UPDATE!!! THIS LIST IS A WORK IN PROGRESS. 
I’m posting it now ’cause it’s already loaded with so many goodies, but it will double (maybe even triple) in size by the time I’m done. It’s our beauty products recommendations guide.
It never fails, we can be chatting up a storm about our latest favorites or what we’re reading or wanting to read, comparing notes, planning buddy reads, but when conversation is flowing, we find ourselves discussing some of our other favorite things, too. Like make up! Amy is our resident nail-polish guru, and always up to date with the latest MAC collections (amongst others), I just found my holy grail makeup up brushes, bev is in LOVE with Korean skin care routines, and so on…
Even many of our favorite books trigger our make-up urges and chats!
Amy: Maryse’s Book Blog – sharing book love, dirty jokes, recipes, and nail polish/makeup gluttony since…well, 2013 for me.
Grey: I am a total marathon reader… Sigh. And this is why Maryse and I are such good book buddies, well that and we have such similar book taste… And nail polish taste, and wine taste… And and and…
Lisa: Ahhhh. I wake up Sunday morning to not only a bevvie of book recs, but recipes and nail polish advice. Love you girls.
Shell: Love even more to come here and read what everyone is chatting about. All the other books girls have read and really liked, more bargains which you missed, eyeshadow and nail polish shades…
Amy: …the love of nail polish and makeup around here, the weekly release posts, and the fact that SO many of the books I read prior to finding this place were talked about here, and I was HOOKED!
Jean: I always love the banter between you and Maryse about your nail polish selections! Haha!
Michelle: I am a HUGE makeup addict and MAC is my favorite for years now. I have enough MAC to open a counter (really not kidding :/)…and nail polish is a weakness too.
Jean: I just have to mention and recommend Girl Crush by Stephie Walls again. If you are looking for something funny. I know Maryse and Amy will love all the references to OPI nail polish!!! …I loved! (Heroine is totally obsessed with OPI nail polish and she’s hysterical)!
Lisa: First line Friday….and this one’s for Amy….‘Flesh was a strange color for nail polish’. The The Player and the Pixie (Rugby Book 2) by Penny Reid & L Cosway.
Amy: I have a nail polish which has a delicious manly scent…it is yummy. I wore it not long after discovering the BDB books (from here, of course), and I kept sniffing my nails and thinking of them. Because I’m a weirdo like that.
Amy: I started Fighting Destiny (The Fae Chronicles Book 1) last night, and so far Ryder isn’t an alpha-jerk…he’s just a d!ck. And yes, there is a difference.
Tasha J: I was thinking of buying new brushes and it’s been like 6 years since I’ve bought make up (which was overwhelming then), but now….I’m searching Sephora online and oh my GAH!! *throws self on floor and covers eyes* It’s too hard! What’s an elixir, bb cream, cc cream, oils/creams/waters?! And there’s a bazillion brushes and sponges and primers and EVERYTHING! I thought maybe I’ll try a diff make-up too. Bc there’s only two, it’s light coverage it says, but do they come with a brush? And it’s online only and there’s like 10 diff colors, and variations of colors. Wtf is a yellow undertone? I just don’t know! I don’t know what color my face is! *drags hands down face* And it’s not like my stuff before is bad (it’s bare minerals), but even that has a million products now.
bev: Tasha, you need Amy, Cheryl, and Maryse to set you up with a beginners tools and brands tutorial.
Maryse: bev I think you’re on to something for that tools and brands. We’re hooked on our favorites. I’m doing it. Just backtracking in our comments I can find our favorites and build it from there.
Leslie M: Maryse, what was name of those makeup brushes you loved that were wicked cheap?
Maryse: I’m making a list as we speak of all of our beauty recommendations.
I’ll post the brushes on there, too.
Leslie M: Oooh, I like the sound of the beauty recs. Fun!!!
I’ve been asked to collect all of our holy grails into one big list as a reference guide (since most of our recommendations are hard to find via older post comments), so here it is:
OUR BEAUTY RECOMMENDATIONS:
NAILS:
Leslie M: Sooooo, any of you makeup experts, what products can you recommend to strengthen nails, keep cuticles good, fast dry/easy apply polish, etc. For the nail thing I def need long lasting, quick dry and streak free/easy application. I will be going for lighter colors to start as I cant deal with chips. Chips are less offensive with light color.
bev: I rarely do my nails but love polish. It does chip all the time on me. I know Amy and Michelle rec’d Seche Vite for a top coat and it worked really well….the one time I used it. I like the Essie colors but find the formulas hard for me to use as a novice/couple times a year nail polish wearer. I have 2 A-england shades because I always like looking at them and finally splurged. The colors are just as pretty irl. I’ve seen lit inspired indie brands and always want to for the fun but haven’t yet. This is making me want to paint my nails, lol.
Cheryl: Leslie I use the Seche Vite- works great at fast drying any polish. I find the lighter nail polish colors are more novice friendly. Sally Hansen has some inexpensive Hard as Nails, dry quick products that I have also used.
Amy: I agree with the other ladies that Seche Vite is GREAT as a topcoat. The only thing to keep in mind is that you may have shrinkage with it, which isn’t a big deal with lighter colors but with darker colors it is more obvious as the nail tips will start to show. Also, it has a tendency to get thick so you may need to use nail polish thinner on it at some point.
Grey: Same, Leslie & bev. I love having my nails pretty and polished… but mine is a time thing. I never have the time to devote to actually paint them and then to let them dry so they’ll set without smudging and then I have the chip problem too. *sigh* bev, what’s an A-england shade?
bev: It’s a brand of polish. I just like their colors. http://www.a-england.co.uk
Grey: OMG, bev… I just checked that site… I LOVE THEM!!! LOL!!!
Amy: Okay, how often do I get to mention something that is book related AND nail polish related?? Fifty Shades Of Grey Mini Nail Polish Lacquer Set – 6pk x 1/8oz each. …Let’s just say I buy polish by the collection, so between 6 and 12 bottles each time. Last count was over 300. But it’s so much fun!!
Melinda: Leslie, I get my nails done. Not false nails but just painted. In Australia there’s a product called S and S anyway it strengthens your nails and it doesn’t chip, but you have to get them redone as it grows out. It’s fantastic. At the moment they are red with silver sprinkles on the end, for Xmas. Have a try just for Xmas. I love it.
Amy: NAIL POLISH TALK!!!! My favorite brands are OPI, China Glaze (for the collections, not necessarily the quality), and Butter London. I just recently found these drops that you put on after your top coat, and your polish will dry within a couple of minutes. It’s insane! I’ll have to pull it out and check the brand…
Leslie M: My toenails are pretty cool right now too. I found the best bubble gum pink shade. Essie’s “Need a Vacation” …My favorite nail polish is OPI Strawberry Margarita.
Grey: I have fantastic looking toenails right now. I did a pink basecoat with multicolored glitter (shocker, right?) over it and they are just so pretty.
Maryse: I love your nail polish colors both Grey and Leslie. Pink is MY color. Baby pinks, nude pinks, ballerina pinks to “Harem” from Illamasqua, which is more of a purplish-pink. Cream colors, all of them. Pure nude color is nice too, for a change. I’ve never been a bold color girl (my nails are just not long enough to wear darker/dramatic colors). In fact, I was sure I’d hate “Harem” but it makes me feet look so pretty and feminine! P.S. I just bought a pretty Illamasqua Nail polish in Loella Bright Candy Pink. That’s my favorite brand. SO HARD to find though…
Amy: …with as careful as I am about not wearing the wrong shade of foundation or the wrong colors on my eyes or lipstick shades that look awful on me, I am not careful *at all* when it comes to wearing nail polish shades that go with my skin tone. In fact, I couldn’t tell you if a color doesn’t look good on my skin tone or not because I do NOT have an eye for that.
Amy: I know I mentioned the China Glaze Hunger Games collection earlier, but those colors *scream* Fall! Look at these swatches:
http://www.scrangie.com/2012/02/china-glaze-hunger-games-capitol-colors.html
SKIN (FOUNDATIONS, PRIMERS & POWDERS):
Cheryl: Hey Amy & Maryse, and any one else who loves makeup- what foundation do you use? I just ran out of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, and while I liked it was wondering if you guys loved what you were using.
Michelle: I have a crap ton of nail polish and MAC pigments, MSFs, you name it. I used to do makeup as a part-time job in school. I’ve seriously cut back but still spend a good chunk of change on beauty products. I’m just uber girly I guess 
Anne, I even have a Pleasureflush MSF *whispers my precious* My fave MSF is LIGHTSCAPADE though.
Maryse: …right now I’m on a serious Bare Minerals kick! Their eyeshadows are awesome, and I also use this subtle face shimmer/color powder they have is amazing ➔ I use the “bareMinerals Pure Radiance” color and it’s barely there but totally gives a glow…
Amy: Cheryl, right now I’m using bareMinerals bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. There are mixed reviews out there on it, but it is working for me. It has a lighter coverage so it doesn’t feel too thick or cakey. I *would* recommend trying it out in the store first just to make sure it works for you.
Anne: I love MAC! Their Mineralized Skinfinish Natural is everything! I love their lipsticks, blushes and eye shadows too. For foundation I really like the Revlon Colorstay or the Rimmel Lasting Finish. I am looking for a good primer though. Oh and if you are looking for a great finishing powder you guys should totally check out the Nars Translucent Crystal Powder. That powder blurs every imperfection! Its like Photoshop for your face! Love it
Michelle: Oh Amy I’m in love with the Tarte finishing powder! I use it everyday now with my MAC 182. I have combination skin and it really keeps me matte for most of the day. …The Tarte loose powder is better than the pressed just fyi. I have the shadows and especially the mattes are very good.
Amy: Oh, makeup talk! Dior Air Foundation. I. Am. In. Love!!! My go-to is usually Bare Minerals liquid foundation but the Dior one is great for when I need something not as sheer as the BM one. The coverage is perfect and beautiful and light and just… *sigh* Aaaaaannnnddd my newest gem find is the MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage…works wonders on days when my skin is looking particularly craptastic, LOL!!!
Cheryl: Amy, I love Dior makeup for the same reason, otherwise I love MakeUp Forever foundation and their concealer. Have you tried Becca shimmering skin perfector? Loving the glow it gives my skin, either by spot applying or mixing with my foundation.
Amy: …the primer I use is Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. I received a sample of the Photo Finish primer oil, but my skin tends to get oily so oil just makes it look greasy, not dewy. Yes, there is a difference. And yes, greasy is gross. Dewy is pretty.
Tasha J: I really like the looks of, and have heard good things, about rms un-cover up foundation and powder.
EYES (lids and lashes):
Maryse: Yves St Laurent “Effet Faux Cils” Love it! I’m using Dior Show Blackout (I always fluctuate between the two). I’m always in for which mascara is someone’s holy grail, so let me know. I love trying news ones out. Mascara is a MUST for me and my see-through lashes.
Amy: Maryse! Big Fatty Mascara from Urban Decay…BAM! Instant falsies!!
Maryse: Need!! I love falsies! Especially in mascara form.
Amy: YSL EFC mascara is wonderful, and EFC Shocking in deep black is absolutely *perfect* with smokey eyes. Those two and Urban Decay Big Fatty mascara are staples for me! (Maryse got me hooked on the YSL mascara )
Cheryl: Really needed a great mascara and can’t wait to try the one’s you both recommended. Thanks!!
Cheryl: Maryse & Amy- Got the YSL EFC mascara. While at Sephora, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara was rec’d by 3 workers -who said liked better than YSL. Got both since Too Faced was a reward. Also Buxom lip gloss in Mai Tai- yummy orangey summer color. Now off to compare my mascaras.
