We all love trying new things but let's face it...we all fall victim to routines. Makeup is no exception! We all have our routines and our favorite products. Ever since we created this blog I've been dying to create a "makeup bag" post of my absolute favorite products that own my daily routine.I'm going to start this "makeup bag" series with three of my all-time favorite products at the moment. I swear by all of these products! I hope you all find something that intrigues you and ends up in your own beauty routine.
(Also - if there are any products that you would like me or Summer to review - Leave a comment on this post! You can also send an email to admin@groupieglam.com or get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter. We love hearing from you all!)
This post features: Lancome Visionnaire, The Original Beautyblender and Benefit High Brow. Read the reviews after the cut.
1. Lancôme Visionnaire - $69 for .67 oz bottle - I buy mine at Macy's or Dillards...or duty free on an airplane ;)
I went through a phase where all I bought was Lancôme makeup. One of the best rewards of that phase was Visionnaire! Visionnaire is an advanced skin corrector. It claims to correct wrinkles, pores and unevenness within four weeks.On one of my makeup shopping trips, I received a free sample. I didn't give it much thought and I wasn't expecting much. What a great and unexpected surprise! Within a week, I could already tell a difference in my skin. I have a bad history of acne - and now awful acne scars. Within that week, my acne and my scars were fading away!
While it is on the pricey side - I have found justification for it. You get what you pay for! If it works - I will gladly pay the price. I have been spending $20 on dermatologist visits and more than $100 each on multiple prescription medication...and I'm getting the same - if not, better - results! So, $70 every so often for improved skin? I'll do it!It's a staple in my beauty routine. I apply it every morning before putting on my moisturizer and makeup. I apply it every night after I wash my face with my clarisonic and cetaphil. I highly recommend it!
Pros: It actually works. Great scent. Makes your skin feel great.
Cons: The price. I wish it would last longer.
2. Beautyblender - $19.95 at Sephora
As a regular customer of Sephora, I've seen the little pink sponge multiple times on my way to the checkout stand.
"Beautyblender® is the first ergonomically designed non-disposable sponge applicator that allows you to flawlessly apply your makeup. When wet, beautyblender doubles in size and becomes even softer, returning to its original size when it air dries. Not only is the smaller end the best applicator for concealer under the eyes and around the nose, but also for achieving dramatic results with your eye shadow. Feel free to use the beautyblender with all types of makeup, including loose powder and mineral cosmetics." (Sephora.com)
"$20 for a sponge that I'll end up having to throw away? Pffft. No, thank you. I don't care how great it is." I had a great MAC stippling brush and a good routine with my brushes. I didn't need a sponge. But after hearing multiple awesome reviews...I got a little curious. So, one day (on pay day...it's always pay days that get you in trouble!) on my regular trip to pick up some Urban Decay makeup...and I bit the bullet and spent $20 on a makeup sponge. "This better work," I thought.
And guess what? It does! I am in love with the BeautyBlender! It does everything that it promises. This is another staple in my beauty routine. I apply my Visionnaire and then head to the sink to rinse my beautyblender! I use the blender to apply my foundation, concealer and my highlight. It really gives you a "photo ready" finish. My makeup feels lighter on my skin but I feel like I have the perfect amount of coverage. I never cleaned my brushes as much as I should have - so I'm positive that I was aggrivating my acne with bacteria left on the brushes. With the beautyblender - I wet it every day - so I may as well clean it!
The whole "end up having to throw away" thought that I had? Nope. Not a problem. Okay, I lied. It's not a problem if you take care of it correctly. My first Beautyblender - I had to end up throwing away because I absolutely ruined it by not taking care of it. I know it seems like a lot but you need to buy a cleanser and clean your blender regularly. I clean mine every morning. The Solid Sponge Cleanser is $15.95 and works wonderfully! Lather up your sponge and wash the makeup rinse away. Your sponge will look brand new and feel clean! My skin (and my new Beautyblender) is definitely thanking me for buying the cleanser. P.s - the cleanser is also great to clean your makeup brushes! My brushes look brand new.
Don't bother buying the blender if you aren't going to buy the cleanser. Other soaps just don't do the trick like the cleanser! A must have product!
Pros: Does exactly what it advertises. Perfectly applied foundation! Will last a super long time if you take care of it. You'll only have to replenish the cleanser (which also lasts a long time)
Cons: The price. The cleanser is sold separately. Takes a bit of time to clean it every day.
As a regular customer of Sephora, I've seen the little pink sponge multiple times on my way to the checkout stand.
"Beautyblender® is the first ergonomically designed non-disposable sponge applicator that allows you to flawlessly apply your makeup. When wet, beautyblender doubles in size and becomes even softer, returning to its original size when it air dries. Not only is the smaller end the best applicator for concealer under the eyes and around the nose, but also for achieving dramatic results with your eye shadow. Feel free to use the beautyblender with all types of makeup, including loose powder and mineral cosmetics." (Sephora.com)"$20 for a sponge that I'll end up having to throw away? Pffft. No, thank you. I don't care how great it is." I had a great MAC stippling brush and a good routine with my brushes. I didn't need a sponge. But after hearing multiple awesome reviews...I got a little curious. So, one day (on pay day...it's always pay days that get you in trouble!) on my regular trip to pick up some Urban Decay makeup...and I bit the bullet and spent $20 on a makeup sponge. "This better work," I thought.
