Good things come in little packages with Montagne Jeunesse masks!

Recently, I've been really wanting a new mask- the thicker kind, clay, mud, exfoliating, whatever! that really sticks to your skin.  I use an old (and discontinued) cream mask from Clinique about once a week, and I do love it, but I just wanted something new and different.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money for one at Sephora or a department store, but I also didn't want to buy one online.  So my next thought was trying the ever-affordable Montagne Jeunesse masks that I always see at the drugstore!  I don't know why I never tried them before but a few days ago I decided to finally pick up a few.

Clean-up mud mask, Fruit smoothie mask, Skin polisher mask

Clean-Up Mud mask (which I already used- I forgot to take a picture beforehand, haha), Fruit Smoothie mask, Skin Polisher mask

The thing that ended up really appealing to me about these is their size.  With skin care products, a lot of things I try are hit or miss, and I was afraid I would try a mask and it would break me out.  With these, I can try one and if it breaks me out, I'm not out however much money and left with an entire tube of wasted product.

Last night I tried the "Clean-Up Mud" mask (which you can see from the picture above that I forgot to take pictures before I used it haha, sorry!).  I was pleasantly surprised that 1) it didn't break me out, and 2) it actually contained enough product to get about two more uses out of.  I depotted the rest of it into an old Mario Badescu sample jar:

So that was an extra bonus!  I thought these would be strictly one use only.  

This "Clean-Up Mud" mask contains aloe vera, willow, rosemary, and witch hazel that are supposed to target problem areas like blemishes.  

It's a thick clay and has an off-white, almost grey tinge.  It reminds me a lot of how my Mario Badescu Flower & Tonic mask applied and felt- it goes on creamy and smooth, but dries down in minutes.  You have to do a bit of massaging to get the product off, but afterwards my skin felt really smooth and refreshed.  I left this on for about 10 minutes (the packaging says 10-15) and rinsed with warm water.  

I didn't expect my skin to look any better after using it, but I actually did think it looked clearer and more refreshed!

The next night I tried out the Fruit Smoothie mask- I know, you're only supposed to use these once a week but I had heard good things about this one and I was excited to use it! :)  This one contains crushed raspberries and mangoes and smells amazing!  It's also a thick cream that dries down to clay once it hardens, pretty much exactly how the Clean-Up mud mask was.  

I've yet to try the Skin Polisher mask (I'm making myself be patient and wait a week, haha) but I can't wait to see how it works.  That one is supposed to contain exfoliants that you scrub onto your face and then let sit.  Interesting!

Have you guys tried any of these Montagne Jeunesse masks, or any others that you like?  

My current skincare routine (normal/sensitive skin)

I've been meaning to do this post for a long time now, but for one reason or another I just didn't get around to it.  So, finally! :)  These are the products I've been loving and using on a daily basis, pretty much all year so far.  I've tried new products here and there but I keep going back to these.
For reference, my skin is normal/sensitive with occasional dry spots.  Typically I just get the occasional pimple, unless I'm really stressed out- then I get small breakouts in my T-zone.  But my skin is pretty sensitive to different products so I have to be careful with skincare (in particular moisturizers, which I have the most problems with).  

Makeup remover:

Pond's Cold Cream

I mentioned this in my 'empty products' post, and I finally repurchased it after I got home from school.  Yes!  This is my go-to for removing eye makeup- it doesn't tug, it's moisturizing (doesn't dry out my eyes), it's cheap, and it lasts forever.  Win, win, win, win.

Cleanser:

Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub

I'm finally blogging about this after meaning to for forever!  Earlier this year I was trying out a few different cleansers to find something to help clear up my skin, and nothing really worked.  I went right back to this (which I've used on and off since I was 15ish) and I'm sticking with it.  It doesn't break me out, the exfoliating beads are super gentle for my sensitive skin, it clears up my breakouts, and leaves my face feeling refreshed and bright.  I highly recommend.

