Monday, November 28, 2011

Covergirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Compact Foundation Review!

covergirl aqua smoothers compact foundation review

Covergirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Compact Foundation

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Designed with AquaCurrent Science, this vitamin-enriched formula directs moisture to your skin's surface to improve its condition over time, while giving smooth, even coverage that makes imperfections virtually vanish before your eyes. This solid makeup transforms into a liquid during application, then dries to an even, powder-light finish.

-Oil-Free and Noncomedogenic (won't clog pores)
-SPF 15 UVA/UVB Sunscreen
-Vitamins B3, B5, and E

There are fifteen (15) shades in total, and considering the compact is packaged closed (yes, the compact is shut and is packaged in plastic so you can't see the color), you'd pretty much have to play the guessing game when picking a shade at the store. The shades are as follows: Ivory 705, Classic Ivory 710, Natural Ivory 715, Creamy Natural 720, Buff Beige 725, Classic Beige 730, Medium Light 735, Natural Beige 740, Warm Beige 745, Creamy Beige 750, Soft Honey 755, Classic Tan 760, Tawny 765, Toasted Almond 770 and Soft Sable 775. Unfortunately, if you have very fair skin or deep-dark skin, there may not be a match for you. The main factor that brings down the rating of this foundation is the shade selection. There aren't enough golden/yellow shades, and many of the shades are too neutral (gray) or too pink. I was lucky to find a match for my non-tanned skin; Classic Ivory, which is a good MAC NC20 color match. It's also said to match NW20. From reviews, I've read that Buff Beige is good for NC25.


Classic Ivory

Sunday, November 20, 2011

My Current Skincare Routine.

It's been a while since I posted a skincare routine (since this past March) and for the past several months I've been following the same routine and it's been keeping my skin in good shape.

MY SKIN TYPE: My skin type year round is typically in the normal range, as I rarely suffer from dryness or excess oily skin. My skin is generally fairly clear with the exception of some minor, past blemish marks and light sun spots on my upper cheeks. My skin is also sensitive, and prone to break-outs. My breakouts usually occur on my lower cheeks.


CLEANSERS
(FACE) 
-Olay Pro-X Exfoliating Brush (previously mentioned here)
-Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
(EYES)
-100% Pure Jojoba Oil
-Baby Oil

BLEMISH CONTROL
-Stridex Maximum Strength Daily Care Acne Pads

EXFOLIATE
-Ellen Lange Peel Accelerator Pads (from the Express Retexturizing Peel Kit, reviewed here)

TREATMENTS/SERUMS
-Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum (previously reviewed here) OR Your Best Face Skincare Hydrate B Serum, which are both very similar.
-Clarins Vital Light Serum

MOISTURIZER
(NIGHT)
-Reviva Labs Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester, DMAE Night Cream (previously reviewed here)
-100% Pure Argan Oil
(DAY)
-DDF Ultra-lite Moisturizing Dew (previously reviewed here)
(EYE AREA)
-Unrefined Shea Butter

VERY DRY SKIN
-Unrefined Shea Butter

CHAPPED LIPS
-Smith's Rosebud Salve

CONTINUE READING FOR MY ROUTINE!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

NOTD: Barielle Sailors Delight; A Perfect Pink!

Two (2) Coats of Barielle Sailors Delight and One (1) Coat of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat

Barielle Sailors Delight is described on the Barielle website as a "dusty mauve cream". I would describe it as a medium-toned, neutral pink. In some lighting, the neutral undertone gives it an almost lilac pink appearance. I find it a little difficult finding the correct shade of pink that isn't too bright, too light or dark, and applies opaque. A pink that is "work friendly".

There's nothing obnoxious about this pink. It's slightly vivid, yet perfectly muted, and it's not too "mauve" where it's ages your hands. Application is really good, it applies opaque from the start, and is completely opaque with two coats. As far as the wear goes, I'll have to wait and see!

Barielle's Nail Polishes are formaldehyde free, toluene free, D8P free and pregnancy safe.

Barielle Nail Polish and Products can be found at various beauty supply stores and retailers around the US. For a list of locations, click here. I've spotted Barielle at my local TJMaxx/Marshalls stores and some ULTA locations. I purchased this bottle at ULTA on clearance for $2.99.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Maybelline Superstay 24 HR Makeup Review!

maybelline superstay foundation review

Maybelline Superstay 24 HR Makeup

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Foundation gives superior coverage and provides 24-hour wear. Superstay 24HR Makeup by Maybelline incorporates a Micro-Flex technology formulated to withstand heat, sweat and humidity - yet stays comfortable and looks flawless. Oil-free makeup will not transfer. Dermatologist tested. Fragrance Free. Suitable for all skin types.

There are twelve (12) shades in total, so finding your perfect match may be a little difficult with the limited shade selection. The shades are as follows: Porcelain Ivory, Sand Beige, Classic Ivory, Natural Beige, Nude, Classic Beige, Pure Beige, Natural Tan, True Beige, Honey Beige, Caramel and Cocoa. I purchased this foundation because I was in need of a foundation to wear when I'm not tan, so I chose the shade "Sand Beige", which seems to be around the MAC NC20 coloring.