Hair, Skin, & Nail Routine Part II

Happy Belated Thanksgiving/Black Friday!

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and racked up some crazy deals today! I want to let you dolls know how thankful I am for you reading this blog! Who would have guessed that this little blog would get 1,000 views in less than three months?!?! You guys are awesome and I really appreciate you !

This is the second post in a two-part series dedicated to skin, hair, and nail products that I am currently obsessed with. The first post went up on Monday and detailed my skin care routine. This post will revolve around my favorite hair and nail products.

Hair


I like to alternate between two different hair care lines. I have always felt like my hair stops responding as well to a specific product after repeated use, so I use L'Oreal EverPure Volume shampoo and conditioner about four days a week. It's sulfate-free so it doesn't strip my hair, it is volumizing, and it has a minty fragrance that I adore! On the days that I don't use the EverPure, I like to use L'Oreal Total Repair shampoo and conditioner, and coordinating Damage Erasing Balm (a super creamy deep conditioning hair mask). The mask is amazinggggg. I abuse my hair on a pretty regular basis with heat styling and teasing (what can I say, I love big hair and am from the South) and this line undoes that damage and makes me hair smoother and stronger. When using the mask, I coat the ends of my hair with the balm and clip it up while I do everything I need to in the shower, and then rinse right before hopping out. I have this weird wavy hair type that is not necessarily thick, but there is a ton of it. My hair becomes a tangled nest in a hot minute and this mask does wonders on my knotty locks. After rinsing my hair, I use a Wet Brush to work out any leftover kinks. If you haven't gotten a Wet Brush yet, drop what you are doing and get on Amazon. It's fabulous and your hair will thank you! I like to wrap my hair in a Turbie Twist while I apply my makeup, and by the time I am almost ready, it's 3/4 of the way dry. I hate trying to dry my hair when it's sopping wet, it takes forever and I almost feel like I'm ripping my hair when I drag a brush through it. I tried Josie Maran's Pure Argan Oil for my face and it was a disaster. It made my skin look fresh and glowy... for about two weeks... and then I began to break out and my face began to resemble an oil slick. Guh-ross. However, it works wonderfully on the ends of my hair and on my cuticles!

Nails

I love the look and longevity of gel nails, but hate paying $30 every two weeks. I decided to look into getting a home gel nail kit. After reading lots of reviews, I settled on the Red Carpet Manicure set at Ulta. The kit is around $80 (sticker shock, I know!) but that's still less than three gel manicures. The kit includes everything needed for a perfect gel mani, and you get to select your own shade of polish. This brand offers the largest selection of polish colors and lasts at least two weeks. The polishes run about $10 each, but you can always use an Ulta coupon and get $3.50 off. The first few times takes a while, but once you get used to applying and curing the layers it doesn't take much time at all. The LED light is pro quality and really does seal the coats. I will forewarn you, this system is extremely drying on hands and nails. After using the Red Carpet Manicure system, I like to rub Josie Maran's Pure Argan Oil all over my nails and cuticles to seal in moisture. I apply the oil again before hitting the sheets, and wake up to beautiful, soft and smooth hands.

For my toes, I either use one of my 30 OPI shades, I also like Sally Hansen Complete Manicure polishes, and OPI Drip Dry Lacquer Drops. During sandal season, which is March through October in the South, I like a fun print or design on my toes. I like to use Sally Hansen Nail Art pens to paint polka dots or fun designs. I also love Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish strips. If you have small toe nails like me, these strips are perfect! I simply use an orange stick to cut around the strip once it is applied to the nail. These strips have last a whole month on my toes and looked perfect for a full 30 days!


I would love to hear your hair & nail product suggestions! Leave me a comment or send me a message!

xoxo,

Alicia

Hair, Skin, and Nail Routine

Happy Monday Dolls!

I thought I would do something a little different this week and give you a little peek at some of my current favorite hair, skin, and nail products. This post will focus on my skin care routine, and my Friday post will detail the products I use on my hair and nails.



Skin Care Routine

A little info about my skin... I am 26 and am smack dab in the middle of a skin crisis... I have always had large pores and sensitive skin that tends to break out or become irritated when exposed to products containing oil or fragrance; however, I recently began to witness the frightening effects of tanning as a teenager, and am all too aware of the tiny lines that have begun to show up around my eyes.  About six months ago, I was on the hunt for a new skin care regimen that would address my sensitivity/anti-aging/pore refining concerns. Though I love the pore tightening and clarifying results of prescription Retinol products, my sensitive skin hates the peeling, redness, and irritation that immediately occurs after application. In the past, my dermatologist would write me a prescription for some intensive moisturizing cream to counteract the effects of Retinol. Having crazy-oily skin, you can imagine the slip-n-slide my face turned into midday after using such cream. After searching online and scouring reviews on Sephora and Ulta's sites, I finally stumbled upon the Alpha Hydrox line. The line contains products that utilize exfoliating acids to rid skin of impurities and dead skin cells, retinol to tighten skin, and nourishing antioxidants to soothe skin. Alpha Hydrox is great quality (check out the reviews!!) at a fabulous price point, I believe that products in this line run between $8 and $20, and I usually stock up when Ulta does BOGO 50% off. I still love several Lancome products that I became addicted to while working for the line. I highly recommend the Genefique Youth Activating line, though, I will soon be testing L'Oreal's Youth Code and will share if I have found a dupe. I snapped up a Strivectin starter kit with my employee discount while working as a beauty adviser and have been really impressed with everything in the line, and am now obsessed with their eye cream. The quality is close to pharmaceutical grade yet much gentler on sensitive skin. I have found that this particular combination of products keeps my face consistently looking and feeling much smoother and more radiant.

Morning:

I have two Alpha Hydrox cleansers that I alternate between depending on how my bi-polar skin is on any particular day. I use their Foaming Clarifying Cleanser on days when I am especially slick. I like their Nourishing Cleanser on days where my skin is feeling extra sensitive (after using retinoid or glycolic products). I always apply whichever cleanser tickles my fancy for the day with my Clarisonic Mia (pricey but SO worth it, pinky swear!). After cleansing my skin, I apply my Genefique Eye-Light Pearl eye serum and then Strivectin SD Eye Concentrate cream. The serum is applied with a stainless steel massaging applicator that soothes and brightens puffy eyes and dark circles. The wrinkle cream tightens skin around the eyes. Always apply serums first, they sink in deeper than creams and are the best possible foundation for your skin care regimen. Remember to layer from thinnest consistency to thickest; serums go first, then moisturizer, then sunscreen. I follow my eye routine with Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate serum all over my face. If I am feeling a bit parched, I then apply Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel to only the areas where I may be dry. The last step before applying my face makeup is sunscreen, I like Lancome's Bienfait UV SPF 50+. It is a super light, non-greasy fluid formula that absorbs instantly.

Night:

Depending on how lazy I am feeling that day, I either use a makeup removing towelette (I usually grab Olay or Simple towelettes) or use Clean & Clear's Deep Cleaning Astringent. I have bounced around with different toners (Lancome, Clinique, Neutrogena, you name it I have probably tried it!) but keep coming back to this one. My skin just feels so much cleaner after using it. I have replaced my beloved and extremely pricey Lancome Bi-facil Eye Makeup Remover with Maybelline's Clean Express Eye Makeup Remover. I've got a couple of fun facts for you: Lancome and Maybelline are both owned by L'Oreal. Bi-facil's label describes it as a "double-action eye makeup remover," while Clean Express' label contains the phrase "dual-phase formula." Clean Express requires a few more swipes with a cotton pad, but does a very similar job as Lancome's version, for $20 less! After my makeup is off and my skin is clean, I then apply Genefique's Youth Activating Concentrate serum again. Next, I alternate between Alpha Hydrox's Retinol ResQ (if I'm feeling paranoid about wrinkles, haha) or their 10% Glycolic Acid Treatment (dissolves dirt/oil/dead skin in pores, clears breakouts). I use the glycolic treatment probably 5 nights each week, and then the retinol treatment once every few nights to avoid over-sensitivity and irritation. Last but not least, I moisturize with either Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel again or Genefique Repair Youth Activating Night Cream when I am not as oily.

