10 Makeup Products I'd Repurchase: Update

Time for an update! The question is, if you lost all your makeup (stolen, luggage lost etc), what 10 products would you re-purchase? I have done this twice before and found that some of my answers are still the same, some have changed.

1. Foundation: Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum - $55. I know this is high-end, but it's amazing. It might not work for the palest of skins, but for my warm skintone, it's a perfect match. To me, it looks like I don't have any foundation on, but my skin looks great. It also lasts FOREVER. I have had the same bottle for 10 months and have only used about 2/3 of it and I use it pretty much every day.

2. A damp Beautyblender ($20) is just plain necessary to apply foundation for me now. I started using one about a year ago and haven't gone back to brushes. I watch for good deals at Sephora and usually purchase a set that includes some cleanser to go with it.

3. Powder: ELF HD Powder - $6. We have discussed before how this is a dupe for MUFE HD Powder, which costs $30.

4. Blush: Stila Custom Color Blush - $20. Don't let the bright pink scare you off- it gives you a gorgeous flush. Stila also offers a coral shade, but I like the original pink shade the best.

5. Eye shadow primer: Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance in Candlelight - $18. It's a splurge, but it lasts FOREVER- a tube will last me about a year with daily use.

6.  Eye shadow: Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Oh So Sexy Eye Shadow Quad -$11. I only use the top three shades, but they are just what I need to create a quick easy eye look. The pigmentation is great and this quad even smells amazing! I have lots of high-end palettes and this is the one I reach for day after day.

7. Eyeliner: Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Deep Brown - $11. I love love love this liner- it's so easy to get a nice straight line and even to do a bit of a cat eye with this liner.

8.  Mascara:  CoverGirl Clump Crusher in Very Black - $6. This has been a staple for at least 2 years now and I consider it my HG. I have found that it works great as a topper over about any mascara. There's something about using two mascaras that gives a fabulous effect.

9.  Lippie: L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Berry Persistent - $10. I have a large container of lippies, yet I reach for this most days. It's a gloss that leaves behind a stain.

10.  Brushes: e.l.f. Studio 11 Piece Brush Collecion - $30, but you can often get it for 50% off. This is a fabulous set to start with.

This post contains no affiliate links, and all items were purchased by me.

10 Makeup Products I'd Repurchase: Updated

I thought I'd update a tag I did in 2012. The question is, if you lost all your makeup (stolen, luggage lost etc), what 10 products would you re-purchase? Some of my answers are still the same, some have changed.

1. Foundation: Urban Decay Naked in Shade 3 - $39. I know this is a high price-point, but I love it! I reach for it pretty much every day, even though I have about 20 to choose from. The bottle I have has lasted me for probably a year at least.

2. Powder: ELF HD Powder - $6. We have discussed before how this is a dupe for MUFE HD Powder, which costs $30.

3. Blush: ELF Blush in Pink Passion - $3. Great pigmentation for a great price.

4. Eye shadow primer: Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance in Candlelight - $18. It's a splurge, but it lasts FOREVER- I have used it everyday for about a year and am just now getting low.

5.  Eye shadow: L'Oreal The One Sweep Eye Shadow in Natural Blue Eyes - $10. Although I hated the idea behind this product and it did not work they way it was intended, I have found that I LOVE the cream and brown shades in this and I love using them individually with my eye shadow brushes.

6. Eyeliner: Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Deep Brown - $11. I love love love this liner- it's so easy to get a nice straight line and even to do a bit of a cat eye with this liner.

7.  Mascara:  CoverGirl Clump Crusher in Very Black - $6. I think I've been using this for about a year and now consider it my HG. I have found that it works great as a topper over about any mascara. There's something about using two mascaras that gives a fabulous effect.

8.  Lippie: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick - $9. I have a large container of lippies, yet I reach for this most days.

9.  Brushes: e.l.f. Studio 11 Piece Brush Collecion - $30, but you can often get it for 50% off. This is a fabulous set to start with.

10. For my 10th item, I'd add one of e.l.f.'s $3 stipple brushes to use with highly pigmented blushes- it gives a nice blended look.

I tag YOU! I'd love to see what you'd repurchase!

Beauty Chat

My obsession with beauty products is continuing to grow! Have you watched any "beauty gurus" on youtube? I have a few favorite to share with you. 

My first is a recent discovery- Stephanie and Laura from A Brunette Duet. They are absolutely darling and have great reviews and tutorials. I have watched all of their vids and they are fabulous.

I've been watching Stephanie and Tracy from Eleventh Gorgeous for quite a while. They are sisters and I love their vids too. A must watch.

And in other beauty news, last month I subscribed to Ipsy because I saw several unboxing vids on youtube and was pretty impressed. I've been a Birchbox subscriber for a bit, and I'm actually considering dropping this subscription because I'm not that excited by what they have been including in their boxes, which run $10 a month.

But Ipsy! Wow! I absolutely think their $10 subscription price is worth it. Here's what I got in my January bag.

What monthly beauty subscriptions do you subscribe to?

Disclsoure: This post does NOT contain referral links- the Ipsy link is NOT a referral link.

Review and GDA: Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation and Powder

Oh how I love new drugstore beauty products!

I recently saw an advertisement for Revlon's new Nearly Naked line and was very interested in trying it.

UNDETECTABLE COVERAGE. UNBELIEVABLE COMPLEXION.
Makeup so refreshingly light it melts right in, creating a fresh, even look.Pressed powder blends seamlessly with a lightweight feel.

So last week I purchased both the powder and the foundation to try. I decided on Shell for the foundation since that's what shade I wear in Revlon's PhotoReady line, and I chose Fair for the powder.

And I really like it! The foundation is very thin and blends in so well. It's more coverage than you get from a tinted moisturizer, but it's definitely not a full-coverage foundation. I have tried both a damp foundation brush and a damp beauty blender, and with both I get nice sheer coverage that evens out my complexion wonderfully.

Topped with the pressed powder, I found that I did not need to touch up at all during the day. The powder comes with a very small spongy applicator, but I used a powder brush with it to set my foundation.

Of course, after I purchased both products for full price at $10 last week, CVS is offering a great sale this week. (This always happens to me, I just can't wait for sales sometimes!)

The Nearly Naked products are on sale for $6.99 this week, and you'll get $2 back in ExtraCare Bucks for each product you purchase (up to 6 items). That brings the net price to $5 which is a bargain for such good products.

So if you happen to be looking for new face products to try, I'd definitely recommend giving these a try if you like a lighter-coverage product.

Review: COVERGIRL blastflipstick

We all know I have too many lippies. I even made a resolution in 2011 to purchase no lippies that year. (Shhh.... of course I did *not* keep that resolution.)

So when there is an opportunity to try out a new lip product...... I'm absolutely first in line.

BzzAgent invited me to join a campaign for COVERGIRL's blastflipstick. In my kit, they sent three shades for me to try.

The dual-sided stick features a creamy color on one end and a shimmery shade on the other.

Here are the shades I received, swatched separately on the outside of the pic. The middle swatch in each pic is the lighter shade applied on top of the darker shade.

stunner 

vixen

minx

These are so fun! And guys, they are long-wearing. Very long-wearing. I didn't find them to be drying at all- in fact, they are very creamy yet they don't run into the lines around my lips.

These retail for around $8.50.

Online at covergirl.com and facebook.com/covergirl— visit the sites to see the shades, get tips on top lip looks and learn more.

10 Makeup Products I Would Repurchase: TAG

I'd thought I'd join in on a fun tag video going around with YouTube beauty gurus. The question is, if you lost all your makeup (stolen, luggage lost etc), what 10 products would you re-purchase?

1. Foundation: Revlon PhotoReady in Shell - $14. This is a good, basic, non-oily foundation that wears really well on me.

2. Powder: ELF HD Powder - $6. We have discussed before how this is a dupe for MUFE HD Powder, which costs $30.

3. Blush: ELF Blush in Pink Passion - $3. Great pigmentation for a great price.

4. Eye shadow primer: Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance in Candlelight - $18. It's a splurge, but it lasts FOREVER- I have used it everyday for about a year and am just getting low.

5.  Eye shadow: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Explosion in Caffeine Rush - $10. Gorgeous colors with great pigmentation that blends so well.

6. Eyeliner: Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Deep Brown - $11. I love love love this liner- it's so easy to get a nice straight line and even to do a bit of a cat eye with this liner.

7.  Mascara:  L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes in Blackest Black - $9. This has been my favorite mascara for a while- I have tried many more, but keep coming back to this one.

8.  Lippie: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush or Smitten - $9. I have a large container of lippies, yet I reach for these every day.

9.  Brushes: e.l.f. Studio 11 Piece Brush Collecion - $30, but you can often get it for 50% off. This is a fabulous set to start with. I'd add one of their $3 stipple brushes to use with highly pigmented blushes, but you can certainly make due with this great set.

10. Eyelash curler.... currently use Shu Uemura, which is no longer carried by Sephora. I have tried the cheapie ELF one, but did not like it at all. Any suggestions? What about the Shiseido one?

I tag YOU! I'd love to see what you'd repurchase!

Gushing Love for Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Pardon me while I simply GUSH. Revlon's new Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain is hands down the best lippie I've ever tried.

Here's why I love them and haven't worn any other lip products since I purchased these about two weeks ago:

• They don't bleed! Amazing for such a highly-pigmented glossy formula.
• When the gloss wears off, you are left with a stain that actually lasts.
• They feel amazing and are very moisturizing.
• They twist up and don't require sharpening.
• The price- at about $9 they are a great deal to start, but during the month of June Walgreens has them BOGO half off which makes them about $6.75 each- AMAZING deal.

Swatches

005 Crush on top

030 Smitten on bottom

Crush

Smitten

In April I raved about Revlon Lip Butters, but the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains have taken over the top spot on my Lippie Love List.

I need to also mention that I have seen people compare these to Tarte's LipSurgence Natural Lip Stain, and folks, these are so so so much better than those $24 puppies! I've tried two shades of the Tarte product, and both bled into the fine lines around my lips, and left behind no stain when the gloss wore off.

Let me know if you pick up a Balm Stain and what shade you get!

Recommendation and GDA: Revon Lip Butter

A few weeks ago my friend Carrie asked me for a drugstore lip gloss recommendation, and I admit to being a bit at a loss. I just don't wear a lot of lip glosses, and when I do, it's just to top a lip stain. My favorite gloss for that purpose is Buxom Dominique, and it's pretty pricey and definitely doesn't quality as drugstore.

So I've been meaning to do a post and tell her about Revlon's Lip Butter, which I think is enough of a hybrid product that lipstick and lip gloss lovers alike can love it, although it wears so much better for me than any lip gloss ever has.

Although they come in lipstick form, they are so buttery and sheer that they are almost gloss-like. I currently own four, but note that I've chosen the darkest pigmented shades- there are definitely quite a few lighter options, and I think you'll find good swatches did Scrangie did here.

Here are swatches of three of the shades I have with me today- Lollipop, Cherry Tart, and Sugar Plum.

Good Deal Alert:

Through Sunday, CVS is offering $4 in Extra Care Bucks if you spend $10 on Revlon products.

Here was my purchase yesterday:

2 Lip Butter for $12.00
I used 2 coupon for $1 off a Revlon color cosmetic (found in the 4/1 Smart Source insert)

So I paid $10 and got back $4 in ECB, for a net purchase price of $6 for 2

Some colors to check out (see Scrangie's swatches): Sugar Frosting, Peach Parfait, Cotton Candy, Berry Smoothie, Cupcake, and Creme Brulee.

Garnier B.B. Cream: Review and Giveaway

I was recently invited to join the BzzAgent Garnier B.B. Cream campaign, and I jumped at the chance. I have heard so much about BB creams, and have even tried (and liked!) one by Dr. Jart+ from Sephora, but at $32 for 1.7 oz, I have been watching for a more affordable option.

Say goodbye to dull skin. Banish blotchiness. And discoloration and dryness? They're done for. Thanks to new Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream – an all-in-one beauty solution that renews, brightens, evens, hydrates and protects – your precious face is in the best of hands.

Short for Beauty Balm, Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream combines intense hydration with tinted minerals and Vitamin C, so you can ditch that drawn-out beauty routine for naturally more even, radiant and smooth skin in minutes.

Used as often as you want to refresh your look, Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream instantly delivers big results:

• Renews radiance
• Brightens your complexion
• Evens skin tone and blurs imperfections
• Hydrates for 24 hours
• Protects against UVA & UVB rays with SPF 15

Garnier B.B. Cream is available at mass retailers (such as Target and Wal-Mart) for a suggested retail price of $12.99.




The texture of this B.B. cream is lovely- it's creamy, but not greasy. I find that it sinks right in to my skin. I use a damp foundation brush to apply it and top with a finishing powder to set.

I've noticed that a lot of B.B. creams only have one color option, but Garnier's version has two shades- Light/Medium and Medium/Deep.

I liked the product that BzzAgent sent me so much, that I purchased one to give away to a Sasha Says reader! Read on to find out how.






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring Color

Spring is here and I am ready for Indian Paintbrush! I love seeing it along the highway and it's just part of home. And the vibrant color reminds me of this year's Pantone Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango.

Sephora has a great collection in collaboration with Pantone, and I bet you are absolutely shocked that I ordered the nail polish set. Can you believe it?

It came yesterday and I am so ready to wear these beautiful shades.

And in this corner.... HD powder comparison

A few years ago, I tried MAKE UP FOR EVER's (MUFE) HD Microfinish Powder and fell in love with it. However, it's pretty pricy and I kept my eyes open for a cheaper alternative.

A I found it! e.l.f. has a much better priced alternative that is identical in my eyes.

on the left: MAKE UP FOR EVER's HD Microfinish Powder ($30 for .35 oz)

on the right: e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder ($6 for 8 grams, or 0.28 oz)

Both are colorless, mattifying finishing powders that can be used on all skintones- don't let the white color scare you. It virtually disappears on your skin. I absolutely cannot tell the difference between the two products.

AND, I actually prefer the e.l.f. container- you can see that is it larger. I like to tap a bit of powder in the lid and dip my powder brush in the lid before I apply. The lid for the MUFE powder is so small, it's hard to tap the powder in the lid without loosing product to the counter and making a huge mess. The lid for the e.l.f. powder is much bigger and there's less chance of powder flying out.

Bottom line: I see no reason to purchase the MUFE powder over the e.l.f. powder. Buy the budget alternative and spend the extra $24 on something else!

e.l.f. often runs specials, and thru today, they are offering free shipping on orders over $13.50 if you use code FREESHIP, plus ebates offers 5.5% cash back if you start your shopping there. I recommend checking out their studio brushes (you NEED a contour brush for your crease) or Warm Bronzer ($3!) if you are looking for other items to purchase.

New Makeup

I am over the moon for Stila's Love At First Blush ($14 at Sephora). It's just so pretty and spring-y... and I am so ready for Spring! It's a bit shimmery, but not too much. Just a nice pretty glowy pink.

And my new HG foundation is Physician's Formula Youthful Wear™ Cosmeceutical Youth-Boosting Foundation & Brush (MSRP $15). It's almost a primer and foundation in one. The texture is a bit thicker than a normal foundation (see pic below), but it just seems to melt into my skin, and I feel like it really helps reduce the appearance of my wrinkles.

And the brush that comes with it is actually usable! I loathe applying foundation with my fingers- it's totally a sensory thing- so I have been using a foundation brush for years. And this one is pretty darn good!

There are only three shades to choose from (fair, light, and medium), and I choose fair since I am pretty pale. It was a perfect match for me. I've been using this for over a week and I'm absolutely loving it.

So if you're like me, in your late 30s with some slight wrinkles you are concerned about, this may be a great foundation for you to try. Remember that if you pick this up at CVS, you can always return it if it doesn't work for you (love love love their beauty return policies.)

Anything new you are trying this week?

Hmmm.....

Project 365: 01-05-12 Warning!

I have never seen a warning like this on my new Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush makeup! However, I've never used mousse makeup either. I am contemplating whether I want to continue using something on my face that carries such a scary warning sign on it!

Drugstore Makeup Love

Project 365: 01-04-12 Drugstore Haul!

Drugstore makeup is so fun! I think the quality of some drugstore makeup rivals high-end brands.

One brand in particular I really like is Physicians Formula. When I saw they had new colors of their Happy Booster Blush, I was on the hunt.

So of course I picked up a few other things to try as well. After all, I just had a birthday!

Left to right:

L'oreal Colour Riche Balm in Plush Plum (quick review: don't really like it)

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush in Shell (quick review: liking it! no shimmer like the liquid)

Garnier BB Cream in Light/Medium

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Pink

Physicians Formula Happy Booster 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush in Bronze/Rose

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Warm

Have you picked up any new drugstore makeup lately?

GDA: Stila Nail Polish special and FREE shipping

Stila is offering both of their new nail polish sets for $24. AND if you use code SFCGGDY3ET , you will get free shipping on EVERYTHING, no minimum! Hell of a deal.

Also, Stila participates in Ebates, so you can also get 6% back if you start there. Ebates is also offering a great holiday referral special- if you have 5 friends sign up through your referral link. you'll get $75! So even if you already are signed up, remember to pass on to your friends about Ebates for their holiday shopping.

Disclosure: This post contains a referral link for Ebates. However, those signing up under my link will also get a sign-up bonus from Ebates (typically $5-10).

Makeup Tip: The Importance of Brushes

When I did my little makeup class for my MIL and SIL last week, one of the things we discussed was the importance of good brushes. Usually, the brush that comes with your product is just not adequate and you won't get good application using those low-quality brushes. And you'll notice that most high-quality products don't even come with brushes.....

Makeup brushes by sasha2599 on Polyvore.com

Makeup and Cosmetics Shop Eyes Lips Face
$3 - eyeslipsface.com

Makeup and Cosmetics Shop Eyes Lips Face
$3 - eyeslipsface.com

Makeup and Cosmetics Shop Eyes Lips Face
$5 - eyeslipsface.com

Studio Contour Brush for Professional Makeup Artists
$3 - eyeslipsface.com

So I have a few suggestions if you are up for re-vamping or adding to your makeup brush arsenal. Today I am suggesting some brushes from e.l.f..... note that I am not compensated in any way for my recommendations- these are just personal opinions based on products I have purchased myself.

1. Foundation brush. It's probably a sensory thing, but I cannot apply foundation with my fingers... I get all shivery just thinking about it. I use a foundation brush that I wash each morning with foam soap, then I use it damp to apply my liquid foundation. I suggest e.l.f.'s Mineral Foundation Brush ($5).

2. Powder brush. After I apply my foundation, I do a dusting of e.l.f.'s High Definition Powder with a fluffy brush like e.l.f.'s Studio Complexion Brush ($3).

HD Powder is a translucent, versatile loose powder that creates a flawless, "soft focus"
effect to the skin. Masks fine lines and imperfections for a glowing, radiant
complexion. This incredibly soft and invisible powder is ideal for everyday
wear, either alone or over your favorite e.l.f. foundation. Our HD Powder is a
makeup artist and e.l.f. fan favorite, and at only $6, it can be yours at a
fraction of the cost of the competition!

3. Bronzer/Blush brush. I love to use stipple brushes to apply my bronzer and blush, especially if they are very pigmented. A stipple brush gives a nice sheer application that can be built in layers. I suggest getting 2 of e.l.f.'s Studio Stipple Brushes ($3) and using one just for bronzer, and one just for blush.

4. Eye shadow brushes. I use mainly use two brushes- one to apply my all-over base color (typically a shimmery champagne color) and a crease brush to apply my darker color in my crease. I would suggest getting a e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow "C" Brush ($3) to apply the base color, and a e.l.f. Studio Contour Brush ($3) for your crease shade.

As a side note, e.l.f. does participate in Ebates, so if you do place an order from e.l.f., you can get 5.5% back. (ebates link is a referral link)

Le Makeup Routine

I truly enjoy putting on makeup! It's just so fun to go through my products and decide what to use each day. I have discovered that I am reaching for the same four items recently during this hot hot (a bazillion days in a row over 100) weather. Liquid foundation just feels icky to me right now, so I've been all about the powder foundation, and loving it.

1. Benefit Hello Flawless! powder foundation in Never Settle Petal ($34 from Sephora) applied all over with a flat-top brush

2. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Powder ($28 from Sephora) applied all over with a powder brush as a finishing powder

3. Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Stardust ($30 from Sephora) applied with a skunk brush on the top of my cheekbones

4. Benefit Dandelion ($28 from Sephora) applied with a blush brush to the apples of my cheeks

What face products are you loving right now?

Budget Makeup- Hard Candy at Walmart

Trolling the aisles at The Walmarts, I ran across some new boxed blushers by Hard Candy called "Fox In a BOX" for just $6 that suspiciously looked like Benefit boxed powders, which retail for $28.

In fact, I was sure one of them was a Sugarbomb dupe.

(left to right, Spicy & Sweet, Hot Flash, and Smooth Talker)

and yup, look at that! The colors of Smooth Talker are identical to Benefit Sugarbomb! (Sugarbomb is on the left and Smooth Talker on the right)

Now, the brush in the Hard Candy box is pretty useless- it's tiny and you'd never get a good application of blush with it. I've been using my Sonia Kashuk Skunk Brush (discussed and pictured here) and find that's the perfect type of brush since this blush is quite pigmented.

I think these are a fabulous find and quite a steal. I'd suggest a trip to Walmart is in order for you to pick these up!

Editor's Choice Awards: Drugstore Beauty

Welcome to the Sasha Says Editor's Choice Awards! We'll be sharing with you our favorite products in many different categories.

(Please know that this is very tongue-in-cheek. "We" is just me, and it's actually just a list of *my* favorite products. There's no nomination process, voting, or scoring. Just a simple list of things I like and use myself.)

Today's category is "Drugstore Beauty". Last week before Sunday school started, a few of us were having a discussion on beauty products and how expensive they can be. I shared that I had quite a few products that I loved that were not high-end. I am all about shopping at Wags, CVS, Target, and the Walmarts.

On of my new favorite blogs is Nouveau Cheap, and her tagline is "You don't have to compromise on beauty just because you're on a budget....."

Agreed!
So here we go..... A entire look for you..... all from the drugstore.

1. Foundation. The foundation I am reaching for most days is Revlon PhotoReady. I apply it with a damp foundation brush and really like the light to medium coverage I get. I wear Shell and I believe this is about $14.

2. Powder. I am still loving Physicians Formula Happy Booster Face Powder in Translucent ($12.67 at Walmart).

3. Blush. Also still loving Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush in Rose ($10.63 at Walmart).

4. Eye Shadow. A new find for me are these awesome, super-cheap, but high quality Wet n Wild palettes. The top 8 pan is called Comfort Zone and it retails for $5 at Walmart and Walgreens. The bottom 3 pan is called Walking on Eggshells and is $3.

5. Eyeliner. I've been using Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum lately and loving it. It's super easy to apply and the thin felt tip applicator makes it easy to get a nice fine line and even to do a wing at the end. It's about $11. This stuff doesn't budge either- it's intact even after a run!

6. Mascara. I still think Maybelline's Full N' Soft ($6.50) is one of the greatest mascaras. Full, soft, thick, just as promised.
7. Lipstick. My no-fail, been-using-it-for-years lipstick is Revlon's Colorstay Overtime Sheer ($10) in Sheer Pomegranate. It appears it might be a discontinued shade.... damn it.