So, I am way behind on blogging this month.  There’s been a lot going on that has kept me busy, the first being my daughter’s college graduation.  I can’t believe she has already earned her degree (actually it’s two degrees).  However, in all the hubbub I did manage to try out a few new beauty products that I want to share with you.

A New Favorite Eyeliner?!

I have mentioned before that my absolute favorite eyeliner is Marc Jacobs Fineliner Ultra-Skinny Gel Eye Crayon.  I’m not breaking up with Marc; it’s still one of the best eyeliners out there, but I actually ran out of it during Sephora’s VIB Sale in April and when I went to order it, it was OUT OF STOCK!  Apparently I am not the only fan of this stuff.  In a panic, I decided to order a couple other brands, hoping that I would like at least one of them as much as the Fineliner.  The good news is, I did!  Smashbox’s Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner  glides on smoothly and stays put all day long.  In fact, you’ll need eye makeup remover to take  it off.  It took me  a minute to figure out the whole “stay sharp” thing, but it’s a simple twist to the right to sharpen, and twist to the left to open.  The tip is definitely not as fine as the Marc Jacobs Fineliner, but as far as ease of application and staying power goes, this is a good one.

When you don’t wash

During the VIB sale, I also snagged a mini size of Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo Light Tones.  I opted for the mini since I had never used it before and wasn’t sure if I would like it. It smells nice and sprays on evenly.  You will get a little bit of a sort of white powder (which apparently is the rice starch in it), but it blends right in after brushing it through your hair.  This is specifically for blonde hair and has a teensy bit of lavender in it, which does a fantastic job of balancing brassiness in blonde hair.  I had my hair colored about 6 weeks ago and it was looking very golden and brassy; this spray made a noticeable difference.  They do have a version for dark hair as well.  I already purchased a full size, as this is now my new favorite dry shampoo.

Help! I’m pasty white!

While prepping for the graduation party festivities, I knew I needed to do something about my pale skin if I was going to wear the sleeveless dresses, tops, and shorts I planned on.  I just ran out of my favorite gradual tanning lotion, so I grabbed a sample of Jergens Natural Glow Sunless Tanning Mousse at Target for just $1.99.  This stuff is great – it produces instant color so be sure to THOROUGHLY WASH YOUR HANDS (or use a mitt), otherwise you will have tan palms.  I used it liberally on my legs, arms, and shoulders and it produced a very natural looking color – not at all orange.  And, it didn’t leave that awful “self-tanner smell” that a lot of them produce.  And so far, it hasn’t flaked off or looked weird; the color just sort of fades away after a few days.  I plan on going back to Target for the full size bottle of this stuff to keep me golden all summer.

Smell-Good Stuff

When it comes to fragrance, I’m very picky.  I like subtle scents that aren’t too strong or florally.  My go-to scent is Coco Mademoiselle.  I don’t know how to describe it, other than it is pleasant, but the Chanel website describes it as a “sparkling Oriental fragrance” with hints of “vibrant orange” and finishes with an accent of Patchouli.  Interesting, because I tend to prefer citrus scents, and well, in college I did go through a patchouli phase.  I wear this most days, and I frequently get compliments like “you smell nice,” or “what perfume is that because I want to buy it for my wife.”  I find it weird when people comment on my scent, but strangers invading your personal space is a whole other topic.  The point is, it’s my favorite perfume and it suits me so I rarely use anything else, and when I do it’s Calvin Klein Euphoria for all the same reasons.  I was shopping with my younger daughter one evening and we ventured in to Urban Outfitters.  I casually picked up a bottle of Gourmand EDP Fragrance in Thé Matcha and was surprised that I actually liked it, as I frequently regret spritzing an unknown perfume.  It’s an unusual scent, sort of herbal and earthy and I liked that it was refreshing and not heavy.  It’s the perfect scent for the spring and summer and my husband even complimented me when I was wearing it the first time.  So now I have an official #3 perfume to add to my repertoire, and the fantastic news is it costs a fraction of the other two I mentioned above, at just $18!

Next month for June’s Fav Four, I’m going to compare 4 of my favorite mascaras – so come back and check it out then!