Makeup Talk: Benefit "They're Real!" Mascara

Every once in awhile I come across a product that just needs to be raved about...so all you mascara lovers out there, this one is for you! Recently, I picked up the travel size version of Benefits "They're Real!" Mascara while at Sephora so I didn't have to pack a full size mascara for a trip. I didn't think the mascara would do anything crazy, wow me, or make me forget about all my other poor mascaras...but I was completely wrong. This my friends, is my newest makeup love!

 Wearing one coat of the mascara.

On Sephora's Website, the product has claims to be: "A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look."

 The bristle design.

Other claims: " The specially designed brush features staggered bristles that grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The custom-domed tip uses precision bristles to lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. With a glossy, jet-black, long-wearing formula, you’ll flaunt luxurious, silky lashes that won’t smudge, clump, or dry out."

Before I go on about how amazing this mascara is, I should probably show you my natural lashes so you can see the difference the product makes!

 Decent length and curl on their own buuuuut a girl can want better lashes, right?

I like the look of dark, lengthened lashes...so on most days, you will see me wearing some sort of mascara. With that being said, I am not fussy about it. I am a one coat and I am done type of girl-no layering, no separating with a lash comb...nope. So when a product delivers on it's claims, I am happy! 

My thoughts: With one coat of "They're Real" Mascara, I always feel like my lashes look longer, fuller, and separated. The wear time is literally all day. No flaking and no smudging. The bristles on the wand are pretty unique; at the very tip there is more of a dome shape, which lets you easily apply mascara to shorter lashes or the inner corner where I always smudge mascara. There honestly isn't much to say about this besides the fact that 1) The claims are true. 2) You should pick it up if you're willing to shell out the cash. 3) Since it is long wearing, it is harder to get off. Water won't work alone-you'll need some face wash or a makeup remover wipe. 4) Some people may only want to use this for special occasions or nights out since it can really give you a dramatic look to your eyes!

This mascara retails for $23 when you get the full size and $10 when you get the travel size. You can find it easily on Benefits Website, but I bought mine at Sephora.  If you like to emphasize your eyes, I say go for this product! Totally worth it!

What is your favorite mascara?

Thanks for reading!

XO, Kelsey

P.S-As much as this sounds like I am being sponsored by someone, this is just my makeup junkie rave about a good product. My opinions are my own, I bought this myself, and no one is paying me to talk about this product!

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Makeup Talk: BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector

Here I am! After disappearing once again from the blog world, I am back with a new makeup review! Today I wanted to talk about a makeup primer that seems to be getting a lot of mixed reviews in the makeup world-and I think I know why!

Product: BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
Size: 1.35 oz
Price: $36 USD
Claims (Directly from Sephora website): A targeted oil-control primer that perfects and minimizes pores for mattified skin that lasts up to 12 hours. This formula specifically targets oil-prone areas and acts as liquid blotting paper to leave your skin fresh and matte all day. The formula is sweat- and humidity-resistant and free of silicone, oil, alcohol, and fragrance.
Use:  Use alone, before, or after foundation to control excess oil, while minimizing the appearance of pores. Feel free to use throughout the day to touch up areas of concern.
Wear time: Prolongs my makeup wear at least 3 or more hours longer than any other primer; also keeps me shine free longer!
Consistency: Thick to the touch. Very thick. It really doesn't feel heavy or even noticeable on the skin though!

My thoughts: First off, I agree that it does seem to minimize the look of pores...even with no other makeup on, it gives your face an almost airbrushed finish. I don't notice any fragrance to it, which is a plus to those that are sensitive! I find this to be the most mattifying product that I have ever come across in terms of makeup products. I am pretty sure this is going to be a staple in my makeup bag forever...and not only does it keep me matte, but I think it keeps my makeup looking better longer! For all the mixed reviews, it almost always comes down to how the primer applies. Many say that it feels like you are rubbing glue on your skin, or that it "balls up" or "peels" off. Proper application is key here! On Sephoras site, it says to warm up the primer between your fingers and then pat it on. This is where all the problems are! I do warm the primer up and pat it on, and haven't had a single problem with it. For review purposes though, I rubbed it into my skin-and eww-the outcome was not cool. Definitely saw the peeling and weird chunks of it on my skin that people were talking about. I know everyone has their own way of doing makeup, but this is one of those times that you just have to go with what the product says! When you pat it on, it really has a chance to sink in and fill your pores, and it drys soon after, which then gives your your flawless base for whatever other makeup you choose to wear! Also, I did not have any breakouts due to this product!

All in all, I highly recommend this to combination to combination/oily skin types. The price may seem a little steep, but it is completely worth it, as you do not have to use a lot. Also, this comes with 1.35 oz, which is more than the usual 1.0 oz that most foundation and primer brands have!

I hope this was helpful! Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

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*This product was bought with my own money. All thoughts are my own, and I am not being paid or influenced by anyone to offer my opinions!

My Current Skincare Routine with Recommendations!

Hey lovelies! This past weekend my cousin asked me to talk about my skincare routine, so I am going to do just that! For a little background: My skin type is combination. This means that my t-zone area gets oily (very oily) and everywhere else is pretty normal, not really dry nor oily. The area right beside each side of my nose tends to get really oily too. Also, I have more noticeable pores in my t-zone.

 The t-zone is commonly shown to be similar to the shape of a capital T. This means that most of the forehand (top of the T), nose, and chin are in the t-zone. For me, this also includes areas on either side of my nose, but not completely onto my cheeks.

For my skin type, I focus on balancing the oil production in my skin, and controlling/preventing breakouts. I look for products geared toward those things, so here are a few of my favorites!

 

(Going clockwise): For face wash, I highly recommend Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Control Foam Wash or Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser.  Both do a good job of cleansing the skin without over drying, which is great for keeping oily skin in balance. When I was using Aveeno, I noticed some redness from my skin seemed to vanish while using the product. For moisturizers, I love the Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Control Lotion and the Beyond Belief ABH Facial Serum. I am not sure I could pick my favorite of the two, but I can tell you that these products make a huge difference in the health, oil production, and appearance of my skin!  When it comes to an eye cream, I can't say I have ventured too far out in trying a lot of brands. I have a few higher-end brands that I would like to try, but for now, I have been using the Dermactin-TS Serious Dark Circle Treatment (which I love!)After using this {morning and night} my under-eye area feels so moisturized! When I am breaking out, my spot treatment of choice is the Clearasil Rapid Action VanishingTreatment Cream. This stuff is magic...I am not even kidding! I also use something else as a spot treatment, but I will get to that soon!

I am ALL about face masks! I own more than these 4, but these are the ones that really make a difference in my skin. I clearly like the Freeman brand-having two just in this post (and more in my skincare drawer!) I recently purchased the Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Mask...and holy crap. Not only does it smell amazing, but when I wash it off my skin, I have the healthiest glow! The Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Mask is great too...it really cleans out your pores, but is less exfoliating than the previous mask mentioned. The Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask has been in my skincare routine for a long time now, mainly because you can see results with it, it leaves your skin feeling refreshed, and it works great as a spot treatment! The last mask I use is the Ageless Derma Special Clay Masque. I was given the opportunity to try this for free, and I am so grateful! I have had it now for almost 2 months I think, giving myself a good amount of time to try it, and I have to say, I adore it. I have been only reaching for this and the Charcoal & Black Sugar Mask lately. Like the Freeman mask, it really purges your pores and leaves you with glowing skin. It smells earthy-which I don't mind at all, as it is probably from the clay in it. It only has 9 ingredients, which is awesome. I think with some masks your skin has an initial purging phase; I actually had a couple breakouts pop up after using it the first time, but I have had that happen with other clay masks, and I truly believe it is caused from the mask drawing out your impurities. After using this mask (regularly I might add!) I can see a difference in my skin. I have noticed the redness in my skin has diminished as well, which could be from one or two of the ingredients in the mask? Besides working its magic all over my face, I will use this as a spot treatment. I do think that this gives the Clearasil spot treatment a bit of competition! I will be purchasing this mask once it runs out, and as long as it is sold! Side note: I usually do a face mask 2 times per week, or occasionally 3 if my skin is looking a bit rough!

The last part of my skincare routine that has done wonders for my skin is the Face Complexion Brush. I got mine from Sephora after realizing I could not spend the $150 + on a Clarisonic (spinning skincare brush).

I use this in the shower, every few nights. I usually just move the brush in small, circular motions on my face for 30 seconds at a time (forehead, chin, nose, and each cheek). I think that this paired with the impurity drawing actions of the masks has changed my skin for the better. My pores seem smaller, I have less blackheads, and the texture of my skin seems to be improved. I highly recommend shelling out the $7 for this brush, as it could be an easy but powerful improvement to your skincare routine!

I hope this was helpful! If any of you out there with dry skin would like me to research the best products for dry skin, I can do so-just let me know! Thanks for reading!

XO, Kelsey 

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