Neutrogena Shine Control Makeup Foundation

Hello bombshells!

I've been using this foundation for a few weeks now and am finally ready to review it. I typically do not wear foundation, except for special occasions, mostly because I have type 3 (oily/combination) skin and am also prone to breakouts. I am extremely careful with my skin to say the least.

Typically, I will wear a tinted moisturizer/American BB cream and light powder over to help control shine. That only goes so far without me looking shiny. Any makeup that claims to be shine control automatically has me intrigued.

Neutrogena has always been a great brand for hypoallergenic makeup and skincare. I used to love their oil-free spf moisturizer and still dabble in some of their other skin care products. Knowing Neutrogena has a good name, I wanted to try this foundation when it hit shelves.

Shade 30 Buff

Here are two swatches, one just a blob, and the other semi-blended. The color looks very off on me in both lighting pictures, but actually blends very well on my face. Buff has a yellowy undertone.

Other reviewers agree that this foundation has a gritty texture for some reason. I don't mind it. It blends well with a brush and does not feel cakey on my face.

I was enthused to see that I went shine free for 2 hours! That is more than I can usually say! 

Lately I have been mixing some of this foundation with an oil free moisturizer to dilute it and make it lighter and even more even on my face, which I find works great for daily use. It keeps me shine free longer than other tinted moisturizers. 

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Price: $12

There is also a primer and translucent powder in this line I will soon try!

Have you tried Neutrogena Shine Control Makeup? Have you tried any other products in this line? Comment below!

My skincare routine

Hello readers :) I think there are about 40 of you...it's a great start.

I want to share my skincare routine with you. I've previously stated that my favorite cosmetic brand is Lush, and this post will be a perfect representation of my love for the company. Every product I use on my skin regularly is from Lush! 

I cleanse my face twice a day using the above products.

AM:

Cleanse with Dark Angels.

Spray Breath of Fresh Air Toner on my face.

Apply Grease Lightning to my entire T-zone, where I am very oily.

PM:

Cleanse with Aqua Marina.

Spray Breath of Fresh Air Toner on my face.

Apply Grease Lightning only on break out areas.

2-3x a week I use Ocean Salt to cleanse and exfoliate usually in the AM in place of Dark Angels.

The products:

Dark Angels is a rhassoul mud and charcoal based exfoliating cleanser, great for oily and clogged skin.

Aqua Marina is a calamine and kaolin based cleanser that is super soothing for sensitive skin.

Dark Angels up close:

Breath of Fresh Air is a seawater toner great for refreshing parched skin.

Grease Lightning is a tea tree blemish treatment that banishes oils and clears up acne prone sin, naturally.

Ocean Salt is my favorite Lush product! It is a coconut cream, lime, and sea salt face (and body!) scrub that exfoliates and brightens skin. It is fantastic for oily/combination skin and smells like heaven.

I love Lush products because they're all handmade and use naturally beneficial ingredients. 

What is your skincare routine? Have you ever/do you currently use Lush products for your face? Comment below!

American BB Creams: the good, the bad, and the toxic.

Hello readers! Given this is my first post, I might be better off saying "hello roommate!" or "hello mom!" since I'm sure they are my only page viewers right now...haha. 

BB creams seem to be the latest craze amongst all mid-range and drugstore brands of makeup, claiming to be an "Asian sensation!" in skincare. Some even go as far as saying their product is a miracle for the skin...as if the 9-in-1 claims ween't enough to draw us in already.

I had my first experience with a BB cream this past summer. I reserve wearing liquid foundation and primer only for special occasions, especially since so many only seem to irritate my already oily/combination skin. For me, this "miracle" cream was going to be an option for my skin to look great and even-toned without overdoing it on the foundation. After all, a sheer tinted powder just wasn't going to cut it come fall. 

I have done much research on many American BB creams, tested many, and dug into their ingredients in order to classify and rate each one. I am in no way, shape, or form, a chemist, but I know a lot about what ingredients are potentially toxic in skin care. To determine "bad ingredients" for each BB cream, I am using these two lists: The Dirty Dozen and Top 15 Most Dangerous Ingredients.

*I understand that American BB Creams do not add up to their Asian predecessor, and since I have never tried a real Asian BB cream, I cannot judge these American ones based on that, but base it on being a skin tinting and moisturizing cream.

Products I have tried:

(I plan on updating this post as I try new BB creams.)

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector in Light/Medium

Price: $13

Good ingredients: Glycerin, which promotes hydration, which may be bad for oilier skin

Bad ingredients: Disodium EDTA, a chelator, which "perfects" low-grade materials

Pros: Evens skin tone; SPF 15; long lasting 

Cons: Very creamy and a little greasy

Skin type: Normal; combination

Overall rating: 7

Overall, I really like this BB cream, though it doesn't do too much for my skin but tint it ever so slightly. I am happy with the results, and the ingredients for the  most part. 

Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream in Fair to Light

Price: $17

Good ingredients: Soybeen seed extract

Bad ingredients: Fragrance; urea

Pros: SPF 30, oil-free, soy-based

Cons: Not many shade options...only one I saw was fair-light

Skin type: Normal; combination; oilier skin; dry

Overall rating: 8

I really like this BB cream/tinted moisturizer because it's very light and refreshing. It will be great for the summer because of the broad spectrum SPF and it's not greasy feeling at all. Not happy it contains urea and fragrance though...why must they put fragrance in it? Doesn't make my skin feel/look oily. Also on the pricy side.

Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow

Price: $34

Good ingredients: Ginseng and other root extracts

Bad ingredients: Glycerin, which may be bad for oilier skin

Pros: Paraben free, SPF 20, vegan, oil-free, hypoallergenic

Cons: Costly for 1.5 fl. oz.; almost too silky

Skin type: Normal to combination; dry

Overall rating: 8

Products I will not try because of horrible, toxic ingredients:

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream

-Loaded with parabens

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream in Light

-Also contains parabens

I will add to this list as I try more. 

What are your thoughts on the above mentioned BB creams? Do you look for specific ingredients in your makeup that are either winners or losers? Comment below!