Mineral Makeup

In the past, I used Bare Minerals foundation--it was the only mineral makeup I had ever tried and I loved the effect it gave my skin. It never left my skin with an unnatural caked-in-foundation appearance and I was amazed that mineral foundation could give me such a great coverage. My only gripe was their color selection. I was between Fair and Fairly Light but found that they both had yellow undertones, while my skin has pink undertones. The yellow made me look a bit sickly, but I usually corrected the situation with blush and bronzer (which I always hate having to do).

That wasn't the biggest problem with it or the reason that I ultimately stopped using it. After a while, I realized that my skin started to itch. I hadn't really noticed it before because my skin usually felt itchy (dryness, yuck!). It was only when I started using a liquid foundation that I noticed the itching stopped. It got to the point where I couldn't stand it anymore, so I tossed out everything I had from that line--including the ridiculously scratchy brushes.

Because of this, I haven't been too keen on using mineral foundations, blushes...anything. Recently, though, I have been remembering the lovely luminous effect my skin had then and I want it again. The Bare Minerals fiasco, as I like to call it, scared me from trying similar products. So my question to you is, which mineral makeup brands do you favor? I'd love to hear your recommendations as I trust the judgement of this community!

xoxo

Mini Rant

I am not usually that disappointed with products I purchase because, generally, I research them before I get them. Most recently, I regret Revlon's Tropical Temptation nail polish. It has been on everyone's must have list for this summer and has gotten rave reviews. It is a gorgeous coral color that really pops on the nails. After it dried during my initial application, I noticed dozens of tiny air bubbles in the lacquer itself. I attributed it to my being anxious and not giving each coat enough time to dry. I tried a second time and got the same result. Yesterday I thought I would give it one last try. After each individual coat (a base coast, two coats of color, and a top coat) I waited almost fifteen minutes for it to dry. It took nearly an hour-I really wanted to beat those air bubbles! At first, I felt victorious as I didn't see any of the all too familiar bubbles. It was only about twenty minutes after I had finished that I looked down to check the state of my nails that I noticed the bubbles had returned.

I have never had a problem like this before and I do my nails twice a week. Since I have tried multiple times and multiple ways, I can now blame it on the polish itself. Has anyone else had this problem?

xoxo

Estee Lauder

For as long as I can remember, my mom has been an Estee Lauder fan. While some people dislike the dated packaging, it feels normal and comfortable to me. Rifling through her makeup collection as a child, I recognized the difference between its quality and that of its lower end counterparts. Nobody can dispute that Estee Lauder makes some high quality makeup. I have a little collection of it, myself. I've only recently started using some products from their skin care range. I still don't use anything but drugstore cleanser (I just can't justify spending loads on something that I can get for so much cheaper which gives me the same result). I also still use my Lancome Bi-Facil eye makeup remover, but recently I have started with Estee Lauder's Take It Away Total Makeup Remover.

The product details: Quickly and gently removes all makeup, even long-wear or waterproof formulas. Unique water-based creme-gel refreshes you with a crisp herbal citrus scent. Rinses away easily and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth with no greasy afterfeel or oily residue. 6.7 oz $22 USD

It removes every bit of makeup from your face. That was the main draw for me--not having to use a separate remover or extra cleanser for my face. I need about five pumps or so to cover my entire face and I just apply it to dry skin and massage. It melts the makeup off your face and since it is water based, it doesn't leave you feeling oily or heavy. I must warn anybody that is sensitive to scents, though, that this product is extremely fragrant. It is citrusy, as Estee Lauder promises, but the first time I applied it I felt like I had been kicked in the face with a lemon. After the initial shock, it didn't bother me. This is still only the first step in any skincare regime. I follow, usually, with a cream based cleanser (as my skin is so dry). After washing my face, I use Estee Lauder's Perfectly Clean Fresh Balancing Lotion.

Product details: This revitalizing toning lotion conditions and rebalances skin, leaving it feeling fresh, smooth. Primes skin to achieve maximum results from the skincare that follows.6.7 oz $19.50 USD

This was made for normal/combination skin and, as we all know, my skin is terribly dry. It was actually my mom's but

since she decided she wouldn't use it after she bought it, it was kindly donated to me. While I'm sure the dry skin

formulation would work better, this one leaves my skin feeling pretty hydrated. It removes any additional scraps of makeup that I may have missed and leaves my skin feeling balanced and radiant. It also has a pretty strong scent, but it smells more like fresh laundry rather than citrus. The bottle is quite large so it should last me a while. After toning, I follow with my all-time favorite moisturizer- Philosophy's Hope in a Jar for sensitive skin. Let me know if you'd like to learn more about it!

All in all, Estee Lauder's skin care range is definitely worth looking into. Hopefully I'll get to try out more of it soon. It has something for everyone, just keep in mind the heavy scent.

xoxo

Holy Grail Status

I first came across Lancome's Bi-Facil makeup remover whilst rummaging through my mothers makeup cabinet (I know, I'm terrible!). In all fairness, she insisted I take it! I have been using it for years now and it is, by far, the most incredible makeup remover I have ever tried.

Lancome describes it as: Double-phase, fresh-as-water liquid eye makeup remover. Activates when shaken to gently whisk away even waterproof eye makeup, while conditioning and refreshing the skin. Ideal for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. Leaves eyes feeling cool and relaxed, with no oily residue. Ophthalmologist-Tested For Safety.

It has a water layer and a lipid layer that, when mixed together, activate to remove eye makeup safely and gently. It is ideal for sensitive skin and for those who wear contacts. I have sensitive dry skin, so it works for me perfectly. It doesn't leave me feeling dry or tight around the eyes like some removers do. It actually leaves a comfortable, cool feel behind. It removes every last stitch of mascara and eyeliner, even waterproof, without any harsh tugging at the eye area.

It retails at a steep $26 US for a 4.2 oz bottle. Despite that, I feel it is worth every penny because of the payoff. One bottle lasts me quite a long time because you don't need too much to get the job done. I definitely recommend this product!

xoxo

Vars!

My good friend Vars let me play around with her hair and makeup the other night. I wanted to keep things soft and pretty. She is a gorgeous girl with or without makeup, but I'm glad she let me have a little fun! (She has already reserved me to do her wedding day makeup---whenever that is! haha)

For styling her hair, I used a regular curling iron the way you would use a conical iron. I believe it was a one inch iron, and I just wrapped the hair around the iron for a few seconds. I think used some Frederic Fekkai Wave Creating Spray to boost what we created. Nothing more than that..and the waves lasted well into the next night.

Whenever Vars comes around the house, I play makeup artist..hopefully, with her permission, I'll do a few more posts like this! Anything you'd like to see on her?

xoxo

20 Questions

I thought I'd join in on the tag everyone has been doing! I tag anyone that wants to do it.

1. Thing you cannot leave the house without?
My cell phone for sure. I almost never forget it, but on the off chance that I do, I feel disconnected from the world. Pretty sad that I feel the need to be in constant contact with people-- even though most of the time, I can't be bothered to call anyone.
2. Favorite Brand of Makeup?
Probably MAC. It is what I own most of, anyhow. I am getting more into Estee Lauder at the minute, though.
3.Favorite Flower?
100% peonies. They are just lush and smell divine.
4.Favourite Clothing Store?
It really depends what I'm looking for and what season it is. I frequent Ann Taylor Loft and Banana Republic.
5.Favourite Perfume?
Flora by Gucci and anything Chanel
6.Heels or Flats?
I usually wear flats because they are more convenient, but I definitely prefer heels.
7.Do you make Good Grades?
I've always been quite a good student. I usually get A's without much effort.
8.Favourite colours
Deep bordeaux red

9.Do you drink energy drinks?
Nope. I've never really enjoyed them. They are filled with sugar and leave something to be desired in their taste.
10. Do you drink juice?
Not very often. I really just drink water.
11.Do you like swimming?
I do! I have a pool but rarely swim on my own. I enjoy splashing around with friends.
12. Do you eat fries with a fork?
Not at all. Fries are really more of a finger food.
13. Favourite Moisturiser?
Philosophy Hope in A Jar for sensitive skin. It is a life saver.

14.Do you want to get married later on in life?
Eventually, but not for quite a while.
15. Do you get mad easily?
Not usually. I do occasionally with my sister, but that is because we are so close that when we do fight, its big.
16.Are you into ghost hunting?
haha...I enjoy watching Haunted on TLC, but thats the extent of my ghost hunting.
17. Any Phobias?
Bugs bother me, but they aren't a phobia.
18.Do you bite your nails?
Never have. Never will.
19.Have you ever had a near death experience?
Wayyy too many. But I'm still here :)
20. Do you drink Coffee?
Only occasionally. Usually only when I have to stay up. I really just drink water.

xoxo

Mmmm...the salt in the air

This is me at the beach this past weekend. Its just like me to forget my bathing suit. But at least I got to paddle around!

xoxo

Entry for Mizz Worthy's Contest

For my entry to Mizz Worthy's myths/legends contest, I chose the myth of the Furies. Three goddesses of vengeance: Tisiphone (avenger of murder), Megaera (the jealous) and Alecto (constant anger). They were also called the Daughters of the Night, but were actally the daughters of Uranus and Gaea. Without mercy, the Furies would punish all crime including the breaking of rules considering all aspects of society. They would strike the offenders with madness and never stopped following criminals. The worst of all crimes were patricide or matricide, and first and foremost, the Furies would punish this kind of crime.

I felt like they would be feminine but with a hard edge to them. Very natural, big hair. Pale, dewy skin. Emphasis on the eyes, as they are the window to the soul. I wanted to keep them dramatic and dark without using too much black. I like the warm pewter color that developed as it reflected the cold look in the eyes I was looking to achieve. Hope you all like it!

Products used:

Eyes: (all MAC unless otherwise noted)

• Maid of Honor e/s
• Rondelle e/s
• Knight e/s
• Trax e/s
• Carbon e/s
• Pink Slip e/s
• Wedge e/s
• Sketch e/s
• GraphBlack Technakohl liner
• CG Lashblast

Face:

• MAC Studio Sculpt foundation
• Just a Pinch gel blush
• Blot Powder

Lips:

• Burt's Bees Pomegranate chapstick
• Just a Pinch gel blush