Back to Basics - Skin Care Update

Back in October of last year, I posted about some skincare products I had been using and what my current skincare routine was at the time. At the time, I was enjoying everything that I was using.  In my June favorites post, I mentioned that my skin went all out of whack, how I freaked out and went back to basics for my skincare needs. I was like ok the basics for me are cleanse, treat and moisturize my skin. For cleansing, I like a light exfoliation in the morning and cream cleanser at night to help remove my makeup. For treating, I'm prone to breakouts, got pores going on, some dark spots and want to address anti-aging. Also I do like using weekly masks, peels, scrubs etc. For moisturizing, I need something that absorbs into my skin but doesn't contribute to my oiliness and I need an SPF for the daytime. Not too much to ask right? Some of these items you've heard me mention in previous favorites posts. Here's what I've been using and more importantly, what's been working for my skin.

Cleansers/Makeup Removers

I went back to the Biore Unclogging Pore Scrub. This was my favorite cleanser to use in the morning. Before I stopped using this I had purchased 3 tubes. I like using this in the morning in the shower. Sometimes I use it twice a day if I don't wear makeup on that particular day. It's not a harsh scrub, I like the tingling sensation and how my skin feels once I rinse it off. It feels smooth and not super tight/dry.

I randomly picked up the Olay Foaming Face Wash for Combination/Oily Skin when I was in Ulta. To me to this is more of a cream cleanser vs a foaming cleanser. This really got some use in July when I was doing a bunch of travelling. This was the one cleanser I took with me and used morning and night. I really really enjoyed using this cleanser. It gets my face clean but it doesn't feel stripped or have a tight feeling. I could stick with just this cleanser. But I do like having the Biore cleanser on hand too. There's also a Sensitive version that has good reviews. If you're looking for a good simple cleanser then check this one out.

I also use makeup remover wipes and I keep picking up random brands to try lol. Right now I have Maybelline Clean Express and Aveeno Ultra-Calming makeup remover wipes on hand.

I'm still using the Garnier Nourishing Cleansing Oil and enjoying it. The only thing I don't like is the packaging. It leaks but it's not enough to make me throw it out. But it's enough to be annoying. I don't know if I was a messed up bottle or if this is normal. Once I use it up, I won't be repurchasing it.

I'm still making my way through the H2O+ Dual Action Eye Makeup Remover. I'm still liking it but I forget to use in the evening when I remove my makeup! Oye! So when I do use it up, I don't plan on repurchasing it or any other eye makeup remover. Using a makeup remover wipe and the Olay cleanser gets all my eye makeup off. It's just another step that I don't really need.

Toner

I know some people say that you don't need a toner and then others say yes you do. Well for me, when I've had a toner in my routine, it has helped my skin. I'm still using Neutrogena's Clear Pore Oil-Controlling Astringent. I've lost count on how many bottles of this I have purchased. I was going pick up Dickinson's Witch Hazel again but this one does have Witch Hazel in it along with Salicylic Acid. So I'm sticking with this one.

Moisturizers

I've talked about the L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector products in previous favorites post. I'm still using and enjoying the Day/Night Cream. I don't plan on switching it out of my routine anytime soon. It absorbs into my skin nicely and it helps mattify my skin along with keep it moisturized. I've used both day and night.

When it comes to moisturizers with SPF I am very picky! I don't do thick ones. I need something that absorbs into my skin and doesn't make me oily. I picked up the Cetaphil Oil Controlling Moisturizer from Ulta. I was iffy on it once I mentioned picking it up to my beauty pusher and she said that she didn't like it. When I first started using it, I was meh towards it. But the more I use it, the more I've grown to like it.  So I will continue to use it. I may check out one from Neutrogena at some point next year. But again we'll see on that.

Eye Cream

I still have the L'Oreal Youth Code Eye Cream on hand and I'm still enjoying it. I've looked at some Olay ones. I may try one next time Ulta has a sale or I have a coupon. The L'Oreal one I order online from an Amazon seller which is fine but it would be nice to have something that I could get directly from the store. I have some sample ones that I am trying to use up now that aren't from drugstore brands (Murad Essential-C Eye Cream and Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel). Once I use them up, I will crack open the tube of the L'Oreal eye cream that I have.

