SUMMER BEAUTY STAPLES UNDER $15

Summer beauty should be fun, easy and of course geared toward warmer weather and sun protection! So I've rounded up 8 of my top picks for Summer, and all of them are under $15! Wahoo! [video here]

• Flamingo Razor System- the BEST razors (and also shaving cream and wax strips too!) now available at Target hallelujah! 
• Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Illuminator- It hides imperfections and gives skin a major glow, perfect for the shin bone and collar bones especially!
• Sun Bum Sunscreen Facial Stick SPF 30- the BEST facial stick out there, it goes on clear and matte and smells like yummy bananas!
• Not Your Mothers Matcha Green Tea Butter Masque- HEAVENLY smelling and turns dry parched hair into smooth hydrated tresses! Use it once a week especially if you're swimming.
• Sun Bum Hair Lightener Spray Perfect for dirty blondes and medium brunettes who want to brighten up their locks while at the pool. Think of this more like a beach spray and use it sparingly through the midlengths and ends to add bright highlights. Avoid the roots though so you don't turn orangey. (Don't use if you've got bleached hair already)
• Garnier Balancing Facial Mist- this is like a shine shield spray to keep your face from looking too oily. I like to use it BEFORE and then again AFTER my foundation to really lock things into place.
• Maybelline Dream Urban Cover SPF 50 a foundation that boasts SPF 50 is hard to find, but this one has it and it rocks! I am so excited to have found it. (Semi dewey finish, so set with powder if you're oily)
• Almay Velvet Foil Cream Shadow This stuff doesn't budge! I have worn it swimming and to the gym, and it holds up amazingly. Lots of colors and easy to apply, I'll be adding more to my collection soon.

Happy Sweating, er I mean Summer! xo

BOBBY PIN ART? YES PLEASE

There isn't much more that I love than dressing up my hair... after all it's my career- but it's also been something I've loved doing since I was a kid! So that fact that BOBBY PINS have made such a major splash in the industry right now, is just icing on the cake if you ask me.

I used to spray paint my own pins because colored options weren't available! But now... you can find every color and decorative pin under the sun. And that's just the beginning, the fun part comes when you layer and stack those pins to make shapes and patterns. The possibilities are endless.

Take a look at some fun ways you can use your pins in the video below, and then shop my favorites. Get those creative juices flowing and come up with your own art too.

xo

Shop my picks:

MAY [BUDGET FRIENDLY] FAVS WORTH MENTIONING

May has come and gone- and that means Summer is officially here! I am excited for some warm weather and family fun.

Last month I had 5 favorites that I want to share with y'all... so let's dive in!

• Garnier Balancing Facial Mist- I love the scent on this, but I really do think it balances the skin, meaning it helps control oil and shine, but doesn't dry you out either! I mist it on evenly and generously prior to my foundation, and I am hooked!
• OLLY Flawless Complexion Vitamin Gummies- I swear by the OLLY brand and use many of their supplements, but this complexion formula is one of my favorites. It is a small part of my very LARGE skincare routine, but I do think the antioxidant ingredients go to work to keep skin more clear and radiant.
• Equate Spray Brush Cleaner- I bought this totally on a whim at Walmart a few weeks ago, but holy cow, it's amazing. I use it as a daily brush cleanser to keep my brushes sanitized and fresh in between deep cleanings. You simply spray it on a paper towel and then swirl the brush on it for a super quick but effective removal of makeup.
• Wild Fable Phone Cord Pony O's- These things are so good at holding hair in place all day, but what I love most about them is that they help my ponytail to perk up and not droop off the back of my head. The colors are so cute too!
• Who What Wear Pleated Scarf- These pleated scarves are such a fun accessory to add into your hairstyles. The texture moves with you and really makes a bold statement.

Happy June! xo

3 TIPS THAT MAKE POLISHING YOUR NAILS SO MUCH EASIER!

Getting the perfect manicure at home can be a challenge, but it is a great way to save some time and money if you can master the steps. Here are my tried and true steps and products for a DIY mani that will last! [video here]

1- It's all in the PREP

Consider the time that is spent at the nail salon PRIOR to applying the polish. All of the prep-steps matter, and are crucial to getting a mani that lasts.

