What Did You Think of That? #1

Welcome to my newest series here on Andrea Fontana Beauty; What did you think of that?

I often get asked this question regarding items I haul on my IG stories, so I figured instead of spotlighting each one in a separate post, it'd be fun to share a post like this every so often with my thoughts on what I’ve tried recently.

It’s not necessarily a favorites or empties post, but just catching you up on my thoughts on what my thoughts are. I try so much stuff some months and hardly anything others, so I figured this would be a great as needed post for those interested. If you want more in depth information of specific products, never hesitate to reach out and ask. Now let’s get to it (click the product titles for links)!

Drunk Elephant Products:

I recently tried a couple kits from Drunk Elephant because I hadn’t tried anything from them before and I thought this was a great way to get a good feel for the brand and try a few things out that I’d been wanting to try. So here are my thoughts.

• B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum: If you’re looking for a clean hydration serum this is a good option. I personally didn’t find it that special compared to others I’ve tried, so I’d base your decision on budget.

• C-Firma Day Serum: While I love a great Vitamin C serum for during the day to amplify my SPF effects and for the antioxidant protection, I can’t stand the smell of this one, so I doubt I’d ever buy it. Rosehip oil people. Way cheaper too!

• T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: You can probably guess that I loved this one because I pretty much love all Glycolic products. haha I am an addict and liked this one a lot. It’s probably my favorite thing that I tried from all of the products from Drunk Elephant.

• Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil: Everyone raves about this oil so I was honestly a little surprised when I first tried it because I didn’t think it was anything special. However, if you’re looking for a hydrating but not super greasy facial oil, test this one out. I liked how quickly it absorbed. I have learned to love it more than I initially did.

• Lippe Balm: This is my favorite item I tried from Drunk Elephant and would consider buying it over and over. It’s a clean, petroleum-free lip balm that can double as an eye balm! I love the texture and how well it hydrates my lips. I also love the size and shape of it for application.

• D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops: These have been amazing this spring while wanting to add a little extra glow to my face coming out of the winter paleness. I love adding a few drops to my moisturizer to wake my color up a bit. I just love all of the good ingredients too that protect you from environmental damage throughout the day. This is a product that I would definitely purchase the full size for because it looks natural and healthy.

What’s your favorite Drunk Elephant product that you’ve tried? Let me know in a comment below.

L'Oreal Glotion:

I normally mix a liquid illuminator in with my foundation, so when I started hearing about this Glotion, I knew it had my name written all over it. It’s easily my favorite liquid highlighter I’ve ever tried and if you only try one thing from this post, let it be this one!

Herbivore Botanticals Natural PRISM Exfoliating Glow Potion:

I’m obsessed with this night serum because it’s so clean and all of the chemical exfoliants come from natural fruit sources! There’s Lactic Acid (from Bilberry), Glycolic (from sugar cane), Citric acic (from orange peel), Malic acid (from apples), and so many other great ingredients. I know this one is expensive, but a little really goes a long way and I love what it has been doing to my skin.

Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner:

Shocker, I tried another Herbivore product and fell in love with it. I just really love this brand, especially for those of you looking for clean skincare. I love this one because it is soothing (aloe), protective (antioxidants from green tea), fights my blemishes (willow bark), and more! It smells so good too so it’s calming and enjoyable to spray on your face. I think this will be one that I will keep on hand in my gym bag because it’s so nice in the mornings after a run!

Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser:

I am normally not a cream cleanser girl, but I was super curious about this one so I decided to pick it up from Whole Foods a little while ago. If you’re looking for a clean option and you have normal to dry skin, I would check this out. I prefer it on days when I’m washing and don’t have any makeup on, because it’s a pretty thick cleanser. I’m always amazed by it because it feels like it would leave an oily residue behind when your face is dried, but it’s always surprisingly clean and happy!

So there are some of the products I’ve tried recently. Have you tried any of them? What are your thoughts? Let me know in a comment below and have a great day!

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

Recent Favorites

I haven’t shared my favorites in a couple months, so I thought I’d write today about what I’ve been loving recently. I feel like I’ve found some pretty great stuff in the last few months.

1. Acure Brightening Cleanser:

   I was shopping one day in target and ended up taking this guy home with me and I have to say I’m obsessed with it. The fresh lemon scent is awesome and I feel like it does a great job of gently chemically exfoliating every time I cleanse. Acure is one of my favorite clean brands that isn’t crazy expensive. So I love trying more and more out from them.

2. Native Deodorant:

   I picked up this deodorant on that same Target trip and I have to say, I am shocked at how much I love it. I got the lavender & rose scent and it’s heaven. Only con is that the actual deodorant is white so it can sometimes get on clothes if you’re not careful, but for an aluminum-free natural deodorant, it’s awesome! I have heard the other scents are just as amazing, so I can’t wait to try more. My previous natural deodorant gave me a rash over time, so I’ll keep you updated as I use this one longer. So far so good.

3. Acure Rosehip Oil:

   I just had to add this one for those of you who are new and don’t know my love affair for rosehip oil. Its probably tied for my favorite ingredient of all time with Glycolic Acid (probably not another shocker). I added it to this post, because I’ve been back in the habit of slathering my face with it every day as my moisturizer because I was recently experiencing more breakouts. Rosehip oil is my secret to fading the post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation from acne scars.

4. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Treatment Cream:

   This guy has also been getting some serious use lately, because of those pesky breakouts I just mentioned in the previous product. I try to apply this every night on my chin and jaw where I’m prone to breakouts, but have really been vigilant about it recently because my skin has been more broken out than usual. It contains Benzoyl Peroxide, but I don’t find that it dries me out ever.

5. Maybelline Soda Pop and Lemonade Craze Palettes:

   I purchased the ‘Soda Pop’ palette on a whim and fell in love with it. I say that because I NEVER buy drugstore eyeshadow. I just don’t find it to be worth the money usually. However, the ‘Soda Pop’ palette was so great that I bought it’s older sister ‘Lemonade Craze’ and I really love them both. I have been reaching for them every time I do my makeup. Click here to watch the Makeup Tutorial I did with the ‘Soda Pop’ Palette, and comment below if you want me to make one with the ‘Lemonade Craze’ one too.

6. L’Oreal Infallible Galaxy Holographic Lumiere Lip Gloss in Ethereal Gold:

   I picked this gloss up after seeing a friend who had it and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since. I keep it in my jacket and it has quickly become my favorite gloss for when I need something nude or my lips feel dry. It’s not sticky and gives off the coolest slight holographic look; it’s not too crazy, I promise.

7. Rituel de Fille Rare Light Luminizer in Anthelion:

   I always prefer a cream highlighter over a powder. There’s something about the dewyness that a cream product gives, that is hard to replicate with a powder and boy does this one deliver. I love it on my eyelids, inner corners of my eyes, above my cupid’s bow and obviously on my cheekbones.

8. Sherlock Mini Series

   Here’s a random favorite for you guys. If you haven’t watched the BBC mini-series Sherlock, GET ON IT. Don’t worry, I was also really, really late to the game on this one. Benedict Cumberbatch is SO freaking good in it. If you love mysteries and thrillers it’s a must see. Thank you to my boyfriend Mikey who is always making me watch the BEST tv shows and movies.

What have you been loving recently? Comment below and let me know what you’ve discovered! I love discovering new products because of you guys!

Have a great day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

First Impressions Video (Ulta/Sephora Haul Proucts)

Last Monday I shared the products I picked up from the Ulta and Sephora spring sales and thought it'd be fun if I filmed a video trying the products I picked up for myself (not my kit). I really loved the look that came out of it! You'll have to watch below to see which products I loved!

I was honestly a little shocked that I picked so many products that I LOVED! I will say though this probably comes from years of experience swatching products and testing things. I can pretty much tell by a formula or shade if I'm going to like it. Sometimes I'm still surprised though and some things might not work out as well as I expect. 

Comment below which palette you want me to do 10 looks with!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Products Mentioned:
Weleda Skin Food *** https://amzn.to/2I4tSXS
IT Cosmetics CC Cream in Light
Maybelline Master Liquid Strobe Cream in Light/Iridescent
MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer
Laura Mercier Universal Setting Powder
Fenty Beauty Matchstix in Amber
Benefit Hoola Bronzer Sephora Collection Blush in Too Hot!
Milk Makeup Holographic Stick in Mars
MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Soft Ochre
Glossier Boy Brow in Black *** (10% off your first order) http://bff.glossier.com/hWksm 
Fenty Beauty Mini Matchstix in Sinamon
Morphe 9B Bronzed Babe Palette
Loreal Voluminous Lash Paradies Mascara
NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Walk This Way

Dre Does a Beauty Haul

Hello there beautiful people! I hope you had a fantastic thanksgiving if you celebrated and spent a lot of time with family and friends. I have so much to be thankful for including all of the support I get from all of you! 

Within the last few months I have been shopping mostly for Christmas presents but couldn't pass up the discounts I get as a ULTA employee to pick up some products I have been eyeing. I also managed to accumulate a lot of ULTA rewards points in the process and desired to cash them in for some items for my makeup kit that I knew I'd eventually want and use. I wanted to share them so that if you have questions, want reviews or tutorials, I can help! 

First up were my favorite eyeshadows from the drugstore aisles, the Loreal infallible Eyeshadows in Iced Latte, Bronzed Taupe, and Smoked Plum. I already have Amber Rush and have mentioned how much I love it, so I figured I would pick up some new shades while I had the extra discount.

As a Benefit Arch Expert and long time Benefit lover, I am always excited to see what Benefit comes out with for the holidays. I snagged my Cheeky Sweet Spot Box O' Blushes right when it first came out because not only is it an amazing deal but it is so adorable. You get 6 of Benefits Box O' Powders (including Dandelion, Sugarbomb, Hoola, Coralista, Rockateur and even Bella Bamba which is now discontinued), a mini brush and a small pan of Watt's Up highlighter. It all comes in a beautiful tin and lifts up and can be reused later! 

I knew that the original Lorac Pro Palette was a classic that I needed for my kit so I picked it up when I redeemed points. I love that it has one row of matte shadows from white to black, and a row of shimmer and satin shades from light to dark.

I found it the absolute best coincidence that I had tons of points to redeem the day that ULTA launched the Anastasia Contour Kit in stores. I have a very warm and golden undertone so this is perfect for my skin tone and I had been dying to try it. I've been using it a lot so expect a review soon!

The only Naked palettes I have had for the past few years have been the original and the Naked basics palette (original as well) and I decided to pick up the Naked 3 with my points because the colors are unlike anything I have already. This is the perfect bridal palette so I'm excited to add it to my kit. 

Yes another contour kit...haha I couldn't help it though because the tones are much cooler than the Anastasia one and that dark shade at the bottom allows for contouring a larger range of skin tones so I had to pick this one up too. The It Cosmetics My Sculpted Face Palette is so buttery and smooth and makes blending a breeze so in the ULTA shopping bag it went!

Lastly, we have the only skincare item I bought, but a great one at that. If you've been reading my blog for awhile you know I love the Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion scrub so I decided to try out the Dr. Brandt pores no more Vacuum Cleaner for blackheads and congested pores! I've done it once and so far I like it so look for a review on this too! 

Reminder, this was not bought all at once and while I did use my own money for all of it, I did buy most of it either during the ULTA employee sale or redeemed with an amount of points that I'm too embarrassed to share with you...haha. If you're not already an ULTAmate Rewards member what are you waiting for? It's a ridiculously amazing program! 

Remember, all questions and ideas could be turned into future blog posts! So comment, share and ask away my beauties! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does August Favorites

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As August comes to a close, it's time to get ready for fall. Throughout the month I was trying to get my last bit of summery looks in ; bronzed skin and eyes, dewy glows, and pink shades. I love the freshness of summer makeup, but I'd be lying if I said that fall makeup isn't my favorite. I'm really excited for what is to come on Dre Does this fall seeing as it's my first here on the blog! But let's get back to what I was loving this month.

1. Amber Lights Eyeshadow by MAC: Every summer I love to use this color as much as possible. It looks so amazing with brown eyes and a darker complexion to begin with but it's even more amazing with bronzed skin. I've been using it as a lid color but also as an inner corner highlight if the rest of my look is a bit darker. I love using it to transition into the fall because it goes great with burgundy and purple.

2. tarte Amazonian Clay 12-HR Foundation: I love this foundation so much for oily skin. The clay helps control my oil throughout the day and I don't have to set it with powder so I love how easy it is. I've talked about this plenty though so I'm going to leave it at that!

3. Cargo Swimmables Blush in Bali: I have been wearing this blush almost every day in August because it's a step up from a pale pink shade. It's a beautiful cool toned baby pink but it has this purple iridescence to it that is just gorgeous when the light hits it. Also because it is from the 'Swimmables' line from Cargo, it is extremely long wearing. 

4. It's Potent Eye Cream from Benefit Cosmetics: Since I represent Benefit now, I have been trying out various products and I love this eye cream. I am really picky when it comes to eye creams because I am oily and a lot of times eye creams can be heavy and thick. I like one that will moisturize and get the job done without leaving my eye area too greasy for makeup so this one is perfect. I also love the refreshing scent that all the Benefit Skincare products have.

5. Loreal Infallible 24-Hr Eyeshadow in Amber Rush: I love these eyeshadows! They are so metallic and easy to use. This color is to die for and one of the shades I've been using a lot this month because it brightens the whole eye area and looks amazing with bronzed skin.

6. Marrakesh Endz Hair Oil: I received this hair oil in my Ipsy Glambag last month and I am obsessed. I will be buying a full size asap because I don't want to go without it. I apply a small amount after my shower to damp ends and it makes my hair so soft and shiny. I don't go a day without it. To see that Ipsy review click here.

7. Lorac Pro Matte Lip Color in Mauve: If you haven't figured out that I'm obsessed with these lip products yet then you might be living under a rock. My last few posts have included them so look back to see that if you'd like! I'm not going to go to in depth with them because I wrote a review on them but they are nothing short of amazing.

8. Benefit's Porefessional Primer: I have never been so in love with a primer. I wear this every day under my foundation because it does such an amazing job of smoothing my large pores and making everything blend out perfectly. I love how light it feels compared to some of the other primers that target pores. I always go around at work and test of the other primers and I find that I love the texture and softness of Porefessional the best!

What were you loving during the month of August? Leave me a comment below and let me know!

Have a beautiful September,

Dre

Dre Does a Makeup of the Day

We've had quite the blizzard in the Midwest these past few days. Seeing as work and school were both cancelled, I took the opportunity to play with some new makeup items I picked up before the holidays that I never got to play with. I thought I'd share it as well as a list of products I used. If you have questions or would like a review of any of the products, leave a comment below and I'll get right on it! 

Products used:

Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer in Bronze

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 foundation in buff beige

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette in 07 light

tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess

tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush in treasured

tarte Amazonian Clay Highlighter in Champagne

Revlon Photoready Transulecent Face Powder

Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette (colors Venus, Foxy, Naked 2, and Faint)

Bh cosmetics 120 color palette 5th edition

Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner

Rimmel Lash Accelorator Mascara in Extreme Black

NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brûlée