SEPHORA VIB SALE | Plan of Attack & Recommendations

If you’re a beauty fan, it’s one of the most magical times of year… Sephora sale time! 💁🏼💄

Like always, Rouge members get first access, but all levels of membership save at some point during the sale.

My biggest pieces of advice would be to aim for items that you need to replenish, that never go on sale, or that are sold only at Sephora. (If a brand has its own website or store, it may have a better discount during the upcoming holiday sales.)

SKINCARE:
Skincare is one of those items I 10000000% believe you should never that skimp on. It’s worth it to have a flawless base! Sales are the best time to try out that amazing product line you’ve been eyeing. Bonus, if you try a value set, you’ll get a feel for the brand and save on top of already present set savings!

I ordered the Tatcha Smooth, Poreless Skin Obento Box and am soooo excited to try this out. I’ve tried The Water Cream before and this includes a full size jar, plus I get a chance to try out a generous amount of The Silk Canvas primer which I’ve been eyeing since it launched.

My favorite serums for radiance are hands down the Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum and Vine[Activ] Vitamin C Anti-Wrinkle Serum. These really do make a difference in the luminosity of my skin and I notice when I haven’t used either in a while.

I ran out of the Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash a few days before the sale, so it was perfect timing to stock up on one of my current favorite gentle, yet heavy duty grime removing face washes. This takes every last lick of makeup off without drying out my skin.

The holy grail of essence products on the market is by far the SK-II Essence. This stuff is priceyyyy but if you’ve ever wanted to give it a go, during the VIB sale is the time. It isn’t an overnight results product but for as long as I’ve been using it, my skin has been major blemish free and full of radiance.

Shiseido Facial Cotton are a must have. I talk about these all the time, and pick these up every sale, always. I’ve tried so many cotton squares/rounds for removing my eye makeup and such… and honestly, this face cotton is beyond comparison. Cotton rounds leave fibers in my eyelashes and if you’re like me with sensitive eyes, that’s killer! These are pure perfection.

MAKEUP:
I wore the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is on my wedding day, that’s how much I love it! It truly looks like skin, is buildable, and yet even with a bit more coverage, still looks like skin.

Also, the Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer is a staple that I use everyday, no matter what amount of coverage I’m going for. I adore this for spot concealing or fixing skin imperfections. It blends into the skin with such ease and Vanilla is a perfect shade match for my fair, neutral skin tone.

I am currently so in love with the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, and see myself sticking to this through a few repurchases. With all of the setting powders I try, that is saying A LOT! This is not ideal for baking, but use it to set the face in a light sweeping motion. Speaking of Hourglass powders, seriously just try all of their products. The ambient lighting powders, blushes, bronzers, stobe powders… ALL are amazing! They give such a subtle glow of sheen and color, perfect for all skin types.

If you’re looking for a less subtle, but still not into clown town territory type of blush, you have to try the Marc Jacobs Air Blushes. These are absolutely gorgeous, they blend out wonderfully and you can customize your perfect shade between the “stripes”. The shades ‘Kink & Kisses’ and ‘Flesh & Fantasy’ are my two fair skin favorites.

I know you guys all want to hear about eyeshadow palettes, and lately I’ve loved the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette, Tarte Toasted Palette and Too Faced Just Peachy Velvet Matte Palette. Take advantage of the sale to grab one of these, or other pricey palettes you’ve been coveting! Everyone has their own color story preference, but again, these are three recent pickups I’m loving.

Expensive lip balms are always painful to pull the trigger on, but if you follow my Instagram (@meegsdun) then you have seen me rave alllll about the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I’ll just leave it linked here… it’ll change your lips life!

As always, I’d love to hear what you’re getting, so let me know. Be sure to subscribe and follow all of my fun social links around here, and please share if you loved this post!

PRODUCTS I’M LOVING & HATING | Favorites & Fails

I haven’t done a favorites & fails in forever! A huge chunk of that was “I don’t have time” and also, a lot of items were still the same in my daily routine.

But now, bum bum BUM (cue dramatic music)… I have new items to talk about with you!

