2015 Favorites | Base: Foundations, Powders, Concealers | Blogmas Day 7

It's that time of year again! 2015 is almost over and 2016 will be here before we know it. Christmas is so close!! Last year, everyone seemed to enjoy my yearly favorite so I'm going to take a few posts to celebrate my 2015 favorites, breaking them up into separate categories. So many awesome products have been released this year that I've come to love, as well as a few old favorites and I can't wait to share them with you. 

First with base products. A flawless base makes the perfect canvas for your makeup, and these products have been my ride or dies this past year.

Primers

Too Faced HangoveRx

This stuff is a godsend for my skin when it's dry or irritated. It's a lotion consistency and just melts into my skin making it supple and super hydrated. It creates a perfect base for my foundation and really makes my makeup last throughout the day without fading or getting patchy. 

Maybelline Master Prime Blur and Smooth

This is basically the same as the Too Faced primer only more budget friendly. Again, it leaves my skin smooth and hydrated and the lasting power of my makeup is decent throughout the day. 

Smashbox Primer Water

This was a game changer for me. It's a spray that leaves my skin a bit tacky helping my foundation really stay in place. It's so refreshing and lightweight and so worth the money. 

Foundations

NARS Sheer glow

With my face really clearing up this year I was really enjoying more sheer dewy foundations and this one was a must. It has medium buildable coverage with a healthy luminous glow without being too shiny. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

This one is hands down one of my top 5 foundations ever. It's so lightweight yet delivers awesome coverage. It has a satin finish so it doesn't leave me looking dry or oily, just that perfect dewy look. 

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous

I've mentioned this foundation in a few posts and its still one of my everyday favorites. It's a lightweight foundation that builds to a full coverage without looking cakey or too "made up." I love how it sets on my skin without using powder, making it even more lightweight.

Concealers

Sephora Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer

I've only been using this for a month or so now but I am HOOKED. It's said to be a dupe for the NARS creamy concealer, but I actually like this better. its full coverage without being too thick and it blends out seamlessly without creasing under my eyes.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer

this baby paired with the UD foundation is a match made in heaven. under the eyes it gives a bright glow without looking too cakey or over highlighted. for a lightweight concealer the coverage is amazing as well.

NYX HD Concealer

This was in my 2014 favorites and its been a staple this year as well. I am still blown away by the coverage, the consistency, no creasing, just everything about this concealer is amazing.

Powders

L'oreal Infallible Matte powder

this is just a basic pressed powder but for some reason I've really been loving it. its very light and doesn't add any coverage and just like it states, it keeps any shine at bay.

ELF HD Undereye Setting Powder

Another repeat favorite, this baby will always be a staple in my daily makeup routine. a little of this stuff left to "bake" my concealer and my under eyes remain crease-free all day.

BareMinerals Well Rested Concealer

although this is a concealer, I typically use a tiny bit to set my cream concealers and it works like a charm. it also gives off a nice highlighted under eye without looking heavy or cakey.

Setting Sprays

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

This stuff does exactly what the name suggests. A few spritzes of this and your makeup is good to go literally all day. It's one of the few setting sprays that doesn't make my skin feel tight and dry and it was my go-to this summer when I didn't want my makeup melting off of my face.

Smashbox Primer Water

I know this says primer, but this is also great for a setting spray. It's very lightweight and just gives that extra assurance that my makeup won't budge throughout the day.

MAC Prep and Prime Fix+

Even though this isn't advertised as a setting spray, it's been a favorite of mine for years. It's just so refreshing and I love how a few sprays of this really rejuvenates my makeup, or settles the powders. its also bomb for really making your highlight pop.

That's a wrap for this post! It's so crazy to think that we are almost done with 2015, but I can't wait to see what the new year brings. stay tuned for my next 2015 favorites post, all about  highlighters, bronzers and contour powders!

Thanks so much for reading and have an amazing day!

xoxo

LivforLashes

Follow me on Twitter! @LivforLashes

Find me on Instagram @livforlashes

Email: liv_2008@icloud.com

De-Stress and Focus on YOU! | Blogmas Day 6

After spending the day in bed with an awful tension headache, I thought a post like this would be welcome. I actually wrote it for the Nubounsom website blog early this year but it's so relevant right now. During the holiday season, it's easy to put yourself on the back burner. Between buying gifts for others, parties and gatherings, and everyone else's well-being, we tend to forget about taking care of ourselves. But once January hits and Christmas or school finals are history, many of us are left feeling drained, fatigued and maybe even fighting off colds or flu. Now is the time to focus on YOU! It's hard to take care of others when you aren't feeling your best. 

I have put together some of my favorite tips and tricks for you, to help you feel fresh, relaxed and ready to take on anything!

1. Water! Drinking water is very important for your body to maintain optimum functioning. If you are dehydrated, you may suffer from headaches, dull and dry skin, and that general feeling of being worn down. Eight 8oz glasses are recommended but I find it's easier to carry a half gallon jug with me. Mark with a sharpie in increments your goal for every hour the amount of water to drink.

2. Don't neglect skincare. It's easy to want to just fall into bed after a late night out with family or cramming that last bit of studying in, but just five minutes is enough to not only clean your face, but to also rejuvenate and refresh your complexion. But keep it simple. One cleanser for both morning and night and a moisturizer is all it takes. Throw in a scrub or mask weekly and you're set!

3. Relax with a warm bath. I've never met a person that doesn't enjoy a nice warm bath. Throw in some Epsom salts to relax your muscles and add a few drops of essential oils. Try peppermint oil to alleviate a headache or lavender oil for a calming effect. It will allow you to soak away the stress of the day and give you time alone to do nothing but think and enjoy yourself.

4. Light some candles. Choose scents that you enjoy and that bring happy thoughts. My personal favorite is cinnamon apple. Light 'em up then sit and enjoy the scent wafting through the house. Scents that you enjoy triggers your brain to release endorphins, neuropeptides responsible for happy feelings. Plus you have the added benefit of the whole house smelling amazing!

5. Take time at the beginning of your day for yourself. Take a half hour, or even just 15 minutes if it's all you can spare, to do something you enjoy each morning. A lot of us jump out of bed and immediately start rushing to prepare for the day, setting the tone for a stressful day. Take time to read a few chapters of a favorite book, catch up on news, or even just to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. Starting your day relaxed will allow you to have a more laid back mindset for the rest of the day.

6. Unwind at night. Turn off the TVs and put the phone in another room. Using electronics with harsh lights at night can lead to broken and restless sleep. Taking an hour or so before bedtime to just sit and and do something mundane will help you get better more restful sleep. Flip through a magazine to help your brain unwind from the day.

7. Drink tea. A warm cup of tea before bed will help you brain relax. Choose a calming tea like chamomile and sip away, taking the time to enjoy it. The warm tea will loosen your body up and signal to your brain that it's time to slow down.

8. Exercise. Setting aside a little time, even just 10-20 minutes a day will help you maintain energy levels throughout the day. Even if it's just a quick jog around the block or a few minutes of an exercise video at home, you body will thank you. Not only will it help you stay fit, but exercise is also crucial for a healthy heart, and it will give you an energy boost.

9. Enjoy the sunshine! Unless the weather prohibits it, spend a few minutes in the sun each day. Exposing yourself to a bit of sunshine each day allows your body to absorb vitamin D, an important component in bone health. Vitamin D is also linked to the prevention in diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Pull up a seat or lay down a blanket and just enjoy the sun warming your skin, but please remember sun screen!

10. Make a to-do list. Crossing off items on a to-do list gives us a positive feeling of accomplishment. Now I'm not saying you need to clean out the garage or rearrange your closet, but even crossing off little items such as getting a hair cut or sorting through that stack of old mail can still give you the awesome feeling of getting things done, banishing negative thoughts you may have had that day.

I hope you find these tips helpful! The most important thing I can stress is to always find time for yourself! We are only as good to others as we are to ourselves, so remember to always take care of you and don't allow events or others to make you forget that! Have a good day everyone and thanks again for reading!

xoxo

LivforLashes

Follow me on Twitter! @LivforLashes

Find me on Instagram @livforlashes

Email: liv_2008@icloud.com