April 2014 Favorites

Where in the world did the month of April go? Time seems to be making a fool of me again, it's like I'm in some sort of crazy reality where days just merge into one and fly by!

So I was totally unprepared to do the favorites post when the month of April ended. However, when I did look through my recently used makeup I managed to pick a good amount of products for the favorites post.

The first product is by Mark (sold on Avon.com) and it's his Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes All Over Face Palette. It's an oldie but goldie. At $16 it wont break your bank, but it does deliver a similar experience to more high end shimmery products (*cough Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks*). It's not an exact dupe as the Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes All Over Face Palette is made of 9 shimmery shades of silky cream product, but it does provide a lovely glow which can be used on the eyes, on the cheeks or even on the lips! I love brushing a flat brush over a few of the differnet shades and then softly applying the product, on my cupid's bow, on my brow bone and on the tops of my cheeks as a highlighter.

When I receive and use samples, the ultimate prize is that I find my next holy grail product. It's known to happen but it's a rare occurrence as I have pretty high standards these days. Well, ladies and gentlemen, it happened in April. I whipped out a tiny sample of Benefit's Stay Don't Stray in Light/Medium. On paper, it's the wrong shade for me if you look on Benefit's website, this product comes in a darker shade which I also want to try but I don't know how Light/Medium really works for me! Let me tell you what this product is meant to do, it's basically an eye primer and an under eye concealer primer (yep we now have primers specifically for concealers, what next?!). I have only really used it for one thing and that is as my under eye concealer. It's magic in a bottle. This stuff illuminates my under eyes, provides enough coverage, lasts all day AND does not crease. No creasing at all. If I don't want quite the illuminated effect, I can add concealer on top that's more my shade and this stuff stops the concealer from creasing too. I vow never ever to be without this amazing product that is Benefit's Stay Don't Stray.

The next product is an Urban Decay eyeshadow called Grifter, which is a soft shimmer lilac that just looks amazing on tan skin and with brown eyes! I love Urban Decay eyeshadows and this one blends like a dream.

The next few items are some of my recent purchases and hence featured in some recent review posts, so I'll link to these detailed reviews if you are looking for in depth insights.

My lips have been loving Rendezvous Revlon Just Kissable Balm (a lovely orange) that just lights up my face and makes me look alive. The second lip product is the Rose Redefined shade from the Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Color line, which I reviewed here.

For my blush, I have been loving Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Hi-Light in Pink Rose, reviewed here.

I am currently loving a fab mascara combo - Covergirl Lashblast Fusion & Marc Jacobs Lash Lifter. These are really working for me. 

For skincare, there are a few little bits that I am loving. The first one is a Pore Penetrating Cooling Toner from Avon that costs just $5.49 for 250 ml and they often have 20% off. This stuff has 0.5% salicylic acid, however it's not drying as the % of salicylic acid is low. I use it every morning to clean my face, it really wakes me up, does not irritate my skin at all. Instead it is gorgeously cooling, makes my face tingle just a little bit and makes me feel fresh in the morning. Really recommend this to everyone.

I have been recently using some deluxe samples of Philosophy's Take a Deep Breath moisturiser which is amazing stuff. It does not contain any - Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, GMOs or Triclosan. This makes it really ideal for all skin types. I also love that the cost is relatively affordable at $35 for 60 ml. Wish the packaging was a giant tube (like the deluxe sample packaging) instead of a tub as that would have made it travel friendly and more hygienic, but I still think it's a must try if you are in need for a decent moisturizer for the summer.

Lastly, if you have puffy eyes, listen in. I tried the Ren Active 7 Eye Gel and I was sent 4 x 2ml tubes to try which lasted me 2 months straight and I have to say this eye gel is amazing at depuffing eyes and cooling the under eye area. I have to say though, it does nothing for dark circles. Also, make sure you don't get this stuff very near the eye area, as it can make my eyes sting.

Lastly we have all the fun swatches on my arm :)

L to R - Rendezvous Revlon Just Kissable Balm , Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Color in Rose Redefined, Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Hi-Light in Pink Rose, Benefit's Stay Don't Stray in Light/Medium & Grifter