Saturday, September 8, 2007
Check us out
So I've sort of been slacking on posting to BonaFide Beauty, but I recently became involved in a new beauty blogging endeavor with two of my favorite makeup mavens. Check out our new blog, Beauty360. I think you'll love it!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Top Drugstore Picks, Part Two
I'm a woman of my word, so here's the second installment of my drugstore picks.
Lipstick
I'm not, I repeat, not a typical lipstick wearer. It feels dry on my lips and emphasizes any flakiness I might be sporting. So when I choose lipstick, I look for ones that are highly moisturizing and shiny - the closer to lip gloss, the better!
My pick for lipstick happens to be a three-way tie. They also happen to be the only three drugstore lipsticks I've tried in years, and I love them all. Best of all, you can get two of them for less than $2 each!
And the winners are:
Lipstick
I'm not, I repeat, not a typical lipstick wearer. It feels dry on my lips and emphasizes any flakiness I might be sporting. So when I choose lipstick, I look for ones that are highly moisturizing and shiny - the closer to lip gloss, the better!
My pick for lipstick happens to be a three-way tie. They also happen to be the only three drugstore lipsticks I've tried in years, and I love them all. Best of all, you can get two of them for less than $2 each!
And the winners are:
- Revlon Shiny Sheers. This little gem of a lipstick bears a striking resemblance to MAC's Slimshine lipstick - a super creamy formula that's been popular with MAC addicts like myself. But at $7.99 (or less, if you find them on sale!), they are almost half the price of their MAC counterpart. My fave shade is Sheer Afterglow for a pretty pink pucker.
- NYC UltraMoist LipWear. For $0.99 (yes, that's right!), you might as well pick yourself up all 20 shades. These lippies go on very smoothly and give nice color payoff. My fave shade is Sheer Red, for those days when I want to amp up the drama.
- Wet 'n' Wild's Wild Shine lipstick. These babies are only $1.99, so picking up all 10 shades won't break your bank either. The lipsticks have the same soft-but-glossy consistency as my favorite high-end lipstick by Paul & Joe. The perfect "my lips but better" color is Oh Baby, a creamy natural pink shade (the number on the tube is 324A).
Bronzer
Bronzer is a staple for the summer. There's nothing better than instantly brushing on a gorgeous faux tan! My Holy Grail of bronzers, NARS Laguna, is fabulous, but at $28, it's not something everyone can afford. Luckily, there are some amazing bronzers out there at your local Walgreens.
My pick for best drugstore bronzer is a tie between two products - one that you can find at your local Walgreens, and one that you can't. At Walgreens, be sure to pick up Jane Shimmering Bronzer Powder. My fave shade is Tahiti (and trust me, you'll look like you just returned from there!), but the others are just as lovely. And you can't beat the price - $5.99. This bronzer might be best used at night, since it does have a good amount of shimmer. If you're looking for something slightly more matte, though still with a hint of shimmer, check out ULTA's Powder Bronzer. If you're not lucky enough to have an ULTA near you, check out their website - they retail for $10, but you can get them 50% off right now!
Powder
I go through a lot of powder in the summer. I'm constantly blotting with my favorite blotting papers (Clean & Clear!), then repowdering to hide the shine. As such, I go through a lot of powder this season! Luckily, there's a wonderful product that helps me keep shine at bay, and is insanely affordable. Once again, NYC is taking home an award for its Smooth Skin Face Powder. This gem of a product comes in two varieties - pressed or loose. Depending on your lifestyle and preference, one of these will be perfect for you. If you're always touching up on the go, try getting the pressed powder. If you only touch up at home, the loose might be your style. I personally am a fan of the loose translucent powder. I use a gigantic powder brush to place a fine dusting of the powder over my foundation to set my face for the day. Works like a charm. And you'll be surprised how silky this powder is for $1.99!
Don't despair, I'll be back again for a third installment of my top drugstore picks - concealer, lip liner and nail polish. I know you'll be waiting with baited breath - I know I would be!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Top Drugstore Picks
I'm not a beauty snob. I mean, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to look great! It's all about finding products that seem expensive, but cost next to nothing. By popular demand, here's my list of some of my drugstore faves. Since I have quite a few, I'll break this into a series of posts. Round 1 - Eye Shadow, Lip Gloss and Blush.
Eye Shadow
Shadow is a staple in my makeup case, so finding quality, cheap shadows can be a challenge. The hands-down winner for best drugstore eye shadows, in my book, goes to Wet 'n' Wild. Who knew that such great quality could come so cheap? Literally, I have not been disappointed by a single eyeshadow I've tried from this brand. For the best value, however, you definitely need to pick up an Ultimate Expressions Eye Shadow Palette. For $4.99, you get 8 fantastic shadows with a quality that rivals MAC. There are a few options for colors, by my personal pick is the Paradise Cove palette - the rich browns, purples and mauves are striking on every color eye! But if neutral colors are more your style, the Sand Castle palette is another must-have. These are staple shades that every makeup maven needs in her cosmetic case. But heck, for $4.99 each, you can afford to get both - for less than the price of one MAC shadow!
Lip Gloss
Next to eye shadow, lip gloss is my true love. I carry more tubes of gloss in my purse on any given day than some people have in their entire makeup stash! One particular gloss that's consistently impressed me is Maybelline Lip Polish. You'll remember that I've sung praises about this gloss in the past, but I just have to reiterate - It. Is. Fabulous. The gel-based formula is not sticky, but instead is incredibly creamy and smooth. The color payoff is fabulous for each color I've tried. And it's only around $5 so you can't go wrong. If you can find a store that still has a display up for the limited edition City Safari collection, snag a tube of Papaya Kiss. It's a gorgeous peachy-coral color that will be perfect with your (fake) tan this summer!
Blush
I'm not trying to toot their horn too much, but my pick for best drugstore blush also comes from the Wet 'n' Wild line. I've said it before, but I'll say it again - Wet 'n' Wild Silk Finish Blush in Naive is simply amazing. The bright pink/color color will flatter a number of skin tones, and it gives you an instant glow when you brush it on. For $3, I suggest you stock up if you come across this gem. It's got quite the cult following, so it can be very hard to find. If you have a Kmart nearby, go peruse the cosmetics department, since this particular shade often pops up at Kmart stores.
That's it for now, but stay tuned for the next installment of my Top Drugstore Picks. On the docket for next time is powder, lipstick and bronzer. See you then!
Eye Shadow
Shadow is a staple in my makeup case, so finding quality, cheap shadows can be a challenge. The hands-down winner for best drugstore eye shadows, in my book, goes to Wet 'n' Wild. Who knew that such great quality could come so cheap? Literally, I have not been disappointed by a single eyeshadow I've tried from this brand. For the best value, however, you definitely need to pick up an Ultimate Expressions Eye Shadow Palette. For $4.99, you get 8 fantastic shadows with a quality that rivals MAC. There are a few options for colors, by my personal pick is the Paradise Cove palette - the rich browns, purples and mauves are striking on every color eye! But if neutral colors are more your style, the Sand Castle palette is another must-have. These are staple shades that every makeup maven needs in her cosmetic case. But heck, for $4.99 each, you can afford to get both - for less than the price of one MAC shadow!
Lip Gloss
Next to eye shadow, lip gloss is my true love. I carry more tubes of gloss in my purse on any given day than some people have in their entire makeup stash! One particular gloss that's consistently impressed me is Maybelline Lip Polish. You'll remember that I've sung praises about this gloss in the past, but I just have to reiterate - It. Is. Fabulous. The gel-based formula is not sticky, but instead is incredibly creamy and smooth. The color payoff is fabulous for each color I've tried. And it's only around $5 so you can't go wrong. If you can find a store that still has a display up for the limited edition City Safari collection, snag a tube of Papaya Kiss. It's a gorgeous peachy-coral color that will be perfect with your (fake) tan this summer!
Blush
I'm not trying to toot their horn too much, but my pick for best drugstore blush also comes from the Wet 'n' Wild line. I've said it before, but I'll say it again - Wet 'n' Wild Silk Finish Blush in Naive is simply amazing. The bright pink/color color will flatter a number of skin tones, and it gives you an instant glow when you brush it on. For $3, I suggest you stock up if you come across this gem. It's got quite the cult following, so it can be very hard to find. If you have a Kmart nearby, go peruse the cosmetics department, since this particular shade often pops up at Kmart stores.
That's it for now, but stay tuned for the next installment of my Top Drugstore Picks. On the docket for next time is powder, lipstick and bronzer. See you then!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Tan Happy (and Healthy)
I've been sitting here pondering what to write about, and my mind is an absolute blank. All I can think about is the flaming heat emanating from my arms, legs and face. Yes, folks, I got a bit of a sunburn today. So since I have foolishly failed to adequately protect my skin in a vain attempt to get a tan today (they really do mean it when they say reapply sunscreen frequently!), I figured I'd talk about the safest way to tan - sunless tanners!
Before I get into sunless tanners, I thought it would be interesting to examine the lure of the suntan. Who decided that brown skin was in? Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, a suntan was considered completely undesirable. A tan indicated a person spent a lot of time outside, which indicated the person was a manual laborer. While those workers were outside bronzing their skin as they worked in the fields, the wealthy classes lounged inside, in their pale splendor. However, in the 20th century, that all started to change. The working class started working inside at factory jobs and the like. Meanwhile, the wealthy class had the leisure time to spend time outside in the sun. Since then, the suntan has continued to evolve as a status symbol.
To safely achieve a status-symbol tan, consider using a sunless tanner. Sunless tanners are quite an ingenious invention. The basic principal is that the lotion (or spray, or towel - there are tons of options!) temporarily dyes the top layer of your skin using an ingredient called DHA. I'll be honest - the DHA can be a little stinky and very distinctive. But consider the trade off - would you rather allow the sun's rays to break down the DNA in your skin's cells (scary, huh?) in your attempt to get a glowing tan, or would you rather get a gorgeous tan by applying a lotion that, albeit stinky, keeps your DNA intact?
Before I get into sunless tanners, I thought it would be interesting to examine the lure of the suntan. Who decided that brown skin was in? Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, a suntan was considered completely undesirable. A tan indicated a person spent a lot of time outside, which indicated the person was a manual laborer. While those workers were outside bronzing their skin as they worked in the fields, the wealthy classes lounged inside, in their pale splendor. However, in the 20th century, that all started to change. The working class started working inside at factory jobs and the like. Meanwhile, the wealthy class had the leisure time to spend time outside in the sun. Since then, the suntan has continued to evolve as a status symbol.
To safely achieve a status-symbol tan, consider using a sunless tanner. Sunless tanners are quite an ingenious invention. The basic principal is that the lotion (or spray, or towel - there are tons of options!) temporarily dyes the top layer of your skin using an ingredient called DHA. I'll be honest - the DHA can be a little stinky and very distinctive. But consider the trade off - would you rather allow the sun's rays to break down the DNA in your skin's cells (scary, huh?) in your attempt to get a glowing tan, or would you rather get a gorgeous tan by applying a lotion that, albeit stinky, keeps your DNA intact?
My favorite sunless tanner is a gradual tanner, which means it slowly builds up color in a way that look natural. I've tried my share of tanners, although there are definitely a few more out there I'm dying to try! But I have to say that Coppertone's Endless Summer Gradual Tanner is good stuff! The color is very natural, and even if you apply the lotion every day, you don't end up with ugly splotches after a few days, as I've experienced with other gradual tanners. The smell is very non-offensive (I've used much worse), and it dries pretty quickly!Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy a day in the sun (with SPF 45) every now and again. But I'm going to rely on my favorite self tanner this summer to help me achieve my bronze glow.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Here's a Secret you'll definitely want to keep...
I walked into my local Sephora store today, and to my sheer and utter delight, I discovered they added two fabulous brands - Make Up For Ever (or MUFE, as us makeup junkies say) and Laura Mercier.
Since it's late and I'm too tired to give you the skinny on both of these outstanding brands, I'll give you the highlights on one - Laura Mercier.
Laura Mercier, renowned makeup artist, has a line that's filled with timeless, flattering, chic products that make you look flawless. Her website says, "Laura Mercier's philosophy is simple. Making your skin look perfect is the first and most important thing you can do to achieve a truly great look. The key is to enhance your natural beauty - accentuate the positive."
Perfect is an understatement. I only have two Laura Mercier products - her Secret Concealer and her Secret Brightening Powder. I can't attest to how perfect her products make my entire face, but I can tell you that my undereye area looks damn near flawless.
I have undereye issues - dark circles, dry skin, fine lines from all the smiling I do... Usually, when I use a concealer, it's too dry, doesn't really hide the dark circles, and creases like mad. But when I use the Secret Concealer, which has a wonderfully thick but creamy consistency, my undereye is moisturized, totally concealed, and...thanks to the Secret Brightening Powder that I use to set the concealer...totally crease free!
Perhaps I should back up there. Do you know that you can "set" your concealer with a translucent powder to help prevent creases and add to the longevity of the makeup? If you use a poor quality powder, the fine lines under your eyes can be enhanced when you set your concealer. But the Secret Brightening Powder is ultra-silky and finely milled so the powder doesn't settle into your fine lines. The results are a smooth undereye.
Unfortunately, Laura's products aren't exactly budget-friendly. Both the Secret Concealer and the Secret Brightening Powder are $22. But trust me, you're going to want to "keep" Laura's Secrets in your makeup bag for a long time!
Since it's late and I'm too tired to give you the skinny on both of these outstanding brands, I'll give you the highlights on one - Laura Mercier.
Laura Mercier, renowned makeup artist, has a line that's filled with timeless, flattering, chic products that make you look flawless. Her website says, "Laura Mercier's philosophy is simple. Making your skin look perfect is the first and most important thing you can do to achieve a truly great look. The key is to enhance your natural beauty - accentuate the positive."
Perfect is an understatement. I only have two Laura Mercier products - her Secret Concealer and her Secret Brightening Powder. I can't attest to how perfect her products make my entire face, but I can tell you that my undereye area looks damn near flawless.
I have undereye issues - dark circles, dry skin, fine lines from all the smiling I do... Usually, when I use a concealer, it's too dry, doesn't really hide the dark circles, and creases like mad. But when I use the Secret Concealer, which has a wonderfully thick but creamy consistency, my undereye is moisturized, totally concealed, and...thanks to the Secret Brightening Powder that I use to set the concealer...totally crease free!
Perhaps I should back up there. Do you know that you can "set" your concealer with a translucent powder to help prevent creases and add to the longevity of the makeup? If you use a poor quality powder, the fine lines under your eyes can be enhanced when you set your concealer. But the Secret Brightening Powder is ultra-silky and finely milled so the powder doesn't settle into your fine lines. The results are a smooth undereye.
Unfortunately, Laura's products aren't exactly budget-friendly. Both the Secret Concealer and the Secret Brightening Powder are $22. But trust me, you're going to want to "keep" Laura's Secrets in your makeup bag for a long time!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
May's Must-Have Brush
Sorry for the lack of new posts in the last month - the semester is almost over now, so I'll be back to my normal routine!
On to better and brighter topics...makeup!
The right makeup brush can make a huge difference in your makeup application. I thought I had found the Holy Grail of brushes (Essence of Beauty Kabuki) to use for applying my bareMinerals, but I was wrong. Way wrong.
Upon the recommendation of many people on my most trusted source for beauty information, MakeupAlley, I purchased a foundation brush from a mineral makeup e-tailer called Alima Cosmetics. With baited breath, I waited for only a few short days (they have fabulously fast shipping!) for my brush to arrive. If this brush was anything like what I had heard, I knew I would be pleased.
Pleased is a drastic understatement of what I felt after trying the brush. Elated, awestruck, stoked. These words all come to mind. This definitely was the best purchase I made this month, and perhaps the best purchase I've made this year (with the exception of my iPod, but that doesn't count).
The brush is the softest thing I've ever felt. And the densely packed brush head makes for flawless mineral makeup application. Honestly, after doing my makeup using this brush, I don't know how I could ever revert back to my beloved kabuki.
If you get a chance, check out Alima's website. The brush is called #25 Foundation Brush. At $25, it will set you back a few bucks, but you won't regret it!
On to better and brighter topics...makeup!
The right makeup brush can make a huge difference in your makeup application. I thought I had found the Holy Grail of brushes (Essence of Beauty Kabuki) to use for applying my bareMinerals, but I was wrong. Way wrong.
Upon the recommendation of many people on my most trusted source for beauty information, MakeupAlley, I purchased a foundation brush from a mineral makeup e-tailer called Alima Cosmetics. With baited breath, I waited for only a few short days (they have fabulously fast shipping!) for my brush to arrive. If this brush was anything like what I had heard, I knew I would be pleased.
Pleased is a drastic understatement of what I felt after trying the brush. Elated, awestruck, stoked. These words all come to mind. This definitely was the best purchase I made this month, and perhaps the best purchase I've made this year (with the exception of my iPod, but that doesn't count).
The brush is the softest thing I've ever felt. And the densely packed brush head makes for flawless mineral makeup application. Honestly, after doing my makeup using this brush, I don't know how I could ever revert back to my beloved kabuki.
If you get a chance, check out Alima's website. The brush is called #25 Foundation Brush. At $25, it will set you back a few bucks, but you won't regret it!
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Innocent fun
Believe me, I'm a die-hard fan of Bare Minerals foundation. So when I say that I've discovered a liquid foundation that I like just as much as my coveted Bare Minerals, you know it's gotta be good!
The product? Chanel's newest addition to its foundation family, Teint Innocence Naturally Luminous Fluid Makeup. On the Chanel website, they say this product "allows skin's natural glow to show through while it evens out skin tone and helps to conceal imperfections."
Indeed it does! The foundation is very light and fairly sheer, which is why I was shocked at its coverage capabilities. I have a few red marks on my face caused by my bad habit of picking at blemishes (which, thanks to my AHA Souffle, are slowly fading!), so sheer foundations do not usually work for me. But this foundation has a certain creaminess to it, that, even though it's as light as air, covers these red marks remarkably! Instead of having to put on foundation, then a few layers of concealer to hide these marks, I can use my Teint Innocence alone for nearly perfect coverage. With the help of a little concealer, my face looks darn near flawless!
However, this little puppy will put a bit of a dent in your pocketbook. At $42.50, it's not the most expensive foundation out there, but it certainly is up there in the ranks. Fortunately, I don't need to put much on, so it should last me for a while.
A word of advice: ask the Chanel counter for some samples before you take the plunge and whip out your credit card. Like fine wine, foundation is an extremely personal preference - what works for one person may not work for others.
And just so you know, I don't plan on abandoning my beloved Bare Minerals. A girl just needs a change every now and again!
The product? Chanel's newest addition to its foundation family, Teint Innocence Naturally Luminous Fluid Makeup. On the Chanel website, they say this product "allows skin's natural glow to show through while it evens out skin tone and helps to conceal imperfections."
Indeed it does! The foundation is very light and fairly sheer, which is why I was shocked at its coverage capabilities. I have a few red marks on my face caused by my bad habit of picking at blemishes (which, thanks to my AHA Souffle, are slowly fading!), so sheer foundations do not usually work for me. But this foundation has a certain creaminess to it, that, even though it's as light as air, covers these red marks remarkably! Instead of having to put on foundation, then a few layers of concealer to hide these marks, I can use my Teint Innocence alone for nearly perfect coverage. With the help of a little concealer, my face looks darn near flawless!
However, this little puppy will put a bit of a dent in your pocketbook. At $42.50, it's not the most expensive foundation out there, but it certainly is up there in the ranks. Fortunately, I don't need to put much on, so it should last me for a while.
A word of advice: ask the Chanel counter for some samples before you take the plunge and whip out your credit card. Like fine wine, foundation is an extremely personal preference - what works for one person may not work for others.
And just so you know, I don't plan on abandoning my beloved Bare Minerals. A girl just needs a change every now and again!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Blushing beauty
It's amazing what a difference a hint of blush can make on your face. In one little swipe of a fluffy brush, you can have a amazingly subtle glow that awakens your whole complexion.
I rarely used to get into trying different blushes. I'd use my old standby (Benetint cheek stain, which works fabulously), and leave it at that. On occasion, I'd experiment with a few other blushes in my makeup bag, but I'd faithfully return to my same-ol'-same-ol' after so long. But that, of course, got old after a while, and it became time for me to branch out.
Thus, I've become a bit blush obsessed. I'm trying colors I never thought I could wear, and have discovered some amazing products that will forever reside in my makeup collection. Granted, I'm not going to abandon the old blush that has faithfully flushed my cheeks for the last 2 years. Instead, I'm embracing change and all the options out there for me to try!
A few of my faves (which I'm sure you'll love, since they are cheaper than cheap!):
Milani Powder Blush in Luminous: This blush shade is a lovely shimmery peach/pink and is absolutely perfect. Unfortunately, the company has - for some crazy reason - discontinued their old blushes, and your only option to buy this now is on eBay. But trust me, it's worth it, since it's considered a "dupe" for the highly popular "Orgasm" blush made by NARS.
Wet n' Wild Blush in Naive: When you see the color of this blush in the compact, it might scare you a little. It's a bright pink/coral shade (no shimmer) that looks gorgeous on. But a word to the wise, if you have fair skin, use this with a light hand and a skunk brush or you might end up looking clownish. Price - $2.99 (you can't beat that!)
Jane Shimmering Blush in Peony: If you love shimmer as much as me, this is a perfect blush for you. The color is very sheer and very subtle (it's not as bright as it looks in the compact), and it produces a beautiful glow on your cheeks. I like using this on the apples of my cheeks, especially if I layer it over another color (like Naive, perhaps!). Price - $5.99.
So go out and start your own personal blush obsession. A couple of bucks can get you a beautiful glowy flush that will leave you smiling from ear to ear!
I rarely used to get into trying different blushes. I'd use my old standby (Benetint cheek stain, which works fabulously), and leave it at that. On occasion, I'd experiment with a few other blushes in my makeup bag, but I'd faithfully return to my same-ol'-same-ol' after so long. But that, of course, got old after a while, and it became time for me to branch out.
Thus, I've become a bit blush obsessed. I'm trying colors I never thought I could wear, and have discovered some amazing products that will forever reside in my makeup collection. Granted, I'm not going to abandon the old blush that has faithfully flushed my cheeks for the last 2 years. Instead, I'm embracing change and all the options out there for me to try!
A few of my faves (which I'm sure you'll love, since they are cheaper than cheap!):
Milani Powder Blush in Luminous: This blush shade is a lovely shimmery peach/pink and is absolutely perfect. Unfortunately, the company has - for some crazy reason - discontinued their old blushes, and your only option to buy this now is on eBay. But trust me, it's worth it, since it's considered a "dupe" for the highly popular "Orgasm" blush made by NARS.
Wet n' Wild Blush in Naive: When you see the color of this blush in the compact, it might scare you a little. It's a bright pink/coral shade (no shimmer) that looks gorgeous on. But a word to the wise, if you have fair skin, use this with a light hand and a skunk brush or you might end up looking clownish. Price - $2.99 (you can't beat that!)
Jane Shimmering Blush in Peony: If you love shimmer as much as me, this is a perfect blush for you. The color is very sheer and very subtle (it's not as bright as it looks in the compact), and it produces a beautiful glow on your cheeks. I like using this on the apples of my cheeks, especially if I layer it over another color (like Naive, perhaps!). Price - $5.99.
So go out and start your own personal blush obsession. A couple of bucks can get you a beautiful glowy flush that will leave you smiling from ear to ear!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
With the right tools, any face is possible
As much as I love makeup, I tend to give little thought to the tools I use to apply my makeup. But after washing my brushes recently (something you really must do with a fair amount of regularity), I realize my makeup brush collection is rather feeble. Thus, I've been on a mission to amp it up a bit. But until I really started looking, I had no idea brushes were so expensive! Luckily, for the girl (or guy - no one's judging!) on a budget, there are some fabulous brush lines available at fabulous prices.
Essence of Beauty:
This brush line is available exclusively at CVS drugstores and ranges in price from around $5 to $15. My personal favorite brush is the Kabuki. As I've posted previously, I use my Kabuki to apply my mineral makeup, but it can be used for bronzer, powder, highlighter or even blush. Other standouts from this line are their foundation/concealer double-end brush, and their eyeshadow brushes. The hair is synthetic, for those who are animal friendly, and the brushes are all ultra soft.
Sonia Kashuk:
These brushes are made exclusively for Target. I'm sure you've seen the Sonia Kashuk section if you've spent any time in the cosmetics department of Target. The prices of these brushes are a bit higher than the Essence of Beauty brushes, but you still won't break the bank. You'll pay anywhere from $5 to $20 (and less if you happen to find brushes on clearance!). A favorite SK tool of mine is her metal lash comb. Priced right around $5-6, this metal version of the traditional lash comb will help you say buh-bye to thick clumpy lashes. Other favorites are her powder brush and eyeshadow blending brush.
Japonesque:
If you have a little extra cash, but still can't afford super expensive makeup brushes, this might be a brand worth checking out. Japonesque is sold at various retailers: Ulta, Nordstrom, Trade Secret, and Merle Norman are a few examples. Prices run between $8 and $34, but these brushes are a great value for the price. You can save even more money if you opt for the travel version of the brush, which just means it has a slightly shorter handle. The short handle can be particularly handy if you're trying to do your eye makeup, since it gives you better control. My personal favorite brush from this line is the flat eyeliner brush. The super-firm bristles make it easy to get your eyeliner right at the base of your lashes so they look ultra-full.
Bottom line? There's hope for us brush newbies who can't afford to spend our money on MAC or Chanel or Bobbi Brown brushes. These drugstore brand brushes offer exceptional quality similar to their high end counterparts, but at a fraction of the price. And with all the money you save on brushes, you can buy oodles more makeup to use with your new brushes!
Essence of Beauty:
This brush line is available exclusively at CVS drugstores and ranges in price from around $5 to $15. My personal favorite brush is the Kabuki. As I've posted previously, I use my Kabuki to apply my mineral makeup, but it can be used for bronzer, powder, highlighter or even blush. Other standouts from this line are their foundation/concealer double-end brush, and their eyeshadow brushes. The hair is synthetic, for those who are animal friendly, and the brushes are all ultra soft.
Sonia Kashuk:
These brushes are made exclusively for Target. I'm sure you've seen the Sonia Kashuk section if you've spent any time in the cosmetics department of Target. The prices of these brushes are a bit higher than the Essence of Beauty brushes, but you still won't break the bank. You'll pay anywhere from $5 to $20 (and less if you happen to find brushes on clearance!). A favorite SK tool of mine is her metal lash comb. Priced right around $5-6, this metal version of the traditional lash comb will help you say buh-bye to thick clumpy lashes. Other favorites are her powder brush and eyeshadow blending brush.
Japonesque:
If you have a little extra cash, but still can't afford super expensive makeup brushes, this might be a brand worth checking out. Japonesque is sold at various retailers: Ulta, Nordstrom, Trade Secret, and Merle Norman are a few examples. Prices run between $8 and $34, but these brushes are a great value for the price. You can save even more money if you opt for the travel version of the brush, which just means it has a slightly shorter handle. The short handle can be particularly handy if you're trying to do your eye makeup, since it gives you better control. My personal favorite brush from this line is the flat eyeliner brush. The super-firm bristles make it easy to get your eyeliner right at the base of your lashes so they look ultra-full.
Bottom line? There's hope for us brush newbies who can't afford to spend our money on MAC or Chanel or Bobbi Brown brushes. These drugstore brand brushes offer exceptional quality similar to their high end counterparts, but at a fraction of the price. And with all the money you save on brushes, you can buy oodles more makeup to use with your new brushes!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Smooth, flawless skin? Sign me up!
What if I told you there's a moisturizer that can help create smooth, even skin, help minimize pore size, and even decrease the look of wrinkles over time? You'd probably want it, right? I mean, come on - who doesn't want to have perfect skin? So what if I said that such a product can be found at your local drugstore for less than $20? Riiiiiiiight, you'd say. Like you can get something like that for under $100.
Well believe it. Alpha Hydrox has a product called AHA Souffle, and it can help transform your face in ways you've never imagined! The Souffle is a 12% Glycolic Acid cream that you slather on your face at night (and/or in the morning), and with regular use, can produce great results.
Brief tutorial on alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). I won't bother to tell you about the chemical makeup because after all, this is blog about beauty, not chemistry. In a nutshell, they are naturally occurring acids derived from sugar in certain plants. They basically help speed up cell turnover in your skin by dissolving the gunk that holds your dead skin cells together (and yes, "gunk" is a highly technical term). The result - smoother, even-toned skin. Glycolic acid, the ingredient I mentioned above, is one of several AHAs.
OK, so back to the product at hand. I've been using this cream every night for the last three weeks, and my-oh-my is my skin feeling smooth! It's like baby's-butt smooth. Expensive Italian leather smooth. And the coolest thing is that it's fading some of those obnoxious red marks that are left over after you pick at your zits (big no-no, by the way - it's a habit I'm trying to break). I can't really make an assessment if it's shrunk my pores or lessened my few wrinkles (yes, I have a few small wrinkles - if I had been serious about wearing sunscreen when I was younger, I might be whistling a different tune today). But I'd imagine over time that might be more apparent.
Regardless, at $15, this is a great value. However, please be advised that this heightens your sun sensitivity, so make sure you incorporate a good sunscreen into your daily beauty routine! Your wrinkle-free face will thank me for it.
So go check it out the next time you're at Walgreens. It's youth in a bottle, I swear!
(One last caution: some people have said that at first, AHA creams cause them to break out - a phenomenon known as "purging." Basically, the idea behind purging is that your skin gets rid of all the bad stuff before it can "heal" or whatever. I haven't had that kind of reaction with this product, but others have said that they stuck it out a week or two and it was like their skin did a complete 180 after it purged. I wanted to make you aware of this possibility so you don't post nasty things if you happen to get a breakout or two after trying this! Just stick with it and hopefully I won't let you down!)
Well believe it. Alpha Hydrox has a product called AHA Souffle, and it can help transform your face in ways you've never imagined! The Souffle is a 12% Glycolic Acid cream that you slather on your face at night (and/or in the morning), and with regular use, can produce great results.
Brief tutorial on alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). I won't bother to tell you about the chemical makeup because after all, this is blog about beauty, not chemistry. In a nutshell, they are naturally occurring acids derived from sugar in certain plants. They basically help speed up cell turnover in your skin by dissolving the gunk that holds your dead skin cells together (and yes, "gunk" is a highly technical term). The result - smoother, even-toned skin. Glycolic acid, the ingredient I mentioned above, is one of several AHAs.
OK, so back to the product at hand. I've been using this cream every night for the last three weeks, and my-oh-my is my skin feeling smooth! It's like baby's-butt smooth. Expensive Italian leather smooth. And the coolest thing is that it's fading some of those obnoxious red marks that are left over after you pick at your zits (big no-no, by the way - it's a habit I'm trying to break). I can't really make an assessment if it's shrunk my pores or lessened my few wrinkles (yes, I have a few small wrinkles - if I had been serious about wearing sunscreen when I was younger, I might be whistling a different tune today). But I'd imagine over time that might be more apparent.
Regardless, at $15, this is a great value. However, please be advised that this heightens your sun sensitivity, so make sure you incorporate a good sunscreen into your daily beauty routine! Your wrinkle-free face will thank me for it.
So go check it out the next time you're at Walgreens. It's youth in a bottle, I swear!
(One last caution: some people have said that at first, AHA creams cause them to break out - a phenomenon known as "purging." Basically, the idea behind purging is that your skin gets rid of all the bad stuff before it can "heal" or whatever. I haven't had that kind of reaction with this product, but others have said that they stuck it out a week or two and it was like their skin did a complete 180 after it purged. I wanted to make you aware of this possibility so you don't post nasty things if you happen to get a breakout or two after trying this! Just stick with it and hopefully I won't let you down!)
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Murphy's Law of makeup
It figures. As soon as my quest for the perfect mascara ends, thanks to one amazing product, I find out it's being discontinued.
Allow me to elaborate. As I've stated many times, I've been on a mission to find the perfect looks-like-I'm-wearing-false-lashes mascara for, well, as long as I've been wearing makeup. I've found a few standout products along the way, but nothing has satisfied me completely.
My quest ended when I tried Christian Dior's Maximeyes mascara in Maxi Black. I tried it upon a recommendation from a friend and I was wowed the second I put it on. It was as if I had put on false lashes. My lashes were long, full and curled. And NO clumps!
Of course, it's just my luck that this mascara is being discontinued. Apparently the Forces That Be are against my quest for perfect lashes. At the least, it's a classic example of the Murphy's Law of makeup. Next time I find the perfect product, I'll be sure to knock on wood to ensure it's not stolen away from me!
I'll still be able to get this mascara for the time being, but it saddens me that one day, I will have to find something to take its place. But for now, me and my almost false lashes will continue to look fabulous. And if you want fab lashes like mine, pick up a tube - before it's too late!
Allow me to elaborate. As I've stated many times, I've been on a mission to find the perfect looks-like-I'm-wearing-false-lashes mascara for, well, as long as I've been wearing makeup. I've found a few standout products along the way, but nothing has satisfied me completely.
My quest ended when I tried Christian Dior's Maximeyes mascara in Maxi Black. I tried it upon a recommendation from a friend and I was wowed the second I put it on. It was as if I had put on false lashes. My lashes were long, full and curled. And NO clumps!
Of course, it's just my luck that this mascara is being discontinued. Apparently the Forces That Be are against my quest for perfect lashes. At the least, it's a classic example of the Murphy's Law of makeup. Next time I find the perfect product, I'll be sure to knock on wood to ensure it's not stolen away from me!
I'll still be able to get this mascara for the time being, but it saddens me that one day, I will have to find something to take its place. But for now, me and my almost false lashes will continue to look fabulous. And if you want fab lashes like mine, pick up a tube - before it's too late!
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Puttin' on the glitz
I have an unhealthy amount of shimmery makeup. Anything that sparkles, shimmers or glitters is - in my opinion - to die for! You're probably picturing me walking around like a human disco ball, but the key to pulling off shimmer is moderation. I pick one feature and play that up with a little sparkle. Today I'm going to talk about my favorite shimmery products for my eyes!
Hands down, my go-to shimmery eyeshadows are Bare Escentuals Glimmers. These loose eyeshadows are very sheer and super shimmery - the shimmer isn't obvious, but rather a subdued, grown-up kind of shimmer. You can put them on dry for a super sheer hint of sparkle or you can put them on wet for a more dramatic "foiled" look. If I had to recommend just one Glimmer shade, I'd pick Grace. This shadow is a perfect shade of light beige with a hint of gold. It's perfect for every day.
I also love Wet and Wild's MegaEyes creme eyeshadows. These tiny tubes are $2 a pop, and come in a variety of shades. They are very sheer and perfectly subtle, and they have a lovely shimmer to them. My favorite shade is Cafe au Lait, a neutral beige with a hint of bronze and just the right amount of sparkle. These shadows also are great as a base for layering other shimmery shadows .
Finally, my newest favorite shimmery shadow is Stila Kitten. Again, this shade is a neutral beige with a beautiful pearly shimmer. I just traded a fellow beauty lover for this shade, and have been wearing it every day since then!
Rather than saving your shimmery makeup for nighttime, try it for daytime. But make sure you don't overdo it! Pick one feature to accentuate with shimmer - eyes, lips, cheeks - and focus your sparkly products on that area only. You'll love how you look!
Hands down, my go-to shimmery eyeshadows are Bare Escentuals Glimmers. These loose eyeshadows are very sheer and super shimmery - the shimmer isn't obvious, but rather a subdued, grown-up kind of shimmer. You can put them on dry for a super sheer hint of sparkle or you can put them on wet for a more dramatic "foiled" look. If I had to recommend just one Glimmer shade, I'd pick Grace. This shadow is a perfect shade of light beige with a hint of gold. It's perfect for every day.
I also love Wet and Wild's MegaEyes creme eyeshadows. These tiny tubes are $2 a pop, and come in a variety of shades. They are very sheer and perfectly subtle, and they have a lovely shimmer to them. My favorite shade is Cafe au Lait, a neutral beige with a hint of bronze and just the right amount of sparkle. These shadows also are great as a base for layering other shimmery shadows .
Finally, my newest favorite shimmery shadow is Stila Kitten. Again, this shade is a neutral beige with a beautiful pearly shimmer. I just traded a fellow beauty lover for this shade, and have been wearing it every day since then!
Rather than saving your shimmery makeup for nighttime, try it for daytime. But make sure you don't overdo it! Pick one feature to accentuate with shimmer - eyes, lips, cheeks - and focus your sparkly products on that area only. You'll love how you look!
Friday, March 2, 2007
Pucker up!
I discovered the most amazing lip gloss yesterday. I was at Walgreens picking up dish soap and envelopes, and wandered into the beauty section for an obligatory look-see. I nearly walked past a display of cosmetics right next to the cash register, but a wide range of lip glosses in fun colors caught my eye... not to mention the "2 for $3.00" signs all over the display!!
The brand? InColor by Jordana. Most of you may be unfamiliar with this line, as I was before I joined an online makeup discussion site (I know, it's a sickness). But after hearing about how some of the women love items from this line (we're talking women who usually use nothing but high end brands like MAC or Chanel), I made a vow to give it a shot!
I picked up two of their lip products - their Natural Glaze Lip Shine and their Squeeze n' Shine gloss. Wow. That's all I can say. I'm so impressed with the quality of a gloss that cost me $1.50! The Lip Shine shade I selected was Pink Grapefruit. It's a lovely shade of sheer pink and it smells just like pink lemonade. It doesn't get sticky and I don't have to reapply it every 10 minutes!
The Squeeze n' Shine is equally gorgeous! I chose the Be Coralful shade, which looked like a rather obnoxious shade of bright coral pink in the tube. However, I remembered a makeup buddy saying that this gloss was not highly pigmented and the shades were nice and sheer. And indeed that was the case! The obnoxious shade in the tube turns into a lovely sheer color on my lips and has a hint of sparkle. It has a sweet smell, which I don't mind, but others may find a bit cloying.
The brand? InColor by Jordana. Most of you may be unfamiliar with this line, as I was before I joined an online makeup discussion site (I know, it's a sickness). But after hearing about how some of the women love items from this line (we're talking women who usually use nothing but high end brands like MAC or Chanel), I made a vow to give it a shot!
I picked up two of their lip products - their Natural Glaze Lip Shine and their Squeeze n' Shine gloss. Wow. That's all I can say. I'm so impressed with the quality of a gloss that cost me $1.50! The Lip Shine shade I selected was Pink Grapefruit. It's a lovely shade of sheer pink and it smells just like pink lemonade. It doesn't get sticky and I don't have to reapply it every 10 minutes!
The Squeeze n' Shine is equally gorgeous! I chose the Be Coralful shade, which looked like a rather obnoxious shade of bright coral pink in the tube. However, I remembered a makeup buddy saying that this gloss was not highly pigmented and the shades were nice and sheer. And indeed that was the case! The obnoxious shade in the tube turns into a lovely sheer color on my lips and has a hint of sparkle. It has a sweet smell, which I don't mind, but others may find a bit cloying.
(L: Lip Shine in Pink Grapefruit, R: Squeeze n' Shine in Be Coralful)
For a minimal investment of $1.50 per tube, I'm forever hooked on these glosses! I'd love to try some other shades as well. The Natural Glaze Lip Shine comes in four other shades: Raspberry, Mochacchino, Banana Creme and Watermelon. Squeeze n' Shine comes in an additonal five shades: Clear, Lollipop, Peach Sand, Pink Punk, and Honey Luau. Heck, I could try them all for $13.50 - less than the cost of one MAC or Chanel lipgloss! With a value like that, how can you pass?
Friday, February 23, 2007
The Holy Grail of mascaras? Quite possibly...
You may remember I have eyelash issues... Eyelash envy, if you will. I'm constantly lusting after the long, lush lashes you see on the models in magazine ads. Granted, many of these models are wearing falsies, so realistically, I probably never will achieve such greatness with my own God-given eyelashes. But, I might be able to come pretty darn close.
How, you ask? Thanks to my latest discovery, I'm sporting long, thick separated lashes. This miracle product is none other than Chanel Inimitable mascara. I've been a fan of Chanel cosmetics over the years, but they come with quite the price tag attached. Thus, I usually pass on the brand. But I read so many great reviews and saw so many amazing pictures of people wearing this mascara on MakeupAlley, that I figured I couldn't go wrong.
The reason it's so great, in my humble opinion, is because it takes a similar "revolutionary" brush that you'd find in Cover Girl's Lash Exact, and pairs it with an amazing, high-end mascara formula. So lashes are longer, more volumized and more separated than ever!
And (as if it could get better), it's used by a well-known celebrity. Jennifer Aniston is also a fan of Inimitable. So if it's good enough for her, you know it's gotta be good!
You can get it in Black (Noir) or Brown (Brun), and it will set you back $26.50. A big splurge for mascara (I budgeted in other areas so I could justify buying it!), but believe me, I don't think you'll regret it!
How, you ask? Thanks to my latest discovery, I'm sporting long, thick separated lashes. This miracle product is none other than Chanel Inimitable mascara. I've been a fan of Chanel cosmetics over the years, but they come with quite the price tag attached. Thus, I usually pass on the brand. But I read so many great reviews and saw so many amazing pictures of people wearing this mascara on MakeupAlley, that I figured I couldn't go wrong.The reason it's so great, in my humble opinion, is because it takes a similar "revolutionary" brush that you'd find in Cover Girl's Lash Exact, and pairs it with an amazing, high-end mascara formula. So lashes are longer, more volumized and more separated than ever!
And (as if it could get better), it's used by a well-known celebrity. Jennifer Aniston is also a fan of Inimitable. So if it's good enough for her, you know it's gotta be good!
You can get it in Black (Noir) or Brown (Brun), and it will set you back $26.50. A big splurge for mascara (I budgeted in other areas so I could justify buying it!), but believe me, I don't think you'll regret it!
Monday, February 19, 2007
I'm a Barbie Girl...reluctantly
Rarely do I get caught up in the hype of advertising. Companies can try their best to convince me that I want something, but it's not until I hear from other reliable sources about how great a product really is, that I actually want it.
My case in point is the Barbie Loves MAC limited edition make up line by MAC Cosmetics.
The Barbie Loves MAC collection is a collaboration between MAC Cosmetics and Mattel. As you can see from the marketing photo, the colors are inspired by the makeup Barbie wears (those are real models, not dolls - I swear!) and are named appropriately. One could pick up Malibu Barbie colored lip gloss (which, if you're wondering, is bright fuchsia - which is all too appropriate for Barbie, but probably not so much for the average woman), or an eye shadow in Springtime Skipper (if you remember, Skipper is Barbie's little sister), which is a pearly mint green shade.
I'm not a regular MAC make up user. It's not that I don't like the line. I just haven't bought much from it. I did, however, own a good many Barbies when I was little. And although I always wanted to look like her when I was younger, I can't imagine wearing those bright colors now. Thus, I had no desire to buy anything from this collection.
That was, until people on MakeupAlley (my trusted source for beauty information) started talking about one particular eye shadow shade - Moth Brown. This shade was previously released in a different limited edition MAC collection, but due to its huge popularity, was brought back for the Barbie collection. My fellow make up comrades on MakeupAlley raved about this eyeshadow shade - it's what you'd call a "complex" shade. It's brown, but has silver, grey, purple and blue undertones. With all those undertones, you can pair it with tons of other shades. People raved so much about how fabulous and versatile it was, that when I went to the MAC counter to get a birthday present for a friend, I decide to check it out for myself. I was sold on it as soon as the sales associated showed me the color on her hand. In the pot, it looks blah, but when you put it on your skin, it shines. It's iridescent and beautiful. The perfect shade for a smokey eye that's not too smokey.
So if you're like me and don't get caught up in advertising hype, take my advice to at least check this shade out. It could be a valuable addition to your makeup collection.
My case in point is the Barbie Loves MAC limited edition make up line by MAC Cosmetics.
The Barbie Loves MAC collection is a collaboration between MAC Cosmetics and Mattel. As you can see from the marketing photo, the colors are inspired by the makeup Barbie wears (those are real models, not dolls - I swear!) and are named appropriately. One could pick up Malibu Barbie colored lip gloss (which, if you're wondering, is bright fuchsia - which is all too appropriate for Barbie, but probably not so much for the average woman), or an eye shadow in Springtime Skipper (if you remember, Skipper is Barbie's little sister), which is a pearly mint green shade.
I'm not a regular MAC make up user. It's not that I don't like the line. I just haven't bought much from it. I did, however, own a good many Barbies when I was little. And although I always wanted to look like her when I was younger, I can't imagine wearing those bright colors now. Thus, I had no desire to buy anything from this collection.
That was, until people on MakeupAlley (my trusted source for beauty information) started talking about one particular eye shadow shade - Moth Brown. This shade was previously released in a different limited edition MAC collection, but due to its huge popularity, was brought back for the Barbie collection. My fellow make up comrades on MakeupAlley raved about this eyeshadow shade - it's what you'd call a "complex" shade. It's brown, but has silver, grey, purple and blue undertones. With all those undertones, you can pair it with tons of other shades. People raved so much about how fabulous and versatile it was, that when I went to the MAC counter to get a birthday present for a friend, I decide to check it out for myself. I was sold on it as soon as the sales associated showed me the color on her hand. In the pot, it looks blah, but when you put it on your skin, it shines. It's iridescent and beautiful. The perfect shade for a smokey eye that's not too smokey.
So if you're like me and don't get caught up in advertising hype, take my advice to at least check this shade out. It could be a valuable addition to your makeup collection.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Un"bare"ably beautiful
I bet you've seen the infomercials or the perky QVC women gushing over how well this product works. The countless demonstrations of "Swirl, Tap, and Brush." I'm, of course, talking about bareMinerals makeup, made by Bare Escentuals.
Minerals are the In thing right now, but Bare Escentuals has been around since 1976 (I'm as shocked as you are about that!). They started this mineral revolution. And, in my opinion, they are the company to check out of you're considering mineral makeup.
What is mineral makeup? Well, unlike traditional liquid foundation, bareMinerals is in powder form. According to their website, they make their products with crushed minerals from the earth, which makes it 100% pure. No preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance or other things that cause your skin to freak out. And (as if it could get any better??) they claim that using their makeup will actually improve your skin. Can it possibly be true? Can minerals help your face?
Well, I say they do. I switched to bareMinerals about six months ago, after becoming frustrated with how liquid foundation felt on my face. I'd seen the demonstrations on TV, and thought it could be gimmicky. But the claims, if they were actually true, warranted testing it out. After all, I could always return it.
When I ventured out to the store to pick it up, I learned that there are several options for purchasing the makeup. You can buy the kit, which comes with 2 shades of foundation, their Mineral Veil finishing powder, a "warm" all over face color, and 3 brushes. OR, you can just buy the foundation on its own. The latter is the way to go. I say skip all that stuff in the kit, and just start out with the foundation. It will cost you less than half the cost of the kit, plus you can pick out a foundation that matches your skin better.
Another super important thing you'll need to invest in is a brush. But don't bother to buy the Bare Escentuals brushes. You can save yourself money by picking one up at your local drugstore that's just as good. I strongly urge you to buy the Essence of Beauty Kabuki brush. It's amazing, and it's almost a third of the price of the brand name brush. (Please note that the brush pictured below is Bare Escentuals - I just want you to know what a kabuki brush looks like so you can go to CVS and pick out the Essence of Beauty brush, which apparently you can't find a picture of on the Internet!)
OK, back to the part about how great it works. I used to get occasional breakouts, like many other women. That has dramatically decreased since I began using this makeup. They say it's so good for your skin that you can sleep in it. I have done so on many occasions, and although I wouldn't recommend doing it on a regular basis (come on, your skin needs to breathe sometimes!), it certainly won't cause you to wake up to a zit forest on your chin. Plus, it makes your skin tone look so even and smooth. Supposedly, the Mineral Veil creates even more of an "airbrushed" look, but I've personally never used it.
Bottom line? It's not a gimmick. It will make your skin look amazing, clear up problem areas (some have said it's even improved fine lines!), and will feel like you're wearing nothing on your face. And if you're at all like me and hate the feeling of heavy makeup, you'll appreciate that feature more than any of the other benefits combined.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Something to smile about
I was paging through the February issue of Allure (one of several fashion/beauty mags I read on a regular basis) and a sidebar in the magazine caught my eye. "Put on a Happy Face," it read. The content of this mini-article certainly put a smile on my face, as it provides evidence that wearing makeup is good your well-being. Finally, my passion has been legitimatized.
Rather than try to put author Jessica B. Matlin's words into my own, I'd rather quote them here verbatim for those of you who don't read Allure. (And I suppose I'm also feeling a little lazy, given it's late on a Sunday evening and I just want to go to bed!)
Put on a Happy Face
As if you needed an excuse to buy a new lipstick - according to experts, cosmetics can actually make you happier. Seeing yourself in a new shade or patting on a luxurious product can give more payoff than even the most lavish gift with purchase.
IT'S UPBEAT
"Applying makeup is a fundamentally optimistic act," says Michael Cunningham, a professor of psychology and communication at the University of Louisville. "It shows that you are ready to go out into society and want to be looked at in a positive light. When people become depressed, they stop caring about their appearance. They get into sweats and sleep."
IT'S COLORFUL
"The shades you choose can affect how you feel," Cunningham says. "Warmer hues, especially rose, produce feelings of hope, while cooler ones, such as light blue or dark green, induce feelings of calm." Select your lipstick, blush, and eye-shadow colors accordingly.
IT'S CONTAGIOUS
"Cosmetics send signals to other people," says Helen Fisher, a professor of anthropology at Rutgers University. "And happiness breeds happiness. People actually feel better when they're around others who radiate positivity, and that's the purpose makeup aims to serve. Rosy-colored cheeks and large, bright eyes connote youth, vitality, and happiness."
IT'S EXCITING
"Novelty is a natural stimulant," Fisher says. "It drives up dopamine in the brain. That feeling you get when you find that perfect lipstick is your reaction to its newness."
IT'S CALMING
"The whole ritual of putting on cosmetics is soothing," Cunningham says. "Performing small actions deliberately and carefully can be tranquil. And spending time focusing on yourself can be very restorative."
I couldn't agree more.
Rather than try to put author Jessica B. Matlin's words into my own, I'd rather quote them here verbatim for those of you who don't read Allure. (And I suppose I'm also feeling a little lazy, given it's late on a Sunday evening and I just want to go to bed!)
Put on a Happy Face
As if you needed an excuse to buy a new lipstick - according to experts, cosmetics can actually make you happier. Seeing yourself in a new shade or patting on a luxurious product can give more payoff than even the most lavish gift with purchase.
IT'S UPBEAT
"Applying makeup is a fundamentally optimistic act," says Michael Cunningham, a professor of psychology and communication at the University of Louisville. "It shows that you are ready to go out into society and want to be looked at in a positive light. When people become depressed, they stop caring about their appearance. They get into sweats and sleep."
IT'S COLORFUL
"The shades you choose can affect how you feel," Cunningham says. "Warmer hues, especially rose, produce feelings of hope, while cooler ones, such as light blue or dark green, induce feelings of calm." Select your lipstick, blush, and eye-shadow colors accordingly.
IT'S CONTAGIOUS
"Cosmetics send signals to other people," says Helen Fisher, a professor of anthropology at Rutgers University. "And happiness breeds happiness. People actually feel better when they're around others who radiate positivity, and that's the purpose makeup aims to serve. Rosy-colored cheeks and large, bright eyes connote youth, vitality, and happiness."
IT'S EXCITING
"Novelty is a natural stimulant," Fisher says. "It drives up dopamine in the brain. That feeling you get when you find that perfect lipstick is your reaction to its newness."
IT'S CALMING
"The whole ritual of putting on cosmetics is soothing," Cunningham says. "Performing small actions deliberately and carefully can be tranquil. And spending time focusing on yourself can be very restorative."
I couldn't agree more.
Monday, January 29, 2007
13th Annual SAG Awards
Celebrities flocked to L.A.'s Shrine Exposition Center this Sunday for the second big awards show of the red carpet season, the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Unlike the Globes, this year everyone looked amazing. In fact, I struggled to come up with my picks for the worst looks of the night. Picking the best looks of the night was a much easier task, so I'll start with those!
Hands down, Mariska Hargitay stole the show for me. She. Looked. So. Good. The smokey eye makeup, neutral lip, and loose tendrils... Perfection. See for yourself!
Reese Witherspoon followed in her own footsteps from the Golden Globes, again donning a knee-length Nina Ricci dress. She complemented her new bangs with a loose and relaxed updo. Again, she's the portrait of understated elegance. So classy!
Also topping my list, just as she did for the Globes, is Jennifer Hudson. Her skin absolutely glows (I'm dying to know what products she used). I'm not wild about her dress, but it sure does show off her curves.
Another dewy faced diva that tops my list is Eva Longoria. I'll come right out and admit my sheer and utter jealousy of her eyelashes. Granted, they're probably fake, but she wears them as if they were her own. And what a glow she has about her. Must be her engagement to Tony Parker that's putting that sparkle in her eye!
Hands down, Mariska Hargitay stole the show for me. She. Looked. So. Good. The smokey eye makeup, neutral lip, and loose tendrils... Perfection. See for yourself!
Reese Witherspoon followed in her own footsteps from the Golden Globes, again donning a knee-length Nina Ricci dress. She complemented her new bangs with a loose and relaxed updo. Again, she's the portrait of understated elegance. So classy!Also topping my list, just as she did for the Globes, is Jennifer Hudson. Her skin absolutely glows (I'm dying to know what products she used). I'm not wild about her dress, but it sure does show off her curves. Another dewy faced diva that tops my list is Eva Longoria. I'll come right out and admit my sheer and utter jealousy of her eyelashes. Granted, they're probably fake, but she wears them as if they were her own. And what a glow she has about her. Must be her engagement to Tony Parker that's putting that sparkle in her eye!
Kate Walsh of Grey's Anatomy also tops my list. I love redheads, though admittedly, I wouldn't want to be one, but Kate works her red hair like no one else. I love the pale yellow dress and the berry lip she's rocking - it goes so perfectly with her skin tone. It's tough to work with auburn tresses, but she does it well.
Finally, I once again am totally digging on America Ferrera. She just does it right every time! Again, she's gone with a jewel-tone dress and simple-but-elegant hair. I love the berry lip on her as well - it suits her. I love this girl!
There were so many great looks this year, that I have to at least give out some Honorable Mentions. Here's a shout out to the women who rocked their looks, and due to space (and time), couldn't be included in this post.
Honorable Mentions: Anne Hathaway, Nicolette Sheridan, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Oh, Sara Ramirez, and Terri Hatcher.
Okay. Now for the bad. Like I said, it was tough to be anything but impressed with what I saw, but there were a few women who definitely donned Don't outfits.
First, we've got Debi Mazar from Entourage. I don't watch the show, so I don't know if this is how she looks all the time, but ay yai yai! She looks like a creature from outer space. Scary!
The next victim is Kiersten Warren from Desperate Housewives. I didn't like this woman on the show, and my dislike has continued onto the red carpet. Is that a beehive? She also needs to get her girls to stand a little more, uh, upright, if you know what I mean. Probably not the best choice of necklines.
Next, we have Elizabeth Perkins from Weeds. It's not that she looks bad. I just don't care for it all put together. I think it's a little too matchy-matchy for my taste. The hair nearly matches the dress, which exactly matches the lipstick. I don't think the color is flattering for her as other colors would be.
It looks like I'm having to "pass on grass" this year, as far as the women from Weeds are concerned. Next on my list is Mary Louise Parker. This look is more appropriate for a small child. Her shoes are atrocious, as is the dress. In fact, she looks like a small child in this ensemble.
I love me some Meredith on Grey's Anatomy, but I don't love me some Ellen Pompeo at this year's SAG awards. Her hair looks so severe when it's pulled back so tight. And while I love the stunning color of the dress, the tortoiseshell detailing at the neck is just plain weird. Her makeup, however, looks quite nice.
Finally, I'm having to add Rachel McAdams to the worst looks list. I'd love to sit this girl down and talk to her about the pink hair. It has got to go. I used to dip my hair in Kool-Aid to get that look, back when that look was still cool (I'm talking, like, 1994). I'm praying the pink hair can be attributed to a role she's currently working on; if not, she needs a style intervention.
And finally, I've got to give a special mention to Patricia Arquette, who did a total 180 from the Golden Globes. This time around, she sported a much softer look. The hair color is so much more complementary, and the style is much more elegant. She's toned down the jewelry (that necklace is worth $1 million - I certainly can't turn my nose down at that!), and the dress is flattering. I'm glad she made such a great turnaround. I just wish I had a better picture to show you all.
I'm looking forward to what these stars will come up with next on the red carpet. Next stop, Oscars!
Friday, January 26, 2007
To clump or not to clump? That is the question.
I was cursed with short, sparse eyelashes. It makes little sense to me, because the hair on my head is as thick and long as can be - you'd think some of that fullness could have transferred to my eyelashes. But it didn't, so I'm forced to deal with my lack of eyelashes on a daily basis. Thus, I'm on a constant quest for the miracle mascara that can transform my lashes into long lusciousness.
But my biggest gripe about most of the mascaras that I've tried is that they deposit icky black clumps on my lashes. Yeah, that looks really natural. If I'm trying to hide the fact that I'm lacking in the lash department, a clumpy fringe blows my cover.
That's why I was so excited to try a mascara with the new, "revolutionary" brush that, rather than the typical nylon bristles, has rubber bristles. Such bristles, the companies claim, help deposit the mascara more evenly for fewer clumps.
An answer to my prayers - this was just what I had been looking for. On a weekly Target run, I picked up a tube of Cover Girl's Lash Exact (available at any drugstore for around $6). I, being the product junkie that I am, like to try things out as soon as I get them. So I went home, cleaned off my eye makeup, curled my lashes (which is a must for my feeble fringe), and carefully applied the mascara. I stepped back, looked in the mirror, and voila! My lashes were separated, long, and natural looking! It was, indeed, a miracle!
I've been using their mascara ever since. But what I was still lacking when I used the product was volume. I had the long, clump-free lashes of my dreams, but they were still a little puny in the grand scheme of things. I discovered a formula for semi-clump-free, voluminous lashes when I tried layering a second coat of Benefit's BadGal Lash (which gives serious volume, but deposits the typical clumps). It was a workable solution for those nights out when I wanted to make my eyes pop. But it was growing tiresome having to constantly tote two mascaras around.
Then I saw the commercials for Cover Girl's follow-up to Lash Exact: Volume Exact. My prayers were answered! A volume mascara that had the revolutionary anti-clump brush! But would it, could it, work? I turned to one of my most trusted sources for answers: MakeupAlley (MUA). If you love makeup, or even just want some basic questions answered, this website's message board is the perfect place to turn. I posted a question asking for reviews of the mascara. I expected the MUAers to sing its praises, but the responses were less than praiseworthy. Many said that Lash Exact was much better than the new Volume Exact. Some said it was clumpy. And others said it was okay.
Given the mixed reviews, I decided to try for myself. As much as I hate to say it, I'm sorely disappointed. Granted, I've only been using it for two days, and I was in a rush to get ready in the morning both days. Thus, my mascara application time was shorter than usual. Regardless, however, when I put this stuff on, there is very little volume and even some *gasp!* clumping! I'll give it another week with more careful application, but my first impression of this product is that you'd be better off with the original version. Who needs volume when you can happily live clump-free?
But my biggest gripe about most of the mascaras that I've tried is that they deposit icky black clumps on my lashes. Yeah, that looks really natural. If I'm trying to hide the fact that I'm lacking in the lash department, a clumpy fringe blows my cover.
That's why I was so excited to try a mascara with the new, "revolutionary" brush that, rather than the typical nylon bristles, has rubber bristles. Such bristles, the companies claim, help deposit the mascara more evenly for fewer clumps.
An answer to my prayers - this was just what I had been looking for. On a weekly Target run, I picked up a tube of Cover Girl's Lash Exact (available at any drugstore for around $6). I, being the product junkie that I am, like to try things out as soon as I get them. So I went home, cleaned off my eye makeup, curled my lashes (which is a must for my feeble fringe), and carefully applied the mascara. I stepped back, looked in the mirror, and voila! My lashes were separated, long, and natural looking! It was, indeed, a miracle!
I've been using their mascara ever since. But what I was still lacking when I used the product was volume. I had the long, clump-free lashes of my dreams, but they were still a little puny in the grand scheme of things. I discovered a formula for semi-clump-free, voluminous lashes when I tried layering a second coat of Benefit's BadGal Lash (which gives serious volume, but deposits the typical clumps). It was a workable solution for those nights out when I wanted to make my eyes pop. But it was growing tiresome having to constantly tote two mascaras around.Then I saw the commercials for Cover Girl's follow-up to Lash Exact: Volume Exact. My prayers were answered! A volume mascara that had the revolutionary anti-clump brush! But would it, could it, work? I turned to one of my most trusted sources for answers: MakeupAlley (MUA). If you love makeup, or even just want some basic questions answered, this website's message board is the perfect place to turn. I posted a question asking for reviews of the mascara. I expected the MUAers to sing its praises, but the responses were less than praiseworthy. Many said that Lash Exact was much better than the new Volume Exact. Some said it was clumpy. And others said it was okay.
Given the mixed reviews, I decided to try for myself. As much as I hate to say it, I'm sorely disappointed. Granted, I've only been using it for two days, and I was in a rush to get ready in the morning both days. Thus, my mascara application time was shorter than usual. Regardless, however, when I put this stuff on, there is very little volume and even some *gasp!* clumping! I'll give it another week with more careful application, but my first impression of this product is that you'd be better off with the original version. Who needs volume when you can happily live clump-free?Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Signature Scents...
I'm a fragrance amateur. Olfactorily challenged, if you will. I can't tell you the difference between eau de toilette and eau de parfum. Sandalwood, bergamot, patchouli...I have no idea what these are supposed to smell like. I was not blessed with "the nose," or un nez, as the French say.
But I do know what I like (and what I don't like). On a recent trip to ULTA, I was reminded of a scent I had long forgotten. A scent I discovered on a trip to the French Riviera nearly ten years ago, at a perfume factory called Fragonard. Located in small village called Eze, near the city of Nice, the factory offers tourists a look inside the world of perfumery. The best part, by far, was the fabulous boutique of products at factory prices. We're talking French-milled soaps in glorious scents like freesia, lavender, verbena and honeysuckle, for as little as 3.50 Euro. (FYI, Fragonard also has a factory in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, as well as a boutique in Paris).
As I was stocking up on soaps, I came across a fragrance that, at the time, was the best smelling fragrance I had ever experienced. It was called Bouquet Marin, and came in a lovely little bottle with a corked top. It wasn't meant to be spritzed on, but rather splashed. The scent (to my novice nose) was fresh and beachy. It was the smell of the ocean captured in a bottle. I was in love.
This fragrance, in the eyes of the great perfumers, was nothing to brag about. I mean, it came in a bottle with a cork - not exactly swanky. But to me, it was perfect. I hate heavy scents, so the lightness of this eau de toilette was perfect. I proudly brought it home with me and wore it every day for a year. It was my signature scent.
As time went by, however, the bottle got pushed to the back of my perfumes and was eventually forgotten - at least until I picked up a perfume at ULTA and was immediately reminded of my former signature scent.
L'eau d'Issey, by Issey Miyake, is described as a "floral-aquatic" fragrance with notes of lotus, freesia, peony and carnation (among others). This perfume is the closest I've ever come to smelling something reminiscent of my once-favorite perfume, except more sophisticated and refined. And although I may have outgrown my former signature scent, I think L'eau d'Issey might be an appropriate replacement. If nothing else, the perfume will remind me of my wonderful trip to France. To be reminded of that every day, particularly in the dreary winter months, is well worth the price.
But I do know what I like (and what I don't like). On a recent trip to ULTA, I was reminded of a scent I had long forgotten. A scent I discovered on a trip to the French Riviera nearly ten years ago, at a perfume factory called Fragonard. Located in small village called Eze, near the city of Nice, the factory offers tourists a look inside the world of perfumery. The best part, by far, was the fabulous boutique of products at factory prices. We're talking French-milled soaps in glorious scents like freesia, lavender, verbena and honeysuckle, for as little as 3.50 Euro. (FYI, Fragonard also has a factory in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, as well as a boutique in Paris).
As I was stocking up on soaps, I came across a fragrance that, at the time, was the best smelling fragrance I had ever experienced. It was called Bouquet Marin, and came in a lovely little bottle with a corked top. It wasn't meant to be spritzed on, but rather splashed. The scent (to my novice nose) was fresh and beachy. It was the smell of the ocean captured in a bottle. I was in love.
This fragrance, in the eyes of the great perfumers, was nothing to brag about. I mean, it came in a bottle with a cork - not exactly swanky. But to me, it was perfect. I hate heavy scents, so the lightness of this eau de toilette was perfect. I proudly brought it home with me and wore it every day for a year. It was my signature scent.
As time went by, however, the bottle got pushed to the back of my perfumes and was eventually forgotten - at least until I picked up a perfume at ULTA and was immediately reminded of my former signature scent.
L'eau d'Issey, by Issey Miyake, is described as a "floral-aquatic" fragrance with notes of lotus, freesia, peony and carnation (among others). This perfume is the closest I've ever come to smelling something reminiscent of my once-favorite perfume, except more sophisticated and refined. And although I may have outgrown my former signature scent, I think L'eau d'Issey might be an appropriate replacement. If nothing else, the perfume will remind me of my wonderful trip to France. To be reminded of that every day, particularly in the dreary winter months, is well worth the price.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Globe-a-licious
As you likely know, the 64th annual Golden Globes were held on Monday. In typical award show fashion, the celebs sported an array of looks that ranged from glam to garish.
Topping my list for best look of 2007 is Jennifer Hudson.
I was blown away when I saw her. The berry lip, the shimmery eye - she was right on target with this look. Dreamgirl, indeed!
Can we please talk about her skin? Flawless!
I'm such a fan of her new cut. The layers and bangs are perfect!
I was pleasantly surprised by Ali Larter. The Heroes star is undoubtedly gorgeous, but I've never seen her on the red carpet before so I didn't know what to expect from her. But she looked fabulous! Natural, sunny makeup, flowing waves, and an amazing dress reminiscent of a Grecian goddess (which is unfortunately not pictured here).
Another sunny blond who caught my eye was Sheryl Crow. She consistently impresses me on the red carpet, and this event was no exception. Can you believe that she's over 40? She has the skin of a teenager!
Topping my list for best look of 2007 is Jennifer Hudson.
I was blown away when I saw her. The berry lip, the shimmery eye - she was right on target with this look. Dreamgirl, indeed!Next up, I chose Salma Hayek. Her look is the epitome of sultry and smoldering (without being overdone).
Can we please talk about her skin? Flawless!Reese Witherspoon also had a flawless look. She embodies chic, understated elegance.
I'm such a fan of her new cut. The layers and bangs are perfect!I was pleasantly surprised by Ali Larter. The Heroes star is undoubtedly gorgeous, but I've never seen her on the red carpet before so I didn't know what to expect from her. But she looked fabulous! Natural, sunny makeup, flowing waves, and an amazing dress reminiscent of a Grecian goddess (which is unfortunately not pictured here).
Another sunny blond who caught my eye was Sheryl Crow. She consistently impresses me on the red carpet, and this event was no exception. Can you believe that she's over 40? She has the skin of a teenager!
Finally, my last favorite look goes to newcomer America Ferrera. Ugly Betty she most certainly is not! I love that she's becoming such an amazing role model for young girls.
Now the fun part - the worst looks of the red carpet!
Jean Smart (who knew she was still coming to these award shows??) takes the cake for the absolute worst look. Ever.
I think she must have gone to Glamour Shots to get this atrocious look. There's no way a Hollywood stylist or makeup artist would have ever created that!
Patricia Arquette is my second runner-up for worst look. You'd think the Medium could have sensed before she left the house that this look was no good.
The hair, the makeup, the jewelry - in my book, none of it works.
Sadly, I also have to give Katherine Heigel low marks - and it kills me to do this, because I think she's phenomenally gorgeous! But I just don't dig her makeup or her hair. The eyes seem a little too smoky, the lips look a little to nude, and the face is a little too bronze. And the hair... I'm not opposed to the 40's era pin-up girl look, but I just don't love it here.
You can't have a "worst looks" list without putting Sienna Miller on it. I think she's a beautiful girl, but I can't get my hands around the fashion and beauty choices she regularly makes.
What, is she channeling Princess Leia?? And this isn't even the worst picture of her from the night.
Next, we have Geena Davis. She's made Blackwell's Worst Dressed list before, and she lived up to that reputation with her Golden Globes look.
The obvious blush and unflattering lip color are what put me off from her look.
Lastly, and this one may cause a lot of disagreement, is Angelina Jolie. Don't get me wrong - she did look good. BUT, I just think she looks a little too Jeri Ryan-esq, circa Star Trek.
A poor comparison, indeed, but the voluminous updo, pouty lips and all-grey garb immediately made me think of this promo photo of Jeri.
All-in-all, however, most celebs were looking beautiful. It was a good year for the Globes.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Put your best face forward...
In keeping with the Smashbox theme (and as promised), I want to talk about Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer. This stuff is utterly divine - like, we're talking one of the best makeup products on the market.
After you moisturize (which is optional if your skin isn't naturally on the dry side) put a few drops in your palm and smooth it on your face. It's particularly great for your undereye area, and allows your concealer to go on ultra smooth. Once you've been "primed," simply put on your foundation as you normally would.
The genius behind this product is that it fills in all those little lines and pores that prevent your face from looking flawless. Once the lines and pores are filled, it leaves a smooth, even base for your foundation (or powder if you're more of a minimalist). No longer will your foundation sink into those little fine lines.
Seriously, this stuff is life-changing. I've done enough damage to my skin (thanks to years of sunbathing sans sunscreen - I know, shame on me!) that some fine lines are beginning to appear. But with a little primer every morning, you'd never know it. I will forever be thankful to Smashbox for this product!
After you moisturize (which is optional if your skin isn't naturally on the dry side) put a few drops in your palm and smooth it on your face. It's particularly great for your undereye area, and allows your concealer to go on ultra smooth. Once you've been "primed," simply put on your foundation as you normally would.
The genius behind this product is that it fills in all those little lines and pores that prevent your face from looking flawless. Once the lines and pores are filled, it leaves a smooth, even base for your foundation (or powder if you're more of a minimalist). No longer will your foundation sink into those little fine lines.
Seriously, this stuff is life-changing. I've done enough damage to my skin (thanks to years of sunbathing sans sunscreen - I know, shame on me!) that some fine lines are beginning to appear. But with a little primer every morning, you'd never know it. I will forever be thankful to Smashbox for this product!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Come and get it!
I headed to my local ULTA this past weekend to hit up their winter clearance sale (up to 85% off - a seriously fabulous sale). After walking around the store a few times, I came across a shelf that made my heart race - the beauty-buy of the month. ULTA has partnered exclusively with Smashbox to offer an amazing deal. The Backstage Beauty Basics Kit contains nine of Smashbox's top products: the ever-fabulous Photo Finish Foundation Primer (if you aren't familiar with this product, sit tight - I plan to talk about it in an upcoming post in the very near future), Emulsion Lip Exfoliant (for lips as soft as buttah!), Layer Lash Primer, That's a Wrap Mascara, Cream Eyeliner Duo, Blush/Softlights Duo, Fusion Eye Shadow, Lip Gloss, and an eyeliner brush.
Aside from the great products, the best part of the kit is the price! You can score all these products for just $60 - instead of the $185 it normally would cost you. What a deal, indeed! Of course, this deal won't last forever, so I suggest you run to your local ULTA (or check them out online at http://www.ulta.com/) before it's too late!
As a side note, if you do head into the store in the next few days, be sure to take advantage of the Buy One Get One sale on many of the drugstore brand products - Maybelline, Revlon, Almay and more!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Love those lips...
I'm a gloss-a-holic. I love the way lip gloss looks, feels, and sometimes, even smells! In fact, in the last few years, my gloss collection has more than doubled. As a typical makeup junkie, I have certain high-end brands that I adore - Stila, NARS, Lancome (I could go on and on). But seriously, I can't afford to support my gloss habit at $20 a pop.
So in my financially-strapped times, I head to my local drugstore to scout for new products. Honestly, more often than not, I'm sorely disappointed with what I pick out (an example that comes to mind is Sonia Kashuk's gloss - I was not impressed).
However, I recently scored a fabulous find in Maybelline's Lip Polish. I chose a medium pink shade with a hint of salmon, aptly named "Girly Pink." For only $5.49, I figured it was worth a shot.
Worth a shot, it was indeed! The gloss is creamy and smooth, and just sheer enough. The color isn't too garish, as I initially worried it might be. Rather, it's the perfect shade of...well, girly pink. It has zero tackiness, and some serious shine power. And with a sleek design, it looks more like Clinique's Glosswear for Lips than Maybelline.
I assure you, this gloss will not disappoint. And at only $5.49 per tube, you can easily afford to own all 14 shades.
So in my financially-strapped times, I head to my local drugstore to scout for new products. Honestly, more often than not, I'm sorely disappointed with what I pick out (an example that comes to mind is Sonia Kashuk's gloss - I was not impressed).
However, I recently scored a fabulous find in Maybelline's Lip Polish. I chose a medium pink shade with a hint of salmon, aptly named "Girly Pink." For only $5.49, I figured it was worth a shot.
Worth a shot, it was indeed! The gloss is creamy and smooth, and just sheer enough. The color isn't too garish, as I initially worried it might be. Rather, it's the perfect shade of...well, girly pink. It has zero tackiness, and some serious shine power. And with a sleek design, it looks more like Clinique's Glosswear for Lips than Maybelline.
I assure you, this gloss will not disappoint. And at only $5.49 per tube, you can easily afford to own all 14 shades.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Let's talk about eyes...
I love eyeshadow. With one sweep across your lid, your look is transformed. Smoky, natural, avant garde - the possibilities are endless!
But what I hate most about eyeshadow is how it inevitably will end up creeping up into the crease of your eyelid, leaving an unsightly line.
That all changed when I discovered Urban Decay's Primer Potion. I happened upon this product by utter and complete chance (and thank God I did!). My mom ordered my Christmas present from Sephora, complete with a free sample gift bag - 8 or 9 samples, including the Primer Potion. I was slightly skeptical about the primer when I saw it in the bag. Pssshhht, I thought, I've used primers before, and they never work as well as they say they do. The next morning, I gave it an obligatory try.
By the end of that day, I was in awe. My shadow was in still in place, crease free, looking as lustrous as it did when I applied it 12 hours prior! By the end of the week, I was a proud owner of the full-size version!
If you wear eyeshadow, I strongly urge you to try this product. At $14, it's not going to bankrupt you. And nothing is worse than the "crease," so if it means spending a little cash to prevent it, so be it.
But what I hate most about eyeshadow is how it inevitably will end up creeping up into the crease of your eyelid, leaving an unsightly line.
That all changed when I discovered Urban Decay's Primer Potion. I happened upon this product by utter and complete chance (and thank God I did!). My mom ordered my Christmas present from Sephora, complete with a free sample gift bag - 8 or 9 samples, including the Primer Potion. I was slightly skeptical about the primer when I saw it in the bag. Pssshhht, I thought, I've used primers before, and they never work as well as they say they do. The next morning, I gave it an obligatory try.
By the end of that day, I was in awe. My shadow was in still in place, crease free, looking as lustrous as it did when I applied it 12 hours prior! By the end of the week, I was a proud owner of the full-size version!
If you wear eyeshadow, I strongly urge you to try this product. At $14, it's not going to bankrupt you. And nothing is worse than the "crease," so if it means spending a little cash to prevent it, so be it.
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