Highlighters Go Head to Head! Summer 2017 Glow

in

Written by @Twist.it.tea 

BECCA

Shimmering Skin Perfector® Poured Crème Highlighter in Champagne Pop

VS.

Urban Decay

Naked Skin Highlighting Fluid in Sin

Becca retails for $38 in 0.19 oz at Sephora

Urban Decay retails for $28 in 0.21 oz at Sephora

 

 

HIGHLIGHTERS GO HEAD TO HEAD …

 

Urban Decay’s Sin, and Becca’s Champagne Pop are both described as the natural and subtle highlight shade of their family.  Personally, I tend to lean more towards natural glows than a holographic look.  This is just a preference because I spend a lot of time in an office setting so I like to keep it low-key during office hours.  What’s important as well is being able to build with a natural highlight that will give me the drama for my afterhours fun.   I decided to run a little experiment with these two uber popular highlighters.  Based on their obvious differences in formula, Urban Decay being a liquid and Becca being a poured cream, I thought they were fair contenders.  But what really mattered to me in the conclusion of these highlighters was; are they easy to apply to a fresh face of makeup, longevity and if their pigment was right for a day to night, look.

 

THE APPLICATION: URBAN DECAY HIGHLIGHTING FLUID & BECCA SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTOR HIGHLIGHTER

 

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: BECCA

 

What stood out to me the most about Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector was the poured cream.  I’m not going to lie and say I wasn’t intimidated by this formula at first because of the unusual consistency.  I ended up loving the flawless application due to the formula. I use my finger tips to apply and a small stipple brush to buff it out.  At first I was generally worried that the cream texture wasn’t going to perform to my expectations of this being a “Holy Grail” item, because of the application process of using my finger tips as suggested. When I first started using this product my finger tips did a horrible job of applying the highlighter.  It got stuck dry spots, looked streaky and really scaly for some reason. As soon as I put the stipple brush to it, it buffed out to a sheer perfection. 

This is alovely, creamy, satin formula that applies nearly perfect on my cheekbones after a little love.  It doesn’t clog my pores or enhance any imperfections – it sits, stays and gives me a natural glow that I need throughout the day.

Applying Urban Decay’s Highlighting Fluid was …. Tricky.  This liquid highlight has a flat doe foot wand which awkward to apply.  The liquid is hard to blend with my finger tips and ended up shifting my face make up.  I have to dab the product on and not use too much, so at first it was a little time consuming to get this applied just right.  Although overall, the Urban Decay does give a beautiful glow when applied right.  It was hard to decide between the two given all of these factors but Becca won this round for me. 

 

 

LONGEVITY AND TRANSITIONING: URBAN DECAY HIGHLIGHTING FLUID & BECCA SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTOR HIGHLIGHTER

 

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: URBAN DECAY

 

I could conduct this portion of the experiment in my office but I don't think that would be a true test to the longevity of these products. I work in a showroom for the majority of the week, not facing many elements in regards to makeup staying put.  I started testing this highlighter out when I knew I needed to have a full face of makeup from afternoon to night aka a full day of running a, and most likely bar hopping.  The Urban Decay gave me the shimmer and shine for a good 10+ hours.  I didn’t feel that by the end of the night my makeup had dripped, or smudged off, it held on tight. It still looked beautiful, and dewy by the end of a full day of dancing and gallivanting around town. The Becca highlighter was a little disappointing. It’s a great base for day but it definitely needs to be reapplied throughout if you still want that initial glow that you get in the beginning. Becca is more on the low-key side while Urban Decay definitely gives you more of a sparkle and shine. 

 

CONCLUSION

 

All in all these are both great highlighters.  The only deciding factor I could come up with if I were faced to make a decision in the store would be to grab the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector based on the amount of product you get, the ability to build up a day-to night look and the ease of applying.  In all honestly for the price you pay and the amount of product you get in the Urban Decay Highlighting Fluid is a little disappointing.  It’s difficult to scrape out of the bottle and I felt that it ran out supppppper fast for only using a tiny amount of product a day.  The Becca hasn’t made a dent and I feel like I use more.  I also concluded that these two highlighters together are spectacular. For a day to night look I always use Becca and Urban Decay on top, it’s the perfect combo.

What is the best natural mascara? NUDESTIX Lash Lengthening Mascara is a minimalists' dream and it also supports LASH GROWTH!

in

By: Amanda V. 

It's no secret that I love big beautiful lashes. I have been in a long lasting relationship with my Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara for the past couple of years. To say I am attached is an understatement. Lately I felt the need for change, because my go-to mascara became too intense for me to wear for work especially since I don't put much makeup on anymore during the weekdays. I began searching for something more subtle just to define my lashes.

AFTER WEEKS AND WEEKS of searching I finally came across NUDESTIX Lash Lengthening Mascara. Not only does thjs mascara perfectly coat my lashes with the creamiest formula, it is also a treatment, formulated with a lash boosting complex and peptides to strengthen your lashes and assists in natural growth of your lashes. BINGO!!! The wand is sleek and slender and perfect for shorter lashes. The perfect amount of product comes out with the wand so it isnt messy whatsoever and you aren't wasting any product. So far my lashes haven't clumped and the product hasn't flaked onto my cheeks. I apply 2 coats and it makes my slightly unruly lashes perfectly defined and wispy.  My lashes also don't feel stiff and crunchy, they feel feathery with movement. Although I haven't noticed much lash growth in the past 3 weeks, I do notice less fallout which is a plus.

The packaging of this gem superb! The mascara comes in a sleek black/black case that can be re-used for so many things. I usually fit a couple of emergency Tampons and a packet of Midol. 

If you are aiming for a dramatic lash look this is NOT for you. This is more for the minimal, natural look.

The Mascara itself is certified organic, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested and fragrance free so even the most sensitive babes out there can use this bad boy. It is also Gluten and Cruelty free and perfect for the Vegan babes!! It retails for $24 and can be found at Sephora.com, Ulta.com, Beautylish.com and Nudestix.com. It can be quite the splurge for most but it is so worth it if you're looking for natural fluttery lashes that aren't too intense for daytime. 

 

NOTE: This product is NOT recommended for those with oily lids.. unless Raccoon Eyes is the look you are going for. 

Are your curls dehydrated and frizzy? Bumble and bumble's Bb. Curl (Style) Pre-Style/Re-Style Primer is the perfect Summer Refreshment to bring your curls back to life.

in

By Amanda V.

Oh that New York City summer heat... It can be a curly haired gal's best friend or worst enemy. Im normally someone who would blow dry and straighten their hair even during a city heatwave but i found myself going natural ALL summer. Keeping it clean and deeply moisturized, I usually start the day with a full on fro that turns into ballerina bun because I give up and just can't deal. for the past month, I found myself reaching more and more for the "Bumble and Bumble Bb. Curl (Style) Pre-Style/Re-Style Primer". This gem of a hair product has been coming in clutch for refreshing my hair so that I'm not washing and stripping my hair of its natural oils every single day. After freshly washed hair I apply this before any other product being that it is a primer and I comb it through as I detangle. it gives my curls a bit if definition. i follow with my everyday curly haired products and then I end with a couple of more sprays of this because it is also a UV protectant that will shield my hair from the harsh summer rays. I keep it in my work bag for refreshing and protecting throughout the day. A major plus... My hair is also left frizz free on even the most humid days!

I found that this works at its absolute best on damp hair rather than dry hair as it tends to leave a sticky feel. I usually add some water to my hair before spraying this on Day 2 and 3 hair. 

On Days 2 and 3, I would spray my hair with a water bottle and then add some of this and refresh the styling from the 1st day. I also have taken this with me to the pool again, as a protectant. A spritz here and there and in minutes your hair is refreshed and redefined and hydrated. The fact that this styling spray is formulated without sulfates, parabens and phthalates is ace. Love products that don't contain terrible chemicals that can damage my hair. 

