Recent Empties #2

I've found that you guys really like these empties posts because it's nice to see products I didn't like as well. It's been awhile since I did my last one, so I wanted to share with you the products I've used up in the last few months. I think this post will be equally as helpful because I have some products I won't be repurchasing because of the ingredients they contain and that I am finding cleaner alternatives. I've divided them up into categories so it's a little more helpful, and I've included products that I use up in my kit since that might be interesting for you as well! Let's get started:

Makeup Empties:

Most of these products were from my kit which will be helpful for you if you're looking for products I trust and love. First up we have two bottles of the Ulta Beauty Brush & Sponge Cleanser. I go through this stuff like water because it's such a great brush cleanser. It's really effective and you don't need much product. It also dries really quickly, so when I'm doing clients back to back, it's easy to sanitize and clean my brushes fast and move onto my next client. If you don't deep clean your brushes as often as you should, I highly recommend getting a spot cleaner like this to wash them frequently (every other day) in between deep cleansing. I will continue to keep repurchasing this spot cleanser until I find one that I like more or is comparable but more cost effective. 

This next product is also from my kit and I have a love/hate relationship with it. MAC Cosmetics Fix + is a cult favorite and I keep it in my kit for only one reason; to wet my brush for metallic shadows/more color payoff. I do not like it as setting spray for the whole face because I hate the way the container sprays. I'm picky when it comes to spraying a face of makeup that I've just put so much work and love into. I also find that the bottle tends to leak when I'm transporting it from job to job, so after 2 or 3 bottles completely emptying in my kit, I've committed to only buying this little 1 oz bottle of MAC Fix + from now on, so I don't waste money if it leaks again. I will continue to buy it because it is my favorite for really getting a shimmery/metallic shadow to lay beautifully on the eye and stay well. 

Benefit Porefessional Face Primer is my favorite silicone based primer to keep in my kit for almost all of my clients. I love how it smooths out the texture of a client's skin and will always have it in my kit. I've tried other brands' versions and nothing compares to this one for me. Plus most of my clients always say "this smells so good!" and it's nice for clients to have enjoyable situations like this throughout the makeup process. Remember if you are a makeup artist, the experience of doing someone's makeup is just as important as the end result. 

This last makeup empty is a personal one, as I am always trying out mascaras from the drugstore. I have had so many people talk about Covergirl Clump Crusher and decided to try this one out. It's the Covergirl Clump Crushers Extensions Mascara in 'Very Black'. Apparently it's supposed to be like the original clump crusher formula but with buildable fiber extensions in it? I don't think it was anything special and if I remmeber correctly, I bought it by accident when wanting to try the original instead. Mental note: Read fine print better Andrea. 

Skincare Empties:

These two kind of go together because they were my two favorite makeup removers before I went clean with my skincare. I loved this solid Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter because it isn't liquid which makes it easier to travel with. It also seemed to last forever. The Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is also great for removing eye and face makeup with a cotton round. If you aren't concerned with clean skincare than I'd recommend them for you, but unfortunately you won't seem in my routine anymore. (In case you are wondering what I have switched to, keep an eye out for my current skincare routine post coming later this week!)

This toner is a repeat and thankfully is clean enough to stay with me through the clean skincare process! It has a few ingredients that register as a 3 but most are 1's which makes this an overall 3 or under product (my goal). There has to be at least a 50% chance that if you are reading this I've either gotten you addicted to this toner or you've heard me talk about it. The Dermadoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Healthy Toner with Glycolic & Lactic Acid is the perfect toner for people who need glycolic and lactic acid in their routine on a daily basis (i.e. many of you especially those who struggle with texture issues, uneven skin tone, breakouts, clogged pores. etc...). It's worth the splurge because it lasts over 6 months and I love that it comes in a glass bottle. I think it's made an appearance in at least 3 empties posts over the years, so you can bet I will continue to purchase it. 

I used up a pack of the CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patches and this things are my SAVIORS. I will always keep them on hand because I pop one on clean and unmoisturized skin over my blemish at night and in the morning it is significantly reduced. It works best if the blemish has come to a head already, but I am always excited to see the oil and impurities on the sticker when I remove it in the morning. It makes me feel like a science experiment and I'm weird like that. If you struggle with acne ever PLEASE do yourself a favor and click on the link and snatch some of these up. 

I got this sample of the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum and I couldn't even finish it because of the smell. I thought I could tolerate most smells if I knew the product was helping my skin but I just couldn't get over this one. I included it in this because I've heard great things about this serum but I wanted to recommend that you go into Sephora and ask for a sample to see if you can tolerate before you purchase it. 

Next up we have some sheet masks that I used up and this first one was a gift, and thankfully they still sell them on Amazon! The Secret Nature Firming Blueberry Sheet Masks are awesome. I'm happy I received a whole pack of 5 of these because after using the first one, I couldn't believe how plumped and hydrated my skin looked. My fine lines were so minimized and some even gone. It was unreal. While they contain ingredients like fragrance, that I try to stay away from, I will definitely be using up the pack. Again this is a product that I definitely recommend if you aren't as concerned with clean skincare. The other mask I used is from I Dew Care and I bought it in the Let's Get Sheetfaced kit of 14 sheet masks. Unfortunately it is no longer available, but I did like that there were many options in this kit. I definitely recommend getting a kit of different varieties of sheet masks to keep on hand so you always have something for whatever your skin is currently dealing with. 

Other Empties:

This category is for hair and body. So I have an issue with wasting products. I cannot just through products out because I no longer want to use them. I have to figure out a way to use them and this first product was no exception. I haven't bought a Victoria Secret or Bath & Body Works body product in ages, I think this one was a gift, because the quality of ingredients is just simply bad. I had this Amber Romance Victoria's Secret Body Wash and instead used about a tablespoon with my bathes to give a little bit of bubbles. This did make it last forever, but at least it's gone and I don't have to feel bad about wasting products. I'm not even going to link it because I do not recommend buying your body products from either of these places. 

These next two hair products, the Wella Professionals Enrich Shampoo & Conditioner for Fine/Normal Hair were my favorites before I switched to a cleaner option. I went through a few bottles of them and really did love them. They are great quality if you don't necessarily want clean hair care products and made my hair feel more voluminous and healthy (For reference, I have very flat and fine hair but a lot of it). 

The last product I want to share is something I've never talked about on AFB but it has to do with periods so if that bothers you here's your warning. While going clean and toxin free, I swapped out my tampons for organic cotton ones. This was actually one of the first changes I made, probably about 8 or 9 months ago! Through a recommendation of a friend (thanks Mercedes!) I went with This is L and I really do love their organic tampons. I signed up for the subscription on their website which I've linked above and received 20 tampons once a month (10 regular & 10 super) for $7.95 (including shipping). I like that with every purchase they donate to products women in need in high impact areas. So not only are you making a healthier conscious choice for yourself, but you're doing something good for other women at the same time. I will always support companies who have this business model! While I would buy L tampons again, I paused my subscription because I couldn't use them fast enough. Apparently I don't need 20 every month and they were getting backed up in my bathroom. I have also noticed the Cora tampons and decided that once I used up my This is L ones, I would give those a shot. Cora also donates products to women in need and they are organic cotton. I feel like Cora's website is more specific in how your purchase helps those in countries all over the world (including the US) which I really like. I will let you guys know how I like the Cora Tampons when I get to try them. Both companies have subscription options which is really nice so you never have to do a midnight tampon run again (Hello, we've all been there!) I like that Cora is sold on Grove Collaborative which is the online membership service that I use to purchase my natural cleaning products. 

This was definitely a longer post than normal but I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the products I've used up recently. It allows me to give you an honest opinion of the product after using it entirely. I hope you enjoyed and shout out to you if you made it to the end of this post! Comment below if you've tried anything I mentioned today!

Have a beautiful week,

Andrea 

Disclosure:

Unless noted, all products were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own. 

Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

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 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 May Favorites

Favorites posts are some of the most fun to write because I love sharing all of the things I love with you! Coincidentally May is my favorite month because of my birthday and the weather finally deciding to warm up, so I like this post even more! Here we go :)

(Top row L to R)

1. Sam Smith: If you don't know Sam Smith by now you're probably living under a rock. He's been featured in a bunch of new songs lately like Latch and La La La, so chances are even if you don't think you know of him, you've heard him. His voice is unreal and you need to listen if you haven't. He's the perfect blend of R&B and pop and I can't get enough. His song Stay With Me is my ultimate fave but others are slowly creeping up to that honor too.

2. The Body Shop Body Butter in Coconut: I bought the small version of this body butter when I was in Chicago for Memorial Day. I'm kicking myself now for not buying the massive jumbo sized tub because the smell and feeling are so luxiourous and wonderful. The scent is perfect for summer and the dry skin that the sun leaves us!

3. Victoria's Secret Forever Sexy Twist Bandeau Top: I finally broke down and bought this bikini top in black after much consideration. The fact of the matter is that if you have a larger bust you need to invest in a good bikini top with underwire that fits and feels secure. I'm just trying to get a tan, not give everyone a free show! I highly recommend this bikini if you have bigger boobs and have a hard time finding bikinis!

4. MAC Cosmetics Fix +: This setting spray is my favorite because you can also use it before your makeup. If you want to make your eyeshadow pop, spray your brush with it beforehand and then go into your eyeshadow. This will intensify the shadow so much and help it stay put! I love setting my makeup with it though because I feel like it just melts everything together to give me a blended and seamless look! 

(Bottom row L to R)

5. Havaianas in as many colors as possible: I challenge you to find a Brazilian that doesn't own at least a few pairs of Havaianas. They are the only flip flops I wear and I have at least 10 pairs... They are the most comfortable to me and I'll stop wearing them when I stop being Brazilian...so NEVER! I think I own one other pair of flip flops that aren't Havaianas but even at that they are still a Brazilian brand haha

6. Proenza Schouler for MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Mangrove: When I was at the MAC counter a few weeks ago, I spotted this packaging and I said a little prayer silently that there was a shade that would justify me spending that much money on a lipstick. Luckily I found Mangrove! A beautiful vibrant coral that screams summer and tan skin. I've worn it a few times and every time I get compliments. The packaging is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen and I will cherish this lipstick for a long time! (That sounds super dramatic but if you're reading this you probably have had a similar love affair with a lip product before...right...? Haha)

7. Kettle bell: I recently picked up a kettle bell from my local Target because it was on sale and I was dying to own one. I'd been using one at the gym I'd been going to but since I moved I have been working out at home. I'm obsessed with it! It's so much fun and I'm seeing huge results, especially in my arms. They're the most toned and muscular that they've ever been and I owe it to this little friend! If you YouTube kettle bell workouts there are plenty of ideas on how to get started. I also love how it doesn't take up much space to store or to use.

8. MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer: Behold my favorite undereye concealer of all time. It covers so well and doesn't crease at all. I make sure to set it with a finely milled translucent powder after applied but I do this will all concealer to prolong the wear. The difference when applying to undereye darkness and circles is insane and I don't think I'll ever go without it. I had heard so many good things about it so I finally picked it up and I couldn't be happier that I did! I will probably be doing a review on it soon if you'd like to see that!

There they are...my favorites of May! Let me know in a comment below what you were loving! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre