review // Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

In my constant search for high perfrmance natural beauty options I came across the company Hourglass.  While they do not make completely 100% natural cosmetics, they do try to leave out all the yucky stuff like parabens, sulfates, synthetic, fragrances, synthetic dyes, and phthalates.

"Hourglass exists at the revolutionary intersection of science, beauty and luxury. The brand is acclaimed for its breakthrough formulations, technological innovations and unwavering commitment to reinvention. Complexion products are infused with the most groundbreaking active ingredients available to create unbelievably surreal skin. Distinguished by sensorial textures, modern color collections, and sleek custom packaging—Hourglass puts the art in state-of-the-art."

 I had never tried any of their products but had heard great things about their mineral primer, tinted moisturizer and ambient lighting powders.  While in Sephora a few weeks back, I saw that they had come out with a set of Ambient Lighting Blush, which are basically swirls of color mixed into the different ambient powders.  So unlike other flat blushes these use Photoluminescent Technology to give depth and dimension to cheeks. 

 I got samples of some of the other products to try first, but decided to go ahead and get the blush in Dim Infusion.  First off, I don't have any coral/peach blushes in my collection so I basically needed this... ;)  and second I couldn't justify spending the money on just the (basically invisible) Ambient Lighting Powder.  At least this you could see on the skin.  I know there are some die hard ALP fans...but I'm just not that into setting/highlighting powders.

PACKAGING 

I have to say that I LOVE the packaging of Hourglass products.  Sleek and modern, they remind us that products can be beautiful and functional.  This blush come in a plastic square(ish) compact and it's sort of a light golden bronze color.  The compact simply snaps open and close and there's a pretty good size mirror inside.  Good for travel. The front says HOURGLASS and the back lists the product color. 

  PRODUCT

 Dim Infusion is described as "a subdued coral blush fused with Dim Light to add warmth".  I'd say this is pretty accurate.  Although in mine I noticed that I have less of the coral color than in other Dim infusions I've seen... I only think this could be a negative if you have darker skin.  But becasue I have a pretty light complexion, I think it's nice.  Becasue the color swirls are so pigmented I still only have to use the smallest dab and I get a nice wash of color that looks natural & glowing, not overdone.  And by adding a bit more I can build it up if I want a stronger cheek. But this may be harder on a darker complexion.  I imagine that with some of the other 'brighter' colors you may need to use a really light hand when pressing your brush into the product, especially if there is more color swirl than in mine.  I think a fluffier blush (like a stippling or powder brush) would work best for applying as a regular blush brush might be too dense and make it harder to diffuse and blend.

You get .15 oz, which I think is an okay amount.  I'd definitely take more, especially for the price, but it's enough to dip a brush into and since a little goes a long way, seems like it will last quite a while.  

Most notably is the feel.  I hear that the ALPs also have a similar consistency... it's really nice.  Because it's so finely milled it feels like silk on the skin not chalky, like some blushes.  And it seems to blend easier than other powder blushes I've tried as well. 

PRICING

$$$ out of $$$

At $35, this blush is on my high-end product list.  Is it worth it?  I'm still a little up in the air about that.  I think since I didn't have anything like it and I feel like it will last me forever, that yes it's worth it.  But if you already have a ton of blushes in a myriad of colors, maybe not.

 PURCHASING

You can purchase the Ambient Lighting Blushes on the Hourglass website, at Sephora and Sephora.com.

 CONCLUSION

Overall, I really liked this blush. It gives my cheeks a beautiful glow and nice definition.  I think I might repurchase this in the future, but there may be something else I like better when that time rolls around, so it's hard to say.  I do know that I can't wait to try out more Hourglass products!

If you've tried this or any other items from Hourglass, please let me know!  I'd love to know what you're loving.  :)

 

current obsession // Balayage Ombre

 I used to think of "ombre" as this...

 

or this...

or this... (oh Drew..)

 

or THIS...

LOL.  Okay, maybe not that last one.  It was just too amazing to not include though.  Anyhow, because of this, I vowed that I would NEVER try out this trend.  I just can't believe anyone would think this looks good.

