Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Foundation - Soft Beige

Neutrogena's Nourishing Long Wear foundation is quickly becoming a favorite of mine as expressed on my recent Instagram photo...

I'm shade #50 Soft Beige, which at a glance at the bottle didn't think would be my color at all, it just seemed too pinky and beige-y....I soon found that it oxidizes slightly if any at all. It was the perfect color, although I do wish more drugstore foundations came in strong yellow or golden undertones. I have a strong yellow/golden undertone. Sometimes I find it difficult to color match in the drugstore.

My foundation routine: 

I've been lemming over the Healthy Skin Primer as of late, top with Nourishing/Long Wear and Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind eraser concealer for under the eyes. 

What I love....  is that it is fluid on the face, it moves with grace...it isn't cakey, dry or tight...promoting the best of your skin, in that silky and slightly dewy airbrushed finish. This can quickly be compared to a long time favorite of mine, MAC Studio Fix. The coverage is medium to full and blends easy.

How it did 'Long Wear' wise:

The first 2 times actually wearing it on it's own with just moisturizer the foundation seemed to do pretty good. It had minimal transferring. I always do the nail test on my foundation - I lightly scrape my cheek or forehead with my clean fingernail just to see if foundation comes off, in which not all foundations that I own do this...but when I scraped with this foundation it...not really something I was looking for. Suppose this was a stay put foundation (like Revlon's Colorstay-that foundation is stuck on!) then I would be looking for very minimal transfer and a full face of foundation after hours of wear (which I have done previously with other foundations). Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear actually does say Long Wear so I would have to put this in the same category as Colorstay...I'm not saying either is better than the other, just to say that I would expect the same longevity with each. NNL was actually a pretty good 'longwear' foundation...Um, but the transferring is what sort of bothered me, it's minimal when I'd prefer it to be very minimal :) Definitely not a deal breaker because of the other reasons I totally love NNL. NNL feels so great on the skin, I can't mentioned it more than enough times. It's comfortable and offers a moisturized feel when wearing throughout the day. Just to give you an idea - to those of you that wear foundation - picture wearing pretty comfortable foundation with no powder, foundation that is not oily but dewy, and feeling pretty light, almost as if you don't have any on at all- this is what it feels like. Just all around comfortable and moisturized.

That Beautiful Finish:

I don't wear powder on top of my foundations, like at all. I just feel that they take away from a healthy glow. Very seldom do I wear powder, only on special occasions. This foundation is pretty awesome at creating a soft almost air-brushed finish. Not a powdery finish, but a smooth finish. It's pretty hard to explain. I just love the way it's buildable without being cakey. In the lower face shots (with flash) you can pretty much see how it is truly.

Dislikes:

Not too many cons with this foundation other than it needs a foundation pump. I find the foundation a little too thick to pour, I've had to tilt over the bottle to dab onto my foundation palette which still is too thick to shake out. My suggestion is grabbing a clean swab and manually grabbing as much foundation as you need-but the downside with this is that you waste a little product absorbed in the swab. I wanted to also mention NNL has no scent at all, if any it is barely noticable.

Nourishing/Long Wear in natural light no flash 

Remainder of face shots are with flash

Please excuse my wild hair nestled on my forehead, it never fails I always get that wild strand in shots :D

Neutrogena Nourishing/Long Wear foundation details:

-Currently comes in 8 shades

-Contains nourishing antioxidants, soy, light diffusing powders and vitamins that improve skin texture over time.

-Retails at participating drugstores for around $15.99 for 1 fl oz.

Disclosure: All items with an exception of Maybelline were sent to me for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Drugstore Beauty Spotted at the Oscars 2014

Anne Hathaway has her nails done by Celebrity Nail Artist Tom Bachik! How stunning is her dress?! I was almost blinded by it via HD TV but I can only imagine how gorgeous it was in person!

Get her nails! Step-By-Step:

STEP 1: "I first applied a light nude color with a bit of a golden sheen from L’Oreal Paris’ Colour Riche Le Blancs in Golden (only available internationally)."

STEP 2: "I then applied L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Sweet Nothings ($5.99) 

- A sheer pinky nude, on top. Together, the two shades gave her the perfect, soft-nude color that matched her skin tone beautifully."

