Getting Summer Ready

     Every year as the temperature starts to rise in Texas, I dread it. Being near the coast (Houston) we don’t just experience heat but humidity, which can feel downright sticky. This is when I grab my four essential items that get me through summer. 

Skin

When the heat starts to hit and you start to sweat, your makeup goes. There’s no way of saving your makeup unless you go indoors (AC). Urban Decay’s De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray can’t possibility save your makeup in 90-decree heat but it helps more than most. Designed to control oil, I wear it coming from the heat and its help my foundation stay on a little longer.

I have Rosacea and the most important skin item for me is sunscreen. Because I have Rosacea I always have sunscreen on or something with an SPF. If I don't, I run the risk of some serious skin problems.  I’ve been using Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, and the best thing about it is it doesn’t break me out and it’s oil-free! The only bad thing about it is there is a scent to it but it doesn’t last too long.

Eyes

Whether I’m driving, walking or in the sun for a few minutes, I have my sunglasses with me at all times. I have to be honest I wasn’t into the whole large lenses but they do protect my eyes from the sun.

Shorts

There is nothing like a good pair of shorts with some tennis shoes or Sperry’s. My favorite shorts are from J Crew the 4 inch. They’re not too short and not too long, their just right.

-Melissa 

3 Items Worth the Splurge

       For whatever reason we feel the need to spend large amounts of money on the latest makeup primer, eye shadow or whatever. For me there are three items that are worth the splurge: brushes, foundation and skin care. In my opinion these three are worth the investment.

You can have the worse eye shadow, foundation or blush but without the right brush it’s not going to blend out. I think of brushes as an investment piece that can last you for years. Many of my brushes have lasted me over five years because I properly take care of them. I know spending a lot on a brush seems insane but if it’s going to last me years than it’s worth the investment.

Nothing is worse than buying foundation that doesn’t last. I’ve tried everything from drugstore to high end and although I’m on a continuous search for the ‘perfect’ foundation (that doesn’t exist) I don’t mind paying a little more. It’s the worst feeling when you spend money on a foundation and it doesn’t even last the entire workday. I am not saying that high-end foundation is the only solution to perfect skin. I’m saying if the foundation you use cost over $50 and works for you, go right on for it.

I feel I spend serious money when it comes to my skin. My face is the only one that I will ever have so it’s important to me that I take care of it. It’s the first thing people see when they look at you… most of the time. I like trying different brands and reading reviews on products. I find what works for me and I pretty much stick to it. I don’t mind heading to the dermatologist if I know it’s going to help.

-Melissa

Sephora Haul

       I love a Friday when I come home from work to find a package, in this case a Sephora box. Although the sale was last month, I had a coupon code that was close to expiring and we all know what that means… buy.

I find with the brand Origins most of the products work with my skin. I decided to try Origins Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser. It contains salicylic acid, which helps with breakouts. It supposed to help clear pores, eliminate excess oil and reduce shine.

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is the only eye primer I keep going back to. If you have oily lids this primer is your new holy grail. My shadow will last all day without any creasing.

I’ve been trying new mascara’s and I noticed my lashes clumping together. After reading the reviews on Sephora.com I decided to purchase the Lift Off Lash Comb. The one I have is old and it was time for a new one. The last purchase was for the Too Cool for School Dinoplatz Magic Wand for Lip & Eye Makeup Remover. I’ve used quite a few Q-tip typed removers but non seem to work as well as this one. With this product one is all I need for both eyes …can’t beat that.

-Melissa

Sephora Collection: The Perfectionist Airbrush Sponge

    I wanted to wait till I basically ruined my Sephora Airbrush Sponge before I wrote this piece. It’s taken longer than expected so here it is. I received it in a Sephora Play box and I haven’t stopped using it.

     It’s a latex-free sponge that retails for $12. Unlike the Beauty Blender it has an extra pointy edge that can get in hard to reach areas. I found that it was easier to get wet than the Beauty Blender and it stayed wet longer. It was very easy to clean more so than the Beauty Blender. It works the same way and places the foundation on the skin just the same. I recommend this more so then the Real Techniques dupe. Sephora’s sponge is softer than the Real Techniques and Beauty Bender Pure, which is designed for sensitive skin.  In my opinion it’s a great dupe and a cheaper one too.

-Melissa

The Empties #2

     This time the empties is a mixed review. There are some good ones, some products I wouldn’t buy again and of course the usual suspects. It’s pretty difficult not to throw away empties but somehow I managed to keep them. Instead of me repeating myself over and over, I’ll just talk about the ones I’ve never mentioned.

Botnics Smoothing Eye Make Up Remover All Bright

Boscia Make-up Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I didn’t notice any difference with my skin using these pads. I will say it didn’t irritate my skin but I wouldn’t purchase these again.

Korres Cleansing & Make-up Removing Wipes Greek Yoghurt

This line is known for being natural. I found that these wipes really didn’t take off much of my makeup and it stung when I would use them. I ended using my Boscia Make-up Cleaning Oil to remove whatever was left. The wipes itself weren’t that saturated with product, this one will defiantly not be purchased.

Oscar Blandi Dry Styling Heat Protecting Spray

Bastiste Dry Shampoo Cool & Crisp Fresh

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave-in-Conditoner

Pure Brazilian Miracle Leave-in-Conditioner

I received this in an Ipsy bag and I love it! It made my hair soft, the smell wasn’t over powering and it didn’t weigh my hair down. The only downside is I can’t find it in store. I would repurchase this in a heartbeat.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Honey

Diorshow Blackout Waterproof

I go back and forth with this product. It keeps a cruel and seemed to help lengthen my lashes but it flakes. This is the second one I’ve gone through and I rather stick to drugstore.

Sephora Brush Cleaner

Dante Makeup Brush Cleaner

This is one powerful spot cleaner for brushes. It does its job but the smell is over powering. I had to change the container it was in because no matter how hard I tried the spray clogged up. I do recommend this cleaner though despite the clogged spray.

O.P.I. Natural Nail Strengthener

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

-Melissa