If you haven’t already started taking care of your skin, there’s no better time than now. Skin care for women can be overwhelming today because there are many products promising results with ingredients you can’t pronounce, let alone know what they do. One thing my mom always taught is to take care of your skin. When I was in my teens I watched my mom spend so much money on skin care products. When I asked her why she is wasting her money on creams and serums for her face, she responded with, “Well, when you get older, you get wrinkles”. So, I remember I was about 13 or so and I would sneak into my moms super expensive skincare products and slather them all over my face . Of course I had no clue what the heck I was doing or even if I was applying the products in the right places. But I knew I didn’t want wrinkles so I started early.

All skin types may be different but here are few tips that may help you along your skincare journey!

• Drink plenty of water. Water hydrates your skin and flushes out the toxins from the body.
• Take vitamins & supplements. Fish oil supplements contains omega-3 fatty acids that prevent sagging skin and dehydration. Gross who wants to have “saggy face”. Antioxidant vitamins help fight free radicals from the inside of your body.
• Don’t overuse anti-aging products. Excessive application can irritate your skin.
• Avoid the sun. UV rays can cause wrinkles, age spots, skin dullness, and skin cancer. (This is a must! The skin is the largest organ in our body, we need to protect it!) Apply sunscreen…even in the winter months.
• Quit smoking. Smoking speeds up the aging process.
• Hook up the humidifier…..Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place several small humidifiers throughout your home; they help disperse the moisture more evenly.
• Wash your face twice a day and put on the proper treatment products. Don’t forget to wash it in the morning! A lot of icky stuff collects overnight — dead skin cells, dirt, and dust!
• Touch your face less and wash your hands more! Your hands are always getting dirty and you don’t want that dirt to get on your face and collect in your pores.
• Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their weekly skincare routine. But trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference. I exfoliate twice a week.
• Plus always do your 4-step process when washing your face! Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, and apply sunscreen. I did not add in any treatments (serums, anti-aging creams, masks) to this process because I believe everyone’s process is different.

The key is to find skin care products that match your skin type and that responds well to your skin. The time you’ll spend on the tips I mentioned above wouldn’t be wasted, in fact, you’ll gain something good from it………..great looking skin you can be proud of. Have a beautiful day!

Photo taken from www.skincarehow.com

Cost: $8-$9 (prices and locations vary)

Claims: taken from www.maybelline.com

Build 4mm of measurable extensions!
• Fiber-fix brush has 6 different contact points with each lash for optimal fiber placement
• Breakthrough formula contains fibers up to 4mm in length
• Sealing formula stretches lashes and seals fibers to lashes
• Washable, also available in waterproof formula

My thoughts:

I bought this after being lured in by the title of the mascara. Once I got home and tried it on, I was SO disappointed. I hate this mascara. This mascara left my lashes looking worse than I ever remember them looking. The initial application provided lots of clumps. It didn’t coat evenly….it just looked like a hot mess. Applying another coat after the first only created more of a clumpy mess. One thing I can say for the mascara is that it did stay on all day, and it did not smudge or flake. But who the heck cares if it stays on all day if it looks like crap? Obviously, I can NOT recommend this mascara. Have any of you all tried this mascara? What do you think? What are your favorite mascara brands?

Cover photo courtesy of www.musingsofamuse.com

The products I have tried from their line are their eyeshadows, a few palettes and their primer. The eyeshadows are really good. They are smooth, and have rich pigmentation. Honestly you can use these shadows with or without primer. But I always recommend a good primer for eyes just so you have that lasting coverage all day!

My only fuss with this cosmetics line is the packaging with their palettes. As beautiful as it is I find it unnecessary.  I mean its cute and all but I want a product that is functional, meaning its  easy for travel and “on the go”.  In my honest opinion I think people want a product that is sturdy, sleek, and well put together. Why not put it in a plastic or metal case. That way you would not have to worry about it getting crushed which can break up your products ending up in a huge mess.  Comparatively speaking other high end makeup companies charge the same amount for there eyeshadow pallets and they’re enclosed inside a plastic or metal case. So like I said, I love the products but the I wish the packaging could be be revamped.

What products are you loving from this line? I wanna know your thoughts about the packaging too (I may just be too picky)! Tell me some of your favorite cosmetics lines! Have a beautiful day!

Check out my reviews on Toofaced products:

Primed and Poreless Primer

Extreme Wrinkle Filler

photo taken from www.chicprofile.com

What is it? Taken from www.toofaced.com

Vitamins A & C, Mulberry extract and a powerful dose of Retinol virtually banish pores while tired skin is left hydrated, firmer, and detoxified. Primed & Poreless creates the perfect canvas to allow powders, bronzers and foundations to airbrush onto the skin seamlessly and perfectly blended. Skin appears brighter, fresher and younger. Color stays true and in place all day

Cost: $30

My thoughts:

Primed and Poreless is the first primer (beside the drugstore brand Revlon PhotoREADY Primer) I’ve tried that really does improve the appearance of everything that goes on over it. It comes out of the tube a light beige color, but when applied the color vanishes and I can’t tell it’s on there. It improves the appearance of both liquid and powder foundation, giving you that airbrushed look! What I absolutely love about it is that is makes my face feel really soft and doesn’t make your face feel like you have put heavy spackle on it. I was so happy to see that it covers the enlarged pores on my cheeks, since this was exactly the reason why I bought it! It also helps my foundation stay on longer and really helps prevent “cake face”. So since I have used it , I understand that my pores will come back once I have washed my face but while wearing it with my normal makeup routine I can say my pores have gone bye-bye! I recommend this product for those seriously wanting to diminish the look of pores. Have a beautiful day!

What do you all think? Have you all tried this product?

photo taken from www.sephora.com

Claims: taken from www.ulta.com

Ink intensity. Tattoo tenacity. Dare to wear the longest lasting shadow. Maybelline’s Eye Studio Color Tattoo’s ink technology creates the most saturated shadow. Cream gel smoothes on for vibrant, crease-proof color that never fades. Dare to get inked.

Price: $6-$7 (for drugstore cream eyeshadow, this is a steal)

My thoughts:

I love this product, for a drugstore cream shadow it is by far the best quality than some of the other higher end cream shadows that are on the market. I only purchased one of the colors so far….Tough as Taupe. It is a very pretty matte taupe with purple undertones. It reminds me of “Tease” from the Urban Decay Naked 2 pallet.  I have to say this product is a dupe for MAC Paintpots (but cheaper)! The texture and longevity of the product is just like the Paintpots but better. They glide on easily to the skin, very pigmented, and last all day on my lids. Once you apply, and let it dry your shadow will stay put (seriously). You can apply with your fingertips, a synthetic brush, or use as a primer for your pressed shadows. I am definitely going to be picking up a few more of their shades (I hope I can find them, they are sold out everywhere I have gone).  From what I see on other beauty blogs, they have a good variety of bold vivid shades that would look great on any skin tone and help you be as creative as you can be with your look! I know some of you must have purchased a few of these! Tell me what you think and what shades you picked up. Have a beautiful day!

Photo used from….www.hellocotton.com

So Revlon has extended its photoready line from their current foundations to primers. To be honest if you all read my last review on the photoready foundation, I was not a fan of it only because of all of the sparkle in the formula. I was hoping that the sparkle did not extend to their new primers. There are two currently, one is the perfecting primer (which I bought) and the other a color correcting primer. When I was in the drugstore I was really wanting a primer to help with my pore situation so I bought the perfecting primer.

Price: $12-$14

Claims: (taken from www.revlon.com)

Revlon’s NEW primers are lightweight primers that soften skin and diffuse light to help minimize flaws and even out skin texture. It creates a perfect canvas so that your foundation will glide on more evenly and smoothly. Primers can be worn alone or under foundation, and are oil free, talc free, fragrance free, paraben free. Try Revlon PhotoReady™ Perfecting Primer to soften skin, reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, and smooth skin texture and tone.

My thoughts:

It comes in a bottle almost identical to the original photoready liquid foundation (pump). The pump is easy to control and the product has a lotion-type consistency. It blends quite nicely, leaving behind a smooth, matte finish. Wahoo! No sparkle, which means no disco ball face! It does a great job at filling in my pores and controlling my oily t-zone. I find it quite easy to blend all types of foundations on top, whether it be liquid, powder or cream. I spent less time buffing my foundation in than I do with the other primers I have used which cost a lot more! At the end of the day, my face looks as good as it does right after I’ve applied my makeup. So this is a great product…will I be purchasing this product again…..oh my goodness yes! Have you all tried this primer? What’s your favorite face primer? Have a beautiful day!

Photo taken from: www.amazon.com

Claims:

Up to 11 days without chipping. This product is a hybrid of the oh so famous shellac manicure but without having to be cured with a UV light.

Retails: $7-$8

My thoughts:

Its different from before (last time Revlon came out with a Colorstay nail polish) because it does not come in a duo (two bottles…polish and top coat) it comes by itself….which is fine. The plus is that there are some beautiful colors with this collection. I purchased only one to see if I liked it because I have really been loving Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure (my holy grail for nail polish…at the moment). The color I purchased was Fall Mood, its a beautiful Rose Gold Color. I have been wearing it for about 3 days now and it claims to last up to 11 days.  They also sell a top coat as well but I didn’t pick it up only because I wanted to see if I liked the formulation of the polish first. Now that I have been wearing it I am thinking that I may need to pick up the top coat because I love the color so much. As for chipping it is chipping…that is why I think the top coat is so important. If you are thinking about buying these I would hold off a little bit, or if you can find them on sale it might be worth a try. For the price its too expensive….What are your thoughts on this product? Have you all tried it yet?

Cover photo taken from: www.imabeautygeek.com

Foxy: Wet n Wild single eyeshadow in “Brulee”
MAC single eyeshadow in “Blanc Type”

Half Baked: Loreal HIP Studio Secrets Duo in “Darling” * (two dupes in 1)

MAC single eyeshadow in “Woodwinked”

Bootycall: Loreal HIP Studio Secrets Duo in “Darling” *

MAC single eyeshadow in “Phloof”

Chopper: Covergirl Eye enhancers in “Mink”

MAC single eyeshadow in “All that Glitters”

Tease: Revlon MATTE single eyeshadow “Aubergine” (close but not spot on)

Maybelline Modern Metallics quad in “Chai Latte” (crease color)

MAC single eyeshadow in “Quarry”

Snakebite: Milani Rich Java Baked Eyeshadow (a little more richer in color)

MAC single eyeshadow in “Mulch”

Suspect: NYX single eyeshadow in “Iced mocha”

MAC single eyeshadow in “Bronze” or “Era”

Pistol: NYX single eyeshadow in “Root beer”

MAC single eyeshadow in “Smoke and Diamonds”

Verve: NYX single eye shadow in “Sparkle Cedar”

MAC single eyeshadow in “Filament”

YDK: Wet n Wild single eyeshadow in “Nutty”

Stars make-up Haven single eyeshadow in “Breathless”

MAC single eyeshadow in “Satin Taupe”

Busted: NYX single eye shadow in “Golden Amber”

MAC single eyeshadow in “Magnetic fields”

Blackout: NYX single eyeshadow in “Black”

MAC single eyeshadow in “Carbon”

So this is just my opinion on some possible dupes for the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. From both drug store to high-end brands these are great options. I happen to think these are great dupes that some of you probably have in your make-up collection right now! If you have other suggestions on what would work for dupes for this palette let me know! Have you all gotten NAKED with the NAKED 2 palette? Have a beautiful day!

Beauty Balm or BB cream is among Asia’s hottest beauty products right now. The formula is reported to come from Germany where dermatologists used it for patients after laser skin surgery for its skin regenerating properties. So as the trend traveled throughout the Asian countries, and through Europe, it has made its way to the States. I first started hearing about this cream last summer. To be honest I really thought it was just a fancy name to call tinted moisturizer. So what is it you ask? What is so special about it?

What is it:

Just from some research on this product I have found that its excellent in protecting your skin from free radicals. This product is also known to conceal unwanted spots on the face, hands, legs and anywhere on your body. It moisturizes skin, evens out and brightens your skin tone. Wow, a miracle in a tube! Not only do BB Creams provide sufficient amount of coverage for your skin but it also helps in healing your skin. BB Creams have a high SPF content (usually around 30 or higher) in it which helps in the protection of your skin from sun rays which damages our skin throughout the year. According to brtcstore.com, “BB Creams also moisturizes, covers up naturally while rejuvenating/renewing skin underneath, sun protectant. Some have whitening or wrinkle repairing properties or even a glossy shimmer. The color seeps into the skin so naturally that it hardly seems like one has make-up on (unlike foundations) yet still creating a flawless look. This is why it usually comes in one color (the more you rub, the more it ‘seeps’ into the skin). It also is a natural moisturizer and makes the skin feel dewy and not oily”.

Why you must try it:

I don’t know any one person that does not strive for flawless looking, radiant skin. This miracle claims to deliver just that when used over time. Depending on which type you choose, please be aware that this product only comes in a few shades to choose from like 1-3. To create flawless smooth skin the product acts like you’re wearing a foundation, it sets the powder and brightens your face. It also have skincare formula so when used in a continuous length of time it can result in a much more healthy and attractive skin. Now who doesn’t want that?

What brands are out there to try:

1.BRTC Blemish Recover Balm www.brtcstore.com
2.Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream http://www.missha.net/
3.Skin79 Super BB Balm http://www.skin79.com/
4.Dr. Jart BB Cream http://www.drjartstore.com

Now these BB Creams are claiming to be the best on the market for the best benefits these creams are claiming. Now Garnier came out with one that I plan to try out soon. What do you all think of these creams? Have they worked for you?

Front photo taken from www.sephora.com

So I know you all are reading thinking to yourself, “Another product, claiming to fix those dreaded wrinkles on our face”. Well I’m not saying its the greatest product in the world but……….well you all are going to have to read the rest of the review to find out for yourself.

Claims: (taken from www.toofaced.com)

Our skin-soothing, silicon-based formula is the perfect performer to apply before foundation, concealers and powders to smooth skin and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A potent combination of Mulberry Extract, Vitamin C and Lumiskin brightens with long-term benefits while increasing collagen production.

Retails for: $28.00

So does it work……Yes and No

I think it does a great job of filling fine lines around the eye area and smooths out small pores but as far as an extreme wrinkle filler….no. I mean it will fill in the wrinkle but if you plan on not moving your face or making any facial expressions then it works. Let’s face it, we move our faces, make expressions and if we didn’t than there is something seriously wrong. My advice with this product is apply a small amount, if you apply too much, then it will flake off. Also if you have a chance to get it on sale then buy it. Would I repurchase this again, I don’t know… I will know more when I am almost out of the product. I think if you are really looking for something that will fill in those deep wrinkles then I suggest something more along the lines of “injectables”. What I mean by that is do some research on Botox, Juvederm…something that will get you the results you really want. So if you all are looking for something to fill in fine lines then go out and purchase this product. Does this work for you? Let me know, and have a beautiful day!

Cover photo taken from www.toofaced.com