Skincare Round Up: Hits and Misses

Its been a while since I talked beauty (perhaps because I'm not feeling  a whole lot of 'beauty' at 6 months pregnant in my home office most days). But I am still a huge fan of products and trying the newest and greatest in skin and makeup. I've added a few things to my lineup over the past few months, and while some are definitely hits, there have been some misses as well.

1. Skin- daytime 

I am a fan of BeautyCounter's Dew Skin ($45) and Tint Skin ($41). I was lured into the cute advertising targeted at me via Facebook, and decided to give Glossier's Perfecting Skin Tint  ($26) a try in the shade light. This my friends was a miss for me. After a few days of barely there color, i started getting huge blemishes in places like my cheeks where I never breakout. I stopped using this right away and they have subsided. I have since read reviewers of the product who experienced the same. So I'd say definitely skip this is you've ever had a breakout.

2. Concealer

We all know I have serious genetic dark circles. I have tried every product known to man, and will continue to do so. For now, I love It Cosmetics Bye Bye under Eye Corrector ($29), layered with BeautyCounter's concealer pen ($32). I tried Glossier's Stretch Concealer when I ordered the skin tint, and sadly this was another miss. It did not break me out, but it dried out any patch I placed it on. Not cute under the eyes at 1pm on a video conference call.

3. Moisturizer and Serum

Clique is a skincare staple for me that finds its way back into my rotation no matter how many others come into the mix. The new Acne and Line correcting serum ($44) is a big hit for me. I layer under the Dramatically Different Moisturizer (gel formula $26) and then add BeautyCounter's Night Cream in the evenings. No breakouts, no lines.

4. Lips

I love the YSL Oil in Stick formula ($37), and the shade Beige Blouse is not to miss for a perfect nude. I have also tried the new Dior 'Addict' Hydra-Gel shine formula ($35) and I like, but don't love it (I am a current fan of the many other formulations). I wouldn't count this a total miss however.

5. Nails

The new Essie Gel Couture ($11.50 per bottle) line is a must have and maybe my favorite new product addition of the season. Unlike the regular formula, this one truly stays put for at least 7-10 days and does not chip.  Try 'Model Chicks' or 'Spiked with Style' for the perfect deep fall plum/burgundy.

Any new fall must-haves that should be on the radar?

Lippie Round-Up

I love a new lipstick more than the average 30-something working mom with more important things to shop for. But there's something about a new lip product that can change your face, brighten your mood, and enhance an already good day at work.

#1 winner

Anastasia Beverly Hills lip gloss, $16, I love pastel pink for spring and undressed for the perfect beige lip. Note this looks thicker when first applied, but blend and give it a moment to set. Its shiny but not barbie like, and thinner than some other long wear glosses making it my #1 pick of the season.

Runner Up 1

Beauty Counter's lip sheer for $30- my favorite is 'rose', this line is all about safe ingredients. My friend Sarah can help anyone make a purchase form her online site, here

Runner Up 2

Dior Addict lipstick, $36, is color and moisture, and you cant go wrong with any color

Good pick

YSL, $37,  is one of my top 5 favorites of all time, and I love nude beige for an every day neutral

Splurge worthy

Tom Ford sheer lip color, $52, love all shades! Ultra luxury item for the price

Have you picked up any new spring makeup products you're suddenly addicted to?

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In Review: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine

My lipstick obsession is nothing new. I am still a big MAC fan, and still think that for $17, you cant find a better lipstick with more colors, textures, or ranges. However when I needed a huge emotional pick me up recently, I was ready to splurge. Not Tom Ford splurge, but close. After seeing so many beauty bloggers rave about the YSL formulas I gave it a shot. I started with the Rouge Volupte Shine in No. 8, Pink in Confidence. I haven't stopped wearing it 5 days later. Since then I have added No. 9 Nude in Private, and am waiting for Nordstrom to send me No. 17 Rose in Tension. For $36, you get a wash of juicy color, a fresh scent, and 8 hours of hydration. What I would spend on a Soul Cycle class without blinking can get you something that keeps on giving hours after the initial rush. I hope the upcoming holidays give you an opportunity to get one of these for yourself, your friend, or your mom.

Swatch It: Lipsticks

I am forever searching for the perfect everyday lip color. Each time I take a lunch trip to Bloomies, I browse the Bobbi Brown, Chanel, mac and Clinique counters, pulling the same rosy-hued, nude colors each time. I've realized that i actually already own the perfect colors for day to day office, meetings, lunches and dinners. So rather than searching, I'm just going to buy multiples of my favorites picks.

From top to bottom, the shades above are Clinique's Beauty (long last soft shine formula), Mac's Shanghai Spice (cremesheen), Mac's Modesty (cemesheen) and Macs Brave (satin). For a bruntee with fair to light skin and hazel green eyes like me, these shades are perfect everyday colors for all seasons. These formulas wear decently long, are soft to apply, and impart some subtle sheen but are not glossy. if youre on the hunt, I highly recommend these. What are your go-to lip picks?

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