So fresh and so clean..

Hello people!

So for the past several months I have been trying out a variety of clinical protection deodorants.

CLINICAL PROTECTION DEODORANT IS NOT ONLY FOR SMELLY, SWEATY, STINKY PEOPLE!!!

Anybody can use this product. For example, with my job I am out the in the field..in and out of homes, my car, the hot Florida sun, in the office, sitting in a conference room for a staffing, etc. I want to be sure that I am smelling fresh in whichever scenario I am in. I got this as a sample at my doctor's office and decided to try it because we all LOVE free samples and definitely feel much fresher throughout my day. At first I felt weird about using a 'clinical protection' deodorant but got over that quickly when I realized that they actually work!

All of the products work virtually the same. Preferably you put it on at night time. When you sleep, your body temperature lowers which allows the deodorant to absorb into your skin and 'prep' your body and sweat glands for when you wake up and your body temperature rises as you go about your day. It will last ALL DAY, even if you shower in the morning. Also, for all products, the directions state that TWO CLICKS per pit (lol) is recommended.

For reference, I put this on at night time and if I remember, I use my regular plain ol Dove deodorant during the day. I can say that maybe 20% of the time..I remember to put on the plain Dove so I do not believe that it makes any difference. I bought all the products at Walmart and they all are relatively the same price: $7-$8.

I have tried several of them and here is what I found:


Women's Degree Clinical Protection Deodorant: 5 Stars
-Pros:

• I love this applicator on this one. The holes on the top always provide an even distribution. I like the packaging on this one the best.
• Fresh, clean smell that lasts all day
  
• Doesn't leave a gross layer of residue on your underarms
• Comes in Original (the one I tried) and Classic Romance
• $2 off from degreeclinical.com
  
• This one seemed to work the best
  

-Cons:

• Two clicks is way too much. It feels like you are slathering cream all over your arm pit. Simple fix, I just used 1.5 clicks.
• The plasticky film that covers the top of the applicator. It is just a pain to get off before your initial application but it really isnt that big of a deal.
  

Dove Clinical Protection Deodorant: 4.5 Stars
-Pros:

• It's Dove..nuff said.
• $2 off coupon from dove.com
  
• There are a wide range of scents. From fresh clean, to a floral scent, to a powdery scent, etc. You can definitely smell this product on your skin more so than the other ones.
  
• There are a variety of formulas that do different things for your underarms. For example, the one I got is formulated to make the underarm hair appear finer and smoother so when you do have stubble, it is much less noticeable and fine to the eye (I have not used it long enough to tell if this is true).
• Although ALL the products included directions and a generic explanation of why it works, this was the only one I remember clearly stating HOW the product worked (ie, lower body temp, etc.)
• Comes in Visibly Smooth Wild Rose (the one I tried), Energizing, Cool Essentials, and Original Clean
  
• Two clicks are enough (but this can also be a con, see below)
  
• Product is VERY long lasting (which can be a con, see below)

-Cons:

• Two clicks are enough but because of the holes on top, sometimes it does not come all the way to the surface so you are left with an uneven layer or more product on one pit then the other
  
• This stuff really stays on. Even after I shower (which I do daily, and at night, so a whole 24 hours after I put it on since I put it on at night) this mess still needs to be SCRUBBED off in order to ensure that the pits are nice and clean. If you don't scrub, a thin layer remains on your underarms and it feels very gritty and not smooth.
  
• The smells are great but sometimes it is a bit TOO strong. I remember laying in bed at night and thinking my air freshener has just kicked it because all of a sudden I just smelled my deodorant strongly.
  

Secret Clinical Protection Deodorant: 3 Stars
-Pros:

• The plasticky film is only a foil looking like film. Much easier to remove!
• Great scent.
• Doesn't leave white marks everywhere.
• I always see coupons for this product in our Sunday paper, so essentially it would be the cheapest in price.
  
• Only one to come in a Sensitive Skin formula. Also has Waterproof, Sport, and of course the Original (which is the one I tried).
  

-Cons:

• Same thing with the two clicks...it's way too much.
• I HATE the applicator of this one. The holes seem awkward and it always seems to get clogged up.
  
• Honestly, I don't notice this one being any better than any regular deodorant. I don't feel any more fresher than normal.
  

Overall, I love them all! Most likely I will alternate between the Degree and the Dove. The Degree seems to get the job done the best. It is simple, works well, applies well, and smells fresh. The Dove would be more so if I were going out at night and wanted an extra punch of fragrance or just wanted to smell nice. Dove works fabulously as well, but that thin layer that requires intense scrubbing can get a bit annoying. Point is...try it out people. It is definitely worth the money!

Skinmatching Makeup?!

Hola!
So yes, I have been completely ghost recently. Of course, I have been busy with life, but more so I have been STRAIGHT LAZY. Well..I am back on it and I decided to post about a precious gem I found at Walmart.

Soooo a few month back I did a haul video on youtube of a ton of makeup I got on super crazy clearance. In that haul was Revlon's Beyond Natural Skin Matching makeup in Deep. I tried it a few times, wasn't all that impressed, but overall liked it. I just though it was a tad too dark for me so I really never wore it. I wasn't upset though..I got it for like $3 at Albertsons or Target because it was in the clearance aisle. Fast foward to two days ago when I stopped by Walmart after the gym one day to look at MP3 players. I made my usual round to the makeup section, just to browse and I noticed an entire bin of this same skinmatching makeup...this time it was in color MEDIUM DEEP and had a bonus foundation primer attached to it...all for 6 BUCKS! I'm thinking..hmmmm makeup and a primer for $6...what a deal. Regular price of the foundation alone at walmart is around $10 or so.

Earlier in the week I had gone to Sephora and just scooped up a new mositurizer and primer that I love..so it's not like I needed this product, but I decided to give it a shot since the DEEP shade had been a tad dark. Boy am I GLAD I took a risk. I LOVE THIS FOUNDATION!

• First off, it comes out white when you put it on your finger. It is made up of tiny color beads that pop and create your 'perfect shade'. Lol, yeah right. The color beads pop and out comes the color (which will be the same color on anybody who tries it. It doesn't actually morph to fair, brown, tan, etc.)
• It is so light. I had been looking for a tinted moisturizer but have not found one to match my shade. This foundation is very light but gives you a flawless look...almost a medium coverage.
  
• The color is just a tiny tiny tiny bit lighter than I would normally wear, but when I set it with my MAC MSF Natural in Dark, it looks perfect.
  
• This stuff lasts ALL DAY...even when I am working in the field, sweating, etc.
  
• I have NOT broken out from this so far. My skin has been extremely sensitive the last few months but this stuff really looks great.
• The packaging is great. It came wrapped in plastic so people cannot 'test' and use your bottle before you buy it.
  
• The bonus primer seems nice as well. Although I haven't used it on my face, I did swatch the primer on the back of my hand..waited a minute or so..and applied the foundation and it looked like velvet. It was a perfectly smooth finish. I will try the primer on my face tomorrow.
  
• There are a good amount of color choices: Light, Light-Medium, Medium, Medium-Deep, and Deep
  
• And best of all..it has SPF properties. It only has an SPF 15, but it is better than most foundations that have none...and it doesn't feel greasy.
  

Overall, I am thoroughly impressed. I have been using my mineral makeup recently and was getting boreD with it. This light foundation is easy to apply (just rub it on with your fingers) and leaves my face looking fab! I definitely recommend this to anyone who doesn't want to take a lot of time to apply foundation. Also, CVS and Walgreens have BOGO on Revlon foundations all the time, so it will be easy to stock up!Go out and get it!

The Best Makeup Wipe/Remover Around..

Hola,
So I thought I would let you guys in on a little secret: Olay Daily Facials Express Wet Cleansing Cloths (All Skin Types). So here's the deal..

In my field of work I am required to wear business casual clothing to work. When I get home from a long day of work I like to peal off all my clothes, jewelry, and heels and throw on some sweats. I want to be comfortable so I can play with my toddler and feel 'free'. I also like to immediately take off all my makeup and throw my hair up in a bun!

For a while I was waking up in the morning, washing and moisturizing, getting off work, washing and moisturizing, taking a shower (at night), and washing and moisturizing. This was doing three things: 1. WASTING MY DAMN MONEY (and product)! 2. Drying out my face and causing more breakouts 3. Wasting my time.

Yall know I have oily skin, but really it is more combination..as oily as it gets, if I don't moisturize I feel extra cracked, dry, and dead..blah! I just felt like my pores were getting so clogged with all that facial lotion I was having to use by washing my face three times a day.....UNTIL..

I stumbled across my holy grail makeup wipe. I prefer to take off my eye makeup with EVOO and a cotton ball. I do this because I enjoy the conditioning effect the olive oil gives my eyelashes and it is much gentler on the eye area then using a cloth wipe. HOWEVER, when I am lazy, or not wearing much eye makeup, these cloth wipes work perfectly to remove all kinds of makeup (including waterproof mascara). These wipes will remove all of your foundation, blush, eye makeup, lip product, everything! They are soft but durable and have a nice gentle and fresh smell to them. The best part is: THESE WIPES LEAVE YOUR FACE LEAVING FRESH, CLEAN, AND MOISTURIZED! I don't even have to put on face lotion after using the product because my skin is soft and just perfectly smooth (not too dry, but not soaked up with lotion either..PERFECT). It is definitely a great pick me up after a long day.

Also, for $3.68 from Walmart ($4.68 for the sensitive kind), you get a 30 day supply. Most wipes only come in a 25 day pack (which makes no sense unless it is February) and are $1-$2 more expensive or they may be cheaper and less quality, drying, etc.

Definitely check these out! You won't regret it!

LOTD: Royal Paradise

Look of the Day: This is a purple and pink look with hints of blue. Hope you like it!

PS. It was my birthday in these pics!

Face:
Neutrogena Oil Free Lotion for Combination Skin
Milk of Magnesia (primer on T-Zone only)
Laura Gellar under makeup spackle in Bronze
Everyday Minerals foundation in Tan
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC45
MAC MSF Natural in Dark

Eyes:
UDPP
NYC Brow Kit in Brunette
NYX Jumbo pencil in Black Bean (All over lid, this is crucial as it changes the NYX Purple to a more royal purple/blue )
NYX Purple (on inner half)
NYX Atlantic (lower lash line)
MAC Fuschia Pigment (outer half)
Jordana Fabuliner in Black (line upper lid)
NYC Autoliner in Black (waterline)
Loreal Collagen Volume mascara in Blackest Black (ehh, reminds me of CG Lashblast Waterproof)

Cheeks:
Physicians Formula Mineralwear Blush in Rosy Glow

Lips:
Sally Hansen Lip Plumper in Sheer Blush

Fight the OILIES: Milk of Magnesia

So you all know I am ALL ABOUT saving a buck. I have been searching for a good foundation primer for months. Unfortunately, my skin just does not like ANYTHING. I have tried Smashbox Photofinish Light, MAC Matte, Monistat Anti-Chafing Gel, and finally my Laura Gellar under makeup tinted spackle. With the exception of the Laura Gellar spackle, ALL OF THEM BROKE MY FACE OUT! Right now, my face is JACKED UP. My face has gotten much more oily since I began wearing makeup and I would have to use blotting tissues at least twice a day, along with MAC Blot powder. My t-zone is oily as heck and my cheeks are dry so basically I am screwed, lol.

Well, I have found my HG product. Believe it or not ladies and gents, Phillips Milk of Magnesia (original) is incredible! I did my research and the main ingredient is magnesium hydroxide. There are only two other products in it: purified water and sodium hypochloride. I checked the Walmart generic brand and it is the exact same ingredients it in. I got the Phillips brand just to be safe, but the Walmart brand is double the size for only $3 and some change! Beware of other generics because some contain mineral oil, and that is a NO NO.

This can be used as a nightly face mask, to reduce the production of oil your face makes OR as a foundation primer. As a mask, lighty spread a thin layer on your face with your fingers, foundation brush, or cotton pad, keep on for about 10-15 minutes and rinse. You can even leave it on all night and wash off in the morning. As a primer just spread a light layer on your t-zone or oily spots with a foundation brush, let dry, and apply your foundation as usual. I wouldn't put it all over your face, but only in the oily spots. If you see some white flaky residue after it dries, just lightly rub it off with your ring finger.

I DID NOT HAVE TO BLOT MY FACE AT ALL WHEN I USED THIS AS A PRIMER. I could not believe it. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and light. It has not clogged any pores or caused any breakouts. Ladies, you have to try this is you have oily skin. I can't speak for my dry skin chicas, but this is awesome. I am so glad I found this! Good luck and tell me how it works for you!

PS. Check my youtube video at www.youtube.com/tnxmami for more information and a demonstration as to how I apply it.

Motherhood

I just wanted to say that despite the frustration, loneliness, and and difficulties that come along with being a single parent...I absolutely love being a mother. I adore my son and thank God each and every day for being blessed with an opportunity to care and love someone in this way. I am truly truly truly lucky.

LOTD: The Peacock's Plume (120 Palette)

This look was inspired by my son's fantabulous daycare which has a peacock theme. Today just so happened to be BLUE Day so I went with it..hope you like!

All shadows were from the 120 Palette. I am really digging this palette. I bought it when I first started with makeup and have been slacking on using it until recently. I fell in love with it all over again!

Face:
Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Laura Gellar under makeup spackle in Bronze
Everyday Minerals Foundation in Tan
MAC MSF Natural in Dark
MAC Studio Sculpt concealer in NC45
Everyday Minerals Finishing Powder in Soft Bronze

Cheeks:
NYX Pinky
NYX Pecan

Eyes:
UDPP
NYC Brow Kit in Brunette
Light blue (matte/for inner lid)
Darker light blue (satin/on top of light blue above)
True blue (satin/for outer lid and inner lower lid)
Aquablue green(shimmer/on top of the true blue)
NYC Auto liner pencil in black (line the outer half of your bottom lid and smudge)
Jordana Fabuliner in Black (line upper lid)
Wet n Wild kohl eyeliner in Sky Blue (waterline)
Covergirl Lashblast in Very Black (upper lashes)
Maybelline Define a Lash in Black (lower lashes)

Lips:
Revlon Beyond Natural cream gloss in Nude
NYC Liquid lip shine in 552

LOTD: Rasta-far-EYES

Look of the Day: Caribbean inspired/Rasta Girl eyeshadow

Face:
Neutrogena Oil Free moisturizer for combination/oily skin
Laura Gellar under makeup spackle in bronze (primer)
Everyday Minerals foundation in Golden-Tan
Everyday Minerals finishing powder in Soft Bronze
MAC MSF Natural in Dark
Everyday Minerals concealer in Mint
MAC Studio Sculpt concealer in NC45

Eyes:
NYC Brow kit in Brunette
-Bases: UDPP (all over), WetnWild idoleyes in Envy (it's a green) (inner), NYX Jumbo in Yellow (middle) and Cherry (outer)
120 Palette Green, Yellow, and Red (on top the appropriate jumbo color above)
NYX Sunrise (lower lash)
NYX Chrome Pigment in Yellow (lower lash)
NYX in Aquamarine (lower lash)
HIP Creme Liner in Black for upper lid
NYC Auto pencil in Black for waterline
CG Lashblast in Very Black

Cheeks:
NYX Blush in Pecan
Everyday Minerals foundation in Deep Tan (contour)

Lips:
Jordana in color lipgloss in Peach Sand
Revlon Beyond Natural Cream lipgloss in Nude

Tis all!

I AM A THETAWOMAN

UPDATE: Sigma Brushes

Hello all,
So after using my Sigma brushes for several weeks now I decided it was time for an update! I love all of the brushes still. They remain super soft and in correct shape even after washing a few times.

SS224 Tapered Blending Brush: $9.00
This is by far my favorite blending brush out there. The density is perfect so you can control how much color you brush on versus it being a big fluff puff with no control. If you were only going to buy one eye brush from the Sigma line..I recommend this one. No shedding at all!

SS188 Small Duo Fiber Brush: $14.00
Sadly, I rarely use this brush. NOT because it isn't a good brush..just because I find myself grabbing for other brushes over this one. It isn't flimsy or anything I just wish it was just A BIT denser. It is great for putting on blush though. I tried it with liquid foundation and it was okay, but I would much rather use a larger stippling brush or the small contour brush below. I cannot say it is comparable for MAC but I do think it is a good quality small stippling brush and worth the money.

SS 109 Small Contour Brush: $14
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BRUSH. It is so versatile. I use it for liquid foundation, contouring, highlighting, and applying blush. I would definitely buy like 3 of these. HOWEVER..there is one huge huge huge downfall to this brush. IT SHEDS LIKE CRAZY. Look at the picture and see for yourself. Your makeup may look flawless but it is incredibly annoying when there are bristles all over your face. I probably won't use it for liquid foundation anymore because this is when it does all that shedding. Any other use I do not find much shedding, if any. I have heard that the MAC 109 does this as well. I think it is the liquid that is just sticking to and 'pulling' the bristles out. I would definitely recommend to buy it if you are on a budget, but if you can save up go for the MAC.

Hope I helped!

www.sigmamakeup.com