Current Beauty Favorites

I was going to try and do one of these each month, but honestly, my favorites don’t change that often.  I tend to be one of those people who when I find something I like, I stick with it.  That being said, I have found a few new (and old) products that I love so I thought I would share them with you!

The tea tree oil has been a life saver in clearing up the last of my deep hormonal acne.  I use a Q-Tip to apply a little bit morning and night right after my facial cleansing routine, let it dry, and then moisturize.  Works wonderfully without tearing my skin up.  You can find it at your local drugstore, health store, or Target (that is where I got mine) and it costs anywhere between $9 to $20 a bottle.

The BareMinerals Warmth All-Over Face Color is something that I have had for quite some time, but never really used, mostly because I do not know how to apply it.  I spent some time figuring how to use it and now I use just a bit each day to give me a little color.  Perfect sun-kissed glow!  It can be purchased on the Bare Escentuals website, or at your local specialty beauty store for $18.

These products I bought from my local salon way back when I still had the perm.  I would use them occasionally, but never really put the effort into figuring out how to properly style my hair.  Well, with my recent hair cut I decided I would finally learn.  My stylist showed me how to use these two items in the salon and I was able to successfully repeat the look at home (at least 90%).  The Defining Volume Mousse is fantastic and gives my hair a lot of extra body and doesn’t leave it crunchy.  The Glossy Modeling Putty (which smells delicious) allows me to define the waves a little bit more.  They are a bit pricey, at $18 (putty) and $25 (mousse), and can only be purchased at salons, but for my fine and chemically treated hair, they are worth it.

A few months back I put in an order to the relatively new makeup company, e.l.f. (eyes lips face).  Mostly I ordered a bunch of lip products, as I wanted to give wearing products on my lips a try without having to make a large financial commitment.  Since receiving the order the box has been sitting there, just waiting to be opened.  Finally I broke into and gave a few items a try.  The Lip Primer & Plumper is pretty interesting.  The Plumping end apparently works by using cinnamon (it tastes quite yummy) to make your lips tingle and swell up just a little.  At least I think that is it.  The Primer end puts a kind of concealer/foundation on your lips which is suppose to help your lipstick or gloss stay on longer and pop in color just a little more.  Overall I like the Primer end a lot more, but I will continue to the other end just so I can get the cinnamon taste.

The Hypershine Lip Gloss is a lightweight and sparkly lip gloss which gives my lips an extra pop of color.  You have to use your fingers to spread out the application, but it stayed on for quite some time (combined with the primer) and didn’t leave my lips super dry.  It comes in a variety of colors, from nudes to bright reds.  Each one is $1 (or you can buy a set of 5 for $5).  The primer/plumper stick is $3.  All items can be purchased from their website.

I am always on the hunt for a new favorite mascara.  For quite some time my favorite was the Covergirl Lash Blast Length (the one in the yellow tube).  I adore the length that it gives my lashes, and that it never clumps or looks messy, but I miss having a little extra volume.  A few weeks ago I was in the local drugstore and they were having a buy one-get one free sale on CG mascara products.  I picked up something special to send my pen pal Rachel, and then picked up this one for myself.  So far, I love it.  It doesn’t give quite the length of the length one, but it does a good job combining length and volume, and the application is ALMOST flawless.  It has become my go to mascara for the past few weeks, and I plan on using it until it runs out.  You can pick it up at any location that sells CG and it costs $8.99.

A few months back I was on a bit of an eyeshadow kick and was looking for some inexpensive, but highly pigmented shadows.  My friend Jess introduced me to BH Cosmetics and I instantly was intrigued.  I ended up ordering their 28 Neutral Color Palette, and then built my own 6 Color Eyeshadow Pro Palette (which you can see here).  While my Urban Decay Naked Palette is still my go to one most days, I must admit I am quite in love with what I ordered from them.  I use the neutral color palette at least a couple times per week.  There is a bit of fallout when applying the shadows, so you definitely have to keep an eye out for that, but combined with my eyeshadow primer, the pigmentation is great and the color lasts all day.  The 28 Neutral Palette is currently on sale for $17, while the 6 Color Pro Palette is on sale for $12 (normally $20).  You get more shadow for each individual color in the customizable palette, so I highly recommend going with that one.  You can purchase both items, and more, from their official website.

What are some of your current favorite beauty products?

Product Review: Clinique Acne Solutions

As current readers may know, I have been struggling with semi-frequent acne breakouts for a few years now and have been on the search for something to help me clear it up.  I have tried a number of different systems, including drugstore brands (such as Neutrogena and St. Ives), and the highly popular system, Proactiv, which I reviewed not too long ago.  While most of them would clear up some minor issues, none did the job fully, so I kept searching.  About a month and half ago I was in my local Sephora and I saw the Clinique 3-Step Acne Solution system.  I had heard of Clinique before, but my only knowledge of it was that it was an expensive brand.  However, after years of struggling, I was desperate and willing to spend a little extra.  So I purchased the starter kit of the 3-step system for $32.50.  I have now been using it twice a day every day for six weeks and feel as though it is time to share my opinion.

If you visit the official Clinique website you will read that the system promises clearer skin, guaranteed.  Furthermore, it promises that it will treat and clear you up faster than any other brand out there, including the “#1 system in America” (Proactiv).  With promises like these, it is easy to get your hopes up.  And after you read their reviews, which range between 4 stars to 5 stars, your hopes are bolstered even further.  Yet, due to my history with other acne products, I approached with caution and trepidation.

It is important to note that I started using it during a particularly bad breakout due to every gal’s favorite visitor, so the system was going to be put through a rigorous test right from the start.  To use is quite simple.  First the foaming face wash (2-3 pumps will do), then follow up with the “lotion”, which is more of a toner and should be put on the entire face with a cotton ball or pad, and finally a dollop of the moisturizer.  Morning and night, every day.  From the first use I could definitely feel the difference from previous products that I had tried.  Right away I could feel that it was much more gentle.  After each use my skin felt soothed and less inflamed, and the redness started to significantly lessen.  Though the acne did not clear right away, after a full week of twice a day use, I could definitely see that current blemishes were healing more quickly, and new ones were smaller and less painful.  Remember, when starting a new acne system, it is likely that you will experience an increase in breakout for approximately one to two weeks while it brings all hidden and deep impurities to the surface.  After two weeks of consistent use nearly all acne was healed and no new ones continued to appear.  I continue to use it on a regular basis, have continued to see improved clearness and overall, less acne (particularly compared to all previous products used).

There are a couple of “cons” that I would like to mention regarding the Clinique system.  First is the smell of the products.  Clinique is known for using no perfumes, or allergens, which means that many of their products (non-makeup) smell…well…clinical.  The first time I used the foaming cleanser my boyfriend said that it smelled “mechanical”.  And while I can’t really pinpoint the exact smell, it definitely does smell…off.  Like a mix of a hospital, leather, and maybe car grease (the mechanical smell he mentioned).  While it is not terrible, nor overwhelming, it is a bit odd.  Then there is step two, which is called “lotion”, but is definitely more of a toner.  The first time I applied it I got flashbacks of this one night in college that I can barely remember.  Yes, it smells like straight up vodka.  Luckily the smell only lasts a few seconds as you apply it, but it can be quite a shocker at first.

I also feel that is important to mention is that like with many acne systems it is extremely drying.  Most systems either use Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid as the main acne fighting ingredient (Clinique uses SA), both of which can cause extreme dryness and peeling.  Some combat this by only using steps one and two and skip the step three moisturizer, instead substituting it for a moisturizer without SA or BP.  For me, I prevent the over-drying by simply following up the entire regiment with a lightweight, but effective moisturizer (BareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer).  Simply be aware of the potential for the dryness and make sure you use a good, non-comodogenic moisturizer regularly.  You may also decrease the application to once per day if you still find that there is over-drying.

The final issue that I might note regarding the Clinique system is the cost.  Like all Clinique products, it is not cheap, so if you are looking for something that is the cost of those products you might find at the local drugstore, this is not it.  The starter kit lasted me approximately one month (twice a day use) and cost $32.50.  This is approximately the same price per month as the Proactiv system, so if you have used that before, or are considering it, this is a similar investment.  On the website the full size products cost $18.50 for the cleanser (step one), $14 for the “lotion” (step two), and $17 for the moisturizer (step three).  Total that is $49.50 and you receive double to triple the amount of each product compared to the trial size.  If this system proves to work for you, it is definitely recommended to buy the full size, and actually brings the cost lower per month than Proactiv.

Overall, I highly recommended this system for clearing the majority of mild to moderate acne.  For me it was significantly more gentle than previous products (it did not leave my skin in searing pain after a week of use), overall it is more effective, and in a less amount of time, and compared to Proactiv, equal in cost, and cheaper if you buy full size.  One thing I must note, a disclaimer of sorts, is that that this system, or any acne system for that matter, will not combat hormonal acne.  This is something that I have had to learn the hard way.  Even if used religiously every single day, it will not prevent those deep blemishes that come during “that time” (I am still trying to find a way to help with this and will update you once I figure it out).  It does, however, help me to control them and clear them up much more quickly.

I want to make it clear that each person’s skin is different.  Because of that, what may work for one, may not work for another.  Furthermore, remember, even though your skin may be clear after using a system for a month, it is important to continue with the daily regiment, otherwise you put yourself at risk for the breakouts to start up again.  Additionally, frequently switching products can result in the “getting worse before it gets better” syndrome (as your skin gets adjusted to the new chemicals), so keep that in mind when trying a new product.  If you find something that works wonderfully for you, stick with it.

May Beauty Favorites

I have seen a number of other bloggers do these monthly beauty products favorites and I absolutely love them because they introduce me to new products that I can try out.  So, with that said, here are my May Beauty Favorites.

Skin/Hair Care Favorites

~ BareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer – This stuff is absolutely fantastic.  It is extremely lightweight and makes my skin feel soft and smooth without that greasy feeling.  It retails for about $20 for 1.7 ounces, which is on the pricey side.

~ Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick – This thing has been a life saver in clearing up those deep under the skin blemishes, and it smells delicious thanks to all the delicious essential oils.  It retails for $8 and can be found in local drugstores.

~ Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Hairspray – I don’t like the feeling of a lot of product in my hair, but like the hold that some hairsprays provide.  This is perfect because it is extremely light, doesn’t make my hair feel crunchy, and costs only $1.50 at Target.

~ Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Lotion – I adore the smell of this lotion.  When you first squeeze it out of the bottle it feels like it is going to be greasy, but as you rub it in, that feeling disappears and it leaves you feeling soft and smooth.  You can get 6 ounces for $8.

~ Clinique Acne Solutions – After Proactiv started doing me wrong I began looking for a system that would help clear me up.  After reading many reviews I decided upon the Clinique system and have been using it religiously for 3 weeks.  So far I am loving it (will do a full review soon).  This small bundle, which lasts about a month, costs $32.50, which is pricey, for sure, but for clear skin, worth it.

Makeup Favorites

~ Mary Kay Timewise Firming Eye Cream - I bought this a little over a month ago in hopes of getting rid of the dark circles under my eyes.  I use it morning and night, and so far I am seeing a definite improvement in color and firmness.  It is on the pricey side at $30.00 for .5 ounces, but it lasts quite some time.  I am not even halfway through the bottle.

~ L’oreal Infallible Lipstick in Eternal Rose – I am not a big lipstick person, but I have been enjoying this particular color.  It is about the color of my lips, but a bit more bright.  I do have to wear it with a chapstick underneath, or it dries me out, but that is true of nearly all lip color for me.  It goes for about $9 in drugstores.

~ Clinique Superbalanced Foundation – I still love my BareMinerals, but I wanted something that would help me control the oil on my face better, as well as feel lightweight.  This foundation is PERFECT for that.  Because of my few remaining blemishes I can’t wear it alone, but I use it as a base and then put a thin layer of the BareMinerals over that for the perfect coverage.  It retails for $22 a bottle.

Urban Decay Naked Palette & Eyeshadow Primer - I have now had my Naked Palette for about three months and absolutely love it, particularly when used in combination with the primer.  The colors are perfect and there is nearly ZERO fallout when applying.  The palette is on the pricey side at $48, but trust me, you won’t regret it.  I wear it every single day.

~ BareMinerals Mineral Veil – I use this to set my foundation/powder.  I have been using it for years (as long as I have been using BareMinerals) and will likely never use anything else to set my makeup.  The large container is $19 and lasts 3-4 months.

~ Covergirl LashBlast Mascara - I have been on the hunt for the perfect mascara for quite some time.  After reading a bunch of blogger reviews of this one, I decided to give it a shot.  I was not disappointed.  It is the perfect mascara for every day wear, and at only $9.50 each, I don’t mind replacing it every few months.

~ Benefit CORALista Blush - I decided to give this blush a try after reading a review on Sofia’s Journal.  I am not generally a blush person, but when I wear foundation (which is all the time), I tend to look washed out or super pale.  This blush is phenomenal.  As with all Benefit products it is super gentle.  Additionally, it is not too heavy, sparkly, or dark in color.  You can layer on if you want more color, but one or two sweeps and I have the perfect glow on my cheeks.  The 120g box costs $28, but it lasts for AGES.

What are some products that you loved in May?