Sweet Sundays: The Ritual

1 C Booth Body Scrub. 2 Macadamia Hair Mask. 3 Venus Embrace Razor. 4 Queen Helene Masque. 5 Nail polish. 6 Biore Pore Strips. 7 Jergens Tanning Lotion. 8 Bobbi Brown Eye Creme. 9 Korres Sleeping Facial. 

Sundays are my jam. My pampering ritual before the work week starts is one of my favorite things. 

I start with a piping hot bath. Since I'll be washing my hair, bath salts or bubbles aren't really a good choice. I use my regular shampoo and follow with a deep conditioning mask for about 10 minutes (this one by Macadamia is the best best best). I have pretty fine hair, so I keep the mask out of my roots to cut down on grease. 

While that's workin' I'll use this C Booth scrub all over. This stuff is pretty great - it's super moisturizing, smells good, and gives you enough exfoliation without making it raw. I'll shave my legs after that, rinse the hair mask and get out of the bath. 

Now it's face masque time --- can someone tell me if there's a difference between a mask and a masque? This is one of those green, slimy masques that dries up all your nasty stuff. Honestly it's one of the few masques where I can see a difference after I use it. After I wash it off with a hot towel, I'll use an old school Biore strip to get out what the masque couldn't. These are so rewarding... to see all that crap come out of your skin. I want to try these black ones and see if they work even better. 

The only time I apply body lotion is right out of the bath or shower. I really hate the greasy feeling and luckily my skin doesn't really need it. So I'll take this opportunity to use this Jergen's lotion about three times a week (probably five in the summer). I've been using the firming kind and I really don't know if it makes a difference but it certainly doesn't hurt to try. 

Eye creme, you sneaky SOB. You take my money because the counter lady told me I needed to buy you. I really can't tell a difference, but it feels nice and I'm sure it helps somehow... Maybe I'll understand when I'm older. 

But dat sleeping facial tho. This thing is pretty great. It's basically a heavy night creme that soaks into the skin fast and is non-greasy. I use this most nights. 

After all that I'll paint my nails. Check out a quick tip here. 

So that's it. I'll grab a glass of wine and watch a few episodes of a TV show and spend too much time on Pinterest and then go to bed. 

How do you spend your Sunday's? Anything special you do to get ready for the week?

Christmas Gift Idea

So every year Sephora, Ulta, and other beauty companies put out holiday gift sets. Sometimes I think why the heck would you want 8 of the same thing but in different colors? Other times it's a good time to get a deal on stuff you like or want to try out. This year, my Christmas gifts to my friends include taking some gift sets and splitting them up to create a personal gift set for each of them. So if you get one of these from me, please act surprised. 

Here are a few of the best gift sets I've found...

1. Buxom Shimmer and Shake Lip Gloss Set - You can never have too many lip glosses. Also I find that I never fully use a lip gloss up, so this is a good size and way to try it out before you buy the big guy. (There are a ton of lip gift sets out there, so if you wanted to do this gift set too, you could just do a bag of all different lip products.)

2. Tarte Best for Lash Mascara set - These are some great mascaras and rarely do you see just mascaras in a set. These mascaras are pricier than drugstore, but your friends can really see how great they are. And they are a nice size. 

3. Fresh Sugar Treasures set - Alright these are the bomb diggity. I have a few of these myself and have even finished a couple. Again, a great size and a great product. 

4. Urban Decay Ocho Loco 2 set -This is the most exciting one I found. 8 full size eyeliners- some of my favorite! There's even a bright teal and purple for one friend that wears that stuff. 

5. The Body Shop Body Butter set - I'm not a huge fan of moisturizers but these body butters will do wonders in the winter. 

6. Caudalie Hand Cream set - These are a little more pricey than I'd want to spend for three products, but these are very nice hand creams and would be perfect for a mom, grandmother, aunt, etc. Fancy shmancy. 

7. Philosophy Season of Sparkle set - Philosophy has some great scents every season and these are no exception. Also these are 3 in 1 (Shampoo, Body Wash, and Bubble Bath) but let's be real I wouldn't use this on my hair unless it was a total emergency. Anyway, nice set!

8. Formula X by Sephora The Twenty Two set - My second favorite set in this group. 22 nail polishes that are incredible. Long lasting, gel-like polishes. And honestly who uses an entire bottle of nail polish. I'll probably include 2 or 3 in each gift. 

Those are a few of my favorite things! Forgot to mention the best part of giving this as a gift... you can keep a couple for yourself. I know I'm going to make my own gift set and I can't frickin wait.

