Some Recent Daily Drivers
~* Summertime edition *~
A couple of days ago, I was getting ready for work and I realized that my bronzer was looking a little like foundation now that I’ve got a fair bit of natural color on my face. I’m pretty religious about SPF and wearing a hat, but you know, you can’t avoid all of the sun! Anyway, I figured it’s time to get some updated shades of my daily drivers now that summers officially here!
It’s a pretty small showing because I try to keep my summer makeup face pretty simple. It’s going to melt off anyway, you know?
Versed // I fell for the brand when they still produced the Sunday Serum, a half oil, half mystery liquid that needed to be shaken to combine, and left my skin actually moisturized in the depths of winter. They discontinued that sadly, but it did leave me with positive feelings about the brand. When they launched cosmetics this spring, I was game to try. The concealer has become my go-to. I really love the lightly luminous finish and that in terms of price-tag, it smokes my old go-to, NARS. The cleansing gel is also an excellent drugstore product that really removes everything, but doesn’t leave my face tight and dry. It’s just a good quality brand available at Target for good, fair prices.
Rare Beauty Contour // I grabbed this in the shade Mellow during the tiered sale this spring and really love this. I have dry skin, so a creamy liquid product really works well for me and for most of the year, this is the perfect shade. In my opinion, it’s a little warm to be a true contour, but I do like that it does double duty as contour and bronzing. I went up just a single shade - I got Solace this time - and it’s just right for my summer color.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush // I like to get this in the mini size because it’s just so pigmented that you truly only need a dot and it will last you forever. I’ve had the mini of a good safe color (this one!) since November of 2023 and that is not an exaggeration. I just ordered this bright summery shade that looks intense, but once it blends out, leaves the nicest, barely sunburnt color on my cheeks and nose.
Julep Cream Eyeshadow Sticks // I like to use the Rare Beauty contour just above my crease, and then swipe Pearl Shimmer across my lid. That’s it! But this is a multitasker if you want it to be. I use it as a highlighter every once in a while. Oh and wait for these to go on sale, because they very often are and I don’t think I’ve paid more than $12 in a very long time.
Tower28 Mascara // Now here’s a good find! All I want from a mascara is to darken my lashes, maybe lengthen them a bit, and do not ever clump or flake. I have found that to be a big ask in the mascara world, but this just does the trick. This is currently my go-to.
SunBum Glow30 // An oldie but a goody. I’m been preaching about this forever because it is the most perfect $15 dupe of Glow Screen and the way it just makes my face look awake (!!!), I never forget to put on my SPF.
Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 50 // I know this is everywhere right now and it feels a little like a trend, and maybe it is but I really love this brand and specifically the classic lotion. It smells so freaking good and that’s enough to motivate me to be good about putting it on, which is worth something to me. I like to buy the 3-pack to save a little bit and that keeps me stocked for the whole summer.
Saltair Exotic Pulp Body Wash // Nothing fancy, but the scent is truly like the most summery bowl of tropical fruit - more papaya than pineapple, hallelujah - and at $13, I think the price is right.
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A few things on my wishlist -
+A truly excellent setting spray. I like this one from Urban Decay and I just ordered another bottle, but I haven’t fallen in love so much that I’m done playing around with other options. The Charlotte Tilbury one was another one I liked, but not enough to justify the cost. It has such a cult following though! I can’t help thinking I should give it a second chance.
+A new summer scent. I’m allegiant to Glossier You in general, but I’ve been wearing it really exclusively for a couple years now and would love to be wowed with something new. This one from Phlur has my attention, but I want to give it a good sniff before I purchase.
+A lipliner that doesn’t disappear after my first cup of coffee. Guys, everything has disappointed me, even very expensive pencils. What is your secret?! Somebody has a good one!