Beauty Trove's Top 5 for July 2019!

Hey gorgeous!  I know this is late, summer has been passing me by this year.  But I have been trying on a ton of new makeup and wanted to let you all know what I loved in the month of July.  My top 5 are listed below.

1.  Violet Voss The Rainbow Palette ($30.00).  If summer could be compiled to a single palette, this would be it.  I love playing around with colorful eyeshadows especially during the summer.  The Rainbow palette by Violet Voss does not disappoint.  The color payoff is wonderful.  Each shadow is highly pigmented, goes on buttery smooth, and wears great throughout the day.  You can easily pair this palette with a more neutral one for transition shades and darker corner shades.  I especially love the blues and greens in this palette.  The navy color does have some fallout with it but I like I said the color payoff makes it totally worth it.  If you like the color scheme but don't think you will use such huge eyeshadow pans, Violet Voss has a mini palette with all the colors- Rainbow fun sized mini palette ($18.00).  This is a great palette to pick up during the Sephora summer VIB sale.  Use code SUMMERSAVE up to August 27th to save 20%.

2.  ColourPop's Jelly Much Shadow in Late Bloomer ($8.00)- This is fairly new to my collection and is the first jelly much shadow I have tried.  The consistency of the shadow is well, jelly-like.  The shadow feels very cool on the eyelid and applies fairly evenly.  This shade in particular is gorgeous.  It is a light purple with a lot of glitter.  It is such a fun and flirty shade and I am so happy I have this.  It come in handy during those days I am the busiest.  It is so easy to just smooth this on the eyelid, swipe on some mascara, and you are ready to go.  Right now ColourPop is having a sale, and Late Bloomer can be purchased for $6.00.

3.  ColourPop's The Headliner Palette ($40.00)-  If you want to add more glitter to your collection or are looking at trying some pressed glitters, look no further.  This is a great little palette that has a mix of stunning pressed glitters and neon matte shades.  Both pair perfectly together.  I love the pressed glitter formula.  It is so much easier to apply than loose glitter.  This would also go great with the VV Rainbow palette.   You can pick this up during ColourPop's sale for $20.00.

4.  E.l.f. Comsetics' Smudge Proof Mascara ($6.00) - I know that E.l.f. cosmetics is not traditionally known for their mascaras.  But this new formula is stellar.  I really love the bottom lash wand that coats all your lower lashes in this dark mascara.  In fact, this mascara is great just for your bottom lashes and is comparable to Clinique's mascara for the lower lashes. 

5.  Benefit Cosmetics' Roller Liner Liquid Eyeliner ($22.00)- Girl, if you are looking to make a statement, try the Roller liner out.  This pairs great with the VV eyeshadow palete and E.l.f. mascara.  This is one of my most darkest liquid liners.  I love how easy the felt tip applicator glides along the eyelid and how quick it dries.  I love creating cat eye liner looks with this.  The benefit roller liner is going to be a mainstay in my makeup collection. 

Beauty Trove's Top 5 for May 2019

Hey Everyone!  Happy Tuesday!  I hope your summer is getting off to a great start.  Sorry I've been MIA for a long time.  I've been dealing with some medical issues and then this past fall one of my family members got really ill and then passed away.  It has been very difficult but I am managing and hopefully better times are coming.

I've been testing out a lot of new makeup lately as well as shopping my stash.  If you're interested in what I have been enjoying in the amazing world of cosmetics, please read on.

1.  Vivid Pigment Palette ($50.00).  This is a magnificent palette.  If you are looking to add more color to your makeup collection, then the Vivid Pigment Palette will not disappoint.  These are matte and bright hues to create a whole colorful look or to just add a pop of color to a neutral eyeshadow.  Don't let the colors fool you, these eyeshadows blend out seamlessly.  I really love the blues and purples in this palette.  The Vivid Pigment Palette will be restocking soon.  I would also check to see if you can get a promo code or wait for a sale to pick this beauty up.

2.  On the Cusp Super Shock Highlighter ($8.00).  Colourpop's super shock formula for highlighters is one of my favorites.  This cream to powder highlighter is perfect for both neutral and colorful eyeshadow looks.  It is simply gorgeous with its golden champagne gleam that can be seen from outer space.  A must have highlighter for the summer.

