Kate Somerville Anti Bac Clearing Lotion Review

Kate Somerville refers to its Anti Bac Clearing Lotion as an intensive, prescription quality acne treatment.  Take a look at Kate Somerville's write up:

This advanced skin solution contains encapsulated benzoyl peroxide 5%, the most advanced and successful acne-fighting ingredient on the market. Its benzoyl peroxide content is time-released to clear blemishes without drying the surface of the skin.

This lotion comes in a 1.7 oz tube which is pretty generous when referring to lotions and cleansers with a high content of acne fighting ingredients.   It is light and surprisingly a light scented product.  Benzoyl Peroxide is a strong acne fighting ingredient and may cause sensitivity as related to a household product like bleach.  The product can be irritating to the eyes and cause discoloration to whatever it comes in contact with.  But, I have not had any problems with this product whatsoever.  Previous benzoyl peroxide based products that I have owned, mainly from Clean and Clear, caused all of the problems above.  It would irritate my eyes if applied to close...and it would bleach everything!

This product feels like an ordinary, lightweight moisturizer.  I apply after cleansing my face everyday.  In combination with Kate Somerville cleanser, this product definitely aids in keeping my acne at bay.  Check out my other Kate Somerville review.  I have had minimal breakouts within the last 3 weeks of using this product. I also have been trying it on my shoulders for breakouts, and I have not really noticed any improvement at this time.  


I have mentioned the price of Kate Somerville products previously, and this time is no different.  The 1.7 oz of product retails for 42.00 USD.  Crazy right?! Now, I am on the fence as to whether or  not this product is worth the money.  I think that the cleanser in this line may be doing more.  I think that if I would have seen more improvement when I put it on other parts of my body, I could justify the cost.  But, right now, I do not think that I will be repurchasing this product.  Have you tried any Kate Somerville products?  Stay FABULOUS!

Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint Review

Nars has just released a new skin tint to continue on the bandwagon of BB creams, CC creams, tinted moisturizers and so on.  But, there is a little different that the others that I just mentioned.  It's geared toward the oily crew.  Check out Nars's claim to fame:

This oil-free formula wears comfortably, maintaining skin’s natural moisture barrier while working to control shine throughout the day. Transparent Blurring Powders help to blur imperfections, even the look of skintone, and smooth the appearance of pores and fine lines. The powders’ unique, spherical shape compresses like a cushion, delivering a velvety-smooth, touchable feel and superior comfort on application. Vitamins C, E, and broad spectrum SPF 30 protect against free-radical damage caused by environmental stress. Simply touch and go for an effortlessly perfected look.

My description on this product...what she said!  I originally scolded Nars for their color selection in this line, and  I almost want to put my foot in my mouth...but not yet.  This skin tint is like a light to medium foundation.  The skin tint sets matte and gives a smooth, even skin appearance.  I prefer the application with a brush. I'm using Sephora Pro Flawless Foundation Brush #56. Now, I previously enjoyed the Nars Radiant Tinted Moisturizer.  It was one of the few tinted moisturizers that didn't get super oily in a short amount of time for me.  This new matte skin tint definitely does it for me.

Now back to the color.  Nars released 12 shades for this line.  I chose the second to darkest skin tint in Martinique Med/Dark 3.  I wore the two darkest shades on my hands for an hour to see how the color set.  They both oxidized becoming slightly darker than what's in the tube.  The three darker shades have a strong orange undertone.  This is why I am disappointed with Nars.  I think that with their history in making some great women of color shades, they could have done better than that.  Martinique is still the best shade for me.  I corrected this problem with a lighter powder.  I have been using Kat Von D Lock It Foundation Powder in Deep 74 with this product and my face lasts for hours!

I can wear this combination 12 hours with no problem.  I will blot maybe three times in that 12 hour period.  Now, this may be a little too drying for dry, combination skin types.  One other con is that I noticed that do have product breakdown or wear around my mouth.  The product seemed to separate and my skin underneath began to peak through.  I tend to notice it after lunch.  My assumption is the oils from food and the constant wiping of my mouth started completing removing the product.  I never had this problem with a foundation, but this is a skin tint not a foundation.  The next time after that, I brought my powder with me to touch up around my mouth after eating.

The price for 1.7 oz of product is 44.00 USD which is steep.  Nars products are pricey in general, but this is a lot for a skin tint.  The Nars All Day Luminous Foundation retails for 45.00 USD, and you get 0.02 oz more in the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer 1.9 oz for 44.00 USD.  I can say that a little goes a long way, and this product will last you a while.  The price still hurts a little.

Overall, this is a good product.  It does exactly what it claims.  It will be great for the coming steamy month of summer.  Oily beauties looking for a tinted moisturizer for this summer?  Check it out.  Stay FABULOUS!

11 hours and one mid-day blot later...

Two New Fragrance Favorites: YSL Black Opium and Lancome La Vie Est Belle

A few of you may know that I am absolutely obsessed with Viktor and Rolf's Flowerbomb.  But, there are some new favorites battling for my attention.  YSL's Black Opium and Lancôme's La Vie Est Belle are some great new fragrances.  I would say that these two fragrances are both in the same scent family.  YSL's Black Opium is a sweet, sexy scent.  It has notes of coffee, vanilla, and orange blossom.  It's a great scent for a date night, but it's also soft enough to wear to work.  



La Vie Est Belle is soft, sweet floral scent.  Check out Lancôme's description:

La Vie Est Belle is the fragrance of joyful femininity that makes life more beautiful. It is for the woman who lives in the present, who is filled with honesty, truth, and gratitude, and who is free of social constraint, to emblazon her own unique path.

Wow, Lancôme makes you feel like you'll be the First Lady after spraying this!  This scent has iris, patchouli, and gorurmand.  I love this scent as an everyday perfume.

Now, I did not abandon my Flowerbomb, but she is now going to have to share the love.  What's your favorite scent right now?  Stay FABULOUS!

New Estee Lauder Edit Collection Releases at Sephora

You may have seen this strange new Estee Lauder packing floating around Sephora.com.  Estee Lauder and Sephora have collaborated to release a unique line targeted toward millennials...aka the young folks.  This line is called Edit by Estee Lauder.  One downfall with Estee Lauder is that they were missing the young demographic.  So do you blame them for trying?  Do not fret, the young at heart along with everyone else will still be able to purchase all other Estee Lauder products.  No discontinuation of products to best of my knowledge. 

The line has bold, unique packaging...at least in comparison with other Estee Lauder releases, and the shades are edgy and modern.  There are a lot of products in this line to start.  There are several skincare and makeup items.  I have not seen anything at this time that is unique or new to the makeup world.  But, nevertheless, Estee Lauder has great makeup quality.  So, I will be trying a few items from this line. 

There are several reviews already on Sephora.com.  Many of the items have been reported with mediocre performance.  We shall see!  What have you tried? Stay FABULOUS!

Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette Released in Store!

Quick update for the Too Faced Sweet Peach palette.  Sephora's website stated that the palette would not release in stores until April 15th.  I was at my local Sephora for the spring 15% off sale today, and they had several palettes in stock and on hold for customers already.  I was able to snag one with the spring discount!  Awesome sauce!  So, check out your local Sephora if you are still on the hunt for this product.  Also, per Too Faced, the palette should be in Ulta stores this week.  I have not heard any word on that for sure at this time.  Stay FABULOUS!

Urban Decay Gwen Stafani Lipsticks and Lipliners Are On Sale!

Hey Beauties!  Heads up on a sale today at Ulta.  The Gwen Stefani lipsticks and lipliners are on sale.  The lipsticks are now 12.00 USD and the lipliners are 13.00 USD.  If you have not tried any products from the Gwen Stefani line yet...this is your chance to do so.  I will be snagging a couple of lipsticks myself.  The blush palette was on sale last week, but I did not pick it up. I'm looking out for the eye shadow palette to go on sale next! Stay FABULOUS!

*UPDATE:  The lipsticks, lipliners, and blush palette are on sale at Sephora too!  The lipliners are actually 14.00 USD vs. 13.00 USD at Ulta.  The lipsticks are the same price.  Happy Shopping!

NARS Under Cover Summer 2016 Collection

 

Oh, Nars!  How I adore your packaging!  Nars's Under Cover Summer 2016 collection photos are out and the packaging is to die for.  These models are giving face.   Artwork courtesy of Konstantin Kakanias. The collection will release on April 15th on NarsCosmetics.com and other retails in the next month following the Nars website release. 

This collection includes some blushes duos, dual intensity eyeshadows, and some lipglosses.  The lipgloss colors are gorgeous and will probably be what I grab first.  The blushes may be a little light for my skin tone.  I may snag one eyeshadow, Tan Lines, which is a medium brown shade.  Will you be picking up anything from this collection?  Stay FABULOUS!