BARE WITH ME

I can't believe we are getting closer and closer to summer, it's already hot outside. Those who wear makeup everyday or regularly know how hard it is to keep makeup fresh all day during summer days. I wear makeup pretty much all the time during summer season and to find best products that are lightweight yet effective is hard.

Few weeks ago, I received beautiful packaging from NYX Cosmetics with their new 'BARE WITH ME' collection, I tried products and want to share some thoughts with you.

HYDRATING JELLY PRIMER

I've never tried primers like this before. This jelly primer is infused with aloe and cucumber which hydrates the skin and leaves it a little bit sticky (perfect for makeup). At first I thought it will be too sticky for my oily skin which would make my makeup slip off but once my skin absorbed it, it actually extended the wear of makeup. I will definitely use this on it's own as well as it blurs the appearance of pores, leaves skin smooth and fresh. Perfect for summer!

TINTED SKIN VEIL

This packaging came just in time as I was looking for a good lightweight face product. The shade I got was a little too dark for me (hopefully it will match me better in summer) but I wanted to try it anyway to see how it feels on the skin. It has lightweight, breathable formula, my skin looked fresh and dewy. At first I was scared to try this product since I have oily skin and I try to use as many matte products as possible. I was shocked when I tried this tinted product (powdered just a little to set it) and my skin looked fresh even after many hours, I didn't even powder my skin through the day.

HYDRATING CHEEK TINT

I've never tried creamy blushes or blush tints so I was excited about this one. It's sheer but buildable (infused with aloe and cucumber), leaves my cheeks with glowy tinted look. In summertime I'll definitely bring this with me in my bag to touch up through the day as it fades. I think this cheek tint is a perfect product for fresh summer skin.

MULTITASKING SPRAY

This spray is also infused with aloe and cucumber and it has the best mist I've tried. It primes skin, sets makeup, helps makeup last, gives a dewy glow, hydrates the skin. My favorite product from the collection. I love to use it even when I don't wear makeup just to hydrate and refresh my skin. 

CALIFORNIA BEAMIN' BRONZER

This bronzer is so pretty, love it! It's perfect for face and body to give you airbrushed, sunkissed skin. At first it was hard to blend the bronzer as it's creamy and very pigmented but I use just the tiniest amount of it and then it's easier to work with it + it's enough. It will definitely last for a long time.

If you are looking for new hydrating summer products, try some of these NYX COSMETICS products. I'm sure you'll love these as much as I do. 

CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP

Finally I got the chance to sit down and write my thoughts about NYX Cosmetics new complexion line CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP. I usually don't write reviews because I feel like it's easier and quicker for me to post some thoughts on Instagram. Although,  this year I want to share more blog posts about products I've tried and loved.
I hope you'll find my review helpful and find some new goodies for yourself!

! Before I continue, I want to make clear that I've received these products from NYX Cosmetics but opinions are my own.

I was amazed when I received this huge box, it was definitely the biggest PR box I've ever got and I was so happy to even get it and test the products. When I opened the box I saw such a good variety of foundation shades (45 stunning shades) and some selected complexion products for me. which I was very excited about!

(! even though, swatches look too yellow in the pictures, they are perfect on my face)

First base product is PRIMER. As I have oily skin, it tends to get shiny really quickly and that's why I'm always looking for lightweight matte primers to create long-lasting base. Small amount is enough to prepare the entire face, the primer keeps my skin matte without drying it out. It also works amazingly with other foundation products.

This primer doesn't fill large pores which is a minus but it didn't claim to do so and it's fine. I use Pore Filler Primer (also from NYX Cosmetics) on my larger pores before applying any other primer.

FOUNDATION. First of all, I love how beautiful shade range is with so many different undertones. It is:

• long wearing (up to 24 hours)
• matte finish
• full coverage
• for all skin types
• waterproof

I didn't test it in waters yet (and I don't think I'll try that, haha) but it works very nice on skin leaving it matte for many hours. It dries quickly on the skin therefore you have to blend it fast. I prefer to use sponge with this foundation rather than foundation brush because I feel like with sponge I get even application and better coverage. It looks smooth and beautiful on the skin. Favorite foundation at the moment!

CONTOUR CONCEALER. These products come in 24 shades and are perfect for brightening, concealing and contour. It is:

• lightweight
• long-lasting
• waterproof
• full coverage
• for all skin types

These concealers work perfectly for brightening under eye area and contouring the face and they are definitely full coverage. I love to contour my face with this product as it blends pretty nicely into the skin and makes cream contouring much easier. I blend brightening concealer with sponge and contour with a foundation brush that also came in the packaging.

SETTING POWDER. It is a lightweight powder and comes in 6 universal shades. I'm in love with the powder because it is one of the rare powders that doesn't look drying under my eyes, it also smooths my skin while absorbing oily shine for matte, long-lasting finish. I use it for setting cream products and for baking. 

It is:

• mattifying
• lightweight
• long-lasting
• for all skin types

Setting powder is my FAVORITE product from the line. It is a flawless step for perfect looking complexion. Only thing that bothers me is the packaging because lid is not flat on the inside so you have to pour powder on the outside of the lid (which is not my favorite thing) or on other flat surface. 

COMPLETE CONTROL SPONGE. It's a multi purpose sponge and I use it to blend foundation, concealers and powders. It has a precision tip that helps to get around the nose and under eyes which is very helpful.

I am very, very impressed with CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP collection. It's affordable for the quality you get and the quality is AMAZING. Products actully do what they are supposted to do. I've been using these products for a while and some of them became my favorites pretty quicky, especially contour concealers and setting powder.

Thank you NYX Cosmetics for giving me a chance to try the products.

If you are looking for new affordable complexion products then check these products out. 

Find the collection in your local stores or online https://www.mylook.lv/ (for latvian customers).

HOLIDAY MAKEUP LOOK INSPO

Christmas themed makeup looks are one of my favorites. Colors like green, red and blue are my top colors when I create these looks. They get me in such a good Holiday mood. While I'm still managing to create some fresh looks, I though I could share my favorites from last year. 

Little details like glitter liner and sparkly decors!

I just loved creating this look and it's probably one of my favorites of all time. I rarely work with red tones on my eyes but when I do, I love how different yet stunning red can look on the eyes.

Classic red lip look with glitter on the lids.

I love to play with blue tones. Blue eyeshadows suit brown eyes so much. Cut creases, all over the lid or accents in inner corners - blue tones won't disappoint!

What's your favorite colors to wear during this Holiday season? Do you love colorful looks or classic looks?

FAVORITE MORPHE PRODUCTS

I think only year ago I started to look out for Morphe products as I clearly saw amazing reviews about brand's brushes and eyeshadow palettes. After trying some stuff for a while, I can say that some of them definitely are statement products in my everyday makeup bag. In this post I wanted to share my thoughts about products I have and why I love them.

When I started to play with makeup I had only cheap brushes from ebay and and to be honest I didn't care about quality which is so bad because good brushes are the basics for desired makeup application. Recently I've been interested in Morphe brushes especially  and brushes in the pictures above are my favorites in my kit.

FACE BRUSHES: 

• Y6 flat buffer brush. I love this foundation brush, it is so easy and quick to buff in foundation for smooth finish with amazing coverage.
• Y10 mini contour brush. This brush is for intense contour that can be used in small areas like nose and under lower lip as well. Even though this brush is smaller than typical contour brushes it still blends contour perfectly without leaving any patches. 

Both brushes have synthetic bristles and work well with creams and powders.

EYESHADOW BRUSHES:

• M441 blending crease brush. Amazing brush for blending out shadows and effortless transition between colors. 
• M433 tapered crease brush. Another blending brush for shading and blending.
• E17 precise crease brush. If I use this brush for eyes, I love to intensify shadows in crease with it or blend multiple transition colors together. This brush is also incredible for badass nose contour.
• M421 mini concealer brush. This little brush is my favorite brush ever because it is multi-purpose brush that's perfect for packing on shimmer shadows, creating cut crease and highlighting brow bone and eye inner corner. 

JACLYN HILL X MORPHE PALETTE

I got this palette from my friend and I didn't think I needed it until I got it and used it. Every shadow blends like a dream, shimmer shades are so pretty and pigmented. I swatched my favorite shades down below. 

Some of my looks with this palette:

35U PALETTE

I like to express my creativity with this multi color shimmer palette because the shades are pigmented, easy to blend and longlasting. My favorite rows definitely are one in the middle (blue to green) and last one (purple to white).

Some of my looks with this palette:

 35O PALETTE

I didn't know if I should mention this palette in my favorites because it's classy neutral eyeshadow palette. Don't get me wrong I am obsessed with brown shades and good smokey eye look is one of my favorites to do but talking about neutral palettes - if I had a palette like 35O in smaller and more compact version, it would be my most favorite neutral palette. I just don't need that much similar shades. 

I decided to add this palette to my favorites anyway because this palette has beautiful shades, AMAZING quality for affordable price and I enjoy using it from time to time. If you only use neutral shades or work with lots of clients it will be a dream palette 100%.

LASHES 'HEARTBREAKER' 

These lashes are the best I've ever tried. I love lash style that is dramatic but not too thick therefore you can still see eye shadows through them.

I can definitely say that Morphe is one of my favorite makeup brands because you can experience such a good quality for affordable price. With recent re branding, Morphe came out with amazing new products and I hope I'll have a chance to try some of them soon. 

What do you think about Morphe? Do you have any favorites from the brand?

SUMMER OBSESSIONS

It's been already two good weeks of Summer and I am excited for the more amazing and warm days to come. Right now it's raining outside and feels pretty windy but my summer mood is on and I wanted to share some things I will be obsessed with during this hot and adventurous time.

• GLOW. Glowy skin is a MUST for summer days. Liquid and powder highlighters, dewy mists and shimmer oils are perfect products for achieving glowy skin. Also, don't forget to drink lots of water and use SPF to get healthy and protected skin. 
• BRIGHT MAKEUP. Even though it's hard to wear full glam makeup on hot days, I still want to do my makeup. While using less products on skin, I like to focus on eye makeup, use bright colors and pretty techniques. 

•  PICNICS. It feels like such a good idea to grab some snacks and enjoy beautiful weather outside by the beach, in the park or somewhere else. I think it's such a cool activity to do especially in the mornings or chilly evenings when you want to relax but don't want to sit at home. I can't wait to plan more picnics. 

•  ACCENTS. Lately I've been obsessed with accent details like bright, colorful nails, gold delicate necklaces that you can combine in different styles or wear alone and gold bobby pins that make your hairstyle cooler. Minimal effort for effective looks.
• DENIM. Denim shorts and denim jacket are my must haves in my summer closet. It is so easy to match denim jacket with everything, no matter if you wear chic dress or something casual like leggings and tank top. 

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• FOOD. Of course there are specific food that I want to eat more during hot summer season. Fresh fruits & veggies, cold lemonades or milkshakes, light and healthy desserts are perfect for summer. I have lots of recipes I want to try (for example, cute smoothie bowls, lemonades, fruit plates, etc.).

all inspo pictures are from pinterest.com

COMPLEXION MAKEUP

I wanted to share a post about drugstore face makeup that I've been using these past weeks. Every time I checked social media, I saw good (or bad) review about at least one of these products so I really wanted to try them myself and see how they work for my skin. Finally I got a chance to sit down and write my thoughts about the products.

First step - primer. Lately I've been so obsessed with pipette-applicator packaging and when I saw this primer from Catrice Cosmetics I wanted to buy it immediately. I was a little bit unsure about shimmering primer as my skin tends to get shiny. I was afraid of greasy finish but when I apply this primer it dries down. It's so beautiful on its own, it would be perfect on just bare skin for summer. If you don't use makeup daily, it would be so pretty on the entire face or cheeks and also on the shoulders and collarbones. 

When it comes to foundation, it's so hard for me to find the right type and shade (f.e., look at the difference between matte foundation and other one, haha) of foundation that would look good on my skin. Last month I heard about this LA Girl Pro Matte foundation and wanted to try it as it promises matte and buildable coverage. I chose the shade 'beige' and it matched my skin tone perfectly. For me, the foundation looks better if applied with sponge.

Recently, I got another foundation that I wanted to try for a long time. It's HD Liquid Coverage foundation from Catrice Cosmetics and oh wow, it's one of the best foundations I've ever tried. I feel like it may be my new favorite drugstore foundation. It's long-lasting and mattifying so you don't even need to set it with powder if you don't like powdery finish, you can layer this foundation to get full coverage but it won't feel heavy and greasy.  

Concealer. I bought Liquid Camouflage concealer (also from Catrice Cosmetics) as it's one of the best I've ever tried. It has such a good coverage and brightens my under eye very well. Only bad thing about this product is that it oxidizes a little bit on my skin but I chose the lightest shade so it looks good anyway.

Setting powder. The best powder that actually sets my makeup and keeps my skin matte for longer - RCMA No Color Powder. I've heard lots of things about it and finally got to try it. My skin looks smooth, makeup lasts longer and it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. This is the only powder that works for me and keeps my skin matte for longer than hour or two.
I am impressed with the quality, size and price of the powder!

Another powder that I love - matte bronzer. I bought NYX Matte Bronzer in the shade 'deep' which suits my skin tone very well. It's not too orange nor too mudy. It's super pigmented and blends like a dream!

I had no problems combining these products together as they only complimented each other and didn't cause me any problems. Perfect combo for achieving full coverage good-looking skin!

I am very happy with the amazing quality of each product (especially because every product is affordable). 

GALAXY PALETTE

Hello there! Today's post is something I wanted to share with you for a long time, actually since I got this beautiful palette from Fenty Beauty back in December. However, I didn't want to post typical review with describing price, color and ingredients as you can find that info on the internet therefore I created few bright makeup looks so I could talk about my thoughts and experience with this palette. I know that this palette is already in the beauty industry for a long time as it was from Holiday Collection but I wanted to write a post about it anyway.

First thing that catched my eye was the packaging, of course. The cardboard box and palette are so pretty in different lights and angles. This design is everything! The only thing that makes me sad is that cover picks up finger prints very easily.

When I first opened Galaxy palette I was blown away! Every eyeshadow in this palette is so beautiful and sparkly. The shadows range from sheer, glittery topcoats to smoky shimmery based eyeshadows. Sadly, it's hard to see the beauty in pictures because lots of them deliver a 3D effect. In real life they sparkle like crazy.

For me, this palette is totally different from the other ones I've tried because the formula of the shadows feels so glittery and sparkly yet smooth and easy to work with. I suggest using glitter glue or sticky base with these to get better result and make them last longer + use finger to apply them as my brushes didn't do justice for the pigment.

My favorite looks with this palette so far:

Light blue cut crease look. I used 'Cosmic Ocean' (sheer aqua glitter) & 'Sublime' (sheer mint and gold glitter).

Bright cut crease with glitter liner accent. I used 'Ultraviolit' (smoky violet with iridescent glitter).

I think this is my favorite look using Galaxy palette. Smoky eyeshadows with nude lips will always be my most loved combination. I used 'Planet Ex' (smoky brown with iridescent glitter) & 'Lightyear' (smoky charcoal with gold glitter) on the lid.

Another purple look. I used 'Space Owt' (smoky grape with holographic blue) on the center of the lid. 

It amazes how I've used this palette for months and it still excites me everytime I open it. While I was writing this post I've swatched it on my arm again and that sparkle is too good. I used mostly cool toned shadows and I can't wait to try copper and rose gold tones next (perfect during springtime & summer).
I am so happy I have this palette thanks to my lovely sister who gave me it for my birthday.

NEW IN: SKINCARE & MAKEUP

Hello there! It's already February and only now I share my first post of the 2018. January was quite relaxing, I took my time off of everything and just spent my time with sister and rest of the family. Even though, I loved doing nothing and just chill, I really missed taking pictures, create makeup looks and just focus on the things I love. Before any style or makeup posts, I want to share some of my new skincare & makeup products.

I always wanted to try Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit line as it helps to clear the skin. I am not sure how I feel about face wash yet but I really love moisturizer as it keeps my skin hydrated and soft.

My sister gave me to try this Cleansing Oil from The Body Shop and I really love it. It's so much easier to take my makeup off with this oil and with the help of Neutrogena Hydra Boost cleanser, my skin gets clean and soft.

My every night obsession! As I discovered The Body Shop face massager, I can't stop using it. I love how my skin feels afterwards - plump and fresh. I love to use it with different kind of oils, depending on the mood.

Now about new makeup! Few weeks ago I started to use these primers and fixing mist from L'Oreal. I love to use these products. Primers keep my skin smooth as a perfect base for foundation and fixing mist sets my makeup pretty good.

My two favorite face palettes right now - Highlighting palette from L'Oreal and Contour palette from Makeup Revolution. Both are super pigmented and so easy to use. Perfect for everyday!

Makeup Revolution eyeshadow palette. It contains matte and shimmery shades, excellent for day and night.

My favorite makeup product of the year already (I am sure I won't change my mind until the end of the year, haha!). Galaxy palette from Fenty Beauty. I will definitely make another post about this palette.

Another TOP favorite is this set of nude lipsticks from Jeffree Star Cosmetics. I am such a nude lipstick lover and when I saw this set on instagram, I was obsessed. I wanted to try JSC lipsticks for a long time and now when I have these, I can't get enough. I use these lipsticks everyday and my most favorite shade is 'Celebrity Skin'.

After writing this post, I can't wait to create makeup looks using these products, especially eyeshadow palettes. I'm in the mood for Valentines day inspired makeup so can't wait to play with this makeup!