Author: liftbakelove

Typology Review: Tinted Serum and Hand & Nail Serum

by liftbakelove3 Comments on Typology Review: Tinted Serum and Hand & Nail Serum

I was incredibly intrigued when the Typology Tinted Serum was featured in Kackie Reviews Beauty’s video “Affordable Luxury Beauty Products” since I tend to skew much more expensive on the blog. I want to make sure I’m not always pricing folks out (and if you want more affordable finds, definitely let me know in the comments!). So, I grabbed the Tinted Serum foundation and Hand & Nail Serum to test. I also got the Nourishing Body Scrub which will be coming to a body scrub show down post in the future, both because I think that will be way more useful to see all in one post and because I haven’t gotten to test it long enough to give a thorough enough review.

The Tinted Serum really impressed me! It’s incredibly smoothing and lightweight while providing solid light to medium coverage (which is the coverage level I prefer for foundations). It is actually so smoothing that I got carded at dinner wearing it, and the person said “your skin is so smooth, there’s no way you’re not in your early 20s.” And I’m not in my 20s anymore at all! It wears incredibly well for how moisturizing it feels (as Kackie would say, it wears in without wearing off), and it plays well with every bronzer, blush, highlighter, and powder I’ve used with it. It also contains lots of great skincare ingredients, and my skin definitely feels way less dry at the end of the day than with other base products.

From left to right: Typology Tinted Serum in 001 and 002

The foundation is $29.90 for a 1oz bottle, and you can get a second shade for 50% off. This is pretty amazing if you’re in between shades or get lighter in the winter and darker in the summer. Getting both for less than $45 together feels like a steal compared to my favorite luxury foundation which is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk and is $64 for 1oz). My only issue with this product is even with two shades, I can’t make a great match because they both run a bit peachy/orange for my skin tone. I’m really excited that Salt New York came out with adjusters so I can make anything lighter and more olive to match my skin (it’s hard to see in the photo below but my skin runs a bit yellow/green/even blue in undertone in real life).

From left to right: Typology Tinted Serum in 001, Glossier Skin Tint in G11, Fenty Eaze Drop in 2, Charlotte Tibury Light Wonder in 2, Typology Tinted Serum in 002

I swatched all of my light coverage foundations/skin tint products so you can see the formula differences and color comparisons. The Typology Tinted Serum 002 swatch is the best representation of how smoothing it looks on the skin vs the 01 swatch is built up a bit for color comparison. The Tinted Serum has more coverage than the Glossier Skin Tint, is much dewier than the Fenty Eaze Drop, and is more smoothing than CT Light Wonder. It actually feels like what you’d get if you had a formula that was the perfect mix of all three of these. I think it’d easy to see how much warmer the Typology products are next to the other shades. The Fenty is by far my best shade match, and I’ve been enjoying mixing it with the Tinted Serum in 001 to tone down some of the peachiness.

The Hand & Nail Serum also really impressed me. I honestly wasn’t expecting much, but I figured it was worth trying for only $12.90. I have incredibly weak nails that break seemingly for no reason and have never found anything that really improves them. I also have such dry hands that they itch and crack regardless of what time of year it is. While hand creams help, they don’t do enough for my hands to feel normal. I’ve been using this serum about once a day since I’ve gotten it, and my nails have literally never looked this good or grown so long without breaking. I had to actually file my nails down because they don’t even break at the gym while I’m lifting! My hands also look and feel normal even if I forget to use hand cream, which I’ve never experienced before. I’m honestly so thankful I found this product and am planning to never be without it (which is going to be pretty easy since a little goes such a long way, I doubt I’ll have to replace it any time soon).

What products have you found lately that have really impressed you? What brands or products do you want to see reviewed next? Let me know in the comments! As always, thank you so much for reading!

My Favorite Travel Containers for Beauty Products

by liftbakelove1 Comment on My Favorite Travel Containers for Beauty Products

I’m so excited that we’re able to travel again! If you’re a frequent reader, you likely already know that I recently spent a month on the East Coast. I wanted to make sure I could bring my staples and have never found containers I actually liked until now: Cadence Capsules. As usual, this is not sponsored, I bought these with my own money (although the company did send me a few extra custom labels – thank you!), and everything in this review in my unbiased opinion.

