BEAUTY NEWS!!!

     Hello lovelies! Glad to see you're sticking around!
     What have you been up to? or maybe what have I been up too? Right now I'm here to bring you sales and other happenings for beauty and whatever.
     First,  I'd like to let you know I'm available at the
Duane Reade at 100 West 57th street
Monday- Friday from 12-7, so come in and talk beauty with me. I will be holding an even for Essie all week! and you have the ability to purchase 3 colors exclusive to Duane Reade/Walgreens. Plus, if you purchase any 3 Essie nail colors, you receive a FREE top coat!!

SALES!!
Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50%- Roc

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% -L'Oreal, Revlon face/eye, Almay concealer/eye/removers, Covergirl lip/eye, BioOil, Cerave, Curel, Panoxyl, Sebamed,
Maybelline 25% off
Cutex and Nutranail BOGO FREE
Neutrogena Cleansers Buy 2, get the 3rd FREE

CVS
BOGO 50%-Revlon, Maybelline, Roc, Olay, Nuance, Sally Hanson, Covergirl eye/lip/nail, Eucerin, Frizz ease

Ulta
15% off of Roc, Aveeno, L'Oreal, Olay skincare
BOGO 50% L'Oreal eye, Revlon, Covergirl
Pur Minerals BOGO FREE

Not the BEST week for sales, but if you need to grab the necessities it'll help.

     I am working on another eyeshadow review and also an article for women that don't really wear makeup or are just getting into makeup.
     Coming up this month, a long awaited $1 *GEM* and a nail polish article...yes, I said nail polish. I don't do nails, that's my thing LOL, but I have been getting into it lately because I have to, so stay tuned for that.
    Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @ aprilmaykup
Until later lovelies!!!!

BEAUTY NEWS!!! Challenge Update

     I know, I've been MIA for a few weeks, but I'm back!! I'm here to update you on all the results of my challenges and bring you sales for the week.
    

     My first challenge, my self imposed challenge was with the Boots No. 7  Lash Serum. I used it every night for 8 weeks. My brows improved the quickest. The hair thickened from using the serum and of course makes the hair in the area grow faster. I do have to tell you that it will not grow hair in places that hair never existed. Like the slit in my eyebrow, that has always been there, no hair grows in that spot, but this serum makes the separation way less noticeable.

 

the picture on the right is the before and the picture on the left is after 4 weeks

 

     For my lashes, the serum did thicken them at least for the first 6 weeks, and in the last 2 weeks all the growth happened. I even ended up with an extra row of lashes in addition to my lashes being even longer  than they were before. Now with 2 coats of mascara my lashes look fake. I still use it, but only for upkeep. I may pull back and use it every other night instead of every night.
     I also like that fact that I am still on 1 tube of the serum and didn't need a bunch of bottle to make it through the 8 weeks.

  

 Second challenge: "Pink for 30 Days".
     I got so tired of wearing pink. I did as much as I could do with it. I like pink, but not this much. I struggled to complete my face ( lipstick and blush) and I didn't want to wear the same thing everyday. But, it was a good challenge to stretch my creativity.
Would I do this again? Maybe I would do this challenge again, but change the rules, to give me more leeway with the colors. Maybe the look could be pink (of the main color) with an added complimentary color, besides the black, white, silver and gold.
   

SALES!!
CVS
BOGO 50% Tresemme, Revlon, Cetaphil, Nuance, Almay, L'Oreal lip, Olay complete/ age defy/ anti wrinkle, Nexus

Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50%  L'Oreal skin, sun and cosmetics, Roc
25% off Tresseme

Rite Aid
Sally Hansen 40% off
BOGO FREE Physicians Formula, Renewal Sun care and Banana Boat
BOGO 50% Revlon face/lip/nail, Covergirl face,  select Olay products, Garnier, Renewal bath accessories
L'Oreal sun care 20% off
Almay eye & concealer $5.99
Revlon Colorstay Liners and Mascaras $5.99
Select L'Oreal products $7.99

ULTA
BOGO 50%  Revlon, Prestige, Physicians Formula, Covergirl, Eyelure, NYX, L'Oreal (including sun, skin and hair care), Cerave, Lumene, Yes, Biore, Neutrogena
15% off No.7, Aveeno, Burts Bees
Japonesque brushes BOGO FREE

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

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!

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

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.

WEEKLY REVIEW: Eyeshadow #2

     Since I already started, I'd like to continue on this 'eyeshadow roll' and post a review on more eyeshadows. I'm sorry for the love fest, but I really liked all of these. There was nothing terribly bad about any of them. I would only choose one brand over another, by personal preference, availability and/or convenience. What I can tell you is that currently in my kit are Coastal Scents and Ofra shadows.
     POP, Gosh. Cargo and Lisi don't really make convenient package for artists or have the range of either colors or finishes I would like to have. Also, Cargo is constantly changing formulas, so that inconsistency scares me.

Lisi $6-$9 per eyeshadow (lisicosmetics.com) LOVE these! I love the brightness of the colors, the pigmentation and wear. I wish they made a palette of these shadows.
     When I first saw them I was struggling on which colors to get, since there are so many, and I only wanted to test a couple, before committing to the line. I was not disappointed.
     Lisi shadows are pigment, especially for the price! The only thing I don't like is that they don't have a palette. The wear on these shadows is excellent! It's a brand, that if you had to, could be used w/o a primer. (Currently having a 50% sale on their website)

Coastal Scents $9-$25 per palette (coastalscents.com) I keep these in my kit at all times. There are so many colors, they are all pigmented and last a long time! Coastal Scents has over 300 colors, that I wish I could get all in a palette. The largest palette is the 252.  For the most part all the shadows last all day, there are a few that might crease, but they're hard to pin point and are almost worth not even mentioning, so just forget I even said it. :) If you can't find a color in this brand, then the color doesn't exist! They have everything. The problem is choosing which colors to use each day.

GOSH $12 for a trio (duanereade, goshcosmetics.com) -This is a Swedish brand here in America. The colors are bright with good pigmentation. The wear is good. These shadows feel  hard, but they are able to be manipulated and blended. It would just question the grouping. The colors they put together are either very slightly different, or supplementary. I would recommend primer, mostly to combat the potential fading of the shadows.




POP $24 (duanereade, popbeauty.com)-I like the palettes, I just think the texture is kind of powdery. Plus, these shadows appear to be very fragile. There isn't a brush soft enough that won't create some type of extra dust when picking a color. Primer is HIGHLY recommended ( a good primer too! i.e. Urban Decay or Too Faced) or the shadows WILL crease and badly!

     Personally, I would prefer NYX shadows because of the amount you get in each shadow and the quality  of the NYX vs POP. NYX is just slightly better, being that they hold up better in the packaging and work with ANY primer.

OFRA $79 per palette (ofracosmetics.com) -These shadows are a few things.
1. Amazing colors- probably the most you get in any brights palette.
2. pigmented- again the yellow is a bit of a problem, but I am slowly accepting the "yellow problem" with any brand of eyeshadow.
3. quality-for the deeper colors (which is most of the palette, with the exception of 2) you only need a small amount.
      Most shadows you usually need to layer, but you don't have to layer the color with these. The shadows come off the palette in full strength. Since the shadows are also large in size, you are looking at having this palette for a LONG time.
     This palette can also be used wet or dry. I tried both ways and the yellow became more pigmented when used wet. Another plus is that these shadows dry super fast if you choose to use them wet. These can be worn with or w/o primer.

Inglot $7-$9 per shadow (inglotusa.com)-Inglot means layering, at least that's how I see it.  Inglot is made for layering and blending, they practically blend themselves. I do like these, they remind me of Lisi shadows, but with more of a color and finish range.   
Inglot shadows are 'creamy' especially for powder colors.
Like I mentioned, layering is a must, I think they are just designed that way. These do crease but, I think the 'creamy' texture makes the creases almost invisible, kind of like the shadow moves itself around on the lid and blends itself back together, LOL. It's weird, I'm weird and that's the best way I can think to explain it.

