June Beauty Haul

I haven't really been shopping this past month. All I bought in June are:

Walmart

• TreSemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo
• TreSemme Fresh Start Mist
• Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer: Beige
  
• Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush: Peach Satin, Soft Plum
  

Tarte Eye Primer

Product: Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer with Firmitol

Price: $ $
$20 at Sephora

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The primer comes in a biodegradable indigo tube and comes with a doe foot applicator. It contains 0.11 fl. oz. of product. It gets an extra point for being biodegradable.

Claim: A natural eye primer that's elinically proven to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The universal base locks shadow in place all day and boosts pigment payoff while Firmitol™, the proprietary firming complex helps tighten eyelids and the surrounding eye area to help give the affect of younger, smoother eyes naturally. Clinical results show rapid improvement in achieving a smooth healthy look in all participants via nerve synapse interactions.

Ingredients: Isododecane, nylon-12, polyethylene, cyclopentasiloxane, polysilicone-11, amino butyric acid, barium sulfate, panax ginseng root extract, portulaca oleracea extract, centella asiatica extract, ethylhexyl palmitate, disteardimonium hectorite , VP/eicosene copolymer, propylene carbonate, methicone, phenoxyethanol. (+/-): Mica, titanium dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

Pros:

• Keeps my eyeshadow from creasing
• Keeps eyeshadows from fading
• Color corrects/ conceals
• Natural/Eco Friendly
  

Cons:

• Thicker then most eye primers
• Not as smooth to apply
  

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥ ♥
I've been using Urban Decay Primer Potion & Too Face Shadow Insurance so I compared this product to them. I sort of like this product. I find UDPP & TFSI to be very creamy and smooth when I use it. Tarte's eye primer is thicker and because it's thicker it doesn't apply as smooth. As a eye primer it does keep my eyeshadow from creasing and fading. And it also lightly corrects eye discoloration. It reminds me of Benefit's Lemon-Aid. I do like this product, it was better then what I expected. And like most Tarte product it's Natural & Eco Friendly which is always a plus.

FOTD: Champagne & Caviar

Face:
L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base
MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC35
Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Beige
NARS bronzer in Lovejoy
NARS blush in Deep Throat

Lips:
MAC Prep + Prime Lips
Ulta Lip Liner in Sheer Pink
Maybelline Color Sensational in Pink Plaza
NYX Round Lip Gloss in Real Pink

Eyes:
Too Face Shadow Insurance
MAC Soft Ochre
Using NYX Champagne & Caviar Eyeshadow Palette
E/S #1 all over the lids
E/S #2 in and above the crease
E/S #3 in the crease
E/S #4 outer V & lower lashline
E/S #5 on the brow bone
L'Oreal Linear Intense Liquid Liner in Black
Too Face Lash Injection Mascara

FOTD: Shattered Peace

Face:
L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation in Natural Tan
Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Beige (Medium)
Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Soft Plum

Lips:
MAC Prep + Prime Lip
NARS Lip Liner in Bettina
Maybelline Color Sensational in Nearly There

Eyes:
MAC Soft Ochre
Inner 1/3 & Highlight: Urban Decay e/s in Sin
Outer 2/3: Urban Decay e/s in Shattered
Outside Corner & Crease: Urban Decay e/s in Peace
Water Line: Urban Decay 24/7 e/l in Zero
L'Oreal Linear Intense liquid e/l in Black
Covergirl LashBlast Mascara

50% Off ELF Mineral Makeup

All ELF Mineral Makeup is on sale for 50% until July 6th 2010 for purchases of $20 and more. Use the code EGMIN50.

12 Best and Worst Summer Hair Care Products

12 Best and Worst Summer Hair Care Products

See which warm-weather hairstyling goodies are humidity-busting, beach-y wave-inducing winners and which ones should be thrown into the pool

StriVectin Sale at HauteLook

HauteLook is having a sale on StriVectin products. All products start at 20% off. The sale ends on Thursday 8AM PT. Check it out at HauteLook.com

An antiaging phenomenon, StriVectin® first wowed the beauty scene with a regenerating stretch-mark cream that became the antiwrinkle breakthrough of the decade, thanks to its incredible ability to improve skin elasticity, firmness, and moisture. This highly coveted skincare "secret" has inspired an entire range of clinical, problem-solution skincare products unlike anything else on the market. While continuing to grow their product assortment, StriVectin has built a reputation as one of the most innovative and in-demand skincare brands in America.

FOTD: Fields of Green & Gold

Where I live I wake up to a lot of greenary, from the grass to the trees, and the sun shining down on them. Here's how it insired my look...

Face:
L'Oreal Studio Secret Magic Perfecting Base
MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC35
applied with a SS187
Revlon ColorStay Press Powder in Medium/Deep
applied with a SS150
ELF Studio Line Candid Coral Blush
ELF Studio Line Bronzer for Contour
ELF Studio Line Blush in Gotta Glow for Highlight
all applied with MAC 109

Lips:
Ulta Lip Liner in Flesh
Cargo Lipgloss in Luxor

Eyes:

UDPP
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yellow all over the lid
UD Eyeshadow in Honey on the inner half of lid
UD Eyeshadow in Graffiti on the outer half of lid
both applied with SS239
Too Faced Eyeshadow in Lucky Charms on the outer
corner & crease applied with SS275
MAC Hello Kitty Eyeshadow in Creme Royale
on brow bone applied with SS224
UD 24/7 Eyeliner in Bourbon
Covergirl LashBlash Mascara

Versus: Makeup Removers

Recently I've tried 2 different makeup removers, one from Neutrogena & the other from E.L.F. I'm going to compare and contrast these 2 products.

Product: E.L.F. Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths

Price: $
Only $3.00 at www.eyeslipsface.com

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦
20 7"x7" Pre-moisten cloths are packaging in a black plastic bag like container. The container has cover clicks into place to help keep the cloths to stay moist.

Claim: Gently and easily cleans skin to remove all traces of makeup and dirt, even waterproof mascara. Great for on-the-go travel. Gentle cloths are soft and soothing for even the most sensitive skin. Infused with Aloe Vera Extract for deep hydration and moisture.

Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Trigylceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glyceryl Sterate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf) Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

Pros:

• Very Moist
• Removed Makeup Easily
• Smells Like Aloe
• Inexpensive
• Removes Waterproof Makeup
  

Cons:

• The Scent can be Strong
• Leaves a Residue on Skin
• Sometimes Irritated my Eyes

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥
As a makeup remover this was a good product. The packaging makes it ideal for travel. The cloths felt soft and moist against my skin when removing makeup. I think this would work well with any skin type. However, because it's so moist it leaves a residue on your skin and you would need to thoroughly wash your face. The biggest problem I had with this makeup remover was it irritating my eyes. Sometimes it would and sometimes not but even a chance of it irritating my eyes is an annoyance. It might not be the same for other but this is how it was for me.


Product: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

Price: $
This cost $4.97 at Walmart and a refill pack was $3.97

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
25 7.4"x7.2" towelettes in a blue plastic bag like container that is stored inside a blue plastic case.

Claim: These gentle, ultra soft cloths contain superior cleansing technology so effective it removes even waterproof mascara. With one step, it leaves skin thoroughly clean with no heavy residue, so there's no need to rinse. And it's gentle enough to use around the sensitive eye area, even for contact lens wearers.

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isostearyl Palmitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hexylene Glycol, Peg-4 Laurate, Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sucrose Cocoate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Dehy ...
Pros:

• Easily Removes Makeup
• Gentle on the Skin
• Soft Cloth
• No Heavy Scent
• Removes Waterproof Makeup
• Inexpensive
  

Cons:

• NONE

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I really like this product. It was good makeup remover and it did not irritate my skin or eyes. Unlike the ELF cloths this did not have a heavy residue. This would definately be safe for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Between these two products I would chose Neutrogena over the ELF cleansing cloths. They both did their job but the ELF cleansing cloths irritated my eyes and that was it's biggest downfall.

50% Off ELF Studio Line

E.L.F. is having a 50% Off sale on their Studio Line products with a $20 purchase. Use the code EGSTUD at checkout. This sale ends 06/21/10.
Also right now until 06/21/10 shipping is only $1.98 using the code JUN198.

E.L.F. Eyelash Curler

Product: Mechanical Eyelash Tool

Claim: This innovative eyelash curler has a special curved design which angles to suit all eye shapes. Its silicone rubber pad applies the appropriate amount of pressure to curl lashes naturally and allows for damage-free heating. Get long-lasting curled lashes both easily and safely.

Price: $
I bought this from the E.L.F. website for only $1.00!

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The eyelash curler came in a plastic box. The eyelash curler itself has a spring handle with the outside arm having a hook bottom to place your middle finger along with the 2 finger holes. The black pad is made of silicone and there's also a replacement pad that comes with this tool.

Pros:

• Ergonomically design
• Gives you more control
• Gets close to the lash line
• Inexpensive
  

Cons:

• None

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Surprisingly, I liked this product. I bought it because it's different from your normal eyelash curler. I feel like this one gives me more control, as far as how much pressure I'm applying to my lashes. I would recommend people to try this and for only $1 it's worth the try.

Smashbox Sale at HauteLook

HauteLook is having a Smashbox sale. All products are 50% off. Sale ends 06/17/10 8AM PT. Check it out at HauteLook.com

Whether it's the creation of products and tools or artistry tips and tricks, Smashbox Cosmetics is always looking at beauty through a new lens. It's no secret their inspiration comes from their own creative compound known as Smashbox Studios where the world's top makeup artists, photographers, celebrities, and models meet to shape and inspire future trends. From magazine photo shoots to fashion shows, Smashbox believes their knowledge is your biggest beauty tip and they continue to enhance and revolutionize the industry by sharing the secrets they've learned along the way through backstage-tested products that take the heat—on set and in real life. Smashbox is your secret weapon for picture-perfect results every time.

MDSkinCare Sale at HauteLook

HauteLook is having a sale on MD SkinCare products. All products are 90% off their original price. Sale ends Saturday at 8 am EST. Check it at out at HauteLook.com

The skin doc of choice among the fashion and beauty elite, New York City dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross is among the most innovative doctors practicing cosmetic dermatology. After years of smoothing, softening, and perfecting the skin of his famous clients, he was inspired to create a product that would deliver similar results at home. Enter MD Skincare, a line of products that provides immediate and incredible results for all skin conditions by combining the best of what nature and science have to offer. And the best part? No prescription—or appointment—is necessary.

FOTD: Satin Taupe

A simple,soft, smokey day look.

Face:
Sally Hansen Spray Foundation in Medium to Deep
applied with a Kabuki Brush
Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Beige
Revlon ColorStay Press Powder in Medium
NARS Lovejoy for contour
applied with MAC 109
NARS Deep Throat for blush
applied with SS168
NARS Albatross for highlight
applied with MAC 109

Eyes:
Anastasia Brow Kit for Brunettes
MAC Vanilla for highlight
applied with Sonya Kashuk large eyeshadow brush
MAC Satin Taupe on lids
applied with ELF eyeshadow brush
MAC Beauty Mark in the crease, outer corner & lower lash line
applied with ELF blending brush & SS219
Maybelline Gel Liner in Blackest Black
applied with Smashbox eyeliner brush
Too Face Lash Injection Mascara & Pinpoint Mascara

Lips:
Ulta Lipliner in Flesh
Revlon Colorburst in Blush
NYX Round Lipgloss in Kiss

10 Must Have Beauty Tools ( Non Brushes)

These are my 10 must have non brush beauty tools. I wanted to keep it small and have an even number so I started the list with six. Then I really want to add 2 more things so it went up to eight. At eight we might as well go to ten and have nice, even, whole number. So here's my list. This is not in any particular order.

Tweezers: Because your eyebrows aren't going to shape themselves. Find a good tweezer with an angled tip to grip unwanted hairs at any direction.









Eyelash Curler: Unless you one of the few people with naturally curly lashes, you're going to need some help.












Wedge Sponge Applicator: Its great for applying liquid and cream makeup and after use you can just throw it away.










Q-Tip: So unappreciated but great for a lot of things... clean up smudges, create a smokey look, apply makeup, remove makeup, etc.











Powder Puff: I like these for apply powder (especially to set foundation) instead of a brush. It really presses the powder on with an even application.









Oil Absorbing Sheets: If you're prone to get shiny (basically everyone) this is a must have. They're easy to carry around and allows you to freshen up your look through out the day.









Cotton Pads: Because we have to remove out makeup eventually. These are better then cotton balls because it hold enough liquid makeup remover without absorbing it all and has a larger surface area.








Two Hole Pencil Sharpener: Pencils eventually get dull so we need to get them back into shape. And most make up pencils come in 2 sizes.









Magnification Mirror: We all need to see ourselves to put make up on. This mirror is good because it gives you a close up look of your face so you don't miss anything.









Toothpick/Flossers: Nothing messes up a look like broccoli in your teeth. These little guys are great for going out and keeping your smile right.

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Tinted Moisturizer

Now that summer is here, I don't want to wear heavy foundation. I decided to try a tinted moisturizer.

Product: Physician's Formula Healthy Wear Tinted Moisturizer

Comes in 4 shades:

• Ivory to Fair
• Fair to Light
• Light to Natural
• Natural to Tan

Claim:

• Delivers maximum SPF 50 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection while providing sheer and natural-looking color.
• Protects- SPF Boosters and Mineral-based ingredients provide SPF 50 protection without residue or greasiness.
• Prevents- Potent antioxidant blend helps prevent future UV damage and premature signs of aging.
• Restores- Licorice Extract & Tomato Derivatives help brighten skin and diminish the appearance of sun spots.

Application:
I apply this with either a foundation brush or sponge.

Price: $
This was $12.97 for 2 bottles at Walmart

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
1 oz. orange plastic bottle with hot pink lettering. It dispenses with a pump. The pump is easy to use so you can control how much product you want to come out.

Pros:

• SPF 50
• Hypoallergenic
• Fragrance Free
• Paraben Free
• Dermatologist Approved
• Oil-Free

Cons:

• Only 4 Shades
• Makes Your Face Shiny
• Rubs Off Easily
  

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥ ♥
This is my first time using a tinted moisturizer so I can't really compare it to another product. As far as this product goes, there's a lot to like but the cons might get to people. Physician's Formula has always been great with products that is safe on any skin type. This is no different. I like that it's hypoallergenic, has SPF 50 (great for summer), and oil free (won't clog your pores). For a tinted moisturizer this one has the highest SPF. I think that is also the reason why it makes your face seem shiny. That can be combated by putting a little bit of powder. I'm not sure if all tinted moisturizers are this way but it does rub off easily. The biggest flaw about this is that the shades might be hard to match for people. I bought the darkest shade they had (Natural to Tan) and I'm only a medium skin tone (NC35). I give it a 50/50 chance that it will match a person skin tone. It definitely worth a try but try to get it on sale.

Luxe vs. Less Hair Care

Luxe vs. Less Hair Care

Which cheapies are as good as the high-end products?

Hair products are like fraternal twins -- similar in ingredients, but very different on the surface. We asked Lesley Bride, senior scientist at Procter & Gamble Beauty, and Fritz Clay, owner of Hair Play Salon in San Francisco, to compare similar products and say which are so close, you might as well save -- and which are worth the splurge. The results will surprise you.

By Emily Kate Warren

Look Naturally Beautiful All Summer Long

When the weather is warm, showcase these hot hair and makeup tips

With temperatures ramping up and hot weather on the way, it's time to embrace hair and makeup looks that work with and enhance your radiant glow. From tousled hair how-tos to bronzy makeup products and application techniques, these celebrity looks and expert beauty tips will have your hotness meter rising while also helping you stay cool in the heat. Whether you're naturally dark or super fair, there are many ways to look sun-kissed and stylish, day or night. Check out a few of our favorites and find the look that works for you! - By Charli Schuler

E.L.F Buy 1 Get 1 50%

E.L.F is having a Buy 1 Get 1 for 50% Off on orders of $20 or more using the code MEMHALF. This sale ends 05/07/10.