Tag: Makeup Reviews

My Fall Makeup Routine!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on My Fall Makeup Routine!

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone! We made it through and the weekend is just a few hours away!

It’s been a very busy few days for me this past week- and I’m really looking forward to having a couple of days where I can just relax, unwind, work my radio gig and then bundle up with a hot cup of coffee and either a good book or movie. These chilly and rainy early November days are essentially the calm before the storm- with the storm being the impending holidays- so I’m trying to rest up and ready myself!

Before I get some final things done at my office for this week and then head out with some of my co-workers for well-deserved burgers and beers- I thought I’d share my Fall 2019 makeup routine (as is tradition this time of year!) for those of you who love a good beauty/cosmetic find as much as I do!

My Autumnal makeup collection, much like my Spring one- is the transition between two vastly different seasons here in New England (Summer and Winter, and then Winter and Summer, respectively) so sometimes it can be tricky to find the right products that don’t make me look *too* overly made-up or ones that don’t sweat/run down my face the second I step outside.

It’s a trial and error in a lot of ways- but I found some great products this season that have been absolute life savers for me.

And, if you’re curious about past installments- I’ve linked them all here!

FALL – [ 2018 ]

WINTER – [ 2019 ]

SPRING – [ 2019 ]

SUMMER – [ 2019 ] [ 2018 ]

Okay, let’s get down to it!

Mary Kay TimeWise Matte 3D Foundation: In the Fall, I want decent matte coverage that won’t make me look too chalky if my skin gets a little on the dry side when the temperatures start to drop. To ensure my complexion looks natural while simultaneously keeping any excess oil in check in and around my T-Zone- I turned to this lightweight foundation from Mary Kay since the color matched my post-Summer glow perfectly.

Infused with their “TimeWise” skin care formula to prevent signs of aging and repair damaged skin cells- my face looks healthy, smooth, and shine-free for hours and hours when I wear this super breathable foundation.

At $25 a tube- and with a little going a long way (I can cover my whole face with just a couple of small drops)– I have a feeling this foundation will come with me into the Winter, too.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

e.l.f. cosmetics Beautifully Bare Sheer Tint Finishing Powder: To lock in my base and give my foundation an extra boost of shine-free protection- I swear by this super light, super silky finishing powder from e.l.f. It goes on super smooth and doesn’t budge all day.

Best of all? The formula is cruelty-free and doesn’t clog my pores- even after a grueling day!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Tarte Cosmetics’ “Tarteist” PRO Glow-To-Go Highlight Contour Palette: In lieu of pink or plummy blushes this Fall- I opted to keep things simple with a well-designed contour and a touch of sheen along my cheekbones and nose for a “almost natural” no-makeup look.

To assist with this process- which can be daunting in the early a.m. hours when I’m getting ready for work- I adore this compact kit from Tarte (that smells like candy!) that features a flattering contour matte shade and two gorgeous highlighters- one pearl and one golden. Even on days where I’m utterly exhausted- this kit makes me look radiant!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Lid + Line + Lash in “Burnished Bling”: I love my brown and golden hues in the fall- which mirror the changing leaves here in Massachusetts. This year, I wanted to keep my eye look simple- a swipe of long-lasting color that could be taken from day to night without a fuss.

Revlon has me covered with this duel-ended wand. One side, a creamy shadow that dries to a crease-proof finish- and the other side- a glittery, golden top coat that can be used to accentuate the shadow, line the lids, or make your lashes pop! I’ve been having so much fun creating fun looks with both shades- which are super pretty and easy to blend/work with!

And for $9.99, how can you go wrong?

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Maybelline New York – EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner: I am LOYAL to gel liners- which are the only ones I can wear that don’t irritate my eyes or wind up all over me by the end of the day. Liquids are messy, pencils can be downright painful- but gels go on smooth and stay on strong.

In keeping up with the brown/golden eye look I covet so much this time of year- I am really enjoying this matte brown liner from Maybelinne (that comes with a fine brush to ensure a flawless application.) I’ve kept my look subtle *and* I’ve pulled off some impressive cat-eyes with this stuff- and one jar of these will last you literally forever- so just grab one and enjoy it well into 2020.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Diorshow Mascara: While a lot of my Fall makeup collection consists of drug store finds/steals- I like to splurge a little bit on my mascara and lipstick. This season, I turned to Dior’s award winning mascara to boost my lashes with length, thickness and color. I love this formula- because it enhances my lashes in such a way where I look like I had extensions done- and yet there’s no clumping, flaking or discomfort you tend to get from other brands who boast the same results.

At $29.50- it’s a little pricier than most mascaras- but oh so worth it!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

NARS Precision Lip Liner in “Holy Red”: Ah, yes- Fall- when I can finally bring back my trademark look of a bold red matte lip that I make sure NEVER disappears until I’m ready for it to. Every photo taken of me from September through March in the past 10+ years has featured that lip look- and I have been proudly carrying on the tradition in Autumn of 2019, too.

Of course, no lip look can be successfully pulled off without a reliable liner to seal the deal- and I have trusted NARS for a very long time with that task since their liners go on smooth and last forever. This red is by far my favorite.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

NARS Lipstick in “Inappropriate Red”: I’ve tried many red lipsticks in my lifetime- some good, some bad- and some just plain dreadful. But I always end up returning to NARS for their creamy, soft formulas and bold shades.

This Fall I’ve been absolutely obsessed with “Inappropriate Red”- which is a bright cherry red that brings out my eyes and makes my teeth look even whiter than usual.

And, unrelated- but it matches my Fall flannels perfectly!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Milk Makeup KUSH Lip Balm in “Plushberry”: On the days where my lips might be in need of some extra hydration and/or I want to have a more subtle look for work or a special occasion- I turn to this berry-toned moisturizing balm.

Infused with- you guessed it: CBD- this balm repairs lips, hydrates for all-day comfort and smoothness, and gives my mouth a pop of beautiful color and shine that is perfect for these chillier months!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

And of course, I wouldn’t leave you all hanging without some swatches! Everything is labeled below!

And I think that just about does it for my personal Fall 2019 cosmetics collection- one I’m going to enjoy until long after the Holidays wrap up, I’m sure!

If you’d like to share your own Fall/Autumn 2019 makeup collections and must-haves- feel free to drop me a line! I’d love to hear about them and potentially be introduced to some amazing new products!

And, in the meantime- I’m going to go get some work done and prepare for the days off ahead! Next week is going to be a blast- and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Enjoy your Friday and your weekend, y’all!

xx

– Ashley –

My Summer Makeup Routine!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on My Summer Makeup Routine!

Good Afternoon and Happy “Hump Day,” everyone!

I had wanted to get this post up bright and early on Monday morning- since I’m one of those people who typically sticks to a pretty strict schedule in terms of work and writing- but life, distractions, and side-tracks happen. In this case, it was a bit of tire trouble with my car (see: completely flat!) and some last minute rearrangements at my office that required my full attention.

With the dust settling and my finishing a productive and peaceful half-day-work-from-home-day (the best kind of work day, really!) I wanted to share my makeup routine I’ve been swearing by throughout Summer 2019. I typically do these posts once every few months to share what I’m coveting during the given season- and it’s always fun to sort of compare/contrast what I’m wearing now to what I was wearing this time last year or the years before that.

If you’d like to sneak a peek into the past- I’ve linked everything here!

SUMMER: [ 2018 ]

FALL: [ 2018 ]

WINTER: [ 2019 ]

SPRING: [ 2019 ]

Now let’s get to it, shall we? It’s a beautiful day and I have a lot of stuff I want to do!

L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream: In the Summer, when it’s hot and humid and my skin gets oily and shiny- the last thing I want to wear is a heavy foundation that is going to run right off of my face. I turn to lightweight BB creams- and I’ve found the most interesting concoction via L’Oréal.

This translucent BB cream (shown below in the swatches) applies as a white/pearl color- but quickly blends in with your skin’s natural tone and offers light-to-medium coverage that stays in place all day. My skin looks fresh, bright, even- and stays that way until I wash this off!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Physicians Formula “Healthy Powder” with SPF16: I always brush on a little finishing powder before I step out for the day since my skin had a tendency to get a little oily- especially in hotter weather/temperatures. This light-textured press powder with build-able coverage applies easily enough (without making me look chalky) and offers me much-needed sun protection along with Vitamins A, C and E while covering my pores and giving me a smooth, satin finish.

I keep this in my purse on especially hot days where I might need a little touchup in the T-Zone here and there.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Benefit Cosmetics GALifornia Powder Blush: I’ve been avoiding bronzers this Summer, opting for a more natural pink/peach flush in my cheeks when I head out to work, the beach, or out on the town with friends. I have been LOVING this blush- which has a bit of a golden tone to it- because it gives me a natural hint of sunkissed color without making me look *too* made up- and it compliments my current dirty blonde beach hair so perfectly.

If I’m ever feeling tired or groggy in the mornings (it happens to the best of us)- this blush never fails to make me look refreshed and recharged. Total game changer.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

ModelCo Eyelites in “St. Barts”: Much like opting for BB creams instead of foundations during the Summer, I opt for “set it and forget it” cream shadows in the Summer to prevent them from melting down my face when I’m outside and soaking up the sunshine. This golden/nude tone from ModelCo is by far my favorite- because it gives my lids a lovely bit of sparkle that I can dress up or down with bright eyeliners (I’ll get to that in a moment) or simply swipe on some mascara for an office-safe “every day” look.

Best of all? This shadow will NOT move. At all. It doesn’t flake, crease, run down onto your cheeks, etc. You dab it on and you are good to go all day and night.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

FENTY Beauty Eyeliner Trio in Papaya Mama, Lime Feva and Skinny Dip: Perhaps my favorite and most Summer-appropriate makeup pick comes courtesy of the fabulous and brilliant Rihanna and her beauty line. I mix and match these bright coral, lime and sea blue liners on the daily- and I’ve had people stop me to ask about them. They’re super pigmented, long-lasting- and match pretty much everything and anything you pair them with from your lips to your fingertips.

As much as I love Fall, I am going to be so sad when I eventually have to put these away and turn to more Autumnal shades for my lids- because these very well could be the best eyeliners I’ve ever purchased. Ever.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Kokie Cosmetics “Stay Dry” Waterproof Mascara: I don’t make it a habit to go swimming with a full-face of makeup on but honestly- you never know where a day is going to take you and I like to be prepared for anything- be it an impromptu dip in the pool/lake, a more-humid-than-expected day, or even a good cry over spilled ice cream (this actually happened.)

Kokie’s “Stay Dry” mascara does just that- protecting my lashes from the elements and keeping them long, curled and conditioned. This brand is definitely one of my favorite drug store finds.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Rimmel London “Stay Glossy” in “Ready To Flamingle”: Finally, Summer 2019 is all about bare lips with SPF-soaked balm or a quick sweep of a fun, pink/peach color. I’ve found that with this shade from Rimmel- which is long-lasting (without feeling sticky) and has just the right amount of sparkle to give my lips a fun pop of color for an evening out on the town.

This has been my go-to these past couple of months before I dip back into darker tones with matte finishes. And, of course- it’s an affordable drug store find!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

And, as promised- I always show swatches of what I wear to give you all a better idea of how the colors look outside the tubes and packaging. I’m on the fair side, of course- so these shades may not look the same on everyone!

And that just about does it for me, everyone. I’ve got to get going on some afternoon/evening plans- but I’ll be back on Friday morning with a look at all of the fun from this past weekend- and even some of these past few days despite all the scrambling around and unexpected calamity!

If you’d like to share some of your own Summer 2019 makeup favorites or suggestions- feel free to drop me a line!

Until then- enjoy the rest of your Wednesday and have a great few days ahead!

xx

– Ashley –

My Spring Makeup Routine!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on My Spring Makeup Routine!

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone!

I had wanted to post this past Wednesday, but after my flight was delayed on Tuesday- resulting in me getting home from Vegas much later than expected- I spent the day sleeping in and getting the last of my things packed for tomorrow’s big move. I keep trying to psyche myself up by saying I’m ready and haven’t forgotten anything- but I’m admittedly pretty nervous and I’m 99.999% sure I’m leaving something behind and won’t think of it until three or four days from now.

I digress- it’s the weekend and as busy as it’s going to be- I wanted to share something light and upbeat. I’m not talking about recipes or off-the-wall New England destinations this time- but my Spring makeup routine! These are the products I’ve been wearing non-stop since mid-March- and are going to carry me into the Summer and all the heat and humidity that comes with it!

I’ve done similar posts like this during past seasons, of course. For some quick links to check ’em out- here you go!

But enough delays. Let’s get on with it! From left to right in the image above:

Sephora Collection 10 Hour Wear Perfection Foundation: I love my Fenty foundation in the Fall and the Winter- but come Spring when my skin varies back and forth between being dry and oily and back again- I need something a little less heavy, still oil & fragrance free- and with a natural finish so I don’t look overly made up if I start to sweat.

This medium-coverage, lightweight foundation from Sephora keeps my skin looking and feeling flawless, lasts for hours- and is reasonably priced- making it my must-have this time of year when I want to look natural without breaking the bank.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser/Concealer: On the days, like Wednesday- when I’m feeling overly tired and the dark circles under my eyes aren’t doing me any favors- I slather on this concealer to smooth my skin, brighten my complexion and hide any imperfections around my eyes and face if I’m seeing any redness or blemishes after a rough couple of nights.

I love the longevity and the lightweight feel of this concealer- which blends easily and dries to a natural, “am I wearing makeup or not?” finish. Best of all? It’s only $10.00

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Powder Foundation: I don’t use this powder all over my face since it would undoubtedly make me look a little too chalky- but I do apply it in the mornings after I apply my liquid makeup as a shine reducer in my T-Zone and it does wonders! The formula, much like Sephora’s liquid foundation- is lightweight and has a natural finish- so my pores never get clogged and I never look like I’m wearing a ton of makeup.

I carry this powder with me for touch-ups throughout the day, as well- and it’s a life-saver on more hot and humid days for sure!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

ModelCo Eyeshadow Trio in “Mykonos”: Last Spring, I was all about lavender liners and baby pink blush- however this year I’ve been gravitating towards deeper, darker colors for my eyes and lighter, more golden hues for my cheeks. This trio from ModelCo, which I had received in a subscription box a couple of months ago- has quickly become one of my favorites- particularly the peachy highlighter shade and the deep rosy/red color for my crease.

This trio has a subtle amount of shimmer, is easy to blend, and makes my blue eyes pop when I blend the colors together for an all-day look that’s suitable for my office or out on the town. I’ll have some swatches below!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Wander Beauty “Mile High Club” Mascara: I finally took a break from my Kush mascara and have fallen in love with a light, lengthening and volumizing mascara (in pretty gold packaging!) from Wander Beauty. Cruelty and Gluten-free, this mascara glides on easily with a brush that hugs every lash- coating them with a conditioning formula that softens as it gives my eyes a fun, flake-free bit of flair.

I can also attest to it’s staying power- since I’ve been doing my fair share of crying while I’ve been packing in recent days/weeks. It stays put!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Benefit Cosmetics “Dandelion Twinkle” Powder Highlighter: I’ve been skipping rosy blushes this time of year for a more subtle, nude shimmer/shine across my cheekbones. I am in love with this pretty little powder from Benefit- which gives me a beautiful glow that really shines when the light hits it right- and fits right in my pocket!

On days when I’m in a rush, I also like to apply a little bit of this by my brow bone, down the bridge of my nose and my chin- to give me a sunkissed look without the harmful UV rays! There’s a swatch below!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Sephora Lip Stories in “Oui!”: And finally, to finish off a face of Spring-inspired makeup- I swipe on some of this satin-finished dusty rose lipstick from Sephora (only $8!) that softens my lips and makes them look fuller and plumper. I’m addicted to this long-lasting formula- which doesn’t get dry or patchy as the day wears on- and requires only minimal reapplications from time to time!

And of course, I have a swatch below!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

And as promised, here are the swatches!

I know that once Summer is here- I’ll be incorporating a lot more neon and bright colors into my wardrobe and makeup- since I’ve already started collecting some! I can’t wait to share it!

But that does it for me today. It’s my half day at work- and then tomorrow I am off to begin my new life in the Pioneer Valley! I’ll be back next week with some updates from the new apartment, a peek into my newly renovated closet- and maybe a recipe or two to share from my spacious kitchen that I’m excited to cook in!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful and safe weekend ahead!

xx

– Ashley –