Current Obsession: Orange/Coral Lips

I have been wearing orange/coral lips very often and let me tell you that I'm loving it! I was a little scared of wearing bright orange at first, but after reading in some magazines that orange would  be the IT color of the summer I gave it a try. I actually think orangy/corals lips suit me better than pinks and reds. Corals are more sublte and they go with everything so I have been enjoying them a lot. I have a humble collection of lipsticks and lipglosses that I wanted to share with you in case you are interested in one of them. Here are the swatches:

Form left to right: Smashbox Lipgloss (from the File Styles Set), Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in #530, Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Peach, Jane Iredale PureGloss in Melon, Buxom Lipgloss in Bambi, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef, Sephora Rouge in R06, Milani Lipstick in 23 Mango Mambo, Milani Lipstick in 24 Orange-Gina, Cargo Lipstick in Lola

What do you think? Would you wear orange lipstick?

<3

Ruth

Skincare Routine

Yes, I am a beauty junkie, I admit it! I like to try new products and find what works best for me. The same applies to skincare. I try to keep around the products that really make a big difference in my skin, but in general, I change my routine from time to time. Before I start describing what I'm currently using, I just wanted to tell you that I am not an expert on skincare. I am simply very passionate about taking care of my skin, and I have tried many products in the last 15 years or so. But, what works for me may not work for you. So, if I could give you an advice to you, it would be to research a product before you buy it and ask for samples to try at home, that way you know if your skin has a reaction to a product before you purchase it.

I have normal to combination skin. In the summer my t-zone is a little bit more oily than the rest of the year. I'm 32 years old and I would say I have relatively good skin except for my hyperpigmentation spots and occasional breakouts. But basically, I based my routine on preventing any other sun spots because they are my main issue. This is what I'm using at the moment to keep my skin balanced and as healthy-looking as possible:


DAY
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam - it's very gentle and a little goes a long way.
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener - this toner is not drying at all. Not a holly grail product but it's good
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Protective Emulsion SPF 15- it gives me enough moisture and leaves my skin feeling very soft. It works great under my foundation. I use the white lucent line because it is the most effective in preventing/fighting my hyperpigmentation spots.
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado -- I had this for almost a year and I still have more than half of the product. It's very moisturizing.
Victoria's Secret Pro Smooth FX Lip Scrub & Balm - All I can say is I love this product!
Neutrogena Drytouch Sunscreen SPF 100+ - this is my holy grail sunscreen, the name is exactly right because it feels dry and non greasy after it settles in. I have tried many sunscreens in the past but this one is by far the best.


NIGHT
MAC Cleanse Off Makeup Remover Oil - I massage this into my skin and it removes all my makeup without leaving any residue or a greasy feeling.
Kirkland Wipes (if I'm wearing little or no makeup)
Shiseido White Lucent Foam Cleanser
Clarisonic MIA (twice a week) - This product completely changed the texture of my skin. I just don't use it every day because I feel it works better when used every other day or so.
Victoria's Secret Pro Smooth FX Lip Scrub & Balm (just the balm at night)
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel - I use this once or twice a week. It tightnens my pores, it makes my skin feel smooth and refresh.
Kiehl's Abyssine Cream + (I use this only when my skin feels dehydrated because it can be too heavy for every day use)
Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum - this is a fabulous serum, I just wish it wasn't so expensive.  Right now I only have a deluxe sample bottle that came with a gift with purchase. I don't know if I would purchase it again because my wallet needs a brake. Any suggestions about a good dupe for a nice serum? Please, let me know.

Until next time,

<3

Ruth

Nail of the Day

A quick post about the nail polish I am wearing today. I have been wearing brighter colors lately, especially corals. I am so glad spring is here!!!!
I hope you like it. Take care,

Ruth

Sephora by OPI in Brainiac

Review: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

I purchased the original Chanel Vitalumiere a while ago and I hated it. It was way too greasy for my combination skin, it didn't have any coverage at all and it didn't last either. After such a bad experience with this foundation, I was very skeptical of the newer version of it. I was soooo pleasantly surprised when I got a sample of the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua that I had to run a get a full size of it. I really don't know why Chanel named this foundation Vitalumiere Aqua because it is nothing like the original one. The Vitalumiere Aqua comes in a plastic bottle, it has SPF 15 and it costs $45 for 30 ml or 1 Fl oz. It gives me a beautiful satin finish and it last for ever (at least 8 hours for me.) You need to shake the bottle really well before you apply it. The consistency is more liquid than your typical foundation and application is foolproof. I use my fingers and I get a beautiful natural finish. The coverage is light to medium and it doesn't feel sticky like the original Vitalumiere. I can easily say this is one of my favorite foundations in a long time. I use it as an everyday foundation because it is ideal for the daytime. The only down side of this foundation is the limited color range. They have named the pink based shades as BR and the yellow based shades as B. I got mine in B30 and it is a pretty good match for me ( I am NC 25/30 in MAC shades.) If you love foundations like I do and you are looking for a great everyday flawless look, get a sample of this foundation! Give it a try!

Final Score: A

I hope this information was helpful. Until next time,

<3

Ruth

Swatch of Vitalumiere Aqua in B30 Beige Sable



Collective Haul

Hi guys! I wanted to share with you my collective haul. I had the opportunity to visit a CCO while I was on vacation (CCO stands for Cosmetics Company Outlet.) I've never been in a CCO before and I don't have one close to home, so it was very exciting. They had tons of discontinued MAC collections, Bobbi Brown products, Estee Lauder, etc. I was really good and I only picked up three products: 

MAC Intriguing Scarlet Palette - sweetjoy, warm suede, well spiced, gentle heat, real drama, grand entrance & 213 mini brush

MAC Pleasureseeker lipstick - a very wearable nude

MAC Vintage Gold Pigment - a beeeeautiful green/gold

Sephora had a bunch of great sets for spring and I don't know about you, but I'm so ready for spring! I think it's time to give the darker colors a break and try something new. I picked up NARS Front Row Set - includes Nouveau Monde Eye shadow Duo, Orgasm Lip Gloss, Palm Spring Mini Multiple, Eyeliner Stylo in Black.
This is a great deal. The only negative side is that I just wish the eyeliner would stay wet longer. My favorite products are the eyeshadow duo and the Mini Multiple,  love them!

Smashbox Master's Class Style Files-incudes three different palettes. One palette has eight eyeshadows, the other palette has four cream liners and two pencil eyeliners, and the last one has two blushes and two lipglosses. I will be reviewing this item soon. I think this set has so many interesting products that it is worth to do a separate post on it.

And the last two items are two eye products. One of them is the MUFE Aqua Cream in # 18 and the Dimond Shadow in #305.

I am so excited about playing with new makeup. I especially enjoy eyeshadows. I think they are my favorite part of getting ready in the morning. I can't wait to try these out! I'll let you know if I come up with a good eyeshadow combo.

That is all for now.

Until next time,

Ruth

PS: Let me know if you want swatches of any of these products. I didn't want to make a very long post, but if you prefer, I can add these swatches.