How Argan Oil Saved My Skin

Some of you know I had major surgery on my jaw in August of 2016. Ever since my jaw surgery, I have really been struggling with my skin. My skin went through this weird peeling, dry, painful phase for months. I tried everything to combat it, but nothing seemed to work. Then I tried Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil and overnight my skin changed.

It felt as if my skin took the drink of water it was craving. My skin was hydrated, smooth, and glowing. I almost didn't believe it at first. I thought that the effect would eventually wear off or that my skin would get used to the argan oil to the point that it would stop working, but none of that happened. The argan oil nourished my skin and kept it hydrated day after day. I could finally wear foundation without worrying that it would start cracking off my face halfway through the day. My skin stopped peeling and my face no longer had that tight painful feel to it. My skin finally felt like my skin.

I'm not one to say that something is a miracle product, but this is a miracle product. If you have dry, dehydrated, acne prone skin like me, then I suggest giving argan oil a chance.

The New Kids on the Block

If you're like me, nothing excites you more then new makeup. There seems to be always something new in the beauty world launching money straight out of my bank account and landing shinny new products on my vanity. The three newest things in my makeup collection are two new lip products (I have a problem) and a new limited edition trendy highlighter.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick in Chutney
Bite Beauty just came out with a very exciting new liquid lipstick. If you're like me, you're kind of over the whole liquid lipstick thing, but this is not a liquid lipstick, this is a liquified lipstick. Yes it's lipstick that is liquified. I know the term liquid lipstick implies a lipstick that is liquid, but liquid lipstick is basically a highly pigmented liquid lip paint that dries matte or has a satin finish. This liquified lipstick formula is just like if you were to melt down a lipstick and then brush it on your lips. It has the same pigmentation and finish as a lipstick, but it goes on in a thicker liquid form. I'm not gonna lie, I was kind of hesitant at first, but this product is genius! This is the perfect liquid lipstick for the liquid lipstick haters. The first time I wore this lipstick I wore it to dinner and when I came home it still looked pretty good. It just had the normal fade from eating and drinking, but the color was still noticeably on my lips. I also wore it all day at work the next day and I only reapplied a little in the center of my lips after lunch. The lasting power of this lipstick is far superior then any other liquid lipstick I have ever tried. You don't get that weird liquid lipstick fade and it doesn't crumble or look too thick on your lips if you have to reapply. I love this formula so much I just can't wait to try more shades and I really hope Bite Beauty comes out with more colors too.

Becca Light Chaser Highlighter in Champagne Dream Flashes Bellini
Beauty trends are constantly evolving and Becca took the holographic rainbow highlighter trend to a whole new level with a range of kaleidoscope highlighters that have color shifts. I chose to try the Champagne Dream Flashes Bellini shade and as you may or may not know, Becca Champagne Pop is my all time favorite highlighter, so of course I chose the champagne shade. This shade was probably the safest shade to try, but it still has a really cool color affect. This shade is a soft peach with a rose gold shift, so as the light catches the highlighter on your skin the color changes. This highlighter is such a fun easy way to add something a bit different to your makeup. I really want to try the Opal Flashes Jade shade, I just don't know if I'm brave enough.

NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in London Calling
I know I just said "I'm kind of over the whole liquid lipstick thing," but this is different... NARS once again has proven the saying good things come to those who wait, and NARS waited a long time to come out with their version of a liquid lipstick with their new Powermatte Lip Pigment line. The formula of this lip pigment is very thin and runny but still pigmented. It also dries down to a comfortable almost matte finish, and I'm referring it to an "almost matte" because it isn't fully transfer proof but it's still matte. I've only worn this lip pigment once and it was just at my house, but I'm excited to fully test this out because there are some colors in the line that I have my eye on.

Battle of the Brand: NARS Concealer

Ever since NARS launched their Radiant Creamy Concealer in 2013, it has become a cult favorite amongst beauty gurus across the world. No other concealer has been able to top this concealer since I first started using it when it launched. I have tried many drugstore and high end concealers and none have even come close to my beloved NARS concealer. But earlier this year, NARS threw a curve ball into the beauty community and launched a new concealer, the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer. Because I'm such a diehard fan of NARS concealer, I had to give this new concealer a try and have it battle out with it's brand counterpart and my holy grail concealer, the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Do you think the Holy Grail will continue to rule the land? Or will the New Kid claim the crown?

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer aka THE HOLY GRAIL

Amount of Product

* .22 ounces

Cost

* $30 

Does it work under the eyes?

* Yes

Does it crease?

* No, even when I haven't set it with powder

Does it work around the nose, on dry patches, or areas where foundation fades?

* Yes

Pigmentation

* Medium but can be built up

Does it cover acne or spots?

* Yes, but sometime has to have multiple layers and touchups throughout the day

Longevity and Fade Rate:

* Moderate

Blendability

* Like a dream

Color match

* Perfection!

I love how creamy this concealer is so I have no problem using it under my eyes or around my nose where my skin is naturally dry. I find that the pigmentation is medium coverage that can be built up. The color of the concealer is the most perfect color match I have ever found. It works to brighten up my under eyes and give extra coverage on my nose, chin, and forehead where my foundation normally wheres off the most throughout the day. I love that this concealer doesn't crease under my eyes or accentuate any dry patches. The only downfall when it comes to pigmentation is when I'm trying to cover acne. It does an ok job but sometimes it takes multiple layers and multiple touchups throughout the day to cover certain acne spots. When it comes to longevity, I find that this concealer has a good lasting power and is still noticeably in place at the end of the day in areas that I set it with power, such as under my eyes. If I don't set this concealer, I do find that it fades a lot quicker. One of my favorite things is that this concealer blends like a dream. I use a beauty blender to blend it out most of the time, especially under my eyes, but if I want a more full coverage look then I blend it out with my finger or a brush. Overall, this concealer isn't a perfect 10, but it's many positives make up for the few things it lacks. 

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer aka THE NEW KID

Amount of Product

* .21 ounces

Cost

* $30 

Does it work under the eyes?

* No

Does it crease?

* No, but I do not use it under the eyes

Does it work around the nose, on dry patches, or areas where foundation fades?

* Yes

Pigmentation

* Full

Does it cover acne or spots?

* Yes

Longevity and Fade Rate:

* High

Blendability

* Moderate and only with my finger

Color match

* Good but the colors are not the same as the Radiant Creamy line. 

This concealer comes in a pot style form instead of in a tube with an applicator. When I first tried this concealer, I didn't love it, mostly because I can't use it under my eyes because it is a bit drying. The best thing about this concealer is that it is so pigmented and a little goes a long way I use it around my nose and places where my foundation normally fades. My favorite way to use this concealer is to cover my acne spots. Because this concealer is so pigmented, it covers spots easily, and because this is a matte concealer it doesn't even need to be set. The longevity of this concealer is pretty amazing. I find that it lasts all day and keeps even the most stubborn spots covered. I do find the blendability is kind of finicky because it can only be blended with my finger. The color match is also just ok because I do find this formula oxidizes pretty easily. Overall, this is a great matte concealer to use for extra coverage or to cover spots. 

And the winner is... the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. There is no competition here and I don't know if any concealer will ever be able to come close, but it was a good battle! 

What is your holy grail concealer?

Beauty Products I Always Carry With Me

There are certain beauty products that I carry with me everyday. No matter what my look is for that day or where I'm going, these products are a lifesaver! 

To start with, I always carry my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, because you never know when you're going to need some extra coverage. To blend in the concealer I carry the Zoeva 142 Concealer Buffer brush. Then there is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Powder Foundation that I use to touch up throughout the day, which I use with the Zoeva 106 Powder brush. For lips, I carry MAC Soar Lip Pencil because it is the perfect my lips but better shade and can easily go with any lip shade. To sharpen it I carry the Sephora Collection Small Sharpener, because there's nothing worse then a dull lip pencil. I also carry my holy grail MAC Syrup Lipstick. Lastly, I always carry a lip balm with me and my favorite is the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy.

What beauty items do you always carry with you?

Sephora Anti-Haul: aka What I'm Not Going to Buy!

Today's post is going to be a bit different, because instead of me telling you about things I have bought from Sephora, I'm going to tell you what things I'm not going to buy with a Sephora Anti-Haul. The idea of an Anti-Haul came from Kimberly Clark on YouTube and when I first saw one of her Anti-Haul videos, I just thought it was such an ingenious idea. In this day and age, especially in the culture of America, society, brands, commercials, TV Shows, Movies, Celebrities, YouTubers, Bloggers, Instagramers, Internet Influencers, and so on market and hype up products to us at every second of the day. With as many makeup items I buy from a store, such as Sephora, there are way more things that I'm not going to buy, and I feel it's just as important for me to tell you why I'm not going to purchase something as when I tell you why I do purchase or love something. So without further ado, on to my very first Sephora Anti-Haul!

*Disclaimer: What is said about the items mentioned in this post are my own opinion. If you have bought or want to buy one of these items or something I dislike is something you like, that is ok. It is ok for us to have different opinions, this post is just meant for me to share with you my own opinion,  not tell you that you can't or shouldn't purchase or like something. We are allowed to have our own opinions, so please don't take anything I say personally. Thank you! 

Too Faced Sweet Peach Collection (#1, 7, 10)

I thought we would start with a collection I am passionately Anti-Hauling, the Too Faced Sweet Peach Collection. First of all, I love Too Faced as a brand and they make some amazing products that I use everyday or are holy grail beauty products to many people, but this is not a good collection and anyone you read or watch on YouTube that tells you differently is in my opinion lying, or at least stretching the truth. For starters, there is nothing unique about this collection other then the "peach" scent, which doesn't really smell like peaches, and then the "cute fun packaging" which is so childish. The highlighting palette is chalky with low pigmentation and the blush is a basic peachy pink shade that you could find anywhere or probably already have in your collection. The eyeshadow palette also isn't unique enough to have such rave reviews as it has. There are only a few peach shades and the rest are shades that you probably already own. But of course this collection is marketed in our face all the time and you almost feel brainwashed by Too Faced to buy it, (especially since I found out they are expanding their line... no please stop Too Faced), but I'm staying strong and I'm not going to buy this! 

Highlighter Palettes (#3, 4, 5, 6, 15)

Now let's discuss the excessive amount of highlighting palettes that have launched recently. I love a good highlighter as much as the next beauty guru, (I am very loyal to my Becca Champagne Pop because nothing will ever top it) but the amount highlighters being launched have kind of gotten out of control. Every single brand is launching their own highlighting palette and after awhile they all start to look the same. Let's start with the NARS Band De Sable Highlighting Palette. I don't really have a lot of bad things to say about this palette. The pigmentation and wear of these shades are good and are up to par with other NARS powder products, but the colors are just average peachy warm gold shades for $49. Then there's the Laura Mercier Lightstruck Prismatic Glow Palette. Nothing about this palette makes me want to purchase it. The packaging is ok, but the shades are way too glittery. Highlighters are supposed to add a glow to your face not glitter. Next, the Smashbox Spotlight Palette which was a collaboration with YouTuber Casey Holmes. I love watching Casey videos and I have been a loyal viewer and supporter for many years, but I felt like this palette was just meh. It's just another average highlighting palette that I don't need in my life. Now let's talk about the Anastasia Beverly Hills Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit. I am also such a fan of Nicole's videos and I almost bought this palette a few times. I watched a lot of videos about this palette, swatched it in store, and came so close to purchasing it, but the voice inside of my head kept screaming "Do I need this.. DO I NEED THIS!" (Any Shopaholic fans?) Needless to say, I did not purchase it and my wallet is happy. Lastly, the Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette. I love Huda Beauty's lashes, but like all the other highlighting palettes I've mentioned, nothing about this palette made me want to purchase it. The excessive highlighting palettes are just making me so bored and not inspiring me as an artist. Come on beauty brands, be different and stop following the crowd! 

Becca X Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette (#2)

It's become quite popular for beauty brands to team up with celebrities to "create" a product and so it was no surprise when Becca teamed up with Chrissy Teigen to create a face palette. Now, I don't have any doubt that Chrissy was involved in choosing the products and packaging design of this palette. The palette design and product shades are beautiful and I'm not going to lie, I almost bought this palette, but I stopped myself. After watching a few YouTube videos and swatching it in store, I realized this palette isn't universal. It's really aimed at people with Chrissy's complexion and skin tone. The shades are more pinky peach cool toned and a tad dark. They would look beautiful on someone with a more olive skin tone, but not on a fair skinned warm neutral toned person like myself. But my main reason why I'm not purchasing this palette is because around this time last year, Becca teamed up with YouTuber Jaclyn Hill to create a glow face palette, and the two palettes look almost identical. The shades of the products inside are slightly different and the product packagings are different colors, but the overall concepts are the same. I guess if you weren't able to get the Jaclyn Hill palette last year then Becca coming out with a similar palette this year is good news for you, but for all of us that already own the Jaclyn Hill palette its kind of a bust. I just hope this concept doesn't become a trend with Becca and they don't punch out a new palette every year that looks exactly the same but just with a different celebrities name on it. 

Eyeshadow Palettes (#8, 9, 12)

Brands are coming out with new eyeshadow palettes left and right, but recently they've all looked the same and uninspiring. NARS recently came out the NARSissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette, which because it's a NARS palette it is good quality, but the shades in the palette just bored me. Then Too Faced came out with the Natural Love Ultimate Neutral Eye Shadow Palette, which is a combination of shades from their top selling palettes with a few new shades. Overall, a lot of the shades were a little too pink for me and then because I already own a few Too Faced Palettes I already own the shades I liked. Lastly, there's the Huda Beauty Rose Gold Edition Eyeshadow Palette. I already own a few palettes that have similar shades in this palette but the thing that deterred me the most from this palette was that I really didn't like the top row of glitter shadows. 

Natasha Denona Palettes (#11, 13, 14, 16)

I'm going to state my opinion about the Natasha Denona Palettes very briefly. These palettes cost $239, $89, $169, and $129. I could NEVER justify purchasing any beauty product for that much money. No matter how beautiful these palettes are or how much I want one, I just can't morally do it. You don't need these palettes either. You'll feel bad or guilty for spending that much money and in the words of Kimberly Clark, "Don't need it, not going to buy it!" 

Wow that was a lot of negativity, I promise more positive posts will be coming in the future. I hope you enjoyed this Sephora Anti-Haul and if you liked this post I encourage you to check out Kimberly Clark's Anti-Haul YouTube series which I will link here. 

Sephora VIB Sale Haul

Today I'm finally sharing with you all my Sephora VIB sale haul! Most the items I purchased were back ups of current favorites, but I did purchase a few new items I have been wanting to try. 

Makeup

Benefit Galifornia Blush
How could I pass up purchasing this blush! Come on, it's a blush called Galifornia and I'm a California girl. Every California girl needs this pink blush with gold shimmer in their life.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer
I have been wanting to try this primer for so long and my first impression of this primer is beyond words. I've only been using it for a little over a week and I'm pretty impressed. I'll get back to you guys a little later with my final thoughts on this primer.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
I conveniently ran out of my beloved Laura Mercier Translucent Powder right before the sale, so I purchased another because I just can't live without it. If you want to read more about my love for this powder, check out this post.

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
NARS Radient Creamy Concealer is my holy grail, desert island, ride or die concealer. When I heard NARS was coming out with a new concealer, I just had to try it. So far I don't hate this concealer, but I don't love it. I think I just need more time to try it out and experiment with it before I make my final opinion.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Taupe
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is my favorite brow product. It's easy to use and is long lasting. I usually use the shades Medium Brown or Soft Brown, but I decided to give the shade Taupe a try. I thought it would be too light for my dark eyebrows, but it actually blends in well and matches my blonde hair perfectly.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Nourishing Primer
Another product I conveniently ran out of right before the sale was my favorite primer for dry skin, the Make Up For Ever Nourishing primer. If you want to read more about this primer, check out this post.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
I also picked up a back up of my favorite mascara, the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara, because my current one is going to dry out any day now. If you want to read more about why I can't live without this mascara, check out this post.

Skincare

Origins Bedtime Bests
Origins is my favorite skincare brand and this sampler pack is such a deal, I've bought two of them. It comes with a full size of my favorite night cream, a deluxe size of my favorite face mask, a deluxe size of Origins famous face wash, a deluxe size of their spot treatment, and a beautiful makeup bag.

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask
I feel like a broken record telling you guys how much I love this lip mask and can't live without it. If you want to read more about the Bite Agave Lip Mask, check out this post.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
I restocked my favorite day moisturizer, the Belif Aqua Bomb. This moisturizer is perfect for my dehydrated combination skin. It keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day, but is also light enough to be worn under makeup.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy
The FAB Ultra Repair Lip Therapy is my favorite everyday lip balm. I go through so many of these! Probably about one a month, that I bought three during the sale.

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum
I have such dehydrated skin, that this serum saves my skin's life every day, so I stocked up on a new bottle before my old bottle runs out. I combine this serum with my daily moisturizer to keep my thirsty skin hydrated throughout the day.

Caudalie Grape Water
The Caudalie Grape Water has become such a staple in my life. It helps set my makeup in the morning and keeps my makeup looking fresh throughout the day. I keep a bottle with me in my purse, one at my work, and one at my makeup desk so I'm never without it. I'm just short of obsessed if you can't tell. If you want to read more about this magical spray, check out this post.

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask
I've been wanting to try this mask for a long time! (If you don't believe me, check out this post.) I am a face mask junkie and this face mask has everything I'm looking for in a good face mask. It's said to be clarifying and hydrating at the same time. I've only used it once, and my grandma asked me if I was going to a Halloween party when she saw it on my face, but it seemed to work well. I'll keep you updated on my thoughts on this face mask.

Haircare

Alterna Bambo Smooth Anti-Breakage Thermal Protection Spray
I have very damaged hair due to dying it blonde for the past 12 years and going through a phase of straightening my already very straight hair in high school and part of college. I also use a lot heat on my hair from blowdrying and curling it every week. So having a good heat protectant is very important to me. I've been wanting give this heat protectant a try for a while because of it's really good reviews, so I'll let you know what I think of it soon.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry
The only reason why my hair has any texture and holds a curl when I curl my hair is because of this hair product. The Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Spray is the perfect combination of salt spray and mousse that gives my hair that perfectly textured volume my board straight hair needs.

Other

Huda Beauty Classic False Lashes in Giselle
I love the Huda Beauty Giselle lashes and I decided to pick up a pair because I have a few events coming up that I want my lashes to look their very best! If you want to read more about these lashes, check out this post.

Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Dear Brachiosaurus Blotting Sheets in Mulberry
I have combo skin, which means I do get oily from time to time, especially in the summer months, but I'm also a cheap person, so I usually combat my oily skin with Starbucks napkins or toilet seat covers. (Don't judge me you know you've been there.) Well, you should be happy to know, I finally decided to try some real blotting sheets, and my mind is blown! I've only used these a few time, most recently at Disneyland last weekend, but I think these are going to become a new staple in my beauty routine.


