Tuesday, April 22, 2014
New! BareSkin Liquid Foundation by bareMinerals
As I may have mentioned, I am a diehard bareMinerals Original Foundation fan. I have used it for over two years, and am constantly recommending it to anyone who will listen! The Original Foundation is a loose mineral powder that comes in a wide range of shades. A longtime drugstore liquid foundation user, I was at first hesitant to try a prestige brand (aka pricey) foundation, let alone the jumping into the foreign concept of loose powder. But I needed something that would effectively cover up my acne without making it worse, and a close friend recommended bareMinerals.
I was not disappointed. After watching a few YouTube videos on how to apply (Swirl, Tap, Buff!), I quickly got the hang of managing loose powder without making a mess of my face (or the bathroom counter). The Original Foundation looks more like my own skin than any foundation I've ever had before; my own skin but way better. It covers my blemishes, isn't drying or cakey, matches my skin perfectly, and blends flawlessly. I couldn't be any happier.
But then bareMinerals tempted me something even better, a new revolution in makeup. I was chosen to be one of the first to try their newest creation for free before it was sold in stores, bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. This promised to be the innovation to convince any liquid holdouts to convert to the bareMinerals way. Finally a liquid foundation that acted like a serum to actually help your skin. Could this be better than my beloved Original?
I received this awesome tube of wonder containing my new foundation and brush in my mailbox at the beginning of April. Sleek packaging, I must admit.
Included with my foundation was the new innovative brush created for the proper application of their new formula. The new Perfecting Face Brush is designed with a little reservoir to hold the drops of foundation, and to help apply it perfectly to your face.
The little indent in the center of the brush is the reservoir. Truly a great idea, and the brush is incredibly soft.
As I am the shade Fairly Light in the Original Foundation, I was sent the new shade of Bare Linen to test out. Not the lightest of the light, but pretty close.
The application motto created is "Shake, Drop, Buff," where the user shakes the bottle (remixing the formula since the lack of harsh chemicals may cause ingredients to settle), then puts 1-2 drops into the brush reservoir, and then buffs it onto the skin (much like the Original Foundation).
Ladies let me tell you, less is more! Start out with one droplet, not two. When I first started trying this foundation, I mistakenly put two drops and my face looked like it was streaked with makeup. One drop will provide enough coverage and blend much better than two drops. One drop for the right side of the face, buff and blend, then one drop for the left side, buff and blend. I guarantee that if you are unsatisfied with the way this foundation is turning out, using too much may be a contributing factor. It is a buildable formula, so start off light and go from there.
As a loose powder gal, I had previously been unable to use cool products like liquid or cream blushes and highlighters, because liquid over powder is a no-no (can you say pasty mess). I'm thrilled to have a liquid foundation option by bareMinerals so I can experiment with items such as Benefit's posietint (stay tuned for my review in the near future!).
Since my use of Original Foundation had a lot to do with covering my acne and subsequent scarring, a main concern with bareSkin was whether it would cover adequately or not. With one drop for each side of my face, I found that the latest bumps and redness were easily covered at the time of application, and some days I didn't even need concealer. I did notice that there was noticeable wear-and-tear as the day went on, however, where the foundation started to cake and flake a bit around the worst parts of my face.
I was hoping that the liquid foundation would be a better option for the occasional dry patches on my face (Retin-A Micro causes my skin to freak out in spots sometimes). The Original Foundation is no match for flakiness, so I had high hopes for a liquid formula. Alas, however, I didn't notice much of a difference. As the day wore on, the dry patches appeared as they always do and flaked my makeup.
All in all, I was very satisfied with bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. I cannot stress enough though that you should have a light finger when dropping the foundation into the brush. When I was first trying it out and using too much, I was told that I looked like I was wearing heavy makeup (something I have never been told with my powder). I will be staying with my Original Foundation for day-to-day makeup, and saving the liquid for when something more heavy duty is necessary (special occasions, extreme acne, etc). I highly recommend you give it a try, especially if you've been hesitant to jump on the bareMinerals bandwagon due to the lack of a liquid option before this.
And thank you to bareMinerals for letting me try this product out for free before it hit stores!!
I was not disappointed. After watching a few YouTube videos on how to apply (Swirl, Tap, Buff!), I quickly got the hang of managing loose powder without making a mess of my face (or the bathroom counter). The Original Foundation looks more like my own skin than any foundation I've ever had before; my own skin but way better. It covers my blemishes, isn't drying or cakey, matches my skin perfectly, and blends flawlessly. I couldn't be any happier.
But then bareMinerals tempted me something even better, a new revolution in makeup. I was chosen to be one of the first to try their newest creation for free before it was sold in stores, bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. This promised to be the innovation to convince any liquid holdouts to convert to the bareMinerals way. Finally a liquid foundation that acted like a serum to actually help your skin. Could this be better than my beloved Original?
I received this awesome tube of wonder containing my new foundation and brush in my mailbox at the beginning of April. Sleek packaging, I must admit.
