Skin Care

What Are Your Tried-and-True Skincare Ingredients?

October 28th, 2021 by Karen 17 Comments

Does your skin love retinol? Hyaluronic acid? Ceramides? I’m curious to know what ingredients are your tried-and-true skincare superheroes.

If you want, you can also share your skin type and what your main concerns are, if you’re feeling extra chatty in the comments.

I’ll start!

I have combination skin. My skin is dry on my cheeks and around my mouth, and oily in my T-zone. I have two main concerns: hormonal acne (UGH) and what I like to call my “experience lines.”

My tried-and-true ingredients are benzoyl peroxide, retinol, vitamin C (especially when it’s combined with ferulic acid, like in the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum). My skin also seems to respond well to beta hydroxy acid.

For the last few months I’ve been dipping my figurative toes into tranexamic acid for hyperpigmentation on my cheeks, but I don’t know if it’s actually doing anything for me yet, so the jury’s still out.

What about you? What are your tried-and-true skincare ingredients?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Get Glowing With 5 Products From Honest Beauty

August 25th, 2021 by Karen 6 Comments

honest beauty glowing skin august 2021 — Saying yes to all the things!

You’d think logic would dictate that a makeup look with a minimal base would equal minimal products on your face, but if you love beauty products as much I do, you know that’s not always the case.

It’s a little something I like to call “the project junkie’s curse” — when you willingly and happily slather on every lotion and potion in the pursuit of an allegedly minimal look.

The curse hit me hard this morning. I was getting ready to meet my friend Judy for coffee and only had 10 minutes before I had to get out door, and, so, of course, I applied all the skin care products. Then, I applied some more and then even more after that. I know you feel me! 😊

For glowing, healthy-looking skin, I used five hydrating products from cruelty-free brand Honest Beauty.

Oh, by the way, you might’ve noticed that some Honest Beauty products look a little different than they used to. The brand recently changed their packaging to make it more sustainable and recyclable, so if one of your favorites is on this list, and it looks different; that’s why!

1. Elevated Hydration Mist

Oh, is today spa day? Because whenever I spray this lavender-scented face mist, it certainly smells like I’m cocooned in a candlelit room with a soundtrack of gentle whale sounds. The ultra-fine spray showers skin with delicate droplets and, not one, but two types of hyaluronic acid level-up your mug’s moisture. Made for all skin types. J’adore! $17.99.

2. Everything Primer Glow + 2HA

Hyaluronic acid and fruit extracts moisturize thirsty skin! If you love a glowing fresh face, this primer is for you. I wear it on minimal makeup days along with mascara and brow pencil, because it smooths out pores and imparts a barely-there pearly sheen. Of course, you could layer it underneath your favorite tinted moisturizer or foundation for an extra-smooth canvas, too. $22.99.

3. Depuff +C Eye Cream

There’s all kinds of stuff in this lightweight eye cream, like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid — two kinds, sodium acetylated hyaluronate and sodium hyaluronate — and a host of botanicals, including sunflower seed oil, daisy extract, hieracium pilosella (commonly known as mouse-ear hawkweed) extract and shea butter. When I pat-pat-pat this cream on my eyes, I swear it feels like my skin is tightening up a little, and, dare I say, I look a teensy less tired. It could be wishful thinking, but I do love how my skin feels, so I keep using it. $23.99.

4. Calm & Porefect Serum

Made for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin (it has even the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance), this serum moisturizers and exfoliates. I feel like a fancy lady when I hold the glass bottle, which, FYI, is recyclable. Just be sure to completely rinse out all of the product before chucking it in the recycling bin. $29.99.

5. Hydrogel Cream

Jojoba, squalane and hyaluronic acid nourish thirsty skin in this lightweight but moisturizing face cream. Its dewy finish is key to the whole fresh-faced aesthetic, which is why I love it. $19.99.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Empties! Skin Care and Hair From CeraVe, Pattern, Hawaiian Tropic and More

August 3rd, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

empties august 2021 — Stuff I’ve finished!

I’ve used up quite a few beauty items over the last month! Mostly, skin care (I’m obsessed, apparently), but a smattering of hair care products, too. Consequently, here are my two cents on what’s worth your time…

Pattern Leave-In Conditioner

One of the BEST leave-ins I’ve ever tried — ever! — so I’m totally buying another bottle. For reference, my hair is wavy, on the drier side, and it needs a lot of hydration. If your curls/waves desire major moisture as well, just squeeze a dollop into your palms (it smells faintly of honeysuckle), and then work it through your strands for smooth, hydrated hair with plenty of volume.

FYI, it’s silicone-free! $25 for a 9.9-ounce tube.

CeraVe Healing Ointment

This thick, rich petrolatum-based moisturizer has become a staple at our house because it does a bit of of everything. I use it on all of the dry parts that frequently require extra TLC, like my lips, cuticles, heels and hands, and when I overdo it a little on the chemical exfoliators or retinol and it hurts to smile 😬 (you know the feeling), I dab a little at the corners of my mouth and around the base of my nostrils, and all is well with the world…

It’s also a minor miracle worker on the scrapes, scratches and bug bites Connor seems to get daily from playing hard on the playground. It seems to speed up the recovery process, too. I love this enough to get it in a large size.

$10.99 for a 3-ounce tube.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Why do all of my favorite skin care things run out at the same time? LOL! I’ve been steadily using the CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser in the morning and the Hydrating Facial Cleanser at night for several months, and I’m quite happy with the results. They’re gentle and don’t strip my combination dry and oily skin, and they don’t aggravate my acne either. Good stuff.

I love trying new face washes, so I’ll probably get some fresh blood into the mix, but I also plan to keep these guys on standby for when I need something familiar and comforting. An 8-ounce bottle of the Renewing SA Cleanser is $13.99, and a big 16-ounce bottle of the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is $16.99.

Trader Joe’s Hydrating Hyaluronic Body Gel Cream

Grab this quick-absorbing gel cream if you see it at TJ’s, and be sure to use it before fall, because it’s lightweight but yet hella moisturizing — perfect for the dog days of summer. $6.99 for a 12-ounce bottle with a pump.

Hawaiian Tropic AntiOxidant Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

I found this on one of those “best of” lists, and although I like 1) how well it shields my skin from the sun, and 2) how it doesn’t stain my white shirts, the scent bothers me… It smells like plastic and artificial coconuts, and it churns my tummy. I won’t be rebuying it because of that, but if you can get past the smell, it’s a decent and affordable sunscreen. $13.99 for a 6-ounce bottle.

Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF 30

My love for this mineral tinted sunscreen knows no bounds! Totally buying this again. If I find it on sale, OF COURSE I will let you know, girl. $24.49 for a 1.4-ounces tube.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion 50+

This sunscreen was a staple of mine years ago, and I forgot about it for a bit. All I have to say about it now is that we’re reunited, and it feels so good! I still really love it. Yes, it’s pricey, but if your skin is combo and/or dry like mine, you’ll probably love it as well. It’s not drying, doesn’t leave a cast, and it isn’t sticky on skin. It’s also extremely waterproof, so if you’re sweating up a storm like I’ve been lately, trust that it will not run off your face. It smells like a fresh lemon drink and vacation, too. I’ve gone through countless bottles and predict yet another one in my immediate future. $49 for a 5.07-ounce bottle.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%

I love the price of this hydrating serum. It’s super affordable. I’ve been layering it underneath face cream for a moisturizing boost, but I can’t tell if it’s actually doing any heavy lifting… I probably won’t buy it again, but it might be worth trying if you’re curious and have dry skin. $6.80 for 1-ounce bottle with a dropper.

Have you finished anything lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Checking In: Korres and Wander Beauty Masks, a Pressed Powder by bareMinerals and an Upcoming Haircut!

July 27th, 2021 by Karen 12 Comments

korres triple dose wander beauty extended stay — Last Friday night!

Question for ya: do you know what constitutes a really good time at night for me these days (please, for the love of cats, keep your mind out of the gutter, LOL!).

