May Favorites

May has gone by way too fast! I have my favorite beauty products of the month. If you want a more indepth review on any of the products please let me know down in the comments, and as always if you have tried any of these products please let me know your opinion. Here are a few of my favorite things this month.

Stila Sun bronzing powder in #02. 

It contain 0.28 oz of product. It's a warm semi matte bronzer. It has a large mirror on the inside as well. The bronzer is perfect for giving your skin a sun kissed look. It applies smoothly and not pachy. It also stays on for a while. 

Elf Blush Palette in Light ($5)

My palette has been mixed and matched but the one I have been using the entire month is the seemingly hot pink one. The color is by all means not hot pink. It goes on the cheeks as a beautiful pop of color and is not overwhelming. The palette is a steal considering you get 4 blushes. The blushes also pop out so you can mix and match however you want. They also have a bronzer palette and highlighter palette with the same idea. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Color Correcting Adjust ($39)

This primer is green tinted so it is going to cancel out any redness and correct discoloration, hence the name. You get 1 oz of product. The primer however is not a full coverage green concealer. It is going to do minor changes in the skin as well as prime it to ensure makeup stays on longer. I like to use it as an added step when getting all glammed up around the areas where redness seems most prominent. 

Too Faced primed and Poreless Pure ($30)

This is an old time favorite. It fills in pores and makes your makeup stay on all day. It is silicone based and you get 1 oz of product. I like to use this in addition to the smashbox color correcting adjust just around the t-zone where my pores are the largest.

Covergirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencil ($6.74)

The pencil glides on smoothly and last for a while. They are very similar to the NYX Jumbo eye pencils except you do get more in the covergirl one; you get 0.23 oz. The shade isn't on the pencil but it is a light pink shimmery shade, perfect for inner corner highlighters or a all over the lid color.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara ($21)

This mascara is a long time favorite in the beauty community. It gives incredible length. The brush is qutie small so you can get into every single lash. It doesn't smudge or budge, perfect for the scorching summer months. It does also come in waterproof.

Elf All Over Color Stick in Persimmon ($3)

The perfect drugstore cream highlight. It glides on smoothly and blends beautifully. I love wearing this on its own or paring it with a shadow highlight for an extra pop. The cream highlighter makes any shadow highlighters stay on all day and look perfect.  

Clinique 3-Step System Review

The Clinique 3-Step System retails for $57 if you buy all three: Liquid Facial Soap ($17), Clarifying Lotion ($14), Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($26). I personally have Dry to Normal Skin so I brought Type 2, which is for Dry to Combo skin. Clinique's website has all the types including for Men's. Sephora and Ulta has the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and Gel, Liquid Facial Soap and Clarifying Lotion only for Type 2 and 3. They also have travel sets and sizes for varying types, but not the full product for each type. I will link the websites at the bottom.

The Logistics:

The line comes with 4 different types: Type 1 - Very dry to dry. Type 2 - Dry combination (this is the one I have). Type 3 - Combination Oily. Type 4 - Oily. They also have a line for men's and acne prone skin. 

• Liquid Facial Soap - You get 6.7 fl oz or 200 ml. The product comes with a pump which turns to close it (you can't push it down to dispense product).
• Clarifying Lotion - You get 16.5 fl oz or 487 ml. The product, I think, comes with a pump but i'm still not sure how to use it.
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + - You get 4.2 fl oz or 125ml. The product comes with a pump but you can also buy it without a pump (still the same price)

It's Claims (I got this straight from Clinique's Website): 

• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - Dermatologist-developed formula combines all-day hydration with skin-strengthening ingredients to help skin look younger, longer. Helps strengthen skin's own moisture barrier by 54%, so more moisture stays in.
• Liquid Facial Soap - Our guiding dermatologists believe in simple, effective cleansing: soap and water. Soft, non-drying lather cleans gently, rinses easily. Helps remove the stress of pollution so skin looks younger, longer. In 3 skin-typed formulas. Protects skin's natural moisture balance so there's no taut or dry feeling.
• Clarifying Lotion - Dermatologist-developed formula helps reveal fresher skin. Sweeps away dulling flakes so moisturizer can do its job better. Helps fine dry lines disappear.

