When I find a new beauty product that works, I feel that it is my duty to share the info.  In recent months I have come across three such products.  Here is the 411:

1.  Biore Self Heating One Minute Mask

I may have a slight addiction.  The packaging states to use this one to two times per week.  I wish it could be every day!  This totally affordable mask treatment warms as you apply it to your face and leaves your skin clear, soft and dewy.  I do not exaggerate, I am addicted.

2.  Pix! Shea Butter Lip Balm

Love!  This is the creamiest lip balm ever!  The best part?  The tint!  I use Coral Crush.  It gives my lips just a touch of natural looking color.  Perfect for summer when you don’t wear a lot of makeup.  These would also be great for tweens who are ready to wear a bit of make up.  {They are exclusive to Birchbox}

3.  Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I wish I could accurately describe the feel of this primer.  The best I can do is liquid powder.  It is so light, you can’t tell it is on.  However, any creams or foundations you put on after applying the primer become flawless!  I have tried many primers and they are either heavy or don’t really work.  This one is win-win!  Magic really.

Just a quick beauty tip today!  A few weeks ago I was wandering through Nordstrom and stopped by the Clinique counter for CC Cream.  I must have been looking a bit drab, because the makeup artist asked if she could put a little blush on my cheeks.  {No offense taken!}  She used Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Berry Pop and it was perfect right away.  I would have bought it just for the gorgeous molded flower design and clear case.  I have worn it everyday since and love, love it.  And then just last week I spotted it in the May issues of O Magazine and W Magazine.  It is great to be ahead of the times!

Happy Monday!  xo

Blush Brush via Sephora

Almost every day I use basic, neutral makeup on my eyes.  I don’t have the time {or interest} in doing more than just the basics:  shadow, liner, mascara.  Today I am sharing the products I have used for years and one new addition!

Step 1:  Brows

Don’t underestimate giving your brows attention!  I love {LOVE} the Anastasia Brow Kit.  This handy kit comes with stencils, tweezers, brow powder, a brush, and brow gel.  It sounds a bit high maintenance- but I got the hang of using the tools and now it takes less than 30 seconds.  Really.   I use Brunette/Dark Brown Brow Powder Duo.

Step 2: Shadow

My lids are very dark, so I use MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque  to even out the color.  Some days that is all I wear.  Other days, I either use Stila eye shadow in Kitten{a shimmery nude pink} or shadow from my Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection.  I adore this little palette. It comes with 9 shadows and three instruction cards with step-by-step application instructions.  I call that “Eye Shadow for Dummies” and it is awesome.

Step 3: Liner

For years I have used shadow as my liner.  Using an angled brush, it is easy to get a thin or thick line-whatever your mood.  Most days I use the shadow Sexpresso in my Too Faced palette.  For Christmas, Santa brought me Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Black.  I really like how easy it is to apply and it doesn’t smudge at all.  Super excited about this addition to my basics.

Step 4: Mascara

A quick curl of the lashes and a swipe of mascara and I am done.  My favorite is they’re real! mascara by Benefit.  It is truly amazing what it does for your lashes!  The dark, dark black color really makes your eyes pop.  Be warned: you will need makeup remover to get it off at night.

All told, it takes about 2 minutes to do my eye makeup.  Quick, easy, and somewhat presentable.