My Summer SPF Edit ~ High End and Drugstore

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Sun damage is number one cause of premature skin aging.  Not to mention skin cancer. So went to my skin care drawer and pulled out all my sunscreens or basically anything with SPF in it.
I am not going to make a long introduction coz we all know how important is a good sunscreen.

Here are my top favorites

* Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant (SPF 33) ~ I discoverer this brand thanks to BrandBacker. This sunscreen protects skin from harmful environmental damage and prevent visible signs of aging. The lightweight formula features a universal sheer tint with clear matte finish. Glycerin keeps skin hydrated while rich antioxidants neutralize free radicals. Micronized zinc and titanium block harmful UV rays and soothe irritation. It is not sticky and works perfect under foundation.  Available at JanMarini.com , Price $51

* Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked SPF 45 Sunscreen ~ one of my newest addition to my SPF family. All mineral lightweight lotion with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provides board-spectrum SPF 45 protection. Vitamin A, C and E and safflower extract help nourish skin appearance while providing antioxidant benefits.  I like the tint and they way it blend with the skin. Again it can be use under the makeup. You can get it at Sephora and Sephora.com, Price $38

* La Roche Posay Anthelois Clear Skin (SPF 60) ~  absorbs pore- clogging oil even in the heat and humidity.  It is formulated with a unique oil absorbing complex with Perlite and Silica , providing anti shine properties and keep skin matte. It is not greasy or sticky, it don't leave a white cast. I love how it keeps my oil at bay and it is perfect for NYC humid and heat weather. I also use it on my daughter and it didn't break or irritate her skin. Definitely a keeper. You can buy it anywhere they sell La Roche Posay products: Walgreens, Target etc. Price $20

* Insta Natural Vitamin C Moisturizer with SPF 30 ~  I love Insta Natural skin care. as the name suggest they are natural and don't use chemicals in their products and they are based in Orlando :) Hoping to visit them one day :) I got this Moisturizer last year and I can tell you I use it a lot! The moisturizer is formulated to prevent common signs of aging and protect skin against daily sun exposure. It is mineral based and contains ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Sunflower Seed Oil and Zinc and Titanium Dioxide . Here is the link to review from last year (here). Insta Natural is sold at Walmart, Amazon and InstaNatural. com. Price $22

* Lancome Renergie Lift Multi-action Ultra Sunscreen SPF 30 ~ Powered by linseed extract, this moisturizer works lift, firm and improve wrinkles and visibly reduce the dark spots. It absorbs quick, its oil free and it wont clog pores. SPF 30 provides additional protection against environmental skin damage. It blends nicely into the skin, no white residue. Leaves skin hydrate, radiant  and comfortable. I like to wear under or with no makeup at all. You can get it at Sephora, Macys, Ulta , etc. Price $99.

What are your favorite sunscreens or moisturizers with SPF?

Lancome L'absolu Rouge Lipsticks and Matte Shakers ~ swatches and review

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I get so excited every time I see Lancome products in Octoly store. 

Lancome is so good to me! Thank you so much for accepting and sending me all your wonderful products for the review.  It means a lot for a small blogger like me. 

This is not my first review of Lancome products on my blog. In the past I reviewed their color correctors (click here) and L'absolu Lipsticks (click here).

Also at some point I will be reviewing the Absolute Powders and Eye Cream :) 

Today I will be reviewing both L'absolu and Matte Shakers lippies. 

This time all my L'absolu Rouge lipstick came in cream finish. aside from matte, cream is my favorite. 

The lipsticks are really opaque and feel hydrating  on the lips. I really adore this formula.  Lipsticks wear pretty long and there is no need to reapply often.  there is about 44 shades in range so for sure you find something for yourself 

Shades I got:

* Beige Mirage ~ very pretty nudy beige with slight peachy undertones. I love this color , It look so pretty on its own and over a lip liner. Definitely one of my go to nudes. 

* Exotic Orchid ~ another my favorite. And I think this will be my most wearable color.  I would describe it as a nude rosy shade with hints of mauve. Kinda your lips but better :)  Out off Lancome lipsticks I won this one is by far my favorite. 

* Impatiente ~ This lippie unfortunately got stabbed with my nail.. ugh  clumsy me. Impatiente is this orangey red that personally I feel that don't look good on me :(...  There is something about the orange undertone that I cant pull it off.. yeah  thats how I feel.  If You ask my hubby and he will tell you that he dont care, I look good in any color :) Gotta love him ! Aside that slight orange undertone I will def will be wearing this beauty. Like I said this formula is really good. 

* Absolute Rouge ~ this creamy bright red with hints of pink in it.  Classic red that every girl needs. Beautiful and very wearable. This color and classic black wing liner and you good to go.  I do love red lips If I could I could be wearing red lipstick every day :) 

L'absolu rouge lipsticks are simply great. I love very comfortable formula and pigmentation. The do have a very nice scent to them . I do like scented makeup products, I dunno I know some people don't :) I mean come on whats not to love. They are luxurious, creamy and long lasting. I am eyeing one shade from this range. I swatched in sephora few weeks ago and fell in love :) Now hubby gotta pull out big bucks and get me that lipsticks.

Matte Shakers, a follow up to their glossy Juicy Shakers. Comes in the same cute cocktail shaker inspired tube.  The unique cushion sponge applicator allows maximum absorption. as for me  it is  really hard  to apply on the lips. Especially with darker colors. It gets messy  all over. I have to use a brush to clean up the edges.  The formula is really lightweight but really pigmented.  For me they do feel more like a lip stain than matte liquid lipstick. It take about 15 min for  the color to dry on the lips, once it does its transfer and kiss proof, plus you don't even feel the lipstick on the lips at all.   Formula contains water and oil so you have to shake to tube ( you will hear beads jumping in it ). The shake allows for the water and oil to mix up first. Do that before applying.  They do feel hydrating on the lips thanks to Vitamin E :)

 a little note: I didn't shacked Magic Orange, you can see how sheer is it on the swatch below.  And than there is another swatch of it once I shook the tube. 

There are 7 colors in the collection . The Shades I got:

* Beige Vintage ~ ummm hello! my new FAVE! I know I have a lot of faves lately. But this color is so pretty. warm dusty rose. Its is so flattering on my lips :) I love colors like that. 

* Energy Peach ~ beautiful classy peach shade. I don't own many peach lipsticks, one of my faves is Just Peachy by wet n wild, and since than I don't really reach for peachy shades often. This one is really pretty and looks beautiful on :)

* Magic Orange ~ when i first swatched it I was disappointed coz it was really sheer... but well I didn't shake the tube  so there was no color, but ... after i did OMG that orange is so bright and fun! I does look a lot brighter in the tube than on the lips. It is bright but not that bright  LOL .. you know what I am saying hahah  ...Wish I could pull off orange lips :( but yeah such a fun summer shade 

Here is a better swatch of Magic Orange. It does look better on the lips tho. :)

The last matte shaker was send to me before , but I thought why not include it in this post :)

.* Kiss Me Cherie ~ beautiful blue based red   and yes i love blue based reds. This one is like a berry kind of red that will look gorgeous on anyone :)

Aside of that big sponge applicator I really like them. If I am not mistaking they retail something around $22 which is not bad at all.

Thanks Lancome and Octoly ! Products were send for my honest review. 

Lancôme L' Absolu Rouge - Hydrating Shaping Lipstick ~ swatches and review

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L' Absolu Rouge Lipsticks are simply divine. After 25 years they got  they got re-vamped and come in new black sleek, click-to-close tube. Don't worry there is an instruction on the box. I admit was a bit confused and had no clue how to opened it LOL. The tube is sleek lacquer with signature Lancome rose as a gold domed seal on the cap- with just one push of the rose , the lipstick is revealed.  The L'Absolu was created by Lisa Eldridge. 

 4 shades I got:

* 202 Nuit & Jour ~ Sheer nude. Perfect for everyday wear. This would look so nice if it was matte or even cream formula. Overall i like this one a lot! Like I said prefect for every day :)

* 132 Caprice ~ creamy red. Super sexy red! If you love reds you need this one in your stash :) applies really smooth and buttery . Amazing texture and super vibrant red! Summer  red for sure!

* 397 Berry Noir ~ matte berry shade. Oh if you like your vampy lips that this one is for you. Opaque in one swipe, best part non drying formula! this matte not only last long but it feels comfortable! 

* 378 Rose Lancome ~ matte pink. Im not a fan of pinks, but wow this is is just gorgeous! Matte fuschia pink that can be worn all year round. I think its prefect for all seasons. Same matte opaque, long lasting and comfortable formula like with Berry noir. 

I am in love! I have never tired that lipstick range before. I really like the formula on all. Creamy and mattes are really long lasting, and they do feel really good on the lips. Colors are stunning !  Nuit & Jour is really sheer and it give a nice glossy look, which I really like. With the minimum makeup I wear these days I say Yes to it :) 

They are ulta luxurious ! Available in 44 shades and 3 finishes ~ sheer, cream and matte. You can gbt them anywhere where Lancome is sold : Sephora, Ulta, Lancome online, Macys, Bloomingdles. 

Price $32 each

* disclaimer : Lipsticks were #gifted to me by Lancome and Octoly  #octolyfamily for #honestreview. Opinions are my own.  

Night time Skin Care Routine including SRB, Bravura London, Dr.Brandt.

Skin Care is the most important part of the day. I get send a lot of pr skin care and I am trying to switch around as much as I can and then share it with you.As a disclaimer all the products mentioned in this post were send to me. To be honest I don't remember when was the last time I bought a skin care product.  and also I have to mention that I don't get paid for reviewing these products. I get send them to me for my honest opinion. So if I dont like something I definitely let you know. 

I usually start my skin care around 9-10pm that is the time that I am done with dinner , homework, etc (monday to Friday) On the weekends my skin care look a bit different.

First I reach for makeup wipes. I use them to wipe off rest of my makeup. One wipe sheet is enough to clean my face. The makeup wipes I been currently using are my the brand Celavi in scent Milk. The brand offers more scents to choose. I have one more in Honey but I don't really like the scent. The Milk ones smells amazing and the wipes are soaked really good. And they take off makeup with ease. They don't feel harsh or anything. There is 30 in a package and they cost less than $5 score! So if you ever are looking for new inexpensive wipes I recommend Celavi in scent MILK :) for more scents click here,

once my face is clean I go to my eye makeup. And here with help comes Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover.  this guy is new in my cosmetic bag but after few uses it become a staple for me. It is really gentle! realy! if you have a sensitive eyes try this! my eyes love it! I didn't notice any burning, no blurry vision, no irritation , nothing! before I pour few drops on a cotton pad I give it a good shake and then press on closed lid to soak up the eyeshadow and mascara and then I sweep it off. I have a small 1.7fl oz (50ml) bottle that was gifted to me my a friend, but once I am done I am getting full size .. unless my friend can get me one more LOL.
Lancome Bi-Facil is available in every Lancome counter price for : 1.7 fl oz - $15, 4.2 fl oz - $30, 6.7fl oz -$39

Ok so now I'm don with my makeup, time to wash my face. Here I been using a Stabilized Rice Bran Enzyme Powder Wash by korean brand SRB. There is a huge hype on korean products! I guess it got to me too! LOl I actually want to try more korean brand and I might check some asian subscription boxes for that. I was contacted on my Instagram by the Choc Choc Cosmetics (korean beauty store in Chicago) they asked me if I would like to try SRB rice bran enzyme wash. Well you don't have to ask me twice hahah.

Yes! and this was a really good decision. I freaking love this cleanser and I will give you 10 good reason that you will too love it :
* First off - is great for all skin types even for the sensitive skin!
* Second - it is really gentle and non irritating (hence great for sensitive skin).
* Third - skin feels so soft and looks healthy after using it
* Fourth - rice bran extract helps repair damage skin
* Fifth - no uncomfortable dryness or tightness after using
* Sixth - smells really nice , like baby formula or cereal :)
* Seventh - really easy to use, just add few drops of water and then clean your face.
* Eight - skin feels clean and refreshed
* Ninth - brightens up the complexion
* Tenth - even kids can use it :) coz of the gentle formula.
I tried it on my daughter and she and her skin loves it :) She told me that her face feels so smooth and soft :) So yeah kids love it too!
if you are interested you can purchase it here.
Price $25

once I am done with washing my face it is time for mask. I don't do masks everyday but once in awhile. For a past few weeks I went back to my holy grail mask by Dr.Brandt Oxygen Facial Flash Recovery Mask.  I talked about it before you can check it here. But yes this mask will always have a special place in my skin care, My face feels soooo good after. I try to use it only if I really need to, I dont know if I will be able to purchase it again - the price is kinda high for my small budget and pay check :(  but it is worth every penny. I will wait for some sale or coupons tho.

My last two steps are with newest addition to my skin care by Bravura London. Salicylic Acid 2% Peel - this is such a an amazing products for acne/oily skin. Salicylic Acid is great for deeply penetrate pores, to dissolve oil buildup, It is housed in a navy blue frosted bottle and it comes with a dropper. it have clear and fragrance free formula. Bravura London recommend to use this peel for 10 (max 30min) and then rinse with water. I prefer to keep it overnight (as a serum) and then wash it off in the morning. Also it can be use  as a spot treatment :) talking about versatile product :) I didn't notice any dryness and my face looks much much better. Usually Salicylic Acid dry my skin but this one feels better :)

On the nights that I dont use Salicylic Acid I reach for their Azulene Moisturizer -  light moisturizer with healing properties. It is prefect for my oily skin. I didn't find it greasy or oily. There is no fragrance to it either. It absorbs intently and leaves my skin feeling nourish. he moisturizer come sin a blue frosted jar wit rose gold cap. The moisturizer itself is blue! but don;t worry there is no dye added. It is blue because of the Azulene plant and no it wont make your face blue :)
Over all Bravura London line is amazing, especially for people with problematic skin such as me. I am really looking forward to try more. I have to more products waiting for me to open them :) SO i better get going and do so.
I also have to mention that Bravura is Cruelty free and Vegan friendly :)
you can shop here.
Salicylic Acid 
Azulene Moisturizer

So that is it for my night time routine. I will do a post on a day time  routine soon.
Did you try any of the products mention here? let me know what is your holy grail skin care product :)

August Beauty Challenge ~ Colourpop, Stila and Lancome.

I will combine few Makeup Brands together. 

I have only a little of each and there is no point of writing separate posts. 

COLOURPOP COSMETICS 

1. Lippie Stick in Lumiere

2. Birthday Girl Eyeshadow

STILA COSMETICS 

1.Pretty In Pink Blush

LANCOME

1. Lancome Color Quad #350

2.Color Design Drama Palette ~ Taupe Craze #100

3.Color Design Palette ~ Blush Sweetness #209