So be sure you:

• File and shape the nails- do this first so that the polish can wrap around the finished edge for a stronger bond.
• Soften and push back the cuticles, my fav product for this is the Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover
• lightly buff the shine off of the nail

2- Polish in THIN even layers (2-3 layers with a 2 minute wait time in between each)

• The thinner the layers, the less likely you'll smudge and the quicker you will dry try the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel it's the best!
• Start painting holding the brush with your NON-Dominant hand, this will help avoid smudging. And take your time, nice slow swipes work best- start from the middle of the nail and work back towards cuticle to keep the cuticle polish free.
• Work from the pinky finger inward to help avoid accidental bumps and smudges 

3- Top Coat and BE PATIENT

• Keep the top coat layer thin as well for best results, Sally Hansen makes a gloss or a matte finish which I love for a more modern look.
• Wait 10-15 minutes before moving but remember polish can smudge for up to 90 minutes after it's applied so be careful with hands until you're in the clear

Happy Polishing!

80's BEAUTY TRENDS THAT ARE BACK IN A NEW WAY

Today on a special LIVE episode of Studio 5 dedicated to the 80's, I took 4 iconic beauty trends from that decade, and showed how they've 'glown up' into a more sophisticated look today. All trends cycle back eventually, but each time they resurface they get a little more modern... hallelujah!

So here's a quick look at 4 of my favorite ways to update those 80's looks. [video here]

• Crimped & Permed Hair ---> Glown Up: Rock Star Waves. My favorite hair tool in years is this Bed Head Deep Waver. It is so easy to use and gives amazing texture in a snap. Deep Waver
• Scrunchies, Clips & Headbands ---> Glown Up: STILL scrunchies and clips! Hair accessories have come back strong, but wearing them as an adult can be tricky. Try looking for fabrics and prints that are more mature. For clips and bobby pins be sure to strategically place them in pairings and groupings for an updated twist. Accessories
• Blue Eyeshadow ---> Glown Up: Brights, but with a modern twist. If you want to jump on board to the BRIGHT shadow trend happening right now- be sure you are very intentional with the usage of color. Try using your brights as an accent color, instead of an entire wash over the lid like we wore in the 80's. Sapphire Palette
• Streaked Blush ---> Glown Up: Contoured Bronzy Blush. The OG form of contouring was streaking blush along the cheeks. We've learned a better way thankfully and achieve this with a matte bronzer and a subtle blush combo. Matte Bronzer and Blush 

What trend was your fav from the 80's!?

FOUR MUST HAVES UNDER $15 // APRIL FAVS

April flew by, and now school is almost out! What?

I had four favorites in April that really stood out to me- the ones I wanted to share with you all. And guess what the most expensive on the list is only $15, so wahoo!

• Pixi Rose Glow Mist I honestly love ALL of the mists by Pixi, but this Rose one is the latest to my collection and she is glowy, refreshing and calming to the skin. I use her before I apply foundation, and then again after I've applied my base products to lock everything in with a nice healthy glowing finish.
• Garnier Micellar Eye Makeup Remover Wipes These convenient littles wipes take off eye makeup so well without tugging on skin or leaving eyes dry or red. I also use them to clean up my lines after applying eye shadow, they are wonderful! 
• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Topcoat If you are already a fan of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel, you NEED to try their new Matte Top Coat. It gives such a fresh and modern look to your nails.
• Physicians Formula Butter Lip Cream These buttery lip creams go on so smoothly, pack a major punch in pigment, and leave lips looking glossy and plump. I love them because they are a hybrid of a gloss and a lipstick in one easy to use product.

xo

SPRING 2019 BEAUTY TRENDS TO GO FOR!!

SPRING has finally arrived and it's my favorite season in the beauty world. It's when we see the biggest releases of new products as well as new style trends that will take us through the year.

Without a doubt this seasons biggest makeup trend is COLOR... it is literally everywhere! Makeup brands are releasing candy-colored eye shadow palettes, neon lipstick shades, and bold blush hues, that make getting ready totally fun and experimental.

In fact, this is the most color I have seen in my entire career! I love it, and I hope you do too.