Answer: A double mask session, informally known around these parts as “a double mask sesh.”

The double mask sesh

Um…before you go thinking that I layered an N95 under my Caraa mask before hitting the club, allow me to clarify. When I say double masking, in this case….I’m referring to using two kinds of skin care face masks — the kind you slather onto your skin! — one after another.

DUDE. Only during post-pandemic times can you say something like that out loud, LOL!

I did this last Friday, and it was the TLC I didn’t realize I desperately needed.

Why do two face masks (again, not in reference to the pandemic)? I like to think of it as treating my skin to a double dose of whatever it wants or needs at any given moment, and last Friday I wanted exfoliation and moisture!

I started with Korres Triple Dose Resurfacing Mask, an exfoliating mask loaded with AHAs, BHAs and pomegranate enzymes, which has a slightly grainy texture for those who like a little bit of physical exfoliation action.

Leave it on for three to five minutes (on my combo skin it felt satisfyingly tingly), and then rinse off.

I like very gentle physical exfoliation, so I gently push the grains around with my fingers when I rise the product away with water.

As for the scent? DIVINE. Like a perfect marriage of fruit punch and roses.

After dabbing my skin with a soft towel, I applied a thick layer of Extended Stay Hydrating Mask by Wander Beauty for an extra mega dose of moisture.

wander beauty extended stay hydrating mask — Wander Beauty Extended Stay

Unfortunately, this particular moisturizing mask is no longer available from the line, and it seems they’ve replaced it with Staycation Hydrating Mask. Really, though, any decent hydrating mask will do.

Any time you can treat yourself to an exfoliating mask followed by a hydrating mask is a guaranteed good time, especially on a Friday night. And, of course, it’s totally even better if you’re hanging out with someone… My Friday night date was Rosie, and I did all of this double masking while we hung out on the couch, LOL!

Pressed powder power

This one’s for my people out there who love a pressed powder! I’ve been using this pressed translucent powder by bareMinerals on my oilier-than-normal forehead (summer skin, am I right?), and it really keeps the shine under wraps. It also doesn’t look heavy or powdery.

Added bonus? I can’t feel it sitting on my skin. Granted, I don’t mind a little dewiness on my face, but I draw the line at a hella greasy forehead, which is what happens when it’s hot outside like it has been lately.

(The powder also comes in a bunch of other colors if translucent isn’t your thing.)

One last thing before I jump into this two-part cardio workout with extra vigor…

Get ready to sweat

And sweat some more

I just booked a hair appointment for next month, my first one since last February! I’ve still got time before the appointment to decide how short I’m going to go, but I’m thinking I might do something that just grazes my shoulders…on the possibility that everything shuts down again this fall or winter (please no!!!).

Anybody else nervous about the new variants? All I can think of is how dire everything felt last January, when I was at my loneliest. Can’t think about it now…

Anywho, hair

I’m going back to the same gal who did my hair last time, Ariana Benoit, because, among other reasons, I really like how her cut from February has grown out.

Which leads me to an old tip a hairdresser friend passed onto me years ago — when booking a hair appointment, grab the first one of the day, if you can. That way your stylist buddy is fresh out the gate and ready to go! 👍

Alright. Going to go get my sweat on. Talk soon, yeah?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Product Spotlight: Avene Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen and Tinted Sunscreen 50+

July 20th, 2021 by Karen 12 Comments

I suspect that both of these bad gals will be good to the last drop! (Side note: what’s the last sunscreen you finished?) I’m well on my way to finishing both of the new liquid lotion mineral sunscreens from Avene because they’re THAT good.

