Watermelon Glow

Glowy skin is always in, and today I’m reviewing two bestselling skincare products from Glow Recipe.

The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is amazing for both dry and acne-prone skin. I apply a thin layer at the end of my evening skincare routine, and it makes my skin feel smooth and soft. The formula includes hyaluronic acid for hydration and AHAs for gentle chemical exfoliation. If you want to minimize pores and texture without drying out or irritating your skin, I think you will love this.

The Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops are so unique and versatile! If you’re like me and have dry skin that needs extra help to look dewy, you will love this. A skincare-makeup hybrid, you can use this as a moisturizing primer before makeup, mix it in with your foundation for a more sheer glowy base, or add it on the high points of the face after makeup. It has no color or shimmer
– just glow! It contains hyaluronic acid as well as niacinamide, which reduces hyperpigmentation and minimizes pores.

Of course, both contain watermelon extract, which is moisturizing and brightening. They both have strong artificial watermelon fragrance.

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The Prettiest — and Best — Ice Roller from The Skinny Confidential

“Makena’s busy, hunny!”

Lauryn Bosstick is not exaggerating when she says her Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller is the absolute best!

The first time I used this, the tiny plastic roller I’d been using immediately went in the trash. 

I keep this aesthetic roller in the freezer to de-puff, rolling outward and upward on my face and then downward on my neck for lymphatic drainage. It reduces inflammation, redness, and the appearance of pores.

The perfectly pink silicone makes it comfortable to hold, and the aluminum stays colder for much longer than plastic or gel. And it feels heavy duty!

I’ve struggled with TMJ for years, and this makes my jaw feel so much better. I also use this on my neck and temples when I get headaches.

I typically use this on clean skin, but you can also apply an oil before for extra hydration.

I even run the roller under warm water for a spa-like experience. 

It is definitely more pricey than other rollers, but for me it is worth it!

I found the code ICEQUEEN online for 20% off, and I think it is still active.

Have a question about ice rolling? Leave it below!

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My Take on JLo Beauty | That JLo Glow 4-Piece Kit Review

Like many of you, I am always striving to attain glowy skin, and if anyone embodies youthful, radiant skin, it’s Jennifer Lopez, who recently created a skincare line. In pursuit of the glow and curious about the hype, I purchased the JLo Beauty That JLo Glow 4-Piece Kit, which is $64 at Sephora. Keep reading to find out my honest thoughts.

That Hit Single Gel-Cream Cleanser ($38): This gel cleanser is very hydrating and effectively removed all of my makeup. It contains antioxidants and niacinamide to leave the skin moisturized — my skin did not feel stripped after, which is rare for me — as well as grapeseed oil to unclog and minimize pores. I found this to be similar to my favorite Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and was most impressed with this product in terms of immediate results and would repurchase this.

That Blockbuster Wonder Cream ($58): This is a thick and luxurious moisturizer perfect for evening use. It makes my skin feel hydrated and smooth with hyaluronic acid and peptides to reduce the appearance of the fine lines and wrinkles, and it absorbs surprisingly quickly. This has a heavy fragrance, but it did not irritate my sensitive skin.

That JLo Glow Serum ($79): This serum feels lightweight and high quality, and although it has the prettiest sheen when used after the night cream, it did not leave my skin as dewy as I expected. It contains JLo’s Olive Complex and sake to brighten, tighten, and lift for instant luminosity. Out of all the products in the collection, this was the one I was most excited for because it is allows the brand’s sheet masks to leave the skin so glowy and beautiful. However, this was also the product I was the most disappointed in; I finished it rather quickly and did not notice any difference in the appearance of my skin, especially in terms of a glow. I may be completely wrong, but this might have even caused me to break out.

That Star Filter Highlighting Complexion Booster in ‘Warm Bronze’ ($39): This is a beautiful liquid illuminator in a warm copper shade — ideal for deep skin tones. It is much too dark for me to wear on top of my foundation, so I like to use it underneath for a tan glow. I especially love combining this with my tanning drops, moisturizer, or SPF for an even, sunkissed base on minimal makeup or makeup-free days. It is more shimmery rather than dewy. I would consider repurchasing this, especially as my Becca one is now discontinued.

