Recent Favorites and a Fail

I am happy to be back to blogging consistently and figured we’d start things off with a bang and share some recent product favorites and a fail! I am actually surprised how many products I have recently tried and loved because I don’t feel like I’ve tried that many. I guess I’m just having good luck.

Laura Mercier Caviar Volume Panoramic Mascara:

If you’ve been following me for awhile you know that I am generally a drugstore mascara lady! While I do have some high end favorites, I typically do not purchase high end mascara because I think drugstore mascara is just as great. That being said, I received a travel sized version of this Laura Mercier Mascara in a free gift from a purchase at Ulta. I didn’t have high expectations, but I am obsessed with this mascara. It applies so beautifully, separates and lengthens my lashes, AND most importantly, doesn’t get clumpy and spidery when I add multiple coats.

BYBI Bukachiol Booster Facial Treatment:

I picked this booster up over a year ago, to test out as a Retionoid alternative and never ended up opening it until recently! I am obsessed. I currently am not using a retinol oil like I normally do, so I figured it was perfect to add into my routine to test out. I have to say, I have been loving the results. It is much gentler than retinol and a ‘more natural’ alternative to retinols. I simply add a few drops into my night time moisturizer and that’s it!

Native Almond & Shea Butter Strengthening Hair Mask:

I picked up this hair mask on whim on a recent Target trip because I have been needed a hair mask. For some reason, I’ve been having a really difficult time keeping my hair tangle free and I think it’s because it has been drier than normal. I even thought a hair cut would solve the issue, which is did help a little, but ultimately I knew I needed to get a mask. I love Native deodorants so I figured I’d give this one a shot and I noticed a different after just one use. I use it about 2 times a week (when I wash my hair) and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing out. I am happy to have found an affordable solution to this hair problem because I am not super hair savvy!

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser:

I cannot say enough great things about this cleanser. I love the packaging and pump. I love the scent. I love the texture and consistency for cleansing. I just absolutely love this cleanser. You need so little product, so don’t be put off by the price. I had been wanting to try this one for over and year and when Ulta had a sale, I bit the bullet and got it and I’m so grateful I did. I really think it’s contributing nicely to my overall much more even skin tone. Also hooray for cleaner ingredients!

Essie Expressie Nail Polishes:

These polishes are not new to AFB but I recently brought them back out after not painting my nails for almost a year and I fell in love with them all over again. (Let’s just say getting engaged and having a ring on my finger had something to do with it….haha). I have so many shades and these are all I use for my nails now. I love the staying power most because that is the hardest part for me about nail polish. I have super oily nail beds and gel nails peel off after a couple days no matter what I try (even professional)! I can easily get a week out of this polish with very minimal chipping. Highly recommend!

Fetch App:

I had been hearing about Fetch Rewards for a little while and finally decided to try it out when I saw a friend post her referral link. I am obsessed haha. You simply take pictures of ANY receipts no matter how much you spend (I even do my prescriptions) and you get points that can be redeemed for gift cards. There’s so many to choose from but I am always saving for Amazon gift cards. haha I also have it linked to my Amazon account and email so that when I make purchases there, they will sync with the app! Click the link here if you’d like to sign up and you’ll get a bonus 2,000!!

AND A FAIL…

Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush:

I had such high hopes for these cream blushes because they reminded me so much of the Cloud Paint from Glossier and Maybelline usually does no wrong for me!! I was really hoping for a more affordable dupe. At the end of the day, they just don’t have enough pigment and are not buildable. At first not having a ton of pigment isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as I can build up to the level I want. However, when I tried to start building it up, it got patchy and messed up with foundation underneath and I normally don’t have this issue with cream blushes. Sadly, I’d say pick up the Cloud Paint from Glossier if you’re really wanting this type of product.

What have you been loving recently? Any fails for you? Let me know in a comment below and I’ll see you next time here at Andrea Fontana Beauty!

Sending love,

Andrea

Disclosure: Some of the above links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. 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

2020 Beauty & Lifestyle Favorites

Welcome back to Andrea Fontana Beauty and happy new year!2020 wasn't a big year for trying products for me, but I still managed to discover some great ones. ...

Today I'm back with my second half of my 2020 favorites! If you missed Part 1, my Beauty Favorites, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1SsE9e9iUI&t...

Products I mention in order:

***Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. While this doesn't affect the price you pay or my opinions on the products, I always appreciate your support when using my links. It helps me to keep creating more content for you!

MAKEUP:

CoverGirl Easy Breezy Volumizing Brow Gel in Deep: https://rstyle.me/+4jtbVnvYO6xxYzml_5...
Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer: https://rstyle.me/+3dMtNsITzeRNZJxDQn...
L'Oreal Le Liner Signature Mechanical Eyeliner in Noir Cashmere: https://rstyle.me/+Ietz9mrX2Ic4Oxw_fr...
ColourPop California Love Eyeshadow Palette: https://rstyle.me/+qG8mXIuXtTaDLq-x7P...
Matinee to Soiree Kit by Nudestix Allana Davison Collab: https://www.nudestix.com/collections/... *** First impressions video -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ucV...

