5.22.2013

How to Make Lipstick Appear True to Color on Pigmented Lips


Pigmented lip ladies, like myself, have a hard time getting some lipsticks to appear true to color. This is because certain shades cannot neutralize or cover the pigment in our lips. 

My before photo is when I swiped on the lip color and I got what looks like just a but of shine but hardly any color. After the method below, the color is true to the stick color:


1. Apply your foundation all over your lips. This will neutralize you lip pigment.
2. Yes, you will look like the maniquin from the opening credits to Nip Tuck but you have to let that foundation dry!
3. Add your lip color. It should now appear the same as the tube color.

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5.21.2013

Top 5 Beauty Products Under $5


1. Pantene Fine Hair Solutions Volume, $3.49, drugstores: This is one of two shampoos that does not weigh down my fine locks and provides lift. There is no way I could live without it now! You can see results in my How to Volumize Fine Hair tutorial.

2. Wet 'n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink, $3.99, drugstores: This highlighter includes four glowing shades that, when swirled together, perfectly illuminate your features.

3. Wet 'n Wild MegaImpact mascara, $3.99 drugstores: If you're needing volume from your lashes, this mascara provides it. The wand is packed with bristles that coat the base of your lashes without clumping or flaking.

4. Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil Foot Repair Balm, $2 Ulta: This travel sized foot cream is equipped with serious moisture. I constantly suffered from dry feet, until this. My skin soaked this up and I haven't seen a flake since.

5. NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder in Sunny, $2.99 drugstores: This bronzer is a highly pigmented buff shade. It works well for fair-medium gals and is sans orange tones. I use it to contour.

Check out my top $1 beauty products

What are your favorite $5 or less products?
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5.20.2013

Review and Results: Clarisonic Mia


What it claims:
  • Cleanses 6x better than with your hands alone in just 60 seconds
  • Works with skin, not against it, to gently massage away impurities trapped within pores
  • Prepares skin for better absorption of creams, serums and moisturizers
  • Gentle enough to use 2x a day -According to Clarisonic.com

Cost: The system will run you $119. Replacement heads are $25.

Packaging: Inside the box you get your Mia and a charger. The Mia handle fits into the palm of your hand. The brush head is about 1 inch wide.


Why I bought it: I suffer from blackheads and lots of them. I have tried, essentially, everything out there to no avail. The Clarisonic was my last ditch effort before accepting that I would live with blackheads forever. I chose the Mia solely because it was the least expensive of all of the systems. 

Review and results: Now that I have been using my Clarisonic for around 7 months I think it was absolutely worth the price (that's not to say I wish it were less!).  I'm extremely happy I made the purchase and it is now part of my must have list. 

Head 
The head that comes standard with the Mia is labeled sensitive. At first, I thought it was too harsh. However, within a few uses it softens up and feels light on the skin. I have replaced my head once since purchase because the bristles dull and fray out just like a toothbrush. 


Speed
The Mia only has one speed. The other systems have speed selection. I am absolutely fine with the programed speed.

Usage
Clarisonic recommends using the system for 20 seconds on your forehead and chin, then 10 seconds on each cheek. Since most of my blackheads are on my nose, I do 15 seconds on my forehead and chin, then 10 seconds on my nose and cheeks. You swirl the brush in small circular motions. I use my Clarisonic with a pump of face wash. 

As for being able to use this twice a day, for me there was no irritation. However, I still only go for once a day. It was too harsh for my husband's skin to use twice daily.

Charging
The Mia will last around 20 uses before it needs to recharge. It will buzz twice at the end of the cycle when it's needing a recharge. The charger is magnetized and sticks directly to the Clarisonic. Unfortunately, you have to charge for 18 hours to get maximum uses. I find this a bit annoying considering the Clarisonic is essentially charged for 20 minutes of use. This isn't something you can plug in and use in a pinch. I think this the one Clarisonic downfall. 

Cleaning
I clean my brush head at the same time as my makeup brushes and with the same cleanser. I use this method

Product absorption results
I have not noticed any difference in the absorption of my skincare products.

Dry skin results
This winter, I experienced less dry patches than usual. I think the Clairsonic is fantastic for exfoliation. My husband's main concern is dry skin and he uses this to keep the flakes at bay.

Blackheads and acne results
As I said before, I have struggled with blackheads with no reduction from any products. This is the first thing that has ever reduced them. I also noticed that any pimples or blackheads that do appear, pop much easier. I barely have to press to remove them. As for acne, I was using a prescription when I bought my Mia. Right now, I am going through a strange breakout period and stopped using the Rx. I think things would have been far worse had I not used the Clarisonic. I get around 1 cystic acne spot every other month. This used to be a monthly occurrence.

My skin's reaction

Day 1: The brush was a little bit uncomfortable and felt like a tootbrush. The bristles were still very stiff at this point. After use, I noticed there was far less makeup residue on my toner cotton ball than usual. My skin immediately felt smoother.

Day 4: The breakout period began. I have heard this typically happens. For me, this lasted around 3 days. They were very small whiteheads that were easy to pop. It wasn't a huge breakout but it was noticeable.

One week: I saw a small reduction in my blackheads. The bristles softened and became more comfortable.

One month: Dramatic difference in the amount of blackheads. They were not erradicated but there were WAY less than usual. At least a 50% reduction. My husband noticed a big difference in his blackheads, too.

Beyond: Results have stayed consistent in the past 7 months. 

Did you pick up a Clarisonic? What were your results?

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5.19.2013

The Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup



  • Mama Fashionista: Learn how Quinn plans to maintain her new red hair color with L'Occitane!
  • Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle website: Kiehls has developed a unique skincare product that actually can help reduce the signs of stress and perhaps, prevent them
  • BeautyTidbits : Find out why Harshleen can't stop raving about her latest SPF discovery - Neova DNA Damage Control Everyday SPF 44
  • My Highest Self: See the before and after photos when Tina reviews the new Revlon Luxurious Colorsilk Buttercream Hair Color!
  • Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Maybelline Colorsensational Lipcolor in Born With It No. 015 is a stunning must-have for those ever on the lookout for the perfect pinky nude lipstick, and it's budget friendly!
  • Painted Ladies: Sheila is glad you she purchased Physicans Formula Custom Shimmer Strips Kajal ... so you don't have to!
  • TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla spills why Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lipstick is worth the bite
  • D.G.S.Beauty: Looking for a new BB cream? Try the Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream!
  • Beauty Professor: Ever an alluringly elusive line, the Beauty Professor adores Serge Lutens beauty. This week, she shares swatches and a video review of his famed Teint Si Fin foundation powder!
  • Beauty by Arielle: Review of Real Purity's Cream Blush
  • Lipgloss Break: Check out Zoya nail polish Stunning Collection - a must for summer!
  • Blushing Noir: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour makes a quick eye look golden!

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    5.18.2013

    The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup


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