October 2012 Favorites: Becca, Brushes, & Burberry

I'm a few days late, but I really wanted to share my October favorites. It is always hard to pick favorites, as I usually prefer to sleep than apply makeup anyway, but this month, I had clear winners! I was hoping to do a video, but I just haven't been able to figure out a good setup... So until I figure that out, I'll just have to stick to regular posts! :)This month, I really fell in love with everything Burberry, but I made myself choose...

The standouts of the Burberry lineup for me so far are the eyeshadows and Lip Covers. The eyeshadows are divine - there's a natural, skin-like quality to them that just amazes me! Dark Sable just gives me beautiful definition, and Antique Rose surprised me with how easy it was to wear a slightly pink eyeshadow. I'm dying for more shadows, and Pale Barley, Almond, and Midnight Brown are at the top of the list. I can't wait, because these are exactly what I want in an eyeshadow these days!

I am also wowed by the Lip Cover formula. My lips are always quite dry, and they get worse and worse in the course of a cold day. Burberry Lip Cover actually helps my lips retain their moisture, so after I apply, I still maintain the same level moisture. Even the bright shades I chose feel and look natural, as if I wasn't wearing any makeup at all. I'm in LOVE.

On the Becca front, I've hardly had the chance to use these Eye and Beach Tints. But so far, the shades (Baroque and Grapefruit) are quite natural and gorgeous for everyday wear. (Woohoo!) Baroque has been great for contour/crease definition and Grapefruit is just a pretty, pretty pink. YAY! :)This month, I also enjoyed Real Techniques brushes. So many great shapes, and so affordable too! I'm liking the Core Collection, wanting to keep the Starter Kit, and still enjoying the others I've had from the line.

As a long time eyeshadow fiend, I always enjoy a good eyeshadow brush. The Ecotools 1203 eyeshadow brush is seriously a drugstore standout. This densely packed brush picks up all shadows so easily and really packs a punch. I also love the quality of the Too Faced Essential 3 Piece Set - the fluffy brush makes any shadow a beautifully natural highlight, and the mini one is my go to brush for lining and smudging my eyes. I wish this was available to purchase on its own!

So there you have it! What do you think of this month's picks? Have you tried any of these, or any related recommendations? What were your October favorites? :)

I ♥ Too Faced the Bronzed & the Beautiful French Riviera Edition

This kit is an old favorite, and I seriously love it. Aside from the 3 Piece Essential Eye Brushes, this is probably my favorite Too Faced product ever! Really, I'm obsessed.

As with all Too Faced kits, this one comes with 3 instruction cards with great how-to's. This is perfect for any bronzer beginner or makeup fan on the lookout for different application techniques - it is a perfect reminder to try different things every once in a while!

This palette includes 3 of Too Faced's regular bronzer line as well as a gold highlighting powder. The shades included are Chocolate Soleil, Sun Bunny, Powdered Sun, and Snow Bunny. As you might know, Chocolate Soleil smells like chocolate and is super smooth and matte (and pretty!) Also included in the set is a mini size of Primed & Poreless Bronze Tint.

Chocolate Soleil - This is one of my favorite bronzers. Definitely in my top 5. The scent is nice, but not overpowering, and it does wear off within an hour or so. The matte shade is brilliant, and the powder is so finely milled. It is great! (And there is a Milk Chocolate shade now for paler ladies.)

Sun Bunny - So pretty! At first I thought the shimmer would be scary, but it isn't! Definitely a pretty bronze/glowy color for summer.

Powdered Sun - A pale gold shimmer highlight that ended up being subtle and nice on my skintone.

Snow Bunny - For me, this was a lighter version of Sun Bunny that would be perfect for lighter skintones or winter time.

Primed & Poreless Bronze Tint with SPF 20 - This is one of the only primers out there that I like. It seems really dark/orangey at first, but once you blend it in, it just gives you a bit of color. I'm not sure if it will work for those of you with very pale skin, but I think it will work for a wide range of light to medium tones. I also loved this last year with Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - it really added to the coverage and was a winning combination!

What do you think of this bronzer palette? Should I do a post with the looks from the instructions? Have you tried this or any other Too Faced bronzing product? :)

Review: Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System

I was so excited to receive this mascara from Too Faced in early April, and am really happy to have been able to try it. I probably would never have purchased this myself, since it costs $35 and I've been trying *very* hard to just stick with drugstore mascaras to save money. (I do also like Too Faced Lashgasm, so I was extra excited to try another Too Faced formula.)

Now I should preface this post (and really any mascara post!) by telling you that I have absolutely no skill in curling my lashes or really even applying mascara. (LOL) By following the steps of this system, however, I can get pretty huge lashes. Even my boyfriend will notice how big my lashes are.

I accidentally ripped the box while opening it, but on the inside lid are instructions for how to apply. To sum it up, the steps are:

1. Apply the activating mascara (gold tube) 2. Apply nylon fibers (white tube). According to Too Faced, if you apply more on the ends of your lashes, you'll have a lengthening effect, while more in the base will help thicken your lashes. 3. Finish the process by applying the activating mascara again!

Initially, I was a bit confused and not sure if I was applying the steps correctly. Luckily, the tubes have the step number on them! The mascara formula is a dry one, and I was also confused when I discovered that the lash fibers are dry and sort of like little cotton fibers.

Here's a shot of my eye with the mascara applied, without any curling. Sadly, my lashes go straight down, which is never fun. I also don't believe I combed my lashes in this application attempt. I think it does make my lashes quite huge! (Sorry for the sad state of my brows... someone needs to help me fix them!)

A few application tips:

- Comb your lashes in between steps to prevent clumping. - Curl your lashes as much as possible! Otherwise, your lashes may stick together, which is an annoying feeling during the day! Curl in between steps if needed!! (Also for me, since my lashes go straight down, it's not fun to have the mascara and fibers in my vision all the time.) - It doesn't hurt to apply another mascara before taking these steps. You can also follow this process multiple times for added drama. - Applying in an upward motion while looking down will help curl your lashes, as with many mascaras.

This is also a very long lasting mascara but is easily washed off with water. It can also last a second day if you don't get your eyes wet, which is exciting for me. On the second day, though, I at least need to comb them because my lashes look "slept in" - sort of sticking together in some places.

If you have time and application skills, this is a wonderful lash system! I have neither when I'm getting ready in the mornings, so this is not an everyday mascara for me. (Cry!)  If you are not inept with your lashes like I am, you should definitely check it out! :)

Looks from Too Faced Natural Face Radiance Palette

Here are the looks based on the instructions in the Too Faced Natural Face Radiance Palette. (See my original post for swatches and a shot of the instruction cards) I love these instruction cards, and my boyfriend likes these natural looks! :) Hope this helps! (Still trying to learn my new camera, so I didn't quite perfectly match up photos from different settings, etc., but I did my best. My before photo was with a flash, and the after on Supermodel Sculpt and Classic Radiance definitely were... ) My before photo was without any makeup at all, and my after pictures did not include any products except lip balm and what was on the instruction cards!

What do you think?