smooth finish foundation powder

In past posts {here}I raved about how much I loved my Laura Mercier Foundation Powder #3 {$50}. It provided excellent coverage, you could use it wet or dry and it was very light weight and hypoallergenic which is key when I'm choosing make-up. I recently went to Sephora to purchase this product and it's been discontinued! I was shocked! I didn't know what to do! But fear not! This Foundation Powder is new and improved! It's now known as the Smooth Finish Foundation Powder. I was skeptical at how much better this product could get....considering I loved the original. But it really is better! It's described as a 'second skin' oil- free foundation powder, that can also be used wet or dry. I find applying the product wet first allows for optimum coverage, and then applying the powder dry afterwards creates a very natural look.

What it does: This silky smooth innovation offers a natural veil that imparts a color-true finish that lasts up to eight hours. It glides on effortlessly, camouflages, hydrates, and blurs fine lines, never settling into them. Ultra fine micronized pigments flex with skin for coverage that is even and flawless. Use it as a sheer to medium powder or build coverage using it wet.

What else you need to know:This powder is formulated with conditioning agents vitamin E and shea butter to provide hydrating, lightweight comfort. This product is dermatologist and allergy tested and suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.

One thing you need to know when you go to Sephora to pick up this new product, is the shade # you were using in the Foundation Powder {for example I was a #3} will not be the same in the Smooth Finish Foundation Powder {for example I am now a #5}. Sephora makes this transition fool proof by providing a chart that says.... if you a #3 you are now a #5!  EASY! You can also ask one of the consultants in the store to do a skintone test to pinpoint exactly what foundation colours in the store match your skintone for easy purchasing! The test literally take 40 seconds. The consultant takes 3 "pictures" of your skin {one from your forehead, one from your neck and one from your cheek} the camera instantly tells you what colour skintone you have and e-mails you your foundation matches!! Simple and painless and very very helpful!*

 

I am skintone number 2Y07, and these are a few of the foundations they sent me!

Stuff You'll Love!

You'll Love: Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer


Whenever I pick up and magazine I {like every other girl on this planet} find myself drooling over the expensive products they recommend you buy. Sometimes I cave and buy them. But most of the time I opt for the less expensive but equally satisfying alternative. So I thought I would post the products I love and that I buy on a regular basis. These are all things I think are worth spending your time and hard earned money on, and I think you will love as well! 

$42

Throughout the past year I've tried a few different make-up primers {NARS and M.A.C} and I have to say that I like Smashbox's product the best! Since I have acne prone skin I need something hypoallergenic, light weight, oil-free and hydrating {for my crazy dry skin} and this product has all four! This 2012 Insider's Beauty Award Winner immediately quenches skin and seals in moisture for hours allowing make-up to go on smoothly and evenly and last all day all thanks to Hydraplex which is a hydrating extract derived from desert plants. In addition to it's amazing hydrating qualities this primer also helps fill in fine lines and pores without feeling heavy and oily, contributing to a smooth and even end result! 

Use:

Smooth a pea-sized amount over clean skin {I also use Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream before hand}. Wait 2 - 3 minutes and apply make-up.

Price:

You can pick this product up at an location that sells Smashbox! I purchased mine at Shopper's Drug Mart for $42. I know it's not on the cheaper end of the scale, but you really don't to apply a lot for every day use so stretching the products life is easy!*

Stuff You'll Love!

You'll Love: Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub


Whenever I pick up and magazine I {like every other girl on this planet} find myself drooling over the expensive products they recommend you buy. Sometimes I cave and buy them. But most of the time I opt for the less expensive but equally satisfying alternative. So I thought I would post the products I love and that I buy on a regular basis. These are all things I think are worth spending your time and hard earned money on, and I think you will love as well! 

