Stephie Estie

Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette Swatches and Review!

Violet Voss

Happy Monday everyone and welcome to a special post today on the highly coveted and currently sold out Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette. Since Violet Voss will be taking pre-orders Thursday, May 19th, I decided to bump up the review date to today so that in case you’re interested in purchasing this, you have some time to mull over my review.

So, let’s get to it, shall we?

Violet Voss Holy Grail

Violet Voss Holy Grail Eye Shadow Palette 

Described as, “Violet Voss Cosmetics is proud to present 20 highly pigmented eye shadows in a variety of must have finishes.  Our PRO eye shadows are made with the highest quality ingredients and formulated to allow for smooth blending.  The perfect go-to for any occasion to create your flawless sexy look.”

Pros

Creamy and smooth application

Great selection of mattes, satins and metallics

You can create a variety of looks

Full sized pans

Cruelty free

Great pigmentation

Cons

Pricey- $52

Limited edition

Case is prone to getting dirty fast (minor issue)

Some shades are fairly similar once applied

Tiny bit of fallout on some shades

Eyeshadows seem a bit fragile

Contains talc (some people are allergic)

Overall: I am very happy with this palette and highly recommend it. Although it is a bit pricey, the formula and shades are so creamy and blend nicely, making a the application process a breeze.  There is a bit of fallout from some of the shades, Toffee and Bat My Eyes come to mind, and you really need to pack on the color for Glamping to appear.  Some of the shades, when applied to the lid, kind of look the same (Toffee, Awesome Sauce and Chill) yet have subtle differences.  You can use these though to seamlessly blend the colors together.  I’m not a major fan of the packaging as it accumulates shadow fallout easily but it’s a minor issue and not a deal breaker for me.  I have noticed that the eyeshadows seem a bit fragile, perhaps due to the creamy consistency.  The plastic protective sheet that is included in the palette seems to scratch the eyeshadows very easily so I need to be careful when removing it.  I’m not sure how well this would hold up when traveling or if it accidentally falls.  Overall, though I think this is a palette worth investing in, especially if you like warm eyeshadows. Fingers crossed that they make this palette permanent.

Here’s some swatches. 🙂

Swatch 1

Crystal- light champagne

Ploof- light shimmery pink

Thanks A Latte- cream

Transition- light brown

Hashtag- orange

Swatch 4

Awesome Sauce- bronze peach

Bestie- buff matte

Toffee- burnt orange gold

Chill- shimmery light gold

How U Doin- dark rose gold

Swatch 2

Bat My Eyes- espresso brown

Cool Beans- metallic taupey brown

R U Kitten Me- medium brown

So Jelly- shimmery duo chrome pink

On Fleek- metallic red brown

Swatch 3

Brownie Points- dark brown

Teddy Bear- plummy dark brown

Glamping-  shimmery burgundy

Cranberry Splash- shimmery cranberry

Wine N Dine- matte red/fuchsia

VV

Will you be picking up a palette? Let me know what you think in the comments below! 

Stephanie 

 

Skin Tip: DIY Foot Soak!

Happy Friday everyone!

Here’s an easy way to revive tired feet with a foot soak.

Soak feet in lukewarm water sprinkled with Epsom salts or regular salt. Add in a drop or two of rosemary essential oil (peppermint and eucalyptus work too) and relax. Pat feet dry and massage in your favorite lotion.

Have a wonderful weekend, 

Stephanie

P.S. Tune in on Monday for a special post on the Violet Voss Holy Grail palette! 🙂 

Blackheads 101!

Hi readers!  Hope your week is going well. 🙂

Nothing crinkles the nose faster than the sight of blackheads taking up residence on your face.  It’s expected during our teenage years when our body is going through changes but sometimes you find that they continue to form on your face well past your puberty stage. So, what are blackheads and more importantly, what can you do to manage them? Let’s take a look.

Blackheads/Whiteheads Defined 

Blackheads and whiteheads fall into a category known as comedones.  A comedone is caused when the follicle (pore) becomes congested with dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and other debris.

Open comedones, or blackheads, are open at the surface and exposed to air. This causes the sebum and debris to oxidize resulting in their dark color.  Closed comedones, or whiteheads, form when the pore is completely blocked and no air enters the plugged follicle.

Blackheads

Causes of Blackheads/Whiteheads 

  • Excessive oil production
  • Build up of dead skin cells
  • Improper cleansing
  • Using products that are not compatible to your skin type

How to Treat Blackheads/Whiteheads 

Thorough Cleansing 

Make sure that when you’re cleansing your face, you also focus on the hairline where blackheads and whiteheads can form.  Also, make sure that your not aggressively stripping your skin with a harsh cleanser as this can cause your skin to produce more oil to compensate for moisture loss.

Regular Exfoliation

Make sure to exfoliate your skin regularly, about 2-3 times per week, to help remove the accumulation of dead skin cells. *Note: Don’t overly scrub skin as this will result in further irritation and you can really damage skin.  Also, if you have inflamed acne, avoid using scrubs and opt for a BHA or enzymes to help with congestion.

Reducing Oil Production

Using a clay based mask about 2-3 times per week,  can help draw out impurities and absorb excess oil. Ingredients such as niacinamide, zinc gluconate, and salicylic acid can help regulate oil production.

Keeping Tabs on Makeup and Skincare Items 

Sometimes certain types of makeup can contribute to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Isopropyl Myristate can be a comedogenic ingredient for some.  Using the right skincare products for your skin type also helps.  Whereas mature skin would require a thicker moisturizer, skin that is oily should choose something more light-weight such as a gel or lotion.

Seek a Professional 

Scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or esthetician is another option if you’re looking for a deep cleaning of your pores. They can utilize different techniques and tools to help facilitate the removal of blackheads as well as guide you to products that would work best for you.

Was this information helpful to you? Let me know in the comments below!

Stephanie 

 

Motivational Tuesday: This Letter is to You!

Beach

Hi everyone!  It’s been a while since I shared a motivational quote and yesterday I stumbled across one that is perfect for anyone going through a difficult time.

“This letter is to you. ⠀

The you that’s had a rough week. The you that seems to be under constant storm clouds. The you that feels invisible. The you that doesn’t know how much longer you can hold on. The you that has lost faith. The you that always blames yourself for everything that goes wrong.

To you.

You are incredible. You make this world a little bit more wonderful. You have so much potential and so many things left to do. You have time. Better things are coming your way, so please hang in there. You can do it. ” 

This fast-paced life can quickly become overshadowed by disappointments and despair, but remember that you are here for a reason and that you matter.  Tomorrow could be the day your prayers are answered so have faith and don’t give up.

Stephanie

Skin Tip: The ABCs of Skin Cancer!

With May being skin cancer awareness month, use the guidelines below to know what to look for.

Asymmetry  If you draw a line through this mole, the two halves will not match.

Border The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven, irregular, scalloped or notched.

Color  Coloring varies from one area to another- different shades if brown, tan, or black- and it can become red, blue or some other color.

Diameter  Melanomas are usually larger than the size of the eraser on your pencil ( ¼ inch or 6mm) but they can be smaller when first detected.

Evolution  Any changes in size, shape, color, elevation or new symptoms such as bleeding itching or crusting.

Always remember, when in doubt, have it checked out!

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.

First Impressions: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation!

CT Foundation

Hi everyone!

A little over a month ago, I found myself at a Charlotte Tilbury counter and was given samples of her new Magic Foundation.  Since then, I’ve received requests to share my thoughts on it so here it is.  🙂

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation in Shade 4

Described as,” a miracle in a bottle that transforms skin for all ages, skin tones and skin types.  It conceals imperfections, glides on like a dream, and literally feels like a second skin. Whether your skin needs just a bit of perfecting, or you struggle with a frustrating issue like acne, melasma or rosacea, my Magic Foundation will give you a perfect looking skin day, every day!”

Pros 

Contains broad spectrum sunscreen

Offers medium to full coverage

Fragrance free and no discernible scent

Doesn’t feel heavy

Shade 4 is pretty spot on with my skin tone

Cons 

An ingredient in here caused my skin to itch

Contains talc which may be a problem for some people

Clings on to dry areas/imperfections

Vitamin C and mushroom extract are at the bottom of the list

Doesn’t blend easily

Overall: I had such high hopes with this foundation but unfortunately for me, this didn’t work out for me. There’s an ingredient in here that made my nose itch throughout the day. Despite prepping my skin prior to application, this foundation accentuated any abnormality in my skin and looked cakey.  Surprisingly, this feels light-weight and comfortable given the thicker consistency of this foundation yet this factor is not enough to offset the patchy application.  Using my beauty blender helped give this a more natural look versus applying it with a brush as the damp sponge helps the foundation blend in better.  As far as the inclusion of vitamin C and mushroom extract to provide antioxidant and firming properties, these ingredients are included towards the bottom of the list, meaning they may not be concentrated enough to make a notable difference.  I appreciate the fact this is fragrance free and includes a mineral source of sunscreen, however, I would highly recommend Charlotte Tilbury’s Light Wonder over this one.

What are your thoughts on Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Foundation? 

Stephanie 

 

 

April Favorites 2016!

April Faves 2016

Hello everyone!  We’re a few days shy of the end of April and I’ve got a great collection of items to share so let’s get started!

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Double Dare

One of the items I picked up at the Sephora sale, I can’t get over this beautiful shade.  If you’re in the market for a great liquid lipstick, pick this one up, if you can find it.

Colour Pop Ultra Satin Lip in Echo Park

If you’re looking for an affordable liquid lipstick, then Colour Pop is your brand.  At $6, this warm peachy nude applies smoothly and surprisingly lasts even though it’s not a matte formula.  It does come off as it never fully dries and I did find this to be on the drying side but lip balm underneath helps.

The Estee Edit by Estee Lauder The Barest Lip Color in So Bare

A collection I initially dismissed, I’m glad I went back to take a closer look.  A lipstick/lip balm hybrid, this feels creamy, hydrating and imparts good pigmentation

Lancome Juicy Shaker in 252 Vanilla Pop

Lancome’s newest take on the original Juicy Tubes, this lip oil is unique.  You shake the bottle to mix the lip oils and pigments to create a nice, albeit sheer, wash of color.  The applicator is a stubby sponge attached to the cap which feels plush and melts the product onto your lips.  This product gets addicting so you have been warned. 😉

Lipstick Swatches

 

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion in C3 

I was a fan of the Laneige BB Cushion Compact so I wanted to give this one a try.  This does give a nice luminous look to skin that doesn’t feel heavy.  I’m not a big fan of the sponge that’s included so I use my beauty blender to apply the product.  Overall, I’m happy with this one.

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation #3

I requested a sample of this foundation at the Charlotte Tilbury counter and this one is pretty much perfection.  It’s light-weight and provides enough coverage for me where it doesn’t look cakey and covers up my redness.  I was worried that this would be to glowy for my combination skin but so far it gives a nice sheen without looking like an oily mess.

Foundation Swatches

Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze and Glow

Another iconic item from Charotte Tilbury, I had to pick up this Film Star Bronze and Glow palette after one of the makeup artists tried it on me.  I will say that the Sculpt shade is lighter than expected but it sculpts cheek bones in a not-so-obvious way.  It blends in pretty nicely too.  The highlighter is also not that obvious looking but adds a subtle ethereal glow.

Becca Mineral Blush in Wild Honey

I love using this blush as it blends effortlessly and looks great applied over bronzer.  It’s not matte and has small shimmer particles but when it’s on me, it looks a bit matte.

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer

A perfect shade for sculpting and contouring, I’m only sad I didn’t try this sooner.  Love that the color is dark enough to define cheekbones but not overpowering.  I use this instead of the CT Sculpt shade when I want more definition.

Blush Swatches

Renee Rouleau Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

I received this when Renee was in town and I have to say that this did not irritate my sensitive eyes. Sometimes certain makeup remover wipes or formulas sting my eyes but this one was very gentle with no burning feeling.  It did well in removing minimal eye makeup but I had to use something more oil based if I had heavier eye makeup.

Skin Script Glycolic Cleanser

I ordered a few samples of these and boy these are very active products.  Containing 17% glycolic acid, I use this about twice a week when I’m experiencing some breakouts.  It’s also doubling as my beauty blender cleanser as it effectively removes all the gunk that accumulates on it.

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

I’ve been impressed by this hair mask.  As soon as I apply this, it leaves my color treated hair softer and smoother feeling.

 

Skincare Hair

Govino Go-Anywhere Carafe and Water Glass Set

I know this is missing from the main picture, but I didn’t have it with me at the time.  I received this carafe and water glass set in my March PopSugar Must Have Box and since I’ve kept it with me at work, I’ve been staying way more hydrated than I normally do.  The carafe is 28 oz and I refill it a few times a day.  I also love the fact that it’s easy to store and doesn’t take up too much space as you can place the water glass upside down on top of the carafe.

PSMH 1

 Please let me know your favorites this month and if you’d want a full review of any of these products!

Stephanie

 

Sephora VIB 15% Mini Haul!

Sephora VIB

Hi readers!  I hope you all had a great weekend!

As promised, here are the final items that I purchased during the Sephora VIB sale along with mini reviews.  Enjoy!

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer

I purchased this on a whim and because I couldn’t help but love the new mini travel size options.  This one cost $15 and it was smaller than I expected but it’s well worth it.  A little goes a long way and the color is visible enough to sculpt cheekbones but light enough to not look fake.

Becca Mineral Blush in Wild Honey

The Tarte Celebrated blush didn’t work out for me as it emphasized my pores and looked patchy so I exchanged it for this one instead.  This is described as a peachy nude shade and it looks so pretty on! This is nicely pigmented and blends in easily.  Perfect for any season.

 

Benefit Hoola

Top-Bottom: Benefit Hoola/Becca Wild Honey Blush

 

The Estee Edit by Estee Lauder The Barest Lip Color in So Bare

I must admit that I first walked by the Estee Edit display a couple of times but dismissed it.  After reading good reviews on the lipsticks and later taking time to swatch the colors, I had to have the shade So Bare.  As luck would have it, I got the last one and as soon as I tried it, it did not disappoint.  Lip balm texture and nicely pigmented color, you should give these a try.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Double Dare

This shade is frequently out of stock online and in store so I was ecstatic when I found the last tube in store.  Describes as a cocoa blush shade, this shade is gorgeous and will look great on many skin tones. It has good lasting power though it does fade with heavy drinking and eating. You need this shade.

 

KVD EL

Top-Bottom: KVD Double Dare and Estee Lauder So Bare

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

One of the sales associates recommended this setting powder and although I haven’t used it as much, I do like.  It really helps set your concealer and helps prevent it from separating.

Sephora Sale

That’s it for my mini haul. 🙂

What did you get at the Sephora sale? 

Stephanie