My Thoughts: 

• Dramatically Different moisturizing Lotion - it is good. The consistency of it is thinner and more watery than I expected. It goes on really light weight and not heavy. However it does give moisture, quite a bit of it. I use one pump and that does my entire face and my neck. It is perfect for the summer months where you are sweating and you don't want your moisturizer to feel heavy. Overall the product is great and the price is reasonable for the amount of product you get. 
• Liquid Facial Soap - is okay. It foams up a lot. A little does go a long way. I found out that using one whole pump is way too much for my face, and sometimes the foam gets into my mouth and nose. I just didn't see or feel a difference while using this. I feel like any cleanser would do. It is very light and it's great for sensitive skin. The pump does lock so if you want to travel it won't spill everywhere. 
• Clarifying Lotion - by far my favorite. It is something I definitely will repurchase. I take a cotton round and dump the bottle upside down then back up really quick. A little goes a very long way and for the price and the amount you get is a total steal. The product does sting a little at first, but that is normal. I have noticed that the flakes around my nose have disappeared (the moisturizer may have helped). So overall it does "sweep away dulling flakes so moisturizer can do a better job". Worth every penny, definitely would recommend. 

Overall my thoughts on the line is a positive one. The line is not too expensive, obviously more than a drugstore version, but not as much as higher end skin care products. The price is definitely a steal for how the product have been working. I have gotten no breakouts or reactions. I think if you have sensitive skin the Clarifying lotion might be too harsh, but everything else will work great. 

http://www.clinique.com/3-step-collection
http://www.sephora.com/clinique?node=1050055&currentPage=3
http://www.ulta.com/brand/clinique-skin-care?N=1z12lx1Z1z141cpZ2707

Lipstick Queen Sinner Collection

Lipstick Queen Sinner Collection retails for $24 at both Ulta and Lipstick Queen Website, both will the linked on the bottom. The product is good but I don't think it is worth the $24. You can get other lipsticks that works just as well for a cheaper price. Comparisons will be on the bottom. 

The logistics:

You get 0.12 oz of product in one tube of lipstick. The brand is cruelty free and gluten free. The collection has 20 shades. On Ulta's website only 18 of the shades are available, on the official lipstick queen website all 20 shades are available. I own the shade Bright Natural Sinner and Nude Sinner. 

Its Claims (I got this straight from Lipstick Queen website):

• Each Sinner shade is also available in the Saint formulation with 10% pigment for a gorgeous tint of color.
• Matte opaque lipstick with 90% pigment
• Moisturizing and long-lasting dramatic color
• Fragrance and shimmer free
• The glamorous look of the Golden Years of Hollywood but with modern comfort and technology

My Thoughts:

• I totally agree that the lipsticks are opaque. They glide on smoothly and doesn't get patchy or crumble as you continue to wear the lipstick. 
• The lipstick is moisturizing and long lasting. I wore the lipstick for around 7 hours. My lips were never dry and the color remained without reapplication for 7hrs. I even ate dinner with it on and I didn't feel the need to reapply. For dinner I had macaroni salad and a bagel, so not must of a greasy dinner but still eating was involved. They also stay within the lip line. 
• The lipstick has a sweet play doughy scent. Given that I smelled it straight from the tube. When you apply it to your lips there is no scent. The lipsticks have no shimmer in it; completely matte. 
• The packaging for it is perfect. The case is glossy but matte at the same time. Very slick and modern and classy. Something to display on your vanity for sure. The case is blue with purple duochrome to it. 

Overall the product is great. If you can justify the price then go for it. The lipstick has everything you could want all in one, but it is one of the more expensive lipsticks. 

Left - Bright Natural Sinner
Right- Nude Sinner

Comparisons (All prices are Ulta's): 

• Butter London LIPPY Moisture Matte Lipstick retails for $22 and you get 0.14 oz. This gives you mostly the same things as the Lipstick Queens. From the pigmentation to the lasting power to comfort the lips. The only thing is that this range only has 12 shades instead of the 18-20 shades given in the Lipstick Queen Sinner Collection. 
• NYX Matte Lipsticks retails for $5.99 and you get 0.16 oz. They are a bit dryer but they give you the pigmentation and lasting power like Lipstick Queen. 
• NYX Round Case Lipsticks retails for $3.99 and you get 0.14 oz. They are not matte but they give the comfort that is given by Lipsticks Queen. Unfortunately they do not have the same lasting power and they do smear out of the lines a bit. But you do get them so much cheaper. 
• If you are looking for something that has pigmentation and lasting power I would recommend liquid lipsticks. Anastasia Beverly Hills carry incredible ones, Stila Stay all day, Tarte Tartiest. The liquid lipsticks are going to be a bit dryer but they do stay on longer. 

If you try this product please let me know in the comments down below, and share you opinion!

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5120071

http://www.lipstickqueen.com/sinner.html

Take A Deep Breath Cushion Foundation Philosophy

The Take A Deep Breath Cushion Foundation by Philosophy really did take my breath away. The foundation is absolutely incredible. It has a creamy almost wet yet drying formula that goes on your skin smoothly and looks very natural. It retails for $40 at Ulta and Philosophy's website (I will link the websites down at the very end)

The Logistics:

It is a cushion foundation which means it has a mesh with the inside soaked with the foundation. A cushion foundation is suppose to give you more natural finish to the skin and a more convenient compact way to travel. Instead of hauling a tube of foundation you are given a sponge, the foundation and a mirror to apply on the go. However the foundation is only 0.44 fl oz. instead of the regular 1 fl oz you find in most liquid foundations. It does contain SPF 20 which is perfect for the summer months to come. The SPF does mean it has a expiration date, and this is one of the things I love most about the packaging of the foundation. The expiration date is given to you at the bottom of the foundation so you never have to dig through old receipts or rake your mind to find out when to throw this away. It does also come with sponge applicator, but I don't ever use it. 

It's Claims (Straight from Ulta's website):

• Exclusive clean-air technology oxygenates and refreshes as it helps protect skin
• Fluid texture and breathable finish
• Mesh filter ensures fresh and clean application
• Instantly locks in hydration
• Evens tone and smoothes texture with a breathable, weightless finish
• Sheer to full coverage

My Thoughts: 

• It does protect your skin, after all it does have SPF 20. However I would not use as your only SPF. Usually in the summer I layer this foundation with a moisturizer that has SPF as well. 
• The mesh filter does ensure a fresh and clean application. There is a cap within the packing for the cushion itself (more evident in picture). This ensures that each application will be as fresh as possible. This doesn't mean nothing else will get into the foundation. It is still exposed to air but not so much. The mesh is not as clean as one may think. Foundation can get around the mesh, like mine did, but only in the tiniest bit. I felt like when I used a big brush 
  
  foundation did get around the edges. 
• I do feel like this can lock in hydration. I have normal to dry skin, and it does not make me look oily throughout the day. It doesn't make me feel dry either which is another plus.  
• The foundation does give you a breathable, weightless finish. It looks like skin and feels like skin. It does not get cakey as you layer more foundation on. 
• It does deliver a sheer to full coverage depending on how much you layer. Using a light hand you can achieve a sheer to medium coverage, while using a harsh hand can give you full coverage or continuing to layer foundation on. 
• The foundation comes in 8 shades at Ulta, starting with #3 as the lightest shade and #10 the darkest. I have #5. At the Philosophy website it only has #3 to #8, i'm not sure if that is all they carry or if they have ran out. 

Without Flash Shade #5

With Flash Shade #5

If you guys try it out please let me know down in the comments, and let me know your opinion. 

http://www.philosophy.com/take-a-deep-breath-foundation.html

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod13521021

Anastasia Glow Kit Review

Anastasia Glow Kits are worth every penny you would spend for it. It retails for $40 dollars on Anastasia's website, Ulta or Sephora. I will link them at the very bottom of the page. These highlighters are absolutely worth it. You get 4 highlights each wearable in its own way and looks perfect on every skin tone. I own the kit in Gleam which is more cool toned and lighter. The other kit, That Glow, has darker shades and is more warm tone. You can click on the links below to see how That Glow looks.

The back of each pan

The Logistics:

Each pan is 0.26oz each and you get 4 pans. The pans itself are magnetic so if you want to pop them into a Z-palette you can. You are not given a mirror which kinda sucks. The product does have a magnetic closure. The shades are limited to the glow kit, which means they are not sold individually.
The shades included are (descriptions are straight off ulta's website):

• Hard Candy - mood-changing golden peach with a pink pearl reflective finish 
• Mimosa - radiant golden peach with a metallic finish 
• Starburst - rush of cool peach with iridescent finish 
• Crusted Pearl - glimmering pink and silver with a crystallized finish

My thoughts: 

The highlighters are beautiful and worth every penny. The formula is amazing, giving great pigmentation. The texture of the powders are not chalky or grainy. The powders are finely milled giving a soft, but not crumbly feeling. They can be used as anything.

• Hard candy -  on my skin tone it works best as a blush or a blush topper, rather than a highlighters
• Minosa - is harder to use for me. It is too dark for me to use it as a highlighter, but if you have darker skin than me it would look beautiful. I also like to use matte bronzer so Minosa is too shimmery for me. I have been using it as a eyeshadow, however, and it works perfectly.
• Starburst - is one of my favorites in this kit. It has a pinker tone to it compared to Crushed Pearl. 
• Crushed Pearl - one of my other favorites. I love mixing this one with Starburst together to create a more intense glow. This one is a little bit more white than Starburst, so lighter skin tones would look beautiful in this shade. 

From left to right: Crushed Pearl, Starburst, Minosa, Hard Candy

http://www.sephora.com/glow-kit-P406576
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod13811021
http://www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com/glow-kit.html

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water is an incredible foundation/BB cream. Although it is stated as a BB Water it gives, me personally, around median to even full coverage. The main ingredient is water as the name implies, which would water down the product and make it look more natural and more like skin.

The Logistics: 

It contains 1fl. oz of product or 30ml. It has an SPF of 30 which is awesome for the summer days. It is a dropper foundation, in which instead of a pump or dumping the product onto your hands, it has a dropper and you can drop as many drop as you like. I usually use 3-4 drops to give me median coverage. The bottle is glass, completely glass the cap is not though. The glass bottle is nice but it comes with some hold backs. If you are traveling I would be careful. Glass breaks when it is bumped into hard and sharp edges and might shatter and get into everything else.

Its Claims: (I got it straight off Ulta's page)

• Primes: Blurs out imperfections like fine lines, pores and blemishes

• Protects: SPF 30 helps shield skin from environmental damage

• Perfect: Sheer-to-medium coverage comes easy with its buildable, liquid-silk consistency. Plus, 8 forgiving shades means one for every skin tone. Guaranteed.

• Hydrates: A revolutionary formula infused with elements of Primer Water quenches skin

• Oil & alcohol free: Expect a gorgeous sheen. No shine.

• Formulated without parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, oil, fragrance & talc

My Thoughts:

I can't argue the formulated without parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate etc. However let's talk about the rest. 

Primes: Sure. I don't feel like it does a whole lot. I still like using a primer (I like using the Too Faced Primed and Poreless Pure), but i'm just a primer girl. Primers are totally optional. I don't see a drastic change in diminishing pores or fine lines. 

Protects: I can't argue that either. It contains SPF. A big plus. However be aware that SPF does give flashback so if you want to wear this on say a wedding or prom or any other event where you want to take nice photos DON'T. 

Perfect: I totally agree! I even think it can go full if you really want to build it up. When I use it I can build it up till I get almost full. Median is for sure attainable by using 3-4 drops. Given I don't have a lot of problem areas. I have a few pimples and acne scars but nothing too dramatic. My main issues are with discoloration and evening my skin tone as well as covering some of my blemishes. The constancy is very liquidy. The main ingredient of the product is water.  I have mine in the shade light/median. 

Both swatches are in the shade light/median

Hydrates: I would totally agree. My skin doesn't feel dehydrated or dry. Given I do have normal to dry skin. 

Oil and Alcohol Free: It's not suppose to give you any sort of shine or oily effect. I would somewhat agree. I think with my skin type I can feel the oils around my T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin). I can feel the oil when I touch it; so when I run my hands down my nose I can feel the oil. However it does not appear shiny or if I don't touch it it doesn't feel noticeably oily. If you have oily skin I would be in some way weary of this. Doesn't mean you should try it, but go to a store (Ulta or Sephora) and test it on. 

Let me know if you pick up this foundation/BB water and tell me how you feel about it!