Review: Cover Girl Stay Fabulous 3-1 Foundation

Hey guys!

It was within the last month I finally became brave enough to not only try out a full coverage foundation, but to try a drugstore one at that.

I've heard great things about Cover Girl's 3-1 Foundation, especially for people with oily skin, so I decided this was the one I wanted to try.

Let's just say that I loved this stuff at first. It seriously gives the most natural full coverage face. It lasted at least 10 to 12 hours, and definitely had a powdery finish, perfect for my oily skin.

Everything about it is amazing, except for two things:

1.) The color selection is truly awful. In MAC I'm a C3. I'm definitely on the fair side, but I have a slight yellow undertone. Not orange. Not pink. Yellow. This foundation refuses to believe that anyone could be anything other than orange or pink. Everything was way too orange or pink. I went through four colors until finally deciding that 810 (Classic Ivory) was the best match I could get, but it still wasn't great.

2.) This broke me out like you wouldn't believe. At first it was all fine and dandy. And then four (4!!!!!) huge zits all popped out at once. One was the size of a nickel. I couldn't believe it. I've spent almost all of February and March trying to get my skin back to normal. But a couple of weeks ago I wanted to try it out again...thinking maybe it was a face wash or something else that caused it. And proceeded to get another 2 pimples.

Needless to say, I've given up with this foundation. It's not worth the breaking out and it bums me out that they don't offer a yellow toned version of fair.

That being said, if you have any recommendations for a medium-full coverage foundation that doesn't break you out and is great for oily skin, let me know. Drugstore or high-end would be great!

It Cosmetics CC Cream Review

Hi guys!

A little while back, I decided I wanted to try some new face products. I tried the Stila CC Cream and the Smashbox one, but neither were products that I truly fell in love with. Stila's hardly provided coverage and the Smashbox one was still a little light for what I wanted (and the fair shade seemed a tad yellow on me...).

So because of the amazing reviews of the It Cosmetics CC Cream, I wanted to give it a try. At $38, it was an investment that I really needed to think about. But, it's at Ulta, which is a good thing because I think they have a much better rewards program (I got this product for $30 because I cashed in $8 worth of points). And occasionally they offer coupons that can be used on anything.

Ulta

Let's just jump right in with what I think about this stuff.

First off, I love the packaging. I love the fact that it has a pump but is still a tube. It makes it really easy to deal with. There's not much else to comment, but it feels substantial and I think sometimes that's all you can ask.

Moving on, this product guarantees everything just short of the kitchen sink:

"Why did IT Cosmetics create this product: To finally give women an all-in-one multi-tasking beauty miracle that truly gives full, flawless, perfect coverage, protects your skin with SPF 50+ from the harmful rays of the sun and is clinically proven to improve skin texture and hydration. IT Cosmetics worked with plastic surgeons to develop a multi-tasking correcting cream that is true scientific breakthrough. It's packed with anti-aging ingredients that is clinically proven to improve skin and works on all ages, that doesn't crease or crack!"

Guys, that's promising a lot out of a CC Cream. Not only is this SPF 50, but it's supposed to give me anti-aging benefits, serve as a primer, moisturizer, and full coverage foundation, and works on everyone. Wow.

Now, I think if you compare this product to what it claims, it will fail. Nothing can live up to a description like that.

You can see a tad of redness, a little bit of scarring, but overall I'd say it's a good medium coverage. An hour into wearing it.

This is after 10 hours of wear.

Honestly, I think this is the best CC/BB Cream I've used. Without a doubt. It feels nice, it isn't too oily or dry. I have some dry patches that it of course clings to and I have oily patches that don't go out of control. I've found that to make this product successful, I need to do three things:

1. Use a beauty blender. Forget fingers and brushes. They will leave this product clinging in the weirdest ways possible. The Beauty Blender is the only way to go.

2,) Moisturize. I have oily skin, and I still need to moisturize because this. stuff. will. cling.

3.) Use a primer. Because the staying power is about 6-8 hours...with Smashbox Photo Finish Light. Though I'll admit, when this wears off, it isn't like "OMG my face just melted off and I look like a beast." It actually still looks nice, but I can definitely see my redness and scars poking through.

But, I think it feels great on the skin, looks great (especially with a good concealer). And I think it smells like lemon cheesecake in a non-obnoxious way. More in a subtle fresh way.

