Even though I’m happy with my current mascara regimen, I can’t help but but ask every beauty store clerk I encounter what their favorite formulation in the store is, because my quest for perfection in that realm is real. On a recent visit to Sephora, I was directed to this Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara, which is pretty fantastic: it goes on quite glossy and very black, and the volume it imparts is intense.
When it comes to lip color, my main priority (aside from the just-right hue) is something that goes on and stays stays put. I am also partial to matte as opposed to glossy, cause glossy is always so sticky. I am very much liking my new Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in a color called Warm Leatherette. It’s on the pinkish side of berryish, so it’ll be even better when spring rolls along, but I’m wearing it now on those drab days when I need a little lift.
Until quite recently, I am embarrassed to say, I didn’t moisturize: everything I tried on my sensitive skin has played hell with it, and felt too heavy to wear under makeup. But Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Instesive Hydration Gel is so super-light you can scarcely feel it on your skin, and it hasn’t caused any irritation.
After I put that on, I apply Drunk elephant C-Firma Day Serum, which is also quite light and does a good job of evening out my skin tone, which can be all over the place. If you are interested in either of these Drunk Elephant products but aren’t certain about making the (not small) cash outlay, try this travel size duo.
Bloodshot eyes can ruin a good look, so on the days that mine are less-than-pristine, I use Rohto Cooling Eye Drops and they get an almost otherworldly white.
I loathe putting lotion on my hands, because it takes forever to absorb and I’ve got better things to do than just sit there and wait. But this Brazilian Bum Bum Cream sinks in shockingly fast, and smells delightfully of a Caribbean vacation, too.
I worked for Sephora for 3 years and by far the Marc Jacobs mascara is my favorite. It’s a 2 coat mascara and contains crushed velvet for volume and length. Any other favorite I have is drugstore.
Oooh Lola, which drugstore mascaras are your favorites?
I would also like to know this!
I am partial to Blinc’s tube mascara. Never clumpy, gives great gloss and length. I’ve tried tons of other mascaras, both high end and drugstore and this is the only one for me.
thanks for the travel size tip – much appreciated when we’re talking nonWalgreen prices.
&off topic here but just read the funniest article in New Yorker about the clogerati. (were you the one who texted the writer Kimfrance? 😆)
The New Yorker: The Life-Changing Magic of Clogs. https://google.com/newsstand/s/CBIwgYPQsDo
Thanks for sharing that delightful #cloglife article. I read it and immediately went to the No. 6 site — where, hey, they’re having a sale on a lot of their shoes!
Also off-topic, I wore hot pants and clogs back in the day, but not together. I would never wear hot pants now, but clogs, yes. In fact, I have a pair from Danish clog-maker Sanita on order now.
This is a thing like comfort food is a thing. We can never go back, but we can reinvent elements of the past in new ways that fit modern life and times.
Well put!
yeah read this this morning and thought of Kim and Andrea!
xx
wink wink
They also speak to the Hygge movement.
Wasn’t me, YK, but I did enjoy the piece—thanks for linking to it.
My No 6 clog boots (both pairs) make me feel like Wonder Woman – and on a pay per wear basis, are the cheapest things in my wardrobe!
Omg I loooooove that Brazilian Bum Bum cream. It smells incredible and gives your skin such a subtle healthy glow. I have been buying the small $20 size because I just can’t spend the $46 on the full size, but I think I’m going to have to bite the bullet because it’s amazing.
I love these beauty posts, and since you and your readers are so knowledgeable, I wondered if any of you can recommend good lip stains? I loved Stila’s Acai Crush lip stain, and since they stopped making it, I can’t find anything that goes on so easily and stays put.
Hey Stacey….have you checked BeautyBay.com? They carry tons of discontinued item. You might get lucky and find your beloved lip stain!
Thanks for the tip, Francine!
For lip stains, I’m loving TonyMoly Get It Lip Tint Water Bar and Missha Lasting Painting Tint.
I used to love what whitening drops did to my eyes but my eye doctor warns strongly against the use of them.
Feel obligated to pass that along.
What’s wrong with them?
Easy to find reputable info online about this. The short story is they cause dependency (who doesn’t want whiter and whiter eyes?), eventually stop working, and one is left with not only red eyes but also possible eye damage.
Visine, Clear Eyes, Opcon A (which I used) are all unsafe for repeated use. A good eye doc will will recommend either drops for allergies or artificial tears only.
Somewhat off topic, but now I’ve got Warm Leatherette stuck in my head. The original one by The Normal, not the Grace Jones cover version. Halp.
Has anyone tried the Drunk Elephant Babyfacial? I’d like to, but I’m very afraid of what it could do to my sensitive skin.
yes to babyfacial!!
really love it. It stings a bit the first few minutes then not so much at all.
My skin afterward is really smooth and beautiful!
I’m a big fan, too. Of any peeling masks, really. But I concur with Jackie.
I have sparkly pink Japanese school girl Rohto (the packaging not the liquid) and love the way my eyes look after, but try to use it sparingly as I’m sure it’s probably not good for constant use (possibly especially if you are a GOACA with dry eye issues).
Also pleased to see you arewith the volumizing mascara crew, recently realized after discussions with my sisters that they are in the lengthening and curling camp, which is why our recommendations don’t work for each other.
What to do if you need all 3 attributes?
My hero beauty product is Laura Mercier Illuminated Tinted Moisturizer. I’m 40 and have a ten month old baby who doesn’t like to sleep much. It helps me look less exhausted than I feel.
Hi Kim. I also have super sensitive skin but have had great success with this moisturizer “Pure Simple Facecream” from Osmia Organics. If I want a little extra, I will add a drop of their Nectar oil. It is fabulous!! Love your blog!
Kim, I’m pretty sure that you should be using the C-Firma Serum first, followed by the B-Hydra. (Smallest molecule > Largest, or Serum 1st). 🙂
Thanks for the tip, Val. Hope you’re doing well.
Was just coming to post the exact same thing. I’m excited Val and I are on the same wavelength!
GOACA wavelength!
I feel the need to give a shout out to the best mascara I’ve ever used…MAC (the one with the purple handle). The brush is big and fat and it just coats so glossy and rich.
Something new that I’m loving…cleansing balm from Elemis. Oh my, within a few days, my skin looks so smooth.
Just started (as in last night) the Biologique P50 lotion after reading for years about it’s miracle results. Also got the Masque Vivant which is supposed to stop aging if used twice a week. I know, I know. Will keep you posted on any resulting miracles.
Co-sign with the Nars lip pigment. Such rich color, great coverage, and pretty good wear. Lasts at least till lunchtime 🙂
Try using the C Firma before the B Hydra. Lightest product or serum goes on first. I love the Drunk Elephant C Firma, the Lala Retro, which is a heavier moisturizer, and the new Protini.
Just bought Protini and it arrived today! Gotta live my peptides!
I’ve been a Rohto eye drops fan for years. Best eye drops ever! I’ve had many iterations – they change the formulas or the packaging pretty regularly. I particularly like the “Arctic” cooling drops & I buy them in bulk from Amazon.
I’m curious about the smudge factor with the Mark Jacobs mascara? I’ve learned that this needs to be as much a part of the criteria for me as volume, length, curl, etc. ~Smudgy McSmudge Face
Love the Drunk Elephant products except the tinted sunscreen. Its too thick. Prefer tinted MD Solar Sciences.
I’m on my 4th bottle of the Drunk Elephant C Firma serum. They recommend using it first – however they also said given the lack of silicones, you can mix the two together at the time of application, which saves time.
As much as I love this product and it’s packaging, I am dabbling with the True Botanicals vitamin C powder. And wonder if I should go back to the Skinceuticala to compare.
irene, why are you considering going back to the other Vit C products?
I’m a long-time reader who almost never comments,but I have to say I bought that lipstick after you recommended it – and also because I love the song “Warm Leatherette”. Good choice.