Tag: skincare

Long-Lasting Makeup 101 – Foundation ♥

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If I had a Nickel for every time someone asked me how to make their foundation or makeup in general last longer, I would probably have enough money to own my own private island. No, but seriously. It took me forever to figure out how to make my foundation last all day, and even now I am still learning different techniques to use. The fun thing about makeup is that it is an ever-growing thing. There isn’t just one way of doing things or just one product to use for things. You can play around and make it your own. With that said, I figured I would write this post and try to explain how I make my makeup last, the things that I use, and little tips that I’ve learned along the way. Keep in mind, I am in no way an “expert” I don’t believe any makeup artist is, because like I said before, Makeup is an ever-growing thing. You make it your own with whatever works for you. These are tips and tricks that I use and have worked for myself and some friends and family,  so feel free to try these products, tips, and tricks, and let me know if they worked for you!

Skincare.

First and Foremost, Skincare is the most important part of makeup application. Just like an artist, you want to have an even blank canvas that you can paint on easily. Throughout the years I have noticed that when I wasn’t taking care of my skin, it would become either extremely oily or extremely dry depending on the weather/season. Now, for most of us that is normal, for me on the other hand, it was not. I would have little bumps all over my face, and a lot of the time my foundation would stick to dry patches but then slide off my face in other areas. With that said, I learned along the way that skincare was extremely important for makeup application, it just makes things so much easier and things look so much smoother.

Once you figure out whether you have oily, dry, or a combination of both skin types, your life gets that much easier. Trust me. You want to make sure that the face washes you are using are made for your skin type because many times it can dry out your skin, make it oily, give you acne, rashes, etc. So you definitely want to make sure you are using the proper type of face wash. Same goes for toners and moisturizers. If you have oily skin you still must moisturize just as much as us dry skin folks. If your skin is hydrated it is easier to apply makeup and have it last all day.

*Oils and serums can be your best friend as well, especially if you leave them on overnight. They can help repair the skin and help with hydration, wrinkles, collagen, etc.

I Use:
Murad Essential-C Cleanser
Murad Blackhead Remover
Philosophy Hope In A Jar Night Moisturizer
Philosophy Take A Deep Breath Gel Moisturizer
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil & Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment

* My Skincare routine is not a set in stone routine, a lot of times your skin gets accustomed to the same products so I like to switch it up and see what works in the moment.

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Primer.

Before I get into the actual foundation process I want to quickly touch on primers. Some people don’t like primers and that’s fine, but for me I think it works wonders. I have very large pores so when I apply foundation you can pretty much see those pores right through any foundation, even if it is full coverage. When I apply a primer underneath my foundation not only does it help smooth my skin texture, but when using the right primer, it can help fill in pores and also help my foundation last longer. There are so many different primers out in the makeup world so try some out and see what fits best with your skin type. As of now, I can’t say I have any holy grail primers, but I do have a few favorites that I tend to go back to from time to time.

I Use:
Too Faced Primed & Poreless (Perfect for those of you with large pores, it minimizes them)
Sonia Kashuk Mattifying Primer (For those of you with oily skin, this is a must try)
Benefit Porefessional (Great for those with large pores, also helps with long lasting foundation & smooth skin).

*Primer is applied after moisturizer but before foundation.

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Foundation.

There’s this misconception out in the makeup world that says any foundation is supposed to last all day with no touch ups. False. You’re going to have to touch up at least once and not all foundations are long wearing foundations. For those of you who want long-lasting foundation, you have to look for anything “long lasting” or “longwear”. Most foundations that I have personally tried don’t last more than 4-5 hrs without needing a touch up or just fully sliding off my face. When I do need a long lasting foundation I make sure to use the ones that are meant for that purpose.

I Use:
Revlon Colorstay Foundation (My first and forever love of foundations, literally stays on all day)
Makeup Forever HD Foundation (Perfect for photos and video)
MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation (or any MAC foundation in this case, they’re so great for full coverage long lasting foundations)

* Start with a light coat of foundation and gradually add more as needed to amp up the coverage. (If already full coverage foundation, be careful you can look cakey if you continue to add more to your first coat). Patting your foundation using a damp sponge or Beauty Blender rather than swirling it around with a brush helps the foundation settle into skin and helps get rid of any excess foundation that lays on top of your skin (also helps give you an airbrush finish).

Setting Powder.

Last but definitely not least, you want to finish your foundation application by setting it. Setting your foundation can also help make your foundation last longer, especially if you have oily skin. You can use a powder foundation (loose or pressed) or a translucent powder. If you want that little bit of extra coverage a powder foundation would be the way to go, if you feel you have enough coverage with your foundation alone then a translucent powder will work best.

I Use:
Urban Decay Ultra definition Loose Setting Powder (This stuff is amazing, I have a whole blogpost about it here)
Too Faced Primed and Poreless Powder (Translucent, great consistency, blurs pores and fine lines!)
Urban Decay All Nighter Long -Lasting Makeup Setting Spray (Best setting spray ever).

* lightly sweep the powder over your face with a large powder brush. A little goes a long way, you do not want to look powdery or cakey. Spritz a little setting spray to get rid of that powdery look and to also help set everything in place.

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These are basically all of my little tips and tricks and some of the products I’ve been using to keep my foundation lasting all day. I hope this was helpful and if you want to see a video of my foundation routine click here. (I have switched up a few products here and there but hopefully this helps).

xo, Jess♥

 

 

Haul – Ulta, Rite Aid, & Urban Decay.com ♥

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I’ve realized that my shopping addiction has been at an all time high, to the point where I’ve decided that after IMATS I will take a big break from shopping for makeup. I have so many new products to try out for you guys, that I honestly do not need to buy anymore. Especially because I know I’m going to be buying lots of goodies at IMATS (or at least I’m going to try, I’ve heard the lines are insane!)

I think because my skin has been changing so much, I’ve been buying a lot of skincare and just different things to see if my skin can go back to normal. My pores are huge! and my skin is so dry, especially my under eye are. I’ve been on the lookout for some good products to help that, so if you guys have any recommendations PLEASE let me know!

Anyway, Here is what I bought in the past two weeks…

My first trip to the drugstore was strictly for my prom makeup video. I needed glitter and I wanted to try a new foundation that wouldn’t look so powdery on my skin.

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I decided I needed something for my hair as well, since I was running out of shampoo and conditioner but wanted something that would actually work. My hair has been really dry lately, and I am in the process of growing it out so I wanted something good. I went to Ulta specifically for that reason, but of course ended up with more than just that.

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I thought I was finished with that. I was not. I received a 20% off coupon and just had to take advantage so I decided to go back to Ulta and pick up a few things, plus I was in desperate need of a new face wash. My pores haven’t been friendly lately.

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So now in detail, I’ll show you what I got. Keep in mind some of these products were samples given to me by the cashier. They’re always so nice to me at my local Ulta!

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1. Wet ‘N Wild Mega Sparkle Confetti – I heard about these through Dulcecandy87 on Youtube and I needed glitter for my prom tutorials so i decided to purchase them. The price point wasn’t bad at all so it was deff worth it. My local Rite Aid only had two colors, so I bought them both. They are Lilac Frosting & Pink Sugar. I used Lilac Frosting in my Prom Tutorial.

2. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser – This has been a product that everyone has been talking about! I wanted to try it for myself because I’ve heard mixed reviews about it. So far I actually like it!

3. L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black– I’ve always been a huge fan of L’Oreal’s Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black and Carli Bybel on Youtube is always raving about this one so I decided to try it. Not gonna lie, i’m not really a huge fan so far.

4. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation – This foundation is a product that i’ve been wanting to try for a while but have never got around to actually purchasing it. I was in love with my Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation so I figured this would be something like it. I tried it a few times so far and I’m not really in love with it so far.

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1. Pacifica Hand & Body Lotion Wipes – This was something super cool that I saw with all the mini products by the cash wrap at Ulta. It was so intriguing to me, especially because my skin gets really dry even if I put on lotion. I figured this was a cool idea and it would be practical when out and about.

2. Tarte Kit ( Maracuja  C-brighter eye treatment, Inner Rim Liner, Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara – So I know it looks like I purchased a million Tarte products but in reality it came in a little kit, but I accidentally threw out the box. I got this mainly because I ran out of the eye cream and I did enjoy it before but not enough to purchase the actual size one. It also came with the inner rim liner that i’ve been wanting to try. It’s a nude waterproof eyeliner made for your waterline! Perfect to give you a more awake look. The mascara I am not a fan of at all.

