Skin Care

Hello 2019!

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Hello, I’m back!

Okay so, it been a hot minute since I have written a blog post. Life got away from me and I lost my focus on my passion for all things beauty. I’m back and refreshed and ready to talk about some products that rocked my world in 2018 and will continue to do so into the new year.

Skincare wise I can’t forgive myself for not mentioning these products earlier. These two moisturizers have been my ride or die for all of 2018 and I don’t plan on quitting them anytime soon. The first is the Youth to The People Hylruonic Acid moisturizer. I use this cream every morning. Its a gel consistency keep me moisturized but not oily throughout the day. The bigger perk IT DOESN’T BREAK ME OUT! Amazing for sensitive skin. Now for night time, the winner is Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Cream. This is a pricey number but wow my skin has changed for the better. This moisturizer is so luxury and creamy and will have you waking up with soft glowing skin. I have turned countless friends and family on to this moisturizer, it’s that good!

Now for hair care, I have stuck to the normal routine with my beloved Oribe Gold Lust shampoo and Briogeo deep conditioner but one thing has changed and it’s my new favorite anti-frizz spray. I was never a fan of anti-frizz sprays because they always left my hair greasy or crunchy. The Living Proof anti-frizz does no such thing. This spray smells amazing, leaves my hair so shiny, eliminates frizz and holds my style. Checks all the boxes for me!

Last but not least, makeup. I will say the past year after leaving a cosmetic focused job to a desk job makeup has taken a back seat. I get ready in 5 minutes in the morning and put little to no effort into my routine. One of my resolutions for 2019 is to get back into my passion. Putting on makeup is therapeutic and I enjoy doing it, therefore, I want to do more of it. Set that alarm 10 minutes earlier and have some me time. In saying that there are a couple products that still stood out to me this year. The new Hourglass Veil™ Translucent Setting Powder  is amazing for combo skin that doesn’t want to look flat. Truly makes you look airbrushed! (it’s expensive, so try a travel size from Sephora it’s cheaper and lasts forever). Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara gives me the false lashes look. Full, long and voluminous lashes that will make you look awake and energized at 6 am. Keep the lookout for new makeup faves in the upcoming year. Time to get back in the game!

How was everyone’s new year and what are your resolutions?

Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment

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WOW just wow I have found a holy grail skincare device…yes not a cream or serum but a tool!

For the past month or two, I’ve been struggling with acne that will not go away on my chin and cheek area. Everyone said it was hormonal but no matter what I did or how long I waited it would not go away. One spot would leave, another would come to replace it. I was beginning to get very frustrated and was ready to research some derms in my area and get this settled once and for all.

I was on the verge of making that appointment until one day after work I walked into a CVS to get some nail polish remover. I started to roam the makeup aisle as always and I saw the Neutrogena light therapy pen. I had read about their light therapy devices on several different blogs but I never thought too much of it. I saw the pen was only $22 so I thought what the heck?! nothing else was working. (btw it’s even cheaper on Amazon)

Here I am, only two weeks later to tell you IT WORKS! Not only did it shrink my spots but it helped reduce any redness and hyperpigmentation (which I struggle with the most). The pen is very easy to use. All you have to do is turn the pen on, put the light directly on the spot and the pen will turn it’s self off when its done (2 minutes) then move to the next spot, do this twice a day.  Neutrogena also sells a full face mask but since my breakouts are in specific areas the pen works best for me + travel-friendly!

Now I am not an expert on how or why this pen has magical powers but from my understanding, this pen uses both red and blue light to treat acne without drying or burning your skin. The pens slim style surrounds a pimple for a targeted treatment. The blue light penetrates just beneath the surface, while red light goes deeper into the skin to deliver fast results.

If you are like me and are struggling with getting rid of stubborn pimples go grab one! I have fairly sensitive skin and it has not irritated my skin. My skin is looking brighter and smoother every day! Have any of used this pen or the full face mask? I’m curious!

 

 

 


Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment  $16.96 @Amazon

 

Skin Care Heros

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Ever since I started working a more corporate job I have zero time to do my “full face glam” in the morning, this dilemma has forced me to realize how important it is to get your skin looking flawless before any thought of piling makeup on top.
( Im trying really hard to achieve the “no makeup, makeup look”)

A little background on my skin, I have combination skin it’s normal – dry everywhere except my forehead gets oily throughout the day. I am prone to break outs and I have quite a bit of redness and scaring.Throughout my skincare journey these past couple months there have been some hero products and of course, there have been products that did not work out, but we’re here to talk about the heroes!

First and foremost my cleanser. My main goal for a cleanser is to remove my makeup and not leave a weird film on my face afterward. I have fallen in a deep relationship with the EveLom Balm Cleanser. This is a number 1 seller for a reason. I use this cleanser on  dry face and it transforms into an oil as I massage it into my skin it removes ALL MY MAKEUP! Yes, every, single bit of makeup is gone. I do usually go over my face with a cotton ball of micellar water but there is hardly ever residue on the cotton ball. The cleanser does come with a muslin cloth which is recommended to remove the cleanser for light exfoliation ( but any type of towel will work). 

The second hero in my skincare journey is the Tata Harper Brightening Essence. I had a lot of acne scars and sun spots for years now due to picking at stubborn spots. I’m like a 5-year old I know I shouldn’t but I just pick and pick! This essence has changed the game. I put a little in the palm of my hands and press it into my skin focusing it on my target areas. This has transformed my skin. I feel more comfortable going out in public with no makeup AND I even use less foundation, win-win!

Now this moisturizer truly shocked me. The Tatcha Water Cream gets all the hype it deserves. I first purchased a Tatcha “starter kit” at Sephora because these products are VERY pricey so I wanted to do a trail run. I thought at the first that this moisturizer was nothing fancy UNTIL I had a horrible reaction to a retinol cream + acne treatment ( i know horrible mixture) But the Tatcha cream calmed my skin immediately. I have stuck with it now for a couple weeks and I notice when I use something else my skin is not as smooth and gets irritated easily. I know its pricey but get yourself a sample at Sephora and see for yourself!

My skincare journey is so  far from over. I am looking for an eye cream to start using that inst too heavy and doesn’t irritate my eyes. I swear i turned 25 and got little lines under my eyes over night?!
Leave some of your recommendations down below! It is true what they say, focus on your skin and the makeup application will be 10x easier.

What are some of your skincare gems you cannot go without?

August Star Products

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Happy September everyone! I cannot believe it is already September but the air is getting colder and pumpkin spice is beginning to take over again so I guess fall is coming!
I had some star products last month some makeup, some hair and a little fragrance which is new for me to talk about on the blog so let’s get started.

First and foremost I have an oldie but a goodie in the primer department. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts Fat Mascara and they had Laura Geller on the podcast to interview and she started talking about her favorite products. She started raving about her primer Spackle Face Primer and I was convinced and placed my order from Ulta asap. Let’s just say the name says it all. It makes my makeup last ALL day long and most of all keep it looking fresh. I have recently gone from normal skin to combination and by hour 4 of my work shift my makeup starts to break up around my nose and this magic primer keeps it looking flawless!

Next on the favorite train is my new beloved hair oil. I am a huge fan of hair oil. I heat style my hair about 3 times a week as it is naturally wavy and thick. The Ouai Hair Oil is a lightweight oil that I can use on my hair ends after it is styled to give it some shine. I can also use it when I style my hair naturally to give my waves some hydration. This oil will not weigh your hair down it saves me day in and day out.
Keeping on with the hair trend it has come to my attention that hair fragrances are a thing. I read a couple reviews, watched a couple tutorials and I got sucked into opening up my Sephora app and ordering the Tocca Hair Fragrance in Giulietta I am sucked into the trend I get SO many compliments on how good my hair smells when I spray this and it lasts until I wash my hair again. ( It especially helps on the days that you’ve loaded your hair on dry shampoo and needs some extra freshening up)

What are some of your fall must-haves?! Leave me some suggestions down below.

Laura Geller Spackle Primer $32 @Ulta
Ouai Hair Oil &28 @Sephora
Giulietta Hair Fragrance $28 @Sephora

 

New and Improved Skin care

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Hello, all! Phew, it has been awhile since I have given my sweet blog the attention it deserves. Life after college was more hectic than I was expecting. I am back now and with better makeup suggestions and reviews than ever! I have 6 months has a MAC employee under my belt and currently, I am a beauty advisor at Space NK so keep an eye out for some luxury skincare reviews! Now onto the products that have sincerely changed the way my skin and makeup looks.

The first product I have added to my routine that has made the biggest difference in my skin is the Cane Austin Retexture Pads these pads have 10% glycolic acid that helps exfoliate, even my skin tone and most importantly to me reduce the appearance of age spots and acne scars. I struggle the most with acne scars and these pads have changed the texture and appearance of my skin – 10/10 recommend!

Another factor that has changed my skin is over- night masks. I rarely find that those 5-10 min masks have time to really penetrate into my skin. The Origins Drink Up Intensive mask adds back hydration into my skin throughout the night leaving me with hydrated smooth plump skin in the morning. This makes my makeup application flawless.

Last but not least we all know primers are a very important factor to keep your makeup on all day. I have found one that not only keeps my makeup on all day but makes it look better as the day goes on. The Becca Backlight Primer gives a luminous finish to the skin without adding glitter or making you look greasy. I find that throughout the day when my natural oils start to peak through the primer makes my skin look even more natural and healthy. Also, a cool tip is on the days where I am not wearing any makeup I will still put the Becca primer on my bare face to give my skin a healthy glow.

Cane Austin Retexture Pads $60 @ Macys
Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask $26 @ Sephora
Becca Backlight Primer $38 @ Sephora

What are some skin care products that have truly made an impact on your skin?

Summer Skincare Routine

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During the summer I like to switch up my skincare routine, I still like to keep it hydrated but I also like to use sun protection and more brightening serums. I have found some true gems that I predict will stay in my rotation for awhile.

M-61 Skincare Vitablast C Serum; I discovered this serum thanks to the amazing ladies at bluemercury. I attended an event at the store and the ladies would not stop raving about this serum. They assured me that it was a must have for this summer so naturally, I believed them. I have been using this serum for about a month now and they were right. This serum brightens my skin and is quickly eliminating all my acne scars. It soaks into the skin quickly and leaves my skin looking hydrated and bright.

Fresh Soy Face Cleaner; Wow is the first word that comes to mind with this cleanser. I have always been a makeup wipe and cleanser type of girl because using just one didn’t seem to do the job. Not anymore, the Fresh cleanser takes away every ounce of makeup on my face and smells amazing while doing so. It leaves my skin clean and hydrated unlike other cleansers can sometimes strip your skin leaving it dry and tight.

It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream;  I have always been a fan of It Cosmetics because of the amazing skin benefits their products have. They are anti-aging and paraben-free. This cream does everything it claims too; keeps the skin hydrated , fixtures texture and keeps skin moisturized all day. I use this cream mostly at night time because it is summer time and it is rather thick, but when I wake up in the morning my skin is bright and hydrated and feels smooth. I have had texture issues on my cheeks lately and after using this cream for about a month my skin is remarkably smoother.

What is your skincare must-haves this summer? Let a girl know below, or tweet me!

M-61 Skincare Vitablast C Serum 92$ @ Macys
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser 39$ @ Sephora
It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream 43.64$ @QVC

Aztec Secret Health & Beauty Indian Clay

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Aztec-Secret-Indian-Healing-ClayWARNING: this face mask is not for the weak!

I recently discovered this face mask from a trusty beauty vlogger Kathleen Lights and it is the most intense face mask ive ever used.  The Aztec secret health & beauty indian clay comes in a tub and you mix the powder with equal parts of water or apple cider vinegar turning the powder into a clay consistency to apply to the face.

On the packaging the mask warns that it is a deep pore cleaning and is the most power facial, and those are some pretty powerful claims. So I had to give it a whirl. After trying this mask a handful of times I can say it is very powerful but so worth it. Once applied to the face after 5 minutes you will feel the clay harden and it will be difficult to move around your face. Then you will be able to almost feel your face pulsate which is the mask pulling out all the impurities from your pores. If there is anything stuck in those pores trust me it will all be brought to the surface.

After about 15 minutes you can take off the mask with a warm damp towel and your skin will feel smooth and silky. Now don’t be surprised if the next morning you wake up with a pimple or two that is just the mask bringing everything up to the surface – it means it worked

This mask is 100% natural, it is 100% natural calcium clay and coming from someone with sensitive skin the mask did not dry out my skin or irritate it. This mask is a lot of bang for your buck, the tub has 1 lb of powder for 14.99 – and you need just one tablespoon to cover your whole face (big plus!!)

If you’re looking for something to really cleanse out your pores give this mask a try to remember you’ve been warned!

Aztec secret health & beauty indian clay $14.99 @ Amazon
Check out Kathleen Lights video here  

Battle Of The Micellar Waters

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Micellar waters have become one of the most popular ways to remove makeup and cleanse your face this past year. So many different brands are coming out with of their own version of a micellar waters and today im going to battle two different micellar waters!

First the Simple Skincare micellear water was the first cleaning water I used and I fell in love witht he aspect immediately. It removed my makeup completely and did not irritate my skin or sting my eyes. It left my skin soft and smooth and I didn’t feel the need to cleanse with a cleanser. I have constantly repurchased this micellar water but recently a new micellar water has caught my eye and I have switched over.
micellar-cleansing-water

The new Garnier micellar water is even better! This micellar water works just as well as the Simple water but is even better ( i didnt even think it was possible). The biggest difference is you get more bang for your buck. The  Simple Skincare micellar water is 6.7 oz and ranges from 5-7$ and the Garnier micellar water is 13.5 oz and the price ranges 6-8 $ it is more than double the size of the Simple micellar water! The Garnier micellar water works perfect it removes my makeup completely and makes my skin look clean and fresh and not drying AT ALL.
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If you are a lover of micellar waters just as I am and are looking to save some pennies I recommend giving the Garnier micellar cleansing water a shot!

Simple micellar water $6.79 @ Ulta
Garnier micellar water $7.64 @ Ulta

Simple Skincare Replenishing Moisturizer

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White bottle of skin moisturizer

It’s no secret that I have a strong relationship with Simple Skincare. Their Micellar Cleansing Water , and Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes have been my holy grail skin care products since I first put them on my skin. Well I have added yet another Simple product to my skin care routine,  a moisturizer.

I can be very picky when it comes to choosing a moisturizer. I have dry skin and it only gets worse as the colder months approach. But I also have sensitive skin and can be prone to break outs. Because of this I am extremely picky about the products that i put on my face. Simple Skincare has always been a winner because its gentle, has amazing ingredients and their products work!

The Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer is no different.  It is  exactly what my dry skin needed as I am preparing for the fall season.  This moisturizer is light, extremely hydrating and sinks into the skin almost instantly making a nice  base for makeup.

Not only does this moisturizer instantly replenish my skin , it keeps it hydrated all – day – long , goodbye dry patches!

 

Simple Replenshing Rich Moisturizer $ 9.99 @ Target
Micellar Cleanser Water $ 6.99 @ Target
Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes $ 6.99 @Target 

Simple Micellar Make-up Remover Wipes

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White packed of make-up remover wipes
Okay, so I have  raved about Simple Skincare’s Micellar Cleansing Water and I thought nothing could top it..well, I was wrong. Simple’s new Micellar Make-up Remover Wipes are amazing. I have been a make-up remover wipe girl for years now and I have tried everything from sensitive wipes to exfoliation and none of my past make-up remover wipe relationships measure up to this one.

The Micellar Make-up  Remover Wipes leave my face feeling fresh and smooth. Usually after using any type of makeup remover my skin instantly feels tight and needs hydration immediately, but with the micellar wipes, I can remove all my makeup and just go to bed. I didn’t wash my face afterwards and didn’t use moisturizer (probably not the best), but my face felt so good afterwards that I didn’t feel the need to.

I woke up the next morning with such a fresh and glowy no-makeup face that I instantly fell in love. These wipes are heaven-sent. They remove every ounce of makeup using only one single wipe and they leave the face hydrated and fresh. If you really want to knock your skin care routine up a notch use the Micellar Wipes in combination with the Micellar cleansing water  – your skin will thank you , I promise.

Simple Skincare, you have won my skin’s heart yet again.

 

Simple Skincare Micellar Make-up Remover Wipes $6.99 @ Target