I believe that a person's hands can tell a lot about them.  I have a weird habit of noticing a person's hands upon first meeting.  Coming from a person who has dry skin and is a nail biter--it is very easy to "let things go" when it comes to your hands.  I have tried my hardest to keep my hands moisturized and manicured to make sure that when I shake someone's hand they are getting the best "first impression" of me.

My name is Carlye, and I am a makeup-aholic.  It's true.  I can't stop myself sometimes!  My biggest weakness is eyeshadow palettes.  I went through and counted 18 (and that isn't even all of them!) that I have in a semi-regular rotation.  I don't wear eyeshadow daily, but when I go out or have a special occasion I like to have options!  So, without further ado, meet my girls!

Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette

Buxom "Look All You Want" Palette

Buxom Cosmetics Single Bar Shadows

L-R: Diamond Darling, Pure Platinum, Jetsetter, La La Lavish, LBD, Patent Leather

Makeup Geek X MannyMUA

This was my first purchase from Makeup Geek and my first purchase of a collaboration between a cosmetic brand and a beauty YouTuber.  I had watched MannyMUA's videos as well as the owner of Makeup Geek, Marlena, for a while on YouTube.  I was intrigued by the warmer tones and the duo-chrome options, so I decided to pull the trigger.  I have made some really fun looks with this palette, but it isn't one that I reach for regularly.  I need to bring those warm transition shades back into my life!  This palette was a limited edition release and is, unfortunately, no longer available.  Makeup Geek does still offer the shadows individually, so you can build your own palette if you like the colors!

Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Vault Collection

Bling Boss, Armed & Gorgeous, Ring The Alarm

I have mentioned these palettes before in my 2018 Holiday Gift Guide.  They are part of a four-piece collection called "The Vault."  These are all colors that Jaclyn Hill created that didn't make it into her original Morphe collaboration (see below).  I love them because they are broken into specific color families.  It makes life so much easier when you can see a set of colors and make a look from them.  I sometimes look at the larger palettes and feel overwhelmed with the amount of colors and possibilities.  The formulas of the shadows are incredibly creamy and pigmented without a huge amount of fall out.

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Subculture Palette

Colors used: Axis, Edge, New Wave and Electric

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

ABH Modern Renaissance is the only palette like this that I own.  I have a few (more than necessary-- I know) warm palettes, but none like this.  It has some of the most beautiful reds and pinks that I have ever used!  The shadows are pigmented and bold and create some of the most romantic eye looks I've ever seen.  I am not disappointed by an ABH shadow and think this is an excellent addition to anyone's makeup collection.

Halloween is over and now begins the countdown to Christmas.  If my roommate had anything to do with it our house would be covered in lights, tree up and decorated and Christmas songs playing all day and night.  Sooooo... ha!  We are going to hold off on the decorating for right now, but it isn't too soon to start shopping!  I always have a hard time trying to decide what to get my friends and family or even what to ask for when someone asks for ideas!  I read so many blogs and watch so many YouTube videos for inspiration and figured that I could do the same for you guys!  Mine are going to be a bit more beauty-centric, so if that isn't your thing... well why are you here?

Crystal Facial Roller $33

• Helps to stimulate collagen which helps to improve elasticity of the skin.
• Reduces appearance of puffiness and wrinkles.
• Aids in lymphatic drainage.
• Helps to eliminate toxins.
• Tightens pores since the crystal remains cold even when in direct contact with the skin.

This all sounded amazing to me, but I wasn't willing to cough up the $32 for something that I wasn't sure about.  Holiday season is the best time to ask for this!  It is something that I wouldn't normally buy myself, but something that I am incredibly interested in trying!  Do you jade roll?

Philosophy Fresh Cream Gift Set $32

When I tell you this is one of my favorite scents in the world... girl!  I learned about Fresh Cream from my friend Ashley when she was up visiting for my birthday a few years ago.  She put on the body lotion and my nose was immediately attracted.  It smelled like the most amazing freshly whipped cream, vanilla deliciousness.  It isn't sickeningly vanilla like some scents (I'm talking about you Vanilla Fields) or like a cakey vanilla.  I'm telling you it is so good!  This set comes with everything you need-- body wash/bubble bath, hand cream, body lotion and a body spray!  This scent goes a long way and so does the product.  Great gift!

Beauty Blender Sweet Surprise Mystery Blind Bag $20

Beauty Blenders are my all time favorite beauty sponge.  I have tried a lot of different brands and liked a lot of them, but none of them are as good as my beauty blender.  Only problem is that they are $20 a piece!  That is expensive and, while I love them, I'm not always willing to pay that much when I can get another sponge that I like for $7.  The great thing about this gift is that it comes with a solid beauty blender cleanser!  The cleanser is the only product that seems to get my beauty blenders clean, so this is a great bonus!

Tatcha Skincare for Makeup Loves Obento Box $64

This is my favorite gift on this list!  I am a HUGE fan of the Luminous Dewy Skin Mist & the Silk Canvas primer by Tatcha, but I flat out REFUSE to pay the exorbitant prices!  A full size of the skin mist is $48 and a full size primer is $52-- insanity.  This kit includes a FULL SIZE bottle of the skin mist and travel sized Silk Canvas primer, Water Cream and Violet-C Radiance face mask.  These products last a long time, so the travel sizes are perfect!  I want this set, so if anyone that is gifting me this holiday season is reading-- keep this in mind!

Admittedly, no makeup days are great, but I do enjoy wearing makeup.  I have heard "Oh you don't need makeup!" or "You are beautiful without all of that stuff!" Thank you, but please know I don't wear it for you.  Now, I don't always do a full glam face, but I do wear makeup pretty much daily.  I have my every day routine set and wanted to share my favorite products with you!

Foundation: I like a liquid foundation for myself.  I used to use powder foundation, but as my skin is aging (relax-- I know 33 is young) I have preferred a liquid.  I am curious about how a cream foundation would work for me, but I haven't been brave enough to try that yet.  Maybe I will do a review of a few cream foundations in a future post!  Comment below if you would like to see that!  My favorite foundation of the moment is actually from the drugstore!  I am obsessed with the Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir right now.  This is a hydrating formula that is infused with vitamins E, B3, B5 and has an SPF 20!  I'm telling you-- it's so good!  It has a buildable coverage; I'm a full coverage kind of gal and this is perfect!  It has a dewy finish, but doesn't make you look greasy.  The only downfall is the shade range.  I am fair, but not the fairest of them all (despite what my inner princess tells me) and I just make it into the lightest shade.  I could probably go lighter during the winter months, but this is the lightest that they offer.  The only thing that I would change about this product is that they would carry a more inclusive range of shades.

Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Contour: This isn't a necessary step, but I like it.  Adding dimension to my face makes me a happy Carlye.  My all time favorite contour powder is Sombre by Kat Von D, which is in the Shade + Light Palette.  Right now, mine is out and I don't have the refillable palette. So, my dear reader I've run into a dilemma.  In  its place I have started to use the contour color in a limited edition contour & highlight palette by Tarte.  I like a cooler undertone for my coloring, so this shade was perfect.  I like this powder, but it isn't my Sombre.  I will probably purchase the single pan of that once I am finished with this.

Don't Be Afraid To Dazzle by Tarte Cosmetics

Bronzer:  I have two favorites.  Both are on the pricier side, so I apologize.  But not really because they are beautiful!  First is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer.  This bronzer has a luminosity that just kills the game.  It gives you the best bronzed glow!  I hit pan on mine a few months ago and needed to get a replacement.  I had been eyeing up the Marc Jacobs O!Mega Coconut Bronzer ever since its limited release last year!  I saw that they were adding it as a permanent piece to their collection, so I had to pick it up!  And we have been in love ever since.  It smells delicious and is the perfect combination of warm and cool tones.  I don't know how else to describe it!  I just hit pan last week and I am dreading the time that it runs out.

Marc Jacobs O!Mega Coconut Bronzer

Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Palette

Eyebrows: I have found a new favorite in the Anastasia of Beverly Hills (ABH) Brow Definer pencil.  I like it because it isn't too sticky with wax, but has enough to help keep the hair in place.  The tapered shape is great for getting thinner, more precise lines as well as thicker lines to fill in space.  It is dual ended with a spoolie, which makes it even better!  I follow this up with the ABH tinted brow gel and those girls aren't going anywhere!  Always remember, your brows are sisters, not twins.

ABH Brow Definer

ABH Tinted Brow Gel

Mascara: I have two favorites and I tend to switch it up each day.  Those are Betters Than Sex (BTS) by Too Faced and Roller Lash by Benefit.  I like BTS because it makes my lashes look longer and fuller.  It really is a miracle worker!  I like the Roller Lash because it curls my lashes and lifts them.  It is a lighter formula and doesn't make the lashes as full, but it lifts and separates.  Love this one as well!  I prefer a dryer mascara formula, which is what you get with these two.  If it is too wet it tends to weigh my lashes down and gets literally everywhere!  Pro tip: I always buy travel size mascaras.  Mascara expires after 3 months, so if you buy the smaller one, you are more likely to use it all up before it expires.

Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara

NARS Chelsea Girls Lip Gloss

And, done!  A simple face-- maybe not for all, but for me it is!  I understand that this routine may not be for everyone, but I have gotten it down to a bit of a science for getting me out the door in the morning.

Before (brave post lol)

After

Do you have any holy grail products that you use daily?  Let me know in the comments below!