Review: ELF's High Definition Powder

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Size: 3.5 oz
Price: $6
Where To Buy: eyeslipsface.com
Would I Buy Again: Yes

The high definition loose powder creates a "soft focus" effect to the skin. Masks fine lines and imperfections for a radiant complexion. The incredibly soft and invisible powder is great for on-screen and everyday wear.

 I love this product! I almost didn't get it but I'm so so glad I did. Basically its a very fine finishing powder that is suppose to 'blur' flaws or whatever. I didn't get it for that though, I just wanted something that would help with oil control and I think it does.

I put this on after my foundation, powder, and blush. To apply, I leave the puff over the sifter, put 3 fingers under the strap and my thumb under the bottom of the container, then I just flip it upside down and give it a shake, put it right side up and blot the puff on a small area of my face, using short stroking motions to blend it in. I do this a few times to cover my whole face. I think using the puff applicator to apply it makes it way less messy then using a brush. You don't waste product and you can control exactly where it goes. Remember to wash the powder puff every once in a while as it will get dirty, warm soap and water works just fine.

I find that this does help with oil control, but of course not 100% (nothing does that for me). What I really like though is that in the middle of the day when I'm getting oily I can blot with a piece of tissue and then put the HD powder on and look like I just put my make up on without looking cakey at all, as you might if you put on a regular face powder.

That for me is what makes this so amazing. I'm going to get some level of oil on my face in the middle of the day no matter what, and being able to suddenly look fresh and clean really means a lot to me. I'm sure there are other powders that do something similar but for the price of ELF's I think this is an amazing product. It is a really really fine powder too, if I run my fingers over my skin after putting it on I don't feel any grittiness which I've had with other silica powders.

PROS:
-very fine texture
-helps a bit with oil control
-mattifies
-easy to apply and blend in
-can reapply in the middle of the day & look like you just put on your make up

CONS:
-not available to many (if any) stores
-packaging is a little bulky if you want to travel with it, but you can transfer a bit to another jar if you like


Ingredients: Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica

Review: Cover Girl Fresh Complexion Powder Foundation

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Size: .37 oz
Price: $5.00 - $7.00
Where To Buy: any drugstore
Would I Buy Again: Yes

Get a fresh, natural look - to go! Extra-fine oil absorbing powders help even out skin, covering like a liquid, cheeks to chin. The slim, blue compact goes anywhere to help control shine and keep you beautiful for hours.

Controls oil and shine
Oil-free
Hypoallergenic
Won't clog pores

I bought this after going through several pressed powders from different brands and not being happy with them. I can honestly say that this is one I will buy again and continue to love. Its different from other pressed powders in the fact that its a foundation, so its more pigmented and a bit heavier in coverage. It can be worn alone but I like to wear it over my normal liquid foundation.

The key to not looking like I'm wearing tons of foundation is to apply only a thin layer of liquid foundation, about half of what I'd normally use, then using my ELF Studio Powder Brush to apply the Cover Girl powder in a light layer, and then using the sponge it comes with on places where my pores are large or where I have red spots. This gives me the most natural flawless look I've ever acheived with the least work (though its still not perfect, but I'll take what I can get) and the least about of make up on my skin.

This does help control oil for me. I always use MAC's Prep+Prime spf 50 under everything, and that plus this powder gives me at least 7-8 hours before I really need to blot. Usually I only get 5-6 before my face looks pretty gross.

The biggest problem with this product is that the lightest shade 605 Ivory would be too dark for very pale/fair skin tones. I just barely match it and I'm pretty light. There are 11 shades total.

This really helps make 50% of my pores disappear. They are huge and abundant so that is a big deal to me.

I have had no adverse reations to this products, no breakouts or anything.

PROS:
-good coverage
-hides pores
-doesn't feel heavy
-can wear alone or over liquid foundation

CONS:
-may be too dark for very fair skin

Using Sea Salt to fight Acne, my 6 month update.

In July I wrote about how I had started using Sea Salt to fight my daily acne problem, and I just wanted to do an update and share this information with anyone who didn't read it back then.

I've had moderate acne since I was about 10-11 (I'm now almost 21). I've used Pro Active and a lot of drugstore products but nothing reduced my acne more than 20% if I was lucky. In June I read about using sea salt on your skin to fight acne. I didn't really think it would work but since I already had loads of it at home I thought why not try it.

Within a week I could already see that I wasn't getting as many breakouts a day as I usually did. Old breakouts were healing more quickly and my foundation looked better because I was exfoliating my skin every day.

After about 6 weeks 95% of my acne was gone. I wasn't getting more than 1-2 pimples a week and they were usually half gone before I noticed them. After two months I generally only broke out the week before or of my period.

My skin still isn't perfect but it hasn't been this nice since before puberty. I'm not ashamed to go around my house at night after I've washed my makeup off and have my family see my skin. I still wear foundation every day but I don't have to wear as much of it. I get a pimple every once in a while (mostly just when I forget to use the salt) but they don't get as big as they use to and they heal more quickly.

How I use it:

Its so simple, at night in the shower after I've used my regular face wash to remove my make up I put 1/2 a teaspoon of salt in my wet palms. I then gently scrub my face for 10-15 seconds and wash it off. Sometimes I'll do this in the morning too. I'm actually saving money because I don't use face wash in the morning anymore like I use to.

