Hey everyone! I had purchased the It Cosmetics CC Cream a little while ago, and had wanted to do a review of it earlier, but alot of life stuff happened, so it got pushed back til now. I've given this a good try and I'm finally ready to share my thoughts!
Here is a bit about the product from the Ulta website:
What is it: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ is
your Full Coverage Color Correcting Cream, Anti-Aging Serum, plus Broad
Spectrum Physical Only SPF 50+ all in one! Your Skin But Better CC Cream
with SPF 50+ is infused with cutting edge anti-aging technology and is
clinically proven to improve skin texture, brightness and increase skin
hydration by 79%. This highly pigmented multi-tasking beauty miracle
truly covers everything, won't crease or crack in fine lines, and gives
you a healthy your skin but better glow. Paraben-free and SPF 50+
UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, Physical Only, Non-Chemical Sunscreen. The
anti-aging hydrating formula is infused with peptides, niacin, algae,
vitamins A, C, B, E, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen along with
anti-oxidants and exotic natural botanicals for long-term brightening
and color-correcting benefits.
The main thing that drew me to this CC cream, is that it contains physical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens aren't the best for your skin, and at the time of me purchasing this, I was on a major hunt for a physical sunblock. I ended up finding one, but when I was browsing at Ulta, I started looking at this because of all the great reviews I'd heard. After looking at the ingredients, it immediately went in my shopping basket when I saw Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide as the sunscreen.
I picked up mine in the shade Fair, which is the lightest shade. The unfortunate thing is it only comes in 5 shades, and even though this is the lightest one, it's still not a perfect match (pale girl problems). While I am pretty fair, I have a cool undertone, so I tend to have issues with the lightest foundation shades being a little too yellow for me. The scent of this is nice as well, and doesn't have that icky sunscreen smell. To me, this smells a bit like lavender, but I believe there is something to do with lavender on the ingredient list.
This is my scary, bare face with nothing on it but moisturizer. You can tell that I have dark circles and alot of redness, pretty much all over. Since I have very oily skin, I do also have quite large pores as well. I didn't get a close-up shot, because lets be honest, no one wants to see that!
This is after I applied two pumps of the CC cream with a dampened Beauty Blender, and nothing else on my face. My dark circles are really bad and hereditary, so they're always hard to cover up, but the redness I have is completely covered. That impresses me the most honestly. My skin is ALWAYS red, unless I'm sick, then I look even more pale. While I think the color match isn't terrible, I still feel it looks a bit yellow on my skin, but using the Beauty Blender really helps blend it in nicely. I have not tried applying it any other way, so I can't attest to a brush or fingers being better for application.
My large pores are covered nicely as well, but as my day goes on, it does tend to settle in them, mainly on the sides of my nose. Otherwise, it lasts for a good 6-8 hours as long as I powder my face. The packaging says the CC cream provides full coverage, but I don't necessarily think it's totally full coverage. When I compare it to Kat Von D's foundation, this is definitely not as full as that is. I'd say this is a buildable medium coverage, but you can get light coverage with just one pump of product.
Overall, I'm pretty darn impressed with the It Cosmetics CC Cream! The size I purchased costs $38 and they do have a travel sized version for $15. I wish they had a bit of a better color selection, like a fair color that's cooler toned *cough,cough*.
Have you tried the It Cosmetics CC Cream? what are your thoughts on it?
Hi guys! Quite a while ago I purchased the Make Up For Ever Nude Artist Palette, but hadn't gotten the chance to really test it out until recently. I figured I'd let you know my thoughts since it is still available for purchase at Sephora.
Here is a description of the palette from the Sephora site:
What it is:
A collectible, eye shadow palette with nine must-have Artist Shadow formulas in neutral tones.
