A few of my favorite things - Travel edition

          After a brief stint at home in Chicago, I'm on the road again! This time, I'm writing from Midway Airport, en route to ATL. It's been an eventful morning, to say the least. I got here bright and early, only to find out my 8am flight had been cancelled! After some mumbles and grumbles about booking a later flight (and drowning my so-called sorrows in sweet tea), I've found a comfy spot where I can relax and piece together a post! (I'm running on three hours of sleep, so hopefully, I can keep things together and typo-free.)

         Today I thought I'd put together a travel edition of my A few of my favorite things posts, as that seems to be mostly what I've been doing lately! While I don't have a set of bright copper kettles of warm woolen mittens in my luggage, I do have a number of my travel sized beauty and skincare essentials to share with you today. Everything is pictured in my Sonia Kashuk Zig Zag Weekender travel case, which I was sent recently. It's colorful, got tons of pockets for organization, and has been a constant companion during this time. You could say I'm a fan. Now, on to what's within...

         I have a reputation for being a bit of a high maintenance traveler. I feel like my things are well edited, but somehow I always seem to have more bags than anyone else. I'm pretty proud of my makeup edit above, I feel like the combination has worked well for me these past few trips. (I've also linked a lot of my reviews below, so you can read / see more if you're interested)

         I never compromise on my foundation, so I always have CHANEL Perfection Lumière, CHANEL Double Perfection Lumière, and CHANEL Poudre Universelle. It seems like a lot, but I do use all three, usually lightly layered. My current cheek essentials include NARS Gaiety and NARS Oasis, which I've been liking as a contour. I take MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Brow for a long lasting brow. Urban Decay NAKED 3 has been my BFF for eyes; I love how the lightly pink toned mattes in this palette make me look more awake, especially when I'm behind on sleep, like today. NARS Larger Than Life Mascara and MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner, are of course holy grail products for me.

         I try to throw in a few miscellaneous minis for fun. Right now you can see Benefit Watt's Up, a Bobbi Brown shimmer gloss, and TopShop Cream Blush in Afternoon Tea in my bag as well. And of course, I have a number of lip products and mini eyeliner pencils rolling around in my purse on a usual basis.

         In terms of brushes, I try to stick with synthetics, both for cruelty-free and cleansing reasons. It's tough to bring around my beautyblender, so I've been using my Bobbi Brown Foundation brush instead. I've been using MAKE UP FOR EVER 132 (wavy flat brush) for powder; I've become quite the fan of this one. Other essentials include MAKE UP FOR EVER 148 (stippling brush) for cheeks, MAC 263 (angled liner), Bobbi Brown Eye Liner brush, and my Shu curler. I usually take other brushes at whim, usually this includes an EcoTools Angled liner and Concealer brush. I don't like bringing too many or too expensive brushes with me, as they seem easy to lose (knock on wood). However, I do prefer full length handles, so it's not often that I'll pack mini brushes to save space.

These two clear zip pockets conveniently attach via velcro to the second compartment of my Sonia Kashuk travel case. 

        Confession: in terms of skin / hair care, I actually have a lot more random little items (a la Q-tips, etc etc) than shown above. However, they're usually stuffed into the non-clear pockets of my Sonia Kashuk Zig Zag Weekender.

       Hair is another one of those things I just cannot sacrifice on. My curly hair is so frizz prone and capricious that I bring my ghd 1" to straighten it out and thereby keep it under control. Which means, the right heat protection and shampoos are necessary. Lately I've been all about Living Proof, so I purchased a Living Proof 'Full' travel size set, and a mini Living Proof 'Straight' hair spray to keep things under control.

        I've shown a few of my skincare favorites as well. Avalon Organics Vitamin C serum is an old favorite that I've used on and off over the years; I actually picked up this bottle during my trip to Alabama. I love Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate for it's high Vitamin C content as well; it's my preferred foundation base (as opposed to primer). TATCHA Cleansing oil is one of my favorite cleansers and a great way to remove the makeup. The miniature size was a part of the TATCHA Jet Set Travel Kit. It's nice to have a good shower gel as well; I happened to find this little bottle of Bliss Lemon + Sage at Marshalls.

