PRIMP – Page 179

Primp Tip: How to Make Any Lipstick Matte

Published on July 18, 2018July 18, 2018 by Lee1 Comment

I have a confession to make… I’m an absolute sucker for the latest beauty trends. After all, we are in the age of YouTube sensations and 1-minute Instagram tutorials. Mastering the art of contour: check, Mastering the art of winged eyeliner: check. Buying all of the matte lipsticks available: major check. I have a lot of lipstick colors in my drawer that don’t fit the matte bill. That doesn’t make them less beautiful, but right now I’m head-over-heels for that nudish brown look. Instead of letting my non-matte lipsticks go to waste, I decided to do a little research on what I could do to incorporate them into the mix. So I thought it would be fitting to address a question I’ve found myself asking a lot lately—is it possible to make an ordinary lipstick matte?

The answer is yes, you can make an ordinary lipstick matte (yay!). All you need is your favorite shade of non-matte lipstick and a few beauty products that you may already have in your makeup drawer. Keep scrolling to find out how you can transform your lipstick into this season’s hottest beauty trend…

Here’s what you’ll need:

translucent powder
tissue
makeup brush
your favorite non-matte lipstick
corresponding lip liner (optional)

Here’s how to do it:

1. Line your lips with your lip liner pencil. This step will help ensure that your finished look will last through wear and tear throughout the day.

2. Apply your non-matte lipstick on top of your lip liner. If you’re a perfectionist like me, I’ll sometimes line my lips again after I apply lipstick so that my lines are as sharp as possible.

3. Take your tissue and separate the layers so that you have one fine sheet.

4. Lay the single tissue sheet over your lips and, taking your makeup brush, dust your translucent powder over your lips. By placing the tissue between your lips and the makeup brush you are essentially filtering the amount of powder applied to your lips. It’s best to start small and build up so that you can reach your desired texture without over doing it.

5. Remove the tissue and dust the translucent powder directly onto your lips one final time.

Viola! You have now created a rich, matte texture without breaking the bank on new beauty products. I love a good DIY makeup hack, don’t you?

Will you be trying this matte lipstick beauty hack?

Your Beauty Sleep Checklist

Published on June 15, 2018January 24, 2020 by Lee7 Comments

Get the 411 on how to maximize your Zzzs (or fake them) so radiant, dewy-looking skin is yours the second you step out of bed.

1. Stop the party early. All the snacks and sips that give you energy — think sugar, alcohol and caffeine — can keep you up for several hours past your bedtime. Don’t enjoy them late in the day or you risk pulling an all-nighter (and that’s no good for skin).

2. Stay consistent. Keeping the same hours you go to bed and wake up — yes, even on weekends — is key to sleep health.

3. Do some pre-game. Help yourself sleep better by winding yourself down with relaxing activities, like a warm bath, soothing music or a good, old-fashioned book.

4. Go dark. No blackout shades? No worries. A silky sleep mask keeps streets lights, LEDs and more from interrupting your snooze.

5. Nix the tech. TVs, computers, phones and other gadgets that keep you current can also keep you awake. Power down an hour or so before bed so you sleep better.

6. Soothe dry lips. I love applying a nice layer of BURT’S BEES Moisturizing Lip Balm before bed to nourish my pout while asleep.

7. De-puff before you turn down. Help prevent tired-looking eyes from seeing the light of day with The Depuffed Eye Gel. It’s filled with botanicals that decongest puffiness and help you look younger, refreshed and radiant.

8. Spritz on a wake-up call. The instant pick-me-up (even before coffee)? Elevated Hydration Replenishing Mist. It’s hydrating, refreshing and enhanced with botanicals that help wake up the senses.

9. Rise and shine. After I moisturize, I love a little hydrating primer with mica, peony root and hyaluronic acid for plumper-looking skin and a gorgeous glow.

What does your beauty sleep checklist look like? Comment down below!

Does Your Skin Need a Serum?

Published on May 7, 2018May 1, 2024 by Lee4 Comments

I've been getting a lot of questions on serums since I did a review on Anese.co. People are confused about what they are, how to use them and how to incorporate them into their daily regimen. If this sounds like you, read on to see the answers to your most common questions!

What is serum?

A serum is a skin care product with a gel or light lotion consistency that contains a high concentration of performance ingredients. You should use a serum underneath a moisturizer or treatment mask. While using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer is still the foundation of a solid routine, serums are a great addition. It’s best to use them when your skin is in a rut and/or you’re seeking better results. Simply put, if you want to up your game, serums are the way to go. In fact, I always recommend that my clients add this simple step. Usually, once they do so regularly, they see big improvements.

What is the difference between a serum and a moisturizer?

Moisturizers create a protective barrier over the skin. This prevents the skin’s moisture from evaporating, and it keeps environmental irritants and debris out. Serums, although they do hydrate, should never be used alone. They do not contain the protective properties that creams do.

The biggest difference between a serum and a cream or lotion is what the formulation doesn’t include. Serum leave out occlusive, or airtight, moisturizing ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil that keep water from evaporating. They also contain fewer lubricating and thickening agents, like nut or seed oils.

