Drug Store Make Up Recommendations

So my friend Jen requested this post and I'm actually really glad she did.  I never get to play with or talk about make up anymore.  My life revolves around IV's, catheters, surgery, and a plethora of human bodily fluids.
I am very glamorous.
So obviously I would be the person to come to for make up recommendations.  I actually made a Snapchat video about a month ago about this very thing that I will try to add to this post.
So pause Fuller House, grab some hot chocolate, and pretend I'm a famous beauty blogger about to unlock all my best secrets....

Foundation
Revlon Color Stay for Normal/Dry skin $10.99
I can't say enough good things about this foundation.  It goes on so well and stays on all day.  They also have every single shade.
Pricey comparison: NARS Sheer Glow $42

Eyeliner
Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner $7.99
I am obsessed with felt tip liquid eyeliner.  I think they are the absolute best and go on so smooth for that perfect cat eye.  Cat eye is kinda my thing so....it's what I do.  This eyeliner is just as good as the expensive ones I've used and it seriously lasts forever.  I only buy like 2 a year and I use it every day.  At $7 each I would say that's a huge deal!
Pricey comparison: Lancome Artliner $30

Mascara
Maybelline The Falsies Mascara $7.99
So everyone knows that I'm a huge mascara snob.  I am very picky and I don't devote myself to a mascara easily.  This is THE BEST.  I repeat THE BEST drugstore mascara you can own.  It fans lashes out so perfectly I want to kiss myself.
Pricey comparison: Too Faced Better Than Sex $24

Blush
Milani Baked Blush in "Luminoso" $8.99
I have a blush obsession.  Seriously.  I think I have like 15 different blushes.  I found this blush and fell in love.
Pricey comparison: NARS blush in Orgasm $36 (it's my one true love so please know I don't make this suggestion lightly)

And because I'm me....I have to include skin care.  I have found two wonderful skin care products both by Garnier that I'm obsessed with.

And that is that.  Jen...I hope it helps.  I'll stay on the look out and keep you updated.  And to everyone else....I know.  I'm like the plain oatmeal in the variety pack.  You can use all the fancy ones but eventually....you'll have to use me.  On second thought....I could also use that line on my Tinder profile.
xoxo
V
For my awkward video....{.here you go}

All About Lipstick

I love that quote....I feel like those are the only 3 things I have a way with too....besides having a way with drinking a 12 pack of Diet Coke in less than a week.
So as you may have guessed....because I may have mentioned it a thousand time or two...I LOVE lipstick. You could even say I'm slightly obsessed.  This is a fairly recent obsession.  About 5 years ago I wouldn't even wear lipgloss (I know....hard to imagine right?) then when I started working in make up I would wear lipgloss sometimes....but in the last year or so it's been all about the lipstick. So I thought I would share some of my current favorite lipstick colors for winter.  In the winter I like deeper, richer colors. However...that's not to say I don't like to change it up and go for a nice nude/pink/coral.  So let's get on with it then!

Deep Colors

L to R: Very Currant- Clinique, Shade 01- Kate Moss for Rimmel, #12 Forbidden Burgundy- YSL, Roundest Raspberry- Clinique, Hot Lava- Estee Lauder, After Party- Clinique, Mightiest Maraschino- Clinique, #11 Rose Culte- YSL

Light Colors

L to R: Cherry On Top- Maybelline Color Whisper, Silvery Moon- Clinique, Corail In Love- Lancome, Snob- MAC, Runway Coral- Clinique, #13 Peach Passion- YSL, Urban Ballet- Lancome

When I think of lipstick in the winter I think deep reds, burgundys, violets but I love switching it up with a coral or pink every now and then just so I don't get stuck in a rut.  Winter is hard enough as it is. 

Any lipstick favorites of yours???  Please share!!! 

xoxo

V

Top 10 Favorite Clinique Products

So as you know.....I work for Clinique....and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.  I mean....working for the #1 brand in the world is pretty easy to love.  There are so many reasons why I love Clinique.  First and foremost being that their skin care is the BEST skin care around.  There is nothing better outside of a dermatologist office for the skin.  Not only is their skin care the best but everything they make is....the best.  I decided to share with you my Top 10 all time favorite products from Clinique.  Just to serve as a little guide for some things that I feel are must-haves.
*Bonus points to the person who finds the misplaced Doctor Who reference in this post....

1. Clarifying Lotion "The Difference Maker"

I've mentioned Clarifying Lotion before and how much I love it.  We call it the difference maker and it really is.  It's custom fit, twice a day exfoliation that ANYONE and EVERYONE should use.  It fits perfectly into every skin care routine and makes your skin softer, clearer, more radiant.  Can't live without!

2. Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

If you are concerned with dark spots, acne scarring, or even just an overall uneven skin tone...this is the product for you.  I have noticed such a difference in my skin since I started using this.  It's evened out my skin tone so much.  This is a product I immediately have to replace when I run out.

3. Even Better Eyes

I love this eye cream.  It's super lightweight which I love.  It also reflects light which gives a brightening effect to the under-eye area.  I'm super picky about my eye creams so trust me when I say this is the best one I've ever used.

4. Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

 I talked about this in one of my videos but it's my all time favorite make up remover.  It starts out as a balm that melts into this oil that removes all your face and eye makeup.  It leaves your skin feeling so nice and soft.

5. CC Cream

Clinique was the first to offer a CC Cream and might I say....they did it the best.  I am in love with CC cream.  Normally I'm a very moderate-full coverage foundation gal.  With this CC cream...even though it's a sheer coverage, it color corrects the skin tone so well you don't need a full coverage.  I love how lightweight it feels and....bonus!  SPF 30!  Brilliant.

6. Moisture Surge

 Such a nice moisturizer....especially if your skin is like mine and is combo/oily but still needs a healthy dose of hydration.  My skin gets dehydrated very easily (probably because I live in this dry wasteland) but I can't add too much oil to my skin otherwise I'll break out.  Well.....Allons-y!  This stuff works wonders!  It seriously feels like a delicious, velvety, drink for the skin.

7. All About Eyes Serum

This is a rollerball serum that you can pair with any eye cream you use.  It helps de-puff the eye area and feels like a nice cool massage under your eyes.  *Bonus tip! Pop this baby into the refrigerator and then use....ohhhhh my.  Delightfully refreshing.

8. Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel

 Or...."the miracle worker" as I like to call it.  Have a little spot pop up?  Don't worry...just dab a little spot healing gel on it and literally overnight it's half the size.  Can't live without this for when a little spot likes to try and surprise me.

9. Take The Day Off Make Up Remover

 I usually use my balm to take my eye make up off (because I'm lazy) however when the occasion strikes I do use this make up remover for my eyes (especially if my liquid liner decides to have a complete mind of its own...which is 98% of the time).  It's the best make up remover for eyes I've ever used.  I've used ones that were literally twice as much money but because they add so much fragrance to them....they started irritating my eyes.  This one never does.  Love it!

10. Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam

I don't break out so often anymore (thanks to my 3 step skin care) however during that special and beautiful time each month when all the hormones in my body are screaming at each other like cast members of the Real Housewives, I will break out a little bit.  I just add this into my skin care routine and seriously.....guys.....I can't stress enough how well this works or how nice it is.  It's a foam and just makes your skin feel so clean!  PLUS it works!!!  Love.

Bonus product

If you use make up brushes....stop what you're doing....head to your local Clinique counter, and buy this make up brush cleanser.  It works so well!  I'll use it to spot clean my brushes or mix it with some warm water to give them a deep clean.  Again....fragrance free so your brushes are so clean, don't smell like flowers or anything weird, and don't leave your brushes with any sort of weird residue.  

So there you have it.  My Top 10, can't live without, Clinique products!  If you have any other questions on any other Clinique products....let me know!  I'd love to answer them!

And if you use any of these....let me know!  We can squeal over how awesome they are together!

xoxo

V

Happy Friday!!!

In honor of it being the freakin weekend.....I present you with a new video!!!!

You can watch it HERE

Have a good weekend and thanks for being awesome!  

xoxo

V

Weekend Collage Returns!

weekend collage by vanessanelson featuring a high heels stilettos

Hey it's been awhile since I've done this!  Are you excited???  Yeah I know.

THINGS I'M CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH:

Military Tab shirt from ASOS: OMG LOVE LOVE LOVE

Dark nail polish like "Chimney Sweep" by Butter London

Boot shoes = the best

MAC lipstick in Rebel 

Benefit "Watts Up" highlighter....seriously the best highlighter I've ever used.

Beyonce.  I mean....she's everything.  I love EVERY song on the album but I would have to say the ones I listen to most are: "Pretty Hurts" "XO" "Flawless" and "Partition" .....if you don't own this record already....what is wrong with you??? Listen to it and let's cry about how perfect it is together.

I'm also thinking about doing a blog post on the Golden Globes...they were amazing.  While you wait for that you can check out my previous posts on award shows {HERE} You can go back and see all the times I referred to Jennifer Lawrence as "obscure girl" or "I don't know your name" *face palm*

How was your weekend?  I'd love to hear some happy weekend stories.  Share them below! 

xoxo

V

My Every Day Make Up

So I thought I'd do a little video just showing you my every day make up routine.  It's pretty simple....nothing special but nonetheless there ya go!

(maybe the best picture of me....of all time)


Watch it HERE

Hope you are all staying warm wherever you are.  If you have any ideas or tutorials or anything you'd like to see....let me know!  I'm working on a post on my favorite lipsticks at the moment but currently one of those lipsticks has gone missing.....so I'll be Sherlock-ing that tomorrow and hopefully have that up soon!
Thanks for watching/reading!
xoxo
V

New Lipstick Is A Girl's Best Friend

I got a fun bright new pink lipstick that I'm very excited about!!!

 Post about my favorite lipsticks at the moment to come soon!!!!

**also be looking for some fun make up tutorials**

Holiday Haul!

My Holiday Haul video is posted!!!  Check it out HERE!!!

Leave me lot's of cute comments and thumbs up because I'm a girl who needs those things for validation.
xoxo

Summer Make Up Essentials

make up stuff by vanessanelson featuring a cream eye shadow

1) Clinique BB Cream -$37

Love the lightweight texture.  It helps correct skin tone, hydrates, and protects!  

2) Dior Bronzing Powder - $46

LOVE a great bronzer all year round but especially in summer.  I usually like to get a matte one just because you can add shimmer with your blush.

3) Nars "The Multiple" Cream Blush -$39

Love love love this blush!  Super easy to use and the perfect shades.  

4) Bobbi Brown Cream Shadows - $24

I like using cream shadows in the summer because they are lightweight and natural looking.  

5) Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes Liner - $18

One of the smoothest eyeliners I've ever used.  It's good to have a waterproof one in the summer because there's more opportunities for it to run (humidity, sweat, swimming)

6) Laura Mercier Lip Glace - $24

Seriously the best gloss EVER.  My favorite shade is "Opal" because it's a gorgeous beige/pink.  It's perfection.  These glosses are lightweight, not sticky....amazing.

I know a lot of these are pricey so.....I made ANOTHER  set of summer essentials just because I love you!

Untitled #42 by vanessanelson featuring revlon cosmetics

1) Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation - $10.49

I love the PhotoReady line from Revlon.  I think it's one of the best that drugstore brands have to offer.  The mousse make up is super lightweight, has good coverage, and a little goes a long way.

2) Maybelline Fit Me Bronzer - $4.49

Matte finish, 3 different shades.  The staying power isn't the best but it works well for the price!

3) Sonia Kashuk Creme Blush - $9.89

Sonia Kashuk is a make up artist who developed a line of cosmetics for Target.  I LOVE her products.  Good quality without the high price tag.  Her cream blush is FABULOUS.

4) Revlon Illuminance Cream Shadow - $4.94

Before I worked at a department store cosmetics counter...these were the only shadows I used!  I love them.  Not a lot of staying power but I bet if you splurged on a really good eyeshadow base, these would stay on a lot better.

5) Cover Girl Lash Blash 24H Liner - $6.99

Love the precision point on the liner and the fact that it's long lasting!

6) Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter - $6.49

My friend Morgan introduced me to these and I'm OBSESSED.  Wears so comfortably...almost like a balm but has great great color!  My faves so far are: Strawberry Shortcake, Cherry Tart, and Raspberry Pie

Everyone should own at LEAST one of these.

I hope this post was helpful!  I'll be doing more of these so if you have any questions or tips you'd like to see...let me know!

xoxo