Current Beauty Favorites

Best beauty products

I haven’t shared a full round-up of my beauty favorites in quite some time and since sharing myskin care favoritesa couple weeks ago, I thought this was as good a time as any! Some things to note about these products – they were all new to me items that I had never used before, but I knew the brands and had loved previous products, so I thought there was a huge likelihood I’d love these too! I was right!! Let’s work our way from drugstore to higher end…

Best beauty products

I’ve had some success with elf products, mostly on the makeup side not so much on their skincare side and I have to say this duo bronzer/blush (St. lucia color set) for only $4 was such a huge win!! It’s almost an exact dupe for the NARS duo set! I rely heavily on the bronzing side (that one is almost completely used up) but haven’t really used to much of the blush side, it’s more of an apricot color and I tend to use more pinky tones on my cheeks. I do find that’s it a natural finish for both the bronzer and the blush so for $4 it’s a great buy and one that I will be buying again!

Prime your face




I love theprimer line from Maybelline– I’ve mentioned one in anempties videoand picked up theblur + illuminate to try and really love how smooth it leaves my face. I’ve also been using theMaybelline master concealer(color light) and it’s up there with some of my favorite concealers like theNARS creamy concealer(which also comes in a travel size for only $12) andMAC Pro Longwear concealer. If you only stick to drugstore concealers, I really love this one and to keep it from creasing I’ve been applying my avocado kiehl’s cream underneath. To blend I’ve been using theairbrush spongefrom Sephora (currently sold out, but you can find in stores) and I actually love it way more than the beauty blender. This came from my Play! Box from March and it’s pretty much the only piece I’ve used non-stop! The finish you get is really airbrushed, no creases and blends in well without taking your makeup with it. 

Bobbi Brown Shadow Sticks


You may recall from myDubai & India packing postthat I picked up theNaked2 Basics Palette…it’s actually the only eye palette I brought with me which is saying something since I always need variety! It really does have the best matte colors that I use daily so I keep this in my travel / gym makeup bag. This is the smaller version of the regular size – so it’s only 6 colors instead of 12 like the regular palette. Sticking with the eyes, thesecreamy shadow sticksfrom Bobbi Brown are amazing – the color stays on for well past 12 hours. Thanks to the Sephora sale I was able to scoop up another shade! I can’t get over how easy they are to apply and then smudge in with other shadows you might be wearing! 

Too Faced Blush


TheToo Faced blushwas a gift from my friend and at first glance appears to be almost too pink (something about berry is my color set), but when you swipe it on the cheeks it gives you the most perfect rosy look! I use it every single day and the packaging is the cutest! Finally, theNARS velvet matte skin tint– the best way to describe this is a very minimal coverage foundation. It’s heavier than a BB or CC cream, but doesn’t give you full coverage, well it can but you really have to use a lot. I’ve been using this every day and really like the finish, but my only complaint is that I don’t think it stays on that long and I find myself coming home looking like I’ve lost half my makeup…but that can also be due to the fact I workout at lunch! 

Beauty Products for Spring


Shop the Post




Just a few of the products that I’ve been loving right now. What beauty products have been on your radar lately?




Share:

86 Comments

  1. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    April 13, 2016 / 10:45 am

    You can't beat the price of elf products! Love it! And that Naked basics palette looks amazing! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  2. P!nky
    April 13, 2016 / 11:10 am

    So many fun picks, lady! Your make up is always on point so I'll need to check these products out.

  3. Blaire Bingham
    April 13, 2016 / 11:15 am

    I haven't tried any of these products yet, but you always have the best recommendations. The Nars is currently on my list to try next.
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  4. a little bit of emily
    April 13, 2016 / 11:16 am

    That Naked2 palette looks perfect for traveling! I may have to grab that for my upcoming work trips!

  5. Andrea Nine
    April 13, 2016 / 11:36 am

    I spy ( remember that game, lol) 3 things in there I use and own and I want all the others!! Naked, Nars, Elf, love this lil mix you get going on!! Fun and of course how beautiful you always look, you are getting it right girl!!

  6. Unknown
    April 13, 2016 / 11:45 am

    I so need to check out some of these products… the primer sounds awesome and much more cost effective than sephora alternatives!

    Annessa
    seekingsunshine.com

  7. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    April 13, 2016 / 11:45 am

    I just hopped on the beauty blender bandwagon to apply my concealer–now I may have to try the new one! Love the make up you've chosen!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  8. Jenn
    April 13, 2016 / 11:50 am

    Glad to hear you loved the Naked 2 palette–it looks like the perfect type of colors that I use as well. Some of the ones in Naked3 I just never touch.

  9. Hannah
    April 13, 2016 / 11:53 am

    Love this!! I just got the Nars creamy concealer and am obsessed with it! 3 days in and I already think it is worth every penny. I recently purchased the Nars Pure Radiance tinted cream. It isn't as full coverage as the Velvet Matte Tint, but I do think the staying power is on point. The true test will be how it performs in an Atlanta summer!

  10. Evelina
    April 13, 2016 / 12:01 pm

    I have the regular Naked2 palette and use it all the time!! The basic one is great because it has all the necessities
    Evelina @ Fortunate House

  11. Unknown
    April 13, 2016 / 12:26 pm

    I have the same Naked palette and it's been my favorite eyeshadow set for for a few years now!! And I'm obsessed with everything Bobbi Brown as well!

    thecourtneydiaries.com

  12. Unknown
    April 13, 2016 / 12:34 pm

    Such a great post!! Need those palettes! xo
    publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2016/04/spring-essentials.html

  13. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    April 13, 2016 / 12:42 pm

    I didn't like the beauty blender sponges so I need to check out this airbrush one, maybe I'll have better luck with it. I already like the shape of it better.

  14. Christina @ Simple and Delish
    April 13, 2016 / 12:46 pm

    I really need to update my makeup.. so many great options here!

    Christina :: Simple and Delish

  15. Rachel McCarthy
    April 13, 2016 / 12:56 pm

    I will have to check out this dupe for the NARS duo set. It's my very favorite and actually on my blog today haha!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  16. birdie to be
    April 13, 2016 / 1:01 pm

    Thanks for the recommendations! I love the Naked palettes too… and they are perfect for traveling.

  17. Nadine
    April 13, 2016 / 1:02 pm

    Ohhhh I really love the colors that the Bobbi Brown shadow stick comes in!!! I haven't really tried any shadow sticks but that makes me want to grab one. Also, I like the price much better on that airbrush sponge than the beauty blender. Those things just dont get as clean as a make up brush so I hate spending more that $10-$15 when I know I have to throw them out eventually and replace a few times a year.

  18. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    April 13, 2016 / 1:06 pm

    The Bobbi Brown shadow sticks are my FAVORITE! They're so convenient for travel! I have been looking for a good BB cream so I'll def have to give the Nars one a try!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  19. Zelle B.
    April 13, 2016 / 1:13 pm

    I need to get the Naked Basics palette – I would never ever use all the colors in a regular palette but could definitely reason for the smaller one! Love this post!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  20. Kate at Green Fashionista
    April 13, 2016 / 1:13 pm

    So many fabulous products! You can't go wrong with ELF especially at their prices, and the Naked Basics 2 is perfect for traveling <3
    Green Fashionista

  21. Courtney B
    April 13, 2016 / 1:28 pm

    All of these goodies look like so much fun!! Now if only I knew how to use them on myself, ha ha!

  22. kerri @ cheshire kat
    April 13, 2016 / 1:47 pm

    great roundup! the naked 2 basic palette looks so perfect. and the too faced blush looks great too! glad it looks better on!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  23. Elle Sees
    April 13, 2016 / 2:06 pm

    love all of these–i don't own the heart shaped blush but they are SO cute!! i'd want them all!!

  24. Caroline The Petite Fashionista
    April 13, 2016 / 2:08 pm

    Love this roundup! I saw that NARS matte stuff last week and thought of you because we were talking about it! Their regular tinted moisturizer gives pretty good coverage, but yeah its not like foundation coverage. Your lunch time work outs could be the culprit though! Haha. Thank you for sharing though!!! That heart shaped blush is too cute!!

  25. Annie Reeves
    April 13, 2016 / 2:25 pm

    I've been trying out new elf stuff lately, and I really love it! Such a great price point.