        I hope you've enjoyed this edition of A few of my favorite things. Southern weather is beckoning, and it looks like I'm finally getting on a flight! If you have any questions any of the products above, let me know! I've linked a lot of them to my original reviews for convenience. As for my Sonia Kashuk Zig Zag Weekender ($29.99), I believe the zig zag pattern is currently available at Target, if you're interested!

       Thanks for reading! What are your travel must haves? What case do you pack your beauty and skincare necessities in?

Love, Dovey.

A few of my favorite things - July 2014

          Happy Saturday! I've been enjoying a week filled with brown paper packages (tied up with strings), thanks to some major hauling this past fourth of July weekend. I can't wait to share new discoveries from J.Crew, Cole Haan, and my favorite beauty brands, as soon as I have the chance to take a few snaps. In the meantime, I have stationery, songbirds, and other delights to share with you on this edition of A few of my favorite things!

1. Kate Spade Saturday notebook
Knowing my Kate Spade aficionada ways, my mom picked up this cute paper notebook for me. The pages are lined with fun yellow graph paper.

2. Parker ballpoint pen in Pink Ribbon
I'm loving this sleek little pen; it's a chic alternative to your usual twelve-pack pens. (And it's pink!)

3. CHANEL Poudre Universelle Compacte in 20
There's something iconic about this CHANEL compact! I'm loving the soft finish it adds on top of my CHANEL Perfection Lumière foundation.

4. CHANEL La Nuit de Chanel Evening Recharging Face Care
I'm loving this little sample of La Nuit de Chanel (the evening cream from CHANEL's new skincare lineup)! The frankincense extract adds a luxurious aroma to the experience.

5. US Postal Songbirds stamps
You know me, I had to pick up this bird themed set of Forever Stamps. Every time I head to the post office I'm tempted to start collecting again...

6. Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Cement
I've been falling in love with my Bobbi Brown eyeshadows (for the umpteenth time). Cement is among my signature shades.

7. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Brow in Ash (click for my review)
After going the eyeshadow route for my brows these past months, I finally converted back to using MAKE UP FOR EVER's Aqua Brow formula. It adds a little more lasting powder during warmer months.

         Thanks for reading! What have you been loving lately?

Love, Dovey.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artisan Brush Collection 2013 (#102, #106, #132, #148, #214, #236, #244, #258, #302, #412) review + photos

          By now, most of you know that art has been a longtime passion of mine that both fuels and complements my passion for beauty. Whether in the form of my original Inspired by Art series, the smatterings of my own artistic creations (see one here), or even in my photography, my love for art touches every aspect of Cute and Mundane! Although all beauty products contain the spark of art, every so often I find a product that truly encapsulates this ever-present dichotomy of spirit. Among these, the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artisan Brush Collection really stands out!

          When it comes to painting, different media require completely different sets of brushes. Water and oil don't mix, and neither do watercolor brushes and oil paint!  Similarly, the myriad textures and compositions found in makeup require specific and specialized applicators. The brand new MAKE UP FOR EVER Artisan Brush Collection does an amazing job of addressing the needs of both beauty enthusiasts and professionals with seventy-six well-crafted tools. It's worth mentioning that the dark wood-grain handles evoke the feel of actual artists' paintbrushes!

          The coolest part of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artisan Brush Collection is that all the bristles are specially designed synthetics. These innovative bristles come in a variety of combinations of diameters and textures: thick, thin, wavy and straight. The variations in texture mimic natural fibers, giving much more versatility than your typical straight synthetics. As an animal lover, I try to stick to synthetics as much as possible. Plus, I find that they're more hygienic and better at enduring the rigors of vigorous washing.

