Saturday, March 31, 2012

Drugstore Foundations

I've been in the hunt for a great drugstore foundation. My favorite at the moment is the BB cream from Clinique and Studio Fix from M.A.C. I know sometimes you have to reach for more affordable ones from the drugstore. Finding a great foundation can be a hard and stressful experience. I know maybe someone else likes the product they use, but maybe you didn't like it. Maybe also the reviews are great online, but maybe when you try it, it doesn't work for your skin. Does this sound familiar?

I think there are great selection of drugstore foundations, the only problem can be the variety of colors and matching your skin tone. What you need to consider when finding a great drugstore foundation as well that is very important is your skin type. This is the reason it might look good on one person but maybe not necessarily on you.

Below I will talk about what foundations work for each skin type. Normal skin is an exception because they can pretty much wear all three.

 

Skin Types

There are four main skin types: normal, combination, oily, and dry.

Normal: This skin suffers from a few breakouts and is not overly dry or oily. You can pretty much wear whatever foundation you want.
Combination: This skin has both oily and dry skin. You likely have an oily t-zone but dry patches on the rest of the face.
Oily: This is MY skin type and it can be quite annoying! If you notice that your face tends to get shiny after a short period of time, then you probably have oily skin. This is more obvious in the T-Zone area and also tend to have noticeable large pores. Oily skin types typically don’t have many dry areas and can also suffer from acne prone skin.
Dry: This skin type tends to look flaky and feel tight.  tight and looks flaky. You may get dry patches around the face and tends to get worse in the winter.

Combination Skin- Revlon Photo Ready-$13.99

This foundation is suitable for combination skin in comparison to Revlon ColorStay. Revlon Photo Ready is lightweight and has a dewy finish, and provides buildable coverage. This Revlon foundation has a pump, which makes it easy to use.

Combination skin can be tricky to work with. If you have combination throughout the seasons it can determine what foundation you wear. For example, during winter, your skin can get really dry, during the summer your skin can get shiny. Revlon PhotoReady is a great option that works well year-round: wear over moisturizer in winter and under powder in summer.

Coverage on this foundation medium and blends great. It does contain shimmer though and that can be a turn off for some girls.

Oily Skin- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup SPF 20-$11.99



I personally have oily skin and found this one to work best for my skin. I like a dewy look sometimes but for people that have oily skin it can actually look more oily throughout the day. This foundation will not clog up your pores and add more grease to your face. If you also break out often this I've noticed keeps my skin in control.


Coverage on this foundation is medium to high coverage. What I love is that it makes me look natural and contains many great ingredients to improve your skin as well as SPF.

Dry Skin- Olay

This foundation works great for people with dry skin. It is said that is similar to a BB cream for dry skin types. If you are looking for something in low coverage. For example Covergirl also has foundations that have the perfect ingredient for dry skin types. What is perfect about this foundation it contains both well known brands to make a great foundation.




Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Wednesday Pick-Me-Up

Hello guys,

Today was pretty much like any other day. I went to school, had lunch, took a nap and then I headed to work. I've been having a difficult with my math it just won't stick in my brain but I won't give up. I have to keep thinking it will be all worth it at the end. With that being said here's my quote of the day. Enjoy!



Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The Right Foundation For You

I'm going to be talking about the many foundations that there are out there and maybe help you out choose which one is best for you. So let's get started!


B.B Cream 
B.B(short for "blemish balm")cream is one of Asia's biggest beauty sensations, is more of a skincare miracle in my eyes. I would consider the formula very lightweight that provides SPF and moisturizes as well. I could compared it more like a tinted moisturizer that conceals and treats the skin all in one. This tinted lotion blends in effortlessly making you look natural and glowing.

1. Produces a very natural, "no makeup look"
2. Works pretty much like tinted moisturizer
3. Conceals all types of pigmentation, acne and discoloration
4. Provides perfect coverage like a foundation would but since it's not as thick, it doesn't clog the pores
5. It has anti-wrinkle and skin-lightening
6. Contains UV protection for healthy skin
7. Encourages skin regeneration to create and maintain youthful skin
8. Has healing properties that soften and refine skin making it look smooth

This has to be one of my favorites for a daytime look or everyday because it makes my skin look flawless without looking like I have makeup on which I love. Brands vary and there are many too choose from like:

Tinted Moisturizer
Tinted moisturizer is makeup that combines the benefits of foundation and moisturizer. Is more sheer and "breathable" than traditional foundation, it offers cosmetic benefits that regular moisturizer cannot. Tinted moisturizers offer a middle ground for those who dislike thick makeup but still want a hint of coverage. I prefer using this during the summer months when your makeup can go through a meltdown and that's not cute by the way. This gives you the coverage without looking cakey.

1. It's much better for your skin
2. It looks natural because it is less pigmented
3. The pigment that it does have helps to even out your skin
4. The moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated all day



Liquid Foundation
Foundation, is a thin film of liquid foundation that comes in oil-based formula. There are may different formulas for people with dry to normal skin and water-based formulas for people with oily skin. There is a wide selection of the right foundation that suits your skin, color and tone, this is quite necessary because it determines whether you are going to look naturally beautiful having a flawless smooth skin or quite artificial as if you have put on a mask of cosmetic layers.

There are various types of foundations such as the hypoallergenic and allergy-tested foundation for those who suffer from skin allergies; oil-free foundation for oily skin; stay-on foundation to last for longer periods of time and camouflage foundation to hide skin blemishes and give a smooth skin-effect.

I personally do wear liquid foundation on a daily basis but not as much now that I've discovered BB cream but when I go out at night and want more coverage I definitely would wear this for special ocassions.



Mineral Powder Makeup
Mineral makeup is light, finely ground loose minerals that are buffed into the skin. Mainly used with a kabuki brush. The main ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are said to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is said by professionals that because mineral makeup tends to eliminate irritants like synthetic dyes and fragrances is better for the skin. Mineral makeup is also known for being non-comedogenic, and some have sun protection. This makeup is not my favorite because it is quite messy to use but I like that it doesn't break me out like oil base foundations.

Airbrush Makeup
Airbrush makeup is similar to those used in the painting of cars. Of course, the pressure of the airbrush is very gentle and allows for a smooth application of makeup without streaks. This is usually used in brides and special ocassions because it looks well in high quality pictures.



Thursday, March 22, 2012

Wednesday's Pick-Me-Up

Yesterday was not the best of days and I'm hoping today will be better but nothing shopping can't cure! I'll be doing some shopping today and catching up with school work and hope that I can see the sunshine to brighten up my day. With that being said I'll leave you with a pick-me-up of the day. Enjoy!


Mascara Review

So today I wanted to make a review on my three favorite mascara's. The pro's and downsides on them.

First of will be Benefit Bad Gal Mascara($19), I came across this mascara on a trip to Ulta when I was picking up some other Benefit items and received this in a sample giveaway. For a couple of days I didn't reach for it but the packaging intrigued me. I began you use it and I fell in love with the brush because it was very thick and it gave volume to my lashes instantly. I did notice that I had to keep re-applying through the day and even though I like that you can keep applying more without clumping is a hassle. I definitely love that it dries matte and also even though I do love the wand so much, for my bottom lashes is a bit hard to apply without smudging. Also I think that is a bit on the pricey side but I probably will purchase this again.



My second favorite mascara at the moment is Maybelline Great Lash-Lots of Lashes($5.19). This mascara has been around forever. I used to use this when I was in Junior High and has evolved throughout the years for sure. I've heard about this on YouTube and decided to give it a try once again. The packaging was so cute and caught my eye but also the small heart-shaped brush reminded me of Clinique's bottom lash mascara. I can say this is my favorite of all favorites of over the counter mascara. It doesn't clump my lashes and it seperates them making them look natural plus I can get my bottom lashes without clumping them. I definitely give this a 10 and must try.


Finally my favorite mascara is Clinique's Bottom Lash Macara($10). This mascara is awesome it comes in two shades brown and black. I prefer black which I'm sure every girl does. The wand isn't the only thing that makes it an ideal mascara for getting the tiny lower lashes. The formula is designed to resist smudging, tears, sweat and humidity does not affect it. We all know that this is a problem with wearing lower lash mascara. I like that this mascara gives you natural looking lashes which I love especially when you're going for the no makeup look because it adds a bit of definition and it nicely lenghtens them. The downside for me is that is waterproof which I'm sure is good for some girls but to me it seems that is very hard to remove.





Monday, March 19, 2012

Mint Monthly Subscriptions

Hey guys well the topic of today is monthly subscriptions. I know all you girls surely have heard of ShoeMint, StyleMint, JewelMint, and BeautyMint. Now there are other brands that are very popular for example Birchbox. I'll stick with the Mint products; they all are for what exactly what is mentioned shoes, clothing and accessories, jewelry and beauty products. They are all personalized from celebs we all know and love.


ShoeMint's is designed by actress and fashion icon, Rachel Bilson, and celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez. The exciting part of this particular subscription is their partnership with none the least Steve Madden. I already LOVE his designs of shoes but it can get quite pricey. With this monthly subscription of only $79.95 you can get a pair but you can also skip a month if you decide not to get anything for that particular month.


StyleMint's is designed by fahion icons and actresses, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and fashion stylist Danielle Nachmani to make a fashion statement with their t-shirt designs and other clothing items as well as sunglasses. The cost for this monthly subscription is $29.95 you can also skip a month if you decide not to pick anything for that month.


BeautyMint's is designed by singer and actress, Jessica Simpson and top 15 facialist, Nerida Joy. The concept is pretty much the same as all the other subscriptions with this one you get high end skincare and beauty products. You take a free consultation and it will inform you about your very own personalized skincare regimen and you can also try it risk free for 30 days. The cost for this subscription is $29.95.


I'm leaving JewelMint for last because this is my absolute favorite. This exclusive jewelry collection is designed by actress and fashion icon, Kate Bosworth, and her celebrity stylist, Cher Coulter. These pieces are nothing like from Forever21 and H&M and believe me I love their jewelry but sometimes you want pieces that are going to last you long and feel expensive and not cheap. Their monthly cost is $29.95 as well.

I would like to share the pieces I've purchased so far and let me tell you I'm in love with every single piece. I wish I could subscribe to all of their Mint collections but I don't want to go crazy so for now this will do. Plus you get free shipping with all of them.

World's End Earrings
Chain Reaction Earrings
Brixton Earrings
(These are on back order and I'm currently on a waiting list but they will be worth the wait)


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Wednesday Pick-Me-Up

Today has been a very laid back day. Got many things done from laundry, errands and a bit of homework. I've been feeling a little down with things going on in life in general but I'll be okay. I'll leave you with my pick me up for today. Enjoy!




Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Colored Skinny Jeans

Colored jeans are the big trend right now for Spring and also for Summer, anywhere from bold colors to pastels. I'm putting together a couple of ways to wear them but the possibilities are endless. I own three colored skinny jeans at the moment and I have to say the red ones are my favorite right now. I did get inspiration from the red skinny jeans from Khloe Kardashian. Let me know what you think of this style and if is a yes or no for you. Enjoy!






Thursday, March 8, 2012

TOMS My New Obsession

So as we grow older our taste in clothes ans style change. I can honestly say when I was in High School I didn't think that TOMS were very cute or appealing. As I've grown and my taste has changed I have to admit TOMS have grown on me. Especially now that I've seen all the cutest styles they have. There are so many colors, prints and so on. I think I know what I'll be asking for my birthday this month. I've narrowed it down to a couple but still very undecided?! Hmmm...

Make KONY Famous!

So I'm sure many have watched the KONY film already but if you haven't please take a moment to watch it. It's a very touching film that opened my eyes to the many possibilities and power we have as Americans. I've been so inspired by it that I even bought my very own KONY 2012 Action Kit. You can watch the video at this link >>>>>> Invisible Children


Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Wednesday Pick-Me-Up

Hello guys!

I've been busy lately with school and all but overall nothing I can't handle. I have amazing friends and a man that loves me very much. I can't ask for more like he always says I have a roof over my head, food on the table and have my health as well as my baby's health. With that being said I'll leave you with my Wednesday quote of the day. Enjoy!


Fashion Inspiration

I'm guilty of shopping way too much but I just can't help it! I love clothes, make-up and anything girly. I'm only young once and live once, might as well live it fashionably. Men don't see it the same way though. Like for example my boyfriend made a weird face when I told him how I've been looking for some high waisted shorts but I bet if a Victoria's Secret model was wearing them he wouldn't mind, but who cares what he thinks. I'll leave you with some of my fave outfits I got inspired by.









Tuesday, March 6, 2012

March Wishlist

So of course this is my favorite month because my birthday falls in this month. Yay! But I don't think I will be doing anything special though, I tend to do nothing how sad right?! Moving on I'll leave you with my wish list for this month on things I want to purchase. Every girls addiction...


1. Black Frayed Shorts- Forever 21
2. Floral Bralet- Topshop
3. Dragon Claw Bangle- eBay
4. Levis High Waisted Vintage Shorts- Urban Outfitters
5. Lavender and Coral Nail Lacquers- Forever 21
6. Sheer Chiffon Maxi Skirt- Forever 21