What it does:
This palette features the coveted,
easy-to-use Artist Shadow formula for endless eye looks—ranging from
beautifully natural to highly artistic. With its advanced gel-powder
formula blended with ultra-fine pigments, each nude shade leaves a
smooth, even finish that leaves lids ultra-saturated with
highly blendable, lasting color. The shades are organized in trios so
you can effortlessly create chic, natural, and smoky looks. This palette
includes an illustrated, step-by-step application techniques by MAKE UP
FOR EVER’s founder and creative director, Dany Sanz, to help you sweep
on a number of eye-catching looks.
The palette itself is made of very sturdy cardboard, that is a bit on the heavy side. The design of the palette is very user friendly, has a nice magnetic closure, and a generously sized mirror. The eyeshadows are the exact size of a quarter at 0.06 ounces, and you get 9 neutral colors.
I'm a neutral girl at heart, so this palette spoke to me. However, I don't really feel that they're anything spectacular color-wise, but they are nice if you're strictly into neutrals. The color numbers are on the back of the palette, but on the Sephora site, you can see the shade names which you will see in swatches below!
I went from left to right from the palette with these swatches, and they are:
- I-528 Pearl
- I-514 Pink Ivory
- ME-512 Golden Beige
- S-556 Taupe Gray
- D-562 Taupe Platinum
- ME-644 Iced Brown
- S-102 Onyx
- I-544 Pink Granite
- D-652 Celestial Earth
The letters correspond to the finish of the shadows. I is iridescent, ME is metallic, S is satin, D is diamond, and M is matte, but there are no matte shades in this palette. The shades Taupe Gray and Onyx don't look like they have a sheen on the eye though, so for me they perform like a matte. If I'm not mistaken, you can find these shades in single pans as well if you only like certain colors. However, those singles are 0.07 ounces, which is insanely close to what these are, and they cost $21 unless you put together a little duo or trio, then the price goes down slightly. This palette costs $42 but has a value of $136. That to me, is really amazing considering you're getting only slightly less product here compared to the single form.
I really, really like this palette alot! The shades are buttery soft, pigmented and beautiful on the eyes, they blend well, and they last a long time as long as I use a primer (I have oily lids, so keep that in mind). I do like the color selection, but some of them look very similar when swatched, so I wish there was a bit of a different variety. I'm just so impressed with this formula and I recommend getting a palette rather than the single pans because the price difference is insane to me. They have one other palette that has bright shades, which I'm tempted to get, but I know I won't pick it up as much as I would a neutral palette.
Have you tried any MUFE shadows? If so, what do you think of them?
Hey everyone! A few weeks ago after a doctor appointment, I was feeling a little blah, so my husband decided to take me out for lunch before we went about our errands for the day. We stopped at Walmart for some necessities, and the Dollar Tree was a few stores down from where we had lunch. Naturally, I looked at the beauty section in both places and came out with some goodies to share with you guys!
Starting off with Walmart, I decided to pick up the Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in the shade 091 Light Ivory. I hear so many people talking about this and how awesome it is for a drugstore foundation. I haven't worn makeup like I normally do lately, so I have yet to try it, but I have a feeling I'll like it. It was so inexpensive too, only about $5 or $6.
I've been wanting to try the Maybelline Master Conceal Camoflaging Concealer since it came out. I bought mine in the shade 10 Fair, and I think it was the only one that hadn't been tampered with. I don't know what it is about Walmart, but their beauty section always looks a hot mess and tons of products have been broken into. Anyways, sorry for the little rant there. I've heard mixed thoughts on this concealer, and it wasn't too pricey, so I figured I'd give it a try.
I had also been wanting to try the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in the color Blackest Black. The other reviews I've heard have been mostly positive, and Maybelline mascaras are probably my favorite in the drugstore.
Maybelline had my heart this day, and I picked up one of their newer matte lipstick shades in the color Blushing Pout. This is such a pretty nude-y rose color that I think will look really nice with my fair skin and a simple eye look. I LOVE Maybelline's matte lipstick formula as it's not too drying like other ones can be.
