Review of Stila CC Color Correcting Cream

Hi Guys!

A couple of weeks ago I had a pretty big Sephora gift card haul that I talked about on the blog.

One of the most exciting things that I picked up was the Stila CC Cream. To be honest, before the makeup artist suggested this product, I had never even heard of it. And besides the Kitten eyeshadow (which I adore), is the only Stila product I've even tried. So I was a little skeptical of using it.

I've now used it for about two weeks, so I thought that was enough time to give a pretty good review of my thoughts about it.

So according to the Sephora website, the description says that this CC cream is a "skincare meets cosmetics hybrid, offering the ultimate in color correction while creating a flawless, natural looking complexion."

It also says that this CC cream has:

-SPF 20 with broad spectrum protection

-Color corrects to reduce hyperpigmentation

-Softens fine lines and wrinkles

-Adapts to skintone

-72 hours of hydration

-Brighter, more youthful looking skin

-Without Parabens

-Oil Free

-Sheer-medium buildable coverage

-Matte to Satin Finish

So as you can see, that's a lot of stuff.

First Impressions

So when I first tried this, I wasn't really impressed. See, I have pretty oily skin. I wouldn't say it's as bad right now as the height of July, but I can still get pretty oily if I don't use Urban DeSlick spray or powder.

And the very first thing I noticed when she put it on me in Sephora, was how oily it is upon application. However, when she set it with powder, that went away instantly, which was nice. It became a very nice matte finish. In fact, it was even less oily than the Garnier BB Cream for Combination to Oily skin that I had been using previously.

So as far as the application goes, the description isn't lying when it says that it comes out green. It does, just like one of the primers that is green. The makeup artist told me that this would be great on the redness in my cheeks and nose area. From what she told me and from what I've observed in using it, it works much better if you kind of warm it up and rub it in place for a couple seconds before spreading it. The makeup artist claimed that this was to perfectly match to your skintone, and maybe that's true, but I see it more as just making the pigment come out instead of having the weird streaking green color correcting stuff stay caked on your face.

It's thicker than the Garnier BB Cream, but average to what I've seen from brands such as Smashbox.

This is definitely a sheer coverage CC cream. I feel like it kind of blurs and it sorta tones down my redness, but it's not medium coverage, even when layered with a second layer (I haven't tried a third layer yet because A.) it's $44, so I treat it like liquid gold and B.) it is really oily upon first application and I'm not ready to see if a third layer makes it really really really oily.

My recommendation with Stila's CC Cream, is that you find a really great coverage powder. Currently I'm using the Sephora Collection 8 Hour Mattifying Foundation (jury is out on the that as well, but that's a different review for a different day), but I've also used the MAC Stuido Fix Powder and both are really good in conjunction with the CC cream. I like to think that this CC cream is more of a color correcting primer in actuality, making your powder the real star. Which is not the purpose at all, but it's how I feel it works best. If you want light coverage, you need to use powder with it, preferably a foundation powder.

As far as scent, it smells kinda sunscreeny, but nothing obnoxious that would deter me away from this product. It fades pretty quickly. And so far it hasn't broken me out either, which is great.

Oh and in case you are curious about application, I have tried this with mattifying primers (samples of the Becca Ever Matte and the Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer) and using my Urban Decay De Slick spray as a base and all three work pretty equally, with my findings being that the De Slick using leaves me the most matte. Of course, no matter what primer I use, I always follow after the CC cream, powder, and blush with the De Slick spray.

I also use my fingers and haven't tried any other way of applying this. Also, I'm the color fair if that helps.

But my final thing that I have to say about this product is the price. It's $44 for 1.3 oz. That's a lot, especially considering this is sheer coverage. I'm still weighing the price, but I'm pretty sure it's not worth it. I'm not sure at this point whether I'll repurchase, but if I do (or don't), I'll let you know.

(Interested in more CC Cream reviews? Take a look at this one about Smashbox CC Cream!)

Manicure of the Week: Deborah Lippmann Daytripper

Hey guys!

Recently I picked up Deborah Lippmann's Daytripper from Sephora. It seems like I've wanted this color forever. Mostly because the color is simply the most gorgeous pinky coral ever. Unfortunately, the polish is $17, so I've had to put it off for pretty much years. I received a gift card for Christmas from my aunt, so I felt like that was the perfect time to splurge.

First and foremost, the color doesn't disappoint. I adore this color and think it's perfect for toes, spring, summer, and especially Valentine's Day. Sephora describes it as a "pink melon" shade and I think that's pretty accurate.

Unfortunately, I'm not too impressed with the durability of this polish. I found chips in less than two days, which I almost never encounter. But because the color is so pretty, I'm willing to deal with polish that chips easily.

Have you tried this? Do you think it's worth the hype?

High Five for Friday

I've literally haven't done this in forever, but I thought it would be fun since this will be the end of my first full week of student teaching (did I mention how excited I am to sleep in this weekend?).

1. To my shock my cooperating teacher asked me to teach this week. I know that might sound a little strange, but I didn't expect to start teaching for another week. So I've taught social studies (mostly maps and geography) all week and survived. And starting Monday I teach social studies and math, which is kind of scary.

2. Finding new combinations for my teacher clothes. It's kind of hard, but I love wearing some old favorites like my chunky mint sweater (so warm) and my Scottie dog tank (everything I love in one shirt).

 

3. Celebrating my 4.0 GPA from last semester(!!!!!!!!) with my family at my all-time favorite restaurant. See, while I was not blogging last semester I was doing something productive at least haha. I was so full after dinner!!

4. My little shopping spree I went on. I needed that big time.

5. This is definitely a bittersweet thing, but I'm relieved that my guinea pig, Ruffles doesn't have to endure any more pain. Sadly this week she passed away. Over the last couple of weeks I could definitely see a decline in her health and it broke my heart to see her not like herself. I miss her terribly already (guinea pigs are seriously the best). But I'll never ever forget the amazing three years she spent with us after being a rescue guinea pig.

Sephora Gift Card Haul

Hi there!

For Christmas my aunt gave me a gift card to Sephora, which was pretty much like having a second Christmas in my book. See, I usually buy my higher-end stuff from Ulta because I like their rewards point system better (although, maybe it's just the Ulta stores in my area, but I always seem to come across the snottiest employees, so I definitely don't visit there for the customer service or their coupon policy), so I don't get to play around with brands such as NARS or some of the other awesome stuff at Sephora.

I knew coming into Sephora that I really wanted some new face products. As much I love the Garner BB cream for combination/oily skin, I know deep inside that the shade is just too dark and yellow for me. And I really wanted to dabble in some higher-end stuff while I could.

After talking to a makeup artist and getting my skin color matched with their new computer program (seriously, I have no clue how it works, but it was beyond cool to watch), she recommended for me the Stila CC Cream. She matched me to the lightest shade, which I would have never thought would match me, but I think it looks pretty good.

In all honestly, I had never heard of it before. In a week or so I'll give a better first look at it, but so far I really like it.

I also picked up some more face powder (she recommended the Sephora brand, which I'm kinda skeptical about, but I'm too lazy to drive to MAC to pick up more of the Studio Fix powder).

Two total random things I never intended on buying were the Josie Maran Bear Naked nail polish removing wipes and Deborah Lippmann's Daytripper. The wipes called me because they have polar bears and peppermint scent and Daytripper is a color I've been lusting over for just about two or three years.

Overall, I thought it was a successful trip to Sephora.

And in case that wasn't enough shopping, I then went to Ulta to do some more damage. I had triple rewards points for the week, and I couldn't pass that down (why does it seem every time I actually have a good coupon or deal at Ulta, is when I don't need to buy anything? I think they plan this...).

 

 

I needed a new Urban Decay De-Slick spray really bad, so  picked up another full-size one.

 

Everything else I got was just truly impulse shopping and the promise of 3x reward points.

 

They had Body Shop lip balms 50% off, so I got this set of three (coconut, shea butter, and mango flavors) for $6.99. Which means that I essentially got 2 of them free, which is awesome.

 

And this Too Faced Beauty Blogger kit totally called me. Mostly because it has a sample of the Chocolate Soleil bronzer and the Better than Sex mascara. First of all, if something promises to smell like chocolate, you know I'll be all over it. Second, I love mascara. And I love products with kind of dirty names (one of the main reasons why I own the two NARS blushes that I do, although the colors are definitely worth it even if they weren't named anything raunchy). And I love samples. So I snatched this up fast.

 

Finally, I picked up this Real Techniques blush brush because I've heard amazing things about their brushes and thought this was a good place to start.

 

 

Last but not least, I had to pick up a new floral/fruity body wash. And Victoria's Secret always comes through for me.

 

 

 

 

I'd say it was a successful trip. I love trying out new things and I think I have a lot of great new options.

 

Have you gone shopping recently? Let me know if there's any products I should try out? 

 

Manicure of the Week: Turquoise and Caicos

Hi guys!

Thought I'd share with you this pretty color I've painted my nails this week:

Essie's Turquoise and Caicos!

Overall, I think it's a really pretty color. I've tried wearing this a number of times, and honestly I always have a little trouble getting it to apply right. This time I had less problems, but it's still kind of sheer for my liking, despite two coats. But I love aqua nails and this is my favorite shade of them (although Essie First Timer is my favorite greenish/aqua color of all time).

What are you wearing on your nails this week? Do you like painting your nails with seasonal color or do you just wear what you want, despite of season? I feel like I try too hard to match my nails to season instead of wearing whatever I like.

Bookshelf Daydreaming

Hey everyone!

Moving back home for my student teaching is a little bit of a transition. It's hard from living sorta independently to being back home with my family, in my childhood room. I mean, going from a full size bed to a twin is kinda not fun. No matter how my mom tries to spin it.

But one of the fun things is decorating my room at home. Changing out things and making it more exciting and new is pretty cool.

And one of the things that I'm kind of contemplating these days is investing in a new bookcase. See, I have a cheap Walmart one in my room right now. And it's kind of in the phase where it has a lot of old books on it, some new things, and isn't really where I want it to be right now.

I've always loved Ikea's bookcases, particularly the Hemnes glass front bookshelf. I think it's gorgeous. Unfortunately, it's a little pricey.

Hemnes

The more affordable option, the Borgsjo is pretty cool too.



Borgsjo

The thing that I like about these shelves is that they offer glass fronts, so dust isn't as bad. And they have doors so I can store lots of ugly books and cluttery things.

What do you say? Do you think it's worth the investment? And which shelf do you like better? I love love love the looks of the Hemnes one. But I do like how deep the drawers are on the Borgsjo shelf.

Student Teaching Wardrobe Staples

Well today is the day.

For first day with students for my student teaching! I'm excited and so nervous!

If you are a fellow education major or student teacher or even teacher, you might know how hard the transition from dressing like a college student to dressing like a teacher can be. And expensive!

Being in a sorority definitely helped a lot since our meetings were usually business casual, but I was kind of surprised last semester in my practicum (where I was in the classroom 2 days a week and taking classes on my college campus the other two days) just how hard it is dressing like a teacher! I don't mean that in an "it's so hard to dress classy" sort of way. I meant it's hard to have clothes that work for your life outside the elementary classroom and for the rest of your life. Because as a college student, money is hard to come buy. Especially right now for me with less than $20 in my bank account.

Anyway, I thought I'd share a few of my teaching staples with you. These are things I relied on heavily last semester and things I pretty much assume will be super important to me again this semester student teaching.

The Diva Pants, Essie Chinchilly, Portofino shirt, Mossimo Flats, Pink V-Neck, Infinity Scarf, Vera Bradley Tote

Old Navy The Diva Skinny Ankle Pants

So I'm only 4 foot 11, which means that the only things more impossible than finding jeans to fit, is trying to find dress pants. I don't think people truly realize how frustrating shopping for dress pants is for shorter people. I mean, petites don't even fit me, with the pants legs pretty much sweeping the floor. But when I found these pants from Old Navy, I pretty much rejoiced. First of all, they are skinny leg. Which if you didn't know, skinny leg is great for girls that are short because I think it lengthens the leg, and can be rolled up to look cute, and can even be altered easier. Plus they don't look like monsters attached to your legs are trying to eat your feet. These pants are great, pretty affordable, and come in a ton of different colors and prints. They look adorable with flats and are great even for riding boots.

Essie Chinchilly

Always a nail polish favorite of mine, I had to include Chinchilly in this round-up of staples. Why? Because I think it's the perfect go-to nail polish for every occasion and every season. It looks classy and professional, but it's a ton more fun than a baby pink or a plain nail. It's literally the most perfect gray-purplely neutral color.

Express Portofino Shirts

If you have any reason to dress up at all, and don't own at least one of these shirts, you are seriously missing out. Thanks to a few of my sorority sisters, I found this shirt this past fall and have seriously fallen in love. Why? Because they shirts are not only super cute and fashionable, but they are also great for professional settings. They come in a million different colors and prints, and while they are a little pricey, they usually are offered Buy One Get One 50% off. Some are a little see through (the lighter colors), so for those you'll want to wear a tank and probably a cardigan over (which is super cute!). They are super cute with the Old Navy pants and riding boots. It's a staple outfit for me for teaching.

Mossimo Ona Flats

If the pants issue wasn't already frustrating enough, I have tiny feet. In fact, most of my shoes are from the children's section. So you can imagine how hard it is to find teaching appropriate shoes that are also comfy. But I finally found them in this flat. I love my leopard flats and hope to get more in the future. Plus they are really affordable too.

Victoria's Secret Pink Essential V-Neck

You might be scratching your head at this one, but one of my favorite outfits to wear for teaching involves these tees. First, they are super comfy and come in a million colors. Second, they look absolutely amazing with an infinity scarf and a cardigan. It's amazing how this combination of tee, scarf, and cardigan look like you worked all morning on an outfit when it really only took five minutes. The Target Boyfriend tees are also great too.

Cute Infinity Scarves

The best advice I can give student teachers is to invest in a ton of infinity scarves. Buy plain ones, floral ones, polka dot ones, animal print ones, and at least one in every color. I'm serious. Because not only do these instantly elevate an outfit from boring to amazing, but they also make tops like the Pink V-necks appropriate in a school setting. I think this one from Nordstrom's is adorable! If I can recommend one though, I'd say you for sure need a black one. I seriously can wear mine at least once a week.

Cute Teaching Tote

Of course I had to include a Vera Bradley tote. I think it's really important to have a cute teacher tote bag to carry notebooks, your lunch, and whatever other necessities you have. I have two of these Vera totes and love them a lot. I choose this smaller version rather than the big Vera style because I'm shorter and the big one looks like it's trying to eat me. I also like that this one is more affordable, especially if you hit big sales on clearance ones.

What are your favorite clothes to wear when you need to be a bit more dressy?

First Impressions of Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara

I love mascara.

That should come no surprise to you since most of my blog makeup reviews are about mascara.

And it shouldn't surprise you either that today I'm going to share my first impressions about one of the most talked about affordable mascaras out there: Jordana Best Lash Extreme.

This is one of the most recommended mascaras if you search the internet. I honestly had never heard about it until recently, but the reviews online basically promised the world when it came to this mascara. Not only is it $2.99 at Kmart and Walgreens, but it also apparently performs nothing short of miracles on eyelashes. All for $2.99 from a brand that I would be kind of skeptical buying from.

Don't get me wrong. I like good deals and drugstore makeup, but sometimes you got to wonder if these things really work or if they'll make your eyes break out with pink eye or something crazy.

Anyway, I found it at Kmart, hidden away beside the NYC line. There were three mascaras left, so that made me feel a little bit better that it hadn't been sitting on the shelf for the last five years.

The promise from Jordana about this mascara is nothing out of the ordinary. It promises:

-Immediate Extreme Volume
-Buildable Formula without Clumping
-Long-Lasting Power

Actually, that might be the least amount of promises ever from a makeup brand about a mascara. Usually they promise everything just short of filing your taxes and washing your car for you.

So let's get into my first impressions:

Packaging:

The packaging is simple. It's a straight rounded tube that's purple and black. It may be the simplest packaging aside from the Elf Mineral Infused Mascara I used awhile back. When I first say it, I honestly had no clue what to expect.

The brush too is simple It's just a natural bristle that's nothing out of the ordinary. I can't really compare it to any others, but it's medium size. Nothing too big or too small or too fancy.

I can't take away points for the plain packaging. In fact, compared to some really obnoxious over the top mascara packagings out there (seriously the Flame Out is just awful in my opinion), it's great.

And the brush is good too. Just straight forward. I like that a lot.

The Look:

This promises extreme volume. And I think you can say that it delivers. In just one swipe through, it has built volume. I haven't seen this time of easy volume in the Falsies, Voluminious Million Lashes, or even Benefit's Bad Gal Lash. It just goes on super duper black and very easily. I just love how fast it builds. You have to watch it though, because if you get like me and just get greedy and swipe a million times through, your lashes can get heavy and kind of clumpy. Just to give you a warning, I love spidery lashes. That's because I love drama and length. I'm not so much a defining, feathery lash sort of person. And that's why I love this mascara so far. It lengths, adds volume, and defines in every way that I love.

 

 

I also must admit that I love mascaras that are kind of crusty and hard on my lashes. Why? I find they smudge less, hold up to my watery eyes better, and I just like feeling my mascara on them. And that's something that this stuff does. And with the help of my Clean and Clear makeup dissolving wipes, comes off very easily at the end of the day.

Final Thoughts:

If you have a Kmart or Walgreens near by, and like trying mascara, I say just do it. It's only $2.99 and if you like it, great. If you don't...well it's only a few dollars. I love this stuff. It could even become an all time favorite.

Do you love mascara reviews? Well I have a ton of them! Check out these others: L'Oreal Voluminious Million Lashes Excess, The Rocket vs. Clump Crusher, L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black, Telescopic Shocking Extensions, and Benefit They're Real!    

My Top 13 Beauty Favorites of 2013

Happy 2013!

I hope you had a great holiday season and are excited for the new year. I personally am kind of shock just by how fast time has flown. I can't believe that my last semester on a college campus is over. I can't believe that in less than a week I'll be student teaching. And I definitely can't believe that (hopefully) in a few months I'll be graduating from college.

Anyway, hopefully I can get back on the blogging bandwagon a little bit more. Being sick and moving back home definitely have made the last month a little bit stressful.

But anyway, I thought it would be fun to take a look at my beauty favorites from 2013. A lot of them I've mentioned a lot, but a couple may be new. 

Country Chic, Makeup Wipes, Stila Kitten, Makeup Wipes, Eyelash Curler, Essie Lollipop, Cover Girl Ink It, Naked Basics, MAC Studio Fix, Urban Decay DeSlick, Orly Rage, Cat Eyes Mascara, Voluminious Million Lashes Excess, L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Shampoo and Conditioner

Bath and Body Works Country Chic

Since this scent was released a few years ago, this has been hands down my favorite. I adore this scent. I included a picture of the old packaging because I haven't purchased the new packaging yet and also because I like the old one better (seriously, sunflowers don't really relate to this scent at all). I love that it's fresh, floral, and even has a hint of lemon. I love ever yform of this scent. When I was trying to think of a scent that represents this year, and the year before, and the year before, it's this one without a doubt.

Clean and Clear Makeup Dissolving Wipes

I can't say it enough, but I love these wipes. They are amazing. I really don't know how I lived my life without these in it. I love the Simple wipes and the Equate ones, but they aren't even in the same league as these Clean and Clear ones. These take off the hardest to remove mascaras (in my collection that is Benefit's They're Real). They don't break me out, they don't have a funny smell, and they don't burn my eyes. Try these out, especially if you like taking off every speck of makeup.

Stila Kitten

This was an eyeshadow that a year ago I was lusting over and debating if it was worth the hefty pricetag. A year later, I wish I would have purchased it sooner. This is without a doubt, my favorite all over the lid color. It's the most stunning shade I've ever used. I love champagne pink colors, and this one beats Urban Decay's Sin, MAC's Jest and Naked Lunch, and my Cover Girl Shimmering Sands palette. I think I wore this color more than half of the days this year. Considering how much I like changing my look, I think that says a whole lot.

Tarte Eyelash Curler

Although I think it's not available with the Aztec print any more, this Tarte eyelash curler has been amazing for me this year. I think eyelash curlers are one of those tools that you don't put much thought into unless they are failing you. In 2012 I used at least four different curlers, mostly because they didn't work for me. But since April I've used this one from Tarte religiously and it's worked great. It doesn't pinch or hurt. It's easy to clean. And it's adorable. Plus the refill pads online are $1! How nice is that?

Essie Lollipop

Now this is a newer favorite, but without a doubt I've determined that this is the perfect red for me. I don't know about you, but finding the perfect red nail polish is like the Amazing Race. It's literally one of the most trying and exhausting hunts you can ever go on. At least if you are me. I found this in December and bought it honestly on a whim. But you know I love a nail polish when I use it more than once. Especially if it's consecutively. There's something about this polish that makes it better than all the other Essie's I've ever used. The formula doesn't get sticky or dry. The brush is fantastic. It's like a new brand of polish masquerading as an Essie polish (don't get me wrong, Essie is probably my favorite. But this one is like liquid gold). Essie describes this color as a candy cane red, which is probably why this color was my Christmas red I chose for the holidays this year.

Cover Girl Ink It! in Black Ink

Where do I begin with this eyeliner? I have no clue. Because no matter what I say about it, I don't think it can fully describe how much I love this stuff. It's a drugstore liner that (at Walmart and probably Target) you can get under $5. And it's amazing. It's black. It's easy to work with. It stays put. And did I mention it was cheap? And doesn't involve sharpening? And that I love it? Seriously, if you like mechanical eye pencils, try this one out. It doesn't disappoint.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

This, like the Stila Kitten, was something that I debated for a really long time about getting. That's because my Naked palettes are really things that I reach for that often. But since I bought this back in April, I've been obsessed with it. For most of 2013, I found myself using at least 3 shades daily (that's half the palette!). And it looks like I've barely made a dent in it. My favorite look this year was Kitten across the lid, Naked 2 blending in the crease, and Faint in the outer corner. Then I would take Foxy and use that as a highlight. I did that every day from April to December. You know you love a look when you do it almost every day for 8 months.

MAC Studio Fix Powder

This was definitely a summer staple for me. I was afraid of this powder because of it being allegedly cakey and heavy. But it literally was a lifesaver for me in the summer. Because of the heat and humidity, I hate wearing BB creams and anything liquidy on my face. So this powder provided coverage (up to medium coverage actually) that would last no matter what. Now I use this to set my Garnier BB cream and it still is amazing. I hit pan a few months ago and I know the second I run out, I'll buy another because I can't live without this powder.

Urban Decay De-Slick

In 2012 whenever I saw people raving or using this spray I'd usually scoff about how they paid $29 for water to dilute their high-end foundations. But this year I found that this spray is a lifesaver. It rids me of needing primer (which I think are the most pointless products ever by the way). It makes my face matte and refreshed and works great with the MAC Studio Fix powder. I've repurchased this at least 4 times and I probably will again here in the next week or two.

Orly Rage

Like I mentioned earlier, when I use a nail polish consecutively, I love it. A lot. I've used this at least five times in the last two months. I love the rose gold of this polish and it's staying power. It's so pretty!

Maybelline Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara

I think it's common knowledge here on my blog that I love this stuff. First, the packaging is adorable. It's yellow and has a leopard print. How perfect could it be? Second, I love the wand. It's pretty much my favorite wand of whole time for both top and bottom lashes. Third, this mascara makes my lashes so defined, black, and works great at the corners of my eyes. I really don't understand the poor reviews of this mascara because in my opinion it beats the Falsies, the Rocket, and countless others so easily!

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess

I'm a sucker for L'Oreal mascaras, especially the Voluminous Million Lashes kind. What I loved about this mascara was how quickly and easily it built up. I love the false lashes effect and this definitely did it. Plus it had great staying power and cute packaging.

L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Shampoo and Conditioner

Back in October I tried these on a whim. They had the travel sizes in the dollar spot at Target and I decided I want to try something new. Thankfully I decided that, because I love this stuff. I thought I loved Suave Moroccanoil, but it doesn't even compare to the amazingness of these. I love how soft, smooth, shinny, and manageable it makes my poofy and frizzy hair. Plus it smells good. And it's affordable. And that it doesn't build up in my hair at all. Which is really nice since my hair can get greasy kind of easily.

So those were my favorites of the year. When I was doing this, I kept asking myself, if something happened to them, would I repurchase them? And with every single one of them, it was a definite yes. And most of them I have already repurchased (the makeup wipes, Kitten, the mascaras, Country Chic, and De-Slick). What were your favorites of 2013? Are there any products you are looking forward to trying for 2014?