Favorite Skincare Products

I’ve always had troublesome skin growing up. I wasn’t very nice to my skin when I was a teenager and even coming into my twenties. Throughout the trials and tribulations I’ve gone through with my skin I’ve picked up products and steps that have helped my skin get clear, and stay clear.

For my daily cleanser I use Philosophy Purity. This was a game changer for me. I always thought I was washing my face fully and really cleaning and cleansing my skin but I wasn’t. It wasn’t until I saw all my favorite YouTube gurus ranting and raving about this product that I decided to pick it up. Now I can’t go a night without it. I use it everyday and I use it at night. It takes off all my make-up and leaves my skin feeling clear never dry and tight.

For my morning cleaner or for the days I’m not wearing make-up all day I turn to LUSH Angels on Bare Skin. It’s such a light weight cleaners and it feels amazing on the skin! It’s something that you need to get use to how to use. It comes in a block that you break apart, apply water and moisturize into the skin. It has lavender in the mixture which helps control any inflammation brought on by acne and redness. LUSH describes it as “For heavenly soft and perfectly balanced skin, take a bit of Angels on Bare Skin, mix with a little water and massage all over your face and body. The kaolin clay base deep-cleanses while finely ground almonds and lavender flowers gently exfoliate away dry skin. We add lavender oil to soothe and balance, and rose absolute to calm redness. If it’s smooth, radiant skin you’re after, this is the cleanser for you!”

I’ve fallen in love recently with Boscia Clear Complexion Treatment for my acne scars and those pesky bumps. The Willow Bark helps control my oil, while getting rid of acne scars from when I was a teenager. About the treatment “This treatment gel is formulated with a botanical blend of willow bark extract, rosemary leaf extract, and geranium extract to help unclog, reduce, and purify pores. It firms skin and supports natural circulation, improving skin elasticity to help control oil, clear congested skin, and prevent future breakouts and blemishes—without irritation—for a clear complexion.”

I’m a huge LUSH junkie so besides using Angels on Bare Skin I normally buy 2-3 masks every time I’m there. Their masks come in a small pot and are all natural so they only last a couple of weeks or so and are usually meant to be refrigerated. My favorites are Cosmetic Warrior, now this one is definitely different. Cosmetic Warrior is a Fresh Face mask that has garlic in it, yes I know garlic. Like I mentioned earlier I wasn’t very nice to my skin when I was a teenager and I have the ugliest acne scars, this helps with those tremendously. LUSH says “Cosmetic Warrior is kind to problem-laden faces thanks to moisturizing egg whites and honey, which smooth and tighten the pores, and cleansing garlic and tea tree oil for a fresh, clear, happy face.”

My other favorite which probably comes to most of you as a shock is Mask of Magnanimity from LUSH. Everyone and their mother has this mask but when I tell you it works, IT WORKS! Around those special times of the month my hormones like to play tricks on me and the most stubborn acne pops up. I apply a layer of this around my face, leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off. The next morning I see a significant difference in my skin with the size and color of my acne. LUSH states, “Our inventors created Mask of Magnanimity to be the ‘ultimate face mask’, intense but not harsh or abrasive on the skin. We recommend using Mask of Magnanimity weekly to keep the skin in good condition.”

Lastly, the biggest change and best change in my skin care routine would have to be the amazing Clarisonic Mia 2. I don’t know how I went to long without buying this. Now it’s a pretty penny for a face washing machine but let me tell you it’s amazing how well it works. I can go a day or two without using it and I can tell a massive difference in the texture and overall look of my skin, not to mention stubborn acne popping up. I don’t use it every time I wash my face only at night with my Purity face wash. I was my face first by hand with my cleanser to remove make-up then go in with this guy!

What products do you guys swear by? Let me know!

xoxo

Flawless Foundation Tips

Who doesn’t want perfect skin? When you splurge on a foundation that’s supposed to be “life-changing” and it doesn’t do nearly what is claims to do, it’s natural you get frustrated. Your first instinct is probably to march right back to the store and return it and never look back, right? I’ve learned that there’s many different tips n’ tricks to getting that flawless foundation we’re all looking to achieve.

Not every foundation works with every skin type and the ways you apply one foundation, isn’t how you should apply all. The way someone with oily skin puts on makeup won’t necessarily work the same for someone with dry skin. And with all the different types of brushes and sponges nowadays, it gets rather confusing. So what’s a gal to do? Use a brush? A sponge? Or what about nature’s best makeup tool, your fingers? And not even that, what’s the best way to actually go about applying the product? Do you buff? Stipple? Swipe? It’s all rather confusing.

After speaking with my girlfriend and constantly chit-chatting about what new beauty product we’re using or just bought. Also speaking with them about how I apply my foundation compared to them, I’ve learned there’s numerous ways to go about this. It’s going to be a lengthy post y’all so bare with me.

1. Moisturize before foundation.
You want to apply foundation on freshly moisturized skin. Moisturizer will help the foundation blend & sit on the skin better! Also, putting foundation directly onto your face actually can clog your pores even worst than without it.

2. Primer.
A primer is applied after moisturizer and before foundation. A primer glides over your skin, pores, acne, etc. creating a barrier between your skin and your makeup. A primer acts a second skin by smoothing over any imperfections to make your skin look more smooth and even. Also, some people believe (like me) that primers actually help your make-up last longer. There are so many primers in the market for every skin type. Whether you have dry or oily skin, acne-prone or sensitive there’s something for you. I’m a fan of smoothing primers like Benefit Porefessional, Tarte Clean Slate Poreless, ELF’s Mineral Primer, Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer. These will all have smoothing, perfecting effects and for someone like me with bigger pores they make all the difference.

3. Skincare.
Skincare plays a huge part in how your foundation, and make-up in general, sit on your face. Using nightly serums and cleansers help with your skins appearance in the morning. Also, I use to HATE washing my face in the morning, I like my sleep so adding anything extra to my already short morning routine wasn’t going to happen. It wasn’t until one day I did and I could tell the difference in my make-up all day! Using a face scrub or an exfoliating product once to twice a week will make your skin smooth and ready for makeup application.

4. Using the right Brush, Sponge or Finger Technique.
I have oily-combination (meaning I’m oily and still manage to be dry in some areas, fun right?) and acne-prone sensitive skin (again, fun right?). I have to be careful with some of the brushes and products I use. When my dry skin decides it wants to start peeling, using a damp Beauty Blender can give the added moisture my skin may need without me having to do too much buffing, which in turn causes me to peel more. My go to is usually the Beauty Blender but for some they love a brush. When I do reach for a brush, I reach for Sigma Flat Top Kabuki Brush and work my foundation into my skin using circular motions and buffing.

Some other tips, I use to be all about the matte foundation. Since I’ve gotten older and am learning to embrace my “glow” I like more of a velvet finish (not too dewy or matte), it really just looks like skin. Using a highlighter in the areas I mentioned in my Guide to Illumination post really help to break up that overall matte look. Also, using a light setting powder over your foundation really keeps things in place and gives it an overall finish. For days I want a fuller coverage I reach for my Bare Minerals Ready Foundation Compact. For days I’m pretty ok with my coverage or for days I’m running around and outside I reach for something lighter like my ELF Cosmetics Translucent Powder.

What are your favorite tips n’ tricks for applying foundation?!

I hope this helps!

xoxo

April Favorites!

So I’m not usually the one to “brag”, if you will, about new products that I’ve recently bought but for the month of April I’ve found some goodies I really wanted to share.I was lucky enough to pick up some products that have now made their way into my daily routine. Mostly make-up but I did find some amazing skin care products that have really helped my skin. I don’t wanna babble since I know I’ll do enough of that talking about these products so without further ado’. My April favorites.

 1. Tarte BB 12-Hour Perfecting Primer
During the Summer months, I’m always on the look out for a lighter weight BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer. While, I don’t necessarily think this is a BB cream or a foundation it definitely has some benefits of both. Now, Tarte describes this product as being the “all-in-one” product. Meaning it has benefits similar to a primer, foundation and BB cream all in one. The product to me is similiar to most Tarte products in the terms of consistency. It’s a thicker, creamy-mousse like texture but once applied to the skin it finishes with a velvet finish. The only downfall is the color selection, I bought my shade in Light and I would say it does tend to oxidize warm so be aware. I wore it to Disney World for the ultimate test and while it did start to come off towards the end of the day I wasn’t completely horrified when I looked in the mirror at the end of the day. If you’re looking for something fuller coverage, that will last a while I would 100% recommend this.

2. Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara
I’ve never been overly fond of Higher-End Mascaras. For some reason I’ve always thought I can find a drugstore “dupe” similar to the ones you can find in Sephora. I recently got Better than Sex Mascara by Too Faced as a 100 point add-on at Sephora. I tried it on the next morning and I was in awe. I know this is an oldie for most people but for those in the market for a new Mascara and may want to try something higher-end then I would recommend this! I usually need a Mascara that doesn’t lengthen but gives me a fuller lash and this guy definitely does the trick!

3. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone
I recently wrote about this product in my Guide to Illumination post (which you can read by clicking on Illumination) and I’ve completely fallin in love. I’ve been eyeing this product for the last couple of months but I’ve never been able to bring myself to buy it. It’s rather pricey for a highlighter ranging at Sephora at $35, but it’s really worth it. I saved up enough in my budget and moral standings on spending money and finally bit the bullet for it. It gives the most natural looking glow to your skin without leaving that frost-cakey consistency some other highlighter may leave behind. The littlest bit goes the longest way so you won’t have to worry about “hitting pan” anytime soon after you purchase it.

4. Sephora Paper Face Masks and Eye Masks in Pearl and Rose
So I was completely talked into buying these from the girls at Sephora and I’m so happy I did. For $6 for a paper mask and $4 for an eye paper mask you really can’t go wrong with these products. I’m usually a mask junkie. My family puts about 5 in my stockings every Christmas and I’m constantly grabbing them at Target or CVS. So when the girls suggested I try their new face masks I immediately grabbed two. The woman suggested I try the eye mask in pearl and it was such a great suggestion. When it comes to eye masks or what have you, I usually don’t find anything that’s really worth it. The pearl eye mask, made my under-eye area brighter and smoother. I could really tell a difference when I put on my make-up the next morning, everything just went on smoother. With the face mask, I noticed the moisture and smoothing effects right away after peeling off the mask. If you’re looking for a simple mask and want to actually see results then go check these guys out. They have a bunch of different kinds catering to all different skin types and what you’re looking to give some TLC too.

5. Loreal Pro Make-Up Setting Spray
I think I purchased this guy in March when I ran out of my Urban Decay setting spray and I needed something fast when I couldn’t venture out to Sephora. When it comes to setting sprays in the Florida heat and humidity I usually do spring for the higher-end just because I feel they make my make-up last longer in the heat. I had heard some good reviews about the new Loreal Pro line and was intrigued. I used it one afternoon before a outside party and I kept checking to see how my make-up was holding up and I can honestly say I was surprised by how well this product was working. This setting spray has completely replaced my Urban Decay All-Nighter and it makes me happy because this guy is half the price of UD. I bought mine at Target for $14, which I know still may be pricey but for what it does and how well it works it’s amazing!

6. Paul Mitchell Nero Smooth
So I know this doesn’t have anything to do with Make-Up or Skincare but I’ve fallin in love with a flat iron and I’m never turning back. I was a bad girl and had a Chi for a long long time, when that broke I did the not-so professional thing and bought a iron I found at Target. With constant nagging from my co-workers I finally took the jump and bought a flat iron. I work at a Paul Mitchell salon and I’ve always spoke with our guests about the amazing effects the Neuro Smooth has but for some reason I never actually got one for myself, until now. It’s the best investment I’ve made in a really long time and I’m so happy I did. I doesn’t make your hair feel dry and brittle like some irons do and helps keep with the style for a long time. I’m one of the girls who uses a flat iron to curl and smooth hair and this one works wonders!

What are your April favorites?! Let me know!

xoxo

Guide to Illumination

If you’re anything like me, highlighting and illumination is something you’ve strayed very far away from. I was an oily skinned babe when I was in high school and venturing into the world of beauty I was way too terrified to step into the illumination game because of my oiliness. Now, I look back because I’ve been missing out on Kardashian-esque cheekbones for the last year, when I could have been fully taking part.

It wasn’t until I was speaking with my co-workers about some new make-up that she showed me her Bobby Brown Shimmer Brick. I  turned all “gogo and gaga” over it. I knew stepping into the highlighting field I wouldn’t be jumping in with something like a Shimmer Brick or something high-end. I wanted to take my time and learn about what products would work best for me, since I do suffer from oily skin. 

Now, I’m a newbie to the illumination game so bare with me but I think with the help of my friends I’ve picked up some noteworthy products and some tips.

I started off my highlighting journey with Hard Candy Baked Bronzer (why they say it’s a bronzer I have no idea) in Tiki. It’s straight from the drug store and gives off a perfectly beautiful glow and is something that is extremely natural looking. I recently bought BECCA cosmetics skin illuminating powder. BC specializes in illuminators, and has branched out into eye palettes and cheek colors in recent months, that I’m egar to get my hands on. They have two skin tone based illuminators named Opal and Moonstone. I bought Moonstone. Opal is a pale rose-gold hue, while Moonstone is a golden-champagne color. While I love Moondstone for my skintone, they can very obviously work on any skintone when applied properly.

Tips N’ Tricks:

1.Build up to glowing intensity. Do not dive in with a bunch of swirls of your brush and slap it onto your face. It causes your highlighter to reveal it’s base pigment and results in a cloudy consistency on your face. Depending on the hue you can see those pink or white cloudy colors when applied too heavily, which is also not what you want. I recommend lightly rubbing a brush into the product, tapping off excess, and gently sweeping the illuminator where you want it. I find that this prevents that cakey feeling from happening.

2. You can most certainly douse yourself in illuminator even if you’re completely oily. I’ve learned that using an oil-free primer definitely allows me to get that iridescent shine on my high points and the places I want to illuminate. It also helps with the longevity of my foundation and face products.

3. Lastly, always throw your illuminator in places you would naturally become “dewy” (the places you may find you’re sweaty). This means the high planes of the cheekbones, onto the temples, the Cupid’s bow and center of the forehead. These are all appropriate areas to add some glow and looked healthy and sun-kissed.

What are your favorite illuminating products?! Let me know!

xoxo