4 Foundations for Oily Combination Skin

I am a full coverage kinda girl! Although I’m beginning to lean towards less makeup and more skin days. However, there is something about a full-coverage matte foundation that gets me excited! Below is my favorite, tried and true foundations.

1.      Maybelline FitMe Foundation Matte + Poreless

I love this foundation and have used it for years. It’s under $10 and you really get the best bang for your buck. This is a very buildable foundation – depending on how you choose to apply one application maybe all you need. It’s great for an everyday foundation.

2.      Fenty Beauty Pro FILT’R Soft Matte

I had to get use to this foundation and how it works. At first it was not my favorite because of the way it settles onto the skin but now that I know how to properly use it – I love it. I recommend apply this with a sponge/beauty blender. Go light with applying and build up, wait until you see how it settles before moving on to setting to setting your foundation.

3.      Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

Now this foundation is the truth IF you know your shade. I recently discovered this after wanted to find a foundation that would stay on all without breaking down and this was it. I initially picked up the wrong shade and was devastated thinking it wasn’t for me but after getting the right shade it was perfect. My only drawback is you have to work fast because it does dry/set quickly but it last. It is on the higher end so I try to use it sparingly.

4.      Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear

In love with this foundation, I was introduced to it after giving up my favorite MAC one. It’s lightweight and full coverage. I love that it doesn’t dioxides the color you see is pretty much the color you get. It goes on well with both a foundation brush and beauty blender. It’s long lasting and doesn’t mess with my skin…MAJOR Bonus!

Have you tried any of these? If so, I’d love to know your favorite or tell me about a foundation that should be on my list to try.

Vanity Planet Aira Facial Steamer Review

I did receive this product for free - all opinions are my own.

Hey guys! I just have to let you know about my skincare journey and share my facial steamer with you.

So if you’ve been following me on the ‘gram, you already know what’s up. I started taking my skincare seriously around the end of December. My motto is – “I’m too old to be crusty, period.” I don’t wear makeup often but I love a good beat. I want to look and feel as confident as I do with makeup without it.

So I’ve heard a few ladies in my skincare group raving about facial steamers and I recently enjoyed my first facial and steam was incorporated so I knew it had to be good. I went on the hunt and did a lot research before settling.

Benefits of Facial Steaming

Do you ever feel like you just can’t get your face clean? Clogged pores? Dehydrated skin? If so, facial steaming is just right for you.

I have combination/oily skin and I’ve seen the steamer work wonders for product application. I use 1-2x a week.

My top 4 reasons to steam

-          Opens pores to allow better product absorption

-          Its soothing, I always feel relaxed afterwards

-          Hydration! Even oily skin needs to be hydrated

-          Releases acne causing bacteria

"Freshly cleaned pores are better able to absorb skin creams with active ingredients such as retinol based-products or prescription creams from your dermatologist…" Dr. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD

How to Use Aira Facial Steamer

This steamer is not only aesthetically pleasing but compact. It comes in two colors: Rose Gold and Beige. It also includes three essential oil baskets to create a full spa-like experience. The water tank is easily accessible from the back. Fill with distilled water only and enjoy! The steamer takes 30-45 seconds to heat up and the nozzle can move to direct your steam.

My cleansing routine

1.       Pre-cleanse with a balm

2.       Steam (15 minutes)

3.       Cleanse

4.       Serum

5.       Moisturizer

6.       Lip Balm

Be sure to check out the Aira Facial Steamer by Vanity Planet and if you order by February 29, 2020 you can use my code: FREELY_NATXAERA to receive 40% off.

First Impressions Derma E Skincare

I was gifted these items in exchange for my review but all opinions are my own.

I have been dying to try Derma E for a while now and I just wasn’t sure if I was ready to take the plunge since I have so many other skincare products. My goal is to finish what I have and then move on BUT that doesn’t always work.

Derma E send me their Vitamin C Bright Eye Hydro Gel Patches, Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster and the Hydrating Day Cream.  I was instantly impressed, for starters, I’m a sucker for packaging. I love it when a package is clear and straight to the point without all of the fluff.

Derma E is a GMO free, Cruelty free, 100% Vegan, Gluten free, Soy free and recyclable product. I feel like they’ve covered all of the bases as to why you would be hesitant in purchasing.

So far, I’ve been trying out these products for roughly a week and I can’t wait to see the results to come.

Vitamin C Bright Eye Hydro Gel Patches

I was jumping out of my skin to try these. I have dark under eyes, partly due to lack of sleep and hydration. So, I wasn’t sure what these would do for me BUT I stand corrected. They have a luxe feel to them, they are gold with sparkles. My under eyes looked a little brighter and plump after the first use. I find these to be perfect after a long day and pair it with a good hydration routine; your eyes will look amazing!

Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster

This serum had me curious because it’s intended to be hydrating and I have oily/combination skin so I didn’t know what to expect but to my surprise, it left me with a glow. Once it dried my skin did not feel oily. I will say if you have dry skin this one is for you. I will keep this in rotation for the winter

Hydrating Day Cream

This cream is a little thick, I will say if you have dry skin this will be PERFECT for you but for someone like me that tends to be on the oily side it was okay. One thing I can say is that it didn’t give a super greasy feel but I felt like something was on my skin.

Derma E is a great brand to try if you’re looking for a new line. They have something for everyone and their prices won’t break the bank. If you check them out, let me know what you get!

DIY Turmeric Mask Recipe

I’ve always heard good things about turmeric but I was so afraid to try it. I tried it once in the past but it was so messy so I didn’t do it again. This time, I’m jumping in full force to take my skin to the next level.

Since I begin having children, I noticed major changes in my skin; primarily hyperpigmentation being my biggest problem. I’ve had areas of my cheeks and neck give me the most issues and I no longer want to feel the need to cover these areas with makeup. I want the freedom to wear my skin. So, I’ve decided to add this turmeric mask to my skincare regimen. I will be using it once a week and tracking my results.

I used it for the first time last week and it really wasn’t hard to do. I do recommend wearing gloves or using a makeup brush because this can get messy.

Turmeric Mask Recipe:

¼ cup turmeric

½ tsp lemon juice

½ tsp honey

Bowl

Mask brush (optional)

Mix until it forms a paste. You may need to add a little more honey or lemon juice it’s a personal preference. Leave on for 15-20 (until dry) and rinse. You will also find this recipe with plain yogurt. Do what works for you. I would love to know your results.

My Thoughts

I was very pleased with the application of the mask. I choose to rinse my mask off in the shower because it is messy and it will stain. I followed up with my face wash. WARNING: your skin may have a yellow tint. I applied my moisturizer and that’s it!

I noticed that my skin looked a little brighter and as the days have gone by I do feel that I’ve seen a few lighting benefits, so I’m happy to continue this process!