#beautyreview – Page 15 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Products To Help Clogged Skin and Breakouts in the Winter

Hi All! My skin is so weird right now. I have combination, aging skin (that can be sensitive) and its both dry and breaking out right now. So frustrating!

I have been making sure to hydrate my skin every night and morning, but I’m also using scrubs and products to keep it clear.

I’ve been sent the following products for my honest review:

Clear & Conceal acne with Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation ($76 USD) — This revolutionary formula was three years in the making. Oxygenetix founder Barry Knapp is widely respected in the cosmetic industry and has identified the need for a treatment foundation for medical professionals with acne patients, created Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation. Like the original formula, Oxygenetix Acne Control is Aloe Vera Barbadensis gel based and does not contain added water. It is transfer and water-resistant, so it to stays on for hours even in humid environments. Its oxygen enriched and natural ingredients make it act like a second skin. This Acne Control Foundation at SPF 25 features maximum strength time released with 2% salicylic acid combined with a proprietary patented breathable matrix delivery system. The prime ingredient in all Oxygenetix products is Ceravitae. This super-charged oxygen peptide helps support the skins collagen cell production and connective tissue growth. It attracts oxygen to the skin helping it to breathe keeping it strong and healthy. Ceravitae works synergistically with the time released 2% salicylic acid maintaining effective treatment levels throughout the day.

What I think: I really like this foundation. I have the shade Ivory. There are 14 shades. Ivory is a pretty good match for me. This has a natural to soft matte finish, but doesn’t looking drying on my skin. It actually just looks like skin! Just flawless, healthy skin! I have been breaking out lately and I use this during breakouts. I do find it helps clear them up, but it also applies so smoothly over blemishes and helps conceal them so nicely! This foundation wears all day. I don’t have a lot of oils, so I don’t have to worry about oils coming through. I will test it in the summer, when I do get sweaty and a bit oily. I definitely will continue to use this.

Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask

From my Derma E PR Box this month, I received the Purifying Daily Detox Scrub and the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask.

Purifying Daily Detox Scrub ($15.50 USD) — Gentle enough for daily use, this detox scrub lifts away micro-pollutants and impurities while promoting oxygenation for a fresh, healthy radiance. Doctor developed and clinically tested, this revitalizing formula contains some of the most powerful minerals and natural toxin fighters from the earth and from the sea. Kimarine® Wakame is a potassium-rich, magnesium-rich seaweed that is clinically proven to protect skin against environmental pollutants (exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, heavy metals). Bladderwrack is an antioxidant-rich, mineral-rich seaweed known for its water-binding properties, supporting healthy skin hydration and nourishment. Activated Charcoal, known for absorbing 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities, helps remove toxins from the skin’s surface. Apricot Seed Powder gently exfoliates away micro-pollutants, and Green Tea delivers potent antioxidant defense. Ideal for oily, active or urban skin types, even safe for reactive skin (minimal ingredients and allergy-tested), this formula boosts skin purity for a refreshed, glowing complexion. 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, GMO-free.

Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask ($19.50 USD) deeply detoxifies skin of harmful micropollutants in two ways: (1) Natural clays infused with Kimarine® Wakame, Bladerwrack and Activated Charcoal lift out dirt, oil and bacteria to decongest pores as the mask dries; (2) Apricot Seed Powder exfoliates away dead skin cells and captured debris upon removal. Kaolin and Bentonite Clays absorb excess oils and impurities, relieving skin congestion. Kimarine® Wakame is a potassium-rich, magnesium-rich seaweed that is clinically proven to protect skin against environmental pollutants (exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, heavy metals). Bladderwrack is an antioxidant-rich, mineral-rich seaweed known for its water-binding properties, supporting healthy skin hydration and nourishment. Activated Charcoal, known for absorbing 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities, purges pores of deeply rooted toxins, then Apricot Seed Powder gently exfoliates away micropollutants. Ideal for oily, active or urban skin types, even safe for reactive skin (minimal ingredients and allergy-tested), used this formula once or twice a week for skin that looks dramatically fresher, healthier and purely glowing.

What I think: I already had the scrub and I really enjoy using it. It’s a pearly dark gray and is not harsh at all. It actually feels hydrating and scrubbing at the same time. It leaves my skin very soft. I use it every day and it doesn’t irritate my skin.

The mask gives a deeper clean and is nice to use when I feel that my pores are clogged and my skin looks dull. It really deep cleans, but also hydrates the skin. My skin glows afterwards! And, luckily, it doesn’t irritate my skin.

How’s your skin been this winter? What do you like to use?

Brand Review — Nanacoco

Hi all! I hope you are doing well! I have another brand review! I love doing these because it’s so much fun exploring what a brand has to offer. This one is new to me. It’s call Nanacoco. Here is info on the brand:

Founded in 2014, Nanacoco continues to evolve and update its cruelty-free products to match the ever-changing beauty trends. It was essential to create an iconic color cosmetics brand that would have a lasting cult following in today’s digital world. Nanacoco represents someone who is carefree, loving, and isn’t afraid to push boundaries, while constantly moving towards innovation, trendiness, and diversity.

I love that the brand is cruelty free and is so affordable. It’s available on http://www.bbfull.com.

These are the Eyeshadow Quad Palette in Elegant ($11.99), The Classic Auto Eye and Lip Pencil in Black ($2.99) and the Outlash Mascara ($10.50). My photo isn’t great, but this quad is gorgeous! The colors are all shimmers, but I did a look with the lower left brown shade in my crease, the pink shade on the outer half of the lid, the gold shade on the inner half of the lid, the dark brown shadow on my lower lash, and I tight lined with the the black liner. It was gorgeous!

The mascara is nice, too. They have many different kinds, but this one is for length. And it does give great length, but not a lot of volume. I need length so this is a nice everyday mascara.

Here’s a swatch of the eyeliner and shadow quad. The colors are so gorgeous and you can do some fun, neutral looks with it. There are also a few different palettes with brighter shades. The eyeliner is very creamy, but not super black. It is good to tight line.

These beauties are the Glitzn Face & Body Pigment ($7.50) in Lilac and Lemon. These are so pretty on the eyes. They will also work as highlighter, they do blend out. They come in 12 shimmery shades.

The photo didn’t turn out very well, but these are gorgeous and you get a lot of pigment in the little jar. They are so nice on the eyelid. I used the Lemon one with my eyeshadow quad and it added brightness and shimmer to my look!

For face products, I tried the HD Cover Concealer ($8.50) in Eggshell and the HD Pressed Blush ($8.50) in Shimmery Dusty Rose.

I think the pigments were under these, sorry about that! The concealer is a bit dark for me now, but will work well in the summer. It’s creamy and is a lighter coverage, but it’s buildable.

The blush is a pretty rose color and is a bit shimmery. I think this will be gorgeous in the spring!

And finally, here’s lips. The are the Lipfinity Long Lasting Matte Lip Creme ($8.50) in Unveiled, Magnu-Matte Lip Crayon ($7.50) in Fever, and the Shimmertallics Metallic Lip Gloss ($8.50) in Sunkissed.

Here are the swatches of the matte cream, crayon and lip gloss. These are all pretty nude shades. The matte liquid lipstick is moussey when applied, but it dries down so much and is a bit uncomfortable on. I can wear it with gloss over it.

The matte crayon is really comfortable. I think this is the item I will use the most. The gloss is pretty, but is so metallic. Maybe it will be good for a night out.

All in all, I am very impressed with Nanacoco. The products are really great quality for the price. My favorites are the eyeshadow quad, the pigments, the mascara and the blush. I will keep using them to see how I continue enjoying them.

Have you tried Nanacoco? What do you think of the brand?

BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review — January 2019

Hi all! I received my January BoxyCharm this week! The first one of 2019 I see the spoilers each month, so I basically knew what I was getting. There were a lot of variations this month.

I’ve been subscribed to BoxyCharm for about a year and a half now and really enjoy it. Boxycharm is just $21 a month for 4-5 beauty items, most of them full-sized. It is a nice way to try new makeup and beauty tools.

