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Monday, June 16, 2014

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

WELCOME BACK!!!!
How are you? I am so happy to see you again.We are back for more sales and more info!!
First up my personal challenge with the Boots No.7 Lash Serum
So after all this time ,I can really see the results of the serum on my lashes. They look so full and fluffy. I am in love! I am also in love with my brows too. After grooming them over the weekend (because they grow fast on their own and 3 times faster with the serum), I am finally happy with the transformation. I was always  happy with the transformation regardless, it was just that my brows were too wild. Now that everything is tameable, I am beyond happy. I thing at this point I moved from the strengthening period to the growing period. So in a couple more weeks the final results will be revealed.
Just to give you an idea of how much my lashes transformed, today a woman thought I was wearing false lashes.

30 Days of Pink Challenge
I am getting so tired of pink LOL. I love pink, but this is enough. I am running out of eyeshadow styles, but every time I go to work I get complimented.
I think I'll be using my pink mascara all this week, just to try something new!
I can't wait until this challenge is over though. After this week I think I'll try more neutral pinks.

SALES!!!
Medusa's Makeup is having a $2 off per item sale. I suggest you stock up! I bought 8 last week and received a FREE eyeshadow brush! The hard part is figuring out which colors to get.

Rite Aid
BOGO 50%  L'Oreal, Covergirl, Wet n' Wild, Maybelline face, Revlon face, lip&eye, Renewal implements and hand and body lotion.
L'Oreal Skincare  $19.99

Walgreens/DR
BOGO 50% Covergirl, Revlon, Garnier skincare
Cetaphil  25% off

CVS
BOGO 50% Maybelline eye&lip, Revlon, Almay, Select Neutrogena products, Dove men+care, CVS brand cotton, removers and tools, Nuance, Covergirl, Eucerin

Thursday, June 12, 2014

BEST $10 I EVER SPENT...

     I originally chose another product for this BEST 10 article and was going to save this product for the June BEST 10...No such luck because this miraculous, fun thing happened! I might even give you 2 BEST 10's this month.

     This months BEST $10 I EVER SPENT is bought to you by Revlon. It's the Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain for $9.99. When I saw this product, it was love at first sight! I love the idea of a stain and the moisturizing properties combine into one simple step in vibrant colors!
     I saw other reviews on this product and I get what they're saying, but I haven't had any problems with this product. The product does stain, but just like anything else it needs time to set in. Once the glossiness dissipates the stain is still there. I usually reapply it only for the moisture/gloss. I applied it work, after lunch and at the end of the day and I have dry lips!
I don't really wear lipstick often, so I love these as a definite substitute. I bought 4 colors and it was definitely hard to make a choice.

     So here's the story that makes this a WIN!
At work yesterday I met Cameron Diaz!! She was looking at the Revlon Colorburst stains (the old formulas) I told her that that formulation was no longer available, but we had the new crayon formula. Cameron was not a fan of those, so I introduced her to the Colorstay stains. I told her about the stains and it didn't hurt that I was wearing 'India Intrigue'. Well, she loved them and bought 3. You should try a couple too!


Sunday, June 8, 2014

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

     Hello!! I am so happy you're back! Also welcome to all the 'newbies'!!!
I always invite people to visit my blog, and everytime I get an alert from a new follower, I am always excited! SERIOUSLY!! I am happy to see each and everyone of you!
So what's going on this week?
If you are in NYC and would like to see me in person and talk beauty, or to get a hug and a smile. I am at the Duane Reade on 57th Street and 6th Avenue, right down the block from Carnegie Hall!
I will be there Monday through Friday, 12 pm-7:30pm, plus there are other friendly beauty experts there to chat with as well.

PRODUCT ALERT!
Covergirl Bombshell Mascara
    There are numerous complaints that this mascara destroys lashes by making them fall out. I have never tried this product, but when I first read the complaints, I immediately thought "how are these women removing the mascara?" Some mascaras that do not label themselves as waterproof can be hard to remove and still need an oil based remover. So is the case with the Bombshell mascara.
     I recommend the Sephora or Almay waterproof makeup remover. Other options include coconut oil, vitamin e oil and even olive oil. If you do not want to even go through all that trouble, Covergirl makes a variety of other mascaras, or check out my review on mascaras for other options.

UPDATE!
Boots No. 7 Lash Serum
     I grow more and more obsessed with my brows each week. They just look so much thicker and fuller, that I am thinking of changing my brow routine. This week is the first week I will be fully grooming my brows. I have stayed away from doing so, because I did not want to destroy the growth process. I now feel comfortable enough in the process to try it.
     With my lashes I don't know if they really are much longer. My lashes are normally pretty long and I am not sure if I'm just use to that. My lashes are much stronger  and thicker though. I can press on my lashes and they  spring back. I also noticed another row of lashes forming right behind my current rows of lashes. I can't wait to see what happens in the next 4 weeks.

CHALLENGE UPDATE!
     1 month of just pink? What was I thinking?! after a few days I was thinking, I am so not going to make it through this. I forgot to include 1 more rule, that I can use gold and silver  in addition to the black and white. Just because those metallic are like neutrals as well.
I am going to keep up the challenge and of course pump up the creativity.

(cue celebratory music)
SALES (remember prices will be slightly different depending on location)

Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50% Jergens, Covergirl, Olay Regenerist, Maybelline, Hawaiian Tropics, Banana Boat
25% off mens No. 7 products

CVS
BOGO 50% Revlon, Physicians Formula, Artificial lashes and nails, Almay, Maybelline, Covergirl, Roc, Clearasil, CVS facial/sun care, Olay, Neutrogena (select varieties), Olay (select varieties)

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% Covergirl eye, lip and nail, St. Ives, Simple, Noxema, Nivea, Curel, Biore, Jergens, Revlon face, nail and eye, Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropics, Almay foundation, powder, blush and concealer, L'Oreal skin/sun care
L'Oreal voluminous lashes, Wet Shine $6.99
L'Oreal Color Riche $7.99
Revlon Colorburst/Colorstay $6.99

Friday, June 6, 2014

Summer Skincare: Camp Edition

     I've been to camp, as a counselor. I have slept in tents in the woods and also cabins, for weeks. I know how difficult and tiring it is with the kids and the chaos.  Skin care is probably far from everyone's mind at this point. I have put together a list of suggestions and products to help keeping your skin healthy and clean, even in the middle of nowhere.

Exfoliants
-Normally I would not recommend these, but for easy access, a facial cleansing scrub is the best option. This way you kill 2 birds with 1 stone.  Your face gets clean and you get a little exfoliation.
Options: (all products are between $5-$8, depending on location)
Neutrogena Deep Clean Long Last Shine Control Daily Scrub
Neutrogena Oil Free Daily Scrub
Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub

-Another exfoliation option could be wipes. There are a few out on the market. They are quick and easy and require no water.
Options: ($3-$7)
ELF Exfoliating Cleansing Wipes
Simple Exfoliation Cleansing Wipes

Cleansers
-If you decide to use an exfoliating cleansing scrub, you can skip this part entirely. These products DO NOT require water.
Options: ($3.50- $8)
Cetaphil/Family Dollar cleanser
Boots No.7 Cleansing Water (for normal to oily skin)
Boots No.7 Lotion Cleanser ( for normal to dry skin)

- If you are into the 'old fashioned' cleansers LOL (the ones that require water) here are a few for you.
Options: ($3.50-$8)
Cetaphil/Family Dollar Cleanser
Neutrogena Oil Free Cleanser
Olay Daily Cleansing Cloths

Moisturizers
-You could use your usually moisturizer, but if that I a little heavy for you try a gel cream or lotion.
Options: ($10-$13)
Garnier Gel Cream ( normal/dry and normal/oily formulations)
Boots Botanics Shine Away Gel Cream
Simple Gel Cream

-If you would like a moisturizer with SPF
Options: ($13-$20)
Lumene Vitamin C Day cream (for all skin types)
Boots Botanics Shine Away Daytime Gel Cream
Ambi Day Moisturizer (oily skin)

Sunscreen
-Even though you use a day cream with moisturizer you still need to reapply sunscreen. Here are some options in a powder formulation, specifically for the face.
Options:
ELF SPF 45 Sunscreen Powder $6
Peter Thomas Roth SPF Powder $30 (available in spf 15 and spf 30)

Sunscreen Face Lotions (also contain moisturizers, so you can skin the moisturizer step)
Options: ($8-$34)
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen
La Roche Posay Anthelios
Coola Facial Sunscreen

Sunscreen Sprays for face and body
Options: ($10-$34)
Neutrogena
Hawaiian Tropics
La Roche Posay
Coppertone
 
Mid Day Refreshers
-We could all use these whether we are in a camp or not. If I'm not wearing makeup and constantly applying sunscreen I could DEFINITLY use one!
Options: ($1-$10)
Wipes:
BioSwiss Wipes ( $1 *GEM*)
Simple Cleansing Wipes
Dickenson's Witch Hazel Wipes

Sprays:
Boots No.7 Mineral Water Spray
Boots Botanics Rose Water Spray

I hope this list gives you a good idea on how to maintain good skincare in the wilderness. I offered quick, easy and mostly inexpensive options. The majority can be picked up at your local drugstore, with the exception of a few. Feel free to list any personal suggestions below.


Sunday, June 1, 2014

It's OK To...

     I have had many questions (and also made many observations) about the way people apply their makeup, now they buy their makeup and skincare products and what products people do and or don't use and why.
 In case you where wondering, this is pretty much a list of FAQ's or FOP's (frequently observed problems)

It is OK To...

1* Ask for help/Accept help- don't go into a store, stand in front of the products and expect something to jump out at you. If you have a skin concern, address it with the people that know their stuff.
     As a beauty advisor, I meet people who start telling me their skin care problems with         " this is embarrassing..." Don't be embarrassed! We've heard it all and personally, I can say, I'm not judging you because of your skin concern. I may not like you routine or lack their of, but I'm going to give you a GREAT/PERFECT product, advice and good conversation!

2* Betray your brand-You love that Neutrogena cleanser, but are not a fan of the moisturizer. Don't buy it! Just because it's the same brand, that you love isn't going to help you. You have to get something that WORKS! Brands will create product for where the money is. Buying a product that you are not crazy about, just because you recognize the brand, is costing you more in the long run, except you're paying the price with your face.

3* Miss/Skip a day-I did a whole article on this here. Pay close attention to 5 and 6

4* Change cleansers/foundation color or type/moisturizers with the seasons-Your skin changes with the seasons, why not your products? It' good to use a light moisturizer in the summer, especially if you seat a lot. Some moisturizers just may be too heavy for the summer heat or too light if you tend to dry out in the winter. Change products accordingly.
     Maybe in the summer you're oily. Get a cleanser with oil controlling or acne fighting properties.
     If you only need these products for 3/4 months, you might still have some for the next year.
     
4b* Change cleansers/treatments/foundations as needed-I change my cleanser once a month, when I have a breakout and I also add a salicylic acid spot treatment. If you need too change any part of your routine, for any reason, just know that it's OK.
     Lastly, foundation...you will need to change your foundation at LEAST twice I year.
I changed mine about 4 times last year. I changed twice between May and August. It happens, it's a part of life, so don't think you'll be using the same color foundation for the entire year.

5* Change your routine-I exfoliate more frequently in summer than I do any other time of the year. Also I need a 'refresher' in the middle of the day, whether I'm wearing makeup or not, that I don't need those things in the winter time. In the summer BB cream is NOT my friend. It literally melts off my face. These are changes you have to make with the seasons, and according to your skin type.

It Is NOT OK To...

1*Change products like you change underwear- Things don't work that fast. With hair products I recommend sticking with the product at least a week (if you are washing your hair daily)
With skin products it depends on what it is. With a moisturizer/cleanser/mask/exfoliator, you might be able to tell if you like the product almost immediately. BUT if the product has some acne clearing properties, moisturizing properties of anti aging properties, you could be looking at a 2-4 week commitment before you see or don't see any results.

2*NOT use Sunscreen- Most skin problems are cause by the sun. 1 in 5 people get some form of skin cancer. 'NUFF SAID

3*NOT wash your face-You have to wash your face! Wipes, won't cut it! Body wash /soaps,  won't do! Water, not a chance! You have to get a face wash that works for you.

BEAUTY NEWS!!!

HEY BEAUTIFUL!!! How are you?
     Thanks for returning for another week. I have SOOOO much stuff to tell you and I'm UBER excited!!! I am writing my Best $10 and *GEM* articles right after this because one of them comes with a GREAT story! But first, let's recap of challenge for the month.

CODE NAME: 1 Color, 30 Days
Color chosen: PINK
RULES
1-pick color at random and use that color eyeshadow for the next 30 days.
2-All shades of pink are acceptable-no purple or red
3-shade of pink must be used in 60% of the eyeshadow application (including liners and mascara)
4-black and white may be used in conjunction with the pink(s)
5-at least 1 look for everyday-30 days in total

     I wear a lot of pink eyeshadow. It can almost be used as a neutral, so I don't think this will be much of a challenge at all. The REAL challenge would be NOT getting bored with a limited color palette.
     Today I will be getting all my pink eyeshadows together, just so I'm not tempted to pick up anything else.

ANNOUNCEMENT!!
This week and from now on, I will be at the Duane Reade on the corner of 57th and 6th to talk beauty with everyone from Monday to Thursday 12pm-7pm and Friday from 12pm-4pm. Come and see me!

SALES
Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50%  Covergirl, Neutrogena, Revlon, Aveeno, L'Oreal skincare
Olay is 20% OFF
Sinful Nail Polish $.99
Boots Botanics & Champneys 20%OFF

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% Covergirl, Revlon, Almay, Olay, Maybelline eyeshadows & liners, Wet n' Wild
Neutrogena lip & eye, Eucerin, Aquaphor
BOGO FREE Physicians Formula
$6.99 select Neutrogena Cleansers
L'Oreal Moisturizers $13.99
Neutrogena Oil Free, Deep Moisture and Sun Care
Maybelline Mascaras $5.99

CVS
BOGO 50% Covergirl, Neutrogena, Revlon, Almay, Nuance, CVS brand removers, Physicians Formula, Simple, Ponds, Dove, Cetaphil, Cerave, Aveeno
2/$10 Olay Complete products

Ulta
BOGO 50% Red Carpet, Revlon, Covergirl, Almay, Physicians Formula and many more!
Also the is a 20% coupon available

UPDATE
     I have been using the Boots No.7 lash serum for a couple weeks. I'm taking pics and trying to get some GOOD ones that show the progress. So far a see a few visible signs.
1-My lashes usually criss cross at the corners, no amount of mascara could correct it. By the end of the first week, my lashes uncrossed and were visible.
2-My lashes look thicker at the root and it looks like there are more lashes than there were before.
3-My brows look great. The hairs look thicker and now my eyebrows are almost the same size. My only complaint is when my brows start to grow out, a hair will stick out of place and no amount of gel will hold it down. The plus side is, that it will only last a day.