Boscia Clear Complexion Moisturizer

I've been testing out a new moisturizer for about two weeks and so far I really like the Boscia Clear Complexion Moisturizer. A lot of my moisturizers are too heavy for daytime and especially for the summer so it has been nice using this as we transition into fall. It's an added bonus that this is for clear complexions. I love how light weight it feels - it kind of has a gel like texture and it's great because I hate heavy moisturizers in the morning because it's nicer to add on thin layers including makeup that goes on after. It feels and looks more natural to me. It feels moisturizing and is oil free!

There is an easy to use pump that keeps things sanitary and clean. 

Here is the description on the box stating what the moisturizer claims to do. So all in all I love using it in the mornings! It's a great way to make my skin feel clean and moisturizer and prepped for makeup.

Hope everyone has a great long weekend! I'll be back on Tuesday!

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August Beauty Favorites 2013

I have a few stand out products this month but overall I have been using a lot of the same makeup from last month as well. Also, it's September already??

And I've tried something a little bit new. I recorded a youtube video... (!!!) I'm still trying to figure out if it's my kinda thing or not but I just thought what the heck why not. So please watch, comment, like and subscribe! Would mean so much!



Products mentioned:
MAC Modesty lipstick
Dior Hydra Life BB Creme
MAC paint pot in Groundwork
Diptyque Philosykos
OPI nail polish in Koala Berry
Bioderma

What have your favorites been this month? And what do you guys think of the video. Yay?

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Revlon Lip Butters

Revlon Lip Butters: Juicy Papaya, Peach Parfait, Tutti Fruiti, Pink Lemonade, Berrie Smoothie

The Revlon Lip Butters have been written about over and over again in the beauty blog world, but I seriously love them so much I'm still going to write about them. I've gone a little crazy buying these. They are just so easy to use and apply I want to try every shade! (expect the ones with glitter in them…)

The first shade I bought was Peach Parfait. Unfortunately since I'm pretty tan, the color did not look the same on me as the swatches online. I also didn't realize it would be so shimmery and I wasn't really a fan. I didn't buy another one for a long time until I finally gave in after they released some new shades and I got Pink Lemonade, Tutti Fruiti and Juicy Papaya all around the same time. My last and favorite lip butter is Berrie Smoothie. Oh Berry Smoothie, I actually need to repurchase you soon that's how much I have used it all summer. My other favorite would have to be Juicy Papaya. It's a super young and fresh looking color on the lips.

These lip butters are super moisturizing and are in between a lipstick and a lip balm. Some are more sheer than others and some I think can build up nice coverage. They're great if you're just beginning to get into lipsticks and want something more sheer. They're usually only $5-$6 and drugstores often have buy one get one free deals that are great! (and dangerous). Cherry Tart I have my eye on you next!

Wearing Juicy Papaya. It's super flattering and so easy to wear.

Wearing Berrie Smoothie. I know I will be wearing this all throughout fall.

Do you love Revlon Lip Butters, too? What are your favorite shades!?

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The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover

I picked this up from The Body Shop a few months ago and have been using it all throughout August. What drew me to this makeup remover was the Waterproof title. I had high hopes for the Camomile Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover cleansing lotion however I'm not all that impressed. It definitely has really good qualities: non-greasy or oily, super gentle and easy to use, feels good on the eyes and it pretty affordable. I usually use an oil so this has been interesting to try a cleansing lotion. However, it's still not strong enough to take off my waterproof mascara. I find myself having to go over it again with Bioderma, and then with another cleanser.

I personally squeeze a little onto a cotton round and then hold it over my eye for about 10 seconds before wiping all makeup off. My eyeshadow comes off easily but my mascara just stays put. I have also (more than once) accidentally rubbed this into my eye and while it doesn't hurt it just seems to easily get into my eyes and causes me to see blurry objects for a few minutes. Not great.

I'm always on the hunt for the best waterproof eye makeup remover. Before this I was using the Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Makeup Remover which I really really liked and included in my May Favorites. Anna from viviannadoesmakeup.com recommends the Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover so I'm very curious to try it myself. I'll keep you posted on that.