I think your best bet is seeing it in person when it comes to color. Both the makeup artist and I thought I'd be light and it was kind of dark on me, so I had to get fair. The light was really yellow toned and the fair is much more neutral colored.

Will I repurchase? I think so, at least I'm 80 % sure. I really like it a lot. It beats the Stila and Smashbox versions hands down.

Check out a few of my other latest posts: MAC Haul/First Impressions, Covergirl Foundation Review, Guide to Oily Skin, My Everyday Makeup Storage, and my Nail Polish Collection.

Review of Smashbox CC Cream

Hey guys!

Let me just say, it seems like within the next month, my life is going to just explode. I have this big capstone project (the biggest and final of my career) due on April 14, and right now my entire life revolves around trying to make it work as well as dealing with all the stresses of state testing and getting the students to actually pay attention to me instead of wishing it was spring break.

But anyway, in between preparing lessons and sleeping, I've been testing some new face products. One of those is the Smashbox CC Cream. This was recommended to me by a makeup artist and Sephora and I've been trying it out for a couple of weeks, so I thought I'd share my thoughts with you.

As you've probably heard, CC creams are great for people with problems with redness and dark spots. They offer a little bit more coverage than a BB cream, but are still usually a light to medium buildable coverage.

According to Sephora, this Smashbox CC Cream is supposed to be a color correcting cream that "fades imperfections, even complexion, and prevents future discoloration." It has SPF 30, supposed to be lightweight, neutralizes and brightens skin, as well as primes, perfects, and protects. It adds moisture without creating extra oil.

My Thoughts:

Overall, I think this is a pretty good product. It feels pretty nice on my skin (by the way, this month I've been STRUGGLING with combination skin, both insanely oily with dry patches around my nose and chin). I find that toward the end of the day, it can get a little oily (what doesn't?) and it can cling to dry patches as well. But it is lightweight and doesn't make me feel like my face is caked with makeup.

I'd say this is a light to medium coverage, but very buildable. One thing that I have noticed, is that after wearing for about 15-18 hours, this can still be on my face in some of my less oily places. I'm shocked that it lasts that long for just a CC cream. Of course, in my red areas, I do notice it starts to wear in the 6-8 hour area, but that's pretty decent.

This is after about 10 hours of wear

It covers my redness pretty well without any concealer, and I usually just wear some powder over it. I do use a primer underneath, because I find that it really clung to my dry spots without that. I also use a moisturizer and apply this with a Beauty Blender to make sure that I didn't get any of those awful patches. This definitely applies patching and awful if you don't blend it in well.

I haven't noticed any long term skin benefits, but I've been using it two weeks, so it's tough telling on that. I wear the color fair and I think it might be a smidgen yellow on me, but I think it blends pretty well into my skin color.

However, I do think $42 for 1 oz of product is ridiculously steep. I'm not sure if I'll repurchase just because of that fact alone. But I am enjoying it right now and I'm going to continuing using it in a rotation with other products. Is it better than the Stila CC Cream? Yes, without a doubt. I think it offers much better coverage and feels so much better on the skin.

Have you tried out the CC Cream rage or do you think it's too gimmicky? Also check out my Stila CC Cream review too.

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? 

 

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?

Summer Park Meadows Haul

Hey everyone!

My summer school classes finally wrapped up, but I’ve been super busy getting my life together and starting summer in between. But I did manage to sneak in some time and visit a dear friend and do some major shopping recently.

Pretty much all the stores I bought stuff from are ones that I only get to visit a couple times a year, if that. I seriously wish I lived closer to these (maybe it’s a good thing though?). Anyway, let's take a look at some of the fun things I got!

 

 

My friend and I went to the Vera Bradley pajama party launch, and the first 50 or so guests got a free reusable shopping bag! So that was fun to get! I also picked up the set of three cosmetic bags in Summer Cottage. It was 40% off and I really couldn't help it! I think the set of three cosmetic bags are not only cute, but super practical for traveling and makeup storage! Plus the colors are perfect for the 4th of July! (I adore the little daisies on them as well!)

I also shopped around at Lush a little. I had been in Lush only once before, and after sniffing around, I wasn't really impressed. But I decided to try out some products at the recommendations of the salesgirls there. I picked up American Cream Conditioner, Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo, and Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face mask. So far I've tried all these products out and I'd say I liked them pretty well for a first impression!
 

