047. | LUSH Cupcake Fresh Face Mask

Skincare is the most important step in my beauty routine because having smooth, even, and clear skin is key to making any makeup product look its best. Face masks are great because they are more intense than an every day face wash and give the skin a deeper and more purifying cleanse. The LUSH Fresh Face Masks are somewhat of a cult staple in the beauty community, but I've only recently gotten around to testing a few out myself. The first mask I picked up is Cupcake, and after finishing an entire pot, I can safely say that it is one of my new favorite skincare items. Keep reading for details!

046. | BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed

I'm excited to share my take on one of the beauty community's most buzzed about summer launches - the BECCA Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop. BECCA collaborated with YouTube superstar Jaclyn Hill to create this limited edition highlighter. Champagne Pop is flying off of the shelves at record rates, so I suggest picking this up as soon as possible if you're interested! At the time this post is going live, Champagne Pop is available on Sephora.com and launches in Sephora stores July 16th. Keep reading for photos and swatches!

045. | Maybelline Summer Creamy Matte Lipsticks

I think I say this every time I blog about lipstick, but lipstick is my all time favorite makeup product. There is something about lipstick that makes me feel pulled together, feminine, and confident. So, while I already have dozens and dozens of lipsticks that I love and wear all the time, I'm constantly looking out for new shades and formulations.

In general, I don't buy a lot of lipstick from the drugstore because I haven't been too impressed with past purchases. It takes a lot for a drugstore lipstick to grab my attention. That's why it's a pretty big deal that I picked up not one, but four of the new shades of the Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipsticks. Continue reading for photos and swatches!

044. | My Travel Makeup Bag: Weekend Beach Trip

This past weekend, I took a relaxing, four day beach trip. I thought it would be fun to show what makeup products I took with me because the beach is an interesting place for makeup. During the day, I don't wear any product on my face (aside from suntan lotion, of course). But at night, I like to look pulled together and glowing when I'm out at bars and restaurants.

A lot of these products you'll recognize from my Current Beauty Obsessions, Vol. 3 because it was posted the day I left, and I didn't have time to find any new favorites. Keep reading to see all of the items I packed with me!

043. | Lorac Pro Matte Palette

I, along with everyone else in the beauty world, am obsessed with the formulation of Lorac eyeshadows. I had used my Lorac Pro 1 Palette so much, that I eventually had to get rid of it because it was basically all empty pans with a few bits of shadows left. I had been seriously considering repurchasing the palette, mainly for the incredible matte shades it has. The makeup gods were clearly on my side, because just as I was about to repurchase, Lorac launched the Pro Matte Palette. To no one's surprise, the Pro Matte Palette is just as incredible as Lorac's other shadows. Keep reading for photos and swatches!