Monday Musings: Beauty Update
Happy Monday ladies. I’m happy so many of you liked yesterday’s post. I’ll try to do those going forward when it makes sense. Proportion plays a huge role in whether an item does or doesn’t flatter our shape. Today I’m musing about some new things on the beauty and makeup front.
I hate to throw anyone under the bus, but it’s my responsibility, to be honest with you. I’ve loved, used, and recommended the Urban Decay eye and lip pencils for several years. They’re reasonably priced, stay on well and come in beautiful colors but I no longer recommend them.
This is the third time the center of a half-used pencil has come unattached and fallen out. That’s crazy! No matter the price, if I’m only getting to use half of a product, I’m paying twice what I should for it. 
These 
The Lights Camera Action Tarte mascara has been my favorite for several years until I bought a travel size of their Big Ego Vegan mascara. My theory on mascara is that once you have a decent formula inside the tube, the most important thing is the brush. The bristles on this Vegan mascara are longer on the outside to follow the curve of your eye. It just fits the eye better so it can reach the inner and outer lashes.
My eyelash curler pad bit the dust in December. Rather than hunting for a replacement to fit a very old eyelash curler, I upgraded to this new one. The pretty rose gold color makes me happy plus it comes with extra replacement pads. The most important thing about an eyelash curler is that it has a flexible pad so it doesn’t break your eyelashes.
These 4 are still my favorites
Did you know that press-on nails are back in a big way? My nails are crap. There’s just no better way to describe them. They seem to be doing OK one week, then something goes crazy and they all tear, peel and end up looking embarrassing. Last week I did a deep dive into nail products on Google and discovered these press on things are hugely popular. I mean really popular. Turns out actresses and editors alike sport these things when they have an occasion and want nice looking nails.
I bought a set, stuck them on and felt instantly glamorous. They remove without damaging your own nails by simply putting a tiny bit of polish remover around the edge. They’re not for long term wear but perfect for those times you’re going somewhere and your nails look horrible. Plus it’s hard to go wrong at $8.99. To be honest these look better on my hands than the acrylics I used to get years ago.
And in the category of why and who wants this? Second-hand beauty products are about to boom in 2020. They say it’s the next wave of resale. Some sites sell recently owned, unused products and some sell products that are used but have at least 50% product left. Let me just say ew, and not for me. Each site has different sanitary rules. Now you know.
What have you upgraded or tossed from your makeup collection lately?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Hi Jennifer!
I’m fairly new to your blog but enjoy it very much. Glad to have found you.
I’m 68 and have worn mascara since I was about 15 or so. I use the waterproof to avoid the dark runny mess that can sometimes occur in rain or through tears. I’ve used Cover Girl Professional for a long time now and always used their water-proof makeup remover. The products worked well, my eyelashes looked good, and the removal of the makeup went smoothly.
Lately, Cover Girl has changed their make-up to this big, wild-eyed brush and mascara concoction, and it just doesn’t suit me. The brush layers the mascara too thickly and in clumps, and I don’t feel the mascara is good quality anymore. On top of that, I can’t find the Cover Girl Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover anymore. I started using Micellar Water, the waterproof makeup remover version, but it doesn’t work very well, takes some rubbing, and leaves bits of mascara behind. My lashes look a little like they’ve been through a war.
Do you have any recommendations for a good quality waterproof mascara and make up remover that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? We’re on a slim budget. I noticed what you wrote about Sephora and was interested, but the cost is a little high for me. I still have the remover to consider. Is there a long-lasting mascara that might work for me instead?
Thank you, Jennifer!
This Covergirl mascara looks to be budgeproof and could be a good option.
I am encouraged by you and by those who commented to finally discard those makeup and beauty products that are old and/or just not yielding desired outcomes. Why is it SO hard for someone (me) to throw things out?
I confess I have purchased a specific product on eBay (new in the box) when a manufacturer has discontinued it and I can’t find it anywhere. But once I find a replacement, I move on. Not to mention that anyone who has stockpiled it typically adds a ridiculous upcharge. But as they say, desperate people do desperate things. 🙂 As for something that’s been opened or is long out of stock, no thanks.
I will NOT be taking part in the buying of someone else’s makeup!!!! Sounds absolutely gross! I would think it could be very unsanitary! I am forever trying new beauty products. I try to find ones that are good but not overly expensive. There are a lot of good youtube videos on drugstore hacks that are comparable to more expensive brands. Thanks for these suggestions. I like the idea of those makeup remover swabs!
I would get manicures with gel polish for several years but I found my nails were splitting. They were beautiful and strong but the remover was very harsh. Since November I’ve been using Nail Envy and my nails are looking great. They are healthy and growing without splitting. You apply two coats on the first application, then skip a day and apply another coat for about a week. You can even use it as a base coat if you want some color. You might want to give it a try.
Thanks for the tip!
Nail Envy by OPI is a great product. After wearing acrylics, then silks for years my poor shredded nails were a mess! My Granddaughter introduced me to Nail Envy about 2 years ago and now my nails are so strong – my “problem” now is they grow so fast I have to keep cutting them!
I wish I had that problem!
My favorite mascara is L’Oréal Voluminous. I’ve tried all kinds and always go back to this.
This summer I started using Rapid Lash eyelash serum on my lashes and eyebrows and find it really works! They were kind of disappearing, very thin. Today my husband took my picture and goodness, I’m going to 3 times a week on my eyebrows. It’s only 23$ and one tube lasts almost 3 months.
Great tip Nancy, thanks
I am all for reusing/recycling. But used makeup sounds disgusting…who knows what where it has been, how it has been stored or what has been stuck in it…
I really appreciate your comments regarding proportions, since mine are very different from yours, but I enjoy your fashion sense and this would help understand why something would work or not …Often I know that something isn’t right or not working, but can’t figure out exactly why not..
I keep trying to find mascara that gives me volume, doesn’t give me raccoon eyes, doesn’t make my eyes/lids react and is easy to remove. So I’ve tried and tossed many. Using Cover Girl at the moment. I have also tossed all my coloured eye shadows, as I’m using only neutrals now. Am in need of a good taupe eyebrow pencil!
I’m fine with barely used clothing. Sometimes it’s a good thing. Any shrinking has already taken place or any loss of color so what you see is what you get. I’m a fan of vintage too. However used makeup is like using someone’s toothbrush. That’s a bad idea if you ask me.
Now, so you can envy me, LOL I have great nails that are nice and sturdy, grow fast and need very little filing. BUT, I don’t want them to grow. I work in hand built clay and do lots of crafts so I cut them suckers off every week. Toenails grow fast too so that’s bad. Forgiven?
I can’t imagine using second-hand beauty products. The idea really makes my skin crawl. I can’t imagine this is very hygienic.
I was a subscriber to Ipsy for about year and found some great products. But many of them ended up being tossed out because I didn’t care for them. It was fun to try new products every month, but after a year I ran out of room for all the samples. Plus I have more make-up bags than I’ll ever need.