Beauty Favorites May 2022

 It's been a few years since I updated my beauty favorites. 

Today I'm sharing a few items I reorder again and again, and a couple of new favorite items. Some dupes, some not. 

Before Covid shut everything down I had been trying new products pretty frequently, but after two years of wearing a mask... makeup had taken a backseat. There was just no point at all in most products unless they were for your eyes. 

I half forgot about items I liked, and half stopped caring. 

Now, after months of being mask-less I've dug out a few old items and discovered a couple new. (Mainly because old favorites were discontinued.)

1. Almay Lip Vibes - Worry Less

This is supposed to be an affordable dupe for Charolette Tilbury Pillow Talk. My only issue is that the lip liner I was using ran out, and is discontinued. I ordered another lip liner that is supposed to be a good dupe (Rimmel Easy End Snob) and it's an awful dupe. Far too pink. So I'm still on the lookout for a great liner to go with this, if only Almay would make liners for each of their colors. 

I really love this Lip Vibes color, but because finding a liner has been a chore there is a slight chance I'll splurge on the actual lip kit from Charolette Tilbury. 

2. La Roche-Posey with Toleriane 

I saw a dermatologist talk about this moisturizer on Youtube last year and have been hooked. I often use RetinA and harsh products on my face, which leads to it being very sensitive. I tend to get redness and at times even my beloved CeraVe burns. 

When I'm at the height of RetinA burn, this stops it. Zero burn, zero redness. Will be reordering very soon. 

3. Tarte Shape Tape 

Why has it taken me so long to break down and buy this product?! For years I've used two different kinds of concealer at the same times to conceal the dark circles I fight, this singular product has put me down to one. 

My only advice is to use a moisturizer type primer or eye cream right before applying so it goes on smoother, blot out with your fingers, the use a wet beauty blender to blend in and smooth it out. 

4. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Illumination 

This has been a ride or die product for about 6 years. The illumination makes you look glowy, but not wet and fake. The big bonus is the 50spf and anti-aging ingredients. The packaging has changed, it seems smaller, but hopefully the pump will hold out for the entire use of the product. 

5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer (Soft Brown) 

I've tried soft brown as well as taupe and find the soft brown just goes with my hair color better. 

The thicker triangular shape of the pencil makes for filling your brows so much easier than their original pencil. I go over this with Elf Cosmetics Wow Brow and then a clear gel to set. The first two products really get to job done of making my brows not look so Millennial who plucked her eye brows nearly off in high school and is suffering now as a mid-30's person. 

6. Mineral Fusion Brush On Sun Defense 

Blame it on Korean and Asian beauty influencers, they always have the best anti-aging products, but I ordered this dupe. Colorescience brush on sunscreen is $69 dollars and there was just no way on earth I was paying that. 

But I wanted a brush on sunscreen that I could reapply throughout the day - no white cast - and could go on over my makeup. 

This is it people. Plus it's only $14!