Hi lovelies!

Today I want to share my latest beauty find: The POREfessional!

If you’re like me and have noticeable pores (who doesn’t right) then you’ve probably yet to find the perfect product to hide them.

Well, I FINALLY picked up The POREfessional by Benefit Cosmetics after eyeing it for several weeks. It’s a balm/primer which claims to quickly minimize pores.

I’m a fan of Benefit’s products, but I have to say I was definitely skeptical of this one.  I’ve tried so many products, primers and cover ups that claim to minimize pores, but none have really done the trick.  I figured this would be another product that would end up in my “junk drawer” of cosmetics.  But, I’m such a sucker for bright packaging and fun names that I just had to grab it!

Here’s what it looks like. Cute right?

This is what Benefit says about their product: “The POREfessional quickly minimizes the appearance of pores. Apply this silky, lightweight balm to achieve translucent pore coverage and smoother-than-smooth skin. Pores…now you see 'em, now you don't!”

Ok, so it doesn’t really say a lot. – Which is another reason why I was skeptical.  But curiosity always gets the best of me and I’ve GOT to find out if there really is such a product that can diminish pores! So, next thing you know I’m forking over 30 bucks for less than an ounce of product ($28 at Sephora)

When I get the package, I’m excited to see it says I can apply it under or over makeup.  – Great! I LOVE products I can take on the go for quick fixes! My main objective though is to use it as a primer under makeup to even out skin tone and hopefully fill in my pores.

I usually use Smashbox’s Photo Finish primer. I’ve tried many and keep returning to Smashbox because it really does give the most flawless look - It fills in fine lines and evens skin tone, BUT has never quite been able to fill in all my pores. So, I’m hoping this POREfessional can replace my beloved Smashbox Primer.

So, when I open the POREfessional package I was happy to see this cute instruction booklet. – Honestly, I don’t think you need instructions for primer; but I just LOVE pretty drawings. Makes me happy. :-)

The balm/primer comes out a bit tinted and is definitely silicon based, which worries me a little because I have sensitive skin. But it doesn’t worry me enough to abort my mission!

So, I follow the pretty instructions only on one side of my face to see if there’s a difference.  It feels great and glides on like silk. It actually looks and feels quite similar to Smashbox's tinted primer.

I wait a few minutes to see if my sensitive skin will have a bad reaction but it doesn’t YAY!! SO….. when I look back in the mirror - WOW! Where are my pores?!?!

No kidding. This balm actually covered/filled in my little pores so perfectly that I couldn’t even find them!! (and I’m an expert at spotting my pores!) It created perfectly smooth, pore-free looking skin.

I actually didn’t even need to continue with foundation! But I did just to finish out my experiment. I also applied Smashbox primer and my normal  foundation to the other side of the face and I hate to say it but the POREfessional really blew Smashbox away in the "pore-filling" department!(sorry Smashbox)

*The only thing that didn’t impress me tremendously about The POREfessional was it’s staying power. I did notice a couple pores peeking out later in the day. But luckily, I had The POREfessional in my purse for a quick touch up.

So, my conclusion: Although I still don’t have Leighton Meeston’s flawless skin,  at least I can fake it with my new favorite primer The POREfessional. LOVE it!!

Pores…now you see ‘em, now you don’t! Thank you POREfessional!

Peace, Love, and Sexiness!

Angie O

Smiling is a great way to brighten your day, but it also has many benefits you might not know about! Not only does smiling make you look younger and more attractive, it also makes you feel better! – A smile a day keeps the doctor away?

Here are 7 great reasons  to put a smile on your face!

1.  Smiling actually makes you happy!  You might think that people smile because they are happy, but it can actually be the other way around! 'Simply using the same muscles as smiling will put you in a happier mood,' explains Dr Michael Lewis, psychologist at Cardiff University. 'That’s because use of those muscles is part of how the brain evaluates mood.'  . So if you aren’t feeling happy, skip the anti-depressants and just smile!

2.  Smiling makes you look younger!  Smiling is associated with youth, so put on a smile to get back that glow of childhood happiness! A British study found that men rated smiling women younger than frowning ones- even if those who frowned were actually younger! The reason: Smiling is psychologically associated with joy, vitality, and youth.  Smile- it’s like an instant face lift!  

3.  Smiling helps you live longer! Various studies conducted over the years have shown that smiling and laughter can lower blood pressure, reduce heart-attack risk and can boost the functioning of the immune system making happy people outlive the unhappy ones.  Could there be a less expensive medicine than this?

4.  Smiling Relieves Stress!  Smiling and laughter help to promote the release of a "feel good" group of hormones called endorphins. These are the same group of hormones responsible for the runners high you hear so much about. If you don't have time to get to the gym for a hard run, try adding a smile and a bit of laughter to boost these natural, stress relieving hormones.

5.  Smiling is contagious!  When you smile at a stranger you not only boost your own health and beauty, you also send a positive message that can potentially change someone else's mood for the better. The stranger you graced with your smile may go on to pass the kindness to someone else. Who knows how far your original smile will travel? Spread the love!

6.  Smiling makes you more successful!  Happy people (people who smile) think and behave in a way that is more likely to be successful. Research studios find that happy workers enjoy multiple advantages over their less happy peers. The list is impressive! For example, happy people are more likely to secure job interviews, show superior performance and productivity, and be evaluated positively by their superiors!

7.  Smiling is attractive!  Attraction can be as much about your projection of yourself as it is about looks. Having a makeup artist and wind machine on permanent standby isn't realistic, but a smile can completely transform your look, and someone's perception of you!  We are attracted to smiley people.  A national survey from the American Dental Association found the smile outranked eyes, hair, and the body as the most attractive physical feature.

MAKE THAT SMILE BRIGHTER!

To make your smile even brighter, grab a box of teeth whitening strips from your drugstore! These babies, when used consistantly can whiten as much as expensive teeth whitening from the dentist! Now, that's something to smile about!

Crest 3D Whitening Strips

All right my happy beauties, so when you’re getting ready for that hot date or that important job interview, don’t forget your most important secret beauty weapon…your smile!

Peace, Love, and Sexiness

Angie O

Hellooo Summer Bombshells!!

It’s hot, it’s sticky, and oh so sexy out there.. better get prepared! You never know when you’ll get stranded on an island with a hot guy! Time to prepare your summer beauty survival kit!

Great news! The messy look is soo in right now! So put away the flat irons and the thick foundation. This summer we get to chill… and still be hot! All you need are these 7 Summer essentials to look fab no matter where you end up this summer!

1. PROTECTION: No, not THAT kind!! Well, maybe… Anyway! I know you’re tired of hearing it (so am I) – but this is your survival kit, and SPF is necessary! Sunscreen is so important. You want to look young forever, right? – Who doesn’t! So use it!

For face, I love the tinted SPF moisturizers! Slather on to protect your beautiful face from the sun and it will replace your normal cakey foundation with a nice glow! YAY! You’ll find tons of great ones at Sephora, but if you’re on a budget go for Cover Girl’s CG Smoothers (available just about anywhere.)

2. COVER UP: A great concealer kit is a definite must-have! With the right color palette you’ll be ready for any beauty emergency! My fave concealer for the summer is actually sold at TARGET! Sonia Kashuk has a really great kit. It has three colors and a translucent powder. Use the green tinted concealer to cover any redness such as pimpes and rosacea, The salmon color is perfect for dark under-eye circles and you can blend colors to match your skin tone for any additional imperfections you may have!

3. COLOR: Add a touch of color while on the go with a lip/cheek stain.

I LOVE Benefit’s” Benetint” lip and cheek stain. It’s so convenient and comes in two great shades: The original rose-tinted color and a poppy pink for more fair skin. It’s kiss-proof and the sexiest flush you can get from a bottle! Just dab and blend onto cheeks and lips for a perfectly natural glow that lasts for hours!

4. HAIR ACCESSORIES: No matter where you are and what the weather conditions, your hair can always look great, as long as you’re prepared with the right hair accessories. The hairstyles right now are messy and fun and so easy to do. All you need is one or two small hair accessories on hand to turn an unruly do into a style statement! Use bobby pins to twist up hair into a loose bun. Keep hair-ties handy for quick braids and ponytails. (The side braid is so hot right now!) For straight hair, it’s great to carry a head band to pull hair away from the face! These hairstyles are so easy, you can whip your hair into shape at a moment’s notice!

Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky's side twisted braid

Ashley Green Still looks great after working out!

Enjoy your hotness! Peace, Love, and Sexiness!