Courage

The devotional I've been doing for the month of November encouraged me to sit down and really meditate on the meaning of courage this week.Courage means "the ability to do something that frightens one" or "strength in the face of pain or grief"

What I love the most of this word is its Latin roots. It's root word cor which means "heart". At the root of courage is HEART. When you are passionate or love something - your heart is manifested. It takes heart to press in the face of opposition or distress. Heart means having faith even when everyone questions your ability or decision. 

BE COURAGEOUS<3 <3 <3 Take heart and remember your purpose and passion 

Just wanted to stop by and encourage you all.

Things I basically live in this season =)

1.) American Apparel Circle Infinity Scarf (top right): I am LIVING in this scarf. I bought this for a little less than 9 dollars at Marshall's. I was able to wear this in the mild Fall weather and today's 35 degree weather. Definitely glad my sister saw into the future and encouraged me to buy this. It is made of fleece and it is HUGE. Like it can be worn as a shawl, shawl-hat, shirt, dress, etc. etc. But I've been wearing it as a BIG 'OL SCARF. Very versatile and it looks so good with everything. 

2.) Wet N' Wild Copper Dust (below the scarf): Purchased this baby for 1 DOLLAR at Walgreens. This has been my baby for the past two months. It is in the Red lipstick family- but I classify this as a orangey-brown with a tint of red lol. It literally WAKES my face up. This definitely makes a difference when I jumping out of my bed in the morning and want to do the least possible. 

3.) Lancome Desert Sunset Eyeshadow Palette (bottom left): My mom purchased this for me about a year and a half ago (summer after I graduated from college)for like 15 dollars. This palette definitely goes for A LOT and we scored it for NOTHING. Honestly - I love this palette and it definitely is a summer color palette but I love the darker colors and I don't really care too much for anything other than neutral colors. AND I keep coming back to this lovely <3. Here's another view.

Photo from Beauty2Couture

4.) Old Navy Women's Chambray - So I couldn't find the actually top but I wanted to put a photo of one of Old Navy's Chambrays in the post lol. The one I purchased is a tad too big for me and I honestly didn't like it when I first purchased it. BUT I love how it looks on me and I love wearing it with jeans, leggings, and I am actually going to try to wear it with a skirt tomorrow and belt it! Woooot. 

5.) Pacifica Color Quench Balm - I purchased the Blood Orange color a few months ago from Marshalls. This stuff is LIKE BUTTER. It literally has Shea Butter in it and it has so amazing oils in it that keeps my lips moisturized. I've bought another with Cocoa Butter in it and that one is equally amazing. This keeps my lips moisturized like NO OTHER LIP BALM. I am grateful for this. lol. I've seen this lip balm at like two different Marshalls for 4 dollars. Definitely be on the look out for them.

6.) American Eagle Party Cardigan (Bottom right) - My sister bought this for me when she worked at AEO last Christmas. I totally went into the store and almost bought it and she had already picked it out for me. BEST CARDIGAN EVER. It is really comfy and it has two slits on the sides that definitely makes it edgy. I live in this thing and it makes me feel like I am walking around with a blanket on all day LOL. It is my comfort item hahah. Thanks sis - you da best giiirl <3

7.) Madewell Transport Tote - Okay...I took forever to purchased this tote yall. I looked at it for months.I finally purchased it and it has been so great to me for the past few weeks. I can comfortably carry my laptop,wallet, water, umbrella, journal, a book, pens, and chargers in this tote. CHANGED. MY. LIFE. I am glad I invested in it because I know my future educational/life goals will keep me on the move. What better way to transport with the transport tote...hahaha. 

There ya go! Some of my faves and here I am in FOUR of the seven I posted =D 

See yaaaa

<3,

Tonyette

Fall and Winter Make-Up Essentials

It’s my favorite time of the year people! November to January is prime time for me! I love the weather, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the prospects of a New Year. I also look forward to breaking out my warm cozy sweaters, boots, scarves and changing up my make-up routine just a bit. Like most people, I start whipping out deeper lip and blush colors and go for a more “flawless” face look.

So let’s talk about my staple make-up products for the fall and winter seasons! As a disclaimer, the majority of the products in this post are high-end products. I’ve been experimenting more with higher end makeup and I have really grown to like what I’ve tried out so far!

Lips

Clockwise: Dior Ultra Addict Gloss in #652, NARS Russian Doll, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey, YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #2

Swatches from Left to Right: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #2, NARS Russian Doll, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey, Dior Ultra Addict Gloss #652

 *My lighting makes everything look too red. I'm going to work on different lighting. But in the mean time bear with me. The YSL and NARS lipsticks are a lot deeper and more purple than shown. 

·      YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in #2 – What would be a fall/winter makeup look without a berry lip? I’ve wanted to try one of these YSL lipsticks for AGES but the price tag is nauseating! One of these bad boys is $35. But I ransacked the Internet and on eBay I scored this one for significantly cheaper. I should do a post on how I find good deals on eBay and not get ripped off by scammers. Hmmm, that’s an idea…. But this is a beautiful lipstick. It’s got a light, smooth, pigmented formula, think Revlon Lip Butters, but not so soft to the point where you feel like it’s going to crumble when you apply it. It smells like a Jolly Rancher and you can wear it sheer or build it up to an intense berry. It isn’t overly shiny, provides a nice sheen to the lips and leaves behind a nice even stain on the lips as it wears off. It claims to be moisturizing, but I’m not too impressed with how well it “moisturizes” my lips.

o   A great drug store alternative is Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush. It has a different finish on the lips because it’s a stain, but the shade is in the same family.

·      NARS Russian Doll – Don’t be fooled by how dark this lipstick appears in the bullet. It’s extremely versatile. It has a satin finish and I prefer to wear it as a stain by lightly applying it to the lips and then really working it in with my finger. This is a deep, cool burgundy shade with purple and brown undertones. This can be built up to full intensity if you want to go for a really vampy look. I think this would look amazing on really pale skin with a subtle, smoky eye and flawless foundation. Literally like a porcelain doll (I see what you did there NARS).

o   Other lip products of a similar shade (though different finishes) are Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Raging Raisin and YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #1.

·      Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey – This a great, everyday lip color. I gravitate more towards this product in the cooler months because it has more mauve, brown undertones than Rimmel’s Show Off/Apocolips in Celestial or YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick #9.

·      Dior Ultra Addict Lip Gloss Glow in #652 Mischievous Rose – The Dior Addict Glosses are my Holy Grail favorite lip glosses. The texture is so silky, smooth, shiny and luxurious. They are pigmented, hydrating and make your lips look unreal. They don’t last incredibly long on the lips because the formula is so slick, but I don’t mind. Mischievous Rose is a brown toned rose shade, that once it warms up on your lips, it looks so natural and pretty without being over the top. When I saw this in the tube I was scared it would be too brown, but it’s not once applied. Good stuff Dior, good stuff. I have no dupes or similar products to this one. 

Eyes

·      Urban Decay Naked2 Palette – For what ever reason I tend to stray away from eyeshadow in the warmer seasons, but once things start to cool down, I break this bad boy back out. Even though I have warm, yellow undertones to my skin, I prefer taupe eyeshadows and there is something about this palette that screams fall and winter to me. It’s slightly cooler toned than the original Naked palette, but still won’t look odd on those of us with warmer undertones. It’s got a ton of shimmer shadows and three matte shades that make it versatile; perfect for a simple every day look, or a festive sparkly look for those holiday parties.

·      Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze – This is the perfect eyeshadow base for the Naked2 palette and it works well on its own. Another eye product I really only break out during this time of the year because it’s a taupe shade.

Cheeks 

Swatches from Left to Right: theBalm Mary Lou-Manizer, NYX Mocha, Milani Red Vino, Tarte: Breathless, Embraced, Whimsy, Bashful, Irreplaceable.

*Again, my lighting makes everything too red. My bad!

·      NYX Blush in Mocha – This is the perfect everyday blush shade that goes with a variety of looks. In the summer I tend to go for blushes like NARS Orgasm, theBalm’s Hot Mama or Milani’s Baked Blush in Luminoso, but once things start to cool down, I want shades that lean more on the berry side. This blush just gives the perfect flush with a matte finish. It’s also at a great price point to at around $5.

·      Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino – This blush looks horrifying in the pan and it is insanely pigmented, so you do need to use a light hand, but when applied lightly, it gives such a beautiful berry hue to the cheeks. It is laced with gold shimmer, so it also provides a nice glow to the cheeks. I remember the first time I wore this, a coworker asked me why I looked so flushed. This is one of those blushes that makes you look like you’ve been in the cold for a few hours. It’s a great quality blush at around $7-8. Can’t beat that!

·      Tarte Pin-Up Girl Blush Palette – This  is my first Tarte purchase and I’ve wanted to try their 12 Hour Amazonian Clay blushes for a while. So, when Sephora had Tarte’s holiday blush palette, I snagged it. I really like this palette and it has a great selection of shades for any look you may want to do. It has three matte blushes and two with subtle shimmer. The main reason I wanted this palette was for the matte tan blush (perfect for when you want to wear a bold lip) and that purplish blush next to it with the subtle sheen. Very pretty.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer – I’ve wanted this highlighter for aaaages! Literally, I think at least two years, but I always talked myself out of it. But I finally caved and purchased it and I have used it practically everyday since getting it almost two months ago. Like I said earlier, I tend to go for more of a golden sheen on the cheeks in the warmer months and I like to cool things down in fall and winter. I wanted a highlighter that would still compliment my warm skin tone, while also complimenting the cooler toned blushes I start to wear again. This is also such a nice highlighter; soft and pigmented. It’s easy to go over board with this though, so apply with a light hand!

Face

·      Laura Geller Spackle Primer in Ethereal – I love to mixed this in with the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer. It provides such a lovely glow to the skin and really makes your foundation look nicer.  I wouldn’t say this is shimmery, it’s more opalescent. It doesn’t look glittery at all, it just glows. Perfect if you’re trying to achieve that flawless skin look that people strive more towards when the weather is colder. It really makes you look “lit from within.” This is also a very generous size. Most primers come in 1 ounce tubes. This is 2 ounces, so you are getting more for your money.

·      The Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals Liquid Foundation – I can only wear this foundation when it is cold and dry outside because otherwise it will slide off my face. It has a dewy finish and I find it to actually be quite moisturizing. This is not an oil free foundation, but it does not break me out. It has light to medium coverage and gives a natural look to the skin. It’s perfect for those cold winter days and you want a foundation that’s going to provide some extra moisture to your skin.

·      Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Foundation – This foundation has a huge hype around it and I’ve been curious about it for quite sometime. I finally got my hands on it and I like it quite a bit. I have the shade B40, which is the perfect shade for me when I don’t have a tan. It’s wears nicely and has a satin finish. It feels like nothing on the skin. It has light to medium coverage and I feel like the longer I have this on my face, the better it looks. It really makes my skin look flawless. The wear time is great on my skin, for me being having oily skin. For the price point I wanted it to really perform, but at the same time I didn’t want to like it so much because then I’ll want to repurchase when I run out. Guys, I like it too much. So long money. Send me a post card from France, signed by Chanel (that ain’t gonna happen). Lovely. Pricey. But lovely.

These are all my makeup staples for Fall and Winter. Quite a long post I know, but I really wanted to share these items with you all! So for those of you who actually read everything, you're the best!

That are you cold weather makeup staples? Have you tried any of these?

- Alana 

September 2014 Favorites

I’m still in disbelief that it’s October. We have a little less than three more months left of 2014. Holiday season is among us people! Hallmark already has their Christmas décor out and we all know that on November 1^st, the Christmas music will be blaring from every store. But before all of that chaos ensues, let’s talk about some September favorites, shall we?

1.     Dior Ultra Addict Lip Gloss in #452 Pretty Rose – I’ve had this for a few months now but I didn’t really appreciate it until recently. When I first got this gloss the pigmentation actually disappointed me until I realized, it’s supposed to be sheer. In September I began wearing this gloss over a lip liner that is ever so slightly darker than my natural lip color. I apply the liner just on the bottom center of my lower lip and to define my cupid’s bow to enhance the shape of my lips. This gloss just gives the prettiest, healthiest look and is hydrating like a balm. It’s become my go-to gloss for minimal or no makeup days.

2.     Maybelline Color Elixir in #065 Caramel Infused – When I first got this gloss last Fall I was really put off by the scent and taste, so I didn’t wear it a ton. I decided to put it on this past month and have been reaching for it frequently since. The scent and taste don’t bother me like it used to and I love the finish it gives. As my best friend said, “You’re lips look luscious!” and what chick doesn’t want luscious looking lips?! It’s a beautiful shade that enhances your natural lip color. The formula is thick but not sticky and hydrates well.

3.     L’Oreal Miss Manga Mascara (non-waterproof) – This mascara is great! I’m not super picky when it comes to mascara because I have really long lashes, so it doesn’t take much for my lashes to look like something. This mascara makes my lashes look unreal. I don’t wear waterproof mascara often, so I expect my non-waterproof mascara to not smudge (asking for a lot, I know…). But guys! This barely smudges on me! My waterproof L’Oreal Carbon Black smudges like crazy on me and this one doesn’t and I have oily skin, so that’s a big deal. If you’re in the market for a new mascara, give this one a go. It’s become one of my favorites.

4.     Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in shade #240 – This is another product I purchased last Fall and I only wear it during the cooler months because it will melt off my face in a heart beat in the hot summer heat. During the cooler months, when set with a mattifying powder I can actually wear this for a few hours before needed to blot. This foundation is marketed towards people with dry to normal skin, but I’ve been able to make it work for me. Bringing it back out this fall reminded me of how much I like it. It’s lightweight, light to medium coverage, it’s a perfect match for my skin tone, and gives a healthy glow without making me look like a face-planted a bucket of fried chicken.

5.     Formula X for Sephora Base Coat – This base coat is the best base coat I’ve ever tried. Period. My nails won’t chip for a week! I’m really impressed. It’s a sticky base coat so polish really adheres to the nail. It’s a bit pricey for .40 fluid ounces ($10.50), but I always do my own manicures, so it’s worth it.

6.     Estelle & Thild Face Cream, Fragrance Free for Sensitive Skin – I’ve wanted to try something from this brand when Estée from essiebutton on YouTube raved about it. However, it’s pricey (retail for this particular face cream is around $48. I paid $13) and not the most readily available. I was browsing around the skin care section of TJ Maxx and lo and behold! there was this face cream! I snatched it up and it’s been love ever since. This is a thicker, richer face cream that I only use at night on nights I apply a facemask, so about 3 times a week. I used detoxifying masks that can really leave the skin feeling tight and dry. On those days I want a heavier face cream that is really going to hydrate my skin and this fits the bill. It’s too heavy for me to use on daily basis but perfect for when my skin needs a little extra TLC. And the ingredients are natural and organic. Win!

7.     Crabtree & Evelyn Avocado, Olive & Basil Hand Cream – This is another TJ Maxx purchase. I’m always on the hunt to find the best hand cream and this may be my favorite thus far. It smells great, it’s super moisturizing and it has great ingredients. I picked up another in the scent Rosewater. When I apply this at night, my hands feel unnaturally soft in the morning. This comes with a hefty price tag at $20 a pop, retail. I paid $6 for mine. Check out TJ Maxx to see if you can score a tube.

8.     The Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose Body Butter – I love rose anything. I love the smell, the look of roses and even the taste (if you’ve never tried Rose black tea, you’re missing out). Rose is absolutely one of my favorite scents, right along with bergamot. I stumbled across this body butter at TJ Maxx (one of my favorite stores if you haven’t noticed already). I took one whiff and was like, “Yep, I’m gon need that.” It’s a fresh scent without smelling heavy, or like a grandmother. Yet, there is a complexity to it. With my body chemistry it takes on a warmer quality that makes it appropriate for the cooler months. It’s unique also, which is what I look for in a fragrance. I love it so much I went on The Body Shop and ordered the fragrance mist, the shower gel, the perfume oil and a back up of the body butter. I. Can’t. Get. Enough.

9.     J.Crew Factory Statement Necklace – I’ve been looking for a statement necklace like this for a while, a little over a year actually. This necklace is perfect for dressing up or down. I wanted a necklace like this to pair with button downs and plain sweaters. It’s sparkly without being gaudy. I probably wear it 3+ times a week. I have no shame.

Those are all my favorites for the month of September! What were some stand out products for you this past month?

-Alana 

Sunday OOTD:)

Hey lovely people:)

Just want to do a quick OOTD! Today was a great fashion moment for me because really learned the beauty of basics and how they can create an awesome outfit. I overslept and  I had a good excuse lol. I was out of town for a conference and I've been traveling nonstop for the past month. The events I've been going too have been a great blessing but traveling constantly can wear you down. So - I slept for 10 hours lol. But I had to quickly get dressed this morning and I had ZERO time to think. I quickly put this together :

ALL of these pieces have been purchased throughout the last 5 years of my life. lol.

The flats are from BCBG and I thrifted them from a local consignment shop in 2011 for $10.00. I was incredibly happy when I saw my baby feet size on the inside of the shoe.

The jacket is from Papaya and I purchased it in 2012 at the company's store when I visited the Tanger Outlet in Mebane, NC. I purchased it for less than $20. Around the time I purchased it this jacket was definitely super trendy on UVA's campus. I didn't want pay a lot for it so I was super happy when I came across it and I snatched it off the rack. I am so glad I purchased it because it definitely pulls together a lot of my fall outfits!

My jeans are from Levi's and my mom found these amaaazing babies at Marshall's in September 2013. They were literally $7.99 and the BEST jeans I've ever worn. I am so glad my mom encouraged me to try them on. 

My belt, shirt, and bag are recent purchases. I purchased the gold belt in June for $4.00 from Target. The top was purchased from Aeropostale two weeks ago for $4.99 and I purchased my bag from JustFab last week for $10.00 as a special for a new VIP Member. Can you say - Wiiiiin?! lol. I've been searching for a bag and I've never used JustFab before but I fell in love with this purse. I've been looking at JustFab purses since August and I finally took a chance to make an account. Please check out the site - they have some awesome items.


For me this outfit solidifies why bargain shopping and thrifting for basics and quality pieces are so important. One of my favorite bloggers - Natalie Live from The Tiny Closet really inspired me to really take ownership of my own style. After a major lifestyle change - she decided to stop aimlessly and craft a tiny closet full of her favorite things. She inspired me to not shop just to shop but to shop for what I love and what can be used in many ways. 
NOW - I never purchase things unless I know they can be worn many different ways and to many different events. When I shop - I want to make sure I love every piece in my closet. 

In addition to Natalie - Alana has also inspired me to buy what I love! Before I knew her - I just purchased to just purchase and I never thought of how quality or love of a piece of clothing could truly change my life. She is a bargain hunter as well and we have exchanged sooo many tips over the years. Definitely grateful for Alana being a stylespiration to me <3

So yeah - I loved my outfit today and it required zeeero effort to put together. Definitely wanted to share AND I wanted to encourage you to wear what you love

<3,

Tonyette

                                 

5 Ways to Unwind

5 Ways to Unwind

The older I get the more I tend to feel stressed about things. Stress over work, stress over paying bills and student loans, stress about my future, etc. We’ve all been there. Stress is nothing foreign to many of us. But over the past month and a half or so, I let the stress build up too much to the point where I constantly felt anxiety beyond what was normal or healthy. I’m talking about the type of stress where you’re hungry but your stomach is in such a knot, you can’t eat. The type of stress where you either can’t fall asleep or wake up much too early freaking out because your mind is racing.

Today’s post is about how to manage that stress, and dare I say it, even combat it and alleviate it. Yes, it is possible to be stress-free, well almost as stress free as possible without being so lackadaisical that you take nothing seriously.

Here are my top five ways that have helped me push past the anxiety that I was struggling with (and still tried to rear it’s ugly head) about a month and a half ago.

1.     Create a Relaxing Environment – When I need to unwind it is imperative that I create an environment that is calm, relaxing and peaceful. When I’m wound up and feeling anxious, I instantly feel less tense when I go to my room, shut the door, put on my comfy clothes, light a candle and just sit in the quiet. Creating a calm environment forces you to slow down and reflect. Start by taking a warm shower or bath first that can also help to ease tension. I know that when I slow down and actually take a breather, I find that many of the thoughts that were troubling me weren’t as imposing as I thought they were when I was caught in a more high-stress environment.

2.      Teatime and Recreational Reading – Sometimes when I’m feeling stressed I’ll often make myself a cup of tea and grab a good book that will allow for me to escape reality. It’s another way to slow down and take my mind off things. There is something about holding a cup of fragrant hot tea and diving into a fictional world that sets my mind at ease. We live in a fast paced world and it’s easy to get swept up into the chaos. Sometimes just tuning out the world is just enough to set your mind at ease.

3.     Talk to Someone – I’m extremely blessed to have a great support system. My family and friends are always there when I need a shoulder to cry on or someone to just lend a listening ear and offer words of encouragement. One key thing I’ve learned about anxiety is that internalizing it is one of the worst things you can do. I’ve gotten into the habit that, whenever I feel overwhelmed and anxious, I’ll tell at least one person. Usually that person is Tonyette or my best friend Marianne. Tonyette maybe three hours away, but one simple text and I know she’s going to send words of encouragement and the perfect bible verse to set my mind at ease. Sharing what’s worrying you and then have someone provide feedback allows you to see a different perspective. You’ll often see that the situation isn’t as bad as you think it is.  WE often blow things out of proportion.

4.     Journaling - I started journaling on a daily basis in December of 2012. I’m the type of person that has to write things down. There is something about writing the thoughts racing through my mind on paper that really eases my anxiety and stress. It allows me to organize my thoughts on paper. I often find that when I start writing, some of the smaller things that I worry about don’t get written down because I realize they aren’t as large and imposing as I thought they seemed. Again, journaling forces me to sit, be still, and be quiet. I’ll put on my big headphones that cancel out noise, put on some peaceful music and write. I also include inspirational quotes and bible verses that stand out to me in my journal entries that inspire positive thinking.

5.     Praying and Reading My Bible – I saved this one for last because it’s the most important one to me. There are some things that the longest bubble bath won’t cure, that the best cup of tea and my favorite novel can’t solve. There are those things in life that just wear you down, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. I pray and read my Bible daily. It is a part of my journaling routine. I always address my journal entries to God as letters. It is a form of prayer for me. Nothing eases my mind and gets rid of my stress and anxiety more than giving it all to the Lord. One verse that always comes to mind is Matthew 6:34:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (NIV)

One thing Tonyette always says is to take it one day at a time. Focus on what can be done today, then focus on tomorrow. When we stress about the future we are stressing about things that we often have no control over and in many cases,  about things that will never come to pass. There is something so soothing about knowing that God has everything under control. It takes the pressure off me to think I have to have it all figured out when all I have to do is trust in God. He already has it all figured out. He knows that I need for the day and He knows what I need for my tomorrow.

Those are my top 5 ways that I unwind! I hope this was helpful! How do you manage stress and anxiety in your own life?

- Alana 

This face wash is AMAAAAZING.

So....It's been a while and I am super sorry. My life has consisted of being very busy and very sick (colds and allergies). I've also been making some huge decisions and taking in my time with my family, community, church family, friends, and students before my next steps in life. I've noticed that time waits for no one and I have to appreciate all moments. Okay....enough with the deep stuff lol. Grateful for the beautiful, God-fearing, and lovely Alana and her awesome posts. 

I came by to do a quick review of something I discovered over the past few weeks. I've been looking for a new face wash and I went back and forth between an all natural product like Burt's Bees or going with the powerhouse brands like Neutrogena or Cetaphil.

I have very sensitive, very oily, and acne-prone skin. I've definitely battled with acne - all my life and it's been challenging to find products that help. Nothing has really impressed me in the face wash realm. nothing. But one thing I've noticed is that my face feels so much better and look cleaner when my oil is at bay. Products have been able to control it for a while but not for long periods of time. Once my face produces oil - my face freaks out. 

No face product I've tried has helped me keep the oil at bay until....

Garnier Clean Plus Shine Control Cleansing Gel

I picked this up on a whim. I honestly was like "okay...let me pick another product that might not work..." LOL. Honestly - super jaded. smh. It promised to "remove excess oil and mattify skin". I had never used a product with charcoal in it - but I was willing to give a try. 

After one try - I definitely noticed my face didn't break out in oil after 10 minutes. When I used it the morning before I went to school - my oil was definitely under control for at least 4 hours. When the oil appeared on my face - it was definitely a lot less visible and made my face appear a lot less shiny. I appreciate that it has helped with oil production.

A few things I like:

- A little goes a long way

- Oil is at bay...yeeees

- Cheeaaap - price is around 6 dollars. I've seen it at Walmart for around 5. 

A few things I don't like:

- The smell is gross

- The product is very hard to apply because it is gel. Definitely slips off my hands very fast when I squeeze the bottle -  A pump applicator would definitely be a lot more efficient

I've been using this a few weeks and it has been helpful. Like I said before - my skin looks cleaner and feels better when my oil is at bay.  But it can be very drying so I am using it at least once a day - not twice. I also use a moisturizer in the morning or a little olive oil at night if my face is super dry.  I also like to use products with some acne fighting ingredient such a Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide. This gel doesn't but the Garnier Clean Plus line has a Blackhead Eliminating Scrub with Salicylic Acid and the scrub is for oily skin . This product also has charcoal as it main ingredient. I want to pick this up soon and try it! 

Check out both products on Target - the site has the entire collection grouped together. Garnier Plus has products for all skin types and needs!

I really hope this post is helpful to anyone who may struggle with oily skin. It is the struggle sometimes. 

Comment below

<3,

Tonyette