3. Anastasia Beverly Hill's Lip Gloss in Freya ($16.00).  If you want to create a bit of sparkly to go with your golden goddess makeup, Freya is the way to go.  This ultra shiny gloss has gold and pink sparkles that can be worn on a neutral lipstick or on its own.  It is sure to kick up your cosmetics game.

4.  Pixi MatteLast Liquid Lipstick in Au Naturelle ($14.00).  If you are looking for the perfect rosy nude liquid lipstick, check out Pixi's Au Naturelle.  It is perfect.  Their liquid lipstick formula is comfortable and is not too drying.  It does transfer but liquid lipstick wears nicely and doesn't look strange throughout the day.  It pairs nicely with the ABH freya gloss.

5. Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner ($16.00).  Cosmetics work well on a well taken care of face.  I've been using this toner for the last month and totally love it.  Kiehl's cucumber toner gives a slight astringent effect (little bit of tingling) to help tighten powers and pH the skin.  It is great for those with sensitive skin, like me.  I think this will be my main toner from now on.

Beauty Trove's Top 5 for June 2018

Summer is in full swing!  I have been loving the warm weather and switching up my makeup to fun, bright and vibrant colors.  Even with some of the days being rainy, my cosmetics are popping and my eye looks have definitely brought some sunshine.  How has your summer been?  Let me know what you have been loving in beauty for the month of June.  If you want to know what cosmetics I have gravitated towards this June, please check out below.

1.  Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette ($65.00).  I purchased this palette using a $25.00 off coupon at Sephora.  Even if I didn't have the coupon, I still would buy this, which says a lot.  The colors are inspired by the desert sunset.  The shadows are really soft, easy to blend, and quite stunning.  My favorite shades are the purples.  I'm looking forward to playing around more with this palette in the summer. 

2.  Dose of Colors Sassy Siennas Eyeshadow Palette ($32.00).  This June I have focused on playing around with my current eyeshadow collections.  I really have loved using this palette along with the product below.  I love warm eyeshadow colors and this palette delivers are warm tones that are great for the summer.  The eyeshadows do blend easily and are highly pigmented.  I do wish they would have placed in a highlight eyeshadow.  However, I have enough single color eyeshadows that I could easily pull out for a terrific look.  If you don't have any other warm toned eyeshadow palettes, I would highly suggest picking this one up and it pairs nicely with some single metallic shades you may already have in your collection.

3.  Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Bronzed Bell ($24.00).  I have a couple of Stila's glitter and glow eyeshadows.  By far my favorite is Bronzed Bell.  It is a nice complement to the Huda Beauty Desert Dusk and Dose of Colors Sassy Siennas palettes.  It applies beautifully with no skips.  I have not experienced any glitter fallout...  It is really quite stunning in the sunlight. I would pick this up when Stila is offering 20% off sale.  Worth checking out.

4.  ColorPop Supershock Shadow in Birthday Wish ($5.00).  If you want a metallic pop, but don't want to commit to the $24.00 for one of the Stila's liquid eyeshadows.  I would suggest taking a look at Birthday Wish by ColorPop.  This also pairs nicely with the Huda and Sassy Siennas palettes.  My favorite way to apply this is by pressing the color into my eyelid with my ring finger.  The shade is a beautiful gold with tons of glitter packed in.  I have picked up two extra to keep in stock in my collection.  

5.  AOA Studio Wonder Baked Highligher in Cream Puff ($1.00).  This is a total bargain!  AOA studio is part of the Shop Miss A website that advertises makeup for $1.00.  I have been wearing this Cream Puff highlighter for all of June and am still wearing it this July.  It is a gorgeous, natural looking highlight.  This is a fantastic higlighter to use when you have more of a dramatic eye look.  It is similar to the highlighter made by Essence (the original one).  I have received tons of compliments about this highlighter shade.   This product is truly magic in a compact.  I am looking forward to testing out more makeup by Shop Miss A.  

Beauty Trove's Top 5 for February

Hi Everyone!  Sorry I have been gone for a hot minute.  Things have been somewhat hectic at work and I have been playing catch up for the last couple of weeks.  I will be updating Beauty Trove with new sales, hauls, and favorites.  For now, I will start with letting you all know what my favorites have been for February.

1. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Matte and Poreless ($7.29).  For the past few months, I have been trying on drug store foundations.  And I have to say that the drug store lines are stepping up their game.  During February I wore Maybelline's Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation nonstop.  I

just love this foundation for a demi-matte and flawless finish.  I find that I can wear this foundation for up to 8 hours with minimal breakup.  The Fit Me line can be built up for medium coverage.  I also like that the foundation is not too heavy.  If you have not tried the Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless foundation, you should definitely stop by your drug store or Ulta and check it out.

2.  Maybelline Fit Me Loose Powder ($5.89).  I have paired the Fit Me Foundation with the Fit Me Loose Powder during Feburary.  The hype over this powder is real.  The powder is finely milled and applies beautifully over skin.  The powder creates an airbrush appearance and sets makeup nicely.  I think this may be my favorite drug store setting powder.  And at 5.89, it is worth every penny. 

3.  Coloured Raine Cheers to the Beauty (orig. $50, sale $40).  I bought this palette at the original price during the winter holidays.  I came across this on the colored raine site and thought it looked absolutely gorgeous.  In person, it is just as beautiful and does not disappoint.  The eyeshadows are hyper pigmented, buttery, and apply smoothly.  It is almost effortless to blend the colors out on the eyelid.  I especially love using this palette for evening parties.  I would highly suggest picking this eyeshadow palette up even if it was not on sale.

4.  MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Double Gleam ($34).  MAC highlighters especially the one in double gleam is a classic for a reason.  Double gleam is a smooth, light gold-silver highlighter that melts flawlessly into the cheekbones and other high points on the face.  This highlighter is not for the faint of heart.  It truly is for those who want a highlight that will outshine Apollo himself.  I am so

glad I have finally picked up this MAC highlighter. 

5.  ColourPop NKLA x Laura Lee Super Shock Eyeshadow Quad ($18).  Colourpop has paired with cosmetics influencer/youtuber, Laura Lee and No Kill LA for this lovely super shock eyeshadow quad.  The quad features 2 metallic/glitter and 2 matte super shock shadows in the warm tone shade family.  I could not be happier with this purchase.  The glitter shades are to die for.  I love wearing them alone and on top of a regular eyeshadow for an extra pop of shimmer.  The matte shades are super creamy and blend out nicely.  I am planning on picking up another quad as a backup.  Most importantly, the proceeds from the eyeshadow quad go directly to No Kill LA, a no kill shelter group for stray pets.  Help support NKLA while looking bomb by picking up the Laura Lee x NKLA eyeshadow quad.

Beauty Trove's Top 5 for January 2018!

We are officially done with the first month of 2018!  I don't know about you but the start of 2018 feels a lot like 2017 did.  I seriously think I need to stop watching the news during the weekend and just catch up on Saturday.  Luckily, the makeup I have been trying out and loving this month has giving me a bright spot during the month.  If you want to know what I have been loving in cosmetics and beauty this January, keep reading.

1.  The Lorac Mega Pro 4 Palette ($59.00).  I picked this one up from Ulta on sale based off of a review by EmilyNoel83.  I am so happy with this purchase!  I love Lorac shadows and the Pro 4 did not disappoint.  This is a really fun palette with some truly unique shades.  I really love the FairyTale, Lotus, Unicorn and Steel Wool shades, they are simply some of the best metallics on the market.  All the shadows blend out like a dream.  I will be using this palette again in April.  It has a spring vibe about it. 

2.  Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Collection in Comfort Zone ($2.49).  This palette is simply icon.  The formula is extremely buttery and I wasn't expecting such a high quality given the price tag.  I love the greens and the dark neutrals.  The palette is currently on sale on the Wet n Wild website since its new formulation.  I would pick this one up while you still can.

3.  Elf Cosmetics Flawless Finishing Foundation ($6.00).  Elf has stepped up its game with this foundation!  I use a beauty blender with this foundation and it gives me the perfect look.  I look airbrushed and flawless.  This is also a great foundation for the winter since it is hydrating.  I think this would also work for those with combination skin but may not be appropriate if you are more oily.  This is definitely worth checking out and you can't beat the price.  The packaging is really good as well.  I love the glass bottle with the pump dispenser, it feels very high end. 

4.  J. Cat Beauty You Glow Girl Baked Highlighter in Bella Rosa ($8.99).  What a beautiful highlighter!  This highlighter blends easily on the highest points of your face and this shade in particular gives you the most beautiful pink glow.  I really love this highlighter and will be picking up more.  J. Cat Beauty has three new shades in and I can't wait to own them all.  This will be a great highlighter for February and in the spring.

5.  Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm in Elusive ($5.99).  I hate having dry lips during the winter and have been using hydrating lip products throughout January.  One of my favorites is the Revlon ColourBurst Matt Balm in Elusive.  This formula is extremely hydrating, plumping, and cooling.  There is quite the shade range and I hope that Revlon will start creating some new colors.  Elusive is a pretty true pink.  This shade is a nice complement with the J. Cat highlighter and Lorac Pro 4 palette.  

Beauty Trove's Top 5 for December 2017!

Happy New Year Everyone!  This has been a thoroughly tough year and I am glad to be in 2018.  It feels great that we can start to shed the events of 2017.  To celebrate, here are my top picks in cosmetics and beauty for December 2017.  Let me know what your favorites for December are!

1.  Lorac Pro Palette ($44.00).  I am so glad I bought this eyeshadow palette.  I know I am late to the game but this is an iconic palette for a reason.  The colors are separated out into two rows, one for shimmers and one for mattes.  I like the categorization.  It makes it easy to create a fast eye look when I need to be rushing out the door.  The eyeshadows are gorgeous and really creamy.  They blend extremely easy.  I can't wait to purchase more eyeshadows from Lorac.  I do wish they would do a special restock of the Lorac Mega Pro 2 so that I could add this to my collection.  A girl can dream!

2.  Too Faced Peaches and Cream Comfort Matte Foundation ($36.00).  Okay this is your warning.  I am going to be featuring a lot from the Too Faced Peaches and Cream collection for my favorites.  I have to admire a good matte foundation.  I love wearing a matte foundation in the winter and this one does not disappoint.  The coverage is amazing and I can wear it throughout the day without any touch ups.  It smells like peaches too!

3.  Too Faced Peaches and Cream Peach Perfecting Mattifying Setting Powder ($32.00).  There is a reason why places like Sephora can never keep this setting powder in stock.  This is one of the finest milled powders I have ever use, absolutely soft.  It smells fantastic.  The powder really does keep you matte throughout the day.  Also, I really love the container.  It has a snap on lid that makes it easy to dispense and store your powder.  This pairs amazingly with the comfort matte foundation.  A fantastic pair!

4.  Too Faced Peaches and Cream Just Peach Velvet Matte Eyeshadow Palette ($45.00).  Wow, just, wow!  If you are looking to pick up something from the Peaches and Cream collection, look no further.  This is a great matte palette for lovers of warm toned eyeshadows.  You can get a lot of neutral, peach and berry looks with this eyeshadow palette.  I think this palette would especially be great for February.  The shadows blend really well and there is little to no fallout.  Definitely worth checking out next time you are at Sephora.

5.  Lottie London Only Got It Covered Sponge Applicator Concealer ($5.49).  I love drug-store makeup finds.  Lottie London is a relatively new brand to Ulta and has some absolutely lovely cosmetics.  I have been using the concealer nonstop for December and now January.  The coverage is excellent and really covers my dark under eye circle.  I also use this for extra coverage on my nose and chin.  The concealer blends out easy and is perfect when you set with powder.  Trust me this concealer is going to be a mainstay in my everyday makeup drawer.

Beauty Trove's Top 5 for August 2017

Every month seems to go faster than the one before it.  The summer was filled with lots of new launches from Anastasia, Morphe, Too Faced, ColourPop, and many more beauty companies.  It was almost too much to keep up with.  I have been trying out a couple of items from these new launches and discovering cosmetics that have been a mainstay in the beauty community.  If you want to see the makeup that I have been loving for the month of August, keep on reading.

1.  The Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Palette ($38.00).  This is one of those palettes that was hyped throughout the summer.  The palette itself ranges on the more expensive side for Morphe, but as evidenced by the fact that the palette has sold out every time it relaunched, it is well worth the money.  The eyeshadows are of a higher quality than Morphe typically has and I am hoping that this is a sign that Morphe may be reformulating its older palettes.  The Jaclyn Hill x Morphe palette features 42 gorgeous and very bendable eyeshadows.  It is mainly geared towards warm toned colors (perfect for fall!) and a few pops of unexpected colors.  I think the metallic gold, bronze, and copper make this palette worth the investment.  I have gotten a number of very pretty looks with this palette and can't wait to take it back out again in October to play with it some more.  I will keep you informed on the next relaunch date.

2.  Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush in Apri-Cot in the Middle ($2.99).  Wet n wild is known for being an affordable yet high quality cosmetics brand.  Wet n wild surely doesn't let you down with their Color Icon Blushes.  I have been wearing Apri-Cot in the middle pretty much everyday in August and am continuing to use it in September as well.  Apri-Cot in the middle is a super pigmented blush that is the right combination of nude, pink, and peach.  It looks great on the apples of the cheeks and goes perfectly with the Jaclyn Hill x Morphe palette and a new highlighter that I am going to discuss.  Apri-Cot in the middle is super affordable and super flattering.

3.  Maybelline Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in Molten Gold ($9.99).  I fell hard for this highlighter.  It is absolutely stunning on the high points of the face.  I have a number of

high end highlighters that cannot do what this less than ten dollar highlighter can do.  The shade, in my opinion, is universally flattering and gives a gold, bronze goddess look.  It pairs wonderfully with my other two favorites (above) this month.  Pick it up and try it out, you won't be disappointed.

4.  Juvia's Place the Magic Palette ($35.00).  The other palette have been wearing exclusively in August is The Magic Palette by Juvia's Place.  NikkieTutorials featured an eye tutorial on this palette.  It has 16 huge soft and pigmented eyeshadow pans.  The metallics are some of the best eyeshadows I have ever used.  I really love this palette and love that The Magic Palette is now part of my permanent makeup collection.

5.  First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay ($24.00).  I typically stay with my Mary Kay Timewise set (includes cleanser).  But this month has been strange and I have been breaking out frequently.  I received a sample of this cleanser in my ipsy subscription and decided to give it a world and try it out.  This cleanser really works.  I am not sure how it worked but my breakouts calmed down and my pores shrank, quite a lot.  I decided to bite the bullet and purchase a full sized one from Sephora.  I am continuing to use this cleanser twice a week, while using my Mary Kay cleanser as my main one.  I am interested in trying out the rest of the red clay line by First Aid Beauty.  I am wondering if anyone else has liked the red clay line and which products do you suggest I try next?

That's it for my August favorites!  What products have you been enjoying in August?  Let me know by commenting below.

Beauty Trove's Top 5 for June 2017

It's time again for monthly favorites!  I have a little bit of everything this month, most of the products I've been loving this month are pretty affordable.  If you want to know more about Beauty Trove's Top 5 for June 2017, keep reading.


1.  No7 Lift & Luminate Foundation ($15.99).  I first heard of this foundation through favorite reviews of KathleenLights and JamBeauty89.  There is a reason why this foundation was a favorite of two top beauty vloggers.  First, for a drug-store foundation, there are a number of great shades.  I think if this product is talked about more, No7 will consider expanding is color range.  This is a medium coverage foundation and it applies smoothly.  I really love this foundation even compared to some higher end ones.  It gives you an air-brushed appearance and it wears nicely throughout the day.  On my skin, it starts to break down after 10 hours of wear.  The foundation gives a fantastic dewy appearance that doesn't like like you are completely dripping...just a nice glow.  I would wait to get the foundation when you see a price reduction.  Typically, Ulta has a BOGO 50% off on No7 items every few weeks.  Otherwise, Target recently had a 10% off and Walgreens also has specials on No7 products.  I am almost finished with my first bottle of No7 lift & luminate so you know that this is something special.

2.  Wet n Wild MegaSlim Skinny Mascara ($4.99).  I've been on the hunt to find a cheaper replacement for the Clinquie bottom lash, and I have finally found one.  This mascara is fantastic for your bottom lashes.  The wand is skinny enough to get close to the lash line and it only requires one swipe because of the length of the wand.  This really gives you a lot of bang for your buck.  If you get this from the Wet n Wild site, they will give you 10% off your first order.  

