Five Favorites- Hair Products.

I would like to start a new series where I list my 5 favorites and give a mini review. Hopefully I can do it regularly and you guys enjoy it! As always I purchased these products myself and these are my own opinions. 

      

1.Redkin Extreme Anti-Snap Fortifier

$17.50 for 8.5 fl oz or $4.00 for a 1.7 fl oz at Ulta if you want to try it out. 

I bought this product when I over bleached my hair and ruined it! My girlfriend told me her mom has used it and loved it for years and I see why. I've used this on wet and dry hair and I have to say this product saved my straw like yellow hair. It made it softer and it looked 5x healthier just after a few uses. The terrible blonde hair is gone but this product is sticking around. I apply it to my damp hair on my ends and my bangs because those are the most damaged parts of my hair. It's a light weight serum with a light scent nothing to noticeable. 

      

2.NexxusPro-Mend Split End Binding Smoothing Shine Serum 

$12.99 for 1.7fl oz pump bottle at Ulta. This is another product I picked up when for some crazy reason I bleached my hair! Ulta.com says 

"NexxusPro-Mend Split End Binding Smoothing Shine Serum provides daily repair for split end problem areas while giving your hair that extra shine." I've been trimming my hair regularly so I can't say if it's magically binding my split ends back together but it helped return life and moisture to my dry damaged hair. This product is a thick siliconeish feeling product when you first pump it out but it slides through your hair and doesn't leave it heavy or nasty, I've used it on my hair wet and dry. This is definitely a product I will be repurchasing because I'm always changing my hair color so damage is inevitable. 

         

3.amika’s Bombshell Blowout spray

This is a product I got a deluxe sample of in one if my BirchBoxes and I love it! You can find it on BirchBox.com and get the full size 8oz spray bottle for $24.00. I like to spray this on my damp hair before I blow dry it. It's a heat protector and helps give my fine hair some lift and texture. It says that you can also use it on dry hair to refresh your style but I've never tried it. It's a light mist that has a slight floral scent nothing over powering. It doesn't dry sticky or heavy. I plan on buying the full size when my sample runs out. Though it is $24 I know that an 8oz bottle will last me at least 6 months because you don't need much of it and I only use it when I blow dry my hair. 

     

4.Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil

4.2 fl oz for 39.95 or you can get a travel size like mine for between $6.50-$13.50. Mine came in one of my very first BirchBox's and has lasted for months. This product can also be found at Ulta and also comes in a lighter spray version that I'm dying to try! I've used this on my hair wet and dry to help control frizz and make sure my flat iron runs smoothly over my hair. I love the way it smells and never feels heavy like some products can. It also gives the hair a nice natural shine without looking greasy or dirty. I love this product and I will be getting it again, like I said at the top in dying to try the spray version!

        

5.Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray 5oz spray bottle for around $3 

I have dry color treated hair that has some what of a natural curl to it so I shampoo my hair as little as possible. Thankfully I don't have overly oily hair. This helps me push my hair to 4 even 5 day hair if I really want to. I know this sounds crazy to some people but it has really helped the condition of my hair. I like to use this products on my roots in the front and my crown in short sweeping sprays. Than I skimpily use my hands or a brush to distribute the product and make sure there aren't any white patches. I have repurchased this product a few times. For $3 it does exactly what it says it will and give some texture and body to my slightly dirty  hair, plus I love the smell!

Like I said this this a new series I'd like to keep doing spotlighting my favorite five products in certain category's. What are your Favorite Five hair products? Which Favorite Five would you like to see next? Let me know! Thank You everyone for checking out my blog!

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Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

I purchased this product with my own money from my local CVS, these opinions are completely my own. Like always haha

$8.99 for .11oz in a roll up stick

First Thoughts...

I have been looking for a stick or crayon concealer that would give my under eye that glowing or highlighted effect that was also super easy to blend and would last. I think that I have found that product in Revlon PhotoReady's concealer. I chose mine in the color light medium because it would give me that inner glow without looking too fake or plastic. 

Final Thoughts...

I have to say this is another product that I really enjoy, it glides on the thin skin of my under eye without tugging or pulling and then I can easily blend it with my fingers or my BeautyBlender. I do set mine with e.l.f.'s HD powder just to make sure there is no creasing in my fine lines. I use the triangle method to apply this wonderful product. It's blends seamlessly into my foundation or my bare skin if I'm going for a natural look. It covers my dark circles and redness with no problem and doesn't get cakey with powder on top! There were only 3 shade options in my CVS so I was hoping for more of a color selection but other then that a wonderful product. 

