Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer - Neutral
I've been on the hunt for a new full coverage foundation for makeup photos, especially since my summer tan is fading--well and let's be honest the tan is pretty much gone. I was using MAC Studio Fix Fluid, which unfortunately was causing my skin to breakout. And we're not talking about a little zit here and there--they were big pimples. Luckily, Nordstrom has an awesome return policy and I started using mineral based makeup for daily use, which along with my Murad cleansers, etc. cleared my skin back up to my normal amount of typically tiny imperfections. I've been interested in trying Clinique's Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer as a different option for full coverage minus the breakouts and I'm happy to report that I love it! It has amazing coverage. I haven't used concealer with this foundation and it's not because I do it on purpose, but I don't need concealer so I forget to use any. I've used it a few times and so far no issues with any extra breakouts. The Clinique line is great for sensitive skin which is why I was hoping my skin would fare better. Since this foundation really does take any redness, etc. out of your face, you'll want to use some bronzer, blush, contour, and/or highlighter to bring dimension back into your face. It's not really a foundation to wear alone on your face. But what it does do is give you a great flawless base to start with! And isn't that kind of what we all want in life, a little flawless?
Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara - Extreme Black
This is the first new mascara that I've tried in a while and the good news continues! This is a great little mascara. My typical favorite is Benefit's They're Real mascara so I'll be comparing the two. Clinique's High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara does not deliver quite as much volume as They're Real. However, what it does do is deliver jet black lashes with absolutely no clumping. (They're Real can get a little clumpy.) The High Impact Extreme Volume doesn't dry out like They're Real during the day. This was a selling point from the sales lady at the Clinique counter after I told her I use They're Real and she's absolutely correct. I also think the mascara is amazing for length even though it supposed to be designed more for volume. I get occasional irritation (i.e. my eyes kind of bug me) when I'm wearing They're Real and that hasn't happened with the High Impact Extreme Volume. Also, I sometimes have trouble getting all of the They're Real mascara off at night and this is not as much of a problem with the High Impact Extreme Volume. Sometimes it's like a little bit of They're Real mascara is glued to the my eyelashes even after I've used makeup remover. Also, the High Impact Extreme Volume is a better price point at $19.50 than They're Real at $24. I would still use They're Real when I really want my lashes to pop because it is an excellent mascara, but I think Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume mascara is a great option for daily wear. I love the way it defines my lashes! And it's nice to options, right?
Nexxus PROMEND Split End Repairing System
I used the entire line which includes a rebalancing shampoo, restoring conditioner and split end binding leave in creme. I loved the entire system. I am picky when it comes to smells, but this was a winner. I don't know how to describe it exactly, but it was sweet and yummy! I like fruity scents and sweet scents like vanilla. I'm not a fan or florals or most colognes. I found that my hair looked shiny and healthy after using this line of hair products. And to be clear, my hair doesn't usually look shiny and healthy. I've been growing out my hair for a while and definitely have an issue (on-going relationship) with split ends. I'm really hoping these products help and maybe even prevent split ends. I can report that the system makes my hair look vibrant and healthy. The split end repairing system also has good things like flax seed oil and proteins in it, which I'm fairly certain my hair is in desperate need of. Please note: I received the Nexxus PROMEND products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo - dark & deep brown
Obsessed! I am a huge fan of dry shampoo in general. I have oily roots so a quick blast of dry shampoo on my roots that allows me to skip a shampoo is a huge help. Anything to sleep in a little extra, right? We need our beauty sleep. I've tried several drugstore brands of dry shampoo: Dove, Suave and TRESemme. The Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo is by far my favorite! The smell is amazing--nothing too strong, a sweet scent. Also for my brunettes, this blends so much better than the typical dry shampoos that are a light white powder. I purchased at Ulta on sale. It's regularly $8.99--definitely worth it. And super cute packaging to boot.
Are there any great new health & beauty products that you have tried recently? Anything you definitely want to check out?
