Makeup Organization in my Alex 9-Drawer

Hey Guys!!
I have a new video up! Come check out my makeup storage and organization.

xoxo
Katey

Weekly Favorites!!! August 15, 2014

Hey Beauties!!!

I just posted my weekly favorites video. Come check it out!

 

What are your favorites from this week?

Xoxo 

Katey

July Favorites!!!!

I'm so excited!!!! I just posted my first YouTube video!!!! Check it out.....

Let me know what you think.
xoxo
Katey

Blue Mercury and Space NK- Mini haul and store reviews

After work today I decided to visit New Canaan to check out Blue Mercury as I was interested in trying a Diptyque Candle. I was greeted as I entered the store and let the clerks know I was just browsing.  As I was looking around I noticed the new Nars Dual Intensity eye shadows.  I of course immediately started swatching them and fell in love with Cassiopia which is an iridescent electric pink.  The clerk took notice and went to find the color for me.  Unfortunately they were out (insert sad face).  She didn't know when they would be in stock again, of course.  I keep browsing and saw the Caudalie skin care and remembered I was out of my Eau de Beaute Elixer, I used my last little spray earlier this week.  I decided to pick it up.  I asked the clerk if they stopped selling Diptyque and she said that yes they discontinued it and their competitor was now selling it.  Hmmmm...who could there competitor be? The store clerks did not share with me that there was a Space NK right around the corner that sold Diptyque.  I checked out and decided to leave.  I was very surprised that they didn't offer any samples or explain if they have a rewards program (which I know they do).  Overall my first experience in a Blue Mercury was sub par. In my mind customer service is paramount when you are spending hard earned money on high end products.  On top of that I was the only customer in the store with three clerks.  Now don't get me wrong I don't like to be attacked and hovered over but they gave me no reason to return to that store again. If a customer loves something and its out of stock, offer to call them when the product comes in again or maybe offer them samples from that line to try at home.  Fortunately most of the products they sell can be found at my Sephora and Lord and Taylor, therefore, Blue Mercury you and I will not meet again.  But don't despair, keep reading for the happy ending.....

My Space NK experience, however was a fabulous one.  I went in looking for Diptyque and left an hour later with something else.  The esthetician at Space NK was a doll.  She asked me if I had ever been in before (I told her no).  She then asked my skincare routine.  She pointed out similar but "better" products that would help my skin type.  She shared their best sellers and helped me try products on my hands.  She explained some of the skin care lines, where they were from and why people love them.  She then left me to browse.

That's when I found this beauty......

I tried the Hourglass ambient lighting palette in the past and wasn't a fan but when swatching this in the store my blush obsession took over.  I was the perfect color for my skin tone.  She was right there helping me to pick the best color and explaining how they create the glow from with-in look.

As we went up to the register she explained the N.dulge rewards program and helped me sign up (it's free). Once all of the business was taken care of she took me over to the skin care and began pulling out samples for me to try at home.  She already knew my skin issues from our earlier chat and pulled out products tailored for me.  Now THAT'S customer service!  

Space NK will be seeing me again.  I appreciate their dedication to excellent customer service, the friendly, open and non-intimidating staff and the wide array of high end difficult to find products. 

MIA

 

Hey Guys!!

I owe you all an apology.  I have been neglecting my blog.  I have had quite a bit going on lately and have had to take some time off to adjust.  I am now working full time and doing private practice work on the side.  It has been a transition but a positive one at that. 

I currently only have one day off a week so I've been savoring it as much as possible.  I think I have figured out my schedule now and can begin to fit the blog back in.

I have recently decided to live a bit more frugally, so I have gotten into cliping coupons.  I may include some of my journey on living the frugal life if you all are interested.  Let me know!!

Also, one of my friends from back home (Michigan) sent me some Skinny Wraps to try so be looking out for that blog post!

I missed you guys,

xoxo

Katey

 

 

Love falsies but hate the hassle?

I love the look of false eye lashes but I sure don't love putting them on.  Anyone with me?
I think I have discovered the solution.  As you can see on the left, my eyelashes are sooooo long.  The right, not so much, its drugstore mascara.

I haven't used any other mascaras since I received this in the mail.  My friend Kelly is a rep for Younique and sent me their 3D Fiber Lash Mascara. The set includes 2 tubes, one is the transplanting gel and the other is the Natural Fibers.  Youniqe says this combo creates a 300% increase in thickness and volume to your natural lash while still looking real.  I'd agree with that.  It also significantly increases the length as you can see from my photos.  I'm not sure I've ever been this impressed by a makeup product. 

The packaging is beautiful but in my opinion the case is a bit of a waste.  I'd rather pay a little less and do without the case.  That is my ONLY complaint about this product.
The first step is a gel that is applied as a base.  You can put a layer of mascara on prior to this step but it's not necessary.  The photos I took show only the Younique mascara on one eye and only drugstore mascara on the other eye.


As you can see in the photo the gel wand is an hourglass shape.

Step two is to apply fibers while the gel is still wet.  I found it's best to do one eye at a time. 

Step three is to apply a second layer of gel.  You can repeat steps 1-3 as many times as you like to get the look that you desire. The photo above is two applications.  I did not find the fibers were messy, they didn't fall onto my cheeks or get in my eyes.  Kelly told me the fibers are made from natural green tea, so they are safe to be near the eye.  This stuff is so easy to apply. It does take a bit longer than regular mascara, but the extra 30 seconds is a sacrifice I'm willing to make. 

The fiber sets are water resistant and I haven't had any flaking or smearing at all.  I did curl my lashes before starting the application process and the mascara seemed to hold the curl well. 

I can't imagine there is a better mascara out there.  This one does it ALL.  I'm so happy and thankful that Kelly sent me this and I will be purchasing this product over and over again. 

If you are interested in finding out more about this product you can contact Kelly at Keene8203@yahoo.com

My Valentines Day Lunch courtesy of Meatball & Co

Connecticut got hit pretty hard with a Nor'Easter yesterday and last night that I decided to stay close to home and work in our Darien office.  I had heard about Meatball & Co from a friend and decided today would be a good day to treat myself to a Valentine's day lunch.  I wasn't disappointed.

Ipsy Bag Time!!! With swatches!

I received my Ipsy Bag and my Birchbox on Valentines Day!!  It was so nice to come home and find my boxes next to the beautiful roses my husband bought for me.  February's Ipsy bag was definitely on of the best I've gotten in a while. As you can see below it was full of great sized products and all for $10.00.  It always blows my mind that they can give their customers so much for so little money.

Liebster Award!

I am so excited to announce that Kelly Colvin from beautyHuddle nominated me for a Liebster Award!  What a sweet pea she is! Go check out her blog at beautyhuddle.blogspot.com right now! The Liebster Award came about to help up and coming bloggers get more exposure.  I think it's a fabulous idea if I do say so myself ;)

The Rules:

1. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you
2. Create 11 questions for people you've nominated
3. Choose eleven people (with fewer than 200 followers) to give this award to and link them in your post
4. Go to their page and tell them or email them
5. Remember, no tag backs.

My Nominees:

A Balancing Act-Lynne and Jess

The Tiny Professional-Felicia Franceschelli

The Life of an unusual Boca Babe-Alyssa Camareno

MissAce-Ace

Daniellebevan-Danielle

Kay & a cup of tea-Kayla

Kelly's Questions:

1.  Would you rather travel to Europe or the Caribbean?

Right now...in all this snow...def the Caribbean!
2.  What made you decide to start blogging?

I was inspired by the Beauty Guru's on YouTube, Vivianne Does Makeup, LillyPebbles, Melissa Raymond to name a few
3.  Dogs or cats?

Both! I loooooove animals
4.  What is the one beauty product you can't live without?

Urban Decay Naked Skin
5.  What 3 items would you want on a deserted island with you?

Flint, a cooking pot, and a knife....wait...was I suppose to pick beauty products?
6.  What's your favorite TV show?

American Horror Story

7.  What's your biggest vice?

Peanut M&M's
8.  Skiing or beach?

BEACH
9.  What would you eat as your last meal?

Ribs, Broccoli, Bread, Mashed Potatoes and Chocolate Cake

10.  What's the one thing you'll only do when you're alone?

Run around with no clothes on ;)
11.  What would your dream life be like in 5 years?

To be independently wealthy and never have to worry about $ again!

My Questions:

1. What is your favorite quote?

2. What season do you love most because of the clothes you get to wear?

3.  In your opinion what is the most beautiful place in the world?

4.  What do you love most about Blogging?

5. What made you start blogging?

6. What is your favorite holiday?

7. What is your favorite book?

8. What famous dead person would you like to have dinner with?

9. Heels or flats?

10. Salty or sweet?

11. What is your "can't live without" makeup product?

Thanks again Kelly!!  

A beautiful gift for Valentines Day

I recently received some beautiful earrings from Majestical Jewelry to review for you.  I was very impressed with what they sent,  I have already worn them twice.  They are a well made piece of jewelry in a very classic style.  They aren't something I would have chosen for myself but once I tried them on I was so happy with them.  They are a beautiful silver filigree that look like falling leaves blowing in the wind.  As fall is my favorite season I immediately fell in love.

The earrings were shipped in this box with a silk pouch inside that contained the earrings.  I love keeping the pouches for traveling, I put pieces of jewelry in pouches to protect them.

After I opened my package and tried on the earrings I immediately went on their website to see what other goodies they may have.   I found at least 20 things I would like to purchase.  I am eyeing their Ocean Coral Bib Set (Click here to view it) and their Red Anchor Cuff (Click here to view it) both of which will be great for summer with a sundress.

They very generously sent me some coupon codes for you to use to get 20% off any order (TWENTYOFFNOW) or $15.00 off of $55.00 or more (15DOLLARSOFF).  They have free returns, free exchanges and free gift packaging with every order.  They also offer free shipping on all orders over $49.99!

Click here to see their website: www.majestical.com
You can also follow them on face book at MajesticalJewelry and Instagram at MajesticalJewelry.

Let me know what amazing pieces you find!

XOXO

Katey

BEST eye makeup remover EVERRRRR!!!

I have tried five or six liquid eye makeup removers over the years and have never been wowed.  They never seemed to get all of the mascara and liner off or the just smeared my eye makeup all over my face.  Not a good look. 

I had seen the Almay brand pads at CVS and had always been curious, but for some reason never took the plunge. 

Then one day I stopped into my local Bed Bath and Beyond and found this jar of goodness. It wasn't more than $3.00 so I decided to cave and try one more eye makeup remover.  That night I swiped one of these rounds across my lashes and the love affair began.  

This miracle product takes off even the toughest waterproof mascara easily.  I just gently sweep it across my lashes a few times and PRESTO it's all gone. And while I'm wiping my lashes, it magically removes the liner and eyeshadow too!  I swear it's the truth!! These also do not burn my eyes at all and they don't have a scent. 

See the big MOISTURIZING on the label?  They aren't lying, this stuff is oily.  I personally love it because my eye area is extremely dry and I have those pesky fine lines.  I do still use eye cream but it almost acts as a serum under my eye cream!  I love dual purpose products! The label reads "Harmon Face Values Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover Pads nourish skin while removing makeup, including waterproof mascara.  The botanical glen of also, cucumber and green tea helps to condition, soothe and eliminate dry lines around the eye area. This moisturizing formal is fragrance free and hypoallergenic."

As I was preparing to write this blog, I was looking for a link to the product and the price, and low and behold...The product is NO WHERE to be found.  WHAT?!?!?!?  I looked on Bed Bath and Beyond, Harmon, Google, Amazon....panic is setting in.  Was it all a dream?

I still can't find it and I am in a panic. ;)  We just got hit with a huge snow storm here in Connecticut so I can't even run out to Harmon and BB and B to check to see if they have them in stock.  I guess if worse comes to worse I will try the Almay brand, I just hope they are as miraculous. Have you guys tried them? If so let me know in the comments section.  

Stay Tuned for updates on the hunt and possible dupes!

XOXO

Katey

No firewood? No problem!

We are having people over today for the Super Bowl. I meant to buy firewood when I was out but totally forgot. I love a fire with football and food. I just think it gives the warmest, happiest glow.

It's not that cold here in Connecticut at the moment so I decided to forego the trip to buy wood and just use some candles to achieve a similar ambience. 

I used two Yankee candles in the back to provide height and then used some smaller dollar store candles and a few tea lights in pretty cut out votives in the front.

I must say the candles are much easier and don't make nearly the mess. I may do this more often. Have you all done this before? What is your favorite way to display the candles in the fireplace?

Xoxo

Katey

What's In My Bag?

What's In My Bag?

 

This is my favorite winter bag.  It was designed by Badgley Mischka.  I found it on sale at TJ Maxx last winter and have been in love with it ever since.  The zippers un-zip to reveal light yellow panels that expand the purse.  It is a very large purse and can hold two makeup bags, my iPad, my planner, wallet, sunglasses case, gloves and an umbrella! It does not have a shoulder strap but for me that’s okay because I prefer to carry my bag on my arm. This bag is very well made, great hardware, soft leather and does not show wear and tear.  I wipe it occasionally with a baby wipe to remove any dirt.

As mentioned, I carry two makeup bags in my bag.  The first one contains my most used products for on the go:

Revlon ColorStay Aqua in Light/Pale: This is a great touch up powder foundation that is long wearing.

Dr. Jart BB Cream: This is a full coverage BB cream that I also have the full size of and I use it regularly.

The Balm Sexy Mama: This is an anti-shine, translucent powder with tiny oil absorbing spheres.

L’Oreal Visible Lift Blush: This is a great highlighting cream blush for on the go. It’s in the shade Peach Gold Lift.

YSL Rouge Volupte Perle: Love the packaging! Its number 112 a great deep purple.

Covergirl TruMagic: This is a pretty new product in the drugstores. It can be used as a primer or an anti-shine makeup topper for touch ups. 

Kabuki brush: I’ve had this brush forever and I’m not sure where it came from.  It comes in handy for my lose touch up powders.

I also carry around a separate makeup bag for my current favorite lippies.  There also happens to be a stray mascara, eye shadow, and concealer in the mix, how did that happen? ;)

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip glosses: I have these in Pinkissimo and Supernatural.  These are light semi opaque lip glosses that I recently purchased.

Rimmel Stay Glossy 3D: I love these glosses they melt into the lip but stay shiny for quite awhile. This one is in Love at the Movies.

NYX Lip Smacking Fun Color Lip Stick: I love NYX lip products and this is no exception.  It’s in the color LALA a nice rose/purple.

NYX Cream Shadow: This is a well used and loved cream shadow in the color Frost Beige.  It’s also water proof!

Benefit They’re Real Mascara (Sample Size): This is a great mascara that provides plenty of volume and length.

CoverGirl  TruBlend FixStick: This is another new drugstore release that I recently picked up.  It’s in the shade Light.  I use it to touch up throughout the day around my nose and on any blemishes I may have.

Neutrogena Moisture Smooth Color Stick: This is a moisturizing, fruity smelling lip crayon in the color Soft Raspberry.

Maybelline Color Elixirs: Again a fairly new release in the drugstores. I have the colors Glistening Amber and Mauve Mystique.

Buxom Lips Lip-gloss: My absolute, nothing comes close, favorite lip product.   I have this gloss in the color Katie.

For more in depth reviews of these products please see my blog: beautybloggerconnecticut.blogspot.com

XOXO

Katey

Hey Lovely People!!

Ulta is having 20% off sale, don't miss out!  I picked up a few things today on my way back from dropping my husband off at work.  There's a post coming in the next day or so with my new products so stay tuned!!
XOXO
                                Katey

Blogger made be buy it!

