2014 Beauty Favorites: Eyes

Hey Pretties! Hope your week is going well! Only one week until CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Can you tell I have been excited all month long? :)

This next post is my favorite eye products from 2014. The majority of these products I have been using for the whole year and have consistently stayed my favorite all year long. I have loved them for a while now and I wouldn't be surprised if they made my favorites next year as well! We will have to see :)

PALETTES:

Every palette that I own, I adore. I love eyeshadow palettes and prefer them over single shadows. I just like how I have everything in one spot and knowing I have several shades that will go well together. Even though I could list all of my palettes as my favorites, these would have to be my top three. And if you are looking for any last minute Christmas gifts for a sister, friend, cousin etc... these palettes would be great for anyone!

• Chocolate Bar Palette by Too Faced - This is my all time, number one, nothing can beat it palette! I absolutely LOVE this palette! It is the perfect palette as it has shadows that are matte, shimmery, sparkly, neutral, bold... it just has everything you need! The shadows blend amazingly and are so easy to work with. The colors are gorgeous and the palette smells like a cup of hot chocolate. YUMMM! And I am like a little kid in a candy store this past week since the new Semi-Sweet palette came out! Girl, you already know I ordered it and I can't wait to get it!!!

Chocolate Bar Palette by Too Faced

• Naked 3 by Urban Decay - I love this palette because it is so feminine and girly. It is gorgeous! I love all the pinky, rosy colors! You can do something light and flirty or you can do something more sultry and sexy. I just think this is the ultimate palette for a girly-girl! Urban Decay's shadows are amazing quality. The shadows are so blendable and have so much pigmentation. If you love makeup, this is a must-have!

Naked 3 by Urban Decay

• Pro Palette by Lorac - I love the Pro Palette because it has as many matte shadows as it does shimmery/sparkly shadows. In most palettes, there are only usually 2 or 3 matte shadows. This palette has 8! I usually always use a matte shadow for my crease/transition color so I like that with this palette, I have more matte shadows to choose from. The Pro Palette has an amazing range of shadow choices and the shadows feel so silky and smooth. This is a great staple palette to have in your collection!

Pro Palette by Lorac

PRIMERS:

I think that there are a lot primers out there that work great. A lot of them do their typical job of what they are supposed to do - prevent creasing, help the longevity of the shadow and make the pigment pop. But these are the two that I constantly use and think that they are the best!

• Shadow Insurance in Candlelight by Too Faced - I have used this primer for several years now and it has become a staple for me. I do own the regular Shadow Insurance version but I prefer the Candlelight one. I like that it creates a really soft shimmer (the original version has no shimmer). It is so subtle and pretty and I think it really helps the shadows stand out a little bit more - almost in a glow-like way! This is the primer that sold me on eyeshadow primers. I never knew how amazing your eyeshadow could look with a primer - no creasing, lasts so much longer and the colors look so much more pigmented! This is definitely my go-to for higher end primers and I absolutely love it! 

• Eyelid Primer by e.l.f. - I discovered this primer a few months ago. Not only is it a great primer but the most amazing part about it is that it is only $1! Yes, only ONE DOLLAR!!! Go ahead and splurge on something you have been wanting and pick this up for next to nothing! And don't let the cheap price fool you! It works great and I am constantly going back and forth between this one and my Too Faced one. I notice it works just as good as my higher end primer and I am still amazed how cheap it is for such a great product!

Eyelid Primer by e.l.f.
Shadow Insurance in Candlelight by Too Faced

MASCARA:

If you have been following me for a while, you know it is hard for me to find a mascara that I truly love. Over the past several months of blogging, I have sampled some mascaras that have started to impress me. I have narrowed down my "likes" into the top two that I am truly loving and I think these are the best out there!

• Le Volume de Chanel by CHANEL - This has been my most favorite mascara I have tried all year. It makes my lashes look truly amazing! I have really short, stubby, fine lashes and this mascara makes me look like I have long, voluminous lashes! The formula isn't messy and it is super black! It only takes a few swipes and my lashes are looking so long and voluminous! It really is amazing! For a luxury brand, I feel like the $30 price tag for this mascara is definitely worth it! This sample has lasted me quite a while and I am most definitely going to purchase a full size when I run out! 