SKINCARE:

First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30: https://rstyle.me/+pjKJtKQhZ-7u1H5JFT...
Amavara SPF 50 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/3q5f285
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: https://rstyle.me/+CGk62f-L0FO8gN83Jn...
Tatcha Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser: https://rstyle.me/+Fwve06OSQ6juMLMmck... ***They no longer carry the exact kit I received in May but they offer many others, such as this one which includes the same mini Deep Cleanse: https://rstyle.me/+fTT2gStnAGkQS45z9v...
Paula's Choice Probiotic Nutrient Moisturizer: https://rstyle.me/+EcAtPPErG0HqjCBTSw...
Paula's Choice Skin Revealing 10% AHA Body Lotion: https://rstyle.me/+lo6veBy8qIahEX1yza...

BEAUTY TOOLS ACCESSORIES:

The Original MakeUp Eraser 7-Day Set: https://rstyle.me/+jFjzQjl9DuxnIKhKsb...
20 Pack of Organic Bamboo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads: https://amzn.to/3boFyoY
Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler: https://rstyle.me/+_O5U6vc195YeSVsAze...
Skincare: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide to Skincare: https://amzn.to/39e4eOd
MODA Holographic 17 Compartment Brush Belt: https://modabrush.com/products/moda-h... ***Use code : ANDREAFONTANABEAUTY for 10% off your MODA Brush purchase

FOOD/KITCHEN:

Lundberg Thin Stackers Brown Rice: https://rstyle.me/+n1HvkH7GUkAaeKoEhe...
Wissotzky Mango & Passion Fruit Herbal Tea: https://amzn.to/2XJypHJ
Cuisinart 3-QT Round Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven in Cream: https://amzn.to/39Af5lH
Cuisinart 5.5 QT Round Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven in Cream: https://amzn.to/3bPoYil
Our Place Always Pan in Steam: https://rstyle.me/+g93dUxODjkvt5nIW29...

HEALTH/FITNESS:

Olly Sleep Vitamin Gummies: https://rstyle.me/+FtlWJh0ct07sso9BBn...
Schwinn iC4 Bike: https://www.schwinnfitness.com/ic4/10... Peleton App: https://www.onepeloton.com/app ***My blog post about my Schwinn iC4 & Peleton Experience: http://www.andreafontanabeauty.com/bl...

MISC:

Kindle Paperwhite in 8GB Black: https://amzn.to/2LVqtjM
Kalamazoo Candle Company: https://kalamazoocandle.com/
PopSockets PopWallet+ in Black: https://rstyle.me/+zFdfldk9Ces_6jBn6j...
PopSockets Car Vent Mount in Black: https://rstyle.me/+o2KKDTzV5rNJuW4IWA...

FTC: Everything else was purchased with my own money and opinions are my own.

Fall Makeup Look feat. NARS Extreme Effects Eyeshadow Palette

Yesterday, on my IGTV I shared a video showing you how I used the new Nars Extreme Effects Eyeshadow Palette to create a beautiful warm fall look. If you missed you, you can watch the video below. Below that I’m sharing links to all of the products that I mentioned and used in this video. Thanks for all of the great feedback on this video! I’ll keep making more like this.

Disclosure: Some of the above links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. 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

Products Mentioned:

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation in Shade 2.0N

Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Concealer in shade 20

No. 7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Powder in shade Light/Medium

MAC Paint Pot in shade Soft Ochre

NARS Extreme Effects Eyeshadow Palette

Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer in shade Park Avenue Princess

Juvia’s Place The Saharan Vol. II Blush Palette used shade Bee

Physicians Formula Butter Highlighter in shade Champagne

Glossier Boy Brow in shade Black

Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer

Loreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara in shade Blackest Black

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in shade Stay Curious

Enjoy,

Andrea

I Like These Products pt. 1

Quarantine has been an interesting time for most of us. I have gone through spurts of absolutely no online shopping and then some weeks I have so many packages coming I have to make a list. Regardless, I’ve had more time to research products, discover new things, and upgrade a few items that I use frequently.

When it comes to shopping my main goal is to shop small, secondhand, and local when I can. Especially with the current worldwide pandemic, I am being extra mindful to shop small and support all of the owners who are struggling. However, like I mentioned, it can be hard to get everything I need this way. Also, some items are gifted to me from companies or from family and friends. Today’s post is reserved for the things I’m loving that aren’t from a small business; those will be saved for their own post soon because they are deserving of special attention.

I don’t usually try enough things to share a monthly favorite post, so I’ve decided to just call these ‘I Like These Products’ and share them every so often when I have enough I’m in love with. I hope that’s good with you!

Fresh Rose Petal-Soft Lip Cream

This product was sent to me for free for review (Thanks Influenster!) and I am absolutely obsessed. I am extremely picky with lip balms due to ingredients but also if they actually hydrate the lips. This one is light and nourishing and feels so good on the lips. Before trying this one, my favorite was the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, which I still love but haven’t tried since they reformulated and repackaged it. While I do usually prefer a squeeze tube to a pot, I keep this one in my bathroom and put it on morning and night after I brush my teeth. Kind of debating buying a second one for my purse since it’s that good, but will probably wait until it cools down, since pot balms are not my favorite in the heat in the summer.

PMD Clean - Smart Facial Cleansing Device

I received my PMD Clean in my last Causebox (which is a whole other favorite that I highly recommend if you want a good ethical subscription box. If you want me to get into that more, leave a comment below or DM me so I know you want to hear my opinion on it). Click here to get $10 off your first Causebox

Anyways, while I didn’t pick this out myself, I couldn’t be happier for it. The entire brush is made out of silicone and has a two-sided head. The brush side has tiny little silicone bristles that gently cleanse your skin while the other side has slight divets to help you massage your products in. There are 2 cleansing settings and 2 massage settings and I especially love the massage side. The best part is that the PMD Clean is water resistant and you can use it in the shower. I love to use it once a day after my workouts to get a really good clean! I also love incorporating into my weekly at home facial nights. After my masks, I use it to massage in my serums and oils and it feels so soothing and good.

Welly Face Saver Clear Spot Bandages

I have tried quite a few zit stickers since they came out and these are definitely at the top of my list as far as effectiveness goes. If you’ve never heard of zit patches, they are hydro-colloid bandages that you put on a zit when it’s coming to head. They absorb excess fluid from surface level wounds (i.e. blemishes). This means that they only work on surface level zits, so don’t expect a miracle on anything deep and cystic. I am obsessed with the Welly brand in general because all of their bandages come in cute tins that are perfect to reuse (ex: I love to keep them for travel for small items…well back when I could travel haha). However, these face saver bandages are extra clutch right now with the mask-cne I’ve been struggling with here and there throughout the pandemic. I just pop one of these stickers over my blemish at night and remove it in the morning and it’s way flatter! I definitely recommend keeping a pack of these on hand if you find that you randomly break out!

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

When it comes to items I use in my makeup kit, I definitely choose performance over ingredients. Unless a client as requested something specific, I use my tried and true products. That being said, I had been using the classic Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray for YEARS. It works well for any skin type and really helps the makeup stay on. However, I’ve always hated the mechanism of the spray bottle because no matter how gentle you try to be, you scare your clients when you spray it. haha Enter the Morphe Continuous Setting Mist. It works just as well as the All Nighter spray, is less than half the price AND has a gentle continuous spray mechanism. Also, whenever I do weddings, at least half of my clients every time tell me how much they love the smell. Highly recommend.

Kristen Ess The One Signature Shampoo & Conditioner

I know I’m probably the last person to try Kristen Ess hair products, but I’m really not a hair person, as you probably know! I don’t do a lot with my hair so I like simple hair products. I randomly picked up this duo over quarantine when Mikey and I were running out of shampoo and we loved it so I’ve already repurchased it in the larger size with pumps. It smells great (Mikey likes it too) and is a great lightly clarifying shampoo for my hair. I have pretty fine and straight hair, but I only wash it every couple of days, so I need a good cleanse when I do.

Fine-Tip Multi Colored Gel Pens

Am I the only one who is obsessed with pens? I always have been, but I hadn’t had a good set of gel pens in a while. When I was little I had every kind and color under the sun! There’s something about writing in fun colors in my planner that makes me happy and more productive. I am a firm believer in making your planner a happy and creative place so that you are more likely to want to use it and accomplish tasks. These are a great dupe for the Muji gel pens. I didn’t realize they weren’t actually Muji brand until I received them, but they are still great. I love the 0.5 mm fine tip and the range of colors is great too!

Meilliner 25 pack of Assorted Dual-Tip Highlighters

On that same note, I bought this huge 25 pack of Dual-Tip Highlighters thinking they were actual Zebra Mildliners (Mental note: ANDREA READ THE FINE PRINT). I like the color range and again, they do a great job of making my planner happier and prettier. I prefer to highlight tasks when they are completed instead of crossing them out, so this wide range of colors allows me to always have the colors I need to coordinate with my different weeks.

Dried Lavender

In May when I turned 30 one of my best friends gave me some dried lavender. I put it on my dining room table in a vase and it is still going strong. I can’t recommend this enough for yourself or when you need a little something for a friend (instead of flowers), because it lasts so much longer and smells amazing too! Plus you don’t have to worry about watering anything because it’s already dried. The only thing I would warn you about is that it is very delicate. If you touch the branches too much, the dried lavender buds will fall off, so keep it out of reach if you have kids or animals so it doesn’t get everywhere! Dried Eucalyptus is also a great one to try.

Amazon House Dress

I discovered this dress from Meredith over at @tinybitsofhappiness_. If you don’t follow her on IG, you need to. Her words are great, her recommendations are great, her dog Stella is so adorable. She’s basically gold and you should be following her. If you saw my studio redesign from about a year ago, she made my beautiful custom Andrea Fontana Beauty doormat! Anyways, back to the dress. She introduced me to this Amazon dress and it has quickly become my go to at least 2 times a week (likely more haha). It is so comfortable, makes you feel like you are way more put together than you are, and comes in SO many colors. I would suggest sizing up if you want that really comfortable flowy fit like I wanted. Also I do not dry because I’m always worried Amazon things will shrink. It’s not the most amazing quality, but it’s pretty damn great for under $30! Pre-COVID, my 2020 goal was to only buy secondhand clothing for the entire year. I’m proud to say that even despite quarantine, I have done a pretty good job at sticking to this goal. I think this is the first time I’ve broken it to buy something new. Well worth it, thanks Mere!

