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September Birchbox Unboxing 2015!

September 17, 2015

Disclosure: This post contains a referral link.

September’s Birchbox is here and this month they’re celebrating their subscribers. Take a look at what was included in my box.

L’Artisan Parfumeur Mure et Musc Eau de Toilette

Described as having notes of blackberry, rich musk and wood, this sample perfume smells like men’s cologne and I don’t like it at all. The blackberry and musk scent combination doesn’t mesh well with me. Sorry to say but I will be discarding this immediately.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil

The sample choices this month were between Pop Beauty Eyeshadow Trio, Davine’s LoveShampoo and packet conditoner and Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil. I picked the eyebrow pencil as I needed one and I’m already a fan of the powder duo. Personally, I prefer powder over pencil because I feel it gives a softer effect but this will do for now. I can always blend it out. 🙂

TOCCA Esfoliante de Corpo in Bianca

I’m happy this sugar based body exfoliant was included since it has two of my favorite scents: lemon and green tea. I tried a little bit on my hands and the word luxurious came to mind. Seriously a must try for the cooler months ahead as it leaves skin feeling hydrated and silky. *Note: Sensitive skin should tread with caution as it is fragrant.

treStiQue Correct & Cover Concealer Crayon in Bisque

I haven’t tried this concealer yet but I love the packaging. The top portion is the cap, shaped like the tip of the concealer-how cute is that. I’m a little nervous testing this because it’s infused with coconut oil and I’m worried it may be too heavy for the eye area. We’ll see.

Rene Furterer Absolue Keratine Sublime Renewal Leave-in Cream

This “keratin-rich cream smoothes, restores, and protects even the most damaged strands.” It’s heavily fragranced but I don’t find it overpowering. It is a rich, heavy cream that feels soft but I need more time to really see if it makes a difference. Having curly, color treated hair, I feel I am a perfect candidate. Stay tuned for a review.

Overall, it was a good box and although I won’t be using the fragrance sample, the Tocca exfoliant made it worth it.

Curious to try out Birchbox? You can subscribe to Birchbox for $10.00 per month and receive 50 bonus points to use towards a purchase by clicking here . If you subscribe before October 9th, you’ll receive your first box for only $5.00.

What are your thoughts on this month’s box?

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

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

Skin Tip: Eye Cream 411!

July 31, 2015

Happy Friday everyone! Can’t believe another week has flown by!

It’s that time again for my Friday skin tip. 🙂

If you find that applying eye cream directly under your eyes causes irritation, try applying it on top of your cheekbone (zygomatic bone) with your ring finger at night. The eye cream will slowly migrate upwards throughout the night.

Stay safe and hydrated this weekend!

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

Summer Must Have: Skincare!

July 7, 2015

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

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

The Acid Chronicles: Glycolic Acid!

May 28, 2015

Hello readers and happy Thursday!

Last week I posted on lactic acid and today I am continuing this short series with glycolic acid so read on to find out more on this AHA.

Who: Glycolic acid

What skin conditions can it help: Aging, fine lines, texture concerns, acne and hyperpigmentation

Where it comes from: Sugar cane or made synthetically

Why it’s important: It breaks down the bonds between cells that allow for easier exfoliation of the skin and is great for treating fine lines, smoothing skin texture and acne. It has the smallest molecular structure which makes it permeate faster and deeper but can cause more irritation and inflammation. *Not recommended for thin skin.

How it’s used: Glycolic acid can be found in skincare products (i.e. cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums) and also in professional treatments like chemical peels. It also acts as a strong degreasing agent meaning it’s great for removing oil. *Like any other exfoliating agent, limit use to a few times per week, wear sunscreen and use caution when using ingredients containing retinol as this can irritate skin.

See you tomorrow,

Stephanie

The Acid Chronicles: Lactic Acid!

May 19, 2015

Happy Tuesday readers! Hoping your weekend was great!

Awhile ago, I posted on alpha hydroxy acids, otherwise known as AHAs and why they are important in skincare. (In case you missed it or need a refresher, click here) Lactic acid was one of the AHAs mentioned and here’s why this ingredient is great.

Who: Lactic acid

What skin conditions can it help: Aging and hyperpigmentation

Where it comes from: Derived from milk/sugar

Why it’s important: Lactic acid functions as a humectant, which attracts water and hydrates the skin. It breaks down the bonds between cells that allow for easier exfoliation of the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It also reduces hyperpigmentation due to its ability to suppress the formation of tyrosinase ( the enzyme involved in melanin production). Because its molecular structure is bigger than glycolic acid, it’s an ideal ingredient to use for those who have sensitive skin because it permeates into the skin slowly, reducing the chances of irritation and inflammation.

How it’s used: Lactic acid can be found in skincare products (i.e. cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums) and also in professional treatments like chemical peels. *Like any other exfoliating agent, limit use to a few times per week, wear sunscreen and use caution when using ingredients containing retinol as this can irritate skin.

If you follow my Instagram, you’ll recognize the picture below when I took the Cosmetic Chemistry course at UCLA. The vial on the right-hand side is what natural lactic acid looks like.

I recently joined Twitter (@stephieestie) so feel free to follow me on there too! I’m still learning how to use it, FYI, but I’m sure I’ll get it in no time. 🙂

Thanks for reading,

Stephanie