February 2013 Favorites

February definitely flew by, but there were still a few products that really stood out for me.  Here are the item that I reached for most often this month.



Laura Geller Supercharged Fortified Under Makeup Primer 

I'm not a fan of traditional silicone-based primers that have a really heavy, almost dry feel on the skin.  However, I do have some pretty massive pores and uneven texture issues on parts of my face so I like a little silicone in my primer to smooth things out. 

The Laura Geller Supercharged Fortified Under Makeup Primer ($30) contains silicone but the formula has a much thinner consistency so it feels nice and light on the skin.  I also find it slightly moisturizing so it's a better fit for my normal-to-dry skin. It is also supposed to be chock full of bontanicals and antioxidants that have anti-aging benefits -- don't know if all that's true, but I used this primer quite a bit in February when I wanted a nice smooth canvas to start with.

Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector in 01 Invisible Light

 

When my pores look absolutely ginormous, a primer alone often isn't enough to smooth my skin out.  In February, I reached for my Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector in 01 Invisible Light whenever I wanted really flawless looking skin.

I start with whatever primer I'm using that day, and then dot a small out of the Pore Minimizer over my cheeks, just beside my nose, where my pores are the largest.  Once I put my foundation over it, my pores are virtually invisible.

Clinique has discontinued the Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector, but it looks like the Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector ($20) is an incredibly similiar product.

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Fair

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer

Due to allergies and a few too many sleepless nights, my dark circles were pretty bad in February.  I always reach for my Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer ($24). It provides plenty of coverage to blot out nasty dark circles, but the formula feels lightweight and moisturizing so it's perfect for that delicate skin under the eyes.

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Fair

I used the concealer in Fair, which is lovely for fair skin but has just enough hint of peach to really cancel out blue-based darkness and brighten up the area. 

Laura Geller Balance-N-Brighten in Fair

Laura Geller Balance-N-Brighten in Fair

 If I ever needed confirmation that I am Casper the Friendly Ghost pale, my discovery in February that the Laura Geller Balance-N-Brighten in Fair ($33) actually makes a really nice, natural contour for everyday would do it.

Think about that -- a shade that's called fair is dark enough for me to contour with... ridiculous right?

Laura Geller Balance-N-Brighten in Fair

I had ordered the Fair in a QVC TSV a couple of years back when Laura Geller hadn't come out with the Porcelain shade (which I love!) yet.  It was too dark for me to use as a foundation or finishing powder, so I was about to offer it to my mother when, on a whim, I decided to try it as a contour. 

And it actually works.

Now, it's a pretty subtle look, but for everyday, I just want to add a little dimension and shape to my chubby face so this works nicely. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Peaceful

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Peaceful

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Peaceful

I am a total blush fiend, but in February, my Tarte Amazonian Clay Bush in Peaceful ($25) got a little more love than all the others.  It's a shade that's almost an equal part pink and peach, so I can wear it with virtually any eye makeup or lip color and still look pretty and natural.

It's not overly shimmery either, so it just adds a nice glow to the cheeks.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Mildew

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Mildew

I was totally obsessed with green eyeliner in February -- I wore it with green shadow looks, with neutral looks, and even a few purple-y looks, and loved the way it complemented all of them.

While I have a few green liners in my collection, my favorite this month was definitely the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Mildew ($19), which is a dark olive green that has a really pretty brightening effect.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Mildew

If you've been in the market for a green liner, I'd definitely check this one out. 

Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick in Coral Ambition

Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick in Coral Ambition

You can check out my full review of the Maybelline Color Whisper Lipsticks ($7.49) here, but suffice it to say that I really like them.

In particular, I was totally head over heels in love with the shade Coral Ambition.

Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick in Coral Ambition

It's such a pretty peachy pinky coral that brightens up the face like nobody's business. I suspect that I'll be wearing it a lot in March too... and April, May, June, etc.

It's that gorgeous.



What were you favorites in February?