3. Urban Decay Electric Palette – This was not purchased from Ulta but I didn’t want to photograph it by itself. I saw this palette on Urban Decay’s Instagram and immediately knew I needed it in my life, I waited for the day it was released and purchased it the day of on their website. It’s so different than any other palette I own and I love bright eyeshadow, especially for the summer! I will have a video feat. this palette really soon and also a blog post/review on the palette so stay tuned.

4.  Samples ( Stila Stay all day 10 in 1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm, Sarah Mcnamara Miracle Skin Transformer Face, Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel) – The girl at Ulta was super nice and gave me some extra goodies, I’m really excited to try the Stila BB cream and the Sarah McNamara Face Enhancer. Anything that will help my face look its best I’m a fan of. The Curling Gel I probably won’t use as much so I might give it to my mom.

5.  Carol’s Daughter Repairing Kit – I saw an ad about this product in a magazine and put it on my wish list. When I saw they had a little trial kit I thought how perfect! I love mini trial kits because it lets me try the products for a cheaper price. That way if I hate it, at least I didn’t pay full price and I’m stuck with a huge bottle. Well, so far I love this stuff. My hair feels so smooth and shiny… I can’t wait to try it a few more times so I can do a review on this!

6. Vera Wang Rollerball Perfume – My favorite Perfume, ever! It just smells so good. I have the regular large version and also another version of the Princess, I believe it’s Rock Princess, not sure but it’s in a glittery bottle. Anyway, I got this rollerball because my perfume wears off throughout the day so I just wanted something that I could reapply with during the day.

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1. Too Faced Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Priming Powder & Finishing Veil – I’ve always been a huge fan of  the regular Too Faced Primed and Poreless Primer, so when Nicole Guerriero spoke about this baby in one of her videos I knew I just had to have it! I was really surprised my Ulta carried since they never carry any good stuff! There was also a pressed powder version, but I think a loose powder will work better for me.

2. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream – I got this in the color Transylvania which sounds spooky. It is a very vampy dark raisin plum color. So beautiful for the Fall/Winter and who knows maybe I’ll live a little and wear it in the Summer. What do they say, YOLO? haha.

3. Murad Samples ( Essential-C Cleanser, Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum, Essential-C Eye Cream) –  Since I bought Murad products the girl at Ulta also gave me some Murad Samples. I’m mostly excited about the cleanser and the eye cream, especially because they have Vitamin C in it. The Age Spot Serum I will probably never use, since I don’t really have any age spots.

4.  Murad Blackhead and Pore Clearing Duo – My pores have been a large issue lately, especially ever since my skin became super dry. I’m not sure if its something I’m using or what is causing my skin and pores ago react differently. I decided to pick this up on a whim and hope that it would minimize my pores. We shall see, I’ve read great reviews so fingers crossed!

5. Too Faced Melted Liquified Longwear Lipstick –  I saw someone I follow on Instagram wearing a beautiful purple lip color and when I asked her what lipstick it was she told me it was this product. I was hesitant to order it online at first, so when I saw it in store I just had to try it! I wasn’t sure what color to choose, so i decided to go with something I didn’t already have. I chose the color Melted Coral, because although I own a few Orange lipsticks, I don’t have anything in a peachy coral color. I hope it looks good on me!

6. NYX Butter Gloss – Everyone knows how much I love the NYX Lip Butters, they literally feel like butter on your lips. So smooth and creamy, and they last a while too! I saw that they came out with new colors and decided to pick up this purple to go with my Purple Revlon Matte Lip Balm. This color is called Raspberry Tart and from the looks of it I think I’m going to love it!

Phew! That was A LOT stuff! My last little makeup shopping spree will be for IMATS so stay tuned for that haul! I’m going to try to limit myself for the month of May so enjoy these hauls while they’re here! What new items have you purchased lately or what is on your wish list?

xo, Jess ♥

Mini Haul – Sephora & M.A.C ♥

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Clearly I have a shopping problem or more like a makeup addiction. I’m going on vacation to California in a few days and realized I was running out of a few things, and in desperate need of other things, so I decided to take a quick trip to Sephora. This “quick” trip resulted in two trips to Sephora and one trip to M.A.C within a few days! I know, I know. Don’t judge me.

On my first trip to Sephora, I ended up getting strictly skincare products because I was seriously in desperate need of them. I don’t think I’ve ever actually splurged on good quality skincare products and honestly my skin as been paying for it. My face has been super dry lately and my pores have been horrendous, I just felt like it was in desperate need of some TLC.

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On my second trip to Sephora, I went for one thing and one thing only. I was on the hunt for a new foundation and although it was difficult to keep my eyes from wandering, I remained focused and completed my task. haha.

of course, I did a great job on my second trip to Sephora but that did not stop me from entering M.A.C which happened to be right next to it. Now we all know M.A.C is probably every makeup lover’s weakness, so it is dangerous territory. I ran out of my concealer so I had to go in for more and of course I had to pick up a few other goodies while I was there. My bank account probably hates me right now but it was totally worth it!

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Anyway, now that I’ve bored you with my rant I will show you what I got! (I know this is what you’ve been waiting for)

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1. Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer- Now that is a mouthful to say! I picked this moisturizer specifically because Casey (itsbl0ndie) from youtube uses it and raves about it so much. Gel moisturizers absorb quicker and easier into the skin so I figured it was good for someone with combination-dry skin. I have started using it and so far so good.

2. Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment- I think the name speaks for itself. I’ve probably said this a thousand times but my skin has been going from oily to dry to oily, so it’s been really difficult to determine exactly what skin type I have. I decided to get this because I generally have dehydrated dry skin which causes fine lines and wrinkles and that my friends is a huge NO. Not okay.

3. GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment- I think the world is raving about these products right now therefore it was a must try. I love face masks in general and well, since everyone has been loving this brand so much i decided to get the sample version of it to see what all the hype is about! I will deff. let you guys know how I feel about it once I try it!

4. Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light –  I’ve used this product before and loved it. I had gotten a sample in my birch box a while back and I did enjoy it, so I decided to repurchase it but this time in the light version. The regular one can be a bit heavy but I find that this version is lightweight and deff. sinks into the skin quicker.

5. Philosophy Hope In A Jar Night- I’ve never actually used a night cream per say. I barely even wash my face before bed (I know, I know. That’s terrible!) but, my skin has really been in need of some extra love. I’m trying to stick to a strict skincare regimen so I figured if I bought a night time cream then it would give me a reason to wash my face at night. Let’s hope that idea works! (Fingers crossed!)

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1. M.A.C Retro Matte Lipstick ( Relentlessly Red ) – One of my biggest addictions when it comes to M.A.C is their lipsticks. I truly believe that if anything, M.A.C has the best eyeshadows and lipsticks! I don’t own many because there isn’t a M.A.C store close to where I live, but when I do get to go there I try my best to pick up at least one! This color caught my eye because for one, I love anything red or bright or bold. It’s more of a watermelon red color, it applies super matter and I can’t wait to use it!

2. M.A.C Prolongwear Concealer (NW35) – I needed a new concealer. This is my holy grail concealer, I haven’t found anything as amazing as this. This color is the exact match to my actual skin color, I picked it up for days where I’m wearing natural looking makeup.

3. Makeup Forever HD Foundation- I’ve heard friends and Youtubers rave about this product forever now and I still have yet to try it. Once I like something it’s kind of hard for me to venture off, but since I ran out of pretty much all of my favorite foundations I decided to try something new. When I swatted it, it felt a little thick but I guess we shall see. I have high hopes for this foundation so I’m hoping it lives up to its hype and to my expectations.

4. M.A.C Prolongwear Concealer (NW30)- Although I usually always get this concealer in the shade NW35, I decided to also get one shade lighter so that I can use it as a highlight as well! ( Everyone loves the Kim.K highlight effect right? right.)

5. M.A.C Viva Glam Rihanna- I’m not a huge Rihanna fan per say, but when I heard she had a new Viva Glam lipstick I had to check it out! This lipstick is so creamy and the color is so beautiful, I can already tell it’s going to be one of my favorite reds.

Those are all of my recent purchases. Let’s hope I can stay put until IMATS so that I can get lots of goodies there! I swear this is a real addiction but I love it! What have been some of your recent purchases?

xo, Jess ♥