What’s in my makeup bag: April

I gotta say, after four months of not buying any new makeup, I’m doing pretty well in the beauty-spending department.

Back in January I had a huge beauty-cleanup and was shocked to see how wasteful I’ve become. I had SO much makeup, haircare, body care and a lot of it was just sitting around. So, after getting rid of a huge portion of my collection, I promised myself not to buy any new makeup until April.

April came and I was convinced that I’ll go on a huge spree and start spending money mindlessly (again), but you know what? I didn’t.

After my “spending ban” ended, I picked up just a handful of products I know I’ll use on regular basis- not because they’re “pretty” or will work nicely as a blog photo prop (seriously).

A lot of products in this month’s *What’s in my makeup bag* are repeat offenders; products I mention all the time (like my HG Dior Iconic Overcurl mascara) so I won’t waste time talking about those.

The newbies from Marc Jacobs Beauty- the Omega Bronze LE bronzer in Tan-Tastic and Dew Drops. Guys, this bronzer is SO beautiful- and I’m not just talking about the packaging here. It smells like coconuts, blends really nicely and isn’t too warm- which means that it works well with my pale skin. As it comes with a lot of LE products, they sell out all the time, I picked mine up at Neiman’s. The Dew Drops is a coconut gel highlighter that gives the most beautiful, peachy glow- love the pump + glass bottle packaging.

Also new: cream and powder eye duo from Tom Ford in Paradiso. Another beautiful TF product that is so easy to use. It’s a mix of golden, rosy and bronze hues and I know I’ll be reaching for this duo all the time.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in Your Glow* in Nude Glow– so much love for this product. It’s a “Healthy Flush Bronzer” that gives skin a dose of that beautiful, healthy glow we’re all after. There is a bit fallout with this product, but it’s really, really beautiful with a smooth silky texture.

In one of my Lovin’ Lately posts, I talked about Dr. Dana’s nail system which is all I’ve been using as far as nail care goes. Dr. Dana’s new product, Lips & Tips* is a perfect duo to keep in your bag. One end has a lip gloss, and the other has my favorite cuticle treatment (the same one that comes in the Nail Renewal System).

I’m also trying a bunch of No7 makeup products, and I’ve been loving Stay Perfect lippie in Cinnamon Spice.* It has a very nice formula that actually is quite long-lasting- definitely impressed with this one and want to pick up a few more of these.

I also wanted to briefly talk about the makeup bag itself. Full disclosure, this bag was sent to me by Henry Charles, but in no way is this post sponsored; I just know a real gem when I see one and I love supporting talented, tirelessly working people. The Large Deluxe Cosmetic bag is made with vegan leather and coated, water-resistant lining. The bag is beautiful- It could also double as a hand bag, too, but what I love most about it, is how much makeup I can fit in.

There are a bunch of small and large compartments inside and loops for storing eyeliners and small brushes; it’s a perfect bag for all of us beauty junkies. And guys, this bag is so sturdy- it’ll definitely be a perfect travel companion for me as well.

Quality, quality, quality. I am so impressed with both the quality and the design of this bag, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything similar. Did I mention quality? Seriously, if you spend a nice chunk of your cash on luxury makeup, it only makes sense to carry/store it in something as beautiful as this bag (they also have a few other designs, btw). I spoke to the founder of Henry Charles, Candice, and she herself is such a kind and hardworking person (and a talented designer, duh!) and her passion definitely shows through her work. Henry Charles is a small company (for now) but I know they’re going places.

Tom Ford Eyeshadow Duo in Paradiso, Mar Jacobs Dew Drops, No7 Cinnamon Spice, No7 Berry Blush, Jouer lip topper in Skinny Dip, Fresh Sugar Bloom Lip Treatment, Dr. Dana Lips & Tips in Nude and Pink, It Cosmetics Nude Glow and Marc Jacobs Omega Bronze in Tan-Tastic.

What makeup products did you guys love in April?

*PR samples/gifted products