Tag: skin care

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Trying the “Pink Mask”

Posted on by The Style Cake

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I have two aunts that have had breast cancer more than once. I won’t be specific about who they are to respect their privacy but I thought it’d be cool to do something to bring attention and awareness to this terrible disease.

There are a few misconceptions out there so I’ve included some links at the end of this post to offer both clarity and information on the subject. In the meantime, I’m deciding to try out Boscia’s Luminizing Pink Mask and share my thoughts.

Recently, I’ve shared a bit of what I loved for skin care. If you haven’t read that post, click here. Anyhoo, this mask is supposed to help brighten and boost skin tone as well as remove impurities and excess oils (which I could definitely use). It boasts ingredients that help improve elasticity in the skin. Since I’m over 35, I definitely have no problem with that benefit!

To apply, you’re supposed to slap on a somewhat thick layer, avoiding areas like hair and eyes of course. After waiting 30 mins you can start to peel of the mask to see the results. The texture of this mask is tacky and kind of like liquid candy in thickness. As it dried, it started to lift a little which is okay with me. Here’s what it looked like on face when I first applied it:

After it was dry, I peeled it right off pretty easily. There’s minimal pain so you shouldn’t be screaming unless you caught hair in the mask. The results? Quite frankly, I didn’t see much of a difference in my skin. I don’t know if my expectations were just too high but in my opinion, this mask was just okay. No change in my skin except for a little softness. Here is my skin before:

The results look like this:

What do YOU think?

If you want to try this mask, it retails for $22 at Sephora and $34 at Ulta online but I only paid 13 bucks for mine at TJ Maxx!! I recommend going to your local store’s beauty department to see if they have any if you want to try it! If you try it, come back and let me know what you think! In the meantime, style posts coming soon!

Natural Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast Cancer Causes

My FAVORITE Face Primer

Posted on by The Style Cake

I know, I know. It’s been soooo long since I’ve had my tail on here. I’m slowly moving back into blogging so please give me time lol. I thought since I’m making my way back, I’d let you guys in on what I’ve been loving. Now normally, I would do an entire list of favorites but that seems so impersonal sometimes. I dunno. I am WAY past due to review some products I received from Juice Beauty but I’m telling you it was worth the wait.

I generally like to really try products for quite a bit of time before I decide whether I love or hate them. That being said, I’ve been using the Juice Beauty Illuminating Primer and it is the only primer that I not only use but plan to purchase in the future. Now, coming from someone who may keep it a bit too real (so I’ve been told), that says a lot! I am helplessly in LOVE y’all!!!

So let me give y’all the scoop:

This primer feels so luxurious on the skin. It frankly reminds me more of a lotion than a primer. Primers can feel a little too silky, making you feel as if when you apply your foundation, it will slide right off your face. I actually hate primers like that. I also feel these primers give you that “hot” feeling in the summer…which brings me to my next bit of info. This primer is so light that you seriously don’t feel it on your face. If you like to “feel” your primer, this is not for you. I hate a clogged pore and I feel this primer is best for those concerned with not having an oil slick on their faces as well as for being able to maintain a great skincare routine. I am so into skincare right now so this does IT for me. It leaves a subtle glow, likely due to its iridescent, pearl-like color. I am a caramel color and this primer does not make me look ashy. Now, there have been some primer that promise to give you a glow that leave an ashy film on the face depending on the skin tone. With this primer, you get a great amount per bottle and I totally feel it’s worth the price. There are other primers that are super cheap but they just don’t measure up to this primer by Juice Beauty. You can use a liberal amount of this primer without worries. I’ve forgotten to put on moisturizer and I was still okay. There was no difference in the performance of my makeup than when I wear primer. It’s very moisturizing and has nothing but quality ingredients.

Some things to keep in mind are that you won’t get a ridiculous highlight with this primer. While it has a subtle glow, the focus is on great skin not on having a gleaming highlight. Also, this is not a primer with a super thick consistency. It’s made to feel like nothing is on the skin when you apply makeup. It’s made to be moisturizing on the skin so if you forget to wear a moisturizer or need a primer in a rush with not a lot of time for a million products, this will do the trick. The first ingredient is aloe vera. Can’t get better than that! That takes me lastly into this: it’s wonderful if you have sensitive skin! I am apart of the sensitive skin club and let me tell you, I have only been using this product under my makeup and when this bottle is done, I’ll be buying another one. I know I said my previous point was my last but I’d like to add that this is also the only primer where the quality of the bottle matches the contents and price. My bottle cap stays on. Yeah I know you’re thinking it may not be that important but the cap staying on the bottle prevents the pump nozzle from getting broken which in turns saves me headache of trying to get the darn primer out of the bottle. Plus, you’re not cheated on it looking like there’s more than there actually is.

