June Favorites 2017 (the minis, the book and the tunes)

It is pouring outside, but I do enjoy a good summer rain. Maybe one of the few things I actually do enjoy about summer. June was a really great month for me as far as focusing on a positive perspective and moving forward. All about self growth and I plan on keeping that momentum going throughout the rest of this year. As far as beauty products this month, I have been testing out some new stuff but they are either samples or mini sizes (which are always super adorable). I also have a lot of random favorites as well this month so ch-ch-ch-ch-check it (sorry, spontaneous beastie boys song just stuck in my head)

BEAUTY 

NARS Liquid Blush: 

I'll probably just start with my absolute favorite product from this month. In general, I just love wearing cream blushes for the spring and summer months just because it looks so natural on the cheeks. These are amazing for that purpose. Again, I apologize that these samples look like paint instead of blushes. A little bit of this stuff goes a LONG way. It transforms to a powder finish and the color stays on for the majority of the day. I personally love applying these on the back of my hand with a stippling brush. You could use your fingers, but the brush will help with create a more natural blend to the cheeks. Definitely a summer staple for the easy summer makeup routine.

Bare Minerals Statement Matte Lip Color in Juicy:

If you've read from previous posts, you know how much I LOVE these matte lip colors and that they are definitely my favorite liquid lipstick formulation. So I was really happy to see that they came out with new fun shades for the summer. I was really drawn to this color though. They describe it as a "poppy red" but some of the color pulls off some watermelon pinkish-red. It's a great bold shade for someone who wants to gradually get into wearing bold lip colors. I've been gravitating towards these colors so much this season especially the corals. I think it brings so much youthfulness and light to the face. And of course, Bare Minerals kept that wonderful pudding smell from their original shades

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder: 

I don't know where I've been for the past several years with the beauty community, but I finally got to try out this incredible powder. I've been using this as my main setting powder and I've especially been loving it for baking under the eyes. It's very finely milled and adds the slightest bit of brightness but also the slightest bit of coverage even though it's a translucent powder. I find that almost perfects the skin giving it a soft focus look. This powder is magical and I don't know how or why. I could imagine that the full size will last you a while so I would say it's definitely worth the price. Also, how cute is the mini size of this??

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Mad Max Brown:

This has been a rediscovered favorite for me. I've always love the original black color of this liner, but I prefer the brown for these months just because it's not as harsh as the black shade. Gives the eye a softer look which kinda goes hand in hand with the light makeup routine during this season.

Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream:

If you want to smell like a someone who goes on vacation frequently and has their life together then this is the good stuff, let me tell you. In general, I love body creams and this is great for providing moisture but doesn't feel heavy on the skin so it's really excellent for the summer. This claims to tighten the skin (especially the, dare I say it, your bum bum). Unfortunately I can't really verify those results BUT I have been enjoying the formulation of this and the smell is incredible. There's a bit of sweetness to it and it's a really scrumptious scent. Yes. I said the word scrumptious. I clearly always relate my beauty products back to food somehow.

Sephora Pro Crease Brush #10:
Unfortunately, they do not make this brush anymore since it was on sale but they do make other fantastic crease brushes. The hairs on these Sephora brushes are so soft. This has been my go-to crease brush whether it's cleaning up by the brow bone area or applying a transition shade. Also, I just love the long sturdy handle. This has also been great for a applying highlighter which I was surprised by. It has enough density with the brush hairs to apply the color pigmentation but still soft enough to be blend it out.

And then sometimes I just truly enjoy the feel of this brush just as a form of therapy. Is that weird? It probably is..

