Updated Skincare Routine..PIC HEAVY

Hey guys..it's been awhile! I was busy with a lot of things and took a break from blogging, but now I plan on coming back and in full force ;) I've missed all of you and blogging in general so I hope you all remember lol...and enjoy this! <3


Skin Type: Normal to dry
Here are two pictures I just snapped to give you an idea of what my face looks like first thing in the morning..excuse the no makeup LOL




Makeup Remover: Ponds Cold Cream

I use ponds cold cream religiously to take off my face makeup. When I first began using it, it cleared up acne I had and has helped me maintain a smooth complexion, that always feels moisturized albeit never greasy. I take a good sized dollop and massage it into my face in circles. When the cream emulsifies into a clear or milky liquid, I take a tissue and wipe it off. I know there are a lot of methods to using this, but this is what works for me. I sometimes do and sometimes don't wash my face after, it depends on my mood. It really doesn't affect my skin differently either way.




Face Wash #1: Clean&Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser



This face wash makes my skin so soft! I love to use it after a good workout or when I'm tired as it really perks me up. It has a cooling tingling feeling once it reaches your face, but it isn't obnoxious, it's more subtle. I haven't found it to be irritating although I only leave it on for about 20-30 seconds; anymore than that and I realize it starts to dry out my skin a little. I have to make sure my face isn't soaking wet or I end up using more product...your skin only needs to be slightly more than damp. I only use this 1x a day due to the fact I don't wash my face in the morning with anything other than water 99% of the time.


Face Wash #2: Clearasil Ultra Acne+Marks Wash and Mask



I wrote about this here. It is my favorite face wash, but I feel my skin doesn't need it every day. Anytime I start to break out whether I'm just having a bad skin day, it's around that time of the month or my skin reacts badly to a product, I use this and by morning, my skin is 100x better. AMAZING...have used this for years.


Moisturizer #1: Clean&Clear Dual Action Moisturizer



My bottle looks different due to the fact that I have the target brand version, but they are the exact same thing :) I use this when my skin doesn't need a LOT of moisturizing as it is quite light but it makes my skin so smooth and radiant, almost silky. When it's not winter and my skin doesn't need a lot of moisture, I use this after I wash my face and it helps to treat acne while keeping my skin baby soft.


Moisturizer #2: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream



Again, my tub looks different due to the fact that I bought the bed, bath and beyond version of this cream, but it is the exact same thing. I use this when I need a lot of moisture as it is quite heavy but NOT greasy. It leaves my skin very soft which I love but I have to make sure my skin is a bit damp when I apply it..it leaves a lighter layer while still sinking in and providing a good amount of moisture. I use this primarily in the winter. The texture is almost whipped and cool.


Treatment: Stridex Acne Alcohol Free Naturally Clear Pads



I actually have no clue what this is called LOL I'm reading off the label and I can't tell what part is the name, but I'm sure if you go to Target/Rite Aid/etc., you'll easily spot it due to the picture :) I don't use these often, but when I do it leaves my skin very soft and glowy when I wake up. I'll use it before bed when I feel like my skin needs some perking up. It also helps reduce any acne I have as well as inflammation.


Exfoliator/Mask #1:Freeman Facial Enzyme Mask

MY FAVORITE MASK IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! This has to be my favorite face product along with the Clearasil face wash. While St. Ives worked great for me, I kept hearing about how it leaves little tears in your skin so I started looking for a new exfoliator. This one works amazingly for me. It was only $3 at Ulta and leaves my skin soft, silky, moisturized, glowing, clear, EVERYTHING! It is a chemical exfoliant meaning you don't rub it like a normal exfoliator..you leave it on like a mask and it eats away at the dead skin. You are supposed to leave it on for 5-10 mins, but I leave it on for anywhere from 5 mins to an hour. It smells lush like fresh pineapples. I use this four times a week, more or less. This has really improved my skin and I adore it. Great reviews on Makeupalley as well.


Mask #2: Queen Helene Grape Seed Extract Peel Off Masque



What a mouthful LOL! This is one of my other favorite face products. It smells like grape bubblegum which I love but the scent goes away quickly. When I first bought this I wasn't sure it did anything other than for novelty purposes and I found that to be true the first time I used it. I read amazing reviews on makeupalley and tried it again. With using it more than once, it really starts to work. It leaves my skin clearer and clears up any acne as well as preventing than anything else. While I used to love the Queen Helene Julep mask, I feel as if this is the best treatment. It leaves my skin so soft and SO CLEAR. It is much easier to peel off than any other peel off mask I have tried and dries in about 10-15 mins. I use quite a bit each time so be warned you will have to use more than you expect but I have used it multiple times and still have a lot left plus it is only $3 or so at Ulta so it doesn't set you back much :)


Hope you girls enjoy this! What are your HG skin care items (and skin type)?! I'd love to hear :) 

March Favorites :) HD Pics and in-depth reviews on each!:)

Hey girls, I have a lot of upcoming posts for you which I'm excited about :) I will respond to all your comments asap!<3

I'm going to split this up into categories...

• Category one: Nails

I have been loving brights and pastels for the month of March and now that the weather is getting even warmer (especially in SoCal), I will be sure to wear the brightest colors I can find, as well as the prettiest pastels.

From left to right:

1. CND (Creative Nail Design) Stickey: I adore this product! It is designed to be used as a base coat that's extra strength; it is supposed to "anchor" the color to your nails. I have a HUGE problem with my nailpolish chipping no matter what I do and I have found this to really be a lifesaver. I use it, apply two-three coats of my nail polish, apply this and THEN add top coat. It only is one more step and really helps when you make this basecoat-color-basecoat sandwich :)
2. Sinful Colors in Neon Melon: I have been going through a huge neon and pastel phase lately. I have a few neon yellows in my stash, but this is my favorite. It only costs $1.99 and is so opaque and vivid. It has no shimmer and the color is a true neon yellow.
3. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Raspberry Race: I just picked this up at Target a few weeks ago. This polish, which retails at $4.99, reminds me a lot of Essie's Grenadine, a color I had been wanting to pick up. This shade is a purpley-pinky orchid color and I wasn't sure how it'd look on my nails. I ended up loving it :) This is my first insta-dri and it is literally COMPLETELY opaque in one coat (I use two anyways, but it made no difference) and dries so quickly. I love it!
4. Love and Beauty (F21 brand) in Light Orange: My last post talked about my other F21 nail polish I tried out and I love this one just as much. The color is a soft peach that is such a great quality; very smooth and easy to apply. 
5. Orly Nail Color in Galaxy Girl: I heard so many raves about this polish and when I finally saw it in my CVS, I snatched it right up! This color reminds me of my favorite eyeshadow (MAC Blue Brown/TF Label Whore-I love them both and theyre the exact some color)...it is a brownish red with strong flashes of blue and green. So unique and gorgeous! With one coat, it was more red, while two coats made the flashes of color stand out. Three coats made the color dark brown with dark flashes of green and blue. I paid about $5 for it and I love the color. The formula is average.

Sally Hansen Raspberry Race: 

Orly Galaxy Girl (NOT my picture!): 

• Category two: Face

From left to right:

1. Pout Apricot Totty Blush-I adore this hot coral pink blush! I have a review on it HERE :) I have continued to use this most days this month, it brightens up my face PERFECTLY and you only need the smallest amount :) Since it is a trend for Spring, I will be sure to use it in the upcoming months too
2. MAC Vanilla Pigment-This was my first pigment from MAC and after two years, I still adore it. I use it as a highlight color on my browbone as well as brightening up the inner tear duct. I also sometimes mix this with my foundation to make my face emit radiance :) My favorite thing about this product is that it's not shimmery or glittery, but GLOWY! My favorite way to use it is to apply to my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose, it looks like I have a radiance coming from within my skin. You only need the smallest amount, I love it!! It lasts forever too :)
3. Revlon Colorstay Foundation in 180-I started using this foundation about two and a half years ago. I never found my perfect shade since most of the colors have a pink undertone, while mine is more on the yellow side. Regardless of this, I continued to use it (which was NOT a good look at all) because of how much I loved the coverage, the finish, the staying power, etc. About a year ago, I strayed and started to accumulate tinted moisturizer as I feel like my skin really doesn't need much coverage whatsoever. After seeing a FOTD where someone used this, I rushed out and bought it because a)it looked AMAZING on her and b)her skin color seemed similar to mine and we both had yellow tones. The new shade is perfect for my skin tone (NC25-30 with yellow undertones) and looks absolutely FLAWLESS. It has amazing coverage and lasts for ages without touchups. I use this when I go out at night or want my skin to look perfect :)

• Category three: Eyes

From left to right:

1. Rimmel Lash Maxxx Mascara-I am in LOVE with this mascara. The wand is literally a comb. Not like lashblast but an actual baby comb which sounds scary but its not LOL It helps make my lashes seperated and soooo long. I have never used a mascara that made my lashes this long before, they literally touch my eyebrow bone when I use it! My lashes are average in terms of length and volume. Because this mascara doesn't provide enough volume for me (I like my eyelashes to use fake when I use mascara) I layer another mascara on top of it (lately, it's been Rimmel Max Mousse)..this is definite HG and completely perfect.
2. ELF Clear Lash Mascara-Lately, my brows have been my obsession. I have struggled with my brows my entire life and finally, after going to an amazing waxer, my brows are one of my favorite things! After filling them in with powder, I brush this over them and they stay put all day. Only $1 and keeps my eyebrows soft not crunchy or hard feeling
3. MAC Eyelash Curler-After trying many eyelash curlers that received plenty of raves (ELF, Shu Uemera, Shiseido, etc.), this is my definite favorite. It curls my lashes PERFECTLY and mine has lasted two years with no replacement pad yet :) Literally transforms my lashes to the point where a mascara I normally hate, now looks great because of the curl this gives my lashes.

• Category four: Miscellaneous/Multi Purpose

From left to right:

1. Britney Spears new cd;)-I absolutely ADORE Britney Spears, I don't care what anyone thinks of her, I've been a fan for ages :) Yes, I spelled the fatal wrong on the disk LOL It was early in the morning! Her new CD is fantastic, if you haven't downloaded it yet, you need to
2. Sonia Kashuk Fluffy Blending Brush-This brush is total 100% HG. I use it for literally everything: blending out my crease color perfectly, applying under eye concealer flawlessly, and applying my highlight color! It is so soft and definitely rivals my MAC, except this was under $10 at Target. I have a lot of Sonia Kashuk brushes and none have disappointed me.
3. Bag Balm-Ah how I love this balm. This is HG for me as well :) A huge tub is $9 and will literally last you for ages! I apply this EVERYWHERE: dry spots on my face (this does not break me out at all), my feet at night, my lips when they're chapped or as an overnight treatment, my body, my cuticles,my hands etc.While it's great plain, I love mixing it with lotion, it makes it last so much longer and makes it so creamy and long-lasting. It sinks in very quickly and you only need a small amount! Love it, definitely try it out :)

Soft skin (lotions, soaps, etc!) on a budget! PIC HEAVY

Hi girls! Here, I want to show how to get soft silky skin!

My skin tends to be quite normal, except for in the winter when it becomes incredibly dry. I love soft smooth skin that looks radiant and supple and is literally soft to the touch. Because of how cold it is, I have been using trial and error to find something that would give me everything I want and have finally found what products I love that work for me that will hopefully work for you too :)

• Body Wash- Harmon Face Values Extra Moisturizing Body Wash

I purchased this body wash from Bed, Bath and Beyond for about $3 or so. For Winter, this keeps my skin so lusciously smooth that I don't even need to follow up with lotion if I don't want to. This is the generic Bed, Bath, and Beyond version of the Olay Complete Body Wash (or something like that!). I don't remember the exact name, but I chose the generic version as it was bigger than the Olay one and about a dollar or two less! It is unscented and gives a rich creamy lather that I love.

In the summer, I use Caress Whipped Souffle as it is a bit lighter than the Harmon/Olay one making it perfect for the warmer weather. The smell is definitely subjective. I first loved it, then didn't use it in forever and hated it, and now love it again. It is a very warm peach, if that makes sense. It smells like warm peaches and cream, which threw me off because I was expecting more fruity (vs. cozy). But it works amazingly so definitely smell it before you buy it! It also comes in different flavors.

• Body Scrub- LUSH Buffy
  [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Underworldfairy/lush/buffy.jpg[/IMG]
  
  
  (borrowed from the internet as my bar is used to bits:( waaaah lol)

My favorite body exfoliator and Lush product in general is Lush 'Buffy' without a doubt. It smells like vanilla coconut and does such a great job at moisturizing and exfoliating at the same time. Because it is expensive, I don't use it as often as I'd like but if you are willing to spend the money, I would definitely reccomend it! I use it after I wash my body and scrub it on. I leave it on for about a minute or two and then very gently (and quickly!) rinse it off. I don't wipe it off, just rinse. I then get out of the shower and very gently pat my body dry. I have found that this way leaves my body the most moisturized.

Because of how often I exfoliate (4-5 times a week), I end up going through product very quickly. I have another scrub in the shower that I use more often which is Freeman's Body Sugar Scrub in Pomegranate. It smells delicious, but be warned it is not moisturizing. When my mom used it, she told me she found it moisturizing, but personally, it is not enough for me at all. It's quite good at exfoliating, is dirt cheap (~$2.50 or so) and smells delicious, but I am not sure I would repurchase as I like something a bit more oily. NOTE: This works 1000x better when used on dry skin, so before getting into the shower, pop some of this on and then rinse it off when you step in :)

• Body Lotion- Olay Quench Body Lotion deep moisture with cocoa butter, jojoba and vitamin B3

I have been on a quest to find the perfect body lotion for ages. While I'm not sure this is the absolute best on its own, in conjunction with the other body products I use (and mention in this post), I will continue to re-buy as I do love it. It has a faint smell of vanilla, but it does not linger on the body. I have a big issue with body lotions because I find that most leave behind a film, sometimes sticky, that I absolutely hate. I also like my skin to feel very very soft and moisturized and I have not found many lotions that do this for me. I apply the Olay right out of the shower to my entire body and wait about a minute and then get changed. The lotion needs about that amount of time to soak into my body and then I'm good to go!

I have heard that body butters are very effective at keeping dry skin moisturized as well. Hearing this, I decided to venture to The Body Shop and picked up three. I got a large jar of the Hemp Body butter (not pictured), as well as two mini jars (one was Coconut, while the other is Shea). My entire family AND my boyfriend adore these, but for some reason it doesn't work with my skin. It leaves a greasy film on my skin and never seems to sink in :( any tips or tricks for these that you girls have? I will say that the coconut smells amazing and the shea seems to work the best out of the three. The hemp smells terrible imo, but is known to be the most moisturizing.

(to show how small the mini jars are)

• Body Oil- Up, Up & Away Baby Oil

I love this body oil and think every girl should have a bottle in their bathroom. I purchased this for only $1 at Target and it is the generic/Target brand of Johnson's Baby Oil. After I wash my body, I rinse off and then slather this all over my body, focusing on my legs and anywhere else I shaved. I don't rinse or pat this off, I just get out of the shower, put on my bathrobe and brush my hair or something. I want to give it ample time to sink in, but I don't find that putting on my bathrobe takes it off or anything like that. This product leaves my skin so silky smooth and I will continue to repucharchase forever. I have heard that many people use this as an eye makeup remover as well, but I can't vouch for how well it works as I have never tried since I am satisfied with my makeup remover I use (reveal in upcoming post!). For only $1, I don't think people have anything to lose with this and should definitely give it a try!

• Hand Soap- Softsoap Elements in Milk Protein and Honey

I wash my hand so often, and because of this, my hands can be especially dry and raw. About two months ago, I switched to this hand soap and am in love! The formula is divine and so moisturizing. It also smells delicious...like honey :) It was very cheap from Target, I think maybe $2 or so? Since using this, my hands stay moisturized and soft which is big for me.

• Hand Scrub-Booth's Honey and Almond Hand Scrub

I adore this hand scrub!! I got it at Target about a year ago and haven't been able to find this since :( But if you see it, snatch it up! It is a very grainy scrub that smells of almonds. I apply this to my hands (either dry or damp depending on the amount of exfoliation I'd like) and then rub it in for about a minute or so. I then rinse them off, and apply hand soap and hand lotion. This product works miracles and makes my hands SO soft.

swap: UK and US :)

Hello lovelies! I left my camera at home but when I go there tonight, I'll make sure to upload the pics so I can do a proper post. Anyways, if anyone is interested in getting things from the US that they can't get where they are in exchange for things in the UK, feel free to message me at ecberger@cox.net, or leave your email in a comment and I will be sure to message you! Take care loves, and expect another post later tonight! xo

NOTD ft. cheap nailpolishes! forever 21 and color club polishes :) picture heavy

hi girls! im so sorry i've been MIA for the past week, i've had way too many essays and tests and such :( i promise i will be a dedicated blogger from now on!<3

As someone who used to only wear burgundy and red nail polishes, with the addition of french manicures, I have branched out in the past year or so, but especially in the past four months or so. Pastels and brights now litter my once small nail polish stash. One brand I have adored lately is Color Club. They have a huge array of colors and last very well on the nail. While they look very expensive, they are only $3 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond :)

Here, I'm wearing Color Club Electro Candy, part of the Electro Candy collection which contained a bunch of other neons that I will review if you girls are interesting. It is a gorgeous hot pink that has a light turquoise-sea foam shimmer that runs through it. It is so neon it literally GLOWS! beautiful, i love it.

the turquoise shimmer is much more noticable in real life.

you can really see the shimmer here:


A few days ago, I was at Forever 21 and was browsing through the nailpolishes. I came upon a ton of absolutely gorgeous one and remembering Natty's recent NOTD posts, I remembered how much she raved about them so I decided to pick up two (although I wanted to get a bunch more!). I chose 'light orange' which is a gorgeous peach (future post on that) and 'dark purple', a BEAUTIFUL dark purple that has blue, purple and yellow flashes and glimmers through it. The finish is amazing...like literally purple foil if that makes sense, it is so incredible. It wears beautifully and is SO shiny without a topcoat (as you'll see in the picture...I did not have a chance to put on a top coat before I took these photos). For only $2.50 a piece, I will definitely pick up more of these.
with flash:




without flash:




and for those asking about my rings, here are the ones I wore today :)


I had more on my other hand, but totally forgot to take a picture!




What are your favorite nail polish brands? What colors have you guys liked lately? Have any of you tried out F21 nail polishes or Color Club?

NYX products to achieve: Perfect Baby Milky Pink Lips :)

For awhile, I've been on the quest to find the products that would help me achieve a baby pinky nude, with no shimmer but more of a subtle milky look to it. MAC Angel, NARS Turkish Delight, MAC Underage and a variety of other similar toned lip colors; each were close, but not quite right.

This week, at Ulta, I stumbled upon two NYX lip colors: NYX lipstick in Strawberry Milk and a new NYX product:  Soft Matte Lip Cream. I got the shade Tokyo, a slightly more subtle version color-wise of the lipstick, but virtually the same shade.

Here is a picture I quickly snapped before my camera died of me...this is an accurate representation of the color my lips with no product on them.



Strawberry Milk, part of the NYX round label lipstick line, is a cool toned baby pink creamy and unbelievably opaque lipstick. The texture is incredibly smooth and moisturizing. 95% of lipsticks I wore show the cracks on my lips, regardless of whether or not I exfoliate them first and rid them of the dead skin.  Without exfoliating and just applying this from the tube, I get a gorgeous creamy consistency that completely covers my lips, yet doesn't show any cracks or dead skin. Straight from the tube, it is VERY opaque so I like to apply it with a lip brush or use my finger to smooth out the color over my lips which lifts some of the colors. This retails for around $3.













Tokyo is supposed to be a lipstick-gloss hybrid. The baby pink gloss comes in a tube with a black rubberized cap, boasting a design very similar to the NARS lipglosses. The color is a more toned down version of Strawberry milk and has an incredibly creamy texture. The color is very opaque and gives a creamy finish to the lips. Wears incredibly well, retails for around $4.






Have you girls tried NYX lip colors? And what are your favorite baby pinks in general?

Hot Trend for Spring: Bright blushes (Review and swatches)

Hello my loves! Hope you're all doing well today :)


As seen on many runways, fashion shows depicted future spring makeup trends included bright lips and bright blush. Blush is something I have never really been into for a number of reasons. Ok...that's a lie. I have WANTED blush to work for me and have lusted over it for ages. I would tend to overblend it into my bronzer leaving my face orange. it was not a good look; i ended up wearing just bronzer and highlighter for a long time which is a look I still love and do often. After much trial and error, practicing, and CC I realized that although I still love the just bronzer look, I adore/need the pop of color that blush brings to my face. In an upcoming post, I will show a few blushes I have come to fall in love with, but the one that everyone needs to try and get a hold of is Pout's Apricot Totty.








The color is a gorgeous bright vivid peach coral with a hint of pink, but definitely on the coral side (vs. pink-coral). It brightens up my face and makes me look healthy, tan, etc. It is such a gorgeous and complex color that I apply with a blush brush (I just use one from Lancome, but it's an ordinary blush brush, not duo fibre stippling blush). It is quite fragile and as you can see, I dropped mine and repressed it (and did an absolutely horrendous job at it LOL) :( I've had this blush for about a year and a half (!) and just started using it now. It lasts all day,as well! :) Although I do not use a skunk (duo-fibre) brush to apply it, I still use a quite light hand with my blush brush and build up the color using that as I can always add more.








Swatches on my NC25-30 skin:

What are some of your guys favorite bright blushes?