This priming spray retails at $11 for 2oz and $23 for 8.5oz. I know that everyone has a different hair type and curl pattern so you can always try out the travel size and see if it works for you and your curls and then decide if you feel the need to splurge. This product is definitely helpful for the gals with severely dehydrated, tight, curly hair like mine who feel like nothing can help their hair. I recommend you give it a go and release your fro! 

 

Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick... That's NOT MATTE!!! Is Marc Jacobs' Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème the perfect alternative to the matte liquid lip craze?

in

By: Amanda V.

Move over Liquid Matte, Marc's Liquid Lip Crème is taking over. It has been such a refreshing change to feel something more comfortable on the lips while still being (almost) transfer proof. I found that it doesn't bleed on its own which is great and it works even better with a lip liner. I cant find the most majestic words to describe this impeccable formula so I will just say this... If powerful smudge-proof matte lipstick had a baby with luscious, silky satin lipstick this would be their child. 

It has great pigmentation and although labeled to last 8 hours... it doesn't exactly do that (I mean, unless you plan on not eating or drinking anything within these hours, lets be real) It slowly fades into a tinted stain (which I'm not mad about because I personally love the blotted lip look) but that's okay because this is one of the very few liquid lipsticks that you can re-apply and it will still go on creamy with the perfect sheen and not skip as you re-apply. Sometimes reapplication has a gross feeling (unless thats just me) especially if the formula is full matte. ( I know I have strange pet peeves). I love that this lipstick has a subtle vanilla scent. I find that alot of higher end branded lipstick smell like nothing or like melted crayons which is not my favorite at all. This lipstick is formulated with Collagen and Brazilian cupuaçu butter to give that slightly plump appearance with that comfort of a soft, creamy, hydrating feel. 

In the photo above is an unedited swatch with my medium skin tone. You can actually see the silky, sheeny texture of the product which is superb! This is in the shade SLOW BURN which for me, is that "your lips but better" kind of shade  and it can be paired with so many lip liners to make bad ass lip combos. This became my new go to. 

 

The Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème is retailed at $28 and comes in 6 neutral shades. It can be quite a splurge and I know what you're thinking... this is shade is totally dupeable. Although that is very true, the formulation is not. It is a luxurious treat for your lips and you cant really find this kind of quality, creamy sheen in many of the liquid lipsticks that are currently on the market. I totally recommend this especially for those of you who want to take a break from the matte lipstick craze. 

You can purchase this lipstick and other Marc Jacobs Beauty products at MarcJacobsBeauty.com, NeimanMarcus.com, Net-A-Porter.com, Sephora.Com and Sephora Stores.

 

LIP TIPS:

Not the best choice if you're planning on a heated makeout session.

Not Taco Tuesday Friendly (I've learned this the hard way)

For longer lasting wear just please avoid oily foods. 

 

What product Taylor is using for light airy coverage this summer 2017

in

by @twist.it.tea

Photo by Liza Prideaux

It’s summer time in NYC and since moving here I’ve realized why people leave during these few months. Apart from the city smelling like steaming trash, it’s blazingly hot and I’m no stranger to sweating my face off – figuratively and literally.  Year round I take the minimalists approach to face makeup as I enjoy my sleep and doing my makeup in the morning just to sit at a desk by myself is in no way appealing to me.  If I’m going out I’m a little bit more gung ho about applying makeup but since I’m at the office 5 days a week, 8 hours a day -  the bare minimum works just fine.  I really love this product because it’s there for me when I need a quick coverage and also steps up to the plate when I need a full face for being social.  At first I was a little confused by the product description on Sephora claiming it as a foundation, but I found it to be more of a CC cream.  I normally apply using my finger tips and as soon as the formula pumps out you can automatically tell it has a light weight feel to it.  It’s like a thick moisturizer but with great coverage.  To my surprise the discoloration on my cheeks that I have been successfully getting rid of the last 6 months were covered and evenly colored.  When I want a little bit more coverage I use my trusted CC cream on the problem areas.  This formula feels luxurious on your skin and it stays put throughout the day eliminating the oil that tends to accumulate by 6PM.  It does have a 20SPF but I always use a higher SPF underneath because I am not one to play games with the sun at my age.

 

Usually I’m not very confident without the rest of my face done (even if it is the bare minimum) but I decided to wear it alone and I honestly couldn’t find a single issue with my selfies even under these HORRIBLE showroom light fixtures (think: bright, white, fluorescent lights).  There’s a lot of good stuff in this product, it’s packed with “nourishing ingredients, including peptides, vitamins, and moisturizers”(Sephora).  It also holds Gatuline® Radiance which is THE ingredient to intensify brightness, even your tone and improve texture.  These factors are highly important to me when purchasing a CC cream because with all of my aforementioned skin issues, finding a product that simultaneously improves my skin while covering my blemishes and making me more radiant is a homerun. I really love this product and will continue to purchase it once I run out.  I really appreciate a formula that doesn’t require the use of half a bottle in a few weeks span.  A little product goes a long way.  You’re getting your money’s worth while not compromising your desired appearance. Totally worth throwing this guy in your cart if you’re on the fence !!  

Retails for $34 at Sephora

From Hang Over To Hydrated This Primer Is Top Knotch

in

by @twit.it.tea

I don’t know what kind of magic this is but Too Faced just put it in a bottle.  The inconspicuous primer pumps out smelling lightly of the tropics,  attributing to the infused coconut water.  It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and soft because of the ‘skin revivers’ that work together to also boost radiance, and elasticity.  The formula is a milky and creamy substance that at first looks like a moisturizer but acts as a primer to lock down makeup for a long lasting, flawless finish. I love to put this primer around my eyes because I feel like some days that is my biggest problem area and the creasing becomes harsh as the day progresses.  

I’ve been using this primer for about 2 weeks now with no visible side effects.  My skin has stayed clear, redness free and hydrated.  I apply it over the Hydrating Gel from Urban Decay, and I’ve never been happier with how well balanced my skin has reacted.  My makeup is flawless through my whole work day and not nearly as oily as before.  A daily qualm I used to encounter was having to wash my face as soon as I got home from work because of the oil build up.  I could not stand being in my house feeling like I had grease covering my face, but this primer has controlled the oil for the most part.  

I love the scent of coconut so I knew I would be in love with this, not to mention the coconut water was an interesting concept.  The scent to me is not very powerful, and it’s not something that you can smell through out the day.  I really can’t get over the hydration surge this gives me which I’ve come to realize is an important factor to my beauty routine. What I love most about this product is that a little goes a very long way, and it even looks great on my skin alone with no face makeup. I am giving this product 4.5 stars just because it takes veryyyyy long for the formula to dry.  Honestly, I am usually rushing in the morning so having to wait for it to fully dry is kind of a pain, but on days where I have more than 15 minutes to get ready it doesn’t bother me :)

1.35 oz - retails for $32 at Sephora and Amazon

All photos are property of meetpepperb.com

Hot Springs?? : Why You Need Urban Decay’s Rehab Makeup Prep Hot Spring Hydrating Gel In Your Life

in

Written By @Twist.it.tea

Rehab Makeup Prep Hot Springs Hydrating Gel

 

1.94 oz/ 55 g- retails for $28 at Urban Decay

 

Hot Springs Hydrating Gel is 1 of 6 products from Urban Decay’s Rehab Makeup Prep line.  I’m giving this product 5 stars from the jump because it was so good, and I had pretty low expectations for how my face would react. I have oily/combination skin so sometime’s it’s hard to get makeup to stay put throughout the day.  I was also originally worried about if the gel would leave a greasy feeling on my skin but it was the complete opposite. I was so blown away that this product was exceeding all of my expectations in a moisturizer, that I started doing my research on the rest of the products in the Rehab line.  The Pretty Gritty Skin Polish as an exfoliator and the Oxygenated Bubble Mask are the next ones on my list. 

(PHOTO CREDIT) 

I’m absolutely in love with how smooth this gel made my face feel from application, to overall appearance.  I started using the moisturizer everyday for about 2 weeks and overall my skin has never looked better.  It reminded me of my Laneige Water Sleeping Mask that I use when I need to give my face that extra hydration over night but Urban Decay’s moisturizeris great for every day.  Their product description explains how the 1,000 year old Japanese hot springs, play a part in the hydration of your skin. The water “ is rich in skin-nourishing minerals, and because the water in this formula is also hypotonic—a purer form—it penetrates the skin’s barrier better and becomes absorbed more easily”.  That was one of my favorite qualities about this product was how easily and quickly it absorbed into my skin.  The formula is so light and airy you wouldn't realize it was on if it wasn’t for the calming and cooling effect when applied.

Sometimes I use a primer on top of the moisturizer but I've noticed how beautiful the coverage is of my foundation with it alone.  Over time my skin felt and looked smoother.  There was a noticeable difference in how my makeup around my eyes was cooperating.  There weren't any dry patches nor makeup creasing.  Oddly enough I like to use this gel on Qtips to clean up stubborn liner and shadow.  It’s a quick solution when I need to get mascara off my face and need a little makeup remover.  

 

Overall, top to bottom, Urban Decay’s Rehab Makeup Prep Hot Springs Hydrating Gel is amazing and has a forever home in my makeup bag.  Because of Urban Decay’s long, running 20 years of success, I can see their skin care line expanding and becoming more trusted.  Not only do they made you feel good, but they’re good for your skin.

Is Sephora Pro Eyeshadow Palette Really Worth The Money ?

in

Written By Pepper. B 

 

If you've been following my website by now you may notice my opinion is pretty black or white. If you're just visiting this website Hello! My name is Pepper.B and my opinion is still pretty black or white lol. Why I decided to create this is post is I'm pretty sure you've seen or heard about the new Sephora Pro Eyeshadow Palette on social media and your curious if this is worth the investment.  When it comes to eyeshadow palettes I've had access to probably every shadow palette. I consider myself pretty tough when critiquing items. The first thing 'Ive noticed is that a lot of people mentioned this palette resembling Natasha Denona's Palette. Aesthetically both palettes resemble each other however any palette that has square shaped eyeshadows with large pans will resemble Natasha's Palette. Technically this palette resembles The Morphe Palette more. However regardless what the palette resembles it is definitely a better buy then the Natasha palette if you're comparing the two.  The price point is 68 dollars. Which equates to less then 2.50 per eyeshadow? So if you're comparing a palette that is 68.00 to a palette that is 129.00 and doesn't close completely. Reconsider what you look for in make-up items.  There are a lot of shadows here so I won't mention or compare this to Huda's palette.  I must say the color pay-off is amazing I'm pretty surprised this is a Sephora palette. No offense but lets be honest Sephora eyeshadows are hit or miss. These shadows also contain antioxidants such as vitamin A & E. Vitamin A is used to help with anti-aging and Vitamin E is used to fight free radicals.  

There are 3 versions of this palette. There is a Cool, Warm and Editorial. I decided to purchase the Warm for personal use and not my kit.  My complexion is a deeper caramel tone and the warmer colors compliment my skin tone more.  I always get stuck with color palettes that I don't use and they end up in my kit.  All of the palettes are extremely pigmented. So if you are interested in any color combination you will be happy.  Below I show examples of both palettes which are stock photos from Sephora.com and the photos honestly don't do them justice they are beautiful in person. I also have below swatches on my arm that does have the tattoos so it doesn't interrupt the color pay-off. I didn't have to dig the shadows to get them to show up. I touched them gently and was a bit shocked with the outcome.! 

Enjoy your palette it is definitely worth the buy!

Sephora's Pro Collection Cool Tone Palette 

Sephora Editorial Palette 

Swatches:

My favorite shades are: 

Brick / Hazelnut

Obsidian / Sepia

Sepia Sandstone / Auburn

Caramel / Peach

Terra-cotta / Clay

Palette in natural light! 