Treatments

The Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum is a favorite for the year! I think this is my third or fourth bottle and I have a back up bottle waiting in the wings. This is one of the best serums that I have used. I love that I can score a deal on it from stores with store promos and coupons. I was tempted to try another L'Oreal Youth Code serum but I'm not going to. This helps keep my skin smooth, soft and addresses anti-aging.

The Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10 is what I have been using for blemishes and I love it. It blends in nicely to the skin but doesn't dry my skin and cause dry patches like some acne products with Benzoyl Peroxide. It gets the job done quickly in taking care of blemishes too. It's one of the best acne spot treatments that I've used. This will stay in my skin care arsenal!

Alpha Hydrox's ResQ has been a long time favorite. It's a dupe for philosohy's Help Me. I added this back into the rotation a few months ago. I stopped using it earlier for a little while to "see" if I really needed it. I noticed a difference. Retinol has so many benefits in addition to anti-aging. Plus this one also has Vitamins A,C and E. So check this out if you're looking for a good retinol but don't want to speed a lot of money.

Alpha Hyrdox's Oil-Free Treatment 10% Glycolic AHA is a newer item to my skin care routine. I picked it up based off of several reviews on Ulta's site from acne prone users who said that it helped them with their breakouts and control oil. It also helps with anti-aging. Since I use the ResQ at night, I only use it in the morning based off of information I found on Alpha Hydrox's website. So far I'm liking it and will keep using it.

Masks, Peels, Scrubs

The Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque is awesome sauce. I have used this off and on for years but really have been sticking to it for the last few months. I use it once a week every Sunday. Sometimes twice a week if I have a lot of breakouts going on or if my skin is just "congested".

I've mentioned the Queen Helene Grape Seed Peel Off Masque in my August 2014 favorites post. It's awesome sauce as well. I use this twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The peel gets all the gunk out of my pores and firms the skin (especially my neck!).

I mentioned the St. Ives Pink Lemon & Madarin Orange Scrub in my November 2014 favorites post. I'm still enjoying it. The times where I have been lazy do the Queen Helene Masques, I'll make sure I use this since it doesn't take long and it does the job. So this is another product that will remain in my skincare stash. I haven't seen it at the Ulta store that I frequent. So I need to go by Target and get another tube.

And there you have it!! Phew! Seems like a lot but it really isn't. I don't use all these products everyday or even twice a day.

It's kind of cool that everything that I am currently using is a drugstore/low cost product. For the most part I am consistent with my routine but I do have lazy days. Mainly on the weekends if I'm at home and not going anywhere. If you're curious about skin care at the drugstore, I highly recommend picking up products from Ulta. They seem to always have some type of promo going on, they have coupons you can use ($3.50 off $10, $5 of $15 or 20% off) and they have a pretty good return policy.

There are a few higher end items that have caught my my eye. Was tempted to pick up a Perricone Today's Special Value a few months ago, a Kate Somerville acne product had caught my eye and I've been contemplating trying the new Proactiv + line. But honestly what I have been using has been working. Even when I get lazy and don't do my masques, my skin is still pretty decent. I also love the fact that everything I'm using I can pick up from Ulta, Target or the drugstore. I do love me some online shopping but it is nice to run into a store and get what you need every now and then lol!! So as the saying goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it! So this will be my routine unless my skin goes whacky again.

Beauty 2015...

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

I follow The Posh Blog on Instagram and I've watched a few of her YouTube videos. In November she said that she was going on a no buy. She recently did a blog post on whether or not she was successful and the eight things she learned. It was an interesting read. Of course it got me thinking yet again about my beauty ways.

I've picked up a some things here and there that have caught my eye. I've scored some good deals and picked up things that I am really liking. I have been BETTER this year at returning/exchanging items that I don't absolutely LOVE! Which is big for me. Most of the time, I'm like wellllll it's not bad or I can "make" it work. For instance, I think since 2010, I have purchased the Bare Minerals November Today's Special Value (TSV) from QVC which is their holiday TSV. I got this year's TSV and it sat for maybe a week and half to two weeks and I did not touch. It just said on my dresser. Usually I tear into as soon as I get my hands on it. I finally did a look with it on Thanksgiving. It was just ok. I wasn't wowed by it. Then I was like well maybe....then I thought about it and said NOPE, SEND IT BACK! No more wishy washy. No ma'am! No sir! NO MORE! I've talked with some friends and beauty lovers on Twitter and quite a few are on the same wavelength. What's the purpose of keeping something that you're lukewarm towards? That's just  a waste of money and more stuff taking up space.

I've also done what I think is my final makeup purge for the year. Instead of operating on a complete no buy, I'm going to attempt a "low buy" for 2015. Of course I will replenish what I need but I am going to be very critical when it comes to future beauty purchases and try not to buy into the "hype" from YouTube, Instagram or beauty blogs. I need to do a bit more organization in my 10 drawer cart as well. Maybe I'll do an updated makeup collection post and you'll see the difference from October 2013 and now. We'll see. So that'll be my beauty focus for 2015 along with using what I have!! Maybe I can actually hit pan on an eyeshadow or blush lol!!! Let's see how I do.

Stay tuned...

Palette Play December 2014

Ok sooooooo....this was supposed to be Drugstore December. But I picked up a couple of Stila palettes that I was going to wait and play around with next month buuuut I didn't want to wait. So there lol.  Here is what I'll be playing around with for the month.

Week of November 30 - Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadows

First column: Bella Emerald, Bella Black

Second column: Bella Purple, Bella Teal, Bella Espresso

Third column: Bella Bronze, Bella Champagne, Bella Gold

I got these from a friend a while ago and I have yet to play with them. I could depot them and put them into a Z palette. A nice mix of shades for a palette.

Week of December 7 - Stila In the Light Palette

I got this for $20 from Sephora online. I've heard that the "In the..." palettes are being discontinued. So check Ulta and Sephora online if you are interested in these palettes. This reminds me so much of the original Naked palette and y'all know that is my favorite palette. I've heard good reviews on this palette.

Week of December 14 - Stila In the Moment Palette

I got this from Ulta online. I kept going back and forth on it. But come on it's a purple and neutrals together! It's my palette happy place. The reviews on this palette are good as well.

Week of December 21 - Wet n Wild Sparkle 'Til Morning

This a short work week so we'll see how much use this gets. I have had it for a while and have yet to play with it *hangs head in shame* The makeup hoarder struggle.


Week of December 28 - elf Baked Shadows

I'll be hanging around at home for the most part this week. So we'll see if these get any use at all. These are good for a quick one eye shadow look which is all I'll probably be up to doing. The four shadows I have are Burnt Plum, Chocolate Dream, Bark and Passion Purple.

And Palette Play is done for 2014!!

Thanks for riding this out with me. I think I did a job good with utilizing my various palettes, quads, single shadows, etc. this year.  I'm going to do something similar for 2015 but slightly different. So stay tuned...

Polish Play December 2014

Let the festive nail polishes begin!

I got a set of minis from China Glaze's Twinkle Collection which is their holiday collection for the year. I got them from Fab Polish which is a subscription service for nail polish. This service is different in that you get 4 mini polishes a month. Which isn't bad. I mean have you ever truly used up a nail polish? So we'll see how this goes. I'll try to stick with until the Spring. How cute is this set right? I could probably use just this set from the month. But you know there's more lol!

De-Light, Define Good..., Pine-ing for Glitter, Feeling Twinkly

Here we have a hodgepodge of polishes. I pulled out the Sephora by OPI glitter polish that gets a lot of love in December. When I got the glitter OPI polish Let's Do Anything We Want! from The Muppets collection, I instantly thought about using it during the holidays. I also pull out OPI's Live and Let Die during the holidays every year since I've had it. It's a beautiful dark green polish with some gold glitter in it. The Urban Decay polish I scored from Sephora when it was on sale. It's a beautiful red polish. The Dior one I scooped up from a blog sale and the SpaRitual ones I scored from Ulta on sale. I've never tried SpaRitual before.

First row: Urban Decay Mrs. Mia Wallace, Dior Amazonia, Sephora by OPI Good Tidings We Bling

Second row: OPI Live and Let Die, Let's Do Anything We Want!

Third row: SpaRitual Ill Ume, SpaRitual Days of Wine and Roses

I hope you enjoyed these posts and that they helped you reach into your stash. Or pick up something new.

Let's paint some fingas!

November 2014 Favorites

Happy November! Excuse my non-painted nails in some of the pics. Here's what I've been loving and not liking for the month.

Eyes

I typically don't use traditional foundation (paddle) brushes when doing my makeup. I have 3 of them. But recently I pulled out my Real Techniques Essential Foundation brush to use to blend Bare Minerals Stroke of Light under my eye and I LOVE IT!  To me it mimics the patting motion that I do with my fingers. I also pulled out my Eco Tools Foundation brush to do the same thing and have been loving it too. So score for putting brushes I typically don't use to use.

I haven't used the Bare Minerals Ready 2.0 The Enlightenment in a while. This month I reached for it more to blend out my eye looks and highlight under my brow.

Lips

My berry toned lip favorite for the month has been Lancome's L'Absolu-Rouge lipstick in Berry Noir. I loved how this felt on my lips. If felt more like a lip balm than a traditional lipstick, it wears nicely throughout the day and the color is gorgeous.

I'm back on EOS lip balms. I haven't had any in a while until a friend of mine gave me Strawberry Sorbet. Then I picked up the newer ones in Coconut Milk (pink stripe) and Vanilla Mint (blue stripe) from Ulta when they were buy one, get one half off. I currently have Strawberry Sorbet and Vanilla Mint open. They are good to prep your lips before putting on lip products or if just don't want anything heavy on your lips.

I picked up the Studio 35 Beauty Cocoa Butter Lip Balm from Walgreens randomly one day. I have really been enjoying it. It's another lip balm that doesn't feel heavy on your lips but it is really moisturizing.

My nude lip favorite for the month has been Revlon's Mink lipstick. This is great nude lipstick. It goes with anything. It's not "too" nude and you don't have to baby it.

Buxom's Full-On Lipstick in Barcelona came in Buxom's Red Hot Set that I got from Sephora during the VIB Sale. I have not tried these lipsticks from Buxom before getting this one. So I was excited to give one a go. I love the way that this lip product is shaped. It's not as fat as a traditional chubby lip pencils. So you can be really precise with the application. I also love the color. It is described as scarlet apple but to me it's a brick red. It wears nicely throughout the day and doesn't dry out your lips.

Face

The blush that I could not get enough of this month is MAC's Fever blush. It's described as an intense reddish-burgundy shade and it's a permanent blush. It's great to pair with berry and red lip colors.

The Sigma Small Contour F05 brush is a brush that I have two of but hadn't been reaching for it to use for contouring and applying bronzer on my face. I added back into my rotation this month and have really been enjoying it. I have also used it for blush and applying my Bare Minerals foundation. It's a good multipurpose face brush.

My favorite brush to apply blush with is an angled blush brush. The e.l.f Studio Angled Blush Brush is awesome. It's super soft and makes blush application easy. You also cannot beat the price of $3! I plan to get another one.

I picked up the Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 from Ulta a while ago. I haven't been wowed by it and hadn't planned on repurchasing it one I use it up. Was talking to a friend of mine who uses Bare Minerals foundation and I asked her what primer she uses with it. She was like most of the time she doesn't use one. I was like say what now? She was like their foundation is touted as a skin care foundation and she gets better results with it and less oil production without a primer. In my mind I was like shut the front door and got the thinking. The Cetaphil lotion is touted as an oil control one which I didn't really see using it as part of my normal face/makeup routine. So I was like let's try it like a primer. So this is my last step in my skin care routine. I let it sit of my face while I get dressed and do my hair and then I proceed to do my makeup. I have been LOVING it this way. Who knew! I have also tried this with the L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Day/Night Cream as well which also works but I like the Cetaphil lotion a tad better. It'll be interesting to see how this works for me when the warmer temperatures roll back around.

 I think I've found the missing piece to my routine with the St. Ives Even Bright Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub. When I finished up Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate, I was on the hunt for a similar product. On Instagram, a person I follow posted her skincare routine and she had 2 scrubs by St, Ives that she uses I was going to check Ulta but I ended up in Target. I was looking at the St. Ives Scrubs along with the Target version of them. I went with the Even Bright one since I already have items in my routine to address acne and I wanted something for brightening. Also this is a moderate scrub. I don't do harsh scrubs and some of the reviews I read that people like their other scrubs but they felt harsh on the skin. The base of this one is creamy, so it easy to work on the skin. I have an updated skin care post that I had wanted to get up last months. It's coming. On the packaging it says, "polishes away little imperfections for bright, radiant skin". It also say that says visibly even toned skin and I can say that it does. After using it my skin does appear brighter. Also so post acne marks are starting to fade. So another great drugstore skin care find!

Nails

I picked up OPI 's A-Piers to be Tan from Ulta on sale. I mean seriously on sale. I got for $2 and some change. It's a pretty warm tan shade. I will be keeping this in easy reach.

Maybelline Color Show Downtown Brown is a unique nail polish. It's hard to describe what it looks like because it depends on how the light hits yours nails. It can look brown or green but it also has a hint of red in it. Some have called it the nail polish version of MAC's Club eyeshadow which a duo chrome shadow that unique as well. I went Amazon to see if I could find it. I did but haven't taken the plunge to get a back up, like I really need it.

Maybelline Color Show Avante Green and Sinful Colors Call You Later was my favorite nail look this month. This would be good to wear closer to Christmas. It's bright and festive looking.

Body

If I had to pick a favorite scent for the year, it would probably be Bath and Body Works' Amber Blush. I got this scent Memorial Day Weekend. I have used up the body cream and the shower gel is just about done. It's a bit fruity and a bit sassy at this same time. It's not too much for day and it definitely can be worn at night.

I came across the CVS Intense Relief Moisturizing Hand Cream during a CVS visit. This is the CVS version of Aveeno's Active Naturals Intense Relief Hand Cream. I'm always on the hunt for a good hand cream. I've been liking Aveeno's Positively Nourishing Whipped Souffle, so I why not give this a go. I have really been enjoying this hand cream. It sinks into the skin nicely, it doesn't make my hands feel sticky and it's soothing. I keep it on my desk at work. I would definitely repurchase this.

Random Stuff

From avenue.com

I don't like coats. The heaviest coat I want to wear is a leather jacket. I do have a peacoat that I usually wear in the winter time. I was poking around on Avenue's website and I saw that they had quite a few quilted jackets. I went into the store near me to take a look. I ended up getting the Quilted Anorak Jacket with Hood. It's not heavy but somehow it does keep me warm. For the purpose of going to and from my car during the work week, it suits my needs. I also like the hood and that it's detachable. I also like that it zips up to my neck. So if I'm not wearing a scarf, I can keep my neck warm.

Surprise Products of the Month

Thought I wasn't going to have anything here. I picked up The Maybelline Nudes palette over the summer and just going into this month for November Palette Play. I was excited about this palette because there aren't any true large palettes at the drugstore from your traditional drugstore brands like Maybelline, Covergirl, Revlon, etc. Then I was a little leery since the reviews on it have been so so but I should have know better. I've had a lot of Maybelline quads, especially the Styling Smokes ones which I loved. I got rid of them only because I had similar shades in other mid-range/high end shadows. I'm glad I picked this up. The colors are nice and great for everyday. This would also be great for travel. It can also take you from day into night. I rarely use a black eyeshadow since I'm scare it'll be too much and hard to blend. The black shadow in this palette is pigmented just enough and easy to blend. I also love how Maybelline put this palette together. You have 13 looks with this palette that they have mapped out for you on the back. There are 3 quads, 4 trios and 6 duos. So if you need some guidance, it's there. There is a Smokes palette that I have seen people get from Walgreens. I haven't found it yet. There is also supposed to be a Brights palette. I can't wait to get my hands on them.

The Buxom Pen & Ink Long-Last Eyeliner  was also included in the Buxom Red Hot Set I mentioned above. It's shaped differently from your traditional liquid liner and I LOVE IT! It makes the application so easy! And doing a cat eye is so simple. They have a dark brown that I want to check out to see how dark it is. One think that has me worried is that some of the reviews say that it dries out quickly. So I will keep an eye on it but so far it's still working for me. If it holds up, I have found my holy grail liquid liner.

Meh Products of the Month

I picked up the CVS Soothing Hand Cream. This is their version of Neutrogena's Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. I've heard good reviews on the Neutrogena one but every time I'm in CVS I don't see it. So I decided to try this one. I did not like it. It's a gel consistency. It doesn't sink into the skin nicely, it's not all that moisturizing and it can make my hands feel sticky. So I won't be repurchasing this.

I ended up returning the Anastasia Beverly Hills Tamanna palette to Nordstrom. Shocker I know. Do not get me wrong, it's a beautiful palette. But when I used it, I would look at it and I had to force myself to create a look with it. So there was no point in me keeping it.

Another random lip product purchase from Walgreens was the Vaseline Lip Therapy in Creme Brulee. This was my first time trying a Vaseline Lip Therapy and I wasn't impressed. It's not all that moisturizing. You'd be better off using regular Vaseline. So in the trash it goes.

And there you have it. Not too bad this month. Tried not to "talk" too much. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

On to December!

Polish Play November 2014

This month is Maybelline Color Show month! These were my favorite nail polishes from the drugstore before I stumbled up Milani.  I've been meaning to show them some love for the last few months but got side tracked by other polishes. I was able to stand them up in my little bowl. Cute right? Excuse my messy dresser.

I'm wearing Impeccable Greys and Carbon Frost now. I'm really liking Carbon Frost which is one of their Shredded polishes. It's their version of the crackle/shattered polish and better to me than the ones I have from OPI, China Glaze and Sally Hansen. It goes on easily and the crackle effect is really nice and even. I'm wondering if there are anymore colors of their Shredded polish. I may look into that. Impeccable Greys is my favorite dark gray polish and would definitely repurchase it. I also like the packaging. It's sleek and easy to open. I also really like the brush. It's a nice size and gets the color on your nails easily. This is going to be a fun Polish Play month.

Palette Play November 2014

I went back and forth on whether not to combine November and December. With the holidays almost upon us (I can't believe it!) and my makeup play days being "limited", I had thought it would make sense to combine the two months. But then I was like nah lol! Plus I have some other things I want to play around with before December since I will be doing drugstore December again. Ok enough rambling. Here is what I will be playing around with for November!

Week of November 2 - Anastasia Beverly Hills Tamanna Palette

I finally broke down and got the Tamanna palette after using the Maya Mia palette and really enjoying it. Aren't the shades pretty? I already did a look with it when I got it home.

Week of Week of November 9 - Bobbi Brown Bronze Tortoiseshell Palette

I've had this for a while and have rarely used it. It randomly popped in my head when thinking about what I wanted to use this month. A pretty neutral palette. May try to use some Maybelline Color Tattoos with it.

Week of Week of November 16 - Urban Decay Smoked Palette

I went back and looked to see if I had used this already for the year. I had said in July that I was going to take it for with me for my work trip to St. Louis. I honestly don't remember if I took it with me or if I even used it during that week. Oye vey!!! But I'm going to use it now lol! This was dubbed my favorite palette for 2013. So why not give it some love right?  It's currently on sale for $29 at Ulta,

Week of Week of November 23 - Maybelline The Nudes Palette

To get the party started for Drugstore December, I'm going to be use the Maybelline The Nudes palette. I got this over the summer and have yet to use it.

Let's go!

**Ok so AFTER I posted this I saw that I didn't take the Smoked palette with me to St. Louis. I ended up taking the Laura Mercier Artist palette! Phew. LOL! Ok on with the Palette Play!