Best of Beauty 2017

Well it's been awhile! Almost a year a half since I stopped blogging. And even longer since I've blogged regularly. However, lately I've kind of missed it. I'm not sure how regularly I'll be writing posts but, I thought I'd share some of beauty faves from 2017. Most are items I've had for some time but there are a few new bits in there. 

RCMA No Color Powder - I use this every single day!  I take my Real Techniques setting brush and set my concealer under my eyes, around my nose, and my chin.  It helps my concealer stay all day and helps the wear time of my foundation.  The first place my foundation starts to wear off is my chin.  Probably because I tend to touch it the most.  But for the price ($12) this stuff is absolutely amazing and I doubt I will run out anytime soon. 

Pixi Glow Tonic - Over the past 2 years I have probably gone through 20 bottles of this.  It's my hands down favorite toner.  A few month ago Target had been out of it for about 2 weeks and I freaked out. Now I always have a backup on hand. I have dry skin, especially in the winter so my skin can't really handle anything that has alcohol as the number one ingredient.  The Glow Tonic has a 5% Glyolic Acid Formula with Aloe Vera and Ginseng.  It is gentle yet gets rid of any dead skin I have.  I don't even remember who I originally heard about this from but, it has been a game changer in my life.  Whoever it was needs to be thanked with my famous apple pie. 

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes - I rediscovered this mascara this year.  I was drawn in by the gorgeous packaging but, kept repurchasing because the formula is just great.  This is my normal everyday mascara.  I feel as a girl who wears glasses the blackest of black mascara is a must.  This gives me the perfect lift and slight curl that I need.

Charlotte Tilbury Vintage Vamp Eye Shadow Quad - I remember drooling over this eye quad and when I finally bought it, I didn't use her as much as I should have.  A few month ago I was getting bored of my normal palettes and I pulled out Vintage Vamp and we fell in love all over again.  I highly suggest this for anyone with blue or green eyes.  They just pop when wearing this quad.  I use the medium maroon shade in my crease, the darker shade on my outer lid bringing it in about half way and the lightest shade on my inner lid.  Once and awhile I will pop the gold right in the middle of my lid, on top of the rest.  I now reach for this 3 or 4 days a week.

Covergirl Healthy Elixir Foundation - I bought this on a whim.  2017 was not a huge beauty year for me.  I did not buy a lot of new items just a lot of repurchases of items I knew worked for me.  So, I was standing in CVS staring at this foundation thinking well why not I haven't bought any other foundation this year.  And well it's my best "why not" purchase to date.  It has become my absolute favorite foundation.  I wear it every single day.  Most days I sheer it out with moisturizer (I use cetaphil).  I wear the lightest shade, 705.  It works so well with my dry skin.  I don't have to worry about having any dry patches.  I have used the real techniques sponge to apply it but most days I just use my fingers and the coverage is great. 

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence - This stuff most be sourced from special fountain in a secret mountain somewhere heavenly because my face knows when I am not using it.  I put a small amount in the palm of my hand and then press it into my skin.  I use the essence after the Pixi Glow Tonic and before my serum.  I feel like it helps hydrate my face and my serum and moisturizer absorb better when using it.  I have tried other brands who have a similar product but I always come back to the SK-II. 

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso - I have used this blush for ages.  It is a staple in my beauty drawers.  It compliments my skin tone so nicely and the fact that it is a baked blush gives it a natural sheen.  I can wear this alone or with bronzer.  I reach for this blush almost every single day.  It is something I don't even need to think about. 


Honorable mentions
Glossier Stretch Concealer & the Balm Dot Com
Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser & Moisturizing Lotion



What were some of your 2017 favorites?

xoxo,
Gina

25 Days of Beauty Giveaway {Day 13&14}

Hey guys today is Day 13 & 14 of my 25 Days of Beauty Giveaway !!! Today I am giving away a Milani polish in Enchanted Garnet, a L'Oreal Glossy Balm in Pink Me Up, and a Alterna Haircare Caviar Set. 

You must be 18 and older to enter.  If not please, please make sure you have your parents permission. 

