It's Thursday again so it's time for another Favorite Series post.
Back when I lived in Brazil I did not wear a lot of make up. To tell you the truth, I only wore make-up for special occasions. Not even mascara or eyeliner during the week. Most people don't, so I never thought about it.
Then I moved to the US. Everybody wears make up here. I saw 14 year-old girls at the store who would put Brazilian make-up artists to shame. Me? I didn't know how to do my make-up. I knew how to apply mascara and lipstick(maybe). Where do other women learn that? I told my mom she should've taught me. She replied she didn't know it either! It's true.
So, I recently got really into make up. You know how I go through my phases right? A different interest or hobby every month. Well, don't be like me.
I started watching a ton of video tutorials on youtube and other websites. (my favorite is www.makeupbytiffanyd.com - I talked about her on my Favorite Series website edition).
What I found out is that make up and beauty products can be very addictive. But at least it makes me look purrrdy (bats eyelashes, but not too hard 'cause they're fake and I have no practice with them and they might fall off- don't be like me.)
Much better than other kinds of addiction, right? So, I got these today:
(Mac eyeshadows in Contrast and Parfait Amout + Viva Glam V lipstick + Lipglass in Viva Glam VI)
Whenever I want to buy make-up or beauty products I look at reviews and tutorials online because I always feel overwhelmed when I go to Sephora or Ulta or Target or Macy's or... I get overwhelmed, and if I know myself, I'll end up buying a whole bunch of things I don't know how to use or don't need just because the container (or the box, or the tag or the label...) was SO CUTE! (my vanity needs that!) Don't be like me people! I tell'ya!
As you can probably tell by now, I'm no expert. AT ALL. But these are things I researched about, bought and love using so you might like them too.
Urban Decay Naked Palette
My absolute favorite! (And it'd better be, since I made Ben drive 45 minutes to the other side of Seattle to get it when they were sold out everywhere!)
SO versatile and the colors are beautiful. It also comes with a primer potion (eyeshadow base) and a double eyeliner pencil (black and brown).
L'eau d' issey - Issey Miyake Perfume
Another favorite. I have been using it for years and I can't get enough.
Notes: Lotus, Freesia, Cyclamen, Rose Water, Fresh Peonies, Carnation, White Lilies, Precious Woods, Osmanthus, Tuberose, Amberseed, Musk.
Style: A fresh sparkling fragrance with warm undertones.
Coastal Scents 88 palette
Name brand make-up can be VERY pricey. One MAC eyeshadow is about $14. The Coastal Scents 88 palette is a great solution if you want to have a variety of colors without paying that much. Great matte and shimmer colors. Very affordable.
Shiseido The Makeup sheer Matifying Compact
A powder foundation with SPF 15. Foundation, powder and sunscreen rolled into one? That's my kind of product! Prevents oiliness and shine. Easy to apply and has great coverage. (look at me sounding all beauty-magaziny and official. You'd think I know what I'm talking about right?) Buy it. You'll love it. AMAZING!Garnier Anti-Dark- Circle Roller
I use this everyday before I apply any makeup. It is a great under eye concealer. I think the shade would probably match most types of skin. PLUS, it's also an anti-dark-circle treatment. There you go again. 2 products rolled into 1. Cool. Just one tip. Store it upright. Or disaster will strike. Make-up drawer mess disaster that is.
MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
A creamy eyeshadow base. A must-have in my opinion. I apply it after my foundation and powder and it makes my eyelids super even and smooth. It also prevents eyeshadow creasing. This shade is perfect for my skin but you might have to see the other shades they have to find one that matches your skin. Pricey, but it will last forever. and. ever.
Nars Blush in Orgasm
Peachy golden glowy magical powder which will make people want to take a bite off your cheeks.
Funky name. Nuff said.
Neutrogena Make-up remover wipes
Best make-up remover I've tried. Gentle enough for the eye area but strong enough to remove every bit of water-proof eyeliner and mascara. They also have a different kind that comes in a blue package which is what I'm using right now because they have a good deal for three packages at Costco (a really good deal : $14 for three refills plus a vanity case. They usually sell for almost $7 each at Walmart), but the purple one is more moist in my opinion. Both are great.
Bath and Body Works Shea Cashmere & Silk Hand Cream
Very thick and rich. Smells a little too almondy for my taste but does a great job of keeping my hands moisturized even when my body is in total shock after 45 days in 97% humidity down in Brazil.
Natura Brazilian Soap Bars
The best bar soaps ever! I'm a spoilt brat who has a very nice mommy who keeps them in stock for me year round. I haven't gone a single day without them ever since I moved to the US 3 years ago. Made from all natural ingredients and Brazilian fruits and nuts. They smell like heaven. And I'm not just bragging. You can get them on Amazon.
Victoria's Secret Flexible Hold Hair
Spray
Spray
Because they smell divine. Because they come in my favorite fragrance (Pure Seduction). Because they remind me of the first gift Ben gave me.
Oh, and they work just fine.
Bath and Body Works Dancing Waters Hand Soap
Have you heard of aromatherapy? It is supposed to improve your physical and psychological well being by using the scents and oils from different plants and natural elements. Never tried it. Probably never will. But I started noticing that every time I washed my hands with this soap I would feel pretty happy. Content. Like life is perfect. I don't know what it is, but I love it. I'm weird. Don't be like me.
Neutrogena Anti-residue shampoo
Only used it once. Didn't notice ANY difference in my hair. But I spotted it at the store and memories of my childhood came flooding in my head. Memories of the time when I would flip through, cut and make collages out of the American magazines my aunt used to bring me. (American magazines were so much cooler than Brazilian ones back then, and yes, I realize I've always been a nerd). Many hours looking at beautiful photos, smelling the perfume sample thingys (what do you call those?) and having my kind of fun. So I bought it. Couldn't resist.
So here they are. My 13 favorites (will I ever be able to pick a normal number, say, like 10?)
I thing you should try these. They are all great.
But maybe you shouldn't listen to me. I get teary eyed over transparent bottles of $4 shampoo. I'm weird. Don't be like me.
You might want to check these (but you might want to hide your checkbooks!):
