Makeup Declutter | Eyeshadows + Lipsticks!

Searching for dupes of my favourite expired products

After reading an article called "What Happens to Your Face When You Use Expired Makeup" the other day (linked here), it freaked me out a bit. It definitely opened my eyes and I'm SO ready to let go of my old makeup now! 

Although I had always been cognisant about tossing cream products and mascaras when they expired, I never paid much attention to powder ones. I adopted the policy that if a powder product changed in consistency or scent, I would toss it.

We cannot always see what may be lurking in our products, especially powder ones, they often don't show signs like cream products can, but they too can be full of bacteria that we do not see. I have bumps on parts of my face (not acne), that look like milia or maybe it's from using such old products that possibly contain bacteria and such that I cannot see. We have to be especially careful with eye products though, as we definitey don't need to get an eye infection!

Decluttering makeup that I love is never easy, but after reading that article and opening my eyes up to how old some of my favourite products actually are, this task became easier. This declutter wasn't about whether or not I liked a product, it was about how old they were and it became a necessity to discard them. 

I've had been hanging onto some of my makeup like its life or death! The truth is that some of these products are up to 10 years old, if not more!

In this post, I'm just tackling my eyeshadows and lipsticks. Let's see what I got rid of, but first I'm sharing a chart that has some general guidelines of eyeshadow and other makeup expiration timelines. There are many different opinions on makeup expiry dates, a quick google and you'll see, so I take this chart with a grain of salt. For example, I cannot imagine tossing eyeshadow every 6-12 months and I noticed that my Essence eyeliners have a 36 month expiry. So make sure to check your products for the little expiry icon that indicates the expiry from the date of opening the product.

Source: Google

ONTO THE DECLUTTER....

Small Palettes (one single slipped in here :)

• Annabelle Nympheas- This was so eye-brightening. I will miss it. Didn't find a dupe. I would repurchase but I don't believe it's available anymore.
• Sally Beauty eyeshadow single- An okay basic satin shadow. I purchased this one to keep in my purse. Probably would not repurchase.
• Aloette -(I think)- this is so old there is no writing on the package. It was my absolute favourite. I loved it so much that I didn't want to use it very often... so silly and such a waste! It's so old, that I have no idea when I got it (probably 2008 or earlier)! I would repurchase but don't think it's available.
• Brian Bailey Foundation duo in Medium -this is a face powder that made the nicest eyeshadow. Discontinued.
• Wet N Wild Vanity Palette -This was an infamous palette. Luckily, I have a lot of these shades in other palettes. Discontinued.

Single Eyeshadows: 

• 13 eyeshadows (Mixed variety: Mac, Stila, Quo, Nyx, Pixi, Elf)
• 2 Jordana blushes 

All of the above were pulled from my Z palette. I don't even want to think about the total value of all of these singles! I should have included the Sally Girl eyeshadow single in this category but it was not in my Z palette.

Large Eyeshadow Palettes:

• Quo Back to Basics (UD Naked Dupe)- I would absolutely repurchase this if I could!
• Pacifica Natural Minerals- I would repurchase if I was looking for some all natural eyeshadows and I didn't have such a large collection.

Front of Quo's Back to Basics LE palette

This Back to Basics eyeshadow palette by Quo was very difficult to part with of because it has all of the shades that I love for my everyday eye look. Granted, I did only use the first 6 shades in the palette (the lighter ones). This palette was supposed to be a dupe for Urban Decay's Naked 1 which is also discontinued now.

Change in texture = product turned. Best not to continue to use it.

I received the above Pacifica palette in 2016, so it's not very old but the texture has changed which is a sign that it's gone bad. I wouldn't have decluttered this palette if it wasn't for signs that it has gone bad.

I used different criteria for purging my lipsticks. Anything 3 years or older had to go. And, I know, lipsticks probably expire long before 3 years but I do sanitize my products and rotate them since I own quite a few.

All of the lip products that were decluttered here are ones that I would purchase again.

Lipstick Declutter:

• L'oreal Fairest Nude -one of my favourite nudes, next to JLo's Nude by L'oreal.
• Sonia Kashuk Nude Pink (discontinued)
• Rimmel Kate #45 - a gorgeous and hydrating nude
• Essence Cool Nude - a beautiful deeper nude, also hydrating
• Elf Matte Lip Colour in Natural - one of the very few non-drying mattes that is great for aging lips too!
• Jordana Easyliner in Tawny- a beautiful MLBB liner.

I know that these aren't part of either of the makeup categories featured in this declutter, but I came across them right after tossing the other items and decided to add them to this declutter. These Essence concealers have a 6-month expiry on the packaging and I've had them for about 3 years. I rarely used them as I prefer my LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealers, which have an 18-month expiry stamped on them.

Total decluttered:

• 14 eyeshadow singles
• 6 eyeshadow palettes
• 2 blushes
• 6 lip products
• 2 concealers

A grand total of 30 items decluttered!

I am now labelling all of my products so I know exactly how old they are. I just used some address labels and cut to size.

This was definitely eye-opening in terms of paying more attention to my products and their lifespan, and also in terms of the horrible amount of unnecessary waste of money and products! This is one reason that I lean towards purchasing less expensive products; since they do have a lifespan and there is no way I can use up all of my makeup because I'm constantly trying out new products.

I hope you found this post helpful or maybe it inspired you to let go of old, expired products, too.

New! Wet N Wild AU NATUREL Nude Awakening Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches

When I saw that Wet N Wild brought their Au Naturel eyeshadow palettes to Canada, I had to pick one up! For just over $5 for 10 shades, you can't really go wrong.  And, they are cruelty free! 🐰

The Au Naturel palette comes in 2 shades; Nude Awakening (the one I purchased), and Bare Necessities. The Nude Awakenings one was calling my name!

There are 5 matte shades in the palette which include an ivory, mid tone crease shade, and some darker shades. These are what really sold me on the palette, that plus the oh-so-amazing and unique burgundy shade in here! 3 of the lighter shimmer shades are great everyday lid colours. Personally, I would only use the last 3 darker shades as liners.

As you can see, I didn't sugarcoat the swatches. Although some of the shades are rather dry and crumbly, they apply rather well to the lids with a primer. There is fall-out but if you tap off your brush it's all good. These swatches are 2 swipes of each shade over a primer (since I always use an eye primer).

The lighter shades are not very pigmented but for that very reason, I find them great for everyday looks. The darker shades are pigmented, but some go on a bit patchy and can difficult to blend, so I apply the matte ivory all over which helps them blend more easily.

Here is a simple look using the very beautiful and unique burgundy shade that's in the palette. This shade blended more easily than the darker shades in the palette.

I find myself reaching for this palette daily since I purchased it and am really enjoying the looks that I'm creating with it

Have you tried this one of these new WNW palettes? What are your thoughts?

You can purchase this palette here,.

Current 5-Minute Super Simple Summer Makeup Routine!

Okay, so it's not officially Summer yet but, it's warmed up enough that it warrants a change in my makeup routine. I find that in the summer I wear less makeup and I like to use simple and multi-use products. I mean who wants to sweat sparkle off a bunch of makeup throughout the day!?

So, I thought I'd share what I've been using for that simple, easy but still fabulous look since it's warmed up over here. If you don't have these exact products, you can always find similar items to get a great look that can be done in 5 minutes. Links to products can be found in the headings where possible.

I start with NeoStrata's Wrinkle Repair CC Cream with SPF 30

It evens out my skin tone a touch and provides me with a good level of SPF. This cream requires a powder as it's not a matte finish.

Wet N Wild's Dusk Til Dawn Bronzer & Blush 

is just that- a bronzer and blush in one. I swirl all the colours together and dust it along my cheekbones, nose and forehead. Note: I have found this on eBay.

Elf's Illuminating Palette 

is a favourite of mine as there is no sparkle, just a beautiful glow. The full review is linked here.  I sweep this along the top of my cheekbones and above my brows to give my face a lifted look.

Sonia Kashuk's Cream Eyeshadow in Tiger's Eye

is a gorgeous bronze shade that is perfect for summer! Applied to my eyelids with the doe-foot applicator and blended out with a synthetic brush. It takes only seconds and dries down and lasts all day. Any cream shadow that doesn't crease will do.

Essence Make Me Brow 

is another one-and-done product. Comparison of Benefit's Gimme Brow linked here. It adds a touch of colour and holds my brows in place. I'm always afraid to do too much to my brows in the summer as I know I'll end up wiping my brow with my hand at some point and the last thing I want is smudged brows!

Too Faced Sweet Peach Creamy Peach Oil Lip Gloss in Pure Peach. 

Full review linked here. I love this product, I really have to get the full size! It's the perfect summer lip. It adds a touch of brightening colour to the face and it's not sticky! 💓

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara 

my current favourite mascara. The full review linked here. It doesn't smudge or flake and gives me big lashes. Since I'm wearing less makeup in the summer, the lashes are even more important to me. Some may prefer to wear waterproof mascara in the summer. I choose not to just because I find them so difficult to remove.

I hope you liked seeing what I'm currently wearing for a 5-minute summer makeup look. Hopefully, it gave you some ideas for your own summer makeup routine!

* This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. Some links are referral links. Thank you for the support if you choose to use them.

#TFSWEETPEACH

Wet n Wild Megaglo Makeup Stick Highlight When The Nude Strikes! Hot or Not!? #crueltyfree

I'm a huge fan of Wet n Wild cosmetics. They make some fabulous products at affordable prices and they are cruelty-free.  Like any line though, they have some products that are not so great but that is subjective as well.

I was on the search for the perfect cream highlighter that would be affordable and give me the glow that I'm looking for. I figured that I didn't have much to lose when I saw this new product by Wet n Wild, Afterall it was only about $5 CAD.

At the time that I purchased this, this shade "When the Nude Strikes," was the only shade available.

About: 
In one swipe of a stick, you can get catwalk-ready cheekbones, naturally flushed cheeks or an insanely glow-y complexion. Toss one of these portable makeup sticks in your purse or pocket and you’ll be camera-ready in less time it takes to double tap. 

Features:

• Velvety, cream-to-powder formula
• Ultra-blendable on the skin
• Ease of precision and control
• Multi-use sticks that conceal, highlight, contour and add a pop of colour to the cheeks
• Easy to blend formula that’s long-wearing and crease proof
• Ultra-portable sticks can be used anywhere, anytime
• Cruelty-Free

The cream formula is very creamy and easy to apply. It's very easy to control application which I liked.

I applied it to my cheeks using my fingertips or with cosmetic wedges/ sponges. Applied this way the product sheers out so you don't see the colour.

However, the product contains glitter (which doesn't show in the photos), but my face looked like a glitter bomb, which wasn't the "glow" that I was after. The name of the product made me think that I would get a glow and not glitter, but drugstore products are notorious for glitter.

If you do like glitter, I recommend this product but if you are just looking for a glow or just shimmer I would pass on this one.

So my search for a cream blush has ended. I am quite happy with my new Essence Pure Nude highlighter. Although it's a powder, it gives me the glow that I'm looking for! 😍

Mini Beauty Haul, New Products! NYC, Wet n Wild, Quo Contessa (LE) Palette #makeup

HAUL!!

I love finding some new, budget friendly beauty products to try out! I wanted to share my new beauty finds with you. I thought some of you may be interested since they are all fairly new to the market and really budget friendly!

Shown above:

NYC CityPROOF Twistable Perfecting Lip Primer/ Quo Face Palette in "Contessa"/ Wet n Wild's new Wild Shine Nail Polish in Dreamy Poppy/ Wet n Wild's new Lipstick in 501C "A Short Affair"

NYC City Proof Twistable Perfecting Lip Primer- as far as I know this is a totally new products and I'm excited to try it out as I've never owned a lip primer before, and I love the newer crayon style lip products. I'm hoping it will help me wear some of my more unforgiving lipsticks and matte lipsticks that don't get worn since they settle into my lip lines too much. Cost $2.97

Quo Face Palette in "Contessa"- Includes full-size blush, bronzer and highlight. There was another palette with different shades but this is the one I was attracted to the most, although I admit that I was tempted to get both! ;)  I couldn't find any reviews online so I think I'll do a post with some swatches and a first impression. This was part of Shoppers Drug Mart's spring Limited Edition (LE) collection. My Shoppers had it on sale for $10 from $20, and I had enough points in my Optimum account so I ended up getting it for free!! Gotta love Shoppers Drug Mart's Optimum program!

Wet n Wild's new Lipstick in 501C "A Short Affair," This is a new formula in new packaging. This looked to be the lightest colour in the collection. I would say it's a neutral to cool tone light baby pink with a sheen (no glitter.) I quite like it so far! I have tested 2 of the new lipstick formulas and so far they seem to go on quite a bit darker than what you see in the tube. Cost $1.50

Wet n Wild's new Wild Shine Nail Polish formula in 477C "Dreamy Poppy." Note: This colour is not new but this is a newer formula that is supposed to last much longer than the previous formula. I never owned this colour. It looks like a gorgeous deep coral for the summer and would look great with a tan. Unfortunately, the  handle is broken on the bottle that I got so I have to go and exchange it. Cost $1.50

All in all this little haul cost me a total of around $6! Not bad at all! Granted, I got a great deal on the $20 Quo palette since it was half off and I had enough Shopper`s Optimum points to get it for free.  The cosmetician at Shopper`s Drug Mart said that each store may have the Quo palettes on sale at different times, so check your local Shopper`s if you are interested.. once they go on sale this cheap, I doubt they will last very long!

I hope you enjoyed my little haul and maybe you`ll want to check out a few of these for yourself.

Have you come across any new products or great deals lately, I would love to hear about them!

Xo Amy

Aging and Makeup: Beauty Tips, Tricks and Products That Work!

This post was written with us older gals in mind, but after I finished writing out all the tips, I realize that these tips can apply to anyone, young or old and everyone in between. I may not be a makeup artist, but I've played around with makeup long enough to learn a trick or two. I hope you find some helpful tips here!

As I age I find that I prefer a lighter look with my makeup. I find it much more flattering than caking on all kinds of makeup- not that I ever like that look on me, but the point is that I find less is more as I'm aging. I use a lighter hand and I also lighten up with the colours that I wear for what I find is a more youthful look.

Here, I share some of the ways I like to lighten up my makeup look as I've gotten older... I'll also add pictures of some of my favourite products.

First and foremost, make sure your that your skin, lips and eyes are hydrated! You want a nice smooth canvass for your makeup and hydration makes everything plump up and plump = healthy and youthful.

Face: I prefer BB creams over foundation and always have, although they were once called tinted moisturizers. Now, I favour a lighter, more dewy look over the mostly concealer and powdered look I went for when I was younger. I now go for my BB cream and a light dusting of a sheer, translucent or yellow based powder (to cancel out any redness.) 

Above: Physicians Formula Organic Wear BB Cream in light/ Wet n Wild Reserve Your Cabana (bronzer used as highlighter)/ Wet n Wild Coverall Powder in Light/Med

I feel the most important aspect of makeup for me is to add colour and brightness to my face. As we age we can lose colour and brightness in our faces that we had naturally when we were younger. I always use a big fluffy brush and add colour to my face, starting with an all-over dusting of bronzer after I've powdered. I apply to my forehead, cheeks, nose and jawline. I tend to prefer matte bronzers for the winter and for everyday looks and will use bronzers with a glow in the summer when it looks more natural. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ALL about rules, if I'm in the mood for a glowy bronzer at any time of year, I'll go for it! I also prefer bronzer with a more neutral or red undertone, I find it looks more natural on me since I get a little bit red when I get a natural tan. And, that's what I'm going for- a natural, healthy look with some colour in my face.

Above: It Cosmetics Vitality Palette with bronzer, blush and highlight

I also like to brighten up the lower eye area with a light concealer with reflective qualities, no sparkle just something with a bit of a glow (Elf HD concealer pictured below is great for brightening the under eye area.)  I still like to set that area but I use a very light dusting of a sheer powder (Wet n Wild's bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana does just that.) The YBF palette shown below is the BOMB for concealing, highlighting, bronzing and contouring! I use the lightest colour for under eyes, the middle colour for concealing facial imperfections and the darkest one makes a great cream bronzer, plus, I use it to contour my nose! <3

Above: YBF Brighten, Hide & Sculpt Concealer (light/med) / Elf HD Lifting Concealer (Brightening)

Contouring: I know that contouring is a big thing these days and I remember loving that look on me when I was in high school, back when I still had the baby fat in my cheeks. Now that I don't have the baby fat in my face I don't really want to make my face look more gaunt, I want that youthful plumpness so I don't contour my cheeks. However, I do contour my nose, forehead and jawline! For older gals, I find that contouring the cheeks can be aging so I just avoid it. I can enjoy other trends and looks, one's that suit me and make me look more youthful, then, I'm all in! I'll either use the YBF concealer palette pictured above or I'll use whatever bronzer I am using as my contour as well.

Blush: I also lighten up with my blush. I used to like darker blushes on me as well, but not so much anymore. Whether it's matte or something with a glow (no glitter please!) I opt for lighter colours and a lighter dusting that is blended well. If I use a matte blush I tend to add a bit of a highlight, but when I use a blush with a glow to it I skip the highlight in the cheek area. Physicians formula makes some of my favourite blushes that blend well and add a touch of glow. Pictured below is one of my favourites (Argan Wear in Rose!) Newer Physicians Formula products like this one can usually be found not only on sale but with a high-value rebate coupon attached, look for them on packages in stores.

Above: Physicians Formula Argan Wear blush in Rose

Eyes: I would say that the most significant change in my makeup routine that has come with aging has been with my eye makeup. I definitely do a lot less and use lighter colours. I just want to lighten and brighten that area, so for everyday looks I go for colours that will do just that- lighten and brighten. On most days I'll just sweep a light dusting of a light shimmery shade all over my lid, top with a liner close to the upper lash line and add a good dose of mascara to curled lashes (top lashes only.) I'll often define the crease a little with a matte, cool-taupe or warm-brown shade.  I find this gives me the most wide-eyed, bright-eyed and awake look.  This has really simplified my makeup routine and that's a plus for sure!

Note: Make sure to use an eyeliner that wont budge once it sets. If your upper lid droops at all ie. hooded eyelids, you will end up with liner smudges that none of us want. To test: draw a line on the back of your hand with a liner, wait a minute or so and swipe the line with your finger to see if it smudges. If it doesn't smudge, you're set! There are many drug store brands these days that don't budge or smudge. I was able to use this method to declutter my eyeliners and now I never have to worry about what I've grabbed out of my collection to use on any given day. 

Of course, there are still days when I want to have more fun and use more colour in my eye look- this is when I pull out some more matte shadows to incorporate into the look.  I don't mind Shimmer on my lids, but I don't want to put any shimmer above my crease- this is where the matte shadows help out and will become your BFF. No one wants to highlight crepiness in the skin or on a hooded eye. If I want to use colour, I tend to use it in the form of a liner for a pop of colour. When I do go for some coloured shadows I balance it out with some earth tones mixed into the look, to make it more natural looking. eg. A green eyelid with a medium brown shade blended into the crease. Pairing a neutral shade with a coloured one should work no matter what colour you choose. Just remember to blend well so there are no harsh lines.

Wet n Wild Coloricon palette in Walking on Eggshells/ Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral Matte pallete/ Pixi Fairy Light Solo in Nude Nouveaux (left) and Fairy Pink (right)

I never wear mascara on my bottom lashes and rarely wear a dark liner on the lower lashline or waterline. Wearing dark colours on the lower eye area can cast shadows and bring darkness to that area which I obviously want to avoid.  Instead I opt for a nude or light coloured liner in the waterline to brighten up that area. If I want more definition I'll use a light taupe or brown shadow dusted just underneath the lower lash line using a small smudge brush. My absolute favourite brush to achieve this is ELF's "Smudge Brush" ($1)

Above: Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Oysterglow/ Wet n Wild Idol Eyes in Pixie/ Annabelle Kohl eye liner in Halo (yes, all well loved!) The Pixi one stays the longest in the waterline. The Wet n Wild one is great for the inner corner highlight!

Lips: In terms of lip colours, I've also lightened up. Everyone is different but as I've aged my lips are less plump, have become more lined and show signs of dehydration. So, I opt for lighter colours that will make my lips appear more plump and youthful. I'm not so much into full-on lipstick anymore, unless it's not too opaque. I tend to stick to what works for me; nudes and light pinks or berry tones. I stay away from matte lip colours as I find that they accentuate the lines and dehydration in my lips. I find that I can never go wrong with a light baby pink colour that brings lightness and brightness to my face which makes for a more youthful appearance. Also, I find that a lip gloss can help hide lines in the lips and make them appear more plump and youthful.  Sometimes a good tinted lip balm is all I need! My favourite, shown below (Alba Botanica Terra Tints in the colour Bloom) is natural, organic, moisturizing, has spf, and gives the most beautiful MLBB colour to my lips! I use this one daily, sometimes in place of a lip colour and other times just as my lip balm. It adds a nice flush of colour to my lips that seem to have  lost some of their pigment with age.  I also stay away from lip products with glitter, as I find that later in the day, I will surely find that the glitter has migrated all over my face- not my cuppa tea!

Above: Wet n Wild Lipstick in Fergie Daily ( I use with a gloss over it)/ Burt's Bees lipgloss in ?? (colour wore off, it's a light pink)/ Sonia Kashuk in Sheer Pink Lust/ Essence lipstick in In the Nude/ Alba BotanicaTerraTints in Bloom (this is organic and has spf and gives you a YLBB look- love this for everyday!!)

Other tips and tricks:

Lighten, brighten and lift! When I use a matte blush I will often use a bit of highlight on my cheekbones to give the illusion of a lift to the face. I also like to highlight above and below the eyebrow which can also give the illusion of lifting these areas. Another common place to highlight is the inner corner of the eyes to help them appear brighter and more open. Personally, I opt for glowy highlighters, nothing with chunks of glitter as that can highlight lines and crows feet. If you don't want to purchase a highlighter, many light, shimmery eye shadows can be used to highlight the face.

Go matte! If you have any texture issues with your skin, whether it be rough texture, bumps, large pores etc. try out some matte products. As much as I like a healthy glow, I don't want my whole face to glow nor do I want to "highlight" areas where I have any skin issues. This is where matte products can do wonders. Many mattifying products can help hide or diminish issues with pores and texture. If you haven't already, try some matte powders, bronzers and blushes out and see how you like the look.

Use a concealer as a dual purpose product: to hide and highlight. We all use concealers for obvious reasons- to conceal spots on our faces etc. But, I also use concealer to highlight any shadows or sunken areas in my face such as the nose to mouth lines, the corners of my mouth, and the dark inner corners of my eyes, really anywhere there is darkness or shadows where you wouldn't want them. Use some concealer to hide the shadows and bring the areas forward. Some people even use concealer for reverse contouring eg. using it to highlight/ bring forth the area underneath your cheek contour. 

Over-lining your lips. If done well this can help make your lips appear larger than they are. Just make sure to only overdraw them slightly and to use a colour close to your natural lip colour so that there are no obvious lines.

Using much bigger and fluffier makeup brushes. This helps you have a lighter hand when applying your makeup and gives a softer look. I'm not so much going for definition these days as I am adding some colour and brightness to my face with a diffused look, no harsh lines, thank you! The brushes I recommend the most are pictured below.. I really use these one's everyday and would have to repurchase them asap if I lost them! :(

Above: Elf Kabuki Face Brush/ Real Techniques Blush Brush/ Bdellium Tools 787 (x2)- Amaaazing for crease work!!

I also recommend a mirror that has a magnification side to it. This can come in handy for making sure you're getting a nice straight line with you eye liner as well as catching any stray hairs you may need to pluck!

A good beauty sponge. A dampened sponge goes a long way in helping to blend your foundation, BB cream or whatever you choose. It also helps to moisten the skin and avoid any dryness showing through your makeup. I love the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge. It's only $5.99 and works really well and last for a long time.

Curl those lashes! Apparently, as we get older our lashes become straighter. It gives your eyes a nice lift when you curl them.

Groom your brows! Even if you just use a clear mascara type of product it, brushing your brows up and outward gives your eyes a lifted look and tames any strays from sticking every which way. Who doesn't want that? And it's so easy!

Above: Danielle No-Pinch Lash Curler/ Sonia Kashuk Lash & Brow Enhancer (has patented formula to lengthen and give volume-bonus!)

Whatever your putting on your face (besides your eyeliner and your lipsticks)- blend, blend, blend! Also, while doing my makeup, whether it be blush, eye shadow or highlight, I always work up and out. I want to make everything look lifted, so concentrating on your placement in an upward motion should help with this illusion. Try it if you haven't already, it works wonders!

By the same token, of lightening up on my makeup, I believe in lightening my hair more as I age. Of course everyone is different, but for me lighter hair really brightens up my face and I find that darker hair enhances any shadows on my face which I find ages me.

Good skin is more important to me than makeup- with good skin your need for makeup becomes less. But, as we get older it becomes more challenging to have great skin. Inevitably, time will eventually take it's toll and we will start to lose that youthful glow and plumpness that our younger skin once had. Plus, as we age our skin tends to show more discolouration and pigmentation issues as well as possible scaring from old acne etc. Good skin care is a whole other blog post, but I can't go without at least mentioning it in this post- since great skin and wearing less makeup go hand in hand, as does beauty for that matter.

I'm sure there are a ton of other tips that could be added to this list. If you have any youth-a-fying makeup or beauty tips please share by commenting below, I would love to hear your tips and tricks!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you find a new tip or two to try out!

Xo Amy

Haul: Makeup, Beauty and Clothing- Marshalls, Elf, Wet n Wild, Jordana, Sinful Colors with Swatches!

I have a small haul that I wanted to share today. It's mostly inexpensive drugstore makeup, a few dollar store finds as well as a fashion item that I'm loving and one I'm crying over leaving behind. :(

I scored these floral pajama bottoms pictured above at Marshall's for only $12.99. They are so comfy and light and perfect for summer. They are 3/4 length, cotton blend and have front and back pockets. They are super-flattering on. The manufacturer tag is still on them. They are made by a company called Jane & Bleeker New York and retail for $38.00. 

Since I'm on the topic of Marshall's here are the Michael Kors shoes that I left behind! 

I came across these shoes in a size 7 (not my size). They were on clearance for $80 and since I'm on a budget right now I didn't go looking for my size and I'm regretting it. I swear I could get rid of all the high heels that I currently own if I just owned this one pair! The picture isn't even doing them justice. They have rich gold hardware as well as a gold zip up the back.  Maybe I will go back and try to find my size- I need these in my life!

Dollar store finds:

Just a few finds from the dollar store. I didn't add the food items since I didn't think they were too exciting. I thought this pack of price stickers would come in handy for our yearly garage sale. I found this great eye mask for only $1 and this Sassy + Chic foot file that I've heard is pretty good.

Makeup Finds: 

As you can probably see I couldn't control myself and I broke into everything already!

Clockwise: Wet n Wild Lipstick in Will You Be With Me/ Elf Smudge Pot in Cruisin Chic/ Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Gorgeous Peony/ Jordana Easy Liner for Lips in Rose Crush/ Elf  Eye Shadow Quad in Blushing Beauty/ Sinful Colors nail colour in Tempest (Bonus: These brands are cruelty-free)

Elf Smudge Pot and eye quad in Blushing Beauty:

Elf eye shadow swatches:

From left to right: Elf Smudge Pot in Crusin Chic/ Elf eye shadow quad in Blushing Beauty (the cream colour and mid-tone brown in the palette are matte,)  I did a quick eye look with these yesterday and I was very happy with it!

Lip Swatches:

From left to right: Wet n Wild lipstick in Will You Be With Me/ Jordana Easy Liner for Lips in Rose Crush/ Jordana Twist & Shine in Gorgeous Peony (the Wet n Wild lipstick goes on much brighter than it appears in the tube)

Sinful Colors in Tempest

I've been addicted to purple and lavender nails for at least a year now and I'm still loving them!

I hope you enjoyed my little haul and the swatches. Let me know if you'd like any reviews on these products or if you've tried them, what are your thoughts?

Xo Amy