SAMPLE SUNDAY | Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask x Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

It's an extra special Sample Sunday this week 'cos I'm trying out a brand spanking new, fresh-out-of-the-oven product from one of my absolute faves, Fresh!

Fresh is celebrating 25 years of innovation by releasing a brand new product, the Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask. Woooo! I sprinted to the closet Fresh counter straight after work to get a complimentary sample (as all members of the Fresh Family were generously invited to do so), and to my delight, I was gifted with two additional samples - the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask and Sugar Face Polish - in an adorable sachet along with a packet of dried orange slices for that perfect cup of tea. Uh, brilliant. I've already sampled (and raved) about the Sugar Face Polish, so let's check out the other two masks from Fresh!

Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask |
Just take a look at that pamphlet and tell me you don't feel like smearing all that freshly squeezed goodness all over your face! 'Cos that's exactly what I did the minute I got home. This new product is "an innovative mask made with a concentration citrus blend and potent vitamin fruit complex that gently exfoliates to reveal a vibrant glow". The scent is absolutely delightful - a fruit blend of crushed oranges, lemons and clementines - and the texture feels thick and gooey, with tiny chunks of fruit bits. It felt (and smelled) like I was smearing orange jam all over my face. In a good way! No joke, I had to make a conscious effort not to give this a lick. The mask took extra effort to fully wash off (since it did completely dry down in ten minutes), and while I didn't actually feel any exfoliation action going on, I was pleasantly surprised to find my complexion looked brighter, and my skin plumper! Where dat glow come from, yo? Although I don't find this to be an absolute must-have mask - unless you have serious issues with dry, dull, tired-looking skin - it was lovely to use and still gets two thumbs up from me!

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask |

Fresh's Black Tea range is wonderful - the Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion is my holy-grail toner - and the sales associate instructed that I applied this Instant Perfecting Mask after the Vitamin Nectar mask to boost and maximize results. This is a "hydrating treatment that immediately reveals softer, firmer, healthier-looking skin" and, just like the toner, has the most soothing aroma of black tea and lychees. The texture is very interesting - it has a whipped, velvety mousse consistency with just a touch of graininess to it when you smooth it over the face. Like mashed potatoes! Dang it, now I'm hungry. I felt a tingly, cooling sensation instantly upon application - as it does claim to have - and this mintiness was further amplified when I rinsed the mask off with cold water after ten minutes. Let me tell you, my face felt freakin' phenomenal after - so refreshed, revitalized and soft. While I'm not exactly sure if it was a result of a combination of the two masks, I've already made a mental note to add this to my wish-list. If you want soft, perfected skin and you enjoy masks that "refresh the skin and the senses", you need this in your life.

Because Fresh masks do run on the pricier side (the Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask will set you back $62USD, while the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask will cost you an arm and a leg, I mean $92USD), I would definitely recommend getting a sample first to see which one gets along best with you skin (Sephora is great at this!). If I had to pick my favorite out of the two, it would have to be the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask - it made my face feel like a whole new woman.

Let me know if you've tried any Fresh masks, and which ones are your favorite!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | The Ginza Hybrid Day Protector x Melvita Moisture-Replenishing Night Nectar

It's all about under-the-radar beauty brands for this week's Sample Sunday!

The Ginza Hybrid Day Protector |
I'm going to take a wild guess and say most of you will probably be unfamiliar with this brand, but The Ginza Cosmetics is actually a premium skincare line from Shiseido! Well, whaddya know! (And Ginza is actually an upscale district in Tokyo where Shiseido was born and their flagship store still resides. Ooooh, makeup education!) This Hybrid Day Protector SPF 30+++ claims to protect the skin by shielding it from harmful factors including UV rays, air pollutants and "invisible substances" - their words, not mine. It has a lightweight, mousse-y texture that melts flawlessly into the skin using just my fingertips! It comes out as a nude gel yet offers zero coverage, but manages to have a skin perfecting quality - it makes my pores less noticeable and has a similar blurring effect as the Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector. In direct sunlight, I found this has the tiniest amount of shimmer, which I think gives the skin that extra radiance and oomph. The texture, the scent, the application - this was just an all-around pleasant product to use. However, it turns out the full size is almost $2200HKD (that's close to $285USD... *eyebrow raise*) which is entirely ridonculous for something that performed like a glorified primer with SPF. If I were Oprah, I'd probably own this entire range. But I'm not. No one will ever be Oprah, expect Oprah. I love Oprah. Wow, that escalated quickly.

Swatched | Blended out

Melvita Moisture-Replenishing Night Nectar |
All you organic skincare junkies, listen up! I've been a fan of Melvita for quite some time now - the French pioneer in organic beauty, Melvita only uses ingredients that are organically and responsibly sourced, along with packaging that is completely recyclable. Talk about doing it right! I was given this sample of the Moisture-Replenishing Night Nectar from their Rose Nectar range upon purchasing the Rose Nectar Fresh Eye-Contour Gel a while back (which was nice and refreshing but worked poorly under makeup), and had put off trying it since it's specifically for dehydrated skin, Well, I've since learned that you can have the oiliest of skin types (like moi) and still be dehydrated! This claims to bathe the skin in "beneficial moisture all night long" with a velvety consistency. I was highly drawn to its subtle, calming rose scent and milky, runny texture that felt soothing, almost even cooling, on the skin, although it never did fully absorb and sink in. The instructions on the packet say to use this only in the evenings, which I suspect is because their products - like the Eye-Contour Gel - don't work particularly well under makeup. Since I was lathering it on before bed, the tackiness didn't bother me all that much. Still, I feel this Night Nectar was too rich for my oily skin, and perhaps the Hydrating Facial Gel from the same range catered for dry to combination skin would be a better fit. We shall see!

That's it, folks - I love trying products from unknown and underrated beauty brands! You never know when you'll find something absolutely amazeballs.

REVIEW | Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag

Ladies and gentleman, welcome to my very first fashion-related post - and an incredibly exciting one at that! Introducing the newest addition to my bag collection... drum roll please. Let's all take a moment and soak in the gloriousness that is my new Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag. -squeals-

Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag

Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather in Cammello/Antico

$895USD

As someone who is fervently into the minimalist aesthetic - in both beauty and fashion - I see Mansur Gavriel as minimalism at its finest. Clean lines, simple shapes, quality leather. So much yes. You fellow bag fanatics out there will know that Mansur Gavriel bags are hard to come by - they're never on sale and always out of stock. I was one of the lucky few that snagged one during their website restock at the end of March. $895USD later (plus a $75USD international shipping fee, ouch), this bad boy landed on my doorstep.

First off, I have to preface this by saying that this is not my first MG bag - last fall, I got my hands on the highly coveted (and mania-inducing) Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag in Black/Ballerina that I absolutely, head over heels, adore to pieces. It's become my everyday bag for all occasions, and none of my other bags have gotten much love ever since. Oops. But when I laid eyes on the ads for the Lady Bag, my heart skipped a beat and I knew I needed it in my life. To me, the Bucket Bag is chic and effortless, whereas the Lady Bag exudes sophistication and elegance - especially in this Cammello color. Your girl had to have both!

Image from Mansur Gavriel

Size |

The Lady Bag comes in three different sizes - the Large Lady Bag, the Lady Bag, and the Mini Lady Bag. I wanted a size that was practical, yet wouldn't look awkward on my 5'5 frame. I chose to go with the middle size (with the dimensions of 10.5" H x 13.5" W x 5" D) and it fits me perfectly. It's super roomy - it fits my 13" Macbook Pro, my essentials including my wallet, makeup bag, sunglasses, and a few other knickknacks. I love how this bag comes with a top handle as well as a cross-body strap, making it very versatile for any look or occasion. The cross-body strap is adjustable, and I am able to stand upright and reach into the bottom of my bag when it's adjusted to the shortest setting. Yessss. I'm so not a fan of that awkward length when you have to clumsily prop your bag on your leg or a nearby ledge just to dig out what you need. 

Color |

This bag comes in a whopping 16 different colors, ranging from black to greens to reds to pastels and neutrals. One of the many aspects that makes Mansur Gavriel unique is that you can also choose the interior color and customize your very own color combination. Many people find that they can choose a neutral, wearable shade for the outside, and be a little risky and go for that pop of color on the inside. I am still a minimalist at heart and went for neutrals for both. There is not a chance that you won't find a color combination that tickles your fancy!

Image from Mansur Gavriel

Leather |

There are two leather options for the Lady Bag (in addition to a canvas alternative), which includes the Vegetable Tanned Leather, which is stiff and untreated, and Calf Coated, which is smooth and softer in texture. The reason I went with Vegetable Tanned Leather (for both my MG bags) is because I love the natural, personable quality of the leather as well as the fact that it is stiffer and will never lose its structure. (I've also heard rumblings that the Calf Coated has a strong, funky leather smell. Not into that). The interior comes either raw or matte patent coated, and I chose the latter since it is much more durable and won't have the risk of shedding like the raw finish. Not to mention, with the coated option you get to pick a contrasting interior color!

Pre-scratched

Now, I have to admit something - I have only used this bag once since I hauled it. I know, it's an absolute crime. But hear me out! First of all, my bag already came pre-scratched. The horror! Ok, it wasn't too upsetting, but when I first took it out of its dust bag, I noticed a few minor scratches on the front of the bag as well as around the corners. I knew then and there that the light tan color of this bag, unlike my black Bucket Bag, would not be kind to scratches and scrapes. And the thought of marking up this beautiful creation made me too anxious to actually use it. Silly right?! I knew exactly how this type of leather would behave when I bought it, but just had preconceived notions that it would hold up as well as my Bucket Bag has. When I took this bag out for a spin that one time, I had to physically huddle over it and shield it from the world - especially in tight, crowded areas - like the offensive line protecting the quarterback. Wait, is that the right analogy? I don't even know football. Anyway, my tip for those of you who want something more practical and less delicate, is to go for a darker color or opt for the Calf Coated version. 

Since I personally prefer the look and feel of the vegetable tanned leather, I just have to keep reminding myself that while this does (and will) easily scuff, and scratches are inevitable, they will just add character and personality to the bag. That's right, I'm going to keep telling myself that. Like Mansur Gavriel eloquently states regarding their vegetable tanned leather, "it is warm, it is strong, and it is personal". Amen.

Lady Bag in Cammello/Antico | Bucket Bag in Black/Ballerina

I hope y'all enjoyed my first fashion post! I really, really love my new Mansur Gavriel Lady Bag, and I trust that it - along with my Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag - will remain classic and timeless pieces in my wardrobe. Minimalism for the win!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm x Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque

This week's Sample Sunday is finally featuring one of my all-time favorite brands, Aesop, along with another appearance from longtime fave, Clinique.

Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque |
Along with Fresh, Aesop is up there in my top favorite skincare brands of all time. I adore every aspect about the brand - the products, the packaging, the stores (the interior design is on point), and the brand's overall aesthetics are completely on par with my own. If I were to design my own brand, it would look something like this - clean, understated, minimalistic. I am a religious user of Aesop's Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque and Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque, but the mere mention of chamomile from the sales associate already had me ooh-ing and ahh-ing and begging for a sample. Like the other two, this is also a clay-based masque but is catered especially for troubled skin, and claims to lift impurities and dry excess oil while calming irritated or inflamed skin. Like all Aesop products, the scent is so soothing - a combination of floral and herbal deliciousness - and it has a silky, refined consistency that dries down completely after ten, fifteen minutes. I found this mask did wonders to calm my skin and those occasional pesky bumps on my forehead, and I even used this as a spot treatment (overnight) on a particularly obnoxious zit above my eyebrow that practically vanished the next morning! It washes away so effortlessly - no scrubbing or tugging - and your skin will feel reset and rejuvenated. So yes, I absolutely will purchase the full size! Aesop, you da best.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm |
I know I went on a whole spiel about my issue with lipsticks, but that don't mean I'm going to stop trying out new lip products! I chanced upon this generous sample of Clinique's popular Chubby Stick lippie in a local Bonjour store, and couldn't pass it up. It's a nourishing tinted lip balm that contains mango and shea butters that moisturizes the lips while giving off a subtle tint and shine. Sounds like the Fresh Tinted Lip Treatments, doesn't it? I have the shade 16 Voluptuous Violet (the only color they sold) which is described as a "sheer plum violet". I really appreciate that this doesn't need sharpening - which is a pain - and you simply swivel up and voila. This worked exactly as described - it's quite sheer but buildable, and keeps my lips hydrated and gives them a subtle, healthy sheen. This would be a easy, fuss-free lippie option for everyday and especially for those of you who want something low-maintenance. While I don't think this is a run-out-and-buy-this-now sort of product, it is nice and I wouldn't mind picking up the full size, albeit in a different shade - Bountiful Blush or Whole Lotta Honey, perhaps? They both sound right up my street - a girl can never, ever have too many MLBB lippies.

Swatched once | Swatched heavily

I guess my wallet will be taking a hit soon, but I ain't even sorry!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation x Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Touch

It's all about luminous, radiant makeup for this week's Sample Sunday! Overhyped, or worth the hype? Let's check it out!

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation |
One of my favorite foundations of all time is the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation - it's so, so good and seriously worth every stinkin' penny - so needless to say my expectations were through the roof for their new oil-free foundation that claims to deliver full, natural coverage with just one drop for 16 hours. You read that right. The texture is extremely fluid and watery, but it still packs a punch in terms of coverage since it's uber pigmented. This shade Deauville (Light 4) matches my face perfectly. I was initially really bummed out by the finish - it seemed to emphasize all the dry patches around my nose, my chin and even on my cheeks - but I've discovered that this is one of those bases that looks better as the day goes on. The cakiness goes away once you give it time to interact with your skin's natural oils. While it definitely doesn't last 16 hours - it's more like ten - I am impressed at how truly weightless and breathable this feels on the face. But do I like this more than Sheer Glow? No - it's trickier to blend and work with over drier skin. I found that it also easily transfers onto clothes (and my hands) which is a tad frustrating. Overall, I think it loses out to Sheer Glow in every possible aspect (some by just a smidge) and I don't see myself needing this in my collection. Sheer Glow is always the way to go.

Swatched | Blended out

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Touch |
The Touche Éclat is one of those iconic products that every beauty lover has (or has once had) in their makeup arsenal. Except me. Touted as both a highlighter and a concealer, this YSL cult favorite claims to do everything - erase fatigue, highlight features, conceal dark circles, add radiance, lighten dark spots and so on. YSL even claims that one is sold somewhere in the world every ten seconds! Fo real?! I tried Shade 2 in Luminous Ivory, catered for fair to light complexions with yellow undertones, and applied it on the tops of my cheekbones, on the bridge of my nose, on the inner and outer corners of my eyes and around my mouth. As a highlighter, it works really well - it blends seamlessly into the skin and adds a natural luminosity and radiance. As a concealer, it's not the best - this product is definitely a radiance-over-coverage situation. My first impression of this was simply 'That's it?' and I just can't seem to justify the $42USD price tag for a little brightening and highlighting action that can be duped by more affordable options - Maybelline Dream Lumi, L'oreal Magic Lumi and Clinique Airbrush Concealer just to name a few. Sure, this will probably get the job done better, and if you fancy a splurge, go right ahead! All in all, it is indeed a good product. As for myself, I will not be spending my hard earned moolah on this not-as-magical-as-I-thought golden pen. Sorry YSL.

Swatched | Blended out

So it looks like I won't be adding any new makeup to my collection this week. Ah, shucks...

REVIEW | Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 x Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment x Sugar Lip Polish

I have a confession to make - I don't like wearing lipstick. Sort of hate it, actually. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy testing them out and hauling a few occasionally, but I rarely ever wear lipstick on a day-to-day basis. I find them way too sticky and heavy on the lips, especially in this humidity. So instead, you'll almost always find me rocking one of the Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatments SPF15 instead.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF15

$24 USD at Fresh, Sephora

0.15oz | 12 shades

I've gone on and on about this before, but I'll say it again - I love Fresh, so freakin' much. The Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Petal was the first item I purchased from the brand, and I've been completely hooked ever since. The lip and face products from Fresh have become some of my must-have staples in my makeup and skincare routines, and these lip treatments are one of my favorite, no-fail picks to gift to family and friends. Definite winner!

As someone who has always had major gripes with lipsticks - they feel heavy, they smear and smudge, they fade super quickly - these Sugar Tinted Lip Treatments have been the answer to my lipstick prayers. They are sort of a hybrid between a lipstick and a lip balm - they moisturize, protect (with SPF15!) and smooth the lips, while providing a sheer wash of color without the dreaded greasy feeling. They also have that signature zesty citrus scent that Fresh products are known for. Yum! I pair these with the Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment underneath to make sure my lips stay smooth and hydrated, as well as exfoliate beforehand using the Sugar Lip Polish to ensure soft, supple, kissable lips at all times. Perfect triple combo!

Rosé | Petal | Tulip | Advanced Therapy

Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment

$26 USD at Fresh, Sephora

0.15oz | 1 shade

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

$24 USD at Fresh, Sephora

o.6oz

Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rosé | 

I got this adorable sample with one of my Fresh purchases a few months ago, and it gives a beautiful sheen to the lips with a subtle, rosy-pink tint. It's quite sheer, and is my go-to for my 'no makeup' makeup days!

Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Petal | 

This was the first lip product I picked up from Fresh - the shade is just so me - and it's the perfect MLBB shade that makes the lips look effortlessly pouty and perfected. Ooh là là!

Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Tulip |

I am definitely not a bright lip kinda girl, but this shade is a lovely, wearable hot pink that is perfect for the summer, and it instantly brightens up the face while making the lips look plump and oh-so-juicy.

Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment | 

The second you apply this lip balm, you can feel your lips become instantly hydrated and nourished. It's crazy! I love that it really softens up the lips and enhances the application of any lip products on top. The only con is that it can tend to seep into your mouth and leave a rather unpleasant, bitter aftertaste. But that might just be me, and it's so nourishing that I can live with it!

Sugar Lip Polish | 

I mentioned this in my May Favorites already, but this product is wonderful at gently buffing and exfoliating away any dry, flaky bits on your lips while still keeping them moisturized. My lips always feel so soft afterwards, and lip products glide on so much nicer. Mine is a smaller, half-sized mini tub (0.28oz) of the usual full-sized (0.6oz) jar, and it's still going strong after a few months. Apply this dry for best results, and again, try not to get this in your mouth!

Rosé | Petal | Tulip | Advanced Therapy

If I still haven't convinced you to go out and give these Sugar Tinted Lip Treatments a try, then I have failed at life. Just kidding. But seriously, I am not kidding when I say you need at least one - or maybe three - of these lip treatments in your collection. Especially if you're like me and don't like wearing lipstick! Plus, the Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment and Sugar Lip Polish are wonderful additions to step up your lip game to the next level. Go on, you can thank me later.

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF35 x Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream

For this week's Sample Sunday, I'm trying out a BB cream that claims to give you flawless, camera ready skin, and an ultra-rich, anti-aging eye cream that claims to target five types of eye wrinkles. I didn't even know there were five types! Let's check it out!

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF35 |
My first impression of this Smashbox BB Cream was that it felt very similar, in both consistency and coverage, to my NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, which I love. So that's a good start. This has a thick, creamy texture and has light to medium coverage that instantly evens out my redness and discoloration. Although my shade in Light looks pink straight out of the tube, it turns a golden yellow shade as soon as I start blending it out. I was pleasantly surprised with the oil control - my face looked relatively shine-free (for once) after a long day at work with zero touch ups! With some trial and error, I found this blended into the face the best using a buffing brush - pairing this with my BeautyBlender made my face weirdly patchy. Not cute. Overall, this BB cream really seemed to agree with my skin, and I love that it comes with SPF 35, so I would definitely consider purchasing the full size ($39 USD) once this sample is finished. Smashing!

Swatched | Blended out

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream |
My mom gave me this deluxe eye cream sample from one of her Shiseido skincare purchases a while back, and although it's targeted for more mature skin, it doesn't hurt to start early! This eye cream claims to counteract five types of eye-area wrinkles, including crow's feet, corner creases, under eye wrinkles, lid creases and vertical lines (not entirely sure what that last one is), as well as improve firmness and the appearance of dark circles. This has a rich and luxurious texture - it's creamy but not greasy - and feels intensely moisturizing under the eyes. Although I used this mainly in my nighttime skincare routine - since it does take a good while to fully absorb into the skin - I tried it a few times in the morning as well and found it worked great under makeup - unlike the First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream, this didn't get patchy or ball up under my makeup. Huge plus! While I can't comment on the wrinkle-resisting claims, my under eyes do feel more plump and hydrated after one week, my dark circles seem to have reduced slightly, and I experienced no sensitivity or irritation. And since a little goes a long way, I would be willing to splurge on the full size in the future ($55 USD for 0.5oz) and say au revoir to wrinkles and aged skin!

Finally, two samples that I was actually impressed by! Although my wallet's not going to be too pleased, my skin will thank me fosho.

MONTHLY FAVORITES | June 2016

Today officially marks the start of the second half of the year. Give me a minute while I properly freak out. How are we already halfway done with 2016?!

All the craziness aside, June was a particularly exciting month for me because... I got a new job! Hip hip hooray! Which also explains the lack of posts... my apologies. But June was not exciting in the least in terms of my makeup favorites - I stuck to the same products and slapped them on my face every morning. My goal was to look fresh and awake, and not at all like I stayed up playing with Riley the night before.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in 52 Vanilla |
As you should already know by now if you've read my rave review, this is one of my favorite foundations of all time. It evens out my complexion, gives me a natural glow, applies like a dream, smells ah-mazing and lasts all day. What more can I ask for?! (Well, maybe SPF... but that's a whole other issue.)

Benefit Erase Paste Brightening Concealer in 2 Medium |
When I feel like I need extra help in the dark circle department - which is always 'cos I'm a night owl - this is what I reach for. This concealer in Medium is a pink, salmon shade that I use as a corrector under my eyes, and although the consistency is very thick - and a little does goes a long way -  it's super easy to blend out and really helps neutralize my dark circles before I go in with concealer. Works like a charm. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Light Warm |
The Urban Decay and NARS concealers are pretty much interchangeable in my routine - I seriously love them both - but this one in Light Warm is a much lighter shade than my NARS Creamy Concealer in Custard, which makes it more aptly suited for brightening up the under eyes and highlighting the face. It helps trick people into thinking I look super energized and ready to take on the day, when in fact I'm hitting the snooze button on repeat inside.

Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder in Naturally Neutral |
I got this little gem way back when I was still in college and never opened it until last month. And boy, was I missing out big time. This has become my go-to setting and baking powder for my face and under eyes - I've been using this over my Laura Mercier powders which is saying a lot - and it gives the most beautiful, soft finish to the face. I recall this being around $5 USD and it seriously works like a high-end powder, if not better. The only con is that it has quite an overwhelmingly powdery perfume scent, which some people claim to love, so to each their own. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed |
This is the first shade I picked up from the Tarte blush range, and it's my best blush buy to date. It's a gorgeous, rosy nude shade that gives your cheeks a natural flush and I swear it looks perfect with every skin tone and any makeup look. I can also attest to the 12-Hour claim - it's true!

MAC Eyeshadow in Wedge |
This matte, "soft muted beige taupe" shade from MAC is the first eyeshadow I ever purchased from the brand, and is probably my most worn eyeshadow ever. I wear this on my eyes almost every day in some way or another. This month, I've been blending it all over my lids with the fluffy Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush, and I'm good to go. It is gorgeous worn alone or as a transition shade, and is definitely a must-have in my books.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rosé |
This adorable, sample-sized lippie from Fresh is perfect to just throw in my makeup bag and apply on the go - it's moisturizing, has SPF, and adds a subtle rose tint to my lips. So much love for such a tiny product. Stay tuned for an upcoming review (hint - rave) on my Fresh lip products! 

So those were my favorites for the month of June, hope you enjoyed!