This month I received:

BRIOGEO Rosarco Milk™ Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray — $9

tarte limited-edition Rainforest of the Sea ™ highlighting eyeshadow palette vol. III — $36

TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Sheet Masks — Set of 2, $24

OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick – $20

Billion Dollar Brows Pencil — $18

I was so glad to get this. I have a small bottle of the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair! Leave-In Mask in my October BoxyCharm, and I’m almost out of it. I haven’t used this one before and am really liking it so far. It leaves my hair very soft.

This is very pretty. There were three variations of this. All of them has 7 shimmers and 1 matte. Which is kind of strange, I would have liked a few more matte shades in the palette. I’ve tried it once, but need to keep testing it out. I’ll be reviewing it on my blog sometime hopefully soon. I know I say that each month (Violet Voss palette from December BoxyLuxe for example), but I plan to be reviewing more of my palettes this year! I’m glad I got this, though, and think it’s a nice, neutral palette.

I am so excited about these Tatcha masks! I got two, which is amazing! I haven’t tried one yet, but I am looking forward to it. It’s cold and snowy here and my skin is really dry! Hopefully these will help! Tatcha is super luxe and I’ve only tried their primer. I hope to try more from them this year, so this is a nice start!

I do like Ofra lipsticks, but this is way too dark for me. And I don’t really wear liquid lipsticks that often. I like creamy lipsticks and glosses! So I will pass this on.

The eyebrow pencil seems really nice. It’s supposed to be a universal shade, but it might be a little light for me. My brows are almost black. But I will keep trying it out. It’s a nice texture and has a good spoolie on it.

This month is such a big win for me. I’m keeping 4 out of the 5 products! I usually only use just one or two. I will use all of the Briogeo spray, the eyshadow, the amazing Tatcha masks and will try to make the brow pencil work. The lipstick will go to a friend or family member. Not bad BoxyCharm!

You can sign up here. It is my referral link, so if you sign up, I will receive charms, which is their rewards program.

Do you get BoxyCharm? What did you get and what do you think of this month’s box?

IT Cosmetics’ New Year, Your Most Beautiful Skin! 4-Piece Skincare & Complexion Collection on QVC!

new year, your most beautiful skin! 4-piece skincare & complexion collection

It’s time for a new IT Cosmetics and QVC Today’s Special Value! The New Year, Your Most Beautiful Skin! 4-Piece Skincare & Complexion Collection gives you the power to reveal your most beautiful skin! This Today’s Special Value will only be offered for one day only! As a reminder, each day, QVC picks one special item they believe shoppers will love, and offers it at an exceptionally low price from midnight (ET) until 11:59 p.m. (PT) that day.

This one actually is on presale now and will be over January 12 that at 11:59 p.m (PT). It is $69.96 +Free Standard S&H. The value is $174, which is amazing!

This exclusive four-piece collection features the worldwide launch of two new confidence-boosting skincare essentials and one new complexion must-have—plus a perfectly paired brush! Prep your skin for makeup application with new Confidence in a Gel Lotion to hydrate and smooth the look of fine lines. Then, apply new Confidence in a Neck Cream to your neck, décolleté and chest for an instantly younger-looking appearance. Use your included Heavenly Luxe Plush Paddle Foundation Brush to apply Bye Bye Lines Foundation for your most skin-perfecting finish!

Includes:

2.6-oz Confidence in a Neck Cream
2.5-oz Confidence in a Gel Lotion
1-fl oz Bye Bye Lines Foundation
Heavenly Luxe Plush Paddle Foundation Brush

Here’s a photo of my products:

I am loving these products! My favorite is the Gel Lotion because it is so light and is amazing under makeup! My makeup applies so smoothly over it. The neck cream is so hydrating. It is orange, which is fun, but the color doesn’t show on the neck, it actually helps the tone of my skin look more even.

I have tried the foundation before and really like it. The shade I have is Light. It think it’s a bit dark for me in the winter, but it will be nice in the summer. The brush is so nice! So soft. I love a paddle brush for applying foundation.

You can purchase this on qvc.com or you can watch and call in!

Do you love IT Cosmetics, too? Are you picking this up?

Hydrating Skincare For The Dry, Winter Months

I love testing new skincare! It’s so wonderful when I find something I like and continue to use. My skin is aging, sensitive and combination, but it gets dryer in the winter. So hydration is so important!

