Holiday How-To Makeup Look feat. DRESSBAR.com

Happy (almost) Holidays! Today I have an exciting post featuring my holiday how-to makeup collaboration with DRESSBAR.com. To see the full post on how to achieve this classic and glam look, click here! For the list of products I used, keep on scrollin' ;)

Product List:

(These are all links!)

Face:

Foundation: Mac Studio Fix Fluid – NW18

Concealer: Maybelline Master Conceal – Light (LOVE this!)

Powder: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural – Medium

Bronzer: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil – Milk Chocolate

Highlight: The Balm Mary Lou Manizer

Eyes:

Primer: MAC Paint Pot – Soft Ochre

Crease Shadow: used my bronzer!

Lid Shadow: used my highlighter!

Liner: Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeline

Mascara: Bare Minerals Lash Domination (added a few of Ardell individual lashes)

Brows: NYX Micro Brow Pencil – Ash Brown

Lips:

Sephora Collection Lip Cream Stain – 01 Always Red

November Beauty Favorites

As we're moving right along through Decemeber (where does time go?), I thought it would be a good idea to finally get my November favorites up. I decided to do this post a little differently this time because I found my favorites all seemed to be in duos. Take a look below for a list of these duos, why I've been loving them, and where you can get them!

Duo 1: Face

Foundation: Mac Studio Fix Fluid Shade NW18 - Ever since I've been working in an office, I've found my skin has been more oily than normal. Since I was previously using a more dewy finish foundation, I thought I'd try one more matte. This one has totally made a difference and I've been loving the medium-full coverage. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer Shade Light - I used to use this concealer years ago and finally came around to repurchasing it. I certainly remember why I've been loving it - it doesn't crease, and it's lightweight! Definitely gives more of a brightening effect as well, which I love - especially in the morning!

Duo 2: Lips -

MAC Lip Pencil - Whirl - This has been my go to lip pencil this past month because it pairs perfectly with my favorite pink lipstick (listed right below). It completes the matte pink lip look I've been going for and helps make my lips look a teeny bit bigger.

MAC Lipstick - Pink Plaid - If you've been following this blog, you've probably seen this lipstick make an appearance a few times, and for good reason! This is by far my favorite pink lipstick, and just one of my favorite lipsticks in general. It's completely matte, and is the perfect shade of pink for my skin tone. My mom even borrowed (stole) it from me and also wears it everyday, so I had to get another one!

Duo 3: Brows

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that my cute little dog ate my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, so I was forced to go back into my makeup drawer and use something else for the time being. That doesn't mean I love this product any less - I'm actually really glad I've been using it again because it's a really great product, especially for going out or making your brows last all day. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo - This is another brow product I really love and have been using either on top of the brow pomade, or alone on days when I need to quickly fill those babies in. I like that this powder gives you a lighter and darker option because I use both - lighter towards the front, and darker to fill in the tail.

September Beauty Favorites

Can you believe it's already October?! As we say our goodbyes to the month of September, I would like to share with all of you the beauty products I have been loving all month long (and will continue to use during the month of October). I love reading monthly favorites posts because it lets me know about products that other people recommend and are worth trying. There are so many products that exist today, so it can be difficult at times to narrow down what products to actually use. Hopefully this post can give you some ideas of what to try next. Feel free to share your favorites with me as well!

Links below!




1. The Anastaisa Beverly Hills Brow Wiz has been a favorite of mine for months. I recently tried a different shade, which I think works better for my brow color. This one is in the shade 'Medium Brown' and is cool toned as opposed to 'Soft Brown' (what I was previously using), which is more warm toned.


2. The next favorite is a MAC blush in the shade 'Melba' and I have been reaching for it everyday. It gives my cheeks a light warm flush with a little bit of peach. I tend to reach for more neutral toned blushes, and I feel this one just gives me a little extra color.


3. My Too Faced Perfect Lips Lip Liner in the shade 'Perfect Nude' has been my go-to lip product for the past few weeks. I start out by lining my lips, and then finish with filling in my entire lip with this pencil. I love it because it gives me that matte look with a mauve/nude tint. It also lasts longer than a lipstick would.


4. I have heard so many great things about the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer and I just had to try it. I have heard its been compared to Nars Concealer; however, is much cheaper. Although I've never tried any concealer by Nars, this one I have been loving since I purchased it. It has a nice light formula that doesn't crease.


5. For some reason my chin has been breaking out more than usual and my Neutrogena Rapid Clear Spot Gel has been a lifesaver. I've noticed that my blemishes have been clearing quickly since I started applying the spot gel to my problem areas.


6. I purchased my Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in the shade 'Rose Gold' a few weeks ago and have been using it ever since. I apply this as a highlight to my cheekbones for a nice sheer glow. I think this shade is the perfect highlight for the fall season.


7. For some reason I stopped using my It's a 10 Mirale Leave-In Plus Keratin during the month of August (and I have no idea why!). I started using it again before blow-drying my hair and really noticed the difference! I am running out and will have no choice but to purchase another (it is on the expensive side, but still can be found at the drugstore). It really just makes the overall outcome of my blow-dry so much better and frizz free.

xox,
                 Meredith

Drugstore Products Worth Trying

If you've been on this blog before, you've probably already seen some of the below products floating around in several posts. That's because I stick to the products I love and only recommend products that I actually use and enjoy. Below are all prodcuts that can be found at the drugstore that I definitely feel are worth a try. So the next time you're at the drugstore and are thinking "hey, I need a new concealer" maybe you'll think of this post and fall in love with a new product like I have. All of the items are linked below :)

1. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner - One of my favorite eyeliners to use on my top lash line. Allows for an easy cat eye wing.

2. Essie Nail Polish - Essie is by far my favorite nail polish brand. The formula never fails, and the color selection is amazing!

3. Revlon ColorStay Foundation - This is one of my go-to drugstore foundations whenever I'm not trying out anything new. It stays put all day and leaves a matte finish.

4. Loreal Paris Telescopic Mascara - If you've see this blog before, you've most likely have seen this mascara already. I love the tiny bristle because it helps separate my lashes before applying whatever volumizing mascara that I am using next.

5. Milani Glow Baked Bronzer - You've probably also have already seen me mention this bronzer a time or two. I absolutely love it! Leaves the perfect bronzy sheen to my face, especially looks great in the summer.

6. NYX Powder Blush - These are my go-to drugstore blushes. They are pigmented and have a lot of great color dupes to more high-end blushes.

7. Eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm - This is my everyday lip balm. It's moisturizing, lasts longer than some other lip balms, and comes in great flavors.

8. NYX Butter Gloss - This is one of my favorite overall drugstore lip products. Its got this buttery formula that isn't sticky on your lips, and also has great color payoff.

9. NYX HD Photo Concealer - I recently started using this again and instantly remembered why I love it so much. It is great for my under-eye area because it doesn't crease, and also gives that brightening effect that I love. Highly recommend!

10. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - I haven't been able to find that many drugstore powders that I actually like, but this one I like! I press it into the areas of my face (after already applying foundation) that I don't want to shine, typically the center of my forehead, and chin.









Any others worth trying? Let me know!



P.S. if you decide to get the Eos lip balm, just keep it away from your cute dog!

xox,
               Meredith

August Beauty Cravings

What, it's already that time? Yup, it's August 1st and I'm not wasting any time with my August Beauty Wish List. The unplanned theme of these products seems to include very neutral toned makeup (eyes, and lips) and adding on a classic winged liner with some long, dark lashes. I've heard great things about the Loreal Visible Lift Blur Foundation by women of all ages (my mom loves it!). I've also been seeing the Nudes eyeshadow Palette by Maybelline pretty much everywhere and am eager to try it. I love Urban Decay's Naked Line for their eyeshadow, but have yet to try out any of their lip products, which is why a gloss and a lipstick are listed below. Have you tried any of the below items? Let me know your thoughts!

Links Below!

Have a great weekend!!

xox,

                  Meredith

July Beauty Wish List

I hope everyone is either nice and relaxed or hungover from their holiday weekend. Either way, that's how I know you had a nice weekend! Today I've put together a few beauty items that I've been wanting and have heard great things about. Some of these products are fairly new, including the Lorac Pro 2 Palette and the Loreal Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara. Others are just products that I've literally heard so much about and need to try for myself, such as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, and the infamous Beauty Blender. I've already ordered the Brow Wiz in the shade 'Soft Brown' and am waiting for it's arrival along with the Hourglass Femme Nude Lipstick in shade no. 2. I've also been on the hunt for a new BB Cream to use during the summer and read such great reviews for the Tarte Illuminating BB Moisturizer. There's something about the word 'illuminating' that makes me really want to try it. Links for all products are provided below!

Links Below!

1. Loreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara

2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz - Soft Brown

3. Lorac PRO Palette 2

4. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

5. Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo - Nude No. 2

6. Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick

7. BECCA Shimmer Skin Perfector Pressed Powder - Moonstone

8. Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Illuminating Moisturizer

9. The Original BeautyBlender













What's on your July Beauty Wish List?




xox,
                   Meredith

Friday Five: Drugstore Lip Products Worth Trying

Happy Friday the 13th! Since I am not all that superstitious I will be walking under ladders, petting black cats, and breaking mirrors all day. ;) No, but really I want to just share with you some of my favorite lip products that can all be found at the drugstore. I know a lot of times I use MAC lipsticks and glosses, but there are some really great drugstore products that I use just as often. All of the below products are worth a try, especially because they are so inexpensive. For some additional details, keep on reading!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

1. NYX Butter Gloss - This is literally an amazing product from the drugstore. These lip butters are only $5, have great color payoff, are incredibly smooth, and smell great too. If you are looking for something in-between a lipstick and a gloss, these are perfect for you. My favorite shade is in 'Merengue', but I also own the shades 'Eclair', 'Tiramisu', and 'Apple Strudel' - I'd recommend any of them!