 

BOOKS 

Milk and Honey:

barnesandnoble.com 

This was a wonderful read for me this month. It was a quick book based off of short poems, but definitely worth every word. I actually went to Strand Bookstore, got myself a coffee and read this whole book there in 2 hours. I really connected with the character and her stages (the hurting, the loving, the breaking, the healing) that she went through from a previous events of her life to help become her best self. She focused on building her personal growth and to find the good around every corner. This book had me in tears at bit at the store. You remember certain feelings, the good and the bad, and I felt I really connected to her story. It's a book where you will be disconnected from the rest of the world and engulfed in her words and how they perfectly describe the emotions we've all had. This is perfect for anyone who needs that push. To know that true love and care comes within you and that you can still achieve that even with any heartache that may come along with it.







MUSIC

Andrew Bird
I've been utterly obsessed with this man. I use to play violin which is still a passion of mine and something I would love to get back into one day. His music is labeled under indie rock, folk rock and  baroque pop which is defined as rock music that combines elements of classical elements. I love the concept of that so much. They way he works to incorporate the violin in multiple ways to provide different and unique sounds captivates me. My favorites have been "Pulaski at Night" "Tables and Chairs" "Roma Fade" and "Why" (Which is a song that is so seductive. Can a violin sound even been seductive??)

Twin Peaks 
Clearly I'm incredibly late into the game, but I've really been loving this show.  I'm only up to season two but I plan to eventually inching up my way to the current season. I wish I could fully explain the show but it's a lot of weirdness (some good and some just really weird), mystery in a murder case, and lots of music with a light tapping on the cymbals for a jazzy effect. Also, every damn donut and pie looks incredibly good. The fashion in it also has a bit of a 1940s and early 80s vibe (not the neon phase of the 80s). I probably didn't explain this well enough but if you're looking for a new show with a decent amount of weirdness but to leave you wanting to watch more, this is a great pick.

Anyway, how was your June? Any other light weight beauty products that should be considered to try? Or any book recommendations? I've been quite the bookworm this summer.

♥

Favorite Matte Lip Products (part 1)

I'm counting this as part one because let's be honest, you know my collection is going to grow a lot more. These are my top favorite matte lip color formulas from liquid lipsticks and lip crayons. So grab a coffee or and a snack. this is going to be a pretty lengthy post about me raving about these lip products.

Bare Minerals Matte Liquid Lip Color: 
If I had to pick a favorite liquid lipstick, it would definitely be these. There is no fuss with these and are perfect for everyday. The only one bad thing to say about these is that they do transfer a little but on a plus side, they transfer gracefully and don't leave a lip liner mouth. However, these are incredibly comfortable and light weight but no dryness. Their whole range of colors are also in the nude family and there's a shade to work with every skin tone. I honestly can't stop wearing them and everyone should try at least one. The names aren't my favorite, but I have it in the shades "swank", "xyz' "bo$$" and "swag". Also, these smell like chocolate pudding and it's intoxicating. These will always be a favorite in my collection.

From left to right: Swag, Bo$$, xyz, Swank

Ofra Liquid Lipstick in Mocha: 
You guys, this is the dupe to Lolita from Kat Von D. I feel like at this point there's a lot of dupes out there but this is extremely similar and a lot more comfortable. The formulation is a little bit thicker on the lips. It dries down matte, doesn't transfer, and the best part is that it doesn't dry out my lips like Lolita does. Unfortunately I only own one color but now I'm hooked on the formula and I'm curious to try out more. On a major plus side, Ulta now carries Ofra so lots of yays! Also there's a more in depth review of this from my May Favorites 2016 if you want to keep reading more about it.

Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick:
I adore these. Definitely similar to the Ofra formulation expect a lot lighter on the lips, no transfer, and fades gracefully just like the Bare Minerals one. I find that the more neutral shades apply much better then the darker shades. As much as I love the red shades, I do find that these apply patchy and unevenly so that would be my only down side to these. I have these in the shades, "committed" "trustworthy" "charming" (all nude-ish shades), "loyal" and "adoring".  Finally, these smell spot on like Girl Scott Thin Mint cookies. Clearly smell is very important to me.

From left to right: Committed, Charming, Trustworthy, Loyal, Adoring

Sephora Lip Cream Stain:
I first fell in love with these when there wasn't too many matte liquid lipsticks out on the market yet, but it was pretty affordable compared to Kat Von D and a lot more comfortable. I had the shade 01 Always Red and it is essentially the perfect, classic matte red. It gives you perfect, velvet soft red lips and it's almost kind of mesmerizing. These are comfortable and transfer proof but I do find drying and flakiness maybe around 7 hours in. I think I find this more with the darker shades as well. I have two of the nude shades in 23 Copper Blush and 41 Vintage Rosewood. They also have bright fun colors in the line to experiment with (personally I'm eyeing down the lavender shades).

From left to right : 23 Copper Blush, 41 Vintage Rosewood,  01 Always Red

Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick: 
I got this in a Sephora Play Box a while back and it has been my favorite items I got from these subscription boxes. I have it in the shade "Driver's Seat" and I love how it's a coral but very subtle and wearable. Besides the colors, it's the formula that I'm blown away about. I had a pasta dish with oil in it one day for lunch and even though it was starting to get a bit drying on lips, it didn't flake off the and color was still on there after eating. I'm hooked on these and I'm really curious to try out more including the metallic line.

LIP CRAYONS
Of course most of these lip crayons are not transfer proof, but they all provide excellent comfort and fade away gracefully.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil:
A little pricey but this is by far one of the most comfortable lip pencils I own. I did receive this as a Sephora birthday gift I believe 2 years ago? I have it in the shade "Cruella" The formula is creamy, matte and has no tugging. This also pairs beautifully as a base before adding the Sephora lip cream stain "01 Always Red" on top. They also make certain shades in this deluxe size as a duo if you're curious but don't want to commit to the whole $27 for one lip pencil. I've also featured this in my Favorite Red Lipsticks if you want to check that cool stuff out.

Inglot Lip Pencil:
I feel like this brand definitely could use more recognition but I haven't heard these about these much throughout the beauty community. These are a bit easier on the budget and are retractable. I have them in the shades 32 and 22.

Right to left: 22, 32

NUDESTIX Lip and Cheek Pencil in Belle:
This was another perk I got from the Sephora Play Box and this is very similar to how creamy the NARS lip pencils are except I like these just a bit more because you can also use these for your cheeks. This blends and applies beautifully on the cheeks and lips, Very easy to work with for everyday, plus I love products that can be used as mutlitaskers. Swatches of this can be seen in my January/ February Favorites post since it's currently hiding in my room somewhere *sad eyes*. 

e.l.f Matte Lip Color: 
Finally, for something a little bit easier on the wallet but still looking for an easy matte lip, these $3 ones from e.l.f are fantastic. I would suggest using a liner for the darker shades since they aren't the best at cleanly lining the lips. These do have a built in sharpener in the bottom which can help it to a fine tip. These are a little bit more thicker and aren't as creamy as the nars and nudestix, but for $3 it's still providing comfort and that matte look. My favorite, probably top favorite in lip colors of all time is Praline. I can't get enough of that shade especially for the Autumn months.

From right to left: Tea Rose,  Praline, Scarlet Night

HONORABLE MENTION:

Jouer Long- Wear Lip Creame in Paypaye:
I know this product is leading more towards "matte but metallic" products, but I have to mention this because it was a product that I didn't think I was going to be obsessed with. I picked this up at IMATS 2 years ago and it has been one of my most used products. I love to pop this in the middle of my lips on any matte lip and almost ombre it out. It gives it a "fuller lip" effect and I'm blown away at how much I love using this to give an extra bright shimmer.

It also smells spot on vanilla frosting *eyeballs roll to the back of the head*

So you think that was  big enough list? As I mentioned in the beginning of the post I'm sure there will be a part two coming up in the near future but for now I figure I throw out those few favorites. What matte lip colors do you really enjoy using or provide the best comfort? Any suggestions?

♥