Dr. Jart+ Renewalist BB Cream

I was originally hooked onto BB Creams when I received a sample of Dr.Jarts Water Fuse BB Cream. I feel like to this day it is still the absolute best. It provided angelic coverage and didn't require I use a seperate moisturizer. I never received so many compliments on my skin. However being the natural and organic girl that I am I always try to seek at least paraben free options. Hence why I resorted to the Renewalist formula. This is a paraben free version that is intended for a drier complexion like mine. Sadly even with my fair skin this goes on so white and barely blends. If you have anything darker beware this will NOT work for you. Secondly I was hoping I could ditch my moisturizer and use one product, bad idea. This balm is difficult to blend and even settles into fine lines...major downfall. On a positive note it does stay for most of the day and it has a great SPF of 40 and contains natural sunscreens versus the chemical ones. Ultimately if you are very fair and have oily skin this may be a good fit, otherwise keep on looking. Pretty disappointed, looks like the hunt is back on!!!

Beauty Balms

In my most recent BirchBox I received the Dr.Jart+ Beauty Balm. I was very excited to finally try out all the rage I have been hearing about. Multiple companies are jumping on the BB wagon and I have heard nothing but great things about the Dr.Jart+ version. I used my sample for one week straight and must say upon immediate application I could not believe the transformation my skin went through. The balm itself is pretty lightweight and blends very well. I have light skin and the color worked really well for my complexion. To stay the least it was very moisturizing, stayed put for most of the day and almost made my skin look angelic. I was officially hooked. I always am interested in ingredients and was a bit disappointed it had parabens. With that in mind I wanted to see if I could potentially swap it for a paraben free version. I found one made by Stila for $38. Downfall off the bat was it lacked an SPF which is one of the key perks in bb creams since they are supposed to be great multi-taskers. I just ended up layering it over my normal moisturizer. The consistency was slightly tougher to blend but still came out fairly nice. The coverage was adequate and made my skin appear very smooth. It didn't really give that glow Dr. Jart's+ provides but nothing a little bronzer couldn't help with. It's been one week since my switch and I will stick with the Stila even though my first choice was Dr.Jart+. If you are in search of a great bb cream to hide imperfections, smooth skin and act as a primer I would recommend both brands.

Happy sampling!!

Pop of Color

If any of you out there have been following trends you know those bright pops of color are really in. Whether that be an electric lime bag or poppy red pants. It's pretty much everywhere. The daunting task is trying to make it all work!! So what's a girl to do??? Start slowly...as in with accessories. That is probably the best way to avoid feeling like a clown right of the bat.

I picked up this fun headband at Forever 21 for 3.99! What a steal! I paired it with a plum colored shirt...from the same store for 12.99. Then kept the rest neutral, jeans, flat shoes in a linen color and a beige sweater. Or if you want to brave an outfit and rock a pair of colored pants just coordinate it with a solid black top and it will ease you into the trend. Whatever level you are comfortable with definitely give it a whirl. It's an easy way to brighten up your day and put pep in your step.

Happy coordinating!!!

What's Your Magic Number?

I have been reading many articles, especially in the last few days, on the amount of chemicals we expose ourselves to daily. #1 culprit.. the everyday beauty routine.  I have tried really hard to stream line my magic number, but to no avail its still a bit higher that I would want. I will say that I have made a conscious effort to swap some of my previous offenders for cleaner versions. Hence you may still see some non green choices in my list. It does take time, I have to find something that really works before I officially swap so whats listed below has been through a rigorous process and made the cut. I have had a lot of fun testing out new products on my quest which is always a benefit. Hopefully I will share some of my favorites that you may want to try if you are on the hunt. I tallied my regulars and here are the results.

Day:
Natural Soap- Whole Foods
Face Wash-Neutrogen Naturals
Shave Cream-eos
Shampoo- Simply
Conditioner- Organix Coconut Milk (instantly transport you to an island, mentally that is)
Bumble and bumble-Thickening Hairspray
Redken- Aerate 08 Mousse
Body Lotion- Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus (another island scent!)
Face Lotion- Josie Maran Protect Daily SPF 40 mixed with Josie's Illuminizer
Eye Cream- Origins GinZing
Deodorant- Degree
Toothpaste- Crest 3D White Vivid
Concealer- Mineralogie
Foundation- bareMinerals
Bronzer- Korres (which I think is now discontinued of course as I am running out!)
Eye Shadow- elf and erth brand
Liner- Lavera Soft Liner in Black and Sephora Liner in White
Mascara- Josie Maran
Lip Gloss- Lavera Magic Red
Eyebrows- Per-Fekt Gel

Nighttime:
Josie Maran- Argan Oil
Andalou Eye Cream
Juice Beauty Smoothing Eye Concentrate
Eye Make Up Remove- Physicians Formula Organic Wear

Grand Total- 27

Who knew it would take all this stuff to make me feel put together in the am. Getting ready for bed not too bad. I will honestly say that while I strive to always look for multi-taskers I do have fun getting ready regardless because I know I am taking care of myself which translates into sweet dreams!

Whats your magic number?

K

What's in my makeup bag????

I don't know about you but I am always curious as to what is in others makeup bags. What are those key products you can't live without?? Just to clarify, this kit goes with me everywhere. I have a much larger collection at home however I think it would be a tad bit excessive to drag it all over so this smaller version is the next best thing.

The case itself is from Target. They always have cute ones for pretty cheap. Now the list:
1. Wide tooth comb to remove any unwanted tangles
2. Ecotools retractable kabuki brush
3. Revlon nail file, a must
4. Mirror
5. Almay Pure Blends blush in honey
6. Sephora white liner, great in making you look awake when you aren't
7. Juice Beauty SPF 8 lip balm
8. Lavera Glossy Lips in Magic Red
9. Jouer Lip Gloss
10. Kiss My Face SPF 15 lip balm in sliced peach
11. Cover Girl eye liner in black
12. Yes To Carrots lip gloss in playful nude
13. Bobby pins and an elastic

There you have it. My essentials to get me through the day!

Organic Wear

I have always been a fan of Physicians Formula products. Having positive past experiences I decided to purchase their Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara. I am always on the hunt for a good mascara especially with cleaner ingredients and this one seemed to fit the bill. I am occasionally a sucker for interesting packaging and was intrigued by their different design. The handle is a bit odd to hold but after a bit you get the hang of it. The wand is rubbery and more round than your usual brush. When applied, the mascara goes on very smoothly and light. Since their is virtually no clumping you can easily go back and apply additional coats. Unfortunately with my 3 coats it didn't quite meet my expectations. I do have very sparse lashes as it is so I need a bit more from my mascara. After all who doesn't. If you are searching for a more natural look this is your product otherwise I will have to pass.

On another note, I am a regular user of their Organic Wear Eye Makeup Remover. It removes the most stubborn makeup and feels cool and refreshing when applied. This product helps me look forward to cleaning my face before bed! It sometimes can be harder to find in the store but I have been purchasing mine from Whole Foods or drugstore.com.

With that I wish you goodnight!
K

Worth the Splurge!

Birchbox asked a great question the other day on Twitter...what products are worth splurging on?? Bottom-line the 2 most important things you can do for your skin is not only exfoliate but moisturize, especially the eye area! You can normally find an inexpensive exfoliator as I have been using St.Ives for years and it does the job wonderfully. Where does my hard earned money go to?? Moisture! I consider myself more of a dry skin type so the down fall for me is as I get older any wrinkles I get will show up much quicker versus someone with a bit more oil production on the face. Before I roll out my picks for clarification my definition of a splurge is $50 and above. I know...call me thrifty but I am proud of that!

Nude Advanced Eye Complex retails for $88. This cream helps stimulate collagen production, which the eye area loses much quicker anyway as we age since the skin in the eye area is so much thinner. It also contains lots of great ingredients like Acacia Extract that has a temporary lifting effect..I am all about some lift!

REN Lipovector Smoothing Eye Contour Cream retails for $50. This is a great lightweight hydrator, especially for those oilier types,  that conditions the eye area and softens wrinkles immediately upon application. Please note both of these products are formulated without parabens, sulfates and the list goes on. Another bonus is that makeup such as concealer won't cake or fall as easy into fine lines when you have the proper hydration.

The eyes are the window to the soul, it is the first thing people notice, so put your best moisturized and wrinkle free eye area forward!

K