Radiance Boost Brightening Mask

I got a chance to try out Neutrogena's new Radiance Boost brightening hydrogel mask.


This hydrogel mask is super slick and just molds to your face.  It is made of seaweed extract and uses South Korean technology to fuse a great mask with a serum that hydrates and adds radiance.


My skin has been looking a little dry lately.  Especially around my nose area.  This mask really helps.  I have combo skin but it often changes and gets dry patches.  This is a great pick me up for dull skin.


They also have a purifying mask that I can't wait to use when my skin is having a freak out moment.


Neutrogena Radiance Boost Mask






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Baby It's Hot Outside

Spring is here! But it sure feels like summer. it's hot and humid in my area. I wear sunscreen year round. It's a necessity where I live. Come spring and summer time it is a must. In fact I double up. I up my SPF and pretty much put sunscreen every everywhere the sun will touch. I have combo/oily skin so even though I need an effective sunscreen that will get the job done I don't want anything to thick. This will just cause me to break out.


I've really been enjoying this Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant with SPF 33. https://www.janmarini.com/skin-care-products/SPF/antioxidant-daily-face-protectant-spf-33-tube https://www.janmarini.com/BeautyInBloom/?r=bb  It's water resistant(that also means sweat resistant). It goes on silky and light. No clogged pores, no greasy face, no breakouts when I wash it off. It actually goes on very nicely under makeup.

Great Hydrating Face Cream

I recently got to try this great face cream from Exuviance.  Let me just say I have been a fan of this brand for a while. I had already been using their neck and décolletage cream for a while and it has made a huge difference in my skin.  But now I got to try their Age Reverse Hydra Firm cream for the face.  I fell in love.
 


I have combination skin.  Most of the time it's oily in the T zone but a little drier in the cheeks.  Especially if I have any type of treatment done.  The treatments work wonders with, pigmentation, acne and fine lines. But they do dry out my skin.  That is why I sometimes need a hydrating moisturizer that hydrates but won't completely clog my pores and cause me to break out.  Let me tell you that is not easy to find.


Enter the Exuviance Age Reverse HydraFirm cream.  I looks and feels rich but goes on very lightly.  Instantly sinks into skin and hydrates it.  Skin does not feel greasy or wet.  It has loads of goodies for your skin like; Hyaluronic Acid, Neoglucosimine, Maltobianic Acid, Prodew® and Peptides.  By the way it also firms and lifts always a plus.




Packaging is mint green and comes with a good pump.  One full pump is enough for face and neck.  A little goes a long way.  Althpugh it is a probably a spulrge product. I'd rather splurge on skincare than on makeup.


Very excited to add this product to my skincare regimen and see long term results.

Exuviance Age Reverse HydraFirmhttps://www.exuviance.com/product/exuviance+age+reverse+hydrafirm.do

LAURA MERCIER V NO7 LOOSE POWDER

After years of searching for the right products to keep my makeup from melting off my oily skin I found a great product a few years ago.  I was hearing a lot of hype around the Laura Mercier Loose Powder.  I heard great things about this product.  My biggest issue was that this product was $38.  I was reluctant to buy it. What if it was awful and didn't work on my skin? I would waste my money. What if it was great and I would keep buying it? I would be spending $38 on a loose powder?


 Well I bought it and was very pleased. I loved it.  It really does help.  Keeps oil at bay.  Slightly blurs skin and creates a smooth like finish. A little goes a long way.  A little too much and skin can look a little dry and wrinkly, especially under the eyes.


I recently purchased the No7 Loose Powder at Walgreens.  It looked interesting and at $12.99 is was way cheaper than the Laura Mercier Powder.  I was also pleasantly surprised. 


They both have the exact same affect on my skin.  They mattify and slightly blur my skin.  They create a slight filter like look on my skin.  The only visible difference I can see is that the Laura Mercier is more banana tone and the No7 is more pinkish tone. 


Anyway both are great products for someone with combination or oily skin.  Try them out.



NEW MILK MAKEUP BLURRING FOUNDATION

I had the opportunity to test out the new Milk Makeup Blurring Foundation. I am not super familiar with their products. I have their blurring primer stick which I really enjoy but nothing else.


  First of all it claimed it was a matte foundation which I really need because I have oily skin. A matte foundation is a must. I got sent 2 colors complimentary from Influenster to try out: medium and medium light. It's summer so I easily decided that I was medium. When I placed it on my skin it honestly looked way lighter and slightly yellow. As you can see in the video the applicator was a hot mess. I won't even get into that. I had worked out that morning and had just taken a hot shower that's why my skin was so red. Maybe that's why it looked lighter. Once applied it did look better and it is definitely a full coverage foundation with out looking cakey. I'm not sure if it oxidized a little or it's the color and how it looks on my skin but it took on a yellowish tone. It creased a little under my eyes. I won't be placing it under there again.

 Besides those hiccups it held up pretty well to my oily skin. Eight hours later it looked a little shiny but not too bad. A little goes along way with this foundation. I really enjoyed trying out this line. Will definitely enjoy trying more products from this brand. Have to keep on playing with this one and maybe try a different color.

Thanks

SIMPLICITY SKINCARE

I had the great opportunity to try the Reversal Protection Complex from Simplicity Skincare. This is a new and effective skincare system. www.simplicityskincare.com This system is exactly what it claims; simple.

Instead of having multiple bottles taking up space in your drawers this is an all in one system. The dual pump system contains the anti aging serum with Hyaluronic Acid and collagen building peptides and the other the pump contains a soft non greasy moisturizer. I have oily skin so I really can't do a thick moisturizer. This combo did wonders to my skin. Made skin smoother, clearer and more plump in just a few days. I am looking forward to seeing further results of this "simple" but great product.

JAN MARINI C-ESTA FACE SERUM



I've had the great opportunity to try out the C-ESTA Face Serum from Jan Marini. http://janmarini.com/skin-care-products/vitamin-c/c-esta-serum


I am always looking for a great serum.  One that gets the job done but does not add heaviness to my skincare routine.  I have oily skin and live in a hot climate so I always have to add a moisturizer with an SPF.  I appreciate it when the face serum does not contribute to my face looking like a grease ball. This face serum is nothing like that.


First of all it comes in an opaque light gray plastic bottle.  That's always a bonus. Why? Vitamin C is more potent therefore more effective when it is not under direct light. I've never heard of this company before but they seem to know what they are doing.



This vitamin C serum is light and slightly watery.  It applies and spreads easily.  It smells very pleasant. Kind of a cross between fruity and floral.  It claims to help with fine lines and wrinkles. Over time it should also lift, firm and tighten.  I have not been using this long enough to prove all of these claims but, it does instantly brighten and skin does feel smoother. (I have a lot of texture so it's easy to tell.)


Really looking forward to see more results with this luxurious serum!

November Birchbox

This month's Birchbox is about details. The products that finish off a look.  They are also the type of product that can complete change a look and make you look more polished or put together.

These are this week's products.  A face mask from Balance Me that cleanses, exfoliates and brightens.  Seems like a mask/scrub product. You only leave it on for 5 minutes.  A blush and highlighter duo from Coastal Scents. Blush seems like a coral color and highlighter has a champagne tone. They swatch really well but the sample is kind of small. Don't know how I'm going to get a brush in there.  A Ceramidin Cream from Dr. Jart.  I've never tried this brand and am excited to try this product. It suppose to be lightweight effective.  A mascara from Milk Makeup.  I already tried this. It lengthens more than volumizes. Gives a natural but wide-eyed look.  I like it.  Last and certainly not least is the product I'm most excited about; an Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner from R+Co.  I have tried a dry shampoo in last's month that I truly enjoyed. This month's product is a foam that you use on wet hair then rinse.  It prevents completely shampooing the hair but probably cleans more then a dry shampoo.  I'm really excited about this one.  I like dry shampoo but sometimes its hard to reshape curls without wetting hair.  We'll see...

Birchbox subscription is an online beauty subscription service. It cost $10 a month and is catered to your skin and hair type.  Your preferences are also considered. You fill out a profile when you set up.  Honestly they never really get it wrong. 

www.birchbox.com

Best Stick Foundation

 Always on the quest to discover the next best foundation. I came across the new Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick.

Let me say I've never been a fan of stick foundation. They usually don't blend well on my skin. They are cakey and make my skin look like a grease ball after a few hours. Because of this reason I was a little hesitant to try it. It's $46 at Sephora. It's not an inexpensive product to try out. I went to Sephora and swatches it on my hand. It glides smoothly and has no greasy feel. Color matching was a little difficult. My shades looked too yellow for my skin. After a few minutes. I found my shade.

Let me just say I love this product. It makes foundation really fast to apply. Builds easily and blends well.  It minimizes the look of pores and incredibly leaves a powder like finish.  This product does not crease even though it feels emollient to the touch. Either way I have combination skin so I set it with my Laura Mercier loose powder, but honestly my skin does not feel tacky at all.  It is definitely a full coverage foundation that blends or vanishes into the skin.

Some people gripe about the fact that there is only .25 oz of product versus 1 oz of product in a liquid foundation. In reality you use a lot less of this product to achieve a full coverage face.

If you love stick foundation this is for you. If you think fluid foundations are to messy, too hard to apply or take to long this is for you.

In conclusion this is a great foundation. I recommend you go to a store and swatch it to find your correct shade.  There are a ton of shades so it might take a while.

This is a great buy. Highly recommended. www.sephora.com

Ready For Summer BB Cream

Summer is finally approaching! Yay!!


It's the perfect time to be outdoors and enjoy the weather. We are often busy planning a long vacation or a weekend getaway.  Sometimes we forget the damage the sun has on our skin during these hot months. 


We should wear an SPF on our face everyday to prevent sun damage. But this is especially important during the summer months.  The tricky part is trying to find something that has enough coverage without making the face look greasy. In all likely hood you will get a little sweaty and will not really touch up any makeup.  If you have oily skin and live in a really hot climate like me this is an almost impossible task.


I have tried some BB and CC creams over the years. Some have been OK some have been bad and some horrible.  I recently found one I actually like and can easily replace my foundation most days.  After researching and reading customer reviews I purchased the Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 by Tarte. 


Wow! Just wow.  Let me first say that I love Tarte Cosmetics and have some of their products. Their products have great benefits and are free of many chemicals that many cosmetics have.  You can find out more on their website tartecosmetics.com.  This BB cream though is wonderful. It has a light coverage but more than I have experienced with any other BB or CC cream. It glides on smoothly, sets well and leaves a powdery but not cakey feeling. I often set it with a powder, pressed or loose.  This makes the BB cream last longer. I love using it with my Laura Mercier Translucent loose powder. I can achieve glowing skin which I was never able to do with my oily skin cause my skin would quickly become an oil slick.   I have used this BB cream from 8AM to 8PM and it holds up pretty well.  It comes in a squeeze tube with a wooden screw top. Very typical for Tarte.  It comes in 8 shades and retails for $36.00.  It is not an inexpensive BB by all means.  But I get it. It really acts like a light foundation with SPF. It was also voted Readers Choice by Allure Magazine in 2015.  So I guess most people agree this is a great product.


Looking forward to wearing this much more in the months to come. Highly recommend.


Happy Summer


tartecosmetics.com

Best Drugstore Foundation For Oily Skin






After lots of searching and testing I think I have found the best matte drugstore foundation for oily skin.  This has not been an easy feat.  Although I feel there are much more options for matte foundations at the drugstore now than in previous years. Not all matte foundations are truly matte, not all of them come in a good color range and not all appear seamless on the skin.  Some feel cakey, don't blend well or oxide, making your skin turn orange.




I feel after much searching I have found a really good option. Loreal's Infallible pro-matte.  Let me just say this is truly a seamless matte foundation.  It comes in 12 shades ranging from Ivory to Cocoa. Most shades are beige tones.  The color range is not bad but they definitely cater to more beige skin tone. They could definitely add more colors in the ivory and cocoa shades.


This applies easily with a wet sponge. I use my Beauty Blender or my Real Techniques sponge, which I recently purchased for the first time. I am in love with this sponge for the great design and texture. Of course the price is spectacular. Because it is a matte foundation it dries quickly but not that quickly that it doesn't give you time to blend it. It sets well and does not leave your skin feeling tacky.  I feel it has good medium coverage.  I guess it could become full coverage but I honestly don't know how much more you would have to apply or if it will change the appearance of the seamless look.  It claims it has 24hour.  On my oily skin I would say 8 to 10 hours.  If it is a hot day and I'm outside a lot maybe I have to blot with a blotting paper once during the day. I usually use the Infallible Pressed Powder.  This will definitely help the foundation stay put longer.  At the end of the day it washes off easily. My skin which is prone to breakouts with certain foundations is not really affected with this foundation.  The price is of course on point.  Plus most drugstores or Ulta's have coupons or rewards available that you can get an even better deal on.   So far this is the best drugstore matte foundation I have found. Definitely recommend to anyone with oily skin or those with normal skin but like a matte finish.




As summer nears this will definitely be my go to foundation.


Happy Spring!


http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod11861081

                      Great new masks


Hi guys! I recently found a great new facial mask line. It's called nugg beauty.  They're products are unique and affordable. They are very different from anything I've ever seen and I've masked for many years.  The masks come in individual pods for a one or two time use.  I'll spare you the whole scientific explanation but basically because the products is packaged in such a small dose it avoids oxidation. So you will always get a super fresh product.  They also claim to be 90% natural because the don't use emulsifiers(chemicals) to combine ingredients they use a high pressure process to combine things like oil and water. 


I've tried most of their mask and are wonderful. A great tip is to also use them on your neck and hands.  The neck and hands are sometimes neglected and after the face they will definitely show your age if not taken care of.


Best part is that these mask are available at Target or you can order them online straight from nugg beauty.


Hope you give them a try!

Best Liquid Foundation for Oily Skin


If you have oily skin you know finding a good foundation that actually stays on your face is not easy.  I have tried many high end and drugstore foundations throughout the years and have never been able to find a foundation that fits all my needs.


A good foundation in my opinion should cover any imperfection in the skin and make skin look flawless and even without looking cakey.  It should also perfectly match your skin tone and stay on your face for hours without melting off.


Just recently I saw a beauty vlogger on You Tube give a rave review on the Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Crème. I decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised. First off I found my exactly color in the first try. It was spot one. Seriously it just disappears on my skin.  This foundation stays on my face ALL DAY and does not budge. At night it looks exactly the same as when I put it on in the morning. It does not make my face look shiny or cause me to break out. Because of this my blush, bronzer and highlight stay put as well. It seriously is something miraculous. 


If you have oily, shiny acne prone skin give this foundation a try, you will not regret it.


http://www.sephora.com/ultimate-coverage-complexion-creme-P384640?keyword=BECCA%20Ultimate%20Coverage%20Complexion%20Cr%C3%A8me%20P384640&skuId=1576305&_requestid=139717

                                                  Best Mascara under $20


I've tried many lower priced mascaras at my local CVS, Walgreens and Target.  Some are good some not so good. There has only been one that is truly wonderful.  It's had a lot of buzz on beauty blogs and you tube reviews.


 L'Oreal's miss manga is truly spectacular.  It is high intensity and creates what is most wanted in a mascara; volume and length.  One thing that makes it truly unique is it's flexible wand. Some how it gently tugs on the lashes making them curl and stretch without pulling them out.  This makes the lashes get completely coated and have incredible length.  It really is a spectacular mascara that rivals any high end mascara from a department store.


 




                                                                  

WINTER WEATHER

                        Saving Winter Skin 

Oh baby it's cold outside!


No matter where you are in the country its either very cold or somewhat cold. One thing is certain your skin is feeling it.  The cold and dry air take a toll on winter skin.  There are many reasons your skin can drier; the cold and windy air, the heater or fire, you take hotter showers.  All of these unavoidable things contribute to having dry tight feeling skin.  They are difficult if not impossible to avoid. Here are some tips.


Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Yes sounds redundant but it is absolutely necessary. Try to moisturize when your skin is slightly damp. This will help the product penetrate into your skin better.
I use a moisturizer during the day and a facial oil at night.  I am partial to the Josie Maran Light Argan Oil, I have acne prone skin so this product is perfect. It moisturizes but does not break me out. I also like the Caudalie Oil, it's a little thicker than the Josie Maran but great on my skin. The scent of this oil is divine. Both of these oils can be used on the body as well.  I use them on my knees when I have a rough dry spot.


You will find that sometimes a regular hand moisturizer won't cut it out during the cold winter months.  I prefer using a thicker product that I know will last a few hours.  I love the Neutrogena hand cream.  Now let me be honest it's thick and slightly greasy but it works.  I put this on at night before I go to sleep and wake up with incredibly soft hands. Its affordable and available at any drug store.


Don't forget your hair! During the winter months you are more likely to use heat products on your hair so deep condition regularly.  There are wonderful hair oils out there that really do improve hair dryness and don't forget one of the best products for hair, face and body; coconut oil.


Coconut is readily available almost everywhere. it has great benefits. Make sure to look for an all natural formula with no added ingredients.


Bundle up and have a great winter!

                           BB cream or CC cream? What's the difference?


Walk into any store that has skincare products and you will be bombarded by promotions for BB creams and CC creams. How is someone suppose to choose or actually know the difference? Is there really a difference? Well, technically no.

BB creams stand for beauty balms. These were invented by a German dermatologist that wanted to incorporate certain creams into one.  They became popular in Asia before coming to the US.

They have SPF. Some contain 30spf or higher which is the American Academy of Dermatology's recommended daily use.

They contain ingredients that help skin look more even and luminous.

Most carry ingredients that act as a foundation primer by blurring pours to make them seem smaller.

Although the BB cream technology is incredible and beneficial it is not the end all be all.  They provide less hydration than a regular moisturizer and the color can be sometimes difficult to match.  People with acne prone skin also have to be careful, BB creams do not contain any acne fighting ingredients.  The FDA does not allow any products with SPF and acne fighting ingredients to be combined.

The CC in CC creams stand for color correcting.  This products is very similar to BB creams.

They also have SPF and contain ingredients that make skin appear more luminous and more even. They also have the technology that is very similar to a foundation primer. Your pores actually appear smaller or disappear.

The biggest difference is that CC creams are loaded with antioxidants. An antioxidant is a substance that prevents oxidation. It helps slow down decay therefore helping your skin appear younger longer.

Both these are creams are an excellent addition to your skincare regimen.  They will provide your skin with necessary protection and benefits.  They are especially good for those of us who are on the go and want something fast and quick but still want results.  But we must remember there are not miracle workers.  We will still need to stick to a nighttime routine that deeply moisturizes our skin overnight and deals with any specific issues our skin might be having.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

First Impression of Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara

I picked up the mascara the other day at my local Walgreens for a great price. It's normally a little under $10.00 but with a buy one get one 50% off it was less then $5.00.  I was very happy with the price.

The packaging is very pretty and unique to Rimmel.  Black tube with gold top.  The plastic wand is straight and is slightly wider in the middle.

This is a great drugstore mascara.  It's a little watery but really coats the lashes and softly tugs them to make them longer and curl.  It also creates pretty good volume if several coats are applied

Did not flake off at the end of the day.  I also had to take it off with a makeup remover. In my opinion that is a sign that it is a good mascara, if at the end of the day it is still firmly in place.  The brand states that this mascara has a grow lash complex with Procapil.  (Procapil is a formula that is mainly used to treat hair loss. It suppose to strengthen hair and prevent hair loss.) With continued use it can make lashes appear longer and fuller.  We'll have to wait and see on that one. Happy with this purchase. Highly recommend.

                                                                   

First Impression of Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara

This is the first of many reviews on drugstore mascaras.  First off the price on this mascara is great.  Regular price is less than $10 but you can easily get for less if you wait for a sale.

The packaging is very unique because the bottle and wand come separate. This way you can see the wand shape and style before buying it.  Mascara bottle is lime green with blue lettering.  Wand is made of plastic and pretty straight with a slight curve.

Once several coats are applied has a good "natural" look on lashes.  It lengthens the lashes well and creates a fluttery effect with little volume.  You really have to wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes to create volume.  Its an easily build-able mascara.

I happen to like lots of volume in a mascara but this one isn't bad for a natural look.

Rating

Hi there! I just tried the best face mask ever! I recently purchased from Sephora Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing Treatment face mask.  This mask is honestly like nothing I've ever tried before. The packaging is very nice and sturdy. Comes in a white and silver lettering octagon shaped box. Container is made of what looks like stainless steel.  Once you open the box the first thing you see is a flap that says Hello Sexy.  Super cute! Inside you will find an instruction pamphlet and the actual container. The container holds 1.2fl oz. It's a little smaller than a small 1.7 oz. perfume bottle. I know, not much but a little goes a long way and it can also be used as spot treatments. They also tell you to apply a thin layer. The mud itself is dark gray in color and has flakes in it. These flakes are tea leaves that suppose to have a calming effect on your skin.  The mud has a pleasant scent without being overpowering.  It smells like tea with a slight peppermint scent.  

One thing I love about the mask is how fast it dries. Between 5 and 10 minutes. I mean really, who wants to have a mask on for 1/2 hour. This is definetly a plus.  When you wash off the mask take advantage of the tea leaves and use them as a light exfoliant on your skin and scrub the mask off.  When you look at your self in the mirror you will instantly see a difference.  Your skin will appear brighter and with much less redness. Almost all redness due to current acne, acne scars, blemishes, even redness around nose or any other area will be greatly reduced.  This mask also helps dry out any current acne and really purge out your pores and clean them. On me it reduces redness for a few days.

  If you have significant acne you will still need an acne mask that targets whatever problem you have but this is a great mask to reduce redness caused by acne. For everyone else this is a must have.

Now for the price. Ouch! Its $69.00 available at Sephora. I know steep.  My bottle lasted 4 months. That's with using every week, usually as a whole face mask and sometimes as a spot treatment. Definetly an investment but well worth it.  Here are the pros and honestly one con:

Pros:  Quick drying                                                           Con: Price Ouch!!!
          Smells great
          Brightening
          Reduces redness
          Life changing


         

                                                             

http://www.sephora.com/super-mud-clearing-treatment-P376409?icid2=GlamGlow_Bestsellers_Carousel_P376409_link

Fashion Trend and Tips: Find the perfect bathing suit with these tips!

Fashion Trend and Tips: Find the perfect bathing suit with these tips!: This is probably our most dreaded shopping experience. Some women avoid it for years but at the end it has to be done. These are some helpfu...