I’m so excited to be doing a post on what’s in my beauty bag. Through my teen years into adulthood, one of my favorite things to do was read Allure magazine for all the beauty product reviews and reading the “what’s in so and so’s bag” feature was done. I’ve always enjoyed learning what products work for other women and what they are using. Learning all the details on beauty products turned me into the gal who loves to share what’s worked for me. In real life, I’m always telling my girlfriends about products, so I naturally it makes sense that I am sharing that with you here on the blog, because I consider you a friend too. Sharing is caring afterall!

So without further adieu, here is what’s in my beauty bag for the month of April and what I really thought about it the products and if I will purchase them again.

Perversion Mascara- Urban Decay $24

What I like about it: It certainly made my lashes full and curled them. But the downside, is that it flaked off throughout the day, leaving me frustrated with mascara under my eyes. Nobody has time for mascara under their eyes.

Who is it good for: Great for anyone who wants fuller lashes. It of course gives length, but I found it gives more volume and curl than anything else.

Will I buy it again: Probably not. But honestly, if you have shorter lashes, you might like it. Some gals I know swear by this. It just wasn’t giving me the length I’m looking for. All in all a great mascara, but I’m a girl looking for length from my lashes first and foremost.

Where to buy: Sephora, and Ulta.

 

Luna Night Oil- Sunday Riley $55-$105

 

What I like about it: Okay, so I really really like this product. I love that the retinol is mixed with essential oils for so many reasons. One of those reasons being hydration. I rarely feel like I’m super dry, and I don’t really peel with this. I also actually really love that this is more on the mild side and can be used with other treatments on the skin. I’ve used over the counter retinols in the past and while I do like the intensity and results they provide, this is a great option for those not wanting or needing a trip to their Dr. and pharmacy.

Who is it good for: Anyone who is looking to prevent fine lines, wrinkles and or wanting to improve the texture and brightness of their skin.

Will I buy it again: Yes! I love face oils so much and have been a fan since they came on the makeup scene almost 10 years ago. I’m a oil believer!

Where to buy: Sephora, Bloomingdale’s and Barneys.

 

Tarte Bronzer, Park Ave Princess $30

 

What I like about it: I liked that this bronzer was not orange or too grey. It honestly is just a great color of fair skin. The product itself was smooth. I’ve found many bronzers are not exactly smooth. To be more clear, the particles can sometimes be a bit larger making it harder to smooth onto the skin without making it look blotchy. You don’t have to worry about that with this. I’m sure if you’ve been using bronzer for a while, you’ve ran into this before. And if you haven’t, then you’re lucky you haven’t experienced this very real tragedy. Another perk is that it’s a waterproof bronzer, it contains Amazonian Clay- which Tarte uses a lot in their products. And for this oily skin gal- I’m thankful for that.

 

Who is it good for: Anyone who had fair to medium skin tones. They have a variety of different bronzer colors for deeper skin tones that would work better for you if you’re so lucky to have a deeper complexion. Great for all skin types, but if you’re oily, this one is a great choice because it’s waterproof and has the Amazonia Clay in it.

Will I buy it again: Most likely. It has been a favorite of mine thus far. I do like to cycle in another bronzer when I have a bit more color during the summer months and want an extra oomph.

Where to buy it: Sephora and Ulta.

Farmacy Eye Cream, Dew it all Total Eye Cream $38

 

What I like about it: To be 100 honest, the price really got me interested. Eye creams can be, well, expensive. So I wanted to give this a shot. And all in all, I thought it was pretty good. I like the consistency, it wasn’t too thin nor too thick. It smelled nice and didn’t irritate my eyes. Sometimes, things will cucumber can really irritate my eyes. I also really like that it has a lot of natural ingredients.

Who is it good for: Anyone looking for that “All in one” eye cream to help with fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, firmness and elasticity.

Will I buy it again: I’m not 100 sure. While I really liked the hydration, I didn’t really find that it helped that much with dark circles. Price point aside, I’m not one to buy something and wish that it worked better just because I like the price. I mean, after all, the idea is that a product should work. If it works and has a great price point then I’m all about it.

Where to buy it: Sephora

 

Mineral Loose Blush in Pink , Alima Pure $24

 

What I like about it:  Where do I even start. I LOVE that this product is from a clean beauty line. If you follow me on instagram, then you’ve heard me talk about incorporating more clean beauty into my life and my battle with acne. I found that I was breaking out on my cheeks and as soon as I stopped using a particular brand, I stopped breaking out. So from that point on, I made it a mission to get a blush that was considered “clean beauty”. It goes on smooth and I only use such a small amount, I know I’m going to have this blush for a really long time. The blush also is very pigmented. Sometimes, with more natural or mineral blushes, you deal with really sheer color payoff. Which is just not for me. I like a more matte pigmented blush and that’s exactly what this is. At first, I wasn’t sure I would be happy that it was loose, but it has an awesome twist cap inside and I just uncover a few dots and tap out product into the lid and that’s all I need.

Who is it good for: Anyone. Literally anyone could wear this blush and not have an issue.

Will I buy it again: Yes! But more likely, I will be purchasing additional colors before I replace this one because it will last me so long.

Where to buy: Shop Good and online at alimapure.com

 

Manna Kadar  Liquid Lipstick in Lucky $24

 

What I like about it: I really love the color. While a bold lip is fun, a nude pink is my go to everyday color. I also really like that it’s a lip gloss stain, it does stay on nicely and it’s smooth with just enough shine. My hair doesn’t ever get stuck in it, which just makes me so happy. I can’t stand gloss that slips and slides all over the place and ends up making me feel like I have a mess all over my face.

Who is it good for: Anyone who loves lipstick/lipgloss. The color would also work as a great neutral for almost any skin tone.

Will I buy it again: Maybe.

Where to buy it: mannakadarcosmetics.com

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder, $23-$38

 

What I like about it: What don’t I like about this? I’ve tried and tested what feels like HUNDREDS of translucent powders and what I have to say about this one, is, JUST BUY IT. It is such a fine, silky powder and really does set makeup nicely helping it last longer. I actually can’t believe that it’s taken me this long to try it out and buy it for my makeup bag. It sets and smooth’s makeup while also absorbing any shine. And best of all, it doesn’t “flashback” to the camera, making it really superb for any profesh makeup artists out there.

Who is it good for: Everyone. If you have severely dehydrated skin, I would hold off until you get some hydration going on your skin, but the rec is for anyone who is really dehydrated. There are two translucent colors available depending on your skin tone. I purchased the translucent.

Will I buy it again: Yes, this is forever going to be a staple in my makeup bag.

Where to Buy: Sephora, Nordstroms and other fine department stores.

 

Tarte Shape Tape in Light, $27

 

What I like about it: It gives excellent coverage for dark circles and blemishes.

Who is it good for: Anyone who is looking for a heavy duty concealer.

Will I buy it again:  Undecided. While it provides great coverage, it does seem a bit too drying for under my eyes- which is primarily what I use concealer for. Gotta cover those dark circles baby!

Where to buy it: Exclusive only to Ulta.

 

IT Cosmetics, Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination, in Light, $38

 

What I like about it: This product has the longest title ever, but that’s because it does a lot. I appreciate a product that I can throw on really quickly to cover all my redness on the weekends or on days where I don’t really want to wear makeup and it covers all the bases and this is it. I love the illuminating features of this product and I LOVE that it has SPF 50+. I actually used this as my foundation and felt that it gave pretty good coverage, even though it’s a CC cream.

Who is it good for: Any skin type. Anyone who is looking for light to medium coverage and wants an SPF. Also for the person who loves a good glow.

Will I buy it again: Yes! But I won’t use it as a foundation again. While I loved the Illumination it gives, it’s a bit too much for me everyday since I’m more on the oily side.

Where to buy it: Sephora and Ulta.

 

Bobbi Brown Lip Liner in Pale Pink, $26

 

What I like about it: I love the color and how well it stays on. It pretty much goes with any nude lipstick I have and it works great for bold colors as well because it is just a tad pinker than my natural lip color.

Who is it good for: Anyone who is looking for a pale pink liner.

Will I buy it again:  I’m not sure. It is a great liner, but I’m not convinced that it’s worth the price tag. Not to mention, it’s not a very large liner. Compared to other liners in size, it’s not very long so after a few sharpens it feels like you’re already going to need a new one soon.

Where to buy it: Macys and Nordstroms and other fine department stores.

There you have it! The highlighted products that are in my makeup bag this month. I hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these products. Have you tried any of these products? If so, let me know what you think of them. Have any products you’d like me to try out and test before you do? Let me know all in the comments below.

Stay tuned into my instagram to see some of these products in action.

XOXO,
Cristin