5 Things I'm Loving Lately: Beauty Edition
“5 Things I'm Loving Lately” was a series in the very beginning stages of this website, and I liked it so much, I decided to bring it back! If you’re new here, this is a quick read on some of my favorite items of the moment, and the post will always be themed. This week’s theme is beauty, and while I’ve let my routine seriously backslide for…a while…I’ve still managed to find some things I really love. I wanted to share them with you in case you’re looking for some new products to try out, so here we go!
The Sponge by Makeup Eraser - $18
I think I purchased this to get over the free shipping threshold when I was buying holiday gifts last year. My birthday is Christmas Eve, and I tend to go the “2 for you, 1 for me” route — especially if free shipping is involved because I’m never trying to pay for that! Well, I finally tested the sponge out, and I’m kind of mad it’s been hanging out in my vanity untouched for so long. I love it! I usually purchase the $6 sponges from Ulta, and while I still like those, this one doesn’t feel like it accumulates the buildup the other sponges typically do. And the best part about it? It’s the first sponge designed to be machine washable! Just toss it in the accompanying plastic container first, and you’re good to go! I’ve yet to test out this feature, but as soon as I do, I’ll update the post. Aside from being super easy to clean, it has great angles, and it gives my makeup a super smooth application. BONUS: through 8/20, Makeup Eraser is offering BOGO sitewide! And shipping is free if you hit $50…#badinfluence PS they won’t be on sale, but you can find them at Sephora online and possibly in-store, too!
Nectarine Blossom & Honey Colonge by Jo Malone - $74
I’ve never worn Jo Malone, but I have a bunch of friends who are obsessed with it. I received a sample of this fragrance with a cosmetic purchase, and as soon as I misted it on my neck I was swoooooning. I smell like the freshest peach in the patch, y’all! This is a perfect summer scent, and for those of us in the south, we have a lot of summer left! Also Justin, if you’re reading this, you can buy this for me ok 😉😉😉
Busy Gal Brows by Tarte - $18
I got this when Tarte was doing their kit deal, and I wasn’t expecting a whole lot. Like most people, the word “gel” tends to scare me, but I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! This stuff is LEGIT. The product has a little wand at the end that fills in my brows beautifully. It also wrangles them all in the same direction which isn’t typically too much of an issue for me, but when I’m overdue for a waxing appointment it can be! It doesn’t flake, melt, or smudge. It stays perfectly in place and isn’t a nightmare to scrub off at the end of the day. These pictures are terrible, but they prove a point:
This is before I put on my makeup…
I know what you’re thinking, and yes, I did serve up a very Polyanna vibe at the race track.
Okay, and this is after hanging out in 100+ degree heat at the Music City Grand Prix for over 3 hours in the direct sun.
The heat clearly does not agree with me, but I REST MY CASE.
I will say, I think you could definitely go heavy handed, so start out small and build them up. I purchased the Medium Cool Brown shade because my brows are naturally pretty dark. I probably could have gone with Medium Brown, but I don’t always like when my brows are warm-toned. Just a personal preference. You can also find this product in store (check your location first!) and online at Ulta!
Lip Wrap Treatment Mask by ILIA - $26
Some of you are about to cuss me out for recommending a $26 lip mask, BUT HEAR ME OUT. A little over a month ago, for absolutely no reason, my lips became miserably chapped. Like, raw. I tried literally everything, and nothing worked. It was insufferable. I went digging around in my skincare drawer, and I found a sample of this product. It was like my mango butter savior. It worked so well, I went to Sephora and immediately purchased the full size product. I know it’s a little steep for the size, but it should last a while and again, it’s the only thing that worked. Also, I can wear it under a face mask, and it doesn’t get weird or smear all over my face. FIVE STARS!
Fix+ Magic Radiance by MAC - $33
If you know anything about my makeup routine, you know that I am in a long term relationship with Fix+. And for good reason! I’ve yet to find a setting spray I like better. But Fix+ is more than just a setting spray. Yes, it keeps everything locked in place. But it also has a way of making your makeup look like it’s part of your skin. It can also be used to prime. And my fave use in the summer months? As a mid-day refresher. I used the original religiously, and then they launched the Gold Shimmer version which would def make my list of can’t live without beauty items. My only complaint about the gold version — and this isn’t a complaint as much as it’s a statement of fact — you can’t really layer it on without looking like C3PO. Believe me, I found out the hard way 🤣 But they recently launched Fix+ Magic Radiance that has vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients that give you a fresh, hydrated glow. You can’t really overdo it. You can layer it on as much as you want. I use it year round. Whether my skin is parched from cooler weather or dried out from being blasted in the face by my car’s AC, it makes my skin happier than it was before. Isn’t that what we’re all trying to do? Just make our skin happy *for once* Oh, and it’s great for touch ups! If I want to refresh my under eye, I spray some on the area or directly on a sponge, then apply concealer and powder, and then set again with the spray. If I don’t have time to wash and reapply my makeup before going out, I’ll spritz my face 4 or 5 times, layer my foundation right over the top, and continue on with my makeup application process. MAC offers free shipping on orders over $25, so you’re all set here! You can also find this item on Ulta’s website.
