Physicians Formula Review

I recently bought the Physcians Formula powder foundation with SPF 50 in Natural Beige. After applying it recklessly for a few days, I have come to the conclusion that it's good, but not great. The wow factor isn't off the charts or anything although the neatly packaged goodie is fun to look at. Orangey, small and compact, purse-ready for any gal.

The product itself was a-okay. When you apply it, the powder is extremely compressed and you don't get much of anything from the sponge. I wouldn't try it with a brush either, because you'd have no luck. Think compact foundation in a fridge for the whole day. Compressed. Even dehydrated. It's hard to believe that there is SPF 50 in here, because I thought it would be a little more oil based of course but it's more on the drier side. If you don't moisturize yourself properly, the powder will sink into all the lines and pores on your face. I made the mistake of using a light moisturizer and then using the powder for light coverage but I ended up looking very dry and my nose was peeling! I even exfoliated the night before. So instead, I used a richer day cream, Burt's Bees Radiance Day Cream, and the powder set perfectly with my face. The powder is more for oil control since it absorbs everything, so I'd definitely recommend it for people who have oily/combination skin.

There is a funny smell to it after the product is on your skin. It's hard to notice at first because there is no smell from the compact but I think once the zincs release onto your face, you walk around inhaling the metal-y smell of the powder. Yuck! I didn't like it one bit. It wasn't so much that the smell was overwhelming but you'd definitely notice.

Overall, I would rate this product a 3/5. It really is a great buy for $9 and while it isn't powdery smooth and soft, it is a good oil control compact. I don't think I'd repurchase it.

One thing you kept in a safe place.

I did some shameless shopping today and was very surprised to find some great things, even though Saturdays are the worst for me since everyone's out doing the same thing as I. While shopping for my coworker's baby shower, I also stopped by Target to pick up some usual household things and was happy to see many many sales in the entire store.

I picked up Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation with SPF 50. Yes, 50!!! UVA/UVB protection to the max. I've never seen any drugstore brand makeup offer anymore protection than the usual SPF 15 or 20, so I was pleasantly surprised. To top off the great find, there was also a $4 coupon off any of their products so the price for this powder was only $9.00! :) They also carry the bronzer, and tinted moisturizer in the same line, all with SPF 50. :)

I cannot wait to try it tomorrow! There is a separate compartment for the sponge applicator which is a bonus. Their products are usually pretty good like that. I will write a review once I play with it :)


I also picked up two dresses on clearance @ Target too.

Merona Floral Print Dress. $10.81
Original: $50

I actually saw this a month ago but didn't buy it because it was kind of pricey for me to spend on something I might just wear for one season but luckily I saw it again! I cannot wait to wear it to work or any outing. 100% polyester so it has a nice and silky feel to it. Flowy and has pleats and creases in all the right areas :)

This one was crazy on sale! I bought it for $4.48. It is also very soft, much like the other Target dress post. What a steal.

I love these special finds. I am much more happier knowing that something small can make one so jubilant.











I am so addicted to reading everyone's blogs. They all have their own voices and something so unique that makes them want to share what's special to them to us. And a connected community we are, even through words and ramblings from people we've never met.

My ultimate HG Mascara

After years and years of searching for the best mascara for my lashes, I have finally come to a conclusion that The Body Shop's Super Volume Mascara is the one for me. I have many favorites but this one has been unconditionally good to me :)

 http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/mascara/prod4940003

Finding a good mascara is like finding a flattering bathing suit. It's hard and it's time consuming... but the journey is fun and a lot more glamorous than trying on bikinis :p I discovered this mascara when I was Christmas shopping and decided to try it since it was on sale. Tried it on and instantly fell in love. Its so much different than all the mascaras I've tried! You know how some mascaras are watery and some are too dry? (ie Too Faced Mascara...ugh!) Well, this one is VERY buttery-like and creamy. It dries quite fast and is very buildable. I usually use the Maybelline Volume Express line to amp up my lashes in the evenings.

This is a few coats of the The Body Shop's super volume mascara black without anything else on top of it.

Here is what my eyes look like after I've built up my lashes with Maybelline's Volume Express falsies. Can you tell the difference?

Anyway, I wasn't able to wear the sweater dress on Wednesday because it was raining really hard that morning. I had it all laid out and everything. Ah, well. There are other times. I just thought the gray hue would be perfect and cozy looking.

