This week I thought I would just share with you a couple (or five) items that I've really been loving the past week. Once I get into the habit of things I find myself doing the same makeup routine everyday, oops.

Anywho, two of my favorites are foundations. This week, like pretty much every other week, the YSL Touche Eclat has caught my eye. I won't even go on about this product because I'm sure you guys have heard enough about it by now. There is a twist to this, though. I recently purchased MAC Face and Body and I decided to be a tad experimental and mix the two. I was kind of surprised at how well they meshed. It has a pretty long wear when mixed and seriously just looks and feels like a second skin. The YSL makes the face a bit dewy while the Face and Body just completely evens the skin tone.

The mascara favorite this week is the Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume. I had been lusting over this product and was gifted it by Rachel for Christmas. I honestly love it just as much as I thought I would. It definitely defines the lashes perfectly and makes eye makeup look complete without being extremely dramatic. I've been doing a simple eye routine this week and this mascara made the whole look appear to be more polished.

Continuing on with eyes, my Paint Pot in Stormy Pink has been getting a lot of love recently. I decided for some reason to step out of the realm of bronze and neutral eyeshadow and this was the one that I ran with. I love this color because it does feel a bit more springy and lord knows I'm dying for the weather to get above 0.

The last item in this weeks feature is the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. The tip on this is absolutely phenomenal. It is extremely thin and allows for complete precision. This week I have been just applying it has a very thin line with a flick. This eyeliner makes it practically foolproof.

What have been your go-to products this week?
xx Tori

As mentioned in my last post, I'll be mentioning/ briefly reviewing a product I bought last Saturday. I was completely torn between the Rouge Dior Couture Color Lipstick in Mauve Mystère and the YSL Glossy Stain in Pourpre Preview. Alas, the YSL won out due to my adventurous mood (yea, gloss is adventurous, okaaii?). The color was really unique and I had heard great things about this glossy stain. My problem with gloss is that I don't like how it feels, however, once this gloss "dries" it doesn't feel like anything is on your lips. I wore this color to work the other day and it lasted all day without the drying feel of a lipstick. (I'm still getting the Dior one though). All in all, I really like this product because it is long lasting and is vibrantly pigmented. I really want Peachy Coral from this line (so feel free to buy it for me). 

The next product is the Real Techniques Silicone Eyeliner Brush. I debated this purchase for a bit just because eyeliner has become a foreign thing to me. With my shaky logic, I figured that this brush would be just  the thing to get me back on my eyeliner game. This brush is easy to use and does an extremely nice job guiding the perfect flick for a cat eye. Either that or I must have woke up with surgeon-steady hands, but I bet on the brush. That being said, I'm not sure if it's the eyeliner I am using or what, but I feel like I had to coat this on. It definitely needs to be a gel or paint pot or something of the sort. When I used a cream eyeliner it didn't go on as dark as I wanted and I ended up reaching for my Stila liquid liner to finish the job.

I'm extremely confused by this next product. The Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner in Navy has really amazing reviews on Ulta, but I'm not a massive fan. This was a pretty impulsive buy and I didn't read the reviews before picking it up or hearing much about it. The reviews all claim it has a bold color but I'm not seeing it. I tried applying it with two different brushes and layering it on, but it definitely was not navy, but more cerulean. Needless to say, I was kind of disappointed to see it wasn't as bold as the reviews exclaimed, but I'll keep trying and let you know. 

This last product is one I have been wanting to try for awhile. The NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream has been talked about a lot on YouTube and for some reason I just never got around to buying it. I have seen a couple reviews and swatches of Istanbul and finally nabbed it the other day. This definitely lives up to its name. It has the matte factor of a lipstick while feeling like a lip balm. It is pretty pigmented for the price and is somewhat long lasting. Even though it doesn't last as long as a lipstick does, it is way easier to quickly apply than lipstick. I absolutely will be picking up other colors from this range. 

What makeup or skincare have you guys picked up?
xx Tori

     No doubt this post has been circulating blogs as of late, so I thought I’d weigh in with my picks of the year. It was actually tough to choose 13 items but I think I’ve nailed what I’ve loved for the past 365.

From looking at upcoming posts, it looks like a couple of us had a crazy week and still another one to come. I, for sure, am not an exception. It never fails that when I am crazo-nutzo (as my coworker would explain things) I rely on muscle memory to do my makeup. Even though my makeup organization is in the process of being revamped, I somehow always find myself with these products in hand. I know it's only Tuesday, but I haven't changed my routine for at least a week.

When things are crazy, I tend to make sure that my base is on point. I could not care less about anything else but a good base is the key to making sure you don't look like a zombie. Let's face it, that's important. As i'm typing this I've realized that I didn't photograph a couple of products (why didn't I make a list...) so I'll just go ahead and include those anywho. After moisturizing, I have been applying the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Even though I have dry skin, I love this primer because I feel like it just adds a bit more moisture and does actually set my base unlike some products I've used (i'm lookin' at you, POREfessional). Then for foundation. This is probably my favorite part of doing my makeup since I got the Real Technique brushes. I've been using the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclait, but since I got the sample of the Lancôme Teint Idole foundation I have a new found love. I thought I would never find anything to top the YSL, but oh man. I'm buying the full size product whenever I have a spare moment. It keeps my face looking fresh and even all day. I had this foundation on for 15 hours and just washed it off and it looked as good as it did when I first applied it.  After this, I use the Revlon Photo Concealer under my eyes.

I then use the ELF High Definition Powder to set my foundation. MAC's Harmony is then used as a contour and I've really been loving Rimmel's blush in Pink Sorbet. It's just a beautiful peach color that looks nice with my skin tone and balances out whatever I wear with it. Another important step for completing my base is the Benefit Watts Up highlighter; it seriously works miracles. I'm not going to even explain my love for Gimme Brow by Benefit one more time, but it's used after blush. When I'm in a rush, I will typically only use one eyeshadow after I've used the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. The two picks lately have been Club and Woodwinked from MAC. They both really suit my eye color and woodwinked is just a really nice natural color with a bit of shimmer to wake up my eyes. Plus they both have wonderful color pay off and stay on all day. I always feel a bit awkward just using one shadow and so I will blend a bit of the contour shade in the crease line. After I've applied my eyeshadow I'll just go ahead and blend some of the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk to highlight my brow. No, this does not look ridiculous because I'm the shade of Casper. As always, I curl my lashes and apply my most loved Revlon mascara. All in all, my makeup takes me less than 10 minutes in the morning. And when I have to walk the pups at 4:30 in the morning before work, I've already expended all effort for the day.

What products do you guys grab in a hurry?

xx Tori

     Everyone has those mornings where you look (and feel) like sleep is an elusive, mysterious magic that you've never quite mastered. Unfortunately, that's how I feel 5/7 days a week. There really should be a Hogwarts of slumber. To ensure that I look like I logged off of YouTube and went to sleep at a normal/responsible hour, there's makeup. Fake it 'til you make it or whatever.

BRIGHT EYES | STILA 'KITTEN' VS. MAYBELLINE EXPERT EYES SMOKED NEUTRALS
     One of the dead giveaways to a restless night is yo peepers (why no, that's not a creepy word). You can look listless and dull after a TV marathon - or if you have a social life, go you - a night out. A simple way to bring some light back to your eyes is a shimmery nude eyeshadow. My go-to as of late has been Stila's kitten, which is a nice velvety texture and the perfect tone for my skin. Though not as friendly on the wallet (but L'oreal does a great dupe called 'Iced Latte'), some of the light, iridescent offerings from this Maybelline mini palette will achieve the same effect. Just a quick wash of color that will afford you a few extra moments in bed.

F YOU DARK CIRCLES | CLINIQUE AIRBRUSH VS. MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND
     Apologies for the slightly profane subtitle, but I've developed a lasting animosity towards the seemingly permanent blue haze under my eyes. I could have slept on a bed of clouds for all eternity, and I'd wake up looking like a corpse. I'm always on the hunt for a good undereye concealer, and these are two of my favorites. Clinique Airbrush was one of many Lisa Eldridge inspired purchases, and not surprisingly it hasn't disappointed. It doesn't look cakey and is just illuminating enough to make me look like a real live human. Though slightly less iridescent, Instant Age Rewind covers dark circles and never creases. The texture is lovely though I'm not terribly fond of the sponge. Regardless, a very worth opponent.

HEALTHY FLUSH | TARTE NATURAL BEAUTY VS. SONIA KASHUK SUPER SHEER LIQUID TINT IN 'POPPY'
     I've been alllllllll about a well-blushed cheek lately, and my love for both of these knows no bounds. 'Natural Beauty' is spot on shade-wise to mimic the color I naturally flush - just in a more flattering location. The formula is sheer enough to not look over-powdered but still packs a solid punch of color. Sonia Kashuk's liquid blusher requires a little more layering but I love it all the same. It's a slightly warmer hue than Tarte's with a little gold shimmer. It in no way enlarges pores or looks unnatural, and I like the finish slightly more than my more expensive option. I'd think it would be suitable for all skin types as it lasts very well, and maintains a natural skin-like finish sometimes not offered by powder or cream.

PUCKER UP | YSL ROUGE VOLUPTE SHINE 14 'CORAIL IN TOUCH' VS. MAYBELLINE COLOR WHISPERER IN 'ORANGE ATTITUTDE'
     For a final awakening touch I think a good brightening lip color, but still sheer, fits the bill perfectly. My lips can lean a little cool-toned so something orange works well for my complexion. A bright pink would work as well. I don't like to go for anything too opaque as it can look heavy and overdone. This YSL lipstick was a ridiculous, unnecessary splurge. Shame aside, it is a color well-suited to my coloring and the light melon scent is reviving in the morning as well. If I'm honest, the Maybelline tinted balm is embarrassingly similar in color (if anything, slightly redder) though I don't find the formula as kind to the lips. Still, it perks up my tired face and also stains ever so slightly, as does the YSL.

    Whoop, there it is. A few options to be a Sleeping Beauty imposter. What are your tips/tricks/products for an enlivened face? Comment below!

xx
Rachel

  Alrightay, I know both Tori and I have mentioned this foundation several times, but the day has come for a proper review. There are loads of opinions available on this product as it was quite hyped after its initial launch. However, at $55 for the standard 30ml, I think the hype should be justified.

Hello lovlies! I thought I would just quickly share what makeup I've been wearing. I don't think it's actually changed in a week. I'm tired, muscle memory takes over, leading to wearing the exact same makeup every day. Anywhooo, here it is y'all.

On the Face:
I know Rachel showed the YSL Le Tient Touche Elat foundation in her video, but seriously...this stuff is amazing. It goes on smoothly and smells slightly like cucumbers. Right now I only have the sample but I'm more than likely buying the real deal this Friday (yay pay day!). After I put this foundation on I touch up under my eyes with the  Benefit Fake Up Concealer. I don't know what it is, but either the Benefit products don't like me or I have no clue. But I'm not actually impressed with the concealer or primer. But whatever, they probs just won't be repurchased. I really do like how moisturizing the concealer is, I just feel like it makes my dark circles look a tad worse. Anyway, I used the little bottle of NARS Illuminator in Orgasm. I got this little bottle as a part of my gift for my Beauty Insider card with Sephora. I love it. I typically use this like I would a highlighter. I then use the GloMinerals Sheer Tint Base as a contour. My mom got this foundation and didn't care for it. Of course it would be too dark for all over, but I think this works well sort of as a bronzer to contour the face. After I finish doing everything (face and eyes) I go back over with a bit of the elf High Definition Powder (which I can't seem to find online anywhere? I know I got it at Target).


On the Eyes:
First off, the Gimme Brow from Benefit is by far the only Benefit product that has amazed me. This makes my routine so much easier in the mornings. Gimme Brow better be around forever because I don't ever want to have to replace it. It's that amazing. I know it's not pictured, but I use Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion that came with my Black palette. Next I use "sin" from the Naked palette and apply that all over the lid. The next step is optional. I smudge some black kohl liner on my lash line and then blend that out with "hustle" from the Naked palette. Apply "smog" to the crease and under the lower lash line and that's pretty much it. I *sometimes* curl my lashes when I'm feeling fancy and  I've really been into the Revlon PhotoReady 3D Mascara. It isn't too dramatic for the day but it gives just enough definition. I've only recently started to apply the  NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk on my waterline. It's easy enough and makes my eyes pop.

Not extravagant but just enough to make me look slightly put together during my work day.

See ya l8r duddezzz.
xxTori

     Hellur ladies & gents! Back to quickly share the makeup I donned yesterday. Since it was a fairly casual Saturday of errands, lunch, etc. I didn't get too crazy. So, here we go.

     For my base, I used YSL's Le Teint Touche Eclat  since I swiped a sample from Sephora a few weeks ago. Quite unfortunately, I'm in love with it. The gel texture and lack of opaque pigments is basically like spreading angel tears all over your face. It's an emotional experience. I've pretty much decided that I'm going to be a complete idiot and spend $55 on the full size. Excuse me while I cringe for a few days. Still, it's really the only foundation I've fallen in love with so whateva. Treat yo'self. I'm currently using the shade B10 (the line is split up into cool {BR + #}, neutral {B + #}, and warm {BD + #} tones) though I think I'll end up buying BR20 since I definitely have rosy undertones. I used the tiniest bit of my Revlon Color Stay concealer in fair to cover up a little bit of scarring.

     For the eyes, I used MAC's Woodwinked and concentrated it at the lash line with a flat shader brush (I used the one included with the NAKED palette). I then took a fluffier brush and blended upwards. This added a bit of shimmer and warmth without looking over-done or heavy. For a little added intensity, I took a warm matte brown shadow from the Sonia Kashuk Eye On Neutral 2 palette and pressed it along the lash line with an angled brush. With a slightly lighter shade, I used a pencil brush to create a shadow on my lower lash line, only taking it about 3/4 of the way in. I finished up by curling my lashes with the Tweezerman Deluxe Eyelash Curlers  and a coat of Maybelline Falsies in Brownish Black.

     Finally, using my Covergirl Clean Glow Bronzer (120 Spices) I used a combo of the two darkest shades and applied this just below my cheekbones, and on my temples, nose, and chin. I then applied a little of the lightest and middle shade to the apples of my cheeks.

    I finished with my eos lip balm, and voilà. Fin!

xx
Rachel

Yooo.

So I had another post planned for today, but considering it was a holiday weekend and I work retail, and I am now spending my day in class, filming seemed to be a challenge. That post will be coming to you next week, so get excited! Anyway, today I'm just gonna share with you a quick FOTD because I needed a quick-fix to my lack of filming time. Without further delay, here you go. And everyone appreciate the fact that I was taking selfies for this in the computer lab during my break. Which is also why I will apologize for the terrible lighting. Enjoy your day and I'll have a full post up next week!

xx
Tessa