My January: Resolutions Met, Favorites, etc...

January has come and gone so quickly....

 

Resolutions Met So Far:

1) I passed my Esthetician Licensing Exams!!!!  I'm just waiting for my License to come in Soon.  That was the most stressful and gratifying experience all at the same time...

 

2) I've been taking better care of my skin through some of the skincare treatments down below, as well as trying out a few classes of yoga and still trying to drink more water...

 

3) Books, Reading and Relaxing......

January Favorites:

 

I promised myself to start off the year that I would definitely use more sunscreen... I use it everyday and yes I use it even on overcast days because even though the sun is not out the rays are still there...

Coola Mineral Sunscreen Unscented Matte Tint SPF 30:

*Organic Suncare

-Antioxidant infused mineral matte tint

-Line smoothing

-Fights Aging

 

*Organic Ingredients:

-Rosehip Oil

-Vitamin C

-Evening Primrose

-Flaxseed Oils = Omega 3 and Gamma Linoleic Acid - Improves elasticity and retains moisture

*phyto-protector Plankton Extract - Skin Rejuvenator

 

Loves:

-I love the texture... it feels like the texture of Benefit's Porefessional Primer

-There is no sunscreen fragrance to it

- It makes my makeup go on so smooth

- That it's really great to my skin

-I love that it comes in a pump

 

Misses:

- I wish it was a little more like a tinted moisturizer in that I wish it had more coverage

 

Coola Sport Unscented Sunscreen Spray:

*Certified Organic Sunscreen Spray

*70%+ certified organic inactives

-Ultrasheer

*Farm to Face Sourced

*Organic Ingredients:

-Cucumber

-Algae

-Strawberry Extracts

-Red Raspberry Seed Oil - Omega 3 and 6

 

Loves:

- It's not greasy

- Cooling to the skin

- Absorbs quickly

 

Misses:

- I feel like there is a lot of waste of product due to it being a spray

- They say to put it on 15 minutes before sun exposure... meaning that I put it on in the bathroom making sure that I put towels down on the floor because if I didn't.... Someone being me or my significant other would be a victim of the Darwin Awards

 

 

Neal's Yard Remedies Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisturizer:

 

-softens and replenishes

-for normal and dehydrated skin

-hydrating 'Hundred Petalled' rose extract and damask rose oil soften, smooth and help restore skin's natural radiance

-easily absorbed

-antioxidant rich

*95% Organic

Loves:

- I love the way this moisturizer feels

- Love the moisture it provides for my skin

- Helps with the radiance in my sometimes dull and dry skin

- My makeup works well with it

-The formula is beautiful

* If you don't like the scent of Roses or Rose Water... you may not enjoy this, but the fragrance doesn't last long*

 

 

Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Polishing Mask:

 

*Dual-Action Purifying Mask

*Double Detox

*Charcoal absorbs oil without drying out skin

*Black Sugar Exfoliates

 

Loves:

- The scent is yummy and unisex

-The warming sensation is awesome

- Makes my skin look and feel amazing

- It's a multitasking mask

 

Misses:

- I just wish that it went on like a full mask....

I like to look like I painted myself like Krippendorfs Tribe when I put a mask on

 

Tarte 12hr - Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15:

 

-oil free

-buildable coverage

-satin-matte finish

-improves skin clarity and texture

-vegan friendly

*Vitamin A - retains moisture and protects against free radical damage

*Vitamin E - natural preservative, anti-inflammatory, emollient and antioxidant

*Amazonian Clay- for long wear

 

Loves:

- Like the scent

-Love the coverage - it's buildable

- Love the packaging because it's a squeeze tube and it has a side window to show how much product is left.

- Highly Pigmented

 

 

Tarte Lights, Cameras, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara:

 

-Lengthening

-Curling

-Volumizing

-Conditioning

-Dermatologist and Clinically Tested

-Vegan

*infused with olive esters to protect and nourish lashes

 

Loves:

- Formula is awesome.... it's not too wet or too dry

- Lengthens and Thickens with every coat without clumping

- Love the way the packaging feels in my hands

 

Misses:

- The packaging only because it's not practical

 

Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder:

 

- 5 hour shine control

-Natural Minerals

 

Loves:

- I use this to set my foundation and concealer and it works so well

- Lives up to it's 5 hour shine control

- Doesn't just sit on top of my skin

 

Misses:

- The packaging it not my favorite.... I wish it had more durable packaging because when I travel my bag can sometimes take a beating and the plastic can crack

 

L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Crayon Concealers:

 

-multipurpose

-blend incredibly

 

Loves:

- I love these for contouring and highlighting

- Ultra Blendable

- Work well when I layer powder product on top to set them

- So easy to use

 

Misses:

- I just don't like this as concealer for me because when used in the undereye area it's very dry and creases

 

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette:

 

-Matte

-Neutral

-Silky Formulation

-Multitasker

 

*Shades:

-Venus (off white demi matte)

-Foxy (cream bisque matte)

-Walk of Shame (light nude matte)

-Naked 2 (taupe matte)

-Faint (warm, dusty brown matte)

-Crave (deep brown/black matte)

 

Loves:

-This is my ultimate Holy Grail palette

-I use it to fill in my brows

- Can do a quick and easy pinup look, smokey eye, or just a wash of color

-Silky application

-Easiest matte shadows for me to blend

-Love the packaging for travel

 

Misses:

-My packaging is peeling from constantly carrying it with me



 

Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette in Naked:

 

-multitasker

-bronzer

-highlighter

-blush

 

Loves:

- Multitasking palette so that I don't have to keep a ton of single package products

- the bronzer, highlighter and blush work so well for my skin coloring

- I always pack this because it pairs well with the Naked Basics palette

-I can use these also as eyeshadows

-Great packaging

 

Tokyomilk/Dark- Tainted Love # 62

 

-Dark Vanilla Bean

-Orchid

-White Tea

-Sandalwood

 

This is my signature scent... I love it in the Fall especially.... My go to... I fell in love with this fragrance when I got a trial package of Tokyomilk products.... The Lip Elixers are Awesome and I really LOVE the hand creams...

 

So last year I started the Buzzfeed Rory Gilmore Book Challenge :

 

The best part of doing this book challenge is the Adventure of finding the books themselves...

I've been going to all sorts of thrift stores and finding some Awesome deals....

 

These are my January Purchases:

 

 

 

Favorite Book of January:

 

 

 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

 

#226 on the Rory Gilmore Book List

 

- This book was a quick and amazing read... I loved how each of the characters are so relatable and the sincerity and honesty.... There was also an incredible soundtrack to the book... that if you wanted to you could make a playlist and hear what he's listening to and what he loves about each song...

 

"And in that moment I swear we were infinite."

 

I've never seen the film so I didn't have any expectations on how the characters should be or looked... and I don't know if I want to see it.... 

 

 

Heather

Primer Obsession: Confessions of a Primer Junkie

My name is Heather and I am a Primer addict!!!!   I'm obsessed with finding any kind of primer that is going to make my makeup last as long as it can, while it perfects my skin, and intensifies the pigments in the makeup that i'm using and doesn't allow ugly creasing.  A lot of this comes from the fact that once I do my makeup I don't usually go back and touch it up or reapply it, unless I'm changing my day look into a night look.  Here are some of primers that I really like and some that I can do without.

* ( What the Products claim that they do)

Face Primers:

Rimmel Fix and Perfect Primer 001:  

It prolongs the wear of your foundation.

Smooths and evens out complexion.
Minimizes Pores.

PROS:  This was the first facial primer that I ever purchased.  I loved the feel of this product.  The product feels more like a moisturizer than a primer.  The other perk about this product is the price.  You can purchase it at  drugstores, Target, Walmart and Ulta.  

CONS:  This product didn't really make my make up last as long as I would have liked.  It really kept the makeup moving rather than staying put.  I really with this product either came in a jar or in a pump so that you can get all of the product out of it.

Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro Primer:

It has 5 in 1 Results:

*Smoothes

*Resurfaces

* Brightening

* Mattifies

*Protects

PROS: I really liked the texture of this product, like the 001, but once I put it on it dried with the texture of a high end primer.  It really smoothed out my skin, filled in the fine smile lines around my mouth and gave my skin a nice glow before I put on my foundation.  It really allows for an even application of foundation.  This product is way better than the 001.  You really can't beat the price on this either...You can get it at any drugstore, Target, Walmart and Ulta.  

CONS:  The only con I have is the packaging.  I want to be able to get all of the product out without having to cut it open to get it all out.

L'OREAL Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base:

*Smooths Lines

* Hides Pores

* Banishes Imperfections

-The silky, lightweight formula glides on to skin, leaving it velvety to the touch.  The result is a unified matte finish that is flawless.

PROS:  I love the velvety feel of this product and that a little goes a long way. The product does what it claims.  It helped with a very smooth application of my foundation. I love that the packaging makes it look like a high end product and that you can get all of the product out.  I always keep packaging like this just so I can reuse it.

CONS: The amount for the price is pretty ridiculous to me, especially for a drugstore brand.  You get 0.5oz (Full Size) for $12.95. I only purchased this product once.

tarte: Clean Slate Poreless - 12hr Perfecting Primer

* A skin-perfecting mattifying base and pore refiner.

* This primer not only helps keep your makeup in place for up to 12 hours of perfect wear time, but also refines the appearance of pores and diffuses fine lines and imperfections while delivering natural fruit-and plant-derived extracts to deliver antiaging and skin-restorative benefits to your skin. It refines the appearance of pores and diffuses fine lines and masks imperfections. Just one application leaves skin looking instantly smoother, softer, and refined. 

PROS:  This product is awesome.  I've been using it since I got it in my stocking for Christmas.  The texture is very velvety like the L'OREAL primer.  It did make my smile lines less prominent.  Every time that I wear this product, even if I just wear it alone, I get a lot of comments about how young I look and about how flawless my skin is.  I love that there are no Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Petrochemicals, Pthalates, GMO's, or Triclosan.  It is full of their T-5 Fruit Complex: antioxidant rich nutrients and vitamins that are said to give you refining, anti-aging and skin-restorative benefits with every use.  I love to use natural or organic products because I really care about my taking care of my skin, it's the biggest organ to take care of, so if I can use products that are very beneficial without a lot of nasty stuff in them.  It is worth the price for the amount that you get.

CONS:  The only con that I have with this product is the packaging.  I would love it more if it were in a pot or if it came in a pump.  

tarte: Clean Slate Flawless - 12 hr Brightening Primer

* A waterproof, 12-hour brightening primer.

* This primer helps makeup stay in place longer while brightening skin for a healthy, glowing complexion. For use as a hydrating base, this formula keeps your makeup in place for up to 12 hours of perfect wear. It’s also a quick fix for tired or sallow skin—just one application and skin looks instantly radiant. 

PROS: This is the product that I've been using the most as of late.  I love the  feel of this...it has the feeling of the Rimmel Pro, feels like a moisturizer but dries into a velvety finish and not only that, it smells amazing.  It smells like fresh citrus.  This product does give my skin a nice healthy glow before I put on my make up and it looks so good that sometimes I wear it with no foundation at all and just use my eye brightening roller ball and mascara.  Other cool things to know about this product is that it is silcone-free.   It also has natural antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and fruit- and plant-derived extracts to fight free radical damage and prevent premature signs of aging while brightening skin. It has a skin-brightening active from bearberry leaves that is  inhibiting the skin pigmentation process for an even, luminous complexion.  Totally worth the price.

CONS:  Again...It's the packaging.  I really like using pots because I can reuse them and pumps just for sanitary reasons.  I don't like having to cut open the packaging to get to the final bit of the product.

Benefit: The Porefessional Pro Balm:

* A PRO balm that minimizes pores

* The POREfessional quickly minimizes the appearance of pores. Apply this silky, lightweight balm to achieve translucent pore coverage and smoother-than-smooth skin. Pores—now you see 'em, now you don't!

PROS:  Now while I don't have huge pores or problems with acne, I like that this product diminishes the look of my smile lines.  Unlike the other primers, this primer is tinted, so it evens out your complexion more so than the others that go on clear.  I love the smell of this product... it has a rose like smell to it.  It's very girly.  I love Benefit products in general... The packaging is really cute and the products are just amazing.

CONS:  Again, it's the packaging...while I love the marketing packaging, i really want the pot or the pump.

Kat Von D: Rehab Priming Elixir 

* A makeup primer that prepares skin for easy makeup application and long wear. 

* Kat calls this her "black rose primer detox." It provides mattifying properties, evens out the complexion, and nourishes skin to create the perfect canvas for applying makeup and extending its wear. The extract of rose provides potent hydrating properties. A blend of natural fruit and botanical extracts soothes and hydrates skin. This product also protects skin against environmental damage and premature aging. 

PROS:  If you have the Lock-It Foundation, you'll probably like this product.  The foundation is very thick and has a matte finish, so you will want something like this to help move the foundation over the skin.  It does have a rose scent to it. I love the packaging as well.

CONS:  I honestly only used this product a few times and while it did help with the application of the Lock-It Foundation, i didn't like the consistency of it.  It's way too fluid, which leads to waste and it made my skin feel too wet, I felt like it didn't have a good finish to it.  I couldn't wear this product alone because my skin would look too shiny.

EYE PRIMERS:

Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer in SKIN, STELLAR, and SMOKEY

*lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky formula that sets the stage for perfect, long lasting eye-makeup application.

* This smooth-textured primer glides over the eyelid without dragging. It performs like a magnet, preventing eyeshadow from migrating and creasing. Micro-encapsulated pigments float over the eye area, finessing skin texture and blurring fine lines. Use the Smoky shade to prep your lids for a smoldering smoky-eye look.

PROS:  The awesome thing about these primers is that I got them for Christmas one year in her Chronicals Vol. 1 Book Palette.  

The Skin Primer is just a color correcting, skin tone primer which was great for giving the perfect canvas, especially for pin up looks where you use a really light eyeshadow for the entire lid, as well as matte shadows in general.  It really complimented her pigments.

The Stellar Primer is a light pink, shimmery primer.  I loved using this one if I wanted either a slight shimmer by itself or using it with really sheer shimmery shadows.  I also loved using it as a highlight.

The Smokey Primer is her really dark, slate grey primer infused with volcanic ash.  When I read the last part of that I was a little weird about using it, but this out of all 3 was my favorite.  This makes your deepest shadow colors really pop.  You can top it with a blue and it would electrify the color.  Perfect for using with loose pigments, especially blues, reds and purples.

CONS:  The packaging, while I loved the doe foot applicator, you couldn't get to all of the product and that they are discontinued. :o (

Benefit: Stay Don't Stray

* Stay put primer for eye shadow and concealer.

*Preps: The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into skin, brightens eye area to minimize the appearance of fine lines, and comes in a universally flattering nude shade.

*Protects: Hydrates with sodium hyaluronate to lock in moisture, fights signs of aging with vitamins C & E, and does not contain parabens.

*Perfects: It's long-wearing to keep makeup looking fresh, locks on ALL concealers & eye shadows and prevents creasing of eye makeup.

PROS:  Again, I LOVE Benefit products.  This one is awesome.  It is tinted which helps correct and brighten your eye area before you even put your concealer on.  It has great staying power and I love, love, love the packaging.  Totally worth the price that you pay.

CONS:  I really don't have any cons about this product.  It does just what it says.

tarte: Clean Slate 360 Creaseless - 12 hr Smoothing Primer

*A waterproof 12-hour smoothing eye shadow primer that locks eye shadow in place. 

* This primer acts as a smudge-proof base for shadow while preventing fallout and migration of color. The universal shade glides on easily and powers through the day into the evening for 12 hours of perfect wear. 

PROS:  I love Tarte...It's become one of my new favorite brands.  I love that they don't use harsh chemicals and natural ingredients and most of all that the products actually work.  This product does what it says... No creasing and 12 hour wear.  I use this when I want a really strong eye look and I'm on the go with work and meetings.

CONS:  I don't really like the texture, I feel like it's too fluid.  Again....packaging.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight 

*A versatile eye shadow primer that imparts a sexy, soft-focused light and a subtle metallic sheen whether worn as a base for color or alone.

* This long-wearing primer enhances eye shadow and adds just a touch of golden metallic flair. It can be worn alone for a touch of shimmer or as a primer, instantly intensifying color and providing effortless blending. The vitamin-enriched, silicone-based formula glides over lids, smoothing the appearance of crepe-like skin, and brightening dull or discolored lids.

PROS:  This is another go to product for me because sometimes I have lazy days with my makeup.  I can wear it alone for a brightening shimmer effect on my eyes to make them look more awake after staying up late or I can wear it with matte products to add a hint of shimmer to them.  It has great staying power.  I just love this. I also use it sometimes for a highlighter for my eye makeup and for my face.  Good investment.

CONS:  Just the packaging.  I love the pointed applicator, just not the tube.

URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow Primer Potion

* A sheer nude eye shadow primer.

* Eyeshadow Primer Potion is an ultra-sheer, totally nude base that glides onto the skin. The original, award-winning formula disappears instantly and is the ultimate eye prep for smoother, more vibrant shadow and all-day wear with absolutely no creasing. 

PROS:  This was one of the first products I ever purchased in my first ever trip to Sephora.  I purchased it when Buxom first came out and had their Buxom Betty Kit, which I also purchased.  This is a picture of the new packaging.  The original packaging was the potion bottle with the doe foot applicator.  It's has a nice sheer tint and it intensifies shadow very nicely.  I love this one.

CONS: I love the new applicator, but again the packaging.

I really do have a huge addiction.  I don't go around free basing all of these products at once.  These are products that I've used over the years and some recent products that I've been using.  

Love from a Primer Junkie,

Heather