Not a Makeup Maven

Looking for a Foundation?

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I finally found IT!

By that I mean that I finally found a foundation I genuinely like, which is a challenge when you’re as pale-skinned as me. I’ll probably tell you about it later…at some point…but for now I thought you might like to see something I wish I’d found while I was looking.

The Best Foundation of 2018

I’ve probably mentioned more than once that I’m a reviews junkie, and this site satisfies that need. They put a LOT of work into narrowing down the world of foundations to a manageable list of products they then tried out on real women. Their criteria for what they even looked at impressed me. I think their reviews and conclusions will impress you as well.

Enjoy!

Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C

Elizabeth Mott It’s So Big Volumizing Mascara

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$15

I really like this mascara, and that’s saying something!

Birchbox is good about mascara samples; usually you get one while you’re still using one. When this came in, I was using Smashbox Cosmetics’ X-rated Mascara. I loved its formula-truly liked everything about the way it worked. I hated the brush. Maybe I was just inept, but that thing and I never did learn to work together.

So i was ready to try It’s So Big, and I found myself quite happy. The hourglass shape of the brush enables me to put mascara where I want it and nowhere else. The volumizing formula is also excellent. It ages well, stays on well, and comes off well. Yes, I also judge a mascara by how it comes off. Lazy, remember?

Another thing I watch for in mascaras is how long I’m able to use a tube. Some that have seemed great at first started clumping way too soon. This one has proven itself in this regard; I’ve been using it for quite a while now and it seems every bit as nice today as it was on the day I opened the tube. I have a feeling this one may be purchased soon. I’m definitely pleased!

Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle

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$23.50

Okay, so it’s not makeup. I really can’t limit myself strictly to makeup, though, because Birchbox has introduced me to other great products as well, and this is one my my favorites. In fact, I like it so much that I gave it to my sister for her birthday. Her hair tangles like no one’s I’ve ever seen, and it didn’t take her long to figure out that this works better than any other detangler she’s ever tried.

I use it primarily as a protector and smoother. I spray this marvelous smelling stuff on my damp hair and either let it dry or blow it dry. Then, when I use my flat iron later, I get that smooth glossy hair we all want.

This is one product I will not be without!

I buy mine at Birchbox!

Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C

Full Disclosure: If you order through my Birchbox link, I get points.

Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes

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Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes

Full: $25
Travel: $11

I’ve kept a travel size of Sens’Eyes in my cabinet for years. I’ve specifically kept the travel size because it takes very little to remove your eye makeup, which means a small bottle lasts a long time. I’ve used Sens’Eyes because it’s that good.

The pretty, blue lotion comes in a pump applicator and you truly use a tiny bit even for the most stubborn waterproof mascara. I’ve experimented with quite a few mascaras and hardly found any it can’t handle. Too, it’s called Sens’Eyes because it is designed specifically with those who have sensitive eyes in mind. Yes, even contact lens wearers are safe with this one. You can also use it on synthetic lashes.

It is fragrance free and opthalmologist and dermatologist tested.

As I said in my review of Marcelle’s 3-in-1 Micellar Solution, I have moved on, but I still keep this one in the cabinet just in case.

Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C

Milk Makeup Lip & Cheek

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Milk Makeup Lip & Cheek

$24

Here’s another product I will soon be ordering. As you can see, I’m still using the sample. One thing I like about Birchbox samples is that they last a surprisingly long time!

This multi-tasking product is for both cheeks and lips. On my lips it is a luxurious lipstick that adds just the right touch of color (I have fair skin and the color I have is Perk). Its performance on my cheeks, however, is what really sold it to me.

I dab it on my cheeks, over my foundation, and smooth it out with my fingers. It responds instantly to the warmth of my skin and blends like a dream. If I want more color, I just dab on another layer. Afterwards, I put on powder to set it and I’m done unless I choose to add a powdered blush. The color is long-lasting, keeping me from having to reapply makeup halfway through the day.

Definitely a keeper!

Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C

Yes, I will buy it from Birchbox Referral Link.

SeneGence ShadowSense

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$22

LipSense is all the rage on Facebook right now (for good reason) and I will likely review it at some point, but first I absolutely must share about ShadowSense because it is THE BOMB!

These eye shadows, which contain SenePlex Complex (anti-aging formula), come in the same style tubes as LipSense. Application is easy with the wand, and you can blend with your finger, brush, or sponge. I generally dab some dots on my eyelids and smooth them out with my finger. It goes on as a cream, dries to a powder, and after 1 to 2 minutes is set and stays put until you remove it. No kidding! I’ve worn the same eye makeup for three days before!

ShadowSense does not crease. Even if you only use it as a primer, putting other shadows on top to it, your shadow will not crease. It is also extremely versatile. I’ve seen videos where gals used it for everything from eyeliner to contour. This stuff is so awesome it even had me considering signing up to be a rep. After all, with eyeshadow this good, the rest of their products must be amazing too.

There are many SeneGence reps out there, but if you would like to meet mine, Blair Eubank, you can find her at Blair’s site or lbeubank@gmail.com.

Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C

Marcelle 3-in-1 Micellar Solution

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Marcelle 3-in-1 Micellar Solution

$21

This 3-in-1 makeup remover/toner/cleanser was a revelation to me. For years, regardless of my chosen cleanser, I’ve used Make Up For Ever’s Sens’Eyes and loved it: The tiniest bit removes eye makeup exceptionally well. But then this 3-in-1 Micellar Solution appeared in my Birchbox shipment and I was hooked!

I use round cotton pads soaked in this solution to remove everything. Eye makeup and lip color practically melt off. Makeup removal takes all of two minutes, even if I’m wearing resistant mascara. Its calming ingredients are also great for my skin and never leave it feeling like it’s been stripped.

The bottle is also a great surprise. Pop open the top, lay your cotton pad on the slightly cupped surface, and pump. You can put just what you need on the pad—no waste, no fuss, no mess.

Love it!

Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C

I buy my Micellar from Birchbox (referral link).

Not a Makeup Maven

Tammy M CardwellLeave a comment

I am seriously, genuinely, NOT a makeup maven. I don’t care about learning to contour, have only recently been told I’ve been applying my lipstick wrong forever, and (to be honest) usually go to bed without cleansing my face.

Yes. I know this is a bad thing.

All of this being true, but knowing I have a responsibility to the world to present a decent face, bearing in mind that I am not one to haunt the aisles of Sephora and Ulta (Yes, I know what they are.), I decided at some point last year to splurge on a Birchbox subscription. The thing has paid for itself many times over, and I’ve discovered some products I absolutely love.

So a new blog category is born: Not a Makeup Maven. At some point soon I’ll share about one of my newest favorites.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in seeing what Birchbox is all about – and don’t mind me sharing a link that will earn me credits to spend on goodies…

Birchbox – referral link

Celebrating Jesus!

Tammy c