makeup

My Ride or Die Beauty Products of 2017!

By: @acevallee

Hey guys, it's your friendly neighborhood glow queen! Happy 2018! Better late than never, I'm posting my top standout products from last year that is sure to remain in heavy rotation this year. Come to the celebration that is obviously on my Top Shelf as you can see. Some brands are repetitive but I honestly can't apologize for it because it is truly the products that got me through the past year and I refuse to eliminate them because of repetition. There are some dry skin warriors on this list so make sure to take notes if you're a fellow parched gal. Also theres a product that I forgot to take a photo of because it has been lost for 3 days but I MUST mention it. OLEHENRIKSEN BANANA BRIGHT EYE CREAM. LIFE CHANGER!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not even going to talk about it, just go run out and get it... NOW. It's my top recommendation. Thank me later. 

FOREO LUNA PLAY has been a crucial addition to my skincare routine. It helped me deep cleanse in the most gentle way possible. Unlike a Clarisonic this gentle silicone, vibrating tool doesn't need carry and bacterial residue which is a plus for those like me who fear germs. The battery on the brand's tiniest cleansing device does run out but it did reassure me to upgrading to the Luna Mini 2 which can be recharged. 

SUNDAY RILEY JUNO face oil has been my ace this season. I double dose before bed after cleansing and before my moisturizer. I put enough to make me look like a greasy strip of bacon. My parched skin needs all of this goodness to drink up during the hours that I'm asleep. 

FLOSS GLOSS nail polishes are hands down the best. "Disco Dust", a nude-ish rose gold holo compliments my skintone perfectly and I'm sure my manicurist is tired of me using the same polish. The shade "Lipliner" is basically MAC's classic lipliner "Whirl" for your nails... enough said. Universally flattering, The go-to for my pedicure. 

Of course I had to include FENTY BEAUTY on my list. That KILLAWATT HIGHLIGHTER in "TROPHY WIFE" is bold as F*CK and it is the standout product of the brand's entirety. The effect is like shattered purely gold glass and can be used as an eyeshadow as well. The richest glow of all time. GLOSS BOMB is also one of the best glosses on the market and is truly universally flattering on each and every single skin tone. When in Doubt with what lip to wear, pairing with a smokey or neutral lid, Gloss Bomb will come in clutch.  

BUNNY MOON JELLY MASK Move over Oatafix, This is now LUSH's most hydrating face mask that I have ever used. It is such a treat, perfect for boosting hydration in this harsh NYC winter weather. With calming ingredients like rose and chamomile to sooth and honey to generously moisturize dry, sensitive skin, this newbie is a winner! 

In 2017 I turned 30 and started using sunscreen on a daily basis. GLOSSIER INVISIBLE SHIELD doesn't irritate my skin or make me breakout like just about every other sunscreen on the planet, and it's more like a serum and its super light and soaks in seamlessly. Also works well under makeup which is a plus. (Glossier, please make a waterproof version). This was my got to protection after using exfoliants and products like Drunk Elephant's Babyfacial to protect my freshly renewed skin from the sun. 

COLOURPOP was one of my top 3 brands this year. Most of my money went to ordering highlighters and also Face Products. I was addicted to their SUPER SHOCK CHEEK HIGHLIGHTER "Flexitarian" which became my signature glow a while back (here's my past review on this formula)  as well as "Off Tropic:" which is the warmer version of my signature. Their Powder Bronzers and Blushes were also some of my most used products as they go on silkily with no skipping or patchiness. BTW, Not one product in this photo cost more than $8!!

This is the greatest product from Glossier since Haloscope. GLOSSIER CLOUD PAINTS are a great multi-use product for eyes, cheeks and lips. I was using this for a majority of the year mixed with highlighter to get a pretty glow. (which is now called "draping"). They're insanely pigmented so very little goes an extremely long way. The shade "Dusk" is my favorite. 

Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is worth every ounce of hype it is given. After using it once a week for a month, I've noticed a difference in texture and clarity of my skin, leaving it renewed, radiant and subtle after each use as if I went and got an actual professional facial done. 

HERBIVORE COCO ROSE has become a staple in my bedtime shower routine! It makes my skin baby soft and heavily moisturized with a pretty sheen. The scent is subtle and divine! This is like my 4th jar because I'm truly obsessed. This Dry Skin's Bff. I actually have a review on this here

My top 3 brow products that are in heavy rotation are GLOSSIER BOY BROW in clear for everyday grooming. COLOURPOP BROW BOSS pencil in light brown to define. CHARLOTTE TILBURY LEGENDARY BROWS in Supermodel because of its tiniest most precise brush that applies the perfect amount of pigment to tint your brows and make them feathery.

You will always find a GLOSSIER BALM DOTCOM somewhere around my room, bag or coat/jacket. I have every single flavor but the standout this year was the BIRTHDAY BALM DOTCOM. The pretty glittery sheen is an adult version of the Vanilla Frosting  Lip Smackers that I was obsessed with as a kid. Thanks to the brand's collab with MILK BAR and you can actually use this as a fun glossy, glittery highlighter. I always say these are great multi use products. from lips to cheeks to cuticles.

EXFOLIKATE GLOW MOISTURIZER has been my go-to moisturizer all season to give my skin the hydration and radiance it needs, especially since I mostly skip makeup for work. it gives me a healthy glow and mimics a good night's sleep. 

GLOSSIER YOU fragrance has become my signature scent of the season, which is odd because I prefer more masculine scents. This warm, comfortable, crisp, peppery concoction captivated me each and every time I wore it. It sinks into my skin to give me a scent that adapts and belongs solely to me. It doesn't smell the same on me than it does on anyone else. I am the base note! It amplifies my natural scent in the best way possible. it lingers on my clothing as well which I love. 

My palette of the year is COLOURPOP YES PLEASE! As you can see, this beloved palette was my ride or die for a pretty, neutral warm lid with that beautiful pop of yellow that I entered my 30s with. YES, I said yellow! This palette helped me be a little less boring with my eye looks. For $16, you can't go wrong. 

Another COLOURPOP obsession came late this year with their LUSTER DUST LOOSE HIGHLIGHTERS. The effect they give alone or on top of their Super Shock Highlighters is to die for!!!

With this $6 Concealer, You can look airbrushed, NO FILTER NEEDED!

By: @acevallee

Concealer and foundation are the toughest buys for me. I’m so picky, and even THAT is an understantement. I’ve also always been one to splurge on concealer with the exception of LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer, which is a phenomenal gem. When Colourpop Cosmetics announced that they were releasing Concealers a while back I had to get in on it because so far, I'm in love with a majority of their entire line. 

When they first released their NO FILTER CONCEALERS I picked up a few and I've been using them since and I absolutely love the product. Issa Hit out of the ballpark. I'm obsessed with the soft wide tipped brush on the wand. It swipes on so perfectly and comfortably without skipping or poking me. A little goes a very long way, I’m talking LONG DISTANCE! The coverage is INSANE. You you suffer from Dark Circles either hereditary, or caused by insomnia or life's bullshit... you can use this little fella and look picture perfect. You can still control the coverage if you want or need a bit less, by using as little product as possible and sheering it out to a medium coverage with a bit of facial moisturizer. 

Created using soft blurring pigments, Colourpop's No Filter Concealer will make you look like a well rested ethereal enchantress!

The formula is super creamy and a bit thick yet still featherweight without caking up (HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? Colourpop please spill these secrets). It is also brightening AF! I love that it leaves this blurring, soft focus effect that although it sits as a matte finish, you are still left airbrushed and glowing. 

My super sensitive skin reacted well to this concealer and although I have mega dry skin, as long as I moisturize really well it will not be a problem for me. 

I picked up 3 shades because purchasing online can be a bit tricky, I went with 3 shades from the Medium skin tone range, 30-Medium, 35-Medium Tan and 40-Golden all though all 3 work well, i found that my perfect match is 35-Medium Tan, which I watched on my hand in this photo.

You can also bump up a few shades for contouring or drop down a few shades lighter for highlighting if that's something you're interested in. For less that 20 bucks you can get 3 shades for a full face of conceal, highlight and contour with high end quality. 

Colourpop staff has stated that more shades are in the works and they currently have 5 shades each for Fair tones, Medium tones and Dark tones. 

This concealer is the perfect purse size and contains a decent amount of product (about 0.14oz) considering you don't even need much for full coverage. The minimal packaging is clean and perfect. 

The recently just restocked and I got myself a few for backup and if you want to try, head over to colourpop.com and grab a few, at $6 a pop you can’t go wrong.

On My Radar: Lime Crime's Pocket Candy Palettes

Lime Crime’s latest product release are Polly Pocket inspired Palettes and I’m squealing in my overalls!!! 

I know Lime Crime still has lingering heat because of it’s well known sketchy past, but I’m willing to look past it because as a quintessential 90s kid, this amount of nostalgia is just cool enough for them to get back into my good graces. I was obsessed with Polly Pocket as a child, definetly one of the top toys from my childhood and with Lime Crime's NEW Pocket Candy Palettes I can relive the best days of my life. 

There are 3 vegan and cruelty free palettes containing vibrant brights and neutral hues that can be used as Eye shadow and Blush and although these travel friendly palette’s can fit in your pocket, they’re each filled with 5 “full sized Supershadows” that are said to be incredibly pigmented and buttery smooth. Released today, September 19th and retailing for $34.00 per Palette and a special $80.00 bundle for all 3 on LimeCrime.com. Would you pick any of them up and relive the glory days? 

 

Even the models are sporting classic 90's hair trends... how cute is this? 

The Sugar Plum Palette is perfect for an Autumnal Cranberry Smokey Eye, My favorite from the 3, 

The Pink Lemonade Palette gives super trendy warm SUNSET VIBES.

The Bubblegum palette is the most playful, with cool shimmering brights and neutrals. 

Credit: @dupethat (Swatches of each Pocket Candy Palette)

Here's a comparison to my favorite Polly Pocket, "Mr. Fry's Restaurant" and The Sugar Plum Palette. I'm clearly excited AF. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Highlighter Will Give You A Fade Free Yoncé Glow That Will Last During an 8+ hours FaceTime Session

By Amanda V.

Glow queen here, doing glow things... This MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Fusion Highlighter in Golden is a stunning gel-powder formula will drive that golden summer glow into the fall. I have not stopped using it these past couple of weeks. I love that the glow does NOT contain major chunks of glitter and glides on leaving a soft luminescent, heavenly glow onto the skin. This highlighter is talc-free (yes lawd) and is super seamless in texture and a smooth and silk like finish. It was comfortable to wear even on a hot humid day! 

What is major about this highlighter is that you can see my beam from a mile away at every turn of my head and it lasts more than 8 hours for me. It stood glowing on my face from about 3pm - 12am while on FaceTime with my Best Friend. It didn't budge until I wiped it off before I went to sleep. That glowing longevity is what I live for y'all!!!

The golden shade is the most flattering and will work amazing on all skin tones especially medium to dark. 

The MUFE Pro Light Fusion Highlighter is available in 2 shades, The Golden shade from this review as well as a light golden pink that would be even more flattering on the fairer skin tones. You can purchase this incredible product for $39 at Sephora Stores, Sephora.com and MakeUpForEver.com

ON MY RADAR: PAT MCGRATH LABS UPCOMING UNLIMITED COLLECTION IS TO DIE FOR!!!

By Amanda V.

The beauty industry's fairy godmother, Pat McGrath has done it again, this time not with dazzling glitter lips or holy halo highlights but with PALETTES! Yes, that's right, P A L E T T E S! Not 1, not 2 but 3 that will be PERMANENT!!! Hallelujah!!! Can you hear me screaming in your ear? 

The MOTHERSHIP Palettes, are the centerpieces of her first ever upcoming Unlimited Collection. Each stunningly fashion forward palette includes 10 luxurious pressed powders that are gorgeously packed with powerfully pigmented, glimmering metals, both bold and neutral along with rich mattes. Each set is going to be like getting a glimpse through the iconic makeup artist's 25 year career that shook the beauty and fashion worldthrough her editorial work, global runways and the red carpet. 

I think it is AMAZING as well as humbling that Pat herself, being a fan of art beyond beauty, found mega talented young artists on Social Media to work with her on the packaging of her new Pat McGrath Labs collection. 

Mothership I: Subliminal

Mothership II: Sublime

Mothership III: Submersive. 

All of us at MeetPepperB.com love and admire Mother Pat and we are so excited for this Collection to launch on PatMcgrath.com in September and at Sephora.com and select Sephora stores in October. Each palette will retail for $125.

 

... and not only is mother releasing the 3 stunning palettes, but there will also be LuxeTrance lipsticks added to the collection along with the MatteTrance lipsticks that she released earlier this summer as well as Dark Star Mascara, PermaGel Ultra Glide Eyeliners and Lip Pencils!!! I'm excitedly shaking as I type this, honestly. 

Which Mothership palette from the Pat McGrath Labs Unlimited Collection is on your wish list?

 

 

 

Your best glow can be found in the skincare aisle! Algenist REVEAL Concentrated Luminizing Drops is a 5 Star Gem!

By: Amanda V.

I, the self-proclaimed glow queen has come across yet another gorgeous highlighter, this time from high end skincare brand Algenist. Being that this product ISN'T laid out there with the other makeup products throughout all of Sephora, you would more than likely walk past this and not know that your best glow yet even exists!

You can see the shimmering glow dripping off of the dropper. its so gorgeously pearlescent. 

I am a major fan of liquid highlighters and this one is no exception. This serum formula gives a gorgeous dewy effect and I love the way it sinks into the skin rather than lay on top, especially for the hot and humid summer months. This gorgeous highlighter was love at first drop. The iridescent sheen pulled on my heartstrings. I love how the beam can be built from subtle radiance to an intense glow yet still feel so incredibly lightweight and airy. It feels like nothing on the skin. You can apply with your fingers or a brush like Real Techniques' duo fibre contour brush (which is my go to for liquid highlighters) and then tap  a tiny bit with a beauty blender just to blend out any harsh lines and make it seamless. It seemed to last an entire work day which is major. This liquid highlight may give a dew effect but it doesn't set wet. It sets kind of like a semi matte, So this will work for all skin types even for all of you oily babes out there. Also, It works so well with my sensitive skin but I felt like that was a given coming from a great skincare brand. The highlighter is formulated to work well with mature skin as it has gold pigments and ultra fine luminous pearls that don't crease into fine lines and wrinkles as well as Alguronic Acid to reduce the appearance of them. You can mix this into your moisturizer for a brightening effect and even your foundation for a diffused soft focus effect to the skin. This highlighter contains an AlgaCorrecting Complex that aids in color correction and treats uneven skin tone. It is also formulates without synthetic dyes, parabens or sulfates and is dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic. ALL OF THIS SKINCARE MAGIC WHILE GIVING YOU A BOMB GLOW!!! YES PLEASE!!!

This is a swatch on my medium skin tone (with flash) & The beam is real!!! It will photograph beautifully. This is in the shade "Champagne". 

The Algenist REVEAL Concentrated Luminzing Drops comes in 3 different shades, "Rosé", "Champagne" and "Pearl". This highlighter is more on the pricier side, retailing for $38 and you get 0.5oz of product. A single drop of this product goes a very long way. Although it may seem small, you're still getting alot of glow for your buck. You can find this Product at Sephora Stores and Sephora.com as well as Algenist.com.