3.  Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Pink Buttercream ($28.00).  I picked this little beauty up in Ulta's 21 days of Beauty for 50% off.  I am so glad I did.  This is the perfect pink blush to give your cheeks a flush of color.  When I look at this blush on the skin, it looks like summer.  This is a very lovely shade that completes fair to medium skin tones perfectly.  If you purchase this from the Laura Geller site, you can get $5 off your first order.

4.  ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Cheap Date ($5.00).  I've been trying to use my ColourPop shadows more recently.  I started using Cheap Date at least once a week.  This is an incredible gold shadow with hints of silver.  It actually looks like melted gold!  I absolutely love it.  I apply the shadow on my lid with my ring finger so it really packs the color on.  

5.  Bath and Body Works Fiji Pineapple Palm Ultra Shea Body Cream ($3.25).  OMG this cream smells amazing.  I am a huge fan of Bath Body Works' Body Creams.  This is the perfect cream for the summer.  I love applying this on my arms and legs before I start my day.  Fiji is the perfect combination of pineapple and coconut.  I picked up another bottle recently at Bath and Body Works semi-annual sale.  I am also thinking of purchasing the shower gel and the body spray.  At $3.25 this body cream won't stay around long, be sure to check it out!

Let me know what your June favorites are by commenting below!

Beauty Trove's Top 5 Favorites for May 2017

Happy start of summer everyone!  I love the summer months for nice, pretty and colorful makeup.  I've been trying out a lot of new cosmetics and skincare items lately and have a great set of must haves.  If you are interested in knowing what I have been loving in May, keep reading...

1.  Butter London + Pantone Color of the Year Eyeshadow Palette ($29.00).  Let me just say you need this palette in your life.  I absolutely love new pantone color of the year--greenery.  Greenery is this fun green color somewhere between a sage and lime hue.  It is a really fun pop of color to punch up your makeup routine.  The palette comes with 7 other lovely lilac, plum, rose fold and grey shades.  There is a little kickback with the shadows but the color payoff is totally worth it.  If you are ever at Ulta, take a look at this palette.  I know I will be wearing mine all this summer.

2.  Nyx Cosmetics Duo Chromatic Illuminating Powder in Snow Rose ($8.00).  If you wanted to try the duo chrome highlighter trend than look no further.  The Nyx duo chrome highlighter in snow rose has been my go to highlighter for May.  Snow rose is absolutely stunning!  It is a nice icy highlighter that shifts to pink and lilac.  If you pair this with the Butter London palette or the Nyx palette that I am going to mention soon, you will have a gorgeous and very sophisticated look.  The highlight is very pigmented so if you want something a little more subtle, you will have to use a light hand.  For $8, this is really worth every penny. 

3.  Nyx Cosmetics Ultimate Shadow Palette in Cool Neutrals ($18.00).   I honestly was on the fence about purchasing this palette.  I picked it up as part of the Ulta BOGO 50% off sale.  I am really glad I did.  I don't typically go for cool colors but I have been wearing all the colors in the palette none stop this May.  I especially love the second row paired with the dark plum color in the corner.  There is a nice mix of shimmers and mattes.  I am in love with the lilacs shades and you can see how this palette pairs nicely with the snow rose highlighter.  It is more on the expensive side of Nyx Cosmetics so I would purchase this when there is a BOGO 50% off sale at Ulta.  Pick up the warm neutrals palette as well during the sale.  

4.  It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Cream ($48.00).  I've been trying the bye bye under eye cream out for the last 8 months out.  Yes, the eye cream has lasted this long!  I just recently ran out but purchased another container.  It is one of the most hydrating and cooling under eye creams I have ever tried out.  Bye bye under eye cream just feels really good after a long day.  I've also noticed that when I have used it for a couple of weeks, my eyes don't look as tired.  I know this is on the expensive side so I would wait for It Cosmetics to have a 25% off sale.  Really worth your money. 

5.  Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara ($4.99).  A friend of mine told me that she never buys prestige brand mascara.  Now I know why!  The drug store has some amazing formulas of mascara.  I started using Essence's Lash Princess in May, and I am hooked!  It reminds me a lot of It Cosmetics Super Hero mascara.  When I am in a rush, I don't even bother using an eyelash curler...I just give my eyelashes 2 coats of this mascara and I have voluminous, doll-like lashes.  Ulta is having a BOGO 50% sale on Essence.  This is a great time to try out some products by Essence.  

