may favorites 2012.

♥ Anastasia Beverly Hills-Perfect Brow Pencil in Brunette: Both this brow pencil and the one below are wonderful for filling in your eyebrows.  I prefer the Brow Wiz, however, it runs out much quicker since it's the twist up version (as opposed to the pencil you sharpen.)  Either way, you will be a happy camper.

♥  Anastasia Beverly Hills- Brow Wiz in Brunette

♥ Aquage- Beyond Shine: My sister, Natalie, told me about this hair product years ago.  I loved it, somehow forgot about it, and have returned to it again.  It provides shine but doesn't make your hair look greasy.  Love!

♥ Bumble and Bumble- Spray De Mode Hairspray: This is the ultimate hairspray if you prefer hold without the "crunch" factor.  I use this for soft curls or any hair style that doesn't need long-term strength.  

♥ Urban Decay- Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray: This product is fantastic for those hot summer months (especially in Texas!)  After you have finished applying your makeup, spritz your face with this oil-control makeup setting spray to avoid fading throughout the day.  This isn't necessarily an every day product but works great for nights out and special events.  I highly recommend this setting spray (as well as the Urban Decay "All Nighter") for Brides on their special day. 

♥ Dior- Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup in #21:  When Blake and I went on our cruise in April, both of us got a decent amount of sun.  I didn't wear makeup during the day but would get ready in the evenings before dinner.  For the most part, I only wear mineral powder as foundation these days.  However, I have really dramatic freckle patches that come out in the summer (no matter how much sunscreen I wear.)  Naturally, due to my change in skin color and crazy sun patches, my makeup wasn't matching.  I went to the cosmetic store on board the ship and was color matched. The makeup artist recommended this product based on my skin type.  I wasn't going to be picky since there were limited options and I'm so thankful I listened to her suggestion.  This product is also not an every day item for me but is fantastic for weekend nights and events.  It dries quickly, which I prefer in a foundation.  Diorskin Nude provides light coverage (yet, buildable).  According to Sephora's website this foundation is, "clinically proven to improve skin quality +27% after 4 weeks."  It also claims that this product "blends 100% natural mineral pigments with Dior's exclusive, active mineralized water to deliver flawless, glowing skin that actually improves over time."  I haven't determined if all of these claims hold true quite yet but I certainly do not disagree at this point or have any complaints.  Give it a try if you are in the market for a new foundation.  

♥ Maybelline New York- The Falsies Volume Express in Black Drama: This mascara has a spoon style brush that fans your lashes from corner to corner.  After applying, my lashes definitely look longer, fuller, separated, and more bold.  I haven't had any issues with this lasting for long periods of time and love the extreme black pigmentation.  

♥ Laura Mercier-Mineral Powder in Real Sand: This is what I have been using for my every day "foundation."  It's a finely milled mineral powder that makes your skin look flawless.  According to Sephora, Laura Mercier's mineral powder, "helps clear the skin of toxins, promotes healthy skin cell  growth, and fights the aging process."  It is oil-free and water resistant which also comes in handy throughout the hot summer months.  You can really build coverage with this product as I no longer have a need to use my concealer for imperfections.  Overall, my goal is to wear light makeup but maintain a more natural look and this powder achieves just that.  It definitely doesn't contain shimmer or sparkles, however, it provides a "lit from within" appearance.  

♥ MAC-Lustre Lipstick in See Sheer AB1:  This picture doesn't do the lipstick justice.  The true color is more  of a "coral, orangy, light red."  It's far more natural than it appears on camera and is wearable in the office.  See Sheer is easy to apply, long wearing, and mute enough for a daytime look.  

♥ Smashbox- Photo Finish Light:  I picked up this sample size of the primer in Sephora a few weeks ago and have fallen in love with this product.  This is a water-based, light weight primer.  Any primer or foundation that is water-based is a winner in my book.  This is ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin.  Photo Finish Light provides a matte finish that holds your makeup all day long.  I wear this primer any time I'm wearing makeup.  

That concludes my May Favorites for 2012.  I hope this information was helpful!  Please let me know if you have any questions about anything included above.  Have a wonderful day :)