Nighttime Skincare Routine

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Posted on April 27, 2013 by blendtousletease

Today I wanted to share with you my nighttime skincare routine! As you all know, I wear makeup everyday and my skin is pretty resilient, aside from the unwanted forehead blemish & that’s due to my bangs more than anything!

though my skin is resilient to makeup lines that are far from natural, MAC,NYX, Makeup Forever etc. skincare is where I tend to get in trouble. The last few years I really spent some time testing things out and I am SO pleased with my current nighttime crew.

I get asked about or comments on my skin fairly often and I think it is mainly from my nighttime routine and Kim Snyder’s Glowing Green Smoothie that I drink daily! Read Here.

As you can see, the items I use range from $7 to $120. I am all about mixing high end with bargain, in terms of anything really, and I only splurged on things I knew were worth it!

So first, I take off my makeup with my MAC Wipes

I find that other makeup wipes just don’t get the job done in 1 wipe like a MAC wipe does!

Depending on how much makeup i’m wearing, I don’t always need the wipes, (just something to remove Mascara) & i’ll cleanse my face with my Clarisonic Mia and some old school Cetaphil!

Facial cleanser is probably one of the things I tested the most in terms of products, and I used them all! I really feel Cetaphil does its one basic job; Cleanse!

I toyed with the idea of the Clarisonic for seriously over a year. But a number girls I worked with at MAC swore by it and after reading hundreds of 5 Star reviews. I gave in!! I’m so happy I did! I truly see and feel a difference in how my skin looks.

About once a week I use my MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

I used to use proactive, not really sure why, but I felt like it would prevent acne from coming and I was addicted to the toner AKA ‘step 2′

I now LOVE my 100% Pure toner. I really love this entire line of products. They are all natural and at a moderate price.

Finally my absolute FAVORITE – ‘don’t know what I’d do without’ product is my Living Libations Cell Serum. I use this ‘Face Food’ as my moisturizer because it is an oil. It is made of 100% organic ingredients that promote soft healthy skin by feeding it ingredients that :

*Down regulate inflammation
*Feed the skin’s immune
*Activate electrons to boost cell to cell communication
*Prevent oxidization of lipids
*Disrupt the wrinkle producing process
*Have protective and therapeutic micronutrients
*Inhibit inflammatory transcription factors and inhibit the negative enzymes that breakdown collagen and elastin

Truly once I started using this product, within 3 days I saw a difference in my skin. I don’t think I will ever be able to part with this product. You can get 15ml/$40 or 30ml/$75. A little bit goes a long way with this product! A little less than a dime size is all you need!

Thanks to my Sisters Ann & Kirby at BenedictionOfBeing.com for getting me hooked!

what are your favorites?

Leave a comment below with any questions, comments, or skincare suggestions!!

Queen For A Day :: Paul Mitchell & Seventeen Mag !

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Posted on March 25, 2013 by blendtousletease

So spring is trying to make it’s way through the bitter cold and that means Prom season is quickly approaching!!

Now if you have graduated high school Prom is nothing but a distant memory.. however if you work in hair, makeup,or retail then this season can be as busy as December! Paul Mitchell & Seventeen Magazine created 4 really fun hairstyles for the upcoming prom season! Continue reading →

Glowing Green Smoothie

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Posted on March 20, 2013 by blendtousletease

Happy first day of spring everyone !

..We can just ignore the fact that there is still some snow on the ground, hopefully its the last of it! Its time to freshen up your skin with the new season!

I am so excited about this new smoothie I have been drinking. It is SO healthy for you. I have seen changes in my skin, my nails are growing, and overall energy. I only started drinking it a little while ago and I feel SO many positive effects from it!

Continue reading →

Makeup Monday :: MAC Gets Musical

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Posted on March 11, 2013 by blendtousletease

Happy Monday! I can’t believe we are already headed into March, time is flying by! I got wind of 2 fun collaborations MAC is launching and they are pretty fabulous.

The first being RiRi for MAC which will be amazing! Based off the the packaging alone, I am seriously so excited for this launch.

WWD

People.com

This isn’t the first time MAC has partnered up with a star, but this time things are a little different. Typically its just a one time launch of a limited product. With Rihanna however, there will be “development of four distinct color initiatives.” There will be a wide variety of products from eyeshadow, to brushes, and lipstick. RiRi woo is the first product that will launch and was inspired by an all time MAC favorite ‘Ruby Woo’.

MAC Ruby Woo

Its release will coincide with Rihanna’s Diamonds Tour concerts on May 4 and 5 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where MAC will open a pop-up shop on the first night to showcase the line.

Other parts of the collection will be dispersed through the summer months ! Check out the article at WWD for the full scoop!

________

More recently I heard about the collaboration between MAC and Paramore’s, Hayley Williams. This partnership has a totally different feel than the RiRi for MAC launch, but equally drool worthy. I love the colors in this collection. Orange is a perfect color for spring/summer and MAC def can add a new hue to their arsenal.

Elle Magazine

The fact that there is a mineralized powder in the collection is the cherry on top! This collection is simple but has 4 amazing shades and wearable products. I can’t wait to see the shadow in person either !

This spunky redhead will have us ready for spring in no time!

google images

This collection is set to launch online at MACcosmetics.com in April !

What do you guys think??

Friday Favorite :: Clarisonic Mia

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Posted on March 8, 2013 by blendtousletease

Hi Beauties! I am so sorry its been a while, between school, getting sick, and excessive amounts of snow I’ve been running around like crazy! I’m back now, and with a Friday Favorite for ya!

I am absolutely obsessed with my Clarisonic Mia ($125)!

A few of the girls I worked with at the MAC counter loved it, but I still wasn’t convinced. I wasn’t ready to spend the money on something that I could do with a hand towel. I am a huge ‘review’ reader and after reading countless ’5 stars’ and ‘thumbs up’ I gave in, and I am so glad that I did!

You can go straight on your face with makeup, or after you remove it. I take off my face and eye makeup, usually with MAC Wipes and then Ill use this after and really cleanse with Cetaphil and warm water. I felt noticeable changes in the softness of my skin.

Makeup Remover Wipes :: MAC Cosmetics $29

Cleanser $10

In the past I felt like my problem areas were tiny black heads on my nose and on my forehead from bangs, but they haven’t been a problem with my nifty device. Follow up with your choice of moisturizer and you are set!

If it’s your first time hearing about this product, you may not be sold. It took me a while to jump on the bandwagon but I really am so glad I did, because my skin was never the same. I purchased mine from Ulta. They also sell it at Sephora and most department stores!

Have you guys used this product? What are your thoughts?

New Nail Polish :: OPI Bubble Bath

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Posted on February 25, 2013 by blendtousletease

I have finally purchased a polish I’ve heard so much about, OPI “Bubble Bath” I was surprised at how sheer this shade was, but I do like it!

If you like a no fuss manicure, but still wan’t a polished look, then this shade is for you! One coat will add a soft pink hue with some shine & If you want a bit more color, add a few layers like I did above!

This shade is also nice with a shimmery polish on top! Above I used one coat Deborah Lippmann’s Believe

What do you guys think?

Please disregard the fact that my nails are just babies! I peeled off a gel manicure… NEVER a good idea, and was left with little nubs !

Friday Favorite :: RAD Soap Co.

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Posted on February 22, 2013 by blendtousletease

Happy Friday friends! I hope everyone had an amazing week! I was hit with the nasty cold that everyone seems to have gotten in the last 3 days! If you haven’t gotten sick, unfortunately its probably coming for you too! Just seems to be that time of year.

I am so so SO excited to talk about one of my new(ish) favorite brands… RAD Soap Co.

I stumbled upon this brand at the ‘World Chocolate Expo’.. however this expo had all sorts of different vendors from a brand that strictly made chocolate covered bacon, to vegan pastries, gourmet tea, and my favorite The RAD Soap stand that was selling their soaps and other body products.

What is RAD Soap Co. you ask? They sell AMAZING cleansing body bars and creams; from ones that exfoliate to ones that help sore muscles. This brand creates natural products for bath and body with ingredients like natural olive oil and Shea butter.

All Over Albany

The wide variety of scents ensures a flavor for everyone! At around $8 for the bars and $18 for the tub of cream you are getting your moneys worth! I love that the products are all natural and hand made!

I could not decide on what to get at the expo because there were so many options but after sniffing and testing, I eventually left with the exfoliating bar and the cleansing bar

They suggest cutting the bar in half because “you will get 25% more from the bar doing this. Take the one half put it in a clothing drawer and take the other half to the bath. Lather soap all over the body” – Rad Soap Co.

I cut my bars in half and have been using them for over a month and I am still using my first half.

My creamier bar is smaller than my exfoliating one because I use it twice as often.

The exfoliating bar is hands down one of the best exfoliating products I have ever used! Look at the gritty texture!

I was was so pleasantly surprised at how great my experience with these products. I love how this once little family business has flourished into an awesome brand! My skin is so soft and hydrated all the time – Even in the dead of winter!

If you’re in the market to try something new, or love bath and body products, I strongly suggest you give this brand a try! They even have products that are safe for pets and babies!

Makeup Monday :: Revlon Sassy Mauve

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Posted on February 17, 2013 by blendtousletease

Hi pretties! I’m here with another fabulous lipstick, Revlon ‘Sassy Mauve’

I have a number of Revlon products and I’ve been pretty happy with pigment, longevity, and price!

I love and use higher end product lines, but I love a good bargain too! This lipstick is only $5

When I bought it, it immediately reminded me of a MAC favorite (from the pic it is clear that I use it a lot), Syrup!

Sassy Mauve & Syrup

Syrup has just a little more of a pink tone and is more sheer.

If you don’t have it in your budget, need something quick, or are still not convinced of a slightly darker tone, then try this drugstore steal before investing in something pricier!

What do you think? These lipsticks are like sisters!

Check out Revlon.com & MACcosmetics.com for more about these shades

DIY :: Heart Manicure

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Posted on February 9, 2013 by blendtousletease

Valentines day is quickly approaching and whether you are celebrating with a romantic night alongside your special someone or having a girls night, its always appropriate to do a fun manicure!

This one above is simple, you can use any 2 colors you please you just need to bobby pin as well!

Essie Really Red & Fiji

All you do is connect the top 2 dots to the bottom on and create a V shape. I filled the V in just a little to make the heart rounder!

I went back in with the red and sharpened the bottom edges of the heart and it made it look nice and clean!!

Not so much into red?

Here are some other options to try !

MAC Nightfall and Essie Set In Stones

Essie Ballet Slippers & Set In Stones

To give yourself a sparkly tip use a bobby pin and tap the color along the edge of the nail. It works well with the ‘Set In Stones’ Because it is a clear polish with chunks of glitter, so mistakes are easily hidden!

Essie Buy Me A Cameo & Set In Stones

Check out Essie.com to see more of their awesome colors!

What are your beauty plans for this Valentines Day?!

Makeup Monday: MAC Charged Water Eye Cream

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Posted on January 7, 2013 by blendtousletease

Happy Monday! I am compiling my list of products for an upcoming skincare regime post. However, I wanted to share this one with you sooner, because I just love it!

This eye cream is one of MAC’s newish (about a year) skincare products that has been added to their ‘Mineralized Products House’.

$35

At $35, this product may seem like a lot to shell out for such a teeny container, BUT this formula is like a gel, and our eye area is so small that this stuff will last you. Plus, this product is on the better side of prices compared to others on the market.

What does it do you ask?

This eye cream is not an instant time machine. However,the moisturizing and radiant qualities make the delicate skin around your eyes appear smooth and hydrated. Over time, lines and circles, and puffiness will be minimized.

The texture is so rich and light that you feel glamorous for bedtime!

What are you waiting for?! Gorgeous skin comes from how you take care of it, not just the makeup you put on.

New Nail Polish :: OPI Red

Posted on February 4, 2013 by blendtousletease

Hoping everyone’s week is off to a great start!

I wanted to share with you a new favorite OPI Polish I have. And if you’ve read my blog, even once, you probably know I’m all about a neutral nail..

But I love this reddish/pink color, OPI RED

These dreary winter days needed some brightening, and I think this did the trick!

One coat is all you need, but I typically do two anyways.

check out OPI for more !

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