Recent Favorites and a Fail

I am happy to be back to blogging consistently and figured we’d start things off with a bang and share some recent product favorites and a fail! I am actually surprised how many products I have recently tried and loved because I don’t feel like I’ve tried that many. I guess I’m just having good luck.

Laura Mercier Caviar Volume Panoramic Mascara:

If you’ve been following me for awhile you know that I am generally a drugstore mascara lady! While I do have some high end favorites, I typically do not purchase high end mascara because I think drugstore mascara is just as great. That being said, I received a travel sized version of this Laura Mercier Mascara in a free gift from a purchase at Ulta. I didn’t have high expectations, but I am obsessed with this mascara. It applies so beautifully, separates and lengthens my lashes, AND most importantly, doesn’t get clumpy and spidery when I add multiple coats.

BYBI Bukachiol Booster Facial Treatment:

I picked this booster up over a year ago, to test out as a Retionoid alternative and never ended up opening it until recently! I am obsessed. I currently am not using a retinol oil like I normally do, so I figured it was perfect to add into my routine to test out. I have to say, I have been loving the results. It is much gentler than retinol and a ‘more natural’ alternative to retinols. I simply add a few drops into my night time moisturizer and that’s it!

Native Almond & Shea Butter Strengthening Hair Mask:

I picked up this hair mask on whim on a recent Target trip because I have been needed a hair mask. For some reason, I’ve been having a really difficult time keeping my hair tangle free and I think it’s because it has been drier than normal. I even thought a hair cut would solve the issue, which is did help a little, but ultimately I knew I needed to get a mask. I love Native deodorants so I figured I’d give this one a shot and I noticed a different after just one use. I use it about 2 times a week (when I wash my hair) and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing out. I am happy to have found an affordable solution to this hair problem because I am not super hair savvy!

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser:

I cannot say enough great things about this cleanser. I love the packaging and pump. I love the scent. I love the texture and consistency for cleansing. I just absolutely love this cleanser. You need so little product, so don’t be put off by the price. I had been wanting to try this one for over and year and when Ulta had a sale, I bit the bullet and got it and I’m so grateful I did. I really think it’s contributing nicely to my overall much more even skin tone. Also hooray for cleaner ingredients!

Essie Expressie Nail Polishes:

These polishes are not new to AFB but I recently brought them back out after not painting my nails for almost a year and I fell in love with them all over again. (Let’s just say getting engaged and having a ring on my finger had something to do with it….haha). I have so many shades and these are all I use for my nails now. I love the staying power most because that is the hardest part for me about nail polish. I have super oily nail beds and gel nails peel off after a couple days no matter what I try (even professional)! I can easily get a week out of this polish with very minimal chipping. Highly recommend!

Fetch App:

I had been hearing about Fetch Rewards for a little while and finally decided to try it out when I saw a friend post her referral link. I am obsessed haha. You simply take pictures of ANY receipts no matter how much you spend (I even do my prescriptions) and you get points that can be redeemed for gift cards. There’s so many to choose from but I am always saving for Amazon gift cards. haha I also have it linked to my Amazon account and email so that when I make purchases there, they will sync with the app! Click the link here if you’d like to sign up and you’ll get a bonus 2,000!!

AND A FAIL…

Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush:

I had such high hopes for these cream blushes because they reminded me so much of the Cloud Paint from Glossier and Maybelline usually does no wrong for me!! I was really hoping for a more affordable dupe. At the end of the day, they just don’t have enough pigment and are not buildable. At first not having a ton of pigment isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as I can build up to the level I want. However, when I tried to start building it up, it got patchy and messed up with foundation underneath and I normally don’t have this issue with cream blushes. Sadly, I’d say pick up the Cloud Paint from Glossier if you’re really wanting this type of product.

What have you been loving recently? Any fails for you? Let me know in a comment below and I’ll see you next time here at Andrea Fontana Beauty!

Sending love,

Andrea

Disclosure: Some of the above links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. 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

The Skincare Nerd's Gift Guide

This week we are talking Gift Guides. That’s right, I’m bringing you four Gift Guides this week. Last year I did one big Gift Guide, but this year I’m breaking it up into four different ones and I hope come back each day and check them out!

Up first is going to be for the skincare loving guy or gal! Whether your budget is big or small, these items are great if you are looking for a gift for someone who truly enjoys taking care of their skin.