While this eyeshadow palette is hard to get a hold of right now, it’s insanely popular for a reason and has the perfect set of shades for transitioning your makeup from summer to fall. The price is oh so right at only $16 and the shadows blend out like a dream. An added bonus? It’s a spot on dupe for a certain $129 high end palette… yep, you read that correctly!

This brand new mascara has quickly become an every day item. Seriously, I haven’t used anything else since ripping open the package in delight! If you’re obsessed with high end favorites like the Too Faced Better Than Sex, Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir, and more… try this. You won’t be disappointed. It doesn’t transfer or flake on me and my lashes look bombdotcom.

(Unfortunately) I’ve become obsessed with this facial essence as a part of my nighttime skincare routine (I say unfortunately because hoooly $$$). Also unfortunately… I’m loving this super pricey skin cream. I can’t tell for certain yet if it’s making my face look better than a newborn baby’s cheeks, but it sure feels amazing and I do see results in the short time I’ve been using it!

These sneakers are super comfy, casual and cute, the best of all worlds! I love the texture and also the little leather detailing. A perfect summer to fall shoe for ankle length jeans as the leaves start to change. Bonus: the insole is super comfortable!

Another fun fact is that I’m trying to move toward a more plant based diet. It has so many benefits for health and the environment. Plus, it can’t hurt to just try something new and good for you! As someone who was never much of a meat eater anyway, I love the idea of finding my nutrition and protein through foods I enjoy more. That being said, sometimes I want a quick way to get ahead of my daily greens. This green superfood is amazing! (The flavor takes a bit to get used to, but that’s part of making the diet change too, your taste buds change! Add it to juice instead of water until you’re used to it or try one of their flavored options, the berry one is my favorite.)

On to the negative Nancy part of the post… I do have a few fails to discuss. As always, these just didn’t work for me, that doesn’t mean they’re not someone’s holy grail item!

This lip balm kind of sucks. Plain and simple!! I’ve tried two of them, thinking one was a fluke. But alas, no. It has a gritty texture that’s not necessarily exfoliating but is certainly annoying. It’s also no where as hydrating as the name implies. HARD PASS!

These liquid lipsticks are from one of my absolute favorite brands! The colors are cute on the lips, wear wonderfully and feel lovely… BUT the formula is a disaster in its packaging! I’ve tried to store these upright, but no matter what I do, a disgusting oil seems to leak out of the package. No thanks, I’ll save my hands, purse, and makeup bag the trouble. (Anyone else having this problem??!)

That’s it for the favorites & fails this time, I’d love to hear what some of yours are!

Xoxo, Meeghan 

RODAN + FIELDS | Skincare Review

I was recently sent a few items from Rodan + Fields to try out and I’d have to say there are definite hits and misses among the bunch. This was my first time trying anything associated with R+F besides the breakout Proactiv products (which I wasn’t a fan of), but I’ve certainly heard about these newer lines from a ton of friends who are R+F Consultants.

My first thought when I opened the box was “whoa… the packaging sure has stepped up its game since the old Proactiv days!” I was super impressed with the sleek and clean design, as well as some features of each product I’ll get into specifically.

ENHANCEMENTS™ Micro-Dermabrasion Paste Packets
A quick bit of info on traditional microdermabrasion: it is an exfoliating treatment using fine crystals which are sprayed on the skin. It works best on problems such as dull skin, brown spots, and age spots. Microdermabrasion should work on all skin types and colors to make subtle changes, causing no skin color change or scarring. Regular exfoliation is key to rejuvenating your skin and helping the cell turnover process keep up with life’s daily toll.

These R+F Micro-Dermabrasion Paste Packets are an easy alternative to a more pricey service done by a dermatologist or esthetician, but you should be aware that they produce less drastic results.

For the paste application, it says to massage the entire contents of one packet directly onto the skin for 30-60 seconds; do not wet the skin before use. (Please note: it doesn’t say, but you should ALWAYS do exfoliation on CLEAN SKIN! You will grind dirt and impurities into your skin otherwise, so always wash your face thoroughly first with a gentle cleanser.) The instructions say that for a more gentle exfoliation, use the paste on damp skin and slowly add water to lessen the intensity.