Below are some products I was sent for my honest review:

IMAGE Skincare ILUMA intense brightening exfoliating powder ($32 at IMAGESkincare.com): This gently exfoliating powder polishes and buffs away radiance-impairing dead skin cells to brighten and illuminate the skin, leaving it smooth and prepped to absorb creams.

What I think: Don’t forget to exfoliate a few times a week (whatever your skin can handle) during the winter. This is such a nice, gentle exfoliator. I like to use it in the morning before skincare to help my makeup apply better. It doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, which is great.

derma e hydrating night cream — Derma E Hydrating Night Cream

Hydrating Night Cream ($29.99 dermae.com) — This ultra-hydrating, formula delivers unmatched hydrating properties of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), nature’s “moisture magnet”. Infused with antioxidant-rich Green Tea, nourishing Vitamins C-Ester and Vitamins A and E help to soften and smooth the appearance of skin for a younger-looking complexion.

What I think: This is such a great night time moisturizer for the winter months, when my skin is dry. I love that it has such amazing ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid to keep my skin soft and smooth. My skin is very hydrated in the morning when I use this at night.

korres wild rose vitamin c brightening sleeping facial — KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Brightening Sleeping Facial

KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial ($48; Sephora.com): Finish your nighttime routine with an overnight facial to be the ultimate sleeping beauty. This Wild Rose and Vitamin C formula melts instantly into the skin, and continues to work throughout the night. Wake up with soft, smooth skin, and a recharged complexion.

What I think: I usually apply this over serum, but on nights my skin really needs some extra love, I apply it over a night cream. It’s fairly light and absorbs quickly. I feel that it brightens as well as hydrates and my skin glows in the morning!

Derma E Hydrating Eye Cream ($21.50 USD) — Deeply hydrate, firm and tone the delicate skin around your eyes while reducing the look of fine lines and crow’s feet with this fragrance-free eye cream. Hyaluronic Acid (HA), also known as nature’s moisture magnet, has the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, binding moisture to help soften, smooth, tone and rehydrate skin. Only DERMA E has blended the unmatched hydrating properties of HA with antioxidants Pycnogenol® and Green Tea, moisturizing Jojoba Oil and nourishing Vitamins A, C and E into a rich, replenishing eye cream to keep eyes young and radiant looking.

What I think: This is as hydrating for the eyes and the night cream is for the face! This is wonderful for anti-aging and we all need moisture in the eye area as we get older. Dryness makes me look older, and I don’t need that! I love the ingredients and how smooth my eye area looks in the morning.

iluma intense brightening eye crème

IMAGE Skincare ILUMA intense brightening eye crème ($66; IMAGESkincare.com): A super-hydrating and brightening eye crème that works aggressively to break up discoloration under the eyes. A blend of phytonutrients, peptides and botanical brightening agents help to reduce visible signs of aging like dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness and lax skin to restore a firmer, vibrant and more youthful appearance to the eyes.

What I think: This lovely eye cream is so nice to use in the morning to help with dark eye circles. It really does make dark circles appear lighter and smooths and firms the eye area.

MISS BUD’S HEMP Eye Oil ($19.99 on Amazon): This under-eye oil transforms the delicate under-eye area to reduce fine lines, tone, smooth and deeply moisturize skin for beautiful, youthful looking eyes. Restore, replenish and hydrate skin via a blend of vitamin-rich Pure Hemp Seed, Wheat Germ, Coconut and Sunflower oils.

What I think: I like using this under an eye cream at night. Especially in the cold weather. It’s a really nice treatment when the eye area needs a little help. And I love the natural ingredients!

Do you have dry or seasonally dry skin? What have you been using?

Brand Review — Higher Education Skincare

Hi all! We have made it through the first week of 2019. Yay us!

I was recently sent products from Higher Education Skincare for my honest review. This brand was developed specifically for the Gen Z and Millennial audiences as a clean, cruelty free, education-centric line with high quality, dermatologist-approved products.

Each product aligns with one of the core essential skincare categories: cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, treat or protect and when used daily help correct a variety of skin conditions such as acne, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, sun damage, dryness and sensitivity.

Although I am more Gen X, I enjoyed trying these out and think it’s so important for younger people to start their skin routine early!

PRE-REQ Invigorating Foaming Cleanser ($19 USD) — Delivers an invigorating gentle foaming cleanser for normal to oily and combination skin that cleans impurities and removes excess oil while removing all traces of makeup. Exfoliates without stripping the skin of essential moisture. Tea Tree Oil provides benefits for skin that is prone to breakouts. Skin feels clean and refreshed.

What I think: I have combination skin that’s a bit sensitive, and this is very gentle on my skin. It foams up nicely and has a fresh scent. I notice after I wash my skin, it’s clean, but not dry or tight. That’s really important for all skin types (and ages).

EASY A Gentle Resurfacing Pads ($24 USD) — Exfoliating pads help remove dead skin cells, replenish moisture, and visibly minimize pore size. Skin looks vibrant, smooth, and refreshed. Skin never feels dehydrated.

What I think: I am a huge fan of exfoliating pads. And I do really love these! You can use them day and night, but since I have sensitive skin I use them once a day or every other day and they don’t irritate my skin. I use these after cleansing and I notice my skin is so smooth and soft.

SPRING BREAK Oil-Free Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 ($25 USD) — This oil-free sunscreen with sheer solar protection defends against prolonged skin damage from UV light and environmental assaults that cause skin to age faster. Microfine zinc offers broad spectrum physical sunscreen protection from both UVA (the aging rays) and UVB (the burning rays) and leaves the skin feeling silky soft. Contains aloe vera and super antioxidants to help soothe and balance the skin. Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive skin.

Make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face, and other exposed area. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wait at least 15 minutes for your sunscreen to properly absorb into your skin. After that, you can go ahead and put on makeup.

What I think: When I first squeezed this out of the tube, I noticed how thick it is. It does absorb pretty well and makeup goes over it nicely. I think a thicker primer would be too heavy with it, but maybe a light or glowy primer would work. I use this almost as a primer and it works well. My skin is very hydrated with it on.

DOUBLE MAJOR Moisture Relief Gel ($28 USD) — This double duty lightweight, oil free hydra gel, for all skin types, helps strengthen skin’s own natural moisture balance using lush humectants and super moisture binding skin replenishers for all-day comfort, radiance, and hydration. Skin soothing ginger extract, sea kelp and vitamins help to visibly improve the appearance of dryness, dullness, and uneven texture, leaving skin feeling silky soft and smooth.

What I think: This is a very light moisturizer. It sinks right into the skin, but hydrates really well. It has a light, fresh scent. This is nice in the morning before SPF and makeup. It hydrates without adding weight to the skin.

You can purchase all of these and more at http://www.highereducationskincare.com.

Have you tried any Higher Education Skincare? What do you think?

Cool Products I’ve Been Testing For Review

Hi all! Happy Saturday!

I’ve recently received some new or new to me products for my honest review and I have been having fun testing them out! I love reviewing products (I’ve been doing it for years now), so trying something different is always a good time!

From the creators of the original silicone makeup applicator comes the next generation of flawless application for skincare, foundation, blush, highlighter and concealer. The MakeupDrop™ Hybrid ($20 USD) is the newest innovation to revamp any makeup bag. The super soft, serenity colored applicator features two uniquely distinct parts: the Silicone Drop, which acts as a clean and waste-free surface for initial makeup application, and the Super Soft Sponge which helps blend and achieve an airbrushed glow.

While traditional beauty sponges soak up tons of extra product, the Hybrid—like all MakeupDrop™ products—minimizes product wasted by using the least amount of makeup possible. The silicone pad is naturally anti-bacterial and can stop the transfer of germs that can cause breakouts and irritation. The super soft- non-latex sponge is easy clean. Simply use soap and water and let dry overnight.

What I think: I really love this sponge. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now. The silicone drop is really good for first applying the foundation to the face. The sponge blends it in. The sponge is so uinque. It doesn’t soak up any of the product, yet it is still fairly soft and bounces the foundation into my skin so nicely. I also find that since the material is a bit firmer than normal sponges, it doesn’t break apart and is easy to clean.

Purchase this cool sponge at http://www.makeupdrop.com

Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peel Your feet regenerate new skin cells constantly, meaning there is a build-up of dead ones that need to be dealt with. Use Baby Foot’s Original Foot Peel ($25 USD) to remove unwanted dead skin from your feet. Slip the booties on for one hour while your skin absorbs its unique formula containing 16 types of natural extracts designed to exfoliate (there’s even a version for men, too). You’ll start to see your feet peeling within 3 to 7 days after your treatment, leaving your feet super smooth.

What I think: This is such a neat product. It does just what it says. I wore the booties for one hour and in about a week, dead skin started peeling off of my feet! It takes at least a few days for all the peeling to stop, but when it does, my feet are so smooth and soft! Perfect for dry winter feet!

Available at http://www.babyfoot.com

Salonpas Pain Relief Patch LARGE ($17.99 USD) — This is a new double size value pack that includes nine large patches. “There is only one OTC topical pain reliever that is FDA-approved like prescription medicine, and that’s the Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch,” said John Incledon, President & CEO, Hisamitsu America. “We understand that many consumers suffer from back pain, as it is the most common area of pain. As a response, we decided to launch the new Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch LARGE. They’re twice the size as before with the power to target large pain areas. We also included nine patches in this new product to provide a better value to our consumers. Since the patches are now double the size, there is a 35% savings on an equivalized patch basis.”

“Clinical trials demonstrated that the Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch works up to 12 hours on mild to tougher moderate pain,” said award-winning journalist Dr. Bob Arnot, M.D., internal medicine, who is the author of twelve books on nutrition and health, and previously Chief Medical Correspondent for NBC and CBS News. “As a 70-year old active athlete, I suffer from pain as a result of training and competing. I was a huge fan of the previous Salonpas Pain Relief Patch and it is great that it is now available as a double-size, larger patch which targets my back pain.”

What I think: My family is active (a cross-fitter, a rock climber and a lacrosse player) and there’s me, who needs to work out more! Someone is always sore, so these are nice to help with the pain. They are really easy to use, and really help with aches and pains.

Available at salonpas.us

What interesting products have you been trying out?

Shop My Stash — January 2019

Hey all! I hope your 2019 has started off well!

This year I’m trying something new (again). Last year I did four quarterly Project Pans. This was the first time I’ve tried this and I learned a lot. Especially that skincare is easy to use up if you use it everyday and makeup is not! I have so much color cosmetics that i need to use.

So, this year, I am going to do a Shop My Stash each month. The products I’m going to choose will be color cosmetics that I have forgot about or just want to use more. I probably won’t use anything up, but I need to play with more products in my collection.

I’m not going to choose foundation, concealer or powders. This year I’m going to try to just purchase what I need in base products when I run out. It took me a long time to use them up in my pans last year.

Here are the products I will be focusing on in January:

I’ve chosen two eyeshadow palettes, a sculpting palette, a blush and two shades of the same lip product. Here’s a close up of each product. If I’ve reviewed them before, I’ll include the link.

Urban Decay Born to Run Eyeshadow Palette — This was in my favorites of the year. I think it’s the prettiest and most color diverse palette that I bought in 2018. I purchased this in the summer and used it a lot when I first got it, but I haven’t really used it much since.

I usually do a bronzey look with this palette and want to experiment with the blues, greens, purples and pinks!

ColourPop You Had Me At Hello — This is such a pretty plummy-neutral palette. I got it last year around this time and used it, and then put it away. It’s time to give it some love.

I want to experiment with some of the gorgeous metallics and shimmers. I think it will compliment the Born to Run palette, too, if I want to use shades out of both for one use.

tarte tarteist™ PRO glow highlight & contour palette — I received this in a FabFitFun box this summer. I used it a couple of times, but I haven’t really given it a fair chance.

I love the sculpt shade and some of the lighter highlighters. I think I will get good use out of this!

Pretty Vulgar Make Them Blush Powder Blush in Hush Blush — I received this in my March 2018 BoxyCharm. It’s such a pigmented blush that I never really used it. I like sheerer, glowy blushes in the spring and summer. I think it will give my some much needed color in the winter. If I really don’t like it, I’ll pass it on at the end of the month.

BUXOM Cosmetics PillowPout Creamy Plumping Lip Powder in Cuddle Me (Rose) and Cozy Up (Mauve Nude). I should have swatched these, but they are pretty similar in color. I reviewed the entire collection this summer and really liked them. I’ve been using up glosses in my last Project Pan, so I haven’t been using these. I will probably wear them alone and with a gloss over them.

So there’s the items I am going to try to use this month. I will be posting an update on how it went. I will probably included it when I post my February Shop My Stash so stay tuned!

Have you done a Shop My Stash before? How did it go?

2018 Annual Beauty Favorites

Happy New Year! I am so excited to get 2019 started.

I haven’t done a monthly favorites since October — the end of the year has been so crazy! But I want to look back on a few of my favorites for 2018. I’ve chosen my favorite makeup in each category I use — and a skincare favorite or two.

Even though I am just picking one (or so) from each category, I needed two photos to capture my faves. And I am going in order of application:

The two skincare products I’ve chosen are the Derma E Firming DMAE Cleanser and the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. I featured the Derma E Cleanser in my most recent Project Pan. I was proud that I panned it, but I’m also sad that I’m all out! It really cleanses the skin without drying it out. And it didn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I just started using the Elemis cream. It is so beautiful! I started out using it morning and night, but I’m almost out, so I only use it in the morning. It’s so nice under makeup. It’s smooths and hydrates my skin and my makeup applies smoother.

I then like to spritz some Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water. I discovered it this year and really like using it before pore filling primer. My favorite has been the Cover FX Blurring Primer. I’m almost out of it, but I love how well it fills in my pores. I received it in BoxyCharm and am very impressed bye it. I want to try more primers from Cover FX this year. I next like to apply BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector before I apply foundation and concealer. It instantly makes my dark circles look lighter.

My favorite foundation this year is the Physician’s Formula The Healthy Foundation. I have it in the shade LC1. It’s a bit light for me, except for this time of year. I will probably purchase it in a darker shade for the spring and summer. It has a natural medium coverage finish which is exactly what I like in a foundation. I have used up a Flower Beauty Light Illusion Concealer and am working on a second one now that I found in my drawer. I think the first one I used was in Fair and this one is in Light, but they are both so beautiful on. It’s full coverage but looks very natural. I just panned the Maybelline Fit Me Loose Powder in 10 Fair Light. I have been using it for most of 2018. It sets the face so nicely and gives a hint of color.

After I apply my foundation and powder, I bronze with the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer. I purchased this in the spring and have been using it all year! It applies smoothly and blends out so well. And the smell is divine! The Natasha Denona Super Glow Highlighter in #1 Fair is one of my favorites of the year. I purchased this when I was trying to buy the Anastasia Amrezy Highlighter earlier in the year, but it was sold out. (I have recently purchased it and will be reviewing it soon). The Natasha highlighter is very blinding, but can be toned down with a little powder.

Speaking of Anastasia, I purchased a Blush Trio in Peachy Love earlier this year at an Ulta sale. I love mixing the first and third color to brighten up my light skin. I also love the bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in On the Mauve for cooler toned looks. To finish off face products, I want to mention the Urban Decay setting sprays, especially the Chill Cooling and Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray. I used it up this fall and don’t have the bottle, but it was my summer setting spray. It feels so nice on and my makeup lasts all day.

For eye shadow this year, my favorite is the Urban Decay Born To Run Eyeshadow Palette. I love the quality and the variety of colors. My honorable mention is one I just received in my BoxyLuxe, the Violet Voss Holy Grail PRO Eyeshadow Palette. I don’t know when this was released, but it’s new to me! I still need to review it, but spoiler alert, it’s gorgeous!

I have short, sparse lashes so although mascara helps, my lashes never looked amazing until I started using the L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Primer under my mascara. I received a small sample in an Ulta order in Spring and I purchased a full size. I think it’s time to get another one, because I don’t want to be without! The Buxom Lash Mascara works perfectly over it and my lashes look long and lush, almost like I’m wearing falsies!

Although my lashes are sparse, my brows are dark and full. As I age, they are finally thinning out and I have started to fill them in. I received the L.A. Girl Shady Slim Brow Pencil as a free gift the same time I received the L’Oreal lash primer. The words have rubbed off, so I’m not even sure what the shade is. I think it’s Blackest Brown. Whatever it is, it’s perfect for me! It’s very thin and easy to draw on brow hairs. And it has a nice spooly on the end. I’ts only $5.99 so I will be purchasing new one once I run out.

And lastly is lips. I am sooooo glad that gloss made a comeback this year! Light rosy and nude glosses are my favorites. I love a lot — Buxom, Lorac, Dose of Colors — but my favorite is the Fenty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow. It’s a beautiful nude-rose shade and is really hydrating, not sticky at all. My favorite lipstick is the Lipstick Queen Nothing But the Nudes in Nothing But The Truth. I also love The Truth and The Whole Truth. These are the original three in the collection, but there are now 6 more nude shades and I want them! These lipsticks are creamy and hydrating on. So nice if you like nude lipsticks!

Whew! That was a long post! What did you love this year? Any winners I should check out?

Hydrate Your Skin This Winter With Jergens and Curel

Hey all! Happy almost New Year’s Eve! As we Near the end of 2018 and start a new year, I have realized that I need to do a better job hydrating my skin. It’s so dry because of the cold air, and the fact that I’m not getting any younger!

I was sent some moisturizing Jergens and Curel products for my honest review. Starting with lotions that are used in shower to lotions to use anytime your skin is dry, Jergens and Curel has you covered!

Jergens Wet Skin Shea Oil Body Lotion — Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer With Shea Oil

Jergens Shea Butter Wet Skin Moisturizer ($6.99 USD) is applied to wet skin right after showering, maximizing hydration when skin is most receptive to moisture. The water activated formula absorbs right away as vitamin-rich shea oil leaves you feeling smooth and soft – and without the heaviness and greasy residue of a traditional lotion.

What I think: This leaves my skin so soft and the hydration lasts all day! This is non greasy and is perfect all year long.

Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer ($10.99 USD)After showering or bathing, your pores are open which allows hydration to penetrate deep into the skin’s surface to the source of dryness. That is why Curél Hydra Therapy is applied to wet skin immediately after showering and works with the water on the skin to glide on and immediately absorb. There is no need to rinse or wait before toweling dry as normal. Unlike traditional lotions, it works from within your skin to replenish and repair the moisture barrier. With Advanced Ceramide Complex, the moisturizer replenishes ceramides to help skin retain moisture and prevent symptoms of dry skin from returning. Dermatologist recommended, Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer was granted the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Apply daily and feel 3x more hydrated.

This one is even lighter than the Jergens in shower lotion, but it also lasts all day long. These types of lotions are so easy to use and incorporate into my shower routine!

Jergens Flawless Effects Moisturizer ($10.99 USD) — A blurring and perfecting lotion that improves tone, softens imperfections, and provides nourishing hydration for more flawless looking skin. This velvety lotion with Shea butter and sheer blush pigments instantly smooths skin while noticeably balancing tone in as few as 5 days.

What I think: I have enjoyed testing out this lotion. It has a balm-like texture and glides on the skin. I noticed that my skin tone looks even and my skin is very smooth when I use this daily.

Jergens Skin Illuminating Moisturizer ($10.99 USD) — Enhanced with a subtle touch of shimmer, this highlighting and illuminating formula gives your skin a beachy glow, with hints of peach and gold. Nourished, luminous, lively skin, with just a kiss of shimmer. This silky lotion with pure minerals and freshwater pearl powder transforms everyday skin to standout skin before your very eyes.

What I think: This lotion is very light and creamy. It has a little bit of shimmer in it, so I think it will be great in the spring and summer, when I show my arms and legs more.

Curel Rough Skin Rescue Smoothing Lotion

Sometimes, slathering on moisturizer once a day simply isn’t enough, and that especially applies for people who deal with dry, flaky skin. Think of Curel Rough Skin Rescue Smoothing Lotion as your go-to hydration boost, and apply as needed throughout the day. Made with skin-soothing ingredients like olive oil, this hard-working formula aids in your skin’s natural exfoliating process, and then delivers much-needed hydration, restoring the moisture barrier to prevent dry skin in the future.

What I think: I like to use this lotion when my skin is very dry and flaky. I’ve noticed that it does loosen flakes and really makes skin look and feel better!

What lotions do you like to use to hydrate your skin?