Now for the Dollar Tree! I love that store so freaking much, it's stupid. Anything I think I need, I immediately go there and see if I can find it. Most times, I can, and I feel so proud to have only spent $1. I picked up one of the English Lavender soaps from Yardley. I honestly don't know how much these are normally, but I don't think they're that expensive. I bought this mainly to clean my makeup brushes with, and I can't wait because this soap smells incredible.
I never really get excited about L.A. Colors, but I saw a bunch of their Color Balms, and I picked the shade Boom, which looks like a bright red in the tube. I don't expect full-on color from this since it is a balm, but I think it might give a light wash and a bit of hydration.
I got really excited seeing Jelly Belly lip balms, and picked up the scent Bubblegum. The packaging says this is flavored, and I have yet to try this, but I can't wait to test that claim. No, I'm not going to eat this, but when you're wearing a balm or gloss and accidentally get some in your mouth, it's not very pleasant. I feel like a little kid with this balm.
Lastly, I purchased two brushes. one is the Wet n' Wild Eyeshadow Brush and the other is an ELF Smudge Brush. I haven't used either of these yet, but the ELF brush is already shedding on me, and I have yet to wash it. ELF brushes aren't usually my favorite, but for $1, I don't care too much. The Wet n' Wild brush feels really nice and there is no shedding yet. I'm hoping to like both once they're washed and used a few times.
Is there anything you've hauled at the drugstore lately?
*Disclosure* I received this product to review thanks to Tomoson. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always!
Hey everyone! This review today might seem kinda strange, but hear me out. I was given the opportunity to try out the DanceCrazy Ultra Stretch Strap, and I'm forever thankful! Read on to see why.
The DanceCrazy Ultra Stretch Strap is meant as an aid in stretching muscles before or after a workout. It's also good for people who have trouble stretching unassisted. I might have mentioned long ago that I have had back problems. Last Summer I was diagnosed with a herniated disk and had to go through nearly 3 months of physical therapy. During physical therapy when I had to do my stretching exercises, they gave me a strap which I lovingly referred to as a dog leash. I mainly used it as a tool to help stretch out my hamstrings. I always have difficulty stretching out my hamstrings and usually end up hurting my back even more, so using the strap at therapy was a lifesaver. Once I was finished with therapy, I was given a list of exercises and stretches to do in case my back flares up. It was recommended that I get a strap like the one I had been using, but I could never find one. Until now, that is! I was so excited when I got this in the mail because it's pretty much the same exact kind of strap I had used during therapy. I could hear angels sing, that's how happy I was! I can now do my exercises with ease again and not hurt myself.
What I like a little more about this DanceCrazy strap is that it's a bit longer than the one I used in therapy and it's also softer too, which sounds odd. The one I used in therapy was hard and it hurt my hands alot, but this one doesn't do that. This is a total life saver for me and it only costs $19.95 here on Amazon. If you're like me and have some issues with stretching, get this, like yesterday. I promise you won't regret it!
*Disclosure* Product provided for review thanks to Tomoson. Any opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always
Hey everyone! If you read my blog, you know I take vitamins regularly. Fish oil is something I like to take for the health benefits, since my husband hates fish. I had the opportunity to try out the Life & Food fish oil to see what I thought.
Here is a bit about the product, from Amazon:
Enteric coated with no fish burps, or after taste, our Supreme grade Omega-3 Fish Oil supplement promotes cardiovascular health, joint support, cognitive support, circulation and helps in maintaining cholesterol levels.
Studies have shown that diets high in Omega-3 fatty acids - EPA and DHA -- may lower a person's health risks. By eating a diet rich in fatty acid containing fish - cold-water swimmers such as pollock, sardines and salmon, can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Some studies show there is a proven link that EPA and DHA reduces inflammation from arthritis conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Non-meat sources of Omega-3 include olive oil, walnuts and flaxseed.
