Product Reviews

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 2: La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Anthelios 60 SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk and Sunscreen Lotion Spray, and the Sun Bum Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion and Spray

May 7th, 2021 by Karen 10 Comments

I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and this is a new series reviewing the hits and misses!

For more, check out:

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint and Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

You may have noticed that things have been serious around here lately with regard to sun protection. ??️

This cat lady and her cat companion don’t mess around, ha!

La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Anthelios 60 SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk for Face and Body

This moisturizing and water-resistant fragrance-free chemical sunscreen for face and body is made for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Pretty much every spot I put this on feels great — my arms, legs, face, neck. It’s just like applying a regular old body lotion, and after it absorbs, it dries to a velvet finish that doesn’t feel sticky. There’s nary a greasy limb in sight! It just feels comfy. It hasn’t triggered any breakouts for me, and no burning or stinging eyes.

I mean, I know it’s just a sunscreen, but it’s a delight to wear. Please, however, remember to budget time for it to set and absorb completely before putting on any light or white clothing because it will leave yellow stains on white shirts. Yup, this is a lesson I learned the hard way. Thankfully, I got the stains out of my shirts, but I cannot say it enough — LET THIS BAD BOY DRY DOWN.

Even with the staining issue, I still like it a lot. It’s moisturizing, non-sticky, doesn’t leave behind any cast whatsoever, and I can load up on multiple layers throughout the day without any pilling. It also works well with other skin care products and makeup.

A 5-oz. tube with a flip cap is $35.99 at Ulta. It’s PRICEY, but I’d totally buy it again. I’ll be dancing into summer with it by my side.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 60

Basically, the same as the lotion sunscreen above but in an aerosol spray. I think it works just as well too, but one big advantage is its watery consistency, which makes it easier and faster to rub into skin. It’s useful to have when I’m touching up on sunscreen at lunchtime and feeling lazy.

Here’s how I like to apply it: I cup my hand and point the nozzle into my palm to spray liquid in there first, and then I rub the liquid on my arms, legs, etc. I don’t like spraying it directly on my body willy-nilly because I feel like it misses too many spots, ya know?

Please note, I’d recommend waiting for the liquid to dry completely because, like the lotion, it stains light or white clothing.

A 5-oz. bottle is $24.99 at Ulta. I’d buy this again if it were on sale, but I don’t know if I’d call this my holy grail spray because of the potential for staining… I’m going to keep searching for one that won’t stain my clothes.

Sun Bum UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion

I see this brand all the time at outdoorsy type places like Sports Basement, and I’ve always wondered if it was any good. Long story short, it is!

No cast, stays on like glue, but oh, the scent… It’s very strong. I like it because it’s yummy, like a coconut smoothie, but dang — I feel like I’m trapped in a tropical bar listening to the Steve Miller Band’s greatest hits all night long. In other words, you gotta be in the mood.

I’ve only used it on my body so far, so I can’t say how well it does on the face and neck, but both Connor and I wore this on our arms and legs on a very hot, sunny day last week, and neither of us picked up *any* color whatsoever. It really does seem to freakin’ work wonders at screening skin from the sun.

Other things to love? The satin finish is super pretty, and the formula isn’t sticky at all. Plus, it layers well.

Note: when you get into the shower or bath at night, expect to spend a little extra time removing it with a washcloth or an oil-based cleanser because it does such a good job of staying on skin that it’s actually hard to remove.

A big 8-oz. bottle is $15.99 at Ulta. The super strong coconut scent is a little much for an everyday sunscreen, but I still love this enough to buy it again for the beach or camping.

Sun Bum UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Spray

The spray version is exactly like the lotion but in liquid form, and it’s just as lovely. This is the sunscreen I bring to Connor’s playdates at the park for touchups.

A 6-oz. bottle is $15.99 at Ulta. I like the price, and it works great, so even with the strong coconut scent, I’ll buy it again.

Happy sunscreen-ing, my friend! ?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!!!! ?

Bite Beauty Upswing Extreme Longwear Liquid Eyeliner

March 10th, 2021 by Karen 6 Comments

This product does not bite.

There, I said it. ?

Bite’s new $25 matte black liquid liner has flower power. (Side note: I just threw up a double-peace sign.) By flower power, I don’t mean in the “Let’s come together and love one another, man!” way. I’m referring to passion fruit flowers.

It’s the not-so-secret ingredient in this “clean” (air quotes) formula to stop smudging, transferring and flaking.

Also, remember when “carbon black” was the hottest thing in eyeliner and mascara? So many products boasted about being “carbon black.” Well, this liner is actually carbon black-free (I’m honestly unsure if that’s a good or bad thing).

The liner has a long wand with a flexible, thin brush, which broke my heart a little when I first saw it because I typically do better with pen-style liners. For whatever reason, they’re just easier for me to hold and easier to execute a wing or a baby kitten flick with. Just a personal preference.

I’m fine using this wand along the lash line, and I can draw thin, precise lines with it there, but when I get out to the wing with it, I’m a mess. I can eventually get there, but it requires cleaning up the edges with a Q-tip and some makeup remover to get a chiseled edge I like. So there’s that.

The liner itself is really beautiful, though. It’s a deep, dark true black without any blue or red undertones, and each layer is intensely pigmented.

The formula also glides and dries in about a minute, which is nice and quick, so it doesn’t transfer up into my lids when I blink.

I haven’t worn it for a full 12-hour period yet, but I have worn it from shortly after dawn till dusk, and it does just fine. No flaking or fading in that time.

If you’re good with a wand applicator and looking for a “clean” product in the $25 range, put it on your list of possibilities to try.

FYI, Honest Beauty’s liquid liner is comparable. It also has a wand with a flexible tip, a similarly rich black color without any weird undertones, and it’s $9.99. That said, the Beauty Beauty one is a smidgen darker and smoother, IMO, and consequently a little easier to use, but both are quite good.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Lancôme Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara’s Got Lift and Length Locked Down When It Comes to WFH Chic

February 19th, 2021 by Karen 7 Comments

lancome idole lash — Lancôme’s latest mascara lifts and fans.

Can we talk about how great mascara is for a minute?!

I mean, very few things survived The Great Makeup Culling of 2020 in my makeup bag. But mascara did.

I usually go for “all teh drama” (See: Bite Beauty Upswing, Laura Mercier Caviar) because I like my fringe brash and bold. I like volume, length, curl and all the drama for your mama, but if you primarily want length and lift, you might like Lancôme’s latest. It’s called Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara, and it’s $26.

It lifts, fans, curls and separates lashes with a cool curved brush and a lightweight gel formula that doesn’t make my lashes crunchy, clumpy or heavy.

I think it creates a lovely natural-ish lash look that really goes well with minimal makeup, like brows that a lightly filled in, sheer bases, soft blush tints and maybe a lipstick or balm. Think WFH chic.

If, however, you need more KAPOW in the same price range, check out Bite’s or Laura’s mascaras.

lancome idole mascara after — Wearing two layers of Idôle

lancome idole mascara before — The before!

Idôle is available now, and it comes in just one shade, Glossy Black. A full-size tube is $26, but they also have a travel-sized tube for $14.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!!!!

It’s a CeraVe Jamboree! CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream Releases Moisturizing Ingredients All Night Long

January 28th, 2021 by Karen 5 Comments

This month I’m highlighting skin care products from CeraVe, a most-excellent drugstore brand. It’s a CeraVe jamboree! This week’s allstar is a notable night cream for all skin types — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream.

Why does this night cream not come in a big ol’ vat…? Because it should! Yes, the dainty jar is convenient and cute. Also, yes, technically, one only needs to use a little (just a few tiny dots), but a supersized, super-fantastic jar if this hella hydrating, no-frills night cream needs to happen!

To the gals and guys who love rich bedtime moisturizers, CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream could be a game-changer.

Made for all skin types, this fragrance-free, time-released face cream parses out intensely moisturizing ingredients throughout the night, so, as you sleep, your skin constantly receives a steady stream of moisture via CeraVe’s signature essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (among other ingredients).

Benefits

Helps soften and renew the look of tired skin overnight

Provides intense hydration

MVE Technology: This patented delivery system continually releases moisturizing ingredients for all night hydration

Biomimetic peptides: Improve the appearance of tired-looking skin

Ceramides: Help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier

Hyaluronic acid: Helps retain the skin’s natural moisture

Niacinamide: Helps calm the skin

Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free

Developed with dermatologists

— cerave.com

It’s a trite term, but I have “combo skin,” meaning in my case that I have an oily forehead, dry cheeks, and my face is acne-prone allllll over. I use a retinol, a BHA and benzoyl peroxide daily, and I think that one of the reasons I can tolerate all of that exfoliation is because I use CeraVe Night Cream every night.

Right after I get out of the shower, when my skin is still damp, I dab a few dots on my forehead, cheeks, chin and neck, and gently massage it in. Then I leave it to fully absorb while I put Connor to bed and prep for the next morning. Then, right before ~~I pass out~~ I go to bed, I apply a thin layer of retinol.

This stuff isn’t greasy (a.k.a. no sticky neck), it layers well underneath the retinol I’m currently using, and, most importantly, it’s rich enough to keep the painful peeling and dryness at bay. I probably wouldn’t be able to keep going with all of the acids, retinol and exfoliating products if I weren’t using this. To be blunt, it makes a big difference.

It’s definitely on the pricey side for drugstore skin care (about $20 for a 1.7-oz. jar, depending on where you get it), but a little goes a long way. Right now it’s $18.49 at Ulta, and they’re currently doing a buy one, get one for 50% off online, so if you’re curious, that might be the way to go.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

I’ve Found the Perfect Pale Blue Denim Nail Polish, and It’s Only $8

January 21st, 2021 by Karen 13 Comments

duri when in rome — When in Rome, a stunner of a shade by Duri. Tee: Nap Then Attack

I’ve hoarded/fan girl-ed pastel blue nail polishes ever since Hard Candy Sky burst on the nail scene in the 1990s.

I kid you not — my mind was BLOWN.

For you young’ns out there, this may come as an unfathomable surprise, but the world used to have limited nail polish color options. Yes, there was a time when you couldn’t easily find a bottle of blue polish because it wasn’t a thing yet.

Craziness, I know!

In my case, ever since that fateful bottle of Hard Candy Sky, I’ve been a bonafide creamy pastel blue hoarder. If you love ’em as much as I do, don’t sleep on When in Rome, a pale denim grayish blue by Duri.

A hidden gem ?

Duri is a small, family run under-the-radar brand from New York, but you can find them at nail salons…for whenever we all start going back to them…as well the Duri website, Walmart and Amazon.

Duri carries a full range of nail products at reasonable prices, like When in Rome, which is just eight dollars!

What make it stand out in a sea of baby blues?

When in Rome has a slightly lavender-gray undertone, which gives it a moodiness uncommon to pastel blues, so it’s less like baby blue “It’s a Boy!” baby shower decorations, and more like an expensive pair of light wash denim blue skinny jeans.

Or, imagine the sky on a cool, crisp, clear winter day. That’s When In Rome. It’s moody yet hopeful…which sounds like me in a nutshell, HAHAHA! ?

It’s completely opaque, by the way, so there isn’t any sheerness at all, and it’s durable too! I’m already five days in, and I’ve yet to see a chip or dent.

If you happen to find yourself perusing the Duri website, FYI, the pics for When in Rome look completely different than what I see in real life! I’ve triple-checked my bottle and also searched online, and When In Rome is definitely a pale blue everywhere else. Weird!

Still, I’m lovin’ the shade, and after weeks of naked fingertips, I’m excited to paint my paws again. ?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

It’s a CeraVe Jamboree! CeraVe Healing Ointment Soothes Dry, Cracked Skin

January 14th, 2021 by Karen 6 Comments

This month I’m highlighting skin care products from CeraVe, a most-excellent drugstore brand. It’s a CeraVe jamboree! This week’s allstar is a bomb balm for soothing cracked, dry skin — CeraVe Healing Ointment.

When I put this on, my skin goes ahhhh!

If your skin ever gets so dry that it cracks and stings — which is what happens to me on the corners of my lips and around my nostrils on occasion — this balm is the product you never knew you needed.

(I just smothered a thick layer on my lips, and now all is right with the world…)

CeraVe Healing Ointment is a thick, non-greasy unscented balm made to soothe, moisturize and relieve chapped, chafed or cracked skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and CeraVe’s signature ceramides for hydration, along with petrolatum, an occlusive ingredient that locks in moisture.

You may have heard about petrolatum — which is regularly found in lotions and creams because of its ability to seal in moisture — as it’s been negatively viewed in some skin care circles, but according to some dermatologists, the bad rap is unwarranted. This post by Byrdie on petrolatum does a great job of breaking it down if you want to know more.

This particular product works for me, and my skin loves it, especially now that 1) it’s winter, and 2) I’ve been riding the retinol train every night. C’mon ride the train…the retinol train. WOO WOO!

Sorry, random ’90s dance flashback moment! (You know you love that song though.)

Benefits

Made to protect, soothe and moisturize skin

Suitable for dry, cracked and chafed skin

Fragrance-free and lanolin-free

Ceramides: Help restore and maintain skin’s natural barrier

Hyaluronic acid: Helps retain skin’s natural moisture

Non-comedogenic, preservative-free and dye-free

Accepted by the National Eczema Association

— cerave.com

I apply it on dry, cracked spots throughout the day whenever I need it, and all over different parts of my body as needed — lips, heels, on minor paper cuts (why do I get so many?), cuticles and all over my hands. The moment I rub it in, my skin physically feels better. The stinging stops, as does any itching or tightness. In a day or so, things are back to normal again.

Want more CeraVe?

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser Handles Dry Skin Like a Champ

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Your Body and Face: Highly Recommended for All My Alligator People!

LOVE THIS SO MUCH! I keep a mini tube in my little black backpack, a tube on my nightstand (I like to slather it on before bed) and a tube on my desk because that’s when I usually look down at my hands on the keyboard and realize — HOLY CRAP — that those paws need some moisture ASAP.

Yes, you can type right after you apply it because it really isn’t greasy at all!

A 3-oz. tube is $9.99, and you can find it at drugstores, Target and Ulta. By the way, Ulta still has buy one, get one for 40% off on their website, so if you like a deal, there ya go.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy National Dress Up Your Pet Day! Rosie wanted to wear her favorite calculator collar today.

Unsung Makeup Heroes: Urban Decay Stay Naked Threesome in Naked

January 12th, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

urban decay stay naked threesome top — One of THE BEST things Urban Decay makes IMO, hands down!

What’s an unsung makeup hero? For me, it’s an oftentimes underrated makeup morsel, a permanent collection product that scoots under the radar screen of many makeup lovers but regularly rocks my world. The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorites.

I’m totally over pervy names for beauty products (Anyone else? I feel like it’s just lazy language!), but the Urban Decay Stay Naked Threesome is one of the best everyday products in the entire line, so I just shake my head, accept the perviness, and call it my favorite bronzer-blush-highlighting palette instead.

This trio of fab face powders comes in light, medium and dark options. I use the medium one called…wait for it…Naked.

UD often has a well-deserved rep for bold bling-bling products, but this palette is surprisingly subdued. It’s really a workhorse because it removes the guesswork from picking products for perfectly flushed cheeks.

Naked includes a warm medium golden bronzer (don’t worry, it’s not too orange) with a soft sheen finish, a warm golden beige highlighter with a pearly finish, and a matte warm pink blush.

urban decay stay naked threesome swatch — I’m an NC42 in MAC.

The delicate powders have a dainty, Chanel-esque quality when they’re on my cheeks, which I love (ya girl cannot do overly aggressive powdery powders now that ~~her pores have been ballooned due to age~~ she’s older/wiser ?). All three are pigmented, too, yet I can still blend and smooth any edges with ease.

More to love…

The colors last all day.
Vegan
Sturdy, secure packaging with a big mirror (Side note: It does not include a brush, which I’m cool with because I end up using my own anyway.)
Works great with both warm and cool lip colors — particularly pinks, reds and corals.
Bronzer and highlighter can double as a eyeshadows in a pinch.

urban decay stay naked threesome — I’m wearing the bronzer, blush and highligheter.

BASE: First Aid Beauty Hyaluronic Hydrating Primer, It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare in Tan Warm 41, Kevyn Aucoin Supernatural Concealer in Medium EC06, Estee Lauder Hydra Prep 24HR Concealer in Medium Deep Warm, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Translucent Honey

EYES: MAC Brun and Urban Decay Brow Beater in Neutral Brown (brows), NARS Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base in Light (eyeshadow base), MAC Brule (all over lid), MAC Cork (lower lash lines and lids), MAC Saddle (crease), Chanel Black Wood with a little MAC Brun smudged on top (liner) Urban Decay Cannonball with Bite Beauty Upswing (mascara)

LIPS: MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipstick in Crossfade mixed with Sorry Not Sorry

Oh, and if you’re feeling too lazy to do a separate blush, bronzer and highlighter, just swirl all three powders together with a large face brush, and blend a light layer over bare cheeks or your favorite tinted moisturizer. Magic, I tell ya!