As I am the shade Fairly Light in the Original Foundation, I was sent the new shade of Bare Linen to test out. Not the lightest of the light, but pretty close.
The application motto created is "Shake, Drop, Buff," where the user shakes the bottle (remixing the formula since the lack of harsh chemicals may cause ingredients to settle), then puts 1-2 drops into the brush reservoir, and then buffs it onto the skin (much like the Original Foundation).
Ladies let me tell you, less is more! Start out with one droplet, not two. When I first started trying this foundation, I mistakenly put two drops and my face looked like it was streaked with makeup. One drop will provide enough coverage and blend much better than two drops. One drop for the right side of the face, buff and blend, then one drop for the left side, buff and blend. I guarantee that if you are unsatisfied with the way this foundation is turning out, using too much may be a contributing factor. It is a buildable formula, so start off light and go from there.
As a loose powder gal, I had previously been unable to use cool products like liquid or cream blushes and highlighters, because liquid over powder is a no-no (can you say pasty mess). I'm thrilled to have a liquid foundation option by bareMinerals so I can experiment with items such as Benefit's posietint (stay tuned for my review in the near future!).
Since my use of Original Foundation had a lot to do with covering my acne and subsequent scarring, a main concern with bareSkin was whether it would cover adequately or not. With one drop for each side of my face, I found that the latest bumps and redness were easily covered at the time of application, and some days I didn't even need concealer. I did notice that there was noticeable wear-and-tear as the day went on, however, where the foundation started to cake and flake a bit around the worst parts of my face.
I was hoping that the liquid foundation would be a better option for the occasional dry patches on my face (Retin-A Micro causes my skin to freak out in spots sometimes). The Original Foundation is no match for flakiness, so I had high hopes for a liquid formula. Alas, however, I didn't notice much of a difference. As the day wore on, the dry patches appeared as they always do and flaked my makeup.
All in all, I was very satisfied with bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. I cannot stress enough though that you should have a light finger when dropping the foundation into the brush. When I was first trying it out and using too much, I was told that I looked like I was wearing heavy makeup (something I have never been told with my powder). I will be staying with my Original Foundation for day-to-day makeup, and saving the liquid for when something more heavy duty is necessary (special occasions, extreme acne, etc). I highly recommend you give it a try, especially if you've been hesitant to jump on the bareMinerals bandwagon due to the lack of a liquid option before this.
And thank you to bareMinerals for letting me try this product out for free before it hit stores!!
Friday, April 18, 2014
I'm 30... With Acne???
It has to be some sort of cruel joke, I thought to myself each morning when I woke up and found yet another blemish on my face. After all, I did my time already, suffering with this plague when I was a teenager. For a few blissful years in my twenties, I was free of these bulbous bastards. But as I entered my late twenties, and ultimately (gulp) thirty, they reappeared with a vengeance.
I am not talking about a pimple here and there, sporadic and manageable. I am referring to the giant, embarrassing kind that left my face a noticeable mess. Scars and scabs added to my despair, and nothing I tried seemed to work.
Every over-the-counter remedy was useless, Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid had failed me. I tried home remedies to no avail. I hated my current dermatologist and foolishly refused to admit defeat and make an appointment. I stubbornly believed I could fix my acne problem myself, without shelling out the co-pay at the dermatologist.
The closest I came to reducing my acne was when a Sephora worker recommended the sulfur based Blemish Banisher Kit by Kate Somerville. This system was not cheap (about $55), but again, I was stubborn and I had never tried any sulfur products. The set came with trial sizes of her most famous products, as well as a full sized sulfur spot treatment called EradiKate. It looked like a science experiment, but I was willing to try it. Leaving the sulfur solution on the latest blemishes overnight, it definitely helped to dry them out and shrink them a bit, but the kit overall did not help prevent or alleviate my acne. $55 down the drain.
My acne got so bad, and my confidence so low, that I had to finally go to the dermatologist. I was at the point where I was so self-conscious that I thought everyone was focusing on my face and not me. It was as if my acne was all there was, like a giant red flag. I had been so stupid, trying to avoid the doctor for so long. So I found a new dermatologist, and made the dreaded appointment. After much trial and error, she finally got my acne under control with a combo routine that included the MIRACLE that is Retin-A Micro. Although it can be very drying if you're not careful to moisturize every single day and night, it really has helped to lessen my acne and to fade the old scars. I still get breakouts, but they aren't nearly as bad and can usually be covered up decently with makeup (I'm still looking for the perfect concealer that won't end up dry and cakey at the end of the day, comment with suggestions!).
The moral of my story is that I shouldn't have hesitated to go to the dermatologist. I realize that now. But one good thing from my saga with acne is that it got me started in this amazing world of makeup, because out of necessity to cover up the hideousness that was my acne, I began this quest to find my favorite brands and personal style.
My usual routine:
Morning- Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30 Moisturizing Lotion
Night- Bare Minerals Deep Cleansing Foam, Retin-A Micro, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
I am not talking about a pimple here and there, sporadic and manageable. I am referring to the giant, embarrassing kind that left my face a noticeable mess. Scars and scabs added to my despair, and nothing I tried seemed to work.
Every over-the-counter remedy was useless, Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid had failed me. I tried home remedies to no avail. I hated my current dermatologist and foolishly refused to admit defeat and make an appointment. I stubbornly believed I could fix my acne problem myself, without shelling out the co-pay at the dermatologist.
The closest I came to reducing my acne was when a Sephora worker recommended the sulfur based Blemish Banisher Kit by Kate Somerville. This system was not cheap (about $55), but again, I was stubborn and I had never tried any sulfur products. The set came with trial sizes of her most famous products, as well as a full sized sulfur spot treatment called EradiKate. It looked like a science experiment, but I was willing to try it. Leaving the sulfur solution on the latest blemishes overnight, it definitely helped to dry them out and shrink them a bit, but the kit overall did not help prevent or alleviate my acne. $55 down the drain.
My acne got so bad, and my confidence so low, that I had to finally go to the dermatologist. I was at the point where I was so self-conscious that I thought everyone was focusing on my face and not me. It was as if my acne was all there was, like a giant red flag. I had been so stupid, trying to avoid the doctor for so long. So I found a new dermatologist, and made the dreaded appointment. After much trial and error, she finally got my acne under control with a combo routine that included the MIRACLE that is Retin-A Micro. Although it can be very drying if you're not careful to moisturize every single day and night, it really has helped to lessen my acne and to fade the old scars. I still get breakouts, but they aren't nearly as bad and can usually be covered up decently with makeup (I'm still looking for the perfect concealer that won't end up dry and cakey at the end of the day, comment with suggestions!).
The moral of my story is that I shouldn't have hesitated to go to the dermatologist. I realize that now. But one good thing from my saga with acne is that it got me started in this amazing world of makeup, because out of necessity to cover up the hideousness that was my acne, I began this quest to find my favorite brands and personal style.
My usual routine:
Morning- Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30 Moisturizing Lotion
Night- Bare Minerals Deep Cleansing Foam, Retin-A Micro, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Thursday, April 10, 2014
#makeupaddict (or, About Me)
I am no beauty queen, I'm just your Average Joe (or in my case, Average Josephine), but I am completely devoted to makeup. I love the confidence it gives me, where I know that I look presentable and put together. I love the fun I have experimenting and trying new looks and styles. I love looking at all the products on the shelves, beautifully packaged and full of promises, choosing the next item I get to take home and try. If I won the lotto, I would rent out Ulta or Sephora for a day, and just go nuts.
My fair skin is freckly and never tans (is red a shade of tan?). Unfortunately, adult acne plagues my face, so covering breakouts effectively is very important. My dark thick hair is neither straight, wavy, nor curly, but instead just exists on top of my head. Figuring out what works and what doesn't so that I look my best is a never-ending saga.
You will hear me talk a lot about Bare Minerals. In the search for the perfect foundation, Bare Minerals Original loose powder is it for me, I'm a diehard fan. In the shade Fairly Light, I am able to cover up any new breakouts and even out my complexion without it ever looking like I'm wearing too much makeup. While I use products from many other companies (Benefit is also a favorite of mine), Bare Minerals foundation will be my go-to until the sun goes cold in the sky.
I don't claim to know everything there is about techniques, and I have in no way mastered application methods (eyeliner is so tricky!). I haven't gone to beauty school. I write about my own experiences; the trials, the mishaps and the successes, and I look forward to sharing them all with you!
My fair skin is freckly and never tans (is red a shade of tan?). Unfortunately, adult acne plagues my face, so covering breakouts effectively is very important. My dark thick hair is neither straight, wavy, nor curly, but instead just exists on top of my head. Figuring out what works and what doesn't so that I look my best is a never-ending saga.
You will hear me talk a lot about Bare Minerals. In the search for the perfect foundation, Bare Minerals Original loose powder is it for me, I'm a diehard fan. In the shade Fairly Light, I am able to cover up any new breakouts and even out my complexion without it ever looking like I'm wearing too much makeup. While I use products from many other companies (Benefit is also a favorite of mine), Bare Minerals foundation will be my go-to until the sun goes cold in the sky.
I don't claim to know everything there is about techniques, and I have in no way mastered application methods (eyeliner is so tricky!). I haven't gone to beauty school. I write about my own experiences; the trials, the mishaps and the successes, and I look forward to sharing them all with you!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Brand New!
Hello there! I am a brand new beauty blogger, just starting out. I know there are already a ton of beauty blogs out there, but hey, what's one more? I absolutely LOVE everything in the beauty world- make up, hair care, skin solutions, style advice, health and fitness… everything! I hope you'll join me on my journey of documenting my adventures (and misadventures) and feeding my addiction. I tweet a lot about beauty, so join me over on Twitter as well. Just click that little button over on the right. Go ahead, click it, I'll wait…
I look forward to sharing my thoughts and hearing from you!
XOXO
CKelly
I look forward to sharing my thoughts and hearing from you!
XOXO
CKelly
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