I had very high expectations for this brand, and honestly, the products in this set did not give me the glow and dewiness I expected for the price. If these were intended to moisturize my skin, then they worked, but I was expecting them to make my skin more glowy both short and long-term, which is why I was disappointed. However, I have very dry and dehydrated skin, and almost nothing makes me skin dewy. When I combine these with the rest of the products in my routine, they are more effective, and I think the results would be better on oily, combination, and normal skin types. Overall, I am happy with my purchase but wish these formulas left my skin more dewy.

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All About SPF with Jan Marini

Regardless of how much I love makeup, skincare always comes first — and that includes sunscreen. I recently had the opportunity to try three products from Jan Marini Skin Research, all of which are great addition to my everyday skincare routine.

The new Marini Marini Physical Protectant Untinted SPF 30* is created to be the ideal zinc sunscreen. This one appears white when applied, but does not leave any white case once blended, which is amazing. This one is the most hydrating and dewy of the three, and wears nicely under makeup.

The Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33* protect the skin from harful UVA and UVB rays while reducing sun damage. This has a sheer yellow-toned tint that blends into the skin, and it features a weightless, hydrating formula with the same tropical scent.

The Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45* utilizes purely physical filters to prevent signs of aging. It provides the most coverage out of the three, with a tint that matches my skin tone perfectly, and it has oil absorbing particles for a more matte finish. I’ve been using this on days when I either don’t wear any makeup or skip foundation.

I hope you found today’s reminder to wear SPF every day helpful.

Disclaimer: This post contains one or more beauty products that companies have been kind enough to send me free of charge for review purposes. PR Samples will always be indicated by an asterisk (*). I only support products that I genuinely use and love, and I only collaborate with brands about which I feel passionate and whose values align with those of my blog and myself. As a result, all opinions expressed on Makeup By Makena are always honest and are never influenced by an outside source.

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Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask | Review

The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is guaranteed to have graced your Instagram feed; the beautiful blue packaging, combined with the rich, hydrating formula, has helped make this one of the most raved about products in the beauty industry. Keep reading to know why I think this deserves all the hype…

This mask is available exclusively at Sephora or through the Summer Fridays website and costs 2.25 ounces for $48 or 1 ounce for $25. The co-founders of the brand created this mask to transform dry, dull skin into a hydrated, glowy complexion — even on the longest plane rides. And it works!

This is my go-to when I am feeling tired or stressed or when I am not having the best skin day. If I am enjoying a no-makeup day, you’ll be sure to see me rocking the Jet Lag Mask! When wearing this mask, my skin looks extra plump and dewy, and it leaves me feeling intensely moisturized. My skin feels softer and smoother, and I even notice that my skin tone looks more even after.

Vitamin C brightens, green tea soothes, and chestnut extract exfoliates. I have sensitive skin and love how gently yet effectively this noncomedogenic formula calms, hydrates, and enhances my skin. The small amount of peppermint oil infuses the mask with a subtle, minty scent, which adds to the relaxing, spa-like effect. It is also important to note that the mask does not contain sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or any other unclean ingredients.

I am still a little unclear about how much product I should be applying. In all of the advertisements, Marianna and Lauren can be seen with a thick white layer all over their face, but I find it very difficult to achieve this opacity, regardless of how much I use. When I do apply a thicker layer during the day, it feels stiff and pills, which is one thing to be aware of.

My favorite thing about this mask is its versatility, and I think the opportunity to multi-mask makes it worth the money.  First, you can leave the product on for 10 minutes before patting off the excess with a warm, damp cloth, resulting in a glowy complexion. For deeper hydration, apply a thicker layer, and leave it on overnight; you can rinse it off when you wash your face in the morning, and your skin will be extra smooth, soft, and supple. For a flawless makeup base, you can also blend a thin layer into the skin, almost like a primer. Regardless of how you use this mask, you can apply it all over the face, on dry patches, or only to your under-eye area.

