Top Makeup Products - Currently Loving

As promised, here is part 2 of my beauty favorites! Recently I did a live Instastories and shared how I do my makeup - specifically for photos. All the products listed here are things I used in that tutorial. I'm also sharing some drugstore dupes where applicable. I've received a lot of requests lately to start a vlog or YouTube channel so I can share makeup tips, etc. more regularly. What do you think? Until then, here are my current beauty loves and must haves!

1. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer

I love this primer because it really smoothes out the face. My face can get a little oily, but this primer is great at keeping my face matte all day long. Foundation glides on super smooth over this primer. If your skin is on the dyer side, THIS is a great option that I have used and loved.

2. Hourglass Vanish Stick Foundation

Oh my gosh this foundation is my new holy grail! The coverage is amazing. I prefer a fuller coverage and this foundation provides just that. I do a few stripes over the face, and blend out with a dense buffing brush like THIS one (any dense buffing brush will do). On days where I'm not needing as full of coverage, I've been wearing THIS foundation. It's lighter weight, but buildable if needed, and still leaves a smooth and polished finish. 

3. Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Créme

This is a great cream concealer. It has a lightweight feel, but provides great coverage and is buildable. I swipe a few stripes in areas I want to conceal (including the classic inverted triangle below the eye), and then blend with a damp Beauty Blender. 

4. Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Setting Powder

This is a great all-over setting powder. A light dusting is all you need to keep makeup in place. If I'm doing a more full coverage look for photos or something like that, I like to set my under eye area with this power using the 'baking' method. I'll take my damp beauty blender and pack a light layer directly over where I put concealer. I'll let that set and 'bake' while I finish the rest of my face, then dust off with a fluffy powder brush. I find this locks my under-eye concealer in place and really adds a brightening effect. 

5. Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Powder

This is a great dupe for the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Powder Foundation. After I've applied my foundation, if I'm looking for a little more full coverage, I'll lightly dust this powder over my face. It adds an extra layer of coverage and really gives a nice matte finish. It's also nice to keep in my bag if I need to dust a light layer on mid-day if my face gets a little oily or something.

6. ViseArt Palette - Theory Palette

I absolutely LOVE this palette. I've tried some of the bigger palettes from other brands that have a ton of colors, and while those are great for doing a wide variety of looks, this little palette has everything I need. Seriously, I feel like it was made for me. I LOVE orangey/brown colors for blue eyes. The warmer the tones, the better. This palette delivers both matte and shiny colors in the perfect range, and the formula is nice a smooth. If this smaller palette is too much for you, THIS is a great drugstore dupe with similar shades. 

7. Sephora Eyeliner Pencil - White

This is a trick I've used for years. Using a white or nude colored pencil on your lower waterline really helps open up the eye and make your eyes look nice and big and bright. You can still add color along your lower lash-line for a smoky effect, but keeping your waterline bright will keep your eyes looking big. 

8. L'Oreal Voluminous Eyelash Primer

I LOVE this primer! It's the same as my favorite mascara so there's no doubt I'm a fan. I'm obsessed with making my lashes look long (partially because I refuse to jump down the lash extension rabbit hole just yet), and this primer really does the trick. Two coats of this before your mascara and your lashes will look longer and thicker I promise!

9. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara 

My absolute FAVORITE mascara. I've been using this one for years and I'm still obsessed to this day. I've tried a bunch of other mascaras, both drugstore and high end, and I've never found one that I like more than this one. I love that it still leaves your lashes feeling soft - I feel like so many mascaras out there leave your lashes feeling stiff after application, and I hate that feeling. I also like that if I needed to add an extra layer mid-day, I can with this formula without my lashes looking clumpy. Combined with the primer, my lashes always look long and feel great!

10. L'Oreal Voluminous Noir Liquid Eyeliner

This is a new favorite of mine. I love liquid eyeliner pencils like this as they are easy to use and manipulate. I tried this one because of my love for the Voluminous primer and mascara and I'm so glad I did! This tip is pointy, making the liner easy to use, it glides on smoothly, and lasts all day. 

11. Anastasia Brow Powder Duo - Taupe

I'm new to the brow powder game, and I'm honestly wondering what took me so long. I always used THIS pencil and loved it (I'll still reach for it on days where I'm in a rush), but the powder really was a game changer for me. I was always terrified of powder because I didn't feel like I was great at creating the perfect eyebrow shape, but it turns out you definitely don't need to be an artist to use this product. It's just as easy to use as the pencil and lasts a lot longer. That was my one big reason for switching from the pencil to the powder - the pencil felt like it wore off throughout the day. Not only does the powder stay in place, but I feel like it looks more natural as well. Also, I would run out of the pencil super fast. With the powder, you definitely get more bang for your buck.

12. MAC Bronzing Powder - Refined Golden

There are a lot of great bronzers out there, but this one is definitely my favorite that I always come back to. I hate when bronzers are a little on the grey side, I feel like they make my face look dirty. This one is definitely a warmer tone and provides just a nice healthy glow, which I love. I just tried THIS one from the drugstore and it's a great (warm-toned) alternative if you don't want to go the high-end route. It gives a beautiful bronzy glow. Plus, it smells yummy!

13. NARS Blush - Torrid

Not only is coral/pinky color that is 'Torrid' the perfect blush shade, but this product in general lasts FOREVER. I'm pretty sure my first NARS blush lasted at least a year. The only reason I threw it out was because it hit its shelf-life date and I felt it was time to toss, simply for hygienic reasons. If the color 'Torrid' isn't for you, there are so many other great color options in this blush formula. You definitely get your money's worth here. 

14. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecting Highlighter - Champagne Pop

No, I didn't just buy this because it has Jaclyn Hill's name on it. I bought it because I really love the color. I'm not a huge highlighter obsessed person, but I do like to add a little to the high points of my face for a little extra glow. This color is gorgeous and just subtle enough where it doesn't make you look overly shiny, or like a disco ball, or like you rolled around in frosting. When paired with bronzer, it just gives that nice healthy looking glow. Plus the formula is really smooth and the product really lasts. Another item where you definitely get your money's worth. 

15. Beauty Blender

I mentioned this in a few points above, but it's a great tool to have in your collection. If you aren't into brushes for applying foundation, this is perfect for you. Super easy to use - add a few dots of foundation all over your face, and then bounce your dampened beauty blender over the face to blend foundation in. So many uses for this baby. I was skeptical at first, but it's now one of those tools I'm glad I have and continue to find uses for. 

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Ok, I know that's a lot of products, but what can I say, I'm secretly a beauty junkie and love trying new makeup. These are the products I've been using and loving lately. I love trying out new products so some of my favorites may change from time to time. I'll be sure to post an updated favorites list as I find new products I love!

What products do you love and can't live without? Is there anything you've been wanting to try? I'd love to try out some of your favorites, or test drive the ones you're maybe too hesitant to try yourself. 

Also, let me know if you'd like to see more posts like this sharing my favorite items in specific categories!

Top Beauty Products - Currently Loving

I posted something on Snapchat the other day asking if you guys would like to see my top beauty products. I received an overwhelming amount of yes responses, so I thought I'd take it one step further and break it up into two posts - 1 with beauty products, and 1 with makeup products - all of which I swear by. Here are my top beauty products that I've recently been loving and/or I can't live without (in no particular order)!

1. HiSmile Teeth Whitening Kit - Coco Bundle

I was sent this kit to try, and after some time with it, I have to say I'm sold. I didn't add to this list just because it was gifted, but because I actually really like it. You fill the tray with gel, pop the tray in, put the light on and sit for about 10 min! It's so easy. Also part of the kit, is little tubes of their whitening mouthwash which has coconut oil. We all now that coconut oil has a bazillion benefits, especially for your mouth if you swish it for I think 20 minutes. But with this wash only 5 minutes will do. I'll do a final post with before and after photos, but so far I love this. I'm obsessed with keeping my teeth white and always doing something to keep them so. Love this kit as a new solution. 

2. Kenra Platinum Hot Spray

I've been using this stuff for a while. My hair is naturally straight and It's always been trouble and taken a handful of products to get it to curl. This is one that works. It doubles as a heat protectant, but also helps enhance and hold curls. It's worked on me for years. One trick I just learned - spray your heat protectant on and let it soak into your hair for a few minutes before styling. I swear by this one. 

