November 2011 Hits & Misses

November 2011 Hits & Misses

MISSES
- Milani Liquif-eye in Black
- bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 4.0 in The Truth
- Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF 25 PA++
- Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Make Me Pink

ON-THE-FENCE
- Revlon Nail Enamel in Starry Pink
- Wet n Wild Walking on Eggshells Trio

HITS
- St. Ives Naturally Smoothing with AHA Complex Body Lotion
- Josie Maran Argan Oil
- OPI Bubble Bath
- Revlon Nail Enamel Cherries in the Snow
- Essie Ladylike
- Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
- Wet n Wild Nutty
- MAC Patina and Embark
- Inglot Matte 337
- Wet n Wild Vanity Palette
- Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer
- bareMinerals Flawless Definition Masacra
- MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush
- Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Pink Ice
- Prestige Waterproof Eye Liner in Flannel Grey
- Prestige Brow Gel

Beautyfix Fall 2011 - First Impressions & Review

Beautyfix is a seasonal service that sends 8 deluxe or full-size samples for $49.99 per shipment. Shipments come every 3 months. The best part is that you get to choose the products you want sent to you! I never signed up for other similar services (i.e. Birchbox, Glossybox) because the products they include never appealed to me. I don't like testing hair products and I'm not too interested in perfume. Beautyfix seemed like the perfect solution for that! Watch my video for more information and links :)




Products I chose for my Fall 2011 Beautyfix package:
Beautyfix Large Cosmetics Bag
Murad Active Radiance Serum 0.5oz.
Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque 2.5oz.
Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray 4oz.
Cures by Avancé Age Defyer Eye 0.5oz.
Decleor Instant Radiance Moisturizer 0.5oz.
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel - Travel Size 1.7oz.
Jane Iredale PureGloss - Soft Peach 0.17fl oz.
Pop Beauty Glitz Blitz Eye Liner - Wine Wink

PROJECT 10 PAN (FINALLY!!)

I finally took it upon myself to start a Project 10 Pan. If you are unfamiliar with Project 10 Pan... it was started by the beautiful Laura (lollipop26). In this challenge you choose 10 products to finish in its entirety before you purchase any more beauty products. Many of us hoard makeup without taking the time to use up the great products in our collections. Join me! :)

My Project 10 Pan Products:
1 - Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
2 - Prestige BrowPerfection Ideal Match Marbleized Brow Pencil
3 - Smith's Rosebud Salve
4 - Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara
5 - MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
6 - MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush
7 - Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
8 - China Glaze Stong Adhesion Base Coat
9 - Josie Maran 100% Organic Argan Oil
10 - Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15

Top Products Under $10

Beauty doesn't always have to come at a high cost! These are my favorite products under $10. Hope you all enjoy! :)



Products mentioned:
St. Ives Hydrating Vitamin E Body Lotion
Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
Mandom Beauty Cleansing Express Cleansing Lotion
Olay Foaming Facial Wash for Sensitive Skin
Eucerin Sensitive Skin Everyday Face Protection SPF 30
Maybelline Full n Soft (not shown)
Maybelline The Falsies Black Drama Mascara
Maybelline XXL Pro 24HR Bold Mascara
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer
Rimmel London Match Perfection Concealer
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer - Brightener
Milani Liquif'eye Eye Liner
NYX Slide On Eye Liner
Prestige BrowPerfection Brow Pencil
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters (Colors shown: Creme Brulee, Cotton Candy, Lollipop, and Candy Apple)
Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss ( Color shown: Pink Pop)
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick (Color shown: Cha Cha Cherry)
Nivea A Kiss of Moisture Lip Balm
Smith's Rosebud Salve
NYX Powder Blush (Colors shown: Angel, Pinky, and Taupe)
Milani Luminous Blush
L'Oreal HiP Eyeshadow Duos (Duos shown: Devious and Cheeky)
Cover Girl Shimmering Sands Eyeshadow Trio
Wet n Wild Color Icon Palette (Palette shown: Comfort Zone)
Inglot Eyeshadows

October 2011 Hits and Misses

Already time to do my October Hits and Misses?! This year has flown by.



Products mentioned:

MISSES
Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation
Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser
Sally Hansen Triple Strong Nail Fortifier
SallY Hansen Dry Chapped Hand Cream
MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15

HITS
Neutrogena Deep Moisture Hand Cream
Burt's Bees Lemon Cuticle Butter
Mandom Beauty Age Care Cleansing Lotion
Lush R&B Hair Moisturizer
Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Cream Gel Liner {Brown}
Eucerin Everyday protection Face Lotion SPF 30
Maybelline The Falsies Black Drama Mascara
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara
NYX Blush {Raisin}
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush {Exposed}
Revlon Colorburust Lip Butter {Creme Brulee}
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter {Cotton Candy}
Smith's Rosebud Salve

Retail Therapy

Trying to kick start my blog again! Not sure how much time I will have to update, but I'll make a concerted effort :)



Products mentioned in my most recent haul:
Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Heal & Conceal
Mandom Express Eye Makeup Remover
Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
Sally Hansen Triple Strong Advanced Gel Nail Fortifier
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer {Light 10}
NYX Round Lipstick {Snow White}
MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15
Sephora Perfecting Cover Foundation {Sample}
Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask {Sample}
Stila Prime Pot {Taffy}
Smith's Rosebud Salve
Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush {Exposed}
Bare Escentuals bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow Quad {The Truth}

Feather Hair Extensions??

I got feather hair extensions! My mom and my sister (she got them too) helped put them on. I was inspired to get them by Kandee Johnson. I'm sure you all know who she is :)

Anyways, you can see the feather hair extensions in the video, so have a look-see! Also, here is a list of all the products that I featured in my Face of the Day:

Products mentioned for my FOTD:
Dr. Young 2p Pearl Brightening Balm SPF 35 PA ++
UDPP
Urban Decay Naked Palette (Virgin, Sin, Naked, and Buck)
MAC E/S (Mylar)
NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder (Sunny)
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
MAC Fluidline (Blacktrack)
MAC Chromographic Pencil (NC15/NW20)
MAC Penultimate Brow Marker
Maybelline One-by-One Waterproof
NYX Blush (Angel)
Milani Minerals Blush (Luminous)
Shiseido The Makeup Accentuating Color Stick (S6 Champagne Flush)
L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balm (Delectable)

What do you guys think of feather hair extensions? Have you tried them? How did they work out for you?

I hope you all have a wonderful day!
x Lauren

Haul (MAC, BB Creams, and more)

Products mentioned:
MAC Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 NC25
Selena Eture Cotton
Kai Eyebrow Razors
Vess Towel Cap
Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream No. 23 Natural Beige SPF 42 PA +++
Missha Signature Real Complete No. 23 Natural Yellow Beige SPF 25 PA ++

Have you guys ever tried BB Creams before? What kinds do you recommend?

March 2011 Favorites (Hits & Misses)

"Hits" mentioned:
- Borghese Presto Fast Dry Top Coat
- Essie Topless and Barefoot
- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Whisper
- La Roche Posay Anthelios SX SPF 15
- Kose ClearTurn White Hyaluronic Acid Masks
- MAC E/S Soft Brown
- MAC Naked Pigment
- Stila Artist's Inspiration Palette
- CG Professional All-in-One Waterproof Mascara
- Milani Liquif-eye Metallic Eye Liner in Black
- MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
- Milani Minerals Blush in Luminous
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
- Uha Concentrated Milk Candy :)

"Misses" mentioned:
- Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
- Revlon Super Lustrous in Just Enough Buff
- MAC E/S Carbon


Let me know what your hits and misses were this month!

x Lauren

One more try at blogging! + New Sunscreen

I've been so on and off with blogging (I've had other blogs before). I can never seem to keep up with it as much as I would like. April is starting tomorrow, and my goal for the month is to at least make 10 posts. I think part of the reason I'm not a very frequent blogger is that I don't have a very good quality camera. I have an "Okay" on, but I need a new memory card because all of mine are full U_U. Enough with the excuses, today's blog is going to be about a new sunscreen I bought yesterday. And here it is:

I'm aware that this is a "baby" sunscreen. One thing that I find interesting about the sunscreen industry (for lack of better words) is that they label sunscreens with "baby sunscreen," "sports sunscreen," "for face," "for body" when the all contain the same--or VERY similar--ingredients. It's a marketing technique. If you do a little research you'll find this too.

Anyways, this is Banana Boat Baby Tear Free SPF 50. This is the first sunscreen spray I have ever tried. What I like most about this sunscreen is that it is effortless to apply and you don't feel it on your skin at all. Also, it does not have Oxybenzone (a controversial chemical sunscreen ingredient)! Nearly all sunscreen sprays contain this ingredient which is the main reason why I've never had a spray before. I was in the market for a sunscreen for my body since I don't have one. The weather is getting quite warmer and the sun is staying out for a lot longer as the days go on. So in order to prevent sunburn and also to protect my skin and keep it in the best shape possible... I picked this up! ^_^

What are your favorite sunscreens for the body?

x Lauren

MAC Haul!

Sorry for the poor quality picture (it was taken with my phone). I went to MAC the other day and here's what I picked up :)

1) Naked Pigment

2) Mylar eyeshadow

3) Naked Lunch eyeshadow

4) Soft Brown eyeshadow

5) Club eyeshadow

6) Margin blush

7) Impassioned lipstick

From the new "Jeanius Collection"...

8) Pink Cult blush

9) Penultimate Brow Marker

I'll post swatches soon (when I get my better camera to start working again! haha

What have you picked up from MAC recently? Any suggestions on what I should pick up next?

40 question beauty survey to begin my new blog

I thought this would be a really great way to start my blog. It's the 40 question beauty survey. I hope you enjoy! ^_^


SKINCARE

How many times do you wash your face daily? 
I was my face twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night. Sometimes I'll wash my face midday to remove all my makeup and start over for a night out.


What skin type do you have?
I have combination skin. In the winter I'm combination/dry and in the summer I lean toward combination with an oily t-zone.

What is your current facial wash? 
Olay Sensitive Skin Foaming Face Wash. Not quite sure what I'd do without it! (HG)

Do you exfoliate?
Occasionally. My skin is too sensitive to user an exfoliator on a daily basis. However, I use the Clairsonic at night and that is exfoliating enough for me.

What brand do you use? 
When I do use an exfoliator I use St. Ives Green Tea Scrub... or the Clairsonic like I said :)

What moisturizer do you use?
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion in the morning and Cetaphil Moisturizing cream at night.
Edit 3/31/11: Now I've switched to La Roche Posay Anthelios SX SPF 15 for day and CeraVe PM for night.

Do you have freckles?
I do. And I don't like them! :(

Do you use eye cream?
Yes, it's an essential part of my skin care routine. I have really dry skin around my eyes. Currently using Avalon Organics Vitamin C Revitalizing Eye Cream.

Do you or did you have acne prone skin? 
In middle school and high school my skin was really temperamental. Now my skin is more manageable.

Did you use Proactive? 
Yes. It was... ehh. I don't recommend it. There are so many better options out there.


MAKE-UP

What foundation do you use? 
Laura Mercier Silk Creme and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.
Edit 3/31/11: The Luminous Silk broke me out! I still use the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation though and I love it. I'm also trying out a couple BB Creams right now.

How about concealer?
MAC Select Moisturecover for under my eyes and Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda for blemishes.

Do you know your undertone color? 
Warm/yellow... really yellow. If you're talking in MAC terms I'd be considered "cool," as I'm an NC25... but don't get me started with that haha.

What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I really like them, but can't be bothered by them.


Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months? 
I do know that. Some are recommended for every 6 months. I just go through so many mascaras, I just throw it away whenever I finish it (usually less than 3 months) or when it dries up.

What brand of mascara do you use? 
Although I try an unruly number of different mascaras, my HG mascara is Maybelline Full n Soft (the waterproof version).

Sephora or MAC? 
That's a tough one... I have to go with Sephora because there is more variety and MAC skin products are not up to par with other brands out there. I'm all about good skin care.

Do you have a MAC Pro-card? 
No, but I really wish I did! You get an insane discount! 30-40%??

What makeup tools do you use in make up application? 
My makeup brushes and my fingers are what I rely on the most. The Beauty Blender is also becoming a favorite of mine as well!

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Yes... most of the time it's going to be MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre or some other kind of eye primer.
Edit 3/31/11: UDPP ftw! MAC Paint Pots are not marketed as a primer and therefore crease on my oily eyelids.

For the face?
No, I do not use a face primer. I feel like it adds an extra (unnecessary) layer on your skin.

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
I can't choose just one shade!

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner? 
Both... and I use gel liner too!

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil? 
Never.. ouch.

What do you think of pigment eye shadows? 
They're beautiful but they're way too messy!
Edit 3/31/11: They're messy, but I'll deal with it if they are beautiful. Naked from MAC is my favorite.

Do you use mineral makeup? 
I have Bare Minerals Matte foundation that I sometimes use.

What is your favorite lipstick? 
Currently... Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy. (This is an early release. The full line comes out sometime in April I believe..)
Edit 3/31/11: Revlon Super Lustrous in Pink in the Afternoon!

How about lip gloss? 
Revlon SuperLustrous in Nude Lustre.

What is your favorite blush to use?
NYX Angel.
Edit 3/31/11: Still like Angel from NYX, but I've been reaching for Milani Luminous quite frequently!

Do you buy your makeup on eBay? 
I never have and probably never will. I'm afraid of getting fake makeup, and I always like to see things in person before I buy it.

Do you like drugstore makeup? 
Yes. It is most exciting when you find those hidden gems :)

Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets) 
Sometimes. They're really far from where I live, but go when I'm near them.

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes? 
Yes! Still considering it..

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup? 
No. But I drop a lot of my makeup :(

Name a makeup crime that you hate? 
I don't really think that there are any "crimes" when it comes to makeup. To me, it's everything goes... it's a form of art.

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones? 
Both... it depends on how I'm feeling that day.

Which celebrity always has great make up? 
Natalie Portman.

If you could leave the house using just ONE makeup item, what would you use? 
Mascara! It makes a world of difference.

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on? 
I frequently do.

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on? 
Yes, but I definitely don't think I look my best.

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
Laura Mercier and MAC.

What do you think of Makeup??? 
It's a way to express who you are and who you want to be. It brings out your natural beauty inside and out. It's edgy, it's transformative, it's beautiful. More than anything.. It's a form of art that I've completely fallen in love with :)