February Favorites

Hello I'm back! 

In case you missed all of the sunsets, head over to my Instagram to see all of the fun I had on my Florida vacay!

I'm back with some favorites from February that I can't wait to share. Originally I was going to include some book favorites because I have been reading a lot, but I polled you guys on Instagram and you decided you wanted a Quarterly Book Post instead, so look for that at the end of March. I feel like I mention this in every post, but if you want to have a say on the content I create, follow me on Instagram and vote in those polls!!

If links below are Amazon links, they are affiliate links. If you choose to use them, I earn a commission off of your purchase. This in no way affects the price that you pay, but supports me as a blogger and I so appreciate you if you choose to use them! If the link in this post isn't for Amazon, then it is not an affiliated link. I just like to be upfront with you! Anyways, now onto the faves!

I have been driving a lot recently and love to listen to podcasts during this time. One of my all time favorite bloggers Sydney from The Daybook, recently started a podcast with her business partner and I knew I had to listen. No shocker, I am absolutely obsessed. It's called What The Eff Podcast and it's about going after your dreams and figuring it out as you go along. I cannot recommend it enough. Sometimes they have guests, sometimes they interview each other, but every episode is amazing. Check it out here!

I can't remember how I found out this Newsletter but I love it. It's called the Girl's Night In Newsletter and you get an email every Friday morning (as if Friday wasn't exciting enough) and it's full of recommendations; recipes to make, things to do, books to read, articles to read, etc. As I get older and spend less time out on a Friday night, I really like the ideas it gives. Click this link here to sign up for it!

Next, let's talk some products. First up we have the Pacifica Rose Flower Hydro Mist. I bought this in a rush at Target when I was picking up last minute things for my vacation and I became obsessed. It has that amazing rose scent, but I used it constantly whenever I wanted to refresh and cool off my face, especially at the beach. I loved it. It also has Kombucha and essential oils in it which I find pretty cool (Side note, I'm learning how to make Kombucha Tuesday night and could not be more excited!!) It's 100% vegan and cruelty free and also formulated without SLS, petroleum, parabens, and sulfates!

I always use a lip treatment with an SPF when I am on vacation or in the sun, so I went back to this amazing one for my Florida trip that I've loved for a long time. The Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Tulip has a berry pink tint to it, which I love to give my lips moisture, color, and protection in the easiest way! I can't recommend this line of lip products enough for warm days!

Let me be a broken record and say I LOVE SHEET MASKS! haha that probably comes at no surprised, especially if you read my last post on Travel Tips. I have been using them so much recently and again I think they are great to have on hand. Here's a great set to get you started if you want to try some out. 

I want to mention my SPF that I have been using for awhile and was my go to in Florida. The Algenist Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 doesn't smell like traditional SPF, doesn't feel like traditional SPF and I love it. It protects so well and I can't recommend it enough. I am all about formula and finish when it comes to the SPF for my face and I love how this one doesn't feel greasy at all but still nourishing. 

Lastly, I want to share a drugstore foundation you've probably heard me talk about but I've been loving for awhile now. The L'Oreal Pro Glow Foundation is medium coverage and build-able and gives a really nice glowy finish. I'm normally a NARS foundation girl all the time, but I am happy to have found a great drugstore foundation to have as an affordable option.

So that's it for February! What were your favorites this month? If you've fallen in love with something be sure to leave it in a comment below!

I hope you have a great start to the new month! I'm starting my March off with a Launch Party tonight for a Beauty Bar I did makeup for! Then I'm headed for a weekend away visiting my best friend.

Enjoy your weekend loves,

Andrea

Romantic & Soft Valentine's Day Makeup Tutorial

I'm back with the second makeup tutorial for Valentine's Day! Over on my Instagram (link is to the right-->) I created a poll in my stories asking if you wanted to see a romantic & soft makeup look or a bold & daring one. I already created the bold & daring, so here is the second one, romantic & soft!

This time around, I created a look that is much more subtle, but still just as beautiful as the last. I used only one palette, The Jaclyn Hill Palette from Morphe, to create the whole look! It was my first time using any Morphe eyeshadows and I really fell in love with this palette. I can't wait to create some more looks with it.  Products used are listed in the description of the video on YouTube, so be sure to click on the video and visit it there if you want details!

Remember, just like the last look, you can swap out any shadows for the ones shown and make the look your own. 

Here's a better look at the shadows that I used!

As I mentioned in the video, if you have any requests for specific looks or palettes to use to create looks, leave a comment below to let me know!

Have a beautiful start to your week,

Andrea

Bold & Daring Valentine's Day Makeup Tutorial Video

I'm back with a makeup tutorial! Over on my Instagram (link is to the right-->) I created a poll in my stories asking if you wanted to see a romantic & soft makeup look or a bold & daring one. Technically, romantic & soft won by one vote, but I decided I would create both looks since it was so close! 

In the YouTube video below, I show you how to take a few shadows and create the easiest smokey eye. Products used are listed in the description of the video on YouTube, so be sure to click on the video and visit it there if you want details!

Remember, you can swap out any shadow for the cranberry/burgundy tones so this look is really versatile! Look for the romantic & soft tutorial to come early next week! 

Have a beautiful night,

Andrea 

January Favorites

I'm back with some favorites from the month of January! As you know, I had a rocky start to the new year but I'm happy to say that things have turned around and the second half of the month was amazing! The thing I am most proud of this month is that some of my friendships have grown tremendously and I feel like I went through a lot of self growth. One of my favorite YouTubers mentioned that she often finds that the greatest things come out of challenges and I feel like my January was a great example of this. What was your biggest accomplishment this past month? Leave a comment below and let me know! I'd love to congratulate you on your journey!

Now for the favorites! I'm trying a new style this month as I've become an Amazon Associate recently. This means that if you buy products through these links I will earn a small commission. If that bothers you, feel free to find the products separately. If you choose to buy, THANK YOU for supporting Andrea Fontana Beauty! You are awesome! Let me know how you like this format!

I don't have a Trader Joe's by me but had heard quite the buzz about this seasoning all over. Luckily a store opened up recently in the city I'm from so when I went home for Christmas I made sure to pick up two bottles because I knew I would love it. I put it on everything; hard boiled eggs, avocado toast, homemade bagels, and more! I highly recommend trying it out ASAP!

If you follow me on Instagram, this first favorite probably comes as no surprise! I received a cookbook (Bobby Flay Fit) that I wanted SO badly, from my beautiful friend Sammy! I have made so many recipes already from it and have loved them all. I highly recommend if you are looking to eat a healthier way but don't want to sacrifice flavor. I use it so much that I even burnt an imprint of the coil from my stove burner into the cover by accident (haha!). Be sure to follow my Instagram (www.instagram.com/andreafontanabeauty) to laugh with me at my daily adventures!

I've already mentioned this next favorite a few posts back, but I finished it in only 2 weeks and I CANNOT recommend it enough. Don't let the almost 600 pages scare you away from this amazing story of the life of Cyril Avery growing up in Ireland. It's written well and I couldn't put it down; sometimes getting lost in the pages for hours at a time. 

I received a sample of this facial oil a little while back and when my coveted Rosehip oil ran out and I didn't have any on hand, I grabbed this one and have loved it all month! It's a dry oil made up of Vitamins E and B, apricot kernel oil, coconut oil, and wheat germ oil. I love how it sunk into my skin quickly and didn't leave me feeling greasy which is nice for day time. I love to put on oils with Anti-oxidants to help combat free radicals and pollution throughout the day! You only need a few drops to apply so this bottle would last a long time!

This is my favorite hair product of the moment. It was recommended by a friend Ashley, who is a cosmetologist (as you know I know nothing about hair and rely on friends for help in that area haha). I love this finishing spray because it smells awesome, gives my hair some shine and a slight hold. It's definitely not as strong as a hairspray, but I love it to tame my style when I actually do my hair. It doesn't leave any crazy residues, which I love. 

Love, love love this moisturizer. I've mentioned it before, but it's my go to in colder months or when I've been sick. I had a cold at the beginning of the month and blew my nose so many times that the skin around it was raw and red. This moisturizer saved me (due to the colloidal oatmeal). I highly recommend it for dry skin that can be sensitive. It's one I always keep on hand in case I'm feeling dry.