This will be an international giveaway.

Just follow the Rafflecopter widget below for the rest ! 

Good luck to everyone ! 

And please tell all your friends ! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

25 Days of Beauty Giveaway {Day 9 & 10}

Today is Day 9 & 10 of My 25 Days of Beauty Giveaway.  Today I am giving away a Milani Constellation Gel Eyeliner in Enchanted Black Opal, a Wet n Wild polish is So Berry on Trend, and a Sephora VIP Pass Eyeshadow Palette. 

You must be 18 and older to enter.  If not please, please make sure you have your parents permission. 

This will be an international giveaway.

Just follow the Rafflecopter widget below for the rest ! 

Good luck to everyone ! 

And please tell all your friends !

a Rafflecopter giveaway

25 Days of Beauty Giveaway {Day 7 & 8}

Hey guys today is Day 7 & 8 of my 25 Days of Beauty Giveaway !! Today you can win two Milani polishes one in Enchanted Sapphire and the other in Enchanted Emerald.  You also win a matte top coat from Nails Inc!

You must be 18 and older to enter.  If not please, please make sure you have your parents permission. 

This will be an international giveaway.

Just follow the Rafflecopter widget below for the rest ! 

Good luck to everyone ! 

And please tell all your friends !

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Friday Five #3

1. Naked Basics Palette - This used to be my go to everyday but, it was put on the back burner for a while.  But it is back!  Love to use this for a simple eye look or to enhance an eye look.

2. Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm - This deluxe sample just came in my Glossy Box and it is the balm diggity (see what I did there, yes I am a cornball).  This is so nourishing and kind of reminds me of my all time fav balm from Jack Black.

3. L'oreal Liquid Lipstick in Coral Tattoo - Love!  I have worn this on my lips for the past week and I have gotten so many compliments.  It lasts all day and is not too sticky.

4. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso - This gives your face the ultimate pick me up.  This is my go to blush whenever I am not sure what to wear.  It gives my face such a beautiful glow.

5. Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation - I have been testing this out all week and it is amazing.  I have an in-depth review coming later today.


What are your Friday Five ??


Love,
City Styles
  

Budget Buys: New at the Drugstore

Recently there has been many new releases at the drugstore.  I myself love a great drugstore find.

EYES

  Maybelline came out with some new Leather Color Tattoos and The Nudes palette.  I really love the palette.  It reminds me a bit of a sleek palette and I really wish more US brands would do something like this.  L'oreal has come out with some new Colour Riche quads.  I of course picked up Absolute Taupe.  The colors are gorgeous and very creamy.  They are easy to blend and have minimum fall out.    And then Milani has released their Bella Eyes Gel Eyeshadow.  There are 30 shades in all but, I only picked up Bella Sand and Bella Espresso.  I really want to get more.  I love the consistency.  They aren't too powdery but, they aren't creamy either.  

NAILS

There has been two new gel polish releases,

 one from Sally Hansen and one from Revlon.   They each come with the base and color in one bottle and the top coat in another.  I have only tried the Revlon once and to me it was a bit disappointing.  I will have to give to another try.  I really like the Sally Hansen one.  It lasted on my nails for fives days with very minimal chipping.  

LIPS

Rimmel has reformulated their Moisture Renew lipsticks and I picked up two shades, Oxford Street Fuchsia and As You Want Victoria.  I really like how creamy they are.  L'oreal also released these Glossy Balms.  And I love a good chubby lip pencil so I picked up two, one in Ginger Candy and one in Innocent Coral.  These are nicely pigmented and leave your lips shiny. 

Brows & Cheeks

A little while back Milani came out with these brow pens and I picked one up in Natural Taupe.  Lets just say this is an utter fail for me.  The tip dried out after one use and it is not taupe at all.  It mod more along this lines of a reddish brown.  L'oreal came out with their Insta Blur line and I picked up one of the blushes in Soft Pink.  It is a silicone/gel like blush.  I use an ELF Small Stippling brush to apply it.  I wouldn't say it blurs my imperfections but, it does look pretty! 

What have you been liking from the drugstore lately ??

Love, 

City Styles 

Drugstore Starter Kit !

Makeup can be very scary if you don't know much about it. I'M here to save the day!  I put together a drugstore starter kit of all the products a person new to makeup would need.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder · I love this to powder by tzone to keep me from getting oily.

L'oreal Miracle Blur Primer · This primer is an exact dupe for the Benefit Porefessional.  It blurs all your pores and helps your foundation last all day.

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso · This blush is a universal shade.  I think that it would look amazing on all skintones.  It gives you a beautiful flush.

Wet n Wild Mega Glo · These highlighter/blushes are amazing for the price.  They are so pigmented and come in a few different shades.

Covergirl Super Thick Lash Mascara · This mascara doesn't have the prettiest of packaging but, it does the job!  My lashes look so amazing when I'm wearing this.  It gives them volume and lenghth.

L'oreal Infallible Shadow in Amber Rush ·  If you have blue eyes this is a must have!  And even if you don't have blue eyes this would look amazing.  It is such a beautiful copper-ish color.  And the texture on these is great too.  They aren't a cream shadow yet, they aren't a regular powder shadow either.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze · Maybelline Color Tattoos are the way to go if you like a cream shadow.  Bad to the Bronze is my personal favorite but there are so many different shades to choose from.  Plus, Maybelline comes out with tons of limited edition shades every year.

Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutrals Palette · This palette is great for people who like a neutral eye. There is a shade for everyone this palette. It is great for a beginner and it also great for traveling .

Rimmel Kohl Liner · These liners are so creamy yet have serious lasting power!  And the nude one is great for making your eyes look extra bright and awake.

Jordana Eyeliner · I love to use these to tight line or for a pop of color on my lower lash line.  They are very inexpensive and also last throughout the day.

Jesse's Girl Eyeliner ·  I am not the best at winged and this pen makes it so easy.  It is not the blackest black but it does an amazing job.

Maybelline Gel Liner · As I said before I am not the best at winged liner but, once and awhile I break out the gel liner.  This is the blackest of the black and is ultra creamy.  It goes on smooth and dries nicely.

Jordana Lipliner · Just like the eyeliners the lip liners are just as good.  They come in an array of nice neutral lip shades and are very inexpensive.  They go on the lips smoothly and last very nicely under your lipstick.  They aren't too creamy but, easy to work with.

Milani Lipliner · These liners are nice and creamy and wear well under most lipsticks.  The shade range is not very large but they do have great neutral, everyday shades.

Maybelline Colorsensationl Lipsticks · Out of all the drugstore lipsticks these are hands down my absolute favorite!  They are creamy but not too creamy.  The lasting power is amazing and they look great on the lips.  They do not cling to dry patches on the lips.  There are so many colors to choose from and each one is very pigmented.  Some of my favorites are from the Vivid's collection.

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipgloss · Again just like the lipsticks these are highly pigmented and have great lasting power.  For a lipgloss they are definitely opaque.  

Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss ·  These glosses are more on the sheer side but, come in some great shades.  Plus they aren't sticky and do not smell too funky.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss · These were just repackaged and they look so cute.  They are similar to the colorburst ones but, are a bit stickier and bit more opaque.  I would not say that they are full on opaque but, I would not say they are sheer either.  My favorite is pink pop.

Almay Color + Care Lip Balm · I was truly intrigued when these came out.  I was so fascinated with a gloss plus a balm.  They are very hydrating on lips and even after it has worn off you can still feel how well nourished your lips are.  Since this is more of a balm these are very sheer but still look gorge.  

Maybelline Baby Lips  · These smell great and leave your lips nice and hydrated.  Plus they have some great shades that double as a nice lip stain.



I did not include a concealer or foundation is this starter kit because it all depends on your skin type.  I have dry skin and my two favorite foundations are the TruBlend from Covergirl and Ponds BB Cream.  But my BFF has oily skin and she loves the Maybelline Fit Me.  So it just all depends!

Hope you enjoyed this Starter Kit.  What are your favorites from the drugstore ??

Love,
City Styles 

Milani Lipgloss {Brillant Shine & Lip Intense}

Milani recently came out with a ton of new products .  This included the brilliant shine gloss and the lip intense liquid color.  I decided to pick up one of each!  The brilliant shine gloss reminds me a bit of the revlon color burst lip glosses.  The gloss smells ok and has nice pay off.  I got the shade sweet grapefruit, which seemed like a "Gina" shade.  It's goes on smoothly and isn't too sticky. I totally want to go back and pick up one or two more.  Now the lip intense is definitely INTENSE.  If you don't like too much color on your lips I would say opt out of buying this.  I picked up the shade fiery coral.  It is a bam in your face pinky coral.  It dries down to an opaque, matte finish.  You definitely need to exfoliate your lips before wearing this one.  Once it dries, it clings to all of the dry patches and does not look pretty.  I would say that the lip intense does not get used on a daily basis but, it is really nice for a night out.  
   

sweet grapefruit - fiery coral


Have you tried any of the new Milani products ??

 

Milani Baked Blushes {Bella Rosa & Delizio Pink}

Milani recently came out with two new baked blush shades!  I am a huge Milani baked blush fan.  Luminoso is my holy grail, favoritest blush of all time.  So, when I heard Milani came out with new shades I rushed to CVS to find them.  And I am so happy I did.  They are absolutely drop dead gorgeous.  Delizio Pink is a blue based pink and Bella Rosa is a deeper berry pink.  They are both highly, highly pigmented and have a beautiful sheen.  A little goes a long way and with the right brush (I'm loving the sigma angled brush) you will fall in love.  These blushes wear well all day and I truly can't say enough good things about them!  They retail for about $10 and can be found at CVS or Duane Reade.  

  

 Delizio Pink - Bella Rosa 

Delizio Pink - Bella Rosa 

What is your favorite Milani product ??

Love, 

City Styles 

Top 13 of 2013 !

1. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum - As you all know I rave about this serum all the time!  It keeps my skin radiant and clear. Plus, it helps my moisturizer sink in and keep my hydrated throughout the day.

2. Diorskin Nude BB Creme - This is my number 1 go to foundation!  It gives me light weight coverage, yet it covers all my imperfections.  It matches my skin perfectly and hardly oxidizes throughout the day.  It never clings to my dry patches, and that is a huge plus in my opinion.

3. Laura Mercier Mineral Powder - I was never a powder person.  I have such dry skin and powder always clung to it.  When I heard so many people talking about this I just had to try it and I was happy I did.  I love to use this on the days I don't feel like wearing foundation.  This works great with just so concealer underneath!

4. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - I am always on the hunt for the best under eye concealer.  I really don't use concealer on my face, just my under eye area.  And, I love my under eye area to look nice and bright.  This is great for just that.  There were so many shades to choose from so, I was able to find the perfect one.  This does not crease and stays in place all day without me setting it.  You can read more about how much I love this here.

5. Armani Corrector  - This is a god send!  I am so happy that I listened to Lisa and bought this.  I would not say that I have horrible under eye circles, but they definitely show through my concealer.  This gets rid of any ugly purple circles I have and is a great base for my concealer.

6. Beauty Blender - If you do not own this than I suggest picking one up.  This is hands down a game changer!  I never thought I would love a sponge as much as I love this.  I use it everyday and it just helps my foundation look as flawless and possible.

7. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso - Whenever I am not quite sure what blush to wear I go for this.  It gives my the most amazing flush.  I normally go for a matte blush, but there is something about the sheen to this.  It is more of a satin finish than a glittery one.  It looks gorgeous on a number of skin tones and is so affordable.

8. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - If you have never ever bought a palette from Urban Decay than I suggest getting this as your first.  I know it looks so basic, as the name says, but I use this every single day.  I love to use Naked 2 as my brow powder.  Venus is a wonderful highlighting color and Crave is the blackest black you can own.  I love to travel with this and do a nice neutral eye.

9. Burberry Eyeshadow in Mulberry - So luxurious!  This eyeshadow is nice and creamy yet it does not have a ton of fall out.  It blends well and looks amazing on most eye colors.  If I could only chose one shadow to wear for the rest of my life it would be this (yes, I know a bit dramatic).

10. Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara - This is the bomb dot com.  I have never had a mascara that gives me such length and volume and it also does not transfer onto my under eye area which is a huge plus.  I hate when a mascara I like transfers.  It is like the kiss of death.  It is on the pricey side for mascara, but it is totally worth it.

11. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Amethyst - Out of all the eyeshadow sticks I own this is the absolute best.  It stays put on my eyes all day, even if I don't use a primer.  I also love wearing this with the Mulberry shadow.  They complement each other well.  I will totally be purchasing more Caviar Sticks in the near future.

12. NYX Butter Glosses in Apple Strudel & Maple Blondie - I love a coral lip and I love a good smelling gloss.  These combine the two.  I have almost every shade, but these two are my favorite.  They are nicely pigmented and not too sticky.  I hate sticky lipgloss.  Plus, they are a steal at $4.99, and Ulta always has BOGO half off sales going on!

13. Jack Black Lip Balm - I was introduced to this lip balm way back and I have been through countless amounts of tubes.  I love all the flavors, but Black Tea & Blackberry is my favorite.  I always have this in rotation with my other balms.  This is hands down the best!


What are your favorites of 2013 ??

Love,
City Styles 

Oh Hey Fall ! {LIPSTICK CHRONICLES}

Fall is officially here!!!!! (imagine me singing that)  So, of course it's time to start wearing vampy lipsticks!  I love doing a neutral eye and a nice dark lip.  The boyfriend is not a big fan, but what does he know.. hahaha.  So, I went through my makeup arsenal and took out my top 10 vampy colors to show you all.  

Revlon LipButter in Raspberry Pie ~ Milani in Uptown Mauve ~ Sephora in No. 46 ~ Covergirl in Smitten ~ MAC in Rebel

WnW in 908C Sugar Plum Fairy ~ Chanel in La Provacante ~ Wnw in 918D Cherry Bomb ~ Revlon in Wine Not ~ Maybelline in Midnight Plum 

Raspberry Pie ~ Uptown Mauve ~ No.46 ~ Smitten ~ Rebel ~ Sugar Plum Fairy ~ La Provacante ~ Cherry Bomb ~ Wine Not ~ Midnight Plum 

When wearing a dark lip make sure to use a lip liner.  I prefer one that is close to my natural lip color.  Using a lip liner will help prevent the lipstick from bleeding outside of the lips.  I also like to use dabbing or patting motions so I do not put to much color on at once.  And something else to keep in mind is to make sure you have freshly exfoliated lips, otherwise the lipstick won't lay correctly and cling to all the dry skin.  

What are your favorite lipsticks for the fall?? 

Love, 

City Styles 

The Brights {LIPSTICK CHRONICLES}

Hummmmp Dayyyy... Does no one else love that Geico commercial??? That camel is just hysterical!  I have had a blah day, but I was actually excited to come home and write this.  I just want to say thank you to everyone who reads my blog.  I have hit 1000 views and I know that is not a whole ton, but to me it's a milestone.

Anywho, on to the lipstick.  For this edition of the Lipstick Chronicles I focused on bright colors.  I know fall is just around the corner, but I love a bright lip anytime of year!  It just says I am here and I am ready to have fun!  And on the plus side these are all from the drugstore and very affordable.

Revlon Wild Watermelon - Revlon Orange Flip - Maybelline Shocking Coral - Maybelline Cherry on Top - Revlon Sorbet - Maybelline Wild Rose - Milani Rose Hip - Maybelline Hot Plum 

Wild Watermelon - Orange Flip - Shocking Coral - Cherry on Top - Sorbet - Vivid Rose - Wild Rose - Hot Plum 

My favorite formula out of all of these is the Maybelline Vivids.  They are just so creamy and pigmented.  I have almost every shade.  My second favorite are the Revlon Lip Butters.  They are great if you want a sheer but still pigmented color.  

What time of year do you stop wearing brights?  And what is your favorite drugstore formula?

Love, 

City Styles

Linked Up with

Holy Grails aka Amazball Products!

I have to say over the past four or so years I have tried many products, but I have honed in on the ones that I love the most!  Everyone has different products that they repurchase over and over again but these are mine!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

Love this stuff!!! They need to bring this to the states now!! It is more of a gel texture and just goes on so smoothly and stays perfectly all day.  It does oxidize a little bit on my, but to be honest I don't mind.   It doesn't cling to my dry patches and gives me a great glow throughout the day.

Lorac Eye Primer

I have about 2 tubes of this left.  I started out with about four.  I have used many other eye primers but this ones dries to a nice powdery texture and makes my eyeshadow last all day and it never creases on me.  I have started to use this under my concealer too.  It works like a charm!

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

If you have read about my morning skincare routine then you know how I feel about this.  It is just amazing and would never go a day without it.

Urban Decay Shadow in Naked

My ultimate crease/blending color.  I have loved this color ever since I purchased the Naked palette many moons ago.  I loved it so much I bought a single to travel with.  I use this as my crease color and blending color and even as a brow powder.  For me its a multipurpose product and I love that.  

Milani Blush in Luminoso

This is like a cult favorite on Youtube.  And I totally understand why.  It gives you the most amazing glow ever.  It looks so natural.  When I am not sure what blush to use I always go for this.  It is a no brainer on days I want a natural flush or when I am running out the door.

Armani Corrector

A god send!!  I can be a very horrible sleeper sometimes.  I have those nights where my brain just will not shut off and the next morning I horrible under eye circles.  This counter acts any of my purple/blue circles.  I use this everyday and can't thank Lisa enough for introducing me to this.

Chanel VitaLumiere Aqua

Oh Chanel!  This was my first purchase from Chanel and will probably the one item I will buy over and over again.  If you aren't into fragrant foundations don't even try Chanel.  I just happen to love the smell.  I am not one for a full coverage foundation, and this is perfect.  It is more of a medium, buildable foundation.  It is so sheer and light, you hardly feel like you have anything on. 

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes

This happens to be my favorite high end mascara.  I am trying something new now that I might like more, but that will be another post.  Anyway, this makes my lashes look nice and long and is perfect to layer with other mascaras.  Plus, it doesn't flake or transfer.

L'oreal Telescopic Shocking Mascara

And this happens to be my favorite drugstore mascara.  Love this!  It make my lashes look like I am wearing falsies.  I love layering this with the Tarte one.  This also doesn't flake or transfer.

Bioderma 

Oh my love!  This also needs to come to the states asap!  This hands down is one of the best solutions for taking off makeup.  It does not feel oily and doesn't leave any residue behind.  I have never had any trouble with it taking off mascara.  It just does wonders!

What are your holy grail, amazball items?   

Love, 

City Styles

Into the Nude .... {LIPSTICK CHRONICLES}

Get your mind out of the gutter.  We are talking about lipstick here!! I have always been one for a bright lip, but I have those days where I love a good nude.  Being translucent myself I have a hard time finding a great nude.  I have tried my share of nudes from the drugstore and high end.  Today I am going to share my favorite drugstore nudes!

milani 'nude creme' - loreal 'fairest b=nude' - revlon 'soft nude' - maybelline 'bare to be bold' - wet n wild 'just peachy'

milani - loreal - revlon - maybelline - wet n wild

I have to say the Maybelline or Milani are my absolute favs.  The Milani is just so creamy and looks great with our without a lipliner.  The Maybelline is also amazing!  It is just a nice sheer wash so it is not to intense.  You can find these at any local drugstore, except for Revlon 'Soft Nude'.  Unfortunately it was discontinued.  You can find it here on Ebay.  It is going for more than retail price, but it still is not bad.  

I am going to do a series of posts about my favorite shades of lipstick from drugstore and high end.  Please let me know what your favorite nude lipstick is!  I would love to give it a try. 

Love, 

City Styles