How I Prevent a Meltdown....

As is the rest of the country, the heat around here has been BRUTAL.  We have been in the 100s, which is breaking records from what I hear.  It's so hot, last week I left for work at 7:00 am, got in my car and it said 88.  Are you freaking kidding me???  I HATE hot weather.  I'm not a "lay out in the sun, get my tan on, go to the beach kind of girl".  Never have been and never will be.  I don't even care about self tanners.  I'm pale, that's what color I was born with, and frankly I'm happy with.  Mainly because it keeps the wrinkles, blotchy peely skin, and skin cancer away.  Over the years, I've been trying different concoctions of products to help with my oily skin.  Which in this heat would be OILY skin.  I've found a combination that works really well for me.  Maybe it will work for you, or at least show you some products that you can combine with some of your favorites.  First up is my summer moisturizer:

Now why a moisturizer when the weather is so hot?  Its not really a moisturizer, it's a Shine Control Lotion, by Boots, which you can purchase at Target, or anywhere Boots is sold.  It's specially formulated to deliver oil free hydration with instant matte results.  (got that directly from the bottle lol).  All I know is it works.  I use half a pump, rub it in and on to the next...

Foundation.

sorry about the blur....i'm definitely no photographer

It's the Revlon ColorStay in 110 Ivory.  I accidentally bought the normal/dry skin one, so I'm sure it would be even better if you got one for oily skin.  This is apparently a dupe for Estee Lauder Double Wear, which I may try, although why pay $35 when this stuff is around $10.  It's got great coverage and doesn't feel like I'm wearing a mask.  Although I almost always wear foundation (I did purchase a great BB creme that I'll review another time), so I may not be the one to ask.....It lasts all day, doesn't turn colors after 8 hours and doesn't run, and doesn't break me out.  What more can you ask for in a foundation?

Setting Powder.

After I apply the rest of my make up, I use Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed Powder in 004 Sandstorm.  This stuff is AWESOME!  I got it as a gift from my daughter in a little beauty bag she does for me now and then and I love it!.  I use a powder brush from EcoTools to put it on and it makes my skin very matte which I like.  It also helps to cover up my pesky large pores and it's very lightweight.  This is a must have, and I believe it's around $5-$6.

Setting Spray.

When I first heard about these, I thought...."so after I put all my products on to keep myself from being oily, you want me to spray something wet on it?"  I thought for sure it was going to make me look cakey, but that is far from the truth.  I'm currently using Urban Decay's All Nighter.  Let me tell you, this stuff works.  And works well!  When I'm done with everything, and ready to close down my make up station lol, I spritz it twice on my face and walk away.  And it sets everything and keeps it looking great!  I've also used the E.L.F. one and that one is nice too.  I believe the E.L.F one is $3-$6, and this one is $15 for a tiny bottle (this one is as long as my index finger.  They have a larger size also), so if budget is a factor, buy the E.L.F. one.  If you can splurge, get the Urban Decay.

Blotting Papers.

Normally I would be going through a pack of these a week, I kid you not.  With my new routine, I use maybe 2 at work and that's it.  These Neutrogena Shine Control Blotting Sheets are my favorites.  They work like they are supposed to, not a whole lot to say about them, but if you are oily, they are worth the money.  They run about $5, although I got mine for less then a $1 at Big Lots.  Score!!

And last, my M.A.C. Blotting Powder in Medium.  LOVE this.  Works well at getting rid of the shine and has virtually no color.  This goes everywhere with me.  Even when I downsize to a small clutch or over the shoulder bag for mall walking or festivals, this, along with the blotting papers go with me.  Can't leave home without em :-)

So there is my little "oil control" routine.  If you have any suggestions on anything you use to control oil, please leave it in the comments.  Thanks for reading, and have a great week everyone!

L'Oreal "Balm"

With the huge demand for the Revlon Lip Butters, I figured it wouldn't be long before other cosmetic lines joined the lip butter/gloss/lipstick/balm bandwagon.  And I have to say L'Oreal is off to a great start with their version called "Balm".  The color selection is much smaller, I believe their are 7 or 8 compared to the 20 Revlon Lip Butters colors.  The packaging on the Balm is very sleek and "elegant" if you can use that word to describe a lip product.  They are square and sleek, with a gold bottom and inside tube.  The cover is a transparent version of the actual product, and you can see it on the top through the cover.  I've heard some people complain that it should be totally clear so you can see the product, but I don't agree, I think they look really "upscale" this way, and you can see the product through it enough to get the gist of what the color is.  I purchased Tender Mauve first, then went back and got Nourishing Nude and Pink Satin.  I plan on getting at least two more, Plush Plum and Caramel Comfort.  These are advertised as a tinted SPF 15 balm, and claims to keep your lips conditioned for up to 2.5 hrs after removing it.  I haven't timed it myself, but they do make my lips feel good, especially considering we are in the middle of winter.  They do not have a taste or scent to them, and you can put them on without a mirror, which is a plus for the busy gal that needs a swipe of color as she's heading out the door.  The color and conditioning feeling stays on for a while (as long as you aren't eating, drinking, etc).  They cost approx $8, though I've seen them for less then $7 at my local department stores (Meijer, Target, Walmart).  I recommend these, and I know they will especially come in handy in the summer when I'm looking for more of a minimalist feel to my make up.

Tender Mauve, 518

Nourishing Nude, 818

Pink Satin, 118

Tender Mauve, Nourishing Nude, Satin Pink (swatched heavily)

Leave a msg and tell me what your favorite lip products are!

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter

Two word sum these new lip butters up........moisturizingly creamy.  I don't think moisturizingly is a word, but it fits.  These are sooooo nice.   They are like a lip balm, but more creamy, and with color.  I only own two of them (as of now, I plan to purchase many more), I have gumdrop and pink truffle.  These are not in all drug stores yet, in fact I went to Walgreens, CVS and K-Mart before I found them at Rite Aid.  They run about $7.50 and I believe come in 20 different shades.  They are more sheer and softer then a lipstick, but still have pigment.  Not like a lip gloss at all.  Just creamy.  They are exactly what you would imagine a lip butter would be.  They feel great on the lips, and you can get away with just using these (and can put them on without a mirror which is a plus for those of us on the go).  They wear relatively well, but they feel so good, I'm constantly reapplying them anyway.  The packaging is just like the Colorburst lipsticks, but the lid is transparent.  The tubes are slanted (like the Clinique Black Honey for example).  I love these and have heard nothing but good things from other people that own them.  They are perfect for a spring/summer color, but great for moisturizing in fall/winter.  I highly recommend!

Gumdrop, Pink Truffle

Gumdrop, Pink Truffle