April 2013 Hit List (Favorites)

Greetings!

I hope April was as gorgeous for you wherever you are as it was in sunny Florida!  The sunny and breezy weather was a warm welcome to the new season and with this change so has my skin been adjusting as well.  During warmer months I typically change up my skincare routine to accommodate the climate change, otherwise, my face would be craters full of unidentifiable objects.  This is why my favorites for this month are skincare related except for two products, well, kind of, one does have SPF, so I guess it is skincare related, lol.

Here are my faves for the month of April:

Clockwise: Walgreens Apricot Scrub, bareMinerals Touch Up Veil in translucent, Shea Moisture African Black Soap cream mask & Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse in Dark 3

First up is the Walgreen's generic version of St.Ives apricot scrub, I've never tried that one but if it's anything like it's knock-off cousin then just as soon as this one runs out I'm getting that one!  After use of this scrub my skin is left feeling super smooth and refreshed, there is no dry feeling for me afterward either!  It is also paraben free which is a plus for skincare products, this ensures that harmful chemicals aren't entering your system.  SCORE!


Next is what is a foundation, it is the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation in the shade Dark 3.  I've been using this foundation for quite some time now and I am in love.  In the heat of Florida I'm never concerned about foundation dripping down my face because of sweat, it stays put and does not leave me feeling like a cake face.   Overall, I love this!

Then we have bareMinerals touch up veil in translucent with an SPF of 15.  It comes in a cute compact with a powder puff stamped with the bareMinerals logo.  It is imperative that you pat this product on as opposed to wiping it on, if you wipe it on you will look ashy and that's just not cute!  I always use this on top of my foundations to give me that extra finish, very rarely must I touch up during the day with this on.

Finally, we have the Shea Moisture African Black Soap cream mask, wonderful for removing blackheads which are a concern for me.  Unlike other facial masks this product does not become hard on the face but rather sets to a clammy texture on the face, the directions advise that you leave on the face for 10 to 15 minutes but I normally do rebel things so I leave it on for 20 minutes.  I use this at night so that I can see the full results once I wake up in the morning.  I wake up to clearer skin and less blackheads.

That's it for this month!  Let me know what you think and tell me what's been your favorite go-to's for April!  See you in the next post!

Zoya Nail Color in Dree--Color of the Week

Greetings!

I'm back again and this week I figured I'd go the more toned down route and wear a color that's more work appropriate and came across Zoya's Dree.  This is a subdued neutral based green that wears well and looks professional.  I love Zoya polishes because they last long and deliver a shiny finish without the need of a top coat, and did I mention how dry they fast too? 

Here's what Dree looks like...

This is a cream finish and delivers fully opacity in two coats, the pictures above are two coats, no top coat!  Great, right?  I think so too.  You can find this color on Zoya's website for $8, not too shabby for a high quality polish like this one.  What are you waiting for?  Go get you one! 

In Need of a New Moisturizer--Suggestions from the people?

Greetings!

Once again I'm coming to you all to help in my search of a product that I'm in the market for.  Recently, my Cetaphil moisturizer has run out and now I need something else to replace it.  Although the Cetaphil moisturizer did the job it would leave my eyes burning for a few minutes after applying and we all know that that is NOT CUTE!  So I'm looking for a replacement that is just as moisturizing minus the burn.  I have oily skin so an oil control and SPF lotion is very necessary. 

Do any of you have recommendations?  What works for you?  Please share in the comments section!  I love to hear from you all! :)

New Nail Color of the Week--KleanColor Nail Lacquer in Pastel Teal

Greetings!

Did you miss me?  I said, DID. YOU. MISS. ME?!?  Remember that episode from Martin with Tommy Davidson?  If not, then you're probably too young.  LOL  Well, while I've already aged myself let me redirect your attention to what I'd like to refer to as a powder blue nail color, don't fret because the name throws me off too because it is not a bit of teal but don't worry, I've got you covered.  This IS powder blue, not teal.  Got it? Good.

I figured that since spring is here we ought to be rocking pretty pastels and this is one of them.  Check it out!

This color is a cream and reaches full opacity with two coats but I applied mine with three coats because I'm overzealous. :) If you're looking for something that definitely stands out in the crowd then this is your color, especially since it's springtime!  Go ahead and grab yourself a lily and start prancing around in your lace tops and pleated skirts, this color was made for you! 

The price ranges but it still remains pretty cheap, I got this as a gift but you can find these nail colors at Beauty Joint for $1.75!  Go ahead, and splurge and buy two, maybe three, or four.....

P.S. If you didn't get the Martin reference from the jump, click here to get up to speed.  Funny, right? 

What are you wearing on your nails this spring?  Tell me in the comments! 

bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum--Review

Hello Lovers!

I'm back again with an awesome skincare product that I think you will love!  bareMinerals has definitely been buzzing on my radar as of late because I have fallen in love with their skincare line of products.  I had the opportunity to try their moisturizers, this serum, a facial cleanser, and a nighttime face powder....yeah, I know.  Those reviews will come in due time. :)  Here's what bareMinerals says about their product.

Every cell in your body has a "clock gene" that regulates cellular renewal, which in turn affects the appearance of your skin. And it's scientifically proven that cells are most efficient at healing during nighttime sleep.

Our intensive night serum helps restore your skin's ability to reach its ideal renewal state. Powered by our proprietary ActiveSoil Complex–combined with a unique moisture boost technology–this formula maximizes cellular renewal and hydrates skin overnight. The result? Cells that are supercharged to protect you during the day and skin that looks firmer, healthier and younger.

Source

Indeed it did just that!  After about a week of using this serum I noticed clearer skin and my dark spots were diminished.  After about a month you could barely notice my dark spots, now that's a feat in itself as I don't think I've ever had a product that can do that, then again I've never used a product with the  intent to diminish the appearance of my dark spots.  LOL  

To give you an idea of how this product works for me I think it would be informative to let you know that I have oily skin, however, my oily skin does get dry patches when the weather changes to drier more cooler temperatures like we've been experiencing in South Florida lately.  I have been using this product for 3 months now and it has just finished.  It has left my skin feeling fresher, smoother, and a lot clearer.

The consistency is of watered down oil, it is not greasy.  All you need is about a dime sized amount to get full coverage on the face, once it's dry it does feel somewhat tacky on the face but trust, it's nothing that's uncomfortable once you put your moisturizer on afterward. 

It does come with the squeeze top to fill up the baster so that you don't waste any product.  It is clear, does not have a scent, and is just an overall great product.  The price is $50 for a 1oz. bottle from their website and inside their stores.  Would I recommend this product?  Yes!  So, what are you waiting on, go and get yourself a bottle girlfriend!