While I love my staple beauty products, I tried out a lot of new things in the month of May. Some where good. Others not so much. Keep reading to find out what products I was loving and hating this month.
5 Things I’m Lovin’
E.L.F. Essential Shine Erasers ($1.00 for 50)
Now that the warm weather and humidity has arrived, I use about two of these daily to remove excess oil from my face. I also use these to blot oil after applying moisturizer and sunscreen. The downside is that just because you blot off facial oil does not mean it won’t come back so you may find yourself needing to use more than one sheet.
Boots No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator ($14.99 for 2.5oz)
This is my first exfoliator that isn’t built into a cleanser. I researched and purchased this No7 product after watching Goss’s video on nighttime skin care. The purpose of an exfoliator is to help remove dead skin cells and ultimately leave your skin feeling smooth. I use this product twice a week after removing makeup and cleansing.
Bare Escentuals Matte Foundation in Fair ($28 for 7oz)
Bare Escentuals was one of the first foundations I ever used. I like it because the coverage can be layered and rarely looks cakey. This is one of my go-tos for when I don’t want want to wear a heavy foundation.
E.L.F. Studio Contour Brush ($3.00) and Ecotools Blending Brush from Ecotools Mineral Brush Travel Set ($9.99 for 4 brushes)
I’ve been using the Ecotools Blending Brush for about six months now and love the way it blends large areas of color. However, for more detailed eyeshadow, I purchased the E.L.F. Contour Brush, which got rave reviews. The brush gives you control over where and how much color is applied. The first time I used it, I got two unsolicited compliments from co-workers so I’ll take that as a successful purchase.
What I’m Loathing
BareMinerals Natural Lipcolor ($30.00 for Natural Lip Trio)
I received this lip gloss as a sample with the purchase of my Bare Escentuals foundation mentioned above. I don’t think I’ve met a lip gloss with more annoying packaging. The opening is formed to fit a lip gloss wand but this lip gloss comes with a brush. It makes for messy use and unwieldy closure.
Wet ‘N Wild Silk Finish Lipstick ($0.50-$1.00)
I bought 12 of these. Yes. 12. Why? Because I got super obsessed with lipstick for a week and ran out and bought these in every color. Since don’t usually use chapstick of lip moisturizing products, this lipstick dries out my lips because it’s made with aloe vera.
Bare Escentuals Feather Light Mineral Veil (unavailable)
From brief research, I’m not actually sure this product is sold anymore, which doesn’t surprise me. This was given to me by my future-sister-in-law who, like me, didn’t like its extreme shimmer. I don’t know where or how you would wear this unless you were going to a disco in 1971. The original Mineral Veil, on the other hand, is definitely worth trying.
Did you try any new products this month? How did it go?
That’s a great value for the shine erasers. I have heard good things about the bare minerals foundation powder. I am currently using Giorgio Armani face fabric which is so light and blends well with my skin tone. I got a lot of compliments on it this week.
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It really is especially considering how well they work!
I’ll have to check out the Armani Face Fabric, although I’ll have to admit I’m not ready to go that high-end yet. MAC’s pretty much my limit price-wise now.
Maybe one day!
So so true about the BE lipgloss packaging, it needs a serious re-work. Great story! My addition: For me for this summer I am obsessed with orangey lip glosses, and have fallen IN LOVE with Revlon’s colorburst in Coral. It’s cheap enough that when the trend is done, you are sad you spent $$$ on a tube, and sheer enough that it’s not so orange it’s scary.
So true Cynthia! It just doesn’t make any sense to have a brush applicator in a tube built for a wand.
Orange lipstick/gloss is the new thing for sure! You might be able to mix it with something later once the trend dies down.
I tried Maybelline’s much-hyped Falsies mascara and LOVED it — best new mascara I’ve tried in ages! (Also, I’ve loved practically everything E.L.F. I’ve tried. They have a translucent setting powder that beats everything out there for coverage and shine control. I’ve never seen it at Target though; only online.)
I’ve heard so many good things about Maybelline but won’t use them until they change their animal testing policy.
I’ll have to check out that setting powder you mentioned. Sounds fab!
Oh man! Bare Minerals Lip Balm sad situation!
Thanks for sharing…I’m glad to hear the elf brushes are a good one. They are so affordable and I need a set of brushes for my newly acquired taste to makeup
Sad indeed! Pity! It’s a nice color and I love other BE stuff. Just poor packaging.
You should definitely check out ELF’s makeup brushes but make sure to read the reviews first. They are very hit or miss.
I just got some Bobbi Brown concealer. Here’s hoping I can apply it with a deft hand!
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That Bobbi Brown–she makes some good products!
I recently tried Fresh lip balm and I’m hooked!
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I think you’re the second person to mention that! I’ll have to try that.
Hi Courtney! Thank you so much for caring, I just put your link up
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My pleasure!
Im such a mac devotee, I rarely try new products. That said Ive found a new line called models own, that produce some amazing nail polishes and lipsticks at half the price, its well worth a look for them!
I also hate too much sparkle in my makeup… I am no longer 12.
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Oh MAC! I wish I had enough money or enough interest to get into it. Haha.
I’ll have to check into that brand you mentioned.
I hate sparkle too. Shimmer, yes. Sparkle, no.
I have not yet used this brand of shine eraser, but at that price, I think it’s worth a try. for summer I usually do a bare face with blush, most recently into bronzers by Nars, I use as a blush, a little mascara, & gloss to go! Thanks for this, it’s always good to see what your fellow bloggers are using. -xo
~Madison
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Definitely worth a try!
I love that summer mentality–using just what you need and that’s it.
Ooh thanks for the good, bad, and ugly list. I love the font you used, too. Very retro. Well, I’m older so I actually love feeling oil on my skin! That microdermabrasion one looks good. I tried Arbonne (someone asked me if I wanted to sell it) and I love it. It is amazing and I noticed results within 24 hours! It is vegan, too, and complies with European regulations which are way stricter than North American.
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Thanks! I had fun making the different graphics. I have fun with Photoshop!
I like oil on my skin in the winter when it’s more dry but in the summer it pretty much pours oil, which I know sounds gross!
I haven’t heard of the Arbonne one, but when this one runs out, I’ll check it out! I’ve been impressed with the exfoliator I have. My skin is very sensitive so I didn’t want something with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both are too harsh to use all over my skin.
I love all things e.l.f. and I could really use a pack of those shine erasers, it’s ridiculously humid here.
Great post!
Xx
E.L.F. always impresses me! You should check out the shine erasers–even if you don’t like them, it’s only a dollar! You can find them at Target or online (of course).
Great post – interesting that you talk about packaging as it always annoys me when a product is packaged in such a way that you can’t get it all out as the company just want you to buy more. This month I started using palmers cocoa butter and already my skin is so much softer. Also, it smells lovely because it’s cocoa!
Ugh! So true! With makeup, it’s very rare I use a whole bottle/package before buying something new or similar. But I do run into that problem with cleanser and lotion. You pretty much have to cut the bottle open.
Thank you for sharing these! I might have to try some of that No. 7 exfoliator!!
Krys
Fierce|Fabulous|Fit
@FierceFabFit
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I’ve been using it for over a month and quite like it!