2017 Make Up Favs

(Holy Goodness this has been sitting in my drafts box for like... I don't know... a month? I guess I really got ambitious about being a better blogger before the new year - which obviously didn't last long - ha!) 

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If only phone cameras could show you what make up really looks like in person... sigh. BUT! Almost everything caked on my face in this photo is a product that I've LOVED in 2017! Also, I'm still posting about make up on this blog because I haven't grown the lady balls to start an instagram account dedicated to my love of make up... maybe I should add that to my New Year's resolutions? For now, we're going to keep using this blog as a security blanket, okay? Okay.

Here we gooooo.

Primers: I feel like this was my year for trying out lots of different primers! The more I try, the more I believe that primers really are essential and not just a gimmick. I think my most favorite this year has been the E.L.F. Mineral Infused Primer - um, hi Smashbox Photofinish dupe!!! Seriously, it looks/feels the exact same as the Smashbox one. Plus, I can't help but swell with pride at the fact that I only pay $6 for it!

Another primer that I feel really is worth the splurge is the Tarte Clean Slate/Poorless primer. This one truly fills in my huge A pores. I love putting the E.L.F. one on all over my face and then using the Tarte one in my t-zone.

Foundation: I honestly didn't branch out this year and try a bunch of foundations. Still love my IT Cosmetics CC cream!

Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape (who isn't still obsessed with this?) or Maybelline FitMe (if I'm not wanting full coverage)

Setting Powder: NYX HD Finishing Powder in "banana"- oh my heck I love this stuff. Sometimes when I don't feel like putting on concealer, I just put this powder on under my eyes and it instantly brightens everything! Another favorite would definitely be the Coty Airspun translucent loose powder (great for baking!) - it's dirt cheap, too!

Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay blush. I was lucky enough to snag their blush palette that has 4 different shades in it for just $18 at Ulta. I love Tarte's blush because you barely even have to dip your brush in it and you get so much color payoff. It stays on a long time, too!

Highlighter: Cover FX Custom Enhancement drops in the shade "moonlight." The tiniest drop of this goes such a freaking long way! I've also started adding a drop or two to my foundation to make my skin look more glowy and I love it! It is really pricy (I got it on sale for 50% off though), but it truly would last you years. I also love setting this with a little of Becca's Champagne Pop! (perfection!!)

I also went through a very intense obsession with  Laura Geller's Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in "Gilded Honey" this year. This one gives you the perfect subtle glow!

Bronzer: Hands down my favorite bronzer was/is Physician's Formula's Butter Bronzer. It smells freaking divine and I never get sick of slapping what smells like a tropical island getaway all over my face. I feel like this bronzer is the perfect shade... not too cool, not too warm, and it's not shimmery! I reach for this every single day (over my Benefit Hoola!).

Eyeshadow: Obviously one of my favorite make up items has to come from Jaclyn Hill...
Ever since I got her Jaclyn Hill x Morphe palette, I haven't reached for anything else! It truly is the dream palette and has everything you could ever need. If you don't like this palette, it's because you don't own it. I'm sure of it.

Another eyeshadow worth mentioning though would definitely be the Stila Magnificent Metals liquid eyeshadow. This is THE glitteriest eyeshadow I've ever used and I love that it has an easy to use applicator. Obviously I'm not rocking glittery lids every day, but this is the perfect eye shadow for a special occasion or party.

Lips: As I type this I realize now that 2017 might have been the year of Tarte because my favorite lip product was also by Tarte. I love love love the Lip Sculptor Lipstick and Lipgloss duo. I feel like no one talks about this! First of all, you get both a lipstick and a gloss! + The lipstick is so creamy and pigmented! I love throwing the gloss on top of it, too. I have the shade "life" which is a peach nude and it goes with basically any make up look.

I also really enjoyed Urban Decay's 24/7 Lip Liner in the shade "Naked" - perfect for every day makeup!

Mascara: If I was stranded on an island and could only take one make up product with me, it would always be mascara. I'm a mascara junkie. I will try anything and everything! This year I finally tried Benefit's Roller Lash and absolutely l o v e d it! This one makes my eyelashes suuuuper long! Another mascara I tried + loved (which I wasn't sure if I would) was actually Younique's Epic Mascara. I've never used a mascara that is so great at layering! This one gives me huge volume AND length! If you're skeptical like I was because it's an MLM product... don't be! This one really is bomb.

Some drugstore mascaras that are worth mentioning are the Essence Plump No Clump! (it's freaking $4!!) and also the Kokie Professional Lengthening and Defining Mascara at Wal-Mart. Drugstore mascaras are my jam! I'm always most excited to try cheap mascara.