2. Maybelline ColorSensational Color Elixir Lip Color - If you are looking for something a little more glossy, I'd recommend giving these a try. They don't give off as much color as the lip butters, but sometimes that's the look I am going for. Although these come in a lot of colors, I prefer the shades 'Nude Illusion' and 'Petal Plush' for a nice neutral sheen.

3. Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick - This is by far my favorite drugstore lipstick. I own the color 'Pink Pout' and I wear it all the time. It is not drying for a matte lipstick and is surprisingly smooth and creamy. The particular shade I own is beautiful and is the perfect pink! Highly recommend this lipstick.

4. eos Lip Balm - I have tried pretty much every flavor (is that what you call it?) of this adorable little Easter egg of a lip balm and I have to say that Pomegranate Raspberry is by far my favorite. It is also my favorite lip balm in general because it is long lasting and very smooth. It is 95% organic and 100% natural. Definitely worth a try!

5. Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter - I can remember back to a year or two ago when these came out and everyone was obsessed with them. For good reason, though! If you are thinking of experimenting with lipstick, but can't part with your lip balm yet, these are perfect. If a lipstick and a lip balm had a baby, these lip butters would be that baby. I love the shades 'Creme Brulee' and 'Creamsicle'. 

Have a great weekend!

xox,

               Meredith

P.S. Father's Day is this Sunday - for some last minute gift ideas click here!

Friday Five: My Beach Must-Haves

Happy Friday!! Since I will shortly be heading down to Wildwood for the weekend, I thought I'd share with you some of things I always have with me on the beach. Read below for what exactly everything is and what I think of them! :)

Links Below!

1. Flip-Flops - These are probably the most obvious beach must-haves (besides a bathing suit, towel, chair, etc.) however, I'm including this particular item because I want to share with you what flip-flops I've been wearing to the beach for years now. Now, I know you can just get any old pair for $5 and be fine, but a good pair of Havaianas will last you all summer long and then some. I currently have a dark charcoal pair, but am loving this beige color. Definitely my favorite beach flip-flops ever.

2. SPF Lip Balm - When applying your SPF, don't forget about your lips! The sun can dry them out, burn them, and just irritate them. That's why I always have an SPF lip balm in my beach bag. Any lip balm with SPF will do, I have just been using this Baby Lips one by Maybelline in 'Quenched'. I believe this particular lip balm has an SPF of 20.

3. Sun Screen - **Friendly Disclaimer - this is just what works for me!** Moving right along to some more SPF are the sun tan lotions I use whenever I am on the beach. I always apply SPF 30 to my face no matter what or it will just be a red mess. I love the Coppertone one for faces otherwise my skin breaks out and my eyes burn. For my body I absolutely love to apply the Banana Boat deep tanning with green tea lotion first, and then spray some SPF 15 all over. If I use anything over SPF 15 on my body, I have trouble getting a tan. So I just make sure to constantly reapply the spray throughout the day. (I prefer spray on the beach because I hate rubbing in sandy lotion!). 

4. Sunglasses - If you see me on the beach, I will never have my sunglasses off of my face unless I'm in the water. They literally are glued! My face doesn't tan very well, so luckily I don't get those sunglasses tan lines. My sunglasses of choice are my Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer in Tortoise. They just don't fail me.

5. Reading Material - I get most of my reading done in the summer and on the beach. I especially love to read towards the end of the beach day where it gets a little cooler and people start leaving. That's actually my favorite time to be on the beach! The two books above are some that are on my summer reading list - I've heard great things about 'Gone Girl' so I already bought that book, and I still have to get The One & Only. I love all of Emily Giffin's books, so I'm excited to get that one! If you're not much of a book reader, Glamour is one my favorite magazines. I usually read magazines on the beach when I'm too hot and need something to distract me for a little. 

Off to the beach I go!

Have a great weekend :)

xox,

                 Meredith

May Makeup Wishlist

A new month calls for new makeup! Well not really, but I can make up my own rules, right? I feel like there is this never ending list of beauty products that I want in my life - I just have to break it up somehow. Below you will find a whole ton of products that are currently on the May phase of that never ending wishlist. All of these products are on here because I've heard great things about each and every one. Hope you enjoy!!

Links below!

xox,

                 Meredith