Women + Beauty On A Budget Part II: Flexible Payment Plans On Makeup

in

Happy Saturday! Let's dive into this tip for shop smart Saturday!

How many fantasy online shopping carts to you have open? You know what I mean. When you do the online version of window shopping and create your dream cart. The reality, however, is that your funds are tight so your online cart just stays full. Then you get that taunting email from the retailer saying, "Did you forget something?" accompanied by the images of all the products you were salivating over the night before. No one has ever forgotten what was in their cart. We know, we're just trying to be money conscious. And who wants to constantly pay for shipping. 

Did you know you can have all the beauty goods your heart desires without breaking your budget? Beautylish.com is an online retailer that carries brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Sugarpill, and Jouer Cosmetics. When you make a purchase of $99 or more, Beautylish allows to you make the payment in three separate installments with no interest! There really is no gimmick here. Your total is divided by three and you get your products with the first payment! This was earth shattering news to me and I just wanted to share with all the readers of meetpepperb.com. 

I made a sample cart to show you how it works. My cart total was $100.90

The option for three flexible payment plans is added to you payment options. 

Beautylish divided my order into 3 smaller more manageable payments. I would pay $33.64 (plus tax and shipping on the first payment) and receive my products. Then make two more payments. 

This is such an amazing program! It gives people access to have the makeup collection that they have only dream of. 

More Budget Friendly Advice on Meetpepperb.com!

How are you a smart shopper when it comes to makeup?

This sheet mask delivered the ultimate hydration my skin needed after being in the sun during the July 4th holiday

in

BY Amanda V.

Def Top Shelf Material!!!

Allow me to introduce to you Boscia's Tsubaki Oil Deep Hydration Hydrogel Mask. 

During the July 4th Holiday weekend my skin needed major hydration after being in the sun. I decided to rip open this sheet mask to see what it could do for me. What I automatically loved about this mask is that it came in two parts and I feel that's what made it not slip off or around my face. It is quite slimey (as all sheet masks are) after removing it from the packaging and the film that protects the mask, I laid it on top of my face and my skin clung to the sheet like a magnet. The hydrogel mask helps lock in the moisture as my parched  skin drinks it all up.

The mask does make me resemble Leatherface from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". YIKES!!!

I think out of all the sheets masks that I have tried, this one has been my favorite and the most comfortable to wear being that it comes in 2 pieces. 

This product provided supreme hydration and it is fragrance free so it didn't irritate my sensitive skin in anyway. It did have a bit of a cooling sensation which I found calming on my skin. The hydrogel mask helps lock in the moisture as the sheet clings to the skin. 

The mask delivers multiple skin benefits with ingredients like cold pressed Tsubaki Oil to deeply moisturize and hydrate while protecting against free radicals and aging as well promote firmness and Hydration. This mask also contains Marine Collagen which has been an ingredient in Japanese skin care for MANY years helps skin retain moisture while keeping it firm yet baby soft as well as Willowherb to calm and reduce inflammation and redness. 

TIP: Place the packet in the fridge for a while and try cleansing your face with warm water and then apply the crisp cool mask. It'll will relax you as it hydrates you. After about 20 minutes, I  slipped the sheets off  and was left with visibly plump, moisturized, baby soft skin. My thirsty, dehydrated face definitely absorbed all that this mask had to offer. It completely revived my skin. 

After my skin was a tad bit sticky but I did follow up with the Tsubaki Glotion (Which I reviewed in my previous post) and it no longer had a tacky residue. My skin was simply glowing for the rest of the day and i kept receiving compliments. 

I wouldn't exactly recommend this to the oily babes out in the world, but this is a product that would do exceptional with Dry, Sensitive and/or Combo skin types. 

You too can have a chance at baby soft skin for $8 a pop at Sephora stores, Sephora.com and Boscia.com. 

Can Kiss Hexa be used on the eyes instead of the mouth?

in

Written by Deanna. P

How about a Kiss for your eyes?

Last time I reviewed Kiss products, I said I would definitely use their products again.   They are reasonably priced & work well for me.  KISS is a global beauty brand that helps you bring the salon home. The largest manufacturer of professional-quality, innovative beauty products that include fashion nails, nail care, lashes, hair appliances, hair care and cosmetics. The Kiss product I recently tried was Kiss professional Hexa Palette Eyeshadow Pink Taupe KESPO4.  The retail price was $8.00.   The nice thing about this eyeshadow palette are the colors are very neutral & will look great with any eye color. I have green eyes & the eyeshadow definitely complimented my coloring.   It went on easy & smooth and lasted throughout a long day at work.   Six colors are included in the palette so you can mix and match and make your eyes look different for day & night. I thought this was on the inexpensive side for the quality & colors.  I would definitely say this is a great value for the money.

 

 

If you want to purchase this or any products for your eyes, click here:

http://kissnypro.com/new-arrival/hexa-eyeshadow-palette.html

Have you washed your skin recently? Can your face really smell, feel, & look like fresh linen?

in

Written By Deanna P

Every time I turn around there is a new brand introduced to the market.    The latest one I discovered is Skin Laundry. 

 

The brand was founded by Yen Reis.  It’s the age old story of how the founder suffered from skin issues that got more and more severe as she aged.  In Asia, she found laser light therapy helped her skin tremendously.  It was an easy treatment that was quick and effective and had no downtime.    When she moved to Los Angeles, there was nothing like it there.  She met with laser experts and in 2013 Skin Laundry was created & she opened the first store.  Now there are locations in California, NY, Arizona, London & Hong Kong.  More will be opening soon.  Along with the stores there is a whole line of products that work to compliment the laser light therapy & work well on their own.   I loved the way the brand was packaged so I was thrilled to try it. I tried the gentle foaming face wash.  It came inSIZE 6.7 oz/ 200 mL for $20.00, but I tried a 1.7 oz/50mL sample size. Besides a classy logo, the bottle states these three words; clean, calm, and soften.  This is how the product is said to leave your skin after use, like fresh linen.  The product can be used on all skin types including sensitive.   There are no Parabens, Sulfates, & PhthalatesIt can be used in the mornings & evenings.  Apply a small amount to damp skin.  Massage in to skin for 30-60 seconds & rinse with warm water.  

 

The ingredients & what they do are listed below:

-Panthenol: Acts as a humectant to attract moisture and bind water to keep skin moisturized.

-Shea Butter: Provides a soft, conditioned feel to skin.

-Cucumber Extract: Provides ultra-calming and soothing effect on skin as well as moisture-regulation to revitalize and hydrate skin.

-Chamomile Extract: Possesses gentle soothing properties that alleviate itching and irritation.

 

I really liked this product.  I had been looking for a new face wash & I think I found it.  My skin feels softer, & so clean after I washed it.  The ingredients are healthy & natural and all do something to make my skin look & feel healthy.  At $20.00, I feel the price is fair for what is currently on the market.  I would definitely recommend this brand & product.  I am even considering trying the laser light therapy.  

You can purchase this product at Sephora & the manufacturer’s website:

https://www.skinlaundry.com/product/gentle-foaming-wash/

Is your face makeup ready?   Can Urban Decay prep pore refining peel make my face ready for makeup?

in

 

Urban Decay Prep Pore Refining Peel

 

 

I am now very familiar with Urban Decay usually abbreviated ud.  I tried 5 of their products & I am now a definite fan of the brand.   

I was interested to try their makeup prep pore refining peel.  

It comesin one size which 1 oz/ 30 mL & retails for $26.00

Just to give you a quick recap on the brand:

Urban Decay, is described in three words Feminine, Dangerous, & Fun!  It is beauty with an edge.  The company was founded in 1996 & is 21 years old.  It originated in Orange County, California & and it’s corporate office is still in Newport Beach, California.  Although it is geared towards the younger generation, anyone can use & enjoy the brand.  I learned this first hand upon my first experience with Urban Decay.

