Beauty Favorites: April

Over the past couple of months I have been replenishing some of my beauty products and also adding some new products in the mix as well. Here is a list of what I recently added.

You can also find these products and all my favorite beauty and makeup products over at CAPSULE. 

1. La Mer The Eye Balm Intense- I love this eye balm and honestly I switch back and forth between this and The Eye Concentrate. Both are amazing and I haven't found a La Mer product I haven't loved. 

2. La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream - In the spring and summer I switch from creme de La Mer to the moisturizing soft cream. It's lighter and my skin isn't as dry so I don't need such a heavy moisturizer. 

3. Organic Coconut Oil- Growing up my mom put coconut oil in my hair every Sunday and I didn't like it back then but now I appreciate it because I had really healthy and thick hair. My sister uses this to remove her eye makeup and I tried it while visiting her and it worked great. I also have dry skin in the winter so this will be really nice to use head to toe for extra hydration and to lock in moisture. 

4. Becca Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop- This is an award-winning highlighting powder with an ultra-buttery texture that melts into skin for the ultimate high-impact glow. I use it to define my cheekbones and I also use just a touch above my eyebrows for extra glow. I love the dewy look this highlighter gives. 

 5. Becca Mineral Blush in Songbird- This blush pairs up nicely with the Becca highlighter for a look that is natural and glowy. 

6. Anastasia by Beverly Hills Highlighter Brush #23- This brush was recommended to me by a sales associate at Sephora and I use it to apply the Becca highlighter. 

7. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Bone- I have been using this eye shadow for a long time and it serves as a great base or it can be used on it's own as an eye shadow. It glides on smoothly and gives a nice matte finish. 

8. Dior Addict Lacquer Plump-I am not a huge fan of lipstick and lip gloss in general. I feel like most don't last and I can never find just the perfect color. This one is pretty good-it's a rosy nude and I like to use this first and add another lighter pink on top to soften and reduce the intensity of this color. 

9. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic - SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic features a synergistic antioxidant combination of ferulic acid and pure vitamin C and E to enhance your skin’s protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals. This SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum helps neutralize free radicals induced by UVA/UVB, infrared radiation (IRA) and ozone pollution (O3). In addition to antioxidant protective benefits, C E Ferulic improves signs of aging and photo damage to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and brightening your complexion.

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RedBook October Beauty Box Review

This month, as a contributor of Redbook magazine's network, I am reviewing a few new beauty products. The products include Big Sexy Hair Power Play Lite Soft Voluminizing & Texturizing Powder, Mary Kay Clear Proof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask, Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer, Finishing Touch Flawless Hair Remover, and MegRhythm Gentle Steam Eye Mask. 

Mary Kay: Clear Proof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask

My review

This was my first time using a charcoal mask ever and I really liked it! This triple-action mask is formulated with activated charcoal, an ingredient that can bind up to double it's weight in pore-clogging impurities. Plus, mineral clay ingredients, kaolin and bentonite, boost the mask's absorbency. I love how the mask soaked up excess oil and gave a smooth matte appearance. Also the mask contains honeysuckle and navy bean extracts which have been shown to target the appearance of skin discoloration. I only used it once but I think this is something I would definitely use more regularly. 

Features

-Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to unclog pores

-Formula is clinically shown to instantly absorb excess oil and reduce shine 

-Extracts of rosemary and peppermint deliver a fresh scent 

-Gentle cooling sensation as you smooth the formula across your skin 

Curel: Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer

My review

Ever since I can remember I have been in the habit of moisturizing my body after a shower. And over the years I have tried a variety of moisturizers. But lately I have been using Cetaphil moisturizing cream (the one in a big tub) and I love it. So when I tried Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer by Curel I was a little skeptical to change things up. But I actually really like it! And what I love most is that it has no fragrance at all and it completely absorbs into my skin without any greasiness. I definitely recommend this moisturizer-especially for the winter months. 

Features

-Water activated moisture works deep into skin's surface

-Helps repair moisture barrier; contains proprietary Advanced Ceramide Complex

-Immediately absorbs and completely greaseless

-Skin feels more hydrated instantly

-Fragrance free and Dermatologist recommended 

-Received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance 

Finishing Touch: Finishing Touch Flawless

My review

So actually I had seen an article about this product being a top seller on Amazon and I had already purchased it.  I love the way the product looks super discreet and it's also perfect to keep in your purse. I have many occasions when I get in the car and I see a stray hair on my chin or on my upper lip but with Finishing Touch Flawless you can easily take care of this instantly and without pain. This product has the same benefits of shaving but is better for smaller areas and it also works nicely for peach fuzz.  This would really make a great stocking stuffer and pretty sure I will be stocking up on these for the lovely ladies in my family. 

Features

-No need for hair to grow out-can use everyday

-Instant and painless, no redness and irritation

-Safe for all skin types and tones

-Dermatologist approved 

  

MEGRHYTHM: Gentle Steam Eye Mask (available exclusively at Amazon!)

My review

Ariyana and I both tried this the other night and I see why it's selling so well on Amazon. This eye mask is relaxing and relieves tired eyes and best of all it feels calming and warm. The one I had had a lovely lavender scent as well.  Just brew a nice cup of chamomile tea (or a glass of wine), put on some chill tunes, and throw on this mask for a super relaxing bedtime ritual. 

Features

-This eye mask utilizes advanced self-heating technology to heighten relaxation and relieve tired eyes with the warm and soothing sensation of steam heat. 

-Steam heat moistens and relaxes tired eyes while hydrating surrounding skin

-Available in three soothing scents: Lavender, Citrus, and Unscented

-Perfect for use during travel, at the office or before bed

SEXY HAIR: Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Lite Soft Volumizing & Texturizing Powder

I use dry power on a regular basis between washes but Sexy Hair is a little different. It feels a little heavier than dry powder and it's used more for volumizing. The other day I put my hair up in a ponytail and I used the this product to help lift and add some volume to my ponytail.  It evenly mists powder in a cloudlike spray and provides soft volume and texture in an instant. Sexy Hair is lightweight, talc free, and can be used on dark hair colors like mine.

I prefer the texture of dry powder and this feels a bit heavier but I guess if you're looking to add volume the product needs to be a bit heavy.  This is not something I would use regularly but I think I need to play around with it more. I would love to hear your thoughts if you've tried this product or other volumizing and texturing products. 

How To Use:

-Pump on dry hair directly at the root and/or throughout the hair for soft and lightweight volume and texture

This post was sponsored by RedBook and all opinions are my own.   

Sunscreen Guide

Sunscreen is important all year round, but especially during the summer months. In this post we’ve rounded up some of our favorites for different skin types and purposes. Whether you need a sensitive option to keep breakouts at bay, a great pre-makeup formula, or a full body option we’ve got you covered! Be sure to leave us your favorite picks below.

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Beauty Basics: Post-Winter Skin Detox

Winter weather can leave your skin dry and tight - neither of which are idea for makeup application. Since the air lacks humidity during the winter months skin creates more dead cells that can pile up. Exfoliation is extra important during this time and is the perfect way to prep your skin for a glowing, soft look. The three steps above are the basics to getting your skin into shape. Along with those three initial steps; hydration (lots of water), a good mask (my favorite are sheet masks, less mess and super effective), and sleep will also help repair your skin from winter/holiday damage. The last thing not to forget are your lips. A good scrub (brown sugar is perfect) and a thick lip balm for overnight will help repair dry, chapped lips.

Be sure to share your favorite skincare secrets with us in the comments!

Faith is a beauty and style contributor and you can find Faith on her blog at That's Just Fabulous or over at Instagram, where she posts the most beautiful and inspiring photos! 

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January and February Beauty Favorites

January favorites

The past couple of months I have visited Blue Mercury a few too many times to pick up some new products and replenish some of my favorites. My two favorite additions to my evening beauty routine is the M61-Power Glow Peel and the REN Wake Wonderful Night Facial. I would definitely recommend adding these to your beauty routine. 

February Favorites 

1. Oribe Signature Conditioner. I bought the Oribe shampoo a while back just to try a new shampoo. And I ended up getting this conditioner to go along with it. I like this conditioner because it feels luxurious yet it is lightweight and very hydrating. It also smells so good. 

2. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.  I use this concealer after applying the Bobbi Brown peach corrector. It has a rich texture and radiant finish. I have been using this product a long time and highly recommend it. It smoothes the under eye area while blurring and hiding imperfections and signs of fatigue. 

3. M-61 Power Glow Peel. This is new for me and my advice is if you want to add one new product to your routine make it the Power Glow Peel. I first bought a pack of 10 and loved this so much I went back and bought a pack of 30. My friend Amanda introduced me to these exfoliating peels and they are a MUST have for every woman over 30! This 1-minute 1-step exfoliating peel resurfaces, clarifies, and helps firm the skin for a radiant and renewed glow. Also I used to get salicylic acid peels as part of my regular facials and with this product I can definitely reduce the frequency of facials I get. 

Key Ingredients

• Glycolic Acid: Promotes the reduction of wrinkles,acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Exfoliates, exposing live skin cells.
• Salicylic acid: A beta hydroxy acid that penetrates into the pores. Contains sebum that exfoliates dead skin cells built up inside the pores.
• Vitamin K: Reduces facial discoloration caused by poor circulation, skin irritation and scarring.
• Bilberry extract: Rich in procyanidin which reduces inflammation.
• Chamomile: Functions as an antimicrobial, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic.
• Lavender: Increases relaxation.

4. Moroccan Oil. I have been using this argan oil for a very long time and I typically use it 3x a week after washing and conditioning my hair. It's a great detangler and nourishes the hair. Growing up my mom used to apply coconut oil to my hair every Sunday and even though I don't do that anymore and never liked it I still think applying some kind of oil is essential for restoring shine and increasing hair elasticity. 

Key Ingredients

• Argan Oil: With its high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, it increases hair’s elasticity and consistently restores shine to dull, lifeless hair. It is a powerful antioxidant, UV-protector, and free radical neutralizer. Proven to make hair softer, silkier, and shinier.

5. Bobbi Brown Peach Corrector. This corrector neutralizes discoloration and layers perfectly under my concealer. I use dark peach and what I love most is that this product doesn't crease, blends well, and has a nice smooth coverage. But the key with this product is that it really can't be used alone-you have to apply a concealer on top of it. This product is best used as a first step to correct and cover the discoloration under the eye area. 

6. REN Wake Wonderful Night Time Facial. This is another new product for me and one I will add to my nighttime beauty routine. This leave-on mask exfoliates, energizes and plumps the skin overnight. It repairs uneven texture, encourages cell turns over and reduces pigmentation.

Lately what I have been doing is using this 2x a week and the M61 Power Peel 2x a week. Definitely give them a try! 

Key ingredients

• Lactic and glycolic acids: Repair uneven texture, encouraging cell turnover and reducing surface pigmentation. Glycogen, magnesium and omega oils: Energize, revitalize and heal the skin. Sodium lactate: Raises the skin's pH, giving a plumping effect.