REVIEW – NYX HD BLUSHES IN NUDE’TUDE AND TAUPE

 I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the hunt for that perfect blush – not too bright, not too pale, not too creamy, not too chalky. It’s tough to find a natural looking, long wearing blush (or even bronzer) that is budget friendly and  meets, let alone exceeds my expectations.

The NYX Cosmetics HD Blush line fits that bill, and for just $6.99 at ULTA and ulta.com. While they’re ALL beautiful colors that compliment any skin tone, I’m here today to talk about 2 specific shades, Nude’Tude and Taupe, which I guess aren’t technically blush in the traditional sense.

When we think of blush, we think peachy, pinky, rosy shades, right? I know I do. But I’ve been using these slightly different. I’ve found the perfect blush for me, which we’ll talk about in another post.

So if you want to know more about these particular shades and their BEST uses, read on!

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PACKAGING and FORMULA

The NYX blushes you may be used to seeing come in a small, square black plastic packaging with just a clear window. allowing you to see the color of the product, and then their logo, or label, is printed across the top of the clear window. The actual product itself has sort of a quilted texture. And you can still find some of them like that, in drugstores like CVS and Target, and nyxcosmetics.com. Those are from their ‘Powder Blush’ line, which at first I didn’t realize was different than their ‘HD Blush’ line. These are great and I have a few, but this isn’t why we’re here today.

The HD Blushes are in a sleek black packaging, similar to the Powder blushes but a little slimmer, with a black bow accent at the clasp opening, and the product itself is smooth in the pan, perhaps to go along with the ‘HD’ theme. While the ‘Powder Blush’ line looks to contain a lot of shimmer, the HD ones are matte. At least, the ones I’ve seen. They’re really smooth and buttery, though they too, are a powder product. Very pigmented, and when I dip my brush in and tap off the excess, I don’t see as much product go flying into the air as I do with many other drugstore blushes. I’m really impressed by these, to say the least. The HD line comes in 24 shades, but there are two in particular that I want to talk about today.

NYX COSMETICS HD BLUSH IN NUDE’TUDE ($6.99)

 I use this shade as a ‘bronzer‘ in the fall and winter, and I use that term loosely. Bronzers are designed to make you look like you’ve been laying out in the sun, like you have a beautiful, natural, warm glow. In the fall and winter, we lose our summer glow. We get lighter, more pale. Then you sit down in the morning to do your makeup, put on your foundation and/or concealer, look in the mirror, and it can be like looking at Casper. And frankly, sometimes blush alone just doesn’t do it for me. I feel like Casper after going on a brisk walk through the graveyard.

Using a fluffy blush brush, like the Real Techniques Blush Brush ($9), and a light hand, I like to apply this to the perimeter of my face first, hitting the temples, the cheeks, and just under the jawline, and then if I feel it really necessary, dust it lightly down the sides of my nose. This just creates a nice warmth to the skin, like you’ve been sitting by the fire drinking hot cocoa. Not bronzy, but alive. You can stop there, or apply your favorite blush and/or highlight over the top.

NYX COSMETICS HD BLUSH IN TAUPE ($6.99)

 I remember seeing on YouTube (and for the life of me I can’t remember WHO) someone discussing great, flattering contour shades for fair skin, and this was one of them. If you’re new to contouring, or you’re a contouring vet, you’ll know how hard it is to find a good quality, matte, neutral brown shade with gray undertones for the most natural looking contour. This, my little love bugs, is that shade. I believe it’s still available as part of the ‘Powder Blush’ line as well, though I haven’t tried it to compare the similarities or differences in the formulas.

It’s COMPLETELY matte, not a hint of shimmer in sight, cool, gray toned, and super duper blendable. I use this with the e.l.f Studio Contouring Brush ($6) to sculpt out my cheekbones and then blend upwards to the temples and then just under the jaw. It can be used very lightly for a natural, barely there daytime contour (for that I recommend a Real Techniques Contour Brush from their Core Collection, which can be found here) or built up for nighttime, or any event where you will be photographed, like a prom, wedding, etc. I’ve never had a contour that looked so natural in my whole life.

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Overall I don’t think I have a single bad thing to say about these products. I’m actually really excited to try more of them! I would say that these are a total WIN!

Have you guys tried these products? Do you have any favorites for ‘winter bronzing’ or contouring? I’m always looking for alternatives, and I love to hear feedback from you guys! Leave me a comment below!

