BASIC MAKEUP ESSENTIALS | beauty

I've been SO lucky to work with some amazing brands and to be able to try tons of products; Most products have been so great and the people behind the companies have been even better! Lately, I haven't really been in the mood for full-glam. Just simple makeup products that leave my face looking fresh and presentable while still being simple and not overdone. I received a few of these products and have fallen in love with them, so I wanted to do a quick blog post in order o share them with y'all.

Cosmedix BIO-SHAPE Firming Mask c/o:

The perfect product to buy if you're looking to lift, firm and hydrate your skin.

R+Co Thickening Spray:

Smells like heaven and works like a dream.

I use this to add texture to my hair after I wash it so my curls will hold and I have volume on the crown and top of my head.

YSL Black Opium c/o:
A warm and spicy scent that lasts all day long. Key notes are: Pink Pepper, Coffee, Orange Blossom and Vanilla. I like strong, mature scents and this definitely hits the spot. If this perfume sounds like something you'd love, I'd definitely recommend trying it in-store and spraying it on your inner arm to see how it pairs with your skins natural oils because it smells like HEAVEN when it pairs well! A very sultry, sexy scent.

Julep 5 in 1 Skin Perfector c/o:
This is an amazing undereye product that REALLY covers the dark circles I've grown to have over the years. I also like to use this to conceal the redness around my nose and blemishes. I love shade #130 in Ivory.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12hr Blush:
The winning perk of this blush? It literally lasts all day. I definitely tested its full potential on our disney trip when I was sweating like a pig, so yeah, def recommend it, guys.

I've linked the other two products, which I've talked about before, so I won't bore y'all again. The Bobbi Brown BB cream is one of the BEST BB creams I have ever tried and at this point, it's been a staple in my makeup collection for YEARS. I love mixing the medium and light shades together to create my perfect shade!
 The MAC Pro Longwear Brow set is hands-down my favorite product of all time. Check it out if you haven't, I KNOW you'll love it. I use the shade Brunette and it's perfect!

xx,
tbp

SPRING MAKEUP REVIEW | beauty

    A few weeks ago, I was asked to do the makeup of a family friends daughter for Ring Dance and long-story-short, I have a whole new appreciation for makeup artists. I went in with my entiiiiiire makeup collection because I really wasn't sure what we would end up using, even down to the lashes. Thank GOD that it turned out amazing and she loved it lol *pats back*
 but since I've only done a few of my friends makeup and my sisters before, I won't lie - the nerves were reeeeeal. I definitely not a pro or anyone with a background in makeup, I just think it's a fun and a way to express yourself; Black eyeliner and brown eyeliner are used on different days, just like a false lash or a quick sweep of mascara on my real lashes would be. It all depends on my mood and truthfully, how much effort I'm wiling to put into it and to be honest, I'm sure I'll be using far less in the coming weeks because well - mom life - so for now, I'm getting dolled up any chance I can because it may be a little while before I have the time or energy. But hey, who knowsssssss. You surprise yourself sometimes!

Anyway, I have been using these products for a little while now and I wanted to give a review on em'.  Plus, the packaging on some of these are total 😍. 

IT Cosmetics CC Cream

BB and CC creams can claim 2012 like highlighters can claim 2016. I totally get it. But this particular one is waaaay more than a beauty balm. It covers like a foundation and is as weightless as a BB cream, if that makes any sense. It's perfect for days when you need the coverage to run errands and you don't want a full face on BUT AT THE SAME TIME... when you want to go full glam, this totally lets you do that too. It's pretty much a miracle in a tube.
I use color "Light" and even with a spray tan, it works really well with my skin. I think the colors are a tad off because I believe the color "Fair" would be more of a "Light" color in most other brands.... just fyi!

Dior Nude Air Luminizer
This highlighter is amazzzzingggg. I use 003 with or without a tan and it WORKS. It's more of a golden hue and highlights WITHOUT using sparkles - which soo many brands seem to veer off with these days. It's definitely a bit pricey and honestly, you could find an alternative for cheaper but I feel that the quality of this product is unmatched. It goes on smooth without settling into pores and fine lines like other ones I've tried - so if that's a huge plus for you, then this compact will be totally worth it! But if you can't see yourself spending that amount on a highlighter, then try this palette - you get 6 highlighters for only $28!

Becca Blurring Powder 
THIS IS THE HOLY GRAIL.
I saw this product for awhile before purchasing and when I finally made my way into Sephora to test it myself, I'm not gonna lie... I was hesitant. I was in a faithful relationship with Laura Mercier translucent powder for fooooorevveeerr and honestly, how many translucent powders do ya really need?? Plus, the color of the Becca powder is more of a peachy-tone and I was worried it would only be good for summer months - or not even a match at all. But, I walked around with the last box on the shelf and figured "Why not?" just buy it - if I hated it, I'd return it. No big deal. So anyway, super long story short - my makeup has never been the same since and although I haven't replaced my LM translucent powered completely, it has started taking a backseat to this powder! There are a few things I wanna address with the Becca Blurring Powder for those of y'all that are in the same boat I was:
The color:
It may look like it's only good for warmer skin tones but it magically buffs on the skin into the most translucent powder imaginable. I'm not sure if the color has anything to do with the blurring effect, but it definitely doesn't show any color payoff once applied - which is really nice!
The "Blur" effect:
IT WORKS. I have oily ski... yada yada... and my pores tend to be bigger in my oilier areas, especially on the apples of my cheeks. I use this brush, sweep it on the problem areas, such as my forehead, nose and cheeks and BAM. Smooth, airbrushed skin in a matter of 2.5 seconds. The tiniest bit goes a long way and creates the most flattering "blur" - it's magic.
The Price:
Although I bought mine from Sephora, there's currently a really good sale here! For only $34 you get the full compact and a really nice brush to use with it. The reviews for the brush are great so it's definitely a better buy. The original price at Sephora for just the compact alone is $38!

ABH Eyebrow + Eyeliner brush #12
I've been using this eyebrow pomade recently for my brows in the color chocolate and really needed a good brush to apply the product with precision and ease. I bought this brush because it's the smallest brush I could find that still seemed like good quality - so far, so good! I love the spooley end it comes with too - Totally necessary to tame wild brows!

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance
This primer is a great mix between a really light moisturizer and primer in one. For the price, the tiniest bit goes a long way. Although I'd describe it as a moisturizer, it goes on a bit differently. I like to apply it by putting a little bigger than pea size amount on my hands, rubbing the product on the tips of my fingers and patting it on my face and then slowly rub the product outwards. I'll pat the remaining amount on my eyes just to make sure I get those too.

MAC Fix+
I don't care if you call this water-in-a-bottle -whatever. I looove this stuff. For having such oily skin, I tend to use a lot of powder products, which can inevitably look cakey or heavy, if used excessively. That's where this comes into play. It might be overkill, but for each powder product I use, I like to apply a few sprays of the Fix+ to my face... then I go in with the next product after the spray has dried and then I use it as a "setting" spray when I'm finished.
I've also been able to spray my eyeliner brush with this in order to use an eyeshadow as an instant eyeliner! I've found that the darkest shade from this palette is my go-to for brown eyeliner lately... it creates a soft line and adds depth to my eyes plus, it's the perfect color for blue eyes. It totally makes them pop.

