Foundation Review x3

I've been looking for a foundation to supplement my normal MAC tinted moisturizer.  Something that can hide my ohmygosh law school is kicking my butt occasional breakouts, and something that makes my skin look like it's airbrushed to perfection...naturally of course ;)

Image Credit

Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation (Beige 40): This used to be one of my favorite foundations--especially during the summer and winter months.  It boasts a moisture rich finish, which my skin definitely needed...along with a healthy glow after applying.  However, after using this for a bit, I noticed my skin would need to be blotted on a 3-4 times a day regular basis, especially in my t-zone, and by the time I would get home, my skin would still have the coverage--but the glow I had after immediately applying it was gone--and I would break out a little more often while regularly using this. For $55.00, this is not one of the most expensive foundations out there, but definitely not worth that amount of money to me.

MAC Matchmaster Foundation (Shade 3.0)  Thanks to the beautiful and fabulous Miss CAM, my main MAC lady, one of my bests, and cousin too...She hooked me up with the not yet released (at the time) Matchmaster Medium Coverage Foundation a few weeks ago, and I'm in love.  It goes on so smooth, matches to my skin tone in 30 seconds...and the best part--it lasts all day without blotting, running, or randomly coming off. And there is an added bonus of SPF 15 (yahhh).  This would be in the medium price range at $32.50, which for a foundation, I find extremely reasonable.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup (Nude): I've always been a Neutrogena fan, whether it's of their acne wash, lip gloss, and now their foundation.  I had a couple of weeks where I didn't have a foundation, I needed one, and I truthfully didn't want to spend a lot of money on one.  Enter the $12.49 price tag...and a lightweight, spf 20, foundation that lasts all day.  Sure, I don't get the glow, or the airbrushed look...but I get a nice, lightweight, natural, all-day coverage. :) Plus, Neutrogena is always on sale which makes this even more of a winner in my book.

Final Verdict: MAC

Best Price: Neutrogena

Best SPF: Neutrogena

Longest Lasting: MAC

Airbrushed Skin Look: MAC

Fill me in Friends...what is your favorite foundation!?

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday Friends :)  I have no idea why this weekend went so quickly, but it seemed like I went to bed on Friday night and woke up to it being Monday morning. #5daystilfallbreak.

On Friday... I dyed my hair.  I put the before and after pictures side by side so you can see the difference.  I keep looking in the mirror not recognizing myself--which is kinda weird.

Friday Night I organized the First Annual "Le Tour De Omaha" which involved biking to a few bars, and doubled as a networking event between graduate programs at my university and young professionals in the Community.  Conidering it was the First Annual, there were wind warnings, and hills...oh, the hills...we had a great turn out :)  (I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted but I was stressed almost to the point of tears--and SC took a bunch, so hopefully I'll be able to share more with you).

We didn't get everyone in this picture--our group kept growing as the night went on :) (and this picture reminds me why helmets are NOT a good look for me). 

About 1/3 of the bikes at our First Stop

Waviers and Wristbands with LJ

EM, JS, and EA at our Second Stop (this is post Big Buck Hunter Action with JS)

Even though CAM had to work, she came out to our last stop...where I could finally enjoy myself, and enjoy one of Bud Light's New Day Fresh Beer (delish if you were wondering).

Saturday I slept in, which is pretty rare so it was a fun treat.  I woke up and worked on my Appellate Brief for Moot Court (it involves 1st Amendment Rights, 4th Amendment Rights, Facebook, and a Firefighter...and then worked for a few hours at my retail (super part-time/amazing discount/super nice people) job!  Following that, I vaccumed my car--went on a long walk, and went to bed around 8.30.


Sunday, was literally the exact same as Saturday minus the long walk...and adding in more time working on that Moot Court Appellate Brief (due on Thursday, and not to mention my entire grade for the class...)

Oh...and this song has been on repeat for me this weekend...le sigh ;)

Fill me in friends...how was your weekend!?

Weekend Tunes :)

Nothing like some Lady A to get ready to and sing out on a Friday or Saturday Night...

Although after this week... I think I'm more mood to get a lil Rowdy :)

And just to get pumped up for the Huskers to beat Ohio State Tomorrow :)

And of course...a Sunday Morning Worship Song

I'll post pictures from my hair appointment...and from the weekend on Monday!!!

Enjoy your weekend. oxo

Thursday Inspiration

Dying My Hair...HELP :)

I'm dying my hair on Friday, which hasn't been touched since my senior year in high school... not changing the cut... just the color.

I may have mentioned my indecisiveness regularly once or twice on my blog.

That being said...I need your advice/help/input :)

So what do you think? Am I more of a Princess Kate, Anne, Leighton or Sandra? 

Oven S'mores

Friday Night was spent with one of my favorite boys in the world :) We went on a bike ride, watched some of his favorite youtube videos, played Minecraft, watched the movie Rio...and made Oven S'mores.

Why Oven S'mores you ask?  Because I was not starting a campfire, fire in the fire pit...and I have absolutely NO idea how to light a grill (other than my George Foreman).

Start with your typical s'more ingredients...but this time you don't need sticks to put the marshmellows on...just a cookie sheet (and an oven preheated to 350).

 Break the Graham Crackers in half, and put as much or as little of Hersheys on top of the graham crackers. (We stuck with 3 Hersheys per Graham Crackers).  Having a super cute sous chef is a definite MUST as well!!!

Balance a Marshmellow on top of the Hershey (if you're type-a like me--you'll want to perfectly center the marshmellow--don't judge)...and put in the oven for about 8 or so minutes, or until the Marshmellow is melted to your satisfaction.

Let them cool for just a hot second...and then enjoy while still warm :)

Happy Tuesday. oxo

Shampoo Review x3

You know those girls with that enviably lustrous hair?  Yeah, I'm not one of them either :) But that hasn't stopped me from trying to get there.  Thus, for "research purposes" (you're welcome) I've tried three different brands, at three different price points, of shampoo and conditioner.

Ojon

I bought the Ojon damage reverse set at Sephora.  You can view it right here.  Instead of paying $30 for the Shampoo, $30 for the Conditioner (8 oz each), and $20 for the restorative hair treatment (1.5 oz) I bought the set for $40. 

After a couple weeks of regular use, I like it...but I don't love it.  If I use cold water to rinse out my conditioner--there is a definite residue left in my hair.  The smell of the product is very distinct, not bad, just distinct, and I've gone through the product very quickly.

Pureology

I've been a fan of Pureology for years --I love that their products are vegan, that Pureology is an environmentally friendly company, and that I barely have to use any of whatever my product of choice is to get results.

I thought this was more of a medium price range as the 33.5 oz "super smooth" shampoo is 59 dollars and the 33.5 oz "super smooth" conditioner is 61 dollars.  If you look at the price per ounce, this is definitely an incredible deal.  I know a lot of salons sell this product, but I usually buy mine at ulta, or beauty brands where I can use my rewards and save a little extra money :)

Paul Mitchell

When I was a little girl I thought Paul Mitchell Products were oh so glamorous.  I'm still not quite sure why, but hey, it was last year years ago.  For my lowest price point shampoo and conditioner I went with the Tea Tree Special Shampoo and Conditioner.  I didn't have any reason to choose this other than the fact that they both smell Ah-Maz-Ing. 

I probably wouldn't buy this product again.  It didn't wow me (other than smelling good), I didn't notice any changes in my hair, and after using it I consistently had to use more than normal of my styling products.

Final Verdict: Pureology

Best Scent: Paul Mitchell

Best Bang For My Buck: Pureology

Most Noticeable Change In My Hair: Pureology

**I have to say the Ojon Restorative Masque was pretty phenomenal, it made my hair so soft--but that only lasted a day or two and I had to leave it on for a super long time (like longer than it takes to shave my legs super slow) :(**

I have a couple more of these planned out...but please let me know if there is any certain type of product you'd like me to review :)

oxo