beauty Archives - Page 4 of 15 - Twenty Something Plus

April 25, 2016

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Even Better Clinical

Facial discoloration is something that I’ve gotten really good at hiding. I have tried products that seemed to work, only to still have darks spot after using them.

At a photo shoot, while I was getting my makeup done the makeup artist asked if I had any issues with my face. I shared about my acne scars, which she assured me weren’t nearly as big a concern as I was feeling they were. But she said that if I was looking for a treatment, I should give Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector a try.

You have to apply the serum twice a day to see results. It’s prescription strength and after 12 weeks you should see up to 58% improvement.

This stuff is not cheap. I got the smallest size (4 week supply) and it set me back about $50. I didn’t want to invest in a 12 week supply ($144.50) if I didn’t notice a difference after four weeks, which the product assures you should start to notice improvement around them.

I only just starting using it and will be sharing about my experience over time. So, make sure to check back in for my first update!

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April 22, 2016

New Naturals

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Birchbox Limited Edition Box New Naturals

I have been saying for a while now, that I want to start using more products that are good for me. Aside from Beautycounter, I didn’t know of a lot of brands or products. After looking into it, I wasn’t sure where to start.

And then, just like in answer to my beauty prayers, Birchbox announced their Limited Edition New Naturals box!

I ordered it along with the Limited Edition Beauty in Bloom box. I honestly couldn’t tell you which one I’m loving more!

After trying most of the products in the box, I’m already planning to get my hands on more products from Au Naturale, rms beauty and W3LL PEOPLE.

Definitely worth the $59 for $215 worth of products!

April 19, 2016

Tender Romance

Fragrance samples are far from hard to come by, but that’s not so much the case when it comes to finding scents that you’ll actually wear.

Personally, I prefer light airy smells. Faint florals or hints of citrus. Even better when the notes gently elicit the happiest of feelings.

When I found out about the Ralph Lauren box free through Influester, I wasn’t exactly sure that I wanted it. I mean, another perfume sample? Doubt aside, my curiosity got the best of me. And thankfully so!

Ralph Lauren’s Tender Romance perfume is the ideal fragrance for spring. It reminds me of when things start to bloom and merely walking outside inspires hope and romance.

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April 18, 2016

Beauty in Bloom

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

It’s been a very long time since the last time I purchased a Limited Edition Birchbox. But the Beauty in Bloom box has a couple of products I had been dying to try and a really cute tray to put it all in!

Honestly, I wanted the tray for blog photos.

The products that I had to have?

The Smith & Cult The Shining Lip Lacquer (in High-Speed Sonnet) and stila HUGE extreme lash mascara. The rest was all a super sweet bonus!

There wasn’t a single thing that didn’t like or won’t use.

There’s always the option to buy the full size of the products individually. But, why? When for $64 you get $188 worth of products! Which is basically buy two get a bunch of other stuff free!

April 15, 2016

How to Get the Perfect Pout for Spring

It is finally looking like New England is done with snow.

Which means it’s time to revive my lips for spring.

Literally.

When it comes to getting the perfect pout for spring, there are really only three lip products that I need. Lip scrub, lip liner, and lip cream.

Starting with Beauty for Real’s Lip Revival Lip Scrub, gently rub to remove any dead excess skin and reveal smooth kissable lips. Rinse and pat dry.

Now you’re ready to get really ready!

Line your lips with the D-Fine Lip Pencil, it’s great for all lip colors. Which brings us to lip cream.

I have been looking for a pretty pink that feels springy without making me look ridiculous. The Beauty for Real Lip Cream in Flash is the only non-sheer pink I haven’t felt like I had to combine with another color in order to wear it out of the house.

Plus, it really leaves my lips nice and soft.

The perfect pout!

April 13, 2016

#MAKEYourself

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

MAKE Beauty is one of my top ten makeup brands. They make my absolute favorite lip gloss, plus they are all about collaboration. They select makeup artists and expert artisans to help inspire their color palettes. If you don’t already, you really should be doing your homework on the brands you use.

If you don't already, you really should be doing your homework on the brands you use. Click To Tweet

When I like a brand as much as I do MAKE Beauty, even if I’ve tried a product or two before, I usually want to try their entire line. Financially that isn’t a possibility, so I literally pounced on the opportunity to sample their Matte Finish Eyeshadow in Alabaster and Silk Cream Lipstick in Taffy.

Lighter shades aren’t typically my thing, but I am totally digging these for spring. The samples may look tiny, but they pack a lot of punch!

The full size versions cost $25 each. They also have a $10 sample kit that includes two eyeshadows and a lip color, and a percentage of their sales is donated to their non-profit partner, We See Beauty Foundation.

If you’re interested in giving MAKE Beauty a try, use the code MAKEYOURSELF for 20% off sitewide! (This code is only valid until this Friday.)

