My Morning Beauty Routine

This is a series called -  "Morning BEAUTY Routine" - it's all about what YOU put on your face every morning.  I, (Jen Ramos) featured myself in the first one, which you can read here.  So...today we have Tina from the beautiful blog, Life in Sketch.  This is a great way to learn about beauty products others are using & what they think of them!

Hi Everyone - happy 4th!!!! Tina here - while Jen is on vacation - I'm sharing my Morning Beauty Routine! I'm excited to be sharing my morning beauty routine with you today. I'm always on the go, so I like to keep it simple. I never wear a lot of makeup but when I started to write this post for Jen I realized I use more beauty products than I thought! The key for me is to feel pretty, and comfortable, without feeling like I just stepped out of a photo shoot.

Here's what I use:


Keihl's Ultra Facial Cleanser: I start every morning my washing my face with this Keihl's Ultra face wash. I've tried many facial cleansers in the past and many price ranges and this is the one that I feel nourishes my face and doesn't leave it too dry. I think it's because of the vitamin e and avocado oil. I also love that it's not too expensive ($10)!

Origins Ginzing Eye Cream: I'm an early riser but that doesn't mean I'm not tired in the morning! It takes me a little while to wake up and get my day started and this Ginzing eye cream gives me a little boost in the morning. It has a coffee bean and ginseng, so it really is caffeine for your eyes.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Liquid Moisturizer with SPF: I've noticed that my face is the most sensitive to sunlight. I can sit in the sun for hours and my arms, legs and shoulders are never affected by sunlight, but my face is a whole different story. Neutrogena healthy defense liquid moisturizer combines the SPF in it's moisturizer so I can skip the extra step of putting on sunscreen.

Smith's Rosebud Salve: Smith's is my little morning luxury! The rosebud flavor is subtle but soothing. It also gives me a little sheen without having to worry about lipstick when I'm on the go.

Bare Minerals Warmth Bronzer: I don't like wearing a ton of makeup, especially in the morning. This Bare Minerals bronzer is perfect for my skin, it gives my cheekbones a little color without feeling like I'm really wearing makeup.

Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner: Eyeliner is the one thing I never leave the house without. I feel like it makes me look "put together" and it takes seconds to put on. The rectractable waterproof eyeliner goes on smooth and I don't have to worry about smudges during the day.

Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara: I recently started using mascara on a regular basis. In the past I would only apply mascara at big events, or a night out but this mascara by Bare Minerals makes my lashes look so long - I love it! Like the eyeliner, it's quick to put on and requires no effort. Obviously my beauty routine is all about efficiently and simplicity!

- If you're a blogger & would love to participate this series, email us pics of your FAVE morning beauty facial products & a pic or two of yourself.  Pls send in a similar format as this post above. If we like what you sent, we will feature you!!

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MY MORNING BEAUTY ROUTINE

This is a series called -  "Morning BEAUTY Routine" - it's all about what YOU put on your face every morning.  I, (Jen Ramos) featured myself in the first one, which you can read here.  So...today we are featuring one of my contributors, Adri from Adri's World.  This is a great way to learn about beauty products others are using & what they think of them

Hi everyone this is Adri of Adri's World.  Today I'm excited to show you my daily morning beauty routine. I have combination skin and throughout the years I've been experimenting with different products but came to the conclusion (at least for me), that it's not about price but finding the best products that fit you. I used to buy all products from one same brand and slowly started to mix. These products I use now work great for me but, at the end of the day, the best thing for my skin has been my diet. When I eat well my skin looks amazing and when I don't, not so much...
Take a look at the products I've been using, and tell me if you use any of them!

Here's what I use:


DR. BRANDT SKINCARE XTEND YOUR YOUTH DUAL FUSION WATER: 
I love this cleanser! It leaves my skin super clean, tight, yet not dry at all. It's a cleanser, toner & makeup remover all-in-one. It even removes waterproof eye makeup with ease! It's made with no Parabens, sulfates & phthalates, which makes it even better!


OLAY TOTAL EFFECTS 7-IN-1 EYE CREAM:                                                                             
I tried this cream by accident. I ran out my favorite eye cream, rushed to the drugstore and thought I'd give this one a try. Years later I'm still using it, and love it! It's a very thick cream, hydrates really well. It's firming, treats dark circles, crow's feet and it's anti-aging, which is always necessary.

OLAY REGENERIST DEEP HYDRATION REGENERATING CREAM: 

What I love about this moisturizer is the heavy texture. It really moisturizes my skin without being oily. It has amino peptides, Vitamin E, ProVitamin B5, green tea, and non-greasy moisturizers. It keeps my skin really hydrated even in the cold winter days.
 

CHRISTOPHER DRUMMOND BEAUTY REVITALIZING FACIAL SERUM:

This serum has been a wonderful addition to my routine. I love how my skin has improved since I began using it about a year ago. It's hydrating, firming and smoothing and it contains organic ingredients, it's all natural, free of toxins and vegan. I use it before my moisturizer and sunscreen and it leaves my skin really soft and smooth. I'm a big fan!
 

MURAD BACKHEAD AND PORE CLERING DUO:

I recently began using these products and they are amazing! I use them once a week and I've noticed a big difference in my skin. First you use the clay and leave in on for 10 minutes, rinse and apply the pore sealer. Easy! They tighten my pores and I've seen a big improvement in the quality of my skin too, feels like a facial. They're made with no Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates. I will definitely continue to use them!

- post by Adri Reynoso

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MORNING BEAUTY ROUTINE

This is a new series called -  "Morning BEAUTY Routine" - it's all about what YOU put on your face every morning.  I, (Jen Ramos) featured myself in the first one, which you can read here.  So...today we have Jenni from the beautiful blog, Love & Lion.  This is a great way to learn about beauty products others are using & what they think of them!

PROACTIV + SYSTEM:
I have battled acne since my late middle school days, and pregnancy did NOT give me a “glow”. It just made my skin issues worse. I had originally tried Proactiv’s first 3 step system years back, and found that it only worsened my breakouts and over dried my skin. No thanks! Out of sheer desperation to really gain control over my skin, I decided to give their new system a go. SO glad that I did!! You can completely customize your package (additionally I use the mark fading pads & purifying mask), have it delivered to your doorstep monthly and the customer service has been amazing so far! My favorite part of the ENTIRE system is their new moisturizer! WHOA!! It is so refreshing and smells incredible!! I would dive into the actual jar if it were big enough. Also, the toner is a must for me. It restores my skins PH balance before I complete the rest of my routine.  Since I have started using this system, I can’t stop touching my face. It is the smoothest I have felt in years. I am also happy to report that I have had NO breakouts since my first week of use. I will actually leave my house with no makeup on, and that is big for me. I can’t rave enough about these products! I highly recommend giving it a try if you deal with acne at all.

OLAY BB CREAM:
I have tried several bb creams, and it is hard to find the perfect one if you have fair skin. I read a really enthusiastic review on this one in particular, so I decided to try it on a beach getaway we recently took. I was previously using L’OREAL’s bb cream, but I officially made the switch to Olay BB cream. It is so lightweight, but still offers such great coverage. It is not as “orangey” as the L’OREAL I was using. The Olay just gives me a really nice dewy glow. It really feels more like a lotion rather than a foundation AND its got the sunscreen I need, which is super important to me (especially while using an acne fighting system). It is all kinds of amazing! I am a forever fan!!

VASELINE:
OK! You know, how the dad on “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” thinks that Windex cures all? Well, I guess that would be me with Vaseline. It is just a product I always have on hand. It is great for healing dry skin (especially cracked heels in the summertime), chapped lips and even great for removing stubborn makeup. I alternate between this and Nivea chapstick to keep my lips hydrated. They are ALWAYS dry, so applying Vaseline at night before bed and before any makeup goes on in the a.m. really helps replenish any moisture that my lips might have lost overnight. Smooth, hydrated lips make you look younger....true story!

BALMS AWAY:
This product called my name from the shelf with its packaging alone. I am a sucker for great packaging! I tried Balms Away in the store before purchasing, and I couldn’t believe how smooth it made my skin feel. I use it in the morning to remove any excess liner or mascara that may have rubbed off while I was sleeping. I try not to wash my eyes with facial cleansers as they can be drying and irritating. This eye makeup remover is  fragrance free and not as greasy feeling to me as Vaseline. It is perfect for my sensitive eye area.

- If you're a blogger & would love to participate this series, email us pics of your FAVE morning beauty facial products & a pic or two of yourself.  Pls send in a similar format as this post above. If we like what you sent, we will feature you!!

-post by jenni from love & lion blog

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MORNING BEAUTY ROUTINE

This is a new series called -  "Morning BEAUTY Routine" - it's all about what YOU put on your face every morning.  For me, it's pretty simple, although my husband would disagree.  He always wonders why I have so many beauty products.  Then like most men he asks me, "Do you really need all this stuff?" My response is "no, but you never know when it will come in handy."

I normally buy 2 different eye creams & although this Estee Lauder is my current fave (which I got for free), I also really love the Revitalizing eye-cream by Restorsea.  If used correctly, eye-creams can actually last a long time, saving you lots of money. Because let's face it, eye-creams aren't cheap. However, when you're 40 like I am (& everything starts to dry up) they come in handy! Below I'll go more in depth on the rest of the products I use each morning!

GARNIER BB CREAM:

Like many of you - I had been spending top dollar $$$ on liquid foundations like Laura Mercier & Chanel.  Well, not anymore. Ever since Garnier came out with their BB Cream - I was hooked. I started to add up all the monies I spent on foundation in the last several years, and gulp! However, BB cream just recently came into the scene, so it wasn't even available to me when I was 24.  Ok, so For $12.99 you can enjoy this multi-benefit product. It gives you awesome skin coverage as well as brightens complexion, evens skin tone (my fave), hydrates & also has sunscreen! 

CETAPHIL OIL CONTROL FOAM WASH: 
I remember I was introduced to Cetaphil by a masseuse in Philadelphia. I ordered it immediately and was surprised at how well it worked. Before this, my skin would get oily.... especially around my period.  But I swear, I rarely see oily skin anymore!  It's definitely been a life-saver in that sense. I've had acne-prone skin most of my life, even at this age, can you believe it? Anyone else with me?  If you have acne, you MUST try this. This foam wash removes makeup really well & never leaves my face dry. Will not stop using this, I'm hooked!

DR. HAUSCHKA CLARIFYING TONER: 

This is the only toner I use everyday. It's a holistic skin care product that helps diminish signs of blemishes, large pores & oily skin. It feels refreshing when sprayed on my face & never feels drying. Its not like some toners that when sprayed on face, your face feels tight, it feels natural and smells nice too!

EARTH SCIENCE  HERBAL TONIC MIST:

The Earth Science Tonic mist is another toner + mositurizer I use off & on.  I tend to spray it after my makeup, for a nice glow.  Most people tend to spray it before makeup...which is fine too. However you use it, I love it! It's also oil-free, which all of the products I use tend to be. I do like that it's Paraben free & has no animal ingredients. I am working on this...for all my daily use products.

SKIN CEUTICALS SUNSCREEN:

This is by far my favorite sunscreen by Skin Ceuticals.  It's in the high price range for sunscreen, but if you just dab on very little, it should last you awhile. It's also paraben-free & carries an SPF protection for the face, not bad huh? I wear this even when there is no sun out - which is most of the time here in NYC. It def provides all-day hydration, which I think is important when choosing a a sunscreen. Have you tried this brand?

- If you're a blogger & would love to be part of this series, email us pics of your FAVE morning beauty facial products & a pic or two of yourself.  If we like what you sent, we will invite you to participate!!!! 

-post by jen ramos

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MORNING BEAUTY ROUTINE

This is a series called - "Morning BEAUTY Routine" - it's all about what YOU put on your face every morning.  I, (Jen Ramos) featured myself in the first one, which you can read here.  So...today we have Christiana from the blog, Bliss and Misc  This is a great way to learn about beauty products others are using & what they think of them!

AFRICAN BLACK SOAP:
I actually was just recently introduced to this at a "Favorite Things Party". I had just run out of my favorite (and more expensive) facewash so it was a case of right place and right time! I was blessed with flawless skin during my pregnancy but now that my baby is nearing a year my skin has started to get back to it's old (awful) habits. This has a nice clean scent and is non-drying. It's full of wonderful organic ingredients like Coconut oil, aloe and Vitamin E, plus it's sustainably produced. Even better a bar is around $4. I love something that works and is a great deal!

LOREAL IDEAL MOISTURE EVEN TONE:
Anything that can save me a step or two in the morning is a must-have, especially if I don't have time for much more than washing my face and throwing on a moisturizer. This one is fabulous. It's got SPF (which we all need) and contains a little bit of a sheen which helps to even out the appearance of my skin. It's non-greasy and has a scent of it since many combo products smell a bit to much like sunscreen.

BENEFIT HELLO FLAWLESS BRIGHTENING MAKEUP:
I started using this a few years ago and it's absolutely worth every penny. It goes on smoothly and provides great coverage despite being very lightweight (which means it doesn't sink into the wrinkles I'm trying to hide). Being fair skinned I have always had a hard time finding a color that matched my skin without totally washing me out and this comes in a good variety of in-between shades. Like my moisturizer it contains sunscreen so between the two of them hopefully I've protected my face!

BURT'S BEES TINTED LIP BALM:
I've never been much of a fan of lipstick on myself, I can't seem to get the color right or it wipes off and I forget to reapply. I love Burt's Bees products in general and this 100% natural lip balm gives my lips a touch of color while keeping them from getting dry, plus it's error proof (no needing to worry about "color in the lines"). My favorite color is Honeysuckle, it's a nice peachy natural color with just a little sheen.

BENEFIT THEY'RE REAL MASCARA:
Pretty lashes help make me feel more pulled together even when in reality most of the time I'm far from it. This mascara goes on great and doesn't flake or require more than one coat. It stays on all day and doesn't clump. That's pretty much everything you'd ever want from a mascara - unless it could apply itself.

URBAN DECAY NAKED BASICS:
While I love the larger Urban Decay Naked palettes this mini eye palette is the one I use EVERY SINGLE day. It contains six flattering matte shades which is great because while I love some shimmer and glitter I don't really need to look like a disco ball while I'm running errands. The small size makes it super portable so even if I don't get a chance to do it before I walk out the door I can throw it in my bag to finish up later.

- If you're a blogger & would love to participate this series, email us pics of your FAVE morning beauty facial products & a pic or two of yourself.  Pls send in a similar format as this post above. If we like what you sent, we will feature you!!

-post by christina from bliss and misc 

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BEAUTY: SUMMER BEAUTY STAPLES

Hi MadeByGirl readers! Kelsey from Kelsey Nicole here. Today I am here to share with you six beauty products that I have been loving this summer. Let's get to it!

 Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream
Due to the high heat, and sometimes often high humidity, I try to keep my makeup light in the summer. This BB cream is perfect for days when you want minimal coverage but don't want to wear foundation.

Essie "Big Spender"
Confession: I am a fan of this Essie shade year-round, but especially in the summertime. It looks great with a variety of skin tones and especially great with tan skin.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light
The lighter version of Josie's Argan Oil is perfect for daytime wear. I know it is strange to put oil on your face in the morning, but trust me on this one. It absorbs quickly and does not leave an oil finish.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara
Everyone knows this mascara is great. What I didn't know was how great this mascara is at staying on in the water. While it is not waterproof, it surprisingly stays put at the pool or at the beach.

Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry
My hair is naturally curly so it can get quite frizzy when I straighten it on humid days. This serum works wonders and keeps my hair straight through damp weather.

Fresh Sugar Shine Lip Treatment
I love Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment, so when they came out with the Shine Lip Treatment, I knew I was going to love it as well. I was right and after one try, this gloss became a staple in my beauty routine.


What were some of your favorite beauty products this summer?

- post by kelsey nicole

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