Mary Kay Clear Proof Review

Influenster is a review site which offers a free full size box to their most influential and active members. Every month, they release a box with full size products. In order to qualify for these VoxBoxes, you must be active in the Influenster community and connect your different social media to increase your impact score.  You also need to complete a survey that would pre-qualify for a specific Voxbox. To learn more about Influenster click here. One thing about joining Influenster is that you must be invited through email. If you are interested in joining, leave me a comment below!

Anyways, I was recently selected by Influenster to receive the Clear Proof Voxbox, which enclosed a new product by Mary Kay targeted for acne prone skin. It is a 4 step regimen, that when used correctly, promised clearer skin in seven days! The regimen includes a cleanser, moisturizer, toner, and a treatment gel. Now, I don't have a huge problem with acne, but I do break out every once in a while (especially during that time of the month). Luckily I received this box right around that time when I tend to break out (which was about two weeks ago). I started using it instantly! 

One thing that I noticed off the back was the lack of scent. To me, it just smelled like something that has been enclosed inside of a plastic container. To some it may not be bothersome, but I personally did not like it. The cleanser is a gel-like formula and does a pretty good job at cleaning my face. The toner is something I also really enjoyed using. It was not stripping nor did it have a strong alcohol scent, which is something many toners have. The treatment gel is also like a gel, and is the only product that contains benzoyl peroxide (the others contains salicylic acid). 

The moisturizer is the product that I really did not enjoy using out of the whole system. For one, I did not find that it was moisturizing enough. If you have used an acne system before, then you know that it can be a bit drying, and the moisturizer did not do much for alleviating the dry patches I was starting to develop on my face. Secondly, it had a very thin consistency, which was very annoying when trying to apply the product on my face. I felt as though it did not absorb into my skin fast enough and took a while to dry. 

I started using the Clear Proof system twice a day, since it was recommended on the package to use two to three times a day. Twice a day was really drying, and since the moisturizer wasn't helping much, after four days, I started using it only once a day. I washed my face in the morning using this system and used my regular skin care products at night to remove my makeup. As for the breakouts, I do feel that the Clear Proof system did help clear them up a lot quicker than my normal skin care routine. 

Would I repurchase this? Maybe not, only because I am no longer in the age where I am constantly breaking out. This is definitely targeted for those who have more breakouts, but I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a skin care system that is targeted for acne. It can be a little drying, so I would start with once a day and increase from there. The full system is $45 on the Mary Kay website if bought as a set, but about $56 if bought separately. 

Have you used an acne system? What were your results? 

Esty <3 

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*I was sent this by Influenster for review. I am not being paid, all opinions are my own. 

review | NARS Amour

About a month ago, I stopped by Sephora looking for a new blush. I had my eyes on Benefits Rockateur, but it was out of stock. While walking by the NARS section, I came across Amour. NARS Amour is not talked about as much as their other popular blushes, but I instantly loved it!

NARS Amour is described as a peachy pink. In my opinion, it is more of a muted pink with a hint of coral in it. I wish my lighting was better so that you could have a better idea. Amour is pretty dry, which to me, is not a bad thing. I find that it goes perfect over my foundation, even when it is still a little wet. It is also pigmented, but not so much that you can over do it with one swipe. 

When using this blush, I find that it wears off around the 8 hour mark, which to be frank, is okay with me. But if you are looking for a longer wearing blush, this is not the one for you. I think this blush is a gorgeous color that would look great on any skin color.

What blush are you currently loving?

Esty <3 

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review | MAC Rebel

Hey lovelies, how are you all doing? I have had one of the busiest week ever filled with midterms and all. Worst news? They are no where near over, hence why this post is a little late. Anyways, here is my review of my new favorite lipstick, MAC Rebel!

Before purchasing this lipstick, I read countless review of this beauty. I wanted something that looked great during day or night and perfect for autumn. This, my friends, is the one. Rebel is a midtone plum that looks absolutely lovely on any skin tone. It has a satin finish which means it is not drying. It lasted about up to 7 hours before I had to reapply, however, that was on a day where I literally drank my meals (I like to juice every once in a while). On regular days, it last roughly 5 hours, before I feel the need to reapply, which is good enough for me. What I love about this lipstick is that it is buildable so I can wear it during the day smeared out a bit and build it up for the night. This is definitely a lipstick I would repurchase in the future! 

Update: I decided to take a selfie in the bathroom before removing my makeup with this lipstick, and yes I did reapply my lipstick just for this picture! Sorry that it is not the best picture, but it is in the bathroom! :)

What is your current favorite fall lipstick? 

review | nyx jumbo eye pencil in iced mocha

On my recent trip to Target, I purchased the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. I've seen plenty of tutorials on YouTube using this as a base so I was pretty excited to try it. I expected it to be long lasting without a primer, but was not impressed. Maybe I tried it on really humid day, or I just have really oily lids, but this eye pencil only last about 4 hours before it started to crease and fade. I'm sure with some primer it would last a lot longer, but isn't it just disappointing when you are expecting a lot more from a product and it just doesn't follow through? Personally, Maybelline Color Tattoo is better because it last a lot longer without a primer.

As for the color, it is a beautiful bronzy gold that will look great on anyone. The formulation is creamy and goes on very smoothly. My one complain about this product is the longevity of it, but hey, it is pretty inexpensive so with some primer, it will do. 

review | olay fresh effects shine minimizing cleanser

I recently received the Paradise VoxBox from Influenster with a couple of items to review, one of them being the Olay Fresh Effects Shine Minimizing Cleanser. I started using it the same night I received it, excited to try it since I have seen it at Target, just never picked it up. 

It claims to help control shine and act like a mask but work like a cleanser. I am somebody who absolutely love mask, just don't have the time to use them. When I think of a mask, I think of relaxation, and lets face it, there is very little relaxing going on being a stay at home mom of a 12 month old and full time student. Very rarely do I get to use a mask, so I was pretty excited to give this a try.

The cleanser is grey with a fruity scent and it reminds me a lot of a cleanser I used when I was younger.  It is sort of like a cream, but not exactly. When I tried this cleanser, I had a couple of blemishes. I tried the cleanser Monday night and it definitely felt like I had applied a mask for 30 minutes. My face felt very clean and refreshed, but not dried. When I woke up Tuesday morning, my face was clearer, but it is not a miracle cleanser, so I still had a few blemishes. On Tuesday, I decided to test it for shine control. I washed my face around noon with it and checked continuously throughout the day for shine. It definitely helped with the shine, something I suffer with on my T-zone, but I didn't wear any makeup. However, it was pretty hot, so I guess that something. 

This cleanser is something I will definitely repurchase in the future. It makes my face feel like I have pampered it, but only did a routine face wash. Something I would definitely recommend.

Have you tried this product or anything from this line? What are you thoughts?

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.