Holiday Package from Pixi Beauty

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Happy New Year My Loves! 

Right before Christmas, Pixi Beauty sent over two boxes with some Holiday goodies. 

Sorry, I did not have time to get this post up before Christmas. 

I am posting it now, because the Holiday sets are 50% off at Pixibeauty.com 

Let me quickly show what I got and quick over view as I did try the products before. 

* Ultimate Beauty Kit 5th Edition ~ First off I adore the print on the packaging. Second I swatched it and it feel and looks like a really decent beauty book. On one side you have your matte shadows, the middle face products and the right shimmer shadows. 

Formula feels silky and blend able. Right now the book is on sale for about $16. 

* Best of Roses Holiday Kit ~ all rose favorites from Pixi in one kit. Deluxe samples of  Rose Cream Cleanser, Rose Tonic and Rose Flash Balm. I personally love the rose edition by Pixi. The tonic I got recently and love it. Rose have many amazing benefits so go ahead and try for yourself. This little kit retails now for $11. 

* Best of Bright Holiday Kit ~ another great kit that contains deluxe samples of Glow Mud Cleanser, Glow Tonic and Glow Mud Mask. I just say that I had tried these before and I am a big fan. Glow Tonic is a cult favorite and if you didn't try then what are you waiting for? Cleanser and Mask are really good. Just like the kit above this one retails for $11 at the moment. 

Pixi Beauty was also kind enough to send over a huge, personalized bottle of Glow Tonic with few of the cotton rounds. I got similar one last year as well :) 

This package really inspired me to work on a skin care shelfie so I can have it nicely displayed and have a easy access to all of my favorites. It is something to think about it this year :) 

 

Along with the Holiday Sets, Pixi thrown in a beautiful and the softest throw/blanket. I love how it had tag with my name on it! Plus did I say how soft it is!?! Its 100% Cashmere you guys! The most prefect Xmas gift! Thank you a lot Pixi Beauty Team! 

Foundation Edit ~ My top 2 Favorite Foundations at the moment ~ Charlotte Tilbury and Maybelline

I have not talk foundation in like forever! 

Just want to quickly say/write few words on two foundations I been enjoying lately. 

It's so funny, as I am writing this I am testing/trying out a new drugstore foundation and ... I am liking it a lot you guys. So, yeah just a heads up, that I am not done with foundations yet. \

Anyways. I have two products, one drugstore and one high end. 

Maybelline Super Stay and CT Magic Foundation. 

 * Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation is a new to me. By new I mean I got is roughly few weeks ago and I had enough time to see if I like it and over all how it works with my skin. CT is a luxury makeup brand that recently launch in Sephora.  And with that I want to say Congratulations CT I am so happy for the lunch ! I am so excited to actually touch and play with the products before buying it. It just made my life so much easier. Not gonna lie that I been lusting after CT makeup for a while now. I love reading all the UK blogs and just dream that one day I can build up my collection just like some of them have. 

I was send this foundation along with a eyeshadow quad for a review.  I have not yet played with the palette but the foundation, like I said became a staple in my routine. 

This is a full coverage foundation with demi matte finish.  I used both brush and sponge to apply it. I do prefer a sponge coz it gives more natural not to heavy finish. I like it. Foundation comes in the most beautiful glass bottle with rose gold detailing. It looks so good on my vanity! I am so into the rose gold and marble anything. Just saying :) Once you open the cap you find very nice pump :) I do love foundation with pumps. The texture is on a thick side. But I find it works good with blending sponge as opposed to brush. Like I mention above, sponge gives more natural finish. The only only one part of my face that don;t like this foundation is my nose. Seriously! It looks sooo good everywhere else! I don't know what to do anymore tbh. I tried to put extra primer, extra moisturizer on  my nose and nothing. Anyways it don't matter coz I love the way it looks on me (aside the nose) LOL. I forgot to mention I have in shade 3. I believe 2 would be good as well. Let me get a sample and see :)  

The wear time is pretty good too. I usually apply my makeup early morning 7am, and I start to get oily around 3-4pm. But nothing that blotting paper and powder can't fix. 

So that would be it. I do think this foundation is really good and my combo/oily skin wears it pretty good. 

Price for this baby is $44 and it is available where CT is sold: Sephora, Nordstorm, Beautylish. 

My 2nd go to foundation is a lot more affordable ~ Maybelline Super Stay 24h Foundation in shade .

I picked this one without planning it tbh. I went to CVS, printed my coupons and I for some $$$ off Maybelline. So why not. I already had some extra bucks waiting to be spend. Now, I don't know how other CVS around the country are but my is a total mess. Almost everything is open, swatched and basically garbage. Let me tell you that I been trying to buy Touch of Spice lipsticks for a few years now. Everywhere I go all of the lippies are swatched or broken. I guess I will be ordering from Ulta from now on. Back to foundation. The lady who works there recommend the Super Stay foundation. She was actually wearing it and ummm it didn't look good on her to be honest. But fine I picked it, thinking it would look better on me, and it did. Thank God.

Just like the CT Magic Foundation, this is also a full coverage. Best applied with a blending sponge. I used once a brush and I was looking just like the girl from my CVS. Full coverage and cakey. Sorry but no. Again blending sponge comes to the rescue and makes this foundation apply so nicely, gives really natural finish and covers what ever need to be cover. I like and I been using it on and off for past 6 months at least. Just like the CT, wears nicely though out the day. I notice the shine on my skin around same time as the CT one. I think this one cost around $10-$12 and it is really worth it.

Swatches of the both foundation. Top is Maybelline and the bottom CT Magic Foundation

Just fyi I set both foundation with Peach Perfect Powder and Wet N Wild Photo Focus powder :) 

Did you try any of the mention above? what is your favorite foundation ?

Let's Glow with Pop Beauty Prismatic Pop Illuminating Powders

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I love a good highlighter. They are my favorite to purchase and well to receive. Pop Beauty send over an amazing PR Package few months ago. It included 4 of their new Pop Prismatic Illuminating Powders. I say it was a love at first swatch. They give a glow AF! Blinding and well beautiful!

They come in a square, rather bulky packaging. Pop logo on a see-through acrylic lid.  In the middle there is a highlight. The more I look at it the more they remind me of diamond surface. There is a lot of product in each (5.1 g) and you don't pay much for it. I love a good affordable highlighter. 

The formula is so creamy! There is no fall out whats so ever. It beautifully glides on the skin and it makes it glow. If you like soft glow aka glow from within these are not for you. They are infused with shimmery particles that upon contact with skin gives beautiful blinding glow. Non glittery at all. Just beautiful intense glow! Yes these babies are pigmented. They are just amazing. Two shades I keep constantly reaching for are Celestial Lights and Gilded Lights. My Stellar Lights one came in broken unfortunately, but still I make a use out of it. The Stellar Lights and Lunar Lights I like to use as an eye shadows :). The best is to apply them with a dense brush rather then fluffy one. 

Like I mention they are affordable. $12 each and worth it. So if you like to glow and go for it. I think they are amazing and like I said the two lightest ones been in my makeup rotation since last month. 

They are available at POP Beauty --> Here.

Summer Hair, Don't Care ~ Feat. Marc Anthony Hair Care

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I think every girl loves a good hair care products :) Marc Anthony recently send over a box of goodies that I been really enjoying. 

If you don't know Marc Anthony Hair Care is a drugstore hair care brand and yes all their hair care products are super affordable :) 

I am already die hard fan of their Coconut Dry Shampoo and now I get to try more of their awesome products :)

Lets start with my favorite product I got :

* Strictly Curls - Perfect Curls 7-in-1 Treatment Foam ~ this all in one treatment styler provides curls with the nourishment and moisture for definition and softness, while adding shine with flexible long-lasting hold. It delivers 7 benefits:

* Define curls with flexible hold

* Detangles 

* Reduces Split Ends and Frizz

* Nourishing Treatment

* Smooths and Softens

* Moisturizes 

* Adds Shine

Essential ingredients includes: Avocado Oil, Shea Butter and Soybean Oil. 

This one is one of my faves. I like my hair curly in the summer and this foam helps me achieve this while  bringing all the good benefits for my hair~! Yes please! 

This little guy can be bought off UltaBeauty.com , price $8.99 

* Refreshing Coconut Clean Dry Conditioner ~ I adore Marc Anthony's  Coconut line. Seriously the dry shampoo is one of the best on the market. And now a dry conditioner! like what?  it gives an instant hydration, refreshes blow outs and revives natural curls by locking it moisture. This weightless dry conditioner removes frizz, leaving hair touchably soft and with incredible smoothness. It has nice fresh coconut scent and really adds shine to my hair. Spray from roots to the ends and brush it :) Nicely refreshed hair, here you go. 

Essential ingredients: Abyssiniam Oil and Vitamin E.

I haven't see this one on Ulta but I guess CVS might have it. Not sure of the price but I believe it should cost between $8-$9. 

* Strengthening Grow Long Dry Shampoo Foam ~  this quick drying, water-less cleaning foam removes buildup and excess product. Leaves hair feeling freshly cleansed and refreshed with extra volume. Perfect for second, third, fourth day hair. 

Personally I have not yet try this one and the one I will mention after it. It does sound like a awesome product but uhmmm reviews on ulta website don't sound so good. We will see :)

Essential ingredients: Caffeine, Ginseng Extract and Rice Starch. 

($8.99)

* Strengthening Grow Long Texture Spray ~ this lightweight dual purpose spray, can prep the hair for styling or can be used as a finishing spray for effortless tousled texture with modern matte finish. Big on volume with lasting results, extends your just-styled look a day or two. Ugh I don't know I am not fan of any spray as they just glue my hair together and make them so heavy and so gross. you know like the hair spray from 90's that my mom used to use. You spritz some on your hair and nothing will budge them. Bu then you need to wash them coz the spray basically glue your hair.  I think this might be a slightly different spray. I not sure have't try it yet. But lets see how it will work on my hair this week. 

Essential ingredients: Caffeine, Ginseng Extract and Zeolite.

This one you can get at Ulta for $8.99 

Skin Care Routine with new Neutrogena Products ~ Deep Clean (part 2)

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Hi Loves, 

Welcome to my part cleansing with Neutrogena. My last post included Acne Proofing products and you can read about it here. 

Like I said before Neutrogena is great skin care brand that is really affordable. Hello! they sell at drugstores all over the world! I been fan for the longest time. 

Today I want to talk or write about two products from Deep Clean collection. 

At first to be honest I thought these two were breaking me out and I didn't want to use anymore but it was my hormonal breakout and it didn't have nothing to do with following products. That's also a reason why I didn't post this review earlier. 

So with that out of the way lets start review.

First we have Deep Clean Purifying Cleaner Clay Mask ~ awesome two in one product. it deeply cleanses skin without stripping. It can be use as a cleanser and also as well as a mask. Which is so awesome! It targets skin impurities like dirt, oil and left over makeup . It uses dual cleanser technology called BARRIERCARE, that helps preserve skin essential moisture and maintain soft looking skin. Formulated with Salicylic Acid it unclogs pores by drawing out the dirt and left over makeup that can cause a breakouts. I really like how refresh it feels. It have a minty scent . I do like to use it in the morning coz it wakes me up! I mostly use it as a cleanser then a mask. Although I need step up my masking game, its been a while since the last time I mask.  Don't judge, I had so much on my head lately. My right now combo skin loves it. And yes I needed extra time to test it out. I really thought that product was the cause of my breakouts but thank god it was not.  

You can find it at Neutrogena.com , price $8.49

The second we have Cooling Gel Scrub~  the love I have for Neutrogena scrubs. they never disappoint me . This scrub gently cleans and exfoliate the skin. It draws out impurities, dirt and left over makeup. It uses the same technology as Purifying Cleanser and Mask. Again it have this cooling, refreshing effect just as the previous product. I like it. even more then a cleanser tho. I dunno I just love scrubs in general. I like how nice, smooth and fresh my skin looks and feels after. This is is non irritating and non drying. 

You can purchase the scrub at Neutrogena.com, price $8.49

*Samples provided by Neutrogena and BrandBacker, opinion is my own. #SkincareStatus  #GoBeyondClean 

Skin Care Routine with new Neutrogena Products ~ Acne Proofing (part 1)

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Hello Skin care junkies, 

Today I want to talk a little about Neutrogena Acne Proofing duo. This will be a part one of the Neutrogena, because I have another duo that will be publish shortly after this one. 

I do really like Neutrogena products. Not only they are budget friendly but also very effective.  I been fan for a very long time of their Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub. That product was such a  life saver. I went through so many bottles of it, no joke. But being a beauty blogger you been send out  so many skin care products, that you forget your favorites. Sadly I did never repurchase Pink Grapefruit scrub after. But now as I write this I am adding it to my next shopping list. I really do miss that scrub. 

Now lets focus on Acne Proofing line. For someone who deal with acne on daily basis this is a great option. Myself I still deal with acne and I am 31 years old! With that said this duo is not only for teens but also for all adults. 

First we have Acne Proofing Daily Scrub ~ just as much I love the Pink Grapefruit I love this one. It is actually really good scrub you guys! Not harsh on the skin. It helps breakouts and prevent new ones. It contains skin smoothing exfoliators and maximum strength salicylic acid. I like how the beads are not so scratchy and it don;t over dry my skin. I like to use it right after I removed my makeup with a wipes, I go over with this scrub to get rid off all the makeup that sits in pores. I have sensitive skin and it works perfectly. You can find it here. Price $9.99

Second we have Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser ~ another great product. I like switching up my cleanser and always looking for whats best for me. I like when my cleanser work on par with my Soniclear brush from Michael Todd Beauty.  Good cleanser and good brush make a huge difference in my skin. I like this cleanser, it foams up and leaves my skin feeling clean and soft. I usually use it after the scrub. Sometimes if I don;t use the scrub I go straight with a cleanser.  I adore it for morning and night time.  Cleanser can be purchase here. price $9.99

Overall I am very please with both products and been using them daily for a two weeks now. I do love how nice and citrus-y both smell and yes they do wonders to my skin :) 

Shorty after this post I will publish another Neutrogena review. Keep a lookout on that one. 

*Samples provided by BrandBacker and Neutrogena. Opinion is my own 

January Beauty Favorites ~ 2018

Let's see if I can post favorites every month. I will try tho. 

So yes we are officially in February. I felt like January was dragging tho. So slow and so depressing. Definitely not my month. Got sick, got a tooth ache that lasted for over a week, got sick again. Ugh i could go on and on. 

But you guys are not here to read me complaining ( did that even made sense ) hahah~ 

Anyways here are few of my favorites 

Primers ~ two that I been using on and off. Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing and Pop Beauty Zero Shine primer.  Both are amazing. Both minimize pores and keep my face oil free and both nicely work with foundations. But to be honest I found myself using more POP Beauty one over the SmashBox. I feel like the Zero Shine hydrates my skin more and keeps it matte and oil free at the same time. I reviewed previously Smashbox here. 

Foundation ~ The new Healthy Foundation with SPF 20 by Physicians Formula. This is my new year discovery and guys I love this foundation. Works great with primes mentioned above. Leaves skin looking healthy and giving a beautiful coverage at the same time. Full review here. 

Concealer ~ No Filter Concealer by Colourpop. Such a beautiful concealer. Creamy, lightweight and blends well. There will be a separate note on it very soon. But if you didn't try, you have too! It retail at $6! So cheap and so good!

Setting Powder ~ Wet N Wild Photofocus Pressed Powder, yes I do adore this one. I bought it back in the summer but I haven't start using it until recently. Again super affordable! I am on the fence with the foundation but the powder is the bomb! It gives me a satin finish and it is really lightweight.

Bronzer ~ for a while now I been using Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer :) Smells like summer on tropical island and gives a beautiful warmth with out being to dark or to light. Just Perfect..

Highlighter ~ here I have two and I been using Sephora one almost every day! And the funny thing is, it is an eye shadow! Yes I been suing Satin Corest by Sephora as a highlighter and it is freaking stunning ! It gives gorgeous glow! I swear I can't put it down.

The second that comes close is the Wet N Wild Mega Glow Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals. That is the only one I have sadly. I saw that Walgreen's around my work pulled out new WNW products, so I will be getting them soon :) But yeah another affordable and amazing highlight. I use with a wet brush for blinding effect :) 

The last two are Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara and Sacha Fix It Spray.  That Maybelline mascara is the only product I like from Total Temptation line. The packaging is so freaking adorable! Over all I love Maybelline mascaras. This one gives beautiful volume to my lashes. I am preparing note on what I bought form the Temptation collection, I am just not sure when will it be up.  The fixing spray by Sacha Cosmetics, oh boy! this baby holds my makeup like no other! I really really really like it! It gives a nice even mist. It is also great to spray though out the day as well, just like a refreshing mist. 

What did you like in January? 

New Physician's Formula The Healthy Foundation SPF 20 ~ My Thoughts

Hi Babes!

Hope your year started fabulous! My so so. I had migraines for 3 days in a row... Sucks I know, what can I do. .. :(

But anyways I am here to share with you my quick thoughts on new PF The Healthy Foundation SPF 20. Thats a mouth full don't you think ? hahaha .

On New Year's Day I went out to CVS coz a day before I got 40%off coupon and decided to use it. Bought foundation and press powder fit me for a friend and for myself fit my foundation, total temptation palette and mascara. On a way home I stopped by Rite Aid to see if there is any good makeup sales and I was welcomed with new Physician's Formula display :) Yup new foundations and illuminating primer hit my Rite Aid. And the best thing was it was buy one get 2nd free! so  I decided to pick up the foundation :) I grabbed two shades and on top of the discount I got $6 off! which made me pay less then $11 for both! total score if you ask me :)

I ran home and opened it up. I had to try it even tho it was around 4pm already, but oh well. 

First off, foundation comes in very heavy duty glass bottle. I like that I feels more expensive then it actually is. Second there is a nice shade range for the foundation. My store got around 8 on the display but I think on PF website is way more. I am super happy that PF introduce to us more shades, and not their topically Fair, Medium, Dark range. No one does 3 colors anymore. I like to see that they stepped up their game :)

What surprised me was the applicator. It like the one you get in a concealer :) I don't think I own a foundation that have this type of applicator. I do prefer pump in my foundation, but I learned how to work with this type as well :) 

Now the foundation is long wearing and build-able. Blends easily. When I use a brush to blend it in I get more of a medium  coverage, but with damped sponge gives light to medium and more natural looking. I do prefer sponge. I really like how healthy and natural it looked.  I really did like how it wore too. I did get oily throughout the day but that's normal hahah . God sometimes I hate my skin.   On my oily skin lasted 8h. Which is good.  I used it on top of Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer. I bought my in shades LC1 and LN4. Combined they are really nice match to my skin.

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 It contains all skin friendly ingredients. One of them is Hyaluronic Acid, which supposed to improve skin tone appearance. Vitamin A, C and E help hydrate and nourish, while SPF 20 helps again sun rays. 

(slightly blended)

Overall I really enjoyed it. Worth trying out, since PF claims it is for all skin types :) 

I think it is one of the best foundation at drugstore. Now I need to hunt down all other new launches by the brand and there is few of it hahaha :)

Kokie Cosmetics ~ Unicorn inspired nails #1

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Feels good when you discover affordable brands right?  I heard of Kokie Cosmetics back when KathleenLight showed an Ipsy unboxing video . She was talking about the nail polish she got and if I remember it good, she really liked it. 

 I remember checking the brand up after the video. 

They started in US in 2015. If I read it right the CEO of Kokie was previous CEO of Sinful Colors. And yes I love Sinful Colors. Anyways Kokie, pronounce co-key, means elephant in Korean.  And if you look closely there is an elephant in the logo as well as on the polishes cap. 

I didn't purchase  or try anything untill now.

 I saw Kokie Cosmetics in Octoly free store, so I had to try something.  The products that caught my eyes were nail polishes. Set of 10 unicorn inspired colors.  I was lucky enough to be accepted in the campaign, and now here are my first swatches. 

I will try to show you new combinations every week and just swatches them all separately. I wanted to do it Sunday, but well not enough time. 

I painted my nails Sunday evening using NP31 Knockout and NP57 Intergalactic. 

They are 3 free and cruelty free. 

And I must say I love the combo. Knockout is gorgeous vibrant purple and Intergalactic have so many gorgeous sparkles in that for sure makes nails galactic! 

Intergalactic is a sheer purple based color and that why it look so good on the Knockout. Plus that little purple - gold flex makes nails so pretty. I can't stop looking at them :)

For my nails I used Maxus base and top coat. I applies two coats of Knockout and one coat of Intergalactic. 

Stay tuned for more paring :) I have 8 more polishes to show you. 

Kokie have in their offer over 80 polishes and a nail junkie in me wants them all. 

Each retails at $6 and can be purchase at Kokie Website.