Why Sunscreen, why do you hate me so?!
Make up · Review

Why Sunscreen, why do you hate me so?!

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood8 Comments

While we do need some sun exposure for the natural production of vitamin D, the sun’s UV rays can be so damaging to the skin, especially as we age.

I have fair to light skin so, if I am going to be spending any amount of time outside  at all I HAVE to wear sunscreen!  Sometimes even though I wear sunscreen, I still will end up getting burned.  Not fun!

Here is my biggest problem… when I wear SPF on my face I end up breaking out! I don’t mean like a little zit here or a little spot there…I mean the BIG ones! The ones that last a long time and hurt like crazy!!! Let me tell you, that is not a way to be looking good!

I don’t like to break out…but I don’t like to have a sunburn on my face even more.

I have tried all kinds of sunscreens: lotions, sprays, creams,natural ones, expensive ones, cheap one, ones for babies, those specifically made to go on the face, the ones that claim that they won’t cause breakouts.  Yup, I have tried a lot of sunscreens…so far no luck!

Do you have the same problem? Have you found something that works for you? If you have any suggestions of sunscreens that you have used on your face with out any break outs, let me know because I’d love to hear them!sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy| lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Beauty Subscription · Make up · Review

August Ipsy Glam Bag and Birchbox Box

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood3 Comments

August Ipsy Glam Bag and Birchbox Box | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comWhen you come home and your mail box looks like this, you know it is going to be an exciting day!  I subscribe to both Birchbox and Ipsy.

While I do think that the box’s design each month are really super cute,  I was not too impressed with my Birchbox samples this month.  Actually…I haven’t been too impressed with my Birchboxes at all lately, so I am pretty sure I am going to be canceling my subscription.  Several of my Birchbox samples have gone right into my give away to someone else box. I feel as if I can better spend $10 each month by picking out and purchasing my own beauty products.   All that being said, it is excited to find my mailbox overflowing with makeup and samples. 🙂

Here is what I got from Birchbox this month…August Ipsy Glam Bag and Birchbox Box | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

  • Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Cleanser (I don’t really know what this stuff is really, a face wash…a mask…not sure)
  • Juicy Couture I am Juicy Couture perfume sample  (I hate perfume samples!)
    R+Co ATLANTIS Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner (these were both in foil packs…I hate foil packs!)
  • Harvey Prince Sea Salt Texturizing Mist (I have super straight hair, sea salt mist just makes my hair look dirty.)
  • Supergoop!® Daily Correct CC Cream ​SPF 35+ (This should be a great sample, right?  I have heard so many great things about this brand.  Yeah, it was such a small teeny tiny sample that I couldn’t even cover my entire face with the CC cream, and I don’t even have a very big face.)
  • Multitasking crayons from LAQA & Co in the shade Humble Brag/blush pink (Ok, Finally something that I like.  The color is beautiful!  I wore it on my cheeks as blush and I loved it.  I found it to be a bit drying on my lips, but the shade is beautiful and a bit of lip balm helped with the dryness.)

My daughter gets very excited about seeing what the ipsy glam bag design is going to look like.  This month it is a black and white hounds tooth design with a pink zipper. She perfectly described it when she said that it feels just like duct tape.   Here is what I got in my ipsy bag this month…August Ipsy Glam Bag and Birchbox Box | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

  • JUARA Skincare Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Facial Mask
  • Skone Cosmetics Luxe Doubler Eye/Lip Pencil in Wine Briogeo
  • Blossom & Bloom ™ Ginseng + Biotin Volumizer
  • noyah Natural Lipstick in the shade Desert Rose (it is a nice creamy beautiful light pink)
  • Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted (This is a beautiful lilac purple shade. Unfortunately for me, this one is going into the give away pile. I actually hate nail polish.  I get my toes done at the salon and never paint my finger nails at home.  Oh well, 4 out of 5 isn’t bad.)

How about you?   Do you get ipsy or Birchbox?  What did you get in yours?  Were you happy with your samples?  Do you get any monthly subscription boxes that are worth trying out?  Let me know in the comments below.

Make up · Review

Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Foundation Review ~Week Three of Three

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood6 Comments

I have used several different types of Maybelline products in the past (I absolutely love their mascaras!), but I’ve never used one of their foundations. So the Maybelline Superstay Better Skin™ Foundation was my first experience. *Spoiler alert*I have to say, the more I use this foundation the more I like it!  I prefer a light, matte finish, medium coverage foundation, and that is exactly what this foundation provides.

This Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin foundation goes on easily, looks great, and wears well all day. It never irritated my skin nor caused any new breakouts.

As I said in my previous post about the Better Skin Foundation, I don’t have many skin issues as it is, so I was not really expecting any miracle results.  While using this foundation over the last 3 weeks, I haven’t noticed any reduction in the “appearance of spots, dullness and uneveness,” nor have I noticed that my skin is “brighter, more even and stress-free.”  What I have noticed is that this foundation goes on easily, looks great, and wears well all day.  As with some foundations, it never irritated my skin nor caused any new breakouts.

A few things I have noticed about this foundation over the last few weeks…
When first applying, it has a funny funky almost burnt plastic smell to it.  While the smell is weird, it fades quickly and isn’t really a big issue for me.
It doesn’t work well with all primers.  I have a few different primers, and some it works fine with and others not at all.  This foundation works well enough on its own that it doesn’t even need a primer at all.  So once again not really a big issue for me.
It doesn’t apply well with a beauty sponge.  I found that using a foundation stippling brush or my fingers works the best.  It is quick an easy to apply with my fingers, so this is actually a plus for me.

So, after a few weeks of using this foundation:
Did this foundation live up to all the claims of better skin in 3 weeks…well…they give a lot of claims for a foundation to do all on its own, so I’m going to with no, but…
Would I repurchase this foundation for myself…Definitely!
Would I recommend this foundation to you…Definitely!

**I was sent this  full sized foundation in a VoxBox from Influenster for free to test out for 3 week for the #betterskinchallenge, even so, my opinion is completely my own.**

Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

NYC Smooth Loose Face Powder

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

~Weekly Product Highlight~ Loose Powder~

It is a finely milled powder that mattifies the face without adding an extra thick layer of makeupy weight.I have been using this powder for years!  At less than $3 this product comes straight from heaven!  It is a finely milled powder that mattifies the face without adding an extra thick layer of makeupy weight.  This powder also helps to control oils without drying out the face.  The translucent shade works great for all skin colors.

It comes with a circular cosmetic makeup sponge over an opaque white sifter.  I don’t use the sponge, but instead use a large fluffy brush like the e.l.f. Studio Complexion Brush ($3) or the e.l.f. Essential Total Face Brush ($2).  I tip the container over and use whatever powder is in the cover to dust lightly over my face. I generally first start by applying to my chin, the nose, the forehead and cheeks.  Of course whichever order you choose to apply the powder onto your face is up to you.

As the day goes on, after blotting any excess oil off of my face, I will often reapply a light dusting of powder to my T-Zone.  Even after adding this extra layer of powder to my face it doesn’t look built up or cakey.

What does the NYC Cosmetics Website have to say about it?…

Set yourself up for a New York day!

Natural beauty is the most fashionable thing for a New York babe. Wanna look great for your cool art gallery opening in Chelsea? Just control shine, and give your skin a natural, matte finish. Your skin will look and feel velvety soft. Your result: A perfect makeup application every time! So who’s the New York makeup artist now?

  • Sheer, soft and natural finish
  • Controls shine
  • Light texture
  • Dermatologist tested
Key Ingredients:
  • Calendula extract
  • Oat flour
  • Rice starch
Free/Good Deals · Make up

E.L.F. Always Has Great Deals

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

E.L.F (eyeslipsface.com) Cosmetics always has great deals!  If you are new to wearing makeup or you just don’t want to spend a lot of money on makeup, E.L.F. is the brand for you.

Today only, select items are only $1!

Some of my favorite items are…

e.l.f. Studio Eyeliner & Shadow Stick
e.l.f. Studio Blush
e.l.f. Essential EX-tra Lip Gloss
e.l.f. Essential Shimmering Facial Whipe.l.f. Studio Eyeliner & Shadow Stick e.l.f. Studio Blush e.l.f. Essential EX-tra Lip Gloss e.l.f. Essential Shimmering Facial WhipI really like their brushes as well, but several of them usually cost $1, so you can pick those up anytime for a steal!

Also, spend $25, then add the kit to your cart.  Just $5 with code MINUTE at checkout. Add the Makeup in a Minute Kit(SKU #51539) to your shopping bag, creating a minimum bag value of $42. Enter coupon code MINUTE at checkout to receive the Makeup in a Minute Kit for $5. One per order at promo price. Offer ends 11:59 PM PST 8/16/2015.

Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Cream, Studio Eye Liner-Black, Studio Mineral Infused Mascara, Studio Concealer Brush. Essential Smudge Pot-Back to Basics, Essential EX-tra Lip Gloss-Scott.

  • Set includes: 

    Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Cream, Studio Eye Liner-Black, Studio Mineral Infused Mascara, Studio Concealer Brush. Essential Smudge Pot-Back to Basics, Essential EX-tra Lip Gloss-Scott.

    Limited quantities available – any out of stock items may be substituted

Delicious Recipes

Parmesan Baked Pork Chops

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

Since I love to eat delicious food and I also have to make dinner every night, I am always looking for something that is yummy yet quick and easy. I found this recipe for Parmesan Baked Pork Chops at http://www.justapinch.com/ posted by Janet Crow. When I first read the ingredients and instructions, I thought, that is way to easy to taste good. Well, my friends, with only 5 minutes of prep time, it is super easy and absolutely delicious. I recommend you try it out for dinner tonight!  I usually pair it with some apple sauce, rice pilaf, and green veggies.  So Delicious!

Parmesan Baked Pork Chops
added by Janet Crow

“These were the best pork chops I have eaten in a long time. So moist and tender and the flavors were amazing!”~Janet Crow
Cook time: 45 Min Prep time: 5 Min Serves: 4

Parmesan Baked Pork Chops
Pork chop photo credit to Justapinch.com

Ingredients
4 boneless pork chops, 1/2″ thick
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 c parmesan cheese
1 c Italian bread crumbs
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Directions
1. On a plate combine the last 4 ingredients. Rub the pork chops with olive oil and then dip (coat) each one in the cheese mixture. Press the mixture over the pork chops to make sure they are well covered in it. Line a pan with tin foil and spray with cooking spray. Place the pork chops on the pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

DIY · Make up

Easy DIY Makeup Remover

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood6 Comments
Make this super simple DIY Makeup Remover
Easy DIY Makeup Remover

I love to wear makeup, and I love knowing that my make up is going to stay where I want it to until I decide to take it off.  There are so many awesome long wear and waterproof products on the market.  The downside to long lasting and waterproof makeup is removing it without removing all your skin or eyelashes in the process.

There are many great makeup removers on the market.  The downside to these makeup removers is not only the chemicals, but also the price tag!  I have been making my own makeup remover for about 2 years now for only around $3 for 8 oz.

All you need for this super simple Easy DIY Makeup Remover is one empty  8 oz travel sized container and two household ingredients grapeseed  oil (or olive oil) and witch hazel, a measuring cup and a funnel.

How to Make the Easy DIY Makeup Remover

1.) Measure half a cup of grapeseed oil (or olive oil)

2.) Use the funnel to pour the oil into the empty 8 oz travel container.

3.) Measure half a cup of witch hazel.
(If you only have a 4 oz travel container use 1/4 cup of each grapeseed oil and witch hazel.  If your container is 6 )

4.) Use the funnel to pour the witch hazel into the 8 oz travel container with the oil.

5.) Put the cover onto the 8 oz container tightly, shake well before each use, the oil and witch hazel will separate.

6.) Pour a small amount onto a cotton round. Start removing your makeup quickly and easily!

Safe to use in small amounts around the eyes.

At around $2 for a 16 oz bottle of witch hazel and around $8-10 for 16 oz of grapeseed oil, 8 oz of makeup remover will end up costing you around $3, (plus the cost of your empty bottle if you don’t already have one).  A little goes a long way and 8 oz will last you a long time.

Why I like to use Grapeseed oil: it is packed with antioxidants, including skin-brightening vitamin C.  It has also been said to help treat acne, fight aging, moisturize and tighten the skin, as well as lessen dark circles under the eyes.

The skin benefits of witch hazel are also many. It has both antibacterial and antiseptic qualities.  Witch hazel is a great natural remedy for skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema. Witch hazel help remove excess oil from the skin, making it effective at treating blackheads and other blemishes.

Learn more about witch hazel at: http://www.naturalnews.com/048039_witch_hazel_skin_care_acne.html#ixzz3iXs9zp5T

Learn more about grapeseed oil at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grape_seed_oil

Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

~Weekly Product Highlight~ Foundation~COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-In-1 Foundation

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood1 Comment

COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-In-1 Foundation

COVERGIRL + OLAY TONE REHAB 2-IN-1 FOUNDATION
COVERGIRL + OLAY TONE REHAB 2-IN-1 FOUNDATION

I haven’t seen or heard too many reviews on this COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-In-1 Foundation.  It has a nice smooth texture and provides great medium coverage.  It goes on smoothly making the complection look even without looking thick or cakey.  I have fair to medium, normal to combo skin and I really love the way this foundation makes my skin look and feel.  I wear shade 104 ivory during the winter and spring and shade 132 nude beige in the summer and mix the two together in the fall and late spring. It does have a light perfume fragrance that fades quickly, but if you are sensitive to that just be aware (I actually like the scent of it).  It comes in 14 different shades from 104 ivory to 175 soft sable. On the down side, it doesn’t provide any SPF so be aware of that.

This 1 fl oz foundation is sold at most Drug stores ($15.99) as well as online and at Target (12.99) and Walmart ($12.98). Prices range from around $11 on Amazon.com (which is where I got mine) to as high as $14.99 at Ulta.com

What does the Covergirl Website have to say about it…

COVERGIRL and Olay combine foundation and hydrating serum to cover fine lines and wrinkles and help hydrate to improve skin tone over time.
Plus, we’re so sure you’ll love COVERGIRL + Olay ToneRehab 2-in-1 Foundation, that if you’re not satisfied with the results, we’ll refund your money.