March 2013 Empties!

I hardly finished anything during March. It's a little disappointing, but I knew that at some point I would begin to finish fewer and fewer small items and then I'd have to tackle the full-sized products. My classes have also been rather busy so I didn't notice until I sat down to write this post that I don't actually have the bottles from the products I've finished here, so I'm going based on memory. This post might be funny or it might be awful.

Not Pictured/Actually Emptied:
J.R. Liggett's Shampoo Bar: I reviewed this a while ago and I finished it during spring break. I have other shampoo bars I want to try eventually, so I won't be repurchasing immediately.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap: this was the last of my little 1 ounce bottles. I finished Baby Mild and Tea Tree. I might repurchase eventually, but as I said in my "Guilty Pleasure Products" post, I started using Dial soap when these ran out and it doesn't actually dry my skin out, so I might stick with that for a while since it is so inexpensive.

Kiss My Face Olive Oil Soap: I had a few of these lying around for a long time, but the one I know I finished is the original formula.

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Mineral Powder: I hit pan on this, but I didn't finish it. I noticed it was making my skin shiny within two hours, even when I wore it alone. The color was also orange on my skin. I don't know how this affected any breakouts (if it did at all), but it certainly did not help my skin. I also don't know why it stopped working for me because I liked it at first.

Donated:
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup: the color just didn't work for me.

Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow: the color was too dark. Too Faced released a lighter shade that I've swatched before (and turned out to be a lovely match), but I don't love the formula of the Too Faced BB cream as much as I liked the Tarte Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer's formula.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation: I received this in a swap on Makeup Alley and used it once. I didn't like it for my skin. Everything just seemed wrong for me - the color, the texture, etc. Basically now I have my Tarte tinted moisturizer and my Shiseido liquid foundation. Once I am closer to finish those, I want to try something different.

I think that is everything! I hope that by the end of the school year I will have a more impressive list of empties. I think my dad and I are going to build a vanity I designed as a birthday present to myself (June 4! I'll be 21, which is crazy to think). Once my vanity is built, I will have an updated makeup collection. I haven't added anything that isn't on my Project Empties page, so I have been keeping track of that. I just haven't kept track of everything I no longer have.

What did you finish in March?

February 2013 Empties!

I am finding myself having fewer and fewer empties at the end of each month. I won't complain, though. I feel like this means I am making progress and finishing the little things that took up extra space. I already have an idea of how I want my collection to look by the end of the year, so we'll see how that happens.

The only thing I bought in February was a nail polish, so Project Minimize 2013 is going very well! I thought I would have used up half of my purchasing limits by now, but I'm finally learning to tell myself "no" when I am shopping. I can even go into Ulta without feeling the need to purchase something just because I am there. On with the post!

J.R. Liggett's Herbal Bar Shampoo (not pictured): I used this on my hair and body. It was a good product, but I want to try other bar shampoos before trying the other J.R. Liggett formulas (other than the Original, which is at home)

Cosmetic sponges: I used these on the days when I felt too lazy to clean my makeup brushes, which has unfortunately been quite often lately. Since I didn't use these every day, they lasted a while.

Rimmel Extra WOW Lash in Extreme Black: I really liked this mascara. It cost me less than $4 and gave me a nice amount of volume and length. It wasn't a miracle performer, but again... it was $4 and better than mascaras I've used that have cost me two to three times the amount of this.

Fibre Lashxtend Extreme Black Lengthening Mascara: I got this in a Birchbox, I believe. I'll leave it at: I didn't really like it and I won't repurchase. I also have a new mascara that I like better (which I'll be reviewing!)

Sarah McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer Instant Imperfection Corrector: I got this in a subscription service and used it on a scar on my arm. It wasn't great. I just wanted to use it up since it was a tiny sample.

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation: This seemed to last a while until I hit pan (back in November). Then the last bits just wouldn't go away. I used it til the end and then cleaned the pan so it would be all shiny for the picture.

