Review: Benefit Erase Paste

I know I promised a review of the Boscia Black mask, but I picked up this Erase Paste on a whim at Ulta last week and have been less than pleased with it. Benefit promises a creamy concealer that instantly brightens and camouflages. I have to say, I am not a concealer expert but I do have redness around my eyes that I am constantly wishing away. I watched countless videos on how to apply concealer, and followed directions but was disappointed with the coverage. I applied two layers of the medium shade with my concealer brush and then used Sephora's version of the Beauty Blender to gently "roll" the edges of the concealer. Unfortunately, there was still redness even after two layers. When this is gone I will test out a different concealer but until then I'll use this up. $26 at Ulta, Sephora, and Benefit stores.

What concealers of you recommend? 

Coming Soon: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask Review

Hi friends! I have been meaning to write a new review but have been a bit sicky these past few days. I have been trying out the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask to try and feel better, so a review will be coming in the next few days! 

Review: Benefit's Brow Zings in Light

Recently I have been getting my eyebrows done at a Benefit Brow Bar, and it seems as though every time I go I buy a new product! The first time I bought the Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation, and this time I bought something I have been coveting a long time, a brow filler. I must preface this by saying that I have been wanting to fill in my brows for a long time, but have some friends who fill theirs in daily and they do not look that great, so I was a little hesitant. I was also convinced that the Anastasia brand was the only brand for my eyebrows, but every time I sampled a brow pencil at Sephora, I was left underwhelmed. I was pretty sure I wanted a pencil because I don't have the steadiest hand and I wanted it to look natural. I had done lots of research on brow products, and thought I could use "feather light" strokes to achieve a natural look. When my waxer asked me if I wanted my brows filled in this last time at the Brow Bar, I said sure and asked for a demonstration. She used Benefit's Brow Zing in "light" and I was instantly hooked.

This wonderful kit retails for $30, but is already worth every penny! It comes with a wax for shaping, a powder filler, two brushes and a small tweezer set. It is smooth to apply and basically goof-proof, which is good for newbies like me. I was a little nervous to get one this dark (even though this is the "light") shade because I have blonde hair, but my eyebrows are actually more brown than blonde, so it is actually a  perfect match. This might be too dark for someone with really light eyebrows, though. I don't actually use the wax, but the powder stays all day without any fading or smudging.

Overall, this is a must buy for someone who wants to achieve natural looking brows and will be something I buy again in the future!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Hi everyone! I am Kate, and these are confessions of my obsession. (Haha!) I am a makeup and product junkie who is unable to step foot into Ulta or Sephora without spending an absurd amount of money each and every time! I thought that the best first post would be a "Favorite Things" post, so here we go...

Mario Badescu's Rose Hips Nourishing Oil I am slightly obsessed with the look of dewy, moisturized skin, and this oil gives me that look! It is very light and absorbs quickly, and is great for mildly dry skin. I use this after every face washing! 

Josie Maran Argan Oil I use this heavier oil after using my Clarisonic Mia or after using an Extra-Strength Alpha Beta Peel and it moisturizes beautifully! This is not something I use before makeup or in the morning - it is a night time intensive treatment for me.

Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel I use these bad boys once a week, and they are wonderful for exfoliating and keeping my skin smooth. I usually buy the 5 or 10 packs that are individually wrapped, because they are a bit pricy ($88 for 30 applications) and I find that they are prone to drying out when not used every day. If I run out of these, I find that sometimes my face feels as though there is a layer of "ick" all over it, even with regular use of my Clarisonic Mia.

Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation I prefer this over any liquid foundation I have ever used! I even returned my Make Up Forever HD Foundation and got this instead. What I like about this foundation is that it looks really natural and is moisturizing without being oily. It is not insanely long wearing, but I don't often put makeup on in the A.M. and expect it to last all day. I do like to let me skin rest when I'm just going to be in my house. This foundation is not cheap ($34 per bottle) but it last a looooong time. I bought one shade up from what I normally wear (I have "Honey") because the color does oxidize and become lighter after about 20 minutes of wear.

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil I like to use this to set my makeup and reduce shine. I hate the feeling and look of an overly powdered face, but this does the trick with such a small amount! It has no color, so it won't disrupt the makeup already on your face, and you can reapply without your skin looking chalky. One container of this lasts forever, too.

Sephora Collection Professional Heated Curler I don't have one mascara that I always use, but whatever I use I have to have my heated curler to make my stubborn lashes curl! I love the look of curled lashes and I get the best curl (not crimp) with this tool.

Well, that's it! Those are my never stray, always have in stock items! Other things like face wash, mascara, and lotion I am constantly searching for "the one" but these babies, these are my go-to items. What are yours?