September 2014 Favorites

Since I've been testing out different foundations, I won't be including any in this month's favorites. Seeing how I didn't really "favor" one, I didn't find it appropriate. 

Moving on to what I did love this month! 

I don't have too much, as I've been trying out some new things. There is a nice little mixture however of skin care, hair, and makeup items. 

Starting with face products:

 Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Pro Primer

This is by far my favorite primer I've tried. I'm on my second tube, which sadly does not last very long. But I don't even care (yes I do). It provides such a beautiful, silky smooth canvas for your foundation. As long as this is available, you bet your sweet butt I'll keep purchasing!

E.l.f Makeup Mist & Set

I've never actually tried a setting spray before this one, so I have nothing to compare it to. Although, since I've been using this, which was about a year ago (and I'm only half way through!) I can say that it has helped prolong my makeup. After trying this one, I now want to try the one by MAC and maybe Urban Decay.

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Concealer

I've tried a few different concealers this month, and this one I find myself always grabbing for! It does a great job of blending, and gives awesome coverage. This stuff seriously lasts all day, I never have to touch up! It comes with a wand like a lip gloss that I don't like very much, but I still love this concealer!

Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer (corrective green)

As for clearing acne goes, I haven't seen a difference. I've been using this for a few months now for correcting red spots. It does a pretty good job, but like any corrector, it can be tricky to apply. If it's on the rep spot but also blotchy around, you'll have an unflattering white ring once your makeup is applied. So make sure to use a q-tip to clean the edges afterwards! Since I have used this so much I included this in my favorites, but I probably wouldn't repurchase.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara

This is my absolute favorite mascara hands down! I have repurchased this more times than I can remember, and I've tried quite a bit. My lashes aren't particularly long and full, but this gives my lashes amazing length and volume with no clumps. What more could you ask for? I really love this paired with a new mascara I've been trying, also from Rimmels Scandaleyes line is Retro Glam. I'll be doing a separate review on that later!

E.L.F Eyebrow Kit

I'm still getting the hang of doing my eyebrows, and I've tried a few different inexpensive kits, but I do have to say, this one by e.l.f is pretty amazing. (Talk about a run on sentence). E.l.f has a lot of hit or miss products, and this is definitely one. I love that it has both a gel and powder to use, as well a little brush. I believe this is about $3, so if you haven't tried it, you definitely should!

Next I have a few lip products that I've really been loving this month!

Makeup Academy Sugar Lip Scrub

I love the fact this is in a tube like a lipgloss versus a jar where you have to dip your fingers. Not only is this super convenient, but it's really easy to use. This makes your lips soo soft, and smells (tastes) amazing! I love using this if I'm going to use a lipstick especially.

Wet and Wild Bare it All 902C Lipstick 

I'm not a huge lipstick person for the fact I work 40hrs a week, and I have no where to where it. But when I do, this is my favorite nude-y color! It also pairs beautifully with Nyx Butter Gloss in Crème Brulee.

NYX Butter Gloss Creme Brulee

I never really cared for lipgloss nor do I now. However, this is a beautiful color and it stays nicely. I do have to reapply often, but these are super creamy and smell soooo yummy! This particular color is my favorite. I'm very pale, so anything dark or bright really washes me out.

Blistex Medicated Berry Balm spf 15

This is a really random one, but I wear it all the time, and I feel like it does a pretty good job.This stuff lasts forever on the lips and smells well, like berries.

I wasn't going to include any brushes, but I couldn't resist!

E.L.F Small Stipple Brush

I've absolutely been loving this brush, particularly for cream blushes! This is the first stipple  brush I had ever used or owned, but my goodness this leaves the most perfect flush of color. It did take some practice maneuvering, but I eventually got it down. The bristles are sooo soft but yet dense enough. Certainly not something you'd expect for $3

Next is some skin care I've used for years and can't get enough of.

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

This is the only one I have only started using a few months ago. I used to use the very orignal Dickinsons Original Witch Hazel. When I saw this though, I wanted to see which one I liked better. I like them both, but I do prefer the first original. This does do a really nice job at cleaning all the excess residue and really helps tighten up my pores. If your sensitive to smells though, you may want to pass as this is pretty strong.

