Back to School Beauty: Dare to Go Bare and More Looks from Benefit.

Misleading a bit, because I don't think I would ever go bare faced to school. Even if I only had a few minutes, I would slap on a little something to make my skin look more even and give it a bit of a natural glow. This would be a bare look, and I found a great tutorial on how to do just that over on the Benefit Cosmetics website.

In their Get The Look section, that I am totally addicted to by the way, the pros that know teach you in three easy steps, how to get a pretty, natural look.

screenshot from benefitcosmetics.com

The core products are for perfecting the skin and looking it look even and natural, with a bit of a glow, then topping it off with mascara and a neutral lipstick.

You'll have to check out the look details to see exactly all the Benefit products they used, but the look is easy to create using a few items that you may have already in addition to the ones suggested in the tutorial.

I do know that I want to pick up the POREfessional to minimize and hide my pores while making for a great surface to work on. I have a few makeup primers, but this look calls for a brightening primer - I like that suggestion. I have the boi-ing concealer already and this baby is great for my dark eye circles (thanks Dad!) and for covering those pesky pimples that pop up now and then. I have stolen my Mom's dandelion powder and I really like it. It brightens up my cheeks with just a hint of pink. It doesn't show up all that well with my tan, but the subtle glow is enough. The look finishes with mascara and a lipstick, but you could use what you already have.

Click Dare to Go Bare to see the look. Be sure to check out the other easy looks they have created:

Blushing Beauty - This look features a neutral eye with a pop of color on the cheeks (obviously) and a pretty pink lip.

Glowing My Way - This look is all about gorgeous, glowy skin.

Eye Gotcha! - This look features beautiful, subtle shades on the skin with an emphasis on the eyes

License to Bronze - This one totally suits me for summer and is perfect for extending summer into fall.

Starlet Fever - If you want an all out glam look, this one is it. Long lashes, lots of liner and red lips complete this red carpet look.

Up In Smoke - Smoky eyes are easy with these tips and products. Not for an every day look at school, this one definitely comes in handy for after school functions (aka PARTIES!).

Back to School Beauty in a Box Sets from Sephora.

I love the summer but at the same time I am excited for getting back into the routine of school. The fact that I am starting high school in a few weeks makes it even more exciting. Of course shopping for back to school would not be complete without picking up some new makeup.

I have been looking at some new makeup sets put together by Sephora called "Beauty in a Box" and they include some of my faves. I plan to head to Sephora this weekend to check these out.

Benefit Beauty in a Box - $48.00

In the box:

• Full-Sized Some Kind-A Gorgeous The Foundation Faker
• Full-Sized "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer
• Deluxe Mini Stay Don't Stray Stay-Put Primer For Concealers & Eyeshadows
• Full-Sized Erase Paste 02 Medium Brightening Camouflage For Eyes & Face

Urban Decay Beauty in a Box - $52.00

In the box:

• 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (black)
• Skyscraper Multi-benefit Mascara (black)
• Lipstick in Wicked (mauve/ sheer sheen)
• Travel Size Eyeshadow Primer Potion (sheer nude)
• Eyeshadow in Romp (deep royal purple sheen)
• Eyeshadow in Skimp (sheer pearly vanilla sheen)

Tarte Beauty in a Box - $45.00

In the box:

• Lock & Roll 12-Hour Eyeshadow, burnt bronze
• EmphasEYES™ Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner, plum
• Rise & Shine Lip Gloss And Stain, nude
• Clean Slate Natural Face Primer
• Mineral Powder Bronzer, park ave princess
• Lights, Camera, Splashes! Natural Waterproof Mascara

Before playing with them, I am leaning toward the Urban Decay beauty in a box. It seems like I would use most of the products in it. Of course, it is the most expensive and I am sure my Mom will notice that right away, but if I will get more use out of them, it will be worth it. Don't you think?

Which Beauty in a Box would you go for?

My 4 Favorite Bronzers.

I think I use a bronzer almost everyday. When I go for an all out made up look or a natural one (which I do for school), I depend on a bronzer to bring a bit of color and glow to my face.

I am lucky enough to try so many bronzers and my friends are always asking me which ones work best. I figured I would tell them and you at the same time. Out of the ones I have tried, these are my 4 Favorite Bronzers that I keep on my makeup table.

Benefit Cosmetics Dallas - $28.00

This is a pretty golden rose shade of bronzer. I really like this one when I feel tired as it warms up my complexion, giving me a healthy glow. Sometimes I layer this one over one of the more brown based bronzers listed below.

Stila Sun Gel Bronzer - $24.00

This is my favorite gel bronzer that I sometimes use on more than just my cheeks! It is pretty to even dab on my eyes and lips for a really pretty golden glow. It lasts all day too, which I like.

 COVERGIRL TRUblend Microminerals Bronzer -$11.00

I saw this one at CVS and just had to have it. I love how it is portable for when I think I might need a touch up on the go. I throw it in my back pack and sweep the bronzer with the brush over my cheeks, chin, forehead and tip of my nose. The bronzer and brush come in one sleek compartment making it simple and easy to use.

MAC Creme Bronzer from MAC To the Beach - $25.00

This one just came out and I took it from my Mom right away. It is a cream bronzer that is so easy to blend and it lasts all day. I use it alone on my cheeks or with Dallas (above) for a little extra shimmer. This creamy bronzer has 2 colors. I use Beach Bronze.

So, what's your favorite bronzer? Did yours make my favorites list? Do you prefer a powder, gel or creamy? I can't wait to hear. PLEASE leave me a comment about your favorite bronzer!!!