erase your pores?

After my raving success with Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner, I became a primer believer and convert. I had heard that Maybelline was coming out with a new face primer, Baby Skin Instant Pore Refiner, and set out to find it to try.

Maybelline claims this primer visibly smooths out the skin to give a pore-less appearance. They suggest to wear it under makeup for better application or even to wear alone to make the skin look smoother. The product is held inside a mint tube with a screw cap and holds 20 mL of product. I bought this for a little over $5 USD.

This primer is a clear gel with a consistency similar to a thin petroleum jelly. It has no scent. I usually apply an amount about the size shown above and smooth all over my face, concentrating on my pore heavy areas (inner cheeks and nose). The feeling is quite strange, it feels a bit oily and slippery once smoothed over. My guess is because of its heavy silicone base.

INGREDIENTS:
Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearyl Heptanoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica Silylate, Propylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Prunus Cerasus Extract / Bitter Cherry Extract.

You can see it does a pretty good job smoothing out lines I have on my dehydrated hands. But enough of the hand test, you want to see it on the face, right?

LEFT SIDE: no primer, RIGHT SIDE: primer

In the picture above I applied the primer onto the left side of my face (your right) and my right side (your left) I kept primer free. Can you tell the difference? In person the effect is a little more apparent. I do notice this make my pores blur out and my skin seem a bit smoother. I am wearing foundation in this picture as the effect wasn't very noticeable on bare skin for me to show you.

I don't like this product. For a few reasons: the first being I don't like the way it feels. Applying it feels greasy and like I just put on a layer of invisible gunk that sits on top of the skin. It does not even compare to the soothing, coolness of Bioderma's product. Even though Maybelline suggests this could be worn alone just to smooth out the skin, I would never wear it that way because I dislike the feeling of it and don't find it makes my bare skin look noticeably different.

Secondly, I feel like the overall effect isn't very noticeable, unless you are the type of person that judges skin at a microscopical level. I won't say it is ineffective at smoothing out the skin as that would be untruthful, but after I end up applying concealer, powder, bronzer and blush, I could not see a huge difference between the two sides of my face.

And finally, I found this primer made me hideously oily. In all fairness, Maybelline does not claim this product to control oil but I did not expect it to push my sebum production into overdrive. About three hours in and I was very slick. Not good.

OVERALL:
All in all, this product was a dud for me and I wouldn't recommend it. It doesn't break me out and it does blur out my pores but after I follow through with my normal makeup application the effect is practically unnoticeable. The NARS Light Reflecting Powder gives me a similar effect without the extra oil production. You may like it if you have normal to dry skin and all you expect from a primer is to perfect your skin's texture. If you are looking for oil control or longevity, this is not for you.

Next time I won't be so hasty in giving in to newly released products and instead go for something that would better cater to my needs. Perhaps something like La Roche Posay Effaclar Matte or Vichy Normaderm Total Mat Anti-Shine Mattifier...

just bitten

The literal lip STICK has become quite the trend in the beauty world, right behind sheer lip colors/lip butters. I would guess Clinique paved the way having the Chubby Stick Balms and later the Intense version. Now Tarte, NARS, Bourjois, and Revlon (to name a few) all have produced their own take on the trendy pencil shaped lip product.

Revlon's version is a neat one: a balm that also acts as a stain, aptly named as the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. Quite genius actually since it combines both the sheer lip color and chubby stick trends while adding its own twist by being a stain. I don't have much experience when it comes to lip stains besides the YSL Glossy Stains but the overall idea is very appealing. Who wouldn't like budge proof color that is low maintenance (little smearing or touch up required)?

I had a gift card to use up at Target a couple months back and at the time I had these colorful sticks on the brain. Dangerous combination since I ended up checking out with two of Revlon's trendy hybrids in hand instead of using it on practical things, like toilet paper and toothpaste (who needs those things anyway?)

The Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balms come in a twist up chubby pencil applicator. The texture is firm but not waxy. Application is a breeze, it slicks on easily with no tugging. They have a minty scent to them which dissipates moments after application. The color is not creamy but the pigmentation does not disappoint. The finish is shiny, as you would expect a balm would be.

RENDEZVOUS

The first shade that I knew for certain I wanted to try was Rendezvous. I saw this on Tiffany and Essie and it looked so bright and fun on them. The color is a soft tangerine. On me I don't find it to lean coral or red at all. It is a straight up clean orange, which I don't mind. The finish isn't as shiny or balmy as the other color I picked up (something you can notice when comparing the photos) which I found disappointing. I still enjoy the color and received a few compliments when I first wore it out and about.

RIGHT: AS A BALM; LEFT: AS A STAIN

The color sticks around even with light eating and drinking. I found this to be remarkable since even the YSL Glossy Stains don't manage to do this. The color fades somewhat evenly so the stain left behind is quite decent. Not perfect, but I wouldn't expect that.

ROMANTIC

The second color I chose had me pacing back in forth in the Target aisle. I was trying to decide between the vampy Adore or the cheery Romantic. After 20 minutes of Google research on swatches, I ended up picking the latter since it seemed more appropriate with the current season. Romantic is a beautiful cherry red. I was surprised with how much I enjoyed the color. I prefer it over Rendezvous. It has a better finish and the color is fresher.

RIGHT: AS A BALM; LEFT: AS A STAIN

I think "romantic" is the perfect name for this shade. It reminds me of Aurora from Sleeping Beauty while she is in her enchanted sleepy state. It makes my lips look plump and youthful. The color of the stain is also something to be impressed with. Just bitten indeed.

SWATCHES
LEFT TO RIGHT: ROMANTIC, RENDEZVOUS

I like almost everything about these balms BUT I do have a complaint. I find these to be quite drying. Initial application is nice and balmy but after an hour or so my lips feel parched. They don't look it since the finish is shiny, but once the balm wears away and the stain is left, the dryness is apparent. Though the stain left behind is decently even, my lips feel zapped of moisture. This can be remedied by adding some lip balm of course, but it still is a bit disappointing. I suppose that is the nature of stains.

OVERALL:
I think these are really something special BUT those prone to dry lips should tread carefully. As a balm they apply beautifully and have great color payoff and as a stain they stick around on the lips evenly. I prefer and recommend the cherry red Romantic over the tangerine Rendezvous since the color and finish is more flattering. The only downside is they can be very drying, which is something I should have expected from a stain product. I am willing to work with the dryness due to the neat hybrid properties and because it can be remedied with an additional balm. I have my eye on Adore next but I don't think I will be picking up any more shades after that.

What is your experience with lip stains? Are they drying in general? I gather that they are since they are taking over the lip skin layer.

a day at the beach

Am I the only one that likes to wear a bit of makeup to the beach? Of course I don't apply a full face but I do like light coverage with a few touches to emphasize some features. I don't always go into the water, sometimes I just lie on the beach soaking up the sun and admiring the view. Because of this I tend to pick light textures, shimmering finishes, and sweat/smudge free items. Here is what I recently applied to my mug for my beach day.

For my base I am still trying out the Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation SPF 42. It protects beautifully and has quite a light and natural finish. I work it into my skin with just my fingers since the formula is quite runny. I also doubled up its use as a concealer on some spots I have on my chin (thanks hormones!) This foundation doesn't match me completely since I picked up some color and that is where Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel comes in. I sculpt a little bit of this in my temples and cheeks with my Sephora Platinum 55 Brush that has a little moisturizer on it, a la J's discovery for natural non-orange results. For some color I apply one of my go to beach products: the Nars Multiple Tint. This time I used the shade Beverly Hills, a sheer cherry red. It gives such a natural flush. I finish off my face with Bonnebell Glimmer Bronze loose powder as it give a subtle bronze glow that isn't too shimmery.

For my eyes I usually skip this step if I plan on swimming but I felt like adding some pretty shimmer with NYX Chrome Eye Shadow in Mocha after prepping my lids with Urban Decay's Eye Shadow Potion. I am unsure if this eyeshadow is sold anymore, if it isn't that is a shame since it is one of the prettiest shades I've come across. It pairs best with some smudged black liner. For this I used MAC Blacktrack Fluidline as it is less prone to smudging compared to eye kohl. I also used this in my waterline. To finish up the eyes I applied a very light coat of Prestige My Blackest Lashes Mascara, just enough to make my eyelashes show up.

Last step is the lips. I applied some Estee Lauder Impulsive Coral gloss at first but once I got to the beach I wiped it off in favor of some fuss free Burt's Bees Balm. It was windy and no one likes the hair-in-lipgloss effect.

I ended up hopping in the water for a bit to play with the waves and get in some physical activity while at the beach. So what actually lasted at the end of the day? My Prestige mascara completely disappeared which was to be expected since it wasn't waterproof. The MAC liner completely disappeared from my waterline but it stuck around on my lids. The NYX shadow also impressively stayed intact and untouched, most likely because of the Urban Decay Primer. The Nars Multiple tint disappeared and was replaced with sunkissed skin. As for the Shiseido foundation? It also stuck around, of course not completely perfect with some fading but it still gave me coverage and protection.

Beach days are always something I look forward during the summer. Nothing beats the killer view of the water, sun kissed skin, and the relaxation. Next time I'll be smarter and skip the eye makeup...

hesitant over fuchsia

Today's topic is about a hue that I am not comfortable in the slightest to wear on my lips (or spell without spell check/a dictionary handy): FUCHSIA. Am I the only one that is a bit intimidated by this color?

MY "CHECK-OUT-HOW-UNCOMFORTABLE-I-AM" FACE

THE PRODUCT

I bought this Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Fuchsia recently while browsing at my local Big Lots. I think I checked out with it in hand more out of curiosity since the color is very much out of my comfort zone. I recently found out the Colorburst line by Revlon has been discontinued so that also pushed me into wanting to try it out. Discontinued items always lure me for some illogical reason. I do wonder why Revlon discontinued the line as it seemed quite popular? My guess is the lip butters booted them out since the balm/lipstick hybrids seem to be all the rage. You can still find these scattered around at discount stores or you can make it easy on yourself by getting it online at All Cosmetics Wholesale. The formula is initially nice being that it is decently pigmented with a not overly shiny finish. It feels light and comfortable. After wearing it for a few hours I notice my lips do feel slightly dry and the color doesn't last as long as Revlon's Matte line.

The color is what you would expect in a fuchsia; a purple-pink hybrid that reminds me of fresh orchids. It is quite a flashy color to me. Definitely not an ugly color, but it definitely IS a color that can be hard to pull off. It is fun and brightening so if you are a fan of color I think you would like it. As for me, I am not sure I will ever be comfortable wearing these type of hues. I feel they look more appropriate on deep skin tones and on those who love bringing attention to their lips since the color stands out.

