Showing posts with label skin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skin. Show all posts

Estēe Lauder: Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup Review

Hello Beautiful People! 

I am so sorry that I've taken about two months to get a new blog post up. I started school about 7 weeks ago and the quarter has been extremely difficult with the work-load plus other things I've been keeping myself busy with. But I'm glad to say that I have new material up so I hope you guys enjoy this quick review on mew favorite foundation :) 


I ran out of my Makeup Forever HD foundation about 3 months ago and I was really lazy to go pick up another one. My sister asked me to run some errands with her one weekend. She took me to Nordstrom's with her and she ended up buying me an Estēe Lauder foundation. 


I never purchased any products from Estēe Lauder for many (non-legit) reasons. One, I used to think this brand was only targeted for older women, I never associated it with more popular brands (Makeup Forever, Kat Von D, etc). Another reason was because it's pretty pricey and no one ever hyped up any of their products enough for it to seem "worth it". But now with Kendall Jenner being the new face of Estēe Lauder, I really hope, if you're going to buy anything from this makeup/skin care brand, PICK THIS ITEM UP. 


But long behold, my sister introduced me to, what I can say is, the best full coverage foundation for my skin type (combination), Estēe Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup $37.00

First Impressions: 
The lady in Nordstrom's matched me to the shade "3W1 TAWNY". She took off a small amount of my original foundation and applied this one. Instantly I could tell that this foundation had more coverage with only a little bit of product on my face. Compared to the foundation I already had on my face, this one seemed more dense and less "runny" (if that makes any sense). It was also the prefect shade for my skin. 

My Thoughts: 
I've been wearing this foundation for about a month now. I don't wear it everyday but I do wear it on the days I want my foundation to stay in place (parties, dates, events, anywhere that requires taking pictures really). I've noticed that this foundation stays on the WHOLE night. I don't get oily, the foundation doesn't crease, and it doesn't look cakey. This foundation also doesn't transfer on clothes. I would be so self-conscious when I would hug my boyfriend because I would sometimes transfer my foundation on his shirts, and that's embarrassing. But with this foundation, I don't have to worry about that. The only thing that I will comment on, is that because this foundation is full coverage, it is harder to take off at the end of the day. You really need to use a cleanser or makeup remover that is strong enough remove all makeup. 

Estēe Lauder website product details:
"15- hour staying power. Flawless all day. This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looking natural through heat, humidity, non stop activity. Won't change color, smudge or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comfortable  Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day. See More

Pros and Cons: 
Pros: 
  • Medium/ Full Coverage 
  • Last ALL day 
  • Does not look cakey
  • Does not make you look dry
  • Covers under-eye circles 
  • You don't need a lot of product 
  • Does not transfer 
  • Build-able 
  • Leans more towards combination/oily skin types
  • Matt finish 
Cons: 
  • Packaging isn't the best (I prefer a pump)
  • Can clog pores (SO MAKE SURE TO CLEAN YOUR FACE) 
  • Can dry out your face if you have already have a dry skin type 


SPA SISTER: Clear Skin Facial Toning Brush Duo

Hello Beautiful People,

I wanted today's post to be a quick "thoughts and review" on a new product I recently got my hands on. I went to T.J.Maxx last weekend and came across the Clean Skin Toning Brush Duo by SPA SISTER.

My Clarasonic Mia stopped working recently (it stopped charging) and I was in some desperate need of a new cleansing brush. I decided to not repurchase my Clarasonic Mia just yet and maybe try some other cleansing brushes instead. So I figured why not buy the one I came across at T.J.Maxx, I mean it was only $7.99.
So I bought it and I've been using it on my face every day (morning and night) and I absolutely love it. Like no joke, it's been leaving my face so smooth.

I would HIGHLY compare this cleansing brush to Sephora's Dynamic Duo Face Brush that retails for $16.00 (Click Here)

This product claims to be "an ultra-soft brush head that gently exfoliates dead skin cells while the silicone pad with tiny bristles deeply cleanses pores while invigorating the skin".

Now now, I wouldn't stretch to far and compare this cleansing brush to a Clarasonic because the Clarasonic is obviously running on a motor of some sort while this brush is merely using the sole power of your hand movement.

Either way both these brushes do an incredible job of exfoliating and cleansing your face.

I've noticed that the soft brush head of this duo really gets my face scrubs super foamy and I love that. The silicone pad is great for my "T-Zone" since that's the area where I have more larger pores.

All in all I definitely recommend this cleansing brush to anyone who needs one, wants another one, won't financially commit to purchasing a Clarasonic, or wants a cheaper but great quality cleansing brush.

Now I've never heard of the brand SPA SISTER before but I love this product so much I will be purchasing more of their products in the future.
If you are interested in buying this product or learning more about this brand feel free to visit their
website at http://www.bathaccessories.com
I got my hands on this bad boy like I said at T.J.Maxx but you can also purchase it from their website
Amazon, or Ebay.

Link of the product below:
Amazon

**In case you are interested:
In the morning I use this cleansing brush with my Clean&Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleanser
and at night I use this brush with my Biore Acne Clearing Scrub after using my Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (Review On Products)

Yours truly,

 photo a2015388-6dd5-4589-8365-8d2eb8ff90b0.jpg

Updated Skin Products! +quick reviews


My skin has been drastically changing and my skin has been demanding for new products. If you've been following my blog for a while now you will remember my My Daily Skin Routine and I mention some cleansers and acne products I used at that time. I have now replaced those products with

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser $9.00-10.00
&
Biore Acne Clearing Scrub $8.00

Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser is not a new product whatsoever.  
I never gave it a shot because it doesn't take off makeup. (eye makeup) But once I started to see how drying the cleansers that I would use be, I knew I had to switch things up a bit. This cleanser has not made my skin dry up at all and I think it's because of how gentle the formula is. This cleanser is a mild, soap-free formula that promises no irritations or stripping. You can use this cleanser for dry, normal, and oily skin. You can even use this on a baby's skin. Keep in mind that this cleanser is very gentle and it you want one that will wipe makeup away, this is not the one for you. I highly recommend this product for people who have really sensitive skin. I do use this cleanser with my Mia Clarisonic and I have been really enjoying this product so far. It's fragrance free, it's light, it doesn't leave my face greasy or dry.

I do have to pair this cleanser with my new obsession,  the Acne Clearing Scrub by Biore.
I don't think I will ever go back to another acne scrub again. I love that it's oil free and complexion clearing. I have drastically seen a change in the pigmentation of my face since using this product. My face has been getting lighter and it has an amazing citrus scent and that gives me a refreshing feel and clean smell. It's a great wake me up! The formula contains beads (alumina crystals) that really get in there and exfoliate pores deeply. I kid you not, the first time I used this scrub, I had a lot of black heads on my nose and they all went away. I was amazed.  I also use this product with my Mia Clarisonic.


I've been using this product with with the Cetaphil cleanser and I just think they work perfect together. I need the gentleness from my cleanser to balance how exfoliating my acne scrub is. With these two products my skin has been clearing up and been leaving me with baby bottom smooth skin.

When done I finish using these products, I moisturize and go off to bed.

Yours truly,

 photo a2015388-6dd5-4589-8365-8d2eb8ff90b0.jpg

My Daily Skin Routine!




Hey gals! It's here! My daily skin routine + skin products I recommend!
This blog post was definitely asked by many of you! Don't we all struggle with flawless skin? Well if you're blessed and don't (lucky!), it's always great to still be informed of products you should still be applying on your face regardless! Before I start let me just say that everyones' skin is different. I like to consider my skin type a "combination skin type". Maybe you are to? Combination skin is when some parts of your face are dry or flaky, while the center part of your face, nose, forehead, and chin (the T-zone) is oily. Doesn't this make things more complicated? I know.. The struggle of being Jocelyn. If you can feel my pain than maybe these products will be perfect for you because it has definitely helped me out. I used to not apply sunscreen, moisturizer, or even deep clean my skin when I was younger. It wasn't until the end of my junior year that I started to actually take care of my skin. Thank God I saw the light at the end of the tunnel because (although I still get major breakouts) my face doesn't look like a pizza anymore.

Not removing your makeup every night is a HUGE factor as to why most of us break out. And let's admit it, if you're wearing makeup, at one point or another, you've probably gone to sleep with it on. I admit it! It happens. The most important thing is to make sure it doesn't become a habit. Our skin is covered in pores, and those pores allow us to sweat, but they also allow us to secrete sebum (a waxy lubricant that helps moisturize and protect our skin). The problem with makeup is that it clogs pores and prevents sebum from doing it's job. Instead the sebum builds up and causes acne.  Hey we learn something new everyday right?

Let me share with you guys products that I 100% recommend for removing makeup at night.

FIRST STEP: Using makeup remover cleansing towelettes. There's not a specific one I absolutely recommend, I actually have a couple I change up every-now-and-then. But the one I've been using lately is the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes Refill Pack (25 count) that retails for about 5-6$. I used to buy the 1-2$ makeup removing wipes but they were so irritating on my skin! I'd rather spend a couple more bucks on a product I know won't do that. It's helped to effectively dissolve all traces of dirt, oil and makeup, EVEN the waterproof mascara. These towelettes are sensitive to use around the eye area but are heavy duty enough to remove some of the nastiness off my face. I always keep some next to my bed, no matter how tired I am it's no hassle to reach over and wipe my face clean. Try buying a bulk at Target and save. 

