Review: Biore Pore Strips

Description of the Product


Cost: $8 for 14 strips

Pore strips: some people love them, some people don't see the point. Pore strips are meant to clear your clogged pores from blackheads, dead skin cells, and oil all at one time. Biore Pore Strips are the most popular brand of pore strips on the market and easiest to find in your local drug store.

Using the Product

1) Cleanse your skin. You can exfoliate your skin beforehand if you wish.
2) Wet the skin on your nose (or forhead if you are using the face strips). Your skin needs to be very wet for the strip to work.
3) Spread the strip on your nose and press down. Don't leave any air bubbles.
4) Wait 15 minutes. The strip will be hard and stiff when it's ready to be pulled off.
5) Pull off slowly. It may hurt a little, but shouldn't hurt a lot. If it does, wet the strip lightly.
6) Look at all the gross stuff that was clogging your pores!!!

Review of the Product


These strips have been effective for removing blackheads from my pores, or at least that's what I gather from all of the material stuck on my pore strip after the entire process. In all seriousness, I can see that my pores are now clear. Using the product doesn't prevent new blackheads from forming-only proper cleansing and exfoliation can do that. While I don't think that over time they make your pores look smaller, I do think that they are great for a rapid clearing of blackheads. In fact, I'm pretty convinced that pore size is genetic and there is probably nothing you can do about it, but that may be left up to another product review...

Even if you don't need serious blackhead patrol the strips are pretty fun to try at least once.

Recommend (y/n): Yes, unless you have extremely sensitive skin.

The Best Moisturizers For Every Occasion

Why am I an expert on moisturizers? Well let me tell you. Since I was a kid I had eczema, which is an inflammatory skin disease. While everyone's eczema is different, I had these itchy red bumps on my thighs, knees, and elbows. In elementary school most kids assumed I had poison ivy all the time and wouldn't believe me when I told them different. Overall the whole experience was horrible but I mostly grew out of it (which most people do), but it comes back if I don't use the right body wash or moisturize every single day. Therefor, I have tried and tested a lot of moisturizers on the market and I'm going to share my extensive knowledge in a few short reviews!

For every day...

Jergens Naturals Moisturizer

Simply put, I love this stuff because it does what you need it to do for an every day moisturizer. It moisturizes skin for 24 hours (or until your next shower, which I hope is in 24 hours), it isn't too runny or too thick when applying, and it has a light scent that won't interfere with your perfume. I also love it because it's made of 93% naturally derived ingredients and doesn't use parabens. I've talked about parabens before, but they are preservatives used in cosmetic products that are highly linked to certain types of cancer. Sometimes when you are using all-organic or all-natural products they don't perform as well as traditional cosmetic products so this is a nice compromise.

For the all-natural girl....

Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Lotion

All natural and lasts for 24 hours. While I don't think this goes on as smooth as other lotions, it smells nice and moisturizes properly. You can buy it in multiple sizes (small for travel, big if you use it every day). They also sell fragrance-free moisturizers if you don't like this particular smell.

If you want to smell yummy...

The Body Shop Body Butter

Creamy and nicely scented I love this stuff. It's thick and creamy but absorbs quickly and doesn't make you feel sticky. With over 20 scents ranging from Olive to Hemp to Blueberry, you can easily find something for you. Almost all of the scents are so delicious that you want to eat the body butter instead of spreading it on your skin. Unfortunately, it usually runs around $16 a container and it can go quickly. If you want to try out new scents you can usually buy the smaller containers at 2 for $10.

For really dry skin....

Eucerin Original Moisturizing Lotion

Every doctor I've ever seen for my eczema has recommended using Eucerin lotion every day, immediately after I shower. This stuff is super thick but it will repair your skin until you can get it back to normal and can use other daily lotions. Eucerin makes other formulas which may not be as thick, so keep this brand in mind when your skin needs serious repair.

Self Tanning Lotion: 2 Ways

For this post I'm going to write 2 short reviews of 2 different self-tanners, both of which you can purchase at your local drugstore or superstore. While professional spray-tans have improved since they first came out (does everyone remember how they literally turned people orange at first?), they can be costly and only last 7-10 days per session. While you can get do-it-yourself spray tanners, I'm always afraid of missing a spot. Gradual self-tanning lotions are great alternative if you want to skip the sun damage or you don't want to look like a ghost when you arrive at the beach. They allow you to build color slowly so that if you miss a spot one day, you will probably get it the next.


Dove Energy Glow Gradual Tanning Body Lotion

I use the bottle for fair to medium skin tones because although I tan, my natural skin tone is not that dark.

Upsides: Does a good job at gradually tanning your skin and smells great. I had a guy in college constantly say I smelled good whenever I used this stuff. It also makes your skin really shimmery, which is awesome for summer.

Downsides: It didn't provide enough moisture for my skin so I had to use it every other day, alternating with my normal daily lotion. I have eczema and if I don't use the right lotion my eczema will come out. This problem depends on your skin type though, so if you have dry skin you might run into a similar problem.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Again, I chose the bottle for fair to medium skin tones. One of my friends used this so I thought I would give it a try!

Upsides: Tans your skin pretty quickly and provides a thick layer of moisture.

Downsides: Smells like an old-school self-tanning lotion. I only use this stuff if I take a shower before bed, put it on, and then shower in the morning as well. While the smell isn't that bad and may be only noticeable by the wearer, do you really want to be thinking about how you smell all day?

Who wins?: Dove

Top Ten Must Have Products for Summer

Summer brings many good things: baseball games, beach vacations, tan skin, and usually a little romance. Unfortunately, summer also brings heat and humidity which can wreck your hair and makeup. I've compiled a list of my top-ten products for the summer. While I use more then these 10 products throughout the summer, I think that these 10 are essential to keeping yourself put together and fresh, even on those triple-digit days.

1) Smashbox Photo-Finish Light Makeup Primer: I know, I know. I talk about this product all the time. But ever since I reviewed it, I haven't gone a day without using it! This stuff is fantastic at keeping your foundation on through heat, humidity, and rain. If you are sporting heavy eye makeup, I would also suggest adding an eye-primer to your routine. But remember, during the summer less is more when it comes to makeup. Your skin is already tan, let your beauty shine through! (as corny as that sounds)

2) Physicians Formula Bronzer: I always have trouble finding the right shade of bronzer because they are usually too dark and orange for me. I need something in the more peachy tones. Physicians Formula has many shades of bronzer that will work for everyone. While bronzer is mostly used to highlight the cheek bones, it is great at smoothing out your skin tone all over your face in the summer.

3) Neutrogena SPF 15 Oil-Free Moisturizer: You cannot go through the summer without protecting your skin from the sun! I use this product year-round because sun damage is the number 1 cause of wrinkles. The moisturizer is light, non-comodegenic, and protects your skin. What more could you ask for?

4) Lancome Artliner: This liquid liner stays on, even through the most humid days. Super easy to apply, it's an essential ingredient to your summer makeup routine.

5) Aveda Anti-Humectant: You can read my earlier review for a full description of this product. But it will keep your hair frizz-free all summer long.

6) Neutrogena Body Oil: With a light sesame scent, this body oil will make your skin look, smell, and feel  irresistible. It gives you a light shine and moisturizes skin. If you are baring any skin in the summer, this body oil is a must-have (Tip: Apply this oil when your skin is still wet from the shower).

7) Covergirl Lashblast Length Water-Resistant Mascara: In the summer you won't want big clumpy lashes, you want your eyes to look fresh yet still noticeable. This mascara won't melt off and it will give you the length and definition you are looking for. Don't use waterproof mascara all the time though, it will make your eyelashes fall out over time (truth!!).

8) Covergirl Outlast Lipstain: I also reviewed this product earlier, but it's a great solution for summer because you won't have to worry about touch ups! Just throw on some chapstick containing sunscreen afterwards and you are ready to go.

9) Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock: Can you tell I love Neutrogena products? This spray sunblock not only protects you from the sun, but it will actually cool your skin off temporarily! Even if you don't want to buy it, you should at least try a cooling mist sometime for the entertainment (Bath and Body Works sells them as well). Neutrogena sunblock is great because it has UVA/UVB protection, but its also non-comodegenic, and it doesn't contain parabens (preservative chemicals found in most cosmetic products that are linked to cancer). Remember to always wear sunblock!

10) Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Cream: For you curly haired-girls this curl cream is a great way to fight frizz. It is light and flexible, as opposed to gels and serums. Your curls will be soft but defined every day.

You Asked: Bumble and Bumble Defrizz

I'm back with another "You Asked" Column. Many of you asked for reviews of Bumble and Bumble products, and since I use and love them, I will be reviewing Bumble and Bumble DeFrizz.

Description of the Product

Cost: $20-25 for 4oz.

Bumble and Bumble's Defrizz is an anti-frizz product to protect hair against humidity and smooth flyaways while leaving the hair soft, not greasy. This product is good for those with straight or curly hair (and even those of you in-between!).

Using the Product

You can use this product during any point in your styling process. I personally use it at the end of my styling process, but I have occasionally put it on wet hair to protect against frizz if I don't have my regular curl cream. Put a dime sized amount, or smaller, on your hands. Rub your hands together. Run the product through your hair from back to front, from your tips to your roots. Like any smoothing product, you want to avoid putting too much of it near your roots because it can leave your hair looking greasy. I would start with a little and then use more later if necessary.


Review of the Product

I think that this product is great for every-day smoothing needs. As advertised, it is very light unlike other smoothing products loaded down with silicone. While it won't protect your hair from the most humid situations (for that I would recommend Aveda's Anti-Humectant Pomade) it is dependable enough to keep your hair looking smooth until it's next wash.

Recommend: (y/n) Yes, for every-day usage.

Review: Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

As I was wandering through Target the other day I found myself in the cosmetics aisle (Surprise, Surprise). I genuinely did need to buy makeup sponges, but I remembered that I was getting low on foundation as well. I used to use Lancome foundation, but I found that it always left my skin a little oily. After that, I started to use Covergirl's CG Smoothers All-Day Hydrating Makeup. This is doubly convenient because it saves money and I've never had a problem with the foundation. I will say that I do use some makeup products from department store brands, but I don't see any reason not to mix and match between high and low end brands as long as the product works for you. Anyways, I decided to try the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation because I'm drawn to their TV commercials. I'm a sucker for advertising. If you have great advertising, I will probably buy your product (although I'm good at resisting infomercials)....

Description of the Product


This foundation is made to adjust to your skin color as you put it on, providing an exact match so you don't have to be stressed out over picking the exactly correct shade. I settled on 115 (second to lightest shade). Although I tan pretty well, my skin is fairly light throughout the rest of the year. I might change over to shade 120 in the summer. The product is advertised to give you a natural and dewy finish, so if you are looking for a matte finish foundation this is not the product for you. It does not provide a high amount of coverage so it won't work for covering up highly blotchy or red skin, severe acne, or sun spots.


Using the Product

I applied the foundation after using my Smachbox Makeup Primer (*read my earlier review, I've been using this stuff every day since I got it!). I used a makeup sponge to apply it all over my face, and you can actually see the foundation changing color to adjust to your skin tone. Apply the rest of your makeup as normal.

***Note: always apply concealer AFTER foundation, not before***

Review of the Product

So far I like this foundation because it does give me a dewy finish, whereas my former foundation gave me more of a matte finish. It depends on your personal preference, but because I like a natural makeup look (I would go without foundation if I had perfect skin), it works for me. I read a couple of reviews that said this isn't a good choice for oily skin, but since I use a makeup primer I havn't had many problems so far. Because this foundation doesn't give heavy coverage I wouldn't suggest it for important events such as weddings, proms, etc...but it has worked so far for normal wear.


Recommend (y/n): Yes, but it may depend upon your skin type and coverage needs. Great buy for $7

Review: Goody Spin Pin

My roomate asked me to try this because she wanted to try it before she bought it. That's the purpose of my blog, so here's my review of the Goody Spin Pin.

Description of the Product

The Goody Spin Pin is a hair accessory designed to hold your hair in a bun without the use of hair ties or bobby pins. The package comes with 2 spin pins. You are supposed to use both, facing in opposite directions, to hold up your bun. They also sell mini spin pins for wearing your hair half up, or if you have thinner/shorter hair.

Using the Product

These pins are surprisingly easy to use. You gather your hair into a ponytail. You can do high, low, or off to the side. Don't use any hair ties. Twist your hair into a bun, tucking in loose pieces. Then insert one pin, twisting clockwise to secure your bun. Insert the other pin from the opposite direction. Do not interlock the pins! This will tangle your hair. You can either insert the pins vertically or horizontally. I found that vertically worked best for me, but it probably depends upon your hair length and the amount of layers in your haircut. Once your finished your hair should be in a secure bun!


Review of the Product

While I was a little skeptical of this product actually performing as it said it would, the pins created a secure bun for me! They were easy to put in and remove, and I think they would cause less damage then hair ties and bobby pins. I do have a few tips for using the product though...

1) I think these spin pins work best with hair that has a little texture. I tried them out when my hair had been flat ironed, and my bun just looked really small and tight. I'm excited to use the pins for when my hair is curly. If you have flat or thin hair, I would try using either a curling iron or a texture spray before putting your hair in a bun (this is true even if you aren't using the spin pins).

2) If you have layers in your haircut, you still may have to use bobby pins if you don't want a couple loose pieces coming out from your bun.

Review (y/n): Yes