October Favorites!

October 2013 Products of the Month:

Oh boy!  It's been a bit since I got around to doing a favorites post, and even longer since I did a video for one.  Sometimes I get so caught up in the individual daily reviews that I forget to add some other types of content to me blog here.  This is kind of like a review of course, but at least it's in a different format and is a bit more conversational.  Hope you enjoy! 

Lips:

Urban Decay Stardust Lipgloss- I think I picked this lip gloss up from Ulta.com one day.  One of those random things you just throw in your online cart to reach the free shipping qualifications, but it was one of the best random buys I've ever made.  It's got a minty taste and smell to it and the color is a cool and funky iridescent pink with hints of peach, gold, and even lavender shimmer.  It goes perfectly over bare lips for an interesting take on glossy lips.  It's available from Ulta.com and in Ulta stores, and it's currently on clearance from UrbanDecay.com. 

Sonia Kashuk Lip Crayon-  Red lips are all the rage this fall, and I've been trying a ton of different red lip products because I intend to film a video on the best red lip products.  We'll see if I get around to it, but in the meantime it did lead me to an amazing lip crayon by Sonia Kashuk.  It's the perfect deep red for my fair skintone, and it doesn't clash at all with my red hair.  I think it'd be a pretty universal shade for just about everyone.  I love that I can just draw it on and fill in my lips, so it doubles as a lipstick and liner in one product.  It's easy to tote in my purse or even my pocket, but I don't feel that I need a lot of touching up.  It stays really well, and the satin matte finish is really flattering.  It's not the uber dry looking matte of some lipsticks, but it doesn't look like freshly applied "moist" lipstick either. Sonia Kashuk products are available online at Target.com or in Target stores nationwide.

Face:

Tarte BB Treatment Primer- I got this in my QVC set last month and have been loving how it sits on my skin and preps it for the perfect foundation finish.  I don't get a lot of coverage with the BB treatment alone, and I'm pretty sure that's why they call it a primer rather than a BB cream.  They have their own separate BB cream product that has much more coverage to it.  This is truly more like a primer, only tinted, and combines the skincare benefits of a BB cream with it.  This is available QVC.com, Tartecosmetics.com, Ulta.com, and Sephora.com as well as in stores.  I recommend picking it up from QVC, as for only $1.68 more you get a buffing brush with it!


Tarte BB Concealer- Along the lines of the BB cream, Tarte has created a skin beneficial concealer as well.  I go more into depth on this in my review of the set as a whole, but it's a very similar product to the Maracuja Creaseless Concealer only in a compact form rather than a tube.  It definitely needs to be set, especially under the eyes, but I love how well it covers and how convenient the packaging is.  Something about compact/cream concealers that I just love.  I think I've used this product ever day since I got it (that I wear makeup of course! cuz honestly who really needs makeup being a housewife with no one to impress? can I get an amen?).  This was a life saver out in San Fransisco with the long flights and taking the red eye back.  Side note: remind me to never again fly home on the red eye when I have to check out of my hotel at noon.  Almost 10 hours of nothing to do and needing to store my luggage at the concierge desk is not very smart of me.  I can't find this product listed individually anywhere, but the QVC.com website lists it as being an exclusive to them until 11/30/13 in the Beauty Without Boundaries Set where I got it from.  I assume that after that time it will be available from the other outlets for Tarte products.

Tarte Dual Sided Concealer Brush-  This is one of the best concealer brushes I've ever used, and I wish that it was available for individual purchase!  I'd buy a ton of them!  (I'm a total brush whore...)  It's such a unique concept that it combines to different textures of hairs to give you a different finish depending on which side you use.  I love to apply it with the light colored side and then flip it and blend it in with the darker side.  I haven't tried it out with other concealers yet, but if I can get my hands on any more without having to buy the whole set over again (which is seriously tempting because the price is so amazing for how much you get) I'll be using them on clients and recommending them left and right.

Body/Hair:

Perlier Volcanic Spa Scrub-  You can read my individual review of this product here, but now that I've been using it for several weeks I have to say that my skin has never felt or looked better.  I have keratosis pilaris, which means that the hair follicles on my body produce too many skin cells and clog/block my hair from growing correctly.  This creates a lot of ingrown hairs and little bumps all over my body, but particularly on the backs of my arms and on my thighs.  Since I opt to wax my legs every few weeks instead of shaving daily, it's essential that I keep my body properly exfoliated so that I can keep the bumps at bay.  I really love how this scrub isn't oily, so I don't have to worry about slipping in the shower.  And the smell is nice and refreshing, not overly sweet or heavy.  Perlier products like this one are available on HSN.com.

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Milk Shampoo-  You can read a review of the Healthy Sexy Hair soy line here.  Honestly, my hair has never felt softer or been more shiny since I started using this shampoo!  It has a great subtle smell and suds up nicely without stripping the moisture or the color from my hair.  It's been really nourishing on its own.  You can purchase from Sexyhair.com, Ulta.com and Ulta stores, even Target.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Eve Pearl Concealer Trio

Eve Pearl Concealer Trio

From the Brand:   

This luxurious, lightweight cream provides the most versatile sheer - medium - full coverage with a non-greasy texture that glides on the under eyes area or face, while allowing your skin to breathe. It blends into the skin and the universal spectrum of color in the pigments adapt to the skin tone and the changes caused by body chemistry, weather and sun exposure. Ideal for use when flawless precision is required with High Definition Cameras, Lights and REAL LIFE...for all ages.

For all skin types, especially sensitive skin.  No more blotchy skin. No more redness!!

Retails for:   $49.00-$52.00

Where to Buy:   EvePearl.com, CameraReadyCosmetics.com, Amazon.com

My Thoughts:   This has honestly got to be one of my Holy Grail kind of cosmetics item.  For someone who attends the makeup shows in New York faithfully for the past five years and trolls the makeup world forums for information on the best products, this has been recommended over and over and over again with good reason!  I actually read Eve Pearl's book "Plastic Surgery Without the Surgery: The Miracle of Makeup Techniques" back when I was working at the Prescriptives counter at Dillards just after my oldest had been born.  It wasn't until a few years later attending the Makeup Show NYC that I got to hear her speak in person and try out her cosmetics line.  She is who convinced me that conventional makeup wisdom that using a yellow tinted concealer under your eyes or a pink tinted concealer even was not the proper way to cover dark circles.  Peach (or salmon as she refers to it) is the proper way to neutralize the blue shadows under your eyes and cover without having to pile on the makeup.

I purchased the concealer Trio "A" while at said makeup show about four years ago.  It has done wonders for me!  Not only does it counteract the blue tint under my eyes and that of my clients, there are two shades of concealer for blending around the rest of the face.  It's a pretty universal palette for the fair to medium shade skin tones, which is the primary clientele I seem to work on most in my professional life, and of course it fits me perfectly as well.  Even though the salmon color looks really dark, even with my fair skin once I put it under my eyes the circles are immediately gone!  I apply it under my foundation so that it does match a bit better, but I'm using a sponge (like the one from Qosmedix.com) to stipple it over the top for a really seamless coverage.

You can see in the photo just how much use I get out of it, and it got a little hot when I was trying to photograph it and melted a bit.  I've also dropped it a few times, and eventually the lid snapped off.  I think I've gone through 3-4 of these over the years, picking up a new one at the makeup shows every time I'm there.

The formulation of these is super creamy, so make sure you use it sparingly.  I pat some on under the eyes and give it a few minutes to warm up with the heat of the body.  This will cause a bit of slip, so I then rework it over the skin with either a sponge, my fingertips, or a fluffy brush like the Real Techniques Setting Brush to give it the perfect thin layer, and then use a single ply tissue or toilet paper square to blot off excess oils and set it into the skin.  Then, top with foundation of your choice or powder.

Final Verdict:  Holy Grail product for sure.

 

 

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Dr. Brandt BB Matte Cream

Dr. Brandt BB Matte Cream Review


From the Brand:
What it is:
An all-in-one oil-free beauty balm designed for oily/combination skin that provides instant mattifying coverage and oil-control for flawless, youthful, and healthy-looking skin.

What it is formulated to do:
Developed to treat, protect, mattify, and even skintone, BB Matte with signature Shinerase™ leaves combination, oily, and acne-prone skin looking fresh and flawless. It blends seamlessly with the skin providing an instant skin makeover, erases shine for a matte look, and covers skin imperfections like post-blemish discoloration, redness, enlarged pores, and acne scars. A highly effective treatment as well as a great alternative to makeup, this product doesn’t clog pores, hydrates, minimizes the appearance of line and wrinkles, brightens skintone, and provides full broad spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
BB Matte is an oil-free mattifying formula ideal for hot and humid weather with 100 percent mineral filters. Recommended for oily/combination skin, blemish-prone skin, sensitive skin, or anyone looking for a shine-free complexion, it is available in two shades, can be used with or as a substitute for foundation, and offers buildable coverage.

Retails for:  $39.00


Where to Buy:  Sephora.com and Sephora stores, Beauty.com, DrBrandtSkincare.com


My Thoughts:  This came in one of my Glossybox monthly subscriptions a while back, and while I'm very happy that the shade matched me, I'm a little disappointed that it doesn't work that well with my dry skin.  That being said, I'm not sure how it would work on someone with oily or combination skin, as I didn't find much mattifying at all with this product.  It does have enough pigmentation to do a decent job of evening out my skintone without looking like foundation, but I noticed that my skin looked almost dewey for a while before any shine went away.  I'm not sure how long is normal or if it's supposed to mattify the skin immediately.  If it's supposed to be a mattifying BB cream, I'd assume that it should mattify the skin right away.  I'm curious to see how people with combination skin or oily skin feel about this product.  I'm a little torn, because I did like the coverage but felt that it's not the right product for my skin.


Final Verdict:  Not for me, but it may be a perfect BB cream for those with oily skin.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- e.l.f. Eyeshadow Primer

e.l.f. Essential Eyelid Primer Review


From the Brand: Preps your eyelid for smoother, longer-lasting and crease-proof eyeshadow. The lightweight liquid formula quickly absorbs into the skin for comfortable wear and increases eye color longevity.

Retails for:  $1.00



Where to Buy:  eyeslipsface.com, select Target stores


My Thoughts:  For only one tiny measly dollar, this eyeshadow primer sure packs a punch!  I wouldn't put it up on the same tier as the Too Faced or Urban Decay versions, but this is more than sufficient for people on a budget who want their eyeshadow to last longer than on bare lids alone.

It's easy to apply with the wand, although I caution against using it on the lid directly if you'll be applying it to multiple people.  Even when using it on myself, I still put some on the back of my hand then work it in an even layer over my ring fingertip for the most even and sanitary application.  Since this has no color to it, it's great for any skin tone, but if you have discoloration on your lid that you'd like to hide, be sure to add some concealer or foundation over your eyelids first before applying the eyeshadow primer.


Final Verdict:  Don't let the price tag deter you!  This eyeshadow primer really works!

