Blog Archives - Page 2 of 73 - Wake Up For Makeup

03/10/2018

Hair Stuff I’m Trying

Now, you all know I’m a bit of a dweeb about hair stuff, but I try. I approach makeup as a professional, but hair? Oh honey, that’s all consumer. I figure, if I can finagle a hair tool or product and make it work, chances are, you’ll excel. So here’s some hair stuff I’ve been trying out recently; some I’m more excited about than others.

Invisibobble Slim
After listening to a podcast interview with the founder, I was intrigued and had to try these. I have thick, heavy hair and always wearing it in some form of ponytail situation when I do makeup. These really don’t leave a dent! It’s crazy! They are made of a flexible resin that stretches and conforms and they don’t pull hair or hurt when removing.

I find myself preferring these to traditional hair bands and seeking these out instead. I haven’t tried the original, only the slim, but I see some reviewers that say that the slim holds better. I don’t care if friends tell me this is a glorified key holder; I love it.

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
I’ve complained more than anyone wants to hear about my dandruff and oily hair so I’m always trying to find a remedy that doesn’t include Head & Shoulders. After a few learning moments, I think I got the hang of this. First of all, use this like a shampoo, not dry on dry hair like my idiot self did. I knew it said to use on wet hair but I was like, “nah, lemme just really scrub that in.” Don’t do a dry run like me.

Also, I was so focused on trying to get the large salt grains to have direct contact with my scalp that I was sort of wasting time there. Just pretend it’s regular shampoo and lather. Why I felt that the directions were beneath me, I’ll never know.

I love the scent. It’s kind of masculine, which I love. Results wise, it really leaves my scalp and roots squeaky clean. Christophe Robin advised me (via Instagram message) to do a deep conditioner on my ends after this, which brings me to our next product!

Unwined by Hask Hair Masks
I mean, I had to try these for the cutesy packaging alone.🍷I am a regular Pinot Grigio drinker so if there’s a way to get more of it in my life without it being a problem, I’m all for it. There are a few versions of these masks catering to colored hair but since I never have, I chose the deep conditions ones, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio.

I’ve been using Pinot Grigio and I’ll be honest, I’m not wowed. For one thing, I really wanted this to smell like wine, and it doesn’t. At all. I know there are champagne scented things so not sure why this couldn’t have been.

It didn’t make my hair feel any softer than if I’d just used a regular conditioner. It didn’t leave any heavy feeling or residue, but just nothing special. I still prefer applying my VERB Ghost Oil for the most silky strands of life.

I think these are best for pairing with a bottle of the real stuff and giving as a gift because you have to admit, they’re cute if nothing else.

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Anything cool you’re trying in the hair world lately? Are you a hair stylist and want to weigh in? Please do in the comments!

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All products purchased with my own money. Post contains affiliate links.

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03/05/2018

Best Gel Moisturizers

I like my moisturizers to feel like butter, like cream cheese, like peanut butter. Look, I’m hungry! I’ve been eating low carb for a month now. Can a lightweight, gel moisturizer still hydrate just as well? Even if the texture feels more like jello?

I’ve been testing out some lightweight gel moisturizers and I wanted to share them with you. Sometimes called water creams, all but one contain probiotics, so there’s another buzz worthy ingredient! Here are 4 gel moisturizers I really enjoy.
Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel
Like most Murad products, this is lovely and legit. First of all, this gel moisturizer is bouncy and pink. Second of all, it contains anti-aging peptides, probiotics and minerals like Iron, Zinc, Copper and Magnesium.

Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream
When you open this, the first thing you’ll notice is cucumbers. I love it’s fresh scent but I love even more the fact that it has hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid, exfoliating papain and skin-brightening Alpha-arbutin.

Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
The Biossance line is built around plant-derived squalane but in addition, this lightweight moisturizer also has probiotics, soothers allantoin and bisabolol, retexturing lactic acid and red seaweed.

H2o+ The Rapids Sorbet Moisturizer
This texture is so fun. It starts out as a solid, and once you scoop out the product with the little spatula, it melts into a gel once you apply it. It contains probiotics, as the name indicates, but also brightening Yuzu and champagne extract. I love the visible, long-lasting glow this gives my skin.

I hope one of these gel moisturizers fits your budget and your needs because really, they’re all great. If forced to choose a favorite, I’d have to give the crown to Murad.

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Murad, Biossance and H2o+ products provided for review purposes. No financial compensation was received. Sunday Riley product purchased with my own money. Post contains affiliate links.

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03/02/2018

Best Bath Products

There’s a show on Food Network called The Best Thing I Ever Ate. It’s pretty good. But I want to know about the best bath you ever took. Don’t have one in mind? Maybe you just need to up your bath game with some of the best bath products. Before we get into that, a little more info about me and tubs.

There’s my tub. Where the magic happens.

My husband and I have lived in 2 apartments and 4 houses in our time together. Each one had a bath tub and I’d never want to go without. Remember this video?

Through the course of building 2 homes, one of which we live in now, I’ve heard some builders say many are foregoing tubs because people simply don’t take baths anymore. Well those people may never know the true joy that is listening to your favorite podcast while soaking in a tub with bath bombs, bubble bath and a lovely beverage while wearing a sheet mask.

These are the products that have changed my bath game. And guess what? Not a bath bomb in sight! I think you already know how fun those are so I’ll be showing you a few new things!

Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak
I totally bought this because of this article. I wish it smelled stronger but I think it’s subtle scent is what many will appreciate about it. I love that it’s a powder and it really did leave my skin feeling softer.

Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Epsom Salt Coconut Lime
I was being a ridiculous person and didn’t want to wait for my Herbivore order so I bought this at the grocery store. I’m so glad I did because it smells like all the tropical pina colada vacations I never go on!

Le Petit Marseillais Extra Gentle Shower Creme Vanilla Milk
A photographer I work with gave me this, telling me about how he first discovered it while living in France and was shocked to see it on Target shelves! It’s the most gentle and lovely real vanilla scent.

REN Anti-Fatigue Bath Oil
If you feel like baths still leave you feeling dry, this will hydrate you so that you can skip moisturizer afterwards. It also has a more masculine scent so if flowery confectionary fragrances aren’t for you, you’ll enjoy it.

Aura Cacia Lavender Foam Bath
This is another grocery store buy and it’s exactly what it sounds like. It foams up, smells like real, heavenly lavender and it’s just good stuff. I really enjoyed this and would totally buy again.

Extra bath tips to make it next level stuff

I get overheated easily. This sometimes prevents me from enjoying a bath as long as I’d like. What I’ve found helps is to take a big glass of ice water into the tub with you and add some food-safe peppermint oil to it. This cools me down so I can soak longer.

If your tub isn’t super comfortable, a bath pillow might be just what you need. I once bought my husband one as a Valentine’s Day gift and he was less than impressed but if you’re a bath lover, you’ll appreciate it.

If you have sensitive skin that doesn’t do well with scents in bath products, maybe you just want to take a big bath in tea leaves with this Bath Infuser.

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02/28/2018

Pixi Glow Skincare

If there is one thing Pixi is known for, it’s that Pixi Glow. The Pixi Skintreats products aren’t just good, but really good. If it has the words Pixi and Glow on the packaging, I probably love it.

Also, I can’t get the Big Tymers song out of my head, but change it to:

“everybody get your glow on, everybody, everybody get your glow on, what!”

Pixi Glow Tonic
This glycolic acid toner started the Pixi glow revolution and with good reason. It’s cult-status is well deserved because it brightens and tightens without irritation. Glycolic acid 5%

Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go
This is Glow Tonic, simplified. It’s especially great for travel since you can skip the cotton pads all together. Glycolic acid 5%
When you’re ready to step your game up, they also have Glow Peel Pads with 20% glycolic acid.

Pixi Overnight Glow Serum
I like to think of this as the budget friendly version of Sunday Riley Good Genes. The jelly-like serum contains 10% glycolic acid, making it effective but not too harsh. At night, I cleanse, apply as a serum, then top with a moisturizer.

Pixi Glow Mist
My full review is here but here’s the skinny. It contains anti-inflammatory argan oil and propolis and I love using it to hydrate before makeup and to add glow afterwards. Win, win, friends.

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02/20/2018

Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich Review

If you’ve been reading Wake Up For Makeup for any amount of time, you probably already know 2 key things:

I have dry skin.
I love Glossier.

Those were both contributing factors to me trying out the Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich. What you may also know is that I live in the Midwest, where winters can mean below zero temps, hot showers and running the he at nonstop with a serious drop in humidity. This winter has been all of those things thus the perfect time to test drive Glossier’s richer, more intensely-hydrating moisturizer.

Key Ingredients 7/10

Red Algae Complex-hydrator, anti-aging
Ceramides 3 & 6-reinforce moisture barrier
5 Fatty Acids, Kukui Oil-lock in moisture
Anti-Redness Complex-soothes
Oxygenating Agent-texture and tone
Murumuru Butter-combined with shea
Squalane-hydrator
Lavender Oil

From an anti-aging perspective, this contains boswellia and peptides but both are quite low on the list. From an allergy perspective, this contains lavender oil and some are sensitive to that so I was surprised to see that.

Texture 10/10

She THICC. I love a fatty, thick and buttery face cream and this fits the bill. You’ll want to slather this on a bagel but don’t.

Packaging 7/10
There are things I like and dislike about the Priming Moisturizer Rich packaging.
I like that it’s a sturdy, plastic jar because you won’t have the dreaded drop and shatter on bathroom tile and it travels well. I know that some may not like that it’s plastic vs. glass though.

I dislike that it’s a jar because every time you open it, you introduce air and your possibly unclean fingers. Ideally, this would be in a tube. If nothing else, an included spatula would at least discourage grubby fingers.

Value 8/10
$35 for 1.7 oz. is reasonable for a day or night cream. I scored this an 8 because I can’t exactly say it’s a steal considering there are no advanced anti-aging ingredients in it, but certainly some preventive ones.

Results 8/10

This fully hydrates and primes my dry skin really nicely for makeup. I feel like it does just what it says without anything extra or earth-shattering.

PROS

Nice price point
Paraben-free, cruelty free, fragrance free
Clean, recognizable ingredients
Fully hydrates without heaviness

CONS

Jar packaging. I would prefer a tube like that of the original Glossier Priming Moisturizer but I suspect the thick texture may not lend well to that.
Lavender oil-some are sensitive to this ingredient or simply don’t prefer the scent of it.
Silicone-some may prefer to use silicone-free products. I personally have zero issues with silicones in my skincare or makeup but I know this is a concern for some.

Overall Score
Out of a possible 50 points, the Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich scored 40 or 80%.

Do I recommend Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich?
For my dry skin friends with no sensitivities to lavender, this is a nice face cream at a solid price point. Winter would be a great time to try it.

If you aren’t a fan of thick creams and/or have more normal to combo skin, you’d probably prefer the original Glossier Priming Moisturizer, which I’ve reviewed here.

If you haven’t ordered from Glossier before, shop with my link to save 20% on your first order.

Thank you so much for reading!

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02/19/2018

Dermstore Sale Picks

Dermstore is having their Friend & Family sale. Don’t worry; you don’t actually have to be friends or family. This sale means that you can score makeup and skincare products you’d normally never get a discount on for 20% off through 2/21. Use code FRIEND at checkout.

I’ve rounded up all my picks so you can just zone out and shop without thinking. I’ve reviewed most of these products and will link my reviews too. Now, put on your baggiest, most embarrassing t-shirt, your most gigantic sweatpants and that fill that wine glass because it’s time to shop the Dermstore sale.

Sunday Riley Good Genes I don’t know the last time I fell this hard for a skincare product. The lactic acid has resurfaced my skin so beautifully and really does make it glow. My review.

Beautyblender The beautyblender revolutionized makeup application, and for good reason, giving airbrushed results. My review.

dpHue ACV Scalp Scrub To be fair, I haven’t tried this, but I have read that it’s what I need for my dry, flaky scalp.

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate You’ll find this moisturizer/primer in almost every makeup artist’s kit, including my own.

Jade Roller Beauty Jade Roller Ready to get your roll on? You know I love mine for reducing puffiness, improving circulation and tone.

Japonesque Pro Angled Eyeliner Brush This is my favorite gel liner brush for it’s slim shape and synthetic bristles. I also like the long handle.

Laura Geller GlamLASH Mascara This mascara is so good and so underrated! My review.

LIFTLAB LIFT + MOISTURIZE Day Cream This moisturizer acts as a primer with it’s medical grade silicone that improves the look of makeup. My review.

O.R.G. Skincare Mineral Peel Face This is still the coolest chemical exfoliant I’ve ever tried. Dead skin literally rolls off your face. My review.

REN Wake Up Wonderful Night Time Facia I’ve only used this a few times but I really dig it! You wake up with smoother, more even skin, and who can argue with that?

I hope you score some deals!

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02/12/2018

Rose Beauty Products

I think roses are beautiful but for the money, I’d much rather have a dozen rose beauty products. Like, bundle these up and have 1800 Flowers deliver them. Just as good. Plus, I have 2 cats who prevent me from ever enjoying bouquets of fresh flowers.

If you’re like me and want the gift that keeps on giving, I hope you enjoy showering yourself in rose beauty products like you’re a Bachelor contestant. You deserve all the roses, none of the drama.🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish
For shedding your snake skin, chicly.

Korres Wild Rose Brightening Oil
I adore Greek line, Korres and their brightening rose line is one of their best.

LUSH The Kiss Lip Scrub
Scrub away the scales and get a little sugar snack while you’re at it. I have a bad habit of eating my lip scrubs.

Emile Cordon Lip Pot-Lisa
This is definitely a luxury lip product but how freaking fancy will you feel putting this on every night before you lay upon a bed of roses?!

PINROSE Pinrose
The brand’s namesake, this fragrance combines Bulgarian rose with unexpected notes like anise, clove and burnt rose for a smoky sexy situation.

Pixi Rose Caviar
This serum has encapsulated rose petals so uh, fancy. Real fancy.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray
This is a cult fave that seals in moisture, preps skin for makeup and refreshes midday.

Unwined Brut Rose Hair Mask
Rose all day… and in your hair too! This would be so awesome to give with a bottle of the real stuff.

Kora Organics Rose Quartz Luminizer
This line was founded by supermodel Miranda Kerr so of course I assume this product will make me look like her, yes? That’s what I thought.

Lano Rose Hand Cream
Hands are often forgotten but one of the first areas to show your age. Rose ’em up.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil
I love bath oils because they hydrate you while you’re relaxing and you can skip the lotion afterwards.

LUSH Giant Rose Bombshell
I love all the bombs at LUSH and I always get so amped for a bath when I know I have one to use.

Kopari Coconut Rose Toner
Kopari is a line built around coconut oil but rose is getting in the game too. Coconut was like, you can sit with us, we guess.

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02/12/2018

Modern Renaissance Palette Look

I’m usually the one here doing the recommending but thanks to all of you, I’ve fallen in love with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette.

So many of you raved about this warm tone eyeshadow palette for so long, and for some reason, I resisted. Maybe I was just being practical, realizing I already had so many eyeshadow palettes, but when I was able to score it for $25 on Ulta.com, I had to see what the fuss was all about.

Since this isn’t a new item, and there are likely already thousands of reviews, I’ll try to shed some light on some of the lesser talked about elements of it.

I love that the shade names all honor classical art. Here are a few interesting references.

Tempera is a type of paint.
Golden Ochre, Raw Sienna, Red Ochre, Realgar, Venetian Red and Cyprus Umber are all popular oil paint colors.
Vermeer is the artist who painted the famous work, Girl With a Pearl Earring.
Buon Fresco is a style of painting in which you paint on wet plaster.
Primavera means spring in the romance languages.

What I love about the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

Warm, flattering shade selection
Mostly matte but with shimmer options
Versatile shade range for a variety of looks, mostly warm but 2 cool tones
Formula is smooth and blends beautiful
Pigment rich without excessive fallout
Included brush is actually quite nice and usable! One of the best included brushes I’ve come across really.

What I don’t love about it

I could do without a few shades as they are too similar to each other such as Venetian Red and Love Letter, Raw Sienna and Burnt Orange, Tempera and Vermeer.
Golden Ochre is a strange shade I don’t find myself reaching for much
The velvety pink outer packaging can get dirty easily

Also wearing in this look

Marc Jacobs Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner
Ciate Wonderwand Mascara
e.l.f. Stardust Glitter Eyeliner-Pink Opal
Pixi MatteLast Liquid Lip-Really Rose

If you like this look, make sure to watch the tutorial below.

Do I recommend the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette?
Absolutely. The formula is excellent, the shades are beautiful and flattering. You really just need a matte black shadow and I think you could create hundreds of both day and night time looks with this. It’s getting added to my favorite eye shadow palettes here.

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