• Hypnose Drama by Lancome - Although Le Volume De Chanel has been my favorite mascara this year, Hypnose Drama is my second favorite. I just got this sample probably about a month ago but I have been really loving it. Like the CHANEL mascara, this is not messy at all. I absolutely hate thick, clumpy mascaras! I feel like it doesn't give me as much volume as Le Volume de Chanel but it definitely is comparable on the length I get with this mascara. I just like how clean this formula is and I like using this to apply a good base coat when wearing false lashes. It helps them blend easily into to the false lashes as they won't be clumpy. I am happy to have finally found some great mascaras that are working for me :)

Le Volume De Chanel by CHANEL
Hypnose Drama by Lancome

EYELINER:

90% of the time, I am wearing gel liner. I only use this same gel liner and rarely ever wear any other type of liner. I do not care for liquid eyeliner whatsoever. And if I by chance happen to wear anything other than my beloved gel liner, it will be the pencil eyeliner I mention below. And the best part is: they are both drugstore items!!

• Eye Studio Gel Liner in Blackest Black by Maybelline - When I started to experiment with gel liners, I was a little intimidated. But I quickly learned that applying gel liner is actually much easier than I thought! Once you practice a few times, you will get the hang of it easily! After trying out gel liners, I said goodbye to liquid! What I love about this gel liner from Maybelline is that it is so creamy and so pigmented. It just glides right on and makes your shadows POP! This liner stays put and I never have to worry about it smudging or feeling like it needs to be touched up. I love this gel liner and will forever continue to repurchase it!

• Silkissime Eyeliner in Black by L'Oreal - If I don't feel like taking the time do to gel liner, I will just quickly pop this liner on. It glides on so easily and effortlessly and that is what I love about it! But it is also so pigmented as well... and I love that even more! It will be just as bold as my gel liner and it will never smudge or wear away. I know that it is going to stay put and won't fade away throughout long day. This is the best pencil liner I have tried from the drugstore and if you use pencil liners, you should check this one out!

Silkissime Eyeliner by L'Oreal
Eye Studio Gel Liner by Maybelline

LASHES:

These are the two lash products I swear by. I haven't found anything better than these two, nor do I want to! They are awesome products and both so affordable!

• Sweet Romance by House of Lashes - If I ever could dream up a pair of perfect lashes, these would be it. I love these lashes and they are the only ones that I wear! I don't like wearing lashes that are too over the top. I don't want people to look at me and think "Those are the most obvious fake lashes I have ever seen in my life!" These lashes are perfect because they are SO natural looking but add just like right amount of length and volume. I get asked "What do you use to make your lashes look like that?" and girls are amazed when I tell them they are false lashes. They tell me they look so natural and that is exactly what I am going for! If you love false, natural-looking lashes you must try these out. And if you are a girl who is just getting into false lashes, I HIGHLY recommend these! It is amazing what a little bit of extra OOMPH to your lashes can do to make your eyes look even more amazing!

• Lash Grip Eyelash Adhesive by Ardell - I mentioned a while back that I have a love-hate relationship with this eyelash glue. It works AMAZING but it smells AWFUL! I never have to worry about my false lashes coming undone with this lash glue. They will make the lashes stay in place all day long with no worries about the corners coming off. But the smell of the glue is atrocious! It legit smells like manure mixed in chemicals. I know, I'm sorry that's disgusting. But it is so bad! I tried finding another glue but it did not work whatsoever. I have decided to just bear the smell when it comes out of the tube and once it dries you can't even smell it. If you can handle a couple of minutes of a very unpleasant smell, the result of not having to worry about lashes falling off is well worth it :o) 

Lash Grip by Ardell
Sweet Romance lashes by House of Lashes

BROWS:

• Brow Wiz by Anastasia Beverly Hills - I LOVE BROWS! This is the one and only brow product I use. And in my humble opinion, nothing out there is better than the Brow Wiz! There are so many color/shade choices offered for the Brow Wiz (I use "Taupe/formerly Ash Blonde") and the extra fine tip is perfect for filling in every sparse spot in your brows. Having shaped, filled in brows is SO important! It really defines your face and brings everything together when doing your makeup. If you don't fill in your brows, I suggest just giving it a try! What is awesome about the Brow Wiz is that it gives you perfect brows, yet it is so natural looking! I never filled in my brows before using this product and once I tried it out, I was hooked! It is amazing what having great brows can do for you!

