Falsies- a learning curve

Justina is teaching me to apply falsies and it's definitely a learned skill (though she makes it look incredibly easy). After a few tries I did get them on, but they're not as tight to my lash line as I would like. Tutorial to come! 

Justina is also a skincare expert! To read some reviews by her, check out

 http://be-you-tyfine.blogspot.com/2014/07/suqqu-product-reviews-by-justina.html

Simple Fancy Makeup

This look is really easy and works for night or day. Here's how you do it:

1. Apply foundation and concealer (clearly I skipped the concealer step haha).

2. Sheer out a dark lip stick (mine is from Avon) with some thick chap stick, like Burt's Bees Honey.

3. Apply a light shimmery shadow all over both eyes, up to the brow.

4. Darken your brows slightly- use brown eyeshadow for a barely-darker look.

5. Apply a highlighter to the tops of your cheek bones; for a night look, use lots!

6. Apply mascara, and go!

Murad for Acne

So I've used murad in the past and liked it a lot. I've had major acne since I went to London so I decided to give it a shot again. I'm pretty sure I 've got a full set of their acne car line (except their silver spot treatment which is fabulous for surprise blemishes). 

This picture includes a toner, wash, acne clearing solution, benzoyl peroxide spot treatment, and oil control lotion.

The toner probably my favorite acne product I've ever used. I've used it consistently for years and it's just phenomenal. It contains witch hazel as an astringent which doesn't dry like alcohol (which is in a lot of toners). It cleans and feels all tingly. If I use this in the morning I'm oil free for at least 8 hours. Of all murad products from all their lines, I would recommend this Clarifying Toner the most. If you're skeptical, ask for a sample at sephora- they're usually great about that, and will probably give you samples of a few toners to compare.

The wash is a basic salicilic acid wash, but has some sort of time-release deal going on. I've definitely noticed a difference when using it but I can only use it once a day because, like all salicilic acid cleansers, it's a bit drying. I'd recommend using it in the day and somethig gentle at night. Follow with a moisturizing night cream before bed. 

I'm not super impressed with the acne clearing solution. It's a low dose (0.5%) salicilic acid gel to use all over. It's just not very practical. It doesn't absorb well so you can't really use it under makeup. I guess it could be good at night but it seems a bit unnecessary to me.

The spot treatment is basic and I definitely prefer the sulfer one. But I do think using the combination of salicilic acid wash and benzoyl peroxide treatment is great- most dermotologists recommend combining the two. This products good for large pimples.

Finally, I have a couple comments on the lotion. It's truly great- does control oil all day. It's a little heavy but absorbs really well so you can use it in the morning under makeup if you want. It feels really good. But I still use my night cream for added moisture. 

Final overall comments:

Buy the toner. Seriously. It's something I'll always splurge on. The other products are a good investment, except I'd skip on the clearing solution. Most of the products you can get in a starter kit, which is the cheaper way to do it. I use the toner up in two or two and a half months. But the other stuff lasts longer. Enjoy!