Alpha Hydrox products can be found at:
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/Alpha-Hydrox/_/N-1z141fa?ciSelector=searchResults

Sign up your email address at Lancome.com for a 15% discount:
http://www.lancome-usa.com/Advanced-Genifique/1000302,default,pd.html?start=1&q=genefique&cgid=skincare-genefique&cm_vc=search

Sign up at Strivectin.com for free shipping:
http://www.strivectin.com/


What skin care items are your must-haves?

I wish you all safe travels and a very happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo,
Alicia

Organization/Storage Tips Part II

Hi there dolls!!

After posting about storage options, I decided to share some of the ways I have gotten creative when it comes to organizing my own collection. You do not have to spend a small fortune to house your beloved goodies, by re-purposing normal household items you have the opportunity to customize your own unique organization system.

 Those clear acrylic trays holding my skincare products are actually butter dishes from the Dollar Tree! That's right, they were $1 each!!! I discovered them on a stroll through my local Dollar Tree store, and immediately envisioned them on my dresser.

This storage piece came straight from the kitchen supplies section of Walmart for around $4! I believe it is meant to hold sponges or cleaning products. When I saw the divided tray I just knew it would be perfect to house all my blushes, bronzers, highlighters, and primers.

 
 I purchased this mail organizer from T.J. Maxx years ago for my college apartment. It makes a great home for all of my palettes.

The jars with lids and the bud vases came from the Dollar Tree. These jars were perfect for cotton pads and swabs. The bud vases were just the right height for my personal set of brushes. (I keep my freelance set in a brush roll for traveling)

 I purchased the acrylic drawer set from Ross over the summer for around $8. I love these drawers for storing smaller random items, like lip glosses and eyelash glue. I found these adorable decorative mason jars at the Dollar Tree and envisioned them storing my ridiculous supply of hair clips, bobby pins, and hair ties. I liked that they were different sizes and had different patterns. I use the larger jar to store sectioning clips, and the small one for bobby pins and ponytail holders.

I love these divided multi-section organizers (I actually have two, pushed back-to-back). I purchased these at Ross for less than $10 each. These are a great size to remain on my dresser. The items stored here vary depending on my routine... usually changing every couple of weeks when I purchase some new eye/lip/face products. Those products that I am not currently using on a weekly basis get rotated out and stored in either my train case (below) or one of MANY cosmetic bags.

My train case holds the majority of products I use when freelancing. Lip tars, extra mascaras, primers, highlighters, and concealers are kept here. This train case came from Target, for around $35 a few years ago (I believe it is now only available online). This has been a lifesaver when traveling to photo shoots and events. I want a wheeled version with pop up studio light next (like this one found here at Le Cosmetique http://www.lecosmetique.com/All_Black_Makeup_Studio_With_Lights_p/C6201PVAB.htm?gclid=CNWejvGx-7oCFUMV7AodB18AMg).





I hope these tips inspired you to re-think makeup storage and organization! Get creative!

xoxo,
Alicia

Organizing Those Treasures

Get your hands on a Z-Palette!

If you haven't started de-potting your products, drop whatever you are doing and get on it... like now. I have ran into this problem every time I fall in love with a new palette, I end up obsessed with about half of the shades and hit pan on them way before I run out of the other shades. I always tried to hunt down the individual shades that I had fallen for, just to end up with a cosmetic bag of a zillion individual eye shadow and blush compacts. Dolls, I have seen the light! Creating your own customized palette streamlines your makeup routine, organizes all of those loose compacts, and makes packing ridiculously easy. Another perk: you don't have to repurchase palettes just to use 50% of the shades anymore! (MAC and MakeupGeek sell pan versions of all of their powder eyeshadows and cheek colors so you don't have to de-pot... and they're generally around $2 cheaper than their compact counterparts!)

First, start out with a Z-palette (you can find them here http://www.makeupgeek.com/store/palettes/empty-palletes.html for less than $20). You can choose whatever size and style packaging that may strike your fancy, but word to the wise, go for the big one... you'll be filling it up in no time! You'll also need the magnetic stickers, so grab those too. Now go grab your fave individual shadows, blushes, and bronzers. I filled mine with my UD and NYX individuals shadows, a NYX blush, and a Physician's Formula bronzer, but anything you want to make portable works! I will link the youtube tutorial I followed in de-potting below. It literally takes 3 minutes per item and you end up with a great custom multi-product palette.

Youtube De-potting Tutorial

Organize according to your space

My advice would be to select cosmetic organizers that match your decor and accommodate your products and the space you have available. You do not have to spend a ton to organize all or your goodies. Check out some of the options below.

Multi-Product Organizer with Drawers
I love this divided tray/drawer combo. It's actually two separate pieces that can be stacked to optimize space. Acrylic makeup drawers can be ridiculously expensive, but I already spend a small fortune on products and can't really buy into the concept that I need to spend $200 to house my items... So I turn to cheaper options like this one from Amazon (for less than $40!). This particular organizer provides plenty of drawer space for all your blushes, bronzers, and compacts. The divided tray that fits on top holds lipsticks, mascaras, and pencils.

Lipstick Tray
If you are a lipstick lover (you know I am!) then you know the struggle is real when you are looking for that pinky-nude and you have gone through four cosmetic bags and still can't find it! The solution is a countertop lipstick organizer. These things are less than $10 (you can find them on Amazon or at your local Bed Bath and Beyond) and are the easiest way to keep track of your ever-expanding collection.



Cosmetic Carousel
These lazy susan-esque products are fabulous when you have tons of beauty products and not a lot of space to store them. This style of organizer rotates and allows you acces to all your products, without taking up tons of space on your vanity or dresser. The one below from Wayfair.com is less than $25 and comes in fuschia, cream, or pink.




Magnetic Makeup Holders
When you are super short on counterspace, think outside of the box and put it all on the wall! I have seen this concept all over Pinterest and now you can buy them at The Container Store. MagnaPods (around $10) hold your items and stick to any magnetic surface. I have seen adorable homemade magnet boards made out of spray painted cookie sheets.





I hope these organizing tips were helpful! I plan to do another post soon devoted to travel solutions for makeup junkies!

xoxo,
Alicia

Better late than never... October faves!

Hi Dolls!

Long time, no blog :( I hate that it's been nearly 3 weeks since my last post, but I promise to never go that long again! Due to a combination of a zillion (I may be exaggerating) projects and papers to complete these last few weeks and my mom spending some time in the hospital, I have neglected you guys. I couldn't decide if I should put up my October favorites since we're 10 days into November, but there are so many products that I just couldn't wait to share with you (and a few I'll warn you about!).

 So without further ado, here is my top 5 favorites, and 2 products I won't be re-purchasing.

1.) Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Crush

So I've expressed my love for these balm stains before and I have to say that this gorge berry/plum combo is an amazing shade! I purchased a Maybelline Color Whisper in Berry Ready (left) earlier in the month, and although the color payoff was fabulous (see both shades below), I really don't like the texture of this lip product. It is advertised as "Truly translucent gel-color with pure color pigments suspended in a weightless gel." Good concept, poor execution. The formula kind of reminded me of Clinique's Almost Lipsticks (Black Honey is a cult classic, LOVE!). However, the gel in this is meant to feel light on the lips, however, the gel formula is a mess. Even using a lipliner, the color travels outside of the mouth and bleeds into lines of the lips, giving a not so cute "I just ate a popsicle" look to the mouth... Guhross.
 
                                    Left: Maybelline "Berry Ready"  Right: Revlon "Crush"

2.) Beauty Blender Kit 

I have always thought reusing makeup sponges was unsanitary, something about a porous surface continuously touching my face freaks me out. I have generally chosen brushes over sponges but after seeing multiple YouTube reviews praising the Beauty Blender and hearing that the sponges can be cleaned with a special cleanser, I started to reconsider my prejudice against sponges. The Beauty Blender is not your average sponge, however. The unique shape fits every contour of the face, blending makeup seamlessly under the eyes and around the corners of the nose. You also get more coverage options than you can get out of a foundation brush, and can be used wet or dry to adjust texture. After playing around with it a couple of times, I realized that I definitely prefer using it damp, the application looks much smoother and more even and blurs imperfections for an almost airbrushed finish. The kit I ordered from Makeup Mania included two fuchsia Beauty Blenders and a cleanser with a pump. I'm not obsessed with the cleanser, it seems to do a rather mediocre job of cleaning the sponges and is a bit messy to use. One other thing that irks me about these wonder sponges, if you use long-wear foundation or concealer (which I do!) the formula permanently stains the sponge. Even when washed immediately after use, the excess foundation/concealer is removed yet the surface stain is there to stay, creating the appearance of forever dirty sponges (yuck). It is recommended to replace the Beauty Blender around every three months. Next time I will order them in black and will give you guys the full report on their stain-ability.

3.) Physician's Formula Baked Collection Wet/Dry Shadows

"Baked Butter"

"Baked Spices"

So I used to be in love with these shadows in college, like IN LOVE. I first discovered the beauty of a wet brush when using these metallic shadow compacts, and I have never looked back! When used dry, these highly pigmented shadows go on smooth and silky... but when you wet your shadow brush, these shadows transform into the most amazing metallics. Here's the best part... guess where I rediscovered these little beauties... Big Lots! I was randomly browsing one day and almost screamed when I saw them! Apparently a store had too many of these and Big Lots snatched them up because I continue to see them in drugstores.There were three color palettes in stock, "Baked Sweets" (purples), "Baked Butter" (cool-toned nudes plus champagne), and "Baked Spices" (warm-toned nudes plus copper). I picked up "Baked Butter" and "Baked Spices" for $3.50 each!! (that's half the price!) and I am advising you... RUN TO YOUR LOCAL BIG LOTS!


I'm wearing "Baked Spices" here. These blend so well that you'll swear that they are high end. These are a super close dupe to Lorac's Little Black Palette and $30 cheaper!





4.) Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes

I cannot express in words how much I love this mascara! I bought this around the same time that I got Benefit's They're Real... and this one beats Benefit hands down (and is under $5)! The most amazing thing about this mascara is the small cone-shaped wand, it's like an amazing hybrid between Make Up For Ever's Smokey Lash and Lancome's Hypnose Star. It is much smaller than the Smokey Lash wand, which I prefer because it allows for much more control and you don't have to worry about getting it all over your eye and it's perfect for defining bottom lashes without getting messy. It's bristles are quite similar to Hypnose Star with varying lengths and widths that grab hold of every lash at the root, making lashes look crazy thick and full, while maintaining beautiful definition and length. The formula is the perfect compromise of not too wet or dry, meaning lashes are weighed down by a heavy formula that takes forever to dry but it is not so dry that it flakes with multiple coats. I currently own this mascara in "Very Black" and "Brownish Black" (for bottom lashes). 

5.) L'Oreal  Magic Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream

I have been searching for a BB cream that worked on my extremely oily and sensitive skin since they hit the market almost two years ago. I have been wanting a product that would provide decent coverage on days that I did not want a full-face of makeup. I have tried several only to find that they had minimal coverage and made my face look disgustingly greasy immediately after applying. The worst one I ever tried would probably be Lancome's Beinfait Teinte BB Cream, it was super thick and all shades were yellow-based making me look I had jaundice. My biggest complaint was that it broke me out after one application and this is a product designed to be a skin treatment with coverage. After sorting through reviews online, I finally found one that is a winner for oily-skinned gals like myself! Ironically it is a L'Oreal product (Lancome is also owned by L'Oreal!) but produced dramatically different result than its higher priced sister brand version. This BB cream goes on white and has tiny blue pigment capsules that burst when rubbed into the skin, creating the perfect shade. The coverage is just right and best of all... it dries to a powder finish! My only complaint is that it does not contain SPF, which is a key ingredient in every other BB on the market. If you're looking for a better than au natural complexion that is super quick and easy to throw on and run out the door. I love this for running errands or going to the gym.


xoxo,

Alicia