Skin care – Page 2 – Everything and Nothings

I’ve been collecting lots of trash or a new round of “Empties”

I’ve been talking a lot lately about new things I’ve purchased, but I’ve also used up a lot, too! In the meantime, my “empties” collection has grown to an insane level.

So, it’s time to take out the trash, aka put together an “empties” post.

Here are my takes on the round of used up products.

Arcona, Cranberry Gommage: Friends. This thing is old. Like I have no idea how old it is, but I know it’s at least three years, and that’s probably being kind. I used to be crazy for this scrub, it smells great and really brightens your face, but I’ve since been all in for the Juara scrub, so this one got forgotten. And it’s expensive. Thus its hiding in the back of my shower for too too long. It’s gone now and probably won’t be coming back.

Arcona, Toner Tea Bar: Ooh, I also LOVED this bar. I used it with my Clarisonic and it really cleared up my skin. In fact, that combo was really the turning point for my skin settling down. But then I abandoned it and haven’t used it in a long time. Also my original Clarisonic broke which is probably why that duo went away. But I have a new Clarisonic I’m trying again—more in the future on that—so maybe we will meet again. But no for now.

SKYN Iceland, Hydro Firming Cooling Eye Gels: I’ve already repurchased. They take down the puffiness and stay on really well while I get ready in the morning. All good things!

Continue reading I’ve been collecting lots of trash or a new round of “Empties”

What I’ve purchased through Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty so far…

Three Ulta related posts in a row! Sheesh! But I kinda love this sale–I think its marketing genius–and it gets me looking at stuff I forgot about or stuff I’ve wanted to try or stuff I never knew existed.

So I’ve been taking full advantage of the promotion and pick up a bunch of things.

Again–you can ALWAYS return things at any retailer: Ulta, Sephora, Walgreens–so if you don’t like it, take it back.

While I haven’t’ tried everything I’ve purchased, so far there haven’t been any big misses that I know will be returned.

So here’s what I’ve purchased and my initial thoughts on them.

Mario Badescu: last Saturday was the 25% off Mario day, so I stocked up on a few things and picked up a few things to try.

Continue reading What I’ve purchased through Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty so far…

My Ulta’s “21 Days of Beauty” picks

I get weirdly excited when I get an Ulta catalog in the mail–which is funny–because I’m notoriously terrible at going through my mail! I’m seriously going to miss jury duty and be jailed. I’m sure of it.

But there’s something about getting that pink catalog with all the pictures of makeup and skin care that has to be what it was like for straight boys in 1981 to get their magazine in the black wrapper. I shouldn’t even look, but of course, I’m going to. The objects are unattainable for anyone pretending to be on a budget. And it’s possibly all fantasy anyway.

It didn’t stop them, and it’s not stopping me.

So let’s manage our excitement for spring colors, new palette launches and BOGO50s together, shall we?

These are my picks for the “21 Days of Beauty” sale that starts on Sunday, March 18th–our own version of March Madness–if you will.

(and reminder–i’m still trying to go cruelty-free–so my picks reflect this ethic.)

March 23: Urban Decay, Eye Shadow singles (Was $20/Now $10) $10 is a great price for these shadows. They are super pigmented, there are tons of color options, and they last and last. And loading up a palette customizes your favorite shades and looks without wasting money on shadows you never use. My recommendations are Sin (an E&N classic), Mushroom (warm gray shimmer)and Spike (a super wearable orange matte).

I’ve got my eyes on picking up X (peach shimmer w/gold shift), Rockstar (deep aubergine shimmer) and Fireball (peach w/pink shift).

Continue reading My Ulta’s “21 Days of Beauty” picks

What’s the deal with the Nurse Jamie beauty roller and her weird bear pillow?

I was scrolling through my YouTube feed last night and randomly came across this video by Jenna Dewan Tatum which is funny because I don’t remember subscribing to her channel or ever watching any of her videos.

But what caught my eye was the Nurse Jamie, UpLift Facial Massaging Beauty Roller that she’s using in the cover image.

In the long list of products I’ve purchased because of YouTubers, this one makes my list.

I’ve had it for well over a year, but for some reason, I’ve never mentioned it before today.

Continue reading What’s the deal with the Nurse Jamie beauty roller and her weird bear pillow?

This $8 kit provides the pampering you need now

Is it something about this week? I feel like everyone is super overwhelmed, tired, a bit crabby and suffering from the week that won’t quit.

Or maybe it’s just me?

Regardless, I’m holding tight to anything that gives me even a moment of peace and an opportunity to take a deep breath and chill.

This $8 find gave me what I needed–and maybe what you need, too:

EcoTools Facial Mask Mates

With an Ulta gift card burning a hole in my wallet, I strolled through the aisles after a meeting last week. I wasn’t really looking for anything in particular.

I like looking at brushes, even though I have plenty, and I found this little kit in the EcoTools section.

I really like all of the EcoTools line I’ve tried and I appreciate that they are affordable and environmentally-friendly.

This little pack caught my eye.

Continue reading This $8 kit provides the pampering you need now

Try, try again.

Since I am STILL not allowing myself to spend money on new things and even on some repurchases, I’ve recently been re- trying some beauty products and things that I have had tucked away in my drawer. Could be that I didn’t initially like them, or had just forgotten about them…. either way, here are a few things I’m having a second moment with.

Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Incandescent

Am I missing something with Hourglass? Why is this stuff supposed to be so great? I remember two holiday seasons ago being pretty excited to get this in the Sephora “Glow For It” set, and at that time also being pretty unimpressed. I didn’t use it for very long. And now giving it another shot, I feel the same. It’s not that good! And it’s too expensive to be not that good. Time to give this one away.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Continue reading Try, try again.

What’s more satisfying than a good scrub?

Not much, IMO. Ever since I was a kid scratching my skin off with way too much St. Ives Apricot Scrub, I’ve loved the feeling of getting my skin as clean as possible.

Of course, now we know it doesn’t have to be harsh to be effective, but I still get so much satisfaction from a good exfoliating scrub.

With winter trying it’s best to flake all my skin off, here are my favorite ways to take control of my exfoliating game and get that so fresh and so clean feeling today.

JUARA Radiance Enzyme Scrub

This one is by far my favorite. I’ve mentioned it before in an empties post, but it’s definitely worth bringing attention to again.

Continue reading What’s more satisfying than a good scrub?

Empties: some old favorites but new reasons not to repurchase

It’s that time again! Time to go through my trash with you, aka my empties.

Giovanni 2chic Ultra Sleek Body Wash, Brazilian Keratin & Argon Oil: This is my favorite body wash. Period. It’s exfoliating and moisturizing. Adn I blow through these. Luckily, they are pretty cheap. Only $8.99 and I can get it at Festival Foods. So yup–repurchasing.

Dermalogica, Antioxidant HydraMist: I know we talk A LOT about the Mario Badescu spray–and for good reason. But I have a secret love for this mist. I bought it several years ago after getting a facial at Indulge Spa on the eastside and loving how it smelled. But then I didn’t love it when I got home. So I texted Pamela to see what the deal is with the spray and how to use it. (this whole talking products thing has been going on a long time, folks!) She gave me a nice primer on it–use it sparingly and give it time to soak in before going on to a next step. Since then I’ve been hooked. But because it’s kinda pricey, I only use it in the mornings and I’ve been using it just as a post makeup spritz to make it look a little more fresh and less make-upy. Pamela has recently told me I should use it as a toner and spray it on after washing my face at night–so I’m doing that now, too. I love this stuff. And it has already been repurchased.

BareMinerals, Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil: : I’ve already told you how much I love this and that I already repurchased it!

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Swirl Gel Cream Treatment: So yeah. I’ve had this for a minute.

Continue reading Empties: some old favorites but new reasons not to repurchase

Cracked, chapped, dry? My winter lip saviors

One of the hilarious jokes of winter–like how the brightest, sunniest days are also the coldest–is that the season calls for a dark, bold matte lip, but your lips are in the worst position to support the look.

So what do you do? Bail on the bold? Or find ways to help your lips fight back?

Well–you know nothing stops me from rocking not only the darkest colors I can find–but also obsessively wearing the most drying of all formulas, the liquid lip.

By following a strict three step lip care strategy, my lips have been hanging tough all winter.

Here’s what I’ve been doing:

Continue reading Cracked, chapped, dry? My winter lip saviors

Thirsty?

I don’t think I can understate how badly this winter has affected my skin…. and it’s only just begun! I cannot remember a winter that has been so cold and so dry so early on in the season. To say my skin is dry and dehydrated is one thing, but it’s a whole new level of red and irritated on top of that. I have had to pause any use of exfoliants and retinols, and up my mask game big time. Here are the three masks that I’ve been rotating between to find some order and relief:

Multivitamin Power Recovery Mask

This mask is hands down my favorite mask of all time. I’ve been using it for about 13 years now, and it never does me wrong. It’s super soothing and calming, but also replenishes, hydrates and plumps fine lines. It saves me in winter, but is perfect in summer as well (I’ve treated a mild sunburn with it.) It’s just the best. If you’ve not tried it, you need to. I’m going to go use it right after I finish this post! Continue reading Thirsty?