Orange You Glad You Did?

Source: Inspiration Image

Spring is in full-force. The hot ticket item?  Orange lip color!  This hue is unusual, bold and undoubtedly glamorous. Whether you shop for your cosmetics at the drugstore or the beauty counter, pick up a tube of tangerine goodness to complete your spring look. Tell them Rachel sent you.

You can get the party started here 

From L // R

1. Revlon Colorburst Matte in Audatious

2. MAC 'We're Back' Lipstick in Tangerine Dream

3. Dolce&Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Delicious 415

Just Bitten

Just Bitten, $7.50 Drugstores

Drugstore alert! 

This product is major.

I can't say enough about Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.  This product provides all the benefits of a stain/tint product but applies and feels like your favorite lip balm.  The color can be intensified by the amount you apply.  If you desire a super, color-rich lip; you'll want to apply two or three coats.  If you prefer just a subtle look; apply one coat.

Update: I applied my Balm Stain at 8am this morning and it lasted through breakfast and two cups of coffee, lunch and some afternoon snacks and the stain is still on my lips.  No joke!

As evidenced above, you can't beat the stay-power of this product.

With 12 vibrant shades, you really can't go wrong!  I am tempted to buy in two or three colors, I love this product so much!

Kiss away . . .

Drugstore Essentials

Ahhh, there are so many fun and exciting things going on in my life right now and I’m finding it hard to concentrate on what I’m supposed to be doing, momentarily, so I’m writing a blog post in lieu of alternative productive activities!

Drugstore skin care items worth purchasing:

1.   Garnier Skin Naturals Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream

In an effort to lower the cost of my beauty product budget and a desperate need for quality face moisturization; I selected Garnier’s  Skin Naturals Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream as the “summer drink” for my parched face.  I bought this product in anticipation that I would use up the remainder of my daily face moisturizer, Clinique DramaticallyDifferent Gel Moisturizing Gel, sooner than later.  I finally got around to religiously using this gel cream in the evenings and as-needed for daily use and have been awestruck by the quality of this product. This product delivers all the benefits you would find in a designer skin care brand but at a fraction of the price.  The product does an outstanding job locking in moisture and does not make your face appear greasy when worn throughout the day.  This refreshing gel-cream will also help you create that natural, dewy look we all aspire to have!  Don’t let the low sticker-price detour you from buying this product.  At an astounding $8 to $9 per tub, you won’t feel guilty applying liberally and often.  Sit back and watch the magic take place!  I am so happy I discovered this knock-out product.

2.   Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub

This is the absolute perfect “summer” addition to any skin care regimen.  I bought this product because I was looking for a non-invasive alternative to a daily facial scrub.  After peddling over many other alternatives, I’m so glad I chose Neutrogena’s Grapefruit Foaming Scrub.  This product smells magical and couldn’t be more refreshing.  I’ve enjoyed working this scrub into my daily showering regimen.   The product does a good job eliminating the harmful dirt, dead skin and bacteria which are all notorious for creating breakouts.  Additionally, the gentle micro-beads work to polish the skin with visible results.  The product does include some Salicylic Acid acne medicine, but does not cause irritation.  The Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub is a refreshing alternative to other daily facial scrubs and I will definitely repeat the purchase in the future. 

3.   Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Look no further for removing tough eye makeup then the coveted Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads.  I have been using these makeup remover pads for a long time and haven’t found a more effective solution for removing stubborn eye makeup.  The pads are the perfect size and come pre-moistened.  They are composed of a soft solution that doesn’t irritate the eye and is not too oily (which is often the problem with most eye makeup removers).  Before using the product, I would recommend washing the face and using the pad to do the extra “clean up”.  A reliable product at a great price?  There is no better solution!  

I'm curious; what are your favorite drugstore products?

(Bee)utiful

It is no surprise that Burt’s Bees products are fantastic. Browsing their website, I was amazed at the breadth of product variety.  Here's a few of my favorite products made by Burt’s Bees.  Drum roll, please. . .

1. Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm:  What a gemstone of a product!  I purchased this product for a recent vacation because I didn't want the hassle of putting on lipstick but I wanted a little bit of color on my lips while staying casual at the beach.  I had seen this product in the drugstore and figured I’d take a swing at it.  I am so glad I made the purchase!  This product is butter-soft, non-fragrant, comes in a fun storage tube and keeps my lips feeling healthy and nourished.  This product is 100% natural and contains ingredients such as: coconut, vegetable, beeswax, sunflower and soybean oils.  They offer a variety of different tint colors but I chose Red Dahlia and I think it could be a suitable color for all.
2. Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream:  Who doesn't like the fresh smell of sweet lemon? No one.  My point exactly!  My mom gave me a Burt’s Bees sampler pack a few months ago and this product was one of my favorites in the pack.  I absolutely love the scent and nourishing power of this product.  I like to smear a dash of it on my cuticles before bed and there is no better scent to fall asleep to.  This cuticle cream moisturizes the cuticles with sweet almond oil, cocoa seed butter, vitamin E and sunflower oil and nourishes brittle nails.  Oh, la la.
3. Mango and Orange Sugar Scrub:  You had me at sugar scrub.  I think adding a sugar scrub to your bathing routine is both beneficial and totally luxurious.  What more?  This product can be purchased at your local drugstore!  Slather a generous glob on your hand and begin to lather all over your body.  Make sure to pay special attention to your knees and elbows; you can even hit your feet to eliminate dry stubborn skin.  You will feel awakened by the refreshing scent and your skin will look and feel absolutely radiant after one application.  Power ingredients: natural sugar crystals and orange peel.

