So, with summer comes baring your legs, arms and minimizing the foundation. So with that said, I've found some new staples (all under $30) for my summer skin care:
1. Olive Body Scrub from the Body Shop. I can't say enough about this product. I use it once a week on Monday morning, leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off. I can feel my skin feel fresh and moisturized without that icky residue. It is also a very mild scent which I adore. I will be posting a comparison blog with another scrub.
2. Schick Quattro Trim Style. So I used the Venus rake product last year, and this year found this at Target. It has three different comb lengths and then the option to take the comb off completely - based on your hairstyle ;). I read that the trimmer lasts up to a couple of years - amazing! Even if it doesn't, it's quite a steal at $11, and is a trimmer and razor in one! The Venus rake product was a separate rake and razor, and is pricier than its $11 competitor.
3. City Block Sheer Sunscreen SPF 25. This is a steal at $21! I love this product because not only does it work well as a sunscreen, I use it as a primer as well. On Saturday/Sunday afternoons where I need some coverage, I will wear the sunscreen (to protect my face) along with some powder, mascara and a hint of bronzer - voila - I look as natural as one can be without a zit showing :)
4. Nars Orgasm Blush. This is another must have, regardless of season. During summer, I especially love the natural glow this product provides with any level of tan. The product is practically smudge proof - I've worn it on 18 hour travel days, gym sessions - it literally keeps a great glow, but comes off with my makeup remover.
5. MAC Lip Conditioner: LOVE LOVE LOVE. This product is better than Carmex, which is blasphemy! This product isn't sticky, virtually has no smell and keeps lips moisturized for hours on end...love love love. go buy this!
Bonus: MAC Fix+ Spray: This is great, especially in the summer. I recommend spraying it when you have minimal eye makeup on. I do love how it feels, especially on my face on a hot day. I have been known to put this in the fridge on a hot day :) I also LOVE having this when I get off of a long plane ride.
There's obviously products that aren't included, but I wanted to keep this affordable and easy to find :)
My job requires a fair amount of dress up (which I love). I rarely wear jeans outside of a Friday, and about 3-5 times a month I'm in a suit. The thing I've been searching for is that "perfect pencil skirt." I started to even doubt that it existed, and that all pencil skirts were to make curvy girls with short torsos like me feel like a moo cow.
I tried Victoria Secret's, who's skirt was up by my armpits. I have one I got at Nordstrom Rack, which is "fine" but after 2 years is starting to look old. I can't fit into my old one from Express since Mother Nature gifted me hips (enough about that rant). I even had one from Old Navy that was what I considered perfect, that is no longer due to Mother Nature.
So on Black Friday, I was searching for G$'s jacket he liked at Banana Republic, and I came across a "Stretch Pencil Skirt," and on a whim (and because it was an additional 40% off) I ordered it.
I'm wearing it now right before I jet off to a client meeting, and I can't tell you how much I love it and that it doesn't wrinkle!
So - once again, you are welcome :) My only wish is that it comes in multiple different colors.
I have a great idea for a new segment of posts from moi. As you know, I am a product/makeup junkie. If its sparkly, I must have it. Typically when I buy a product from a "new brand," I will generally experiment with a few of their things. Below, I will start with the things I love versus the ones I didn't love from M-A-C.
Products I didn't love:
1. M-A-C Liquid Last Eyeliner: I loved that this product came in different colors and was fairly inexpensive. However, It was clunky, the brush was hard to work with and it was fairly permanent. That stuff was IMPOSSIBLE to get off. Eye make up remover, vaseline, you name it - I tried it. Dislike.
2. M-A-C- Pro Longwear Lip Glass: Back in the day, this had two sides to it - the lip glass side and then the gloss side. Regardless, I didn't like it. I had a hard time trying to figure out which color was right on my lips and it always flaked off by the end of the day.
Products I do love:
1. M-A-C Studio Fix Powder Foundation: N has blogged about this before, so I won't just repeat waht she said. But I do love the ease of application, and think this is a perfect alternative to my liquid makeup in the summer or on a day of errands.
2. Fix +: I love this stuff. I think its a must have when travelling (especially those long flights) and on a hot day. Just a couple of squirts and your face feels cool and refreshed. I also think it makes my makeup look fresh.
3. Glitter and Ice Paint Pot: I have this in For Effect and I love it! I recently got this for my birthday when I had my makeup done, and I think this is just so fantastic. Its my first creamy eyeshadow and it stays on forever without those nasty creases.
4. Lashes: Enough said.
What are your favorite and least favorite M-A-C products?
I wanted to share the top 5 things I like - especially when I'm traveling, whether its for business or pleasure.
1. Almay Make Up Eraser Sticks: I love eye makeup, especially liquid liner and mascara. I refuse to leave the house without it - especially at night. I feel like my eyes are droopy when I don't have it on.
I would also recommend the Le Pliage Longchamp tote for long travels. The bag is foldable (so you can just pack it), is waterproof, and sturdy. I was able to make this my carryon for my flight home and stuff many souveniers and duty free purchases in it. The best of all was that this was the same bag I took to the beach and it still looks brand new!
3. Shampoo and conditioner bars from Lush. I love these for when I'm going on a quick trip and don't want to check my luggage or have a thousand more things spilling out from my ziploc bag. My favorite one is the Godiva Bar - first of all, its named Godiva, and secondly it smells AMAZING!.
4. My NOOK! I can't tell you enough about this thing. It's amazing and it takes up less room than my portfolio! I downloaded the Millenium series, and was able to have SO much entertainment for less than the size of a book.
5. Lastly, perfume atomizer. Gone are the days of lugging around your expensive perfume and praying it doesn't break in your luggage while its wrapped around a soft sweater. This atomizer allows for easy fill and transport in your luggage. And best of all, it's $5!
So, I've spent a good amount of time and dinero trying to find the perfect sensitive facewash that will also remove all my makeup. Whenever I do find one, its expensive and then I feel bad for spending so much money on facewash. After all, that's what it is - its facewash. And eventually, all products have failed me. I'll wash my face, and then find all this makeup when I apply toner.
SO - that's why I've used this product for almost a month and still have positive words and find that it does work. Are you ready for it? It's Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing and Makeup Remover. Its $6 at Target, works well and smells nice. It's a must have!
