*I bought these products with my own money*
Avon Prima perfume, body lotion, and shower gel-twirling it’s way into my fragrance lineup
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My Morning Skincare Routine – for my best skin ever!
So you’ve been asking about my morning skincare routine. And asking. It’s time for me to deliver. So here’s what I use on my skin in the MORNING. Now. I can’t lie. The evening is when the real magic happens in terms of products. Or maybe not. I think there are equal parts of pixie dust in both the morning and the evening.
The Best BB Creams for Dry Skin – My Picks
Surprisingly enough I get a LOT of requests about my recommendations as to what is the best BB creams for dry skin. My skin is combination-oily meaning I have an oily t-zone and ‘normal’ skin on my chin, cheeks, and forehead. But I constantly get asked about BB creams for dry skin so I thought I’d mention some. These are products I have tried-some of them worked for me even though I have oily skin and some were definitely for people with dry skin. Read below for my top recommendations for BB cream for dry skin. Let me know if you have tried any of these or have additional suggestions.
The Best BB Creams for Dry Skin
Looking for a BB cream you can find everywhere? Try Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector Bb Cream, Normal To Dry Skin
This cream’s lightweight, comfortable texture blends perfectly into skin for a sheer flawless finish. This multi-benefit product boasts 5 results with every application: renewed radiance, brightened complexion, evened skin and blurred imperfections, 24 hour hydration, and broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen protection against the harmful effects of the sun.
Love South Korean BB creams? Try It’S SKIN Babyface BB Cream #1 Moisture This medium coverage cream leaves skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth. It does an amazing job concealing uneven skin tone and has a brightening effect.
High end gal? Try Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35
Wear alone, or under your favorite foundation to create a smooth canvas. It’s tinted formula evens out skin for a flawless finish, while the SPF 35 guards against UVA/UVB rays.
Looking for something with a bit more oomph? Try Nature Bound BB Cream
This product contains moisturizers to sooth dry patches, and vitamin E to improve moisture retention so your skin remains soft all day long. This Beauty Balm has a proprietary mixture of fruit extracts and antioxidants to create a skin care solution that works.
How to Make Your Lipstick Last Longer
I always felt that if I wanted to be a ‘lipstick’ person that I REALLY had to commit. Making your lipstick last longer has always been a challenge. Between talking, eating, and sipping-I am constantly moving my mouth (keep it clean people), and never thought I could pull off wearing lipstick without bringing my ‘after’ kit….as in after-eating, after-talking, after-drinking. The products that add extra weight to your bag and prevent you from just rocking your cute little clutch. However I’ve recently starting wearing lipstick again-and more often. I wanted to share with you the products I use to make my lipstick last longer – I won’t say that you don’t still need to bring your touch-up bag, but it will be a bit lighter.
Lip scrub/exfoliant-this is (in my opinion) the BEST way to prep the lips to make your lipstick last longer. Use the scrub to remove any dead skin/flakes. My other ‘pro-tip’-make sure you completely remove the scrub/exfoliant so you don’t have the granules ‘hanging out’ on your lips. You need a smooth surface to work on!
My pick: Maui Sugar Lip Scrub with Kukui Nut Oil by Hanalei Beauty Company
About the Product:
Contains natural ingredients sourced from Hawaii (Kukui Nut Oil, Sugar)
- Helps to gently exfoliate the lips of dead skin.
- Paraben-free, Phthalate and Sulfate free. Cruelty-free
Lip balm-but only if you have time! Honestly having moisturized lips is a beautiful thing-feels great AND looks great. Apply a light balm that’s not too waxy and wait 15-20 minutes for it to absorb. Blot lightly with tissue.
My pick: Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm
About the Product
- Infused with Beeswax, a natural skin conditioner, and Vitamins E to moisturize
- Soothing Moisturizing Lip Balm to moisturize, nourish and hydrate dry lips
- Natural lip balm made with 100% natural ingredients
- No parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS
Lip primer-again not totally necessary but a ‘good to have’ in most cases- just like eyes and face, lips can use a smooth surface that’s clean and ready for product. In a pinch? I actually use a small amount of concealer and/or foundation as your primer.
My pick (because I do NOT like this as a concealer and don’t want to waste it): Physicians Formula Instaready Full Coverage SPF 30 Concealer
Lip liner-There are several different schools of thought on this. Some experts say to match your liner to your lipstick-and I’d agree with that if you are wearing a strong red or bright pink. With my ‘everyday’ lipstick which is slightly more neutral (and fairly ‘tame’ considering my personality), I choose a liner that slightly and I mean SLIGHTLY lighter than the lipstick I plan to wear. My liner of choice is a standard you-have-to-sharpen-it pencil or the self sharpening twist up liners. Make sure the tip is sharp-as precision is the name of the game here. I warm the liner by drawing on my hand so that it will glide on. I draw an ‘x’ on my cupid’s bow to start (unless I am filling in my lips with the liner-then do NOT do that) and then line my natural lips, using short strokes.
My pick: Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner
About the Product
- Soft textured
- Fine tipped
- Automatic lip liner
Liquid lipstick– I know, I know-liquid lipsticks still make some people cringe. Honestly they’ve come a long way since the originals that would crack and dry your lips to the point that you want to cover yourself in Vaseline. Believe me when I say there IS a liquid lipstick ‘out there’ for everyone. If you are not keen on liquid lipstick, then I recommend a demi-matte or semi-matte formula with long-wearing properties. Applying a liquid lipstick can be tricky and requires practice but technique comes with time and heck, if I can do it, so can you! I start with my lower lip, and once that’s done I press my lips together. Then I move on to the upper lip. Usually one application (of liquid lipstick) is enough but if you want to apply a 2nd layer, work quickly.
My pick-liquid lipstick: Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick
About the Product
- Bold and Opaque
- Cruelty free & Vegan
- Long lasting lipstick
BECAUSE I KNOW SOMEONE WILL HATE ON ME FOR CHOOSING LIME CRIME, MY ALTERNATE LIQUID LIPSTICK PICK IS: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick
About the Product
- One step food-proof lipcolor – No topcoat needed
- Locks in color and comfort for up to 12 hours
- Unique complex of silicones and moisturizers provides easy application and all day comfort.
- Shiny minerals (micas and pearls) provide soft satin finish
My pick-demi/semi-matte: CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick
About the Product
- Created by Katy Perry
- Infused with shea butter
- Rich, moisturizing lipstick formula
- Glides on smoothly
Q-tips: I guess this is a no-brainer (?) but I thought I would include it just in case. I use these with a bit of makeup remover on the end to correct any glaring mistakes.
My pick: Q-tip Cotton Swabs, Precision Tip
Compact mirror: Okay, so maybe THIS is my no brainer. Even though it’s liquid lipstick, if you are going out for an event or to a special dinner, you may want to bring the lipstick and a mirror along to touch up. Although my pick isn’t what I would recommend for a night at the club, I love this very much-especially the lights.
My pick: Ultra-thin Led Lighted Compact Travel Makeup Mirror
About the Product
- Ultra-thin and portable,
- Fits in Any Handbag or Makeup Bag for Easy Storage.
- Adjustable Brightness- 8 Bright LED lights
Kylie Jenner was already on the right track when she packaged a lip liner and a liquid lipstick together (GOSH-I never thought I would give any of the K’s kredit for anything…..see what I did there?).
These are my tips on how to make your lipstick last longer. Now I turn to you. How do you get the most wear time out of your lipstick? What are some of your tips to make your lipstick last longer? Tell me how in the comments below.
Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles
I started noticing that my eye area was changing when I was in my late 30’s-especially the appearance of fine lines, which REALLY bothered me. I had never investigated eye creams specifically, and knew that I probably should’ve been using one (or three) but didn’t bother, assuming that since my skincare was great, that my eyes would absorb the product I was using on my face and everything would be dandy. Well, I was wrong about that-hence this blog post. Please see my picks for the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles.
What are your favorite or best eye creams? Found anything that really works for you that you’d care to share? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!
Want to keep it natural?
Try Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream by LilyAna Naturals.
This best selling cream hydrates, moisturizes and softens delicate facial skin to help stop the advancement of aging with no parabens, artificial colors or artificial fragrances. It is 77% organic, contains Rosehip oil and is not tested on animals.
Benefits:
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dryness and sagging.
- Increase elasticity, firm and plump skin.
- Improve skin tone and texture. Reduce discoloration and scaring.
- Hydrate, soften and smooth the skin to prevent premature aging.
- Not just for the eyes! Apply on face, neck and décolletage area for radiant looking skin.
Looking for the perfect hybrid of Natural & Cutting Edge?
Try: Baebody Eye Gel for Dark Circles, Puffiness, Wrinkles and Bags by Baebody
This light textured gel contains Hyaluronic Acid to Hydrate and Plump Skin, Matrixyl 3000 to Firm Skin, Vitamin E, MSM, and Plant Stem Cells to Strengthen Skin to Protect Against Sun Damage and Aging.
Benefits:
- Reduce puffiness & dark circles
- Hyaluronic Acid Hydrates and Plumps Skin, Matrixyl 3000 Firms Skin, Vitamin E, MSM, and Plant Stem Cells Strengthen Skin to Protect Against Sun Damage and Aging.
- No Fillers, Harmful Fragrances, Dyes or Parabens. Cruelty free, not tested on animals.
Want something no-nonsense and wallet-friendly?
Try Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream
With Pro-Retinol from nature, this anti-wrinkle firming eye cream works in the eye area to firm wrinkles and fine lines without harsh side effects.
Benefits:
- Non-comedogenic—won’t clog pores
- Gentle to skin
- Allergy tested
- Non-greasy
*Ingredient complexes developed exclusively by Garnier to work on skin’s outer layer.
Looking for a next-level eye treatment?
Try Pure Body Naturals Gel Eye & Face professional treatment, a rejuvenating and enriching anti aging eye gel to revitalize your skin
Benefits:
- Restores skin by rejuvenating, enriching and moisturising so it is smooth,firm, and filled with moisture.Contains Matrixyl 3000 and Plant Stem Cells to reinforce the skin and prevent eye bags and wrinkles.
- Protects the skin with Hyaluronic acid, preventing sagginess, and helps dark circles around the eyes.
- Gel can also be used on all parts of the body, leaving the skin looking radiant and feeling smooth and nourished.
Are you a multi-tasker? Work on your eyes while you sleep with First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm
This balm will help nourish, firm and smooth the appearance of the skin around the eye area-all while you sleep!
Benefits:
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Allergy tested
- Fragrance free
These are just some of my best eye creams for wrinkles. Let me know if you’ve tried any of them or have any others you’d like to recommend.
Breaking: Local beauty brand goes Hollywood!
Because you know how much I love my local skincare!
BEE23 Natural Beauty is a Canadian beauty brand specializing in full body high performance skincare. In harnessing the potent power of plants, flowers, trees and beeswax, our product line has served as an exceptional natural alternative for maturing, dry and sensitive skin care with excellent results in soothing eczema and acne.
Queen Bee of BEE23 Natural Beauty, Michelle Rosetta, began this venture in an off grid cabin outside Thunder Bay, ON when she was impassioned by the current state of our environment and the impact our beauty industry had not only on our planet but on our people. “After suffering from severe headaches, I realized the trigger was my favourite perfume.” says Rosetta “Although the scent was soft, with research I realized there were severely detrimental synthetic chemical additives in my product. As a woman and mother, I immediately saw the connection between what I wore on my skin, my health and the impact it had on those around me and my environment.” Taking matters into her own hands, Michelle set out on a journey to gain the knowledge and skills to create a natural formula that would soothe, restore and rejuvenate with all the aspects of a potent facial moisturizer and none of the contaminants that actually can dry, irritate and take away from a youthful complexion.
Three years later with a “we can do it” attitude, she has gained a growing incredibly loyal customer base, a substantial retail presence and of course the next step is the red carpet! Now, BEE23 Natural Beauty has been invited to bring their natural glow to one of the notorious gifting suites at the 2017 Awards Week in Hollywood. The goal is to have their products that you love and use become the talk of Tinseltown. If you have seen them in action, then you know they’ve been hustling hard and going to La La Land is in their sights. BEE23 Natural Beauty will be posting their Hollywood adventure from opening curtains to end of chapter via YouTube and social media, so you can join them every step of the way.
Some of my favorite products below-anything you want me to review? Let me know!
Find Bee23 :
on the web
on instagram
on Facebook
The ULTIMATE WINTER SURVIVAL KIT!
I’ll be the first to jump up and say I love the ‘holiday season’ and by that I mean, I love the holiday season from the comfort of my own home. Being out in the elements because I have to is one thing-but if I don’t have to, you’ll find me nestled under a throw blanket in front of the Christmas tree. Since I’m still on my daily grind, with a 9-5 obligation, Olay, Secret, Pantene, and Herbal Essences have a few Winter Essentials to keep me looking my absolute best when I am toe to toe with Jack Frost. Let me know how you brave the cold and thanks for reading!
Don’t be embarassed! Tell me your “cold sore story” to win with Quantum Health
*I received these products for review*
The code HEALTHYLIPS can be used at quantumhealth.com for 10% off any Lip Clear order through April 2017. (Limit 1 per customer)
There’s nothing pleasant to say about cold sores is there? They pop up during the most inopportune times, they stick around longer than we’d like, they aren’t pretty to look at….so why not try to speed healing and conceal them? Cold sores are caused by many different factors including stress, kissing an infected person, and sharing chapstick and/or eating utensils with someone who is infected. With cold sore season upon us, it is important to do a few simple things each day to prevent cold sores.
Essential Stocking Stuffer alert! Burt’s Bees Beeswax Bounty lip balm quartet!
*I received this product for review but have been purchasing Burt’s Bees lip balms for many years, so this review will be 100% positive*
When you live in a climate where there is a ‘winter’ season and the temperature starts to dip below freezing, you simply cannot afford to forget about your lips. I travel and function with lip balm-in fact, multiple lip balms (car, jacket pocket, purse, work desk, night stand). This Burt’s Bees Beeswax Bounty Lip Balm Quartet is perfect for a stocking stuffer or for an outdoor lover, or heck, gift yourself!
Small business alert-Honey & Petals, I’m obsessed all over again!
*Please note, this business isn’t necessarily local to me, but it’s a small business that I love and will always support-in addition, it’s a female run business, even BETTER.*
Sometimes, the best kind of relationships are the random ones…..like when people find each-other on twitter and follow. Such is the case for myself and Honey and Petals Skintanicals. I have been using this brand’s oils and body butters for several years. The latest collection, The ‘Cuffed’ collection does NOT disappoint in fragrance or performance. I normally lean towards gourmand fragrance in body oils and decided to try something a bit different this season. I went with unbroken gold which is described as a unisex fragrance with notes of leather, grapefruit, and amber that is fresh and sensual. Couldn’t have said it better myself actually. The fragrance is luxurious, decadent, and grown up. It wraps itself around you like your favorite fabric throw blanket.
Plush Oil is a new & improved formula based off the original Luxe Oil blend. The coconut has been removed and two new amazing oils added-argan oil which is known for its healing properties and camelina oil known for being packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
My love for this oil is exemplified because it is SO versatile-and yes, I do oil my scalp in the winter.
How to use
Massage into clean slightly damp skin allowing the oils to nourish and penetrate. If using in combination with our whipped shea butter, apply the oil first followed by the butter. If being applied to the face, start with clean slightly damp skin, warm on hands and press into the skin and use ring finger to dab around eye area.
For hair and scalp
Apply to clean slightly damp hair and scalp by warming into hands then massaging into scalp or hair paying attention to the roots and ends pre leave-in conditioner or styling cream.
Ingredients
Avocado oil, tsubaki oil, sea buckthorn, argan oil, safflower oil, olive oil and optional fragrance
Whipped Shea Butter
This whipped shea butter blend is a unique proprietary formula created with organic shea butter and natural oils, whipped to perfection giving it a light fluffy easy to apply texture. Use it when your skin needs special TLC for dryness. Our blend can be used on the most delicate skin, including small children.
Again, another versatile product-can be used everywhere! I’ll leave the link to the website below as there are many fragrance options and also a fragrance free option.
Directions
Massage into clean slightly damp skin allowing the butters and oils to penetrate. If using in combination with our Plush Oil, apply the oil first followed by the whipped shea butter.
For hair and scalp
Apply to clean slightly damp hair and scalp by warming into hands then massaging into scalp or hair paying attention to the roots and ends.
Ingredients
Organic shea butter, avocado oil, tsubaki oil, sea buckthorn, argan oil, safflower oil, olive oil, and optional fragrance
About Honey & Petals:
Honey & Petals Skintanicals (formerly Luxe Oil) is a Black-owned handcrafted luxury body & skin care brand created in Los Angeles by Krissy (@Krissy90220) who grew up with eczema and psoriasis. At a time where many products just didn’t help with dry sensitive skin because of synthetic and harsh ingredients she decided to create her own line of naturally rich butters and oils to cater to those needs without breaking the bank. Luxury products should make you feel and look amazing no matter what and we’re here to deliver that promise.
Find Honey & Petals:
on the web
on twitter
on instagram
on facebook
*About Us, How to Use, and Ingredients from www.honeyandpetals.com*
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