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!

March Favorites

Hey guys!

I hope you had a great Easter! Mine was definitely a lot of fun! Here are my March favorites! Make sure to comment and tell me what things you are currently loving for spring!


1. Marc Jacobs Dot 2. Lilac Wallflower 3. L’OrealTelescopic Shocking Extensions 4. NARS Orgasm 5. Victoria’s Secret Vanilla Lace Body Wash 6. EssieMint Candy Apple 7. Organix Macadamia Oil Hair Mask

 

    Marc Jacobs Dot Perfume

I’ve had this since my birthday last September and I’ve loved it, but in March I found myself going to this almost every day. Plus I think the bottle is just the cutest thing ever. According to Sephora’s website, it has notes of red berries, dragonfruit, honeysuckle, jasmine, coconut water, orange blossom, vanilla, driftwood, and musk.

    Lilac Wallflower

I finally broke out my spring Wallflowers, and the first one I went to is Lilac. I love it. While I’d say it’s not as good as the real thing, it’s definitely fresh and pretty smelling.

L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara

In March this was definitely my go-to mascara. I love how long it makes my lashes! It’s easy to take off, doesn’t wear off or flake, and it super black and dramatic.

NARS Orgasm

With March officially bringing in Spring, I’ve been loving Orgasm as my go-to blush because it’s peachy, shimmering, and warm colored. It’s light and pretty and so wearable!

Victoria’s Secret Vanilla Lace Body Wash

I showed this in my Spring Haul post a few weeks ago and have loved it since. It’s sweet and perfume-y smelling. And it’s totally just like Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel. Only without the Christmas packaging.

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Everyone has been raving about this color for spring and I can see why. It’s the perfect mint color (with a cute name) and it wears extremely well. I love it, even though I was hesitant to buy it at first. It’s absolutely perfect for spring.

Organix Macadamia Oil Hair Mask

As you should know from all my monthly lust posts, I’ve wanted the Macadamia Hair Mask. However, I decided to try out this less expensive version first. While I wouldn’t say this is a holy grail product, it does make my hair soft and shiny and it smells really good!

High Five For Friday

Hey there!

I hope you’ve had a great week! I know I’m kinda sad to see this week end. It means snow (this weekend it’s supposed to not be so spring-ish), being back at school (can it be summer already? Nevermind, can I graduate already? I’m so done.), and getting back to the same chaotic routine that I call my life. I’m not exactly in the best mood, if you can’t tell haha. It's one of those times of year that I'm dreading the grind of school, I'm hating how busy my life is, and disliking the distance between my boyfriend and I. But anyway, this week has been amazing. Here are some highlights.

March Lusts

Hi again!

I thought once again I’d share some things that I’m lusting over this month. For me, I always find it really fun to have things that I’m excited about or striving to get, even if I never get them (ugh NARS Deepthroat blush haha). So here is a bunch of things that I’ve been eyeing this month!

1. Old Navy Scarf, 2. Lilac Blossom Candle, 3. WildPeach Poppies Shower Gel, 4. Go Wild Wallet, 5. Macadamia Hair Masque, 6. NARSDeepthroat, 7. Old Navy Eyelet Dress

1.      Old Navy Bird Scarf

On a recent trip to Old Navy, this scarf instantly caught my attention. The floral and the birds in the print are so cute and perfect for spring. I can’t decide though between the neutral gray one or this beautiful, striking blue version. Ugh, the choices!

2.     Bath and Body Works Lilac Blossom Candle

One of my all-time favorite scents, I’m definitely looking forward to getting the candle version of this. Nothing screams spring more to me, than lilacs (seriously, when I have a house, my backyard will have these bushes all over them!

3.     Bath and Body Works Wild Peach Poppies Shower Gel

There is something about poppies that instantly makes me happy. I just love those flowers, so it makes sense this shower gel caught my eye. This scent is like the perfect combination of fruity and flowery, so hopefully soon I can get my hands on this!

4.    Vera Bradley Turn Lock Wallet in “Go Wild”

My best friend in the entire world gave me a $10 gift card for Valentine’s Day for Vera, and when I saw this wallet the other day, I was very tempted to get it. I don’t own anything in Go Wild yet, but I love how this print is neutral, but super fun with the subtle leopard spots. So cute!

5.     Macadamia Deep Repair Masque

This was featured in last month’s lusts, and I’m still lusting away. What’s keeping me from buying this is definitely the price tag. It’s a little steep. But like I’ve said before, I’m in the process of trying to grow my hair out, so maybe that will help me finally just buy it. I’ve never smelled this product, but I just imagine it smelling amazing. If you have tried it, let me know if you’d recommend it!!

6.    NARS Deepthroat Blush

This blush is a given on my monthly lust posts. I’ve been lusting over this since last summer, and I’ve still yet to buy it.

7.    Old Navy Eyelet Dress

Old Navy’s spring stuff is just so cute! This dress caught my eye both online and in store. It’s super cute! I tried it on and everything, but couldn’t decide whether I wanted to make it mine or not. I love sundresses, and this is perfect for spring.

It's Me...With Bangs

 

Hi there!

Recently, I had been mulling over the idea of cutting my bangs (mostly thanks to Pinterest and my growing frustration with my chin-length bangs getting in the way). So I decided to take the plunge. At first I wasn’t so sure. But they are definitely growing on me.

Are you the type of person that hates making changes with your hair? Or can easily chop it off and grow it out without batting an eye? I'd say that I'm not too emotionally attached to my hair. Last summer I cut off easily four or five inches without shedding a tear. However, now I'm kinda wishing that I hadn't cut it haha.

L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara Review

Hey guys!

With all the new mascaras coming out in the drugstore, it seems like I’m in a constant state of trying things out, without a definite favorite. About a month ago, I picked up the L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions mascara because I saw some reviews of it on Youtube that made it look like pretty much like the best mascara ever. Knowing that in the past I have liked the L’Oreal mascara I had tried, I wanted to take a look at this.

The first thing I noticed about this mascara was the brush. I knew from watching videos, that it was going to be a tiny, skinny brush. But what surprised me, which pictures on places like Makeupalley don’t really show, is that the bristles are so far apart. Basically over half of the brush is made up blank space, which I instantly was turned off about. Plus, when I put into the mascara, it wouldn’t fully coat the brush in those blank spaces, which kind of irritated me as well. But I went ahead and tested it.

The first few times I used, I was so disappointed! What I got was nothing like what I saw on Youtube (huge long lashes and tons of volume). I got short, very darkly coated, clumpy lashes. Not so pretty. I was disappointed that it seemed to flake as well throughout the day. Deciding to go back to the Rocket or my Cat Eyes mascara, I ignored it for a few weeks before trying it again.

Oddly enough, I used it and got really long, pretty lashes! This doesn’t make sense! Why is it so inconsistent? I’d still say that it was on the clumpy side (seriously, you can get spider lashes fast with this formula, so be careful!). When it worked, it was really pretty. But when it doesn’t, it’s a huge miss.

Overall, would I buy this mascara again? Yeah, I probably would. I've noticed that the key to this mascara is to have your lashes really well curled before putting it on. If they aren't you will definitely struggle. But I love the long, dramatic look. I think the staying power is as decent as other non-waterproof versions for sale. And overall, there are definitely more difficult mascaras to use out there.

Here’s the breakdown:

 

Spring Haul!

Hi everyone!

A few days ago I went shopping and picked up some fun spring things that I would like to share with you! I don’t know about you, but I love shopping when the weather is nice. It just has such a happy feeling to it!

The first thing I picked up at my college's bookstore. I'd been eyeing these guys since they came out awhile back, but I couldn't justify spending the $11 on highlighters. However, this week I dediced I needed some nice spring highlighters, so I went for it. I absolutly love the ones in Go Wild, Jazzy Blooms, and Midnight Blues!

Later, I went to Victoria's Secret, which is always a huge downfall for me. I love that place so much. Recently, I heard some beauty guru talking about Vanilla Lace, which is a scent that I used to wear like back in early high school. Deciding that I wanted to try out something new, I bought the shower gel in it. What I didn't realize until I bought it, is that is smells so much like Vanilla Bean Noel from Bath and Body Works! Maybe that's why I liked it? But as I've mentioned before, I'm loving sweet smells,. and this is totally perfect! Plus, is it just me, or does Victoria's Secret shower gels leave a stronger scent behind that BBW?

 

Also at Victoria's Secret, I decided to buy a couple more of my favorite things in the entire world: their V-neck t-shirts. I love love love these guys. Not only are they super soft and comfy, but they always come in great colors (brights, neons, pale blushes, and essential colors like black). I can't say enough great things about them. I love layering them under a cardi and with a scarf, for a simple cute outfit. I'd been wanting a black one really bad, so I picked up that and since they are 2 for $30 (hopefully it bothers other people that two months ago these were 2 for $28 like it does me), I also got a pretty mint green one. Both are perfect for spring! 

 

And since Bath and Body Works was next door, I couldn't stop myself. The first thing I saw when I walked in was this adorable plug in for Wallflowers. Seriously, how cute is this guy? Now I know it's probably meant to be daisies, but I told myself they are daffodils (which are my favorite flower), so that meant I had to get it for my room at school to ring in spring. Seriously, see that bow? And the yellow? So cute.

 

Also while I was there, I was totally sucked into the 2 for $22 candle sale. My logic was that at home for spring break I'd want some nice fresh, spring smells for my room. So I picked up First Bloom, which has the cutest packaging ever, I might add. It's description says, "This fragrant blend of peony, apple blossom, and plumeria captures the essence of the very first blooms of the season." It is one of the true spring smells for me (next to lilac, which is my all time favorite. I'd say the description is pretty much what it smells like: very flowery, kinda perfume-y, and I can must definitely smell the apple in there. I'm a sucker also for floral scents, especially roses, which this is kinda like.

The second candle I got was of course, Frosted Cupcake. I've been obsessed with cupcakes, and I thought I should invest in a candle to make my room smell like one. The description says, "A true food-lover's deligh-fresh vanilla been, sugar, cake batter, and rich buttercream frosting mix it up and create an irresistable scent." It smells truly like the best bakery ever. I love it!

 

What's funny, is the reason I actually went shopping in the first place was this dress. See, a couple weeks ago when I was in Dallas for my sorority's District Day, I tried this on at a Macy's for fun. I loved the color, the lace, and how it fit, but I wasn't completely sold. Fast forward two weeks, and I wanted it bad (mostly because I had pointed it out to my boyfriend who said it would look beautiful on me, and then I decided I needed it). So thankfully the Macy's closest to me had it still in my size, so I did it. It's the perfect spring dress. I just picture it looking lovely with wavy curls in my hair and my riding boots (or maybe my gold flip flops depdending on the weather and whether my toes are painted it or haha). I have an obsession with lace dresses. If it weren't already obvious.

 

Then the next day when I was hanging out with my boyfriend, we stopped at another Macy's. This one has a MAC counter in it, so of course I had to pay it a visit (seeing as how the nearest MAC counter to my college is 30 minutes away). So I picked up my absolutely favorite: Techna Kohl liner in Graphblack. And after using it, I remembered why I love it so much! It's so rich and creamy. It doesn't take any pressure to create a dark line. And it stays! It doesn't change to being a gray color like the Physican's Forumla liner I'd been using for about the last five months. It's simply amazing!

By the way, how amazing is my boyfriend? He knew I wanted to visit the MAC counter so bad, and even though he despises makeup (especially MAC because he thinks it's too expensive), he led me to Macy's, and patiently waited as I swatched eyeshadows and blushes. He didn't even complain a bit! Seriously, I'm so lucky to have him. Plus, he surprised me with breakfast the next morning! Boyfriend of the year without a doubt.

What spring things are you tempted to buy? Do you notice yourself shopping more when the weather is nice?