New In: January

Pins & needles; that's what I've been sitting on while waiting to share some of the new items I've been testing out since the beginning of the new year. Let's dive right in.

As I'm relatively new to makeup, I've only been at this whole thing for about a year now, my blush collection is a bit pitiful. That's putting it mildly. To remedy this I've been on the hunt for a new blusher. What I came across in my search was my Ms. Chick Blusher ($1) in Mauve. It is the most vibrant and pigmented color I've gotten thus far and I must say that I've fallen head over heels for it. No matter what makeup look I go for this gets thrown on the cheeks for a pop of color and it is perfection.

If you follow me on instagram you'll have seen this one already. A new lippie fave is in town and it's not going anywhere any time soon. It's my Ruby Kisses Matte Lipstick ($3) in Dark Plum which is a dark vampy plum color. I love it. I'd been looking for a dark purple color for a while and kept coming up short until now. The fact that it's matte is just the icing on the cake. I also have this in Plum Wine, which is also a purple color but not as dark. The best part is how affordable they are. Three bucks? Yes, please!

Ever since I started contouring I've been using a Black Radiance powder foundation. It's been working so far but I've been itching to try a creamier product for contouring. I picked up the Black Radiance Concealer Stick ($2) while on a random trip to Walgreens and I've really been enjoying it. I've still got a lot to learn about contouring but these have been great starter products.

While out buying hand soap at my local Family Dollar, I spied this L.A. Colors Jumbo Eye Pencil ($1.50). I remember seeing something similar used by Destiny Godley and decided to give it a go. It's pretty game changing, even for something so cheap. After using my e.l.f. Eye Primer, I rub this all over my lid and when I apply my shadow, the pigmentation really pops. This is going to be a new staple for me.

A true basic staple for me is my NYC Automatic Eyeliner Pencil ($3) I have it in both black and brown. The black for my lower lash line and the brown for my brows. What can I say, they just work. I always end up coming back to these for some reason. 

I love finding new setting powders to test out and this time around it's the e.l.f. High Definition Powder ($6). Don't know why it's taken so long for me to grab this with how often I'm browsing the e.l.f. section but here we are. I've already tried it out and I can say it definitely does what it's supposed to but don't go expecting any game changing result. It's definitely a cheaper alternative to my CoverGirl setting powder.

My absolute favorite makeup discovery thus far would have to be these e.l.f. Long-Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadows ($3). I have three so far: Toast, a beautiful gold, Festivity, a shimmery plum shade and Party, a blueish gray. My favorites are Toast and Festivity which I've been wearing almost everyday. If you're looking for new eyeshadows to try, these are worth the hype. They have a whipped formulation which applies like butter. More of these need to be made pronto!

Having to watch as my current facial cleansers got lower and lower, I'd been dreading having to replace them. After a bit of thought, I decided to look at it as a chance to experiment with new products and possibly find something that works better for my skin. So as I was browsing through my favorite grocery store, Target, I stumbled upon the Up&Up Facial Scrub ($3) and Up&Up Facial Cleanser ($4). I wasn't sure if they'd be any different then what I already use but I decided to get them and I can't wait to finish my current cleansers so I can test these bad boys out.

Last but certainly not least is my peace of mind in a jar, the ever fragrant MainStays Candles ($3) in Pumpkin Spice. This is aaah-mah-zing. It's a very spicy smell that makes me think of my favorite peach cobbler coming out of the oven. I'm sad to say that as I'm writing this, the last of the wicks are being burned away. Yes, it's that good. Next I'll be burning Mulled Cider which is a very appley smell. Looking forward to it with vigor, mwahahaha!

Let me know if you've tried any of these and how they've worked for you.

Thanks for reading,

xoxo Alysia