Makeup Crush Monday: Bourjois and True Match Concealers

Vacation is a funny thing for me.  Unlike at home, where I can usually be found lounging in yoga pants and a tank top, I like to dress up for sightseeing and being out and about with the fam.  I especially like to dress up when I'm in foreign countries...say, China, for instance.

However, despite wearing decent clothes, I find it impossible to wear a face full of makeup outside of my hotel room.  Perhaps it's the extreme 108 degree heat we've toured in (You read that right. My family's travel practices often teeter on the edge of insanity... though I wouldn't have it any other way) or maybe it's because I like to give myself the false sense of accomplishment for allowing my skin to "detox", if that's even possible. But either way, no makeup vacations are my thing.

The concealers posing on my comfy hotel bed.

That being said, having a couple different concealers on hand is an absolute must for me.  If you have finicky skin like I do, then the climate change, water quality and daily use of sunscreen will likely give you a few new spots that need some coverage.  I mean, can't a girl want to look halfway decent in family photos?

Bourjois Healthy Mix Radiance & Anti-Fatigue Concealer

If you keep up with the UK beauty blogging circuit (a la Essie Button, Vivianna Does Makeup and What I Heart Today), then you should be quite familiar with Bourjois's Healthy Mix line, known for its gentle formulations and impressive shade options.  But wasn't until arriving in Hong Kong that I was able to pick up a tube of the Healthy Mix concealer, a product I've had on my beauty radar for quite sometime. It's normally something I'd have to order in the States. 

I'm happy to say Bourjois Healthy Mix did not disappoint.  Not only does this concealer cover everything, it also doesn't cling to dry patches and its texture is truly something to rave about.  My single complaint is the little flecks of glitter it contains, but that should only be worrisome if you plan on using this concealer in large quantities, like all over your face.  It was 108 in Hong Kong Dollars at Sasa, which translates to about $14 USD.  Though you can't simply pick it up at Sephora or Ulta, you may be able to find a reasonably priced tube here.

 L'Oréal True Match™ Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer

This concealer is a bit of a tossup for me.  While I love the crayon format, the thicker texture makes this crayon concealer a poor match for healing blemishes.  It does have a tendency to cling to dry patches, but on the plus side, it is extremely pigmented.  Old acne scars and red spots are no match for this concealer. Luckily for my USA readers, this one can be purchased at Ulta, which is where I purchased mine for about $9.

So, everyone... do you prefer a makeup-less vacay or do you do a full face every day?

Almay Smart Shade CC Cream™

My skin, having the unfortunate sunscreen phobia that it does, has caused me to arrive a little late to the whole BB/CC cream/creme party.  I've wanted to give many of the fancy balms a try, but unfortunately, if an SPF over 15 is in the product description, I could basically bet my life on it breaking me out.  It's really the worst.  But when I saw Almay's new Smart Shade CC Cream, I decided to give it a go.  After all, they're the only brand with a foundation that contains sunscreen over SPF 6 that I've ever been able to use.  Shout out to TLC Truly Lasting Color Makeup (even though the formula has recently changed and I am clinging to my last bottle of original formula like it's the last bottle of water on a desert island... Also, I'm still bitter about the formula change- just in case the Almay higher ups are listening)! 

The first impression I got of the Almay Smart Shade CC Cream was not a good one.  When first applied it looks pretty greasy.  However, after about 30 minutes, it dries down to a more tolerable matte-ish finish.  The coverage is sheer to moderate, perfect for minimal makeup summer days.  The lasting power on me, sans primer or finishing powder, is about three or four hours, which is definitely impressive on my oily skin in the summer.  Also, you've gotta love the SPF 35 on this bad boy... "Wait, did you say SPF 35?," said my skin, starting to freak out.

Almay Smart Shade CC Cream™freshly applied

Before you know it, this CC cream and its SPF had also broken me out.  I was so upset, too, because after using it for two days, I thought I had found a sunscreen match for my finnicky skin.  Unfortunately, that is not so.  Also, as much as I would like to, I cannot vouch for its complexion correcting properties since I did not get the chance to use it long enough.

I was pretty bummed out by this product as I now have to add it to my long list of sunscreen disappointments.  Even after all this, though, I still recommend trying it for yourself before forming an opinion based on my post.  Please remember, my skin is verrrrry sensitive.  At $10 a bottle, it's not a bad investment.  Ulta is currently having a promotion online where Almay Smart Shade CC Cream is buy one, get one 50% off.  Try it out and let me know what you think!

Have you gotten in the BB/CC craze?  Have you tried the Almay CC Cream?  Love it? Hate it?

Weekend Ramblings: Facial Waters

It wasn't too long ago that I was writing a post about how disappointed I was with Evian's Brumisateur, so this post is as unexpected for me as it is for you.  After coming to the realization that plain mineral water may not be worth Evian's hefty price tag, I was really happy to find a couple of water sprays that have proven to be pretty beneficial for my complexion.

*Photo Via Ulta.com

Caramance Chamomile Facial and Body Water:  I bought this on a whim at Ulta shortly after purchasing the Evian spray.  This water contains both chamomile and aloe extract for calming and moisturizing effects.  I love using this right out of the shower, pre-moisturizer, though it acts as a light moisturizer itself.  Also, it's good to have around after a jog on a hot day (in other news, I've started jogging *cue gasps all around*).

*Photo Via BeautySage.com

Shea Terra Organics Eau De Rose Du Maroc Hydrating Facial Spritz:  In my quest for free shipping from BeautySage.com, I went on a search for an item that, in addition to my $15 C.O. Bigelow Musk Oil, would tip me over the $30 free shipping minimum.  That's when I came across this Shea Terra Organics spray.  I love that the only ingredient in this spray is pure Rosa Damascena water, a.k.a Moroccan rose water.  I often spray this on my face after cleansing and before bed to relax. 

Out of these two sprays, I definitely prefer the rose water.  I could be crazy, but I think it's actually improving the tone of my skin.  Also, I love the smell of roses.  It is definitely the pricier of the two at $16 for 4 ounces, but I don't mind spending a little more for such a luxurious spritzer.  I think that while it is nice to try an actual pre-manufactured product, I may try making my own facial waters here soon, maybe with some cucumber and aloe.  If I do that DIY I'll keep you posted.

What's your opinion on facial waters and facial sprays?  Have you ever made your own?  Do you prefer to purchase them at the store? 

Makeup Crush Monday: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

        If there are two items of makeup I live and die for, they are blush and mascara.  Sure, foundation is important, but have you ever seen someone wearing only foundation without mascara OR blush? It's like they just dipped their face in beige paint and decided,"Hey!  Ghostly is a great look for me!"  That's not really a highly desired look in my book, so that's why this girl's gotta keep the rouge rotation going strong.

*Photo via Sephora.com

        I'm always in search of a blush with a description that fits somewhere between au natural and made-up.  Until recently, I'd never found a blush that so perfectly fits that bill.  Enter Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed.  This nude-pink is sure to compliment any complexion.  It's perfect for the "no-makeup" look everyone's after during the summer months.  Also, Exposed actually does last a good 12 hours like its name promises.  This one is a definite winner, folks!  Buy yours here or here.

Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick

           Despite my skin's aversion to any products containing SPF, I still continually search for the perfect face sunscreen.  I've found that sunscreen lotions just do not work for me when I wear them underneath my makeup.  For this reason, I have extended my search into the world of stick sunscreens, which I use over top of my makeup and only in certain spots of my face. Sure, this is obviously not the dermatologist recommended method, but I've found they work perfectly for a girl like me who only spends a few minutes in the sun every day.  Most of my summer days are spent in an office, so before I head outside I do a few quick swipes of sunscreen over my nose and cheeks.  Thus far, I've gotten 0 sunburns this summer, so I must be doing something right!

*Photo via trustthebum.com

            My stick sunscreen of choice is Sun Bum's Sunscreen Face Stick, not only is this sunscreen oil free, but it's also hypoallergenic, waterproof and sweatproof.  Did I mention it's banana scented?  As a girl who normally prefers fragrance free products, I can see how some may find this to be a little off putting, but it's really a pleasant smell.  You can buy Sun Bum products at Ulta, but I'd encourage you to also check out Sun Bum's own website, as they have a pretty cool brand/ philosophy.  Cheers to great summer sunscreen finds! 

NOTD #2: Ulta's Fine Pruned

I have a touch of OCD when it comes to my nails.  If one chips, I can barely stand it and I have to repaint them all within a day or so.  This is the second time I've painted my nails in a week, and as you can see, the old polish wouldn't come all the way off around my cuticle area.  I thought I'd go with a neutral color this time around.  Ulta's Fine Pruned is a nice gray with brown and purple undertones.  Perfect for January!