Well since then, I have realized that not all ombre looks this ridiculous.  When done correctly it can look like this...

Pretty.  Nice job LC.

Still a bit too much contrast for my normally all-over-high&low-light self, but nice.  It wasn't until a week or so ago, that I found my happy medium...

Balayage Ombre.  Now my current obsession...

Balayage - NOUN : A technique for highlighting the hair in which the dye is painted freehand rather than using the traditional foiling or cap highlighting techniques, usually giving a more natural look

+

Ombre - ADJ : shaded or graduated in tone

So basically its a graduated, but blended, hair look created from nonuniform painted highlights.

This way you don't get that "dipped" look, that's just so NOT fabulous.

I thought I'd share some of my favorites. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And what a beautiful rose gold effect for red heads...

 

I guess what I like most is that you can't see where the highlights come from, which gives a super natural and soft look.  

So after about 5 years of the same thing, maybe it's time for a bit of a change??  We shall see... At the moment I'm letting my roots grow out a bit to see what it might be like.  And luckily I have a great colorist, so the line isn't too harsh as it is.

You can check out all of my inspiration on my Beauty Pinterest board, unless you already follow me.  In that case, you already got barraged with all my balayage ombre pics over this past week.  :}  

Oh, and any advice is greatly appreciated!!

review // SheaMoisture Facial Moisturizers

My first experience with SheaMoisture products was with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, of which did not work for me (shocker - since I have fine hair).  I probably should have tried the volumizing formula.  Anyhow, shortly after that I noticed that Target was stocking more of their products, including skincare.  This intrigued me (since I'm pretty much obsessed with natural beauty care) and I decided to give this company another go.  This time I opted to try their facial moisturizers.  

A bit about the company... SheaMoisture was started by Sofi Tucker, who sold Shea nuts at her village market in Bonthe, Sierra Leone in 1912. By age 19, the widowed mother of four was selling her Shea butter and African black soap all over the countryside. Her grandchildren now continue her legacy through the Shea Moisture brand.
They create culturally-authentic, time-tested skin and hair care remedies from family recipes using all-natural and fair trade ingredients.

 
SheaMoisture products don't contain Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, DEA, PABA, Synthetic Fragrance or Artificial Color. And they do not participate in animal testing.  YAY!

PACKAGING
 

Both moisturizers come in boxes, with a surprising amount of info on them.  It talks about who they are, what the product is, how it's for, what's in it and how to use it.  This makes it a breeze to purchase their products even if you've never heard of them before... a great marketing technique.. props SM.  There's nothing I hate more than a product who's box doesn't show the ingredients and how to use it... who wants to be that weirdo opening all the boxes in the beauty isle?  Well, it's usually me, but I digress...  

The actually container is a recyclable glass jar with a plastic lid.  Even though it's glass, it's fairly thick so I think it would be fine to travel with.  The plastic lid seems very sturdy and durable, as well, and it screws on and off easily.  The jar label has all of the the info as the box, sans who they are.  I love this becasue all the product info is still available, even if you throw out the box.  Some people don't like jars, but I actually do becasue all of the product is available, unlike a lot of hard plastic bottles with pumps...you know there's still 1/5 of the product left in there after the pumps stops dispensing.  I couldn't tell you how many of those I've macgyvered open to get those last drips and drabs.  If you don't, that's just money wasted.  As long as you dip in with clean fingers, 

I think it's all good.

 

PRODUCT

I still use a few drops of my jojoba or maracuja oil at night, but have also been supplementing with the Raw Shea Butter Anti-Aging Moisturizer (2 oz.), especially if my skin has felt parched that day.  I like to use the Coconut & Hibiscus Spot Correcting Moisturizer in the morning under my make up.

The Raw Shea Butter Anti-Aging moisturizer (2 oz.) is recommended for dry and aging skin, but I have combination/aging and it works great.  I mainly use this as a night cream to combat wrinkles and loss of elasticity, which I am starting to notice more and more as I creep towards 30.  It has a light beige color and the scent is slightly spicy & earthy, but doesn't linger once applied.   It has a creamy consistency, which absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling super hydrated, not greasy.  

Beyond that, I love all of the good ingredients that are helping make my skin look younger and healthier.  Essential fatty acids help lift and re-define facial contours while improving elasticity. Natural oils, and cocoa & Shea butter soften and smooth the skin.  Frankincense and Myrrh help in defending against fine lines and wrinkles, revitalizing dull skin. Their benefits actually date back thousands of years and range from use in cosmetics and perfumes to anti-inflammatory medicinal benefits.

I've definitely noticed on nights when I use this, the next morning my skin looks tighter and more balanced.  It's not an instant miracle worker on the fine lines I do have, but I feel like they have gotten softer 

since I've been using this.

 

The Coconut & Hibiscus Spot Correcting moisturizer (2 oz.) is recommended for dull and uneven skin, which I am prone to, especially in my dryer areas.  I also have freckles and a few acne scars.  I like to use this under my makeup in the mornings, becasue it's a bit lighter than the Shea formula.  It has a bright white color and the scent is sweet & tropical, and again, doesn't linger once applied... although I kind of wish it would.  YUM.   It still has a creamy consistency, which absorbs quickly, but it's light.  Unfortunately, it's not quite moisturizing enough for me sometimes, so I will add a moisturizing facial spray (another post for another time) or a dab of the Raw Shea moisturizer in my dry areas.  I've only been using this during the winter, so this may be fine during the summertime.  We shall see...  

Again, this formula contains all natural ingredients, this time, helping give a more even, radiant glow to the skin.  Shea butter and organic coconut oil nourish and firm skin with Vitamin E and K, iron and fatty acids.  While, hibiscus flower and Songyi mushroom extracts help brighten the appearance of dull, uneven skin tone.

I'm almost done with this jar, as you can see in the image above, and I can honestly say that some of my darker freckles and the few acne scars I have, are lighter and my face does seem a bit brighter over all.  It's hard to say if it's solely becasue of this moisturizer, but I definitely think it has contributed.

 

PRICING

$ out of $$$

 These facial moisturizers range in price from $12 - $15 depending on which you get and where you buy them.  To me at first, this seemed a little high, but in comparison to some other all-natural moisturizers I've seen, which were around $30 for 1.5 oz, this is actually a pretty good deal.

PURCHASING

You can purchase SheaMoisture products - face, hair, body and Baby - at most local drugstores.  I got mine at target.  Their website has a full list.  Since it's under construction at the moment though, you can check out their Facebook page for more info. 

 CONCLUSION

Overall, I really like these moisturizers and I think I'll definitely purchase them again.  They have no nasty ingredients, do what they say and are reasonably priced.  There are a few other brands I might like to try out though, so maybe after those.  :)  Always on the hunt for the best in natural skincare!  Oh, and those of you that have oily or acne prone skin there is actually another line specifically for that.  African Black Soap Problem Skin Moisturizer may be for you! 

I have been trying out some of their lotion and body wash, as well.  I'll be sharing my thoughts on those in a few weeks, so definitely check back for that.  

And please leave a comment below, if you've tried these or any other SheaMoisture products that you can't live without!  I'd love to hear.  :)

 

get fit // YouTube: POPSUGAR Fitness

So, I thought it'd be fun to come up with a new feature series about fitness...  A way to share what I've been loving lately to help me "get fit".  

Right now, it's been 10 minute workout videos from POPSUGAR Fitness' YouTube channel.  They're long enough to make me sweat and sore (so sore!) the next day, but short enough to fit in a busy day.  

I especially love them right now, because it's spring pollen season and running outside would probably put me in anaphylactic shock.  Okay, so that might be a bit of a dramatization, but it'd definitely come close.   :\ 

I've included four of my favorites, but seriously, go check them out for yourself, there's so many to choose from!  If you want a longer workout or one to target a specific area or just some healthy eating tips, they've got it.

Victoria's Secret Model Workout: 10-Minute Fat-Blasting Circuit

The Look Good Naked Barre Workout

10-Minute Workout: Legs and Arms With Sadie Lincoln

The Butt-Lifting Workout That's Better Than Spanx

Let me know if you find one you love!  I may just have to add it to my list.  :)