September 2015 Makeup Favorites

I only create posts about ‘favorites’ when there’s a few items that truly claim my full attention during a given month. In my September 2015 makeup favorites, I had an amazing rediscovery, as well as a surprise budget mascara, splurgetastic lip balm and other holy grail makeup gems I fully endorse adding to your must-try list.

You’ll want to click to read more about why you may need some (or all) of these in your life…

(Counter-clockwise T to B:  Urban Decay Naked Palette (orig.), NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (shade: custard), Revlon Lash Potion mascara, by Terry Baume De Rose, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (shade: Luminous Light))

Urban Decay Naked Palette (orig.) // What a story with this one! I bought this when it first launched in fall 2010. It was $44 then, and also came with a dual-ended eyeliner containing Zero (black) and Whiskey (warm copper/brown). Now you can pick up the Naked palettes for $54 and they come with dual-sided shadow brushes (which I think is a mistake – bring back the pencils)! In 2010, I felt like I always looked tired when I used this palette, so I swapped it on a makeup swapping site (no longer exists) and fell in love with Naked2 for the last five years. However, over the past six months, the beautiful bronze tones kept taunting me every time I went to Sephora or Ulta. Even my husband had commented, “I’m surprised you don’t like this palette – it seems more your colors.” I couldn’t understand why I didn’t like this palette – it’s so up my alley. Warm, bronzy tones with the flexibility of barely there to super dramatic looks?!

YES. Naked1, we meet again.

I repurchased Naked1 after earning $8 in Ulta rewards, so I didn’t feel as dumb (ok, I felt like 20% dumb) and I haven’t put it down all.month.long. I love breaking it into little trios or quads for day-to-day looks. There’s about six go-to combinations I use interchangeably, depending on the day’s agenda. It is my most prized makeup possession to-date and I will not be swapping or reselling this. Ever.

Lesson learned: sometimes second chances are worth it.

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NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $29 // This concealer is much buzzed about for justifiable reasons. It’s versatile and transcends age groups. The formula works just as well under the eyes as it does on blemishes. It doesn’t fade throughout the day and packs a punch regarding coverage while maintaining a seamless creaminess. It doesn’t patch up on dry areas yet holds true on my oiliest spots. As much as I swear by drugstore concealers for the most part, there’s something special about NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer that’s worth investing. The price tag is daunting for many, but I checked my Sephora.com account, and this tube lasted me 10 months.

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Revlon Lash Potion Volume + Length // My poor natural lashes are in need of super TLC post-lash extensions. I have not used my most-loved L’Oreal Miss Manga ROCK waterproof on them since the last extension fell; instead opting for a gentle, nourishing non-waterproof mascara. For $4.99, Revlon’s Lash Potion fits the bill. It’s surprisingly volumizing due to the slightly drier formula and fluffy brush. It doesn’t flake or smudge and layers extremely well. If Miss Manga ROCK isn’t for you (or you hate those plastic bristle brushes in general), you need to try Lash Potion.

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by Terry Baume de Rose, $60 // I nearly passed out when I found out how much the full size of this balm costs, but it is straight up luxurious. Princess status style. I love Aquaphor for my most chapped skin issues (from face to under eyes to lips, cuticles, etc.), but Baume de Rose is something special. The thick salve isn’t at all greasy. The smallest dab lasts on my lips all night and leaves them plumped, deeply hydrated and feeling like happy little rosebud petals the entire next day. If you live in a cold climate, think about adding this to your holiday wish-list for yourself (or others).

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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, Luminous Light; $45 // The highlighter for girls who don’t know how or are afraid to highlight. This is the second appearance for Luminous Light in my favorites posts. It’s subtle enough for the daytime and I’m pretty sure I could whack this all over my face and still not look like a disco ball. Pretty sure this may last me ten years, as well. I’ve had it almost a year and use it often, yet there’s barely a dent in it. It creates the prettiest glow-from-within; sort of like you drank your eight glasses of water and also a gallon of green juice.

What were some of your can’t-put-down items from September? Let me know in the comments. The Sephora BI/VIB sale is coming up soon (November) and mama needs to start developing her wish list 🙂

-Steffanie

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