And guess what? It does! I am in love with the BeautyBlender! It does everything that it promises. This is another staple in my beauty routine. I apply my Visionnaire and then head to the sink to rinse my beautyblender! I use the blender to apply my foundation, concealer and my highlight. It really gives you a "photo ready" finish. My makeup feels lighter on my skin but I feel like I have the perfect amount of coverage. I never cleaned my brushes as much as I should have - so I'm positive that I was aggrivating my acne with bacteria left on the brushes. With the beautyblender - I wet it every day - so I may as well clean it!
The whole "end up having to throw away" thought that I had? Nope. Not a problem. Okay, I lied. It's not a problem if you take care of it correctly. My first Beautyblender - I had to end up throwing away because I absolutely ruined it by not taking care of it. I know it seems like a lot but you need to buy a cleanser and clean your blender regularly. I clean mine every morning. The Solid Sponge Cleanser is $15.95 and works wonderfully! Lather up your sponge and wash the makeup rinse away. Your sponge will look brand new and feel clean! My skin (and my new Beautyblender) is definitely thanking me for buying the cleanser. P.s - the cleanser is also great to clean your makeup brushes! My brushes look brand new.Don't bother buying the blender if you aren't going to buy the cleanser. Other soaps just don't do the trick like the cleanser! A must have product!
Pros: Does exactly what it advertises. Perfectly applied foundation! Will last a super long time if you take care of it. You'll only have to replenish the cleanser (which also lasts a long time)
Cons: The price. The cleanser is sold separately. Takes a bit of time to clean it every day.
3. Benefit High Brow - a brow lifting pencil - $20 - I buy mine at Ulta.
I was introduced to this product a looooong time ago. You know when you're in the mall and you avoid walking through the makeup/fragrance section to the exit because you know an annoying salesperson will stop you and push a product on you that you know you'll end up leaving with? Yep. That happened to me with the High Brow. But looking back - I didn't mind this sales push.
"This soft brow highlighting pencil is your instant brow lift! Perfect for all skintones, the linen-pink highlight hue adds a lifted look to the entire eye area. It's never been easier to raise a brow…or two! Apply pencil under your brow following the arch. Lightly blend. For more arch appeal, put two dots above the arch & blend" (benefitcosmetics.com)
The salesperson stopped us and demonstrated the High Brow product on my mother. She applied the product right under her brow and blended it in. I was amazed! Before this - I was pretty new to makeup (before I even started filling my brows!) and I had never even thought of applying something white underneath the brow. "Your eyebrows look higher. Oh my gosh, mom," I remember saying. So - we left with it. My mom started using it but then I ended up stealing it and using it for myself when she grew bored with the product. When I ran out - I used white eyeshadow for a few years. But just a few months ago - I recently went back to High Brow. And I don't know why I ever left it! It's the perfect highlighter to add below your brow. And once again - a staple in my routine.
Just recently I've been on the hunt for the perfect white product to use to tightline my lower waterline. I've bought tons of pencils and wasted my money. Nothing stays on!!! As of two days ago - I've found the best solution. The high brow! It stays on so much better than anything I've used and stays vibrantly white. So - this product now has two uses for me and my routine. But really though - if anyone has any product suggestions for white tightliner...please please please let me know!
Pros: Lifts the brow. Can be used as eyeshadow primer when you're in a bind. Can be used as tightliner.
Cons: Doesn't last as long as I would hope to, even when just using it for my brows. Not as cheap as buying plain white eyeshadow - but I think it's worth the price.
I was introduced to this product a looooong time ago. You know when you're in the mall and you avoid walking through the makeup/fragrance section to the exit because you know an annoying salesperson will stop you and push a product on you that you know you'll end up leaving with? Yep. That happened to me with the High Brow. But looking back - I didn't mind this sales push.
"This soft brow highlighting pencil is your instant brow lift! Perfect for all skintones, the linen-pink highlight hue adds a lifted look to the entire eye area. It's never been easier to raise a brow…or two! Apply pencil under your brow following the arch. Lightly blend. For more arch appeal, put two dots above the arch & blend" (benefitcosmetics.com)
Just recently I've been on the hunt for the perfect white product to use to tightline my lower waterline. I've bought tons of pencils and wasted my money. Nothing stays on!!! As of two days ago - I've found the best solution. The high brow! It stays on so much better than anything I've used and stays vibrantly white. So - this product now has two uses for me and my routine. But really though - if anyone has any product suggestions for white tightliner...please please please let me know!
Pros: Lifts the brow. Can be used as eyeshadow primer when you're in a bind. Can be used as tightliner.
Cons: Doesn't last as long as I would hope to, even when just using it for my brows. Not as cheap as buying plain white eyeshadow - but I think it's worth the price.
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