And if you aren’t already, go follow me on Twitter and Instagram @dlynnesposito

LOTS OF LOVE!

XOXO – DONNA

#THATFAVFALLHASHTAG 2015

 I was on Instagram the other day, and while I was scrolling through endless photos of sunsets, pumpkin spice lattes, leaves, and Uggs, I found myself stopping on a post from @bama_beauty_addict called #ThatFavFallHashtag. We know I love me a tag post, and although I wasn’t tagged in this one in particular, it’s certainly not gonna stop me from doing it! I just think they’re fun, and when people participate (as I hope you all will!) I think it’s a really great way to get to know each other, as well as maybe discover some new and old faves, i.e. a great fall lippie or maybe a new fall inspired drink! So the questions are as follows :

1. Fav fall color combo?
2. Fav fall nail polish?
3. Fav fall hot drink?
4. Fav fall lippie?
5. Fav fall dessert?
6. Fav fall print?
7. Fav fall activity?
8. Fav fall wardrobe staple?
9. Fav fall accessory?
10. Fav fall family tradition?

Here we go!

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FAV FALL COLOR COMBO

 

I think I have to go with red, orange and yellow – the color the leaves turn before they get all brown and crunchy! Theres just something about stepping outside in the morning and looking around at the trees and seeing SO MANY gorgeous colors! I think that’s the thing I get most excited about for fall (besides the weather) is how colorful everything is!

FAV FALL NAIL POLISH

 Pretty much anything burgundy or taupe-y brown. Right now on my fingers I have Sinful Colors Nirvana ($2), a cool toned taupe that is great on my fall fair skin, and on my toes is ULTA Salon Formula Nail Lacquer in Bittersweet ($6), a gorgeous, vampy, deep burgundy color that I got in a gift with purchase bag in August.

FAV FALL HOT DRINK

 Right now I’m loving the Toasted Graham Latte from Starbucks, but it’s certainly more of a treat thing than an every day thing. But if you haven’t tried it, you should, ‘cuz it’s pretty incredible! Don’t get me wrong, I still love me a good Pumpkin Spice Latte (#basicwhitegirlproblems) but I think I pumpkined myself out too early in the season, so I’ve been switching it up a little. OH! And hot apple cider!! To me that is like THE classic fall drink, and it’s so yummy!!

FAV FALL LIPPIE

 This category is so hard for me to narrow it down to just one – let’s face it, I’m a lover of all things lippie. But if I HAVE to choose just one, I would say it’s the Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick in Nude Light/Medium ($6). They’re basically the same as the Revlon Lip Butters, which I LOVE, but they’ve broken it down to nudes, pinks, berries, and reds based on your skin tone. This shade is a beautiful nude brown that lets the natural pink color of your lips shine through, and it’s one of those shades that you can apply without a mirror, it’s that effortless.

FAV FALL DESSERT

 This is a tricky one too. Generally I would say “duh! Pumpkin pie!” but my sister makes a killer mile high apple pie, and I also love sweet potato pie. I think for the sake of choosing one though I’m going to stick to my sisters apple pie. She thinly slices the apples, layers them with just the right amount of brown sugar so that it’s a LITTLE gooey but not messy. She went to pastry school so she’s totally the baker of the family, and every year I bug her to bring that same pie to Thanksgiving. So yeah, apple pie.

FAV FALL PRINT

 I’m sure everyone and their mother says this, but definitely plaid. But like that red and black lumberjack plaid. With some leggings, a big black scarf and some cozy boots? YASSS!

FAV FALL ACTIVIY

 This is hands down pumpkin picking. Walking through rows and rows of pumpkins trying to find the biggest, smallest, goofiest, ugliest, different colors, perfectly round – it’s just so much fun. And now that my son is a year old and he can actually walk through with us and pick his own and explore, I can’t WAIT to go get our pumpkins!

FAV FALL WARDROBE STAPLE

A few years ago I picked up this knee length, chunky knit black sweater from Old Navy, and I don’t remember if it came with a belt or not, but it’s just the perfect fall piece – not too heavy, but still warm, slightly oversized so I can wrap myself up in it on chilly nights, but still cute to pair with some leggings or jeans and boots during the day. I even throw it on in the morning when I come down to make coffee (at 430am) because my house is older and a little drafty and it’s just so cozy and warm.

