CURRENT FAVORITES

1) Soleil Tan de Chanel: Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in Terre Ambre ($50 USD): "Gently illuminating, oil-free bronzing powder in the form of wave-swept sands delivers a naturally gorgeous bronze glow that never looks dull or flat." I bought this early August, but I went to the Chanel counter looking to purchase the infamous bronzing base instead. Unfortunately they were out of stock and the MUA tried this on me and I of course, caved. This product is actually hydrating and it never looked cakey on top of my makeup. I don't own any other bronzers (except a $5 one from the drugstore) so I can't compare it to other popular choices. However, I've swatched NARS Laguna at Sephora and found it too glittery and dark for my pale skin. Click Here.

2) CoverGirl Waterproof LashBlast in Black ($6-8 USD): This is probably my favorite mascara of all time. I love that it's cheap and it does its job. My other favorite is the original Dior Show and I'm really liking the sample of YSL Faux Cils I got from Sephora. I recommend the orange lashblast over the red and purple.

3) Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte No. 03 Beige Ultimate ($34 USD): I'm actually not a big lipstick person. Although lipstick > lip gloss in my book. I think I like the idea of a lip stain more (but that's for another post hopefully). I purchased this YSL lipstick over the summer (see the trend here? summer = more beauty purchases) while shopping with my best friend. Many beauty bloggers/vloggers were raving about 02 Sensual Silk, deeming it the perfect nude color. So I tried it for myself and I hated it. It looked like I had pink Elmers Glue dried up on my lips. Beige Ultimate was PURRfect. It looks natural on me and it gave my lips the right amount of color. It is described as a mauve taupe and smells like watermelon. Click Here.

4) Lancome Teint Miracle in Buff 5C ($37 USD): I bought this during the promotion Lancome had at Macy's (7pc gift with $35 purchase). I've been using this foundation for about a month now and I like it. However, I do not consider this my HG product. Apparently, it took 10 years for the people at Lancome to create this. It is supposed to bring out the "lit from within" look and provide 18 hours of sheer to moderate coverage while doing so. I have normal/combination skin (dry & tight if I don't moisturize enough and oily when I'm outside). I wouldn't suggest this to people with oily skin because the purpose of this foundation is to bring luminosity to your face. If you're oily, you'll end up looking like a lightbulb methinks. I tend to follow up with a powder to set everything. This is good enough to fix uneven skin tone but if you have really troubled skin, this would not be able to hide more prominent flaws. Click Here.

5) Sephora Brush Wand ($10 USD): "Four detachable brushes that come together magnetically to form a wand for applying makeup to the eye area." I really like the idea of having multiple brushes in one package, especially for traveling. Unfortunately, I only use 2 out of the 4 brush heads. It's not bad for the price though. I use the angle brush for tight-lining and I use the smudge brush for my gel liner (which may not be that smart... somehow I manage). Click Here.

6) Smashbox Photo Finish Primer with SPF 15 ($38 USD): I own the small sample tube version of this primer (free from Sephora... can't imagine paying $38). To be honest, I never thought primer was that necessary but this one really changed my mind. My foundation just goes on much more easily and smoothly. I'm addicted. I usually put a dot on each cheek and a little bit around my nose and chin area. A little goes a long way with this one, I suppose a full tube will probably last me a year or more. I'm about half way done with my sample, so I actually purchased the Loreal Studio Secrets Primer and it doesn't really compare to the velvet feeling I get with Smashbox. Click Here.

7) MAC Blacktrack Fluidline ($15 USD): I've been using this everyday since I bought it and I do like this a lot. I've used pencil, liquid and gel before. There are many pros and cons for each one but at the moment I'm loving the control I get with this liner. The best thing is that it stays in place. It's not budge-proof like certain liquid liners but it's pretty good (better if you have a base). I'm looking to try the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner next to see how they compare. If you've tried both, let me know what you think! Click Here.

8) MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork ($17.50 USD): A lot of people dislike MAC paint pots because it dries too quickly. I never had any issues with that. Paint pots are commonly used as an eyeshadow base or primer because it helps bring out the vibrancy in your eyeshadows. Generally, I don't wear eyeshadows. Therefore, paint pots are a great medium for me. Groundwork is a neutral light brown sheen and all I do is swipe it over my entire lid, line my eyes with Blacktrack and I'm good to go. It provides my lids with a bit of dimension and color to make them less dull. Click Here.

9) Lancome Dual Finish Versatile Powder in Neutrale II ($35.50 USD): What is so wonderful about this powder is the fact that you can wet the provided sponge and swipe some of the powder to give your face a fuller coverage or just use it dry over moisturizer for lighter coverage. I haven't really dabbled with the wet usage because I have a lot of fluid foundations. I mainly use this as a setting powder for my Teint Miracle. Before I bought this, I used MAC Studio Fix powder to set my makeup. In comparison, the Dual Finish looks much more natural while Studio Fix gave me an airbrush (but you can clearly see makeup) look. However, I don't think there's much for oil control. Click Here.