makeup Archives - Twenty Something Plus

April 9, 2024

Happy Sephora Sale!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

We love a sale! Especially a Sephora sale. And in case you weren’t already aware, the Sephora Savings Event is happening right now. If you need to replenish anything in your makeup bag or you’ve had your eye on something pricey (like the Dyson Airwrap), trust me you’re going to want to shop this sale before it ends April 15th.

Not sure what to shop? Let me help you!

Here are 5 of my top picks to shop from the Sephora Savings Event along with my reasons as to why.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- Even though it is an over $50 foundation, it is by far the best quality one that I’ve tried so far. Not only was my shade match flawless, which may sound trivial but is huge for darker skin tones, especial when it comes to non-Black owned beauty brands. I also get the most compliments on my complexion when I use this foundation specifically. But yeah, I waited for this sale to restock this, doing to most to get every last drop out of my previous one.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
- I’ve been know to swap out makeup products often, over having a set of tried and true favorites. However, this is the one and only concealer I have ever (and probably will ever) made sure to always have in my makeup bag. And when I don’t use it I feel like my whole face beat is just off. I also have the liquid version, but it just isn’t the same in my opinion.
Grande Cosmetics Brow Styling Gel
- Anastasia Beverly Hills brow freeze styling wax was my longstanding favorite. I’ve also tried their newer brow freeze gel, which I don’t hate. Now, while I still like and use them both of them, the Grande Cosmetics one gives is just so much for forgiving. Whereas with the Anastasia product, I feel like I have about .5 seconds to do my brows, or forget it.
Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Detailer
- Speaking of brows, this new brow pencil is it! It gives the precision of a liquid pen (think liquid eyeliner), but the look and feel of a pencil. I’ve been absolutely loving it, and haven’t shut up about it on Instagram.
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
- This is another Benefit favorite. I love a product that can do the job of more. I use this to contour my face and as an eyeshadow. Another product that you’re likely to always find in my makeup bag.

If you are shopping the Sephora sale, what’s in your cart? Here are more of my top picks, including what I’ve been loving lately and some new products that I’m trying out!

November 25, 2020

Nordstrom Beauty Gift Sets

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

Can you believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving? Or that Christmas is only a month away? I know I sure can’t. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to start buying the gifts for everyone on your list. And if you have anyone who is beauty obsessed, Nordstrom has the best beauty gift sets from the best beauty brands, including some of my personal favorites!

I’m sure I’ve overshared how much obsessed with Fresh Beauty I am, and have even mentioned their products in other Nordstrom Beauty posts. I stan. They have some of the cutest holiday gift sets whether you’re looking for something to put in a stocking or under the tree.

Briogeo is one of my go-to, Black female owned, haircare brands. I don’t know anyone who has tried their Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask and not absolutely loved it. With the Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, it’s such a great duo to gift!

I know we’re not going out as much or even at all really, and when we are, we’re staying face masked up. But, that doesn’t mean we aren’t taking care of our lips. I still wear lip gloss on Zoom calls and lip balm around at home. In addition to Fresh Beauty, Nordstrom has MAC Lipstick, Kiehl’s Lip Balm, and Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss sets, that I’d for sure be happy to receive.

If the beauty lover in your life is also a skincare product junkie, a few of my most used products are Mario Badescu Skincare facial spray, Kopari coconut oil deodorant, Anastasia Beverly Hills clear brow gel, and Peter Thomas Roth Masks. All amazing sets that really anyone can appreciate.

Have you signed up for The Nordy Club yet? If not, you’re missing out. It’s free to join and you earn points towards Nordstrom Notes when you shop, which you can use to spend with Nordstrom later. They also have free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup.

Happy gifting!

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June 24, 2020

Nordstrom Summer Beauty

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

I have learned to value my self care far more than ever before. In doing so, I’ve found that I feel my best when I look my best.

I’m so happy to share that I’m partnering with Nordstrom and ShopStyle to share my Nordstrom summer beauty picks.

This summer, I am determined to get my summer glow on, even while staying in place at home. So, thanks to Nordstrom, I’ve restocked and refreshed my makeup and skincare routines.

This month I’m highlighting bronzers and all over shimmer, which are perfect for summer.

My personal favorite product for all over shimmer is the Nars Monoi Body Glow. I apply it directly after a relaxing shower or a soothing bath, for an instant glow. If you’re looking for an even more natural looking glow, you’ll love the Nars Monoia Body Glow II. They both smell amazing!

As much as I love a good glow and value my time spent in the sun, products with SPF are essential. If I’m wearing makeup, my favorite summer foundation is this Lancôme long wear liquid one with SPF 15 and for my lips (which have been sunburnt before) I swear by the Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rose, which is also SPF 15.

In addition to a getting a good glow and making sure to have some sun protection, I made sure to restock on some of my favorite everyday products. Even when I don’t wear a full face, I try to do my eyebrows. For my daily brows, I use Brow Wiz, clear brow gel (also available as a set) and the NARS Soft Matte Concealer.

I’m not too big on blush, so I love a subtle hint on cheek color, with a highlighter that really pops. My current favorite combo is the Lancôme Blush Subtil and the Bobbi Brown Highlighting powder.

I also made sure to link to some of my summer skincare faves, because makeup is great, but taking care of your skin is even better.

And, I also really love that Nordstrom has free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup and Club Nordy, with which you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access!

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September 2, 2016

Follain Finds: Jane Iredale Mascara + Primer

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Mascara hoarding is something I’ve been trying to cut back on. But finding just one or two that I love far above the rest isn’t something I’ve been able to narrow. Until discovering this Jane Iredale duo at Follain.

It was important to me to have a clean beauty mascara solution, that also lasts throughout the day. And the Jane Iredale mascara and lash conditioning primer do exactly that. Lashes with volume, that last throughout the day? I thought it was impossible. Plus, safe enough to wear every day, without having to worry about harmful chemicals? Amazing!

These aren’t the only green beauty products I’d recommend but they are two of my top picks. Whenever you make a purchase at Follain, they include samples to try. The same goes for when you attend one of their events. I’ve never had to purchase this mascara and primer, I’ve gotten enough samples of them to last me quite a while.

The primer also worked great with other mascaras. I don’t wear it everyday, just when I want a little extra volume or have a long day ahead of me.

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June 8, 2016

My Top 3 Highlighters

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

With makeup trends changing all the time (did you hear that the no makeup makeup look is now back in?), I’ve pretty much given up on doing what is said to be popular.

So, forgive me if I’m a little late on this, but right now I’m all about strobing.

Creating a natural look that leaves me looking radiant enough to have been gently touched by King Midas, himself? All day, every day!

There are tons of different highlighters out there, I have yet to use most of them, but I don’t need to. I have ones that really help me get glowing.

NARS Illuminator in Oragsm | $30

Benefit Cosmetics Liquid Highlighter in Sun Beam Golden-Bronze | $26

e.l.f. Cosmetics Illumination Palette | $6

These are my current faves, but I’m definitely open to trying others. What’s you absolute favorite highlighter?

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May 6, 2016

What’s in My Mother’s Makeup Bag

There is so much that I’ve learned from my mother. I am thankful for her and the lessons she taught me. I probably should have listened when she told me not to touch my eyebrows.

When it comes to makeup, she taught me that less is plenty. And although I hoard makeup, like she does kitchenware, I know to make sure to have my few essentials on hand at all times. We probably define essentials differently, but I’m way more into makeup than she is.

My mother’s makeup bag is a minimalist’s dream. Even though she almost always takes forever to get ready, she does her makeup last and can do that in less than five!

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April 15, 2016

How to Get the Perfect Pout for Spring

It is finally looking like New England is done with snow.

Which means it’s time to revive my lips for spring.

Literally.

When it comes to getting the perfect pout for spring, there are really only three lip products that I need. Lip scrub, lip liner, and lip cream.

Starting with Beauty for Real’s Lip Revival Lip Scrub, gently rub to remove any dead excess skin and reveal smooth kissable lips. Rinse and pat dry.

Now you’re ready to get really ready!

Line your lips with the D-Fine Lip Pencil, it’s great for all lip colors. Which brings us to lip cream.

I have been looking for a pretty pink that feels springy without making me look ridiculous. The Beauty for Real Lip Cream in Flash is the only non-sheer pink I haven’t felt like I had to combine with another color in order to wear it out of the house.

Plus, it really leaves my lips nice and soft.

The perfect pout!

April 13, 2016

#MAKEYourself

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

MAKE Beauty is one of my top ten makeup brands. They make my absolute favorite lip gloss, plus they are all about collaboration. They select makeup artists and expert artisans to help inspire their color palettes. If you don’t already, you really should be doing your homework on the brands you use.

If you don't already, you really should be doing your homework on the brands you use. Click To Tweet

When I like a brand as much as I do MAKE Beauty, even if I’ve tried a product or two before, I usually want to try their entire line. Financially that isn’t a possibility, so I literally pounced on the opportunity to sample their Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster and Silk Cream Lipstick in Taffy.

Lighter shades aren’t typically my thing, but I am totally digging these for spring. The samples may look tiny, but they pack a lot of punch!

The full size versions cost $25 each. They also have a $10 sample kit that includes two eyeshadows and a lip color, and a percentage of their sales is donated to their non-profit partner, We See Beauty Foundation.

If you’re interested in giving MAKE Beauty a try, use the code MAKEYOURSELF for 20% off sitewide! (This code is only valid until this Friday.)

March 8, 2016

Lune+Aster Makeup Look

Growing up, I never thought I’d be even half as makeup obsessed as I am. I wouldn’t say that makeup is my passion, exactly, but I certainly am passionate about makeup.

Trying products out in various colors is fun, and I absolutely love it when I find new makeup bag staples. When I tried Lune+Aster that I received from Blue Mercury, I found just that.

The Lune+Aster Vitamin C + E Lip Gloss in Teacher and Stratosphere Volumizing Mascara are both Vegan products that create a natural makeup look. You can literally swipe and go!

I tried layering the mascara with other mascaras and didn’t love the outcome. But alone, loved it for an understated, everyday look. As for the lipgloss, Teacher makes an excellent nude. While I adore my NYX lipgloss in Praline, Lune+Aster in Teacher is equally as amazing, minus the scent, which a lot of people don’t like.

Both will definitely be found in my purse on a regular basis. And I for sure will be trying the lipgloss in different colors. I’m thinking Editor in Chief or Rebel next…

February 29, 2016

Birchbox Lip Sync Kit

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Apparently, in addition to Black History Month, February is also (unofficially) lipstick month.

Or something like that…

I almost missed the memo, but Birchbox didn’t and even had a lip product themed add-on option.

I don’t do add-ons very often, but decided to for my February Birchbox and it was such a good life choice!

The Lip Sync Kit included four lip colors (two of which are full size), a lip pencil and a lip scrub. $68 worth of products for only $30.

Laura Geller New York Lip Strip Smoothing Sugar Scrub | $16

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Liquid Lipstick in Strumpet | $16

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso | $24

ModelCo Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner | $20

POP Beauty Matte Velvet Lipstix Trio in Satin Rose | $24

IPKN Twinkle Lips in Glow Pink | $18

From left to right: ModelCo, OCC, POP Beauty, Stila, IPKN

After attempting to do a 5 Day Lipstick Challenge that didn’t go as smoothly as I’d planned. I’m going to try again with One Woman Style’s 30 Day Lipstick Challenge, starting tomorrow.

I highly doubt that I’ll do all 30 days, but I don’t really intend to. My goal is to challenge myself to wear lipstick a little more often, instead of just hoarding lip colors. Including the ones in the Lip Sync Kit.