waterproof makeup

beauty items on sale at macys 2019

This week, I bought the T3 Convertible Power Base, which has been on my *need* list for quite some time. Truthfully, it’s been 8 years since I’ve purchased a swanky hair tool, and I had my reservations. After seeing bloggers, Instagrammers and Youtubers all use this multi-functional wand, I thought it was best to just bite the bullet and purchase it. A few weeks ago, Ulta had the base, which alone is $100 (yikes) on sale for $50, but by the time I logged on, it was sold out. So when I saw that Macy’s had it on sale for $80 (plus an additional 15% off) I jumped on it. It hasn’t arrived but it definitely made its way to the top of my ‘Must Haves’ for the Macy’s Friends & Family Sale. Beauty doesn’t get marked down the same way clothing, shoes, and accessories do, so when an opportunity like this presents itself, I find the best things to purchase and breakdown my list with you guys.

Use Code: ‘FRIENDS’ for 15% select beauty purchases and 30% off apparel.

T3 Convertible Power Base: Mine hasn’t arrived yet but I cannot wait ’til it gets here!

2. ABH Matte Lipsticks: I love traditional lipsticks and even more so, a matte formula. These ABH lipsticks have the most beautiful color pay-off and longevity. I also really love that they have a great range of shades that can work for nudes and bright summer pinks. My personal favorites are ‘Spice’, ‘Soft Pink’ and ‘Star Gazer’.

3. MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation: This is actually my favorite as a concealer. It’s great for the brutal Texas heat and has a soft, flexible formula so it doesn’t feel suffocating like other full coverage concealers tend to feel. It is oil free with a weightless, satin finish.

4. Stila Shimmering Heights Liquid Eyeshadow Set: Since I don’t do super glam eyeshadow everyday, I love the mini versions of the liquid eyeshadows from Stila. These three colors in particular suit my skin tone the best. What I really love is that they are pigmented, but can be blended down into a sheer wash of color for a softer look. They are also budge and smudge proof! I wore the color ‘Kitten’ to an outdoor wedding and my eye makeup stayed in place the entire time. You can wear these on top of shadows or with a transition color alone. Plus, the deep ‘Twig’ shade is such a nice take on a smokey eye, without going too dark.

5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow: Brows are super personal and there are a million different ways you can fill them in. My personal go-to is always dipbrow because of how creamy the formula is. I find that I don’t always have to take a lot of time creating the density or shape that I want. My favorite brush to use is the MAC #269 brush. Also, I suggest wiping off the excess product onto the top of the cap. Starting with minimal product and then building your way up is the way to go.

organic natural cotton for makeup remover

Shiseido Facial Cotton

Cotton pads? Really? Like that’s an article worth reading? Honestly, these are not your ordinary cotton pads. In fact, I can’t really even comfortably refer to them as cotton pads, because they are truly in a league of their own. I am talking about the Shiseido Facial Cotton squares that are made of the most luxuriously spun cotton fibers that gently remove eye makeup.

So, how I stumbled upon these is actually by pure annoyance. I was so tired of running through my facial toners, and having sore skin around my eyes from removing eye makeup. It was difficult for me to effectively remove my eye makeup without applying more pressure.

But why, if I was already using something to help me not have raccoon eyes, was I still struggling to not actually look like a hungover raccoon? It’s because traditional cotton balls are actually straight up terrible.

First off, they aren’t soft. Although they look like tiny, precious clouds, they’re quite rough. They soak up so much product, and only when are completely soaked with my $34 Ole Henriksen Oil Control Facial Toner, do they become remotely comfortable on the skin.

Now imagine going to get a manicure, and your nail tech using a cotton ball to remove your gel polish. See those little fibers left behind, that seem like they could potentially whether WWIII? Imagine how many little fibers are left behind on your skin after a few quick swipes around the eyes. Also, many cotton balls are bleached, which can totally irritate sensitive skin. Personally, it doesn’t bother me, but if you are acne prone, this is something to be weary of.

And if this doesn’t stress you out enough and cause premature wrinkles, using jumbo drugstore cotton balls, organic or not, will. The tugging, pulling, and stretching of the super delicate tissue around the eye should avoided as much as possible. These motions completely break down the collagen and elastin the skin. Not cool.

So why I am completely obsessed with the Shiseido Facial Cotton is because it’s composed of completely natural cotton fibers, that are consistently soft and smooth in texture. It’s the most ideal way for me to apply liquid toners, eye makeup removers, removing liquid lipsticks that will not budge, and even moisturize the oh-so-delicate under eye area we have to protect.

For $10, you can save you skin and honestly, save yourself some Botox by being proactive. You get double the use because these pillowy sheets of perfection actually split apart, just don’t cross-contaminate.

Well-rounded skincare routine doesn’t just include products that you apply, it’s also about the tools you have in place to maximize the effects of all those amazing products. Also, the size of the pad is pretty substantial, covering a lot of facial real estate. And although I am ‘all Amazon everything’, I would buy my exclusively from Sephora to ensure you’re getting the real deal.

OLE HENRIKSEN Ole Henriksen Balance It All Essentials Set • Ole Henriksen • $34

Shiseido – Facial Cotton • Shiseido • $5–10