OCM: the only cure, more makeup

Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer

On my recent trip to Sephora, I decided to try the Korres Pomegranite Mattifying Primer ($33). If you’ve never heard of Korres, it’s a great skincare brand dedicated to using natural ingredients. Having heard so many good things about how great they smell and how effective their products are, I decided to give Korres a shot.  I’m currently using the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation primer and I love how it creates a smooth canvas for my foundation, but I’m all for finding a better makeup primer.

You all know how annoyed I get how oily my skin gets at the end of the day, so when I find the word “mattyifying” on any product, I’m all ears. The first thing I notice with this primer is the smell.  The scent is not exactly fresh or fruity, and doesn’t smell like pomegranate to me—I definitely could do without it.  The application isn’t exactly impressive either, I find that my foundation doesn’t blend well with this primer.  I even used my all time favorite foundation (Make Up Forever HD, which blends like a dream!) with this primer and my foundation looks as if it’s sitting on top of the skin.

The texture is creamy and pretty thick, so it feels like a lotion with a peach tint.  The tint is much lighter than my skintone and I’m not a fan how it creates a mask on my face when I apply it.  It probably doesn’t make huge change in my skintone, but shade and tone are some things I look for when choosing a foundation, so when I choose a foundation, I expect it to stay that shade and I don’t want other products to alter the shade. The primer didn’t exactly control my oil production either, if anything it made my foundation look cakey and patchy.

After hearing so many great things about Korres, I’m disappointed how the first product I tried from their line was a huge fail.  I’m hoping their skincare products are much better than their makeup line.

PROS:
-NONE!

CONS:
-Smell
-Not mattifying
-Horrible primer (foundation fails to blend)
-Tint

Have any of you tried Korres products?

XOXO, Alyson

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Spring Manicure Idea

Check out the details here.

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Latest Additions

Sorry for such a LONG hiatus!  I’m still obsessed with beauty more than ever due to my new job (more about that in another blog!), but I’ve been having a hard time finding the energy to sit down and actually blog.

Since my last post, I’ve been investing in a good skincare regimine.  Although I am far from finishing, I think these additions are giant leaps forward in making my skin the best that it can be. Keep in mind that I do not have sensitive skin, my skin has gone through some brutal acne treatments.

Kate Sommerville Exfolikate: $86
For a while, I’ve been using the Origins Modern Friction and although I do love how great it brightens my complexion, the grains were too coarse for how often I like to exfoliate. Don’t get me wrong, I love Origins and will continue to use it due to the fact that none of their products carry any parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances in it. However, for my exfoliating needs, I needed something with stronger ingredients but less abrasive.

PROS:
-Ultra fine grains
-Really brightening
-Minimal product needed
-Smells refreshing

CONS:
-Expensive
-Has parabens
-Stinging affect after use, sensitive skins beware!
-Heightened skin sensitivity (wear sunscreen!)

DDF Glycolic 10% Tonic Complex: $40
I haven’t used toner since I was in middle school and even then, I didn’t notice any difference when using it. So for 10+ years, I never bothered using it.  After doing some research on glycolic acid and how well it gets rid of acne scarring (which I have tons of!), I decided a toner would suffice instead of an actual peel.  This toner has raving reviews on Sephora and I couldn’t agree more. After two weeks of using this toner, my skin texture is more refined, my scars are fading, I have fewer breakouts, and my skin isn’t as oily. I don’t think I can stop using it, my skin glows when I use it! If your skin is on the sensitive side, you might want to try a toner with 2% glycolic acid like the Mario Badescu Glycolic Toner.

PROS:
-Refined skin texture
-Fewer breakouts
-Acne scars fading
-Oil control

CONS:
-STINGS! Sensitive skins beware!
-Strong peppermint smell
-Has parabens
-Heightened skin sensitivity (wear sunscreen!)

Lancome Genefique Youth Activating Youth Concentrate: $60
This serum claims to reverse signs of aging and gives skin a more youthful look.  I don’t want to bore you with the scientific research, but it’s basically supposed to be a miracle serum.  Sadly, I haven’t noticed a huge difference (probably due to my DDF Toner) in skin texture. It keeps my skin baby soft, which is a plus.

Lancome Genefique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate: $60
I bought this eye cream around the same time as the serum (2-3 weeks ago), and I also haven’t noticed a big difference in my skin around my eye.  I do like how it keeps my eye area moisturized, but I haven’t seen any decrease in wrinkles around my eyes.  I’ll definitely give the Genefique skincare line a month or two to give my final verdict.

Next on my wishlist is the Clarisonic MIA ($119), Shiseido Pureness Deep Cleansing Foam ($22), Shiseido Pureness Balancing Softener Alcohol-Free ($24), and Shiseido Pureness Matifying Moisturizer Oil-Free ($33).

What are some products you cannot live without in your skin care regimine?  I’d love some suggestions! Happy Sunday Funday!

XOXO, Alyson

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5 Ways To Create a Winter Spa Retreat At Home

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Milkmaid Braid

Totally loving Nicole Richie and Mary Kate Olsen’s version as well!

Here’s how to do it:

XOXO, Alyson

pics here

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Braided Updo

LOVE this!

XOXO, Alyson

Instructions and blog here.

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My Classic Manicure Tutorial

My friends often ask me how I do my nails and TRUST ME, it’s easier than you think!! I don’t mind giving myself manicures every week. In fact, it’s so relaxing to me and takes no time at all!

SUPPLIES:
Pure acetone nail polish remover (if you have weak nails, switch to something gentler)
Cuticle softner
Nail file
Buffer
Cotton balls
Nail cutter
Base Coat (My fav is L’Oreal Colour Riche One Stop Base Coat)
Nail polish of choice (OPI Vodka and Caviar pictured)
Top coat (I highly recommend Seche Vite)
Hand cream

STEP 1:
Cut nails and file to a rounded square shape. Buff edges of nails where you filed your nails to prevent snagging.

STEP 2:
Apply cuticle softener.  Wait a couple minutes and gently push your cuticles back using a towel (or use a metal pusher if you have one).

STEP 3:
Soak a cotton ball with nail polish remover to get rid of any residue/oil on your nails to help the base coat adhere to your nail properly.

STEP 4:
Apply a thin layer of base coat (so necessary!). Base coat helps your nail polish last longer and protects your nails. If using a nail polish that stains your nails easily (such as red), apply another layer.

STEP 5:
Using your favorite nail polish, apply two thin coats.  I paint slowly to get a precise line and to prevent polish on my skin. Don’t forget to paint your tips to help keep the chipping at a minimum!

STEP 6:
Apply a layer of top coat.  My absolute favorite is Seche Vite—my nails dry in about 5 minutes! Use a q-tip soaked in nail polish remover to clean up any necessary mistakes. Moisturize your hands and then you’re out the door!

Voila!  My manicure lasts for about a week and I almost never get any chips.  Hope you enjoy my tutorial! :)

XOXO, Alyson

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Rediscovered

For the past couple years, I have steered clear of tinted moisturizers (even in the summer!).  Adding more moisture to my already oily skin was such a huge no-no for me that applying it in the morning would turn me into MAJOR grease ball an hour later!

However, since moving back to the Bay Area from Southern California, my skin is adjusting to the colder temperatures and my skin is ACTUALLY DRY!  So lately, I have been using tinted moisturizer instead of my usual mattifying foundation and it has seriously brought life back into my skin!!

Most tinted moisturizers give barely any coverage and I really like the look of medium to almost full coverage. After trying a couple out, I found that the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer gives pretty decent coverage.  I’ve been using this tinted moisturizer on and off for the past couple years and I forgot how much I love it!  Unfortunately I would definitely NOT use this if you have combination oily to oily skin. My cousin who falls in this category loves the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation if you’re looking for a light coverage.

XOXO, Alyson

Image from Nordstrom.com

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Lauren Conrad’s 7 Days to Skinny Jeans Plan

The Rules

• Commit. Keep your eyes on the prize (a.k.a. those darn skinny jeans) and if possible, enlist a partner in crime. It’s always easier when you have a buddy for support!
• Drink lots of water! At least 8-10 glasses a day.
• Pick one exercise to do every day (save one day for rest).
• Pick one meal from each category for each day.
• Pick one snack for each day. (I like to have a snack between lunch and dinner, but the timing is really up to you.)
• If possible, try to sneak in your exercise before breakfast. Otherwise, just make sure you squeeze it into your schedule. This is the important part!

Breakfast Options

• Greek yogurt topped with walnuts, a handful of berries (or sliced banana) and a light drizzle of agave nectar
• Steel cut oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of dried apricots, 2 tablespoons of slivered almonds and a splash of almond milk
• Veggie omelet with a slice of whole grain toast (Click here for my favorite omelet recipe!)
• Breakfast smoothie
• Half an avocado stuffed with cottage cheese and a side of sliced tomato
• Ezekiel toast topped with 2 sliced up hardboiled eggs served with half of a grapefruit
• Breakfast Quinoa (Make a big batch and eat it for breakfast for a few days. It’s delicious!)

Lunch & Dinner Options

• Whole-grain pita filled with chicken, arugula, sliced tomato a teaspoon of crumbled feta and a drizzle of olive oil; serve with a side of grapes
• Grilled Bruschetta Chicken with a small side salad (use a mixture of lemon, olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing)
• Zucchini “Pasta” with a side of quinoa
• Two slices of cauliflower crust pizza with a side of steamed vegetables
• Sesame-Tofu Stir-Fry (Another excellent meal you can make a big batch of to last a few days.)
• Beet, Orange & Fennel Salad with a side of quinoa
• Healthy Chicken Salad served over lettuce or on a slice of whole-grain toast

Snacks

• 1 medium apple with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• 1 cup of red grapes and a low fat string cheese
• ¼ cup of almonds
• ½ cup of bran cereal (or Grape Nuts) with milk and a few berries
• Raw veggies with 3 generous tablespoons of hummus
• 1 hardboiled egg with a few whole-grain crackers
• Celery with a tablespoon of almond butter and a few raisins

Exercise Options

• 30 minutes of cardio (running, kickboxing, elliptical, swimming, step aerobics etc.)
• 1 hour of yoga or Pilates
• Intervals: run for 60 seconds, walk for 90 seconds (repeat 8 times)
• Circuit: 100 jumping jacks, 20 crunches, 20 squats, 10 push ups, 25 bench dips (you can do this using a chair), 60 second wall sit, 60 second plank (repeat two times)
• 1 hour hike with steady incline
• Quickie: 20 lunges, 50 jumping jacks (or swap out jumping jacks for jumping rope for 2 minutes)
• Semi-Quickie: 15 minute jog, 20 squats, 20 sit-ups

See her post (incl the pic!) here.

XOXO, Alyson

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Yuri Ebihara

Pretty smokey eye for a night out! Happy Friday!

XOXO, Alyson

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