    Annie Reeves

  26. Darcy
    April 13, 2016 / 2:28 pm

    I love the UD basics palettes! So perfect for everyday.
    amemoryofus.com

  27. Lindsay's Sweet World
    April 13, 2016 / 2:39 pm

    That blush does look really pink! I'm pretty pale, though, so I love a good blush to give me a nice rosy glow! Thanks for sharing your faves!

  28. Laura
    April 13, 2016 / 2:40 pm

    I have been wanting to try the Two Faced blush for a while. I love that brand!

  29. Veronica-VeroSays!
    April 13, 2016 / 2:43 pm

    I have the naked palette and use it daily! It's my go to for very occasion and rarely use anything else at the moment! So perfect! I don't have the second one though.. Maybe once I'm almost through this one!

  30. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    April 13, 2016 / 2:57 pm

    I have been using that concealer everyday…I love it so much. I definitely helps to add an eye cream. Love that blush too, I use it all the time once summer rolls around, such adorable packaging!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lilyο»Ώ

  31. Rebecca Jo
    April 13, 2016 / 2:59 pm

    I just bought the Elf liquid eye liner … not too bad.
    So many make up products out there!

  32. Karly @ What Karly Said
    April 13, 2016 / 3:11 pm

    That Maybelline concealer is one of my all-time favorites – I have it in two colors so I'm set for winter and summer. I think I tried that elf duo a long time ago and didn't like it, but maybe I'll give it another go. And, thanks for the review on the NARS stuff – I've been curious about it!

  33. Carly
    April 13, 2016 / 3:13 pm

    That elf bronzer/blush duo sounds awesome and I can't get over how pretty that too faced blush is! I have a mini of those bobbi brown eyeshadow sticks so I need to try it out because I don't think I've ever used it for some reason.

  34. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    April 13, 2016 / 3:13 pm

    That basics palette looks perfect for traveling and throwing in your purse! I also really want to try that beauty sponge. I haven't tried any, but I love that the price point is a little better on this one too! Thanks for sharing girl! xo

  35. Konstantina Antoniadoh
    April 13, 2016 / 3:17 pm

    all those gorgeous colors!
    kmeetsstyle.com

  36. Kelsey @ The Peacock Roost
    April 13, 2016 / 3:42 pm

    I've used some of the Nars products before (tinted moisturizer, blush, bronzer) and loved them all! I love my UD basics palette! Great for travel πŸ™‚
    Kelsey
    thepeacockroost.com

  37. CubicleCouture
    April 13, 2016 / 3:45 pm

    I have to try the ELF bronzer! And I LOVE all of my naked palettes including the "basics!" Make today work, Rachel -CubicleCouture

  38. Jillian
    April 13, 2016 / 3:51 pm

    i really need to go shopping for new makeup! great review! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  39. Sarah Blodgett
    April 13, 2016 / 3:56 pm

    Ooooh great picks, I need to do some shopping!
    Kisses,
    Sarah
    EverydayStarlet

  40. Unknown
    April 13, 2016 / 4:01 pm

    OOh. I want to try out that Naked eye palette. I'm on the hunt for a new eye shadow set!

    Taffeta & Tulips

  41. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    April 13, 2016 / 4:23 pm

    I haven't tried many Elf products but really should. They've definitely upped their game. Love the Naked basics palette.

  42. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    April 13, 2016 / 4:42 pm

    I have the basics I I think. I love it. But like most eye shadow palettes I use one of the colors and ignore the rest. LOL

  43. Dana Ivy
    April 13, 2016 / 4:55 pm

    So good to know, Biana! I'm always on the lookout for a good bronzer – might run to the store to try this Elf one!

    Xox Dana Ivy // iadorewhatilove.com

  44. Jenn
    April 13, 2016 / 4:59 pm

    I loooove that ELF bronzer duo..I think mine is almost gone too! Its so perfect and youre right-such a nars dupe!

  45. Edye Nicole
    April 13, 2016 / 5:24 pm

    Elf has amazing products!! That Naked palette is so pretty πŸ™‚

    Blessings,
    Edye // Gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com

  46. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    April 13, 2016 / 5:37 pm

    I so need to go grab the Naked 2. I'm down to my last few brush strokes for blush and really need a change. I get so overwhelmed deciding on makeup so I really love posts like this! Thanks for sharing.

