Ever since I tried out my first primer, I noticed a difference in the way that my makeup looked and wore it throughout the entire day; I was hooked for life! Fast forward a few years later, I have been on the constant hunt for my perfect primer (or even a combination of primers) that just works magic on my face.

Milk Hydro Grip Primer DUPE! | ULTIMATE Dupe on a Budget

What is a Primer?

Before we get into the best dupe out there (I promise we’ll get there!), let me quickly first tell you about primer in general, what I look for in a primer and my skin. Primer, in general, is a step in my makeup routine that I use daily before I apply my foundation. This step preps my skin, and depending on what you are looking for, can address certain skin concerns and even affect the wearability of your base makeup (foundation, powders, bronzer, blush, etc.).

What I look for in Primers!

When it comes to what I look for in a primer, I look for it to do a few things. I have pretty oily skin, and although it has been getting a little less oily with the “chilly” Florida weather, it still gets oily. Since I have oily skin, my foundation tends to sort of slip off throughout the day and my face gets super shiny. Thus, this has led to many little makeup hacks (click here for the hack!) that help prevent my skin from getting oily.

However, sometimes, I don’t really have the time to really do those few extra steps when I’m getting ready so I look to a primer to really help reduce my oiliness throughout the day, mattify my skin, and really grip onto my base makeup. (Click here to read about THE best mattifying primer I’ve used to date!)

The last thing I look for in a primer is to reduce the appearance of my pores. I have pretty enlarged pores on my cheek area so I look for a primer to really fill that area and also reduce the look of the pores as well. So, as you can tell, primer is a very person-specific type of product. It really depends all on what you are looking for to address with your skin! To sum it all up, in a primer I look for it to really keep my makeup on my face throughout the day, to reduce shine, and to also reduce the appearance of my pores! (Seems like a lot, I know!)

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* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and purchase something, we may receive a small commission. This helps support our blog / YouTube Channel and allows us to continue to make more blog posts/videos like these. Also, the prices linked below are subject to change as most product sales end within a predetermined amount of time. Thank you for your support! – Love, Angie <3! *

BB Cream vs CC Cream, that is the question on everyone’s mind. BB and CC Creams have been all the rave lately, but what do they really do and what’s the difference between the two? In this post, I’ll be breaking down the A to Z on all things BB and CC Cream and I’ll also be sharing with you my top 2 holy grails for each type! Are you ready? Let’s get into it!

What is BB Cream?

Let’s start with the basics of each product. First, what is a BB Cream? BB in BB Cream commonly stands for “blemish balm”, although it has a few more meanings floating around on the internet. To put it simply, BB Cream is basically a foundation that has added benefits for your skin. When it comes to the benefits, they typically vary from product to product, but they almost always have some kind of SPF protection in them. BB Creams typically also have a lighter coverage, meaning they tend to look more natural on your skin than a full coverage foundation. Additionally, BB Creams can be formulated for different skin types ranging from dry to normal to oily.

Now that I covered some of the basics, one of the questions that I want to hit on is the difference between a tinted moisturizer and a BB Cream since they sound super similar at their core. The difference is super simple: tinted moisturizer doesn’t tend to have all of the yummy benefits for your skin as a BB Cream would. Although both of them are super similar in terms of being lightweight with a lighter coverage to them, I feel as though a BB Cream edges out a tinted moisturizer simply because of the benefits that your skin can get from them.

Given everything that has been going on lately in the world around us, I’ve found myself veering away from typical foundations and reaching for BB Creams. I really like how they provide some coverage yet still look super-natural, are easy to apply, provide skincare benefits while wearing them (along with SPF), and since they’re lighter coverage, I’ve found that they work perfectly when wearing masks since they don’t really come off. After we talk about the world of CC Creams, I’ll share with you the BB Cream that I’ve been totally obsessed with and I haven’t been able to put down lately!

The post BB Cream Vs CC Cream | The ULTIMATE Guide! [Updated 2023] appeared first on Simply Beauty Blog.

Makeup Quiz: FREE Personalized Makeup Guides

Just a few years ago, I was sitting, staring into a mirror at my grandmother’s house, with a foundation brush in my right hand. Unbeknownst to me, this was the moment I fell in love with makeup. For full transparency, I did not know what a “foundation brush” was, nor did I know what I was doing; neither did my grandma, but did we have fun! All I knew at that moment was that something so simple, a brush (which I was convinced was meant for painting art galleries and clown makeup) could bring such a smile to my face.

In the beginning, I was a hot mess! Whatever powder, lipstick, or cream my grandma had in her collection, I grabbed. The sky was the limit; three blushes, two eyeshadows, and lipstick from dimple to dimple (why not!). In time, and after several conversations of me wasting all of my grandma’s makeup, I started to learn the process and the correct way of applying each and every layer.

During this time, it hit me; if only there was a resource, a makeup quiz or makeup guide, that could not only show me the steps of applying makeup but recommended products to start off with. Keep in mind, I know the answer nowadays is TikTok or YouTube, but during 2006, all we had was trial and error. I learned a lot since 2006 and that same thought I had over 17 years ago hit me; are there any makeup quizzes or guides to help others going through what I went through so long ago? The answer was no!

Being the “tech-savvy queen” that I am (NOT), I grabbed my husband and simply said, “Makeup quiz, now!” I will be honest, the word “now” ended up being 2 months, but I am proud to say, the quiz was completed. It had to be perfect; typical Simply Beauty Blog style! Every product, every step, for every skin type and occasion – this makeup quiz could not have been put together any better!

Down below, you will find my first Makeup Quiz! Answer the questions to the best of your ability and your skin type will be matched to a personalized makeup guide. How crazy is that?!

Makeup Quiz | How Is This Different Than the Rest?

The Simply Beauty Blog makeup quiz helps match personalized recommendations for your skin types! Through a series of questions, the makeup quiz gets to understand what skin type you have to showcase the correct guide that fits your very needs. Not only does this makeup quiz take into account your particular skin type, but I have laid out a step-by-step makeup guide on what products you should definitely use, when, and in what order. Usually, other makeup quizzes, simply help with shade matching a particular product or helping to choose one product out of a product line; here on this makeup quiz, I put in the work to give you the entire spectrum!

Back in 2006, this is EXACTLY what I needed… help! So many products to choose from for so many occasions, not even understanding how they work / affect my skin type. Trust me, back then, my skin was very confused, just like I was, because the sheer amount of products being put on it was iconically high! I could definitely continue on how this makeup quiz is going to bring a level of personalized makeup guides to you, that rivals the all the options out there, but I want you to see it for yourself. Please click on the button below and get ready to look fabulous!

Just to let you know, there are two versions: Glam and Natural makeup. If you fill out the quiz twice, changing your first answer choice, you can receive two guides for either situation

The post #1 Makeup Quiz: FREE Personalized Makeup Guides for You! appeared first on Simply Beauty Blog.

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and purchase something, we may receive a small commission. (Contributor written article).

Sunburns | Do You Smell Something Cooking?!

That’s exactly what I said during our most recent Royal Caribbean cruise adventure, haha! Our cruise just docked in the Bahamas and we were off to a private island excursion; highly recommend snorkeling at Pearl Island! We took a private boat with our group and made our way to the island. Once we got there, we had about 30 minutes to put our things away, grab a life vest for the quick snorkeling guide, and grab some water. Within these 30 minutes, I made a big mistake…

For some reason, I decided I wanted to get “color” from this vacation; proof that I was on a cruise to show the world; boy, did I get color! Instead of using the appropriate sunscreen for the skin-burning sun, I decided to use SPF 15 (sun protection factor 15) that included tanning oil in it… My husband strictly advised against this… but I was dead set on getting that “color” I mentioned earlier. Sun protection factor 15, tanning oil, and no reapplication… long story short, both of us were boiled lobsters, aching from pain every time we moved in bed, put on clothes, and simply moved.

It wasn’t just the pain that was bad, nor was it the added stress put on our first real vacation together, it was also the “sun poisoning” diagnosis we got from our lovely doctors. Constant nausea for about a month, skin peeling for weeks on end, and random spikes in fever/temperature. Sunburns are the real deal!

You see, sunburns aren’t just an inconvenient result of enjoying the great outdoors; they can actually wreak havoc on your long-term health. What might seem like a harmless day of fun in the sun can lead to premature aging, damaged skin, and even skin cancer. That’s why it’s crucial to know the ins and outs of sunburns, including how sunburns happen, how to prevent sunburns, and how to treat sunburns if you do get a little too “crispy.”

The post Sunburns, Ouch! | #1 Prevention, Treatment, Recovery Guide appeared first on Simply Beauty Blog.

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and purchase something, we may receive a small commission. (Contributor written article).

Sunscreen Guide | Why is it Important to Wear Sunscreen?

Every time you ask someone, “What products do you use for everyday makeup?” or “What makeup do you bring with you anywhere you go?” 9 out of 10 people always leave the most essential makeup product out of their daily routine. If you haven’t guessed already, I’m here to remind you of that one essential skincare product that should never be overlooked—sunscreen! Yes, that’s right, the magical elixir that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while keeping you looking fabulous and radiant. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of sunscreen, exploring… everything! Grab a daiquiri, or a Capri-Sun if you’re on mom duty, and let’s learn all things sunscreen with our sunscreen guide!

So… why is it important to wear sunscreen? Sunscreen plays a crucial role in maintaining not only your skin’s appearance but also its overall health. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest serums, moisturizers, and trendy skincare ingredients, but sunscreen remains the ultimate skin savior. It protects you from premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and, most importantly, reduces your risk of skin cancer. In this sunscreen guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about sunscreen to ensure you make the right choices for your skin type and lifestyle.

Our deep dive into the world of sunscreen will include a look at how sunscreen works, the difference between UVA and UVB rays, and finally understanding the meaning of SPF; it took me a while to actually know what it meant, so if you don’t, you’re not alone! We’ll also take a look at a few sunscreen options available on the market, focusing on the benefits and drawbacks of physical and chemical sunscreens, as well as recommendations for various skin types and concerns.

So, whether you’re a sunscreen novice, like I was, or a sun-protection aficionado, this sunscreen guide has got you covered… (pun intended!). Let’s get ready to soak up all the knowledge we need to keep our skin looking fabulous while staying protected under the sun. And as always, I encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, and favorite sunscreens in the comments section below. Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other make informed choices for our skin’s well-being.

The post #1 Sunscreen Guide | Summer Vacation Tips appeared first on Simply Beauty Blog.

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and purchase something, we may receive a small commission. (Contributor written article).

What is the Difference Between Cologne and Perfume?

Is it me, or would you always find yourself stumbling into the fragrance section too? One second I am swatching Patrick Ta Bronzer Duo (which is AMAZING!!) and the next, I am holding six sample bottles of expensive sprays I would never buy. In the middle of spraying every limb I have for the sake of the testers, I would always find myself thinking, “Perfume? Cologne? Is there really a difference between the two?” Almost immediately, Mr. Google entered the picture, and, let me tell you, I was shocked at the differences!

Believe it or not, the difference between cologne and perfume can be super confusing, but I’m here to break it down for you! In true Simply Beauty Blog fashion, we’ll explore the difference between cologne and perfume, comparing all of the nitty-gritty differences. So, let’s dive in and get the inside scoop on the difference between cologne and perfume!

The post What is the Difference Between Cologne and Perfume? | #1 ULTIMATE Guide! appeared first on Simply Beauty Blog.