June 2014 Hit List (Favorites)

Hey Everyone!

This month's favorites consist of skincare, lips, and a hair product that I've been looking for my entire life!  These items were in heavy rotation each day of June and I hope that you're able to find at least one that will work just as well for you as it did for me.  There are five products in total so let's begin.

First up we have MAC's Prep & Prime transparent finishing powder, PERFECT for setting undereye concealer and priming the face, yup, you read it right, PRIMING YOUR FACE!  I came across this technique while watching one Wayne Goss' beauty videos on how to make one's foundation last longer and stay matte.  The link to that video is found here, trust me, it'll save your life. You can find it for $25 at your local MAC store or on their website.

Next up we have an edge control that was first introduced to me via CurlBox founder, Myleik Teele, if you don't follow her on Instagram then you seriously need to, not only is she an entrepreneur but she's a well read woman, fashionable, and she knows what products just work for natural hair.  It is the Design Essentials sleek edge control, this happens to be one of the products she mentioned in one of her past posts and since then I knew I had to get my hands on it.  I've been using this product to tame my edges for about three months now and it is one of my favorites, not the best, but a favorite because my edges stay flat and it leaves no residue.  This comes in to a close second to my number one, Hick's edge control. The price ranges from $7.99 to $12, I purchased mine from the salon inside of a JCPenney.

Then there's the Target brand, Up & Up's eye makeup remover. Seriously, one of the best that I've tried and I have tried plenty.  Just dab a little of this product on a cotton pad and like magic all of your mascara, eyeshadaow, and eyeliner will glide off with ease.  Not tugging, no pulling, because we do not have time for it! It's only $5 at your local Target store.

Up next we have a night time facial moisturizer, you should know by now that I'm always on the hunt for a great facial moisturizer.  I remember trying this out last summer and then because I couldn't find it in stores anymore I stopped using it.  I finished the entire product and was definitely upset when I couldn't find it.  Fast forward one year and I found it online and here we are today.  I typically use this at night and in the morning I wake up with smooth skin.  This formulation is for oily/combo skin but there is also one available for dry/extra skin as well.  You can find this at your local drugstore for approximately $15.

And  finally, we have the famous Ruby Woo lipstick, I wore this nonstop last month because it's a quick and easy way to look put together without doing too much, even on days when I would relax.  It's easy, it's matte, and easy to find.  The only bad thing about this is the formula, IT'S SO DRY!  Exfoliating is a must, balm is a must, and a watchful eye is also a must so that your lips don't look cracked and chapped because you were too busy gnawing on that burger to realize your lips are now carrying remnants of that lunch.  LOL
You can find this at your local MAC store, counter or online for $16.

That's all for now, folks!  What were some of your favorites for the month of June?  Tell me in the comments!

bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum--Review

Hello Lovers!

I'm back again with an awesome skincare product that I think you will love!  bareMinerals has definitely been buzzing on my radar as of late because I have fallen in love with their skincare line of products.  I had the opportunity to try their moisturizers, this serum, a facial cleanser, and a nighttime face powder....yeah, I know.  Those reviews will come in due time. :)  Here's what bareMinerals says about their product.

Every cell in your body has a "clock gene" that regulates cellular renewal, which in turn affects the appearance of your skin. And it's scientifically proven that cells are most efficient at healing during nighttime sleep.

Our intensive night serum helps restore your skin's ability to reach its ideal renewal state. Powered by our proprietary ActiveSoil Complex–combined with a unique moisture boost technology–this formula maximizes cellular renewal and hydrates skin overnight. The result? Cells that are supercharged to protect you during the day and skin that looks firmer, healthier and younger.

Source

Indeed it did just that!  After about a week of using this serum I noticed clearer skin and my dark spots were diminished.  After about a month you could barely notice my dark spots, now that's a feat in itself as I don't think I've ever had a product that can do that, then again I've never used a product with the  intent to diminish the appearance of my dark spots.  LOL  

To give you an idea of how this product works for me I think it would be informative to let you know that I have oily skin, however, my oily skin does get dry patches when the weather changes to drier more cooler temperatures like we've been experiencing in South Florida lately.  I have been using this product for 3 months now and it has just finished.  It has left my skin feeling fresher, smoother, and a lot clearer.

The consistency is of watered down oil, it is not greasy.  All you need is about a dime sized amount to get full coverage on the face, once it's dry it does feel somewhat tacky on the face but trust, it's nothing that's uncomfortable once you put your moisturizer on afterward. 

It does come with the squeeze top to fill up the baster so that you don't waste any product.  It is clear, does not have a scent, and is just an overall great product.  The price is $50 for a 1oz. bottle from their website and inside their stores.  Would I recommend this product?  Yes!  So, what are you waiting on, go and get yourself a bottle girlfriend!