Sunday, February 28, 2010

Spectro Jel


Oh I know, Spectro Jel is about as boring as it gets; but I love this stuff! I've been using it for about a month now instead of my Clinique 3 step cleanser (I ran out) I was looking for a cheap alternative, and I discovered Spectro Jel. I am so impressed with this product, I have Spectro Jel for Blemish Prone skin, and it really does help keep my skin blemish free. Of course I still occasionally break out, but this really helps to keep it under control. I also like it because it's soap free (Weird, I know), non irritating, so if it gets in your eyes it doesn't sting, and fragrance free. It lasts a very long time, I've hardly made a dent in my bottle, and it is very very affordable. You can find it at any drugstore, walmart etc.

I use it every morning and evening along with my Clinique 3 step toner and moisturizer, and all three products work very well together. I'll probably continue using Spectro Jel just because it's so inexpensive and in my opinion it works just as well as Cliniques 3 step cleanser.

Spectro has many other products, I suggest you check out their website to find the product right for your skin!

Clinique Superfit Foundation


Since I did such an awful review on one of Cliniques products yesterday I decided to review one of the products I absolutely love from them. This foundation is amazing, it's perfect for oily, oily/combination skin. I consider this one of Cliniques best makeup products, it stays put all day, and it doesn't even feel like your wearing makeup. It offers great coverage, and really helps to keep oil down. One of the things I like about it is the fact that it does keep your skin oil free, but it also moisturizes the dry parts of your face.

My one complaint is that none of the colours are light enough for my face! I have the lightest colour (which is Shell) and it's still about 2 shades too dark for me. Luckily it doesn't make me look orange, just tan. There are tons of colours though, fifteen in total! Oh, and it's in a pretty small bottle, which is kind of annoying because it costs about $30. When this runs out I'm going to try Clinique Superbalanced Foundation, I hope it's as good as this foundation!

Just remembered something else, this foundation is oil free, so really great for oily skin!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Clinique Touch Base for Eyes


I just want to start out by saying that I love Clinique, I recommend many of their products to friends; but this product sucks. Yep, there is nothing good about it, I know thats harsh but I can't think of anything I like about it. Your supposed to wear it under your eye makeup, and it should keep your eye shadow from smudging, fading, and creasing. It doesn't do that at all though, my eyeshadow creases so much when I use this, and it fades a lot. This is just a really, really terrible product, I wouldn't suggest it to anyone, ever.

Clinique does have many great products though so I suggest checking out their website. I'm just going to list a few of the products they have that are just terrific:

3 step skin care system (review below)
Superfit Foundation
New Superbalanced Powder Makeup
Colour Surge Individual eyeshadows (in matte, soft shimmer, and super shimmer)


There's many more, but I could only think of these ones of the top of my head!

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss



Lip gloss is one of those makeup items that I waste so much money on! If it has a cute name and a pretty colour I'll buy it. Trust me, I know it's a bad habit, but I'm slowly getting better at impulse buying. I picked up this lip gloss a couple of weeks ago, and I'm pretty impressed by it. The colour I have is gorgeous, it's called French Kiss and it's a really pretty rose colour. There are SO many different colours in this lip gloss that no matter what your skin tone is you'll be able to find a gloss that looks great on you. So as I was saying I'm pretty impressed by it, it stays on your lips for a long time, and it has a lovely pearlescent shine. The downside to this lip gloss is if your lips are a little bit dry and chapped, this lip gloss emphasizes that and makes them look horribly chapped. I also find that when you first put it on it's blotchy, but you can blend it with your fingers. Another thing I don't like about it is the wand applicator, it's too big and hard to control. If I remember correctly it cost about $7.00, so it's pretty affordable.

I would suggest this lipgloss, just make sure your lips aren't chapped when you put it on!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Covergirl Clean Pressed Powder- Sensitive Skin


Hello! Today I'll be reviewing another pressed powder, this time it's one from Covergirl. Most pressed powders claim to do the same thing, cover pores and blemishes, get rid of oil and shine, and leave a smooth finish. While many pressed powders I've tried do this, there are some that unfortunately don't. Covergirl pressed powder falls into the latter category. I find that this only controls shine for about half and hour, and then my nose is oily all over again. I really hate having to reapply makeup so often because I find that it often looks layered and fake. When I use this it looks cakey and makes my skin look very dry, and as I said before it doesn't control shine very well. Covergirl has other pressed powders that I haven't tried, and I probably won't, now that I haven't had much luck with this one. I'll ask some friends who use the other kinds and see what they think.

Over the past couple years I've used some amazing pressed powders, which are all very affordable because I got them from a drugstore. Try Almay pressed powder (review below), or Maybelline Dream Matte Powder (review to come). Both are well priced, work well, and you can find them practically anywhere!

If you don't want to use pressed powder, you can use blotting pads, which are just little squares of paper that pick up oil. Don't be turned off of Covergirl because of this review though, they have some wonderful products (I love their mascara's) and I've heard their eye shadows are actually really good, so I'll have to buy some soon!

Also, if you've tried this powder and it works for you, just keep using it! This is just my opinion on it.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Almay Clear Complexion Pressed Powder


Since the review I just did on Almay wasn't the nicest review, I thought I'd do a quick review on one of their pressed powders. I LOVE this powder, it's definitely the best pressed powder I've ever used. You could wear this just on its own and your skin would look flawless, I really have nothing bad to say about this. It helps to keep your skin matte for hours, and has a beautiful silky finish. Unlike Almay's liquid foundation this doesn't dry out your skin. I really, really like this powder. I actually haven't bought it for awhile, simply because I wanted to try some new pressed powders, but I will be buying this again! Actually I just thought of something I don't like about this powder, but it's not a huge deal. This powder only comes in three colours, It's not a big problem for me because I'm pale so I just use the lightest shade, but I can see how people with darker skin may not be able to find one that matches their skin tone well. The only shades it comes in are, light, light/medium, and medium. I'll be on the lookout for powder that comes in darker shades!

Almay Clear Complexion Foundation


I have a confession... I'm absolutely addicted to foundation! I like all makeup in general, but I can never have enough foundation. I don't know why, it's a weird addiction. Today I'm just going to talk about one specific foundation, Almay Clear Complexion Foundation. I've owned this foundation for about about 2 months (Foundation expires after about a year) and I use it about 2 times a week. The reason I bought it was because it supposedly kept oil at bay and helps heals blemishes.

On Almay's website they say that this foundation will soothe and protect from dryness and redness. Personally I don't agree with them, I find this foundation can actually dry out your skin, and doesn't blend that well. I'm not saying it's a terrible foundation though! It has some great qualities, for instance it has a nice consistency and covers up blemishes really well, it does help keep oil down for a few hours, and it's layerable (I'm aware that's not a word), meaning that you can layer it without it looking chalky. This isn't my favorite foundation and I probably won't purchase it again, only because my skin is very dry in some areas and this doesn't hide it that well.

I usually really like Almay's products, and I've had a lot of luck with some of their products in the past, so I'm a little disappointed that this foundation didn't live up to my expectations. But at least I know now that their this foundation doesn't work for me! Almay makes wonderful eye shadows and pressed powders though, so I'll definitely be doing some reviews on those soon!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Clinique 3-step Skin Care System


I know talking about face wash and moisturizer isn't the most fascinating topic in the world, but it's very important to have clear skin if you want your makeup to go on smoothly. I have combination oily skin, which means that my nose, forehead, and chin get really oily throughout the day, but my cheeks stay smooth. When I was about 13 I started to really struggle because my face was developing oil really quickly, and I was getting acne. Basically my face was a mess. I didn't wear makeup when I was thirteen, but I obviously wanted clear skin, I had been using little cleansing pads, but they just weren't working for my skin anymore. I decided to go to a local dermatologist to see what suggestions they had. She started me on a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer routine, that worked really well, but it was crazy expensive!

My mom decided to research different skin care systems, and decided that it would be a good idea to try Clinique because they have a great reputation. My mom and I decided on the 3-step skin care system in level 3 (there are different levels for different types of skin) The 3 step skin care system comes with a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, each one is modified slightly for different skin types. Anyway! After about a week and a half of using the system, my skin started to clear up noticeably, it was less oily, and I wasn't breaking out all the time! I was really, really happy with the results; I've been using the system ever since then, and haven't had any bad breakouts since. Like any other teenager I'll break out occasionally, but it goes away quickly.

The 3 step system is a bit expensive, but it lasts for a long time, and really helps clear up your skin. Check out Cliniques site because I'm not sure of the exact price for everything, but I think it's about $70. Actually I just asked my mom, and she said it's $74.50. So yes, I know it's expensive! But soon I'll be doing reviews on less expensive brands that clear up your skin well. Just remember, if you are someone who has acne there are lots of ways to get rid of it. Go to your local department store, go around to the different makeup and skin care counters and see what they recommend!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

MAC eyeshadow in Satellite Dreams


Let me start by saying that I didn't pay for this eyeshadow, it was given to me as a gift, but this is my honest opinion.

I really can't say enough good things about this eyeshadow, it comes in so many beautiful colours, and goes on smoothly. When applying it you don't need to use very much, because it's highly pigmented, therefore the colour is strong and vibrant! The colour I received was "Satellite Dreams", it's a lovely bright purple that reminds me of Spring! When I use this eyeshadow I usually only use one or two other light colours with it, so my eyes don't look too overpowered. For example, I put this eyeshadow on my lids, then use a light bronze colour in the crease, and a pretty eggshell white on my brow bone, then to complete the look I put a light coat of black mascara on.

I know MAC products are pretty expensive (this was about $18), but I think you should invest in at least a few really great products, because its definitely worth it!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray


I just bought this spray two days ago because I've been hearing really great things about it! I have naturally wavy hair, but I find if I just let my hair dry naturally it flips out on one side and stays totally flat on the other. I've tried so many different types of spray's and mousses but they've all left my hair crunchy, and not wavy at all!

Well when I was at the mall the other night I decided I might as well buy the surf spray because I'd been hearing really wonderful reviews on it. I was totally shocked by the price though! It was $33 with tax for a little bottle, but I sucked it up and bought it anyway, and I am so glad I did! The spray creates really nice waves and curls without making your hair sticky and crunchy. I just spray it in my hair while its still damp and scrunch it up a bit and then just let it air dry. But you can also spray it in your hair and use a diffuser.

This is what Bumble and Bumble says about their surf spray: Sexy, salty, sun-dried, windswept styles - whenever, wherever.

I would agree with this statement because it does give you that nice loose wavy look you get after swimming in salt water. If your looking for "surfer" hair, I would suggest this spray!

My hair only goes down to my shoulders though, so I'm not sure if it would work in long hair. Also, my hair is naturally wavy so this spray just helps bring out my natural wave. Next time you go to your hairdressers ask if they have Bumble and Bumble products, and see if they have the surf spray. If so, ask them to try it out on your hair!

I usually wouldn't spend so much on a hair product, I've gotten jeans for the same price! I'm going to see if I can find a less expensive spray that works just as well!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Love, Hearts, etc.


A list of what I love to commemorate Valentines Day 2010

I love:

My Parents

My Brother

My friends

My cats

My home

Root Beer

Dr.Pepper

Black and white movies

dry humour

sarcasm

makeup

good music

blue skies

spring

fluffy clouds

white sand

hugs

consignment stores

passion

writing

learning

smiles

appreciation

happiness

contentment

green grass

love

Happy Valentines Day!


*I didn't take the picture

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips-Bronze Collection


I love this eyeshadow! I had always thought the physicians formula ads were so cute, but I was a little put off by the name, "Physicians Formula" sounds so medical and blah. I decided to try this eyeshadow though, because I had been looking for bronze eyeshadow. All I can say is that this is fantastic eyeshadow, it's very high quality for a drugstore eyeshadow. It's very pigmented and the colour lasts all day. It's also very smooth and silky and doesn't crumble when you put it on. Since there are 9 different colours in the set, you can mix and match as much as you want! I use this almost everyday, definitely a great buy, when I run out I might try the Smoky Collection! Also, these come in different colours for different eye colours!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

How to Dress a Pear Shaped Body

Someone with a pear shaped body has a smaller upper body (small shoulders, chest etc.) , but larger hips and thighs. Being a pear does not mean you have to lose weight! There are lots of ways to flatter a pear shaped body. It's all about creating overall balance. I myself have a pear shaped body and I don't have trouble finding clothes that fit and look great, you just have to know what to look for!

I'm going to break it down into different categories, eg. jeans, shirts, shoes etc.

Jeans: When shopping for jeans you want to look for dark washes, fading and rips aren't good as they will draw attention to your lower body. The cuts that flatter pear shapes are boot cut, and straight. Try to find jeans that have a mid rise, the extra bit of fabric at the top will help suck in any bit of tummy you have.

Tops: look for bright tops with pretty designs, drawing the eye upwards will help keep attention away from your heavier lower half. Any top that nips in at the waist is great, because this is the smallest part of your body. scooped necklines look great on a pear, and v-necks can work, but its better to stay away from them. Ruffles and other little details at the top of a shirt are fantastic because they draw the attention upwards, don't be afraid to look for embellished tops!

Skirts: A-line skirts look fantastic on pears. Look for skirts that end just above the knee and are in a nice dark colour like black, dark brown, navy blue etc.

Shorts: Look for shorts that end just above the knee, or right below the knee. Anything that ends at mid-thigh will emphasize the size of thighs, and might even make them look bigger. Once again, look for dark colours! Also, if you want to elongate legs look for shorts that have a cuff on the bottom, these are really cute and do help elongate legs!

Shoes: There aren't many rules for shoes when your a pear, just grab whatever ones you want! But stay away from short boots in the winter, and look for ones that go to mid-calf or your knee.

Dresses: Wrap dresses look great on pears! Just like skirts, you want to dress to end just above the knee. A nice "swooshy" fabric in a bright colour would look great! Wrap dresses work well because they nip in at the waist, giving you a nice hourglass look.

Jackets: Jackets should end right at the hip bone, visually this divides your body in half, creating perfect balance! Like tops, look for jackets that nip in at the waist.

Hopefully this helped!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

TRESemme Heat Protection Spray


I heard so many great things about this spray before I bought it, but I was still a little skeptical that is was as good as everyone said. Well, I bought it... and it completely exceeded my expectations! I use it when I straighten my hair and it makes it very shiny, smooth, and keeps fly-aways down. I think this is a great drugstore product, I've used salon brands that haven't worked as well as this! If I were to rate this product out of 10 stars I'd give it an 8, only because I'm not in love with how it smells.

MAC Tinted Lipglass


Yes, lipglass...not lip gloss! but of course it works just like a lip gloss. I've only owned it for a few days but I'm already in love with it. It has a lovely shine and makes lips appear fuller. The only bad thing I have to say about it is that it's a bit sticky when you first put it on, however it last a very long time! I have mine in the colour "cultured" which is a really pretty mauve colour, definitely suggest this lip gloss if you don't mind spending a few extra dollars!

Revlon Colorstay Foundation


For about two years now I've been searching for the perfect foundation. I have oily skin and most foundations don't last very long on my face; but this foundation is AMAZING! It stays put all day and keeps my skin from looking oily. It goes on smoothly and blends very well, and I have never looked "cakey" when wearing it. I would definitely suggest this foundation if you have oily skin!

*I decided to come back and re-review this product, since I really didn't say much about it, and I have a few criticism's about it now. I'd only been wearing this foundation for about two days prior to my first review and obviously I thought it was "AMAZING"! Now that I've been using it for about a month, I've got to say it's not actually as good as I first said. Sadly, it doesn't blend that well, especially around the nose area, however it does really help with oiliness. It doesn't stay put all day, I often notice it fading from my nose and cheeks, and sometimes it does look cakey! I know that so many people adore this foundation, and I've really being trying to love it, but it just doesn't work that well for me. So I actually won't be buying this again, but try it for yourself, because many people have used it and loved it.

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog! Basically the title says it all, I'm sixteen and I love to shop! I'd like to share my opinion on things such as makeup, hair products, clothes, and of course shoes! I'll be reviewing different products and helping people find great products at fantastic prices. None of the products I review have been sent to me for free, and everything is my honest opinion :)