#dermae – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

April 2020 Beauty Favorites

Hi all! I hope you’re well and staying safe.

Below are my beauty faves for April. As usual, If I have reviewed them before, I will include the link, if not, I will link to where you can purchase:

I had a pretty good mix of skincare and makeup this month. I have been wearing a lot of makeup, because I have been doing a palette a day challenge on Instagram (fortyflirtyfab) where I used a different palette each day. It’s been fun and exhausting! I will be posting my final update soon.

Here’s a close up of the eyeshadow and face palette:

The face palette it the PUR x Trolls World Tour Top of the Charts Face Trio. It’s very fun to use. The blush is my favorite as it really brightens my sad, pale face. LOL!

The Natasha Denona Mini Retro Eyeshadow Palette is fairly new, but I want to include it because it’s amazing! So pretty! I haven’t reviewed it yet, but I’m bringing back my 20 in 2020 palette reviews next month and will be reviewing it soon!

I received the L’Oreal Bambi Eye Mascara and the MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish Highlighter in Double-Gleam in a giveaway from Youtuber Jessica Braun (she’s fantastic). Both of these are amazing. The MAC highlighter is natural and so pretty on and the mascara separates and lengthens my lashes. Love!

I picked up the Tarte Travel Size Timeless Smoothing Primer in my fall Ulta Points Haul. I just started using it, because I finished the pore filling primer I was using. I do love this. It works very well. I might have to pick up the full size eventually.

I received the Cure Natural Aqua Gel to review on Instagram. It’s a peeling gel, so you apply it to your skin, let it sit for a minute, then rub your face. The dry skin balls up and rinses away. It exfoliates it off and leaves skin soft and smooth.

Derma E is one of my favorite skincare brands. The products are affordable and so effective. This is the Skin Restore Advanced Peptides and Collagen Serum. I ran out of my neck cream and have been using this to firm my skin. It’s so lovely. It feels amazing on and does firm my skin.

This is the second bottle (first full size) of the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer I’ve had. I received it in my December Boxycharm. I love using it in the morning under makeup.

I can’t believe it’s almost May. I hope you had a great month at home, and that May is better for us all!

Shop My Stash March 2020 Results and Monthly Empties

Hi All! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. I’m back with my February Shop My Stash results! I enjoy dipping into my collection and using products I haven’t used in a long time, or just haven’t given much of a chance.

My rule with this is if I don’t like the item after the month, I will move it out of my collection to make some room and let someone else enjoy it! You can check out my first Shop My Stash post for March.

These are the gorgeous products I used this month. And I did so well in using all of these, even though I was mostly at home and was not going out! I love applying makeup almost everyday. It makes me feel put together and like myself.

Before I go into how my month went, I wanted to say I’m switching it up just for April. Since I’ll be at home all month, I’ve decided to do a different Shop My Stash. I am going to use a different eyeshadow palette every day. I’ll be posting the palettes I’ve used every few days with swatches of the shades I used. I think this will be fun and a great way to use some of my palettes I’ve been neglecting.

So back to March. I used the Steve Laurant liner a few times. I kept forgetting about it, LOL! I do really like it. I did use both the Urban Decay Vice Lip Chemistry shades a lot and enjoy that product. It’s so different. It goes on almost matte and light, then it turns a bit deeper and glossier. I have the two lightest shades.

Here are the palettes I used:

I kind of forgot about this palette, too. I used it a few times, but kept reaching for other blushes and highlighters. I think I’ll keep it through the summer and if I don’t reach for it I’ll pass it on.

You can probably tell from how messy this Sigma Enchanted palette is, that I used it a lot in March! I really like this one, especially the shimmers and metallics. My favorite shimmers are Budding, Moonglade and Plume. The pinks and roses are so gorgeous! I am absolutely keeping this palette!

Here’s another keeper, the bareMinerals Gen Nude Eyeshadow Palette in Neutral. Such a gorgeous everyday palette. I can create a full look with this, either all mattes or with one of the shimmers on the lid.

So I am keeping all of these products for now.

On to my empties:

I had ten empties this month. I’m pretty proud of that. Staying at home, I’ve really been digging into my products. I have been consistent with my skincare, too!

I received the Kate Somerville Kx Active Concentrates Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum in my February Boxycharm. I used it only on my neck and chin in the morning and evening. I really noticed firming in that area. I would purchase this again but it is $98! So…not right now.

I used up two toners — the Pixi Milky Tonic and the Skinfood Peach Sake Toner. I liked both of these. The Skinfood primer was probably my favorite, because it’s so refreshing. The Pixi Milky Tonic is hydrating. I would purchase these again.

I also used two mists. The Derma E UPLIFT Skin Beneficial Mist Mood Enhancing and the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea. I enjoyed both of them and would repurchase.

I used up the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. I like it, but I just started using the Farmacy Green Clean and I like that one more. It’s a smoother texture. I wouldn’t purchase this one again.

My last skincare items were a deluxe sample of the Amazing Grace lotion. Amazing Grace is my signature scent and I love it! And the DHC Urumai Cream is very thick and hydrating. It’s perfect for the winter, but since we are heading into warmer weather, I’ll be using a lighter lotion.

My two makeup items are the Urban Decay Brush Of Loose Powder and my favorite Mascara, the Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. I would repurchase both, but I am good on powder and mascara right now. I’m really trying to use up what I have right now.

So, although I was at home most of the month, March was pretty good beauty-wise. I hope you stick around for my fun palette-a-day April (or whatever I decide to name it)!

March 2020 Beauty Favorites

Hi all! I hope you’re well and staying safe.

Below are my beauty faves for March. As usual, If I have reviewed them before, I will include the link, if not, I will link to where you can purchase:

I had a pretty good mix of skincare and makeup this month — plus a perfume!

Here’s a close up of the eyeshadow and face palette:

This is the Viseart Paris EDIT Eyeshadow Palette. I picked this up at the beginning of the month and love it! I can create cool and warm tone looks and every shade is stunning! This is my first Viseart palette and I am so impressed with the quality. It’s tiny, but I love that it has so many shade in it. I will definitely be purchasing another palette from Viseart in the future.

This is the Stay Naked Threesome Bronze, Blush and Highlighter Palette in Naked and it’s such a nice face palette. It’s compact enough that it’s perfect to travel with (someday). I love having my bronzer, blush and highlighter in the same palette. So convenient!

This is my current favorite skincare. The Derma E Vitamin C Gentle Daily Cleansing Paste helps to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone, revealing a radiant and beautiful complexion. I also like using it as a mask.

The Tonymoly Vital Vita 12 Synergy Ampoule is infused with Niacinamide, Adenosine and the exclusive Vita-12 multi-vitamin compound that uses nanosome technology that provides 12 types of vitamins (A, B1, B3, B5, B6, B8, B12, C,E,F,H) combined to create a highly effective multi-vitamin blend. I use it in the morning to brighten my skin and love it! It’s light and sinks right in.

I received the Nuria Defend Triple Action Eye Cream from an Allure box last year. It’s very hydrating and feels nice on my eyes! It claims to remove the appearance of dark circles, reduce the look of puffiness, and improve fine lines. The skin around my eyes do look nice and smooth.

The Pixi Collagen LipGloss is my current favorite lip balm. It is enriched with Botanical Collagen and Peptides and hydrates and softens while helping to create smoother, fuller looking lips. I like using this before I do my makeup so my lips are nice and hydrated when I apply lip products.

I’ve had this since last year, but I’ve just really starting using the beautyblender RE-DEW Set & Refresh Spray. It’s such a cool product! It refreshes makeup, extends wear and adds a boost of hydration. This has a very fine mist nozzle, and it doesn’t disturb makeup. I like how it blends my powders into my makeup so I look really natural.

And my last favorite of the month is a perfume! It’s the Jen nifer Lopez Promise Eau de Parfum. I have been loving this fragrance. It’s so nice for every day, plus it’s a little bit glamorous!

Have you tried any of these products? What are your favorite products from March?

Skincare Sunday: Derma E Vitamin C Skincare

Hi all! Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a great weekend.

I’m back with another Skincare Sunday featuring Derma E. I’m lucky to receive their monthly influencer packages. I received some gorgeous products from their Vitamin C line for my honest review.

About this line, Derma E’s website states, “Vitamin C is one of the most powerful nutrients in the world, its antioxidant properties are essential for our overall health and well-being. So it’s not surprising that Vitamin C can have those same transformative effects on the appearance of our skin—creating a brighter, smoother and younger look that glows with the signs of good health.”

Here’s a close up of the products:

Vitamin C Gentle Daily Cleansing Paste ($13.95 USD) –This Vitamin C cleansing paste helps to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone, revealing a radiant and beautiful complexion. You can also use it as a mask, which I have and really like. It leaves my skin smooth and clear.

Vitamin C Bright Eyes Hydro Gel Patches ($24 USD) — Brightens, hydrates, and improves the appearance of the under-eye area by intensely moisturizing with antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Vitamin C Concentrated Serum ($24.50 USD) — This fast-absorbing, high-potency serum penetrates deeply to deliver antioxidant protection and essential hydration. I have only used this a few times, so I hope to have a full review later.

Yes, the eye gels are gold speckled! So fun. And they feel amazing on. They smooth the eye area so nicely.

I love Vitamin C products, and am so exited to use these more. There are other products from this collection on Derma E’s website here. And happily they are cruelty free, vegan, gluten free, soy free and recyclable.

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What do you think of this collection? Have you tried any Derma E products?

February 2020 Beauty Favorites

Hi all! Happy Friday! February is almost over, which is crazy! I’m so looking forward to the spring!

Below are my beauty faves for February. As usual, If I have reviewed them before, I will include the link, if not, I will link to where you can purchase:

I had a pretty good mix of skincare and makeup this month! Like normal, it’s a mix of stuff I buy, products from beauty subscription boxes and PR.

Here’s a photo with the palette and blush open:

So pretty! Here’s close up looks at the products:

Truly Beauty Unicorn Fruit Body Butter— I purchased this in my recent Ulta haul and love it. It’s a very dense body butter and needs to be warmed up. When applied it almost turns into an oil and is so hydrating! It smells delicious, too!

The TellurideGlow Snow Rose Recovery Mask also smells amazing — like vanilla and rose. This is a powder mask that’s activated with water. You leave it on for about 10-15 minutes until it dries then washes it off. My skin is glowing a beautiful later!

Kate Somerville Kx Active Concentrates Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum — This was my choice for BoxyCharm this month. Yay me — it was an amazing choice! I mostly apply this on my neck and it does firm it. I use it in the morning and night and love it!

Derma E Blue Light Shield Spray — I use this everyday before I work at my computer or phone. It has amazing ingredients and I love that I am protecting my skin from blue lights!

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil — I use this in my evening skincare routine. I have been loving facial oils this winter for hydration and glow. This smells like fresh cut roses and it’s lovely. Plus it sinks into the skin quickly, which I love.

PÜR Fully Charged Mascara and Fully Charged Mascara Primer — I have been using this duo every day and really love the volume I get with it. I am a fan of mascara primers and am enjoying this one!

NYX Cosmetics Slide On Lip Pencil in Nude Suede Shoes — I purchased this in my recent Ulta haul on the recommendation of Youtuber Allie Glines. I needed a nude lip liner (I thought, I just found a Steve Laurent one I got in a subscription box in basically the same shade, LOL). It’s very nice and works well with all of my natural toned glosses.

PÜR Blushing Act Skin Perfecting Powder in Pretty in Peach— If you want a very pigmented peach blush, this is it! This is such a smooth blush and blends out well, but just use a little at first! This shade screams spring to me — and I’m so ready for it!

Colourpop UR A QT Palette — This is another item from my Ulta haul. I love Colourpop and really wanted this! It is only available at Ulta. It’s still available and it’s on sale right now! It’s normally $18, and it’s on sale for $12.60. I think it might be a limited edition, so if you want it, get it now here.

The second month of 2020 is over, bring on March!

What were your favorites this month?

Derma E Mood Rituals Line

Hi all! I hope you’re week is off to a great start! It’s still winter, sigh. And it might snow in Kansas City tomorrow. I hope you’re weather is better!

I was so lucky to receive a February influencer package from Derma E. I love their products so much and use them every day. Here’s what I received this month:

This is Derma E’s Mood Rituals line. These mists contain purified spring water and skin-nourishing herbs with therapeutic essential oils. They claim to enhance the mood and enrich the skin. Here’s info from the Derma E website about the products:

Balanced blends of therapeutic, skin-benefiting essential oils combined with purified Spring Water, Witch Hazel, Coconut Essence and Herbal Waters work to comfort and nourish your skin, leaving it hydrated and softer while herbal adaptogens and sacred cleansing plant extracts provide re-centering, mood-enhancing benefits.

These are the three different mists:

CREATE Mood Enhancing Skin Beneficial Mist ($18.95 USD) — Revitalizing therapeutic blend of Cordyceps & Cardamom, aromatic waters, coconut essence, and witch hazel improves skin’s health while enhancing your mood. Essential oils of Rosemary, Ginger, Spearmint stimulate one’s senses and helps to revitalize your skin while adaptogens, Cordyceps and Cardamom promote focused thoughts and clarity allowing you the freedom to create.

UPLIFT Mood Enhancing Skin Beneficial Mist ($18.95 USD) — This uplifting and therapeutic blend of Eleuthero & Artic Root, citrus waters, coconut essence, and witch hazel improves skin’s health while enhancing your mood. Essential oils of Orange, Grapefruit, Chamomile, Lavender and more combine to help boost your mood, soothe skin and elevate your senses while Adaptogens Eleuthero and Artic Root help to calm feelings of fatigue and anxiety to uplift and energize your spirits.

CALM Skin Beneficial Mist Mood Enhancing ($18.95 USD) — This relaxing and calming therapeutic blend of Amla & Gotu Kola, herbal waters, coconut essence, and witch hazel improves skin’s health while enhancing your mood. Essential oils of Lemon, Eucalyptus, Sage and Rosemary soothe and calm skin while adaptogens Amla and Gotu Kola help to reduce feelings of fatigue as they relax and calm your senses.

I really like these mists. They smell very herbal. I think my favorite scent is the Uplift. I can definitely smell the citrus and lavender. With the create, the spearmint takes over, so if you like mint scents that might be for you. And in the Calm, the rosemary and sage give off a savory fragrance.

I really like how hydrating these make my skin. They are so nice under makeup for extra hydration and over it for a pick me up. I haven’t noticed any mood-changing effects yet, but I’ll keep using them.

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What do you think of these products. Do you like to use essential oils to enhance your mood?

Skincare Sunday: Derma E Blue Light Shield Collection

Hi all! Happy Sunday! I hope your weekend is going well!

I recently received Derma E Blue Light Shield products from their Purify + Protect line. These nutrient-rich products contain ingredients that work to protect skin from blue light exposure caused by digital devices.

Here’s more about The products I received:

Derma E Blue Light Shield Concentrated Serum ($22.50 USD) — This concentrated mineral-rich serum delivers skin-boosting moisture to defend against environmental aggressors while neutralizing the look of photo-aging, reviving skin’s appearance. Nourishing Blue Green Algae Extract, rich in antioxidants, softens and deeply moisturizes skin while antioxidant-rich Lutein helps provide a shield from blue light. Powerful Activated Charcoal helps purify while Ginseng Root re-energizes.

I apply this in the morning to my clean face and neck. It can be used in the evening too. It’s a green cream, but it absorbs into the skin and you can’t see the color. It’s slightly hydrating him feels really nice on my skin.

Derma E Blue Light Shield Spray ($16.95 USD) — Enriched with Lutein for ultimate hydration and protection from blue light, this mineral-rich spray instantly nourishes, rebalances, and revives stressed skin. Blue Green Algae Extract boosts skin’s natural moisture levels, purity, and resiliency while Activated Charcoal uplifts and purifies dull tired skin and Ginseng Root revitalizes for a fresh and brightened

This mist has a pretty strong herbal scent, but it has such a fine sprayer. It’s really nice to use. Can be sprayed over makeup to set in place.

Both products include:

Blue Green Algae: ultra-moisturizing ingredient to help protect skin against environmental pollutants and reduce free radical damage.

Lutein: helps to hydrate and shield skin from free radical damage and blue light aggressors.

Activated Charcoal: powerful, absorptive ingredient helps to deeply detoxify and purify skin.

Ginseng Root Extract: Contains properties that prevent free radical damage and improves elasticity.

I’m enjoying these products! I love how they feel on my skin. I’ve only been using them for a couple of weeks, so I don’t know if they’re helping with blue light skin issues. But I’m going to keep using them and hoping that they do help!

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Have you tried any blue light products? I’m excited to see if these make my skin look nicer. I definitely don’t want to age more because of my cell phone!

2019 Annual Skincare Favorites

Hi all! I’m back with the second part of my 2019 favorites. This one will be mostly skincare, and maybe a hair care product or two!

Check out my first favorites post that’s all about my makeup faves and one big foundation fail here.

Now on to the skincare goodies:

I have been loving the products above — and more. I will probably have more than one favorite or some runners up in some areas. And as for cleansers, my favorites aren’t pictured because I used them up and haven’t repurchased yet. I have so much skincare that I have purchased, received in subscription boxes or PR that I really want to use up before I get more. Unless, of course, it’s a category that I have completely run out of.

So, starting with cleansers, my favorite this year is the Pixi Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel. This cleanser is so refreshing! And it cleans my skin without leaving residue and without drying out my skin. I also enjoyed the Skin & Co Truffle Therapy Whipped Cleansing Cream. It’s very creamy and removes makeup without irritating my eyes.

For eye cream, I currently love the Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream. It brightens dark under eye circles. I also really enjoyed the Derma E Hydrating Eye Cream for intense moisture when my eyes need it!

This is my second full size Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. And I will continue purchasing it. It hydrates my lip so well. I use it at night, and sometimes during the day, too! My favorite day lip balm is the Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy. It’s so moisturizing, which I need as my lips get very dry.

Derma E Skin Restore Advanced Peptides & Collagen Moisturizer — This is hydrating, plus it has tons of anti-aging ingredients so it helps with lines and wrinkles.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask — This is my last step at night. It locks in all of my other products and my skin is insanely hydrated in the morning.

These are my fave serum’s and oils from 2019:

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Serum — I use this a couple of times a week to resurface my skin. It contains a 14% AHA/BHA/gentle flower acids blend, Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid and a proprietary honey blend.

Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Serum — This is such a beautiful hydrating serum. I use it day and night before other serums and moisturizers. I also really enjoyed The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. It’s such a lovely hydrating serum and keeps my skin moisturized all day.

Glow Recipe Pineapple Bright Serum — This is such a nice Vitamin C serum. I use it each morning and it brightens my skin. It does have a very strong ripe pineapple scent, but it goes away.

Pixi Jasmine Oil Blend — I’ve had this for over a year and have just used it up. A little goes a long way. It’s very hydrating and is nice to use at night

These are my two favorite hair products from this year:

IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm — I apply this balm two ways — on damp hair then I comb through it. Once it’s dry, I apply a bit more. It makes my hair so soft and I love the coconut scent.

Cloud 10 CBD-Infused Glossing Mist — I love this for two reasons: It makes my hair shiny and healthy looking and it smells amazing. Oh, I guess three reasons — the benefits from the CBD oil!

So that’s it for my 2019 favorites! What were your standout skincare products for 2019?

I’m so excited for a new year and new favorites. Bring on 2020!

Skincare Sunday — Derma E Skin Restore

Hi All! Happy Sunday! I’m back with a skincare review. I love Derma E and am lucky to get sent some of their products to review from time to time.

I received these Derma E products in December, and have been enjoying using them. Here’s information about the products:

Skin Restore Advanced Peptides and Collagen Serum ($36.50 USD) — helps support skin’s need for moisture with Vitamin E, and highly effective antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Green Tea provide comprehensive anti-aging benefits. With ingredients that are thought to support collagen health, this is an amazing collagen and peptide serum to give glowing skin! I love using it at night with my other treatments. I find that it plumps my skin by morning and gives a youthful glow.

Skin Restore Advanced Peptide and Collagen Moisturizer($35 USD) — restores a more youthful appearance to skin by diminishing the look of lines and wrinkles. A highly advanced formulation packed with the peptides and collagen needed for healthy-looking skin makes this the best moisturizer for wrinkles. We use the powerful multi-peptides Matrixyl®synthe’6® and Argireline®, as well as Pycnogenol®, an amazing antioxidant that is thought to support healthy collagen, which is the protein essential for vibrant skin that has a wonderful smoothness and elasticity. This also includes Vitamin C and Green Tea for extra anti-aging antioxidants. Plus, it’s so hydrating without being greasy!

Beauty Sponge ($4.99 USD) — This multi-tasking beauty sponge is perfect for skincare and makeup application. This soft sponge works to blend creams, liquids, and serums for a flawless finish. Pair with a favorite serum, moisturizer or BB cream for effortlessly beautiful skin.

I am loving all of these products! I need the extra hydration and anti-aging properties in my skin right now. It’s get’s so dry in the winter, and that doesn’t help aging skin. But these lovely products do!

Have you tried Derma E? Which of their products do you love?

Skincare Sunday — Derma E Fall Skincare

Hi all! Happy Sunday! I hope you have been able to enjoy a long weekend. Can you believe it’s December???

I recently received a box of amazing Derma E skincare for my honest review. Derma E is such an affordable brand that has such effective skincare for so many skin types and issues. Here’s what I received:

These are such cute products to use this fall, or to give as a gift. Here’s more info:

The Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Oil ($13.95) — Formulated with skin-renewing Vitamin A plus antioxidant-rich Vitamin E helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful glow. This fragrance-free, potent concentrated oil blend absorbs quickly to soften and smooth the appearance of dry, aging skin.

The Perfect Travel Kit ($12.95) — This TSA-approved mini travel case includes three top selling travel-friendly products and a compact mirror for on-the-go quick fixes. Purifying Daily Detox Scrub gently exfoliates skin while removing impurities. The Vitamin C Concentrated Serum brightens while boosting hydration. Hydrating Night Cream replenishes and nourishes your skin while you sleep! Travel with DERMA E to maintain beautiful skin.

Derma E is currently having sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday so check out their website at https://dermae.com/. You can also find Derma E at Ulta.

Have you tried Derma E before? Which products do you love?