As Tori recently mentioned in her review of Lush Ultrabland, after my short-lived trial of the cleanser I went through an allergic reaction. It was the only new addition to my routine and it seems as if Iris is the culprit. A small bout with contact dermatitis sent me into skincare survival mode, and I significantly pared back my routine. Sticking to cleansing and moisturizing (along with a few over the counter medicated creams) seemed to look after my skin without exacerbating the irritation.

Hey y'all, we had some beautiful weather today, which of course meant I needed to be outside and enjoy it. I had some errands to run and whatnot and I thought I would show you how I did my makeup today. xx Tori

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 I mentioned in my Beauty Resolutions post, I'm upping my skincare game this year. Unfortunately the holidays have left me broke, with the imminent semester draining my new year earnings. Though that never stops me from pining over a few things that will hopefully be (gradually) added to my stash.

Clinique Super City Block SPF 40 ($22)
     We're now all well aware of my ghostly pallor, which means major sun damage. I've been a bit of a slacker when it comes to spf so this is at the top of my priortiy list. I've heard good things about this line (there's also a sheer version) and I quite like that it has the bonus of environmental protection.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster
     This is an ongoing source of rage for me. This is rumored to be poised for release at Walgreens, but I can't find any concrete information about it. I've heard countless Brits rave on and on about it so when it finally does reach US soil I'll be the first to purchase it. Essentially, hylauronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water - making the most of your moisturizer you follow with.

Ole Henriksen Total Truth Vitamin C Eye Cream SPF 15 ($45)
      Need I mention the necessity for sun protection again? I've been using a sample of this for a few days now and am eager to purchase the full size. It has a very smoothing, almost priming texture yet gives the punch of moisture I need. Overall a perfect morning option for me.

NUDE Skincare Miracle Mask ($48)
     Topping the list of my skin concerns is radiance. Anything that improves texture and imparts a glow has caught my attention. NUDE is a brand I've had my eye on for a while, but I think a mask would be a nice way to segway myself into the line. It would be a luxury, but something I'm confident I'd find worthwhile.

Clarins HydraQuench Cream ($50)
     My skin tends to err toward the dry side of things, particularly during winter. Clarins seems like a solid brand - one I'd like to explore. I've tried this on the back of my hands a few times in store, and the texture is lovely. It manages to feel incredibly hydrating without a greasy texture. To remedy my dry skin woes, I think I'll be relying on this.

Until later!

xx
Rachel

     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

      While I am quite the fan of a bright lip, some more muted options have been making their way on to muh lips recently. However, I find them a little difficult to tackle. Brighter hues are usually never an issue for me – but oh man nude lips can go oh so wrong. If you weren’t aware, I am actually a ghost. Anything that erases the color from my face (foundation, lipstick, etc) has a tendency to transform me into a corpse. Not exactly the look I’m going for - though I do feel pretty dead sometimes (I’m looking at you Mondays). For this reason nude lips require more effort. The undertone, opacity, and shade all have to be spot on or I look like I could be cast in a horror film. Fortunately, I’ve found a few options that have worked for me, so I hope these offerings can be of assistance in your quest for the best naked lip as well.

     p.s. try to keep in mind that a nude lip is very dependent on skin tone, coloring, and preference so not all of these options will be universally flattering but some are adaptable to suit your complexion!


Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick | 644 Let’s Get Naked

Enjoy some September favs! And please excuse my lovely face in the thumbnail, I forgot to take a photo for this one!

xx
Tessa

So this week's post is a bit of a two-in-one: a first impressions along with a mini review of Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. In my last post I mentioned how I went on a bit of a skincare rampage courtesy of Caroline Hiron's blog, so this is on her recommendation. My normal cleansing balm I have talked about before in my skincare routine post here. I purchased this one, after weeks of debating, for $28.50 at Sephora. Which in my opinion is well worth it.

This balm is oil based, so it feels a little bit greasy when you apply it but it doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy at all. It removed all of my make up with ease, even my eye make up and mascara without much hassel. Which is huge for me, as I am a mascara fiend and tend to pack it on. One thing I noticed when putting it on my eyes was it felt kind of gritty when it was removing my make up, I'm still not sure if this was the texture of my mascara coming off or if it was the cleanser itself. After using this, I still followed up with a second cleanse, solely out of habit and per recommendation of Caroline, though I probably didn't need to because I had no make up residue on my second cleanse like I normally do.

On to packaging and such. I love the fact that this comes in a tub. I do like the pump of my Liz Earle cleansing balm, but it was always hard to tell how much I needed and I somehow always ended up with excess or needing multiple pumps if I used smaller amounts. With the tub however, you are able to easily control how much you get out and you need the smallest amounts. Which brings me to my next point, I know nearly $30 for a cleanser is a steep price tag, but you need so little and it comes in a giant tub that's going to last you a long time, even if you use it everyday (if you would like I can update you on how long this one lasts me!).

Based solely on my first use of this, I think I would definitely repurchase this product. I know the blog name is Five Broke Girls, and here I am telling you that I would spend $30 on a cleansing balm, but in all honesty, anything higher end I buy, I put a lot of thought behind & do my research. And I'm definitely willing to spend the extra dollars on my skin care to have good skin, because if your skin is in balance, then you can sort of cheat your way on make up (less foundation, concealer!).

Well, that's it for me this week. I'll talk to you next week, darlings!

xx
Tessa

Allo, chaps. Today I decided to review some products for you - specifically, mascara. I'm personally  not a huge mascara junkie (*ahem* Rachel and Tessa) so it's easy for me to take the ones I have and go over them for you readers!


Smashbox Hyperlash ($22)
This is my faveee mascara. I only have the mini version from a Smashbox sampler I purchased a while ago but it has definitely made an impression. The brush is plastic but I don't mind that. It makes your lashes crazy, CRAZY long but without clumping. I recommend this if you're thinking of buying a high-end mascara for the first time.


Benefit They're Real! ($23)
I bought this mascara on a whim a few months ago, which is never a good way to buy makeup. I had heard good reviews about it and was desperately in need of a new mascara so I figured, ehhh what the hell? Well, I'm not that impressed. It's not clumpy but it doesn't do that great of a job of lengthening or thickening my lashes. I believe there are better products out there (such as Smashbox Hyperlash!)


Clinique High Impact ($16)
Another just alright mascara here. The brush is incredibly thick and sometimes clumps my lashes, which I don't like. If I'm in a rush I'll toss it in my bag to touch-up, but other than that I don't use it much.


Maybelline Great Lash in Clear ($5.49)
I always buy this at the beginning of the summer and then toss it once October hits. This stuff is AMAZING for the summer because it makes your lashes really long and sexy without looking overdone. During the summer if I'm hanging out with friends or going to the pool I don't want a ton of mascara on, so I reach for this and it gives just enough to look awake.


Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies ($6.99)
You guys have heard me talk about this stuff enough. All I'm gonna say is that it's my favorite drugstore mascara. SUCH good quality for the drugstore.


Rimmel London Scandal Eyes - Waterproof ($6.99)
I bought this when I went absolutely insane at Target last Sunday. That Target trip was devastating for my bank account... but anyway. I purchased it because I needed a waterproof mascara for when I go to the pool with boys and want to look normal. It does the job but I'm by no means super impressed. I have found it really awesome to use before using The Falsies to make my eyes insanely pop, though!


So that's all for me today! Until next week.

xx
Jen