Stephie Estie

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Summer Must Have: Skincare!

July 7, 2015

Summer Skincare

Happy Tuesday readers!  Hopefully everyone had a relaxing and fun weekend and to all U.S. readers, a safe fourth of July. 🙂

With summer here, I thought it would be a good idea to create a ‘Summer Must Have’ series in which I  feature products I love and think would be great for summer.  From skincare to hair tips and beauty essentials, it will be a well-rounded guide.

First up is skincare.  Sun protection is key anytime of the year and while I’ll share my picks for sunscreens, find out what products are great when you have too much fun in the sun.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47

If your skin is on the drier side, this sunscreen just may be what you’re looking for.  It’s hydrating yet light and is a physical sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, making it a nice alternative to those whose skin don’t react well to chemical sunscreens. Argan and jojoba oils help keep skin hydrated while green tea and vitamin E provide antioxidant support. *Note: If you’re acne prone or sensitive to any kind of fragrance (synthetic or natural), this may not be the best option.

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid-Lotion Sunscreen 

Acne prone and oily skin types may love this sunscreen.  Though it smells like a traditional sunscreen it does not have that thick, greasy texture.  As the name implies, it feels like lotion (just a tad bit thicker) absorbs quickly and leaves the skin with a mattifying feel.

Renee Rouleau Bio Calm Repair Masque 

This light, chamomile tea scented gel mask soothes skin and reduces sensitivity and inflammation with oat kernel extract bisabolol and chamomilla recutita flower oil.  A versatile mask that can be used after sun exposure or skin treatments including chemical peels and lasers. Also perfect for rosacea flare ups that tend to be exacerbated by the summer heat.  Just apply a thin layer to clean skin, leave on for about 10 minutes and rinse off.  My favorite tip: store in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.

Dermalogica After Sun Repair

Another great product to use if you’re sunburned, this gel greatly reduces redness and calms skin irritation caused by UV exposure or waxing.  This product is left on and is formulated with lavender, cucumber, chamomile, yucca and algae extract to restore moisture loss and aid skin recovery.  Can be used on the face and body (avoid eye area) alone or underneath a basic moisturizer and can be reapplied as needed.

What are your favorite summer skincare items?

Stephanie

 

 

CATEGORIES // Men's Skin Care, Skin Care

Skin Tip: How to Combat Bacne!

July 3, 2015

Happy Friday!

Make sure you extend your exfoliating routine to your body too!  Exfoliating your back and spot treating it with a clay mask can help combat the on-going struggle with acne on your back, otherwise known as bacne.

Happy Fourth of July to all and may you have a blessed weekend!  Stay cool, hydrated and protected!

Stephanie  

 

CATEGORIES // Men's Skin Care, Skin Tips

June Favorites!

July 2, 2015

June Faves!

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 NP

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.

June Cheeks

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.

Contour

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.

June Lips

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

What were your favorite products this past month? 

Stephanie 

 

 

CATEGORIES // Monthly Favorites, Product Reviews, Product Reviews: Make-Up

Camping Guide 101!

June 30, 2015

If you’re hitting the road this summer, trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this article! Lots of tips for both men and women and if you think someone you know can benefit from this, please share or reblog! Thanks!

CATEGORIES // Skin Care Ingredients

Skin Tip: Delay Premature Crow's Feet!

June 26, 2015

Happy Friday everyone!

Wearing UV protection sunglasses not only keeps your eyes protected from sun damage but can also prevent premature crow’s feet caused by constant squinting.

Stay hydrated, cool and protected! 

Stephanie 

CATEGORIES // Men's Skin Care, Skin Tips

Simple Strawberry Bisque Recipe!

June 25, 2015

Straberry Bisque

Hi readers!  As promised, I have another strawberry themed recipe for you today that is inspired by a Carnival cruise I took late last year.  For the formal dinner, I ordered the strawberry bisque and I fell in love right away.  It was so cool and refreshing and it’s such a perfect recipe to make this summer, now that strawberries are in season. I looked up the recipe online and decided to recreate it with a few minor tweaks.  Here’s my take.

Ingredients

3 c strawberries

1 1/2 water

3 tbs lemon juice

1 cup Greek Yogurt (honey flavored)

1/2 cup heavy cream

Optional: Fresh mint (flavor and garnish)

Directions

Blend strawberries and water in a blender.

Stir in heavy cream, Greek yogurt and lemon juice.

Chill for several hours before serving and top off with mint.

*Side note:  The original recipe calls for sour cream and you can add that or plain Greek yogurt.  I decided to use honey flavored Greek yogurt in place of sugar but you can use 3/4 c sugar instead too.  You can find the recipes I searched up here and here.

A picture of the strawberry bisque I had aboard the ship.

Strawberry Bisque Orig

And that’s it.  An easy to make treat that you can enjoy with the family or share with others.

Now I’d love to hear from you!  Would you enjoy seeing more posts like these?  Let me know in the comments. 

Stephanie 

 

 

CATEGORIES // Recipes

PopSugar Must Have Unboxing June 2015!

