Beauty Obsessed: SkinCare

3/05/2013

Five Favorites: February 2013

Sorry , I know this post is a little late, but to be honest with you this month flew by so quick and I forgot to pick my favorites for the month. I know, I'm horrible lol. Well, better late than never, right? Here are my 5 most used and favorite products from February.

Beauty Blender

I kept hearing so many great things about this product so I first bought a knock off version at CVS a few months ago. I wasn't impressed with it at all so I finally gave in and bought the real thing this month and now I understand what all the hype is about. My foundation is so much easier to apply with this and I can see a big difference in how my foundation looks too. Its really easy to clean and I can't see myself using anything other than the beauty blender to apply my foundation. I purchased the beauty blender set for $35 on Sephora's website. The set comes with the beauty blender sponge and the beauty blender cleaner. It was worth every penny!

Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner

I started adding a toner to my skin regimen over the summer and I would try different kinds from drugstores and didn't see much results. So for Christmas my mom surprised me with this product. Mostly every Burt and Bee's product I've tried hasn't disappointed me so I was hoping this would be the same. I've never used any skin products with tomato in it but I guess there really good for your skin. Within a week or two of using this daily I noticed that my skin stopped getting oily towards the end of the day and I also noticed less breakouts. I've read a lot of mixed reviews, some people hate it, some people love it. I guess it depends on your skin type. I have combination skin, more dry than oily and I love it. They sell this at my local Target for around $20.

Remington T-Studio Pearl Ceramic Curling Wand

I've never bought one of those expensive curling wands, for example,the Enzo and after using this curling wand I would never spend that much money on one. This Remington Ceramic Curling Wand gives me really pretty curls that actually last. It comes with a wide variety of temperature settings and one of those heat resistant gloves so you don't burn your fingers. I really like that you can achieve different types of curls; tight ringlets, bouncy curls, beachy waves, etc. If I didn't already know how much I paid for this I would have guessed it cost a lot more than $25! I highly recommend this if your looking for a good curling wand but don't want to spend a lot of money. I got mine at Walgreen's but have also seen it at other drugstores.

Tweezerman Stainless Steel Clippers

My nails tend to grow very quickly so I need to cut them down almost every 3 weeks. I don't like to use a nail file to cut them down because I feel like it weakens them so I use a nail clipper. I've been looking everywhere for a nail clipper that has a flat straight edge instead of the usual slight curve edge. When I use the regular nail clippers it makes it a lot harder to keep the shape of my nails square. So I finally came across a pair by Tweezerman on Amazon for only $5 that have a complete straight edge. These are actually toe nail clippers but I use them on my nails so I get a nice even straight cut and not a curve. It makes it so much easier to shape my nails the way I want them now. If you're looking for a pair like this and haven't found them at a store, go on Amazon.

e.l.f Studio Powder Brush

I bought this brush before I bought the beauty blender, but I wanted to add it to my favorites because it really is a great brush. I've used this brush to apply powder and liquid foundation and it works really well with both. I was surprised at how soft and dense the brush was and that it doesn't shed. I have brushes like this that cost way more that shed everytime I use them. Even more, it always picks up the right amount of foundation and deposits the pigment evenly and flawlessly! For only $3 this brush is definitely worth it!! I found this brush at Target with all the other elf products.

Have you tried any of these products? What were your most used products of February?

Click the links below :)

1/08/2013

e-naturalne French Green Clay

I've been wanting to use a good, natural face mask for a while without all the nasty ingredients that are in the usual masks I use. Than a few weeks ago e-naturalne asked if I would review one of their products and I chose the french green clay. e-naturalne is an online company that sells organic cosmetic products that are made for all different uses. They sell everything from essential oils to face and body scrubs to plant extracts and much more.

To make a basic mask you mix equal parts of the french green clay (it comes in powder form) with equal parts of water.

I mix equal parts of the french green clay with equal parts of water. Then I add a few drops of Aloe Vera gel since my skin is more on the dry side. The clay and water mix easily into a paste. I use my fingers to apply it over my face and neck then leave the mask on for about 10 minutes or until I feel it harden. It does feel a little tight on your skin, but it's a good feeling and then I rinse with water and a washcloth.

