NEW from Revlon: Youth FX Foundation, Primers, and Concealer

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NEW from Revlon: Youth FX Foundation, Primers, and Concealer:

Have you seen this new Youth FX range from Revlon in the drugstore? It promises to instantly transform the look of lines and wrinkles. I am so excited to be able to give it a try! While I certainly do not have any major lines nor wrinkles yet, I do have a few fine lines that I would love to minimize as much as possible. Plus, I like trying out any new anti-aging formula as I think it is so important to have good skincare ingredients infused into your makeup products. I mean...why not! If you are putting it on your face anyway, if your makeup gives an anti-aging boost that it is that much better. 

So, while I do not have any major lines nor wrinkles yet, I do have some expression lines and some fine lines that crop up around my eyes and mouth when my skin is dehydrated. So, I am excited to see what this line does for me as far as preventing and blurring my fine lines! Not to mention, I already am a fan of Revlon's foundations, primers, and concealers. So, I am super excited to try these that have the boost of anti-aging ingredients! 

The Youth FX line from Revlon is infused with innovative age-correcting Fill + Blur technology which includes  microfillers and optical diffusers that both fill-in and blur fine lines and wrinkles. Sounds fantastic, right? Plus, lets just add that this is all at a drugstore price and the convenience of easy availability at your local drugstore. 

So, lets talk about these new Youth FX products from Revlon! Please click "read more" below to learn more about this new line.

New for Fall: Introducing CATRICE Cosmetics at Ulta Beauty

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Isn't it fun to discover a new makeup line! I find it is especially fun when you discover a hidden gem in the drugstore category of makeup. As much as I love my high-end makeup, nothing beats finding fantastic quality at a drugstore price!

Introducing CATRICE, a luxury-inspired range of color cosmetics with a full assortment of products in the eye, lip and complexion categories. This European brand is making its long-awaited debut in the US with a new collection of highly-coveted products – all for less than $10 at Ulta!

CATRICE offers a full makeup line: from everyday staples like eyeshadow palettes, matte foundation, bronzing powder and a range of more than 10 mascara formulas and formats to specialty products like a lip balm that reacts with your own pH to produce the perfect pink for your pout, a waterproof setting powder that literally repels water and lash extending fibers that work under any mascara.

What I tried from CATRICE:

Prime & Fine Waterproof Mattifying Powder: This is an ultra matte translucent powder that will keep you shine-free for hours. The translucent shade is very adaptable and works well with my skin tone. The compact is sleek, slim, modern, and of nice quality. Works great to control oil and shine. 

Illuminating Blush: I tried the shade La Vie en Rose which is a pretty light peach shimmery blush. There are two colors in the pan that you swirl together. The pigment is not very saturated. However, that makes it super easy to apply. It looks lovely on my fair skin! 

Prime and Fine Pore Refining Anti-Shine Base: This is a mattifying oil-free primer. I am finding that I need this sort of primer in my t-zone to help control my oil and make my makeup last longer. It does help to minimize my shine and extend the wear of my foundation and face makeup. 

Beautifying Lip Smoother: I tried this in the shade Apricot Cream which is a light shimmery peach shade. This pastel balm-like gloss. While this is somewhat moisturizing, I do still need to apply a lip balm first. The color is lasting and the product feels very comfortable on my lips. Also, I really like the flocked applicator.  

Ultimate Lip Glow: This is such an interesting lip product! It actually reminds me of a couple high-end lip products in my makeup collection but at a fraction of the cost. This is a balm stain that leaves me with perfect pink moisturized lips. I love the ease of this product and find myself reaching for it often. Such a deal, too!  

Ultimate Stay Lipstick: I tried this in the shade #070 Plum & Base which is a deep burgandy/magenta. The color is richly saturated and it gives great coverage. The finish is satin matte and it gives nice long wear. Love the chocolate milk scent, too! 

Smoky Matte Powder Liner: This is such a unique liner product. I honestly do not have any items at all like this in my makeup collection. It is a loose black powder with a foam tip applicator. This will not give you a precice line but a smudgy smoky line. 

Be sure to check out CATRICE next time you are in Ulta! Also, You can check out the full CATRICE range here. I know that I sure had fun exploring and trying out a few items from this line. In fact, I can't wait to try out more! I am especially eyeing the Rose Palette, Nude Palette, Camoflauge Cream,  and some of those mascaras! 

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My Skin Loves: Miracle Skin Transformer Face Spotlight by Sarah McNamara

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Miracle Skin Transformer Face Spotlight by Sarah McNamara: 

In a word: wow! I am completely obsessed with this product: Introducing the Miracle Skin Transformer Face Spotlight! What is it exactly? What does it do? I will go into details below....but, basically, this 5-in-1 skin enhancer just makes your skin look smooth, glowing, and perfected!!! Many times products that have 5-in-1 claims fall short, but not this skin enhancer!

