September Face (Powder) Off - Expiration Date

Hey There!

2 years.

That's how long you are supposed to keep face powder. I thought we'd talk about that since September is the Face (Powder) Off month. I plan on showing quite a few powders this month so the first thing you need to know is how long to keep your opened powders.

That means that I have some powders to toss!

But, only 2. I purchased some loose bareMinerals powders (Original SPF 15 Foundation and Balance & Boost Mineral Veil) more than 2 years ago. So, into the trash they go.

I'm sad about the Balance & Boost Mineral Veil because I bought a mega container when QVC has a special and I only used half of the container. I like their mineral veil but there have been so many great finishing powders that have come out in the past few years. You know if a new finishing powder comes out I have to try it. That means my "great deal" has turned into a "just regular deal".

The Original SPF 15 Foundation was the first foundation that I tried when I started wearing powder foundations. I loved the coverage, I loved the color range and I loved the product. But, other companies have gotten hip to powder foundations. So, bareMinerals is not the only game in town. Which means, I haven't used this up (but I have it a good 2 plus year run for its money).

And everything else that I have is new(er than 2 years old). Stay tuned for the reviews AND see which things off of the totalbeauty.com list that I own or pick up!

Empties!

Empties!

I love watching empties videos on YouTube. Why? Cause I'm nosey. I like seeing what people used up. I want to know if they liked something or just used it to get rid it or (as I have been known to do) just chuck it in the bin cause they are tired of trying to use it all. So, since I get great enjoyment out of watching other people route through their trash, I thought I'd let you see what's in my trash.

Where do I begin? Let's start with the face masks. I began using face masks about 6 or so weeks ago. I wanted to see if I noticed any improvement in my skin. The first round of masks didn't prove anything  really but the second round did. I won't provide any spoilers for my next mask review but you should totally watch for it.

Avon Bubble Bath. I'm kinda surprised there's only one in there. I'm a bubble bath fiend and my bubble bath of choice is Avon. One day I'll have to do a review of my Avon Bubble Bath collection. You can rest assured when I do, there won't be much complaining!!

Bath and Body Works shower gel in sweet cinnamon pumpkin. Oh. My. Gosh. This smells so good. I think it's only around during the fall and I stock up during the December sale. If you see it, grab 3 of them!

Jordana Best Lash Mascara. I won't say much because Mascara March is coming up (have I plugged that enough? LOL) and I'm sure to give it a glowing review. If you haven't tried this, you really need to. It's only $3.99 and I think you will be pleased.

Bare Minerals Handy Kabuki Brush. I got this brush the very first time I tried Bare Minerals. I purchased that starter kit that everyone gets and this brush came with it. At the time, I didn't really know what to do with it. Since then I have learned that whatever you want to do with it is probably fine. I used this one mainly for adding the barest hint of blush or bronzer to my cheeks. This one is not one of my favorites and ended up in the bin because it began to shed. Would I buy this brush alone. Probably not. It was fine but not fine enough to purchase.

Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails. This was ok. I had it for a number of years and it finally became too goopy to use. That's ok because I now have Sally Hansen Insta-dry (my new holy grail top coat/fast dry coat). And, because I have my new one I don't have to purchase the old one.

CVS pharmacy Eye Makeup Remover Pads. I have about 3 packs of these. I initially fell in love with these eye makeup remover pads and stocked up. Then after about a month of use, my eyes began to burn. I've been using them for cleanup (shadow fall out, lipstick slip, etc.) and once I finish the packs I have, I will not repurchase.

I love using facial buff sponges to wash my face at night. I use a light hand with my Purity Cleanser and make sure I get all the makeup off my face at night. I like to use the Target brand. I've tried other brands and they aren't as soft as Target facial buff sponges are. I use one sponge every 4 or 5 days and feel like I get a really good clean.

And last but not least, I've trashed another eye brow razor. This one is Annie's brand. I picked it up at the beauty supply store. I like it. It's a razor. Nothing earth shattering or life changing. I use 1 every 3 months because I'm lazy and don't keep my eyebrows up like I should. I'll do better and of course, I'll purchase more.

So that's my trash people. Nothing fancy or exciting. What's in your empties? Will you repurchase?

TAG: What’s My Face Worth

I was reading through my beauty blogs and came across the "What's My Face Worth?" tag. I have to admit, I got a little scared. I don't feel that I wear a lot of makeup or that I spend a lot on it (well, never mind) but I as I saw from others, the cost can add up. I thought it would be interesting to see how much I spend on my everyday face products. It's probably scary!

So, I made a list of what I wore Tuesday morning and priced it out for you. The prices listed are the normal prices at the stores that I purchased them from. It doesn't include coupons or sales or samples and y'all know I like those!

  

Who can start their beautification process without concealer? Not me, that's for sure. I begin everyday with it. Right now I'm using Bare Minerals Concealer in Tan2 ($20). I then pull out my NYX Eye Shadow Base, skintone ($6). I just began using BB cream in the past 30 days but think I'm gonna love it! I am using the Lancôme BB Cream in 6 caramel right now ($45). I don't feel comfortable with just bb cream alone so I do a quick sweep of Bare Minerals Original Foundation ($27).

  

Then I take a sip of coffee or two or I may pick out a pair of earrings and I put on some Maybelline Baby Lips in Grapevine ($3.49) to moisturize my lips and get them ready for lipstick.

  

Just this December I discovered Revlon Photoready Bronzed & Chic bronzer ($7.99) and fell in love. It's the perfect bronze for my skin. I'm currently using my Sonia Kashuk Beauty Blush in 52 Spice ($9.79) This too was a surprise find. Sometimes taking chances works out.

  

I've been testing Milani Brow Fix in 02 ($6.99) and like it. The brow powder is a bit redder than I like but I can blend it and make it work. The highlighter that it's paired with is a great color. It's just enough sparkle and a good color for the brow bone. To complement my fabulous brows (well, I think so) I've been using the Wet n Wild eye trios ($2.99). My faves right now are Knock on Wood and Walking on Eggshells. I also add a swipe of Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick ($3.97) and some Almay Intense i-color Purple Amethyst Eyeliner ($4.99).

  

I've been trying the trick I saw on YouTube to keep my eyeliner in place. When I add my Bare Minerals Well Rested ($18) under my eyes I make sure that I get it close to eyeliner. It's supposed to help minimize oils under your eye. Works so far. I add some Jordana Best Lash mascara ($3.99) on my lashes, fill in my lips with a Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Pencil ($6.29) and add a touch of Revlon Pinkisimo ($7) gloss over that and whaa-la! Perfection.

Well, close, you know.

And the total cost for perfection? $173.49

Not bad considering the many of the products last at least 6 months. Some items last as long as a year so doing some quick math, we're talking about $.63/day.

Now THAT's not bad!

Quickie Review - Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush

I bought out Target the past weekend. They had so many red clearance tags, I 'bout had a fit! I picked up a L'Oreal Paris True Match blush and then looked up and saw that Sonia Kashuk had one too. I almost left it there. The L'Oreal blush was twice the size for less money. The L'Oreal is .21oz and the Sonia Kashuk is .11 oz. And, the color (52 Spice) looked pretty similar to the L'Oreal blush so I walked away. Then a little, tiny voice in my head managed to get past the other voices and told me to go back and get it. Try it for five bucks! What could it hurt?!

That little, tiny voice is going to get a high five 'cause hot damn I love this blush! It may be small but man oh man, it's mighty! It was a creamy powder, not chalky at all. And a little went a long way. It gave me a sun kissed look and with all the cold weather we've had, I need as much faux sun kissing as I can get!

The first time I wore the blush, I just popped it on over a light dusting of Bare Minerals powder. I was going to a very casual dinner with friends so there was no need to get all glammed up. The blush made what was a very basic "no makeup" look into a "fresh faced casual but cute" look. All the girls complemented the look. The second time I wore the blush was a full face for work. I went a tad bit heavier and it looked so pretty. I got some comments and a whistle (but the guy on the train might not count -- anywho).

I really like this blush. It's been a while since I was able to gush over a blush. And, to think, if Target hadn't been getting rid of it, I'd probably have never known! You can bet I'll have some more Sonia K blushes in my makeup kit.