Organix Renewing Moroccan Oil Conditioner: I bought this to use in a DIY project and then ended up just using it as a regular conditioner. I liked it, but I want to try other conditioners.

Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment: I think I got this in an Ipsy bag. I really liked it! However, I have too many hair treatments to justify purchasing the full size right now.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap (Almond): I had four smaller bottles of the Dr. Bronner's soaps. I finished Rose in January and Almond in February (I already know I will be finishing Tea Tree and Baby mild in March). Almond is definitely my favorite because it just has a warm and comforting scent.

Dr. Woods Shea Vision Pure Black Soap with Organic Shea Butter: I bought this a few days before I decided to begin Project Minimize and I didn't really begin to use it until January (save a few days in December). I loved the way this felt on my skin and smelled. I think I want to try the Alaffia products.

What did you finish this month?

Makeup Collection: Face

As I believe I have mentioned before, I tend to buy an excess of face products. This is because my skin... well, to be honest, it isn't a pretty sight most days. Lately I've calmed down on the excessive purchasing of face products (and not just because of "project minimize") and although I do have a lengthy list of products I really want to try, I will hopefully refrain from purchasing what I do not need. Although most of my collection is with me at school, there are a few items I always leave at home with the assumption that I won't bring my makeup home with me. This never happens, but as it is, I don't actually have the space for the few other products that are sitting in my acrylic storage unit at home (actually, I did an experiment and discovered that I could fit it all in a Birchbox).

I won't be reviewing things that I mention because part of the purpose of this collection post is to show you what I have so I can actually review something that has been requested. As you've probably noticed, I just review what I am using and move on to the next item. I will also link to any reviews I have already posted, so hopefully that is helpful.

Once again I am rambling and telling you more than you probably needed to know, so here is my collection!

Base Products (primer, foundation/BB cream, powder, etc):

Primer:

I am not big on using face primers. To me, they are just an added step that I have personally never thought of as necessary because I've never found one I loved. Both primers I have are sample sizes, so I really need to just use them up so it's not taking up the space. I have the Mirabella Prime (which is for face and eyes) and a sample of Lancome La Base Pro (which I got at Sephora as a 100 point perk, I believe). Both of these are silicone-based. If I ever do buy another primer, I really want to try any of the Korres primers or the Tarte BB Tinted Treatment (which is a tinted primer).

Foundation/BB Cream/Tinted Moisturizer:

Foundation has always been my favorite, yet least favorite thing to buy. I love how my skin looks with a good foundation, but the frustration of finding a foundation that matches my skin and doesn't irritate it is pure torture. That might be a slight exaggeration, but I've spent more money on foundations in my lifetime than I have spent on anything else... and I still have nothing that is perfect for my needs.

But, I digress. I currently have the L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream in Light, Shiseido Dual Balancing Foundation in Very Light Ivory (I 00), and Clinique Acne Solutions in Fresh Alabaster (01).

Not Pictured: Estee Lauder Double Wear in Ecru and Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow

Powder (including a powder foundation):

Powders are another thing I can't get enough of. My skin is oily and I generally like most of the powders I buy. I tend to buy pressed powders more often than loose powders because they aren't as messy and make traveling easier.

The powders I have are: NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Face Powder in Translucent, Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Cream (Light 4-5), Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Powder in Classic Ivory (10), Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation in Classic Ivory (10), Covergirl Clean Oil Control Pressed Powder in Classic Ivory (510), and Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder (more of a skin treatment, but it is a powder and I do use it on top of blemishes when I'm not wearing much makeup).

Not Pictured: Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder in Porcelain (110), Bare Minerals Mineral Veil, and Bare Minerals Matte foundation in Fairly Light.

Concealers:

I get lazy with concealer. I usually only use concealer under my eyes, but if I have a particularly nasty pimple or if I have an occasion where I want my skin to look great, then I will take the time to cover it up.

I think a lot of people either own or have tried MAC Studio Finish Concealer at some point (I have shade NC15). I also have Revlon Photoready Concealer in Fair (I'm not sure why I am including this because I probably have a few days worth left) and I have the Rimmel Match Perfection 2-in-1 Concealer & Highlighter in Fair (125).

