beauty faves

As I mentioned in this post, I’ve been cleaning like crazy lately. My bathroom was not exempt, and I ended up realizing that I thought I had a lot more makeup than I actually did – rather, I had a lot of makeup, but a lot of it was really old and bad. So, not-so-unfortunately, I had to make a trip to Sephora to re-stock – and I decided to splurge a tiny bit and get some higher-quality, longer lasting products. Here’s my take on them:
Benefit Cosmetics Watt’s Up! // This is actually my first legitimate highlighter, and I’m in love. Aside from the beautiful packaging, this highlighter is shimmery without being over-the-top, and the color is a soft champagne. The formula is a creamy stick that turns into a powder and melts into your skin. I’ve found that I like to blend with my fingers, but there’s a small blending sponge on the other end if you prefer.
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola // I actually bought this a while ago, but only started using it recently (because all the other times of the year my skin is way too pasty white). A little goes a long way, and the powder is very fine and blends pretty easily. I use it on my forehead, a little down my nose, and along my cheeks and jawline, for a slightly less ghost-like complexion.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil // I’d been using Sephora brand eyeliner for a long time, but I only now realize what I’ve been missing out on. It’s a little pricey, but so well worth it – it’s just so easy and un-fussy and smooth to put on. Plus, it’s definitely going to last for a while. I got Smoke, but I can’t wait to try out some more adventurous shades.
Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 // This is officially my favorite foundation. I got a tiny sample bottle in a Clinique bonus offer a while ago, and after using half the tube I became a little distraught and started mixing it with my daily facial moisturizer (half out of curiosity, half out of wanting to make it last as long as possible) – which turned out to be a great idea, because it makes the ideal tinted moisturizer. I’m pretty cheap, but I decided this is something I can no longer live without and got a full size bottle – and its nozzle is perfect for dispensing just a little bit to mix with moisturizer.
I’d love to know what your beauty essentials are! I definitely need some recommendations.

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