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Thursday’s Fab Five

It’s been such a busy past few weeks!! Rob & I moved into a townhouse, I went to Disney to celebrate a friend’s 30th birthday, and I’ve been busy organizing and setting up our new place, all while lesson planning and tutoring. Humph. Anyway, I’m back today to share a new edition of Thursday’s Fab Five, with some favorite things I’ve been loving a lot lately.

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Budget Beauty: L’Oreal Infallible Matte-Pro Foundation

I’m forever looking for new foundations, & I’m pretty much willing to pay any price for a great foundation that’ll cover imperfections and give me a natural look. So, with that being said, I cannot even remember the last time I used a drugstore foundation before this one. I had heard such great things about the L’Oreal InfallibleMatte- Pro Foundation since it came out, and I thought I’d at least give it a try, I color matched to 102 Shell Beige, and give it a whirl.

This foundation seriously delivers, & I mean it delivers all day long, and doesn’t take a break. Labeled as a 24 hour foundation I was skeptical of L’Oreal, and while thankfully I’ve never quite made it to the 24 hour mark, I have made it to the 16 hour mark (a Friday for a teacher can be a pretty long day), and it still looked good!

Clearly, as you can tell from the name, this foundation is going to give you a matte finish, an easily blendable matte-pro finish to be exact. It gives flawless coverage without looking cake-y or dry, and it creates the perfect canvas for a highlight, blush, and bronzer.

I’ve used both a Beauty Blender and foundation brush to apply the L’Oreal Infallible Matte- Pro Foundation and both work great. As I said, it’s blends well and you can slowly build coverage and not worry about it looking like too much. It also has a wide variety of color choices, so you’re almost guaranteed to find a perfect match.

This foundation truly has all the makings of a high end beauty product, but with the budget beauty price point. I highly advise you give it a try next time you’re in your local drugstore or Target!

XO.
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bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

I love a good BB Cream…or CC Cream…or tinted moisturizer. They are the easiest products to apply, delivering coverage but still leaving you to feel light and not like you’re wearing a face full of makeup.

When bareMinerals debuted the Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream, I bought it instantly. I didn’t have any products resembling a gel cream and I found it intriguing, so of course, I ran to Sephora and picked up my color match, Vanilla 02.

This is my typical weekend base, it’s so easy to apply whether you use a beauty sponge, foundation brush, or just your fingertips. Personally, I find applying with my fingers works the best. The lightweight coverage is perfect for when you’re running errands, and I can build it just a tiny bit on areas of my face that need more coverage. It’s especially been my favorite this winter, as it works to hydrate skin with coconut ingredients and marine botanicals, and give a dewy look after applied.

If you’re looking for real coverage, this product might not be for you- it’s pretty sheer and can be built up a little bit, but not enough as if it were a real foundation.

As an Allure Best of Beauty winner, I have to say hats off to bareMinerals with this product, it’s definitely made it’s way to my favorite products and is now a staple in my makeup bag.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream | $29.50

XO.
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bareMinerals bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation

I’m always trying new foundations, especially when it comes to liquid foundation. I’m a diehard Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 fan, but I still like to have a trusty liquid option at hand.

I just recently finished a bottle of the fan favorite bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation in Bare Ivory 04. When I purchased this product I also purchased the accompanying bareSkin Perfecting Face Brush.

Photo from Sephora.com

At first I had mixed feelings on the bareSkin foundation, I thought it made me just a little too dewy. My mom & my best friend also have this product, and they kind of felt the same way. I remedied this problem by making sure I used my MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, once I did that I looked nice & matte. I really liked how easy it was to blend and apply the foundation, the color matched me well, and it’s super lightweight.

One downside I found was that the bareSkin foundation didn’t offer a whole lot of coverage, so I really only used this as a foundation on days when I had no blemishes or extra redness. If you’re looking for a heavier coverage I’d try looking for something different. If you’re looking for a more lightweight formula that will deliver a super glow-y and dewy finish (especially if you have dry skin) then bareSkin is definitely for you.

As far as the bareSkin Perfecting Brush goes, I really like it, but I don’t think it’s necessary at all for the use of the foundation. The foundation is released like a dropper, and you’re supposed to drop two droplets into the top of the brush. bareMinerals says that’s the only amount of foundation you’ll need, but I found I always needed just a tiny bit more. I guess it’s more of a personal preference choice for amount of coverage, but just keep in mind that the foundation is thin, and coverage may be minimal.

*Affiliate links used in this posting.

XO.

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Ole Henriksen Perfect Truth CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30

I’m a huge Ole Henriksen fan, my obsession with their The Clean Truth Cleansing Cloths is unreal. I’m so jealous of Sephora because their employee’s use a massive ridiculously jumbo pack of them at the Sephora Beauty Studio, but it’s not for sale. ugh.

Anyway, I’m equally obsessed with the Ole Henriksen Perfect Truth CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

CC Creams are the best, and I have a few I rotate in and out of my morning routine. It’s so easy to throw it on before work- it gives me minimum coverage which I want, but does an excellent job at covering my redness, which is a constant battle.

I love the Ole Henrikson Perfect Truth CC Cream because it’s so incredibly lightweight, and it smells amazing…just like all of the other Truth line products. My skin looks bright, even, and dewy after I apply it, and it pretty much stays put during the day. It’s also perfect for layering without looking clumpy or too dark.

This CC Cream also has a real melting feel to it, which I love because it blends so well. Any little imperfections I have are covered, and I really don’t need to use much concealer at all, unless of course I’ve been up all night watching Entourage/ planning lessons…no big deal.

I do use a setting powder (Mac Prep + Prime) on certain parts of my face after just to make sure I stay matte in those areas since I have such a long and mostly crazy day.

I highly recommend this and all Ole Henriksen Perfect Truth products, check them out next time you’re in Sephora!

XO.

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Pür Minerals CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40

It is so hot outside, like really, I’m dying. HALP.

I visited the most magical place on the planet last week, Disney World, and it was super hot there too. So, naturally I didn’t want to wear a lot of makeup, but I also can’t go anywhere and not have some sort of something on my face…it just feels weird.

I’ve had Pür Minerals CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 in my beauty bin for awhile now, Birchbox sent it to me as part of the Birchbloggers program. I knew this would be the perfect time to test it out and see how it held up for long days at the Disney parks.

I used this CC Cream each morning, and just dusted some bronzer on too {I don’t spray tan/ regular tan my face so I need a color boost}.

Pür Minerals CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40; $38

First off, I loved that this product was SPF 40. I used my sunscreen spray as well, but it was nice to know my base product had such a high SPF in it. Also, not only was the color match on point, the brightening properties of this product really showed through.

This CC Cream formula is light, which is good especially in 95 degree weather, and gave me a smooth look with decent coverage. I had no breakouts the entire trip which made me so happy, I usually have something between the flights and using new water, etc. I was serious about my skincare routine the whole time, but I think part of the reason my skin stayed so clear was because this was one of the only products I used.

Overall, I highly recommend this Pür Minerals product. CC and BB creams are hot beauty products, and they seriously work. I was able to prime, conceal, and most importantly protect my skin each day with the Pür Minerals CC Cream, it’s the perfect summer skincare/ makeup product!

If you’re interested in joining Birchbox, you can sign up here! $10 a month will get you some seriously fabulous beauty products, I look forward to my Birchbox each month and I’m always finding new brands and products that suit me!

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

By now I am sure you all have heard of/ are on the BB [beauty balm] Cream train.

This product will totally/completely/ without a doubt make you camera ready. I’m pretty sure Smashbox is holding the crown for being one of the most popular BB creams out there right now.

First off, it has SPF 35, so that’s fabulous as we should all be wearing SPF daily…but I’m sure you already knew that. It’s super lightweight and perfectly blend-able. Bonus: it comes in five shades so, hopefully, you wouldn’t have trouble finding your perfect match.

Your treating your skin by moisturizing and priming…you’re protecting with the SPF…and your covering up flaws with the tint. I’ve found the Smashbox BB Cream helps to create a great canvas for makeup application…and it’s also fine totally on its own without makeup. I generally only wear this bb cream while at work, I’ll add some NARS Orgasm Multiple during the day to add some color if I feel like it, but I find I don’t need concealer and I don’t even need bronzer.

The best part about the Camera Ready BB Cream is that you will definitely notice a difference in your skin’s texture and appearance over the course of using it..and that’s the point of a beauty balm, you’re treating your skin while still using it as a “makeup”. Think of how important your nighttime skincare ritual is and all the construction work that does, and translate that to bb cream during construction work during the day.

PS: While many bb creams tout themselves as being your only morning process, I still use AM moisturizer before applying the bb cream. Try doing this, if you feel you’re too shiny or just aren’t happy with the appearance don’t do it, but I think you’ll find an added benefit in using your daily moisturizer and then applying your bb cream!

Don’t forget to enter my spring/summer giveaway featuring Benefit Cosmetics and Julep Neon Nail Dips, here!!

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder with SPF 15

Everybody is loving mineral makeup, and rightfully so. I love it because it makes my skin appear luminous, flawless, and natural. Also, if you “forget” to take off your makeup one night, mineral bases won’t wreck the havoc on your skin the way other products will.

Anyway, I’ve been using Laura Mercier’s Mineral Powder with SPF 15 in ‘Real Sand’ for a while now. I love that this product is oil-free and it won’t budge on a hot day. It creates a very matte look for me, which is what I always want since I’m so conscious of shine. My skin can also be sensitive sometimes, which causes redness. Using the mineral powder is really calming, and covers up all signs of sensitivity.

This product also covers up all your little imperfections from breakouts to wrinkles. I never need concealer when I use this mineral powder since it already does all the work. And no worries on looking cakey, it applies light and as I already said, makes you look flawless.

Another bonus: you don’t need touchups, it’ll last all day long…which I really need now that I’m leaving my apartment at 6:30am and not coming back until sometimes 8:30pm.

I definetely suggest trying Laura Mercier over Bare Escentuals, I know how popular Bare Escentuals is, but I really feel Laura is better! Have any of you tried Laura Mercier’s Mineral Powder? Let me know what you think! xo

Cult Favorite: Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

True life: I don’t wear foundation during the day…everrrrr. The base for my everyday makeup is Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20. I follow up with some concealer and bronzer, but for the most part I don’t even need those sometimes if I’m tan and having a good skin day. We all know I love Laura Mercier products, it all started when a Laura specialist did my makeup for my junior semi-formal in high school (urm, super long time ago). I really haven’t stopped using this tinted moisturizer since, I tried using Stilas but it just wasn’t the same.

First of all this product has 10 different tones to choose from, so no matter what complexion you are…super pale or super dark, there is without a doubt, a color for you. I really appreciate this about the Laura Mercier brand because it shows care for the customers by recognizing diversity. ANYWAY, one major plus to this product is the SPF in it. Your everyday moisturizer should always contain SPF, but it’s always nice to have it in an actual makeup product as well (i.e. for during the day touch-ups). PS: although this is a moisturizer I still use an actual AM moisturizer, wait a few mins, then apply this tinted moisturizer.

The best part about this product is definitely that it gives decent coverage, yet feels and looks so lightweight. Now, even though I say it has decent coverage you may still want to put on under eye concealer and/or blemish concealer, it’s not meant to give full coverage. Buttttt, it evens out skin tone and gives your complexion a nice natural dewy look after it’s applied.

Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer will forever be a staple in my, as well as my mom’s, makeup bags. Perfect for everyday use, I guarantee you’ll never stop using this product once you try it out! You can find this product at Sephora, the Laura Mercier website, or any Laura counter at department stores.

PS: To check my post on Laura’s amazingggg Secret Concealer, here!

Makeup In Chicago

Today waking up in Chicago, I realized…I had to go shopping. My first stop was at Saks Fifth Avenue, and boy was it a good stop. Walking into the beauty department I was immediately stopped by a woman working for Giorgio Armani cosmetics. She said she saw my eyelashes from across the room and had to stop me…yeah right, but I went with it because I do have pretty great lashes. She offered me a makeover, and we all know what that means, I’ll have to buy products at the end of it. Honestly, I didn’t really care, I’ve never tried Armani makeup before so I was intrigued. I’ve heard amazing things about Armani’s foundation, so I was especially excited to try it out!

I love the look she created for me, I ended up walking around the entire day exploring the city. It’s so hot here in Chicago, I felt like all of the makeup literally melted off my face, but it was so natural and she took a lot of time to teach me how to recreate the look which I appreciated.

So, as I had expected…the foundation is absolutely amazing. I’m in the middle of a breakout right now and it didn’t even look like I was wearing any makeup after she applied it! This foundation won Instyle Magazine’s “Best of Beauty” award, and I think it was well deserved. I got the Luminous Silk Foundation in #5, it matches me perfectly. The consistency is honestly the best I’ve ever used, and even as I blend it into my hand right now as I’m typing this I just love it…it gives amazing coverage while remaining super light.

Accompanying the foundation I bought the Fluid Sheer in #2, Jane [the makeup artist] told me to mix one pump of this into the foundation for a dewy look. This reminds me of Benefit’s High Beam [click the link to read my post on it] except this is slightly more sheer and blendable. Once again, while blending it into my hand it’s super sheer and lightweight…perfect for the summer. AND, as I said earlier, I was sweating from walking so much…I was afraid the luminosity would make me look oily…it didn’t! YAY.

The next two items I purchased are live savers if you’re like me and tend to get the strangest weirdest random annoying breakouts. I was super surprised by what Jane said about this first product…the Master Corrector in #1. Most of the time to cover up redness I’ve always used a green base, which counteracts redness. Well, this is red based…I was a little scared at first…red on red just didn’t sound right…but I could not believe the way this covered up my under-eye circles and blemishes. As you can see the brush is super thin, so I thought it wouldn’t cover much. WRONG. The less the better and the way the brush applies, very minimally, is great too.

The second concealer I got is a skin tone matching concealer, High Precision Retouch, it has the same brush a the master corrector. Jane taught me to just lightly sweep over the area I want to cover, on top of where I put the master corrector, and then anything that was once there…is magically gone! PS….it totally works.

The last item I bought was the Blender Brush. I’m obsessed with brushes, and I loved the way this one felt and blended in everything. Not only did Jane use this for primer, foundation, and concealer…she also used it to apply my eyeshadow base. I was amazed by the way it perfectly set and blended in everything [even the eyeshadow], my current blending brush was made by Sephora and to be honest…it sucks. So, I’m really glad I got this one!

I think I’m gonna become a big fan of Armani makeup, I knew Megan Fox was the spokeswoman for the brand this past spring so I included some videos and an interview so you can familiar yourself with the brand a little more!

XO.

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