Eyelash Beautiful

A must in every makeup bag should be mascara. Here's my take on two of them...

Lash Blast (Waterproof) in one of there newest line of mascara from Covergirl. It comes in a fat orange tube with a bristle application wand. You can find it at any drugstore for around $6-7. I do like this mascara. The bristles separate my eyelashes giving me volume. The mascara goes on smoothly that you don't have to keep reapplying and won't weight down your lashes. I use an eye lash curler before applying this mascara and it holds the shape all day long. It doesn't flake, run, or smudge. The downfall of the Lash Blast is that the wand is unnecessarily big. It's so fat that if you're not careful you could smudge mascara on you face. It's especially hard on the inner and outer corner of your eyes. Also, when they say waterproof they meant it. This mascara doesn't budge. That can be a good or bad thing. It's hard to take it off even with makeup remover. But this is a great mascara otherwise.

Review

Pro: Great Volume, Long Lasting

Con: The fat wand makes it harder to apply.

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥♥

L'Oreal Double Extend Mascara is my newest mascara. I wanted to see if what they were advertising was actually true. They claim that it gives you 80% more length and volume. The mascara is a fat tube with two ends. One end is the the white base/extender (step 1) and the other side is the colored mascara (step 2). The brushes on either end are short, thin, and has covered with bristles. I bought it for around $9-10 and it can be found in any drugstore.

When I first tried this product, it did extend past my lashes when I applied step 1. The mascara was ok. It was a bit gloopy which made it hard to apply and cover the white base. It made my eyelashes stick together and I had to take my eyebrow brush to seperate them. The product also claims that it won't budge till you wash it off with water. That's very much true. I little might come off with makeup remover but it won't really come off until you wash it water. In the end end it did lengthen my lashes and gave me volume but it's the best product I've come across.

Review

Pro: Does lengthen and volumize

Con: Makes you're lashes clump together

Buy Again: Maybe

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥

Sally Hansen Airbrush Spray Makeup

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty has a new aerosol foundation.  It's a small 1.0 oz spray can that comes in the 5 shades; light, medium to light, medium, medium to dark, & dark.  They say that it's good for all skin types can contains olive oil extract, chamomile, & vitamin A.  Things that are good for your skin.  I first saw it when I was shopping at Ulta and I thought it was an interesting concept.  I actually wanted to get the Dior Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation.  This seemed like an inexpensive alternative and would give me a chance to play around with it so I know how I would use the Dior brand.  Dior cost $60 and Sally Hansen is only $13.99.  

The  directions state: Shake Well. Spray directly into hand and apply on face. I really didn't like that idea so I sprayed a small amount onto my blending sponge and applied it that way.  The makeup is very light on your face, as if you weren't wearing any makeup.  It provides a light to medium coverage but you will definately need to use a concealer because it won't cover any dark marks that you may have.  If you prefer to use a brush, I've also used the spray with a kabuki brush ( you can use any large surface brush).  I spray amount directly onto the brush, stipple the brush on my face, then blend in a circular motion.  Because the foundation is so light it doesn't ruin the brush and I can still get an even application.  

I really like this spray foundation.  It won't look like you're wearing any makeup and gives you that airbrushed look.  

Airbrush Foundation By Itself

Review

Pro: Gives you an airbrush look, Looks like you're not wearing makeup

Con: Doesn't cover marks

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $$

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

FYI:  I still wear primer & concealer before applying this foundation.

Glossy

These are my personal favorite lip glosses that you can ealy find at any drugstore or shopping center.

Maybelline Shine Seduction Glossy Lip Color is a smooth, shiny lip gloss. It comes in over a dozen shades and cost around $7-8. It comes as a silver tube with a twist dial bottom. You twist the bottom to push the gloss up the tube and out to the tip. Depending on the shade you chose you can have a very nice, sheer color for your lips that make them feel moist.

Review

Pro: Sleek & Smooth

Con: You have to reapply often.

Buy Again:Yes

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Cover Girl Wet Slick AmazeMint is super shiny, non sticky, mint scent and flavored lip gloss. CoverGirl worked with Crest to get that minty taste to it. It come in over a dozen colors for around $5-6. It is a tube that uses a wand for application. I like this lip gloss but out of the four this is the most sheer & shortest lasting. You have to constantly reapply it. They don't ever last long for me because I have to use it to much. I go through these quick.

Review

Pro: Smooth, Minty, & Super Shiny

Con: You have to constantly reapply

Buy Again:Yes

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥

Out of the four, Revlon ColorStay Mineral Collection is the longest wearing lip gloss. It's thick then the Maybelline & CoverGirl glosses. It cost around $7-8 and come in dozen colors. It comes in a hour glass shaped tube and uses a wand for application. It's almost a liquid lipstick because of the coverage it can give you but still gives you that shine.

Review

Pro: Long Lasting Shine

Con: None

Buy Again:Yes

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Burt's Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss is a super shiny fruit flavored lip gloss. They only make 4 Colors for $7 each. It comes in a small squeeze tube. What makes this gloss different is it's natural ingredients and has citrus flavor to it. It's very smooth and gives you a sheer tinted cover. Because of the natural oils in it, it keeps your lips extra soft. It will help your lips while giving you that shine.

Review

Pro: Shiny, Natural, & Good for your Lips

Con: You reapply often.

Buy Again:Yes

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Quick Dry Nail Polish

These are two quick dry nail polish lines. They say they dry in a minute. I've never really timed it but they do dry pretty fast.

O.P.I has a branch of nail color line that I guess is more youth orientented call Nicole by O.P.I.  Nic's Sticks by O.P.I. is part of that line but is a quick dry nail polish.  There's only a dozen or so colors so you don't have too many options.  You can find them in most drugstore as well as Target & Walmart for around $6.99.  It comes in a tube that you pump and the color comes out at the tips where there is brush. Each tube contains 0.135 fl. oz. of polish.  Because it's such a small amount you will probably get a few uses for them. They are good for quick,  last minute nails.The stick as very easy to use and the color comes out very smoothly.  However, the brush isn't the softest so it might streak.  You have to becareful of that.  With their size and shape they are very portable.   

Review

Pro: Portable, Quick Dry

Con: Limited Colors, Small Amount, Bad Brush

Buy Again: Maybe

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ 

Maybelline Express Finish is a quick dry nail polish that they say dries in 50 sec.  It comes in over 20 different colors.  It cost between $4 to $5 at most drugstore, etc.  The bottle is 0.5 fl. oz like other nail polish unlike the Nic's Stick that's in a tube.  I use about 2 layers when I use this product and allow it to dry between layers.  Once you do one hand, by the time you move to the other it's already drying.  There's no long wait.  This is a great product for those who are always on the go.  Unless, you work a lot with your hand or bit your nails the polish will last for days without chipping.

Review

Pro: Quick, Portable

Con: None

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

FYI: Sally Hansen has these same products with a dollar or two difference in price more or less depending on where you buy it.

Eye Concealers from Benefit

Benefit Lemon-Aid is lemon colored correction concealer/primer for your eyelids. You can get it at Sephora for $20. It's a 0.9 oz product that comes in a compact container. It covers any discoloration and gives you an even eyelid making you look more awake. Because it also works as a primer it makes your eye make-up vibrant and last longer. Other primers don't cover up any discoloration on your lids.

When you first use Lemon-Aid you want to keep your finger on the product to slowly melt it on to your finger because the cream is thick. (A brush wouldn't work as well because of this) You just dab Lemon-Aid on your eyelids with your finger and blend it in. Pat the product all over your eyelid to evenly distribute. Try not to rub on the product or it looks cakey. You can easily see the difference.

Review

Pro: It's a great concealer & primer in one

Con: Pricey for the amount

Buy Again: Yes

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Benefit Boi-ing is another concealer that helps hide dark circles under your eye, redness, and other discoloration. I use this for any marks/ discoloration on my face and not just my eyes. I bought mine at Sephora for $18. It's 0.1 oz product that comes in a thin tub/jar but a little goes a long way. It comes in three shades; light, medium, and dark. Boi-ing is long lasting and will help conceal those imperfections all day. Just dab boi-ing to the area and blend. It's best to use your finger because your natural body heat makes the product more pliable. Like Lemon-Aid you want to pat and not rub this product on to get the proper effect.

Review

Pro:It's a great concealer

Con: Pricey for the amount, Only comes in 3 shades

Buy Again: Yes

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Burt's Bees: Hands & Feet

Cold weather is a killer to the extreamities.  Sometimes I worry more about taking care about the rest of my body I tend to forget about my hands & feet.  Which is really bad because they're sensitive and dry and crack easily.  My remady for them has been Burt's Bees.  I've know of Burt's Bees for year when you could only find them at little specialty shops that only sold organic & natural items.  Now they have expanded, are more globe and you can find them almost anywhere.  I buy my Burt's Bees products at Target.  Anyways... I love Burt's Bees because all their products are made with natural ingredients, always  smell great, and simply work.  

For my hands I use Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme.  It is a white & thick cream that apply's clear but never greasy .  It comes in a small 2 oz. jar.  A jar sells for around $9.  Even though it's a small jar the products goes a long way.  You won't need to use a lot of it when you apply it.    You can apply it all over your hand for that much need mositure.  You would have to wipe you're palms after application because the creme does not dry like a lotion and will stay on your hands for a while.  For extra hand thearpy I apply the creme before going to bed and use a moisturizing glove while I sleep.  The next morning my hand come out feeling very soft.

For my feet I use Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme.  It's a thick clear color creme that really does smell like coconuts.  It's not as thick as the hand creme but just as effective.  It comes in a 4.34 oz. tube and sells for about $9.  For that extra foot thearapy; before bed soak your feet in warm water for a few mintues, afterwards apply the foot creme, and then wear a cotton sock overnight.  Your feet will feel like new in the morning.  

You can't forget your cuticles so I use Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme.  If your cuticle become dry & crack this product is a must have.  It a thick balm that comes in a .60 oz. tin jar and cost around $6.  You can use it on your fingers and toes along with the hand and foot cremes.

Review

Pro: Natural ingredients, smells good, & works great

Con: The price might be too much for the sizes for some

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $$

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

FYI: Burt's Bees also has a hand and foot kit with these products & more in smaller sizes and cost effective.

Make Up Life Expectancy

This was an article I saw at bellasugar.com about when to throw away your makeup.

It's almost April, so it's time for a little spring cleaning... of your makeup bag, that is. Since expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation and eye infections, it's important to replace them before they go south.

Unlike food, though, cosmetics aren't required to have an expiration date on their packaging. Instead, you'll have to keep track of when you opened it. Most products have a symbol similar to this one, in which the number signifies the number of months you have until the item is no longer usable. If you have a hard time keeping track of when you've bought things, just use a Sharpie to write down the purchase date.

If you know how to take care of your cosmetics, your makeup should serve you well. But use common sense: If your gloss is gloopy, your nail polish is separating, or your lipstick has a funny smell, it's time to bid it adieu. To see guidelines for when to replace your makeup, read more.

Product	Toss it...
Mascara	Every three months
Foundation	One year
Concealer	12 – 18 months
Powder	18 months
Blush/Bronzer	18 months
Cream blush	12 – 18 months
Eye shadow	18 months
Eyeliner	18 months
Liquid eyeliner	6 months
Lipstick / lip gloss	18 months
Lip liner	One year
Nail polish	One year
Makeup sponges	Wash after each use, then throw away after a month.