Cheryl: tried the 2 mascaras I just bought. Like YSL one, the Too Faced better than sex- not so much- “clumps”.
Amy: I appreciate the input about the Better Than Sex mascara…guess it wasn’t, huh? *snicker* Oh, and Maryse – I ordered the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara…so excited!! How did UD Big Fatty work for you?
Maryse: Big Fatty will work fine. It takes me about two weeks with a new mascara for it to look right on me. It’s pretty “wet” still, which is the issue with brand new mascaras, but it most certainly makes some crazy thick lashes. Just requires extra care in the separating them. Soon the formula should dry out just enough for me.
BROWS:
Tasha: So, question for all you make-up lovers: do ya’ll fill your brows? I’m not a huge make-up person, I wear it a few times a year. Even though I like the look with it on better, it’s not something I like to incorporate into my routine and it took a long time to be comfortable without so, there’s that. And when I do wear, I like the most natural look possible.
Anyway, I know this brow filling thing is a trend, but I would’ve never considered doing it for myself. And my hairdresser begged me to fill my brows just to see what it would look like, and I might like it. Maybe. But, I hate the thought of make up on my eyebrows, it weirds me out. And my husband said they looked better when I pointed out there was something different, it took him a while to figure it out *rolls eyes*, but he said they looked thicker and he liked them better. Which irritated me. Lol. But then I told him it was make-up and his face got all screwy and he was weirded out. Which was my reaction also to the whole thing, so I understand. But I still *might* like the look of them. So anyway, do you fill?
bev: LMAO. How did he think they got so thick? No, I’m not a makeup person. I have very pale brows and lashes. One time I had a complimentary make up thing and yes they looked “better”. But, no.
R: I fill mine in with a pencil, Tasha. VERY lightly. And it has a mascara wand to blend it in. It looks natural IMO, especially compared to what my teenage daughter and her friends do that is downright frightening. Getting the right color is important. I went to Sephora and the first one they sold me was too red. I returned it and they tried something else that’s perfect. I know much less about makeup than these other girls, but I’ll give you the name of it here shortly if they don’t have a better suggestion.
Amy: My brows are slowly disappearing so I *have* to fill them in, but I would probably do it anyway even if it wasn’t a necessity because I am a little crazy about makeup in general. As in a full face of makeup every time I leave the house, even if it is an early day and I’m leaving at 4:00 in the morning. I devotedly use Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow pomade with a Makeup Forever tiny stiff-bristled brush and Anastasia BH Brow Wiz pencil. I actually have a consultation appointment for brow microblading so we’ll see how that goes…
Leslie M: Tasha, your eyebrow post made me giggle. I’m not a makeup person either but even when I was I never did eyebrow thing. Despite being a dark brunette, I have always had thin, light eyebrows. Darkening them freaks me out and I felt really weird when they did them at Sephora. However, I bet you could find a product that could subtlety enhance them that you would be comfortable with. Me, I’m too lazy for even mascara. I do foundation, very light shadow on lids and lip balm. Amy, whats brow microblading?? Also, anyone know what the heck that eyebrow threading thing they do in the middle of the mall is???
Amy: Leslie… https://www.instyle.com/news/what-is-eyebrow-microblading-guide-facts
Leslie M: Aaahhh, thats cool. A permanent brow thingy.
Tessa: I love make up but rarely wear it. My eyebrows are naturally thick, so that’s not an issue. I do need to get an eyebrow color thing, like they have for eyelashes. In the summer, I swim so much both eyelashes and eyebrows become so blonde, they become invisible.