 

**Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  As with all my articles, the opinions expressed herein are fully my own.  For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream

Garnier Miracle Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfecter BB Cream Review



From the Brand: Skin concerns, such as discoloration, dullness, blotchiness and dryness can come from a number of different sources. It's hard to find just one product that addresses all these concerns at once.

Garnier introduces it's first BB Cream, Miracle Skin Perfector. Multi-benefit skincare that combines intense hydration with tinted minerals and vitamin C.

How It Works:

A combination of Hyaluronic Acid, Lipidure Microspheres + Glycerin retains water in the skin, allowing it to maintain superior moisture levels and improve softness and suppleness of skin for 24hours.

Vitamin C provides antioxidant properties, boosts radiance and luminosity of skin.

Mineral Pigments delicately and immediately beautiful skin. The rich pigments instantly melt and spread flawlessly over skin.

Retails for:  $12.99


Where to Buy:  CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Ulta stores and Ulta.com, and anywhere else drugstore makeup is found.


My Thoughts:  I'd been hearing for months about how amazing this BB cream was, and I was so excited to try this formula out.  I've been a full coverage foundation user all my "makeup" life, and I'd only recently been branching out into the world of the BB creams to see what all the fuss was about.  Some have wow'd me with their coverage and their feel on the skin.  They've evened out my skintone and left my face feeling like it was truly receiving something beneficial with the makeup on it all day long.  Unfortunately, this wasn't one of those.

I noticed very little coverage with this product, and my redness definitely needed to be covered with concealer afterwards.  I also felt like my face was a bit sticky and very shiney after application, and I applied some of my Revlon Nearly Naked pressed powder to it to achieve the finish I like.  I've only worn this a few times, since I didn't like the way it looked or felt on my skin, so I don't have much feedback at all on how this would benefit my skin over time.  I much prefer the BB cream by Ponds or Dr. Jart, which actually even out my skin tone and make my skin look better, not worse.  The limited shade range by Garnier makes me think that if they had one in between the lightest and the medium shade I would have been able to see a better coverage.  The fair/light shade I felt washed me out but the light/medium shade was too obvious on my skin.  I have both shades, although I only posted a photo of the darker one.  If you look at the website for Garnier, it lists their being two shades available, but I know I've seen three at my local Target where I purchased this. 


Final Verdict:  Definitely no miracles going on here.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Mascara

Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Mascara Review

 

Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Mascara Review 

 

From the Brand:     
What it is:
A treatment mascara that conditions lashes while creating full, long "to die for" fringe.

What it is formulated to do:
Coat and define every lash for a thick, healthy look, without clumping, smudging, or flaking. Loaded with nourishing and softening ingredients, this formula guards against brittleness and dryness, which make lashes more susceptible to falling out.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
The unique brush's flexible, staggered bristles create perfectly separated lashes; a dual-zone design delivers both volume and length. The slim, tapered tip reaches shorter lashes with ease. This ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested formula is safe for contact-lens wearers.

Retails for:   $22.00

Where to Buy:   Sephora Stores, Sephora.com, Ulta Stores, Ulta.com, PeterThomasRoth.com, SkinStore.com

My Thoughts:   I really like the unique design of this mascara wand.  It has an oblong shape to it, with the longer sides being flat and free of bristles and the rounded ends being the sides with the lash combing bristles to apply the mascara and then define the lashes.  It has a nice taper at the tip that makes it easy to apply to the inner and outer corners, too.  If you hold it so that the flat side is facing the lashes, the last row of bristles on either side will grip your lashes and feather them out as you stroke the mascara on.  This adds lots of volume.  Then, flip the mascara wand so that either of the ends with all the bristles is facing the lashes to comb them out for a gorgeous flirty fringe and keep them from looking clumpy.  I have to say that this is the first mascara I've ever used that didn't get any mascara whatsoever on my eyelid!  That alone impressed me a ton!  I've never been able to apply mascara on my own eyelashes without getting at least a small smudge on the lid at the base.  My lashes also looked a lot more lifted even without using an eyelash curler, and it didn't weight down the lashes and pull the curl out when I did use one.

Since hearing about Peter Thomas Roth years ago and his growth serum for lashes, I thought that maybe this mascara would help them to grow longer or thicker, but sadly this wasn't the case.  The formula is very buildable without clumping at all, and it did feel nice and soft and nourishing.  The color is a nice rich black that dries to a satin finish, not shiney or uber matte.  It gave my lashes a healthy lustrous look that could be pretty natural if it weren't for so much volume.  I'd say that this is very gentle on your eyelashes and removes easily, so if you suffer from brittle lashes that fall out, this would make an awesome mascara for you.

Final Verdict:  Another rubber wand mascara that has somehow won me over. It's also a great option for people who are concerned with the ingredients in their cosmetics!

 

 

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

First Monthly Contest!

Earlier this month, I had the amazing opportunity to fly out to San Francisco for the iFabbo Bloggers Conference 2013.  It was an awesome trip, which was my very first time to the west coast.  I got to mingle and meet tons of women from all over the United States who love fashion and beauty just as much as I do and make a bunch of new connections.  It was a trip that I'll never forget, not only because it was my first time to California but also my first time at any time of event related to beauty and blogging.  I'm still digesting all the incredible information that I got, and hopefully it will be beneficial to my business and helping me grow this little blog of mine.

Besides three whole days with no one to please but myself {and as a mom, I can assure you that's MAJOR}, I also came home from my mini-vacation with a ton of swag from the sponsors at the event.  A huge shoutout and special thanks to all the brands who were at the event as well as provided products for us all to ooh and ahh over back home.  Becca Cosmetics, BooHoo.com, Prai Beauty, Dermalogica, Beautisol, Lotus Premium Denim, NYX, VitaBath, MakeupGeek, Coterie, Lilly Brush, Uber, Chrislie Formulations, Rain Cosmetics, Bon Bliss Bath and Body Treats, and of course DermOrganic where I received the lovely gifts in your prize pack!  I wanted to not only provide my readers with a bit of my experience with upcoming product reviews by these great brands but also a giveaway with some great products from the brands, too.

I'm really hoping to be able to do some kind of giveaway on the blog each month, so please make sure take a minute to stop by and enter for your chance to win! The more entries I get in the contests, the better I can make the prizes.  If I can get any single contest to reach over 1,000 entries, I'll add a $25 giftcard to Sephora to the prize!  Oh, and make sure to visit the sponsors and show them some love, too.  DermOrganic didn't sponsor this contest, but they gave such an awesome set of products in the swag bags for the conference attendees that I had to pick a few to pass along to you guys.  I'll be trying out their hairspray and deep conditioning treatment and providing you with my own feedback on those products.

Contest Details:  It's super easy to enter the contest, and through RaffleCopter, you can get up to 10 entries, with additional entries daily for tweeting about the contest.  Winner will be chosen randomly and announced on November 2nd via my Facbook Fan Page.  No purchase necessary to win.  Open to US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product Review- Philosophy Lasting Hope Instant Refreshing Moisture Mask

Philosophy Lasting Hope Instant Refreshing Moisture Mask Review


From the Brand:

lasting hope is a hydrating, creamy gel mask that instantly moisturizes, refreshes and revitalizes the skin for a smoother, more supple complexion.

features and benefits

instantly hydrates skin

provides skin conditioning and antioxidant benefits

refreshes the skin for a smoother, more supple complexion

Retails for:  $25.00


Where to Buy:  philosophy.com


My Thoughts:  I think that this is by far one of my favorite products ever by Philosophy.  When my skin is feeling dry, tight, and just overall dehydrated, I know I can reach for this mask to instantly sooth and plump up my face.  It's not a thick cream, like other hydrating masks I've tried.  I've always used the Clarins HydraQuench mask (which I still absolutely love b-t-dubs), and that one is more like a thicker lotion consistency.  The Philosophy Lasting Hope Instant Refreshing Moisture Mask is more like a milky colored gel that glides over the surface of your skin and penetrates to quickly soften and hydrate your skin.

It's two primary ingredients are water and glycerin, both of which help to hydrate the skin rapidly.  It also contains calming aloe leaf juice.  There's some controversy over whether or not lavender oil is irritating or calming to the skin, and if you're a fan of watching Wayne Goss on YouTube, you'll hear him talk all the time about how it doesn't belong in skincare products.  This mask does contain lavender oil, so if you know you're sensitive or allergic to this ingredient I'd stay away.  However, I have sensitive skin and have never had any problems at all with this mask or any other products containing lavender oil. 

My favorite way to use this mask is actually in the shower.  I'll use my Oil of Olay cleansing brush and a nice creamy cleanser to buff away dead skin and create a smooth surface for the moisture in the mask to penetrate.  Then I apply a nice thick layer and finish up with washing my body or shaving my legs, etc.  The heat of the shower helps the mask sink in deeper.  You can also apply the mask once you've stepped out of the shower while your pores have been steamed open.  I find it much more effective than just applying it to plain dry skin.  After about 10 minutes, most of the mask has absorbed into my skin, but any residue I just wipe off with a damp washcloth and be on my way.  This makes a perfect prep for applying makeup, especially during the winter, and my makeup looks so much better when my skin is super full and soft.


Final Verdict:  Worth every penny, and since you only need about a quarter size for your whole face, this tube will last you many months!

 

**Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  As with all my articles, the opinions expressed herein are fully my own.  For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen

Pixi Beauty Lid Last Shadow Pen


From the Brand:

What it is formulated to do:
This chubby crayon glides on, leaving lids smooth and glowing all day long. Light-reflecting pigments brighten for a soft-focus effect. Gorgeous shades are multi-purpose and can be used as eyeshadows, liners, or highlighters depending on the color chosen. Super low-maintentance and easy to apply - no brushes needed!

Beneficial ingredients and what they do:

• Vitamin E nourishes and protects
• Peptides plump fine lines

Retails for:  $18.00


Where to Buy:  PixiBeauty.com, Select Target Locations


My Thoughts:  Oh, my goodness!  I'm in love with these eyeshadow sticks!  I've used a ton of different brands of eyeshadow pencils before from drugstore brands like Rimmel to NYX to higher end brands like Tarte and Smashbox, and these are the best quality per price.  I've only tried the one color, but I intend to stock up and buy some more soon.  It glides on so smoothly, and there's a lot of pigment to it.  I can sheer it out with a brush {I just use my fingertip} or keep it ultra pigmented by layering the color with 2-3 swipes.  It stays on nicely without creasing, and it really grips my eyeshadow for a super dense color that lasts all day.  It's been the perfect base for a smokey eye.  It feels great on the skin and don't feel drying at all.  I love that it can double as an eyeliner as well, although I find that it doesn't wear very well on the waterline at all.  I plan on picking up a more nude color for highlighting, so that may work better on the waterline for when a less saturated color is good for brightening things up a bit.


Final Verdict:  My favorite eyeshadow crayon to date!

**Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  As with all my articles, the opinions expressed herein are fully my own.  For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Almay CC Cream

Almay Smart Shade CC Cream Review



From the Brand: Almay’s new Smart Shade CC cream is the perfect marriage of lightweight foundation + clarity enhancing skin care for beautiful coverage now and beautiful skin later. The lightweight formula:

Instantly:
1. Covers imperfections flawlessly
2. Corrects discolorations

Over time:
1. Brightens and evens natural skin tone
2. Helps prevent future damage with SPF 35

Retails for:  $9.99


Where to Buy:  Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Ulta, and anywhere else I forgot to mention that sells drugstore brand makeup


My Thoughts:  This was my first first reaction video on my YouTube channel, and at the time I'm writing this it's still the only one I've filmed and posted.  I have a few more foundation products to test out in this format, but I haven't been able to find a way to balance my time between my work as a makeup artist and writing the blog reviews you've come to know and expect from me every day.  I feel as though it's a lot easier for me to test the products out on myself when doing my own makeup, or even on set if I'm feeling bold enough {and confident enough that I can fix it if it goes horribly wrong}, and then write out how I feel at a later date after several uses rather than filming a video of a new product sight unseen and then doing basically two more videos throughout the day and then editing it all together to put up on my YouTube channel.  In the freelance world, it's either feast or famine when work comes in, and in September and October I've been very fortunate that it's all seems to come in big waves that keep me working several days in a row and then allow me just enough time to catch up on rest, a wee bit of housework, and some time to knock out as many blog reviews as I can before crashing back down into the next set of shoots and events.

All that being said, this is still a makeup review article, so I guess I should talk a bit about the makeup itself.  You can watch the video for more information, but the gist of it is that this product is great for those who only need a little bit of coverage and are more concerned with sun protection and hydration.  I haven't liked it enough to use for a period of time appropriate to test any claims on it evening out skin tone over time, but for the immediate application it was much more on the sheer side.  For my level of freckles/sun damage, it didn't cut it for me.  I have to go back in with concealer too much, and then powder to really set everything and dull down the shine caused by the thick moisturizers.  It also has a heavy SPF smell, which I don't really like either.

Hopefully I haven't given away the entire video!  Please take a second to watch it and give me some feedback!  Would you like to see more first reaction videos?  Or would you prefer that I supplement my written reviews with demonstrations on how the products work on the face/body? Or am I just annoying and you don't want to see my face at all?! haha.


Final Verdict:  I went through different phases with this CC cream, from hating it to loving it back to hating it.  In the end I think I settled on not minding it, but I won't find myself reaching for this on a regular basis.




 

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Review


From the Brand:

What It Is:

The Better Than Sex Mascara Hourglass-Shaped Brush was designed after discovering the bust-waist-hip ratio of an iconic silver screen Blonde Bombshell held the secret to the perfect brush silhouette that separates, coats and curls each lash to voluptuous perfection. One coat of the carbon black, collagen-fueled mascara formula and lashes are full, defined and stretched to unbelievable lengths. Two coats and lashes are even more luscious, curled and dramatic. Three coats and achieve the most intense black, oversized, multidimensional lashes possible! A mascara so amazing…it’s Better Than Sex!

More To Love:

Better Than Sex mascara includes:

• Film-forming Polymer for smudge-proof, all day wear
• Acacia Senegal Tree Extract to nourish, thicken and lock curl in place
• Unique Peptides for the deepest, intense black possible

• 1,944% more volume*
• 100% saw longer lashes**
• 100% saw dramatic volume**
• 93% saw base-to-tip curl**
• 8 out of 10 say it’s the best mascara they’ve ever used**

*results observed in a clinical study.
**results observed in a consumer study.

Retails for:  $23.00

You can see how both mascara wand heads have an hourglass shape to them, although the Covergirl bristles aren't as plush or criss crossed as the Too Faced ones.

Where to Buy: TooFaced.com


My Thoughts:  There is a bit of a love/hate relationship between myself and this mascara.  First, let me tell you what I love and maybe then I can put into words what I hate just a little bit about it.  The mascara wand head is amazing.  It's full and plush, and the shape hugs the lashes in all the right places like your favorite little black dress.  The bristles coat the lashes beautifully and give good separation.  It's one of the best mascara brush heads I've ever had the pleasure to use.  The formula is deeply pigmented and ultra black.  It doesn't leave my lashes feeling stiff and brittle.  However, it doesn't last as long as I would like it to, and I do still feel like I need to use another mascara underneath it to get the ultimate dramatic lash look I want from this mascara.  Which kind of defeats the purpose.  Also, the price is great for a prestige brand of mascara, but you can get an almost identical look to your lashes and pretty much the same mascara wand with the Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara for much much cheaper.  The Covergirl version also doesn't start to smudge after a long day of wear.

On the plus side of things, I super adore the pink metallic mascara tube and the uber cute name- Better Than Sex.


Final Verdict:  It's complicated, because I feel like if I hadn't already tried the Covergirl mascara and seen the nearly identical wand and found that it lasts a few hours longer for a cheaper price, I'd be over the moon about this mascara like I am for the Makeup Forever Smokey Lash.  Both prestige mascaras are amazing on their own, but I do find myself layering them over other lengthening formulas for a super dramatic lash look {which is ironically what I'm going for whenever I reach for these.} So perhaps if I wanted it for a less dramatic look and hadn't tried the cheaper brand first, this would be 10 out of 10 mascara for me.  As it stands though, it's a complicated 8.

 

**Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  As with all my articles, the opinions expressed herein are fully my own.  For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

 

Product Review- L'Oreal Double Extend Mascara

L'Oreal Double Extend Mascara Review

 

L'Oreal Double Extend Lash Blast Mascara Review 

 

From the Brand:   

Step 1: The Lash Boosting Primer is serum-infused to boost lash condition. It contains a pro-keratin complex that fortifies lashes and maximizes their appearance.
Step 2: The Ultra-Lengthening Mascara Topcoat coats and lengthens lashes instantly, for up to 80% longer, clump-free fringe.
For boosted results, use the mascara daily with Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum.

Retails for:   $11.99

Where to Buy:    Ulta Stores, Ulta.com, Walgreens, CVS, Grocery Stores, Walmart, Target, Wherever Drugstore brands are sold.

My Thoughts:   I think this is a good idea in concept. For me, this execution falls a bit flat, and the error lays with the application wands for both the pre-mascara eyelash primer and the mascara itself.  The formula for both are pretty good, although I prefer the primer over the mascara.  The mascara wand heads are just a tad too generic to give me the kind of separation and volume I'm looking for in a mascara.  And they definitely don't do it any favors in the lengthening department.  When you're going to call your mascara Double Extend, it had better really extend and lengthen your eyelashes!

The primer doesn't contain any fibers to attach to the ends of the eyelashes and add physical length like you seen a lot of modern lengthening mascaras.  The brush should also really define them and elongate the look of the lash by depositing the majority of the mascara on the base and evenly coating the rest up the lash to a well defined tip.  The formula of the primer is good, and I do like to apply it with a clean mascara wand from the Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara for the perfectly prepped lashes if I'm not using another formula of mascara itself to prep.  I do like mascara primers like this one though, because they are made to be right up along the lashes and strengthen and hydrate them with their ingredients.  The key is to let the primer coat dry completely, comb it with a metal lash comb for definition, and then apply the mascara for the best effect.

Final Verdict:  Convenient if you don't want to have to tote two different tubes of product around with you, but if you're going to be applying two steps anyway, I'd invest in a primer with fibers or layer two mascaras that will give you the effect you crave.  On a scale of 1-10, this one hits only at about a 5.

 

 

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Pacifica Wanderlust Beauty Set

Pacifica Wanderlust Mineral Color Set Wanderlust Beauty Set Review


From the Brand:

The Wanderlust Mineral Color Beauty Set. A complete beauty set for face, eyes and lips. Travel ready sizes in seasonally curated colors. What else do you need to know?  Experience truly effortless natural beauty with Pacifica’s incredible mineral color formulas. Luxurious ingredients meet the most amazing colors.  Recyclable containers.  Easy to use and apply anywhere.

Set contains:

1 ALIGHT Multi-Mineral BB CREAM .34 oz (travel size)

2 Coconut Water Infused Mineral Eye Shadows  Shades: Treasure and Mermaid Aqua 

1 full sized Color Quench Lip Tint in Sugared Fig

Retails for:  22.00


Where to Buy: Pacificaperfume.com


My Thoughts:  Did you see yesterday's post about the Pacifica Good Karma Skincare Set?  Well, they have another set as well that gives you a taste of what their makeup products are like here with the Wanderlust Beauty Set.  Both kits contain their Alight BB Cream, so you can even out your skin, as well as one of their Color Quench Lip Tints.  This beauty kit also contains two eyeshadows, one in a gorgeous golden brown and one in a soft sea foam color.

The quality of these products is very good for a relatively inexpensive all natural brand.  I love that all the makeup products you buy from them is good for your skin.  The packaging is super cute and a lightweight yet sturdy plastic.  The lip tint is slim and fits easily in your purse.  They have just enough color that is between a stain and a lipstick, with hydration and yummy scent.  The color Sugared Fig is a nice deep plummy color that's great for someone who wants a fall lip color without the heavy pigmented commitment of a lipstick.

The eyeshadows come in a nice screw top case with a clear window, so you can see what the color looks like.  The golden brown is super pigmented while the sea foam green is a bit sheerer.  The formula of the eyeshadows is very velvety and glides over the skin nicely, and they both have a good amount of sheen to them. They aren't sparkly or too "young" looking, but they aren't matte either.  I found that they wear nicely throughout the day without fading, although I did wear them over either a cream shadow or an eyeshadow primer.  I've been wearing the golden brown shade with a soft pink and a deep burgundy in the crease, and I've gotten so many compliments!

I haven't worn the BB cream yet, but I'll be doing an in depth review of that product coming up soon hopefully. 


Final Verdict:  I'm in love with these eyeshadows and will be looking for more of them!  I'm already a fan of the lip tints, and I can't wait to try the BB cream. Overall, it's a fantastic value!

 

**Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  As with all my articles, the opinions expressed herein are fully my own.  For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

 

Product Review- Pacifica Good Karma Skincare Set

Pacifica Good Karma Skin Care Set Review


From the Brand: 
Travel sizes of our new skin care line in a beautiful and giftable box. A great way to experience our new, highly effective skincare line. What else do you need to know?  Experience truly effortless natural beauty with Pacifica’s incredible skincare formulas.
Set contains:
1 Sea Foam Complete Face Wash .7 oz (travel-size)
1 Dreamy Youth Day and Night Cream .7 oz (travel-size)
1 Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream .34 oz (travel-size)
1 Guava Berry Color Quench Lip Tint (full-size)


Retails for:  $22.00


Where to Buy:  Pacificaperfume.com


My Thoughts:  I recommend this skincare set if nothing else for the travel size of the Sea Foam Complete Face Wash {review here}.  That's not really going to give you a great value since the full size of the face wash is only $11, but you get the idea about how great it is.  This set is a fantastic way to experience a variety of products by the Pacifica line though.  In addition to the face wash you get a travel size moisturizer and a travel size BB cream, so you're skin will be looking great wherever you go.  It cleans, hydrates, and evens your skin tone in three portable steps!  The Color Quench Lip Tints were actually the very first products by Pacifica that I ever bought months ago, and Guava was one of the colors I already had.  But it's nice to have a back up now for when that one is finished.  They are hydrating and provide a nice wash of color, and they smell delicious!


Final Verdict:  If you're looking to try out a variety of products for your skin by a great all natural line, this is the way to go.  If one product isn't 100% perfect for you, you haven't bought the full size and still have other items to make it worth it for you.  Whenever trying out a new line, I always try to get a set of some kind to get a feel for their products.

 

**Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  As with all my articles, the opinions expressed herein are fully my own.  For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

 

Battle of the Benefit Concealers

Battle Benefit Concealers

In corner #1 we have... Benefit Fake Up Concealer, weighing in at $24:  Cover-up goes incognito! This hydrating crease-control concealer - with Vitamin E & apple seed extract - hides dark circles & diffuses fine lines for a silky smooth, ultra-natural look. Available in three shades, it’s proven to keep skin hydrated for 6 hours!* *Instrumental test

In corner #2 stands... Benefit Boi-ing Concealer, weighing in at $26: Signs of stress & fatigue are a thing of the past with this concentrated cream formula! Available in three shades with brightening melon undertones to suit every skintone.

And in corner #3 is the formidable... Benefit Erase Paste Concealer, weighing in at $20: Signs of stress & fatigue are a thing of the past with this concentrated cream formula! Available in three shades with brightening melon undertones to suit every skintone. 

I won't go into too much details about each individual concealer here, since I've done in depth reviews on each of them already.  {You can read those concealer reviews by clicking on the formula name above.}  However, I will say this:  Each concealer formula by the amazing Benefit Cosmetics has its own set of strengths and its own set of weaknesses.  The trick to finding the perfect formula for you is determining what you need it to cover and what your needs are from a concealer in general.  It's a good idea to have a few different concealer formulas in your makeup wardrobe to suit your needs most effectively.  Just like our skin changes throughout the year necessitating a switch up in our skin care routine, our areas needing coverage also require us to switch out our concealers to most effectively cover our less than perfect areas.

As a general rule of thumb, you want to use a concealer that is creamier and more hydrating on areas that are dry, like the under eye area or rough dry spots caused by environmental assault or dehydration.  If your skin is more oily in the area you want to cover, like a zit or your t-zone, stick to a formula that is drier.  If you have dark circles with a bluish tint, go for something with an orange tint to it to help you neutralize those dark circles.  

That being said, each formula of concealer by Benefit has it's key defining element that makes it better suited to a particular area of the face needing coverage.  Otherwise, they'd all just be the same.  The Fake Up Concealer is super hydrating, due to its pigmented core surrounded by a stick of pure moisture.  This is the least pigmented in my opinion, and I'd recommend it for those who need hydration under there eyes and minimal coverage.  It's not a great idea to use it in the t-zone where you'd be oily or over a breakout.  The Erase Paste has an orangey undertone to it, so it's perfect for concealing dark circles under the eyes, but it's also very thick and sticky and works best under a liquid or cream foundation.  Steer clear of it if you're using a powder foundation or just a tinted moisturizer.  The orange can be too apparent without some creamy formula pigmentation over the top to blend it seamlessly into the surrounding skin.  The Boi-ing concealer can do under the eyes if you make sure they are well prepped with a great undereye cream.  It's dry consistency can cause it to settle into fine lines without enough hydration to plump up the area first.  Boi-ing works best on breakouts.

And the winner is...   It all depends on what you're looking to cover, but I honestly recommend having Boi-ing for your breakouts and either Erase Paste or Fake Up for your undereyes, depending on how much coverage  you need and whether you top it with a liquid or powder foundation.  If you have to pick only one, the Boi-ing will give you the most bang for your buck, because you can still use it under the eyes layered over a good undereye cream.  But seriously, just invest in two for the most effective coverage, and they'll both last you twice as long!

Product Review- Pixi Beauty Blush

Pixi Beauty Blush Review


From the Brand:
Super-silky, youth-enhancing powder blush infused with skin-loving ingredients.

What it is formulated to do:
With added cheekbone-sculpting and moisture-trapping ingredients, this cashmere-silky treatment powder works to nourish skin while providing lush colour. We also infused it with rosehip extract for a vitamin boost and honeysuckle flower extract for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Mineral pigments provide soft, sheer shades and a long-lasting and natural-looking finish. Talc free. Paraben free. Fragrance free.

Beneficial ingredients and what they do:

• Honeysuckle flower extract provides anti-inflammatory properties
• Rosehip extract hydrates skin
• Jojoba oil softens and conditions skin
• Vitamin E protects and nourishes skin

Retails for:  $16.00


Where to Buy:  Pixi Beauty.com, Select Target stores


My Thoughts:  These blushes are pretty good, but not exactly the high quality I'd expect for something that costs $16.  I'd expect to pay a little closer to $10 for these.  Perhaps it's all in the skin loving ingredients rather than in the pigmentation and longevity in the blush itself.  If you like natural ingredients and the convenience of finding them in stores, you might be the perfect consumer for Pixi Beauty.

I love that Pixi products are available at Target, where I can usually find a tester to try the product out first before purchasing.  Granted, this means that because it's a tester at Target it's usually so destroyed it's almost not worth trying, but I can also return it if it's just not a good fit for me.  Target's pretty good like that.

I'm not sure where I got this blush from to be honest.  I've had it in my blush box for the longest time and only every so often take it out to use it.  The color I have is called Purest Peach, and it's a soft peach color just as the name implies.  The texture of the blush is very velvety and soft, and it is a nice color if peach is your thing.  {I'm not much of a peach girl, so I'm pretty sure this made its way to me in some monthly subscription box over the years.}  It's also slightly shimmery, so if you prefer a matte flush of color you might want to skip it.

Besides the color not being one I wear much, despite the soft texture of the blush it doesn't have a lot of pigmentation and comes out very sheer.  You really have to build it up to get a noticeable color, and then it can start to look a bit chalky.  It's definitely suited to someone with fairer skin who really only needs a touch of color.  Since it is so sheer it also doesn't last very long and needs to be touched up.

I do have to comment on how adorable the packaging is though.  I'm a total sucker for fairies, and the light green packaging on all their products is very distinctive.  You can tell a Pixi Beauty product right away.  The plastic is a tad on the cheap side, but it's lightweight so it won't weigh down your makeup bag.


Final Verdict:  Overall, it is more of a drugstore quality blush worthy of a drugstore quality price tag instead of $16.  If you can find a tester to try out first and get a color that looks good on you, it might be better suited to your skin than mine. I'd just pair it over a cream blush first if you're expecting bolder color that lasts.

 

**Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  As with all my articles, the opinions expressed herein are fully my own.  For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash

Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash Review


From the Brand:  Harness the power of the ocean with marine extracts.  Coconut water and natural actives come together in our gentle sulfate-free foaming cleanser that removes daily toxins and make-up. Deeply cleanse, balance and refresh tired skin. Remember, one of the best defenses against aging skin is daily cleansing.  5 oz.


Retails for:  $11.00


Where to Buy:  Pacificaperfume.com, select Target locations


My Thoughts:  I got this in a skincare set (blog on that next week) and tried it out right away.  I'd seen the full size tube at Target before and reading the back had me intrigued to try it.  I always struggle with finding a face wash that will cleanse my skin deeply enough to keep the pores clear without over stripping it and causing my dryness to become worse.  After my new-found love of coconut oil back this spring, seeing coconut water as a main ingredient made me think this would be a good fit for me.

I'm really loving the way this cleans my skin as well as the way it smells.  It's amazingly scented.  I can't even begin to describe it.  It's sweet yet refreshing at the same time, and not in a sickly sweet overpowering kind of way.  And you can tell it comes from natural ingredients, not made from a bunch of crap with chemicals added to give it a smell. 

Just a dab will do you now.  It really foams up a lot!  It doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight, so the claims that it tones this skin I think are fairly accurate.  Overall, I really like this and will be taking it with me to the iFabbo Social Media Conference this weekend.  (This is set to post on Saturday, while I'm at the conference, so I'm writing it on Wednesday.)  Follow along with me on my Instagram as I attend the conference!


Final Verdict:  The trial size in the kit is perfect for travel, and so far I'm loving the feel and smell of this face wash.  Only time will tell if it's worth the full size, but for now I'll be using up every last drop!

 

**Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  As with all my articles, the opinions expressed herein are fully my own.  For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

 

 

Product Review- L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara

L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara Review

 

L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara Review

 

From the Brand:    The power of sculpting fibers give you an outrageous, false lash look from any angle with this fiber volumizing mascara by L'oreal.

Incomparably volumized

Extended new lengths

Infinitely structured

Incredibly curled

Retails for:   $8.99

Where to Buy:    Ulta Stores, Ulta.com, Walgreens, CVS, Grocery Stores, Walmart, Target, Wherever Drugstore brands are sold.

My Thoughts:  This is definitely one of my Holy Grail mascaras for big effect at a little price!  I think in the world of drugstore makeup, there are few things that L'Oreal doesn't nail, and just about every single mascara I've ever tried by them has been amazing.  I've been using this mascara for about a year now, and from the very first time I put it on I was majorly impressed.  In fact, I'd been doing my makeup with a friend in the room, and when I turned towards her to say something after doing the mascara on only one eye, she stopped me mid-sentence with "WHAT mascara are you using?!  Your lashes look amazing!".  That's when you know you've found a winner!  Our other friend who arrived about an hour later even noticed and commented on how awesome my lashes look.

Let's talk tube.  It's so pretty!  I love the unique shape to it, and the waterproof version in the solid gold tube looks really classy.  It does show fingerprints, but really, no one is looking at my mascara tube that closely.

The mascara wand itself on the Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara is nice and thin and long.  I don't mind a longer mascara wand when the bristles on it are nice and short.  It's when the become these giant monstrosities that can't be wielded without a poke in the cornea that I begin to get annoyed.  The bristles criss cross for coating the eyelashes on both sides and at the same time are able to comb and separate them.

The formula has tiny little fibers in it that coat the lashes and add both length and volume, along with a thicker style mascara to build up the volume and length some more.  It dries nicely- not too fast yet not so long that your lashes feel wet and you're afraid to blink.  It also stays fairly flexible, so no stiff feeling either even on the waterproof version. It gives my lashes a better hold on their curl, but like everything else I've tried it doesn't add curl to them I haven't put their with a lash curler first.  Although, it doesn't weigh them down and force the curl out either like other volumizing formulas that are thick and heavy.

Final Verdict:  If I'm out of mascara and my only options are the drugstore, you'd better believe this is the one I pick up!

 

 

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.