Blending Sponge

If you've ever seen the Beauty Blender on t.v. or in magazines you're going to love Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge.  It is a small blue sponge that is contoured like the shape of a pear with a tip on the top and a round bottom.  This shape makes it easy to hold and allows you to use it in small and large areas and contours to your face.  Unlike the Beauty Blender that's selling for $19.95, you can buy the Sonia Kashuk blending sponge for $9.99 at Target.

To use the sponge you first squeeze it a few times under water to absorb some water.  Next, squeeze any excess water out.  I wrap the sponge in a towel and squeeze out the water that way.  The reason you want to soak the sponge first is to make it feel even softer and because it's already absorbed some water it will keep it from absorbing your makeup.  Then you dip the product into you foundation and with a stippling motion pat the makeup on your face.  You can use the tip for you eye area and the creases by your nose.  The round bottom works well for broad areas like your cheeks and forehead.  When I'm done applying my foundation I like to roll/twist the sponge around my face to get a more flawless look without any streaking.  

This sponge allows you to get great coverage while using less product.  It's also versatile enough to use on liquids, creams, and even powder foundation.  I've also used it with my concealer and cream shadows.  It's very soft and won't tug on your skin.  The blending sponge is also reusable.  You simple wash it with a mild soap, squeeze out the makeup and water, and allow it to air dry.  It will probably work for a few months if you take care of it.  Because, you have to clean it right after use this might not work well if your in a hurry.  However, this sponge probably works better then your typical round or wedge sponges.  I like it.  Depending on my time I'd rather use this over my brushes.

Review

Pro: Versatile, Inexpensive, Blends Well

Con: You have to take the time to wash it.

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $$

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Prime Time: Foundation Primers

I have been using Dr. Bryant Pores No More for a long time now.  I buy it at Sephora for $45  for a 1 0z. tube.    It's for oily/combination skin.  I love this product because you can see the difference right away when you use it.  You simply pump a small amount to your finger tips apply to your face.  It has a nude tint to it but will blend in with your complexion.  It definately minimizes the appearence of pores if you have large pores.  It also absorbes oil and mattifies shine.  I've used this as my foundation primer because it gives you a smooth and even complexion for makeup application, but you can use it by itself.

Review

Pro: Makes an obvious difference

Con: Expensive

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $$$$$

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Because of the price of Dr. Brandt I decided to try other primers to see how well they work.  I recently bought Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer.  I also bought this at Sephora for $36 for a 1 oz container.  Because I have combination skin I bought the oil free.  It's white lotion that blends to your skin tone.  It feels watery when you first apply but dries smooth.  It works well to set a smooth foundation for your makeup.  Smashbox also makes different variation of this product depending on your skin.

SPF 15 (for skin protection)

Color Adjust (green- minimize redness)

Color Balance (lavender- yellow skin tone)

Color Blend (conceals eye circles, vains, & sunspots)

Bronzing  (for a touch of sun kiss skin)

Review

Pro: Works Well

Con: None

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $$$$

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Even though I already had the other two above products I bought Remmel London Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer.  I bought it at Target for $6-7  for a 1 0z tube.  This is the only primer that I found that you can buy at a drugstore and not in a specialty shop.  It comes out like a cream with an apricot tint.  However, it goes on smoothly and blends in with your skin tone.  It does have that sweet apricot sent to it.  It feel drier then the other two products but it doesn't dry out your skin.  It smooths out your skin and also minimizes pores.  This is probably the least expensive primer I've found.

Review

Pro: Works Well

Con: None

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

FYI:  1 oz may not seem like a lot but these products will probably last a few months even with everyday use.

Lip Exfoliatens

Bath and Body Works is having a sale on their Liplicious 2-in1 lip moisturizer and sugar scrub.  It is a duel head wand with a tinted fruit flavored moisturizer on one side and a brown sugar scrub on the other.  They come in 3 flavors; Watermelon Slice, Strawberry Mint, & Mango Colada.  All three are different shades of red.  They are selling for $5 but are originally $12.  You rub the sugar scrub on your lips to gently exfoliate you lips and afterwards just lick the excess sugar off.  Then apply the moisturizer for soft lips.  