I feel like I’ve tried a dozen different travel container brands/types, and they all have been really frustrated. My number one issue is leaking – there’s always that one thing that leaks all over your suitcase or purse. I’ve started putting containers in plastic bags (sometimes double bagged) because they leak so much, and that feels so incredibly wasteful to me. I’ve also had containers that never seem to get clean enough to reuse, so I end up throwing them away rather than use them again. Plus, some of them are way too small and definitely wouldn’t fit enough for a month long trip.

That’s why I was so excited to stumble upon Cadence (yes, the Instagram ads got me)! These honestly don’t leak – ever. I’m able to throw them in a bag and not have to worry about anything leaking or spilling. Even with the most watery toner, it was 100% leak-proof. I also love that they magnetize together so I’ll never lose them in the bottom of a suitcase. These hold half an ounce, which is about the amount of foundation I use over 6 months, and they still manage to take up so little space. Because they have such a wide opening (more in the video below), these are incredibly easy to fill with products, and you don’t need a funnel, mini spatula, or spoon to do it. I’m actually still going through some of the moisturizer and foundation I brought because they hold so much, but the ones I did finish up, I’ve already cleaned, and they look brand new again. This is my favorite thing about these because I hate cleaning out those little plastic containers where you can barely get into them unless you want to spend forever with one of those straw cleaners. With these, I can wash them with a normal sponge, it takes a couple of minutes, and they are actually clean.

Because of how streamlined the design is, these are super easy to fill and clean.

Before travelling with them, I use them to use up foil samples that I get. For example, I love emptying out shampoo and conditioner samples so I can get multiple uses out of them and really try out the product. When it’s empty, these are super easy to clean and reuse. And now, with my extra labels, I can easily switch them out so I always know what kind of product is in the capsule without having to use tape or stickers.

I love how easy it is to switch out the labels!

You can get 6 capsules (including choosing your own colors and labels for each capsule) for $70 plus free shipping. I know this sounds like a lot, but I know I will end up saving a ton having to continually buy new containers that break or leak or are impossible to clean. As I mentioned, I’ve been using mine since I got them in 2020, and they’ve held up amazingly well, so I think these are totally worth the investment!

What’s your favorite thing to have when you travel? Thanks for reading, and let me know what you’d like to see next in the comments!

2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 6

by liftbakelove2 Comments on 2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 6

Back again with another 5 empties (fully finished products)! I have a bunch of empties this month, but, as usual, I am keeping these posts to 5 products to keep them short. As always, I’m super excited to take a good look at what I thought of the products I’ve finished and whether or not I’d buy them again.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream – This is my HG morning moisturizer. I can’t count how many times I’ve repurchased this, and I find that when I’m trying something else, I can really tell the difference. I find that this helps much more with skin dehydration than just dryness, which is very important for me. I also find that it’s a really good prep step before makeup to make sure everything goes on smoothly without catching on any dry patches. I have already started the next tube and have a backup. I recommend getting this during Sephora’s holiday sales because there’s always set of this and a couple other Dr. Jart+ products for less than the price of just the Ceramidin cream.

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream – I really liked this cream – it’s super nourishing without feeling super heavy, and it does exactly what it promises to do. It’s also much more inexpensive than comparable creams I’ve tried. That said, my HG is still the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream, and I’m excited to get back to it, so I won’t be repurchasing the Acure.

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream – This eye cream was sent to me to try and review, and I thought at the time “there’s no way I’m going to fall in love with a $70 eye cream.” And now, I’ve repurchased it four times! This is the only eye cream I’ve found that actually works to reduce wrinkles around my eyes without irritation. I’ve been able to continually find it on sale, which is awesome, so I usually spend about $40 on average for it. I already have another one going and a backup ready to go, and I will keep repurchasing this until something even better comes along.

Josie Maran Argan Oil – This is a nice oil – it sinks in pretty well, it moisturizes, it provides an occlusive layer, and it has never broken me out. That said, I love the Josie Maran Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100 mg CBD so much more and have switched back to that already. It absorbs so much faster, and I find that it actually improves my skin brightness and firmness whereas the organ oil is just a nice oil. I tend to get this as a gift with purchase, and I’ll use it when I do, but I won’t be repurchasing.

Biossance Squalane Oil – Similar to the Josie Maran Argan Oil, this is also really nice and does everything you’d expect it to do. I also like the Josie Maran Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100 mg CBD more than this for my face. That said, I love using this as a body oil. They make a jumbo size for $48 which you can grab during a sale for even less, and it’s amazing to either mix in with or use on top of body lotions. I have a ton of body oils that I’ve using and testing right now, but this is definitely on the list for a possible repurchase.

Thanks so much for reading! I’d love to know – what have you finished lately? What else would you like to see here on LiftBakeLove? I’m posting twice a week now so there’s double the opportunity for posts!

Phytosurgence Review: Skin Spark Blush Balms and Flash Florescence Cream Shadows

by liftbakelove2 Comments on Phytosurgence Review: Skin Spark Blush Balms and Flash Florescence Cream Shadows

This is yet another brand that I never would have known about until Kackie Reviews Beauty talked about them in a video. I’m so glad she did though because I’ve really enjoyed trying these products out. Phytosurgence is a small indie brand that focuses on transparent and conscious beauty, and they make high performance and affordable products. I’m about to really rave about them so I want to say upfront that this was not sponsored, and I bought the products with my own money.

I own over 30 cream blushes right now, so it takes a lot for something to become a real favorite. The Skin Spark Blush Balm formula impressed me from the first time I used it, and I find myself using them over and over again over all my other cream blushes. It blends so seamlessly and easily into the skin, leaves an impact with such little product, and stays all day. It doesn’t need to be built up but absolutely can be layered. The finish is just glowy enough without being sticky even though it has a balmy, moisturizing texture. I don’t know how they did it, but it’s basically perfect. The only complaint I have about this formula is that I’m not a huge fan of the packaging . That said, knowing they are such a small brand and with how incredible the formula is, I am super okay with having to deal with the pot format. it’s just really special, especially considering it’s only $17. If I didn’t own so much blush, I would buy more colors (definitely let me know if you want me to review any other colors though – I will grab them if you comment below with a request!).

Simmer and Fume

The colors I got were Simmer, a bright pink, and Fume, a dusty rose, and they both look right at home on my skin. I swatched Simmer next to the Fenty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Petal Poppin, the Westman Atelier Baby Blush Stick in Petal, and the the Kajer Weis Cream Blush in Blossoming. I swatched Fume next to the Salt New York Crème Tint Pro in Spice, the Fenty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Rose Latte, and the Rituel de Fille Inner Glow Creme Pigment in Lovesick. I hope this gives you a better idea of the shades and formulas. As you can see, the Phytosurgence blushes are much more pigmented and have more of a thickness to them, which I think is what helps make them last so long. They also apply so quickly because of that. One note – the swatches above were on a cloudier day than the ones below, but I would say the colors are accurate in both, just the sheeniness is more true to life on the sunnier day below.

Simmer next to the Fenty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Petal Poppin, the Westman Atelier Baby Blush Stick in Petal, and the the Kajer Weis Cream Blush in Blossoming
Fume next to the Salt New York Crème Tint Pro in Spice, the Fenty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush in Rose Latte, and the Rituel de Fille Inner Glow Creme Pigment in Lovesick

I also own a ton of cream eyeshadows that I love, and I have to admit that these haven’t beat out my beloved Roen or Vesca shadows. They do fill a gap in my collection I didn’t even know I had, and I’m so happy I got them. They are the perfect mix between a matte and shimmer shadow so I can use them for a more subtle day time look or build them up to something super multidimensional and impactful. I’ve frequently added the Bodyography glitter pigments on top for something extra (though I think Phytosurgence might be coming out with their own toppers!), and the glitter sticks to these eyeshadows all day. I also love how much time I have to play with these to get them just where I want them on my lids, but then they dry down and stay put (even through some super intense gym sessions).

