July Favorites

Howdy cupcakes! :)

Product faves are so fun for me to tell you about! These goodies I've been corralling all month have been well loved (borderline obsessed over). A couple have even surprised me from how good they are!



The first product is the It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty (Vol. 1) Palette. I purchased this on the Ulta site when it was on sale from $42.00 to just $20.00. I had heard so many great things about this palette from you guys on Instagram that I just had to try it. It did not disappoint!

This all-matte palette has the perfect balance between light/dark and warm/cool shadows. The pigmentation transfers to your lids exactly the as the color looks in the pan. A real treat to work with, but perhaps the biggest pro about this palette is the non dry formula and just how effortlessly they blend into the skin. With just a drag of a brush, your shadow transforms into a sophisticated gradient of color that takes some of us lots of practice to achieve.

The only con that I have come across is the lackluster Transforming Pearl shadow. When layered overtop the matte shades as intended, the shadows lose their intensity in color contrast. They become slightly dull and ashy. On its own, it's lovely creamy white shimmer perfect for highlighting or solo on the lid. I've even used it as a face highlight and it's beautiful in that way.



(Below) Next up is the Coastal Scents Classic Angled Liner Brush. Again, it was a great sale and recommendation from one of my sweet IG pals that got me to try this brand for the first time.

I purchased the same brush in natural bristles as well, but this synthetic version applies product more evenly for a crisp, clean line. I use it for filling in my brows with pomade or powder, or with powder and gel eye liners. It's a great brush for an amazing deal. It's currently on sale for $1.95 the the Coastal Scents website.


Clinique is another one of my trusted skincare brands. I saw this Moisture Surge Overnight Mask travel size at Ulta and it sounded right up my alley. I'm in love with their original Moisture Surge gel so I had to try this. It's a unique formula that starts off as a gel, then transforms into a thin almost balm-like drink for your skin. The texture disappears and leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft, and supple. It's absolutely lovely because of how effectively hydrating the product works on sensitive skin while still allowing it to breathe.

The packaging also adds to my love. It's perfect for travel because of its size. The squeezy tube format it comes in allows you to get your money's worth 'til the last drop. Am I weird for keeping it in its box? lol I do that with a lot of products. Please tell me you do that too. haha


Up next is the Kleancolor Nail Laquer in the shade 153 Neon Amethyst. This is one of my favorite colors in general so I'm naturally drawn to it. It's probably my favorite shade of polish to wear out of my entire collection. This is a shade that compliments any skin tone and can work throughout most of the year…at least here in California :) This brand is very affordable and is on par with Sinful Colors in terms of quality and longevity. Can't go wrong!


This next product I may have mentioned in a Favorites post before, but I've really been getting good use out of it this month. It's the limited edition Wet N' Wild Coloricon Blush & Go Trio in Fair Trade Coffee. I hate posting limited edition items after they've been pulled from shelves, but I've seriously used this product nearly every day this month in some capacity.

These neapolitan shades work great as shadows, highlight, cheek toppers, or even as finishing powders when used lightly with a fluffy natural bristled brush. I hope they introduce similar permanent products soon!


The Elf Studio Gotta Glow Lip Tint was purchased out of sheer nostalgia. The concept of this balm to tint lippy reminds me of someone very dear to me.

One of my first makeup memories was of my late aunt Rosa's magical lipsticks that would transform from a sickly yellow to a beautiful pink or red hue. At 7 years old, it would blow my mind how that could be possible. I thought it was so cool! When I saw the Elf Lip Tint I had to purchase one as a nod to her quirky self and all of the wonderfully loving memories I have of her.

Mood Magic Lipsticks
(Click here for image source)


Elf's lip tint isn't marketed as being dependent on magic, but on your personal pH level--which when you think about it, isn't that kind of the same thing? ;) This product will look different on everyone while adding a very personal touch.


Not too much needs to be said about this next product. It's the seriously hyped Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop. Every time I open it I'm in complete awe of just how gorgeous it really is. Its golden tones with peachy pink reflects makes it suitable for any skin undertone and just about every complexion. To read more about my initial thoughts, click here.

If you think it looks gorgeous in pictures, let me tell you, it looks even better in person.


Keeping with the highlight theme, I've also fallen for this Elf Studio Baked Blush in Pink Tastic. Now (not so) oddly enough the resemblance between both highlighting products I'm sharing is really similar. I'll have to investigate further and see if this Elf version is a possible wallet friendly alternative.

It has a white golden base with a pink marble laced throughout which mixed together gives it that golden/peachy tone. It applies sheerly with a light hand and can also easily be built up for a stronger effect.


Another trend for me this month was nails. If you saw my 'Current Favorites Tag' post earlier this month on Instagram you would have seen a couple of these products floating around on there. The L.A. Colors Nail Polish Remover Pads were included in those faves because of their surprising quality. Never mind the yummy acetone free strawberry scent, these little pads take off glitter polish! If you hold the pad over your nails for a few seconds, it breaks up glitter much better than standard acetone nail polish remover.

The formula contains moisturizing oil-like agents (Propylene Glycol) which acts as a solvent without stripping your nails. They're perfect for travel and on the go since they don't have that sickly alcohol/acetone smell that'll turn heads. I purchased mine at the Dollar Tree.


Lastly we have the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation in the shade 53 Light Beige which I've been sparingly using since my trip to England last winter. It's probably in my top 3 foundations I've ever used due to its non disruptive and hydrating formula. It goes on smoothly and though lots of beauty bloggers and YouTubers say it's for on non-oily skin, I'd have to disagree. I have quite oily skin and absolutely love it! Its hydrating properties allow my skin the proper moisture throughout the day to not overcompensate with oil. When set with a powder, this is one of the longest lasting foundations I've tried for day-to-day use.

Unfortunately for us in the U.S., Bourjois isn't sold here in stores anymore. The Chanel owned brand stays close to home in Europe unless carried through ASOS online, but they're currently sold out. Keep checking back with ASOS to see if they restock if you're interested in trying it out. This one's worth hype!


I'd love to know what you've been loving lately :) Keep in touch on Instagram, Tumblr, or leave me a comment here so we can chit-chat.

As always, thanks so much for taking the time to read my thoughts ♥  Have a fab day! xoxo

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