June Non-Beauty Favorites

I've had my blog for over a year (still feels crazy saying that) and have never done a non-beauty favorites! I always combine everything into one, but I've read so many books I loved and have some great TV shows to talk about. I didn't want to make a super long post, so I will have my beauty favorites coming on Wednesday!

Movies: If you haven't seen Inside Out yet, you're missing out. I've always been a big Pixar fan, so didn't think the movie would be bad no matter what. I was completely blown away. The concept itself is amazing and innovative -- each emotions perfectly visiaulized and unique (Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis from The Office as Sadness, etc). They are inside the head of 11-year-old Riley, who is uprooted from her life to move to San Francisco. The move is tumultuous to say the least (although I would be incredibly jealous) and her emotions go into overdrive. Joy and Sadness become lost in her long term memory, leaving the other emotions to take over. The way Pixar has imagined the inside of a mind is simply astounding--a literal train of thought, Imagination land, abstract thought, and more. I don't want to give all of the plot away, but that's not even the important part. The film will appeal to all ages--whether you're an eleven year old experiencing these same emotions, a parent dealing with a younger child, or someone who just, well, feels sad or joy at times. Not gonna lie, I definitely shed a few tears but there were laughs as well. Just go see it.

Books: I talked about three new books for summer here-- The Knockoff and Hyacinth Girls were two of my favorite. I also loved The Life and Death of Sophie Stark and The Ice Twins. I have a lot of books I'm still excited to read, so keep an eye out for more book reviews coming in July!

Music: Sedona by Houndmouth, Fast Car by Tracy Chapman, I'm Into You by Chet Faker, Crocodile Rock by Elton John

TV Shows:  

My favorite show of June was the Netflix Original Sense8. It starts off a bit confusing, but stick with it. 8 completely different people in different parts of the world are all mysteriously connected. They are being hunted down, and use their strengths to help each other out. Every character is so unique, developed, and likeable despite their faults. As the series progresses, they become more intertwined and the plot develops. There's a heavy amount of exposition, which I kind of like. There are only 12 episodes and I can't wait for the next season (which sadly will probably be a year).

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I have a love/hate relationship with this show. The characters can be hilarious at times (Charlie writes a catchy musical called "The Nightman Cometh" and the gang goes on a family feud-type show), but sometimes it can be a bit meh. Because it's on FX, the gang is definitley less vanilla than a show like HIMYM or Friends. Sometimes you hate them because they're that ridculous, but then they come back for you to love them.

Five More Luminous Loves

I'm a highliter junkie. Apparantly there's a new technique called "strobing" taking over the internet, which is literally just highlighting the high points of your face. If I had to choose between highlighter and contour/bronzer, it would definitely be adding some shimmer and shine to my cheekbones. I tend to prefer ones that are heavy on the shimmer while still looking natural. I've been playing with these five in the past few months and here's the report.

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Highlight. This is amazing. I actually got it at the end of last summer, played with it for a while, then rediscovered it when shopping my stash. Although it says "matte radiance", there's definitely a good amount of shimmer in this. It's weightless on the skin, doesn't emphasize pores, and is HUGE (good luck ever hitting pan).

Essence Cinderlla Highlighter. It's so disappointing when a brand (minimally) available in the US releases gorgeous limited edition collections exclusive to other countires. I got this on ebay and it was about $10, and shipping took about a week and a half. I'm a big believer in scouring ebay because you can often find products not available in your country for still affordable prices. This is a cooler, pinky toned highlight, with a gorgeous rose design on the packaging. It's also quite large and the pink doesn't translate to the skin.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light. Although these are a luxury item, they can double as an all-over face powder, so you're really getting two products for one. I love Diffused Light, a pale yellow powder to diminish redness. This can be built up on the cheekbones for a subtle highlight to make your skin look lit from within. If you use a light enough hand, it can be an all-over faced powder brightening up dull skin.

Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Ballerina and Gilded Honey. These are having their moment in the spotlight -- it took me a couple weeks to find them in stock (check out Beauty.com, Ulta, or DermStore). Ballerina is more similar to my skin tone, while Gilded Honey is a more golden color. These are unique for their texture -- they're baked as a liquid, almost feel like a cream, but apply as a powder. There's no visible shimmer, but they look extremely luminous and glowy on the skin (how many words can you use to describe highlighters before you sound repetitive?).

Laura Mercier, Essence, Laura Geller Ballerina, Laura Geller Gilded Honey, Hourglass

I also just got my Gerard Cosmetics Star Powders in the mail yesterday, so I just swatched and played but didn't have time to include them in the post. They're absolutely GORGEOUS and might just be my new all-time favorites. Let me know if you want to see a post on them!

3 New Summer Reads

Summer is great for the nicer weather and no school aspect, but what I really love is all the new luanches--and not just makeup. Along with amazing movies (I'm looking at you, Inside Out), some awesome new books have launched. I unfortunately don't have as much time to read during the week as I would like, but I still make time to read at least three books. Here are some mini-reviews on three that I've recently loved.

 The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes. For most people, summer reading = beach reads = lighter novels. If you know me, you know I prefer darker, mystery novels, but I changed it up with this lighter read. Think of it as a Devil Wears Prada for the modern age. Imogen returns to her beloved magazine Glossy, only to find that her former assistant has completely re-vamped it and turned it digital. Being older, Imogen struggles to "keep up with the times", not to mention deal with the complete bitch her former assistant Eve has become. It's quite humorous and a satire of the digital age and our dependence on modern technology. Although I'm a part of Eve's generation, I found myself rooting for Imogen as she struggles to navigate technology while maintaining what she loves about fashion. It's a quick read that keeps you captivated, and is still a bit deeper than the typical beach fluff.

Second Life by SJ Watson. I loved Watson's first novel, Before I Go To Sleep, so I had high hopes for this one. Julia's sister Kate has been murdered (not really a spoiler as you find out early on) and discovers that Kate led a secret online-sex life. Julia decides to start her own profile, hoping to find Kate's killer, and then becomes intimately involved with a man named Luke. Let's not forget that she's married, and I won't go any further than there. I have to say, I was kind of bored in the first half and didn't quite see where the novel was going. Before I Go To Sleep had a captivating storyline throughout that just kept going forward until the main twist, which I didn't see coming. Watson tries to maintain that style, but the twists just weren't as intriguing and were more predictable. Julia isn't even as likeable a character as I had hoped, but overall, if you like psychological thrillers, this is still worth a go. I just wouldn't put it at the top of my list.

 

Hyacinth Girls by Lauren Frankel. A novel told in two parts, this delves into the topic of "Do you know what your child is thinking?" (I do not have children but can only imagine how a parent must feel). The first half is told from the perspective of Rebecca, thirteen-year-old Callie's guardian, who tries her best to be loving and supporting. Callie has been accused of bullying and acting out on numerous instances at school. Things escalate to the point where the girl Callie has been accused of bullying may attempt suicide, and Rebecca tries her best to make peace with this. The second half focuses on Callie, where we see things from her perspective and learn that all may not be as it seems. Things escalate quickly, and what made this so touching was how perfectly Frankel can capture a thirteen-year-old's emotions and struggles. It starts off a bit slow, but stick through it for Callie's part, I promise you'll be rewarded. It ends on a bittersweet note that may especially appeal to parents, but just as easily resonates with someone younger.

What books have you been reading? I always love suggestions, so comment below!

Drugstore Buys Under $5 Featuring Essence, Jordana, and NYC

I'm always hesistant about the cheaper products at the drugstore--I know there are some gems, but for the most part it seems like a product just can't be that good if it's only $3. In the past few weeks, I've put some bargain buys to the test and am sharing my opinions. NYC is the easiest brand to find, available at most drugstores, and Jordana at select ones. Unfortunately Essence is only available at ULTA and Ulta.com, but it's well worth the shipping.

NYC City Proof 24 Hour Eyeshadow (in Empire State Building and Wall Street Bronze). I love the bronze color--it's decently pigmented with good lasting power. However, I was disappointed by the pigmentation and packaging on the grey color. The whole stick fell out of the tube the minute I opened it, but I was able to jam it back in. I would say that these are not overall winners, and colors can be hit or miss on pigmentation.