FAV FALL ACCESSORY

 Scarves. Hands down, scarves. I have them in tons of prints and colors and knits and fabrics and I love them all. My husbands aunt gave me a bag of assorted scarves over the summer when she cleaned out her closet and said “I’ve been saving these for you, fall is coming and I know how much you love your scarves.” And my mother in law bought me a beautiful gray and black leopard print one for my birthday (in August) because she knows that they’re just a staple in my fall wardrobe.

FAV FALL FAMILY TRADITION

 Thanksgiving. I know, tradition, not holiday. But every year we gather at my moms house, sit around, snack, watch my mom insist she doesn’t need any help, tells us to stay the hell out of her kitchen and don’t bother her, then sit down to eat. It’s almost always guaranteed that someone will throw some sort of food item across the table, too. A dinner roll, something. But it’s a fun time. No one gets dressed up, we usually just show up in the stretchiest and baggiest clothing we own because, well, we came to EAT. But it’s always a good time.

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Alright dolls! Let me know in the comments YOUR fall faves! And as always, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram @dlynnesposito –

LOTS AND LOTS OF LOVE!

XOXO – DONNA

SEPTEMBER BEAUTY FAVORITES 2015

 Hey guys! I probably should have had this up like a week ago, but I’ve had bronchitis and a sinus infection and a cranky one year old, so……

Let’s just jump right in. This will be (obviously!) my September faves in beauty. I tossed back and forth between a GENERAL faves (non-beauty related items included) and landed on this. Let me know in the comments if you’d like to see a mix next month or just stick with beauty products!

HERE WE GO!

GARNIER REFRESHING GEL CREAM FOR DRY SKIN $7/WalMart

They have two formulas – one for combo/normal skin, and one for dry skin. In the summer months, I’m all about that combo formula, but as the weather gets cooler and the air gets drier, I always come back to the dry skin formula. I live and die by this moisturizer. It’s non-greasy, absorbs super fast, and it just feels like HEAVEN on your face! It doesn’t clog my pores which is SUPER important to me because my skin is so sensitive and breakout prone as it is, and it just makes you GLOW, like you’ve been eating your fruits and veggies. It’s amazing. Try it. Trust me!

REVLON PHOTOREADY PRIMER $11/drugstore.com

I’ve had a love/hate relationship with primers for as long as I’ve been using them. Some do nothing, some irritate my skin within minutes of application, and some make me look like a straight up greased chicken. This stuff? No. I love it. It fills in pores and fine lines and REALLY helps my makeup last longer, and it doesn’t break me out at all! There are days I’ve worn this alone, with a touch of concealer, and with a full face of foundation and on all occasions it’s really impressed me. It has the wear and staying power of a silicone based primer, but it’s more of a lotion formula. It keeps me matte, and by the end of the day (no touchups!) when I start to get a LITTLE shine peeking through, it’s more of a “lit from within” glow than greasy. It’s like photoshop for real life. I think I’ve found my ride or die.

BRAGG ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR WITH “THE MOTHER” $8+/- at most grocery stores

Some of you may be thinking ‘huh?’ while others know EXACTLY what I’m talking about – apple cider vinegar is the BUSINESS when it comes to skin care and hair care. I use this in two ways – in the morning I use it diluted, 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, and at night I use it straight up from the bottle, full strength, as a toner. Not only has it helped with my breakouts, but I’ve noticed that my pores look smaller, I’m less oily, and my acne scars have faded! It’s readily available in your local grocery store, just make sure it says “the mother” somewhere on the bottle. There’s a sediment on the bottom of the bottle and while it looks, well, gross, that’s what makes it work so well. It’s basically just strands of protein and enzymes and when you see that in the bottom of the bottle, it’s been filtered the least as opposed to something you’d find in say, the salad dressing aisle. It helps acne, scarring, pH balance, it’s basically the be all end all of healthy stuff! But be warned – if you have sensitive skin, please please PLEASE dilute it before applying it to your skin. It WILL cause a little redness, but it will go away. To me personally, it’s totally worth it.

NIVEA KISS OF CARE & COLOR IN SHEER BERRY $5/WalMart

This lip balm was like a gift from the gods when I was sick recently. Not only were my lips super duper dry and chapped, but regular Chapstick made me look like a ghost. Enter this lip balm. It has a moisturizing core wrapped with a tinted lip balm that looks like your natural lip color. And it’s really really moisturizing. I don’t think I could get through being sick without it! It’s great for that everyday no makeup makeup look. I typically don’t bother with tinted lip balms, I’m more a lipstick/gloss kinda girl, but this is now in my bag, readily available. I’m hooked.