Jessica Biel! Remember a few articles ago I briefly discussed how sharp side hair was coming about? Her hair is the perfect sharp side. I love it :) Celebrity Hairstylist Mara Roszak gives us her details on how she achieved this look for Jessica.

Get her hair look! Step-By-Step:

STEP 1: "To start, when her hair was still damp, I applied L’Oreal Paris Oleo Therapy Perfecting Oil Essence ($12.99) from the middle to end of her hair. This helps smoothe the hair to make it silky and shiny."

STEP 2: "I then sprayed the L’Oreal Paris Boost It High Lift Creation Spray ($4.99) at the roots. Even though we were going for a smooth and sleek look, I still wanted her to have a little volume at the roots."

STEP 3: "I then I made a deep side part and blow dried her hair with a boar bristle brush."

STEP 4: "Once hair was blow dried straight and smooth, I used a 1 ½ curling iron and just curled the ends of hair to give it a bit of bend."

STEP 5: "Once I was done curling the hair, I sprayed the L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Sleek It Strand-Smoother Serum Spray ($4.99) all over. This helped give the hair an ultra-sleek look, while adding a touch of shine."

STEP 6: "Even though the rain had stopped, I finished with the L’Oreal Paris Lock It Weather Control Hairspray ($4.99) to lock in the style and make sure Jessica would not have to worry about anything all night."

Kerry looks so cute with her baby bump! Her Raisin lip color prompted me to buy a similar color today, but let's see what Celebrity Makeup Artist Carola Gonzalez used on Kerry for this simple and elegant look!

Until next time - I'm off to bed, I've had a long day! Well, I may do a little makeup shopping online first :)

Le Blanc pic credit Do Not Refreeze.com. Pic credit L'Oreal Paris and Neutrogena.com

My skin is loving me right now....

I know, there is no excuse for this lateness! No use diving into detail, but I am much better! Since all is pretty much back to normal at the Lali Amora household I do have thousands of o' things to do with my blog. 

So what have I been up? Well for a few weeks now I've been trying the newest from L'Oreal skincare line...the Youth Code Texture Perfector serum concentrate, Youth Code Texture Perfector day/night cream, and the Facial Oil which I will discuss here in a few. Just wanted to say how pretty is the packaging! The pink duo is to be used together while the oil I essentially use it on it's own with other moisturizers I have lying around. The pink duo I like to call 'Pink iridescent' because the lotion and the cream contain a visible slight pink iridescent that can't be seen once applied to the skin. I have used the duo several times and can say that when used daily will obtain results, my skin felt a bit smoother but appearance wise was harder to tell since my skin always does oddly throughout the winter months.

Serum (the taller bottle). Here is what it does: 

Texture Perfector Serum Concentrate with 2% LR2412, a powerful ingredient, visibly corrects skin by tightening pores, diminishing fine lines and revealing petal-soft skin texture.

- In 1 week, over 70% of women experienced tightened, less visible pores.

- In 1 week, over 80% of women saw smoother, softer texture.
- In 1 month, women state that pores appear smaller, fine lines are reduced and texture is smoother.

- 79% of women report seeing an improvement in skin quality.*

Day/Night cream. Here is what it does:

Texture Perfector with Perline-P, an association of three perfecting actives that optimizes the quality of skin's surface by tightening pores, diminishing fine lines and revealing petal-soft skin texture.

- Instantly skin feels softer and texture is smoothed for a velvet touch.

- In 1 month, women stated that pores appear smaller and fine lines are reduced.
- 75% of women report seeing an improvement in skin quality.*

(info directly from the L'Oreal website) Yes, it is a safe link :)

The actual cream is pink of course!

Now these come boxed and can cost anywhere from $17 up to retail which is $24.99 depending where you buy and if they ever are on sale, sometimes I like to use Beauty Bucks from CVS and buy product as I need them this way. If you have tried out the Pink Duo or any other L'Oreal skincare recently please let me know! I am always on the look out for new stuff to try out. 

