Battle of the Inexpensive Concealer-First Impressions

DISCLAIMER: All items are purchased by myself. I am an affiliate of IKateHouse and earn commission on every sale I refer. 

I mentioned in my last blog that I was going to do a battle of concealers. I chose 3 different brands, L.A. Girl, Nicka K, and City color. The Nicka K and City Color retails at IKateHouse for 1.99 and L.A. Girl for 4.99. I have been using L.A. Girl for about 2 or 3 years. I have VERY oily skin and I need a product that will withstand my oily skin. 

Top: City Color -Middle: Nicka K- Bottom: L.A. Girl 

In this Post, I will do a quick review of the product and then return to give more details on how it withstand my needs. I will try to get this complete within a week. 

I purchased 2 colors for each brand. I was not sure which color would be a perfect match. With Nicka K, I purchased NCL010 Coffee and NCL009 Lion. With City Color, I have mocha and maple. The L.A. Girl concealer, I purchased many colors over the years. For this battle, I am going to test GC982 Warm Honey and GC983 Fawn.

Today, I will discuss smell, color, consistency and size. Next week, I will discuss the lasting power and how it works with my other makeup. 

Smell: 

City Color. It has a light perfume scent. However, some may not like that smell. I believe its slight perfume smell is very pleasant.

Nicka K- has a powdery smell. Its not bad

L.A. Girl- I didnt  sense a smell

Color: 

City Color - I thought it was going to be too light. However, it oxidizes to a more appropiate color for me. Once mocha oxidized it seem to match my skin tone and the maple was more for a highlighting color

Nicka K.- Both colors matched my skin tone. One with a very slight different in the red undertone. 

L.A. Girl- Fawn is a perfect  match and Warm honey is a great highlighting tone

Consistency:

City Color- Seems to be the thinnest consistency. I feel that I may have to use more to camouflage my under eye discoloration. Once in place it did not seem to move with my rub test.

Nicka K- This product basically shares the same consistency of L.A. Girl. It seems that it will work just fine covering my under eye discoloration. I did the rub test on all the concealer and Nicka K needs a powder to seal it in place. It may move around on my oily skin.

L.A. Girl- As stated previously, I have used this product for many years and it covers my under eye discoloration. Once in place it did not move; however, it took a little longer to dry. 

Size or amount of product:

City Color .250 US Fl oz/ 7.5 ml
Nicka K     .51 Fl oz/ 15 ml
L.A. Girl    .28 fl oz/ 8 g

Every day for the next few days, I will wear these products and share their pros and cons. I will wear each with the same primer and setting products.

If I forgot anything in my first impressions, please feel free to comment and I will be sure to share my thoughts. I hope this post helps you out. I will not compare with a high end product because I do not own many and I dont want to purchase any more for the purpose of testing. I am too cheap. 

Until Next Time....

Next Post- Chapter 3 in Mindful Eating. 

When you arrive to this blog, what should you expect...

Well, I started this blog maybe a year or so ago with the purpose of rediscovering myself. After 7 years of being a full time mom and a few part time business ventures along the way, I am approaching a new chapter in my life. I am soon returning to the work force. I wanted to document this journey.

During this journey, I talk about my spirituality, my fashion, my family and marriage, finances, and health and beauty, and my life as a Army wive. Things that I talk to amongst friends.  When I first started my blog I talked a lot about my relationship and that led to me answering questions for others. I do not claim to be an expert but I am a friend. Which is the reason, I answer emails. It's my virtual girlfriends and coffee time.

I also talk about products that I try from time to time. If I like something, of course, I will share with my friends.

Since the New year is approaching, I am looking to find my niche with my blog. Please feel free to email me. To become a friend, and just comment. I would love to get to know my readers. See ya next year!

D.

Head over heels over my black soap..

But when I went to my BSS, they were out. I decided to buy a Mmango butter soap bar. I will be trying it out and keeping you posted. I have used it about 2 or 3 times. So far I don't like it as much as I LOVE my black soap. I have a review on Black soap if you are asking what the hell is black soap. But anyway, Next Tuesday I will tell you if I LOVED it or HATED it.

Talk to you soon.

March Mini Weight loss goal in my 19 week challenge.

This is a start of a new month with my weight loss challenge. I realize now that I need and desire exercise in my routine. I also realize that I like food. Food also can be an addiction. I have to eat to live not live to eat. I place a goal of losing 8 pounds this month. It's not to bad. It will be like 2 lbs a week. WATER WATER WATER. I am looking into more fruits and veggies. I am also looking into a mind frame of I can obtain this goal not hoping that I can complete my goal. I'm trying to comprehend that this is going to be a slow process. I have to realize that slow isnt such a bad thing but a wonderful thing and a mindful journey. Learning to eat and not so much a diet is what's important to me. I am learning more about me and my body.

Wish me luck.

Carol's Daughter

I have heard all the talk about the greatness of Carol's Daughter products. Well guess what, I am believing the hype. For Christmas I received a gift set. It contained a wide tooth comb, Healthy Hair Butter, Health Hair Smoothie, and shampoo. While I was on vacation I cut most of my hair off. I usually do this yearly. When I went to get my hair done, I was told that I had really dry hair. I knew this. She told me to use a regiment promoting moisture. My Christmas gift was perfect. I washed my hair last night and used all the products included. My hair came out really soft. I actually used a lil grease as well. My hair came out beautiful. 

Similiar to my gift set...minus the leave-in,.  

I will be getting the leave-in as soon as I can get to the store.

As you know I have to try a product for at least a month before I give my 4 stars but I think this group of products will work out for me. I will keep you posted.

Ice is doing the trick

So, I am one of THOSE people that dont drink liquids enough. I get so caught up with everyday situations that I honestly can go all day with drinking maybe 16 ozs. Well I know thats not good some I came up with a little solution and it works like a charm.

Sonic ice and I have a love affair going on. I LOVE there ice. So I decided to go buy a bag. Sonic Ice is in my freezer...ummmm Sexy!!! I actually found myself all day with a drink in my hand just to have some more of that ice. It may be a weird love affair but it works.

My hair isnt that as itchy. The new shampoo is helping also. Plus its growing. I think like a month ago I trimmed my bangs brown length. They are back to my chin. Protective styles are really a winning. After I co-wash today I think I am going to do a braid out. I havent done one is years. The Hair Regi is still the same.

I am finally able to get a shoe on my right foot so I am going to try and work out today. I been breaking dates with Billy for a week. Billy Blanks, Jr. that is.

Back on track and on a mission.

Theshespace.com

I love her makeup!!! I am no guru on makeup but I do love to enhance my beauty and I do that with About Face Cosmetics®. Her product is reasonable priced. Well at least to me because I will not buy MAC Cosmetics. She even offers samples....5o cents. The sample depending on how much you wear makeup is good for 1 to 5 applications. Go check her out. I love to support that little man (woman). she is worth the shot.

From the website... "There has been a long-standing myth that in order for something to be deemed high-quality, it has to come with a high price tag, so my goal was to create a truly affordable product line where a client can pay $4.00 for an eye shadow instead of laying out $12.00 for a jar that is essentially the same size."

If you happen to check her out. Let me know.

My new hair products

PHYTO product line

Since I am sitting here under the dryer I wanted to share my new hair products.

Well, I got my box in the mail yesterday. I am excited to see if this stuff is going to work.

Its by Phyto Paris

Phytoapaisant: Shampooing intelligent, Auto protection for sensitive scalp
The purpose of this shampoo is th restore the hair's natural defense system with is comprise of hydrolipidic film and cutaeous. Paraphrased like a mutha!!! LOL! It is enhanced with lime, passion fruit and shiitake extracts. Its even in a neat little aluminum bottle. It's thinner than typical shampoo. It doesn't have a harsh medicine smell. Not a smell of roses neither. This runs $24 for a 6.7 fl oz bottle. I know right. This stuff better work.

The other product is:
Phyto paris
Phytopolleine with essential oils 1005 botanical
Universal elixir; Stimulates and purifies. This runs about $8 for a .84 fl oz bottle

This is a pre-shampoo stimulant that suppose to help regulate and purify the scalp. It states after long-term use it will bring life back into weakened and lackluster hair. You are instructed to section hair and apply to scalp. Massage scalp and then let set for 20 minutes.

It is 72% essential oil. It has cajeput, lemon, rosemary, sage, cypress and corn germ. The smell is like a light scent of menthol. At first it didn't tingle but while I was waiting out my 20 minutes I started to clean. The more I sweat or got heated the more I felt the tingling.

They were out of the conditioner. So I still use my 1 minute intensive conditioner by IC.

I oiled my scalp and now sitting under the dryer. Right now I don't know what I think. It's not hard and it doesn't smell. I am not itchy and my scalp does not feel inflamed. So far so good. I will continue to use my oils and will give you a progress report mid and at the end of the week.

A personal skin care challenge

Since I am challenging myself with hair care I am going to follow suit with my skin.

I havent worn make up daily in a while. I actually dont plan to neither. I may wear lip gloss on a regular basis but that's about it. I want to let my skin breath. I have found some skin care products that work for me. I main to follow this regiment for 2 months as well to see how my skin turns out and then change it up if need be.

I wash my face with Olay Sensitive Skin wash with Aloe 2x's a day
Moisturize with Pond's dry skin cream. When needed but at least 2x's a day
I cleanse with Olay astrigent nightly
Weekly, I may use a mint mask or facial scrub.
When I wear makeup I use Ponds cold cream. Works great for me since most brands burn my skin.

After the two months, I want to see my skin condition and if the products I am using helps. I am a product junkie. I never stick to one thing so this will going to be hard for me.

Wish me luck and maybe you can find the challenge in yourself.

The pains of eczema...

The pains of eczema... My poor Daughter!!!

What does eczema look and feel like?
Although eczema may look different from person to person, it is most often characterized by dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin. Eczema is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash.

Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In some people, eczema may "bubble up" and ooze. In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red. Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin thickens lichenification.

What makes patients with eczema itch?
Many substances have been identified as itch "triggers" in patients with eczema, and triggers are not the same for every person. Many times it is difficult to identify the exact trigger that causes a flare-up. For some, it seems that rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin causes itchiness. For others, feeling too hot and/or sweating will cause an outbreak. Other people find that certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants, contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats, dust mites, and animal saliva and danders may trigger itching. Upper respiratory infections (caused by viruses) may also be triggers. Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up.

Who gets eczema?
Eczema occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy. Although there is no known cause for the disease, it often affects people with a family history of allergies.

Those who are genetically predisposed and then exposed to environmental triggers may develop eczema. Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.

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Well this is the life of my 3 year old. There isnt a day that goes by that she is not itchy. I feel so bad for her because there isnt a so-called cure. She has been on 10+ different medications and has been suffering with this since she was been about 2 weeks old.

I know that its WAAYYY early but- Updated

The hubs commissioning graduation is in November but being the big ole planner that I am. I am picking out my hotzee outfits now. Hopeful I will lose some more weight before then. I have been REALLY slacking but tell me what you think.

For Tuesday's Formal. I better hurry up and order since it's on sale.

So, Since the orginal post I have changed my mind AGAIN.

Wednesday Sorta Family Day Deal:

Dont know yet


Thursday Graduation: Need to add the picture for ya.

Hair update

So I took the hair challenge and have been having issues. Remember I told you that I have sensitive skin. Well I finally spoke to a hair stylist about my head being inflamed all the time. She said that I may be dealing with dry water and some of the products that I am using may be aggravating my scalp even more. So I have to change up my regiment a little and see how my new products work. It is suppose to help me with my issues. I will fill you in on the products. Besides my scalp being in this sensitive state, my hair is growing.

Now, I am from Maryland. Do you realized that I called up to Maryland for help. All the products I need is being mailed so I will have it by Friday. I will update you when it gets here. I am telling you there is no one here that is great with Ethnic hair. Not just Black folks but I have a latin friend that doesnt have luck neither. I don't feel like traveling and hour and 10 just to get my hair down. So I called to Maryland for some backup and help.

My hair regimen revisited

Since I washed my hair last night, I wanted to share what exactly I do to my hair with the products that I use.

I wash my hair at least twice with very warm water and Fastasia IC high intensity with Aloe shampoo to open my pores. Then I follow with my conditioner, Fastasia IC Super Concentrated One minute intensive treatment conditioner. I dye and relax my hair so I need a intense conditioner. I then sit under the dryer with a plastic cap for 5 to 10 minutes on high. Sometiems longer depending on how my hair feels and what I am doing. If I am on the computer, I lose track of time. Then I rinse my hair with cold water. I rinse with cold water because I do not want to lose the conditioning that I just apply with opening my pores again. I make sure that get ALL the conditioner out because my hair doesnt need the extra protein. Remember your hair will break with too much conditioner and protein as well.

I usually do all on Friday nights because I do have a relaxer (I have 3 small kids I dont have a night life anymore) and I wrap my hair with QP elastic wrap mousse and let it dry over night. I also do my hair on the weekend because doing it this way I have the extra time to do all that I do to my hair. The next morning once my hair is dry, I brush and grease my scalp with Dr. Miracle's Feel It Formula Hot Gro Hair & Scalp Treatment Conditioner and then comb through Motion's Marula Natural Therapy Hair and Scalp Oil. Once I am done with that I sit under the dryer with a plastic for about 5 to 10 minutes again. Just to get the oils soaked into my scalp. Then I will wrap my hair back up.

During the week I have protective styles that allows me to keep it wrapped up with minimal stress of combing and heat. Daily I do spitz my ends with my Motion's oil(very little. I spray a little in my hair and massage on my ends. Remember the ends of your hair is your driest part of the hair.) Then usually on Wednesday I will give my shea butter treatment. I warm the shea butter (to manipulate easier) and then add my olive oil. I then massage my scalp for at least 5-15 minutes. Finally return to my wrap. Usually I do not need any more oil until my wash day but sometime in the winter I have to add a day in there for greasing my scalp again.

, I realized that co-washing and pre-pooing is too much moisture for my sensitive scalp and I do not do it anymore. I wash my hair every 7 days. I relax it every 8-10 weeks. I am going to try to extend my relaxer until 12 weeks this time around. I think my relaxer is about 3 to 4 weeks old right now.

I try to keep my regiment as simple as I can because...well I am too busy and lazy to spend too much time in my hair. I will be looking for a stylish soon to cut my hair. I want to cut all my dead ends or split ends. I did it myself last time but that was just too much work. Remember I am all about the simple.

Best of luck with your regiment. Remember your hair may be different from mine. It may require something totally different. One thing that I have learned over the years is that if you find a product that works, stick to it. Try to use the product for at least a month before changing. Well there are times that you just know the product isnt for you, then by all means switch it up. But other than that, give the product a try. Also, you don't always need the most expensive product on the market. When using hair products, don't forget to read the label. Try to avoid products with alcohols. Especially products that has alcohol as one of the first few ingredients. That means its one of the main ingredients. When I lived near a great stylish, she told me if I HAD to relax my own hair with try to avoid bases that contain calcium. It causes build-up and cause your hair to shred at the root. For the life of me, I can not remember the relaxer I use. When I remember I will update you. Always Always deep condition your hair if you dye or relax your hair with a creme conditioner with heat and plastic cap. If you dont not own a hood dryer, put a towel in the dryer then apply on top of your plastic cap. If you dont want to buy a plastic cap use one of your walmart shopping bags. RECYCLE and REUSE! :)

Also, take your vitamins and drink your water. Your hair needs moisture but not just from the outside. Your body and hair needs hydration. Go to the dollar store and get you a big ole water bottle. Freeze the water overnight and then you will have your water through out the day. Last time I looked my dollar store had a cute 64oz water bottle. That is perfect for your hydration needs. Until next time.

D.

My hair challenge regiment

I will be washing my hair every week. I tried the pre-poo but my scalp can't take it. My skin is too sensitive for some reason and I have tried a few different conditioners with no avail. So I will stick with once a week for this challenge.

On wash day, I will be using Fastasia IC high intensity with Aloe shampoo and Fastasia IC Super Concentrated One minute intensive treatment conditioner. The only heat that I will be putting on it is sitting under the dryer with deep conditioning. I will wrap my hair with QP elastic wrap mousse and let dry over night. I will grease my scalp with Dr. Miracle's Feel It Formula Hot Gro Hair & Scalp Treatment Conditioner. I will do this once or twice a week as needed. Then, mid-week I will give myself my shea butter treatment and scalp massage. I have been using shea butter and olive oil. Lastly, I am going to ensure that I drink at least 64 ozs of water per day. I also take my vitamins daily.

I am starting this challenge a day late . I am not officially going to do this challenge with posting my pictures with the main site because I am making this challenge a 12 week thing. I want to see after 12weeks of being consistent with my hair what is the out come. I am not a regular routine type person with my hair so this challenge is very intriguing. Wish me and you luck!!

This challenge was derived from my blog friend http://glorycrown.blogspot.com/. Be encourage and maybe try this yourself.