Dre Does Summer Pops of Lip Color

In honor of the first day of Summer coming up on Sunday, I wanted to something devoted to my favorite lipsticks for summer. If there's a makeup product that I can never have enough of, it's definitely lipstick. I absolutely love the colors of lipstick that the warmer months bring.

I have a very olive skin tone, so my favorite colors to rock with a tan are definitely cool-toned pinks and fuchsia shades. A close second are the corals. With both groups though, I love to do very luminous and glowy skin, minimal bronzed eyes and then the pop of color with the lips. I'm going to show you both high end and drugstore options for both categories.

The Fuchsias: These are my absolute favorite types of shades to wear in the summer. They compliment my skin tone the best and I especially love these four below!

 

Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain "Smitten"($9.49): This is a twist up crayon type product that leaves a beautiful stain with a glossy finish (Mine is in the old packaging so it is called a Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain but these have since been renamed to Colorburst Balm Stains).

NYX Butter Lipstick "Hunk" ($5.99): Cream finish lipstick with medium pigmentation.

MAC Sheen Supreme ($18): Sheer to medium pigmentation, high shine finish and very moisturizing on the lips. I have gone through two of these tubes already. I love this formula for a glossy lipstick.

Revlon Lip Butter "Lollipop" ($8.49): One of the more pigmented lip butters from the line; moisturizing too.

The Cool-Toned Pinks: While I'm not much of a pink girl, these two cooler shades are amazing for the summer!

 

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm "Unapologetic" ($9.49): I love the formula of these matte balms; long-wearing and not too drying; great pigment. 

Revlon Lip Butter "Sweet Tart" (discontinued shade): Unfortunately this shade of lip butter is discontinued but I still wanted to show it to you because you might already have it and it's a good reference for color. I wanted to show the products I'm really wearing! 

The Corals: I do love a good coral in the summer, so here are a few I like to rock.

Revlon Lip Butter "Tutti Frutti" (discontinued shade): Another discontinued shade but I wanted you to see how pigmented and great these lip butter shades are. I love them for people wanting to try bright lipsticks for the first time.
Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick "Light it up" ($18): Cream lipstick with full pigmentation that also moisturizes.
MAC "Mangrove" (limited edition): Again unfortunately this one is hard to come by because it was a part of the limited edition Proenza Schouler Collection from last summer, but I wear this shade ALL the time when I have a tan. MAC has other shades that are similar to it. Matte finish, long-wearing, and great pigmentation.

I hope you enjoyed my favorite pops of lip color for the summer time! What are some of your favorites? I hope these gave you some inspiration to try some new shades and be a little bolder with your lip color this summer!

Have a beautiful weekend,

Dre

Dre Does Empties #2

I didn't realize it had been months since I have posted one of these until I looked back. I am definitely due! If you have never seen one of my Empties posts before, it is where I share products that I have used up and give you the verdict on whether or not I would purchase them again. So let's get started!

I decided to split up the products into two categories to make it easier. First I'll talk about skincare and then makeup products.

Ulta Pumpkin Latte Body Scrub: I aboslutely love Ulta's body scrubs. This one was a special edition holiday scent they came out with. It was my favorite of the collection so I bought 3 of them I think which is why I'm still using them up in June. Let's just say I'm dying to get into some other scents I have but I'm trying to be good and use these up. If you need a good gritty exfoliating scrub, you need to try these! I use them to exfoliate before shaving since I can't use shaving cream and they work great! Definitely check them out the next time Ulta has one of their frequent Buy # get # free sales!

Verdict: I will purchase the body scrubs again, just not in this scent because I'm pretty sure I've almost OD'ed on it...

Urban Decay Setting Sprays in All Nighter and De-Slick: De-slick was the first setting spray I ever fell in love with and to this day it is my favorite that I have tried. I love how well it controls my shine and makes everything stay put. I use it on every bridal client, especially in the summer so no makeup melts off the face. A few months ago there was an All Nighter two-pack for a ridiculously good deal at Ulta, so I decided to pick that up instead of De-Slick and while I still like it, it's not my favorite. It does help my makeup last, but for oily skin and the summer heat, I still prefer De-Slick. 

Verdict: I am still finishing up the other half of my two-pack of All Nighter, but I am going to try the Makeup Forever Mist & Fix next. Updates to follow.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil: Do I really need to talk anymore about this on here? Haha if you have been following me for a while you know that this is my holy grail moisurizer. If not, I can't say enough great things about it! I use it morning and night instead of a moisturizer (or after a moisturizer in the off chance that I am dry) and it helps my skin tremendously. I wake up every morning with soft and supple skin and the vitamin C really helps even out my skin tone and fade old scars. I feel like it has also brought a radiance back to my skin that I love.

Verdict: I will repurchase it until they stop making it. And then I will hide in my room and cry until Tarte decides to bring it back into production. So yeah... You should try it...

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Facial Moisturizer: I really love Ole Henriksen's products and this is no exception. If you're looking for a light moisturizer that will exfoliate and help fade hyperpigmentation and acne scars, try this one. A little goes a long way, it absorbs quickly and feels so nice and light on the skin.

Verdict: Definitely worth trying if you like light, exfoliating moisturizers. I will probablly purchase a full size for the summer for days that I need extra moisture to pair with my Maracuja Oil.

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion: I was recommended this product when I was suffering from cystic acne on my chin because it is designed to target deep cystic blemishes and this is already my second bottle to go through. I really noticed a difference and hardly ever the deep cystic blemishes anymore! I highly recommend it if you get them! 

Verdict: Already have purchased and am using my third bottle!

Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment: This is the sample size that I got free with purchase from Ulta, but I currently am using the full size and I love it. I use it as my eye cream morning and night and feel like it is really helping diminish the darkness around my eyes. I mentioned it in my May Favorites if you want to know more!

Verdict: Unless I discover a new eye treatment that I want to try, I will probably repurchase this one when I am out.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant: This is the deluxe sample size that I got from an Ipsy Glambag probably over a year ago, but I made that thing last as long as I possibly could until I got the full size. I love the scent because it smells like lemons. It does a wonderful job of exfoliating the skin but I would be careful if you have super sensitive skin, because sometimes it can hurt slightly. I also like that you don't need a lot of product for one use because it is an expensive one.

Verdict: I probably won't repurchase the large size because it is so expensive and I don't mechanically exfoliate my face as much as I do chemically.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC30: I absolutely love this concealer and it is my favorite full coverage undereye concealer. It literally does not budge until you use a makeup remover or cleanser to get it off. It's no stranger to my Freelance Kit and something I always go back to.

Verdict: I already have a few backups because I can't go without it. It will always be something I repurchase.

Benefit's They're Real Mascara: I feel like I should be embarrassed that I have 4 in my empties but it's seriously the only mascara I wear because nothing compares to it. I makes my lashes longer while still making them look thick and voluminous. The brush is so easy to use to comb through your lashes so you have no clumps. The part that makes my favorite mascara though is the wear. I have crazy long bottom lashes and 99% of mascaras leave dots on my undereye area because they just can't stay put. Not with They're Real though. I don't have to worry about smudging or dots! It is so worth the $23 price tag. 

Verdict: I have obviously repurchased this many, many times and don't plan on stopping!

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment: I talked about my love for these Lip Treatments in a recent post (click here to see it) and I used up one of the original Rose Treatments. This one is great if you don't want a lot of pigment. I love that these have SPF so I use them a lot in the summer. 

Verdict: While I love the rose color, I like to try a new shade every time I purchase them!

Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Dark: This product is another holy grail for me. I love how easy it is to use. If you are scared to fill in your brows or need a gel that will hold them in place, do yourself a favor and head to a Benefit counter to at least try it. I have gotten so many people addicted to it, due to it's ease of application and natural look! It only comes in two shades (I wear the darker of the two). It has little microfibers in the tinted gel that cling to your brow hairs, giving a fuller but still natural, appearance. 

Verdict: This is another product I will always have on hand because I never leave the house without at least this and mascara!

Well those are my empties for now! I feel like this post turned into an accidental favorites post because I really love so many of these products, but I think it's still helpful to see the products I love. I hope you enjoyed and have a wonderful week!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Pizza on the Grill

It's impossible to not think of grilling when you think about the summer. So many of my memories as a child in the summertime were at cookouts with friends, family, and neighbors. Saying that my dad loves to grill is an understatement and I like to think I've picked up some skills from him over the years. So today I bring you a post that's a little bit different than usual, but an absolute favorite of mine. 

As a vegetarian it can be really hard to find alternatives to grilling meat. Enter one of God's greatest gifts...PIZZA! My parents used to grill us pizzas all the time and now that I'm all grown up, I've adapted a family favorite to my own use. The thing I love most about this idea is that you can invite a bunch of friends over, get tons of different toppings, and everyone can create their own. I like to buy the thin personal crusts at the grocery store so that everyone can customize their own pizza, but larger ones work well too! Hello summer Pizza Bar! These pizzas are also great for sneaking veggies into kids' dinners or my personal favorite...cleaning out the fridge! I like to keep the crusts on hand so that if I have no idea what to make one night, I can throw a quick pizza together.

I mean just look at it!

All you need is the following:
-Pizza crust of your choice (thin, thick, gluten-free, wheat, homemade, store bought...who cares?!)
-Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-Marinara sauce, pesto, alfredo...get creative!
-Tongs for flipping easily
-Cheese (I love feta and mozzarella on mine!)
-Toppings (the world is your oyster with this one...) I made a simple one with just tomatoes below

1. I start by spreading olive oil on both sides of the pizza crust and placing it on the grill for a few minutes until golden brown.

 

2. If you want to pretend you're fancy like I do, turn the pizza 90 degrees halfway through to get pretty grill marks. Once it's nice and golden, flip it over!

 

3. Now is the fun part. Here I added sauce, mozzarella, slices of fresh tomatoes, and then more cheese!

 

4. Now shut the grill and let everything melt and heat up until the bottom is golden brown. Once again, if feeling fancy, turn it 90 degrees for pretty grill marks. 

 

That's it! You have made a grilled pizza. If you make your own grilled pizzas be sure to share pictures on your Instagram and twitter with the hashtag #DreDoes so I can see what combinations you make!

 Have a beautiful Friday,

Dre

Dre Does a Tarte Showstopper Palette Review

Today's post is a little bit more than the usual review of a palette. I'm going to give you not only swatches and pictures of the product, but show you the first look that I created with it as well! 

The Showstopper Palette is a part of tarte Cosmetics' summer collection and is a palette for the cheeks and eyes. At first glance it didn't stand out as something I have to have, but when Ulta sent me a 5x rewards points email in May, I decided to give the summer collection a closer look. After looking at this palette for a few moments, I remembered how much I loved the Coral one that tarte came out with a few summers ago. Every so often, they make these round palettes with a bronzer, blush, highlighter and 6 shadows. I used to take that Coral palette eeeeeeverywhere. I loved the idea that I could take one small palette on the go with me that had a huge portion of the products needed to create a look. However, I knew that if I was going to justify spending the money on it, it needed to be different from my other round palette from them. 

I was super happy to find that the blush inside was a matte peach shade, which sealed the deal for me. I love coral-y, peach tones for my cheeks in the summer and with the addition of 6 neutral brown/taupe shadows, I knew this palette would get great use by me. 

At $38 it is a really great deal. Every product is made with the Amazonian Clay formula that they are known for. It is extremely long lasting, pigmented, and blendable. The whole palette is also parabens and phthalate free like the rest of the tarte Cosmetics line. You get their best selling matte and waterproof bronzer Park Avenue Princess, a highlighter in Champagne, blush in Fame, and 6 eyeshadows in Showstopper Copper (bronze copper), Go for the Gold (gold), You're a Natural (nude), Steal the Scene (steel taupe), Rose to the Top (rose gold), and Dim the Lights (black brown). 

To create this look for my eyes, I used You're a Natural all over the lid. Then built up the inner and outer corners with a mixture of Showstopper Bronze and Dim the Lights. I used my finger to apply a little of Go for the Gold to the center of my lid and blended everything well. Lasty I popped some of the Champagne highlighter in my inner corners to brighten the area a little. I love how soft and bronzey this look is. For my face, I used my normal foundation routine and then contoured with the Park Avenue Princess Bronzer. I lastly applied both the Champagne highlighter and the Fame blush which gave me a beautiul summer glow! I hope you enjoyed this post. 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Deluxe #1

While brainstorming some new ideas for the blog I began thinking about the infamous aisle of doom that both Sephora and Ulta have right by the check out. You know the section that has mini sizes of all of the products that you tried so hard not to spend all of your hard earned money on, but the second you stand in that line waiting to pay you find 18 mini's you JUST HAVE TO TRY because they are so much cheaper than a full size. Then you somehow end up walking out spending twice as much as you were planning on.

We have all been there. So I've decided to start a new series called Dre Does Deluxe in which I tell you whether you should 'Buy, Try or Say Bye' to that product.

BUY- Just go ahead and get the full size product because it is amazing and you get more for your money
TRY- Test out the smaller 'Deluxe' sample size because it's either a better deal or it's something you have to try for yourself
SAY BYE-Just skip all sizes of the product because overall the product is a miss and not worth even trying in a smaller size.

This series will do two things. First, hopefully it'll help you exercise some sort of restraint when it comes to those adorable little mini sized products to make sure you're only buying products that are actually worth trying. Second, it'll give me some sort of justification for my obsession with trying new things without breaking the bank! 

If you have any suggestions or requests for products you'd like me to try, please let me know! I already have some ideas but am always open to new ones!

So let's get started with the first post in this series starting with the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. 

I am usually super picky with my cleansers and don't like to experiement too much because my skin is so sensitive. Incase you are new to my blog, I have very oily and acne-prone skin. I can breakout sometimes when trying new products. I had heard so many people rave about this cleanser so when I was looking for a travel sized cleanser to take in my carry-on to Puerto Rico in March, I decided to go for this one. 

Fresh claims that this gel cleanser is for all skin types and will gently remove impurities and makeup. It is rich in amino acids and soy protein which aid in moisture retention, and improving elasticity and firmness of the skin. It also has rosewater to tone the skin and cucumber extract to calm. I lliked that it is fragrance and soap free as well. The 1.7 oz size that I purchased lasted me for about 2 weeks, which is a great size to decide if you like it.

Overall, I think this is a mediocre cleanser for my skin. I didn't fall in love like I thought I was going to which is due to a few reasons. For me the issue is that I need a cleanser that is much more deep cleansing than this one. I am used to using one that is designed for oily and acne-prone skin types which I feel gets everything off my face both in the morning and at night as well. If you are someone who loves a very simple and basic cleanser I think you would enjoy this. However, if you're like me and need that deep cleanse, I would skip this one. You can probably tell by this post that I'm not the biggest fan of 'all skin types' products because everyone's skin is unique and we need different products. 

As far as pricing goes, if you buy the smaller 1.7 oz you are paying $8.82 per oz of product. If you buy the full size of 5.1 oz you are paying $7.45 per oz of product. Not that much of a difference, but at least you are saving if you decide to go for the big one. 

So the final result is:

Dry to Normal Skin Types...TRY

Oily and Acne-Prone types...SAY BYE

There you have my first post in the Dre Does Deluxe series! Let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas for future posts.

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does May Favorites

Happy June friends! It is already time for a monthly favorites post! While I haven't been wearing that much makeup this past month, I still have been loving some great beauty products.

Color Pop Super Shock Eyeshadows: Like everyone and their grandma recently, I've been obsessed with Colour Pop. I have only their shadows right now but I have been loving the texture, wear, and look of these unique shadows. I did a haul a little while ago so click here to read about and see swatches of what I got! 

Becca Beach Tint in Guava: This is a product that I would have probably never tried had it not come in a small deluxe sized sample kit of Becca Cosmetics products from an Ulta 21 Days of Beauty deal. Even after swatching it the first time I was unimpressed. It wasn't until I was in a hurry one day and slapped it on my lips that I realized how amazing it is. On my lips it gives a very natural and 'your lips but better' color that dries to a complete matte finish. It seriously feels like nothing on the lips and doesn't dry them out. You can wear these tints on the cheeks too but I honestly haven't tried it yet because I want to save it for my lips...that's how obsessed I am. 

Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment: I tried this for the first time after getting a sample and loved the texture of it. I look for eye creams that are moisturizing but super light because I am so oily especially in the warmer months, and this one does the job. I had a feeling I would like it because the actual Maracuja oil is a holy grail product that I use twice a day, but I didn't think I would love it this much. I really feel like all the Vitamin C has helped brighten my eye area, which comes as no surprise because the oil does such a good job of brightening my complexion all over and fading my hyperpigmentation. Good job Tarte. You did it again!

Dermablend Setting Powder in Original: I love this setting powder so much. While I know I recently raved about the Laura Mercier one, I think that this one wears much longer than that one. I still prefer the finish of Laura Mercier's however. I personally have really long bottom lashes and if my setting powder isn't great, my mascara will dot under my eyes throughout the day. I find that no matter how oily I get, this powder keeps my mascara from transferring which I love! 

Too Faced Natural Matte Palette: If you had told me the day I bought this that I would be putting this in a favorites post I would have laughed at you. I hated this palette so much when I got it and was about to return it but something told me to try it some more. I felt like I had purchased a palette with colors I already owned that I would probably never pick up because they were too powdery, but after some use I realized how wonderful it really is. It's the perfect warm neutral matte palette because the range is amazing, the colors are so blendable, and it's compact size makes it so easy to travel with. If you want something a little more warm than the Naked Basics Palettes by Urban Decay, definitely get this one.

Red Carpet Manicure Starter Kit: I don't have anything bad to say about this kit besides maybe the color range (I wish there were more because I'm so obsessed haha). I purchased it a few days before my trip to Puerto Rico because I got bumped from my Gel Manicure appointment at work and knew I needed to have nice nails that would last. I had heard nothing but great things about this kit and I'm so happy with it. I have done probably at least 10 manicures with it and love how long they last on me. Follow my Instagram account (@dre_does) to stay updated on what manicures I do. It comes with everything you need to get started plus one polish. The one pictured above is of the Special Edition Blue Cinderella Lamp and blue polish because that is the one I got, but I believe the kit normally comes with a red polish and black light. Let me know if you want an in-depth review on the system and I would be happy to do so in a more detailed post!

What have you been loving this past month? Let me know in a comment below!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does a Plum Smokey Eye

I recently posted a picture on Instagram of some items I purchased from Ulta due to redeeming a ridiculous amount of reward points. One of those items was the new Artist Palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills. I immediately started getting questions about whether I thought the palette was worth it, so I decided I would test it out ASAP by doing a makeup look for you guys. 

So far I have to admit I'm in love. I was definitely one of those people who swatched it in store and didn't think it was worth it. Honestly if it wasn't for those points I probably wouldn't have even gotten it. Once I got it home however and started playing I could tell I was going to love it. Even though it's filled with some crazy colors, I think it's a great addition to a makeup collection because it's not just another neutral palette. I mean we can only have so many shimmery taupes right? Haha (Jk I still think I need them all!)

So I've created this look below for you using the shades Buttery, Dusty Rose, Orange You Fancy, Aubergine, and Baby I'm a Star. I know it doesn't translate on camera as being very purple but in real life it's a little more obvious. I personally like wearing color as natural as possible so I like that it's not very intensely purple. 

Let's be nice to my brows. Every so often I leave them alone for a month so I can reshape them and you are witnessing this process firsthand below. 

So back to the tutorial. After applying my eyeshadow primer (my fave is Benefit's Stay Don't Stray) from lid to brow bone, I applied Buttery to the entire lid and brow bone area. Next using a fluffy crease brush, I blended Dusty Rose into the crease as a transition color. Then to warm it up a little bit, I blended some Orange You Fancy with it going slightly above the crease. Next I packed the Aubergine shade all over my blend and blended the edges out into those two transitions shades. Lastly, I added a little bit of Baby I'm A Star into the outer corner to darken it and give a little extra dimension. For the lower lash line, I simply added some black eyeliner to the water line and then smoked it out with that Aubergine shade concentrating more of the shadow on the outside and fading it towards the inner eye area. That's it! I'm super happy with how the look turned out and plan on sharing more of what I create with this unique and colorful palette!

Other products used on my face:

Primer: Benefit Porefessional

Foundation: Nars Luminous Weightless

Concealer: Maybelline FitMe

Setting Powder: Dermablend Translucent Setting Powder

Bronzer/Contour: Anastasia Contour Kit

Blush: Milani Luminoso

Highlighter: MAC Soft & Gentle

Brows: Benefit Browzings

Mascara: Benefit They're Real

Lips: MAC Spice Liner & Khroma Beauty Joy Stick in Sea Coral

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Door to Door Organics

Since I was a senior in high school I have gone through periods of vegetarianism (Pescetarian if we want to get technical). It started as a requirement for health issues, but I have loved it over the years because having a restriction on my diet forces me to think about what I'm consuming. Growing up with a Brazilian farm boy father and maternal Italian grandparents who's farm I visited every weekend, I was taught all about the importance of not only eating produce, but growing it and eating locally. When I was two years old my grandparents lost me on their farm and found me with cuts all over my face from biting raspberries straight from the bush. I am so thankful that I was raised to appreciate fresh fruits and vegetables and not just look at them as 'two more bites' on your dinner plate.

My dad currently has a huge produce garden in his backyard that I can't wait to dive into this summer. Since we do live in Michigan and spend a lot of months covered in snow, I got used to visiting the local organic market with him every Sunday when I lived at home. He even visits the same cashier who always makes sure to tell him her latest jokes. He taught me to always take advantage of a good fresh market. Luckily, I have a similar market near where I live today. The only downfall is that it is about 15-20 minutes away from where I live and it's not near anything that I visit on a regular basis.

Over the past year I have noticed organic produce company ads popping up in various places; social media, TV commercials, etc. I personally get very inspired by going to the market and picking out the best looking fruits and veggies in season so I love to grocery shop and plan my meals that way. Since the market was not that convenient to me however, I was always wanting to try a produce delivery system but never got around to it. Luckily, my older sister who is queen of the coupons and getting amazing deals on everything, told me about Door to Door Organics. She recently started working full time for the first time since having my nieces so her free time has dramatically decreased. She raises her kids very similarly to how we were raised including gardening and eating tons of fruits and veggies so I knew that if she was recommending something to me it must be worth trying.

Door to Door Organics is a service that delivers organic produce and groceries to your house on either a weekly or biweekly basis. They offer different sized deliveries from the Bitty Mixed Box at $24.99 (which is the one I got) all the way to the Large Box at $59.99. Mixed refers to getting both fruits and veggies or you can get one or the other. You can also add pantry items and extras onto your order.

The Friday before your box is scheduled to be delivered, you get an email from Door to Door Organics stating that your box is ready to view. This means they have decided what to put in your box. You can then go view it on their easy-to-use website and either accept that box as it is or they give you the option of swapping up to 5 items in your box. I chose to swap a few but kept the majority of what they gave me. Below is a picture of what I got for my Bitty Mixed Box; 12 bananas, 1 bunch of kale, 2 zucchini, 1 cucumber, 2 grapefruit, 3 gala apples, 1 mango, and 3 small sweet potatoes. (All of it was obviously organic).

 

Below is what it looked like when I first opened the box.

As far as delivery goes, I like how they give you a space to leave some notes about how you wanted it delivered. I personally live in an apartment complex, so I asked that they leave it to the side of my porch which was nice. While over all I was pretty impressed with my box, I did decide to hold my subscription for the next few months for a few important reasons.

First, as a vegetarian I eat a lot of greens. Spinach and kale are huge for me and I wasn't very happy with how they came packaged in the box. They were just thrown into the mix and not wrapped separately so they came pretty bruised and sad looking. Secondly, with my dad owning a pretty good sized garden, I plan on getting a lot of my veggies from him in the coming months. Lastly, I absolutely hate to waste produce. You have to shop frequently as a vegetarian and this means I either have to get a larger box every week, or still go to the grocery store. As busy as I am, I feel like that will lead to waste and spending too much money. For all of these reasons, I've decided to wait on continuing my subscription until the winter months.

Overall, I think Door To Door Organics is a wonderful idea. If you're someone who is really busy, and doesn't have time to go to the grocery store as often as you need to, this would be a great addition to your diet. It makes eating organic much easier. As for me, I will be returning to my local market because I can't beat the freshness and the prices for the summer time.

If you are interested in trying Door to Door Organics, please email me at andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com and I would be happy to pass along a coupon code for $15 off your first box!

Have a beautiful night,

Dre

Dre Does an Ipsy Unboxing

Happy Friday friends! In case you missed my last post about Ipsy, I've decided to change how I post about it. Instead of reviewing every product every month, I'm going to write a quick post showing everything I got each month with it's retail value and links to find out more about the products and where you can purchase them yourself. Then every few months I'll share my favorites from various bags. This way I can truly test out products and don't feel like I'm bombarding you with information! If something is horrible however, I'll make sure to share that too. With that being said, here is what I got in my May Ipsy Glambag.

Should we start off by talking about how adorable the bag is? It has a neon lime green lining too so it is amazing! I love the sketch on the front.

1. Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches: I received two sets of these eye patches that are designed to go right below the eyes and do exactly what the name says; sooth and relax. I love when Ipsy gives you a few sets to try the product more than once! You can get 7 sets for $21 at Kloraneusa.com

2. Chella Eyebrow Color Pencil in Tantalizing Taupe: This super fine pointed eyebrow pencil reminds me a lot of the Anastasia Brow Whiz, minus the spooly on the end. I do like that it is automatic so no sharpener needed! Retails for $18 at chella.com

3. Cotz Face Natural SPF 40: A natural and smooth matte finish sunscreen that is 100% free of oils and chemical sunscreens. A full size retails for $19.99 at cotzskincare.com.

4. Luxie Beauty Tapered Blending Eye Brush 205: A 100% cruelty free brush with synthetic hairs and rose gold retails. This exact brush retails for $12 at luxiebeauty.com.

5. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Primer Pencil in Ozone PLUS Bonus samples of the Revolution High-Color Lip glosses in Failbait and Bittersweet: I really like that Ipsy included the samples of both of these new products from Urban Decay so that you can see how they work both together and separately. I always love new lip products to try especially from brands I already know and love. The primer pencil retails for $16 full size and the lip glosses are $22 both at urbandecay.com.

So overall I'm really excited about this Glambag. It's full of things I can't wait to start trying. Not including the value of the bag and bonus lip glosses, the value of this month's bag was $45.23, which is amazing considering the $10 it costs for the monthly subscription!

Does anything stand out for you? I can't wait to try it all! Let me know if you want to see some reviews on any of these specifically and look out for that post on my favorites in a few months!

If you're interested in signing up for the subscription yourself, click this link here!!

Have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend,

Dre

Dre Does Tinted Lips

Every lipstick obsessed woman knows that spring means saying hello to brighter pinks, corals, and reds on your lips for the upcoming warmer weather. However, for many of us this change in season can bring about changes in our lips. As a woman who loves her lip color, especially in a drier matte finish, I have to make sure that my lips have days where I am taking good care of them by moisturizing well and prepping them for those days I want to make a bold statement with my lips.

That is where this post comes in. Just because we have to have days where we take a break from intense matte lip colors, doesn't mean you have to slap on that cheap, clear chapstick. If that's what you love to do, go you! However, these two tinted lip balms are for my ladies that still want to make sure their lips are looking bright.

If you're someone who is new to lipsticks and slightly intimidated by the bolder and brighter colors, I urge you to try these products as a way to get used to wearing brighter colors on your lips without the full commitment.

 

Enter the It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Reviver Lipstick Stain in 'Je Na Sais Quoi' and the Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in 'Tulip'. These are my go to products for a moisture and tint combo. 

The first by It Cosmetics is a very unique product because it looks a little bit different on everyone. The balm is completely clear and reacts with the pH of your lips to change color. I have swatched it below but it gives a much more obvious pigment on the lips that compliments them so well. On me the color is a bright pink that I love for spring and summer. With Plum & Cherry oil, Shea Butter, Argan & Jojoba, Vitamins A, C, & E, Green & White Tea and Aloe, this tinted balm leaves your lips so moisturized and smooth feeling. It's called the 4-in-1 Reviver Lipstick Stain because it's designed to replace your four typical lip products in one; anti-aging lip balm, lipstick, lip gloss, and lip stain.

 

My other tinted lip balm is one that I have loved for years. The original Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in the shade Rose was a very popular product that I tried years ago and fell in love with. While it didn't offer that much pigment, I really loved how moisturizing the grapeseed and other oils helped my lips feel. The secret to this product is in it's name! Sugar! Sugar is a natural humectant that helps the lips prevent moisture loss. Fast forward to a few years later and now Fresh has a whole line of shades in this Sugar Lip Treatment line. All with SPF 15 which is extremely important in the warmer months. (Click here to visit Tuesday's post on SPF.) I love how the line now features some that are sheer and some like Tulip that have much more pigment. 

 

Overall, I think it is key for every woman to have a good tinted lip balm or two in her purse at all times that she can count on for color and good moisturization. Both of these products are offered in many other shades as well, if these pinks aren't your favorite! 

*It Cosmetics can be purchased in store at Ulta, but also online at Ulta.com, QVC.com, and Itcosmetics.com. The Vitality Lip Flushes retail for $20.

*Fresh can be purchased in store at Sephora stores, but also online at Sephora.com and Fresh.com. The Sugar Lip Treatment Line ranges in price from $22.50 to $25. 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

(Both products were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own)

Dre Does a Skincare PSA!

It's that time of year where I beg you to please make sure you step up your SPF game! Spring is here full force and with summer around the corner it's important for us to protect ourselves from the sun. While I appreciate its warmth immensely, it can be extremely damaging to us. 

WEAR SPF. First and foremost, make sure you are putting on your SPF daily. Whether it is in your foundation or an extra step in your beauty routine, it is so crucial. My absolute favorite is Benefit Cosmetics' Dream Screen because it is clear, has an SPF of 45, and dries to a smooth, matte finish that is perfect for us oily women. 

Make sure it's broad spectrum. It is important to use a broad spectrum SPF so that you are protected from both UVA (the aging) and UVB (the burning) rays. 

Don't get confused. Just because an SPF has a larger number doesn't mean it is better at protecting you. It simply means you can go longer without reapplying it than the smaller SPFs.

Wear a hat. When else do you get the excuse to go shopping and find a fashion statement that can also protect your face?

Known your skin. Make sure you are always checking your skin for any changes or new appearances of moles. Changes in texture, color, size, etc. should always alert you to go see a dermatologist.

Visit a doctor. Make sure you are under the care of a dermatologist who can help you keep tract of any moles that could be concerning, especially if you burn really easily or have a history of skin cancer in your family. When in doubt, get it checked out!

Your skin is your body's largest organ and its first line of defense so TAKE CARE OF IT! You only get one life to protect yourself from skin cancer and premature aging, so do a good job! 

Now enjoy your spring/summer while covered in SPF!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Ipsy Favorites

Happy May! My favorite month of the year because not only is it my birthday month but it's when it really starts to warm up and feel like summer is on it's way!! It's no secret that I haven't been doing my monthly Ipsy Glam Bag reviews but I am still receiving them. I decided a good way to catch up would be to share some of the products that I have loved recently that I would recommend to you. If you have never heard about Ipsy and curious to know more, look to the tool bar on the right and under favorites click the word 'Ipsy' to see all of my previous posts on the subscription service! (Hint: you can do this with any word you see to filter posts!)

1. Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder: If you made me choose one product as the best thing I've ever received in an Ipsy bag, this would be it. I cannot tell you how much I love this powder. I don't normally use powders so the fact that I love this that much is saying something. I started using the new NARS Weightless foundation and I found that with the luminous finish I needed a setting powder so that it was easier to contour and blend my blush, highlighter, etc. I reached for this powder because it was in my collection and oh my word. This powder truly gives you the most flawless, airbrushed look without changing the finish of my foundation. I absolutely love it and will be purchasing it as as soon as my little guy is done. The full size retails at $37 for 0.4 oz, while the mini they sent me in my glam bag was 0.03 oz (a $2.78 value). I love to do the math when it comes to small samples like this because what it shows me is that if that sample lasted me a month, I can only imagine how long that larger one is going to last me! So worth the money! (Stay tuned to why this intrigues me more!


2. Dr. Brandt 'pores no more' anti-aging mattifying lotion: I can't tell you how excited I was to try out this sample because first off I LOVE Dr. Brandt products and second, as an oily girl, I have a really hard time finding anti-aging products that don't break me out. Generally, aging and more mature skin lacks the sebum (oil) production which disarms the protective nature of the acid barrier of your skin, so anti-aging products will try to boost that amount of oil. However, us oily girls can't handle more oil, but we still want to prevent aging! Luckily this product does just that. Provides anti-aging benefits (hello apple stem cells!) while still keeping our skin from breaking out and having too much oil. I love how quickly this absorbs into the skin and mattifies without feeling like you didn't put any moisturizer on in the first place. A full size retails at $60 for 1.7 oz. and the sample I received was 0.25 oz. (a $8.82 value).

3. Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm: The second I opened the glam bag this came in, I put this on my lips and I've never looked back. I'm aware that sounds dramatic but this stuff is like heaven for your lips. It is the smoothest, most buttery lip balm I have ever tried and I will most certainly be buying this once it's gone. If you want it for the scent, I wouldn't get too excited though because I can't really smell or taste anything. This doesn't bother me however because I wear lip balms for the moisturizing factor not the scent. This one was a full size lip balm which retails for $12 on their site. I love keeping it in my purse because it's so easy to apply as well.

4. Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush: I was really excited to see a Crown Brush come in my glam bag one month because I had heard great things about the company before but never had tried any brushes before. I'm always looking for great pencil/smudge brushes because I love a good smoked out lower lash line, so I was excited to give this duo brush a try. I do have to say I prefer the pencil side to the flat shader side but overall the brush is a great addition to my collection. The pencil brush is nice and precise! At a value of $17.50 online, you know it's a great deal to get in your glam bag!

5. Elizabeth Mott All Over Shadow Brush: While I have received Elizabeth Mott makeup products in my glam bag before I was excited to see a brush one month. I love when you get to try a diverse amount of products from a line to see how it is as a whole. This brush is pink and white so it's really cute as well. It is exactly what you would want from an all over shadow brush. It is soft and does a great job of picking up and packing on shadow to the lid. It is worth $9.99 which again is a great value to receive in a glam bag since it is a full size item.

What do you think of posts like this? I feel like posting every month can get a bit repetitive if I haven't really gotten the chance to review products, so I'd rather show you a quick snapshot of everything I got right when it comes in the mail and then every so often share favorites from multiple months. What are your thoughts?

Have  a beautiful Monday,

Dre