Product Review!

 It's almost Friday! I have absolutely no plans thus far and I love it! My last few weekends have been so low key that it is nice to just enjoy each day and not have any plans :)

But lately I have been trying new products and I figured I would do a review on them! 

A few months back I did a post about my skin care regime which was all Clinque and E'stee Lauder. Well a good family friend sells Mary Kay and she swore that if  I switched I wouldn't regret it.

In my mind a product that is $50 will work better than a $12 product so I was a little hesitant to start, plus my face is sensitive when switching products so I really didn't want to.

But I did

Enter my new skin care routine :

 I use the Velocity cleanser, toner, and moisturizer twice daily. The Velocity line is great for oily skin and for acne prone skin. 

Second from the right is the mask I use three times a week. Because I didn't wear sunscreen for my entire high school and partial college life (and went to the tanning bed) I am starting to get hyper pigmentation already. Not good, this mask however basically bleaches any discoloration out.

I absolutely LOVE this entire collection. I have used it now for over a month, just to make sure I loved it! What is great is everything costs about $50, whereas before I was paying that for one cleanser. So I highly recommend it! You can find it HERE!

I also switched to this new L'Oreal shampoo after getting my hair highlighted about a month ago!

I will never use shampoo that is not sulfate free again. It makes such a difference with my hair. It feels and looks so much softer. Also I feel that my hair has more volume. Love, love, love!

After I get out of the shower I add a dime size amount of Moroccan Oil to the strands of my hair, mostly focusing on the last 4 inches or so.

The smell is absolutely amazing, and it has done wonders for my hair! 

E'stee Lauder eyeliner. 

#1 eyeliner ever.

As you can see, the Double Wear in black is almost gone :( It is my favorite because it stays on ALL day and does not wear off. Also it applies so smooth and clean that it leaves a flawless line every time! 

Last but not least is L'Oreal nail polish

Honestly, not in love. I bought it because originally they are $5.99. But Walgreens had them buy one, get one 50% off. So I thought I would give it a try and bought these four. Tip to remember: the cosmetics counter at Walgreens ALWAYS has coupons for different products. I asked if she did for L'Oreal and she said of course! I she used 4 $2 off coupons which took $8 off the already B1G1 so I was excited.

However  I will say I was in a rush and didn't use a bottom nor a top coat, and it is already chipping. So I can't really say anything too too bad because I am sure that is my fault. But I thought the coats went on so thin..I could of almost used three coats of just the color because it was streak-y and see through in places.

Happy almost Friday!!!

Xoxo

M

I am back again!!

Hello lovelies!

Well...I could bore you with excuses for not posting in two weeks, but I will save the excuses and promise not to do it again. I just think I have been so overwhelmed lately, I honestly forgot I even had a blog.

But I am here now.

 :D

I honestly don't even remember what I have done two weeks ago, but last weekend I go to Asheville, NC for my boyfriends brother's finance's  bachlorette weekend. I have never been to downtown Asheville before but I loved it! It had such a hipster, relaxing vibe to the city and it was so fun!

I only have one picture so far because the girls haven't uploaded all the other pictures yet but here is all of us girls that went:

Oh! I learned something very interesting too! About 3 weeks ago I went to get a facial, it was my first one and now I am obsessed and probably will go once a month. But the first thing she did was measure the moisture of skin on my face, she said 65 is normal/ideal of where your skin should be.

I immediately told her that my face is super oily so it will be like 100 or 200.

Well..it was 35. Turns out if you have oily skin it doesn't mean your skin is hydrated. Long story short I told her that I use St. Ives apricot scrub twice a day because I love how it feels like it scrubs the oils/dirt/etc from my pores. She told me that is the worst possible face wash to use because it stripes all the healthy oils that your skin uses.

I swore by St. Ives, so I was like okay so I need a new skin routine. I didn't use a moisturizer, didn't take my make-up off before washing my face, and used St. Ives twice a day. 

So enter my new skin routine thanks to the ladies at the Estee Lauder and Clinique counter:

Step 1: Estee Lauder- Take it away makeup remover

This is such as gentle lotion that takes makeup off so easily. A little goes a long way, so one little pump on a cotton ball is all you need! If you don't take your makeup off before washing your face, it's like taking a shower with your clothes on. Highly recommend this product!

Step 2: Face wash (that is not a scrub) Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean

This is a cream face wash and smells so good! My face feels so silky and clean when I use this product. It is not a harsh scrub, like St. Ives, so my face appreciates this little cleanser!

Step 3: Clinique Clarifying lotion (toner)

Here's what Clinique says about this product: Helps clear away pollution, excess oil, dulling flakes for clear, glowing skin. Helps block a blemish. Purifies pores to look cleaner, smaller. Skin grows stronger, stays clearer, healthier. Dermatologist-reformulated to be comfortable, non-drying.  

Love it! I have been using this product for about a year now, but I just added it to my new routine!

Step 4: Clinique Dramatically different moisturizing gel

They recommended this moisturizer because it's a light formula that adds just enough moisture without feeling like an oil slick. It is scent free, so it doesn't have an awkward smell and a little squirt goes a long way. What's even better is that is is less than $20!!

And wah-la, two weeks later I have noticed a difference. My face is not as oily and is much clearer. With me going to to the gym every day, my skin is usually prone to small breakouts but that has dramatically decreased!

Oh and I also bought Clinique City block with SPF 25. When getting my facial, I was told I have hyper-pigmentation from the sun and I needed to wear sunscreen on my face everyday. So Clinique had the perfect product.

Here is what they say about it:

Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25/40
What it is:
A lightweight daily moisturizer that provides a high level of protection against sun and environmental damage.

What it is formulated to do:
This daily screen provides remarkable protection against both sun and environmental damage. Its sheer, weightless formula includes broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun-blocking ingredients and antioxidants. Perfect for all skin types, even the most sensitive, this product can be worn alone or as an invisible makeup primer.

 I wear it alone so I cut out my foundation, and it adds just enough coverage! This is by far the best makeup product I have purchased and it too was under $20! Highly Recommend it!!

BB Cream

B.B. cream—short for "blemish balm" or "beauty balm" 

Heard of it?

While driving back from Clemson this weekend, I had time to catch up on my magazine's and found out about this product that I am now dying to try.

Here is what I found online about it:

"BB creams come in a variety of different formulations and qualities. Some have skin whitening or brightening properties. Others are said to be anti-acne or anti-wrinkle, some are intended to even out skin tone, and yet others to lighten blemish scars. BB creams are sometimes used like a primer under foundation, and if tinted may supposedly replace foundation and some newer ones are advertised as having functions of primer, foundation, moisturizer, sun block, pore minimization and skin refining together, making them an economic skin care solution."

I found a few and they all come in right under $40!

$37

Here is what Clinque says about there product: This instant morning routine gives skin just about everything it needs for a quick start. SPF protection, antioxidants for prevention, plus enough coverage to banish imperfections. The perfect primer, too.

$38

Estee Lauder's All at once. Moisture, protection and flawless perfection.

Plus the most effective anti-oxidant power ever.*

This lightweight creme delivers:

• An instant, even-toned, healthy look.
• Powerful protection with our proven Super Anti-Oxidant Complex and SPF 35.
• High-performance, oil-free hydration.
• Helps to control excess surface oil.
• Available in 2 shades to suit a wide range of skintones.

$38

This B.B. Cream by Boscia creates a lustrous, flawless finish as it hydrates, firms and soothes the skin. Helps diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines and uneven skintone while providing long-wearing, natural coverage that conceals imperfections.

TGI(almost)F

Xoxo-M

Makeup Bag Must Haves

Phew, does anyone else think this week has just flown by?

Today was my lunch to celebrate my birthday at work (my birthday is next week but we decided this week would be best to go). We went to Wren Bistro, Bar & Market. It was so delicious, I had the southwestern salad and it was to die for! Also they brought the table one of every dessert and of course I had to sample them all..after all it is my birthday!! My favorite was the pecan pie and espresso mousse :)

**

So I was pondering what to post about today while doing my make-up and it just kind of hit me! Do a post on what all girls must have in their makeup bags!

So here is what I came up with:

1. First of all having a cute bag makes all the difference in the world. ShopBop has some the cutest bags!

 2. Set of good brushes. I personally use Estee Lauder brushes and always have since about 7th grade when my mom finally let me wear makeup.

Tip for those who apply foundation with a triangle sponge or fingers: The 4th brush in from the left is a foundation brush and I believe every girl needs one. You would be amazed how much foundation a sponge soaks up/wastes and how much nasty stuff gets into your pores when applying foundation with your hands. This brush applies foundation smoothly without wasting a whole bunch of foundation..and when a bottle of foundation cost $50-$70 bucks it adds up. So spend the money on  a good brush set!! (Just the foundation brush from EL is about $32 or so)

3. Mascara. I don't know one girl that leaves the house without it. I know I sure don't. I personally use two different kinds.

First I apply my Estee Lauder Sumptuous mascara for volume and to make them thicker.

Then I add Neutrogena Healthy Lengths to make them longer

By far the best combination and it makes my lashes look about x3 times longer!! 

4. Q-Tips!!!! I always get my mascara underneath my eye or on top of my eye lid. Keeping Q-Tips is a must for boo-boo's and uh-oh's. 

5. A great concealer. Every now and then when some of us one of those pest-y pimples, it is necessary to have a concealer that matches your skin tone. In the winter do note to buy a shade lighter, don't try to use the same summer shade because it will be too dark and will be more noticeable then trying not to cover your pimple (and vice-verse for summer..don't wear too light)

6. A palette of eye shadows. Having a palette is so much better than having 20 different colors in separate little containers. Depending on my outfit, time of the day, etc depends on my eye shadow. By having one palette that has all the colors in one spot makes it so much easier and saves space in the makeup bag!(and I don't mean the ones that are like 2ft x 2ft that have like 200 different colors..I mean who actually uses all those??)

What must haves do you keep in your bag??

Xoxo-M