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.  

Things I Bought in a Week : Zoetik Jewelry and Random Beauty Stuff

[All purchased by me]


Some weeks you kind of just buy things to buy things.  I suffer from this once in a while and sadly, this isn't everything.  I have something from Clinique coming in the mail but in the meantime let's get on to the first impressions for these things.  

I have been on the hunt for reasonably priced, nice quality jewelry that's also fashionable and not so "formal" like a lot of things department stores sell.  My hunt for an independent jewelry line that makes affordable jewelry led me to Zoetik, a really new brand that does gold-plated jewelry in cute, trendy styles.  I picked out two bracelets and I got the green braided bracelet for free for being one of their first customers.  I thought it was a pretty sweet deal and with the purchase they send you a coupon code for 20% off that activates if someone you recommend buys from the site. Everyone gets this code and I'm not affiliated with the company in any way.  Click this for the discount (I make zero dollars from this it just gives me 20% off if someone decides to use it): Link

I haven't worn it long enough to know how well these will hold up over time, but from a first impression I think that this brand is worth checking out.  Nothing is overly expensive at all and I think the materials would be especially good for people with sensitivities to certain metals.  If I could change one thing it would be to make the hardware heavier, since I like a chunkier look on the wrist.  

 
This is the random things I buy when I am left to m own devices.  The blush is from Wet n Wild and called Mellow Wine.  I bought it with the lipgloss.  Since I liked the NYC Liquid Lipshine in Wine n Dine so much I got the Midtown Mulberry shade to see if the glosses were all as good.  This shade isn't as opaque as the wine shade but it's still medium coverage.  It leaves a beautiful blush tone on the lips and feels smooth and non-sticky.  The blush is intensely pigmented and leaves a great flush on the cheeks.  I would apply with caution and also be prepared for some powder to kick up when you tap your brush.  Otherwise, it's highly recommended.

I bought the face mask after liking the avocado clay version from the line so much.  I've been trying some activated charcoal products that seem to be doing well for my skin and this does come off more as a scrub.  It does warm up on the skin due to the activated charcoal and smells awesome.  I've only used it once so no long-term effects can be reasonably noted.  The Yu-be moisturizing cream was on my wishlist for a very long time.  I'm glad I got it because it's so light and heavily moisturizing.  It leaves no greasy residue even on the hands.  My only dislike about it is the camphor smell, which doesn't last too long.

The "Wet Brush" was totally random but I was curious about it.  It isn't as gentle as a Tangle Teezer type product, but I haven't used it extensively.  I just really missed having a hairbrush with a handle on it because a Tangle Teezer felt like I was using a dog brush on my hair.  I don't even have a full idea if I like it or not, but my first impression is a little "meh". 

Some swatches!

NYC Midtown Mulberry, Wet n Wild Mellow Wine, Freeman Sugar and Charcoal Mask, Yu-Be Cream

 

Quick Fall Transition: High and Low End

[All purchased by me]

Revlon Berry Smoothie, Clinique Black Honey, NYC Wine n Dine, Bareminerals Daredevil

It's pretty easy to see these are all in the same family.  The Revlon Lip Butter and Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey feel similar on the lips. They're both balmy and light on the lips with a buildable pigmentation.  The Revlon is definitely more pink and less berry but the focus here is on the formula similarities, not the color.  Next up are two products that I just mentioned.  Emily Noel just did a blogpost on this NYC Liquid Lip Shine here and validated that this is a total steal of a product!  This Bareminerals gloss is good.  Check it out.

Discontinued Lancome quad, Chanel Illusoire, Wet n Wild in Silent Treatment

This is also something to show more of the color family, not necessarily the product.  I like the copper shade in that Lancome quad and the forest green adds something special to boring neutral looks.  If I hadn't just thrown the ELF quad in Luxe (only $1 and I dropped it on the train so not going to save it), then I would recommend it here too.  I actually like the way those colors work together better.  That Chanel cream shadow is everything.  It's a showstopper in shade.  It looks kind of similar to the shade next to it in the Wet n Wild trio.  It may not be as multi-dimensional as the Chanel shade but it has a similar effect.  That Smashbox pencil I mentioned a few posts back in Black Gold is also SUPER recommended.

Bourjois Healthy Mix, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk

 Out of all the bases I've used, the Giorgio Armani is probably my favorite of all time.  It just has a perfect airbrushed effect that still manages to be skin-like.  People rave about this fora  reason and I think it's the perfect pick-me-up base.  The closest thing I've found in finish to the Armani is the Bourjois foundation, another popular option around the blogging world.  It doesn't stay matte on me as long as Armani, so it's not highly recommended for oily skin but I think it's a solid one to consider and an all around good base. 

A High End-Free Holiday? Some of my Favorite Drugstore Products

[All purchased by me, one NYX lipstick was a gift from a friend]


I think it's very hard to stay away from high-end makeup normally but its going to be even harder with all of the new releases that are gearing us up for the holiday season (a little too early in my opinion).  This year, I'm going to try a little harder to stay away from the big palettes and fancy packaging.  I don't think this is going to be so realistic around Sephora Friends and Family time,  Luckily for me, a lot of the new things landing at the drugstore (particularly lip products) look very interesting.  I thought this was a good time to look through some of my favorites from the drugstore.

     

The three eye products shouldn't be a surprise since they are well-supported favorites of many people in the beauty community.  The Physician's Formula Lash Booster eyeliner in Ultra Black is very similar to Asian liquid liners.  Most liquid liners, even the ones in a pen form, don't have as fine of a brush type as this.  This formula does really make my lashes look fuller over time if I use this and the serum consistently.  I photographed this with the Revlon Just Kissable Balm Stain below, oops!


  Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze is easy to love, with a creamy and long-lasting formula.  The color is a shimmery mid-tone bronze and super flattering.  I purchased the L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Bronzed Taupe to use with Bad to the Bronze. Alone or used together, this is a gorgeous shade of bronze that's very similar to Bad to the Bronze.

For cheeks, I think this NYX cream blush in Natural is super pigmented, smooth and easy to blend.  I don't really see any aspect of this product that isn't well worth the dollars this costs.  It's definitely one of the most pigmented blushes I own, high or low end.  You can see in the picture below that the texture is really soft and indents with brush fibers. 

I really don't know why NYX Black Label lipsticks are not mentioned as a favorite in every drugstore lip product list.  The formula is absolutely dreamy  and buttery smooth.  They have a semi-shiny finish and aren't sheer or overly opaque.  They're more comfortable than some more expensive lipsticks out there and I think they're definitely worth checking out.  Heiress is an almost perfect nude with a slightly plummy/pink undertone.  Brick is an almost terracotta red-orange.  It is a really great color choice for fall.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey has been on my lips nonstop.  It's so low maintenance and easy to touch up during easy-going makeup days.  It really enhances the color of my lips and works across such a wide range of skin tones.  I definitely recommend this shade to anyone who wants a long wearing and flattering lip color.

Top (L to R): PF liner in Ultra Black, Revlon Honey, NYX Heiress, NYX Brick.  Bottom (L to R) NYX blush in Natural, Maybelline Bad to the Bronze, L'Oreal Bronzed Taupe, Bad to the Bronze under Bronzed Taupe

 

 

Five Empties

[Innisfree serum and DHC gel given by friend, the rest was purchased by me]

I resisted doing an empties post for the longest time since the idea of hoarding trash is something I try to resist (although it still manages to happen quite regularly with non-beauty things).  However, I go through some interesting products that would never otherwise get mentioned.  I don't mention a ton of hair stuff on here or skincare but realistically, these things run through the fastest.

Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam

This is an all time favorite cleanser.  I've used it mostly consistently for years and years because it's just the best neutral foaming face wash.  It creates an insane amount of lather with only a tiny amount of product and never leaves my face dry or tight.  It just maintains the feeling of normal skin while still cleansing the skin deeply.  I've recommended this to guys and girls with success.  I highly recommend it, even if you just use it as a supplement to a balm cleanser (which I do at night).  This has already been repurchased.  I will say that I have a conspiracy theory about the quality control of this product since two tubes from Mitsuwa purchased at different times have different consistency.  One was dense (preferred) and the new one I just opened is more runny.  I also think that the ones purchased in China are also more runny.  Get it together, Shiseido!  All consumers deserve to be treated equal.

DHC Acerola Gel

I had the whole set at one point when I was trying really hard to face some acne scars and general un-evenness in my skin.  At that time I think the serum (which is more of a liquid) was the most effective part of the system but I enjoyed this gel as well.  The whole set came with a lotion but for my oily skin, I found this lightweight gel to be hydrating enough under an spf lotion.  I don't know if this counts as a repurchase since my friend gave me my second tube but if I am ever on the hunt for another simple gel moisturizer, I would consider this.

Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum

This was also a gift from a friend who visited duty free in the Korean international airport.  I was interested in trying this and enjoyed the lightweight, very runny consistency as a morning serum.  I will say, though, that this doesn't quite calm down inflammation as effectively as you would expect something labelled "green tea serum" would.  However, it was a very nice option for using under spf, similar to the DHC.  Between this and the DHC, I would repurchase the DHC over this first.

John Frieda Root Awakening Conditioner

 I bought this since the conditioner of my next empty ran out first.  This was the first time I'd tried a John Frieda product, and it was pretty nice.  The smell was a sweet herbal scent that lingered on the hair with continued use and this made my hair super soft.  I'm not a fan of having intensely moisturized hair since I have reasonable manageable hair that tends to fall flat.  Having something this nourishing made me hair feel a little weighed down over time but I'd recommend this for someone with fine or dry hair.  I'm not repurchasing this since I have my next shampoo and conditioner lined up.

Essential Rich Premier Shampoo

I used this for what seemed like forever after I finished the matching conditioner.  This creates a rich lather and smelled sweet and slightly fruity.  I don't find shampoos to be particularly fascinating but this was more moisturizing than the average.  Like I mentioned earlier, I actually prefer less rich and more volume-enhancing products in my hair.  I purchased the Nuance Airy version and am using that now, with more preferred results.  The set was super moisturizing and my hair rarely got intense tangles with this.  I'd recommend this if it's easy to find but I wouldn't say run out and purchase either set.  A lot of simple drugstore haircare works fine for me and I'll probably go back to those.

Navy Nails: Butter London Royal Navy

[Purchased by me]

Since I've been seeing navy nails everywhere, I thought I would give a quick update on  Butter London polish I got.  It's a really deep navy shade that's satisfyingly bold.  I don't think this wears as well as Molly Coddled, but it doesn't look completely awful after one week of wear. Excuse the quality of this picture... took it on iPhone.

Butter London Royal Navy