On the Hunt: Laura Gellar Face Products

[Purchased by me}


For some reason, I was struck with the NEED to try Laura Gellar's Balance and Brighten face powder.  After encountering some disappointments during the onslaught of recent friends and family sales (and one very failed Hautelook attempt), I was happy to run into this little kid at Ulta.  The price tag said $25 but it rung up to be $20 (yay!), even though the retail value is over $80(???? seriously??).  It has a face powder, setting powder, blush, brush and primer.  Here are some first thoughts:

The primer is the only thing I haven't tried, but I'm not one to notice a big difference after using a primer (besides the Hourglass one, mentioned in a previous post).  If this does wow me, I'll be sure to note that.  The brush is also kind of a throwaway since it shed like crazy initially. After washing it, it seems a little better but nothing too amazing.

On to the really good stuff...

Matte Maker Invisible Blotting Powder, Balance and Brighten in Medium and Blush and Brighten in Boysenberry

The matte translucent powder is very nice.  It's very smooth and really mattifies the skin without any feeling of layering the skin with an additional product.  It takes away the shine but doesn't add any heaviness to the skin.  The Balance and Brighten has so far impressed me in the wear.  It creates a demi-matte finish that looks very natural and the Medium shade is a good match for my skin because this product doesn't have very intense coverage.  I would say it's on par with a light mineral foundation with better staying power.  It won't cover any dark spots but I think it makes for a nice setting powder for a light foundation as well as over just concealer for lazy days.  The blush has very nice pigmentation but kicks up a lot of powder when you tap it.  It's a great product for the colder weather and I really am pleasantly surprised. 

Overall, this is an inexpensive and cute little kit for people who are interested in trying the line.  I think I will continue to play with all these and keep an eye out for more sets going on sale in the future.   Keep your eye out for some empties and a Shu Uemura order coming in soon!

Masks, masks, masks
Freeman, My Beauty Diary and Clinique

[All purchased by me]



I think some people wouldn't be willing to invest in a variety of masks because they have a reputation for having only short term effects.  If you have a working rotation of good masks on hand that you use throughout the week, however,  I think you can start to see some long-term results that are really visible.  In my mind, there are three main types of masks I like to keep on hand: clay, paper and overnight.  

Clay Masks:

The most famous would be the Queen Helen Mint Julep mask, which is a cult classic.  I think it's also one of the more intense clay mask offerings, but one which I do like.  The one I'm currently using is the Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask, which has a lighter texture and isn't as drying.  I'm also using the Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Polishing Mask, which is more of a mask/scrub hybrid, but I like traditional clay masks better.  I wanted to incorporate more charcoal into my routine, with Boscia and Origins on my wishlist (go figure high-tech skincare involves rubbing coal all over the face).  Clay masks should instantly calm down your skin in terms of redness and inflammation.  It should also draw some smaller pimples or existing blemishes to the surface to speed it's healing.  I find that both of these masks have that effect, but a pure clay-based mask should be more calming than one that doubles as a scrub.


Paper Masks:

These are my emergency go-tos when my skin is really acting out and I don't want to keep irritating it.  Paper masks adhere a lot of serum on the skin for enough time and then sleeping with the serum on instead of washing it off means you wake up with glowing skin.  The My Beauty Diary masks are pretty popular and for a good reason.  They're inexpensive but they get the job done.  It's the texture of these masks that set them apart from ones you can find in stores in the US.  My favorite ones are the Natto and Arbutin versions, but most of them have solid ingredients.  Try a few to see what works for you.


Overnight Masks:

I love gel masks for cold weather.  If you find your skin drier during the winter (who doesn't?), these are a good option to try.  I've tried the Body Shop Vitamin E version and a Naruko version, but this Clinique one is the best by far.  It's non-scented and has a cream gel texture that sinks into the skin and keeps skin plump.  I have a sneaking suspicion that this could be used as a night cream by those with dry skin.  


I keep these masks on a rotation.   I reach for clay masks once or twice a week around the days I am most stressed, which is usually mid-week.  The paper masks are on hand for once a month (or less recently since I'm rationing these) or every other week is needed.  Overnight masks are a twice a week occurrence at least when the weather is cold.