My Skin Care Routine

 

Hi Beauties!

Hope you're staying warm and aren't freezing like we are here in this New York weather (winter finally showed up).

For today's post I decided to do a quick overview of my current skin care routine.

I don't mix it up too much; once I find products that work effectively I keep using them. 

But when I have a new skin concern I will look to add another item.

I talk a lot about makeup on this blog, but makeup can only take you so far.

If your not taking care of your skin, your makeup's canvas, your products aren't going to look the best.

It all starts with skin care and skin care isn't just the products you use topically. 

It also involves proper nutrition, hydration, and adequate sleep and exercise.

So read on for my skin care journey, what I found that works, and some overall skin care tips that you may (or may not) know.

You can watch my video review of my skin care product preferences here

My Biggest Skin Concern: Acne

Acne. I had it as a teenager. It cleared up pretty well with the products I used.

But around my last year of college I started breaking out again.

The products I had used as a teen didn't work as well on my adult acne.

So I tried a few different acne regimens to no avail.

One dried out my skin so much I felt like a mummy.

My skin type had always been oily, I noticed now it was leaning towards combination.

So the search continued...

Finally I found an acne product line the cleared up everything.

 Clinique's Acne Solutions 3-Step system.

I bought the trial size set because I wasn't terribly optimistic about it and didn't want to spend a lot.

But after using it morning and night for a few weeks I noticed my skin starting to clear up.

I bought the full size products when I used up the trial sized and within a few months my acne was virtually gone! I was thrilled!

I have been using Clinique Acne Solutions ever since. 

I'll get the occasional zit now and then from stress or using a new makeup product that my skin doesn't like, but overall I have had so much success with these products.

I have added a few additional products over the years but Clinique Acne Solutions is my main staple.

A Few Thoughts on Skin Care in General

* Everyone's Skin is Different

I'd love to tell that all of the products that work for me will 100% work for you, but there is no way I could possibly know that.

We all have different skin types, sensitivities, and needs.

Before I found my skin care routine I followed one that my favorite makeup artist used. 

It didn't work and dried out my skin. It worked perfect for him though.

So, the point is, there is going to be some trial and error as you find your perfect products.

*Most Skin Care Products Need Time

You don't typically start seeing results from a product the next day.

It can take a few weeks of use to see visible results from a skin care product.

So don't lose heart and discontinue use if you don't see results in two days. Give it time.

Side Note: However, if a product causes pain, sensitivity, or extreme redness definitely stop using it immediately. You may be allergic to it or its ingredients.

*Always, Always, ALWAYS Remove Your Makeup Before Bed

And I don't mean with a quick face wipe.

Yeah, your tired, yeah it's annoying, but not removing your makeup is only going to cause you more aggravation down the road.

Not only will it clog your pores and stain your pillow case, it will age your skin faster and cause a host of undesirable skin concerns related to it.

Plain and simple: remove your makeup, your skin will thank you later.

(Keep reading to see the makeup removers I use)

*Clean Your Makeup Brushes Regularly 

I've been guilty of not doing this on occasion. 

If you don't keep your makeup brushes clean you are going to keep reapply old, dried makeup and oil onto your skin and cause breakouts.

Plus, there are other scary bacteria that can build up if you don't clean your brushes regularly.

Best to just make a schedule for brush cleaning.

*Skin Care Starts with a Healthy Body

You could use a shelf full of skin care products, but if you aren't taking care of yourself you aren't going to see the best results.

It all starts with the basics: eating a healthy balanced diet, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and proper exercise.

I know, it's impossible sometimes with our busy schedules. 

I haven't been doing the best on the sleep part for the last few weeks and need to get back on tract myself.

But by making yourself a priority your skin will thank you, now and in the future.

With all that being said, here is a break down of my current skin care routine.

I take you through my nightly routine because my morning one is pretty quick. 

I also show you the products I use in addition to my daily ones.

Again, you can watch my video review here

Clinique Acne Solutions™ Cleansing Foam

 

Step 1 of both my morning and nighttime routine.

It foams up nicely and is gentle on my skin while combating acne with its 2% salicylic acid.

I massage it into my skin for about a minute, a minute and a half and then I rinse my face with water and pat dry with a towel. 

Now I’m ready for Step 2.

Clinique Acne Solutions™ Clarifying Lotion

 

Step 2 of my nighttime routine.

Although it’s called a lotion, it is definitely a liquid.

This “lotion” works as an exfoliator to help unclog pores and it also soothes skin when it feels a little angry.

You need to shake the bottle well because the powder ingredients settle at the bottom. So I give it a few good shakes and then I pour a small amount onto a cotton round, just enough to saturate it, then I sweep it across my face. 

I let it dry for maybe 90 seconds, then I’m onto step 3.

Clinique Acne Solutions™ All-Over Clearing Treatment

 

Step 3 of my nighttime routine.

This treatment lotion (this one is an actual lotion) contains benzoyl peroxide to remedy any acne you already have and help prevent future blemishes. After repeated use it can be a tab drying, but using a moisturizer (see next step) fixes that completely.

I use a few small dabs of lotion on my index finger and apply a very thin layer to my whole face. 

I rub it into my skin and give it about a minute to sink in the rest of the way. 

Now onto step 4.

Clinique Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Gel

 

Step 4 of my nighttime routine (step 2 of my morning)

This moisturizer is incredible! It’s a gel instead of a typical lotion and I think that makes all the difference. 

It doesn’t clog my pores or make my acne worse. It’s ideal if you have combination or oily skin, but it works for dry skin as well (although the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion may be a better option for my friends with dry skin out there).

I use a few pumps on my index finger to moisturize my entire face. 

After I use it my face feels hydrated and smooth. 

Now I’m almost ready to go to sleep, but first step 5.

Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream

 

Step 5 of my nighttime routine.

About a year ago I noticed a few tiny little lines around the outer corners of my eyes (I smile too big).

So I decided it was time to start looking for a night cream. 

I tried a couple that didn’t really give me the results I was looking for. 

Enter: Smart Repair Eye Cream. 

Within just a couple of weeks I noticed that the lines weren’t as deep and since I’ve been using it regularly, I haven’t noticed any new lines.

I use the smallest amount on my ring finger and gently smooth it over the outer corners of my eyes until it is completely absorbed.

And that is my nightly skin care routine. 

It sounds long, I know, but honestly, it only takes me about 15 minutes to complete it all.

Here are some of the other products I use on a regular basis:

Johnson's: Baby Oil

If I am wearing eye makeup I use this right before my step 1 foaming cleanser.

I always use this to remove my eye makeup. It's gentle and soft for the delicate skin around the eyes.

I pour a little bit on a cotton round or tissue and swipe it across my eyes (from outer corner towards nose, try not to pull skin outward).

Then I move on to cleansing. 

Clinique: Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover

If I'm wearing face makeup I use this balm after I use the baby oil on my eye makeup and before I cleanse my face.

I use my finger tip to massage this balm into my face and it starts to break down any foundation, blush, etc.

Aveeno: Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum

As a result of wearing masks all the time for years, the skin around my mouth became dry and irritated. My usual moisturizer didn’t help much. After a little research I discovered I needed a ceremide. 

When I looked at Aveeno and read the ingredients I felt comfortable using it.

I just use about a drop from the eyedropper applicator and smooth it on to the corners of my mouth and surrounding skin and let it sink in. 

I did this a couple of times a day for a few months. Now, it has healed nicely. 

I still use it a few times a month after wearing matte lipstick or extra exfoliating.

Raw Elements: Mineral Sunscreen for Face and Body - SPF 30

(Step 3 of my morning routine) 

I'm sure I don't have to tell you about sunscreen. But I will share one my favorites with you.

I love this natural sunscreen from Raw Elements.

True story: I didn't wear any sunscreen one day over the summer (really dumb, I just wasn't thinking) and I got a sunburn in the 90 degree weather. Ouch!

A few weeks after it healed I was in a similar situation and it was even warmer with more sun BUT I remembered to put on this sunscreen. 

No sunburn at all, not even pink. I love this stuff.

GlamGlow: Supermud Clearing Treatment

For weekly exfoliating and unclogging pores I really love this face mask.

I will either put it just on my problem areas (nose, upper cheeks, chin) or I will put it all over my face if my skin really needs a detox.

I just use my fingertips to smooth the mask over my skin.

It has a black licorice scent that I don't love, but I don't hate.

I leave it on for 15-20 minutes and you can actually see some of the pores unclogging.

It sounds gross, but it's actually really cool. 

I rinse it off with warm water and pat my face dry.

My skin feels so clean and fresh after I use it.

Biore: Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

When I have really stubborn blackheads I opt for the ever popular Biore pore strips.

They come in strips for the nose and around the face.

They pull the blackheads out of the pores to reveal clean, fresh skin.

I use these every few months or when needed.

And that pretty much covers my skin care routine lately.

I hope that there is something in there that you can use or just find interesting.

What skin care products do you love? Let me know in the comments.

Again you can watch my skin care review here

Thank you so much for checking out my skin care post!

If you are interested in makeup tutorials and reviews, remember to subscribe 📭

Thanks for stopping by!

See you next time,

XOXO

Ultima Beauty 

Want more makeup fun between blog posts? Check out my social media pages!

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"No Makeup" Makeup | Tutorial

Hey Makeup Lovers!

Since we're starting off a new year I thought I'd hit the reboot button for makeup.

My past few makeup tutorials have been very full on and filled with bold, dramatic looks. 

Personally, I love the full-face makeup looks.

But in honor of the new year, I decided to do a fresh face, "No Makeup" makeup tutorial for you all.

You can watch my "No Makeup" video here 

Isn't a "No Makeup" look just not wearing any makeup?

In a perfect world we would wake up and look well rested and radiant all of the time.

Unfortunately, due to stress and life in general that doesn't always happen.

When most people refer to a "no makeup" look it simply means a enough makeup to make you look like you're wearing none.

Confusing?

Well, here is what a "no makeup" look would not include:

🚫Heavy Foundation

🚫Bright colors

🚫Shimmer, glitter, or metallic finishes

🚫Dark eyeliner

🚫False lashes

The idea is natural makeup. 

What we would ideally look like if we were to get the optimal amount of rest and rejuvenation each day.

A typical "no makeup" look could include:

✅Light foundation or a tinted moisturizer 

✅Neutral, earthy colors 

✅Matte finishes 

✅Flesh toned eyeliner or subtle eyeshadow for liner

✅Lashes enhanced with mascara only 

Bottomline, a "no makeup" makeup look is about enhancing your already beautiful face. 😘

Is a "No Makeup" look hard to create? (And will I need 27 products?)

The short answer is no. If you follow my easy step-by-step guidelines you will able to create a "no makeup" makeup look of your own easily and relatively quickly.

And no, I can't image anyone would actually need 27 products to create a "no makeup" look.

Including foundation, primer, and concealer I think I used about 10 products (would've been less, but I used an extra lip color at the end, see below).

The best way to cut down on the number of products needed and to achieve a "no makeup" makeup look more effortlessly is to take good care of your skin and body.

Getting enough sleep (I haven't been lately), 

maintaining a good skin care routine (I have a blog post coming out on mine soon, so stay tuned),

 drinking enough water, eating a healthy balanced diet, and exercising regularly is what is going to support your overall wellness and give your face the healthy, rested look we all want.

Cool, so how do I create a "No Makeup" makeup look?

Scroll on for my step-by-step tutorial or watch my video here

1. Natural Foundation & Muted Brown Eyeshadow: I started off the look with a light natural foundation that matches my skin tone. A nice tinted moisturizer would also work well.

Next, take a matte muted brown eyeshadow and buff it through the crease of your eye.

Then use a blending brush to soften the shadow.

We're not trying to build color so much as we're trying to create depth and contour.

2. Matte Off-White Eyeshadow: Now that we have the contour shape of the eye down it's time to use an off-white, matte eyeshadow to highlight.

Dust the white shadow onto the eyelids and into the inner corners of the eyes. Then run the same shade through the brow bone.

3. Black Shadow as Eyeliner: Avoid harsh lines from liquid liners and opt for a matte black eyeshadow instead.

On a small angled eyeliner or eyebrow brush take the black shadow and press it into your lash line as close to your lashes as comfortable. 

With a stamping-like motion, take the shadow all the way across your natural lash line. 

Don't wing it out at the end. I normally like a wing, but in keeping it natural it's better to stay with your natural eye shape.

4. White or Skin Tone Eyeliner Pencil: Too keep eyes looking wide-opened and bright use either a white or flesh toned eyeliner pencil to trace across your lower water line.

5. Multi-Tasking Mascara + Concealer: False lashes would be overkill for a "No Makeup" look, so instead go with a mascara that adds volume & length.

Apply two coats to your top lashes and just one gentle coat to the bottom lashes, we don't want spider lashes for this look.

Next, take a liquid concealer with a natural finish and camouflage any spots under the eyes or around the face.

6. Contour & Highlight: This part is similar to most makeup looks; we want our contour shade to shape and sculpt the face without being too obvious (I don't always opt for that effect in some of my dramatic looks).

Take a matte light brown contour shade on an angled face brush and trace it under your cheek bone wrapping it up under and around the apple of your cheek. 

Then use your fingertips to blend the line and buff it into your skin. You may need to repeat this process a couple of times until you get your desired shape and depth of dimension.

With highlighter I often go with a pearl or shimmer finish so when the light hits it there is a major glow.

But for a more natural look go with a matte off-white highlighter shade. 

Take it on a small fluffy brush and dust it onto the tops of your cheek bones, temples, bridge of the nose, any high points of the face where light would naturally hit. 

This will give you a really natural glow.

 7. Lip Balm or Nude Lipstick: Most of the time I would go with just a few swipes of a clear lip balm just to bring out the natural pigments in my lips.

But another way to go is with a pink nude lipstick. And instead of swiping it directly on your lips, use your fingertip to press it onto your lips to give a more natural effect and finish.

And all of this will finally give us...

Our finished "No Makeup" Makeup Look!

As you can see, the eyeshadow shades we used really just gave depth to the eye shape without being too pigmented or giving much color.

And our shadow liner just enhances the lash line.

The matte finishes of our face products have kept the skin really natural.

The contour and highlight shades subtly frame the face and the blush gives just a touch of a flush to the cheeks.

Using a light nude pink lipstick helps give lips a bit of pigment without looking like you're really wearing anything on them.

Products I used for my "no makeup" look:

Almay: Truly Lasting Color Liquid Makeup in Ivory

Smashbox: Eyeshadow in Sable

Shades by Shan: Precision Blend Brush

MAC: 217 Blending Brush

Smashbox: Eyeshadow in Vanilla

Complex Culture: Precision Eyelid Brush

MAC: Carbon Eyeshadow

Beau Gâchis: Eyebrow Brush

Complex Culture: Double Dimension Dual Ended Eyeliner Pencil in Metallic Pearl

Treslúce Beauty: Ilusión Volumizing & Lengthening Mini Mascara in Jet Black

Maybelline: Fit Me Concealer in Ivory

NYX: Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

Real Techniques: Concealer Brush

Beau Gâchis: Concealer Perfecting Brush

Mischo Beauty: Blush in Madam

YC Collection: Y02 Glow Brush

L’Oreal: Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in 800 Fairest Nude

Again, you can check out my video tutorial here

That is a wrap for my "no makeup" makeup tutorial.

If you are a fan of more neutral makeup looks, check out my

neutral party makeup tutorial

Or if glam is more your style, you'll like my glam party makeup tutorial

Thanks so much for checking out my "No Makeup" Makeup Tutorial! 

I hope you enjoyed it and can use some of the tips.

Stay tuned for more tutorials and some reviews.

Don't forget to subscribe so you will get my posts delivered straight to your inbox 📧

Thanks again!

Come back soon,

XOXO

Ultima Beauty 

Want more makeup fun between blog posts? Check out my social media pages!

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Charlotte Tilbury | Pillow Talk Beautifying Lip & Cheek Secrets Set | Review

 

Hey Beauties!

Hope your 2024 is off to a great start!

I'm super excited for my first blog post of 2024 because it is a review of products I have been wanting to try for quite a while. 

It's of the iconic Charlotte Tilbury and some of her cult-classic Pillow Talk shade of lip and cheek colors.

So, if you're looking for something to spend those gift cards on get ready to find out if these products really live up to the hype and how to use them.

You can check out my video review along with a mini tutorial here

Charlotte Tilbury Lip & Cheek Secrets set from Sephora.

I've wanted to try some of Charlotte Tilbury's products for quite a while, but some of them were just out of my price range.

Enter: Sephora.

This little kit was really reasonably priced and let me try out these products so I could decide whether or not it was worth splurging on a full size of one (or all) of these products.

Couple that with Sephora's Beauty Insider sales (all you need is an email address to become a Beauty Insider) and this set was pretty affordable!

First of all, how cute is this packaging?!

The beautiful pink shades adorned with hearts, lips, and Charlotte Tilbury logos give this box a truly delicate and feminine vibe. 

And a lovely quote from Charlotte herself on the side of the box: 

"Pillow Talk is not just a colour, It's a world! A beauty dream, a place to discover the most beautiful you!" -- Charlotte Tilbury.

If I wasn't sold on this set before, that quote totally captures my attention and makes me want to try it out!

This set comes with four pieces.

Three lip products and one face highlighter.

Lip Cheat Re-Shape and Re-Size Lip Liner in Pillow Talk

Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk

Beauty Light Wand in Pillow Talk

Collagen Lip Bath in Pillow Talk

So now that you've been introduced to this amazing set, let's break down each product and see if they live up to my (pretty high) standards.

Lip Cheat Re-Shape and Re-Size Lip Liner in Pillow Talk

Product: Lip Liner

Name of Shade: Pillow Talk

Color: Nude Pink

Finish: Satin 

Waterproof: Yes

Smudges/Feathers: No/No

Waxy/Tugs: No/No

Lasts for: 8+ Hours

 

Pros: The perfect shade and texture for re-shaping or over-drawing your lip line.

Comfortable natural satin finish.

Applies easily with no tugging or pulling.

Last all day with no need to re-apply.

 

Cons: Actually, none.

 

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase a Full-Size: Yes!

 

Final Thoughts: A truly amazing lip liner that does exactly what it claims to do. 

Helps sculpt and enhance lip shape and is long lasting.

The perfect prep for a matching lipstick (keep reading!)

Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk

Product: Lipstick

Name of Shade: Pillow Talk

Color: Nude Pink

Finish: Matte

Smudges/Drying: No/No

Lasts for: 8+ Hours

 

Pros: The most comfortable matte lipstick I've ever worn. Not the least bit drying.

My lips actually feel healthier and more hydrated after wearing it (special ingredients like orchid extract are to thank for that).

The unique squared off tip makes application a dream.

A universally flattering shade.

It lasts for hours with no smudging or feathering.

Cons: Absolutely none.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟 (6 out of 5!)
Would I Purchase a Full-Size: Yes, and likely soon!


Final Thoughts: There is a reason this lipstick and shade have won so many beauty awards: because it is perfection!

A non-drying matte that lasts forever on lips and actually makes them feel softer even after you take it off.

Pairs perfectly with Lip Cheat Re-Shape and Re-Size Lip Liner in Pillow Talk

Definitely lives up to the hype.

It is truly the holy grail of nude lipsticks, my search is over.

Beauty Light Wand in Pillow Talk

Product: Highlighter

Name of Shade: Pillow Talk

Color: Pink Champagne

Finish: Radiant/Pearl

Formula: Liquid Gel

Smudges/Streaks/Runs: No/No/No

Blendable: Yes

Lasts for: 8+ Hours

 

Pros: The loveliest finish that illuminates skin and reflects light for a soft glow.

Smooth application that is easy to blend and the color can be built up to desired intensity.

The prettiest shade for gliding onto the high points of your face.

Non-greasy and stays in place all day.

Cons: None.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase a Full-Size: Yes.

Final Thoughts: A gorgeous pearly pink champagne highlighter that gives the perfect ethereal glow.

Easy to apply, doesn't fade, buildable coverage, unmatched luminosity.

Charlotte Tilbury: Collagen Lip Bath in Pillow Talk

Product: Lip Gloss
Name of Shade: Pillow Talk
Color: Nude Pink
Finish: Glossy
Smudges/Drying/Sticky: No/No/Minimally 
Lasts for: Approximately 4 Hours

 
Pros: A lip gloss with a whole lot of benefits.

When I first read that it had a lip plumping effect, I wasn't thrilled. Lip plumpers generally dry out my lips and make them uncomfortable. But the better ingredients in this gloss makes it super comfortable to wear while still achieving fuller looking lips.

The good-for-your-skin ingredients (Vitamin A, Coconut Oil, etc.) makes this gloss not only pretty to wear, but also a go-to for nourishing and hydrating the lips.

Cute heart-shaped wand applicator makes this gloss extra fun.

Cons: Mildly sticky, like most glosses.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)
Would I Purchase a Full-Size: Yes.


Final Thoughts: An excellent lip gloss in a gorgeous shade.

The fantastic ingredients helps lips look fuller while keeping them hydrated and moisturized.

Here is one of the looks you can create with Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beautifying Lip & Cheek Secrets Set

I used Beauty Light Wand in Pillow Talk, Lip Cheat Re-Shape and Re-Size Lip Liner in Pillow Talk, and Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk in my Glam Makeup Tutorial.

The Beauty Light Wand highlighter gave the absolute perfect glow to go with this silver eyeshadow look.

It's a little hard to tell but my skin subtly sparkled every time the light hit the highlighter at different angles.

Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is the perfect shade, for pretty much any look, but especially for this glam look with really intense eye makeup. 

The Pillow Talk shade pulled the whole look together without it looking too over the top.

Again, you can watch my video review of this Charlotte Tilbury set along with my mini tutorial here

That's my review of Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beautifying Lip & Cheek Secrets Set.

It really does live up to all of the hype you hear on social media and in magazines.

I'm now hooked on these products!

Thank you so much for checking out my first post of 2024!

I hope you found it useful and if you're interested in more beauty reviews and tutorials to come this year, don't forget to subscribe to have them delivered right to your inbox 📫

Thanks for dropping by.

I'll see you soon,

XOXO

Ultima Beauty

Want more makeup fun between blog posts? Check out my social media pages!

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