Kirkland Signature by Borghese Mineral Foundation, Blush, and Lip Shimmer

$15.99 for 0.32oz/9g of foundation, 0.10oz/3g of blush, 0.09oz/2.8g of lip gloss

Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20 in Fair/Light may have sheer coverage at best, but if I want a finishing powder with sun protection, which I really do for quick summer-time application, I can think of no better product. It is a bit of a shame that I would have to build up a bit of summer color with a bronzer in order to not look extremely pale wearing only this foundation, but I still love the lightweight feel of the formula. Recently, when I've pulled out my BareMinerals, I've felt it went on a bit heavy, and even using a light hand, started to look cakey. So far, no indication that this Kirkland Mineral Foundation will do that, and I also feel like it is pulling less moisture from my skin over the course of the day while still controlling oil for about 5 hours (really the best any one product can do for me in the summer).

From left to right: Lip Shimmer in Simply Radiant, Blush in Simply Blushing, and Foundation in Fair/Light

Mineral Loose Blush in Simply Blushing is one of the most universal shades I've seen in a long time. It's a beauty cross between pink, peach, apricot, and a touch of plum, and as you can almost see from the photo, starts to melt into skin more naturally than the foundation. I'm just stunned at how flattering this is. The mineral sifter container keeps me on my toes about applying in super thin layers, but the color can go on extremely sheer or bold and poppin'!

Mood Boost: Dior '5 Couleurs' Eyeshadow Palette in Incongnito

$58.00 for 0.21oz/6g

There is really nothing like an *amazing* designer palette to put even the most frustrated makeup junkie in a good mood. Seriously, there is something about Incognito that just speaks to the simple beauty we crave and the bombshell within! As this palette shows, however, it will end up being a bit out of the range for darker skin, i.e. the colors are light enough to be super natural only on--you guessed it!--lighter skin. That may be a look you particularly enjoy; it may not.

Dior Incognito is my ultimate "goof-proof" palette because all of the colors blend together so smoothly, flawlessly, and just flat-out naturally no matter which combination of shape I put them down in. All five, even the warm, medium brown on the bottom left, brighten up my eyes and lighten my face, so I feel rested and as if I look relaxed (even when I'm not).

Shadows from left to right: (pan position)Bottom right, bottom left, center, top left, top right

The warm beige, light pink, and brown really flatter the natural color of most light to medium skinned eyelids, making this a versatile combination. There is also a special place in my heart for the cooler combo of shimmering white and an utterly drool-worthy grey (almost taupey) purple. I almost want to call it a lavender color, but I would rather describe it as a muted purple because I think of a brighter pop of color when I think of lavender.

Z-Palettes and My Organization Project

Anyone remember a while back when I made some organizational promises to myself (and I believe I said I would do it within that month, lies!)? Well, I think I actually accomplished both! Shortly after my birthday in June, I graduated from Aveda, having sold over $1,000 in retail products and completing over $3,000 worth of services. I'd say that's above average and really marketable, wouldn't you? For a program I completed within 4 months (minus one day), um...yeah, let's go with decent. 

And to top that off, I feel far more comfortable saying I can, in reality, do someone else's makeup and get paid for it. That bit is mainly due to the fashion show from May, where I designed and completed 7 models' makeup (5 without any assistance from the other team member). Oh, and those Z-Palettes are here and getting pretty full! Here's what they look like right now: