[contains affiliate links] Hello, class! Recently, a colleague expressed to me how much she was loving products from Glossier. In case you haven’t heard about this company, Glossier is a beauty line with an aesthetic of natural, glowing skin. While they sell many of their products individually, they also have these really cute combo packages called Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Phase 1 is Glossier’s skincare set. It includes their Milky Jelly Cleanser, Priming Moisturizer, Balm Dotcom and Perfecting Skin Tint (in your desired shade). The Glossier Phase 2 set is more makeup-oriented. It includes their Boy Brow (brow gel), Stretch Concealer and Generation G lip tint. All of the Phase 2 products have shade options.

Sadly, my shade of Skin Tint has been out-of-stock for a while now, as have all of the shades of Generation G. So trying out these kits were out of the question. Therefore, I made some à la carte selections, including some items not included in Phase 1 or Phase 2.

did I mention that the Glossier items come in reusable pink zip bags? And you get stickers!

first impressions

My newest crush is the Milky Jelly Cleanser. It is a crazy gentle cleansing gel that manages to scrub off makeup without drying the skin. I also kind of love the Soothing Face Mist. I feel super luxurious when I spray it on my face after cleansing.

The Priming Moisturizer is a fantastic combination of lotion and primer. I apply it before my makeup and it works just as well as high-end primers. The Boy Brow, which I got in the Blond shade, is a great brow gel. Since I am a pomade enthusiast, this will probably never reach “holy grail” status for me, but I do like it for more natural makeup days.

Finally, I’ve been using two flavored Balm Dotcoms – Rose and Coconut. These have become my go-to for pre-bed lip moisturizing. The coconut is positively yummy and the rose just makes me happy.

I guess my whole point here is that Glossier has products that are worth trying if you’re looking for simple and clean cosmetics.

Also, I should mention that if you are going to shop you can get 20% off by clicking right here.  Just sayin’.

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Hello, class! Before having to relocate this blog, I had started a series sharing some tips that I thought others might find helpful. Today we will begin again, starting with my thoughts about when to splurge versus when to save on makeup products. I hope you will share your own tips in the comments.
Before we get into specifics, let me say this: THERE WILL ALWAYS BE EXCEPTIONS.
Did you get that?
Some of us with unique skin tones will never ever ever find a good powder match in the drugstore. Some of us will have a unwavering loyalty to a high end eyeliner.
Guess what?
That’s totally fine.
Because my strongest belief about makeup is – THERE ARE NO RULES.

However, if your looking for some very basic guidelines, here you go:

Let us talk about the “save” column first!
Mascaras, eye liner pencils and lip liners – In my experience, so many drugstore brands have products that perform to the same level as high end lines. These are also products that tend to get used up very quickly, or in the case of mascara, need to be used fairly quickly. Perhaps, they are not always worth the high end price tags!

Concealers, brow product and powders – IF you can find these in a good color match, there are many drug store options that will make you think twice about ever purchasing their high end twins again.

On to the “splurges”!
Foundations and primers – you need a good base or everything over it is useless. I believe in spending on these items simply because I’ve found the pricier options to perform better than their cheap counterparts. Now, there is not always a direct correlation between price and performance, so don’t head straight to the $62 option without checking out the $35 one first!

Lipstick – again, another situation where my experience is the basis for my preference. I have found higher end lipsticks to be more pigmented, longer lasting and less irritating. However, as with everything else, there are certainly some good drugstore options or some thriftier “high end” choices. Let’s include lip glosses in the category, too!

Eyeshadow and liquid liner – My experience is that higher end versions are infinitely more pigmented. In the case of shadows, I have had difficulty blending some drug store brands.

Blushes and bronzers – This is all about the pigmentation, my friends. I would rather have to use a light hand on a product with high pigmentation than dig my brush into a drug store powder that refuses to show up.

Synopsis – I will always prefer high end beauty products. However, for those looking to save, you will be more likely to find usable items in the “save” column at your local drug store.

Please remember that this is all my opinion. I would love to hear yours. If you disagree with anything I’ve written, please share with the class below! We would especially love to hear about brands you love – drug store or otherwise!

Shop This Teacher’s favorites (contains affiliate links):

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My first high-end eyeshadow palette ever was one from Urban Decay. I’ve always had an affinity for their shadow formulation and color options. Surprisingly, I’ve never owned an Urban Decay “Vice” palette. Today that changes. Available now online at Ulta and in stores on 1/24, the Urban Decay Vice LTD Reloaded palette is a collection of twenty shadows. Some are new shades while others are shades that can be found throughout Urban Decay’s history in various collections.

Let me tell you, this palette is photogenic. So please enjoy the following photos. [Random side note – this first photo gained my like 30 new Instagram followers in an hour. Are you my friend on Instagram? You should be!]

Like I said, this palette has 20 shades. They’re not arranged in any discernible order, but neither is most of my stuff, so I’m fine with it.

I found the bottom two rows to be more pigmented than the top two, but not overly so. “Roadstripe” has a surprising iridescence to it, thought I suppose it really isn’t that surprising considering the shade’s name…
I also enjoy the shade “Asphyxia” (I already own the corresponding liner) and am drawn to the beauty of “Goldmine”. “Gash” will be a fun red to play around with and “Laced” and “Anonymous” offer great nude options.

Final Thoughts

The Urban Decay Vice LTD Reloaded palette offers an infinite very, very, very large number of combinations ranging from neutral to extreme. The packaging is fun and very sturdy-feeling. I highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t owned any previous Vice palettes.
Other Urban Decay Favorites [contains affiliate links]:

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Ease of Application: 5/5
All three of the shades come in a tube with a doe foot applicator. I like to dot the products on my face and then blend with fingers, sponge or brush. Amazingly for a liquid product, I even find this easy to use to contour the nose area. I have nothing bad to say about the application.

Formula: 5/5
These shades all blend superbly with each other and other makeup. The bronze shade, which I use for contouring, manages to blend out while still maintaining some color on the initial application area, making it a really easy product to use. All three tubes have the consistency of a liquid concealer – not runny but not thick.

Color: 5/5
This is a tricky situation because all of these colors are perfect for me, which means they will not be perfect for a lot of people. I do think you could be somewhat lighter or darker and still find a way to work with these three shades. I would love to see Dr. Jart+ come out with sets for other skin tones. [Edit: an Instgram friend has informed me that Dr. Jart+ has indicated they are making a set for darker skin tones!]

Packaging: 3/5
The little booklet that these tubes come in is cute, but is also excessive. It is hard to get the tubes in and out of their little nooks. I plan on throwing the box away as soon as this post is published. Additionally, I am concerned that for the price, these tubes are a bit small. I am worried about running out of product.

The Dr. Jart+ BB Mate Contouring 1.2.3. Kit receives an A!

I really like this product. The price may make some hesitate, but if you have money to spend and are fair skinned – go for it!

originally posted on 4/6/15

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For your eyes:

ColourPop makes some of my favorite shimmery (and low-cost) products. For NYE, I gravitate towards Cricket and Hammered for their multidimensional sparkle.

I’m also loving MAC’s Pearlglide Instense Eye Liner in Petrol Blue. This deep navy pencil has just a hint of glitter and can easily be blended out for a smokey NYE look.

Also check out Lime Crime’s liquid liners for a glittery surprise. I’m showing Rhyme here, but Reason, a silver, is equally impressive and still available.

For your face:

ColourPop kills it, again, in this department. For a super glow, I recommend their highlighter in Spoon.

Nars’ dual intensity blushes also offer some great NYE options. I particularly recommend their Steven Klein collaboration in the shade(s) Vengeful. The left-side highlighter is fantastic on the cheek bones.

top to bottom: MAC Petrol, Lime Crime Rhyme, Nars Vengeful highlight shade, ColourPop Spoon, ColourPop Hammered, ColourPop Cricket

As always, please share your related posts in the comments so we can all see! And check back soon for my 2015 beauty favorites list!

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