Serums and moisturisers mostly differ in purpose and weight.
The purpose of a moisturiser is always to hydrate the skin. Serums CAN add hydration but may offer additional or different benefits to the skin.

Serums can treat everything from wrinkles and sagging to hyperpigmentation and scarring. While moisturisers can contain beneficial ingredients, creams and lotions can’t be as effective at correction and treatment as serums.

That’s because …
Serums are generally much lighter in weight than moisturisers are, meaning the formula can penetrate much deeper. Serums contain highly concentrated ingredients that are infinitely more effective at treating particular concerns.

Moisturisers the heavier of the two products, hydrate the epidermis, which is the top layer of the skin. Lotions and creams don’t make it much farther than that layer.

Why should I use a serum?

Serums are not mandatory in a regimen. If you have specific skin care concerns such as wrinkles or age spots that your regular moisturizer is not addressing, you may want to consider incorporating a serum into your regimen before your moisturizer. Customizing your skin care routine with a targeted treatment can help deliver results faster. Dry skin that’s blotchy and broken out would benefit from the pairing of a serum and a moisturiser after cleansing.

When should I avoid serums?

Those with chronic skin conditions like eczema or rosacea have weaker skin barriers. The liquid or gel-like texture of a serum can penetrate the skin too quickly, causing irritation. Speak with your dermatologist if you have serious skincare issues before incorporating a serum into your regimen.

Yes. Avoid SD alcohol 40, denatured alcohol or oils. These alcohol ingredients are very dehydrating and unfortunately encourage dry skin cell build up. In addition, I’ve lately seen many oils marketed as serums. I’m not on board with this, and here’s why. Serums are formulated with small molecular structures. Therefore, they deliver performance ingredients deep into the skin. By contrast, oils have the largest molecules (even more so than creams do). Therefore, it’s best to use them as a last step OVER moisturizer to prevent moisture evaporation. I highly suggest you don’t use an oil-based type of serum under a moisturizer. It just makes no sense.

OK but $$$$…

Yes. Serums contain higher concentration of active ingredients, which are more expensive than thickeners. So the higher price of the serum is justified. Remember that bit about being super concentrated and potent? You are getting your bang for your buck here. The good news is you only need to use a few drops of a serum, so a 1 ounce container should last you months.

How do I incorporate one into my skin care regimen?

Different serums are meant to be used with different frequency and at different times of day. Read all instructions carefully to avoid overusing or combining active ingredients. To maximize the effect of your serum, after cleansing your face, apply a pea-sized amount of serum, patting it evenly over skin with your finger. Then apply your moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, wait 10 to 15 minutes after washing your face before using serum. Applying a water-based product to damp skin is more likely to lead to irritation.

***

Getting healthy glowing skin requires a holistic approach – living a healthy lifestyle, eating a healthy diet and using a consistent skincare regimen. Deciding what products to incorporate into your regimen can be confusing. This is why it is important to find out what kind of skin type you are.

Maybe you had breakouts in your teens and an oily T-zone, and ever since then you’ve stuck to products for “combination skin.” Well, after a decade of using the same routine with lackluster results, perhaps it’s time to visit a professional and find out exactly what your skin is like and what it needs the most. As we age, our skin changes significantly, and if you’re addressing its specific concerns, you’ll notice an instant difference.

Doesn’t serum expire really fast?

Certain potent ingredients often found in serum can become unstable once they come in contact with air. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), for instance, can oxidize and lose efficacy over time. But thanks to science, modified versions of the ingredient (that are water-soluble, etc.) last longer so they can do your skin more good. Best rule of thumb is to store your vial in a cool, dry place (obviously) and use it up within six months to a year.

Is serum a moisturizer?

Yes and no. Serums can be chock-full of moisturizing ingredients (hyaluronic acid, ceramides) to help skin retain moisture. But, that doesn’t make them moisturizers in the traditional sense. Face lotions and creams are richer and create a barrier on top of the skin to keep all that good stuff in.

Have anymore concerns, comment down below !

HOLD MY DRINK, ANESE IS HERE…

Published on April 13, 2018August 30, 2018 by Lee4 Comments

By now, you know I am a crazy skin care junky. Taking care of my skin is my number one priority within my beauty routine. The less I need to cover up with makeup, the better. You’re probably catching on to the fact that I am also really into natural skincare. Right now my Holy Grail beauty routine is still a work in progress, but I was definitely thrilled with experimenting with Anese.co.

Okay, so here’s how this all started — I was scrolling through the gram looking for some goodies to try out and then it happened. Out the corner of my eye, I spotted Anese page and had to give it a scroll. I saw a product called, “Down With The Thickness ” Collagen Booty Mask and that was it, I had to check out their collection. I headed straight to their site to see if they were 100% cruelty-free. Not only did Anese check that box, but it also checked the natural-derived-ingredients box too. Um, sold.

I immediately started reading about each individual product and quickly filled my cart with what I wanted to try first. It was a difficult decision — between the raving reviews for every single product and the cute sexy clever names, I was as indecisive as a kitty trying to choose whether or not to come into the house. But I finally settled on a few to try out and even got my twin something.