SECOND STEP: Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover. Once again, I don't just recommend one in particular I'm sure everyone has their favorite. Mine just happens to be from Mary Kay. This baby (3.75 fl oz) retails for $15 in Mary Kay's catalog. This might be a little expensive for some people but this is honestly worth the money for me. It gently removes eye makeup, including waterproof mascara, without tugging or pulling the delicate skin in the eye area. It has been clinically tested for skin irritant and allergy. It's also suitable for contact lens wearers. It's hypoallergenic (relatively unlikely to cause allergic reaction), oil-free, and ophthalmologist tested. Here's my eye-makeup tip: Dab the eye-makeup remover generously in a cotton pad and then apply in the area you want to remove or use a q-tip with eye makeup remover for lashes or eyeliner mistakes. 

SECOND 1/2 STEP: This step is optional because I only use it for the times when I have used a lot of makeup (special occasions: weddings, events, dances). Sometimes removing your makeup with just wipes isn't enough. I'll reach out for my Estēe Lauder "Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion" that retails for $20 in Sephora. I have the mini version and I couldn't find how much this one cost (sorry). This is a water based lotion that glides on to quickly and gently remove all makeup formulas. It easily rinses away long-wear and waterproof formulas. This is great for the EXTRA-extra heavy duty stuff. I don't normally use it for my day-to-day makeup. 

THIRD STEP: MY HOLY GRAIL CLEANSING GEL. I don't know if you can tell in this picture because the bottle is laying down but I'm about to be out of this baby ): and it sucks because the PETER THOMAS ROTH "Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel" (8.5 oz) retails for $35. This cleansing gel is an "oil free anti-wrinkle technology that rejuvenates, clarifies, brightens with glycolic acid extracts of peach, white oak bark, lemon, lime, linden, citric grapefruit, and arginine" aaaaaaand idk about all that stuff BUT I just know this stuff works! I go to the bathroom once I have used the cleansing towelettes and eye-makeup remover and dap some of this stuff on my Clarisonic Mia  and get to working. It is important to cleanse the skin after the first and second step because it insures the removal of dead skin cells and impurities, detoxification of the pores, and a improvement of skin texture. You really need to go down in there to get a healthier looking skin. 

CONTINUATION OF THIRD STEP: This is the product I use with the cleansing gel. It's the Clarisonic "Mia". I don't have the Mia 2 I think this is like the first Clarisonic out there. It retails for $100 with a one year warranty. This baby is a little TOO much to talk about on this post but I'll link the company's website and you can check it out for yourself. http://www.clarisonic.com

FOURTH AND FINAL STEP: Moisturize your skin! I've noticed that although my cleansing gel is amazing it tends to leave my face DRY. This is why I only use this cleansing gel at night and not in the morning. It is important to restore moisture back in the face. The product I use is the one on the RIGHT, it's Boscia's "Super Charge Overnight Moisture".  Compared to the one of the LEFT, this moisturizer doesn't have Broad Spectrum (sunscreen). It's not good to use sunscreen at night so make sure when you moisturize your skin after everything you're not using a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. 

Now that the night routine is over let's start with my morning routine! This is the key to having a beautiful and healthy skin complexion throughout the day and for the rest of your life. (okay maybe not for the rest of your life but it's better to start out now)

FIRST STEP: Facial Cleanser! My preference in the MORNING BURST by Clean&Clear. This baby is also a gel cleanser that contains Vitamin C and Ginseng that helps wake you up with a fresh citrus scent while the soft bursting beads give you a burst of energy and vitamins, leaving your skin feeling clean, energized, and ready for the day. This retails for 6-7$ at any drugstore. '

SECOND STEP: DEEP CLEANSING FOAM CREME. I've been really good about doing this step because it helps me out but it's not absolutely necessary to deep clean your skin twice a day. But I do and it might work out for you. Compared to the PETER THOMAS ROTH "Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel" this cleansing foam doesn't leave my skin dry so I tend to use this one in the morning. It's the Shiseido "Pureness Deep Cleansing Foam Creme" that retails for $22.50 at Sephora. I don't mind it being so expensive because this thing... literally.. you just need a pea size amount to apply to your face. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY! I use this with my Clarisonic as well. It's a gentle ultra-fresh foam formula that effectively lifts away the pore clogging impurities, makeup, and oil that can lead to imperfections. It's always good to deep clean your face in the morning even though you haven't used any makeup at night because your pillows and bed sheets contain many dirt and dry skin cells that can cause breakouts. 