Naked is totally worth the coveted space in your everyday makeup bag. It’s $36, and you can find it now in the Urban Decay permanent line.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

New Urban Decay Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator: Long-Lasting Hydration in a Skin-Like Base

January 8th, 2021 by Karen 4 Comments

urban decay hydromaniac — There’s a new base in town.

I was perusing the list of ingredients for Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator, Urban Decay’s latest foray into moisturizing foundations, and I started getting thirsty! It contains fermented black tea, also known as kombucha (which is such a great word, isn’t it?) and ginger extract (for skin brightening) — both which sound like the start of zesty afternoon drink that you’d pour over ice and squeeze a wedge of lemon into.

AHHH, delicious!

Urban Decay has a new hydrating, long-wearing base with a luminous finish called Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator. It has some pretty ingredients for brightening and moisturizing, like kombucha, marula and argan oil, and ginger extract. It comes in 12 shades that are $29 each (1.1 ounces), and you can grab it now on the Urban Decay website.

INGREDIENTS (INGRÉDIENTS): AQUA / WATER / EAU, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, DICAPRYLYL ETHER, GLYCERIN, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, DEXTRIN MYRISTATE, HYDROGENATED STYRENE/METHYLSTYRENE/INDENE COPOLYMER, PEG-8, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, CHLORPHENESIN, ETHYL MENTHANE CARBOXAMIDE, SACCHAROMYCES/XYLINUM/BLACK TEA FERMENT, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, SCLEROCARYA BIRREA SEED OIL, ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT / GINGER ROOT EXTRACT, SODIUM CITRATE, CITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, BIOTIN. [+/- (MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR): CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES]. (D250959/1)

Hydromaniac is Urban Decay’s latest foray into skin-like bases, and it’s designed as a medium-coverage product to even out skin tone and freckles ever-so-slightly, although it can be layered for full coverage). The lightweight liquid foundation moisturizes with marula and argan oils while leaving a luminous, natural-looking finish behind.

urban decay hydromaniac 50 — I’m wearing 50 underneath my eyes, on my cheeks and in the center of my forehead. The lipstick is Urban Decay Menace, and the blush/bronzer/highlighter is the Urban Decay Stay Naked Threesome palette in Naked.

The luminosity isn’t “blinged out” to the extreme, so you don’t get a high-shine pearl, a la Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter. This is more like the subtlest sheen. It’s comparable to medium-coverage tinted moisturizers like Skin Feels Good by Lancôme and Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer by First Aid Beauty. If you like either of those, you’ll probably dig Hydromaniac too… Well, that is, if you can find a shade that matches your skin.

I’m STILL a MAC NC42 after all these years, and I’ve ended up with 50 Medium Warm, which is a little bit too light for me to haphazardly blend all over my entire face, but I can wear it under my eyes, on my cheeks and down the center of my forehead, which is where I like the most coverage anyway. It has a minor highlighting effect on my face, too, which I like. I just have to really buff out the edges to prevent any obvious lines of demarcation where the product fades into my jawline and up into the the perimeter of my forehead.

A few more things of note…

Pore blurring: Hydromaniac has a minor blurring effect, which I think is lovely.
Long wearing: Urban Decay calls it a “24HR” formula, and to remove it, I do need to do a double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser first, followed by CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser afterward.
No SPF: Many similar lightweight foundations/tinted moisturizers contain SPF, but Hydromaniac does not.
Vegan formula: Yup, it’s vegan. ?

urban decay hydromaniac 50 swatch — Medium Warm 50

Bottom line, I like the interesting ingredients, and I appreciate that Urban Decay is offering something for people who prefer less coverage than full. My skin still looks like my skin, and I love how I don’t feel it sitting on top of my face. It’s very comfortable! I’d say that there’s also a good amount of moisture, but I wouldn’t rely on this as my one-and-only face moisturizer.

The only thing is…I sure do wish there were more shades. If you can find one that works for you, I say go for it!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!