Personally I’ve never been any sort of makeup guru, but there have been times in my life when I’ve purposely surrounded myself with product junkies from cosmetics counters at top department and specialty stores for tips, tricks, and recommendations. Plus, the Mothership has always been a pro at liners, shadows, primers, glosses and just a hint of shimmer. I’ve been a student of her genius tutelage over the years, but lately I’ve discovered a few goodies on my own that are worth noting.

For starters, I’ve stumbled across an amazing fat pencil that is cheap, colorful and will make your pout look bee-stung beautiful. I’m talking about the Kiss Balm from Revlon that’s sold in Target, CVS, Amazon, and probably your local drug store. Coming in at under five dollars, this moisturizing workhorse deposits a pretty tint and protection of SPF of 20. I love the light fruity smell and I’m totally obsessed with both the Fresh Strawberry and the Sweet Cherry. Both deliver a hint of color and faint scent without being too aromatic. These color sticks go on easy leaving a gorgeous subtle shade.

Another fabulous cheapie I found is the Jumbo Eye Pencil by NYX. Touting itself as a multi-use crayon, this $6 wonder is genius in the hilarious shade of Cottage Cheese which colors like a shiny silver/white. You can easily smudge a little in the inner corners of your eyes to give your look a bright feel and make your eyes subtly pop. Sold on Amazon and the NYX website directly, rush to pick up this eye brightening treat.

When I comb the beauty counters looking for breakthroughs in eye makeup, I never expect a wow moment. However the Valentino Twin Liner Gel & Liquid Eyeliner is a double-sided wand that is nothing short of magical. On the pricier side at $40 at Bloomies, Nordies, and Sephora, this product is a two in one. Each shade duo includes an ultra-black liquid liner paired with a color gel eyeliner. The liquid side has a super fine tip that is easy to control to make thin strokes, while the gel side glides on with smooth rich pigment. The duo is housed in a flashy red pencil that makes you feel special just for using it. Valentino delivers high-impact color and lasts all day. Plus, just like Emily Blunt’s character in The Devil Wears Prada, you can finally quote her by saying, “I’m wearing Valentino, for crying out loud!”

On the coverup front, makeup guru Bobby Brown has recently launched a brand called Jones Road with some terrific products. You can purchase her goodies directly from her website or at Sephora. Her best offering is simply called The Face Pencil and it’s billed as an everything stick. Virtually undetectable, this clean, cruelty free product covers redness, dark spots, and blemishes in a flash with no chalky undertones. Coming in at $25 and in an array of skin matching shades, this is a must have in your beauty defense lineup.

Looking your best each day can certainly be a challenge. So maybe it’s time to update your makeup bag with these great finds? The products I’m pushing might erase your boring morning routine altogether and make getting ready easier and more fun. So scribble down the info, Gorgeous and pencil in some beauty shopping. Honey, you are definitely worth it.

And a very special birthday shoutout today to two of my favorite relatives born on the very same day. Happy Birthday, Ladies!!
Sending love, xoxo