    Shelly||The Queen in Between

  47. StayStyledOC
    April 13, 2016 / 5:52 pm

    I recently bought the NARS concealer and I'm obsessed with it. I love how much coverage it has yet, it feels so light. I also love too faced products and their blushes are the best! Thanks for sharing!

    stay styled,

    Lindsey

    IG: stay_styled
    BLOG: staystyledblog.com/

  48. Shannon Jenkins
    April 13, 2016 / 5:59 pm

    So many amazing products! I want to try out that primer! It sounds awesome!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  49. Kayla MKOY
    April 13, 2016 / 7:15 pm

    I've used Elf producys before and think it's such great quality for the price!! Thanks for sharing!!

  50. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    April 13, 2016 / 7:56 pm

    Awesome products you reviewed here and I haven't tried one of them as yet! The elf bronzer/brush sounds like a huge steal and I'm with you on mainly wearing bronzer and not so much the brush but for that price it's well worth it. The Bobbi Brown sticks sound amazing too and the natural colors of the Naked palette. I may have to link into adding that to my travel makeup bag! lol

  51. Unknown
    April 13, 2016 / 8:05 pm

    Nice favorite I love the Nars palette so much.
    artadorned.com/

  52. Leah McPherson
    April 13, 2016 / 8:14 pm

    That blush is so pretty! I recently got the Maybelline Master Conceal and love it! It is one of my favorite concealers. -xx Leah || Chasing Texas

  53. Unknown
    April 13, 2016 / 8:22 pm

    You snagged some great products girly!! … Seriously love the UD eyeshadow products!

    β™₯
    Amber
    All the Cute πŸŽ€
    Today's Post: Jag Jeans: Sheridan Skinnyβ™₯

  54. Lindsay Latimer
    April 13, 2016 / 8:25 pm

    I almost bought the NARS product during the Sephora sale but thought I'd wait! I did pick up their concealer, though. Can't wait to try it!

  55. Anonymous
    April 13, 2016 / 8:25 pm

    You've sold me on the $4 contouring kit since I'm such a beginner!

  56. Girl Meets Bow
    April 13, 2016 / 8:42 pm

    The packaging of that Too Faced blush is seriously the cutest! I'm hooked on Nars "Orgasm" right now, but I may try this next!

  57. Missy
    April 13, 2016 / 9:34 pm

    I love my Naked 2 palette! I have had it forever too, it lasts a good while. Great round up!

  58. Kristina @ Ms.Modify
    April 13, 2016 / 9:40 pm

    I've tried the elf bronzer and liked it! I love that it's only $4!!—I'm all about a good bargain!

    xo,Kristina

  59. According to Kiki
    April 13, 2016 / 9:51 pm

    I need a new primer and you're like the 5th person to mention the Blur and Illuminate primer. I'm sold. (;

  60. Christina Lea Loves
    April 13, 2016 / 10:11 pm

    I definitely need to remember to take my smaller naked palette out more often – it's so good for travel and I always forget about it!

  61. The Siberian American
    April 13, 2016 / 10:28 pm

    I love that Naked 2 Basic palette! I love using it, though I do wish it was a little more pigmented!

  62. Jalisa
    April 13, 2016 / 11:42 pm

    First off, how did I not know you had a YouTube channel?! I need to catch up on some of your videos this weekend! You've got some really great brands and products here, most of which I haven't used before either. You know, I've never tried any of ELF's products before, but I've of course heard so many great things about them, I need to look into this palette, especially if you're saying it's like a dupe for a higher end brand! I also want to get the Naked 2 Basics. I have the Naked eyeshadow palette and it's really all that I ever use, so I could imagine how much use I'd get out this one. Thanks so much for sharing, beautiful, and I hope you're having a great week so far!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  63. Life With Mona
    April 14, 2016 / 12:00 am

    I love the naked palettes, my absolute fave!

    monacristo.com/
    instagram.com/monacristo

  64. Anonymous
    April 14, 2016 / 1:19 am

    Hey girl ! I have that Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette and love it !!!

  65. Hanna Lei
    April 14, 2016 / 2:26 am

    Thanks for sharing all of your favorites! -Hanna Lei

    Latest Post: Review: Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme

  66. Nikki @ makeupHER
    April 14, 2016 / 4:28 am

    Oo I need to check out the Bobbi Brown eyeshadow sticks. I have been meaning to pick up the Naked Basics palette, but keep forgetting!

