I want to know what’s really lighting your fire right now and getting you excited about busting out those brushes and painting yo’ face, girl.
Here are some of the things currently lighting my fire…
- Foundation that looks like real skin. Vacation skin, basically, and skin that looks slightly dewy. I’ve been using MAC Face & Body to get something like that all summer, but I’ve heard great things about Armani’s foundations, so I think a trip to one of their counters is in order very soon.
- Anything brow related that keeps brows looking natural. I saw a pic of myself and a friend the other day from 2007, and HOLY WOW! My brows were so thin and blocked out that you couldn’t even see any of the individual hairs. Oh, well… I guess it was the style at the time.
- Minimal makeup. I think you’re tired of me talking about this. 🙂
- Haven’t been contouring much lately, whereas I was a lot last summer. See: the whole minimal makeup thing.
- I’m into not washing my hair… LOL! Dry shampoo all the way.
- I’m into finding the ultimate under-eye concealer. I’ve been using MAC Pro Longwear for a really long time and have been, for the most part, happy with it, but my under-eye situation has been more dry lately than it used to be, and Pro Longwear just looks dry on me now. (And I can’t stand the pump.)
- I’m into eye makeup that doesn’t require, like, eight eyeshadows. I want to get the effect of a super complicated eye look but with three eyeshadows, max.
OK, maybe four.
- I’m also into matte eyeshadows in the crease. I think it just looks more defined.
- I’m into a brow bone highlight that isn’t too shimmery or frosty.
Just for something different, you know, changing of the times.
- I’m into accent nails. That way I’m not forced to pick one single color to wear.
That would be too cruel.
How about you? What are you into makeup-wise, like, REALLY into, right now?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
rachel says
I’ve found that the best under eye concealer is from Hourglass… it truly works wonders.
Agata says
Blue nail polishes (Currently wearing the new reformulated Milani nail polish in Mint Crush and I love it), braided hair, pink lipstick- I am totally obsessed with Mac Kelly Yum Yum, I swear I could wear it every day!
MonicaP says
Definitely into sunscreen, minimal makeup, and washing my hair at night so I can fluff and go in the morning 🙂
Also, into a lighter breakfast .. smoothies, juices .. salads for lunch, crunchy veggies for dinner .. no cooking!
Monica.
Alison M says
Have you tried Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer? They expanded the shade range and the formula is fab for dryness as well as brightening and concealing undereyes. I really think you’d like it 🙂
I’m really into lipsticks right now. I just hauled three more UD Revolutions (Turn On, Shame, Mrs. Mia Wallace). But I am on the hunt for a perfect amber pink that matches the new NARS Unlawful and I can NOT get enough matte lips!! I want them all!! I’m hoping the new Kat Von D Lipsticks have a few real winners for me. And just this week I’ve become obsessed with highlighter. Must have all the glowy skin. Come to think of it….I’ve been going trying tons of new mascaras too. I am hoping to find an amazing cruelty free one from the drugstore, but so far I haven’t found anything that lives up to volume and curl from NARS LGL or the separation from Trish McEvoy Dramatic Lash.
kim says
Love this post!! I am going to grab MAC face and body next time I am at the MAC counter. I just got the skin finish natural (my first MAC purchase EVER!) and I love it so much.
I’m also into matte in the crease right now.
Simple eye makeup.
Neutrogena wine wellness gloss.
Maybelline full and soft mascara with CG lashblast layered over it.
AND BLUSH!!! I’ve been buying blushes like crazy lately.
Rachel says
Also looking for a good concealer as my dark circles are not getting better with age! I read that yellow toned ones cancel the darkness under eyes, so I found a physicians formula one at CVS and use it in combination with some cheapie loreal eye brightening pen. So far so good.
Also hate washing my hair, summer or winter! Dry shampoo and ponytails when it starts getting really bad! With all the shampoo and conditioner I hoard, you’d think I would enjoy the ritual of hair washing, but it’s just such a chore!
Going to Minneapolis in September so I’ll definitely be hitting up the MAC counter (I don’t have one close to me, thank goodness) for some face and body foundation, and I should have enough empties to get a new lipstick!
Gillian says
I am hugely into cream eyeshadows lately, nice & quick & longlasting for these hot summer days. I’m really loving Superdrug B for cream shadows that last, also Maybelline tattoos and Boots No7. I’m also into a little bronzer to warm up my pale skin.
Andrea says
Hey! Have you tried It Cosmetics bye bye undereye concealer? They are selling mini sizes at ulta right now for ten bucks. I love it because it is a thick concealer and although they don’t have a large range of colors, the tan works for me and I’m an NC42. Also Nars creamy concealer is lovely.
fancie says
I’m really loving my Revlon Nearly Naked foundation, MAC Worldly Wealth blush and MAC Blunt to contour. My go to lippies right now are NYX Violet lipstick and MAC Narcissus gloss. I’ve been trying to wear shadows more often and have taken the same approach as you lol. I’m cool with 3 colors right now. It’s just simpler!
Leticia says
I am really into one shimmer eyeshadow all over the lid! It’s so minimal and great when you one have 5 minutes to do you face!
I like using UD’s sin, L’Oreal’s Amber Rush or a Taupe-y color similar to MAC’s Satin Taupe!
Ashleigh says
No foundation, defined lashes, bold lips, light cream blush, and sunscreen 🙂 Im letting the freckles stand out instead of covering them up ^_^
I can’t wait for fall colors to come around though. I have a navy polish on and a dark berry lip, not exactly July appropriate 😡
pauline says
I swear the estee lauder doublewear concealer is the best. I bought mac pro longwear last week and dropped the bottle the day after! I was heartbroken but found the EL concealer at the CCO and I love it. The MAC one was too drying and patchy anyway. :-\
Alix says
Loving minimal makeup, YSL Rebel Nudes Glossy Stains (always!), Clarins summer lipbalm in My Pink, It Cosmetics Tightline Eyelash Primer, Wen cleansing conditioner, lots of sunscreen, and fruit-‘n-spinach smoothies for dinner (too warm to cook).
Angela says
Good topic! I’m LOVING my Kat von D tattoo liner – finally a liner that doesn’t budge on me. now if only I could find one that would stick around more than an hour on my waterlines 🙁
TOTALLY into watermelon-coloured lipsticks and they must be matte (very specific obsession, no?). I also had a bit of a “dry spell” with the Pro Longwear concealer under my eyes. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything else that could last as long and not look cakey or emphasize my ever-increasing number of fine lines under there. Granted, I didn’t try everything, just don’t have that kind of budget! I went back to the Pro Longwear as it provides the best coverage and doesn’t budge. I just make sure to use an eye cream first, so the area is at least hydrated. Been working ok so far!
I’ve been struggling with really oily skin lately, so I’m having a hard time finding base products that will last (Rimmel’s Stay Matte BB cream does not, in fact, stay matte on me). I might have to investigate Tarte, as I’ve been hearing good things about their amazonian clay being good for oil-control. I’m super intrigued by the second skin-like foundations, but I am concerned my oil problem will end up costing me lots of money buying, trying & crying, LOL!!
OOO and trying to find a blush on my super pale skin that doesn’t look too garishly fuchsia or turn orange. Ah, the struggles 🙂
Carolyn @ The Makeup Writeup says
Hey Karen! This is a fun discussion topic :).
I am really loving:
-an easy to use, flattering liquid bronzer that I can use to mix in with my tinted moisturizer or use on its own. I’ve used my Armani Liquid Summer daily ever since I bought it nearly two months ago. Now that I have a bit of a summer tan, my tinted moisturizer no longer matches me well, so mixing in some bronzer works wonders!
-colored eyeliners like Urban Decay Deep End — either on the lower lashline or on both lashlines for a pop of color
-smudgeproof eyeliners that will NOT budge on my ridiculously oily skin (thank goodness for Marc Jacobs eyeliners)
-a glowy lip — I’m really digging the effect of the new Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Colors from her summer collection as the shimmer in the lipsticks give my lips a “glow” and more dimension
-highlighters and luminizers — perfect for summer!
-eye palettes that just work seamlessly together — no additional eyeshadows needed for a complete eye look (I’ve found that with my new Chanel quads and Dior’s Sundeck palette)
Kiss & Make-up says
Okay so I am like reaaaaaaaaally into the whole airbrushed skin look right now (read that in *that* voice). Seriously though, I am very focused on anything skin related now. How to get my pores from looking smaller, my skin to look smoother, my foundation to look natural, all that.
Sakura says
I’m into eyeliner and eye makeup. I’m tired of my signature look. Also I’m into perfecting my skin (get rid of an hyper pigmentation mark, ugh!)
Vanessa says
I’m into
1.) Natural lips with a bold color blended in the center
2.) Incorporating blue eyeliner into my looks
Mahsa (the Crushworthy) says
I’m wondering if you’ve ever tried Diorshow Brow Styler? It’s SUCH a game changer. Seriously one of the top three beauty products I’ve ever used. So easy and simple to use with really great, natural results. I highly recommend it! I blogged about it recently check it out
http://www.thecrushworthy.com
Nicola says
1. Trying to take the natural colorings in my face (natural shades in my eye (that I WANT…no dark circles, ofcourse, please) and accentuating them using matte shadows. I’m not a shimmer girl. Never have been.
2. Trying to find matte shadows that make greyish-blue eyes come out.
3. Trying to find a way to get my left eyelashes to behave. Curlers do not do this. Putting on mascara is futile.
4. Trying to find a mascara that is comparable to Neutrogena’s old “Lash Tint”, which of course, it was the best I’ve ever used and it goes out of stock or get’s discontinued. It was the only eyelash beautifier that gave me compliments on my eyes that didn’t feel like I superglued two daddy long legs to my eyeballs with bubblegum.
5. Doing a yoghurt masque once a week. (I picked Thursday but any day works). Every time I get compliments on my skin, I did a yoghurt masque that day or the night before. Just slather on plain yoghurt (non-fat-free kind is good for this without feeling guilty for extra moisture) on a freshly washed face and leave it on till it dries (best to do before shower) and then just rub off with fingertips under the shower head. Instant radiance for 75c.
6. Soaps by Vermont Soap Company. I’ve been using their tea tree soap for 10 years now and never had a breakout or flaky-dry skin once. You can get a whole brick or individual bars for the price of a box of Dove bars. Plus no animal testing in the effectiveness of the product which is something I love even more, as well as no GMO’s. No franken-dermis for this gal.
ps: I love your look in that picture.
Ericca says
I am so minimal. Right now, I am into black eye liner, and pink lipstick because I am doing a series on pinks. I am also into getting rid of my samples or atleast trying all of the skincare and beauty samples from my subscription box
breyerchic04 says
Simple! I’ve been wearing the heck out of my maybeline fit me stick foundation, because I love applying it and haven’t found the right shade in bobbi brown’s stick foundation. Though I do wear face and body pretty often as well.
Also cream shadows with a little shimmer, I alternate between Benefit My Two Cents creaseless cream and MAC Perky paintpot.
Tube mascaras also work very well for me in the summer, so it’s either L’Oreal Beauty Tubes or Blinc.
For blush I’m going for powders with a little bit of shimmer, benefit coralista and mac full of joy, or for bronzing benefit dallas!
Lips I’m mostly using Fresh Sugar tinted balms, in Berry and Rose.
Divya says
I am BIG into bronzers right now.. and have bought quite a few new ones! The Chanel multicolour and the recent loot Clarins bronzer (the mega sized ones)! AMAZING!!
Keturah says
– Minimal makeup for most days (unless it’s a day I want more, date night, etc.)
Bohemian makeup (isn’t that almost the opposite of minimal makeup?!?!) – very Rachel-Bilson-in-real-life-and-Amy-Adams-in-American-Hustle sort of way. With a flick of Brigitte Bardot cat eye. I just love it. It’s a lot of eye makeup, but I’ve been trying to get it down to a minimal version and so far, I’m pretty happy. Less is more! I believe it now more than ever before.
– Knowing what works for ME. Sometimes that means less product, sometimes that means more emphasis on an area, etc.
– Rich hair color. I’m obsessed with having really rich, burnished brunette tresses.
– Washing my hair less. And I have been wearing my hair in chignons and buns a LOT. (I’m okay with that.)
– More sleep.
– Creme blush and lipstick applied as blush. I have oilier skin, but I have still loved using it.
Nati says
Oh, great question! What I’m really into these days is creating the effect of a luminous skin (not shimmery! just luminous) healthy, glowing appearance because I’m getting old and dull :/
I’m also into orange lips and brown gel eye liner.
Edith Parker says
Nude, not too sparkly, eyeshadow
Brown lipstick that doesn’t make me look dead — why do all the nude lipsticks have blue undertones??? And why, OH WHY, did Prescriptives fold up shop???
And, finally, peach nailpolish — case in point: I NEED to know what you have on your nails in the pic above. Everything I’ve found either looks pumpkin orange or like a salmon died on my fingers.
Danielle says
I’m usually not big on lippies but lately that’s all I’ve been buying, lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, etc.
And I’m back to buying nail polish and that’s not good. I kicked that habit years ago.
Sylirael says
Hm, let’s see…
1. Peach blush on my cool toned vampire face. The contrast is really pretty! (when it’s well blended, of course ;-))
2. Using a colourful liner (generally UD’s) then smudging the edge out with a contrasting bright colour (generally UD’s). An example would be Rockstar liner with Last Call eyeshadow.
3. Inoffensive pink lipsticks 😀 So easy to wear to work!
Hope Ferguson says
I have been really into chubby lip pencils lately. Tarte’s Power Pigment lip pencil in “Blushing Bride” has been a game changer for me. It is AMAZING.
http://www.hopefullyhelpfulbeauty.blogspot.com
shelley says
I’ve been focused on my Becca Cheek and Lip stains and a simple winged eye. And my new Laura Mercier Flawless Finish Fluide. My skin is looking great these days so I make that the focus…the less,the better.
Amber says
Have you tried Cle de peau under eye concealer? Its my hg concealer and I’m super dark under my eyes and dry. I use the Armani correcter first than pat on Cle de peau. I know its expensive but I get close to two years outa one tube!
Katherine M says
I’m REALLY into….
~Also natural looking foundation. In fact, my summer look is so natural I don’t even use foundation. I just use concealer on trouble spots, bronzer to contour my face and highlight my bone structure, and a little bit of blush (usually my trademark NARS Orgasm).
~Good bronzer. Physician’s Formula is one of my favorites. I have a Hard Candy one that would be good for contouring like I’ve seen in some of the videos, but it takes longer to put on than the powder formulas!
~I also love simple but classy eye makeup on occasion, especially when I have to work. Lately I’ve been loving cream shadow sticks like what NYX has come out with, or just a wash of MAC Club to bring out the green in my eyes.
~I love complicated eye looks that really enhance my eye color and take like 20 minutes to do. However, I don’t always have the extra 20 minutes to do them!
~The not-shampooing-so-much, too. I have really thick hair with a slight wave to it, and when I haven’t had it cut in a while (like my current situation), it can get REALLY unruly when it’s freshly washed. It does better a little dirty and not shampooed every day. Dry shampoo is a godsend.
~Anything rose gold, because it’s the color of my wedding band, one of my fave metal colors, and just so flattering. It flatters tanned skin in the summer and adds warmth in the winter. UD Naked 3 is one of my favorite palettes right now. I’m so happy that UD came out with rose gold nudes.
Monika says
All MAC products: Pro Longwear foundation, Natural Radiance Yellow primer, Warm Soul blush, Etcetera lip pencil, and Arena + Uninterrupted eyeshadows. NYX butter lipsticks and lip glosses are making me swoon, too.
Chelsea says
Tinted sunscreen! I used to be all about coverage, but I’m loving sheer products right now for glowy, natural skin with freckles. To continue the glowy skin, I love blush (I own so many that I love… Tarte cheek stain in Exposed, Rimmel Wake Me Up in Peach Rimmel Stay Blushed in Apricot Glow, Maybelline Hi Light in Nude, Bourjois in rose doré… I have a problem), highlighter, and highlighting concealer where necessary.
Also, big lashes!
Eve says
I’ve been into makeup minimalism. I really cleaned out my makeup stash and now my whole collection fits into the Muji two drawer with lid acrylic case. I really research any new product I am considering before I buy anything to keep a well edited collection. I am more into skincare anymore too. The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is pretty good. The trick with this for the under eye area I found is to use a good eye cream first and then pat it on with fingers and after a few minutes after applying it pat it in again lightly or gently buff it in with a brush like the Sephora #57 and it will not crease and will stay smooth looking.
Indian princess says
You and I have similar coloring. I love Armani luminous silk foundation in #8. I also love cle de peau concealer in honey. Im also addicted to mac give me sun as contour/bronzer and kevin aucoin tropical nights highlighter. On the eyes….all that glitters, saddle in crease and ricepaper inner corners n browbones all by mac.
Michelle says
Same thing started to happen to me with my MAC concealer. So I switched to a new eye cream (Tarte-wooden lid) and their marajuca(sp?) concealer. Awesomeness!! It takes a little bit longer to put on but so worth it. Good stuff!
Donna N says
I’m obsessed with trying to find the PERFECT shade of RED lip—lipstick or gloss….mine all seem to be more blue or orange—I want a TRUE RED!!!
I’m also really into using waterproof liner on my waterlines right now—CAN’T believe I didn’t get into this trend sooner! 🙂
Kim says
Your hair looks awesome so keep dry shampooing! If I could get that result, I’d skip the water, too. 🙂
I’m always hoping to find the Christmas Miracle facial product that will give me the zero pores/zero fine lines look. And, a mascara that I love even more than Faux Cils. Finally, that perfect brow product that’s quick and effective. The search is continuous!
Trude says
I’m a huge fan of dry shampoo too, can’t live without it. The one I like the most right now is Dove’s (better smell than Tresemme and lighter consistency than Suave). Also obsessed with Bite Beauty’s high pigment lip pencils. I splurged and got one (Corvina, which is an almost-neon coral) and loooove it. The name doesn’t lie, they are super pigmented and I love the creamy formula. Need to get a more work-friendly color!
Grace says
Right now, I’m super into highlighters and achieving glowy skin. I’ve been loving Benefit High Beam, Benefit Watts Up, MAC Soft & Gentle, and Revlon PhotoReady Illuminator in Bare Light. I’ve also been into bright lips for the summer–Milani Rose Hip lipstick and Maybelline Color Elixir in Fuschia Flourish have been my go-to’s. Oh, and Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is my absolute obssesion. I want to wear it every single day, except I have like, 10 other mascaras I need to use up. Ahh, the struggle.
Erica says
Timely topic Karen! I don’t know what the hell is going on with me, but I’m obsessive about my makeup these days. I’m usually laid back in summer but not this year ( lol). I’m into:
~ One all around nude eyeshadow on my lids with subtle shimmer and killer lashes.
~ Makeup cleansing oils! I’m seriously addicted! Amore Pacific, Tatcha, Mac and Dior are
faves so far.
~ Foundation mixed with liquid highlighters for a subtle sheen.
~ Exfoliators for face and body.
~ Deep conditioners for my hair.
Iris says
I’ve recently become obsessed with blush. I’m also liking bright pink and red lipstick along with smokey eyes. 🙂
aradhana says
hi karen – i think it might be the prolong wear that is drying your skin out…that was the impression i was given of the prolong wear foundation/concealer line when they first came out…that they are very long wearing but for that same reason also drying. so maybe it’s a good idea to switch up with something more creamy for the days where long wearing is less crucial?
these days i tend to use colour correcting products (like the peach prep + prime corrector ) rather than concealers under my eyes for everyday. it doesn’t look ‘flawless’ in the same way as concealer… but it works with that dewy summer look….
jess says
I’m really into natural summer makeup. I’ve been using MAC face and body foundation, thank goodness I gave it another try because I love it so much! So natural. So easy and breezy.
I’ve been into really natural makeup because I just don’t have the energy or patience to put more on in this humid ass weather.
I’ve just been doing foundation, mascara, concealed and blush. I’ve been loving Josie Marana coconut glee blushes especially the travel size for popping in my purse!
I really like the new L’oreal magna mascara!
I’m into neon colors for when I do try, rocking some Kelly Osborne hot pink lips by MAC, forget the name or MAC’s sail Le vie or Sephora’s hot bikini lipstick. I put a hot pink streak in my hair for fun too!
Erin says
I am sooo not into makeup right now. I went and got my eyelashes and eyebrows tinted so no mascara or eyebrow pencils for me this summer. I am basically sticking to sunscreen and maybe a light foundation if I feel my skin tone needs evening out that day.
Paula says
I’m now into contouring, bronze blushes and neutral eyeshadows. All well blended.
PamW says
I’m currently into:
MAC Warm Soul blush blended with Too Faced bronzer as contour and up to the back of the cheekbone. A little of Bobbi Brown Nectar blush in the apples of the cheeks
Eyeshadows: neutral satin brown over the lid, satin taupe in the crease and matte vanilla on the browbone
Thick cat eye MAC Black Swan eyeliner and Loreal Volume Million Lashes
Only concealer, Mac Prolongwear NW20,Supernatural Powder by Maybelline
Red lips (Rimmel Alarm lipstick), bright pinks or just natural bare lips
Home acrylic nais with 3D nailart in acrylic too
We’re going through Winter here in Chile… Lots of booties, scarfs and fedoras
Rachel P. says
Lately, I’ve been feelin…
-Dewy skin and not much powder (kind of a danger zone with my oily summer skin, but sometimes you gotta embrace the luminosity rather than combat it!). I’ve been alternating between Maybelline Dream Pure BB, Too Faced BB, Mary Kay CC (a standout formula, for some reason), and good ol’ L’Oreal True Match in W3 for more coverage.
-Subtly brightened under eye (I’ve been neutralizing the dark circles, but not exactly highlighting- keeping it awake but natural). L’Oreal Visible Lift Roll-On in Fair has been getting it done creaselessly and blendably.
-Cheek stains (either on their own for the natural flush or layered with powder blush for a wha-bam effect). Favorites all by Tarte: Cheek Stain in Tipsy, Sheer Passion Hydrating Tint in the bright pink (WHY did they discontinue this- excellent formula all around, wish I had more colors!), Maracuja Tint in Light Nectar (difficult to apply but excellent once it’s on the skin and blended out).
-Vampy lips (I know it’s the dead of summer, but when I go out at night, I can’t seem to skip a deep red or berry lip! I went with nude lips last night and felt naked, haha!)
zFashionizta says
I am loving the matte makeup look.
I am loving a brand that I only discovered over a month ago; my it cosmetics Foundation, concealer, setting powder, brow pencil & face radiance Palette. *These products are amazing!
I am addicted to my Tarte CC Matte palette, I have worn it almost every day since purchasing it.
I was never into wearing bronzers so the only one I owned was the too faced milk chocolate bronzer (which I used only as a blush) but recently learned how to use this product so I’m now enjoying wearing my new mac cosmetics bronzer and the one from the it cosmetics radiance palette.