BEAUTY JUNKIE

I had to change from blog from hipster to junkie

2015-07-21T12:46:00.006-07:00

I came to the realization that I am a junkie - for all things in the beauty universe. So I have changed the name of my blog from Beauty Hipster to Beauty Junkie. So join me fellow beauty junkies. Tell me what products you really like. I'll post new content and review products and tell you about workouts that I'm doing and other ways to stay beautiful. It's not just about what is the best lipstick, moisturizer or mascara, but how those things make you feel. Beauty Junkie is also about health, because when you're healthy you're beautiful. Also, it's about embracing all types of beauty. Not just what we see in magazine and television but what we see in nature and how we feel from a great workout. That's what Beauty Junkie will be about.

Ageless Total Retinol-A Creme

2014-12-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

Imagine a clearer and softer complexion...Where there are no discolorations from sun damage or acne scars...Where your skin is glowing and you can feel confident to go without makeup.

As I have mentioned before I'm a huge fan of the Image Skincare line and would like to introduce another product to you, Ageless Total Retinol-A Creme. The creme is made of a highly concentrated blend of retinol and polypeptides that resurface and repair aging and acne prone skin. The creme also helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines. I like the creme because it feels lightweight and has really helped to even out skin tone and reduce my acne scars. It also helps my skin renew itself at night so I wake up to gorgeous glowing skin in the morning. You will want to use this creme at night only and make sure you apply a 30 SPF sunscreen in the morning.

For more information on Image Skincare products, or to find a salon, spa or dermatologist's office that carries Image Skincare, visit their website Imageskincare.com

Cover FX Blotting Powder – Oiliness is gone

2014-06-18T11:43:00.001-07:00

Where has this been all my life? As some of you know, I have very oily skin. Which I’m grateful for because I am getting older and get the whole ‘You don’t look 40!’ compliment from people, but it can be a pain when you think you’re looking hot but you’re not – because your face looks like a grease pit.

Cover FX Blotting Powder soaks up the oilies but doesn’t dry you out. It has vitamins and shine control and oil absorption ingredients. One of them is kaolin which is a clay that reduces oiliness. It’s a vegan powder that is made without gluten, mineral oil and talc. I use the Cover FX Mineral Powder Foundation first thing in the morning and touch up with the blotting powder. I do notice I don’t have to touch up as much as I used to. Cover FX is great because their products are made without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs and triclosan. Cover FX is all about good-for-your-skin ingredients.

I like to use a retractable powder brush to apply but it does come with a powder puff. I use the light color because it’s translucent and blends with every skin tone. I don’t look ashy with this powder.

Retails for $24 at Sephora or Cover FX’s website.

Beautiful bouncing and behaving hair!

2014-06-17T11:33:00.002-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't been posting lately. Life sometimes gets in the way and you have to deal with it. But I'm back and ready to review.

My first review now that I'm back is the Caviar CC Cream for Hair 10-in-1 Cream Correction. Try saying that 10 times fast! It looks like your basic leave-in conditioner, but it's so much more. You know how CC creams provide a lot of benefits for your skin? This is the version for hair. It moisturizes, adds shine, smoothness, softness, protects from breakage, provides heat protection, light hold, UV protection, manageability and strength. I have to say my hair looks supermodel, hair commercial perfect when I use this. I did notice it was easier to get my big round brush through my hair for blowouts than when I don't use it. I use a quarter-size amount of the product but my hair is super long right now.

Retails for $25 and available at Sephora stores and sephora.com.

Marc Jacobs Beauty: Highliner - Gel Crayon

2013-10-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like me, your eyeliner wanders down under your eyes by the end of the day and you have a sexy raccoon look. Well fret no more lovelies! I'm loving the staying power of Marc Jacobs Beauty's Highliner - Gel Crayon. This is way more portable and travel-friendly than your gel eyeliner pots. The application is smooth and once it's on, it's not going anywhere. The Gel Crayon is waterproof, long-wearing and the color is intense. I have it in black for that bad girl rebel look I rock at the clubs. If you sharpen the point by rolling it on a tissue you will make a sharper point and therefore get a subtler look. Marc Jacobs Beauty is sold exclusively at Sephora. Highliner - Gel Crayon retails for $25.

Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation

2013-10-22T15:40:00.002-07:00

I love powder foundations. When I'm in a hurry getting ready in the morning and in a rush because I got an hour of exercise in, ate a well-balanced breakfast and made my bed (Yeah right - I do none of that...try snoozing in until the last possible minute), I love powder foundations for their quickness and ease. I've tried several powder foundations but have now found a fave that I plan to be true blue to. Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation gives a great sheer to full coverage and really blurs out those imperfections better than any other powder foundation that I've used. Available in 24 global shades, this mineral foundation powder is gluten-free, and free of mineral oil, talc, fragrance and parabens. The foundation comes with its own sponge for application but I like using a soft-hair kabuki brush for medium to full coverage. I have very oily skin, so I do have to touch up midday but this is one powder foundation that stays on. It wears so well during the day. If you want a sheer coverage, I would recommend using a powder brush and not a densely-packed kabuki brush. Cover FX's Pressed Mineral Foundation also keeps my concealer on during the day. I would recommend going to Sephora and getting color-matched. You can also order online from Cover FX.

It's Good To Be Back

2013-09-25T13:10:00.002-07:00

Hello Lovelies! The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity but I am back and committed to giving you my reviews of beauty, skincare and health products. So keep visiting! Also, if you have a product you would like for me to review let me know. Also let me know your thoughts on the blog, my reviews or life in general.

Au Revior!

Stephanie

African Black Soap - Your New Must-Have Bathroom Staple

2013-09-25T12:31:00.002-07:00

I started breaking out again. You would think that at 39 this wouldn't happen anymore. Two awesome new zits appeared on my forehead, and right before I had a job interview. I wasn't using my usual skincare (Image Skincare) but I'm back on it. Even though my Image Skincare has been awesome at eradicating acne in the past it just wasn't cutting it. I read an article published on XOVAIN that touted the benefits of African Black Soap. Being me, and always wanting to try something new but also organic, I hightailed it to my local Walgreens. I wouldn't think the Walgreens Sales Girl would know what I was talking about when I asked for it but amazingly she did. She even reassured me that it was great for acne-prone skin. I bought the SheaMoisture African Black Soap. It claims to treat acne, oily skin, psoriasis and other skin ailments. The soap is made from palm ash, tamarind extract, tar (stay with me on this) and plantain peel and has been used for centuries in Africa for the aforementioned skin problems.

The soap itself has a low lather but you do get a lot of lather. It's a cushiony lather. My skin felt clean but not tight and dry like it does with a lot of cleansers. Oh, and the forehead breakout, gone after a couple of days. I'm going to say that adding the soap to my regular Image Skincare regimen helped to heal the blemishes faster.

Some people aren't crazy about the smell but I like it. It's kind of sweet like...like black licorice. And this bar is solid...it's going to last for awhile. I also understand that they sell the soap and a liquid cleanser version of it (which I plan on trying when I finish the bar) at Whole Foods. Also the brand that I bought, SheaMoisture, doesn't test on animals.

Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash

2013-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm going to start by saying I was really disappointed with this cleanser. It doesn't foam! I know there are no-foam cleansers but I'm just not crazy about them. I feel clean when I have some foam. I've found some great buys in the Peter Thomas Roth line but this was not one of them. I've gone back to my Image Skincare Clear Cell cleanser (a review on that is to come later).

Dior Capture Totale One Essential

2013-02-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

A serum that helps your other serums perform better...I admit I was curious so I tried Dior's Capture Totale One Essential. On the first application my skin seemed to glow. You apply this serum to your skin after washing and before your regular serum and/or moisturizer and it's supposed to boost the benefits of the skincare you use. After using this for two weeks, I did notice a slight difference; my skin glowed and looked healthy. It stimulates cell turnover and the products that I use do that already, so my skin was getting more exfoliation. But for my budget, I can't justify paying $95 for a one ounce bottle. It's a nice extravagance if you can swing it. Available at Sephora.

MAKE UP FOREVER Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation

2013-02-21T16:24:00.003-08:00

Okay, many of you know I'm a foundation junkie...love foundations and the different looks you can get. From sheer natural girl to full coverage glamazon glam girl. Well I heart the new Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation from Make Up For Ever (MUFE). You can apply it wet or dry, but applying powder foundations wet has never worked well for me, so I only applied this dry and with a Studio Gear kabuki brush. Wow! It has a lovely matte finish (matte skin was in on the Fall 2013 runways during Fashion Week) and is lightweight. It covers acne scars and just makes me look so polished and finished. I do two applications for a good medium coverage. I've used this over my MUFE Mat Velvet foundation and get a great full coverage that lasts even through dancing to a DJ for two hours. Loves it!

I do recommend testing a lighter color than you think you are in the store because the pigment runs dark. Do a couple stripes on your jawline and look at the color in natural light (by the windows and entrance of the store if possible).

My face smells like the holidays!

2012-11-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

OMG! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ExfoliKate! After using them I'm changing my name to ExfoliStephanie! Oh don't roll your eyes that's the only funny I could come up with...anyway dolls, this intense exfoliating treatment is the ISH! It has microbeads and fruit enzymes that exfoliate dead skin cells right off. Also contains Aloe Vera, Honey and Vitamin E to soften and help hydrate. This is something I want to talk about; when you exfoliate properly, your serums, treatments and moisturizers sink in better and are able to do their job once you have that top layer of dead skin off. It doesn't have pumpkin that I'm aware of but, to me, it smells like pumpkin, or like a holiday treat. Especially with the holidays here and constant events to go to, you're skin needs some TLC. Treat yourself with this treatment. Available at Sephora.

Smashbox BB Cream

2012-11-25T12:57:00.002-08:00

Okay readers I'm going to start off by saying I didn't like this product...for me. Smashbox has a nice range of colors in their BB Cream line. I loved how it went on so smoothly and perfectly. I didn't like how my skin looked after wearing it for 30 minutes. As many of you may know already, I have very oily skin. Since BB creams, in general, help to illuminate and hydrate the skin, this is no bueno to us oily-skinned girls. I gave this to my mom who does have issues with lining and dry skin and it looks amazing on her. Since this is the consensus I've found among BB creams, I would really recommend them for dryer skins. Smashbox's BB Cream attracted me because one of the claims was that it controlled oil...it doesn't. I even applied with loose powder but had to keep blotting and applying powder throughout the day. No bueno indeed! If you're oily skip it but it does help dryer skins look amazing.

Make your lips kissably soft

2012-10-18T15:14:00.001-07:00

Living in Arizona, I've tried a lot of different lip balms with the air being so dry out here. Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 is one of the best out on the market. Especially with fall/winter's dry cold air, you'll need this to keep your pucker happy. Once you apply you feel a cushiony softness and your lips feel instantly moisturized. The best part, I still have this lip balm on when I wake up in the morning. Comes in a variety of colors with Sugar Rose Tinted (pictured above) being my favorite. For me, this color looks so natural...just the right hint of color to make you feel polished but not overdone. Retails for $22.50 at Sephora.

Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder

2012-10-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

I had a zit. It started out slowly as one of those large ones that are underneath the skin. It hurt as it started to rise to the surface like a volcano from long ago. I bombed it with salicylic acid, benzoil peroxide, glycolic acid...everything in my arsenal. It surfaced and I worked a women's expo event doing freelance makeup artistry with the GIANT ZIT FROM HELL.

I had Mario Badescu's Special Healing Powder in the back of my medicine cabinet. I mix it with my loose powder sometimes to take care of the oilies. I had read on Mario Badescu's website that it helped to dry up and heal pimples. I applied directly and made sure I slept on my back all night so I wouldn't disturb the powder. I woke up in the middle of the night, looked in the mirror, sure enough it was working. I applied more on the area, went back to bed. Woke up this morning to a completely healed pimple.

Special Healing Powder is Sulfur based but doesn't smell like a rotten egg. It absorbs excess oil and reduces redness and irritation. It helps to disinfect and calm acne. If only I had used this sooner. Retails for $12 at Ulta (found only in stores) and Mario Badescu.

TokyoMilk Dead Sexy - turns an ordinary dinner date into something exciting

2012-10-12T12:10:00.001-07:00

There are times when a girl wants to feel bombshell sexy. That if she just walks into a room all eyes are on her and she could ignite cigarettes just by walking past. A dark allure follows her in her Herve Leger dress and sky-high Louboutins as she carries her YSL clutch and orders a scotch and soda. She's hardcore, daring and she'll break your heart.

That is EXACTLY how I feel wearing TokyoMilk's Dead Sexy eau de parfum. A little of this bad girl goes a long way. It's a romantic and ethereal fragrance with deep vanilla, exotic wood, white orchid and ebony. Seriously, turn a night going out to dinner with the hubby into an adventure with this fragrance. Grrrr!

Retails for $30 (bargain!) at TokyoMilk.

Bobbi Brown Face Base - wraps the skin in hydrating cushion goodness

2012-10-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

With the weather changing from warm to cool, your skin may need different skincare products. Bobbi Brown's Vitamin Enriched Face Base is a hydrating, yet oil-free, moisturizer. Contains Vitamins A, C and E, so it counteracts fine lines and imperfections in the skin (Vitamin A) protects the skin with anti-oxidants (Vitamin C) and adds needed moisture (Vitamin E). Face Base is also a great foundation primer for skins that are normal, combination or slightly dry. I like to use it in the evening since I'm more of an oily skin and use a different primer for the day. It feels so cushiony (I made up that word) and, with lavender, smells so good. It's not an overbearing scent though. My skin just feels so hydrated and glows in the morning. Retails for $52 at Neiman Marcus.

Turn your eyeshadow into budge-proof eyeliner

2012-10-12T11:30:00.002-07:00

I love eyeliner. It makes my eyes look bigger. Helps to brighten my eyes when they need brightening and helps me look awake. But do you really want to invest in an eyeliner if you're unsure of the color, or, worse, what if you're looking for a certain color and can't find it among all the eyeliner pencils in the world? Fear not lovelies! I'm a huge fan of Trish McEvoy's Finish Line. A drop of this waterproof liquid turn your favorite eyeshadow into eyeliner. Use a drop from the convenient dropper on your eyeliner brush, run your brush over a small section of your eyeshadow and apply. Instant waterproof liquid eyeliner! Especially awesome to use with all the vibrant eyeshadow colors that are trending right now. I also use this over my regular eyeliner for extra staying power. Retails for $24 at Neiman Marcus.

NARS Orgasm - get your mind out of the gutter it's a blush!

2012-10-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

Fall always inspires me to incorporate pumpkin-inspired colors into my wardrobe. I also love transitioning my summer-glow self into make-up colors that remind me of autumn leaves. NARS Orgasm blush is a great summer to fall transition blush that looks great on all skin tones. It's a peachy-coral with a hint of shimmer. So even though your summer tan may be fading, you can still look glowing and gorgeous. You absolutely look lit from within with this blush. Available at Sephora and Neiman Marcus. Retails for $28.

It's as if the angels brought this cotton to earth themselves...

2012-10-02T11:32:00.001-07:00

Want to find a way to make your toners last longer? Shiseido Facial Cotton is it! These feel more like soft towelettes than an ordinary cotton square. The great thing I've noticed is I don't need to apply as much toner to these squares as I do to ordinary cotton balls. I save on product and these specially made 100 percent cotton squares are gentle on the skin. I'm in absolute love. You can find Shiseido Facial Cotton at Sephora and department stores where Shiseido cosmetics are sold.

From the Greek isles to your lips...

2012-10-01T00:00:00.002-07:00

Can I just say how much I love Greece. I've never been there but hope to explore that region of the world that has given us philosophy, theater and some of the best natural ingredients to help us look pretty. Pretty and functional is how I would describe KORRES' products. Take for example their Full Color Gloss. Utilizing Cherry Oil, this color gloss moisturizes and hydrates and is perfect for the upcoming cold winter months. Vitamins E and C over anti-oxidant bennies.

On the lip gloss color scale, how does the color rate? Very high! It has the color of a lipstick but much more moisturizing. If you're looking for a see-through gloss to top your lipstick keep on stepping. This is a gloss you'll want to wear alone the pigment on this is that great. Pictured is Plum which is my 'go to' color. Find your 'go to' color at Sephora.

Look ageless without much effort dolls!

2012-10-01T00:00:00.001-07:00

I was on a date a couple of months ago (I just realized it's been MONTHS since I went out on a date...really need to get out more) and my gentleman caller gave me a really nice compliment. He said, as the restaurant's lighting gave me an amazing glow (pick restaurants with good lighting...Morton's Steakhouse is not one of these for me - blah), that I looked like I was 25-years-old my skin just glowed. I'm 38. But let me tell you ladies, Image Skincare's Ageless line has really helped me look...well...ageless. I've been using their Total Repair Creme for four years now and I'm always getting compliments on my skin.

This is a night repair creme that utilizes glycolic acid and retinol to help diminish the appearance of fine lines, discoloration (in my case post-acne scars) and helps to bring newer smoother skin to the surface. It's truly magic in a jar. It also protects the skin with anti-oxidants and stimulates synthesis collagen with soybean oil. I'm an oily skin and I wear it very comfortably as I sleep. Great for combination skins also.

You can only purchase Image Skincare through a licensed esthetician or physician's office. Visit Image Skincare for locations where you can find their products.

Clinique Exfoliating Scrub - like a mini microdermabrasion

2012-10-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've been using Clinique's Exfoliating Scrub for 17 years and there's a reason why I've been so loyal. The beads are packed together more so than other scrubs I've tried and they are rounded and a good size. What does that mean for my skin you're probably asking yourself. Well dahlings, you get a very good exfoliation from the beads. Sloughs off all the dead skin and helps get, and keep, pores squeaky clean. Clinique's Exfoliating Scrub is made for oily to very oily skins. If you find the granules a little too much, you can always add water to make it more gentle. I like to use it in the shower three times a week. I also like to use it as a mask from time to time since it has salicylic acid as one of the ingredients...and the menthol is going to feel like an ocean breeze. Retails for $19.50 at major department stores and from Clinique.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15

2012-09-29T11:36:00.002-07:00

Think all mineral foundations are the same? Think again! I'm in absolute love with Bobbi Brown's Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15. Easily covers imperfections and evens out skin tone effortlessly. No 'shiny' look here. It does give an ethereal glow to the skin, so you look like you've got great skin. I use a big fluffy powder brush when applying and use a swirling motion with the brush. Once I have applied the foundation, I use a buffing motion with the same brush and viola - effortless coverage. This is my 'go to' foundation when I'm in a rush. Retails for $38 at Bobbi Brown and Neiman Marcus.

Foundation melting down your couture? Use Mat Velvet!

2012-07-17T13:41:00.001-07:00

Over the years, I have tried a 100,000,000 foundations (okay maybe only 90,000,000). I was swayed by promises of fresh, matte, oil-controlled, porcelain doll-like skin. I was dissapointed in them all, to the point where I switched to powder foundation for the longest time. Then I discovered MAKE UP FOR EVER'S Mat Velvet Mattifying Foundation. It was love at first application. Mat Velvet is oil-free and oil-absorbing, plus water-resistant, so it wears beautifully throughout the day. Even during the long hot Arizona summers, it doesn't budge. Gives good medium to full coverage and feels lightweight throughout the day. Also, MAKE UP FOR EVER is known for their range of colors to cover all skin tones; from the fairest of lovelies to the deepest mocha beauties. I have found you must work quickly with this foundation as it does dry fast, so be sure to apply a section at a time. I like to use my clean fingers for full coverage as the warmth from my fingers melts the foundation into my skin. For medium coverage I'll use a stipling (small strokes) with a makeup sponge. 

Retails for $36 at Sephora. Sephora is the exclusive retailer for MAKE UP FOR EVER.