Potent Petal and Wilk Oak

The colors I got, Potent Petal and Wilk Oak, are also very special and unique to my collection. Potent Petal is a much brighter pink than anything I own and really brings out my brown eyes, and Wilk Oak is a golden, neutral bronze that is such a perfect smokey but still daytime appropriate shade. I was planning on swatching them next to some other eyeshadows but realized they don’t really compare to anything I own in a way that it could be a dupe – let me know if you have any requests, and I’ll add here or post them on my Instagram stories!

Have you tried anything from Phytosurgence? Are there other products from them or other brands you’d like me to try and review? Let me know in the comments below, and thanks for reading!

The 5 Makeup Products I missed the most while I was gone for a month

by liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on The 5 Makeup Products I missed the most while I was gone for a month

Like I mentioned in my last post, I recently took a month long trip to the East Coast and brought a pared down routine. I tried really hard to bring only what I needed, and there were a bunch of things I left at home and really missed. I was so excited to be reunited with these makeup products this last week and never want to be without them in the future!

I didn’t realize how much I loved the Auric Glow Lust until I didn’t have it for a month. This product is so versatile – I can use it by itself in lieu of foundation, as a primer, mixed in with my foundation, as a highlighter, and any combination of those methods. It gives both a super smooth and glowy effect to the skin, which is something I can’t find with any other product. It’s a really special product that I missed having and being able to use to liven up, brighten, and blur any look that needs it.

I didn’t bring any powder blushes, but I wish I had brought just one – which would have been the the Em Cosmetics Heaven’s Glow Blush in Magic Hour. Because it gives such a soft, glowy look without being overly pigmented, it’s a really easy way product to use to brighten up a look that’s coming off a little dull or flat. This is my go-to for setting cream and liquid blushes, particularly if I know I need my makeup to last all day for video calls or running around a city. This color matches so many of my cream blushes and adds just the right hint of bright pink without changing the overall look too much. I just got this formula in the shade Venetian Rose – let me know if it’s like a review!

Swatches of the 75° Warm , 11:11, and 52° Cool Roen Quads

I bought a mini-palette that I made of single powder eyeshadows, but I so wish I had brought my Roen quads instead. I really love the Roen formula because it’s so versatile – with a finger, the shades go on incredibly pigmented and intense, but with a brush, you can create a very sophisticated wash of color. I totally could have gotten away with just one eyeshadow brush and gotten so many incredible looks with this range of shades, particularly with how many great one-and-done shades there are. I also love that these are so quick and easy to use and last all day which is super important to me when I’m travelling. If I had to pick one, I probably would have gone with the 11:11 but I would have loved to have them all.

I bought my IT Cosmetics CC Cream for foundation because I’m trying to use it up, but it ended up being too full coverage and not as long wearing as I would have liked. The Fenty Eaze Drop would have been a much better choice. The formula is almost entirely mask proof and sweat proof, and it would have been much better for me given all the walking we did outside in the hot weather. It also looks way more natural on my skin while still providing coverage. I love that is blends super quick and easily with fingers which means I wouldn’t have needed a foundation brush, and the packaging would have taken up such little space. Definitely bringing this the next time I travel!

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate cream bronzer and highlight duo in Shade 0.5

I’ve gushed about the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate cream bronzer and highlight duo so many times, and I definitely missed it when I was travelling. It has such amazing formula that blends like a dream, looks natural, and still makes an impact. I love how they are both a little sheer which makes it super easy to just throw on without having to be super precise, and it blends into the skin so seamlessly. I love that this has both a bronzer and highlighter in one and that the bronzer shade is neutral enough to be used as more of a “brontour.” I’ve been using it everyday since I got back, and I’m so happy to have it back in my life.

What are your must-haves when you travel? What do you want to see next here on LiftBakeLove? Let me know in the comments!

The 5 Skincare Products I missed the most while I was gone for a month

by liftbakelove2 Comments on The 5 Skincare Products I missed the most while I was gone for a month

I recently took a month long trip to the East Coast and tried to pack as lightly as I could. This meant paring down my routine to the necessities and using up my travel sized products instead of bringing my full size HGs. Because of that, there are a bunch of things I had to leave at home, and there were some skincare products that I really missed and will make sure to take with me from now on!

