Tuesday Tip: Amazing Aveeno

I love trips to Ulta because it is such a one stop shop! On Saturday (thanks to a giftcard from a friend) I spent some time in Ulta finding great new products, and purchasing some old favorites to replace what has been used up. I stocked up on my favorite eye makeup remover (one for my kit and one for me), Neutrogena. I bought one of the fabulous Essie fall shades I recently blogged about...the color is a great rust called Very Structured. Of course the amount of nail polishing I do requires Nail polish remover. Then I was off to moisturizers since my Kiel's is about to run dry and I wanted a quick fix. I found myself in front of Aveeno, partially because I have another friend who I did makeup with in California who swears by it and because it was buy one get the second half off. So, for around 20 some dollars I got their positively radiant daily moisturizer (with SPF 15- a must!), and also smart essentials nighttime moisturizer. The daytime moisturizer is user friendly with a pump, goes on smooth and feels lightweight...it also has the faintest smell of sunscreen, which reminds me of the beach so I'm loving it. The nighttime moisturizer feels rich on my skin and I woke up still feeling moisturized, it has a light almost floral smell (I'm not a floral scent person and it doesn't bug me).

I couldn't be happier with my new products and the fact that I found great deals, had a $3.50 off coupon and got a free pack of 200 cotton squares since I'm in their rewards program....thanks Ulta!!

Tuesday Tip: ALWAYS Wash Your Face

Excellent skin care is equally as important as fabulous makeup. Washing your face at the end of the day is a must...keeping makeup on through the night will dry out your skin and can cause blemishes...which we don't want! If you find a face wash you love then washing your face won't be such a chore (because when you are really tired and it's late it really does seem like a chore...trust me, I know). Here are 3 of my favorite face washes, yes 3, I'm convinced that if I only use one cleanser my skin becomes immune to it and I start breaking out or becoming oily (I think it's in my head, but you never know!). All can be purchased at your local drugstore or Ulta.

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Cream Cleanser....what's not to love, it's pink, smells like grapefruit and fights breakouts!





Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser...a gentle, basic cleanser. I feel refreshed every time I use it...and my skin really does look radiant after I use this.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Cleanser...this foaming cleanser feels amazing as it dissolves away makeup.

Remember to use an alcohol free toner and moisturizer/face cream after cleansing...I think I'm going to go wash my face now that it's on my mind....and tonight's cleanser choice? Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser.

Tuesday Tip: Wear Waterproof

Waterproof mascara and eyeliner is a must. Let's be honest, we don't all cry everyday, but many of us do have eyes that end up watering due to cold weather, wind, or allergies. By wearing waterproof products you can ensure that your makeup will stay where it belongs rather than smudging and running under your eyes in an unattractive way. My favorite waterproof eye wear is Loreal Voluminous Mascara in waterproof and Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner (water resistant). These are two products I wear everyday. Currently Ulta has a special for buy 2 get 1 free with their Loreal products, it's the perfect time to stock up!

Remember to use an excellent eye makeup remover like Neutrogena's when removing your waterproof eyewear!

Tuesday Tip: Use an Eye Cream

If you are reading this blog then you need to be using an eye cream. I started using an eye cream at age 21 and as far as I'm concerned I should have started at 20...the skin around your eyes is thinner and dryer than the rest of the skin on your face. There is more wear and tear around the eyes, just think about when you tug on your eyes to apply eye makeup or remove it, or when you just rub your eyes because you are sleepy.

Using an eye cream keeps this delicate area hydrated. By using an eye cream at a young age you will be preventing wrinkles. As you get older and see fine lines and wrinkles you can switch to a more intense cream that will reduce the appearance of those lines. No matter what your age you need an eye cream. I promise once you get in the habit of using one you'll be hooked. Here are a few great options that will moisturize (I use eye cream at night year round, but in these extra cold months I apply it in the morning as well.)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream (this was my first eye cream to use)

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado (my current favorite)

Dermalogica Total Eye Care (great skin care line, can be bought at Sephora and some department stores)

When applying you only need a pea size amount, use your ring fingers to lightly apply the eye cream around your eyes. Start under the eyes and go around to the inner part of your eyebrows.

Tuesday Tip: Ban Blemishes

Why is it that blemishes always appear the week of an important event?! I mean no one ever wants a zit on their face, but they are slightly more tolerable when there isn't something important going on. So, here is a product I recommend to brides because there usually is one blemish that decides to show up the week before the wedding. Apply Neutrogena's Rapid Clear Sore Pimple Gel to your blemish, and overnight, or within 8 hours as the product says, your blemish will fade away. I'm not promising it will completely disappear, but it will definitely begin to fade away so that your concealer actually stands a chance to cover the remains of it!

Have you tried this or another similar product? Comment about it!

Tuesday Tip: Use an Eye Makeup Remover

If you wear eye makeup, even if it isn't waterproof, you still need to use an eye makeup remover. It is best to use a cotton ball or square with the eye makeup remover rather than a tissue. There is nothing worse to me than seeing someone with day old black eyeliner and mascara under their eyes. Not to mention that the eye area is more sensitive than the rest of your face due to the skin being thinner. So, using an eye makeup remover ensures you will not have any remnants of yesterday's makeup and it allows you to remove makeup easily without extra wear and tear on your eye area. Practically every makeup line has an eye makeup remover, and I have tried A LOT of them. When I was first gathering products for my makeup kit I spent probably an hour at Sephora with my hands covered in waterproof mascaras and liners to test multiple eye makeup removers. The $20+ eye makeup remover I found that day does not compare to my favorite for the past few years, Neutrogena's Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover.

If you aren't a fan of liquid eye makeup removers, or need a product that is easy to travel with try Almay's Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads.


You can find both of these products at your local drug store or one of my favorite stores, Ulta.

Tuesday Tip: Moisturize

Always apply moisturizer before you put on your base-whether it's foundation, concealer or powder. If you do not already do this you will be amazed at how much better your makeup goes on and looks. Be sure to use a lightweight moisturizer with SPF of at least 15. One moisturizer I love is Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer for year round use during the day.

Visit Neutrogena's website to learn more about the different products they have to offer. http://www.neutrogena.com/econsumer/ntg/index.view