Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Oh la la, Skincare!

Skincare...

Im touching back to a blog from sometime ago. I am still new at trying to make sure I set this up nice and that I have good enough pictures for you guys...but Im not the photoshop whiz, my boyfriend is, and he's been super busy lately!


The best way to make your work shine on the face is with great skin, and that starts with a good and healthy skincare regime.


I know that sometimes it sounds like a hassle to do, and you know what? Sometimes, it is. Step one, do this, step two, do that, step three do this...and on and on and on.


The same way you are with trying to find the right shocking pink eyeshadow for that one look you saw someone do, go and find yourself a good skincare line. Things have advanced so much, and right now, we are blessed with a plethora of choices!


High end, low end, mix and match, there is something out there for you.


The first line I have for you guys is Bare Minerals Rare Minerals 30 day starter kit.


This kit contained two products:





This is the Facial Cleanser. It is a mineral based, water-activated powder that deep cleans, exfoliates and nourishes. Since it comes in powder form, and you need water to activate the cleanser, you get the freshest product every time!





Now, out of the duo of products, I actually like this cleanser alot. I find that my skin is absolutely clear after using it, and because it exoliates, it is very very smooth. I love when a cleanser gives you truly clean skin and this is it!



So, naturally, there need to be a few cons...


The opening of the product consists of a slide mechanism with a hole in the top through which products comes out. I would love if the hole were a bit bigger so you could get more product in a shorter amount of time. It can get a little messy as well. This cleanser, because it is all natural, does not have the most pleasant smell, and let's face it, having a nice scent is important.



Bottom line, as a cleanser, it works. Want clear, smooth skin, get this cleanser!



On the second product in the pack:



This is the Skin Renewal Nighttime Treatment. This is only to be worn at night since some of the minerals might make the skin susceptible to sun. It is a powder treatment that comes in a canister/puff combo. It comes in a range of four colors:Clear, Light, Medium, Tan. Skin Renewal does it all from taking out redness, to minimizing pore size, to retexturizing the surface of the skin. Oh, and its a heaven sent for those with acne.

Why I didnt like this product, and please, if through reading this, you may think that I am using it wrong, please let me know, your imput is valuable. I would cleanse my skin and pat dry. Then afterwards, I would put this powder on my skin. I did notice after two weeks that my skin seemed lighter, sunnier, but I also had tons of dry spots and an uneven texture to my skin. Now, if memory serves, I dont remember the insert saying anything about pre-moisturizing before using the treatment. This could be the reason why I had been feeling so dry after using the product. Now I moisturize lightly before I use, and I am actually liking the product.

This would be good for someone who may be looking for a different skincare. It is definitely a modern way of looking at skincare!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Day to day...blah!

It ended up being not that bad of a weekend for me. I wish I could have spent more time with certain people, but, alas, that happens.

The weather was actually nice today...its 37 degrees outside...

I have to say Im rather dissapointed with my Rare Minerals purchase of about a month ago..I havent noticed anything witg my skin except new dry patches. I shall finish the product and then give insight.

Got some new stuff by Stila, Nivea, and Olay. Will post.

Off to bake cookies!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Review time - Paula Dorf, Bourjois, L'Oreal

Hello again!


So I have a few reviews on some products that I hope will become staples in your MU bag, or at least give you some insight on brands you havent been privy too! These reviews will be rated on 0 to 5 scale, with 0 being worst, and 5 being best.

Let's get started!

A while ago, I was looking for a cheaper primer to use when practicing makeup looks. I went for L'Oreal's De-Crease. This is actually a really nice primer. It has a medium, really creamy consistency that is easily blendable. I noticed that it does not have a super tacky surface to it, but my shadows did stick and did not crease. I had more color payoff with it as well. For practice, or if you just dont want to spend much money on a primer, this is for you!

rating - 3
















Next item is Paula Dorf's Eye Primer. This primer has become my favorite of all time! I have tried all the other primers, and while I still like some of them, none of them come close to this one. It is an extremely creamy, blendable primer that makes colors last and most importantly POP! It comes in pan container with twist off cap, so you will able to use all the product, and the cap is tight, so no drying. This primer is thick, so a little goes a long way. This is helpful to those who dont want to spend a lot of money, and get use out of their product. I have been using this since I got it, and I cannot imagine my makeup routine without it. The price on this is between 22-28 dollars, more than Too Faced Shadow Insurance or Urban Decay's Primer Potion, but WORTH EVERY PENNY!

rating - 5This is Bourjois' Dose De Nacres. This is part of their "bourjois minis" line. These come in 15 colors, and they are all very nice and vibrant. They are like a chunky pigment with glitter. When you open the jar, some of the product is clumped, but do not let this dissuade you. These go on thick and shimmery! The color selection is a mix of classic solid colors like Gold or Blue, while others have 2-3 color shades. I like patting these on with my finger over a primed eye. super blendable, will give a heavy, thick layer if desired, and will also give a wash of color. These come in 1 gram jars with no shaker top. The price tag on these is about 8 - 10 dollars each, which I know sounds steep for such a small amount of product. But they give great color payoff!

rating - 4


I shall have more reviews on SmashBox and Too Faced soon!
Hope this helps!


Over and Out...

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Overload of stuff and reviews

So, yes, Im still working away at my skincare review. Its taking quite some time to compile facts and enough of a time period to let you guys know what I think.

I was really bad the other day and picked up an ungodly amount of stuff from SmashBox, Too Faced, Bourjois, and Aquolina!

I promise to have pictures and the like as soon as I know what Im doing.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Feeling better and new stuff...

Hello all...

I am definitely feeling much better than I was a week ago. Have been having better days and that puts a kick in my step.

Am still working on my skincare reviews...

Got a bunch of new stuff from Smashbox, Urban Decay, GoSmile, and Too Faced that Im am uber excited about trying and then getting that info to ya.

Over and out kittens!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Just to let you know...

So...

This weekend was a great friend of mines wedding. It was by the lake and it was gorgeous. I was surprised at how well my eyemakeup kept up since, we were smack dab in the sun for the entire ceremony! I wore colors from my Sugar pallette, the first neutral one they came out with. I hear that they are going to discontinue Sugar cosmetics...this makes me sad. They do actually have nice products.

Aside from that, I had wanted to get on some skincare lines to give you guys some insight, but that all fell by the wayside when I got pneumonia. Am feeling better, but Im still tired, and will probably be sometime before that happens. Till then, Imma go shopping from the comfort of my bed and laptop, and I shall talk to you guys later!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

A quick hello and some thoughts...

Hola!

Hmmm, well, being new at this, it may take me a wee bit before Im completely comfortable with this format.

Some things that I wanted to touch one before I go and start baking...Michigan is getting chilly now, and there is nothing better than opening the windows and baking! :)

Im a big fan of watching all the beauty tutorials on YouTube.com. Im sure there are a lot of you that are too. It is crazy to think that doing 5 to 10 minute video makeup tutorials would be THAT popular. But I am glad they are!

One thing I notice that not many of them touch on is skincare. I am not an esthetician, so I'm not saying this because it is my profession. I am saying this because a good skincare routine is basic and important. Without great skin, anything you put on it won't look as well.

I have been very fortunate with having access to a lot of great skincare, and much of that I would like to share with you.

More on that later. Im off to brainstorm!

signing off * RADIOHEAD - Go To Sleep