I do like the concealers I have, but eventually I would love to try something new just because that is how I am. Besides, this blog would get quite boring if I never tried anything new. (So it totally makes sense that I'm limiting myself to 12 unnecessary beauty-related purchases this year, right? ;)

Blushes, Bronzers, and Highlighters:

I finally got two Z-palettes! One is specifically for face products and the other is for eye products. So let's give this overview in columns (so the left column will be listed from top to bottom, the middle column will be listed from top to bottom, and the right column will be listed from top to bottom). By the way, don't worry about the gunk on the bottom (from the glue that Covergirl uses for their palettes). I cleaned it off after taking pictures, of course! ;)

Left column: Benefit Bella Bamba, Benefit Dandelion, and The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer

Middle column: Covergirl Cheekers Deep Plum, Covergirl Cheekers Natural Rose, and a poor cracked blush from the Stila Garden palette.

Right column: Mark Blush in Star Glo, Mark Blush in Kitten Glow, and Mark Bronzer in Golden Glo.

Next up are my only blush singles in the original packaging. I have the MAC Mineralize Blush in Hand-Finish, which is really old and was limited edition back in 2009 (I think). I'm not proud of the fact that I am not even close to finishing it, but when it comes to powder products, I plan to keep it until it actually seems to be going bad.

I also have the NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Boho Chic. Finally, I have the Sula Natural Blush in My Little Secret.

The next products I have are all by Benefit: Posietint, High Beam, and Benetint. I got these a long time ago, but as I said for the MAC blush, until it seems to have expired, I'll probably hang on to these. I am not proud of the fact that I've struggled to even remember to use these products.

There has been a lot of buzz about the Wet N Wild products in recent years. I believe the Wet N Wild Color Icon Bronzers were released around this time last year. I only have Reserve Your Cabana because I am not a big fan of bronzer as it is, and this is really more of a highlighting product... even for my fair skin.

And finally, my blushes and bronzers that come in palettes specifically for face and eye makeup! I have the Too Faced Glamour to Go palette and the NYX Butt "Naked" Eyes palette, both of which I have talked about a lot on here.

And that is every single bit of face makeup I own. If you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer them below.

Review: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation

I know I have posted a mini-review on this product at some point in the past, but I think that it actually warrants a full post because of how much I like it.

I remember that when I started wearing makeup, mineral makeup was still very popular. However, it seems to me that a lot of people have either gone back to their liquid foundations or embraced the BB cream trend.

I've been using the Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation (SPF 20) off and on for the past few months (shade: Classic Ivory) and for a drugstore powder foundation, this is amazing!

I have spent a lot of time and money trying to find a foundation that matches my fair skin, lasts all day, and doesn't break me out. Well, I can say that this product blends into my skin nicely, lasts a few hours (I would say five or six... not as long as I would like, but longer than some), and I never experience any new breakouts from wearing this alone. As you can see from the pictures, I have hit pan on the foundation - I actually hit pan during my Thanksgiving break and I've used this almost every day I have worn makeup since then.

There is one thing, though... I have a problem with the ingredients. Since I will be buying less makeup in 2013, I have already decided that I want to replace the products I finish with paraben-free makeup. This foundation is not paraben free, so therefore I will not repurchase it. I like this product, but I don't like its ingredients. I'd also like to mention that since the use of parabens in skin care and makeup is a personal preference, I won't judge anybody for choosing not to eliminate them.

I do recommend this if you have sensitive skin and are not avoiding parabens because it gives a beautiful (semi-matte) finish. Even though it is a powder foundation, I wouldn't describe it as powdery or cakey. I don't know how this would look on drier skin types, but I do know it doesn't emphasize any dry patches on my face from the winter cold.

I do not recommend this if you have darker skin. There are only eight shades and the darkest one is Tan, which seriously limits who can try this foundation. Come on, cosmetic companies. You know better than this...

Alright, so aside from that little miniature rant, I really liked this foundation and I will be sad to finish it. This costs around $12 at drugstores, but it is worth the money (and it is even better if you can get it on sale).

What is your go-to foundation right now?

November and December 2012 Empties!

I think I finished a grand total of two products during November. Rather than writing an entire post about two products, I decided to wait and see how much I could finish off in December. I finished quite a few hair products, which is good because I have too many hair products to begin with. I have also started counting sample sized products because I've accumulated quite a few samples that I would like to finish up.

Finished:

LUSH Seanik Solid Shampoo Bar: this was good, but I've found something that I like better.

LUSH Jumping Juniper Solid Shampoo Bar: this was also nice, but I want to try other clarifying shampoos

Aussie 3-Minute Miracle: the ingredients in this are honestly not too good, so I will be moving on to something else as a deep conditioner.

Evian Facial Spray: water in spray can... not much I can say about this. It was useful to have around, but I might as well buy a spray bottle and fill it with water instead.

Grandpa's Thylox Acne Treatment Soap with Sulfur (thankfully I kept the box): I ended up using this on my face and body just to finish it up. I'm glad I tried it, but I won't be repurchasing.

Bath & Body Works Paris Amour Body Splash (3 ounces): I'm working on finishing all of my Bath & Body Works body splashes because I've found a few different fragrances I prefer.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: I have one more package of blotting sheets and then I am done with all of my blotting sheets, which I couldn't be more thrilled about.

L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream (Fair): Initially I loved this, but as time went on my skin began to become irritated by this, so I won't repurchase.

Olivella Daily Facial Cleansing Tissues: I thought I would love these, but they made my eyes water just as much as the Yes to Cucumbers cleansing wipes, so I have something else I want to try instead.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: I'm not sure why I had these, but I decided to finish them because I had them and I needed a makeup remover.

Willa Naturals Start Fresh Foaming Facial Wash: this was a basic cleanser. I liked it, but I won't purchase the full size.

Willa Naturals Clear Face Moisturizer: I liked the concept of a clear moisturizer, but it didn't work the way I had expected. I definitely won't buy the full size, but it might work for somebody with normal skin.

Expired:

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Lash Growth Serum: this was nice, but I would go through phases when using it. After of owning it for about a year, I decided it was time to let go and admit to myself that I'd never finish it.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara: I loved this mascara. Everything about it was perfect, in my opinion. It lengthened my lashes, didn't flake, and application was a breeze. I'm not sure if I will repurchase this or not, though. I'd have to look at the ingredients, but once I finish the mascaras I currently own, I want to try something from the Physicians Formula Organic Wear mascara line (they have four now!)

Rimmel Volume Accelerator: I loved Rimmel's Lash Accelerator mascara, but I hated the Volume Accelerator... the formula was clumpy, the brush was just big and ineffective. I won't be repurchasing this.

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes: I know that Maybelline Great Lash is one of those "love it or hate it, but most people hate it" mascaras, but I'm always willing to give the different versions a chance. I really liked this one because the brush/applicator was great, but the ingredients aren't quite so nice, so I probably won't be repurchasing it.

Maybelline Great Lash Big: and this was a version of Great Lash that I didn't love. It was difficult to separate my lashes, so once I was finished applying my mascara, it looked like I had about six eyelashes on each eye. Not a pretty look.

Samples:

Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Treatment Shampoo, Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Binding Conditioner, and Nexxus Pro-Mend Targeted Leave-in Treatment Creme: these were nice products, but the shampoo is not sulfate free and the ingredients overall are not the best, so I won't be purchasing the full size.

LiQWD Silk Professional Deep Conditioning Treatment: just another deep conditioner to me. I am trying some homemade deep conditioner recipes, so I'm not buying the full size.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray: this took a long time for me to finish. It's not my favorite primer, so I won't be purchasing the full size.

Derma E Tea Tree & E Antiseptic Cream: this was pretty nice. I might purchase this somewhere down the line, but not right away, since I'm not sure if it will truly be necessary for my skin care routine (less is more, trust me).

