Sun Care With Neutrogena!

I have a confession to make: Up until approximately 5 years ago, I pretty much never wore sunscreen. I was, by no means, a sun worshipper. But I used to be quite active and used to stay outdoors a lot. As I think about it now, I'm so thankful that I'm not suffering from any sort of skin disease.

As I'm getting older, skincare has become more important to me. I'm glad to say I'm not yet dealing with wrinkles or any other pre-mature aging symptoms (I almost typed "skyntoms." Aren't I clever :p), but prevention is definitely something that is occasionally on my mind. I was religiously using Clinique's City Block for some time but I kind of fell off the bandwagon a year or two ago.

Now, I'm trying to get back into being consistent with my sun care and these Neutrogena products are certainly helping me in that area.

Neutrogena Ageless Essentials Moisturizer with SPF 25

I've been using the Josie Maran Argan Oil as a moisturizer for a few months now and while I still love it, it doesn't give me the sun protection I need for the day time. Since I've been really trying to stretch my funds nowadays, I wanted to get a drugstore product. This moisturizer costs $17.99 CAD for a 50mL tube so, bonus points for being fairly inexpensive.

It contains Neutrogena's patented "Helioplex" technology; which, according to their website, "helps stabilize sunscreen filters for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection from the sun's harmful rays." It also contains Glycerin, which "helps skin build and hold on to moisture longer by treating dry skin deep within skin's surface."

This Ageless Essentials moisturizer does exactly what I want it to: give me sun protection while keeping my semi dry skin hydrated. A little bit of this product goes a long way and I find a small dollop to be enough for my face (extra dollops are for the neck, of course). It also gets bonus points for not making my skin break out!

I love how this product sinks into my skin. I typically don't like moisturizers that sink in too quickly because my skin feels dry right away and I end up piling more on. Not so with the Ageless Essentials moisturizer! It sinks in just enough to make my skin non-greasy but still feel hydrated.

Neutrogena UltraSheer Water-Light Daily Face Sunscreen

I've reviewed this product before, but I thought I'd revisit it for this post. Like the Ageless Essentials moisturizer, this the UltraSheer Water-Light sunscreen contains Helioplex for a "combined UVA/UVB protection." It is also waterproof, sweatproof, non-comedogenic, oil-free, and PABA-free. 

This is a fantastic product! I love how lightweight it feels on the skin and like the Ageless Essentials moisturizer, it sinks in so wonderfully and leaves a natural finish. 

Neutrogena states that it works well under makeup and I have to agree with this. At times when I have applied makeup on top of this product, I found my makeup to apply more evenly and gave a great finish without making my skin look too dewy like the Clinique City Block sunscreen did.

Dear 16-year-old Me

Sun protection is so important and yet so easy to take for granted. I wanted to share this video with any of you who have yet to see it in hopes that it will open your eyes to the realities of sun damage. 

I hope you lovelies will join me in taking better care of our skin. Whip out those self tanners and sunscreens! Our future selves will thank us later :).

What's your favourite sun care product?

Milani Cosmetics' Lip Flash in Photo Flash Is NOT For The Timid!

Ah, Milani... Yet another drugstore brand that I ignored until now and this product blew my mind. I've been rather impressed with the drugstore purchases I've made as of late and I can't wait to share them with you guys!

Milani's Lip Flash Pencil is described as a full coverage, shimmer gloss pencil and that pretty much describes it to a T. 

I first heard about these babies through Makeup and Beauty Blog; I was so impressed with the pigmentation that I just had to pick some up for myself. In the end, though, I only purchased Photo Flash because the locations near me did not have any of the other shades I wanted. 

Photo Flash is a "fuchsia with gold and fuchsia shimmer," a.k.a. complete and utter gorgeousness (with a healthy dose of fierceness) in pencil form. I seriously cannot get enough of this product that I find myself putting it on after I've changed into pajamas and am just lounging in bed late at night (don't judge me).

This shade is definitely not for the timid or the faint-hearted, but if you love bold lips, these lip flashes are for you! I love how incredibly pigmented they are and how easily it applies on the lips. Its "anti-feathering" formula means you don't need to apply a lip liner first so it's pretty foolproof and easy to use.

Milani also states that these lip flashes are "non-tacky" and with that, I have to disagree. These feel quite tacky and if that bothers you at all, stay away. It personally doesn't and wouldn't bother me since I don't see myself wearing this for an extended period of time. With testing, I've determined that 3-4 hours of wear time is expect, maybe even 5-6 if you're not doing much drinking or eating. But the pencil format makes it really easy to apply so this is a non-issue for me.

No Flash

With Flash

Close Up

Lip Flash is so much FUN and I can't wait to rock it on a night out. The bright colour paired with the shimmer is very sexy, so expect to get a few double takes when you wear this. I definitely want to get my hands on Hot Flash (red with red shimmer) so I can wear it for the holidays! Yes, I'm already thinking of the holidays. You can blame Rae at TheNotice for that :p.

Milani Cosmetics is available in Royal Canadian Superstore and Sears Canada. I purchases it for approximately $7-8 CAD.

Have you tried Lip Flashes before?

NOTD: Sally Hansen - Mint Sorbet

Normally the beginning of Spring is when ladies whip out the pastel shades, but I seemed to have skipped straight to summer with tangerine tangerine and coral shades. Now, I'm in the mood for something softer, but no less vibrant. 

At first I started with Sunshine Sparkle by Revlon but was disappointed when I couldn't seem to not get any streaks. So I gave up and tried Mint Sorbet by Sally Hansen. Mint Sorbet is a gorgeous, creamy mint green shade, which is a colour I've been craving for some time now. I love the shade (especially now that I've darkened myself up a bit), I love the thick, flat brush and I love that I only needed two coats to achieve full opacity.

What are you wearing on your nails, lovelies?

What My Mom Has Taught Me About Beauty...

To all of you who are moms and have moms, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! If you're a mom, I hope you get all the pampering you deserve.

This was my mom back in the 70s/80s when she was still a performer by occupation. She was pretty fierce, huh? She still is, actually. By the way, the outfit she's wearing in the first photo is actually just a piece of fabric she fashioned into a jumpsuit of sorts. She's a clever one!

Like most women, my mom has influenced me in the way of beauty and I've learned a lot from her along the way. The most important thing I've learned is that there's always something about you that's beautiful, even if you're not feeling particularly beautiful. I have a few insecure moments... All right, I have more than a few, but I'm sure I'm not the only one. And when I'm busy throwing myself a pity party (I wish I was more this, I wish I looked more like her, et cetera, et cetera. Let me play my tiny violin), she's always quick to point out my "pretty parts." I've learned to see myself a bit differently because of her. So no, I won't ever look like a model, but I know I don't have to be one to be beautiful. This is what my mom has taught me.

What has your mom taught you about beauty?

Collection Spotlight: Badgley Mischka - Spring 2011

(photos from style.com)

If I can sum up, in one word, what this collection makes me think of, it's definitely "Mediterranean."

The coral shades look so gorgeous against white, it's a perfect marriage between crisp and fresh. The first dress in the last set on model Tao Okamoto is especially lovely. The fabric just flows so beautifully, it reminds me of water.

I also really love the full length dresses, but my favourites are dress #2 in set 1 and dress #1 in set 2. These dresses are so light and airy, it seems to have been poured over them to float over the body. They are such simple, but stunning dresses!

Enjoy your weekend, lovelies!

All About Eyes - Peacock Green

Products Used:

The Body Shop Eye Colour - Peacock Green

MAC Eyeshadow - Patina & Naked Lunch

Clinique Brush-On Cream Eyeliner - True Black

Revlon Beyond Natural Eyelashes - 91155

I purchased Peacock Green a few weeks ago because I fell in love with the colour. For this look, I decided to let it take center stage and keep everything else simple. First, I applied the shadow all over the lid with a brush that has short, dense bristles so I could really pack on the colour. Although, I didn't really need to work with it too much because it's nicely pigmented. I also applied this shade along the lower lash line with a pencil brush. Then, I applied Patina along the crease and blended it with the green to diffuse any harsh lines. Next, I used a fluffy brush to sweep some Naked Lunch along the brow bone for a pretty highlight. 

To finish off the look, I lined my upper lash line and lower line with a black gel eyeliner from Clinique, brushed through my brows with a groomer, and applied false eyelashes from Revlon. 

Hope you all like this simple, but colourful look! :)

Collection Spotlight: Paul & Joe - Spring 2011

(photos from style.com)

Goodness, where do I start? 

First of all: ORANGE! I've been a little obsessed with orange shades at the moment so the first set is right up my street!

Secondly: belts! From metallic belts with rope accents to ultra thin belts to the brown belts with the rustic feel, I'm loving this detail and I think they accentuate the outfits perfectly.

Third: maxi skirts/dresses! I love full length pieces, though I often think they look too bohemian for me. However, the lovely floral prints in the last set and the punchy bright shade of the first dress in the second set are bit more my style. 

Fourth: Pantsuits! The bright colours, the halter neck, the belted waist, these pantsuits are so modern and so sexy.

My absolute favourite? Definitely the first photo in the last set. I love the use of print and bright colour on the skirt juxtaposed with a sheer tank and leather bomber. 

Which piece is your favourite?