1. Expensive Mask:

   The holidays are the perfect time to get someone the expensive mask you know they will not buy for themselves. Here I’ve linked a few that I absolutely love that are worth the larger price tag.

   1. Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy (Great for oily/acne prone skin types)

   2. Farmacy Honey Potion Mask (Great for dry/aging skin)

   3. Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Sleeping Facial (Great for brightening)

2. Mask Brush/ Mask Bowl:

   Sometimes certain face masks require mixing in a small dish and a gift like this is really nice to receive. Make sure that the brush has synthetic fibers though because they won’t be porous and soak in moisture. This set is a great option!

3. Gift Certificate for a facial or other skincare treatment:

   Facials can be a treat that we don’t often buy for ourselves, so receiving one as a gift can be really nice! Make sure you do your research and ask around your area to get specific details and recommendations on who is the best in your area. The last thing you want to do is gift a bad experience!

4. Skincare Tools:

   If someone is into skincare products but hasn’t experimented with tools, try getting an ice or jade roller for their face. It’s a fun way to step up your skincare game and use something that you might not have bought yourself.

5. Satin Pillowcases:

   These are great for both your hair or your skin. The satin allows you to glide smoothly over the pillow when you’re sleeping, and reduce the tugging on your face.

6. Headbands for Doing Skincare Routine:

   This one would be a great add on or stocking stuffer. If the skincare junkie you’re shopping for loves to do a lot of face masks, a headband like this one would be perfect to keep their hair away from their face when doing treatments.

7. ‘Eat Beautiful’ Cookbook:

   I absolutely adore this cookbook because of all of the information on specific foods and how they benefit the skin. If your skincare nerd loves to cook, this would be a great gift to incorporate beauty into their diet.

8. Aveda Shammy:

   This cloth by Aveda is great for removing masks, products, etc from the face without scratching the surface of your skin. I used these in school and love them so much! I use mine at home all the time. Plus you can throw them in the washing machine to clean them!

9. Sheet Masks:

   I usually buy a big set of face masks every year and give a few to everyone I’m giving gifts to. No one can ever have enough sheet masks because they are one time use. They are a must have for stocking stuffers.

10. Gift Cards to Ulta/ Sephora/ Target/ Amazon/ Dermastore:

    When in doubt, buy your favorite skincare nerd a gift card to go buy more skincare. I know that gift cards can sometimes seem impersonal, but if you buy one and say ‘this is for you to pick out a new face mask or cleanser’ specifically, it can make the gift feel more personalized. I promise you that no skincare junkie will be sad about money they have to spend on more facial products.

As you can probably tell, I didn’t want to just focus on skincare product recommendations. I wanted to try to recommend more detailed gifts besides the obvious ones. Of course when in doubt shower everyone you love in Rosehip Oil. hahaha (Did you really think I could get through a skincare gift guide without mentioning it? haha)

Coming soon also, I’ll have a Makeup Lover’s G.G., my Top Cookbooks to Gift, and stocking stuffers!

Andrea

Disclosure: 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 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 June Favorites

I'm not quite sure where June went, but it's already time to share my favorites for the month. I don't have that many in the beauty area because I honestly have been wearing the same thing all month long and they are products you have already seen a million times. So here are a few that I've not shared as much, if at all.

Benefit's Rollerlash Mascara: I was lucky enough to try this before everyone else when I was working for Benefit and to be honest I wasn't impressed. My lashes are long but super hard to curl and I didn't feel like I got enough of a curl to ditch my lash curler like Benefit claims. It wasn't until I let the bottle dry out a little and I revisited it, that I fell in love with this mascara. I really do agree that the magic is in the wand. The little hooks really do help pull your lashes up and now that I've let the formula dry a little, I find that the curl does last. On more natural makeup days I will wear this one alone. On days where I do a full face of makeup, I will use this before I use Benefit's They're Real mascara (my holy grail) to really get some great length and curl before They're Real voluminizes my lashes. 

Kenra Platinum Dry Texture Spray & Texturing Mist: I was recommended these two products by the wonderful friend who cut my hair when I donated it last month (Thank you LC)! I have such an obsession with texturizing products because my hair can get very limp and flat looking. My hairstyle is very messy and undone looking and these products make my hair look perfect every time. I use the texturizing mist on my freshly washed and damp hair both when I'm going to blow dry it or if it's air-drying (which I will admit is most of the time since I'm lazy). If I'm working with day two hair or if I've waved it a little, I will use the texture spray to take super neat and flat hair to messy and undone looking. The thing I love most about the dry spray is that it absorbs oil so it can be used like a dry shampoo too. I love how I can take my hair down from being in a bun all day, spray this in and my hair looks alive without having to curl it. It never looks dirty, just effortlessly messy. I absolutely LOVE the smell of both of these products too. I once got asked what perfume I was wearing when it was honestly the Dry Texture Spray! haha

Origins Clear Improvements Mask: I have loved this mask for a long time. It's active ingredient is activated charcoal which is amazing for dissolving all of the impurities in your pores. Simply apply a thin layer of this mask, let it dry and wash it off. I recommend using a warm washcloth when removing to make it a little easier to get off. I love how much this cleans out my pores. I try to do it once a week. 

GapFit Breathe Racerback Tank: I could only find a picture of the hot pink tank but I absolutely love the gray version I have of this tank. I wear it all the time, both for working out and everyday outfits because it fits so well. I personally love a tight fitting tank so I enjoy the cut of them. The neckline isn't too low which I love because as a woman with a larger chest, I don't have to worry about giving someone a free show while I'm at the gym.

Target Women's Carolyn Slip on: I love these shoes. I bought them on a whim one day and have gotten so much use out of them since then (I'm even wearing them as a type this...)! I love that they are off-white, because I get the look of a lighter sneaker without committing to keeping a pair of sneakers stark white. They are super comfortable and with all the holes, I feel like they are breatheable too and don't get stinky like most sneakers do if you wear them without socks. I'm not sure if you can get them in stores anymore, but they are still online if you want to pick a pair up for yourself!

Let me know if you try any of these items! What were some of your favorites this month?

Happy almost July!

-Dre

Dre Does April Favorites

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Can we forget about the fact that I missed March favorites? Great! Let's get to the good stuff! The end of April means tomorrow begins May. Happy May to all of my fellow May babies out there! Isn't it the best month of the year? ;)

Korres Lip Butter and Lip Butter Glaze in Pomegrante: Ok, I try not to buy into the hype of all the products I read about on the internet but when I came across a four-pack of Korres products at my local Marshall's for $12, I figured the universe was sending me magical beauty signs. These two products are full size and retail for at least $12 each. Sadly it looks like the Lip Butter Glazes are discontinued but you can find them on eBay and amazon still. I'm obsessed with these both. They are both extremely smooth and buttery on the lips and I can see why people are so obsessed with them. I love the original Lip Butter for a sheer coral tint and the Glaze gives a slightly more pigmented coral look. The colors are beautiful and the texture is devine. Wish me luck in not buying every shade.

NYX Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake: Clearly I have a thing for products with the name Butter (Paula Deen would be so proud!) The absolute perfect 'your lips but better' shade for every skin tone. It's like a nude slightly more amped up with a nice mauve undertone. All of these glosses are an amazing smooth texture and the color payoff is great. I own at least 7 of them I believe and I love them all,  I just always make sure to have this shade on hand! 

'The New Classic' by Iggy Azalea: I preordered this album the second I heard Fancy for the first time and the rest of it is nothing short of amazing. I love her attitude, fashion, music, etc. Beyoncé can be the queen but Iggy is most certainly the Goddess. Listen now friends.

La Roche Posay's Thermal Spring Water: I was in Sephora one afternoon picking out a toner and the beauty advisor recommended this thermal water in place of one. Normally I think they're just pushing products but since you cannot buy this in Sephora, I figured it must be a good product and I continued further research at home. I bought a massive bottle on amazon and I'm loooooving it. It has Selenium in it which has natural healing and antioxidant properties. I want to use it a little longer before I do a full review but expect that in the next few weeks.

Amika products and Digital Thermal Styler: Incase you missed my last post, I reviewed four Amika hair products and this styler that I recently picked up at America's Beauty Show in Chicago. It's nothing short of a love affair. Click here to see that post since it goes much more in depth!

Sam & Libby for Target Flats: These are my new go to spring flats. I purchased them months ago in January at Target and I can't get enough of them. The design is super comfortable and they go with everything. The base color is black but there is a metallic gold sheen to them that jazzes them up a bit. I especially love the little spikes on the heels. This is my current favorite cut of flat because the top comes up far enough so they stay on your feet yet don't rub anywhere. I hate having to break in flats and getting blisters but these so far keep me blister-free!

I hope you all had a wonderful April and are ready for my favorite month of the year! Happy May friends!

Have a beautiful day, 

Dre