Bare Escentuals

      

      My new found love. I've been using MAC Studio Fix Foundation and concealer for long time now and I've been very pleased with its coverage. However I wanted to venture out and try another alternative makeup line which will be easily accessible in case I ran out of my MAC products. The nearest MAC store isn't that far but it's still a 20 minutes drive and once baby is out I don't want to drag my child just to get one. Since ULTA is much closer I did some research and checked out the products they have that will be a good alternative.

     I've been hearing good reviews and rave about Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals. I was hesitant at first knowing my skin is very sensitive. I was scared of breakouts but I still took the risk and bought their foundation. The foundation was wonderful in just few days I noticed that my skin was even getting better. For some reason I find it more glowing and I had no break outs. From foundation I went on my BE shopping spree. I think I spent over $115 for all the products. I got their small 30 day started kit and eventually bought Mineral Veil, Multi tasking Summer Beige, Handy Kabuki brush and lip gloss. 

    So far I'm impressed with all the complexion products. It may seem that I'm putting too much makeup in my face since all of the products are in powder form but it's been really really light on the skin. The Multi-tasking summer beige does not only have SPF but provides a good coverage as a concealer from dark under eyes and old acne scars and the Mineral Veil has given me an oil free face. My skin is dry and oily combination and I've always had issue with oiliness in my t-zone but since I used mineral veil, I never had the same issue. I've been using NYC smooth pressed powder which also helps control the shine but mineral veil works much better. The brushes are so smooth and soft on the skin. I also have the small full flawless brush which came with the starter kit. I'm just in love with this products. I still alternate BE and MAC depending on my moods and time. But I've been using BE more often now.

     However as much as I love the complexion products of BE, I'm still trying to like their lip gloss. The pigmentation is just ok, the scent and taste islike sweet dessert however I really wish it's more moisturizing and lasting power is longer. I expected more since it cost $15 dollars but I have an on and off relationship with it. In order for it to work for me I have to use Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint as base to moisturize my lips or top it off with Naturally Nude L'oreal Le gloss lip gloss to keep my lips moisturized all day. I wanted to love this because it's a mineral lip gloss and they have good color choices but I think I will just try to finish this one and will not repurchase for sure.

My new BFF's

     I've been through a lot since I got pregnant. First was my bout with hyperemesis gravidanum which I suffered for almost 4 months and recently it's back once again. Then came my premature contractions and shortening of cervix which led me to being ordered for bed rest (which I have to over come once in awhile because when bf is traveling I still have to do grocery and other errands) and when my 32 week of pregnancy I had PUPPP or Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy. 

     It wasn't the best experience at all. It all happened too when the temperature here in California was going on 3 digits high and our air condition broke down. Good thing bf was very good in fixing stuffs and he was able to repair it in 2 days but I had to suffer from itching, scratching and discomfort.

     But there are 3 products that provides me with some relief and which I'm still using since PUPPP is still active and as describe will only subside once I give birth.

     Thank God for Sarna and it's maker. An anti-itch lotion recommended by a mommy friend who had the same experience. This lotion is steroid free, good for sensitive skin, non-greasy and fragrance free as well.  I tried the Aveeno Skin relief lotion but it was just too thick for me and I just couldn't stand it although I like the minty feeling it leaves your skin.

     Aveeno Skin Relief Body wash. It's been recommended by my OB and by all the PUPPP sufferers The oatmeal ingredients helps a bit, although I still take like 2-3 bath a day to be relieved from itchiness. 

     Yardley London Oatmeal and Almond soap. How I wish I was back home in the Philippines where I can buy all my trusted oatmeal soaps. I was in search of just a plain oatmeal soap but I was having a hard time finding in my area until I saw this in CVS. It was less than $5 so I took the risk and bought it. It also provides temporary relief like the Aveeno body wash and I do prefer this one because the oatmeal bits really helped exfoliate my drying skin. I've been using this more than the body wash.

     Other than this 3 products 2 other things have helped me get through my PUPPP bouts. Cold shower and ice.

Busy Bee

     It's been more than a month since I last blogged. Oh dear!!! Been a busy bee. Been preparing for the baby shower, cleaning the house (mostly bf is doing the cleaning, I'm just the moral support since I'm getting heavier each day) and dealing with my pregnancy nemesis called morning sickness or should I say all day sickness. 

     But even if I've been busy I still found time shopping for makeups and other beauty essentials. I don't know if it's hormones or I'm just stocking up before my little prince comes. 

     I should be on a budget since I'm not working (but I'm saving believe me or not) but I just couldn't resist shopping. Some of my shopping were on sale especially the clothes and some on regular price. I think after this month it will be more baby time and spending than mommy time. Oh I shouldn't forget that I was shopping for the little one too. 

    I think I'm almost done with my shopping except for replacing my MAC concealer which could wait since I have my Bare Escentuals Multi-tasking summer beige and a few nail polish I have on the list. Yes that's my latest love right now nail polish. 

     But we'll see, we'll see. Knowing me I'll probably end up having it before October comes LOL. I'm trying to convince myself that I can always ask it as a Christmas gift but sometimes I just couldn't resist. Only thing that stops me right now is I barely fit the car, me waddling like a duck when I walk, warm or hot weather and the "I don't want to spend that much anymore" guilt feeling. I'm just really hoping that I'll be able to use all the products I got when the baby comes.