Slay.

Skin perfecting serum.$48.00

The Slay Revive and Glow White Truffle Perfecting Serum is magic in a bottle. Slay targets dry, dull looking skin that needs a healthy boost of moisture and vitamins. Formulated with DMAE, known to tighten and firm with noticeable effects within 20 minutes. Slay is your key to that youthful natural glow.

Beauty Lesson: Okay, in case you’ve never heard of this acronym, DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a substance naturally produced in small amounts in the brain and also found in anchovies and sardines. DMAE supplements are promoted to boost brainpower, improve memory, and slow aging. DMAE helps to tighten skin and reduce sagging, improve firmness and elasticity, smooth lines and wrinkles and also brighten the skin. What’s more, it will enhance the effects of alternative antioxidants and is, therefore, best used in combination with Vitamins A, E, and C or alpha lipoic acid.

Basically, this shit is good for your skin. If used consistently, it can tighten and tone skin from all the ‘methyl donation’. The formula of this serum is a thick, milky texture, which absorbs into the skin nicely, with NO leftover flaky tacky sticky feeling.

Girl Power Mask Duo – Save $5!

Mask $39.00

I usually do a mask like 1-2 times a week, just as a quick pick-me-up for the skin. And although not always 100% necessary, it’s a nice gesture to do for your skin. So be nice to yours and treat it with this something special. This duo is a good place to start, because you get two-for-one, and they both have totally different skin-salving properties.
Pretty Sure I’m Gorgeous is a super hydration charcoal mask that feels more a like a cream on your skin, than drying. It also has the aforementioned DMAE qualities in it so it tones your skin as it moisturizes. A clarifying charcoal creme mask for when your skin and ego needs a boost. Perfect for acne prone and oily skin. Reduces the appearance of large pores and blemishes. Gentle and creamy, quenches skin. Activated charcoal clarifies and removes impurities from your skin, hyaluronic acid, organic olive and jojoba oils act as an ultra hydrator. Antioxidant organic rooibos, spirulina detoxes, DMAE tones. Apply a thick layer to cleansed skin, avoiding eye area. Rinse off after 10-15 minutes. Repeat twice a week. Tone using L’OREAL PARIS HYDRAFRESH TONER.

Unlike harsh exfoliants, So Over It does NOT remove dead skin by scrubbing it off. It gently exfoliates, increasing cell turnover and improves the overall texture of your face.
The result is brighter, cleaner and smoother skin. So Over It can work for all skin types but it is particularly amazing for dry skin.

For when you’re super over dry, flaky patches on your t-zone or you’ve been searching the deep depths of the internet for how to get that dewey fresh radiant look. Look no further, So Over It is going to be your fresh face champion. It is a gentle exfoliant that is made with papaya and pineapple enzymes.
Use 2-3 times per week, apply a thick layer to cleansed skin and scroll through BeautyLeeBar instagram for 15-20 minutes while the enzymes work its magic. Rinse with warm water and follow with the Slay serum.

So Over It, is great after a long day (or week) when you skin needs a little detoxification. This gently exfoliates and adds a smoothness to your complexion. You cans also buy both separately, but you get the better deal with the duo, just saying.

Beauty Tip: Not only does the Papaya Exfoliating Mask removes dead skin and give you that natural fresh radiant glow all year round, but it also helps dematerialize black spots.

Swipe right.

Highlighting moisturizer.$38.00

This illuminating balm is a lightweight cream with a subtle silver sheen and a light floral scent. An illuminating skin balm that leaves a pearlescent shine. Swipe right is made with natural oils that moisturize and nourish skin while leaving a trace of sparkle. Perfect for cheekbones, shoulders and legs. Swipe right offers more than your basic moisturizer.

Swipe right illuminating moisturizer is perfect for those who desires an illuminated effect for a day out at the beach or just general glamness. It Moisturizes, hydrates and softens skin while adding a light highlight.

Beauty Tip: For those who don’t wear makeup, use this product anywhere you would normally do with other highlighters. I usually put it on my nose, cheekbones, collarbones, arms and legs; if I’m showing some skin. My perfect skin secret for this summer is: Swipe Right (highlighter) + Hold my drink (Coconut body scrub). The shimmer is subtle and not overwhelming, so I feel comfortable wearing it regularly. It also is a great moisturizer!

P.S. One of the most enjoyable parts of doing this blog is finding really innovative, cool ass brands and getting to share them with you guys. Brands that you’ve probably never have heard of, and otherwise would have never bought on your own. And guys, remember it is so important to support brands like this who are standing for what they believe in, putting safe products out on the market, and who genuinely care about their customers well-being. If you’re looking for gentle, effective skin care that are cruelty-free, all natural, and organic, then try this brand. Join their #skinsquad here.

Have you tried anything from Anese? Let me know in the comments section below!
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Anese.co is having a sale, so go check them out here.

**FTC: This post is not sponsored. No monetary compensation was received for this post, however products were sent to me. Opinions are 100% my own, of course.