That wraps up my favorites for the month of May.  Let me know what you have been loving in May or if you have tried any of the products I just mentioned by commenting below.

April 2017 Top 5 Favorites

Sorry I've been absent lately.  It has been a hectic time with some family health emergencies.  But I am happy to share the top 5 cosmetics I have been enjoying for the month of April.  If you want to know what I think have been great products this month, please keep reading!

1.  The Galaxy Chic Palette ($15.99).  So I confess that I have owned this palette for at least 5 months now but never really played around with it.  I know some beauty bloggers will have a monthly makeup drawer, which I think is a great idea to circulate some palettes that you haven't used in awhile.  Bottom line: I love this palette.  I feel that BHCosmetics is a brand that is certainly not talked about enough.  The packaging on the Galaxy Chic palette is okay.  It is a sturdy cardboard palette that does have a fairly decent mirror.  The palette comes with 18 beautiful baked eyeshadows.  I really like how the eyeshadows have a marbled look to them.  I will say that the palette is not a stand alone look and that you will need to borrow from other parts of your makeup collection for transition and brow bone shades.  But the eyeshadow colors are very pigmented and shimmery.  I especially like the Cosmic and Aphrodite shades for a fun purple and wine look.  I do have a tutorial on the Galaxy Chic palette to give you some ideas on how you can use this palette.  BHCosmetics usually has 20-25% off sales throughout the year so I would purchase this palette then.  Overall, I really enjoyed the Galaxy Chic palette.

2.  Bare It All 4-in-1 Skin-Perfecting Foundation ($39.00).  If you are wanting a full coverage foundation that doesn't dry out your skin, look no farther.  Pur Cosmetics' Bare It All 4-in-1 Skin-Perfecting Foundation is a creamy, full-coverage foundation.  It applies beautifully using the Real-Techniques miracle sponge of the EcoTools sponge, most likely it would work well with a Beauty Blender.  I was really impressed that just the smallest amount of this foundation covered up all redness and dark circles.  My skin looked absolutely flawless. The foundation has 1.5 ounces of product and comes in 10 colors.  I think as the popularity of this product grows that Pur will start to increase their color range.  I know this is somewhat pricey.  If you sign up for the Pur newsletter, they will let you know when they have different sales.  I picked up two in the shade Porcelain during their BOGO sale.

3.  Mary Kay Eye Color Palette in Sunlight ($24.00).  The Mary Kay Eye Color Palette in Sunlight is perfect for the spring and summer.  Just looking at the palette makes me happy.  The packaging is very compact and looks like a modern piece of art.  The Sunlight palette has 4 stunning bright shades that apply like butter.  You can get a number of fun looks with this palette.  My favorite way to wear this is by using the orange shade as the transition, the purple on my lid, the pink as my outer corner color, and the soft ivory color on my brow bone.  This is a limited edition palette so if you are considering getting this I would go and talk to your beauty consultant or purchase online.

4.  Versailles Lip Whip ($20.00).  Beauty Bakerie is a relatively new brand for me.  I've purchased three different lip whips from them but Versailles is my favorite.  I've paired this with the Mary Kay

Eye Palette and the Galaxy Chic Palette.  The lip whip is a moussey texture and dries down matte.  It is the perfect shade of cool mauve-pink.  Simply gorgeous!

5. Nyx Cosmetics Perfect Filter Shadow Palette in Rustic Antique ($20.00).  This Nyx palette in Rustic Antique is a warm toned eyeshadow lover's dream.  The palette comes with 10 sizeable, creamy, and highly pigmented shades in warm tones of brown, gold, pink and wine.  I bought this during the Ulta 20% off sale and am super glad I did.  The packaging is okay but the colors really put this palette as one of my top favorites.  I think this palette would be perfect for the Fall.  I am looking forward to using all the colors more often this year.  

So those are my top 5 favorites for the month of April?  What are your favorite cosmetics for the month of April?  Have you tried any of the products I've listed?  Let me know and comment below!