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I feel like I may have a random collection of June 2016 beauty favorites, but I couldn’t ignore how and why these five items made a big impact on me lately. It’s especially great that three of the five cost under $12 from the drugstore. ::happydance::
I am really excited to tell you why these five made the cut for this edition… continue reading to find out more!
Last month, I went to Ohio to watch my little sister graduate vet school and – as usual when I travel – I started breaking out so badly, but forgot my Paula’s Choice CLEAR Blemish Treatment. I stopped by CVS determined to find something gentler than the typical 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment because 10% is simply way too strong for my skin and just causes it to get really flaky/dry and almost WORSE. I like the Paula’s Choice one because it’s 5% and also has a ton of soothing ingredients in it, but I found this new CVS brand, SKIN + PHARMACY, and their 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide treatment did wonders in literally 24 hours. It’s nice and travel friendly at 1 oz, too, so I’ll definitely keep this in my travel bag going forward.
I picked up this large shader brush on a whim during a random Target run because I was on a passive hunt for a large shader brush to pack on color to the eyelid. I don’t really like using smaller shader brushes on my lid because, well, I don’t want it to take forever! I want something big that can just get it done quickly …. #thatswhatshesaid?
Anyways, I LOVE this brush. It somehow picks up a ton of color and packs it on the lid amazingly well. Plus, you cannot beat the price. I have great luck with Sonia Kashuk brushes – even this white-handled cheaper line. Highly recommend.
For the past several weeks, I’ve been debating picking up the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint because I’ve been a hot shiny mess here in Houston humidity. Like I really need more foundation in my life… honestly. -__-
It just seemed like no matter what powder I was setting with or how lightweight my moisturizer was, I am a greaseball three hours after I wake up. Never having much luck with any setting sprays, I am not really sure what makeup Gods beckoned to me and whispered to pick up this NYX makeup setting spray, but I am thankful for them. I like to spray this immediately after I apply my foundation (pre powder) and then again when my entire face is done. My face now lasts through 5/6pm and then I just need a blotting sheet (not a wash cloth and a makeup wipe like before).
Little product hack: shake the bottle well before you use it. I noticed a difference when I did/didn’t do that.
What in the HELL is wrong with me and why has it taken me basically 15 years to try this Benefit bronzer!? (Yes, Hoola has been around for 15 years – feel old with me). I just thought this bronzer wouldn’t show up on my medium/olive skin because when swatched on my finger/hand, it barely shows up. None the case on your face, though, people. It is an incredibly smooth, pigmented neutral-undertone bronzer. I’m in love. I honestly cannot decide if I like Hoola more or less than my beloved TooFaced Chocolate Soleil. TBD…
If you also haven’t tried Hoola yet, get on the bandwagon. She has a kid sister size at $15 nowadays…
I bought Leche during the last Sephora sale as a replacement for my go-to purse lippie. It’s the prettiest peachy-pink with warm undertones that gives me just enough color when on the go. It also lasts incredibly well since it’s a matte formula, but it’s totally non drying and that’s why it’s been a summer staple for me lately. It honestly just feels like a demi-matte. It goes really pretty with Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector in Candy Shimmer (a non sticky brightened, sheer coral pink) if you’re looking for a more glossy finish (which I also keep in my purse).
That wraps it up for this month’s beauty favorites! What have you been loving lately – any new summer goodies you recommend? Let me know in the comments.
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Happy Hoola-ing,
-Steffanie
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