Daily Goods Part III

Hello my little beauties! Today I close up my daily goods postings with all the other random, miscellaneous stuff I use.

Eyebrows:

I totally forgot one vital piece in my previous post about eyes that I couldn't live without. Benefit's Brow Zingsin light is a must have for me. I have blonde (almost white) eyebrows and I feel absolutely naked without darkening my eyebrows. I went the longest time without doing it, and then got them tinted every month and then tried to find my perfect at home color and nothing worked. Until I was browsing Bloomie's and the guy at the Benefit counter did me a favor and introduced me to this product 4 years ago. No turning back. The color is spot on and make my brows look normal and non-clown like (major plus). If you are not darkening your brows or filling them in, I really must insist that you give this product a try, you will be amazed at how many people comment about you looking different (in a good way) and they won't be able to figure out what it is!

Lips:
I am constantly hunting the perfect lip gloss color with the right texture and cannot share one I love with you as I am currently still hunting (any suggestions for a pretty pink I can wear everyday that isn't sticky?). What I can share with you is the product that I do use daily on my lips, which is the Smith'sRosebud Salve Strawberry Lip Balm. I have been using this product since I moved to LA (almost 7 years ago - EEKS!) and I just love it. It provides a pretty sheen and hint of color but keeps my lips moisturized and plump. I use the Minted Rose at work and am kind of dying to try the Menthol Eucalyptus pot next winter.

Shampoo:
I have tried numerous shampoos that promise shiny, voluminous hair for my fine natural blonde head and have been disappointed numerous times. I finally tried John Freida's
Luxurious Volume Shampoo and I am quite the happy camper. I can usually find it on sale for less than $7 a bottle and the bottle lasts me quite some time.

Now I'm not complaining about having naturally blonde hair (the money I save makes me mucho happy) but one negative is that the tiniest bit of chlorine turns my hair a lovely shade of green. Unfortunately it seems as though my apartment has an usually high amount of chlorine in the water and my hair has developed a tint of green to it. I checked in with my stylist Mrs. F and she recommended a purple shampoo to help with the problem. I picked up a bottle of Rene Furterer Okara Mild Silver Shampoo and can proudly say, problem has been solved.

I also think my lack of green hair has something to do with Bumble & Bumble's Sunday Shampoo which I use once or twice a week. This product is fab for getting out all the product you use in your hair and also removing chlorine.

Conditioner:
I love Bumble & Bumble's Thickening Conditioner for my fine locks. It conditions without leaving my hair greasy and a little goes a very long way. I have stopped searching for conditioner as this guy is my perfect match.

Thickening Spray:
Besides hairspray I really don't put much in my hair because it tends to get weighed down easily. I used to only use the Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray but tried out John Freida's Luxurious Volume Root Booster Spray and it appears to me that it achieves the same results at a fraction of the cost. I spray a little of this into my roots after towel drying my hair and then proceed to round brush my hair for the day. It definitely helps!

Hairspray:
Hairspray is another product that I am always trying to find. And every time I try something new, I am always wishing I would have just stuck to my all time fave which is Bed Head's Hard Head. It has a pleasant sent, isn't too sticky but provides enough hold to curl my hair as well as lock my bangs into place without then sticking together all weird. My stylist Mrs. F always shakes her head when she sees me using another brand, as she also says it is the best hairspray on the market.

Dry Shampoo:
Let's be honest ladies, we don't always have time to wash our hair everyday (and really it isn't good for your hair to do so), but we don't want to roll around town or the office with greasy hair that screams "I overslept this morning and only had time for a body shower" or "I had a overnight sleepover and came straight to the office" do we? No, we don't. Enter Dry Shampoo. How did we go so long without this product? In high school I always used baby shower but inevitably ended up smelling like a baby and having a really white scalp. No good.

I have tried many dry shampoos on the market and still love the first one I was introduced to by Mrs. R the best. Batiste Dry Shampoo is an absolute dream! The pink bottle smells just like Michael Kors perfume and just a spray here and a spray there will not only have you out the door in a jiffy but have you smelling pretty. The bottle will cost you less than $11 and last me on average about a month. Best news! They just started selling travel size so that you can include it on your carry on. Fantastic!!

Deodorant:
I know that sweating is a good thing, it means your body is functioning the right way and all, but let's face it, sweat is gross. Which is why I use Secret's Clinical Strength Waterproof Deodorant. Now I'm not saying I'm a big sweater, but in times of stress and extreme heat, it happens. This puppy works like a charm. No sweat stains, even if I am sweating it inside. I've tried almost all the other "clinical deodorants" on the market, and this one is by far the best.

Body Lotion:
For everyday use, this lotion rules. Lightly scented, highly moisturizing and priced great, you cannot go wrong with this lotion. I especially love it in the summer as it gives you legs just a little extra sheen with your tan (fake or real).

I try to keep my scented lotions for the weekends or after work (no one wants to be overpowered by your scent) and was introduced to this yummy vacation in a bottle scented Coconut Milk Body Lotion from The Body Shop by Mrs. R. It seriously smells so good, goes on super easy (it's a spray bottle - gotta love that) and it's light and luxurious. When you walk past people they will think you have just come from the beach. Yummy and tropical smelling.

Perfume:
Scent is such a personal thing. Have you ever thought someone smelled so good and then asked them what they were wearing and one of two things usually happens?

1) They "forget" what they put on because they don't want you copying their smell. Signature scents are important to folks.

2) They tell you, and you rush to your local Sephora or wherever you buy perfume and spritz yourself with the goods only to find out it stinks on you and doesn't smell anything close to what it did on them?

Both things have happened to me, which is why I am glad to have found at least one "signature scent" for myself (even if I copied my girl Felicity to find it). Burberry Classic is that scent for me. I can wear it all year round and I ALWAYS get complimented and asked what I am wearing. It is a yummy perfume that I am sadly running very low on, that I will continue to wear on through the years.

And my dears, that's it. All three parts of my go to beauty products. Again I must clarify that I don't use all of these products all together in one day, but they are always stocked for my use. I hope I have provided you with some new products to try and if you have any recommendations or alternates for the products above that you can't live without please do share!

XOXO

Daily Goods Part II

Hello lovelies! This daily goods post is dedicated to my favorite beauty eye products. I have included items that I use daily (think work, running errands, etc) and also for nights out on the town. I still haven't found the perfect daily eye cream and would love any recommendations out there (preferably for less than $50). Here we go....

Under Eye:

I have been using Smashbox's Photo-Op Under Eye Brightener for a good 4 years now and this product does not disappoint. It instantly camouflages those dark circles and brightens up your eyes for real. It also adds a little extra moisture below the eyes which is never a bad thing.

Eye Shadow Prep:
This stuff is the bomb.com! I was first introduced to Urban Decay's Primer Potion by my friend (and fellow beauty lover) Lindsay about four years ago and there is no turning back. I use the "Sin" color daily for under my eyeshadows or all alone for those barely there makeup days. This potion keeps my shadow in place for a majority of the day, gives my shadows just a little sheen to them and sometimes if I am feeling a little crazy, I use it on top of my shadows at the end for extra glamour. The best part is that one tube of this baby, lasts a LOOOOONNNNGGGG time. No joke over a year, and just when you think it is all gone, I whack it on the counter and get just a little bit more for the day. Love it!

Brushes:

We all have heard (and should know by now) that good makeup brushes make all the difference in the world. I wasn't a believer of this until I started using good brushes, and now I couldn't live without the two brushes below.

For all over eye color I adore the Laura Mercier Eye Color Brush. It provides good even coverage and makes a little shadow go a long way on that eyelid.

I remember a long time ago some makeup artist in a magazine said the ONE brush everyone should own was Laura Mercier's Smudge Brush. Well of course you can guarantee that I went out and bought that brush and I have to say that I do use it everyday. I use it for highlighting the inside corner of my eyes, and for applying eyeshadow underneath my eyes and also on top of my eyeliner. This brush does not disappoint.

Eyeshadow:

Like any other girl out there, I have an abundance of eyeshadows in my makeup bag/drawer. However, I chose to focus on the colors I wear daily and share a few that are for more dramatic eyes.