It looks messy inside the bowl but when applying it's not, it doesn't drip or stain anything.

The benefits are amazing! I had no idea, the first time I used this I couldn't believe how soft and firm my skin was! After just one use my skin felt tighter, softer and toned. I've used the mask only 3 times and it's helped my skin stay clear and fresh looking. A mask like this should only be used once a week, once every two weeks if your skin is dry.

I highly recommend this product and wish I started using it a lot sooner! You can also add different ingredients to customize a mask for your skin type. Jojoba oil, honey and avocado are just a few items you can add.

Take a look at the e-naturalne site to see the different ways you can use the french green clay and all the benefits you will reap.

Have you ever used a french green clay mask??

Click the links below :)

12/29/2012

Throwback Saturday- DIY Lemon Facial Scrub

A few weeks ago I wrote about how I wanted to bring back some of my older posts from when I first started blogging. I think it's fun to see how my writing has improved over time and my newer readers get a chance to read posts that they probably haven't read. Like I said in my other post I'm only going to use the posts that got a good amount of views.

The Throwback post for this week is DIY Lemon Facial Scrub and its from June 2011, a month after I started my blog. This is a really great facial scrub and I still use it to this day. Just click here to read the post and let me know what you think :)

Click the links below :)

10/03/2012

Five Favorites: September 2012

1. Conair Bun Maker-

I usually like to throw my hair up in a bun, either when I'm working out because that seems to be the only way from my hair flopping all around. I also like the messy bun look and when the bun has volume. Before I bought the Conair Bun Maker I would put my hair up in a ponytail and twist the rest around and use bobby pins to keep it in place but I really couldn't mess around with it, or give it any volume. I always wanted to try one of these bun makers so when I saw it at Walgreen's on sale for $2 I couldn't resist.

The conair bun maker comes with a donut looking loofah, ponytail holder and four pins. Its really simple to use, all you do is put your hair up and then pull it through the hole and wrap it around the donut; then you pin the ends, one end of the pin goes through the donut and the other end goes in your hair at the scalp. Just make sure to spread the hair around enough that the donut isn't showing through. Then use the remaining pins to secure it. I like to tease the ends of my hair after I pull it up so it gives me some extra volume. I'm glad I bought this because I use it whenever I feel like wearing a bun now.

2. Sally Hansen LA CROSS Perfect Arch Brow Set-

I don't like to do my own eyebrows except for plucking a few stray hairs. I always get them done at the salon. Plus I don't enjoy the process and I feel like I might tweeze too much and be left with half an eyebrow. I picked up this kit at Ulta because of the angled scissors that came with it. I heard they make shaping your eyebrows a lot easier.

Besides the angled scissors it comes with a little plastic shaver that's disposable, and a brow brush. This little kit is a lifesaver for me. The angled scissors make it really easy to pluck the hairs that are out of place. I like the razor and comb even though I haven't used the razor too much (still a little nervous) but now that I have this I don't have to go get my eyebrows done as frequently. The kit was $8 at Ulta and I would definitely recommend it.

3. e.l.f. Nourishing Cuticle Pen-

I made a recent trip to Target to see what elf products they had and I bought a few things, but one of my favorites is this cuticle pen. I'm always trying to take care of my nails and cuticles. I usually use creams or oils and have never tried the pens until now. The oil is very soothing and stays on even after washing my hands. It's not greasy at all and the marker makes it very easy to apply. I've been using this pen instead of my usual cuticle cream and my cuticles look just as good. I should have stocked up and bought a bunch of them since there only a $1.

4. Rodan + Fields ANTI-AGE Overnight Restorative Cream-

I did a post a few weeks ago on the Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH skin care regimen I received. I was sent a 60 day supply to test and review on my blog. Click here to read the post if you want. Along with the four products I got I also received there anti-age overnight cream that can be used with any one of there regimens. I honestly have to say I love all the products and so far my skin looks so much better (but I will be posting an update on that soon).

For the last 6 months I've been waking up with oily skin which is weird bc I've never had oily skin before. I've always had normal to dry skin even in the morning. Well, after using this overnight cream for about a week or so I noticed my skin wasn't as oily in the morning. Besides that, my skin feels smooth and looks alive again. Check out my post to see the rest of Rodan + Fields products, they really do work.

5. e.l.f Studio High Definition Powder-

This was another fav from my trip to Target. For $6 this powder is great! I use it after foundation, blush and bronzer and it pulls everything together and makes my skin look matte and in an airbrushed way. It's a translucent powder that's really fine and goes on super smooth and evenly. It comes with a small makeup puff that I use to apply it then blend it out with a fluffy powder brush. Another great product, gotta love E.L.F!

Those have been my 5 most used and favorite products this month. Have you tried any of these?

Click the links below :)

9/12/2012

Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH Review

I have something really exciting to share with you!! I know you all remember ProActive, America's #1 selling acne treatment. You know, the commercials with Justin Beiber, Katy Perry and all the other millions of teenagers that benefited from it. Well the same doctors that created ProActive have a new company called Rodan + Fields, the latest in skin care technology and ingredients to give you the best skin of your life.

They have developed four different Multi-Media Therapy Skin Care Regimens:

UNBLEMISH for acne prone skin, REVERSE for sun damaged skin, ANTI-AGE, for lines, wrinkles and large pores and SOOTHE for sensitive skin. These four treatments can also be customized for someone who has a combination of these skin issues.

I was very lucky to be asked to test and review one of their famous skin care regimens. That's where UNBLEMISH comes in. If you're not sure which regimen is right for you then go to there website and use their solution tool. The doctors will recommend a treatment for you based on a few questions about your skin issues.

UNBLEMISH REGIMEN FOR ACNE AND POST ACNE MARKS

"Breakouts? Unpredictable? Unreasonable? Unfair? Take control with our UNBLEMISH Regimen. Clinically proven to combat the entire acne cycle, this sophisticated regimen helps unclog pores, clears breakouts and calms your complexion to keep pimples, blackheads and post-acne marks from making an unwelcome appearance on your face—and in your life".

This 60 day supply comes with 4 different products that are to be used together.

1. Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash

2. Spot Fading Toner

3. Dual Intensive Acne Treatment

4. Oil Control Lotion SPF 20

*I also received a bottle of there Overnight Restorative Cream that can be used with any of the regimens.

Here are some before and after pictures I found on the Rodan + Fields website:

Impressive, right? That's what I thought, so bring it on UNBLEMISH!!:)

So here's the deal, I'm going to post a "before" picture today and then in 60 days I will post an "after picture. I will also do a few update posts every few weeks to let you know how it's working.

Here is my before picture:

(I know the picture doesn't really show too much since I usually get smaller pimples. However I do have blackheads, sun damage, post acne marks, bumpy skin, etc!!)

If you have skin issues you want to address, you should really give one of these systems a try. It can boost your confidence,self esteem and give you the skin you deserve! I am definitely looking forward to starting this program.

Rodan + Fields has a full 60 day money back guarantee. In other words, you can try it for the full 2 months and if you're not happy for any reason, you can return the empty bottles and get your refund. You really don't have a lot to loose. As a preferred customer the cost is $144 for each 60 day supply, which also includes special perks!

If you're interested click here to check it out.

**All reviews are based 100% on my truthful experiences with the above mentioned product(s), and are not swayed by compensation of any kind. I received these products in order to conduct my review, but that has zero influence on the outcome of my review. If you would like your product or service reviewed contact me at kelbananas14@yahoo.com**

Click the links below :)

8/17/2012

Updated Review & Video: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

In the beginning of the summer I picked up a bottle of Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs in Tan glow for the first time. I know this product has been around for a while but I never payed any attention to it. I was always under the impression it was just another self tanner for your legs.

Sally Hansen Salon Airbrush Legs in Tan Glow ($11.99)

What they claim:

"Imagine pantyhose-free flawless legs. Spray-on leg makeup stays fresh and natural looking all day. This lightweight formula is water and transfer resistant. New Palmaria Extract formula enhances coverage so legs look and feel silky smooth and sexy"

How to use:

Shake well. Spray directly into hand and apply on legs and feet. Blend evenly and completely Let set for 60 seconds before dressing.

My Thoughts:
It's not too often when I agree with everything a product claims to do, right? Well I honestly have to say with this one I do. I was pleasantly surprised, like I said I thought it was some kind of self tanner. Then when actually reading the package I found out its makeup for your legs aka "foundation". I've used this at least 10 times already and love it! I could kick myself in the you know what for not buying this when it first came out.

Pros:

- Covers up any imperfections on my legs; (ex) razor bumps, sun spots, light freckles.

- Flawless airbrushed finish with a tint of color that looks completely natural

- Water Resistantt- I've been in the pool and at the beach with this and it doesn't
budge. It comes off easily with soap and water in the shower.

- Blends easily and quickly, I've never had any streaks or blotches.

- Dries in less than a minute. I can do both of my legs in under 5 minutes including
drying time.

- Available in 3 different shades; light glow, medium glow and tan glow

- No mess or stained hands.

- Buildable, depending on how much coverage you want, you can apply more than one
layer and it will slightly enhance the color and coverage.

Cons:
The only con I could find (and its really not a big one) is that it has a little of a cosmetic smell to it but that is because it's a cosmetic product..

**Instead of taking before and after photos I thought a short demonstration video would be better. Let me know what you think!! :)

Have any of you tried this product before and if so how do you feel about it?? I would love to know!!:)

Based on application, price, results and packaging I give Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs a 5 out of 5!

Click the links below :)

4/13/2012

Review: Simple Sensitive Skin Care

Don't you just love when you receive a package in the mail that you weren't expecting? Especially when there beauty products! If you haven't heard of Daily Glow.com, their a beauty website that has a bunch of tips, reviews, trends, etc. They have a group called Trendsetters where they'll send you products to review every now and then. I've been a part of this group for about a year and have got to try some really neat stuff.

Review: Garnier Skin Renew: BB Cream

I wanted to do a review on this product the first day I used it but I have a rule when it comes to reviewing products. I wait at least a week (less or more depending on the product). I picked up Garnier's Skin Renew BB cream in (Medium/Deep) with low expectations. I honestly have never heard of BB cream before and they promised immediate skin perfecting coverage and instantly even radiant and smooth skin. I was thinking, yea right. It was hard for me to believe that this one product could do all that, but something made me buy it anyway.

Five Favorites: February 2012

It seems like this post sneaks up on me every month for some reason, maybe because every month seems to go by so quick. Especially this one since it's the shortest. I didn't buy too many new products this month, so these are products I've used more of this month.

Quick Tan
Bronzing Spray
by Body Drench

I bought this in the end of January and instantly fell in love with it and I've been using it a lot this month. It's been great because I feel like I have a natural tan in February. One of the main reasons I bought this and love it is because unlike other self tanning sprays this one gives you instant color. It's not an orangy fake looking tan either, it actually looks real. I still can't believe it because I've been looking for something like this for a while. Since it's winter I only really use it on my face, neck and sometimes arms. Before finding this I used to use Neutrogena's Micro Mist Sunless Tanning Spray and I liked it but I had to wait about 6 hours for the color to develop. With this you can either use it for a special night out and spray it lightly after you've done your makeup. Or you can use it like a self tanner and spray it before putting on any makeup every other day to build up the color. It doesn't make my face break out at all either. I actually found out about this in a post from another blogger. I ran out to Sally's Beauty Supply the day I read her post and bought it. It was $19.99. Click here to read my full review on this product.

Guest Blogger: Beauty by Arielle

Hey Dolls!!

I have a special guest bloggler for you today, Arielle from Beauty by Arielle! She was so kind to let me guest post on her blog last week and now I'm excited to have her share some great information with you today! Arielle's blog has easily become one of my favorites.

I want to thank Kelly for allowing me to guest blog today! She did a wonderful guest post about nail files on my blog that can be seen here. I am very excited to share this post on eye cream with you!

In our twenties, I know many women do not see the need to use an eye cream yet. We tend to think of eye creams for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. I was shocked to learn that we begin to lose the elasticity in our skin at age 19. Yes I said it-at NINETEEN! What this means for us ladies is that to prevent those fine lines and wrinkles from forming we should be moisturizing the skin around our eyes starting ASAP. Moisturizing can help delay the process of fine lines and wrinkles from forming.

Wednesday Poll Time! How do you fake a summer tan in the winter?

Hey Dolls!!!
I'm excited to start this new weekly feature on my blog! Every Wednesday I'm going to put up a new poll for you to vote on and the questions will be mainly beauty or blog related. I will keep the poll up until the following Wednesday so you can vote or see everyone else's answers. I think this will be fun to see what your fellow bloggers feel about certain topics and it might surprise you too!

You might be wondering about my beauty tip of the week feature, I started to realize that each week I was running out of specific tips to post. So instead of coming up with tips you've already heard or tips that wont benefit you I decided to stop that feature. That does not mean that there still wont be plenty of tips in my other posts, I'm always finding new tips to share, but it's not always once a week and I don't want to continue with a weekly feature if I can't guarantee I will be able to deliver. I hope that makes sense and you guys are okay with it :) I'll see how it goes for a few weeks and if I don't get a lot of feedback then I'll go back to the beauty tips.

This week's poll is: How do you fake a summer tan/glow in the winter?

Since we're right smack in the middle of winter (my least favorite time of the year) skin can tend to get pale. I personally need to have some sort of color or glow, I don't know about you guys. If you do, I want to know how you go about getting some color or a glow in the winter.

Vote in the poll below, if you have a different answer there's an option for you to add it. Make sure to leave a comment!!

1/17/2012

Creme 93 by Yonka Paris Giveaway!! Provided by Verve 360 Salons!

Hey Everyone!!!!

I'm very excited to kickoff my 1rst giveaway! There will be 2 more giveaways between now and April of this year. These giveaways are in celebration of my blog reaching 300 followers!! I never thought that I could have so many wonderful people that actually want to read my blog. I'm not going to go into a long speech about how much I appreciate all of you bc I know you hate that and I hope you guys already know how much I appreciated you. With that being said let me tell you about the great prize!

A full sized bottle of Creme 93 by YonKa Paris (over $50 in value)

Let me tell you a little bit about the product. It is a delicate day moisturizer that protects stubborn combination skin from the environment. YonKa Creme 93 Protective and Balancing Cream hydrates and rebalances the T-Zone and combination skin from environmental aggressors. Stimulates the skin's ability to repair itself. T-zone complexion is instantly revitalized and enlivened with no sign of dehydration. Self adjusts moisture level associated with combination skin through a scientific aroma therapeutic cocktail of normalizing phyto sources. Skin is thriving with vibrancy and clarity. Leaves the skin feeling velvety smooth with a new fresh and even complexion.

This product has great reviews from numerous places, Makeup alley is one of them. This is a luxury product that you don't want to pass up!

Thanks to Verve360 Pittsburgh Salons for providing this amazing prize! You can also check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vervewellness.

MANDATORY ENTRIES:

Must follow my blog via GFC- 1 entry

Leave a comment telling me why you would like this product or why you think you would benefit from it. - 1 entry

Submit your email address via Feedburner (right side of my blog) - 2 entries

(make sure you validate your email subscription or it wont show you as a subscriber and wont count)

**Unfortunatly if you dont complete the 3 mandatory entries I will not be able to include your entry**

* These are included when you use Rafflecopter to make it easy for you :)

REQUIREMENTS

Must be 18yrs+ to enter or have your parents permission.
Prize will be sent directly from Verve360
Open to the Continental United States only (sorry to all my international followers, hopefully next time I can make it for everyone)
The giveaway ends on January 25th, 2012 at 11:00pm
The winner will be contacted by email and has 48 hours to reply, if I don't receive a reply after 48 hours I will be forced to choose a new winner.
Complete the mandatory steps in the Rafflecopter form and make sure to read everything.

Thank you and Good Luck!!!

To enter click Read More and fill out the Rafflecopter entry form.

Guest Post: The Importance of SPF and a Skin Care Routine

Hi! My name is Aly and I'm so honored to be able to do a guest post for Kelly's blog! I have my own beauty blog- www.seventhingsbeauty.blogspot.com . I love makeup and I consider it to be a creative outlet for me. In this post I would like to share with you the importance of skincare and my own, personal routine.

I know skincare may seem like a very boring thing that you don't need to pay much attention to. Before I really started getting involved in makeup, I thought the same thing. I really thought that my skin would always look like it did when I was a kid. I grew up in southern Ohio and if you live there, then you know the weather varies a lot . It will be 100+ degrees out in summer and then below 0 in winter. We also get a lot of wind and a decent amount of rain. Growing up, I never applied sunscreen when I was out in the sun like when I went to an amusement park or water park. My mom would always lecture me, but I never really saw the need to put on sunscreen, despite her wishes. Sometimes I would just to keep my mom happy, but that didn't always happen. I would get itchy, red sunburn all over my face and shoulders and I always complained.

Wednesday's Beauty Tip

Beauty Tip of the Week

ACNE?

TRY TEA TREE OIL

Have you ever thought of trying using tea tree oil if you suffer from acne? I'm not saying you have to have severe acne either, I bought a bottle of this to use as a spot treatment. I even dab it on parts of my face that are known for breaking out even if there are no visible blemishes. By doing this for a few months I noticed less blemishes and even some scaring I had seemed to fade away. If you don't know what is in tea tree oil let me tell you:

Wednesday's Beauty Tip

Beauty Tip of The Week

CREATING THE PERFECT CANVAS

Before you put on a single dab of makeup on your face, there are four things you need to do:

Wednesday's Beauty Tip

Beauty Tip of The Week

WHY YOU SHOULD CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES PRIOR TO FIRST USE

Woman that have sensitive skin or often have skin reactions are skeptickal when buying new makeup. Their afraid it might make them breakout. Personally I dont have sensitive skin but I have some friends that do. I can understand how annoying it might be not to buy a new product you really want bc you're afraid of your skin reacting to the chemicals. However, the makeup might not be the problem, how often do you wash a makeup brush before you use it for the first time? I'll admit it, I never used to wash my brushes right after I bought them.until recently. It never occurred to me that a lot of brushes are treated with different chemicals that can irritate your skin. Next time you buy new makeup brushes give them a thorough cleaning before you use them, It might be the solution to this annoying problem. Even if you dont have sensitive skin, its a good habit to get in to.

How many of you wash your brushes before using them for the first time?

Click the links below :)

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10/04/2011

DIY: Pumpkin Facial Mask

After our few weeks of Indian summer ended and the cool temps we've had this week, I'm now in the fall mood. I came home the other day and noticed my mom had put a pumpkin in front of our house like she does every year. As soon as I saw the pumpkin it reminded of this pumpkin facial mask I tried last year. I immediately couldn't wait to post this for you guys. The ingredients in pumpkin will help all skin types, high in Vitamins A and Z and Zinc, this squash helps heal and protect the skin from free radicals, while gently dissolving dead skill cells. When you add egg and milk it helps bind the mask together, nourishing and lifting the skin.
I found these easy recipe to be very soothing and moisturizing and my skin had a healthy glow afterwards. Again, I would never share a recipe with you that I haven't tried on myself :) So after Halloween is over don't throw away your pumpkins!

Ingredients:

- 2 teaspoons of cooked pumpkin (you can also use canned pumpkin)
- 1 egg
- Splash of milk

Optional Ingredients:
For Dry Skin- you can add a small amount of honey- it will attract and keep moisture inside your skin where it belongs.
For Oily Skin- mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar for an astringent effect.

Directions:

Whisk together the pumpkin, egg and milk
Add any optional ingredients and mix gently
Apply to your face with either your fingers or an old makeup brush (avoiding the eyes)
Relax, read, do chores or whatever you would like for the next 15-20 minutes
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and apply your regular moisturizer

*Put an old shirt on that you don't mind getting ruined and put a towel on your counter or floor. If you drop some you don't want it to ruin your clothes or floor.

Let me know if you try this and how you liked it :)

Click the links below :)

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