Current Favorites

Since product recommendations have always been a huge hit on my blog, I figured I would kick off Andrea Fontana Beauty with a post sharing what I've been loving recently. It's officially the time of year when things start to get a lot cozier! 

Epsom salt baths: If you've never taken an Epsom salt bath you need to try it. I take at least 2 a week (don't judge) because after massaging sometimes more than 12 people in a week, my body starts to ache. Epsom salts are made of magnesium sulfate, which naturally relieves the aches and pains in our bodies. Magnesium helps regulate enzyme activity, reduce inflammation, helps muscle and nerve function and loads more. Sulfates improve nutrient absorption in our bodies, flush toxins, and can also help ease the pain of migraines. Dump a cup or two of these in with your bath water and soak for about 20 minutes and you will feel much better. If you live a very active lifestyle, I highly recommend incorporating these into your routine. Plus, I buy Epsom salts with essential oils added and they make the best aromatic bath experience ever!  

Makeup Geek Cosmetics Blushes: You will not find better blushes for this price. For $10, yes I said $10, you get a blush that is so smooth, pigmented, and long wearing. I have them in the pan form and pop them in a Z-Palette and then I have all my favorite shades in one spot. They have a great shade range and are a must in my makeup kit for all jobs. Some of my favorite shades include Puppy Love, Heart Throb, Spellbound (all mattes), and Romance (slight sheen). I know this fall I will be reaching the most for Puppy Love though because of it's a berry toned BEAUTY!

NYX Microbrow Pencil: I have been using the shade Espresso for about a year now and I have probably gone through about 5 of these. I use other brow products here and there but I always come back to this one for two reasons. First, it's so budget friendly. I swear they are always BOGO 50% off at Ulta and are only $9.99 originally. So I always snag two at a time and don't have to buy as often. The second reason is that they are so easy to use and give me the exact brow I want without having to put too much time in. I'll do an update brow routine soon but know these are also a staple in my makeup kit and you should try them if you like simple and easy (which I know you do).

Glo Minerals Suede Matte Crayon in Crimson: The newest shade in one of my favorite lip products of all time! I love these lip pencils because they come with a sharpener in the lid and are an extremely long wearing and comfortable lip pencil. They deliver pigmented and smooth color and are perfect for keeping in your purse. I love deeper red shades for fall, so when I saw this new shade was launched, I immediately ordered it. If you've yet to try these pencils, come in to Remedi and I would be happy to help you test one out! 

KeVita Sparking Probiotic Drink and Masterbrew Kombucha: If you like carbonated drinks that are more bitter and tangy than sweet like La Croix, I highly suggest checking these out! Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that has active probiotic cultures to support digestive and immune health. My favorite flavors include mango coconut, Lavender melon (I know it sounds weird but try it), and the Masterbrew citrus flavor. I try to stick with the fruitier favors and everyone I've tried so far I like. They are low calorie and low sugar so if you're looking for a refreshing and healthy treat besides water, give these a try! I get mine at my local Whole Foods and they seem to go on sale a lot!

Sleeping masks: I have been so into sleeping masks for the past 6 months because you can simply apply them as your last step of your skincare routine and you don't have to wash them off. It's the lazy girl's secret to skincare. I will be doing a post within the next week on my favorite ones and how I have incorporated them into my weekly routine, so look for that soon! 

So there are a quick few of the things I've been loving recently. I could add more but I want to do specific posts on some of the things that need a little more explanation so look for these posts to come! If you have questions about any of the items mentioned please let me know! 

Have a wonderful day,  

Andrea 

Dre Does a Target Beauty Box Review

 

About a year ago I cancelled my Ipsy subscription and am always on the look out for intriguing subscription services. I had heard good things about the Target Beauty Box as far as value goes, so when I woke up to an email last week saying they were in stock, I jumped at the chance to get my own. For only $10 you can have deluxe sized samples and even full size products sent to your house!

Starting in the top left and moving clockwise, I received the Andalou Age Defying Night Repair Cream, Hair Food Kiwi Dry Shampoo,  L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes, Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream, Derma e Firming DMAE Moisturizer, L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Pen, Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, and the Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream.

Not only did I get all 9 of these products but I also got a $3 Off a $15 Target Beauty Purchase. I believe these coupons are included in every Beauty Box. I love how this box comes with a card explaining every product because I hated that I never had a list and description of every product in my Ipsy Subscription.

Now let's talk products. While I can't give reviews of products yet, I can at least let you know the things I'm really interested in trying and what their value is!

Andalou Age Defying Night Repair Cream ($24.99 for Full Size; Sample Value- $6.00): I've heard really great things about this all-natural brand so I'm excited to try a night repair cream from them. It has antioxidants that help stimulate circulation and healthy cell renewal while slowing the damage of cells while you sleep!
Hair Food Kiwi Dry Shampoo (Travel Size Value $4.99): I use a dry shampoo at least 4 times a week so I'm always open to try new ones. I like that this one is paraben and sulfate free and light on your hair.
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes ($7.79 for 6 Towelettes; Sample Value-$1.30): I've heard amazing things about the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze line, for a drugstore self-tanning line. I'm really excited to try something from it. My only complaint is that since you are supposed to use the product every day until you like how dark you get, I feel like one towelette might not do that much, but we shall see!
Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream ($32.00 for Full Size; Sample Value- $12.80): Ever since this brand came to Target I've been dying to try it. I'm excited to start with this product because it is supposed to keep you hydrated for 24 hours!
Derma e Firming DMAE Moisturizer ($19.99 for Full Size; Sample Value- $5.00): This moisturizer claims to visibly firm and lift the skin and since I'm always looking to prevent the loss of elasticity in my face, I can't wait to try it.
L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Pen ($8.99 Full Size Lip Pen): I've been meaning to pick one of these Lip Pens up since they came out so I'm excited to try this one. I got the shade 207 Laque-y You.
Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil ($15.99 for Full Size; Sample Value- $2.67): I am obsessed with cleansing oils to remove my makeup so I'm thrilled to try this one. I have loved Burt's Bees products in the past so I'm excited to try another from them.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($11.99 for Full Size; Sample Value- $0.50): This is honestly the only product in the box I'm not excited to try because I'm not the biggest fan of gentle cleansers like CeraVe and Cetaphil. I don't geel like they do enough to really help the skin. This will probably be something I keep in my shower or gym bag for when I'm in a rush and don't want to grab my normal cleansers.
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream ($24.00 for Full Size; Sample Value- $1.20): I love that this is all-natural and only contains 6 ingredients derived from living plants and organisms.

I will do a follow up post once I've tried all the products and let you know what I think! As far as value goes this box was worth $43.45! That's amazing considering that I only payed $10. Plus we can't forget the additional $3 coupon I got towards my next Target Beauty purchase. I'm not sure if I just hit the jackpot this box or if they are all this great but I will be sure to pick up the next one as long as I can snag it before it sells out!

Let me know if you've tried the Target Beauty Box or any of these products before and what your thoughts are!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Tips for Transitioning Your Skin into Spring and Summer

Hello! I'm back and ready to go. As many of you know, I live in Michigan and spring can mean all sorts of weather. We can have a sunny 70 degree day followed by an ice storm the next. With this bipolar weather can come bipolar skin, as it's not sure how to adapt to these crazy weather changes. A large percentage of the guests I've been seeing recently are experiencing this difficulty in balancing their skin so I figured we could all use some help. Today I would like to share my 5 tips for helping your skin in this transition period and get it glowing and ready for the summer!

1. Get on a routine. Regardless of what is going on with your skin, getting into a routine is the best thing you can do for it. Your body craves balance and your skin is no different. If you don't already have a solid skincare routine, I highly suggest starting here. If you're not one for spending a lot of time doing so, I recommend the three basic steps; cleanse, tone, and moisturize. No matter the skin type, do these three morning and night and I guarantee your skin will thank you. 

2. Up your water intake. Even if you are usually great at drinking water, use this opportunity to commit to drinking the correct amount of water for your body (I recommend at least half your body weight in ounces, however I strive for much more than that every day)! You'd be amazed what I can tell from looking at a client's skin about how much water they consume.

3. Get a facial. Now you're probably thinking I'm recommending this only because I'm an esthetician but I promise that's not why I'm suggesting this. Every time you get a facial, we take a good look at what is actually going on with the skin. I can't tell you how many times I have a guest on my table who is either completely wrong about what their skin is actually like, or isn't sure what to do about the changes they are seeing in this transition season of weather. Your esthetician is there to guide you to the correct products and treatments based on what is actually happening that day. If you've ever been to a treatment with me you know I'm loaded with tips and tricks to help! 

4. Exfoliation. Whether it be at home or at with your esthetician, it's important to exfoliate especially during this time of year. I have so many guests coming to be with dry, dead skin cells on the surface that are preventing the skin from glowing and looking bright. A good microdermabrasion, peel or enzyme mask, is just what you need to get rid of dead skin cells and allow your skin to really absorb and utilize the amazing products you put on afterwards. 

5. Try some sleeping masks. I plan on making a post about this soon, but my latest obsession are sleeping masks. I love how they take no extra time on nights when I just want to get to bed because you use them in place of your moisturizer. You then wake up the next morning with completely refreshed skin! I've been trying a few different ones and can't wait to share with you what I've been loving so stay tuned.

I hope these tips help you get your skin where you want it! Spring is all about refreshing and rejuvenating your life and your skin should be no different! 

As usual if you ever have questions about a specific skincare issue or product, please leave me comment or email me at andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com! If you're in the greater Lansing area, come see me at Remedi Spa and Wellness and I'd love to pamper you and get your skin on track for summer! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does 2015 Beauty Favorites

After careful consideration my favorite products of the year are finally here! These are makeup, skin care and hair products that have been used on a regular basis throughout the year and even repurchased multiple times so you know that I have put them to the test and love them. I chose 15 products total and have separated them into categories...So let's get started!

Let's start with hair products. If you know anything about me, it's that I am not one to fuss a lot over my hair. I've never colored it and keep styling to a minimum so for me to stand behind a hair product means that it has to be easy! These three products have been my rocks for the year and I can't imagine life without them anymore.

1. Kenra Professional Platinum Dry Texture Spray ($22): This might be my favorite hair product of all time. It smells amazing and gives my hair the perfect amount of texture without weighing my hair down. It gives me volume and revitalizes flat and boring hair. I love to use it both on curly or straight days. Click here to read a post more about it in my June favorites!

2. Redken Hot Sets ($17): This product changed my life when it comes to curling my hair. My hair has never wanted to hold a curl for more than an hour so when someone recommended this to me I was floored at how well it makes my curls stay. It's essentially a hair spray that you apply before heat styling that not only holds the style, but protects your hair from any heat damage! Go out and get some NOW if your hair is hard to curl and I promise you will love it!

3. Enjoy Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($24): I have tried more dry shampoos than I can even count and this one is by far my favorite because there is no lingering scent and my hair doesn't feel instantly dirty. It also is one of the easiest dry shampoos to blend into your hair if you are a brunette so I love that I don't have to spend much time with it. It gives me volume and I always get compliments on my hair when I use it (aka trick people into thinking I have beautifully styled and clean hair!) If you're interested in purchasing it please shoot me an email and I'd be happy to talk to you more about it because we retail it at the Spa & Wellness center I work at!

Now for the skincare! I have been experimenting with so many new products in the last year, but I've found that I have a few that I have really been loving.

4. Tarte Maracuja Oil (Reg. $48 but only $28 right now!): I feel like most of you probably know by now how much I love this stuff. It should come as no surprise that I am obsessed with Maracuja (passion fruit) oil. With a burst of Vitamin C it helps hydrate and brighten my complexion every morning and night. When my foundation feels too drying or I want a lighter coverage, I simply add a drop in. I have gone through probably 5 big bottles over the last couple of years and I can't see myself stopping anytime soon. The limited edition holiday bottle that I'm currently using is on sale on Tarte's website so if you've been wanting to try it, now's your chance!

5. Lelexo Mandelic Acid Scrub ($33): This has quickly become my holy grail cleanser. I use it on so many of my clients at the spa because it is amazing for so many skin types. Mandelic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from almonds that gently exfoliates the skin and helps with acne, hyperpigmentation, aging and so much more! It is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal, so it helps keep your skin extremely clean. Not only that, it is anti-inflammatory so it helps the skin to calm and heal quicker! I have gone through multiple bottles myself and would be happy to talk to you more about it if you're interested in trying it out!

6. The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil ($19)/ Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter ($16)/ Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover ($17): You're looking at my makeup removing routine. I always use either the Cleansing Oil or Cleansing Butter and the Eye Makeup Remover. All are gentle and remove my makeup so well without causing any irritation to my skin and leave it feeling smooth and hydrated! I always use my cleanser after, but as a first step to my skincare routine, I LOVE THEM!

It's time for the main course friends! My 2015 favorite makeup products. If you're new to my blog, I hope you try some of my obsessions.

7. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation ($48): Guys this foundation changed my life. I know that sounds extreme but as my skin has been transitioning into being less oily all the time, I have needed a foundation that gives me a full coverage yet light feeling luminous look and I'm obsessed with it. I used to be a die hard Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation fan but it's too drying for me these days and this one has saved the day! I can't say enough great things about it and here is my post from last year. If you've followed me at all throughout 2015 you are probably not surprised that this one came out on top! I highly recommend getting a sample from Sephora if you are normal to oily!

8. Anastasia Beverly Hills Original Contour Kit ($40): I have to admit that at first I wasn't too impressed with this one. It was getting so much hype that I didn't think it could possibly be as amazing as everyone was saying so I probably didn't give it a fair chance. Fast forward to a busy bridal season and doing my makeup hundreds of times in 2015 and it's now easy to say that this is my favorite contour kit. The shades work so well and blend so nicely that I will be refilling it as soon as I finish up these pans. I found myself bringing other contour products to jobs but always ending up using this one.

9. Benefit Dallas Bronzer/Blush ($29): Back when I worked for Benefit this was one of the products that I talked about with clients on a regular basis. Anytime some said "I need a good every day blush that will go with everything" Dallas was the first thing that came to mind. Yes it's technically a bronzer, but let's face it, who likes following all the rules?! It gives the cheeks a beautifully natural glow without looking fake. It works on so many skin tones and blends easy as well! You must pick up a box for yourself now! (I might already have two back ups...)

10. Too Faced Original Chocolate Bar Palette ($49) & Too Faced Natural Matte Eye Palette ($36): These two palettes have been my go to palettes of the year. I've used them far more than any Naked palette and they were even picked up more than my beloved Anastasia palettes. I love warm shades and I feel like they both give me a great range of shades to do any intensity of neutral looks! If you don't have either you need to get them both ASAP!

11. Benefit They're Real Mascara ($24): SURPRISE! This made the cut another year...haha! I don't think another mascara will ever compete for me. It's a cult favorite for a reason and stays on like no other mascara for me. The wand, the formula, the intensity...it does it all!

12. Glo Minerals Brow Collection ($45.50): I'm obsessed with this brow kit. If you've ever been a client of mine regarding brows you know how much I love brow waxes instead of pencils. I think they are more customizable and you get more for your money. When I started using Glo Minerals at my job I fell in love with this kit because it is such a good value! You get two brow powder shades, a brow wax, cream highlighter, spooly brush, angled brow brush, tweezers, and stencils all in a zip up kit for only $45.50! Such a deal and the product is really great quality! If you have questions about it let me know! You can buy it through me at Remedi!

13. NYC Liquid Eyeliner ($2.99): Yes you read that right... it's onlyl $2.99 and it's amazing! If you haven't heard of how amazing this inexpensive liner is you either aren't that interested in makeup or are living under a rock. So here I am recommending it to you as well because it is Dre Does approved! You can get it at your grocery store or Target and it's extremely black, easy to use, and lasts all day!

14. Glo Minerals Suede Matte Crayon ($16): I love lip products, it's no secret. At any one time my purse can have upwards of 15 lipsticks in it so let's say I've tried quite a few. These crayons are my ideal lip product for a few reasons. First, they are matte which is my favorite lip finish because they last all day and make my lips look the best. Second, they are really pigmented. It doesn't take much product but they are easy to apply. Third, they are very smooth and don't dry out the lips. Sometimes I have to take a break between matte lipsticks because they dry my lips out too much but these never do! Lastly, they come with a built in sharpener so you can take them on the go and never have to worry about it not being ready to use!

15. Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castille Bar Soap ($4.69): If you missed THIS post, you might be wondering why bar soap is in my 2015 favorites. Read the post and you'll find out that it has become my favorite way to clean my makeup brushes. Not only is it extremely good at getting every last bit of makeup out of them quickly, but it also softens and conditions my brushes for future use! Go read the post on it and you'll learn more!


There they are friends! All 15(ish) products that I LOVED throughout the year. Let me know what your favorite products were and if you have questions about anything, as usual, let me know and I will be happy to answer them!

I hope your 2016 is off to a fabulous start! Remember to stay kind and grateful to everyone!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Brows for Beginners

I had a good friend reach out to me lately asking for some pro tips regarding brows and it got me thinking that I've never really covered the basics regarding filling in brows, here on Dre Does. So I decided to share some of the basics with you incase you have never filled them in before and don't quite know where to start. 

1. Start small: If you've never colored your brows in before ANYTHING is going to look more dramatic than what you're used to. Just because you notice a huge difference doesn't mean they look bad. I would recommend starting with a tinted brow gel first, working your way up to a pencil, and then moving on to a tinted wax or pomade if you're really feeling confident. Filling your brows in for the first time should be subtle and minimal to avoid going too dramatic. 

2. Small Strokes: If you are using a product to fill them in always use small hair-like strokes because after all you are trying to make your brows look like they are full of more hairs. No one has perfectl straight and opaque brows naturally, so don't make long and intense lines with your product. 

3. Get a spooly: You'd be surprised how different and much easier filling your brows in is when you have a spooly for blending. A spooly is simply a disposable mascara wand and you can find a pack of them for only a few bucks at your local beauty supply store. If you don't want to go out and buy one, simply wait to use up your current tube of mascara (if it's one with a traditional bristle brush wand) and sanitize it for use in place of a spooly! Simply apply your brow product like you normally would and then use your spooly to slowly brush through the brow hairs and blend the product. This will ensure that your filled in brows don't look so fake.

4. Start in the middle: Whenever you are filling in your brows, I recommend starting to fill the middle of the brow first for a few reasons. If you're using a product that has a wand or brush (so a tinted gel or pomade for example) you will have the most product on it initially. You don't want to put all that product right in the front of the brow because naturally we aren't the fullest right where the brows start. It's also hard to master how to start your brow, so slowly building the front with only a little bit of product will help you acheive a much more natural look. This will help you avoid the obvious, too squared off brows. 

5. Shade is key: Don't use too dark or too light of a product. Brows should always stay a little darker than your hair if you're blonde, or a little lighter than your hair if it's darker. Also unless you are a red head, your brows should stay ashy and cool-toned. No one really has warm brows except for red heads, so picking the right tone of product will help you avoid your brows looking fake!

6. Get them shaped by a professional: I tell all of my clients that they beauty of getting their brows shaped is that I give them the blueprint to fill in their brows. Simply follow the shape I've waxed them to and in no time you'll get the hang of what you should be filling in. I take the guesswork out of adding product and will even show you how to do it if you need help. If you're in the Lansing area I would love to help you in person, but if not, find someone you trust to help shape your brows and get rid of unnecessary hairs!

7. Get them tinted: If all of this seems way too difficult and intimidating, look into tinting. This is a service I personally perform at the spa and it allows me to tint the hairs and underlying skin, to look like the brows are fuller than they are and to help emphasize the shape I give by waxing. The tint lasts up to 3 weeks so it's a great option for those who don't want to fill them in with product every morning. 

If this post stirred up any questions you might have regarding brows, please feel free to leave a comment below or on my Facebook page! I hope this helps!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does an EXO Supply Review

Now that the flu is finally starting to stop occupying my body, let's get to a post I had originally planned for last week! A few month's back I was contacted by the company EXO Supply to try out two of their new products. They are a relatively new organic and natural company and since the two products involved skincare (hello!) and nails, I was excited to try them out. I love that their products are all formulated with USDA certified organic essential oils. I love me some essential oils because of not only their benefits and versatility, but most importantly their smell. I received the Natural Foaming Coconut Cleanser and samples of both the Lavendar and Citrus scented Pure Removers. 

I was excited to try the Coconut Cleanser because it is super gentle and safe for all skin types. I have oily and acne prone skin and while I normally prefer to have a really deep cleansing cleanser, I still think it's important for all skin types to have a gentle and soothing face wash in your drawers for days when you're skin is really irritated or hypersensitive. The fact of the matter is that I live in Michigan; where the weather changes drastically at a moments notice and my skin can reflect that. 

The Pure Coconut Cleanser is formulated with coconut oil obviously, but also jojoba oil and floral waters. I initially wasn't too thrilled with the cleanser because I didn't feel like I was getting a deep enough cleanse. However, once I started using it as the first step in a double cleanse, I liked the results I was getting. I now use it every night to get every last trace of makeup off before I go in and deep cleanse my skin. I know you might think this is excessive, but when you're as acne prone and sensitive as I am, this extra step helps! Plus I've liked having it on hand for those sensitive nights. The Pure Cleanser retails for $16.95 for 6 Oz. 

The next product I tried was the Pure Remover which is a completely organic and natural plant-based nail polish remover that is both alcohol and acetone FREE! I repeat, alcohol and acetone FREE! The scent is completely naturally and the product is non-toxic too! While I think this is an amazing natural option for everyone, I think this product would be amazing for use on both children AND women that are pregnant who are looking for organic and non-toxic options! The wipes are a great option if you're traveling or simply like the convinience, but they also sell bottles of the Pure Remover if you prefer. (Can we talk about how proud I am that I remembered to take a picture before I ripped the adorable packaging open and ruined it?!)  The wipes are available in packs of 10 ($12), 20 ($24), or 30 ($30) and in the scents Lavender, Mint, Orange, or Unscented. The bottles are $15.95 for 4 oz and come in the same four scents. 

You can find out more about EXO Supply and their products by visiting www.EXOsupply.com or checking out their Instagram (@exo_supply).

A huge thanks to EXO Supply for letting me try out these awesome products! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

*These products were sent to me to try out for free but all opinions are my own and I wasn't required to post about them! 

Dre Does 5 Tips You Can Start Now to Prevent Aging

When I share with someone that I work in the beauty and skincare field, women will often tell me "I wish I had started younger." It's no secret that prevention is key in so many aspects of life, skincare being no exception. 

I'm here to bring you 5 things that you should start doing today that your older self will thank you for later in life. These tips aren't anything ground breaking or new but I hope they serve as a reminder that prevention is key when it comes to aging. If you take good care of your skin it will be reflected later on in life.

1. Wear SPF daily. This one might seem like a no brainer to some of you but it's amazing how many people my age I find still don't wear it on a regular basis. Time and time again I hear more mature women telling me stories about how they baked in the sun with baby oil instead of using any sunscreen and they wish they had known how much damage it would cause later in life. Not only is the sun one of the largest contributers to aging your skin but HELLO! SKIN CANCER! Let's make sure we all make it so see ourselves wrinkle. Whether it's in your foundation or a separate step don't skip the SPF ever (even in the middle of winter).

2. Establish a skincare routine. This one is another vital aspect to aging gracefully. If you haven't established a skincare rountine yet it's time to do so. This doesn't mean you have to have 20 steps day and night, but you need to make sure you are at least covering the basics. When we properly cleanse, tone and moisturize our skin, we maintain the health of the acid barrier of our skin. So why is this important? When the acid barrier of our skin is healthy, it can protect us from all sorts of environmental factors and impurities that we encounter on a daily basis. The skin does so much for our bodies and if we take good care of it, it will keep us protected and help us age slower. 

3. Learn about your skin. Whether this means going to see an esthetician or visiting your dermatologist, make sure you take the steps to learn about what is actually happening specifically on your face! We are all unique and even if you think you know what's going on with your face, you might be completely off. With the guidance of a professional you can make sure you are using the correct kinds of products.

4. Drink more water. This one might seem like a no brainer too but most of us have dehydrated skin which can contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's pretty rare that when I check someone's face for dehydration they aren't even slightly dehydrated. Our skin is the largest organ of our body and also the last to get water so it's important to make sure that we drink enough of it. If you are really active or under a lot of stress, it's crucial to drink even more! 

5. Use an eye cream. The skin under our eyes is thin and fragile and completely different than the rest of our faces. This is why it's vital to use a separate product on it that is also approved for the eye area. The eyes are also one of the first places you will notice fine lines and wrinkles, so starting early with an eye cream can help keep that area looking young and fresh, longer. 

If you are already doing some or even all of these things, keep it up! You're on the right track to aging gracefully. If not, pick a few and start adding them all in slowly.

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Empties #3 (Shower Edition)

I have been trying very hard recently to use up the products I've already purchased. It's been really difficult since new launches are always greeting my Instagram feed, but as you've probably guessed it with this empties post, I've been doing a pretty decent job of getting through them. I seemed to run out of everything all at once in my shower thus the reason this post is shower themed!

If you've never read an empties post, they are one of my favorites because my opinion on the product comes only after I have completely used it up. I then share whether or not I would repurchase the product which hopefully helps you decide if it's something you would want to spend your hard earned money on.

Without anymore rambling....let's talk trash (beauty trash)!

Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath: I'm not going to lie. I was always hesitant to purchase any of these Philosophy 3-in-1's because they seemed over hyped and not worth the $18-25 price tag. I'm never going to use a product like this on my hair, and sadly don't take the time for baths like I used to so I figured they were too much for a shower gel. However, when I was still working at Ulta last winter, they did an amazing sale on these and I picked up this one in Cinnamon Buns and also Christmas cookie (currently in my shower). The thing that surprised me the most is how long they really last. I just finished up Cinnamon Buns about a month ago and used it in every single shower since last year. The product is very concentrated so you don't need much but still get a good creamy lather. I like how both of these scents aren't too intense so I didn't mind smelling sweet cinnamon all year long. I even tried making the recipe on the front of the bottle and the cinnamon buns were tasty!
Verdict: If I could get a good deal on them like last year I would definitely repurchase them seeing as you get so much product for your money! (You can purchase Philiosophy at Ulta, Sephora, and Macys!) Definitely keep your eye out for holiday gift sets like this one from Sephora. You can score mini sized bottles in multiple scents to split up into multiple gifts or to give to one lucky friend!

Enjoy Sulfate-Free Shampoo: The main line carried at the spa/blowout bar I work at is Enjoy, so I was really excited to try out some new products. The first thing I wanted to get was a new shampoo and I am LOVING this one. I love that it is Sulfate-Free so ladies if you haven't tried one before free of sulfates, don't be surprised when you don't get a significant lather. You will always feel like you need to use more than you actually do, but don't overdo it. Your hair will get clean!
Verdict: I would easily repurchase this product, I just want to try out the Volume line next! If you're interested in purchasing Enjoy haircare items please email me at andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com and I would be more than happy to help you find the products for you from our blowout bar!

Lisa's Hair Elixir Clarifying Shampoo and 7-in-1 Conditioner by Carol's Daughter: This duo will always be a holy grail of mine. Before I donated my hair, I was trying to get my hair to the healthiest and longest it could be and I have to give credit to this combo. The shampoo is described as the ultimate detox for your hair and while also sulfate-free, it smells like eucalyptus, sage and lemon oils to give you a really invigorating cleanse. The conditioner does 7 amazing things; it purifies, oxygenates, replenishes, moisturizes, fortifies, softens, and detangles. It also smells amazing because of the combo of rosemary, orange, and spearmint oils. There's no parabens, no petroleum, no mineral oil or artificial colors in either! The combo seriously gives me baby soft hair and really makes it as healthy as can be. I know it sounds like I'm obsessed with these two but there is something that I absolutely cannot stand about Carol's Daughter shampoos and conditioners..THE PACKAGING! I hate the way you twist the top and try to get the product out. You have to squeeze so hard, can't get it all out at the end, and I've had multiple bottles break on me.
Verdict: I feel like I will always keep these on hand for when I need a really good cleanse or if I'm trying to grow my hair out quicker, but if I keep discovering more Enjoy products that I'm loving, which will probably happen, I would skip purchasing these because of the packaging. The shampoo and conditioner are $20 and $22 respectively and you can purchase them at Ulta or on the Carol's Daughter website.

Ulta Once Upon a Time Ginger Cookie Sugar Scrub: I don't feel like I even need to talk much about these because I have shown so many in my empties, but in case you like to know what scents I like or dislike, here is the latest I have finished up from last year's holiday collection. If you like a good grit in your sugar scrub, this is one to try! I like to use them to exfoliate before shaving since I can't use a shave cream on my sensitive legs, but I really love them for exfoliating where I have Keratosis Pilaris as well (only use this on the body though, never the face)!
Verdict: If they bring it back again this year or something similiar make sure to pick this one because the scent is yummy. Make sure to wait until they do some good deals though!

Monoi Repairing Hair Mask by Carol's Daughter: I probably picked up this deluxe sample when purchasing the full size Lisa Hair Elixir's (as Ulta loves to give away free gift with purchases).  I love how Carol's Daughter deluxe sample's always give you a great amount of product so you can try the product multiple times. I liked to save this mask for times when I've used heat on it, since I rarely curl or damage my hair, and I felt like it always brought my hair back to feeling soft and conditioned.
Verdict: At $32 for 7 oz, I'm not sure I would purchase this with my own money but I would definitely ask for it as a gift for the holidays!

I hope you enjoyed this special shower edition Empties post! Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts? Leave me a comment below and let me know if this helped you!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does a Facial Self Tanning Routine

I am just like every other girl who wants to be bronzed and glowing in the summer time. However, as a licensed esthetician I know the consequences that can come from sun exposure and they are simply not worth the risk. For this reason, I am RELIGIOUS with my SPF 45 or higher on my face and neck region. While I do wear it on the rest of my body when I'm in the sun, I am the strictest with my face because that is where the aging and fine lines are going to show the soonest and the most. Due to the SPF 45 that is constantly applied, my face is always paler than the rest of my body.  I have developed a facial self tanning routine that I love to combat this issue and it couldn't be easier. 

The two tanning products that I have been using are both from Tarte cosmetics. I swear they do not pay me to talk about all of their products. If you've noticed how much I mention them, it's because they are truly one of my favorite brands. I am talking about the Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanning Facial Towelettes and the Maracuja Bronzing Serum. I use the facial towelettes once a week and when not using a facial towelette I use the bronzing serum.

As you can probably imagine, I start my facial self tanning routine with cleansing. I remove all of my makeup and then cleanse my skin. I recommend exfoliating your skin next so that the self tanner develops evenly and doesn't cling to any dry patches. I prefer to use a chemical exfoliant rather than a mechanical exfoliant. Next, I tone my skin. After toning if it's a night that I am not self tanning, I will apply all of my serums or treatments for that particular night and my eye cream. Next, I use the Maracuja Bronzing Serum by applying a few drops evenly all over my face and neck. I will admit this doesn't smell good at all, but most self tanning products don't and the smell fades pretty quickly. This is a gradual bronzing serum that I like to use to extend the wear of my tans. It's not something that you will notice overnight, but I do really like the glow it gives my skin. Lastly, I apply my moisturizer, which right now is still the Maracuja Oil, also by Tarte. 

If it is a self tanning night (by this I mean that I'm using a facial towelette), I do the same routine, except I skip the treatments and serums because I find that everything looks better when I self tan right after I cleanse. The Brazilliance Facial Self Tanning Towelettes are seriously as easy as opening up a little packet, unfolding it, and wiping your face and neck evenly. You don't have to be perfect with this at all. I am not a pro self tanner and I have never had anything but great results! Then I just let it absorb and I'm done (No moisturizer or oils on this night)! I go to bed and wake up with a tanner face and neck that matches the rest of my body! I haven't noticed any residue on my pillowcases at night which is one thing I was concerned about. 

The Maracuja Bronzing Serum is still available on Sephora and Tarte's websites but I'm not sure if it is a permanent product. It is $47 and is 1.7 fl oz. I would say that if you use a few drops on your face and neck every night, it should last you at least 6 months. 

The Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanning Facial Towelettes are $21 for 10 towelettes which I think is a pretty good deal, since that would last you 2.5 months if you use one a week. 

Make sure you come back Friday because I will be sharing how I've been enhancing the fake tan with makeup! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does a Body Shop Review: Camomile

I have heard multiple bloggers and youtubers mention the Camomile range from The Body Shop so I decided to give two of the standout products a go. About a year ago I switched from using makeup remover wipes to using a cleansing oil to remove my makeup before cleansing. As I started to use up the oil I had, I decided to pick up the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil because of a sale. I had also heard great things about the Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover so I decided to give it a go as well.

When it comes to cleansing oils I look for a few things; that most of my makeup is removed well, it is light on my skin (not too greasy), and that it doesn't break me out. I have to tell you, this cleansing oil is amazing and passes all of these tests. You apply it to dry skin; just enough to have a thin layer all over. Then you wet your hands and you can see the oil emulsifying all of the makeup on your face. After I very gently massage it into my skin, I also lightly massage my lashes to start the mascara removal. Then once all the makeup is broken down (except my eye amekup), I wash it off my face. It doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy at all which is great! I love that this cleansing oil doesn't have a strong odor and doesn't bother my sensitive skin at all!

Affter I wash all of the oil off, I put a few drops of the Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover onto a cotton pad and gently remove my eye makeup. This remover works like a dream. It is not oily at all and doesn't burn my eyes, so it would be great for contact wearers. The thing I love most is how effectively it gets off my They're Real mascara. If you've ever tried it, you know how hard it is to remove. The fact that this eye makeup remover can feel that gentle but still be so effective is amazing to me! No tugging on the eyes needed. 

You can purchase both products at ULTA or at The Body Shop. I had to buy my cleansing oil online because my ULTA didn't carry it in store. The Gentle Eye Makeup Remover was $17 and the Silky Cleansing Oil is either $18 or $19 depending on where you get it.

I highly recommend both products if you are in the market for some great, gentle makeup removers!

Have a beautiful Monday,

Dre

Dre Does Empties #2

I didn't realize it had been months since I have posted one of these until I looked back. I am definitely due! If you have never seen one of my Empties posts before, it is where I share products that I have used up and give you the verdict on whether or not I would purchase them again. So let's get started!

I decided to split up the products into two categories to make it easier. First I'll talk about skincare and then makeup products.

Ulta Pumpkin Latte Body Scrub: I aboslutely love Ulta's body scrubs. This one was a special edition holiday scent they came out with. It was my favorite of the collection so I bought 3 of them I think which is why I'm still using them up in June. Let's just say I'm dying to get into some other scents I have but I'm trying to be good and use these up. If you need a good gritty exfoliating scrub, you need to try these! I use them to exfoliate before shaving since I can't use shaving cream and they work great! Definitely check them out the next time Ulta has one of their frequent Buy # get # free sales!

Verdict: I will purchase the body scrubs again, just not in this scent because I'm pretty sure I've almost OD'ed on it...

Urban Decay Setting Sprays in All Nighter and De-Slick: De-slick was the first setting spray I ever fell in love with and to this day it is my favorite that I have tried. I love how well it controls my shine and makes everything stay put. I use it on every bridal client, especially in the summer so no makeup melts off the face. A few months ago there was an All Nighter two-pack for a ridiculously good deal at Ulta, so I decided to pick that up instead of De-Slick and while I still like it, it's not my favorite. It does help my makeup last, but for oily skin and the summer heat, I still prefer De-Slick. 

Verdict: I am still finishing up the other half of my two-pack of All Nighter, but I am going to try the Makeup Forever Mist & Fix next. Updates to follow.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil: Do I really need to talk anymore about this on here? Haha if you have been following me for a while you know that this is my holy grail moisurizer. If not, I can't say enough great things about it! I use it morning and night instead of a moisturizer (or after a moisturizer in the off chance that I am dry) and it helps my skin tremendously. I wake up every morning with soft and supple skin and the vitamin C really helps even out my skin tone and fade old scars. I feel like it has also brought a radiance back to my skin that I love.

Verdict: I will repurchase it until they stop making it. And then I will hide in my room and cry until Tarte decides to bring it back into production. So yeah... You should try it...

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Facial Moisturizer: I really love Ole Henriksen's products and this is no exception. If you're looking for a light moisturizer that will exfoliate and help fade hyperpigmentation and acne scars, try this one. A little goes a long way, it absorbs quickly and feels so nice and light on the skin.

Verdict: Definitely worth trying if you like light, exfoliating moisturizers. I will probablly purchase a full size for the summer for days that I need extra moisture to pair with my Maracuja Oil.

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion: I was recommended this product when I was suffering from cystic acne on my chin because it is designed to target deep cystic blemishes and this is already my second bottle to go through. I really noticed a difference and hardly ever the deep cystic blemishes anymore! I highly recommend it if you get them! 

Verdict: Already have purchased and am using my third bottle!

Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment: This is the sample size that I got free with purchase from Ulta, but I currently am using the full size and I love it. I use it as my eye cream morning and night and feel like it is really helping diminish the darkness around my eyes. I mentioned it in my May Favorites if you want to know more!

Verdict: Unless I discover a new eye treatment that I want to try, I will probably repurchase this one when I am out.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant: This is the deluxe sample size that I got from an Ipsy Glambag probably over a year ago, but I made that thing last as long as I possibly could until I got the full size. I love the scent because it smells like lemons. It does a wonderful job of exfoliating the skin but I would be careful if you have super sensitive skin, because sometimes it can hurt slightly. I also like that you don't need a lot of product for one use because it is an expensive one.

Verdict: I probably won't repurchase the large size because it is so expensive and I don't mechanically exfoliate my face as much as I do chemically.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC30: I absolutely love this concealer and it is my favorite full coverage undereye concealer. It literally does not budge until you use a makeup remover or cleanser to get it off. It's no stranger to my Freelance Kit and something I always go back to.

Verdict: I already have a few backups because I can't go without it. It will always be something I repurchase.

Benefit's They're Real Mascara: I feel like I should be embarrassed that I have 4 in my empties but it's seriously the only mascara I wear because nothing compares to it. I makes my lashes longer while still making them look thick and voluminous. The brush is so easy to use to comb through your lashes so you have no clumps. The part that makes my favorite mascara though is the wear. I have crazy long bottom lashes and 99% of mascaras leave dots on my undereye area because they just can't stay put. Not with They're Real though. I don't have to worry about smudging or dots! It is so worth the $23 price tag. 

Verdict: I have obviously repurchased this many, many times and don't plan on stopping!

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment: I talked about my love for these Lip Treatments in a recent post (click here to see it) and I used up one of the original Rose Treatments. This one is great if you don't want a lot of pigment. I love that these have SPF so I use them a lot in the summer. 

Verdict: While I love the rose color, I like to try a new shade every time I purchase them!

Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Dark: This product is another holy grail for me. I love how easy it is to use. If you are scared to fill in your brows or need a gel that will hold them in place, do yourself a favor and head to a Benefit counter to at least try it. I have gotten so many people addicted to it, due to it's ease of application and natural look! It only comes in two shades (I wear the darker of the two). It has little microfibers in the tinted gel that cling to your brow hairs, giving a fuller but still natural, appearance. 

Verdict: This is another product I will always have on hand because I never leave the house without at least this and mascara!

Well those are my empties for now! I feel like this post turned into an accidental favorites post because I really love so many of these products, but I think it's still helpful to see the products I love. I hope you enjoyed and have a wonderful week!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Deluxe #1

While brainstorming some new ideas for the blog I began thinking about the infamous aisle of doom that both Sephora and Ulta have right by the check out. You know the section that has mini sizes of all of the products that you tried so hard not to spend all of your hard earned money on, but the second you stand in that line waiting to pay you find 18 mini's you JUST HAVE TO TRY because they are so much cheaper than a full size. Then you somehow end up walking out spending twice as much as you were planning on.

We have all been there. So I've decided to start a new series called Dre Does Deluxe in which I tell you whether you should 'Buy, Try or Say Bye' to that product.

BUY- Just go ahead and get the full size product because it is amazing and you get more for your money
TRY- Test out the smaller 'Deluxe' sample size because it's either a better deal or it's something you have to try for yourself
SAY BYE-Just skip all sizes of the product because overall the product is a miss and not worth even trying in a smaller size.

This series will do two things. First, hopefully it'll help you exercise some sort of restraint when it comes to those adorable little mini sized products to make sure you're only buying products that are actually worth trying. Second, it'll give me some sort of justification for my obsession with trying new things without breaking the bank! 

If you have any suggestions or requests for products you'd like me to try, please let me know! I already have some ideas but am always open to new ones!

So let's get started with the first post in this series starting with the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. 

I am usually super picky with my cleansers and don't like to experiement too much because my skin is so sensitive. Incase you are new to my blog, I have very oily and acne-prone skin. I can breakout sometimes when trying new products. I had heard so many people rave about this cleanser so when I was looking for a travel sized cleanser to take in my carry-on to Puerto Rico in March, I decided to go for this one. 

Fresh claims that this gel cleanser is for all skin types and will gently remove impurities and makeup. It is rich in amino acids and soy protein which aid in moisture retention, and improving elasticity and firmness of the skin. It also has rosewater to tone the skin and cucumber extract to calm. I lliked that it is fragrance and soap free as well. The 1.7 oz size that I purchased lasted me for about 2 weeks, which is a great size to decide if you like it.

Overall, I think this is a mediocre cleanser for my skin. I didn't fall in love like I thought I was going to which is due to a few reasons. For me the issue is that I need a cleanser that is much more deep cleansing than this one. I am used to using one that is designed for oily and acne-prone skin types which I feel gets everything off my face both in the morning and at night as well. If you are someone who loves a very simple and basic cleanser I think you would enjoy this. However, if you're like me and need that deep cleanse, I would skip this one. You can probably tell by this post that I'm not the biggest fan of 'all skin types' products because everyone's skin is unique and we need different products. 

As far as pricing goes, if you buy the smaller 1.7 oz you are paying $8.82 per oz of product. If you buy the full size of 5.1 oz you are paying $7.45 per oz of product. Not that much of a difference, but at least you are saving if you decide to go for the big one. 

So the final result is:

Dry to Normal Skin Types...TRY

Oily and Acne-Prone types...SAY BYE

There you have my first post in the Dre Does Deluxe series! Let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas for future posts.

Have a beautiful day,

Dre