Lulu Organics Lavender & Clary Sage Hair Powder: just a dry shampoo, it smelled nice but it wasn't life changing... I've decided that I will probably never like dry shampoo and I will be one of those people stuck washing my hair every day just because I hate how my unwashed hair feels.

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream: I really liked this, but the color is a little too dark and I could tell it was. I don't think anybody else did, but I also happened to use up the entire sample during Christmas break, so my family probably wouldn't have noticed/cared anyway. I may or may not purchase the full size. I'll keep the bottle as a reminder that I did like this, but I've got enough base products to finish as it is.

Overall I'm very pleased with myself for finishing as much as I have. I can only hope that I manage to finish half as much in the next few months

Updated Foundation Routine! (November 2012)

So I've finally switched my foundation routine up a bit, so I thought I would share it! So far I am pleased with the combination of products I am using. I've only been doing this routine for a few days, so if my opinion of anything changes, I'll be sure to post an update.

• Moisturizer: Right now I am using the travel sized version of the Willa Clear Face Moisturizer. I was curious about this because it is a liquid moisturizer, so I bought the overnight kit (with a bag, cleanser, and the moisturizer). I like this moisturizer, but I think I will need something more hydrating in the winter, so at the moment I'm working on finishing it up. I also occasionally spray the Mario Badescu facial spray after applying moisturizer (really I use it sporadically... either way it's a nice product).
• Treatment: Clindamycin 1%/Benzoyl peroxide 5% gel. This is just the generic form of Benzaclin. I was prescribed this two weeks ago and you can't buy this over the counter. I don't like the fact that it contains benzoyl peroxide, but my dermatologist said to use it and I decided to listen (for the time being, that is). I'm putting up my skin care routine post within the next few weeks, so if I end up liking this I'll be sure to include it.
• "Foundation": L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream. This is said to prime, perfect, hydrate, and correct. It's a nice product, but there isn't much in the tube, so I'm not sure if it is worth the money at full price (if you can get this on sale, I recommend at least trying it). It gives light to medium coverage and doesn't leave my face in a greasy mess. Dare I say this, but I think I am beginning to like this better than my Smashbox BB cream. I've noticed my skin is less oily, but I also realize this could be a number of factors (the change in my skin care, the changing weather, and the change of my foundation routine)
• Concealer: I've been using the Revlon PhotoReady concealer for a while and I intend to use it until I finish it. If I repurchase it, it'll be a while.
• Powder: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder foundation. This has light to medium coverage and it has an SPF of 20.

I don't have a blush I use every day right now - I just use whatever I feel like using for the day. What products are you currently using for your foundation routine?

October 2012 Empties!

As I was writing my September empties post, I had convinced myself that I wouldn't finish much in the month of October. I didn't finish a shocking number of products, but I finished enough to feel accomplished.

Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Facial Treatment: This was one of my favorite products in the spring, but over time it lost its effectiveness. Since I had two tubes that were half full, I decided to bring them with me to school so I could actually finish both tubes. I can proudly say I finally have! I prefer Mario Badescu treatments now, but I still highly recommend this if you get occasional blemishes that leave red marks behind. I will probably repurchase this in the winter because it hydrates my skin (therefore it was too greasy for summer) and it did help fade some of my hyperpigmentation faster than it would have faded if I hadn't been using a treatment.

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Stray Dog: This is a mini eyeliner, so it's no surprise that I finished it so quickly. I think I used this almost every day after I posted my review on the Urban Decay liners. I have to set my Urban Decay eyeliners with my eye shadows and I went through this pretty quickly once I really used it. I am rather excited to finish the other four just because I don't love them. I know other people do, but these eyeliners aren't right for me. I forgot to keep this after I finished it, so it's not in the picture.

ELF Mineral Blemish Powder: I bought this early in September and used it as an all over setting powder whenever I wasn't using my Neutrogena Mineral Sheers powder foundation. It didn't last very long (maybe I used too much?) and it didn't control oil or improve skin, so I won't be repurchasing. Plus it costs $3 more on the ELF website than it did at Target (I paid $5).

LUSH American Cream Conditioner: As I stated in my review last month, I wasn't crazy about this conditioner. It had a scent I didn't love and most importantly, I felt like it didn't moisturize my hair enough. I am glad I tried it, though. Another thing to add is that for some reason it's not sulfate free. Before using this, I don't think I had ever seen a sulfate in a conditioner (or perhaps I never paid any attention before). I won't repurchase this and I actually ended up replacing it with the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle because it was way cheaper (I found an 8 fluid ounce bottle at Target for under $3 - the LUSH conditioner was almost $10 for 3.3 fluid ounces).

E.L.F. Clarifying Blotting Sheets: I was close to finishing these last month, but I still had a fair few left. I'm now working on finishing my Clean & Clear blotting sheets I bought before I even started college.

Yes to Tomatoes Purifying Shower Gel: I've always been eager to try products that are on the more natural side. This shower gel did the job, but the scent wasn't my favorite so I won't be repurchasing. Plus I'm becoming a big fan of bar soaps since they're so travel-friendly and as far as I know, most (if not all) bar soaps are preservative-free.

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum (Ultra Black) and Clear Lash Boosting Serum: I got these in a set a few months back and although there is a little left in both, I like to throw out eyeliners once the consistency changes (the liner became thin and less pigmented and the serum never really did much of anything). I would consider buying the eyeliner again, but I've got a lot of products to finish before I give it serious thought.

Bath & Body Works Secret Wonderland Fragrance Mist: This was a small bottle, so finishing this wasn't technically much of an accomplishment, but since I have about four other small fragrance mists from Bath & Body Works (and 2 large ones) on top of some Victoria's Secret body sprays, I honestly have more than I need. This fragrance was nice, but I won't repurchase it because I've pretty much found my holy grail perfume and the only reason I've been using other scents is so I can actually use them up.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream: I bought this between January and March (I can't recall when, so I'm giving a guess) and after using it daily since finishing another foundation, I've finally finished this! I do love this BB cream, but I didn't love the price and the fact that it just didn't last long (2 months at the most, meaning if this became my HG, I'd be spending $234 per year on this, plus tax). I think I might repurchase it in the future, but I have other products I am planning on trying out before that happens. I am finally down to owning only 3 BB creams, 2 liquid foundations, and one powder foundation. I'm trying not to buy any base products until I finish what I have (although... I do have my eye on the Tarte tinted moisturizer). This also isn't pictured because I managed to leave the tube at home this weekend after I finished it.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleansing Bar: I tried this because it was inexpensive, medicated, and the ingredients were pretty good (I won't say they were great, but the soap itself is paraben free and I'm still working toward the goal of using paraben free items once I finish what I have). I like the convenience of a bar soap. If you travel with it, there is no chance of it spilling all over everything. There is also less packaging involved (which also means less space is being taken up and less plastic is going to waste). However, I eventually realized that this bar was breaking my skin out. I won't be buying this bar again, but I did replace some products with what you saw in the iHerb haul post (Aveeno's products contain more natural ingredients than the average drugstore brand, but they are by no means completely natural). I can't exactly prove I finished this product since I no longer have the box and the bar has completely dissolved, so my apologies for that.

I've also finished the usual things like toothpaste, mouthwash, contact lens solution, etc. However, since I don't have an excessive amount of any of those things, I generally don't include them in my posts. Since my no-buy has also been over for quite some time and I've used up most sample sized products, I also don't usually include samples. If you guys want me to include those things, just let me know and I will from now on.

I think one of my first (and biggest) resolutions for 2013 will be to really weed out my makeup collection and utilize my space more efficiently. This is just because I still have quite a few products that I need to finish before I buy anything (mainly foundations and powders and such). I'm not sure how I will approach this goal, but I'm definitely working on a plan.

What did you finish this month?

Foundation/Face Routine: September 2012!

As some readers may know, I have been working to finish my Almay Clear Complexion makeup so I could work to finish some other foundations. Well, it finally happened, so now my routine is different! However, I haven't technically posted a foundation/face routine on my blog before, so some of the products I had been using with my Almay foundation varied day by day. Since I'm trying to finish some products up, I'm sticking to the same products on most days just so I can finish things up product by product.

Now, if you're new to my blog, here is some information about my skin type: I have combination-oily acne-prone skin with hyperpigmentation. My skin gets drier in the winter and I generally do not use foundation primer because I haven't found one that actually worked for my skin. I used to be a big fan of medium to full coverage foundation, but lately I've really enjoyed products with light to medium coverage and if I add concealer if I really need it.

• Moisturizer: Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 15. This moisturizer does have fine shimmer in it, but it's not noticeable on my face because I only need half a pump on my skin. People with drier skin might need a full pump. I don't use a separate sunscreen.
• Treatment: Mario Badescu Drying Cream. I apply a thin layer on any active breakouts and my makeup has never looked any different than it does when I don't use it.
• "Foundation": Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream. This doesn't last as long on my face as my Almay foundation, but the color match is better and the coverage is just a bit lower. I will be using this BB cream until I finish it. The only complaint I have is the price... $39 for one fluid ounce. If I ever repurchase this, it will be a while before I do because there are so many other BB creams out there to try!
• Concealer: Revlon Photoready. This has SPF 20 and I use it on the dark circles under my eyes and on any bigger breakouts on my face. I used to love this concealer, but now I just categorize it as "average" because it does the job, but it also creases a bit.
• Powder: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Compact Powder Foundation. This sets my makeup and gives me a bit of added coverage. I actually switch between this powder foundation and the ELF Mineral Blemish Powder. 
• Blush: Benefit Bella Bamba. It took me a while to figure out to use this without having bright cheeks. I use a stippling brush instead of a regular blush brush. Overall I don't love this, but I did get it in the "Big 10" set that came out last year, so I want to use it up before I move on to the next blush.
• Highlight: Benefit Dandelion. This is a brightening face powder so I use it on my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, and on my chin. 

What products do you use for your foundation/face routine?

My Travel Makeup Bag!

Recently I went on a mini vacation and as I promised, here is my post on the beauty products I packed! I actually had to make some changes to what I was packing because my skin had a horrible reaction to a homemade facial mask I made (thankfully my skin has calmed down significantly, so I am sure the mask was the problem). To be honest, the changes were not so significant that I packed half of my makeup collection, but I did bring an extra item or two (including extra skin care items).

Storage:

I purchased my makeup bag from Target for $20-25. The reason I chose it is because it has two compartments - the top one holds brushes and smaller items and the bottom compartment can easily hold nearly every thing else for a trip. Now, since I changed around what I took on my trip at the last minute, I ended up taking a separate bag for toiletries and then this bag for makeup and my extra skin care items. The inside is made of a material that is probably very easy to clean if your makeup happens to spill. The problem I have with this bag is that the bottom section can't hold its shape properly if it is empty, but that is just a random complaint I have (and it certainly would not keep me from recommending this bag if you are looking for a new one).

Brushes:

I ended up packing more brushes than there is technically space for, but they all still fit comfortably and I felt like I packed the right brushes for a variety of different looks. I will be listing the brushes I took with me below. I did not pack a foundation brush because with the foundation I packed, I feel as if I can get a nice look with or without a brush.

1. E.L.F. Powder Brush: I cannot wear foundation without setting it with powder, so I brought this brush for that purpose. It also applied powder foundation nicely, which was something I did not expect.
2. Sonia Kashuk Blush Brush: I got this in a travel set, but it is sold separately as well (and I think it has a longer handle if you buy it separately). It looks scratchy, but it is very soft. It's quite a small blush brush in comparison to the others I own, but I think I like this the best.
3. E.L.F. Contour Brush: I use this to add definition to my eyelids. The bristles are soft and the brush is the right size for my eyes.
4. Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Brush: This is from a set that was available last year, but this is one of my go-to eye shadow brushes. I would say the one I brought is comparable to the fluffy eye shadow brush in the Sonia Kashuk line.
5. Essence of Beauty Dual-Ended Brushes: I have a travel set from Essence of Beauty and I figured it would be easiest to just list every one I brought from that set here: Smokey/Angle, Touch up/Conceal, and Smudge/Brow.
6. Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Pointed Eye Liner Brush: this is the one brush I never used on my trip. It's great with gel eyeliners.
7. Maybelline Master Shape by Eyestudio: I don't typically use anything on my brows, but this one has a spoolie at the end and for some reason I decided it made more sense to take this than my other spoolie.

Products:

I took a minimalist approach when I packed my makeup. Originally I was only going to pack the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream and top it off with powder foundation, but my skin was a disaster and so I decided to add my current favorite foundation into the mix: Almay Clear Complexion. I also packed my Too Faced Glamour to Go Palette because it had enough eye shadows for unique looks and a blush and bronzer if I wanted. I have decided that I don't care for the lip gloss in the palette because it's just frosty and goopy, but I still use it. I also acquired a sample sized tube of the Neutrogena Healthy Volume mascara and I used it every day. I still have a little left, but if I ever do purchase the full size, it will be a while. I also brought the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Demolition since it gives my eyes a soft and natural look. I forgot to include this in the photograph, but I also brought my Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze. I also packed more than the vanilla Lip Smacker, but it is among some of the Lip Smackers I packed. I still have quite a lot of product in the deluxe sample of my tube of Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight - it's a beautiful color and I will be sad to see it go. The final two makeup items I took with me are the E.L.F. eyelash curler and the Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation. I also squeezed a few skin care items into my bag (Clearasil pads - I've been using them for a while and I'm not sure how I feel about them. I also packed my Neutrogena sunscreen for acne-prone skin - it is very lightweight and it doesn't have an offensive smell. I also managed to fit my Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturizer into my bag... I know I won't be repurchasing this moisturizer once I am done with it... I feel like I could find a better moisturizer from the drugstore).

That is everything I packed in my travel makeup bag! As I mentioned before, I ended up having a separate bag for toiletries, but in the future I will try to plan out what I pack more cleverly. Hopefully this was somewhat helpful. I'd honestly say that this is probably not enough for a longer trip (if I only took this on an extended vacation I'd probably end up buying makeup for the sake of variety). I'm not an expert on packing by any means, but I've slowly learned a few tricks along the way.

My apologies for taking so long on this post. I have no idea why I couldn't just sit down and finish it, but now I can move on to my Back to School series!

March Favorites! (2012)

Another month has come and gone. Every month I have the full intention of creating a "Monthly Favorites" video or even blog post, yet I get caught up in life and then the post/video never follows. However, I finally remembered this month. If you want a full review on any of these products (aside from anything I've already reviewed), just comment below or send me a message on my YouTube channel.

In March, I felt myself wearing less face makeup and focusing more on my skin. I hate to admit this, but I think I overdid it with the Clarisonic. I still think it's a great tool, but I will be using it less often than I used to (once or twice a week with a gel cleanser for deep exfoliation). It's getting warmer, so I feel that my future favorites will consist of lots of SPF and as many waterproof or water-resistant products as possible. But that's just a prediction.

As for a non-beauty related favorite, I'm going to follow what many other people are saying: The Hunger Games! I think the book series is very well-written and I enjoyed the film.

1. Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara
2. Too Faced Glamour to Go Palette (colors pictured below)
3. Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadows (all of the colors, but particularly Bad to the Bronze)
4. LAVANILA Pure Vanilla Eau de Parfum roll-on (my boyfriend loves this on me)
5. Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Daily Scrub (I was surprised that I liked this as much as I did)
6. Rimmel Match Perfection 2-in-1 Concealer & Highlighter (125 Fair)
7. Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Facial Treatment