Becca Blush in Camellia
This is a perfect spring and summertime blush. It's described as a "ballerina pink" and to me, that's totally fitting. I don't really like to use this when I'm more pale because the color payoff is so intense but when I get a fresh spray or a nice base tan mid summer, it's the perfect color to use! Again, I have a pretty neutral skin tone so I feel that this would work on a variety of faces. But if you're more pale year-round, then try this Becca blush in the color "Foxglove"

Foot Mask

And for the foot mask that I talked about on instagram that works so well, I almost ate it in my bathroom this morning - you can get that here! Sounds good, right? Feet so soft that you're gliding on silk? So good until you try to slide out 9 months pregnant. And the worst part? No one was there to laugh when it happened. So bummed. but the good news? Whenever our little guy decides it's time to come on out, I'm definitely bringing some of these socks to the hospital cause #hospitalbagessentials will be up on the blog here soon!

Plus, if you grab these little packets online right now, they're only like $2 each - Originally $5 in-store!

xx, 

tbp

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS | Lifestyle + Beauty

We've been inside of the house more often lately since Devon's knee still isn't 100% after his surgery from a month ago and his gettin' around isn't what it used to be haha definitely getting better, slowly but surely but it wasn't really an easy operation to begin with so it's just gonna take some down time to get back on his feet - literally. So for now, we've been enjoying dinners at home (with the help of HelloFresh - read that post here) and having nightly binge sessions watching ID channel, which is mainly my thing but Devon's a good sport and watches along, although he would totally rather be watching golf.

So this past weekend, Penelope stayed with Devon's aunt for the night so we could have a much-needed date night and be home by 9PM. Haha, no seriously. We had the besssst dinner and went straight home and totally enjoyed being in bed by 9:30pm and "sleeping in" until 8 - totally what daydreams are made of.

 Saturday, we had half of the day to ourselves to do whatever and as we're trying to figure out what to do with alllllll of our free time (parents, you understand the struggle), Devon suggested that we hit Sephora (I love that man) so I could use a random gift card that I had found from Christmas - day. made. My husband seriously suggested SEPHORA as a date. Lucky... blessed... whatever. I hit the jackpot.
So after shopping around, I bought a few things that I had been eyeing for a couple of weeks and just wanted to share them with y'all!

I love trying new things and testing new products so finding a gift card in my wallet behind a few other junk cards I had hanging out in there was the perfect treat before we went back to pick up our sweet gal :)

Also, if you haven't noticed, I've been using a new platform called LikeToKnow.it on instagram. It will send you ALL of the info on my pics - from what I'm wearing to beauty and everything else in between, even with kids stuff! So make sure you sign up HERE so you'll start receiving emails within 10 minutes on posts you've liked that have LTKI installed. Sooo easy😊

Anyway - HAPPY SUNDAY. The weekends are going by faster and faster and I sincerely hope that the warmer weather comes as quick as Mondays do.

xx,
tbp

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4 CURRENT MAKEUP MUST-HAVES | BEAUTY

So what about that new IG feature, huh!? Is snapchat slowly going to fade like myspace, vine etc now👀 I think I'm still on the fence about it... I like the convenience of everything being in one app but let's be real.... I follow wayyyyy too many people to sit through everyones stories and honestly, I just think that snapchat has better features... and filters. 

Inserting shameless self-promo here* Sooo follow me on snap, just in case the whole IG thing doesn't work out, @taylorpilk ;)

So on to the beauty part of this post... These are a few of my favorite beauty products that have been pretty consistent for awhile now (well, all besides the KVD because it's new) but anyway....

I know that I say this all the time but in the summer, I like to stay super-neutral with my makeup... no crazy eye makeup (for the most part) and definitely NO HEAVY FOUNDATION. It just can't and doesn't happen but thanks to my under-eye circles, I tend to have to have a full-coverage concealer with me at all times, otherwise I can easily be mistaken for a character on The Walking Dead. (Is that even still a show??) You get the point.....

So here's what I've been loving -

BOBBI BROWN Bronzer in Natural 01 & BB Foundation Stick

The most amazing bronzer I've ever used. It's a pressed powder formula with the most amazing color. It doesn't streak and doesn't look muddy when applied. It doesn't even look splotchy at the end of the day, which for oily skinned girls, you completely understand this dilemma with makeup products!

Also, this foundation stick is HEAVEN. The littlest bit goes a lo-oong way and it's ideal for travel, especially if you're not checking a bag. 

I'm currently wearing the color '3.5 Warm Beige' in the foundation stick and Natural 01 in the BB bronzer.

As  far as concealer, the Kat Von D and the Makeup Forever concealer are by far the best ones I've tried. They have great coverage and bets of all, they don't crease! I always set my under-eye with Laura Mercier Translucent powder regardless to just be sure that my mascara doesn't transfer.

I wear shade '5/6' in MUFE concealer and 'M25 Warm' in KVD.

xx, tbp

MAC REFILLS | BEAUTY

MAC strikes again. 

When I was grabbing a few items from Sephora about two weeks or so ago, I stopped at MAC to get a lipgloss that I had ran out of... and ended up with all this.

So here's what I got:

Angel Lipglass | 

I go THROUGH this stuff. It's one of my favorite lip glosses EVER. I think I like it so much because I can wear it when I have a full face on and I can also wear it when I have no makeup on and I never look too overdone. It also pairs really well with my natural lip color, since I mentioned earlier in my blog here, that other lip glosses make my lips look purple.... read more to find out what I mean, ha.

Angel Lipstick |

I've never used this before and honestly didn't even know they made a lipstick that was the same as the gloss so I went ahead and purchased it. It's applies evenly and has the perfect pink hue to it. It's also pretty sheer, which is an aspect of lipstick that I love.

Fabby Lipstick |

I was drawn to this color right away. It's an iridescent-like color that has mauve and gold tones to it.  I've never purchased one of their frost shades (I usually buy their creme sheen) before but this one and angel were too pretty, I had to get em. 

Mocha Blush |

Out of all the blushes I have, I own the most MAC. They aren't too pigmented and they always go on so evenly. I don't typically use plum-colored shades in the summertime but this is a true transitional shade for all seasons. 

Read my other blog about MAC Must-Haves for more!

xx, tbp

Storing Makeup | BEAUTY

I. am. BACK!!!! After what felt like month of sickness circulating in our house, I'm back to posting!!!

First post back, (and first time in a week that I've put on makeup) I wanted to share a few things I found in order to keep my makeup vanity slightly more organized. 

 First things first. Home Goods & Z Gallerie. Of course. I purchased the cute candle votives from there to keep my brushes in, along with my primers. They're the perfect size and keep everything together so I don't lose brushes or anything else that I grab for daily.

Also, one of the big things that I wanted to share is actually from Target. I've seen these canisters around the store in the bath section and knew it would be perfect to store my most-used products such as pallets, foundations and lipsticks in. I also loved that it came in this rose gold color!

It's the perfect size to store a lot but won't take up too much counter space and it looks a LOT better than the acrylic boxes that I've seen for makeup storage.

Here are few of the items I purchased:

Z Gallerie candle votives for brushes & primer // $13

Pallet Holder // $20

xx, tbp

Splurge vs Save....

Splurge Products:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Save Products:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 

 I think my favorite drugstore brand would have to be NYX. Mainly because of the quality and of course, the price but they're also cruelty-free, which is huge.

Although I prefer stores like Sephora and Nordstrom to shop for makeup, I don't have anything against drugstore brands because more than likely, the inexpensive brands are a branch off of a higher-end brand, just at a lower price point. For instance,  Estee Lauder is a parent company to MAC and Bobbi Brown among many other top-selling, high-end brands. So would you be totally surprised if I said that both Urban Decay and NYX were owned by LO'real? It's true! And that would probably explain why I found an exact dupe for a product that costs 4x as much!  

So here are a few other dupes I found while searching around Ulta:

NYX Tinted Brow Mascara is a complete dupe of the 

MAC Pro Longer Brow Gel. The wand is just slightly bigger on the NYX gel

 but they wear almost identical and the color is a perfect match.

| $7 vs $17 |

NYX HD Concealer is a really close match to

 Urban Decays Naked Skin Concealer. Even the color range

is almost identical.

| $5 vs $28 |

NYX Dark Circle Concealer is a spot-on dupe of the

Becca Concealing Creme. It has the exact same texture and covering power

and of course, it's over half the cost.

| $6 vs $32 |

NYX Matte Bronzer is even packaged like Bobbi Brown's

matte bronzers that are currently $42! The one from NYX at Ulta - only $9.

If you have any good dupes that are your favorite, I'd love to hear about them!

xx, tbp

MAC MUST-HAVES | BEAUTY

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

1. Creme Cup lipstick

The PERFECT shade of pink. Super moisturizing and can be used on a casual day just as well as it can be dressed up. I pair this with my Angel lipglass and it's always the perfect pink combo.

2. Prep + Prime

If you're like me and enjoy wearing a red or dark lip from time-to-time, then this will be your new bff. Not only will your lipstick stay-put, it will keep your lips moisturized - even when you're forcing yourself to wear that overly-dry liquid lipstick that you hate to love.

3. Lipglass in Angel

This lipglass has been a staple of mine for the longest time! Mainly because I have really pigmented lips... Almost the color purple... so because other lip glosses can be very non-pigmented, I end up looking either sick or just really cold. Nothing has ever really worked with my lip color... Until I bought this. This shade is the perfect pink for dressing up or down. Just apply it to your bare lips or sweep it overtop Creme Cup for the perfect dressed-up shade.

4. Pro Longwear Concealor NC20

If I could only bring one makeup item with me, this would be it. This concealor does a great job of bringing my face back to life since I have serious dark circles most days and I prefer not to look like I'm about to be cast in The Walking Dead. Thank you.

5. Mineralized Skin Finish in Light Plus

When I want to look put together with no effort whatsoever, I always reach for this. It has the coverage of foundation but is as weightless as a powder. Total win-win.

6. Waterproof Brow Set in Brown Ebony

There's not really much to say other than I naturally have unruly eyebrows and I need all the help I can get at keeping them in their place. So if you're wondering, this stuff is amazing for that. I especially love that it's waterproof - and trust me, it really is - and the fact that it comes in so many different colors... definitely something for everyone. Plus, the spool is just small enough that I don't extend my eyebrow by another foot on my forehead and I still have ultimate control. 

7. Eyeshadow in Charcoal Brown 

This is my all. time. favorite eyeshadow. I have gone through about 3 of these because I always find a reason to use it. It's matte so it can really be used all over your face.. think contour, eyebrows, just to name a couple...  It really is a versatile little guy.

8. Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly

I use this paint pot mostly for an eyeshadow base. It matches my skin pretty flawlessy and actually works better as a eyeshadow primer than some of the other more popular ones I've used. I always go back to this. Always.

9. Large Angled Contour brush #168

Last but not least... The large angled contour brush. Although I don't use this for contour, I've really fallen in love with it for blush. The natural fibers are SO good for blending and creating a seamless finish on your skin, especially with something as pigmented as blush.. or bronzer.

Favorite Skincare Products | VIDEO

Alright, y'all! I made this video yesterday basically filling everyone in on my favorite skincare products :) Click the link to watch xoxo

FAVORITE SKINCARE YOUTUBE VIDEO

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Current Favorite Lip

We have a 5AM flight to Cali and since I couldn't sleep, I got ready way ahead of time... And since I HAVE time, I figured I'd show y'all my newest favorite lip combo. It takes 4 things to get it but you can really use cheapies to make this look! These are colors I already had and just threw them together:

1) apply Edge to Edge lip liner

2) then apply SALMON by Bobbi Brown

3) then dab on impassioned by MAC

4) lightly sweep NYX's INSTABUL over lips for the finished look

Super easy and perfect for warmer weather! x

Skin Care Routine | Night & Day

I've been asked A LOT about my skin care routine.. Mainly because a lot of people, like me, have super oily skin and it's a pain to deal with. All extreme skin-types are difficult tho, whether it be super dry or the opposite. I have been to A LOT of estheticians and have had a lot of appointments with my dermatologist and through many medications to help acne, nothing has really been as important as diet and skin care, as cliche and crazy as that may sound. I can't drink excessive caffeine, so things like energy drinks are a no-go, although I will have my morning coffee and maybe another cup from time to time, I really watch my caffeine intake and can totally tell a difference if I go a little crazy for a few days. Don't get me wrong, I do have occasional breakouts regardless but nothing like I used to! My skin is not perfect by any means, but I have learned some tricks to help accompany me along the way - even though it may be a little maintenance from time to time ;)

I've mentioned, probably a million times, that my skin is REALLY sensitive so when I find products or brands that work, I stick to them. I don't tend to venture into a million skin care products because I could wash my face with a new product just once and it's all over. I think that also helps.. Stay with what you KNOW works. Don't listen to me if you're happy with your skin! That's super important to remember BUT if you're desperate to try and tone down the oil or breakouts, then maybe my routine will become yours :)

So here's what I use:

Acure Brightening facial scrub from Target and Acure Sensitive facial cleanser from Whole Foods or Amazon. These two are amazing! I can't live without them. I use the exfoliator when I don't want to use my Clarisonic Mia 2. No real reason other than I don't want to take the time but need to exfoliate. I use the Mia 2 every single night, sometimes in the morning as well! It has changed my skin completely. Totally worth the price!! 

I love argan oil - I prefer Josie Maran but have tried others and have loved them all! 

Acure eye cream from Target is amazing. 

Mario Badescue Repair Collagen cream is the perfect mask! A little bit goes a long way and doesn't dry my skin out AND it helps clear acne, so sometimes I use it as a spot-treatment. 

And for a toner, I've always loved using plain Witch Hazel. This one is Lavender scented, but I also use the original and both work so well. Just apply a little to a cotton pad and I'm good to go.

Here's a time for a small secret: I actually use Target brand eye makeup remover with the oil but I pour it in this MAC bottle because I really love the non-leaking top it comes with!! Plus, you have to push down, like a medicine bottle, to get the top off - HUGE plus while traveling and with having a little one that's getting into everything. One less thing I have to worry about ending up all over my floor ;) I used the original formula from MAC but didn't feel that it was any better than what I get at the drug store, again, the only plus is the bottle itself!

I also use the Josie Maran illuminating argan cream or Josie Maran MILK before I apply my makeup... I use the dark bottle of argan oil at night or during the day when my face is unusually dry during the winter months.



Here's the thing with oily skin that I learned that has worked so well: I CANNOT use ANYTHING that has Salicylic Acid in it. I ONLY use cleansers. This is because with my skin, I am naturally oily so therefore anything that strips that, makes my face go CRAZY. I use products that are gentle and I firmly believe that pairing natural oil, such as argan oil, actually helps my skin produce less oil. This is because my skin NEEDS oil. Some people don't need as much oil, hence why their face may breakout with the use of argan oil or why salicylic acid may work really well for them. Only time will tell, of course, so if you're wondering if this method will work for you but don't want to waste the money on an expensive oil, buy from amazon. You'll get the same effect. I recommend one with a dark bottle, to protect the pure oil and of course, all natural/organic, like this one HERE. Take 4-6 weeks for your skin to adjust, especially if you've been using a product that has striped the oil from your skin.

PLEASE email or post below with any/all questions you may have, I can only hope that this post helps some of y'all out with your skin if you've come across the same troubles as I have! XO


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All about the Eyeliner.

Happy Monday, y'all! Coffee in hand and listing my absolute favorite eyeliners that have never failed me. I have tried them a.l.l. but always fall back on these babies! And I have to say that I'm a little impressed that I actually love one of each: A liquid, a gel and a pencil. 

So in honor of keeping things short & sweet for y'all today, I'm just going to dive right in, so here ya go XO

#1: Sephora's Waterproof Colored Eyeliner in BLACK LACE $12

the perfect liquid eyeliner that's super easy to apply and actually dries MATTE!

#2 Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in BLACK INK $24

#3 Sonia Kashuk Bent Eyeliner Brush #107 $6

This brush has lasted me for years, even through tons of washes. bought mine at the one and only Target ;) 

#4 Sephora's Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in MATTE CHARCOAL $13

This is my every day eyeliner that I use when I want a basic, neutral look. It glides on so smooth and stays put through the entire day. Definitely one of my favorites and I LOVE the subtle color of grey.

EYE BRIGHTENER | AFTER NYE ESSENTIAL

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y'ALL!!!

I know that all of us probably stayed up way beyond what we had anticipated to do, as per usual but after reading this blog, you'll be able to fake a good nights sleep from here on out ;)   

BareMinerals STROKE OF LIGHT = The best under-eye and all-over concealer, hands down. This covers up anything and everything.. along with those annoying dark circles that seem to accumulate for absolutely no reason, even without lack of sleep - grrr. I am currently wearing #2, which has more of a yellow undertone than #1 but don't be fooled by the description as I'm normally more of a neutral shade with my other products (pinks & yellows combined) so if you are too, then #2 would probably fit you well and be your best bet as I think it's the most universal.

     Another thing that's great about this stuff: It doesn't cake up underneath nor does it crease - this is huge for anything that goes on underneath the eye because if you've ever had anything that does crease or cake up, you'd know how useless a product like that can be, especially when you NEED it to do its job. ;)

The applicator of this is really my favorite thing because a lot of the other ones come with a pump that you end up getting all over your hands, something I can't staaaand. With this, you unscrew the applicator and dab the tip underneath the eye and use a beauty blender to blend it in and you're done - the 2 easiest steps to faking a good nights sleep! Really, if I could only have two makeup products, it would probably be this and mascara. I can't live without it.

I hope every one is able to rest up today and enjoy the first day of 2015! Page 1 of 365 - make it a good one! XOX

PRODUCTS:

Stroke of Light by BareMinerals $22

New Wave by MARC JACOBS nail polish $18

ig link: @taylorpilk

JOSIE MARAN | ARGAN OIL

Just a quick picture of my favorite Josie Maran Argan Oil products! These will last you MONTHS and are so amazing for your skin. I have oily skin and even though it seems quite opposite of what you would think you would need for oily skin, it actually really helps maintain oil production and helps keep skin clear because breakouts sometimes happen because of a lack of oil rather than having too much. 

| 100% ARGAN OIL |

I use this at night after I wash my face. I even use this as an under-eye moisturizer.

| PURE ARGAN MILK |

I absolutely LOVE this one. I use Milk after I wash my face in the morning and before I put on my makeup. It's definitely a lighter version of the regular 100% Argan Oil and it has just the right amount of shimmer to make your skin glowy, but not highlighted or over done - definitely something you can use all over your face, any time.

| ILLUMINIZER |

This illuminizer is so functional and has a variety of uses. I particularly like to mix a small amount with either my primer, foundation, tinted moisturizer or BB cream - it all depends on the look I'm going for. This looks so bronzy and shimmery in the bottle but it really can be toned down to add a smooth, dewy look to your face/body. I think this is the most versatile of the three because it can be added with your regular moisturizer, body lotion etc - it really is perfect for everything and made with no limits for use!

Most importantly, I love that all of JM products don't contain any of the chemicals that a lot of high-end products have and are currently formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan 

XO!

Alternate of Red Lips for the holidays | Current NYX Favorite

During the summer months, I seem to drift more towards nude lips but once the cold weather hits, I'm reeeeeally ready to add some color! For that reason, I thought I'd share my most recent NYX lipstick find that I think would look absolutely AMAZING on anyone! If a red lip isn't a favorite look for you but you're still really wanting to try a different lip than the norm then I think this color is something you should try!  NYX is such an inexpensive brand but in my opinion, comparable to MAC or any other high-end brand. The formula is amazing and super buttery along with the wear which is NEVER chalky or sticky, even the matte colors!

 I have to say tho, that this particular lipstick does have a slight scent but nothing too strong and it only seems to be THIS particular lipstick from the NYX line, I haven't noticed it with any of their other lipsticks/lip glosses.

 (By the way, I am SUPER sensitive to cosmetics in general and perfume in them and this didn't bother me at all, it was just noticed when I first applied it.)

The second thing is the NYX Pump it Up Lip Plumper and this stuff is perfect! It feels more minty rather than having the typical tingle-y feeling that other plumpers have. I personally bought this for the color rather than the plump and only noticed what it was once I took pictures, ha! I personally wouldn't buy it for the plumping action alone but the color itself was what sold me and even more so after I applied it because the application was so smooth and pigmented - it can definitely be worn alone or with a lipstick for extra color & shine.

I know this is a NYX current-fav but I paired it with my YSL #13 lipliner and they went SO WELL together. I need to try to find a dupe because I completely get that not everyone wants to spend that sort of money on a lipliner ;) I'll post a blog as soon as I find one that is close, if not identical so y'all can get the same look! 

List of products used along with the links:

| NYX Lipstick | $4

Color THALIA

Purchased at ULTA

| NYX Lip Plumper | $6

Color in ELIZABETH

Purchased at ULTA

| YSL Lip Liner #13 | $30

Color in NUDE BEIGE #13

Purchased at Sephora

Let me know how you love it!

XO - taylor

Tis' the season for RED LIPS!

      It's amazing how a good red lip can be the easiest accessory for any event or holiday party and I currently can't get over how gorgeous [MAC All Fired Up] is. It's the perfect matte lip that can EASILY be applied as a bold color or a sheer color for the perfect daytime look! 

(Of course it'll depend on how you apply it - swipe for bold, dab for light ;))

      It didn't make my lips dry in the slightest and it was still moisturizing after I had worn it for awhile - SO GOOD! I totally get that not everyone wants to pay $16 for a lipstick they might wear a handful of times so I hunted down a drugstore brand and a mid-price range brand so everyone can experience this look this upcoming holiday season!

Here are the two lipsticks that I'd suggest if you're wanting to try this color out:

|NYX's|

In [Bloody Mary] $6

Which can probably be found in any store that sells NYX, 

the link I'm giving you is to ULTA

&

|SEPHORA BRAND|

In [Valentine] $13

I actually have this one and didn't even realize they were the same color until I was wanting to wear a red lip and started comparing the two and that's when realized they were identical, lol

& of course here's the link again for the actual 

lipstick that I'm wearing in the pic above:

|MAC|

[All Fired Up] $16

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instagram/twitter [@taylorpilk] XO

CASUAL BLUSH PICKS | NARS

     Blush is one of my absolute FAVORITE things to wear, even when I'm not really wearing any makeup at all. Blush is always the one thing I don't leave the house without because you can go from "I just rolled outta bed" to looking like you've already had 3 cups of coffee in just 2 quick brush strokes and that's why these two shades are the perfect, neutral colors that can easily be worn day or night, keeping you vibrant ;) The colors are [Deep Throat] and [Luster]. DT is a really gorgeous goldeny-pink color that's described as a pink-peach on the Sephora's website and LUSTER is a golden-apricot color that I actually used OVER the DT blush and as a highlighter and it looked so good applied that way -such a warm hue for a fall day. 

So if you're wanting something a little bit different than the norm and don't want anything too drastic, then these two blushes are the ones for you!

If you purchase them or already have them, PLEASE let me know how much you love them! XO

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