Beauty Product Alert!: Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse

I recently ran out of my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($42) and my budget is a little tight this month,  so I thought I would try a lower cost product that I could pick up on an errand to Target. After reading a few reviews and spending way too much time in the cosmetic aisle, I decided to try Maybelline's Dream Liquid Mousse which I will refer to as MDLM ($8).

MDLM is a water based, liquid foundation that creates an opaque matte finish or "airbrushed" look on the the skin. This is different from what I am used to wearing because the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer has less coverage and leaves a  more dewy finish. After wearing MDLM for a few days, I found that I am very pleased with the matte finish that MDLM creates. It does not look unnatural at all. I have very fair skin and I often find it difficult to locate foundations/tinted moisturizers that match my skin tone well, but this was not the case with MDLM.  I was very pleased with MDLM's color selections and I ultimately opted for porcelain ivory which is an exact match! 

I only have two complaints about this product:  

1.) It does not contain sunscreen, so I need to add another step to my morning regimen. 

& 

2.) It does not have a cap, so it makes it difficult to travel with it.

All in all, I think this is a great product that provides a lot of bang for your buck.  I highly recommend it! Now, all I need is a recommendation for a good sunscreen. Do you happen to have one?

What I Wore to the Gala Last Night

I love dressing up for formal events, but I was not on my game for this one. I totally scrambled to pull something together. Luckily, I had some great accessories on hand, so all I had to purchase was the dress and the jacket. 

I wasn't really confident about wearing the jacket because it was pretty bold for me. But luckily my husband was able to convince me to wear it. He thought it was cool and a little Annie Hall-esque. I ended up getting a lot of compliments, so I was glad he was able to convince me to wear it! I felt very stylish!

In preparation for the event, my sister and I went to get our nails done. She decided that we should "go big or go home" when it came to nail color. So, we both ended up with some seriously bright nails. It would have not been our typical choice, but it added a fun pop of color for the evening! 

We also decided that we needed to get our makeup done. I picked the Bobbi Brown counter because she has some great colors this season. I told the makeup artist that I wanted LC eyeliner  and a nude color lipstick to go with my 1960s ensemble. I totally loved my look.

What's your favorite look for a formal event?

What I Wore Last Night by forkfabrikationz featuring mesh handbags

Calvin klein cocktail dress
$90 - macys.com

Forever 21 cropped jacket
$25 - forever21.com

Black stiletto heels
$35 - modcloth.com

Free People mesh handbag
$248 - freepeople.com

J.Crew vintage earrings
$68 - jcrew.com

Bobbi Brown Lip Color
$23 - lordandtaylor.com

Fab Product Alert!: Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder

"Dear to the heart of a girl is her own beauty and charm." - Ovid 

I am always tempted by fab beauty products! I am always on a quest to hopefully keep my skin looking young and flawless. (Example A, Example B and Example C to follow)

I was a little concerned about the following product.  I mean I'm not really into the Kardashian look. No offense ladies, but I am not a huge fan of the airbrush look for everyday makeup -- I want a more natural look. 

Surprisingly, Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder turned out to be just what I was looking for!

It's a translucent powder that's perfect for setting foundation or to cover any shiny spots when you decide to skip the foundations. I love it because it helps to create a soft looking and even tone to the skin without drying it. Not to mention, I can now be captured in HD without having to worry about how unforgiving it can be! 

"All right Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close up!" - Gloria Swanson, Sunset Boulevard

Summer Product Alert!: Spackle Under Makeup Primer

Can I tell you about my new favorite product for summer? Well, honestly by favorite, I mean aside from the awesome self tanner that I am still on the lookout for! If you have any suggestions for me please post a comment below.

Back to my current favorite product.....It's called Spackle Under Makeup Primer by Laura Geller and it's perfect for keeping your face/makeup flawless even when it's 90+ degrees outside! Use a little all over your face before putting on your foundation and it will keep your face looking beautifully matte! So you can say bye bye to that shiny t-zone!

I was a huge fan of Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer for years (I used it for my wedding and I was so pleased with my photos), but Laura Geller's product is such a great value for the amount of product you receive. If you haven't used a makeup primer before, you should try one, it will literally change your life!

Laura Geller - Spackle Under Makeup Primer

Smashbox-Photo Finish Foundation Primer 

Meet My New Best Friend

I have a new best friend! Her name is Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System. A friend at work introduced us and we've been bffs ever since!

This product is inexpensive and easy to use. I bought it for right under $30 which is significantly less expensive than some similar products on the market. The brush is super soft which was an initial concern of mine since I have sensitive skin.

A sample size of the Olay Professional Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser comes with the system. This cleanser is very gentle and I have found it good for sensitive skin. i like to use the brush and the cleanser in the shower in the morning. The combination leaves my face feeling as if have had a mini facial each time I use it.  

I like to follow it up with the Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum and Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream as part of my anti-aging skin regimen.   

I highly recommend trying this product -- it's a great value and so far very effective! 

Do you have favorite anti-aging products? If so, leave me a comment with what it is and what you love about it! 

New Lip Products

Benefit's Lip Shine in Nookie Nookie: Opal Glaze is my new favorite gloss.  It's sheer and shimmery. It also has a great scent and it is sort of tasty too. The best part is that it is not sticky at all. I love the applicator brush, it allows it to glide on  smoothly.

                                   

     

I pair it with this Too Faced lip liner. It creates perfect natural color and blends beautifully!  

I'm always interested in trying new products.  
What are some your favorite products for your

lips?