Sephora VIB Sale Picks

So every year Sephora does a 20% off sale. This year they did one for friends and family of Sephora employees. Rumor is they're doing one for VIB members (their rewards card holders) in November. Uh hello, yes I will be partaking. 

Routine purchases - gotta stock up cause they're on sale:

Some Clarisonic brush heads 

Most favorite foundation

NARS lip pencil

Expensive shampoo that actually works

A few things I've been wanting to test out... cause they're on sale:

Dang, I love me some lip pencils

Hair stuff I posted about in my fall wish list

Dry shampoo? Count me in

What the what! CC creme for your HAIR?!

I need to start doing more about my brows

This looked interesting... and it's on sale:

Ok fine I'll try some argan oil

Get them pores outta here

This beautiful thing needs a home

Need to know if this actually works

Wanna see a review of any of these? Let me know!

Fall Wish List

Shop this post: 1. Chanel Creme Eyeshadow 2. Lorac Pro Palette 3. NYX blush in Mocha 4. Benefit They're Real mascara 5. REN Radiance Renewal Mask 6. Caudalie Serum 7. Emma Hardie Amazing Face 8. Tangle Teezer 9. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Mousse 10. Oribe Texturizing Spray 11. Zara blazer 12. Forever 21 necklace 13. Hobo wallet 

Happy first day of fall! I love the weather, the fashion, the holidays, the food - basically everything about fall. Of course that means I need want some new pieces. Here they are...

MAKEUP

1. This Chanel creme eyeshadow color is to die for. I love creme eyeshadows, especially a blendable color like this one. They are easy and quick to apply and this one would be great as a one color all over the lid.
2. Lorac Pro Palette has been on my list for a while now and I keep second guessing myself because I have so many natural colored palettes - but this one seems different. Matte and shimmer shades with a nice range so it's a great travel piece.
3. NYX blushes are some of my favorites. They are dirt cheap (at Ulta) and are usually buy one get one 50% off. I just want more, plain and simple.
4. Benefit They're Real mascara, you devil. I've had about 3 samples of this and always swear I will get it next time I'm in Sephora. I always talk myself out of it because I'm using like 4 other ones and they dry out so quickly. It's a great mascara, it really is.

SKINCARE

5. This REN mask has gotten a lot of love on blogs lately, and I really want to try it. It seems gentle enough but still makes a difference. My skin gets dry patches in the fall/winter so I think this would be a nice addition to my weekly routine.
6. Speaking of dry, I want to try this Caudalie serum that essiebutton was raving about. Sometimes night cremes are too heavy and pore-clogging so this sounds like a happy medium that hydrates without being too thick.
7. Oh mah gawd. I've heard quite a few people (heard meaning read) going on and on about this clensing balm. It melts on your face and you wash it off with a hot cloth. Sounds so indulgent! Again with the dry patches! I think it'd work great for a lot of skin types. I wonder if it leaves an oil on the skin...

HAIR

8. Tangle Teezer. I need you. I had no idea that Ulta carried these, so it makes it much more get-able. I've always stopped myself from ordering one because I thought it could wait. Well, I don't want to wait anymore. So there!
9. I have more hair products than I like to admit, but I only use a handfull. I think this would be something I'd use a lot. Last time I was at the hair dresser, she used this on me and I really liked it - a little lift, a little hold. I need both of those things.
10. Again, I've heard so many people talk about this and it's magic and also it's price tag. Apparently it's the bee's knees - a texturizing spray with some hold and some dry shampoo likeness.

FASHION

11. A black blazer is an essential and in the fall I love to layer. My black blazer I've had for years is getting tight and it's faded. This one from Zara looks like a good length and good casual/dressy capabilities.
12. I love statement necklaces and this one is like, real cheap. So I love it even more.
13. I'm always on the hunt for a great wallet and I really like this color. Hobo is one of my favorite brands - the leather, oh so soft! - so I have confidence this would be awesome. I don't need it by any means, but it's pretty.

As you can tell, all these things I've wanted for a while and gone back and forth with. Basically this fall is going to be about biting the bullet and just getting the things I've wanted for months. What do you want to try this fall?

Happy Monday

Cool things are coming soon! In the meantime, happy Monday and comment below what posts you'd like to see. 

How to: Make Your Nail Polish Last

This base coat and this top coat are the reason my nail polish has lasted 13 days this go-round. 

I am kind of neurotic about my nails. If they start chipping even a little bit, I have to take the polish off completely. You're tacky and I hate you. 

