Friday, July 12, 2013

Review: Revlon Photoready Concealer

Concealer is my number one must-have makeup item.  However, as I've come to realize, when you love a product sooo much, you start to get really picky (judgmental?) about it. All my concealers before this one have been too cakey, not enough coverage, and the ultimate worst -- smelled weird. Also, I like to have a concealer that looks good under the eyes and on blemishes. (Man, is that quite a list. Almost as long as my guy criteria list. I guess when you have to deal with something everyday you want it to be perfect!) Anyways, finally (finally!!) I've found a concealer that is so close to being perfect and definitely a holy grail. And it matches my skin tone perfectly -- bonus!! 

Packaging: For the price it's retailed at, you can't beat the packaging. It's packaged like a lipstick, which I personally love because it's the easiest form to apply. Some people are weary of how sanitary that is, but I think it's fine applying it directly out of the tube if it's for personal use. The only time I use a brush to apply it is when I have an active blemish. The one thing I was concerned about was the plastic lid breaking, but it hasn't so far and I can't even count the number of times I've found it lying on the bottom of my purse.

Formula: This is the part where it might be make it or break it for some people. I have combination oily skin so I have no problem with the formula at all - it's creamy, glides on smoothly, and blends in well with a semi matte finish that looks very natural. It doesn't magnify the fine lines under my eyes, or the pores around my nose. It just makes my skin look naturally flawless. 
BUT, I'm not sure how this would work on dry skin - if it would stick to dry patches, how it would apply - I have no idea. I think you could definitely give it a shot, but no promises from me. 
For me it works well for under the eyes and on blemishes (though it does get a little cakey if the blemishes are big).  It is definitely full coverage concealer  - sometimes I wish they had a foundation stick like this!! Lastly, it has spf 20. (hooray!) Obviously, it's not going to be the biggest source of sun protection (if you're someone who burns easily, layer up on the sunscreen before), but it's good for the summer time. Also, since it is part of the photo ready line you shouldn't have a problem with white reflection. 
Color/Staying Power: The color deep 006 matches my skin tone perfectly. But that is the darkest color in the line which consists of only 6 colors. So overall, the color selection isn't good. As for as staying power, on normal, flat skin I don't find the need to reapply. But if I have specific areas that need covering up (blemish), I might need to reapply halfway through the day, which personally isn't a problem since it's so small and so easy to use. It's like applying  lipstick... on your face. 

The Results:

Pros: 
- small, portable packaging
- matches my skin tone
- good for oily skin
- creamy, easy to blend
- highly pigmented
- lasts most of the day
- can use for blemishes and under the eyes
- inexpensive (under $10, price depends on retailer)

Cons:
- might cling to dry patches (not sure)
- small color range
- slightly cakey on big blemishes

All in all, I love this product and it's completely a holy grail for me. I'm almost down to the near nub of it, and you bet your bootie I will be running down to Target as soon as it's done. Will this be the only thing I pick up then? Ahaha good one. I mean, who can walk into Target, into the makeup aisle furthermore, and pick up only one thing. Certainly not me, the guilty, self confessed, self diagnosed, beauty addict. 




Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Trying to Eat Healthy... The Struggle.

The words 'healthy food' and 'summer break' just don't go together. I mean, what's better than Ben & Jerry's Phish Food on a hot summer night, or ribs at a barbecue? Having a body like Miranda Kerr is what. But let's be realistic you can't be as fit as a Victoria Secret Model and enjoy yummy summer delights.
I have been loving healthy and yummy foods. Snacks that taste really good, but aren't going to ruin all the handwork you just put in at the gym. 


Chocolate Soy Milk
a.k.a. the hot (err cold?) chocolate of summer. I never thought I would like soy milk - I mean just the name sounds gross *shivers*. But chocolate soy milk is heaven. I'm not much of a milk drinker but this is a perfect pick me up after dinner - sweet as chocolate, but not as bad for you. 

Skinny Pop
My popcorn cravings never seem to end. And actually plain popcorn it's supposed to be a healthy snack. But it isn't always tasty. When I heard that there is an all natural, cholesterol free, trans fat free, fair free, gluten free, non GMO, and a good source of fiber version of popcorn, I freaked. What? Is there actually a healthy and yummy popcorn? Hit me up. And I've been obsessed ever since, I mean, Skinny Pop's popcorn is made with just all natural popcorn, sunflower oil, and salt. 

Avocado
I hadn't tried this vegetable for a long time, but recently did, and I've been obsessed! It tastes so good and it's healthy too! Avocado has a 'good' fat in it that supposedly burns really fast. I've been loving this in salads, BLT sandwiches, on crackers - everything. And it's great to use as a face mask for those of you with dry skin because it's very moisturizing - as proven by my Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment that I looove. 

Trader Joe's Bagel Chips and Hummus. 
Yes you read that correctly. No not Pita chips. I'm too unique to be cliche and eat pita chips with hummus so I decided to try bagel chips. And man was it heaven. That's all I've got to say. 

And that's it for now! Let me know what healthy snacks you've been loving because what you eat matters just as much as what you do - you won't lose weight or become more fit by just working out - you need to eat lots of veggies and fruits too! 
 
Template designed using TrixTG