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.