Category Archives: Lyn

Reviewing some new purchases: Flesh, Born to Run collection, Dose of Color and Essence

Posted on by Lyn
Reply

I’m so excited the weather has decided to return us to what our August SHOULD’VE felt like–sunny, 80s and dry–in September! It gives me an excuse to continue trying out looks and products I picked up at the end of the summer season so I can slowly transition my look into fall.

A trip to Chicago in July lead to a spontaneous Ulta visited where I grabbed some new to me lines: a Flesh Firm Flesh Thickstick Foundation (this name is ridiculous) in 10, Pudding “light medium beige, neutral undertones”and my first Dose of Color product, their Block Party Single Eyeshadow, in Shell We Dance “pink champagne base w/ platinum reflects.”

Another random Ulta visit put the Urban Decay Born to Run palette in my hands, along with two eyeliners from the collection: Double Life, a “reddish-brown metallic” and Overdrive, a “deep green metallic.” I had my eye on this collection for a while but felt like getting another palette and more eyeliners was absurd. Boy, am I glad I gave in and just got it!

my new pick-ups taking my look from summer to fall

Finally, I ended up ordering Ulta online–some deal or something I’m sure–a Dose of Colors, Matte Liquid Lipstick in Campfire “burnt sienna,” and another Flesh stick in 08, Custard “light, neutral undertones.” Plus I started trying out an Essence Satin Touch Blush in Satin Coral and Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara I had acquired along the way but hadn’t started using.

My summer has been dominated by all things peach. I love that fresh squeezed summer shade–really natural but with a little pep in its step. Mostly this summer I kept things pretty light with CC cream or really light coverage foundation, mandatory bronzer, brow gel, mascara, a single swipe of a peachy eyeshadow and a little peach blush and lipstick. (okay–that actually sounds like a lot of makeup–i guess it is!)

typical summer look–all things peachy

This new round of makeup has been a perfect addition to my summer favorites and will definitely carry me into the new season.

Continue reading →

It’s 20% off at Sephora time! Our wishlists and recommendations

Posted on by Lyn
1

As summer draws to a close, we will cope the best we know how: by dreaming of what we are going to use our Sephora discount on (or have in Lyn’s case!)

We made a special Sunday trip to Sephora to get a first hand look at what’s out right now–which we shared on our Instagram story–and picked our favorites.

And then we looked through our stuff to see what we are loving that might be a little on the high end but still recommend and things we are running low on that we can’t live without.

Here are some things that we are either planning to stock up on, or splurge on, or think YOU should buy as our proxy:

Jess:

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

A handful of years ago, the three of us were having a rambunctious girl weekend in NYC. It was hot and smarmy in SOHO, so we bopped into a Sephora for a spritz, as we do. A lovely Sephora employee (cast member? What is their official designation??) saw me wilting, and asked if he could introduce me to this primer. “But I have makeup on already!” I worried aloud. He told me not to fret, as it didn’t matter- it would still be magical, and hey, it’s what Madonna uses. SIGN ME UP. My face was instantly human again!

Continue reading →

Halo Beauty–did it change my life?

Posted on by Lyn
Reply

If you’re not familiar with Halo Beauty, you’re probably not familiar with Tati Westbrook, the YouTuber/beauty influencer/glam guru who developed this supplement designed to give you amazing hair/skin/nails.

 

I go in waves with watching YouTube videos where I’ll watch a ton and then go a few months without watching any. But when I do watch them, Tati is definitely one of my favorites.

Her sheer quantity of uploads is impressive. Girl puts in the work! And you can tell she is very thoughtful in the type of videos she posts with a large range of topics although all are makeup/skin care focused. I appreciate her point-of-view and her clear knowledge and passion for products–which I totally feel! I can tell she believes in miracles–and so do I.

And she’s not 22, which I appreciate.

So when she announced her launch of a supplement, it rocked the influencer beauty world in a very non-story story kind of way.

I’ll let her explain how she came to create the product:

And if you have an hour to kill and want to immerse yourself in some silly YouTuber drama, you can click here.

But regardless of all that noise, I decided to give the supplement a try (as you know if you follow us on our Instagram page.)

And I just finished my first month on it.

Here’s what I think in a simple pro/con list:

Continue reading →

Happy National Lipstick Day–deals on lipsticks I love!

Posted on by Lyn
2

It’s National Lipstick Day! Who knew?! Clearly, many retailers and brands did, because my inbox today was filled with various offer emails.

Looking over these BOGOs and percentages off–some of them are really good!–I thought I’d put together a quick list of current lipstick favorites with links to corresponding deals available.

So jump on these now–or save these recommendations for later–because everyday is lipstick day for me!

Ulta

Ulta is really a one-stop shop for most of these deals–AND today you get 5x points with purchase!!–so I’m going to stick to sharing deals through Ulta instead of through the brand websites. But most are offered through their site, too if you prefer to buy direct.

There are lots of high end and drugstore options so I’ll give you both starting with high end.

Too Faced: I recently reviewed Sweet Peach Creamy Lip Oil–and while I returned the shade, Papa Don’t Peach–I kept Pure Peach and picked up Tickle-Me-Peach, a brighter orange gloss. I love these both and wear them constantly. Here’s your chance to give them a try on the cheap. Continue reading →

A smattering of Milk Makeup products reviewed

Posted on by Lyn
5

There’s something about a stick. As you know–I really hate products in pots. Pumps are awesome and squeezy tubes are fine, but I’ve always loved products that are packaged in sticks.

My favorite foundation for forever has been a Tarte Colored Clay CC Primer, which I rarely mention because it’s ALWAYS on sale on the website so I’m certain it will be disappearing into the ether soon. (and why i hoard several for the future.) But it was the first stick foundation I ever tried and I’ve been hooked on sticks ever since.

Sticks are just so convenient. You swipe it on, rub it–and bam–you’re done! No mess, no brush, no worries. And they are really easy for travel–TSA-friendly–plus super fast to put on in the car. (not that you should apply makeup while driving…)

So Milk Makeup’s packaging really speaks to me. And there’s also something about the clear containers that look really fresh and make me reach for them regularly.

Back in September, I ordered the Matcha Toner stick. I don’t really understand toner, so I’ve never used it with regularity. The description for this product says “The world’s first solid facial toner removes oil and detoxifies pores.” Okay!

Here’s the thing–since I got it in September–I use it every day, twice a day. And you can see from the photo, there’s still some left and I got it months ago.

Continue reading →

I Feel It All

Posted on by Lyn
2

My birthday was almost a month ago. As hard as I try to convince myself that my birthday—and similarly, New Year’s Eve—is just a day on the calendar, it always serves as a source of anxiety. They are days of introspection. That can quickly turn into periods of melancholy and ennui. Not that I’m not checking in on my “self”—probably more than I should—but those dates serve as reminders that time is continuing whether I’m ready or not.

Aging is not something I’ve ever done particularly gracefully. I distinctly remember walking to the mailbox on my 10th birthday to check for cards and sobbing once I got there at the realization I would never be a single digit again. I would have to live to 100 to be special. A concern that still nags at me.

But what does that even mean? To be special? I guess it’s like porn. You know it when you see it.

I see it often in others, I just struggle to see it in myself sometimes.

Perhaps to my determent, what it meant to me at 10 versus what it means now at 43 hasn’t really changed. I think it’s about being relevant. A feeling that if I was gone, I would be remembered. And not just remembered for something I did, but something I was doing and something I could’ve still done.

For me, it’s become more a question of am I getting better? Am I doing enough? Why can’t I do more?

It’s an internal challenge. A constant game of chicken I’m playing with—or against—myself. While I’m a competitive person, it’s always been more of a battle with myself than against other. It’s more of a game of solitaire than poker, if you will. But the rules aren’t clear and the end isn’t defined.

Continue reading →

Reviewing some random recent purchases–summer peach edition

Posted on by Lyn
4

The past few years I’ve been really into peach and orange hued makeup. I must not be alone–Too Faced has really gone all in on their Peach line–especially after the success of the Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette, which I like a lot.

There’s something about peach I find really fresh and and pulled together, casual. And orange feels unexpected and a little interesting. I also feel like they both give me me a more youthful look–at least that’s what I’m hoping!

The downside is that peach is a very soft color and orange just feels more relevant when it’s warm, so both tend to work best on me in the summer.

I’ve had my eye on some new launches–many of them in the peach or orange color story–and now that summer is here, I went ahead and picked up a few things to celebrate my favorite season.

And here are my initial thoughts:

Too Faced, Sweet Peach Creamy Lip Oil in Pure Peach and Papa Don’t Peach: I’ve been looking at these for a while. I really like lip oils, especially in the winter, but as I said early, peach feels really made for warm weather looks. That’s kinda the rub with these products. The formula is wonderful. Continue reading →

It’s “Empties” time again!! Featuring some seriously hyped products

Posted on by Lyn
Reply

Always so excited to fill my “empties” bag and reminisce on a bunch of products. I’ve got quite the random mix but a lot of really hyped products I’ve worked through.

Here are my thoughts:

Bioderma, Sensibio H2O Micellar Water: Has there ever been a more wildly hyped product that no one could get than the Bioderma micellar water? Everyone was talking about it on YouTube. And when I got it, it was only available overseas or super high priced on eBay. I was SOOOO EXCITED when I made my first trip to Japan and found it at a CVS styled convenience store near my hotel. I got one for me and one for Jess and Pamela for Christmas that year. That was November, 2015. And I just finished it now. In the time it took me to work through this bottle, you can get it at Wal-Mart. And truth be told, I didn’t love it. It stung my eyes. Which is why it took so long for me to work through it. So I’m in the market for a new micellar water. If you have one you love–let me know!

Oribe, Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray: I really like the original so I picked this one up when that one was sold out on Birchbox at one point. I would stick to the original, personally.

Glossier, Milky Jelly Cleanser: I feel like it takes me such a long time to work through face wash because I have several in rotation at the same time. This one is definitely a favorite, especially this time of year. I have already repurchased it. And all praise to Pamela for bringing this gem to our attention!

Urban Decay Cosmetics, Ultimate Ozone Multi Purpose Primer Pencil: This one is a Jess favorite so I was excited when I found mine (a one time gift from Jess, if i remember right?) I did really like this and would put it high on my list of lip primers if I were updating that post. My downside to it is you have to sharpen it, which is a pain. But the product is great.

L’Oréal, Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara: I really liked this when I first got it. But…now I’m just not sure I love this style of mascara. I found it a little clumpy overall. Which is definitely a specific look, but I tend to prefer more nature lash looks. This would also be on my banned list based on L’Oréal’s cruelty free status–although Jess and I have been having lots of talks about this topic, too. But regardless, I wouldn’t be rushing out to repurchase this one anyway.

Himalaya Herbals, Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo and Gentle Exfoliating Apricot Scrub: These products were amazing, and so cheap. I picked them up during my hike in Nepal in 2015, so it’s definitely past their time to go. I used up the last of the scrub, which I used on the back of my arms and hips and I only used the shampoo a few times. But it was such a crazy find to get luxury style products while in Nepal and for less than drugstore pricing. Finding–and using–these products made me feel more like me during the hike. I have lots of nostalgia for them.

Lush Cosmetics, Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner: This one is a total guilty pleasure. I love it so much. Everything about it. Except the price. So I won’t repurchase it now, but I will definitely get it again in the winter.

SEPHORA COLLECTION, Lip Balm & Scrub in Honey: Ugh. I can’t with this one. It’s not a good scrub and it’s not a good lip balm. I don’t understand it. So I’m just tossing it.

Rusk Deepshine Lustre Advance Marine Therapy, Shine Enhancing Lusterizer: I love this stuff and have been using it for a long time. It takes me forever to use one of this up and I’ve already repurchased.

Yes to® Miracle Oil Argan Oil Facial Wipes: Meh. I didn’t care about these either way. They were ok. Didn’t love. I don’t really have a facial wipe that I love, so give me your favorites below!

Mario Badescu, Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea: This was a new version for me, and I love it just as much as the original. This one lived in my car and has been replaced.

SUNDAY RILEY, Luna Sleeping Night Oil: So this one is a surprise. I had gotten a sample a few years back and hated it! I think I gave it to Jess or Pamela at one point because some of our YouTube favorites were ALL about it, but I couldn’t get past the sent or texture. Well, fast forward to a few years later and I was at Sephora looking for a retinol product. And was strongly recommended this one. I really hesitated but I went ahead and got it in the Power Couple Duo: Total Transformation Kit with the Good Genes day serum. And I’ve used it up. The scent is still a wow. Really strong. It doesn’t bother me so much anymore. And the oil texture is pretty…viscous but I’m used to that, too. Would I get it again? I’m not sure. Did it do a good job? Yes, I think so. My face made it through winter pretty well without too many issues with dryness which is a success. So I’d definitely consider it again.

Peter Thomas Roth, Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme Detoxifying Hydrator: I got this in a mask set I got during the holidays–who knows how long ag?o! I really like this mask a lot. But it’s sooo expensive. And PTR isn’t cruelty-free. So this will be a no go. At least for now.

Tarte Cosmetics, cleansing cutie scrubber: Nope. Nope. Nope.

Colgate, Cavity Protection Toothpaste: Why did I even have this laying around? I hate this stuff. But I also didn’t want to waste it. No thanks.

Tom’s of Maine Whole Care with Fluoride Natural Toothpaste Peppermint: This is the one! I love it and I’m so happy to be reunited. So yeah–REPURCHASED!

There you have it! Have you tried any of these things? Thoughts? Any Luna oil users out there? What do you think? And any favorite micellar water recommendations? Hit me up below!

All purchased by me. Some recently. Some not so recently.

 

This concealer trick has changed my life!

Posted on by Lyn
Reply

I’ve been super into Colourpop lately (evidenced by the one million lip products that just came today off a lip BOGO i went nuts on recently. i’ll save that until later). So when they had a special on their new No Filter Concealer for its recent launch–again with the BOGO!!!–I jumped on it. Mostly because I’m always on the hunt for the best concealer but also because they’re $6 or in this case 2/$6 so it’s worth a try.

photo courtesy of allure.com

I ordered two: Fair 04 and Light 10.

There are quite a few colors and a little system to help you select one based on your skin type and undertone which whittles down the options a little.

But buying concealer–or foundation–is tricky to online. You can see from the two I received, they seem like they are very close in color.

Continue reading →

Deal Breakers- What Make Us Hard-Pass On A Product?

Posted on by Lyn
5

I recently was trying a new face mask sample (the Fresh, Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask to be exact) and I was struck by the cucumber scent. Now–I have no problems with cucumbers–I actually really like them, but I know Jess is not a fan. And I wondered if it was just the taste of cucumbers that she was against or cucumber anything.

Which then got me thinking about product deal breakers. Things that are just NOT going to work for you when it comes to a new product. Would a cucumber scent be enough to send Jess running away from the Fresh mask? (it’s actually not included in the description for it and only in the ingredients, btw.) I wondered what other things might be product deal breakers for us–and you!

Jess:

Why yes, I DO hate the scent of cucumber- it literally makes me gag!!

Continue reading →