March Favorites

I cannot believe it's already April!  I feel like I say this each month, but this year is going by so quickly.  I'm in the midst of some traveling, so I'll get straight to the point.  I have lots of new favorites for March, mainly because I started working out before work rather than after work.  This means that I was applying my makeup either super quickly at the gym or super quickly (and sneakily) at my desk.  March's favorites are, therefore, things that were really handy and easy to use.1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel for Dry to Very Dry Skin.  I first learned about this product via Instagram, and it became a staple soon after.  I carry this super hydrating moisturizer in my gym bag and apply it after washing my face.  It's packed with hyalauronic acid, which is an amazing moisturizer, but the gel texture keeps it from feeling too thick on my skin.  It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin soft and plump.  This is a great all-purpose, basic moisturizer, and it's very affordable at around $20 at most drugstores.2. Chanel Rouge Allure Gloss in 20 Audace.  This is probably my most used product this month.  I keep it with me at all times and apply it whenever I want a natural, glossy look.  The color is a brownish berry shade so it's similar to my lip color but it definitely shows up.  The applicator makes it easy to apply precisely without looking at a mirror and the formula lasts several hours.  Yes, its pricey, but I know that I'll get a ton of use out of it, so I think it's definitely worth the splurge.3. Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara.  This is a drugstore purchase that was made out of necessity.  I forgot to bring mascara with me to the gym and couldn't bear the thought of a day without mascara, so I picked this up on my way to work.  I'd heard rave reviews about this formula, and since it was pretty cheap, I gave it a try.  I really love this mascara.  It defines and thickens my lashes, but it's not too dramatic, so it's perfect for work.  Definitely recommend this.4. Amore Pacific Time Response Eye Renewal Cream.  I was lucky enough to score a generous sample size of this eye cream and have really enjoyed using it.  I like that's its very rich and a little goes a long way.  I've been using it morning and night, and even though it may be a tad too rich for daytime use, I still like it.5. Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze.  This is another drugstore purchase that has been in heavy rotation.  I love that this shadow stick is easy to apply and it stays all day long.  I've been pairing it with bronzer and orange lipstick and have been loving how fresh it looks for spring.6. Sara Happ the lip scrub.  I reviewed this a while ago (here) and honestly didn't use it very much since I reviewed it.  However, once I started wearing brighter lipsticks for spring, I decided it was time to start exfoliating my lips regularly.  I've worked this into my evening routine a couple of times a week and it's made me feel so much more confident about wearing bold lip colors.7. MAC Bronzing Powder in Bronze.  I've had this for the longest, but once I got a little tan a few weeks ago, I've been wearing this pretty regularly.  I use this along my cheekbones to add more glow and depth to my face and it makes me feel like I'm all tropical and what not.8. Milani lipstick in Sweet Nectar.  I bought this lipstick last summer when orange lips were super popular.  I wanted to try the trend without spending a lot of money, so I tried Milani.  This is a vibrant, true orange lipstick that's pretty opaque with just one pass.  Since it has a matte finish, it's not super smooth, so I like to pat this on my lips with my finger.  This creates more of a stain that's more forgiving and looks more natural (if orange lipstick could ever look natural).  The result is an effortless look that makes me feel more comfortable wearing such a bright lipstick.  This is another drugstore find, so it's very affordable as well.9. Maybelline lipstick in Truffle Tease.  Yet another drugstore product that has a cult following.  This lipstick actually lives up to the hype because the formula is super creamy and it's a great light nude.  If you're looking for a beige nude that's affordable, you'll definitely want to give this a try!Check out some swatches:Note: the Chanel gloss looks more mauve in person than in the photo.