Noxzema Classic Clean the Original

I don't know what it is about this stuff, but I have litterally been repurshasing this for years. This really grabs ahold of everything, including makeup and takes it right off like nothing. The smell reminds me of a vapor rub, but I don't mind it (my bf hates it). After your all done your skin feels nice and refreshed!

St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub

When I used to work for Dunkin Donuts, one of my eployees recommened this to me. That same day I ran out and bought it and I've loved it ever since! You're supposed to use this one to two times a week, anymore than that will irritate your skin. Also, when I was going to cosmetology school I remember my teacher telling us that it could also really damage the sensitive layers of our skin. I like to use this just once a week in the shower, and it does a really great job at preventing acne. And even though I've been having problem breakouts lately, I will still hold onto my faith of this product!

And finally, hair products!

Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-residue Formula

This was raved all over youtube awhile back so I wanted to try it out. I only use this two to three times a month, and when I do boy does my hair and scalp feel super clean! I'm really crazy about my hair and keeping it as healthy as possible, so this is the only hair product I own that contains a sulfate.

Shea Moisture Argan & Raw Shea Extra Moisture Conditioner w/ Sea Kelp 

Talk about a long name. Anywho, I really love this conditioner because not only is it super moisturizing, it contains no sulfates, silicones, parabens and a bunch of other stuff that's not good for your hair. See? I even read the ingredients. This makes my hair soo soft and smooth. I like to leave a little exta in as a leave in conditioner, especially since my hair does not retain moisture very well. It sort of helps lock it in.

So that is it for my September favorites, I hope you enjoyed reading!

What were your favorite items this month?

Let me know in the comments below! (:

Mini Drugstore haul: Acne Facial Cleansers

I've been having an acne problem the last few weeks, and since I haven't had a real problem breakout since middle school, it's been frustrating. I didn't have intentions of picking anything up, but when I came across the skincare isle, I decided to check out what they had.

I haven't bought anything for breakouts in so long, I really didn't know what to look for. I hate the trial and error process, because I always feel like nothing works for me or makes me break out even worse. Do you see my problem? It's real..

There were a few things that initially caught my eye, two of which I've heard quite a bit about.

● Nature by Canus All Natural Moisturizing 

Facial Cleansing Milk & Make-up Remover

● Clean & Clear Acne Control

Moisurizer

● Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit

Foaming Scrub

● Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit

Facial Cleanser

So the first thing I picked up was this Cleansing Milk & Makeup Remover. I've never heard of Nature by Canus before, but I like that this didn't contain any mineral oil. I hate the residue it leaves behind, and my skin never feels clean after using something with it like Ponds. However, the one thing I didn't notice till after I got home was that this is for normal to dry skin. I have oily skin, so hopefully I won't end up having to return it.

The next thing I decided to get was this acne control moisturizer by Clean & Clear. I didn't need a new one since I already have one by St. Ives, but I don't really care for it too much. So I thought I would try this out. Plus, I've never tried any moisturizer spefically for acne.

I'm sure everyone has seen the commercials for Neutrogena's Grapefruit Acne Wash's. I've never really been a fan of scented facial products, but for some reason I was drawn to these. I typically like scrubs, but I also wanted something a little less harsh so decided to go with both. They do have a nice scent to them, but I always worry about irritation. My skins not very sensitive, but that can always change.

I do plan on doing reviews for most of these products, but since you should give your skin a   good month to adjust to something new, it won't be for awhile.

I hope you all enjoyed this post and thank you for reading!

Have you tried any of these products before?

If so, tell me your thoughts below!

Also, what are your favorite things

 to use to help clear a breakout?

I'd love to hear about them! (:

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Review

Today I will be reviewing a foundation I had the chance to purchase a couple weeks ago. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. (Longest name ever? Holy crap!)

But before we get into this, I just want to say that I do have very oily acne prone skin. So what may work for me, may or may not work for you. Remeber that we all have different skin types as well as different reactions to different products. Now, if you want to read what I think about this foundation, continue on! (:

About this foundation: 

"15 hour staying power. Flawless all day. This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity and nonstop activity. 

Won't change color, smudge, or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comforable. 

Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day." 

BENEFITS: 

• Long-wear: 15 hours

• Medium, Buildable

• Non-transferable

FINISH: 

• Natural

• Semi-matte

Formula Facts:

• Oil free

• Dermatologist-tested

• Non-acnegenic; won't clog pores

• Fragrance-free

The packaging for this foundation

is nice, but because there is no pump, I don't find it very practical for traveling. It comes in a frosty glass bottle that holds 1.0 ounce of foundation. The bottle seems pretty durible, but I would still be careful not to drop it. (Wouldn't want all that money to go to waste!)

I didn't want to make this post rediculously long by posting several different photos. So instead, I decided to put them all together. The top left picture is what it looks like when it first comes out of the bottle. As you can see, this foundation is a very runny liquid formula, so I used my finger to get it out versus pouring and making a big mess (I know, not very hygenic of me!).

The bottom left is it swatched, while the last picture shows what it looks like spread all over  the top of my hand. In that photo, you can see that it does dry to an almost completely matte finish.

One thing I've learned about oily skin, liquid foundations are best. Which, when I was speaking with one of the ladys who works at Estee Lauder, she suggested this foundation for me. She said for two reasons, this is formulated especially for those with oily skin, and also because of it's staying power of a matte finish. 

This foundation also comes in a variety of 30 different shade, which means there's a shade for just about everyone!

Not going to lie, this was pretty hard (and slightly embarassing) for me to post. But I sucked it up because I wanted you too better see the coverage this foundation gives.

I do have some acne scarring as well as some acne on my chin (my problem area), so I wanted something to really cover that up. I know most medium to full coverage foundations feel a little heavy on the skin, and because this is a medium (buildable) coverage, that's exactly what I had expected. 

But to my suprise, it didn't feel heavy at all. It gave great coverage (with slight layering) with a lovely lightweight feel. I can't say it felt like I was wearing nothing because it did, but it definitely was very comfortable. Also a beautiful flawless finish! (was applied at 7am)

The claim of "flawless all day, worry-free, long-wear stay fresh" makeup definitely holds true. After an 8hour humid day (plus wearing a long sleeve shirt and jeans thinking it would be cooler), my makeup is still in place. Only the tiniest bit dewy, and still covering my scaring just as I first applied. My problem area is slightly visible, but after 8hours (3pm) I was pleased.

After an hour however, I did start to get a bit more dewy. Not to long after that slight shine from the oils finally started seeping through, requiring some blotting throughout the rest of the evening (which in all honestly, I expect that from any long wear of a foundation). The staying power of this though was certainly impressive compared to the drugstore ones I have tried.

Pros and cons: 

• Foundation doesn't transfer

• Controls oil and shine for up to 8hours

• Lightweight feel

• Has a matte finish

• Medium to full coverage

• Doesn't get cakey

• Doesn't clog pores/cause breakouts

• Doesn't last 15hours without needing to blot/powder

• Doesn't come with a pump

(Although, I hear 

• Does cost more than I normally would spend ($37)

My Overall Thoughts

I really love this foundation, this is definitely a repurchase for me (when I'm not broke lol). The coverage of this is better than most drugstore foundations I have used. I feel like Revelons Colorstay could be a close dupe, though not exactly (maybe I'll do a comparison in the future?). This would make a great summer/spring pick to help control shine. Though I wouldn't recommend this for those who have dry skin because this is a bit drying it self, since it is more for those with oily skin.

That is all for todays review, I hope you all enjoyed reading and have a great weekend! 

Have you tried this foundation before?

If so, share your thoughts/opinions below;

I would love to hear them! (:

Mini Sephora haul

To go along with my late weekend post is a mini Sephora haul! If you read my last post, you would know that this was my first time in Sephora. Since I had a some extra money left from my last high end purchase, I decided to pick up a few new things.

I decided to pick up three items. 

• Benefits PoreFessional

• The Original Beauty Blender

• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer sample

I have heard soooo many great things about Benefits PoreFessional throughout the beauty community. Everyone has raved about this like it's this miracle worker, so natually you have to try. 

I've been dying to try this out for the simple fact it claims to "hide" your pores. (Um yes please!) I have rather large pores, I absolutely hate it. So I'm really excited to use this! For the price though ($31), I'll certainly be kicking myself if it doesn't.

Everyone and their mom has heard about and probably tried the beloved Original Beauty Blender. I don't know what shocked me more; the total price of everything together, or the fact this was the biggest size the beauty blenders came in. Everytime I've seen people show these on youtube, they looked so much bigger. I know what your thinking, that I seen it when it was wet. Yes I have, but I have also seen this when still in it's original packaging. I just really felt like it seemed much bigger. 

Until now, I didn't get why everyone was so up on the price ($20). But, now I get to see for myself what all the fuss is about (and if the price is really worth it)! 

The last thing I picked up was the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. I decided to go with the sample size so I can see if I liked it enough to repurchase. I'm not sure how much the normal size one is, but this sample size was $15. 

This too was a very raved product, and since I've been on a primer kick I wanted to try this too! 

So that was my mini haul, reviews will be coming soon! I hope you enjoyed(:

Have you tried either of these products? 

What were your thoughts? 

I'd love to hear about them! (:

Late weekend post + My first experience in Sephora

Last weekend my boyfriend and I wanted to do something fun for our daughter (aka sunshine). He chose to go to The Childrens Museum, which neither sunshine or I have been. Actually, I've never even heard of it. But the idea was really cool, I mean come on, a museum where your two year old can touch EVERYTHING they please?! HECK YEAH!

So after we let her run her energy out and have a blast, we went to the mall to grab something to eat. And I still had extra money left over from my Estee Lauder purchase the weekend before, so I wanted to check out Sephora. You see, I'm not exactly a people person. Infact, I'm really awkward and shy. Omg, the shyness drives me insane. But, we have traits we need to work on. As far as makeup stores go, I've always felt intimidated by all the girls and makeup professionals who actually know every brand out there, and what's used for what and how to actually apply it all properly and flawlessly. Then there's me, completely clueless. I'm the lost puppy frantically searching for a safe place out of everyones way. 

But I sucked it up and went in! And to my suprise, it wasn't as bad as I anticipated. However, having a curious two year old who likes to touch (like the museum previously mentioned) doesn't mix well with makeup.

While looking at the Benefit Section, I picked sunshine up to keep her out of hands reach of things, and well.. aparently I didn't do a good enough job..

A lady shopping looked over at me and asked if she did that. I looked at her, and oh my I wish you could have seen my face. I was speechless! I didn't feel her move or anything,  and I still have no idea where she grabbed the lipstick from! I wasn't even near any! She must have grabbed it before I picked her up. 

It was the funniest situation ever. Thankfully, for being a makeup store, they had stuff to help clean her up. Of course everyone who walked in was staring and laughing and doing their "awws". Needless to say, sunshine had a blast and thought it was the coolest thing in the world,  "mommy makeooop just like you!" she smiles and says lol

And while babe finished cleaning her up, I went to cash out. Now, from the title, this was the first time I'd ever been in a Sephora, so when I saw there were two cashiers with two registers, I figured there were two lines. So of course got behind the one with the least amount of people.

As I was waiting in line though, I could see girls in the longer line giving me weird looks. I thought at first maybe they saw my daughter or something and they were the few who didn't think think the incident was so funny? But once I got to the cashier I realized why everyone was giving me weird looks. It wasn't because of my daughter, but because they probably thought I was I cutting... I had no idea there was ONE line for two registers. Which had to top of my entire experience.

So that was my herendous first time.. Needless to say, a small Sephora will be coming soon!

How was your first experience in Sephora? 
Did you have kids with you? 
Share your first experience in the comments below! (:

First High End Purchase with free gift! Estee Lauder edition

  As I said in my first post, I have never strayed away from drug store products. Solely for the fact I am a young mother, and spending money on expensive beauty related products is just not a reality for me unfortunately. However! This past weekend my bf and I had decided we had a little extra money we could splurge with, which of course, I took full advantage of!

  Fortunately enough for me, we had gone the same day they were starting their free gift which meant I didn't feel bad for spending nearly $40 on one item(yay! The foundation it self was $37, with tax $39.)

 Since I've never ventured into any higher end stores, I've never been professionally matched with a foundation that was perfect for my skintone. But since I wanted to try something new, I didn't want to waste my money on a color I "think might match"(I don't live close to any malls, returning would be too much of a hassle). Needless to say, it was a very awkward experience. 

  For one, I really don't understand the point of knowing your undertones anymore. I'm almost positive I have pink(?)/cool undertones. However, when the lady from Estee Lauder color matched me, she said she feels the cool undertone one would make me look to light, that she rather use a neutral on me. But, I know absolutely nothing when it comes to that sort of stuff. So I had no choice but to trust her. 

  She matched me with the shade Desert Beige 2N1. At first, I was really scared by the word "beige" before she even tested it on me. I have very fair skin, and every foundation I've seen in the shade beige was always for someone with tan skin. But I have to say it was a near perfect match for me! I was seriously so shocked. 

I also really enjoyed their customer service. She was so sweet and helpful, but getting up close and personal was just a lil weird for me. I mean it was just really awkward. I didn't know if I should look at her or look away lol. 

I won't be doing a review for this today, but I will say this might be my new hg foundation! 

So with the free gift, you are given a choice between either a blush or bronzer. And since shades are not optional, I decided to go with the blush. Which is fine with me considerig I'm a blush junkie! However if the bronzer wasn't so dark I would have went with that only because I don't own that many. 

Look at that color though, omgodness! Isn't it beautiful? This is in the color 02 Pink Kiss Satin. I was definitely happy with this pick, I don't know why but blushes are my favorite piece of makeup. They really bring the whole look together and really just make you feel so pretty! For me, anyways. (Lol)

It's even prettier on the skin than in the pan! 

As you can see there is slight sparkle but nothing crazy. The color pay off is awesome and the texture is so light and silky, it's simply gorgeous all the way around.

I'm sad about this next one. The gift set orginally came with two different shades of lipstick. Somehow though, I misplaced one so I only have one of the two (or atleast until I find the other one) to show you guys :( The one I still have though is in the shade 82 Pinkberry Creme. The picture really does no justice for the actual color though. In person it is a gorgeous creamy nude pink-y color. Here it looks more red and far darker than it actually is.

Again, the picture does this no justice. Ugh, how I wish I had better lighting. 

You can see how creamy it is though, it feels so nice and light on the skin. I haven't used this on my lips yet, so I'm not sure how long this lasts. According to the packaging, it claims to be long lasting. I can't wait to try it out on the weekend (when I can actually do my makeup)!

For being a free gift, I was really surpised by how many things they actually give you. This is a sample sized Sumtuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black. I do plan to do a further detailed review on this later, and let you know if I would buy the full sized one.

I really love the wand on this, so thick and full! Just by the wand I feel like this is going to be a really great mascara. I'm super excited to test this baby out!

 The consistency also seems so nice and creamy, with the perfect amount of "thickness" to it. Nothing like I've seen in regular drugstore mascaras. It amazes me the difference in the quality of makeup. Especially when you never shop high end!

Yay, we're almost to the end! This is their Modern Muse Body Lotion. The first thing I noticed was the packaging. Compared to everything else, the packaging is very blah and boring. I probably wouldn't have picked this up just for the fact (I know, I know. You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.). 

I did try this though, I wanted to see how it felt and honestly I didn't like it. I think the reason being though, I typically like thick lotions because I have really dry skin (weird right? Super oily face but dry everywhere else?). And although this does look like it may be thick in the picture, it's actually really light. Also, I don't know if this is supposed to moistuize your skin, but it did nothing for me. I can't complain though since it was free!

And finally, last but not least! Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex II. I honestly don't know much about eye creams or if they even work.

This is another one I plan to do a full review on later. Like I said, I've never used an eye cream, but since I now have one why not test it out? The consistency of this seems really nice. It's a thick-ish, transparent lightweight formula. I tested a tiny bit on my finger and it absorbs rather quickly without leaving a greasy feel/residue behind. 

All in all, I'm very happy and pleased with my first high end purchase. I'm really looking forward to doing a full review on the founation and other items mentioned! Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed putting this together for you (:

What was your first high end purchase? 

Were you happy with it? 

Let me know in the comments! (:

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation Review

**I know I haven't posted in a very long time and I apologize for that. Unfortunately these past few weeks haven't been that great for my family, but I promise I haven't gone anywhere. Now to the post! (:

I've been getting into trying more foundations lately, and while at the drugstore a few days ago I saw this and decided to try it out. I own quite a bit of Rimmel, including their Stay Matte Powder which I really love, I've purchased it several times. So I thought, maybe I'll love the foundation just as much! 

Rimmel's claim for their Stay Matte Foundation is: 

"Feather-light, liquid mousse blends flawlessly for natural-looking, all day shine control. Silky smooth formula leaves a perfectly matte, baby-soft finish. Lightweight texture won't feel heavy or greasy."

The packaging is really nice and convenient for travel. 

It comes in a plastic matte (how appropriate) squeeze tube, which is very nice for distributing just the right amount of product you want to use. Also very sanitary, seeing as you don't have to double dip. 

Unfortunately, the color choice for this is pretty poor, as there are only 8 colors to choose from. The one I have is second to the lightest shade in light ivory, and thankfully enough it matches pretty well. 

As you can see, the consistency of this is quite thick. This is actually the thickest foundation I now own. Which, on first impression I was happy with it, hoping it had great coverage to match. Which it does! 

So, in this picture there's a couple things going on.

 First off, the foundation dot previously above, I wanted to spread it fully out for you to see the coverage and just how well this blends. So in the picture above, from the start of my wrist up to my knuckles (I know it cuts off, but that's how far I was able to spread it out) is how much I was able to cover with just that little bit. A little definitely goes a long way with this stuff! And if you compare the two pictures, you can see that this foundation had covered the red blotchy-ness very well, leaving flawless even skin tone and of course a matte finish! 

Now, the "swatch" is another smaller dot I had placed after blending, to show you what it looks like sheered out a bit. So even though this is a thick foundation, I feel like this can be sheered out enough to be light coverage if that's your preference. But this is definitely medium to full coverage. I'm very impressed, blending is a dream and this most certainly dried to a matte finish almost instantly. 

My overall review/thoughts? :

• Rimmel definitely lived up to it's claim. It blends flawlessly, has a matte finish and is very light weight on your skin. 
• This applies well with an e.l.f powder brush and a beauty blender. 
• This foundation lasts for HOURS seriously. I have super oily skin, and this lasted me from the time I got ready for work (5:30am) till the time I finally washed my face (9:40ish pm). 
• I was slightly oily around the tops of my cheeks and my nose (by the time I took it off) but not so much as "shiny" (I didn't find the need to blot). Thanks to the anti-shine conrol part of it! 
• For being a really oily person, I didn't even need to use a setting powder. It was matte already. Infact a little too matte I had to put some moisturizer on my t-zone, which seemed to do the trick. And even then, I still didn't need set with a powder. And for you oily girls, you know that's a big deal! 

   All in all, I really loved this product and I definitely will repurchase! However, as much as I loved this, I wouldn't recommend this to someone with already dry/very dry skin, as you may have issues with this clinging in an unflattering manner. But if you have oily skin, be sure to check this out!

And that's it for today's review. Thank you for reading, I hope all enjoyed this! 

Have you tried Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation? Let me know what you think in the comments, I would love to hear! (: