Covergirl Tag Archives

Because you (may) want to know…..what I’ve been up to.

I have to say my original ‘goal’ of blogging twice a week has fallen by the wayside.  This is bittersweet to me as I feel like I may be growing out of this blog and may either totally revamp it, start another, or quit blogging all together.  So many sponsored posts with the title ‘Blogs are dead’ keep showing up in my feeds and on my timelines.  I’m wondering if this is universally directed…..don’t get me wrong, I like blogging.  I just think that there are other areas where I want to focus my efforts at the moment (career, lifestyle, family-not in that order).

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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

Maui Sugar Lip Scrub with Kukui Nut Oil by Hanalei Beauty Company (Cruelty-free) Net

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

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

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

 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner Eastend Snob

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

Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick - RiotAbout 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

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

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

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

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.

 

 

oh, just some beauty favorites…

Totally inspired to do a favorites post.  No other reason!

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Tarte Amazonian Clay shimmering powder in Champagne-this product was gifted to me and I honestly don’t think they make it in the shimmery quilted packaging that I have.  This is a beautifully buttery highlight with the right amount of shimmer.  It can be built up but looks beautiful wherever it’s applied.  (more…)

Over 40 foundation- Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless Primer & Foundation

*I received these products for review*

I actually had written some great stuff here earlier about how I used to be in a serious relationship with tanning beds (we broke up in 2008), and that every since then I’ve been taking care of my skin (pat on the back).  Unfortunately, my computer crashed and now I’m sitting here, trying to pick up the pieces.  While it’s a first world problem to have lost that great literary genius, I know I won’t be winning any literary prizes for my posts.  Sad, but true.  So here goes part deux:

Well now I’m in my 40’s, so I’m also battling a slowing metabolism, weight gain, and hormone issues.  I won’t let up on the skin care though-and since I can’t feasibly erase every last one of my sunspots or hyper-pigmentation instantly, I rely on foundation(s) to assist me while I take the time to repair my skin.

So I thought I would start a new ‘series’ about what foundations I use.  I really honestly do use a large ‘spectrum’ of products-all the way from drugstore to high end, with some Asian beauty products too.  I’m going to break down what I’m using over several blog posts. I’m going to start with a drugstore combo that’s doing a lot better than I expected.

My skin type is combination with an extra-oily T-zone.  I’m a midday blotter no matter what I use (I should tell you all about my blotting papers!  Maybe something else I can write about?)

cg_olay_simply_ageless-antiaging_foundation_primer_1

 

This primer claims to hydrate and smooth skin for an ageless canvas. Honestly I am not looking for the hydration part, but it definitely does smooth and I appreciate that.  I like this primer because it’s not overly silicone-ish (I can not stand the clear silicone primers like Smashbox photofinish-no way).  This primer hasn’t broken me out and spreads easily across my face.  It doesn’t ‘dry’ but it doesn’t sit on top of my face.  It’s not uncomfortable to wear.

cg_olay_simply_ageless_3_in_1_Liquid_Foundation_11

COVERGIRL + Olay 3 in 1 liquid foundation claims to instantly reduces the look of wrinkles, evens skin tones and delivers firming hydration with the Simply Ageless 3-in-1 foundation. Woo that’s a lot of claims. This foundation covers well (especially when used with the Ageless primer), and does even out my skin tone.  I do find it hydrating (which I don’t need), but on a hot day, I’ve got to stay indoors or have extra blotting papers on hand as it really does tend to ‘melt’ a.k.a. it doesn’t hold up in the heat.  I find setting this foundation with a translucent powder helps a lot. I top it off with a setting spray.

Overall, these are a great duo and I will recommend them for people with normal to dry skin.  They are hydrating and do even and smooth quite well.  Neither of them contain any sunscreen-that’s neither here nor there to me since my moisturizer almost always contains SPF.  Plus they are wallet friendly-these retail for $16.97 CAD and can be found at most mass retailers.

Stay tuned for my next Foundation over 40 post!  Is there any particular foundation you’re interested in seeing me try?  Let me know.

#BeautyUnited #CozyUpBU These are a few of my favorite things-GIVEAWAY!

This giveaway is for Canadian residents!

Tis the season……for a giveaway.  Win your very own holiday beauty box!

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I definitely have a few ‘favorite things’ here-the whitestrips, the facial oil, and a nice red lipstick top off my holiday look!  What about you?

I am going to make this simple-tell me what your holidays are going to be like this year and what products in this photo are your favorite….you can enter on Facebook OR Instagram OR do both.

Easy peasy right? Tis the season!  Good luck! Giveaway ends on December 20th, 2015 and is open to Canadian Residents only!

 

up, up and away (?) with Covergirl Plumpify mascara

This is a #BeautyUnited post-my own opinions….

plumpify

The new Plumpify mascara from Covergirl features a dual-action, lash lifting brush and plumping formula for extreme volume.  Paired with a new smudge-resistant formula with plumping beads that build volume while separating lashes, Plumpify mascara provides 50x the volume+vertical lift. 

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Summer MUST HAVES!

It’s finally, FINALLY here-we’ve waited so long for the warmer temps, the longer daylight hours, the cocktails on a patio or several.

But when summer does eventually roll up, it’s also important to be READY.  By ready, I mean, making sure your skin is glowing, and your locks are flowing.  Check out my summer must haves!

*Please note, some of these products have been received for review, but not all of them.  I also have backups of most of these, so if you see something in a box, it’s a backup.  Yes, it’s THAT good.*

Smooth skin

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hemlines are movin’ on up as are the temperatures.  Don’t get caught with cactus legs or a non-milk mustache.  For you shavers out there, something I LOVE to use on my legs is this Venus snap razor.  It’s compact, gets the job done with 5 blades and can travel (not that I’m going to be shaving in a public bathroom, but hey, in a pinch…..okay, I’ll leave that there).  Pair the snap with this  Olay  Satin Care shaving gel, and you are good to go!

For the face, I use these skin envy strips.  No muss, no fuss and they REALLY work (I did a youtube demo on these, so I know). What’s great about these strips is that they are a natural product and since the strips are prepared already, no messy wax on your fingers!

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Oh, and don’t forget to exfoliate PRIOR to shaving-so important to loosen up all the ingrown hairs and remove dead skin.  My current exfoliation product is this Kohna Coffee foaming sugar scrub from Sweet Pea Soap Company (a local company in Toronto).  I like it because it’s not a harsh exfoliator-AND it foams up like a soap after you rub it in.  Cool!  Bonus that it’s a natural product, made locally, and the business is owned by a woman.  All wins!

As the hemlines move up, don’t forget to keep your jiggles in check….cottage cheese is a great snack but not appetizing on the legs.  To reduce the appearance of celulite, use a caffeine containing cream like this Vichy Cellu Destock Serum Flash.  It’s also got hyaluronic acid and light reflecting pearls so your skin appears smoother and has a firmer texture.  Your other option? Liposuction…..so I’ll take the Vichy, thanks.

 

Soft, flowing locks

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It’s no secret that I color my hair (well I have someone color it that is).  I keep it well protected.  My picks for products include the Vidal Sassoon Color Finity line.  This line was specifically designed to protect color treated hair.  In addition to shampoo and conditioner, there is a hairspray AND a cleansing conditioner (so all you Wen people listen up!).  I love this line and use it religiously to maintain FRESH color!  To finish off my look after shampoo, cleansing and styling, I use the Herbal Essences Shine mist, spritzing lightly around my entire head.  Voila!  Smooth, shiny hair.

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For in-between shampoo days, dry shampoos are a GREAT idea.  Some of my current favorites include the Pantene line (I am so glad they finally came out with dry shampoo), the Herbal Essence sNaked line, and Finesse.  The herbal essences product is PERFECT to put in your purse-I keep mine in my desk drawer at work (and it’s still there, so I can’t show it to you). Great for touch ups during the day.

Treatment-wise, I like to use the liveclean Miracle Nutrition Oil on my ends.  This is a treatment you use BEFORE shampoo, and works wonderfully to keep your hair nourished.   Since I’m blonde and my hair is fine, my ends are prone to splitting.  I find that this keeps that in check.  My tip?  Shake it to activate….it says that on the directions but don’t forget!

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My favorite summer cocktail includes these 2 products from Greg May (Greg May Hair Architects in Toronto).  The recipe goes a little something like this: 1 pump Be Strong Keratin-Infused transforming Serum + 1 pump Smooth Operator Leave-In Conditioner.  Mix well and emulsify in the palm of your hands and apply to hair.  Style as usual.  I find the combination of these 2 products really fights the flyaways and the frizzies. The best part of this cocktail? No calories AND fabulous hair!

 

Glowing skin! 

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Anyone else here a  tanning bed convert?  Unfortunately, I will admit that in the early part of  2007, I was using tanning beds like crazy.  My skin has suffered from it-greatly.  While I am actively working on repairing my sun damage, I STILL crave my summer ‘glow.’  How do I achieve it?  Honestly, I love going to Me & T studio in Toronto to have a custom airbrush tan (that post is coming up).  If I can’t make it to the studio, I use Hawaiian Tropic Island Radiance Creme Self Tanner. This is a spray lotion that applies easily to skin with minimal streaking.  My tip about streaking? If you’re concerned or worried, mix the Tropic Island Glow into your lotion and apply. The only down side to self tanning at home is that there is some drying time involved.  I just use that time to walk around and do housework.  A clean house and faux glow? YES PLEASE! Ladies and gents if you are fair skinned like I am, please consider applying self tanner before wearing shorts/skirts.  It does wonders for the appearance of your legs, they look thinner and firmer and it won’t blind everyone else in close proximity. I have my University roommate to thank for pointing this out to me one summery day many years ago. 

glowing skin is one thing but what about protection from the sun? The sun’s rays ARE damaging, we know this, it’s been proven.  Applying sunscreen? Not my favorite thing but there are several products that I like and all sorts of new technology available to suit your every SPF related need.

For my face, I have been LOVE-LOVE-LOVE-ing this L’Oreal Paris BB sunscreen. It has a touch of tint, the right amount of glow and SPF 50.  Lately, I’ve been wearing it on its own.

For the rest of me, there are 3 products that really stand out to me and surprisingly, NONE are lotions!  The Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 30 is an Invisible, alcohol free mist that is dry upon application.  I love it because it is SO SO light and the scent is amazing.  It also has a cooling effect on the skin.  I just read that it’s formulated for people with active lifestyles, possibly indicating that it’s sweatproof.  I know Vichy products can be a bit pricey, but this is your skin we’re talking about here.  You know, the largest organ you have?  Make the investment.

L’Oreal Paris has a fantastic Sublime Sun sunscreen line of products that include lotions, sprays, a mousse and an alcohol free spray! The Silky Sheer SPF 30 Mousse is one of my *new* favorites.  Incredibly light, broad spectrum protection with Vitamin E.  And a light summer scent.  I’m also enjoying the Invisible protect Dry Oil Spray, also containing Vitamin E.  The oil is water resistant so if you are a swimmer, you may want to check it out.

Keep in mind, dear readers, you need a full shot glass of sunscreen to protect your body.  What you put in that shot glass afterwards is up to you of course 😉

And what about the face?

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Well after sunscreen, good skin care is important….especially in the summer.  I’ve been loving the Olay FreshEffects Out of this Swirled deep pore clean & exfoliating scrub.  I use this 3 times a week to clear my pores of pollution, dirt and debris (one of the downers about working in the city-skin is exposed to so many ickies).   At night, I also use the tea tree toner from Sweet Pea Soap Company.  It makes sure my pores are spotless AND doesn’t leave my skin tight or itchy-again, a completely natural product!

the under-eye area is of concern to me now that I’ve moved into my 40th year on this planet (more than half way through it too-whoah).  2 products that I’m a big fan of (so much so that I have BACK-UPS) are from Olay total effects.  The eye brightening CC cream is a daily treatment that provides coverage and correction to the eye area.  I like it because it feels cool when it’s applied and has a slight tint.  I don’t have time to mess around with concealer in the summer and find that all of my concealers are way too light for me!  I pat this on, blend it in lightly and I’m set.  I also have a crush on the dark circle minimizing CC cream (in a brush applicator).  This is the product that comes in my purse with me and hides my lack of sleep days.  It’s portable and no fingers required for application!! What I truly love about these 2 products is how light they are and how much coverage they provide.

Since my skin is oily, touch ups aren’t an option for me, they are mandatory.  I enjoy having wet cloths around (in my desk and in my purse).  The Olay total effects 7 wet cloths remove makeup but don’t strip the skin dry. They are just handy to have around….especially after my lunch hour yoga class. I didn’t know it was possible to sweat that much in yoga…..phew!

Speaking of sweating…..we all do it AND it’s a good sign that you’re properly hydrated  (but don’t forget to drink LOTS of water especially if you’re in the sun frequently).  However, the odor…..it’s like the elephant in the room.  Instead of trying to act cool (with your arms glued to your side), how about you just BE cool and use this Secret Outlast antiperspirant.  This product goes the extra mile to keep you cool, calm and collected.

Finishing touches.

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I tend to keep it light in the summer…..very rarely will I wear foundation unless I’m heading off to an event, wedding, party, date.  Right now, I’m using the Olay total effects CC tone correcting moisturizer with sunscreen. If I feel the need, I’ll layer it over the L’Oreal Silky Sheer BB cream.  This product evens out skin tone, provides light coverage and contains a broad spectrum sunscreen.

One more product that needs a HUGE mention.  Marcelle CC cream.  Yes.  I actually use this year round and adore it….I mean adore it.  It has 24k gold in it, and that’s a good reason to love it but I like it because it just blends SO well into my skin.  I have even cracked the lid.  I will buy this again and again….Marcelle was one of the first Canadian companies to make a BB, CC, AND DD cream by the way.  I like the BB and the DD but my heart is with the CC.

Makeup is kept quite light too.  This Covergirl Cheekers blush in  180 brick rose complements my summer face beautifully and doesn’t require a lot of product.   I like to make a statement so Covergirl lipstick in 325 Spellbound gives me that pop I need on my lips (a feature I tend to emphasize).  Finally, if you’re feeling frisky (or you’re me), take things up a notch with the Covergirl shadow pot in 305.  I pop this in the corner and blend slightly into the crease….it’s part business and part PARTY!!!

Fragrance you say? 

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I have my favorites…..one of my recents is Yardley English Lavender.  I still can’t believe how great this smells and was ready to write up a scathing review of it but it’s just SO beautiful.  Another favorite of mine would be Theirry Mugler Alien Aqua Chic.  It’s his Alien fragrance but lighter….good for the office, especially mine-so many scent sensitive folks around these days.

And there you have it-my summer favorites. Does this all go on my face and body simultaneously? NO, of course not but this is my summer repetoire. I have been trying to use reasonably priced products as I’m finding that the technology and quality of drugstore brands has improved a LOT!

What are your summer favorites and would you try any of the products I’ve listed above?   Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading…..I truly appreciate all of you who take the time to read my posts and comment.

 

weekly recap!

This week contains old favorites AND new!

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theBalm ‘nude tude eyeshadow palette

Can’t go wrong with this-it’s a great set of neutrals with both matte and shimmer shades.  All the colors complement each other, and blend easily.  It’s almost like you can’t make a mistake with this!

 

L’Oreal Miss Manga Voluminous mascara in purple-that’s right, I said purple

I wore colored mascara in the ’80’s and have worn navy recently but purple?  I love this formula.  I’m a fan of the voluminous line anyway but this took it to a new level with the brush.  It does create a ‘manga-ish’  look-so it has the ability to hmmm, let me say deposit on the lashes.  I usually apply 2 coats and I”m good to go. I’m hoping that they could change the formula (slightly) to include some ingredient for more curl.

 

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss lip balm in Jam Twist

I am never ever ever taking this out of my rotation.  Color=perfect, texture=perfect, application=perfect, price point=perfect

 

Bessame Violet brightening powder

Hmm, I believe this says translucent somewhere on this package.  I got this in a Wantable box and I do enjoy it.  It’s a loose powder with a sifter that does a great job setting your makeup.  It has a pleasant scent as well.