Clean face makes for a beautiful canvas 

My daily skin routine has been a frequent request for everyone that knows I enjoy an artful face daily. If I had to select a focal point of the cleansing routine it would be the night time use of Shu Umera Cleansing Oil. I’ve been using this for more than 10 years. This brand is one of the first to have a cleansing oil on the market. The different formulations help to address multiple skincare needs. This product is non stripping so my skin doesn’t feel parched and dry. 

I use this to fully remove all make-up. It reminds me of the cleaning effects of “cold cream” without the thickness and weight. It also foams up once water is added to help the oil bind to the grit and grime and wash it away. 

While the sponges do an amazing job with application this oil helps me reverse the flawless effects of a well applied look. 

The routine is complete with eye serum or eye cream depending on what’s going on with my skin (Northeast weather or allergies), a serum and night cream. For my lips I use Aquaphor overnight to lock in moisture and keep chapped lips away. 

Seriously, this oil is hands down the best of the many that I’ve tried. Believe me as a product endorser I’ve tried many. No brand even comes close to this.  

 

Even more sponges

Hi all, today I got even more sponges.  It’s amazing how many options are out there.  Today’s delivery included sponges by Fiery Youth and a set from Emax Design.  All sponges are latex free.  I am not even half way through all the sponges that have yet to be reviewed and tested.  At the end of this week I can say that I am happy to endorse the Real Techniques sponge.  If you must know why, here it is:

  • Size covers large areas of the face.
  • Has essentially three usable surfaces.  
  • Fits easily in the hand. 
  • Extremely easy to clean and dries relatively quickly.  
  • Non abrasive
  • Great price point when compared to other popular sponges.

For the sponge novice, this is a great product to get you started in the amazing world of beauty sponges.  

Real Techniques 👍🏾👍🏾✔️✔️✔️

Sponge Week continues… 

  I’m still working with the same three sponges but more arrived yesterday and the review continues. I must apologize as I neglected to say that I was my sponges after each use to keep them clean and germ free. I’ve been using the Beauty Blender cleansers (liquid and solid). I think I prefer the solid for cleaning larger size sponges. It just feels like I have more control. The liquid in the pump bottle works better for small sponges and brushes, in my opinion. Since I clean after each use the process is quick. 

Let’s not forget that this is a review… At this point in the week I have all but given up on the Ulta beauty sponge. I’ve really been working with the Real Techniques and my fave, Beauty Blender. I use the Real Techniques more often during night applications when I tend to wear fuller coverage and go for more dramatic looks. 

Repurpose and try again

Yesterday I talked about my ungfavorable experience with the Ulta sponge.  Today I decided to give it another try.  I used it for the purpose of applying a correcting product to a few spots on my face.  I am forced to admit that it might just be growing on me.  I used the real techniques sponge again today and I am still very impressed.  While my flawless face was looking amazing today it did not feel amazing.  I was able to save my skin and my sinuses thanks to Sephora’s First Aid Beauty Sampler (rewards gift) which has a cleanser, moisturizer and a couple other things.  This is great to keep at your desk for an emergency cleaning.  

Day 1 Blenders and Sponges

image.jpegI have been using the Beauty Blender for a very long time now.  Today’s trial was to introduce a few other sponges and see if I can be swayed from the tried and true.  I used the Ulta sponge (small size orange sponge) and the real techniques blender (large size orange sponge) in addition to my tried and true beauty blender.

First things first, I didn’t love the Ulta sponge.  It felt a little stiff and did not blend product enough for me even when used damp.  For someone with a relative petite hand this would likely have a good feel.  The pointy side and the flatter side were attractive for the multi-use possibilities.  I will continue to try this sponge to see if the material relaxes with use.  If it has a softer feel I might be swayed in its usefulness in my makeup bag.

As a first timer with the Real Techniques sponge if was amazingly effective.  The larger size was intimidating but the product design is spot on.  I was able to move easily in the corner of my eyes and around my face surface.  It also came in handy when cleaning up my eyebrows.  I will continue to use this.  When I have a beauty giveaway this will be one of the gifts.  Everyone that is serious about a flawless look should snatch this up.  The finish is flawless and smooth.  It is a great compliment to the original beauty blender but I suspect it will carve out its own niche in my makeup routine.

 

#beautyblender http://www.beautyblender.com/

#realtechniques https://realtechniques.com/shop-collection/miracle-complexion-sponge-2-pack

#ultabeauty http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod13671131

Product Review: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

This gets to the dry chapped places and rescues them back to life. I live for this during the winter in the Northeast.

beautifybrooke's avatarbeautifybrooke

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It’s Sunday, and of course time for another product review!

Finding travel size items to work with your beauty routine on vacation can be difficult. I did a lot of searching before my trip to Tucson this week for the best products. The hardest to find was a moisturizer, but I finally landed on First Aid Beauty.

I’ve heard some good things about this brand, so I decided to try their face cream.

First of all, I didn’t know it was meant for very dry skin. I have normal to dry but not super dry skin. But for a dry place like Arizona, this moisturizer is just what I needed!

It’s a very creamy formula, so a little goes a long way. Having said that, for those of you beauties with dry skin, definitely apply this guy twice a day. Your skin will seriously thank you!

This is also the…

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A little detour…

This week is reserved for sponge review, testing and endorsement however, I spent most of the day in the kitchen cooking for my family.  Needless to say the sponges did not come in handy.  I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the Clarisonic Mia2 face cleansing brush.  No other way to describe it other than to say that I love it.  I will be comparing it to the Vanity Planet cleansing brush in upcoming weeks but for now, this is my go to cleansing brush.

What I like: it has two levels of intensity.  The time is pre-determined to help prevent you from leaving the brush in one place too long and damaging the skin.  It can also be used in the shower and anytime I can complete more than one task in one place I am thankful.

What I don’t like: The charging connection is a little awkward due to the shape of the device.  This is no way reduces the overall effectiveness of the device.

Today I needed a little face rescue and in swooped the Mia 2.

I rate this two thumbs up.  Mia2

Sponges and Blenders

image.pngI am looking forward to a week of sponge and blender testing.  I routinely use my Beauty Blender (the original).  It gets the job done however getting into tight spaces like the corners of the eye and around the mouth were a bit of a challenge.  The new micro.mini blender was a great way to fix this.   It is also great to hit the spots that need color correction or extra coverage.  The list of blenders could go on forever but my list is compiled of these

  • Beauty Blender the Original
  • Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
  • Ulta Super blender
  • Stylewurks Blending makeup sponge

Cosmetics, My Life

There is something about being able to change the way I look with a little powder and some color.  In my daily life I embrace and embody the the definition of a true consumer.  Beauty and Fashion are the things that I enjoy the most.  I get chills just reading about new products.  If there is one thing that I know for sure its a beauty product that I try and love I am able to generate buzz and have a cult following.

As you will soon see I Love, Love, LOVE the would of beauty.

Thank you for taking time to see what I am purchasing consistently, testing and returning.  If there is something that you want me to try feel free to comment and I would love to try it out and review.