Smoochproof Liquid Lip Stain (in On Everyone's Lips). It seems like almost everyone is releasing liquid lipsticks these days (I'm very excited for the new ColourPop ones launching soon). This one is decent--it did last a while with pretty good pigmentation, but started to get bunchy and dry after a little bit. I recommend moisturizing before and I wouldn't say it's exactly smoochproof, although it lasts longer than most lipsticks and is worth its puny price.

Expert Last Lip Color (in Turtle Bay Toffee). How can I resist another mauve shade? I find that mauves and neutrals tend to be the best at the drugstore, because since cheaper formulas can be dry and flaky, I don't want to accentuate that with a brighter color. I think I like this even more than the smoochproof one, as it's a thicker formula that seems to hang around longer. Plus there's a bigger color selection.

BB Blush Stick (in SoHo Pink and Never Sleeping Pink). I found these at KMart in the US, although I can't seem to find them anywhere online. These are the star of the show and far superior to their low price point. I prefer SoHo Pink, as it's more natural, but Never Sleeping Pink can be sheered out to a pretty pink. They're creamy, non-drying, and last a while. Plus the stick formula makes it easy for travel and touch-ups.

Jordana Modern Matte Lipstick  (in Matte Bare and Matte Blush). There's not a ton to say about these -- they're pretty good lipsticks for a very low price point. I prefer the netural shades, and although they're a little drying, they don't emphasize cracked lips when on. They look especially nice with a lip liner underneath.

Easyliner for Lips (in Rock n Rose, Rose Crush, Coco Loso, Tawny, and Plush Plum). Retractable lip liners are my favorites, I get that they make ones you can sharpen for hygienic reasons but it's never bothered me. These are so great and affordable, although I find the darker ones have better pigmentation. They're not the most long-lasting but stand their ground and are the least inexpensive ones I've found that do the job.

Essence Silky Touch Blush (in Adorable, Autumn Peach, Life's a Cherry, and Babydoll). If I had to pick anything to buy from the bunch, it's these blushes. They really do have a silky touch, provide a great amount of product for 2.99, and don't even really seem cheap with the packaging. They're all pigmented and come in a variety of colors, although I do wish there was a more dusty rose one.

Lip Liner (in Satin Mauve). Unfortunately this was the only color in stock that appealed to me, but I'm glad I have it. I've tried the long lasting lipsticks and love them, but the only thing I don't like about this is the self-sharpening point.

XXXL Shine Lipgloss in Nude Kiss. My only regret with this is not buying more. It's on par with higher-end formulas like the new Marc Jacobs or MUFE ones, being pigmented, creamy, and very shiny to give lips a fuller appearance.

                                               

On Everyone's Lips, Turtle Bay Toffee, Modern Mauve, Nude Kiss XXL, Satin Mauve, Rock n Rose, Rose Crush, Coco Loso, Tawny, Plush Plum

*Sorry for the lighting!

                                            

 

Empire State Building, Wall Street Bronze, Soho Pink, Never Sleeping Pink, Adorable, Autumn Peach, Life's a Cherry, Babydoll

What are your favorite drugstore buys under $5? Share below!

Face of the Day #5

I'm back with another face of the day! Peeking into other people's makeup routines and finding out what products they're ACTUALLY wearing (instead of just reviewing) are always my favorite things to read. There have been so many new launches recently that I can't even keep track of them, so look forward to lots of new reviews coming up! Here's the natural makeup look I wear on a daily basis to work (changing up products of course but color schemes are mostly the same). 

Cover FX Calming Primer
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Light
Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Light
Soap and Glory Kick Ass Blur and Brighten in Light
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Candlelight Primer
Colour Pop Metamorphosis Eyeshadows
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Charlotte Tilbury Bedroom Black Rock N Kohl Liner
Lancome Lash Primer
Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara
Make Up Forever Smoky Extreme Mascara
Hourglass Diffused Light Ambient Lighting Powder
Anastasia Contour Kit in Light/Medium
Sonia Kashuk Blush/Bronzer
Laura Geller Baked Gelato Illuminator in Gilded Honey
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
ELF Matte Lip Color in Praline 
MAC Soar Lip Liner 

What's been on your face lately? Comment below!
Also, make sure you sign up to help me win some Glossier products here.

Glossier Launches Coconut Balm Dotcom and Product Reviews

I love the idea behind Glossier... a small brand curated with only a few products that work extremely well. It's mostly skincare, with one base color product. I've only tried a few of their products, but they've recently launched a coconut scented version of their balm dotcom skin salve. By having friends sign up to learn more about it (with no purchase necessary), you become eligible to get Glossier products for free--no strings attached. I've already had ten friends sign up, so I've won the coconut balm dotcom and soothing face mist, but I really want to win the summer edition phase 1 set to try more of their products. If I have 19 more friends sign up, let's just say there may or may not be a giveaway.... ;)

*Photo originally from Into the Gloss

Please sign up here with my unique code... I promise it only takes a second. If you comment below saying you did I'll give you a special shout-out. Now on to the product reviews from the existing Glossier range!

Moisturizing Moon Mask. I'm a sucker for an overnight moisturizing mask. I honestly don't even use them as masks per se--I just slather some on overnight and let it soak in (if you're on the oilier side, I would probably only use it as a mask). It works just as well as Glamglow Thirsty Mud or a similar type of mask, for less than half the price. You get a solid amount of product for its price point, which seems to be true for every item in the range. It's very creamy and hydrating and I use it almost every other night. This is my favorite of the two "masks".
Mega Greens Galaxy Pack. Normally I go for a clay mask when I want something detoxifying and this one is super gentle. It's a very thin textured clay mask (although the green color can be deceiving) and also includes good-for-your-skin ingredients like leafy greens and antioxidants. This one can also be used for all skin types, but is especially good for oily-skinned girls. The longer you leave it on, the better (although definitely don't leave it on overnight). It's gentle enough to be used multiple times a week and leaves skin feeling refreshed and purified.
Perfecting Skin Tint in Light. Don't be fooled by its liquidy consistency--this baby provides a decent amount of coverage. It is quite thin and runny, but applies almost like Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. The lighter coverage has imperfections shine through, which I quite like, but if you're looking for something more fuller-coverage, this can be used as a tinted priming step to your other foundation. Although there are only three shades, the sheer formula adapts to almost any skin tone and makes application a dream. This is my favorite product of the line and I highly recommend it.

Have you tried anything from the Glossier range? Keep your eyes peeled for the Coconut Balm Dotcom launching next week and make sure you click on my link to help me win!

Happy Blog-a-versary!

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of A Day in the Life. I created this blog on a whim, bored at my old job, and it's become way better than I can imagine. Throughout the past year, I've had over 12,000 views (which means over 1,000 views a month). I went from 0 comments to an average of 5 on a post, plus I have actual followers who I know are reading each post. In return, I have found some of my favorite blogs and created a sense of community. My makeup knowledge has vastly increased and every day I learn more. Writing a blog allows me to express myself and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the people who wanted to read my thoughts. Although I'm not posting daily anymore, I've still managed to post weekly. A Day In The Life can only grow, and I'm proud of its progress so far.

Here's a throwback to my first ever post, where I kind of just mused and threw around some random thoughts. I'd like to do that again every so often, what do you think?

Whether this is your first time reading the blog, or you've been with me from the beginning, thanks for your support. Here's to many more posts to come!

ELF Beauty and the Beast Collection

Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite Disney movie. Belle loves to read (like me), and sees past outward appearances for the person within. I've just recently started getting into ELF, so when I found out they released a Beauty and the Beast Collection I ran to my Walgreens (I believe it's exclusive to there and forthcoming to Drugstore.com). They've done other Disney collaborations in the past but I missed out on those. In addition to the makeup, they also have gorgeous inexpensive makeup bags. I can't find the collection online right now, but I know it's in stores. All items were under $10.

Blush/Highlight/Contour Palette. This might be my favorite product from the collection. The bronzer is surprisingly not orange and great for warming up the face. The blush could stand to be a little more pigmented, but my favorite is the highlight, which isn't frosty at all. It's the most pigmented and adds luminousity.
Eyeshadow Palette. I debated getting this, because wasn't sure how often I would use the top colors, but I'm actually really impressed. They're decently pigmented and I love the middle shades for a golden, Belle-esque eye look.
Cream Colors in Beauty and Beast. Again, I kind of just bought these for the packaging. I prefer Beast, as it's my favorite kind of purpley taupe shade which is more pigmented than Belle, a golden color. I like to use them as a base to the eyeshadow palette but they also work well on their own.
Lipgloss. This is the least impressive item from the collection -- it's a simple lip gloss that doesn't do much for me. It's not bad per se, and it was the least expensive item I bought, but in addition to the unimpressive item, it also has the least impressive packaging.

Eyeshadow Swatches

L-R: Beauty, Beast, Bronzer, Blush, Highlight, Lip Gloss

Have you tried anything from ELF Disney collections? I'm kind of regretting not getting a makeup bag but I definitely don't need any more.

Why You Need To Try A Face Spray

A post on a Wednesday? It must be summer again! With more free time, I'm not sure I can commit to five posts a week, but I'm hoping to at least do three. Maybe it's just me, but I always thought face sprays were kind of a gimmick. They just seem like glorified water and I can just get that with a shower. However, a few I'm going to talk about have changed my mind and converted me to a face mist/spray lover.

 

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist. This one is ridiculously expensive, and to be honest, you don't really need it unless you have the money to spend. I got this as a birthday gift and I feel luxurious whenever I use it. Although technically more of a mist than a toner, I use it for toning purposes every night to hydrate and purify my skin.

Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist. Does it fix makeup? Does it set makeup? Can you use it as a primer before? I tend to use this either as a primer or makeup setting spray, although you can use it to hydrate during the day. It's quite affordable and smells like roses (huge win). However, be careful when spraying and makeup is already applied because it does have a heavier spray that can make eyes tear up.

Pixi Glow Mist.  I've never tried the infamous Pixi Glow Tonic, mostly because it's not sprayable and you have to apply it with a cotton bud or something (I'm lazy I know). This contains many of the same ingredients to give you a dewy affect, so I use it either as a morning toner pre-makeup or a makeup primer.

Skindanavia Makeup Setting Spray. If I had to only use one makeup setting spray for the rest of my life, this would be it. I used to use Urban Decay All Nighter spray, but I found out it's made by Skindanavia and this is actually cheaper for the same ingredients. I spray my whole face when I'm done with my makeup, and everything (especially my eye makeup) is extended. This leaves a natural finish, although they make ones specifically for dealing with oil control or dewiness.

MAC Mineralize Charged Spray. I had been contemplating ordering the Smashbox Photofinish Water primer, but then I heard the ingredients are the same as MAC Fix Plus or the Mineralize Charged Spray. Since these are ten dollars cheaper, I picked it up. I love using it to hydrate my skin as a primer or a mid-day pick-me-up. I know most of these descriptions sound repetitive, but there's only so much you can say about a good face spray.

Are face sprays/mists a step you include in your beauty routine? Share your favorites!

British Beauty Haulin'

If you've been reading this blog for a while, then you'd know that many of my favorite youtubers/bloggers are British. They always rave about amazing Boots or Su[perdrug products, which unfortunately don't even ship to the US. However, my friend Mallory who was studying abroad in England was kind enough to pick me up a few items I had been seriously coveting. I just got them a few days ago, so this is more of a first impressions post, but I can already tell some of these will be making it into my June favorites.

 

Sanctuary 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask. I've heard so many good things about this mask and have heard it compared to the Origins Charcoal Mask, which I love. You leave it on for five minutes and the charcoal warms up, then slowly cools as it draws out impurities. I've only used it once so far but am seriously impressed with the results.

L'Oreal False Lash Mascara Superstar Black (I know Boots has this but I can't find it online). Two-step mascaras always seem gimmicky to me, but the primer on this actually works really well. It's a step I always do anyways, so it makes it easier to have it in the mascara. The second step adds length and volume, and L'Oreal mascaras have just been on a roll for me lately.

L'Oreal Superstar Superliner Black. I love my L'Oreal Infalliable liquid liner (fortunately that's available in the states) but this one has a slightly spongier, bigger tip which makes it easier to apply. Winged eyeliner is suddenly super easy, although I wish the staying power was just a liiitle bit longer.

Mac Factor Creme Puff Blush in Seductive Pink, Nude Mauve, and Gorgeous Berries. If there's one item I've been waiting for, it's these. They launched a few months ago and everyone in the UK went crazy for them. They've been compared to the Hourglass Ambient Light blushes, which I adore. I can definitely say these are on pare with pigmentation, staying power, and adding a hint of glow. My only regret is not asking for the other three colors.

Rimmel Good to Glow Highlighter in Notting Hill Glow. You can actually get these in the US from Asos or Feel Unique, which is what I did for the bronzier color about a month back. Then ViviannaDoesMakeup compared this to the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearl and I was sold. I have to say it's a pretty good dupe, and the color is one of those that can be used alone, mixed with foundation, or on top.

*I bought the next two items from Feel Unique, a British beauty website, and they arrived on the same day so I've included them.

Nourish Golden Glow Illuminating Face Serum. Surprise, surprise--another glowy face product. This one is definitely more subtle, so I like to use it as a primer under foundation (although you could still mix it in). It's relatively inexpensive compared to other products that do the same, and it contains good-for-you skincare vitamins like C and E.

Zoella Bath Fizzer. Ever since I got my own bathroom (and bathtub), I've been really into bath bombs. Unfortunately, there are no Lushes near me, so I make a point to get a few whenever I'm home or in Montreal. As much as I love them, they are pretty pricy for one use. I love the Zoella makeup bags, and this bar comes with cubes that can be broken off for multiple uses. At just a few dollars more than a Lush one, I figured I have nothing to lose.

L-R: Nourish serum, L'Oreal eyeliner, Rimmel highlighter, Max Factor Seductive Pink, Nude Mauve, Gorgeous Berries

I love British beauty products, so let me know some of your favorites!

Clarins Aquatic Treasures Collection

I remember seeing sneak peeks of this collection around March, with a launch date of May. I patiently waited through the month as the UK and Canada got it, but I still haven't seen it anywhere in the US (the bronzer was available on the Clarins website for about a day before it sold out). I spent last weekend in Montreal and I knew this collection was one of the beauty items I definitley had to purchase. These two items have been on my wish list for quite some time and it was nice to be able to finally get my hands on them. I found them at a department store called The Bay (similar to Nordstrom or Macy's) and I am unsure if they ship to the US.

Summer Bronzing Compact. This is the star of the collection, and rightfully so. Every year a new limited-edition bronzer is released with a different pattern, and you can still find older ones online. I've never tried a bronzer from Clarins, although their blushes and other items don't disappoint, so I knew I would luck out with this. Each shade can be used individually, but I prefer swirling them together to get a natural bronzy glow. The shades run warm, so this is definitely better to use for warming up the face rather than a contour, but you could certainly get away with it. The packaging is beautiful and sturdy, so this can come along on trips with you.

Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion in 04 Apricot. I've been seeing tons of liquid bronzing bases lately, with ones from Stila, Maybelline, and more hitting the market. The Instant Light line from Clarins is my favorite (I'm looking at you, lip glosses and concealer), and I already own this product in the champagne shade. The yellow tone of that is a great primer for concealing redness, and I picked up this shade for it's peachy golden base to warm up my face before foundation. It appears scary coming out of the tube, but sheers out to give you just a hint of a glow. There's also a darker shade if you really do want a deep glow or if you're more tan. The product is so blendable and creamy that I prefer it far more than my other bronze glowy bases.