          The MAKE UP FOR EVER 100 series consists of complexion brushes. The #102 Foundation Kabuki Small ($36) has a full head and picks up both powders and liquids well. It's great for working bases around the nose or other delicate features that larger brushes might miss. #106 Foundation Brush Medium ($36) is your basic paddle-shaped foundation brush with straight fibers. #132 Powder Flat Kabuki ($55) is a unique flat brush with very supple wavy fibers. It's great for a sheer dusting of powder. #148 Blending Blush Brush ($55) (seen in first photo only) is a duo fiber with both long straight and short wavy bristles meant for use with cream products. It's soft and bendy and excels at light application.

          The MAKE UP FOR EVER 200 series consists of eye brushes. The #214 Precision Crease Brush Small ($25) has bendy straight fibers that are good for precision work or for those of us with small creases or lids. I find it really handy. #236 Precision Blender Brush Large ($31) is a full dome-shaped brush made up of wavy fibers. It's my favorite of the bunch and works incredibly well for depositing even amounts of eyeshadow over large areas. I want one in every size! #244 Precision Shader Brush Large ($31) is a flat paddle with straight fibers that works well for depositing more color. #258 Precision Eyeliner Brush Large ($24) has a small short paddle-shaped head that's similar in concept to Bobbi Brown's Ultra Fine eyeliner brush. You can apply liner using the thin or thick edge depending on the desired line.

          The MAKE UP FOR EVER 300 and 400 series consist of lip and artistic specialty brushes, respectively. The #302 Precision Lip Brush ($21) is a small flat brush that can deposit lip color precisely. #412 Paint Brush, Medium ($43) is a pro-artist's brush that can be used to deposit creams and liquids on large areas of the body. It looks a lot like a paintbrush, and it's a fun addition to my brush collection.

           The MAKE UP FOR EVER Artisan Brush collection pleases both the artist and aesthete in me! I love the gorgeous dark design, the great performance, and wide variety of brushes in this collection, especially in a landscape where high-end synthetic bristles are hard to find. I'm particularly fond of the innovative 'wavy' synthetic bristles and the quality of the eye brushes.

           My favorite brushes from my set are #214, #246, and #132. The #214 Precision Crease Brush is wonderfully convenient for working on a smaller lid space. The #236 Precision Large Blender Brush Large is my favorite brush of the bunch. As mentioned above, it deposits shadow smoothly and quickly over a large area. I've been using it in lieu of a typical eyeshadow brush. The #132 Powder Flat Kabuki is a fun, unique brush. It's great for when I want a sheer layer of finishing powder.

           I can't wait until the full collection launches at Sephora and MAKE UP FOR EVER boutiques in September 2013. There are a few brushes I'd love to add to my collection! Thanks for reading! Which brushes stand out to you? Are you planning on exploring the collection in stores?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Extravagant Mascara review

         I'd just about used up my last tube of MAKE UP FOR EVER's Smoky Lash mascara when their latest smoky offering popped into my mailbox! Lashes are my favorite part of my beauty routine, so I'm thrilled to share my review of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Extravagant Mascara with you today!

        The MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Extravagant Mascara has a large teardrop-shaped wand tip. It's quite different from the short-bristled MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash mascara tip, as you can see below. At first glance, one might think the large head would be unwieldy, however I find it's quite the opposite. It's just as easy, if not easier to use than a short bristled wand. I like how it has some curvature, which makes it is easier to work onto the contour of your eye.

        Most mascaras promise volume of some sort, however they often run the gamut in true effectiveness. Some 'volumizing' formulas barely volumize at all, but extend length well; others add extreme volume but border on becoming clumpy. I'd say  MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Extravagant formula is on the more volumizing side; it added good definition after a few coats (which is the typical routine for my fine lashes). I'm happy to report that the mascara stayed clump-free, even after multiple coats! I also found that the brush shape was able to induce a curl that held decently throughout the course of a work-day. In my air-conditioned work environment, I found no smudging or leaking beneath my eyes.

         Overall, I'd say MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash Mascara is a solid product. The brush is great, and I really appreciate the volume provided by the formula --- clump-free even after after multiple coats! I can be pretty choosy with my mascaras, but this one has earned its place in the 'to-use-now' section of my Muji organizer! Thanks for reading! Have you tried MAKE UP FOR EVER mascaras? What mascara are you currently using?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in #53 Pearly Pastel Green review +comparison swatches

          For those of you who must-have-mint, I have the perfect summer shadow to share with you today!  MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in #53 Pearly Pastel Green is a brand new color from the MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 collection (reviewed here). Aqua Creams are MAKE UP FOR EVER's long lasting waterproof cream eyeshadow formulas. (And by waterproof, they mean waterproof!)

         There are different ways to apply the Aqua Creams. At the recent MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix tour event (read about my experience here), I learned that the best way to apply is with a fluffy synthetic eye brush. This deposits a sheer layer of color that can be built up in intensity. I found that synthetic brushes worked better and deposited color more evenly that flat paddle brushes. You can also use fingers to pat on color as well. Just take care not to deposit too much cream, as thick layers can flake off.

          MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream #53 in Pearly Pastel Green is a light and bright mint green. It's quite pale, especially due to its shimmer factor when seen in sunlight. When worn, it has a brightening effect. I've made a few comparison swatches so that you can get a better idea of what the color looks like. 

          MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in #53 Pearly Pastel Green is a perfect eyeshadow for fun in the sun (and waves!) Be sure to check out more of my swatches from the MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 collection here! Pearly Pastel Green is available at Sephora and MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques.

          Thanks for reading! Have you tried MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Creams? What was the most recent MAKE UP FOR EVER product you tried?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. The link in this post is NOT an affiliate link. It is present for your convenience only.  

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 review + swatches

        I've got a 'splash' of color from the MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 Collection to share with you today! The new collection consists of bright and beautiful colors from the brand's waterproof 'Aqua' line (5 Aqua Rouges + 2 Aqua Lips + 3 Aqua Creams + 2 Aqua eyes). I have (and love!) quite a number of 'Aqua' line items in my collection already, so I was pretty excited to get my hands on a few more pieces, courtesy of MAKE UP FOR EVER. This post features a quick review and swatches of MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in #53 Pearly Pastel Green, MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge in #16 Fuchsia, MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip in #20C Baby Pink, and MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in #52L Pearly Green Lagoon!

        The colors I received from the Aqua Summer 2013 collection are fantastic; I've already worn each quite a few times! MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in #53 Pearly Pastel Green is a pale mint green cream eyeshadow with sheen. It has a fresh, brightening effect when worn. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in #52L Pearly Green Lagoon is a gorgeous teal green eyeliner that reminds me of a mermaid's tail! The formula is smooth, just as you'd expect from an Aqua Eyes eyeliner. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip in #20C Baby Pink is a light, warm pink lipliner that I've really been enjoying. It works well both as a lip liner or a lip color. I found that it wears comfortably for hours. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Rouge in #16 Fuchsia is a heavily pigmented bright pink fuchsia.  I've swatched it below without the clear gloss on top. The Aqua Rouge formula is seriously budge-proof; you can read my thoughts on it here. MAKE UP FOR EVER takes waterproof seriously --- all four products won't budge in water (and yes I've tried)!

         The MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 collection has a fantastic selection of colors, in my humble opinion. I've been particularly obsessing over the two lip products I received, and will definitely be incorporating the greens into my eye routine this summer. I hope to post more in-depth reviews with comparison swatches in the coming days, so stay tuned! The MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 collection is available now at Sephora and MAKE UP FOR EVER boutiques.

        Thanks for reading! Are you eyeing anything from the MAKE UP FOR EVER Summer 2013 collection? What was the last MAKE UP FOR EVER product you tried?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour Chicago - my experience + photos!

        Last Saturday I brought my makeup bag to the MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour's stop in Chicago! As I mentioned earlier (see here), the Remix Tour is all about teaching old makeup bags new tricks. Every beauty gets to work one-on-one with a Pro-Artist to make the most of what she already has. I took a bunch of photos so you could experience the Remix tour with me. Enjoy!

The MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour took place in a huge MAKE UP FOR EVER trailer, not in a store. Most of the stations were inside, however there were a couple seats outside.

