Ready or Not, Hair I Come...

Alright so this post isn't technically about something that you would put on your face, but it is definitely still beauty related! I have been growing my hair out from a pixie cut for about six months now and for the past couple of months, it feels like my hair has been growing super slow. I think that I have A.D.D. with my hair because I am always wanting to cut it or dye it, or do something new. I think that this growing out process has made me super bored with my hair, since there is not much I can do with it, and its not necessarily in any great style. Therefore, I find myself oogling over hair cuts I want when my hair is long enough. Anyways, I thought I would share some of the haircuts I am loving and excited to try out. There seems to be a trend of asymmetrical bobs and straight bangs...

 

What's the bravest decision you've made when it comes to your hair? How/ why did you decide to do it? Did you love it? Did you hate it?

Be-You-Tiful!

Review: Catastrophe Cosmetic

Okay, so I went to Lush today to show my friend Charissa my new favorite store and decided that I wanted to try the Catastrophe Cosmetic fresh face mask, but they were all out. But not to fear! I got a hefty free sample that provided a nice thick mask, of which I am currently wearing. I wish I could say it is a glorious experience but I put it on right when I got home (so I didn't let it chill in the fridge). That combined with the fact that it is blazing hot in Texas and I live on the 3rd floor and sweat even with the A.C. at full blast, makes a heavy mask on my face less than refreshing. (It's not so bad if I fan my face with a magazine). I'll be back with a description of the mask and a review after I wash this off...

Fresh blueberries are rich in beneficial antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation and act as a mild antiseptic. Soothing chamomile, Irish moss and almond oil work with the gentle cleansing action of calamine to save your skin.

Ingredients: Calamine Powder, Talc, Irish Moss Gel, Fresh Blueberries, Glycerine, Almond Oil, Rose Absolute, Chamomile Blue Oil, Sweet Wild Orange Oil 

 Okay, so what I loved about this product is that its a purply blue color and has little pieces of actual blueberries in it. I also loved how easily it applied to my face. It went on super smooth, especially compared to my BB Seaweed and Magnaminty masks. As smooth as it went on, it was even smoother to take off. There was no scrubbing involved... it kind of just.. melted off. WONDERFUL. I also liked how it brightened my skin and removed *most* of the redness. It also left my skin super soft, but this isn't anything surprising, it is a Lush product after all.

What I did not like about it is that it did not do what I was hoping to do. I still have a few breakouts while my skin care products are pulling out all the toxins, and they tend to be really sensitive and get red really easily. I was really hoping that this mask would calm them down and pull the redness out. While it did calm them a bit, it did not eliminate the redness. Boo. Also, while the mask did remove all other traces of red and leave my face nice and white, it was kind of a dull white. Almost as if I put a too-light powder all over my face. This is probably due to the talc in the mask.

Overall, I am actually really glad I ended up with a free sample instead of purchasing the mask. I got to try it out and didn't have to waste my money doing so. I do really like the mask, but the immediate effects just aren't worth it. On the other hand, if my skin is magically clear in the morning.....

While still dedicated to my BB Seaweed Mask, the next mask I would like to try out is the Ayesha mask...

Spellbinding ingredients to smooth away wrinkles. Lasts long enough for a magical evening. Tightening and absorbent clays, deeply effective asparagus, vitamin rich kiwi fruit, bewitching elderflower and witch hazel leave the skin radiant, relaxed and refreshed.

Ingredients: Fullers Earth, Honey; Elderflower and Limeflower Decoction , Glycerine, Fresh Asparagus, Fresh Kiwi Fruit, Kaolin, Witch Hazel Extract, Rose Absolute, Rosemary Oil, Patchouli Oil, Elderflower Vinegar, Bentonite Gel

 While my 20 year old skin doesn't quite have wrinkles or lines yet, I would love to try out the radiant, relaxed, and refreshed skin effects! I have read that it shrinks pores and leaves skin super duper smooth. Yes please! Lush masks are so great because they have eight(?) different ones that serve different purposes and they are only $6 each and last three weeks, so they are super affordable and fun to try :)

Be-you-tiful!

The Daily Paint

I have shown you guys the products I use in my skin care routine, so now it's time for my makeup routine! (If you'd like specifics on any of the products, feel free to ask!) Keep in mind that this is the usual, everyday makeup for whenever I feel like doing a full face of makeup. Some days, I get lazy and wear less, or none at all. Some days and/or nights, I will wear a more dramatic eye for special occasions or just when I want a little something extra!

Bare Minerals Well-Rested for Eyes

Pulling an all-nighter has never been this inconspicuous. These beautiful, eye-brightening bareMinerals magically diminish the look of droopy drowsiness and dark shadows. The Blending Brush gives you precise control to get into those dark inner corners. So you always look naturally lively and refreshed — no matter what.

Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation

A weightless, skin-perfecting powder, Mary Kay® Mineral Powder Foundation in Ivory 2 provides buildable coverage and is transfer-resistant so it won't fade away midday. It's a skin perfecter that makes lines, wrinkles and other imperfections seem to disappear. And it's suitable for sensitive skin. It blends effortlessly with the sweep of a brush for a flawless look.

Lancome Blush Subtil Shimmer in Shimmer Mandarin Sky

A sparkling shimmer of color for a radiant glow. This luxuriously silky powder blush glides on with its own brush to color and contour for a flawless application every time. Silky soft, micro-bubble formula glides on easily and evenly, and lasts for hours. Oil-free and oil-absorbing, yet moisture-balancing. Ideal for all skin types.

Mac Eyeshadow in Nylon

 

 

Mac 212 Flat Definer Brush

Lines and define the eye with colour. Firmly bristled, flat of shape; applies colour in a stroke to provide instant definition. Use with powder, liquid or cream products. Synthetic.

Be-you-tiful!

April Birch Box

I got my first Birch Box today!

"Every month, you’ll receive a box filled with four to five samples from luxury brands. Each month will be a different mix of beauty product types, including makeup, skincare, fragrance, body, and hair products. All samples are generously sized, with enough product to allow you to figure out if they’re right for you. You’ll also want to take advantage of Birchbox.com, which is packed with all the beauty information and tips you need, including expert interviews, helpful tutorials, and fun videos."

The subscription service is only $10 a month and the products sent to you (deluxe sample size) seem to be worth more than that $10 anyways! This month's box had an eco-friendly theme (which I love!) Here is what I got in mine...

I love this lotion! My favorite scents are Lavender, Vanilla, and Sandalwood, and this body butter combines two of them into a yummy smell. The packaging is beautiful, the best part is that it is all natural. I actually received the 2.75 oz tube shown on the website shown above, so this alone covered the cost of my entire Birch Box and then some! I have already tried this out, and it definitely absorbs instantly as it claims which actually made it difficult for me to get enough on my legs to adequately moisturize. I could put more product on, but I want this tube to last me so I think I will just use it as a nice hand cream. I already have a body butter that I like from Lush, but I do not have a hand cream! Also, I had no knowledge of this company until now, and after browsing their site a bit, I will definitely be considering trying out some of their products, especially their candles :)

A potent alpha and beta hydroxy acid complex with certified organic apple, lemon, grape, raw cane sugar and willow bark delivers spa-grade exfoliation. This full strength facial peel will reveal a natural, brighter complexion while firming the skin and eliminating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

   

Replenish and firm your skin with this nutrient-rich moisturizer. Combining a brightening complex of certified organic apple, lemon and grape juices, with nourishing essential fatty acids, age-defying alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C, peptides and DMAE for optimum age defying results.

Clinically proven to reduce free radical damage by over 59% due to its' high antioxidant action and to present a significant moisturizing effect of the superficial layers of the epidermis, increasing hydration by over 30% and lasting up to three hours after application.

 I have not tried either of the Juice Beauty products, simply because my face is still in the "purging" process due to my new Lush skin care. Once the Lush products get all the toxins out of my skin, I will try these. I already know that I will love the peel because I have used numerous other Alpha Beta peels in the past and have loved the results, but they are always too expensive for me to keep up regular use, which will probably be the case with this one as well. As for the moisturizer, for double the price of my miracle moisturizer that I am currently using, this one better be pretty stellar for me to even consider switching. They should be fun to try out though!

 

I have never tried ZOYA nail polish, but I know that its quality is equal to other brands such as OPI, Essie, and China Glaze. I am currently loving Essie nail polishes (they last FOREVER before chipping), but I am excited to try ZOYA's vegan formula. I really like the color and I don't really have a nail polish like it. I got a good sized sample, about half the size of a full sized bottle, which means I got $4 worth of polish. (Birch Box samples really add up!) I'll be painting my nails this color next time!

Top Notes: Jasmine, Green Leaves
Mid Notes: Lavender, Lily of the Valley, Ocean
Dry Notes: Musk, Sandalwood

  I was actually afraid of this perfume, even after reading that there are some really beautiful scents within it. "Earth" as the name of a scent made me think of dirt, or leaves. Actually the perfume is quite the opposite. It smells floral and woodsy at the same time. Its a very clean and fresh scent, but rich and comforting. It is not a scent I would pick out on my own, but I actually really love it. I don't buy expensive perfumes, usually I pick up the cheap ones at Bath and Body Works (Sweet Pea all the way!) and those tend to last forever. I have two expensive perfumes, one I got my freshman year from an ex-boyfriend (Abercrombie & Fitch), and one I got when I was in Italy three years ago (Moschino's Funny). I still have almost all of the Abercrombie perfume, that I wear only whenever I want to smell like I am wearing perfume (it smells good..just strongly of perfume), and I adored Funny so much that I ran out very quickly and I have been saving the last remaining drops for very special occasions. I think I will wear Earth until my hearty sample runs out and see how I feel about it. It will have to prove pretty special to convince me to break the bank whenever my beloved Funny has yet to be worth spending the $$$. 

Bloomin has always operated at the forefront of environmental consciousness. Today, people choose our products to communicate their own green initiatives. The most Earth-friendly marketing medium available, our seed paper is made from 100% post-industrial, recycled paper and dyed with all-natural, vegetable-based pigments. Our products are printed with water- and soy-based inks and our packaging is primarily corn-based. Our production facilities are sustainable, too. We recently installed a 30kW solar power system, so we are now powered by the same sun that makes our products grow!

Now, this product isn't beauty related, but I am still obsessed! The brand is called Bloomin (click the picture to link to their site), and they print all sorts of things on paper that you can plant and grow flowers with! How awesome is that?!!? Hello best Get Well or Thank You cards EVER! My sample paper turns into wild flowers :) Since I live in an apartment and do not have a place to plant things.. so sad... I think I will keep this in my wallet and plant it somewhere that could use a little whimsy!

Be-you-tiful!

The Basics

I have another blog where I usually tend to talk about all things God, art, fashion, and politics (that interest me of course).  I find myself wanting to talk about skin care and makeup (other passions), but it seems to just not fit with the content of my other blog. I have found that there are some people who really enjoy when I talk about skin care and makeup and some people find those posts irrelevant and uninteresting. So, here's my "From My Face to Your Face" blog. I am here for simple information, my opinions, or advice.. just take everything I say with a grain of salt because I by no means have everything figured out! I am just learning as I go, and sharing what I love/ hate about all things skin care and makeup!

I want to keep my first post simple, sharing the things I use in my skincare routine. I won't go into detail on any of the products. (Just ask if you want to know more!)

My Skintype:
Young skin (no fine lines)
Combination skin (oily t-zone, dryier cheeks)
Acne prone
Sensitive

I have recently started using Lush products since discovering their store. What I love about them is that they are relatively inexpensive, and you can basically pick your price by choosing a smaller amount of product. The products are highly concentrated and all natural, great for your skin ingredients and a little bit goes a long way. After only two days of using these products, my skin has not only cleared up but my face is softer, brighter, and more even. Another thing I love about Lush is that I will be able to use it whenever I study abroad in France next semester because there are multiple Lush stores in Paris! Also, none of the products are liquid with a few exceptions,  so travel is no issue!

Ultrabland

 

"Ultrabland is now made with an almond oil base. Our cream cleanser takes off make-up and leaves your skin nourished. It's gentle, but the deeply-cleansing oils reach down and remove stubborn dirt and makeup. Rose, beeswax and honey soothe and moisturise the skin. Cleanse each night, then remove with a warm cloth and your skin will feel soft and smooth without any scrubbing at all. It's bland and ultra effective."

 Fresh Farmacy

 

"Cleansing chamomile and calamine bar for troublesome skin. Fresh Farmacy is the soothing, cleansing bar to reach for whenever you see a spot starting rear its ugly head. It makes a tiny bit of froth to clean your face gently. And because it's made with masses of calamine and chamomile, it's one of the most extraordinarily calming cleansers known to humankind. We add rose, tea tree and lavender essential oils for their powerful, skin-calming properties. It doesn't only deal with spots, it soothes and eases other skin troubles, too."

UPDATE: I think this dried my skin out a little too much (glad I got a small size!)

 Angels on Bare Skin

 

"Angelic and medieval cleansing wash with rose and lavender. Angels on Bare Skin is the Lush version of an expensive medieval skincare recipe. Rare, precious essential oils were first brought to Europe by the crusaders who encountered Arabian medicine. They were immediately banned by the church because their ability to alter states of mind was considered the devil's work! Rose oil and lavender oil were discovered to do wonderful things for the skin, too. Almost a thousand years later you'd be hard pressed to find a better all round cleanser and exfoliator than Angels."

 BB Seaweed Mask

 

"Relaxing and reviving, mineral-rich mask to cleanse, soften and beautify all skins. This blend, inspired by the sea, contains fresh and nutritious seaweed and seaweed absolute. Cleansing kaolin, antiseptic honey, calming aloe vera and rose absolute make this a great mask for everyone. Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave for five to ten minutes, then rinse."

Mask of Magnaminty

 

"Deep cleansing, minty face and back pack. After an overnight flight, a marath

on in a rabbit suit or a walk along the Marylebone Road during rush hour, do you feel a deep need to be scrubbed clean? Here's a cleansing mask to do exactly that; China clay and bentonite gel will pull the dirt from your pores, ground aduki beans and evening primrose seeds exfoliate surface skin cells, and peppermint oil will make you feel so fresh and minty that you'll forget you were ever grubby"

No7 Heavenly Hydration Moisture Mask

 

"No7 Heavenly Hydration Moisture Mask is an intensely quenching treat for softer, smoother skin."

Buffy the Backside Slayer

"Exfoliating scrub for your seating area. Use Buffy on wet skin, in the bath or the shower, to make you softer and smooth to the touch. Buff yourself all over, paying special attention to your backside if you would like special attention to be paid to it in future; rinse off the ground up exfoliating bits of rice, almonds and beans and pat yourself dry. There's no need for body lotion after a Buffy, because the cocoa and shea butters in it moisturise your skin beautifully. There's something about exfoliating your body that makes you feel bright and bouncy as well as smooth all over. Slay that cellulite."

Things I Want to Try 

Catastrophe Cosmetic Mask

"Fresh blueberries are rich in beneficial antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation and act as a mild antiseptic. Soothing chamomile, Irish moss and almond oil work with the gentle cleansing action of calamine to save your skin. Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave for five to ten minutes, then rinse away."
The Comforter Bubble Bar

"This fruity bubble bar gives the feeling of being hugged by a jolly blackcurrant. When life is getting you down, crumble The Comforter under hot, running water for purple water and creamy bubbles. The warm aroma of cassis absolute is relaxing so relaxing that you'll go to bed feeling happier and the world will seem brighter the next day."

Tea Tree Water Toner

"Ah, tea tree: how do we love thee? Tea tree is extremely soothing and can work wonders on troubled or oily skin. We've also added juniper berry and grapefruit waters to refresh and gently tone with natural oils. Use this throughout the day to help tackle blemishes and lift your spirits."

 Celestial Moisturizer
 

"Heavenly moisturiser for sensitive skin types. Although it's true that some perfumes can irritate sensitive skin, like stronger spice oils, others are really good for preventing redness and reactions. Natural vanilla absolute is one of them. We use it in Celestial for its soothing effect and intoxicating scent. Almond milk and dove orchid are wonderful for calming. This moisturiser helps to create a light barrier on the skin and keeps skin in good condition."

 UPDATE: I tried a sample of this and it broke me out. I will stick with my No. 7 Moisture Mask!

Saving Face Serum

"Saving Face contains thyme infusion to alleviate problems, while the grapefruit and lime oils tone and refresh your face by mopping up excess oils and making your skin sparkle. The illipe and shea butters moisturize the skin with natural goodness. The ingredients are more concentrated and will really enhance any other products you use with it. Massage into the skin to save that lovely face of yours from trouble, or apply before using a Fresh Face Mask to enhance the effect."

UPDATE: They don't have this in stores. Maybe online, but I am not sure.

Schnuggle

"When you get out of your night-time bath or shower, massage this moisturizing cocoa butter bar into your skin. The absorbent powders in Shnuggle make your skin feel soft and not the slightest bit oily, as though you've been sprinkled with skin-smoothing fairy dust. It's lovely right before bed because it moisturizes skin but you're saved the worry about ruining the sheets! The dreamy, soporific fragrance of lavender, chamomile, ginger and sandalwood (similar to our Dreamtime Luxury Bath Melt) will send you off peacefully into the land of nod."

UPDATE: Sampled this and it doesn't seem to absorb well into my skin.

Irresistible Bliss Solid Shampoo

"How do you know if you have normal hair? If your hair is not dry or oily or flyaway or troublesome in any way, it's classified as ‘normal'. How silly is that? It should be re-classified as ‘perfect'. It's perfectly obvious that it's ‘normal' to have problem hair. To keep your ‘normal' hair perfect, wash with this irresistible pale pink bar. It will leave your hair looking perfectly normal and smelling of fresh flowers."

Jungle Solid Conditioner

"Helen Ambrosen was the first person to make a solid conditioner work. She discovered that cocoa butter will slide on to your hair to make it softer, then dissolve in water to leave it shiny and smooth. Jungle feels different on your hair from liquid conditioner; until you wash it off, you hardly notice it's there. It smoothes and detangles, leaving a fruitily scented coat of shininess. Smooth it along the length of your hair from root to tip, then rinse out."

Update: I LOVE THIS!

Be-you-tiful!