I came. I saw. I contoured.

The other day I was asked why I buy so much makeup... I don't even think I responded because what kind of question is that? I don't think the person meant anything malicious by it, but it did puzzle me for a moment. Let me give you the short and sweet answer. I like makeup.

Now. Yes, I am almost positive I spend more than most on beauty products. I like investing in quality products. For someone who has sensitive skin- by making this investment you're doing yourself a favor.

You're right, I can't wear everything at one time (Except I could totally put on a million layers of my ABH Glow Kit).

Why do you need so many shades of brown? They are all different. I swear. I like to have options.

Do those brushes really all do something different? For the most part, but beyond that certain brushes are designed to compliment certain products- the difference between a liquid and powder foundation.

You look good without it. You're just covering your natural beauty. Nope. Stop there. I like to say I am highlighting my natural beauty. 

Most of all- I like makeup. I do not even claim to be good, but putting on my makeup is my zen time in the morning.

Like cats, I am addicted to make up. And... I'm not a quitter.

February Makeup Lust List 2016

In light of everything going on (one day I will catch you up about it all), I wanted a light and airy piece for my blog. Writing can often times make me feel better, and my blog needed some attention. My BFF mentioned doing a lust list about beauty products.

She asked if money wasn't a concern OR you could find it- what would you beauty products would you buy?

You might look at this list, and think really? A lot of these are in people's everyday arsenal. Let me give you some back story- I was a one brand kind of gal a few short years ago. This brand was moderately priced and even better when you were a consultant. Recently, I've expanded into other brands and slowly adding others to my beauty collection.

Why did I choose these??

1. Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Foundation- I have read a lot of reviews about this product, and the results are mixed. Some people applaud it, and others are less than pleased. I use matte finish because my poor face has some oily, oily spots. I tested in store, and it was a good match and dried a very beautiful matte. You can check out more details here! Retail $39.00

2. Wet N Wild Nude Awakenings eye shadow palette- This palette is VERY reminiscent of the earlier Naked palettes. I have other WNW palettes, and I really like the color payout and wear-ability. I cannot find this palette ANYWHERE!! It was released in 2013, so I am thinking I will never get to enjoy this beaut. :( I don't have a link to share, but I would say it retailed for $4-6.00

3. Urban Decay Moondust eye shadow in Solstice: I fell in LOVE with this color at an Urban Decay event at Ulta. It is gorgeous on, and the swatches do not do it justice. It's a brownish-burgundy rich color with blue 3D glitter/reflects. I convinced myself to buy it in store that day, but it was sold out. Since then, I haven't taken the plunge to purchase. There is a WNW "dupe", but it does not even compare!! For more details and to admire go here! Retail $21.00

4. Too Faced The Little Black Book of Bronzers- I looked at this in store some time ago and really like the variety and colors it provided. Obviously, I didn't buy it then. Now I find myself returning, reviewing, and admiring this set. The cheetah print bronzer is by far my choice of the group. More details here! Retail $49.00

5. Too Faced Love Flush Blush Wardrobe: Again, I am drawn to this because of the variety and options in the palette! I think these colors would compliment my skin tone and work great for me. I've swatched the flush blushes in store, and the pigmentation is awesome. For more details go here!
Retail $36.00

6. Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara- O M G! I love love love this product. I have a few samples of this mascara, and I only use it for special occasions. This mascara gives me the added volume and length needed. It stays on and doesn't flake even after 10+ hours. I would love to add this to my everyday collection!! To check it out, go here! Retail $24.00

For the record, my birthday is right around the corner. I mean these would make GREAT presents.

There's Always Tomorrow.

I have always been an advocate for skin care. I'm not knocking those who just use soap and water on your face, because lets face it (see what I did there?)... you are still washing your face. In my younger years, I was HORRIBLE for not washing my makeup off at night. I thought, ehh, I will do it in the morning. Now, as I see my skin aging and changing every day, I would not DARE to even THINK about sleeping in my my makeup.  I would even lecture Holly Golighty because she doesn't wash her makeup off before bed either.

Did you ever think about the effects of sleeping in your makeup? No... let me share some facts with you. One night may not harm you, but repeat offenders could be causing irreversible damage to your skin.

• Makeup attracts free radicals which can break down the collagen in your skin causing more prominent fine lines. Your skin rebuilds over night, and by sleeping in your makeup, your interrupting the process. WRINKLES
• Makeup clogs your pores. Your poor little pores are clogged overnight, and then in the morning, you wake up with pimples on the day of your huge presentation. One night won't hurt, but over time your pores become more and more clogged. ACNE
•  Liquid foundations and oil-based primers are the worst offenders. These heavy products sink into your pores, and they become impacted. Coupled with collagen breakdown, your pores overtime don't shrink back to their normal size. LARGE PORES
• When sleeping in mascara, the product becomes dry and flaky. This could cause eye irritation, but when you rub those flaky eyes, you could be pulling out your eyelashes! SPARSE LASHES

Wrinkles and Acne, and Large Pores. Oh MY! (Don't forget sparse lashes!!)

Since we all learn differently, I've added a visual as well. This is my make-up remover cloth after wiping down my face. This... was a light day of makeup- minimal contouring, minimal shadow/mascara, and mineral powder foundation. Look at all the product that could be causing damage to my skin!! Also, those shadows and that activity tracker are new and current faves. I'm sure they'll make a blog appearance again.

 On the other hand...
I've had quite the challenging past week or so. Life has beat me up, and there were times that I could just hide under the covers. At the end of the day, I could come home, wash my face, and feel a million times better. I swear there is some therapeutic value for me. No matter how crappy, how terrible, or how demanding a day could be washing my face reminds me there is always tomorrow. Call me crazy, but I swear it is a small reminder that everything will be okay. I can wash away today and be ready for a brand new tomorrow.

Here's my challenge to you. If you are already an avid face washer, kudos! If not, force yourself to wash your makeup off 5 consecutive nights in a row. I promise you won't regret it!!

Now, I've already washed my face, wrote you a quick blog, and drank my sleepytime tea. Sweet dreams clean faces!