Best spring make-up to hydrate without becoming an oil slick!

The best make-up feels like no make-up. Am I right?!

So as spring is rolling around and you're ready to shed your heavy, dull, blah-blah make-up, I thought I'd share what I've been loving lately! 

Here's the back story: I love make-up that has a skin care feel to it -- moisturizing and natural. I want my make-up to even out my skin tone and highlight my features, but it has to look effortless. Though I love hydrating cosmetics, many tinted moisturizers and BB creams are best suited for drier skin types. Those of us with combination to oily skin have to be careful we don't turn slick by lunch with these products.

Luckily, I've found the perfect balance -- my favorite products for keeping me matte and hydrated all day! 

I am in love with Benefit's Big Easy Liquid to Powder Foundation. It goes on as smooth like Porefessional (which is totally great, by the way) and dries like a smooth primer/tinted moisturizer/mattifier. Your face will look even, smooth and soft. How do I even describe it? It's unlike any other facial make-up product on the market.

To make it even better, don't simply stop at the skin. Swipe on some of Benefit's Fake-up Concealer, a revolutionary hydrating concealer that makes under eyes look smooth, bright and soft. I know I probably sound like an ad, but it's so rare to find make-up that actually makes skin look better, as opposed to simply covering and unfortunately, caking. Not so with Benefit.

So go ahead and hop on over to your local beauty store to see why I'm raving like a lunatic about it! I guess you could say I'm crazy for Benefit. 

Product review: Avene spring water spray

I'll admit ... I will fall for just about anything. If you told me this was magical water in a spray bottle that would make all your imperfections just vanish, I'd probably believe you. Probably because I want it to be true; I want a product that blows me away, that single-handedly takes care of all my skin concerns in one spritz. But that's unrealistic. So, let's just take a second to re-calibrate: This is not magic water, but it's also not just regular water in a spray can. 

This, ladies and gentlemen, is Avene Thermal Spring Water.

So, after blowing through my 1.76 oz bottle within a few weeks, spraying multiple times a day, here's what I thought.

The pro's:

• Refreshing! That was my first impression. It felt cool and refreshing on my face. It definitely woke me up a little bit.
• Hydrating! There are a lot of claims with Avene spring water. I had to wonder if I would really notice a difference. But it did in fact make my skin feel softer and smooth.
• Healing! This spring water does a great job of getting rid of redness. Whether it's coming in from the cold, razor burn, using a chemical peel, a rash, or even acne, this works nicely to calm irritations and sooth the skin.
• Sets makeup with dewy finish! I liked spritzing this over my makeup for a luminous, dewy finish. It didn't disrupt my makeup or cause any unsightly runs.

The con's:

• It can only do so much. Avene thermal water is kind of marketed as a "super water," but it can only do so much. It's a nice water "rich in silicate and trace elements," but it's not going to clear your skin of acne, for example. It'll help calm the inflammation of it and fade redness and irritation, but it's not anti-bacterial to my knowledge.
• Limited hydration. On Avene's website, it suggests using their thermal water on keratosis and eczema. I think this is helpful to use in addition to other treatments to combat skin conditions like these. Used alone, it is not going to get rid of patches of scaly or intensely dry skin, in my experience. Avene thermal water definitely cannot replace a moisturizer. Avene does make spring water-based moisturizers though!
• I'd buy a bigger bottle next time. I got the travel size so I could take it for a test run, but I blew through it so quickly. It's the perfect size to take with you on vacation, but for my bathroom counter, I'd buy a bigger bottle.

Would I buy it again?

Yes I would! It's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It makes skin feel refreshed, awake, soft, and even-toned. It's not magic, but it does improve your skin. I like to use it over makeup or on bare skin, and I probably spritz it about 3-4 times a day. It's kind of addicting.

If this sounds like something you'd want to try, I found some awesome discounts on Avene spring water on Amazon! Here ya go:

Best drugstore mascara for volume

If there's one cosmetic product that I'm super picky about, it's definitely mascara. As a natural blonde, I have very light eyelashes. It actually looks like I don't have any eyelashes at all when I'm sans mascara.