I thought that the product works well for everyday use.  It's compact, making it very portable.  I personally didn't like the taste of it however.  The brown sugar scrub followed by the fruit flavored moisturizer did not  mix well for me.  Separately, I thought they were fine.  Unfortunately for me I had an allergic reaction to this product.  I had only used it for 2- 3 days.  This was the first time that I had a reaction to any product from Bath & Body.  I was very disappointed.  I had liked it until that point.

Review

Pro: Worked Well

Con: Tasted weird when used together.  I had an allergic reaction

Buy Again: No

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥

The best lip exfoliate I've ever used has to be Mary Kay's Satin Lips.  It come in two parts; one is the lip mask and the other is lip balm and come in 0.3 oz tubes.  They sell individually for $9.50 each or the set for $18.  You apply the lip mask to your lips to exfoliated.  When it drys simply wipe it off with a warm soak cloth. Then apply the lip balm afterwards.    If you use the lip balm before bed, you can moisturizer your lips while you sleep and wake up with softer lips.  I love this product.  I've used it for years and it's still the best.

Visit MaryKay.com to order from a representative near you.

Review

Pro: Definately works and leaves you with incredibly soft lips.

Con: None

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $$

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Urban Decay Delux Palette

Urban Decay has several Palettes out but their Deluxe Palette is probably my favorite.  I bought it at Sephora for $38 and comes with 9 colors, 2 applicators, and a sample of their Primer Potion.   The case is a square purple velvet case and comes with a mirror on the inside.  At $38 it is around $4 a color & if you bought it individually it would cost you around $17- $18 each.  I think it's a good deal.  The eyeshadows are highly pigmented and are all shimmery.  The colors are: Fishnet (a periwinkle color), Honey (a deep gold color), Ransom (a deep purple), Graffiti ( a bright green color), Zero (black), Peace ( an aqua blue),  Shag ( copper), Scratch ( peachy nude color), & Underground ( bronze).  If the colors seem random, I think they all go well together.  I've manage to create several different looks using this palette alone.  They are very fun and brilliant colors and if you take advange of the primer potion it makes the colors pop and last longer on your eyes.

Review

Pros: Highly pigmented shimmery colors

Cons: None

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $$$$$

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Covergirl: Exact Line

I bought this product and I sorta liked it. I love using liquid eyeliner but I don't have the steadiest of hands when handling the brush. The Line Exact makes it easier to apply the liner because of the marker-like felt tip and it doesn't smudge or run. You give it a shake to get liquid going and start using it.  I only wish it was a little longer because the small size makes it a bit awkward to hold when applying.  If you wanted to carry eye liner around this would be good because it's compact.  I also didn't keep it long because it either ran out quickly or it dried up.  

Review: 
Pros: Long lasting as far as application goes.
Cons: Too small and runs out quickly
Buy Again: Maybe
Price: $
Packaging: ♦ ♦
Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥

Neutrogena: Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System

I've used this product for months now and I've seen an improvement with my skin. I had mild acne and now I rarely ,if ever, break-out. The only time I seem to breakout is during my period. I think it's helped with my skin tone and help fade old acne scars. I have sensitive skin so I have to be careful about face products because they can dry out my skin and make it feel like it's burning. At first it did dry out my skin around my cheeks but now I don't have that problem and this product doesn't burn.  

This product comes in three parts.  A face wash, a day cream, and a night cream.  The face wash is mild cleanser that contains salicylic acid to fight acne.  It also contains fine microbeads to gently exfoliate your skin with every use.  The day cream is an oil-free lotion that, aside from fighting acne, contains SPF 15.  No matter the season, skin damage from the sun can happen. And sometime certain acne medication are sensitive to sunlight so it's nice that you have a little sun protection.The night cream contains benzoyl peroxide and sorta makes your face feel like it's getting tighten.  The downside of the night lotion is that it clumps when you apply it on your face.

I bought Neutrogena Advanced Solution at Walmart for $17.99.  You can also find it at most drugstore or grocery stores for around that same price.  The product has been compared to Proactive.  I've never use Proactive so I can't say if it's better.  Other products of the same line are available in individual sales.


Review:
Pro: Works well without drying the skin.  The day lotion has SPF 15
Con: The night lotion clumps as you apply on your face.
Buy Again: Yes
Price: $ $ $
Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Anastasia Brow Express

You're eyebrows help give shape and definition to your face. Well groomed eyebrows give you a move put together look. I keep my eye brows shaped, my problem is that they're not very defined. I usually use an eye brow pencil to fill them in but recently I decided to take a bit further and I bought the Anastasia Brow Express at Sephora ($38). The kit looks like a little book and inside it comes with a brow brush, 4 eyebrow stencils, eyebrow wax, a highlighter, & 2 brown colors.
To use the kit you have to first choose a stencil that best fits your eyebrow and has as much of your natural brows within the cutout. Holding the stencil to your face can be a bit awkward. The best way I found to do it was to form a V with my index & middle finger and using them to hold either side of the stencil. Then you have to apply the brow powder using the eyebrow brush. There's 2 shades of power to use. One darker and the other lighter. Pick the one that is closest to you natural color or blend the two shades. Next, take the stencil and remove any hair that is outside of the powder area. Follow by applying the wax cream to keep your eyes brows in shape. Lastly, apply the highlighter along the brow bone underneath your eyebrows. You don't have to the highlighter given. You can use your own that best works with your makeup. And there you have it.
FYI: Other company's have their own version of this kit (powder, stencils, wax, brush,) including Too Face for $35 & Tart for $18. The sole reason I chose Anastasia is because she is know for shaping great eyebrows. You can also buy her products separately if you don't want the kit. Other lines also have similar products sold separately.

Review
Pros: Easy to use and the products work
Cons: The stencil is awkward to hold on your face while you apply the powder
Buy Again: Maybe
Price: $$$$$
Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦
Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Garnier Nutrisse

I recently colored my hair using Garnier Nurtrisse in Darkest Brown.  I bought it at Walmart for around $7.  You can find it at most place that carry haircoloring products.  I used to have very dark rich black hair when I was younger but ever since I started dying my hair its now growing out to a medium brown.  Maybe I'm just getting old and my hair color is slowly fading. Ahhh!  That's why I'm trying to maintain a dark hair color.  I usually darken my hair, rather then lighten it... Anyways, Garnier Nurtrisse comes with an applicator bottle, the color agent tube, an oil concentrate, latex gloves, conditioner, and the paper instructions.  When you start, you have to empty the color agent tube and oil concentrate which can be tricky with the gloves on.   It was simple to use the applicator bottle when applying the hair color to  my hair.  It does get harder to get the hair color out once the bottle starts to get empty but depending on your hair length, you may not need to use all of it.  I left it on for about 15-20 min (I took into account the time I spent applying) and was in my hair for about 25-30 mins.  Afterwards, I washed my hair till the water ran clear and applied the conditioner.  I left the conditioner in my hair for a few minutes before washing it out.  I blowed dry and styled as normal.  In the end my hair did not feel dry or damaged.  It has been a week now and my hair still feels healthy and the color hasn't faded.  So far so good.

Review:

Pro: Rich Hair Color Similar to what is Advertised.  Little to no damage on hair.

Con: Like most hair color it smells but only a little & lingers for a day.

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $ $

Packaging:  ♦ ♦ ♦

OverAll: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I always used a primer before I start putting on my make-up and for my eyes I use Urban Decay Primer Potion. It is a small (aprox. 4 inches high, 0.34 fl oz) purple tube that's genie in the bottle inspired. It comes with a wand for application and the primer is a soft nude color but goes on clear. It is simple to use. Just apply a small amount on your eyelids and a little bit under your eyes and blend in. Allow it to dry for a second then you can start applying your eye make-up. Using this primer is a good base for your eyeshadow because it will keep it from fading, creasing, or running. When I use this my eyeshadow doesn't budge and stays as brilliant all day. Eventhough it's a small tube it will last you a while because you won't need to use a lot when you apply. I bought it at Saphora for $17. For the price & quality it's a must have in any collection.