This one's a classic that I always go back to at least once a year and apparently January was that time. It's great for thick, voluminous lashes and always makes my lashes look amazing. I'm not sure why I ever get away from it haha. Why do we always have to try new mascaras as women? 

I contemplated writing an entire post devoted to these babies, but I couldn't hold off on telling you about them any longer. They are heaven sent if you get blemishes. Always keep them on hand. They are little nude/clear stickers that you put over a blemish at night when you go to sleep. I like to do it before I put my moisturizer on so that they stick well and then apply moisturizer around it afterwards. The trick with these is that you have to wait until there is a white head, then it pulls everything out as you're sleeping and you'll see the white color change in the morning on the sticker. The blemish will still be red in the morning, but it is always so much flatter if not completely flat from pulling everything out. I can't recommend them enough! 

Another favorite worth mentioning is the product that I did a First Impression on in my most recent YouTube video! Click here to watch it! It's the Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Warm Tan. I love this product for everyday makeup use! Also while you're at it subscribe to my YouTube channel 'Andrea Fontana Beauty' to stay notified when I post new videos for you!

As usual, leave a comment below sharing any new products you loved this month so we can all learn from each other!

I hope you have a wonderful February,

Andrea

So You're Getting Married? (Bridal Makeup Tips)

Hello! 

I'm really excited to bring you this post because I have so many tips to share when it comes to bridal makeup. I'm going to try to condense everything into as short of a post as possible but there is so much to consider when planning the getting ready portion of the day.

1. Give yourself PLENTY of extra time to get ready. This one has many reasons so read the whole thing! When it comes to the morning of your wedding day, you will not be able to sleep in. You're going to be so excited like a 5 year old on Christmas, so if your hair stylist or makeup artist suggest an earlier start time, do not worry. There's a few reasons why I always ask for extra time. The largest being that this is a really important day and it's the only time you will get to spend with just your bridesmaids. You picked them for a reason, so take extra time to enjoy their company. Also however you feel at the end of getting ready, is the energy you will feel when going into a first look or down the aisle. The last thing you want is to go into it feeling stressed or rushed. I also recommend that my brides take a moment to let the day sink in with peace and quiet, often when alone. Enjoy every second of the day because it will fly by. 

2. Trust your hair stylist and makeup artist when they give advice. You hired them for a reason and unless you have been married before, they do this a little more often than you. As a makeup artist I have seen TONS of things not go as planned, so when I give recommendations to my brides, it's usually because I have experience to go off of when something went wrong. Whomever you decide to go with for your glam team, wants you to have the best day ever so keep that in mind. 

3. Have a trial. I cannot stress this enough. The more that you can do to get rid of potential stress on the big day, the better. You will feel a sense of relief knowing that your hair stylist and makeup artist know exactly what you want for your wedding day. Also this allows you to make sure you don't have any sensitivities or allergies to the products being used ahead of time. 

4. Bring pictures! I find that sometimes brides feel weird about bringing pictures to their trial but they are so helpful for your glam team. It's much easier to understand what you want if we have a visual of it. We all describe things differently so pictures can help us connect the dots better. Also know why you love the pictures. I often ask brides why they love a certain look so that I can make sure I deliver the best possible makeup look for them.

5. Discuss allergies and sensitivities ahead of time.  If you are allergic to specific ingredients or sensitive PLEASE let your artist know ahead of time. While I keep a lot of extra products in my kit, I can't be prepared for every possible allergy since everyone is different. So make sure you discuss everything with your artist before the big day.