MY "I-TRIED-MY-BEST" SHRUG

Fuchsia is not the color for me although I do like having it on hand to pull out when I am feeling daring or colorful. I have a hard time wrapping my head around pink based lipsticks. Reds and Berry shades are usually my style. Are you comfortable wearing fuchsia?

the must try: revlon matte lipsticks

Almost two years ago, I started a series on this blog called The Must Try where I talk about star items I think stand out within a brand and would be something I recommend you at least try out. Last time I talked over MAC's paint pots. Today I am going to talk about Revlon's Matte Lipstick line.

Currently there are 9 permanent shades readily available: Stormy Pink, Sky Pink, Smoked Peach, Nude Attitude, Pink Pout, Mauve It Over, Really Red, Fabulous Fig, and Wine Not. I own 6 shades; 2 are discontinued and 4 are part of the permanent line. Here in the USA they are very affordable, ranging around 5-8 dollars depending on where you purchase it. I know this isn't the case in other countries where Revlon can potentially be pricey.

Not all shades are created equal when it comes to pigmentation strength, however, they do all have the same soft matte finish. Because of this, prepping the lips is a must. Any flakes or dryness will be accentuated so soft, flake free lips are needed if you want a smooth finish. This doesn't bother me as I always prep my lips before application of any lipsticks with Nuxe Reve de Miel. I don't find these lipsticks to be excessively drying or uncomfortable. Most of them wear easy on their own but some work best mixed with other products.

Left to right we have Nude Attitude, Pink Pout, Mauve It Over, Strawberry Suede, Really Red, and In the Red. My most used are Nude Attitude due to its layering possibilities and Really Red due to its beauty. Strawberry Suede and In the Red are the newest to my collection.

NUDE ATTUTUDE

Nude Attitude is the lightest shade of this line and probably the most popular. It is a very warm nude and has no hints of pink. This shade will NOT suit everyone. I never wear it on its own since it makes my lips disappear into my complexion. I do like using it for blanking out my lip color to add a more colorful gloss on top. Out of all the shades I own this is the least pigmented and goes on the patchiest. It isn't the best option for a nude lipstick since you could essentially get the same effect with some concealer.

PINK POUT

Pink Pout is my least reached for shade. I blame this on the fact that it is such a cool toned pink, something I don't find to be the most flattering on my warm skin tone. This is said in the blogging world to be very similar to MAC Snob. I used to really enjoy this color back when I first bought it since I liked how bright and different it was. Now I don't care for its loudness and rarely reach for it. It takes a few swipes to get full pigmentation due to the light color.

MAUVE IT OVER

Mauve It Over is a very office appropriate color. It is very similar to my natural lip color, only slightly more muted and less rosy. I actually enjoy the strangeness of the color on me. It looks very natural and polished albeit a little boring. No pigmentation problems with this one. I can see this looking very nice on olive and mocha skinned girls.

STRAWBERRY SUEDE

Strawberry Suede is a shade I talked about already in its own post. It is the brightest and most eye catching color in this line. It also is frustratingly discontinued. Although I prefer more orange-reds compared to pink-reds, this shade is still very beautiful and I understand why it has such a following. If you happen to come across it I definitely recommend it since it is a very unique color that would flatter most complexions.

REALLY RED

Really Red is not for the fainthearted. Out of the six colors I own, this has the richest color pay off. It is a true bold red. The lasting power is fantastic. I initially didn't like this color since I never had the courage to wear red lipstick. Since I have experimented and tried different bold hues, this has wiggled its way into my comfort zone.

IN THE RED

In the Red is the newest matte lipstick to make its way into my collection. This is another discontinued color that I happened to find at Big Lots for $2. It is not as bright as Really Red but it still is bold. It leans more burgundy/brick colored which is my preferred color family when it comes to red lipsticks as I think it looks striking against dark hair.

SWATCHES
LEFT TO RIGHT: NUDE ATTITUDE, PINK POUT, MAUVE IT OVER, STRAWBERRY SUEDE, REALLY RED, IN THE RED

OVERALL:
Skip out on Nude Attitude and Pink Pout unless you really have a soft spot for the particular color. They aren't the greatest in pigmentation and the colors can be difficult to pull off. Mauve it Over is a more mature shade but can be refreshingly different on certain skintones. Strawberry Suede is discontinued but if you happen to find it, snatch it up since the shade is very unique and eye catching. Where this matte lipstick line really shines is with its reds. Really Red would be a fantastic choice since it is a true classic red with rich pigmentation. In the Red is discontinued but still very beautiful and worth looking for, especially if you prefer darker/brick reds.

Revlon is probably my favorite drugstore brand when it comes to lipsticks. They are affordable, easy to find, and the colors are expertly made. I like the matte line because the finish can really make the color stand out without the distraction of glossiness. I plan to pick up the shades Fabulous Fig and Wine Not eventually as they both seem like promising shades. The other permanent shades don't pique my interest since I don't wear pinks that often and Smoked Peach looks a bit too brown for my taste.

On a side note, I did a blog post on my collection of this matte lipstick line almost three years ago in THIS old post which has been one of my most popular reads to date. I am slightly horrified by my abysmal photography skills (or lack thereof?) in it but I can't bring myself to get rid of it since I like reflecting on how much progress I have made with time as a blogger. Its nice to have documentation of how much I have learned and grown after all these years. My have my tastes and photography skills changed!

a chat over concealers

Concealer is a territory that I am definitely not an expert in. I haven't tried that many out because, well I just never used to use them until the past year. It seems a bit silly now when I think back at how I never took advantage of concealers. They cover up pesky spots, add a certain brightness, and can create the appearance of slimmer features. What was I waiting for?

SPOT TREATMENT
For covering up spots I like a thicker, concentrated formula so I don't have to apply many layers. I most often use my Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage palette in the shade SC-3. I mostly use the lighter left side, which is evident by the pan mark. It covers up spots decently when applied with a precise brush such as the Real Techniques Detailer Brush. When I first bought this the consistency surprised me. It is very firm and not very creamy which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it is worth noting.

Another item I cover spots with is DiorSkin Nude concealer in the shade 002. I originally bought this with the full intention to use it under the eyes but this shade wasn't light enough for my likes to use that way. Instead I use it on very red blemishes. It is much creamier in texture and you don't need much for coverage. My favorite application is gently with my fingers. I really like this and recommend it. I would even pick up the lightest shade to try under the eyes. All in good time!

UNDER EYES
For brightening up my under eye area, I like thinner and creamier textures so I can easily blend it in with my Real Techniques Contour Brush. My first concealer I ever used for this is the DiorSkin Sculpt Lifting Smoothing Concealer in shade 001. I am pretty much done with this, I have been trying to swirl up the last remains inside. It has a wand applicator much like a lipgloss wand. I think the thin formula is fantastic but the coverage could be better.

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (forgot to picture this!) is a great drugstore option for under the eyes. I use the color 002 light and find it blends in wonderfully and looks great in photos. Another drugstore option that is great is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer in Brightener. It is thinner than the Revlon option as well as more color correcting since it has a pink tinge to it.

Speaking of color correcting, I also have the Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in shade 1 which is the more orange option. I don't use this often. I was curious about it so I bought it on a whim, sight unseen. Reflecting back I wish I would have picked up shade 2 since pink seems to do a better job under my eyes rather than orange.

Even though I have quite a handful of concealers, I have my eye on some newer additions already. I'm looking at you NARS Creamy Concealer! What are your favorite under eye concealers? I'd love suggestions. I know Bobbi Brown has quite a following with her products but ever since she changed the formula I've been wary...

revlon strawberry suede matte lipstick

Lately I have been on a bold lipstick kick. More specifically, poppy reds since I still haven't been able to imagine myself pulling off bright magenta or fuchsia any time soon. I'm diving into one realm at a time here! To help myself diffuse out into other color families, I decided to pick up reds with hints of colors I'm too afraid to try full out. For instance, rich pinks are not something I am comfortable with yet. I see colors like NARS Schiap and think they are beautiful, but not something I would ever wear. So I decided a strawberry red would be just what I needed to help me get over my pink fear.

REVLON STRAWBERRY SUEDE MATTE LIPSTICK

I first heard about Revlon Strawberry Suede from Essie back in the day. I remember her saying it was one of her favorite lipsticks and it looked so striking against her porcelain skin. I next saw Viola over at Killer Colours post a picture of her wearing it and that further piqued my interest. I also heard about the shade from Lisa Eldridge (aka makeup God). She mentioned it was a favorite of hers and sadly announced Revlon had discontinued it. The raving reviews and the rarity officially made it desirable number one to me. I was not willing to pay eBay prices ($20 and up) so one day I randomly searched on Amazon for the shade with no expectations and it surprisingly came up, for only around $6.

So what do I think of the shade? Beautiful no doubt. However I must say I am still more of a fan of orange-reds. It still is a very pleasing shade and I can see why lipstick lovers would go crazy over it. I am quite a big fan of the Revlon matte lipstick line, they are very comfortable with decent longevity and very rich pigmentation. It also is nice that it is so affordable and readily available. It is a shame that this shade is discontinued. Lisa mentioned the shade Pink Pout replaced this one and I think that was a mistake on Revlon's part. Pink Pout wouldn't suit nearly as many people as this shade would since it is very cool toned.

SWATCHES

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MAC Vegas Volt, Revlon Strawberry Suede, NARS Heat Wave, Revlon Really Red

I have seen some bloggers try to find a dupe for this shade. It has proven to be very difficult. From what I have read and seen of comparisons, I don't think there is any good dupe for it. It is unsurprisingly unique in my line-up since I don't own too many bold lipstick shades. Perhaps if MAC Vegas Volt and NARS Heat Wave had a hybrid baby, it might come close.

I would share the seller I bought it from but they no longer have the shade on sale any more. If you are desperate, you could turn to eBay but I would suggest to do a quick search on Amazon first to see if anything comes up. If you are a lipstick lover, you will definitely enjoy the shade!

review: revlon nearly naked foundation

Revlon claims this foundation to be "refreshingly light, it melts right in, creating a fresh even look. Blends seamlessly, buildable coverage. No heavy cakey or greasy mess." When Revlon Nearly Naked foundation first launched, I tried my best to resist buying it. I didn't need a new foundation and the description, although appealing, made me wary on how well it would perform on my oily skin type. Curiosity got the better of me so I bought it on a whim. So how does it fare?

PRICING/AVAILABILITY/PACKAGING
You can find this in pretty much any drugstore where the price will vary between $8-11. It is cased in a glass bottle with a white plastic cap, sans pump. Nothing special or bad about the packaging, I normally just dump the desired amount onto the back of my hand. I also shake up the product before dispensing just to make sure all the pigment is evenly dispersed.

WEARING REVLON NEARLY NAKED FOUNDATION ALONE

CLOSER LOOK

FINISH/COVERAGE
The finish is very nice, very skin like. It isn't unnaturally matte nor too shiny. This is my favorite part about the foundation. The coverage is also decent and buildable. Think light to medium coverage. It does a great job at evening out the skin tone. If you are looking for something to cover dark scars or blemishes, you will need some help with concealer as this foundation won't cover it completely. I don't mind this, I dislike full coverage foundations since they always look unnatural and too made up for me.

FULL FACE

CONSISTENCY/FORMULA
The viscosity is thin and fluid. It is easily spreadable though I don't think this helps with its ability to blend. I notice that if I have a little too much product applied, it has a hard time blending seamlessly into the skin. I will see streak marks from my foundation brush (Real Techniques Buffing brush). When that happens I have to take my hands to press the product in and to make the marks disappear. This contains 20 SPF. I don't notice any harsh photography effects from SPF. There is a bit of a funky makeup scent to it, but it dissipates after application.

FULL FACE CLOSER LOOK

WEAR TIME
I had my doubts about the wear time of this foundation...and I was right to have them. This just does not last on me. After around 4 hours, I turn into an oil slick. I tried using my Urban Decay De-slick spray, my Dream Matte Maybelline powder, and my NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder. The NARS powder made it last slightly longer, but not my much. Since I have oily skin, I am used to seeing small amounts of oil creep its way through halfway through my day. This foundation left me very oily, more than normal.

The above picture was taken with my iPhone about 4 hours after application. Sorry for my less than enthused face :P You can see that my nose and inner cheeks are quite shiny and slick. If I blot, it usually keeps oil away for another four hours but I noticed definite fading of the color by the 6-8 hour mark.

SWATCHES
From left to right: Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in Shell, Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation in OC-1, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24HR in 260 Bisque N, Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer in Sx06.

SHADE
I purchased the shade Shell. There are 16 shades available. I don't think this foundation caters much to darker skin complexions unfortunately. This shade doesn't match me perfectly. I have quite a bit of yellow to my skin. This foundation swatches warm but for some reason when I blend it into my skin, it turns neutral on me. It isn't hugely noticeable but I wanted to mention it.

OVERALL
For my oily skin type, this just does not last on me. This is a shame since I love the coverage and natural finish. In all fairness, Revlon did not boast this to be long lasting, only to be light and non cakey, which it truly is. Perhaps in the winter when my skin isn't as oily I will have better luck with it. The blendability can be an issue if you don't gauge the correct amount of product to use so start small and add more as you go to figure out the right balance. I think those with dry - normal skin types with few blemishes would really enjoy this as their day time foundation as it is very light and breathable. If you have oily or combo skin I wouldn't recommend it unless you don't mind blotting and don't care about the longevity of your foundation.

I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS FOUNDATION IF:

+ You prefer a natural looking finish
+ You have dry to normal skin with few blemishes
+ Longevity isn't a worry for you
+ You are in the market for an affordable daytime foundation

I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS FOUNDATION IF:

+ You prefer full coverage
+ You like a matte finish
+ You have oily skin
+ You need a long lasting foundation

If you want to see this foundation in action, check out my getting ready with me post. Have you tried this foundation? What do you think of it?

In case you wondered:

Face: Revlon Nearly Naked, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, Maybelline Age Brightener Concealear, Maybelline Dream Matte Powder, Stila Bronzer, Bobbi Brown Cabo Coral Pot Rouge, Estee Lauder Modern Mercury

Eyes: Urban Decay Naked Palette, Giorgio Armani Waterproof Eyeliner, L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara

Lips: Estee Lauder Impulsive Coral Gloss

006 items I've used up

Time for another installment of items I've used up. These type of posts are one of my favorites to read through on other blogs. Who knew us hoarding beauty bloggers would ever feel so accomplished USING UP things? I have quite a mixture of products this time with (happily!) a nice handful being makeup items. What did I use up this time?

HAIR
First up is hair care, something I never stick to. I am always trying out different brands. I tried out Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner and I didn't care for it. It left my hair weighed down. I ended up using the rest of it for shaving purposes since I prefer to use conditioner in place of shaving cream anyway (no razor burn ever!) I also used up Ojon Damage Reversal Shampoo. Nothing much to say about it besides that it has quite a medicinal herbal scent and I didn't notice any damage reversal to my hair. I don't recommend it since it is quite expensive for a product that didn't deliver.

MAKEUP
As for makeup, I powered through mascara this time around. Kind of shows that what I used didn't last very long? To give you a brief rundown of what I look for in a mascara: volumizing, inky black, doesn't flake, doesn't transfer. I tried out L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion which I didn't care for. It lengthened more than volumized which was a problem with me since lengthening isn't a huge priority to me. I also finished up Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess, which was ok. Nothing I would repurchase for the price point it is at. I finally got around to trying out Maybelline Falsies Flared. I didn't think that was great either, it transferred and didn't volumize enough. Last makeup item is L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liner which is a forever favorite of mine and I have already repurchased a new one to replace it.

NAILS/LIPS
A couple of favorites in this category. Used up a bottle of Seche Vite which is the best top coat I've tried so far even though it has the incredibly annoying trait of thickening up towards the end. What top coat do you recommend I try next? I also finished up the magic blue pot that is Blistex Lip Medex.

BODY CARE
I have such an extensive amount of Bath & Body Works lotion in my bathroom closet that I don't think I will get through it for a solid year. I am plowing through them though and have been good at not buying anything else until I'm done with it all. I used up the scents Pomegranate Citrus, Berry Vanilla, and Mandarin Mango with my favorite of the three being the latter.

SKINCARE
I've been having a lot of fun trying out new skincare items. I liked two items and didn't care for the other two. Being positive first, LUSH Magnaminty Mask was definitely an item I enjoyed. I was so sad to see this be gone. I really recommend it if you feel like your skin is congested or have been having breakouts. I also really enjoyed Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Serum though I don't think I would repurchase it since I want to try out new things. I did a full review of it HERE.

As for the two items that didn't wow me, Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser and La Roche Posay Toleriane Lotion. The Avene cleanser was a little TOO gentle for me. It didn't break me out or make my skin feel bad but I felt like it didn't do anything positive either. As for the Toleriane lotion, I used this up when my skin was in its crazy dry stage and it didn't relieve my dryness. I also went through it very quickly which was a shame since the product was around 30 dollars.

And that's it! I feel like I have been dragging through using up items. So I leave you now with two things, a notice and a request. First, the notice: I updated my tags which you can view on the sidebar. I reduced it down to specific labels to help with navigation to what subjects you want to read. As for my request, what is your favorite topcoat? As much as I love Seche Vite the formula getting thick at the end drives me crazy!

what's in my bathroom cabinet?

I admit, I am a nosy person when it comes to knowing people's beauty routines. I love seeing what is in your travel bags, your skincare routines, and what your nighttime and morning regimens are. Today's post is dedicated to my fellow nosy beauty bloggers that feel the same way. Here's a little peep into part of my beauty routine: my bathroom cabinet. Since my cabinet is quite small and I share the space with my sister, whatever I keep in here is what I use on a daily basis (or what I am trying to force myself to use up!)

TOP SHELF

Not nearly as interesting as my bottom shelf, but still chocked full of nice things.

HAIR
First up we have my Moroccan Oil and my sister's Josie Maran Aragan Oil. I prefer the Moroccan while my sister prefers Josie. For me, Josie leaves my hair too greasy. I also tried using it once on my face during my parched skin phase and THAT WAS A MISTAKE. It broke me out so I advise you to be wary when trying it out on the face. My sister loves this oil though, she has a pretty oily scalp compared to me and she likes to use it for flyaways and shine. She does not like the Moroccan oil, it makes her feel greasy although she does like the scent. Moroccan oil is the winner for me. It smells good, controls frizz, and it makes my hair dry faster and look healthier.

LIPS
My favorite balms. My sister also loves these. I use the Blistex Lip Medex at night before I go to bed or when I feel like giving my lips intensive treatment. I use the Nuxe Reve de Miel in the morning or whenever I feel like using a balm with no menthol in it. Both are HG to me and I don't want to be without them. They soothe, soften, and nourish my lips. I did a lip care post before featuring these products, you can read that HERE.

TOOLS & NECESSITIES
I keep my Clarasonic Mia here, out of the way. I like this product but don't think it is a MUST HAVE. It is more a luxury and if you can afford it and have been eying it I say go for it. I think it is excellent at cleaning the face of every spot of grime. I also keep cotton rounds here, the brand doesn't matter to me. I never used to use cotton rounds to remove eye makeup (I used to use toilet paper *cringe) but once I made the switch it was life changing. Nothing removes better than cotton. Also on this shelf is my Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant. Boring but a necessity.

SAMPLES
I put a few samples here in order to force myself to use them up. Obviously my genius plan isn't working since the samples I have kept here are untouched still. I'm not giving up, I WILL try to use them. At the moment I have Giorgio Armani Regenessence Eye Serum, Lancome Genifique Creme Serum, Soap & Glory 3-In-1 Daily Detox Vitamin C Facial Wash, REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate, and Marula Omega Rich-Anti Aging Facial Oil, which is the item I am most curious about. If you have tried any of these products, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

BOTTOM SHELF

This shelf houses the fun products, or so I think.

TREATMENT
Since I have oily and acne prone skin, I need to have spot treatment products in my arsenal at all times. Two of my favorites are Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo. I have talked about both products multiple times before on my blog so I won't ramble too much. I have sung my praises for La Roche Posay's Effaclar Duo before so a basic run down: HG, can't live without it or else my skin goes berserk. As for Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion, I only use this on more cystic spots and I try to limit its usage or else my skin adapts to it and it isn't as effective. When used right, it is very effective at shrinking blemishes.

REMOVERS
I use a remover to take off pesky eye makeup and then I use an oil cleanser to remove face makeup. My favorite drugstore remover is Neutrogena's Eye Makeup Remover. It does the best job at removing makeup and it is a joint favorite of my sister and I. I also recently picked up Bioderma in Toronto which I debuted in my last post. It removes decently and doesn't leave any oily residue behind but I think Neutrogena does a better job at removal. My current oil cleanser is Boscia's Makeup Break-up Cool Cleansing Oil which I really enjoy. I have talked about my love for cleansing oils before and I think every one should incorporate one into their routine, especially those with oily skin.

CLEANSER & MASKS
My cleanser of choice at the moment is Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed. It cleanses very thoroughly, lasts a long time and smells very pleasant. I use it with my Clarasonic and without and it performs well both ways. As for masks, I have been rotating between REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask and Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask. Both are relatively new to me but so far have been great to my skin. I was afraid the Origins mask would be too drying but so far my skin has reacted positively towards it.

TONER & SERUM
Two categories I am trying to delve into more. For toner I have been using LUSH Tea Tree Toner. It is great; it doesn't sting or irritate my skin and I feel like it helps purge my skin. For serum I am using Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me which I did a full review on HERE. It is a good serum for preventing scarring and lightening current blemishes but doesn't have much of an effect on past scarring.

Reflecting on back on this post I feel like I have so many products in my cabinet! I do use them all and have been for the most part enjoying each one. This doesn't even cover what products I have in my bathroom closet, which houses unopened skincare items that are waiting to take over once I use up what is in my cabinet. Tell me I am not the only one that hoards new items away like that?!

What do you keep in your bathroom cabinet? Do tell, satiate a fellow nosy beauty blogger's curiosity? :)

toronto pick me ups

I forgot to mention in my Toronto travel post that I picked up a few goods that are harder to get here in the United States (or just in my area). I actually had a goal to find some damn Bioderma before I came home. I came, I conquered! Here is my little Toronto pick me up. I bought all of this at Shoppers Drug Mart.

NEOSTRATA TONER LEVEL 1
I mainly picked this up out of curiosity of the brand. But I am also trying to incorporate more toners into my life. I am still using my LUSH Tea Tree toner but when that is used up (which it will be soon) I plan to replace it with this.

NUXE REVE DE MIEL
Picked this up as a back up since I don't have any access to Nuxe near me. Love this, will keep repurchasing.

FREDERIC FEKKAI DRY SHAMPOO
Currently I am using Oscar Blandi's dry shampoo. It is the best I have tried when it comes to dry shampoo but I still think there is room for improvement. I have heard about this Frederic version but haven't spotted it anywhere near me so it was a nice surprise finding this.

BIODERMA
FINALLY. I have been wanting to try this out for ages but didn't want to pay the online prices. I was most excited about purchasing this. I contemplating buying more than one but I didn't want to be greedy and overestimate its performance just to be disappointed. I have used it a few times and it is nice. It feels just like water and takes off makeup decent enough. It doesn't perform better than any other remover I have tried though. If it was easily available to me I would repurchase but it isn't so amazing that I will go to lengths to purchase it from other inconvenient sources. Convenience is a powerful contender.

Have you tried any of these products? I am most curious about anyone's experience with Neostrata. Sound off in the comments!

l'oreal caresse stain in coral tattoo & a drugstore chat

I haven't allowed myself to indulge in any drugstore purchases for quite some time. A few weeks ago I noticed a sale going on at my local store which led me to pick up a few items. Justified, right? ;) One of the items is a favorite and repurchase while the others are new and have been on my mind lately.

L'OREAL LINEUR INTENSE LIQUID LINER
This is my favorite drugstore liquid liner; I have repurchased it countless times. It dries quickly, doesn't fade, applies easily, and is super black (A MUST). I have tried Revlon's liquid liner and am not a fan. It always faded away in my inner corners. I also swatched Lancome's famous art liner and was appalled at how the black was not intense at all, unless it was just that particular tester. I haven't tried out Maybelline's Stiletto liquid liner either. I feel like this L'OREAL liner is one of those products that I abide by the saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it". I think the only other liquid liner I would be willing to try is Illamasqua's precision ink. For now I'll happily stick with this cheap and functional guy.

REVLON NEARLY NAKED FOUNDATION
I resisted in buying this many many times. Its description plus the fact that it was a shiny new product made it appealing to me. I will dedicate a full review post on this after testing it out to its full potential. I have worn it a few times and am torn on what I think of it. I will let you all know my final thoughts.

L'OREAL CARESSE SHINE STAIN in CORAL TATTOO
I originally wasn't interested in picking any of these up. These are the more affordable version of the YSL glossy stains. Usually I like to support the original idea rather than the the budget version but after seeing a few shades on Jenny I had to check them out.

This product is VERY impressive. I went into trying this with no expectations and was blown away by how nice it actually is. The formula is almost identical to the YSL counterpart. YSL is slightly more intense in pigmentation and the scent is different. This L'OREAL version is very comfortable to wear and doesn't settle into lip lines. It has this cushiony feeling and look to it that is very pleasant. It lasts long IF you don't eat, drink, touch it, etc. The stain left behind afterwards is a bit patchy. This doesn't bother me since the YSL versions I own does this as well. I prefer the glossy look anyway.

Unfortunately it seems like there are different shades available depending on which country you live in which is very annoying. I really like the shade I picked, it is brightening but isn't too loud to the point where I feel uncomfortable wearing it in public. I definitely want to pick up another shade or two. If you have been considering trying these out I fully recommend them.

Enjoy the rest of your Thursday. Only one more day until the weekend :)

box of neglect round 2

It is time for the second round of my Box of Neglect Challenge. If you are confused or have no idea what I am talking about, check out THIS post to get briefed and if you missed the first round you can catch up HERE. Which products get a second chance this time? I have to choose a fate for each product: BOX (to be sold/donated), DRAWER (I am keeping), or TOSS (to the garbage it goes).

THE CONTENDERS

L'OREAL TRUE MATCH BLUSH IN TENDER ROSE
This blush has a really great texture for being drugstore. It isn't very pigmented but that isn't bothersome since I feel like the majority who rely on drugstore makeup need a blush that is impossible to overdo. I would definitely recommend this lineup if you are on a budget. Unfortunately this color is not the best choice for me, it is a bit too cool on me. Because of this I know it is not something I will reach for often. Shame since I think overall the blush is lovely. BOX

MILANI BERRY AMORE BAKED BLUSH
This is my favorite shade out of the Milani baked blushes I own. It isn't so frosty that it makes my skin texture look bad and the color is also flattering on me. If you want to see a swatch, you can check out my old post on it HERE. I am also wearing it below (blue hat picture). Happily choosing to keep this. DRAWER

WET N WILD LAGOON
I think I have come to terms with the fact that colored eye shadows and me are just never going to happen often. Neutrals FTW! The only "colors" I realistically use are taupes and olives. Every thing else lays gathering dust. This eyeshadow texture is smooth and nice. The pigmentation is great and the color is gorgeously bright. It is nice to smudge into the lower lash line every now and then but I won't reach for this often. It deserves more love than I can give. BOX

Wearing Milani Berry Amore blush & WnW Lagoon Eyeshadow

MAC BLANKETY LIPSTICK
Yikes. This shade just does not look flattering on me at all. I don't know what it is about it. Perhaps a bit too rosy? Too pale? I am not sure. I just know every time I give it a chance and slap it on (heavily or dabbed on, it doesn't matter) it just does not work on me. BOX

NYX ESPRESSO BLUSH
I pulled this out, wore it for a few days, and declared myself a fool. Why did I throw this in the box?!? NYX makes really great blushes. This color is really awesome. Think of a versatile peachy neutral and that is exactly what Espresso is. I bought this way back when all because of Laura since she once expressed her love for it. Definitely a keeper. DRAWER

PHYSICIAN'S FORMULA VEGAS STRIP SHIMMER STRIPS
This is really nice. I seem to have picked the cream of the crop when it comes to my drugstore choices. Granted PF is on the "higher end" on a drugstore scale, but the quality of this product is very nice. It isn't too frosty, the texture isn't too chunky, and the finish is really pretty. It has the ability to be subtle but you can also build it up. I usually apply this to the tops of my cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow. I have so many highlighters though! It would be more practical for me to give this up. The only downside to this is the packaging. I always have trouble opening it. Again, if you are on a budget this is a great choice. I just have too many highlighters to warrant keeping this. BOX

REVLON REALLY RED LIPSTICK
I spontaneously wore this one day and surprisingly didn't hate it. I am not a red lipstick wearer, but this lipstick makes me want to be! I am going to keep this. It is fun to wear and I think it will help me emerge out into the bold lipstick world. DRAWER

Wearing Revlon Really Red and Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips heavily.

I posted the above picture on my Instagram, but I think the angle of this picture showcases the products better. I am wearing Revlon Really Red, Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips, and NYX Espresso.

That is the end of round two. How did I do this time?

ROUND TWO
BOX: 4
DRAWER: 3

TOTAL SO FAR
BOX: 8
DRAWER: 5
TOSS: 1

Not bad. Glad to see so far I am getting rid of more items rather than hoarding them. Hope you enjoyed this round. Until next time...

box of neglect: round one

Here is the first round of my Box of Neglect Challenge. If you are confused or have no idea what I am talking about, check out my post HERE. Which products get a second chance? I have to choose a fate for each product: BOX (to be sold/donated), DRAWER (I am keeping), or TOSS (to the garbage it goes)!

CONTENDERS

MAYBELLINE DREAM MOUSSE CONCEALER
I don't care for this. This is discontinued but from what I gathered from the beauty community, it was popular. It doesn't match me very well and it doesn't do a great job at covering anything. There isn't much product left in this so I have decided to either use this up myself or toss it. I don't want to burden anyone with it. DRAWER/TOSS!

WET n WILD E/S PALETTE in VANITY
I completely forgot I had this palette. It is really nice for drugstore. The colors aren't unique but staples. I like this but I have so many other shades from higher end brands that work much better on me. The matte beige color is too stark on me and doesn't blend into my skin tone. This is a good product but I have other choices similar to it that suit me better. BOX!

MILANI BAKED BLUSH IN DOLCE PINK
I actually really like Milani's baked blush line. But I have to face reality. When it comes to my skin texture (scarred and large pores), these aren't my friends. Dolce Pink is very frosty. I love the shade of pink on me, but the frost and sparkle factor really emphasizes my skin texture. This would be lovely on smooth skinned ladies. This is a sad verdict, and I might even give this a third chance, but...BOX(for now)

STILA SUN BRONZING POWDER SHADE 2
Another item I completely forgot about. It don't mind this. I have been so exasperated by the poor performance Benefit Hoola gave me so it is nice to use a product that I like. It is matte, pigmented, and blends into my skin nicely. The texture isn't the best and the color could be potentially orange on pale ladies, but on me it turns out ok. I will use it up since I don't like any of the other bronzers I have right now. DRAWER

STILA ILLUMINATING FINISHING POWDER in ROSE GOLD
Every time I use this, it just does not want to show up on me. Perhaps that is the point? To be subtle? I just don't see any effect with this at all. I have tried using it all over and just on the tops of my cheekbones. Sorry, I like my highlighters to be noticeable. BOX

MILANI BAKED BLUSH in ROSE D'ORO
This color looks dirty on me. And has high frost just like Dolce Pink. It is so pretty in the pan, but I think frosty corals just don't suit me. Remember how I felt about MAC Stereo Rose? Wish it looked better on me...BOX

IN ACTION
In the above picture, I am wearing the Wet and Wild Vanity palette, Stila Bronzer, Milani Rose D'Oro blush. So what is the tally this first round?

BOX: 4
DRAWER: 2 (kinda)
TOSS: 1 (kinda)

That is it for this round in the challenge. Until next time. I am determined to give all my Milani baked blushes a chance even though they pretty much all have the same frosty finish...