bareminerals

Ipsy Glam Bag – July 2016

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Ok, let’s be honest…I’m a makeup addict!  I look at makeup as an art.   How can I transform my face differently?  How can I bring out my favourite features?  How can I add a pop of colour uniquely?  I’m not obsessed with makeup because I have low self esteem and it makes me feel better – it’s just fun playing around and putting on make up!

That being said, loving makeup and wanting to try new and improved products can get expensive.  So, last year, I decided to sign up for Ipsy.  Ipsy is a $10 US / month (+shipping) subscription service that sends you a glam bag (small makeup bag) with 5 deluxe samples or full sized products every month, selected especially for you based on preferences you select in their survey.  It’s the perfect way to try new products without the breaking the bank.   Plus, you get the excitement and anticipation of receiving the shiny pink package in your mailbox.

Click here to learn more about Ipsy and subscribe now!

Here’s what I got this month:

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Tried & True: My Concealer Journey

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Dark circles, acne scars, or discolouration?  Foundation helps but sometimes you need a little extra coverage to feel your best.

Over the past 22 years, I’ve tried a variety of concealers depending on my needs at different stages of my life – liquids, creams and powders, medicated and cosmetic.  I’m definitely not a concealer expert, but I wanted to share my product journey with you in hopes that you can learn a little, laugh a little, and reflect on your makeup journey.

Before I start, I should mention that this blog is focused on products (vs. application).  I normally select concealers that are one or two shades lighter then my foundation.  If a product doesn’t come with a spongy tip, I dab it onto my skin with my middle or ring finger and then blend it in with a Beauty Blender.  For dark circles, I apply it in a half moon or triangular shape under my eyes and then blend it out. (Not mind blowing info…but more of an fyi).

In the beginning

acnomelAlthough it’s an acne medication cream, I have always considered Acnomel my very first concealer. When I was 11, I had a little acne so my mom bought it for me to help clear it up.   The product was tinted beige/tan, and I discovered that if I dabbed a super thin layer on my problem areas, it would cover them up.  So, although it wasn’t meant or marketed as a concealer, I used it daily to help treat and hide my acne (I went through MANY tubes …probably helped keep the company in business).

Does this make me look…orange?

When I began high school and started wearing makeup, I realized why Acnomel was not marketed as a concealer – once dry, it cracked, was cakey and sometimes had a slightly orange tint if I applied too much.  No one could see my zits, but they could see the dry, cakey, orange splotches all over my face.  Oy!

So, I went on a hunt to find a  new acne fighting concealer.  I wanted something that was easy to apply and blend, matched my olive skin tone, and helped clear my face.

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