6. Create a schedule. This is the big one. Depending on large your wedding party is or how many people are getting hair and makeup done, you may want to create a loose schedule to keep things flowing properly. If your party is large, it will probably take a good amount of time (hours) for everyone to be glammed. If you create a schedule it allows your girls to at least know the approximate time that they will be needed by the hair and makeup team. I've had bridesmaids go MIA and slow down the process which can end up stressing the bride out. Sometimes they need to leave to help with setup and such, which is fine, but it's nice for them to know what time they should return to keep things running smoothly. It's helpful to have your hair and makeup team take a look at the schedule to make sure that you planned enough time for them to do what they need to do to help you look perfect! Please lean on your hair and makeup team for this! I cannot stress this enough. Have family members (mom, sisters, etc.) be done towards the beginning. I recommend making sure that none of your close family members go last. I like to plan for worst case scenario so that even the unpredictable doesn't ruin anything. Anyone who you would want in pictures to help you get dressed (i.e. sister buttoning your dress, mom putting on your veil) you do not want to go last. Just in case things are running behind you do not want your mom or sister to miss that special moment. You want to be as close to the end as possible without being last. You are the star of the show and your makeup and hair needs to look the best, so going as close to the end as possible (I recommend second or third to last) is best so that everything will look fresh at the end of getting ready!

Congrats on your big day! If you are still looking for a makeup artist for your big day, please send me an email. I'd love to be considered in helping you look your very best on your wedding day. If you are going to be a bridesmaid this year, make sure you check out this post I did on Bridesmaids Makeup Tips. 

Have a beautiful week,

Andrea

First Impression Video: Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer

Happy Thursday!

I'm back with another video today, this time sharing my first impression of a new cream product and some tips on applying cream products! I like first impression videos because they show you my initial reaction to using a new product for the first time. If you like this type of video, please be sure to like the video, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and let me know what you want to see next!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! I'm off to celebrate the world's GREATEST man's birthday (my boyfriend <3),

Andrea

Everyday Makeup Routine

Welcome back! 

I have a highly requested YouTube video now up on my channel and below in this blog post. I added a poll to my Instagram stories asking if you wanted to see an everyday makeup routine look and so many of you said YES! (In case you haven't noticed, all of the action is happening on Instagram so go follow it!! Link is to the right -->) So here we are! 

I listed all of the products below in order of appearance so that I didn't have to spend so much time going over them in the video. I hope you enjoy this and subscribe to the channel so you can always be updated when I post new videos. 

I hope you are having a wonderful week so far!

Andrea Fontana

Recent Empties

I filmed another video talking to you all about recent products I have used up. Before I get to talking about whether or not I'd repurchase them I want to get a little personal with you tonight.

As I'm writing this I've had a frustrating night. Actually a frustrating first week of the new year. The reason I'm mentioning it is because I feel like there's a lot of pressure during the new year for some people to 'start strong' and 'be positive' and you may have had an equally terrible week. So know that it is ok if this week sucked. Mine did, but I am not going to let it affect my month or my year. I know my last post was all about self reflection and getting a good start to the new year, but nothing went as planned this week. And that's ok.

Do not let a tough start to a new year affect what will come after. Something that I often struggle with is asking others for help. It makes me so uncomfortable. So I want to tell you it's ok to ask for help when you need it. (I might have written that sentence as a way of convincing myself to believe it). It's ok to rely on your loved ones when you need them. I don't know what I would have done today without that 30 min phone call to my best friend who gave me the advice I needed to get back up. 

I hope this next week is kinder to both of us :) Now back to the beauty products!

How are you guys liking these videos? I'm having fun learning more about editing and creating them so I will probably continue to make them if you guys keep enjoying them! I love empties videos because they are more than a first impression. I've tried the product a whole bottle's worth and have a more accurate idea of how the product performs. The cool thing though is you'll see products that didn't work as well. So I feel like you gain more knowledge than a favorites video. 

As usual, I will list all of the products below so you have the accurate names! Comment below with any suggestions for my next YouTube video and if you want to subscribe to the channel so you're automatically updated, go for it! Thank you always for the love!

Have the best week ever,

Andrea Fontana

1. Enjoy Volumizing Dry Shampoo
2. Aura Cacia Organic Rosehip Oil with Vitamin E and Acure Organics Rosehip Oil
3. Farmacy Eye Dew It All Total Eye Cream
4. Farmacy Honey Potion Mask
5. The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
6. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
7. Life NK Daily Fix Muscle Relief Bath Soak
8. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
9. Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer
10. Sephora Collection Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer
11. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
12. NYX Micro Brow Pencil
13. Smashbox Always Sharp Lip Liner in Figgy
14. Lancome Cils Booster XL Vitamin Infused Mascara Primer
15. Benefit They're Real Mascara

Gigi Hadid Jetsetter Palette First Impression and Test

Let me start off by wishing you a Happy Holiday! I've created another video on YouTube for you guys sharing the Gigi Hadid for Maybelline Jetsetter Palette. I'm super excited to bring you another video because I'm loving the format of making them. What are you guys thinking of it? I feel like there's certain things I can show you in a video that I just can't get across in a blog post. I of course will always give extra feedback in these corresponding posts but watch the video first below to see my thoughts on the application and wear of this palette. Good news, as of this moment when I'm writing this post, the palette is on sale for $17.99 at Ulta! Watch below to see if I think you should pick it up...or skip to the bottom and read what grade I give it!

Thoughts on the Jetsetter Palette: 
I really did enjoy using this palette and think it will be one that I reach for a lot. For me, this will be something I throw in my gym bag and use on days when I want an easy and quick makeup look. Will I reach for it when I want full glam? Probably not, but that's ok! 

As far as the individual products in the palette, my favorite by far is that highlighter. I think it's beautiful and if Maybelline sold it on it's own, I would for sure buy it. Other favorites were the blush and bronzer, and the eyeshadows. I definitely don't like the lip colors as you saw above, and the concealers were good enough for a quick makeup day. If I needed my makeup to last for a long amount of time I would probably bring another one with me to use instead. The mini mascara was one I already know and love so that's a good thing, but as mentioned in the video, I wish they had included one of the ones in the Gigi Hadid line because I had heard good things about them.

Overall, I give this palette an 8 out of 10. I think the price is nice, I like majority of the products and definitely think I will get good use out of the palette over time! 

Have you tried anything from this collaboration line with Gigi? Leave a comment below letting me know how you like this style of review? 

Have a Happy Holiday season with your families and loved ones!!!

Andrea Fontana

Current Fave Beauty Products

Last Thursday I did my first Instagram Live video per your request! It was so much fun. Thank you to everyone who watched and participated live, and also those who watched it afterwards. I'm always thankful for your support. In case you missed the live video or wanted more info on the products I talked about below is a list of links to everything I mentioned.

1. Belif Peat Miracle Revital Eye Cream
2. Exuviance Moisture Balance Toner
3. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
4. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
5. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
6. CoverFx Custom Cover Drops
7. It Cosmetics CC+ Cream
8. Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eyeshadow Primer
9. Makeup Geek Contour Powders
10. Makeup Geek Highlighters
11. Color Pop Super Shock Eyeshadows
12. NYX Microbrow Pencil
13. Makeup Geek Foiled Pigments

Thank you again for all of your support and love! I cannot wait to do my next Instagram Live. If you have a topic that you would like to see, please leave a comment below!

Have a beautiful week,

Andrea Fontana

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide

Happy December! I asked in an Instagram story poll if you'd rather see a holiday gift guide or current favorite beauty products post first, and here is what you chose! I had so many things to share, so I thought I'd mix things up and try a different format by filming a video for you guys! I didn't realize how many times I could say um until I had to edit them out! haha!

Below I've listed all of the products with links. If you like this format let me know and I'd be happy to start doing more of these for you. If you have any gift recommendations that you want to share with everyone be sure to leave a comment below. Have fun shopping for your loved ones!

(In order of appearance)
1. Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask (Orig. $14.99, On Sale $11.99!)
--> Post related to this mask

2. Bentonite Clay Powder ($7.99)
--> Post related to this mask

3. Origins Clear Improvements Charcoal Mask (Travel Size $17)

4. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask ($25)
--> Post related to this Mask

5. Farmacy Honey Potion Mask ($56) or in a Honey Gift Set ($45)

6. Peter Thomas Roth Mask Sampler Kit ($25)

7. Organic Rosehip Oil ($12.99)
--> Post related to this oil

8. Too Faced Natural Matte Palette ($36)

9. Carli Bybel for BH Cosmetics Palette (Only sell Deluxe Version now but On Sale $16.87)

10. Lorac Pro Matte Lip Color ($19)

11. Sephora Cream Lip Stain ($14)

12. Cotton Rounds ($2.99)

13. Sheet Masks (Various Kinds; this 5 pack $8) 

14. Real Techniques: 

15. Huda Beauty Eye Shadow Palette ($27)

16. Hand Cream ($9): 

Happy Holiday Shopping!!

Andrea

Lipsense Review

I'm here with a review on a lip product that I was so excited to try. If you like makeup there's no way you could have missed the new sensation that is Lipsense. I'm sure you know at least one person, if not more who sells it and have probably been wondering...but does it really work? It claims to be incredibly long-wearing lip color that WILL NOT SMUDGE. A wonderful friend of mine Jessica offered to gift me some Lipsense to try out and give her my thoughts on it which was so kind. Not only is she an amazing and hardworking distributor, but she manages a gym, is a fitness trainer, and does it all while being pregnant with a super lucky little girl. We all know my obsession with lipstick so I am extremely thankful she offered to do this! All of her links will be at the end of this post if you want to try some Lipsense too! 

I chose a color called Napa because it looked like it would be a 'Your lips but better' shade that many skin types could pull off. It has a little bit of shimmer to it when you look at it in the tube but I don't feel like it looks glittery by any means on my lips. The first time you buy Lipsense you have to buy the kit because you need all three products; the color, the gloss, and the Oops remover. After you have your first kit, you can buy new colors or glosses as needed. The gloss is important because it seals in the color to last all day. 

The application process is very detailed, but Jessica provides a wonderful little instruction card in her cute little packaging that explains the whole process to you and even has tips and tricks on the back for you. You have to apply three thin layers and let each dry, while holding your lips taut and open the whole time. It felt a little crazy at first, but I got used to it quickly. I felt much more comfortable applying it the second time. After the three layers, you apply the gloss, which honestly was one of my favorite parts, and I AM NOT A GLOSS PERSON. I live for matte lipsticks and rarely use gloss so I was a little worried about having to seal it with a gloss. I hate the feeling of sticky lips and I loved how smooth the "Glossy" gloss felt on my lips. It never felt sticky but still managed to stay on for hours. Jessica says that the other glosses are even better in her opinion! 

Top Left: My natural lips with nothing on them; Top Right: one coat of Napa; Bottom Left: three coast of Napa; Bottom Right: three coats Napa and one coat Glossy gloss. 

So how did it go? I've worn it probably 4 times now all day, and I've honestly fallen in love with it. I did have some issues in the beginning but Jessica checked up on me and helped me find solutions. When you start off using Lipsense some people go through what they call 'the exfoliation' phase where your lips get super chapped as they're getting rid of all the wax buildup. It definitely started to happen to me, as my lips got pretty dry the first time I tried it. Due to the exfoliation process, I only got about 6 hours of wear out of it at a time. I did notice however that it got better with each use and the last time I wore it, it lasted at least 8 hours, which is AWESOME. Jessica mentioned that wearing even just the gloss helps this process so I did that a few days as well. 

For me the best part about Lipsense is the no smudging. You can kiss, wear a white shirt, etc. and not worry about getting color anywhere! I don't mind if it doesn't last the whole day, since I'm used to having to reapply lipsticks anyways. But to not worry about my lip color getting anywhere is HUGE. I will probably being buying some for my makeup kit because these scream wedding day to me. I am excited to test out other colors, especially the matte shades because I love me some matte lip products. Have you tried any Lipsense products before? If you have, let me know which colors you like and what your thoughts are on the product! If you're wanting to try some here is all of Jessica's information!

Jessica Stemen 'Sweat Proof Face'
SeneGence Independent Distributor #313524
sweatproofface@gmail.com
FB: sweat proof face
IG: @sweatproofface

Many thanks to Jessica again for letting me review this product for Andrea Fontana Beauty! I will be sure to keep you guys updated if I try any new colors in the future and what I think!

Have a beautiful week,

Andrea Fontana Beauty