It's A Brush Cleaning Type Of Day!

Hello There!

Today was an easy going day, so I decided to finally deep clean my brushes. I don't clean them enough! For those who might be unaware, it is recommended to clean your brushes every day, and deep clean once a week. So I'm a bit behind!



I use everything to clean my brushes, from plain old dish soap to baby shampoo. People advise using baby shampoo because it doesn't strip the brushes of all their oils. 

When I clean my brushes I have one wet hand and one dry. I place a bit of the baby shampoo in the wet hand, take the brush, and swirl the brush on the palm of the wet hand. Rinse and repeat if needed. I usually clean the brush until the water runs clear when rinsed. It may take a while, especially with foundation brushes, but clean brushes feel so nice on the skin.

CLEAN!

What do you clean your brushes with? And how do you find the time?

xx BB

Battle of the Mattes: Rimmel vs Lancome

Hello There!

Today is another review and comparison. I am always on the hunt for the perfect matifying powder for my oily skin, and I have now come across two great products. However, they have very different prices. So let's get into the review!

Lancome Dual Finish Powder Makeup:

First, I would just like to say this is not really a powder; it is marketed as a powder foundation. That being said, I use it as a powder when I want a bit more coverage, and I find that because of the way I use it this product is comparable to the Rimmel powder. That out of the way, I really love this powder. It keeps me matte, and to me, that it one of the most important qualities in a powder. Plus, it's small with a mirror inside that makes it fantastic for travel. I do have two small problems with this product: one, it can get cake-y. If you apply too much, like I tend to do, you may end up looking like a cake face. However, if you blot before dusting a small amount on your face, it will give you a matte enough finish that is not cake-y and still looks natural. Nevertheless, I have to be very careful so I don't feel like I am wearing a mask. For reference, I am in the shade "beige soleil"and there are over sixteen shades to choose from, which is fantastic for the darker skinned. The other small problem is the price. This pretty little powder will run you $36.50. Yikes! While I really enjoy this powder makeup, I don't think I would buy it again. It is just so expensive! I only have a small amount left, which I will use sparingly, but otherwise it's bye-bye Lancome. We've had some good times. But don't fear! Dry your eyes! I have found an awesome alternative:

Rimmel London "Stay Matte" Powder:

I was so excited to find this powder, because it had an amazing price! While it's originally about $6.00, I found it for just $4.50! What a deal! Just for reference, I usually blot my face about two times each school day, from eight to five. This powder is magical! I only have to blot once, and my face stays matte for up to five hours after applying. One thing to note: this powder come in a small range of colors, and, although there is a translucent powder, I know that it can sometimes look ashy on much darker skin tones. I am the shade 004 sandstorm. I think this a real competitor for the Lancome powder. Additioonally, you get a lot more product for a LOT less money! I feel like I don't get cake-y as easily as I do with the Lancome powder, and a light dusting of this will keep me looking natural, not shiny.

I really do think Rimmel is giving Lancome a run for it's money. What are drugstore "competitors" you have found?

xx BB

Sunny Summer Secrets!

Hello There!

Today I thought I would talk about something near and dear to my heart: my skin. This post is part of my themed blog week, "Fun In The Sun!" I am a skincare junky, and I have tried trillions of skincare products. But, at the end of the day, I always come back to the natural options to help my acne. So I thought I would talk about ways to get rid of blemishes without buying a cleanser! Yipee! 

Sun:

During the summer, I love to take advantage of the rays. The Vitamin D in the sun helps clear up skin, and makes you happier. Plus, sweating in the sun clears out clogged pores and, when you drink water, you clear out toxins in your colon that may clog your pores and cause those "under the skin" breakouts. Not only this, but getting a tan in the sun helps disguise the blemishes, because a tan complexion helps hide the blotchy breakouts. 

Salt:

Salt in pool water or in the ocean is great for clearing breakouts too! It dries up blemishes and heals open breakouts, just like salt water helps clear up open cuts. If you don't like salt water, or you don't go to the beach, try applying salt to the acne, but not on the entire face. Or you can make a homemade treatment of lemon juice, honey, and salt and apply it to the entire face. It's like a cleanser, but better! Plus, if you are using a prescription acne product, like I am, it's perfect because it doesn't have any acne treatments or artificial fragrances in it! 

After using loads of acne products, I have come to realize that natural is better. So soak up the sun and jump in the pool, and try the homemade concoction for yourself!

What homemade acne treatments have you been enjoying?

xx BB