recent sephora buys + a drugstore find

You'll have to forgive me, I've made so many trips to Sephora over the past few months that I haven't mentioned at all here on the blog but I thought I'd get back in the swing of things and share the few things I picked up last week when I was in.

 Benefit's Benetint was actually the first stain cosmetic I ever tried and I used it religiously for my cheeks until my make-up bag was stolen off a hotel luggage cart in New Orleans last year. I then decided it was high time to see what else was out there. Well, I've tried countless other liquid cheek stains and for me, this one is the best. A bottle lasts forever and gives the loveliest, sheer flush with serious lasting power. The directions say to apply three dots to the apples of your cheeks and blend with fingertips but I apply a half-dollar sized "X" instead.

 Eye Bright is an eye brightener product that's new to me. I'm still figuring out exactly how to wear it but so far, I do like the more awake look it lends. Now, I'm sure there's a cheaper version of this one, if you know of a good one, please do let me know in the comments!

NARS' Cairo is a version of a shade I've been wearing for as long as I can remember. It's a champagne shimmer that can't be beat for day wear. 

And lastly, this Eco Tools foundation brush is a drugstore buy (found mine at Walgreens) that was recommended to me by a friend. The fibers are actually softer than some of my natural brushes and I love the brand's 1% For the Planet pledge.

What have you picked up lately you're loving?

gift guide: under $30

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tried & true

I dropped in Sephora a few days ago and picked up some of my make-up bag essentials for my mini-vacation. Everything pictured I've purchased before at least once and have nothing but good things to say about.

Here's the rundown:

1) Philosophy Apricots & Cream Body Lotion ($32): I bought the 32 oz version of this lotion because I am all kinds of obsessed with this scent and since it's a limited edition, I live in fear it will be pulled from the shelves before I have time to adequately stockpile.

2) YSL Parisienne ($39): For some reason I got it in my head years ago that I needed a "signature" scent, one that I wore all the time and was simply "me." Well, this perfume knocked that idea right out of my head. While I still love my usual scent, this is such a nice way to mix things up and at a very reasonable price.

3) Benefit Erase Paste ($26): I originally tried this in a smaller size in one of Benefit's boxed sets and fell in love. This is a great, blending concealer.

4) Too Faced Shadow Insurance ($18): This is the best and least expensive eyelid primer I've come across. My only warning is to not order this product off the internet. I've tried twice and both times the formula has separated during transit and is useless. Never a problem purchasing in-store though.

5) Clinique Quickliner for Eyes - in Smokey Brown ($15): I'm picky about eyeliners. This one I've been using for years and will probably continue to forever because I've got no reason to try anything else. It doesn't tug, smudges great, and is super easy to apply.

6) YSL Radiant Touch ($40): Worth. Every. Penny. You'd never know I'm working off 3 hours of sleep with this on.

7) Clinique Blended Face Powder & Brush ($20): I love this powder. It sets my makeup, doesn't irritate my skin, and absorbs oil (ditch the wimpy brush that's included though, it's pretty lousy).

What beauty products do you buy over and over? I'd love to spice up my routine.