Alima Pure Pressed Eyeshadow

April 15, 2017

Alima Pure makes the prettiest, user-friendly eyeshadows (save for their loose dark shadows, which definitely require a damp brush and steady hand), and the news that these shadows were now available pressed was a big deal.

These deliver a smooth burst of pigment, fine grain shimmer and blend well solo or layered with other shadows. I'm a fan of popping one in my makeup bag when traveling. It's nice to have a mirrored compact on hand, there's no pesky fallout to clean up underneath my lash line, and these are surprisingly finger-friendly. A score for the minimalist.

Honest Beauty Truly Lush Mascara + Lash Primer

April 14, 2017

So many have asked for me for mascara recommendations, and while they aren't one size fits all, everyone can agree that flaking is a dealbreaker.

This tube (primer on one end, and black mascara on the other) is a weekday staple, as there's nary a flake to be seen by the time I've got the, kids in bed and starting to wind down.

The primer (not critical, but recommended) conditions the lashes, and preps them to build length and thickness without inviting clumps. While buildable, I wouldn't go more than 3 coats total, and the effect is lovely. Long, gently curled lashes that both look natural and hold up throughout the day.

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I've tried a few clean lash serums and two weeks in, this bottle ($19) has been the best by far. Applied with a lash spoolie, my lashes are softer, fluffier, and less apt to break from curling. While I don't necessarily believe it creates new lash growth, it definitely boosts the lashes you have. I am realizing how brittle and stumpy my lashes were from overenthusiastic curling and dry, crunchy mascaras that hold the curl We condition our hair, why not our lashes?

These days, my self-care has been all practicality. Enter another one of those does-it-all products: cleanser, moisturizer, cheekbone gleamer and body oil.

What all lip balms should look, taste and feel like. This one is courtesy of @livinglibations

It smells like honey, gives pretty, polished lashes, but ultimately flaked on me by the afternoon. I so wanted to love this, but it's sadly not a repeat buy for me.

Signal boosting my favorite clean beauty discovery of the year so far. @josephinecosmetics from makeup artist + entrepreneur Sholayide Otugalu (shown in last photo) makes the BEST liquid eyeliner I've found. Will post on that later. For now, check out her luxe, solidly formulated line. And please, stockists, add @josephinecosmetics to the list of brands to consider carrying.

Made body scrub with the little ones. Expired ground coffee, cardamom, cloves, along with almond oil, and a few drops of vanilla and ylang ylang essential oils. One could add sugar or sea salt as well, but a great way to utilize expired pantry items. Thrifty as it was, this kitchen sink project smelled divine.

Swatches of @kosas liquid eyeshadows. Unique formula dries to a powder, and does a decent job of locking in. The flamboyant colors, however, take some time and skill.

Gucci Westman came out with a mascara and I was thrilled to try a sample. Its a maximum volume kind of mascara, holds a curl better than most, but by afternoon, I have a smattering of flakes beneath my eyes. I so wanted to love it, but at $62 a pop, I'm somewhat relieved I don't.

@hereticparfum continually satisfies my thirst for luxe, unusual scents. This duo doesn't disappoint, and bonus: it's on sale at @credobeauty . i Pretty is a polished, fizzy citrus. Somehow ladylike and unisex simultaneously. And Dirty is just pure sex. Think Thierry Mugler Angel without all the candy notes.