Not Another LA Blonde

Category: Health and Beauty

  • February Faves

    February Faves

    Good morning and happy Wednesday friends! My teams cheer season ended this past weekend, so now that I no longer have practice after work, I’ve realized I have a lot more free time. I’ve been using my new found free time to get some stuff done over at the condo before Robert moves in. Last night was spent taking the old shelf liners out of every drawer/cabinet. My mom came with me and started laying new lining down in the pantry.

    I’ve been meaning to write about some of my favorite products that I use on a daily basis. I’ve been hard core crushing on a few beauty products lately and felt like I should share with y’all what they were!

    Collage pic

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    IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ – $15-$38

    Ok, I didn’t used to wear this, but it’s a total game changer. This cream is perfect for covering up any discolored or splotchy looking skin. It eliminates any redness I might have and completely evens out my skin tone. I usually put this on before I put my concealer on so that my face is even. I love that it glides on so smooth and feels weightless all day! I apply it using a sponge I bought at Target (here). The only negative thing I will say is this (and this is a no brainer), wash your face and get all the makeup off your face before going to bed because you will get a pimple or two if you leave this on overnight! It comes in shades Fair to Deep giving you seven options to choose from. You can also test it out and buy the mini size in either Light or Medium. You can also find this cream at Macy’s.

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    MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation – $37

    I have been using this powder FOREVER!!! I used to use a different powder, but found my skin was breaking out from it, so my hairdresser recommended this one a few years ago and I fell in love. The powder comes in 21 shades ranging from Pink Porcelain to Neutral Ebony. I vary between 115 Pink Ivory and 118 Neutral Beige depending on the time of year. This is a breakthrough multiuse formula that can be applied as a foundation or setting powder. It is super lightweight and doesn’t look cakey when applied!

    I use the MAC 150 brush when applying my powder. You can find the brush at:

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    CLINIQUE Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips – $9.50-$19

    I first purchased the travel size because I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not, but I did and went and bought the full size. This makeup remover is great because I don’t feel like it dries out my skin after I use it. It effortlessly dissolves longwearing makeup, even waterproof mascara. The Sephora website says that it is suitable for contact lens wearers and I 100% agree! It doesn’t irritate my eyes if I forget to take my contacts out before wiping away my eye makeup. I use these cotton rounds from Target to help get all the makeup off from my eyes and lips!

    You can also find this at:

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    TORY BURCH Love Relentlessly Perfume – $30-$118

    I actually bought this the day before my London trip because I ran out of perfume and was looking for something new to wear. I usually go towards more floral scents and this one is filled with Pink Pepper, Rose, Orris, and Sandalwood. Love Relentlessly captures the euphoric feeling of falling in love and the bottle is so pretty. This perfume comes in the roller size (perfect for traveling) and three other sizes that you spray on yourself.

    You can also find this perfume at:

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    So there you have it, those are my top items that are currently on repeat in my beauty routine. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me! Let me know if you end up picking up any of my fave items!

    XOXO

  • Ipsy – February 2018

    Ipsy – February 2018

    Happy Wednesday! It’s a short week for me this week at work! I had no work on Monday because of President’s Day and then Friday is my day off! Thank goodness because I am already exhausted! I’ve been sooo busy; Robert and I found a condo to rent, so we’ve been doing a TON of prep (but more on that later).

    Let’s get back to what I’m really talking about…my FEBRUARY IPSY bag. I review what comes in my bag every month and sometimes I get the brands that I’ve chosen in my preferences and other times I do not.

    If I’m being completely honest, every month when my bag comes I go back and forth on whether or not I want to continue subscribing or not. This was one of those months that makes me want to keep receiving my bag every month.

    With all that being said, I’ll share with you what I got in my pouch this month:

    For starters, the theme of this month’s bag was UNZIPPED. The bag was super cute; it’s a blush pink with black lace trim.

    The Products:

    1. Ofra Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in ipsy Unzipped Value for 5 g= $16

    The full size (6 g) tube retails for $20. This liquid lip color stays in check all day. One swipe in the A.M. lasted through breakfast, lunch, and happy hour. It’s really creamy and moisturizing, so you won’t have to keep applying balm over it to avoid that dreaded dry lip feeling. This shade is an exclusive ipsy shade, made just for this month’s bag. You can find a variety of other colors on the OFRA website. I’m not a huge fan of this shade, but I love that it’s an Ipsy exclusive which means not a lot of people will have this!

    1. Trestique Mini Eye Pencil in Swiss ChocolateValue for 0.22 g = $9.50    

    The full size liner retails for $19. Liquid liner-phobe? No prob. This creamy gel formula glides on like a liquid, but its way easier to use. It lasts for 16 full hours – aka from your early A.M. meeting until your post-dinner cocktails (and then some). This ultra-versatile pencil’s possibilities are endless. Going for a super fine, subtle line? Done. Into creating a killer smokey eye? Smudge it out. Feeling something in the middle? Go for it! This liner comes in 3 different shades. I love a good eyeliner, the only thing I wish was different about this one is the color; I’m more of a black eyeliner gal. On another note, it glides on super smooth, but I don’t know if I would pay $19 for this eyeliner.

