Essie's The Perfect Cover Up

If you are looking to update your nail color this Fall season, be sure to pick up this shade! The Perfect Cover Up by Essie is a dark grey/teal combo that is gorgeous on the nails. It is rich and creamy and goes on extremely well for being a thicker color. This polish is a part of Essie's Fall 2014 Collection called Dress to Kilt. There are some other super cute colors in this collection that I need to try, stat!

You can find this at your local drugstore for around $8.50 or on Amazon Essie Fall 2014 Dress to Kilt Nail Polish Collection, Perfect Cover Up

Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick

Hey all! I'm SO sorry it's taken me so long to post lately. I moved towns, started a new job and just had a lot of adjusting/getting settled to accomplish. I definitely missed blogging so I'm ready to get back to it!

This is one of my most coveted, new products in my regime.......thanks to my good friend Lindsay! She told me about this a few months ago and it took me a bit to run out and try it but I am so thankful I did. This is an all natural blemish stick that mainly consists of natural oils to help get rid of pesky acne. It contains 10 herbal ingredients and definitely has the herbal scent to it. If you do not like any type of herbal scent, this may not be the blemish treatment for you. I happen to love those earthy scents so I love using this.

What I find pretty amazing is that I can have a blemish coming on and I'll apply this at night and the next morning, it's gone. Like magic! With all my other "zit creams", it seemed to take a day or two, if not longer, for the blemishes to disappear. This is a great economical purchase! You can find this for around $10.00 at any local drugstore or on Amazon

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

At last, a wonderful drug-store brand eye cream has arrived! CeraVe has added an eye cream to their line and it's fabulous. This eye cream is supposed to help with dark circles, puffiness and help repair the skin barrier around the eyes. It is fragrance-free and contains many skin repairing ingredients. It has a thick lotion consistency but absorbs well into the eye area. I use this during the day and don't have any issues with it being too greasy. I also love the packaging. It comes in a tube so that light and air cannot get to the sensitive ingredients. The only thing lacking, in my opinion, is it does not contain SPF. This is not an issue for me as I always apply SPF all over my face after I moisturize but I can see how some people would not like that. All in all, this is a great little eye cream. It's priced extremely reasonable and the company does not test on animals. You can find this for $12.99 at your local drugstore.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm

Orange is the new hot color of spring and is popping up everywhere! And I just happened to come across this gorgeous balm at a bargain price. This is Revlon's Colorburst Velvet Matte Balm in Mischievous. I have found that it gives just the right amount of color to your lips. It's not too overpowering (unless you swipe it on a lot) but still gives a nice color. It is pretty moisturizing for being a matte balm, however, I have found that it can settle in your lip lines if your lips are dry that day. An easy fix is to swipe on some clear lip balm before applying the matte balm. Oh and don't be scared of the bright orange color......it's very subtle, I promise! It almost comes off as a peach color. Perfect for Spring and Summer.

You can find this for around $9.00 at your local drugstore or on Amazon New Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm - 235 Mischievous

Pixi Correction Concentrate - Brightening Peach

I don't know too much about concealers as I haven't really used one, until now. I'm lucky that I don't have dark circles under my eyes but I do have some blue/green-ish veins that are apparent. And so, I thought I would try a concealer to see if it would improve my overall look by camouflaging those. I did tons of research and came across this little pot of brightening concealer. It only comes in one color and supposedly works on every single skin tone.......amazing! I had to get my hand on this. I've been using it for a week now and I do really love it. It's light and doesn't get cakey and covers my little veins very well. If you are looking for a heavy concealer, this may not be right for you. But, for $12 bucks, you can hardly beat it! You can find this at Target: Pixi Correction Concentrate - Brightening Peach

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips

I know I already posted about my favorite eye makeup remover, but, Erin (a friend from my hometown) suggested that I give this a whirl to remove the Benefit They're Real Mascara. And, I must say, it removed every inch of that pesky, hard to remove mascara! So now I can enjoy the awesomeness of the Benefit mascara and not spend 20 minutes at night trying to remove it. This makeup remover is extremely gentle and won't irritate or sting your eyes. I'm thinking that I can have a bottle of this to use solely for any type of waterproof makeup and stick with my Neutrogena makeup remover for every day use. You can find this for $18.00 at your local department store or on Sephora.

L'Oreal Infallible Lacquer Liner

I don't wear a lot of eye makeup on a daily basis but when I do wear eyeliner, this is my go-to product. I discovered this last summer and it quickly became my favorite eyeliner. It has this gel consistency that I love. Basically, it stays on forever and doesn't smudge everywhere like pencil liners do. It also comes with a cute little brush for you to apply it with. I purchased the Bronze color and I really like it with my eye color and skin tone. I was hoping for more of a sheen than it actually has but I still love the product enough to not care all that much. You can find this at your local drugstore for around $10 dollars or for a few dollars cheaper on Amazon: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Lacquer Eyeliner 24H, Bronze, 0.09 Ounces

Laura Mercier Radiance Primer

I read about this primer a few months ago and immediately went out to grab a sample.  I was hesitant at first because I'm not a big primer person.  I know people swear by it, but in my mind, it's just another step to add to my already crazy morning routine of lotions and potions.  Well, after one use, I was hooked.  It has this awesome radiance to it that gives you a wonderful glow.  I don't think I would wear this alone but under tinted moisturizer or foundation, it's a dream!  I am curious to see how this holds up in the hot, humid, sticky summers of the South as I am always looking for products that can sustain the weather here.

You can find this for $33.00 at Sephora:  http://www.sephora.com/foundation-primer-radiance-P299223
or even on Amazon: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance 1.7 oz  

Smith's Rosebud Salve

I love this little tin of salve!  I remember having one years ago but am not sure what happened to it so when I stumbled upon it in Sephora, I immediately got excited.  For six bucks, this little tin can do a lot.  It can be used as: a lip balm (which is primarily what I use it for), it can tame eyebrows and frizzy hair, it can be used as a highlighter on the face, an eye make-up remover, cuticle softener, sunburn reliever, a dry skin healer and for diaper rash.  A jack of many trades!  I carry this in my purse at all times, you never know when you may need it.

You can find this for $6.00 at Sephora: http://www.sephora.com/rosebud-salve-P42204?skuId=683490 or on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NCZ2RG/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000NCZ2RG&linkCode=as2&tag=prekitron-20

RoC Sensitive Eye Cream

I purchased this eye cream in hopes to find my new favorite eye cream for the day.  Instead, I received rough and dry under eye skin.  I think after using this for a few weeks and getting my delicate eye area used to the strong retinol, it would probably be fine.  But, I didn't want to wait that long.  The tightness under my eyes was just too uncomfortable for me.  If you are willing to slowly start this retinol eye cream a few days a week and wanting to really correct some fine lines, definitely try this.  I can tell you that the ingredients are active and working!  It just is not the eye cream for me for right now. 

You can find this at your local drug store or on Amazon for around $23.00:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B0LPSGO/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B0LPSGO&linkCode=as2&tag=prekitron-20

Cera Ve Foaming Facial Cleanser

To go along with my post last week, I now want to discuss the Cera Ve Foaming Facial Cleanser.  This stuff rocks!  It removes all my makeup in one cleaning and helps remove pesky eye makeup.  It also contains those great Cera Ve ingredients that are in the moisturizer to help replenish your skin. And, it is extremely gentle and non-comedogenic (does not cause acne by clogging pores).  However, if you have dry skin, this may not be the best cleanser for you.  It is meant for normal to oily skin.  They do offer a hydrating cleanser for normal to dry skin for those of you with dry skin.   I am pretty sure this is going to be my regular go-to cleanser from now on.

You can find this at your local drug store or on Amazon for around $10 dollars:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YMJJSK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003YMJJSK&linkCode=as2&tag=prekitron-20

Cera Ve Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM

I have been trying to search for some more "drug-store brand" products for you all and am so excited to share my findings!  I did a ton of research on good moisturizers and I discovered this one by CeraVe.  I chose the PM moisturizer because I already wear a separate sunscreen and wanted the option to wear this during the day or night. 

I am in love with this moisturizer.  It really hydrates my skin without leaving it greasy.  CeraVe products contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help the skin to attract, hold and distribute moisture.  This product also contains niacinamide, which may help reduce redness.  And, they do not test on animals.  A+ in my book. 

You can find this for around 10 dollars at your local drugstore or on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00365DABC/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00365DABC&linkCode=as2&tag=prekitron-20

The Wet Brush

This brush is a miracle brush.  I have the most fine, tangly hair and getting ready to brush my hair after a shower was always dreaded.  Until I met The Wet Brush.  I don't know how it works but it somehow manages to get my sopping wet hair brushed without pulling it out of my head.  It doesn't hurt at all.  I would definitely suggest this brush if you have kids and they're always complaining when you have to brush their hair or if you just have crazy tangly hair like mine.  There's no pulling or tugging, it's awesome.  Oh and, it's also great on dry hair too, don't let the name fool you!

Here is a link for The Wet Brush on Amazon.  You can find these for around 10 dollars.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C2BHZD0/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C2BHZD0&linkCode=as2&tag=prekitron-20

Aveda Hand Relief

This is my absolute favorite hand cream, hands down (no pun intended!).  I keep a full size bottle at my desk at work and carry a travel size bottle in my bag at all times.  I can't get enough of the scent, it is sort of citrus-y and just smells natural.  The lotion itself contains hydrating plant emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin E.  And, is not tested on animals, which I am a huge fan of. 

This is a great product for winter.  I definitely use it a few times a day and I've had the same bottle for at least a year.  A little goes a long way.  You can find this at any Aveda store for $22.50 or online at:

http://www.aveda.com/product/5205/16410/Body/Moisturize/Hand-Relief/index.tmpl

Do you have a favorite hand lotion?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

I have FINALLY found a foundation that I can call the HG (Holy Grail)!  I've tried what seems like hundreds of foundations and finally landed on this beauty.  I think after reading several articles on how amazing this product is, I caved and bought some.  I do remember trying this a few years ago but the color match was off and I returned it thinking it was awful, when really, I just needed a color adjustment.  So when I was in San Francisco last March, I made a trip to the department store and had them match me with the correct color.  I purchased a bottle on spot and still have that same bottle, almost a year later!  Granted, I don't use a ton of product each time but I do wear it religiously Monday-Friday. 

This foundation is so light and airy yet magically hides your imperfections and gives you that "candle-lit glow".  I can't stand heavy make-up but do need some coverage as I have a lot of redness in my face and this is perfect.  It's not heavy at all. 

You can find this online at http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-armani_us-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=A041&bookmark=471768 or at any major department store.  It retails for $62.00.

Benefit Yes They're Real Mascara

My friend Stephanie told me about this mascara last summer on our annual Hilton Head get-together.  I didn't try hers at the time (I'm not sure why not) but then received a sample size from Sephora for my birthday gift.  I must say, it's pretty amazing.  I was skeptical at first but when I put it on, I could see what she was talking about.  It was like all my lashes were magnified!  However, there is a downfall.  It is extremely difficult to get off.  So much so that I only wear it for special occasions because I don't want to spend the extra time getting it off my lashes at night.  If this does not bother you, then by all means, try it! 

You can find this online at Sephora http://www.sephora.com/they-re-real-mascara-P289307 for $23.00. 

Too Faced Prim and Poppy Cream Blush

This cream blush by Too Faced is one of my favorites.  I have been using this since last summer and can't get enough.  The color is a warm coral that suits my skin tone (fair).  I feel like it warms me up in the dead of winter, yet, gives me a great glow in the summer when I have a bit more color.  It is extremely lightweight and can be very sheer or layered for a more intense look.  I love cream and gel blushes because they just melt into your skin.  Powders seem to lay on your skin; to me anyway. 

You can find this blush at your nearest Ulta store or online at http://www.ulta.com/  It is $21.00 and will last you for an extremely long time. 

Josie Maran Argan Oil

I'm in love with this Argan Oil.  I started doing a ton of research about products and what products are natural and not tested on animals and this is one of my finds.  In my opinion, this brand is amazing.  It is 100% natural, organic, vegan, and eco-friendly.  And, it works.  I really like using oils now instead of cream moisturizers (although, I will layer a cream moisturizer on top of my Argan Oil if it is really cold outside for extra moisture).  I feel like my skin glows from using this oil.  It doesn't make it greasy, it just really hydrates my skin. 

What's nice is, you can purchase a sample size bottle of this at Sephora for $14.00.  Not a bad price to try something out!  And, a little goes a long way so it will last for awhile.  I highly suggest you give this little bottle a try, don't be scared of oils!

You can find this at Sephora or at http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com//. 

Ole Henriksen Power Peel

This is my new favorite peel!  It is a 3 step spa grade treatment that is all natural.  The first step is an almond polish.  This exfoliates your skin and allows the other steps to really sink in and do their work.  The second step is the lemon peel.  This contains lactic acid and fruit acids (the actual peel portion) to help retexturize the skin.  The last step is a chamomile mask to help soothe and calm the skin while the peel is at work. 

I tried this peel as a recommendation from a friend and instantly fell in love.  My skin was so soft and smooth after and it helped clear up some bumps on my forehead.  Another perk:  I didn't use all the peel and chamomile mask during my initial peel and saved enough product to use again so I basically got 2 for 1! 

You can find these at Sephora or online for $45.00 (6 treatments) or $16.00 (2 treatments).

***FREE NAIL POLISH!!!!***

That's right, I said FREE!!  Zoya is having a spectacular promotion starting tomorrow, January 7th at 12pm Eastern.  You can get three nail polishes for free, you just have to pay 12 dollars for shipping.  You may think 12 dollars is a lot, but really, that breaks down to 4 dollars per polish.  That's a steal!  This polish is normally 9 dollars each.  I like this brand a lot because they were the first to remove toxic ingredients from their products.  Check it out, this is a great deal!



http://www.zoya.com/content/category/something_big_is_coming.html