MTTO: Kaolin Clay Mask

Part 7 of 8 of my MTTO line review...almost done! You can find the original post with all the review links here.

Kaolin Clay Mask

Out of the 8 products I have tried this was probably my least favorite of the bunch. I love a good mask so I was very excited to try this, but as a mask I really didn't like this. Let me explain.

So let's see, I guess I should start from the beginning... 

As with any night I decide to use a mask, I wash my face, lightly pat dry with a towel, and begin to apply the mask with my fingers. First off, this has a pump which you think would be convenient but out of all the products from this line with a pump, this was the defective one. I was pumping like no one's business for a good minute until all of a sudden, a random burst of orange/brick colored substance shoots out, landing on my shirt and mirror. We were not off to a good start.

MTTO: Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser

Part 6 of 8 of my MTTO line review! To read the original post with all the product review links, you can go here.

Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser

This is going to be a short post because there's not too much I have to say on this product except that I think this a great cleanser, especially if you have acne prone skin! 

Smell: Herbal scent which I'm not usually drawn too but I didn't mind it all.

Texture: Black gel that turns clear once you start applying it to your skin.

Performance: I've read and heard claims that this product is great at taking off all your make up. I don't know if I wear more make up than the average bear, but I didn't find that to be completely true. I always do the "toner test" to see how well a cleanser takes off make up (which is just me using a toner after I wash my face and see if any make up is still on the cotton pad). When I use this alone to take off make up, I will still have some make up residue (not a lot but some). I actually like to use this cleanser with my Clarisonic, but before I do that, I will use a cleansing water or make up wipe to take off the "initial" layer of make up. I find that I get a better and deeper clean this way and when I use my toner, no traces of make up! I love that you don't need a lot of product to cleanse your entire face, as this product creates a really nice lather on the face. I find that one pump is more than enough to clean my face. I also love that this cleanser makes my skin clean but not that tight squeaky clean or dry feeling. I highly recommend this cleanser!

Info taken from website:

Price: $24 for 7 fl oz.

Product Description: This detoxifying facial cleanser is particularly effective in caring for blemished and oily skin types as well as combination and normal skin. The creamy vegan cleanser is infused with Activated Charcoal to deeply clean pores of toxins and bacteria for smoother clearer skin. Activated Charcoal is an amazingly absorbent substance, widely known for its ability to effectively cleanse the skin, unclog pores, and remove deeper impurities and dead skin cells. Sulfate FREE "no tears" formula does not irritate eyes.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Coco Glucoside (Palm Kernel), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C) , Beta-Carotene (Pro Vitamin A), Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Activated Charcoal, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phospholipids, Dehydroacetic Acid, Disodium Edta, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide.

MTTO: Antiox Serum

Part 5 of 8 of my MTTO line review! To read the original post with all the product links, you can go here.

Antiox Serum

After I had finished up the Antioxidant Carrot Multivitamin Serum, I wanted to see if there were any other serums from the MTTO line that looked appealing to try. I liked the antioxidant carrot multivitamin serum but it wasn't holy grail and as a product junkie, I was ready for something new. I also wanted to see if all the MTTO serums had the lotion texture which I mentioned in my latest review of the carrot serum. If you read that post then you know I solved that mystery after ordering the Antiox Serum. 

I was intrigued by the Antiox Serum because the description had mentioned that it was targeted for combo/oily skin and it would help to reduce the appearance of large pores. Now I know that we cannot change our pore size as they are hereditary, but we can make an effort to keep them clean and not enlarge them any more than need be. Break outs and enlarged pores are my arched nemeses, and I will try just about anything to win those battles.

So how did the product fare?

MTTO: Antioxidant Carrot Multivitamin Serum

Part 4 of 8 of my MTTO line review! I discussed this product back in my January favorites which you can read about here. Unfortunately, I've already thrown away the packaging but it's the same packaging as the next review I'll be putting up which is on the Antiox Serum.

This is one of the very first products I tried from the line and I really loved how much of an improvement I saw in my skin. I used up the entire bottle which took me about 3 months to finish. I used it day and night after my toner. I didn't notice immediate results but within a few weeks, I could tell that my skin was breaking out less, my skin was softer, and some of my scars had lightened.

The only thing I want to clear up from my last post about this product would be the texture of the product. I described this product as having more of lotion texture than a thin serum which was true at the time but have since realized that had to do with weather conditions at the time I was using this. Basically, in colder conditions this product can change it's consistency...similar to how olive oil can get cloudy in cold weather. This past winter I was on a heater strike (aka broke and tired of paying for high energy & gas bills) so it was quite cold in my house. I remember using this product and thinking the consistency was so weird for a serum, but after ordering another serum from the line, mystery solved.

My only real complaint about the serum would be the packaging. I find it really bulky and unnecessary but I'll go over that in my next post. Other than that, this is a great product!

Deets from the website:

Price: $37 for 1 fl oz.

Product Description: An organic approach to nourishing, protecting and maintaining proper moisture. Contains carrot oil to sooth irritated skin, provide hydration and even skin tone. Rooibos tea and vitamins provide antioxidant protection. Blended with Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help skin regenerate improving the tone and texture of the skin. Gives skin a vibrant, healthy looking glow.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Aspalathus Linearis (Organic Rooibos Tea) Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Emulsifying Wax, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Extract, Vegetable Glycerin, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Oil, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Thioctic Acid (Alpha Lipoic Acid), Essential Oils, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester), Palm Stearic Acid, Malic Acid, Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum).

MTTO: Blue Green Algae Toner

Part 3 of 8 from my MTTO line review! This is will be another short post like my last one on the Organic Lemon Toner. In hindsight, I probably should have combined both reviews...oh well.

Blue Green Algae Toner

Info taken from website.

Price: $18 for 7.8 fl oz.

Product Description: Rich in vital nutrients, trace elements and amino acids, organic blue green algae and kelp in combination with Hyaluronic Acid penetrate deeply into the skin to speed the elimination of toxins, promote cellular renewal, naturally nourish and remineralize the skin. Highly moisturizing and moisture balancing, with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Cleans and maintains the skin’s proper pH without the drying effects of alcohol. Aids in the treatment of acne prone and problem skin. Prepares skin for serums and moisturizers. Contains black willow tree extract recognized for thousands of years for its healing power and fresh, warm, spicy tea tree oil a powerful immune stimulant to help fight infections and promote clear skin.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Ascophyllum Nodosum (Organic Kelp) Extract, Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae (Organic Blue Green Algae) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Salix Nigra (Black Willowbark) Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Sodium Chloride (Dead Sea Salt), Polysorbate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Citric Acid, Lavendula Angustifolia (Certifed Organic) Hydrosol.

MTTO: Organic Lemon Toner

Part 2 of 8 featuring products from the MTTO line! You can see my original post here.

So this post is going to be pretty short as I don't have too much to say about this product but here are the deets!

Organic Lemon Toner

Info taken from website:

Price: $18.00 for 7.8 fl oz.

Product Description: Clears away excess oil and lingering impurities while working to maintain the skin's ideal moisture levels. Also helps to firm, lift and tighten and ease away the appearance of fine lines and discolorations for a more even-toned complexion.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Vaccinium Myrtillus (Organic Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Organic Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharinum (Organic Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Auranium Dulcis (Organic Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Organic Lemon) Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Organic Cranberry) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Fruit) Pulp Powder, Tartaric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Vegetable Glycerin, Polysorbate, Essential Oils, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Salix Nigra (Black Willowbark) Extract.

Smell: Fresh Lemons. This is one of the nicest lemon scented products I have ever smelled! Not too artificial or sweet, absolutely divine!

Usage: I used this with a cotton pad and applied it after washing my face but before any serums or moisturizer. I used it day and night everyday.

Final Thoughts: This toner is marketed towards normal to oily and problem skin and I would definitely consider my skin in the latter of those groups. What I really love about this toner is how refreshing it feels on the skin without making my skin feel tight or dry. The smell is absolutely amazing and I think this is a great everyday toner for anyone. During use, I did notice that some of my acne scarring began to lighten but this was a gradual process. One bottle lasted me almost 3 months using it 2 times daily. If you are looking for a toner with more natural ingredients, this is a great one to try!

MTTO: KNU Anti-Aging Face Lift

As I mentioned last week in my skincare rave post, I have been loving the MTTO line (Michael Todd True Organics.) This week I'll be posting reviews on each of the products I have tried. First up:

KNU Anti-Aging Face Lift

Info taken from website:

Price: $150 for 1.7 oz. (3 month supply)

Product Claim:
Lifts, Tightens and Rejuvenates

Aids in Treatment of Acne, Scarring and Rosacea

Product Description:

A fast-acting anti-aging cream containing MICHAEL TODD true organics’ advanced proprietary blend of peptides, plant stem cells and snail serum complex for immediate and long lasting anti-aging benefits.

The Good Stuff in a nutshell:

70% organic ingredients and no added water, dyes, artificial fragrance, parabens, sulfates or other harsh chemicals.

Ingredients:

Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Butter, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Palm Stearic Acid, Vegetable Glycerin, Fucus vesiculosis (Organic Seaweed) Extract, Camellia sinensis (Organic Green Tea) Extract, Vaccinium myrtillus (Organic Bilberry) Extract, Saccharum officinarum (Organic Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer saccharinum (Organic Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus auranium dulcis (Organic Orange) Extract, Citrus medica limonum (Organic Lemon) Extract, Vaccinium macrocarpon (Organic Cranberry) Extract, Camellia sinensis (White Tea) Extract, Spirulina maxima (Blue Green Algae) Extract, Euterpe oleracea (Acai Fruit) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Hyaluronic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl, Tetrapeptide-7,GHK-Cu Tripeptide (Copper Peptide), Betaglucan, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Epidermal Growth Factor, Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Mangifera indica (Mango) Butter, Shea Butter (Naturally Refined), Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Salix nigra (Black Willow Bark) Extract, Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Sodium Benzoate, Glucolactone, Citric Acid.

Product Line Rave: Michael Todd True Organics

 So obviously by the title you can tell that I'm in love with a new line of skincare! I have been using the Michael Todd True Organics line since December and can confidently say I attribute my improved skin to their products. Not only do I love that their products are formulated without all the bad stuff, but they are effective products for my acne prone and blemished skin which is awesome!

The picture above shows all the products I have tried from the line, minus one other bottle which I think I threw away already. It's crazy to think that I have positive things to say about each product! I am not affiliated with the brand what so ever,  I seriously just love the products!

Tarte: Maracuja Lip Exfoliant

Dry, chapped, flaky...words I never want someone to utter when referring to my lips.

I could never get myself to spend money on a lip scrub so I always went the DIY route: olive oil, honey, and sugar as well as the occasional tooth brush on the lips. The homemade scrub worked but it was pretty messy and I was always too lazy to make a new batch every couple months (sad, I know). The toothbrush method worked as well but it didn't always exfoliate my lips as much as I wanted it to.

So I was always back and forth: should I get the Lush lip scrub, or maybe the Fresh one, or maybe the Sara Happ one, or maybe my favorite from back in the day; The Body Shop Lip Scuff... ahh, it was just annoying really that I couldn't get myself to spend the money on any of them! Of course, put anything that has a panda on it in front of me and I'll justify the purchase. Ridiculous.

Anyways, a few months back, Ulta had their 20% off anything in the store coupon so of course I had to decided to pick up some new products to try. One of those items: Tarte's Maracuja Lip Exfoliant for $16! What? How? I don't know what I was thinking, well I wasn't thinking...I swear, that rare 20% off makes you feel like you have gold or something!

Not gonna lie, I mainly bought it because I thought the packaging was super cute and I like almost everything I have tried from Tarte, and again that damn 20% off...it made me do it.

So the verdict?

UPDATE: Essence Eyeliner Pen

Almost a month ago, I posted a review on the Essence Eyeliner Pen. Since that review, I have ordered a new one from Ulta.com and tested the pen out again. I can confidently say I finally have a final verdict on this product!

So how did this pen fare?

Put the champagne away, there isn't gonna be a celebration. 

So the first couple of days using the pen was great. Easy to use, extremely black, and it reminded me yet again why I liked the pen so much. Then day 4 or 5 came around and the pen started drying out again. It was to the point that I could line one eye fine but then I would have to put the cap back on, wait a couple minutes, and then use it for my second eye. I was so bummed. I only use the pen once per day, so for the pen to dry out that quickly is ridiculous. 

So even for $2.99, this product is a waste of money. Even the ELF eyeliner pen lasts almost a month before drying out and you can get that for $1! 

I definitely would not recommend this pen and the search for an inexpensive Stila Eyeliner dupe continues...

Panda & Polka Dot Nails

If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with Pandas. For as long as I can remember, they have been my favorite. One time, I seriously debated buying panda ping pong balls from ebay and I don't play ping pong.

Anyhoo, if you follow me on Instagram, you will also notice I like doing nail art as well. So what better combo than my love of nail art featuring my love of pandas! I decided to just do an accent panda nail to match my panda phone case...totally normal right? Yea, I thought so.

Instagram: GaudyGlam

Sephora: 1000-point reward!

Back in February I received an email from Sephora letting me know there was a new 1000-point reward available! I hardly ever redeem my points so I had accumulated quite the balance. I was excited to see that the reward was a 20% off card for one entire purchase. If you are a Sephora shopper, you know that 20% off is as good as it gets!

I noticed this is only available in California and Texas right now, so if you live in either of these two states, you have until May 26th to redeem your points for the card (in-store) and 60 days after you get the card to use it. I assume they are testing this out in these two states before releasing it to a larger demographic. I'm quite pleased with this option but if Sephora wants to increase the % off, that would be even better (obviously). 

So I'm coming up on my 60 days and I have accumulated quite the list of items I need to re-stock on and new items I want to try. I'd love to know what you are loving or think is worth trying! Aside from my re-stock "essentials," this is my list of new things to try:

Must Have Nail Polish Remover!!!

CVS Instant Polish Remover, $3.29 at CVS (Duh.)

I mention in my April 2013 Favorites that I have become quite obsessed with this product! As a nail polish addict, I paint my nails at least 2-3 times a week and sometimes 2-3 times a day! I've always used pure acetone that you can find at beauty supply stores because it's the quickest way to take off polish. Seriously, once you go acetone, you don't go back...ain't nobody got time for that!

If you have ever used pure acetone, you know that it dries the crap out of your nails and the skin around it. For me, it was a small price to pay for how fast it took off polish. Then I came across this little gem and holy F, I'm in love!

April 2013 Favorites

April was yet another month where I loved so many things! My skin was definitely acting cray this month so I did tend to focus more on my skincare and I'll have reviews up shortly of what worked and what didn't . The weather also started getting much warmer and that meant a little less make up for me... just a little. Let's not kid ourselves, I'm a full face make up kind of girl but I started to bust out more of my nude pink lipsticks and less of my beloved brights. Eye make up was pretty much the same everyday and some days it was just mascara, liner, and lip balm. 

I think I have mentioned most of these items before but here's what I used and abused in April!

*Disclaimer: I'm not associated with any of the brands mentioned and all opinions are my own. Direct links have been provided to make shopping easier. Some links are provided via ShopSense*

Golden State Warriors Nails!

The first home game of the playoffs is tonight so you know I had to represent! I had to use my left hand for the nail art (I'm a righty), so the lines aren't as clean as I would like them to be but they turned out better than I expected! Still not patiently waiting waiting for my nails to grow on my left hand but that's a whole separate issue. Anyways, GO WARRIORS!!!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for other nail looks and beauty things that I don't always post on the blog! @GaudyGlam

Soap & Glory: A Great Kisser Moisture Lip Balm

This is a fairly new lip balm that Soap & Glory has released at Sephora. It goes for $10 which is on the high end for a lip balm but I'm totally in love with this stuff!

Style Haul Spring Nails Giveaway: I Won!

So I received a wonderful message this morning on one of my Instagram photos from Style Haul:

I was so excited, I had completely forgotten I entered this Nail Art Giveaway hosted by Style Haul and China Glaze! You might remember these nails, which I posted on my Instagram and here on the blog. This is the first nail contest I have ever won so I'm super happy!

I went over to Style Haul's Instagram and saw the photo collage they put together of the winners. So exciting! Then I realized, wait I didn't get any tag notificiations on this photo and as I browsed through their other photos, I saw they featured my nail design on Friday as well! I realized, oh snaps, they tagged the wrong Gaudy Glam :( They tagged Gaudy_Glam (some dude) instead of Gaudy__Glam. What's the difference? I have 2 underscores in my name...uhh, total FAIL on my part for using 2 underscores.

I was totally ok with everything until I saw this:

NOT COOL!!!! Trying to take credit for something you know is not yours?! I don't know if this person also took the extra step in emailing their contact info as well and in turn will be receiving my prize of Spring China Glaze polishes...so not cool AND leaving a comment after mine! Tisk Tisk.

But anyway, the silver lining is when I went to change my IG name, the original name I wanted was available! @GaudyGlam: no spaces, no confusion!

So I guess some good came out of all of this and I'm still happy I won, even if someone else is getting credit for it. "Will the real slim shady please stand up!"

Review: Corn Huskers Lotion

What do you call a product that makes your skin soft and costs less than if you were to try and make a DIY version of it? Too Good To Be True Corn Huskers Lotion.

This cheap, ugly packaged, no brand name hand treatment is a damn gem I tell you! This stuff is one of those rare cheap finds that actually works, which in turn makes you all giddy inside. *Disclaimer: grab a comfortable seat or maybe a cup of coffee, storytime is about to begin...

Random Ramble: Pussy what now?

So I was just doing my weekly perusing on the Ulta website when I saw their ad for OPI's The Bond Girls collection. So I'm quickly glancing over the colors and what's that I see? A polish called Pussy Galore....uh, what?! Re-read for the third time...yup, that sure says Pussy Galore. I immediately start laughing because I'm not thinking about a surplus of cats, that's for sure.

*Image from Ulta.com*

Upon further googling, I learn that this was in fact one of the Bond Girls' name (my knowledge of Bond Girls is quite small) but c'mon, Pussy Galore?! I'm dying. You might say I should get my mind out of the gutter but I doubt I'm the only one that thought that this polish name could also moonlight as a porn title.

Apparently Nars also had a polish named this is as well, both demure light pink colors....haha, of course they are. Some things I guess will always make me giggle like a 1st grader: public farting and the word pussy (which never refers to a cat in my mind).  Pussy Galore...haha, too much!

Sephora VIB Chic Week Picks!

Since Sephora's Chic Week is currently under way for Beauty Insiders and VIB's, I thought it would be fun to post some products I love!

If you are a Beauty Insider or VIB you already know about the sale, but in case you haven't checked your snail mail or email, everything is 15% off for Beauty Insiders (April 12-21) and VIB's (April 11-22). Sale is in-store or online using the code: CHIC or VIBCHIC depending on your account status.

I love seeing what other people are obsessing over and hopefully my picks will inspire you to try out some new brands or items. These are my tried and true top picks that I highly recommend! (Direct links are provided below via ShopSense) Happy Shopping!

1. Sephora Microsmooth Foundation Face Powder $22.00

2. Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base $24.00

3. Too Faced Retractable Kabuki Brush $32.00

4. LORAC Pro Palette $42.00

5. Shiseido The Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation $38.50

6. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hr Blush in Exposed $26.00

7. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner $20.00

8. Caudalie Beauty Elixir $18.00-$49.00

9. Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Lip Moisture Balm $10.00