Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask

May 21, 2016

Lately I've had a bit of trouble with my skin. All of a sudden I was just breaking out in areas of my face I usually break out, the most annoying spots being around the bridge of my nose - that made wearing safety glasses at work all day so much fun. I knew I just needed a good ole clay mask to pull out whatever was bothering my skin, and I turned to the Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask.*

I've never tried a mask that's this effective at clearing the skin while also not being drying in the slightest. It's got Kaolin Clay to pull out impurities, Spirulina to hydrate the skin's surface and help with tissue regeneration, CoQ10 to reduce wrinkles, and Hibiscus and Cranberry Fibers for their anti-aging properties. The directions say to leave it on for 15-20 minutes (until it dries) and remove it with a washcloth, rubbing in circular motions to get some extra exfoliation out of the cranberry and hibiscus fibers.

When I applied the mask for the first time, I noticed it tingles quite a bit on my skin. It doesn't irritate my skin, however - I think the tingling sensation is telling me it's working. I've found I only need to leave it on for about five minutes rather than the suggested fifteen - if your skin is on the sensitive side (like mine), I'd suggest you do the same. But cutting down the time I leave it on my face doesn't seem to decrease its effectiveness. This literally feels like I've taken a vacuum cleaner to my face once I've washed it off. Every single pore seems to be cleared out and shrunken down. It's amazing. What's even more amazing is that I don't experience any dryness or tightness that typically come with an effective clay mask.

The breakouts I mentioned above have pretty much come to a stop since I've been using this, and I haven't experienced any purging of the skin either. This is now my go-to when my skin's feeling congested or when I feel like it needs a good clean - I spent Mother's Day traipsing through Boston with my mom and my sister, riding the T for most of the day, and when I got home I immediately slathered a bit of this mask ok. It definitely felt like it got all the gunk from the day out of my skin. I think it'll be the perfect addition to my skincare routine, especially with warmer weather approaching.

Have you tried the Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask? What's your favorite clay mask?

You can follow Valentia on their Facebook or Instagram.

*This post has been powered by Brandbacker, but all opinions are my own. Please see my disclaimer for more information.

GUEST POST: Becoming a Mermaid with Tarte

May 19, 2016 in Guest Post, Makeup

-This post was written by my sister, Taylor-

Alright friends, we need to talk about Tarte. First, I'm pretty sure any post I've written for Kelsey's blog here has mentioned at least one Tarte product, and that is for one very specific reason: Tarte is, undoubtedly, my favorite makeup brand. As someone with skin that requires A LOT of maintenance and whose eyes swell and explode at the mere mention of glitter, I'm a natural makeup (as in without chemicals and stuff, not unnoticeable makeup) gal until the end of time. And Tarte gives me exactly that. So naturally, when they dropped a new line, the Rainforest of the Sea, I had to buy basically everything a few weeks ago. So that is what I'm here to talk about today.

Let's start with the foundation. 11/10, would marry this foundation if that was legal and/or socially acceptable. It doesn't cling to the weird patchy areas of my face, nor does it completely disappear on the oily sections. However, it still allows me to look like the glowy princess I aspire to be every day. It's a true hero in that way. The water-based foundation is very lightweight but still manages to have killer coverage. It dispenses in a little dropper, which is both cool and efficient.

Concealer is my best friend and savior on most days. And Tarte's Rainforest of the Sea Aquacealer is up to the task. The applicator is a large doe foot which fits perfectly into the nooks and crannies of my face, which are often bright red and require the most love. It dries to a velvety-matte, so if you love all-over dewy this may not be your jam, but I tend to pile on enough highlighter that it isn't a problem. Also, the matte finish helps it stay longer in places like under my eyes that tend to eat any and all product I try to put on top of it. I'm not kidding when I say this concealer has beat out my NARS Creamy Concealer for top billing in my makeup line-up, and concealer is not a job I take lightly.

Quick side note to say that as soon as your girl has the funds, I am getting my hands on the Skin Twinkle Lighting Palette. And not just because of that name, although I would be lying if I said that didn't play a role.

Alright, now for the eyeshadow palette. It comes with eight shades, all of which are differing levels of shimmery. Now, remember that I said that glitter and I are, unfortunately, not friends. So much money has been wasted on high-end eyeshadows I thought would be safe, only to be left partially blinded for almost a week. However, Tarte has yet to let me down. While shimmery, these eyeshadows (which are soft as butter and just as easy to apply and blend with a finger as they are with a fancy brush) are not chunky or scratchy in the least. Also all the names are sea-themed, such as Starfish and Mermaid, which is only a plus in my book. It also includes a full-size mirror in the circular packaging, so it fits nicely in your hand as you become the mermaid of your dreams.

I've already talked at length about my love affair with the Drench Lip Splash Lipstick in this review, but it could do with repeating that this lipstick is a fighter and will not fade on you through all the kissing and/or mac and cheese you could dream of.

Basically this post is serving as my love letter to Tarte. This love is real and pure, and the Rainforest of the Sea collection has served to make that love stronger. I suspect Nicholas Sparks will be writing a novel about us any day now.

You can follow Taylor on Twitter and Instagram.

Makeup Lately #7

May 17, 2016

I tend to go through phases with my everyday makeup. For a few weeks I'll not wear anything but some brow gel and mascara, and then I'll switch it up and start using a lot more products. It mostly depends on how well I've been sleeping and how excited I am to do my makeup. I don't mind strolling into work bare faced at all, but I do feel more ready to take on the day when I do put a little effort in.

I've gone back to using the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water (review) as my base because it looks just like skin. It's super lightweight, so I can't even feel it on my skin. It has a little more of a powdery finish, so I find it keeps shine at bay while still being quite luminous. It's really easy to slap it on and blend it out with my fingers, which is the main reason I've been using it so often.

I start doing my brows by sweeping a bit of the Glossier Boy Brow in Brown through them. I've now got two backups of this since it was sold out for so long before. It's probably the one product I can't live without - I don't like leaving the house without doing anything to my brows. This just subtly fluffs them up and adds a really natural looking tint. I then go in and fill in the sparser bits with the Billion Dollar Brows Micro Pencil in Taupe* (review). This is my new favorite brow pencil - it's creamy enough to glide onto the skin and stick onto places most brow products don't, but not so creamy that it doesn't last or smudges throughout the day.

For eyes I've actually been going for a little eyeshadow, although it's usually just a wash of one color all over the lid. I've been obsessed with the Burberry Wet & Dry Silk Eyeshadow in Rosewood for this - it's the perfect dusty rose shade to add a bit of definition to the eyes, and it has the most buttery formula. I've also been using my MAC Cool Neutrals Palette (review) quite a lot if I'm not reaching for the Burberry shadow. I smudge a bit of the Colourpop Creme Gel Liner in Brew-Haha above my lashline and also use it to tightline. This stuff doesn't budge all day - it's definitely my new go-to. I finish up the eyes by curling my eyelashes and coating them with the Milk Makeup Ubame Mascara. It adds the perfect amount of volume and length for everyday, and I can't get over how much I love the wand.

On my cheeks I've been actually reaching for blush! I recently got the Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Nude Pop and I'm in love. It's the perfect neutral blush. I pop it on my cheekbones and blend it up towards my temples with a stippling brush for a nice bit of warmth. To finish the face I've been piling on the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish 003 Highlighters (review). I first swipe on a bit of the cream highlighter and then either pat a bit of the clear balm on top, or if I really want to glow I'll brush on the holographic pigment. It's a statement, but for me it's not too much to wear to work. Lastly for lips, I've been dabbing on something comfortable like the Lancome Shine Lover Lipstick in 212 Twisted Beige. These lipsticks are stunning - they feel so smooth and creamy on the lips, and they don't disappear in an instant like a lot of creamy lipsticks do.

What products have you been reaching for lately?