DIY Soothing Acne Fighting Toner

Hey Dolls,

I recently started a new skin care series on the blog called, au naturel. This series is all about easy, natural, DIY skin care. I have already put up a moisturizing, stimulating scrub and an acne fighting mask. If you are interested in seeing those two posts I will link both below. Today's blog post will be apart of the au naturel series. I will be sharing a easy recipe for a toner. This toner will work for all skin types, but it will work best for people with sensitive skin or acne prone skin. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, do not have any of the ingredients, or don't like any of the ingredients feel free to remove them or switch them with other ingredients. With all of that said, let's jump into it!

January Beauty Favorites and Un-favorites

Hey Dolls!

January has come and gone which means its time for my January beauty favorites and un-favorites. So, let's jump into it!

Let's begin with Skincare:

• AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser: This is a benzoyl peroxide based acne cleanser. I love this product because it is gentle, yet effective. I have noticed my acne has diminished quite a bit since I began using this product. It can be used day or night. This is not a foaming cleanser; the formula is more milky with some beads for light exfoliation. I know that acne products can be drying at times, so if you use this remember to moisturize well. 

Moving onto Body Care:

• Becalm Bath Therapy 3 in 1 Body Wash, Bubble Bath, and Shampoo: I love this body wash! I have been using it for about a year and I will never switch to another body wash again. This body wash is parben free, phyhalates free, propylene free, petroleum free, and gluten free. It also has no artificial colors, its biodegradable, and it restores the skin tone it's natural pH. My favorites scents are strawberry smoothie, pomegranate passion, and rose petals. I recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin. 

Onto nail polish:

• Julep Nail Color in Sawyer: I love this color! This nail polish is a metallic purple nail polish with a gold-ish green shade in it as well. This is such a unique color, it's super long lasting, and it is extremely opaque. 

Next up, Makeup:

• Real Techniques Blush brush: Although this is a blush brush, I use this brush to apply my bronzer. This brush is extremely fluffy which allows me to achieve a soft, airbrush like bronze effect. I highly recommend this brush to anyone in the market for a good bronzer brush. 
• Real Techniques Powder Brush: This brush is AMAZING; it's big and fluffy which allows it to lightly and evenly apply face powder. When I use this brush I never look cakey or powdery. I highly recommend this brush!
• Large Fan Brush: I have been using large fan brushes to apply a contour shade. This brush keeps my contour from getting muddy. My contour always appears more natural and more effortless when I use this brush. I highly recommend this brush to everyone, but especially anyone who is having a hard time with applying contour.   
• Milani Baked Blush in bellissimo bronze: This is a beautiful shimmer, bronzy blush color. I love to use this as my everyday blush because doesn't apply a lot of color to my skin (Due to my skin tone), but it warms up my face. This product appears to liven up my face. Its amazing! If you are the same shade or lighter than me then this blush will be an effective blush for you. If you are darker than me, then I would not recommend this product. 
• L'Oreal True Match Powder in N8 Cappuccino: I have been using this powder for years; I use this powder to set my foundation and to touch up my face throughout the day. This powder is so buttery, it is the perfect match for my skin tone, and it never applies cakey or powdery. The True Match range has so many colors and undertones in it that it is impossible for someone to not find there perfect shade. I highly recommend this product. 
• NYX Conceal, Correct, Contour palette in 3CP03 Deep: I don't want to go into too much detail about this product because I will be posting a review on this very soon, but I had to mention it! The concealers in this palette are super pigmented and easy to blend. I find it to be an amazing dupe for MAC studio finish concealers and the MAC pro concealer palette. There are three different colors in this range. I am certain all skin tones and under tones will love this palette. 
• Gerard Cosmetics BB Plus Illumination Facial Creme: I won't go into too much detail because I did make an entire review regarding this product. (I will link it below) I love this highlighter! It retails for almost $40.00, but it is so worth it!  
• City Color Sunlight Trio Blush, Highlight, Bronzer Palette in Collection 1: When I purchased this I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I do. Mostly because the bronzer is a shimmery copper shade with a red undertone and the highlighter is a very light shimmery gold. However, after several weeks of playing with this palette I can say I am obsessed! These powders are super pigmented and blendable; These colors give the skin such a gorgeous glow. I HIGHLY recommend this palette! 
• Maybelline Master Hi-Light in 60 Deep Bronze: This is suppose to be a bronzer, but it comes off a bit too coppery; I use it as a highlighter. I spoke about this in a recent blog post (I will post the link below), so I won't go into too much detail about this product. I will say though that I love this highlighter. I recommend it to anyone who has a medium deep to deep skin tone. 
• Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in 13 Bella Pink: I believe I mentioned one of these shadows before, but not this shade in particular. I want to mention this shade because I have been wearing this eyeshadow a lot. Its a very light purple-ish pink shimmery color. I love how pigmented these colors are and how affordable these shadows are. 
• ELF Hydrating Under Eye Primer: Sometimes my under eyes crease and become patchy, so I have been looking for a hydrating under eye primer to help reduce the amount of creasing and patchiness I get under my eyes. I saw this primer at my local K-Mart and figured I would give it a go and I am so glad I did. This is super hydrating. I have noticed a reduction in the amount of creasing I give throughout the day. I recommend this to anyone whose concealer crease under their eyes.  
• ELF Shimmering Facial Whip in Golden Peach: I love this highlighter! This is a golden, peach liquid highlighter. This highlighter gives off a beautiful glow without any glitter or sparkle. I love wearing this on my cheekbones. This product retails for $1.00! I highly recommend it!
• Gerard Cosmetics Lip Gloss in Butter Cream: I have not too sure if I mentioned this before, but I will mention it again. I have been loving this shade! On my skin tone this color comes off as a bright baby pink. In the tube it comes off a a muted baby pink. This color somehow brings my face to life. It has a slight blue-ish undertone which helps me teeth look a bit whiter. To help the gloss not look too bright on my skin I use Jordana Easyliner for lips in Coco Loco. This gloss is not overly sticky, it lasts all day, and its's extremely pigmented. I highly recommend this gloss. 

Now to Un-favorites: 

• Wet n Wild Color Icon eye shadow trio in Sun Set to See: I bought this because of the orange color in this palette. I was hoping it would be as pigmented and nice as the other Wet n Wild foreshadows, but it was not. The formula is chalky, the shades are very sheer, and these shadows has a lot of fallout. Long story short, this was an epic fail.
• Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation: I have already returned this foundation, because it was terrible for me. First off the color I chose was the darkest in the range and that shade was so red it was ridiculous. Second, the foundation dried so matte it caught on to all of my creases and wrinkles. (I didn't even know I had wrinkles.) Third, it did not make me pore less once so ever. I have medium/large pores around my nose and those remained there normal size. Fourth, I was just as oily as I was with all of my other foundations. Fifth, the finish was blotchy when applied with a brush and beauty blender. I had to use my hands to apply it. (I am not a fan of of using my hands personally.) I personally won't repurchase this. I know a lot of people like this foundation, but sadly I did not. 
• Jordana Best Length Extreme Mascara: I don't want to say this is a complete fail, but I can say that it didn't work for the purchase it which I bought it for. It is a great everyday mascara because it is extremely separating and light, but it didn't lengthen my lashes at all. So, if you are in the market for an affordable, everyday mascara then this mascara would be for you. 

DIY Hydrating Facial Spray/Toner

Hey Dolls!

Winter has reeked havoc on our skin. It has removed the moisture and made our skin dull in appearance.  I have found a fool-proof way to restore moisture to the skin, as well as, make the skin appear healthier. This post will be apart of the Au Naturel skin care series. With that said, let's jump into it!

What makes this toner/facial spray hydrating? 

The mixture of fresh rose and distilled water is extremely hydrating. Add vitamin E oil to preserve the mixture and add extra hydration. If you would like to make the toner verison of this add Witch Hazel for anseptic properties.

What are other benefits of this facial spray/toner?
The following are all possible benefits of this facial spray/toner:

• Balanced pH of the skin
• Reduced oil production 
• Softer, smoother skin 
• Decreased pore size
• Reduced redness and inflammation 
• Refreshed, dewy looking appearance

What skin types would benefit from this facial spray/toner? 

This toner/facial spray will be great for all skin types. It is gentle enough for people with sensitive skin to use. 

How do you make this toner/facial spray?

There are two ways ro make this toner/facial spray: Place 2 quarts or a half of a cup of shredded rose petals into a pot. Then, add distilled water to the pot. Use 1 and a half quarts of water. Boil the rose and water mixture on low for at least 30 minutes no longer than 60 minutes. Once the mixture is finished boiling remove the wilted flower petals from the pots and allow the liquid left behind to cool. Take the left over rose petals and place them into a cheesecloth. Squeeze the liquid out of the roses into the pot. While the mixture is still warm add a few drops of vitamin E oil. This is a natural preservative and moisturizer. Once it is cooled off funnel the mixture into a spray bottle. 

How do you use this facial spray/toner?

This can be used as a toner. To make it a toner add witch hazel to the mixture. A toner is generally used during a regular skin care routine. This can also be used as a facial spray to refresh the skin and/or makeup throughout the day. 

How can this toner/facial spray be stored?

This can be stored anywhere that is room temperature. I do not recommend heating this product. Although, it can be cooled in a freezer or refrigerator. 

Any tips? 

The recipe is just a guideline. If you would like to add more rose petals add more. Just remember the more rose petals added the more fragrant the product will be. 

What can people except after using this product? 

People can expect to experience any, some, or all of the benefits that were listed above. 

That's all folks!

I hope you all enjoyed this post. If you would like to contact me please refer to the 'follow me' tab above. There you will find all of the social media platforms I am on. Remember to share and 1+ this post and the blog. Thank you for stopping by the makeup junkie. I hope you all have an amazing week!

-The Makeup Junkie

DISCLAIMER: All opinions given were my own. I was not paid to make this post.

LINKS:

Acne fighting mask: http://makeupjunkie2020.blogspot.com/2015/02/acne-fighting-mask.html

Moisturizing Scrub: http://makeupjunkie2020.blogspot.com/2015/01/diy-moisturizing-stimulating-scrub.html

Favorite Highlighters

Hey Dolls!

I receive questions quite often about my favorite products, so I thought it would be a good idea to make a couple of posts about my favorite makeup and beauty related products. Today's post is about my favorite highlighters. So, without further a do, let's jump into it!

• Gerard Cosmetics BB plus Illumination Facial Creme: I recently reviewed this product, so I won't go too far into depth on why I love this highlighter. I will say this is a gorgeous, golden highlighter that is perfect for almost all skin colors and skin types. It really does make you look like you are glowing from within. I recommend this product to EVERYONE! It has definitely become my holy grail highlighter. I will link the in depth review I did on this post below. 
• Hard Candy Glow all the way Face and Body Luminizer in Glamzon Bronze: This liquid highlighter would be a great dupe for the Gerard Cosmetics one I mentioned above. This shade in particular gives off a beautiful bronzy, sheen. It has absolutely no glitter in it, which makes it a great everyday highlighter. It applies smooth and gives a beautiful glow from within. I recommend this shade to anyone whose skin tone is in the range of medium to deep. If you are lighter there are other shades in the Hard Candy Line you could try. 
• L'Oreal Magic Lumi Primer: This is a beautiful pearly liquid highlighter. It works perfectly for all skin tones. I usually use it has a base for powder highlighters.
• Maybelline Master Hi-Light in 60 Deep Bronze: This is one of the most beautiful bronze highlighters I have ever seen. This highlighter comes in powder form unlike the two i mentioned above. This powder contains no glitter or gaudy sparkles; only a beautiful sheen. It blends amazingly and it never fades away. There are several shades in this line that will suit all skin tones, however this shade in particular is suitable for deep skin tones. 
•  ELF Baked Blush in Peachy Cheeky: This is a gorgeous light peach highlighter. Like all of the others above this has absolutely no glitter. It has an amazing sheen that makes you look like you are glowing from within. This shade is perfect for all skin types and all skin tones. i recommend this product to EVERYONE. 
• ELF Healthy Glow Bronzer: This is a light bronze highlighter. This highlighter is perfect for everyday and it is prefect for medium to medium deep skin tones. Deep skin tones may look a bit ashy with this highlighter and light/ fair skin tones may look muddy with this highlighter. 
• Wet n' Wild Fergie Centerstage Collections To Reflect Shimmer Palettes: I owe all three of these palettes and I love them. If you have been following my blog for a long time then, you know how much I love these highlighters. I do have a review up on my blog up, so I won't go into too much detail here. (I will link the review below) I will say that like all of the other highlighters I have mentioned they have no glitter in them. There just give a beautiful sheen and glow. These are extremely pigmented and easy to blend. I love them!
• City Color Sunlight Trio: There is a beautiful golden highlight in this palette. It is extremely pigmented and has a bit of glitter. I would reserve this powder highlighter for night outs. The highlight would work perfectly for  all skin tones and skin types.

That's all Folks! 

Those were my favorite highlighters. I hope you enjoyed that post. If you have any questions or comments please leave them in the comments section below. If you would like to contact me please refer to the "follow me" tab above. There you will find my email and all of the social media platforms I am on. I would love to speak to you all, so please follow me! Remember to 1+ the blog and post. Remember to share the blog and post. Also, remember to return for new post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thank you for stopping by the makeup junkie. Your support and love means the world to me. I hope you all have a blessed week!

-The Makeup Junkie

DISCLAIMER:

All opinions given were my own. I was not paid to make this blog post. I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned. I purchased this product on my own.

 

LINKS: 

Review of Gerard Cosmetics BB creme: http://makeupjunkie2020.blogspot.com/2015/02/gerard-cosmetics-bb-plus-illumination.html

Wet n Wild Highlighter: http://makeupjunkie2020.blogspot.com/2014/08/review-wet-n-wild-fergie-centerstage.html

Gerard Cosmetics BB Plus Illumination Facial Creme Review

Hey Dolls! 

Happy Hump Day aka Wednesday! 

Today, I am going to share my thoughts on the Gerard Cosmetics BB Plus Illumination Facial Creme.

In recent months I have seen that you Dolls enjoy a bullet point format for reviews, so I will continue to use that format from here on out. If you are unfamiliar with this format or with the blog then I will explain the format to you. The first section will be a brief product overview which will include information on container, amount of product in the container, company claims for the product, price, and availability. The second section is the Pros and Cons of the products. The third section were I say if I enjoy the product or not and then I give a brief reason as to why I do or don't like the product. The last section is tips, dupes, or any other tidbits I might have about the product. With all of that said let's jump into it!

Let's begin with a product overview:

According to Gerard Cosmetics' website the BB Plus Illumination Facial Creme is, "a versatile and luminous product that can be used in a variety of ways. The product’s golden undertone adds dimension and a youthful glow to any complexion and is completely customizable to your lifestyle."
They claim it can be worn alone, as a foundation primer, or as a highlighter over makeup. The BB creme comes in a black, plastic tube with a pump and gold detailing; it contains 1.69oz. of product and it retails for $36.00. This product can only be purchased on Gerard Cosmetics' website. (I will link it below.)

On to the Pros:

• Pigmented
• Blendable
• Not glitter based, more of a sheen 
• Long Lasting

Now for the Cons:

•  Packaging 
• Amount of product dispensed at one time 

Do you like this product?

Yes, I do like this product. It has the most gorgeous, golden sheen! Which is perfect for anyone with olive/warm undertones. I recommend this for all skin types because of how versatile this product is. It can be used as a primer as well as a liquid highlighter. I even use it has a base for my powder highlighter when I am going for a more dramatic look. I will say that the packaging is horrible. I suggest using it pump side down. I also suggest pumping slowly to help control how much product comes out of the tube; I suggest this because, a little of this product goes along way and the pump has a tendency to product too much product. Other than that this product is amazing!

Anything else?
No, That's all Folks!

I hope you enjoyed that post. If you have any questions or comments please leave them in the comments section below. If you would like to contact me please refer to the "follow me" tab above. There you will find my email and all of the social media platforms I am on. I would love to speak to you all, so please follow me! Remember to 1+ the blog and post. Remember to share the blog and post. Also, remember to return for new post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thank you for stopping by the makeup junkie. Your support and love means the world to me. I hope you all have a blessed week!
-The Makeup Junkie

DISCLAIMER:
All opinions given were my own. I was not paid to make this blog post. I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned. I purchased this product on my own.

LINKS: 

BB creme: http://www.gerardcosmetics.com/shop/face/bb-plus-illumination-creme.html 

Moisturizing Acne Fighting Mask

Hey Dolls!

This post is the second installment in the Au Naturel skin care series; today, I will be sharing my recipe for an acne fighting mask. This mask can be used several times a week and it is moisturizing as well so, it is all skin type can use it. Of course if you are allergic to any of the ingredients feel free to not do this mask or remove that ingredient. With all of that said let's jump into it!

Why is this mask considered acne fighting?
This mask is considered acne fighting due three ingredients. Tea tree oil, raw honey, and apple cider vinegar Tea Tree Oil- Kills bacteria and stimulates the skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar- Dissolves dead skin cells, removes impurities, lightens acne scars, kills bacteria, balances pH of the skin.
Raw Honey- Kills bacteria, lightens and brightens the skin, and moisturizes.

What other ingredients are in this mask? And what do those ingredients do?
Coconut water and plain Greek yogurt are also in this mask. Coconut water hydrates and plumps the skin. Greek Yogurt hydrates and  gently exfoliates the skin.

What skin type will benefit from this mask?
Anyone who is experiencing acne for any given reason will enjoy this mask.

How do you store this mask?
Due to the coconut water and Greek yogurt, the mask must be store in the refrigerator. Also, the mask can only be stored for up to 10 days.

What is the measurements for this ingredients?
1/4 cup coconut water
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
4 tbs. raw honey
3 tbs. apple cider vinegar
6-10 drops of tea tree oil

Any tips?
Only use this product on clean, exfoliated skin. You may use this product up to 3 times a week. Remember to tone your skin after using this product. Remember to also moisturize after using this mask.

What can people except after using this product?
The first day you skin will feel clean, smooth, and soft. After a week or two you will notice less acne, less dryness, and fading dark scars and spots. People will continue to experience soft, smooth skin. After 1 to 3 months you will notice much less acne if any acne at all. You will also notice diminished or vanished spots or scars. (Depending on how recent the scars and spots are.) The skin will appear more luminous and brighter as well. You will continue to experience soft, smooth skin.

That's all folks!

I hope you all enjoyed this post. If you would like to contact me please refer to the 'follow me' tab above. There you will find all of the social media platforms I am on. Remember to share and 1+ this post and the blog. Thank you for stopping by the makeup junkie. I hope you all have an amazing week!
-The Makeup Junkie

DISCLAIMER: All opinions given were my own. I was not paid to make this post.