I found that one packet was more paste than I needed, so I could really get 2-3 uses out of each. The paste was almost a thick, lumpy, sugary oil feeling, which wasn’t unpleasant, but I prefer a more fine grit when it comes to an at home microdermabrasion formula. The scent however… wowza, that wasn’t awesome. It does dissipate but oooof, what the heck was that?! The product ingredient deck lists a fragrance, so here’s hoping that scent wasn’t intentional.

PS: when I tried to find this on the US website, I realized that I couldn’t! I was sent these from R+F Canada, so I’m not 100% certain if the packets are available in the US, however it is available in their standard jar packaging.

REDEFINE™ Night Renewing Serum
To follow the Micro-Dermabrasion Paste, I was told to use one of the blue Night Renewing Serum capsules all over my face before any other moisturizers.

I was a major fan of this serum! One capsule was more than enough for my face, neck and décolletage. (However if you find that one capsule is too much, you really can’t save any excess due to the specific type of single use packaging.) I didn’t have enough sample capsules to really tell a huge difference so I can’t give you true feedback on it’s long term results, but I think especially for travel this product is a wonderful alternative to some of my glass jar serums.

REDEFINE™ Multi-Function Eye Cream
Moving on… after applying the Night Serum I used the Multi-Function Eye Cream (I also used the eye cream in the mornings). This was my favorite item of all! It was so nice, so light and smoothed into my eye area like a dream. It didn’t have a strong fragrance at all and it really did seem to brighten and smooth out my under eyes.

Under my eye makeup during the day, I had no issues with creasing or patchiness. In fact this cream didn’t really affect my makeup at all (which isn’t always the case with eye creams for me).

REDEFINE™ Lip Renewing Serum
This was another serum in tiny little capsules, and again a generous amount of product for such a tiny silver blob. The serum was very thin, and honestly there was way too much in the capsule for me. You could’ve coated my lips a few times with that! But alas, same as before, there is no way to save the excess from the capsules.

Again, I didn’t really have that many capsules to sample for long term results, but with a lip serum it seemed faster to tell a bit of a difference. My lips were much softer once the serum soaked in and it didn’t have a taste really at all. I’d give this product a thumbs up with just a wish that they develop an alternative application method.

REDEFINE™ Age Shield Hand Balm
Now this was one of the coolest products of all. It looks like a tiny deodorant… but NO, it’s sunscreen for your HANDS! Most people don’t realize you need to also protect your hands from sun damage. The skin there is so thin, it can age quickly. While many people may not have a need for this, I see tremendous potential, let me explain…

If you’re at the beach or pool, obviously just use the sunscreen you’re putting on your body, duh I would. BUT I come from a family of golfers, tennis players, etc outdoor activities and let me tell you… trying to tee off with greasy sunscreen on your non-gloved hand? FORE!!!

This seems brilliant because it rubbed in like a hand balm, not thin or slippery like a lotion, and it was super convenient to apply from the stick, so as to not slime up your palms. Do I think this is an everyday item? Not really, but it’s so perfect if you’re going to be outside and want sun protection but not traditionally slimy hands.

What about you guys… have you tried any Rodan + Fields products? I’d love to hear which ones and your thoughts on them. Also be sure to subscribe and follow all of my fun social links around here, and please share if you loved this post!

Xoxo, Meeghan

Disclaimer: I received these samples to review from Kevin at Rodan + Fields, but all opinions are my own. I wasn’t compensated in any way to write this review nor under any obligation to do so. If you’re interested in ordering any of these items, feel free to contact Kevin directly via email (kseibel24@gmail.com) or via he and his wife’s R+F Facebook page. 

TOP 5 AFFORDABLE EYESHADOW PALETTES | It’s Glam Season!

I wanted to give you guys my top 5 drugstore/affordable eyeshadow palettes for fall! Great ways to kick your makeup into fall mode, and not break the bank! What are your favorites?

Xoxo, Meeghan 

DERMAPLANING | So they’re taking a scalpel… to my face?!

A new (and definitely weird when I first saw it) beauty treatment I’ve been trying is dermaplaning. Since I’ve been making people randomly touch my face and “feel how smooth my skin feels!”, I’ll answer a few questions I’ve been getting along the way.

WHAT IS DERMAPLANING?
It’s the process of exfoliating using a scalpel to gently scrape off the top layer of dull, dead skin cells in order to reveal the smoother, brighter cells and complexion below.

WHY DERMAPLANE?
It may seem excessive (hello… scalpel!), but this method of exfoliation is used to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, decrease skin texture and acne issues (as bacterial and oils won’t be trapped in our lovely peach fuzz), increase skincare product absorption and make makeup application smoother and easier.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD DERMAPLANING BE DONE?
My dermaplane esthetician recommends every 3-4 weeks, I’ve researched and some recommend as soon as every 2 weeks. Each person’s skin care needs are different and each person has their own personal preference, so ask your skin care professional what’s right for you. Some people even say you can dermaplane at home… nooope, I’m not going to do that personally.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
About 1 hour with cleansing, dermaplaning, peel and serum/moisturizing.

WHAT IS THE FULL PROCESS?
Your esthetician will cleanse and wipe dry the face, possibly wiping alcohol on the skin to fully dry out the top layer. Next they will begin dermaplaning the skin, you’ll have your face moved this way and that to make sure all skin is addressed. In no way does it hurt. Most dermaplaning will be followed with a peel, mine have been enzyme peels of varying strengths. Following the peel, your skin will have serum and moisturizer applied that best suits your skin.

I’ve also had a dermaplane session where the peel happened before the dermaplaning. It’s up to the needs of your skin and your esthetician’s method.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
This depends on your location and the esthetician. It can be offered at medical spas and day spas, so prices will also vary due to which type of provider.

Personally I love dermaplaning! It’s noninvasive, quick and my skin immediately looks brighter and refreshed. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave me a comment or ask through my Contact Me page!

Xoxo, Meeghan

BROW MICROBLADING | So what’s the deal?

As someone who stupidly over tweezed her brows once upon a time and regretted it immensely later on… brow microblading was the answer to my “this sucks filling in my brows every day and equally sucks not having good natural brows” problem. Want to know what it’s all about? Keep reading!

WHAT IS MICROBLADING?
Microblading is a brow technique that creates thin, hair like strokes on the skin, leaving you with “I woke up like this” brows! (It is NOT brow tattooing, which uses a tattoo gun, goes deeper into the skin, and gives solid block color to your brows. Just say no to that.) Your brows will look more like “hair” than brows filled in with makeup.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Each person will have a different result based on their skin type, but brows can last from 1-3 years. Average time is 18 months. The pigment will fade, leaving the skin and your natural brows how they were before.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
About 2 hours. The majority of which will be the numbing process and sketching out the brow shape. Be cautious of anywhere that claims to complete the process in 1 hour. It is not a rushed procedure!

HOW DO THEY DECIDE ON THE SHAPE AND PIGMENT COLOR?
Your brow artist may ask you to come with your brows filled in, if you normally do, so they can see the shape you prefer. They will then sketch the brow outline and it will be a discussion together to make sure the shape is exactly what you like, give input! They’ll put a few pigment color samples on your forehead area to see which pigment you like best from what they recommend. Color will be determined by your natural brows so that they blend properly and look more natural.

HOW DO THEY NUMB YOUR SKIN?
A topical numbing cream (mine was a medical grade lidocaine patch) is applied to the brow area, followed by a liquid/gel anesthetic. That process takes up to 45 minutes, depending on how quickly your skin numbs.

WHAT IS THE FULL PROCESS?
The first part of the appointment is drawing the shape in with removable pencil. This is customized for every client, be wary of an artist who puts the same brow shape on everyone, our faces are all different! (Go with personal referrals and be sure to ask for photos of their work.)

Once the shape is determined, they’ll numb you. If you’re worried that the process is painful, be prepared that some may feel discomfort, but it’s relatively painless. Personally, the noise of the tool on my forehead was so weird, but I felt no pain. It’s like scratching yourself with sharp fingernails.

Next, the microblading happens and the artist uses a special microblading tool to draw individual strokes on. The tool looks like a little exacto knife or scalpel, but it isn’t a blade at all. It’s made up of tiny thin needles which make small incisions in the skin, depending on the thickness and depth of hair strokes they want to achieve for you. The artist dips the tool into the pigment on each hair stroke and also applies pigment over the entire area once finished etching, to allow it to fully sink into the strokes. When they wipe the pigment off, BOOM you’ve got brows on fleek!!

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
This depends on your location and the artist’s expertise. The procedure can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500+. Here in Wichita, Kansas my brows were $400. But I know in Kansas City, Dallas, Chicago, etc. it can be $1,000+. Do your research, cheap is NOT GOOD!!!!! Don’t save money on your face. I did the math, and my favorite brow pencil is $21. I use about 1 per month. So if my brows last 18 months, it’s a wash. PLUS I don’t have to fill in my brows every day! Time is money people.

WHAT IS THE TOUCH UP APPOINTMENT FOR?
As your brows heal, they’ll fade to a lighter and more final color (they look dark when you walk out of the procedure). In that process too, you may scratch/rub an area and they could fade unevenly. Don’t freak out! That’s what the touch up is for. It’s also a good time to tweak any areas if you want.

HOW DO YOU CARE FOR THEM DURING THE HEALING PROCESS?
See the big ol’ after care section below.

IS THERE ANY MAINTENANCE INVOLVED?
Nope! That’s the beauty of it. Once healed, they’re good to go! You can apply makeup, rub them, etc. etc. etc.

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:
Do not drink alcohol, coffee or energy drinks the day of the procedure.
Do not take any pain killers or vitamins which could thin your blood within 24+ hours of the procedure.
Do not tan 3 days prior to the procedure.
Do not wax the brow area for at least 3 days prior to the procedure.
Do not have any facials/esthetics procedures for 2-3 weeks prior to the procedure.

PROCEDURE AFTERCARE:
No facial cleansers, makeup, creams, exfoliators or any other products on the brow area for 10 days. If you must apply makeup near the area, use brand new products and thoroughly clean applicators/brushes. (I just went for a natural, minimal makeup look, great excuse! Having your brows done adds a TON to your face already, you’ll see!)

Every 30 minutes after the procedure, blot the brow area with a cool cotton round, dampened with distilled water. Do not rub.

The evening after your procedure, after blotting with damp cotton round, allow brows to fully dry and then apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor before bed. Continue this for the first 4-7 days. If dryness occurs after these days, you can apply a thin layer of grape seed oil to the area, once in the morning and once before bed. Again, keeping brows clean when necessary with a cool damp cotton round. Do not apply Aquaphor or oil over damp brows, aka don’t seal in moisture.

Do NOT pick, scratch or rub the area at all during the healing process. If you do, you risk the color lifting from your skin.

Avoid direct sunlight, tanning or heavy exercise (or any other activity which would heat the skin, or make you sweat) for 10 days after the procedure.

Avoid facials or esthetics procedures for 4 weeks after the procedure. If you have a procedure scheduled, inform your esthetician that you cannot have anything near your brows. (For example, I had a dermaplane the day of my brows, but my esthetician knew and avoided the area, no problem!)

The full healing process can take 6-10 weeks, each person heals differently and at their own pace, be patient!! You may need a touch-up procedure, anywhere from 4-10 weeks after your initial procedure. Touch up sessions should not be done earlier than 4 weeks as the pigment needs time to fully settle into the skin and for the tissue to completely heal. I personally am waiting until 10 weeks after my initial appointment, partially due to my travel schedule, but also to fully heal just in case. I’ll update you all after that touch-up!

If you have any further questions, feel free to leave me a comment or contact me!

Xoxo, Meeghan

KC FASHION WEEK | S/S ’18

Kansas City Fashion Week presented their spring/summer lines for 2018 last week, and it was an amazing and quick whirlwind, tucked into my suuuper busy days of late. I attended the shows on Thursday night, and let me tell you… it’s a different experience being front row media than being ON the runway! (The urge to walk, or coach, was strong with this one.)

I love that Kansas City has a Fashion Week, something that seems to be growing every season and puts the Midwest a wee bit more on the fashion map. The event was extremely organized and so well produced. I can’t wait to be back for the Fall/Winter shows (this spring 2018). It was my first time at KCFW, but Adriele knew all the ins and outs, huzzah for her genius!!

