Beauty: L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Color Care

Happy Saturday!

I haven't wrote a Beauty post in a while and that's mainly because I don't really buy a lot a products. Not like a used to that's for sure. Especially since most of my days are good skin days. So, I really don't have to do much for that. However, lately the same cannot be said about my hair. It's been dry, frizzy and dull. And I do not want any of that, at all. So, I've been thinking of trying the L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Color Care line. There's a shampoo, conditioner and pre-shampoo and I've heard a lot of good things about these products. I know I've certainly seen a lot promotion for it as well.

So, this morning I went ahead and ordered all three products which are affordable. Depending on where you buy them they usually range between $9 to $10. And once I use these product (which I hope will give me good results), I'll write an update. Hopefully, these are good products and not just good marketing.

If you use these products, how did they work for you?

L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Color Care Shampoo - 6.8 fl oz   Retail Price: $9-10
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Color Care Conditioner - 6.8 fl oz   Retail Price: $9-10
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Pre Shampoo Treatment - 5.1 fl oz   Retail Price: $9-10

Video: e.l.f. Cosmetics and Suits Commercial

Happy Saturday!

I don't know how many times I've watched this e.l.f. Cosmetics commercial. This have to be one of the best commercials, it's Suits meets beauty products with Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres), Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman) and Donna Paulsen (Sarah Rafferty). And not to mention Judge Judy (or is that Judge Beauty). This is just a fun commercial.

As a Geek on a Budget, I use e.l.f. products. They're affordable and work just as good as all those other products. 

Beauty: The Outset Purifying Blue Clay Mask

Ever since my usual face mask was discontinued, I have been trying different products to find one that I like. I was thinking of trying The Outset Purifying Blue Clay Mask. I know the old saying "you should invest in your skin care" but I'm a geek on a budget and the price ($46) has me a little hesitant to try it. I have heard good things about this mask which is why I've been considering giving it a try. I just wish there was a trial or travel size I could try first, to see if I like it.

If any of you have used this mask, what did you think of it? Did it work? Was it worth the money? I'd love to know.

The Outset Purifying Blue Clay Mask

Product Description:

Detoxify. Clarify. Balance.

Bring your skin back into balance with this mineral-rich mask, which features natural Blue Clay to help to unclog and minimize the look of pores, just a hint of Salicylic Acid to reduce shine without overdrying, and nourishing botanicals to soothe. This clarifying mask can be used on the T-zone or all over to remove impurities, minimize imperfections and promote a more uniform skin tone.

The Outset Purifying Blue Clay Mask                   Retail Price: $46 (1.7 oz)

Vogue: In The Bag: Emma Watson

Happy Monday!

I was wondering if you carry a bag, what do you have in it? Well, in my purse which is usually small, I keep my everyday essential: wallet, lip balm, small hand lotion, phone, keys and a small make up bag (in case I need to touch my make up). As for my tote bag, I usually have: a book (or two), a magazine (or two), pens and a note book, planner and depending on the day any odds and ends I might need.

I mention all of this because I watched this Vogue magazine In The Bag video featuring Emma Watson and had to post it. Aside from the usual essentials, she does have some interesting items. Such as her tarot cards. And as a bookworm, she has books. No surprise there. I guess it's a universal truth that bookworms always carry books with them.

As a bookworm, I usually tend to have a book with me when I leave the house. Of course there are exceptions when I don't carry one such as getting a meal with family or friends or at an event. But usually I have a book with me. I totally forgot to mention how cute her outfit is: a beige and black check bow tie blouse paired with a black skirt. Anyway, here's what's in Emma Watson's bag.

Do you have a favorite beauty trend?

A nail polish trend that's one of favorites is gradient or Ombré nails. It's where you paint each nail a different color, sometimes in the same color family or any random colors you want. It can be fun with bright colors or sophisticated with lighter or darker hues. It's really is just a fun way to wear a lot of different colors.

Photo Credit: Imarni (Instagram: imarninails)

Beauty: Jenna Dewan's Favorite Beauty Products (Glamour magazine)

According to the Glamour magazine article Jenna Dewan Drops Her Skin Care Routine, actress and dancer Jenna Dewan likes to unwind with a “witchy bath” at night. “I use all kinds of essential oils, Epsom salt, and some lighted candles. The sage is going; it's a whole vibe for me at night in my baths. I love all my spiritual stuff, and I love meditating.”

Aside from taking "witchy baths", Jenna likes to take good care of her skin. As a teen she struggled with acne and as an adult she's dealing with discoloration and melasma. “Skin care has always been a true passion of mine,” she says. “I need multifunctional products and a routine that's not going to be too complicated but will do all the things that I need and really work.”

Below is a list of some of her favorite beauty products for skin discoloration and brightening (along with her comments):

Beauty: Osea Undaria Algae Body Butter

The Osea Undaria Algae Body Butter is product is I keep hearing good things about. It's supposed to be super hydrating especially if you have really dry skin. And I'm always looking for products that moisturize my skin. As rich as this looks, it looks it would also be a good overnight moisturizing treatment for my hands and feet.

If any of you have used this beauty product, what did you think of it? Is it good? Did it work? Let me know.

Osea Undaria Algae Body Butter                   Retail Price: $26 (1.7 oz)             $56 (6.7 oz)

Beauty Find: Supergoop! Hydrating Lipstick

I feel I have been neglecting the beauty section of this geeky lifestyle blog. There are quite a few beauty products that I have been thinking of getting or at least interested in. For instance, I have really been think of getting one (if not all) of these hydrating lipsticks from Supergoop! They are supposed to be universally flattering for all skin tones and not to mention built in sun protection.

My only problem is trying to figure out which shade I'd want to buy first. Because I think all the colors look great and I would wear all of them.

Lipshade 100% Mineral SPF 30 Hydrating Lipstick            $24.00 each                Supergoop! (supergoop.com)

- 100% Mineral
- Cruelty Free

Wish List Wednesday: May 17th

This is a slightly revamped Wish List Wednesday post (I haven't posted one in years) where I will be writing about some of the things that I want to get. 

Beauty: Botanics Restoring Overnight Facial Oil

My skin tends to get a get a little dry overnight which is why I was thinking of trying Botanics Restoring Overnight Facial Oil. I was wondering if anyone has tried it? And if so, what did you think of it?

According to the product description page, also included in the oil is lavender, geranium and chamomile which is supposed to help you relax, which feels like an added bonus. I'll let you know if I get this.

Botanics Restoring Overnight Facial Oil                 Retail Price: $19.99

- Helps to revitalize and revive skin overnight
- Cruelty-free and sustainably sourced

Photo: Viola Davis

This is a stunning picture of actress Viola Davis who is standing on the balcony of one of the rooms at the Chateau Marmont hotel. Everything about this picture is amazing from Viola's elegance and beauty to her beautiful gown to the ongoing magnificent view outside the hotel. This is just a wonderful shot.

Photography: Greg Williams for British Vogue's 2023 Hollywood Portfolio

Photo: Taylor Swift

I really like these black and white pictures of Taylor Swift at the 65th GRAMMY Awards on Sunday (Feb. 5, 2023) in Los Angeles, California.

Although you can't tell from the pictures, Taylor wore this beautiful Roberto Cavalli blue embellished two-piece gown. She accessorized with big rings and big and bold rhombus shaped jeweled earrings. I like that she kept her hair simple in a classic updo because the dress and earrings are total statement pieces. This is just classic glam, her stylist and glam team did an amazing job with this look.

Photography: John Shearer

Beauty (Geek on a Budget): The Nam Vo Glow 7-Pc. Box Set

I know a lot of my fellow Geeks on a Budget are always looking for ways to save some money which is why I try to post some of the deals that I find. As a beauty geek, I love makeup, skin care, hair care, lotions, nail polish, etc. but I don't love how quickly the price can add up when you're shopping. For my fellow beauty geeks on a budget, there's this new The Nam Vo Glow 7 piece box set you might be interested in.

It's created by popular makeup artist Nam Vo and it's priced at $59.00 but the value truly exceeds that. For instance, if you were to buy the same 30 ml Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum alone it retails for $85.00. I consider this box set to be a good deal and I do believe there is at least one (or maybe two) of the products are cruelty free.

7-Pc. The Nam Vo Glow Box Set, Created for Macy's                            $59.00                                    Macy's (macys.com)

Box Set Includes:

- Benefit Cosmetics Cookie Highlighter (Full Size)
- ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, 20 g
- Lancôme Juicy Tube - Tickled Pink, 15 ml
- NUDESTIX Mini Nudies - Sweet Peach Peony, 1.8 g
- NUDESTIX Mini Nudies - Sunkissed, 1.8 g
- Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer, 14 ml
- Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum, 30 ml

Beauty: Two Overnight Masks

I know I don't post a lot of beauty products but there are two overnight masks that I was interested in trying. And I was wondering if any of you have tried either one or both of these products? I've mentioned before that where I live is so drying and I'm always looking for ways to keep my skin hydrated especially at night while I'm sleeping. Which is why I was thinking of trying either the Burt's Bees or the Pacifica face mask. I wonder if these overnight mask will be good to use on my hands and feet as well.

If any of you have used either product, let me know what you think of them.

1. Burt's Bees Hydrating Overnight Face Mask (2.5oz)       Retail Price: $14.99

2. Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Super Hydration Sleepover Face Mask (2oz)     Retail Price: $15.99

Star Style: Lauren Ridloff

A little flashback fashion for Sunday, actress Lauren Ridloff wore this really beautiful eye-catching and colorful Naeem Khan floral sequin pant suit at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) back in July. She was there promoting her TV series The Walking Dead and I remember seeing pictures of this suit and thinking it was amazing.

This suit is a totally statement piece and I love that she kept the styling to a minimum with only pairing it with hoop earrings and strappy black sandals. Her hair and makeup is simple yet stunning, her curly hair was up in a classic high ponytail and her red lipstick and fuchsia nail polish really added another fun pop of color to her look.

I love that this is still a very classic and elegant look but the bright colors and floral makes it feel very fun and summery.

Star Style: Alexandra Shipp

The temperature may be starting to get cooler, well it is officially fall but that doesn't mean we can't still wear cute clothes. Look at this really cute outfit actress Alexandra Shipp wore for the 8th annual Through Her Lens: The Tribeca CHANEL Women’s Filmmaker Program.

Her outfit is a Chanel embellished red and white striped cardigan paired with Chanel print jeans and most likely Chanel sandals as well. This is such a fun and cool look, I love that it's mismatched but very much still goes together. It has a very colorful and creative vibe to it, I really like it.

As for beauty, her make up is understated but flawless. I love her hair, it's very big and and curly and her bangs are perfect. Overall, this is just a really cool look.

Photo Credit: Alexandra Shipp (Instagram: alexandrashipppp)

Monday Motivation: Time Saving Beauty Maintenance Tip

When you think of time management does beauty maintenance come to mind. I love polishing my nails and I love wearing all shades and colors from bright and bold to soft nudes. However, when it comes to trying to save time a tip I like to use quite often is to use nude nail polish. When I know my schedule is going to be busy and I don't think I'll have the extra time for manicure maintenance I like to polish my nails with nude shades (or clear polish). It's easier to hide any chips or cracks in the polish because even if you use the best nail polishes and top coats, the polish will eventually chip at some point.

I don't always have that little extra time to apply an extra coat of top coat and wait for it to dry especially not during the week. Which is why I like to go with nude shades or clear polish for my manicures. When my life is back to normal or at least less busy I like to go with more colorful polishes but for busy weeks, nude polishes are perfect time saver for me.

Fashion: Aurora Perrineau at the Westworld Fourth Season New York City Premiere

Actress Aurora Perrineau (who will play a recurring character) attended the New York City premiere for the HBO TV series Westworld's fourth season. This white tank dress with cut outs and a side slit paired with strappy sandals and minimal fuss-free accessories has an easy breezy summer vibe to it. I like it because it's a simple yet eye-catching look.

The same goes for her hair and makeup which is a combo of shiny defined curls and a soft and natural palette. Overall, this is a very clean and fresh summery look.

Photo Credit: Just Jared  (justjared.com)

Fashion: Megan West

I love the rich color of this dress actress Megan West is wearing for this photo shoot. I love this ruffled V-neck halter dress, it's dramatic and glam. Weirdly, the style makes me think of those overly ruffled dresses of the 80s but in a more fashionable and chicer way. As well as a more sophisticated version of those really bad bridesmaid's dresses that had once been popular (as a way to unfortunately not have the bridesmaids out shine the bride).

As for her hair, although the stylist kept it simple it's still chic plus the dress is eye-catching enough. It might be a little difficult to see but her eyes are smudged with purple eye shadow and liner. The effect is gorgeous and dramatic and fun and goes perfectly with a soft pink lip color.

Photography by Josh Fogel
Photo Credit: Megan West (Instagram: themeganwest)

Photo: Arden Cho

Ingrid Yun, an idealistic young lawyer, struggling with her moral compass and her passions as she fights to climb the partner track at an elite New York City law firm. Sounds interesting, right? That's the premise of actress Arden Cho's new upcoming TV series, Partner Track. The show is adapted from the book The Partner Track by Helen Wan. Although, it's going to air on Netflix this year, so far there has been no release date announced.

As much as I wish Arden Cho was going to be in the upcoming Teen Wolf movie reprising her role as Kira Yukimura, I'm glad she going to be leading this new series.

Photography by Nelson Huang
Photo Credit: Arden Cho (Instagram: arden_cho)