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Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Foundation

On my latest mission to find a great replacement for my beloved Dolce & Gabbana Lifting Foundation (that has become increasing impossible for me to get my hands on) I think I may have just found my new Holy Grail! Giorgio Armani’s Lifting Foundation. Can I just quickly say, this aging thing definitely has it’s upsides, but the struggle is real for the downsides tool! Well, at least for the constant battle of searching for the fountain of youth. Sigh.

When it comes to my favorite foundations, I’m constantly searching for not only a foundation that gives me medium to full buildable coverage, but also a foundation that doesn’t settle into my fine lines or accentuate my dry skin. On my latest mission to replace my D&G staple foundation, I ran across some mixed reviews on the Armani Lift Foundation. In the past, I was a HUGE fan of Armani’s Designer Shape Cream Foundation, which was one of the BEST foundations I have ever used to date. When Armani decided to discontinue this foundation, many people (Kim Kardashian included) started scrambling to stock up on every last jar in existence. Story has it, that Kim K. even contacted Giorgio Armani himself to get her hands on as many jars as possible! Yes, it was that good. So fast forward to today. After researching great foundations for mature skin (yes, I may have just cringed at using the word mature) because there it NOT a mature attribute about me (at least behavior wise). I then ran across the Armani Lifting Foundation. It seemed to have everything I was looking for in a foundation. It was medium to full buildable coverage, it didn’t settle in fine lines and it was actually great for us dry skinned girls. BINGO! Now to find a store that actually carried this little gem.

I was able to locate the Armani Lifting Foundation at my local Nordstrom. I had done my research extensively and I had basically pinpointed what my color would suit my skin tone by some other reviews I had read online. I also found it a bit odd, that this specific foundation had a very limited range of colors. Could it be that this foundation is also on it’s way to becoming extinct? Limited availability and color range is usually a tall tale sign of what’s to come. SO, when I was approached by the salesgirl at Nordstrom, I was a tad bit disappointed when she barely knew the product line, or even very little about this specific foundation itself. Like I said, since I had done my own research, I basically color matched and confirmed the shade I needed, which is 5.5. It is a perfect match for my more medium than light skin tone and definitely more yellow based, which is what I prefer.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Now onto the application. As you already know, I never do my make up without first applying a primer. And with this foundation, it was no different. Since I am currently using the Dermalogica Skinsmart anti aging primer, that is what I used. After slightly pressing my primer into my skin, I used my Real Techniques foundation brush to get the perfect coverage. I did try using my Beauty Blender the next day, but felt the foundation worked better with a brush in my opinion. This foundation worked beautifully with my Tarte Shape Tape and after setting my face using a damp beauty blender and my RCMA No-Color powder, I was left with virtually flawless skin. The Armani Lifting Foundation does a great job of staying put and it also did not settle in my fine lines. It also looks amazing in pictures. This foundation is a keeper for now, but I’m hoping and praying that someone comes out with another stellar full coverage foundation for aging skin in the near future. When I find something that works, I definitely stick with it, but in life, it’s always good to have options!

 

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Beauty

The Perfect Swimsuit by Wolf & Whistle for ASOS (Tan by Madame LA LA)

With Summer right around the corner (or if you live in L.A. like me, some days already feel like Summer!) you’ll want to start thinking about your Summer wardrobe now. If you wait until the weather actually gets warmer, everything is already picked over or you are left scrambling the “day of” an impromptu pool day. We’ve all been there & it’s not fun. When shopping for swimwear in general, I like to search for suits that I can wear multiple ways. For instance, I often times wear my bikini tops either with jeans or as a foundation under a sheer top.  My latest obsession has become the one piece. I’m also a fan of bodysuits (I never thought I would say this again, especially after owning quite a few in the 90’s). They just make my outfits so simple to put together. But let me say, all bodysuits are NOT created equal. Find the ones that are easiest to get out of on the go (if you know what I mean:)  What I absolutely love about the suit pictured above by Wolf & Whistle for ASOS, is the versatility it provides. Pair it with cut off jean shorts and you have the perfect casual outfit for the pool or daytime BBQ. I can also wear it with a skirt and a sheer loose sweater over the top for a edgy, but chic look for a night out. It’s just a great overall swimsuit! The weight of this suit is unbelievable and it was definitely a bargain for only $45. The quality and material of this suit rival any of the high end designers.

There’s a fine line between tan, and looking like you rolled in doritos.

-unknown

I also believe the best addition to any swimsuit is the perfect fake tan. You know how much I love my self tanners. I was recently sent a self tanner by Madame LA LA to try and it has quickly become another one of my favorites. The key to a perfect tan is all about the application. Faux tans are a easy way to hide imperfections on your body and skin in general. What I love about the Madame LA LA dark self tanner is how quickly is allows me to achieve a deep, dark, flawless tan in a matter of minutes. The richness of this tan also lasts for days. Who doesn’t love that?

 

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LA girl Hd foundation
Make Up

L.A. Girl Pro Coverage HD Illuminating Foundation

First and foremost, let me apologize for my month(s) long absence. SO much has been happening behind the scenes and one day I will share with you and it will all make sense. But for now, let’s get on to this long overdue review!

I must admit, that although I love a great drugstore bargain, I have NEVER, EVER used a drugstore foundation in my life. As you know, I’m a diehard fan of my beloved Dolce & Gabbana Creamy Foundation. But after watching a handful of YouTube videos where vloggers raved about this foundation. I thought, “What do I have to lose?” Worse case scenario is I’m out of $9. But even most drugstores take back cosmetics these days if you’re unsatisfied. So, after stumbling across this L.A. Girl Pro Coverage HD Illuminating Foundation I had been hearing all of this hype about, I decided to snatch up my own bottle in the shade NUDE BEIGE. I had read that the color choice in this foundation can be a bit challenging, so I went with a color that seemed to look pretty close to my Dolce & Gabbana foundation color of Warm 100.

Now on to the application. I started with my usual Anti Aging Primer by Amazing Cosmetics and then I blended away with my beauty blender. At first, I thought there was no way I could pull off this shade, as it appeared way too dark. Even with my self tanner, it still seemed a coupe shades darker than my go to. But let me just say, the consistency of this foundation is phenomenal. It disperses from the pump in a pretty runny fashion, but boy does this stuff cover. It covers any pigmentation I have on my face and quickly covers any blemishes. For the areas on my checks where I have a bit more dark spots, I lightly applied a second thin layer and it covered EVERYTHING. I usually have to go back in and spot conceal, but not with this miracle foundation.

Once I applied my concealer, my face did lighten up color wise. I then applied my La Mer (original formula) loose translucent powder with my damp Real Techniques beauty blender and my skin looked flawless and airbrushed. I have also used this foundation with my Dolce & Gabbana Pressed powder with equally impressive results. I just needed to set it with a setting spray to get it to melt into the skin a bit more. By this point, the fact that the foundation was slightly too dark when I started off, had all but left my mind. My skintone was warmed up and I did not feel the need to apply my usual bronzer. Although I still contoured around the parameter of my face, the color and finish looked great.

I would say that this foundation my be a miss for anyone with oily skin, as it does seem quite hydrating. By the end of the day, I do feel the need to powder it down a bit more, but it never sets in my fine lines or wrinkles.

One more quick fact about this foundation is, it comes in a white shade as well. I LOVE this idea. This gives you the ability to quickly change the color of your foundation with a few quick drops. I have yet to try it myself, but I will definitely be picking one up as we head into Winter. I feel as though this trick and formula will work beautifully with all of my other favorite foundations. Stay tuned…and I will let you know how that works out!

Thanks again for your patience and support during my lack of posts. It means the world to me that you stuck around!

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Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Luminous Liquid Foundation

It’s no surprise my NEW favorite foundation is by Dolce & Gabbana. I just can’t seem to find another foundation that I love as much as theirs. Dolce & Gabbana’s Perfect Luminous Foundation is simply perfection in a bottle. I know you probably get tired of me raving about my Dolce products, but seriously, I don’t think I’ve met a product of theirs yet that I don’t adore, and this foundation is no different. It definitely has a lighter feel that my usual Prefect Creamy Foundation, but it’s every bit as good and it’s name basically says it all. It makes my skin look perfectly luminous and I love the fact that it doesn’t dry out my already dehydrated complexion. I do use this foundation over my usual anti-aging primer by Amazing Cosmetics so it helps keep my makeup looking fresh all day without having to touch up at all. I wear the color Natural Glow 100 (for reference I’m an NC-25 in MAC) and it has the perfect amount of warmth to it and definitely livens up my skin. I have been using my new favorite foundation brush (stay tuned to see which one it is) to blend my foundation. The two together give me an airbrushed, picture perfect face! Now…”Say Cheese:)”

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Beauty

St Tropez Tan Makes Bikini Season Better!

St Tropez Tan: Part of my bikini body routine

Staying healthy and in shape is super important to me. But of course there are a ton of things I do to keep my bikini body ready (BESIDES the St Tropez tan!). I generally maintain a pretty healthy diet, but those of you that know me also know I’m a huge fan of the occasional bacon cheeseburger and fries! Come on, a girl has to live a little. Below are the basics of my bikini body routine.

Step 1)

Exercise. I start out at least five days a week working out. Whether it be running on the treadmill in my gym, doing Barry’s Bootcamp or, one of my all time favorite workouts in the comfort of my own home, Brazil Butt Lift. Ha, yes, I was one of those people that watched that infomercial for hours on end believing I could get that Victoria Secret body they kept showing over and over again! But, honestly, it’s an amazing workout. Perfect for the ideal bikini body! The key to exercise is that it doesn’t matter where you do it; outdoors, the gym or your living room, you just have to DO IT! Ok, I’m not plugging Nike here, although I love my Nike’s 🙂

Step 2)

Exfoliate. This is SO important ladies: I exfoliate my body daily. First, I start with dry brushing my entire body before jumping in the shower each morning. I begin at my ankles and work my way up. It gets my circulation flowing and also helps remove dead skin. Once in the shower, I use my favorite drugstore body wash by Soapsoap. It’s their Coconut Exfoliating Scrub and is a basic staple that I’ve been using for at least 5 years.

Last but not least, probably my favorite product in this post, is the BECCA Coffee Scrub. I use this 2-3 times a week on my problem area, my bum! After scrubbing, let it sit on the skin for at least 5 minutes before washing it off. It immediately helps smooth out my skin and leaves it virtually “dimple free.”

Step 3)

Target that cellulite! I have this amazing little tool I ordered on Amazon. I know you have all seen this little contraption and probably think it’s a joke. How could some little circular object with a handle help combat cellulite? But it works! Of course , you have to eat right and exercise, but with regular use it definitely helps break down those pesky lumps and bumps. All you have to do is use it with a great lotion and massage in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes. I normally do it while watching T.V. and it is actually pretty relaxing. Shouldn’t be hard to get the man in your life to help out with that one either! You can also use it with one of my favorite serums by Nivea, Goodbye Cellulite for a little more help, but regular lotion works great too!

Step 4)

Moisturize. This is the key to beautiful, healthy skin. I have been moisturizing my entire body, head to toe, for as long as I can remember. Starting in elementary school.  No joke! Use a moisturizer that is for your body type and go from there. My all time favorite body lotion is Nivea Essentially Enriched for extra dry skin. I have been using this lotion for at least 10 years, maybe longer. Also, you want to keep up the sunscreen to prevent sun damage to your skin!

I know we all want that golden tan, but the sun does so much damage to your skin that it will break down your collagen and will cause premature aging and even worse, could cause skin cancer. Staying out of the sun and wearing sunblock have been my saving grace! I still rock an amazing tan, but it’s fake and I LOVE it…so now I’m sure you can guess what my final step is for getting my bikini body ready?

Step 5 – The St Tropez Step

Self Tan. This is one of my favorite steps! Duh! I am obsessed with self tanners. You are all aware by now that this obsession exists. If you follow my blog regularly, you know how many self tanners I have reviewed. Well, my most recent purchase happens to be by the longtime cult favorite tanning company, St. Tropez. I often switch my tanners up just because I love trying different products, and it’s part of my job, but this latest find, St. Tropez Dark Tanning mousse, is just that: DARK! 

If you are new to tanning, you may want to start with something a tad lighter because, with this one, you have to move quickly while applying (that’s why I think it’s perfect for the pros!). But if you have your heart set on the darkest tan I’ve come across in a bottle, the St Tropez tan is the one for you! It instantly gives you a deep, dark, golden tan in minutes.

You will want to make sure you give it at least 5-10 minutes to dry before getting dressed then you’re good to go. I’ve found that the initial color can rub off on your clothes if you sweat, etc, but after 3 hours you can wash it off and you’ll be left with the most beautiful tan on the planet. It is a bit on the pricey side, but it’s oh so worth it! The St Tropez tan is my new go-to.

Step 6)

Grab your bikini (with your St Tropez tan, of course) your sunblock, hat and favorite sunglasses (maybe a cocktail) & head to the pool!

What a perfect way to spend a much deserved day off-

bikini body 8

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