MaskerAide in 2014. Lets Hear It For Plump, Moist Skin!

I've missed you guys!  It feels good to be upright and functional again!
So, how's everything?  I hope 2014 has been good to everyone so far!
I have made a decision about this year.  I'm going to make some changes. 
I'm stuck in a style rut, I'm turning 40, and I recently found out that I have Lupus.
Because of my condition my nails, hair, and skin are all dry like the Mojave.  I've also gained some weight, which has sent my confidence down a deep, dark, cold hole in the ground.
I want my soft, glowy skin and hair back!
I want to be brave with my style choices again!
So, I'm going to get these things
And, you're all coming to get them with me!
This is the first post in a series that is going to show us all how to make 2014 healthier, prettier and braver for all of us!
Why shouldn't we look after ourselves?  It doesn't have to be expensive and time consuming!
Unless, that's your thing.  If it is, then knock yourself out!
Alright!  First things first!
Let's get our dry, flaky winter skin under control!

                                             

 

 

 Masks are essential for skin health!  I use them regularly, so I was immediately interested in getting my hands on a MaskerAide sheet mask!

What makes these different than other masks, is the feel of the product on the sheet.  Every MaskerAide mask has Argan Oil in the formula which lends a beautiful richness to the serum-like feel.  Other hydrating masks tend to feel fresh and creamy.  While comforting, I just don't feel as plump after the other masks.  The hydration really did last for days after the initial use!

The application couldn't be easier either!  After a good cleanse and exfoliation, remove the mask from the package, place the mask on your face and reeelaaaxxx!  After 10 or 20 minutes (I really recommend 20.  A little nap never hurt anybody!) remove the mask.  You can rinse if you want, but I suggest just massaging in the serum that's left on the skin.  It feels delicious!  Let everything soak in for a few and follow up with the rest of your routine!  I will say that it's best done at night, or on a day where you don't need makeup.  A little shine is going to happen, ladies!

I did my first Weather Warrior while I was sick.  My skin was dry and dull and angry when I started out.  Let me tell you, it was happy and comfortable after.

There are five different types of MaskerAide masks.  They cover pretty much every skin need out there, and are safe for all skin types.  If healthy, fresh, alive looking skin is what you're after, MaskerAide is for you!  At $5.99 they're a huge steal.

This was such a good start to my "Year of New Donna"!

I can't wait to share my journey with everyone, and take you with me!

I'd love to hear what you guys think about all of this?  There's some pretty exciting things coming up, so brace yourselves Ladies and Gents!

 

Donna Xoxo

 

                   *This product was sent for consideration, however, all opinions are my own!



 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

How to Look Fresh and Pretty On Cold Days Like These.

Winter is officially kicking our asses!
We have been covered in six inches of ice, as well as blasted with -40 degree temperatures.
We now know that a Polar Vortex exists, don't we!
Holy Hell, I wish we didn't!
I am past the point of needing to look chic when I go out the door.
Winter, you win.
I will have hat-head, which for a short haired girl is BAD with a capital B.
I will not compromise on wearing the right makeup, though! Thankfully, I don't have to!
Weather like this is the best time to bust out a flushed cheek and a pretty lip!
The trick is prepping the skin, and using the correct products.

Hydrating, waterproof, and illuminating are your best word friends during a cold snap.
 A rich moisturizer will protect your skin from wind burn, regardless of skin type. (Don't forget the SPF!  So important!)  It's usually best to avoid a full coverage foundation and go with a BB cream or tinted moisturizer.  Go for a smooth, even finish that's dewy.  A little concealer, and that's all she wrote! 
Skin gets so dull when the temperatures drop.  That's when a cream or liquid hilighter comes in handy.  Put some life back into those cheekbones!  You already know I love Pearl by MAC, but Joe Fresh makes some great ones!
Cheek colour is wonderful in the winter!  It's the perfect time for a pretty pink flush!  Benefit Posietint is my fave cheek product right now.  I love the sheerness of it, and the fact that it DOES NOT BUDGE!  Hugely important when you are wind-blown and partly covered by scarves and misery.
A waterproof and smudgeproof mascara is mandatory right now.  I learned that one the hard way!  I wore  a terrible mascara one cold winter morning on my way to work.  I had to wear my sunglasses on the bus at seven in the morning like an idiot, to cover rivers of black running down my face.  Charming, I know.  Since then, I have been rocking L'Oreal's Double Extend Mascara religiously!  It gives ma-jah length and volume to lashes, as well as wears through everything!  It also comes off really easily.  If that isn't the best thing ever, then I don't know what is!
Let's keep with the bubblegum pink flush for the lips, shall we?  I'm in love with Benefit's new Hydra-Smooth lip colour!  It has shea and mango butters for smoothness and hydration.  This feels spectacular, and leaves the prettiest sheer pink velvety finish.  Layer the Posietint  under the lipstick to up the intensity, and wear time. 

What are your best tricks for the winter?

Donna Xoxo

Almay Shadow Softies and Smart Shade Mousse Foundation. Softness Heaven!

I've always liked Almay makeup.  It's kind to skin, and the basics are great, but Almay has always seemed like a dependable safe brand.
Good product, not exciting.
Until now!
Almay has upped their game lately and I'm in love!
There is a new addition to the Smart Shade collection.  The newest formulation is a mousse which goes on white, and adjusts to the tone of the skin. 
I've always been a little skeptical as to how well this works, but I was very surprised at the way it did conform to my colouring.  You don't have to pick through twelve similar shades to find the correct undertone, so Yay for that!

This foundation feels creamy and fluffy at the same time. My dry patches liked the feel of this. It wears comfortably, but I found that it does need to be buffed in quite well.  Add a flat foundation brush, like the Sonia Kashuk one here, and the application is really beautiful!

The newest addition to their eye makeup line are the Shadow Softies.  These single pots feel soft and springy.  There's and airy-ness to the texture that makes them feel silky.  They're a cream to powder shadow which are quite pigmented and go on best with a dense brush.  The lighter shade, Crème Brulee, is a cream shade with a soft pink hue and some soft glitter.  Soooo pretty!  The darker shade, Smoke, is a great taupey-grey, like a dark mushroom.  (I took figuring this colour out quite seriously, didn't I?)  I'm not even sure if these are in stores yet, but if you see them, GRAB THEM!  They feel really nice, and build well too!
If that isn't enough to make you love Almay, it has the cutest story of how the company came to be!The founder was a chemist in the 1930's, who's wife had extremely sensitive skin.  At that time, cosmetics for sensitive skin where unheard of, so our Chemist, Al, formulated products to suit his wife, May. 
Get it?
Almay!
Adorbs!
What do you guys think of Almay?  What other lines have you fallen for lately?

Donna Xoxo

Maybelline Vivids Lipstick Collection. Neon Coral Goodness!

 You may have heard, but I looooovvvveee lipstick.
 Lurve it!
The brighter, richer, or deeper the shade, the better!
Maybelline's new Color Sensational Vivids line fits that bill and then some!
They have released eight shades in this collection, which are all over the bright, neon trend. The formula has new pigments which give a brighter colour payoff, and honey nectar has been added for comfort and moisture.
Naturally, I ran out the door and bought one!
Shocking Coral found it's way into my hot little hand.
 It sells for $10.99ish most places.  I lucked out and got mine for $8.00 on sale.
This lippy applied comfortably, and opaquely.  The shade of coral is on the pinker side, but really flattering!  The texture is soft without sacrificing wear-time.  I go through lipstick like nobodies business.  I drink tons of water, and my lips are extremely dry, so not much lasts for more than an hour.  This one was comfortable for about two and a half before I had to reapply anything!  Which was awesome!
It didn't migrate outside the lipline too badly, and I really liked the staining effect it left behind. 
Did I mention that the packaging is ADORABLE!  Really pretty!
I'm planning on buying Shocking Coral a little lippy sister or two ASAP!
Have you guys tried the new Vivids yet?  What do you think?
 I'd love to know!

Donna Xoxo