3 Products That Keep Me Shine-Free (most of the time)

My combination skin peaks at its worst during the summer, turning me more into an oily skinned girl rather than someone that just has the occasional t-zone shine.  Unfortunately, I have to combat the shine all year round regardless of the season.  Since I'm currently experiencing the unbearable New York City summer humidity, which inspired me to write this up.  This time of year, I have to be slightly more on guard so I don't look super greasy by mid-day.  

Here are 3 products that I use that help me out with the oilies and don't damage my sensitive skin. Just as a forewarning, I use these products more to touch up, as there is not one product out there that mattifies all day long for me.

MAC Blot Powder
This is my staple powder - it's always in my purse!  All I use it for is a subtle touch up here and there and it keeps me shine-free for a while.  Surprisingly it doesn't freak out my skin like MAC foundations do.  Picking out a color for this is really forgiving because even though you do have to pick from a color selection, they are all very sheer and translucent. $22, maccosmetics.com

TheBalm Sexy Mama Anti-Shine Translucent Powder

I use this in the beginning of the day before I leave my house.  I just sweep over the powder with a kabuki brush, buff some on and go.  It's not cakey looking and sets my makeup nicely.  The packaging is kind of silly, but it's slim and small enough for travel.

$19, Sephora

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens

My favorite blotting sheets!  The green tea ones are targeted toward oil control and best for sensitive skin.  They also have one that balances (lavender) and the original one is for all skin types.  

These are really basic and not harmful to the skin, unlike those blue Clean & Clear blotting papers which contain mineral oil, an ingredient which can cause breakouts! $10, Sephora

Drugstore.com Haul

This "haul" is a little boring because I just got things that I need.  But if you are interested, read on!

1. Ardell Lash Growth Accelerator - This is why I placed an order because I can't find it in stores near me.  With this product, you can't expect lashes to magically shoot out of your lids right away.  It claims to "repair weak lashes" and "restore thickness".  It keeps my lashes in the best condition possible.  I recommend this for those who curl their lashes and/or wear mascara everyday.  When I don't use this, my lashes get really thin and look bad when they are curled.  I use it every night before bed and it helps a lot.  Not to mention, it's super duper cheap at $3.99.
   
   
2. Avene Cleanance Soap-Free Facial Gel Cleanser - I have been looking for a new cleanser that does just a little bit more than my Cetaphil.  I love Cetaphil, but I was looking for something for night time use that was just as basic but is also targeted to prevent blemishes.  I originally bought Philosophy Purity Made Simple, but my skin hasn't been its best during the last two weeks I've been using it.  I figure it's not doing anything helpful for my skin so I am going to return it and I am going to start using this instead.  So far so good.  It also has a cool opening where you just twist it to open + close without removing the actual cap.  No caps to flip open or unscrew.  I also found out that you can purchase this at Duane Reade drugstores, which is where I will probably get it if I ever run out.
   
   
3. CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara in Very Black - This is my favorite mascara. I just needed a new one.  It is one of the very few mascaras out there that doesn't smudge on me throughout the day.
   
   
4. CoverGirl Professional Remarkable Mascara in Very Black- I don't know why I got this one.  I think there were some good reviews on the site.  CoverGirl mascaras are on sale Buy 1 Get 1 50% on drugstore.com so I tried this one.  I may have made a mistake, and I should have just chosen another LashBlast, but too late now.  I'll try it when I run out of the LashBlast.
   

This is What a Happpy Fridge Looks Like

Nicely stocked with coconut water.  I really love this stuff but I always feel bad buying it.  Am I a cheapo for thinking a little container of this costs $2.something?  I finish these off in minutes. Yesterday, I tried to get one of these in downtown Manhattan and this deli tried to charge me $3.99 for one.  That is absolutely ridiculous.

 

My favorite brands are O.N.E. and Vita Coco.  O.N.E. is a little sweeter and I like buying the 1 Liter carton so I can drink it to my heart's content.  Zico would have to be my least favorite.  The other day I decided to be adventurous and try the Pomberry Zico and it was disgusting.

The best deal I can find is bulk packs of 12 on Amazon for around $23. That makes it slightly under $2 each.  Is that really the best deal?  I am so addicted.

Hot (dog) Pants

I came across these festive hot dog lounge boxer shorts...from Old Navy of all places.  

They are so much fun!  I don't even eat hot dogs.  Or shop at Old Navy.  They usually aren't this silly, so it's a pleasant surprise.  I'm in!

They are having a 30% off everything sale til 6/29 if you use the code ONBIG30 while at checkout.

Good thing I needed some underwear too, so I had a reason to  justify an online order that included these hot doggy shorts marked down to a doable $7.50. 

Completely Random Goodies

Pee-wee score from the weekend.  My friend spotted this as we passed by a stoop sale on the way to brunch in Park Slope.  I asked the woman how much Pee-wee was and she looked confused, but then proceeded to say it was a collectible once she saw our interest.  He was only $5!  She had some cool jewelry too, but this was the star of her sale.  Obviously.

 

 I'm liking these lightweight canvas wedges from Urban Outfitters.  I think they will work for the summer and I hopefully will be able to walk around the city in them comfortably.

Ate at Pop Burger with my dad on Monday night shortly after playing with iPads at the Apple store around the corner.  I feel that their mushroom burger was pretty epic in size and taste (mayyybe more than Shake Shack's) and the fries are a win!  The restroom at this location was so shady though.

I am really enjoying this Bijules bone ring.  It's pretty intense but also...elegant.  This was originally a lusted after item since I can't afford the retail price of this...but thank goodness for Gilt.  They had a Bijules sale a few months ago and I missed out on it, but then I caught another sale the second time around :)

On the nails: Zoya Ali (which is actually a true neon pink, not whatever orange shade my monitor is picking up)

Uniqlo Boyfriend Shorts Turn Me Into A Boy (Visually)

I went to Uniqlo and I had to try on their candy colored boyfriend shorts.  They are so cute and I love pastels so they are perfect for me!   So I grab a few and head to the fitting room.  First of all, if you are interested in these, I must add that they run big.  I wear the smallest size available and that has not been the case for me since I was probably 18. The length is nice too.  Not too short and it leaves room to roll them up a little more if I want.

Now here is where it all goes wrong. I have actually run into this problem with Uniqlo's denim before, but have since forgotten since I rarely wear jeans.  They seem to have this extra fabric around the front area.  Maybe I am just shaped oddly, but that extra fabric forms a BULGE in the crotch area, giving me the illusion that I might possibly be a boy.  So freaky.  I know that a boyfriend fit means slouchy, comfy, kind of laid back and not too tight, but this was something else.

So sad.  And my quest for cute shorts continues.

PS: Everything else I tried on at Uniqlo? SUPER CUTE and super bought.

Initial Review: Kate Somerville Exfolikate

I just tried this product tonight for the first time so this is an initial review/reaction of some sort.  I was very intrigued by this product because a) I am a fan of Kate Somerville, b) this is one of her most popular products.  It gets a lot of good reviews but is equally as controversial because of the high price tag, which ranges from a hefty $85-175.  I decided to try it today because after a weekend of being out and about later than usual, my face needed to be exfoliated badly.

While I was at Sephora the other day, I asked for two samples: one of the regular Exfolikate and one for Exfolikate Gentle.  The samples are small but I think I'll get a few applications out of both.  I tried Exfolikate (the regular one) tonight and the second I applied it, my face started burning!  I did exactly what I was told to do and it was burning.  Thank goodness you only keep it on for 20-30 seconds because I was getting a bit worried.

When I washed it off, I was impressed that my skin looked nice and polished without me having to scrub it.  I'm sure my makeup will go on nicely tomorrow as well.  But I don't think that the burning is normal.  If it is, then I probably can't deal with it.  The next time I use this product I will try the Gentle version and see if it's any different.

A Lego Store Opened Up By My House

Today's Purse: Jenny Yuen Hitchcock

My versatile brown bag!  Simple, cute and holds everything.  Due to its flat (but tall) shape, it can actually hold quite a lot of goodies.  It reminds me of vintage Coach. I enjoy the simplicity of Jenny Yuen's bags.  She always uses the softest leathers and her purse designs are stylish but can be paired with many outfits.  I purchased this on eBay brand new two years ago as a little birthday present for myself and always find myself pulling it out for interviews and other times when I need a bigger classy purse.

 

Marc Jacobs Biscotti = Cuddly Goodness

I love and own several Marc Jacobs perfumes but I have never owned any of the splashes.  After reading all these raves about the new 2010 line, I had to try what seems to be the one most talked about: Biscotti! 

After initially trying it out at Sephora, I've become a huge fan of this unique scent! When I spray it on, I don't smell like a cookie, but it does has a warmness to it that is just very welcoming.  It's not overly sweet either, like a sugary teenager perfume...which is something I try to stay away from as well.  If you like yummy scents, this is an age appropriate semi sweet scent without being too artificial.

I've been wearing it to work the past couple days and it's a new favorite for sure.  While it may seem more winter appropriate, I think it can work for the whole year.  

Whatever It Takes: A Free Jimmy Brooks Show

This show will be put on by Paper Magazine and Ray Ban.  So are you really surprised by this lineup?  I'm not.  I really cannot stand outdoor shows/festivals/free shows/anything where I am pressed up against sweaty freeloaders like myself. HOWEVER...the idea of this show actually excites me.  

It's Drake! As a long time Degrassi fan myself, I will go see Jimmy Brooks perform for free any day.  But I will always associate him with Dowtown Sasquatch, Squatch Designs, basketball, wheelchairs and school murals.

 That said, I will be there tomorrow. 

Oh and Hanson is opening for Drake. Weird but true.

It's tomorrow, June 15 at the South Street Seaport from 6-9 p.m.! 

More info here.

Hidden Treasure Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to Grace who is the winner of my Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure Giveaway!  The winner for this was chosen using random.org.  Thank you for all the entries and I will be having more giveaways in the future!

Random - Conan, Madewell, Waffles

Last week I went to see Conan live at Radio City Music Hall.  Really fun + funny.  A lot of singing.  But my favorite part was the Walker, Texas Ranger clips.  They were SO bad and amazing at the same time.  I went the first night of the two that he did in NYC. The guests were Stephen Colbert, John Stewart, John Krasinski, Paul Rudd and Bill Hader. Vampire Weekend was the music guest.  I heard there was no music guest the second night, and less guests...but they got Pee-wee sooo...

On Saturday, I ate sweet potato waffles with pistachios and bananas at Dizzy's in Park Slope.  I have never been to Dizzy's before so I chose a Special.  I love breakfast foods.  Even if it's noon or later, if it's my first meal of the day, I always opt for a breakfast food.  This was unique because of the pistachios mixed into the batter!  An unexpected yummy crunch.

I am really into neon period.  I don't think it's a "lately" kind of thing.  Love colors, but neons and pastels win my heart the most.  I found these neon tees at Madewell on sale for $9.99 each.  They are still priced at retail on the website for $39.50.  The embroidery makes it special and they look great tucked into shorts and skirts (how I wear them), or if you like leggings, these are actually long enough to cover most butts.  Super lounge-y! I love these.  Of course I got both pop pink and highlighter yellow. 

 

I also got this brown leather belt with hot pink trim, also on sale at Madewell.  Will look cute with most solids.

And Another Nail Post: My Quick Attempt at Nail Art

I used: China Glaze "Refresh-Mint" (not as dark as it looks in the photo) and Sinful Colors Nail Art "Anxious Azure"

Whoops, sorry for the nail overload posts lately.  I usually only do them once a week or so.  The stupid Seche Vite top coat made yesterday's nails chip in less than half a day of wear and that bothered me so I went and got a new bottle of Poshe (my favorite) since I ran out, and redid everything.

I have Konad stuff but it's kind of time consuming so I decided to try out these little Sinful Colors Neon Nail Art polishes.  They are really cool and only $2 each at Walgreens.  The blue is a duo chrome which is pretty, but aside from that + a dark green, the others are creamy neons.  Worth the money, since I don't do nail art that often. It was my first time playing around with nail art polishes, and they are really fun!

Since we are on the topic of makeup, I just want to share with you my favorite versatile eye shadow as of late - MAC "Hey" repromoted in the Prep For Colour collection.  I have been using this everyday for the past month.  It's limited edition but I think some MAC stores still have it and if yours doesn't, they also have it online until it sells out (free ship til 6/6/10!).

When I wear it, I don't even look like I have eye shadow on, I just look more awake!  I'm into neutral eyes most of the time so this is really good stuff.  It's slightly shimmery - not frosty - and works great with my skin tone.

Today's Nails: China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy

From China Glaze's Poolside collection.  It's sooo bright - neons are hard to photograph.  I don't like the name because I hate flip flops and I would never have a flip flop fantasy EVER.  But I do love this color.  The whole Poolside collection hurts my eyes and I like it that way.

A few of my favorite rings

I really need to stop leaving my rings at work over the weekend.  Some of them are too bulky and slow down my typing at work so I keep them off.  My ring collection is slowly growing and I'm extremely happy to have the ones I've acquired so far.  Even though most are far from dainty, I do think that I can find simplicity in some of them when I need a little balance in my life.  Shopping for quality but fun pieces put me in the habit of choosing my jewelry a bit more wisely rather than just buying super cheap stuff (although I admit I do have several cheapo rings that I get sucked into once in a while).

I've grown very attached to some of them like my Species by the Thousands Twig ring. THIS is an amazing ring and it's not so much a compliment getter I've noticed, but I love it.  I got it at the Brooklyn Flea recently and the designer, Erica Bradbury, cut me an insanely good deal that I just had to get the Dog with Ruby Eyes ring also, that is sold for double the price at Oak. 

My other fun rings pictured are from nOir, which I've purchased from various places such as QVC.com (yes, and nicely discounted too), Gilt and their latest sample sale in NYC.  Their pyramid jewelry is my favorite probably, but I missed out on getting one of those pretty pyramid row bracelets.  I love their animal line, but I'm not too into the huge over the top ones.  The panda and porcupine are the only ones I own and can comfortably wear.

I am always after the right jewelry sales and discounts because I know they all come around eventually if you are patient.  That said, I still have yet to cave + pay full price, which is always nice.

(species dog ring photo: supermarket)