    1. Eva NYC Freshen Up Dry ShampooValue for 0.75 oz = $4.50

    The full size (5.3 oz) retails for $12, but you can also purchase the 1 oz can for $6 (perfect for your gym bag or travel). It does more than revive your blowout – it’s made with vitamin C and fatty acids that shine up your hair, nourish it from the inside out, and repair damage. Natural rice starch absorbs oils quickly without leaving any residue. I love trying out new dry shampoos! This one smells great and doesn’t leave my hair feeling heavy or sticky. I would definitely buy this one again and I love that it’s reasonably priced and that you can get it from a ton of different retailers. This is also available at:

    1. BLAQ Meteor Shower Value for 50 g =$12.50

    The full size retails for $24.95, but is currently sold out. Ok guys, this grainy-textured scrub is made with actual meteorite powder. Yup, from space. We’ll let that sink in. curious about where your Meteor Shower landed? Track it using the code on the back of the package. Activated charcoal detoxifies your skin by drawing out impurities from your pores so you’ll feel squeaky clean after you use it. It leaves teeny little particles of shimmer on your skin, so you’ll have an otherworldly glow after you shower with it. I haven’t tried this one yet, but I love BLAQ products! This is also sold on Amazon, but is currently sold out as well.

    1. Luxie Beauty Blending and Shading Eye Brush 249 Value = $24.00

    FULL SIZE PRODUCT! One brush to get any eye look you dream up? You bet. This ipster-exclusive, double-sided beauty is tapered on one side (for packing down your powder shadows) and fluffy on the flip side (for oh-do-easy blending). It’s too cute to not show off. The rose gold handle is tres chic. The super soft bristles are synthetic, so no furry friends were harmed in the making of your fluffy new brush. Y’all know I’m not always a huge fan of brushes, and this was no exception. I honestly just don’t need any brushes right now and I’ve even rated them as “not interested” when I do my review. I couldn’t find the brush I got in my bag, but I’m linking a similar one here.

    For the month of February, my bag was worth about $66.50 (I can’t be 100% sure since I guess on both the eyeliner and the body scrub). With almost 2 full size products, the $10 you pay for the bag is such a steal! This bag is actually super high compared to other bags I’ve received. Like I mentioned above, I was pleasantly surprised by my bag this month.

    The cost of the box every month is $10 + tax and free shipping. So for 5 products (one of which should be full size, the low price is a pretty good bargain. The bag is great if you’re looking to try out different products that you may not currently use. Another perk to the bag is that every product that comes in your bag also has a discount code for that brand! So not only do you get a great product, you can also buy the full size at a cheaper price.

    To subscribe to Ipsy use my referral link to discover new brands/products that you might come to love that you wouldn’t otherwise try!

    XOXO

    p.s Let me know if you got anything different that you absolutely loved!

  • 12 DAYS OF BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR

    12 DAYS OF BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR

    Happy Monday!! Can y’all believe it’s almost Christmas!? Where did December go?? I got this advent calendar quite a while ago and I’m only just now getting around writing about it. With all the shopping and holiday party planning I’ve been doing, I just ran out of time to share this with y’all.

    12 days 1

    Get merry and bright with the 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, a Target Exclusive! This unique curation is a great way to sample favorite items from some of our top brands to keep you looking and feeling festive all season long.

    12 days 2

    The box is an unbelievable value of $58 for ONLY $15! I’ve never gotten this Advent Calendar from Target before so I was super anxious to see it in person and try everything out! This box is still in stock and can be purchased here.

    12 days 3

    Here is a BREAKDOWN of the goodies:

    1. Maybelline Great Last Mascara– Value for 0.15 oz = $1.56

    A full size, 0.43 oz., tube retails for $4.49 in store. “This mascara features a lash-doubling formula that glides on to build great-looking lashes. The lash-building brush makes it easy to get a full-lash look.”  This mascara was also in the November Beauty Box that Target offers once a month. I think that this mascara works well and is fairly inexpensive. I used to use this brand ALL the time, but somewhere along the way, strayed away but I think I may be making my way back to this mascara after testing this one out!

    1. e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator– Value = $3.00

    FULL SIZE!! “A sweet sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils to nourish and protect.” This is not a product that I was particularly excited to receive, and did not actually try it out. I’m sure that the product is great, but it’s not something that I was interested in.