PS, I legit threw this outfit together the night before leaving for KC… high five for time management!

The designers on the other hand, put their collections together with a bit more care. Here are a few of my favorite looks.

REBEKAH LUX
One of my favorite designers and favorite look from the entire night. If you follow my Instagram (@meegsdun) you saw me gushing over the mustard gorgeousness! Honestly, the construction and fluidity of this line was retail ready.

 

MIRANDA HANSON DESIGNS
You guys… this designer is only 17! At 17 I was lucky I had eyebrows. Seriously though, such talent in a beautifully constructed and romantic vibe line.

 

DOUS
Street style and edgy attitude to the max. Very menswear focused. A few pieces stood out strongly to the Euro in me.

 

TRAVIS CAL
This designer effortless mixed traditional silhouettes with non-traditional patterns and textures. I was blown away by his men’s and women’s wear!

 

KENDRA J BRIDAL
As a bride to be, this show was eye candy galore. I know firsthand how complicated Bridal can be and the construction of these was on point.

 

My gorgeous and wonderful partner in fashion: Adriele from Style Assisted!

Be sure to subscribe and follow all of my fun social links around here, and please share if you loved this post! Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel too: Meeghan Dunleavy

Xoxo, Meeghan 

SELECTIONS AND OVERAGES | Just Say Whoa?!

CALLING CHIP & JOANNA GAINES?
Our next step in the whole process was actually a lot of little steps, or basically visiting alllllll of the suppliers to make selections on the details we wanted in our house. You guys… we were NOT prepared for just how much you pick out! Thinking it would just be a paint and flooring type of party? Nooope… also the outlet covers, door hinges, bevel of the wood trim, type of lightbulb… HOLY SMOKES!

Luckily we knew a few major items we wanted to have so we based selections off of our desired paint color, the fireplace and ceiling design we wanted, etc. (Here’s a photo of the main floor mantle we wanted!)

OVERAGES ARE NOT OVER-JOYOUS
Building a home lets you see exactly how much every, single, little, tiny detail costs… everything. It’s painful, but in the end it makes sense when you add it all up and compare it to a “fully finished home”. That doesn’t mean it’s still not a shock each time, but the bigger picture keeps us sane!

FRUSTRATIONS AND FRANTIC HURRYING
The hardest part of all with selections was picking your perfect item… to find out later on that the manufacturer wouldn’t be able to have it here in time to install. Then you began the process all over again, but triple speed because now you feel rushed and behind.

SOME OF THE BEST… AND WORST
We definitely had some AMAZING experiences with a few suppliers, seriously I’d recommend specific sales associates and stores we went to over any others, period. (Example, our granite supplier was beyond perfection, they went the extra mile and then some for us!! I’d use them again in a heartbeat.)

We also had a few less than desirable experiences, which I will not mention because it all worked out in the end. Just understand that if you’re building, you may be your biggest priority and your builder’s priority, but not all businesses are as efficient or as communicative as you may want. It sucks, but it’s frustratingly true.

WE HAVE BRICK AND BARE WALLS!
(First off, our house is not beige… that is the color of the siding before it gets painted. We kind of hate beige.) But guys, look… we really are starting to take shape over here!! Inside we have drywall, and trim is going up. There are so many more steps to go, both inside and out, but it’s seriously becoming so very real. WE CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!

THE NEXT STEP… IT’S TRIM TIME!
As mentioned, we’re starting the trim stage now, so that’s exactly what you think it is, plus anything else lumber related besides the flooring. Our cabinets will be going up, doors, window ledges, etc etc etc.

Xoxo, Meeghan 

Be sure to subscribe and follow all of my fun social links around here, and please share if you loved this post! Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel too: Meeghan Dunleavy

 

 

FACE BASE FOR LESS | The Best Drugstore Foundations

As a person who loves makeup and tries different products pretty often, I know expensive does not always mean better. There are plenty of products that are fantastic and inexpensive (there are also plenty which are expensive but useless!)

One thing I love about beauty products now is that you can find amazing items from so many drugstore brands and they keep getting better. While I never discriminate towards any type of makeup that works, you all know I’m constantly on a mission to find killer items for less. (Who doesn’t love finding cheap things that make you look glam?!)

Before we jump right in, it’s worth mentioning that sometimes it’s hard to find the right shade for a drugstore foundation, or maybe it doesn’t work out for your skin type… return that stuff ladies and gents!! Seriously. Even though it’s cheap, don’t waste your money if it doesn’t work, check your store’s return policy! Also, drugstore brands go on sale allllll the time. You can usually save even more off of these lower prices.

Now that you’ve got that, let’s get down to business.

FABULOUS FACE (click product name to shop)
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless or Dewy + Smooth Foundations ($5.99)
Best for normal to oily skin (matte formula) or dry to normal skin (dewy formula).
These are my absolute favorite drugstore foundations (depending on the look I’m going for as I have ‘normal’ skin and can wear either). I gravitate to the Matte + Poreless formula more often, but they are both amazing and have excellent, buildable coverage and long lasting wear.

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation ($5.99)
Best for normal to oily skin.
This formula seriously wow’d me much more than expected. It really does deliver a “your skin, but better” finish. The major selling point behind the Photo Focus line was that is delivers camera-ready makeup for every lighting scenario, and it does! I’ve tested this in flash photography and it’s amazing. The only downside, is the smell of this is very similar to house paint lol… but it dissipates quickly. This one delivers medium coverage, possible buildable to medium-full, but it’s not a FULL full coverage foundation. Pair it with the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Pressed Powder ($4.99) for a really nice finish.

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation ($8.99)
Best for dry to normal skin.
Since this foundation has a high water content and ingredients for a luminous glow, it’s not very well suited to oily skin. But if you have dry or normal skin… jump on this! It’s an excellent dupe for the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation and delivers light to medium coverage. The wear time is better if you have drier skin, FYI.

L’Oréal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation ($14.99)
Best for dry to normal skin.
This is basically the same formula as in the Lumi bottle, but in a super convenient cushion compact. The packaging is perfect for travel, and the cushion sponge really does a nice job at giving a seamless finish. If you use the cushion as your application method, it tends to give more of a sheer to light-medium coverage… basically less product is applied.

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation ($6.00)
Works for all skin types, best for normal skin.
This is a lightweight and oil-free formula so it’s great for oily skin, but also is a semi-matte finish so dry skin can wear this too. I was pleasantly surprised by this one… having previously thought all e.l.f. foundations were crap, this one is great! It gives light to medium coverage, and wears well throughout the day. Don’t try to build this up though, it won’t cooperate for that. A small bonus that it has SPF 15, but you really should put a higher SPF on during the day.

Let me know if you guys would like me to film a video tutorial any of these. Be sure to subscribe and follow all of my fun social links around here, and please share if you loved this post! Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel too: Meeghan Dunleavy

Xoxo, Meeghan 

HOURGLASS HOLIDAY REVIEW | Ambient Lighting Edit Volume 3

Guys… HOLIDAY BEAUTY IS HEREEEEEE!

If you’re a fan of the beauty sets which come out every holiday season, you know the joy at getting limited edition items or adorable packaging… but are they worth it? Especially with high end brands??

Watch my video below for a full review on the 2017 Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Volume 3, and look below for swatches and a few high notes!

THAT PACKAGING THOUGH!
Hourglass knocks it out of the park every single time. The packaging components are always so luxe and I just love them. Last year’s marble palette made me swoon. This year it’s rose gold… hitting right on the mark for the millennial pink trend of now.

(Stock photos from Hourglass, see below for “real people” swatches, lolllllllz.)

 

SWATCH PARTY
I’m typically the fairest, or near fairest, in most complexion products. Also, these swatches are built up a smidge to show the product, as Hourglass powders are not heavily pigmented by nature.

Holiday 2017: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit – Volume 3

 

Holiday 2016: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit – Surreal Light

 

BUT IS IT WORTH IT? (LET ME WORK IT)
Long story short, watch the video! ;) But pssst… if I bought one last year and this year, you may be able to guess. However… do I recommend it for everyone?? You’ll see!

Let me know if you guys would like me to film a video tutorial using these. Be sure to subscribe and follow all of my fun social links around here, and please share if you loved this post! Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel too: Meeghan Dunleavy

Xoxo, Meeghan