TALIA.

This might be the saddest post I will ever bring to you on this blog.
I hope knowing that, you will still continue to read.

Talia Joy Castellano passed at 11:22 am this morning. Passing away at age 13, this young lady accomplished so much. She was an amazing makeup YouTuber, an Honorary Cover Girl, and most importantly, someone who spread the word about childhood cancer.

Image Credit: Twitter

"In a hundred years, I would like to be remembered as the bubbly girl who wanted to do something about childhood cancer." 

Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a88P_tBDAgU&feature=youtu.be

She was such an amazing person, and although I didn't know her personally, her spirit touched my life, and so many others.

Please keep Talia in your prayers, and think of all the lovely words she has said, attention to childhood cancer she has gained, and peoples lives she has touched.

I pray for her family and friends. In a six year battle with cancer, Talia showed amazing courage and bravery.

#prayfortalia

Rest in peace gorgeous girl.

xoxo,
In Memory of Talia Joy Castellano.

How to Establish your own Skin Care Routine:

Firstly, you will need to identify your skin type. This is generally pretty easy. Is your skin dry, oily, normal, or combination? I myself have normal/oily skin because my T zone does get more oily throughout the day.

Next, do you have acne prone skin? Is your skin dull looking? Do you have dark spots? Dark circles? Wrinkles or fine lines? You need to decide what your goal for your skin is, how you want it to look, and what areas your skin needs help in. Also, decide on your price range. I use a mixture of both high end and low end products, but I don't feel like you have to spend a lot on skin care. There are lots of really really nice products that are inexpensive and work well from the drugstore! But, I also think if there is something to splurge on, it's your skin. You want your skin to look, feel, and be as healthy and beautiful as possible! So if high end products work for you, that's great!

And lastly you need to find products that will work with your skin type and will perform well on your skin, so you can (eventually) get results! That means finding products that react well, feel good, and improve your skin. 

Cleanser - I've tried more drugstore cleansers than I have high end. If you are looking for acne and blemish fighting products hands down Clean & Clear is my favorite. They actually work, and I like that you can feel them working. After you wash your face it truly feels like you've gotten a deep clean that's refreshing without being harsh. Neutrogena also makes some very nice cleansers. If you want something more on the Natural side, the Neutrogena Naturals Line is more gentle, for more sensitive skin. I've also used their Oil Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Wash line in the past, and I do like the facial cleanser, however the line does smell way STRONGLY of grapefruit, so if you're sensitive to that, maybe go another direction. I was loyal to the Clinique Dramatically Different Gel Cleanser for a long time. That was a very nice, gentle cleanser. I would recommend it, but I just needed something with a deeper clean for my skin. 

Toner - Some people say toner is essential in their skin care routine. They swear by it and say it makes a total difference in the health of their skin. Others say its not so necessary and you can do without it. I think if you have acne prone skin or have frequent break outs, you should purchase a toner or astringent. I've tried "calming" and "soothing" and "nourishing" toners and they just don't work. The toners I think make a true difference are the ones made of Witch Hazel and salacylic acid. Those ones really treat the blemish on your skin helping treat them and remove any dirt or impurities from your pores. If you don't have blemish prone skin, but you think a toner would be helpful in your routine, go for it. I wouldn't recommend a toner or astringent for someone with drier  or sensitive skin because they can be harsh and a bit drying.

Moisturizer - Moisturizer is pretty basic. If you have dry skin, go for something a little richer and more hydrating. If you have combo skin, get a thin and lighter moisturizer that isn't greasy. I have combo-oily skin and I LOVE gel and gel-cream moisturizers. Garnier makes some wonderful gel moisturizers for both oily and dry skin. Clean&Clear has also recently released a new hydrating gel moisturizer, which I will have a review posted on next week. I also tried the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer, but I wasn't as loyal to that one. It was really runny and a bit too greasy for me. I think the Dramatically Different Gel Moisturizer would have been a better fit for my skin. 

Exfoliant - Exfoliating your skin is very important. Not only does it remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, it helps to achieve glowy skin, it clears your pores, and evens your skin out. If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to find an exfoliator that's not too abrasive. If you have rough/dry skin, you might want to find one that's more abrasive. St. Ives apricot scrub is good for that skin type. It really depends on your skin and how it will react. I recently tried a sample of the Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar scrub and I really enjoyed it! I personally am on the market for a new scrub, so if you have a recommendation, let me know! I'm having trouble getting my hands on a full size of the Freeman's one! Michael Todd True Organics have a few AMAZING scrubs that work well and smell super good too! 

