Product Empties | Sept-Oct 2015

Seriously, who isn't a product hoarder??  I have tons of beauty products that I either purchased or received as samples/gifts and are just stashed inside some drawer or cabinet.  

I thought I'd share with you all the products that I've used up the past couple of months. 

• MAC Prep+Prime Fix+ in Coconut (LE) - I am a big fan of Fix+ and the scent of coconut was to die for.  For the record, I love anything coconut.  I'm so sad I didn't grab a few more as backups since this scent was Limited Edition. 

• Smashbox Primer Water - A primer spray seemed like a great alternative to using an actual cream but I noticed that I would spray this and still apply a smoothing primer.  I felt like the primer water didn't make a difference in the longevity of my makeup. I'll stick to using the Fix+ as a primer and setting spray. 

• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes - THE BEST of the best!  I love how easily these remove my face makeup and they don't irritate my skin.  The price is extremely great when compared to the MAC wipes.

• Living Proof Satin Hair Serum - This serum worked wonders for my dry, frizzy, untamed hair.  It left it really smooth and shiny without the greasy feeling or look.  I loved the smell and best of all, my hair loved it!

• Briogeo Rosarco Milk - A reparative leave-in conditioner spray that helps with dry, crispy, split ends.  It contains rose hip and argan oil, which left my hair feeling soft and moisturized.  I really liked this product but did not like the spray bottle.  It didn't really spray, instead it squirted on my hair.  It must of been a bad spray bottle. 

• Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Cleanser - A great cleanser for oily, acne-prone skin.  It contains micro beads and is a mild exfoliant that you can use daily without it irritating your skin. I really felt like it cleansed my skin and left it feeling smooth, clean, brighter and soft. 

• LUSH Celestial Facial Moisturizer - all natural moisturizer that is great for sensitive skin.  It really hydrates your skin without leaving that greasy feeling afterwards.  I also applied this on my daughter's dry arms and it worked wonderful for her as well.  

• Jergens Ultra Healing body lotion - great for those with really dry skin.  I applied this mostly on my legs.  I felt my skin super hydrated and soft.  The scent has a bit of vanilla to it which was a little extra sweet for my liking. 

My goal is to use up 10 beauty products every 2 months and to try to cut back on my spending.  I have to use up what I have before I purchase more items I don't necessarily need. 

#productempties in full effect! :)

YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer & Blur Perfector

Without a doubt, primers are my "must have" makeup product.  I have oily skin and if I don't use a primer, my face will look like a grease ball within a couple hours.  I have quite a lot of primers, from drugstore to high end, so when I was chosen by Influenster to review these new YSL primers, I was ecstatic!!! [Check out my Open Box and First Impressions video here.]

First of all, let's just admire the beautiful packaging. L O V E 

YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer

Price: $52 for 1.0 fl oz.

Can be purchased here. 

This is an illuminating primer that blurs imperfections and leaves your skin looking smooth and radiant.  If you see closely, it contains small specks of gold glitter which is what helps your skin glow.  It claims to help minimize the appearance of pores, smooth out skin and even skintone.  It contains four nourishing oils which are corn oil, apricot kernel oil, passiflora oil, and rice bran oil.  Although the ingredients are mostly oils, this does not leave a greasy residue.  In fact, once applied, it leaves your skin looking matte and smooth.  I honestly didn't see a difference in the radiance part but I did notice that my skin felt smooth and when foundation was applied it worked really well. 

YSL Touche Eclat Blur Perfector
Price: $55.00
Can be purchased here.

This is a blur perfector in a compact.  It helps blur out any imperfections such as the appearance of enlarged pores, oilyness, or uneven skin tone. It is a balm but once applied to the skin it transforms into a powder.  It helps soften skin's imperfections and creates a rosy-glow effect.  This can be applied in three ways: on its own, before makeup application, or as a touch up to sweep away shine.  This is a universal shade and works with any skin tone.

[close-up of face with primer, blur perfecter, L'Oreal Infallible foundation and ABH Contour palette]

I've been using these products for over 2 weeks now and I am really liking them.  Using my fingers, I apply the blur primer all over my face then I apply a bit of the blur perfecter on areas where my pores are more visible such as my nose and cheeks.   Both products left my skin matte and smooth.  Once I applied my foundation, I noticed that my skin looked smooth and the foundation just glided on like warm butter on bread.  As for as lasting power, I noticed I got a bit oily after 4-5 hours.  I'm an oily girl so I don't expect my face to be looking matte all day.  This was actually pretty good compared to other primers in which I start getting oily after 3-4 hours.  Overall, these products work great for me and I like them.  Would I repurchase?  Probably not.  Although a little goes a long way, I can't seem to pay $50.xx for a primer.  The way my funds are set up [Kevin Hart voice]....

Have any of you tried these products?  If so, did you like them, hate them?  What is your favorite current face primer?  I'd love to hear from you guys.  :)





Disclaimer:  I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.  All opinions are honest.  

Zara Sale - Small Clothing Haul

I have to admit... I've been doing a lot of shopping lately.  From makeup, to clothes, to skincare, to electronics...You name it!  I've shopped for it all.  Not like I have a ton of money but let's just say, my Savings account balance is non-existent anymore. Eeeeh!  Summer is here and I've lost a few pounds, so I NEEDED new stuff. ---

One day, I was strolling around the area in Downtown San Francisco, when I walked by Zara and saw a HUGE Sale sign.  As much as I tried to avoid it, that sign just drew me in.  So, here I am, excited to write this blog post about my small yet lovely Zara clothing haul.

 Can't get enough of these beautiful shoes. 

 Burn Orange Strap Heel

 Black and Gold Strap Sandals with a 2" heel.  My fave!!!!

 Denim Jeans, Black Leggings, Black/White Printed Pencil Skirt

California Crop Top Tee, Black Sleeveless Top

I can't seem to find the name of the items on the tag nor can I find the items on the Zara website. If you get a chance, go to your closest Zara and checkout the sale they have.  Most of the items I purchased were more than 50% off original price.  Pretty amazing deal if you ask me.

Summa, Summa, Summa Time

Summer is here!!!! 

I absolutely love Summer!  Sunshine. Beach. Pools. Refreshing Drinks. Tanned Skin. Minimal Makeup. Messy Hair. Fun Times. Creating Memories. And Much More.

This Summer, I've decided to do something fun every weekend!  Whether it's going out for a walk at some random trail, trying out a new place that serves unlimited mimosas, heading to a theme park, beach, anywhere I can get a bit of sunshine.  I want to just go out there and explore!

Two weekends ago, I went to the County Fair in my area and it was so much fun!!!  The weather was amazing and so much food and attractions.  I thought I'd share with you all a couple pictures.

I went with very minimal makeup and a half bun up-do.  

I can't wait for a very fun and exciting summer!!!  

Any activities you guys are planning to do this summer?  Do share. :)

2015: Not Letting You Down

Ok... so I've neglected my blog once again.  BUT... it's a new year and I'm determined to blog at least once a month.  Slowly getting back to my crazy self and taking time to do the things I enjoy and love.  Thanks to all who are still sticking with me!!!

Outfit Details:

Top: White Gap tee, Banana Republic blue cardigan

Bottoms: BR jeans

Shoes: Guess

MK handbag

Rayban sunglasses