Cargo $16 single shadow/ $40 per palette (duane reade, cargocosmetics.com)- These are great, but the quality changes over each product. Some single shadows are good, some are bad. The palettes have great quality shadows, but little variety as far as texture. They are all shimmer colors in 'Paris' palette. You don't need a lot of eyeshadow , they are very close to urban decay quality. These also work with any primer, or with nothing at all. The colors are a big deceiving in the palette. I recommend swatching them before applying them to your face.

NYX $4-$6 single shadow/ $8-$30 per palette (ulta, cvs, nyxcosmetics.com)-I have tried a variety of NYX shadows, the palettes, the singles, the primals, WHATEVER!
I love the quality of the NYX singles as opposed to the palettes. The palette colors are just close in tone and will work together, but don't provide much variety as far as dark and light shades. They do have a good mix of shimmer and matte shadows per palette though.
     The Primals, I LOVE. I honestly think NYX should extend the primal range and include the same colors in a shimmer finish. Even without using the NYX white primer these colors are bright and pigmented! My only complaint would be the yellow. Without the whit underneath, the yellow requires a few layers to look as bright as it is in the package.
The singles are great too. They are affordable, small and come in such a variety of colors that you can crate your own palette.
     For all the NYX eyeshadows-they can be used with or w/o primer ( However, I recommend primer to decrease creasing and increase wear) They are a great quality for a great price!

Weekly Review: Makeup Removers

     Welcome back! I hope you're enjoying the week. The review today is all about eye makeup removers. I do have a favorite as you may know from reading previous articles. It is the Sephora Waterproof Makeup Remover. I don't use it everyday, but only on my 'tough' eye makeup days when I'm wearing everything under the sun.
     To accurately test these removers, I used it how I would use the Sephora remover. You always want to remove your eye makeup gently. My process: wet a cotton round with the remover and hold it on your eye for 10-15 seconds. When you remove the pad, your eye makeup should be completely removed. If there is liner or mascara residue you can use the other side of the pad to wipe that away.
You should never have to scrub (especially the eye area) to get you makeup off.

Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover 3.4oz ($20) sephora, esteelauder.com-ULTRA gentle! Perfect for sensitive eyes. Affective, almost feels like water on the eyes. ophthalmologist tested







Almay Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover 4oz ($6) drugstores- A dupe for the Sephora remover, except it's more gentle. Plus, it's frequently on sale at local drugstores ophthalmologist tested






Family Dollar Makeup Remover 4oz ($3) family dollar-I used this and it removers makeup, BUT you have to use so much of it to remove 1 eye,  that it isn't really a bargain.





ULTA Makeup Remover  3.4oz ($6) ulta-I only use this for spot cleaning, because it isn't the strong. It can remove the stray mascara without destroying your eyeshadow. This stuff is gentle and it removes makeup but, you practically have to scrub it off.

BEAUTY NEWS!!

     Hello lovelies! Welcome back! I hope all goes well this week.  Spring is starting to pick up and everything looks bright and positive!     

Let's just right into sales for the week

CVS
BOGO 50% Revlon, Sally Hansen, Maybelline lip&eye, Simple, St. Ives, Almay, Nuance, Physicians Formula, Rimmel,  Milani, Covergirl lip&face, Biore, Jet gens
BOGO 75% off Lumene

Walgreens/Duane Reade
BOGO 50% Revlon, L'oreal, Rimmel, Broadway & Kiss Nails
30% off Maybelline
25% off Neutrogena
$9.99 Revlon age defying foundation
BOGO 50% Revlon Color burst lipstick

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% Covergirl, L'oreal lip&nail,  Maybelline face&eye, Revlon, Biore
Almay foundation, powder, bronzer, blush, concealer & makeup removers.
Physicians Formula bronzers, powders and blush, BOGO FREE!           
25% off Neutrogena       
$6.99 Covergirl tru blend

     Stay on the look out for my makeup remover review and also my list of everything you will need for camp this summer...I know! I've been there! And keeping your skin fabulous in the woods is no easy task!
     I am also concocting a NEW challenge! And maybe around June we'll do another no buy month/makeup fast.

Weekly Review: Concealers

     OH YES!! It's about that time for a  review and this one is all about concealers!
I tried a bunch! an let me tell you, it's no easy task. Concealers act differently when applied to different areas. In the expressive areas of the face, around the corners of the eyes and mouth, we want something that won't crease. We also want something that will last all day, stay matte and something smooth and blendable. We also want something that will cover well, since that is the first and MAIN job of a concealer.

Lets start with the GOOD
IMAN ($13) drugstores, drugstore.com, imancosmetics.com -This is a VERY thick mixture. It was so thick that I tried to use my finger…but when that didn't work I used a brush to dab it on, but I used a beauty blender to blend it in and smooth it out on my face. Cover redness excellently, I had a pimple on my nose and with a small dab it was invisible. I had it on about 8 hours and it seems to get better (by 'better' I mean relaxes on your face and looks seamless) over time. It didn't move or crease. It was also matte the entire day!

Sephora 10 hour Blemish Stick ($17) and 8 Hour Perfect Cover Concealer ($15) sephora.com-goes on smooth, feels kind of thick. Not oily, it's matte and remains matte. Doesn't move or run. Covers well and blends excellently, PLUS there are lots of shades. People have complained about the blemish stick being cakey, but the point of the stick is to NOT make concealer go on cakey. The only way I good see it being cakey is if you, use too much and/or don't blend it.




NYX Full Coverage ($6) ulta, nyxcosmetics.com-  It feels thin, but covers excellently. It doesn't look totally matte, but it's not shiny or oily. It stays on all day. I hope they plan on extending the line to have as many colors as they have for foundation.

NYX Waterproof ($5) ulta, nyxcosmetics.com-smooth application. The packaging is more condusive to spot treatments. Feels smooth but not oily. It covers well, it's long lasting and always matte. The color look natural and seamless.

LA Girl Pro Conceal ($2) some beauty supply stores and ladymoss.com- This little gem has become a MUA favorite around the internet. For concealing? not really. For highlighting and contouring, yes. It's like a thicker liquid foundation. It covers pretty well and since it's thinner than a typical cream, it lays flat and will never look cakey.  

Also good is the Eclipse palette from Coastal Scents. I can't see it working very well for personal use, but it's a great starter for aspiring makeup artists. It has a good amount of shades, a few corrector colors and even a highlighter. The concealer, blends well and covers excellently.

                                          The BAD
ELF concealer ($1) eyeslipsface.com-Oily and way to sheer! Moves around to much to conceal anything.








ELF studio concealer ($6) eyeslipsface.com- This product is still too sheer to conceal much of anything. The formula is a little thicker and way less oily.
  




The UGLY

L'Oreal True Match Crayon ($8-$10) drugstores- very thick, colors are weird. I can only use the shade that's supposed to be my color as an under eye concealer. It blends well, but it will crease or should I say crack and looks dry and chalky on the face. The crayon worked better as a highlighter on the more oily parts of my face, like my t-zone, I guess that's the trick. Personally, I did not like this, but it might work better for people that are oily all over. Also they're color chart is a bit off so going by their warn, neutral, cool chart, will just be more confusing. Find the color that fits you regardless of the label.

The CONFUSED

Hard Candy GLAMOFLAUGE ($6) walmart- I'm confused by this product, because it covers well. When it's sets, it's a matte finish, but it chalky and can look dry. Maybe, it will work well on severely oily skin types, but DO NOT use it under your eyes and find and EXACT match.

BEAUTY NEWS!!!!

Hello again!!
     I had a busy week, some ups, a couple downs, but I'm still here as always, stalking the internet to bring you a week of deals.
     I've been thinking how much I would love to do a challenge in May. But, I have all this new stuff and I just want to use it all!! You can check out my IMATS haul video on YouTube. I wanted to do another video yesterday, but I felt like the stuff under crap. Today I feel above crap, which I consider a vast improvement!

SALES!!
I have to admit that this is the part I wait for every week.

Rite Aid
BOGO 50% Maybelline, L'Oreal, Covergirl, Simple, Ponds
40% off Revlon and Physicians Formula
30% off Neutrogena

Walgreens
BOGO 50% Revlon, St. Ives, Ponds, Yes, Covergirl, Maybelline

CVS
BOGO 50% CVS brand cotton products, makeup applicators and sponges, Revlon, Neutrogena

Duane Reade
BOGO 50% Boots Botanics, Revlon face, lip & eye, Covergirl, Neutrogena, Almay face & eye, Yes, Maybelline, L'Oreal

So it's short as sweet today. I'm putting together reviews on concealers and eye makeup removers, one of which I will have ready for you this week.
Until then, have a great week, see you soon!

Me And My Products!

    It's been a whole year and I realize I haven't updated you on all the products I currently use. I have oily/combination skin. I also have dark spots, which are the bane of my existence! I have learned how to fight my dark spots and live with them as they fade into the background. I've tried several products (it was the basis of starting this blog)

There are 3 things I wanted out of the products that I chose

1. Combat the oil production
2. Fade dark spots
3. Feel clean

Here's a list of EVERYTHING I use and love:

1 - Neutrogena Cream Cleanser- $8 at drugstores
I have been using this forever, honestly I'm glad I ran out, because I'm changing to #2 on my list. Not for any special reason, the Neutrogena is a good product, I just like the other better. daily

2- Biore Combination Skin Cleanser - $8 at drugstores

it's a gel cleanser and it not to strong for daily use, that's why I liked this one and the neutrogena. It helped with my oily skin but didn't dry my face out.  daily  

3- DermaE Microdermabrasion Scrub-$20-$30 available at health food stores and ulta.com

I figured it was time to graduate to a new exfoliator. It's made of natural products, dead sea salt and has smaller, rounder, exfoliating granules. Plus it gets the job done better. 

 few times a week 

4- Murad Rapid Age and Spot Pigment lightener- $60 at ulta and Sephora

(FYI I've never paid full price for this product)

 LOVE.  It really does work quicker than other products I've used. You only need a little. I use one pump and only apply it to the actual problem area, my chin and parts of my cheeks.
Plus, I only need this 1 step and I'm good to go! No more products that need 2 steps to work! daily

5 - Lumene Night Firming Cream -$25 at drugstores

I love it because it's light , hydrating, and not greasy. I had this hijacked from me by my mom so I decided to try #6.  daily

6- Philosophy Hope In a Jar-$15 at Sephora (trail size)

It's suitable for all skin types. It's light,  absorbs quickly. I will be switching back to the lumene only because of the anti aging properties, hope in a jar is still a great moisturizer.

daily

7 - Olé Henricksen Ultimate Life Eye Roller-$28 at sephora

This works for everything,  puffiness, fine lines, firming,  dark circles, all in one tube and you know how much I LOVE multitasking products. daily

8-Cetaphil/Family Dollar Gentle cleanser - $13/$3.50 at drugstores/family dollar

Doesn't matter which one, the have the same exact ingredients. I use it in the morning to get all the pillow dirt off my face. daily

9-Ambi Fade Cream -$6 at drugstores

When I run out of this, I cry! I have been using this a few years because it lightens dark spots,  moisturizes AND contains sunscreen...spf30 to be exact. Another plus is that it's formulated for oily skin. daily

10-Lumene Vitamin C Drops-$25 at drugstores

This contains concentrated vitamin c that helps with healing and brightening of the skin. daily

11 - Origins charcoal mask-$16-$24 at sephora

I have said it before and I will say it again, I love clay masks! Plus it has charcoal in it, which has become trendy! You can thank me for that :)  weekly    

12 - Biore Ice Cleanser- $8 at drugstores

 I used about 5-10 days out of the month because I might have a break out brought on by mother nature's curse. Usually clears up a breakout in 3 days, but I sometimes use it as  a preventative measure. daily for 5-10 days at month

13 - Elf zit stick is used as a spot treatment for pimples. $1 at eyeslipsface.com or NYC store

used as needed

14 - Biore pore strips-$9-$15 at drugstores

Are used on a weekly basis. I don't have black heads, but it cleans out the pores on my nose and makes them appear less visible. weekly 

15-Witchazel-$1-$2 at drugstores

I will sometimes used as a toner after cleansing to remover makeup/dirt from some areas like around the hairline, and nose. As also use it to remove the residue after using the biore strip. used as needed

16 - Olive oil...what? -$2 and up at grocery stores

Yes, I said oil. It's from my homemade skin care regimen. I spread the oil on my face and then lay a warm towel over the area where the oil was applied. This helps to soften the skin. I do this once a week before my scrub. I avoid applying the oil to the t- zone and concentrate on my 'problem' area. Also works with vitamin e oil. weekly

$1 *GEM*

HELLO THERE!!!!
Before we get to our $1 *GEM*, I just shot a NEW video on YouTube and you can peep that HERE!

     NOW our $1 *GEM*. You should know, exfoliation is important to me. When in doubt EXFOLIATE! Exfoliation has helped me control my oily skin, acne and help fade my acne scars. Not to mention that FOR EVERYONE exfoliation gets rid of dirt, dead skin, and will help you skin adsorb moisturizers and have your makeup sit on your face better and not look dry, patch and just plain crappy. We all need different levels of exfoliation. This product will work for everyone, even people with sensitive skin.
     It's a facial cleansing buff by "Modesa". I got it at Family Dollar. It could be any brand, but this one was the one that was available to me.
     It's soft and effective. It's great for first time users, sensitive skin owners and teens. If you need more exfoliation then you would just need to use it twice a day. You can use it with your regular cleanser combining both exfoliating and cleansing in 1 step! Overtime, the pad will get softer, so replacing it every 3-4 weeks is recommended, if you use it everyday. ( for weekly use, replacement is recommended every 6-8 weeks)
     I tried it for a while in the mornings, with my Cetaphil (or Family Dollar Cetaphil substitute) It's great as a gentle exfoliator and leaves skin feeling smooth.

   Storage options: you might be afraid that this pad might collect germs. To combat this store it far away from your toilet,  like in the shower, with your shower sponge. You can also get one of those travel bar soap containers to put the pad in.

BEAUTY NEWS!!! Finale Challege Wrap up!

     HELLO BEAUTIFUL! I hope you had a wonderful week. I was busy, but I had time to catch up on some sleep on Saturday, it was magical!
     I went to IMATS on Friday! It was wonderful!! I hit all the booths I wanted/needed to hit and even some I didn't plan on, but they had great stuff and great prices so, who am I to argue.
     I'll do a video about my IMATS haul, just to share...it was unbelievable! I will be going back as long as they will have me!
     I am happy to announce that I am on SPRING BREAK!!! WOO HOO!! I am gong to crank out a few reviews, while I have the time off.

     Challenge wrap up
I enjoyed it, but I am SO glad it's over. I have all this new stuff to use and although I was able to test my creativity, I could not wait for the challenge to be over! I would do it again, I plan on it. I also plan on modifying it.
     What I Learned: This palette was similar to the "Lotus" palette, being that they were by the same brand, LA colors. I couldn't layer the colors, because when I did, I created a whole new color that changed the look I planned on.

Here are the looks:

From left to right:
1-muted purple in the inner corner, blue on the rest of the lid, purple liner
2-muted purple all over the lid, black smudged liner
3-blue near the lash line, bright purple to the brow, blue liner
4-bright purple on the lid, blue in crease and outer corner (by laying the colors I created a 'new purple', purple liner
5-bright purple on lid, muted purple on the outer corner
6-bright purple in the center of the lid, blue around that color ( near the lash line, inner and outer corners and crease) blue liner
7-*this picture was taken at the end of the day*  muted purple on the lid, blue in the crease, blue liner

SALES
If you haven't already gotten the Sunday paper, GET IT! there is a $4 Almay coupon inside!

Tarte is having a 20% off sale
Ulta is having a 20% off sale (with coupon) and 40% off of Almay,  Maybelline, Revlon

SALEORAMA up in here!!

CVS
BOGO 50%-Revlon, Almay face &eye, Milani, Physicians Formula, Nuance, L'Oreal, Iman, Cetaphil, Ponds, Biore
Aveeno buy 2 get 1 FREE
Rite Aid
BOGO 50%-Maybelline, Covergirl, Almay, Revlon, L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Aveeno
Nair is BOGO FREE
Clean&Clear $5.99

Walgreens
BOGO 50% -L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Rimmel, Maybelline
$3 off Indeed products

Duane Reade
BOGO 50%-Maybelline, Covergirl, Revlon, Neutrogena, Studio35, Aveeno, Almay
Biore 2/$12