Simple steps:

1. Apply one coat of Revlon Colorstay Base Coat to natural nails and let dry

2. Apply nail polish of your choice. Two coats usually does it. 

3. Apply Seche Vite Top Coat and you're done! (It's quick drying too!)

And that's it!

Fall Shoe Picks | style by saybee

1. J Crew Wedge Boots 

2. Kate Spade Loafers 

3. Vince Camuto Wedge Booties 

4. Naturalizer Riding Boots

5. Vince Camuto Heeled Sandal

Yeah, yeah, yeah this is "supposed" to be a beauty blog. Beauty comes in different forms. As in my obsession with online shopping is beautiful. I don't know how many style posts I'll do, but let me know what you'd like to see. My style is classic and I really still like the same things I bought in 8th grade, so it hasn't changed much. I'd rather spend money on something that would last than something trendy. 

Anyway, LOVE all of these shoes! Which ones are your favorite? Are there any shoes you've been eye-ing for fall? 

Purse Essentials

I am known to stuff as much as possible in a purse. I never want to be caught in a bind without a pair of travel scissors or a nail file. I think this means I'll be a super overbearing prepared mom. I've narrowed it down to the essentials in this post (although I'd still suggest travel scissors and a nail file and at least 6 lip products.)

1. Travel hairbrush - one with a mirror is a bonus!
2. Travel deodorant - cuz u don't wanna smell
3. A versatile lip product like Dior LipGlow - somehow it chemically reacts with your lip color to give you the perfect "flush" - also it's more moisturizing than a lipstick.
4. This Batise dry shampoo is my favorite - plus it comes in a cute little baby can for just a few bucks.
5. Bobby pins are essential. I think I keep around 5 in every nook of my room and bag. You never know when you'll need to pin back your bangs, or are having a terrible hair day.
6. A waterproof eyeliner. I never thought I'd need to reapply an eyeliner, but sometimes it's just the boost you need to go out after work or if you overslept and didn't have time to get fully ready. (make sure you get one that doesn't need to be sharpened!)
7. This powder is a good, light coverage and comes with a puff and mirror, which is helpful because I'm not carrying a brush and powder is pretty impossible to apply with your hands.
8. A concealer is great to have and this one can be used underneath your eyes or on blemishes. Thin and easy to use, but covers well. Again, touch up after work -- never know who you'll see!

Top Ten Summer Lipsticks

L to R: MAC Viva Glam V (lustre), MAC Hot Gossip (cremesheen), Maybelline Color Whisper in Pin Up Peach, Rimmel Moisture Renew in Pink Chic, Too Faced Juicy Melons, Loreal Color Riche Velvety Fuchsia, Milani Hot Pink Rage, Maybelline Color Sensational Fuchsia Fever, Revlon Super Lustrous Love That Pink

Here are my most worn lip products over the summer! Some drugstore, some high-end. Click on the names to find where to purchase!

1. MAC Viva Glam V (lustre) - This is a great shade for lots of skin types and for nearly any season. A great staple to have. Not as smooth and balmy as the rest, but it does last a fair amount of time.

2. MAC Hot Gossip (cremesheen) - My newest MAC lipstick. On me, it's a "my-lips-but-better" shade but it could come off more pigmented on someone else. Looks great with a pink or nude lipliner, or none at all. Whoa! Crazy!

3. Maybelline Color Whisper in Pin Up Peach - I love these things! I have 2 and intend on getting more. Easy to apply, I usually don't need a mirror. They provide enough color while still being moisturizing, but not as silky or balmy as Maybelline Baby Lips.

4. Rimmel Moisture Renew in Pink Chic - Classic pink. Can't go wrong!

5. Too Faced La Creme in Juicy Melons  - I LOVE this formula! So smooth and great opaque color. Can't get enough of this coral color.

6. Loreal Color Riche Caresse Velvety Fuchsia - This is a sheer fuchsia that looks, color-wise, really similar to #7, but doesn't last as long. Great to throw on as you're running out the door. Easy, breezy, beautiful... Loreal?

7. Milani in Hot Pink Rage - To be honest, I haven't worn this a ton, but it was a good purchase and I feel like the whole range of these lipsticks is a good one, with a good price. They do kind of taste like plastic though... Great colors. Check them out at CVS.

8. Maybelline Color Sensational in Fuchsia Fever - This is a more pink fuchsia than #6. This is one of the Maybelline Vivids line, so they are extremely vibrant. But they don't taste very good, to be honest.

9. Revlon Super Lustrous in Love That Pink - This hot pink/cherry color is as opaque as they come! I would wear a lipliner with this one. A fun, warm, bright color for spring/summer.

10. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Pygmalion - Love. In form of a lipstick. Wow. My first Chanel purchase was definitely not planned, but I was drawn in by this limited edition. It's silky and not sticky, and a great color. Also after the balminess (is that a word?) has worn off, it leaves a nice stain. I validate this purchase by knowing that it lasts longer than most.

What were your favorite lip products this summer? 

Spotlight: Wet n Wild Eyeshadows

You may have seen Wet n Wild displays over the years, or maybe you used it when you were a preteen, but when is the last time you gave the brand a fair chance? Before hearing how great the shadows and blushes were, I'll admit I was weary. Allow me to show you the perfection that is a Wet n Wild palette... 

First, I bought the Vanity palette which is a 6-pan collection of natural colors, matte and shimmery. Wow! This is a great palette to have in your collection, no matter your age. Personally, I like the matte highlight and matte light brown the best.

Next is the trio called Silent Treatment. This is an awesome everyday palette that really packs the color. The taupe color has purple undertones and is similar to MAC's Satin Taupe. The crease color is a soft black with a hint of shimmer. I wear this all the time and will definitely repurchase it.

This is a brand new one I just opened for this blog post. It's called Cool as a Cucumber and I think would look great on blue or hazel eyes. The crease color is a nice matte brown with purple/blue undertones, and the emerald is super pigmented.

The big kahuna! The Comfort Zone palette is a cult favorite, and for good reason. The left side features a great rose gold color and the right side has some nice blue/green colors. This palette is good for traveling, since it holds unique combinations. I do wish it had more matte colors, but I guess I'll survive!

As you can see, Wet n Wild offers great colors with incredible pigmentation for cheap, cheap, cheap. Why wouldn't you want these?

The eyeshadow palettes retail starting at $3.99 (!!!) and are available at CVS. 

This post is not sponsored and Wet n Wild has no idea who I am. 

Products I've Used Up | June 2013

Four dry shampoos, three eye products, two moisturizers, and a primer in a pear tree!

Ok. I may be crazy.

I love reading these posts/watching empties videos to see what people actually used up and made their full opinion on. A few things I have already repurchased and some I could do without. 

1. Simple Cleansing Face Wipes: I absolutely love these. I have gone through tons of them and have bought multiple backups. They don't irritate the eye area and are super gentle, but take off all of your makeup. 

2. Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara: I posted about this mascara once and it has grown on me,  and I've now recommended it multiple times. It's a thin formula and doesn't clump, obviously. I've already bought another one so yes, I like it. 

3. Revlon 3D Volume Mascara: This was a dry formula and I didn't love it. It gave great volume at the base of the lash, but not much length and it dried out pretty quickly. Meh.

4. Buxom Lash Mascara: This stuff is great. Volume, length, curl. It was not too wet and not too dry. I loved it. 

5. Benefit They're Real Mascara: I liked this for exactly what it was marketed for: to look like fake lashes. I'm not sure how it would perform on everyone else, but I have thought about buying the full size a few times...

6. Loreal Infallible Liquid Eye Liner: This is a brush tip liner that I've talked about before. I like the control that you get with a brush tip, without the super super fine felt tip. I like the finish it gives and looks pretty natural for a liquid liner. 

7. MAC Eyebrow Pencil: I don't really know why I bought this. I could have done without it, but it was nice to have. Easy to control since there is such a fine point, therefore looking more natural since they are short strokes instead of drawn-on brows. I like it, but I don't know if I will repurchase. 

8. ELF Gel Eyeliner: I got this because I heard it was a dupe for the Bobbi Brown gel liner, which I love. It started out great, but dried out way too quickly. I'm throwing out over half of the product, and even though it was only $3, it's disappointing. 

9. Two MAC Eyeshadow Pots: These aren't actually empties, but I will be throwing them away. I depotted a few shadows I had. Cheating, I know. 

10. Benefit Total Moisture Moisturizer: This is a heavy moisturizer, so I didn't like to use it every day. It made me oily, so I won't be repurchasing this. 

11. Ahava Day Moisturizer: I really liked this. I've used Ahava products before and have had great experiences. Light scent, natural ingredients, and just the right amount of moisture. 

12. Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash: This was a sample I got from Sephora and I went back and got the full size after I finished it. Super gentle and I felt like it actually got my skin completely clean without drying it out. 

13. Suave Dry Shampoo: (Disclaimer: I use dry shampoo every other day. I go through a lot. Since this post, I've gone through another bottle. Eek.) This was a good dry shampoo that had a light citrus scent. I think I paid $6 for 2 so it's a great value. I'd say the best drugstore dry shampoo. 

14. Batisse Dry Shampoo: This. Is. My. Jam. I went back and bought 2 more bottles after I finished this. It does have a white-cast, so brunettes beware. I think they sell one that has a hint of brown. It soaks up all the oils and gives great volume. Cheap. Love it. Available at Ulta.

15. Bed Head Rockaholic Dry Shampoo: I got this as a recommendation from my friend Caitlin (hey girl hey!) and I really liked it. I'd probably buy it again if there wasn't a cheaper alternative (I'm lookin' at you Batisse).

16. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray: I just posted about this singing its praises, so I won't go into it, but I have repurchased another bottle. Essential for summer! 

17. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Hair Conditioner: This is a deep conditioner that I would use about once a week. It is definitely the cheapest deep conditioner I've tried and liked, and it does the job. Smells like coconut and I like that a whole lot. 

18. Philosophy Aloha Girl 3-in-1: These 3-in-1 products from Philosophy are marketed as shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath. Personally I wouldn't put anything on my hair and also use it for a bubble bath. Is that high maintenance  Maybe. But would you use body wash as a shampoo? Anyway, it smelled good and I used it as a shaving cream. It took FOREVER to finish so I'm really tired of the scent. 

19. MAC Brush Cleanser: I purchased this on a Monday and finished it within 2 weeks. You don't get a lot of product and it's too expensive for me to validate. That's saying a lot! But seriously, use baby shampoo. See my last post! 

20. Simple Exfoliating Face Wash: I always want a finely milled face scrub for my sensitive skin. Nothing that will strip my skin or break it out. This is checks all those boxes. May be too gentle for some people though. 

21. MAC Prep+Prime Skin Base: I found this primer in my mom's bathroom and it became mine pretty quickly. It was ok. Nothing special. It had some reflective qualities, not shimmer, but close. Eh. I won't buy it again. 

That's it! Let me know what you'd like to see next! 

Spotlight: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Enter one of the most anticlimactic, yet important products in my routine... 

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

This beauty is a mist that you spray over your completed makeup look to "lock" it in place all day. 

It's an easy step that finishes your routine by adding more staying power to your look. I use it everyday, about 4 "mists" all over my face. It dries within a few seconds, and you're ready to run out the door. So easy you kind of wonder if it's doing anything, but trust me, I notice when I don't use it. In the hot summer months, it's an essential. 

This spray is made by Skindinavia for Urban Decay. They also have "De-Slick" which is for oily skin, and "Chill" which has a cooling sensation (would be great for summer!). Skindinavia also sells their own spray with formulations ranging from Bridal and No More Shine. 

This product retails for $29 and lasts at least a few months. A great investment! 

Have you tried it? Let me know in the comments below! 

*I'm not affiliated with any brands mentioned

Spotlight: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine

Just look at that beaut! 

I've always gazed at everything YSL at Sephora, but I could never bring myself to splurge on it. I was in there the other day, like usual, and decided to treat myself. I knew it had gotten great reviews, so it felt better forking over the $34 for a lipstick (still hurts though). 

I chose a good neutral so that I knew I would use it more often. It comes off as a red orange in the tube, but on the lips it gives just enough color. Perfect for everyday.

This is the smoothest, most comfortable lipstick I've had the pleasure to own. I now understand and am part of the bandwagon. I could probably live without it, but I don't want to. 

Overall, I completely recommend these if you're willing to pay. I don't know when I'll buy another (probably a brighter color). Until then, I will continue to gaze at Sephora and enjoy the one I have. 

What would you like me to review next? Let me know in the comments below!

 This post is not sponsored and I have no affiliation with YSL or Sephora. Although I wish I did...

How to: Wash Your Makeup Brushes

Ok ladies, when was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? Never? Maybe once? 

It's recommended to wash them about once a week. That may seem like a chore, but I'll show you how easy and cheap it is here! 

Why would you need to clean your makeup brushes? Think about all the bacteria on your face and where you store your makeup brushes. If you rub all that bacteria, dirt, and oil into your poor pores (HA!) everyday, you aren't doing your skin any favors. 

Let's start with the soap. There are a lot of brush cleansers on the market: MAC and Elf both make some that I've used. But Johnson and Johnson's baby shampoo works just fine and it's affordable and easy to get your hands on! 

Choose your brush you want to wash. I don't wash all my brushes every time, just the ones I use every day. 

Put a nickel sized amount in your hand and softly rub the brush bristles into the soap. Slowly incorporate water and rinse out the soap. The temperature of the water doesn't matter, but I usually use warm because it's most comfortable.

By the way, this was super hard to photograph so sorry for that...

The main tip I have is not to get water into the area shown below as the "no no zone".  The "ferrule" as it's called has glue in it to hold the brush and the metal part (ferrule) together. If you get it wet, over time it will wear down and the brush won't last as long.

Then lay your brushes out to dry flat on a towel. I tend to wash at night and by morning, they are ready to be used! 

If you'd like to see a video to get a better idea, see this tutorial from Amarixe, one of my favorite bloggers and where I learned to just use baby shampoo. Check it out! 

Thanks for reading and happy cleaning! 

Spotlight: Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick

Time for another product review. Rather, a product rave. 

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick have been on the market for a while now, and I don't feel like they get enough credit. Allow me to elaborate.

What they say:

From Sephora.com : Buxom® Big & Healthy™ Lip Stick works three full-time jobs—it defines the shape of lips like a liner, fills them in with creamy velvet color, and then plumps them to their full buxom potential. It's a three-in-one lipstick that's quick and convenient for defined, colorful, buxom lips anytime, anywhere. 

What I say: 

Freakin' great. These are essentially a fat, soft lip pencil. They are retractable so you don't have to worry about nasty shavings. Ain't nobody got time for that. As with most Buxom lip products, they have a minty, tingly feeling to make your lips plump. I don't know if I fully see than on my own lips, but whatever, that's not why I bought it. They are long-lasting, especially with a gloss over them. And they come in 20 shades. Whoa. 

I've had the nude/brown color called Sydney for nearly a year. I picked up Vienna, a bubblegum pink, this week for a spring color. 

Here's Sydney matchin' my sweater.

You can purchase Buxom Lip Crayons here.

What would you like to see a review on? 

FTC Disclaimer: I bought these myself.

How to: Look Your Best When You Feel Your Worst

So it's that season for allergies, the flu, and weird viruses that never seem to go away. Here are some makeup tips for when you feel nasty, but don't want to look like it! I use a lot of cream products for added moisture, and not to look too powdery. Also they are super easy and quick to apply. 

FACE

My first tip is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. After cleansing the face, use a moisturizer and an eye cream. This will help your suffering skin and help your makeup look smooth and natural. This is always true, but especially important when you're not feeling so hot. 

Next I like to use a light, yet moisturizing (see the trend here?) foundation. You want to even out your skin tone without being too heavy. This Bobbi Brown one is great and Neutrogena Healthy Glow is a great drugstore alternative. 

Concealing is important on these days and I love a good corrector for under eye circles. When you feel sick, your eyes can be red and tired. This will brighten and lighten that area. I like to use a concealer brush or just my finger. This one is from Bobbi Brown.

                  

Another good concealer to layer on top is the Garnier Skin Renew Anti Dark Circle Rollerball concealer. This is a nice light alternative that has a metal rollerball for easy application. Apparently that helps somehow. Easy to find at all drugstores.

For blush, I like to use a cream blush that is easily blendable. This Bobbi Brown one (I like the brand ok?!) is called Sheer Lilac and it works nicely for my fair skin tone. I wouldn't use anything too dramatic for these days, but something that builds well and looks natural. 

Highlighting is a great technique to add that extra glow (where you want) to distract from a less flattering part of your face like your untamed brows or something you don't have time or energy to fix. Place a highlighter like the Benefit High Beam shown above at the tops of your cheekbones. 

EYES

Adding some brightness around the eyes is important, just like the corrector I mentioned. 

Rimmel Scandaleyes is perfect for the inner rim of your eye where it can be red or puffy. (found at drugstores)

Benefit Eye Bright is great for that same area, as a pinker tone, and also below the eyebrow for added lift. 

Curling your lashes can open your eyes up and make you look well rested! 

LIPS

I like to use an easy, yet bright balm for (you guessed it...) moisture. These are so easy to apply and you don't need a mirror (gasp!). 

(A gloss would be good too, but I'm just not a gloss kinda girl. I can't get over the stickiness. And my hair gets stuck in it.)

I hope you found this helpful! Let me know if you use any of these tips! 

*This post is not sponsored and none of these companies (sadly) know who I am. I purchased everything myself.