I am so happy I purchased this mask during my trip to Selfridge’s — so happy that I even purchased a second tube with this Summer Fridays Merry & Brighter set, which is my top holiday recommendation. If you have dry skin and room to splurge on a skincare product, then I think you will love the Jet Lag Mask.

 

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Summer Skin Care Favorites I’ll Love Year-Round

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As summer fades into the past, many of us alter our makeup and skincare routines according to the dropping temperatures; whether it is replacing your bright coral lip crayon with a deep berry liquid lipstick or exchanging your feather-light moisturizer with SPF  for a more thick, buttery moisturizer, the products we use change with the seasons. There are, however, three stand-out skincare favorites from summer that I plan to love all year long.

Ever since purchasing it during my trip to Selfridges in London, the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask has truly done wonders for my skin and changed my perception of face masks for the better. It deeply hydrates and brightens and contains only the most clean ingredients, making it ideal for my dry, sensitive skin. My face looks noticeably more radiant and feels significantly more plump after using this product, making it worth the $48 price tag. It did not feel overly thick or greasy during the summer heat, yet I know it will come to the rescue in the colder months as well.

It is safe to say that the Volition Beauty Celery Green Cream* has been my obsession this summer, but it is also safe to say that it is not going anywhere anytime soon. Even though it is an extremely lightweight gel, it effectively replenishes my skin’s moisture for around 24 hours due to its hyaluronic acid and peptide formula, meaning it will be great for winter mornings when my skin is extra dry. If you are interested in learning more about this new release, you can find more information here.

With a luxurious mixture of vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, and, of course, 24-karat gold, the Farsáli Rose Gold Elixir is very multifunctional and I love using it during the summer as much as I love using it during the fall, winter, and spring. Since my skin is not as dry during the summer, I have been using it as a post-sun treatment to recover from long days at the beach. Once my skin gets more dry and flaky, however, I will be using it as a daily moisturizer and also mixing it in with my foundation.

I would love for you to leave your year-round beauty favorites in the comments below so we can all find new products to use regardless of the season.

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Disclaimer: This post contains one or more beauty products that companies have been kind enough to send me free of charge for review purposes. PR Samples will always be indicated by an asterisk (*). I only support products that I genuinely use and love, and I only collaborate with brands about which I feel passionate and whose values align with those of my blog and myself. As a result, all opinions expressed on Makeup By Makena are always honest and are never influenced by an outside source.

 

My Glowy Skin Care Routine + Why I’m Grateful for My Acne Journey

Although makeup is what truly makes me happy and excited, I must admit that no amount of makeup can compensate for not taking good care of your skin. I have gotten so many requests to share my skincare routine with you all and to be honest, I have been putting it off for quite a while. I keep thinking, “Why would anyone want to know about my skincare routine when I have far from perfect skin?” Putting this hesitation aside, I want to take this opportunity to be real and raw.

I have struggled with acne since I was about thirteen. I would get many pimples in my t-zone and later developed large, painful cysts on my cheeks. I remember how much of a negative impact I allowed my breakouts to have on my self-confidence and overall attitude.  Although I still struggle with blemishes, I have finally found a skincare routine that works well for my personal skin type, which is dry, sensitive, and acne-prone.

Even though I will never forget the sense of embarrassment and vulnerability a bright red blemish evoked and wish there was an easier way to arrive at this realization, I can honestly say that I am now (sort of) grateful for my experience with acne; if it weren’t for my desire to conceal my imperfections, I would have never discovered one of my greatest passions in life — makeup. Although I do not wear makeup because I am insecure, it is true that my search for a good concealer led me to fall in love with everything makeup-related. Who knows? Maybe if I never struggled with acne, I never would have started my blog.

Today, I am discussing all of the products I use in my morning and evening skincare routine, why I love them, and providing insightful tips.

• Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser (every morning and night): This is always the first product I use in my morning and evening skincare routine. My dermatologist recommended this face wash to me, and I love how it quickly and effectively removes all of my makeup without making my face feel tight or stripped of its moisture. This bottle — which features a pump — lasts me forever and I like the way the foamy formula feels. Like all of the products I will be mentioning in today’s post, this cleanser is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
• Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (every morning and night): Because my skin always feels so dehydrated and in need of additional hydration, I am extremely picky with my moisturizers. I will always, always repurchase this one! This is intended for nighttime use, but I apply this every morning and evening after cleansing my face. It soaks into my skin really well, leaving me moisturized, smooth, and dewy without ever becoming heavy or greasy. I love the way it wears under makeup, which is very important to me. Another reason why I prefer this specific formula is that it does not contain SPF; I do not like moisturizers with built-in SPF because they always irritate my eyes and often clog my pores, feel, thick, and leave a white cast.
• Tarte Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (every morning): In case, you missed that last sentence, finding a sunscreen that I can tolerate, let alone love, is challenging. What would be even more challenging is having to deal with all of the advanced aging and skin damage as a result of never protecting my face from the sun. The Tarteguard, which I have repurchased several times, is my all-time favorite SPF. It has a thin, easily blendable formula that works wonderfully on my sensitive skin and adds the most beautiful dewy glow underneath makeup. Read my full review here!
• Coola Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum* (every night): After expressing interest in the product, the brand was kind enough to gift me with this, and I have been using it religiously after cleansing and moisturizing every night since. Although I am naturally tan, my face is always dramatically lighter than my body so I love using this self-tanner on top of or combined with my moisturizer to even out my skin. More importantly, however, it features hyaluronic acid, argan oil, vitamin C, and plant stem cells to prevent aging. It’s never too early to take care of your skin!
• First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy Overnight Balm (every night): I thought it was important to incorporate an eye cream into my routine to prevent wrinkles from rubbing my eyes due to allergies and makeup application. I sometimes forget but I have been trying to use this cream all over my eyelids and undereye area each night. There really is no way to tell if this will prevent wrinkles, but it does help with hydrating and eliminating any dry patches. I do think I will purchase either an entirely different product, most likely from Laneige or Mario Badescu, or something from this same brand but with different packaging when this runs out, as I find this thick formula hard to remove from the pot.
• Adapalene 0.1% & Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel (every night): To address my acne, Epiduo, or its generic alternative, is always the very last step in my evening routine. I apply a thin layer all over my face with extra attention to my t-zone. If I have any active blemishes, one helpful tip I have discovered is to apply the extra product directly on top of the blemish and then cover it with a small piece of toilet paper. This way, it does not rub off while sleeping and can treat the spot overnight. Even though acne treatments are inevitably drying over time, I like this specific formula because it has the consistency of my moisturizer and never makes my skin feel dry when I first apply it.
• Doxycycline Hyclate (every night): Although this is not a skincare item, I would not be completely open with you if I did not mention this low-dose antibiotic. Because cystic acne is deep underneath the skin, topical treatments did not work for me, so my dermatologist suggested this. I have taken it for one year and it has made all the difference in preventing even the worst pimples and reducing overall redness. However, this does require a prescription so I am definitely not recommending this to you — I am just sharing my personal experience. You can talk to a dermatologist for more information.
• LUSH Oatfix Fresh Face Mask (occasional nights): If I notice that my skin has dry, flaky patches I reach for this product, which I use after removing all of my makeup but before all of the other items I have mentioned. The oatmeal, banana, and glycerin are great for dry, sensitive skin, while the ground almonds exfoliate. I leave it on for 15 minutes before scrubbing into my skin and then rinsing away. It is messy and unphotogenic, but it makes my skin feel calm, hydrated, and much more smooth, which is a plus when applying foundation.
• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (occasional nights): For those evenings when I lose all hope that my skin will ever my be hydrated and glowy, I depend on this feather-light gel. I apply an even layer all over my face before I go to bed and leave it on overnight; I find that it works best after my moisturizer, serum, and eye cream but before my acne treatment since it really seals in moisture. It is a wonderful way to pamper dry, tired skin and I notice such an incredible difference in the plumpness of my face.

 

No makeup, no problem!

 

A few other tips I have for clear, healthy skin are to wash your pillowcases, makeup brushes, and beauty sponges as often as possible and to replace typical face towels, which accumulate bacteria when reused, with soft paper towels intended specifically for drying your face after washing it.

I strive to empower you in any way that I can, so I truly hope this blog post not only helped you find some incredible products and informed you about how to take care of your own unique skin type but also made you feel more confident in your bare skin and less alone. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I’m always happy to address them in the comments section.

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Volition Beauty’s New Celery Green Cream | Exclusive Review

As the weather grows warmer and the days grow longer, a lightweight, smoothing moisturizer becomes increasingly important. Volition Beauty recently invited me to be a part of an exclusive prelaunch program that has allowed me to enjoy their new Celery Green Cream* — the ideal summertime moisturizer — which will be released on July 2 on the Volition and Sephora websites.

If you are unfamiliar with this brand, Volition relies on consumers to submit product ideas and then allows the public to vote on everything from formulas to packaging. This product is a collaboration with gold medal gymnast Nastia Luiken. Realizing that celery is more than a mere momentary health trend, Luiken created this formula, which contains 1.7 ounces and retails for $55.

Before I talk about why I love this cream, I want to share a little bit about the ingredients and benefits. The standout ingredient is celery seed extract, which minimizes the appearance of pores and refines the overall texture of the skin. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin, my favorite skincare ingredients, catalyze moisture retention, leaving skin hydrated and plump. Peptides improve elasticity and slow the aging process. Green tea, apple, and raspberry leaf extracts balance and control oil for a healthier complexion while cucumber and lavender extracts have a soothing and calming effect.

Although I have not been using this long enough to notice reduced inflammation or texture, I have incorporated this into my morning and evening skincare routine and absolutely love the way it makes my skin look and feel. I apply this all over my face, focusing specifically on my t-zone, as well as my neck and décolletage. I have dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, and this has been very moisturizing and calming — especially when stored in the fridge. I find that it keeps my skin hydrated without feeling greasy, reduces redness, and has a very smoothing effect. It has a lightweight gel texture with a fresh, celery-like scent that dissipates after application. I especially love the way it looks and feels under makeup; I haven’t found a primer I love so I usually use moisturizers as my primer and this one is perfect for that, gripping my foundation and filling in pores to create a smooth canvas. Because this is oil-free I think this would work well for both dry and oily skin and recommend it to anyone who enjoys using clean ingredients.

Let me know if you have any questions about this moisturizer. What is your favorite summer skincare product?

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Disclaimer: This post contains one or more beauty products that companies have been kind enough to send me free of charge for review purposes. PR Samples will always be indicated by an asterisk (*). I only support products that I genuinely use and love, and I only collaborate with brands about which I feel passionate and whose values align with those of my blog and myself. As a result, all opinions expressed on Makeup By Makena are always honest and are never influenced by an outside source.

Stepping into Spring with Evian Facial Spray

When I think of Spring, I think of radiant, fresh skin, and this Spring, I am partnering with Evian to share with you a product that will help you achieve just that! The EVIAN Brumisateur Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray* is designed to hydrate, tone, and refresh the skin, and has proved to have a wide variety of uses.

It is available in three different sizes: 1.7 oz, 5 oz, and 10 oz. I was gifted the 1.7 oz size, which is ideal for tossing in my handbag and using on-the-go or storing in my toiletry bag for a TSA-approved in-flight pick-me-up.

First, it can be incorporated into your everyday skincare routine, worn before or after moisturizers or face masks to boost hydration. Sourced from the French Alps, it is chemical-free and its neutral pH makes it compatible with all skin types.

As with most facial sprays, this can be used to dampen makeup brushes for increased pigment and beauty sponges for flawless application.

My favorite way to use this product is to mist my face after I have completed my entire makeup routine. I simply hold the bottle about 12 inches away from my face and spritz it in a circular motion for two to three seconds. It removes any powdery finish and allows the makeup to sink into my skin for a noticeably smoother finish, ultimately creating a more natural and fresh look.

I also enjoy carrying this with me and misting my face throughout the day to revive my makeup and skin. It feels very cooling and minimizes any cakiness or dry patches.

The brand claims that this can be used to set makeup, but I think it is best used a finishing rather than setting spray; the only ingredient is mineral water, so it cannot extend the wear time of makeup.

It is not as hydrating as the Mario Badescu rosewater or as dewy as MAC Fix Plus, both of which I use on a regular basis, but it is an excellent, all-around product. Its most impressive feature, especially when compared to other similar products, is the packaging, as it always distributes the perfect amount. Many other mists are very targeted, which means I have to use several sprays to mist my entire face, but this one has a wider range so it evenly mists my whole face at once without leaving any droplet marks.

I absolutely love the purity of this product, the ultra-fine mist, and the way it makes my makeup look, and I definitely plan to repurchase this when I run out!

XOXO,
Makena💗

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Disclaimer: This post contains one or more beauty products that companies have been kind enough to send me free of charge for review purposes. PR Samples will always be indicated by an asterisk (*). I only support products that I genuinely use and love, and I only collaborate with brands about which I feel passionate and whose values align with those of my blog and myself. As a result, all opinions expressed on Makeup By Makena are always honest and are never influenced by an outside source.

COOLA Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum

Watching that golden, glowing tan that I worked so hard to achieve gradually fade away along with Summer is always disheartening. Fortunately, however, the COOLA Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum* is here to keep me looking naturally sun-kissed and radiant all year long.

This product is $53 and can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta, or the COOLA website.

The packaging is very sophisticated with a luxurious, matte glass bottle containing 1.7 ounces of product and a convenient pump that dispenses the perfect amount.

This cruelty-free, vegan, and organics unless tan serum is an antioxidant-rich blend of argan oil, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe, grape seed oil, hibiscus extract, and plant stem cell cultures; the combination of these ingredients improves my uneven, dry skin, leaving it smooth, hydrated, and glowing. This product claims to have anti-aging benefits, preventing fine lines and the loss of firmness and elasticity.

I love how natural this self-tanner looks on my skin — it never looks orange, but has the perfect neutral undertone mimicking the color my skin turns after a day at the beach! To achieve a darker, more noticeable tan, I apply one to two pumps of the serum directly onto my face after I complete the rest of my skin care routine before bed. For a more subtle, gradual tan, I mix two to three drops of the serum with my moisturizer before applying it to my face. I find that either way, it works best when I exfoliate my skin first because it prevents it from clinging to any dry patches. To achieve a perfectly radiant glow, I apply a light, even layer all over my face, blending it up to my hairline and down my neck and jaw line, focusing more product on the areas of my face where I would typically apply bronzer — under my cheekbones and on my temples. It feels moisturizing, but dries quickly without leaving any residue and does not clog my pores or irritate my sensitive skin. This formula is streak- and transfer-free, and although you can use it every day, the tan lasts up to three days without needing to be reapplied. I also appreciate the refreshingly tropical coconut-pineapple scent, since it reminds me of Summer!

Overall, I think that if you are looking for a luxurious self-tanner that is also hydrating and has anti-aging benefits, you will love this one as much as I do! My favorite thing about this is that because it allows me achieve the most beautiful and even skin tone, I feel less of a need to wear foundation, which has been very empowering.

XOXO,
Makena💗

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Disclaimer: This post contains one or more beauty products that companies have been kind enough to send me free of charge for review purposes. PR Samples will always be indicated by an asterisk (*). I only support products that I genuinely use and  love, and I only collaborate with brands about which I feel passionate and whose values align with those of my blog and myself. As a result, all opinions expressed on Makeup By Makena are always honest and are never influenced by an outside source.