I love seeing posts on monthly favorites and often contemplate doing them myself. However, my personal favorites do not change on a monthly basis, rather morph with the seasons. By now, I’m sure all of you have realized Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Solo Eyeshadows are magnificent, Nars Eyeshadow Primer is indispensable and Inglot AMC Gel liner is my HG tightline color. So for this edition of, Things I Have Been Loving, I will show you some of the items that have been brought out of storage and bring me great solace–along with a few new goodies 🙂 I hope you enjoy.
- Too Faced Medium/Deep Chocolate Soliel Bronzer has been in my collection for years and my old compact looked like it was ready for the undertaker. This chocolate scented matte bronzer is really the best tone for my coloring. Normally, I’m all about the “glow”, but as my skin returns to its original pasty coloring, I’m finding the matte texture of this bronzer more compatible.
- Bare Minerals Ready Blush in The Indecent Proposal is newly acquired, but I can tell you this beauty is just as good, if not better, than some higher-end blushes. This dusty plum color closely resembles Nars Sin, but sans the parabens and inflated price. This subtly infused gold plum shade compliments my skin beautifully and gives the most realistic flush to the cheeks.
- Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Nude Powder Foundation (reviewed here) is a wonder. There are times I look at photos of myself and wonder, “Is that really my skin?” It’s that good. Try it and see for yourself–that’s if you can find a color match.
- Dior Mini Kabuki Brush came with my Dior Skin Bronzer and I find this soft little creature buffs in my powder foundation to perfection. Truth be told, I also have been using this little guy to apply my bronzer and blush. What can I say, if a brush works, wipe it clean between products and go to town. 🙂
- Diorskin Star Concealer (seen here) was purchased because of Gyudy from Gyudy’s Notes of Beauty. Since spying this concealer in her October favorites and reading her review, I knew I had to take the plunge–so glad that I did. My review and comparisons will be up next week.
- Dior Minuit Nail Lacquer (reviewed here and found here) was released last winter as part of Dior’s Holiday Collection and continues to be the most alluring color I have ever seen. Although Dior has release four new lacquers this holiday season (seen on Temptalia), I’m still mesmerized by the beauty of Minuit. Smoky, a dark aubergine color, looks striking, but easily dupable and definitely not worth the extra expense.
- Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter (reviewed here) is my go-to winter time facial moisturizer. As you may already know, I only utilize oils (Argan, Coconut and Castor) as my daily moisturizers; however, during the cooler months my excessively dry skin needs a thicker balm. This is the only cream that is all natural and rich enough to alleviate the tightening feeling on my skin. I purchase the large 13.5 oz tub for my husband and one for myself, and we find the generous amount lasts the entire season.
- Toyko Milk Dead Sexy Parfum is one of two scents I can tolerate. The musky blend of vanilla, exotic wood, white orchid, and ebony is not overpowering and does not linger throughout the day. I know the lasting power is not an immediate draw for some, but I prefer when fragrances dissipate within a four-hour window.
- Giorgio Armani Eye and Brow Maestro (reviewed here) has become my HG brow product. This cream formula adheres to the skin seamlessly and does not budge throughout the day–even stays put through a workout. Who wouldn’t want that?
- Burberry No.10 Smudger Eyebrush has been discontinued, but I find the tapered end and soft hairs perfectly diffuses GA Eye and Brow Wengewood on my brows. I suppose MAC 119 would make a suitable substitute.
- Lip Combination: Girlactik Allure Matte Lip Paint (reviewed here) is my ultimate lipstick/lipgloss base. YSL The Mats 205 (reviewed here and recommended by my sweet Instagram friend Zvoncnjica26) is a deep dark seductive berry/plum color that has the most potent staining effect. Dior Fluid Stick 995 Intrigue (reviewed here) compliments 205 perfectly. Together, this combo makes one dynamite Holiday Lip.
- Gold Hoop Earrings are classic and timeless. This particular pair was purchased when I was 13 years old with my very first paycheck. I recall Alyssa Milano sporting a similar pair on an episode of Who’s The Boss and I figured if she looked good in them, I would as well. Fast forward, ten years later (did you catch that?) these little gems still manage to look good and are the ideal shape to wear with bulky scarfs.
- Sydney Evan Diamond Disc Pendant has been worn non-stop. I’m really enjoying the simplicity of this piece and how well it pairs with everything. One need not go out and spend a fortune on a SE piece; many companies now produce similar designs for a fraction of the price.
- Organic Whole Husk Psyllium is added to my post workout shake everyday. My nutritionist sister (here) recommends this product to her clients to aid in healthy elimination. I know this is not the typical beauty channel topic; however, this is something that does effect our health and the appearance of our skin. I add a full scope (3 tablespoons–amount will vary from person to person) to my shake, along with Spirulina (seen here), Whey Protein Powder and Chia seeds. Adding Psyllium to any flavored drink, would be highly recommended seeing as how it has a strong earthy flavor. Psyllium thickens the more it is submerged in a liquid, therefore drinking your shake within 5 minutes is highly advisable. Read about all the health benefits of this fabulous product (here) and judge for yourself.

Things I Have Been Loving: Volume 2.
Utilizing the products mentioned. Due to the blaring sun in my all white bathroom, my skin looks particularity flawless. I wish I could surround myself with these lighting conditions all the time 🙂
THE VERDICT: If makeup could talk what would it say?
Makeup would tell you some of these products are tried and true and other newly acquired gems have impressed me beyond expectation. 🙂 What are some things you have been loving? Be well, stay safe and be happy.
-Maria
*Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me. *Compensation is not given for any reviews. *This post contains store affiliate links. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.