The Best Clarifying Shampoo

I am guilty of committing a beauty sin, I wash my hair everyday. I have oily hair, which is why I wash it so often. In the beauty world this is a big No-No, but after doing it for so long it is hard to break the habit. That is until I found the best clarifying shampoo, Carol's Daughter Rosemary-Mint Clarifying Shampoo.

The theory behind using clarifying shampoos is that it really washes out all the product and gunk from your hair leaving it super clean, and due to this you can go longer between washes. I have tried several clarifying shampoos and I found them so drying, but this one is sulfate-free and non-drying.

The con's are the price, $13 at Sephora and the tingling sensation that lasts for a few minutes. The tingling doesn't hurt but I don't enjoy it either.

The Pro's, it is natural and I can go a day without washing my hair (which is a lot for me).

My take, buy it and if you don't like it simply return it.

Have a good weekend!
-JJ

The Best Mascara

They say the eyes are the windows to your soul, so what are your eyelashes? They are one of the most important body parts, because a simple sweep of mascara can make you go from unkept to elegant.

Everyone looks for different things in a mascara, because everyone has different eyelashes, and they're mascaras that address all of those different types. In the past 2 months I have tried 20+ mascaras in search of the best overall mascara. I went to make-up counters, bought mascaras, and received mascaras  as free samples. I tried from all price points, Cover-Girl to Dior and everything in between. I am finally ready to crown the winner.

Max Factor False Lash Effect

This is the perfect mascara! It lengthens, separates, and thickens without being lumpy or flaking. It is a drugstore product so it is inexpensive, but here is the sad news, it's not available in the US. Max Factor used to be in the states but several years back they stopped selling in the US, now they predominantly sell in the UK. Don't despair it is available through amazon.com, of course it means you will pay more. I paid $18 for mine including shipping from London, its less expensive than some luxury brands and it works better. 

Now the runner-up is Buxom Lash by Bare Escentuals this is also an amazing mascara and has the same effect as the Max Factor mascara. Buxom is an American brand and you can find it at Sephora costing $19. I still prefer Max Factor because it really does give you the false lash effect. 

Toodles, lovelies!

-JJ

Review of Revlon's Grow Luscious Mascara

When it comes to mascara I think the quote "go big or go home" applies. I was super excited to try out this new mascara after hearing great reviews, and I was definitely expecting great things.

However, I was totally bummed out to find out it is just like any other drugstore mascara. It did almost nothing for my lashes. I have long straight lashes so I definitely need a super good mascara to give them the umph effect.

The good thing about it is that it doesn't flake and it is very inexpensive.

I was really hoping I would fall in love with this mascara but sadly that just did not happen.

Do you want to know what my favorite mascara is? Stay tuned.

-JJ

Foundations for Pale Skin

Contrary to popular belief and culture not all of us want to be tan. Gasp! I myself embrace my paleness, but that also means that finding the right foundation is difficult. The make-up industry focuses on becoming tan (thank Coco Chanel for that) therefore finding foundations for pale skin has become increasingly more difficult.

Do not despair my fair maidens! My trials and errors are for your benefit, because I have found some amazing products.

The first thing to do no matter what skin color you have is to figure out what undertone you have (pink, yellow, or beige). Most people have different undertones throughout their face so it is important to match your neck. The easiest way to figure this out is if you try on a foundation in each undertone, and the one that blends in the closest is your match. Therefore, if you try on a foundation with a yellow undertone and your face looks to yellow that is not your undertone. The way to tell what undertone your foundation is by the title of your foundation with most brands. Titles with cool refers to pink and warm refers to yellow.

There are three brands that have amazing foundations for pale skin, unfortunately they are expensive and one of them is only available in the UK.

My favorite is Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SP by Hourglass it is good for your skin and No. 0 porcelain is a perfect match for my skin color. The draw back is that it is insanely expensive $60. 


Make Up Forever has a lot of shade options in their HD Invisible Cover Foundation and Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation. The draw back of these is the texture, it feels really thin and it doesn't blend in as well.  At Sephora these range from $36-42. 


Dainty Doll cosmetics is specially geared towards pale skins. The brand was started by Girls Out Loud band member Nicola Roberts. This product can be found easily in the UK but for those of us that don't live there i'll provide a link to a website that delivers worldwide for free. 


Whatever your skin color is learn to embrace it and love it!


-JJ


Hourglass:
http://www.sephora.com/veil-fluid-makeup-oil-free-spf-15-P193231?skuId=1064849


Make up Forever:
http://www.sephora.com/search/brandResult.jsp?ref=900120&brandId=4028&node=1050000


Dainty Doll:
http://www.lookfantastic.com/brands/dainty-doll/dainty-doll-foundations.list

The Easiest Order To Apply Make-Up

It can be very frustrating on a morning you are already running late to have to redo your foundation because eyeshadow has fallen onto your cheeks. One simple way to eliminate this risk by rearranging the order you apply your make-up. Here is the order. 1. Face prep (cleanse,moisturize unless you are using a mattifying moisturizer then you should apply this right before you put on your foundation, sunblock, and eye cream). 2. eye make- up ( this is the most important part, don't do your eyes after you have applied your foundation) - if eyeshadow falls on to your cheek just brush it away with a clean face brush or place a tissue below your bottom lashes or place shadow shields. 3 . Mascara- the best way to apply it is by placing a business card or folded tissue behind the back of your upper lashes. This way you won't get mascara on your lid and you will get more of your lashes coated with mascara. 4. Under eye concealer 5. Foundation 6. Overall concealer 7. Face powder (if necessary) 8. Eyebrows- (brush them first to get any face powder off) 9. Blush 10. Lips There are many ways to do this but I think this is the easiest. -jj

Birchbox June 2012

How To Protect Your Hair This Summer.

It is time to spend countless hours in chlorine filled pools and under the bleaching rays of the sun, therefore it is also time to protect your hair. These are some tips from Tabatha Coffey from Bravo's show Tabatha Takes Over.

Tip #1 Don't comb your hair while it is wet. Instead wait for it to be damp and use a wide tooth comb working your way up.

Tip #2 Don't wash your hair more than once a day. Sweat and chlorine make it seem as if washing your hair throughout the day is vital, but you are actually doing more harm than good.

Tip #2 Don't towel dry your hair. Drying your hair with a towel actually creates knots and frizz, instead you can use paper towels.

Tip #3 Use hair products with SPF in them. It is as important to protect your scalp from the sun as it is to protect the rest of your body. Using these products will also help your hair color stay in tact since sun rays can bleach it. The most helpful thing would be to wear hats but it isn't always possible.

Don't forget to have some fun this summer!

-JJ

The Correct Order to Apply Your Skin Routine

Lotions, gels, and serums, Oh My! We put so many things on our faces and it can be confusing as to what to put on first. Yes it does matter the order you put things on, because the consistency of certain products will prevent others to sink in. Here is the order to apply your skin care routine:

1. Liquids (such as toners)

2. Gels (such as acne medication or serums)

3. Creams (such as moisturizers)

It is important to work your way from the lightest consistency to heavier consistency.

Hopefully this will make your daily routine easier!

-JJ

May 2012 Glossybox USA

Girls Night Out Tip:How To Combine Your Make-Up

It's Friday again, and I am here to help you look your best for when you go out this weekend. It can be confusing when applying make-up as to how to coordinate blushes, eyeshadows, and lipsticks to create the desired look. One false step and you can look like a clown. Here are some tips to help you get ready for when you go out.

Rule #1 -All your make-up should be in balance of each other. For example don't wear read lipstick and nothing else, this will be too overpowering.

Rule#2- Choose one feature to emphasize. No this is not in contradiction to the previous rule. For example if you are going to emphasize your eyes then your blush and lipstick should be more muted, but still creating a balance.

Rule #3- Choose colors that look good with each other. Don't wear green eyeshadow and red lipstick. One of the easiest color combinations is brown and pink.

Rule #4- Be comfortable in your make-up. Don't wear a smoky eye if you are not going to be comfortable or a red lip if you think it is too much. Make-up can give you confidence but it can also make you feel awkward, giving you the same feeling as when you are overdressed.

Lastly, make-up should be fun and a form of self-expression so if you are comfortable with trying funky things then go for it!

-JJ

Sneak Peek: Glossybox May USA

Can't wait to find out what is inside this month's Glossybox? Well some lucky ladies have already gotten their boxes and here are the contents:

1. Amore Pacific- Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra Gel (South Korea)

2. Burberry Beauty- Lip Mist Natural Sheer Lipstick Copper No. 202 (UK)

3. Marvis Whitening Toothpaste (Italy)

4. Phyto- Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask For Dry Hair (France)

5. Zoya Nail Polish- Summer 2012

As you can tell the theme of this month's box is international beauty. It looks like a great box specially because of the Burberry lipstick which full size costs $30.

I am still waiting for the arrival of my box which is currently in Indiana, as soon as I get mine I will post some pics and give my reviews.

Hopefully this will hold you over until you get your own in the mail!

-JJ

How To Make Your Make-Up Last All night

It's Friday and that means girls night out for many of you, but that also means the inevitable raccoon eyes, smudged mascara, and foundation that has disappeared. Well I have the solutions to all of those things.

Lets start with foundation. It is important to moisturize before putting your foundation on, but the key to making it last all day and night is to put a primer on after moisturizing and before your foundation. Think of a prime the same way as a primer you would use on a wall you are going to paint. What it does is it fills in the bumps and lines making your foundation look smoother, and you will also use less foundation. Primers are great for people with acne because make-up can break you out and a primer will act as a barrier making it harder for the foundation to clog pores. Now which one? There are many many many primers out there and it is important to pick one that is right for your skin type. If you have oily skin pick one that is oil free and mattifying, if you have acne-prone skin stay away from primers with silicon in them. I recommend Tarte's Clean Slate primer for all skin types. If you have normal skin then I recommend Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

If I had to pick one of the make-up products that has changed my life, I would choose eyeshadow primer. I have oily skin and my eyelids are no different. That is what makes eyeshadows crease, and suddenly there is only a line where eyeshadow used to be. I use this every time I put eyeshadow on and it is really important if you are going out at night. I swear by Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I use the original color, because there are primers that have tints to them which change the color of your eyeshadow.

I have small eyes so I use eyeliner and one of my favorite looks is the smoky eye using a khol liner, however khol liners have fall out. What I use to avoid the raccoon eyes is a sealer for liner and eyeshadow by applying MakeUp For Ever's Eye Seal. This makes your eyeshadow and liner waterproof, so your make-up will look the same at 2am as it did at 2pm.

There are also primers for lips, but I still have yet to find one that I like. There are also setting sprays, but I don't recommend these for people with acne. If you have normal skin then go for it.

Have fun this holiday weekend!
-JJ

Spring Beauty Voxbox

These are the things that I got for free from influenster.com. Watch to see what I think of the products and how you can become a member.

Where To Buy Department Store Make-up For $3

This past weekend I discovered the holy grail of make-up stores and no it's not Sephora or Ulta, but one of the last places I would have thought to buy make-up at, ready for it? Big Lots! Yes, you read that right Big Lots! your local discount store. It is there that I found Philosophy make-up for $3! I bought Angel Kiss Lip Gloss in pretty please which retails in the twenties. They also had brushes and face products including their mineral foundation, but none were right for me.

Besides Philosophy they also had Calvin Klein products including gel eyeliner. Burt's Bees lip products 40% off their retail price. Sally Hansen Salon Effects for $3.

I stocked up on Revlon lipsticks because they were $2 a piece, they regularly cost $10. I bought 5 beautiful shades.

Now I know what you are thinking, they must be used, they must be old, there must be something wrong with them. I can tell you that there is nothing wrong with them, they were sealed and not dry which is the sign of them being old.

The reason why they are there is because they are overstock, discontinued products, or seasonal. For example the lip gloss that I bought from Philosophy is a discontinued shade, but it is a beautiful pink.

They change their stock often so go and check out your local Big Lots! You might also want to sign up for their rewards card to receive even more of a bargain.

-JJ

*I am not being paid by any company including Big Lots! These are my honest reviews.

What Are Sampling Subscription Services?

In this blog there will be a lot of content dealing with sampling subscription services, so I decided to give you the 101 on what they actually are.

When you go to a makeup counter at a department store you usually get samples, but those samples are tiny. Well combine that with the idea of magazine subscriptions and you get sampling subscription services. The difference being that the samples are deluxe size and in some cases full size.

