Tutorial: Back to School with Brand New Makeup and Releases!*


With what feels like a blink of an eye, summer is coming to an end and that means it's back to school time. I still remember even in my later years of highschool that I started wearing makeup to school, but because it was a private school there were very strict rules about make-up, even things like nail polish and bra colors were very strict. Anyways, so I would always focus on neutrals - a tinted moisturizer or some powder and some light eyeshadow and mascara. Later on in university, I would always be in a rush to get myself ready that my makeup would be very simple as well, just put on enough to make myself presentable. So I hope that you will enjoy the below look I created for back to school because this is really something similar to what I would have done. 

Also, I have listed out the products I have used in this tutorial below and have also included a small review of each item as a huge majority of the products, 7 out of the 10 are all brand new to me.


As you can see from the photos above, I kept the makeup very natural and focused on just adding some color to the face so I do not look so zombie-like. 

Products used:
Primer: Estee Lauder -The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer + Finisher* ~ this is a definite go-to for summer, it keeps my face matte without drying it out or feeling tight. LOVE it!

Foundation/BB Cream: Laneige - BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF 50 (no.23 sand)* ~ I just received this from PR and this is a really great BB cream that also contains SPF (two birds with one stone! Yes!).  This color applied lighter than my usual skintone initially, but within 5-10 minutes it became half a shade darker and matched me perfectly. It felt cool and lightweight and I set it with a setting powder as I enjoy a smooth finish. It lasted a full day basically from 9-5ish and it made my skin look natural and just a better version of what it is. I would definitely wear this again when I'm out and about as my regular routine for light coverage. 

Concealer: First Aid Beauty - Hello Fab Bendy Avocado Concealer (Light)* ~ this concealer is ultra lightweight, almost watery in consistency but offers a light to medium buildable coverage. It did not get patchy when I did a second layer as well so it was really appreciated. The shade light does lean a bit yellow toned though just an FYI. However, I honestly found that it covered my panda dark eye circles very well and because it was cooling, it helped a bit with the depuffing while being ultra moisturized. 

Bronzer: Too Faced - Sweethearts Bronzer* ~ I LOVEEEE this bronzer! I wish I had discovered it earlier. Though on the pan it looks like there is a shimmer, honestly when you buff it onto the skin you just end up looking radiant and sunkissed, like you just got off the plane from a tropical paradise. 

Blush: Tarte - Fairy Blush (limited edition)* ~ Tarte blushes can do no wrong, their formulations are one of the best and they have such a wide range of colors and lasts all day. They blend perfectly on the skin and do not look cakey or powdery no matter how much you put on. This limited edition package is everything, the star sparkles move around in the lid and you can take the blush out and replace it with another should you wish. 

Highlighter: PIXI - Glow-y Gossamer Duo*~ This is a great drugstore highlighter that offers a sheer to in your face highlight.

Lip Balm: Dr. Hauschka - Lip Care Stick* ~ I regret not trying this out sooner as it does really moisturize the lips very well even after one application. It feels hydrating and light weight, kind of like a silky watery texture and has a very subtle herb fragrance that is spa-like. I would definitely purchase this as gifts for christmas as thats when most people need some TLC for the lips.

Liptint: YSL - Rouge Pur Couture (no. 12)* ~ this YSL lip tint leaves the lips tinted for a few hours even after the shine comes off. I like the applicator of this and they have so many colors and formulations its great. A great luxury splurge if you want a fancy lip tint. 

Eyeshadow: Viseart - Tryst Eyeshadow Palette ~ I have always wanted to own a Viseart Palette but they are quite pricey, but when this came out which has my shades (purple and neutrals), I had to buy it. These are very pigmented, finely milled (there is some kick back when you dip your brush in the mattes), and do not crease. I would like to look into other palettes in the future for sure!

Brow product: Benefit - Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Design (no. 3) ~ Fine, precise and a hard formulation is great - it means that you can draw defined lines on the brow that mimic brow hairs. With a brow brush on the other end, this is an all in one package and the sleek packaging is great.

Eyeliner: IT Cosmetics - Superhero Liner*~ The felt tip is firmer than I'm used to in a liquid liner, however it is ultra black and pigmented and with the fine tip I can be very precise with how I apply it and just stay close to the lash line and do a small wing. It dries quickly and does not transfer and lasts all day.

Mascara: IT Cosmetics - Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara* ~ this has got to be my fav mascara, it lengthens and volumes and makes my thin and short little lashes look long and actually visible. I will definitely continue to repurchase this even though I do get sent mascaras by other brands! It's because I truly love this, 

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent to me for review/consideration, all opinions are my own

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