Wednesday, May 16, 2012

10 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now!


1)      L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel – As some of you may have noticed, I dropped my religious routine of fake baking (self-tanning) last October, but I felt like it was time for a little bit of color again. So, I recently purchased this and have been using it on my face, décolleté and arms, and I’ve really been enjoying it! Sure, it’s no St. Tropez, but for something quick and easy, it works well. And, it doesn’t stink, or break out my skin – yay!
2)      Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter – Can we say yum!? Blood Orange is one of my favorite scents, and if you are keen on orange, this body butter is a must-have. It’s fruity, it’s sweet, it’s spicy – it’s everything you could ask for.
3)      Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil– I’ve had this for a while now, and am beginning to realize (when I don’t use it) how awesome it really is. When I use this, my hair feels softer and everyone around me seems to notice how good my hair smells – that alone will make me want to keep using it!
4)      It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in plus Keratin– I dyed my hair last week (one shade lighter, you can barely tell in photos) so I wanted a good leave-in treatment to keep my hair hydrated. I knew about this stuff for ages, but never purchased it because of the hefty price tag ($20/4oz). With the health of my hair in m best interest, I decided to take the plunge, and I’m punching myself in the arm for not buying it sooner. Best Leave-in I’ve tried, hands down. It leaves my hair so much more manageable and my hair looks and feels so much healthier.
5)      Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum– One of my past favorites. I just got a hold of a new bottle and the sparks in my heart started flying once again. Applied under a moisturizer (or alone) this serum keeps my skin hydrated better than anything else. I never have a bad skin day when I’m using my Reviva Labs.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The proper suncare you'll need this summer and the products I'm currently using! Plus free samples!


May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about skin cancer and how to properly protect your skin against the sun. Skin Cancer is one of the most common Cancers in the US, affecting people of all ages. Since Summer is right around the corner, it's the perfect time to address sun protection, while still enjoying some time in the sun this season.


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend these simple options for protection against UV radiation—


  • Seek shade, especially during midday (10am to 4 pm) hours. 
  • Wear clothing to protect exposed skin. 
  • Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck. 
  • Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. 
  • Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. 
  • Avoid indoor tanning. 

  • (Source: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm) 


     

    Of course since many of us can't wait for Summer so we can enjoy the nice weather and wear less layers, wearing a suitable sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher) is key.

    Sunscreen for the Face

    Although an SPF of 15 might be fine for the body, a higher SPF is recommended (minimum of 30) for the face. The lighter skin you have, the more protection you need. Most foundations don't contain enough SPF (or any) so wearing an additional sunscreen under your makeup is necessary for adequate protection. Why do you need more protection for your face? Aside from skin cancer prevention, the sun damages the collagen in your skin, which leads to - yes, wrinkles and premature aging. Also, the sun causes freckles and sun spots which you'll end up paying hundreds (or more) dollars in the future on chemical peels and AHA's to fade them, when you could just do one more step, like applying a layer of sunscreen on your face in the morning to avoid it all together.

    Sunday, May 13, 2012

    Guest Post: Review: Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation


    Guest Post Written by Lindsay
    We're all on an endless journey to discovering our favorite foundation - From one foundation fanatic to another, Lindsay of 'Lindsay C Makeup' shares with us her opinion on Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation.



    Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation

    I am a foundation addict! I can admit it. I have found many foundations I love or really like but I have yet to declare one my *Holy Grail.* So far, I have been loving my Bobbi Brown foundation.

    The Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation claims:
    It gives skin a soft, healthy, even-toned glow as it helps reverse the visible signs of aging. Formulated with a natural collagen boosting, skin firming blend of Hexapeptides and Milk Thistle Extract. Softens fine lines and imperfections. Skin looks and feels refreshed, renewed and beautifully luminous. Offers medium-to-full coverage. For Normal to Dry Skin.

    Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation in Natural Tan 4.25 (MAC NW35-40 equivalent)

    This foundation is definitely moisturizing! It kept my super-dry skin moisturized throughout the whole day. The consistency and feel reminds me of NARS Sheer Glow. However, I feel the Bobbi Brown lasts much longer but a bit more matte than Sheer Glow. It gives a 'luminous' finish without looking glittery or shiny. The website claims it provides medium to full coverage, but I found it to be more light maybe light-medium coverage. The foundation blends nicely with a foundation brush or sponge. Overall, I'd rate it an 8/10 because it gives me a natural glow without fading throughout the day.

    Friday, May 11, 2012

    Becca Frangipani Creme Blush Review - My Favorite blush right now!

    Becca Frangipani Creme Blush

    Alright, so I've been using this blush for the past month, which explains why it looks like shimmery slop in a compact. You can quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that if the makeup police confiscated all of my blushes and told me I can only have one, I'd either be kicking and screaming or sitting there dumbfounded at which blush I'd pick. AHA! That is, before I discovered this beauty.

    One makeup product that I enjoy most of all is blush. I don't know why, but I find a pretty blush hard to resist. Needless to say, I have loads of options in the morning for which cheek rouge I want to wear for the day. Because I'm full of love, I like to give each blush special attention, trying not to neglect past favorites and devote all of my attention to my new loves. So it's very (and I really mean very) rare for me to find a blush that I can wear for weeks straight without switching it up. That's why I think Becca Frangipani is extra special. 

    I'm pretty new to Becca, but I have to say that they sure know what they're doing when it comes to creating quality cosmetics. It seems that I'm knocking out trying each of their best sellers one by one (Compact Concealer, Mineral Bronzing Powder, Beach Tint) - and now the Creme Blush.

    Becca Creme Blush is described as being highly pigmented, yet because of the smooth texture, it diffuses into the skin for a natural and healthy "glow from within" appearance. There are no parabens or preservatives. It's recommended for most skin types except very oily or blemished skin - that is because cream blush can make oily skin appear oilier, and it won't last as long, and for very blemished skin, it can emphasize blemishes. 

    There are eight (8) shades available: Turkish Rose (rosy nude), Terracotta (neutral apricot), Byzantine (peach gold shimmer), Wild Orchid (violet pink), Hayacinth (bright watermelon pink), Dahlia (rich burnt red/orange), Amaryllis (dusty pink), Geranium (muted red) and Frangipani (tropical pink shimmer). 

    From the way Frangipani looks in the compact, tropical pink shimmer isn't exactly how I'd describe it. It looks more like a metallic/shimmery silvery red. Depending on the lighting, it can also look plum (the red tone really only shows through in the sunlight). The name 'Rose Bronze', or maybe 'Rose-Berry' seems more appropriate, but, don't let the looks of it scare you away. It looks like it has a rosy-red base, but with the silver metallic hybrid, it creates a beautiful rosy-pink hue. It's not a shade only warm skinned gals can benefit from, but a shade that's flattering to many. Possibly a highlight for some? The color definitely isn't one-dimensional and leaves the skin flushed and glowing in any light.