In the 90’s, Pink was the trend.  Urban Decay Founders, Sandy Lemer, co founder of Cisco Systems & Pat Holmes, were at Lemer’s mansion in London & they mixed raspberry & black together to form a color they named Urban Decay.  They decided to form the cosmetics company Urban Decay.  They launched it in 1996 & the offerings were a line of 10 lipsticks & 12 nail polishes.  All their colors were inspired by urban landscape & their products had names such as smog, roach, oil, rust, slick, & acid rain.

Over the years they have been owned byMoet -Hennessy Lous Vuitton, The Falic Group,and Castanea Partners.  Currently they are owned by Loreal who paid $350 million for the brand.

The company has been recognized by PETA for being cruelty-free to animals.  Not only is there no animal testing to make their products, their makeup brushes are made from taklon.    They are 100% synthetic fiber instead of made from animal hairs like most brushes on the market.

 

The pore refining peel is made for all skin types to include normal, oily, combination, dry & sensitive.  

It is used on your t-zone and on problem areas of your face.  Apply this smooth clear gel to your zone & problem areas.  Let dry for 10 minutes and then peel off.  Rinse any residue with warm water.   It is used only for problem areas.  

 

The product was made to prepare your skin before you apply make up.   It is used to draw out impurities, making the pores appear smaller, more refined and cleaner.   The product has 9 plant extracts in the ingredients.

Some of the extracts & what they do include, Sugarcane extract (a natural form of glycolic acid) exfoliates, Irish moss soothes skin and supports cell renewal.   Common St. John’s wort, burdock root extract, and peppermint extract help condition.  Lemon balm delivers skin-calming properties. 

It has no parabens.  

I applied this to my t-zone & a couple of problem areas.  I have to admit, I had tried like products in the past and was not happy with how they worked.  After letting it dry for 10 minutes, this was extremely easy to peel off.  After peeling it off, the product really performed the way it had promised.  My pores did appear smaller & cleaner.  The added plus was the skin also felt softer.  

I then applied my makeup & it did look better.  I feel the product really performs well & I would definitely use for those days & night, I want to look extra special.

 

At $26.00, I feel it a worthwhile investment.  This product will last a long time & is a product that helps the skin look and feel improved.

 

It can be purchased at Urban Decay or Sephora:

http://www.sephora.com

4 out of stars

 

One beauty product that's better then a quickie 😌

in

Urban Decay QUICK FIX Prep Spray

Written by Kayla. M

We are in the age of spray and ear of go go go! Like most people, I have dedicated my makeup life to setting spray, without it you are doomed and with it you are yass queen! Early on I learned the prep and prime step is just as important if not more important than setting. If you aren’t starting right you won’t be able to finish right either. Enter Urban Decay’s Quick Fix Hydracharged Complexion Prep Priming Spray with such a long name I was skeptical, I assumed they made it long to distract you from the fact that it didn’t work.  I picked it up believing it would save me time and effort. The spray is described as a “soothing priming spray that visibly educes the appearance of pores, brightens and smoothes.” Online it states that you can use it before makeup or just any time your face needs a boost, and claims to be more hydrating than the brands B6 spray. 

 

I personally am on my 2nd bottle of the product and sometimes I find myself longingly looking at the bottle imaging my time before it. I quickly shake the image from my mind. I have dry sensitive skin and look for products that will be effective but not affective towards my skin. I can’t say that it visibly reduces my pores but I will say I love how my makeup goes on with it and the simple process of shake and spray is amazing for someone as lazy as I am. I tend to use the spray after I have cleansed, toned and moisturized. The smell is said to be like a “beach day”, not sure what beach the creators were at when they designed this product but I thoroughly enjoy the scent. It reminds me faintly of a men’s cologne. Like most popular prepping tools this product will leave your skin somewhat “tacky” which makeup sticks to much better than a completely silky smooth texture. 

 

 

I highly recommend this product to anyone and everyone. Time is of the essence and this product helps me save time without sacrificing beat face.