As you know from previous posts, I have very sensitive skin and need to you all hypo-allergenic and natural products on my face, every so often I will wander into Kiehl's to see what products they have to assist a problem I maybe experiencing at the time. One day I purchased their Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub about a year ago to help manage the dry areas on my face and to help with even make-up application. I really noticed a difference after 2 or 3 uses. This scrub is not harsh like many exfoliators can be and I usually use it as a mask rather than a scrub {which is what the sales lady suggested to do}. This exfoliator is suitable for all skin types and utilizes small pieces of actual pineapple and papaya fruit as well as finely ground scrub grains to help exfoliate your skin gently and naturally. 

Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub: $36

For the best way to use the product and to gain as many benefits as possible follow the below directions:

1. Dampen your face {I normally use in the shower}

2. Use about a pea sized amount {2 pea sizes if you want to treat your neck} on your fingers and start to massage your face. Target the problem areas of your face {for me it's my T-Zone and around my nose}

3. Leave on for 10 - 15 minutes

4. Rinse with warm water and pat dry!

After you rinse the product off you will find that your skin maybe tight (but in a goo way!} clean, and glowing. Apply your normal moisturizer!*

12 Days of Favorites*

Wow, a year has gone by already! I can't believe it! I thought it would be fun to bring back the 12 Days of Favorites this year! I feel I have been majorly slacking with my blogging lately, so this will be a good chance for me to share some amazing products, places and things I have discovered over the past year!*

Day 12

Everyone has told me that Tea Tree Oil is amazing for problem skin, and instantly clears up any blemishes or redness. While browsing Rocky Mountain Soap Company for some Christmas gifts, I discovered an amazing little thing called the “Breakout Buster”. The Breakout Buster is a combination of natural and therapeutic ingredients that help calm and relieve acne, cold sores and even bug bites! This little stick is jammed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients and essential oils, including Tea Tree Oil {see complete list of ingredients here} that help combat breakouts. Use is easy! Apply 3 – 4 times a day to a freshly washed and dried face and that’s it! BAM blemishes GONE! For $9.50 you can’t go wrong with a 100% natural product that provides amazing results!

If I find my skin is getting bad, I like to pair this product with The Glacier Mud Mask with Tea Tree Oil {$7.50} also from Rocky Mountain Soap Company!*

Stuff You'll Love!

You'll Love: Biore Blemish Flighting Ice Cleanser

Whenever I pick up and magazine I {like every other girl on this planet} find myself drooling over the expensive products they recommend you buy. Sometimes I cave and buy them. But most of the time I opt for the less expensive but equally satisfying alternative. So I thought I would post the products I love and that I buy on a regular basis. These are all things I think are worth spending your time and hard earned money on, and I think you will love as well!

I don’t know about you, but as I get older I seem to get more acne? As I told you in a previous post {here} I had the horrifying reality of getting ‘adult acne’ at the age of 23 and it was traumatizing. Wasn’t I supposed to deal with this in high school like everyone else? But the more I chatted with my female friends, the more I realized I wasn’t the only person experiencing this {thank god!}. So began the hunt for the best acne prone skin care {without spending a fortune}. As I discussed in the same post ‘Every Day Skin Care” I use to swear by Le Roche – Posay cleanser and Complex 15 moisturizer. But after living in such a dry climate I found those products didn’t hydrate my skin enough. I made the switch to Vichy Normaderm, mainly because it was what my boyfriend was using, and it seemed pointless to buy two different cleansers. But I didn’t feel like my skin was benefiting, it wasn’t looking any better, and it didn’t really feel all that clean after use. This past November one of my good friends was visiting and I happen to be out of face wash and randomly used hers. The next day I looked in the mirror and my blemishes literally disappeared over night, it was amazing! I obviously ran out the next day and purchased this miracle cleanser, Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser! For $9.99 a bottle you cannot go wrong! Your skin instantly feels refreshed, clean and revitalized. You will immediately notice a difference in your skins appearance, blemishes and red spots will be gone and your skin will look healthier. I also switched out my moisturizer which I mentioned {here} to Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream, the combination of these two products has drastically changed the overall look of my skin. My skin is clearer and hydrated and my make-up goes on much smoother! For such an inexpensive product the results are amazing!

I have also started using an great product from Rocky Mountain Soap Company called the “Blemish Buster” which I will post during my “12 Days of Favorites” starting tomorrow!*

Self-Tanner {how to!}

So if you know me AT ALL…..I am pretty much obsessed with tanning during the summer months! Heck, give me 1 hot day in March and I’ll be out there! I think it’s actually sac-religious to sit inside on any sort of sunny day in the summer… I almost feel guilty doing it because I’m not utilizing those UV Rays!  I know, I know it’s actually horrible for your skin and your  overall well-being, I totally understand that one day I will probably have skin of leather…but I can’t help it! I have Ukrainian skin which tans instantly…and I love it! So I take advantage!  I am guilty of hitting Fabutan every now and then…but I mainly rely on natural sunlight and sunless tanners! I find using sunless tanners without any sort of base increases the risk of having streaky/orange skin {but that may be caused by my lazy application process!} Below I have listed my favorite go to sunless tanners and the process in which you should follow to achieve a wonderful summer glow in the dead of winter or during the summer if you’re too busy to get outside!

Exfoliation is Key!

You must exfoliate! You can use self-tanning specific exfoliators such as Balea Self Tanner Exfoliator, or you can use any exfoliating body wash you may have in your tub currently! I use Malibu Mango Body Scrub from Bath & Body Works {it’s has the most delicious smell!}. Pay special attention to the rougher areas of your body, such as your elbows, knees and heels. Also, shave before you tan! If you shave post tan, you are going to shave off whatever tan you just applied to yourself!

Application!

Apply tanner limb by limb, starting with your legs/ feet and working your way up your body. Make sure you are applying the tanner as evenly as possible to avoid streaking and uneven tones! Wait about 10 minutes {or the suggested wait time that’s listed on the bottle} before dressing. Also avoid any excessive activity that may make you sweat for at least a few hours, if your tan hasn’t had enough time to set, this may also cause streaking! A useful tip is to apply Vaseline to your cuticle and nails. This protects your nails and finger tips from staining {or ruining your manicure!}

Many self-tanners suggest you wash your hand immediately after application, so the palms of your hands and your fingertips don’t turn orange. A good tip to avoid washing the colour off the back of your hands is to rub the palms of your hands with a wet cloth, making sure to get in-between your fingers and checking for any product that may have gotten on your nails!

Tanners!

Now for the tanners! Spray or cream? High end or drug store brand? The choice is really up to you and what works well with your skin and your budget. Of course you can go to Holt Renfrew or the Bay and pick up a higher end self-tanner for $30-60 a bottle and it’s glorious, or you can head over to Shoppers Drug Mart and pick up a $10 bottle and receive similar results. It’s all about preference, the amount you’re willing to spend, and the overall colour you desire! Below I have listed my top picks for a high end and low end spray and cream!


Spray:
High – End Brand
Lancome Flash Bronzer Dream Legs Spray: $42.00/bottle

Drug Store Brand
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Clear Self -Tanning Gel: $12.00/bottle

Cream:

High-End Brand {it’s a tie for the best!}

Lancome Flash Bronzer: $37.00/bottle

Kiehl’s Sun-Free Self-Tanning Formula: $32.00/bottle

Drug Store Brand

Jergens Natural Glow: $10.00/bottle {this is the brand I use. I use the dark skin level}

Happy Tanning!*

Stuff You'll Love!

You'll Love: Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream

Whenever I pick up and magazine I {like every other girl on this planet} find myself drooling over the expensive products they recommend you buy. Sometimes I cave and buy them. But most of the time I opt for the less expensive but equally satisfying alternative. So I thought I would post the products I love and that I buy on a regular basis. These are all things I think are worth spending your time and hard earned money on, and I think you will love as well!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again….my skin has gotten crazy dry since moving to Alberta. I think I’ve gone through 2-3 different facial moisturizers that have been recommended on various blogs for dry skin and none cured my skin. Finally, I went to speak to the cosmetician, at Shoppers Drug Mart of all places, and she recommended a gel cream {she obviously recommended a higher end brand} but never having tried a gel cream before I opted for the Garnier Refreshing Gel Cream to start out. This Moisture Rescue Gel Cream locks in moisture and blocks out dryness, combining pure antioxidant fruit water extract {Grape Extract} and skin conditioning vitamins {Vitamin E} for an ultra-light hydration.


Grape Extract and Vitamin E?

Grape Extract is rich in mineral salts and oligo elements, refreshes tones and intensively hydrates dry skin. While Vitamin E helps in the purification, conditioning and soothing of your skin while strengthening its natural protective barrier.

I really love this cream. My dry skin is basically gone, and my skin doesn’t feel heavy or oily like it did with the other moisturizers I’ve used in the past, and even my complexion and the tightness of my skin has improved. For $10.99 {50ml} you really can’t go wrong. I’m on the fence with weather I want to spend an extra $30 for a more prestigious product or stick to what is working right now {I’ll keep you posted because I’m running low}. But you really can’t beat the lightness and hydrating qualities of this moisturizer, not to mention it smells delicious! Have you used gel creams in the past?

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and wherever Garnier products are sold!*

Friday Favorites*

It's FINALLY Friday....I don't know about you but this week went by way too slow...! Here are my 5 favorite things I saw/purchased/did this week! How was your work week? Did it also go by super slow?!*

Thursday morning when I went to use my bronzer....it had shattered into a million tiny pieces {so frustrating} So I've decided to take this opportunity to try out a new bronzer I've heard rave reviews about; Nars Laguna Bronzer! I'm going to get it on my lunch break so I'll let you guys know next week how I like it!

I saw this Rebecca Minkoff bag featured on Lauren Conrad's website and instantly fell in love with the shape, size and colour(s). It's also relativley inexpensive..as far as designer handbags go...$195. Perhaps when I get a new job this can be my congrautlations gift to myself!?

 

On Sunday I went for brunch with my friend Tamara to a cute little organic cafe called Farm.

This restaurant solely supports local suppliers from around Alberta, who deliver their products right to the front doors of the restaurant {so you know everything is going to be deliciously fresh!} This restaurant also has classic, farm, modern chic decor which we both loved. With big wood tables and classic chandeliers. I think my favorite of all were the cute tea cups and collector spoons!

I HATE to say it....but this movie was amazing! I'm not a Tom Cruise fan at all {I find him extreamly irritating in real life!} But, on Saturday night Jon dragged me to see this and I loved it! We saw it at the IMAX...{which I think might be the only way to see an action packed movie} and it felt as if we were in the movie! The action scene were amazing, Tom Curise was actually really good and I found myself at times gasping in shock and suspense...! I suggest you all go see it!

And of course... the Rachel Roy ankle booties. Enough said.

12 Days of Favorites*: Day 5

Makeup

As I mentioned in my Skin Care Post {here} I have had a lot of problems finding hypoallergenic makeup that doesn't irritate my skin. I posted about the foundation and concealer I use, but I didn't mention my favorite eye shadows, eye liners and mascaras! I use these products everyday {when I go out at night I swap out the eyeliner and eye shadows for something more dramatic}. I love the Quo liquid liner. The tip is perfectly pointed and not flimsy so drawing a straight line is fairly easy. I started using primer for my eye lashes in high school. I find the mascara goes on easier, and your lashes don't look clumpy and the primer keeps them healthy. I use to use those 2 in 1 mascara tubes, but I prefer the M.A.C Prep and Prime. When it comes to mascara I never buy expensive department store brands like Estee Lauder, Chanel or Dior. I just go to Shoppers Drug Mart and buy whatever is on sale!  During one of those sales, I found and fell in love with Maybelline, The Falsies Volume Express mascara. The wand is curved so it adds curl to your lashes {I hate eyelash curlers} and it also adds dramatic length! I'm also partial to M.A.C eye shadows, I find they apply easily and blending them to get different looks is so easy! The pots last a long time and are fairly inexpensive for the amount you get! I'm quickly running out of everything so I hope Santa puts a few things in my stocking!*

M.A.C Prep + Prime Lash : $15 M.A.C

M.A.C Eye Shadows: $15/1.5g M.A.C

QUO Liquid Liner: $8 Shoppers Drug Mart

The Falsies Volume Expess: $10 Shoppers Drug Mart

Everyday Skin Care

I never had acne or bad skin during my teen years. Nope! I was one of the lucky ones....until I turned 23 and BAM...adult acne. It was so frustrating to deal with. I had to change my whole skin care regime from the cleansers and cream I used to the makeup I wore. I even had to go to the doctor and get gels that never actually worked. Everything had to be swapped out for hypoallergenic products. This can get expensive if your not careful! I loved my M.A.C. Studio Fix Powder and concealer. I was so bummed to find out these products contain a lot of oils and are very heavy to wear. So I went on a hunt at Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart to find hypoallergenic products that provided the same coverage I loved about M.A.C. products but were light enough to let my skin breath and not clog my pores. So, I thought I would share with you the products I found and now use, and have been using for the past two years!*

Cleansing

 

I find acne cleansers {such as pro-active} so harsh on my skin, I feel like my skin is basically burning off. Effaclar foaming gel by La Roche-Posay is amazing for oily/acne prone skin types. Its light weight, and contains NO alcohol, oil or soap! It gently cleanses without over drying and helps tighten your pores and is gentile enough for everyday use! It's an amazing product and definatley worth the price, 200ml for $22! Available at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at Le Roche-Posay. Complex 15 was recommended to me by my doctor. This face cream was developed by dermatologists specifically to rehydrate the skin of all skin type users. It's light weight, orderless, oil free and contains a low level of PH. I've been using this cream for 2 years and have not had a problem. For $12 you can't go wrong {Shoppers Drug Mart}!

Foundation

Clinque Even Better Makeup 15 is oil-free, dermetologist developed and contains SPF 15! Not only does this product cover up red marks, pimples, dark spots, even out skin tones etc...it also helps improve the look of your skin! Within 4 -6 weeks of using Even Better those dark spots and red marks will start to diminish!  It's magic! I don't use this everyday, I only use it when I have noticable pimples or dark circles under my eyes, but a little bit goes a long away! My colour is deep neutral and is priced at $24.50. Avilable at Sephora, The Bay and wherever Clinque products are sold. The Laura Mercier foundation powder provides the most converage I have ever had from a product. It's light weight and covers evenly with minimal effort! Theres two ways to use this product. You can apply using a puff to reduce shine or apply with a wet sponge and it will provide more coverage than a liquid foundation {the compact includes both a puff and sponge}. I have never tried the wet technique since I sometimes use the Even Better liquid foundation. My colour is a #3 and is $40, available at Sephora.

Colour

M.A.C. Springsheen powder blush is my all time favorite colour! The peach and pearl colours mixed with a sheertone shimmer are perfect for any occasion! When I was doing the switch from M.A.C. to all hypoallergenic products, I could not find a blush I loved as much as this one! SO...I didn't give it up! But I haven't had any problems from it! I find it light weight enough to allow my skin to breath and versitile enough to allow me to use it all the time! Available at M.A.C. for $26. When I use bronzer I don't want to look ornage or have that awkward orange line on my jaw, so when picking a bronzer I chose the Estee Lauder Bronze Godess for 2 reasons. 1. It's hypoallergenic, oil free and dermatologist tested {all Estee Lauder products are} 2. It provides a soft shimmer glow that leaves your skin looking golden and shimmery!  You can find this bronzer for $30 at The Bay, Sephora or wherever Estee Lauder products are sold!

All the products I have listed above worked for my 23 year old acne prone skin, and are still working wonderfully today! I suggest when looking for hypoallergenic products talk to the cosmetologists and your doctor to point you in the right direction!  I found these products through a lot of trial and error, so I'm hoping this post will at least point you in the right direction and hopefully save you some money!*