Fresh for Spring: The New Pixi Pretties Collection

*PR Product/Affiliate links

If you were to ask me what beauty brand exudes springtime, I don't think anyone could top Pixi. From their pastel green packaging, to their glow inducing, rose-infused skincare, to their soft, ethereal makeup, Pixi's products are basically the cosmetic equivalent of frolicking in a field of flowers. Sweet, feminine, and effortless, Pixi Beauty is the perfect brand for more minimal makeup lovers, and is one of my go-tos whenever I'm craving a lighter look.

As we're FINALLY starting to see the signs of Spring here in New England, the timing is perfect to start playing with some fresh, new makeup. Earlier this year, Pixi released a new range of products to their Influencer-created Pixi Pretties collection. Last year's offerings, such as the It'sEyeTime Palette and Double Cleanse, were some of my most treasured products of 2017, so I was incredibly excited to see what new collaborations Pixi had in store for us.

Falling In Love All Over Again: New Launches From BareMinerals

*PR Samples/Affiliate Links

If I was to ask myself which makeup brand I've had the longest relationship with, nothing even comes close to BareMinerals. Their Original Loose Powder Foundation was the first high-end product I ever remember owning, and I treasured that jar like it was filled with powdered gold. The obsession only continued - from warmth and mineral veil, to blushes, eyeshadows, and even brow powder. At one point I'm pretty sure my entire makeup routine (with the exception of mascara and lipstick, perhaps) consisted entirely of BareMinerals loose powders.

Fast forward 15 years (...seriously though, how has it been that long?) and BareMinerals products are still some of my everyday go-tos. Of course, a lot of things have changed since high school. With the addition of skincare and pressed powders, the BareMinerals lineup is way more comprehensive than it was in the early 2000s. And while some brands miss the mark while trying to be trendy or keep up with the times, I feel like BareMinerals has always managed to find that sweet spot of creating classic, effortless, everyday products that can work for women of any age.

All that being said, you can imagine my excitement over having the opportunity to go to New York City for an event promoting the launch of the new BarePro 16 Hour Full Coverage Concealer. I have been obsessed with the BarePro Performance Wear Powder Foundation, which provides beautiful, matte coverage while being incredibly convenient and easy to apply. In addition to the concealer, I also got to take home a few other new goodies from BareMinerals to test and try out for you guys. So let's jump in and take a closer look at the latest additions to the family!

Score This Deal: Becca Create Your Own Light Set

Friends, I've discovered another seriously amazing makeup steal that you might want to jump on ASAP! As with most of my beauty finds, this was another thing I totally stumbled across by happenstance (thank you Facebook advertising) and couldn't believe what was on the screen in front of me. The BECCA Cosmetics Create Your Own Light Set is a Beautylish exclusive retailing for $69 and (yes you're hearing me correctly) contains FOUR full-sized products and one travel-sized product. Say WHAT? If you've ever shopped for BECCA Products before, you'll know that the average retail price of most of their primers, blushes, and highlighters is more than $30. Needless to say, this set is a GREAT deal.

Score This Deal: LORAC Lip & Cheek Set

Hey friends! I've got a serious savings alert coming your way. I stumbled upon this sweet little LORAC set while perusing the Ulta website, and wanted to clue you in to its existence. LORAC is one of those makeup brands that I don't think gets enough hype in the beauty-sphere. Known best for their amazing eyeshadow palettes (you can see my full review of the Pro 3 Palette here), I feel like the rest of their line has mostly slipped under the radar. I too am guilty of not taking the time to explore more from the brand, so when I had a few Ulta points to cash in on, I decided this set was a perfect investment! For only $30 you get a full sized blush, lipstick, and lipliner in coordinating shades. Purchased individually these same products would cost you $56, which is adds up to an almost 50% discount. I don't know about you, but that sounded pretty darn good to me!

Save or Splurge? Another Drugstore and High-End Beauty Showdown

*This post contains affiliate links.

Anyone who's been around these parts for a while knows that when it comes to beauty products, I appreciate having a healthy mix of high-end and drugstore options. Sometimes the quality of a product merits the extra cash, sometimes the budget friendly option performs better. It's one of the things I love about beauty blogging. The more I try and review, the better able I am to compare and contrast so you guys can reap the benefits!

I know I'm not the only one who loves searching for a good dupe. It looks like my original Save or Splurge post has been getting a lot of attention lately, which made me think it's about time I did a follow up! Over the past 7 or 8 months I've been keeping an eye out for potential pairings, and I think I've now rounded up a nice little selection of products to share with you guys.

