Have you checked out MUA Makeup Academy Products? If not, check out my review.

November 3, 2014 by Kim S. / blog, Product Swatches, Reviews / 36 Comments

Disclosure: MUA Makeup Academy products provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Over the summer, CVS launched MUA Makeup Academy, an exclusive new line of affordable, premium beauty products and tools. Although this line is exclusive to CVS/pharmacy, if you’re familiar with UK beauty brands, then the MUA Makeup Academy name stands out. MUA Makeup Academy has over 145 different beauty items from lip products (lip stains, glosses, balms, liners), to lashes, as well as professional makeup brushes.

I was able to test out some of the products from the MUA Makeup Academy line like the Liquid Lipstick in Coral, High Shine Lipstick, Extreme Shimmer Lipstick, Lip Color Crayon, MUA Pro Angled Blush Brush, and the MUA Glamour Volume Boosting Lash Kit.

I, of course, have some favorites of the items I tested, but, let’s just talk about the simple product packaging. If you’re familiar with reading my reviews, you’ll know I am ALL about simple packaging, and MUA Makeup Academy product packaging offers just that. All of the products feature the MUA Makeup Academy logo on simple black plastic tubing for the lip products, while the lashes and brushes are enclosed in typical cardboard boxes with a viewing window allowing you to see the enclosed product.

Of the four lip products I tried, my favorites were the Lip Color Crayon in Pink, High Shine Lipstick in Cashmere, and the Extreme Shimmer Lipstick in Rosy. All three are pretty, and make for a good natural-looking shades, especially against my complexion. I especially likes the Lip Color Crayon because it kept my lips soft and moisturized.

MUA Makeup Academy Liquid Lipstick Coral

The MUA Makeup Academy Liquid lipstick in Coral was one of the products I had some trouble falling in-love with. I did like the that the color of the Liquid Lipstick held true once applied, however, I didn’t find that the texture and shade of the Liquid Lipstick in Coral suited me. Although it is well-pigmented, it was very easy to use too much. Another issue I had with it was its drying time; it dried too fast, at least for my taste. If you mess up, you have very little time to correct the problem, thus, having to wipe it off completely, which wasn’t easy, and then start again.

The MUA Makeup Academy Glamour Boosting Lash Kit features a pair of lightweight, natural-looking synthetic eyelashes, curved eyelash applicator and glue. The lash applicator made applying the lashes easy. Although a bit too dramatic for day-time wear, I found they looked great for an evening out.

The MUA Makeup Academy Angled Blush brush is soft. The angle of the brush makes it perfect for sculpting the face, as well as for effortlessly applying blush. Also, I’ve experienced zero shedding of the hairs while using this brush. I give it an A+ for a drugstore brand brush.

Overall, there are some great products in the CVS/pharmacy beauty brand, MUA Makeup Academy line. Although it may take some testing out to find your favorite shades in some of the products, there is something for everyone to love. With affordable prices, $5.00 and up, you can’t beat the quality and the deal.

Makeup Academy products can be found both in-stores at your local CVS/Pharmacy or online at http://www.cvs.com/muapro for $5.00 – $24.99.

Have you tried any of the products from the CVS/pharmacy MUA Makeup Academy line? What are your thoughts?

Disclosure: MUA Makeup Academy products provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a Vital Addition to my Winter Skin care Routine

October 21, 2014 by Kim S. / Reviews, Skincare / 26 Comments

Disclosure: Product provided for review purposes only due to my iFabbo Membership. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Dermalogica products are staples in my skincare routine; from the PreCleanse, to the Skin Recovery SPF50, the Skin Hydrating Booster, and Solar Defense Booster SPF50. I was first introduced to Dermalogica products at The Makeup Show New York Holiday Pop-up Shop where I purchased their four-piece cleansing system. One of the items included in the kit was the , with which I fell in-love. I love it so much that I’ve continued to use it in my daily skincare routine thanks to a review opportunity through my iFabbo membership.

The colder months, as I mentioned in a previous post (read here), are the months that are most important to have a skincare routine that works for you. One of the most important steps, next to increasing your water intake, cleansing and moisturizing is exfoliating. Exfoliating the skin increases the skin cell turnover rate, thus making you less vulnerable to skin conditions like hyper-pigmentation, acne, and dermatitis.

I love the because it is a gentle, rice-based enzyme powder exfoliant that can, as it states in its name, be used every day, or in my case, every night, without damaging your skin.

It takes a little bit of time (just one minute), and a small amount (1/2 tsp) of the powder formula, mixed with water to create a creamy paste, massaged into your skin in circular motions, while avoiding the eye area to achieve softer, smoother, and healthier looking skin. It’s amazing how a powder, transformed into a creamy paste can effectively exfoliate your skin without being too harsh.

The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is perfect for those with sensitive skin, too since it is both fragrance and color-free. Although the Microfoliant is fragrance-free, if you’re familiar with the scent of rice paper, it does smell like it once mixed; however, the scent doesn’t linger.

Below is how I incorporate the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant into my [evening] skincare routine:

Step 1

Apply, and then rinse off the Dermalogica PreCleanse to remove any makeup and dirt from the day.

Step 2

Cleanse with a Dermalogica prescribed cleanser (or your favorite cleanser)

Step 3

Exfoliate with the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Step 4

Apply a toner of your choice

Step 5

Moisturize. I use Dermalogica Skin Recovery SPF50 mixed with the Skin Hydrating Booster

Dermalogica is offering everyone a chance to win a prescribed $250 Dermalogica Regimen

The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant can be purchased at for $52.00 or Ulta.com; however, during the month of October, Dermalogica is hosting several “Face Map Our Nation” events allowing you to get complimentary Face Mapping Skin Analysis, and remember to #shareyourmap with @dermalogica for a chance to win a prescribed regimen worth up to $250!!! For more information, please visit http://www.facemapnation.com/US

Have you tried the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant? What are your thoughts?

Disclosure: Product provided for review purposes only due to my iFabbo Membership. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Winter Skincare Tips Featuring Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection

October 15, 2014 by Kim S. / Giveaways, Reviews, Skincare / 50 Comments

The evenings in New York City are already getting colder and it’s only fall. Winter is right around the corner, and the colder, dryer weather can lead to dry, itchy skin. These tips, along with the use of CVS/pharmacy’s #1 best-selling fragrance and body care line, Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection will help keep your skin soft, smooth, and moisturized this winter.

1. Take Shorter Showers in Lukewarm Water

I love taking hot showers in when it’s cold; however, lingering in a hot shower (or bath) can lead to dry skin. Therefore, limit your time in the shower, and/or lower the temperature.

I love using Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil Bar Soap ($4.99). It’s non-drying, moisturizing, rinses clean and leaves a soft citrus scent.

Winter Skincare Tips Essence of Beauty Bar Soap

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin at least once per week helps slough off dead skin cells, which allow moisture to seep back into the skin.

The Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil Sugar Scrub ($9.99) does a good job at exfoliating without being too rough, which leaves my skin super soft, and the oils in the scrub leave my skin supple and moisturized.

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

During the winter keeping your skin moisturized truly is the key to having healthy, soft, smooth skin. After your shower or bath, remember to apply some form of moisturizer. I love using body butters during the colder months because of their thickness, and ability to keep the skin soft and supple without the oiliness that some lotions and creams leave. Lately, I’ve been using the Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil Body Butter ($9.99). It goes on smooth, absorbs quickly, and leaves the skin moisturized without being greasy.

Essence of Beauty Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil Body Butter

I also carry the Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil Hand Cream ($5.99) in my purse to keep my hands from drying out during the day.

About CVS Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection

The Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection is an affordable ($5.99-$9.99) natural line of skincare products that are available both in stores and online at http://www.CVS.com. The natural line is available in three scents: Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil, Lavender with Rosemary Oil, and Eucalyptus with Mint Oil. Each scent includes seven naturally-inspired bath and body products: Hand Cream, Body Butter, Sugar Scrub, Botanical Body Wash, Foaming Bath Soak, Nourishing Body Oil and Shea Butter Bar Soap. The formulas contain plant extracts and essential oils, and the line is free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum and gluten.

Win It!

Two Makeup by Kim Porter readers will have a chance at winning the entire collection off the scent of their choice. Open to US Residents Only. No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older or have parents permission to enter.

Disclosure: Product provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Get Ready for Vacation with these Beauty Treatments

August 23, 2014 by Kim S. / blog, Miscellaneous / 29 Comments

Vacation for most people is the time to regroup, de-stress, have fun, and relax. Most of the time, post vacation is when you come back looking and feeling fresh and refreshed. It’s also important, at least for me, to make sure to look good and feel my best right before vacation. How do I do that? I get ready for vacation by indulging in certain beauty treatments just a few days before I am ready to take off.

Below is a list of beauty treatments I think are important to do to get ready for vacation.

1. Bikini or Brazilian Wax

Waxing has been somewhat of a ritual for me, especially prior to leaving for a beach vacation. Having a clean bikini area is essential when lounging by the pool or on the beach. To avoid redness while on vacation, and puffiness caused by waxing, it’s best to have this service completed a few days ahead of your travel date. My favorite place for a Brazilian wax is Shobha. If you’re the DIY type, my favorite at-home wax is Bliss Poetic Wax (review). You can purchase the kit from Blissworld.com for $48.

2. Manicure

Gel manicures are my go-to manicures for vacations. Why? Because they last. I don’t have to worry about chipping polish while on vacation, and my nails looking raggedy. Who looks cute with not so cute nails? My favorite place for affordable gel manicures is Pure Nail Salon in Brooklyn (Instagram). Ask for Jessie.

3. Pedicure

Manicures are important, and so are pedicures, especially if you’re going to wear open toe shoes/sandals during your vacation. This upcoming vacation, my toes will be painted with Zoya’s ‘Thandie’. For my pedicures, depending on how much time I have and my budget, I go to Polish Bar Brooklyn or Dashing Diva.

4. Eyebrows

Whether you wax, thread, or pluck, having your eyebrows groomed a few days prior to vacation is important. Trust me, okay, it is! Get those bad boys done, and you’ll thank me later.

5. Hair

I like to have my hair done one or two days before I leave for vacation. Hair completes the look. I always go for a worry-free style like a curly or wavy install as seen below.

Check out the beauty items I travel with on vacation here.

Are there any beauty treatments you have to do in order to get ready for vacation?

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and are honest. Affiliate link.