I swear the weather can’t make up its mind here in Michigan, but I’m definitely ready for fall to officially arrive. I’ve shaken up my everyday makeup drawers to add in more autumn ready shades. Here’s what’s now in rotation.
Although I love a good dewy finish base any time of year, I’m reaching for a more satin finish as October settles in. The IT Cosmetics Confidence is a Compact in the shade “Light” is creamy and light on the skin while not being so heavy on the shine. It’s one of the most buildable foundations I’ve ever tried and although I was a bit skeptical over the packaging at first, there’s a ton of product in there. Plus the compact makes it a lot easier to add more coverage on the go.
I’ve began a love affair with powders that I never thought would ever happen. It seriously helps that I’m no longer caking it on. And in an effort to reduce the glowy skin to more fall-like proportions, powders have been my best friend. Lately I’ve been enjoying the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Powder in “Transforming Neutral Beige”to help reduce the Rudolph qualities of my nose. It’s light on the skin and gives my concealer a little extra help in staying place and hiding just how little sleep I got the night before.
When the first leaf falls to the ground I find myself eyeing up my darker blushes. Thankfully blush is one thing I don’t have a heavy hand with so I’m not piling on too much of Revlon’s “Wine Not”or Urban Decay’s “Video.”The UD blush is much lighter and natural looking on the skin while “Wine Not” is meant to make a serious statement.
I don’t know what it is about colder months that makes me want to whip out all the glitter eye shadows. Maybe it’s because I’m bringing down the glow in my foundation that I need to ramp it back up with my shadows? Stila’s “Kitten”is my go to, but if I’m feeling just too lazy to pull out the single shadow, LORAC’s Pro Palette has some gorgeous shimmery shades in it as well.
Fall demands some gorgeous berry and mauve hues so I’m delivering them with a gusto in the lip department. Clinique’s “Grandest Grape”has probably been in my collection way too long, but I’m still holding on to its perfect dark berry goodness. If I want something a little more “everyday” then Too Faced’s Melted Lipstick in “Melted Fig” is a great alternative. Plus it dries down onto the lips so it lasts a lot longer than most lipsticks.
There’s just something about September that always makes it the fast month of the year for me. It doesn’t help that I always pack tons of things into it as the weather finally cools off and I find myself with a newfound sense of motivation (that motivation is now completely gone by the way).
If you want to hear all my verbal thoughts on these favorites, there’s a video to accompany this post at the bottom of the page. Now let’s dive in, shall we?
Beauty goes first because it only feels right. September was the month of a rekindled effort to get better at contouring. The only contouring product I happen to have is the NYX Contour Palettewhich I purchased when it came out a good year or so ago. Luckily the second shade on the bottom right does a decent enough trick as the rest are just too dark or orange-toned for my pale skin. It has been fun though trying to figure it all out, having some days where I look absolutely crazy and other days were you couldn’t even tell I did anything.
The Real Techniques Expert Face Brush has become my contour brush of choice since its thickly packed bristles make sure product is going where I want it to and not all over my face. The contour addiction is growing stronger as I have my eye on the pricey Kevyn Aucoin sculpting powders. Cheaper alternatives are needed so pop them in the comments.
My concealer routine has also gotten a bit of a shake-up this month as I’ve tested out a few new products. The IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealing Pot* has been the most intriguing because as soon as I got past the first layer of product, it completely changed. It went from somewhat stiff and dry to a totally different product. Now it’s much more slippery, hydrating, and seems like a great concealer for winter months where I’ll need something with more moisture as my skin feels like it’s going to flake off into dry bits. A pretty picture I know.
It felt about time again to repeat my absolute love and affection for MAC Cosmetic’s “Twig” Lipstick. I make a point to bring it up every other month or so because it’s by far my favorite lipstick. The perfect brownish mauve that looks so flattering on the lips without causing a fuss or being too out there. It’s such a wearable shade and I have to convince myself to give my other lipsticks some attention it’s just that good.
Planning wise September has been all about traveler’s notebooks. I have a few posts on the topic already so I won’t go into too much detail, but I finally get the hype. Plus I desperately needed something to keep my gorgeous Oh, Hello notebooks safe in. Now they’re safely wrapped up in leathery goodness and I feel so posh whenever I bring out my setup. A full look through will be coming soon.
Through my traveler’s notebook adventures I’ve discovered another usage for the Erin Condren skinny sticky notes. I like to cut the bottom quarter off so they’ll fit into my notebooks to use them as to do lists on top of my to do lists. No lie. They’re great for writing out photography shot lists or videos I want to get done so I’m not taking up a ton of space on the daily page in my notebook. There’s a close up of what I’m talking about in the video.
September also marked one year of being married to Alex and I’m still baffled it’s been an entire year already. I must be getting old. Plus the darling Gallifrey came into our lives this month and I still can’t get over him. Instagram can’t either.
There’s just something about fall that has new products plopping down on my doorstep. Summer always feels like a dormant beauty time for me as more often than not the makeup just slides off my face anyway. But makeup is finally not sweating off mere minutes after stepping outside so it’s now all about the new kids on the block. There are quite a few new goodies I’ve been testing out lately so this post is more of a heads up of upcoming rants or raves.
The best first, right? Anything IT Cosmetics sends my way I basically swoon to death over and these new launches are still giving me heart palpitations. The Miracle Water* is in quite the battle with my all time favorite Body Shop Vitamin E Toner so only time will truly tell which one comes out on top. The packaging is to die for and I’m obsessed with just how much product you get.
Influenster just recently sent me the new L’Oréal Pure Clay Cleanser* and I haven’t even opened the tube yet to have any thoughts on the matter beyond excitement. I’ve always loved a good ol’ fashion clay mask product so I’m curious to see how it works in cleanser form. Plus Influenster always seems to come through with some really cool free products so definitely go sign up.
There’s already a full post in the schedule as to whether or not “healthy” deodorants are effective and worth the extra few dollars. Testing out the Lavanilla Deodorant* has left me with a lot of mixed feelings on the whole subject that definitely deserves a good long, rambling post.
Along with the clay cleanser, Influenster sent along the Pure-Clay Mask* for review as well. Is it normal to be pumped to try something out based on the color alone? It seems like L’Oréal is trying to step up their game by adding some quality and substance to their packaging. It really feels like gone are the days of a huge divide between drugstore and high end. It’s kind of a muddy mix now.
Now the Secret Sauce* has treated me well thus far, but I still can’t decide if it’s worth the hefty price tag. Skincare products always take a bit longer for a full test out anyway since I want to see if there’s a true difference made in the look and appearance of my skin. I’ve loved what I’ve seen from this stuff so far, but I’m still balking at the price tag. I’ll let you know soon enough if you should start saving your pennies.
Let me know in the comments if there’s a product in particular you really want a review on!
When summer rolls around I’m absolutely terrible with skincare. My dry skin loves all the added moisture and dewiness of a good hot day and I usually just settle for a quick cleanse and a moisturizer and I’m on my way. But as the weather changes my skin is already starting to tighten and raisin up again. Back to skincare I go.
I don’t like to over complicate really anything in my life, but skincare is high on the list. If my face is clean and there is some moisture put back into it, I’m a happy camper. My routine hasn’t changed much over the years, but I’ve repurchased nearly my entire routine a few times over.
Ironically enough despite my lazy ways, I always double cleanse. I use Clinique’s Take the Day of Cleansing Balm to really work the makeup off my face and follow up with The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Cleansing Polish. If I skip one of these steps my makeup basically laughs at me as it clings to my skin. The cleansing balm removes everything while the polish cleans up and scrubs my skin.
Next up is toner to remove any stubborn final bits of makeup and prime my skin for putting all the good stuff back into it. The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Hydrating Toner is the only one I’ve used for literally years. Really shows what a bang up job I do as a beauty blogger trying new products! It’s just so light on the skin, refreshing, and simple.
Creams are next and Derma-E’s Hydrating Serum has been my go to for six months or so. A lot of serums leave an annoying film behind that makes me feel like I completely undid all the cleansing work I had just finished. This one is water based so it feels delicate on the skin while hydrating.
I dab on a bit of IT Cosmetic’s Bye Bye Undereye Eye Cream in the hopes to slow down aging as much as possible. It’s light (are we seeing a pattern here yet?), breathable, and sinks into the skin quickly so I can finish up and hop in bed.
Depending on the need for moisture and hydration I bounce between two products for the final step. On regular ol’ skincare days I use a bit of the Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins. Thick, rich, and creamy in all the right ways it slowly absorbs into the skin as I try to avoid scrolling through Instagram before going to bed. But if things are seriously dry and painful nothing helps more than the Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. The next morning my skin feels brand new and full of life. It’s has that gorgeous, plump “I drank my weight in water” look that I’m always going for.
It’s about time I started taking my skincare routine more seriously as the cold, dry weather is headed my way. I’m even considering adding it to my habit tracker in my planner, it’s just that serious.
What are some of your favorite hydrating skincare products? Any recommendations of other toners I should try?
I’ve had a love affair with blush since I was a little girl. Clown cheeks were my specialty during dress up time and I rocked the brightest pink shades. Fortunately for everyone around me, I’ve toned things back a lot since then and have a much lighter hand. Blush still is a favorite in my makeup routine and there are five blushes I gravitate towards more than anything else.
I’ll throw it back to my younger days with this first blush. Everyone needs that bright pop of pink in their collection. Tarte’s “Fearless” has been my go-to for the perfect flush of pinky goodness. Tarte is the brand I compare all blushes to for quality, pigmentation, and lasting power. They’re just that good.
The IT Cosmetic’s Bye Bye Pores Blush in “Sweet Cheeks” is the newest addition to my collection but instantly became a favorite. It’s unlike any of the other blushes I’ve owned so it had to be included in this roundup. It’s packed full of glitter, but creates this gorgeous iridescent glow on the skin. Slightly on the mauve side, this blush is a fantastic transition from summer to fall makeup as it accentuates whatever tan I managed to get this summer while packing on the dewy radiance.
Of course another Tarte blush had to be added to the lineup. No shame. “Peaceful” is a much more neutral shade I tend to wear on light makeup days to add a little bit of dimension to my face. It also has bits of glitter in it, but they never translate to the skin. Just a good ol’ fashion peachy blush shade good for all year round.
theBalm’s Frat Boy takes “Peaceful” and injects it with a bit of “Fearless” and probably is my oldest blush. I can’t ever seem to part with it though as it’s still going strong. The best summer peachy shade to add warmth to the skin while looking natural and effortless. It’s oh so good.
Urban Decay’s “Video” blush has been sitting quite on my shelves this summer waiting for its time to shine once fall and winter roll around. It’s the best colder month blush I’ve found for adding color back into my skin without looking too out of place on my pale winter face. It can be worn lightly or really built up to its fullest potential.
These five blushes cover all the bases, You’ll never be without the perfect shade and your blush collection will thank you for keeping it to a minimum. They’re all incredibly pigmented, long-lasting, and downright gorgeous. Add two or all of them to your collection. Go on, I won’t tell.
With fall beauty launches starting to drop, I’ve shook up my everyday makeup routine for a super dewy, radiant, no-makeup look.
No Kayla makeup routine starts without first using the Stila One Step Correct. I’ve used my fair share of primers trying to find one that rivals Stila’s, but to no avail. This truly is the best primer I’ve ever used. It’s hydrating like a moisturizer while having no silicone. Man do I hate that weird satin finish of silicone primers. This reduces redness while sinking quickly into the skin so I can move on to other steps in my routine.
I’ve been testing out the Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfecter* (phew!) lately and find it to be quite like the It Cosmetics CC Cream. It’s quite a sheer coverage base, but it’s perfect for an everyday makeup look where I don’t need too much coverage. Its finish is incredibly dewy and leaves a nice highlight to the skin making it look like I’ve spent my summer days at the beach rather than hunched over a laptop.
Next is brows and I used up my It Cosmetics Universal Brow Power Pencil so I’ve moved on to the Brow Power Powder* and am peeved I haven’t tried powders sooner. Although I do love a good brow pencil, powders are so easy to just quickly fill in my brows without fuss or worrying about brush strokes. Plus the color is a fantastic match and doesn’t budge all day. Huge fan.
Most days I can’t be bothered with eye shadow so I head straight to mascara. Urban Decay’s Perversion* is my current favorite for bold, thick lashes that hold a curl all day long. My lashes are seriously sad so anything that can keep them upright and voluminous throughout the day is a winner in my book.
For blush I’ve been using the Sephora’s birthday gift from Tarte in “Paaarty”. Luckily the have this in a full size because I’ve been going through this deluxe sample like crazy. It’s the perfect summer flush to the skin that leaves me looking warm and gorgeous. I’ve also been dabbling in a little bit of bronzer (I know who am I) as summer starts to wind down. Got to give the illusion of a sun tan somehow right? The Urban Decay Beached Bronzer* is just the right light shade while still adding color and glow to my face.
Lipstick is another product I just slap on without much thought of color, but I have been finding myself reaching for Bite’s “Pepper”* more than most shades in my collection. It’s a bit more on the purple side of mauve than my usual “my lips but better” shades, but I’m loving it to add a bit of depth and tone to my otherwise bright and poppy look.
Regardless of whether I’m going out all day or staying in to work, I love finishing off my makeup look with the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. It’s just so dang refreshing on the skin that I just can’t help but spray a few spritzes on to the skin. I’m still working through my backup collection of old packaging and can’t wait to get one of the new, sleek black bottles.
All in all this look takes about five to ten minutes to slap on my face in the mornings and makes me feel ready to take on whatever the day has to offer. What’s your usual makeup routine look like?