Other companies make similar products including: Stila, Smashbox, Bare Essentials, etc.

Review:

Pro: One of the least expensive eye shadow primers & works well

Con: None

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $ $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Color Happy

I love playing around with the colors. Here's what I've tried with my newly purchased make-up...

Eyes:Urban Decay Primer Potion

M.A.C/Hello Kitty Palette in Too Dolly & Lucky Tom -Stylin', Lucky Tom, Romping, Creme Royal

Maybelline Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Covergirl Lash Blast in Black

Face: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Maybelline Mineral Foundation & Concealer

M.A.C/Hello Kitty Powder in Pretty Baby

M.A.C/Hello Kitty Blush in Tipsy

Maybelline Mineral Vail

Lips: M.A.C/Hello Kitty Lip Glass in Sweet Strawberry

Eyes:Physician's Formula Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner for Brown Eyes

Covergirl Lash Blast in Black

Face: Remmel London Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer

Maybelline Mineral Foundation & Concealer

Physician's Formula Light Bronzer

Maybelline Mineral Blush in Soft Mauve

Maybelline Mineral Vail

Lips: Revlon Color Stay Mineral Lipglaze (540)

Eyes:Urban Decay Primer Potion

Urban Decay Deluxe Palette- Peace, Scratch, Zero, Ransom, Sin

Covergirl Lash Blast

Face: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Maybelline Mineral Foundation & Concealer

Physician's Formula Light Bronzer

Physician's Formula Blush in Warm Nude

Maybelline Mineral Vail

Lips: Covergirl Wetslicks AmazeMint in Freedom of Peach

First Post

It's great to be woman.  One of the fun sides of being a woman is being able to get dolled up.  I was very much a bit of a tomboy growing up and I've recently found my girly side in the past few years.  I enjoy doing my hair, nails, and make-up.  The hardest part of the process is finding the right products at good price.    However, I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity.  It's been a trial and error process.  We see so many commercials & advertisements for different products that it's hard to know whether things are as good as they seem.  I'm writing my experience on different products: comparing, contrasting, & giving my review.  These are my own opinions but I hope it helps others in finding the right products for them.  

Last month or so I got a stye on my eyelid and was force to throw away a bulk of my make-up and brushes.  The weeks after it healed I spent random times restocking my make-up collections.  I went everywhere from department stores to grocery stores.  My make-up varies in brand & price. Quality over Quantity.  Just because it cost an arm and a leg it doesn't mean it's worth it.  On the flip side the right product may be worth that extra money.  In any case buy make-up will still cost you.  That's why I wanted to do this blog to help people with the buying process.  I hate seeing something that seems great but later finding out that it was a waste of time and money.  I've thrown away serveral products just because I ended up not using them.

Anyways I've probably spent between $400 to $500 on brushes, blushes, powders, liners, shadows, etc.   It probably didn't help that I'm buying them in a short span of time in stead of over a period of time.  Here's what I bought...

Eyes: 

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palettes

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Physician Formula Eye shadows

NYX Cream Jumbo Liners

Remmel London Eyebrow Pencils

Remmel Eye Liner

Maybelline Liquid Eyeliners

M.A.C./Hello Kitty Eyeshadows

Covergirl Mascara

Face:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Maybelline Liquid Foundation, Concealer, Blush

Physician Formula Blush, Bronzer

M.A.C./Hello Kitty Powder, Blush

Remmel London Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer

Variety of new Brushes 

Lips:

Covergirl Lip Glosses

Maybelline Lip Glosses

M.A.C./Hello Kitty Lip Glosses, Lip Balm

I'll be reviewing these items in future post.  I'm still adding to my collection.