M.A.C. Prep + Prime Highlighter.

It wasn’t until recently that I began using highlighter products. I used to think they were a non-essential, just something else to clutter the makeup drawer. I’ve dabbled with a few, but I was never super impressed. That is, until I met M.A.C. Prep + Prime Highlighter ($23).

Let’s take a look at the stats, first, shall we? M.A.C. Prep + Prime Highlighter is available in three shades: Light Boost (soft yellow creme), Radiant Rose (light shell pink), and Bright Forecast (light peachy coral). Delivered in a click-style pen, this highlighter promises to deliver sheer color and radiance. M.A.C. suggests that this product can be “use[d] over makeup for highlights, touchups, or under makeup to brighten and prime”. Sounds intriguing! I love a good multipurpose product.

Let me tell you: I dislike click-pens in a big way. I’m usually a little biased against anything with a click-pen package simply because I find them so annoying. With that out of the way… I am in love with M.A.C. Prep + Prime Highlighter. Yes, it’s love! You got me, M.A.C. As they always wow me with the MAC Holiday Collections too.

This highlighter is everything promised: a sheer wash of color that adds an irresistible glow that’s not too shimmery or over the top. It is fabulous to brighten under the eyes, add a cheek or brow highlight, or even as a eye-shadow primer. Even better? I’ve found it to be pretty long-lasting and smudge-proof. (Even when trying to tissue off the swatch on my hand - ha!) 

Ready to snag your own? Check out maccosmetics.com for more info or to find a M.A.C. counter near you.

Chella Exfoliating Cleanser Micro Bead Purifier.

Of all the beauty tasks I dislike (shaving, timed hair treatment processing, eyebrow shaping, oh my!), washing my face is one of the least offensive contenders. I still don’t love it, though! In order to combat my ennui, I try to pick new, pretty or exciting products to motivate me. That’s where Chella Exfoliating Cleanser Micro Bead Purifier ($35, 4.5oz) comes in.

Packed in a sleek and chic squeeze tube, this cleanser had me at “hello”. Chella’s Exfoliating Cleanser promises tangible results by way of refined and clear pores, clean skin, and long term benefits. These results are made possible with a combination of physical (jojoba beads) and chemical (beta hydroxy acid) cleansers to provide a gentle but thorough cleanse. Sounds fabulous, right? It is! 

I was surprised and delighted by the cleanser’s thick, substantial gel consistency. Plus, it’s a cool green shade! When “activated” or mixed with water, the cleansing gel spreads easily. I love that it manages to remove make-up, dirt, and oil without leaving me with a tight and dry face afterward. Also, as physical exfoliaters go, this one is incredibly gentle. I wouldn’t mind using this every day on my sometimes sensitive skin.

Ready to snag your own? Check out chella.com for more info!

SPF Yourself: American Beauty Youth-Full Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15.

SPF Yourself is a series of posts featuring products that contain a sunscreen, or SPF, in them. Not only sunscreens, but body lotions, facial moisturizers, eye creams, foundations, tinted moisturizers, bronzers, hair care and more will be featured. Only the best in beauty with SPF!

I’m not one of those gals who needs to wear makeup every day to feel beautiful. That said, I do feel good when I wear makeup - maybe even a little better. On days that I’m running late or short on time, instead of going out with a bare face I’ll often grab for my go-to “quickie” products. To even out my complexion and combat redness, I’ll reach for a tinted moisturizer. On deck this week: American Beauty Youth-Full Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($25).

American Beauty Youth-Full Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 promises sheer coverage that’s natural-looking and comfortable. Simple? Yes. True? Also yes! First, I have to give this tinted moisturizer props for actually giving a little moisture with the addition of jojoba seed oil. When I use this, I can easily skip applying my usual moisturizer without fear of those dreaded dry patches.

The coverage is indeed sheer, but it’s a good sheer. It’s not the sheer that melts into your skin and virtually disappears, but it’s a sheer that adds an even, pretty glow. It won’t hide blemishes or imperfections, but it doesn’t claim to do so either. The SPF deserves a shout-out as well! You know I hate applying sunscreen, beauties, so I like to sneak it in where I can.

Overall, I’m impressed with my first American Beauty product! A little goes a long way, and it lives up to it’s label. Definitely worth a look.

Ready to snag your own? American Beauty products are available online and at Kohls stores nationwide. Check out americanbeautycosmetics.com for more info!