At first, I will admit that I was skeptical. I thought the color was going to be too dark and the formula would be too sparkly. Plus, I didn't really know what the product was supposed to "do". However, I was wrong! When I apply this skin enhancer, the tone really works with my skin and the shimmery glow of the product works to make my skin just look really glowy (in a good way)! So, as of now, I am addicted to wearing this! You get gorgeous skin and a natural glowy and somewhat sunkissed look with minimal effort!

Miracle Skin Transformer Face Spotlight contains natural pearlized mineral pigments that:

• Illuminate skin, while reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.

• Minimize the appearance of pore size and uneven skin texture.

• Hydrate to provide long lasting nourishment and anti-aging benefits.

• Help protect against future sun damage with UVA/UVB SPF 20.

To find out more details and read my full review, please click "read more" below!

NEW Launches from Japonesque: Liquid Light, Velvet Touch Primer, and Radiance Primer!

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Where have primers been all of my life? lol! I know I am "late to the party" here, but I am just recently starting to get "into" primers. Sure, I have used them here and there in the past. However, now I am consistently using them and enjoying them as a daily addition to my makeup routine. I just love their ability to enhance your complexion and improve your skin texture. I used to think of primers as just a product to use when doing a full face of makeup. However, the new formulas that are available are skin perfectors that can even be used on light makeup or no makeup days. I even love just wearing them under a simple light dusting of powder! Bottom line: my skin just looks better when I wear a primer. So, now I am hooked!

Japonesque: NEW Launches for Gorgeous Skin: 

New Color Collection products from Japonesque have landed at Ulta! Introducing Japonesque's Liquid Lights, Radiance Primer, and Velvet Touch Primer! These versatile, luxe highlighters and primers allow you to perfect your complexion like a pro.  Housed in Italian glass bottles and inspired by makeup artistry, all formulas are rich, long-lasting and easy to apply.  The packaging is very pretty and functional. I like the sleek look and feel of the glass. Plus, I always appreciate a product with a pump!

Japonesque Radiance Primer:

Inspired by backstage makeup techniques, the Radiance Primer is the ultimate remedy for a complexion that radiates beauty and light.  Its weightless and silky texture glides onto the skin and offers a pearlescent optical imperfection blurring effect.  The subtle shimmer will restore radiance and luminosity.  Reflective pigments attract and diffuse light while adding hyper-real youthful beauty to the skin.  This unique formula dries like a gel, filling your skins lines and creases for a flawless finish.

This primer is gorgeous! In the packaging, it looks like a whiteish-silvery highlighter. However, when you apply it, it is this gorgeous pearlescent shimmer. At first I thought it would be too shimmery to wear all over under a foundation, but actually, it works! It really does perfect your skin and boost the "radiance" of your skin when you layer this product with foundation. It has a non-greasy feel and it sinks into your skin quickly. Plus, my foundation seems to wear longer over this. I absolutely love it! Plus, yes, you can use it as a highlighter, too. It is just beautiful!!!

Retails for $32.00. Available at Ulta!

Japonesque Velvet Touch Primer:

The Velvet Touch Primer is an exquisite weightless gel that primes the skin with a veil of velvety perfection.  It glides over skin to create an invisible skin canvas to smooth and mattify the complexion, while creating the illusion of flawless looking skin and dramatically improving makeup hold. Unlike existing primers, this formula does not “ball off” and instead creates a clean canvas for makeup that will last throughout the day.

If shimmer is not your thing, then this is the Japonesque priming product for you! This primer has an ultra-smoothing silicone gel-like feel. It glides on your skin and leaves it feeling so smooth and looking matte. I get improved wear with my foundation as well as a more poreless look. I love the light feel of this! 

Retails for $32.00. Available at Ulta!

Japonesque Liquid Light:

The Liquid Light is a highlighting hero that dresses skin in an illuminating veil of radiance.  This innovative light-reflecting liquid glides on to refresh and enhance the complexion’s natural glow – creating a beautiful shimmering incandescence that ‘lights skin from within.’ These translucent, weightless formulas give instant radiance and luminosity to the complexion and can be used alone as a makeup base or as a highlighting accent to shape and lift the facial contours. The Liquid Light will give you a faux sun kissed glow all year round.  Truly versatile, liquid light can be mixed with any moisturizer to be applied to the legs, décolleté or arms!

I tried out the shade #01 in the Liquid Light. I like to use Japonesque's Liquid Light as a bronzing highlighter or as an additive to lotions for an all-over glow. I found this product to be a bit too colorful to use as an all-over face primer/makeup base. I prefer to strategically place the color. As a highlighter/bronzer or as mix-in, it is beautiful! When I use it on my face, I only use the tiniest trace amount to add some bronzy shimmer to key areas of my face. I love using this the most on the body! I just pump a little bit into my body lotion to give my skin a gorgeous bronzy shimmery/sparkly glow!

Retails for $28.00 each. Available at Ulta!

All three of these new skin-perfecting/priming products from Japonesque are fabulous additions to my makeup collection. I love each of them for their own unique reason. I seem to reach for the Velvet Touch and Radiance Primer the most, but do love all three!

Have you seen these at your local Ulta? Or tried them yourself?

Pammy Blogs Beauty

Keeping Makeup on Longer: Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Finish Makeup Setting Spray

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Hey Dolls!

Just a quick post today to tell ya'll about a product that I am loving! My combo skin has gotten so oily in the past month or so since the weather has gotten warm. It is such a challenge to go from winter dry skin to the summer oilies. I found that even when using a powder, that my makeup was melting away by the end of the day. Enter Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Setting Spray...

I will fully admit that Makeup Setting Sprays are a completely new makeup category for me. Can you believe that? For some reason, I have just never explored them before. Probably because I primarily have had combo skin that leaned more towards dry than oily. However, in the past 3 years I have had 2 babies and that has caused a tremendous amount of hormonal fluctuations and changes in my skin and hair (um yes, my straight hair has turned wavy and the skin has gotten much more oily). So, I am generally exploring a lot of product categories that I had never reached for before.

Skindinavia's No More Shine Makeup Finish Makeup Setting Spray (Oily Skin Formula):

This product is amazing! Plus, it is so easy and quick to use. You simply spray it on your face when you are finished with your makeup! I spray about 2-3 pumps worth onto my face. The mist is ultra fine and it actually feels really good to spray this on your face. The formula controls shine and controls oil on your face. It sets your makeup and helps it to last much, much longer. Now, my skin is not super oily. So, I can't comment on how this works for very oily skin. However, for my combo-oily Summer skin, it works like a charm. Also, for really long lasting wear, you can layer this product underneath as well as over top of your makeup.

This Skindinavia Makeup Setting Spray is now a staple part of my makeup routine. I mean, it takes 2 seconds to apply and keeps my makeup looking good for longer...what is not to love about that?! :)

Do you use a makeup setting spray? Have you tried Skindinavia? I know they have lots of formulas and I would love to hear what you all are using and loving? I must explore the realm of makeup setting sprays further!

Creme de Serum from Meaningful Beauty

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Nothing beats a good serum. To me, serums are one of the most crucial steps in my skincare routine. Depending on what state my combo skin is in on the combo-dry-oily spectrum, sometimes my serums even double as my moisturizer! So, my essential skincare routine is to cleanse and then apply a serum. After that, I apply a moisturizer or SPF if needed. It is so basic!

I have heard and read great things about Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty line. So, I was very excited with Influenster selected me to try out the Creme de Serum!

Here is the Scoop on Meaningful Beauty's Creme de Serum: (according to Influenster):
The Meaningful Beauty Crème de Serum takes a triple approach to combating the signs of aging with three powerful anti-aging ingredients: superantioxidant melon complex, anti-aging peptides and hyaluronic acid. Combining the power of a serum with the rich, moisturizing effects of a crème, this crème de la crème treatment is designed to help protect, increase hydration and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Available as part of the Meaningful Beauty New Advanced Anti-Aging System.

• Combines the best properties of a serum (concentration and potency) with the best properties of a cream (rich, moisturizing texture).

• Formulated to help to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and leave skin soft and more supple.

• Designed to help promote a smoother, more even toned, radiant complexion.

To find out how I liked this product and how it worked for me, please click "read more" below!

Win It!!! Emani Cosmetics Foundation and Primer Review and Starter Kit Giveaway!!!

I am so excited! It is Giveaway time!!! Yes, that is right! I have another great Giveaway for you wonderful readers from Emani Cosmetics!!!

This post today is two-fold. In addition to the Giveaway, I also have product reviews for Emani's amazing mineral powder and primer!!!

If you missed my previous Emani review, please feel free to check it out: Emani Mineral Makeup. 

Emani Cosmetics:
Emani merges natural cosmetics with professional quality. The result is a line of beautiful and natural products that perform very well. Emani believes that one doesn't have to sacrifice animals or our environment in the name of beauty! If you haven't had a chance to scope out this line yet, I highly recommend that you do!

image source: Emani

Keep reading for my foundation and primer reviews as well as the giveaway details and entry form!!!

Neutrogena's Shine Control: Keepin' the Shine Away!

Have you seen Neutrogena's Shine Control line at the drugstores? It is a new line designed specifically to eliminate shine and keep your skin looking matte all day.

While this line is likely geared more towards those with oily skin, I am intrigued as matte is the finish I strive for during the warmer months. My skin is actually combo/normal skin. When it is warmer out in Spring and Summer), my skin leans more towards normal-oil (especially in the t-zone). So, I figured I would give this line a try to see if it could keep the oilies at bay! Plus, ya'll know me, I love trying out new foundations! I am on a bit of a quest to find foundations shades that actually match my extremely fair skin.

While it is finally Fall and the weather has started to turn cooler, I have primarily tested this product during late summer warm days. So, while not tested in the brutal heat of Summer, it has been tested during pretty warm weather. 

Neutrogena's Shine Control Line features 3 products: the Shine Control Primer, the Shine Control Makeup, and the Shine Control Powder. To find out how I liked these, please keep reading!

My Latest Sephora 500 Point Perk: BeneFit's Next Big Fling!

Oh how I love shopping perks! Ulta rewards points, GWPs, and Sephora Beauty Insider points...you get the idea. I don't know why, but there is something about "earning" these points that makes you just feel less "guilty" about spending money on high-end makeup. LOL, I am sure that this is the idea here! Regardless, I do appreciate that these companies reward their frequent shoppers. From a marketing standpoint, there is no doubt that it increases brand loyalty and certainly brings you back into the store.

For the Sephora Beauty Insider Points Perks, I tend to let those accumulate over time. Then, when there is a really good perk gift, I finally redeem them! It seems as if I have been waiting around forever for a really great 500 Point Perk gift. Every single time that I am at the Mall, I stop in Sephora and check out the 100 and 500 points perk gifts. Sure, I would probably stop into Sephora anyways since I am a makeup fan(atic)...but, there is no question that I have been stalking the 500 Points Perk Gifts! Well, I finally found "the one", the gift I had been waiting for, with BeneFit's "Next Big Fling" 500 Point Perk gift pack! Sure, Sephora usually has nice little deluxe samples; but, the 500 Points Perk gifts only seem to be "worth it" when they feature full-sized products from a personal favorite brand. I picked this up last month, so I am not sure if it is still available in stores.

BeneFit's "Next Big Fling" 500 Points Beauty Insider Perk:
Includes:

• Full Sized (I believe?) POREfessional Pro Balm
• They're Real Mascara (deluxe sample size)

I am so excited to try out both of these products! Actually, I have been using a small sample of BeneFit's POREfessional that my Mom made me (she is a huge fan of this product!). So far I have really liked it! I have huge pores. So, I need all the help I can get! Also, I have heard great things about the They're Real Mascara. So, I am super excited to try that too!

You guys might remember what I got when I redeemed my last 500 Points Perk? If not, then check that out that post here: Sephora Beauty Insider 500 Points Perk Gift. Hint: It was another gift pack from BeneFit!

Did any of ya'll redeem your points for this "Next Big Fling" BeneFit perk gift? Or have you tried these products? I would love to hear if you like them! What types of products do you usually hold out for when saving up your Beauty Insider points?

I purchased items at 
Sephora which allowed me
to get this free gift.

The Foundation Fairy: Almay's Smart Shade Liquid Makeup and Primer

Ya'll know that I have been on a massive foundation hunt lately with my Foundation Fairy Series. I don't know what it is, but I just seem to go through such phases with my makeup. Right now, I am determined to find my perfect shades in both drugstore and higher end foundations.

Having such fair skin, it really is a feat to find a good shade match. Many ranges just simply do not go light enough for my porcelain skin. That is why Almay's Smart Shade Liquid Makeup really appeals to me. A self adjusting makeup? This has to work in a fair girl's favor, right?

Another thing that I struggle with (besides trying to find a good foundation color match) is my large pore size. Honestly, besides my dark under eye circles, my large pores are the bane of my existence. My skin is overall pretty good. It is fairly even toned and it rarely breaks out. But, my pores, yikes! Most foundations just seem to sink into my pores and emphasize them. While I do not need primers to increase my foundation wear (as my skin is not oily), I do need primers to function to "fill in" the pores and allow my products to apply more smoothly. I hate adding another step to my busy makeup routine. But, if I want a flawless face, I really need primer.

With my fair skin and large pores in mind, I am excited to test out these products from Almay! To see my reviews for Almay's Smart Shade Liquid Makeup and Smart Shade Perfect & Correct Primer, keep reading!