Products to Prep Your Skin For Summer

As the seasons change, so does my skin. Winters cause my skin to get dry, blotchy, and dull but during Spring/ Summer, my skin gets oily and gives me slight acne. Anyone else have the same issues? Because of this, I need to change my skincare routine. While hydrating my skin is still so important, I need to do so without getting oily and getting oil bumps/ acne which I am more prone to during the spring and summer.

So how to I change up my skincare routine? I switch to products that are lighter weight, have spf for sun protection, and use the products that serve more than one purpose so I don’t have to wear so many layers.

L’OCCITANE SPF SKINCARE

Immortelle Precious Light Cream SPF 20

I have been using L'occitane products for a few years now. I trust their quality so I continue to use new products they add to their growing line. As we all know, sun UV rays are harmful to skin so protecting ourselves is key! When I heard that L'occitane released their highly rated Immortelle cream with SPF 20, I was so excited. After using it for a few weeks, I can say that the consistency of the cream is luscious, moisturizing, and smells like bliss. I use the lotion after my serums in the morning before foundation. I recommend letting the cream soak in for a few minutes before applying your foundation. I usually do my hair or get dressed while I let the lotion seep in. There is a lot of product in this jar of lotion and I can see it lasting from 6-9 months.

PAULA’S CHOICE

I had heard about the brand Paula’s Choice for years and I recently had the opportunity to finally try out their products. The raving reviews from consumers lived up to the hype! Here are the products I highly recommend trying and why:

Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser Face Wash

If you have sensitive skin, this is a great face wash for you. I really like this one because the formula is light and it doesn’t feel like all oils have been stripped from my face after use. I hate having dry skin after washing my face. The bottle is huge (6.7 oz for $18) and a dime size dollop will go a long way. You will get your moneys worth with this product.

Eye Cream

Another Paula’s Choice product I’m loving is the Clinical Ceramide Enriched Firming Eye Cream! It has a blend of five replenishing ceramides, four forms of brightening vitamin C, two peptides and clinically proven retinol. I recommend using this under the eyes at night. I have been using it for the past month and feel that it has given me more of an “awake” look in the mornings with firmer under eyes. I sometimes even add a dollop of the C25 Super Booster with 25% Vitamin C to brighten my dark circles.

DERMA DOCTOR

Kakadu C Serum

with 20% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin E

I think a key ingredient for a beautiful skin is vitamin C! It’s amazing what a difference it for your skin. I apply this serum both morning and at night but alternate days. When I use this serum during the night, I wake up with a natural glow- more even skin tone. The vitamin E and C helps brighten skin and enrich it with nutrients. It really does work miracles! I drip a few drops of the serum into my hands and rub them together first. Then I pat it into my skin gently and repeat this step until I feel like the product is evenly distributed. A little bit goes a long way with this product. Plus this product is made without sulfates, dyes, or any artificial fragrance.

NATURA BRASIL

Daily Revitalizing Oil

This Natura Brasil oil is a lightweight  blend of natural oils and esters which include grapeseed, almond, and lavender oils. The Brazilian Sapucainha in the oil provides powerful antioxidant protection too!

You may think that oils aren’t good for summer but I would say otherwise. I think using an oil like this from Natura Brasil is a great way to keep up with the summer glow. I recommend applying this oil in your dryer areas in your face. Mine is my jawline and chin. Sometimes, these areas stay dryer than the rest of my face so I like to maintain my glow and apply it to those areas. Another place I recommend putting an oil is your neck and collarbone. It just gives an extra sheen to make this area look extra beautiful. If you really want a beautiful summer glow, mix a drop of this oil with your foundation. It will leave your skin with a dewy look and the sun will reflect off beautifully!

You can shop this oil HERE.

ARTISTRY FACE MASKS

Multi-masking is the new way of masking! Our skin is not the same all in all part of our face. We all have different concerns that need to be treated properly. That is why I have been loving multi-masking.

Image from Artistry

Image from Artistry

In my forehead area that is the oiliest, I use Polishing Mask (purple) which helps smoothen the skin. The face mask has exfoliating beads that are perfect to remove excess dead skin cells.

In my nose area, I use the Purifying Mask (yellow), which is a clay mask that removes excess oil, dirt, and black heads.

Under my eyes and cheeks, I use the Brightening Mask (white), that helps dull skin looks brighter and energized.

Around my jawline and cheeks, where I am most dry, I like to use the Hydrating Mask (green) mask. This mask helps hydrate and smooth the skin.

I apply these masks on with my hand and remove it with a wet washcloth. I love how these masks are interchangeable for each person!

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

*I get a commission for purchases made through links in this post*

March 2018 Beauty Favorites

If you've been following me on my social media channels, you know I've been using Neutrogena products for some time now. I've been using their face wash products (multiple kinds) and their famous makeup remover for years now. However, I recently tried out their new Hydro Boost collection. I fell in love with the light moisturizing formula! The Hydro Boost foundation feels incredibly light on the skin- feels like nothing once applied on. I'm wearing shade #60. I apply stripes on my face with the applicator and then blend it all in with the Beauty Blender. After that, I apply the Neutrogena Hydro Boost concealer on under my eyes and in blemish areas. The full face looks so effortless and covers everything! I top off my look with the Hydro Boost mascara which hydrates, nourishes, and extends lashes to the full max. Crazy how one product does all that right?!

NYX Products:

I remember being a teenager and just starting to use makeup. NYX was a favorite brand of mine because it was super affordable and it really worked! The affordable part was key for me at a younger age because I was still highly experimental and didn't really have the choice to splurge. I have A LOT of favorite NYX Cosmetics products built from over the years but these are some of my new favorites this month. 

NYX glitter glue and loose glitter- um you guys these two products are amazinggggggg! If you are looking to really create a major statement, this is exactly what you need! I love using the glitter as eyeliner by applying along my eye line. This give a subtle glow and is more fun than a traditional cat eye. If you want to create some drama, apply the glitter all over your eyelid. No way will you be missed! The glitter feels very light on, just like eyeshadow. Tip: use a small eyeliner makeup brush and dip into glitter then straight onto the area you want the glitter. Then dip the same brush into the glitter and put it on the areas you applied glue onto. 

NYX Ultimate Bright Eyeshadow Palette- this palette has the perfect colors to create a bright bold look with! There are 16 amazing high pigmented shades in this palette for just $18! You won't need another palette! Tip: apply a white creamy eyeshadow primer base to make the colors look even more vibrant. 

NYX Wonder Stick (highlighter and contour stick)- I love how this product is double ended and has two things in one package! It makes it really easy to travel with. I apply the contour end to my lower cheek and my nose. I then blend it in with the beauty blender. The color blends in really well because of the creamy texture. I apply the highlighter end on my upper cheek bones, nose tip, and brow arch. Then I blend with my beauty blender again. This highlighter isn't harsh and give a slight glow which I love for an everyday look.

Patchology 

I have been using Patcholoy products for over a year now but every month they keep me coming back for more with new products. This month my favorite item was the travel kit! It comes with four items and comes in the perfect travel size kit. I also love the Illuminating mask! It takes no more than five minutes to give you a nice healthy glow. The mask comes with an amazing serum that soaks into the skin. Tip: I leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes then rub the remaining serum in with a jade roller. I also tried the Patchology Aquaflash cream this monthly and loved it! I have oily skin so this cooling gel lotion is perfect to hydrate but not get your skin oily.

Jade roller- this new internet sensation really caught my eye and I had to try it. I mean for $8, why not? The jade roller helps de-puff your skin and makes it feel so rejuvenated after. Tip: I recommend putting it in the fridge 5 minutes before you plan on using it. This makes the jade stone nice and cold so when it hits your skin, it's helps wake it up. Tip: Always roll the jade roller upwards. I start from the chin and work around my face. I use the little side for under the eyes and nose. I can automatically feel a difference in my skin after using it for 5 minutes. I do this once a day after I apply my morning serum.  

