Monday, August 24, 2015

Influenster-Maybelline Voxbox

     I'm excited to try this new foundation from Maybelline, it's the Superstay Better Skin-
skin-transforming foundation. This campaign is the #BetterSkinChallenge because the foundation claims to give better skin in 3 weeks simply by using it! It says that it will get rid of spots, dullness, and unevenness; this of course all while giving you an all day flawless coverage. So far I know that the active ingredient in this foundation is ACTYL-C, which is a more durable form of vitamin C.


Lets do a quick run down through some facts:

  • This foundation comes in 12 shades.
  • It contains ACTYL-C, a more durable form of vitamin C.
  • Recommended for all skin types.
  • It provides a medium to full coverage.
  • Contains titanium dioxide sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 15 as an active ingredient.
  • It contains 30 ml 1.0 OZ. (standard size)
  • It is oil free.
  • It comes with a pump.
  • I received the shade 20-Classic Ivory
It claims:"Superstay Better Skin Foundation gives an all-day flawless coverage and better-looking skin in 3 weeks. The foundation reduces the appearance of spots, dullness and unevenness and gives you a brighter, more even and stress-free skin."  


O.k. with that being said, I'm glad I can test this foundation out. I have combo/oily skin and this (being Summertime) is the best time to see how this product will react on my skin. I will add a weekly update as week 1,2, and 3 progress.

First impression:

    It's a great thing that it has a pump to prevent any bacterial growth. It is a somewhat thick consistency; it will not run on your skin, but it's very easily blended. It has great coverage. It sets quite quickly on the skin to a soft focused effect. It has the feel of a liquid to powder foundation. It does have the smell of the SPF like many foundations that contain it do as well, but you really don't smell it once the foundation sets. It makes the skin look very soft, airbrushed. So far, very good first impression!!!

Day #!-I used a brush to apply the foundation, it went on easily. I used about a pump and a half of the product to achieve a great coverage look. Because I do have combo/oily skin, I did set the foundation even though it set quite nicely on its own. I stayed indoors; being that the weather is hot my face did sweat. So, I did notice my face looking dewy. I did not go in throughout the day to set it because I was only home, but if I were out it might have been necessary. About eight hours after the foundation was not doing it's best.I will try a different setting powder, and method, tools for the next day. (I had used loose setting powder to set)


Note: The picture has been cropped and added a reflection, but it does not contain an overlay/filter.

Day#2- I applied the foundation with a damp sponge and it went on very light (this is a good thing in the summer) but still covered very nicely. I set the foundation with a pressed powder, and sprayed with a drugstore setting spray. This day was the biggest test, if ever...I had errands to run, it was HOT! And I was pouring over in sweat (yes how lovely-NOT!). I pressed a facial tissue to clean the sweat, and the makeup did not separate, or break at all!! YAY!  


Week #1- By the end of week #1 I knew that for the best application I need to apply this foundation with a damp makeup sponge. Even if it does have somewhat of a powder finish, I have to set it very well with a translucent powder. Another thing that helped was using a super inexpensive drugstore setting spray. When all these steps are done, it looks really good! I'm impressed! Not only that, but it will stay looking good on the skin quite longer. The difference in shade was not too significant and can be adjusted with bronzer.



Week#2-I'm feeling a bit more comfortable with the application and knowing how this foundation works on my skin. Everything is looking A-O-K! 



Week#3-As the Summer comes to an end we still have had some very hot weather and this foundation has been tested to it's limits. I'm content with how it works because even with my combo/oily skin (if set correctly) it doesn't break up on me or become splotchy;which is always a great thing.



Final thoughts....

Taking the few extra steps definitely helps this foundation stay on and looking good. This means adding a primer or makeup setting spray if you have my skin type. If you have normal skin I think you'd love it (I can't vouch for dry-no idea). If you don't mind spending a few extra dollars, or you may already have these items to accompany the foundation-you're gonna do great with it. As far as significant skin improvement? I think long stress/damage on the skin cannot realistically be erased within 3 weeks. It sounds great, but I don't think it will be a miracle worker. Perhaps, with constant use over several months there might be a change, I don't know. Personally, I think that once the skin has damage to it, it will be good as preventative measure from further damage but it's not a rewind button on a remote control. Still, I like it! Looks good, long-lasting, and it can be found at the drugstore.


Disclaimer-I was sent this product free from Influenster for testing purposes. I have not been sponsored/paid to speak or write my opinions about this product. 









Monday, July 13, 2015

Haul: 99¢ Only Store, Stationery & Makeup


No doubt the 99 cent store always has some stuff that you may not need but at only a dollar you can't help but pick up and hope to make great use of...I also picked other random stuffs-stationery and makeup <3







Monday, July 6, 2015

Monday, June 29, 2015

MEGA MILANI HAUL


I was so super thankful and happy to have received a super generous package from a friend that works at Milani Cosmetics! I'm definitely enjoying testing out the products and can already see a few that I'm loving. I hope to have a review soon on one of the fav products-keep an eye out for that!!










Monday, June 15, 2015

Influenster Fresca Voxbox Review


I recently received a box full of goodies from Influenster! 
This was the Fresca VoxBox and included seven
 different brands to test out. 
I did record an unboxing video on 
my YouTube Channel of course! 



This is what the Fresca VoxBox contained......


1. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Daily Scrub-This was a sample sized product; It's a clear, soft-scented face wash/gel. It's very gentle on the skin, lathers well, and cleanses well. However, I don't recall it having any scrubbing properties (at least that were visible to the naked eye). I like this product/would purchase full size which is $7.99 for 4.2 oz.
Other details: Infused with white tea and vitamin E, gentle exfoliant.

2. Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave Cream- It's a white shaving cream that smells quite nicely, as it is raspberry scented. As dispensed from a rust-proof can it creates a rich foam that protects against cuts while shaving;while moisturizing the skin as it contains aloe. The product sent was 5 oz (retail price $1.49) a larger size of this product is available in stores in a 8 oz can (retail price $2.19).

3. Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Purifying Shampoo and conditioner- I received both products in the 1 oz size (retail price $3). This shampoo and conditioner work very well to clean your hair. I found it odd that my hair really drank up the conditioner faster than the shampoo (usually I will finish a shampoo and still have conditioner left over). I don't know why exactly that was, perhaps the conditioner is quite light and requires more product. Either way I was pleased with how they lathered, smelled quite nice, and pleased with my first experience with this brand.
Other details: These products are sulfate, silicone, paraben, and dye free. Infused with wild water mint and raspberry extracts and quinoa proteins.

4. NYC Expert Last Lip Lacquer in Rockaway Ruby-  My first impression of this product was definitely a good one as it is very pigmented, and very vibrant color. It is very glossy, goes on smoothly on the lips, and the color is quite opaque. I did find upon application that I preferred it with  a lip liner to insure that the product went on the lips better and stayed because it's pretty much a liquid lipstick. I would be interested in trying other colors since they are very affordable, only $3.99.
Other detail: Long wearing, liquid lacquer, rich color, high coverage, long wear, moisturizing formula.

5. Jafra Blends- I received 3 sample vials (different scents) and a full size 1 oz. perfume (retail price $22) in Violet Pomegranate. These blends are designed to be combined if you so choose to layer them. I can say that it's a fun concept for people that enjoy mixing their scents and creating a custom blend that works well with their body chemistry.  They smell soft, feminine, and can be worn alone if you're not into mixing cocktails with your perfumes.
Other details: Scents available-  Violet Pomegranate, Blackberry Juniper Magnolia, Sea Salt Rose Petals.

6. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs- I received a sample sized of this product, regular size retails for $13.99. This product is makeup for your legs, so it will not give you a tan-as it does wash off. However, it is very easy to apply, sets, and is water resistant.

***Disclaimer-These products were sent to me free from Influenster for testing purposes. My opinions are true, honest, and I have not been sponsored*****



Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Haul Time! Colourpop,Walmart,99C Store,Rite-Aid,Ross,TJ Maxx





Hauls are just fun to share!!! Check out the goods from Colourpop Cosmetics, Walamrt, 99 cent store, Rite-Aid, Ross, and TJ Maxx! Gotta love great deals!





Tuesday, June 2, 2015

DIY: BABYSHOWER DIAPER CAKE


Here's a little DIY that I put my mind to creating recently. Watch how I did it, and of course put your personal touch-it's what makes a DIY special! If you recreate share it with me on social media tag me at #B3beautybyblanca :)