Let's talk about make-up: Foundation

I am on the search for a new foundation. Right now, I only use a mineral powder by N.Y.C (the only one that doesn't break me out!) but lately, with all the caffine I've consumed on top of the lack of sleep due to classes, I've been searching for a bit more coverage.

This is a very tricky task for me... You see, I've got combination oily/dry, very sensitive, breakout-prone skin. I can't use most products and I have to read down to the ingredients in everything before I consider slathering it on my face.

I have tried all kinds of cleansers - Proactive, Clinique, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Clearasil, Olay, ... and this list could go on forever. After many breakouts and dollars spent, I've discovered that I can only wash my face with 1. Mark's That's Deep Purifying Gel Cleanser or 2. Johnson's Head-to-Toe Baby Soap.

Now on to the foundation...

This is what I've built up so far in foundation... I currently only use two of these items. A quick review of the items above:

Almay Clear Complexion Makeup - I'm not a fan of liquid foundations. No matter what they claim (matte finish, complexion clearing, etc) they always seem to leave my skin oily and shiny after just a few hours.

Almay Smart Shade Smart Balance Makeup - It's ok. I haven't noticed it breaking me out but I find it a bit hard to blend. The color can turn kind of "orange-y" but if you blend, blend, and blend... it's not so bad. The coverage is minimal. I'll probably give to this a friend.

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse - I LOVE this product. This foundation smoothes and blends nicely and leaves my skin super soft yet dewy looking without all the oil. I LOVE it. However, it contains bismuth oxychloride and my sensitive skin can't deal. (I break out horribly when I use products that contain bismuth oxychloride!)

*FYI - most mineral makeup contains bismuth oxychloride so if you find that mineral foundation is breaking you out... that could be the culprit!*

Maybelline Dream Matte Liquid - Like I said above... not a fan of liquid foundation. This one especially left me oily and shiny after just a few hours. And it eventually led to breakouts.

Max Factor Pan-Stik Foundation - This is actually what I use for concealer and it's fantastic! It's the BEST thing I've found so far. The coverage is just perfect and it blends well with the rest of my makeup. I definitely recommend this to anyone!

N.Y.C. Smooth Mineral Foundation - This is the only mineral makeup I've found that doesn't irritate my skin. (It does NOT contain bismuth oxychloride). The coverage is sheer t0 light. It's perfect in the summer! After I apply the Max Factor Pan-Stik makeup to my trouble areas (under the eyes, sides of nose, any blemishes) I apply this power foundation to smooth and set everything. It layers nicely on top of foundation. The best part - it's only $4 :)

*I recommended this to a friend and she's hooked on it now too!

Now... the product I'm super excited to try -

Boots No7 Intelligent Balance Mousse Foundation

I did some research on this product (there's no bismuth oxychloride!) and I've heard nothing but rave reviews! It sells at Target for only $13.99 but you can get a coupon for $1 off.

I'll try this out for a bit then post a review after about a week or two.

If you have any personal foundation suggestions (remember - for combo oily/dry, SENSITIVE, breakout-prone skin) leave a comment below :)

Thanks!

Seriously QuickTrim? I'm not buying it...

I was browsing through a magazine when I came across this advertisement for a diet pill called QuickTrim - endorsed by Kim and Khloe Kardashian - and I was appalled.

I'm sorry, but that is not Khloe Kardashian's body.



Khloe lost some weight and she's looking fantastic! Why not show her true results?

Why not celebrate what true, realistic beauty looks like?


{via google}

{via Glamour}
Seriously... you should check out Glamour's article I've linked above.

Am I excusing unhealthy behaviors, or saying it's okay to lead a sedentary lifestyle because "perfection" can't be acheived and you should just be happy the way you are?

No.

Rather than eat right and exercise to look good, do it to be healthy.

Do it for your heart.
Do it to prevent diabetes.
Do it to prevent obesity.
Do it to enjoy a longer life with the ones you love.

Do it for yourself.

Lauren Conrad - In Seventeen Magazine

You all know I just adore Lauren Condrad... primarily, her amazing sense of style.

Lauren in Seventeen Magazine

In stores now -

My fiance and I were out shopping today and I found a lot of new styles of clothing I'd like to try and just about everything I picked out he'd say, "You won't wear that." Then I responded with, "I don't dress in cute clothes because I don't have any. I need cute clothes to dress cute." So the deal is that I can buy a few new, cute pieces... but I HAVE to wear them [They are not allowed to sit in my closet for a [not so] rainy day]. Not a bad deal, eh? :)

She just might turn me into a brunette

Emma Roberts

That porcelain complexion... those gorgeous, rich brown locks... *sigh*

I wonder if she really uses Neutrogena? lol

Emma usually stays pretty natural when it comes to makeup. Neutral eyes, black eyeliner/mascara, perfect rosy cheeks, and a natural nude/pink lip.

Check out Beautysnob.com to get the look!
..........................................................

Just a random rant... but does it bother anyone else that cosmetic companies use false eyelashes in every mascara ad? This drives me nuts! You are claiming that this mascara does this and that but using fake lashes is kind of like false advertisement, right?? I just wish they'd show a picture of what the mascara looks like on NATURAL eyelashes. Geez, is that too much to ask?

Free lip exfoliant!

Got dry, flaky lips?

I bet you've got a free lip exfoliant just lying around!

At-home Lip Treatment

You'll need: olive oil, sugar, and a small container
(I got my pink container at Walmart in the travel size section for around .50cents)

Put sugar into the container

Pour olive oil in the container of sugar

I tore off the end of a q-tip and use it to stir the concoction :)

Add sugar/olive oil until it's at the consistancy you prefer and then voila!! You're done :)

Enjoy your super smoothe smoochers right in time for Valentine's Day!
<3

Star Style - Taylor Swift

allure

Lately, I've been in love with red lips. I want to find a way to wear it in a normal daily routine without being too over the top. I like to wear red lip gloss, for a sheer effect but I'd like to do something a bit bolder... but like I said, not over the top. Any tips?

If I were famous... I'd totally rock sparkly dresses too. :)

Find great inspiration
Gorgeous Sequins: Forever 21
Fabulous How-To's: Allure
Insider Makeup Tips: Max Factor

My First iPhone - Favorite Apps?

I just switched from Sprint to AT&T and as a result... I got my first iPhone!!

I love love love it :)

And of course... the first thing I did was search through the Apps which I found completely overwhelming! So far, all I have is:

Facebook (duh)

My Fitness Pal

(basically a calorie-counting tool that I'll never use)

TweetDeck

(I don't "Twitter" often but sometimes I like to read some of the people I follow)

Wells Fargo

(So I can keep up with my mobile banking)

myStarbucks

(Store locator (with store hours), drink builder, food menu, coffee menu, etc)

What are your favorite apps?