My Top 5 Summer Essentials (2015)

Hi Makeup Maniacs!  It's Mel and I'm back with a new post.  Today, I want to let you know about five (5) products I've been using on a consistent basis this summer. 

Product #1 is the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30.  This is something I'm wearing underneath my makeup (prior to priming) so that my face is not only moisturized, but protected from the sun's harmful rays.  This moisturizer is rich in ceramide and has ingredients that nourish the skin.  And of course it's UVA/UVB protection combats sun damage that causes skin to age quickly.  I just use a small amount of this all over my face & neck.  It has no strong, distinct scent and does not slide all over my face.  Most importantly, it doesn't make me feel sweaty and greasy, which is an issue for me when I use regular sunscreens.  If interested, purchase here:  http://amzn.to/1VB58as

Product #2 is Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse.  Mine is in "Light" but they also have a "Dark" version too.  This has been so helpful in keeping my legs from looking like they've never seen daylight.  Now that I'm older, tanning the traditional way is pretty much out of the question.  Once per week I slather this stuff on my legs.  I start by showering and while in the shower, I use a body scrub to exfoliate the skin.  After I'm clean, I dry myself and then spread this stuff on my legs.  It spreads quickly and evenly.  Instantly, I see some color appear.  This stuff dries in one minute.  Sixty seconds and done.  The color will last a few days.  There is a very light scent, but compared to other sunless tanners, this stuff is virtually odorless!  For more info, click here:  http://amzn.to/1SEBCfN

Product #3 is my EOS Lip Balm in Strawberry Sorbet.  Did you know that EOS is short for Evolution of Smooth?  And that's just what this stuff does - smooth out your lips!  This has been under any other lip product that I've worn this summer.  It's organic and 100% natural. It's formulated without parabens and is free of petrolatum.  Plus, it smells & tastes great!  What is there not to like?  You can purchase it here:  http://amzn.to/1TU9dVI

Product #4 is Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Grape Gatsby.  I absolutely love any color in the "purple" family, but this beautiful, lilac shade has been a go-to for me this summer!  It's supposed to have 7 benefits in one bottle.  All I can say is that it has made my life easier.  I use two (2) coats of this stuff and I'm done!  It is the base coat, color, and top coat all in one.  Plus, the color lasts about 4 days with no chips!  For me, that's awesome!  Check it out here:  http://amzn.to/1SEDUM5

And, last, but not least, product #5 which is Pura d'Or Pure Organic Argan Oil.  It's natural, it's USDA certified organic.  This is something I use all over my body. It's great for skin, nails, and hair. Sometimes I use this in place of moisturizer, but EVERY time I wash my hair, I'm massaging at least 2 pumps of this stuff into my damp hair & scalp.  It seals in the natural moisture and prevents frizziness.  In the Florida humidity, this stuff is the key to flawless locks!  Purchase this amazing product here:  http://amzn.to/1fpmGWi

And that is it for my top 5 summer essentials! Let me know in the comments section (down below) what products are must-haves for your summer months.  And don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel Mel's Makeup Mayhem! for more information, reviews, beauty hauls, and more!

Foundation Battle: Too Faced "Born this Way" vs. Maybelline "Super Stay Better Skin"

Makeup Maniacs, in an effort to find my holy grail of foundations, I recently tried two that were quite similar in consistency and coverage.  Let the battle begin...

In the "high end" corner we have a Too Faced product that was recently launched.  This foundation is dubbed "Born this Way".  The day it launched, I paid $39 for one (1) ounce of this medium to full coverage liquid makeup.  The color I chose is called, Warm Nude, which matches me well, although I could have went a shade darker.  This formula is oil-free and infused with coconut water, alpine rose, and hyaluronic acid which are all ingredients that are supposed to improve texture and brighten the skin.

The company claims that this foundation gives medium to full coverage, is undetectable and will leave the skin naturally radiant.  I agree that it is medium to full coverage, but that's about all I agree with.  I feel like it kinda floated on my skin, not blending well at all.  It also made my fine lines more noticeable.  Prior to even setting this foundation with a light, loose powder, it began looking cakey. I'm not quite sure what the deal is with this stuff, but in my humble opinion, it was not worth the 39 bucks!

Pros:  it has medium to full coverage and has lots of great, natural ingredients

Cons: high price point, does not blend well, accentuates fine lines, "cakey" appearance on skin, and has no sun protection factor (SPF)



In the "drug store" corner is another medium to full coverage foundation by Maybelline.  This one is called,  "Super Stay Better Skin".  One ounce set me back $11.99 at ULTA. My color is Natural Beige which matches me perfectly.  This foundation is oil free, has an SPF of 15, and is enhanced with Acytl-C, which is a durable form of Vitamin C (which is a pretty powerful anti-oxidant). 

Maybelline claims that this is a medium to full coverage, long-wear foundation that will improve your skin's appearance the longer you wear it.  It's supposed to make spots less noticeable, improve dullness and uneveness and give you a brighter, more even skin tone.  Personally, I think Maybelline hit a home run with this product!  It does give medium to full coverage and after a week of using this, I felt as though my skin had a "glowier" appearance to it.  It sat so wonderfully on my face and blended like a dream.   My one complaint is that it does not last that long, especially in the summer heat.  It tends to slide off and need touch-ups quite often if you are exposed to humidity. However, I feel it's definitely worth trying, especially at the affordable price of $11.99!

Pros:  it has medium to full coverage, blends easily, has SPF, improves the look of skin, affordable price, and contains a powerful anti-oxidant (Vitamin C)

Cons:  does not fair well in heat/humid climates

 

So, it's pretty safe to say that Maybelline won this battle with it's great, new foundation that is marketed towards all skin types.  If you've tried either of these foundations, let me know your opinions of them below, in the comments section.

Until next time...

<3

Confessions from a Beauty Lover

Hi Makeup Maniacs!  Today I have a quick post.  I just wanted to vent about my obsession with beauty products.  Honestly, I don't spend hours in the mirror analyzing every nook and cranny of my mug, but I truly love trying different makeup and skin care brands on a regular basis.

I wake up every day excited to put a makeup look together with the latest in cosmetics.  I get happy when I'm able to match my "face" with my clothing. 

This kind of enthusiasm has made me realize that, at the ripe age of 42, beauty is something I'd love to make a career.  I am now taking some online coursework and learning different makeup application techniques.  Eventually, I will take courses in a traditional, classroom setting.

I would love to get paid for making other women look and feel pretty.  I would love to assist with coming up with ideas for cosmetics companies.  I would love to write editorials for magazines or other blogs. 

If you have any advice for me on how I can improve on this journey into the beauty field, please leave me a comment down below. 

Thanks for listening...until next time

<3