October - Makeup and Perfume Favorites

October 2022 Favorites

Here is a roundup of my faves for October - mainly new to me items. Enjoy!

• Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Primer

• Maybelline Sky High Mascara

• Smashbox X Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

• Maison Margiela Replica – Lazy Sunday Morning Eau de Toilette

• Moira Beauty Eyeshadow – Sugar Delite Palette

Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Primer

I like to try new makeup and occasionally skincare.  Some things just feel too extra to me, though, and that had included face primer.  But in October, I decided to try a matte primer under my tinted sunscreen, as my oily skin was breaking through quickly and I hate to keep adding powder all day.  I went with the experts in primers – Smashbox.  The Smashbox Photo Finish Control Mattifying Primer is great at keeping my oil at bay, as it contains salicylic acid, an ingredient known to help reduce oil and unclog pores.  I apply this after moisturizer, to my T Zone.  I let it sit for about a minute, then apply my favorite tinted sunscreen, Elta MD Skincare UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44.  I can immediately see the matte finish under the sunscreen, and it looks and feels great.  The look lasts throughout the day, with a light powdering or blotting sheet touch up in the afternoon.  Why did I wait so long to try a matte primer?  It’s a mystery, but I’m so glad I finally did. Smashbox can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta, or online at smashbox.com

Maybelline Sky High Mascara

This mascara blew up on social media recently.  I am not usually one to follow trends, but this was featured at my local Walgreen’s as a “viral” product, so I thought why not?  I love to try mascaras, since I seem to have a lot of trouble finding one that truly works for me.  And, I love the marketing geniuses that come up with product names!  Who doesn’t want their lashes “sky high?” 

This mascara has a unique brush with lots of little teeth to grab every lash.  The brush is also flexible, which makes it easy to work with your individual lash line.  It doesn’t smudge while applying – a common problem for me – and it doesn’t clump.  Most mascaras require me to comb through after application, but this does not.  The formula is not too wet and dries quickly.  I am a fan! Maybelline can be found at Walgreen’s, CVS, Walmart, and Amazon.

Maybelline Sky High Mascara

Smashbox X Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

The beloved brand Becca closed its doors in September 2021, but two of their products were picked up by Smashbox for a collaboration.  This comes in a nice sturdy compact that has an “industrial” vibe with the silver metal on brown case, and includes a mirror.  I purchased the shade Champagne Pop and it's a perfect neutral shade.  It can work alone, though I prefer as a final touch after bronzer and blush.  It works great on eyes, too.  Brush below the browbone, or use for a little pop of shimmer on the eyelid.  I love the glow it gives me, and the soft somewhat creamy formula lasts all day. Smashbox can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta, or online at smashbox.com

Smashbox x Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

Maison Margiela – Replica – Lazy Sunday Morning (Travel Size)

Who can resist the Maison Margiela Replica line of scents?  The names alone make me want to buy them.  These scents are meant to invoke a memory of a specific time and place. I was introduced to Lazy Sunday Morning via a sample and fell in love with the light yet warm scent.  It has top notes of pear, middle notes of iris and orange flower and base notes of patchouli and white musk.  The packaging is retro and unique all at once, with the typewritten labels and details of the exact lazy Sunday morning it references (Florence, 2003).  I am pretty picky about scents and must really love a fragrance to invest in a full-size bottle.  I had visited Florence many years ago, so anytime I wear this it reminds me of a romantic trip to Italy with my husband, and all of those wonderful memories.  I picked up this travel size spray so I can take it on an upcoming trip, as it is not feasible to take a full-size perfume on a plane.  And, with holidays coming up, this little travel size makes a great gift. MM Replica also makes candles with scents to match their perfumes, and I may have to pick one up for a holiday gift to me. The line of MM scents can be purchased at Sephora or online at maisonmargiela-fragrances.us/

Maison Margiela - Replica - Lazy Sunday Morning Travel Size Spray

Moira Eyeshadow – Sugar Delight Palette

I recently discovered this brand via Jen Phelps, fellow YouTube content creator and Influencer.  The brand has drugstore pricing, but the quality is strictly high-end.  The packaging is basic but holds up well.  I purchased the palette Sugar Delight, and it has both warm and cool tones so I can take my look either way.  The shadows are highly pigmented – and not dusty (I’m looking at you, Anastasia Beverly Hills!).  I don’t experience fall out even from the shimmer shades.  The colors blend beautifully, and I would highly recommend this formula for makeup beginners for that reason.  I use the darkest colors for eyeliner with a damp liner brush and the formula lasts all day.  I see more of these palettes in my future! Moira products can be purchased at moirabeauty.com, walmart.com, and some Walmart stores.

Moira Sugar Delight Palette - I love these neutrals for Fall!

Fall is always a great time to try to new makeup and skincare. And, with the holidays right around the corner, stay tuned for great gift sets from your favorite beauty and skincare retailers.

Take care, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen, every day!

Kelly 😎