Hello readers!  It’s July which means my monthly post on products I loved in June.  I have been trying a lot of products and not all of them made it on here but no worries, they will be making appearances in the next coming posts.  Now, on to the task at hand.

 AmorePacific Natural Protector SPF 30

First off is a sunscreen from the Sephora Sun Safety Kit.  There are quite a few more I need to go through but this pink-tinged sunscreen feels light-weight and silky, absorbs quickly and leaves behind a very subtle glow.  There is a very strong, flowery scent but that dissipates within a few minutes of application and this works well with my foundations and moisturizers, meaning it doesn’t pill (clump up).

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser 

A product featured in my May Birchbox, this product was something I was both excited and hesitant to try.  I loved the fact it was a skincare item but I’m not usually fond of products containing sugar designed for use on the face as I find them abrasive.  This however was a very unique experience and is different than other sugar based exfoliators I have tried.  I gathered a little bit of the product, mixed it with water and applied it in circular motions.  Immediately, the product began to foam up and the majority of the sugar seemed to melt into the skin while still leaving a few granules to exfoliate. My face felt softer albeit a bit dry but that was resolved as soon as I applied moisturizer.   The Suki skincare website states they use, ” larger, soft sugar crystals (sanding sugar),” which could be why this felt gentler though I did research sanding sugar and I couldn’t find anything on it in its use in skincare besides what’s provided on the website.  Not sure I would recommend this for sensitive skin but normal to oily skin could benefit from it.

Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow 

I received this in my June Birchbox and wasn’t too excited at first but I ended up using it quite a bit.  I was worried the color would be too dark but it gave me a hint of color without looking orange.  According to the description, this is “gluten-free, perfume-free, and oil-free.”  The formula is light and perfect for everyday use.  I feel this would work well if you don’t have problematic skin but if you’re looking for full coverage, skip this as it functions more like a tinted moisturizer.  Unlike some BB creams this one does not contain SPF but even if it did, I still recommend layering your normal sunscreen underneath.

Clinique Nude Pop Cheek Pop Blush

If you’re in the market for a, ‘I’m not wearing any blush’, blush, this shade is a great one to try, especially if you’re fair skinned.  Although it’s a powder formula, it blends effortlessly into the skin and provides either a sheer wash of color or can be built up for more pigment. Perfect for day and/or night, and complements both a smoky or natural look.  There’s also a great variety of shades so if this one is too light for you, you’re bound to find another that better suits your skin tone or style.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour 

After reading countless articles on contouring sticks, I gave this one a try and am glad I did.  The color appears dark and downright scary at first but after it’s been blended out, you end up with definition that isn’t over-the-top.  Fairly simple to use, you just draw lines wherever you want to contour and then either blend it in with a sponge, your fingers or a brush.  I find that a damp sponge or synthetic brush do the best job at blending though.  This doesn’t take up too much space in your makeup arsenal either, making it easier and perfect for traveling.

Here’s a picture of me wearing the contour shade on the hollows of my cheekbones.

e.l.f Moisturizing Lipstick in Pink Minx

Oh e.l.f.  You’re incredibly low prices make me both eager yet skeptical to try products but luckily there’s more to love with this lipstick than the $3 price tag.  The color pay-off is absolutely gorgeous where one swipe garners a creamy opaque coverage and as the name implies, it is moisturizing.  I do find that this sort of clings to dry patches so make sure lips are exfoliated.  The packaging is simple and secure and although it’s not the best, I won’t complain.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Noble

The lovely Katie from Plus Beauty sent me the Kat Von D Lip Vixon Duo as a birthday gift (thank you Katie!) and I loved the Studded Kiss Lipstick.  Described as a, “matte petal pink nude,” this is a great nude color that feels so creamy when applied.  I do have to top it off with gloss so that the color doesn’t wash me out and exfoliated lips are a must again but I just love the texture.

What were your favorite products this past month? 

Stephanie