NYX MICROBROW PENCIL $10/ULTA

I’ve always hated brow pencils. They were too thick, waxy, dry, fake looking, you name it. I had seen on YouTube everyone raving about the Anastasia Brow Whiz and how it changed their brow game – but was I gonna shell out $21 for a PENCIL? Nope! Then I saw someone compared the ABH to this product, the MicroBrow, and did a side by side comparison, and I decided to try it out – and was glad I did! It’s identical in formula, packaging, and it’s even made in the same place – dupe alert! I’ve been loyal to tinted brow gel and powder forever, so for me to try and LOVE a pencil speaks volumes! I haven’t used any other brow products since I’ve owned this!

E.L.F. FLAWLESS CONCEALER BRUSH $3/eyeslipsface.com and CVS

Usually when I apply my concealer, I was hellbent that the only thing that worked for me was my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. And while I still love it more than any tool I’ve used, this concealer brush is creeping up the ranks pretty quickly. I actually bought two of them, and plan to pick up a few more. It’s big and fluffy (for a concealer brush anyway) but it leaves you with the most BEAUTIFUL airbrushed finish that I’ll be totally honest, I DID NOT EXPECT from a $3 brush I picked up in a drugstore. E.L.F. is now being carried at CVS nationwide, so run down and grab 1 (or 4). You’ll thank me I promise.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CLEAR BROW GEL $22/ULTA

Now I know what you’re thinking – isn’t this a blog about beauty products for those on a budget? Yes. Yes it is. HOWEVER, I was able to scoop this up for $11 (that’s right!) when ULTA was doing their ’21 Days Of Beauty’ last month. So I got it for half price. Would I pay full price for this product? YES! This stuff is like SUPER GLUE on your brows! I have other clear brow gels, and none of them really hold my brows in place. Or they get flaky and funky by lunchtime. I have yet to find a good drugstore dupe for this product but it’s my understanding that NYX has something similar in formula, which makes sense since the Brow Whiz and MicroBrow pencils are basically identical. I love this brow gel. And I WILL be repurchasing when I run out.

UDDERLY SMOOTH CREAM $7/CVS

As soon as that summer humidity is gone, I have wicked eczema on my hands, more specifically on my ring finger – probably from all the dishwashing with my wedding rings on (I know, I know, USE GLOVES, right?!) and it makes it’s way slowly up my hands to my wrists, and in extreme cases my forearms. Over the years, I have tried EVERYTHING recommended to me for eczema – Aquaphor, Aveeno, Eucerin, Cortaid, even things like Vaseline and Jergens – the problem with all those products was while they were moisturizing to a degree, almost all of them contained some sort of fragrance compound that burned that delicate, cracked skin. Udderly Smooth does NOT do that to me. It takes a couple days of consistent use to really break through all that cracked dry skin but once it does, it’s like a miracle cure. I always recommend it to anyone who has dry skin. Always.

There you have it! I hope you guys found some useful suggestions, and as always I would LOVE to hear about some of YOUR favorite products!! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter – @dlynnesposito

LoTs Of LoVe!!! ❤ ❤

XOXO – Donna

FALL FAVORITES 2-0-1-5

So lately there’s a tag going around YouTube, that I believe was created by Jaclyn Hill, called the “Fall Favorites Tag”. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a MONTHLY favorites post for you guys, so the way I figure, this is a pretty ok place to start!

So the idea is just as simple as it sounds – a tag was created, which basically means someone (Jaclyn in this case) made a list of some of their favorite things of the fall season, a combination of food, fashion, beauty, etc. Then they tag someone, or multiple people, and so on. I wasn’t tagged but I wanted to do something different for you guys, so I’m doing it, and I’m tagging ALL of you to do the same! And once yours is complete, you then tag others to do the same. Pretty easy, right?

The categories are as follows:

• Favorite Fall Candle
• Favorite Fall Lip Color
• Favorite Fall Drink
• Favorite Fall Blush
• Favorite Fall Clothing Item
• Favorite Fall Movie
• Favorite Fall TV Show
• Favorite Thanksgiving Food
• Favorite Halloween Costume

So here we go!

FAVORITE FALL CANDLE

  

My mother-in-law shares the same obsession with pumpkin that I do, so for my birthday (in August) she got me a pumpkin candle. I can’t remember where it’s from honestly. But anything pumpkin-y, anything hazelnut-ty, anything that makes my house smell like I’ve been baking without ACTUALLY having to bake!

FAVORITE FALL LIP COLOR

  

This might very well be the hardest category for me to make a single choice in. You guys know I love my lippies. But the other day I was in CVS and spotted those new Milani Amore Matte Lip Cremes ( I think that’s what they’re called ) and swatched just about every shade – but one I can for sure see myself wearing all through fall will be Beloved, this beautiful pinky brownish shade. It’s one of those perfect every day colors. I love burgundy and red but I just can’t see myself wearing them every day.

If I had to pick one that I already own, it’ would be Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle. It’s just the perfect shade, gives a great fall vibe, and won’t melt in my purse or truck or off my face because that summer heat is GONE! Bring on the butters!

FAVORITE FALL DRINK

  

I’ll admit it – I’ve already got out my yoga pants an Uggs. Yes, come fall, I’m #basic. My sister, as a matter of fact, goes on a daily Starbucks run, and while I won’t go for myself ( it’s just a little too rich for my blood ) on occasion she’ll bring me something back. During the summer, it was a venti Mango Black Tea Lemonade. But NOW, every so often, she brings me a venti Pumpkin Spice Latte, and I’m in heaven. It’s definitely my treat, but on the days where my wallet says “no bitch, no Starbucks for you!”, it’s a medium pumpkin coffee with skim milk from Dunkin’ Donuts, OR Apple Cider, hot or iced. I’m in love.

FAVORITE FALL BLUSH

  

Hands down, my favorite fall blush is NYX blush in Pinched. It’s a beautiful, highly pigmented, easily blendable peachy pink shade with a very slight shimmer that’s reminiscent of NARS Orgasm – I believe it’s even been listed as a dupe for NARS somewhere. If applied with a light hand (which all their blushes should be as they have CRAZY rich pigmentation!) it gives you that pretty flushed cheek look, like you’ve been apple picking on a brisk fall day. I just can’t get enough.

FAVORITE CLOTHING ITEM

  

A few years ago, my mom ordered some suede boots that it about mid calf, and have black suede fringe all over them. She said they didn’t fit her, so she passed them on to me. They’re sheepskin lined, and super warm and cozy. I wait all year to break these out, but ONLY in dry weather – not when it’s raining or snowing. The fringe touches the ground, and I want to preserve these for as long as I possibly can. They’re probably the most comfortable thing I’ve ever put on my feet, and frankly as long as they hold together, I’ll be wearing them, in style or not.

FAVORITE FALL MOVIE

  

I’m sure you know what I’m going to say : HOCUS POCUS! Fall is just not fall without The Sanderson Sisters, Binx, and that weird ass looking book made of what looks like skin. I don’t own it on DVD (my TV is mounted to the wall and nearly impossible to connect the DVD player) but when ABC Family does their annual “13 Days of Halloween” I watch every single showing. This year I’ve finally come into the times and gotten DVR, though I just don’t see myself recording it. It just doesn’t seem right to watch it any other time of year.

FAVORITE FALL TV SHOW

  

Sleepy Hollow – my mother in law got my hooked on this show. From what I understand it’s coming back October 1st, and I can’t wait!

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD

  

This is so hard for me. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Thankfully (haha) neither of our families are terribly dressy for the holidays because I’m ALWAYS the one wearing yoga pants and stretchy tops for this particular day. This is my day to EAT! I love it all. But I think the best part for me is what comes AFTER thanksgiving. The giant sandwich made of leftovers that you have to hold with both hands, and hope you don’t lose everything out the back. And any other time of the year, if I can find a turkey sandwich with stuffing, cranberry, a little mayo, and a slice of cheddar cheese or 4 ( 😉 ) then I’m DOWN.

FAVORITE HALLOWEEN COSTUME

  

I think I would have to say any group of little kids dressed as minions. I think that’s the most adorable and hilarious thing ever. I love minions. My son loves minions. He WILL be a minion this year. And I can’t WAIT!!

Ok guys! I hope you enjoyed my Fall Favorites post! I tag ALL of you to do it too!! Leave them in the comments for me! I love to hear from you guys! And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram – @dlynnesposito

Lots of Love and Happy Fall!

XOXO – Donna