Mid Year Makeup Favourites

Hey guys! I've definitely been missing you guys so while I'm on mid year holidays, I thought I would do a mid year favourites post. Kind of like a yearly one but half, hahaha and also because I've discovered some fantastic products this year so far that I really want to share with you.

Face

Dr. Jart Rejuvinating Blemish Base Silver Label BB Cream 

Oh mylanta. I have been obsessed with this product for the entire year so far. It is honestly the only foundation product I've used all year except for my Nars Sheer Glow twice for two formals because it photographs well.  I've even had Giorgio Armani foundation samples that I still haven't tried because this BB Cream is simply amazing. It completely trumps all the other foundations I've tried. I just love the ease and practicality of this product. It's so easy to apply with any tool, I prefer using my fingers or my beauty blender, it looks so seamless and natural on the skin. It doesn't look like you're wearing tons of makeup, just that you have really awesome skin! The coverage is also build-able, which is fantastic because you can use a tiny bit to get light coverage or you can build it up to get almost full coverage even. I usually wear it at medium coverage using about half a pea size give or take. If I'm in a pinch, it gives great brightening under the eyes too or even when dabbing it on a blemish. It also has SPF 35 which is awesome and helps fight blemishes/redness with decent oil control. I love this product so much and it's all I ever use now, it's just legendary!

Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener in Light-Med Peach

I've mentioned this product before so I'm not going to go in depth. This is just my favourite under eye concealer and it's quite a light formula which I like and it's peachy undertone is great at correcting dark circles. I can't wait to get the new packaging of a doe foot applicator when I'm finished. 

MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC30

Again, another staple of mine. Still my favourite concealer. It just is fantastic at covering blemishes but still looking natural. 

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark

And once again, a staple of mine. Just such a fantastic natural powder that gives a really nice finish. However, not the best if you want really good oil control. Hence, I've been starting to use the next product quite a lot. 

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Beige Medium

Great powder for more oil control. I will still need to blot throughout the day but it's much better oil control than my MAC one. It looks pretty natural however, the finish isn't AS nice as the MAC one. Well you can't have everything can you?

Bobbi Brown Blush in Nude Peach

My all time favourite blush, I talk about this all the time so I'm not going to go into it too much. I just love how it's the perfect balance between peach and nude, matte and shimmer, and sheer and pigmented. 

MAC Cremeblend Blush in Something Special

I've been getting back into this amazing blush in the cooler months and because my skin has been clearing up. Cream blushes weren't usually my best friend because of my combination-oily complexion and blemished complexion. But as my skin produces less oil in the cooler months, I like to wear this blush when my skin is on the clearer side. It's a really pretty colour, a little more peachy than the Bobbi Brown blush but still very natural and it's easy to use. I just apply it with my fingers and then blend it out in a dabbing motion with my beauty blender and wah la! Natural cheeky flush!

MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush

Still my favourite highlighter, love how natural it is! However, I am in the market for a cream highlighter because I want more oil control. So do you guys have any recommendations for a powder highlighter that gives a natural glow, I don't wanna be a disco ball haha. 

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Still my favourite Bronzer as well, I love it!

Lucas' Paw Paw Ointment

This is a topical product that I like to put on my skin before/after makeup. I usually dab a bit on dry patches before I put on my makeup and after on any dry patches I missed that were accentuated by the makeup. 

Urban Decay DeSlick Makeup Setting Spray

I've been using this as a setting spray instead of MAC's Fix+ and it has helped my makeup last so much longer. I spritz this before and after I do my face makeup, however, if I want more oil control, I instead spray it before I apply my makeup and after I've applied all my cream/liquid products and then I apply my powder products over it. 

Eyes

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Still a fantastic eye primer, I've been using this for ages!

Nars Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base

I started using this eye primer at the start of the year. I quite like it but I'm still not sure if it beats UDPP. 

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow in Cement

One of my must have products, such a fantastic eyeshadow base for evening out the skin tone and it's also fantastic on its own. I usually wear this to school on its own because it's the perfect shadow for my skintone so that it doesn't look like I'm wearing eyeshadow but my eyes are brightened. Great for a no makeup makeup look. 

MAC Paint Poit in Bare Study

Another one of my must have eye products. Probably my favourite champagne toned cream shadow. I've tried a few and every time I come back to this one. The colour and formula is just fantastic. Unfortunately, the staying power isn't effective enough for my super oily eyelids so I still need to wear a primer underneath as I have to with every cream shadow. 

MAC Eyeshadow Quad - Naked Lunch, All That Glitters, Satin Taupe, Quarry

Even though I have quite a few fantastic neutral palettes, I always come back to this quad for my weekend eyeshadow looks (I don't wear much eyeshadow to school). Naked Lunch is a great classic champagne colour that looks amazing on the eyelids. I usually pair it with Quarry, which is a gorgeous matte neutral purple that adds a subtle purple to the eyes, or Wedge for subtle definition which I will mention down below. All That Glitters is a really nice warmer champagne shade, an 'almost' gold colour, kind of haha. I wear this more often in the evening with Satin Taupe, which is a beautiful taupe colour. Often I like to wear satin taupe on it's own all over the lid for a simple and soft smoky look. 

MAC Eyeshadows - Wedge, Brule

Wedge is my favourite 'blending' colour. It's one of those basic light brown matte shades. If I ever have a more dramatic look that needs to be muted, I blend with this shade to tone down all the frostiness. I also love this as subtle definition for Naked Lunch when I'm going for a really natural look. Brule is my all time favourite highlight colour. It's really velvety and pigmented, and it's a satin finish, so there's not shimmer but it has a sheen so it's not completely flat. I usually pair this with every eye look and for school I just sweep a bit under my brow with my finger for added brightness. 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - Blackout

I've never really loved how my eyes looked with black liner because it just seemed so dark. I love really natural makeup so black liner has always felt over the top for me, especially with my dark eyes, brows, lashes and glasses, it just seemed too much in my opinion. And then I found this great technique for applying powder as a liner from a video gossmakeupartist did on dailymixtv on YouTube. The technique is just to push the eyeshadow into your lash line with an angled eyeliner brush, which I find super fast and easier than applying powder eyeshadow with a gel liner 'dragging' technique. The look is really soft but still adds definition and an ever so slight sultry tone from the softness. I personally haven't used the two Naked palettes THAT MUCH except for the two formals this year, but that isn't saying the two palettes aren't great, as a whole I just haven't really used them that much this year so far. 

Too Faced Natural Eye Collection Palette - Sexpresso 

After that eyeshadow eyeliner technique discovery, I wanted to try it for a more neutral brown as well. I used this shade with the same technique and I love it for daytime. Again, it's really soft but gives added definition to your eyes and makes your lashes look a little thicker without undermining them. And again, is really quick and easy to do and I've been wearing this eyeshadow as eyeliner so much!

Urban Decay 24/7 Gilde On Eye Pencil in Demolition

I'd also been getting into pencil liner for most of this half year and I've been loving it. This is a fantastic brown colour that is really easy to apply. If I want a more natural look, I usually do a really thin rough line and then I smudge it out a bit with a cotton tip. The formulation of these are fantastic. I did also start tight lining with this and it generally stays on pretty well and creates a natural look. But I'm still a little iffy when tight lining so I've been leaning more to the eyeshadow eyeliner technique recently. 

Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel

I've been seriously slacking on my brows and I really don't care hahaha. I actually really like the natural, a bit messy & thick brow look. And I know this is terrible in the beauty world, but to people who don't care much about the beauty side of things (my parents, guy friends) it looks so much better and more natural. Every time I've filled in my brows, it felt like the face was too made up and I didn't like that. When it comes to makeup, I wanna just be me and hence, why I like natural makeup. I actually feel more uncomfortable with a cake face of makeup. So to the point of this product, if I'm going to some special event, I've just used this to ever so slightly shape my unruly brows a little better. 

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara by LashBlast in Black Brown

OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS MASCARA! I've only used this mascara all year so far, what a shocker for me hahaha! It fixed the one issue I had with the original Lash Blast Volume (my previous favourite mascara) which was clumping. It still gives pretty good lengthening and volume (I wouldn't say as crazy as other mascaras I've seen) but it still DOESN'T SMUDGE on me and can look natural or a little more dramatic. And it's funny because as soon as it starts smudging often I know that it's time to throw it out. I'd say the tube lasted about 4-5 months. It couldn't push the 6 months mark cuz it was just smudging every time so I bought a new one and it's smudgeproof once again! Yay! This is now my all time mascara and I'm hoping to get the waterproof one when I go to America, simply because whenever I cry, I just happen to be wearing mascara. 

Lips

Nuxe Reve de Miel Honey Lip Balm

This is probably, other than burt's bees simply because it's a more practical packaging, my favourite lip balm. My best friend got it for my birthday when she went to France at the start of the year and I absolutely love it. It's an incredibly luxurious formulation and lasts so long on the lips. It has a great finish that is mostly matte but feels very velvety. Just simply fantastic. The only down size is a not very portable pot packaging however, I don't think the formula would be as good if it was in a stick form. 

Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm

Another fantastic lip balm that definitely does rival the former, but has a creamier finish and doesn't last as long, but it still lasts so much longer than most lip balms. Also, it smells absolutely amazing, just like white chocolate, honey and a bit of mint. 

Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm

I've been trying some more of the Burt's Bees lip balms, such as the nourishing mango and replenishing pomegranate ones which I love too, but my favourite of the year so far would be this one. This one has a bit more sheen than the original beeswax one but isn't as glossy as the other two mentioned. Just a generally great great lip balm and I prefer this scent of the original minty scent which is often overwhelming in my opinion. 

Nivea Repair & Protection SPF 20 Lip Balm

This is the lip balm that I usually use on going out in the day because it has SPF, especially in the warmer months or on days when the UV is quite high. Generally not bad lip balm and it's one that I've always repurchased. 

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus

Okay now moving into the coloured lip products. Still, my all time favourite lip product without question. Not going to talk about it too much because I've mentioned this a lot before. It's just a fantastic formulation, great finish and natural colour and easy to apply without a mirror. 

Maybelline Pink Glow Mixed Berry Lip Balm in Pink Blast

This is one of those lip balms that appear clear but change to give a kind of bright colour based on each person's unique lip chemistry. It gives a really nice natural medium fuchsia pink. The only downside is Maybelline lip balms have a really watery consistency and they don't wear off very nicely, but I love this for a fuss-free tint of colour. 

Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart

I've been getting into more natural fuchsia lip colours and this one is really nice. I usually apply it really lightly because I think it's too dramatic when it's at thick application. It also leaves a hint of a stain that is quite natural. 

So they're my mid year makeup favourites. It's quite a lot for you guys to read hahaha. I'm currently on mid year school holidays which is why I'm posting this and because I've been missing this. Anyway, hope you guys liked this post and have a nice day!

Natural Glamour - Bronzed and Glowing

Natural Glamour - Bronzed and Glowing by amymakeup08 featuring nars cosmetics

NARS Cosmetics / NARS Cosmetics bronze makeup / Benefit highlight makeup, $40 / Butter London , $68

NOTD: Watermelon Cherry Pop

OPI Charged Up Cherry

A bright neon watermelon/cherry pink that's perfect for summer. 

NOTD: A Magenta Señorita

OPI Señorita Rose-Alita

A gorgeous deep pink magenta with a beautiful gold duo chrome. 

Collective Haul - Lush, MAC, Zara & More

Here is a collective haul starting from a while ago, I just didn't have time to put the haul up then because I was busy with exams and now I have just accumulated stuff since them. 

Also a little update: Now I am finally on school holidays so I will try to post more. I had just finished my year 11 and year 12 subject exams and then I started year 12 because my school starts the next academic year early, however I was just too busy to post then too. However I have a lot of ideas and the second part of the Spring Favourites video is coming, I'm just in the process of editing it right now. 

MAC Perfectly Plush Brush Kit: Essential

(190 Foundation Brush, 129 Powder/Blush Brush, 275 Medium Angled Shading Brush, 266 Small Angle Brush and 226 Small Tapered Blending Brush)

Lush Snowcake Soap

Tag: 10 Products I'd Repurchase If All My Makeup Disappeared

This tag has been spreading like wildfire on the beauty community, although it has died down a bit, I still find it super interesting. It's basically about if you lost all your makeup and could only buy 10 products, what would you buy? This was actually super hard for me because I often change products depending on the weather or just my mood haha although I do have some essential products that I absolutely love. It's also really fun to read/watch other people's tags because it shows what your favourite or essential products are.

I was tagged by Amy of the great blog http://prettypinklipss.blogspot.com.au and her Instagram is @amyppl to do this tag on Instagram (@amywenting) and I thought I might do a proper blogpost about it on my blog.

I tag anyone who wants to do this, it's actually a really fun tag in my opinion and allows you to try and think that if it came to only 10 products, what you would get for makeup.

Products:

Mini Haul - Clinique & Real Techniques

A few things that I had ordered online a while ago had arrived in the mail recently and boy, was I happy! Also, I'm sorry if I have been unresponsive for a while, it's because I have exams ongoing for the next three weeks and I've been studying a lot so I don't think I'll have time to post, but after november the 7th, when all my year 11 and year 12 subject exams are over, I will be posting more!

Real Techniques Core Collection

I have had my eyes on Real Techniques brushes for ages but I just couldn't be bothered going online and ordering them (I know that sounds totally stupid). I recently just went for it and bought the Core Collection. To be honest, I only really wanted the Buffing Brush but I do enjoy the other brushes too! A first impressions post will be coming soon. Also, I know they are sold in Priceline but they are super overpriced, I bought mine off iherb.com and it was still cheaper including shipping!

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

I have been using the Moisturising Lotion for ages but I can only use that in the cooler months of the year when my skin is combination dry, but with spring coming in and me finishing my Bobbi Brown Hydrating Gel Cream, I wanted to get a moisturiser for when my skin is combination oily and I didn't want to buy the Bobbi Brown one because I wanted to try a cheaper alternative. I actually bought this off sasa.com because it's a lot cheaper and combined with some stuff my Mum bought, we could get free shipping!

Mini Beauty & Fashion Haul

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Beige

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes 

Leggings from Witchery

Top from Rusty at Planet Surf

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Spot Treatment Gel and Clearing Moisturiser

A Review: Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick in Atomic

So today I'm going to be doing a review of the Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick in the shade Atomic. It features a gold colour and an olive green darker colour. I bought this mainly for the gold colour but I actually regret buying this now.

First of all, I find the pigmentation to be average. The darker colour is more pigmented than the lighter one, which does show up too much on the eyes and looks more like some golden shimmer than really bothers me. 

Secondly, I feel that generally stick eyeshadow bases just don't work as effectively as cream shadows. I initially thought I would like this because it is more hygienic in a sense and you don't have to use your fingers but stick eyeshadow bases just aren't as creamy as cream bases. I know that sounds kind of obvious but it's just honestly kind of painful to have to drag the stick over the eyelid over and over for more pigmentation. Although, I do have to mention that I personally feel that the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils are an exception because it's just so creamy!

I also just find this product quite difficult to work with, the gold doesn't show up much and you don't want to put the dark colour over the whole eyelid if you're looking for a natural look and blending out is a pain as it's a little annoying to blend, I feel that it takes a bit of effort.

On the bright side, it does stay on quite well, although I need an eye primer. However, I need an eye primer with every eyeshadow and cream shadow and this product stayed on and didn't crease a lot longer than some other bases without a primer. 

Swatches

This is how it looks on my eyes. I blended the darker colour our a lot on the outer corner because I found that the two colours didn't look thaaaaaat great together. Also, I put the gold one on my lid A LOT and it looks like it barely comes up.

And then the bad news:
MINE WAS BROKEN! I'm pretty sure it was broken before I bought it because when I was looking at it it seemed really close to the lid, even touching it but I never thought much of it. This happened when I was twisting up the darker colour and it seemed a little reluctant in retracting back and it felt a little loose, then I just tipped it over a tiny bit and didn't exert any extra effort and it just fell out! That is just so frustrating, and it also shows that you definitely don't get that much product, especially compared to cream shadows in a pot.

 

And this is again a downside of stick shadow bases that are retractable in that they could easily break,

So that was my review, I hope it helped somehow and I was not sent this for reviewing and I paid for it with my own money.

Mini Priceline Haul & Other

I just went to the shops today to pick up some stuff and I rewarded myself with the Revlon Smoky Shadow Stick in Atomic which I actually came with an unfortunate surprise which I will talk about in an upcoming review. I also bought another Batiste Dry Shampoo Fresh because I'm almost out of the one I have now. I love this Dry Shampoo and it's probably the 3rd or 4th can that I've bought. 

Then I bought the September issue of Teen Vogue and some star patterned fabric from Lincraft to use as a costume for a party soon. 

Collective Haul - Makeup, Clothing & Other

Buxom Lash Mascara - travel size

I actually got this off Ebay and it's the first thing I got off Ebay. I'm really pleased with it and as you can't get in Australia, even online, I resorted to Ebay and I'm pretty happy with the result. The shipping took a while but I don't mind and it was pretty cheap. 

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Punjab 

I got this from Mecca Cosmetica and I know there are websites online that are cheaper but I had a $20 giftcard so it was even cheaper. 

Burt's Bees Refreshing Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit

Got this from Priceline.

Basic long sleeve shirts in Black and White from Miss Shop @ Myer

Winter Dress from Tokito in Myer

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

From book depository which has great prices and free shipping worldwide!

Crazy, Stupid, Love DVD

From JB Hi-Fi (love this movie!)

May Wants

Since this month I had a few things that I've been wanting and planning on getting in the future, I thought I might do a May Wants, also inspired by my blog best friend, Molly's blog.

I'm not going to post May Wants as often as May Favourites but if I do have a few distinct things that I've been considering buying the past month and are added to my wish list.

Source: amazon

Makeup For Ever Aqua Liner in #11 Diamond Burgundy

I saw Lisa Eldridge use it in one of her previous tutorial's and I thought it was just the most gorgeous colour ever! As Makeup For Ever is not very accessible in Australia, I'm planning on buying it when I go to Hong Kong this Christmas. 

Source: mecca cosmetica

Nars Sheer Glow

My semi-formal is in a couple months and I realised that I didn't have a good foundation that didn't have SPF that I can use for taking photos and won't give me a white cast. I also like the fact that it is build able medium coverage. Although I am worried that it might have a really similar finish to my Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation because I don't want to just buy this because it's good for taking photos. 

I was also considering getting a powder that didn't have SPF in it but I think that's just too many because I definitely do not need another powder. I'll just have to use my Inglot Loose Translucent Powder which shouldn't have titanium/iron oxide as it's not SPF although it does have iron oxide in the ingredients, strange?

Source: makeup for ever

Makeup For Ever Full Cover Concealer

Ingrid/missglamorazzi on YouTube has been talking about this concealer tons and it looks great! I can't wait to try it out in Hong Kong and I hope that it works well!

Those were the main wants for this month. There were a few other little things that I wanted in the moment but not considering as long term purchase.

May Favourites

May favourites time! Woooo!

Koji Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner

I've never really been a big fan of liquid liner, I've always felt that it never looked the way I wanted to, but this month I thought I'd give it a few extra chances and I fell in love. I think liquid liner gives a really bold and 'let's get down to business' look but also is very classic and timeless. I think it just really pulls together a look. 

Sephora 110 Foundation Brush (left)

I've always loved this foundation brush, it's not scratchy unlike the Sigma paddle shape foundation brush, but this month I've been really loving using this to apply my BB Cream. When I use this my face doesn't get dry in certain places by the end of the day and gives more coverage. 

Sigma F84 Angled Top Kabuki Brush (right)

I've always loved this foundation brush too, but this month I've really been loving using this to apply my Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation. It gives that same effects as I mentioned above. 

Lucas' Papaw Ointment

I've always used this to remove little eye makeup mistakes but I've realised that it's also really helpful for my little dry patches that pop up after I put on makeup. You can also use this as a highlighter to add a subtle natural glow 

Sigma Blending E25 Brush

I've noticed in pixi2woo's tutorials, that she often not only uses this brush for eye makeup, but also for blending concealer. I love it cuz the concealer blends so flawlessly, I use it with the Maybelline Fit Me concealer around the nose where I have redness. 

Artiste Professional Manicare Pointed Eyeliner Brush

After also watching Lisa Eldridge's tutorials, she often uses a pointed eyeliner brush to apply concealer precisely on imperfections, so I've been really loving doing that.

Clarisonic Delicate Brush Head

It was time for me to change my brush head and they ran out of the sensitive brush head so I ended up buying this one. Turns out this brush head is actually more suited for acne prone skin, so it's more suitable for me. But about a week after I bought this I saw an ad in Teen Vogue for the new Clarisonic Brush Head that is for just acne prone skin, so I think I'll try that out when I have to change brush heads again or something. 

Lush Aqua Mirabilis Body Butter

I ran out of my body scrub so I wanted to try a body butter from Lush because I thought the idea was really interesting. I absolutely love this body butter and I think I'm going to keep purchasing it when I'm finished. I love the nutty smell and my favourite part is that it doesn't leave an oily residue. It just really annoys me after I've used a scrub and I get out of the shower and my skin feels kinda slippery and that just makes me feel like I'm not fully clean, it's kinda weird. 

Kit Cosmetics Body Wash in Fresh Pear, Crisp Apple & Vanilla

I bought this a while ago and I only got round to using this this month. It's just like a basic shower gel but I really love the smell. It's a very fresh smell and makes me feel clean. The only downside is that the smell isn't very predominant and fades after a while, I wish it would last a little more post shower.

Maybelline Lasting Drama Eye Studio Gel Liner in Eggplant Aubergine

I've been really loving using this liner because it's fun but is also more natural than black liner as it's a softer look. But I don't think it's as creamy as other gel liners although I still use it because I just love the colour so much! 

Gap Legging Jeans

I've been absolutely obsessed with these legging jeans. They are just so incredibly comfortable but at the same time they are really flattering on me. 

Country Road Sweater

This sweater/jumper has been my go to sweater this month, I've just been wearing it so much! I love the mixing of the textures. The front is wool but the arms and back are cotton, so it's not really itchy. It's also sooooo warm!

Gap Flats

These are probably the most comfortable flats I own, I love em! I've just been loving Gap and I went to Gap for the first time this month. 

My Sweater Drawer!

I've been pulling this drawer out soooo much this month, especially as the weather gets colder. Sweaters/Jumpers are just so amazing because they're really warm and comfortable but can pull an outfit together really easily. 

My iPad!

Absolutely obsessed with this! I use to be the biggest iPad skeptic because I thought "what does the iPad do that a computer/iPhone doesn't do?" The reason I really love the iPad is because it's looks so much better to surf the web on a bigger screen than an iPhone but it's much more portable than a laptop! I love taking this to lectures because it's soooooo light!

A blue throw!

Sorry I don't remember where I got this throw, I have so many throws but this is just the one that I've had over my quilt on my bed because it's just been getting sooooo cold!

I'm also going to do May Wants this month because they've been quite a few things that I've really been wanting so I'll put that post up really soon!