Daily Moisturizer:

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

This is another product that I started using a long time ago (my sister used Aveeno products when she lived at home, so when I was younger I would try them out, lol!) but recently repurchased.  I've used it off and on all year and it works great for a daily moisturizer.  It provides enough moisture for my skin's occasional dry patches, doesn't break me out, and the SPF is a bonus.  

Nighttime Moisturizer:

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin

I think this is my third bottle of this moisturizer!  I've tried several different moisturizers and I still love this for nighttime.  It doesn't irritate my skin, and the light consistency absorbs quickly and doesn't cause breakouts.  I've had problems with a lot of moisturizers/creams, but this one has never given me issues.

Spot Treatment:

Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment

I'm not a fan of many of the Clean & Clear products I've tried, but this has worked pretty well for me (I'm almost out of it!).  It effectively reduces the size of my pimples when used nightly.  If I could remember to use it twice a day I think it'd work even better.  I have the Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 spot treatment, but it's either the benzoyl peroxide that doesn't work for me, or the fact that it's such a high concentration.  

Mask:

Clinique Skin Calming Moisture Mask

This isn't on the website anymore so I'm thinking it's discontinued- if anyone can confirm that for me, I'd be very appreciative!  This is actually my sister's from years ago, but I use it when my skin needs moisture.  It doesn't make my skin feel tight or irritated, and is really easy to apply/take off.  My face always looks really glowy after I use this.

What do you guys use/love on a regular basis?  

Emptying out... is this happening?

I'm home for summer from my first year of art school!  The last two days have been spent sleeping in until noon and thoroughly enjoying not having anything to do (for the time being, anyway).  Haha.  My boyfriend is here this week so we've been busy doing stuff, but I will definitely get back into blogging ASAP.  So excited! :)
I actually may have a few more things to add to this in the next few days.  For now, though, these are the products I've used up recently.  I don't know about you guys but for some reason I love reading these 'empties' types of posts on other blogs!

Pond's Classic cold cream- 

I've been using this all school year- since August I believe!  Can you believe I just ran out?  This has surprisingly become my favorite eye makeup remover.  There were a handful of days where I would try an oil-based liquid remover (like the Lancome one pictured above), but for the mass majority of the year this has lasted me. 

Repurchase?  Yes!  Between it's efficiency (removes makeup quickly and doesn't tug) and being cheap/long lasting, I'll definitely be using this from now on.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  A new jar that I just got yesterday! 

Lancome Bi-Facil eye makeup remover-

This came with a GWP that my mom got back over spring break, and she gave it to me.  I thought I'd give it a fair trial because I've heard decent things about it.  Personally, I found I needed a lot to get all my makeup off, and I had to tug at my eyelids at the same time.  

Repurchase?  No, it didn't work for me.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Same as above, Pond's Classic cold cream

Nivea Express Hydration body lotion sample-

I got this with my Target Beauty bag sample pack.  I love the idea- that it's lightweight and absorbs quickly- but it didn't really moisturize for a long time.  Nice for a simple lotion but I'd rather try something else.

Repurchase?  No.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion (favorite basic lotion)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub-

I didn't totally clean this one out, but I found something else I like better (that my skin liked better, too!) so I haven't used it in a long time.  It was nice, but I think I'm done trying Neutrogena's skin care products (besides their oil-free moisturizer for sensitive skin- LOVE that).  They either break me out, or slightly irritate my skin.  This scrub was just a little too harsh for me.

Repurchase?  No.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Aveeno Positively Radiant scrub (LOVE THIS.  Review in the near future!)

Mario Badescu Flower & Tonic mask sample-

I received this sample in my sample pack back in January but hadn't used it much until recently.  It's a thick, green mask that I used about once a week.  My skin feels so soft after using it, and I'm seriously considering buying it in a full size if I can't find a cheaper mask.

Repurchase?  Yes!

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Clinique Skin Calming Moisture mask (This was my sister's from years ago, I think it's discontinued but I'm not sure, I'm sorry!).

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil-

Ugh, I was so depressed when this ran out.  I didn't think my skin needed a powder, but this just makes my Bare Minerals foundation look so much smoother and glowy.  I love the radiance it gives my skin!

Repurchase?  Yes!  Unless I find a cheaper alternative.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  NYC Minerals Natural Veil (I think discontinued).

I've been doing some major spring-cleaning in terms of makeup/bath/body products lately, but that just means dumping stuff that I haven't used in awhile.  I always feel so accomplished when I actually finish something, haha.

What have you guys emptied recently?  

Mario Badescu samples: first thoughts

A few weeks ago, I read on another blog (I'm sorry, I can't remember which one!) that a girl had received free skincare samples from Mario Badescu.  She said they weren't sent for review and she wasn't affiliated with the company, so I wondered if that meant anyone could get them.  I've heard great things about Mario Badescu products so I was definitely interested in seeing for myself!
I stumbled upon the "consulting" tab on the website, which lead me to fill out a questionnaire that they would then select products best suited for my skin type.  You do have to register with the website after this, but it's free.  A few days later, I received an email from Mario Badescu asking if I'd like to try samples of the products I was recommended.  I clicked a link through the email which took me to a page on the website to select which products I wanted and enter my shipping information.  When I got back to school this last weekend, my samples were waiting for me!  This is really cool, guys.  I was afraid it'd either be gimmicky or the samples would be skimpy, but that's not at all the case.

There were a few products I was recommended that they don't do samples of (as noted in the pamphlets they sent), but I received mini sizes of:

- Special Cucumber Lotion (toner)

- Enzyme Cleansing Gel (cleanser)

- Strawberry Face Scrub (exfoliator)

- Flower & Tonic Mask

- Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream

- Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15

- Drying Cream

They included a booklet of detailed information about all their products, along with a small one of the products I received and how to use them.  This was really helpful to me, being new to Mario Badescu. 

Now, I haven't tried everything out just yet, but I've given a few a whirl over the last several days.  I'll write my initial thoughts about the ones I've tried underneath their picture.  

Enzyme Cleansing Gel- This gel cleanser has a very herbal...almost chemical smell to it.  I've gotten three uses out of it and I still have about half of the little container left!  It feels very refreshing so far and doesn't leave my skin tight or dry.

Strawberry Face Scrub- I've only used this once but it's so cool!  First of all, it's pink.  ;)  The better part is that it looks to have real strawberry pieces in it, which I think is awesome.  It's like you're smearing a piece of fruit over your face, haha.  I would consider buying the full size of this just for the cool-ness factor if continued usage doesn't break me out or anything.

Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream- I've read several places that eye creams aren't necessary, but having never used one (and having just started noticing fine lines and large pores around my eyes) I was interested.  Let me first say this sample will go SO far- you only need a tiny, tiny dab of product since the skin around the eyes is so thin.  Usually the skin around my eyes is pretty dry, and since using this the last four nights I haven't seen any flaking.

Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15- This is a really light, creamy moisturizer that melts into my skin.  It reminds me of a thinner, less-creamy version of my Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer for sensitive skin.  It gives me a similar simple moisturizing effect, no tingling or irritation.

I wanted to try the infamous Drying Cream right away but I currently don't have any pimples!  Part of me wishes my skin was worse right now just for that.  Wait, what did I just say?

Alright, so I know I haven't had a chance to fully test out and review each of the products for you.  My point in putting this post up now was so hopefully you all can take advantage of this offer too!  I don't know how long it will go on for, or if they only email random people asking to receive samples (because it really seems too good to be true?).  But it doesn't hurt to try!  The samples they give you are generous, which is my favorite part.  With skincare you can't always tell how something will perform with only one use.

If this works for you, or if you've already tried Mario Badescu products, I'd love to hear what you think!  

Note: I am in no way affiliated with this company and my opinions are all my own.  :)

I'm still alive! Things I'm loving lately

Hi everyone!  I cannot apologize enough for my lack of posting lately.  I've been so swept up with school and friends, and I also lost a lot of my interest in makeup/experimenting with it.  I think when other things comes up, it really takes a backseat to what's important.
When I went home for Thanksgiving, though, my spark was ignited (my problem then was that I forgot my camera)- I wanted to buy makeup and actually try out different looks again.  So I know when I'm home for Christmas break I'll get back into posting more frequently.  I have a solid five weeks of break starting the end of next week, so you can bet the anticipation is killing me!  I'm going to be really sad to leave school, though- I've found such amazing people here to call my friends.  It's a great feeling to have people who genuinely care about you, and it's been just what I needed.

