Tag: beautyblog

Favorite Makeup Products

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Hey, Loves! Happy Wednesday! 

Long time no blog post? Ha! I have decided I am going to do a few blog posts per week from now on. Today I wanted to share what my current favorite makeup products are, since this is something I get questions about daily. These are products I use almost daily and have loved for quite some time.

Primers
To be honest, I haven’t always used a primer. But I recently found one that is amazing! I received a sample of Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer in Mood Light and fell in love. I bought a full size a few weeks back. Another primer I like is the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

Shop them-
Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer Mood Light

Foundation
One of my all time favorite foundations is the Estee Lauder Double Wear. Perfect coverage, not too light or heavy, super build able, and long lasting. For a less expensive everyday foundation I recommend L’Oreal True Match.

Shop them-
L’Oreal True Match
Estee Lauder Double Wear – I wear shade Ivory Beige

Under eyes
The only concealer I have ever liked for under my eyes has been the MAC Pro Longwear concealer. Stays all day long and doesn’t crease. I set it with MAC Shaping Powder in shade Emphasize. This brightens up the under eyes SO much.

Shop them-
Pro Longwear Concealer
Shaping Powder

Eyes
My eyebrows are microbladed so I barely fill them in. When I do I use the IT Cosmetics Universal Eyebrow Pencil. This is my absolute favorite eyebrow product. It is one shade and it matches to your brow hairs… AMAZING!

Shop it-
It Cosmetics Universal Eyebrow Pencil

My all time favorite eye liner is under $10 and is SO good. I have been using the L’Oreal Infallible Super Slim Liner for years. Stays on all day long, which is necessary.

Shop it- L’Oreal Infallible Super Slim Liner

Two last products I want to mention is my favorite lip combo. I use MAC Creme Cup lipstick and MAC liner in the shade Whirl ALL the time. My absolute favorite combo and something I get asked all the time!

Shop my fave lip combo-
MAC Creme Cup
MAC Whirl

What are some of your all time favorite makeup products. I love trying out new products so be sure to let me know!

 

xo

Pamela Metamorphosis Review

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Happy Thursday! You guys all know I love trying new beauty + skincare products. For the past 2 months I have been testing out a few products from the newer skincare brand, Pamela Metamorphosis.

Pamela Metamorphosis is a skincare brand developed by Pamela Hill, RN. Pamela believes that skin care shouldn’t be complicated. She believes in results, tried and true ingredients, and healthy, beautiful skin.

So before we get into the products and my review you probably want to know what type of skin I have. I would say my skin is combination- as I get older my skin seems to get more dehydrated so I am always looking for a good moisturizer.

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I tested the…
1. Sensitive Skin Cleanser
2. Vitamin C Serum
3. Green Tea Moisturizer
4. The Transformation Cream

SENSITIVE SKIN CLEANSER WITH SEA KELP

The Sensitive Skin Cleanser is created with orange peel oil, grapefruit peel oil, and a mild amount of retinol. It is gentle enough to remove makeup from the eye area, and mild enough that it’s even used on patients during or after a clinical treatment.

I use this directly after I wash my makeup off at night and in the mornings before I apply my moisturizer. Love how refreshed + clean my skin feels after using this cleanser.

VITAMIN C SERUM

The Vitamin C Serum harnesses the power of antioxidants to protect your skin against free radicals, defend against pollution, and reduce the amount of visible sun damage. This fast-absorbing serum has a milky texture that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and dewy, but never greasy. Because it absorbs so quickly into the skin, it is ideal for layering under your moisturizer.

I use this only in the mornings before I apply my moisturizer. It gives my skin a nice natural dewy glow.

GREEN TEA MOISTURIZER

This light, fast-absorbing moisturizer quenches your skin to revive its overall appearance. Packed with the antioxidants found in green tea, vitamin E and plankton extract, it protects your skin from free radicals and helps prevent aging, (it is NEVER too early!). The Green Tea Moisturizer is creamy and silky and is suitable for all skin types, including acne prone skin.

This moisturizer made my skin feel so soft and hydrated! I love that it is light weight and fast absorbing. I use this both mornings and night.

TRANSFORMATION CREAM

The Transformation Cream has been developed with a powerful combination of three peptides that firm and plump skin, reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines. This silky, fast-absorbing serum offers immediate changes in your skin that are visible from the moment you apply it. In addition to Pamela’s Tri-Peptide Complex, the Transformation Cream is formulated with vitamins C and E, a unique, complementary pairing that makes the vitamins absorb more readily and work more effectively on your skin.

This stuff is amazing! It has greatly reduced my pores within the first few days. I apply this only at night, after cleansing and before moisturizer.

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Final Thoughts-

Overall, I love this brand and their skincare! All of their products are cruelty free and formulated with only the best ingredients. They have products for all skin types including, oily, combination, dry, sensitive, and even for men! Let me know if any of you decide to try it, I highly recommend! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

xo

 

 

All thoughts and opinions are my own and as always 100% honest. I only share products I personally use and love. Thank you Pamela Metamorphosis for sending me these products.*

Everyday Makeup Routine

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Hey babes! One of the questions I get asked the most is what my favorite makeup products are, what I use daily, etc, so today I decided to share my everyday makeup routine with you. This look only takes me about 15 minutes, sometimes even less, since I have been doing it a while.

 

Face-
Lets start with moisturizers & primers. I use First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration every single night before bed. This is my all time favorite moisturizer and leaves my skin feeling so hydrated. Some mornings when my skin looks dryer than usual, I apply a small amount before applying my foundation. For primers I switch it up, some days I apply primer others I don’t. The days that I do apply primer I use Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser. However, I don’t apply all over my entire face, only on the middle of my forehead and nose. One more primer that I LOVE I received as a sample from an order with Nordstrom. It is the Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer in the shade Mood Light. This primer is a game changer- it is infused with light correcting pigments that act as a first filter to neutralize, brighten, and soften light. It blurs imperfections and smooths the skin’s texture for flawless makeup application. I will be purchasing the full size!

My favorite foundation that I use almost daily is Estee Lauder Double Wear. This is a foundation that lasts all day without having to touch up. It creates the prettiest finish. An inexpensive foundation that I also like is L’Oreal True Match. This offers a very build able coverage, I use this typically on weekdays. I apply this with my beauty blender or using my brushes from My Makeup Brush Set.

Next I apply Mac Pro Longwear Concealer in shade NC20 to my under-eye area, this is the only place I apply it to and a little goes a LONG way. I apply this is a upside down triangle and blend with the top of my beauty blender. This is my favorite under eye concealer because it doesn’t crease and last all day without looking cakey. I then apply MAC shaping powder in shade emphasize, this sets the concealer + adds brightness.

Then I apply my bronzer & blush. I have been switching up the bronzers lately. Currently I am using a contour shade from the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit – I just haven’t found a bronzer that I absolutely love. (If you have any recommendations please send them my way!) Some days I wear blush- in the photo above I am wearing  It Cosmetics CC+ Radiance Ombre Blush in shade Je Ne Sais Quoi. It is the perfect color and would look good on any skin tone. 

Normally, I would move onto filling in my brows but they are micro-bladed so I usually don’t apply any product. But my all time favorite product to fill in my brows is the Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil from It Cosmetics. I cannot say enough good things about this product. The way that this applies is amazing, it goes on so smooth and you don’t have to push so hard to see barely any product like most eyebrow products. This product gives the most natural finish and it is a universal color. I was skeptical about that at first but believe me it blends with your eyebrow hairs SO well.

Before I apply my highlighter I use Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder to set my makeup and to prevent oiliness throughout the day. My favorite highlighter is BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector- Champagne Pop by Jaclyn Hill. I also really love Vivid Baked Highlighters by Makeup Revolution. I have it in the shade Radiant Lights and have had it for over a year and still haven’t hit pan AND it is only $6.

Eyes-
For my eyes I like to keep it simple for everyday. I use Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette by Kat Von D. I use the shade Solas (espresso brown) all over my lid & use Sytry (chocolate brown) directly underneath my bottom lashes. This eye shadow is so pigmented and lasts all day.

For my eyeliner I use L’Oreal Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner. I prefer the cat eye and this liner is perfect for creating it. The eyeliner lasts all day and doesn’t fade, it is my favorite!

My favorite mascara is L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara and is the one I wear daily. It makes me lashes super long and doesn’t flake. I wear Ardell Double Up #206 Lashes all most every day. They are so quick and super easy.

Lips-
The days I wear lipstick I wear MAC Creme Cup with Mac liner in shade Whirl.. This is my go to lip combo and the one I am wearing in almost every picture.

Once I am completely finished with my makeup I spray on Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup spray. This keeps my makeup in place all day.

I hope this is helpful for you and answers most of your questions. Feel free to ask me any other questions that I didn’t address here. Have a good weekend!

xoxo

Alexa

Holiday Gift Guide- For Her

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gift guide

How is Christmas less than 2 weeks away?!? Every year I swear time goes by quicker and quicker! Today I wanted to share a few of my picks that I think would make the perfect gift for your friends, moms, sisters, wives, or any woman in your life. These are products that I have used and loved.

1. Tula Skincare- One of my favorite skincare brands and they have the cutest Holiday sets. The one I have linked here would be perfect for someone just trying Tula, this is suitable for all skin types and their most popular products. Use code ALEXAP for 20% off your entire purchase!

2. Impressions Vanity Makeup Mirror– Just received this mirror in the mail and LOVE!

3. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray– I have been using this stuff for years and is a holy grail product for me. This keeps my makeup in place all day and helps prevent oil. This set includes 2 full sized bottles for only $42!

4. Purity Facial Cleanser –  I use this to wash all of my makeup off every night. This is the only makeup remover that completely removes all of my makeup without a ton of product.

5. Baublebar Gabriela Tassel Fringe Earrings-– These are such a fun gift & they come in 9 different colors! Perfect stocking stuffer.

6.  Knit Beanie–– Can’t go wrong with this Faux Fur Pompom Beanie. Comes in 2 colors.

7. DIFF Eye wear–– One of my favorite pairs of sunglasses are my DIFF Jessie James Decker sunnies in the pink/gold color. Use code ALEXAP25 for 25% off any pair on their website!

8. CALPAK Luggage Set– 5 color choices and the pretties luggage set! This is such a good gift for anyone. Throw some plane tickets inside and you’re all set 😉 LOL- but really wouldn’t that be the perfect gift?!

9. Tory Burch Miller– I need a pair in every color! So perfect to throw on and are comfy!

10. Over the Knee Boot– These are currently 40% off and come in black and grey. I am in love with my black pair!

11. Perfect Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic – Hands down my absolute favorite top. I have it in almost every color and love how versatile it is. & it is on sale for less than $30!

12. BLANKNYC Suede Moto Jacket-– This is such a great jacket. I have it in the grey color but have been eyeing the spice colored one as well. The spice and the black colors are 40% off right now, which is such a good deal! Snag one while you can.

 

Hope you enjoyed my very first gift guide of the season and my very first one in my blogging career! Let me know if you’d like to see a gift guide for him within the next few days!

xoxo

Alexa

Saranghae Review

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I am so picky when it comes to skin care, there are so many products on the market and sometimes it is hard to pick the best one. My skin is a combination of both oily and dry. As I have gotten older my skin has gotten more and more dry. I also feel like my skin is dull and not as radiant as I would like. Before I started Saranghae 5 step anti aging routine I only used a moisturizer before bed after washing my face. However, it is never too early to start preventing wrinkles!

Saranghae is an award winning, revolutionary Korean 5 step anti-aging skin care routine designed to directly address the root causes that lead to unhealthy, damaged and aging skin. Saranghae achieves this by addressing 3 distinct phases, heal, regenerate, & protect. I have been using the 5 step routine for about 4 weeks now before I go to bed and have been absolutely loving it.

 

Step 1: Nourishing & Moisturizing cleanser
After removing my makeup for the day I use this cleanser. It doesn’t have much of a lather and when you rub it into your face it feels almost warm, a very relaxing feeling. It leaves my skin feeling extremely soft and hydrated. This unique and revolutionary cleansing formula combines the deep pore cleansing power of an oil cleanser with the effective make-up removal of a foam cleanser. It eliminates oil, micro-particles, grime, dirt and toxins while hydrating and nourishing your skin at the same time.

 

Step 2: Deep Radiance Essence + Serum
The Saranghae Deep Radiance Essence + Serum is designed to penetrate your outer epidermis layer and deliver crucial nutrients like antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins directly to your living cells. Lovingly crafted with 10% Phellinus Linteus (Sang Hwang) Mushroom extract, plant based placenta, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, the result is a skin that efficiently heals and regenerates every moment of every day. It prevents dry and flaky skin by controlling the balance between skin moisture and oil and balances your skin’s pH level to prevent flair ups, inflammation and break outs. I use a very small drop of this and I find that it dries very quickly.

 

Step 3:  Firm and Lift Cellular Regeneration Cream
Directly after I use the serum I apply a small amount of the firm + lift cream. This leaves my skin feeling so soft. This cream is made with certified organically grown 15% Phellinus Linteus (Sang Hwang) mushroom and Ginseng, it is formulated and stabilized using award winning Multiple Crystal Emulsion technology. Saranghae Firm & Lift will decrease the formation of free radicals and reduce damage due to oxidative stress by up to 220%. Their powerful but natural blend of antioxidants, amino acids and regenerative peptides will deliver astonishingly smooth, supple and quite simply beautiful skin while diminishing age spots, redness and visible signs of aging. My skin looks so refreshed every morning thanks to the regeneration cream. My age/sun spots and redness have diminished GREATLY.

 

Step 4: Focus Renewal Eye Cream
Next, I use the eye cream using only a very small drop. I have noticed such an improvement with the hydration under my eyes. Dark spots are completely gone as well as puffiness. This eye cream is formulated with Phellinus Linteus, Mushroom Extract, adenosine, vitamin B3, elastin and collagen, the Focus Renewal Eye Serum is the single most effective solution to restore vitality, diminish wrinkles, visibly lift and firm and brighten the appearance of dark circles around the eyes.

 

Step 5: Elemental Essence Mask
Saranghae’s Elemental Essence Mask is a unique, lightweight, micro-fiber material with a blend of Asian botanicals that helps calm inflamed skin, enhance the natural contours of the face and maximize brightness. I use this mask at least once a week and leave it on for about 20 mins. Once I take it off I rub the access product into my face and then apply the serum, regeneration cream, and renewal eye cream.

 

Thoughts:
I am very impressed with this system. My skin truly looks and feels so much better. I have not had one breakout within the entire month of using these products, which I know is some individuals biggest concern when trying out new skin care. Another thing that I love about these products is they are not greasy. Some face creams & serums cause my skin to feel like a greasy mess but not this 5 step system. It truly only leaves my skin feeling soft and refreshed. One last thing I love is their pretty packaging! That’s the deal breaker, right? 😉

Check out their website HERE!

XOXO

Alexa

 

All thoughts and opinions are my own and as always 100% honest. I only share products I personally use and love. Thank you Saranghae for sending me these products.*

My Hair Care Routine

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Happy Friday, loves!! Who can believe it is almost September? Where did the summer go? Many of you know I got my hair lightened last Saturday and I have had so many questions about what shampoo, conditioner, and styling tools I use. Having blonde hair is a full time job and using the right hair tools, shampoos, conditioners, & styling product is SO important!

For shampoo I use Paul Mitchell Blonde Platinum Blonde Shampoo. This is a purple shampoo and my absolute favorite & trust me I have tried many but always come back to this one. It works the best without being to harsh and I use it every time I wash my hair. I wash my hair about every 2-3 days & this shampoo keeps my hair blonde and adds shine each wash.

For conditioner I use Sheer Blonde Color Renew Tone Restoring Conditioner. This conditioner is the BEST and under $10. You guys, I have tried SO many high end and expensive purple conditioners but NONE of them have compared to this one. This is a tone correcting conditioner for noticeably brighter blonde hair and it does that without making my hair feel like straw. PS- I only use conditioner on the bottom half of my hair, never the roots because they get way too greasy.

To absorb the oil in between washes I use Batiste Dry Shampoo. I also really love Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo. Both of them work just as good but the hint of color dry shampoo adds a dark brown to the roots. A higher end dry shampoo that I love is Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo. This one is $23 and really adds volume to unwashed hair. Drybar has so many amazing products!

I switch up my styling products quite a bit but i recently picked up John Frieda Frizz Ease Heat Defeat Protective Spray. I have been loving this stuff! It is a spray-on treatment that keeps straight styles looking sleek and frizz free. Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray helps block out humidity while nourishing moisturizers infuse each strand. Enriched with ThermoGuard Complex that protects against damage caused by heat styling tools. I use this product daily before I style my hair to protect from heat damage. It also really helps to maintain frizz- especially in this South Carolina humidity.

After I wash my hair and let it air dry for a few minutes I apply Chi Silk Infusion Silk Reconstructing Complex. This helps strengthen my hair, while providing incredible softness, manageability and shine without build up. It also makes your hands so soft, too! I use Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector once a week to maintain strength, structure, softness and shine. I get this from my stylist each time I color my hair. I also try to use Its a 10 Miracle Hair Mask once a week as well. This stuff leaves my hair feeling so soft and it smells really good!

Okay.. I always get questions asking what curling iron I use. The curling iron I have been using is Ghd Curve Classic Curl Iron. I love using this to create healthy looking beachy waves. It heats up in just 20 seconds and uses a tri-zone technology along the whole barrel to guarantee even heat throughout styling, sealing the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and creating consistent, long-lasting curls quickly and easily. I have naturally very straight hair so I don’t ever need to straighten all of my hair, but I do like to straighten the little baby hairs around my face because if not they will be curly and all over the place. I use the Chi Classic Flat Iron. I have tried many straighteners but always come back to CHI.

One last thing I have to share because I use this almost every day is Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray. I never liked hairspray until I tried this. This helps to hold my curls all day without making my hair hard and unmovable.

I hope you guys try out some of these products and love them just as much as I do! Comment and let me know what some of your favorite hair care products are. I always love trying your recommendations!

XOXO

Alexa