THIRD STEP: SUNSCREEN. I hate the thought of applying pure sunscreen on my face so I use Estēe Lauder's "DayWear Advanced Multi-Protections Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15" that retails for $48 in Macy's. Like I said, a little goes a long way! The point is, it's important to apply sunscreen on your face! The sun's rays are not only harmful to the skin but they also speed the aging process up. This baby defends against signs of premature aging and diminishes the fine-line appearance. It helps safeguard skin with advanced broad-spectrum sunscreen. My skin feels smoother, looks fresher, and healthier instantly. JUST DON'T APPLY AROUND THE EYES, it will get irritated so much. 

FOURTH AND FINAL STEP: MOISTURIZER! I found the one guys... my most favorite moisturizer of all time. I use to think that because my face was already oily I didn't need a moisturizer. BUT I WAS WRONG. Actually the reason my face was getting oily was because I wasn't moisturizing. If your face isn't getting moisturized, your face produces more oil. Interesting right?  I literally apply the baby before I put on makeup and I feel I have coated my face with a layer of water. It's the Sephora's "Instant Moisturizer If you only try one" that retails for $22 for the biggest fl oz size. I couldn't find the price for this one. I have two because as you can tell the one on the RIGHT is about to run out ): It's an intensive formula that hydrates and nourishes skin for 24 hours! It has light-reflecting pigments that even out skin tones and illuminate the complexion while the antioxidants protects against environments aggressors to keep our skin looking beautiful (even without makeup) ;)! 


Now that I have shared with you guys my FOUR STEP night and morning routine I want to share with you the products I use for my acne. Keep reading if you have this struggle like me. I usually break out during my menstruation cycle and when I'm under a lot of stress (midterms and finals). Usually when I apply these products I skip out on my cleansing gels and replace it with these.

Clean&Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub $5-6
I use this product whenever I forget to take of my makeup off at night. I use this with my Clarisonic to wash away major residue and unclog my pores. This scrub has exfoliating multi-action beads that work to gently remove trapped dirt, oil, and dead skin that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It contains salicylic acid (an accent fighting medicine) that clears blackheads and helps prevent new ones from forming. 

(RIGHT) Clearasil Ultra "Acne Marks Wash and Mask" $6
I usually use this wash 3-4 times a week that helps clear blemishes and fights formation of marks. It has helped me clear pimples fast and reduce the appearance of acne. 
(LEFT) Clearasil Ultra "Acne Marks Spot Lotion" $7
I only use this product for spot treatment. If I see a pimple forming I will apply this bad boy on it to reduce the appearance. This acne lotion con taints 2% salicylic acid to lighten ace marks. 

Mary Kay's "Revitalizing Mask Formula 2 (Combination/Oily) $14
It's always important to use a mask if you're breaking out. Using a mask will insure that all the oils, dirt, and residue on the deep layers of you skin are sucked out and removed. This mask absorbs excess oil and helps remove impurities from the skin's surface and deeper layers. It provides thorough cleansing, refines skin texture, and helps minimize the appearance of pores. This mask is also fragrance free. 


My acne routine is pretty basic because I've done such a great job at removing my makeup and cleansing twice a day. The next products I'll talk about are just random skin products that I use every now and then. 

Evian Mineral Water Spray (1.7 oz) $5
Okay when I first heard about this stuff I was like am I really about to pay this much to get sprayed water on my face? LOL It's not just water guys, haha. It's a unique mineral balance of neutral pH that makes it the prefect freshen-upper for all skin types, including baby's delicate skin. The millions of micro-droplets are instantly absorbed, moisturizing hot thirsty skin, any time anywhere. This canister is perfect to carry in your handbag or for traveling. I always apply this on top of makeup (you makeup won't come off) and I apply it throughout the day. Perfect for the summer! 

Tarte "Pure Maracuja Oil" (.23 oz) $25
This thing is ridiculously expensive, I got it as a present. But it's always great to apply oil to your skin, even if it's already oily. Like I stated in my moisturizing section. Pure organic maracuja oil contains vitamin C so skin appears instantly brighter and more radiant. The oil is also a source of essential fatty acids, a requirement for healthy skin cells that the body cannot produce on its own. You induce life back into dull skin. You get 2-3 drops of the oil in your hands, rub them together and apply to clean, dry skin on face and neck. 

Meaningful Beauty Cindy Crawford "Skin Brightening Treatment"
I think this product is discontinued. Such a shame. I couldn't find it online anymore. But basically, it's always great to have a product in your bathroom that is for brighting complexion. If you suffer from acne scars and need a more balanced tone or if you need a quick fix to get rid of sleepy face apply this morning and night. 



That's it guys! I hope you guys enjoyed this post. It took a lot more than I thought.
It's a lot to read I am sorry but I really wanted to be thorough with this post
because so many people where interested in my skin routine. 
If you have any questions don't hesitate to comment below
or ask in my "Contact" Page
Stay Connected With Me! 
 photo pinterest.png photo facebook.png photo gplus.png photo instagram.png


Yours truly,


 photo a2015388-6dd5-4589-8365-8d2eb8ff90b0.jpg

Quick and Easy Beauty Tips!



 
Hey beautiful babes! It's Iokeline, 
Decided today's blog post wouldn't mention any specific products but a post on quick and easy beauty tips! Ever had trouble applying eyeliner? Want smoother skin? How do I manage healthier hair?  Well all that good stuff and more will be mentioned here! Just keep reading :) 

Makeup tips! 

Mascara 
1. When applying mascara NEVER ever pump the wand! This causes added air to the mascara container which will only make your mascara dry out faster!
2. This might be obvious.. but maybe not. Always use less mascara on lower lashed than on top lashes or you can skip mascara on lower lashes for the more "casual" look 
3. After you've coated your lashes with mascara add just one more layer to your outer corners. This will make your eyelashes look especially full and make your eyes appear farther apart ;) 
4. If you want a more fuller lash look apply eyeliner to your tightline, I promise you won't regret it. 
5. Annnnnnd finally! If your mascara smells funny or is more than six months old it's time to toss that baby out! 

Eyeliner
Everyone always asks me how I perfect my cat eyeliner, here's a few basic tips that has helped me get better at perfecting my eyeliner. 
1. When applying mascara stand 5 to 6 inches away from your mirror and tilt your chin up so when you look down to your nose into the mirror, you can see your entire eyelid. 
2. If you're eyeliner tends to smudge throughout the day, use concealer. It'll keep it in place all day.
3. If you want a more sultry and smokey look combine powder and pencil for that effect. 
4. looking for the perfect wing? just outline a tiny triangle at the end of your eyelid and fill that sucker in :)
5.If that still seems TOO HARD, use clear tap stencil to make your cat line foolproof. 
6. ORRRR you can just say fuck it and use a decal 
7. Remember to always use cotton swabs to fix minor mistakes and for larger messes, dip it in makeup remover.
8. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE 

Hair Tips! 
1. Want to create a wavy look with a straightener? Flat iron your braids to make waves.
2. Use dry shampoo to add volume to your hair!
3. Massage your scalp with your shampoo for a minute to stimulate hair growth 
4. When straightening you hair, pull the flat iron up towards the ceiling for extra volume at your roots 
5. Try crushing two aspirins to your favorite shampoo. The salicylic acids in aspirin break down dead skin cells and product buildup. This is like a dandruff-blasting fix. 
6. This is a tip I barely learned: don't try to comb your hair when wet, always wait for your hair to dry. This will prevent breakage. 
7. If you want extra hold in you hair spray some hairspray on your bobby pins!

Skin Tips!
1. Ya'll going to love me after this tip! Use these ingredients "2:1 ratio of sugar and any type of oil) to create smooth as skin! Mix the sugar and oil in a small bowl. In the shower literally rub this stuff everywhere and shave in the areas you do with the mix still on your skin. It'll remove all the dead skin cells and it'll leave your skin as smooth as a baby. Just don't apply it on your lady parts ;)
2. If you ever run out of shaving cream use conditioner to shave. I actually prefer this better! 
3. No brainer Use sunscreen on the daily! 
4. I'm not sure if this is a skin tip... but you apply it to your skin so I'm going to put it on here. Always wanted your perfume to smell throughout your whole body? Apply your perfume behind your ears, inside your wrists, base of throat, behind the knee, and inside your elbows. 

Nails Tip!
1. Need your nails to dry fast? When you paint you nails submerge them into cold water and wait a few minutes. The polish will dry when you remove your fingertips from the water. 


WELL THAT'S IT GUYS!
I hope it helps, let me know if you're interested
in me posting more of these tips and tricks :)
If you have any questions don't hesitate to comment below
or ask in my "Contact Page"
Stay Connected With Me! 
 photo pinterest.png photo facebook.png photo gplus.png photo instagram.png


Yours truly,


 photo a2015388-6dd5-4589-8365-8d2eb8ff90b0.jpg