August Favourites

Hey Everyone, 

I hope you had a great weekend. My sister, Krista and I spent the weekend in Toronto, looking for celebrities at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. While, we didn't see many stars (unless you count Ice-T and his wife Coco), we did get a chance to check out a couple of really great movies: 'End of Watch' (starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pina) and 'What Masie Knew' (starring Julianne Moore and Alex Skarsgard).

One thing I noticed while wondering the streets of Toronto this weekend, was the changing weather and just how much it feels like fall. Of course, that led me to think about the end of summer, which led me to think about changing from summer to fall makeup, which then led to me thinking about my August Favourites (did you like that segue?). So without further ado, here are my August Favourites:

Annabelle BB Cream in 'Light/Medium': 

This summer I definitely jumped on the BB Cream bandwagon trying more than 5 different brands of BB Cream. Without a doubt, my favourite is Annabelle's Multi-Action BB Cream in 'Light/Medium'. Not only does this BB Cream give the face a full coverage look (I don't have to worry about applying foundation on top of it to hide my acne scars), it feels super light on the skin, contains SPF 15 and is oil-free, meaning no breakouts. 

Physicians Formula Mineral Airbrushing Powder:

I started using this product as part of my 'Products I Vow to Use' tag, and immediately fell in love with it. While I don't think this full coverage powder gives my skin a true 'airbrushed' look, it helps smooth out my skin tone, and does a great job of concealing all of my acne scars. Personally, I think this powder works as well as MAC's Mineralized Skinfinish Natural (my usual powder of choice), but is less expensive and more accessible (as it can be purchased at the drugstore). 

Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick in 'Nectar': 
When I first started using this highlighter/blush as part of my 'Products I Vow to Use' tag, I absolutely hated it. I found that it was super shimmery and drew too much attention to my uneven skintone. With a little practice, the right brush (MAC's 129), and a light hand, this has become one of my favourite cheek products. 'Nectar' is perfect for a variety of looks, as you can choose to use any of the five colours on their own, or all swirled together for a gorgeous 'peachy' glow. 

Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in 'Flushed':
After hearing so many great things about Sonia Kashuk's beautifying blushes, I decided to pick one up the last time I was in the US (unfortunately, this brand is not presently sold in Canada). 'Flushed', a beautiful bright pink with coral undertones is the perfect blush for warming up the face, and giving the cheeks a healthy, rosy, glow. I have been using this blush almost every day this past month, and can't believe the variety of looks it works with (a dark smokey eye, a warm neutral eye, etc.) If you are lucky enough to live near a Target, I would highly recommend you pick this blush up. 

NARS Eyeshadow in 'Lhasa':
For someone who loves, and has, a lot of makeup, I often find myself getting stuck in ruts, using the same couple of products over and over again. Last month's 'rut' products (I know that isn't technically a saying, but I'm going to make it one) are both eyeshadows. The first is NARS's Lhasa, a stunning purple-taupe with super fine silver shimmer. This eyeshadow looks great worn alone (on both the upper lid and lower lash line) with heavy mascara, or when paired with a darker, more smoky purple in the crease. For some reason, I thought this eyeshadow was limited edition (I was so happy when I found mine in NYC last April), but have actually seen it at a few different Sephora stores recently.

Buxom Stay There Eyeshadow in 'Pug':
The second 'rut' product of the month has been Buxom's Stay There Eyeshadow in 'Pug', a shimmering grey-purple cream shadow. These shadows are absolutely smudge proof and last nicely through the day. While this colour looks great on its own (such a simple look), it looks even better paired with NARS's 'Lhasa'. I have fallen in love with the Stay There Eyeshadow formula, and can't wait to pick up more colours. 

Maybelline Define a Brow in 'Dark Blonde':
To be honest, I have never been much of a 'brow person'. Yes, I make sure they look tweezed and not too hairy (well, most of the time), but I don't usually fill them in, shape them, etc. However, since receiving an Anatasia eyebrow kit for my birthday from my friend Lisa, I have tried to make more of an effort when it comes to 'doing my brows'. The Dark Blonde Define a Brow pencil from Maybelline gives my eyes a natural, somewhat filled in look without being too heavy or over the top. While it doesn't claim to be waterproof, I am happy to say I haven't any problems with it running or smudging during the hot and humid summer days we have been having. 

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel: 

One of my items I received in my Anastasia brow kit was the often raved about Clear Brow Gel. This gel helps brows stay perfectly in shape throughout the day without looking too sticky or clumpy. I use this brow gel daily (even on the days I don't fill my brows in) and absolutely love it. While it is more expensive than a lot of the brow gels out of the market, I highly recommend it and definitely think it is worth the money. 

 Nectar, Flushed

 Dark Blonde, Lhasa, Pug

Have you tried any of my August favourites? Do you want to? What were your favourite products for the month of August? Be sure to let me know in the comment section below. 

xx

Alicia