Stephie Estie | Page 4 of 39 |

The Fall Tag!

October 11, 2016

Hi everyone! How was your weekend? It’s a bit chilly this Tuesday and I for one, am welcoming cooler temperatures.

Speaking of cooler weather, I saw this tag on Nicole’s site PrettyRuffLife (who by the way is hosting a giveaway) and thought it would be a cute post for today. Let’s jump into it!

What is your favourite Fall colour?

I would have to say orange (in all its variations), burgundy and red-hued browns. These make for lovely eyeshadow colors.

What is your favourite Fall lip product?

I would say that a good lip exfoliator is key during fall. I don’t really stick to wearing certain lip colors for fall but no shade looks good with flaky lips so I make sure to keep handy my Sara Happ Lip Scrub. This stuff is ah-mazing!

What is your favourite Fall accessory?

A scarf and nice coat.

What is your favourite Fall nail polish?

A dark, vampy nail color is always fun and OPI Linkin Park After Dark fits the bill. I also love orange shades like OPI Chromatic Orange and though I have’t tried this one yet, the curry yellow shade, Never a Dulles Moment, from the Washington DC OPI collection looks so unique and fun.

What is your favourite Fall scent?

Anything that has cinnamon mixed in. So weather it’s pumpkin cinnamon or apple cinnamon, I’m in.

What is your favourite Fall fashion?

Boots, coats and comfy leggings. I’m also a huge fan a warm fluffy socks.

What is your favourite Fall Starbucks drink?

I don’t indulge in them often but I have a few. The first is of course, the ever popular Pumpkin Spice Latte. I’m also loving the Chile Mocha Drink they have this year and nothing beats a classic and luxurious hot chocolate.

What is your favourite thing about Fall?

Cooler weather, leaves changing, candles, leggings and the scent of fall offerings and the seasonal treats.

What are you being for Halloween?

I’m not sure yet but in the past I’ve dressed up as a zombie and the Evil Queen from Once Upon A Time.

What is your favourite fall hairstyle?

I have no clue what fall hairstyles consist of but the quickest thing for me is to throw my hair in a bun so I guess I’ll say that.

That’s it for this post!

What are your favorite aspects of fall?

Stephanie

Skin Tip: Pumpkin Seeds for Acne!

October 7, 2016

#Pumpkin seeds for #acne? Check out today’s #skincare tip for more information!

Morphe 35O Eyeshadow Palette Review and Swatches!

October 6, 2016

It’s Thursday and as promised, I have a review on the popular Morphe 35O Eyeshadow Palette. Morphe was one of the vendors at ICES 2016 and since the line was short I decided to take a look. Instantly, I knew I had to purchase this palette. It’s one of the most talked about palettes and, hello, gorgeous fall colors-how could I walk away without purchasing this?

So, does palette live up to the hype? Keep reading to find out!

Morphe 35O- 35 Color Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette

Description: “From cooler grey-toned browns to fiery sunset colors, this palette is a beautiful mix of wearable warm neutrals that give you effortless versatility whether you are after a daytime look or full-on glam. The perfect balance of matte and shimmery finishes make it a go-to for makeup lovers at every skill level. Get everything you need to highlight, blend and transition without ever wearing the same look twice.“

Pros

Cost effective at $22.99

Gorgeous shades

Variety of finishes

Most shades have great pigmentation

Most shades blend easily

Cons

Lots of fallout

A few shades don’t blend as smoothly

A few shades apply patchy

Overall I really love this palette as it’s perfect for fall and you get 35 shades for a great price. I gravitate to the orange, warmer browns in this palette and they do not disappoint. I find that most of these shadows have a creamier consistency, making the application and blending process fairly easy. A few of the cooler toned shades and a least one orange shade apply a bit patchy and require a bit more effort into blending. Other than that, most shades have great pigmentation and with a primer, they last all day. The shade selection is great so you really don’t need another palette as you have matte, shimmer and satin colors all in one. A problem that I have with this palette is that practically every shade has major fallout. Whether you’re dipping a brush into a shade or simply swatching, it kicks up a lot of color and can turn into a mess fast if you are not careful. I found that lightly patting the shade instead of swirling helps decrease the amount of product fallout so it’s just something to be mindful of.

Here are swatches of the shades. Since these shades don’t have names, I labelled the rows so you know what row I swatched (e.g. R1 = Row 1).

Row 1 Swatches

Row 2 Swatches

Row 3 Swatches

Row 4 Swatches

Row 5 Swatches

A few shades took about 3 swatches to fully show up on camera but other than that, they’re pretty pigmented.

Have you tried this palette? What are your thoughts on it?

Stephanie

September 2016 Favorites!

October 4, 2016

Hi everyone! I apologize for being MIA mid last week but I had some unexpected things to take care of. Originally, my review and swatches of the Morphe 35O palette should have been up last Thursday but I’ll have it up this coming Thursday so stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, we’re in October so let’s get started with a few of my favorite items I have been using.

PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

Pumpkin spice is everywhere and it’s found its way into my skincare regimen too! Comprised of pumpkin wine, lactic acid and vitamins, this toner leaves my skin soft with a nice glow. The amazing scent also helps me get my pumpkin fix without adding any calories. 😉

Eminence Pink Grapefruit-C Gel

I picked up this up at ICES last month as I was looking for something that would calm my skin down. This light-weight gel is rich in vitamin C and contains peppermint to clear and heal skin while helping to prevent the appearance of blemishes. I’ve definitely noticed that my skin looks more clearer and though this contains peppermint, it doesn’t sting my skin. I use it during the day underneath my moisturizer and it absorbs fairly quickly.

Sweet Treat Lashes in Cake

I received these lashes courtesy of the Peachy Queen boutique and I love them. From the chic casing to the luxe feel, these tapered and layered silk lashes are soft, easy to apply and look glamorous. With 10 different ‘flavors’, you’re sure to find a style that suits you. Bonus perk, the owner, Aimee, is super nice and helpful.

BH Cosmetics Illuminate by Ashley Tisdale Cream Cheek and Lip Tint in Cabana

Part of my birthday haul a few months back, I’ve been using this blush almost every single day for a quick and effortless look. It’s a gorgeous pink shade that has major lasting power and doesn’t compete with your other makeup shades.

Kat Von D Tatto Liner in Trooper

Included in last month’s Sephora box, this liquid liner has become an HG status along with the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black. It has great pigmentation, glides on smoothly and is long-lasting. *Note: I always wear eye primer.

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation

We’ve had some extremely warm weather here in So Cal so this light-weight moisturizer was perfect for those days. I used this moisturizer with my foundation to create my own custom made tinted moisturizer.

Here’s a picture of me using the lashes in Cake and the blush in Cabana.

What are some of your favorite items?

Stephanie

Top Fall Foods for Skin Health!

September 27, 2016

One of the great aspects about fall is that we find ourselves surrounded by swirls of vivid yellow, red, orange and green colors. Luckily for us, this season also yields produce that is just as colorful and nutrient rich that proves beneficial to our body. Take a look-you may just find some of your favorites!

Apples

Is there some truth behind the adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Well, apples (whether sweet or tart) contain heart-healthy flavonoids, are full of antioxidants, fiber, and collagen stimulating vitamin C. Just remember to eat the skin too as it contains most of the healthy fiber and nutrients and do follow up with your doctor regularly to be on the safe side.

Pears

These naturally sweet and juicy fruits are a good source of fiber, wound healing vitamin C and copper. They’re also a great source of potassium which is necessary for a healthy heart, muscles and nerves.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are extremely rich in vitamin A which is important for good vision, healthy skin and a strong immune system as well as a good source of iron and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Squash

This versatile vegetable contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids which can emhance skin’s natural glow and provide perhaps a little bit of relief to skin that is dry and prone to eczema. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin A as well.

Pumpkin

A fall favorite food, pumpkin is considered a low calorie food that is full of fiber, potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus and a high content of vitamin A. Also a good source of B vitamins ( niacin and thiamine) that boosts circulation for healthy skin. Unfortunately, pumpkin lattes don’t count.

Pomegranates

This tangy, high antioxidant rich fruit is a good source of vitamin C and folate. Antioxidants work to counter the effects of free radicals that damage healthy cells.

Kiwi

This green colored fruit contains enzymes that can aid in digestion; are a good source of free radical quencher vitamin E; potassium and copper; have antioxidants that protect the cell DNA from oxidative damage; and has more vitamin C than an orange.

Tangerines

These citrus fruits may be small but they are packed with vitamin C and are a good source of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, an essential nutrient with antioxidant activity that helps to protect cells from damage.

And there you have it. A list of some popular foods for a ‘beauty-fall’ complexion! 🙂

What are some of your favorite fall foods?

Stephanie

Disclaimer: The contents on this website, and any related links, are provided for general informational purposes and should NOT be considered medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Please consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions about a particular health condition.

Skin Tip: Fall Skincare Tip!

September 23, 2016

#Fall #skincare tip for glowing skin!

September Birchbox Unboxing 2016!

September 22, 2016

Hi everyone! The last subscription box of the month is here and this month’s theme was all about multitaskers.

Take a look below to see what I received!

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

A creamy cleanser that sweeps away dirt and makeup while gently exfoliating. This product was paired with a muslin cloth to aid in the removal of it, although you can remove it separately. First off, I really love how this product feels- so very creamy and luxurious. However, it did leave a film behind and although I tried to remove it with a different cleanser, it never really went away. It kind of made me breakout a little too. I will try this again once the weather cools down.

Coola Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer

An eco-friendly, lightweight sunscreen that has a cucumber scent. This is a chemical sunscreen that has antioxidants like evening primrose oil and acai which are a nice addition. It doesn’t feel heavy at all but as much as I like Coola products, I’ve been receiving them a lot lately and would love to explore other brands.

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek in Perk

This lip and cheek stick melt on contact with body heat for sheer, buildable color. The sheer coral shade is a great option as a cheek color or lip shade. I prefer to use it as a cheek shade and it goes on nicely and blends out evenly. I will be trying this out further to see if it causes breakouts or not.

Oribe Glaze for Beautiful Color

A lightweight formula that protects and adds gloss to hair ans strengthens and nourishes hair with watermelon, lychee and edelweiss. I’m a fan of a few Oribe products so I was curious to see how this worked since I have color treated hair. This did make my hair feel softer and left a nice, glossy sheen behind. However, most Oribe in shower products cause a little bit of a reaction on me and this made me slightly itchy. I might just use it sporadically to minimize the reaction time as I was impressed with the results.

Bonus: Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color

While I really like the Oribe shampoos and conditioners (hello amazing scent and lovely feel!), I do seem to have a reaction to them as my hair and body start to itch. I decided to hold off on these as I tried the Oribe glaze and didn’t want to increase the risk for a reaction.

Tocca Florence Eau de Parfum

Notes of grapefruit, bergamot, jasmine, blue iris, blonde wood and white musk make up this scent. Unfortunately, this was a no-go for me as the scent of jasmine was a bit overwhelming.

Overall, this box was just okay. I could do without the perfume and while I appreciate the sunscreen, I have plenty samples to last me a while.

What do you think of this month’s Birchbox? Will you be keeping your subscription?

Stephanie

Play! By Sephora Unboxing September 2016!

September 20, 2016

Hi everyone! How was your weekend? I can’t beleive fall is just around the corner! Cra-zy.

I’m kicking off subscription week here on the blog with a look at the September Play! By Sephora box. In case you don’t know, this is a monthly $10 curated subscription box featuring samples of different brands available at Sephora. The theme for this month is The Unbasic Basics, with products meant to become the building blocks for your beauty routine.

Kat Von D Tatto Liner in Trooper

A waterproof liquid liner that glides on to reveal precise, bold strokes of highly pigmented color. The applicator on this liner is thin enough to provide a very fine line bit can also be tilted to provide a thicker line. This eyeliner doesn’t budge which is always a plus.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector

You’re supposed to work this product into damp or dry hair and leave it on overnight. You can rinse it out in the morning or leave it on to get a full week of softness and shine with this long-lasting, weightless solution that keeps hair looking its best. This did make my curly hair softer but other than that, I haven’t seen a dramatic change. Perhaps the more I use it, the more I’ll see results?

Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in Love Spell

This pink creamy, moisturizing lipstick is formulated with shea butter and caster oil to nurture lips. The consistency of this lipstick is very much like a lipgloss and with the weather changing, it’s a great formula to have on hand. The shade of pink is a gorgeous color that is perfect for daytime or paired with a smokey eye.

Top-Bottom: KVD Tropper and Sephora Love Spell Swatches

Atelier Cologne Sud Magnolia

This refreshing floral blend balances delicate notes of magnolia with layers of wood and citrus. At first scent, this smelled okay but then as the day went on, it kind of made me nauseous so unfortunately this one didn’t work for me.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel

A light-weight, flexible clear gel that sets, defines and keeps brows in place for a polishes look that stays all day. I’ve actually had a sample of this one before and I really like it. My brows tend to get unruly as they grow in so this is perfect to help tame them a bit.

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation

Light, silky, and oil-free, this moisturizer melts into skin to help soften, brighten and even skin tone. It contains licorice root to brighten, chamomile to soothe and vitamin C to help encourage collagen production. I do like this moisturizer as it does sink into skin without feeling heavy, however with the weather changing, it doesn’t provide enough hydration on its own. I decided to pair this with a serum and it worked better.

Overall, I’m really happy with this box!

Have you tried any of these products? Which ones are your favorites?

Stephanie

Skin 411: A Word About Ingredient Names You Can’t Pronounce!

September 16, 2016

Happy Friday everyone!

When it comes to reading ingredient labels, I’m sure you’ve heard that if you can’t pronounce an ingredient or the name is too long, it’s automatically bad for you. Well, that’s actually a myth as many skincare companies adhere to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system, which is an internationally recognized way of standardizing labels on cosmetic products.

For example tocopherol acetate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and butyrospermum parkii sound scary but they are actually alternative names for vitamin E, vitamin C, and shea butter. Remember that whether you can pronounce an ingredient name or not tells you nothing about the safety of it.

See you next week!

Stephanie

ICES Long Beach 2016 Mini Haul!

September 15, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone! Over the weekend I attended the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa in Long Beach. It’s a trade show where professionals in the beauty industry can shop and learn about the latest and greatest within our trade and for an esthetician, it’s our version of heaven.

I posted a few snippets on Instagram, but after a while my phone refused to cooperate so I couldn’t really take any pictures. 🙁 However, I can share with you some of the items I purchased, for personal use and to also use in my treatment room.

Let’s get started.

PCA Skin

Nutrient Toner

This toner has a, “combination of vitamins, enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids helps to refine pores, remove superficial cells and provide added nutrients to the skin.” It contains pumpkin wine and lactic acid and it smells really good.

Oxygenating Trio Treatment Protocol

This professional treatment has a formulation that contains antioxidants and enzymes that leave skin smooth, purified and glowing. It contains niacinamide, pumpkin seed oil, hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid.

Retexturize Therapeutic Pumpkin Mask Protocol

Another professional treatment, the Therapeutic Pumpkin Mask combines exfoliating pumpkin enzymes and salicylic acid, along with a host of purifying and antioxidant ingredients to leave skin glowing following treatment.

Eminence

Soothing Chamomile Tonique

This product was to be purchased along with the enzyme peel I bought. It’s “a soothing and calming tonique to use alone or with enzyme, glycolic and lactic peels for all skin types, particularly normal to oily skin. Soothing herbs will restore the skin’s balance.” This has licorice and the smell is very prominent throughout but disappears after a while.

Pink Grapefruit-C Gel

I’ve been experiencing problematic skin lately and this product was recommended. This C Ester-rich veils skin to fight free radicals, environmental factors, and calm the appearance of inflammation. Refreshing peppermint clears and heals while helping to prevent the appearance of blemishes.

Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5%

One of the main products I came to the Eminence booth for, this will, “accelerate the exfoliation process to remove dead skin cells, reduce the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and sun damage. This delicious purée of yam and pumpkin leaves skin looking firm and radiant. I tried it last night and it had a mild tingling sensation, most likely due to the lactic and glycolic acid in here. My face feels ad looks a bit smoother today. This item is for consumer use.

Le Mieux Eye Wrinkle Corrector

I received a sample of this last year and I absolutely loved it. It’s a “lightweight cream [that] provides intense moisture to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, bags, and dark circles. Features 7 potent peptides, hyaluronic acid, amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to help promote a bright, youthful appearance.”

Morphe 35O 35 Color Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette

Of course I could not leave the trade show without purchasing this cult-favorite item. Just look at all these colors-perfect for fall! *Swoon* I will have an individual review for this soon.

(h2t) Natural Pumpkin and 30% Multi Fruit Complex Peel

No trade show is complete without this pumpkin peel. It smells just like a pumpkin pie and I have to keep reminding myself that it’s a chemical and enzyme peel, lol. This is a professional use product that contains a 30% formulation of Glycolic and Lactic Acid with an approx. pH 3.2. Formulated to provide deep exfoliation for facial area, allowing acids to effortlessly penetrate clogged pores and assist in cell proliferation.” I can’t wait to try this and start offering it next month at my spa!

Dermodality Skin Solutions Peptide Plus

Purchased in conjunction with the (h2t) pumpkin peel, this helps to restore vibrancy and health to the skin. It contains cucumber and melon extracts to help calm skin and to help leave it health, radiant and revitalized. I used this at night under my moisturizer and I liked the soothing and hydrating effects of it.

HydroPeptide

Cleansing Gel: Cleanse, Tone, Makeup Remover

An all-in-one anti-aging cleanser that gently and effectively removes dirt and excess oil while toning and lifting away all traces of makeup without over-drying. This gentle cleanser has extra soothing benefits from Chamomile, Allantoin and Cucumber. You definitely get a whiff of cucumber in this product. I squeeze a little bit of product onto a damp cotton ball and it does a pretty nice job of removing eye makeup.

Power Serum Line Lifting Transformation

Aside from DermaQuest, HydroPeptide has really great peptide serums that make skin feel and look firmer. It’s definitely on the pricey side but in my opinion, well worth it. This power packed treatment delivers the most advanced peptides, antioxidants and a growth factor activating plant extract to immediately improve skin health.

Power Lift: Advanced Ultra Rich Moisturizer

I had to pick up this moisturizer again as it made my list of favorites last year in September. Read more about it here.

Solar Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30

A physical sunscreen that features titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, this sunscreen is light and has a blend of green tea, aloe and hyaluronic acid.

That’s all for this year and I’m excited to check out what next year has in store!

See you tomorrow!

Stephanie