fashionCHICsta

From the Acne Complex collection, Clarifying Cleanser is your first step in fighting blemishes. With a medicated scent, Salicylic Acid and Menthol are first to welcome you to the party. I've been using natural and vegan skincare products for several months so I find the addition of these acne fighters harsh. While I am grateful it is clearing up a terrible bought of acne that I have been suffering for almost 2 months, it is also making all of my facial skin tight. I admit this used to be a welcomed feeling especially during the Summers months but for the most part, I've had my sebum output under control with my new skincare regime. None the less, I put Murad's Clarifying Cleanser to the test. A transparent gel formula, I wet my face, apply a little Cleaner to my wet Clarisonic and follow the beeps. It rinses cleanly, removes my makeup completely I did not use this on my eyes and fought my acne. I felt caught in a cycle: My eyes are stinging and my face is cold from the M...

Another amazing brand introduced to me through a Beauty Army Kit. Meet Skinn Cosmetics, launched in 2002 by Dimitri James   " Before starting Skinn Cosmetics, I worked for twenty years with the largest cosmetic houses in the world. I found myself constantly frustrated with the way they did business. Unfortunately, the big cosmetic companies never seem to care about making quality products that actually help the consumer. Their “formula” was always the same: make a cheap product, put it in a fancy jar with a nice box and charge as much as possible. After learning that I was never going to change how those big companies do business from within, I realized I needed to change the nature of the very industry in which they operate. " - Dimitri James One of the perks of Beauty Army is meeting these amazing niche brands. You are introduced to some truly awesome products from companies that are off of the mainstream radar. Case in point: Skinn Cosmetics. This collectio...

Spoiled once again from Klout Perks and essie with Recessionista. I first spotted this shade on Pinterest and has a good giggle when it was sent to me through a perk.

Rhubarb is the star ingredient in this rich shower-time treat. Traditionally used in ancient Chinese herbal remedies, the plant has long been known for its restorative properties. It draws toxins out from the skin, promoting radiance and suppleness. Your skin will be noticeably smoother post-shower . Spicy. Masculine. Sexy. Exotic. These are the things I think of every time I unscrew the lid revealing the secret to this mystical Tibetan shower cream . I can't get enough of it, the scent is amazing. So sensual. From Italy, I was impressed with this product from start to finish. I love the aluminum can, the corrugated paper wrapper and most importantly, the product. When I first read the label and saw R hubarb, I was perplexed. What does that smell like? Imagining this plethora of sweet, tart fruit, I am so glad that I was wrong. A moderate weight, milky white cleanser, this shower cream provides a nice lather and performs effectively. It leaves my skin super soft and mak...

  This multiple personality lacquer appears to be black with copper shimmer from first glance. But appearances can be quite deceiving. Described as an alluring dark violet diamond shimme r , DS Mystery is a midnight purple which iridesces blue. Speckled with shimmer not glitter, it has a delicate sparkle that is also easy to remove. DS Mystery is part of the OPI Designer Series line. I started with Butter LONDON Nail Foundation base coat and applied 2 coats of DS Mystery followed by 1 coat of Butter LONDON Hardware high shine top coat. DS Mystery went on evenly and easily and I did not experience any clumping or streaking. This 3-Free collection features the OPI ProWide™ Brush which applied my 2 coats quickly and evenly. Not a fan of the ProWide™ Brush? Try turning it on it's 'side' where it is actually more narrow. This shade lasted 3 days before it chipped which is a long time in my book! I am super excited that I purchased this and I only wish I had used it so...

Several months ago I made a purchase on Haute l ook which included 7 Institut Karite body care products. Two of the seven items were a set of shower creams, Mango and Red Fruits . Immediately I was pleased by the size of the products , 8.45 oz and the packaging. Extra Gentle Shower Cream is held in a square plastic squeeze bottle with a flip -open cap.  Worried I would break the cap at the hinge, I can say I used both shower creams, in their entirety and I did not suffer cap failure !