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PopSugar Must Have Unboxing December 2015!

December 22, 2015

PSMH

Hi everyone! How was your weekend? It’s windy and gloomy over here today but luckily I have an insight to December’s PopSugar Must Have Box to brighten things up. Let’s get to it! 🙂

Luv AJ The Rose Gold Ombre Bracelet, $65

An ombre bracelet that has a mix of silver, rose gold and gold plating.

Swing Design Nova Blue Mist Jewelry Box, $36

A jewelry box that has a stitched blue leatherette and suede interior-perfect for housing the rose gold ombre bracelet we received.

My Cup of Cake Classic Belgian Chocolate, $5.99

It doesn’t get much simpler than this three minute gourmet souffle that features dark Belgian chocolate and all-natural ingredients.

Meri Meri Silver Stars on White Glitter Tape, $4

Perfect for the holiday occasion, this white glitter tape adds a sparkling finish to your gifts.

Nima Oberoi Lunares Geo Stopper, $24

An exclusive geo stopper, wine lovers will appreciate this bottle stopper that is handcrafted to not tarnish or break so you can reuse it.

Stowaway Cosmetics Creme Lipstick Trio, $30

A lipstick trio that is designed for the girl on the go. They are small enough to fit comfortably in your clutch and also to be used up before they expire. Shades include Muted Plum, Raspberry and Cranberry.

Tiny Prints Gift Tag Stickers + $20 Promo Code, $20 (Special Extra)

Another great holiday item, these heart gift tag stickers have already been used to seal Christmas gifts. A $20 off your purchase card was also included with this.

Below is a swatch of Muted Plum. I may gift the others away so I didn’t swatch those but one is a bright red shade (Cranberry) and the other is similar to fuschia (Raspberry). These remind be of Bite Beauty except Muted Plum has a little more slip to it which makes it glide effortlessly on the lips

Stowaway Cosmetics Muted Plum

As with my other PopSugar boxes, I am pleased with the items included in here, especially the lipsticks and the holiday tags!

What do you think of this month’s box?

Stephanie

October Favorites 2015!

October 29, 2015

Hi everyone! With October ending this week, I’m sharing products I’ve been using religiously this month. Let’s get to it!

Nest Fragrances Moroccan Amber Candle

Nordstrom just opened up locally and when I saw they carried Nest Candles in store, I knew I had to pick this up. With exotic notes of Moroccan Amber, Star Anise, Sweet Patchouli, Bergamot and Eucalyptus, this candle is just what you need to create a zen environment.

NYX Butter Gloss in Strawberry Parfait

I received this NYX Butter Gloss in a Target Beauty Box and I must say it was love at first swipe. It’s described as a fuchsia but has a sheer finish that on my lips looks natural with a slight tinge of pink. Great for everyday minimal looks or to top off lipsticks without competing with the shade underneath.

Renee Rouleau Skin Drink

I had a chemical peel about 2 weeks ago and this was instrumental in keeping my skin hydrated. It’s an oil-free, water based serum of hyaluronic acid that helps attract and retain moisture in your skin. Perfect for my combination skin as it delivers hydration without making me breakout.

Burberry Beauty ‘Light Glow’ Natural Blush in Earthy

I know I’ve mentioned this blush before but it’s for good reason. It’s an absolute staple in my makeup arsenal because it is versatile and is a joy to use with its smooth and buttery consistency. Pairs well with natural or vampy fall looks. You need this blush. Trust.

Swatches of the NYX Butter Gloss and Burberry Beauty Blush

What are your favorites this month?

Stephanie

R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo and Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner Review!

September 24, 2015

Hello everyone! I have for you today reviews on two R+Co products that I have been testing out. I purchased the Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner from the Birchbox store and the Death Valley Dry Shampoo came as a sample in my August Birchbox. For reference, I have curly, color treated hair and I tried both of these with my natural hair and then also when I straightened it.

R+Co comprises “some of the most forward-thinking, rule-bending hairstylists in the business.” Their products are free of parabens, sulfates (SLS or SLES), mineral oil, petrolatum and gluten. They are also vegetarian, cruelty-free, color-safe and most of the retail packaging can be recycled. Also notable from this brand is their androgynous fragrances and the colorful images that mark the containers they come in.

Let’s get started.

Death Valley Dry Shampoo

Described as “the quickest way to get volume and body into your hair.

Pros

Adds volume to hair

Nice, clean scent

Good product to refresh hair

No white residue left behind

Unique packaging/pictures

Available in travel-size

Cons

Does not absorb oil

Can feel a little bit sticky at times

A bit pricey- $29 for 6.3 oz/$17 for 1.6 oz

Overall: This dry shampoo didn’t absorb any oil and I felt that when it mixed with the oil in my hair, it made it feel a bit sticky and heavy. It smells very similar to the Dry Bar Detox Dry Shampoo but leans more towards a woodsy scent-I love it! This is best used on straight hair that isn’t too oily and adds good volume. I doubt I would purchase this as both the Dry Bar Detox Shampoo and Bumble and bumble Pret-a-Powder work better at absorbing oil and I do prefer the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for adding volume/texture over this one.

Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner

Described as “the only step you need to weightlessly soften and condition, no matter what kind of hair you’ve got.”

Pros

Cleans pretty well for a product that doesn’t really foam up

Light, airy mousse-like texture

Doesn’t make hair feel stripped which is great for curly and color-treated hair

The scent is not overpowering

Unique packaging/pictures

Cons

You’ll still need to condition your hair despite the claims

Pricey- $29 for 6 fl oz

You do need to use quite a bit of product

Hard to tell how much product is left

Overall: I’ve tried several shampoos, including DevaCurl, that are designed to clean hair without foaming and while they were nice at first, my hair just looked greasy by the end of the day or over time. This cleansing conditioner though is one of the best formulations I have tried thus far. The product looks similar to mousse but a bit creamier and it really removes oil without making your scalp feel dry. I had to use about 3-4 pumps to cover my head and I did need to use conditioner on the end afterwards but my hair looked soft and significantly less frizzy. My only problem with this is that you can’t tell how much is left in the can and you do need to use more than is indicated in the instructions. It is pricey but well-worth the price and I will definitely be repurchasing this.

Have a great day and let me know in the comments below what your favorite or least favorite hair products are!

Stephanie

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation + Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser Review!

September 15, 2015

Hi everyone! How was your weekend?

I have quick reviews on two popular makeup and skincare to share today so let’s get to it. 🙂

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

Described as “an oil-free foundation for natural-looking, full coverage and a beautiful, radiant finish.” It also boasts ingredients like coconut water, hyaluronic acid and alpine rose.

Pros

Feels light-weight on the skin

Easily applies to the skin

Was a good color match

Buildable coverage

Cons

Tends to separate on skin giving a peeling skin illusion

Emphasized my pores/imperfections

No noticeable hydration

Overall I loved this foundation when I first tried it on in store as the color was a perfect match and you couldn’t tell I was wearing makeup; it also felt very light on the face. Fast forward to half an hour later and my face was a patchy, oily mess. Whether I use primer or not, exfoliate the day before or use a setting spray, nothing helps the appearance. It makes my face look like it is peeling. Sadly, this didn’t work out for me but I do think it’s worth a try just to see how it works for you.

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser

Described as a “cleanser purifies the skin, tightens pores, and supports natural collagen and circulation with natural essential oils to tone and balance the skin. It detoxifies, minimizes pore size, and helps you achieve a flawless, ‘ceramic-smooth’complexion.”

Pros

Effectively removes oil

Cons

Pricey

Unpleasant scent

Too drying for my skin

Overall I can’t really find anything good to say about this cleanser except that it does effectively remove oil. My face felt extremely dry and sort of prune-like afterwards and I couldn’t stand the smell. This cleanser contains black pepper and that scent is very prominent here. It doesn’t foam but because it contains clay, this helps draw out sebum from the skin. Definitely not an everyday cleanser so in my opinion, skip this one and save your money.

Have you tried these and received different results? Comment below!

Stephanie

Make Up For Ever Mattifying Primer Review!

September 10, 2015

Hi everyone! How is everyone holding up with this weather? It’s hot and humid in So Cal with no sign of cooler temperatures yet.

Speaking of heat, I have a review on the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying primer and summer has provided the best weather to put this to the test. Let’s get to it.

Described as, “a makeup primer that assists with balancing the skin’s texture and tone for smoother, more even, and longer-lasting makeup wear. Mattifying Primer reduces shine for oily skin.”

Pros

Travel sized version costing $16 for 0.5 oz

Does have a mattifying effect for a couple of hours

Absorbs quickly into the skin

A little bit goes a long way especially if you only spot treat certain areas

Cons

Pricey with full size costing $36 for 1 oz

It’s best to avoid putting this primer on dry patches

Has a cooling effect that tends to feel tingly when foundation is applied on top

Although it absorbs quickly into skin, I can feel a sort of powdery residue

Didn’t work well with certain foundations/BB creams

Overall: I like the primer but I’m not sure I would purchase it again, mainly because I feel it sensitizes my skin a little bit. When I apply foundation over it, sometimes I feel a tingling/burning sensation. It does help keep oil at bay for a good amount of time, about 4-5 hours when inside and 2-3 hours when I was outside. It won’t leave you completely shine free, especially when you are out in the scorching sun, but I didn’t look as shiny as I normally would. Unless you have very oily skin all over, it’s best to apply a small amount to the T-Zone or wherever you’re oily as it can feel and look drying on the skin. For reference, I have combination skin. I also found that wearing this primer underneath BB creams wasn’t the best choice as my skin looked dry and patchy.

What’s your favorite face primer? Comment below!

Stephanie

August Favorites 2015!

September 1, 2015

Happy September 1st everyone! I can’t believe how fast last month zoomed by, which brings me to share with you things I’ve loved this past August.

Let’s get to it!

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Potent

My first Estee Lauder lipstick purchase and the credit goes to Cos from The World of Cos. 🙂 I love a great creamy lipstick and this one is perfect for everyday, a night out-virtually any occasion. It’s a light pink coral nude that glides on nicely over exfoliated lips and has good pigmentation. I’m not a fan of the scent, which I’m not sure how to describe, but once you apply it, the smell disappears. Pairing it with a lip pencil underneath extends its wear time.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Lip Pencil in Nude

It’s been a while since I used a lip liner but I am happy I picked this up along with the lipstick. The shade Nude is a MLBB (my lips but better) and pairs well with a lot of neutral/pink lipsticks I own. While I don’t agree with the creamy consistency claim, it applies nicely and really extends the wear of lipstick. A lip brush is included on the opposite side of the pencil which is a nice addition and a magnetic cap.

Tresemme Keratin Smooth Flat Iron Smoothing Spray

I’m not a fan of Tresemme hair care products but this keratin infused heat protection spray is the exception. I love using this when I straighten my hair as it facilitates the straightening process and smooths hair without making it feel greasy. The style holds up very well and this product doesn’t make your hair smell burned when heat is used.

Below are swatches of the lipstick, lip liner and CC Cream.

A picture of me wearing the lipstick and lip pencil plus my hair after using the Tresemme spray.

Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35

A sample that came in my August Birchbox, this CC Cream, housed in a convenient squeeze tube, provided good coverage without the heavy feel. It evens out my redness while allowing skin to look like skin.

In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

A book that came in June’s PopSugar Must Have Box, In the Unlikely Event was a great summer read that was based one real life events. The book is set in Elizabeth, New Jersey in the 1950s and follows a young woman’s memorable journey in the aftermath of multiple plane crashes in her hometown. I was impressed at how well Judy Blume was able depict the emotions of all the characters who make up and tell the story- her writing manages to convincingly transport you back to the 1950s and experience the tragedy that occurred, offering multiple view points from different age groups and characters that feel so real. It made me feel nostalgic for a time period I didn’t even experience.

What are you favorite August items?

Stephanie

Simple Cleansing Micellar Water Review!

August 25, 2015

Hi everyone! How was your weekend? I have some quick news to share in case you missed it. The lovely Aimee from The Peachy Queen Blog has reserved a spot for me every Saturday on her blog so if you have any questions or concerns about anything beauty related, please feel free to leave a comment there or contact me here. If you love fashion, you’ll love her blog and boutique. That’s all the updates for now, so let’s get started with the review. 🙂

Micellar water is one skincare item that has been trending lately and being a skincare geek, I had to see what all the rave reviews were about. Yes, I know I’m a little late but I’ve been asked by a few people what my opinion on this is so I decided to pick up the Simple Cleansing Micellar Water at my local CVS.

What is Micellar Water?

Micellar water is basically a type of surfactant formulated to be attracted to oil, allowing it to grab oil, dirt and debris while rinsing away clean. A surfactant is an acronym for surface active agent that “reduces surface tension between the skin and the product to increase product spreadability.” Surfactants can be found in facial cleansers, soaps, body washes and shampoos and are what allow oil and water to mix, or emulsify. Surfactant molecules have oil loving tails (lipophilic) and water loving heads (hydrophilic) that make it easy to trap oil, dirt and makeup and allow easy removal.

Below is an image taken from my notes in my UCLA Cosmetic Chemistry class that gives you a visual of what it looks like. (Please forgive my messy handwriting.)

What’s the Appeal?

Since micellar water has a higher water content, it can wiped away with a tissue or cotton pad with little to no residue left behind. It’s also why it’s popular for sensitive skin types as it does not require water to be rinsed off.

Pros

Economic price point, $7.99

No added fragrance

Includes niacinamide which soothes inflammation and panthenol which is used as an emollient/moisturizer.

Good light eye-makeup remover

Cons

May not be enough for oily skin types

Doesn’t remove heavy makeup easily

Can leave a little bit of residue feeling behind

Overall: I do really like this micellar water as a first cleanse when I am wearing minimal makeup. Unless I’m having a lazy skincare day (yes, I do have those days though they aren’t often), I find I need to follow up with my normal cleanser as it seems to leave a little bit of a residue feeling behind. This is excellent for removing light eye makeup and doesn’t irritate my eyes at all. If I’m wearing more makeup, I use an oil based cleanser instead as it breaks down makeup faster and easier versus the micellar water. My skin doesn’t feel stripped but it doesn’t feel very hydrated either-I still have to follow up with my moisturizer. I think this would be a good addition to your skincare routine but I would recommend that you follow up with the serums/moisturizers that work best for your skin type as I feel using only this product alone isn’t enough.

I know the first part is a like a mini chemistry lesson and a bit difficult to take in at first read but hopefully you were able to get a visual picture of how it works. 🙂

Have you tried micellar water or have any questions regarding it? Leave a comment below!

Stephanie

July Favorites!

July 30, 2015

Hi everyone!

With July almost behind us, it’s that time again to share my favorite products that I’ve been loving. Let’s hop to it!

YSL Rouge Pur Couture in 23 Corail Poetique

After trying out a couple of Chanel lipsticks that didn’t work for me, I decided to try the YSL Rouge Pur Coture lipsticks as I’m already a huge fan of their Glossy Stains. This lipstick does not disappoint. I was looking for a nice peachy nude color and while most of them are too sheer, this one has just enough opaque coverage to change my lip shade while still looking natural. The formula glides smoothly and has decent staying power but wears off with drinking and eating. Overall, a good high end lipstick to try.

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie in Speak Your Mind

An oldie but goodie, I’ve found myself reaching for this lipstick a lot this month. Since I have kept this as a backup lipstick in my purse, I’ll usually be wearing this shade at the end of the day despite starting off my morning wearing a different lipstick. It’s kind of mauve pink that looks great with a lot of looks and it’s one of the very few lipsticks I can wear where I don’t feel the need to apply lipgloss on top. It’s not a buttery lipstick but it has just enough glide to feel comfortable and a tiny bit of shine.

SkinMedica Age Defense TNS Eye Repair

I have a few samples of these and have recently rediscovered them. The fast absorbing and non-greasy texture makes this easy to work with plus the blend of peptides, retinol and vitamin C and E help firm, brighten and smooth the eye area. I don’t have any lines around my eye area yet but it does tend to get dehydrated and this cream does an excellent job of moisturizing without irritating me and I don’t have to worry about developing milia.

Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Masque with Hyaluronic Acid

Lately my skin has been acting weird, sporadically breaking out and feeling dry-I blame the crazy California weather for this. I keep this in the fridge and apply it to areas that feel tight and need moisture. Although it’s a dense and creamy yogurt like formula, I don’t have an issue with breaking out and my skin feels moisturized and soothed afterwards. And yes, this smells faintly of strawberries which is a nice bonus.

Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Mask

A sample I received through Birchbox, I instantly fell in love with this. Its coconut scent instantly reminds me of summer and is a great choice for summer use. The instructions even state that it can be used before swimming to protect hair from damage. It’s not as thick as other hair masks I have tried but that in no way affects its performance-hair instantly feels smoother and hydrated. I have curly hair and this really helps smooth out the frizz factor and makes detangling easy. I will definitely be purchasing the full size soon!

Aside from these, I’ve already shared a ton of favorites in my Summer Have Series and if you’re new or have missed a few posts, make sure you check out my beauty guide for everything hair, nails, skincare, lip products, eye and face makeup, blushes and travel.

What are your July favorites?

Stephanie

July Birchbox Unboxing!

July 13, 2015

Hi everyone! Hope your weekend was great. 🙂 Today’s post will be a quick run through of July’s Birchbox with my first impressions so let’s get to it!

Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub

This milky white scrub utilizes bamboo, tiny jojoba beads and apple enzymes to exfoliate. Compared to the Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser, this feels more gentle and hydrating. According to the instructions, this can be used as a mask and left on for 1-3 minutes. So far I like it. Haven’t noticed any dramatic effects but it leaves skin smoother. *Note: this has cinnamon, clove and ginger extract so it may be a bit stimulating for sensitive skin. Always conduct a patch test.

Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray

If you’ve followed my blog for awhile, you’ll know I really love this spray and I was excited this was featured in July’s box. It’s a smaller sample than the purse size option but is enough to give you a feel for the product. I love using this product when I use a curling wand to curl my hair as it sets the style, adds texture without a sticky or stiff feel and smells ah-mazing.

Supergoop! Anti-Aging City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30

Love that a sunscreen was included in this box as it’s essential for skin health. Like the name implies, this feels like a serum which is so light-weight and absorbs quickly into the skin. It’s a chemical based sunscreen which you can read about here. Definitely an easy sunscreen to work with underneath makeup as it doesn’t pill. Best part? Toss it in your bag to carry with you on the go or if it irritates your skin, try using it as hand sunscreen protection when you’re driving. Yes, our hands and body need protection too!

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bella

I call this lipstick my ‘sitting pretty’ lipstick. You know how you have those high heels that are so beautiful to look at but killer to wear so you use them only when you’re not going to be walking much? Well, the same concept applies to this lipstick. It is a gorgeous, bright pink color that provides intense (and I mean intense) color in one stroke. It does stain lips but it tends to move and transfers so if you’re planning on going out to eat while using this or are wearing white, I’d skip this or a least, use caution. Removing it with an oil based makeup remover works best.

theBalm cosmetics Balm Desert Bronzer/Blush

I was surprised by how tiny this sample is-a little bigger than my thumb. You’re still able to pick up enough product with your brush but it takes a bit more effort. The consistency is creamy and blends nicely but I think this is more bronzer than blush. You can use this as blush-I love using bronzer as blush- but compared to the Too Faced Pink Leopard Blushing Bronzer, which has a lot more pink undertones, this one is a dusty rose shade that leans more towards tan. Makes a great pick for summer.

L-R: Bronzer/Blush and Bella

That’s it for today!

What did you think of this month’s Birchbox?

Stephanie

June Favorites!

July 2, 2015

Hello readers! It’s July which means my monthly post on products I loved in June. I have been trying a lot of products and not all of them made it on here but no worries, they will be making appearances in the next coming posts. Now, on to the task at hand.

AmorePacific Natural Protector SPF 30

First off is a sunscreen from the Sephora Sun Safety Kit. There are quite a few more I need to go through but this pink-tinged sunscreen feels light-weight and silky, absorbs quickly and leaves behind a very subtle glow. There is a very strong, flowery scent but that dissipates within a few minutes of application and this works well with my foundations and moisturizers, meaning it doesn’t pill (clump up).

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

A product featured in my May Birchbox, this product was something I was both excited and hesitant to try. I loved the fact it was a skincare item but I’m not usually fond of products containing sugar designed for use on the face as I find them abrasive. This however was a very unique experience and is different than other sugar based exfoliators I have tried. I gathered a little bit of the product, mixed it with water and applied it in circular motions. Immediately, the product began to foam up and the majority of the sugar seemed to melt into the skin while still leaving a few granules to exfoliate. My face felt softer albeit a bit dry but that was resolved as soon as I applied moisturizer. The Suki skincare website states they use, ” larger, soft sugar crystals (sanding sugar),” which could be why this felt gentler though I did research sanding sugar and I couldn’t find anything on it in its use in skincare besides what’s provided on the website. Not sure I would recommend this for sensitive skin but normal to oily skin could benefit from it.

Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow

I received this in my June Birchbox and wasn’t too excited at first but I ended up using it quite a bit. I was worried the color would be too dark but it gave me a hint of color without looking orange. According to the description, this is “gluten-free, perfume-free, and oil-free.” The formula is light and perfect for everyday use. I feel this would work well if you don’t have problematic skin but if you’re looking for full coverage, skip this as it functions more like a tinted moisturizer. Unlike some BB creams this one does not contain SPF but even if it did, I still recommend layering your normal sunscreen underneath.

Marcelle Golde Glow BB Cream + Clinique Nude Pop Blush

Clinique Nude Pop Cheek Pop Blush

If you’re in the market for a, ‘I’m not wearing any blush’, blush, this shade is a great one to try, especially if you’re fair skinned. Although it’s a powder formula, it blends effortlessly into the skin and provides either a sheer wash of color or can be built up for more pigment. Perfect for day and/or night, and complements both a smoky or natural look. There’s also a great variety of shades so if this one is too light for you, you’re bound to find another that better suits your skin tone or style.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour

After reading countless articles on contouring sticks, I gave this one a try and am glad I did. The color appears dark and downright scary at first but after it’s been blended out, you end up with definition that isn’t over-the-top. Fairly simple to use, you just draw lines wherever you want to contour and then either blend it in with a sponge, your fingers or a brush. I find that a damp sponge or synthetic brush do the best job at blending though. This doesn’t take up too much space in your makeup arsenal either, making it easier and perfect for traveling.

L-R: Clinique Nude Pop + Clinique Chubby Stick Contour

Here’s a picture of me wearing the contour shade on the hollows of my cheekbones.

e.l.f Moisturizing Lipstick in Pink Minx

Oh e.l.f. You’re incredibly low prices make me both eager yet skeptical to try products but luckily there’s more to love with this lipstick than the $3 price tag. The color pay-off is absolutely gorgeous where one swipe garners a creamy opaque coverage and as the name implies, it is moisturizing. I do find that this sort of clings to dry patches so make sure lips are exfoliated. The packaging is simple and secure and although it’s not the best, I won’t complain.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Noble

The lovely Katie from Plus Beauty sent me the Kat Von D Lip Vixon Duo as a birthday gift (thank you Katie!) and I loved the Studded Kiss Lipstick. Described as a, “matte petal pink nude,” this is a great nude color that feels so creamy when applied. I do have to top it off with gloss so that the color doesn’t wash me out and exfoliated lips are a must again but I just love the texture.

L-R: KVD Studded Kiss in Noble + e.l.f. Moisturizing Lipstick in Pink Minx

What were your favorite products this past month?

Stephanie