OLLY Sleep Melatonin Gummies

I used to have a solid bath routine as a pre-wedding ritual the night before weddings. I would always make sure that I had a calming evening to ensure good sleep the night before a big day. However, moving from my old apartment means that I no longer have a bathtub so I had to adjust my routine. Now, I take a nice long hot shower, get in bed early to read, and enjoy some OLLY Melatonin Gummies about 30 minutes before I want to go to sleep…haha I only use these a couple times a month, but I love them whenever I do. Obviously, make sure you check with your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.

What have you been loving lately? Comment below and let me know!

Best,

Andrea

Disclosure: Some of the above links are Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product on your end. 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. 

Best Beauty Discoveries of 2019

In the past few years I’ve really tried to become more aware of how many beauty products I’m buying and trying to do more research before purchasing. While the amount that I have been trying has certainly decreased, I still managed to discover some pretty awesome products during 2019. Therefore, I give you my best beauty discoveries of 2019; the products that stand out and I continued to love after many uses.

1. Weleda Skin Food Light

   I have talked about the Weleda Skin Food moisturizer many times on my blog, but in May I received the Light version (which I didn’t even know had come out!) for my birthday and I have used it for most of the year. For those of you who love the original Skin Food but want something lighter for the summer or because you are on the oilier side, I highly recommend trying the Light version. Same amazing smell!

2. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

   I am super hesitant to use too much Retinol and too high of a percentage, but when I visited the Deciem store in Chicago this past September, I was really excited to find this Retinol suspension in Squalane oil. It’s way gentler on the skin but I still feel like it’s smoothing and perfecting the texture of my skin, including my mini wrinkles starting to form on my forehead (hello 30, I see you coming in 4 months…)

3. The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder

   I was also really excited to discover this L-Ascorbic Acid Powder for another affordable price during my Deciem trip. Ascorbic Acid is Vitamin C and some Vitamin C products don’t end up being very effective because the shelf life of Vitamin C can be compromised when in liquid form. I love being able to control when I use the Vitamin C (I mix it in with my Weleda Skin Food Light during the day). Remember, Vitamin C is really important to use during the day because it is an Antioxidant and helps boost the protection of your SPF!

4. Hylamide SubQ Mist

   Yet, another Deciem visit discovery, except this time in their product range Hylamide that is a price point higher than The Ordinary. I am obsessed with this toning mist as a pH balancer, hydrator and it just feels amazing after cleansing my skin. I love the rose aroma.

5. Kaja Moon Crystal Sparkling Eye Pigment in Rose Quartz

   If you’re looking for an every day, one swipe cream eyeshadow product, look no further than this one from Kaja at Sephora. They have many different shades and the product is perfect for every day wear. They are all sparkly shades, but are so beautiful either on their own or paired with another eyeshadow on top!

6. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask in Smashed

   I was reluctant to put this one on my list because it looks like they have reformulated but this is one of my top products of the year FOR SURE. The smell of this product is amazing and it hydrates my lips unlike anything I’ve every tried before. I love the Smashed shade because it gives just a hint of rosy tint to make the lips look naturally healthy. I love using it as an every day lip balm, but also on my brides who don’t want a lipstick on their wedding day, but still want their lips to look nice and natural. Fingers crossed that when it comes back in stock, they haven’t changed the formula or gotten rid of the shade Smashed!

7. Invisibobble Hair Ties

   I’m officially an Invisibobble convert. I am obsessed with these hairties, and while I initailly tried the knock off brand first, I can truly tell a difference with the actual Invisibobble brand hair ties. They don’t stretch out as easily and they feel more secure in my hair. I wear these every day for running, cycling, and every day use.

8. Moda Brushes

   One of the best discoveries I made in 2019 was finding a new brand of brushes that I absolutely love. I have my friend Jodi to thank for this, as she introduced me when she started working for the company so SHOUTOUT to Jodi! I love how durable, soft and light all are the brushes are from Moda that I’ve tried. They wash and hold up well. I initially started using them on clients at weddings to test them out and not only did I love how they were performing but I was getting so many compliments on how nice they felt on my clients’ faces! They are also SUPER affordable. If you click the link in the title above, you can save 10% off!

9. Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighters

   I certainly fell in love with these highlighters early in the year and used them throughout 2019. I love how natural they look on the skin; not gliterry by any means. They also last all day on the skin. I even gifted quite a few of these to friends because I loved them so much. All of the shades are awesome, but I love the Champagne one most.

10. Loreal True Match LUMI Glotion

    It is no secret that I fell in LOVE with Glotion this year. I went through many bottles and mixed it into my foundation 99% of the time I was wearing makeup. I love how it mixes with foundations, looks great under foundation, or even on it’s own! I like the light shade because of the pink tones and I can’t recommend it enough if you like a dewy and glowing skin look.

11. Pixi Glow Mud Mask

    I have tried a LOT of charcoal, gray looking masks to clean the impurities out of my skin, but none have every worked as well as this one. One of the coolest parts is that you can see where your problem spots are as it’s drying. To me this shows that it’s actually drying and pulling out the impurities if it can recognize the troubled spots. I received this one as a gift from Pixie, but I was so excited to receive it because I had been wanting to try it. I wasn’t disappointed when I started using it.

12. Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm

    I rarely discover lip balms that I like because I’m super picky and here I am with two for the year! This one came in a kit, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have tried it out. It is super expensive for a lip balm and how much of it you get, but I love this one. It feels so good on and I can tell it is actually moisturizing my lips, not just coating them and making them more chapped.

13. The Ordinary Coverage Foundation

    For the price of this foundation, I didn’t think there was a chance I was going to love it, but boy do I! It is the perfect mix of coverage, while still looking natural. It builds well and mixes with my Glotion if I want it to be more luminous of a finish (it has a pretty satin/matte finish). Highly recommend giving it a shot if you’re looking for a good and affordable foundation.

Did you discover any products this year? What stood out to you? Tell me below so we can all share our recommendations!

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. 

The Glow Mud Mask from Pixie was sent for PR purposes, however all opinions are my own and I was not paid to talk about this product.

My New Favorite Makeup Brushes (MODA PRO)

Boy am I excited to write this post. You guys know I love to review and test out new beauty related products. When my good friend Jodi asked if I wanted to test out and review the MODA PRO Brushes from Royal & Langnickel Professional Makeup Brushes, I was so excited! (The kit I received is no longer available on the website but my coupon code ANDREAFONTANABEAUTY is good for anything on the site)

I will only use high quality products on my clients, and tools are no exception. The only thing better than discovering new products that I love, is finding ones that I love that are also at a really reasonable price point. Insert Royal & Langnickel.

While I initially noticed three awesome things about the MODA Pro Brushes, I wanted to add them to my kit and come back here to review them for you after I had tested them out for a few weeks at weddings!

The first three things I initially loved about the brushes were:

1. I loved the look. As a working makeup artist, I prefer black on black synthetic brushes because they look the sleekest and cleanest in my kit.

2. I loved the texture on the handle of the brushes because they are comfortable to grip when applying makeup for hours.

3. I love how light they feel. When you’re doing makeup for 7 hours straight, little things like this matter!

After using them for multiple weddings, I can confidently tell you that I reach for these brushes over the other ones in my kit time and time again. They do everything I need them to when I’m working with clients. I need tools that I can rely on and use hundreds of times and these brushes are awesome! I’ve had clients also comment about how soft they feel as well, which makes me really happy.

I’m definitely going to be purchasing more for my kit for the 2020 bridal season and also picking up a set to replace my personal makeup brushes.

If you’d like to try out the MODA Pro brushes from Royal & Langnickel, or any of the other makeup brushes that Royal & Langnickel have created, visit ROYAL & LANGNICKEL PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP BRUSHES and be sure to use the code ANDREAFONTANABEAUTY at checkout to get 10% off your purchase!

Coupon Code for 10% off: ANDREAFONTANABEAUTY

Be sure to share with me if you try any of the brushes out!

Have a great day,

Andrea

Disclaimer: These brushes were gifted to me but all opinions are my own and I am not being paid to post. If you purchase using my code, I do earn a small commission and I appreciate you supporting Andrea Fontana Beauty so I can bring you more content! Thank you!

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.

So You're Getting Married (Part 2): 7 Tips for Future Brides

Now that it’s May, bridal season is upon us and I wanted to take the time to bring you a second part to my really popular post from a few years ago (So You’re Getting Married). Click here to check that one out if you haven’t! That post is centered mostly around makeup and getting ready, but today’s tips are just reminders that I think every bride should read before their big day.

Reminder that while I have never been married or planned my own wedding, I have witnessed great planning, poor planning, and everything in between. This advice comes from my experience working in the wedding industry for 5 years now, but ultimately you know what’s best for you and your future spouse.

1. You’re the only one who knows exactly what’s supposed to happen.

   Guess what. No guest at your wedding will know what your exact thoughts for your cake table are. So if details don’t go exactly according to plan, don’t sweat it! Chances are everyone will still think your day was absolutely spectacular, so don’t get stressed.

2. The people bring the joy.

   Last fall I had the pleasure of doing the makeup for one of my first friends of life, and at her reception, her mother gave one of the best speeches I have ever heard at a wedding. She mentioned that a friend gave her the advice to focus on the fact that while the details can be really special, the people truly bring the joy to the wedding. This may be the only time in your life that all of your favorite people from both sides of your lives will be in one room. That in and of itself is special, so don’t forget it.

3. Choose bridal looks that make you feel like you.

   I can’t recommend enough choosing a bridal look that looks and feels like you. You want your groom to feel like it’s you walking down the aisle, after all he’s marrying you, not some fantasy bridal version of you. You will look at these photos forever, so stick with classic looks that represent the true you. If you don’t like how your hair looks up and never wear it up, don’t choose an updo for your bridal hairstyle. You obviously want to feel special on your wedding day, but in a moment that can feel very surreal, it’s important to love what you see when you look in the mirror. We’ve all had those days when we don’t like our outfit for example, and feel less confident. Don’t let this happen on your wedding day!

4. Stay organized and do a little each week to prevent stress.

   The brides who seem to be the least stressed to me are those who stay organized and do a little bit of wedding planning each week. Obviously if you have a short engagement this might not work for you, but I find that most brides tell me that by making a couple decisions a little at a time, they don’t feel that overwhelmed. I think a lot of wedding planning comes down to what kind of decision maker you are, so lean on those you trust, who are good at it.

5. Stop caring about what other people think or making decisions to please others.

   It’s YOUR wedding day. The day is about you and your partner joining lives together. If you don’t want to do some traditional aspect of a wedding, don’t do it. Your day gets to be as unique as the two of you, so who cares what the people think! If you don’t like the look of a veil, don’t wear one!

6. People just want to have a good time and celebrate you.

   While the details may be really important to you, don’t forget that most people just want to have fun. I say this not to sound like no one cares about the cake topper you chose, but in 20 years, most people will remember whether or not they had a great time at your nuptials.

7. Find a moment while you’re getting ready to just sit and think about the day.

   Most brides tell me that it doesn’t feel like their wedding day, in the mornings when we’re getting ready. I personally love when the bride can find even just 5 minutes to sit and close her eyes and just soak in the moment. It’s a big day and from what I’ve heard, it flies by in the blink of an eye. At the end of the day, you will be marrying the love of your life and I think it’s really important to find a few minutes and sit and reflect on what that feels like. Often times, brides are bombarded with a million questions as they are getting ready so I think this time is sacred and special.

Overall, the most important thing is that you have fun and marry your husband or wife. Try your best to take extra time for self care and remember not to sweat the small stuff. Fill your day with gratitude and I can almost guarantee that you will have the best wedding day EVER!

If you’re a past bride of mine reading this, I hope your marriage has been better than you ever could have imagined so far. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day!

If you’re a future bride of mine reading this, I am so excited to have the honor to do your makeup on your wedding day. You will occupy a special place in my heart forever.

Have fun planning,

Andrea

Photo above is by Ben Ramos Photography.

Top 5 Spring Lip Picks

I love when the seasons change because it inspires changes in makeup looks. While I love lip products year round, I especially love to switch up the ones I keep in my purse when a new season comes along. I love lipstick because it can change your whole look in 30 seconds. Below are my Top 5 Lip products that you will find in my bag so that I am prepared for every lip situation this spring.

1. Drunk Elephant Lippie Balm:

   This is my current favorite lip balm. I bought it in this set, but you can buy it on it’s own too. I love the shape of the Lippie Balm and that it’s petroleum free. Since spring weather can be so bipolar (we woke up with snow on the ground earlier this week and it’s going to be 70 tomorrow…) it’s important to keep my lips moisturized. I especially love this Lippie Balm because it doubles as an eye balm. If you’re traveling or running late and need some extra moisture on your eyes, it’s awesome! You’d think it would feel oily and too heavy but it absorbs well and works nicely.

2. Maybelline Matte Lipstick in ‘Red For Me’:

   I was sent this lipstick to try from Influenster and I am obsessed with the formula. I’ve always loved Maybelline lipsticks, but this is the most comfortable matte I’ve ever tried from them. It goes on so smoothly but has great lasting power. This red is the perfect shade because it’s intense and has a blue undertone (my fave).

3. Maybelline Matte Lipstick in ‘Clay Crush’:

   After trying the red shade above, I ventured to my local drugstore to check out if there were other new shades to try in this formula and while I didn’t like any of the other new shades in this line (most weren’t matte but glossy), I did glance at the nudes and stumbled upon this one. It’s my favorite type of nude for my skin tone. It’s a very neutral nude pink which doesn’t lean to the blue or orange side.

4. Glossier Generation G Lipstick in ‘Cake’:

   This is probably my favorite lip product of all time, or at least top 3. This shade is so flattering and you might be sick of me talking about it right now but I couldn’t make a spring top 5 without it because I wear it most days and even without makeup on. It’s what I’m wearing in the photo above. It just makes your lips look awesome. I love pairing it with the Lippie Balm on top if I want a glossier look (no pun intended lololol).

5. Lancome Matte Shaker in ‘Beige Vintage’:

   This is a fun product that I picked up last year and I forgot how much I love it, but brought it back out this year for spring. I love how light these are on the lips. They are so hard to describe, so I recommend going into a Sephora to swatch it to see. This is a little bit of a bluer pinky nude that is fun for spring because it gives you just a little pop.

Have a beautiful 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.

What Do I Love From Glossier?

It’s no secret that I love Glossier. I have tried a lot of their products and many of them are staples in my routine. Since I get asked often what my thoughts are, what my favorites are, etc..I figured it was time that I shared my thoughts on each of the products that I’ve tried.