*dont mind the crazy eyebrows!

Would I Repurchase?...

I would repurchase this, I've even thought about buying a back up just in case and if I could find it in a dark enough color to use as a contour. 

Revlon ColorStay Whipped Foundation

I purchased these products at my local CVS by myself and these are my own opinions. 

$13.99 for .8oz in a sturdy glass jar

First Thought...

I have never tried a whipped foundation or any whipped makeup product in the past so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was looking for a full coverage foundation that wouldn't feel too heavy on the skin so I did some research and I decided to try the Revlon ColorStay Whipped Foundation. When I saw that it was $13.99 I was a little surprised because I'm not used to spending more than $10 for my foundation, plus every few months I'm trying a new one, but I decided to give it at shot. My color is #400 Early Tan and I know some people have had a hard time choosing the right color so again I looked online before I went to the store so that I would have a pretty good idea of what I was looking for. I'm an NC 35 in MAC's pressed powder and Soft Honey in Covergirl products. When I first applied this foundation I have to say I was a little scared at first it looked super dark and felt very thick and heavy but as I started to blend the color began to match and as it dried it felt lighter on my skin until I didn't feel it at all. 

Final Thoughts...

I always use a moisturizer and a primer under my foundation so I can't say much on the lasting power without but I'm very pleased with it overall. I don't have a problem with it drying out the skin on my cheeks or around my eyes nor does it cause my t zone to become super oily. I've had this for a couple of months and I still have plenty of product left, I think the whipped part of it helps it blend easily therefore the product lasts longer.  

Would I repurchase?...I would definitely repurchase this product, it has worked perfectly with my changing winter skin. I have never tried to wear this foundation or any foundation for 24 hours, but I know with a primer underneath it has lasted 12+ hours for me.

Botanics Conditioning clay mask

Botanics conditioning clay mask for all skin types. It says "burdock purifies and clarifies while clay draws out impurities with active plant extracts at levels that really work. This rich clay mask exhibits a negative electrical charge to attract deep-rooted impurities from the skin without drying."

First thoughts... 

It says to shake well before using which is fine I shake most things before I use them whether it says to or not. When I squeezed it out of the tube I noticed that it was thinner then clay masks I remember from the past. Not watery just the way it's formulated, which I don't mind because it doesn't slip off the face or through my fingers while I'm applying it. It says to leave on 10-20 minutes like most do and then rinse with warm water. 

About my skin... 

I have normal to oily skin that tends to get really dry during the winter so it being November I wanted to be careful what I put on my face as to not cause further dryness. 

Final thoughts... 

All in all I would have to say that I like this product, the mask dries on your face like any clay mask does but unlike a normal clay mask it was very easy to rinse off I credit this to the thinner formula. I didn't feel like I had to scrub and wipe at my skin to get it off. Once my face was dry it didn't feel dried out and tight or extra greasy which can happen with conditioning or moisturizing products. My pores do look smaller without my face feeling tight and it feels clean but not dry so I like that. I picked this up because I'm already dealing with dry skin problems and I've been looking for a tube clay mask for months. The fact that this said it was a conditioning clay mask had me sold, I had to try it!

Would I repurchase...

This was $9.39 at target for a 4.2 ounce squeeze tube. All in all I would have to say that I like this product and I could see myself buying it again. 

Maybelline FITME Shine Free Foundation Stick

 Maybelline's new stick foundation is just what I've been looking for! Because it is in a stick for instead of a liquid its much easier to take with you on the go and apply touch ups though they might not be needed. The lightweight gel formula of the foundation makes it incredibly easy to blend and it also has this nifty little "anti-shine" powder core that "instantly dissolves excess oil" and "blends to a natural matte finish". Its everything i dreamed of! I have combo skin that tends to get oily in the T-zone and dry on my cheeks.

Ok so i know this might be rambling but it stated out with a trip to Ulta and I remembered that I've been looking for a good drugstore powder to put in my purse in case I was out and needed to touch up. I picked up the Maybelline FITME presses powder in 315 soft honey, little did i know that for about 6 months this would become my main setting powder(It was only replaced because i bought my first MAC product ever).Push forward 2 months and that have come out with a FITME foundation stick! I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

I bought both of mine from Target for $6.99 each. I use color 310Sun Beige for the outsides of my face kind of like a contour and color 240 Pure Beige in the middle of my face and blend the 2 together. I love the creamy texture of the stick its so easy to just put a few stripes on your face and blend them out with your finger or a brush. I've even used this product without a primer underneath and been pleased with the outcome, the key is to blend. You don't want to use this product as some sort of foundation marker, add a few swipes and blend, if you need more just repeat its incredibly blend able. I do set mine with a powder and i have to say i don't feel greasy or look shiny after a few hours outside and i live in the south so that's saying a lot! I've found myself reaching for this over my Covergirl 3 in 1 Stay Fabulous Foundation.

Incoco Nail Polish Applique

I received these a few months ago in my monthly BirchBox and I knew I wanted to save them for my birthday. They have a ton of different designs and color to choose from on the Incoco website. The design that was sent to me from Birchbox is called Spring Vines, they describe it by saying "the intricate swirls of this design are entrancing in aqua!" which I would agree with hehe. You can only find these online either on the Incoco website for $8.99 or on Amazon. The Incoco website is incredibly user friendly, you can shop by collection, shade, french manicure, or design. They also sell pedicure products, gel manicure sets, and nail accessories. You can also get free shipping if your order more then $50 and everyone loves free shipping!

Though it looks like line of strips it is actually 2, and I noticed as soon as I opened the inner package that it smelt like I had opened a new bottle of finger nail polish. This make sense because it says that its made out of real nail polish! The directions say to lightly buff your nails and clean them before applying. I simply cleaned mine with rubbing alcohol. Each individual strip has 2 different sides which are slightly different widths so that you can pick the end that fits the shape of your nail the best. It also says to remove the excess with a nail file but I feel like that might peel off the strip so I used small nail clippers but I bet cuticle scissors would work great.

Tips...

When stretching the strips make sure not to pull too hard because the strip will tear and ruin the strip possibly. I found this out the hard way on the first strip I tried to put on hehe. Also the heat from your hand will help the strips adhere to your nails. Press the fresh placed nail strip with the palm of your hand to warm them up and make sure they are truly secure.

Final Thoughts...

Practice makes Perfect. If your nails/nail beds are small enough you might be able to squeeze 2 manicures from one pack which would make them only around $4.50! I used a small sample bag from Sephora to keep my left over strips from drying out. I might be able to squeeze out another manicure or at least fix this one if it messes up! Plus the biggest size if perfect for my big toe so I might get a semi-matching pedicure out of this pack also! If these last 2 weeks like they claim they do, even if I have to add a top coat like I'm thinking about doing, I would definitely order some more of these. There are so many fun designs and its far cheaper then going to a nail salon, perfect for a special occasion or everyday!

New to Nudes

 Color Whisper Nudes

Are you just now starting to explore nude lipsticks like I am but don't want to end up looking like you just put concealer on your lips? I have been in love with nude lips but could never really find the right color for me, plus I didn't want to end up looking like a bad episode of Jersey Shore. I didn't want such a strong color that it completely blanked out my lips but glosses weren't giving me enough color. Then the Maybelline Color Whispers came out, stronger than a gloss but not as heavy as a lipstick. The perfect way to try out some nude colors! So I went to target and picked out 3;
 #20 Mocha Muse, #30 Pin Up Peach, #35 Coral Ambition.

Though 2 of these look and sound like they wouldnt be considered a "nude" the formulation of the Color Whisper line makes them nude on the lip. Plus with the Bold lip color trend happening this summer these are much more toned down and more natural looking. Some people might not consider these lipsticks because they are so light on the lip but I feel like they are the new generation of lipsticks. They go on sheer and smooth like a great lip balm but the color is buildable and the color lasts like a lipstick.

                                                         #20 Mocha Muse

This is definitely the more skin toned out of the three colors making it more of a traditional nude. It reminds me of a color a used to wear when I first started using make up in middle school.

                                                        #30 Pin Up Peach

This is definitely the most colorful of the 3, a little pinker than your normal nude but with so many bright and bold colors coming out this summer its nice to see a calmer more natural pink.

                                                     #35 Coral Ambition

This is coming off more frosty pink then it is in person, when in actuallity it is a great sheer light coral color.

• I bought these at Target for $5.94

BirchBox June 2013!

BirchBox June 2013!  

Birch box is an online service that once a month will send you a box in the mail with 4 or 5 products,some full size some samples size, of beauty products you might not have known about otherwise. The products range from hair,skin,nail, and makeup, even sometimes a hair accessorie. It only costs $10 a month and they deliver in the middle of the month, I got mine the 16th of this month.

                                            

   This months products are

•Davies Love Smoothing Shampoo

What it is, "a gentle shampoo packed with moisturizing Indian fig extract and olive oil. It says its made for dry and frizzy hair and to " use daily to soften and nourish stubborn strands. I used the shampoo this morning and i have to say I do like it a lot. It smells a ton better in the shower when your using it then in the bottle which I have to say I was worried about. My hair came out nice and soft, plus I love the idea of a gentle shampoo! I'm thinking about buying the full size version of this!

- It also came with 2 beauty extras, one is a packet of the matching conditioner and the other is a small packet of Davines Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion

•The Color Club Wanderlust nail polish collection.

What it is, BirchBox and Color club teamed up to come out with this 4 color collection each color reminds them of one of their favorite cities. I ended up with London Calling a neon pastel green, I have to say out of the 4 colors( an off white, a lavender, a bright coral and the green) this is the one I did not want haha. We will see how long it lasts on my toes.

•LAQA & Co. Lil Lip Duo

What it is, a compact chubby gloss stick that you don't need to sharpen. I ended up with the darker of the 2 shades but I'm fine with that its this beautiful dark pink and I'm pretty sure I don't have anything like it. This chubby gloss stick goes on so smooth it almost feels like a chapstick, the color pay off is great and it will last if your not eating and drinking a ton.

•Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

What it is, a 2 in one cleanser and exfoliator infused with organic lemongrass and chamomile. I've been looking for a great face wash that exfoliates and I'm a sucker for anything lemon! I have to say I used the product and I do love it, I think this is another one I might have to invest in the full size version! It cleans and refreshes your face without being to hard or abrasive like some scrubs I've used.

*This months also came with some fun little post cards to go

with the Wanderlust theme of this months box.

NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss Review

NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss (A review and swatches)

I went to Ulta the other day to return some lip gloss that i had bought 2 of and i decided to give the NYX Butter Gloss a try, they were having a buy one get one 50% off on NYX products so why not. I picked up 2 very spring time colors and 2 that i call more of a neutral/nude.

 (Starting from the bottom left and going clock-wise; Cherry Cheese Cake, Apple Strudel,Vanilla Cream Pie, and Tiramisu.)

 

Cherry Cheese Cake 

                The color of this Butter Gloss is a great bright orange/coral color. It might be a little intimidating in the tube because it is such a bright color but because it is a Butter Gloss it comes off much softer and more wearable on the lips. This color and product is a great way to ease yourself into the brighter lip or even the orange lip trend this summer!

Apple Strudel

               This is a beautiful light pink color with just a little bit of peach in it. I love putting this one on top of some of my brighter lipsticks just to make them a little more everyday. This color and the formula of the Butter Glosses helps it mix with any lipstick beautifully without over powering or completely covering and changing the color . Its also a great color to wear on it own!

Tiramisu

              This one ended up being my surprise favorite of the 4 that I've tried so far! Even though I never jumped on the nude lip train I find myself reaching for this color almost everyday. Its not a brown or a pink, its the perfect hybrid of both! Though I think it might look more brown on a lighter skin tone.

Vanilla Cream Pie

             I call this color more of a neutral/nude for my skin tone but it  is a great rosy pink. This is a perfect everyday going to the office color. It stands out enough on the lips to help you look more finished and polished when your running out the door.On the other hand it could easily step up any lipstick.

The Formulation

             The formula of this Butter Gloss is what this lip product addict has been looking for her whole makeup life! They are so thick and creamy without being heavy or sticky, the color pay off is great while still being a bit sheer like a gloss should be. All and all I think these are my favorite lip product I have from NYX. I plan on going back and getting every color they have! If the color doesn't look goof on me then I know my friends will love them just as much as I do!

Where I buy...

I get all of my NYX Cosmetics Products from Ulta, I'm lucky enough to have one right around the corner. The Butter Gloss is $4.99 each but they often have a Buy One Get One 50% off sale on NYX products. I definitely recommend them to anyone!