With that said, this post is long overdue.  My makeup routine has changed drastically over the last month or so, getting simpler and simpler every day!  But I still have my favorites that I resort to when I'm lacking the ounce of creativity left in me.  ;)
First off, I want to start out with the skin care products I've been using the last couple of weeks.  My skin is pretty sensitive and runs on the dry side, depending on the weather- but growing up, I've never had a problem with acne/breakouts.  Ever since starting college this semester, however, my skin has broken out almost every week.  One pimple would clear up, and then another would form, all in my T-zone.  This was SO frustrating!  Mainly because I'm not used to having actual "breakout" areas.
Anyway, over Thanksgiving break I purchased both of the following products and I've been using them ever since- so, almost two weeks now.  My breakouts have almost completely cleared up and my skin feels like normal again.  Hallelujah!

Aveeno Positively Radiant moisturizer spf 15 and Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub.  

I think this Neutrogena cleanser is what has helped my skin.  I was using the Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash, but never noticed much of an improvement in breakouts.  This scrub, on the other hand, has exfoliating beads that are still gentle enough to use twice a day (which is recommended).  I follow this with the Aveeno moisturizer, and even though it has SPF, I use both day and night.  I just love it.  I'm thinking I may need something a little more moisturizing for colder days, though, so if anyone has any recommendations for that, I'm all ears!

Onto makeup, which is going to be short but sweet:

(Everything else I'm using on a daily basis right now I've mentioned countless times on here)

Maybelline Mineral Power powder foundation in Light 2-3- I think I've told you my obsession with this foundation before, but my laziness has made me obsessed again.  It's so easy to just buff onto my face and go.  After using this type of foundation, I honestly don't know if I'll ever be able to do liquid- it takes me so much more time/effort.  ;)  I'm curious as to how Bare Minerals works- if you've used it or have any recommendations, please let me know in the comments!  I'd love to hear.

Rimmel eyeliner in Black Gold- This is a gorgeous antique gold eyeliner that I've talked about before.  It doesn't stay in place the best, so I need to top it with some kind of powder, but the color is so pretty that I put up with it.  

Maybelline eyeshadow quad in Time For Wine- You all probably know my favorite eyeshadow color to wear is either champagnes or purples/berries.  I love using the two purples in this quad in my outer corner- so pretty!  I really don't recommend this palette for its quality.  The pigmentation isn't the best, (in fact, the other two colors hardly show up on me at all- see swatch), so if I want more color I use this:

Dark shimmery purple from my Coastal Scents 88 Matte palette- This is a really pretty eggplant purple that works well when I want a little more color.  It goes great with my green eyes!  I've also been using the matte black shadow from this same palette for lining my eyes, and a matte cream for highlight.

Swatches:

(L-R: Maybelline Time For Wine quad, Rimmel Black Gold eyeliner)

*I forgot to swatch the Coastal Scents shade, I'm sorry!

Lastly, this is the kind of eye look I've been doing pretty much daily the last few weeks.  So simple and neutral (Using the Maybelline eyeshadow quad and Rimmel eyeliner):

 (Please excuse my eyebrows...)

Thanks for reading, everyone!  And definitely expect more frequent posting to happen in a couple weeks.  Finals are full-speed ahead now!

<3

Review: Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 acne medication

Update:
I refer to my Clean & Clear "Advantage Acne Spot Treatment" in this post, but I actually mean the Advantage Mark Treatment.  That's the one I own- sorry about the mix-up!

I bought this Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 acne spot treatment last week, shortly after reading several rave reviews about it.  I was using Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment Mark Treatment but wanted to try something different- that has 2% salicylic acid, as opposed to this one which contains benzoyl peroxide.  I was wary about the benzoyl peroxide since I've found cleansers containing it don't work for me, but figured a spot treatment would be worth a shot.

Anyway, I'll just begin to tell you my thoughts on it now.  :)

What it is: (From cleanandclear.com)

CLEAN & CLEAR® PERSA-GEL® 10 Acne Medication is a unique formula that goes to work immediately, releasing the medicine deep into the pores where pimples start.

Basically, it's an on-the-spot pimple treatment.  I typically get one or two bad pimples, so I use it on those specific areas.

Price:  About $6.00, although I think mine was a little over $5 from Target.  You also get a full 1oz of product which won't be used up quickly.

Formula: This product, unlike the Advantage Spot Treatment, is a cream.  It blends into my skin pretty easily and I don't need any more than the picture above to cover the areas on my face (I currently have two small pimples in between my eyebrows and two on my chin that I use this on).

Ingredients: (From cleanandclear.com- I threw away the box already, whoops!)

Active: Benzoyl Peroxide (10.0%) Inactive: Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Laureth-4, Sodium Hydroxide, Water

So I don't mean to compare this product to the Advantage Spot Treatment one in this review, but this has 10% benzoyl peroxide as opposed to only 2% salicylic acid.  Don't use this on an entire cheek, people!

I've found this really dries out the skin around my pimples (my skin is sensitive and can lean on the dry side, but it's not typically dry, just for reference), so moisturizing is a must.  The directions say to apply this 1-3 times a day as needed.

How I like it:  Although you can use this up to 3 times a day, I usually just apply it at night after my moisturizer.  The next morning I have to reapply moisturizer or else my skin peels around where the pimples are.  That's the only reason I don't use this more often- I'm afraid of my skin peeling too much during the day.  Even if it's only in a little spot, that's not something I want!

As far as performance, it's working well to reduce my pimples.  I did have two bumpy pimples on my chin this weekend, and now they're just little dots, which is at least easier to cover with concealer.  It hasn't gotten rid of my pimples or anything.
I've read that for other people this just zaps zits- I wouldn't say it does that, but it sure helps eliminate them faster.

I think for me personally I'll rotate this product and my Advantage Spot Treatment with 2% salicylic acid- that one doesn't dry out my skin so much and is better to use more often.

Overall, I think this one would work great if you have monster pimples that need to be erased pronto.

Pros:
- Inexpensive, 1oz size
- A little goes a long way
- Reduces the appearance of large zits (This seems like it would be GREAT if you get a pimple the night before an important event and you need something with maximum strength)

Cons:
- Dries out skin
- Doesn't completely erase the appearance of pimples
- Has a high level of benzoyl peroxide so must be used minimally and in safe areas

Have you tried this?  Did it work better for you than it did for me?

Review: Neutrogena Moisture Oil-Free for Sensitive Skin

Before I start this, I just want to note that I've been hesitant to review skin products.  It's mainly because I don't know much beyond the basics when it comes to skin care- I know what works for me by trial and error, and I go from there.  So, just keep in mind that this is a review based on my experiences with this product.  It may or may not work for you depending on your skin type!
The main reason I chose this skin product to review for you is that I'm on my second bottle.  I like it!  It takes me a good several months to use up one bottle, so it clearly doesn't irritate my skin or do anything bad to it (For the last 6 or so months I've been using it, anyway).
Like the title says, I'm talking about the Neutrogena Moisture Oil-Free moisturizer for Sensitive Skin.  :)

You can find this at most drugstores and grocery stores for around $7-10, 4 oz.

It comes in a box, where the ingredients are listed.  Since I've had this for a few months I don't have the box anymore- here is the list of ingredients via drugstore.com:

Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Cyclomethicone, Soy Sterol, Isopropyl Isostearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG 10 Soy Sterol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, C12 15 Alkyl Benzoate, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Diazolidinyl Urea, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben

Although my skin type changes a little with the seasons, it's consistently on the sensitive side.  After I wash my face at night my cheeks get a little rosy, and my face gets irritated by certain lotions/cleansers.  This was my reason for trying this the first time- I figured I needed a basic moisturizer that conditioned my skin; no bells and whistles.

The consistency is that of a creamy, thin lotion.  I really like it.  It feels light and one pump is all I need to cover my face.  My skin doesn't tense up after it's applied, nor does it feel irritated.  There is no scent to it which I think is good considering it's for your face.

(This picture looks terrible, sorry!  I didn't realize that until I uploaded it here.)

I really like that it's fragrance and alcohol free (One of the listed ingredients is "Cetearyl alcohol", which, according to its Wikipedia page- OK maybe this isn't the best source but I like Wikipedia, ha- is an "emulsifying wax".  Not alcohol as in rubbing alcohol.  

This doesn't have SPF in it so I use this primarily as my nightly moisturizer, unless I'm wearing foundation/TM that has SPF.  I do really like how it works with my sensitive skin, though, and for under $10 I think it's a keeper for me.  

Have you tried this moisturizer?  Do you like it like I do?  My sister uses the Healthy Skin Face lotion (again from Neutrogena) and really likes it- I've also heard good things about it.  It's a few dollars more expensive so I've stayed with this one.  :)

Thanks for reading!  

New E.L.F. $1 'Zit Zapper'

Have you guys seen this new product on E.L.F.'s website?  It's called the Zit Zapper, and I saw it on the fourth "page" of the slideshow on E.L.F.'s main page.  It supposedly rivals similar drugstore acne spot treatment products, with ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, and Camphor.

"This special clear formula helps to fight and prevent acne, reduce redness and swelling, minimize pore size and clear skin." (http://eyeslipsface.com)

The reviews on the site were all positive, but I'm still wondering how well a $1 spot-treatment product would work.  Interested?  Thoughts?

(Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with E.L.F. cosmetics.  I post this out of my own desire and curiosity.)

Skin Care Products I'm Using

It took me awhile to get into the habit of taking care of my skin (And I'll be honest, I'm still not completely diligent about removing my makeup before bed).  But as soon as I found products that gave me results, it wasn't so hard.  I've never had problems with acne, as a side note- I get the occasional pimple here and there, but my parents fortunately gave me good skin genes.  My skin is neither dry nor oily- somewhere in the middle, I suppose- but it's fairly sensitive.
Anyway, I thought I'd do a post on the products I've been using regularly this month.  I always find it interesting to see what girls use on their skin, even though I know what works for me might not work for you, and vice versa.  I have three different cleansers/scrubs I rotate between (Aveeno Skin Brightening daily scrub, Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Foaming scrub, Cetaphil, and Proactiv), and I also don't stick to just one moisturizer (I switch off between the one I'm posting about here, and Neutrogena Moisture oil-free for sensitive skin).

First is something I'm new to using, but have grown up hearing my mom rant and rave about- Pond's Cold Cream.  I like this for a few reasons:

-It allows you to loosen up face makeup before cleansing

-It's easy to remove eye makeup (I use a cotton ball), and it's gentle on eyes

-It lasts a lot longer for me than normal liquid eye makeup remover, so my value is better (And it's a little cheaper for me)

The lotion consistency is weird to get used to at first, especially if you're like me and have always used liquid makeup removers, but I like it now!

Next is Proactiv Renewing Cleanser.

I actually didn't purchase any of the Proactiv products I have- my sister tried it a while back, didn't like how the benzoyl peroxide worked for her, and never used it again.  I guess she ordered a few of everything, because both this cleanser and the toner were unopened, sitting in the back of my bathroom cabinet.

Anyway, I like what it's doing for me so far.  Although I don't have acne, I had some small blemishes that have cleared up some since I started using this a couple weeks ago.  I was surprised by this, because typically I don't like benzoyl peroxide acne products.  

Proactic Revitalizing Toner

This I've used longer than the cleaser, and let me say, I swear by toners.  I've always loved the results I see from them.  I saturate a cotton ball with this, and run it across my face after washing.  

Lastly is Target brand's Up & Up Moisturizing Lotion Radiant Skin w/ SPF 15- comparable to Aveeno Positively Radiant daily moisturizer SPF 30.  

This is the first time I've used this moisturizer, actually.  I'm a long-time fan of the Aveeno, but I was trying to save money when I purchased this, so I got the Target brand.  Anyway, they aren't exact dupes or anything.  This one is pretty thick, even though it has a lower SPF than Aveeno's.  I like it now that I've gotten used to the thick consistency.  It does have a slight smell, but it goes away after you apply it to your face and let it dry in.

These products are listed in the order I use them in, by the way.  I'm not sure if it's "right" to use the cold cream first, but I like the idea of it loosening my makeup before I wash my face.  

What are some of your favorite skin cleansers/moisturizers?  Is it hard for you to find quality products that deliver top results?

♡my skin care routine⌒♡+ﾟ

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I decided to tell about my daily skin care routines. I'm very interested in skin care. I think that it's imporant to have clear, beautiful skin. I've done skin care routines since I was 11 or 12. I'm pleased with my skin, I think that it's in a good condition! I do pretty long skin routine daily, in the morning and at night. If I come late to home and I'm very very tired, I just remove make-up and use cleansing gel. But I never sleep with make-up, I just can't. I hate it so much how my face feels after it. Anyway, now to the routine:


If I have had make-up, I remove it with NIVEA's gentle eye make-up remover. Nothing special. After removing make-up, I clean my face with cleansing gel or scrub. I like to try different products and at the moment I'm using Garnier's Pure Active deep cleansing scrub. It should clear blackheads. I found it as a pretty good product. After cleansing, it's time for a toner. I use Clearasil's deep cleansing toner. I've been using this for ages and I'm still pleased.


I usually scrub my face once in a week besides daily deep cleansing scrub. My favourite scrub is Freeman's facial gel scrub. It smells like raspberry, very delicious smell! It also contains aloe vera. Another scrub I use is NIVEA's skin refining scrub. I use it when I need more effective exfoliation.


After a toner, it's a turn for moisturising. Moisturising products I use depend on a time of the year. First I moisturise my eye areas with LÓreál's Dermo-Expertise Triple Active Eyes eye cream. Then moisturising of the whole face. On winter my skin is drier so I need more effective moisturiser. Then I use NIVEA's body and face cream as a day cream. As a night cream I use Garnier's SkinSensitive nourishing night moisturiser. Now as the spring has came and it's not so cold and dry, I don't need so much moisturising. At the moment I use Garnier's Soft cream. It can be used as either day or night cream.


Specially funny on skin care I found different masks! I use them pretty irregular but usually at least once in a week. Otherwise I use them if my skin feels dirty and needs extra cleansing. Those are my favourite masks! Freeman's cucumber peel-off mask. I love to peel dry mask off from my face, so fun~ Another favourite is Montagne Jennesse's chocolate mask! It smells just like chocolate.


I recently bought some cheap masks from H&M. I haven't tried them yet so I can't say if they are good or not. I bought pore cleansing mask with raspberry smoothie, deep cleansing mask with strawberry and pomagranate & passion flower peel-off mask. They were only 95 cent per mask.


The last step of my routine is BB-cream. Though, I still don't know if to consider it as skin care or make-up product. Whatever it is, I can say it's my number one favourite beauty product all the time! I'm using SKIN79's Super Beblesh Balm with triple functions: whitening, UV protecting (SPF25 PA++) and wrinkle improvement. BB-creams are to make skin look flawless, bright and elastic. It also moisturise. At me, it makes my skin more flawless and little more bright, but I can't see much whitening effect because my skin is already very very light. I wouldn't want it to be lighter, though, haha!

I tried to take a pictures of me before and after BB-cream but the photos didn't succeed because of the bad light and my bad camera. I wanted to show the difference but unfortunately I can't now. I searched some photos on Internet to show you the effect of BB-creams!


This is a photo on BB-cream advertisement. Here you can see the effect that usually Asian women want. Light and flawless skin.


Here you can see the whitening effect. BB-creams are Korean products and Korean people, and other Asians, have darked skin than me, so there is the whitening effect.


