Showing posts with label cc cream. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cc cream. Show all posts

5.29.2015

May Chit Chat (Monthly Life Update, Fave Beauty Products, #JALS)

Comingatcha with glasses today! And red lips, of course. So every month I like to share with you a quick recap of my life, a chit chat. Here's the video:


Why Should You Watch the Video?

  • May in review:
    • We celebrated my dad's life on what would have been his 60th birthday. It's been two months since he died, and it's still not easy. But this was a wonderful day. I share pics in the video.
    • It was also my beach trip! Have I talked about this enough yet? No, hehe. 
  • Fave post of the month
  • #JALS challenge
    • This month's Just a Little Something Challenge was to choose happiness. And I really worked hard at that. When going through grief it's easy to suffer in silence and be sad. Instead I reminded myself of a
  • Fave beauty products:


Fromm Beauty Brushes: The 1907 by Fromm Square Thermal Brushes are available at Ulta stores and Ulta.com, this bronze brush series comes in three different sizes: small, medium and large. The Square Thermal brushes feature an innovative square shape that offers all-in-one blow-dry techniques – simply alter the position of the brush to straighten, create loose waves, or form tight curls. The flexibility of the barrel shape creates an all-inclusive tool, a necessity in the quest for the perfect blow-out. $15-$17.99


Colleen Rothschild Beauty--When a brand starts popping up on blogs, sometimes I throw a side-eye. Is it good or hype? I had saved a list of products to purchase when I was contacted to try this brand for myself. It is SO, so good, y'all. Totally worth the hype! From the high-performance luxury skincare brand I received the Age Renewal Super Serum, Dual Enzyme Polish, and my personal favorite, the Radiant Cleansing Balm. I have dry skin, but there are a host of products to cater to your skin needs.

  • May Ipsy Bag 
I loved just about everything I got in this adorable bag!
  • It Cosmetics CC Cream--already own this and love it. 
  • NYM De Ja Vu Do Style Extender--own this as well and love it.
  • KCO Colors--This arrived broken and unusable. I hear the same happened to others. I couldn't find it on the Ipsy website to report.
  • St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Lotion--loved it.
  • Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil + BONUS Revolution High-Color Lipgloss--loved it but I have other options that are much cheaper. Really enjoyed the lip gloss samples too. They were out of my color comfort zone but were fun to try.
  • Skone Cosmetics Pretty Eyeliner--This was in navy, so it won't get as much use.

Have a great weekend! Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

4.22.2014

Body Glow for Spring


I have been LOVING the weather in Atlanta lately. I'm talking finding-any-excuse-to-go-outside kinda weather. Let's go outside and check the mail...again! or I need to get something out of my car. Any excuse. And Charlie is LOVING it of course. I have to spell "walk" or "out" because he's pretty much a genius (biased much?) and leaps into position if he hears those words.

But now that the weather has been mostly nice, I've been looking to these products to get a glow all over. I'm not talking a Bronzed Goddess here--that comes later in summer--I'm talking a nice, healthy-looking glow that gets rid of the winter dryness. I was sent these products to try, but liked them so much and think you might too!


EXFOLIATE:
  • Step one--It's time to slough off all of dry winter skin, allowing that natural glow to shine through. Now y'all know I love me a good DIY scrub, but sometimes I just want to grab and go. And I know some of you are the same. 
  • Enter Frank. Frank is a coffee scrub with brown sugar and sea salt, with cold-pressed almond oil. I love to use this before I shave, moisturize, or apply self-tanner.
  • I like how this comes in a resealable bag and how well it works. It's a drier scrub, so it's less goopy (gloopy?) and really smooths skin. They have a coconut+ grapeseed version too. $14.95 and full of good-for-you stuff. I love this scrub!

  • I take a couple of small handfuls and apply it to my damp skin, scrubbing it in, and then leaving it for a few minutes before rinsing away. Use once or twice a week. Stores 6 months.


ADD SOME COLOR

  • Now that we're all scrubbed up, let's add some color! A must for all of those cute spring dresses, right? Karora Skinwear just launched in the US (get it at Ulta) and has a variety of products for self-tanning and instant color needs. They believe in "botanical bronzing" by being formulae-free from nasties!
  • I tried the Karora Express Bronzing Mousse. Using the mitt, I was able to easily apply color to my legs. Color showed in about an hour. It looked natural and I really liked this product!

  • I also received some samples, starting with the Karora Instant Tan. It's water-resistant and gives instant color and glow. I loved how nourishing my skin felt. 
  • Next, is the Karora Gradual Tan--for those looking for subtle color, and again with hydrating ingredients, give this a try. It smells good too.
  • Finally, is the CC Cream Skin Sensation--this starts off a grainy grey, but easily blends into color, and can be used on face or body.
  • I highly suggest checking out these different options (there are more products, too). Prices: $25-$40

GLOW
  • If color on your face isn't your thing, and you just want a natural glow, you've GOT to check out this product. I've been slightly obsessed with Lupita Nyong'o's glowing skin (yes, I had to Google how to spell her last name). She said she uses oils. Since I don't have her amazing skin, I've been faking it with the M Steves Ultra-Nourishing Boost. If you want that natural glow-from-within, get this! Now!
  • Pure, cold-pressed RHSO (Rose Hip Seed Oil) intensely hydrates and nourishes skin while a concentrated, naturally-derived extract called GATULINE® IN-TENSE, proven to make skin look of firmer, works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Leaves skin more even and brighter with a luminous glow.
  • Dermatologist Tested. 96.7% Natural. 100% Vegan. No Parabens. No petrochemicals. No GMOs. No Phthalates. Wheat & Gluten Free. No Synthetic Dyes or Fragrance. No Animal Testing. Recyclable
  • Price: $64 but SO worth it. Trust me.




PROTECT
  • Regardless of whether you want to glow or not, you're gonna need some protection out there. I have been loving using Australian Gold (I just realized three of these brands are Australian! G'day! PS: I can totally do an Australian accent and have "passed" as a native Australian. But I think they were just being nice. Back to the products!)
  • I admit I can't stand the way lotion feels on my palms, and sunscreen feels the worst! Anyway, I like having the option for sprays, like these. These are Sheer Coverage Continuous Spray Broad Spectrum Protection. If your current sunscreen isn't broad spectrum, throw it out now, because it isn't protecting you from all of the UV rays out there. This comes in 30 and 50. It doesn't smell like alcohol-hairspray like some sprays I've tried. It isn't sticky, it absorbs quickly, and is oil-free. Plus, it's water-resistant up to 80 minutes. Check these out! $11.99
  • I also wanted to give a mention to Australia Gold's Self-Tanning Lotion. I know not everyone is into looking tan, but they want just a little color. If you want very subtle color, try this. It's very light, moisturizing, and easy to apply. $8.99
What products have you been loving lately for glow?

3.25.2014

Spring Haul: ULTA and New Drugstore Beauty (Video)


































Ah, nothing says SPRING like new beauty products, right? Anyone? Just me? Well, regardless, I'm sharing some recent hauls from the past couple of months. Enjoy!


























ULTA:
  • It Cosmetics: CC Cream and Bye Bye Under Eye
  • Essence: Get Big Lashes and Lash Mania Reloaded mascaras
  • NYX: Dark Circle Concealer (light and medium)

























Rite Aid:
  • Lip Smackers: lip gloss and raspberry sparkler (these smell amazing)
  • Revlon: Killa Watt, Atomic Pink
  • Milani: Brilliant Shine glosses, Power Lip, Liquid Color
  • NYC: Expert Last lipstick


























  • Sinful Colors polishes in Nice Stems and Blue Lucite
  • NYC polishes in Top Gold and Lafayette Park
  • Milani Sugar Rush
  • LA Colors Flash Pop (got this at KMart)
























  • Maybelline Eye Studio Quads in Nude Romance and Take It Off
  • LA Colors: Mascaras, foundation, nail polish remover (Kmart)
  • Wet N Wild shadow brush

Wanna know more about the products and more about me?
Then please click the video I made for you!
Can't see the video? Visit my Youtube channel here.


PS: Got wrinkles? Got stretch marks? Wanna see 'em disappear? Enter to win a tube of Strivectin SD Advanced.

3.18.2014

My Beauty To Go Kit (Video)


The best thing about getting a To Go order (aka takeaway or take out) from a restaurant is you have everything you need, right there, all in one place. There's no preparation, no time lost, no searching around for ingredients, it's all there. The same idea applies to my Beauty To Go Kit: the essentials for quick makeup application. Keep it in your purse (or Johnny bag) or next to the sink for easy use. Enjoy.

Perfect For:
  • when you're tired (aka every day)
  • when you've overslept and have 5 min to get ready
  • college students
  • moms
  • running errands
  • those who want a minimal makeup routine
  • those who don't want beauty tools (just use clean fingers)
  • traveling or on-the-go
  • avoiding hearing, "OMG you look sick/tired/etc." ALL DAY
  • saving time (no rummaging around looking for products)
  • YOU
What's Inside:


BB or CC Cream
Concealer
  • necessity for hiding dark circles--I suggest a peachy corrector.
    • Try Bare Minerals, Bobbi Brown, It Cosmetics
Cream Shadow
  • look more awake with a satin shadow slightly lighter than your skin tone
  • or try a brown or taupe for those days when you want to look like you put in more effort ;)
Mascara
  • sometimes just curling the lashes works wonders, but I swear by a coat of mascara on top and bottom lashes
Cheek/Lip Tint
  • 2 products in one!
    • I love Stila's Convertible Color, but try Be a Bombshell's The One Stick, NARS Multiple, Benetint, Sonia Kashuk
Lip Crayon
  • okay, I admit, I will skip the blush if Im in a hurry, but I've gotta have some color on my lips.
  • these require no mirror, no sharpening, and no skill, plus they come in a variety of colors/finishes
Check out my quick video below, where I go into more detail on each product!

Watch the video here and subscribe.


PS: Want to get rid of those wrinkles or stretch marks? Enter to win Strivectin SD Advanced Cream here.

10.23.2013

Tips + Tricks for a Perfect Girls' Night Out, Featuring ALMAY® smart shade CC cream™ (Plus Giveaway)


Sometimes, you just need a night out with your girls, whether it’s dinner, drinks, or a night of dancing.  Am I right? But I work late, leaving me little time to get ready. Luckily, I’ve got some tips and tricks to help me get ready in a hurry. Check out my tips + tricks for a perfect Girls' Night Out:

Lip Balm (plain)
  • rub on my heels before wearing shoes to help avoid blisters
  • place on minor cuts/shaving knicks
  • tame unruly eyebrows
  • rub on dry elbows/knees
  • remove clumps on lashes by placing on an clean mascara wand
  • smooth down flyaways/baby hairs
Starbucks Napkins
  • blot lipstick
  • blot oily skin (toilet seat covers work in a pinch)
  • repair nail tears
  • Check out my other Starbucks Beauty Tips
Dryer Sheet
  • tame flyaways in hair
  • reduce static in clothes
  • eliminates stinky hair
  • remove deodorant from clothes
Interdental Brush—These tiny brushes used to clean braces are a staple in my bag. There are over a dozen uses:
  • tame eyebrows and baby hairs
  • exfoliate lips 
  • remove clumps from mascara
  • mini-mascara wand for bottom lashes
  • clean under nails
Mini Toothpaste
  • quickly whiten teeth and freshen breath
  • wash smells from my hands
  • instantly whiten shoes.
Sugar Substitute Packet
  • If I get a grease spot on my clothes, I’ll pour a packet on the spot and allow to dry. The spot will be gone!
Dry Shampoo
  • Spray on armpit area of clothes (not skin) to remove smell. 
  • Spray inside stinky shoes and allow to dry before wearing.
  • Spray dry shampoo or touchable scented hairspray on your hair and brush through after a minute or so. It will help prevent stinky hair after a long night out, if I’m too tired to wash your hair. See how to use dry shampoo here.
(I love this CC Cream)
  • This CC cream comes in 3 shades: light, light/medium, medium.
(light, light/medium, medium swatches)
  • Covers imperfections flawlessly—this is a great time-saver!
(before and after on the back of my hand)


  •       Corrects discolorations—hide redness before applying makeup or wear as is for a natural look (I’m wearing it naturally here)
  •       It gives my dry skin moisture, allowing me to skip moisturizer and save time
  •       Brightens and evens natural skin tone (over time)
  •       Over time, helps prevent future damage with SPF 35—I can skip adding the extra step of SPF since it’s already in the product!
(My fave shade, light/medium)

Giveaway!!
Do you want to be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card? I thought so. 
Just answer this question: 

(Ready for a Girls' Night Out, wearing ALMAY smart shade CC cream)

Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this postTweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 10/23/13-11/19/13.
Be sure to visit the Almay Brand Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts and find more chances to win!

8.21.2013

CC Cream Reviews: Drugstore and High End


Last year, it was all about BB Creams. Check out my drugstore reviews of BB Creams, here. CC Creams are the latest skincare craze to hit beauty shelves (we're already onto DD Creams). CC Cream stands for "Color Control" or "Color Corrector" and is designed to correct uneven skin tones with more nourishing ingredients, more effective skin coverage, and sometimes with a higher SPF. CC Creams also address two of the biggest complaints of BB Creams: blending issues (BB Creams were too light for some skin tones) and the oily finish. CC Creams are easily blendable and not oily, providing a natural, flawless result (info via Wiki). Today, I'm reviewing some CC Creams in the shade medium/natural.


Olay Total Effects CC Cream

  • sheer coverage, but too many layers will make you look orange 
  • hides redness
  • $23 for 1.7 oz.
  • 3 shades
  • thin, light, and similar to a BB Cream
  • SPF 15
  • Can be worn alone or as a primer. Skin will look very shiny at first, but after a few minutes it will soak right in.
  • BEST FOR: oily skin, sheer coverage, uneven skin tone, light-feeling sunscreen
  • my mom loves it, but I don't think I would repurchase
Hard Candy CC Cream
  • Available at Wal-Mart
  • 4 shades
  • $8
  • Balances skin with light optic pearls that help to neutralize the undertones of every skin type
  • Soft, natural finish
  • oil-free
  • can be too orange
  • very liquid-y
  • worked well at covering redness, most coverage of the CC Creams I'm reviewing
  • SPF 15
  • wouldn't repurchase
Studio Gear CC Cream (sent for consideration)
  • 3 shades
  • $34
  • SPF 20
  • Starts off grey but blends well, as it adapts to skin tone
  • hides redness
  • light coverage and feel
  • excellent hydration
  • oil and paraben-free
  • brightens skin
  • can be worn over moisturizer, but I found it hydrating enough
  • great for all skin types
  • would purchase if cheaper

OVERALL: All of the CC Creams hid my redness, 
but since I don't have age spots, 
I couldn't tell if those were treated. 
All were very light in coverage and feel, 
and would work well with oily skin.


Do you use CC Creams? 


6.07.2013

Beauty Blender 101 (Video!)