Instant Light Base, Bronzer

In addition to the items I picked up, there are also some new ombre eyeshadows which I've heard are comparable to the Chanel ones. If you live somewhere where this collection is accessible, I highly recommend getting the bronzer. I'm not sure if the bases are limited edition or not, but they're a great summer staple.

Did you try anything from the Clarins Aquatic Treasures collection?

May Favorites

When this goes up, I will finally be moving into my new house (for a year!). I've been all over the place this month, moving over three times and with more stuff than I even imagined I owned, but as of June 1st, today, I'm going to be settled into a new place. And with a new place comes my long-awaited dream of an Ikea Alex. Organizing that will definitely be a multi-day project, but I can't wait to be reunited with all of my makeup in storage (Is it weird to think of it like your friends? No? Good).

Anastasia Contour Kit. I mentioned this in a previous post and it has been a $40 very well spent since I purchased it. I've been loving the middle banana shade for setting under-eyes, as well as the left and middle shades for a subtle contour. I think almost all of the shades work for me (the right contour might be a bit orange) but it's simple to do a quick contour when I don't want to spend forever fussing with it. I recommend this for beginners and pros alike.
Tarte Eyeshadow Palette (exclusive to QVC Set). The week before this set launched, my social media was filled with awesome previews. It was featured at a lower price than it is now, and you get SIX full sized Tarte products for under 50 bucks. My favorite of the collection was the eyeshadow quad, which appears to feature some pretty neutral shades. However, they're extremely pigmented and buttery--I'd say more so than any other Tarte shadows I own. The set is worth it for this alone, although you get some awesome other products like a full-sized mascara and cool balm-like foundation.
Becca Undereye Brightening Corrector. Peachey toned correctors are great for canceling out blueness and dark circles, and this one takes the cake. I've tried a few, although corrector isn't something in my daily routine, but adding this makes a huge difference. You apply it before concealer to color correct and add highlight and brightness. It's creamy and blendable without creasing and a little goes a long way.
Real Techniques Bold Metals Brushes. How did I not get these when they first launched in the US?? I've been a fan of the Real Techniques brushes, but I don't think they'e anything special -- they're practical, affordable, but not very visually appealing. PixiWoo has done an amazing job here of creating a more luxe (yet still quite affordable) line of brushes for all of your makeup needs. Besdies the awesome appearance, I found that these brushes added some extra precision that I had been lacking. My favorites are the large powder brush, which can also be used to apply blush/contour/any kind of powder, the actual contour brush which makes contouring a breeze, and the crease brush for blending out smoky eyes.
L'oreal So Couture Volume Million Lashes. Sadly, this product is not yet available in the US, but I got it in Montreal. It's definitely available in Europe and probably other countries. It's just a really good drugstore mascara that doesn't clump, lengthens, and volumes. It reminds me of a higher end YSL-type mascara (maybe that's just the word couture in the title) but if you can get it near you it's worth it.
Sonia Kashuk Eyeshadow Quad in Up in Smoke. I'd always heard mixed things about Sonia Kashuk eyeshadows (some are pigmented with lasting power and some aren't) but this one got generally good reviews and is the most different than what I already own. The shades feel high quality for the price and blend beautifully to give a smoky eye. It reminds me of the Charlotte Tilbury Rock Chic quad, so I would recommend this if you're trying to save your pennies. I'm not a huge fan of the packaging, as it feels a bit cheap and flimsy, but I can overlook that for the value at the pricepoint.


Books: Summer reading season is always my favorite, because both some of my favorite authors release their yearly books as well as debut authors hitting it out of the park. I loved Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll, I Regret Nothing by Jen Lancaster, Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen, and All the Rage by Courtney Summers.

Music: Since this month has been so chaotic, I really haven't listened to anything new. It's been mostly just Pandora and old favorites, and I'm still jamming out to Someone New by Hozier.

TV: I've been whizzing through United States of Tara on Netflix, about a woman with dissociative identity disorder (multiple disorders) and how she navigates her family with this. Although there are dramatic moments, it's ultimately a comedy. I'm sad there are only three seasons, as I'm almost done with season two.


What did you love in May? Favorites posts/videos are my favorite, so I'd love for you to share or link to your own!