I was ushered inside to the seating area with sweets and magazines. I of course took an obligatory Dovey-was-here gold Sperry shot!

While waiting, I filled out the face chart below with my current makeup products and checked out some of the photos of beauty lovers who had had their makeup remixed.

A collage of makeover shots also decorated the walls of the mini lounge.

Here's a shot of the inside of the trailer, where everyone got their makeup done by MAKEUP FOR EVER's Pro Artists! The artists at the Remix tour were from all over the U.S. and even Canada.

I was lucky to get paired with Kelly B., who was awesome! She's a MAKE UP FOR EVER Educator and Artistry director who trains and works with artists at a number of Sephora locations in the midwest.

I chose to focus on MAKE UP FOR EVER products in my makeup bag (see some of my stash here), but any brands were welcome at this event. In addition to learning about my own stash, I had the chance to try new colors at the station as well!

During my 30 minute session, we decided to focus on face basics. The MAKE UP FOR EVER products she used on me were : HD Primer #0, Mat Velvet #35, HD Concealer #335 (undereye), Full Cover #7 (face), HD Concealer #310 (highlight).

I learned a bit about the nuances of MAKE UP FOR EVER concealers. The Full Cover formula has a thicker consistency and is convenient for blemishes as it's tough and more waterproof, while the HD Concealer is a bit more emollient and nice to use for the undereye. The lighter shade of the HD concealer can also be used as a subtle highlight!

My favorite part of the session dealt with brows! Kelly went through the brow positioning basics; it's one thing to know the theory... but another to have a pro do it for you. She suggests starting drawing underneath your brows in the middle, near your arch, then work outwards. If you start elsewhere, your line may become rounded and lose the point of arching.

For the eyes, Kelly chose Aqua Cream #2 (Steel). I learned that a fluffy brush or gentle patting can add a gorgeous veil of color.  The look was finished off with Eyeshadow #40 and Aqua Liner #13.

Naturally, I had to get a list of Kelly's favorite products :

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Black Cream Eyeliner

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Brow #25

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Blush #2 Raspberry

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Powder

Here's a last look at some of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Stations!

I made a point of enjoying some of the displays before heading out. I wouldn't mind having a MAKE UP FOR EVER lipstick or HD foundation collection that looks like this --- a girl can dream!

... and a final goodbye to the truck. I love MAKE UP FOR EVER's artistry photos!

        Overall, I had a great time at the MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour Chicago. It was really one of the best makeovers I've had in a while (thank you Kelly!). By the end, I looked great and learned a lot. It's not often that you have the chance to get educated by talented Pro Artists in an outside-the-counter experience. I definitely recommend stopping by the Remix Tour if you're able to make its final stop in Toronto. For those who couldn't make it to the tour, there's still good news: MAKE UP FOR EVER is partnering will Skillshare (partnership here) to offer free online classes to the public.

          Thanks for reading! Did you stop by a MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour? What are your favorite MAKE UP FOR EVER products?

Love, Dovey.
Disclaimer: I was invited to this event by MAKE UP FOR EVER All thoughts are genuine and my own.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Makeup Bag Remix Tour Chicago : will you be there?

          Next weekend, I'll be getting my makeup bag 'remixed' when the MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour comes to Chicago! A group of MAKE UP FOR EVER Professional Artists have been traveling across the U.S. teaching beauty lovers new ways to use what they already own. All you have to do is bring in a bag of your own makeup (it can be any brand) and sign up for a complementary 30 minute session with a Pro Artist!

          The MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour will be in the Chicago-land area from April 6-7, 2013. Originally, the event had been planned in downtown Chicago, however I recently got word that it has been moved to Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie. You can reserve your session through  MAKE UP FOR EVER's facebook page. Thanks for reading! Have you signed up or attended the MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Tour in your city? Let me know if you're planning on attending the tour in Chicago!