  67. TRANGSCORNER
    April 14, 2016 / 7:17 am

    Sounds great! Love all these products!
    Xoxo,
    Love from trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

  68. Anonymous
    April 14, 2016 / 12:18 pm

    These look like great products and your review was so helpful, Biana! I have to check out that Naked 2 palette for sure! Enjoy the rest of your day beautiful!

    laurenfarrellny.com/blog

  69. Caitlin Elizabeth
    April 14, 2016 / 12:44 pm

    Love the Maybelline primer, definitely one of my favorites as well!

  70. Emily @ Beauty Blether
    April 14, 2016 / 1:50 pm

    I literally use that $3 elf bronzer every single day!! lol
    Such as good product for the value! I've heard people raving about their baked highlighter recently – have you tried it??

  71. Chelsea Finn
    April 14, 2016 / 1:54 pm

    so many great picks!! I love NARS!

  72. awhite
    April 14, 2016 / 2:39 pm

    I have a lighter pink version of that Too Face blush and I loooove it; I think I need to pick this one up, too! πŸ™‚

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  73. Pink and Fabulous
    April 14, 2016 / 2:40 pm

    That blush is so cute, I would buy it for that reason alone! I am going to try all of your drugstore picks on my next Target run!!!

  74. Gold Coast Girl
    April 14, 2016 / 2:48 pm

    SO MANY great products! Love the brand NARS!
    ~Samantha
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  75. Elegance and Mommyhood
    April 14, 2016 / 3:00 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this. I plan on doing a beauty post this weekend. I need to try that primer from Target and some of these other goodies myself.

    Welcome by and linkup this post and your stunning denim outfit from this week, with me. All beauty, style and shopping posts are welcome. Thanks Biana and have a lovely day!

    eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/04/thursday-moda-7-and-moms-birthday.html

  76. Emelia at Dream Big & Buy the Shoes
    April 14, 2016 / 3:25 pm

    I'll have to check out that airbrush sponge, sounds great. I also am almost out of primer, so I'll be scooping up some Maybelline. I couldn't live without my Naked palettes…so amazing! Thanks for sharing all these great products!

  77. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    April 14, 2016 / 3:29 pm

    i'll have to check out that elf duo bronzer/blush. it looks fabulous and only $4? sold. i really really want to buy the naked basics 2 palette. it really does seem great for travelling!

  78. Alissa
    April 14, 2016 / 3:56 pm

    Don't you just LOVE ELF? I swear they are like the best and the best impulse buy from Target!
    The Adored Life

  79. Kate Steadman
    April 14, 2016 / 4:10 pm

    Nars and Naked are definitely my favorites. Great choices!

    xo,
    Sara Kate Styling

  80. Erin LFF
    April 14, 2016 / 6:47 pm

    I JUST got that Maybelline concealer– super happy you gave it a good review!! πŸ™‚

  81. Nina Kobi
    April 14, 2016 / 7:45 pm

    Love the palette. I need to give this Nars concealer a try.
    Nina
    ninasstyleblog.com

  82. Paula thirteenthoughts.com
    April 14, 2016 / 11:17 pm

    I just ordered that Velvet Matte Tint from NARS, can't wait to see how I like it!

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

  83. Ashley Lillis
    April 15, 2016 / 12:12 am

    Naked Basics 2 really is an awesome matte palette! It's really becoming the only palette I travel with, which says a lot because I like variety like you!

  84. Julie @ Just the Joy's
    April 15, 2016 / 3:15 am

    I really like that Naked Basics palette! I'm all about simple (if I even get the ambition to put on makeup these days lol). Two beauty things on my list of wants is that brush cleaning mat you posted about and a new concealer!

  85. BubblEsther
    April 15, 2016 / 9:48 pm

    I'm obsessed with all of these brands, and I love the products you mentioned!! Thank you for sharing your favourites! Have a great weekend!

    xo, Esther

    bubblesther.com

  86. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    April 27, 2016 / 11:44 am

    I use Bobbi Brown's Bronzer and tinter moisturizer, but I'll have to add Nars to my list! Also, I love a good drugstore brand! I'll have to remember that concealer. I bought the Nars concealer at your recommendation, so if you think it's similar, then totally worth it! xo, Champagne&Suburbs