My Makeup Essentials: Products I Use Every Time or Almost Every Time I Use Makeup!

I have noticed that there are certain products that I always use, and I am never looking to replace, because I love them so much.  I'm not saying that there is definitely nothing better out there for me, but if there is, I haven't found it!  All of these products, I have been wearing for at least a year or more.  If someone were to say to me, which products do I definitely need in my collection, this would be my list.

NYX Powder - I bought this product pretty much on a whim.  I hadn't heard anything about it, but was looking for a brightening powder.  I was using the ELF Under Eye Setting Powder, which I really like, but was hoping to find something just a little more brightening.  This definitley did just that!  I have been wearing this powder for over a year.  I love it, and haven't even wanted to try anything else.  It sets my under eyes perfectly, while giving me just enough of a brightening effect.  It doesn't crease, and lasts all day.  I have NEVER had to touch up!  I found mine at Target.  I believe it was in the 8 - 10 dollar range.

Too Faced Amazing Face Foundation Powder - This is another product that I had never heard of, and for the life of me, I can't understand why!!  I wanted a finishing powder with extra coverage that would set everything, and not look cakey.  I went on Too Faced's website and just started browsing (in the past 6 months or so, I have really come to love this brand).  I read reviews on all the powders that I was considering and decided on this one.  I am soooo glad I did!  This one is a game changer for me.  It is light-weight, provides excellent coverage, never ever cakes up (and I use a lot), and it really perfects the skin in a way that no other powder ever has for me.  As soon as I tried it, I loved it and couldn't wait to tell my mom about it.  She tried it and loved it just as much as me.  She ordered hers the very same day!  I am in my 30's and my mom is in her 50's, and it works for both of us.  I never have to touch up my powder, I never get oily, and my makeup lasts all day!

MAC Pro Long Wear Concealer - I have been wearing this concealer for over a year now.  I still haven't ran out of product from my original purchase, and this concealer covers up my dark circles so well!  I don't have a little bit of circles, mine are quite blue in the inner corner, but you wouldn't know it after I apply this product.  I always use a good under eye and face moisturizer to prep my skin.  As long as I have that on, I will not get any creasing.  This isn't a thick formula, but it covers like one.  I have never met anyone who doesn't like this product!

*Since writing this post, I have found a drugstore dupe for the Mac Pro Longwear.  Try the Maybelline Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer for half the price!*

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer - Brightener - I have been using this concealer even longer than the Mac one.  I have probably been wearing this for 3 or 4 years now.  This is a thinner formula than the Mac and not as opaque, but it really brightens in a way that the Mac concealer doesn't.  These two are the perfect companions!  I apply Mac first, and blend.  Then, I apply the Maybelline brightener, blend, and set with the NYX powder.  Absolutely love this combination!


NYX Eye Primer- Skintone-   I started using this at the end of last year/beginning of this year, I believe.  I also heard about it from youtube.  I've tried several eye primers.  All have done a pretty good job for me, but this one is different.  Not only does it prime your lids so your eyeshadow application is smoother, colors are more vivid, and creasing doesn't occur, but it also is an opaque formula that conceals all veining or pigmentation that is on your lids.  it's actually an eye lid primer and concealer in one.  I haven't reached for another primer since I bought this.  I found mine at Target for around 9 - 10 dollars.  I do have a dent in mine, but this will last me for so long.  It comes with a lot of product!

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - I bought this at the beginning of the year, and I have been using it ever since!!  I had always hear good things about it, so I had to try it.  It is amazing!  It gives beautiful volume.  The brush is large, so I don't use it on my bottom lashes.  I always do 2 - 3 coats.  Anymore than that, I think it will get too thick and clumpy.  I am on the same tube that I purchased in January (I don't wear makeup everyday.  Probably 3 or 4 at the most!).  I have repurchased, but am trying to use up every little bit before opening.  I can't imagine not using this mascara!

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara - I tried this mascara for the first time in December of last year. I instantly loved it!  It has a mousse type of texture that goes on very smooth.  The formula isn't too wet though.  It gives length and volume, but the great thing about this mascara is it's lengthening and separating.  That's why I almost always pair this with the Too Faced Better Than Sex.  The only time I don't wear them together is if I am doing a natural makeup look.  In that case, I just wear the Tarte.  Since I have started wearing this combo, I haven't worn fake lashes even once, and I used to wear them quite a bit!  I'm not saying I'm done with falsies, because that is just crazy talk, but the two mascara's are so beautiful together that I just haven't felt the need.  I am still using the same tube that I bought in December, and it is still working great for me!

*With both mascara's I have no flaking or transfer.

I also wanted to add that all of these products I introduced to my mom, and she loves them as well!  She wears them pretty much on a daily basis.  I think it's important to note that, because I am almost 38 and she just turned 55.  We also have different skin types.  Her's is dry and mine is normal to oily.  Knowing that they all work great for both of us shows their versatility, so I have to believe that most people would enjoy these products.  My mom is my best friend, so when I find something I love, I just can't wait to tell her and have her try it!  I get really excited about great products :)  If you have any questions for me, please leave them in the comments section!

Drugstore Beauty Deals From 10/04/15 - 10/10/15

CVS

-  Spend $15 on any Revlon products and receive $5 Reward Bucks

-  Buy any 2 L'Oreal products and receive $5 Reward Bucks

-  Buy any 2 Maybelline eye, powder, foundation, blush, or concealer and receive $5 Reward Bucks

-  Cover Girl Cheekers Blush BOGO 50% off

-  Spend $20 on any Physicians Formula cosmetic and receive $10 Reward Bucks

-  Rimmel Eye Pencil BOGO 50% off

Rite-Aid

-  Cover Girl Enhancers Eye Shadow BOGO 50% off

-  L'Oreal Eye Shadow Singles BOGO 50% off

-  Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadow BOGO 50% off

-  Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye Liner BOGO 50% off

-  Maybelline Eye or Nail item spend $15 get $3 Point Rewards

Walgreens

-  Almay Eye Shadows 40% off

-  L'Oreal Eye Shadow BOGO 50% off

-  Cover Girl Blush BOGO 50% off

-  Maybelline Eye Shadow BOGO 50% off

The Benefits Of Black Tea & Why Tea Is Such An Important Part Of My Life

If you have been following my blog, you know that I am a serious tea lover.  I first started drinking tea in college, but just here and there, and mostly in the evenings to calm me before bed.  Two years ago, I really started trying out different teas, and completely fell in love with it.  I started drinking it simply because I love the taste, and my heart is very sensitive to caffeine.  I didn't start drinking coffee till 32 or so, but it did give me heart palpitations on a regular basis and really started to irritate my stomach and make me very nauseous.  I don't miss my coffee in the least, and I love that by simply drinking something I love, I am helping my body be healthier.

We hear a lot about green tea and it's contributions to health, but rarely do we hear about the benefits of  black tea.  I drink all types of tea, but mostly green and black.  I love earl grey and english breakfast tea in the morning.  I haven't drank coffee in so long, the black tea gives me a little morning pick me up.  Aside from a little caffeine boost, these are some other reasons to add black tea to your diet.

For Oral Health - Black tea helps prevent plague and cavities.  The polyphenols found in black tea help kill bacteria and hinder the growth of bacterial enzymes that helps plague stick to the teeth.

For Bone Health - Some studies show that regular black tea consumption strengthens bones and helps  prevent arthritis because of the phytochemicals that it contains.

For Heart Health - Research shows that those who consume green and black tea daily and consume 3 or more cups per day, lower their risk of stroke by 21%.

Lowers Your Risk Of Diabetes - Research shows that regular consumption of 1 - 2 cups of black tea a day, lowers the risk of diabetes in the elderly.

For Stress Relief - Studies have shown that black tea can help you relax and concentrate. Black tea has also been shown to reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, with moderate daily consumption.

Boosts The Immune System - Black tea contains alkylamine antigens that boost the immune system, and helps fight viruses.

Increased Energy - While black tea has caffeine, it is much lower than most caffeinated beverages.  The low amounts increase blood flow to the brain without overstimulating the heart which can cause palpitations.  It also stimulates the metabolism, respiratory system, and kidneys.

Contains Antioxidants - Antioxidants are an anti-ager.  They help block DNA damage, and aid in cell turnover.

I have to say that drinking tea is just as much about the experience as it is the tea itself.  I love brewing loose leaf tea, and using a tea light to keep it warm.  It gives it such a pretty glow that I also find relaxing, especially at the end of the day.  I also love finding new teas, visiting local tea salons on the weekends, and getting tea tableware. I have a curio cabinet with my best stuff in it.  I have english and asian tea sets.  I love the delicate plates that come with it, along with the beautiful patterns.  I also love the little tea spoons that just add the perfect little touch.  Add a shortbread tea cookie, and.......perfection!  It is so nice to make tea for your loved ones and just sit in your kitchen or dining room and stop to relax and just spend time talking together.  With the way we live our lives today, it is nice to take the time to enjoy the experience and one another.  I was born way too late, it has always been very apparent to me, and taking the time for tea gives me a feeling of stepping back in time, slowing down, and appreciating the moment that I am in.  Not only does tea offer physical well being, but I also find it to provide mental and emotional well being.

If you are in the Columbus area and are interested in learning more about tea, and trying new teas, I would encourage you to check out some local tea salons.  I love going to Zen-Cha tea salon!  They have so many different types of tea.....English, German, Asian, African, and so on.  They offer a full menu, with brunch on the weekend, samples to taste, and a relaxing atmosphere.  I have also gained some good brewing information while speaking to the wait staff.  They have 3 locations.  One downtown, one in the short north, and one in Bexley.  We do have other tea salons in the area, but I like this one so much, that that is where I keep returning.  If you would like to visit Zen-Cha or get more info, you can visit them at zen-cha.com

*Pictures from last weekend at Zen-Cha with my mama.