88% of the time that I glance in the mirror I'm borderline horrified by what's staring back at me because my hair is super skilled at tangling itself into a real pretty nest + I'm very good at convincing myself I can go 'just one more day' without a shower which is always three days TOO MANY. So, yes! Please, Grace! Do enlighten us with some of your favorite beauty products today. And DO put together a visual with a terrible play on words.
Fine.
1. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Deep Pore Cleansing Clay - someone mentioned this stuff in an Instagram comment and someone else seconded their comment so I trusted them and bought it. It's kind of a process to use (mix with apple cider vinegar in a disposable cup - don't throw the leftovers down the sink - yadda) but it's 100% worth it because while your face doesn't pulsate like the label claims (IN CAPS)
(TWICE)
it does a number on your pores - better than pricey Bioré strips and better than all the other masks I've tried. A little goes a long way and it left my skin wanting to have a soft-off with Phoebe's. I think I might stand a chance. I do.
2. Younique 3d Fiber Lashes - I'm guessing you've seen it talked about all over Facebook, right? I was skeptical because I'm a total mascara junkie but my college buddy, Carrie, sent me some to try and now I'm pathetically hooked. The thing I like about it is that it doesn't look or feel crunchy like a lot of other "miracle" mascaras and it washes off a lot easier than other mascaras I've tried and tried again. I don't look like Ashley from the Bachelor or anything crazy but I do feel a lot more put together for my Monday morning date with Costco and the kids even if I am wearing some semblance of Sunday night's pajamas.
3. Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter ~ Juicy Papaya - I don't care what anyone (expert or not) says ... not EVERYONE can pull off red lipstick and I am living proof. Maybe if a professional did my makeup ... maybe but I genuinely do look like a clown (yes, I've tried lots of shades and I've tried applying it with some gloss and my finger and minimal eye makeup etc etc etc) so this is my compromise. It's totally not a winter color and would probably look better if my face wasn't the exact the color of a ghost but ... I like that it's enough color to brighten me up without looking like I'm trying too hard.
4. Egyptian Magic Skin Cream - It's been staring and wearing me down for the past two (three?) years at Costco so I went and read some Amazon reviews (mostly glowing) and bit the bullet. I think I assumed I was getting a nighttime face cream but it's more of a thick Vaseline and has been our workhorse for a myriad of other things. It works a lot better than Aquaphor for chapped baby/toddler skin and in just two weeks has helped fade my thyroid scar more than years upon years of straight up Vitamin E or Mederma has ... Simon 'notices almost nothing' Patton even commented how light it's looking. I've been slathering it over or under my face cream at night over the last bits of my college acne scarring and I'm so pleased with the results. I've also been using it for my crazy chapped lips. I give it five shining stars and two thumbs way up.
5. Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer - I've been happily using this stuff for a few years but Theo tossed into the toilet the one time Sebastian had successful potty training aim ... the perfect storm. So, I said good riddance and moved onto less expensive pastures. I like that it gives just enough coverage to even out my skin tone without looking foundation-y and it hasn't made me break out - always a huge plus.
6. Paula's Choice Intensive Repair Cream - I took advantage of one of the many specials Paula's Choice frequently runs because I have to try a PC product that I don't love and this is no exception. My skin has been really dry this winter and I don't imagine that pregnancy helps but putting this on at night has helped my scales immensely. When it runs out I might go full-face with the Egyptian Magic and see what transpires. Might YOLO be appropriate here? (referral link for $10 off your first purchase)
Fine.
1. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Deep Pore Cleansing Clay - someone mentioned this stuff in an Instagram comment and someone else seconded their comment so I trusted them and bought it. It's kind of a process to use (mix with apple cider vinegar in a disposable cup - don't throw the leftovers down the sink - yadda) but it's 100% worth it because while your face doesn't pulsate like the label claims (IN CAPS)
(TWICE)
it does a number on your pores - better than pricey Bioré strips and better than all the other masks I've tried. A little goes a long way and it left my skin wanting to have a soft-off with Phoebe's. I think I might stand a chance. I do.
2. Younique 3d Fiber Lashes - I'm guessing you've seen it talked about all over Facebook, right? I was skeptical because I'm a total mascara junkie but my college buddy, Carrie, sent me some to try and now I'm pathetically hooked. The thing I like about it is that it doesn't look or feel crunchy like a lot of other "miracle" mascaras and it washes off a lot easier than other mascaras I've tried and tried again. I don't look like Ashley from the Bachelor or anything crazy but I do feel a lot more put together for my Monday morning date with Costco and the kids even if I am wearing some semblance of Sunday night's pajamas.
3. Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter ~ Juicy Papaya - I don't care what anyone (expert or not) says ... not EVERYONE can pull off red lipstick and I am living proof. Maybe if a professional did my makeup ... maybe but I genuinely do look like a clown (yes, I've tried lots of shades and I've tried applying it with some gloss and my finger and minimal eye makeup etc etc etc) so this is my compromise. It's totally not a winter color and would probably look better if my face wasn't the exact the color of a ghost but ... I like that it's enough color to brighten me up without looking like I'm trying too hard.
4. Egyptian Magic Skin Cream - It's been staring and wearing me down for the past two (three?) years at Costco so I went and read some Amazon reviews (mostly glowing) and bit the bullet. I think I assumed I was getting a nighttime face cream but it's more of a thick Vaseline and has been our workhorse for a myriad of other things. It works a lot better than Aquaphor for chapped baby/toddler skin and in just two weeks has helped fade my thyroid scar more than years upon years of straight up Vitamin E or Mederma has ... Simon 'notices almost nothing' Patton even commented how light it's looking. I've been slathering it over or under my face cream at night over the last bits of my college acne scarring and I'm so pleased with the results. I've also been using it for my crazy chapped lips. I give it five shining stars and two thumbs way up.
5. Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer - I've been happily using this stuff for a few years but Theo tossed into the toilet the one time Sebastian had successful potty training aim ... the perfect storm. So, I said good riddance and moved onto less expensive pastures. I like that it gives just enough coverage to even out my skin tone without looking foundation-y and it hasn't made me break out - always a huge plus.
6. Paula's Choice Intensive Repair Cream - I took advantage of one of the many specials Paula's Choice frequently runs because I have to try a PC product that I don't love and this is no exception. My skin has been really dry this winter and I don't imagine that pregnancy helps but putting this on at night has helped my scales immensely. When it runs out I might go full-face with the Egyptian Magic and see what transpires. Might YOLO be appropriate here? (referral link for $10 off your first purchase)
An honorable mention: Miracle Body Transformer Tinted Beauty Balm - another Costco find that I'm almost embarrassed to admit to loving but I mix a pea-sized drop with my regular lotion and feel a lot less like I'm channeling Casper's wife on the daily.
Anything you're loving? I've found a lot of my favorites from you and your recommendations so pretty please don't be shy.
I had to click over from my email (s o o o much work) to tell you I'm dying over here on your commentary. Casper's wife. ALL CAPS. Clown lips. Grace, you make me laugh. THANK YOU. Yes, deserving of all caps.
ReplyDeleteI love the Aztec clay. I found that with just water or just apple cider vinegar it doesn't pulsate but if you do half and half it sure does. And it's almost terrifying but in a good way because it's cleaning.
ReplyDeleteweird! I've tried half and half and no pulsating ... will try again! I'm sure it's a user error :)
DeleteI also leave mine on for a long time. Like 30 minutes. Or maybe your face is just cleaner than mine. :)
DeleteJust clicked over to Amazon and ordered the Egyptian Magic Skin Cream. Fingers crossed it works on lightening my scars as well as it did on yours! Thanks for the rec!
ReplyDeletemine are STUBBORN. My endo said my scar is "the worst she's ever seen"
Deletegee, thanks!
Hope it works for you!!!
OK. You sold me on the costco sized vaseline thingy. And, I can't tell you how many times I return from an outing and say, "Why did you guys let me leave looking like this?" It would be an embarrassment if I just cared an itty bitty bit more.
ReplyDeleteha! I think it's best we just don't realize ... or so I tell myself :)
Delete"Dis" as my one year old would say: http://www.target.com/p/pixi-correction-concentrate-brightening-peach/-/A-12849696#prodSlot=medium_1_5&term=pixi+beauty
ReplyDeleteA little goes a long way (when you're trying to rationalize the $12 for the tiny jar) and holy cow- never have I ever found something that works so well on under-eye circles. I also use it as a base under my eyeshadow.
I will definitely have to try the Egyptian potion - I've got lots of old acne scars I'd like to bid farewell to. If you promise it works, I'll give it a shot!
Two of my very favorites are on this list!! Egyptian magic is just that magic! I have been using it for about 4 years and will talk anyone's ear off about that goopy stuff! And the fiber lashes are so great, I bought them when they first came out thinking there is no way they will rival actual false lashes, but they do. Love! You are going to think I'm nuts, but I just bought this facial light therapy mask called illumask. Talk about results. And I look like iron man when I wear it. Total bonus!!
ReplyDeleteAh, this is so helpful! I've been hunting for the best mascara for years now. YEARS. Glad to hear that this brand won't make me look like Kardashley. And serious amen on not everyone being able to wear red lipstick. Trendy as it may be, it just doesn't work on my face. Will have to try this out!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I seriously need/want all of these things. I've been super slacking on all of these fronts...thanks for the recs!!!
ReplyDeleteIt took me a few tries but my face does pulse with the Aztec clay! Such a weird feeling. I was the weirdo in CVS stroking my own face, makes your skin SO SOFT!
ReplyDeleteI may have to buy this Egyptian magic cream. Aquaphor isn't even cutting it on my dry skin these days. I also cannot wear a red lip. I would love too but it's not in my cards.
