Products I Love and Dislike: Face Edition

Disclaimer:

I'd like to start off by saying that I've tried numerous foundations and these are the ones that I prefer for MY skin type (which is combination/oily). I encourage you to try different finishes and different brands. Here are some products that I will be purchasing again and some that I wouldn't recommend... enjoy!

Products I will purchase again:

1) Rimmel London's Fix and Perfect Foundation Primer

This leaves my skin with a nice matte finish and isn't oily in the slightest. I was a little nervous when I first used it because it comes out an Oompa-Loompa orange color. The color is misleading because it blends out to be.... well transparent I suppose is the best way to describe it.

2) Maybelline's Mineral Power Mineral Foundation

I love this mineral foundation because it gives me an air brushed effect. I really hate heavy and cakey foundations and this is neither. It's light and easy to apply with the mini kabuki that comes with it. The only thing I dislike is that when I blow my nose, the product transfers onto the tissue a little bit. Maybelline claims that this improves the texture and look of your skin and while I haven't noticed a dramatic difference, I'm definitely wowed by this product.

3) Maybelline's Pure Makeup

This foundation is perfect for oily skin. It gives me a lovely, matte finish that lasts for hours without becoming oily. The Maybelline brand has impressed me with this makeup because the ingredients are just water and coloring. I can't say enough good things about this product!

4) Cover Girl's Cheekers in Party Peach

I love this blush because it's a nice peachy pink color that looks great any time of year. It warms up my face in winter and adds a nice peach glow in summer. It's just a great product all around. My one complaint is the brush that it comes with which is essentially useless.

Here are the products that I wouldn't waste my $$ on again:

(They're so not worth the effort that I shall not be posting pics)

1) Rimmel's Lasting Finish Mineral Powder Foundation

Not only is this product a mouthful, but the packaging is crap. I wouldn't say that it's the worst product I've ever tried but the packaging is so rediculous that it makes the actual product not worth the effort. The powder comes in this little plastic container with a brown top that you are meant to pull off. But if you're like me, you assume that it can be unscrewed and this is where you get into trouble! When trying to open the product, if you unscrew it as I did, it ends up exploding everywhere. You're meant to pull off the cap to reveal a built in powder puff which I can't wrap my head around. Supposedly, the product can be despensed from the container through the powder puff and on to your face, however I didn't find this to be true. I ended up just unscrewing the cap to use a powder brush with this product but it still wasn't that impressive.

To make a long story short, don't waste your money on this... it's just a big mess.

2) ELF's Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Warm Tan

While I don't HATE this product, I can't say that I'd buy it again. It's a little crumbly which doesn't really bother me but I don't really think it's the right color for my skin tone. That, and I can't really figure out how to use it without looking like a carrot.

Hopefully my rambling helped you if you're in the market for some fine face products!

xoxo Camella

Updates and Shameless Plugs

Hey there!

So recently, I went on a mission to document my collection for you and provide some pics of what the heck I'm talking about... Hopefully you check out my previous posts and notice that they now have pictures.

(I thought this was especially important for my mascara blog since I'm absolutly rubbish at describing the shape of the brush.)

Basically, I'm on a saving money kick only because I'm having some issues with my current state of employment. The chief reason is that I have none. For this reason, I haven't been able to purchase quite as much as I would have liked to but fingers crossed, that will change.

I'm also in the midst of planning my BFF's bridal shower which will be taking place this Saturday. All I can say is that it's been interesting. I wouldn't describe myself as a detail oriented person so this has been pretty challenging for me. Thankfully, my wonderful mother has been assisting me every step of the way.

Being a Maid of Honor is rough. You are a bridesmaid on crack, basically. You not only have to worry about fitting into your dress but you also have the added responsibility of calming down a frantic bride. Thankfully, my experience hasn't been that bad. Me and my bride have been having quite a bit of fun and if it's on me to put out the fires, I can handle it (at least, I think I can).

Let me know if you've ever been a MOH and share your experience with me.

One last thing!
I wanted to share a great site for jewelry with you...

http://www.splendidfish.etsy.com/

It's my dad's! He has recently been working his fingers to the bone designing these beautiful copper earrings.

If this looks like your style, I encourage you to check out the site. I promise that you'll be getting a hand-crafted, one of a kind piece that will be sure to turn heads!

Sexy Curves... Mascara that is

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to share a great produt that I recently came across. It's called "Sexy Curves Mascara" by Rimmel London. It comes in a pretty, shiney, purple tube and I must say, I'm in love.

I've recently become addicted to Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Mascara (plain black tube) and I thought that it was the holy grail of all mascaras.... WRONG. This new Sexy Curves mascara not only volumizes, but lengthens, AND curls as well. It's pretty much an all in one product.

I should probably mention the crazy brush that comes with it. It sort of looks like a caterpiller... so that's interesting. It's got those spikey, plastic bristles but what's really unique about this product is the shape of the brush. It has three bubbles almost like that crazy Givenchy mascara but it works in the same way. It pretty much reaches ever single lash on your eyeball so I was highly impressed.

This is my sister's hand... isn't it cute?

Horay for the impulse buy!

Let me know if you've tried this and what you think of it!

Collective Haul: Walmart, Everyday Minerals, Ebay, etc

I just wanted to start off by thanking my new follower... so thanks a bunch!

And now I'll get into the haul!

So it's been a while since I've posted and I can explain, I promise!

I recently moved back home from college and all that unpacking has been a little rough on the old girl, I must say! Thankfully, it'll be the last time that I have to move home and cram all my belongings into my sister's closet.

I've been a really bad girl what with shopping binges lately and I must admit, it's been really exciting. I have rediscovered my love for lipsticks and brushes and I shall share my wonerous finds with you now!

Here are my recent purchases/location/cost/initial impressions as near as I can remember:

*MAC Ravishing - This is a Cremesheen lipstick and the texture is smooth and creamy. The shade is a really nice sort of coraly-pink with a bit of shimmer. The scent is a lovely vanilla that is by no means overpowering. I bought this from Ebay for around $9 plus shipping.

*L'Oreal Rose Serenity - This is a Color Riche lipstick and the texture is just that -- rich and creamy. The color is sort of rosy pink with more burgandy than I'd expect but it looks really pretty on. It almost reminds me of a "your lips but better" shade. You'll probably find this a little weird but the scent reminds me of my Waterbaby from when I was little - if you're a '90s kid you'll know what I mean. It's sort of waxy and baby-powdery or perhaps it's floral. I'm pretty terrible at describing scents so I do apologize. I bought this from Meijer for around $6 and some cents.

*Revlon Nude Attitude - This is a really nice, matte, nude shade. You definately need to wear chapstick under it or lipgloss over it but I feel like it could work for a variety of skin tones. Beware if you have chapped lips because it will be noticable! Be sure to exfoliate with a wash cloth to remove any dead skin before wearing this lipstick. I purchased this at Meijer for a little bit more than $5.

*Revlon Twinkled Pink - This is a Super Lusterous Lipstick Pearl. It's a really nice rosey shade of pink with a hint of shimmer to it. It smells a little waxy but it's not gross... sort of old school which I like, personally. I bought this at Big Lots for $2.... what a DEAL!

*Maybelline Nude Blush - I'm pretty certain that this is a Moisture Whip lipstick. I saw a review that Meepocow did on YouTube and immediately wanted to get my hands on it. I like the texture, it's light and very moisturizing (which I love! It's almost better than my Burt's Bees.... almost). The one gripe that I have with this lipstick is the horrific watermelon odor. I abhore watermelon flavored/scented anything and this just drives me nuts. If it weren't for the gastly smell, I'd give it a 10 out of 10.

*Lastly, Revlon's Life's a Peach Super Lusterous Lipgloss - I like the peachy nude color and the tiny bits of shimmer in there but I really dislike the texture. It's pretty sticky and easy to over apply. Other than that, it's ok.

(L to R: Twinkled Pink, Nude Attitude, Nude Blush, Ravising, Rose Serenity)

I also recently bought into the Everyday Minerals hype and got their free sample starter kit. I'm pretty satisfied with my selection I must say. They let you choose 3 foundation shades, a concealer, and a blush which I think is AWESOME! All you have to do is pay for the shipping. Silly me though, I had to buy some mineral eye shadows also but I'll get into that in a minute. I will say that the color swatches are sort of not what I got when I opened my package. I'm relativley fair and I found that one of the shades I got was considerably more beige than I expected.... I think it was the Fairly Light Medium. I do find the coverage to be ok.... I prefer my Maybelline mineral foundation for some reason... perhaps it's because I haven't found the proper blending technique. If you're a fan of Everyday Minerals and can give me some tips as to the application, please do! I want to like it so badly!!!

(On top: Ivory, Light Medium, Fairly Light Neutral

On the bottom: Pick me up Bisque, Snooze Bar)

I also purchased from them two sample eye shadows. I definately think that the sample sizes are the way to go with these because you get .03 oz or 1 gram and it looks like plenty to me. The container is pretty cute, the size is about that of a quarter and the depth is around .5 inches maybe? Possibly less. At any rate, the amount of shadow you get is generous for $2.50.

The shades I bought are called "Chamomile" (on the left) which is a shimmery, yellow shade. It's not loud, painful yellow but a softer sort of yellow. The second shade is called "Swing Set" (on the right) which is super cute. It's a matte, muted grey color which I really like.

So that's my massive haul. I think that I might have a few things that I didn't mention but for your sake and mine, we'll call that good. I promise to do an update on some products that I'm really loving this month so that I can pass some secrets on to you.

Don't forget to follow me!
--->

xoxo Camella

Instead of studying...

Hello, my darlings!

Today, as I await my Anatomy final, I'm posting this blog to you. I should be studying the male and female reproductive organs but this is far more important (clearly).

I wanted to share with you some awesome skin care products that I have recently started using. I was looking for a new cleanser to try out because I was plum out of my old one and I have heard great things about Aveeno (I also hear they don't test on animals? Correct me if I'm mistaken someone!) but needless to say there was a sale! I ended up purchasing their Positivley Radient Cleanser and at first I wasn't that impressed. It claims to "bring out skin's natural radiance" and "even out skin tone and texture." The first few times I used it, it left my skin feeling tight... you know that soapy-tight feeling you get from over cleansing? That was the feeling. But I kept on using it because it's all I had. Eventually, I got to the point where my skin got used to the product and it actually does make my skin look more luminous than it used to -- a definate plus!

I can say that the packaging is a little boring. It doesn't come in a pretty box, just a pump bottle that's light green and beige... which is handier than a squeeze bottle. The cleanser itself is another story, though. It's this pretty green and pink iridescent color and it doesn't have too much of a lather... which I suppose can be attibuted to not having much of a detergent in it (the product says that it's "hypoallergenic," but take that at face value).

Another great product I found is the Meijer brand dup for the Olay everyday hydrating lotion. When I started using the Aveeno cleanser, I used this stuff to soothe my tight face and I can promise you that it does a great job! It's non-greasy which is awesome for my combination skin.

So, those are some fabulous finds. I hope that this helped you!

Don't forget to follow me! If you're one of the first ten, I'll give you candy!

(Ok, maybe not, but I'd really appreciate it!)

xoxo Camella

I just want back in your head...

Bojour!

This is my first "Beauty on the Cheap" post...

aren't you thrilled and amazed? Well you should be.

I thought that I would start off by talking about one of my most favorite things: hair stuffs (hence the name, I suppose).

The story goes like this: I'm trying to grow my hair out super, super long but that's easier said than done, I find out. I used to heat style my hair pretty much every other day or close to it... all that blow-drying and flat ironing took it's toll on my poor locks and currently I'm in the midst of a split end CRISIS.

And I do mean CRISIS!

I should probably tell you that it's not all of my hair.

Oh no. The top few layers look great... a few sticky-uppies here and there but nothing worth noting. However, once you get past the top layers, the underside of my hair needs some serious TLC... not only are the ends split, they're breaking off and just the strangest texture... which I've been working on correcting.

I've purchased this shampoo by Herbal Essences which is one of my favorite brands. It's from the Long Term Relationship collection. Initially, I was in love. Not only does it smell fancy and floraly, but it moisturized my hair well. After about 4 months of using it though, I'm sad to report that it hasn't really helped all that much.

Even after I've cut my heat styling down to once or twice a week and I've invested in a Jose Erber straightener (a steal on Amazon.com) which seems to leave my hair much softer and not quite so damaged... the shampoo leaves my wet hair squeeky and dry. The conditioner is a little different story, though. It moisturizes quite well and I leave it in for most of my shower.

I'm really interested in trying the Chi Keratin Mist because I hear that it's saved lives (sort of). So if you've had this experience, let me know what worked for you!

I'm also really interested in clip in hair extensions lately. I heard about this brand American Dream from Lollipop26 and though they're a brand from the UK, I'm desperate to get my hands on a weft or two.

So that's the story of my poor head of hair. Please let me know if you have any product recommendations. I'll put a list of what I'm using below.

P.S. Don't forget to follow me! ---->

xoxo BealeCheeks

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  Herbal Essences' Long Term Relationship Shampoo and Conditioner


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  Long Term Relationship Leave-In Split End Protector


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  Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk