CURRENT SKINCARE ROUTINE

I am by no means a skincare expert, but I have been trying to up my game and stay consistent. When I got Lasik in early April, I couldn’t wear any makeup for 2 weeks, so I really made a huge effort to keep my skin looking nice and have stuck with it since. I predominately use a handful of brands, but these have worked for my sensitive, combination skin so I thought I’d share.

AM

I use the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap for Mild for Dry Combination Skin to gently cleanse and prep my skin.

I’m obsessed with the VASANTI Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator Exfoliating Face Wash. It is super fine and exfoliates gently, yet effectively.

 

The Pixi Glow Tonic Serum gently exfoliates, hydrates and nourishes skin to start my day.

 

The Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid works wonders for my skin. It’s lightweight and isn’t greasy. I put some on while I’m doing my hair and by the time I’m ready to do makeup, it’s soaked in and good to go.

I’ll often apply the Pixi Glow Mist right before I head out the door. It is a multitasker since it refreshes makeup, as well as hydrates and adds glow to your skin.

 

PM

First things first, I have to remove the makeup from the day. I’ve been a fan of the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover for quite some time now. I’ll also use some wipes of varying brands, as well.

At the end of the day, I like to use the Pixi Beauty Retinol Toner. It’s great for my sensitive skin and I see a big improvement in overall texture and pores from using this.

The Glow Peel Pads are a quick, easy way to minimize pores, breakouts, and fine lines while promoting an even skin tone. This is the most recent addition to my routine, but I’ve been loving it so far.

The Pixi Overnight Glow Serum (actually, all the Glow products) is amazing. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines all while you sleep.

The Firmarine Eye Serum calms and de-puffs the delicate area around your eyes while leaving the skin feeling firm and supple.

This moisturizer means business! the GLAMGLOW DREAMDUO™ Overnight Transforming Treatment makes my skin feel SO soft and look amazing. It smells phenomenal, as well.

WEEKLY

Some stuff is a little too intense for daily use, so I try to do it weekly instead.

The Erno Laszlo White Marble Dual Phase Vitamin C Peel might be my holy grail skincare item. It makes my skin look AMAZING. It is a clarifying two-step peel that gently polishes skin. It makes my pores and the dry areas of my face look so much better.

This cleanser/oil combo is amazing but is very strong so I only use it 1-2x per week so my skin doesn’t feel too dry. First, you use the Detoxifying Cleansing Oil then you use the Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar for a whole new level of clean.

AS NEEDED

Who doesn’t love a good nose strip from time to time? I love the BIORÉ® DEEP CLEANSING PORE STRIPS to really get those pores clean.

I don’t get TOO many blemishes nowadays, but when I do, I love the Patchology Breakout Box. It has Salicylic Acid dots and hitehead-absorbing hydrocolloid dots absorb gunk from the skin and stop pimples in their tracks.

UNBOXING MY JUNE 2019 IPSY x TETRIS GLAM BAG

Let’s see what I got in my June ’19 ipsy x Tetris Glam Bag!

My Favorite Inexpensive Makeup Items

Great makeup doesn’t have to break the bank. And while I will admit, some of my favorites are on the pricier side, there are still some GREAT affordable makeup available. I’d like to highlight some of my personal favorites, many which are an everyday staple in my routine.

 

ESSENCE Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara – This mascara ROCKS! I used to be in love with the Lancome HYPNÔSE DRAMA mascara… until I tried Lash Princess. First of all, it’s $5. Yes, only FIVE DOLLARS for this mascara. And it’s Ulta, so they usually have coupons and BOGO sales going on. This is fantastic since the Lancome one is nearly $30. But this mascara delivers big, full, long eyelashes. I will recommend still using a lash primer to get some serious volume.

MAYBELLINE Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil – This does the trick and it’s only $8. It lasts all day, but not usually through sleeping. Not a huge deal. I like that it has a brush on the other side to diffuse what you applied or just brush the hairs in the way you want them to go.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray – This has been my go-to for years now. It’s $8.50 but I usually snag it when Ulta is doing a BOGO deal. It really makes your makeup STAY! I prefer the matte finish, but there is a dewy finish available, too. I usually hit my face makeup once and double up on my eyes since I’m prone to my eyeshadow creasing.

Pixi Beauty Correction Concentrate – I love this concealer. It’s great for your undereye area, especially. I just apply it with my finger, but if you have long nails it gets a little tricky to get it out. It’s only $12 and if you get it at Target with your Redcard, you can get 5% off.

Colourpop Shadow Palettes – Okay, if you want high-quality shadows at a lower price tag, Colorpop is the answer. I have several palettes and they are all great. The one pictured above is Yes, Please and it’s a fantastic, warm palette. I reach for it often. They have palettes available for $12-24, which is a steal compared to most other brands.

WET N WILD MegaGlo Highlighting Powder – This is an amazing highlighter for only $5. It’s not super pigmented, but it’s great as an everyday highlighter for work or something more subtle. You can build it up and there is a little sparkle to it, which I like.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Studio Perfect Primer in Clear – I love Smashbox’s primer and this is the perfect dupe for a fraction of the price at $13! It’s silky smooth and makes my foundation look much better and last much longer.

 

Pixi H20 Skintint Foundation – This foundation is so light and comfortable. It is a more of a tinted moisturizer but does cover well. There are only 3 shades, though, and they’re pretty light, so that is one downside. I have the lightest and middle colors and mix them as needed depending on how tan I am.

