Spring Skincare Routine

Spring is finally here! Because it is getting warmer, I've switched up my skincare a little with my products from iHerb.com

I wash my face morning and night with the NutriBiotic Non-Soap Skin Cleanser. I love this stuff! It's a PH balancing cleanser so it doesn't leave that tight, dry feeling. It's fragrance free, paraben free, all that good stuff. Highly recommend! Purchase

I'm still using the Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner (morning and night.) I don't think I'll be using a different toner for a very long time. This one is natural, smells amazing and gives your face that extra step of feeling really clean. And it's alcohol free! Purchase

During the day I use the Aubrey Organics Every Day Basics Moisturizer. I do like this moisturizer a lot, but it's not the absolute best I've ever used. You need a very minimal amount because a little goes a looong way with this stuff. I rub it between my hands and apply a layer to my face to where the moisturizer gets very white. I let it sit for a few seconds and then I really rub it in. You can tell upon using this product that it really sinks into your skin. It controls my oily skin without drying. Purchase 

At night I have been using the Now Solutions Avocado Oil. Now, although I do have oily skin, for whatever reason, avocado oil doesn't increase the oilyness in my skin over night. It really seeps into the skin and doesn't just sit as a layer above your pores. This is the greatest way of moisturizing I have ever found for my skin type. Purchase

Finally, before bed I apply a little 100% cocoa butter to my lips for extra moisture at night. Purchase 

My skin has never looked so "normal" and clear before and I really believe it's from these products. Using more natural products has really helped me and I encourage others to make the switch. I have even received a few compliments on how nice my skin has looked lately, which is always a great boost of confidence!

--Ms. Makeup

Natural Beauty: Skin Care

I have recently realized the importance of using all things natural. I have very sensitive skin and the smallest ingredient can change my skin and make me itchy and uncomfortable. Because of this, I have decided to go natural. It can become expensive, but I have compiled a list of my natural skincare essentials that are also affordable: 

Makeup Remover

Olive Oil or Coconut Oil. Simple as that. Since these are oils, they will break down your makeup as well as moisturize. Put a small amount on a cotton pad and that's it!

Face Wash

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap. This comes in both liquid and bar, but I prefer the bar soap. Dr. Bronner's is an amazing brand that is 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan. I have only tried their soap, but my parents have used their products forever. They have lotions, lip products, shaving cream, etc. They smell amazing and are inexpensive too, at $4.69 a bar. 

I like this soap because it doesn't give my skin that tight feeling after I wash it off. It leaves me feeling really clean and it doesn't break me out or give me any problems. I also use it as a body soap. Peppermint is my favorite! You can purchase it here. 

Toner

Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner. I found this product on a whim off of Amazon.com and I am so happy I bought it! This product is alcohol free so it won't dry out your skin. This toner has witch hazel in it which is often used medicinally, but also for acne. If you like the smell of rose, then you will looove this scent. Since using this, I have noticed a difference in my skin's texture. It is more calm and feels more smooth to the touch. You can purchase it here. 

Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. Who knew that something that smells as bad as vinegar would be a miracle, multi-use product?! Not only does ACV have a ton of health benefits when you drink it, but it can also be used as a toner. I thought it would be harsh on my sensitive skin, but not at all! Once you get past the smell, it feels really nice on your skin and the smell does go away once it dries. I take about one part vinegar to two parts water, mix it up and put it on a cotton pad. Feel free to dilute it to your skin's liking. ACV is amazing for skin because it naturally balances the ph, which means it will equal out the oily and dry patches. It also helps with big pores and acne scarring. 

*Can also be used as a conditioner! Again, mix 1 part ACV- 2 or 3 parts water. After shampooing, apply to scalp and hair and let it sit for about 2 minutes. Makes hair feel great- shiny and moisturized!

Moisturizer

Sadly, I have yet to find an all natural moisturizer that I actually like. The best I can do is give my favorite paraben free ones-

1. Alba Even Advanced Sea Lipids Daily Cream. Best moisturizer I have used. 

2. Trader Joe's Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion. Not the best for oily skin, but it does have SPF.

Mask

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask. This is a mask made out of 100% bentonite clay and it's awesome. Completely minimizes pores to help clear up skin. Although this is extremely messy and hard to take off, it's worth it and gives your skin a good deep clean. Can be used with ACV as well! You can buy it here. 

WARNING

Don't be fooled by a product that claims to be "ALL NATURAL". Familiarize yourself with unnatural ingredients and check all the products you buy. I have recently come to find that LUSH, the all natural cosmetic company, actually puts methylparaben and propylparaben in quite a few of their products. BAD. Unfortunately I realized this after purchasing the Ocean Salt face scrub (which I love, so this really sucks.) Moral of the story, check the ingredients on everything!!! Don't be lazy, read the label.

Here's safecosmetics.org's schpiel on why you should care about parabens: 

Parabens are used to prevent the growth of microbes in cosmetics products and can be absorbed through skin, blood and the digestive system. Parabens have been found in biopsies from breast tumors at concentrations similar to those found in consumer products. Parabens may be found in a wide variety of products including shampoos, lotions, deodorants, scrubs and eye makeup, and are found in nearly all urine samples from U.S. adults regardless of ethnic, socioeconomic or geographic backgrounds. Adolescents and adult females had higher levels of methylparaben and propylparaben in their urine than did males of similar ages.

Your skin is an organ and anything that gets applied directly to it will end up in your blood stream... Think about it. To find more amazing natural products, check out iherb.com here.

--Ms. Makeup

**Added Bonus**
A humidifier really helps your skin retain moisture during the winter and if the air in your home tends to dry you out. I highly recommend. Helps with sleep too! 

Review: Alba Even Advanced Sea Lipids Daily Cream

Face lotion is always a product that I feel like I struggle with. I just settle for whatever I have at the moment and I've never really used a great lotion for my skin. However, after using the Alba Sea Lipids Daily Cream, I now realize how important it is.

This lotion caught my eye because it's supposed to help the appearance of skin to make it look more even and less blotchy/dull. It's also hypoallergenic and Alba is generally a more natural based brand. It's paraben free, too- very important!

I am almost finished with this product and I will be repurchasing it. It's a really light moisturizer but it's still hydrating. It doesn't clog my pores or cause me to break out at all. I actually feel like it has improved my skins texture. This lotion has a nice, fresh scent, but it's not overpowering. It wears nicely under makeup and doesn't cause me to get greasy during the day. One thing I will say is that if I shower with this on my face at night, it tends to get in my eyes and this stuff burns a little. So watch out for that.

The container has lasted me about a month and a half and it costs $16.99, so it's not too bad on the price. I would recommend this for any skin type. This comes in a night cream as well and I'm interested in trying that out, too. You can find this at most drugstores, Target, and some health food stores.

Link to Alba lotion

--Ms. Makeup

How To: Inexpensively Clean Makeup Brushes

If you are as addicted to makeup as I am, then cleaning your brushes is essential. The pre-made brush cleaners are often expensive, so I have a cheap alternative: Johnson's No More Tears Regular Baby Shampoo. I used to use the Sonia Kashuk one (Target, $6.99) and honestly, I think the Johnson's works better. It's about $2.99 from Target. Can't beat it! Because this shampoo is for babies, it is extremely gentile, even enough for your precious brushes. Plus, it has a great, clean scent!

To clean, all you need to do is place your brush under warm running water (bristles down so that water doesn't get into the brush handle) and get the brush completely wet. Place a small amount of Johnson's into your palm and swish the brush around until most of the brown/pink comes out. Wash off the soap and repeat this process until the soap comes out white and clean with no color. Gently squeeze out the water and place the brushes flat on a towel to dry overnight. Simple as that!

If you have a lot of brushes this can be time consuming, especially for large, dense face brushes. It can sometimes take up to three washes. But it's worth it! Dirty brushes hold bacteria and germs that you do NOT want to spread around on your face. I recommend washing your foundation brushes a few times a week and all other brushes maybe once every 1-2 weeks, realistically. Who is really going to take hours a week cleaning their brushes?? For spot treatment, I know this isn't the most effective thing, but I just wipe my brushes off on a clean tissue. Not the best, but it gets some of the powder off!

Be sure to try this out!

--Ms. Makeup

(Will upload before/after pics later!)

Review: Simple Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes

Today I have a review on my new favorite makeup remover wipes-- Simple Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes. Love! Simple is a great drugstore line because they use ingredients that are good for your skin. No alcohol, no artificial perfume or dyes, they're dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and

hypoallergenic! There are a few different types in the Simple line, but these ones are for oily, sensitive skin (me.) I am obsessed with these things. I get excited to take my makeup off at night just because I know I get to use these wipes! They are unlike any makeup remover wipes I have previously used because they leave my skin incredibly soft! Literally feels like I just put on moisturizer! They're not greasy, gentile on the eyes and all over the face. The classic Neutrogena ones (which I usually use) always leave my skin feeling weird, sort of a film feeling over my face. They get the job done, but not great. These ones however, remove my makeup just as well and my face feels great after! I use these at night before washing my face, but the packaging says that they control shine as well. So, I would definitely use these during the day when I am not wearing makeup and my skin feels like it needs a little pick-me-up. I got them from Ulta for $5.99 and they come in a pack with 25 wipes. I think these are going to be my new holy grail item. I think they might be improving my skin, too!

Please do yourself a favor by trying these out and let me know what you think!

--Ms. Makeup

Wanted: Nars Cheek Palette

Today I got an email from Sephora about a new Nars Cheek Palette. AND I WANT IT. Nars makes such great blushes and they always come out with an amazing palette around Christmas time. This year's is called the Nars Guy Bourdin Holiday Collection Limited Edition One Night Stand Cheek Palette. Long enough name, Nars? It comes with all the essentials: Laguna (bronzer,) Deep Throat (blush,) Orgasm (blush,) Mistinguette (blush,) Goulue (blush) and Devotee (highlight.) They're all beeeeautiful. It's an online exclusive and limited edition, so if you want this I would get on it and fast because I know this will sell out quick. Definitely going to be on my holiday wishlist!

-- Ms. Makeup

Beware! Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes

I purchased these makeup remover wipes from Target about a month ago for $5.99. I usually stick to the Neutrogena or Simple wipes, but I thought I would try something different. (I honestly bought these because of the packaging.) Yes, the packaging is adorable and yes they smell pretty good, but don't be fooled. These wipes burned my eyes so badly that I thought I was having a horrible allergic reaction. I immediately rinsed my face off with water and the stinging went away a little, but noooooo these things BURN. They are formulated without sulfates, petroleum, parabens, SLS or phthalates... whatever that means. I would rather have those chemicals on my face than continue using these fire wipes. I couldn't even finish the pack and I don't want to give them to a friend in fear that they will also burn their faces. If you have even the slightest sensitivity in your skin, I would NOT recommend you try these. I don't want to diss Pacifica because I know they are a great company and a portion of their proceeds support clean water, but they should probably reformulate these.

Did these burn your skin?

-- Ms. Makeup

Review: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness

I recently saw a video on the It Bye Bye Redness Neutralizing Correcting Cream. It seemed pretty amazing so I had to try it. Now, for the size of this foundation (11 ml) this stuff is very expensive. I ordered it off of Ulta.com and it was $32... I would normally never pay that for something of that size but this foundation seemed too good to be true.

"Bye Bye Redness is a red neutralizing and correcting cream that completely cancels redness in your skin from view. Rich in Peptides, Hydrolyzed Collagen and Anti-Aging Technology, Bye Bye Redness camoflages redness and any red-tones skin discolorations from rosacea, broken capillaries, blemished skin, irritated skin, sun damage, scars, age spots, physician procedures and more."

That's a lot to claim! The first time I used this product it didn't react well with my skin. It looked good, but it made me really itchy, especially in the cracks of my nose, and I was extremely disappointed. I later discovered that this was because my skin was going through a weird phase and it was dry (normally very oily.) Once the dryness went away, I tried it again. ITS AMAZING. It doesn't feel like a foundation- it has a whipped consistency and has an airy feel on the face. And it covers everything! Not to the point where it looks unnatural, it just looks like you have perfect skin. As far as the redness in my skin, it does cover it completely. The best part for me is that it stayed matte all day. ALL DAY. I put a powder over it in the morning and when I got home at night, it looked basically the same. That has never happened for me. My skin is usually oily at least 2 hours after applying foundation. Not anymore! For application, I prefer to apply it with my fingers, just because I don't really like the look that brushes give (this stuff also blends right in.) I don't know how, but I feel like this product adjusts to your skin if it is on the fair side because there is no color option when purchasing. Lastly, for the price, yes it is more expensive, but you literally only need the smallest bit to cover your whole face because it blends out so well. If I haven't convinced you yet, then you just have to try it to believe it!

I had never heard of "IT Cosmetics" but now I have to try some more products!

What do you think of this correcting cream?

-- Ms. Makeup

Looks thick, but it's light
as air!

Amazing!

Currently Using: L'Oreal Youth Code

I recently went home for the weekend and forgot to bring a moisturizer. I headed over to CVS just to buy something cheap to hold me over until I got back to school. But the cute pink packaging of the L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Day/Night Cream reeled me in... The box says, 

Why is Youth Code Texture Perfector Day/Night Cream right for me? Your skin is still young, but its quality is not always perfect. Skin's texture can be rough and uneven, with visible pores and fine lines. Scientifically developed for all skin tones and types, Youth Code Texture Perfector Day/Night Cream helps to improve overall skin quality over time. 

I am 20 years old and I have some acne scaring, pigmentation problems and large pores (so beautiful, right?) This is a pretty expensive lotion for the drugstore. I didn't even look at the price when I grabbed it, but the total came out to $24.99 at CVS! And it's not even a big jar, only 1.7 oz. At the time I thought I was crazy for buying it, but I'm so happy I did! First off, the floral-y scent of this lotion smells amazing. But this stuff really does work. I had never used a texturizing lotion before, but it's supposed to visibly tighten pores, diminish lines, and reveal petal soft skin. And it actually does that. I use this in the morning and the night and it is never too heavy or light. The lotion has a velvety finish and my skin has never been so soft. I don't have any lines to diminish, but I have pretty large pores, and this stuff shrinks them right up! I also have oily, acne prone skin and this doesn't break me out or make me too oily or dry. The packaging is also to die for- hot pink! I highly recommend this day/night cream if you're looking for something new to try! They also have a Youth Code serum that I really want to test out!

What lotions are you currently using?

-- Ms. Makeup

Top 10

For my very first post on Ms. Makeup I wanted to do my Top 10 all time favorites. If I were stranded on a deserted island and I could only take 10 beauty products, these are the lucky ones that would get to come along (excluding makeup brushes.)This includes makeup, hair, skin, etc. I will continue to purchase these things until I find that I have found something of better quality. 

Here we go!

1. Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Control Foam Wash. ($12.99, CVS)

This is my favorite face wash of all time. I've been using it for about a year and a half and I have never used something on my skin that I love so much. It doesn't break me out. It doesn't make my skin dry, but it doesn't make me oily either. It doesn't give that horrible tight feeling once you've dried your face.It smells nice. It's just the best. It was developed by dermatologists, so I trust it for my combo/oily skin.

2. Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque ($33, Ulta)

Okay, first off this product smells unbelievable. It needs to be made into a perfume asap. But besides that, this conditions my coarse hair like nothing else. It is very expensive but it can last me a little over 6 months if I use it sparingly. I have never met anyone that didn't love this stuff. It makes your hair beyond soft. I don't know what they put in this stuff, but it is seriously a miracle. I have bought 4 tubs of this stuff, but am currently out. I need it back in my life. You can always find it on amazon.com for much cheaper (around $17 if you look hard enough!)

3. Blow Pro Faux Dry Shampoo ($20, Ulta)

I have used almost every canned dry shampoo from the drug store and I have yet to find one that I love. So, instead of buying a bunch of cans that don't last long, make my scalp itchy, and really don't work, I would rather buy a more expensive one that works wonders. I prefer the powder kind because since I am blonde, it blends into my hair very easily. I wouldn't recommend this if you have dark hair. I can almost always find this at TJMaxx for about half the price and it's usually in the old packaging, which I prefer. No matter what I do, my hair is dirty the next night after showering. But with Blow, I am able to go 2, sometimes 3 days without washing my hair, which is amazing! It adds volume and literally makes it look like I just took a shower. It doesn't have a scent but that doesn't bother me. (Old packaging is on the left, current packaging on the right. Old is better.)

4. Urban Decay NAKED Palette ($52, Sephora)

This product is very over hyped, but for good reason. It is so wearable with a wide variety of shades. Sin, Naked, Sidecar, and Darkhorse are my personal favorites. I have had it for almost 2 years and I have only hit pan on Sin, and I use this thing all the time. Its long lasting and the shadows are great. Urban Decay has amazing color payoff and they last all day (with a primer, of course!) I feel like every skin tone could use this and that is why I like it better than the Naked 2. I don't gravitate towards that one as much.

5. Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Lip Moisture Balm ($10, Sephora)

AMAZING. Hands down the best thing I have ever used for my lips. First off, it smells and kind of tastes like peaches. Sold. I put it on before bed and it makes my lips so smooth and never chapped! I don't know what's in this to make it so smooth! And it's not sticky at all, in my opinion, though I've heard people complain about that. Feels like butter. Must have. 

6. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder ($8.99, CVS)

I have pretty oily skin, so this powder is a must have. It works better than any high end powder I have tried. I am in the shade medium beige. The best thing about it is that it doesn't clog my pores and it lasts a really long time on the skin. Also, this is the most finely milled powder, so you cant even see it on your face, it just makes it look great!

7. Buxom Mascara ($19, Sephora)

I don't think I will ever find a mascara that I love more than this one. I have bought 4 or 5 tubes and I will never stop buying this product. It has a really big plastic wand that makes my lashes so long, dark, full, and beautiful. The consistency is right in between being wet and dry. The only complaint I have is that it sometimes gets on my upper lash line, I think because the brush is so thick, but a quick swipe with a q-tip takes it right off. It has a nice stopper, too. Drug store mascaras don't compare at all to Buxom, so if you're willing to spend the money, this is a must have. I've heard people say it compares to Maybelline the Rocket, but I do not see the similarity. 

8. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner ($18, Sephora)

This felt tip liner is super long lasting and a very dark black. It creates an extremely precise line that is very buildable. I was horrible at winged liner until I found this baby. The stick is very thin, so that makes it easy for me to hold and the liner lasts all day long. 

9. Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Highlighting Concealer ($7.99, CVS)

I love love love this product because it can act as two things- a highlight and a concealer. I use it for under my eyes/ down the sides of my nose and it makes me look up & at em'! I am in the shade Ivory 320, so it's pretty light, but I have fair skin. It has a nice consistency and it's very blendable.

10. Revlon Just Bitten LipStain ($9.29, CVS)
I hate the feeling of lip stick, so I always gravitate towards a stain. I have the colors Passion and Gothic. I love these things. They come with a marker and a balm to give a little shine. When I use these, I can't even feel them on my lips, and they last hours without reapplying! They don't taste bad and they have amazing color payoff! Gothic is a very true, deep red and Passion is a hot pink.

What are your Top 10 beauty essentials?

-- Ms. Makeup