New Treats

My favorite thing to do lately is read and discover new blogs. When trying to save money (and decrease my make-up collection), I feel that seeing others buy new beauty products will somehow fulfill my never-ending want for something new. While it helps in that I'm not buying a lot anymore, I definitely like to "splurge" and grab a few new items that I see popping up everywhere. My new treats?...Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. *swooon*  

I've not tried the Clinique Chubby Sticks (The Revlon Balms have been compared to Clinique's Chubby Sticks) but am liking these...so far. I only tried a quick swipe of the balms. The color pay off is actually very nice! I am loving the mint smell as well.

Update (06/01/12): Was able to post up a picture of the two Revlon Lip Balm Stains, I purchased-I still think both blogs that I linked have much better swatches though!
Note: As Blogger will/has not let me load pictures-ALL DAY LONG?!- I will have you check out some of my favorite blogs  and admire their beautiful swatches and blogs,  http://opinionnothing.com/ swatches  and lola's secret beauty blog: Revlon's New Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains- Review & Swatches Part I. They both helped sway me into purchasing the balms and also helped with the colors I ended up purchasing (Rendezvous and Sweetheart).

I think I want to try one of the Nude ones next. Or maybe a red;)

Weekend Wrap Up

Sundays always remind me that the weekend is up and the week is ready to begin! Unless I have plans or something comes up last minute, Sundays are usually spent doing laundry and relaxing at home with my dogs. (Maybe some Bravo TV- guilty pleasure). Since I'm usually just lounging around, I don't wear any makeup and instead have a mini pamper session towards the evening.
I start with my favorite Facial mask, Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, is great at helping draw out all of the weekend off of my face! My skin is a bit dry at the moment (I only leave it on for 10 min or less) I will definitely continue to use in the summer. This mask has a minty scent which I happen to love. I've tried a bevy of masks, and I always have this on hand because it truly does make my skin look and feel clean and soft.

After rinsing the mask off, I pat some eye cream (Currently I am using the CVS brand called Age Renewal Deep Wrinkle Cream), this is CVS' alternative to the Neutrogena brand, and I picked this up during one of their 75% sales. For $4 I think it's a fantastic deal, and I'd wished I had picked up a back up.

After my eye cream I have been applying La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (This has been a great product for me and has helped keep my skin almost spot free!) on any spot/problem areas. This line has been getting rave reviews on the blogosphere and with good reason! As someone who has suffered with adult acne (especially in the last year), I have tried many, many acne products (ProActiv, Neutrogena Acne Wash, Clean and Clear) and even prescription topical testaments, but none were enough to make a visible difference. I can honestly say between this and the Effaclar K (which was my first LRP purchase and is nearly done!) my skin has been quite clear and almost blemish free! Would definitely recommend. I purchased the Duo when CVS (gotta love CVS' deals!) was having their $19 sale on all Effaclar products.

Last but not least, I finish up with Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer with SPF30. This is my second repurchase of this product and although I don't see an immediate response, I think it has helped in the long run (I think we're all a bit harsh on ourselves and want quick (!) fixes). I keep reading about Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (Most recently on a new favorite blog I just discovered-http://hellooctoberxo.blogspot.com/2012/04/estee-lauder-advanced-night-repair.html). The link is her review on the EL Advanced Night Repair, and she mentions that this is also helpful for any scarring and Hyper-pigmentation, which is another concern of mine. It's a bit pricey, but I will definitely put it on my wish list! If my skin is feeling a bit dry (probably due to the BP in the Effaclar Duo), I like to add a couple of drops of Bio Oil.
I love the slight scent of Bio Oil, I've also read that it helps to even out skin tone, so a few drops mixed in with the moisturizer feels fantastic on the skin!

Does anyone else have Sunday at home Spa day? I'd love to hear about your home spa to-do's.

Two contenders finally done!

These two toners have been in my skin routine for 1+ years (I did purchase the Biore toner several months earlier). When I say these took forever, I mean they took forevvver! The Alba toner was a last minute purchase while browsing thru a local health store I was living near at the time. Due to the change of environment (diet, and stress were also culprits) my skin started behaving badly and I was left with not only spots everywhere, but also some cystic acne. Even prescription topical treatments did not help much. I had high hopes for Alba. Although it was not a quick fix by any means, it was a nice and refreshing change to the medicinal smelling Biore toner. Out of the two, Alba has the highest chance of repurchase in my opinion. And it would have to be a pretty good deal/sale going on! I'm always on the hunt for a good toner, any suggestions?

Nail color of the week

With so many beautiful spring nail polishes out, I'm definitely enjoying changing up my nails more often. Lately I've been really loving Revlon "Flirt". It reminds me of a cross between a bubble gum pink and a soft light lavender. This color has been on my nails since Sunday night, and only today has started chipping! I've also been layering it with the Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat - which I loveee! I've tried many top coats in the past (OPI, Orly, Sally Hansen) but will definitely repurchase! What other colors scream spring/summer to you?

Recents loved items...

My Wet'nWild Comfort Zone 8 pan palette. I'd originally picked this up for a swap I'd done with someone on MUA back in February. She didn't ask for this product specifically, but did note that she loved eyeshadows and Wet'n'Wild. Living in the Netherlands, she didn't have easy access to Wet'n'Wild, and while browsing through CVS one night I happened to see two palettes left. I thought for $4.99, I'd grab one for me. Am I glad I did. I love it! The pigmentation is very good and often I wear a single color on my lid, with or without primer, with several hours of wear. (I was reading  one of my new Favorite blogs thesmalllittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com, she has a Lovely post about Comfort Zone with excellent swatches:)

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder (Honey) I'd read about this product in many blogs and saw good reviews in MUA. I picked it up while at Target back in March and LOVE it. I've tried many face powders over the years, but this has honestly impressed me beyond words! Sits perfectly on the skin, does not looked caked on, I do have to reapply after 4-5 hours (I tend to have an oily t-zone) but it really does an amazing job. I used MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation for years (I'm talking 10+ years!) and last year noticed how caked on it looked. I quickly said good bye to it and switched to MSFN-which I also like but would probably not repurchase. Whereas the Maybelline I will, for as long as it's available!

I could go on and on and list many more recent loves....but it would probably turn into a short story! Has anyone tried either of these products? Any current favorites on your list, I should have a look at?

One down...

One of my favorite sites that I visit daily (her pictures are amazing and she has generous giveaways!) is Opinionnothing.com. On fridays she posts a finished product of hers, Finish It Fridays, which I enjoy reading as any sort of new product/haul only entices me! It wasn't that long ago that I had a nice make up collection, 2 or 3 blushes, 1 Foundation, 1 Tinted Moisturizer...to what I have now (what I consider way too much). So when I finally get to finish something, I'm pretty proud of myself (sad, I know). I give you...Philosophy's hope in a tinted moisturizer spf 20. I purchased this item it seems like ages ago (probably last year?). I have to admit it held up nicely and while I may not repurchase, due to 1.) I have already purchased the new NARS TM,  2. it's a bit pricey at $39. I'm a big fan of Philosophy's Hope in Jar and when this was released quickly purchased it. It's incredibly easy to travel with , as it has a push dispenser. It also applied easily. I did have to apply a bit of moisturizer (I have dry/combo skin) around my nose and chin area. I'd definitely recommend at least getting a sample if possible. So Long "PH in a TM"! Does anyone else feel a sense of accomplishment when they finish a product you love or hate?

Blog Sale Updated- May 7th, 2012

My first Blog sale was over a month ago, I didn't sell it all so I'm updating the list (as well as adding a few other items I've accumulated/found). If you have any additional questions please contact me at: cinnamonandzoeykisses@gmail.com  (please note my billing paypal address is yescampos7@gmail). **Same info as before: shipping starts at $3. Paypal only.... 

Note: I've done some swaps to the UK recently and if you're willing to pay the shipping, please inquire and maybe we can work something out. 

Please check back, I still have some items to post (that are being unpacked and discovered again).

Thanks!!

Clinique up-lighting Liquid Illuminator 04 Bronze .34 fl oz. Deluxe sample size (Used 1-2x) $3

NYX Lipgloss: 07 Brown Topaz $2 (New, never used), Lipsticks: Femme $2, Fire $2 (Used 2-3 x)

 NYX Roll On Shimmer 16 Walnut $2, NYX Fabulous Lashes & Glue (BNIB) $3

 Bare Minerals Original SPF25 Mineral Veil (sample size 0.75g)$1.50 (SOLD), Smashbox Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF15 Foundation Primer (sample size 0.25 fl.oz)$1, Color Club Age of Aquarius Polish (sample size 0.25 fl.oz)$1.50 (SOLD), All samples were purchased by me in either beauty boxes/Skin Kits, and have never been used.

 L.A. Colors Loose Eyeshadow Radiant $1, Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr eyeshadow "Tough as Taupe" (Used 3x) $4.(SOLD)

MAC Lipglass "Splashing" BNIB (This was a back up I purchased-I still have my original and don't want this to just sit) $12

 NYC blushable Creme Stick "South St. Seashell", "Big Apple Blush" and "Mauvin' Uptown"
All have been swatched once. $2 each or all 3 for $5.

 Benefit "They're Real" Mini Mascara (Another backup) BNIB $9 (SOLD)

 dermalogica Daily Microfoliant deluxe sample size (.45 OZ) BNWOB $4 (SOLD)

 Eyeshadows: Too Faced "George and Weezie" $4, Catrice Gilbert's Grapefruit (Swatched-I received this in a Swap)$4 (SOLD), MAC "Smut" $7  (SOLD)

  Wet'n'Wild Megalast Lipcolor L-R:C905D "Smokin' Hot Pink", 970 "Purty Persimmon", 919B "Vamp It Up", 902C "Bare It All"-usage shown in pic, 1.50 ea or all 4 for $4.

Misc. Items: Eye Rock Designer Liner (Contains 4 pairs) $3, Tan Towel Self-Tan Towlette (1 towlette 9x12in) $1.

The Body Shop Wise women Softening Toner (Back up BN-never used) $4.50 (SOLD), Fire 'n ' Eyes Costume eyelashes $1, Milani Lip Flash Lip pencil in 03 Flash Light $1.50, Maybelline Coral Lustre Lipstick $3 (SOLD), Ruby Kisses No More Blemishes Foundation.

 Rimmel Foundation, brush and polish all 3 for $4.

elf Smoky Eye kit $2, Body Shimmer $2 (both Holiday kits).