Beauty Buys - March 2014

Hello, babes!  I really hope everyone had a nice weekend!  How bizarre is this time change business?  It really is the weirdest concept ever, but I'm not complaining this time around because our pups are finally allowing us to sleep in until 7:30 now - yeah!!  I swear since last fall when we switched the clocks backwards it has been like the movie 'Groundhogs Day' over here and every.single.morning. they would wake us up at 6:24 am.  Spring ahead means seven thirty sleep ins, and I'm all for that :)

I know I've told you guys in the past that I am a 100% admitted beauty junkie.  Even if I have a current skincare/makeup/haircare regime that I absolutely love, I'm still always wanting to try out new serums, creams, hair tonics, and makeup.  Today, I wanted to share with you some of my latest beauty buys that I'm testing out.

Read on for more deets.

Shampoo:  Currently, I've got a couple different shampoos on rotation in my shower, and I've recently added the Alterna Caviar shampoo into the mix.  This moisture replenishing, and color protecting shampoo is formulated without any damaging sulfates, parabens, and a host of other nastiness found in most other common shampoos.  I've used it in the past,  and I really like how my hair feels healthier after using.  My dry ends visibly appear to not be as dry and brittle after using.

Hydra Pearls:  This is my first time trying out the NEVO Hydra Pearls capsules {which I picked up at Ulta} and so far I really like them!  Inside the tiny capsules is a blend of natural Amazon replenishing oils which is perfect for dry, color treated hair.  You can apply to either wet or dry hair, although I've only tried when my hair is damp.  The bottle is 100% biodegradable, and no animal testing with this product.  Purchase at Ulta or online at Amazon.

Face Serum:  I've seen Lancomes Visionnaire everywhere; magazine ads, billboards, online, etc and figured since it has great reviews that I'd give it a try.  I've been using this for about 3 weeks and I love what I'm seeing so far!  This product really seems to be helping with evening out my skin tone, and reducing the acne scars that I have.  I even went in for my monthly brow appointment last week at Anastasia, and my usual waxer commented on how this is the best that she's ever seen my skin looking...."glowing" was her exact words!  I'll take it! :)  So far, so good, and I'll definitely keep using this.

Root Amplifier:  Girls, look no further!  This is hands down the best root amplifier/ volumizer that I have ever used.  I'm talking mega volume!  Two small pumps of this velvety primer applied to damp hair is all it takes, and it smells amazing!

Nail Polish:  I am absolutely in love with this soft pretty pink polish from Chanel.  "Ballerina" is my new fave, and is the perfect neutral pink shade.  Very similar in color to Essie "Ballet Slippers", except that I find the Chanel polish to last longer; I got around 5 days out of the Chanel polish before it started chipping.

Mascara:  I swear I can't get over how much I love Bobbi Browns No Smudge Mascara.  This mascara somehow manages to lift & separate every individual lash and it does so without ever clumping, smudging, or flaking.  This may be the best waterproof mascara I have ever tried out {and I've tried the majority of them out there!}.  The best part about this mascara is that it can be layered over any regular ol' mascara and it instantly makes the formulation waterproof!  I highly, highly recommend this product!

Nail Polish Drying Accelerator:  I am notorious for smudging my nails.  It's just inevitable that if I do them at home, it's gonna happen.  On my last Ulta run, I picked up this QTICA Half Time drying accelerator which claims that, "Never again smudge, dent, or streak your manicures.  Qtica Half Time dries all layers of polish from top to bottom rock hard in 5-7 minutes."  First off, let me say that it really does dry your polish very quickly.  I still somehow managed to make a small smudge in my thumbnail {always the thumbs!} so I'm not quite sure about their claims, but I'll continue to use this for now.

Tinted Moisturizer:  I had tried this product years ago, and had completely forgotten about it until I was browsing around online on the Nordstrom website and came across it due to the great ratings it has.  This sheer,  SPF 15 moisturizer, comes out a blueish color and automatically color corrects to your unique skin tone for a healthy, even-toned glow.  I have fallen in love with this all over again!  I love how light weight & natural looking the product is, and that it has many anti-aging properties.  I definitely would recommend this tinted moisturizer. 

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