 

REAL TECHNIQUES Brushes & Tools – Some things you can get away with using your fingers, but I much prefer using sponges and brushes to apply my makeup. I love the Real Techniques line. Everything is very affordable, works well, and looks nice, too! I especially love the sponge, blush brush, and contour blush. I use those every time I apply makeup.

 

I would love to know YOUR favorite inexpensive makeup products in the comments! What would you recommend?

Beauty Prep VoxBox from Influenster

I was thrilled when I got the email that I had been selected for the Beauty Prep VoxBox from Influenster! I’ll go through each item I received and my thoughts on it.

Velour’s Faux Mink Lashes $29 – I love me some faux mink lashes, so I was very excited for these. They are about as big as I can go on my face without being TOO big. They are very soft and easy to apply. I’m going to keep this brand in mind when I need more.

Elizabeth Arden’s My Fifth Avenue Perfume $65 – This has a very classic, elegant scent. And they sent a full-sized bottle, which is always appreciated! I don’t remember to use perfume often, but I’ve been reaching for this when I do.

Patchology’s Breakout Box $20 – Okay, this little box is amazing. It has 24 Pimple-Shrinking Salicylic Acid Dots, 24 Whitehead-Absorbing Hydrocolloid Dots, and 3 Blackhead-Eliminating Nose Strips. I have been a huge fan of hydrocolloid bandages for pimples for a couple years now and having them already as dots in various sizes have been GREAT! And the salicylic acid ones do a great job when you can tell a pimple is popping up or want to shrink one overnight. I’m super pleased with everything I’ve tried and I will definitely pick this up again when I run out.

Aveda’s Damage Remedy Hair Repair $30 – After going blonde last year, I need all the hair repair treatments I can get! I like that this is a leave in one and did seem to improve the look and feel to my hair. I like Aveda stuff, so I expected great things from this product and it delivered.

Ravenclaw Inspired Makeup | Harry Potter | Video

FINALLY getting around to doing the Hogwarts houses! I thought it was only fitting to start off with my own house – Ravenclaw! Which house should I do next?!

 

Ipsy vs Sephora Play | February 2018 | Video

Let’s see what I got in my February ’18 ipsy glam bag and Sephora play box!

I TRIED FOLLOWING AN ATLEEEY MAKEUP TUTORIAL | ABH PRISM PALETTE | VIDEO

I’m going to follow along to one of Ash/Atleeeey’s makeup tutorial using the ABH Prism Palette!

ASH’S // ATLEEEY’S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHb…

VIDEO I FOLLOWED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Mq5W…

CHARCOAL TOOTHPASTE?! | CARBON COCO TEETH WHITENING REVIEW | VIDEO

I’m digging the charcoal polish and toothpaste that Carbon Coco sent for me to review! I’ve seen a noticeable difference in how white my teeth are and it’s so easy to use!

What I’m using: The Ultimate Charcoal Kit

• The Activated Charcoal Tooth Polish Unlike the usual activated charcoal from health stores, this is made of finely milled Organic Coconut Activated Charcoal with a hint of Bentonite Clay and Lemon Myrtle. This special formula is proven to be very gentle yet effective in detoxifying the mouth and removing stains! It has zero taste and smell.

• The Activated Charcoal Toothpaste This is a toothpaste formula that doesn’t have fluoride. It also contains our magic ingredient: activated charcoal! The toothpaste is black but turns into white foam while brushing, and it has a yummy minty taste. The toothpaste is designed to protect your teeth from further staining throughout the day, so you won’t mess up your results if you love coffee and coloured drinks!

Bonus: all Carbon Coco products are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free!

Erno Laszlo Vitamin C Peel Mask

Influenster was kind enough to select me to try and review the Erno Laszlo White Marble Dual Phase Vitamin C Peel mask. The set retails for $100 and has the following description:

Peel and reveal. Powered by super-nutrient Vitamin C, our clarifying two-step peel gently polishes skin as it fades dark spots and discoloration. Step 1 gently exfoliates; Step 2 activates brightening and moisturizing actives—you simply peel away to uncover instant radiance. Your complexion feels instantly new: smoother, even-toned and illuminated. Protective antioxidants and collagen-boosters combine to refine and renew skin, such as age-defying actives and brightening ingredients, including:

• • Vitamin C—the formula’s star multitasker—to reduce dark spots and dullness, lighten skin and jump-start collagen production.
  • Carrot seed oil to heal and balance dry or chapped skin, while helping fight age spots and sun damage.
  • Lactic acid to gently exfoliate skin so it’s properly prepped to absorb brightening, hydrating and healing nutrients.

I had never used a product like this before, so I was very excited to try it out. First, you use the smooth peel all over your face and rub it into your skin for about 3 minutes. This smells super citris-y and really wakes you up! Then, you mix the liquid activator into your hands and massage it into your skin for one minute. Finally, you rinse with warm water when you’re done.

My skin felt and looked wonderful after using it. It really got all that dead skin that can be tricky to get off and left me with a pretty glow. It did not irritate my skin at all either.

It is suggested to use this set weekly. I’ve had it for about a month now and have been doing just that. It’s been a great addition to my skin care routine and I’m actually considering getting more when I run out of this. I hope it lasts me quite a while, though.

Kesha’s “Woman” Music Video Makeup | Video

Recreating Kesha’s look in her “Woman” music video. Don’t buy me a drink, I make my money, don’t touch my weave, don’t call me “honey.”