February/March 2015 Favorites

I apologize for the absence in posts, but life got in the way!  Here are a few of my favorites from February and March, products that I’ve been obsessed with and using regularly, both on myself and in my kit!

I have quite oily skin and powder is a must!  I’m still a huge fan of MAC’s Blot Powder, but I thought I would go for a softer finish with the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder.  I’ve been using it with the BeautyBlender to set under my eyes and with a small powder brush for everywhere else.  I love that it sets my concealer perfectly and it lasts all day.  The finish also leaves a soft, satin finish to the skin.  I need to use a couple more blotting papers throughout the day, but it’s worth it!

Speaking of BeautyBlenders, I don’t think I’ve been this obsessed with it in the 5+ years I’ve been using one!  I love to use it to apply foundation, blend concealer, buff out edges, blend highlight and contour, and apply powder!  I prefer to use it dampened with water and I let it double in size before I start bouncing it all over my face.  I can’t seem to start or finish a face without one these days!

I’ve also been using a healthy amount of facial sprays these days.  It really started late last year when my skin became drier than normal and I was in need of a little extra hydration.  It started with the Caudalie Beauty Elixir and expanded to a full collection.  My current two favorites are the Mario Badescu Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater and Clinique Moisture Surge.  I love to use them right before moisturizer, to set my makeup, and to refresh throughout the day. 

Lately I’ve been picking up the bronzer a lot more and using less blush.  I love the healthy glow of bronzer and it really adds some great dimension to the face.  My newest bronzer purchase has been the Tom Ford Bronzing Powder.  It’s a little redder than my usual bronzer but I think the extra warmth works really well with my skintone.  It adds a nice healthy glow and it’s a dream to blend.

And last but not least, it’s my favorite eye look of the moment.  I normally favor purple-y taupes with shimmer, but I’ve been experimenting with a matte smokey brown eye and flicked eyeliner and I’m really loving it!  The Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Cocoa Mirage is extremely pigmented, creamy, and so effortless in application and blending.  And the By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Brown Perfection is the perfect base for the shadows.  It’s a matte, neutral, deep brown that can easily be worn on its own but layers wonderfully with shadows.  And to top it all off, I add a slick of Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner.  It has a felt tip that makes application a breeze and the formula really is waterproof and budgeproof.  This combination leaves me with a sophisticated and enhancing eye without being too heavy.

What have you been loving?  I’d love to hear about some of your favorites in the comments section!