So to dive in- here's what you should know; [video here]

Rainbow Colored Shadow: Try playing around with adding water to your shadow brushes before dipping into your shadows. This creates more of a watercolor situation where application is easier and we can easily blend more than one color on the lid. Fav rainbow palette: ProFusion Festival Palette

Neon Lips: Keep the rest of the face simple and clean, but then add a BIG bang with a neon lip color. Opt for a super pigmented version like this one: Wet n Wild Liquid Catsuit

Orange Blush: This one is a great option to ease into bold colors... simply swap out your pink tones for a bright coral or toasty orange. It may seem too bold, but with a light hand this color really works on all skin tones and gives a gorgeous warm-weather hue to the cheeks.

On the Hair side of things two major trends make a big comeback, and they are in a word; classic.

Sleek, shiny, flat ironed hair is nudging out the beachy waves we've been wearing over the last 5-6 years. A shiny glass- like finish is the goal, and that can be achieved with the help of some sleeking products like these: Garnier Sleek Shot & Iron Spray

The classic blunt BOB never really goes out of style, but lately it seems like every celebrity under the sun is making a big chop. The great thing about this cut is that it is age appropriate across the generations, and is very flattering on all face shapes. Avoid this cut if your hair is overly thick or textured however, and opt for a longer LOB version instead.


What trends are you excited about? xo

PROM PRETTY- 6 TRENDY LOOKS YOU CAN CREATE WITHOUT THE SALON

PROM season is fully in effect, and you may be asking what is popular among teens these days for their formal dances... well today we will be looking into six fun and age appropriate beauty trends that are totally PROM PRETTY! [video here]

Prom Hair Ideas:

• Bobby Pin Art- stacking decorative pins is HUGE right now, and there are lots of options out there. Get creative and design fun pops of sparkle or color in your hair. These pins are from Claire's.

• Reverse Headbands- Grecian inspired, this look is elegant and sophisticated. These headbands are designed to be worn across the back of the head for an unexpected look. Wearing grecian headband from Etsy

• Leather Accents- leather straps and bands can be woven into your updos for a slightly more edgy look. Wearing leather tie from Bonjour Bobby

Prom Makeup Ideas:

• Glossy Eyelids- bold colors on the lids are top with a glossy finish using vaseline or even lip gloss. the look is high fashion and a little grungy. Wearing Kaja Orange Blossom

• Statement Lips- keep the rest of your makeup minimal and focus on a BOLD statement lip that coordinates with your dress. classic! Wearing Mac Matte Lipstick in Chili

• Rainbow Eyeliner- a playful look that pairs with bright colored dresses, take your eyeliner from one color to the next for a unique playful look Wearing Profusion Paradise Palette

HAPPY PROM! xo

MARCH FAVORITES THAT ROCKED MY WORLD

Happy Spring! Here's a look at the things I couldn't love enough on during March...

• Fav Palette: Zoella x Colourpop Brunch Date Palette- such amazing everyday colors (with one wild card blue) Mattes and shimmers that are so pigmented and easy to use.
• Lash Love: Babe Lash Serum (20% off with code 'beautysnoop')- my lashes have never been healthier, longer or stronger after three months of this. Essence Volume Booster- Prep lashes for mascara with this creamy white primer that lengthens and thickens in a snap. Loreal Unlimited Mascara- I bought this on a whim because of the unique packaging, but the formula is fantastic and a new fav for sure!
• Bronzer: Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer- and easy to apply stick bronzer that makes contouring and adding color so easy. Smells a little like clay, but I don't mind it- makes me look a little more Spring-weather-ready!
• Hair Gadget: Revlon One-Step Volume Dryer- I can't get enough of this... it has changed my hair routine for the better and it's under $60! I sleep on wet hair, then spend about 10 minutes with this bad boy in the morning. I'm left with volume and smoothness in a single step. You can see how I use it in my instagram highlight titled 'HAIR HACK' 

xo

FIVE WAYS TO UP YOUR BEAUTY GAME UNDER $25

SPOILER ALERT: 4 out of 5 are actually FREE! wahoo

Stepping up your beauty game doesn't require fancy vanity lights or a course in makeup artistry, simple changes and a mindset shift make a HUGE difference, and I am excited to encourage you to try them all. [video here]

1. Commit to one day a week where you take the time to FULLY get ready. SCHEDULE out time for yourself and go through the whole process- wash and style your hair, sit down with your makeup and experiment with new techniques, products or colors, and then take a selfie and conquer the day!! My skills only improve when I experient and try new things with my beauty routine- but that means I need to slow down and make that a priority! Cost: $0
2. Wash your makeup brushes. Clean brushes perform better, and that's the bottom line- you'll have better blending and easier application with clean brushes and sponges. Throw on an episode of your favorite show, and get to work scrubbing. Your face will thank you! Cost: $0
3. Apply your makeup in front of a window- which may mean plopping yourself down on the floor with a hand mirror instead of standing in your bathroom mirror. Natural light will give you the BEST results in your application. You'll be able to see when your foundation needs more blending, or your blush is too bright. A small change that makes a BIG difference! Cost: $0
4. Declutter your makeup stash- with a goal to keep only the things that you use at least 3 times a week. What sparks joy, and what is just a filler product that 'you may use someday'? Also, throw out expired products! Organize and create an order in which you apply your products to make things more efficient... Cost: $0
5. Invest in a luxury lipstick- I mean your perfect 'power shade' that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Bonus points for packaging that is beautiful and something you're excited to see everytime you look at it. Cost: $25

Be sure and enter my giveaway happening over on instagram, to win 3 luxury lipsticks valued at over $75! Tell me your favorite ways to improve your beauty game... xo 

4 COOL IN-SHOWER PRODUCTS

The shower is a place where we spend a LOT of our lives, so we may as well use it to our advantage and get some added benefits in there while we are simultaneously getting clean!

These products are all designed specifically to be used in the shower- they utilize the steam and heat to be more effective; [video here]

• In Shower Moisturizer: Nivea In Shower Body Lotion Skip the lotion or moisturizer, and add this into your shower routine instead. Its a cream formula that rinses off but leaves behind just the right amount of moisture. I love it because there is no sticky or greasy residue, or that 'wait time' before getting dressed like there is with traditional lotions.
• In Shower Self Tan: St Tropez In-Shower Gradual Tan Now this one is a little tricky to use, BUT for the right person it can be awesome. I recommend this one for maintaining a tan you already have, especially just on your arms and legs. It's not ideal for an all over tan including your face and back. Keep in mind that you also need to step out of the stream of water for three minutes while it processes before rinsing, so it can be a little cold to use. That being said if you do use it daily you'll build a nice subtle glow.
• In Shower Hair Treatment: Garnier Sleek Shot In-Shower Styler This one is really unique and does a great job of speeding up your blow-dry routine. You actually mix the Sleek Shot with your shampoo in equal parts, rinse and then condition as usual. It's ingredients include Argan Oil which helps to smooth the hair during the blowdry process, and may even allow you to skip the flat iron.
• In Shower Face Mask: Clean & Clear 60 Second In-Shower Deep Action Mask I LOVE this one because you really do get a little bit of the spa in 60 seconds. It cleanses, exfoliates, and steams the pores all in one product. And it leaves the skin feeling tingly, cool and refreshed. A great option for teens too- because its quick and no fuss!

 Happy showers! xo

FEBRUARY FAVORITES

Can you believe February is almost over? I do love that it's a short month, which is much needed after the absolute DRAG that is; January. This year I've decided to round up my monthly favorites for you in smaller doses, instead of just giving you one giant list at the end of the year. So kicking off this series, here is a look at the products I reached for most in February.

• FOUNDATION Loreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear A natural finish that is hydrating but still quite matte. It's a medium to full coverage and lasts well throughout the day, although a full 24hours is probably not a reality. 
• PRIMER Hard Candy Sensitive Skin Primer This primer is more like a moisturizer, but it really lays nicely under makeup and it helps to smooth skin nicely. It's great for peeps who avoid silicones and other irritants like oils & fragrance. 
• HIGHLIGHT Fenty Beauty Killawatt 'Hu$tla Baby' I love this color specifically because its warm and not icy. Which I find looks beautiful on all skin tones, especially my fair/non tan complexion this time of year.
• LIP GLOSS Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine '1993' I have never worn brown tones before, but lately I have been loving them. This one is a beautiful caramel color, and the formula is my fav! It's minty and tingly with a high shine.
• GEL POLISH Sinful Shine Gel Tech 'Spice' These at-home gels don't require a UV lamp, just a gel topcoat- but they last and wear so well! I get a solid week before any chips appear.
• EYE SHIMMER Stila Glitter & Glow 'Ballet Baby' This color has just a hint of pink, but mostly looks like a silvery glitter on the eye. I have paired it with EVERY color of shadow and it is the perfect finishing touch!
• PALETTE ProFusion Metallics This $10 palette completely blew my sock off! It has amazing pigment, super smooth buttery texture and every color you could ever want. I can't wait to try more from ProFusion. 

xo

BEST OF HAIR

Best of Hair 2018:

• Dry Shampoo: Amika Perk Up $25 Smells amazing, works amazing!

• Shampoo & Conditioner:Love, Beauty & Planet 'Blooming' Rose $9 each This product is incredibly clean and keeps all the bad ingredients out. It cleanses so well, protects color, and smells lovely!

• Volume/Texture Powder:Kevin Murphy Powder.Puff (salon locator) I love to add this to my braids and buns to give them grit, texture and volume. It leaves a residue on the hair that you can feel, but not see. I tiny bit goes a long way, so don't be turned of by the price of the size of the bottle.

• Shine Spray:Kevin Murphy Shimmer.Me (salon locator) Any time I get a compliment on my hair being shiny, it's because I have this sprayed in it! It has light reflecting mica particles in it that makes even damaged hair glisten.

• Hairspray:Pureology Soft Finish Hairspray $28 Super lightweight and brushable. Great for fine hair that needs more volume and lift.

• Root Cover Up Spray:Loreal Magic Root Cover Up $8 I can't live without this stuff in between my color services. It hides roots in a flash and washes away easily.

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

BEST OF LASHES & BROWS

Best Lashes & Brows of 2018:

• Lower Lash Mascara:Wet n' Wild Skinny Mascara Waterproof $5 My fav mascara that doesn't budge and end up all over my face. The skinny brush makes application easy on delicate lower lashes too!

• Mascara:Essence The False Lashes $5 BIG volume and lots of curl. This has been such a great discovery and one I repurchased 4 times in 2018! That tells you how much I love it and it's great price point.

• Brow Pencil:Wet n Wild Retractable Brow Pencil $4 This is a slightly waxy pencil that sticks to the skin nicely as well as adds color to the brow hairs themselves. The triangle shape of the pencil itself allows for really nice flicks when drawing on hairs. So great!

• Brow Gel:Glossier Boy Brow $16 This little tube is powerful and easy to use. The formula is a nice combo of fiber and gel- which adds the perfect thickness to the brows. Once it's dry the color and hold last all day. Worth the price in my opinion and again something I repurchase over and over last year.

• Tweezer:Tweezerman Slanted Mini Tweezer $15 Tiny and precise! The mini size gives you extra control and allows for a tight grip near the blades.

• Lash Curler:Shiseido Lash Curler $22 (mine is a limited edition with gemed handle which isn't available anymore) It truly is the best out there and warrants the awards it's received by the beauty community. A great purchase that can be used for years to come, simply replace the pad when it begins to break down over time.

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

2019 COLOR OF THE YEAR // LIVING CORAL

This years Pantone Color of the Year is Living Coral- described as a 

coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.

I love this color in terms of beauty products because it is universally flattering, and easy to wear. It is also a favorite color for many women already, so I am excited to see it take center stage in 2019. [

video here

]

Products recommended:

• Nails: Sinful Colors Gel Polish- 'Sinorita'

• Cheeks: Flower Beauty Blush Bomb- 'Melon'

• Lips: Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Gloss- 'Snitch'

• Eyes: Col-lab Beauty Palette- 'Tropic like it's Hot'

• Hair: Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Color Creme- 'Dreamsicle' or 'Red Passion'

Are you excited about the Color of the Year!? xo

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

BEST OF SHADOW

Best of Shadow 2018:

• Palette: Urban Decay Born to Run $49 My FAVORITE palette of 2018 was easily this one! It has every color you will ever need and checks all the boxes for pigment payoff, blendability, and texture. I love that it contains warm tones, cool tones and neutrals- as well as matte and shimmer options. The color combos are endless with this one, and I couldn't reccomend it more.

• Cream Shadow:Milk Makeup Eye Pigment $24 When it comes to staying power, these metallic cream shadows are undeniable. They are easy to apply with a finger, and only a pinpoint amount is needed. Although they are expensive- they last! I have had mine over a year, and have barely made a dent in the tube.

• Sparkle/Metallic:Stila Glitter & Glow $24 I can't live without a little glitter in my life- and these continue to be the best glitter makeup on the market. I increased my collection this year and now have about 12 of these. I find they take any eyeshadow look from good to GREAT with very little effort. A little sparkle never hurts! Over age 40? Try the Shimmer option instead of the glitter option for a more mature look.

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

BEST OF CHEEKS

Best of Cheeks 2018:

• Bronzer: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer $15 a favorite of mine this year and many years past, I just can't quit this stuff! I've tried many others but always come back to this one. The cool toned color is spot on, the formula is buttery soft, and the scent is like a mini vacation to the beach. I switch to the light tone in the Winter- but love the original color too!

• Blush:Lottie London Blush Crush $6 I discovered this British brand at Forever21 and because of the great packaging and price point, I scooped up a couple of their blushes. A year later and they're pretty much the only ones I use on a daily basis. A beautiful blendable formula with MAJOR color payoff- a little goes a really long way. Find them online only at Ulta

• Highlighter:Pixi Glow-y Gossamer Duo $18 When you're looking for a glowy finish, look no further than these beautiful highlighters. The formula is soft and almost putty like, so it applies best with a finger for maximum metallic payoff. Apply to the high points of the face for a beautiful light reflection. Also wears beautifully as an eyeshadow.

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

BEST OF SKINCARE

Best of Skincare 2018 winners:

• Eye Cream: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme $38 This little jar has changed my under eye area dramatically. My skin less discolored and the fine lines have diminished as well. It's full of vitamin C to brighten skins appearance upon application, but repeated use over time brightens skin tone on a deeper more permanent level. I apply this at night.

• Eye Depuffer: Kate Somerville Goat Milk DePuffing Eye Balm $38 Wake up feeling less than awake? Welcome to my life #notamorningperson But this little stick of goodness is a life saver! The Goat Milk soothes and calms, and the balmy formula fills in pores and texture under the eye so that makeup glides on easily. I use this EVERY morning.

• Primer/ Moisturizer: Glossier Priming Moisturizer / Priming Moisturizer Rich $22 I love the lighter formula in the warmer months, and switch to the Rich formula when its cold outside and my skin runs drier. Both are non greasy, super hydrating and prep the skin for makeup beautifully. This has cut out my need for a primer all together!

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

BEST OF BRUSHES

I get asked about my brushes EVERY time I post a tutorial on

instagram

! It's a hot topic- so today I bring you;

2018 Best of Brushes:

• Liquid/Cream Foundation-It Cosmetics Heavenly Skin Smoothing Brush $48 Worth the hefty price tag! It blends and smooths foundation like no other I've ever tried- it also washes nicely and never sheds bristles.

• Concealer Blender-Pixi Strobe and Sculpt Double Ended Brush $14 The Domed end blends under eye concealer perfectly with its soft touch and perfect shape. I used the other end to set my concealer with loose powder. I great price and a great brush!

• Blush/Bronzer-Real Techniques Blush Brush $9 I have two- I love them so much and the price cannot be beat! Fluffy and soft to blend blush, bronzer or powder in a snap.

• Large All Over Shadow-Japonesque All Over Eye Brush $15 Hard to find- but worth the search. I use this brush in every eye look to quickly and efficiently blend my shadows. It's BIG but that's why it works so fast.

• Eye Shadow Must Haves-Fluffy Blending Brush, Tapered Blending Brush, Domed Pencil Brush $6/ each (Or a set of four for $19) I tried these affordable brushes on a whim and boy am I glad I did! They are soft, cut well, and work like a charm! The fluffy blender is my go-to, but I reccomend you buy the whole set so you'll have everything you need!

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

BEST OF LIPS

Best of Lips 2018 Winners:

• Lipstick: Elf Matte Lip Color $3 Although its called 'Matte', it is more like a Satin finish in my book. A very light sheen adds to the comfort of this formula, plus the colors are beautifully opaque. I also love the small size of the bullet making it easy to get a clean application.

• Lip Gloss:Covergirl Katy Kat Gloss $8 The formula is spot on! Not too sticky- but just sticky enough, comfortable and moisturizing on the lips, and opaque with beautiful colors to choose from. (although there are a couple oddball shades like blue that just need to be ignored)

• Lip Liner:Wet n Wild Gel Liner $3 I don't have time or the desire to have to sharpen anything. So retractable options are the only ones for me! This formula glides on nicely because of the gel, but also stays smudge proof all day once it dries down.

Which lippie was your top contender this year? xo

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.