ReplyDeleteCan I be a gross hippie for a minute. Confession: I started washing my face with cleanser once a week. I still moisturize each day. I take my makeup off each night (really!). And, I rinse it down with warm water in between washes. But, cleanser? Once a week.
ReplyDeleteMy skin has never been better.
The Egyptian Magic reduces acne scarring?!!? I got HORRIBLE adult acne for a few years but it's mostly under control now. I've been using Clinique smart serum and so far it's working to erase the scarring, but it's super pricey. I wonder if the magic would be too much for my already oily skin though....
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I pretty much only try new products I've heard recommendations on so it is very helpful!
Score! I've been hoping for an Egyptian Magic review...I bought this (http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0071OF8CI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) after some raving from people with lovely skin...and I like it, but wouldn't say it's magic. And after baby-induced sleep deprivation, I need magic!
ReplyDeleteHi Grace,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this--so many products I've never heard out. It's little things like this that I feel I miss out on living overseas. But then, I've got a slew of international productsthat I end up coveting. For sure, try Bio Oil. So good! And the smell is divine. I use it as a lotion, on scars, dropped into my bathwater, or even as shaving lotion. It's the bomb!
I'm most intrigued with this Egyptian stuff...will see if I can ship it to Hong Kong!
Thanks again. :D
Ann of Kremb de la Kremb
A little trick for the clay mask: mix it in a ziplock bag, turn that inside outand use it to apply to your face. WAY less messy and you just toss it in the trash! And I don't know what you're talking about: I totally can feel my face pulsate! :)
ReplyDeleteThis just blew my mind! I love the mask but it's such a hassle that I don't do it as often as I should...thanks for the tip!
DeleteSoooo way back when Hallie mentioned that Aztec clay on her Instagram I ordered some on Amazon. But then it came and I realized I'd ordered $60 worth by accident, which is 2 (two!) huge containers (like...triple the size pictured) and my husband was horrified by this expenditure so I promised I send it back and get the small tub. Except that I'm bad at the post office and never sent it back, so it's been sitting in the shipping box for a year. After reading this I'm going to crack it open and start using it...
ReplyDeletetotally unrelated to beauty stuff, but I saw this article and thought of you! http://blogs.babycenter.com/products_and_prizes/02052015-13-car-seats-that-fit-3-across-in-most-vehicles/
ReplyDeleteHave you been using the Revlon Lip Butter long? I got a couple tubes of it a while back because I LOVED the colors, but about halfway (or less) through, both of them started getting mushy and off-center in the tubes and generally just devolved into a blobby mess. Which hasn't ever happened with anything else I've used. I really WANT to love them, but I can only apply them with a brush now, which I have time for approximately never.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, Grace, seriously? You are gorgeous and hilarious, which is even better:) Now that that's out of the way, I try really hard it to put chemicals all over my face so I have been using the new-ish Bare Minerals liquid foundation since it came out. LOVE it, but you must get the brush too. You only need a little bit, so it lasts forever. QVC usually has as good deal on the foundation & brush together. Reminder, I TRY not to use chemically things but the e.l.f. powder in the black box is awesome. No shine, lasts all day, is $6 at Target. It's white, but you won't see it. I even use it by itself for the school drop off. The Egyptian magic is as good as she says, I've used it for a couple years now all over face and was told I looked 26 before Christmas. I turned 38 today:) My absolute favorite mask (and I've used a bunch) is from Melissa Carr at Honey Bee Holistic. She has a website but might still be on Etsy. Its this mask with marine clay. Its weird at first, you have to use it like a scrub when you first put it on. Then let it sit, it won't dry, but your face will look awesome. Shrinks pores, scrubs away dead skin cells and you glow. Literally, glow, no pulsating here;)
ReplyDeleteI know I have more but that got looong. You asked for them!
P.S. Been reading your blog forever, I always come here she I need a pick me up. Like today, on number 38;)
That was supposed to be "not put chemicals". So much for proofreading.
DeleteDoes anyone know the price comparison of the Egyptian Magic at Costco vs. Amazon?
ReplyDeleteOh, I am also in the can't-wear-red-lipstick club...so sad! I just feel like when I try, my lips enter the room about 2 minutes before I do. It just feels too fussy, when I want it to look casual(ly fabulous). I like the idea of a sheer lip butter, the Revlon one looks so pretty!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am also in the can't-wear-red-lipstick club...so sad! I just feel like when I try, my lips enter the room about 2 minutes before I do. It just feels too fussy, when I want it to look casual(ly fabulous). I like the idea of a sheer lip butter, the Revlon one looks so pretty!
ReplyDeleteREALLY love the indian clay mask. I drank the amazon reviews koolaid and I, too, agree that my face does not pulsate - but really, I was complimented on my clear skin a few hours after use and that will keep me going back for more!
ReplyDelete