A to Z: N is f or Neutrogena Ultra Sheer

Today is another sunblock review. This time for one that I completely fell in love with about a year ago. 

This sunscreen is one that I received in a bag of beauty samples from Target. And let me tell you, it's one of the most luxurious feeling sunscreens I've every used. 

Right out of the tube, this sunscreen isn't like others. It smells floral, not like usual sunscreen. There is still that summer time classic, but it is mixed in with something soft and summery. 

Once applied, it begins....well, melting is the only way I can describe it. Like when you use coconut oil and your body heat makes it transparent. 

As the sunscreen is rubbed in, it dries. Not greasy. Not tacky. Just smooth, soft, protected skin. It doesn't feel heavy, like some sunscreens tend to feel. It's light and moisturizing. It's practically a miracle in a bottle! 

Even when wet, this sunblock remains dry and weightless and steadfast. Because the last thing you want is to reapply and have to wait ten or fifteen minutes for your sunscreen to absorb just so you can go out and enjoy the beach again. 

Above and beyond, this is one of the best sunscreens I've ever used. And for around $7 for the full size, you can't really go wrong. 

Give it a try, I promise you'll be impressed. 

A to Z: M is for Microfiber (And Minerals)

Apologies for the late post, guys. I went on a spontaneous road trip with my best friends yesterday. And let me tell you, getting out and about for the day was absolutely marvelous. I'll make up for it by reviewing two products today! That's right, two for the price of one!

Not that my posts cost you anything, but y'know...

First up is a dollar store find that has completely changed my skin. 

This little thing is about the size of my palm, made of microfiber, and is perfect as a facial scrubber. In fact, the packaging once said that was what it was for. 

Before using these microfiber scrubbies, I used my hands to wash my face. A little squirt of cleanser, some gentle rubbing, bam. Done. And during that time, I had pretty bad acne. 

Now, I didn't know this then, but apparently that wasn't cutting it for my skin. I needed exfoliation. I needed a deeper clean. And then the dollar store stepped in. 

Ever since I have started using these little green circles of amazing, my acne has mostly cleared up. The scrubs on one side are perfect for daily use. Exfoliating, but gentle about it. Not so intense that my skin is dry and red afterwards. The other side, the mesh side, is perfect for days when I feel really grimy or think my skin could use an extra scrub. It's a little bit more exfoliating. 

And the best part is, I can throw these into the washer and dryer with my regular clothes. Completely reusable, over and over again. In fact, I have rotated between the same three of these for over two years now. Once a week or once every two weeks (depending on when I remember), I toss them in the laundry and use a clean one. And on and on it goes. 

My skin is happy, and healthy, and glowing. No complaints from me, especially since I only spent a dollar on all three.

Next is my mineral makeup. Now, I know this is a hot topic right now, but here's my two cents. For what it's worth. (Two cents.)

I use the standard BareMinerals powder in fair. It's fast, it's simple, it does exactly what I need it to do. I've mentioned that I don't like wearing a lot of heavy makeup, and this stuff is about as light as it gets. 

I personally love that I can just brush some on and immediately look more put together than I did before. It's awesome before work because if I'm running behind, I will still look like I woke up brilliant and beaming.

And another great thing? It lasts all day! I don't refresh my makeup much throughout the day, but this stuff holds up to the standard work day just fine. In fact, when I wash my face at night, I still take some of it off. 

The blush that I use is also BareMinerals. It's The Natural High, one of their recent special collections. I didn't go into the store wanting blush, but after the salesperson applied some, I loved the way it looked. So I walked out of the store a little poorer, but happier. 

This blush is a nice, light pink with a slightly peachy undertone. My photos all seem to pull out that peach color. It's actually a little more pink in person than it is in the above pictures. Here's a picture from a beauty blogger I absolutely adore, Temptalia, that captures a better image of the color.

This is a very buildable color. I can apply just a little for a naturally fresh look. Or a little more to look like I'm super vibrant and flushed. It's an absolutely wonderful color. 

Now, for a mini discussion. I know that right now, there is an article circulating that mineral makeup isn't as good as everyone says. That it clogs pores. Makes your pores look bigger. Has bad chemical reactions for some people. Doesn't have enough SPF for what is advertised. 