How I Rate it: Pink Duo - Thumbs up! But only when used together and daily :)

Let's discuss this Facial Oil shall we? I just may need a few more bottles of this stuff, I wonder if they sell it at Costco? :) My favorite thus far, and not just because it has a heavenly scent but because it actually works on my skin, like magically, even though I know it's pure science, haha. The oil I'm talking about is the glorious Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil. Complete with 8 oils that take over the face skin and surface like butter! Silky and smells divine, my face stays supple and moisturized almost all day.

Mixture of Oils:

English Lavender

Rosemary leaf

Geranium

Orange Peel

Roman Chamomile

Marjoram leaf

Lavandin

Rose flower

Can't you just smell it through your phone screen or laptop? 

This oil I use as a pre-moisturizer, or sometimes I add it along with my favorite moisturizer. You only use 2 to 5 drops, the bottle recommends 4 to 5 drops but I find a little goes a long way. The most I use would be 3 to 4 drops. I think the perfect time to use this oil would be sometime in the morning after washing face, I don't apply makeup in the morning but I do apply the drops before my moisturizer and foundation. Lasting power? Definitely an all day thing, I generally don't like my face feeling greasy or oily at all (I don't think anyone does) but this oil does not leave a greasy or oily feel at all, you can't see oil on the face after application, my skin absorbs it and the result is perfect - skin that is soft, supple, and moisturized...And of course smells amazing.

Not much change cost wise, this bottle will cost about the same as the pink duo, retails for $24.99 but of course depending on the store that carries it.

Just a few details: 

"Restore skin’s youthful glow with Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil. It deeply nourishes and replenishes dull, dry skin with a unique blend of 8 Essential oils. The non-greasy and luxuriously lightweight formula absorbs quickly for all-day hydration.

All you need is 4-5 drops each time you apply. Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil can be used 5 different ways for an all around youthful GLOW:

1. Alone, after cleansed skin
2. Right before applying cream
3. At night, before bedtime
4. Apply on the neck
5. Right before foundation to improve glide."

How I Rate it: Age perfect Glow Facial Oil - Definitely Thumbs Up! If I had a 3rd thumb I'd have it up too, now that would be weird, hahaha

Clinique Moisture Surge is still and will continue to be my all-time favorite moisturizer, I've gone through many containers of this. Although price tag might reveal Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion to be more affordable (1.7 oz $14.50) I just can't use it....I have found after a while the lotion starts to smell a little odd. So even though Moisture Surge is a little pricey (1.7 oz $37) it still does one heck of a job moisturizing and keeping the skin hydrated. Another personal favorite of mine is the Neutrogena Naturals multi-vitamin Night Cream (1.7 oz $13.99). Surprisingly, not a fan of the scent, but it does a great job. Generating 3.5 stars on Neutrogena's website, many others detest the scent as well. Maybe Neutrogena could work on this? The cream itself is pretty good, maybe tweaking the scent could be beneficial to sales? We shall see if they listen to consumers....

Do you have a favorite moisturizer that you would love to let me know about? Comment and do tell! I'm always eager to try new things, especially face creams! :)

Disclosure: All items with an exception of Clinique Moisture Surge were sent to me for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Winners are...

Winners are Stephanie and Mia!

Congrats ladies!

Enjoy!

Neutrogena Wave Sonic Power Cleanser: Win a new Wave Sonic on Lali Amora Beauty Blog!

Time for a skincare gadget review! Today’s feature product is the new Wave Sonic by Neutrogena (not the original vibrating Wave). It has been a real treat testing out this new thing, I have gotten the hang of it and consider it a nice addition to my skincare routine! Lets talk more about it shall we?

The Wave Sonic Power Cleanser

"-Clinically proven to provide unsurpassed cleansing eddicacy, by even a $200 Professional at-home Sonic Cleansing system.

-Delivers softer and visibly brighter skin in just 1 use.

-Outperformed traditional cleansing, with the leading cleanser, at removing waterproof makeup - cleaning skin 50 x's better."

So basically it's a spinning face scrubber with nifty removable facial pads that are pre-moistened with face cleanser. The sonic wave has 2 speeds -Gentle Daily Massage (slow speed) and Deep Pore Cleansing (faster speed). Personally I prefer the fastest speed just because I feel it cleans better than the slower speed.

This is what it looks like, it is about as big as my hand but is incredibly easy to hold and use.

I love that it is pink!

Since the cleansing pads are to be used only once, the packaging comes with 13 extra refills and refills can be purchased separately that come in a set of 30.

What I love about it: It leaves my face clear and bright. With each use I visually saw my skin clearer and more evenly toned. You can use in the shower as it is water proof.....you can drop this in water and it will still work afterwards. The small pad produces alot of suds and feels wonderful on the skin.

My dislikes: The replacement of the pads can be a little bit pricey especially for everyday use. To constantly have a cleansing pad on hand for daily use is a bit much that is unless you plan to only use Wave Sonic once or twice a week. The pink round part of the cleanser that grips the cleansing pad seems to pop off each time I remove a pad - which is ok because it is really easy to pop back on but having to constantly do so is a little annoying.

My Experience: I didn't really see a gradial improvement in my skin tone, texture, or clarity being that I used it for about 10 consecutive days but it really seems to be perfect just for 'on the spot' or immediate results....Just like I mentioned beforehand the brightness of my skin was noticable right away, but over time my skin didn't really look all that different than to begin with. I really like the way it makes my face look after usage so my favorite time to use it is right before I apply foundation as it gives my skin this smooth and clear palate to work on.

Info:

-It is gentle enough to use everyday but I do not use mine everyday instead I use this once every 2-3 days.

-Does not have a strong or weird scent.

-Uses AA batteries to operate and makes a quiet sound.

-Don’t confuse this one with the original Wave. The original Wave utilized vibrations - The new Wave Sonic utilizes rotating scrub action.

-Is available in most drugstores, Walmart, Target, and select grocery stores.

-Cost $14.99, refills $5.99

Win the Wave Sonic on Lali Amora Beauty Blog!

Yes, a giveaway! 2 readers will win (See below picture!) Read on for details...Enter today!

How to enter the giveaway:

1. Leave a comment on this post only. 

2. Remember to include your email in the comment.

For additional entries!

Let others know of this giveaway! Link back to Lali Amora Beauty Blog.

Giveaway rules:

Entries must be in no later than September 29th 2011.

Winner will be announced September 30th 2011.

Include your email in your comment.

You can email your entry at lali_amoramakeup@yahoo.com

2 winners will be chosen.

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit

I remember when I was as little as 10 yrs old my dad used to buy these small transparent orange-colored face soaps (because I told him I wanted clear and pretty skin!) Many years passed since my dad has bought me that soap and I’m proud to say that now so many years later I still appreciate and love the same brand of soap. I did want to take the time and say that Neutrogena in my eyes have always took the time to offer quality products...and it's a plus as I happen to adore the Neutrogena brand. As a Neutrogena devout customer I was excited at the chance to try out their newest line of skincare, the Oil-free Pink Grapefruit line.

*The following products were sent to me to try out and review. All opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by anyone.*
This is what the packaging looks like.....I currently have the body wash, face cream cleanser, facial scrub and face cleanser. Prices of each vary depending on where you get it from.

Up first is the Facial cleanser....

What they say it is/does:
'With an uplifting blast of grapefruit plus vitamin C, this unique formula clears blemishes and blackheads and eliminates oil and dirt without overdrying.'

product: 5 stars out of 5
packaging: 5 stars out of 5
quality: 5 stars out of 5
overall: 5 stars out of 5
Here is what I thought: Another great by Neutrogena! It cleans thoroughly without drying out the skin, it removes even the toughest of makeup, and I love the scent! I find this would work perfectly on those makeup wearers that need that extra benefit of working a cleanser in that will take care of current or future breakouts. Love it!

On a scale of one to ten I'd rate: 10

Cream facial cleanser

What they say it is/does:
'Powerfully clears blemishes and blackheads - Patented with Microclear.'

product: 4 stars out of 5
packaging: 4 stars out of 5
quality: 5 stars out of 5
overall: 4.5 stars out of 5
Here is what I thought: Not for me....Too moisturizing, may feel a little too much if you apply too much so a little goes a long way but I love the tingling minty sensation on the skin after applying, it is very refreshing. I feel this cream cleanser would be perfect on acne prone skin.

On a scale of one to ten I'd rate: 8

Facial foaming scrub

What they say it is/does:
'Gentle microbeads smooth away roughness without over-drying or irritation.' Contains the same blast of grapefruit plus vitamin C as in other products in this line.

product: 4.5 stars out of 5
packaging: 5 stars out of 5
quality: 5 stars out of 5
overall: 5 stars out of 5
Here is what I thought: I actually love this scrub simply because it isn’t too abrasive (such as the St. Ives Apricot Scrub) but it is gentle enough to use every other day. The scent isn’t overpowering and a little goes a long way (something I’ve always said I love). I find it bizarre that it says it 'foams'...Since using it I have yet to see it foam :) It lathers nicely, but not foams.

On a scale of one to ten I'd rate: 9.5

Body Wash

What they say it is/does:
'Unique formula clears body breakouts.Specially developed to treat body breakouts such as those on your back, shoulders, and chest without over-drying.'

product: 3.5 stars out of 5
packaging: 5 stars out of 5
quality: 3.5 stars out of 5
overall: 4 stars out of 5
Here is what I thought: Is wonderful as a body cleanser with added benefit of the acne medicinal feature, but I feel that the tiny beads don’t do much on the skin....they don’t burst or exfoliate the skin which render me to think these beads are a waste. I hardly feel them when applied to the skin and I only see them gathering on the floor of the shower. I use this body wash simply as a body wash because I really love the scent :)

On a scale of one to ten I'd rate: 7

In a nutshell:

Favorite of the 4 - The Facial cleanser, which smells great and removes all traces of makeup

Least Favorite of the 4 - Body Clear body wash

All 4 are patented with Microclear

The Oil-free foaming facial scrub and facial cleanser are Allure Readers Choice Winners (2009)

Body Wash - Beads are unnecessary but is a nice scented body wash

Facial cream cleanser - Best for skin with acne

Facial cleanser - Perfect for gentle makeup removal

Facial scrub - Perfect for gentle facial exfoliation

Scent - Clean pure grapefruit, not overpowering, just clean and fresh scent!

Neutrogena Naturals face wash and makeup remover

You want to know something I really hate? Basically, a facial cleanser that first strips my face clean and then leaves it dry and tight, that is what I hate. Although sometimes squeaky clean is a good thing, but in this case it just becomes a nuisance. Using my Biore became just too much but was a great scapegoat to begin my search of something new. I needed a facial soap that was going to deep cleanse by removing dirt, oil, and makeup but leave my skin comfortable and soft. After using my Biore cleanser, in just a short time my skin started feeling a bit overwashed, if that makes any sense. I didn’t need my skin to feel that way so I decided to change it up and search for a new cleanser.

Where to buy Neutrogena Products: Sold in CVS, Walmart, Target and various other online stores.

Cost: Mine was $5.49, I bought mine at Walmart

Quick thoughts: What I really like about Neutrogena’s Naturals face wash is that it's the perfect comfort cleanser for evening and removes your makeup 100% without the stripping and the tightness, which in my opinion is a very strong contrast to their original orange bottle of Neutrogena Deep Clean and liquid face cleanser.

Lots of Pros, yes it is that good!

Pros:

Gentle face wash plus makeup remover in one

Removes all foundation makeup and eye makeup

Is extremely gentle and yet effective

Even after gently rubbing eyes to remove eye makeup, face wash worked to remove traces of heavy eyeliner and eyeshadows
Works great to remove foundation makeup and powder

A tiny amount is all that is needed for entire face

Lathers up really nice

Smells clean, scent is not overpowering, it’s light and comforting

Face is left feeling clean, not tight at all. Skin is soft. Skin looks brighter.

Cons:

Advice: Don't lather up too much, a very small amount is needed...I learned that the hard way....Rinsing off suds can be slightly difficult if you apply too much, I’ve had to rinse off about 4 times just to make sure all the suds were gone.

Ingredient List

I use once a day, usually at night to remove makeup. I apply moisturizer afterwards, one I’m currently using is Clinique Moisture Surge.