Is there anyone in the world out there that doesn't use at least one shade of MAC Eyeshadow? They seriously have the best colors, are pretty affordable and let's not forget that if you collect six empty containers you can trade them in at your local MAC Store for a lipgloss, lipstick or eyeshadow. Love it! My go to colors are Vapour (inside corner, under brow bone), Dazzlelight (all over, inside corner, under brow bone), Satin Taupe (crease), Bronze (crease, under eye), Mulch (crease) and Knight Divine (crease, under eye).

Another one of my favorites for eyes is LORAC's Multi-Platinum Palette.

The colors are perfect for going out. Some grays, a sparkling black, a pretty blue and a shimmering white (perfect for highlighting). As an added bonus you get a pretty peach blush color that looks good on everyone. And it is the perfect size for popping into your purse for touch-ups later in the night.

Creme/Cream Eyeshadow:

I love the Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Color in gold for dramatic eyes. I apply it over dark eyeshadow to soften it up a bit and add a little shine, perfect for that smokey eye look.

My sister gifted me this Bobbi Brown Metallic Long Wear Cream Eyeshadow for Christmas and I just love it. I have it in antique gold and use it over my eye shadows. It gives the color a little boost and sparkle for glitzy eyes. Every time I use this product someone almost always compliments me on my eyeshadow. It is a little too sparkly for everyday wear but perfect for those nights out!

Eyeliner:

For everyday eyeliner I use Makeup Forever's Aqua Eyes in black. It goes on smoothly, lasts most of the day and washes off easily at the end of the night.

I love the look of liquid eyeliner and have worked hard to perfect the application of this tricky product. While I am constantly changing up which liquid liner I use, I quite like Revlon's Color Stay Liquid Eyeliner in black. It is very affordable and again washes off with ease.

For my inner lash line I use MAC's Pearlglide Eyeliner in Fly-By-Blu but just found out they discontinued this product. After reading the descriptions, I think the MAC Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Sense of Style will be my best bet. I like using this color on the inner lash liner as it really makes my eyes pop and stand out. It takes some practice to apply it without tearing up, but if you can handle it, it is a trick you will definitely notice makes quite a difference in your look.

Mascara:

Thank goodness for affordable awesome mascara! I spent so many years searching (and spending) for the perfect mascara and I am going to say I think I may have just found it. The L'Oreal

Extra Collagen Mascara in black not only fattens up my lashes but also gives them a little length and a lot of color. Just a few strokes and my eyes done and done without any spider leg like lashes. It is seriously the best!

Part II is complete (click here if you missed Part I) and next week, I hope to close this reader request with hair and misc products I love and can't live without. Any eye products that I need to check out or buy immediately? Any eyeshadow colors that you can't live without? Do share your own daily eye goods please!

Daily Goods Part I

I received a sweet compliment and reader request from Marcie below and had to action (although a few weeks late)...

"You gals on here all look so great. I'd love (and I'm sure other readers too would love) if you did a quick list of beauty faves.
I'm thinking:
Mascara: Lipstick/gloss:Foundation:Shampoo:Deodorant:Lotion:
I think we would all benefit.
Thanks!
Marcie"

I had to break it up into two posts (actually probably three) and focused Part I on the face. I am a huge fan of beauty products and love to try new items on the market and it goes without saying that Sephora to me is like a candy store to a kid. I CANNOT get enough!

Face Wash:

I already shared my latest face wash obsession here but I also always have on hand some Cetaphil as whenever I grow tired of or have a reaction to another face wash this is my go to product.

Face Serum:
I received two sample bottles of the Darphin Tangerine Aromatic Care Facial Oil from Blue Mercury and was VERY hesitant to try it. I mean, you want me to put oil, on my freshly cleansed face and then apply moisturizer...something wasn't sounding right. However the sales gal had the most incredible skin and she said she used it three times a day! So I gave it a shot and after the first week I could seriously tell a difference in my skin. It was quite a sad day for me when my two samples were gone but it is on my list of items to buy once I finish all my other serums and samples.

They have various different oils for all types of skins and I really recommend heading into your local Blue Mercury or closest store that carries Darphin products and have them asses your skin type and provide you with the right product. I LOVE this line!

Facial Moisturizer:

I received the Kiehl's Abyssine Lotion SPF 15 in my stocking from Santa and just adore this lotion. It goes on smooth, is not at all greasy and with the added protection of SPF 15 I feel like my face is in good hands. As someone who is constantly looking for the perfect moisturizer, I think Santa (aka my Mom) may have just found it!

Foundation:

Now I very rarely ever use actual foundation on my skin as I like my look to be less heavy and more dewy. I have been using Laura Mercier Tinted Foundation for over 8 years now and just recently switched over to the Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Bare Radiance and I just love, love, love it. It gives my skin just the right amount of coverage and provides just a little radiance to my everyday look. If you haven't tried any of her tinted moisturizers I implore you to do some immediately!

Concealer:


Concealer is always tricky to me as you want one that conceals the problem but doesn't look obvious or cakey. I am a big fan of the Physicians Formula Concealer Twins in Yellow/Light. I use the Light color for imperfections (aka zits) and the yellow for under my eyes which cancels out the red and blue (gotta love being 30). I have been using it for years and it last awhile and is very affordable.

Facial Powder:

I needn't look far when it comes to the origin of my beauty product obsession. I was raised by a mother who was constantly trying new things. It has paid off for me in my later years as if she finds a cream, shadow, or product that doesn't work for her, instead of returning it, she hands it down to me :)

My mama introduced me to this marvelous Smashbox 'Halo' Hydrating Perfecting Powder in October. This compact is awesome because you just shave the right amount that you need and don't have to worry about a mess, spilling extra powder and wasting it (we've all been there). The powder gives your skin a nice glow/sheen and really works well to subdue the shine. I use it on my T-Zone only.

Bronzer/Highlighter:

Another gift from my mom, the Laura Gellar Bronze-n-Brighten in Fair gives me a little bit of added color without making my face orange and dirty looking (no good).

Blush:

Another product I swear by and have been using for 7 plus years is the Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush. I apply it just to the apples of my cheeks for a fresh glow and it locks in the bronzer I applied minutes before. This stick lasts FOREVER and is such a great investment. I love it for days that I just wanna wash my face and run out the door. The colors is a sheer wash and just right for any occasion.

These babies are my everyday essentials for my face. The eyes and lips vary a little and I will share my fave items with you next week. Are there any products that you can't live without? Please share as I told you before I am always on the hunt for the next best thing!!

Reader Request

I received my first reader request email from Jamie of All Trades(great blog, great friend)....

I need your help! I'm going to NYC in May with my mom and sister and I need
a bag to take with. But I don't want to spend a lot of money. I'm thinking
something that could go over my body, a long shoulder strap but not too
expensive. YBB, can you help me?

Of course I can’t leave a girl hanging, so here are the options I found in the low (under $50) and moderate (under $150) price range.

Forever 21 just never disappoints with satisfying whatever need I may have. I found both of these darling bags with much ease. The Bella Messenger bag is a good choice as it is lightweight (good for walking) and stylish at the same time. The studded flap is my favorite part.

I also enjoy their Faux Leather & Canvas Tote. Simple and clean, guaranteed to go with almost any outfit you may sport. Plus it transitions easily into an evening purse by just removing the shoulder strap.

If you want to go a little trendier and don’t mind sporting faux Chanel, then this Quilted Parachute bag can easily fit your lip gloss, wallet, and perhaps a few pashmina’s you may pick up from a street vendor...

The Moderate Bags are a bit pricier, you'll be able to get more wear and tear out of them. I love this Big Buddah Shelby bag, again it's a convertible purse (removable shoulder strap) and the white is just so summery and bright. The strap looks like it would provide durability and also comfort which is important when walking all over town.

Equally adorable and I think my favorite is this Melie Bianco Mod bag. This bag has a lot of personality, with the stark contrast of white and black. It will go with just about anything you wear, and the depth of the purse will help store all the goodies you pick up here and there.

Last but certainly not least, the Michael Kors Montauk Leather bag comes in a variety of colors (I am biased obviously to the yellow), and looks to be made of a nice buttery leather that over time will soften and become a nice piece to add to any collection. Plus I heart Michael Kors and have been really enjoying his purse line lately.

Happy travels to you Jamie! Hopefully one of these bags will be exactly what you were looking for at the right price. Wish I was there to enjoy a magnolia cupcake and shop the Marc Jacobs discount store with you!

*If you have any requests of items you would like help finding, please email me!*