Products that will be reformulated are:  Johnsons No More Tears baby shampoo (to be completed by the end of 2013), Johnson’s baby lotion and bath products, Desitin for diaper rash; other products such as Aveeno, Neutrogena, RoC, Clean & Clear and Lubriderm.

The key ingredients that are causing concern are 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde (used as a preservative).  Both of these ingredients are probable human carcinogens and formaldehyde is also believed to be a skin, eye and respiratory irritant.  They are also going to phase out the use of parabens, phthalates, triclosan (mentioned in a previous posting) and fragrance ingredients that are not disclosed on products labels.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Environmental Working Group both have information on their websites on shopping tips for the safest products as well as a database on ingredients and potential hazards in personal care products.

To read the full article, click on the following link:

Johnson, L. (2012, August 15). News: J&J removing harsh chemicals from products by 2015: Baby lotion among products to be reformulated. Retrieved August 31, 2012, from WIVB.com: http://www.wivb.com/dpps/health/healthy_living/jj-removing-harsh-chemicals-from-products-by-2015_4317886

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics – http://www.safecosmetics.org

Environmental Working Group – http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

***

My Skin Care Routine

[DAY & NIGHT] Cleanser and Scrub: Equate Gentle Skin Cleanser and  Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub

I stopped using Artistry Essentials Balancing Cleanser. I’m testing out Equate Gentle Skin Cleanser due to the fact that it’s one of the cleansers that’s recommended on the Acne.org website! Since it’s supposed to be a dupe of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, I hope it works and lives up to the hype! Along with my Equate Gentle Skin Cleanser, I use Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub. I need a skin care product to remove dead skin cells off of my facial skin! There’s no way I’m going to leave a thick layer of dead skin on my face that could potentially cause clogged pores! This scrub is gentle and has round beads to gently remove dead skin cells. There’s only two things I dislike about this product: #1. Possible drying effect. #2. Menthol. I wished I looked at the ingredients more thoroughly, but I didn’t. The good thing is…I haven’t had any negative effects from using this facial scrub. And it smells delicious!

[DAY & NIGHT] Toners: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid and Rhoto Hadalabo Shirojyun Arbutin Lotion

I use Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid and Rhoto Hadalabo Shirojyun Arbutin Lotion. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid helps with blackheads/clogged pores while Rhoto Hadalabo Shirojyun Arbutin Lotion helps with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They are both liquids, which I insanely love! They quickly absorb into the skin without leaving any oily residue behind!

Moisturizers: Reviva Labs Intercell Hyaluronic Acid Night Gel and Co Van Thuoc Nghe White Turmeric Cream

I had a hard time trying to find a moisturizer that would hydrate and not clog my pores. Reviva Labs Intercell Hyaluronic Acid Night Gel was the only moisturizer that didn’t clog my pores. I would say that Reviva Labs is okay as a moisturizer. I do have two gripes about this gel. It balls up if I don’t wait enough time for my skin care products to dry on my skin first, and it feels very, very sticky. Major turn-off!!! Like I said numerous times, having this as a moisturizer is better than nothing. Also, there’s a secret I would love to share! The night gel can be used as an under eye gel too! This is what you do: Place the jar in the fridge. Once it’s cold, apply the gel underneath your eyes to reduce puffiness and increase hydration by daytime! : ) There you go! A moisturizer and an under eye gel! A 2-in-1 product! As for the Co Van Thuoc Nghe White Turmeric Cream, I apply the cream underneath my eyes before the night gel to help with dark circles. I also apply this cream to my neck.

NOTE: If you have any products in jar packaging, wash your hands before dipping your fingers in! You don’t want to contaminate the product!

Acne Treatments:
[DAY & NIGHT] Acne.org BP Treatment Gel
[NIGHT] Differin 0.1% or 0.3%
[NIGHT] Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10
Polysporin Antibiotic Ointment

This is how I treat my acne! I never use any acne medications in cleansers. They are far too drying, and they don’t stay on the skin long enough to be effective! Acne medications that stay on the skin the whole day and night work better at treating and preventing break-outs!

Acne.org BP Treatment Gel: I can’t say if Acne.org BP Treatment Gel is working yet!! I’m still on treatment! I’m starting week 3 on Monday morning! I will update after week 4 (1 month)! Stay tuned! Here’s my 6 day log on the BP Gel: Acne.org BP Treatment Gel arrived last week (Monday)!!! 6 Days In!!!

Differin 0.1% or 0.3%: Differin is a prescription cream/gel. In the picture, it says 0.3%, but I have both the 0.1% and 0.3%. I feel that they work the same. No difference in effectiveness. Others may differ in experience. Differin is more of a maintenance skin care product for me. It cleared me up 100% for years! All of a sudden, it stopped working on specific areas of my face. I also have other retinoids. I prefer Differin because I can use it in conjunction with BP. BP has never stopped working for me!

Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10: Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 isn’t my HG BP anymore. I use it only as a spot treatment. Some days, I don’t use it at all! : D I see it as a good thing because this means that the 2.5% is working, and there’s no need for 10%!

Polysporin Antibiotic Ointment: I use my Polysporin Antibiotic Ointment to prevent infection and scarring. Preventing the spread of bacteria is very important!

[DAY] Sun Protection: Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 has never failed me! It helps to even out the skin tone with soy while protecting the skin from harmful UV rays! Only if the SPF was higher!

***

Pretty simple. Compared to my previous skin care routine, I’ve cut down my skin care routine by a lot! Less is better…especially for my skin type! : )

- xfurbeauty

Credit : Facebook

Shared by : sae@magnaesoojung.com

Credit : affxtion_id

Halle Morse defies most conventional assumptions about Broadway actresses—her attitude is unmistakably more dedicated than diva-like, and measuring in at 5 feet 2 inches, don’t expect her to sing in a timid soprano. Six days a week she belts onstage as Lisa in “Mamma Mia,” step-ball-chaining to ABBA in a teeny bikini while playing a lively bridesmaid.

For Morse, a career on the stage and under the lens hasn’t obliged her to wear heavy makeup and transition to an amplified skin care routine. In fact, nothing about Halle Morse’s beauty regimen is what most would expect.

Skincare:

Morse abides by simple skincare measures. She cleanses her face with Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub, followed by an astringent for sensitive skin. And although face moisturizers don’t receive much attention in Morse’s apartment, it doesn’t prevent her from achieving smooth, clear, and resoundingly even skin (is it luck, uncommonly gifted genes, or a combination of both?).

Makeup:

A testament to its staying-power and versatility, Bare Escentuals makeup is used both on and off the stage. Morse dusts bareMinerals Matte SPF 15 over her face, followed by the translucent, makeup-setting powder,Mineral Veil. She buffs Warmth All-Over Face Color into the hollows of her cheeks for a contouring effect, and fans CoverGirl blush on top. She completes her look with the tried-and-true Maybelline Great Lash Mascara and iridescent CoverGirl eye shadow.

Article Via: http://augustskin.com/post/29947645433/skin-story-halle-morse-actress

Of August Skin on Tumblr.

I picked up a facial exfoliator! It’s called Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub! : )

What’s in Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub?

Caffeine, Lemon, and Papaya to brighten the skin. Bursting beads to exfoliate the skin.

More about Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub…

- Designed for all skin types
- Contains skin nutrients & bursting beads to remove dirt, oil, and impurities in the pores
- Invigorates senses and has microbeads to remove dull skin
- Skin looks instantly brightened for the day!
- Oil-free
- Won’t clog pores
- Good for daily use

Why I chose Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub:

I stopped using alpha hydroxy acids for about 1 month now. We all know that exfoliating is important to maintain a healthy and clear complexion! Maybe I’ll start using alpha hydroxy acids again when my skin is ready. I felt as if it was over-drying my skin & over-exfoliating is bad for the skin. That is why I went to grab a gentle facial scrub for everyday use…Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub! It contains caffeine, lemon, and papaya to brighten the skin & bursting beads to remove dead skin cells!! The beads in Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub are round. Round beads are gentle and excellent for exfoliation. This facial scrub seemed perfect! Brightening, gentle, and removes dull skin! : )

- xfurbeauty

Ingredients:

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub:
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Phenoxyethanol, Lauryl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Menthyl Lactate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Cellulose, Mannitol, Xylitol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Polygonum Fagopyrum Flour (Buckwheat), Ethylparaben, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Extract (Jojoba), Caffeine, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract (Lemon), Carica Papaya (Papya) Fruit Extract (Papaya), Algin, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Ethylene/VA Copolymer, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Iron Oxides, Yellow 10.

Prestige Kohl Eyeliner (Black/Brown): Black/Brown is a little darker than I expected, but not too dark. It shows up. I love how it just glides over my eyelids. It doesn’t really last, though, and it smudges rather easily (which is the point). I like to do something like this whenever I use it:

This is Jiyeon from T-ara and her signature eye makeup. There are several tutorials all over the internet (and one if you click the picture), but I don’t follow any of them. I just line my upper lid and the outer third of my bottom lid. My eye makeup is not nearly as dramatic, but I like it very much.

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Hydrating Cleanser: This is my current cleanser. I bought it after seeing it in a featured article on Yahoo. It smells delicious and leaves my skin feeling fresh. 

Revlon Lip Butter (Berry Smoothie): I already reviewed it here.

the one on top =D

Happy summer!

$1.00 each Post-Its 3×3 90 ct., Five Star 1-subject notebook, Sharpie 2 ct fine-tip permanent markers or 3 ct. highlighters

• $1/1 Sharpie Highlighter @ www.coupons2.smartsource.com
• Final: FREE
• $1/2 Five Star Product from 8/5/12 RP insert
• Final: .50 each
• $1/2 Post-It Brand Item Target coupon @ www.Target.com
• $1/1 Post-It Brand Item from Target Back to School Mailer
• Final: .50 each

$249.99 Gateway 15.6″ Notebook – reg. 379.99

• LED display
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Intel Dual-Core processor
• 320GB hard drive
• Buy this Windows 7 PC & get Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99

$6.00 Lexar 8GB USB Drive

$0.49 each sale

• FREE 24 ct. RoseArt crayons wyb RoseArt 10 ct. markers or 12 ct. colored pencils
• $1/3 RoseArt Products 7/29/12 RP
•  Standard-size Fabric book cover
• 10 ct. Up & Up Index cards
• 2 pocket poly folder
• Up & Up Ruler
• Mead 70-sheet notebook
• Scotch Magic Tape
• .50/1 Scotch Magic Tape  @ www.Target.com
• Sterlilite pencil-case

$1.00 each sale Up & Up School Supplies

• 1″ vinyl binder
• safety compass
• 40 ct. 9×12″ art paper
• 20 pk sheet protectors
• 5 tab index dividers

$3.00 each sale Back to school Basics

• 8″ locker shelf
• 400 ct. Up & Up multi-purpose copy paper
• 24 ct. Ticonderoga yellow # 2 pencils
• 8 ct. PaperMate Ink Joy 300RT ballpoint pens

$8.99 BYO by Built Neoprene lunch bag or Camelback water bottle

$12.99 Licensed backpacks

• Use coupon 20% off Nickelodeon Fruit Snacks, Lunchbag or backpack in Target Back to School Mailer
• Or 20% Target coupon on www.Target.com
• Final: $10.39

$16.99 Dr. Seuss’ the Lorax

$9.99 Now “that’s What I Call Music 43

$8.49 Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser

• $1/1 Neutrogena Facial Skin Care item Target coupon  7/29/12  Target insert
• $1/1 Neutrogena Acne or Cleansing Product  7/15/12 SS insert
• $3/1 Wave Power Cleanser @ www.neutrogena.com
• Final: $4.49 after stack and sale

$3.99 Clean and Clear

• $1.50/1 Clean & Clear Facial Care 7/29/12 RP insert
• $1/1 Clean  & Clear Facial Care Target coupon in Back to School Target mailer
• $1/1 Clean & Clear Product at http://www.cleanandclear.com
• Final: as low as $1.49 after stack and sale

$2.79 Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner

• $1/1 Fructis product at www.partners.mysavings.com
• $1/1 Garnier Fructis 6/24/12  RP insert
• $1/1 Garnier product 7/29/12 RP insert
• Final: 1.79

$10/10 enhanced Vitaminwater 20 oz. or 33.8 oz.

• Get $5 Target Gift Card wyb 10
• Final: .50 each

$2.89  Stay Free Ultra Thin Reg. Pads w/wings 18 ct.

• $1/1 Stayfree, Carefree or OB Target coupon 7/29/12 Target insert
• $2/1 Stayfree  product 7/22/12 SS insert
• Final: Free after stack

$0.97 Reach dental floss

• .75/1 Reach Floss Target coupon  in 7/29/12 Target insert
• $2/2 Reach Dental Floss www.partners.mysavings.com
• Final: Free after stack

For more sales go to www.Target.com

Yesterday I stopped by at CVS to do a little shopping with some great CRT coupons I got from the red machine last week

When I scanned my CVS card again, I got 2 more great coupons:

• $3 off $15 purchase of olay, pantene, tide, gillette…
• $3 off any Revlon cosmetic

I found quite a few Revlon lipsticks & foundations at 75% off ($2.37 & $3.49) and Pantene shampoo, hairspray, mousse and gel on clearance for $2.49 – $2.74

If you happen to get the above CRT coupons, make sure to check your store for clearance Revlon and Pantene…great deal when you combine with the $3/2 pantene and $1/1 Revlon manufacturer coupon (7/29 P & G and 7/22 SS)

ITEMS PURCHASED & COUPONS USED

3 clean & clear products (BOGO 50% off) – $1.50/1 c & c (7/29 RP) + $6/3 c & c cvs coupon

6 pantene hair products  ($2.49 -$2.64 ea) – $3/2 pantene (7/29 P & G + $3/$15 cvs coupon

1 cvs baby body wash ($3.29) – $3/1 cvs body wash coupon

1 cvs acne product ($3.29) – $3/1 cvs acne product coupon

1 revlon foundation ($3.49) – $3/1 revlon cosmetic (cvs coupon)

$3 off any $15 beauty purchase (cvs coupon)

TOTAL OOP: $5.92 + got back $5 ECB for reaching $50 in beauty purchases (beauty club)

Hope you get some of these awesome CRT coupons as well!!!!

Today we are playing a game called what’s in your bag this week?  Before we get started please first note how literary I am – I just happen to have a copy of “Farenheit 451″  in my bag today.  Don’t get too excited it’s for my bookclub which is this week and I’m only on page 60.  I also have about a gazillion crumbs and maybe a small child in there.  Shhh.

Drumroll please -

Nivea Handcream - .99 cents, CVS.

This is my very favorite hand moisturizer and I always keep a tin in my purse.  Look how cute this tin is!  Don’t be deceived though –  this is a very emollient moisturizer and a little goes a long way.  One tin will usually last me a few months and doesn’t take up a whole lot of purse space.  It has a very pleasant lemon scent.

Sugarbomb lip gloss $16, Ulta. 

Sugarbomb is one of Benefit’s new lip glosses that came out in the last month.  Sugarbomb was an impulse buy and at first I was a little underwhelmed by the product, but it has really grown on me.  The color is a very flattering pinky brown that is moisturizing,  sheer and shimmery.  My favorite lip glosses are ones that I can put on without looking in the mirror and Sugarbomb fits the bill.  I would really like to try this in coaralista too.

Band Aid Friction Block  $8.49 Walgreens-

Every summer I buy pretty new sandals that are hell on my feet.  This year is no exception, so I started carrying friction block and a few band aids in my bag.  This product is pure genius -  it looks like a little mini deodorant and you apply anywhere your evil pretty shoes are rubbing up against your feet .  Friction block really helps with preventing blisters until you break your new shoes in.  Also, it’s small enough  fit in your clutch, awesome. 

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets $4.49 Target-

In the summer I think its helpful to keep some blotting papers around for touchups and managing “the shines”.   Most skincare companies have jumped on the bandwagon now and there are a million different kinds (mattifying, shimmery).  I’ve always liked Clean and Clear’s version which is basic, inexpensive and does the trick.  The packaging is  light and about the size of a credit card, so it doesn’t take up much space.

Benefit Highbeam $26 Ulta-

I keep a sample tube of this in my bag for days when I feel haggard or I need a quick boost if I’m going out after work.  Putting a little of this highlighter on the inside corners of your eyes and the top of your cheekbones really makes a major impact with little fuss.  You will look awake and glowy people!  That’s the dream, right?

What’s in you bag?  Leave your comments below…

THIS IS ONE!

It’s Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets.

The ladies aren’t the only people who benefit from these. Guys need them too. How often do you start to notice a little shine on your forehead through the work day. Oil builds up throughout the day and you need to freshen up. Just use one of these guys on your T-Zone and it will prevent break outs and not make you look like the evil queen’s magic mirror.

Written By: Jake Verterano

Photo Sources:
http://www.drugstore.com/clean-and-clear-oil-absorbing-sheets/qxp68807

Today I am going to review Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub.

Price : 27/- for 20gm

Company Claims :

Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub is a unque blend of micro-scrubbing beads works to breakdown trapped dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can cause blackheads.

Next, the natural apple extract formula penetrates deep down into the pores to help soften stubborn blackheads and prevent new ones from forming. Its gentle exfoliating action gives you visibly less blackheads in just 3 days for a clean, clear & beautiful skin.

Directions :

Wash your face, squeeze the product on your palm and work into a rich lather. gently massage lather onto your face, concentrating o blackhead prone areas such as nose and chin. Rinse thoroughly with water. Gentle enough for daily use.

My Experience :

I have a combination type skin which tends to get oily during Summer season and hence the blackheads pop out more often. I usually try different scrubs from different brands. However, coming to Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub, it comes in a tube with a tight flip flop cap. The amount of product required can be squeezed out from the tube. Generally, a coin-sized amount is enough to cover the blackhead prone areas i.e. nose, chin and forehead.

Well, this product is a translucent gel like consistency which lathers well when contacted with water. I use it to scrub my nose, chin and forehead. I actually bought this small tube just to check whether all its claims are true or not. This gel has got very tiny scrubbing particles out of which few are white in color and other few are in copper sulphate color. While scrubbing I observed that it is really mild enough for daily scrub, but at the same time it is quite effective in its job of removing blackheads.

After scrubbing, I rinsed my face with water and observed that all my blackheads were gone, leaving my skin smooth and shiny. I loved the way this formula worked on my skin. I used it daily for weeks and observed that the rate of growth of blackheads did reduce to a great extent. After that, I started using it thrice a week and still observed that it removes blackheads effectively and reduces the growth of blackheads. I will purchase the bigger one soon, after I finish off Fabindia’s Neem Tulsi Face and Body Gel Scrub (which I will be reviewing it soon!) which is also a very good scrub.

If you want to scrub off the dead cells on your facial skin, then you can use this as a facial scrubber too. As far as I observed, when I scrub my whole face with it, it scrubs off the dead cells from my skin leaving it shiny and glowing from within. Which however, assures that you already got rid of the dead cells from your facial skin.

Here I swatched it, you can observe those tiny scrubbing granules :

Pros of the Product :

1. Reasonable price.
2. It effectively removes the blackheads from your blackhead prone areas without making your skin dry and parched.
3. It is very gentle, hence can be used daily.
4. On daily usage, you can observe that the growth of blackheads reduces dramatically to a great extent.
5. Only pea-sized amount is required to scrub your blackhead prone ares.
6. It is a multi-purpose product i.e. it can be used as a blackhead scrub as well as a facial scrub.
7. Since it comes in a tube, it is hygienic to use.

Cons of the Product :

I don’t find any con with this product.

Final Review : Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub is a very effective scrub for removing blackheads and at the same time reduces the rate of growth of blackheads. It is a multi-purpose product as it can also be used as a facial scrub since it effectively scrubs off the dead cells from your face. Overall, its a very good product.

Rating : 5/5

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Can you believe its the beginning of July already! It’ll be Christmas before we know it! 🎅

Anyway its June empties time! I really enjoyed using up a lot of my products back through May and wanted to carry it on into June and I think I’ve done quite well! I’m actually quite embarrassed at how much stuff I actually have waiting to be used. I have a basket in my cupboard full of lovely goodies waiting to be used up! I don’t think I’m going to need much this Christmas!!

Here are the items I’ve used up through June:

And in more detail:

Shampoo & Conditioners

I’ve used only one shampoo up this month and that is my Ojon damage reverse restorative shampoo.

I really liked this shampoo when I got it and used to alternate between this and my Moroccan Oil Shampoo but I’ll be honest I’m quite bored of it now and an quite glad its all gone.

It did make my hair squeaky clean and left it feeling really soft and silky it just didn’t have a lasting impact on me and I’m not sure I’ll be picking it up again any time soon … Theres lots of other lovely shampoos I want to try first, one of them being my next empty.

L’Oreal Everpure Shampoo and Conditioner. I got these sample sachets free in Glamour magazine and really liked them. Sadly I only got enough in each for one use but I really liked them, they left my hair feeling super glossy, clean and seemed to really make my colour stand out! When I’ve used up my Moroccan Oil shampoo and treatment mask these are definitely my next purchase!

Johnson’s Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash

I’ve loved using this facewash, I used to use it a lot when I was younger but then stopped and recently started using it again. I love the ‘menthol’ feeling it leaves on my skin and my skin has been in really good condition while I have been using it, I haven’t had any nasty build ups or break outs. I really, really like this face wash.

Penhaligons English Fern and Lavandula Shower Gels

You will know from my May empties how much I love the shower gels from Penhaligons and these two are no exception. I’ve really enjoyed using them both and have only two left now which I’m going to use up this month.

Soap & Glory Glow Lotion

This is the only body lotion / moisturiser I used in June and I can honestly say I hated it. I know it isn’t actually a body lotion and more of a ‘highlighting’ lotion but I just wanted it used up and gone. It didn’t moisturise my skin at all, it did leave it with a lovely shimmer though…The only endearing feature was the smell. I love how the Soap & Glory range smells, its soo good!

Marks & Spencer Double Faced Cotton Pads

There’s not really much I can say about cotton pads so I won’t bother. I do go through a lot of cotton wool what with nail varnish and make up removal! What I do really like about these ones from M&S though is that they aren’t flimsy and don’t break up in your hands and the size of them is great too, they are the bigger oval sized pads and I find these the best to use. I can use one of these to clean off my entire face of make up as opposed to maybe 2 or 3 of the smaller ones. Always a winner for me!

Perfume

I’ve actually used up more perfume than anything else in June. I’ve used up the following:

Dolce & Gabbana Rose The One

This is one of my most favourite perfumes. I adore D&G The One but I wear that more in winter, this is actually my second bottle of Rose and I’m actually a little gutted its all gone 😢

Marc Jacobs Lola

Sadly I’ve had to pinch the photograph off the internet as sadly not long after I got this bottle of perfume I dropped it and the spritzer stopped working and I had to decant it into an ugly looking plastic pump bottle from Boots. Humph! How pretty is the bottle as well??!

Lolita Lempicka

These were both samples that I got in my GlossyBox a month or so ago and its funny, when I reviewed the box I thought the Eau de Parfum (purple bottle) was my favourite but actually when I started using them I prefer the L’Eau en Blanc one. So much so in fact that it has gone on my Christmas list!!

So thats my empties for June, not as many as May I don’t think but i’m still making inroads into everything I have!!

Have you been using up products recently? Any you’re going to miss? Anything you’re glad to see the back of? Leave a comment below!

Twitter – @xxxamesxxx

Instagram – @xx_ames_xx

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to enter my BeTrousse Beauty Box giveaway! You have until 14 July to enter!

Lots of love

Amy xxx ❤❤

1) The product has to work well (of course)
2) They to be reasonably priced (but I have been known to splurge if I’m obsessed and I think a product going to be worth it. i.e. – I convinced my husband to get me Creme De’la Mer as my wedding gift. Ok, $300 later.)
3) They have easily obtained – I have been know to fall in love with beauty products that are not easy to find or easy to ship. The internet has made this drastically easier but for awhile I was in love with Lush’s fresh face masks and there were no Lush stores in the United States and they could not ship their masks. I was a very desperate girl for a few years and I would beg any friends going to Canada to pick me up some. Lesson learned.
4) I also prefer my skincare and makeup to be unscented or very lightly scented if possible, just a personal preference. I do like perfume and scented things, just not on my face.

Skincare – 

Kiehl’s Ultra Moisturizer –

I have been a big fan of Kiehl’s for years. I used to have rosacea and this was the only moisturizer that would not aggravate my breakouts. Once I got rid of the Rosacea (thanks to a great dermatologist) I still kept going back to this moisturizer. It’s inexpensive for the quality and quantity of product you get. I can use it any season, for night or day and there is no scent. I’ve even been known to use it as my undereye cream if I’m too tired for regular eye cream or to smooth my hair if I have flyaways. I have never been a big fan of the version with SPF 15 – it gives me little bumps on my forehead. However I think that this moisturizer does play well with others and I can layer sunscreen over it very well. The same goes for Vitamin C treatments, Retinols and any other Serum you like to layer on at night.

CeraVe – PM Moisturizer

This was a fling that quickly blossomed into love. My dermatologist had mentioned that as far as skincare goes to skip the spendy brands and just use CeraVe products including the nighttime moisturizer. I sat on this information for a whole year before I bothered to buy the moisturizer. Fool! At $15 bucks a pop this is one of the best values in skincare. As soon as I put it on the fines on my forehead practically disappeared and my skin seemed, well, very happy. Over the last few months my skin, which wasn’t bad before, has definitely improved. Less lines, better skin tone. This formula is not greasy at all, is scentless and has never broken me out. I also use the cleansing lotion, which is pretty good but is not a miracle worker when it comes to removing makeup. I hope they come out with an eyecream too!

Acquaphor --

I have scaly feet. If you have scaly feet too Aquaphor can help with this. A co-worker of mine recommended Acquaphor last summer when I complaining about my poor cracked feet (thanks Larissa!). This a very, very heavy salve that you can put on feet at bedtime. With a couple of days of regular use your will be pretty in no time! However – a word to the wise – put on some socks afterwards, especially if you are going to walk around. I can still find tracks on my hardwood floors where I learned this lesson the hard way. I use this on my cuticles as well and sometimes on my lips.

Kiehl’s Avacado Eye Cream –

This is a very nice non-reactive eye cream. I love that there is no scent and that it tightens up the area under my eyes. It doesn’t seem like it’s sinking in at first, but give it a minute to work the magic. The avocado smooths any lines and gives a great base for undereye concealer. I have tried many other eye creams over the years and this one is my buddy. Works greats over a depuffer gel like Clinique’s all about eyes. This will not remove wrinkles or puffiness but it does a great job moisturizer and smoothing the eye area.

Clean & Clear’s Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

My go to cleanser for years and years was Clean and Clear’s cleanser for sensitive skin. It did a great job of removing all my face makeup in one go and had minimal scent. I could use this as an eye makeup remover and facial wash and at night and when you are tired and just want to go to sleep that is a beautiful thing. It also does not sting if it gets in your eyes. About a year ago I realized that my skin was probably at little too dry now to keep using this product. However, I still maintain that the best all around cleanser for folks with combo skin. I miss it. These days I switch back and forth between Purpose by Johnson & Johnson and CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser.

What do you use? What are your favorites?  Leave your comments below…

Next up – Holy Grail Makeup

Just like the commercial, clean & clear morning burst actually works. When I watched the commercial, I didn’t believe it. When I tried it, I proved myself wrong. It woke me right up! The bursting beads grab your skin and nourish it while cleansing it, waking up your face/body. I bought the face scrub and the body wash (charge), and both work excellently.

1. Concealer:

If you well up and shed a tear or two, you should be fine. If the tears are going to flow like a waterfall it’s another story. You want to bring a concealer just in case you have an emotional moment and need to high-tail it off to the bathroom for a quick touch-up. Even if you think you aren’t the type to get emotional it’s still best to be prepared. I’m not usually overly emotional but all it takes is for me is to hear “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross. I’ll probably be crying like a tween who just found out Justin Beiber isn’t single. That song gets me every time.

L’oreal True Match Concealer, $9 at lorealparisusa.com

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2. Lipstick or gloss

You want to bring a lipstick, lipgloss or both to reapply before pictures. Remember that photos can sometimes wash you out a bit, so you just want to keep your lip color looking fresh. Just dab a little on before photos and maybe again after your done eating. You shouldn’t need it more than that. If you prefer, you can ask your makeup artist to buy the color she will be using on you. You can find one of my favorite lipstick shades by clicking here.

MAC lipstick in Honeylove, $17.50 and MAC Plushglass in Ample Pink, $22.50 at MACCosmetics.com

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3. Oil blotting sheets

A makeup artist preps and primes your skin and uses products that are formulated for your skin type, so you will not have to worry about your makeup coming off. If you have a problem with excessive oiliness, or you’re getting married in the summer on a hot and humid day, I suggest picking up a few oil blotting sheets. These will allow you to remove the excess shine on your face without ruining your makeup.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $5 at drugstores

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4. Makeup remover cloths:

These are great if you happen to get really emotional & need to dab under your eyes to remove excess makeup that might have fallen. I would say this item is definitely optional, but you can never come too prepared.

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $6 at drugstores

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5. Compact Mirror

You’re going to be the star of the show and in high demand at your reception. You may not have time to sneak off to the bathroom to reapply your lipstick, so a compact mirror is perfect for quick touch ups.

Sephora Collection Compact Mirror, $15 at Sephora

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Remember that weeks before your wedding you want to make sure you take care of your skin like it’s your second job. If your skin is in optimum condition, your makeup will be too. You can find my 3 steps I recommend for flawless makeup in my past post here. Most of all, enjoy your day & relax. Everything will go smoothly. Remember to keep in mind, a calm bride is a happy bride!

What essentials will you be sure to have?

(From Left to Right: Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Liquid Foundation SPF 15, Prosacea Rosacea Treatment Gel, Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10, Physician’s Formula Eye Brightener Liner Brightening Liquid Eyeliner, Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion, CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM, and Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Organic Aloe Vera Formula Toner.)

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More information on new products…

Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Organic Aloe Vera Formula Toner:

- Gentle, cleanses, and moisturizes
- Contains Organic Aloe Vera & Vitamin E
- Witch Hazel tightens pores without drying the skin
- Alcohol-free, Paraben, and Propylene Glycol-free
- Undistilled Witch Hazel (with beneficial natural tannins)
- No animal testing

Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Liquid Foundation SPF 15:

- Liquid foundation with medium coverage
- SPF 15
- Mirror on the cap
- Anti-microbial sponge
- Has a sponge for easy and effortless blending
- Reduces irritation and breakouts
- Made for extra sensitive & break-out prone skin
- Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-free, Oil-free, Talc-free, Non-comedogenic, and Dermatologist approved
- Provides a flawless complexion with a natural, matte finish
- Vitamins E & A helps to protect and condition the skin
- Infused with mineral water for comfort
- Soft and  smooth application that perfectly matches
- Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxides help to achieve a smooth feel and finish
- Ultra-convenient and versatile tube

Physician’s Formula Eye Brightener Liner Brightening Liquid Eyeliner:

- Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-free, and Dermatologist approved
- Safe for contact wearers
- Contains shimmery pigments that catch the light
- Illuminates and awakens the eyes
- Easy control tip for precise application
- Goes on smooth and clean
- Fast drying formula

- xfurbeauty

“The Little Tube That Packs a Punch”

Nickname: The “Must-Have” Spot Treatment

Where: Grocery & Drug Stores

Price: $8.00 for 28g tube

ABOUT

Persa-Gel 5 is a cream-based product that uses 5% benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient. I find it very effective as a spot treatment due to the higher concentration of benzoyl peroxide (usual is 2-2.5%) which also makes it very drying. Dab a small amount onto new pimples overnight and it can do wonders!

PROS

• Extremely effective on new pimples or whiteheads
• Unscented
• Easy to apply onto skin
• Super cheap!

CONS

• Can dry out skin if used excessively – always moisturize!
• Not intended for treatment of more serious acne

VERDICT

This is one of those products I think everyone should have around. It’s good for alleviating emergency breakouts and treating stubborn pimples. I like that it is affordable, accessible and comes in a travel-size tube. This product is geared towards people with light acne and people with occasional pimples.

ADVICE

Don’t use too much – it’s very drying! Use this as a spot treatment and remember to moisturize afterwards. I also recommend Persa-Gel 5% over the 10% version because having tried both, the 10% is way too drying for pretty much the same results.