Glossy Box Favorites: 

Cover FX  perfect pencil concealer- when I received my Glossy Box, I literally asked my self "what is this?". I had never seen a product like this before and honestly didn't think I would find any use for this. Well, I was wrong! I love this versatile pencil. I usually use it in my under eye line to make my eyes look bigger. I also use it under my eyebrow line to clean up the shape. Tip: You can also use it as a lip outliner (around your lips to clean up the lipstick). There are so many ways to use this one pencil. Totally worth the $20!

Figs & Rouge soft focus pore perfect HD matte veil primer keeps you shine free all day long. Exactly what I need for my oily t-zone. The primer is lightweight and it really does minimize my pores. Tip: I recommend applying this product along your t-zone in a circular motion after applying lotion on but before foundation.

De Bruyère Beauté jumbo eye pencil is another versatile eye makeup tool. I have the color #7 bubble. It's a really pretty bronze shade that I think will look good on just about every skin tone. The pencil has a nice creamy texture and glides on seamlessly. I use it as a base then apply powder on top. This gives a more metallic finish to your eyeshadow and stays on longer with the creamy base. Another way to use it is my just applying it along everywhere on the eyelid below the crease. A third way to use it is by using an angled brush to apply it as eyeliner. 

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity

*I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post*

Fall Beauty at Walmart

Growing up in the Midwest, Walmart was an essential place where my family would go to get a few groceries, household items, and occasionally even makeup. My mom and I would shop our favorite makeup brands at affordable prices. It was the fun part of our shopping trip. Well, starting this fall, Walmart is revamping the beauty department to make shopping a luxurious experience instead of a chore! After all, it's the only aisle us women take for ourselves and not our family or house. This amazing revamp with 'on trend' displays and larger assortment of products will be expanding to every store throughout the US. Trust me, you'll want to pop into your local Walmart this September. .

Walmart is adapting to their customer base, carrying makeup for every background, skin tone, skin type, and hair type. America is one big melting pot and being a brown skinned women with frizzy hair, it's important for me to find makeup and hair care that's a perfect fit without breaking the bank. 

Makeup brands like Milani are launching an 'every skin tone shade assortment' makeup collection. And I mean every skin tone! Most Milani products range under $15 too! They have new highlighters that are amazing and in different shades with touches of pink, beige, and white. I also loved their makeup setting spray. I've been using Mac's for a while and spending $26. Now I only need to spend $9. 

I love trying out new face masks! I love Walmart's variety and price point. You can't beat two for $5! Masqueology has a new 'Charcoal Clay Bubble Mask' that I'm really excited to try. Charcoal helps heal the skin while taking out all of the dirt in your pores. Another mask I'm intrigued about is the 'Chin Up' mask Masqueology is launching this holiday season. Our generation is constantly on our phones. I'm totally guilty of that! Well, because I'm constantly looking down, my chin has begun to sag. Sad but true. Well, this new mask is meant to re-lift the chin and give its tightness back! 

Another thing I'm loving about Walmart's beauty revamp are all of the natural products! As I grow older (and a little wiser), I try to be cautious of what I'm putting on my skin. The average woman puts on over a 100 chemicals on her face before leaving the house. I am probably guilty of that, but I am definitely trying to work on it. Walmart is making it easier by providing great natural products at a price I can actually afford! A new brand I got introduced to is Found. Found lists the percentage of how natural is it on all of their products. They also list ingredient information that explains what the main ingredient is and what it does. So cool right? This brand will launch its products at Walmart this September. 

Ladies, we can't forget about our nails! The colors are endless at Walmart between all the brands they carry. You'll definitely find the shade you are looking for. Serendipity, a new brand I was introduced to, is the coolest new nail care innovation! To apply polish, you literally dip your fingers in the polish and everything on your skin comes right off, just the polish stays on. 

XOXO!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.