Like a magazine they are delivered once a month, the difference being that you can sign up for one year or have a monthly subscription. I recommend to do the month to month because that way you can cancel at anytime. However, the benefit to signing up for the one year option is that you usually get one month for free.

The prices vary depending on what company you choose but they range between $10-50. These services are the new hot thing and it seems like a new one pops up every week. Allure has one and even QVC but those are on the expensive side. The most popular one's are Birchbox, Myglam, and Glossybox. I currently subscribe to all three.

Birchbox ships their boxes on the tenth of the month with 4-6 deluxe size samples. It costs $10 and usually they include an extra which can be food or a trinket. They also have a point reward system so each month you have the opportunity to review each product you receive, getting 10 points for each review. Every 100 points is $10 to spend on their website. They carry luxury brands like Benefit and Zoya nail polishes. I recommend this box over Myglam.

Myglam was launched early this year by Youtube guru Michelle Phan. They also ship on the 10th of each month with 4-6 deluxe samples, in a cute make-up bag. It also costs $10. They do not have a point system but they often include promotional codes for Dermstore.com for example spend $30 get $15 off. Their first bag was amazing but every bag since then has not been impressive. Every month I question wether or not I am going to keep my subscription.

Glossybox is probably the best known even though they are just arriving to the USA this month. However they have services all around the world. They are more expensive $21 per month. There is a wait-list so sign up if it is something you are interested in! Check out what people in the USA got this month for their trial box on youtube, just type in Glossybox USA.

Some other subscription services that I have tried but cancelled are Sindulge and Julep Maven. They were just not worth the money.

These are the May boxes for Birchbox and Myglam.

Dr. Jart + bb cream, Color club (nail polish), Arquiste (perfume sample), beautyblender cleanser, twistband Skinny Headband

Studio Gear lipstick, Philosophy perfume sample, two brushes, and Nail Bling stickers.

Here are some links to the products mentioned.

https://www.birchbox.com?raf=u8b8a


https://www.myglam.com

The 5 Things That Might Be Breaking You Out

We’ve all heard the usual culprits blamed for causing acne: genetics, stress, chocolate, PMS, and oily skin. There are some things that you might be doing right now that seem harmless that might be preventing you from having clear skin.

1. Dirty pillow cases/sheets: It is important to change your pillow-cases often (I change mine every night). Sweat, oil, bacteria and the day’s filth are transported onto your pillow cases. Here is another tip, wash your linens with bleach to make sure all the pesky bacteria is killed.

2. Shampoo: You might have shiny soft hair due to your super moisturizing shampoo, which is great, but it might also be breaking you out. Try to steer away from moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. I find Herbal Essense non-moisturizing shampoos great. The worst shampoo for acne prone skin I have found to be Wen. If you do use conditioner make sure that you only put it in the area that will not be touching your face, so below the neck.

3. Hair styling products: Hairspray and gels that make your hair glossy, all of those sorts of things can clog your pores and cause you to break out.

4. Dirty make-up brushes/sponges: It is very important that you clean whatever you use to apply make-up with after each use or before each use. This is due to the bacteria that accumulates and then you spread all over your face. The easiest way to clean your brushes is to buy a small spray bottle and pour alcohol into it, and just spray your brushes after you are done. Also, wash your brushes once a week. If you don’t use brushes or sponges then wash your hands before touching your face.

5. Not moisturizing enough: Yep, you read that right. Even if you have oily skin it is important to moisturize everyday. That is because if your skin is not moisturized enough it will produce excess oil, causing breakouts. I recommend using a mattifying moisturizer, which won’t only moisturize but also prevent you from becoming oily during the day.

Do you know of any other obscure acne causing things? If you do comment below.

-JJ

Spring Cleaning: Make-Up Edition

It is still spring so it is not too late to clean your make-up drawer. This is necessary because not only will  it make your morning make-up routine go faster, but it will help ensure that you don't get a bad reaction to old make-up.

Let's start with products with sunscreen in them. They typically last one year, after that the sunscreen is not as effective. Thankfully cosmetic companies have smartened up and have started to put expiration dates. Some of these companies are Laura Mercier and Cover FX. Make sure that if you are going to buy a make-up product with sunscreen in it you look at the exp. date first, because the one year shelf life does not start when you buy it, but when it was made. For example you might buy a foundation from Cover FX in May 2012 but the expiration date might be June 2012, so don't buy it! Grab another one or ask someone working in the store when they are getting their next shipment.

Here is a general table of when make-up should be thrown away, according to Bobbi Brown in Beauty Rules (93).

-Foundation     12-18 months

-Concealer       1 year

-Powder           2 years

-Mascara          3 to 6 months

-Lipstick          12 to 18 months

-Lip or eye      1 year
pencil

-Eye Shadow  1 year

-Powder blush 2 years

-Cream blush   6 months to 1 year

-Moisturizer     12 to 18 months

-Eye Cream     1 year

-SPF lotion      1 year

I would love to say that I follow this timetable religiously but it is not true. I just don't have the money or heart to throw away things that I've only used a couple of times, even though I've had them for a while. The things that I am good about throwing away are mascaras and moisturizers. Old mascaras can give you an eye infection and old moisturizers can make you break out.

I have quite a large make-up collection, so it is impossible for me to remember when I bought anything, so what I do is put a piece of masking tape at the bottom of the product with the date of when I bought it.

-JJ

May Myglam bag

For those who can't wait to get their bag in the mail here are the contents in the May Myglam bag. Another disappointing bag. I would have liked it better if the lipstick color would have been better, but that is the nature of subscription services. Here are the contents:

-philosophy Love Sweet Love perfume sample

-Studio Gear Complete Color lipstick (full size)

-Miss Beauty Nail Bling (full size)

-myglam Concealer Brush and Defining Eyeliner Brush

I will do a review on a later post!

Oh NO! They discontinued my favorite ____

Sometimes I fall in love at first sight or sometimes it takes me some warming up to my cosmetics. As nice as that feeling is it is horrible when you go to the cosmetics counter and they tell you it is discontinued or it was limited edition. Well do not despair I have some tips that might help you.

1. Go to the brands website and see if they have a "Last Chance" section (Stila has one and so do others) or check in their "Sale" section.

2. Ebay is a great place to find products overall but make sure it says NIB (New in Box) also beware if this product has been discontinued for a few years then that means it is that old.

3. Amazon like ebay it is a great place to look for hard to find products but also be careful that they are not fake or too old.

4. Beauty Supply Warehouses. These are hard to find but no impossible they usually only carry certain brands but they offer discontinued or limited edition products at a reduced price.

5. Search the web for dupes. There are many youtube videos out there with dupes for practically everything.

6. If all that fails then contact the brand and see what they suggest. You never know they might have just revamped it and named it something else.

Hope that helps!

Youtube Videos Coming soon!

Subscribe to my Youtube channel! Videos will be posted in the upcoming weeks.

Review of Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua

Summer is upon us and it is time to switch to lighter foundations. I recommend switching to a BB, tinted foundation, powder foundation, or Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua.

So why switch? Well...because if you live in a part of the country that is going to be hot this summer then you are probably are going to be sweating (if you don't, LUCKY!), and you don't want to look like you are melting. Also you don't want a thick foundation to seep into your pores, which can cause acne.

I like Chanel's water based foundation because it is light but has medium coverage, which is build-able. It truly looks how I wish my skin looked without make-up. It is oil-free and acne-comedogenic, but some people might still breakout with it, so I recommend going to a Chanel counter and ask for a sample.

For the con's: Oh my with the shaking! Due to it being water based the actual make up settles at the bottle, so it is important to shake it very well before you apply it with fingers. It is expensive...but then again it is Chanel not CoverGirl. It retails at $45.00. Shade selection is not that great. Mine is a very close match but not a perfect match, but this is something I have found with all Chanel foundations.

Overall, one of the best foundations I have ever tried. I don't have to wear powder over it until hours after the first application but that is to take off the shininess. This is suitable for all skin types in my opinion which is in contradiction to what the make-up artist at the counter believes. She does not recommend this for people with oily skin, but I have oily skin and I don't have a problem with it. However, I do use a mattifying lotion underneath. I would recommend everyone to try it out! If you do or already own it leave comments on your experience below.