What are your Burt’s Bees must-haves?

Cosmetic Toss

LORAC, Unzipped; Sephora

Stila, Waterproof Eyeliner; Sephora

I had an epiphany early last week and realized my makeup bag needed a makeover, stat.  My eyeliner and eye shadow palette were looking a little . . . sad.  A sad appearance led me to believe that my makeup might be a potential bacterial hazard.  Yikes!  Let’s get real, bacteria happens and it is critical that you keep your makeup bag clear of any potential “bacteria-parties”. 

After a little research I found there are quite a few inconsistencies as to how frequently you should toss makeup to ensure your makeup bag stays healthy; but I think the following article provides a decent suggestion as to how frequently you should discard opened cosmetics:

Expiration dates: 
Beginning from the time you first open these products

Powders and shadows // 2 years

Cream shadows // 12 to 18 months

Foundation // 1 year

Lipstick & lipliner // 1 year

Mascara & eyeliners // 3 months

Makeup brushes // Clean weekly using a mild detergent

Makeup sponges // Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled

Ha!  I am impressed to say that I actually “toss” out makeup more frequently then suggested.  Most of my makeup ends up running out before the expiration date comes due but it is important to toss out expired makeup when the time comes due.  It is even more important if you occasionally share makeup with friends and/or family.  Needless to say, always err on the side of caution.  If there is an odor, toss.  If you start breaking out, toss.  If the pigment in the makeup starts to discolor or deteriorate, toss.  Pretty simple stuff.

So, my makeup bag ended up being “clean” but I still treated myself to a new eye shadow pallet from LORAC and some new waterproof eyeliner from Stila.  I have been wearing less and less eye makeup recently but the LORAC palette comes with both 10 beautiful neutral-shade eye shadows and a bonus eye primer.  The two together are a match made in makeup heaven.  I am also really excited to try Stila’s waterproof liquid eyeliner (with a felt tip).  I have heard rave reviews of its mighty stay-power and ease of use. 

Moreover, don’t neglect the health of your precious makeup and if you ever need an excuse to buy more makeup; remind yourself of the potential health risks of ignoring the signs of spoiled cosmetics!

Cha Cha Tint

Cha Cha Tint; Sephora $29

Benefit Cosmetics Cha Cha tint was a gift from Santa this year.  My thought for purchasing a cheek tint was to wear it on the slopes.  I am not one painting my face before I go skiing but... a little waterproof mascara, some heavy duty sunscreen and a little cheek tint never hurt anyone!  I can attest, the cheek tint is perfect for outdoor activity fun (low-maintenance beauty solution) or working the product into your everyday beauty regimen. 

Benefit Cosmetics, Cha Cha tint, delivers to the fullest. The color looks natural,  it is easy to use and the stay-power is impressive!  However, it took me a while to really get the hang of the application process because 1) a little bit goes a long way and 2) using moisturizer to lubricate the cheek is the key to creating a streak-free glow.  Also, the Cha Cha tint is different in respect to other cheek stains because it is not your classic rose or pink color.  The shade is a color-rich coral shade that compliments just about any skin tone.

Here is my application process:

1. Wake up
2. Wash face
3. Apply Clinique Toner
4. Apply Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel all over face
5. Rub a little extra moisturizing lotion in circular motion on the apple of the cheek
6. Make sure the lotion is distributed evenly before tint is applied
7. Apply a light stroke of Cha Cha tint to the apple of the cheek and rub in you’re your fingers in a gentle circular motion until the color is completely blended (start rubbing quickly after application or risk the appearance of streaks)
8. Apply additional tint for desired intensity of color (remember: a little goes a long way)
9. Repeat steps 5-8
10. Apply whatever foundation/powder/tinted moisturizer you generally use (I use Mac Studio Fix plus Foundation Powder) over the top of the applied tint and all of over the face
11. For added shine, apply a light dash of your favorite bronzer or luminzer over the cheek to enhance your already natural glow (I recommend Lorac’s luminzer)

I give this product a solid 2-thumbs up!

LORAC Cosmetics

Oh hello, LORAC. 

LORAC cosmetics wear like gold and have a way of making you look polished, day in and day out.  The products are packed with rich pigments and the color blends and lays flawless.  The shimmer ends up appearing more like a sheen glow; not a glob of glitter mess.  The LORAC cosmetics line is probably best compared to the MAC cosmetics line.  So, if you are a fan of MAC cosmetics, LORAC could be a great alternative for you!

I would highly recommend buying the "Little Black Palette" as a starter piece from the LORAC line.  This product is a great value.  The palette comes with four stunning, bronze-hued eye shadows along with a tube of their fantastic eye primer.  

If you are looking to try out a few other products I'm also a huge fan of the oil-free luminizing powder, $32 (similar to a bronzer but not is more or less an illuminator) and the fabulous 3D lashes volumizing & thickening mascara, $22.   

Top-Secret Beauty Secret: Mix the TANtilizer instant bronzer with your daily body lotion and poof--instant bronzed goddess!

Little Back Pallete, $33 Sephora

TANtalizer Instant Body Bronzer, $32 Sephora