Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

A few months ago I decided to try Cover Girls 3-in-1 Foundation after hearing good things about it. It claims to be a primer, have concealer like coverage and be a foundation.

Colors: There a 14 different shades from ivory, the lightest color, to soft sable, the darkest. I use shade 820 (creamy natural.) I tried 810 (classic ivory) the first time I bought it, and it had a pink undertone that looked really unnatural on me. I had a hard time finding a color that matched.  The shade I use now doesn't match my skin tone perfectly, but with a little setting powder I can make it work. 

Coverage: This product has a thinner consistency resulting in a medium coverage. It blends well and leaves a nice matte finish. Although this product claims to be a concealer also, I use a separate one on any blemishes and under my eyes. To apply it, I use a sponge if I want a lighter coverage, or a flat top kabuki brush for a little bit thicker application.

Wear: This foundation lasts about 8 hours for me. I have a very oily t-zone, and although I still get oily with this product, it isn't nearly as bad as other foundations I have tried. I normally blot mid-day and then it looks fine. If I go out later that night I touch up with a little bit of concealer and lightly brush setting powder on my entire face and I am good to go.

Price: About 12.99 (full price)

Overall Opinion: This is my favorite foundation at the moment. It feels light on my skin and looks more natural than others. I would not recommend this product if you have dry skin, because it may dry your skin out even more and look uneven. I haven't had any issues with this product breaking me out or causing any irritations. It also has a nice pump that makes it easy to use and keep clean too. 

Thanks for looking! 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner



Color: Comes in 4 different colors. 
  • Blackest Black
  • Brown 
  • Charcoal 
  • Eggplant
Wear: I find that this product lasts all day for me, unless I accidentally rub it off. I use the blackest black color, and it is very pigmented and has good payoff.  Once the product dries it stays put and doesn't get flaky or fade throughout the day. If needed, it can be set with an angled brush and eyeshadow that matches the color of eyeliner for extra staying power.

Consistency: The consistency isn't too thick or thin. It glides on smoothly and it is easy to apply across my upper lash line. I don't have any issues with it clumping.

Ease of Application: This product is fairly easy to apply. You can make the line as thin or as thick as you like. In my opinion it is much easier than liquid eyeliner or a pencil. It is also more forgiving than other kinds of eyeliner. If I make a mistake I take a wet cotton swab and use it to gently correct it. It wipes right off if it hasn't had time to sit.

Packaging: This product comes in a small jar with a twist off top. It also comes with a brush to apply it with. I don't use the brush that it comes with because I found that an angled eyeliner brush (like the one in the picture above) makes it a lot easier to apply.

Price: about $9.99 (full price) Sometimes you can find it on sale!

Overall Opinion: I definitely recommend this product. It is easy to use and the pigmentation is great. The price is a little expensive for a drugstore product, but only a small amount is used each time, so it lasts a while. Compared to more expensive gel eyeliners I have tried, I like this one the same, if not a better.

Thanks for visiting! 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

How to Grow Hair

 
About a year ago I cut my hair to my shoulders because my ends were completely fried from heat styling. After much TLC and patience I have gotten it to the length in the picture. I am still hoping for a few more inches! The most important thing to do when trying to grow your hair out is to keep it healthy. Here are my tips:
  • Get a trim when you feel that your ends are dry and are splitting. I get mine cut about a half an inch every 2-3 months.
  • Don't wash your hair everyday. Using shampoo strips hair of natural oils and can cause hair to become dry and brittle. I wash my hair every other day and dry shampoo helps to absorb any excess oil so it doesn't look greasy. 
  • Don't brush your hair, or pull it up when it's wet. This is the time when your hair is the weakest and can easily rip. If your hair gets tangled and you need to brush your hair when it is wet, try using a wide-tooth comb instead.
  • Avoid excessively using heat. Heat causes breakage and split ends and can make hair brittle. Whenever using a blow dryer, curling iron or straightener make sure to use a heat protectant each time. My favorite is Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray. It works well, smells good and its only about $4-$5 at the drugstore.Can't beat that!
  • Avoid coloring, bleaching or getting your hair relaxed or a perm.
  •  After washing your hair, dab it dry by using a scrunching motion with a towel instead of rubbing your hair. Rubbing causes frizz and can damage hair. I have heard that using a t-shirt to dry hair can reduce frizz, although I haven't tried this.
  • Use a good deep conditioner to add moisture back to hair. I like using Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque. I put it on my hair right after I shampoo and leave it on for about 7 minutes. This product works well but it is on the pricier side. It is about $30 for a jar. I also like to use coconut oil as a deep conditioner. I apply it to my hair an hour or two before a shower all over my hair and even massage it into my scalp. It comes in a semi-solid form, but when it is heated it turns into a liquid. This can easily be done by rubbing it between your hands. When shampooing it out I always shampoo twice to make sure all of the coconut oil is out. It will look greasy if their is any left. After using either deep conditioner my hair feels extra soft and it is easier to manage.
  • A daily scalp massage can promote hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles by increasing blood flow. 
  • Drink lots of water!!!! and eat healthy foods. Healthy hair, skin and nails starts from within.  
Growing your hair out takes time and patience. In no time you will have beautiful long hair.

Thanks for visiting!! xo


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

How to Style Curly Hair


I have tried so many products for curly hair trying to find a holy grail product. These are some of the best products I have tried. They work really well and this is how I style my hair most days. Let me know in the comment section what products you love. I hope you enjoy!
 
Step 1: Wash your hair with a shampoo and condition (preferably made for curly hair.) I like to use Curly Sexy Hair by the brand Sexy Hair. After I get out of the shower I towel dry my hair and then let it air dry for about 15-20 minutes (enough time to put on my makeup and eat breakfast.) This step is optional, but I like to add one pump of Moroccan Oil to the ends of my hair first. I then put a quarter size amount of DevaCurl AnGel hair gel on my hand and scrunch it in my hair. I avoid putting any products on my roots because it can look greasy.


Step 2: Take a hair dryer with a diffuser on it (this helps distribute the air more evenly and prevents frizz.) Set the end of your hair on it and scrunch it up towards your roots. I start on one side of my head and move around to the other. I continue to do this until my hair is mostly dry. When my hair is completely dry I like to straighten my bangs and smooth out my hairline(I have lots of baby hairs that get kind of wild.)
Step 3: If I need a little bit of extra volume on top I will lightly tease my hair with a teasing comb. I hairspray my roots and add a pea size amount of anti-frizz cream. This is the finished look.


Thanks for looking!