What’s in my makeup bag: November

The following content includes referral links and/or gifted products (*). Read my disclosure policy for more info.

Both September and October went by without a “WIMMB” post and here we are, already in November. This month’s makeup bag does contain some products I already talked about- like my favorite Lip Colors for Fall, Urban Decay’s Naked Cherry collection, and Pixi’s Matte Last Liquid Lips. I won’t waste your time talking about those products again, but feel free to check those posts out for my reviews and swatches. Now, let’s see what else is new.

Isn’t she a beauty? Last year, I skipped on the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette- which was the Vol 3 release. This year, Hourglass released two: Ambient Lighting Edit Volume 4 and Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette. I knew I probably wasn’t going to get both, and to be honest, I wasn’t even tempted to. The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette features six, all-new shades with 5% of profits going to support the Nonhuman Rights Project. SO, it was a no-brainer when it came to deciding which one to get.

The Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette includes Ambient Lighting Powders in Soft Light and Filtered Light, Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Golden Bronze Light, Ambient Lighting Blushes in Nude Glow and Mood Flush and Metallic Strobe Lighting Powder in Champagne Strobe Light. Hourglass never fail me with the quality of their products (powders especially) so it’s no secret that I’m already in love with this palette. I will have a full review and swatches of this beauty up on the blog later this week.

Another new arrival in this month’s makeup bag: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation. My sister picked up this foundation a while ago but it didn’t work very well with her skin type. I gave it a go, loved the way it looked and felt on my skin, but the shade she picked (#150) was NOT a good match for me. From the description, it seemed like it would work (light skin with neutral undertones) but there was nothing light OR neutral about it. By the time I got to the office, I looked in the mirror and my skin looked orange. The finish was beautiful, but it did look like I’ve had a pumpkin attached to my neck. Not a good look.

I already figured that the Pro Filt’r Foundation must oxidize because I would never leave my house had it looked that warm when I first applied it. I went to Sephora and picked up a lighter shade (#120) also described as one that would have a neutral undertone (for fair skin with neutral undertones, to be precise). At first, it looked a bit too light, but since it did oxidize after a few minutes, it matched my skin better. Still, I am disappointed to say that again, there is nothing “neutral” about its undertones once the product sits on the skin for a few minutes. I set it with my favorite Hourglass powder Diffused Light– it’s a pale warm yellow, but it doesn’t look warm on my skin at all and somehow helps to counteract the warmth of the Pro Filt’r Foundation.

Another foundation addition is Maybelline’s Superstay Long-Lasting Full Coverage Foundation. I was SO excited to try it, but it doesn’t work too well with my currently dry skin. The plan is to try it out again once my skin adjusts to my new medication and is no longer so dry. My sister, on the other hand, fell in love with it and it seems to work beautifully with her oily skin. She’s actually staying with us and I have to say that it’s been SO fun, having her close and being able to raid the beauty isles together and compare results. This is probably one of the best things about being older- actually getting along with your sister. Yes, we used to “hate” each other’s guts when we were much younger. :)

I also finally got my hands on Anastasia’s Cream Contour Palette and I’m a little underwhelmed as I expected these to be a bit easier to blend. Marc Jacobs Air Blush Soft Glow Duo in Flash & Fantasy is one of those products that I always come back to. It’s a beautiful blush for those who don’t love using cheek/blush products. Flesh and Fantasy is perfect for adding just a bit of color to your complexion.

These new Gel Eyeliners from Esqido*- ahhhmazing. They are mechanical liners and include a precision sharpener at the other end/tip which allows for a sharp and precise application. These are very creamy, go on smooth and are probably among some of the long-lasting eyeliners I’ve tried so far. They don’t smudge, smear or fade throughout the day. The colors available are black and brown.

Back in September, I talked about some of my favorite lip colors for Fall, and I still rotate between that bunch. For a more subtle look, I still love Urban Decay’s Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion glosses. Right now the two that I reach for all the time are Midnight Cowgirl and Fuel. MUFE’s Ultra HD Lip Booster in Light Pink is another beautiful, delicate lip product that adds a nice, non-sticky gloss. Covergirl Vitalist Lip Oil in Guava Goodness is another favorite for the “no makeup” makeup as it adds a nice glossy finish, without feeling sticky. I love the formula, but I think it’d work a lot better if it had an applicator that picks up more product. Sadly, I think that this lip oil is no longer available, which is a shame.

Flesh & Fantasy, Maybelline Superstay Foundation in 110, Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation in 120, Esqido Gel Liners in Balck + Brown, Urban Decay Hi-Fi glosses in Midnight Cowgirl and Fuel, MUFE Ultra HD Lip Booster in Light Pink and Covergirl Vitalist Lip Oil Guava Goodness.