Tag Archives: argan oil

Summer Beauty Essentials

Posted in Favorites, Reviews, Tutorials by

Hey Guys! Its finally summertime so obviously you’ll be spending a lot more of your days in the sun, by the pool, at the beach, etc. And since your daily routine is changing, so should your beauty routine! Here are some products that I love for creating quick, easy, and long-wearing summer beauty looks.

A great moisturizer and sunscreen are both extra important when your skin will be exposed to direct sunlight. But since I don’t like to layer a ton of products on my face, especially when it is hot, its extra convenient to have both things in one product. For this I like to use the Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer, which is organic and contains anti aging antioxidants; plus it smells great! If you feel like you need more spf protection, but don’t want to use a higher spf sunscreen from the drugstore that might cause issues for your skin, I would invest in the DiorSnow UV Sheild SPF 50.

For summer face makeup, I like to use products that will give me a flawless face that lasts without looking or feeling like a have a lot of makeup on. This may sound like a tall order, but using a medium to full coverage foundation that can be sheered out, I like NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, is probably your best bet. This can be done by mixing together your foundation and moisturizer, or by using a dampened beauty blender sponge to apply a sheer layer all over your face and adding more only where you need. (Beauty Smarties : I know what you’re thinking. A medium to full coverage foundation is recommended, but the title of the recommended foundation is Nars SHEER glow. Yes. That is contradicting, but even though Nars markets this foundation as sheer, which it can be when applied with a light hand or a damp sponge, it is actually more of a medium coverage foundation when applied “normally”, and can be built up to a full coverage. Its versatility is what makes it so popular! ) 

The Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer is a cream/gel golden highlighter infused with argan oil. Its great summer staple because you can use it just about any way you could ever want or need. Here are just a few ways it can be applied :

Under or mixed in with foundation

As a highlighter for cheekbones

As a highlighter for the entire body

As a cream eyeshadow

For cheeks, long-wearing cream products are the way to go! I like the Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Cream Bronzer which is a sheer light tan bronzer with a slight gold sheen. Its doesn’t get muddy or orange, and blends very well. I also like the Sonia Kashuk Super Sheer Liquid Tint in Peony because it looks very natural and mimics a slight sunburn while still looking like a natural pretty glow from within. I like to apply both of these products with a kabuki foundation brush.

Just like cheeks, long-wearing eye products are great for summer. The Maybelline Color Tattoos are great cream eyeshadows that can be used as a base or alone. I especially like the shade Bold Gold for this time of year. I also love the Tarte emphasEYES eyeliner, especially the shade Bronze, because they are made with amazonian clay and are waterproof. You don’t have to use a waterproof mascara if you’re not planning on swimming, but a great mascara that you trust not to smudge is essential for the hotter months; I like the Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara.

TIP : If you’re fair skinned like me, the Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Crayon is an amazing product to cover discoloration as well as brighten. On my more natural days, I like to apply this to my entire eye area ( lid, brow bone, inner corner, and under eye area ). If you have darker skin, let me know if you have found a product like this!!!!

Summer is one of the most important times to protect your lips because they will be facing sun exposure a lot more than any other time of year. Unless you want dry, cracked, and sunburned lips, make sure you keep them moisturized and protected. Here are some options :

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment is great because it is smoothing, non-sticky, gives your lips a sheer wash of red, AND protects your lips with SPF 15.

Nivea Lip Butters are ultra luxurious and moisturizing. I like the Raspberry Rose Kiss flavor because it gives my lips a soft pink highlight, and smells like raspberry shortcake!

MAC Plush Glasses dont offer much moisture or protection, but they are super sheer and long wearing which makes them great when you want just a little something extra to enhance your natural summer beauty. The shade Fullfilled is an awesome summer nude.

 

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My Current Skincare Routine

Posted in Reviews, Tutorials by

Hey Everyone! This post is all about what I’m currently using to keep my skin looking clear and healthy. First I will tell you about the step by step process of my daily routine, and below there will be a detailed review of each product mentioned. Let’s get to it!

Morning Routine:

I start my day by lightly cleansing my skin with only warm water and a washcloth.

Then I use a cotton pad to apply a small amount of the Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion to my face and neck area.

I then apply a quarter size amount of the Origins Brighter By Nature SPF35 moisturizer to my face and neck area.

Finally I apply a small amount of the Origins Ginzing Eye Cream to my eye area.

Nighttime Routine:

First I cleanse my skin and remove my makeup by taking a quarter size amount of  the Clinque Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and work it into the skin on my entire face and neck. Once the balm has been adequately worked into the skin, I take a warm/hot washcloth and remove whats left of the cleanser and makeup.

Next I take a cotton pad and a small amount of the Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Toning Complex, and apply it to my face and neck avoiding my eye area.

Once that has dried, I take the DDF Benzoyl Peroxide Gel and apply that to only spots and the areas of my skin that are currently problematic. Benzoyl peroxide can cause scarring, so I only want to apply it where it is absolutely necessary; plus we just applied glycolic acid which should help with breakouts anyways.

After the benzoyl peroxide has set, I apply the Philosophy Take A Deep Breath Moisturizer to my entire face and neck.

For the last step,  I apply the Origins A Perfect World For Eyes eye cream to my under eye area. Voila!

If my skin is being particularly problematic, I take these Optional Steps:

If my skin is extra dry – I apply a small amount of the Josie Maran Argan Oil to my skin after cleansing, or add a few drops into my moisturizer.

If I have a stubborn pimple – I apply the Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel to the problem areas.

If my skin is having a meltdown – I use the Origins Out Of Trouble Mask.

I hope this step by step routine was helpful! Now onto the reviews  :

Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion : a liquid toner containing cucumber extract to fight against oil and bacteria. It has an herbal/cucumber scent and feels refreshing on the skin. If not followed by a moisturizer, it can feel a little bit tight or sticky on the skin. I have noticed that this product has helped reduce the size of my pores as well. This product is not tested on animals. $15 for 8 oz at Nordstrom ( I bought mine in Ulta, so I would check there as well ) http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mario-badescu-special-cucumber-lotion/2920700

Origins Brighter By Nature SPF35 : is a “skin tone correcting” moisturizer. It has a pleasant herbal/lemon/ginger scent and leaves the skin looking bright and healthy.  I believe this product in part has helped diminish my acne scars, as well as made my skin overall healthier. It has a lightweight gel/cream formula that leaves a dewy finish; and contains Japanese Basil leaf, Cucumber, Peony, Vitamin C, and Palmaria. I highly recommend this product to everyone. $47.50 for 1.7 oz at Sephora or Origins. http://www.sephora.com/brighter-by-nature-spf-35-skin-tone-correcting-moisturizer-P297537?skuId=1375906

Origins GinZing : is a lightweight eye cream with a peach undertone to combat darkness, and a slight sheen/glow for added brightness. It has a cream to serum consistency, and little to no scent. It contains caffeine, ginseng, and magnolia extract. $30 for 0.5 oz at Sephora or Origins. http://www.sephora.com/ginzing-refreshing-eye-cream-P297511

Clinique Take Off The Day Cleansing Balm : is a makeup remover and cleaner in one that goes from a thick balm consistency to a oil/liquid consistency once rubbed into the skin. I have used this to remove everything from long wearing foundation, waterproof mascara, semi-permanant eyeliner pens, etc. and it literally removes all traces of makeup without drying out my skin. I switched to this after hearing that makeup wipes are really bad for your skin due to the high alcohol content, and have fallen in love!  $28.50 for 3.8 oz at Sephora. http://www.sephora.com/take-the-day-off-cleansing-balm-P126301

Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Toning Complex : is a liquid clarifying toner that acts as an exfoliator by removing dead surface skin. It contains lactic acid, citric acid, witch hazel, chamomile, allantoin, aloe vera, sodium pac, vitamin C, and AHAs. It smells very acidic and slightly citric. When applied to the skin it gives a slight burning sensation, so if you have very sensitive skin I would probably not recommend this. If you can get past the burning, this product works wonders. Overtime it fights acne, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, deep cleans and shrinks pores, smooths skin, restores natural pH balances, AND protects and moisturizes the skin. Can you say Holy Grail? $40 for 8 oz at Sephora. http://www.sephora.com/glycolic-acid-10-toning-complex-clarifying-toner-P375358

DDF Benzoyl Peroxide Gel : is a thick, creamy gel that contains 5% benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil. It is very effective when used regularly, but it can bleach your clothes/sheets and cause excessive dryness if too much is applied. With this product, less is more. If you use too much it can actually have the opposite effect and make your skin worse. I use a dime size amount or less, only where I absolutely need it. $36 for 2 oz at Ulta. http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod370030

Philosophy Take A Deep Breath : is a lightweight, oil free, gel-cream moisturizer. It claims to “diffuse energizing oxygen to the skin” to leave a healthy looking glow; which is does. It contains antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental factors, and has a slight powdery/herbal scent. $34 for 2 oz at Sephora. http://www.sephora.com/take-a-deep-breath-oil-free-energizing-oxygen-gel-cream-moisturizer-P311182

Origins A Perfect World For Eyes : is a serum that uses white tea to firm and moisturize the eye area. It has a herbal, lemon, ginger scent, and leaves the eye area feeling refreshed. I have notices a huge improvement of the appearance of my under eye creases and dryness after using this product. It has a pump applicator, which is nice, but it dispenses a bit too much with just one pump; you really only need about one half of a pump. $34 for 0.5 oz at Sephora or Origins. http://www.sephora.com/a-perfect-world-for-eyes-firming-moisture-treatment-with-white-tea-P297532

Josie Maran Argan Oil : is a silky oil that moisturizes, heals, and protects. It can be used on the skin, hair and nails. I also like to apply this to bites, rashes, bruises, etc. to speed up the healing process. $14 for 0.5 oz at Sephora. http://www.sephora.com/argan-oil-P218700

Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel : is a gel that contains a concentrated 1% salicylic acid to fight stubborn breakouts. If you have an open spot it can give a burning sensation, but it quickly dissipates. This is my holy grail spot treatment! $16 for 0.5 oz at Sephora. http://www.sephora.com/acne-solutions-spot-healing-gel-P188312

Origins Out Of Trouble : is a 10 minute mask that contains zinc oxide, sulfur, camphor, and salicylic acid to extract excess oil, dirt, and dead skin; as well as calm the skin. It is a thick toothpaste-like cream and smells very herbal and medicinal. When on the skin it feels very cooling and tingly. $23 for 3.4 oz at Sephora or Origins. http://www.sephora.com/out-of-trouble-10-minute-mask-to-rescue-problem-skin-P297551

How to : Instantly Healthy and Glowing Skin

Posted in Tutorials by

Hey Everyone! Today I am going to share with you how I get super healthy looking and glowing skin. I am very pale and cant get very much natural sun, so I have to fake it! This technique is really quick and easy, and works for every skin type and skin problem, from acne to mature. If you want to see how to look like you’ve just spent a week on vacation, then follow these steps!

(Swatches and Pictures Below)

What I use : ** It’s totally fine to improvise, this is just what I have and what looks best on me**

Loreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer

Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer

Clinique Even Better Foundation

Q-Tip

*optional*

*Sigma F84 Angled Kabuki Brush

*Revlon Colorstay Concealer

*Smashbox Soft Lights in Prism

*Physicians Formula Light Bronze Pearl Bronzer

*MAC Bare Study Paint Pot

*Urban Decay Primer Potion in Skin

*Buxom Lip Gloss in April

The first step to achieve this look is, obviously, to cleanse your skin (preferably lightly exfoliate), and then apply a good moisturizer.

Next, take your Loreal Magic Lumi Primer, or any white highlighting cream/liquid, and apply that to the tops of your cheekbones, under your eyes, your eye’s inner corner, your browbone, and your cupids bow (above your top lip).

On a palette or the back of your hand, take half the amount of the Clinique Even Better Foundation you normally use and the same amount (or slightly less) of your Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer, or any golden or bronzing highlighter you have, and mix them together with a Q-Tip.

Apply this mixture with your Sigma F84 Brush to your face, excluding the areas where you already applied the white highlighter. Then, wipe off your brush (or use a clean one of the same style) and gently blend the edges of where the white highlighter and the foundation mixture meet. Voila!

*Optional Steps

Cover up any spots or discoloration with your concealer. I like the Revlon Colorstay Concealer.

Then apply a light  bronzer to your cheekbones, hairline, and jawline. I like to use the Physicians Formula Light Bronze Pearl Bronzer.

Next apply a sheer light pink blush with a slight frost, like the Smashbox Soft Lights in Prism, to the apples of your cheeks and slightly blend back.

For the eyes, apply your Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin from you lid to your crease. Then lightly pat on your MAC Barestudy Paint Pot to your lid and inner corner.

Finish off with a light pink lip gloss like the Buxom Lip Gloss in April.

 

Why This Works…

By mixing a golden bronze highlighter with your foundation you are adding subtle dimension to the skin. The foundation balances out the highlighter without taking away the healthy sun-kissed glow, and also without the bronze-gold sheen being too obvious.

Because we aren’t using the bronze-gold illuminizer as a true “highlighter”, the white highlighter adds another form of dimension by accentuating the desired points of the face.

You could easily achieve this same look by using your hands, but I feel that using a brush (especially the F84) makes everything blend more seamlessly.

The Physicians Formula Light Bronze Pearl Bronzer is a mosaic of various bronze colors in the same shade range, so it adds depth; and it also has a slight sheen which adds to our glowy goal. A blush with a slight frost also adds subtle glow; I feel that light pink is the most flattering because it is youthful and soft.

As far as the eyes, using cream products can make you look healthier and more beautiful because they look the most natural. The primer potion is slightly darker than the paint pot, so again we are playing with depth and light.

Finally, I chose the Buxom lip gloss because it is sheer, has a slight sparkle, and is plumping. All of those things allude to youth and health.