Brow Wiz by Anastasia Beverly Hills

OK... That was a long post! :o)  Hope you got some good ideas and recommendations if you are in the market for some new eye products!

Have a wonderful weekend, loves!

xoxo Kayla

2014 Beauty Favorites: Face - Part 2

Hi Beauties!

Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season! I am soaking it up... It will be over before we know it!

This week I am bringing you Part 2 of my Face Favorites (read Part 1 here). Today, I will let you know what my favorite bronzers, highlighters and blushes are! These are all amazing products and you can not go wrong with any of these! 

BRONZER:

I prefer bronzers that are matte. I don't even think I own any bronzers with shimmer or glitter in them. A matte bronzer is going to be the most ideal for contouring and most natural-looking for bronzing up the skin and adding some color.

• Chocolate Soleil by Too Faced - This has been my go-to bronzer for contouring. It is the PERFECT golden bronze color and looks incredible when contouring. I got this little version in a set a while back, and I will most definitely be purchasing a full size when I run out of this one. Even though it gives you a perfect contour, it is so natural looking - nothing too over the top! You will feel like your face looks perfectly defined when using this bronzer for contouring and I think this should be a staple in every beauty lover's makeup collection!

Chocolate Soleil by Too Faced

• Bahama Mama by The Balm - I also like this bronzer for contouring and use it for when I want a REALLY defined look. It has a bit of an orange undertone to it and comes off a deeper bronze than Chocolate Soleil, so I use it when I am wanting that really chisled look. Plus, I just love the packaging of this bronzer. It is so cute!! I love The Balm's packaging on their products! 

Bahama Mama by The Balm

• Sol de Rio by Sephora (Limited Edition) - I wasn't going to include this because it is limited edition and no longer available. But I couldn't leave it out because I use it almost every time I do my makeup! I like to use Bahama Mama and Chocolate Soleil for contouring, but I like Sol de Rio for just bronzing up my skin. It is a very subtle bronzer so I love using it on my neck and chest especially to add just a little bit of color - especially during these winter months when I haven't been out in the sun in ages! It is a HUGE bronzer (almost the size of my hand) and you get so much product. Keep your eyes out to see if Sephora comes out with something like this again for the spring/summer because it was only $22 for such a large, amazing bronzer!

Sol de Rio by Sephora

Bottom: Sol de Rio by Sephora
Middle: Chocolate Soleil by Too Faced
Top: Bahama Mama by The Balm

HIGHLIGHTER: 

Each of these highlighters are so different from one another yet they are all equally beautiful. I think these highlighters would look gorgeous on any skintone!

• Pinktastic by e.l.f. - I love, love, LOVE this highlighter! It looks so beautiful and it is only $3!! I have raved about this highlighter a couple of times before and truly think it is a hidden gem! You must run out to Target to get it! Even though it is labeled as a blush, it definitely is not. And even though it swatches more on the pink side, when you lightly apply it the tops of your cheekbones, it just gives off this beautiful pinky-champagne highlighter. It's amazing girls! PLEASE do yourself a favor and get it in your life :)

Pinktastic by e.l.f.

• Mary- Lou Manizer by The Balm - I adore this highlighter as well. It is a stunning golden-champagne highlight and I am always going back and forth between this one and Pinktastic as my favorite. Mary-Lou Manizer gives more of a "glow" where Pinktastic is more of a "sheen". (If that makes sense!?) Mary-Lou Manzier is always going to be a classic in my eyes!

Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm

• Champagne by Anastasia Beverly Hills - Even though Pinktastic and Mary-Lou Manizer are my favorites, if I am wanting more of a subtle highlight I always reach for Champagne. I got this highlighter in my Anastasia Beverly Hills Custom Contour Palette (you can read my review on the palette here).  It is a silvery-champagne highlight that is super natural. If you are just getting into highlighters or prefer something very light and subtle, this is a perfect one for you! I use this on days where I am wearing light makeup and just want to add a glowy finish to my look. 

Champagne by Anastasia Beverly Hills

Bottom: Champagne by Anastasia Beverly Hills
Middle: Pinktastic by e.l.f.
Top: Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm

BLUSH:

Ahhh, blush. I don't even know how I chose only three. I love blush! I could list five.. ten... favorites! But I picked these three because they are the ones I am reaching for the most and am always bringing with me when I travel because I know I will like them with any look on any day! 

• Belissima by Kat Von D - This is my most pigmented blush and blush that lasts the longest. I know when wearing this that is will not wear away whatsoever. It will be just as vibrant as when I put it on after eight hours of wearing it. Not to mention, this color is so gorgeous! I just love corally-peachy blushes and this is the perfect shade! I highly recommend checking out this beautiful blush!

Belissima by Kat Von D

• Melba by MAC - This is the BEST peachy, matte blush ever! It is such a classic blush from MAC and my favorite MAC blush. I think this blush would be perfect for any girl, any skin tone. I always recommend this blush when girls ask which MAC blush they should get! 

Melba by MAC

• Rosy Outlook by MAC - This is another amazing blush from MAC. It is a Pro LongWear blush so it is little bit more expensive than the regular powder blushes. I am always reminded how much I love this blush when I use it. It is such a pretty, light pink that looks SO natural. It gives you that perfect rosy look! If you like pink blushes, you MUST try this one out!

Rosy Outlook by MAC

Bottom: Belissima by Kat Von D
Middle: Melba by MAC
Top: Rosy Outlook by MAC

See you all next week with some more of my 2014 favorites!

xoxo Kayla

2014 Beauty Favorites: Face - Part 1

Happy December, loves! I absolutely love Christmas and it truly is the most wonderful time of the year :) I love everything about the Christmas spirit and only wish it could last longer!

I mentioned in my last post that I would only be doing one post a week in December. I also said that I would be sharing my 2014 Beauty Favorites with a different category each week. This week: FACE! Since there are so many sub-categories that apply to the face, I am going to be doing Part 1 - Foundations, Concealers, Powders and Brushes - this week. Next week I will do Part 2 - Blushes, Bronzers and Highlighters! 

I have a ton of favorites in each sub-category, but I am going to try my best to pick my top 3 for each. (I don't know how I am only going to pick 3 blushes - my obsession!) 

I want to share all of these favorites with you because they are all AMAZING PRODUCTS! If I had to downsize my collection, these would be my top picks that I would want to save because I don't know what I would do without them! If you are on the hunt for something new, you will be able to find out what my recommendations would be for everything makeup-related over the next few weeks!

FOUNDATION:

     If you have been following my blog for a while, you have seen me mention that I have been struggling with acne for about a year (you can read my story here). Thankfully, I haven't had a breakout in well over a month and I am so, so grateful! These foundations are amazing at covering acne as they provide medium-full coverage. But as I am continuing to have clearer skin, I am still loving them as I can apply a more sheer, lighter application! So whether you have acne-prone skin or normal skin, I am sure you will love these foundations as well.

• Double Wear Foundation by Estee Lauder - This is the best foundation of life and I absolutely love it. It is seriously amazing! It provides the best coverage! It is so flawless and lasts all day long. For real, it will not smudge or wear away for 12+ hours! I also think the price tag of $37 is amazing compared to how many higher end foundation can cost you $60+. You are getting a great deal for a high quality foundation. I always recommend this foundation to girls. If you have never tried it, go to Sephora or Estee Lauder counter and ask for a sample. You will be hooked as well!

Double Wear Foundation by Estee Lauder

• HD Foundation by Make Up For Ever - This is a close second for me. It also provides a flawless finish and lasts all day as well. This is slightly less full coverage than the Double Wear - this is more medium coverage. This foundation is specifically created with film and camera in mind. This is a foundation that will look flawless if you are going to have an event where you will be taking lots of pictures!

HD Foundation by Make Up For Ever

• ColorStay Foundation by Revlon - If you are looking for something more affordable but still have a foundation that will last and look great, this is it! This is the foundation that I wear on an average day. Since my other foundations are more expensive, I hate wasting them on days where I am just going to be running to the store or getting groceries. But I still think that this foundation provides a flawless finish just like my other two favorites. The only con I have with it is that it does not last nearly as long as the others. I would say it will definitely last you a good 6-8 hours before it starts to break up in places (at least that is what I have experienced and definitely not the "24 hours" it claims). But for a drugstore foundation, this is a true winner and it is by far the best drugstore foundation I have tried!

ColorStay Foundation by Revlon

CONCEALER:

     These three are the only concealers I own and continue to repurchase. I have tried others in the past, but nothing works as great as these! 

• Pro LongWear by MAC - I mentioned in my last post that this is the concealer that I wear when I want to do a full on makeup look. It doesn't crease on me and creates the most perfect highlighting and concealing effect (since I use a lighter color than my skin tone). It blends so easily into the skin and it always blows me away at how perfect it looks. I just love this concealer!

Pro LongWear by MAC

• Age Rewind by Maybelline - I also adore this concealer. It is so affordable and it also creates an amazing highlighting effect when using a lighter shade. I think the MAC concealer creates a little bit more of a brightening effect, but this still does a great job at highlighting and concealing. I also don't notice any creasing when wearing this concealer and have gone through countless tubes of this bad boy!

Age Rewind by Maybelline

• Boo-Boo Cover-Up - This has been such a little blessing to me! Now that I am getting over acne, I have a lot of discoloration, spots, scars etc. This concealer blows me away at how incredible it is. It covers up any scarring that I have so effortlessly. The product is a little bit on the thicker side but it blends out to perfectly to cover any flaws. It never looks cakey and I can't even tell where it begins and ends on my skin when it is blended out. After applying it in my problematic areas, you can't even tell I ever had blemishes! It also has ingredients in it to lighten your scarring and heal. It is truly amazing and if you have any scarring or flaws you want to cover up, I HIGHLY recommend trying this out! 

Boo-Boo Cover-Up

POWDER:

     I have been using these powders consistently for several months now. I haven't tried any new ones recently because I have been so happy with these!

• Banana by Anastasia Beverly Hills - OH the infamous Banana! I had to try the hype out and I am loving it. I use this to set my under eye concealer and it works like a charm. I am impressed with the formulas of the concealers that I use, but I am always setting it with Banana and feel like it really just gives you an extra hand at the longevity of under eye concealer. 

Banana by Anastasia Beverly Hills

• Light Reflecting Pressed Powder in Translucent Crystal by NARS - I love how this powder feels so light when applying it. It barely feels like you are putting anything on your face. It is so sheer and you will never feel cakey with this powder! It is super silky and sets my makeup perfectly. It is mattifying yet creates a soft, luminious glow. SO pretty! This is definitely my go-to setting powder (as you can see below how much use it has gotten!) and I absolutely love it!

Light Reflecting Pressed Powder by NARS

• Mineral Veil by Bare Minerals - I also like to use the Mineral Veil to set my makeup. I just tend to reach for my NARS powder because it is pressed and the Mineral Veil is loose powder. It tends to get messy and I am finding myself some days not even wanting to deal with it. I do still think it is a wonderful powder to set your makeup. It just melts into you skin and creates a luminious glow as well. I wouldn't say the NARS one is any better, I just use this one on days when I have more patience :)

Mineral Veil by Bare Minerals

BRUSHES/SPONGES:

     I know I cant complete a full makeup look with only these three brushes, but these are the top three that I would recommend spending the money on and investing in. There are a lot of affordable brushes that work amazing, but in my eyes, nothing compares to these three and totally worth every penny.

• Beauty Blender - This obviously isn't a brush but it is something that I think any girl interested in beauty and makeup needs! The pointed side is perfect for blending out concealer and the bottom is great for foundation. It can be used wet or dry and gives you a flawless finish. I definitely recommend spending the extra $15 on the Beauty Blender over the Real Techniques sponge. In my personal experience, the Real Techniques sponge did not compare to the Beauty Blender!

Beauty Blender

• F80 Flat Top Kabuki by Sigma - Although I think the Beauty Blender is great for foundation, the F80 is ten times better! This brush is going to make your foundation look perfect and flawless. You don't have to worry about looking cakey or having any streaks with this brush! When I heard all the great reviews about it, I thought it was too good to be true. But it truly is that amazing! If you want to look flawless, you need this brush in your life!

F80 Flat Kabuki by Sigma

• E40 Blending Brush by Sigma - I just love this brush. I love doing my eye makeup and I honestly think part of it is because of this little guy! It is so perfect for blending out colors in your crease. In my opinion, crease work is what gives so much depth and definition to the eye. This brush disperses the shadow evenly and beautifully. I know that I will never have any harsh lines when using this brush because it just blends out the shadows so easily. You must try out the F80 and E40 from Sigma, ladies!

E25 Blending by Sigma

You might be thinking "What about primers?" Honestly, I don't remember the last time I bought a full size primer. Probably well over a year ago! I have just been using samples ever since. The reason I haven't purchased a full size primer in so long and not including any in my favorites is because I really don't have any. I will use some that I "like", but I haven't found a face primer that has truly blown me a way. I just use samples that I get and it does the job. Maybe next year I will found that I can't live without :)

Have a wonderful weekend and I will be back next week with Part 2!

xoxo Kayla

Friday Five: 9/26/14

It's Friday which means it is time to share what I have been loving this week!

1. Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Nude Embrace

     There has been a lot of buzz about these new matte lipsticks from Maybelline so of course being the true makeup addict that I am, I had to get one! And of course being the true nude lipstick addict that I am, I had to get Nude Embrace! Although I probably own more nude lipsticks than I really need, I actually do think that this color is different than the other nudes that I own. Nude Embrace has a brown undertone to it, which I typically do not care for. But I love it in this formula! I don't think it comes of too brown on the lips and with it being a little bit of a darker nude, I love it for Fall! It is perfect for a daytime look and I love wearing it alone or with a gloss over it. Sometimes I feel like some matte formulas are too drying on the lips but this is super creamy and doesn't dry out at all. I really want the Wine color from this collection but it's always sold out wherever I go! Hopefully I can get my hands on it :)

Nude Embrace by Maybelline

Nude Embrace by Maybelline

Nude Embrace by Maybelline

2. Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi in Honey Nectar

     Another lip product that I have been loving is this lip balm from Pixi. I received it in my Birchbox and was impressed I got a full size product for once in my box! Immediately after trying it out I knew I was going to love it. It is SUPER hydrating on the lips which will be so useful during fall and winter when my lips tend to get dry and chapped. But what I love even more is that it has color to it and it is pigmented! And it's a peachy-nude. Perfect for me! I could wear this lip balm without any lipstick, gloss, etc and I am still going to have a great wash of color on my lips. I definitely see this being a go-to lip product over the next several months when I need something moisturizing for my lips but want something to go with my overall makeup look. (This would even look awesome paired up with Nude Embrace!)

Honey Nectar Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi

Honey Nectar Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi

Honey Nectar Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi
I apologize for you having to see my veiny wrists in all my swatches! ;P

3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Custom Contour Palette

     Of course I have been loving my contour palette otherwise I would have not written about it this week! If you haven't checked out my review, click here to read about how amazing this palette is!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Palette

4. Blush Brush by Real Techniques

     This is my first ever Real Techniques brush! I always intend on trying out Real Techniques, but I just have never gotten around to it. But I am happy I finally DID get around to it and I absolutely love this blush brush! I have not been using it for my blush though, I have been loving it for contouring! I love how it tapers up at the top and it is just the perfect size and shape for contouring! It does an amazing job at dispersing my bronzer and blends it out perfectly. This brush is also incredibly soft! It feels amazing! I am so happy with this brush and I can't wait to try out other brushes from Real Techniques.

Blush Brush by Real Techniques 

5. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (in 3W1 Tawny)

     HOLY. MOLY. I am going to try to keep this to a minimum, but if this gets a little long I just can't help myself! I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS FOUNDATION!!! It is hands down the best foundation I have ever tried in my entire life and has already made it as a holy grail product for me. About a month ago, I had talked about how happy I was with the Make Up For Ever HD Foundation. I still think it is a great foundation and will continue to use it. But then I tried out this baby. And this is the love of my life! This gives the most flawless look to my face I have ever seen. It is a full coverage foundation and if I apply it at 8am, at 6pm it is still going to look exactly like it did at 8am. I am not even kidding! It covers any imperfection and this foundation alone gives me so much confidence just knowing how amazing it makes my skin looks. I have mentioned before that I truly believe that having a great foundation is the key to having a beautiful makeup look... and this exceeds all my expectations! Stop at an Estee Lauder counter and ask for a sample of this if you have not tried it out! I think you will agree how incredible it is!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Have a wonderful weekend, lovelies!

xoxo Kayla

Find all the products I mentioned here:

Nude Embrace by Maybelline

Honey Nectar Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Palette

Blush Brush by Real Techniques

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit (Custom Palette)

Hi Beauties!

As I continue to learn more and more about makeup, highlighting and contouring have become a favorite of mine! I have been interested in the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit since it came out this past spring. Of course it sold out immediately when it was released because everyone had to have it! And with me being in Europe and having no access to it anyways, I kind of put it in the back of my mind by the time I was back in the States for the summer.

About a month ago, I was doing some online makeup shopping trying to decide on what new highlighters and bronzers I should get. I remembered Anastasia Beverly Hills had now released so many more shades to make a custom contour palette, so I decided to look into it!

Honestly, the original contour kit would have worked just fine with my skin tone. I picked several of the same shades that are in the original one for my custom palette, but I wanted to personalize it just a little bit more for myself and what I like.

Anastasia Hills Custom Contour Palette

The custom Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Palette retails for $40 (the original is also $40). You get to choose 6 pans to fill your palette. Anastasia does an AMAZING job at giving a wide selection for light to dark skin. They even have categories to choose from like skin tone and undertone that give you suggestions on what is going to look good on you. It is so helpful!

If you want, you could have all 6 of your choices as bronzers or mix it up however you like! For me, I chose 2 highlighters, 1 setting powder and 3 bronzers.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Custom Contour Palette
(in natural light)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Custom Contour Palette
(with flash)
Top Row: Champagne, Sand, Banana
Bottom Row: Fawn, Java, Clay

Highlighters: Champagne and Sand. They are both so pretty! Champagne is a true champagne color that is shimmery. Sand is more of pinky-beige with a pearl finish. They both give such a beautiful natural highlight. They are not overpowering and sometimes I do feel like I have to build it up just a little bit to get the perfect highlight. That doesn't bother me though that I have to work at the perfect pigmentation I want because they really are so stunning! I think these highlights would look fabulous on anyone.

Setting Powder: Banana. OK... I had to check out the infamous Banana! Everyone just raves about it and how it is the perfect setting powder for under-eye concealer. I was a little on the fence about it because I couldn't quite comprehend how a yellow-based powder is going to look good under my eyes! But I decided I had to see what it was all about! It truly is a great powder to set your under-eye concealer. Even though it is yellow-based, you can not see it whatsoever. It just melts right into your concealer. I don't notice is changing the color or brightening it, but I do believe that it does a great job at setting my concealer and keeping it in place all day long!

Bronzers: Fawn, Java, Clay. These three bronzers are all matte and I believe all of the bronzers they offer are matte as well (but could be wrong!). Fawn is the lightest bronzer of the three and has a little bit of a gray undertone. I think that Java is a great bronzer for light-medium skin tones as it is a true golden brown bronzer and looks like a perfect, everyday bronzer. Clay was the one that intimidated me most when I saw it. Fawn and Java look very close in color to what the website shows, but Clay looks very different than what I saw. It is much more orange looking than what is pictured on the website and I thought it was going to be way too intense on my skin. But after trying it out, I actually really like it. It does not come off as orange at all, just a nice deep brown. I just have to use a light hand and it really gives me a chiseled, defined contour. This would be a great one for light-medium skin tones who are looking for a bronzer to contour a full-on glam look!

Swatches in natural light

Swatches with flash

I think the custom Contour Palette that Anastasia Beverly Hills offers is incredible. Everyone is going to be able to find what they need based on their skintone because there is such a wide variety to choose from... They offer 27 colors! Amazing! I also think that the value is awesome. $40 is a great price for the quality and quantity that you are getting with this palette. The individual pans are retailed at $14 each, but when you get this palette with 6, they are more than half the price off for each pan! If you love to highlight and contour, making a custom palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills is definitely for you! I am in LOVE with it and you will be too :)

Make your own palette HERE!

xoxo Kayla