Beauty for the Economically Challenged

Just a quick post today brought to you by the importance of choosing your curl pattern BEFORE you start curling!

If you want a soft, cohesive, all-one-wave type look like this one, then you have to curl each piece in the exact same direction, which will cause it to all blend together once you  comb it through.

For this look, I first used my beloved Tresemme heat protectant. Once it had dried, I just used my 1 inch curling wand to curl 1 inch sections away from my face. After all the curls had completely cooled, I sprayed it with hairspray, let that dry, and then combed it through. 

This is a super quick and easy look for when you’re bored of your naturally pin straight hair but still don’t want to wake up extra early to do something about it.

Any questions? Let me know!

xox

Noelle Alysse

Hello beauties!

Today’s face is simple but one of my favorites.
Eyes: Wet n Wild Sweet as Candy trio, Be a Bombshell Marker Eyeliner in Onyx, and Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara
Lips: Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss in Dustin: I really like this because the nude-ness of it tends to offset the pink of my eyeshadow, cheeks and top. This makes the look sweet but not too sweet. Haha.
Face: Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation, Physicians Formula Mineral Loose Powder, NYX Blush in Pinched (I can’t get enough of this!!!), and light contouring with Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Light. 

I miss you all dearly! My life has been so crazy and I realize this is the longest hiatus ever. Unfortunately I can’t commit to any sort of set frequency with posts but I’m going to start posting more whenever I can. I love you all dearly.

xox

Noelle Alysse

As you probably know, most people in the beauty blogging world really don’t like this foundation. There are legitimate reasons why some people don’t like it, and it definitely wouldn’t work for everyone, but I personally really like it. First, I’ll get to the complaints people have, and then use those to talk about why I like it. It’s also important to say that I’m only talking about the one with the blue label, for oily skin.

(Picture from Google Images)

The packaging claims that it has “matte coverage.” This is not true. The coverage is absolutely not matte, it’s more dewy, but, for me, not in a bad way. That is definitely a drawback, because the product doesn’t deliver what the label promises. 
I’ve also heard complaints that it caused breakouts. I personally have extremely acne-prone skin, and I’ve never had a problem with that.
Also, I’ve heard complaints about the coverage. Some people have complained that it’s extremely sheer. 
Finally, there are complaints about the packaging. The bottle, as you can see, is extremely triangular, so when you get down toward the last layer of foundation, it gets extremely difficult to get out that last bit of product out. I won’t discuss this complaint any further because it’s just true and that’s that. 

I understand these complaints, but there is a reason that I think it works for me. I actually have combination/normal skin, but instead of using the one made for normal skin, I use the one for oily skin. The sort of overcompensation makes up for any lack of quality of the foundation itself. Because I don’t have very much oiliness at all, the “oil control” foundation keeps what little bit of oiliness I may have (like in the T-zone) at bay.
As far as coverage, for me the coverage is buildable. If I use a brush (like ELF’s Flat Top Powder Brush) I can get a solid medium coverage with it.
It also lasts a good ten hours, as long as I set it with powder. After about ten hours, I start to feel it on my face, but for a product that generally gets really bad reviews, I think ten hours is pretty great staying-power.
The shade 510 Classic Ivory is also the best color match I’ve ever had in a foundation, hands down, but the color selection isn’t super great. 

The bottom line is, every product works differently for different people. If you have combination/normal skin and are looking for a lighter foundation for summer, I suggest that you try the “oil control” version of this foundation. I like this product so much that I’ve just purchased my third bottle of it! 

Anyway, I know that was a bit long-winded, but basically, I think that the complaints with this product are legitimate, but I have found a way around them. 

Have you ever tried Covergirl Clean foundation? Let me know!

xox

Noelle Alysse

Okay, I’m really sorry but I am IN LOVE with my hair today. I mean, look at it. I never even knew it could look this way. As you may or may not know, I am in love with all things vintage. If people didn’t think it was weird, I would totally be drawing pen lines down the back of my legs to make it look like I was wearing nylons. Anyway, I followed this tutorial from the Beauty Department, which is so gloriously detailed that you shouldn’t have any problem following it too. Make sure you study the pictures and the exact angle of her curling iron, that’s important. I used my Proliss 1” curling wand.

(Please ignore the t-shirt, I hadn’t gotten dressed yet…no shame. I couldn’t crop it out because hey, my hair has gotten too long for that! !!!!!!!)

I love the sexy-soft look of these waves, but most of all, I love how easy they are. Make sure to use a heat protectant!

Here is my makeup for the day:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Demure, Revlon Photoready Concealer, Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana as a highlight on my cheekbones and cupid’s bow, NYX “One Night in Morocco” Matte Smokey Look palette (bottom left color on lid, bottom right middle color in crease), Rimmel Lash Accelerator mascara, Hard Candy Stay in Line eyeliner in Black Pearl Sparkle, NYX Blush in Peach, and Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder. 

My ask box is always open! Much love!

xox

Noelle Alysse

Installment 3 in my summer waves series!

I already used this picture in another post, but I don’t do this method very often because it involves using high heat on your hair, and I don’t like to damage my hair that much. I just got lucky that this picture is the exact look I’m discussing in this post, and I can recycle it instead of hurting my hair.

These are also quite easy to do. I find that first-day hair curls best for me, but my hair is tough to curl, so feel free to do this on any day hair. First, just section off your hair. I did three sections. From the bottom up, curl different-sized pieces, alternating the direction of the curl. The front pieces should always curl away from your face, but otherwise, direct some toward your face and some away. That, and using different sized pieces, is the key to making these look effortless and summery. While curling, leave out an inch or two at the root and an inch or two at the end as well. Don’t forget to use lots of heat protectant!!!

I used Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves mousse before I curled. You can use sea salt spray, or any products you would like. My curling wand was 1”, if you don’t have a curling wand, just use a curling iron but don’t use the clip. 

Make sure to finger through once your waves have cooled, and mess them up a lot! They can definitely be a lot more messy (and therefore more natural-looking) than mine are in the picture. 

You can do a side part or a middle part, whichever you prefer. I think that a middle part looks more natural and care-free, but it’s up to you!

If you try this method, or want me to try any other methods and write about them, please let me know!

xox

Noelle Alysse

After six months of searching, I FINALLY found Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Masque by chance in a Walgreen’s that is 45 minutes away from my house. I can’t smile because it’s so tight but I AM SO HAPPY.

This isn’t going to be a full review, because if you’re following me, you’re probably following a lot of other beauty blogs too who have done a full review on these. To make a long story short, these were beamed straight from heaven right into your local drugstore. We beauty freaks have clearly been earning some good karma lately.

So, first, I bought this one, Honey, which you see below. I tried it out for a night of babysitting, and it lasted unbelievably. I edited the photo so that it would be as close to true-to-color as possible.

After falling in love with Honey, I went back two days later and bought Smitten. Again, this photo is edited to be true-to-color.

These show up wonderfully on my really pigmented lips, which makes me oh so happy. It definitely takes a few passes to build up color, but not so much that it’s annoying. It’s going to be really hard for me not to run back to Wal-Mart and pick up like, every single other color. Hehe.

If you want a full full review, let me know, and I’ll do one. I just don’t want anyone’s dash to be too redundant.

xox

Noelle Alysse

I used a bobby pin to do these. If you can’t see because of the crappy quality of my Blackberry camera, it’s just dots striping diagonally across my nail. The bottom color is Zoya Valentina, then Zoya Happi, then Wet n Wild Wild Shine white (I don’t know the actual name). These are super easy as long as you have a lot of patience :)

I hope you enjoy! If you try these, let me see!

xox

Noelle Alysse

Of course it’s the beginning of June, so this post is a little late. But cut me some slack, I’m busy! :)

May for me is the beginning of summer, and the beginning of summer means a few things: I’m nannying again, I’m exercising more, I’m tan again (and with a tan comes clear skin, yay!), and I love to look a bit more messy and care-free. Of course, all of these things have an impact on my beauty routine, so to speak.

Hair favorites:

Once again, I apologize for the horrible photos, I have to make do with my phone camera.

Psssst! dry shampoo: I’m a little late on the uptake on this one but whatever. Because I’m working on making my hair stretch for two days after a shower (showering every fourth day) but also working out six days a week, I really need this dry shampoo. I’m lucky that my scalp never gets too sweaty, but this stuff helps a lot while my hair is in the awkward stage where it’s not used to not being washed every other day.

Goody Spin Pins: I posted about these a while ago, but I’ve just dug them up out of my two boxes of beauty products that hadn’t been unpacked since I moved out of school for the summer (yes, I procrastinate). Honestly these make the best messy buns/topknots and you can incorporate braids and it’s just so perfect for the carefree look that I’m always going for.

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum: With the sun and the beach, summer is much more dangerous for hair. I use this always but feel much better especially now knowing that my hair has that extra bit of protection. You can read my post about this here.

Makeup favorites:

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Powder Foundation: First of all, if you buy this, throw the brush out. It will tear your skin off. But otherwise, this stuff is an absolute constant for me. I use it in the winter to set my foundation, but in the summer, I use it alone or just with a concealer. Luckily the sun clears my skin (it’s the only thing I can count on to do that) so I find that this is enough for me in the summer. It feels light, and stays all day.

ELF Brightening Eye Color Quad in Pretty n’ Pink: I like a natural and low-maintenance look for summer, so I find that a wash of pink on my lids is easy, but also really pretty and summery and enhances my eyes. If I want a little more, I use the darker pink/purple color loosely in my crease.

ELF’s Lengthening and Defining Mascara: I don’t think most people like this, and I have to say that there is nothing great about this mascara. I got it in an small makeup kit from ELF that was on clearance at Target. My lashes are naturally long, thick, and curled, so when I don’t want to wear eyeliner, I like this mascara because it just puts some black on my lashes. My lashes look natural and not mascara-y, making my whole look more natural but also not allowing my relatively small eyes to disappear.

Wet n’ Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in 516C Sunset Peach: I’m loving the peach right now, especially since my mom always told me I couldn’t wear it. Well I think I can, so there, Mom. ;) This lipstick feels soft on my lips and my natural lip color doesn’t peek through, which happens to me A LOT. The color is solid but it doesn’t look like I tried super hard, so I find myself reaching for this as my go-to lip color.

Wet n’ Wild Natural Blend Lip Shimmer in 104 Berry: Yes, two lip products. This is what I keep in my purse for when I don’t have time to really think about a lip color. The color works with almost anything and is really moisturizing. Yay.

NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic: I love cream blush. This is just summery and natural looking and I love it. Yay NYX.

Skin Care favorites:

*image from Google Images

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Toner: With summer comes heat, and heat means a bit more sweat and oil for my combination skin. I didn’t used to use a toner, but I’m really liking this and I find it’s making a difference for my skin. I haven’t noticed less acne, but I’ve noticed less oil and more balanced skin. 

Insert Tinted Moisturizer or BB Cream here: I’m looking for a drugstore tinted moisturizer or BB Cream to get me through the summer while I need less coverage. I’m thinking of holding out and waiting for Maybelline’s BB Cream to come out, but I would still love to hear your suggestions if you have any! Thanks!

What are your May favorites? Let me know!

xox

Noelle Alysse

This is a really crappy part of living in Maine. We get everything so late!

I’m trying to decide if it’s worth checking Wal-Mart. 

They also don’t have Maybelline’s Color Show nail polishes.

On the bright side, I finally picked up a Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick. I got Just Peachy. Yay!
My May favorites post will be up tomorrow, get ready! :)

xox