3. Loving Tan 2-Hr Express Tanning Mouse

I am a spray tan junkie. I've been spray tanning for about 9 years now. It started during my professional cheerleading days. I've been trying to find an at-home solution for tanning when I can't get into the salon, so I gave this a try. So far I really like it! The color is perfect - not too orange at all. I'm still working on perfecting the application part, but the tanning mitt they have makes a huge difference. I highly suggest buying the tanner and mitt together. Buy mitt here.

4. Batiste Dry Shampoo

Girl. If you aren't using dry shampoo yet, get on board! I absolutely swear by it. I used to be one of those girls that had to wash my hair EVRY DAY, it was greasy by the end of the day, never believed anyone who said they changed their hair, etc. Well it's possible to change and train your hair. I promise. Wash your hair and immediately put this on after your hair is dry. The second you feel your hair is getting greasy, spray some dry shampoo on your roots and brush it out. Go as many days as you can without washing. Maybe it starts with one day, then two, next thing you know you'll be washing your hair once a week like me! Batiste is my favorite brand I've tried. It's inexpensive, and comes in a variety of scents or tints (like blonde or brunette) if you don't like the white residue some dry shampoos leave. 

5. Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1

This is a newer product to me, but I absolutely love it. It's a volumizer, texturizer and dry shampoo all in one. If my hair needs a little more 'grit' before I start curling, I spray this on after my heat protectant and then curl as usual. It's also great for getting messy beachy waves. I'll spray it on after curling and kind of mess my curls up a little for that tousled look and it's perfect. Definitely one of my new go-to styling products (and did I mention it smells amazing?!) Good news - they make a smaller travel-size version if you want to try before you commit. 

 6. Elnett Satin Extra Hold Hairspray

I have used this since high school maybe? Oh it's just the best. Super lightweight and never leaves that icky crunchy feeling. It has excellent hold but your hair still has movement. You're not left looking like Sponge Bob Square Head, ya know? Plus, I think a lot of celeb hairstylists use this.

7. Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil

Ah this is one of my holy grails! I LOVE this stuff. It's a great dupe for some high-end makeup removing oils. I love this one because two pumps rubbed all over the face takes off all your makeup, Even though it's an oil, it still rinses right off with water. I'll get all my makeup off with this and then cleanse as usual.

8. Rodan + Fields Lash Boost Enhancement Serum

You guys. This stuff is amazing. If you've been following for a while a saw my old last post, you know I used to swear by Latisse. Yes, Latisse worked, but the R+F serum works better. And way quicker. And is MUCH more user friendly. You start noticing a difference in just a few days and your lashes grow SO fast. I used to get asked about my lashes a lot before, but I get asked 10x's more now. And if you end up hating it and it's not for you, they have a great return policy. Again, this is no plug, just raving about something I now swear by :)

9. Rodan + Fields Eye Cream

I've been using this eye cream for a while and it's yet another R+F product I love. I've tried others here and there, but this one always feels the most moisturizing and good for my sensitive skin,

10. It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Treatment

Here's another that's been on the list for a while! This little product has so many benefits. Detangles, restores, protects - the list goes on. My hair is pretty damaged so I like to do whatever I can to protect it, and I love that this product provides so many benefits in one. 

11. Nivea Cocoa Butter Body Lotion

The women in my family have sworn by Nivea for years, so I have fond memories of the Nivea smell. I tend to mix it up and try new things every once in a while (like something from Bath & Body Works or something else at the store). But I always come back to this one. It's reliable, ya know? Super moisturizing, smells good, and great for sensitive skin.

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Ok that's all I can think of for now! If you have some holy grail products or products you think I should try, let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear what you all swear by. Part 2, with my makeup holy grail products, will be up next!

Holiday Gift Guide - Beauty Edition!

Holy cow, can you believe the holiday season is already here?! I don't know about you guys, but I am such a procrastinator when it comes to holiday shopping. In fact I'm pretty sure that the most of my gift shopping was done on Christmas Eve last year. Talk about stressful. It's funny because I actually really enjoy shopping for the perfect gift for the special people in my life, but my lack of planning gets in the way and I'm not able to enjoy gift shopping as much as I'd like. This year my goal is to break the habit! I'm going to start my gift planning early so my shopping isn't so manic.

The good news is, you all get to benefit from my early gift planning! I'm putting together gift guides to share on Sweet & Sauer to help you with ideas and holiday shopping before things get too crazy.

Here's a little secret, I'm a beauty junkie. I love trying new beauty, makeup and skincare products and have an overwhelming collection of things I've tried. With that being said, I checked out all the gift sets Sephora and Ulta have to offer this year and picked my ten favorites that I thought offered a lot of value and make perfect gifts. I love beauty gift sets for the holidays because they offer variety at great price points. They also give beauty lovers, like myself, the opportunity to try out new products without committing to the full size thing just yet. All these sets I chose are such good deals, I want all of them for myself!

So here it is! The first guide from my Holiday Gift series - my favorite beauty gift sets under $50. I wanted to get this one out first with the Sephora VIB sale going on! If you're a Sephora VIB, you can use code 20VIB at checkout to receive 20% off your entire purchase! I'm working on getting one gift set out a week so you all have plenty of time to snag some goodies before it's crunch time. If there's a specific guide you'd like to see, let me know!

HOLIDAY BEAUTY GIFT SETS UNDER $50

GLOW FOR IT - Makeup Highlighters - $30

WHY I LOVE IT: Highlighted, glowy skin is such a hot beauty trend right now and this set gives you a sampling of awesome products to achieve that perfect glow.

BEAUTY SLEEP - Overnight Skincare - $30

WHY I LOVE IT: Skincare is something I'm really big on lately. I want to do everything I can to keep my skin healthy and prevent aging. This set gives you great products to use overnight so you wake up with gorgeous skin! A variety of brands offered and perfect for all skin types. 

GLIMMER IN HER EYE - Eye Makeup Brush - $22

WHY I LOVE IT: I think makeup brushes are a great gift - something I love to ask Santa for. This is an affordable set that has all the essential brushes you need for the eyes. Plus they have cute glittery handles - perfect for gifting!

DON'T BE FLAKY - Skincare Regimen from Belief - $38

WHY I LOVE IT: Perfect for dry skin in the winter. You get a full size product and two smaller (but still decently sized) products to round out this regimen. This set is normal, combo, and dry skin friendly and promises solutions for dryness, pores and lost elasticity. 

BOSCIA FAVORITES -  Skincare Set - $35

WHY I LOVE IT: Boscia is a great skincare line and this set offers the brand favorites. This is a set I personally want to try because all the products included sound amazing. Friendly for all skin types and promises to deliver solutions for dullness/uneven texture, pores and dryness. 

READY, SET, STYLE - Hairstyling Set - $29

WHY I LOVE IT: This set is great for any hairstyling junkie (like myself). It's the perfect combination of styling products from some of the best haircare brands, that deliver volume, texture and hold. 

FAB BEAUTIQUE - Skincare Set from First Aid Beauty - $48

WHY I LOVE IT: First Aid Beauty is known for delivering products to keep your skin hydrated and youthful looking. This set gives you the essentials, including a full-size product (ultra repair cream) that retails at $30 on it's own. Perfect for all skin types, and a great value that provides solutions for dryness, dullness, and uneven skin tone and texture. 

TARTEIST PAINT PALETTE - Makeup Set from Tarte - $49

WHY I LOVE IT: This is perfect for the makeup lover. You get 24 eyeshadows, a highlight/contour set, lip color, mascara and brush from a great makeup brand.

SUPERHERO BRUSH SET - Full-size Makeup Brush Set - $50

WHY I LOVE IT: As I said earlier, makeup brushes make a great gift. This set covers all the essentials and comes with a case. Six full-size quality and durable brushes at a great price.

JE NE SAIS QUOI PALETTE - Complexion Palette from It Cosmetics - $42

WHY I LOVE IT: This face palette has everything you need. After applying foundation and concealer, this is the only palette you need to finish your face. It includes setting powder, highlight, blush and bronzer - perfect for contouring. 

Hope you enjoyed my first gift guide! Taking requests for other gift guides now :)