In fact, some out there absolutely hate mineral makeup for these reasons. 

But for me, I have never had these problems. I don't notice a difference with my pores. I haven't had any bad reactions. And it doesn't make me break out (unlike some liquid foundations I've tried). I feel that just like with any makeup, you need to find the one that is right for you. Liquid, powder, cream, whatever. The beauty industry is vast and specialized. So go out there and find what is right for you. What makes your skin and soul happy. 

Thanks for reading, and again, apologies for being late!

A to Z: L is for Lotion

Pic heavy post ahead!

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I have a lot of lotion floating around my house/purse/car. Today, I'm going to show you a small sampling of that vast selection. Just so you can see what a hoarder I am with things that smell delicious.

This is one of the lotions that I got with that bag from Bath and Body Works. At first, I didn't like the scent, but it grew on me. It's a simple, relatively moisturizing lotion. I'll use something like this before I leave the house rather than spray on some perfume. 

This is another of the lotions from that same bag. Again, decent lotion that smells nice and girly for when I'm in the mood. 

This lotion is really close to my heart. It smells like fresh crushed roses and feels amazing. I bought it from a wonderful couple in Milledgeville that make their own lotion, soaps, perfumes, teas, jellies...well, pretty much everything, really. It's quite a drive to get this stuff now, so I treat this like gold. 

I received this as a gift ages ago and it's another one that I use sparingly. The smell can be a little cloying sometimes, but I love the currant and vanilla. I wear this when I'm feeling daring.

This is something I use after work, when my hands are incredibly dry. It tends to take a long time to soak in, but it smells like Korean banana milk, which is excellent. It is also super nourishing. 

I discovered this product at the bottom of one of my boxes from college. It's a little linty now, but still moisturizing really well. My favorite thing about it is that it's a bar. Not a cream. It doesn't leave my hands oily or greasy when I use it on my elbows or knees. 

This is my intense cuticle repair. Plain and simple. Smells yummy (I'm a sucker for lemon butter or sugar), moisturizes deep.

This is a product that I'm on the fence about. It feels great once it's soaked in (Minus the slightly tacky feeling), but it takes forever to soak in. And during that time, I can't do anything or I leave greasy streaks everywhere. I don't know what's in this product, but that's the main problem I have with it. That and the smell reminds me of living in college dorm rooms, since that's when I bought it and used it the most.

I don't even know what this is. No, really. I got it in a gift basket. There is no name of the product on the back. Just instructions and ingredients. Regardless, this is a wonderful heavy duty moisturizer that I sometimes use after I shave or have a healing scab. It doesn't burn or sting tender skin, but still does its job well.

Another heavy duty hand/cuticle cream. This stuff lasts forever. 

A friend of mine gave me this because it made her break out. I absolutely adore it. I carry it in my purse and generally put it on as often as possible. Smells amazing, works wonders, and has the price tag to show for it. 

This...this I stole from a hotel. It's typical Aveda: delicate moisture that works hard. 

And this, by far, is the most expensive moisturizer I own. And it's probably one of the few beauty products I own that didn't give me buyer's remorse. The manager of my local Van Michael Salon had me try this right around Christmas time. I am absolutely nuts about the smell. Clove and ginger are two of my favorite things in the whole wide world, and this combines them into the best soy moisturizer ever. I use this candle as a treat when I've done good or had a rough day or feel like I deserve to be pampered. Not to mention it makes me feel dangerous to reach in next to a flame to get my lotion. 

And there you have it. That's probably about half of the lotion I own. I told you I'm a hoarder. 

Thanks for reading!

A to Z: K is for Keep it Secret

Keep it secret...keep it safe.

Today's post is going to be a lot of my beauty secrets. Both good and bad. Bullets...AWAY!

• I don't shower every day. Nope. Not even close. Every other day, usually, unless I workout or spend a lot of time sweating in the sun/garden.
• I don't use conditioner. My hair gets oily and I've never found one that really made a distinct difference.
• I have only used my blow dryer twice. And I didn't own one until several months ago. 
• I frequently forget to wash my makeup off before going to bed. 
• One of the reasons I have quit a job is because the intensity of the work made me break all of my nails. In a week. No, thank you.
• I have a stockpile of egg yolks in the freezer for future beauty uses. I made meringues for a party and had about a dozen yolks left over. I use them, lumpy or not, in my hair and on my face. 
• I get more excited about my Birchbox every month than I do about Christmas. Or my birthday. 
• I own approximately 20 bottles of lotion scattered around the house. All full size. 
• Even though I run a beauty blog, my favorite type of beauty is low maintenance. I love things that are multitaskers and keep my morning routine shorter. 
• I frequently go to work with absolutely no makeup on, namely because I'm lazy. 
• I have had to throw away two or three bottles of nail polish because cat hair got inside it and could not be extricated. The dragging was just too much. Too much, I tell you!
• If I could afford it, I would go to cosmetology school just so I could do my own hair, makeup, and nails better. 
• I currently have five different coupons for five different beauty products in my wallet. Right next to the Home Depot coupons.
• When I don't wear makeup, people say I look sick. No, seriously. 
• I don't own a single lipstick. Only chapstick, gloss, and stains. I just can't commit. 
• I sometimes get ashamed when I talk about makeup in public. Like people are judging me or think that I can't possibly like makeup. I talk about it anyways. :)

And my biggest beauty secret? Food. I have discovered (for health reasons not pertaining to beauty) that what I eat directly effects how I look. Start a journal. Pay attention. It changed my life. 

I only get like...a zit a week now. lol Except when I splurge on my healthy lifestyle.

Thanks for reading through yet another text post. Tomorrow, a review. I promise. 

A to Z: J is for Jojoba oil

This is, honestly, one of the most expensive products I own. That's why my bottle is still mostly full. But, hey, it's all I've got for the letter J. So let me tell you about the benefits of jojoba oil.

Jojoba oil was something that I originally bought to make solid perfume. You mix a little of this, a little melted beeswax, and a scented oil of your choice (I choice a lemon curd scented oil perfume). Pour into a chapstick container or locket, and voila! Solid perfume that is great for traveling. 

But after making several batches of solid perfume, I had...well...the rest of the bottle. And it's pretty expensive. This little bottle from Trader Joe's ran me about $8. 

So what did I do when I had a bottle of expensive oil and no idea how to use it? Why, I turned to the internet of course! 

Google told me all about its many uses. Removing makeup. Applying as a moisturizer, particularly under mineral makeup. Lip oil when mixed with natural citrus extracts. 

But my above and beyond favorite way to use this is as a spot treatment for severe dry skin. Unfortunately, the earthy scent isn't something I really enjoy, but when I'm going to be at home all night anyways, it's tolerable. I rub some into my heels, throw on a pair of old socks, and settle down to watch some television. 

When my cuticles are a disaster, I will use this or the cuticle oil I purchased when I first got into nail polish. This is a little more intense when it comes to moisturizing, though. 

When my lips are in so much pain because I never drink enough water, I mix a little of this with some of the lemon extract I always have on hand for baking to make a little sometime special. I just have to be careful not to lick my lips too much, because then the flavor of the jojoba really comes out and let me tell you...it's not pleasant. 

Overall, this is a pretty expensive but very useful oil to have on hand. The best news is that a little goes a very long way. I usually only need a couple of drops for my severest dry skin. 

Just be warned! This is oil is a little...well...oily. Plan to sit tight for a while after application. No touching your phone or keyboard. Trust me on this one. 

Thanks for reading!

A to Z: I is for Intimidation

Warning! Warning! Text post ahead!

This is going to be a feels heavy text post. Namely because I don't have any products that start with I (not yet, anways). 

This is going to be about intimidation. Fear. And how it can hold you back from doing what you really want to do.

Now I could go on for days about fear. I have anxiety disorder, and while I'm learning to get it under control, it does sort of cripple some of my life. Something I've never done before, even if it sounds like lots of fun? Nope. Not a chance. Spending time with new people without a person I already no? Ugh. Sounds awful. 

But today, I'm just going to limit this talk to the beauty industry. The world of makeup, and how absolutely, utterly terrifying it can be. 

You see, when you're battling anxiety, it can be tough to walk up to a woman at a makeup counter and ask for help. You know it'll help, but it's embarrassing to need help. Not to mention, she looks like a pro. Her contouring is perfect, her mascara flawless, her blush blended seamlessly into the apples of her cheeks. Surely, she won't want to talk to someone like you, who showed up with absolutely no makeup on. (Fun fact: always go makeup shopping barefaced. That way you know that the product will look good on you no matter what.)

And what about when you want to try something new, but you know you won't be good at it, so you don't even try? Like me and that Eyeko Eyeliner I reviewed a month or so back. I still haven't touched it. I'm scared that I'm just going to mess up and look like a goofball.

But here's a secret: So what? 

Makeup isn't permanent. It's not a tattoo. Or a scar. It can be washed off. Redone. Sure, it might take some time and effort, but in the end. there's absolutely no reason to be scared of makeup. 

It took me a long time to come to grips with that little fact. It took me years to be able to shop in the makeup section without feeling like a loser. Like a child wanting to buy her first lipstick. 

It's scary. And it's tough. I'm not going to be able to tell you that it's any but. The beauty industry is full of these airbrushed models and if we don't look like them, we're not good enough. Our eyeliner isn't straight enough. Our lipstick isn't quite the right color. Our contouring is nonexistent. 

But in the end, you just have to stand up and brush it all off. Despite the pounding of your heart. Even with the eyes of Drew Barrymore and Zoey Deschanel bearing down on you from those ads. 

Cause against it all, what really matters is what makes you happy. Period. End of story. 

And who knows, maybe one day I'll get over my fear of applying eyeliner. 

Until then, I'll take little steps, like painting my toe nails fluorescent green. Or perusing Sephora even those the sales people always seem to be judging me. 

Hopefully, you'll keep going, too. Even when you're scared. Or confused. Or intimidated. Cause in the end, your happiness is what matters most.

Thanks for reading!

A to Z: H is for Hand Cream

This is a review of Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa hand cremes.

I frequent Bath and Body Works. Let's get that out in the open. I don't usually buy their beauty products because they always feel a little cheap for their price tag, but their wallflowers are amazing. I have five in my apartment.

This stuff, however, is their fancy pants line of lotions and scrubs. And when I first started retail, my hands were so dry that a standard lotion just wasn't cutting it. I would feel moisturized for about five minutes, but then my skin would be back to its dry, cracked awfulness.

Enter window shopping.

 This is the shea butter lotion. Straight out of the tube, super thick. 

When I went to Bath and Body Works and was scouring the shelves, I found the lotion on the right. It seemed to work excellently on my hands and the moisture lasted for much longer than everything else I had tried up to that point.

As I was checking out, I was chatting with the sales person and she said she swears by the hand cream under the same name. So what did I do? I grabbed both. I go through lotion like it's my day job. Especially working retail. So I knew that no matter what, they would both get used.

Well, it turns out that they're both awesome. Much higher quality than what one would expect from a chain store focusing on super highly fragranced stuff.

I use the paraffin lotion on my legs after shaving, and it completely eliminates my dry, itchy skin. It has a light, pleasant fragrance that isn't nearly as strong as most Bath and Body Works stuff. And it goes on thick and creamy, and soaks in pretty quickly.

The stuff on the left, however, that the sales person recommended, is a miracle.

It is a lot heavier than most lotions, since it's mostly shea butter. It thick, creamy, and (as the tube says) super rich. There isn't an added fragrance, so it smells just like normal shea butter.

This stuff is what I used to combat my worst winter dry skin. It can beat just about any dry skin into submission, which is awesome. It doesn't soak in as well, and can sometimes be a little greasy feeling, but that fades after about ten minutes.

It also works wonders on cuticles.

Over all, a really surprising couple of products from Bat hand Body Works that has been around for a while, but doesn't get the love it should. They're impressively moisturizing and are really raising the bar for all of the other chain stores peddling cheap beauty products.

Thanks for reading!

A to Z: G is for Goop!

SuperGoop, that is!

This is one of the samples that I got in my Birchbox but didn't necessarily feel the need to review on this blog. I mean...it's sunscreen. I go through the stuff like it's my day job.

But I needed something for G, and I figured someone out there in the ether might be interested in hearing about this brand.

This is a very fancy packet of sunscreen. The large, industrial bottle clocks in at about $50, which is way more than what I would traditionally pay for sunscreen.

To be fair, though, this is a really nice product. 

It's smooth and creamy, not greasy, but it still has that delightful sunscreen smell that everyone associates with the beach. 

The coverage seems to be pretty even, although I haven't gone out in the sun yet to test it. There are no application issues whatsoever, which is nice, since that can be a problem with a lot of "all natural" sunscreens.  I'll just be blunt here: I've gotten a lot of streaky, nasty sunburns because an "all natural, non greasy" sunscreen wasn't good enough. 

The good news? This product is good for your face! I always hate putting sunscreen on my face because it makes my skin tingle and burn unpleasantly, then it leaves me greasy and oily, and the next day I'm covered in acne from the oils. This product doesn't seem to have that effect, though. 

I don't know if that's because it's super good for you, with no parabens or oils, or if they just put more effort into Supergoop! than other brands put into their sunscreen.

Whatever the reason, if you would like to have a nice, high quality sunscreen that's good all over, this is a wonderful product. Unfortunately, I go through way too much sunscreen to spend so much money on it. I'll just stick with a normal one and a gentle one for my face. Unless I get rich, in which case, this stuff will become a household staple.

Thanks for reading!

A to Z: F is for Folicure

This post is for my husband, since this is one of his products.

This is one of the products I picked up at Sally's out of necessity. 

You see, my husband has wonderful hair. It's relatively thick, grows lightning fast, and is adorably curly. Unfortunately  he also sheds more than my cat. We have spent so much money on drain cleaners because his hair falls out all of the time. And not just a hair here or there. I'm talking, you could make a pet of his hair. 

So when I saw this, I figured it might help. It's supposed to be for thinning hair, which he has a little bit of a problem with, but I was hoping it would cure his shedding problem.

Unfortunately, this was $7 down the drain. I don't know if it's because we only bought the conditioner and not the shampoo (he's hooked on Herbal Essences), or if it's just a waste of money. 

Either way, the shedding hasn't stopped or let up seemingly at all. Not to mention, this stuff smells dreadful. Like a chemical bath at a hospital. 

If anyone knows of any products that actually help with thinning hair (besides Rogaine, his pride won't let him use that), let me know in the comments! I would absolutely love to not find man hair all over the bathroom every day. 

Thanks for reading!

A to Z: E is for Equate

And why generics can be awesome!

Now is the time you get to hear about the generic moisturizer that won me over for all moisturizers ever.

See, there was a time in my life (Ahem, college) where I didn't moisturize often, if at all, because I didn't think it was necessary. My skin wasn't that bad. How much could it really help?

But after a really bad bout of dried skin in the middle of summer, I decided to go shopping for some moisturizers. But I was on a really tight budget. And so, after trying several different types on my jawline. In the store. Around other people. I finally settled on this:

It's basically the knock-off version of Aveeno's Positively Radiant moisturizer. When I tested it, it seemed a tad heavy, but it sank in quickly. Didn't leave my skin oiler. And (thankfully) has built in SPF. As pale as I am, that's a HUGE plus.

And nowadays, this is the only stuff I'll use. It takes a little longer to soak in than some people are comfortable with, but I put it on right when I'm out of the shower and it immediately takes away the tight, dry feeling that starts to settle in. Not to mention this stuff is still cheap and it lasts FOREVER. 

See, that's why generics can (sometimes) be awesome. You don't have to buy the $8.99 bottle of moisturizer when the $3.99 bottle does just fine. 

There are some things I don't like to compromise on (like mascara), but in general, I will always go with generic if it looks/feels/smells/tastes the same or contains the same ingredient ratios. 

Like polish remover. I have never ever bought a bottle of fancy nail polish remover. Why? Cause the generic stuff that everyone sells works just fine. Now, I do step up and use the "nourishing" stuff cause it doesn't dry out my cuticles as bad. But I don't need expensive polish remover when I'm probably going to moisturize my hands after using it. 

So before you buy that crazy expensive brand of whatever, check out the generics. Read the labels and try to see if will fit your needs. Then, you can spend more money on the things you really want (like that Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab).

Thanks for reading!