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Top 10 Picks to Buy During the Sephora Sale

Twice a year Sephora gives us the greatest gift a beauty guru could ever ask for: BEAUTY SALE!

Here are my top 10 picks that I believe to be worth buying during the Sephora Sale. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette
If you buy one thing from the Sephora sale, it must be the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette. This palette is simply amazing. It has a wide array of shimmer and matte shades ranging from neutrals, browns, reds, oranges, and pinks. My favorite shades are Buon Fresco, which is a matte dusty lilac, and Antique Bronzer, which is a warm dark bronze with a red undertone.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer
I have had my eye on this primer for a while now and have been patiently waiting for this sale to purchase it. (Well, my version of "patiently waiting" which basically means stalky Sephora on social media and checking my email constantly.) This primer is said to be hydrating and blur pores, which is the ideal primer for me.

Benefit Galifornia Blush
I love the Benefit Box Powders. They are such good quality powders and I am such a fan of the packaging. When Benefit announced last year that they were coming out with a new blush, I was so excited. Then I found out that it was a pink shade with gold shimmer named Galifornia... myself and the entire internet freaked out. The name and the packaging definitely enticed me, but it was the blush shade that sold me. It looks like the perfect blush shade for spring and summer.

Kat Von D Everlasting Lip Liner
Kat Von D makes some of the best liquid lipsticks on the market and she recently came out with an entire line of matching lip liners. These lip liners look stunning and I'm sure their quality will be just a fantastic as the rest of Kat Von D's makeup line.    

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner
I love the Fresh Rose Face Mask and recently Fresh came out with an edition to their Rose line with the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner. I just know this is going to be a popular product being sold during the sale. A hydrating toner is a must in any skincare regime, so I know this is a product that most skin types will be able to use. Also, the packaging of this product is beautiful. It has real rose petals floating in the bottle, so the packaging itself might just sell this toner. Besides the packaging, I'm sure with all Fresh skincare products this toner is going to be amazing and I really want to try it.

Origins Bedtime Bests
Origins is my favorite skincare brand. If I had to only use one skincare brand for the rest of my life, it would be Origins. This sampler pack is such a good deal, I've already purchased two of them. It comes with a full sized High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream, which is my favorite night cream. A deluxe size of the Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash. A deluxe size of the Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay, which is my favorite exfoliating face mask. A deluxe size of the Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel and a beautiful travel pouch.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
You already know my love for the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. This is a cult favorite foundation that I believe everyone should try. The expensive price tag is gut wrenching, so get it on sale while you can!

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask
This is probably my most repurchased item at Sephora. The Bite Agave Lip Mask is the best lip treatment I've ever tried. I use it every night and it moisturizes my lips better then anything I've ever tried before. If you suffer from dry lips and can't seem to find anything to sooth your dry soar lips, then you need to try the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask.

Kate Somerville Exfolikate
Exfoliating is such an important step in any skincare routine, but it is so hard to find a good exfoliator that doesn't irritate the skin and gets the job done. I can't even tell you how many different exfoliators I have tried from drugstore to highend. I got a sample of the Kate Somerville Exfolikate and fell in love! After going through about 5 different samples, I finally decided to purchase the full size. It is a gentle exfoliant but so effective. This product has a cult following because it's simply the best exfoliator on the market, and it has a price tag that comes with that title. I would recommend purchasing the Kate Somerville Exfolikate during the Sephora sale.

Beauty Blender Pro
If you haven't used a Beauty Blender yet, you are truly missing out! This is the best beauty tool to use to apply your foundation. I have been using the original Beauty Blender for years, but then I decided to try the Pro version and the Pro version is far superior then the original. The two versions are exactly the same and cost the same, but this one shows less stains. I pick up a new Beauty Blender every Sephora sale because it's always a good idea to have a back up.

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