CeraVe

Hawaii Vacation Beauty Products

July 20th, 2023 by Karen 6 Comments

Please excuse my paws in these photos. They’re extra t-rex because I was holding these beauty products over a railing with dear life, LOL!

Anywho, I always like seeing the beauty products people bring with them on vacation. Here’s what I’ve been using on this trip!

Sunscreen

Avene Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen and Tinted Sunscreen 50+ (both tinted and untinted)
Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70 (Side note, my mom had this around which is why we’re using it, but it works but it’s a little sticky and uncomfortable, IMHO)
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50

Hair

Kenra Volume Spray Super Hold Finishing Spray 25
Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Air Dry Cream
I didn’t bring any shampoo, conditioner or body wash because the place we’re staying at has Malie Organics Mango Nectar hair and body products!

Body

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant Anti-Perspirant Stick
Gilette Venus Razor
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

Face

elf Skin Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oil Skin
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion
Laneige Lip Mask

Hope things on your end are great!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Interview Makeup and Hair | Latest Beauty Buys

January 26th, 2023 by Karen 10 Comments

Well, at least I was having a good hair day!

Hiya, and happy Thursday!

Yesterday I had two interviews lined up. I spent the entire day prepping and studying, so I’d feel extra prepared. I did full makeup and hair early, so I wouldn’t feel rushed (I even took test shots to double check everything, which is why I ended up with these pics).

I searched for “what to wear in a video interview for a creative job,” and then I tried various options in front of the camera to see what looked best. Side note: most wardrobe experts do not recommend wearing a white shirt, and after seeing various options on screen, I’d have to agree.

AND THEN…

…Both interviews got cancelled at the last minute. (The second one in the late afternoon was cancelled 10 minutes before it was supposed to start.)

On the bright side, both interviews were also rescheduled, which means the positions are still open — and I still have a chance.

Eh, at least my makeup and hair looked ok!

Needless to say, I was jumpy at the end of the day because of all the built-up adrenaline, so me, my full face of makeup and bouncy hair went to Sephora for some stress (de-stress?) shopping.

Lately the Novato store in my town rarely seems to have anything I actually want in stock, though. I ended up with just a Bumble & Bumble conditioner and a Tower 28 gloss.

I also had to stop by Target, which is next door, to buy some oat milk, so skin care landed in my cart: Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion, good ol’ CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm.

It’s been a long week. Oh, and poor Connor still has a cold, so none of us have slept in days. Her immune system is certainly getting a workout this school year! (And so is mine.)

Seriously, I cannot wait for the weekend.

Anywho, thank you for listening. Hope that everything on your end has been smooth sailing.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint and Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

May 6th, 2021 by Karen 14 Comments

sunscreen roundup neutrogena paulas choice cerave — Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1!

I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and this is a new series reviewing the hits and misses!

I’ve gotten a few requests to do a deeper dive into the sunscreens I’ve been ~~hoarding~~ applying with enthusiasm lately, so next stop — SUN PROTECTION CITY. ?️

Let’s go!

Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+

I straight-up LOVE using this chemical sunscreen on my body, but I do not like using it on my neck or face because it makes me break out! — and I don’t mean break out into song. It also makes my eyes itch when I sweat. ? For arms, legs, tummy and back, though, it’s bomb.com.

You know I cannot deal with the backs of my knees feeling sticky, and this formula absorbs in less than a minute. It’s also on the watery side, and my skin doesn’t feel sticky or greasy afterward.

It’s so easy to apply and reapply throughout the day, too, which is probably why I — drumroll please — already finished the tube.

Also, the quick dry time seems to help keep this sunscreen from staining clothes, which is GREAT. I’ve already taken the plunge and worn it with white shirts, and it doesn’t leave any yellow spots behind, even though it does have a lovely yellow-ish golden tint, which, FYI, you can’t really see once you rub it in.

I must say, I don’t know why the yellow tint is there, but it seems to help this not leave behind any cast.

Oh, and the finish!? It looks all glowy and schmexy when you start rubbing it in, and then it dries to satin, which is very pretty, especially on arms and legs.

As for the scent, it has a light one that reminds me of Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume. I like it.

Another thing I like is how it does not budge, even when I sweat. It’s so good at staying put that when I get into the shower at night, it takes elbow grease and a washcloth to completely remove it from my body.

If you already have a sunscreen you love for your face and neck, I say give this one a try.

A 3-oz. tube at Ulta is $17.99. I really like this for my arms, legs and feet, and because it’s especially easy to reapply throughout the day, I’ll for sure buy it again.

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint

This physical sunscreen has a tint… It’s on the deeper side, so if you’re a lighter lass, you might have some issues with the tint looking too dark or too orange. I’m an NC42 in MAC, and I think it suits me pretty well, although I can see a subtle, sheer cast when I apply multiple coats.

I don’t worry about it too much, though, because the product has so many positives. It’s unscented, doesn’t sting my eyes, and it feels comfortable on my face and neck (I don’t really use it on my body). It’s also quite moisturizing, which I think is due to CeraVe’s three signature ceramides.

I’ve noticed that physical sunscreens take much longer to settle into my skin, and this takes about three minutes to rub in completely. After that, once it’s absorbed, it feels light and doesn’t feel greasy or sticky.

FYI, I’ve noticed that this tinted lotion can rub off on lighter clothing, so just pointing that out. So far I’ve been able to remove it from my clothes in the wash (knock on wood), but it’s worth noting.

This is pretty affordable at $16.99 for a 1.7-oz. tube (I bought mine at Ulta).

I wish it came in an option with a higher SPF, because if it did I’d totally get it again. It cooperates with other skin care products, looks great under makeup, and it’s super easy to apply.

Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

I’ve been using this chemical sunscreen on my face, where I have combo skin, and there’s a lot to like about it.

The good — it’s moisturizing, lightweight, and it absorbs quickly. I can also put it on my lids and my under-eye area without it bothering my peepers, and because it’s unscented, I can apply as much as I want without getting a headache.

Oh! — I also like the demi-matte finish.

The not-so-great part? I can see a very slight grayish cast on my skin when I use it… Granted, it settles down and disappears, eventually, but it takes a while… About an hour. Also, it doesn’t play all that well with other skin care products in the mix. It balls up and pills quite easily, so reapplying it throughout the day is challenging when I’m wearing more than just this.

A 2-oz. tube is $33, which is a lot for a sunscreen that’s just OK… I liked it enough to use most of the tube, but I don’t think I’ll be keeping it in rotation when I finish it. *shrugs*

Have you tried any of these sunscreens? Are there any others you really like?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Latest Ulta Haul: Skin Care, Sunscreen and Makeup

April 27th, 2021 by Karen 17 Comments

ulta skin care haul april 2021 — Goodies from Ulta

Look what you made me do, Ulta! ?

Remember how I mentioned there’s a new Ulta in my town? And how it’s barely a five-minute drive away from mi casa?

YES, I know. They ran a 20% off sale on everything last weekend, and this is what found its way into my basket…

ulta basket sunscreen skin care april 2021 — Ooh-la-la!

Lots of sunscreen and skin care as you can see. Yup, I still love makeup, and I was tempted by quite a few things (like this palette and these cream shadows), but I resisted *this time* around because I’ve decided that it’s time to get serious about fighting the good fight against hyperpigmentation. If I’m going to go to the effort of doing retinol, Vitamin C, AHAs and BHAS, I’ve got to get the sun protection part of the equation right, so sun protection was my main goal on this trip.

Side note: having a product game plan before beauty shopping helps a ton. I’ve blacked out at Ulta and Sephora one too many times, leaving with a basket of things I didn’t even plan on getting, and I know I’m not alone in this either. Having a plan stopped me from being tempted by things I probably don’t need, so I wholeheartedly recommend this strategy next time you head to the mothership.

Back to the sunscreen! What I really wanted was a face sunscreen, specifically a tinted one because I’ve heard that tinted sunscreens can help medium and darker skin tones prevent hyper pigmentation.

cerave cotz sunscreen swatches — I’m on a mission to keep the hyper pigmentation at bay.

The Cotz one is going back, unfortunately. I like how smooth and fresh my skin looked after applying it, and I liked the depth of the tint (I couldn’t see it at all on my skin), but it made my face itch. ?

The tinted Cerave, though, is a keeper! The tint is a little lighter than the Cotz one so I can see a slight cast at first, but it fades after it settles in.

I also like how lightweight and moisturizing it is. Only thing is…the tint rubs off on my mask and clothes, so I’m going to use the La Roche Posay Melt In Milk sunscreen on days when I wear white shirts or tees (which I do often).

la roche posay in milk swatch — LOVE THIS!

OMG, this is SO GOOD. The name “Melt In Milk” really does it justice because it absorbs incredibly quickly and completely, leaving behind absolutely no cast whatsoever. Plus, it’s moisturizing but isn’t sticky or heavy. I also like the amount of SPF protection and that it doesn’t have a strong sunscreen-y scent.

Speaking of scents…don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind scented skincare at all. I just prefer that the stuff I wear on my face not smell like a margarita. But on beach days or fishing days or camping trips, I do love a summery, sunscreen-y scent, which is why I picked up a couple things from Sun Bum, including this SPF70 lotion.

It smells like a coconut and pineapple smoothie, and it doesn’t leave a cast. I also bought the spray version because I’m really trying hard to get better at reapplying, and I figure that having a spray might help me stay motivated, since it’s faster and easier to apply than the lotion.

In non-sunscreen news…I stocked up on the retinol cream I’ve been using from Neutrogena, and I grabbed an old-school fave of mine by Proactiv.

pro activ neturogena in hand — Pimples and wrinkles… GOOD TIMES.

I wore this benzoyl peroxide cream back in my early 30s, back before I discovered Kate Somerville Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion. I still love the Kate Somerville, but they just keep jacking up the price! Last time I went to Sephora it was $52 (it was $39 when I started using it back in 2013). I’m pretty cranky about the price increase, so I’ve been trying to find an alternative… When I re-stumbled on this cream at Ulta for $35, I was stoked. I hope it still works for me.

Other stuff I picked up: a bottle of Pattern leave-in conditioner and couple of Clinique liquid eyeliners in basic brown and black.

clinique pretty easy liner brown and black — This liner really is pretty easy!

Have you done any beauty shopping lately at Ulta or anywhere else?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

It’s a CeraVe Jamboree! CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream Releases Moisturizing Ingredients All Night Long

January 28th, 2021 by Karen 5 Comments

This month I’m highlighting skin care products from CeraVe, a most-excellent drugstore brand. It’s a CeraVe jamboree! This week’s allstar is a notable night cream for all skin types — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream.

Why does this night cream not come in a big ol’ vat…? Because it should! Yes, the dainty jar is convenient and cute. Also, yes, technically, one only needs to use a little (just a few tiny dots), but a supersized, super-fantastic jar if this hella hydrating, no-frills night cream needs to happen!

To the gals and guys who love rich bedtime moisturizers, CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream could be a game-changer.

Made for all skin types, this fragrance-free, time-released face cream parses out intensely moisturizing ingredients throughout the night, so, as you sleep, your skin constantly receives a steady stream of moisture via CeraVe’s signature essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (among other ingredients).

Benefits

Helps soften and renew the look of tired skin overnight

Provides intense hydration

MVE Technology: This patented delivery system continually releases moisturizing ingredients for all night hydration

Biomimetic peptides: Improve the appearance of tired-looking skin

Ceramides: Help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier

Hyaluronic acid: Helps retain the skin’s natural moisture

Niacinamide: Helps calm the skin

Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free

Developed with dermatologists

— cerave.com

It’s a trite term, but I have “combo skin,” meaning in my case that I have an oily forehead, dry cheeks, and my face is acne-prone allllll over. I use a retinol, a BHA and benzoyl peroxide daily, and I think that one of the reasons I can tolerate all of that exfoliation is because I use CeraVe Night Cream every night.

Right after I get out of the shower, when my skin is still damp, I dab a few dots on my forehead, cheeks, chin and neck, and gently massage it in. Then I leave it to fully absorb while I put Connor to bed and prep for the next morning. Then, right before ~~I pass out~~ I go to bed, I apply a thin layer of retinol.

This stuff isn’t greasy (a.k.a. no sticky neck), it layers well underneath the retinol I’m currently using, and, most importantly, it’s rich enough to keep the painful peeling and dryness at bay. I probably wouldn’t be able to keep going with all of the acids, retinol and exfoliating products if I weren’t using this. To be blunt, it makes a big difference.

It’s definitely on the pricey side for drugstore skin care (about $20 for a 1.7-oz. jar, depending on where you get it), but a little goes a long way. Right now it’s $18.49 at Ulta, and they’re currently doing a buy one, get one for 50% off online, so if you’re curious, that might be the way to go.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

It’s a CeraVe Jamboree! CeraVe Healing Ointment Soothes Dry, Cracked Skin

January 14th, 2021 by Karen 6 Comments

This month I’m highlighting skin care products from CeraVe, a most-excellent drugstore brand. It’s a CeraVe jamboree! This week’s allstar is a bomb balm for soothing cracked, dry skin — CeraVe Healing Ointment.

When I put this on, my skin goes ahhhh!

If your skin ever gets so dry that it cracks and stings — which is what happens to me on the corners of my lips and around my nostrils on occasion — this balm is the product you never knew you needed.

(I just smothered a thick layer on my lips, and now all is right with the world…)

CeraVe Healing Ointment is a thick, non-greasy unscented balm made to soothe, moisturize and relieve chapped, chafed or cracked skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and CeraVe’s signature ceramides for hydration, along with petrolatum, an occlusive ingredient that locks in moisture.

You may have heard about petrolatum — which is regularly found in lotions and creams because of its ability to seal in moisture — as it’s been negatively viewed in some skin care circles, but according to some dermatologists, the bad rap is unwarranted. This post by Byrdie on petrolatum does a great job of breaking it down if you want to know more.

This particular product works for me, and my skin loves it, especially now that 1) it’s winter, and 2) I’ve been riding the retinol train every night. C’mon ride the train…the retinol train. WOO WOO!

Sorry, random ’90s dance flashback moment! (You know you love that song though.)

Benefits

Made to protect, soothe and moisturize skin

Suitable for dry, cracked and chafed skin

Fragrance-free and lanolin-free

Ceramides: Help restore and maintain skin’s natural barrier

Hyaluronic acid: Helps retain skin’s natural moisture

Non-comedogenic, preservative-free and dye-free

Accepted by the National Eczema Association

— cerave.com

I apply it on dry, cracked spots throughout the day whenever I need it, and all over different parts of my body as needed — lips, heels, on minor paper cuts (why do I get so many?), cuticles and all over my hands. The moment I rub it in, my skin physically feels better. The stinging stops, as does any itching or tightness. In a day or so, things are back to normal again.

Want more CeraVe?

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser Handles Dry Skin Like a Champ

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Your Body and Face: Highly Recommended for All My Alligator People!

LOVE THIS SO MUCH! I keep a mini tube in my little black backpack, a tube on my nightstand (I like to slather it on before bed) and a tube on my desk because that’s when I usually look down at my hands on the keyboard and realize — HOLY CRAP — that those paws need some moisture ASAP.

Yes, you can type right after you apply it because it really isn’t greasy at all!

A 3-oz. tube is $9.99, and you can find it at drugstores, Target and Ulta. By the way, Ulta still has buy one, get one for 40% off on their website, so if you like a deal, there ya go.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy National Dress Up Your Pet Day! Rosie wanted to wear her favorite calculator collar today.

It’s a CeraVe Jamboree! Hydrating Facial Cleanser Handles Dry Skin Like a Champ ?

January 5th, 2021 by Karen 14 Comments

cerave hydrating facial cleanser — A staple in my skin care routine

This month I’ll be highlighting skin care products from CeraVe, a most-excellent drugstore brand. It’s a CeraVe jamboree! Kicking off the series is a facial cleansing all star — Hydrating Facial Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin.

Things that are common knowledge…

The third cat is always — always — the gateway cat. ?
The second bottle of CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is the gateway bottle.

I’m living proof of that second one, as this is my second bottle of CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, and I just placed an order for a third and fourth!

In my defense, the fourth bottle will remain on standby for when the third one runs out… Yes, it’s that good. All I have to say to my dry skin is HA! Take that. ?

cerave hydrating facial cleanser ingredients — Ingredients

I have combo skin, so it’s dry in some spots and oily and acne prone in others. I also have quite a few anti-aging and anti-acne products around the house, so my skin is constantly being exfoliated by retinols, acids and benzoyl peroxide… It’s a lot, but this cleanser keeps my skin happy. With it, my skin never gets too dry and never feels painful due to all of the other business happening to it on a daily basis.

WHAT IT IS: An unscented, hydrating, creamy and non-foaming facial cleanser for normal and dry skin.
IT’S MAIN JOB: To keep the skin barrier (the outermost layers of your skin) happily hydrated using a time-released formula containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
HOW IT HANDLES MAKEUP: It easily removes light layers of makeup, but I do a double cleanse (as in wash once with this product, then repeat again) just to be extra sure. As for removing long-wearing makeup and/or sunscreens, I recommend using an oil-based cleanser or eye makeup remover first before following up with CeraVe Cleanser.
WHAT’S IT SIMILAR TO: If you’ve ever used Cetaphil cleanser and loved it, CeraVe’s is similar in the way it feels and how gentle it cleanses. That said, CeraVe’s cleanser is more moisturizing. With the Cetaphil cleanser, I always have to follow it up with a layer of moisturizer, which I don’t feel the need to do with the CeraVe one.
WHO WILL LOVE IT: Someone with dry or combo skin, or someone who uses a number of anti-aging or anti-acne products.

CeraVe on sale at Ulta

A big 16-oz. bottle with a pump is $15.99 at Ulta, and right now they’re having a buy-one-get-one-40%-off deal.

Don’t sleep on this one, queen!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Your Body and Face: Highly Recommended for All My Alligator People!

December 31st, 2020 by Karen 9 Comments

OK, so the packaging for CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($18.99 for a 16-oz. jar) is a bit…clinical, and it isn’t particularly schemxy, which is why, if you aren’t in the know, you might end up passing it by, but let me tell you…this jar is a gem! It’s a drugstore miracle for My Fellow Alligator People because it’s so, so moisturizing.

My skin gets dry and itchy this time of year, and this actually keeps my face and body completely moisturized. I can’t even count how many jars I’ve finished. It’s so good! — even arguably the best moisturizer I’ve ever found for super dry-skinned peeps.

The formula is chock-full of hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acids — ingredients thirsty skin loves — but I think most of the heavy lifting is based on how the ingredients are delivered. The fine folks at CeraVe found a way to time release the moisturizing power slowly over the course of 24 hours, so your skin is constantly receiving hydration all day (and night) long.

Developed with dermatologists, Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin has a unique formula that provides 24-hour hydration and helps restore the protective skin barrier with three essential ceramides (1,3,6-II). The formula also contains hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s natural moisture.

With ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II

Hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s moisture

Non-comedogenic

Fragrance-free, non-irritating formula

–ulta.com

cerave moisturizing cream ingredients — What’s inside

The thick, rich cream melts right into my skin the moment it hits it. Plus, it’s unscented, so my current favorite fragrance, Lancôme Idole, remains front and center stage.

I use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream on my knees, elbows, shins, feet, hands and cuticles… Heck, even my friend Jane over at Daly Beauty swears by it as a face moisturizer. I usually get the jar that comes with a pump, but it’s also available with a regular ol’ screw top.

Oh, and if you like to save money (um, who doesn’t?), CeraVe has a coupon right now for $4 off any of their products.

So, yeah, this stuff kicks dry scaly skin’s boo-tay! I have to warn you, though — it just might be a CeraVe gateway product. The Moisturizing Cream opened the doorway for me to several other CeraVe loves, including the Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Renewing SA Cleanser, Skin Renewing Night Cream and Healing Ointment. Half my bathroom is now filled with CeraVe, and I’m not mad about it.

Happy New Year’s Eve!

Our plans tonight involve chillin’ at home, watching movies and eating bread! Yup, I made a brioche in my new bread maker yesterday, and it turned out pretty good — soft and a little sweet, with a slightly yeast-y tang.

It’s delicious!

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