     

    1. HASK Argan Oil Repairing Shine – Value for 0.625 oz. = $0.25

    A regular 15 oz. bottle of this oil is $5.99 in the store. “This lightweight, alcohol-free oil absorbs instantly to provide frizz-free shine without leaving an oily residue. Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and penetrates hair to restore shine and provide soft, silky results in dry, damaged hair.” I have actually used this product before and liked it. With the weather in SoCal being so dry lately, I found this to be the perfect remedy to keep my hair healthy and shiny.

     

    1. Acure Eye Cream–Value for 1 oz. = $8.99

    This is a full size product!! “Edelweiss extract and chlorella provide deep hydration to protect the skin’s moisture barrier…you won’t believe your eyes.” Unfortunately, this was another product that I did not try. I really wanted to like/try everything in this box, but my eyes are sooo sensitive that I couldn’t risk having a reaction to this eye cream.

     

    1. Pixi Glow Tonic–Value for 0.5 oz. = $2.20

    A full 3.4 oz. bottle of this retails for $15 in store. “Original 5% Glyolic acid Formula with Aloe Vera and Ginseng. Gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, revealing healthy glowing skin. For all skin types. Clinically proven results.” This was such a life saver the last few weeks with all the wind/dry weather we’ve been getting. My face was soo dry and peely, I looked like I had powder all over that I didn’t know how to blend haha This was a great product and I highly recommend it.

     

    1. Vichy Mineral 89 Face Moisturizer–Value for 0.15 oz. = $1.99

    A full 1.69 oz bottle of this moisturizer retails for $22.49. “Mineral 89 combines the highest concentration of Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water enriched with 15 minerals and Hyaluroinc Acid to enhance long term hydration, essential for healthy skin.” It left my skin feeling super hydrated which was nice. This moisturizer is a little on the pricey side and I probably wouldn’t purchase on my own.

     

    1. NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Stick– Value = $7.99

    This is a full size product. “Get your glow on with the NYX Professional Makeup Bright Idea Stick. This glitzy, shimmering cream cosmetic is perfect for highlighting and strobing, and brings just the right amount of sparkle to your look.” This highlighting stick comes in 8 colors. This is another product that I didn’t try out. I’m not great with makeup as it is, so I don’t even try and get into the whole highlighting thing.

     

    1. Nexxus New York Salon Care Humectress Ultimate Moisture Protein Complex Intensely Hydrating Masque– Value for 1.5 oz. = $3.99

    This is a FULL size product! “Nexxus Humectress Hair Masque for Dry Hair works by binding moisture deep within each hair fiber, distributing Elastin Protein, and creating a protective barrier of moisture.” Hair masks can be such a life saver during the winter months. They’re also great if you get your hair colored on a regular basis as they keep your hair looking healthy and not all dried out! This one is inexpensive and can be used a few times!

     

    1. Honest Beauty Everything Organic Facial Oil – Value for 0.03 oz. = $1.65

    The full size 1 oz container of this facial oil retails for $55. “Replenish moisture-depleted skin by amplifying its natural defenses for a supple, smooth and youthful look. Think antioxidant-dense, pure seed and fruit oils — each drop rich in the same fatty acids and vitamins known to feed your body.” I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again…I am not a face oil kind of girl. I know, I know, there are sooo many benefits to using it, but I’m just not into it at the moment. Plus, the full size of this one is super expensive!

    1. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge – Value = $5.99

    “The rounded sides of the sponge help blend large areas of the face with a repeated dabbing or stippling motion. The precision tip helps cover blemishes and imperfections, and the flat edge helps contour around the eyes and nose.” These are perfect for blending your face makeup and my mom uses them all the time! You can get them pretty much anywhere, but this is a good price!

    1. Eylure False Eyelashes Natural No.031 – Value = $3.74

    “Eylure Naturals No.031 is a loosely woven, compact lash that delivers extra length & fullness. The unique ‘curve’ of Eylure’s lashes allows the lash to ‘hug’ the eye, making application easier and wear completely comfy. Handmade and reusable.” Ok, who doesn’t love a good pair of false lashes? I love putting them on and making it look like I actually have eyelashes for once. These are super inexpensive and go on easily and look super natural if you’re going for that look. I will definitely be purchasing these at a later date.

    1. Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash – Value for 0.7 oz. = $3.99

    “Harness the power of the ocean with marine extracts. Coconut water and natural actives come together in our gentle sulfate-free foaming cleanser that removes daily toxins and make-up.” Ok, this face wash smell sooo good. I threw it in my gym bag and the coconut scent really smells fresh after a nice workout. I would definitely buy this face wash!

    THE VALUE

    For only $15, this box is such a steal! It comes with quite a few full size items which is great! There were so many items that I had never used before that I loved and will be purchasing again. Of course there were a few that I was a little unsure of or wouldn’t pay that high of a price for, but it’s nice to have the option to try them out! This is perfect for trying out a new product that you may not normally buy. This would also make a great last minute Christmas gift for that beauty lover in your life!

    Again, if you would like to purchase this box from Target, you can buy it here.

    XOXO