Nivea Men’s Post Shave Balm Review

I have officially Jumped on the bandwagon and tried the Nivea Men’s Post Shave Balm in sensitive.  Everyone has been talking about this since NikkieTutorials talked about it in her April Hits Video (Link to NikkeTutorials page). 

I personally first heard about this after watching one of Jaclyn Hill’s videos (link).  Then one day I was wondering through Walgreens and found it on sale!  I unfortunately  can’t remember how much I paid, but it’s on their website for full price of $6.79 (link).  I remember thinking, that is not bad for a primer, especially since it.s 3.3 fluid ounces.  That would last for a while!

This bottle is made of white glass with a thick plastic screw-top lid.  The packaging is not travel friendly because of its size and weight! The bottle is substantial!!

The product it’s self is a milkly white color and has a very runny consistency, I think it feels like a serum.  When you apply it to your face, it has a moisturizing and cooking feeling. The packaging doesn’t have a pump or any way to control the amount of product dispensed. When pouring it into your hand, be careful! It's very easy to accidentally get too much.  I’ve been there!

This does have a manly smell to it. I personally enjoy the smell.  It’s not over powering and as soon as I put my foundation on, I didn’t smell it anymore. Don't worry, you don't walk around smelling like a man all day! 

I used this product with two different types of foundation over a couple weeks.  With my first use of this product, I was impressed.  I liked the way it felt and my skin felt moisturized throughout the day.  I was impressed with the way that my foundation applied and looked throughout the day.  

This made me really excited.  To think that I found a foundation primer that’s so inexpensive!  What a score! But I’m sad to say, that as I continued to wear this product my impression of this product decreased.

With the second application – It all started to go downhill…

The very first thing I started noticing with this product is that it started to not allow me to build up coverage. I would apply foundation and if there were areas that need a little extra love, I would try to add just a bit more foundation or even concealer – This is where I ran in to problems.  If I tried to add more, the product would just pick back up off my skin. The best description of the look I started getting is the look of a sponge paint on a wall! – Yea, that’s the look I had on my face.  Not a good look and definitely frustrating!

Then, this started settling into all fine lines and pores! I have never felt that I have had very obvious pores, but with this product, I did!  It was awful.  It looked like all of the foundation on my checks settled into the pores, fine lines, or in the area around my nose.

The coverage also broke down in weird places on my face. From a distance, it honestly didn’t look too bad.  The closer that you got, the worse it got!  The dark circles under my eyes became fully visible. The smooth look to my face I was originally obtaining now just looks very blotchy!

I also noticed, that it started to break down on my nose and checks.  It almost looked like the foundation cracked. 

The final straw for me and the point when I decided that I couldn't make this work, is when I started noticing my skin breaking out. Since I tend to have fairly clear skin, this was a major deal breaker.

I was even using foundation that I loved and knew worked well with a variety of primers!  It was so frustrating to have the product tease me into thinking that I made this awesome, cheap, drug store find!  Why can't I be like everyone else and be able to love this product!

My final verdict – Don’t waste your time.  Sorry Nivea!  Get yourself an actual primer and one you know works.  I love many primers.  Rimmel and Mary Kay have two of my favorites and for affordable prices.  They are definitely primers that I would recommend and have actually gone back to using the Rimmel Pro Primer Fix & Perfect (link). This is one of my all time favorites and I constantly go back to it. I'm honestly not sure why I stop using it!

Unfortunately, this time, a new product was a miss for me. I'll probably be passing this onto my boyfriend for it to be used as it's actually intended to be used. I know a lot of people are raving about this product and using it as a primer. To know how how it works for you, you'd have to try it for yourself. But, for me, this was a fail!

Until next time ... Xoxo,

Mikal-Anne

LOTD - Lip Combo I'm loving!

Good morning lovelies!! I'm currently loving one specific lip combination. I'm wearing it in the photo above. It's the perfect, easy to wear, goes with pretty much anything, lip color.

Lipstick: Pacifica in Nudie Red

Lip gloss: Starlooks in Guilty Pleasure 

What I'm loving about this combo is it's pretty universal. I can wear it to work, to run errands, or even for a night out. Not only that, but it's an easy wear. It's a color that doesn't require liner, or a mirror. I've applied this on the go without looking before.

The longevity isn't anything spectacular. I do seem to reapply after lunch. Which I think is fairly normal. However, the lip stick doesn't feel drying. Winning!

I feel this is a nice neutral transition into the lighter color trend of the spring/summer! 

What lip combos are you loving currently?! What are some new ones I should try!?

Until next time ... Xoxo,

Mikal-Anne

Summer Time Skin Care

As a type this blog and look out my window to rain and snow, I find it hard to believe just last week, as I was walking my dog, I was thinking how glorious of a day it was.  The weather was so nice and warm and changes so quickly!  Even though snow is potentially in the forecast, now that it's April, I know that the warmer and sunnier months are just around the corner.  Even though skin care is always important, when the extra factor of the heat and the sun is included, it's even more important.

I was recently inspired by Dollar Shave Club to compile a blog of all of my summer skin care/protection tips. I originally couldn't believe that I hadn't already cover this topic!  I am a fair skinned person who has to constantly think about my skin during the warmer Montana months.  All of the ideas listed in this blog are mine and I wasn’t paid to write this blog, just inspired to write about a topic that I know well and should have written about a long time ago!!

Here are my summer time skin care and sun protection tips!  I am a really fair skinned person and living in Montana we can easily break a hundred degrees during the summer, I have learned a thing or two!

1 – Sun Screen!! Sun screen and lots of it!  As soon as the weather starts getting slightly nicer, I throw a bottle into my purse and keep it there almost until the snow falls later in the year.  

Start every year with new bottles.  Toss out the old ones and start fresh!  It’s important to purchase a new bottle every year; it can go bad, especially if it gets hot.  With my super fair skin, I’ve decided not to chance it and buy new bottles every year.

When I am getting ready for the day and I know that I’m going to be out an about, I apply sun screen as I get dressed and then multiple times during the day.  Make sure to read the directions on your bottles, some have instructions about how often to re-apply depending on what activity you are doing.  Don’t forget the tops of your feet (if in sandals), back of your neck, and ears!

Another type to consider while getting ready is to look for beauty products that have sunscreen in them.  This doesn’t take away from the importance of applying actual sunscreen, but this is a simple step to help ensure your skin is protected.  I use a Mary Kay Day Solution that has sunscreen in it year round.  Sun protection is important during all 12 months of the year!!

2 – Keep yourself covered!! Hats, sunglasses, and sitting in covered areas are simple things that will definitely help.  It goes without saying that direct exposure to sun increases your chance for a sun burn and sun damage.  If you can keep yourself covered, you definitely decrease your chances.  I pretty much always have sunglasses and a hat in my car.  Makes it easy to just grab and go!

Something else to think about, finding places to sit that are covered.  My boyfriend plays a lot of softball.  When I say a lot, I mean a lot!  I joke that he plays softball like it’s a professional sport. He loves it and I love getting to watch him play.  This means, lots of days spent at the ball field.  To keep my slef protected and to help keep myself from overheating, I am always on the hunt for areas that are covered or to find shade.  I have even seen spectators with chairs that have their own little awning attached to their chair!  I’m kind of jealous!

3 – Choosing the time of day wisely when deciding to do an activity. This one is fairly easy and I think kind of goes without saying.  Pick when you are going to do outside activities to avoid the hottest time of the day.  Don’t go out and mow the lawn at 1:00 on a day when it’s 80 degrees!  If at all possible, try to do it in the morning or evenings.

4 – Water, water, water!  This is so important for lots of reasons, it isn't a skin protection aspect, but it's definitely important for skin care.  Staying hydrate will assist in any healthy skin journey.

5 – Keeping your skin moisturized - The sun can be harmful to the skin.  During the summer I'm a big fan of doing a mask that is a little more moisturizing after I've spent some time out in the sun.  A day spent by water or on the softball field is often followed up the next day with a little more attention to my face. Also, keeping the rest of your skin moisturized will help it recover from skin exposure.

6 – Get yourself a good razor and shaving cream!  Who doesn't want  soft legs during the summer?  Throwing on a nice summer dress is definitely ruined if you have legs not shaved or the dreaded razor nicks/burn.  Plus, nicks and burn can be so uncomfortable and annoying to deal with.  

Since I'm too much of a wimp to jump on the waxing train, I'm in a long term relationship with me razor and I replace it often!!  As soon as it is dull you run the risk of cutting yourself or causing razor burn. Plus, razors just get gross!

Just as important as your razor is the product that you shave with.  You want something that moisturizes but helps protect your skin during the actual shaving process.  I am currently using the Mary Kay 2-in-1 Shave and Body Wash but have also used many bottles of the Skintimate shaving creams over the years.  I personally have learned that a product that is more of a body wash consistency works better for me than the creamy/foaming types. 

As I mentioned above, the concept of this blog was inspired by Dollar Shave Club (DSC).  DSC is a subscription service that has lots of products, including razors (link). I was honestly first introduced to the company when Emily with Beauty Broadcast Express on YouTube did a review with her husband on the One Wipe Charlies (Link).  It was a funny video and definitely worth checking out  (Link).  Plus, Emily and her husband are very entertaining! 

Anyways, back to the original topic! Ha! I thought that this was was the perfect time to try out their razors (link).  I honestly had just put razors on my shopping list and figured for the price, it was worth trying.  I jumped on to their site and checked out their packages and products.   

The Humble Twin - $1.00 plus $2.00 shipping - Basic shaver, 2 stainless steel blades, 5 cartridges per month, with lubricating strip.

The 4x - $6.00 with free shipping – 4 stainless steel blades, 4 cartridges per month, full 90-degree pivot head.

The Executive - $9.00 with free shipping - 6 stainless steel blades, 4 cartridges per month, special trimmer edge built in.

I decided to pick the middle of the road shaver, the 4x. It’s currently set to ship to me at the end of the month.  As soon as I have had some time to try out the razor I will post a review!!  It’s worth mentioning that DSC has a ton of other products too.  The One Wipe Charlies, I mentioned above, creams and lotions for shaving, and sunscreen!  It’s definitely worth taking a look at the site (Link). 

So lovelies, during the coming warmer months remember that simple changes in your everyday life can make your skin that much better during the summer months.  Keeping yourself protected, hydrated, out of the sun as much as possible, and using the best type of hair removal process possible will help keep your skin in better shape!  Let’s face it, we don’t want to be dwelling and obsessing over our skin care during the nice months.  Montana only gets a few months of warm months during the year.  I want to be out enjoying it, not worrying about my skin protection!!

Until next time ... Xoxo,

Mikal-Anne

NOTD - SinfulColors Professionals in Cheshire China

I absolutely have a new favorite nail polish!  This color is just so perfect for this time of year.  It's got a lighter shade to it, which is a perfect switch from the dark winter colors.  Plus it has a great pastel color that works perfectly for spring and Easter!

Want to know the extra nice thing ... It was only $1.99!! Woot Woot!  I've definitely learned that it isn't the price of the actual nail color, but the products that you use with it that will make the application last.  I am a firm believe in the Orly Nail Strengthener bottom coat and Won't Chip top coat. These are my holy grail and go to top and bottom!  This combo lasted me a good 4 days before chipping with this application!

xoxo,

Mikal-Anne

Full Face Look with a Purple Smokey Eye

Hi lovlies!  This post goes along with a YouTube video I did! Eek! I wanted to try out filming and have you get ready with me!!  If you're interested in viewing the video CLICK HERE!  Please let me know what you think!  I've listed below all of the products I used to get the look below.  I have been doing this look a ton lately, I'm loving the dark purple smokey look!

Primer

- Mary Kay Foundation Primer (link)

Foundation

- Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation in Classic Ivory (link). Applied with Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (link)

Concealer

- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles, Treatment Concealer in Brighter (Link). Applied with Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (link).

- Maybelline Master Conceal in Fair (Link). Applied with Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (link).

Under Eye Setting Powder

- Be A Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder (link). Applied with E.L.F Flawless Concealer Brush (link)

Setting Powder

- Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder in Fair (link). Applied with Sigma F30 Brush (link)

Bronzer/Contour 

- Maybelline Master Contour Kit in Light to Medium (link). . Applied with Sigma F05 Brush (link) to contour and Sigma F30 Brush (link) to blend and apply on the neck

Blush

- Maybelline Master Contour Kit in Light to Medium (link). Applied with BH Cosmetics brush, I couldn't find a link! I got these on HauteLook a long time ago!

Highlight 

- Maybelline Master Contour Kit in Light to Medium (link). Applied with BH Cosmetics brush, I couldn't find a link! I got these on HauteLook a long time ago!

Eye Primer

- Mary Kay Eye Primer (link)

Eye Shadow

- Ulta brand,Bermuda Sand (link). Applied with Sigma E60 (link)

- Ulta brand, Au Naturel (link). Applied with Sigma E40 (link)

- Morphe, Blackberry ES25 (link). Applied with E.L.F Blending Eye Brush (link)

- Mary Kay, Raisin (Apparently this color has been discontinued! But any matte purple shade will work, just need it to blend out the darker color)  Applied with Mirabella, Eye Blender Brush (link). This was something I got in an Ipsy bag!

- Morphe, Pearl ES4 (link). Not sure where I got this brush...

- Ulta Brand, Pear (link). Applied with Sigma E30 (link)

Eye Liner

- Revlon Color Stay in Black Brown (link)

- Morphe, Trouble ES26 (link)

Eye Brows

- Jane Iredale Bitty Brow Kit in Brunette, powder and wax (link). Applied with BH Cosmetics brush, I couldn't find a link! I got these on HauteLook a long time ago!

- Mary Kay Brow Gel (link)

Mascara - I know, this is a bit crazy, I should probably simple this down but I love the look I can get with these three!

- Revlon Lash Potion Grow Luscious in Black Brown (link). I really love this mascara, it's great for separation and length! Only bad thing is I'm starting to have a hard time finding it and I'm afraid it may be discontinued! 

- L'Oreal Extra Volume in Black Brown (link)

- Almay, Get Up and Grow in Black Brown (link)

Lips

- Model Co., Illusion Lip Liner (link). The only link I could find is for a version you have to sharpen, but the one I have is a roll up version.  I got this one from Ipsy, so I'm not sure where you can get the roll up version.

- Revlon Color stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, Honey (link). This product has been well loved!  All of the label has rubbed off!

Nails

- Bottom Coat - Orly Nail Defense (link)

- OPI in Suzi's Hungary Again (link)

- Top Coat - Orly Won't Chip (link)

Check out the video by CLICKING HERE!

xoxo
Mikal-Anne

Review: The Balm's Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick

Ok, so I may be a little late to the party on this one, but I'm finally here.. Why didn't anyone tell me how convenient liquid lipsticks are!? I recently got a matte liquid lipstick in my Ipsy bag and it's been pretty much all that I've been wearing!! 

The one.. And only.. One I have is from The Balm's Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick and I can't really sing its praises more!!! First off, the shade I have, Committed, is my go to shade. I love the natural rosey shades and this is perfect! 

I always start out by lining my lips first. This gives me a bit of a guideline to make sure my lips look even. Then I apply the liquid lipstick.  The nice thing about using a liner, it allows you to manipulate the color of the end product a bit. 

What do I love about this product ..

1 - The color! It's an easy and every day shade!

2 - Easy to apply! 

3 - Quick drying! Plus when it drys, there is no transiting!!

4 - The smell! It's got this chocolate mint smell. It's not overwhelming and is gone as soon as it dries. 

5 - Long lasting!! I apply when I leave the house for work in the morning and don't have to apply all day!!

One thing I don't like; the typical cracking and drying out that liquid lipstick does.. Trick for that; apply just enough Chapstick that we moisturizer the lipstick and then it will reset and be like you just applied it!!

Below are two pictures I took with different lip liners to show how you can manipulate the color a bit to match your look!

I am definitely interested in trying out more shades in this line! This color specifically, I think should find a place in everyone's collection!!

Here's a link to The Balm's site! http://www.thebalm.com/meet-matte-hughes.html

Crockpot Taco Tortilla Soup

It's that time of year again where I feel the urge to use my crockpot for every meal! There's something about coming home from a long day at work on a cold winter day to a nice warm dinner already cooked for you. It's like the lazy girl's paradise!

My newest addition to my crockpot recipe arsenal is Chicken Tortilla Soup. A little bit ago, the boyfriend and I headed out to a friend's house to watch some college football (Go Griz!) and they had cooked chicken tortilla soup. Now, I know, I've apparently been living under a rock, but this was the first time I had had it. I was instantly obsessed, so good!

I immediately got the recipe:

1 - 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

2 - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

3 - 1 package fajita seasoning 

4 - 1 jar salsa

5 - 1 can creamed corn

6 - 1 can mexicorn, drained (I couldn't find mexicorn, so I used fiesta corn, doesn't really matter)

7 - 1 can cream of chicken 

8 - 1 small carton half & half

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir, cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve over tortilla chips with sour cream.

Now, the day we had it, they had just mixed everything up on the stove, but the recipe called for it to be used in the crock pot. I made a few modifications to make it so that it could cook for longer. When I make crockpot meals, I start it when I leave and it cooks for about 8 hours before I'm home again.  What I did to make this work; 

1 - Started with frozen uncooked chicken

2 - Added just a bit (probably half a can) of chicken broth to everything else. 

Cooked it all on low while I was at work and when I came home, instant dinner! Yum! Just add some sour cream, cheese and tortilla chips!

What are your favorite slow cooker recipes!? Please share, I'm always looking for new ones!!

xoxo,

 Mikal-Anne