I can hear the collective sighs and the chorus of "we don't cares" now. Sorry. It's been a beast of a week and we're heading into an even uglier weekend in the Simon-is-working-how-many-hours? department so rather than pelt your pupils with the nit and grit of these woes-o-mine I'll just copy a million other bloggers and do one of these super informative posts.
not a current or even remotely relevant photo. I hope you'll accept my half-hearted apology.
My routine is probably pretty minimal compared to a lot of ladies and probably pretty involved compared to a lot of others but it works for the limited amount of time I have in the bathroom before 1. Sebastian breaks through my leg barricade and scales the toilet to break/drink/break yet another something 2. Julia's woodpeckeresque asks to wear bakeup drive me completely insane or 3. Theo sirens and signals that he needs my undivided love, affection, and attention ... now.
1. Kirkland Daily Facial Cleansing Towelettes: These are the only way my face gets washed (cleansed?) every night and every morning. I don't know what I have against traditional cleansers that require water and a washcloth but I won't/don't use them if I buy them. These do a superb job of getting my eye makeup off which is really nice because I hate waking up looking like mama coon. I like to think I make up for my laziness with the next item on my list ...
2. Clarisonic Pro: Roxy (who has thee best best skin) sold me on the almighty Clarisonic and so I asked for one for my birthday when I was pregnant with Sebastian last summer. I can tell a huge difference (much smoother and clearer skin and has made a nice dent in my significant acne scars) when I use it and still have two of the little sample bottles of cleanser it came with but otherwise I use baking soda or coffee grinds to exfoliate super efficiently.
3. Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer: While Googling whether or not Cindy Crawford's line of moisturizer was all that she was claiming it would be I found a sort of hierarchical chart (that I can't find anymore, of course) of anti-aging moisturizers and this was at the top of the list. I've only been using it about a month but it smells great (Simon even noticed which is saying a LOT) and maybe it's my imagination but is my Grand Canyon forehead wrinkle a little less canyony? Maybe.
4. N.Y.C Smooth Skin Perfect Primer: On a trip to Wichita last summer I forgot my entire makeup bag (the horror) so I ran to Target and bought the cheapest essentials available. I had never even heard of primer so I don't know why I bought this but I'm glad I coughed up the $3.99 because it just sort of smooths everything out and lays the foundation nicely for ...
5. Bobbi Brown BB Cream: When Simon is on nights and I've run out of internet and it's 3, 4, or 5 in the morning I usually read beauty product reviews. Fun. People sang the praises of this stuff and I had an Amazon giftcard to use so I ordered it (in Light - after reading multiple reviews of the hues). I liked it a lot better in warmer/humid months. It hasn't dried my skin out but it kind of leaves a duller finish than I'd like. I know people don't love a 'dewy finish' but I'm all about the dewy finish.
6. N.Y.C Bronzing Powder: Another one that I picked up on my emergency run. The cheapest and the best.
7. Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara: After reading Natalie's post on her big mascara experiment I ordered the holy grail of mascaras. I know everyone (seems to) have their favorite mascara that they'll be buried in and I guess I just haven't found mine yet (not for a lack of trying a zillion different kinds). I like it a lot but would I order it again? I don't think so.
8. L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner, (Brown): I read about this on a blog a long time ago and am so glad I remembered the name when I went to the store later that week. I love it and have had the same pencil for well over a year and will wear it forever and ever. Amen.
I'm sure I'm missing out on so many great products .... I'd love if you let me know if your absolute favorites. Simon's starting nights again soon so I'll have trillions of petrified hours to read up on your claims.
My routine is probably pretty minimal compared to a lot of ladies and probably pretty involved compared to a lot of others but it works for the limited amount of time I have in the bathroom before 1. Sebastian breaks through my leg barricade and scales the toilet to break/drink/break yet another something 2. Julia's woodpeckeresque asks to wear bakeup drive me completely insane or 3. Theo sirens and signals that he needs my undivided love, affection, and attention ... now.
1. Kirkland Daily Facial Cleansing Towelettes: These are the only way my face gets washed (cleansed?) every night and every morning. I don't know what I have against traditional cleansers that require water and a washcloth but I won't/don't use them if I buy them. These do a superb job of getting my eye makeup off which is really nice because I hate waking up looking like mama coon. I like to think I make up for my laziness with the next item on my list ...
2. Clarisonic Pro: Roxy (who has thee best best skin) sold me on the almighty Clarisonic and so I asked for one for my birthday when I was pregnant with Sebastian last summer. I can tell a huge difference (much smoother and clearer skin and has made a nice dent in my significant acne scars) when I use it and still have two of the little sample bottles of cleanser it came with but otherwise I use baking soda or coffee grinds to exfoliate super efficiently.
3. Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer: While Googling whether or not Cindy Crawford's line of moisturizer was all that she was claiming it would be I found a sort of hierarchical chart (that I can't find anymore, of course) of anti-aging moisturizers and this was at the top of the list. I've only been using it about a month but it smells great (Simon even noticed which is saying a LOT) and maybe it's my imagination but is my Grand Canyon forehead wrinkle a little less canyony? Maybe.
4. N.Y.C Smooth Skin Perfect Primer: On a trip to Wichita last summer I forgot my entire makeup bag (the horror) so I ran to Target and bought the cheapest essentials available. I had never even heard of primer so I don't know why I bought this but I'm glad I coughed up the $3.99 because it just sort of smooths everything out and lays the foundation nicely for ...
5. Bobbi Brown BB Cream: When Simon is on nights and I've run out of internet and it's 3, 4, or 5 in the morning I usually read beauty product reviews. Fun. People sang the praises of this stuff and I had an Amazon giftcard to use so I ordered it (in Light - after reading multiple reviews of the hues). I liked it a lot better in warmer/humid months. It hasn't dried my skin out but it kind of leaves a duller finish than I'd like. I know people don't love a 'dewy finish' but I'm all about the dewy finish.
6. N.Y.C Bronzing Powder: Another one that I picked up on my emergency run. The cheapest and the best.
7. Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara: After reading Natalie's post on her big mascara experiment I ordered the holy grail of mascaras. I know everyone (seems to) have their favorite mascara that they'll be buried in and I guess I just haven't found mine yet (not for a lack of trying a zillion different kinds). I like it a lot but would I order it again? I don't think so.
8. L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner, (Brown): I read about this on a blog a long time ago and am so glad I remembered the name when I went to the store later that week. I love it and have had the same pencil for well over a year and will wear it forever and ever. Amen.
I'm sure I'm missing out on so many great products .... I'd love if you let me know if your absolute favorites. Simon's starting nights again soon so I'll have trillions of petrified hours to read up on your claims.
I'll have to try this moisturizer, I'm always looking for a good anti aging. I'm starting to see some wrinkles.. That's the next mascara I'm trying as well (for the same reason) but I'm with you on mascara, haven't found the ONE. I usually start off loving one, then end up not loving it by the end of the tube and I try out a new one. I feel like my lashes get 'used' to one and it doesn't show the same results after a month or two. I'm the same way with shampoos and conditioner as well, never use the same one twice.
ReplyDeleteI love product posts! I think it's so interesting to hear what others use. It's just over the last few months I've found a method that works for me so I've always wanted to know what others do.
ReplyDeleteMy mom bought the Clarisonic Mia last year and she kindly gave it to me. It's amazing. I used it twice a day the first week (as per instructions they came with and I was excited!) and I turned into an itchy mess, but I soon realized that I needed to just use it less (couple times a week) and it's much better. I also use it on my back. It too has helped acne marks on my face. I also use coconut oil for make up removal and moisturizing. I use Dr Bronner's for my face and body, which I like because it's all-natural and gentle.
For makeup: I loved Bare Minerals foundation, but in the meantime I'm using Physicians Formula Mineral loose foundation and it's not bad for the Wal-Mart price. Covers pretty well. I just started using L'Oreal gel eyeliner and it's soooo easy to apply with the little brush it comes with.
How often do you use the Clarisonic Pro? That looks pretty awesome. May be something I will look into in the future...since my skin seems to be stuck in oily high school phase.
ReplyDeleteI just did a review of Monistat Chafing Gel as facial primer (Pinterest find) and thought I had really scored because it's only about $6 vs. my formerly $23 primer... and now you come and rock my world with a primer that's even cheaper. Adding to the list...
ReplyDeleteThe Clairisonic is currently #1 on my birthday list, so I'm glad to hear that it's all I dream it to be.
I recently got this little guy in my January Birchbox and I'm loving it:
http://www.birchbox.com/shop/the-balm-hot-mama-shadow-blush-all-in-one
It really is like the perfect shade of peachy-pink blush. Totally plan on buying the full size when my sample runs out.
I have an unhealthy obsession with beauty products, so I'm going to just go ahead and quit now. Great post!
Oooooo, I knew I liked you! We use the same bronzer.
ReplyDeleteI've really wanted a clarisonic, but seeing that I rarely wash my face, I wonder if I'll ever even use it? I'm just incredibly lazy when it comes to skin care.
My latest beauty find has been the Revlon Just Bitten lip stain. I love that it stays on, but doesn't look heavy like the ColorStay can look. May or may not have reached under a Walmart shelf when I dropped the only tube in the color I wanted and it rolled under there. Classy.
My MIL got me the clarsonic for Christmas along with wrinkle cream... know that you said it works in acne scars I might have to get over my feeling of being insulted and use it....did you get the acne cleaner or just us the regular stuff that came with it.
ReplyDeleteI love reading posts like this. I find it interesting to see what other people do to their faces. I consider getting one of the Clarisonic brushes every time I read about it on someone's blog. The price tag continues to hold me back though.
ReplyDeleteI hope your weekend is bearable!
I know this makes me dangerously similar to Anon, who can't tell between serious and funny, but for the sake of women's faces everywhere I hope you'll bear with me: I am not sure if you're serious or joking about using baking soda and coffee grinds to exfoliate. I have a Clarisonic that has fallen into disuse, but if I can try putting coffee ON MY FACE, it might make a reappearance. I have bad scarring on my face as well -- my least favorite thing about my face -- so I would like to try to more ways to get rid of it. How do you do it? Does the anti-aging moisturizer also help with scarring?
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to try a Clarisonic (I'm getting old and need to do more than just wash my face). My question that no one can seem to answer is how often can you use it? Is it an everyday thing, once a week, etc? Also I'm afraid of being to rough with my skin and causing wrinkles?
ReplyDeleteI have a Clarisonic and LOVE it! Love! I use it once a day, in the shower. So convenient that way! It's waterproof, so you can leave it in the shower. It has multiple speeds and different brush heads you canbout (sensitive skin, deep pore, original, etc), so being too rough/causing wrinkles is definitely not an issue! It's amazing!
DeleteGoing to have to try your BB cream. I have the grocery store version, which gets a little cakey. (get it? You get cakes from a grocery store? So your makeup will result in....? Never mind. Deleting the whole thing now before Rodney Dangerfield becomes my interior voice) Maybe if I amped it up to the big girl section? Don't know.
ReplyDeleteI looooove product review posts. My favorite items right now are the revlon just bitten balm stains (i have 4 colors haha) and cover girl clump crusher mascara. I may have found "the one..." I also got sucked in to the bare minerals infomercial one late night feeding and I wanted it to as wonderful as they say but I could live without it. My big issue is finding something for dark under eye circles...ugh
ReplyDeleteI've spilled this secret to Dwija, but I'll share it here too. Garnier's BB Cream is awesome. I put a dab of it on my hand, mix with Garnier's anti-wrinkle serum lotion, and slather it all over my face.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite topics! Loved reading about your choices!
ReplyDeleteI am willing to invest more in skincare, but I am a saver when it comes to makeup. My favorite skincare if Dr. Denese SPF 30 Day Cream. It is a self-adjusting tinted moisturizer with awesome sun protection. My skin is oily in summer and flaky in winter and this gives me normal skin all year round. My face breaks out if I look at myself crooked, so finding an SPF product I could use was a major miracle for me. You can get it at skinstore for $60. The price seems steep, but you get 4 ounces and it will last all year long, and I don't need separate foundation, moisturizer, and sunscreen. I have asked for many a sample of various BB creams at Sephora, and none is equal to my DD.
For makeup, my favorite product is Maybelline Colorsensational lipstick. Best color selection, smooth texture, moisturizing, doesn't turn white at the corners (anyone else have this disgusting problem?). I like their lipglosses, too. Fave colors are Tinted Taupe (lipstick) and Mirrored Mauve (gloss). Also, less than $5 at Harmon, so you can't beat that. Just as good as my favorite Clinique gift-from-mom Buttershine, but with an infinitely better color selection.
My new favorite thing is the Bert's Bees tinted lip moisturizer. Lipstick and chapstick all in one. And it's feels minty on your lips. I have 5 or 6 different colors floating around in the bottom of my purse. I'm going to try those Kirkland face cleanser wipes - I almost NEVER wash my face at night. I know, the height of laziness. But that's where I am.
ReplyDeleteBB cream is the new rage and I don't even know what "BB" stands for. Does it stand for something? Bold and Beautiful? Booties and Bosoms? Butts are Bums? I guess I need some though.
ReplyDeleteI have found my holy grail of mascara and insist you try it: Maybelline Full 'n Soft. The BEST. http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=51527&catid=183541&aid=338666&aparam=goobase_filler
Queue unsolicted info from someone you didn't even ask:
DeleteBB can be "beauty balm" or "blemish balm" and it was originally created (back in the 50's I believe?) for people with surgical scars but Koreans and their (our?) notorious quest for natural looking makeup started the rage over a decade ago. Non-Korean BB creams are usually just tinted moisturizers with "BB Cream" slapped on a fancy bottle so make sure you're getting the good stuff if you're shelling out the moolah for it. (i.e. SPF, fades hyperpigmentation, anti-wrinkle, eck-setera...) Although a lot of the higher end cosmetics companies have been doing their research and coming out with quality stuff, like Bobbi Brown. :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BB_cream
End PSA.
I think I need to bite the bullet one of these days and get the clarisonic. I think the knock-off Olay brush tugs at my skin too much. Same thing with the Roc. I've been looking at getting it for a few weeks now and just haven't shelled out the cash. But I gotta do something ASAP about dem wrinkles.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried Bobbi's BB Cream but do NOT get the Maybelline Magic one. Made me break out like cray-cray. I switched to the Garnier one (because I'm a glutton for punishment) and it seems ok, but it kind of stings? I think I need to go back to the tried-and-true Monistat primer w/ BareMinerals foundation.
Benefit Erase Paste is the best concealer I've ever used (finally something to cover up my under-eye bags!), and my favorite mascara is usually any thing Maybelline.
I cannot speak highly enough about C.O. Bigelow's Rose Salve. It's like $5 at Bath and Body Works and you can use it as lip gloss, cuticle balm and a ton of other things. It also leaves a nice rosy tint on my lips. LOVE! I'm off to apply some now...
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you posted this! I have been sick sick sick the past two weeks -- strep and the flu, AT THE SAME TIME! -- and now that I'm feeling a bit better, I want to look like I'm feeling better. The bags under my eyes darkened a few shades past let-it-be. And bonus -- it's payday! So now I can afford super cheap primer and bronzer!
ReplyDeleteMascara is a funny thing -- my tried and true favorite is L'Oreal Voluminous. I've tried cheaper and more expensive stuff, stuff people raved about, but Voluminous is my one and only.
So, am I the last person to ever hear of this Clarisonic machine? If I have terribly dry skin, would this just remove all sorts of epidermis/moisture/etc that I sort of need? Or does the cleansers and lotions make up for that and my face would be baby smooth rather than have dry, rough spots?
ReplyDeleteAs for my own (new) personal favorite--- Cover Girl Jumbo Lip Gloss Balm. Could the name sound more ridiculous? No. But it is wonderful stuff! Ballet Twist is the perfect neutral color too.
I must try the towelettes. I rarely ware make-up because I know I'll be too busy/tired/lazy to wash my face properly at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteWhile you're still looking for THE mascara, you should try NYC's curling mascara. I think it's officially called something like City Curls and in a dark pink tube. It goes on nicely and actually gives my lashes a little curl without having to break out the lash curler (and heat it up with the hair dryer-stubborn lashes). And it's in the $3-ish range.
Ditto the clarisonic and ROC stuff (although, mine ran out a while ago and I haven't replaced it..lazy daisy). Recently I've really been trying to go a little more natural. I read a post on A Blog About Love about how she uses coconut oil to cleanse and ACV to tone and I've been trying that this week. So far so good! I think my skin is liking it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, about 20 minutes ago I shelled out $150 for some Lilash (darn you, Natalie!). I have high hopes. Come oooon eyelashes.
Oh my goodness, Grace, I laughed out loud about the Cindy Crawford skincare line!! I get sucked into that infomercial every time it is on ... that french MD and the melons crack me up and I have also searched whether or not the products are good (not, it seems). Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteMe likey. I will be copying. Surprise, surprise.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to try that NYC Primer. Some of their stuff is really great, (at such a good price) and some of their stuff sucks (probably because of the price). I love their eyelid primer and it's only $1! BUT I have never tried any other one so I can't compare it.
ReplyDeleteI really need to get a Clarisonic! And I'm about to google using coffee grinds as an exfoliator.
I'm not a big makeup person so I enjoy reading these types of posts. I just ordered a bunch of natural stuff off of Etsy and I'm not in love with it yet, but I think I might be the problem. I never quite got the hang of applying makeup. Don't have anything that I love as far as makeup goes. I'm curious to try the Clarsonic after everything I've heard but like most people I'm hesitant because of the price. Although, your comment that it fades acne scars might just be the ticket.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Each time I see your logo at the top of the tab in Chrome I think, "When did I open something for Tom's (the shoes)?"
Oh man, you are hilarious. I think I just read back like 10 pages. I'm a new follower. You can find me at www.myolsonfamily.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI so-ho-ho need to minimize my morning face routine. It's either all or nothing for me, and it's annoying...to me. I go for the full face of pretties while Elle, similarly to J, asks over and over for more makeup.
ReplyDeleteI do love those costco wipes and I love the Aveda primer. I couldn't find anything cheaper, so I might try yours.
As for mascara, I will be buried in Loreal Voluminous. I've tried others and I keep going back.
Oh, and NYC? I buy that stuff up.
Also, how do you make those cool pictures with the products on the white background? That's some fancy stuff.
ReplyDeleteI love it! Let's do hair next - I could use some volumizing tips :) Love your blog... thanks for helping us find humor in every day stuff. ~Heidi
ReplyDeleteLORAC has an incredible mascara which is called the 3 day wear waterproof mascara (I know. Totally gross. 3 days? I take mine off everyday...) but it is great! It's a little on the pricey side but it lasts forever and you can always squeeze a little extra life out of it by adding a little saline solution
ReplyDeletei just started using coconut oil to wash my face/take off my makeup (i may have commented about this before?) but i love it SO much. it's also supposed to be naturally anti-aging, and i'm pretty sure it's curing my psoriasis! i have a clarisonic mia and never use it. i feel bad since i spent so much on it, but when i first started using it i felt it was making me break out/ feel raw.
ReplyDeletefor my makeup routine i swear by an eyelash curler, covergirl lashblast mascara, kiehl's tinted moisturizer, and l'oreal precision liquid eyeliner. easy peasy.
Ok- So you are the 3rd person I've heard recommend that BB cream in a week. I am going to have to try it. Also I am very curious about the Roc Moisturizer. As far as mascara goes.... I have found my be-all end-all, going to be buried in it, don't leave the house w/ out it mascara. I wear MaryKay's Ultimate Mascara and I've worn it for years. I put a minimum of 3 coats on at a time- more if I am going somewhere special. People seriously ask me if my lashes are fake all the time. Try it... you'll love it!
ReplyDeleteI can't live without bronzer. And I've been wanting one of those Clarisonic things forever, you may have convinced me!
ReplyDeleteLet me just say.... everyone and their dog within a 30 mile vicinity of Denton, TX read your blog and wanted to buy the NYC smooth skin primer at Target because when I went, I had to dig all the way to the back of the bottom shelf for the last one. It was worth it. I've only wore it once but LOVE it! I could tell a difference in the smoothness and how long my foundation lasted. Great, great suggestion.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I hopped onto the Grace Make-up Bandwagon and bought the bronzer, smoothing wrinkle moisturizer, and smudge eyeliner while I was there. What can I say? My make-up bag needed a major face-lift and your suggestions were perfect.
2 of my make up faves that I will forever splurge on are my two eye shadow palettes: Stila (http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/in-the-light-palette.do?sortby=ourPicks) and Urban Decay (http://www.urbandecay.com/Feminine-Dangerous-Fun-Palettes-by-Urban-Decay/352,default,pd.html?start=5&cgid=12)
Thanks for the tips! Love your suggestions
Do you just buy the coconut oil at the grocery store for cooking to wash your face with? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHeard anything about this brushy thing?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ultra-cleanse-treatment-set?c=all&p=70
I've been wanting one too (acne scars and still get acne flare ups... yay hormones!) but there is no way I am spending a bajillion dollars on one right now :(
I love the mascara by Prestige! You can usually find them for around $6 (Rite Aid & Ulta) and I've heard from many people that the Blackest lashes mascara is a dupe for a Dior mascara.
ReplyDeleteI have just been searching for info about this topic for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far.
ReplyDeletePrety
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