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Tried & True Review: L'Oreal Paris Magic B.B. Cream

February 25, 2013
A few weeks ago, SheSpeaks offered me the chance to try L'Oreal's Magic B.B. Cream and I jumped at it! I have been reading SO many good things about b.b. creams but had yet to take the plunge because I was pretty happy with my current makeup - which consisted of a foundation and concealer combination. I'm always up to change things up - especially if it comes with the promise of not only covering the things I'd like to hide but also correct issues over time! After using it almost daily for a few weeks now, I can honestly say that I am a believer!

A few things you should know: My skin is sensitive. My skin is acne prone. My skin is combination. I have what some call "adult acne"... I like to call it stress acne. I never had problem skin in middle school, high school or college. Honestly, I never had much acne up until the last few years of my life. Why it suddenly started to appear now is beyond me - I just know I want it GONE or at least hidden. The L'Oreal Paris Magic B.B. Cream has helped me do a good job of that while still letting my skin breathe. That is something I really appreciate and can be rare to find. I have tried dozens of different concealers, foundations, tinted moisturizers and powders over the years. This one is my favorite.

That being said, I thought to best demonstrate the coverage, you would want to see some before and after photos. I'm hardly afraid to show myself without a stitch of makeup - my skin is what it is. I will admit that it looks better when I eat better, get good amounts of sleep, work out and have low stress levels... but this is the real world and I rarely maintain that kind of heavenly schedule. :) The stress part has especially been high lately so my skin is certainly wearing some flair buttons right now, as I like to say...

before
Here it is for you: Not a single stitch of makeup. Fresh from the shower. Acne, visible pores, dark circles. All things no one really likes to have, but it is what it is.

after
This is after using just the L'Oreal Magic B.B. Cream. I like that it provides a more even base for me. It takes away a lot of my redness and covers up my acne decently enough. Most importantly: It feels so light - like I am literally wearing nothing! (Note: I never add any makeup to my forehead because my bangs are not a fan of sticking to makeup!)

complete
My typical completed look: Added a little extra coverage with some concealer, a little bit of eyeshadow/eyeliner, mascara, blush and gloss. (And in desperate need of a hair cut! Just disregard that!)

Perhaps you're wondering at this point what the heck B.B. Cream even is.... I understand! I had to google it when I first heard of them because I had no idea either! I kept seeing all kinds of these new creams pop up with no explanation of what they even were. Well, "B.B." stands for beauty balm. The L'Oreal B.B. Cream comes with the promise that it has four actions - prime, perfect, hydrate and correct. I found that it stood by that promise:

  • Prime: I own a Stila primer but never feel the need to use it with this cream. It covers smoothly without any help.
  • Perfect: It lightly covers my acne and red spots just like a foundation would - without the heavy feel. Admittedly, I do still use concealer as I feel I need the extra coverage in certain areas.
  • Hydrate: I don't use a moisturizer with it at all. While I do have dry spots, I wouldn't consider my skin to be especially dry so this might be different for each person. Keep in mind, though, it is winter in Michigan. And I still don't have to use a moisturizer with it. Awesome.
  • Correct: I can honestly say I have seen an improvement in my skin. I have seen a little bit less acne and have noticed that a lot of my older acne spots have started to fade. 

Overall, at around $10.95 a bottle, I can 100% feel comfortable recommending this product. It can be found in drugstores, is budget friendly, and lasts! A little goes a long way and will last you all day. I love this as an addition to my everyday look. It is so easy to apply and I never feel like I have to worry if my makeup looks or feels obvious. This is light but effective.

Disclosure: I was provided the L'Oreal Paris Magic B.B. Cream (in Fair) free of charge from SheSpeaks. This review, however, was written by me personally and reflects my personal opinions after trying the product. I was not expected to provide a favorable review.

Winning Wednesday: 10 Fashionable Giveaways

November 21, 2012

Winning Wednesdays over at Fashion Frugality

Winning Wednesday is back! Below I have put together a list of my top 10 favorite fashionable giveaways going on this week. I hope you take the time to enter each one - you never know, you might be the next lucky winner!


1. The Average Girl's Guide and Ebates is giving one lucky reader a $100 gift certificate to GAP! I would totally buy these metallic dot legging jeans if I won. Click to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: November 27, 2012

2. Pop of Style is giving away an amazing statement necklace from Trend Boutique! I think I would keep my outfit simple with this - just a simple black dress and a jean jacket. Let this baby really shine! Click to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: November 28, 2012

3. Haute Whimsy is giving away a pretty luxe cowl from Foldi. This is sure to keep you nice and cozy during these cold winter months! Click to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: November 25, 2012

4. Wildflowers in Bloom is giving away a pair of boot socks from PeekABoot! I love the look of tall socks with boots - so cozy! Click to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: November 26, 2012

5. The Art and Tree Chatter Blog is giving away a silver wreath ring from Kate Szabone Jewelry. I love classic rings like this one - they look great with everything. Click to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: December 5, 2012

6. Chic Luxuries is giving away an Alexa bag from BagInc! I absolutely LOVE the stud detail on the bottom of this bag! It is so tough! Click to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: December 10, 2012

7. Wear Abouts is giving away a $30 gift certificate to H.C.B. I'd love to purchase the chevron maxi dress - there is nothing quite like a comfy maxi dress, am I right? Click to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: December 5, 2012

8. Rebecca is hosting a mini giveaway for her silver hoops in the gemstone color of your choice! I think the burgandy gemstone would be perfect! Click to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: November 28, 2012

9. Wldhrts is giving away a piece of jewelry from Lucidity by Uma to two lucky winners! I really like her simple silver peter pan necklace. I think it would be a great accent piece to wear with a bunch of my favorite dresses. Click to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: December 1, 2012

10. Sweet Fix is giving away a pair of gold plated earrings from Maria Corcuera Jewelry. I love how delicate these are - I can see them paired with some pink and white tones. Click to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: December 5, 2012

Do you have a fashion/beauty giveaway you'd like featured on one of my Winning Wednesday posts? Drop me a line at fashionfrugality@gmail.com to let me know about it! I'd love to include you!

Free Apparel Tuesday

June 5, 2012
I know it has been a while but I promise you I am still lurking around these frugal fashion parts... I got busy back in March and then lost momentum from there - I'm sure you've been able to tell!

I'm slowly but surely working to get back to blogging and, with that, a totally new blog layout. This one needs some updating... and perhaps an actual about me and blogroll page to boot!

But today? Today is about pure, unadulterated, frugal fashion. How frugal, you ask? How about free...

freechambray

You heard me: FREE! Sears Outlet Stores gives away free apparel every Tuesday! All you have to do is become a Shop Your Way Rewards member, print off the coupon and head to the store! You get to pick from nearly anything (the coupon will tell you what is excluded) your heart desires in the store.

Looking for a coupon? Head over to the Sears Outlet Stores facebook page and like their page to get ahold of these awesome coupons. And if you throw an extra tshirt or two into your shopping cart, never fear - this is an outlet store so the prices are already amazing!

I picked up this summer friendly sleeveless chambray tunic from Canyon River Blues. The original price was $36.00. The outlet price was marked down to $7. PLUS, all the misses tops were on sale today for $4. My total came to $0 thanks to the awesome free apparel coupon.

So don't forget: Next Tuesday, print off your coupon and head to your local Sears Outlet store. I'll meet you back here to talk about and show off our free new fashion! :)

Psst! Did you become a fan of Sears Outlet on facebook? Why don't you like the Fashion Frugality page too!

First Day of Spring

March 20, 2012
First Day of Spring: 03/20/12
In case you didn't know - today is the first day of spring. I will take a spring day that includes blue, sunny skies and 75 degrees any day - let alone the first. I think that is a great indication of how wonderful this spring and summer will  be, no? Shall we sing our spring praises? Ahem. No? Oh.
First Day of Spring: 03/20/12
Top: Liberty of London for Target, Thrifted, $4.99
Necklace: Gift, Made by my best friend
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