Ela: I love love love collecting makeup and have a ton but do I actually wear it/use it …..nope (maybe a few times a year)…I basically go to work with the face I wake up with. But I do have a brow pencil that I really like when and if I use it…I use the “universal shade” I’m a dark brunette with a dark complexion, I just use a little bit more to make it match ME….LOL
Tasha: He thought I dyed them or something, his guessing game was ridiculous. Lol. She used Youngblood cosmetics, something like this: My brows are like a sandy grayish? color and they’re not thick, but I don’t think they’re overly thin. Maybe a little thinner than I’d like, and one is a tad shorter than the other. I was stressing over weather they were waterproof (could you imagine the streaks on a rainy day? haha) or sleeping like that or when I have an itch and how to apply…it’s completely foreign to me and I’m not sure if I’ll continue or not, but I’m considering. And thanks for all the info on what you guys use. Amy, microblading actually sounds really cool and I like that it’s low maintenance!
MAKEUP BRUSHES:
Tasha J: I just bought the beauty blender from Sephora and I got the cleaner for it too. I bought all my bare minerals makeup and mascara from Sephora too. But when I bought makeup yesterday, I bought it from our local Peebles, cuz I don’t have time or patience for anything else. It’s este lauder. They have Clinique too and that’s it. When I checked Amazon for the beauty blender yesterday, the reviews all said it was fake fake fake, so I don’t trust it.
Maryse: I have yet to use a beauty blender. EXACTLY Tasha. I went on Amazon for those and I can’t tell what’s going to disintegrate or smell…
Cheryl: I like just using a foundation brush. I just put a small amount on my hand and then use the brush to lightly apply it. I also like in the summer to use a tinted sunscreen only.
Amy: Tasha… The only place I recommend buying a Beautyblender from is Sephora – which it looks like you already did – and that way you KNOW you are getting the original one. Just use the cleaner, and then I use the original little package it came in (the circular one) and set it on the opening while it dries. Because it expands, it sets perfectly.
Michelle: If you guys want a killer thin line, get the Shu Uemura 2R sable brush. I use it with my MAC fluidlines. Just found it last year but I will never use anything else!
Amy: Michelle, you’re here! *hugs* I am trying out that brush…it sounds perfect for my gel liners. I’m starting to get hooked on cosmetic brushes now so I’m always on the hunt for new ones.
Maryse: Thank you, Michelle for that liner brush recommendation. I shall look it up. And now I also want the Tarte finishing powder.
Michelle: Amy and Maryse try the brush and report back if you do. I literally squeeed in real life the first time I used it annnndd unlike so many thin liner brushes that start off good and go downhill, it holds up and retains the sharp point.
Maryse: The “Real Techniques” makeup brushes make ALL the difference. I MEAN ALL. I have been imitating these girls that I love on Youtube (bought the EXACT makeup palettes and do exactly as they do) and it’s been nice… but never amazing. Then I finally just got the brushes my favorite is using, and OMG I AM GLOWING from eyes, to cheeks!!!!
I CANNOT BELIEVE IT. The brushes I have are nice, soft, and I have ALL the various blenders, and whatever else. I have at least 25 various makeup brushes (many are the same, but from different manufacturers). I just bought THIS ONE 3-piece kit (Real Techniques Cruelty Free Travel Essentials Set With Ultra Plush Custom Cut Synthetic Bristles, Includes: Essential Foundation, Multi Task and Domed Shadow Brushes), and I can do my entire makeup with it and LOOK like what I’ve been trying to “look” like. HAPPPPPPPY!!!!! !!!!!
Amy: BRUSHES!!! I’m always on the lookout for good brushes, and now I want to snatch these up based on your reaction. I jumped on Google as soon as I read your post… Oh man…oh MAN!!! I can’t believe how inexpensive those brushes are. And the prices are even better on Amazon than on Walmart.com. And with your excitement there’s no way I can resist buying some. YAY for two-day shipping!!
Maryse: Amy & Cheryl!! I’m so hooked that I just went back and bought 3 more brushes (all “add-on” items so SUPER-CHEAP)!!
- Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend Set, with Ultra Plush, Custom Cut, Synthetic Taklon Bristles, Includes: Base Shadow and Deluxe Crease Brushes
- Real Techniques 1413 Setting Brush
I’m getting rid of ALL my brushes and just using these. I’ll add more as I find new needs. Or new makeup-guru recommendations. LOL!!! These things are SO affordable. Who knew??! LOOK at the reviews!!!! Just look at ‘em. HOLY. MOLY. My makeup world is complete.
Leslie M: Maryse, I cannot believe how cheap those brushes are!! I don’t wear eye makeup but am obsessed with foundation/powder/blush brushes. I am going to give them a try. Yay! I love a bargain.
R: Thanks Maryse! I wear makeup about once a month, but I was sorely in need of new brushes!
Maryse: I know Leslie!! The price can’t be beat especially for how good they are. I was amazed when my favorite makeup blogger mentioned and was using one of her favorite brushes for her eyeshadow… saying it just really almost seems to melt the makeup into a perfect blend, and when I looked it up, it was part of a 3 brush kit (with a case!) and it was CHEAP. MINE!!! I only used this kit today. …I have so many brushes (most from my Ipsy subscription) but these just blend perfectly. I’m so happy!!
Lisa M: I will be ordering brushes today. They all looking amazing & I need some new ones!! Well priced!!
Cheryl: Maryse, I have an Amazon gift card, so Yeh I’m ordering those brushes!!
Maryse: And now I bought this from Real Techniques for my brushes (it CLINGS to the mirror, and can be dishwashered and can be removed and placed over and over again without losing it’s “cling”). ➔ Real Techniques 3 Pocket Expert Organizer Grey, Easily Mounts to Mirror, Wall, Dresser, or Tile, Holds Makeup, Makeup Brushes, Blenders, and Tools (and they have a smaller one, too)
And if you place a washed brush upside down in the crevices between the cups, it’s held there to air dry! Here’s the video that convinced me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtcWlupjIWo
MichelleS: Ooh. So I went to Target & they have Maryse’s Real Techniques makeup brushes on sale, so I picked up a set! Woohoo. Thanks for sharing that review.
Nay: So after doing a ton of research, I just ordered a bunch of new things! Including 8 Real Techniques brushes!! So thank you, Maryse, for posting about those!
Skin Care
Tasha: I don’t wanna blow this whistle too early, so *knocks on wood*, but I went back to my Doterra skin care after baby. Now, after both previous babies, I’d get big hormonal acne for a week or 2, always. I didn’t have Doterra then and I’d use Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Olay acne stuff, or sensitive and acne spot treatments. It was ok, never great. THIS time however, nothing near as bad!
Now, at first I did the face wash and toner in this kit and added a drop of Doterra e.o. Juniper Berry to to doTERRA HD Clear Facial Lotion every night after a shower. Worked great. Then I stopped the Juniper Berry, for no real reason, I’m just lazy, I guess and continued the face wash, toner and HD lotion and used the spot treatment whenever one popped up. That’s always worked just ok for me.
I did the spa treatment face mask from there one night when things were really starting to flare up. Worked like a dream! But, ever since my 2nd child, so about 4 years now, I’ve had a patch on 1 cheek of redness. It’s mostly always flat, drier there I think, and occasional flares with the heat or something irritates it and it’s a good day when it fades to almost unnoticeable. I’ve not gone the the dermatologist for it yet and I bought the foundation recently and beauty blender to cover it.
Now, here’s the good part…in the face wash kit you get the wash, toner, scrub (I forgot to mention I use this a couple times a week also now), lotion (I LOVE this lotion the most, but I’m being overly cautious with my face right now) and now a skin tightening serum that wasn’t available when I bought previously. I don’t typically use age defying things or tighteners ever Bc they make me break out and I think they’re useless (I’m 30 yet ) But, I tried it before my moisturizer a couple days ago and the redness is GONE!! I so hope it stays that way, something in it must’ve calmed it.
More to come…
I am happily addicted to reading but I need to expend my book energy (especially when one puts me in an emotional frenzy - SO fun!). So, I release my feelings about the stories, by writing them down here. It's my book therapy. 
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
*tosses glitter* It’s here, it’s finally here!!! This post is going to be everything, I just know it! Thanks, Maryse! ❤️
I can not imagine how long this is taking you.
Love the name in lipstick.
Thanks Maryse- I LOVE makeup and talking makeup! I’m still trying to find the “right” brow product and concealer. Right now I’m using the Tom Ford eyebrow pencil. It’s crazy expensive (like all TF products). It’s great for lightly filling in my brows for a natural look, but I have noticed some flakiness when applying it. Going to try sharpening it and see if that is why it’s flaking.
YAY!!!! My pleasure, my friends. It will take me a few days of steady progression, but it will be worth it!!
I hope your streaming something good while you so it.
Oh, the thrill of a cliff hanger.
I love this! Even though I’m pretty low maintenance, I like hearing what advice u all have when I have questions.
This is so fun!!
Cheryl, I have a couple more foundation finds I am loving. I use about four different foundations (alternately, not at the same time *snort*) depending on the day. IT cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation with SPF 50, which kept my face from getting burned unlike my arms when I was on vacation not long ago, and Makeup For Ever Ultra HD foundation. And on days where I’m just running a couple of errands and don’t want a full-on face, I use Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer. It’s buildable and seriously covers as well as foundation.
I’m SO excited about this thread! I feel like Tasha J. What is my color? What is all this “stuff”! All the while I’m just buying it up and trying it all. Why not. Just a few things I LOVE: DHC White. This is both a sunscreen and a primer. Since I live in sunny CA and have had minor skin cancer 2x now- sunscreen is a big deal. This is my very favorite!! Also, just wondering does anyone here use airbrush makeup?
OMG, this is AWESOME! Thanks, Maryse! As soon as I have time, I’m going to read every word of this.
Could you possibly add a section about ‘Eye wrinkles, bags and dark circles’? I’d love to hear everyone’s tips on covering or reducing them. I’ve tried TONS of products for under eye wrinkles and bags–the types that tighten the skin, and the absolute best I’ve found is L’Oreal Collagen Filler Eye Illuminator Targeted Eye Treatment in the 0.5-Ounce tube. I’ve used it for about 15 years, and it’s the only one I’ve ever used that actually makes the wrinkles disappear without leaving a white residue. Only, it doesn’t work every time I use it because all the variables have to be perfect.
Even if the directions don’t say this, this is how I use it to best make wrinkles disappear. It’s best right after a shower, and your under eye area has to be very well moisturized. Then you put on your make-up, and the very last thing you do is dab this in on top.
I squirt a thin line of it under my eye, right along my deepest wrinkle, and then I pat it with my ring finger with a very light touch until it disappears. If you put too much, it WILL leave a residue, but if I’ve gotten all the variables right, I can feel it tightening within minutes. It just takes practice to get it right for you.
Drawbacks are that you absolutely can’t touch the area at all or you’ll rub it off, and it only lasts for 1-3 hours in my experience. Also, it needs to be on an area that you don’t move much (it doesn’t work well on smile lines). The worst part is that it’s also gotten hard to find–I think maybe L’Oreal quit making it, which always seems to happen when I find something that works. L’Oreal does have a couple of other ones for the eye area (Volume Filler Eye Treatment and Triple Power Eye Treatment), but I haven’t run out of what I have, so I haven’t tried them yet. However, I love the old formula so much that I’ll pay extra to an online seller if I can find it.
I also tried Firma-Face XR by Serious Skin Care, and it tightens like crazy (you can use it on your entire face)–I swear it makes your face look at least 10 years younger, so much that it’s almost creepy. BUT it leaves a residue. You’re supposed to let it dry and then (kinda) wash it off to leave behind ‘tightened skin’, but when I wash it off, all the tightening seems to go with it. I will say that I bought it several years ago, and I’m sure they’ve improved their formula since then, so I may give it another shot.
Like the L’Oreal I mentioned, all the variables need to be just right and you have to work with it to figure out what works best for you. It also helps to search for tips from other users about the best way to apply it (there are a ton of great reviews on Amazon with explanations).
Nay there is a popular product I see in AB reviews The J One Jelly Pack. It’s a primer but also is a face firmer. I guess it too takes practice to apply at first too. I don’t wear make up but looks interesting, not sure if you can put on eye area.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.byrdie.com/amp/j-one-jelly-pack-review
bev!!!
My cousin just told me to watch these:
“I dont know if you like japanese anime, but there are some really cute and romantic one. Just for naming a few, there is : Emma a victorian romance. Kaichou wa maid sama, lovely complex, Say I love you, Tora dora.
In K-drama my best is Pinocchio, this drama hooked me up to the Korean drama, And there is She was pretty, a really good one, and the actor are good for the eye
In movie there is While you were sleeping and miss winterbourne.
You should try the anime and k-drama, I know you will love it”
That’s awesome! I haven’t gotten into anime …..yet. With the way I keep finding new obsessions I’m sure it is only a matter of time.
I have not watched those two dramas yet, but they are both on my to be watched list. The H in Pinocchio was the H in I can Hear Your Voice and the h was in You’re Beautiful two other dramas I loved. The She was Pretty H is the H in my current watch Secretary Kim and the lead in Fight My Way one of the ones I’ve posted clips from. I do think you’d like Fight My Way Maryse. He is a fighter who adores the h though only friends at first.
I love how we can access all this entertainment or art from around the world.
I will look up the movies and your cousin is right you should try some.
Lips… what about lips, girls? I always feel like when I wear anything on my lips I chew it off, or it looks clumpy… never as smooth and beautiful as I see everyone else wearing it. What are good tips/brands for lip gloss/stick, etc.? What do I buy? Where do I buy it? Do I need lip liner for real or is this just a ploy invented by someone somewhere to drive people crazy? Should I bag the whole thing and just stick with my chapstick because it’s safe?
I don’t wanna blow this whistle too early, so *knocks on wood*, but I went back to my Doterra skin care after baby. Now, after both previous babies, I’d get big hormonal acne for a week or 2, always. I didn’t have Doterra then and I’d use Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Olay acne stuff, or sensitive and acne spot treatments. It was ok, never great. THIS time however, nothing near as bad! Now, at first I did the face wash and toner in this kit https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/personal-care-Customizable-Essential-Skin-Care-Kit and added a drop of Doterra e.o. Juniper Berry to to HD lotion https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/personal-care-hd-clear-facial-lotion every night after a shower. Worked great. Then I stopped the Juniper Berry, for no real reason, I’m just lazy, I guess and continued the face wash, toner and HD lotion and used the spot treatment https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/hd-clear-oil whenever one popped up. That’s always worked just ok for me. I did the spa treatment face maskhttps://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/doterra-spa-detoxifying-mud-mask from there one night when things were really starting to flare up. Worked like a dream! But, ever since my 2nd child, so about 4 years now, I’ve had a patch on 1 cheek of redness. It’s mostly always flat, drier there I think, and occasional flares with the heat or something irritates it and it’s a good day when it fades to almost unnoticeable. I’ve not gone the the dermatologist for it yet and I bought the foundation recently and beauty blender to cover it. Now, here’s the good part…in the face wash kit you get the wash, toner, scrub (I forgot to mention I use this a couple times a week also now), lotion (I LOVE this lotion the most https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/hydrating-cream, but I’m being overly cautious with my face right now) and now a skin tightening serum that wasn’t available when I bought previously. I don’t typically use age defying things or tighteners ever Bc they make me break out and I think they’re useless (I’m 30 yet
) But, I tried it before my moisturizer a couple days ago and the redness is GONE!! I so hope it stays that way, something in it must’ve calmed it. 