Treatments/Masks - These can make a HUGE difference in your skin. There are so many great masks targeted for tons of different skin types, and you don't have to spend a lot to get a good one. Pick the issue on your skin you want to target. Say... dryness. Then look for a mask that extra hydrating. Freeman's makes so awesome masks, and high end wise I just love Micheal Todd. And the Micheal Todd website tells you what products are best for your skin type!

Any tips you want to share? Leave a comment!

xoxo,
Glimmer 

REVIEW: ORGANIX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray DUPE ALERT

I just love finding inexpensive products that work so similarly to high end expensive items.

I think it's awesome when you don't have to splurge for a result you can get a lower cost. 

Today I'm gonna review the Organix Moroccan Sea Salt Spray. 

This product is a leave-in spray that is meant to create the beautiful beach waves everyone gushes over in the summer time. It adds fullness while texturizing hair while adding shine for "perfectly undone, breezy, beach-bombshell waves." 

The directions say to spray the product generously all over damp clean hair. Scrunch your hair all over with your fingers and let air dry, or for extra volume blow dry with a diffuser. It can also be sprayed on dry hair for extra texture and curl. 

The most addictive thing about this product is the smell. It's like summer in a bottle. It's fresh, salty, beachy, and their classic argan oil scent all in one. I LOVE IT. How could you not want your hair to smell like the beach!? It's amazing! 

As far as the actual product goes, I truly love it. It does works best with damp hair if you want that wavy, just swam in the ocean looking hair. If you spray it on dry hair, it adds texture and volume, but it doesn't create waves unless you have a natural curl already in your hair. The look is similar to the effect of putting gel in your hair and scrunching it up, but less crunchy and more natural looking. 

The spray mists your hair evenly and and doesn't look greasy.

I purchased mine at Walmart for about $6 I think? And now for the dupe...  Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is the high end version of the Organix spray. Bumble and Bumble's retails for $25 full size. I don't know about you but I'd rather pay 6!

Until next time,

xoxo,
Glimmer

Shop My Stash... #1 part 2

You can view Part One here.
Let's jump in,

Eyes:
Although the picture may appear otherwise, I really haven't given much love to my Benefit Eye Bright in a while! My love for this product is endless. It's not too creamy, it's not too dry. It's the perfect texture. It's also the perfect color! I mean, hello!? Why hasn't another makeup company come out with a pale pink eye brightener like this? It's convenient, because all you do is draw it on. It's easy, because you only need your finger to blend. And lastly, the shade of this product is perfection. It's not a stark white, frosty or shimmer finish, it just looks so natural in the inner corner and just under your brow. You look more awake and you get a subtle depth to your eyes, even if you don't apply any other makeup that day! It's also nice to apply on your cupid's bow and blended out under your lower lash line to make your eyes look bigger!

Lips:
I mentioned in part 1 of Shop My Stash how there was a point in time I really loved the E.L.F. Glossy Glosses. But I now realize these aren't that extraordinary. Don't get me wrong, their not a bad product, but they just don't wow me. They have a okay constancy; smooth, thick, and a bit sticky. They have a slight sent but it's not bothersome. One thing that sets these apart is the brush tip applicator, instead of your typical doe foot. You don't see many drugstore glosses with a wand like these. Sadly, my main problem with these is that. The wand. As you can see in the picture, the bristles don't stay together. They spread out and look bizarre. It doesn't make applying them harder really, just uncomfortable. The bristles pointing in different directions kinda poke at your lips and feel scratchy. Unfortunately I wouldn't really recommend these, but they aren't the worst.

Top: Tangy Tangerine
Bottom: Pink Candy 

Face:
I normally get along well with Rimmel's face products. They make good quality products that are affordable and work well with my skin. For the most part. I hoped that after giving this another try I'd love it. Sadly, I'm still not crazy about it for the same reasons I wasn't before. When I apply it, if I take too long to blend it, the product gathers and rolls off my skin almost. It looks as if it's peeling off my face? It's hard to explain but I think the pictures show what I'm trying to say. It's very unattractive and takes extra time to correct. This happens no matter how I apply it. I've used my fingers, brushes, and my beauty blender and I still get the same result. I really wanted to like this because I've heard lots of good things about it from other people, and other than these troubles I really liked everything else about it. I'll use it up but I won't be repurchasing.

Shade: LIGHT

Rimmel's BB Cream is the only product applied in this picture

I'm sorry this isn't the most flattering picture!

Random:
I've used over half the bottle of my Boots No. 7 Expert Sensitive Gentle Refreshing Toner. This is nice because it is gentle and refreshing and I'm sure this would work great if you have sensitive skin. I won't repurchase because I need a deep clean feeling from my skin care and this was to gentle for me. I couldn't feel it working... and I prefer my products to be just harsh enough for me to know they're doing something. I'm sure this would be great for many of you who don't want that deep clean feeling, especially if you have sensitive skin!

Until next time,

xoxo,
Glimmer

Review: NYX Butter Glosses

NYX is one of those makeup brands that I think preform really similarly to high end products. When they released these new glosses a few months back, I nearly fell over with excitement 'cause well all know how much I LOVE lip products!

So... Are these a Do or Don't recommend!? 

NYX makes some really nice lip products. Their mega shine glosses are beautiful but I can't stand use them because of their scent. Some people love it but its really heavily cherry scented, and I reminds me of cough medicine! (Gak) But these butter glosses smell amazing! It's sweet and yummy like cake batter but its not overpowering. Don't worry, if you are sensitive to smell, it's not noticeable once you apply the gloss.

The two shades shown are Peach Cobbler and Vanilla Cream Pie.

Their consistency is thin and smooth they feel really nice on the lips. They have great pigmentation and look nice and glossy. They have no shimmer or glitter, and I love that their finish is so creamy. They look almost milky on your lips.

Top: Peach Cobbler
Bottom: Vanilla Cream Pie

They are super nourishing. I don't feel like I need to put on a lip balm before or after I wear these. After it wears away my lips feel smooth and hydrated. 

Because these aren't sticky and they don't have much tack to them, they last maybe 2 hours max. That's if you don't drink anything. I don't mind though because I actually enjoy reapplying them! 

 They have a standard does foot applicator that's nice and soft and easy to use.

Vanilla Cream Pie

Peach Cobbler 

On the lips swatches:

Top: Peach Cobbler
Bottom: Vanilla Cream Pie

These are definitely a DO recommend!!

Tired them? I'd love to hear what you think!

Xoxo,

Glimmer 

Review: Benefit POREfessional Face Primer

"Oil free, lightweight, translucent, and silky." That's how Benefit describes their POREfessional primer. If it's all those things, that sounds like perfection in a tube!

From Benefit:

Why we love it:

Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals.

How to apply:

To use under makeup: Apply to clean, lightly moisturized skin. Pat on problem areas & blend with fingertips.

To use over makeup: Pat on lightly over makeup & blend.

PRIME IN THE A.M.
Apply a thin layer of this PRO balm to clean, lightly moisturized skin. Pat lightly from the center of the face outward with fingertips. Wait seconds, then apply makeup as usual. Skin appears smooth & even…isn’t that what we’re all looking for?

APPLY WHENEVER PORES COME OUT OF HIDING
If pores reappear, pat delicately on T-zone over makeup & blend. The lightweight, oil-free formula means a beautifully refined complexion. Remember, just a dab’ll do ya!

info credit: Benefit

This is a silicone based primer, and it comes out of the tube kinda creamy. It's a flesh tone shade but it blends into the skin and becomes transparent. It does have a scent, a pretty... almost perfume like fragrance. The smell fades away as the primer melts into your skin.

I'm not sure if this primer actually makes a difference in the staying power of my makeup, but it does do a decent job hiding my pores and making my makeup apply smoothly and evenly. It doesn't keep my skin matte, so if you're looking for that, this isn't the primer for you. It doesn't promise to do so, but there are other primers that do help with oil control, and this isn't one of them.

What I think is particularly unique about this primer is that Benefit says you can apply it over your makeup if your pores become real visible. But if you applied before putting your makeup on, it should last shouldn't it? Hhmmm... I've never seen another primer advertise this, but hey, if it works, sounds good to me!
When I tested this, I wore my makeup for about 5 hours before I smoothed a small amount over my cheeks to fill in my (slightly more noticeable then before) pores. I think it made my face a appear more matte, but it didn't hide my pores. I expected makeup I was wearing to create a barrier between my skin and the new layer of primer. I was right. It absorbed into my skin, but it didn't penetrate my makeup and fill my pores. 

The tube packaging does get dirty rather easily, so please excuse the makeup that's on the tube!

I like this primer and I do think it preforms well. The only cons that impacts my decision to repurchase would be the $30 price point! Ouch... and the fact that it doesn't help with oil control. I don't know if I would repurchase this item because I do think there are a few less expensive alternatives that work just as well. 

But if you have a problem with pores, this works well. I do recommend! But like I said, I won't repurchase. 

xoxo,

Glimmer 

MAC re-launches MAC by Request Program!

Mac is re-launching, (again) their MAC by Request program! This time MAC will be re-promoting products from the 90's! MAC's program allows fans to vote on the discontinued eye shadows and lipsticks that you would like MAC to re-promote! The three eye shadows and three lipsticks that receive the most votes from you, the fans, will be re-launched by MAC and will be available to purchase at MAC counters and online in the winter. You can vote now on MAC's facebook page everyday until July 21. 

Vote Here.

What products would you like to see make a come back!? 
I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xoxo,
Glimmer 

Best E.L.F. Brushes! Mini Reviews and My Favorites:

Makeup brushes can be expensive if you decide to purchase them high end, but if you grab the good ones, you can get some really nice quality brushes for a low price!

E.L.F makes so awesome brushes. I'm not crazy about all of them, and some are better quality than others, but these are the ones I am absolutely in love with! Take a look:

These brushes start at a dollar. Yes you read right, $1!! These are 2 from the Essential Line that I highly recommend.

First, their Essential Eye Shadow Brush, just your basic, generic, ordinary eye shadow brush, is amazing. For $1, you can't go wrong. This brush packs the shadow on really nicely, and it's a good size, not too large, not too small.

The Essential Blending Brush which is again, $1, is a soft and perfect size brush for your crease. I don't think it's large or fluffy enough to blend, but it's just the right size and shape to define your crease and sweep shadow above your lashes!

Now moving onto their Studio line, these brushes are $3, & there are quite a few more brushes I have to rave about.

E.L.F. Studio Powder Brush: You NEED this brush. I can't say enough good things about this brush!... But you can ignore the name. It's dense and soft, perfect for liquid/cream/whipped foundation. I use it for BB Cream and tinted Moisturizer all the time. It's flexible, perfect for any powder. I use it to set my makeup as well. And it has a flat top, allowing it to buff any product, any formula, any consistency, flawlessly into the skin. It's amazing. Like I said, no matter what face product you use it for, you NEED it, because it's not JUST for powder. For $3 you will not find another brush this spectacular and not to mention, versatile.

E.L.F. Studio Small Stipple Brush: If you have, or ever plan to wear cream/whipped blush or rouge, you NEED this brush. Are you sensing a trend? I promise, I don't say you need anything very often, but E.L.F. makes some amazing quality brushes for an amazing price. And this one is just small enough, precise enough, and thick enough to blend the product in and make it look unbelievably natural and almost airbrushed. It can be used multiple ways, to apply multiple products. I also like the way it applies cream and liquid highlighters!

E.L.F. Studio Flawless Concealer Brush: I'm not gonna say you need this brush. But I need this brush, and you may find that you do too. I'll tell you why, I don't wear foundation on a regular basis, hardly ever. That being said I expect a lot from my concealers. And I think the way this brush applies concealer, improves the coverage it gives. It blends it in very delicately and doesn't buff it in harsh at all. If you use the right motion... it gives the appearance that the concealer melted into your skin. It's very natural and I love it for both cream concealers, and my Bare Minerals Summer Bisque powder concealer, because it's just fluffy enough to blend it in quickly, without looking powdery.

E.L.F Studio Small Tapered Brush: This is perfect for contouring the hollows of your cheeks, highlighting your temples and cheeks, hitting the small crevices of your face, and setting your under eye area. It's soft, on the smaller side, fluffy, and as it says in the name, tapered. The semi rounded top makes the product apply very softly, and creates a beautiful finish. This is a muti-use brush that's just super handy to have around.

Have you tried any? I'd LOVE to hear what you think!

xoxo,
Glimmer