Like many makeup huntresses, I’m always on the prowl… I’m always looking for that elusive “no-makeup makeup” skin — just the barest hint coverage, with just enough tint or pigment to even things out a touch, but to find something that delivers a no-makeup makeup look, offers brilliant sun protection, feels light as a feather and leaves absolutely no white cast behind? That’s the stuff of legend, or perhaps just an internet rumor, or a figment of a beauty lover’s imagination… Or is it? I’m starting to believe that the new Avene Solaire sunscreens are as close to “the one” as you can get, and, yes, in case you were wondering, both of them create the most natural-looking dewy finish, so secret admirers will assume your supernatural glow is a natural, rare gift from the heavens above.

avene solaire uv tinted before — Wearing no makeup or sunscreen…

avene solaire uv tinted — And here I am wearing the Tinted version as my base.

Essentially, these are all that and a bag of cheese puffs. After I work in the lotion (it’s very thin and absorbs super quickly), no greasy goo is ever left behind, and my eyes don’t sting, not even after I sweat.

In the tinted version, rather than the typical too-pink beige that seems to be the go-to color of most tinted sunscreens, Avene opted for a darker medium tone. It looks more like a bronzer at first glance, but it should suit most skin tones based on the comments on the Avene website, as long as one blends it in thoroughly. I’m a tan gal, and the tint and sheer coverage are absolute perfection for me.

INGREDIENTS, TINTED:
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: ZINC OXIDE (12%) INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: WATER, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PROPANEDIOL, JOJOBA ESTERS, TRIDECYL SALUCYLATE, METHYLHEPTYL ISOSTEARATE, POLGYCLYCERYL-4 DIISOSTEARATE / POLYHYDROXYSTEATEARATE/SEBACATE, NIACINAMIDE, NYLTON-12, METHYLPROPANEDIOL, COCO-CAPRYLATE, IRON OXIDES, SILICA, AVENE THERMAL SPRING WATER, SODIUM CHLORIDE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, BISABOLOL, ALLANTOIN, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN EXTRACT, LECITHIN, PHENYLPROPANOL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALUS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE, ISOSTEARIC ACID, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE.

INGREDIENTS, UNTINTED:
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: ZINC OXIDE (12%) INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: WATER, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, PROPANEDIOL, JOJOBA ESTERS, TRIDECYL SALICYLATE, METHLHEPTYL ISOSTEARATE, POLYGLYCERYL-4 DIISOSTEARATE / POLYHYDRIXYSTEARATE/ SEBACATE, NYLON-12, NIACINAMIDE, METHYLPROPANEDIOL, COCO-CAPRYLATE, SILICA, AVENE THERMAL SPRING WATER, SODIUM CHLORIDE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 DOPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, BISABOLOL, ALLANTOIN, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN EXTRACT, LECITHIN, PHENYLPROPANOL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) EXTRACT, TOCOPHEOL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE, ISOSTEARIC ACID, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE.

The dry patches and pimples I get sometimes (those jerks), which will avail themselves of any excuse to pop off, haven’t made an appearance when I’ve used either of these sunscreens, so I’ll be keeping them close for the rest of the summer, and perhaps the rest of my life?! That’s a grand statement, but dang, ’tis good stuff.

Oh, yeah, in case you were wondering how the tinted version compares to Bliss Block Star (another rock star tinted mineral sunscreen), Avene’s has a dewy finish, while Block Star is matte. Avene also has a higher SPF at 50+ compared to Block Star’s 30. Both are great, though!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

5 Radiant Summer Skincare Treats From Josie Maran

July 16th, 2021 by Karen 5 Comments

josie maran summer skincare treats — Get head-to-toe glow with Josie Maran this summer.

For some peeps, summer fun means chillin’ underneath a striped umbrella with a fruity drink in hand, and toes in sand…which, yeah, I totally get. I’ve never once in the history of ever said “no” to a beach lounging situation. That’s good summer stuff! 😁

Additionally, for a very specific subset of skincare enthusiasts, including yours truly, summer fun also involves slathering on all the lotions and potions, because right meow’s the time to glow from head to toe, and these five summer skincare products from Josie Maran do just that.

They’re all powered by Argan oil, the star ingredient in all of Josie Maran’s products. Argan oil comes from the kernels of the Argan tree, native to Morocco, and each of these five are cruelty-free and available in Josie’s permanent line.

