A Review: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation (LOVE)

The foundation addict strikes again. 
Shocker. 
I just can't resist foundation, lipgloss or a good skincare product. Those three are my make up vices and I just love when I find something that just knocks my socks, so to speak. 

I wasn't really in the market for a new foundation but then again I always am in a way. I have a whole stock pile of foundations but none have really been pleasing me as of late. I stumbled upon a review for the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation and the research and review reading began and quickly I knew...I had to try this!


I have tried the Double Wear Light and really liked it but I never paid attention to the original formula. So loving this foundation! I think it may quickly become a HG foundation. I have no cons (besides no pump on the bottle) so lets go over the things I love!


-Best color match I've ever gotten. It's spot on. Perfect. I am 2N1 Desert Beige. The cool thing is I colored matched myself with this color online by reading reviews and looking at pictures. When I went to the store the MUA color matched me with the same color.


-Amazing coverage (medium to full), covers all spots, scars, discoloration yet looks natural. It doesn't matte your whole face out or look cakey. It doesn't set into pores or fine lines. It creates a smooth, even, flawless look.


-Staying power. Holy moly, the staying power rocks. It lasts all day and you still look great at the end of the day. I was outside yesterday for a long time in 80 degree weather and it didn't melt off or make me look greasy.


-It doesn't transfer. Three cheers for that. You can hug someone or change your shirt without a glob of foundation left behind. 


-Doesn't break me out.


-Easy to work with.


-Has a scent but it's nothing terrible. It kinda smells like a MAC foundation but not as terrible and strong. 


So, all in all... I highly recommend it and can see myself using it for years to come!

Bronzer: NYX #2, Blush: Laura Geller Blush 'n' Brighten "Pink Grapefruit", Lips: Givenchy Rose Taboo lipgloss

This is $35 wherever Estee Lauder is sold.

{it looks like I am eating the foundation here. ha ha. I did say I loved it!}

Share the love!

Hey everyone! My dear (and insanely beautiful) friend Gina (Mrs. Califronia Globe) just posted her first video on youtube! She is auditing for a gig with google so I'd love if if you could support her. She's one of a kind! You are going to love her as much as I do!

Her channel: BehindTheirDesign

Thanks everyone! Hope you have a fantastic day!

A spring face of the day & other things I'm lovin'

It feels like spring is in full swing. I wore sandals two days in a row and I couldn't be happier. It's the simple things in life. 

It feels like I haven't put on make-up {like proper make up, not just slap 'n' go} or done my hair in forever. I even filmed a video, we'll see if it actually makes it to youtube. I just haven't felt like myself. I think when you have skin issues it can honestly start depressing you. My skin is a work in progress. 

Here is what I used on my skin today {in order}: 

Indeed Labs Snoxin serum, Boscia Black Hydration gel, MUFE Primer #5, Amazing Cosmetics- Amazing concealer "Light Golden", Laura Mercier Cream Silk Foundation "Beige Ivory", Indeed Labs Nanoblur, Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder "Light Golden", Laura Geller Blush 'n' Brighten "Pink Grapefruit", MAC Retrospeck e/s, a random mint color on lid, Clinique eyeliner "Egyptian", MUFE Smokey Lash mascara, NYX "Natural" lipgloss mixed with Bourjois Rose Arctic.  Phewwww.

So, I didn't say this was a "light" spring make up day. Geez. I'm a little embarrassed at how many things I used. :) But, this IS a make up blog, so.... it's ok, right?

Now, on to more important things than my goofy looking mug.

Things I've been loving lately {as in March, pretty much}.

1. Laura Mercier Cream Silk Foundation. It's a lot like her beloved tinted moisturizer but with more coverage and minus they greasy feeling. I love this finish it gives. My only gripe is this comes in a 1.18oz tube and the tinted moisturizer is 1.70 and they are the exact same price {$42}. I know, I know... it's silly to be bothered by that because it's not a huge difference but it bothers me. 

2. Boscia Luminizing Black Mask & Boscia Black Hydration Gel. At first I hated this mask. I had read so many amazing reviews on it and when I tried it was a nightmare to take off, got stuck in my hair and I didn't see one "luminizing" difference. I was doing it all wrong. Most the time when you do masks it tells you to apply a thin layer so that's what I did. Big mistake. You have to slather thick amounts of this sucker on. The first time around it wouldn't peel off because it was so thin so I made a mess with tiny flaky bits. It took me 20 minutes to get it off. Once I figured out MORE is better... it was amazing. It actually peeled off... leaving my skin smooth, exfoliated and glowing.

So, after becoming enamored with the mask I wanted to try out the Black Hydration Gel. I got a week supply sample from Sephora and do plan on buying it. I love it but it's weird. I like weird though. It's a dark gel when applied and absorbs clear. The weird part is the sensation. It's a cooling/minty feeling. I could do without that but I like the way my skin feels. It gives an instant smooth feeling. It's got a bunch of great things in it, too. 

3. The Aspirin mask. It's the cheapest and most effective thing I've ever tried for problematic skin. This has helped my spots clear up, smoothed my skin, gave me glowing skin, and faded scar marks (a teenie bit). 

This is what I do:

I take 6 uncoated pills and place them in a small bowl. 

A few drops of water. Just enough to create a paste. You don't want too much water. 

Start crushing with your finger. 

After I have created the paste I add a drop of honey. Mix that around.

On a clean face I apply the mask in gentle circular motions. 

Sit back and relax for 15-20 mins.

When I wash it off I get in a few more gentle circular motions for extra exfoliation. 

Apply moisturizer. 

And you are on your way to clearer looking skin! 

So, that's all she wrote here for today. My children are going crazy right now so moonlighting as a blogger has to end... The Cars movie ended and it's back to reality. 

It's true. You are!!

Saving Face: Obagi Therapeutic Moisturizer

It seems as of lately, my face just can't catch a break. First the breakouts {which are still being a thorn in my side}, then a weird bumpy rash, and we come to the last of the tribulations of my skin issues, dry skin from all of the above { also cold weather AND a cold}. My skin hates me. 

Thanks to my lovely cold, under my nose became really dry, I'll spare you the details but it was not pretty. My face was still a little bumpy from all the issues going on and I needed something really moisturizing and extremely gentle...ASAP. Dry face + foundation = horrendous! 

A while back I was sent a beauty cache from skincarerx  for hosting a contest and had tried the Obagi Clenziderm M.D. Therapeutic Moisturizer {link to product!} a few times. Every time I tried it I was "Wow, this is really nice!" yet it never stuck in my routine for some odd reason.  So, 3 days ago I pulled it out to try again because the words therapeutic, calm, soothe, protect SCREAMED at me. My sad skin drank this up like a cold glass of water on a hot day. 

I've seen so much change in just 3 days it's unbelievable. My skin is so soft, smooth, the bumpiness has subsided, and my make up goes on like a dream. 

I don't think everyone will like this though {but most will}. It's very dewy and a tad bit greasy but I don't mind, not one little bit. I love the softness it gives. I just know some people can kind of be picky about that but it does quickly absorb into the skin.

Here is what the website says:

The lightweight, hydrating formula is designed to work for skin prone to and blemished by acne, as well as dry and irritated skin. Also protects your skin from drying out when using Benzoyl Peroxide

Key Ingredients:

Dimethicone 1% and Glycerin 20% act as protective, moisturizing barriers to the skin. Allantoin is derived from Comfrey leaves to soothe and act as an anti-inflammatory.

Warning: scarrrryyyy... zero make up on but I wanted to show you my skin without make up after using this for 3 days. It's nowhere where it should be but it's getting closer to healing. 

Left- cream pumped out, Right- mildly rubbed in but not to full absorption.

I am so thankful I started using this, it's really helped to heal and protect my face. Can't fail to mention the glow it gives! That's healthy skin. We are on our way...

I highly recommend. 

This also comes in a 3 part acne set or sold alone... I'm really curious to see how the whole set works. Maybe someday. One thing at a time. 

Have a wonderful night, day, afternoon...wherever you are. Stay happy and beautiful.

Share the love: my bestfriends blog!

I wanted to share my bestfriends blog with you, not just because she's my best-friend but I believe a lot of mothers can relate to the realness and rawness of her blog. She gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy in November, and in her blog she writes about the joys and trying times of being a single mom, a new mom, her heart, and uplifting quotes to inspire your soul. I know as a mother one of the greatest things is reading something and feeling... I am not alone. 

Check out and follow her blog, I know you will love her just as much as I do. She is the biggest sweetheart with the most caring and giving heart... and beautiful to match. :) I'm really proud of her... she's the greatest mother and friend. 

http://themusingsofamommylife.blogspot.com/

{Photo by me}

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day. I've been sick with a cold for the past few days so I'm dreaming of my bed and a day where I could actually lay in it ALL day. Sick days just aren't what they used to be... the joys of motherhood. 

The boots that kept me awake at night: Sam Edelman Pierce Boots

The Sam Edelman "Pierce boots {in color Whiskey}". I lost sleep over these. 

Remember being a kid and wanting a toy so badly it's all you thought about for days? I felt like a little kid inside dreaming about these and quite frankly obsessing. 

I don't know but I am such a sucker for rich brown riding boots to start with and over the knee? These sent me into a frantic tizzy. 

This was not just a find, point, click, buy transaction. These darlings were a feat to find {with the requirements I was looking for}. Whist no longer for sale on our everyday department store websites, I did find them on various other websites but oh... "6.5 no longer available"  "whiskey no longer available" Let's get real here, I was starting to panic. How pathetic am I? Panic over boots? There are more important things in life than boots {MUCH MORE} but hey I wanted them and bad. *shakes my head at myself*

So, I finally found them on shoes.com {but I just checked and they only have one size left in this color} and they arrived today! 

I want to say I love them but I don't think we are at that point yet. They are everything I thought they would be. I think they are beautiful. It's just that... they are tall, really tall. I guess over the knee boots look better on me in my mind... being only 5'2 I'm afraid they overwhelm my body a little but what the hay... I don't care.

They fit wonderfully. I wear a 6.5 and they are very true to size. They are extremely comfortable. I really debated between the colors Whiskey and Olive but I think I am happy with my choice. The color is very pretty in person and I love how the leather is darker near the feet. 

Jeans: Target

Top: H & M for $9.99 {still in stores}

Tip: If you are interested in these boots google them and search sites that may have them in your desired color and size. Ebay had quite a few listings {over what I wanted to spend}, as did Amazon. Before buying anything online always look around and compare prices and most importantly... look for coupons! I used the coupon code "mastercard" on shoes.com and I saved over $50!

It seems everywhere you go... everyone is wearing boots these day. I love it. Are you big into boots? What is your favorite boot trend, style and color? 

Do you own the Sam Edelman boot? If so, how do you like them?

I'd love to hear!

Newest youtube video.

Pin it on me: Pinterest!

Are you a Pinterest addict? Yeah? Me too. This site is just so fun. It honestly does inspire you to be more creative, resourceful, organized, fashionable... to name a few. 

If you are wondering where I always get the quotes for my blog... that would be my source. :)

Come follow me and let me know if you have a board because I would love to follow you as well!

http://pinterest.com/bellamakeup/

Here are some of my favorite pins { I have 4,283 and growing...  so, yeah, I did say I was obsessed...so I'll just pick a few}

Save quotes!

Funnies!

Crafts!

Beautiful home decor!

Photography

and much, much, much more!

Join me on Pinterest and remember to comment me your user name! :)

http://pinterest.com/bellamakeup/

Have a wonderful night!

Changes at Bella Make up!

I've officially transitioned from blogger to my own domain! I'm still figuring it out and quite honestly I haven't a clue what I am doing... I am tech-challenged at times.

My new blog will be {and it now up}....

www.bella-makeup.net

Please save the name but I believe you can still access my blog through bellamakeup.blogspot.com
Like I said, I am still figuring it out so it may take me a few days to read up on it when I get the time... it's not always easy when I have two little guys running around wanting my full attention. :)

Thank so much! Hope you have an amazing day!

Kindly,
Sarah

 

Seeing red! Chanel "Gabrielle" swatch and review

Loving this color. If you have been searching for the perfect red... Gabrielle is your gal. I'm not one to pull off red very well but this color is so wearable and beautiful. Since I am not the biggest fan of red... well, I am I suppose, I think it's the ultimate color of class and everyone else seems to look amazing in it however it just never looked right on me. I think I was just picking the wrong tones of red for me. I saw a picture of one of my favorite fashion blogger icons Jennifer Stanto and knew I just had to have it. Like right now. Right away.

I mean... hello! how amazing does that look on her {everything does... but that's besides the point here}

I tried it on in the store and instantly loved it but trying to be somewhat of a savvy shopper these days I didn't buy it {being $32 a tube and all} and wanted to test it out to see how it wore/looked. As soon as I got home I wanted to run back to the store right away.

A few days later my husband took me out for dinner and handed me something wrapped in white...  Chanel "Gabrielle". What an amazing and thoughtful surprise. He knew how much I wanted it and told me he loved the color on me. *Swoon* Two thumbs up for a thoughtful men. 

The wear of this is amazing and lasts a really long time. It's definitely a matte which I really like because satin's seems to slip around a lot and you end up with red teeth. It's a very true red (blue based) and the color I think it's more comparable to is MAC Russian Red...however I didn't care for the wear of the MAC. I don't put this lipstick on full force... more of a dab action going on and voilà... it's perfection. 

Have you tried this beautiful red? What are some other REDS you like? I'd love to know.

Hope you are having a fantastic day!