April 7, 2016

How to Look 10 Years Younger (Tips from The Age Fix)

It’s no secret that I like to tweak my skincare a ton, trying new products to find the ones that work best for me and my skin. While I tend to gravitate towards whatever is new or trending, sometimes it’s nice to get advice from a professional.

Dr. Anthony Youn is a top plastic surgeon, but his book The Age Fix is all about how to keep your skin healthy and looking young without surgery.

He shares everything from DIY face mask recipes, to quick makeup fixes. My personal favorite part is the section on what to eat for your best skin. I haven’t been able to fully commit to giving the suggested meal plan a try.

It is on my to do list, though.

For now, I’ve been making a serious effort to drink more water (adding lemon slices has been a huge help, in addition to opting for seltzer water instead of soda every once in a while).

Also, fruit. Apples, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, blueberries. I really like fruit, so making sure to start my day with at least one of something was a pretty easy transition.

Since I’m also trying to use healthier beauty products, I figured baby steps are probably in my best interest.

March 28, 2016

The Only 3 Hair Brushes You Need and How To Use Them

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GoodyBrushEd #CollectiveBias

One of the questions I get asked the most is about my hair. When it was blue, everyone wanted to know how I did it. Did you bleach it first? How do you get it to look so good?

The truth is, even though I have bleached and dyed my hair countless times in the past, I haven’t recently. So, how did I do it? Hair extensions.

Currently, I have been wearing clip-ins, because they are easy to put in and take out, which allows me to take regular care of my own hair. The Goody Clean Radiance Oval Cushion Brush from Walmart helps me do that, by reducing buildup and restoring my hair’s natural moisture balance. The bristles give a little, but not so much that they can’t brush through my hair. And my hair is THICK.

If I could only use one brush, this would be it.

With or without extensions, there are really only three ways that I typically style my hair. The classic ponytail, the princess roll, and a sleek top knot.

It is vital to use the right hair brushes to achieve the desired look. Click To Tweet

Even though all three styles are considered easy to do, it is vital to use the right hair brushes to achieve the desired look.

The Classic Ponytail

An everyday ponytail should look effortless.

I brush through my hair with my Goody Clean Radiance Oval Cushion Brush
Pull my hair back into a ponytail with an Ouchless ribbon hair tie
Tease the ponytail with The Goody Amp It Up Medium Round Brush to create the perfect volume

The Princess Roll

When I don’t have extension in, the princess roll is my go to.

I brush my hair down with my Goody Clean Radiance Oval Cushion Brush
Slide on an Ouchless ribbon headband
Then wrap the ends of my hair all the way around the headband

Sleek Top Knot

For a little more of a sophisticated look, this is ideal. And the Goody Straight Talk Boar Styler Brush is ideal for a sleek hairstyle.

I brush my hair up with the Goody Straight Talk Boar Styler Brush
Secure into a high ponytail with an Ouchless elastic
Twist pony into a bun
Secure bun with another elastic and bobby pins as needed

All three brushes can be found at Walmart and for more Goody Brush tutorials, be sure to check out #GoodyBrushEd!

March 17, 2016

St. Patrick’s Day Mani

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Being crafty this month, has really started to inspire me to be more creative in general. So, forget your standard green St. Patrick’s Day mani!

I wanted to go all out colorful and used the St. Patrick’s Day confetti from my March Confetti of the Month Club box.

Aside from the confetti, all you really need is your favorite base coat and top coat of nail polish. For the top coat, I like using one that is a no light gel.

If you have really short nails like I do, you’re going to want to cut the confetti into smaller pieces. I cut each piece in about half.

After prepping your nails as you usually would, apply your base coat, then, without letting it dry place a piece of confetti on each nail.

This part can be a little tricky (and a little messy). If you have nail glue, you can definitely use it to hold the confetti in place. I didn’t. But it’s an option.

Let dry before applying your top coat. I let this dry and added another coat, you don’t have to, I just get slightly paranoid.

Plus, I really wanted to make sure they lasted as long as possible.

This may have to be my new St. Patrick’s Day tradition!

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March 14, 2016

Hask Hair Monoi Coconut Oil

This is not the first time I have tried Hask Hair shampoo and conditioner. As much as I liked the Argan Oil, I really wanted to try the Monoi Coconut Oil set.

Because, coconut.

Not only does it work just as well, it’s even more moisturizing.

Plus, it smells AMAZING!

And as a bonus, Hask Hair included a cute brush. It’s travel size, so I tossed it into my tote bag and use it to brush my hair whenever I’m on the go.

The brush is pretty sweet, but I am obsessed with the Nourishing Shine Hair Oil. If I wasn’t afraid of accidentally not putting the cap back on properly and it coming off and spilling all over everything, I’d keep it in my bag too.

Of all the shampoos, conditioners and hair products I’ve tried, these are my favorites.