1) Who are your most influential bloggers? Who are the ones that you really rely on for reviews and swatches?

I really enjoy Melphs (Melissa Raymond).  She is so bubbly, sweet, and soooooo fun to watch on YouTube. You MUST check her out.  I trust her reviews and have found great products by watching her videos. 

I also love Anna from viviannadoesmakeup.com and Lilly from http://www.lilypebbles.co.uk 
They kind of come as a pair...they are classy and their blogs are gorgeously put together.  They are British so sometimes the products they review are not readily available in stores but you can usually find them online.  They recently did a collaboration on blogging and vlogging that was fantastic.  These two can't be missed!

2) Do you buy a product solely as a result from one review from your favourite bloggers, or do you look for more reviews from others?

For me it depends on the price of the product. If it's high end I research it well and then usually have to touch the product in store before I spend the money.  If it's drugstore and I'm excited about it, I buy it!

3) What is your most favourite item that you have ever bought as a consequence of blogs?
Definitely my Illamasqua blush in Katie.  It adds the most beautiful glow to the face. This was inspired by Mslolalynn on YouTube!!

4) What is your least favourite item that you have ever bought as a consequence of blogs?

I bought a YSL Rouge Volupte because someone raved about it and I got pulled in by the packaging. It is a nice lipstick but it has the staying power of a gloss.  This stuff is not worth the price tag.  I can find MUCH better and MUCH cheaper, it's not worth the hype.  

5) Name 5 products you have bought recently as a result of blogs.

1. Stila In the Light Palette (love)

2. Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara (love)

3. Jordana Fabuliner eyeliner in brown (love)

4. Olay in Shower Body Lotion (LOOOOVE)

5. Z Palette for my eye shadows and blush (love)

6) Have you ever given into blogger hype? If so, which hype?

Elf cosmetics, just not a fan.
Revlon Cream Shadows, again, not a fan. 

7) Have you ever avoided blogger hype? If so, which hype?

So far I've avoided the hype around the Naked 3 palette by Urban Decay.  Will it last? Probably not because I saw a blogger recommend this palette highly for those with hazel eyes....If you didn't know already, I have hazel eyes. ;)

8) Is everything you buy based on blogger reviews or are there some items you buy without checking out a review?
I do have a mind of my own...so yes I buy things without checking out reviews.  :P

I LOVE LIPGLOSS!!!

I know I said in my recent Lippie post that I didn't like the scent of these Maybelline Elixers...but I bought another one today.  I went into CVS to grab a snack and couldn't resist the full display of these babies.  Usually the display is picked over and only the darkest or lightest shades are left.  Today I had my pick and I couldn't resist.  I featured the color Mauve Mystique in my Lippie post, which I love but I wanted to try a more nude color.  I found Glistening Amber and was immediately sold.  It is a nude with micro shimmer.  It has a slightly orange tone but on my lips it comes across as a light wash of nude shimmer.  This will be a great one to wear alone or on top of a nude lipstick.  It would also be great to tone down darker lipsticks.

Glistening Amber

Mauve Mystique                 Glistening Amber

Swatch of Glistening Amber....LURVE IT!!!

I'm sure there will be more Maybelline Elixers to come....Stay Tuned!! 

XOXO

Katey

Shrinking Nail Polish & Seche Vite

First let me say that I absolutely love Seche Vite top coat. It is thick and goopy but it smooths out any imperfections in my nail color and dries it in seconds.  Painting my finger nails use to be a nightmare.  I would paint them...they would be perfect, then I would have to use the bathroom.  Darn it, now what?  I would carefully try to go to the bathroom and inevitably would smear my perfect manicure.
Then I found this miracle worker.  I paint my nails with two coats of my desired color then immediately put this on top.  Within 2 minutes I can go to the bathroom without causing any damage to my fresh new manicure!  BUT.....



After using it for a few weeks I noticed my nail polish pulling away at the tips of my finger nails.  At first I just thought it was wear and tear, then I began to wonder if it was my top coat.  I researched Seche Vite and found that quick drying topcoats can shrink your nail polish!
But don't fret!  I found a solution!  It's called nail tip wrapping.

Check out this wonderful website by Michelle Mismas that explains it step by step:

http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2010/06/manicure-trick-wrap-tips.html

I buy mine at Sally Beauty Supply for $5.99 with my Sally Card.

Favorite Lippies of the Moment

Favorite Lippies of the Moment

These lip products are what I've been carrying around in my bag.  They are my everyday colors and I love them all.  I wear them alone and I mix and match them.  My favorite combo is the NYX in La La and the Rimmel 3D gloss in Love at the Movies.  It makes the perfect everyday mauve lip with a little edge.

I professed my love for this gloss in a recent haul and it has only grown since.  I am on the hunt for a dupe for Buxom glosses because $19 for lip gloss is hard to justify.  So far I have come up empty handed.  I wear this on it's own and as a lipstick topper.  It has the perfect amount of stickiness that makes it last quite a long time.  I have not found such a wonderful formula in any other glosses. 

This gloss is a close second to the Buxom formula.  It has a wonderful very fine shimmer that gives it it's 3D appearance.  Love at the Movies has a pink/purple micro glitter that is undetectable on the lips but makes it a great lip enhancer alone or on top of a lipstick.  It gives the lips a sheen as well as the appearance of more plump lips.  This gloss is slightly sticky which gives it great staying power. This retails for $4.99 at drugstores. 

I bought Revlon Super Natural in an attempt to find a Buxom dupe.  It is nothing like Buxom.  The Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss is more like a balm than a gloss.  It is a creamy formula with no glitter or stickiness.  I enjoy wearing this alone, but the lasting power is not great. This retails from $5.99 to 7.99 depending on location. 

This little gem is a great choice for on the go and in the car.  It is easy to apply without a mirror, it's moisturizing and adds great natural color to the lips.  I like this more than many of my lip crayons because of the scent.  I don't care for minty lip crayons. Neutrogena's lip crayons are fruity scented which is right up my alley.  This retails for $7.99-$8.99 depending on location. 

We've all heard a lot about Maybelline's new Colorsensational Elixirs.  I find that this looks great on the lips but the scent and taste is off-putting.  The scent reminds me of melted plastic with a hint of floral.  The formula is nice, a mix between a gloss and a liquid lip stick and gives the lips a full glossy look.  I would love this product if Maybelline would change their lip product scent, or even better, make them unscented.  This retails for $6.99-8.99 depending on location. 

Last but not least, one of my favorite lipstick brands and formulas, NYX Lip Smacking Fun Colors in LaLa. This lipstick is a satin formula, not matte, not gloss.  It is not particularly hydrating on the lips but it doesn't dry them out either.  As I said earlier, I love to pair this with the Rimmel Stay Glossy 3D in Love at the Movies.  It makes one of my favorite everyday lip looks.  This retails for around $4 at Ulta. 

 NYX LALA & Rimmel Love at the Movies

As you can see below I'm a fan of rose/mauve's and neutrals. 

I'd love to hear if any of you have found Buxom lip gloss dupes and what you consider to be your Favorite Lippies of the Moment!!

xoxo

                            Katey 

IPSY Bag Time!!!!

Finding my Ipsy bag in the mailbox is my favorite time of the month.  I always yell "IT'S IPSY BAG TIME!!!!"  I subscribe to Birchbox, but Ipsy beats it every month.  Ipsy is a $10 monthly subscription bag that is so amazing I don't think I will ever cancel.  Most of the subscription services I have tried send you little foil packets that I HATE.  NOT Ipsy! As you can see below the products are a great size, definitely enough to determine if it will be a new favorite.  In general the samples last at least a month if not more.  And last, but not least you get a cute makeup bag each month.  I must say though, that this month's bag is no where near as cute as the previous ones.  Other than the makeup bag, I was very happy with what I received for January 2014. 

Porefessional from Benefit- This is not new to me but I was very excited to see it in my bag.  I have another sample size that I have been using and it never seems to run out.  It also never hurts to have backups of products you love. 

Malin +Goetz- I have heard of this line but have never tried anything.  This was another score in my January bag.  I love lip balms and this one tastes like a Mojito! This company originates in NYC which is close to me, I love supporting locals. Check out their philosophy here. 

Yaby- Another line I haven't heard much about.  I did try this foundation today and so far so good. It has a matte/satin finish with medium to full coverage. This may be a new favorite. My first impression is that it's similar to Naked Skin by Urban Decay. The full size retails for $13.55, quite a steal if it's a long lasting foundation.  I will keep you posted on my thoughts. 

Balanced Guru: Balm Me Up Sweet Cocoa & TangyBody Balm- Whew, that's a long name ;)

This is a thick balm that I will be using for my hands, knees, elbows and feet. 

Absolute Makeup Cleansing Tissue-I haven't tried these but I do use cleansing towels to take off my makeup before using my Clarisonic, or to wipe excess makeup off of my hands.  I will give these a try, you can never have too many. 

I can't say enough good things about IPSY BAG.  If you love makeup and skin care this is the one for you.  Not only do you get to try out new products, but it brightens up the middle of the month with a gift in your mailbox!

Get your IPSY bag here!

If you click the above link, I do get referral points to spend in the IPSY store!

Face Mask Friday!!!

Face Mask Friday!!!

After a long work week, all I want to do is sit back and relax!  What better way to do that when with a hot bath and a face mask?  In this post, I've chosen the masks I've used and loved the most.  They range from high-end to drugstore, and each provides different benefits for the skin.  

Keep reading for the details...

Glam Glow YouthMud

GlamGlow face masks are amazing little gems.  They are also amazingly expensive.

I have the Youth-Mud Mask pictured here as well as a sample of the Clearing Mask.  They are top-notch facial masks.  They create instantly-noticeable changes in the skin.  Pores are reduced,  skin tone is more even, radiant and hydrated.  For the longest time, I didn't believe the hype surrounding these masks and definitely didn't want to pay the $69 for 1.7 ounces, but I am so happy I broke down and bought the mini size ($20 at Sephora).  I use these masks very sparingly so they last longer.  I have found a thin layer of the mud works just as well as a thick layer. The YouthMud mask does tingle so if you have sensitive skin you may find it a bit harsh. 

I leave the Youthmud mask on for 10 minutes and then mix with water and scrub it off to take advantage of the exfoliating properties.

I wear the Clearing Mask for up to 25 minutes to allow the mask to extract all of the dirt and oil out of my pores.

( I have to hide these masks from my husband because he loves them too!)

Mint Julep Masque

This face mask is an oldie but a goodie.  It has a clean mint scent, a slight tingle, and a muddy consistency.  Because this is a clay mask it is touted to dry up acne, shrink blackheads and reduce pore size.  I use this mask when I have active breakouts and it does help to dry them out.  I find that it doesn't overly strip my skin of natural oils while still clearing clogged pores.  I found this mask at Walmart for $2.99!  

 Michael Todd Pumpkin Facial Mask

I received this mask in a Ipsy Bag a few months back.  It is the only thing I have tried from the Michael Todd line.  I have only been able to find this brand on their website: http://www.michaeltoddtrueorganics.com

The full size product is 3.4 oz and sells for $34. 

This mask contains Glycolic Acid and real pumpkin.  It smells and feels like pumpkin pie filling.  This mask is marketed as moisturizing and nourishing but it also has a tingling effect that may not be suitable for sensitive skin.  I use this mask when my skin is feeling dry and dull.  After 15 minutes on the face my skin feels firmer, smoother, and more hydrated. 

Facial masks are a great way to relax while rejuvenating the skin.  I have found that if I use masks consistently I have less oil, clogged pores, breakouts, and more balanced skin.  I hope this post helped if you're looking for a new facial mask.

I always love to test out new facial masks so comment below and let me know what mask you love!!

                      Katey

This post is not sponsored