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 – I have no idea why I didn’t bring this with me because it is my ultimate skin saving product. Like everyone else, I hadn’t been on a plane for about a year and a half, and my skin wasn’t ready for it. My skin also reacted to the incredibly high amount of pollen on the East Coast and the change in climate. Since this product is made for irritated skin that comes from dry skin, it would have been super helpful to have it to calm down my skin. I’m definitely going to remember to bring it the next time I travel.

Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask – I know I’ve talked about this before, and it’s because it’s always one of go-to masks. It’s what I reach for for moisturization and calming, which as I mentioned, my skin really need. It is also so great when my skin is feeling extra dull and dehydrated because my skin feels so smooth, hydrated, less irritated, and glowy after using this. It was the first thing I used after washing my face when I got home, and it made my skin feel so much better after being in new environments, planes, and under a mask for many more hours than usual.

Josie Maran Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100 mg CBD – I’ve written about this oil in almost every empties post that included a facial oil I finished because it is my true HG and the one I always miss when I’m not using it. Most facial oils I’ve tried have been equally moisturizing and glow-giving, and they all provide an occlusive layer as my last step in my skincare routine. The thing I love most about the Josie Maran oil is that it sinks in so quickly so I don’t end up with a oil slick on my face when I’m getting into bed. I can also see a big difference in my skin’s brightness and firmness when I use this vs when I don’t. If you’re looking to get this, I highly recommend waiting for a sale on the Josie Maran site because you can buy it for way less than $78.

Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser – If you’re a regular reader, you know how much I love Allies of Skin products. I didn’t bring this one because I have a bunch of travel sized cleansers to get through, but I really wish I brought this instead.  This cleanser creates such a luxurious cleansing experience – you can even use it as a quick, hydrating mask if you leave it on for 5 minutes before washing it off. And while it really does clean, it also leaves your skin feeling hydrated like you used a moisturizer. This is the only cleanser I’ve used that actually helps with any extra dryness and irritation, and I really noticed the difference when I wasn’t using it.

PSA Skin the Most – I hardly ever do this, but I feel like the brand’s description is so spot on that I’m just going to paste it in here: “This nutrient-packed hydrating serum is like an island oasis for stressed out, hungover, dull, and dehydrated skin. It provides essential hydration immediately while helping skin cells better retain moisture overall for plump and supple skin.” My skin absolutely loves this serum, and I missed having something for dehydrated and dull skin, especially right after I washed my face. I’m never not bringing this with me again.

What’s your can’t be without it skincare product? Let me know in the comments, and let me know what you’d like to see here next!

My Favorite One and Done Single Shadows

by liftbakelove4 Comments on My Favorite One and Done Single Shadows

My favorite eye look to do right now is one shadow all over the lid. It’s super quick and easy, but with the right shades, can still be complex and impactful. These are my favorite six products to use for a one and done look! To easily compare, swatches of all 6 are in the middle of this post if you’d like to jump straight there.

I’ve written about how much I love the Vesca Moonlit Dream Cream Eyeshadows, especially the shade Lyra. This formula is still the easiest cream shadow I’ve ever worked with. They stay blendable for long enough to get your look just right, and then they dry down and don’t crease all day. I’m also still in love with the packaging – it’s super easy to only get what you need, and I don’t have to worry about them drying out. The color Lyra is described as a champagne rose with an iridescent reflect, and it’s the perfect coppery, rose, shiny, glittery, works for day and night color for me.

I just mentioned this Bodyography Glitter Pigments in my April favorites, but it’s quickly risen to the near top of my favorite shadows list. Off the Hook has been my favorite. It’s a beautiful taupe/bronze color that makes it perfect as a one and done shadow, especially when I’m looking for something more neutral than Vesca’s Lyra and with way more glitter impact. Their site says that these are a unique formula that incorporates “the saturation of a loose pigment, the cushion of a cream, and the silkiness of a powder”, and that describes it better than I could. I can throw them on with a brush or finger create a lot of impact and dimension quickly with one shade. They stay all day even with a regular eyeshadow primer, but they work great with a glitter primer too.

I’m a big fan of glittery/shimmery eyeshadows, but sometimes I just want something that’s a super easy matte look. I always rely on the Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot Eyeshadow in Groundwork for that. It’s a neutral taupe that goes with any blush and lip color I’ve chosen. The formula is incredibly easy to work with and doesn’t require a primer because these are a hybrid primer shadow. It doesn’t crease and stays all day without fading. I know this formula and shade has a lot of hype around it, but it’s my only matte cream shadow for a reason – it’s really the best.

When I want something warmer and brighter, I always reach for the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Rose Gold. I’m not a huge fan of eyeshadow sticks because they tend to dry out on me and become hard to apply and blend. I’ve never had that issue with any of the caviar sticks I have, and the rose gold one in particular has continued to be reliable for much longer than I expected. Like the rest of the shadows on this list, it’s super easy to blend and stays all day. I particularly like this one for travel since it’s compact and I can swipe it on, quickly blend with my finger, and then I’m good to go.

From left to right: Vesca, Bodyography, Mac, Laura Mercier, Hourglass, Chantecaille

When I want a one and done with even more glitter than the Bodyography, the Hourglass Scattered Light shadows are my go-to choice. The shade reflect is a beautiful pink leaning champagne. I love using this when I want a fun look with one shadow, something impactful for a night out (remember those?), or used sheerly as a topper. The only issue I have with these that I don’t find with any of the others is that I sometimes experience fall out, so I recommend using a glitter primer if you have one.

I put this one last because even though I love it, I can’t seriously recommend it because it’s so expensive. Especially with all the other amazing options on the market, you don’t have to ever spend $52 on a single eyeshadow. That said, the Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shadow is truly special, and I am so happy I have it in my collection. I have the shade Cheetah, which is a beautiful warm champagne. It has just the right amount of gold for me, and I find that it manages to bring complexity even though it’s quite light. I love how much impact this creates so quickly, and I continue to have to convince myself not to get another one.

What round up would you like to see next? I’d love to know, so leave it in the comments!

2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 5

by liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on 2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 5

Back again with another 5 empties (fully finished products)! I have a very big backlog of empties, but as usual, I am keeping these posts to 5 products to keep them short. This is a little different than my usual empties posts because I happened to finish a set of products that I love and have repurchased already at the same time. So as a spoiler – these are all HGs for me and most of them I have more than at least one backup of already.

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator – This is still my favorite facial mist of all time. I’ve tried a few others for testing, but I always end up missing this one. It’s so hydrating, it helps my other products sink in better and faster, and it smells amazing too. I’ve used it alone with nothing else if I’m in a pinch and somehow it actually moisturizes my skin enough even with my incredibly dry skin. I already have at least two more bottles of this, and I will continue to repurchase this forever unless something really amazing launches that knocks it out of its HG spot in my routine.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream – Somehow I’ve never posted about this moisturizer before, but I’ve been using it every morning for years. It’s simple, effective, not too heavy or light, and plays well under makeup. This is just such a staple in my routine that I don’t have much to say about it except that it’s one of my favorite moisturizers for my dry skin – it just works really works, and I keep coming back to it over and over again no matter what else I try.

Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Balm in Clear – Before I talk about why I love this, I want to say that I don’t think this is worth it at full price (or even 50% off). I was able to grab the mini for $3 and the full size for $12, and for me, it’s totally worth it at that price. This balm is incredibly moisturizing and imparts a glossy look to the lips without being too much. I love adding it on top of matte lipsticks to turn any lipstick into a slightly sheer/shiny product without adding anything too glossy or sticky or something that would make it wear off too quickly. There are a bunch of balmy formulas I’m testing for review so I may be taking a break from this, but it’s such an easy, moisturizing, pretty formula that I love having in my collection.

Olaplex No. 3 – Every time I use this, I feel like my hair has been transformed. It feels way smoother, stronger, and shinier without being weighed down. I notice a huge difference when I don’t use this treatment, and it’s incredibly worth it to me. My hair is normally super prone to breakage, and this is one of the only products I’ve tried that actually helps with that. It also helps my hair feel way less dry than usual without making it greasy. This is one of my only true hair staples (outside of my Bumble & Bumble loves) that I continue to repurchase over and over again.

Nuface Gel Primer – I know the Nuface device is expensive, but it really works, and I’ve kept using it consistently since I last posted about it. This is the gel that you used to go along with the device, and although you can find cheaper alternatives, I really like how this one feels and how it makes my skin feel after I use it. I bought the larger size on sale after finishing this 2oz tube, and it’s both a better price per ounce and better packaging with a pump. It also takes me way longer to use up than I expect, so it’s worth the investment for me. That said, it’s usually easy to find both the device and this gel primer on sale, so I would recommend not paying full price for them.

I’d love to know – what have you finished lately? Like I mentioned, I have a ton more empties that I will be posting about, and not all of them are as positive as this group. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading!

April 2021 Favorites

by liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on April 2021 Favorites

Another month has flown by, and it’s been feeling like it’s already summer some days! This month’s favorites are a mix of tried and true favorites and some newer products I’m really excited about sharing with all of you.

The one skincare product I wanted to mention this month is the Cicaplast Baume B5. It has been so incredibly dry here recently, and I’ve been experiencing way more dry, flaky patches on my skin. I tried a ton of different products, and this was the only one that truly made a difference in hydrating my skin closer to normal. It says on its product page that it’s made for visibly irritated areas associated with dry skin, and I can confirm it really does help with that. It’s even gentle enough that I can use it on my currently dry, flaky eyelids with no issues. I also love that it’s under $15 too, and this tube has lasted me forever! This is a dry skin staple I can’t live without.

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate in 0.5

I’ve had the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate duo for about a year now, and it’s been included in 3 favorites post already so you may have read everything I’m about to say. I’m still in love with this formula, and the shade intensity 0.5 is just so great for my skin tone. A lot of reviewers aren’t a big fan of the highlight shade, but I’ve continued to love it. The formula for the bronzer shade is a little sheer which makes it super easy to just throw on without having to be super precise, and I can build it up without worrying about overdoing it. When I’m really having trouble in the morning because I’m exhausted and my coffee hasn’t hit me yet, this is my go to face product for a “my face but better” look. It’s great to be able to grab this duo and have products that I know work well together and pair well with any blush I own.

Fenty Eaze Drop in shade 2 and Glossier Skin Tint in G11

I know the Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint has been a polarizing product that some people really hate and some people really love. I am on the side of loving it, and it’s my new HG foundation. My usual go to is the Glossier Skin tint but I’m finding that it’s a little too dewy and very much not mask proof though now that we’re actually leaving our apartment and it’s getting hot outside. So, I decided to try the Fenty Eaze Drop, and it’s everything I want in a summer foundation. It’s almost entirely mask proof and sweat proof, and it stays all day (even after a test I did with 14 hours of wear and a 10 mile walk). It looks so natural on my skin while still providing coverage, and it blends so easily. I actually have been applying with my fingers (though a brush works great too!), and it’s the fastest foundation application I’ve ever experienced. One thing to watch out for – I have tried with a sponge and don’t recommend it since it seems to suck up the moisture in the foundation and make it too dry. Other than that, I’ve had no issues!

Bodyography Glitter Pigment in Off the Hook

I got 3 Bodyography Glitter Pigments recently because I had a really great coupon code and have been really wanting to try them since watching Katie Jane Hughes use them over and over again. Their site says that these are a unique formula that incorporates “the saturation of a loose pigment, the cushion of a cream, and the silkiness of a powder”, and that describes it better than I could. I can throw them on with a brush or finger create a lot of impact and dimension quickly with one shade. They stay all day even with a regular eyeshadow primer, but they work great with a glitter primer too. While I love all three shades I got, Off the Hook has been my favorite. It’s a beautiful taupe/bronze color that makes it perfect as a one and done shadow.

If you’re a regular reader, you already know how much I love the Pat McGrath lip glosses. I got another trio in the Sephora sale (the set of 3 minis was $9!).  The formula is incredibly hydrating and smoothing, and the three new shades I got are such great colors for me. This one in particular is Flesh 6, which is a rich rosy brown color with no glitter. The non-glitter shades have just enough shine without going overboard and have even better lasting power than the glitter ones (which last amazingly well for a gloss). If you can find the trios on sale either through Sephora or Pat McGrath’s website, I highly recommend getting them.

What was your favorite product this month? What would you like to see next on LiftBakeLove? Let me know in the comments below!