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Blue lines

For a subtle change in my every day makeup look, I've been wearing blue eyeliner instead of the usual black. I've been using the Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof eye liner in Deep Navy. I apply it with a Real Techniques Fine liner brush and while I used to think it would be really hard it's actually super easy to apply and get a nice defined line. Especially since I have such dark brown eyes, it's nice sometimes to have a little surprise in your eyeliner or mascara color to play up your eyes.

I topped it off with Urban Decay Big Fatty mascara which seriously gives you insanely full lashes. The wand is huge and can get a little messy but your lashes look fat. I don't wear this often because I usually go for waterproof formulas but for days when I know I don't want to be removing that waterproof mascara later in the night... this is the better option.

What do you think? Do you guys like wearing different color eye liners?

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Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal

After hearing Miranda Kerr's Australian makeup artist, Noni Smith, likes to use Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector to highlight Miranda's cheekbones (and in the shade Opal!) I really wanted to try it. This is another Australian based company, BECCA, that has an amazing range of products I want to try more of! This is only a deluxe sample size I got from Sephora but it's a good amount especially since you only need a little!

I have been applying this with my fingers just to the tops of my cheekbones and whatever excess to my cupid's bow. Noni mentioned also mixing it in with your foundation or tinted moisturizer to really give the face a natural looking glow. This product gives you radiance and a gorgeous glow. Not sparkly skin or anything overwhelming. It is an illuminator containing light-diffusing pearls of shimmer so it's safe enough to even apply as a base all over your face.

It was really hard to capture the radiance and glow that this product delivers. On the left it's not even completely blended in because it was hard to even see on my hand. I definitely recommend you try it out at a local Sephora or Space NK!

"The whole philosophy of BECCA is about creating a natural, flawless look. It's really about skin looking amazing - everything else is secondary."
- Rebecca Morrice Williams, Founder
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Dior Addict Lip Glow

I've rediscovered the Dior Addict Lip Glow by Dior after a few months of sitting at the bottom of my lipstick pile. It looks like a sheer balm but the formula is super cool because it uses color reviver technology reacting to the chemistry in your lips to create a unique shade for everyone's lips. Basically it's supposed to enhance the natural color of your lips. I love the packaging. It's super feminine and a great addiction to carry around in your bag. (Have I mentioned the amazing packaging??)

As you can see it looks like a sheer balm but after a few swipes it gives me light dewy pink lips! It's pretty moisturizing and I love how it adds pink glow to your lips. It is a little on a pricey side... I purchased mine last year during the Sephora Friends & Family sale. Not sure if I will repurchase again but I love using it while I have it!

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Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel

Since I have finished up my morning serum product, I have recently introduced a new product into my AM routine: the Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel. First of all, I have loved using Jurlique products in the past. Jurlique uses all natural ingredients (many from their own farm in South Australia) to nourish the skin and maximize our natural beauty in all their products. I love how Jurlique works on sensitive skin and I feel good about the ingredients that are being absorbed into my body. I want to be more conscious of what ingredients I am putting into my skin.

As you can see it's a dewy gel like formula that is very lightweight and gets absorbed quickly into your skin. At first I thought it was going to leave my skin feeling sticky but the feeling only lasts a second and you're left with smooth and hydrated feeling skin. Shake up the bottle before you use it and apply about 2 pumps all over your face after you wash and tone.

The Herbal Recovery Gel is a potent botanical anti-aging concentrate that helps to reduce fine lines, dryness and dullness to increase the skin’s elasticity, hydration and radiance, while also protecting the skin against environmental aggressors. It all sounds fantastic doesn't it! I was lucky to find this at Costco for only $30 something dollars. I'm really enjoying using it and I want to try more Jurlique products!

Final shot of all the lovely ingredients!

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Goodnight Skin

Here are the skincare products I have been using every night. First I have been taking off all my makeup with Bioderma Crealine TS H20. I just did a blogpost if you want to know more about the product: here. After that I wash my face with the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser. When I purchased this online I was hoping this would be more foamy but it's not really. It's very gentle and pretty scent-less. I enjoy using it but I think I want something a little more refreshing feeling (like when I used to use the Jurlique Purely Bright cleanser). I pat my face down with a towel and apply eye cream next. Currently I'm trying to finish up an Origins GinZing eye cream that I have been using. It's a little shimmery for my taste but overall it's a nice eye cream.

Next I apply a thin layer of the dr. brandy glow ruby crystal retinol hydracreme. I really like retinol creams for the PM. They will really help your skin in the long run. I have been using different brands for the past 2 years and I really have seen an improvement overall on the texture of my skin. I can see my old scars (slowly slowly) fading but I know it is working. I also like to add a thin layer of the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo on my t-zone and a little on my cheeks where I have acne scars. And finally to finish it off I apply the Aesop Camilla Nut Facial Hydrating cream all over my face and down on my neck. And then it's time to hit the bed!

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Nails Inc Portobello

I picked up my first Nails Inc polish in Portobellow recently because a couple of bloggers I follow always go on about it. And I'm a sucker for recommendations. In my opinion what you see online is never the truest representation of the color so this was much more orange than I expected but it's still such a fun summer color and has this transparent/gelly feel to it. It's super easy to apply and has lasted pretty long on my nails. Nails Inc is a London based company and I am definitely interested in trying out more from their line!

Online:
A professionally formulated, catwalk-inspired neon nail polish with an exceptionally glossy long-lasting finish.

This formulation has been specially created and developed using the latest professional technologies for instant and exceptional results. The formulation is long lasting, ultra glossy, and easy to apply so that you get the best possible results every time. All of nails inc. polishes and products are named after iconic places in the UK and streets in London in order to celebrate the brand's British heritage.

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Bioderma Crealine H2O

Hello most talked about makeup remover! After hearing people go on and on about this on youtube, I was so happy to receive it as a birthday gift from a good friend this year. I waited awhile to use it and now I use it every single night to remove all the makeup from my face. The best thing about this as a makeup remover is how non-oily and smooth it feels. It just feels light as water and yet it delivers the same results as an oil-based makeup remover. Very simple. It's really amazing and my skin feels nice and clean instead of oily and shiny. It doesn't leave my skin feeling very dry either which I dislike and it's unscented.

I noticed the 500 ml bottle I have is the "TS" version which is for sensitive skin so if you want the regular one look for the bottle without the "TS". There is also another version with green packaging named Bioderma Sebium H2O Micellar Solution and that version is more for oily skin. I think after this runs out I will be curious to try it.

I became a quick fan of this stuff and when I saw there were mini bottles I had to get one. I ordered my mini travel sized bottle on ebay and this time I got the regualr Bioderma Crealine H2O formula. I'm leaving tonight for a weekend trip in the Catskill mountains so I will be bringing this with me!

How I use it:
I simply pour a little of the solution onto a cotton round to remove all the makeup on my face. It's not hard work at all. The makeup just slides off and onto the cotton round and you're left with clean skin. I use a different makeup remover on my eyes first since I wear waterproof mascara but I always go over it with Bioderma. There's also a pump version but after hearing some negative reviews about how it's hard to control and how much product gets wasted, I'm fine with using this version.

I buy my Bioderma on eBay but I've seen some Asian makeup stores in Flushing and Chinatown carry Bioderma. Also, Sears of all places is now carrying it online as well!

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Empties #2

I seem to be finishing up my products a lot lately and it's about that time again I share with you what I've completely used up! I love finishing products because it's always good to be trying new things so your skin does not get used to the same routine.

1. Jurlique Purley Bright cleanser
I used this cleanser all summer and it was included not only in my May favorites, I even included it in my June favorites! I had no idea ha. I really did enjoy using it every morning. It wakens up the skin and makes you feel refreshed for the day.

2. Boots No7 Eye Make-up Remover
I wear waterproof mascara every day so I really need a strong waterproof makeup remover. After you shake this up to blend the product, put it on a cotton round and then hold it over your eye area to let it hold onto the makeup and remove it. It's gentle and I will consider buying it again.

3. Sephora daily Brush Cleaner
I have had this forever. It's quite a small bottle but it lasted me a very long time. It's nice to have a brush cleaner spray in your cabinet for days when you're a little lazy to thoroughly clean your brushes. I'm a big fan and I'd be interested in trying other brands.

4. Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion
This was a nice travel size product to bring with me whenever I was on vacation. I'm not sure I was in love with the scent although I know a lot of people like it but it was very moisturizing and not sticky at all.

5. Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel
I normally don't use gels on my face and I do think this was a little too lightweight for me. The description online sounds super fantastic but I'm not sure I'd purchase a full-size. I got this in a small holiday set and I liked using it but I don't think I will be using it again.

6. Lipfusion XL
This is a night time lip treatment that I would put on right after I washed my face. It makes your lips tingle and for me I LOVE that feeling. It was quite pricey and while I won't be purchasing this any time soon again, I can see myself picking it up again as I get older and my lips start to thin...

Thanks for reading!

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Diptyque Choisya

The diptyque room sprays are a great alternative to candles for the summer.  I love candles throughout fall/winter but for summer I trade that in for a nice light citrusy scent: Diptyque Choisya room spray. Have I mentioned how obsessed I am with diptyque packaging? This beautiful room spray isn't over powering, it's sweet and floral and really freshens any room with a few sprays. Described as the scent of Mexican Orange blossoms, I love having this around the apartment to brighten the atmosphere and put a smile to my face. I got this at a diptyque sample sale this past year and I've barely made a dent in it! It's pretty strong so I don't need to spray much and I'm happy it's going to last me a very long time!

Description of Choisya on the diptyque website:
Referred to as golden apples in mythology, Jupiter offered oranges to Junon on their wedding day. The orange blossom symbolizes the eternal bond of marriage.

Message: As pure as it is beautiful

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August Birchbox

I was a little disappointed with this month's birchbox samples. I think I get more excited when I get makeup bits and the majority of this month's samples were all skincare. The only real makeup thing here is the BB Cream. I also think it's a bit weird when they include things like a tea bag. But ok.

On the left in the MIYU pouch, I got a de-stress mi beauty essence spray which says it's a fusion between a facial mist and a serum to help calm down irritated complexions. I do love facial sprays so I am excited to try this out but not that excited to try the tea bag it came with. Next are the Whish deodorant swipes (???) i guess I'll have to try this out to talk about it. I guess it's for when you're on the go, such as after the gym or something. Another Whish Body product included this month was the Whish exfoliating body wash. This will be good for travel. I am going away again this weekend so I will bring this with me.

Next is the Dr Jart Premium BB Cream with SPF 45 which I already have been using and love because not that many BB creams have such high SPF. I love almost all the Dr Jart BB creams (I love the Dr Jart Waterfuse BB cream. It's super light and natural looking!) And finally I got samples of the OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel (8 hour matte finish) which I just read about in Refinery29 and am excited to try! I definitely suffer from oily t-zone so hopefully this will keep my face looking fresh all day!

Are you guys subscribed to Birchbox??

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batiste dry shampoo for dark and deep brown hair

I have been trying to wash my hair every other day and in between those days, I NEED DRY SHAMPOO (especially in the summer). My hair gets pretty oily if I don't wash it after one day so for me, a can of dry shampoo lives in my bathroom, my handbag and my car. I picked up the Batiste Dry Shampoo for dark & deep brown hair because I heard great reviews about it. And since I have dark dark brown (pretty much black) hair I have been loving using it!

What's in my bag: A Night out

Tonight I will be going out to an event and I thought I'd share what I will be toting around with me. My clutch for the evening is the 3.1 Phillip Lim Snakeskin 31 Minute Bag and it's the perfect size for just carrying around a few essentials.

First, I will be carrying around my iphone (of course!), my miu miu card case and my house keys with my awesome moomin x kidrobot keychain . I don't go anywhere without these. Then onto makeup bits: I always always try to carry Clear Eyes eye drops because my eyes are pretty sensitive and I've had a few cases where one eye will get irritated and then be red for the rest of the night. Not attractive. Taking the YSL Touch Eclat in #2 for any touch ups or makeup disasters. The Chanel blush is super compact and it has a little mirror so I like throwing that into my bag daily. And finally I'm bringing the lipstick I will be wearing for any touchups throughout the night. Tonight I will be wearing MAC Heaux from the Rihanna RiRi Hearts MAC Summer collection.

Have a great weekend everyone!

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ysl creme de blush in powdery rose

i have been wanting the ysl creme de blush in powdery rose for a long time and i finally got my hands on it. i usually go for a more peachy pink for blushes so i thought it was about time for a true pink blush. there is something very romantic about this blush and i really love using it. (and i'm a bit obsessed with the packaging too)

it's a lot creamier and softer than most of the creme blushes i have tried and it still blends into the skin very smoothly giving you a very natural looking flush. it feels very lightweight on your cheeks and has great staying power. it is a bit on the pricey side especially since you don't get a whole lot of product, but i think it's nice every once in awhile to treat to yourself! and there's so many more pretty shades in this line that i want to try as well!

i ordered mine at nordstrom.com because they currently have a spend $100 in ysl products and recieve a free gift!
ysl creme de blush in powdery rose, Nordstrom $38 

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OPI Koala Berry

As soon as Miranda Kerr mentioned OPI Koala Berry as a favorite nail polish color, I knew I had to own it. Immediately. I mentioned this polish in a Makeup Wishlist post and can happily check this one off the list! The color is a little bit more berry toned in person and even though its a pinky shade it feels quite sophisticated. It's definitely a type of color you can wear all year round and I can easily see myself wearing this all throughout August. I currently have it on my fingers and toes!

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My Makeup Bag

I love packing up my makeup for vacation or just a weekend away because this is my awesome makeup bag! I picked it up at Forever 21 for $6.80 (um steal!) a few months ago and it's the perfect shape and size for all my products. The material is super flexible so it fits easily into your bag or suitcase when you're packing. I keep all my skincare products in a different travel bag and only my makeup products in this one. If only the little black and white french bulldogs were the same color as Riley (my frenchie pup! see below). It's really hard to find cute french bulldog stuff in the cream/fawn coat!

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Review: Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream

The first thing you notice about the Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream* is that it smells amazing. Usually the smell of my moisturizers don't excite me, but this one is pretty darn good. It's super creamy and is absorbed so easily into the skin. The cream reminds me of the Amore Pacific creams. It feels thick, smooth and really hydrating. Even though it does feel like a heavy cream when you first take it out of the pot, when it's on your face it feels lightweight and really smooth. Something I am super excited to be using this fall when the weather gets colder and my skin gets drier. It doesn't break me out and a little bit of product goes a long way which I really love.

On the Missha website:
Inspired by the moisture preserving ability of desert plants, the Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream activates the moisture preserving ability to keep skin hydrated throughout the seasons.

Step1. Aqua Lock
Imperata Cylindrica Extract creates a protective shield that prevents moisture from evaporating and from skin adapting to harmful elements

Step2. Aqua Sponge
Adenium Extract helps absorb moisture like a sponge to increase skin elasticity

Step3. Aqua Tank
Baobab Tree Extract activates the moisture energy inside the skin to stop the cycle of dryness

*PR Sample

#FOTD

This week I have been reaching for the same products for my face. My face has gotten a little lighter so I am able to wear the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Nude again. I blend that in with the Real Techniques expert face brush and then I put on Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze all over the lid. Next I use Smashbox Limitless eye liner in graphite only on the top of my eye for a little bit of definition and then top if off with Revlon lash potion. On my cheeks I have been wearing RMS beauty lip2cheeck in Promise. Some days I have also been dabbing a bit on my lips, but today to finish the look I wore Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Pop. Love the name!

Nailtiques Formula 1

I mentioned before a few of my nails were a little brittle which made my nail polish chip a lot faster. Awhile back I had purchased Essie's Feed Me intense hydration treatment but that did not work for me at all. I was browsing through drugstore.com and found Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 1, Maintenance. I read some reviews and overall looked pretty promising.

Nailtiques come in a few formulas for different nail conditions and Formula 1 is the weakest in terms of strengthening nails. I've heard a lot of good things about Formula 2 but I wanted something just to keep my nails in good health. The description says the formulations include ingredients such as hydrolyzed keratin and protein in combination with gelatin and calcium.

I'm currently using this as a base coat and I have to say my nails have not chipped or split since I have been using this. It is a little pricey because the bottle is very tiny but overall I'm very happy with it. I pair this with the Seche Vite top coat that I absolutely love and right now it's the perfect nail combo for me!