Olay - Fresh Effects (Shine, Shine Go Away!) Shine Minimizing Cleanser

Olay is one of my favorite brands, from bar soaps to cleansers and moisturizers, I love everything they have !

When they introduced their Fresh Effects line I was super exited, from packaging to variety of products I knew I had to buy them sometime ! What I like most about the line is that you can mix and match products depending on your skin needs, so you can create your own perfect beauty routine! 

I received a sample from the Shine, Shine Go Away! Shine Minimizing Cleanser a couple of weeks ago from an online promotion they did, and I became a fan!  after 5 days of using it I went to buy the full size!

This is what I experienced:

I have oily skin so shine control is a must for me! I was surprised by the texture of this cleanser, it's like a clay-ish cream, I love it ! I put a small amount in my face and I feel like the cleanser is absorbing all the dirt and oil, a little amount goes a long way !

It does a great job keeping my pores clean as well, and it doesn't dry out my skin! The only thing is that I feel it does not remove my eye makeup very well (waterproof mascara) but I always try to use eye makeup remover before any cleanser so it's not a big problem!

I like to use it more in the mornings than at night.

The main before/after difference is that it cleans and controls my oily skin during the day!

After 5 days of using it I went to buy the full size :) !

Brand

Olay

Product Type

Facial Cleanser

Description

Lift away impurities for a deep down to the pores clean that minimizes shine.

Directions

Splash your face. Dispense a small amount of product into hands. Add water and work into a lather, adding more water if necessary. Massage gently onto face and neck. Rinse thoroughly for a deeply refreshing cleansing experience. Avoid direct contact with eyes.

Size

Full Size - 5.0 Fl Oz.

Price

$5.99

Website

http://www.olay.com

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/olay

Benefit - Benetint Rose-tinted lip & cheek stain

I've heard  a lot of good things about Benefit Cosmetics, but until a few days ago I hadn't tried any of their products, I was super exited when I got a sample back in March from their Benetint  Rose-tinted lip & cheek stain from my Birchbox subscription.

After using it several times this is what I experienced:

The first thing I noticed was the smell, deep strong smell of roses I love it! I also like the fact that you can use it as lip and cheek stain, perfect for my tiny night purse!

Is very light textured, almost like water, it dries quickly, you can use it as little or as much as you like, a little goes a long way! it gives you a nice subtle rosy tint.

It looks very natural in my cheeks, like a long lasting flush. For my lips I like to use it alone during the week and if I want a more dramatic look I apply some gloss over it.

The main before/after difference that I have a long lasting tint in my lips and cheeks and I don't need to worry about retouching every 2 hours !

pd. I will buy the full-size product ASAP !

Brand

Benefit Cosmetics

Product Type

Lip/Cheek Color

Description

The original—and still the best—rose-tinted cheek and lip stain.

Directions

Draw three small strokes across the apple of your cheek. Blend quickly in a circular motion with fingertips. Apply Benetint evenly on lips.

Size

Full Size - 0.42 Oz.

Price

$30.00

Website

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/benefitcosmetics

Revlon - Color Stay Ultimate Suede Lipstick

Hello everyone !

For my daily life I like to have a natural makeup look, but for a night out I love to experiment with different shades of lipstick, I was obsessed a couple of months ago with bright pinks, but now I'm on my quest to find the perfect deep red color, almost like a wine-ish red.

I found myself walking around Target the other day, when I saw the Olivia Wilde Ad for Revlon featuring the Color Stay Ultimate Suede Lipstick and it was love at first sight!

I had 20 shades to choose from! but I immediately went for the 035 Backstage which is the one Olivia has on the Ad.

After using it several times this is what  I experienced:

It's so easy to use, and it stays on for hours ! I even had a bath and when I got out it was still there! I really like that the color is very accurate to the tube, because sometimes you buy something when you see the packaging and then when you try it at home it's a totally different color, but I'm happy to say that with this one you get exactly what you pay for!

It gives a nice matte finish and it feels soft, the only thing that I noticed is that it dries a little bit my lips, so to keep them moisturized I apply some gloss over it.

The main before/after difference is that I have a very long lasting lipstick color on my lips. The next one I'll like to try is the 005 Muse.

20 Shades Image via Target

Brand

Revlon

Product Type

Lipstick

Description

Is your lipstick giving you both moisture and wear? This velvety soft formula by Revlon with moisturizing shea butter and aloe is food proof and doesn't quit.

Directions

Apply onto clean, smooth lips.

Price

$7.99 (Some stores $9.99)

Website

http://www.revlon.com

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/revlon

La Roche- Posay - Part 2: Effaclar Duo - Dual Action Acne Treatment

Now it's time to review the second part of the amazing  5-Day Trial Kit, the Dual Action Acne Treatment, I'm 25 and I still get acne from time to time, and it's a BIG concern for me, because no matter which brand of makeup you  use, having a clean fresh face free of acne makes all the difference.

This product won the Best Acne Treatment on the Allure 2012 Best of Beauty Awards!

After several days of using this product, this is what I experienced:

It's very easy to use, I began using it twice a day but I noticed it dried out my skin so now I only use it at night.

I apply a small amount on the bumps that are appearing on my face, and by the next morning I notice that they start to calm down and go away quicker, it dries them out.

You can either use the smallest amount on the blemish or you can spread a larger amount on the areas where you usually get the blemishes, just as a precaution, it's better to treat the acne as fast as you can, because when is already developed, it takes a little more time to make it go away.

For me, this product works wonderful! it took only a couple of days to notice the difference, the only thing is that it does dry out my skin, so try to use a moisturizer to balance it out.

The main before/after difference that I can treat my existing acne faster, and prevent future blemishes.

Full size product image via La Roche-Posay 

Brand

LA ROCHE-POSAY

Product Type

Acne Treatment

Description

Dual action treatment reduces the number and severity of breakouts, improves pore size. 

Directions

Apply all over face one to three times daily. (I apply it only once per day)

Size

Full Size - 1.35 Fl. Oz.

Price

$36.95

Website

http://www.laroche-posay.us

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/LaRochePosayUSA

La Roche-Posay - Part 1: Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser

Today I will talk about one of my favorite brands of all time, La Roche-Posay, named for its French town of origin, its rated the #1 dermatologist-recommended skin care brand in Europe.

I got to know this brand through my dermatologist, I have sensitive skin and acne is one of my biggest concerns, so he  recommended me their products and I immediately fell in love with them.

They cost more than the average drugstore products, but you are really paying the price for the highest quality possible, I've tried many different products in my life and few of them make it into the "this changed my life" category and this brand is definitely in!

Since there are many specific products within the brand I recommend that you get a professional skin care consultation so that they can tell you which one is perfect for you.

They did a Facebook promotion a while ago called the "Be Clear Movement" and I got an AMAZING 5-Day Trial Kit for a Daily Cleanser and an Acne Treatment Lotion, so I will split this post into two parts so that I can talk better about each one of them.

After using the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser, this is what I experienced:

I used it twice a day, morning and night, is a nice alcohol-free gel, very gentle feels almost like water, since I have oily skin I was worried that it would dry out my face like other cleansers do, but I was pleasantly surprised that I got a fresh and soft after cleaning sensation.

I used to have the Effaclar bar soap before, but after trying this kit I will change to the Gel Cleanser!

The main before/after difference is that I have a deep clean face and with time a better skin texture with less acne!

  Full size product image via La Roche-Posay 

  

Brand

LA ROCHE-POSAY

Product Type

Facial Cleanser

Description

This daily use gel cleanser effectively cleanses and purifies acne-prone skin. Recommended for oily to combination skin and skin irritated by acne treatments. It gently cleanses without over drying. Soap-free, alcohol-free, oil-free.

Directions

Wet face and apply a small amount of gel, massaging the skin gently to form a rich lather. Leave on for a few moments and rinse thoroughly with water. May be used in morning or in the evening. Gentle enough for everyday use.

Size

Full Size - 6.76 Fl. Oz.

Price

$22.99

Website

http://www.laroche-posay.us

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/LaRochePosayUSA

Physicians Formula - Sexy Booster - Sexy Glow Blush

Happy Friday !

If you like Facebook promotions you should stop reading this post right now and become a fan of Physicians Formula! seriously this brand has AMAZING deals and promotions ! I love their products!

I was lucky enough to win the Sexy Booster - Sexy Glow Blush from their 2013 Spring Colletion from a giveaway they did a couple of months ago,  it comes in 2 shades, Natural and Rose, I got the Rose one!

After using it for several weeks this is what I've experienced:

First of all THE PACKAGING!!! this product definitely stands out in the drugstores! at the beginning I didn't wanted to use it because it's so beautiful!

On the product there's the blush that has one dominate color and two smaller shades (the stiletto), and on the back there's a small mirror with a brush.

It smells great, I think it was vanilla, I apply it in my face and the color blends easily, it's a light pink with a frosty finish that gives a very nice natural looking glow.

I'm not a big fan of the brush, the bristles are soft but I prefer to use my big brush at home, the small one it's perfect to take it everywhere for any makeup emergency ! I really like the color, it's very natural and I'm in love with the packaging !

The main before/after difference is that I have a light pink natural glow!

Brand

Physicians Formula

Product Type

Blush

Description

Silky soft blush glides onto skin creating a radiant and flirty blushing glow that blends and builds easily. Irresistibly soft and effortlessly sexy, this luminous blush delivers a faux glow that lasts all day, up to 12 hours.

Directions

Blend shades together and brush on over cheekbones to define and contour or apply right below cheekbones for a more defined and dramatic look.

Size

.19oz

Price

$11.95

Website

http://www.physiciansformula.com

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansFormula

L'Oreal - Studio Secrets Magic Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream

Hello everyone !

First they came the AA creams, then BB creams and lately I've heard so many brands releasing their new CC creams, but what are all those letters about?

Here's the difference:

• AA Cream - stands for Anti-Aging typically in a cream or moisturizer,  are used in products that help reduce wrinkles, sagging, discoloration, blemishes,  etc.
• BB Cream - stands for Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm, it's a combination of a moisturizer with the coverage of a foundation that usually helps with other concerns such as fine lines, oiliness, SPF protection, blemishes, primer, etc. I think this are the ones that I've heard about the most.
• CC Cream - stands for Color and Care or Color and Correct, basically is an advanced BB cream, they are designed to offer more coverage and moisturize, plus they have anti-aging ingredients.

I've been using for 5 or 6 months the L'Oreal BB Cream, personally it's my favorite one, because I have an oily type skin, and this is perfect for that, I feel other BB creams make my skin even oilier so I was in love with this cream from the very first time I used it!

This is what I've experienced:

I apply it every morning after washing my face, since my skin is oily, immediately I feel that this cream takes away the shine, and creates a perfect base for my foundation.

 It comes in 4 different shades: Fair, Light, Medium and Deep.

The cream comes out white and when you start to apply it in your face it blends and transforms into your perfect color! it's so easy to use, after that I apply my makeup as usual.

The main before/after difference is that my face has a flawless base and feels moisturized and protected all day long.

Brand

L'Oreal

Product Type

BB Cream

Description

Instantly transforms to your perfect shade for a flawless bare skin finish. Primes, Corrects, Hydrates and Perfects.

Directions

Apply all over your face, avoid eyes.

Size

1oz

Price

$10.95

Website

http://www.lorealparisusa.com

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/lorealparis

Simple - Revitalizing Eye Roll-on

Did you get your beauty sleep? I wish I could sleep 8 hours every day! but since that's not the case at all I was thrilled to find this little thing in my April Birchbox !

I'm always concerned about dark circles under my eyes, and instead of spending huge amounts of money in makeup to cover them,  why not use something to get rid of the problem?

I've been using this product for the past 3 weeks and this is what I've experienced:

I have sensitive skin so this is amazing, the product is free of dyes and perfumes! I use it every morning after washing my face, it smells wonderful!

I apply the roll on under my eyes and it instantly cools the area and makes any redness disappear, feels so fresh,  it's easy to use and it makes me look awake.

It does take away the puffiness but I wish I could see a more dramatic change in the dark circles, I hope I will see it after using the product for a longer period of time!

The main before/after difference is that my eyes look brighter and awake and I look well rested and ready for the day!

pd. A Birchbox subscription is a perfect gift idea for mother's day! Who wouldn't  love to have a box filled with beauty samples delivered to their home every month?

Brand

Simple

Product Type

Eye Treatment

Description

Helps  reduce puffiness and wake up and revitalize tired eyes by instantly cooling and gently massaging the delicate eye area

Directions

Apply the roll-on to the eye area in light circular movements. If required, smooth in any remaining liquid with your fingertips. Avoid direct contact with eyes.

Size

0.5oz

Price

$10.99

Website

http://www.simpleskincare.com

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/simpleskincare

Napoleon Perdis - Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer

“Not to Prime is a Crime!” - Napoleon Perdis

I love online shopping! The fact that you can have almost anything delivered to your doorstep will never stop to amaze me!

I bought  in Neiman Marcus the Neo Noire Long-Wear Liquid Eyeliner Pen  from Napoleon Perdis ($20) back in March and I got as a gift a deluxe sample of the Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer, many stores are having amazing beauty offers so be on the look for that !

After using this primer this is what I experienced:

The first thing I noticed was the smell, it's so good! It looks like a soft white cream, its light weight so when I apply it on my face I couldn't even feel it was there!

It dries fast and it allowed me to apply my foundation very smoothly, I did noticed a big difference on how my foundation looked, much more evenly!

 During the rest of the day I felt my skin hydrated and the base of my makeup lasted so long! If you have acne-prone skin this is a great option!

The main before/after difference is that my face feels moisturized with my makeup lasting longer and a healthy looking glow!

(full size product image via www.napoleonperdis.com)

Brand

Napoleon Perdis

Product Type

Foundation Primer

Description

Auto Pilot helps to prime and soothe the complexion for that flawless finish and helps makeup last even longer.

Directions

Apply it all over your face before any foundation.

Size

Full-size -  1.7oz

Price

$42.00

Website

www.napoleonperdis.com

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/napoleonperdisfanpage

Olay - Regenerist micro-sculpting eye cream & lash serum duo

If you love to try and see new products you should definitely become a member of Vocalpoint, is a community for learning and sharing about new products through samples and coupons, they send you samples and you write reviews of what you thought of the products you try!

It's a great way to see what's new out there and see what people think.

Last month they offered a full-size sample of the Olay - Regenerist micro-sculpting eye cream & lash serum duo, and I receive it last week!

www.totalbeauty.com just call this product the Editor's pick for best brow/lash serum in their 2013 beauty awards!

This is what I experienced:

This product is a combination of an hydrating eye cream with a nourishing lash serum, I've been using it in the mornings and nights.

Since using the cream, I have seen improvements, the skin around my eye area is softer and looks great, feels very moisturized, a little cream goes a long way! The texture is very light and non greasy at all, after a week I notice my eyelids and lines are smoother.

The serum it's great! I can feel my lashes look thicker, I apply it before mascara in the morning, and at night just before going to bed, the bristles are a little bit sharp, but after 2 or 3 times you don't feel a thing,  I can't wait to see if they start to grow more!

The main before/after difference is that my eye area looks smoother and my lashes thicker and fuller ! Definitely a beauty must have!

Brand

Olay

Product Type

Eye Cream & Lash Serum

Description

Combines a hydrating Eye Cream with a nourishing Lash Serum to provide smoother-looking lids, firmer skin and instantly thicker-looking lashes.

Directions

Use Regenerist Eye & Lash Duo in two steps:
1. Using your ring finger, gently dab the Eye Cream under your eye and on the lid to soften the appearance of lines and smooth the look of lids.
2. Use the lash brush to sweep serum onto lashes, instantly coating to thicken and nourish lashes. After lashes dry, top with your favorite mascara, if desired.

Size

Cream - .34oz

Serum - .17oz

Price

$25.00

Website

www.olay.com

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/olay

Tarte - Clean Slate Deluxe Primer Trio

There's something about beauty kits that makes me want to buy them all ! maybe it's the packaging or the fact that you are getting a complete set, I don't know, I just love them!

I bought this Tarte Clean Slate Deluxe Primer Trio at Sephora, the price was AMAZING! $9.00 dollars for a 3 piece kit? I couldn't pass that ! Although they are not full-size products, you have enough amount of product to know if it's right for you and if you want to buy the full-size later!

The kit includes  2 face primers and 1 eye primer.

This is what I experienced:

• Tarte - Clean slate poreless 12-Hour Perfecting Primer (purple one): is a transparent waterproof primer,  feels very nice and it makes my skin smoother, it helps the makeup to stay in place longer, and the best of all, is that it minimizes my pores!
• Tarte Clean Slate Flawless 12-Hour Brightening Primer (brown one): is a white light textured  cream, silicon free, that goes on very nice and smooth in your face, it's great for a matte finish, it also helps the makeup to stay in place longer and it gives you a brightening healthy complexion
• Tarte Clean Slate 360° Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer: it's a very liquid formula, it helps the eye shadow to stay perfect the whole day, I even noticed it made the colors a little bit bolder, I like to use it under my eyes too, so that my makeup for dark circles stays perfect  as well.

Overall I like very much all of them, I think it depends on your complexion if you go for the Poreless Primer or the Brightening Primer, if you have more of an oily skin with large pores I suggest you choose the Poreless one (purple) and if you want to achieve a more glowing look you should go for the brightening one (brown)

Or you can buy the kit ($9.00) and test them all :) 

Brand

Tarte

Product Type

Primer

Description

Infused with naturally derived ingredients that will power through the day, these primers help you to achieve a flawless “pore-less” and “crease-less” creaseless look for up to 12 hours. 

Directions

Apply a small amount to your clean face.

Size

Kit

- 0.09 oz Clean Slate™ 360° Creaseless 12-Hr Smoothing Eye Primer
- 0.25 oz Clean Slate™ Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer
- 0.25 oz Clean Slate™ Flawless 12-Hr Brightening Primer 

Full-Size

- 0.39 oz Clean Slate™ 360° Creaseless 12-Hr Smoothing Eye Primer
- 1 oz Clean Slate™ Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer
- 1 oz Clean Slate™ Flawless 12-Hr Brightening Primer 

Price

Kit

$9.00

Full-Size

$22.00 - Clean Slate™ 360° Creaseless 12-Hr Smoothing Eye Primer
$30.00 -  Clean Slate™ Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer
$30.00 -  Clean Slate™ Flawless 12-Hr Brightening Primer 

Website

http://tartecosmetics.com

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/tartecosmetics