Skin Prep Reviews: Benefit, Urban Decay, Clinique, Clarins

I totally did save the best for last...

Here are some of my favs of the past few months: 

Clinique Stay Matte Oil Free Makeup 

Neutral, Dry Combination to Oily

I don't normally wear full coverage makeup like most foundations, so when I tried this I kept that in mind. Although it's not something I would personally wear on a daily basis, many could or would, and this would be something I would wear if I wanted a little more coverage than my normal I'm-a-manager-at-a-gym look. It wasn't too thick & blended in nicely. Clinique has actually been one of my favorite brands (normally in skin care) since I was pretty young. If you have sensitive skin or your skin breaks out easily, it's a great brand to turn to.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm SPF 20

Pretty impressed with this! Did have a bit more coverage than I was expecting for a BB cream, but Urban Decay is a strong makeup brand so it makes sense. The SPF is a little low for my preference - I usually aim for 30+ - but I liked it overall. The sample I had was pretty small, but I would definitely like to try it again.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

A little thick for my preference, but does an excellent job of doing what it says. Use alone or as a primer, and be sure to blend in smoothly. If you want to feel secure in your primer lasting all day or night in possibly a warm environment, this is a great choice.

Benefit - The Pore Professional

Really saved the best for last! This is it. Stock up on this by the cases. It's so good, feels so nice on your skin, does such a nice job in the morning, or night, with no makeup, a little makeup, more makeup... I felt like I was in a constant battle of wanting to use it all the time & keep putting more on, but afraid of running out of it before I was ready. This might just be crack for your face.

Skin Care Reviews: Suki, Arcona, Mereadesso, Juana

Two exfoliates you may want to eat, an all-in-one that should have just been one, and a creamy body creme are up today...

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

I love Suki products. I may or may not be biased from my days as a Founding Leader at alex+von - which catered to many natural and organic skincare and makeup brands. This cleanser smells so good you may want to eat it. With all organic ingredients, you probably could, but it's better just to put it on your face. It's a perfect balance of a good yet gentle exfoliate, which you could use every other day. I liked putting it on during my morning shower - was a great pick-me-up to start my day.

Arcona Cranberry Grommage

It really smells like cranberry. The consistency is very similar to the Suki, but maybe a little more rough. It could be used at least every other day if you wanted.

Mereadesso All-In-One Moisturizer

So this thing says: "An all-in-one day and night moisturizer, eye cream, toner & primer for all skin types."

They probably should have stuck with trying to attempt one thing well, because altogether it kind of sucked to be honest. I would not use this for day - I'm glad my first attempt was at night (no SPF, that's why I chose night first) because I wouldn't want the feeling of film on my face all day. If you rub your face, it kind of rubs off like gunk too. Definitely not something you want going on at work or around other humans. I feel almost bad giving it such a negative review because this thing lasted forever. What I thought was going to amount to 2 or 3 applications lasted at least a dozen. Why did I keep putting this on my face? I'm a waste-not kind of girl, and it's not like it was doing any damage. If you want to stick something on your face at night for no good reason, this product will give you endless nights of pleasurable nothingness.

Juara Candlenut Body Creme

It takes a lot for me to say much about any body cream to be honest, unless it is something completely life-changing status. This was above average in my book, due to the creaminess of the texture that wasn't stinky or greasy. I don't care for lotions with a strong scent or that make you remember you are wearing it long after you put in on. This could go well put on at night, or if you are feeling dry during the day.

Hair Care Reviews - Alterna, Splat, N 4

 

Here are four hair care reviews I've been hiding: A shampoo, a lengthening elixir, a hair mask & hair chalk.

Alterna Caviar Replenishing Moisture Shampoo

I picked this up in line at Sephora. I don't use shampoo much - maybe once or twice a week - so I figured I could splurge on a little investment trial size (it was $8 plus San Francisco tax, which is like a hundred bucks.) I picked this because it had no parabens or sulfates (sulfates can damage your hair, especially if it color treated or bleached), it said "moisturizing for dry hair" (which mine is), and Alterna is a pretty good name in hair care. 

I was pretty happy with it. Only used a small amount each time, so I had maybe about 7 or 8 uses with it. It smelled great, and definitely did not give my hair the "stripped" feeling like with many other shampoos, even moisturizing ones. If you like to shampoo your hair but don't like the dried out feeling most shampoos give you, you'll probably love this. Worth the investment.

Alterna Caviar Repair Lengthening Hair & Scalp Elixir

What can you really say about a one use sample that claims to lengthen your hair? Can't really judge whether or not it lengthens, can you? All things considered, it was nice and I would put it on my head again. However if you are looking to grow & lengthen your hair, you'd be much better off with proper nutrition & possibly vitamin supplements (biotin anyone?)

Splat Hair Chalk

I bought this after I semi-recently dyed my hair pink, and then had a semi-unexpectedly job interview come up. I don't know what I was thinking. I do know that it wasn't worth the money & got all over everywhere - like chalk. I don't know why someone over the age of 13 would use this. If you're under the age of 13, find a cheaper solution to whatever you're trying to accomplish, because this thing is not worth the $6 box. Find some actual chalk & glitter & stick that in your hair. It would probably look cooler anyway. 

Number 4 Reconstructing Masque

I wish I had a bigger sample to try, because for the 1 time I used it (tried to squeeze it between two times, but no go) I really did like it. I used what I like to call my "ultimate test" on all things deep conditioning/ moisturizing/ repairing for hair: right after I home bleach it. 

Boscia Black Mask Review

 

What it says: "An innovative peel-off mask that helps boost skin clarity & minimize the appearance of pores."

First of all... Well, it's definitely black. Not sure what I expected from a "black mask", but it's probably the blackest thing I've ever put on my face, which is saying a lot. Not quite as thick as tar, but that's what it reminds you of when you put it on. Then you're supposed to wait about 30 minutes before you start peeling it off...

 

Yep, my eyes kind of say it all. If your skin is sensitive, this product may not be for you. It is not harsh on the skin, but it does dry tight and pulls it. If you have thin skin, this is definitely not for you. Everyone else - give it a go! It was a pretty cool, and semi-weird experience. Be sure to STAY AWAY FROM YOUR EYES!

 

My skin was pretty smooth after. Be careful to not get it into the little hairs around your face, because it will hurt pulling them off.  I'd definitely try this product again.

Super Sample Week on Natural Beauty and Body

Hi All!

I will be moving in less than 2 months and I have a couple boxes of samples that I've tried & tested, but have yet to review! The price I pay for working overtime, going to school, and still being a procrastinator.

This week I'll be reviewing over a dozen products for hair, skin, makeup, and body. Here's what's in store:

Alterna Caviar Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Lengthening Hair & Scalp Serum, Number 4 Reconstructing Masque, and Splat Hair Chalk

 

Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser, Mereadesso All-In-One Moisturizer, Arcona Cranberry Gommage, and Juara Candlenut Body Creme

Benefit the Pore Professional, Clinique Stay Matte Oil Free Makeup, Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm SPF 20, and Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

Tomorrow we will start with the Boscia Black Mask Review!

Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Breakfast Protein Smoothie

Here is one of my newer experiments in breakfast smoothie land. One of my favorite flavors of ice cream is mint chocolate chip. I've also been getting into the habit of brewing tea the night before, adding protein powder and almond milk into my single serving blender, and leaving it in the fridge overnight so that all I have to do in the morning is add ice.

What you will need:

• 2 Mint Tea Bags (I use Yerba Mate Empower Mint tea. Organic with a little more caffeine.)
• 1/2 cup Non-Dairy Unsweetened Vanilla Milk (I often use almond milk)
• 1/2 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder (Isopure Dutch Chocolate pictured)
• 1/2 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (Isoburn Vanilla Ice Cream pictured)
• Blender & Ice
• Pinch of Stevia

 

What to do:

• Brew tea bags first, approx 10-15 minutes
• Add 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• Add 1/2 scoop chocolate & vanilla protein powder
• Add pinch of Stevia if desired. Leave in single serving blender cup in fridge overnight if not making immediately
• Add 4-6 ice cubes in the morning and blend

Total Calories: 134
Protein: 23g
Carbs: 6g
Fat: 2g
For a meal replacement, use full scoops of protein powder & full cup of almond milk.