Love, Dovey.
Disclaimer : Some of the products in the above photo were sent for consideration, others are from my personal collection. The MAKE UP FOR EVER link in this post is not an affiliate link; it's present for your convenience.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Technicolor eyeshadow palette review + swatches

        For Spring 2013, MAKE UP FOR EVER has a palette that will take you over the rainbow! The MAKE UP FOR EVER Technicolor eyeshadow palette channels the 1930's cinematic revolution that all began when Dorothy stepped out the door of her windswept home into the magical wonderland of Oz. Like the filmmakers of that period, Dany Sanz has created a palette of over-saturated colors to make them seem more alive.




          The MAKE UP FOR EVER Technicolor palette is housed in black plastic packaging emblazoned with its namesake logo and the silhouette of an eye that seems to be a part of  MAKE UP FOR EVER's trademark imagery. There's a mirror on the inside of the lid. The palette contains eight 0.03 oz. eyeshadows (full size singles are typically 0.08oz.).

          When it comes to wearing brights, I like a small brush head since it allows for more precision. With most products I prefer to use my own full-size applicators, however in this case, I was happy to see miniature 10P and 16P brushes included. I've noticed that a product is often best applied with that brand's own brushes, and that seems to be the case with the Technicolor palette.

         The MAKE UP FOR EVER Technicolor palette is right on with this spring's bright color forecast. I've seen uncannily similar colors in the Spring / Summer 2013 collection in another favorite brand of mine (I guess great artists think alike)! It's also worth noting that the palette is pretty practical too; it has four neutrals in addition to the four brights.

          The MAKE UP FOR EVER Technicolor palette has eight colors, seven of which are from the permanent collection.  I like that MAKE UP FOR EVER chose mostly matte formulations; shimmer in bright colors can be a bit excessive. Black (#04) is a matte black. Yellow (Jaune) is a sunny yellow with slight shimmer. Apple Green (#91) is a fresh parakeet green. Turquoise (#72) is a bright blue. Lilac (#116) is a medium lilac; it's not as bright as the others. White (#00) is a paper white. Espresso (#17) is a rich warm brown. Beige (#126) is a peach-leaning beige with shimmer; as you can see it blends in seamlessly with my skin tone.

           As you can see in my swatches below, the colors are bright and beautiful. However, the formulation of these shadows has been a topic of contention amongst bloggers. Personally, I find that the formula works fine for me. I was delighted by how bright Apple Green and Turquoise looked on my lids after just a couple sweeps of the 16P brush (over NARS Smudgeproof primer). They held up well while blending. That said, I will acknowledge that the formula is a little dryer and not as perfectly silky as the regular line, and some of the colors are easier to work with than others. I think different application methods and applicators make a difference. First, the included brushes seemed to work better for me than my everyday makeup brushes. Second, it helps to swirl brushes vigorously to pick up pigment and swipe them on, as opposed to using a 'packing' method.

         I'm looking forward to incorporating the MAKE UP FOR EVER Technicolor palette ($45) into my routine. Brights aren't workhorse colors, so it's nice to get them in cost-effective palette form. I really enjoyed the story behind the creation of this eyeshadow palette; as you know, I'm a fan of inspirations. I'd say the standout colors are Apple Green and Turquoise; they'd be perfect for the Inspired by Monet look I wrote about earlier this month! Thanks for reading! Have you had the chance to try the Technicolor palette? What kind of look would you create with this palette? What MAKE UP FOR EVER products have you been loving lately?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish powder foundation review + swatches

          MAKE UP FOR EVER has a brand new foundation to kick off the new year! MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish foundation is a powder foundation with a customizable finish. I'm a big fan of the line's foundations, so I'm super excited to share their newest launch with you today!

         MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish foundation is packaged in a straightforward black plastic snap-shut case with a mirrored lid. The pan containing the foundation flips upward to reveal a sponge applicator.

          The foundation can be used dry or wet for customized coverage. The sponge applicator applies the product well, but you can also use a powder brush of course. On the underside of the case there are 'breathing holes' (pictured below), so a wet sponge can quickly dry even when placed inside.

         Although MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish foundation is described as multi-purpose, it behaves mostly like a powder product; it's not going to replace your liquid foundation. Pro-Finish can be used as a standalone product for quick light/medium coverage with a matte finish. After all, powder applies faster and is lower maintenance than a liquid foundation. The finish is a bit dry; it would be best used on well moisturized skin and will probably come in handy during the summertime. It can also be layered for more coverage at risk of drying out your skin. The color oxidizes only slightly on my currently non-oily skin. MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish can be used in tandem with your favorite foundation as a setting or mattifying powder. Because it is a color foundation, it can add more coverage than a translucent powder. Plus, the all-in-one product and applicator packaging makes it very convenient for touch-ups during the day.

Note: Ombre effect on the pan is a result of light and doesn't reflect on the actual appearance.

         MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish foundation is available in 25 shades with  golden, pink, and neutral undertones; it's quite a large selection compared to most lines (it's even bigger than that of Bare Minerals). I was matched to shade #117 Golden Ivory (see swatches below) which has yellow undertones. It's lighter than most of my foundations, however you can still see the differences in undertone.  You can see that #117 has less of a beige undertone than MAKE UP FOR EVER Face + Body foundation in #20 and MAKE UP FOR EVER HD foundation in #118.  It's more yellow and less peach or pink than Urban Decay NAKED foundation in 3.5 and NARS Sheer Glow in Deauville. While the light color of #117 is good for me during winter, if I wanted a Pro Finish color to match my liquid foundation range I would probably go up to #118 Neutral Beige or #120 Neutral Ivory.

           MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish Foundation will launch in January 2013. The powder foundation is good for light matte coverage alone, or as a finishing powder on top of liquid foundation. The color range is a big plus and the included sponge is handy for on-the-go touch-ups during the day. The powder is mattifying, so it would be best used lightly or with good moisturizer underneath.Thanks for reading! Have you tried MAKE UP FOR EVER foundations? What are your favorite powder foundation products?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

MAKE UP FOR EVER 'The Ultimate Eye Liner Collection' review + swatches

            
            A few years ago, Mr. Lovey surprised me with a spectacular set of MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes pencils. It was an unexpected, yet wonderful gift; I've had a soft spot for MAKE UP FOR EVER eyeliners since then. You can imagine my delight at receiving the brand new MAKE UP FOR EVER 'The Ultimate Eye Liner Collection' collection for Holiday 2012!

           The MAKE UP FOR EVER 'The Ultimate Eyeliner Collection' has fourteen different eyeliners and a double barrel pencil sharpener. The collection is packaged in a fun colored pencil-inspired box with a flip top. The products are securely held in a slide-out tray.

            There are seven different MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes pencils included: 23L, 11L, 3L, 12L, 5L, 2L, and 0L. Aqua Eyes are MAKE UP FOR EVER's best-selling eyeliners. Their waterproof formula was originally created for water ballet performers. The formula sets well and has good lasting power when worn with my usual eye makeup and primer.

          Three MAKE UP FOR EVER Khol Pencils are included: 1K, 9K, and 4K. The formula is pigmented, smooth, and smudgeable. The khols are different from the Aqua Eyes liners, as khols are meant to be smudged (e.g. in a smoky eye). Because of this, the Kohl Pencils do not set as firmly as the Aqua Eyes pencils. While I would prefer Aqua Eyes for everyday eye lining, the Kohl pencils are superior for distributing color on my waterline.

          The MAKE UP FOR EVER Double Pencil Sharpener has two different sharpeners: one for regular pencils and one for thicker pencils. It has a clear lid so shavings are stored until you're ready to toss them. The MAKE UP FOR EVER logo is printed on the side.

            There are four MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liners included: 4, 7, 15, and 13. The Aqua Liners are liquid eyeliners with a precision point applicator. The applicator is mostly firm with some bend. The typical line drawn will be of medium thickness, though it can vary with the amount of pressure. The pigmented and long-lasting formula is truly waterproof, it's the kind that dries to a plastic-like film, as opposed to a creamy finish. It can last for hours on my lids without primer. With primer, it can last an entire day. I wouldn't mind having a full set of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liners!

           I've swatched all fourteen different eyeliners in the MAKE UP FOR EVER 'The Ultimate Eyeliner Collection' below. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes - 23L is a pearly pink beige, 11L is a vivid metallic violet, 3L is a shimmery navy, 12L  is a metallic teal blue, 5L is a golden olive with sheen, 2L is warm brown with sheen, and 0L is a matte black. MAKE UP FOR EVER Kohl Pencil - 1K is a matte black, 9K is a matte brown, and 4K is a matte forest green. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner - 4 is a sparkling blue-green, 7 is a metallic violet, 15 is a sparkling gunmetal grey, and 13 is a matte black.

           The MAKE UP FOR EVER 'The Ultimate Eyeliner Collection' ($160 for $277 value) is a true highlight in the MAKE UP FOR EVER Holiday 2012 collection. I really liked how this set allowed me to sample three different eyeliner formulas. The color selection is full of basic and fun colors, all of which are wearable. The set would be a great collection builder for a novice, as well as a fun set for a seasoned beauty lover. Thanks for reading! Have you tried any MAKE UP FOR EVER eyeliners? What is your favorite formula and/or color? What are your favorite MAKE UP FOR EVER products?


Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

August Makeup Favorites

          My favorites this month centered around warm brown colors for the eyes and a newfound old foundation love. I rediscovered Chanel Perfection Lumiere in B20 (reviewed here) and enjoyed the light, long-lasting, and matte formula. The color is not as good of a match for me as NARS Sheer Glow, however it's a reasonable one now that my summer skin is warmer than usual. I also found that my skin breaks out less when I wear Chanel Perfection Lumiere. Illamasqua Naked Rose (reviewed here) was my go-to blush this month. I used MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Brow in #25 Ash (formula reviewed here) for my brows. It's easy to apply, and is long lasting. It does fade towards the end of my workday, but less than the powder I was using previously.  MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow in #2E (formula reviewed here) is a dark brown color that I used as a thickly drawn eyeliner. Simply Vera Vera Wang Transforming Eyeshadow Duo in #404 was my most used eyeshadow palette (reviewed here). NARS Lola Lola eyeshadow single (purchased at the NARS 413 Bleecker flagship store) is a gorgeous neutral brown that leans a hint red. MAC Satin Taupe eyeshadow is a classic color that I just purchased. I used it for looks that were slightly cooler than the other browns. My favorite lipstick was MAC Pure Zen, a nude peachy pink from the recent MAC Cremesheen and Pearl Collection. It could be my favorite MAC color yet!

       Thanks for reading! What foundation are you using lately? What kind of colors have you been reaching for?

Love, Dovey.

Camping checklist

          This weekend I'm headed off to go camping near Cuyahoga National Park and thought I'd briefly share the makeup I'm taking with me. I'm trying to pack light since this may only be an overnight trip. In terms of skin and hair care I'm bringing the following products. LUSH No Drought dry shampoo is going to be key! After one day my hair gets so oily, so I need this stuff to look fresh. My mini size Philosophy Purity is always my travel companion due to its size and how much I like the product. I'm bringing Avene Cleanance, which is a light and simple moisturizer and LUSH Enchanted Eye Cream for my eyes. Palmer's Cocoa Butter stick* is always handy and light so that's coming too. It's not too much stuff, right? Right?

          The Simply Vera eyeshadow duo in 404 has been my go-to color for the past few days. It's small, light, and looks beautiful when worn. I'm going to use Benefit Browzings as my brow powder since it comes with little tools that are annoying to use on a regular basis, but good for temporary travel. I've become fond of using MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow in 2E as a thick, smudgy, and very pigmented eyeliner. You've seen Laura Mercier blush in Peach Whisper numerous times this month already. I'm all about matte peach blushes right now. I'm torn as to whether I should subject my NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Santa Fe to the heat of outdoor weather; however it does give me the best look for photos. 3Lab BB Cream* is more practical and has SPF, but it is a little light for my current skin tone. I might layer it underneath. 

          Hopefully this trip will be a success! What are you up to this weekend?

Love, Dovey

 *Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.