I've mentioned before that I love to eat salmon, which has the health benefits of fish oil, but my husband hates the taste of fish. To get the health benefits I want, I take fish oil supplements. These are pretty good, I must say. I really like them because they're not so large of a gel capsule. Others I have tried are just so big and they're tough to swallow. Not these. You do have to take 2 of these a day, and you get 180 in this bottle. You can find them on the Life & Food site here, but they're also on Amazon as well for a little less money, and they cost about $30 per bottle. Is it any different than other fish oil I've tried? Nah, but it's a good option if you want some of the benefits of eating fish, without actually eating it.
Hi everyone! I received my Ipsy bag yesterday, and I'm happy for once that it's a bit earlier than previous times. The theme this month is Prep School, since school is starting again soon for alot of people.
The actual bag is alright. It's got a hounds-tooth pattern, which I'm not a huge fan of. It also feels like it's made of plastic and it has some texture to it as well.
The first product I received is the Swissco soft Touch Slant Tweezers. Out of all the products they sent out, I got flipping tweezers! The last time I got a Swissco product in an Ipsy bag was December of 2014 and it was an eyelash curler. Didn't need that either.
The next product is the Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen. I very rarely wear eyeliner, and if I do, it's usually the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper. This eyeliner seems smudgy when I apply it on my hand and rub it after it dries, so I don't have the highest hopes for this. I'll still try it just to see how it works.
Next up we have the Beauty Without Cruelty Leave-in Conditioner. This will definitely be put to use as I haven't done a whole lot with my hair recently, and I can tell it's suffering. I think it smells wonderful too, very herbal scented. I'm a fan of scents like that though, but I can see it being too much for some people.
Next is the Hikari Lip Gloss in the shade Salsa, which is a classic red. I was hoping I would get the intense red mauve shade called Merlot. I always feel like I can't pull off the classic bright red shades as I need something more cool based for my skintone. I'll give it a go and see if I end up liking it. The only thing that's really turning me off is the scent of this. Right when I take the wand out, the smell of chemicals wafts into my nostrils, and it's not pleasant.
The last product is the City Color HD Powder. I already have so many powders in my stash, but I'm curious to try this as it promises a matte finish and preventing shine. An oily girl like myself might appreciate something like this, as long as it works!
That's everything I received this month! Overall, I just feel a bit meh about it. I'm not overly excited about anything really, but am curious to try the powder and leave-in conditioner.
If you want to sign up for Ipsy, you can do so here via my referral link! It only costs $10 a month, plus shipping for some, and you typically get 5 deluxe sized products to try. Occasionally, there will be a full size product too!
If you're already subscribed, what did you receive this month?
*Disclosure* I received this product for review purposes thanks to Tomoson. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always
Hey everyone! I got the chance to try out these Bella Care Oil Blotting Papers, which I'm super thankful for since I'm an oil slick this time of year. Read on to see my thoughts!
Here is some info on the product:
Bella Care Original Unscented Oil Blotting Papers absorb excess oil from
the face, minimizing shine and providing easy touch-ups to the face
throughout the day! Simply press the sheet to your face with a gentle
blotting motion, especially the oily T-zone, and marvel at the amount of
oil that is absorbed.
Bella Care Oil Blotting Papers are made of
all-natural abaca pulp, with no added chemicals, and their compact size
make them easy to tote in your purse, backpack, or evening bag, and
store in your car or desk for freshening up while you're on the go.
What I absolutely love about these oil blotting sheets is how big they are. Seriously, these are easily at least twice the size of other blotting sheets I have tried, so they cover a decent amount of surface area on my face. You also get 100 sheets in one package, which I think is pretty darn good. I only need to use 1 per day if I'm out and about doing errands and whatnot. If I'm home, I couldn't really care less what my face looks like. I'm not necessarily sure what abaca pulp is, but these are like any other oil blotting sheet I have tried, and they perform well for me.
The price point of this packet is $5.95 on Amazon, which is a pretty decent price. They do also have a lavender scented pack that costs $7.95.
Do these blotting sheets sound like something you would try?