Then I went to Urban Outfitters and picked up a couple more of the BDG V-neck tees. I love the prints on them and I think they are so cute for summer! Both have floral prints and I can't wait to wear them.

And inside Forever 21 I picked up a brush I was eyeing a while back in my monthly lusts post and a little bow necklace that was only $1.80. I don't know if other people feel the same way, but I absolutely hate shopping in the store at Forever 21. I get way too overwhelmed with everything there.



 

Finally what's a trip to the mall without stopping to look at some makeup at MAC and Sephora? At Sephora I decided to finally invest in a nice bronzer (Tarte's Park Avenue Princess) and I got decided I wanted to try Tarte's blushes then many people rave about them. The makeup artist suggest I try Dazzled (which is described as a soft rose/kind of plum shade). So far I really liked both!

I also stopped by the MAC store and picked up another Technakohl eyeliner, which I'm almost out of. I also picked up a couple of eyeshadows in Jest(the one on left and wedge, the one on the right). So I'm excited to try those out!

So overall it was a fun trip and I can't wait to go back!

 

 

 

May Favorites

 

Hi guys!

It’s that time again for my monthly favorites!  



 

EssieCome Here, Essie's First Timer, S Factor Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner, Summertime S'mores Candle, MAC Studio Fix Powder, L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black, Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh rollerball, True Blue Spa Shea CashmereHand Cream, Urban Decay De-Slick, MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul, Simple Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Essie's Come Here

This is part of the new Resort collection (along with First Timer below) and this is pretty much my new nail polish obsession. This was actually the color that I wasn't going to get. I knew I wanted First Timer and In the Cab-ana, but this color was one I went back and forth on. I'm so glad I picked it up though, because it's the most gorgeous coral-red color I've ever worn! You know when you are wearing nail polish and you keep admiring your nails? Yeah, that was me with Come Here. 

Essie's First Timer

So I was on the search for the Resort Collection just because of this color. I'm currently in love with mints and turquoises and this looked absolutely perfect. However, nowhere had it! I went to 3 Ultas in three different cities (Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs), and they were sold out. Targets weren't carrying them (at the time, now of course they have them). But one day when I was across town, I spotted a Walgreens I don't normally go to and thought I'd take a look. They had it! I was so happy! And thankfully after all that searching, this color was perfect! I love it and think it's the perfect color for spring and summer time. 

S Factor Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner

Guys, I have a new favorite shampoo and conditioner! I love this stuff so much! First of all, it smells amazing! Like strawberries or some sort of really sweet amazing fruit! It's literally the best smelling shampoo and conditioner I've ever smelled. Besides the amazing smell, it makes my hair super smooth and silky, which is awesome for summer and whenever I want to wear my hair straight. I'm so in love with this. Unfortunately it pretty much costs an arm and a leg, but at Ulta you can get this buy 2 get 1 free, so I also got the smoothing lusterizer too, which is also amazing when it comes to easing away freeze and making my hair extra smooth. I'm so in love with this!

Bath and Body Works Summertime S'mores Candle

I love the new summer candle line from Bath and Body Works (Watermelon lemonade and Strawberry Picnic are amazing!), but this candle is definitely my favorite! I love Marshmallow Fireside, a candle that usually appears in the fall, so it was nice to get my  hands on this to enjoy earlier in the summer. It smells so sweet and amazing!

MAC Studio Fix Powder

So I found my go to summer face product! I had been using the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, but I wanted a little heavier coverage. Plus my skin has been majorly oily lately so I wanted to try this out. I love it! In combination with my Urban Decay De-Slick spray, this gives me fantastic coverage, stays all day long. Even without touchups! I love it! It hasn't broken me out either, which is awesome! I know people aren't always huge fans of powder foundation, but I think if you have oily skin, it's a summer must!

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black 

As I reviewed previously, this is my current mascara favorite. I love how full, voluminous, and defined it makes my lashes. I also love how it builds effortlessly and quickly too. No clumps or goopiness either, which is even better. I can definitely see this becoming a go-to mascara in my collection for a long time. 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Rollerball

It was like Christmas the other day. I was unpacking my perfume and when I went to remove my bottle of Daisy perfume, I found two rollerballs and a lotion! I knew that I got a big set for my birthday, but I had forgotten all that I got a rollerball in Daisy Eau So Fresh, a perfume that I have been lusting over lately! It was the best discovery ever! I love this scent a lot. It's lighter, fresher, and I think even more floral-y than the original Daisy and so perfect for spring and summer!

Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Hand Cream

My hands have been ridiculously dry lately and it seems like I have tried every lotion out there and nothing changes. So I went to the old standby Shea Cashmere line that I love at Bath and Body Works. I love the scent of this line and seriously, it's the only lotion I can stand because it doesn't feel oily or heavy at all. I bought the little mini travel size, but I'll probably be running out to buy the full size body lotion soon.

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray

I absolutely love this stuff! I recently wrote a first impressions post about De-Slick and raved about it. It has worked wonders for my oily skin and my makeup, as well as for my new favorite powder from MAC. I honestly didn't believe in makeup setting sprays before trying this, but I love it! I've even already repurchased one for when I run out!


MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

This is my first MAC blush and I'm very impressed. Not only is the color absolutely beautiful and perfect for summer, but it's also extremely long-lasting. I think it's the perfect summer blush color!

Simple Eye Makeup Remover Pads

I've been really loving these little pads to remove my eye makeup. They are great at removing every inch of mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, without making my eyes burn or water. That's a huge thing, let me tell you! Seriously, you should try these!

Check out my May Lusts and my April Favorites too!
 

 

Urban Decay De-Slick First Impression

Hi guys!

If you remember a post last month about a tiny Ulta haul, you saw that I picked up the Urban Decay De-Slick setting spray on a whim as I was standing in the check out. That day my oily skin was going crazy (lots of humidity) and I wanted to try anything that promised to fix it.


De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray

Admittedly, it wasn’t until about a week or two ago that I opened it up and started using it. But I thought with the weather getting warmer, and oily skin out there getting worse and worse, it would be interesting to write some of my first impressions down.

From Sephora:

"Oily skin has met it's match! De-Slick mists on weightlessly to control oil, deflect surface shine, and keep skin looking beautifully matte. High-tech ingredients help keep foundation, shadow, and blush from smudging, sliding, or fading-so you hardly ever need to touch up...It actually lowers temperature of your makeup and helps it stay put and keep skin looking smooth, but never shiny."

At first you might be asking yourself what the heck they are talking about. I mean, when I first heard of this stuff about a year ago, I decided it must be glorified water that people are paying $30 for (or in my case since I bought the travel size, $14).

But lots of people swear by this, both for oil control and for makeup setting, so I figured desperate times call for desperate measures.

First off, let me just say that I'm SO happy they changed their packaging. I don't know about you, but if something is in ugly packaging, I'm not really tempted to purchase it. And the old bottle wasn't very appealing to me. But the new one looks sleek, clean, and a lot less...crazy.

So how this spray works is basically you shake it up well, then spray it over your skin in the pattern of an X and T. You can spray your skin anywhere between 2 and 4 times.

If you are wondering how I use it, here's the breakdown:

-Before I put on any makeup, I spray all over like they describe, the X and T pattern.

-I wait 1-3ish minutes until it dries.

-Then I put on my face makeup on (usually I just wear powder). Sometimes I put primer on afterward, but I prefer it actually without primer. If you use a liquid foundation/BB cream/tinted moisturizer and also wear powder, spray after powder.

-Then I apply my blush, although I've put the blush on after my second application. I'm not sure which I prefer, but the bottle says to apply the blush first.

-I spray all over again in the X and T pattern.

-Then I do my eye makeup!

So it's not super hard and doesn't make my makeup application take too much longer thankfully!

After about two weeks of wear, what do I think?

I love it!

It works with my powder fantastically! It makes it stay on forever, shine free, less oily feeling, and while making it look significantly less caked on. It's so natural and nice looking!

Plus it's great for summer because you know how it claims to reduce the surface temperature of your skin? Yep, it does that. It feels so nice!

And I used to get only about 4 hours out of my powder. Now? I get easily 6 hours if not more! During 70-80 degree weather! Plus rain!

It's completely eliminated the need for primers for me also, which is a bonus!

I tried the MAC Fix Plus for a day, and that made me so oily in comparison. So seriously, try out Urban Decay's De-Slick. And my tip for great application: make sure to use it before you apply your foundation! That's the key!

Seriously guys, this might just be my summer holy grail product!

What are your warm weather must-haves? Do you think setting sprays like De-Slick, All Nighter, and MAC Fix Plus work? Or are they just overpriced water?

 

A Trip to Ulta

Hi everyone!

Yesterday I went to Ulta for a sample of the Macadamia hair mask that I’ve been lusting over for pretty much forever. However, I didn’t just walk out of there with the sample.

I picked up some spring nail polishes from London Butter (these are the first from that brand I’ve ever bought, so hopefully they are as nice as everyone one says they are).

Fiver and Trout Pout

 

And I randomly picked up a travel size of Urban Decay’s De-Slick makeup setting spray. Hey, it was at the checkout and my face was oily. So I'd say I had a successful shopping trip. And I'll let you know what I think of the nail polish, the mask, and the Urban Decay De-Slick.

First Impressions of Cover FX Mattifying Primer

Hey guys!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been really struggling with two problems: oily skin and random pimples popping up on my chin. I’ve changed face washes, quit using BB cream, changed from the Up and Up makeup wipes to the Simple Ones to no avail. They are still there. Then I decided that it could be my primer I’m using (the ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer from Target). I picked this up at the beginning of the school semester, and I’ve been having trouble since about that time. It’d make sense I guess.

Recently I popped into Sephora to FINALLY purchase NARS Deepthroat (yay!). I know it’s been like ten years in the making. Anyway, while I was there, I made sure to scan everything. When one of the makeup artists came up and asked me if I had any questions, I asked her about face primers for oily skin, and she pointed out three of them, and this Cover FX MattifyingPrimer with Anti-Acne Treatment was one. She gave me samples of all three (which will also be here on the blog, this is just the first one I’ve started with).

Sephora

What intrigued me at first about this primer was the “anti-acne treatment” that is right in the title. I mean, with the breaking out, I’d been wanting to try some more spot treatments for my problem areas, and essentially this primer is one big spot treatment. It does have Salicylic Acid in it, which is what is in most acne washes/spot treatments. I’ve never heard of a primer or something having that, so I thought that was pretty darn cool.

Also I was interested in seeing how a primer made especially for oily skin would work. In my experience with primers, they all just seem like the anti-oily skin remedy. And I had never heard of Cover FX (I was thinking along the lines of Smashbox, Tarte, or Benefit for a primer). Another thing I was super excited about is the friendly skin properties of the ingredients. It has Willowbark extract and is without parabens and sulfates and other stuff that skin apparently hates.  

I used this primer for a little over a week (those samples sizes go far haha). Here is what I noticed.

• The smell. It definitely smells and feels like an acne spot treatment. If you hate this smell, you probably won’t like this primer. I don’t mind it, but I definitely notice it.

• It’s sticky when applying and hard to blend. Once again, I blame the acne treatment for this. But honestly, once it’s on my face it doesn’t feel sticky. It feels cool. And it is hard to blend, but I’d just advise go light in application and then reapply a tiny bit if you need more.

• Two days after using it, I noticed how glowing my skin looked without makeup on. It looked lovely! No new pimples. The old ones were fading away. And my skin didn’t feel as oily.

• The staying power with powder was around 4 hours (about normal).

• My chin was a little oily, but everything else was fantastically matte and not even heavy feeling. This was in weather that reached into the 60s-70s.

• My skin looked healthy, normal, small pores, no crazy discoloration. Just happy.

Overall I really like it! I haven’t tried the other two samples yet, but this could definitely be something I’d spend $38. I’ve never tried a high-end primer before though, so we’ll see. The price isn’t something that makes me happy (particularly for such a small amount). But if it makes my skin healthy, then I’d be all for it. Especially with the acne treatment.

Do you have a favorite high-end primer? Do you think primers are really necessary?

Here's my review of the Becca Ever-Matte Primer, another sample I picked up!

First Impression of the ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer

So recently I ran out of my Sephora perfecting face primer and I was stuck with my hands tied. I wanted to try something new (not that I didn’t like the Sephora one, which was pretty good for the $17 price), but I just wanted to explore more in the face primer world. Honestly, I haven’t always been sold on face primer. But I put it on anyway to help my face powder (the only type of foundation I have been wearing these days) stay longer and smoother and look like cakey.

Well, I was caught running out of primer without the time or the money to head to Sephora and Ulta to pick a Smashbox, Two Faced, or Tarte one. After some researching online, I decided to pick up the Elf Mineral Infused Face Primer. It was $6, a little bit pricier for something from Elf, but I was super excited to try it.

Packaging

The first thing I noticed about the primer was the fact the outside of the bottle was oily. Like it was leaking out of somewhere. That wasn’t pleasant. So I’ve already decided if I have to travel with it, I’m going to have to put it in a little baggie so the rest of my stuff isn’t coated in the primer as well. In terms of the rest of the packaging, I love the pump top. It’s really convenient to get the right amount (usually a pea size). I think the packaging just looks really classy and pretty for a drugstore product that costs $6.

Texture

The primer itself is a lot like the Sephora one I used previously, and much like what I assume the Smashbox primer is like. It’s the clear, silicone type that feels really silky and smooth (I have yet to try a cream like texture of a primer, so if you have tried both, let me know which one you like better!). It’s very smooth, however it has a more gel like texture than the Sephora. It’s not as silky, and I find I have to use slightly more when applying it to my face.

Wear

I’ve actually found that the Elf Mineral Infused Face primer is not as oily as the Sephora one. My face doesn’t feel as slick, it feels more matte. That’s a huge plus for me. I’m not sure about the wear out of it, but I’d say my powder stays on for about 3-4 before needing more application.

Overall Impression

So far I really like it! For the price, it really can’t be beat. The packaging is cute (I’m hoping the leaking is just this bottle) and it works in the same exact way as the Sephora version.

Have you ever tried this face primer? Or any others from the drugstore? Do you think face primers are important? 

Tarte's Smooth Operator Review

So almost over a month ago I purchased Tarte’s Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer from Sephora. I had heard pretty great stuff about it on Youtube and I had just fallen in love with the Lights, Camera, Lashes!, so I wanted to try it out. Plus, Smashbox’s BB Cream at the time wasn’t really clicking with me, and I wanted to try something new.

I went to Sephora, was color matched to Agent 08 (it’s for light complexions with pink undertones, but if you look at it, it’s a lot darker than some of the medium complexion colors. It’s definitely a product that I would go into Sephora or Ulta and look at, and one that I think you need to be matched by a makeup artist).

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According to Sephora’s website, Tarte’s Smooth Operator:

·         Is SPF 20

·         Oil-free

·         Light-to-Medium Coverage

·         It’s free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates

·         And has things in it that are supposed to make your skin look healthy and young

·         It’s 1.7 oz for $36

Here’s what I think:

Instantly compared to Smashbox’s BB cream, it was like fresh air. The cream is very light. And a little goes a long way. Unlike the BB cream, which felt like I needed more than a pea size to cover my face, Smooth Operator really only needs a pea size squeeze.

It’s easily blendable and doesn’t leave any steaks or anything funny. It has great coverage, very comparable to the BB cream, It doesn’t leave my oily skin any more oily, which was especially helpful in the 100 degree days of August. Like the BB cream, I noticed it left a sort of matte, powdery finish. I do cover my face up with my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural to reduce oil and shine, but I noticed the matte finish before that step.

Some reviews on Sephora’s site say that there’s glitter, but I’ve never noticed any. It has a great range of shades, unlike a lot of other BB creams or tinted moisturizers.

I absolutely love that Smooth Operator is $3 cheaper than the Smashbox BB Cream and offers .7 ounces more. I know, it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but anything that is cheaper and lasts longer is a plus.

I think it has great staying-power. I’d say on me, it’s about 8 hours or so, which is all I really ask out of my makeup.

The only thing that I dislike about this product, is that after using it, I’ve had about five or six more pimples. Which, considering my skin has been really clear the last 10 months, is a bit disappointing. As a result, I’ve just made sure to give my skin a day or two a week where I either don’t put on any face makeup, or just my powder, and that when I do wear this, I make sure to really clean my face off with my Neutrogena Night Calming Towelettes.

So would I repurchase? Yes! I love this tinted moisturizer and it’s one that I love! It’s cruelty free, natural, and the container is cute too! I absolutely love Tarte and I can’t wait to try more of their products!

Update: Now a couple months later, there are a few other things I've noticed about this tinted moisturizer. First, it seems to break me out after wearing it, no matter what. And not just a tiny little pimple. I got pretty much a quarter size one on my cheek, which was frustrating (and painful!!). So now I pretty much avoid it. I'd still be tempted to wear it when I'm looking for better coverage, but it's really not worth breaking out over.

Do you have a favorite face product? Ever tried any of Tarte’s other products, and if so, do you have recommendations?