In my last post, I went on and on about how I had recently made the switch to cruelty-free products (and how you should, too!). I said how I felt it had been a relatively easy switch - just one that had involved a little research and product testing. For science, of course. ;) This post won't be a long and drawn out mess of words, this time it will be pretty products and the reasons I love them.
I simply want you to know that you can still rummage through Sephora (or your local CVS) and find all sorts of cruelty-free products. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY ALL YOUR PRETTY THINGS FROM EARTH FARE...although I wouldn't judge you if you did. They have pretty flowers and delicious smelling treats.
*I do feel the need to point out that my use of the term "cruelty-free" might not be the same as yours. I recognize that some of the brands I use (like Nars, for example) do not test but are owned by a parent company that still does. In my opinion, by directing my money towards the brands that do not test, it will send a message from the bottom to the top and will allow companies to see that there is actually demand for cruelty-free products.*
THE SKIN
My favorite foundation routine currently involves two products - Tarte's Amazonian Clay foundation and the Flower About Face foundation. Personally, I enjoy blending the two to create the ideal mix for me but both are nice on their own. Tarte is quite matte and gives a full coverage while the Flower tends to be slightly more dewy and gives a light to medium coverage. Either way, I find that a beauty blender-esque applicator works best to ensure a flawless finish.
THE BRONZE GLOW
Yeah, I'm a sucker. I gave in and dropped the big bucks for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette...and I love it. It is a lovely little thing to have on the go as it is so very versatile. Setting powder? Check. Highligher? Check. And a bronzer to boot? You bet. However, I probably wouldn't repurchase it as I think there are other options out there that are much more affordable (Physician's Formula powders, anyone?) I will say, though, that this little puppy is a dream when taking pictures.
I also lightly contour because I'm quite pale and also need something to create the suggestion of cheekbones. Round faces unite. Tarte's Park Avenue Princess works well and has been going strong for ages. I just really love Tarte, okay?
THEM BROWS
Anastasia Beverly Hills can do no wrong. Whether it is the Brow Wiz or the Brow Powder Duo (mine is in Dark Brown), I want it on my face. More specifically I want it on my brows. Lately I have been opting for the powder simply because it is a little softer but I do go back and forth.
...You should have known my love of e.l.f could only be concealed for so long. Regardless of what I do to my brows, I always use the Treat and Tame to brush the brows into place. I love that it is slightly pigmented so it gives a little color depth to the brows and holds them in place preeetttty well for a $1 product. No complaints.
TIME FOR EYES
It probably won't come as a shock to you that eyes are my favorite part of any face look. Regardless of what my face happens to be sporting for the day, most likely it is all based on a relatively smokey winged out (often bronzey) eye. The Nars And God Created the Woman palette is one of my favorites for achieving the look. I will go ahead and say it isn't filled with the most blend-able shadows but holy cow will it last. Work slowly and carefully and you'll be left with a smoldering smize. ;)
Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner is my new favorite liquid liner, having replaced my long beloved Stila one. I have never used an applicator that is so precise and lovely and I'm sure it all comes down to the fact that the nib is not felt tipped but a tiny little brush that will hug your lash line so well and is practically goof-proof.
Just one more Tarte product, okay? New to my life is the Tarte Lights, Camera Lashes mascara. After having traded in my Benefit They're Real Mascara (unfortunately not cruelty-free) I was so surprised at this product. I suppose I had gotten used to the crazy formula of the Benefit and was in awe at the fact that you could take your time building up the product on the Tarte. It is the least clumpy, most build-able mascara that I have used in a long time. Mascara is such a personal thing but my lashes definitely love this stuff.
AND THE BLUSH
I'll go ahead and admit publicly that I have a love/hate relationship with blush. I either apply too much and look like a creepy little doll or I don't apply enough and look washed out. Because of that, I'm genuinely not too fussy about this step. Today I used my e.l.f blush in Twinkle Pink, which genuinely gives a relatively natural-esque color to your face with just a liiiitle twinkle to suggest perhaps it was intentional.
(Not pictured in a close up but used and loved: ColourPop's lippie stick in "Frida" and the NYX Dewy Finish Setting spray.)
And that concludes today's makeup. *Shew*
I hope this has been helpful. Or interesting. Or coherent, at the very least. Regardless, thank you for checking this post out and I hope your day is filled with love and magic.
xo
Currently listening to: "Song for Zula" by Phosphorescent
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