Happy August! It's been too long! I've been busy building my photography and makeup business along with other life adventures but today I am back and ready to throw my favorites at you from the previous months! Get ready, it's a long one!

Kylie Lip Kit - CandyK - This is by far my favorite liquid lipstick formula. It dries ultra velvety, no transfer, and lasts! CandyK has been my go to neutral shade lately. It's the perfect "my lips but better" shade for me. The kit comes with a liquid lipstick and a matching lip liner that also rocks. Kylie also just released these individually so you can purchase the lip liner or liquid lipstick for refills. I purchased a backup liner because I love it so much I only have half left!

Amazing Cosmetics Illuminating Concealer - WHOA. This stuff is amazing. It has fine "shimmer" particles in it to super brighten the under eye area. I find it really awakens my face. I purchased the lightest shade. It's not super sparkly, but the fine micro-shimmers reflect light like I've never seen in a concealer before. Really, "amazing".

Urban Decay Color Correcting Fluid in Pink - I love this for brightening as well. It's a perfect match for my fair skin to brighten up the under eye area and it does not crease. You only need a small amount to make an impact. Urban Decay released this shade along with I believe 4 others for correcting. I plan on picking up the lavender shade next! I can see myself gathering all the colors for my makeup kit to use on clients. It's that good.


Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara - I love this for a quick swipe when I'm in a rush. It lengthens and creates crazy volume. Keep a lookout for a post just on this product and its back story to be showing up on my blog!

Physicians Formula Lash Booster Mascara - This has been in my favorites for quit some time now but I have to say it is my holy grail of mascaras. I love the formula (both the doll and regular versions). This mascara gives my lashes the ultimate boost. It's like a push up bra for your eyes. I can't live without this stuff and the best part? It's from the drugstore! No irritation, no allergic reaction, no loss of lashes, no flaking. This is IT. Check CVS for B1G1 deals on this brand!

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Black - I have used my Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner for at least 3 years (the same tube too!) and it has finally finished its life. I had received this liner in a sampler kit and was looking forward to seeing what all the hype was about. I really love the brush. It gives the same look as the felt tip ones but without the "shedding or shredding" at the tip. It stays all day and it's super black.

Josie Maran Vibrancy Foundation - Josie Maran rocked my world with this new foundation. The finish is dewy but not oily looking. It's not glittery either. It brightens up my skin and brings life to it. I love that argan oil is in the formulation for hydration and the skincare aspect. It's thick so you only need one pump. I would definitely repurchase this magic in a bottle.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer Protect + Perfect SPF 47 - This has been my go-to for quick mornings when I need SPF plus some perfecting for work. I love the moisturizing texture and the glowy satin finish. I apply about 2 pumps and bring it down to my chest and I'm ready for the day. This plus mascara and I'm set. My skin even looks better from using it!

Younique Beachfront Self Tanning Body Lotion - Younique has expanded their permanent Beachfront line with a bunch of self tanning products this year. I was super excited to try this out because I'm always on the lookout to get a little glow from time to time, especially in the Spring and Summer. This lotion worked great when I was getting ready to go to Florida in may. I only had to apply one or two times to get a warm golden glow. I've even used it on my face with no breakout issues.

The cold weather has been lingering slightly for the past month so my skin has been on the dryer side. I have been trying out a couple different things and here are a few of my current dry skincare favorites since it's been a while!

Cerave Healing Ointment - I absolutely love this! When you first apply it it's a thick ointment and almost oily but it gently sinks into your parched skin leaving behind a silky touch. My morning "man hands" have been replaced with "baby hands". I also used it as a lip balm last night before bed. Definitely a must have! A little goes a long way. Find it here!

Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel - This gel is perfect for winter shaving. I love the fact that my skin doesn't feel tight or itchy after shaving when I use this. Find it here!

Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops - These are great for any time of year but I just love the customization they offer. I've been using the Vitamin F + Neroli or the Vitamin E + Chamomile every morning.

NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm - This lip balm is great for underneath liquid lipsticks and also as a night treatment! I love the smooth, buttery, but never greasy texture. It actually moisturizes my lips and prepares them for lipstick rather than just sitting on them. Find it here!

Image by DKNG

Hellooooo 2016! So happy to welcome a brand new year, a fresh start. I hope you all had a festively warm holiday season and a happy new year! I'm looking forward to another year here with you sharing my beauty faves, working on new techniques and looks while celebrating beauty!