Essie Off The Shoulder Nail Lacquer: Photos, Swatches and Review

This is coming kind of late since summer is almost over and your probably drooling over some nail polish color for the fall but I had to share my favorite summer pink and actually among all pink shades I own.  Essie made the perfect mid toned cream pink.  This formula is a stand out, easy to apply and opaque with two coats.  You can find it at target.com for under $8.


xoxo,
Adriana

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine in Sourire #70

While deleting old pictures from hy hard drive I noticed a Rouge Coco Shine I had bought in June that I had not shared with you.  I accidentally purchased this color instead of the Limited Edition shade that was debuted with the Bombay Express Collection.  When I opened the box to look at the color, it looked so gorgeous that I could not bear to send it back.

Here is what Chanel's website say's about the product:

ROUGE COCO SHINE Hydrating Sheer Lipshine provides lasting moisturizing shine in a water-light texture. The formula glides on for easy application, and a unique HYDRATENDRE complex hydrates and softens lips, giving them a healthier and fuller appearance. Available in a complete range of shades, from delicate beiges to dazzling berries, with a hint of shimmer to enhance a glossy finish.

Sourire is a sheer delicate peachy pink with golden shimmers.  The formula is buttery soft and I can hardly feel the shimmers when I rub my lips together.  It has a very light floral scent to it but it's not bothersome to me.  It has a bit of a fragrance taste to it (yes, I've accidentally sprayed perfume on my lips).   Unfortunately, it does not last very long on my lips, maybe two hours.  While I do love the way my lips feel and look while it's on I wouldn't spend the money on it unless you are in love with the color and don't mind applying it several times throughout the day.  Personally, I like applying lipstick so that aspect doesn't bother me at all.  You can find this particular shade at chanel.com.

xoxo,

Adriana

Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner: Review

I was about to order my fourth bottle of this wonderful toner when I realized I hadn't shared it with my readers.  Then I bonked myself on the head for not doing so sooner (not really).  Paula's Choice Toner has had a remarkable effect on my skin in a good way.  I have very sensitive skin so finding a toner that wouldn't sting my skin has been a hard task.  I've tried many toners that would burn my skin and cause welts and rashes.  I also have mild adult acne that was bothering me and products like Benzoyl Peroxide and Alpha Hydroxy Acids bother my skin. Then I read that Salicylic Acid was a better option for sensitive skin so I decided to try this product in toner form so I could treat my whole face instead of spot treat the acne I already had I could prevent it as well.  It didn't take long to fall in love with it.  First off, let's look at the claims made by the company and then I'll tell you if it does what it promises.

• Liquid formula exfoliates to reveal smoother, healthier-looking skin
• Maximum pore-penetrating 2% salicylic acid formula
• Same excellent formula as our 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid
• Quickly heals and prevents stubborn acne
• Unclogs and shrinks pores almost overnight
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients calm skin irritation and rosacea
• Reduces and prevents acne marks
• 100% fragrance-free and contains no dyes or coloring agents

What makes this product unique?
CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner provides an almost immediate reduction in blackheads, white bumps, and acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation with 2% salicylic acid.
Unlike most toners designed for acne-prone skin, CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner doesn't use harsh, irritating ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, peppermint, or camphor that can make acne worse.
CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner is designed to penetrate deeper into the pore lining than our Regular Strength CLEAR Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner for fast, concentrated results on stubborn, more serious breakouts.
Ongoing use can guarantee significantly clearer, smoother, even-toned skin and can significantly reduce redness from acne lesions.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.2-3.6.
Who is this product for?
This product is recommended for all skin types experiencing mild to moderate acne, stubborn blackheads, or white bumps. It is suitable for men or women, teens and adults alike.

Claim 1. "Liquid formula exfoliates to reveal smoother, healthier-looking skin." I do have to say that my skin is much healthier looking since I started using this but not so much smoother.

Claim 2. "Quickly heals and prevents stubborn acne."  Yes, it does!  I don't go a day without using this product.  I used to get persistent acne on my chin until I started using this and it has completely gone away.  I now only get the occasional one during my monthly cycle.

Claim 3. "Unclogs and shrinks pores almost overnight."  I can definitely see that my pores have become smaller but my very stubborn blackheads on my nose haven't really changed at all.  I have to say that I've had blackheads on my nose since I was a teenager and while this loosens the debris in the pore so that I can extract it easier, it comes back the very next day.  I don't blame the product though my nose is quite oily and they continually get clogged.

Claim 4. "Anti-inflammatory ingredients calm skin irritation and rosacea."  I do not have rosacea so I cannot make any claims on this but I do have sensitive skin and it does not cause me to itch, swell or turn red like most products with strong ingredients cause.

Claim 5- "Reduces and prevents acne marks."  I would say that it does since it's an exfoliator but don't expect it to happen overnight.

This is the best toner for sensitive skin I have ever tried in my 36 years, and I've tried a lot...even bonne bell when I was a lot younger!  It even comes in a regular strength incase you have extremely sensitive skin.  I recommend this for people with sensitive skin who are also battling acne.  It helps having the Salicylic Acid in liquid form so you don't have to pile some thick cream on top of your regular skin care routine and it helps prevent acne instead of just spot treating it.  I am an OSPW just for reference in case you follow Dr. Baumann.  Paula's Choice also has other toners for other skin types that I'm sure are equally as good.  Another plus is that they are affordable and have great customer service, they always make sure your completely satisfied.  The first time I ordered from them I ordered a toner that was too strong for me and they sent me this particular formula free of charge and let me keep the stronger one(I shared it with a friend who did not have sensitive skin).  They really work with you to help you find the right product for your particular skin type.

xoxo,
Adriana

Cult Nails Princess and Essie Shine Of The Times: Swatches, Photos and Thoughts

Boy has it been a while, I kind of feel rusty writing this blog post.  I took these photos while I still lived in Texas, I've been in Missouri for a month now and I'm barely getting these up.  I've decided to start home schooling my 2yr old since she is way ahead of where she should be so blogging has moved to the back of the line for me.  My kids will always come first.

Let's start off with Cult Nails Princess Nail Lacquer.  This shade is a gorgeous light blue that has a gray tinge with subtle iridescent opal like shimmers.  Cult Nails has become one of my favorite nail polish brands, they are truly great polishes that are affordable.

Essie Shine of The Times has a clear base with iridescent flakes that look gold, pink, and copper depending on the lighting.  I like the quality of the flakies in this polish they apply smooth and easily and are long lasting.  This polish will vamp up any polish you have or be great to make an accent nail.  I really like the two polishes together as well.  

xoxo,

Adriana