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?

Summer Skin Routine

Though I can't complain too much recently, I've had a life long battle with my skin. High school years were actually fine, an occasional dab of Clearasil (remember Clearasil??) did the trick. College brought more troubled areas, I suppose a diet consisting mainly of diet coke with raspberry Smirnoff and pizza didn't help much. Then law school, don't even get me started. I finally had to bite the bullet and take a course of Accutane, which completely changed my facial life. Now, 8 years after the fact I still treat my skin with the utmost care, read product labels, change pillow cases 2 times a week, and forget chemical sunblock.

As the summer sun rises and temps climb, I change up my routine a bit. Replacing thicker cream with lighter essential oils is the first step. 

I use BeautyCounter Lustro Oil number 3 morning and night after cleansing to tone, balance, and prevent pimples

I also swap out my medium-thick BB (I love Tarte) for a light weight tinted moisturizer with higher SPF.

Dew Skin in shade number 2 is my perfect everyday hint of color and chemical-free sun protection

Make up is generally minimal to begin with, so I stick with my favorites year round. A touch of under-eye concealer, pop of blush, swipe of mascara, and taming of the brows.

Nars the multiple is a long time favorite for cheeks, lips or highlighting

It Cosmetics bye bye undereye is the best for my serious, genetic dark under eye circles

BeautyCounters' brand new mascara is a cannot miss

Benefit gimme brow in brunette is worth every penny of its $24 price tag

To shop the full BeautyCounter line with my friend Sarah using my social, click here anytime between now and June 6th!

Any summer favorites I should try?

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?

Linking up with The Mix!

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?

Linking up with Mix & Match!