Goodnight, all. I will write another entry soon! :)

FOTD for tomorrow

I'm making it a goal to wake up bright and early tomorrow to devote some time in putting on makeup. It's always hard for me since I feel like crap in the mornings but I think a change will be good. It's always nice to see someone look fresh in the morning, so why feel terrible all day when all you need is a few minutes to brighten your overall look and feel good for the rest of the day? :)

 
I'm no pro @ using a camera... the flash really takes away my eyeshadow and everything else! Note to self: Play with the camera. If anyone has any useful tips, please let me know!

In this look I used Tarte Treasure Chest (2009). I am a big fan of Tarte eye shadows because they are highly pigmented and goes on very soft. But now I'm really eyeballing Urban Decay's Alice in Wonderland palette! Imagine all the makeup combinations! :)

Depending on the weather tomorrow, I might or might not wear this sweater dress. There's a high chance that it'll be raining and I walk 20 mins to work (I live really close!) so it might not be the best idea. I am really protective of my pieces and even if they aren't worth much to others, I value my dresses as if they are gold.  This sweater dress is a short turtleneck and is VERY soft. It's almost like stuffing in a plushie. I bought it years ago because I loved the shoulders and I still do! I'd pair it with black stockings and heeled booties.

Well, that's it for now. I'll be posting again (hopefully) tomorrow again.

How do you dress and wear makeup on rainy days?

Goodnight!

Product Reviews & a Spring Dress

As I promised, I will be doing some reviews. The weekend was nice and relaxing for me and I look forward to them everyday :) I was so pleased to see my first follower on my blog... it's motivating for me because writing is something I've always loved and having kept a "regular" online blog for 7+ years, writing about something specific in one genre is intimidating because there are so many people out there who do outrageously great reviews, vlogs and other things. But blogging has always been a rewarding outlet and writing about interests that speak to people not only makes me happy, but inspiring as well.

So on with the review...

 Korres Sugar Scrub Night/Day face cream.
I have been sporting this moisturizer for awhile now... a few months maybe. Bought it at Nordstrom Rack for $7-8, maybe a little less. It retails @ Sephora for over $40. Strange. This is a multivitamin cream that emphasizes sugar's natural ability to soften skin and make it glow. And it does all that. I mainly use it at night because it has no SPF and my face stays hydrated for a good amount of time. Its consistency is very liquidly as it comes a pump and the smell is nice as well. I would buy it again if Nordstrom still carries it :)

 JASON Vitamin E Oil
Besides the Korres moisturizer, I also use Jason's Vitamin E oil. I usually use it on days that are super cold because my face would get dry. This oil keeps my face uber hydrated and is a great product for multipurpose use. I also use it on my elbows, knees and other places that need extra hydration :) I would really recommend this because you can get  it @ any natural foods store or at a drug store that carries their products.

The Kat Von D True Romance in Beethoven is the eyeshadow I was sporting in my last post. I really like these colors because they are so pigmented and deep. The colors are edgy and the shades are very blendable. I don't use this everyday since most of the colors are very dark. I tend to stick to neutrals @ work but sometimes I do go for an edgier look, especially on Fridays :)

In my last post, I used the two purples in the pallete. I love how they are so smooth and easy to apply. I'm no makeup artist, that's for sure, but I definitely know that if you start light, you can easily build it up to your preference.         
 

I have a passion for mascaras. They are simply my weakness! Every beauty product appeals to me but mascara is the one product I cannot live without! I recently received a package from Loreal with 10 full sized mascaras for me to try. I have been on this panel for awhile now and they know my desperate love for mascaras :)

The black duct tape is so I can try the products without being biased, although I arleady know most of the brands from the caps...haha :) I don't think I'll be using them all... since I already have some that I'm currently using. Maybe I will give these away when I have enough readers to hold a drawing or something :) I  look forward to interacting with people.

Over the weekend, I also picked up a cute dress @ Target perfect for the coming Spring!

I am one of those believers that believe great quality clothes don't always have to be marked at ridiculous prices. Most of the time, we pay top prices for the designer name. I think it's fair (to an extent) since these companies spend millions marketing their lines and associating every young celebrity to it. It's probably worth the price tag if you look @ it as a splurge. For me, simple things still make me happy and a pretty dress is all it takes. I bought this dress @ a bargain! Marked at $12.48. Original price is only $30 so that makes me even happier :) I have lots of great finds from Target.. maybe I'll dedicate an entry to it one of these days.

Anyway, onto the dress. It's called the Smocked Waist Dress in Indian Rose. The fabric is super soft, and comfortable. The dress itself is very sheer but there is a slip inside the dress that makes it absolutely perfect and wearable. I love how flouncy it is...and the heaviness of it (if that makes sense!). Pair it with boots or sandals and make it an outfit for any season!

Anyway, I look forward to another entry soon. Take care! Goodnight :)