Overall, I love this primer so much because I think all skin types can use it, even sensitive skin and it’s not a strong scent to it. The scent is barely noticeable. The bottle isn’t slippery so it won’t go flying out of your hand…that has happened to me before and you can knock someone out with a flying glass bottle. Would I recommend this primer? By now hopefully you know I certainly would! It’s a phenomenal primer and my fave of all the primers I’ve tried and I’ve tried a ton! So go ahead and get a sample of you still not convinced but let me tell you, I want paid to do this review and even if I were I’d have to tell you if I hated it. I love to spread a good word lol!

Why I Needed a Blogging & Social Media Break…

Posted on by The Style Cake

I swear I never thought I’d get back to the point of being excited about blogging again. Quite frankly, blogging had become more of a chore and pretty much a bore…no “bars” intended lol.

If you’re a blogger of any kind, I think you can probably relate to how ruthless the blogging world can be. Since I hate drama and am content in my own little bubble, putting myself “out there” got me more than I bargained for. I expected more comraderary from fellow bloggers but ya’ll competition is real out here…even if you’re not competing. I won’t spend much more time on that negativity but to say with real things going on in life, I couldn’t fathom letting trivial bits of pettiness and mean girl personas to move me in any way. I had to focus on getting me back to my best self.

In the midst of blogging, I think I neglected myself more than I realized. Truth is, I neglected myself a ton! I spent a lot of time researching info, growing my Instagram and social media influence and that left little time to really take care of me. I’ve talked about some health issues I have before and not putting myself first was having a negative effect on those pre-existing issues. The oxymoron of it all is that all you saw was me writing about what I was wearing, my skin, my self care solutions. Sadly, I let…myself…go.

As if my own self sabatoge wasn’t enough, our family suffered a few losses last year. One loss this year. Yes I said a few and then one. Mentally, everyone who loses a loved one needs time to reflect and gather themselves to be emotionally fit to move forward. That’s just reality. When you have children, you need more time because children need consoling and nurturing. Ours (hubby’s and mine) are at the age where they are “aware” and have questions, legit ones, about the situation surrounding the death. After they are “okay”, us parents need to usher into self care.

I’m currently on that journey of self care. I suffered extreme hair loss, skin flare ups of all kinds including hives, acne and eczema, headaches, joint and muscle pain and more things that I’ll not have to mention because the above is enough. I had to get these things in order and fast! To resolve these issues calls for more than just some sort of salve or serum. Deep research, medical help and just re-acquainting myself with my body again was essential. Now while I am still in process, I am discovering other fruits that need pruning or plucking from my life. Not that they’re necessarily bad but they provide no enrichment or “nutrition” to me as a person or to my life.

Folks…rid yourself of people, habits, so called goals, mindsets, platforms, loves and hates that don’t help you to be a better person. We grow physically but mental health and growth is just as important…actually more important. Social media is social. It’s not essential in order for us to survive. If IG was shut down for good, if YouTube was outlawed, where would that leave you? I had to ask myself if I was too deeply enthralled with something that encourages faux realities. I actually became a part of it. I looked like I took better care of myself that I actually did. That’s the long and short of it. And look, we all neglect ourselves from time to time but I was extreme. I saw problems and put them off making excuses of not having time. Buy out time. (I got that straight from the Bible lol.) It will cost time from something else but its worth it.

Where am I now? Well I am still a blogger and I have some posts that will be coming out but I am pacing myself. I don’t have to post a new look every day or every three days. I’ve decided on once per week. Maybe a lookbook in between. I’m working on my social media plan but it can not overtake my life. Perspective is important and I’ve put things in perspective.

That being said, I am working on some things that I will share a little later. Hopefully, you guys will be as excited as I am about them!

#Influenster Review: E.L.F. Cosmetics 

Posted on by The Style Cake

I am an Influenster and this is a sponsored post where I’ve received these products for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions that are expressed are completely my own. Now on to the review…

When I saw the Eyes Lips Face brand box come on the mail I got super excited since I wanted to revisit some of their products by recommendation of an associate. I hadn’t had any E.L.F products in a few years actually. I have a product that I bought last and I had put it away in makeup storage until this past year. That product I will discuss a little later in this post. Now, let me share what I received in my Vox Box…

Makeup: 

Mineral Infused Primer

Matte Lip Color

Baked Highlighter & Bronzer 

Skin Care: 

Hydrating Bubble Mask

Lip Exfoliator

Now let’s talk specifics. So as soon as I looked in the box my eyes were immediately drawn to the Bubble Mask. The name alone is very unique to products already on the market. I’ve never heard of a bubble mask and definitely not one sold in a drug store. 

I immediately opened it and tried it. My first time use results? My skin was actually surprisingly soft and moisturized. I must admit that I didn’t have the highest expectations (even though I was excited to try this) because this product is so inexpensive. I should also note that I tried this on day where I saw over 50 people in a enclosed setting under artificial lighting. I received so many compliments about how my skin glowed! I was extremely happy with the results needless to say. Would I buy this product again? YES! 

While I used my mask I decided it would be a good idea to try the Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac. Why not right? Well, I can say that I was expecting a much rougher texture grazing across my lips as I applied it but the mint infused in the exfoliator purposes to make up for “scrubbing” ability. This exfoliator didn’t remove any dead skin from my lips and my lips can get a bit flaky during this time of year. This product did feel moisturizing but that’s about it. Would I buy this product again? Meh, I don’t know. If I can’t find a cheaper alternative then I would buy there plenty of mint infused lip glosses on the market that have glazed and exfoliated my lips at the same time! 

As I’ve tried a couple of products from the skin care line, I would actually venture out and try more. Side note: I have sensitive skin. Next things I tried are all makeup. The first being the Mineral Infused Primer. So I mentioned at the outset that I would share what product I’ve recently pulled out of my makeup stash by E.L.F and it’s the tinted Mineral Infused Primer in Radiant Glow. I love that Primer and the un-tinted Primer is no different. It keeps my makeup from looking greasy/oily and doesn’t break me out. I’ve tried quite a few primers (which is why the tinted one was stashed away) and for the price, this will be a repeat buy. Would I purchase this product? YES! 

The Matte Lip Color was just okay for me. The color and the finish was not properly represented on the box that holds the product. It is described of course as having a matte finish but the finish is actually satin. Now, I’m not opposed to a satin finish however that’s not the finish that I was looking forward to seeing on my lips. That being said, if you’re looking for a long lasting lip color, look further than this product. The color appears more of a fuchsia based red than the dark almost burgundy red on the box. Since there are so many other matte lip colors on the market that are bold, this just misses the mark for me. Would I purchase this? Most likely NO! 

Lastly, I was excited to see what the Bronzer/Highlighter in Bronzed Glow was all about. I’m obsessed with a nude glossy lip paired with a nice glow (not sparkle, GLOW). I can say that I’m again pleasantly surprised! This product (including the bronzer) will be used as a highlighter. The color doesn’take me look made up or like I have a fake tan/sun kissed look. This product is light on the skin and applies without looking chalky. For reference, (in the summer I wear foundation/powder colors equivalent to NC50 and NC45 in the winter) just in case you’re wondering. It’s soft and applies easily. I definitely recommend this product. It compares very well to other drugstore bronzers on the market. Would I buy this product? YES! 
Overall, I am pretty satisfied in my revisiting of Eyes Lips Face products. Check them out for yourself. I wish I had a coupon code but they always run sales on the site, plus the price points are pretty low which is great for beauties on a budget. Check out the pics below and then let me know what YOU think! 

The Style Cake 💋 

Me wearing the highlighter below:

Lunchtime @Influenster Review of the #MarcGlowStick by @MarcBeauty (and #contest)

Posted on by The Style Cake

Hi cupcakes! 

I know how Mondays can be be not the most flattering day of the week to our skin so I thought this review would be right on time! I was sent the Glow Stick, a highlighter by Marc Jacobs Beauty for review but I absolutely would have purchased this product if I hadn’t gotten it as a gift! 

I’m a huge fan of dewy, glowy skin so when I tried this product I was immediately a fan. Honestly, I figured I’d like it because I prefer a cream based highlighter over powder anyways. In my opinion, the powders generally have too much glitter, too powdery or are too extreme in shine leaving the skin looking more made up than a healthy glow. 

This highlighter adds glow, not a glittery streak. You don’t need a lot of this product because a little goes a very long way. Although the price point may be high for some, you won’t need to repurchase for a long time. The color is yellow gold based but has a bit of opalescence to it if that makes sense. I would personally apply this highlight AFTER I’ve applied all other facial products or BEFORE applying foundation for an even more natural glow. The product blends so well so you won’t see streaks nor do you have to worry about it being too thick that it applies too heavy. Lastly, the longevity of this product was fairly good. I pretty much maintained my manufactured (lol) glow throughout the day. I think the highlight looked even more natural as the day progressed. Wanna try it for yourself? Check out Sephora! 

If you have any questions let me know, let’s chat! New outfit post later but in the meantime…

Later Cupcakes! 💋

    

    

 

I used unedited selfie cell phone pics so you can see in “real life” how the highlighter performs.

   

  

 

My Winter Skin Care Routine

Posted on by The Style Cake

So….it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Life has a way of intervening but I am now truly getting back into this thing I love: blogging. Anyhoo, on to the main feature of this post: my winter skin care routine. For those of you that don’t know, I live in the state of Michigan and in the winter my skin needs tlc because the air is so very cold and dry. It took me a little while to get a good routine going because I had to find products that truly satisfied my skin. First, let me say that I wear makeup occasionally. More often than not, I wear a little clear gloss, neaten my brows and hustle out of the door. However, there are moments in time that I will wear makeup several days in a row. When I do, I must detox my skin after. One of my fav products to do this happens to be GlamGlow’s SuperMud. This product leaves my skin refreshed and clean without feeling stripped. The smell of it reminds me of mint and black licorice but I will deal with that for the benefits. Impurities are pulled from my skin and I can truly rid my skin of the leftover makeup residue that even washing leaves behind. After I use the SuperMud, I follow right behind with the ThirstyMud. This hydrates my skin without making my skin look oily. I tend to do this detox routine at least once a month. Occasionally, I use the YouthMud on my face after that feminine time of the month (because my skin stretches out due to some water weight gain) to reduce the appearance of darkness after the water weight recedes. Don’t judge me lol. This is my routine straight, no chaser. The YouthMud can feel a little….umm…volatile, if I may use that word, on the skin. It burns quite a bit. However, I do see a change in my skin. Hyper pigmentation has been reduced over time and my skin feels smoother.

*Side note, sometimes I use the SuperMud and the ThirstyMud BEFORE I do my makeup and my skin looks luminous! I love that!

Next, I will talk about my everyday skin routine. I typically don’t do much or use a ton of products because I don’t want to “confuse” my skin. In this dry air, moisture is top priority. I use to think that because my face has an oily t-zone, that meant my face could not get dry. Wrong! Dry skin can happen to anyone. My fav thing to use this season as a cleanser is Julep’s Bare Face Cleansing Oil. I rub the cleanser on my face, let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off. My face has no residue left behind and my skin is left moisturized and “bright”. After cleansing, I follow up with my Vitamin C Skin Boost by the Body Shop in my “highlight” facial areas. I also use REN Hydra-Calm a Day Cream on the rest of my face. I do this in the morning and before bed. Lastly, I take Hair, Skin & Nail vitamins daily.

*Side note: To take makeup off I use Witch Hazel and for acne pimples, I use Oxy Spot Treatment.

On my lips, I use a very popular baby product: A+D Ointment. It doesn’t have the best ingredients but I love it to “seal” out the cold dry air. Other lip balms seem to dissipate from my lips during cold months still leaving my lips dry so this ointment does the trick for me.

So that’s my complicated yet simple skin routine. Along with this routine, I eat a healthy diet to compliment my outer efforts to maintain healthy skin in these cold winter months. How do you take care of your skin in these cold brutal months?

Eating for Healthy Skin in Winter Weather

Posted on by The Style Cake

winter foods

This winter weather can wreak havoc on our skin and hair. So far, in my area temps have reached a low in the negative of fahrenheit. That, I am NOT a fan of. To combat the frigid temps and to make sure that I don’t look sallow once the spring months come around, I try to take care of my skin and hair. I will be doing a hair regiment soon but for now I will focus on what I do for my skin. Firstly, I eat foods that are high in healthy fats such as avocados and salmon. I prefer wild caught salmon so there is not as much fat as farm raised but it is still a great fish to give the body healthy oils. Also, I incorporate coconut oil when I am cooking. If you are not a fan of coconut oil, try sesame oil. My fav is toasted sesame oil. It tastes great in Asian inspired dishes. The next things that I like to eat are a wide variety of legumes and nuts. My favorite are cashews. Be careful that you don’t eat too many as they are high in calories. I also like egg whites and eggs for omelets in the morning. As a treat, I indulge in oysters. If you are a seafood lover like I am, you will get a great helping of selenium which has great antioxidants that fight to protect the skin from harmful rays. FYI: the sun’s rays are stronger in the summer but the snow can reflect up to 90% of the rays. While we may be covered on our bodies, the face can suffer from the UV rays. Lastly, I like vegetable based smoothies and coconut milk (vanilla flavored) and to keep my hydrated of course water. These help provide nutrients to protect us from the harsh winds and cold that winter a bombard us with. Here is a link for more winter helping foods. I will be doing a natural skin care recipe soon. Stay tuned!