Favorites - July 2016

I’ve been all about simplicity this month, with very minimal makeup most days.  So this month, instead of specific products, I’m going to discuss general makeup ideas I’ve been using.

Simple Lipstick

I have been all about using lipstick that I didn’t really have to think about this month.  I could just put it on and go, and sometimes I didn’t even need a mirror to apply.  Some of my favorites have been the Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Lily Lake and MAC Viva Glam VI.  These are just so simple and go with every look I put together.

Gold Cream Eyeshadow

I use this as a base just about every day, even if I use powder or other creams on top.  My favorites recently have been LOC One & Done Shadow Stick in On Point and Maybelline Color Tattoo Crayon in Gold Rush.  I even made sure to add the Color Tattoo to my travel makeup bag before my trip.

Purple Eyeliner

The only times I don’t wear eyeliner are when I’m sick or absolutely sure I’m not leaving the house that day.  Black is almost always too harsh for my coloring, although I can rock most other medium and dark colors pretty well.  I use brown quite a bit, but lately purple has been my go-to.  I talked about my favorite Urban Decay one last month, but the one I traveled with was Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Liner in Dusky Plum.

No Base Makeup

My skin has been doing pretty well this month, so I’ve been giving both it and myself a break.  I throw on a little bit of concealer where needed over my sunscreen and go on with the rest of my makeup.  I’ve also been using up my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer and Maybelline Fit Me Concealer.

Brows

You might be thinking, just brows?  Well, here’s the thing: I was never really that into doing my brows.  I know, I know, with today’s focus on brows, how could I not care?  Well, mine have always been decently full and never needed much grooming aside from an occasional waxing.  But recently I’ve noticed they are a bit unruly if I don’t at least take a spoolie to them.  So most mornings I usually toss some Benefit Gimme Brow into them and go on my way.  I’ve also been enjoying the Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil for days when they need a little more.  On the other hand, I have been really disappointed with the NYX Micro Brow Pencil; the pencil is really hard and it feels like I have to go over the same area many times before anything shows up.  I’ve just ordered some new Benefit brow products, so I’m looking forward to trying them out over the next few months.

What were some of your favorite makeup tricks or techniques this month?  How about favorite products that I should try?  Shout out in the comments below!

Empties - May and June 2016

Late as usual, to the point that I wound up combining two months!  What else can you expect at this point when it comes to my empties posts?  J 

This time was heavy on gender-neutral scents and hair products!  Not only did we do a lot of traveling recently, but I worked on using up more samples that had already been started, and the easiest pickings were hotel samples.  

One other big difference you'll notice if you've ready any of my past empties posts (here and here) is that I spread out my love this month on hand sanitizers.  I did use up several, but this time there's 3 different brands.

Makeup

• Benefit They’re Real! Beyond Mascara in Jet Black – Sample size.  I had used this before and hadn’t been overly thrilled, but this time I really liked it.  The only reason I stopped using it is because it started drying out on me, especially for the second coat.  Purchase: Maybe.  Most people either love or hate this mascra.  How do you feel?  What's your favorite Benefit mascara?
• CoverGirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner in Intense Black – Full size.  I had received this in one of my subscription boxes, and since I don’t use black liner often, I haven’t played with this much.  Unfortunately, the cap on this liner doesn’t close well and fell off without me knowing it, causing the liner to dry out before I could properly test it.  Because I don’t use a lot of black liner I probably won’t repurchase unless they have other colors.  Purchase: No.  Are you a black liquid liner person, or do you go another way?
• Elf Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac - Full size.  This was so much better than the original!  It worked great, had enough exfoliant power, and stayed soft enough that it didn't kill my lips while maintaining effectiveness.  The minty-ness was just enough; you could definitely tell it was mint, but it wasn't overpowering.  Repurchase: Yes.

Face Care

• 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream - Sample from Birchbox.  This worked really well reducing my eye bags, which I have definitely noticed became more prominent since I've stopped using it.  This sample was huge!  This size lasted me forever even with twice a day use.  Purchase: Yes.
• Beekman 1802 Makeup Remover Wipe – Hotel sample rippy packet.  Kind of rough on the skin.  Purchase: No.
• Burt’s Bees Renewal Intensive Firming Serum – Rippy packet from Walmart Beauty Box.  I've used this before, and it's actually not too bad, but it's not my favorite serum.  If you want a natural serum from the drugstore, this might be one to try.  Purchase: No.
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream – Full Size.  This COMPLETELY broke me out!  I wound up using it as a foot cream since it is so thick, and it did an OK job at that, but nothing to write home about.  (I spent my own money on a full size, so I wanted to use it up!)  Repurchase: No.
• Darphin Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum – Sample from Birchbox.  I was really surprised how well this worked taking away my permanent redness in my cheeks and nose.  And to top it off, it had the lovely faint scent of root beer!  Purchase: Maybe (depending on cost).
• Dr. Denese HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum – Sample from QVC.  I was really surprised by just how much I liked this.  It did amazing things for my skin!  A little bit goes a long way, and it blends in to an amazing finish.  Depending on the price, I may have to own this.  Purchase: Yes.
• Key West Aloe Gentle Aloe Facial Cleanser (not pictured) - Sample from Birchbox.  The kiddo really likes this cleanser for camp because it's gentle and soothing if she gets a sunburn in the summer.  She doesn't ask me for many skincare or beauty items, and actually gets on my case for getting too much for myself, so when she asked me to get her more of this, I said Absolutely.  Purchase: Yes (already have).
• Mary Kay Timewise Day Solution – Fullsize.  I like the serum consistency of this under my daily moisturizer and makeup.  It doesn’t feel heavy while still providing great protection.  I haven’t found anything that compares yet.  Once I finish some other samples, I’ll be adding this staple back to my collection, because it’s worth every penny.  Repurchase: Yes.  Have you tried anything from Mary Kay?  (If you need a representative, let me know and I'll send you the info for mine!)
• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – Full size. HG item.  Repurchase: Yes (already have).
• Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer – Rippy packet from Walmart Beauty Box.  I fell in love with this when using another sample, and take advantage of every new one I get.  Purchase: Yes (already have).  How do you feel about samples in rippy packets?
• Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub – Full size.  This was an OK scrub, but it has microbeads, which I am now avoiding.  Repurchase: No.
• The Skin Lounge Firming Lift Facial Mask – Full size (from a set of 3).  This was part of a gift set which I have been enjoying spreading out by not using all at once.  Not bad, but not sure if it actually did anything.  Purchase: No.  Do you like using sheet masks or do you prefer more traditional ones?  What's your current favorite mask?
• TiZO Photoceutical Replenish - Full size.  Check out my full review here.  Re/Purchase: Yes.

Skincare

• Asira Body Wash – Hotel sample.  Just OK and very gender neutral.  Purchase: No.
• BBW Body Lotion in Rainkissed Leaves – Hotel sample.  Standard BBW lotion in a decent scent.  Purchase: Product: Yes (already have); Scent: Maybe.  What's our favorite BBW scent?
• BeeKind Shower Gel – Sample from Build Your Own Birchbox.  This shower gel has a nice feel to it, and I love waking up to a refreshing citrus scent in the morning.  Purchase: Maybe.
• CardinalHealth Fragrance Free Baby Wipes - Full size.  Hospital sample.  Purchase: No.
• Coloplast Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Body Wash, Shampoo & Hand Wash – Hospital product.  I think I've said this before, but for being a product used in hospitals, this is really drying.  Purchase: No.
• LUSH Blackberry Bath Bomb (not pictured) – Full size.  The kiddo seemed to like this better than some others she’s tried.  I’m not a fan of baths in general, so if she wants it again we’ll repurchase.  Repurchase: Maybe.  Which LUSH bath bomb should the kiddo check out next?
• LUSH Charity Pot Hand and Body Lotion – Full size.  Charity = Toxic Free NC.  I found that this left my hands feeling greasy for a long time after applying, even being able to see it where I placed my hands on my desk or computer.  In a pinch, I might pick this up again, especially because I thinks it's for a decent cause, and I'll use up the other one I have, but I don't have to rush out and get more.  Repurchase: No.
• LUSH Mmm Bath Melt (not pictured) – Full size.  This smelled like cotton candy, and wasn't exactly like a bath bomb, nor like a bubble bath bar.  This was basically bath oil in a solid bar.  According to the kiddo, she prefers the bath bombs.
• Marlowe Body Butter – Sample from Target Beauty Box.  Nothing super special, but not a bad product overall.  Purchase: No.
• Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Butter - Rippy packet from Ulta.  I love this moisturizer and use every sample I get.  It has a nice fresh scent and is a powerful moisturizer.  I do have to be careful using it around my husband's sensitive nose, though.  Purchase: Yes.
• Temple Spa La La Lagoon Aromatic Bath & Shower Gel – Sample from Birchbox.  This is OK, but I haven’t been overwhelmed by Temple Spa products in general.  Purchase: No.
• Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Face & Body Balm – Sample from Birchbox.  I've used this before, and it's OK.  I'll use it if I get it again, but I won't go seeking it out.  Purchase: No.

Fragrance

• Harvey Prince Hello – Sample from Birchbox.  I used to really like this scent, but now it's a bit overpowering for me.  Purchase: No.

Hair Care

• Amika: Perk Up Dry Shampoo – Sample from Birchbox.  This was a really decent dry shampoo, but I don't quite understand all of the hype about this product.  It does smell AMAZING!  But I think you can find others that are just as good or better that are less expensive.  Purchase: No.
• Beekman 1802 White Water Collection Shampoo and Conditioner – Hotel samples.  Very strong scent, and gender neutral or even "manly".  Purchase: No.
• Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask – Sample from Birchbox.  This worked pretty well.  However, since I often use my regular conditioner like a hair mask anyway, this isn't worth the expense to me.  Purchase: No.
• Clear Men - Scalp Therapy 2 in 1 Complete Care Anti-Dandruff Daily Shampoo & Conditioner – Sample from Target Beauty Box.  Per Duff: Middle of the road shampoo and conditioner. Had a mild aroma that was pleasant and not overwhelming. Good to my hair and scalp. A little thick so metering a dose was problematic but could be the travel size packaging. Would buy but would not seek it out.  Purchase: Yes (probably).
• Dove Men + Care Fortifying Shampoo + Conditioner Fresh & Clean 2 in 1 – Sample/Travel size.  Per Duff: Middle of the road shampoo with conditioner. No particular smell/aroma with it which suits me and most men just fine. Didn't react or cause any unwanted hair loss. Cleaned and conditioned just fine. A little thick so not the easiest meter out from bottle. Still, an okay product.  Purchase: Maybe.
• Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy packets from a magazine and samples from Amazon Beauty Box.  OMG, I LOVE THIS!  It smells amazing.  The conditioner is super thick and just a little bit goes a long way.  Purchase: Yes.
• L’Occitane Shampoo and Conditioner – Hotel samples.  Another gender neutral scent.  Not the hugest fan of the formula, and the packaging was somewhat difficult to work with even though they were squeeze bottles.  Purchase: No.
• LUSH Jason and the Argan Oil Shampoo Bar (not pictured) – Full size.  I love the smell of this shampoo bar, and am glad it was the first I tried.  I did, however, find that it got somewhat gooey and crumbly at the same time (not quite sure how that happens).  It works OK as a shampoo, but I do need to be careful what conditioner I use because of argan oil in it.  I'm trying out a different shampoo bar at the moment, so I'll see if it's just this scent that had issues or the product.  Repurchase: IDK (Maybe?).
• Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean Daily Shampoo - Hotel sample.  Standard Pantene shampoo.  Purchase: No.
• Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Shampoo and Conditioner – Hotel samples.  Standard Pantene shampoo.  Purchase: No.

Other

• BBW PocketBac in Strawberry and Winter Wonderland – Full size.  HG product: Product: Yes (already have); Scents: Yes (if I can find them).
• BeautyBlender (the original) – Full size.  I’ve had this for a while now, and I’m seeing some iffy stains, so I think it’s time to retire it.  I have some other beauty sponges to try out, but all will be compared to this.  Repurchase: Yes.  Are you a brush or sponge person?  Or do you prefer using your fingers to apply your foundation?
• Lucky SuperSoft Instant Hand Sanitizer Advanced Formula – Full/Travel size (though I think this one came in a care package).  Has a baby powder scent that was really off-putting.  Purchase/Repurchase: No.
• Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer in Sweet Plum – Full/Travel size.  Purell is a really nice brand for hand sanitizer, and this scent was really nice.  Repurchase: Product: Yes (already have); Scent: Yes.
• Sensodyne Pronamel Daily Fluoride Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth in Fresh Breath scent – Full size.  HG product.  Repurchase: Yes.

Did you finish anything good recently?  What are you close to using up?

Favorites - June 2016

I can’t believe it’s July already!  How did that happen?

If you read my update post, you know that I’ve been slacking when it comes to my makeup and skincare in the past month.  Even still, there are a few things I’ve been reaching for on a regular basis even on days when I go super minimal.

MUA Professional Multi Purpose Brush 018 – There are some base products I don’t mind putting on with my hands, and others just turn me off.  The one I carry with me (I usually do my makeup on the run or at my desk at work) used to be one I didn’t mind, but with my most recent purchase It has really bothered me.  Additionally, I’m currently using a radiant primer that, if I use my hands, leaves me sparkly for a good part of the day even after several hand washings.  Anyway… I stopped by CVS to see if I could find a reasonably-priced liquid foundation brush that I could at least leave at my desk and found this little one that is actually the perfect size for my makeup bag.  This has been great!  It reminds me quite a bit of the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, which I know a lot of people swear by.  What's your favorite brush for liquid foundation?

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Delirious – I never go anywhere without eye liner, and purple is one of my go-to colors.  This is a fantastic medium to royal purple with a purple metallic shimmer.  It has the great staying power typical of Urban Decay eyeliners, though I can’t really comment on the staying power of this color in the waterline because I generally use a nude liner with this.  My only complaint, and this is with the entire line, is that you have to sharpen these liners, whereas I prefer twist-up ones.  Unfortunately, I picked this up in the Delirious Set (set of 5), and it looks like the color isn't available on it's own on the UD website.

When I was originally thinking about what I was going to put in this post, I had a whole list.  Of course, I was somewhere I couldn't jot them down or record them in any way, and now I can only remember these two.

What should I be using?  What really stood out for you this month?

An Update

I know I've been missing as of late.  I haven't really been writing at all in the past month, and the few things I have worked on have stayed unfinished.  I've been exhausted for numerous reasons and have been really busy on top of all that.

But really, I just haven't been able to get my butt in gear.  I have a stack of boxes and products that needed (and some still need) pictures taken that I have just been getting around to.

It's not just the blog that's effected, either.  You can see it in my life, too.  Even just the basic fact that I have barely been wearing makeup for the past several weeks and have let my skincare routine slip should tell you something.

I think some of it is the change in schedule that happened with the end of the kiddo's school year.  Why, you ask?  I was able to do a lot of blog catch-up there, particularly knocking out pictures once I found a nice spot with decent lighting.  I was also able to use that time to catch up on non-blog related tasks, which freed up my other time.

Hopefully, I'll be able to focus more in the coming weeks.  I will be trying to post some past-due items, and I'm thinking about combining some months together for other posts (like May and June empties).

One other thing...

My collection has gotten HUGE!  Because of this, I am trying my best to limit my purchases to sample boxes and subscription services while I try to use things up.  It seems to be working a bit, but I do have a wandering eye.  J

Favorites - May 2016

There’s not a lot of variety this month, but what made the list I really liked!

TiZO AM Replenish – I have been using this product every day, and it’s essentially replaced both my face sunscreen and my foundation primer.  It plays well with all of the other products I’ve used it with, and plan to get more once my tube runs out.  Check out my full review here.

Bare Minerals Ready Foundation in R170 – I have been using this a ton this month.  It’s worked great with the TiZO AM Replenish, and has also worked out well with the weather changing every day.  It provides great coverage with just a light application, and an extra layer of sunscreen which I always appreciate with how fair I am and how easily I burn.  I apply with an Elf Kabuki brush, and generally use 4 taps to cover my whole face, neck, and chest.

The Balm Nude Dude Eyeshadow Palette – Now, I am not usually a nude eyeshadow girl.  For my go-to everyday look, I actually stick primarily with purples, mixing in some light golds and skintones to balance things out.  However, I have been able to get so many great looks out of these shadows!  This palette works great alone or in conjunction with other shadows.  They are so creamy and smooth, and provide great pigmentation.  I haven’t used too many Balm shadows, but everything I have used I’ve liked.

L’Oreal Infallible 24hr Eyeshadow – These pressed powder eyeshadows are like nothing I’ve ever used before.  They are so rich and creamy, and cover instantly.  The trick is to apply using your fingers.  The metallic are very shiny, so watch out and choose carefully if you don’t like shimmery or metallic shadows.

Lose It! – I’ve really been watching what I eat this month, and Lose It! Has helped me tremendously.  After signing up, you have access to both the website and the app, and you can sync other apps and fitness gear to it as well.  With it, you can set goals, log your daily food intake, and input your exercise.  If you’re looking to be healthier, I recommend you check out this site.  Do you use anything to track your food or exercise?

What were your favorites this month?

Ipsy - May 2016

I love that Ipsy changed up the style of the bag this month.  The envelope style is so unique!  However, because it is open under the flap, I worry that things may fall out if it gets tipped the wrong way.  It would be perfect if there had been a zipper inside in addition to the envelope flap, essentially making the flap for decorative purposes only.  Also, I found it very difficult to snap shut if it had anything in it.

On to the samples.  I thought they were OK this month, but I don’t think it was the best month Ipsy's ever had.

• Vera Mona Eye Smudger Brush – What can I say; I’m a fan of getting brushes from Ipsy.  While I haven’t used any brushes from this brand before, I’m looking forward to trying this out.  It is a rather small brush though, so it might make a good travel brush.  Have you tried any brushes from Vera Mona?
• It Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Black – I’ve tried this eyeliner before and wasn’t a fan.  That time, I thought it was dry and actually did tug like crazy.  I’m also not a huge fan of black pencil eyeliner.  If I’m going to use black eyeliner, I’ve found that liquid works better for me.  In the end, I’m going to be passing this on.
• Jelly Pong Pong Caribbean Sun Bronzer Duo (likely in Aruba shade) – I found this beautiful.  I’ve been using bronzer more lately, so I’m looking forward to using this.
• Eva NYC Hungry Hair Oil Treatment – I haven’t been using too many hair oils lately, but have used them routinely in the past.  These work really well on my hair when it’s frizzy, and I’ve had good luck with other products from this brand in the past.
• Aurora Gel Effect Nail Lacquer in Safety Orange – This is a really bright nail polish.  I will use loud and vibrant polishes, but this is not usually the type of color I’d go for.  It could be fun as a toenail color for the summer, but I probably won’t be reaching for this one too often.  What’s your go-to summer toenail color?

So, a mixed review for Ipsy this month.  I’m definitely looking forward to using the brush and bronzer, and may find some use for the nail polish and hair oil eventually.  The bag may make a nice purse if you’re careful with how you hold it.

Let me know how your Ipsy was this month.  Did you have better luck than I did?

Note: Ipsy link is my referral link.

Review - TiZO Photoceutical Professional Line

Please note: While these products were provided to me by the company, this is not a sponsored post.  I receive no kickbacks for my review.  All opinions are my own after a thorough review of using the product line.

TiZO Photoceutical is a professional line of skincare and sunscreen available from “your local, licensed skincare professional” according to the website.  As I mentioned in the note above, the company provided me with the product line specifically looking for my honest feedback since I do try a lot of different skincare, and I thought I’d share it with you.

The Photoceutical line consists of 4 products: an AM moisturizer, PM moisturizer, face wash, and face sunscreen.  In general, I found this to be a very unique line of products.  And FYI, the pictures you see throughout this post include a mix of both old and new packaging, though currently it’s the white packaging being used.

Let’s try to go in the order I typically use them.  You might think I’d start off with the cleanser, but I really like using that best at night, so I’ll discuss it then.

AM Rejuvenation is a thick, white morning moisturizer which results in a matte finish.  It is much thicker than a typical morning moisturizer, and felt more like an evening moisturizer when applying.  I needed more product than I originally expected to make sure my face, neck, and décolletage were evenly covered.  Even though it’s matte, it’s not drying so it would definitely work for dry skin.  It doesn’t leave an overly greasy feel so I think it should be ok for oily skin (I tend to have normal skin), but you might want to set everything with a powder after finishing your makeup or maybe use a powder foundation (more on that later).  It works well with products not in this line, such as eye creams, sunscreens, makeup primers, and several formulations of foundation.

AM Replenish is the face sunscreen of the line though it also has some moisturizing properties, and I really like that it’s SPF 40.  This is a physical sunscreen rather than a chemical sunscreen, so it’s designed not to break people out.  This is tinted to a light skin color (as seen in the next picture), so I don’t know how it would work on darker skin.  However, I am very pale, and it doesn’t give me any extra color and doesn’t oxidize on my skin, so it seems to blend in well and may actually work out ok.  Like the AM Rejuvenation, I had to use a lot more of this product than I originally expected to make sure my whole face was covered, and I use any leftover on the back of my hands and forearms.  This will definitely be the first product of the bunch that I run out of.  What sunscreen do you recommend for you face?

My favorite thing about the AM Replenish is that it feels like a silicone makeup primer, almost identical to Benefit Porefessional, which is saying something because that is my HG primer.  Like Porefessional, it does have some pore minimizing properties, and if your skin is clear it can be worn alone due to the coverage/priming and slight tint.  And it truly works great for me as a primer.  I’ve used it with several different foundations and concealers and it’s worked well with all of them.  However, this has been amazing with powder foundation.  In the past, Porefessional had been the only primer that worked for me under powder foundation, but this has been just as great.  What's your favorite primer to use under powder foundation?  Do you use a different primer under other foundations, and if so, what?

Gentle Foaming Cleanser is, obviously, the facial cleanser of the product line.  I was surprised how good this is, and also how different it is.  This cleanser is thick foam that reminds me of shaving cream which dissipates easily and rinses quickly.  However, the cleanser itself is very emollient, or moisturizing, to the point where you can even get away without using a moisturizer afterward if you don’t have overly dry skin.

The cleanser takes off eye makeup better than anything else I’ve ever used, including various eye makeup removers.  If I use it at night, I don’t have to use anything to wipe away leftover eye makeup after my shower in the morning.  Unfortunately, I’ve found two problems when removing my eye makeup: 1 – it doesn’t remove liquid eyeliner at all, and 2 – if I rub my eyes to work the cleanser into the makeup, it does tend to burn my eyes.

PM Restore is the evening moisturizer, which also leaves a mattified finish like the morning one does.  It is a clear cream and looks very much like a silicone primer, but has a much different texture and feel on the skin.  Again, this was a much thicker than I expected and I needed more product than I originally expected.  It does have retinol in it, so I wouldn't use it if your sensitive to that, but not enough to dry your skin out quickly.

Overall, I’m really impressed by this product line.  While all of the products are good and like nothing I’ve used before, the sunscreen is by far my favorite of the collection.  I will definitely keep using it if I can get my hands on more, and may even consider making it a HG item.  I wouldn’t turn the others away if I ran across them again and may even seek them out, but I wouldn’t stop trying other items to replace them with these.

Do you stick with one skincare line, or do you mix brands?