Dani's February 2011 Favorites

Hi everyone!  I have tried to choose products that I did not mention in my 2010 favorites, but I also did not want to use something for two or three weeks and claim they are a favorite just yet.  There is a new item in here that I am in love with, and a rediscovered item as well as just some fun stuff.  There are a few duplicates from my 2010 list, but there is more detail on how I personally use them.  I have also included a link for where you can get each product including the actual manufacturer of the product, Amazon, QVC or Sephora.



Morrocan Oil Mash, Sigmax F84, Hourglass Veil Tinted Moisturizer, Sigma F60 Flat Foundation Brush, Mally Starlight Liners, Too Faced Natural Eye Pallet, NARS Desire blush, NARS Laguna Bronzer, Sigma Heart Shaped Mirror in Pink Fire.

 

1. Morrocan Oil Restorative Hair Mask is a product I use 1-2 times per week on my hair.  My hair is about 4-5 inches above my waist and very thick and naturally curly.  This really helps to keep my hair shiny, and healthy.  I have been using it for a year in conjunction with other Moroccan Oil Products.
2. Sigmax F84 Angle Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush is one of my favorite makeup brushes ever.  I have used this for contouring, but honestly, I prefer this for blushes.  I used it with cream blushes, bright blushes, as well as blushes that need to be built up a bit.  The Sigmax filaments are so soft and unlike other brushes they do not aggravate the skin on my cheeks where I seem to be the most sensitive.
3. Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer You can also get this at Sephora.  I am between the color Ivory and Light Beige.  Do not let the name fool you.  This product is a medium to full coverage foundation with anti-aging and moisturizing properties built in. It is dewy versus the original satin finish of the Veil Fluid foundation.  It is recommended to apply this with small short strokes using a flat brush.
4. Sigma F60 Flat Foundation Brush While mine did come in the "Make Me Cool" kit, you can purchase this separately for only $14 in the color black as well.  It is a great brush and again does not irritate my sensitive skin and doesn't leave me streaky.  If you ever do find a paddle brush leaves you streaky you can use any type of buffer brush like the Sigma F80 or a stippling brush to buff out any streaks.  I think the key is shorter strokes with a lighter application.  Build the coverage as you desire.
5. Mally Starlight Liners in Glamtime I talked about this in my special deals last week.  You get three long wearing "bullet proof" liners in Sailor (Navy), Champagne, and Expresso.  I love these liners!
6. Too Faced NATURAL Eye Kit  Two faced has a a few eye kits and this is the Natural version which includes ivory, soft pink, a sparkly pink peach, taupe, browns and an indescribable pinky/brown/mauve color.  There is a great combination of mattes and shimmers.  I have been using this in conjunction with the Mally liners.  These kits also include 3 cards that show you some basic looks that can be created using the shadows horizontally.  However, I mix and match depending on my mood.
7. Nars blush in Desire This is a very hot, cotton candy pink blush.  It should be applied with a light hand.  I would typically use my Sigma F84 brush for this type of blush but any brush would work so long as you just gently tap the product, tap off any excess on the back of your hand and start at the back of your check rather than the apple.  I personally do not bring this color down to the apple of the cheek because it is so bright it may appear too clownish. I use the two fingers away from my nose rule and run the blush from that point to my hair line lightly.
8. Nars bronzer in Laguna Not a Snookie Bronzer.  This bronzer is brown.  There is no orange tone to it.  There is a slight shimmer or satin finish, but I do still use it sometimes to contour lightly.  I just love the feeling and color of this bronzer.  It is a perfect color to take with you in your purse or on vacation if you want to carry something you can just brush over the high points of your face and possibly in your crease for depth.
9. Finally, my say hello to my little friend. :) This little mirror has been with me now for 7 months I think.  I love it because I can touch up my lips, tweeze my brows, etc...all on the go while looking chic with the Sigma Heart Shaped Mirror in Pink Fire. They have a ton of colors and patterns, pretty much something for everyone.  There has not been one time that I have pulled it out that someone hasn't said "Oooh where did you get that??"  I have vintage compacts that don't get this much attention.

In both January and February, I have kept a relatively neutral look with some bright pink cheeks and navy liner to whiten the whites of my eyes.  I use champagne in the inner corners and sometimes the inner rims and the Expresso to tight line and sometimes under the lower lash line for some light definition.

Hope you enjoyed my first MONTHLY favorites list.  Please comment below and let me know what some of your favorite beauty products were this month.

xoxo
Dani