MAC lipstick- Gem of Roses

Unfortunately, this lipstick isn't in the permanent collection, but it is great enough that I have to mention it anyway.  I went back to the store and bought two back ups once I tried this lipstick.  It is a very natural color, but it warms the face nicely, bringing color to a pale face and complementing a tan one. It can be found online very easily even now, and I highly suggest you grab one!

$15-30

texture                 9

longevity             8

application           9

buildability          7

pigmentation       10

total                    43/50

Bumble and Bumble thickening dry spun finish

I have fine hair, and I have tried many things to remedy this.  I have a lot of trouble holding style because the strands are too soft.  This spray is perfect.  Not only does it give lift to the roots, but it give enough of a grit to the hair that I can do what I wish with it.

$29

texture               10!

longevity           10

application          9

buildability        10

pigmentation    n/a        

total                   39/40     I LOVE this

L'Oreal Telescopic mascara

This is my absolute go to for an everyday eye.  It adds a lot of length while eat lash still remains defined.  I would say I've gone through about six tubes of this, and every time I am leaving the country I grab a backup in case.

$7, drugstores

texture                9

longevity           10

application        10

buildability         8

pigmentation      8 (a natural black)

total                  45/50

Soap and Glory Hand Food

I got this at the same time as the eye cream, but I like this product a lot.  Unlike a lot of hand creams, this isn't too thick and greasy.  It easily is absorbed into the skin, and then leaves a slightly floral and powdery scent.   At just a few bucks, its a great extra to have in your bag.

$5-12  Sephora, London drugstores

texture             10

longevity          8

application       9

buildability       7

pigmentation    n/a    

total                 34/40

MAC lipstick- Chili

Matte lipsticks are definitely my favorite when it comes to color.  I feel like it looks so much more expensive- having a rich, matte lip.  This color is fantastic.  In the most blunt terms, the color looks like dry blood, a beautiful, slightly brownish deep red.  With mattes you need to be extra careful when applying, but after that is done you have a gorgeous deep lip that won't budge for hours.

$15  Mac stores, Nordstrom

texture           9

longevity       7

application     8

buildability    9

pigmentation  9     

total               42/50

Jack Black lip balm

Lip balms are one of those things that I always am buying and am never in need of.  Who needs more than three lip balms at any given time? I'm pretty sure no one, but we all have 'em.  I feel like a bit of an expert on this subject, considering I have tried so many, and this has been one of my favorites.  At less than $8, its a fairly good price as well.  It is very shiny, but not sticky and had a very nice scent.

$8 at Sephora, Nordstrom, ect

texture            9

longevity        8

application      8

buildability     8

pigmentaion   n/a

total               33/40

Soap and Glory Puffy Eye Attack

I bought a few items from this line when I was in London last, and of the three, this is the one I like least.  I have a lot of trouble with under eye circles (I deal with both constant travel and insomnia), and I was very excited about this product.  I gave it a good go, getting halfway through the pot before giving up.  When I used this product, my under eye darkness and puffiness appeared significantly worse than when I didn't.  It has a pleasant sensation when being applied, a heat and then quickly a cooling effect, but given that it doesn't do what it's meant to, its hardly worth it.

8 pounds at drugstores and online in the US

texture           8

longevity      n/a

application     5 (a little unsanitary, being in a pot)

buildability    7

effectiveness  0

total              20/40         definitely not reccomended

Mac Blush- Loverush

Mac blushes are definitely one of my favorite formulations, and now I have found the perfect plum blush for my skin tone.  If you have olive tones, tan or not, this looks like a beautiful, natural flush.  I began using this in the spring when I was pasty white and I am still able to use it now in August with just a slightly darker application.  I really love this blush with a clumpy mascara and otherwise bare-looking face; it give a wonderful, childish glow with a hint of sultriness from the purple.

Mac stores, Nordstrom, and online

$18

texture         9

longevity      9

application    8  (apply very lightly first before building  up)

buildability   10  see above

pigmentation  9               

total           45/50    this is my favorite blush purchase that I can remember.  If you are scared of the color, just try swatching it.  It looks remarkably natural on the skin.

H2O Face Oasis

Because I fly a lot, keeping my face moisturized is a sometimes difficult task, but this moisturizing gel takes care of the job.  It is natural and has a refreshing scent.  The product can be used as either a moisturizer or, applied in a thick layer, a mask as well.  Where it is clearly a very moisturizing product, it doesn't feel too thick or heavy and my skin drinks it up in a minute.

online for $36

I have found it at TJ MAXX for $10

texture              9

hold                n/a

application       6   (would be more sanitary with a pump)

buildability       8

overall              8       

total                  31/40       I very much recommend this product if you need a night moisturizer without anti aging properties.

Aveeno Positively Nurishing energizing lotion

I first received this lotion in a gift bag during fashion week six months ago, and I have since bought it twice more.  This is the perfect consistency lotion; think enough to really moisturize without leaving a greasy film on the skin.  And with a price tag under ten dollars, I can use this as often as I want without feeling guilty.

drugstores, target

$6

This stuff is great