As a beauty consultant, I used to get samples all the time. The pay wasn't great, but the perks made it worth it. I got to try all kinds of prestige brands. 

But every now and then, you find a drugstore product that knocks the fancy stuff out of the water. For me, I've been loyal to one such product for years now ... Cover Girl Lash Blast. There are a few variations, but I usually stick with the orange tube or black tube, which is the 24-hour long-wearing version. Having used this product for so long, I thought I'd give you guys an honest review on it!

Cover Girl Lash Blast review:

The pro's: 

• The wand! The wand that comes with this mascara is so perfect for giving volume and length, while keeping lashes separated. My biggest pet peeve with mascaras is when my eyelashes are grouped together. I like my eyelashes to look full, but also nicely separated. This brush combs lashes out while adding major volume.
• The color! I use black mascara. And I like it to actually be black. Have you ever bought a black mascara and had to apply coat after coat to get your eyelashes to look noticeable? I'm not a fan of those light black mascaras that are made to look "natural." I definitely go for the false eyelashes look. If you're looking for a cheap drugstore mascara that makes your eyes look like you're wearing false lashes, this is it.
• Volume and length! Like I said, this mascara gives awesome volume and length. There are some really great more expensive mascaras you can pick up at Sephora that will give this same effect. But that's the thing ... this drugstore mascara can give the same effect as say, your favorite Lancome or Benefit mascara. Looks wise, no one would know the difference.
• Fat tube = easy to find in purse/makeup bag! It's a small thing, I know, but the packaging of this mascara is pretty cool. It comes in a bright orange tube, which is pretty thick, and I find it easy to pick out from my makeup bag.

The con's:

• Won't last 12+ hours. With this Cover Girl Lash Blast orange tube, I have noticed that this mascara will start to flake off by late evening. This is very annoying, as it agitates my eyes. However, the Cover Girl Lash Blast 24-Hour mascara, in a black tube, will not flake off and really does last aaaaaaaalllll day without a problem. When I wear my regular orange-tube Lash Blast, I apply blinc tubing mascara on top to keep it in place, and I have no problems with flaking. Problem solved.

This is me wearing Cover Girl Lash Blast, my fave!

Trends to watch for

As someone who loves all things makeup and skincare (OK fine, a little obsessed), I thought I'd take a few moments to share with you the latest beauty trends that are popping up that you can expect to see more of! If you've tried any of these or are interested, let me know! I'd love to hear what's working for you.

Here are the top three trends I'm noticing in the beauty world this fall:

1. Micellar water: What is it? It's essentially little oil bits suspended in water. It's long been used by makeup artists and models to quickly and effectively remove makeup without having to rinse. You just pour some micellar cleansing water onto a cotton pad and wipe your face clean. Because no water rinsing is needed, many people with sensitive skin are turning to micellar waters as their primary cleansers. One that's really gained a cult following is Bioderma, but brands like Caudalie, Avene, La Roche-Posay, and Darphin carry their own variations as well. Notice a similarity among the brands -- that they all sound french? That's because micellar waters originated in France, but you'll see American brands popping them out soon. Before you know it, they'll be all over the place. Until then, you can order online, or check out Koh Gen Do's Spa Water at your local Sephora.

2. A move toward natural cosmetics: Whether it's trying African black soap followed by raw shea butter for acne, or keeping wrinkles at bay with extra virgin coconut oil, it seems just about everyone is turning to more simple, gentle and natural skin care solutions. Olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, castor oil -- there's an oil for every skin type and concern, and you can get a lot for your money. When you see results that are more effective and save you money, it's really a win-win. Interested in which oils are right for your skin type? Check out this guide.

3. Skinny liquid eyeliner cat eyes: Whether you're scoping out the runways or watching the beauty blogs, this chic look is playful and seductive, retro and cool. If you're not so sure you have the steady hand for painting a perfect cat eye, try a felt-tip marker eyeliner, like Cargo Texas Liquid Eyeliner. My own little tip for you: Start from halfway, right above your pupil and draw outward. This is the easy part -- you can touch it up and it can be a little thicker. Then, when you go inward, use barely the tip because this part should be thinner. Otherwise, just experiment and have fun!

Tips for hormonal acne

No matter how many products you try, hormonal acne can be relentless. I know this firsthand. Because the acne is just a symptom of a deeper issue going on inside your body, topical treatments can only do so much. That being said, factors like stress and lifestyle can play a role in triggering your acne, so there are things you can do to keep acne at bay. First and foremost, talk to your doctor to find out if you have a hormone issue or what could be the cause, but in the meantime, here are a few tips:

• Eat healthy fats and fresh produce. These are the foods that will fight inflammation and help keep your skin clear. For healthy fats, go for fish like salmon, avocado, and nuts. Also, add some coconut oil to your cooking. I like to mix mine with my oatmeal to get about a tablespoon per day. Check out all the benefits.  The more fresh fruits and veggies you eat instead of processed food and dairy, the better off your skin will be. Get those antioxidants and you'll notice a change in your acne. Grapes, oranges, garlic, fennel, green tea, strawberries, spinach, watermelon, carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes are all foods that help fight acne. Here's a great article from Lauren Conrad on that.
• Don't be afraid of oil. More than likely, you've tried the whole "oil-free" everything thing, and you're scared of oil coming anywhere near your face. Try googling the oil-cleansing method to see just how popular it is and how many people are experiencing clear skin for the first time as adults because of this method! Try cleansing with oil (either jojoba oil, olive oil, or an oil cleanser like Boscia's), or apply a hydrating and healing oil meant for oily/acne-prone skin at night as your night cream, like Suki Pure Facial Moisture or straight extra virgin coconut oil, found at most health food stores.
• Up the hygiene. Bacteria is breeding where you might not expect it. To increase hygiene to prevent acne, change your pillow case as often as possible, ideally every day. Wipe your cell phone with alcohol -- this is constantly on your cheek, so be careful what comes into contact with your skin! Of course, wash your face twice a day, always removing all makeup before going to bed. You've heard it before, but it really is true: Don't touch your face. All the oils and germs on your fingers will clog the pores on your face, so don't pick, touch, squeeze, or rest on your hands. If you are going to squeeze a zit that is ready to come out without much effort, use a tissue so your fingers don't come in direct contact with your face.
• Exercise; cardio is your friend. Exercise has so many benefits, both long-term and short-term in preventing diseases, increasing longevity, increasing energy levels, and boosting confidence. But did you know sweating is essential for your body to release toxins? If you're sweating out the toxins, your body won't have to force them through your pores in the form of acne. And guess what else? Exercise can also help regulate your hormones and get them back into balance. But it's very critical to wash your face immediately after working out so this bacteria doesn't just sit and dry on your skin.
• Become label-obsessive. Get to know terms like phthalates, sulfates, parabens, fragrance -- all things that can irritate your skin. I noticed a huge difference when I stopped using toothpaste and face wash that contain sulfates. Sulfates are what make many facial cleansers foam up, but they aggravate your skin. Paula's Choice is an excellent resource for finding out what's in your favorite products and if the ingredients are harmful. This Buzzfeed article is also a great place to start.
• Less is more when it comes to makeup on acne-prone skin. If you can go without any makeup on your skin (eyes and lips are OK), you're better off to allow your skin to purge and heal. Many cosmetic products can clog up your pores and make things worse for you, even ones that say "non-comedogenic," in my experience. If you can't go without covering, make sure you understand the return policy at the store you're purchasing foundation at, so that if you breakout within a few days, you can return the product. My recommendation: Tarte is a natural line carried at Sephora and Ulta, and even though just about anything makes me breakout, this Amazonian-clay rich line covers amazingly and has excellent ingredients that won't clog your pores.
• Stay positive. Hormonal acne, especially cystic acne, can be super embarrassing. There have been times I haven't even wanted to leave the house, but stressing out only makes it that much worse. Try to take your mind off the acne, do some yoga and deep breathing, and stay positive. Stress = more acne.  

Do you have any tips to share?

Top 5 drugstore buys today

There is always a new beauty product hitting the market -- the latest and greatest for a whole five minutes. Well, sometimes a product comes along that manages to wow, and become a staple that you can't live without. And for just a few bucks, you can't go wrong there!
So, here are my top 5 beauty picks from the drugstores:

1. Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion - go ahead and buy a $30 body lotion if you want; i guarantee it won't moisturize as well as good ol Burt. Skin feels richly moisturized all day. It smells light and natural, too.

2. Batiste dry shampoo - first huge in Europe, now hitting American shelves. Hair people choose this bad boy over high-end salon-quality dry shampoo time and time again.

3. Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara - there are several variations of this with different color tubes based on what you are looking for (length, volume, lasting, etc.). I love the 24-hour wear (black tube) in navy blue. This mascara outlasts Benefit They're Real (my fave prestige mascara, wore it down the aisle!) and gives a false-lash look without the clump or flake you get from Maybelline Falsies. It can be tough to get off, though, if you're not prepared. I used jojoba oil and a tissue.

4. Neutrogena makeup removing wipes - the packaging is simple and there's no special scent. As a consumer with a weakness for gimmicks and fancy packaging, I have a hard time sticking with the plain-janes, but I have to admit ... This stuff really works. It takes off any makeup (eyes, face, you name it)

5. Revolt Lip Butter - I could go on and on about this lipstick-meets-lip balm! It is truly the perfect marriage of hydration and pigment. It's perfect for the hipster who seeks a chic pop of too-cool pigment, rather than a dowdy, dreary, dusty lipstick from your grandma's vanity.

My new favorite foundation: Urban Decay Naked liquid foundation

So with all the talk of BB creams and CC creams and ZZ creams (OK, I made that last one up), is the classic foundation a thing of the past? Well beauty fanatics, not to worry, foundations will always be a staple in every makeup bag, and lately they've been impressing me more than ever.

First, I was on the mineral foundation wagon, for a solid couple of years! Then I fell in love with BB creams, and I fell hard -- sampling any and every BB I could get my paws on. First it was the Asian ones like Skin79 and then the American ones like Smashbox, Garnier, etc., etc. And then I tried the whole no-makeup routine using just a little concealer and mattifying powder.

Anyways, a lovely Sephora employee encouraged me to try out Urban Decay's latest foundation wonder: the Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup and can I just say ... I adore it! I would say the coverage is medium, but you can build your coverage if you like medium to full, or even apply it to be more sheer. For the most sheer coverage, you can add a drop to your moisturizer (just a little tip for your dry winter skin!).

A little background: my skin is a little on the shiny/oily side and prone to acne and breakouts (a variety of types, from clear-ish skin to nightmare-ish skin). So, acne-prone and combination or oily skin types rejoice -- This foundation will mattify without drying, even out your skin tone, and flaunt a natural finish. I love the natural finish because I don't look shiny or dull, just pleasantly glowing.

There are no sparkles, no shimmer -- just a smooth natural finish. The usual oily t-zone shines through like clock work with most liquid (and powder too, actually) foundations for me, usually by lunch time, but not with this bad boy.

More pro's: It lasts soooo long. This is a keeper; it lasts all day. Sun up to sun down. That's rare. No primer needed here.

Application: I use my finger tips and it spreads so easily. It may seem like a runny consistency in comparison to other foundations, but it's certainly not watery or lacking in pigment (the pigment rocks). I find that when I use my foundation brush, I use more product, so finger tips work best for me. Exfoliate and moisturize first for the best result.

And lastly, the color ... there are plenty of shades to choose from. Whether your skin tone is cool or warm or somewhere in between, you're likely to find something that blends seamlessly with your natural shade.

With a steep price tag of $38, you may be skeptical about dishing out that much doe, but personally, I find it's worth it for a long-lasting, satisfying product. And this beauty blogger is quite satisfied with Urban Decay's Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup.