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Blog Health + Beauty

Tarte Amazonian Clay CC Primer + Airbrush Foundation | Review

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I picked up some Tarte goodies during the VIB Rouge Spring Social at Sephora and I’ve had some time to use the products to give a proper review. I purchased the Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation in the shade Light-Medium Neutral, the CC Primer in the shade Light, and the Airbuki brush.

Routine

I have been using the CC Primer and the Airbrush Foundation everyday I wear makeup since I purchased them. I start by prepping my face with sunscreen (usually the Josie Maran Daily Argan Moisturizer) and then I’ll use the Tarte CC Primer as a base for the powder foundation. I lightly buff on 1-2 layers of the Airbrush Foundation and I’m out the door. It’s all really fast and easy.

CC Primer

muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer Review

This primer is different than others I’ve used. It comes in a chubby tube and twists up like a lipstick. It’s more like a light foundation/cover stick than a silky primer. The POREfessional by Benefit, for example, is super silky and blurs away the appearance of pores. The Tarte CC Primer is divided into four sections, two with the “foundation” color, one with a green color corrector, and one with a pinkish purple color corrector. I just apply the CC Primer directly to my face and blend it out with my fingers.




The CC Primer evens out your complexion, neutralizes hyper pigmentation and gives sheer/light coverage. The CC Primer is perfect alone for running a quick trip to the grocery store, yoga day, or just a “no-makeup” makeup look. The primer makes a perfect base for the Airbrush Foundation.

Airbrush Foundation + Airbuki Brush

muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer Review

First off, the Airbuki brush is super soft! It’s amazing and I haven’t seen any hairs falling out or anything. It’s the perfect applicator for this Airbrush foundation but probably would work well with other types of mineral foundations as well.muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer Review

The Airbrush Foundation comes in a sleek container with a bamboo screw off lid. What is unique about this powder foundation is the mesh liner/netting between the mouth of the jar and the product.

muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer ReviewThe lid actually has a little knob that, when screwed closed, keeps the mineral powder from escaping the netting. It’s great because it really helps control how much powder comes out and prevents you from wasting. Unlike other mineral foundations, you don’t need to invert the powder through the sifter and swirl/tap your brush to load the powder. The Tarte Airbuki is made to fit perfectly over the mesh lining. You simply press your brush into the net and get the perfect amount of powder on your brush; not swirling or tapping needed.

muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer Review reviewThis design is awesome, especially for travel since you won’t have to worry about all the powder getting out from under the liner. I like to gently press the powder into my face and then buff it out to blend. The mineral powder gives a beautiful airbrushed finish and feels lightweight.




muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer ReviewMy skin is dry/normal and when I first used the Airbrush Foundation, I noticed that the powder clung to the drier parts of my face and made the area look flaky and bad. That’s where the CC Primer really helps me — the Primer either makes those areas less dry or creates such a smooth base that I haven’t had that problem since targeted those dry areas more with the Primer.

The Airbrush Foundation is long-wearing although I haven’t won it more than 10 hours. I do find though, that it starts to look even better as the day goes on. I love the fresh-faced airbrushed look it gives after first application, but as the day wears on, it seems to really melt into your skin and gives me a clean, healthy glow. I love it.

The foundation is build able up to medium coverage, but even at that medium level, your skin still looks like skin and not a cake mask. I have freckles and I really want my foundation to even out my complexion and make me look radiant but not cover my freckles and make me look unnatural. This Tarte Airbrush Foundation does just that! I definitely recommend this to everyone!

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

VIB Rouge Spring Social + Sephora HAUL

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

The Spring Social was Sephora’s first store-wide VIB Rouge event and we had so much fun. If you were already VIB Rouge, you might have received your invite in the mail or through email.

Sephora muffinchanel spring social rouge event VIBR VIB Rouge review haul experience 15% off promo code beauty

The event was “closed door” from 9-11am today for all VIB Rouges who RSVP’d. My friend and I got there about 9:30am and the store was super busy! They checked us in at the door and we were greeted by everyone. There was fun music, Starbucks, cute little waters & snacky pastries in the back.




muffinchanel sephora vib rouge event spring social food starbucks vibr bites

Two hair styling stations were set up in the back and every beauty station had someone getting her makeup done. It was such a fun vibe and it was cool to shop with other people who love beauty, skincare and makeup as much as I do.

I had a list of everything I wanted to get and I was super excited about the extra 15% off + VIB Rouge goody bag!

muffinchanel sephora vib rouge spring social tarte amazonian clay airbuki airbrush foundation cc primer sephora haul nars matte multiples altai fresh sugar polish scrub review haul makeup

My bag kind of got messed up in the car, but the products are all that matter!




muffinchanel sephora vib rouge spring social tarte amazonian clay airbuki airbrush foundation cc primer sephora light medium neutral muffinchanel sephora vib rouge spring social tarte amazonian clay airbuki airbrush foundation cc primer sephora

  • tarte – colored clay CC primer (light)
  • tarte – Amazonian clay full coverage airbrush foundation (light-medium neutral)
  • tarte – airbuki | bamboo powder foundation brush

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  • fresh – Sugar Lip Polish

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  • NARS – Matte Multiple (Altai)

And then the freebee bag is really cute and quite large with the zip around opening. I think it might be too big to throw in my purse, but it’ll be nice as a small travel makeup bag.

muffinchanel sephora vib rouge event haul cosmetic bag samples free gift

I had a really great time today at Sephora and I’m really excited to try out all of my new products. Did any of you go to the Spring Social in your store? If you didn’t get a chance to make it in to the event and you’re VIB Rouge, you can still get the 15% off with

PROMOCODE: ROUGETICKET

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

Josie Maran Complexion Care Package

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I was so excited when I saw the Josie Maran Complexion Care Package on QVC. The set comes with 5 full sized products:

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  • 1.7-fl oz Argan Tinted Moisturizer
  • 0.1-oz Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon
  • 2.2-fl oz Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil
  • 1.7-fl oz 100% Pure Argan Oil
  • 0.55-oz Argan Color Stick in Dreamy Pink

I already love the Argan Oil, but I was interested in trying some of the cosmetics. The set was the Today’s Special Value when I ordered it, so I got everything for $59 + tax/shipping (retail value: $156). I’ll get a few more uses out of everything before I do a review.

UPDATE: Full review here!

The packaging is nice and I’m pleased with the value. I’d never tried the Infinity Cream or any of the Josie Maran makeup.

muffinchanel-josie-maran-argan-oil-5-piece-complexion-care-package-qvc4-1024x893muffinchanel-josie-maran-argan-oil-5-piece-complexion-care-package-qvc2-813x1024Each of the cosmetics is infused with Josie’s signature Argan Oil and all of the products are cruelty free and paraben free. ❤

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY | Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation REVIEW

muffinchanel genius gel marc jacobs 22 bisque light reviewThis post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

Back in August, I told you about my Sephora haul where I picked up the MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation for my birthday. I’ve had a couple of months to use the product and I’m ready to give a review!

First off, there is NO SPF in this foundation and I am all about protecting my skin from the sun’s UV rays. I’ll use a sunscreen (usually Neutrogena’s dry touch SPF) as a moisturizer before applying the foundation.

Cost

$48 for 1oz. Kind of pricy, I think, for what you really are getting.

Packagingmuffinchanel genius gel marc jacobs 22 bisque light top off

The foundation comes in a sleek glass bottle with a shiny black cap that removes to reveal a pump dispenser. I always prefer a pump because it allows me to control the amount of foundation I use and it’s more hygienic than an open bottle or compact. The bottle is very substantial, and I’m sure that it’s part of that high price tag, but it’s heavy and kind of bulky if you were to travel with it.

Consistency

The formula really is different than other liquid foundations. The “gel” is almost smooth like a primer. It’s still runny like a liquid, but thicker and very light weight. The gel does make it nice to apply though and a little goes a long way. One pump can give me light coverage for my face and neck.

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Blog Lifestyle

Top 10 – September Favorites

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

  • Skillful Means by Tarthang Tulku

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This book is all about improving your life by being mindful of what is happening right now. I first read this book a couple of years ago and it’s great. How many times are you walking to class or your car or at the mall and you’re on your cell phone? Or how often are you thinking about the XYZ you have to do tomorrow or next week instead of paying attention to what you are doing right now? All we have is the present — this moment. Skillful Means is all about living in the moment you are in; being mindful about what is going on around you. No distractions — just really being self aware and clearing your mind. It’s a great book that will help you focus and appreciate what’s happening all around you.

  • Starbucks Star Dash

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From now until October 1, Starbucks is doing their Star Dash. Basically, it’s another incentive for you to go to Starbucks during certain times of the year in order to accumulate stars to earn a gift card. This “Star Dash” is different from the stars you earn with the Rewards Card, although, you do need a rewards card to participate. Separate from the regular stars you earn with the Rewards Card, these “Star Dash” stars will give you $5 or $10 gift cards depending on how many you get before the deadline. Each transaction will ear you one star. I’m on my way to earning the $10 gift card!

  • Mediterranean Veggie sandwich (Panera)

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New favorite sandwich for sure. I was looking for some meatless options at different restaurants and a friend suggested I try this sandwich from Panera. It’s amazing —  lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, red peppers, cilantro/jalepeño hummus, and feta swiss cheese (I prefer swiss) on tomato basil bread. I bought ingredients today to make my own version at home! YAY!

  • iOS7

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I love the clean look and feel of the iOS7 update. I have the iPhone 4S and my camera app is faster and I really like having the “live filters”. Command Center is great and I really like all the new ringtones/sounds. It’s neat to have the option to block contacts and to be able to multi-task between apps.

  • Clear

Clear is a simple task management/list application. It’s clean and easy to navigate with lots of color schemes to choose from.

  • iTunes Radio

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iTunes radio is basically like Pandora. I prefer it because it’s already integrated into iTunes and it remembers the songs I’ve listened to and makes it easy for me to purchase them if I choose. You can create your own “stations” and mark that you like certain songs. There’s even a Top 100 iTunes radio and you can listen to a shuffle of all the Top 100 songs on iTunes. I think this is awesome for getting high quality audio for more than just a preview of a song you might be interested in buying.

  • The Killers – Shot At The Night

It was actually through iTunes Radio that I first heard “Shot At The Night”. ^^^

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The Killers songs are always a little vague, but this one seems to be about taking this once in a lifetime opportunity to get out of a situation that is stale and move on to a life that is exciting and full of happiness. I love this. Plus who doesn’t love a nice 80’s synth ballad! Yay for new music from The Killers! I’m excited for Direct Hits to come out in November.

  • Lighted Makeup Mirror

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This mirror is great for applying makeup or tweezing your brows. With 8xs magnification and 360 degree rotation, you’ll be sure to see exactly what you are doing!

  • SEPHORA COLLECTION – Pro Stippling Brush #44

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I’m surprised this brush doesn’t have better reviews online. A lot of people are saying the brush sheds, but I’ve never experienced any shedding. I really like this brush. I use it to apply my Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Foundation. The brush gives my skin an even, airbrushed yet natural look. The natural and synthetic fibers work together to give a streak-free application that looks great all day.

This dress is super cute. I bought it for a friend’s wedding next month but I can see myself getting a lot of use out of it. The lace design is really pretty, but durable — this isn’t some dainty-be-careful-or-it’ll-rip lace. The A-line makes it flattering for all body shapes and it’s very comfortable on.

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

Sephora Birthday Haul

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

Yay for my birthday month and 3x’s the points at Sephora!

muffinchanel sephora birthday haul korres eyeliner marc jacobs foundation free giftI’m super excited because I picked up some awesome things at Sephora, I received a special VIB samples pouch with my purchase, and a great VIB birthday gift….AND i earned triple points!

First off, I tried out Sephora + Pantone Color IQ device to help me find the perfect foundation color for my skin tone.muffinchanel sephora birthday haul korres eyeliner marc jacobs foundation free gift pantone color iq match

The device takes pictures of your skin and tells you your Color IQ number. I’m 4Y06 — then you take your Color IQ number and plug it into your phone or their iPads they have at the makeover station and it’ll tell you what foundation colors will be the perfect match for you in each brand.

So, I picked up the new MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation in shade 22 Bisque Light. (See my review HERE)muffinchanel sephora birthday haul korres eyeliner marc jacobs foundation free gift bisque light medium 22

I also picked up the Korres Lip Butter in Mango (they didn’t have the pomegranate kind in stock).muffinchanel sephora birthday haul korres eyeliner marc jacobs foundation free gift mango lip butter

And this awesome eyeliner from Sephora. The design is perfect for your finger to wear like a little claw. It gives you a lot of control and the felt tip gives you a precise line. Yay!

muffinchanel sephora birthday haul korres eyeliner marc jacobs foundation free gift liquid wingedThen, as extras for being a VIB, I got a deluxe samples pouch and a free birthday gift! So Great!muffinchanel sephora birthday haul korres eyeliner marc jacobs foundation free gift vib freemuffinchanel sephora birthday haul korres eyeliner marc jacobs foundation free gift watts up

I’m very happy with my purchases and my freebies! Happy Birthday to me!