Annnd there you have it! My 2017 MakeUp Favs! What make up products do I need to try in 2018?! You know I'm always looking for an excuse to roam around Ulta with a large drink in hand...


(If I didn't mention certain makeup products it's probably because I'm still using my 2016 favorites which you can read about HERE!)

2016 Beauty Favs

. . . because everybody is doing it! Also, I know pretty much all of these products I mention have been out for a long time and were not released in 2016... but these were the products that I have enjoyed most this year!

Primer: NYX Angel Veil Primer. I feel like this primer is one that anyone would love... whether you're oily, dry, large pores, etc. it makes your foundation go on SO smooth and last a long time. The only downfall about this is that it IS one of the more pricey products from NYX.

Foundation: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream. Oh, Ulta... why did you have to give me a sample of this stuff? After months of literally squeezing out every.last.drop of it, I finally broke down and just bought the full-sized tube. I love this stuff because it looks so natural on the skin, but it's still full coverage. With that being said, you will need to blend this stuff out with a brush or a damp sponge, don't try to rub it in like a tinted moisturizer, or it'll be a complete disaster! Also, this stuff smells good, like citrus... I love it.

Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer. Everybody and their dog on Youtube talked about this stuff this year... and for good reason. The tiniest bit of the product goes such a long way, and I love the huge doe foot applicator! This stuff is extremely full coverage, but it's super easy to blend out. If you can ever find your color in stock... just buy it. You won't regret it. And just in case you're wondering, this stuff smells good, too!

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo. Been using this stuff for two years... only just this month did I have to open up a new one! I've tried other brow products from Anastasia, but I feel like powder is what works best for me and my brows. Annnnd that's all I'm gonna say about that, because brows are boring.

Eyeshadow: Makeup Geek. Why it took me so long to purchase these, I have no idea. Maybe it was the fact that they were single eyeshadows? + the thought of having to get a z-palette just seemed too intimidating for my eyeshadow palette loving heart! But I'm so happy I finally purchased some (peach smoothie, creme brulee, cocoa bear, prom night, and grandstand), because they blend out so well, and are very pigmented. Plus, I just feel kinda fancy whipping out a z-palette now ha! (Am I Jaclyn Hill yet?!) I definitely understand why these shadows have been talked about on Youtube for years!

Eyeliner: Essence gel liner. I feel like no one talks about the brand Essence! It's so freaking dirt cheap and such good quality! I feel like it's even cheaper than E.L.F! Anyway, I decided to try their gel eyeliner, since my Maybelline one was drying out, and I'm so glad I did! It's literally half the price of Maybelline's... and Maybelline's is already cheap! I feel like this gel liner is even better than Maybelline's... it's creamier and blacker! There's a lot of things from Essence that I love, but this is probably my favorite. This brand is seriously the best kept secret at Ulta!

Mascara: Butter London Double Decker Lashes. This is another product I have to blame (or thank?) Ulta for giving me a sample of, otherwise I would have never even looked at this, but it was truly love at first swipe. The brush reminds me a lot of the Loreal Voluminous and the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara- so obviously it's a volumizing mascara. I must say that my other favorite mascara this year would still be the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara, too... I will always love it (and the price).

Bronzer: Hoola Bronzer by Benefit. "If it's not broken, don't fix it"-my motto for this bronzer, since I've been using it for almost 3 years. Maybe my 2017 resolution should be to branch out and try more bronzers?! I really just love this stuff so much. It's the perfect color on everyone I put it on!

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in "Luminoso". Why was I so late to this party?! Oh well, I'm on the luminoso train, and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. This stuff is the perfect everyday color blush, and I love that it gives you a little highlighted glow! I have never hit pan on a blush until this... that's how much I'm obsessed with this stuff.

Highlight: Champagne Pop by Becca x Jaclyn Hill (of course). I think another 2017 resolution would be to branch out with more highlighters... but I think I will always love this the most, mostly because Jaclyn Hill created it ;) #highlightonfleek

Setting Spray: Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray. Ain't NO oil getting through my huge-A pores while I'm wearing this stuff! This spray is an oily girl's best friend.

Lip products: Buxom Lipgloss in "White Russian," Bareminerals Marvelous Moxie gloss in "Rule Breaker," and NYX retractable lip liner in "Sand Beige" This year I was all about those super glossy, almost wet looking lips (thanks Kardashians). Most days I would line and fill my lips with NYX lipliner in "nude" and then throw on one of these lip glosses. Sooooo pretty + easy + no worrying about it being on my teeth.




Annnnd there you have it! My 2016 beauty favs! What products do I need to try in 2017?! You know I'll take any excuse to go to Ulta.

Things I Repeatedly Buy At Ulta

If you know me, you know my happy place is roaming around Ulta with a very large dirty Dr. Pepper in hand. All I would need is Chris waiting by the register in there an telling me to get whatever I want. Ha! Chris despises that store, so I guess I'll settle for Shelbs + my dirty Dr. Pepper as my Ulta shopping companions for now.

Anyway, besides drenching myself in free samples of Marc Jacob's Daisy perfume, there's a reason, or I guess I should say reasonS, I love going to Ulta, so I thought I'd share them with you. Now you might look at this list of products and think, "But Shayli, I can buy these at places other than Ulta," and I would admit that you're right, but I always get these at Ulta because I get points for buying anything there. It's like I'm being rewarded for buying makeup... yes, please! I also love that Ulta has a drugstore side AND a high-end side... you get the best of both worlds! (Right, Miley? Sigh. I miss Hannah Montana.)

Philosophy Purity Face Wash- This face wash is the only face wash I've ever had that completely removes my make up (except eye makeup). Even after a couple of years of using this face wash, I still get giddy after I dry my face with a white towel and there's not a single trace of makeup left on it! This product is also bueno bueno because it doesn't dry the $h!z out of your skin, like most face washes do.

NYX Butter Gloss- Very rarely do I leave Ulta without one of these bad boys. There's a reason they are called "butter" gloss--so smooth + creamy + not sticky at all! There's a huge color range of these, too. The best part is, they all smell like cake. Um, yes please. Go get one and thank me later.

St. Moriz Self-Tanning Mousse- I'll be honest, I have never tried any other self-tanners besides this one, but that's probably because most of the other ones I've seen are over $30 a bottle. Ain't nobody got time for that! So when I saw this one for only $12.99 at Ulta, I thought, "Why the heck not?!" and I'm so glad I did... because I love it! Super cheap, looks super natural (no oompa loompa-ness), and a bottle can last for a long time (mine lasted about 5 months). I will say that it doesn't smell good, but I'm not super sensitive to that kind of thing + that's probably what you get for paying only $12.99 on a self-tanner?

Benefit Hoola Bronzer- This bronzer is usually the reason I venture over to the high-end side at Ulta--and for good reason! This stuff is amazing. Like, I've-gone-through-4-pans-of-this amazing. This is one product that I would definitely recommend splurging on ($28 is splurging for me). It works on really fair skin to really tan skin, even though it looks so light in the pan. It's my favorite to use for contouring for sure, and the brush that comes with it inside is perfect for that. Plus, as dumb as it this may be. . . I think the packaging is so cute! Dang you, Benefit, and your adorable products!

Loreal True Match Foundation- The foundation I always always come back to after trying a new one. I also love the True Match Lumi Foundation, it just depends if my skin is super oily at the moment or not (the Lumi is not going to be your friend if you're super oily). This foundation has a huge range of colors, and I think this foundation is super build-able. You can use it for just a little bit of coverage or you can go full coverage with it, and it won't look super cakey. The only thing I wish was different about this foundation is that it came in a bigger bottle, and had a pump for application instead of having to just pour it out...but that's it! Trust me, there's a reason everyone on YouTube talks about this foundation.

Real Techniques Sponge- Speaking of foundation, how did I ever apply my foundation before this sponge?! I've mentioned it on the blog before, but it's worth mentioning again--it's such a good blending sponge!! And so much cheaper than the Beauty Blender. I love that it has a pointed edge so I can blend out my concealer, but then has a smooth, flat edge that I can press in my foundation with. Using this sponge to apply foundation makes the foundation look so natural + flawless! Like the NYX Butter Gloss, it's very rare I leave Ulta without grabbing another one of these. Trust me, it's worth the $6.


...phew! That was a lot of typing, but....but.... I just love Ulta, okay!? And I'm guessing if you read this whole post, you love it, too? (Did we just become best friends?!) Tell me what other products I need to be buying on repeat at Ulta!

The Best Drugstore Mascara's

If you know me, you know I love me some makeup! More specifically, I love me some mascara. I am constantly buying new one's to try, whether it be high-end or drugstore. Let's be honest though, most of the time I'm on the drugstore side of Ulta because, ain't nobody got money for $30 mascara all the time! So I thought I'd share some of my favorite drugstore mascara's with ya'll. And yes, I just typed ya'll and it was as awkward to type as it probably was for you to read it. Almost as awkward as me writing a blog post about makeup... but! In my defense! I have a lot of people ask me what mascara I'm wearing, even if a lot of those 'people' are 13 years old...

Anyway, onwards! To the best drugstore mascara's! Actually, most of these are just my favorite mascara's in general. Also, quick disclaimer: I have naturally long lashes, so I'm usually just looking for mascara's to give me more volume instead of length. I get that everyone has different types of eyelashes/needs, so I can see how you might try some of these and hate them. But if you try them, let me know what you think! Oh! Also, whenever I'm trying a new mascara, I wear it about 3-4 times before I judge it. You gotta break 'em in! Yes, just like you do with new shoes.

Okay, FOR REAL NOW. Here are my favs!

1. Maybelline Lash Sensational   This is my favorite mascara ever! This mascara is one of those that if it didn't say Maybelline on it, you'd never know it was a drugstore mascara! It's seriously that good. I actually prefer this over some of my more expensive mascara's. What I love about it is the brush-- it's curved so I can get reaaallly close to my lashline + the bristles are short and stiff so it really grabs onto my lashes and lets me comb through them if they start looking a little too chunky/globby. It's really buildable, so I can put a few coats of this on and the brush will still comb through them and help me avoid that spider eyelash look (no one can pull that off). Try this mascara and thank me later.

2. L'Oreal Voluminous Volume Building   I know I just said that the Lash Sensational is my favorite mascara, but this is a really close second. This one gives my lashes so much volume, but also really lengthens them! What has surprised me about this mascara is how long it lasts. Most cheap mascara's dry out within a month or so--not this one, though! I've kept a tube of this stuff for 5 months and not had it dry out at all. My only complaint I would have about this mascara is that it transfers onto my brow bone sometimes, but that's really my only complaint! This is definitely a go-to mascara for me and one that I'll always go back to after trying a bunch of different ones.

3. Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Just by the name you can already tell this one isn't meant for volume, but I still LOVE it. I first got it per Jaclyn Hill's recommendation for just using it on the lower lashes (which is amazing--the brush is so thin and tiny!), but I also found that I love using this on top of other mascara's to give my lashes more length. Sometimes I'll even just wear this mascara when I want that "no makeup makeup look," aka I'm running errands and don't want to look completely dead so I put on some mascara. Couple of swipes of this and I'm good to go.

4. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume  This is an oldie, but a goodie! I remember using this in high school...typically with too much eyeliner and purple eyeshadow... but at least my eyelashes were on point! This is one of those that I always come back to. I think I'll find better or that I don't need it in my life anymore, but somehow I always come back to it and think, "how did I live without you?!" It's just a staple in my makeup drawer.  I love it because I can use this mascara to give me a really natural looking lash with just a couple of swipes, or coat it on thick and get huge voluminous lashes to go with a smokey eye! Because the brush has really firm bristles, I also like to use this on my lower lashes because it really separates them. Really the only thing I don't like about this mascara is that this one does dry out really fast, so you have to buy it more often, but you know me, I'll take any excuse to go to Ulta!

If you read this entire post... fist pumps to you! + I'm assuming your'e a makeup lover as well, so in that case... what other mascara's do I need in my life?! Do you like any of my favorites?! If you're not a makeup lover but were nice enough to read this post, don't worry! I'm sure I'll be back to blogging about 8th graders and diet Dr. Pepper soon!

Speaking of 8th graders... Happy "It's Justin Bieber's Birthday, Mrs. Gourley!" Day to all of you, too. Oh, and let's not forget that it's Ron Weasley's birthday today as well! Ron, you the real MVP, even if the 8th graders of Fort Herriman don't agree with me.

Makeover Friday?

Lately I've just been craving to do makeup on other people. I can probably blame this craving on my excessive amounts of watching makeup tutorials on YouTube at work + looking for almost ANY excuse to go to Ulta. Ah, Ulta... you just get me.

Anyway, yesterday was the best Friday ever since I not only got to satisfy my craving for doing someone's makeup once, but THREE times. It didn't hurt that I satisfied my craving for a dirty DP either, but that's besides the point. First my sister, then my sister-in-law, and then my mother-in-law. Three gorgeous ladies!

Behold:

I wish my phone was capable of taking good quality pictures, because these just don't do any of them justice. Maybe it's me just tootin' my own horn, but don't they all look gorgeous?! I loved doing all of their makeup, because they all had such different face shapes and skin tones and it was nice putting makeup on a face that I wasn't familiar with. I was definitely learning a lot.

Some of you may be reading this and thinking, "Um, where the heck did this come from, Shay?! You are not a makeup artist." and I can say that I completely agree with you! I'm not. But it's been really fun pretending I am. So if anyone wants to help me keep "pretending" just let me know, because I can be halfway to Ulta before you're even finished saying yes. And who knows, maybe this could be my little "business on the side" thing like all the rest of you rockin' Mormon mamas do ;) but seriously--those Ulta runs ain't gonna fund themselves!