Spring 2014 Beauty Review

Tags

beauty, estee lauder, free, influenster, makeup, nyc, NYX, product, review, revlon, rimmel london, vox box

Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion // WOW is all I have to say.  It is everything I have always wanted in a makeup remover and more.  It’s a lotion, so it’s easy to use.  It actually removes all makeup, even the stubborn waterproof stuff.  It leaves skin feeling clean and soft, and it doesn’t leave an oily residue.  I received a small sample tube from a free gift with purchase, and I’m definitely going back to get some more.  It’s expensive ($28 for a 6.7-ounce bottle), but you only need to use a little bit (I’m talking a pea-sized amount!) on a cotton ball to remove an entire day’s worth of makeup.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara // I received this in a free gift with purchase, too.  The mascara is pretty standard, but unlike other waterproof mascaras, it doesn’t clump on my lashes!  I might get this again if I’m in the market for waterproof mascara, but it’s not much better than non-waterproof varieties from the drugstore.

Rimmel London Salon Pro Nail Polish (I own it in Simply Sizzling) // I had some CVS ExtraBuck rewards, so I picked up a bottle of this nail polish for free!  And I’m so glad I did: I absolutely love this polish.  It’s a vibrant hot pink color, and it stays shiny and smooth for days.  This polish makes my nails look like they were professionally manicured, and you can’t beat the low $3 price.  I wish the nail polish were available in more colors, especially bright colors for spring and summer.  Hopefully more will be released soon!

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation (I own it in #091 Light Ivory) // I received this from the Influenster Uni Vox Box, and I was excited to try it.  My skin often gets oily when I wear cream foundation, so I was hoping this brand would keep it shine-free.  It does keep my skin looking matte, but it also looks cakey and unnatural.  It’s $12, and I wouldn’t buy it myself.  If you’re really looking for a matte-ifying foundation, I would recommend mixing this one with another liquid foundation to get more even coverage.  I really like Rimmel’s Clean Finish Foundation, so I’m going to try mixing it with the Stay Matte Foundation.  I’ll let you know how my little experiment turns out!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick (I own it in Honey Bare and Fifth Avenue Red) // This lipstick is a classic, so of course it’s good!  I picked up a tube of Honey Bare as a finals week treat, and I couldn’t resist buying a tube of the iconic vintage Fifth Avenue Red when I saw it a few weeks later.  Honey Bare is a great neutral shade, and Fifth Avenue Red is a bold red with cool undertones.  For a subtler look, I like to apply Fifth Avenue Red as a stain by putting a little bit onto my finger, then dabbing it onto my lips and finishing off with some plain lip balm.

NYC Expert Last Lip Color (I own it in #447 Forever Fuchsia) //  I received this from the Influenster Uni Vox Box.  WOW this color is super bright!  It’s not something I would usually wear, but I took a risk and wore it to class on Monday.  Eh… not a huge fan.  The formula stayed on all day, but it dried out my lips.  The color is very vibrant and isn’t very flattering on me.  I wouldn’t purchase this product.

NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker // I picked this up after running out of my favorite eye liner, L’Oreal Infallible Super Slim Liquid Liner.  The verdict?  This one is okay, but not as good as the L’Oreal liner.  You need to store it upside-down to ensure that it works, and I sometimes forget, so the pigmentation isn’t as good.  It’s a decent product, but I wouldn’t buy it again.

 

Have you tried any of these products?  What do you think of them?

Finally Spring Break

Tags

collage, fashion, revlon, spring break, sunscreen, swimsuit, Target, tortoiseshell

I’m so excited to finally be done with winter quarter!  I’m headed to Florida with my family tomorrow for a much-needed vacation.  Here are some of my spring break must-haves, and they’re all from Target!

Lilly Lovin’

Tags

beauty, estee lauder, Lilly Pulitzer, makeup, shopping, skincare

It’s no secret I love Lilly Pulitzer and makeup.  So when I was asked to write about the Estee Lauder free gift with purchase at Macy’s featuring a LILLY PULITZER MAKEUP BAG AND EYE SHADOW PALETTE, I knew I had to write about it.  The free gift includes:

• Exclusive Cosmetic Bag in an Original Lilly Pulitzer Print
• Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
• Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black
• Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
• Choice of Moisturizer: DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15 or Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Creme SPF 15
• Choice of Makeup: Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Sugar Honey or Pink Parfait, and Pure Color EyeShadow Quad in Sugar Biscuit, Nude Fresco, Hot Cinnamon and Lavish Mink or in Tranquil Moon, Iridescent Violet, Tempting Mocha and Amethyst Spark

I wasn’t compensated for writing this post, but I’m so excited about this promotion!  I can’t wait until I go home next week so I can get to Macy’s to pick up mine.  I hope they don’t run out!

Also, Estee Lauder recently released their Skincare Finder and Foundation Finder, which promises to match you with the right products just like at a beauty counter.

Confession: I don’t like beauty counters all that much.  I feel very uncomfortable when other people do my makeup, especially eye makeup.  I’m pretty sure I learned to do my own makeup for ballet recitals as a kid because I wouldn’t let my mom do it.  I also had a bad experience at a beauty counter a few years ago, and I haven’t really wanted to go back since then!  I asked for a lengthening mascara, and the woman behind the counter said “Well if you wore mascara, your eyelashes would look longer!”  And I WAS wearing mascara.  Hence why I asked for a new kind.  #cannotdeal

I really liked all of the questions in these quizzes, and I especially liked that I didn’t have to talk to anyone at a beauty counter!  Here are my results.

Is 1.0 the palest shade?  It probably is.  I need spring to come soon so I can get a tan!

I love that Estee Lauder makes oil-free moisturizer, and I especially love that the moisturizer comes in the free gift!  I can’t wait to try it!

Which Estee Lauder products should I choose to go with my free gift?  What are your favorites?

Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Built-In Whitening Pen Review

Tags

brush whiten go, colgate, influenster, optic white, product, review, teeth, toothbrush, whitening

I received these products courtesy of Colgate and Influenster, but all opinions are my own.

I already use love Colgate Optic White toothpaste, so when I was contacted about trying a new product in the Optic White line, I was excited.  I like the toothpaste because it doesn’t taste too minty and it keeps my teeth clean, but I haven’t noticed a difference in the whiteness of my teeth since I started using it.  Then again, I’ve used it for years and I’ve never really looked for a difference!  I’ve used Crest WhiteStrips before, but Ive found that they were difficult to put on, felt icky on my teeth, burned my gums, and didn’t have a lasting effect.  So I wasn’t a fan.

I’ve never tried a whitening gel before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one.  But I was pleasantly surprised!  It was easy to apply, and it did make my teeth look whiter.  The instructions say to apply the gel twice a day, but my teeth are pretty sensitive and I’m not looking for a dramatic whitening change, so I use it once a day, at night.  My only issue with the product is the way the gel feels on my teeth right after I put it on.  It slips off of my teeth a little bit, and it feels pasty and gummy and tastes weird.  Not a bad taste, but more of an “Is this safe?!” taste.  It’s not pleasant, but it’s easier and feels much better than whitening strips.

Would I buy this product again?  Perhaps.  If I run out of the gel and want some more, than definitely!  I also like that the whitening gel goes inside the base of the toothbrush: it makes it easy to just brush, whiten, go!

Do you use teeth whitening products?  Have you tried the Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Built-In Whitening Pen?

Radical Skincare Instant Revitalizing Mask Review

Tags

beauty, mask, radical skincare, review, sephora, skin

Sorry for my lack of posts and comments lately… these past few weeks have been horribly busy!  Because one of my pet peeves is when people spend a long time complaining about how busy they are, I’ll just leave it at that. 😉

Anyway, I’ve got a great product review today: Radical Skincare Instant Revitalizing Mask.  This product was sent to me courtesy of Radical Skincare and Sephora, but my opinions of the product are honest and entirely my own.

Here’s some info about Radical Skincare Instant Revitalizing Mask from the Sephora website.  A one-ounce bottle of the mask costs $65.00.

What it is:
A fun-to-apply skin soothing, intelligent mask that foams, pops, and gives radical radiance in minutes while providing hydration, vitamins, and energy to your skin.

What it is formulated to do:
The Instant Revitalizing Mask is the ideal coach for the skin: it delivers the nutrients necessary for hydration and regeneration while teaching it to breathe, stock up on energy, and optimize its oxygen resources in rarefied conditions. It leaves skin amazingly revitalized, healthy, and glowing.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates

Active Ingredients:

-Sodium PCA: Used to increase the skin’s softness as it helps maintain a healthy moisture balance.

-Vitamin E: Preserves the skin against aggressivity of free radicals created by oxidation coming from exposure to pollution, excess of sun, and age.

-Green Coffee: A good scavenger of active oxygen species, and a very strong antioxidant.

My Review:

I love that this product doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, which are all ingredients that I try to avoid putting on my skin.

Before I review the product itself, I think it’s important for me to talk about my skin to give you the best possible impression of the product.  If your skin is totally different than mine, then you may have a different experience with the product.  My skin is sensitive and combination: sometime’s it’s oily, but sometimes it’s dry.  It doesn’t bother me too much: I’ve never had serious skin issues that warranted visiting a dermatologist or using any prescription cleansers, creams, or gels.  I’ll use cleanser and toner in the morning, and moisturizer at night.  Harsh cleansers and toners make my skin burn and get red.  As a frame of reference, Clinique toner is too harsh for my skin.  I rarely wear liquid foundation: I usually stick to BareMinerals powder foundation or Benefit Some Kinda Gorgeous Foundation Faker.  I generally have good skin: obviously sometimes it’s red or imperfect, but I’m usually pretty satisfied with it how it looks.

SO onto the actual review… sorry for that wall of text!

I applied this mask after removing my eye makeup and washing my face with some gentle toner on a cotton ball to remove makeup from my face.  I applied a pea-sized amount of the mask to my cheeks, nose, and chin.  It looked white and foamy when I first applied it, then it turned clear.  I liked that while wearing the mask, my face didn’t look like I was wearing a mask.  The mask felt foamy and bubbly on my skin, and I rinsed it off after a few minutes.  My skin felt very soft and looked great.

About half an hour after I rinsed off the mask, my face started to feel itchy.  This was weird, especially because my skin wasn’t red at all.  I put some moisturizer on my face, and the itching went away.

I’ll try the mask again, but not for a few days because the instructions say to use it twice a week.  I wasn’t really sure why my skin itched, but I don’t think it was because I’m allergic to the ingredients because I didn’t see any inflammation on my face.  Overall, I liked the product, but I think it’s designed for people whose skin isn’t as sensitive as mine.  I’ll use it every once in a while, but I’m not sure if my skin can handle using it twice a week.  We’ll see!

Thank you so much to Radical Skincare and Sephora for sending me this product to try.  I really appreciate it, and I hope my readers do, too!

Pretty Polishes for Winter

Tags

american apparel, beauty, essie, manicure, nails, OPI, polish, sally hansen, winter

I sort my nail polishes by season.  Of course, I’m sometimes in the mood for hot pink nails even if it’s below zero, but I usually love to wear cool colors and glittery topcoats in winter.  Here are some of my favorite polishes as of late.

OPI in Suzi Skis the Pyrenees

Sally Hansen Triple Shine in Dream Sequin

OPI In Empirial Purple

Essie in Chinchilly

OPI in My Private Jet

Essie in Boxer Shorts

 

Have you tried any of these polishes?  What are your favorite nail polishes for winter?

Winter Must-Haves

Tags

coffee, collage, college, dr rescue, essie, fashion, greenroom, make up for ever, makeup, maybelline, nail polish, notebooks, office, Old Navy, products, school, snow, Target, winter

Also known as: things I can’t live without right now.

Old Navy Vintage V-Neck Tee // I bought one of these tees online on a whim to get free shipping, and I couldn’t be more in love with it.  It’s soft, the sleeves are long and cozy, and it is thin enough to be layered under a sweater but thick enough to wear on its own.  The tee is perfect for those days when I don’t want to change out of pajamas for class… it’s so comfy!

Old Navy Frost-Free Vest // In case you haven’t heard, it’s really really really cold in Chicago right now.  So I’m cold all the time, even indoors.  I wear this vest around the house and in class: it keeps me warm but isn’t too bulky.  I even layer it under my big winter coat when I go outside.  I told you it was REALLY cold!

Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow in 28E // I use this product almost every day.  It’s a perfect light rose gold/beige/taupe that makes my eyes pop without looking too over-the-top.  It’s a crayon, so it’s super easy to apply, too!

Maybelline Master Precise Eye Liner // This is my absolute favorite eye liner.  It makes super thin lines, so it’s easy to use even if you struggle with liquid liner (like me!)

Maybelline Baby Lips Dr. Rescue in Berry Soft // In winter, lip balm is a necessity.  My lips get soooo dry all the time, and this balm is my favorite for keeping them soft.  It has a little bit of color, but nothing too bold.

Essie Nail Polish in After School Boy Blazer // I’ve been loving navy lately, and this polish is sophisticated and pretty.  I like to wear it with a rose gold glitter accent nail if I’m feeling motivated.

Notebooks // I’m still obsessed with Target Greenroom notebooks.  They withstand my other office supply obsession: flare pens.  Greenroom paper is thick and sturdy, so the pens only bleed through the paper a little bit.  And they’re cute, too!  Check out how I use my notebooks here.

Coffee // It’s getting to that point in the quarter where my planner is starting to resemble a novel.  Coffee (hot or iced, I don’t judge) is always a must-have.

 

What are some of YOUR winter necessities?

Benefit Cosmetics Little Love Potions Product Review

Tags

beauty, benefit, christmas, cosmetics, gift, makeup, review, sephora

I love Benefit Cosmetics, so when I saw this set of 10 sample-size products, I knew it would be a perfect Christmas gift!  I’m almost out of some of these products now, and it’s been less than a month.  Struggles!  Check out my reviews of each one.

1 // Hoola Bronzing Powder — This powder is very light and fine, so it’s easy to get a sunkissed glow.  Be sure to tap the excess powder off the brush before you apply it, or else it will look splotchy.  Remember less is more when it comes to bronzer!

2 // Hoola Lip Gloss — I don’t usually like lip gloss… I still have memories of slathering gross, sticky, way-too-shiny lip gloss on my lips in junior high.  Blah.  This lip gloss is great because it’s not sticky, but still leaves lips feeling soft and looking pretty.

3 // Watt’s Up Highlighter — I love Watt’s Up, but I wish the applicator on the sample-size product was a bit larger.  I usually dab it on my finger, then apply it that way.  I also use this right under my eyebrows.  Be sure to use your finger to blend it into your skin: it can look harsh if you don’t.

4 // It’s Potent! Eye Cream — This stuff really is potent, but considering my horrible undereye bags that never go away no matter how much I sleep, I like the product a lot!  It’s very hydrating and moisturizing, but it’s not greasy.

5 // The POREfessional — I LOVE this product!  It makes my skin look so fresh and smooth.  If I was going to buy a full-size version of any of the products in this set, it would be this one.

6 // Posie Tint Lip and Cheek Tint — I’ve only ever used this as a lip tint because my cheeks are usually red enough on their own in winter!  It works nicely and stays on for a long time, yet it’s easy to remove.

7 // High Beam Highlighter — Unlike Watt’s Up, High Beam is a liquid highlighter that you apply with a small brush.  I use this product on the apples of my cheeks.

8 // Bad Gal Lash Mascara — This mascara is a classic, and of course it’s good!  I love sample-size mascaras because I don’t feel like I’m wasting product.  Mascara doesn’t keep for long (ew eye bacteria) so sample-sizes are perfect.

9 // Stay Don’t Stray Eye Shadow Primer — I like this primer, but I tend to think that all eye shadow primer is the same.  It’s on par with Urban Decay Primer Potion for sure.

10 // “That Gal” Face Primer — I’m really into this product: it just makes your skin look good.  I apply a small amount on my face before I put on foundation, but usually after I put it on, I realize I don’t even need foundation anymore… it’s that good!

Have you tried Benefit Cosmetics?  What is your favorite product?

Holiday Picks from American Eagle Outfitters

Tags

AE, American Eagle Outfitters, fashion, holidays, jeans, jeggings, pants, polyvore, sale, shopping, style

Holiday Picks from American Eagle Outfitters by courtneyem featuring American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle Outfitters sweater
ae.com

American Eagle Outfitters top
ae.com

American Eagle Outfitters white top
ae.com

American Eagle Outfitters red vest
ae.com

American Eagle Outfitters mini skirt
ae.com

American Eagle Outfitters clothing
ae.com

American Eagle Outfitters infinity scarf
ae.com

American Eagle Outfitters knit hat
ae.com

American Eagle Outfitters hair pin
ae.com

Aerie Hidden Love Rollerball

ae.com

I haven’t been to American Eagle Outfitters in years, but a store just opened in my local mall, so I decided to stop in and check it out.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I don’t like really like wearing jeans.  It’s hard for me to find jeans that I like… I’m super picky!  I’ve always liked how AE jeans fit me, and how they always stock jeans in “short” sizes.

Today, I instantly fell in love with AE’s Knit Jeggings. The entire store was 40% off, so I figured, why not treat myself to something I need? These pants are the perfect mix of jeans and leggings without looking too much like the “jeggings” we all like to make fun of.  They are thicker than leggings, they look like regular knit pants, and they are SO comfy.  I got a dark grey pair, and don’t be surprised if I go back and get another pair in another color.

I loved how the jeggings fit me, and I can’t wait to wear them! AE has lots of cute items for the holidays in pretty jewel tones and sparkly metallics. If you haven’t been in a while, go check it out!  This post isn’t sponsored… I just want to rave about my new pants!

Aveeno Product Review!

Tags

aveeno, fitbit, hcbn, her campus, self

I received these products courtesy of Aveeno and SELF Magazine as part of my membership in Her Campus Blogger Network, but all opinions are my own.

 

I’ve always been a big fan of Aveeno products: they work well, aren’t too expensive, and don’t irritate my skin.  The latter point is the most important for me: my skin tends to get irritated if I use products that are too harsh or scented.

Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser // I know what you’re thinking: Courtney, you’re 20 years old, why are you using an anti-aging cleanser?  To be honest, it didn’t click in my head that “positively ageless” = “anti-aging” until I had already purchased the cleanser.  #finalsweek.  Oh well.  Anyway… I really like this product!  It’s light and gentle, but my skin feels clean after I use it.  It doesn’t dry out my skin at all.  Do I feel younger?  Not quite. 😉  You can get it here.

Aveeno Nourish + Condition Leave-In Hair Treatment // My hair may be thick, but it’s super breakable.  This product is supposed to repair dry, damaged hair in 3 uses.  I’ve only used it twice so far, but I like the results!  I’ll keep you posted on whether the treatment helps or not.  You can get it here.

 

Have you tried Aveeno products?  Which is your favorite?