Lash Slick

This is one of my favorite mascaras of all time. I have never seen a mascara that is not waterproof, look the exact same at the end of the day, as it did when you applied it in the AM. If you are someone who is looking for a very dramatic and voluminous mascara, this one isn’t for you. I’d say it’s a great every day mascara that makes you look like you have naturally beautiful and full lashes. I love it for my bottom lash line because it doesn’t transfer. I also like the price tag. It’s not very expensive for being what I would consider a prestige mascara.

Haloscope

I love cream highlighters so it’s probably no surprise that I love this one in Moonstone. This is the only shade I’ve tried but it’s perfect for a wet and dewy skin look. I absolutely love the effect and healthy look it gives my skin. I have heard great things about the other shades as well, but I love this one so much.

Stretch Concealer

I was hesitant to order this concealer originally because I knew it would have as much coverage as the concealers I was used to, but I loved that it had a really dewy finish. Turns out I just had to figure out how to apply it best for my skin. I find that when I apply it with my fingers, let it sit for a few moments, and then blend it out with a Real Techniques Setting Brush (you need to own at least 2 of these if you don’t already), it is PERFECTION! I still set it with powder or hit it with a good layer of setting spray if I want it to stay dewy.

Generation G Lipsticks

This is one of my favorite lipstick formulas of all time. I am obsessed with the shade ‘Cake’. If you look at my IG, I am wearing it all the time in makeup photos. I just love how it gives the perfect amount of something, while being nude. I keep it in my purse and will forever purchase it until they stop making it. I love the colors too because they give the perfect pop of color without being too bold. They are more of a wash of color than an opaque, bright shade. I think they would be great for someone wanting to start wearing lipstick that is nervous to go too bold. The formula is matte but feels really nice on the lips.

Solution

This is the only skincare product I have tried from Glossier and I love it. If you’ve been following my blog for a little while, you’ll know that I love a gentle chemical exfoliation as a daily part of my routine. It’s great for preventing breakouts and aging at the same time. I enjoyed the entire bottle of this and felt like it did what it claimed. I haven’t gone back to it, simply because I like to continue trying other products. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up back on my shelf in the future. If you deal with breakouts, texture issues, dark spots, fine lines, etc. this would be a great addition to your routine.

Boy Brow

Boy brow is probably tied with the Cake lipstick as my favorite Glossier products of all time. It’s the best brow product I’ve ever used and here’s why. The black shade is the perfect cool tone for my dark brows. It’s brush is small enough to apply precisely, but still is quick. The formula is long wearing and doesn’t make my brows look too wet. I also love that you don’t need a lot of product because I find that I go through my brow products the quickest. If you want a easy brow product that will make your brows look fuller and keep them in place, I HIGHLY suggest you try this one out.

Cloud Paint

If you’re a girl who likes easy and minimal makeup, you would love cloud paint. I tend to go for liquid and cream face products for daily and easy makeup, so I love these cloud paints. They are pretty pigmented and the shade range is beautiful. I have the coral shade and I love how natural of a flush it gives my cheeks. You can also wear them on your eyes and lips which is fun! I like to blend them in with my fingers.

Lidstar

This is probably the only Glossier product I’ve tried that I would say you could skip on. It’s a ok product, I just don’t think it’s anything special. I wish they were slightly more pigmented. I do feel like they wear pretty well, so if you’re looking for an all over color to provide a sheer wash of color for your lids, this might be for you. I think I just have too much discoloration and veining on my eyelids to use this alone.

Perfume

If you’re looking for a scent unlike anything you’ve ever smelled, TRY IT! It smells so good, and I’m not a big perfume person! It’s one of those scents that you can’t stop sniffing because it’s so good.

There you have it! If you’re new to Glossier be sure to CLICK HERE for 10% off your first purchase. I have yet to try their new PLAY line of makeup products, but I’ll probably give in and try it soon and let you know my thoughts!

What have you tried from Glossier? It really is a great brand and I love their whole skincare first, makeup second approach to beauty.

Have a beautiful 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.

Happimess Eyeshadow & Lipstick Review

I was scrolling through Instagram one day and discovered the launch of a cosmetics brand that I had never heard of; Happimess.

I was intrigued by their packaging and products to click further and check it out! I was super excited to find how inexpensive their items are. After discovering how much I love the Maybelline Soda Pop and Lemonade Craze palettes, I’ve recently been on the hunt for other inexpensive but good quality palettes. I was really interested in Happimess palettes because I find that glitter and matte formulas tend to be the hardest to find inexpensively and the palette I ordered came with both!

I had a launch coupon code so I decided to try out some lipsticks and an eyeshadow duo, on top of the ‘Next to Me’ palette. Here my thoughts…

‘Next to Me’ Eyeshadow Palette ($12):

I was really happy with the quality of this palette for the amazing price of $12 (I got it even cheaper)! I loved how in this palette there is a good balance of matte and metallic shadows and even a glitter. The matte shades are not chalky and blend very well and the metallic shades are stunning! I love using the halographic glitter shade as a topper to give extra dimension. It’s so pretty. Overall I’m really impressed with this palette.

Accompanied Eyeshadow Duo in ‘Love Lay Here’ ($5):

I got this duo because I love really warm matte shadows to quickly swipe on my lid and blend out when I’m in a hurry. I loved that it was tiny and easy to pop in my makeup bag for the gym and that it had the two colors in one pan. What’s cool about their single and duo eyeshadows is that if you have multiple you can connect them into one unit which would be nice to create your own palette of shades! I again am impressed with the quality of matte shadows for the price.

High Class Lipsticks in ‘Deep Lilac’ & ‘Plum Red’ ($10):

High Class Lipstick in Deep Lilac

High Class Lipstick in Plum Red

High Class Lipstick in Plum Red but applied with my finger as a stain.

I haven’t tried many lipsticks recently, so I was excited to give these a try. They have another formula but it seemed glossier and since I'm more of a matte girl I went with this satin formula. I have been obsessed with applying these with my finger to give my lips more of a stained look. I find this helps the lipstick stay on longer and I love the subtle pop of color it gives to a makeup look. I love how the satin formula keeps my lips from feeling dried out too. Overall I’m really happy with this lipstick.

As you can tell, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Happimess. I love everything I purchased and I still can’t believe how inexpensive the prices are for the quality you get. I should also mention that the products are overall more natural than most and if you click on each product it will tell you in the description all of the nasty ingredients it is free from!

What new brands have you tried recently? What should I try next? Comment below and let me know!

Have a great day,

Andrea

Disclosure: All products were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own.

How to Combat Winter Skin Blues

This post goes out to all my readers who are currently suffering through the negative temperatures with me. I heard a stat yesterday that said that today 85% of the US would be at or below freezing temps, so I’m going to guess this will be useful for you no matter where you’re reading from! Winter has certainly arrived in the Midwest and I’m here to give you some tips on how you can give your skin the extra little bit of TLC that it’s probably craving right about now.

Layer on the moisturizer before you leave the house, whether or not you are wearing makeup. I cannot explain how important it is to go out into the cold moisturized. You need the protective barrier as you go in and out of varying temperature extremes to make sure you don’t end up drier.

If you are wearing makeup, try skipping the primer, applying a heavy layer of moisturizer and not waiting for it to completely absorb before blending your foundation in. I know this might sound crazy, but if you are dry, foundation can sometimes accentuate your fine lines, dry patches, and texture. If you have a good thick layer of moisturizer on instead of primer, you can blend your foundation into your skin better and it’s less likely to catch on the texture. The moisturizer I like to use for this and for the previous tip is the Weleda Skin Food. It is amazing for both of these purposes and smells so good!

Even if you’re oily, you need to be moisturizing. Even if you are using a gel cream ( I like this one from Belif), please do not think that because you are oily you can skip the moisturizer, even in the dead of winter. While we may need differing levels of hydration during this time of year, you need to at least be protecting from water loss in your skin.

If you’re worried about clogging your pores from heavier creams, exfoliate and purify first! I love to use my Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy mask before hydrating. This way my skin is exfoliated, purified, and calmed before I hydrate it. It also lessens the likelihood that I will break out. After I exfoliate, if I want to do more than just moisturize, I will throw on my Farmacy Honey Potion Mask because it is hydrating, calming, and anti-bacterial. I highly recommend this combo of masks for those of you who are struggling with acne-prone but dry skin right now!

AMP up your Hylauronic acid. Make sure that you are using a hyaluronic acid serum right now. Simply press it into your skin all over your face before you moisturize and it will help you retain water. This is especially important with the dry heat we are experiencing indoors. I really like the one from Trader Joe’s. While I couldn’t find the link for you, there are many cleaner options for you out there.

Hydrate with rose water sprays. I love spraying my face during my routine with rose water spray because it helps drawn in more moisture. These little steps are key in keeping your skin happy during this weather. Just be sure you are doing them in the right order. Click here to read my previous post about a common beauty mistake I see people making online that has to do with rose water sprays. I like this spray from Trader Joe’s and this one from Pacifica.

Consistently exfoliate. Whether it’s daily with a subtle toner or every few days with a mask, it’s vital right now to continue exfoliating so that when we apply our other products, they aren’t being blocked by dead skin cells. You can add the most expensive and effective moisturizer on your skin, but it still will not hydrate dead skin cells. Make the most of your money and be consistent with exfoliating and the rest of your products will be that much more effective. WARNING: do a test patch before you use your normal face masks, even if it is a mask you have used before. Sometimes due to the cold we can be more sensitive than normal. If this is the case, rely on a gentler exfoliating toner instead.

Get that humidifier for you bedroom. If you don’t already have one and experience really dry skin in the winter, you NEED to invest in one for while you are sleeping. I have bought this one from Vicks twice because it’s just a good one. I know you can probably find a higher quality humidifier but here’s my thought process. I’d rather buy one more inexpensively and toss it every few years because of the maintenance it requires. One thing that is vital with humidifiers is making sure you are being proactive with cleaning them. I would use a humidifier cleanser with it every few days and clean it out completely every so often (and then pitch it every other year). With moisture comes a perfect environment for mold so just be aware of that.

I hope this tips help you stay afloat in this nasty Polar Vortex. Stay warm, stay hydrated, and stay moisturized!

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.