Fitness Faves: What I’ve Been Loving That’s Not Beauty

by liftbakelove3 Comments on Fitness Faves: What I’ve Been Loving That’s Not Beauty

I wanted to take a quick break from beauty to talk about some of things I’ve been loving in the fitness and lifestyle realm. My other main hobby than beauty is fitness, so I like to share some of that here once in awhile. I’m hoping to do a bit more once we’re back in the gym but please let me know in the comments what you’d like to see!

We’ve been doing the Team Plans Full Body Fit Guides given that we still don’t feel comfortable being back in the gym yet. We’ve gone to the gym in our apartment building a couple of times (as you’ll see in some of these photos) because they only allow one household at a time, with masks on, but we try to workout in our living room as much as possible. The plan is 3 HIIT style workouts a week using 15 pound and 5 pound dumbbells and optional bands (which I also have from the Team Plans and one from Buffbunny). I truly believe that I get almost as good as gym results at home for less than 2 hours a week with these workouts. I used to be in the gym constantly, and it’s amazing to me how effective such short workouts can be. The guides are also super affordable relative to workout programs I’ve been on before (and you can do the free videos on YouTube instead). They are also just really fun, and I am so thankful for these workouts for helping me continue to be an athlete over the last year.

Wearing the Buffbunny Jade Mesh Bra and Limitless Leggings in Citrus Lilac

I’ve never been able to handle pre-workout before, but the Buff Chick Supplements Buff Pump is amazing. It’s caffeine free, which is great for me since we workout in the evenings. It’s made such a huge difference in my workouts to help me have enough energy to get through them and give them my all. It also has helped me with motivation to do them, because I will take the pre-workout and then feel like I need to workout after to “not waste it.” Then, I’ll usually have enough energy to add on a yoga session or one of Abby’s mobility flows, which I’ve really gotten a lot out of. Unlike other pre-workouts, this doesn’t make me feel weird, jittery, or shaky. My favorite flavor is the Watermelon Pump, but the Sour Lemon and Cherry Limeade are also really good, and I’m already on my second container of the Sour Lemon. I can’t wait to see what Buff Chick comes out with next!

Wearing the Buffbunny Canceled Sports Bra in Shaded

Anyone who knows me has heard about my Buffbunny obsession. I have a ton of leggings, shorts, sports bras, tanks, crops, and even a jacket. I love every single thing I’ve gotten and have found the quality to be just as good or even better than Lululemon for much more reasonable prices. Pieces I’ve worn and washed over and over again still look brand new, and I find myself reaching for them over all my others for my workouts or just to wear during the day. My favorites are the Limitless Leggings, Rosa Pocket Leggings, Limitless Flow Tops, Jade Mesh Bra, Arnold Bomber Jacket, Canceled Sports Bra, Material Girl Ribbed Biker Short, and Spin Tank. I picked up a few things yesterday for their Marble and Ecoline launches – let me know if you’d like to read specific reviews about any of the pieces!

Wearing the Buffbunny Aurora Crop and Limitless Leggings in Citrus Blue

I never thought I’d get so excited about a “protein snack”, but the Quest Nutrition Tortilla Style Protein Chips have proven me wrong. They are almost the same as Doritos, but with almost 20g of protein for the same number of calories for a serving. I’ve been snacking a lot more these days since we’re still mostly just home all day, every day. These have been a great way for me to eat chips and get my protein in too. I was really surprised at the texture and taste of these, for both the Nacho Cheese and Ranch flavors. If I had to choose one, I’d definitely choose ranch.

This is going to sound silly, but as I’ve written about before, I really struggle to drink enough water. I’ve purchased so many different water bottles and tumblers to help me drink more water. My amazing friend Alice suggested I get the Tronco 20oz Glass Tumbler – it holds a lot more water than any of the glasses we have, the protective sleeve helps keep water cold and comes in so many colors, and it comes with a lid and straw. I have really loved it and use it every day as my main drinking glass, I’ve starting drinking more than triple the water because I love it so much. It’s also so much easier to clean than a traditional water bottle, especially because it’s dishwasher safe. For less than $20, this has been one of my best investments of 2020.

What have you been loving lately? Is there anything you’d like me to review? Let me know in the comments!