Pineapple Enzyme Pore Cleaning Cleanser

This exfoliating cleanser contains pineapple fruit extracts and lactic acid, and I’ve been using it in the mornings.

I kinda love it! Not only does this jelly feel cool and oh-so-refreshing first thing in the a.m., but I’m pretty sure it was made exactly for peeps like me who want to say, “Bye, gurl,” to all the dead cells that’ve overstayed their welcome. $28 for a 5.0-oz. bottle with a pump.

It smells a little like a smoothie (but not overwhelmingly so), feels satisfyingly foamy and makes my face glow. 😊

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua)**, Glycerin**, Decyl Glucoside**, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate**, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate**, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate**, Xanthan Gum**, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract**, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract**, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract**, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice**, Fragrance (Parfum)**, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate**, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate**, Phenoxyethanol, Saccharide Isomerate**, Coco-Glucoside**, Glyceryl Oleate**, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lactic Acid**, Citric Acid**, Lactobacillus Ferment**, Sodium Citrate**, Potassium Sorbate**, Sodium Benzoate**, Tocopherol**, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate**. *Organic **Naturally-derived

Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter

If we weren’t totally in the midst of a scary-@ss California drought right now, I would indulge in three baths a day like the queen that I am (totally kidding), just so I could apply this light but powerfully moisturizing whipped body cream…

Did you know that JM and her crew source the retinol from pink algae? Yeah, apparently it’s a thing.

For me, this gentle exfoliating cream smooths my skin without over-drying or causing redness. I’m on my second tub and will surely be getting a third soon. $46 for an 8-oz. jar.

Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride**, Glycerin**, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil*, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate**, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cetearyl Olivate**, Sorbitan Olivate**, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice**, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sclerotium Gum**, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil**, Octyldodecyl PCA**, Squalane**, Ethylhexylglycerin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil**, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes**, Sorbitan Isostearate, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract**, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis (Green & White Tea) Leaf Extract**, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin**, Sodium Benzoate, Quercetin**, Gluconolactone**, Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract**, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil**, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract**, Beta-Carotene**, Citric Acid, Dunaliella Salina Extract**, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil**, Tocopherol. *ORGANIC **NATURALLY DERIVED

Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter

JM packed this rich but lightweight face cream with fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, which is music to my ears…and, uh, my face? The whipped texture melts into my skin, then leaves it soft and smooth.

Tinted mineral sunscreens and makeup play well on top of it, too, so yay to that! My jar says “unscented” on the bottom, but you can also find it in a vanilla bean “flavor” (ha). $42 for a 1.7-oz. jar.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua)**, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate**, Glycerin**, Cetyl Alcohol**, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter **, Dicapryl Carbonate**, Ethylhexyl (Octyl) Palmitate**, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyl Dimethyl Taurate Copolymer**, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride**, Xylitylglucoside**, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Anhydroxylitol**, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate**, Squalane**, Xylitol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polysorbate-60, Stearic Acid**, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract**, Xanthan Gum**, Citric Acid**, Lysolecithin**, Tocopherol**, Watermelon (Citrullus Ianatus) Extract**, Phenoxyethanol, Sclerotium Gum**, Ethylhexylglycerin**, Allantoin**, Potassium Sorbate**, Sodium Phytate**, Panthenol**, Sodium Hyaluronate**, Pullulan**. *ORGANIC **NATURALLY-DERIVED

Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum

Designed to erase dark spots, this rich, moisturizing serum contains tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which many skincare experts consider to be one of the best forms of vitamin C around because of its stability. Along with Josie’s signature Argan Oil, this also has licorice root, rice bran and marshmallow root to soothe and brighten skin. $65 for a 0.85-oz. bottle with a dropper.

Ingredients:
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Coconut Alkanes**, Oleyl Lactate**, Octyldodecyl PCA**, Dimethyl Isosorbide**, Glyceryl Oleate**, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Isostearyl Lactate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate**, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil**, Bisabolol**, Squalane**, Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract**, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract**, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate**, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract**, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract**, Dunaliella Salina Extract**, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil**, Aqua (Water)**, Phloretin**. *Organic **Naturally-derived

Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil

Shout-out to my body’s melanin, which has powered my tan since I said “peace the eff out” to my mom’s womb. 😂 That said, I’m probably not the target market for this self-tanner, but I wanted to mention it because you may be, and because it smells REALLY good. Like…sexy vanilla-and-apricot good. SO GOOD. $39 for a 4.3-oz. bottle.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua)**, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Juice*, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dihydroxyacetone**, Argan Oil Isostearyl Esters**, Glycerin**, Caramel**, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Metabisulfite, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract**, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Tocopherol, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil**, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract**. *Organic **Naturally-derived

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF! 🤗

Checking In: Sales at Ulta, Snail Skin Care, Sunscreen and More!

July 7th, 2021 by Karen 21 Comments

Aloha, amiga! We’re back from Hawaii. Today was the first day I haven’t been surrounded by my family in almost two weeks, and ya know…’twas a little weird. Maybe even a little lonely.

So, naturally, the first place I went for emotional comfort was Ulta. ?

Girl, I know you do the same thing. ? Some days it’s just nice to browse and be out around other beauty lovers.

Some good sales going on right now, like this one on Sun Bum, one of my favorite sunscreens at the moment. The entire line is buy one, get one for 40% off. I was sorely tempted to get backup bottles of my favorite SPF 70 lotion and spray, but I’m well-stocked up at the moment, so I passed.

By the way, I used both the Sun Bum 70 lotion and spray in Hawaii all last week, and they rocked once again. I usually tan merely by walking to/from my car to the house on a sunny day, but I barely picked up any color on this trip, which NEVER happens, ever.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — I’m really, really happy with this line. If you decide to try it, definitely wait for a sale, because it seems to go on sale a lot, at least at Ulta.

Neutrogena skin and sun care items are also on sale (also buy one, get one 40% off). If you like quickly absorbing sunscreens that don’t leave a behind a sticky film, Invisible Defense Lotion SPF 60+ is the way to go. Totally worth buying two bottles.

Interestingly…while I was browsing, I also ran into a new-to-me brand called Peach Slices with three products called Snail Rescue…

Yes, each item contains 95% snail concentrate. ? Um…gross, and wow?

It caught my eye because, I mean, Snail Rescue? Also, while we were in Hawaii, I saw this ginormous snail on one of my morning walks.

That’s my slipper next to it for scale, and I wear a size 7, so it was a fairly massive snail. So crazy!

I’ve never used any skin care products with snail ingredients in them (that sounds so weird)… I like to keep an open mind, but I don’t know if I’ll “go there,” especially not while that giant Hawaiian snail I saw on the side of the road is still fresh in my mind.

I mean, it was almost as big as my foot! ?

Also on the walk with the snail sighting, I ran into another interesting item — a patrol car celebrating the female rear end.

Say hello to The Booty Patrol Car. Side note: Hawaii has the weirdest cars, man.

It has a siren on it and everything!

Goodness gracious, I have so many questions… First of all, who is the driver, and do they ever turn on the siren? Assuming they do, is it only used when they spot “booties of note” passing them by? Also, when they turn on the siren, what exactly do they expect to happen? Because if I had a big, juicy butt, I would NOT get into a car marked “Booty Patrol.” NO WAY. ?

Everything about this car cracks me up, but the oversized peach stickers are particularly amusing to me.

Oh, and speaking of peaches, I’m deeply intrigued by this Peach Pudding Makeup Cleanser, which is also from the same brand that makes the snail stuff.

I may have to buy it eventually just to touch it.

Additional sales of note: there’s a free two-piece gift with any $28 Briogeo purchase (I highly recommend the Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask because it deeply moisturizes without weighing strands down), and Real Techniques is BOGO at 50% off (I bought the brush set years ago and still use and love it).

When you get a chance, please pop in and say hi. I’d love to hear from you. Let me know how you’re doing.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 4: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ For Face/Body, Ulta Beauty

June 2nd, 2021 by Karen 4 Comments

shiseido ulta beauty sunscreen — Yup, more sunscreen!

I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and here are 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

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

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 3: Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF30, Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face, Coppertone Water Babies Fragrance Free SPF 50</li>

Last weekend I had fun in the sun. ? I went to the beach AND the pool (on different days), and it’s my solid belief that any time you get to spend time near a big body of water is a good thing.

And if you also get to test a couple of new sunscreens while you’re at it, that’s even better!

I tried two new-to-me sunscreens, both of which appear on the Valisure “nice list” (you can read about the sunscreen drama here).

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

Wait — technically, only one of the sunscreens is new-ish. It’s a chemical sunscreen called Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen for Face/Body ($49 for a 5-oz. bottle, which works out to $9.80 per ounce).

I used to wear Shiseido sunscreen waaaaay back in the day when MBB was just a wee baby website in 2007 (!). It’s been a few years, though.

I’m happy to say that it’s still around (and still pricey) and, yes, still pretty darn good.

(It’s good…but it’s not nearly as great as the Sun Bum SPF 70 Lotion I’ve been using and loving, but more on that in a sec.)

The good? it’s tinted, so there’s absolutely no white cast, and the texture is on the thinner side, so it absorbs easily and you aren’t left sitting there for half a day rubbing it into your skin. If you like sunscreens with a runnier texture like La Roche-Posay Melt in Milk or Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen, you’ll probably like it.

It’s also very moisturizing, which my dry skin LOVES, and the faint, lovely citrus scent isn’t overpowering.

It’s a little different than I remember it being, though, because after I rub it in, there’s a slightly greasy film left behind, but it dries down in about 15 minutes. It’s not sticky or uncomfortable or heavy, but it’s present…and I can definitely feel something on my skin.

I did a little experiment at the beach last weekend to see how the Shiseido stacks up to the Sun Bum SPF 70 Lotion, which has been my go-to jam lately. I applied the Shiseido on one side of my body and the Sun Bum on the other, and while both sunscreens prevented my skin from picking up much color, the Shiseido side was slightly more tan than the Sun Bum side.

I plan to keep the Shiseido one around until I finish it up because I like how moisturizing it is and how easy it is to apply, but I probably won’t be buying it again because Sun Bum works better and is much more cost-effective at $15.99 for an 8-oz. bottle, which works out to $2 an ounce.

Ulta Beauty Mineral Matte Tinted Face Lotion SPF 30

Speaking of cost effective, here’s a lovely, affordable hidden gem for ya: Ulta Beauty Mineral Matte Tinted Face Lotion SPF 30. This physical sunscreen is available in a single shade, which, frankly shocked me because it actually suits my tan skin tone pretty well (I’m an NC 42 in MAC, for reference).

FYI, I’ve noticed people with lighter complexions in the reviews on Ulta’s website mentioning the tint appearing orange on their skin, so if your skin is fair, please be aware of that.

I like this tinted moisturizer a lot, almost as much as a Bliss Block Star. The price is excellent — $12.99 for 2 ounces ($6.50 per ounce), which is much more affordable than Bliss Block Star, which is $19.99 for 1.4 ounces ($14.28 per ounce!).

Like Bliss Block Star, Ulta Mineral Matte absorbs quickly, layers well both on its own and with makeup, and has a beautiful, natural-looking matte finish. Also, Ulta Mineral Matte has a similarly slippery silicone-y feel to it, like Block Star, so it feels smooth on my face.

The major differences are 1) the scent (Ulta’s is floral and slightly more obvious) and 2) the dry time. Ulta’s takes about 20 more minutes to completely dry down, so you have to be patient.

BUT, IT WORKS. I wore it all last weekend in conjunction with a sun hat, and I didn’t pick up any color on my face!

If your skin tone is in the medium to tan range, don’t hesitate to grab this next time you’re at Ulta. It’s a hidden gem, and, quite frankly, I don’t understand why more people don’t talk about it.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen