Yes, yes, I realize it’s June 10th which means this post is more than a week late. No, it is not pregnant. (And neither am I.) If you demand an explanation for my tardiness (à la my 5th period high school algebra teacher), you can check out my Facebook page for a mathematical equation detailing the specifics.
1. Clinique’s skincare products.
I’ve been washing my face with Noxema every night for the past 20 years but over the last several months my skin has gone from being smooth and even to bumpy and blotchy. I’ve finally come to the conclusion that it’s time to ditch my cleanser from junior high and start using “big girl” products. I really hate shopping around so I decided to go straight to the Clinique counter after having such a good experience there back in January when I bought my very first Clinique product. I purchased their Liquid Facial Soap, Clarifying Lotion (a mild daily exfoliator), and Turnaround Concentrate (an exfoliating serum), and my skin was so dramatically improved after just 10 days that I went back and added the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion to my arsenal.
I’ve been using these four products twice a day for the past month and I cannot get over how fantastic my skin looks again! The bumpy breakouts on my cheeks have completely disappeared and the fine lines around my eyes and across my forehead are barely noticeable to me now! But here’s the biggest shock of all – I developed this strange little red splotch on my cheek when I was pregnant with Kate, and to my dismay it didn’t magically disappear after she was born. About a year later I tried laser treatments to have it removed but the damn thing didn’t improve one bit. Well, I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes when I noticed – after only one week of using my new Clinique skincare products – the red splotch is fading!
My skin feels incredible and looks years younger – I’ve even stopped wearing foundation!
I’m telling you, I love this stuff.
2. Clinique’s Lash Building Primer.
No, I’m not a Clinique saleswoman or spokesperson. I’m just hooked. And ridiculously brand loyal – once I’m hooked, I’m hooked for life. Or at least 20 years (sorry Noxema). Shortly after I bought my first Clinique product they had their Bonus Days where you purchase any Clinique product and get a gift bag filled with samples of other Clinique products. One of their samples was a tube of mascara that I liked and when I returned to purchase the full size (See?! This is how they hook you!) they suggested I also buy the primer. (And by “they” I mean this stunning woman with the skin of a 5 year old and the lashes of a Disney cartoon princess.)
I bought it and now I have Little Mermaid lashes.
They go great with my seashell bra.
3. Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait.
So yeah, I was on a total makeup kick in May. Another new product I tried was Revlon’s ColorBurst Lip Butter. The only reason I tried it is because I saw this ad of Emma Stone (love her) in my Glamour magazine and thought, “Meh. I have auburn hair and vampire pale skin…maybe that color will look good on me, too.”
I made a New Year’s resolution a few years ago to start wearing lipstick and/or lip gloss on a regular basis (because I think it looks awesome) but I never saw it through. I don’t like the stickiness of lip gloss or the boldness of a full-on lipstick. This Lip Butter, however, seems to be the best of both worlds. It has the staying power of a lipstick, but it’s light and glossy like a lip gloss – without the stickiness! Plus – despite the fact that it in real life it looks very little like this Emma Stone ad – I love the Peach Parfait color. It’s a pretty shade for summer and goes great with my summer wardrobe. I may finally fulfill that New Year’s resolution after all!
4. Goody’s detangling comb.
This little $3 comb from Target may not seem very Things Loved list-worthy, but I’ve discovered it’s alarmingly difficult to find a good detangling comb! This is the first one I’ve bought in probably a decade with teeth that don’t break off in my hair. That’s really all I ask for in a detangling comb, and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to find it. I’m so shocked, in fact, that I’m convinced my Target is going to stop selling them so I’ve already purchased three. I’m stockpiling.
Ever since discovering heel pads earlier this spring, I’ve been a flats convert. With the weather warming up I’ve been looking for an open-toed flats option that isn’t flip flops and for $15 I decided to give these sandals a try. They’re super cute, incredibly comfortable, and needed zero “break in” before wearing. I got them in white, but they come in several colors. I love them so much I think I’m going to go back and get another pair!
I’m sorry for the delay, lovely readers – but I hope my May list was worth the wait! What were some of your things loved last month?
I have experienced similar skin changes since having my daughter last July – uneven skin tone & pimples (my skin was clearer in high school & college!). A good friend is a Mary Kay consultant & hooked me up with their skin care aresenal, but I’ll have to check out Clinique if this doesn’t work.
The Better Chip is my new favorite thing for May. I’m totally hooked on the jalapeno flavor!
Your skin is fabulous! Clinique should send you a bunch of free products for you to test and let us know how they work!!
Those sandals are stinkin adorable! I may have to make a trip to Target soon to see if my store carries them
I had bought a pair of nude and pink of hose sandals and love them! Clinique is my absolute favorite, will never use anything else!! Great “things loved” post this month
Hi! Can i just say how much I love your blog??? I have missed you
Yes, I love Clinque products….I use the primer for mascara…FAB! Only downside is, here in the UK (I live in Scotland) their products are more expensive than in the US, so I cant splurge very often. But I am going to treat myself to their skin care range now I have read about your results.
Our daughter, Gracie is just a few months younger than Kate, I love seeing what stage to expect next!
I too am loyal to my favorite products…maybe it’s time to trade in my Lip Smackers for some Lip Butter (although, I’ll just be sad that it won’t make me look as adorable as Emma Stone).
Thanks for the beauty edition, it’s always nice to see what products actually work. Hope life starts getting back on track and Kate is adjusting to the big girl bed. My favorite May item has been a red wine- Hot to Trot. It makes all evenings nice and bearable!
I own those sandals in white too, even got a compliment on them earlier today. And after reading this, I think I need to head to the local Clinique counter
I love those sandals! they might be perfect reception shoes for my sisters wedding! And I might just have to try clinique. After having 2 kids, my skin is all sorts of wonky!
I bought those sandals last summer because it was the only thing I could stuff my swollen, pregnant feet into– and I had to go up a size!
Fast forward to this summer and I literally jumped for joy when I saw they brought them back. I luuurve these shoes!
LB
What a lovely love list. It’s always so nice when someone has tested a product and loves it. It saves a lot of time and trouble, especially when you end up loving it too.
Thanks for sharing!
jbhat
Your post might not be pregnant, and you might not be pregnant… but I am, ha! In a few months I might have to look at all your maternity wear posts, lol.
This is going to be the most stupid, newbie question ever…. but where do they have Clinique counters? I used to know when I lived back in Michigan, but I don’t know here in Madison. Does Boston Store have them? I’m apparently beauty impaired!
Thank you for your comments everyone!
@Carla B: I’ve never heard of the Better Chip, but I’ll have to check it out!
Thank you Jill! I certainly wouldn’t turn an offer like that down, hahaha.
@Carey: Hope you had a chance to check them out. They’re well worth the $15!
Thanks Lindsay!
Thank you Debbie! I hope you find their skincare line worth the splurge. I had to have to pay that upcharge on an already pricey product. Boo. Love your daughter’s name!
@Alison: Kate is loving her big girl bed, thank goodness. I, however, still have a ton to do in her room before it’s finished. Le sigh. I’ve had that red wine and really like it to. Thanks for sharing!
@Jodie: The white is definitely my fav. So happy to hear you like them too!
Good luck Julie!
@LB: Ooh, good to know they carry them each summer! I’m sure I’ll need another pair next year. (And I use the term “need” loosely, as always.)
Thanks jbhat!
Awww, congratulations Kate – how exciting!! I hit up the Clinique counter at Boston Store and I know there’s one at Macy’s too. Hope that helps, and best wishes to for a healthy pregnancy!