Striking Beauty by Nika

Follow my beauty blog for fashion tips, beauty products and healthy beauty prodcuts that actually work! 

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Maybelline Concealer

Maybelline® Instant Age Rewind® Eraser Dark Circles Concealer + Treatment

What? Concealer

For? For dryer skin – works for combination

Verdict? My favorite everyday concealer.  Covers imperfections and is super blendable.

I recently just purchased this product because it came highly recommended by friends.   I wanted a concealer that I can easily put on and blend for an everyday look.  I was surprised when I came to find out that you could also use this concealer for a night out look and for special events when you want to wear a little extra makeup. This Product...

erases dark circles

fine lines

SOME puffiness not ALL.  

is very easy to blend

The coverage of this product can be buildable.  The application is super convenient and the sponge on the top makes the product easily spreadable. The texture of this product is thin, watery and not thick (set it with setting powder). If you’re looking for something thick and full coverage I wouldn’t recommend this.

It is infused with goji berry (antioxidant that will protect your skin and a great anti-aging ingredient) and Heloxyl (used for undereye anti-aging purposes).

Health Verdict: On EWG skin deep cosmetics database this is ranked a 3. Which is a lower end of hazardous. It does contain parabens.

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Kat Von D Concealer

Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Crème

What? Concealer

For? Oily.  Combination skin

Verdict? 24 hour wear. Full coverage. Thick, covers imperfections. Wouldn’t recommend for dry skin.

This concealer is full coverage and will literally last you all day and night. It covers every problem you may have - dark circles, blemishes, discoloration and will help with highlighting your face. 

Using this concealer under the eye: This concealer brightens and awakens the face for days where you just cant seem to wake yourself up! It is perfect for oily skin because it is thick, high coverage and heavy on the skin. A little of this product goes a long way and this product really gives you full coverage.  **I do recommend using a setting powder with this because of the thickness and creaminess to it and might settle into creases.

For covering imperfections that are not under the eye:  This concealer will cover every little imperfection. It evens out skin tone, is luminous, & coverage is buildable.  This concealer also brightens up skin to make you look radiant, hydrated, and have smooth skin.   

I don’t really recommend this concealer for dryer skin because of the thickness/heaviness to it.  If you have extremely dry skin on the border of having flakes- this concealer will highlight the dry skin.

Health Verdict: Kat Von D does not test on animals.  This concealer is paraben, sulfate, and phthalate free.  It is also fragrance free, nickel free and gluten free.  

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Diorskin Airflash Foundation

Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation

What? Foundation

For? For dryer-normal skin types. People with oily skin types love this as well. I have combination, works great.

Verdict: My favorite foundation on the market and I am very picky.  Provides full, build-able coverage.  It really does give you an airbrush look to your skin. Evens out uneven skin  tones and makes fine lines and acne look less severe . Makes the skin glow and more radiant.

I’ve spent years looking for the perfect foundation and as soon as I found Dior Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation it became my instant favorite.   This foundation hides a variety of problems that occur on the skin, from wrinkles to dry skin.  It is formulated to be lighter and silkier for a more radiant finish on the skin. Why I LOVE this foundation:

Goes on the skin naturally

Blends right away onto pores to hide pores for a flawless look

Long lasting!!

Lightweight but provides build-able coverage

Oil-free

Covers fine lines and wrinkles

Moisturizing

Another plus to this foundation is that you can put a little on your face for a complete sheer finish to even out complexion, hide acne and wrinkles OR you can build up coverage for a makeup look for the night out. Overall, I’ve never had a foundation work so well for me before like Dior AirFlash Foundation. It is super long lasting and makes my skin look dewy, flawless and hides all my imperfections.  I don’t directly spray this product onto my face but I spray it directly on a thick foundation brush and blend in circular motions.  I add more foundation depending on how much coverage I want.  A little goes a long way with this foundation!

Health Verdict: This product contains butane for spray purposes, which is toxic. This product also contains highly toxic ingredients such as Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, and Hydroxyisohexyl, which on EWG Cosmetics Database all scored (from a scale of 1-10- 10 being the most hazardous) a 7. This foundation contains natural oils which are not toxic to the skin.

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Origins, A Perfect World Face Cleanser

Origins, A Perfect World, Antioxidant cleanser with White Tea

What? Face wash

For? For any type of skin but recommended for dry-normal.

Verdict: Didn’t see much of a difference.  Cleans the face.

I really wanted to like this product because of the antioxidant properties and the silver tip white tea ingredient.  But it really didn’t do anything for my face while using it.

Positives: Smells great and didn’t dry out my skin.  It’s a big bottle so you get a lot for your money.  This cleanser does a great job cleaning the face and a little product goes a long way.

Negatives: It didn’t help my acne, pores, my oily t-zone or with my discoloration. This cleanser is also used for age prevention but I didn’t see a difference.

If you simply want a cleanser that cleans the face and doesn’t irritate dry skin, this is for you.  If you need help tackling larger pores, discoloration, or acne, I suggest trying something else.  Some people have complained of having really dry irritated skin after using this product so just beware.

Origins has a ton of great products, I just wasn’t a fan of this one.

Health Verdict: On Ewg’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database this product received a rating of a 5.  This product contains Methylisothiazolinone which is a synthetic preservative that can potentially cause nerve damage.  Contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone which has antifungal effects and can cause irritations as well.  

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CoverGirl TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette

CoverGirl TruNaked Roses Eyeshadow Palette

What? Eye shadow palette

For? Eyes, any type of skin.

Verdict: Great eye shadow palette.  Great variety of colors and pigmentation. Stays on for long period of time.

After buying the Urban Decay Naked eye shadow palette ($54) I really wanted an additional variety of colors but I didn’t want to spend $54 on another eye shadow palette.  First off, I wanted something way more pigmented and offering a bunch of colors at the same time.  I didn’t do any research I just walked right into a Target, looked at the different eye shadow palettes and bought this one.  Lucky for me this CoverGirl TruNaked Eyeshadow palette ($10) was everything I was looking for. 

CoverGirl TruNaked comes in four different color variations (roses, goldens, nudes & jewels). I like a more pinkish/gold type of look so I chose roses. 

What this palette offers:

Variety of colors from light to dark

Variety of colors with sparkles for a glow

Pigmentation that can be layered

a palette that can accomplish a soft glow, smokey eye or dramatic look

If you like a more dewy, glowy makeup look this palette will definitely suit you since the majority of colors have sparkles in it.  It is super blendable and crease resistant.  I put the lightest color on my inner lid and the darkest on my outer crease and outer lid.  Also, the lighter colors with sparkle allow me to put a nice highlight right below my brow.  

Some have complained about this product not staying on for a long period of time.  I suggest, if you have this problem, to apply primer on your eyelids before applying eye shadow or apply a finishing spray at the end of applying the product. Also, if you are not a fan of the applicator given with the palette, buy an eye shadow brush, I use an e.l.f one which cost me $1.  

Health Verdict:  On EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database this product was rated a 3 which is not a high hazard.  This product does contain Ethylparaben which is used as a preservative in makeup products.

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Clarity RX Bamboo Exfoliator

Clarity RX Get Clean, Crushed Bamboo Exfoliator

What? Cleanser or exfoliator for face/neck

For?  All skin types. Great for dryer skin and sensitive skin

Verdict: Breaks down blackheads, purifies skin, exfoliates face for brighter skin.

This product is a hidden gem that I swear by. The other week I went to get a facial and my esthetician used this product. It really broke down my blackheads and purified my face so I decided to purchase it afterwards. I now use it as a step in my skin care routine and apply this bamboo exfoliator at least three times a week and it really rubs away my dead skin sells for a brighter cleaner feel.  It not only purifies the skin but it breaks it down to tackle my blackheads. It cleans extra deep for skin renewal and has an amazing smell to it. For sensitive skin- it works great because it does not dry or irritate the skin. It's a light scrub with jojoba beads, rosemary and cucumber and I definitely saw a difference in my face as this phenomenal scrub has helped it for the better. Greatly recommended.

Health verdict: Paraben free, sulfate/phosphate free, fragrance free from synthetic chemicals, and fillers.  Free of harsh chemicals which is good for the most sensitive skin and prevents drying.

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bareMinerals blush

bareMinerals loose powder blush: Fruit cocktail

What? Blush

For? Any skin type

Verdict: My favorite blush on the market.  Wont leave the house without this on my face!

One of my favorite makeup products is blush. I discovered blush when I was in high school and it is one thing I wont leave my house without it being on my face- over wearing mascara or foundation. It brings a persons face to LIFE!  

Here are a few reasons why blush is essential in your makeup routine:

It will always add a pop of color to your cheeks and your face

You can apply it on subtly, and make it look like you have a glamorous glow on your face

It will make you look younger and livelier

This blush can look great for a natural makeup day or for a night out.  It will brighten up your face and make it look natural at the same time, no matter how much you apply.   Although it can be too pink for some people it goes on flawlessly, dewy and compliments any skin type.  This makeup product is a must have!

This blush has great pigmentation and is a great blend-able product.  The reason why I love this blush more than any other blush on the market:  It goes on really natural and it can accomplish both a dewy look or a matte look depending on your mood.   Highly recommend this product. Super easy to apply & lasts all day.

(It does have a shimmer for those not a fan)

Health verdict: Amazing product for your health and for your skin.  On EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics database this product received a rating of  1!  Free of parabens sulfates and phthalates of course.

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Alba Botanica Moisturizer

Alba Botanica, Hawaiian, oil-free moisturizer : refining aloe & green tea

What? Face moisturizer

For? Dry skin, combination or any skin type

Verdict: Cured my dry skin. FINALLY!

Winter months bring dry skin to the face. My toughest problem in the winter is the patches of dry skin that stretch from one cheek to the other. I’ve tried all sorts of moisturizers but I wanted a moisturizer that would tackle anti-aging, discoloration and pore minimization.  I had purchased an Origins moisturizer for $40 and it only lasted me a month and I didn’t want to spend $40 every single month on moisturizer.  I wanted something more economical and of course, healthy for the skin.  If you’re struggling with dry skin during the winter months you’re not the only one. Some causes of dry skin:

Humidity levels drop

Products you put on your face during summer aren’t meant to be used during winter

Longer hot showers in the winter strip your skin of natural oils which cause dry skin

So doing a lot of research, this moisturizer seemed to get a good reputation and the price is $13.39 in Target. I have sensitive combination skin. This product did not make my t-zone oily and fixed my dry skin problem on my cheeks and around my mouth. One thing about this cream is that it made me skin feel super soft and most importantly- no irritation occurred. This product does not have sunscreen as well. No I’m not going to say that this cream was a miracle. It did not cure my discoloration, nor did I see my pores get smaller or my fine lines. However, it did not irritate my skin and make it worse, it just cured my dry skin and made my skin feel silky soft. Oh, and it smells really good!

Health verdict: Alba Botanica is made with great organic ingredients.  This moisturizer is hypo-allergenic. It is also phthalate free, sulfate free, paraben free and not tested on animals! The worst ingredient in this product is the fragrance. 

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Aveeno, positively nourishing body wash

Aveeno Active Naturals Body wash : Lavender, Chamomile + Ylang-Ylang

What? Body wash

For? Any skin type,

Verdict: My favorite body wash! Hydrates, calms, makes skin soft, smells great!

My absolute favorite body wash on the market right now. Aveeno Active Naturals body wash is outstanding!  This line has a variety of scents along with an assortment of effects on the skin.  They provide hydrating, antioxidant infused, smoothing, calming and purifying body wash with scents from peach to lavender. This body wash has a light fragrance to it that I can smell on my skin throughout the day. The lavender scent helps me become more relaxed and makes my skin feel softer and calmer. 

Health Verdict:  If you prefer all your products to be organic, this product may not be for you.  The worst ingredient in this product is the fragrance added and has a list of 4-6 ingredients that pose a moderate threat. This product was rated a 4 out of 10 on EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. 

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Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask: Deeply cleanses, Minimizes pores

What? Face mask

For? Any skin type

Verdict: Works amazing! Pore minimization, detoxes, controls oil.

The purpose of this mask is to detox the face and purify the skin.  This clay formula is meant to capture impurities and toxins left on the skin as well as minimize pores and cleanse the face.  I got this product as a gift and it does work! My advice to people with super sensitive and dry skin is to be careful on using it often.  I use this product only once a week because of my skin sensitivity. I use this product right after the sauna or after I steam my face when my pores are softened (If you guys don’t have a sauna available to use I suggest boiling water and putting your face over the steam with a towel over your head.  If the steam gets too hot, remove your face from the steam).  

Gives off a relaxing effect and I saw pore minimization occur and a detoxifying effect on my skin after.  I also heard this product did wonders for people with severe acne issues.    I highly recommend this product for anyone looking for a good face mask to brighten up complexion and deeply cleanse pores, it’s good for dry and oily skin!

Health Verdict: Formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates.  Also, NOT tested on animals!

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Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer:  Oil free, SPF 20

What? Tinted moisturizer

For? Any skin type, be careful if your skin is too oily.

Verdict: Covers up fine lines & pimples.  Goes on sheer and covers imperfections.  Provides hydration.

Meet one of my favorite go-to foundations/tinted moisturizers for one of those “natural look” days.  This marvelous Laura Mercier oil-free tinted moisturizer provides just the right amount of coverage with a dewy finish.  It’s $44 and stays on all day.  Minimizes the look of pores and pimples but if you have super oily skin, I suggest stay away from this product since it gives off the “dewy” look. I know people have complained about this product because it can make the skin look oily. I, myself have oily acne prone skin but I love the way this product settles onto my skin since it provides hydration and it softens up my fine lines and covers my acne.  This product provides a dewy, natural finish with build-able coverage.  It might not be for everyone so try a sample at your nearest beauty store if you feel you have oily skin.

Health Verdict: On EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database this product is rated a 5 out of 10.  Does contain parabens.

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ACURE Facial Toner

Acure Organics Facial Toner Balancing rose + red tea

What? Facial toner

For? Any skin type!

Verdict:  Does hydrate the face.  Removes excess oil and dirt if used with cotton ball.  Evens out complexion. 

This product is to restore moisture for the skin.  Great for all skin types!

NOTE: Not your typical toner!!! Although you can use this wonderful product with a cotton swab and spread it across your face to remove excess dirt and oil, this product comes in spray form! 

This beauty is USDA Organic and gives off not the most pleasant smell, but it gets the job done.  Restores moisture and oil balance and hydrates the skin without making the skin oily. I saw a slight difference on my face after using this product for two weeks, my pores got smaller and my complexion evened out. Truth is, I love having it a part of my skin care regimen. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, I suggest using a cotton swab to rid your face of leftover oil and dirt after cleansing. 

Health Verdict: This product is vegan, sulfate free, paraben Free and cruelty free.  On EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database this organic toner was rated a 2!