Tag: beauty

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

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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

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.

Free/Good Deals

I love CeraVe, and you can too for free!

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood1 Comment

This is what will be in your free cerave gift box

I discovered this line of skin care when I read about it on Hudabeauty‘s Drugstore product of the week.  I have been using it ever since and love it!  If you would like to try a free sample for yourself click the link below!  You definitely won’t regret it, and you might just find your new love too 😉

Click here… I love CereVe

Beauty Subscription · Make up

What is this ipsy thing you speak of?!

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood18 Comments

Ipsy glam bag subscriptionAccording to their website… “ipsy” comes from the Latin word ipse, meaning “sense of self.” Celebrating beauty of all forms in the world, ipsy provides a platform for anyone to express both their inner and outer radiance.

For only $10 a month (or $110 for a full year subscription), subscribers will receive a beautiful “Glam Bag” with deluxe and often full-sized beauty products. You won’t be billed until your subscription begins and after that you’ll be billed on the 1st of each month.  Check it out for yourself using my referral link https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=uqdkx

I have been subscribed to ipsy for a few months now and have really enjoyed trying out new and exciting products from brands that I might never have heard of or tried otherwise.  If you enjoy makeup, you will love ipsy. It is also a great way to be able to try out new and different brands without spending a ton of money.

You don’t choose what you get in your “Glam Bag” each month. You basically take a quiz/survey of the things that you like.  Then based on your likes, they send you samples and some full size products to try. Most of the things are higher end type products. It is a fun way to get to try out new things before buying them.

What to know a little more about what ipsy is?  Here are some answers to ipsy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: When do bags ship?
A: Bags ship the middle of each month. We will send out a confirmation email when your bag ships.

Q: Which bag am I getting?
A. When you subscribe, we tell you which will be your first bag. In general, sign up before the 1st of the month to get that month’s bag.

Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: We currently ship to the U.S. (incl. Territories and Military Locations) and Canada. Please stay tuned, though, as we’d love to serve you all!

If you have more questions, you can find some more answers at the ipsy site

Make up · Review

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

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood1 Comment
SUPERSTAY BETTER SKIN FOUNDATION IN CLASSIC IVORY
Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Foundation

While I did receive the Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Foundation complimentary for testing purposes, I will always give my complete and honest opinion.  Here is my first update on my week one of the #betterskinchallenge.

According to the Maybelline website Superstay Better Skin™ Foundation is a “Longwear foundation that improves skin’s appearance every minute you’re in it. With the antioxidant power of Actyl C, a more durable form of vitamin C. For all skin types. Medium to full coverage. Superstay Better Skin Foundation gives an all-day flawless coverage and better-looking skin in 3 weeks. The foundation reduces the appearance of spots, dullness and uneveness and gives you a brighter, more even and stress-free skin.”

That is a lot of claims for a foundation!  So I am very interested to see what results I get.  Who wouldn’t want brighter, more even and stress-free skin!

My skin type is fair to medium, normal to combo skin. Since it is the summer I am a bit darker (if you want to call it that ;-)) than I naturally would be in the winter and spring.   As I mentioned, I received this foundation for consideration so I didn’t choose the shade myself.  I was sent the shade Porcelain 10, which would probably be my winter shade. I have to admit, because of the wrong shade, at first it was a bit of a struggle for me to figure out exactly how to make this foundation work. After a few days of using the wrong shade, I went to CVS and asked if I could exchange it for a different shade. (side note: CVS is so great about returning any beauty products that you are not 100% happy with even if it has been opened and used a bit.)   I exchanged it for the shade classic ivory 20. Now that I have the correct shade,  I have really been liking it.

I have been wearing it every day for about a week and a half. While I don’t actually have any major skin issues to begin with, I do have some spots and uneveness that I would love to see reduced.   In the last 10 days that I have been wearing the Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Foundation, I can’t say that I have seen any major changes to my skin, but I will continue to test it out for the full three weeks and see if there are any overall improvements.