Monday, June 30, 2014

Favorite Skin Cleaning Products

Hey Dolls!!
 
Today I want to talk to you about skincare.  We all have a different routine and in this type of issues you need to remember that there is no right or wrong  approach.  Every skin is different and every person is different, therefore what may work for me not necessarily will work for everyone out there.  However, I have found a few products that I have to say I love above anything else!!  I have very sensitive skin, however it still normal skin, not very greasy nor dry.  Therefore I try to use products that are fragrance and oil free and that are meant for people with either normal or combination skin, depending on the brand.  And Why I mention this lat thing "depending on the brand" because what may be normal in some brands it may be to dry in other, making my skin look flaky and feeling extra rough.  So please take a look at my most love items below and let me know what you think!!
 
 
The now famous Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System
 
A daily cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing regime. Custom fit for dry, oily or combination skin, the 3-Step regimen is designed to help all skins achieve pure radiance. The 3-Step Skin Care System is comprised of Facial Soap to cleanse, Clarifying Lotion to exfoliate and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion to moisturize.  The toner evens out my skin and its gentle, I use it around 2-4 times a week.  The Soap its super gentle, it leave my skin feeling fresh and extra clean while been gentle on it at the same time.  Last but not least the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion which I use every day and I love because its light on the skin, leaves your face feeling like baby skin.  This product also gives you a soft, healthy looking skin and its a great first step before applying makeup. 
 
ABSOLUTE! Make-up Cleansing Tissues
 
Absolute! Make-up Cleansing Tissues
 
Since I tried this product I fell in love with it.  I have to say its one of the few make-up remover tissues that actually swipes away all make-up in your face with only one tissue.  They are water based with natural extracts, and they gently and effectively removes all make up even waterproof mascaras and eyeliners while moisturizing and refreshing your skin. I use them every other day whether I have make up on or not, before I wash my face with the clinique system.
 
 
 
Eucerin Redness Relief Cleansing Gel
 
If my face brush could to talk, I swear it would thank me for using this gentle wash. The gel formula is nice and light, plus, it contains a licorice root extract, which helps smooth skin and balance redness which my sensitive skins needs.
 
 
 
 
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
 
No, this isn't the wrong photo and product name. I actually wash my face with lotion. It's way less drying (duh), but more surprisingly, I've found that it does just as good a job at getting rid of makeup and grime and oil.
 
 
 
 
Aveeno Clear Complexion & Ultra Calming foaming cleanser
 
This 2 face cleansers are AMAZING!!  They are gentle in your skin and leave it feeling clean and fresh without been harsh to it.  I tend to alternate them between my clinique system for better results.
 
Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes
 
"Don't ever go to sleep without washing your face" (thanks, every actress ever and my mom of course!), I still have a hard time following this rule in my own life (which is probably the one reason I'm not an actress). What can I say, I'm lazy! So facial wipes are a must to keep my pillowcases clean and my skin clear – and I’m partial to these affordable ones, which work well and have a fresh scent but don’t leave sticky residue like many others.  This along with the Absolute! ones are my favorites because of the good results they bring to the table.  Trust me you and your face will thank me later.
 
 
 
Let me know what are your favorites Skin Care Products and your thought on the ones I mention.
 
Happy Styling!! 
 
 
 
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Thursday, June 26, 2014

Battle of the Boxes: Ipsy vs. Birchbox

Hey Fashionistas!!
 
The time has come.  Let's have a real chat about Birchbox and Ipsy.


This all started a few months ago when my sister-in-law told me about Ipsy.  For those of you that dont know Ipsy is a susbcription box where you pay $10.00 a month and in return you received a small make-up bag everymoht full of different beauty products specially picked for you.  Back in September 2013 I did a little research and signed up to receive it.
 
I am almost positive that Ipsy is the new name for the initial company called “Glam Bag”. And all I read about Glam Bag reviews is that they were awful. Shipping issues, duplicating payments, etc. So I stayed far, far away from Glam Bag when it first launched.
However, if Ipsy is the new rendition of the original Glam Bag, I’d say they got their mess together. I’ve been receiving my Ipsy bag for 9 months now and haven’t had a single issue with them. 
 
Now, I heard about other subscriptions boxes and that's how I came in contact with Birchbox.  I wanted to try it for a few months in order to be able to choose which one I like best.  I've been receiving a monthly Birchbox for about 8 months now and just like Ipsy I haven't had any issues with them.However something I do have to say its that for the past 2 months the Birchbox mail has been late, nevertheless they reward their subscribers by adding points to your account that are redeemable for for free products, so waiting a few extra weeks is not so bad after all.  
 
Now for those of you that don't know what any of this boxes are here are some details about each one:
 
Ipsy:
 
Ipsy is created by YouTube beauty Guru Michelle Phan. Michelle and her team of stylists have selected products they love, for you to try. Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for $10 a month.
 
BirchBox:
 
Each month, you'll receive a selection of samples. Their samples are source from both well-known brands and emerging gems.  They have women and men boxes. The women’s subscription includes everything from skincare to makeup, as well as fun non-beauty extras. The men’s subscription delivers top-tier grooming products in addition to lifestyle accessories ranging from hip socks to tech accessories.  On their page you have the option of also buying the products you received monthly once you are done with the samples. All for $10 a month.




 

Similarities:
-Both are $10 a month
-Both send 4-5 products, typically sample sized but sometimes full size.
-Both are personalized based on your beauty profile.
-Both have a points system where you can redeem point for beauty items.
-Both give you options to buy the products once your done with the samples.


 

Differences:
-Birchbox leans towards the skincare/body care end of things while Ipsy leans almost entirely on the makeup end of the spectrum
-Ipsy arrives in a mailer, with a bag inside
-Birchbox arrives in a box
 
 
 
I pay for both of these subscriptions, and as a regular customer I get one of many variations available each month. So while one month alone might not be enough info to make a decision, looking at the results over several months should give you a good picture of what to expect with each box. Please see below pictures of my bags/boxes for the past 3 months and make your pick!
 
BIRCHBOX JUNE 2014:
 
 
Products Included:
Harvey Prince Hello - 50 mlBuy
Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face RejuvenatorBuy
Egyptian Magic Skin Cream 4ozBuy
LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube PencilBuy
Coastal Scents® Revealed 2 Palette SetBuy
 
 
BIRCHBOX MAY 2014: 
 
 
Products Included:
Jouer Luminizing Moisture TintBuy
Kérastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal Thick - CleanseBuy
Kérastase Lait Cristal Conditioner - TreatBuy
Whish Shave Crave Shaving CreamBuy
ElevenSkin Rescue Omega 3 SerumBuy
Supergoop!® Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology, 18 oz.Buy
 
 
BIRCHBOX APRIL 2014 
 
 
 
 Products Included:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow GelBuy
Color Club Gala's Gems CollectionBuy
GUYandGIRL Shower GelBuy
Davines OI / Shampoo Buy
Davines OI / Conditioner Buy
KIND Healthy Grain Bars
 
 
 
IPSY JUNE 2014:
         
            Ipsy Review - June 2014 Items
 
Products Included:
Nyx Butter Gloss
Jesse's Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Laneige BB Cushion
March Anthony Dream Waves Beach Hair Spray
Be a Bombshell LAsh Out Mascara
 
 
IPSY MAY 2014:
 
 
Products Included:
Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair MAsk
Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF50
Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo
Lulu Blossom Dreamsicle Body Balm
Mee Beauty Bee Nourished Night Cream
 
 
 
IPSY APRIL 2014:
 
 
Products Included:
Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-on Eye Pencil Travel Size
Coastal Scents Medium Eyeshadow Brush
Dr. Brandt microdemarbrassion
Elizabeth Mott POP! Goes the Eyeshadow
Starlooks Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil
 
 
So Fashionistas tell us which box do you like better!! Enjoy!!
 
Happy Styling!!
 
 
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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Zimmermann Resort Collection RTW 2015

Hey Fashionistas!!
 
   I’ve literally just stumbled upon on Zimmermann’s latest Resort Ready-to-Wear campaign and I must say, it is on point! I am literally obsessed!!  The detail, style, color pallette, everything is amazing.
 
  Zimmermann, who launched their new resort collection this week in New York, are kind of know for their girly, summery, boho chic kind of look but I must say this collection is a little on the edgy side and I love it.
 
   Here are a few of my favourite looks from the campaign. To see the entire collection visit Zimmermann’s Facebook page.
 
 
zim13 zim12 zim11 zim10 zim9 zim4 zim5 zim6 zim7 zim8 zim3 zim2 zim1
 
 
All images sourced from Zimmermann.
 
 
Happy Styling!  
 
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Thursday, June 12, 2014

Go NEON or Go NUDE

 
Hey Fashionistas!!
 
Word has it that OPI has released Neons by OPI, a collection of six new neon nail lacquers which is a first for the brand! Within this new neon collection they also included Put a Coat On!, a white base coat that instantly boosts neon color. This is definitely something for fans of bright nail polish to cheer about. These shades are perfect against tan skin.
 
The Neons by OPI Collection includes:
 
 
OPI_Life-Gave-Me-Lemons
 
 
Life Gave Me Lemons - citrusy lemon-lime
 

 
OPI_You-Are-So-Outta-Lime
 
You are So Outta Lime! - lime green

 
OPI_Juice-Bar-Hopping
 
Juice Bar Hopping – tangerine cream
 
OPI_Hotter-Than-You-Pink
 
 
Hotter than You Pink – hot pink
 

 
OPI_Push-Pur-Pull
 
Push & Pur-Pull - purple
 

 
OPI_Down-To-The-Coreal
 
Down to the Core-al – brilliant coral

 
 
OPI-Put-A-Coat-On
 
Put a Coat On! – color-boosting white base coat

 

The Neons by OPI is such a fun and versatile collection. These are colors that can be worn on their own, or paired with nudes for a more on-trend look. The shades that call to me are Life Gave Me Lemons and Juice Bar Hopping. Neons by OPI can be found at a price of $9 per bottle and are available in both nail lacquer and GelColor.  Let me know which one is your Favorite! Enjoy!
 
 
Happy Styling!!
 
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