Some before and after photos. My BB-cream doesn't cover moles but there's differences between BB-creams at covering.

Sometimes I use BB-cream as my only make-up base, no foundation. Sometimes I need extra cover of make-up foundation. In the future I want to try more Korean beauty products!

Oops! The order of my skin routine is pretty disorganized here! Maybe I'll write it once more clearly. Daily skin routine: 1. make-up removing at nights 2. cleansing scrub/gel 3. toner 4. eye area moisturising 5. face moisturising 6. BB-cream in the mornings. Once in a week scrub after cleansing. Masks after cleansing, too.

I want to do '100 things about me' -thing as many other bloggers. Should I do it in English or in Finnish?

♡about x'mas holiday⌒♡+ﾟ

yes, as i told i spent the rest of my holiday in Helsinki at Tung's. here is the last photos from last year. wow, those King Brown lenses really make my eyes big! hehe~ i like them a lot.+:｡(*≧∇≦*)ﾟ.+:｡

mostly we were at nail studio. but we also went to movies to watch Avatar as 3D movie! we always want to see all 3D movies (´∀｀)ﾉ and about Avatar.. damn it was so great p(*>ω<*)q and of course i went to shopping few times..





here is some new things i have bought or got lastly ( '∇^*)^☆


light powder pink cardigan 27€, Vero Moda


cute pink dress. this was a real sale bargain!! usually i don't find anything at sales because everything there is so ugly or XL-sized. original price was 40€ but i got it for 12€ yay! ＼(*＾∀＾*)／

i also bought pretty basic long white shirt from ONLY but i forgot to take a picture. maybe you can see it later~


♥｡･jewelry･｡♥
1. so cute earrings! very girly style~ i really like those little golden ribbons and pink hearts (≧∪≦) close-up picture here.
2. rose earrings! i like almost everything with roses so they were just must to have. very cute~ close-up picture here.
3. golden necklace with pearls. this style is awesome and fabolous~


♥｡･make-up･｡♥
1. IC's make-up base to keep the make-up whole day （●＾o＾●）
2. IC's matte foundation N1. it's so great foundation~
3. IC's moisturizing cream which can be used as a make-up base too~
4. MAKE UP STORE's matt foundation, color is milk. it's awesome too and colour is perfect for skin!
i got these all from Tung. IC is make-up brand for professional use and Tung uses them at his work. so they are really good products ! (*^▽^*)ノ


♥｡･cosmetics･｡♥
i really love all beauty products and especially skin care products!
1. Freeman's facial gel scrub. it's made of raspberry and the smell is just too delicious! i got Freeman's products from Sokos, they were on sale, only 4€ per product.
2. Freeman's cucumber facial peel-off mask. awesome!
3. Garnier's nourishing night moisturiser. i bought it because of its smell.. it's just too good ( ｡･▽･｡) it smells like pansy ! (* - *)♥
4. L'ORÉAL Dermo-Expertise Triple Active Eyes - moisturising eye cream.


♥｡･SEACRET's nail care collection･｡♥
you know the sellers on shopping malls who try to sell stuff to people who walk over? i always have found them annoying and thought i won't buy anything. but now i got attacked by a man who was selling those collections. first i thought i won't buy it but he just told me so much about it and made one of my nails.. it looked great *.* original price was 60€ but after talking with him about 10 minutes i got it for 30€! so i just had to buy it (*´∀｀*) but this is very great! it's made of Dead Sea's minerals. there is a body lotion which smells like cucumber and melon. there is great nail file and cuticle oil. plus buffing block which makes your nails to shine !!

eeh my nail is so short because i bite my own nails, so please ignore it T_T but look how the nail shines! okay you can't see it well in the picture because pic is so bad.. but somehow you can see! in real life it really SHINES~


these biscuits are so yummy ! (=°ω°=) it's not a Hello Kitty.. it's Hello Panda ! lol (・∀・) i was meant to byu chocolate flavour but later i noticed that i took strawberry flavour accidentally! haha maybe it's subconscious i always crab to anything which is pink colored..