Stila stay all day waterproof brow color

I actually got this product because my mom tried it and didn't care for it, so she handed it off to me. Thanks mom! Here's what it claims to do via Sephora's website:

 "Create natural looking and defined brows with this innovative waterproof brow color. A precision felt tip pen applicator ensures easy application and the unique formula glides on with ease. It won't smudge or run and stays in place until you say when!"

I definitely think it does what the description says. The results are very natural looking when using the brow color alone, although I much prefer to use it after I fill in my eyebrows with a powder. It's perfect for cleaning up the edges of my brows and makes them look super crisp and polished. 

Since I like nicely filled and defined eyebrows I don't typically use this product on its own, but if I'm in a rush I'll quickly run it through my brows so they don't look so sparse. I've been using this brow color for a while now and I haven't experienced any smudging or smearing. It's not 100% waterproof, but it doesn't slide off easily like a powder would. There are a total of 3 shades to choose from, ranging from light to dark. The one I have is in medium, although I think dark would suit me better.

Overall, I think this is great if you're going for a natural look, or if you're like me and want to use it as a finishing step to your normal brow routine. 

What's your favorite method to filling in your brows- powder, pencil, or something like Stila's stay all day brow color?
xx

-rachel j

My drugstore skincare & routine

I've never been the kind of person to have one moisturizer for night time, one for the morning, an eye cream, a toner, etc etc etc. I'm too lazy for all that jazz. I like to keep my skincare simple, effective, and fuss free.

Cetaphil Daily Cleanser:

I actually ran out of this stuff about a week ago, but I've been using it for so long I couldn't ignore it. This really does what it says it does- cleans without drying. I've used this for pretty much my whole life in the morning and before bed and never had any problems with it.

Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream:

After I ran out of my usual cleanser, I thought it might be fun to try something new. After trying and loving Burt's Bees Deep Pore Scrub, I grabbed this cleansing cream. The formula feels rich and creamy, and does an impressive job at taking off my makeup. It has a hint of menthol in it which leaves my skin feeling fresh. It's also very moisturizing, which makes my skin extra soft and smooth.

Burt's Bees Peach & Willow Bark Deep Pore Scrub:

I use this around 2-3 times a week for a little extra kick and really like it. I have a review all about it here.

Almay Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads:

I honestly don't know how I feel about these, but I always buy them and I don't know why. They do the job, and they're definitely the best I've tried, but it still takes a bit of work to get off all of my mascara and eyeliner. Although they are really greasy, they don't irritate my eyes like other makeup remover pads have. I want to try out some other products to replace this, so leave me suggestions! 

Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer:

My favorite. Tried and true. My mom has used Olay moisturizer her whole life, and I really can't function without it. It has SPF 15, it's light, not greasy, but still does gets rid of that awful tight skin feeling. I usually get the sensitive skin one- the last time I've tried the normal formula it bothered my eyes. I also like the one for combination skin, although I honestly can't tell the difference between the two. I think the only major difference is that the one for sensitive skin has aloe in it. Either way, I love this stuff and have bought it thousands of times. I use it after I cleanse my skin in the morning and at night.

What are your favorite skincare products? Leave me your recommendations! x

-rachel j

Quick thoughts - Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream

I got a request by one of my lovely readers to give a quick first impression/my thoughts on the Smashbox camera ready CC cream! I got a free sample from Sephora and gave it a go this morning. Here we go!

PRODUCT DETAILS & CLAIMS:
This color-correcting cream is a game-changer with its proven ability to visibly lessen the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks instantly and over time. The advanced, lightweight formula neutralizes and brightens skin for a more even complexion, while it primes, perfects, protects with SPF 30, moisturizes, and controls oil (via Sephora's website).

PRO'S:
-SPF 30
-Easily to apply in a rush
-Good lasting power
-8 different shades to choose from
-Offers a .50 oz mini size in 2 shades for $19.50
-Supposedly improves skin tone over time (I can't attest to that as I've only used it once)
-Light coverage evens out skin tone and covers redness
-Looks natural; not cakey, doesn't cling to dry patches 
-Doesn't feel heavy or greasy
-Can be used on its own or under foundation as a primer
-Photographs well

CON'S:
-$42 for a 1.0 oz bottle
-Doesn't cover blemishes
-Can get a bit greasy after 5-6 hours of wear, although that is easily fixed by setting it with a powder or using a primer (which I didn't do for the sake of this post)

DRUGSTORE ALTERNATIVE:
-Garnier's Skin Renew BB Cream

Overall, I'm impressed with the lasting power of this CC cream. Usually I find that BB/CC creams get super greasy or just slide off in a couple of hours, but I was happily surprised.  As someone who already owns a bunch of face products, I don't think I'll be buying this soon, but I do like it & it would be great for the upcoming spring and summer. It'd also be perfect for someone with relatively clear skin who just wants to even out their skin tone- or for those lazy days where all you wanna do is slap on some makeup and get out the door!

I hope this helps you! Let me know if you like this kind of post, maybe I'll make it into a little series :)

-rachel j

Tarte Be MATTEnificent Amazonian Colored Clay Matte Eye & Cheek Palette

I'm so excited about this palette.
Let's just take a moment to look at it and absorb all of its beauty.

Left to right: elevated (blush), sand out of the crowd, peach for the stars, two plums up, pink outside the box, rose to the occasion, view from the taupe, dream in chocolate, don't stand black

Are you absorbing it?

Haha but seriously, the colors are beautiful, and so is the packaging. I'm such a sucker for good packaging, and my love for matte shades is a little ridiculous. This beauty comes with eight limited-edition eyeshadows, one limited-edition blush and one double-ended shadow brush. They're formulated without parabens, and they're cruelty free which is always a plus. Another bonus is that it comes with a little card that shows you two makeup looks you can create with the palette.

Trust me when I say that Tarte knows how to make some fine eyeshadows, and I mean really nice. They are so soft that you can see the indentations from the bristles on your brush. I like them all so much I have a hard time deciding which ones I want to use, and I end up using all of them in one eye look. They blend like a dream and I love them all. A lot.

Now, I will admit, the two darker shades at the bottom aren't as luxurious feeling and blendable as the other shades, but they're still pigmented. According to the little plastic slip that came in the palette, they're intended to be used as liners, which explains the difference texture and size.

One little detail that may be annoying to some of you is that the names aren't on the palette itself- so if you ever want to share what shadows your using, you have to keep the plastic slip. Like I said, this probably won't be an issue for most people, but if you're a beauty blogger or youtuber it may be irritating.

The blush is equally as impressive as the shadows. It's a great flush of color that isn't overwhelming but is still noticeable.

As for the brush that comes with the palette, it's definitely better than those sponge-tip applicators, but I wouldn't say that these substitute real brushes. I like the shader side of the brush- it does a fantastic job at packing on color. The longer, blending side of the brush (on the left in the pictures above), is kind of strange. It's a bit too skinny for my liking, and the bristles are on the stiff side. Honestly it's not a big deal- it's still a nice brush compared to what comes in most palettes.

All in all, I'm really enjoying this palette. I think Tarte hit the nail on the head with this one. You can create so many different looks with it. If you're into matte shades, you definitely need to give this a look. A nice, long look. :)

Find it here!

Have a great Sunday!

-rachel j