Recent Beauty Buys

I have a little problem. When I'm bored, I go to CVS or Walgreens and go through the cosmetics aisle. Then I take home things I've heard about or want to try, always looking for the perfect budget dupe to some of my higher end products. Here's what I picked up on my most recent excursion!

I've really excellent things about the Rimmel bronzers, and have been meaning to pick one up for a while. I'm a total NARS Laguna lover, but I've noticed that the color isn't working quite so well now that I am a little more tan. It's just a bit too brown. This bronzer, in the shade Sun Bronze, is slightly more pink, which better mimics my natural tan (I tan pretty red). I've only used it a couple times, but so far I am in love. It's a really smooth texture and is supposedly waterproof. Guess we'll test that on the next above-90 day! I also picked up L'Oreal's Magic Lumi Highlighter, just to test. So far so good! I really like the Maybelline Color Elixirs. They're a perfect cross between a gloss and lipstick (is this considered a liquid lipstick?) and I decided that I needed a pink shade. Obviously.

I wanted to get a red Color Elixir, but they were all gone (everyone needs a lighter version of their favorite red for summer, right?) so I was pumped to see that my local store carried NYX (apparently they've dropped in CVS now? Hooray!). I've heard great things about the Butter Glosses, and I am excited that one made it's way home with me.

Love these lipsticks. Read more about them here!

Nuxe's Reve de Miel comes highly recommended on the beauty blog circuit, mostly because it is incredibly moisturizing, but is also matte. You read that correctly, matte. It's absolutely perfect as a base under lipstick, and it smells absolutely divine.

Seche Vite is my top coat of choice, so when I saw that they also make a base coat, I knew I needed it. Here's hoping it's just as good!