Stephie Estie

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Merry Christmas

December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas

Hi everyone!

It’s been a bit busy here on my side but I just wanted to take some time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  Enjoy this time with all your loved ones and thank you all so much for your support! 🙂

Stephanie 

CATEGORIES // Skin Care Ingredients

Skin Tip: Easy Way to Get a Smoother Shave!

December 19, 2014

Most women shave in the shower but men can benefit from this too!  The humidity created by your shower helps soften skin and keep it moist allowing for easier facial hair removal.  Just make sure the water isn’t too hot as this can dry out your skin.

Thanks for tuning in this week! 🙂

Have a wonderful weekend,

Stephanie 

 

CATEGORIES // Men's Skin Care, shaving, Skin Care, Skin Tips

Too Faced/Bite Beauty Review + Swatches!

December 18, 2014

Too Faced Melted Kisses

Left to right: Melted Berry, Melted Peony, Melted Fuchsia and Melted Nude

Happy Thursday everyone!  I hope all is well.  🙂

Awhile back I purchased the Too Faced Melted Kisses lip set.  It included 4 mini versions of Too Faced’s Melted Lipstick and as I had really liked Melted Fuchsia, I thought it was perfect to try out some of their other colors.  Plus, this set has a good array of colors for different looks and with a long-lasting formula, it was too good to pass up.

Too Faced Peony

The Melted Lipsticks come in a squeeze tube with a soft angled tip for easy application.  They are described as “having the shine of a gloss, lasting power of a stain, and pigment-packed color of a liquid lipstick, all in one high-impact formula.”

While these lipsticks have a creamy texture and are pigment-packed, the shine doesn’t last long as it dries to a matte finish.  If you’re not used to the matte finish, it can take you awhile to adjust to this formula.   The color payoff however is amazing!  I found the brighter/darker colors last longer than the neutral ones but they are all great nevertheless.

The shades included are:

Melted Berry– berry red

Melted Peony-dusty rose

Melted Fuchsia– hot pink

Melted Nude– warm peachy nude

Melted Kisses Swatches

Left to right: Melted Berry, Melted Peony, Melted Fuchsia, and Melted Nude

Overall:  If you’re looking for long-lasting lip colors with a great color selection(and cruelty-free), these are worth a look.  Sometimes I use a little bit of lip balm underneath them so the formula doesn’t feel super matte.  Also, make sure your lips aren’t dry or flaky when using these as I saw it clung on and accentuated these aspects.

Bite Beauty Lips

Bite Beauty Mix N’ Mingle Lip Minis: Left to right: Retsina and Musk. 

With the holiday season, Bite Beauty has released “a limited-edition lip collection with Crème Lipstick Duos, Matte Crème Lip Crayons, and Lush Fruit lip glosses.” These Mix N’ Mingle Lip Minis can be used as cute stocking stuffers or serve as an introduction to the brand.  As I own a few bright colors from Bite Beauty, I opted for The Luminous Crème Lipstick Duo.

The shades included are:

Retsina– natural pink

Musk–  pink brown.

Restina Musk Swatches

Left to right: Retsina and Musk

As I wore Musk, I realized the color looked familiar and as I glanced at my lipstick collection, I knew why.  Musk is practically a dupe for M.A.C. Viva Glam V!

MAC Bite

I was introduced to Viva Glam V in high school by a makeup artist who did my makeup for my senior portrait and since then, I have repurchased this several times- both the lipstick and the lipgloss.  I love the versatility of this lipstick as you can use it with any look, be it natural or bold and smokey.

 

MAC Musk Swatches

Left to right: MAC Viva Glam V and Musk 

Overall: As much as I love Bite Beauty, I wasn’t super thrilled with this color selection as I already have something similar to it. Retsina and Musk are both beautiful natural colors but for $4 more, you can purchase the full-size Viva Glam V lipstick from M.A.C. Plus, every cent goes to the M.A.C. AIDS fund.

Have you tried any of these colors?  What are your thoughts? 

Thanks for reading,

Stephanie 

CATEGORIES // Makeup, Product Reviews: Make-Up

Makeup Tip: How to Get a New Lip Shade Without Spending!

December 17, 2014

3 colors

Left to right: Too Faced La Crème Color Drenched Lip Cream in Naked Dolly; Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Red Amour; Make Up For Ever Aqua Waterproof Lip Liner Pencil 3C

 

A quick way to save money yet get a new lip shade is to channel your inner cosmetic chemist and mix different colors of lip products you already own!

Create a deeper lip color by combing a bright red and nude lip liner.

Red Swatches

Bottom to top: Make Up For Ever + Laura Mercier = darker red

Or, create a pink shade by mixing a nude color with a bright red.

Pink Swatches

Bottom to top: Too Faced + Laura Mercier = pretty pink

 

It might take a few tries for you to get an ideal shade but that’s the fun part!

Have a great Wednesday, 

Stephanie 

 

CATEGORIES // Makeup

My Current Products for Curly Hair!

December 16, 2014

Hair Products

 

Hi readers!  How was your weekend?  Mine was spent celebrating one of my sister’s birthday and shopping for Christmas gifts. 🙂

Today’s post is on hair care, especially those with curls.  Awhile back, my hair was a dry, frizzy mess.  Nothing I used seemed to work anymore and I found that the only way for my hair to look good was to throw it up in a bun.  Don’t get me wrong, a bun style is great but when it becomes your only option, it’s both frustrating and boring.  So, I decided to seek some help and visited my local beauty supply store.  The lady there was super helpful and knowledgeable, and after assessing my hair, she gave me her recommendations on products. Now. I am not an expert on hair nor am I claiming to be one however, I thought I’d share what I’ve been using.

Shampoo

Since curly hair is dry by nature, using a shampoo that is sulfate-free or low suds is the way to go.  Mastey Paris Traite Shampoo Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Creme Hair Cleanser (For Normal to Dry Hair) smells like coconut, cleanses without stripping your hair and protects color treated hair.

Also, since I recently colored my hair red, I use Tressa Watercolors Color Maintenance Shampoo in Fluid Fire.  I use it about once a week as it’s a gentle, tinted shampoo that helps enrich my red hue.

 

Shampoo

Conditioner

For conditioner, I use Macadamia Nut Oil Deep Repair Masque in the shower and Enjoy Leave-In Conditioner when I am combing my hair.

Conditioner

Styling Products 

After detangling my hair and applying a leave-in condtioner, I use ColorProof TruCurl Curl Perfecting Creme.  This really helps define my curls.  Also, sometimes I use a very small amount of Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Mousse.  I know many have told me that this mousse isn’t ideal, but this is the only one that works for me so far.

Normally, I just use the above mentioned products and let air dry.  Every now and then though, I use a curling wand to create looser curls.  For this, I am really loving Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray.  I purchased the travel sized version as Oribe’s products can be pricey, but I must say this product is well worth it.

Styling Products

Here is an older picture of my finished look.  You can find other pictures of me and my hair on other posts/Instagram.

Curl Look

 

Taking care of curly hair requires a little extra effort but when you use the right products and understand its needs, it’s well worth it. 🙂

What hair products work for you? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Tuesday,

Stephanie 

CATEGORIES // Hair, Personal

Skin Tip: Pencil in Some 'Me' Time!

December 12, 2014

me time

This time of year can be particularly stressful for everyone with all the shopping, traffic, end of the year deadlines, etc.  What can that mean for your skin?  Increased breakouts, eczema flareups, and a weak immune system that can trigger skin redness (or rosacea).

Take a few moments this weekend to squeeze in some time for yourself.  Whether it’s as simple as lighting a candle with a relaxing scent, booking a quick massage/facial or dancing, figure out what makes you happy and less stressed and put it into practice. 🙂

Wishing everyone a great and safe weekend, 

Stephanie   

CATEGORIES // Skin Tips

Reader Question: How to Use a Vitamin C Serum!

December 10, 2014

question mark

 

Happy Wednesday everyone!

I had a question about how to use a vitamin C serum and that is such a great question.  I mean, how many times have you purchased a product that sounds like a great addition to your skincare arsenal and then realize you have no idea how to use it?  Happens to the best of us. 🙂

In a nutshell, the use of vitamin C results in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, promotes the formation of collagen, protects the skin from UV damage and can also reduce pigmentation due to its brightening properties.  (For more information on vitamin C, click here.)  The best and most efficient way to use it is during the day underneath your moisturizer and sunscreen.  This will give you that extra antioxidant protection your skin needs from the sun’s harmful rays, which plays a prominent role in the breakdown of collagen.

I hope this helps!

Thanks for reading,

Stephanie 

 

 

 

CATEGORIES // Skin Care, Skin Care Ingredients, Skin Tips

Christmas Guide List!

December 9, 2014

Hi readers!  I hope your weekend was great!  Mine was a bit busy and I am still trying to catch up on all your great posts. 🙂

I’ve seen a lot of great posts on Christmas ideas and wishlists and that prompted me to create a list of my own so if you’re still looking for his and her gifts, check out my list below!

Sephora Favorites Cologne Sampler

This set has 12 (small) samples of some of popular men’s fragrances and included in the set is a ‘scent certificate’ that can be presented at any US Sephora store to redeem a full-sized bottle of the preferred featured fragrance!

Sephora Favorites Cologne Sampler

sephora.com; $60

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip

The six-piece lip sampler is a nice brand selection of lip products that feature Marc Jacobs, Bite Beauty, Urban Decay, Nars, Buxom and Smashbox.  Their is a nice array of colors that is sure to complement any beauty look this season an beyond.

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip

sephora.com; $25

Flavor Infuser Water Bottle

Maybe not the most glamorous gift, but I love the concept of infusing water with your favorite fruits or herbs.  Perfect for anyone looking to stay healthy and hydrated all year long and environmentally friendly as the bottle is made from glass.

*Note: Although the product pictured below is from Uncommon Goods, similar products can be found at Target or Walmart. 

 

Flavor Water Infuser

uncommon goods.com; $15

Cube HD Digital Video Action Camera Camcorder

A unique product for the adventurer, this weatherproof, shockproof and mountable camcorder features a base with a “strong built-in magnet, letting you snap it onto your skateboard, car roof or any other metal surface, and a line of accessories lets you mount it on a helmet, bike or strap. Splash-proof construction means you can take it wakeboarding or waterskiing, and the waterproof case lets you shoot under the waves.”

 

Poloroid Cube

nordstrom.com; $99.99

Minted Chalkboard Dreams Day Planner or Notebook

I saw a blog post that Katie from Plus Beauty shared about Minted (thank you Katie!)and I thought this would make a great personalized gift!  In a nutshell, this website let’s you customize and personalize anything from journals to business cards to thank you cards and beyond!  I especially love the idea of having a personalized day planner with inspiring quotes!

minted day planner

minted.com; $16-$26

 

Renee Rouleau Merry Berry Smoothing Peel

A holiday 1 oz exclusive of the popular Triple Berry Smoothing Peel, this great exfoliating treatment consists of enzymes and several fruit acids such as mandelic, lactic, salicylic, tartaric and malic for a sweet skin treat that will leave skin soft and glowing. A personal fave of mine!

merry berry

reneerouleau.com; $40.50

Jack Black ‘Dream Team’ Facial Care Set

Another great (and simple!) set from men’s skincare brand Jack Black.  Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser is ideal for oily skin types and Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 provides a lightweight hydration and protection.

Jack Black Dream Team

nordstrom.com; $18

Nest Moroccan Amber Classic Candle

Candles are always great to have and this one doesn’t disappoint.  Scented with Moroccan amber, sweet patchouli, heliotrope and bergamot and accented with a hint of eucalyptus, this candle provides a subtle yet luxurious scent that is sure to infuse your home with a long-lasting and relaxing fragrance that may just make you or your guests never want to leave home.

Nest Fragrance

nestfragrances.com; $34

Hopefully this guide is helpful in giving you ideas for possible Christmas gifts.  What’s on your list?  

Thanks for reading,

Stephanie 

CATEGORIES // Personal

Skin Tip: Lip Balm and Breakouts!

December 5, 2014

Lip Balm and Acne

If breakouts keep recurring on your chin or jawline, perhaps your lip balm may be the culprit.  Over the last few weeks, I have broken out repeatedly on my chin area and I found it had to do with applying my lip balm right before I went to sleep.

The solution?  Since I haven’t had any problems with this lip balm until I applied it at night, I make sure to apply it a least half an hour before I sleep.  This way, it has a chance to sink in and I can wipe off some of the excess, lessening the chance of it spreading around when I sleep.

Have you ever had this problem?  Share in the comment section below!

See you next week, 

Stephanie 

 

CATEGORIES // Skin Tips

Mini Lush Haul!

December 4, 2014

LushHaul

Hi readers! A while ago I purchased these two Lush products and I finally got around to reviewing them.  Just a quick recap on the brand in case you’ve never heard of them: they are a company that prides themselves on creating and selling fresh, handmade products with little to no preservative and they support humanitarian, environmental and animal rights causes.  You can read a little bit more on the brand and other Lush products I tried by clicking here.

D’Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap

D'Fluff

lushusa.com

 

D’Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap is a thick, pink product that boasts  fresh strawberries, egg whites, golden syrup, rosehip oil, coconut oil, maple sugar and Fair Trade cocoa butter designed to leave skin silky smooth after shaving.  Strawberries contain natural fruit acids that can provide mild exfoliation, allowing for a smoother shave while coconut oil, rosehip oil and cocoa butter provide a moisturizing component.  While I do like the fact that my legs feel really soft and moisturized afterward, the scent to me isn’t pleasant.  It hinges more on an artificial strawberry scent mixed with bubblegum and lingers for a while.

Pros

The bottom of the jar lists the date it was made and the date you should discard it

Handmade and fresh

Natural acids from strawberries provide mild exfoliation, which can lead to less ingrown hairs

You don’t have to moisturize as much after shaving

Cons

Is pricier than standard shaving creams 2.4 oz for$9.95; 5.2 oz for $16.95

The smell- either you love it or hate it- and it has added fragrance.

Tub container isn’t the most convenient in the shower

You have to use quite a bit of product because it tends to slide of very easily

Not sure how effective the self-preserving formula is meaning if water is introduced into the product, can it breed bacteria?

*To be safe, you should use dry clean hands or a clean spatula to scoop out the product

Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub

Ocean Salt

lushusa.com

 

Ocean Salt is a salt based skin softening scrub that is mixed with “fresh avocado and coconut to hydrate thirsty skin, leaving it balanced and soft. The cleansing effects of lime and vodka are ideal for blocked pores, blackheads or blemishes and leave skin visibly brightened.” The scent in this scrub is exactly like a margarita (yum!).  It’s a nice way to give your body a little energizing boost.  *Note: Although this is marketed as a face and body scrub, I would recommend this only as a body scrub as the course salt is too abrasive for the face.

Pros 

The bottom of the jar lists the date it was made and the date you should discard it

Handmade and fresh

Margarita scented (without the calories!)

Effective exfoliator, especially for rough spots like knees, elbows and feet

Didn’t experience any dryness

You don’t need to use a lot of the product

Cons

Price $21.95 for 4.2 oz; $35.95 for 8.8 oz

Tub container isn’t the most convenient in the shower- it would be great if it came in a squeeze tube

FD&C Blue #1, fragrance, and Lanolin, although in small amounts, can cause sensitivity for some

Course salt is too abrasive to be used on the face

Bottom Line: I would not purchase the D’Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap again as I find it to be a hassle in the shower.  I do love the Ocean Salt scrub and I may repurchase again-the only deterrent is the price.

Have you tried these or any other Lush products?  What do you think of them? 

Stephanie 

 

 

 

 

 

CATEGORIES // Product Reviews, Skin Care

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