Hey you! Happy weekend to us! I hope you have exciting plans (relaxing totally counts as exciting!). Not sure what I'm up to, but it will involve enjoying some sunshine! When the weather's hot, my makeup routine changes--tinted moisturizer replaces my full-coverage foundation, for example. And a beauty tool I use to apply it with is a Beauty Blender. If you saw yesterday's post, I used it to apply my makeup. I've recommended these to friends/family/you, but some of you weren't pleased with the results. Hopefully, I'll answer all your questions today! This is a brief overview with more detail in my video below. Enjoy.
  • What is a Beauty Blender?
    • It's the brand name for a makeup blending sponge, loved by professionals and makeup lovers alike. I personally use the knock offs.
  • Where can I get one?
    • Sephora and online, $20+, comes in 3 colors
  • Dupes?
    • There are good and bad knockoffs. I've been pleased with mine (because they are latex-free like the original BB) that I've purchased on Ebay, TJ Maxx, Wal-greens, Wal-Mart. I find that they work similar. The ergonomically-shaped ones (Ulta, Target) gave me an allergic reaction, presumably from latex. If those work for you, then that's awesome, but they didn't work as well as the BB for me. 
  • What does it do?
    • Blends and sheers out makeup; gives a natural, flawless, airbrushed, finish; light-med coverage
    • It works best with liquid and cream products, such as liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer, bb and cc creams, cream blush, liquid/cream highlighters, liquid/cream luminizers, concealers, and correctors,
    • It helps to remove that cakey look from foundation 
    • stops creasing under the eyes from certain concealers
  • Who shouldn't buy one?
    • those who need full-coverage
    • those who don't like cleaning brushes regularly--a sponge harbors bacteria and this one needs to be cleaned after every use. The original BB is treated with an anti-microbial, but still needs to be cleaned after each use. Take note if you suffer from acne!
  • How do I use it?
    • Using distilled or running tap water, squeeze and release the Beauty Blender under the water until it fully expands. Squeeze out excess water until the sponge is damp.
    • There are two techniques: dabbing/patting and the press-roll. These are demonstrated in the video below. My 10th video! :)
    • The pointy end is great for around the eyes, nose, and lips. You can pat the BB onto skin that has product on it.
    • The rounder end works best on the face. Either have product on the face or dip the BB into product. Then dab all over the skin. Remember your coverage will be light to medium, if more than one application is used.
  • How do I clean it?
    • Baby shampoo or brush shampoo work well, but they take awhile to clean the sponge. I've used rubbing alcohol in a pinch or to disinfect, but I fear this could cause breakage in the sponge. The Beauty Blender makes a cleanser that works well, but what I've found is the absolute easiest and fastest is the Beauty Cleanser Solid. It's around $16.50 and is a soap, sans the slip. Just wet the sponge and rub it into the soap. Rinse and remove excess water.
all pics via Sephora.com

Check out my video below for everything 
you've ever wanted to know about the Beauty Blender, with tutorials! 
And Charlie makes a cameo!

Have a great weekend!
Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

5.10.2013

Video: Massive Beauty Haul & Reviews! (Drugstore, Walmart, ULTA)


Hey you! It's finally Friday! This week seemed to d-r-a-g by for me. I'm going to a show tonight, but other than that, no plans yet! What about you? Maybe you'll do some shopping for beauty products? Before you go, watch my video! Today I'm sharing a massive beauty haul of products I purchased between January-April. I bought almost everything on sale/coupons. My makeup in the video is from products shown in the haul.While I review everything in the video, let me know if you need more pics/more in-depth!



To encourage you to watch the video, I'll keep these reviews brief 
and will update the post in a couple of weeks!
Thanks for watching :)

Hard Candy CC Cream & polishes--loved

Covergirl Whipped Creme & Flamed Out Mascara--didn't love
Milani lipsticks in Creme Nude & Fruit Punch--loved
Flower cosmetics cream blush in Peach Blossom--liked

swatches at the end of the post

Revlon Lip Butters in Pink Lemonade, Wild Watermelon, Juicy Papaya, Sorbet--love

Julie G Gumdrop polishes--LOVE 

Revlon Baby Stick--love
Revlon Lash Potion--didn't love
Benefit Fake Up--liked
NYX gloss in Smokey Look--love

NYM Lock Luster--love
St. Tropez--LOVE
NYM Beach Beach Texturizing Hair Cream--love

Flower blush in Peach Blossom
Covergirl Whipped Cream in 340
Hard Candy CC Cream
Benefit Fake Up

Milani Nude Creme
Milani Fruit Punch
NYX Smokey Look
Revlon Baby Stick

Have a great weekend!
Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

3.27.2013

Beauty Grab Bag: February/March


It's been a slow week for me. Is it that way for you? I don't exactly know what it is I'm in a rush to have happen! Maybe it's because I was sick for most of the month that I feel the need to catch up with life or something. Instead, I'm taking deep breaths and enjoying little things, like a free cup of coffee, snowflakes falling on my eyelashes, or a quick snuggle with Charlie. Another little thing that makes me happy is doing these mini reviews of products I've purchased over the past couple of months. Enjoy.
 

L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Lingerie--The name of these made me giggle. Lingerie. Ha. These are nail stickers that go over painted nails. There are several designs to choose from, but of course, I chose glitter. One is a sparkly ombre silver, and the other is a sparkly ombre gold. Usually I don't share products on the blog without thoroughly reviewing them first, but I've yet to try these. I'll let you know on Twitter and Instagram when I do! I hope you follow me on those! In the meantime, here's a pic I found:


OPI Liquid Sand in Can't Let Go--This is part of the Mariah Carey collection. This dark purple polish is unique in that it's a glittery matte finish. There's a texture to it and no top coat is used. This is similar to Zoya's Pixie Dust but with hexagonal glitters in addition to the matte glitter. --loved, would prefer a different color

Zoya Pixie Dust in NYX--This was the only color I found in this collection. It's a light grey-purple, and works well for spring. It is the same sort of consistency as the Liquid Sand but without the additional hex glitters. It feels like sugar on your nails. I've used with a top coat (Seche Vite) for a different effect. Both polishes mentioned are difficult to remove, like glitter. I suggest mixing white glue with water and using that as a base first or the tried-and-true method of remover-soaked cotton and tin foil. --fave

Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Luminous Foundation in #3 Cream--This was one of those random purchases. I tend to give Sonia Kashuk's products a big thumbs down because they are so overpriced for the quality. Sure, there is the occasional standout, like her concealer palettes, but I will happily find you a better choice (and usually cheaper!) for her products. Just ask! I know some of you are devoted fans who will certainly disagree, but this foundation is another disappointment. It's $9.99 for half an ounce, which is overpriced! It looks like liquid foundation when it comes out of the pump, but feels like tinted moisturizer or BB cream. My dry skin soaked it up and after three "coats" you still couldn't tell I had it on. Due to the slightly tacky finish, I can almost guarantee it will make oily skin break out. Plus, there is no info on the packaging. I'm not returning it but instead using it as a primer or tinted moisturizer. Comes in 5 shades. --least fave product

Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer in Cocoa Butter--I wanted to try this the second I saw this at Target and am now finally starting to see reviews, thanks to Influenster. This comes in three scents and uses compressed air to deliver a moisturizer to skin. I really like it. If you've used spray-on sunscreen, this is similar, but a different consistency/smell. If you want very light moisturizing coverage, like in the summer, and you don't want a greasy finish, you might like this. Having lotion on the back of my hands freaks me out, so this is a nice alternative. This is not a lotion, just a light moisturizer. --loved

Sally Hansen Polishes in Coral Reef and Fuchsia Power--I used these in my Peeps nails tutorial and these are repurchases. They're two of my favorite shades for spring/summer, especially for pedicures! --fave

ELF Zit Zapper--This is a small travel-friendly rollerball container with zit-zapping ingredients and is recommended for preventing acne as well. It has tea tree oil, salicylic acid, witch hazel and camphor. I tried it on a small zit that popped up, and it was gone by morning. This will not work on cystic acne. Sure, I could make this myself, but I don't exactly keep those ingredients in my bag when I'm traveling. It's great to keep in your purse or makeup bag and is only $1. --unexpected surprise

ELF Essential Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick in Pink Umbrellas--This reminds me of the Covergirl lip gloss sticks but for $2. There are around 8 shades, but I only saw 4 in the store. This gives a very moisturizing and natural color to lips. My lips aren't naturally a pretty pigmented color, so I liked this. It has the staying power of the CG version and isn't as as shiny as gloss. I didn't like the cinnamon smell, as it reminded me of Big Red gum, but there was no skin irritation from the cinnamon. There's a nude shade I'd like to try, so I'd consider purchasing another but would rather repurchase the Revlon Lip Balm Stains instead. --liked but not loved 

Masque Bar Pore Refining Mask--We all know I make my masks, but I know not everyone shares my enthusiasm for Beauty DIY, so I thought I'd review this for you! There are several types of these, like one for acne-prone skin and one to brighten skin. This mask has lemon and raspberry in it. I mistakenly thought this was a sheet mask, like the Asian ones I love, but it's a traditional mask-in-a-pack. There are 4 in a package, for $9.99 The wrinkle and brightening masks are the sheet ones. Oops. It feels like yogurt, soaks in, but does not dry and harden. My pores looked the same, but my face was hydrated. I experienced no break outs either time I used this mask --not repurchasing this but would try the sheet masks


What products have you been loving lately?

1.31.2013

Product Test Drive: Olay Total Effects CC Cream Review

CC Creams are the latest skincare craze to hit beauty shelves. CC Cream stands for "Color Control" or "Color Corrector" and is designed to correct uneven skin tones with more nourishing ingredients, more effective skin coverage, and a higher SPF. CC Creams also address two of the biggest complaints of BB Creams: blending issues (BB Creams were too light for some skin tones) and the oily finish. CC Creams are easily blendable and not oily, providing a natural, flawless result (info via Wiki).

{please do not copy this post without permission}


Today I'm sharing my review of Olay Total Effects CC Cream. It is the only drugstore CC Cream I've seen so far. I purchased this product, not only for curiosity purposes, but because I have uneven skin tone--my cheeks are perpetually red, and I had hopes the Olay CC Cream would fix those. It appears to me to be marketed for mature skin, with the age spots and anti-aging claims, but any age that has those issues should try it. I'm reviewing the light to medium shade. I've used this product for a couple of weeks, and will update this post, if needed, after I finish the bottle. Check it out:

PRICE: $23 for 1.7 oz.

SHADES: fair to light, light to medium, medium to deep

CONSISTENCY: thin, light, and similar to a BB Cream, and with SPF 15.

SCENT: no scent

APPLICATION: Apply with clean fingertips. Can be worn alone or as a primer. Skin will look very shiny at first, but after a few minutes it will soak right in.

CLAIMS: (via website)
Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging: 
• Fine lines and wrinkles: reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven Tone: balances and helps even out tone
• Age Spots: reduces appearance of discoloration
• Gentle Exfoliation: Improves surface cell turnover
• Dryness: provides nourishing moisturization
• Moisture Barrier: strengthens skin’s natural defense against moisture loss
• Luminosity: recaptures youthful luminosity

BEST FOR:
  • oily skin
  • sheer coverage
  • uneven skin tone
  • light-feeling sunscreen
RESULTS:
As for the 7 claims:
  • I didn't notice a reduction in fine lines, but I didn't notice these lines as enhanced, as some products settle into/emphasize them.
  • My skin's redness disappeared.
  • I don't have age spots.
  • I didn't notice a surface cell turnover, but will once I use the entire bottle, I'll update.
  • My dry skin was gently moisturized, making this product great for oily skin.
  • My skin looked luminous, like when it is freshly-scrubbed, but without redness or sparkles.
NOTES:
The first thing I noticed on the box was that it had sheer coverage, which for some is the perfect answer, but not for me. I have redness, freckles, and huge pores, so I need coverage! So many of you respond that you don't like heavy makeup, so you will love this. I tried applying more than one layer and ended up with what I thought was a tan, but was informed it looked orange. Fail. I also tried using this as a primer, but I didn't see how it hurt or helped my foundation. Since it soaks in, I experienced no transfer onto my clothes, which is another positive. I am currently experiencing a breakout on my chin, which appears to be hormonal, but could be caused by the CC Cream, as it's the only new product I've tried lately. I will update this if the breakouts continue.

IS IT BETTER THAN A BB CREAM?
I don't think for me personally it is, but I think most users will like it better than BB Cream, especially if they have oily skin and want a natural look.

WOULD I REPURCHASE:
No, because I need coverage and a bit more moisture, and would like to try Rachel K, a popular favorite. However, if you want SPF that feels light, with sheer coverage, and that hides redness, you'll love the Olay CC Cream. I would recommend this.

For BB Cream reviews, click here.



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