June 23, 2015

PSMH Main

Hi everyone!  Hope all of you had a great Father’s Day with all of your loved ones. 🙂

Aside from Birchbox (check out the latest unboxing here), I also subscribed to the PopSugar Must Have Box.  While a beauty enthusiast can never (never!) have too much items, this box has ranges from fashion, beauty, home, fitness and food, making it a well rounded subscription box.  Subscription plans start at $39.95 which is more than Birchbox’s $10 but all items are full size and are valued at over $100.

Each month, the editors are inspired by certain themes and/or phrases, and June’s box was inspired by these:

PSMH Insp

Except for the candy, I haven’t had much time to experiment with the box but I’ll provide some pictures and brief descriptions to give you an idea of what the box contains.

PSMH 1

Quay Australia Mandate Sunglasses (Retail $45)

A celebrity favorite, these matte black Mandate sunglasses were designed “with your active lifestyle in mind.”

SNAP Infusion SuperCandy (retail $4)

Candy in form of gummies that “are packed with B vitamin that boost your energy, antioxidants that will keep your immune system strong and electrolytes that help you stay hydrated.”  Not sure about the claims but they do taste good-almost like Sour Patch Kids.

Spongelle Boxed Flowers-Fluer en Boite (retail $16)

A sponge/buffer that is infused with body wash that yuzu, edelweiss and vetiver extracts to “massage, smooth and rejuvenate the skin.”  This also comes with a little card that offers 30% off the entire site and $5 flat shipping. Smells divine with papaya and yuzu scents.

Judy Blume In the Unlikely Event (retail $27.95)

This new novel written by Judy Blume “takes us on the journey of a disaster-stricken town where an unlikely group copes together-reminding us all that life goes on.”  I love reading so as soon as I finish the current novel I am reading, this will be next.

PSMH 2

Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette (retail $14)

Of course one of my favorite items in this box, this stunning eyeshadow palette is coconut-water-infused and 100% vegan and cruelty free.

Yogitoes Peacock hBand (retail $4)

I’ll preface this by saying this headband is huge but it might be because it “acts as both a headband and an eye mask during Savasana.” Can’t wait to put it to the test in my next yoga class though I’m not sure I’d want to place this over my eyes after a session.

Sweet & Spark $30 Gift Card (retail $30)

A gift card we can use to purchase one-of-a-kind vintage jewelry to find timeless pieces “like those featured on the Zoe Report and in InStyle.”  Truth be told, I am not much of a jewelry/accessory person-or rather I tend to forget I have any of these items- but I’ll see what they have to offer.

That completes the box and overall I am happy with the variety they provide. Comment below with your thoughts on the box.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Stephanie

 

 

CATEGORIES // Subscription Boxes

Skin Tip: What to do Before Diving into the Pool!

June 19, 2015

Happy Friday everyone!

If you happen to find yourself using the pool this weekend, keep this tip in mind.  Chlorine exposure can cause skin irritation but rinsing your skin with non-chlorinated water beforehand can lessen this risk.

Wishing everyone a Happy Father’s Day Weekend! 

Stephanie 

 

CATEGORIES // Men's Skin Care, Skin Tips

Jan and Jot Giveaway

June 18, 2015

Check out this awesome giveaway from Janet and Josie! Great summer and everyday items!

CATEGORIES // Skin Care Ingredients

June Birchbox Unboxing + Weekend Wrap Up!

June 16, 2015

BB

Happy Tuesday everyone!  After a few days away from here, I’m back.  Hope everyone had a good weekend. A HUGE thank you to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday! 🙂

Last week my June Birchbox The Tig Guest Editor box arrived and here’s what arrived inside.

Real Chemistry 3-Minute Peel

Harvey Prince Hello Body Creme

Oribe Cote d’Azure Fragrance

Davines Su Hair and Body Wash 

Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow (in place of Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner)

First Impressions: I think this box is good but I’m not over the moon about it.

I love Davines and think they have amazing hair products, however certain ones cause a reaction so I am curious to see how this one works for me.

I’m always looking for lotions so the Harvey Prince body cream is also a good addition and I love the summery citrusy scent.

As you know, I l-o-v-e skincare but I’m not impressed with Real Chemistry 3 minute peel.  I’ll need to use this a few more times to give it a fair trial, but there is no special appeal for me. I haven’t used the Marcelle BB cream yet since I have a few similar products already that I am trying out but I’ll clue you in once I have a chance to use.

Last but not least is the Oribe fragrance.  For some reason, I thought this was a sample of the hair refresher and was one of the reasons I choose this box.  Sadly, it’s not and the scent isn’t the same as the one used in the hair products, which I love by the way.  The scent itself isn’t bad, just smells more like cologne.  I’ll need to test this further too.

One of the highlights of last week was my birthday cake made by my sister.  How cute and creative is this?  Love!

 

Sephora Cake

Birthday Girl

All in all I had a great birthday week with dinners, some shopping, attending a seminar at Dermalogica’s HQ, Disneyland and hanging out.  Now, back to my normal routine.

Are you a Birchbox subscriber?  What did you receive and what are your thoughts on this month’s box?

Stephanie  

 

CATEGORIES // Personal

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