makeup

In the makeup category, I’ve tried two new products from e.l.f. recently and I loved both (including the new skincare that I discuss in my previous blog post). The first is the e.l.f. Mint Melt makeup primer – which I learned about on TikTok. Embarrassing I know. It’s an extremely interesting makeup primer, unlike I’ve ever used before. Comparable to the Milk HydroGrip Primer, it’s a cooling gel formula that feels extremely sticky when first applied to the skin, but quickly melts in after warmth from your fingers heat it up and helps to press it in. I wore this primer for my brother’s wedding and now numerous days afterwards, and it helps my makeup to last even longer than it normally would!

I also tried a new blush from e.l.f. that I had hoped would be similar to the beloved Nars Orgasm Blush.
It’s the e.l.f. Natural Looking Blush in the shade Berry Merry, and while it’s not a perfect dupe for the Nars, it’s a gorgeous blush with excellent color payoff. Not to mention, you really can’t beat the $4 price tag!

Next we have to discuss my new favorite, cult product that I may never live without again. I recently ran out of setting powder right before I was supposed to do my own makeup for my brother’s wedding. While I normally use the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores loose powder, I decided to pay just a little more and try out the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. Just let me tell you now….I completely understand the hype behind the powder. It’s lightweight, so it doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles, but yet it provides me the best all day powder application that I’ve worn in the last year of mask wearing. It’s a matte finish as I prefer, and I purchased the translucent. This product is a little more expensive, but it’s a huge jar of powder that will truly last you a long time.

Lastly in makeup, I purchased a new blush brush because I wasn’t loving how mine applies anymore. I picked up this angled blush brush from Sonia Kashuk at my local Target, and I love the feel of the bristles as well as how it applies. If you’re looking for a brush that helps to more precisely apply your blush, this is definitely it.

skincare

When I got pregnant, I decided that several products needed to go in my current routine just for their ingredient listing. One of those was self-tanners, just to be safe. So instead I decided to try an all-natural self-tanner that I’ve really enjoyed. The Beauty by Earth Self Tanner is an organic sunless tanning lotion, and it’s completely buildable. I don’t feel guilty for using it more than once a week, and the color payoff is great. Extremely natural-looking color, not to mention hydrating because it contains shea butter and several other wonderful skincare ingredients!

hair care

The hair stylist that my sister-in-law used for their wedding day had this amazing smelling hair product, and as soon as I got my turn in the chair I had to find out what she was using. Turns out, it was a product I could find at my local Ulta! The Big Sexy High Tide Texturizing Finishing Spray smells like a coconut, Tahitian vacation in a can, and I couldn’t get enough! It’s the first texturizing spray I’ve used that also contained a higher amount of hairspray as well, which I like! It’s got a beachy feel with the added benefit of a light hairspray. If you want to add texture, hold, or life to thin or limp hair, it’s definitely worth a try!

nail polish

Lastly, I wanted to show you guys some of the nail polish I’ve recently gone loco for – because it really lasts! I’m sure many of you have heard of Olive and June Nail products, which I linked the peony pink color I’m wearing above, but I’m here to tell you they really are the bees knees. When I got pregnant, I decided to take a break from the chemicals in my dip powder liquids, and I pretty much switched to Olive and June solely for their 7-free formula. That means their nail polishes are free of the 7 most toxic compounds found in common nail polishes. They also have many products to help you craft the perfect mani, for the most experienced to inexperienced at-home nail artist. Plenty of beautiful colors and best yet, their polishes last me over a week of application without any chipping!

So there you have it! Just a few products that I’ve been loving recently and definitely will be going further into the spring season! Like I mentioned earlier, next week I’ll be rounding up some of my favorite new spring fashion pieces from stores like Old Navy, Target, Amazon and more! Chat more with you then…

xo, Chelsea