Blog | Page 11 of 225 | Makeup By Kim Porter

My Paula’s Choice Skincare Regimen

June 19, 2015 by Kim S. / Reviews, Skincare / 19 Comments

I have a skincare goal, and it’s to wear little to no foundation, especially on hot and humid summer days. My skin has seen better days – I’ve suffered breakouts, which, of course has led to not so pretty blemishes. This only means it was time to switch up my skincare regimen and incorporate new products. Fortunately, I was able to try a few products from Paula’s Choice that have successfully helped my skin become better each day.

After a short telephone consultation with a skincare representative where I addressed my skincare concerns, I was sent over a set of Paula’s Choice skincare products that included a cleanser, oil-absorbing mask, exfoliator, and vitamin C serum.

Clean skin is the pathway to better looking skin, so I always start my skincare regimen off with a good cleanser. The , which is formulated for normal, oily, or combination skin is beyond amazing! I swore I had a HG cleanser until my skin met this Paula’s Choice RESIST cleanser. I love that it leaves my skin clean without feeling stripped, and my skin is amazingly soft afterwards. The fact that it doesn’t have fragrance is a plus.

For me, during the warmer months, my skin can become an oily mess. At least twice per week, I’ve incorporated the into my regimen, which is also formulated for normal, oily, or combination skin. I thought my skin was soft and smooth post cleansing, but using this mask afterwards made it even softer, if that’s even possible. The only thing I noticed that I didn’t like with this mask was the intense tingling I felt during the first few uses, which made me rinse it off earlier than the recommended 10-15 minutes; however, I was still happy with the results from using it.

After the mask, I would exfoliate using the . It’s a clear liquid formula that’s easily applied to my skin with a cotton round, and left on to dry. I’ve found that I like to use it at night because I’ve noticed that during the daytime, my skin would look a bit oily. However, when using it at night, I wake up with beautiful, smooth and glowing skin.

After cleansing, applying my mask, and then exfoliating, I would follow-up with my favorite toner, and then use a serum. My new regimen consists of adding two drops of , which is a combination of 15% Vitamin C with Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid. This serum helps reduce brown spots and brightens skin. My dark spots have lightened, and I’m sure that with continued use they will seem less visible. It’s seriously the icing on the cake, and an important step in my skincare regimen. After applying that, if it’s daytime I’d apply my favorite SPF moisturizer, or at night apply an overnight mask.

I’m so happy with my skin at this point. I’m confident that with continued use of Paula’s Choice skincare products, my skin can only improve even more. I can’t wait to try out more .

Paula’s Choice skincare products cater to any skincare concern and/or need. If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, have sensitive, dry, oily, and/or mature skin, there’s bound to be a Paula’s Choice product for you. That said, I would definitely recommend scheduling a free skincare consultation with a Paula’s Choice aesthetician by calling 1-800-431-4088 to help you find the right products for your skin.

As a Power Primper with Pretty in my Pocket (download their app here), Paula’s Choice is giving Makeup by Kim Porter readers a chance to try out their products at 20% off + FREE shipping when you click , click the ad above, or use the code PRIMP20 at checkout. Act fast because this offer expires on June 30th!

Hair Care Tuesday: Slove Hair Kinky Straight Hair Review

June 2, 2015 by Kim S. / Hair Care, Reviews / 14 Comments

*I Bought This

When your hair’s natural, keeping it in a protective style is a must. Protective styling aids in hair growth and prevents breakage since you’re not manipulating your hair often. When I get tired of wearing my top bun or my two French braids, my protective style of choice is a full head, sewn in weave AKA an install.

Over the years, I’ve had so many hair weave textures installed, from straight, to curly, to wavy, and this time, I opted to have a texture that was more like my natural hair texture. Since I wasn’t able to purchase the hair I wanted from another vendor because their hair is always sold out, I opted for a weave, which I purchased from an online vendor, Slove Hair, found on Ali Express. This purchased was half of the price, and more than likely the same quality.

I’ve previously purchased hair from Ali Express. I must say, I have had only one bad experience, which was because I tried a new vendor without thoroughly reading the reviews. This time, even though I used a new vendor, I read all of the reviews, which were very good (95.3% positive feedback), and I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed in the product I received.

From Slove Hair, I ordered a three-piece lot (16”, 18”, 20”) of Kinky Straight Hair that included a free lace closure ($146.00). The Slove Hair Kinky Straight hair was soft, and tangle-free. t had a double sewn weft that was tight, but I still sealed it just as a precaution to prevent shedding. If you’re familiar with virgin human hair, they can sometimes have a smell. Fortunately, the Slove Hair Kinky Straight Hair didn’t have a bad smell.

After having the kinky straight hair from Slove Hair installed, it took a bit of power to get it straight. My hairstylist first blew it out, and then used a flat iron to straighten it. It didn’t get bone straight, but I liked the fact that it looked like my hair. Plus, while having it done, I received so many compliments from nearly everyone in the salon. I just loved the fullness of the hair.

The real test of any weave hair comes post install since that’s when you know how the hair holds up when washed and styled several times over. I had my hair installed in February, and experienced minimal shedding. I do believe that the shedding I did experience could have been prevented had my hair stylist at the time not cut the wefts. Next time, I’m going to request for her to not cut it. Also, maintaining the hair was easy. I co-washed it, and sat under the hair dryer to let both the hair and the braids the hair was sewn onto, dry. I used a flat iron to straighten it, and flexi rods to create waves and curls when needed.

Even after a few months the kinky straight weave I picked up from Slove Hair can still be used for another install. The only thing I wouldn’t re-use is the closure. I think was a bit rough when handling it, so it looks spotty in some places.

Overall, I’m happy with my purchase from Slove Hair, and would recommend picking up a few bundles from them in the future. They always have a deal. And after taking out my install to prepare for a new one, I’m happy to report that my hair has grown at least 1 ½ inches due to the protective style and using Simplicity Hair Oil.

What’s your favorite protective hairstyle?

The Makeup Show New York 2015 Recap

June 1, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, blog / 20 Comments

Press Samples Provided | I Bought This

I feel like I come back from The Makeup Show New York reporting that it was the best yet. This year is no different. I wouldn’t have expected anything different, especially with it being in its 10^th year. After a decade of providing makeup artists – both new and old, along with students and enthusiast – a place to learn, and focus on honing their craft, The Makeup Show New York still hasn’t lost it’s spark. In fact, I think this was the biggest year yet! The lines were literally wrapped around the corner!

Everyone knows that when The Makeup Show is in town, my weekends belong to The Makeup Show. Needless to say, I spent the early part of my Sunday morning into the afternoon at The Makeup Show New York, and the day prior, I attended the blogger preview.

During the blogger preview, James Vincent showcased some of his favorite items that will be available for purchase at The Makeup Show. The limited edition 10 Year Anniversary items James showed were in limited quantity and sold exclusively at The Makeup Show. I really wanted to get my hands on the ‘Inspire’ towel because The Makeup Show is what keeps me motivated to pursue my dreams no matter the obstacles I face.

The Blogger Preview was fun, and James Vincent didn’t hold his tongue when it came to providing us with some tips, and what “trends” he believes should just die. When speaking about the Instagram contour/highlight fad, James said to “Buff it out. Blend it out.” And for those of you YouTuber’s still doing the cut creases (thank God I’ve stopped), James said, “I’m about to cut my throat.” Basically, quit the cut creases because they’re old news.

Sunday, I didn’t get a chance to spend a full day at the show because I had to tend to dance-related things for my mini me – the life of a parent. Plus, The Makeup Show New York was extremely crowded, more crowded than I’ve seen in previous years. It was hard to maneuver around to sit in on the seminars, and let alone shop. I did, however, pick up a few items I needed for my kit. I got the following:

Danny Pouch from Make Up For Eve
Mario Badescu Aloe & Rosewater Facial Spray
CLEANSE by Lauren Napier Wipes
The Makeup Light Starter Kit
Black|Up Cosmetics Sublime Powder

Before I end this post, I have to get this off of my chest. This is a PSA to other bloggers attending future blogger previews of The Makeup Show or anything similar. Do not rummage through your bag while James Vincent or anyone else is speaking, especially if you’re in the first and second rows. It is rude! Is it too hard for you to wait until you leave the venue? Are you that hard-pressed for free things? So what if you didn’t receive everything he mentioned. You’re not entitled to. Be grateful you’re there. Enjoy the experience because not everyone was fortunate enough to have the opportunity. End of rant.

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Overall, I enjoyed attending The Makeup Show New York this year. I just hope that next year the show is moved to a larger venue.

Fragrance Friday: Essence of Beauty Luscious Peony Fine Fragrance Body Mist

May 29, 2015 by Kim S. / blog, Fragrance Friday, Reviews / 12 Comments

PR SAMPLE

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. It’s a welcomed respite from the cold weather, and then as the season goes on, and the weather gets warmer, we’re exposed to beautiful blooming flowers. This spring, Essence of Beauty, the #1 best-selling fragrance and body care line available exclusively at CVS, has paired some of their favorite in-season florals like roses, lavender, and peonies, with complementary products from the line.

Peonies are some of my favorite flowers. You may have caught on to that just by looking at the photos on this blog, as they makeup the majority of the props in the photos. However, this Fragrance Friday, peonies are making an appearance in a new way! I’m featuring the Essence of Beauty Luscious Peony Fine Fragrance Body Mist.

Essence of Beauty describes the Luscious Peony Fine Fragrance Body Mist as follows:

“Evoking a lavish floral garden bursting with freshness, white grapefruit, peony and magnolia exude a vibrant spirit that exhilarates.”

Currently, I use the Essence of Beauty Luscious Peony fine Fragrance Body Mist on my off-days and in the evenings before bed. Yes, I love spritzing on a bit of something after a shower before I head into bed. This mist is perfect for that because it is light, and isn’t too sweet and overpowering.

I think that the Essence of Beauty Luscious Peony Fine Fragrance Body Mist is a beautiful, light fragrance that’s perfect for transitioning into the summer. It’s great for layering fragrances, and when the weather warms up, especially during a hot summer day, I can see myself popping it in the refrigerator, and misting it over myself to refresh and cool down.

The Essence of Beauty Luscious Peony Fine Fragrance Body Mist is available exclusively at CVS stores for $6.99, and there’s also a body and hand cream in the same scent retailing for the same price. Other floral pairings include the rose Enchantment Fine Fragrance Body Mist, and Body Oil with Lavender and Rosemary ($9.99).

Have you tried any of the Essence of Beauty floral fragrance products?