Today I've got four of my favorite high-end beauty products to talk about: a cult favorite liquid lipstick, an iconic brow pencil, the perfect summer blush tint, and the super glue of eyeshadow primers. Are they worth the splurge? Or should you save your money and opt for these budget friendly drugstore options instead? Let's take a look!

One Year Z-Palette Update

Oh, the Z-Palette. I have to admit, I didn't realize how fun (and addicting) putting one of these together would be. Collectively its the most pricey makeup item I own, but it's also one of the things I reach for the most whenever I'm sitting down to create a fun new eye look. I had held off on starting a palette until last year, when I treated myself to this Extra Large Z-Palette ($28) for my birthday. A few weeks later I sat down and attempted to de-pot products for the first time with relative success, and have been adding to it ever since. Since we're about to hit the year mark, I thought it'd be fun to do a little update and share with you guys all the pans I've depotted and purchased, as well as a few makeup looks I've created with this palette. If you love eyeshadow swatches, get excited, because there's about to be a lot of them!

New-In from Nudestix: Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm

So you guys already are probably aware my love for Nudestix is strong. Their products are hella cute, super convenient, and never slouch on performance. It all started with the Lip + Cheek Pencil in Ripe (which I've been reaching for a ton this spring) and has only taken off since then. About a month or two ago I was perusing the "Just Arrived" section of the Sephora website (cause really, when am I not?) and was thrilled to discover a new Nudestix product had launched. From the second I laid eyes on them, I knew the Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm was going to be boss, and I also knew I needed to have them in my life.

Now, full disclosure, because you guys know I'm all about honesty in these parts. My genuine enthusiasm for Nudestix landed me on their PR list, which means that from time to time they'll send me their products for free. I'm never asked to write a review, nor say anything positive about whatever I'm sent on social media or otherwise. Basically they're just trusting that their products are great, and if people like them, they'll want to share them with their audiences. Nudestix is in no way compensating me for talking about their products, however I AM a Sephora affiliate, which means if you go out and buy these lovely pencils using one of the links from this post, I can earn a small commission from your purchase. So if that's something you aren't cool with, I totally respect that.

Phew, all right, now that we've gotten the formalities out of the way, let's get back to talking makeup. These pencils looked pretty legit, and I was incredibly thrilled to be sent three to try. Want to know more? Yeah you do!

Tarte Double-Duty Beauty 101 Discovery Kit

All right, friends. I've got a major value alert coming your way. About a month ago I decided to pick up the new Tarte Double Duty Beauty 101 Discovery Kit ($36) and put it to the test. The Double Duty Beauty Collection just launched for Spring and is exclusive to Ulta stores. Designed with the busy girl-on-the-go in mind, every product is aimed towards slimming down your beauty routine and making some space in that cosmetics bag. You can shop the entire collection here, which contains some super cute palettes and innovative new foundation formulas in addition to the products in this set. With four full-sized products valued at almost $100, the Beauty 101 Discovery Kit is a steal for only $36. I also thought it'd be a great way to get a feel for the new collection and see if it was worth checking out.

New in From Nudestix: Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencils & Blur Pencil*

Is anyone else totally loving this sudden streak of spring weather we're having? Being able to walk outside without a coat is literally the most glorious feeling after months and months of freezing in the frigid New England air. Of course, the shining sun isn't the only thing that's got me in a good mood lately. I've recently acquired a few new beauty products that have me feeling equally giddy. Call me a makeup addict, but I just never tired of the thrill of swatching a new lipstick or testing out a new foundation.

In particular I've been having quite a bit of fun playing with a few goodies from Nudestix that I was sent to try. I am in no way sponsored by the brand, or even asked to write a review. I just honestly appreciate the concept behind their products and enjoy showing you guys what's new and interesting. Speaking of which, let me introduce to you the latest products to help you #gonudebutbetter - the Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencil, and the Blur Pencil.

Makeup Revolution Ultra Blush Palette Review

Today's post marks another eventful happening in my ongoing quest to explore cult beauty brands. Based in London, Makeup Revolution is well known to my friends across the Atlantic for their affordable, yet quality makeup. I've read many a rave review about their eyeshadow palettes, and how they are incredible dupes for the Urban Decay Naked Palette series. Unfortunately their products are a little harder to come by over here in the states, so I'd never made much of an effort to try anything out. However, with a little nudge from a 20% off coupon and a BOGO sale at Ulta, I finally decided to push the "order" button and add a few of their products to my collection. As much as I love eyeshadow (and you all know how much I love eyeshadow), the drugstore is brimming with affordable neutral palettes, and I wasn't all that excited to try another one. Then I laid my eyes on the Makeup Revolution Blush Palettes, and my mind immediately thought a resounding YAS!

Disappointing Products, Part II

Consider today's post a PSA to the beauty world. For the past year I've been putting aside products that for one reason or another were a let down to me. From wonky formulas to lackluster pigmentation, there are many a reason a product can disappoint, and it's really frustrating to waste your money on something that you just don't enjoy using. Hating on beauty products is not something I like to do, but sharing my true feelings is important to not only keep me honest, but to also help steer you all in the right direction. Cause let's be real, we work hard for our cash money, and if we're going to spend it on a new mascara it better not give us raccoon eyes!

Tarte Airblush Maracuja Blush & Glamazon Lipstick Reviews

Good morning everyone! Today is my Friday (hooray!) and I wanted to kick off the day with some happy makeup-related vibes. A few weeks ago I posted about the crazy, gigantic Sephora End of Summer Sale along with some of my recommendations of products to snag. While I pretty much wanted to buy everything, I decided to reel it in a little and only add this lovely pair of products from Tarte to my shopping cart. For those of you who may not be familiar with the awesomeness that is the Tarte brand, they create cruelty-free, ingredient-conscious beauty products that offer serious performance without lots of junk and fillers. From their Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes to the ever popular Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara, Tarte has a number of well loved products in the beauty community. Did these beauties follow suit? Come find out!

Get a Perfect Flush with the Milani Limited Edition Rose Powder Blush

Guys, I have a problem. I have a serious weakness for blush. This is probably not shocking news, what with my writing a blog called Little Blushing Birdie, but I digress. It's just so darn lovely, and there are so many beautiful shades and formulas out there that I just can't stop trying new ones. One of my most recent purchases was this gorgeous Milani Limited Edition Rose Powder Blush in the shade Blossomtime Rose. I've been eyeing the Rose Powder Blushes for some time now, but since they're a permanent part of the Milani collection I'd kept myself from pulling the trigger. And then of course I saw the display of three new Limited Edition shades while I was at CVS, and with the added pressure of sales and coupons I cracked. I mean, who could resist taking home such a beaut as this when it was essentially free? It'd almost be a crime not to!

Best of Becca Review

Sometimes in life you have a moment where you hear a song, or taste a food, or in this case, try a particular makeup item, that you just IMMEDIATELY fall in love. There's no moment of being on the fence, no gradual process of garnering appreciation. It's all wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am head over heels obsession from the very first second you become acquainted. Friday night, I had one of those moments.

Hello Becca. Where have you been all my life?

I should start out by paying some credit where it's due to Vivianna at Vivianna loves makeup, who first piqued my interest about the brand by writing this post. Basically I laid eyes on Beach Tints and immediately put them on my wish list. A few weeks later, as if somehow the universe knew, I'm perusing my ULTA catalog and see an exclusive Best of Becca set. With a full sized Beach Tint. An impulse buy ensued (along with a few other things...the evidence of which can be seen from my instagram feed) and within a week I had my hands on this gorgeous collection.

Rose Gold Glow

I adore soft, feminine makeup. Sheer washes of color, glowing skin - nothing too overdone or overly complicated. Pinky nudes and rose gold hues lend themselves perfectly to this kind of look, warming up your natural features while still managing to look natural. Here are some of my favorite products to do the job.

Holiday Gifting 2014 - Tarte Pin Up Girl Blush Palette

When it comes to making a beauty junkie's face light up like a Christmas tree, a beautiful palette is definitely one of your most full-proof gift options. Last month I wrote about ten of the palettes I was coveting most, and after much swatching and deliberating while perusing the aisles of Ulta and Sephora, I decided this tarte Pin Up Girl Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Palette was the perfect addition to my personal collection. From the gorgeous packaging, to the quality of the blushes, to the value of what you're getting, this Limited Edition holiday palette is one of the best you can pick up this season.

First Look - Japonesque Color

So, I should start off with a little disclaimer...

I've been going a little crazy with the beauty shopping in the past month or so.

Between amazing sales at ULTA and some ridiculous couponing sessions at CVS I've been able to score some awesome products at prices that are pretty much impossible to pass up. That being said, I have SO much to share with all of you. Rather than try to incorporate everything into giant haul posts, I'm going to break things down into smaller snippets by brand or product type so I can give you a more in-depth look at how everything performs.

To kick things off, I wanted to introduce you to these lovely Japonesque Color goodies that I was able to snag from ULTA at 50% off during their 21 days of beauty sale a few weeks back. I realized that I hadn't heard much about Japonesque Color products before, but they looked awfully pretty, and I thought it might be fun to go out on a limb and give them a try.