations so I'd imagine her lip products are good too. There are some matte options as well as some shiny options. Anytime you can get Natasha Denona on sale, I'd say go for it.

Kat Von D - Lock It Brightening Powder 

https://www.sephora.com/product/lock-it-brightening-powder-P415231?skuId=1885268&icid2=products%20grid:p415231


I love this powder!! It really does set and brighten my undereyes. I'm actually so upset because they are sold out of my shade. But if you have medium to deep skin tones, I'd highly, highly recommend this powder.

FAB Trilogy 



https://www.sephora.com/product/fab-trilogy-P423674?skuId=1971456&icid2=products%20grid:p423674

First  Aid Beauty has been a lifesaver for my dry skin. I love their moisturizers and primers so much. I think this kit is a great way to check out some of their products if you are in the market for some great skincare.

Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Brush

https://www.sephora.com/product/shade-light-contour-brush-P392128?skuId=1654128&icid2=products%20grid:p392128

This is such a great brush.  I love that it's double sided because it's great for travel and can be used for bronzing, contour, blush and powder.
 
 While I'm here, I figured I'd share a few non-sephora deals while I'm at it. Hautelook often has some great make up deals. Currently they Kevyn Aucoin. I think the Neo-Trio Palette is an amazing steal.

https://www.hautelook.com/events/216610/products/2409030/kevyn-aucoin-neo-trio-palette?color=NO%20COLOR

TJ Maxx is also a fun place to find amazing makeup deals. They also have Kevyn Aucoin, Burberry, Milk Makeup, Nars and more!

https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/jump/product/women-beauty-makeup/Duo-Cream-Eyeshadow/1000335854?colorId=NS4373423&pos=1:11&N=4099689032

What are you picking up? Or are you saving for Ulta 21 days of beauty? I'll be sure to post some recommendations for that one as well! 

Just Like The Bachelor Arie...I've Had A Change of Heart

So when I was in elementary school, Dylan McKay had a choice to make. He had to choose between Brenda Walsh and Kelly Taylor. Brenda was the strong, somewhat bitchy brunette from Minnesota. Kelly was the blonde bombshell from Beverly Hills who everyone wanted to be. She ended up joining a cult. Getting engaged multiple times. Getting shot and having amnesia. Almost dying in a fire.

Yes, I'm talking about fictional characters on Beverly Hills 90210. And yes, Dylan chose Kelly, the blonde bombshell with the baby voice. This girl in my class named Megan proudly announced that Dylan obviously chose Kelly because she was blonde. Megan was also blonde. I remember standing up and shouting "NO, Dylan chose Kelly because he had been with Brenda forever and they needed a new storyline!" I was in like fourth grade and clearly wise beyond my years and already well versed in screenwriting, even if I didn't know it.

Yet a part of me has always wondered, did Dylan choose Kelly because she was blonde? It's not really a blonde/brunette thing. I guess I just wonder, why was Becca safe? Because she put her entire heart out there? Because she had more personality? Because she was brunette? It pisses me off that he called her safe, but this is a little bit personal. #TEAMBRENDA clearly.

Brunettes sometimes lose the battle. But we often win the war.

On another note, I'm such a hypocrite. Lately, I've been preaching about people who make Youtube videos and tweet about public figures they don't know. I'm all, who has time for that, it's so sad, if I was tweeting rude things to random celebrities I'd hope someone would intervene and tell me to re-evaluate my life. Yet, here I am. Blogging and tweeting about The Bachelor. So I acknowledge this and I'm going to try to be nicer in this one. No one deserves to be bullied online, not even sociopaths. Sorry that just came out.

I guess it's just that we've all been Becca at some point. We've all had our hearts broken, been blindsided and had to mourn the loss of an important person in our lives and the future we dreamed of with them in our minds. It sucks under the best of circumstances and I can't imagine having it be on camera. But some good points were made. Having Ari be so cold and so final, being able to watch your heart be broken and having a really tangible reason as to why (Lauren), makes getting over it so much easier. It's so much harder when they are nice and can't give you an explanation because you still have hope, you still think of them fondly, you still wonder what could have been. It didn't take long for Becca to realize that Arie gave her the greatest gift of all. He made her the Bachelorette. He made people feel the need to venmo her money so she could buy wine. Instead of mourning a grey haired man who has panic attacks in wool sweaters, Becca gets to wear sequined designer dresses while 25 hot men fight over her. So if that meant Becca would have to look at some pictures and journal entries while being filmed and crying then so be it. And I don't blame her one bit. I don't know if she handled herself so well because she knew she'd be the Bachelorette, because she's a publicist or because she's simply the nicest and classiest person ever, but I gotta give it to her. I've handled myself less well after like one date.

I don't know Arie Lyundek Jr. He could be the nicest guy on the planet and rescue puppies from mills and feed orphans in his spare time. I don't agree with how he handled things, but I've never been The Bachelorette. Though if we are being honest, I've imagined what I would say to my runner up. And since I'm 36 and way too old for this show (cause THAT is the reason I'll never be the Bachelorette) I'm going to share my speech with you. Ready?

"In another time and another place, I truly believe we could have something amazing. But in this time, in this place and on this journey...my heart has led me in another direction."

That's all I got, but I made sure to include the word "journey." I don't know what I'd do. Maybe I'd get swept up in the moment and accept a proposal. I'd definitely sleep with at least two of the guys in the fantasy suites because you gotta try before you buy. I guess it just seemed like Arie really should not have proposed. But he did. And then it seemed like he really should have talked to Becca in private. But maybe their breakup did need to be seen by everyone, including Becca, for all of us to move on. He definitely should have left when she asked him to leave. He could have shown a little more empathy and been more careful about his choice of words (saying he was 1000 percent over her and he chose her because she was safe seemed pretty insensitive). Proposing to Lauren so soon after all this also seems crazy. Perhaps they should have some coffee with coconut milk first and take some time to let all of this blow over. But at the end of the day, who am I to judge? Lauren and Arie seem happy together and that's swell. Becca is the true winner of this situation and she's ready to do the damn thing. And in the wise words of Jason Mesnick, there are more important things going on in the world and even sociopaths deserve happiness. Oops I did it again! I'm kidding. I honestly wish Arie and Lauren happiness. I hope they prove us all wrong and become the next Jason and Molly.

I loved seeing all the girls be genuinely happy for Becca. Usually they plaster on fake smiles thinking they should have been The Bachelorette, but you could tell they really thought she deserved it. I believe that Tia will follow in Raven's footsteps and find love in Paradise. Young Bekka has found love...with huge statement earrings. Caroline has had more airtime then anyone could ever have imagined. Kendall will find a quirky man or bond with a raccoon in Paradise. And then when it dies she will stuff it. And Sienne will marry an intellectual and handsome gentleman who I'd like to name Hans.

Chris Harrison FINALLY got to say with absolute conviction that this was the most dramatic finale ever. And I believe it was. And as I predicted. Becca actually got a pony. OK, it was a horse. You people are so picky. This blog was a little all over the place just like Arie's heart. And that's OK because the heart is a tricky little bugger. I guess all we can do is follow our own the best we can and try not to shatter the hearts of others whenever we can help it. So I'm going to go back to blogging about makeup and trying only to judge others for judging others. For now anyway. Becca's season starts in May...


Editors Note: I'm the editor, but I've always wanted to do that. I love my blonde friends. If I could be blonde, I totally would be for a month or two, but I was informed I look like a Disney princess gone bad. This has just always been a fascinating subject for me. I once even did a science fair project. Blondes.Vs.Brunettes and we placed an actual personal ad in the newspaper because that's how we did things back in the dark ages. But we also had to record a voicemail. So the ads were basically the same except for the hair color and we did different age brackets. But to be totally honest, I can't even remember what hair color won. All I can remember is that my grandma recorded a couple of the voicemails (we needed some different voices). My Mom Mom always prided herself on her sexy hoarse smoker voice. But a couple of the men called the newspaper and complained that she sounded too old. So we had to take them down and my grandma was really insulted. Don't get me wrong, I love being a brunette. I'm in good company (Angelina, Adriana Lima, Megan Fox, Kelly Kapowski), but I can't deny the blonde thing. At the end of the day, Arie really just needed a delusional passive pushover whatever her hair color might be. OMG I'm done now. For real. Just because their proposal made me nauseous doesn't mean I don't wish happiness to all.