If my skin is acting up I'll put the salt on and leave it for 5 minutes. You can mix it with honey or your face wash and use it as a mask if you want a more intense treatment.

Also I've gotten one of those small travel size spray bottles from Target and mixed a tablespoon of salt with water and I'll spray that on my face at night every so often. This is good if you have body acne and can't reach some areas like your back or shoulders. Sometimes I'll add 1/2 a cup of salt to my bath just because I breakout on my legs.

Generally its better to use Sea Salt rather then refined salt because it has more 'nutrients,' for lack of a better word, but refined salt will work in a pinch. Try it out, its cheap and doesn't take much effort. I hope it works for any of you who have the same problem I did.

Review: ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Size: .15 oz
Price: $3.00
Where To Buy: eyeslipsface.com
Would I Buy Again: Yes

God bless the people at ELF who made this product! It is amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing, especially for just $3.00!

This gentle and completely sheer Eyeshadow Primer has key vitamins A, C and E to help prevent aging and moisturizes the skin. The formula glides on easily and disappears instantly to create longer-lasting, crease-proof eyeshadow. The Mineral Eyeshadow Primer is designed to be used with your favorite mineral eyeshadow to provide ultimate staying power for beautiful and vibrant color that lasts. 100% mineral based with no parabens, no preservatives and no chemical dyes.

I think we all know about Urban Decays Primer Potion. We all know that its a bit expensive, and we know that the packaging sucks so you have to cut the sucker open just to get your money's worth. ELF has made a affordable alternative that, in my experience, works just as well as Urban Decays more expensive primer.

I'll start by saying that I have very oily eyelids. Without a primer my eyeshadow creases within 2-3 hours. With ELF's Mineral Primer my eyeshadow lasts about 8-9 hours (as long as I'm not out in super hot weather) with only a bit of fading. It stays vibrant most of the day.

The primer is totally sheer. The tube I got is kind of watery but I don't know if this is the norm. The tube is clear with a doe foot applicator so you can see how much you have left inside. It easy to blend and you don't need to use a whole lot.

PROS:
-very affordable, $3.00
-makes e/s vibrant
-last a very long time (8-9 hours)
-no parabens or dyes

CONS:
-none???

INGREDIENTS: Isododecane, Cylopentasiloxane, Octyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Triacontanyl PVP, Propylene Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica (CI 77019), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163).

_______________________________

Coming Soon: LOOK OUT FOR MY UDPP vs ELF-MP COMPARISON POST.

Don't forget to use the code CAROLINA at the ELF website for 50% off orders up to $15. Also use Ebates for 4% cash back.

Review: ELF Studio Powder Brush

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Price: $3.00
Where To Buy: Eyeslipsface.com
Would I Buy Again: Yes!

This brush is so great! Its the first flat top brush I've tried, and it'll probably be the last. I had been thinking about getting a more expensive one from Coastal Scents but kept putting it off, finially I decided to try this one since its $10 cheaper. I've used it for both powder and liquid foundation with great results.

For powder foundation it gives great coverage and I've never had powder foundation look so good. It was easy to get the foundation around my nose but harder to get it around my eyebrows.

Applying liquid foundation with this brush was so much easier then any other brush I've used and quicker then using my fingers. Plus I got a great smooth streak free finish with zero effort. Today was really the fastest and easiest time I've ever had applying liquid foundation.

This brush is super soft, and it was easy to wash out my stubborn Revlon CS. Also there was very little foundation left on my brush, I expected there to be more on my brush then on my face like with other brushes but that doesn't happen with this brush.



PROS:
-super soft
-no shedding
-no smell
-applies both powder & liquid foundation like a dream
-cleans easy, doesn't suck foundation up into the bristles
-affordable for everyone
-vegan, bristles are synthetic

CONS:
-takes a few hours to dry like most synthetic brushes

Don't forget to use the code CAROLINA at the ELF website for 50% off orders up to $15. Also use Ebates for 4% cash back.

Review: NYX 10 Color Palette Champagne & Caviar

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Size: 4.5 inches long
Price: $9
Where To Buy: nyxcosmetics, cherryculture, nonpareilboutique, ebay
Would I Buy Again: Yes

This new palette from NYX is a must have. It has 10 neutral colors that I think will work for most skin tones. There are 3 matte colors (white, chocolate, black) & the rest are a mix of satin and shimmers. This palette has all the colors you need to make a natural everyday look or a smoky chocolate evening look. The white color is pigmented but sheer enough to work as a brow bone highlighter. All the other colors are very pigmented and have a silky texture.

The compact is glossy and chic, but shows finger prints easily. The entire inside lid is a mirror so you can see what you are doing very well. Its about 4.5 inches long but there is plenty of each color. My only complaint about this palette is that its a little hard to open and I'm afraid of breaking my nails. This is really a great product and perfect for traveling, runs between $8 - $10 depending on where you buy it.


PROS:
-pigmented
-can do several different looks
-works for many skin tones
-good for traveling
-has big mirror

CONS:
-case is hard to open & gets fingers prints

Target brand Up & Up Baby Wipes as Facial Wipes

If you are looking for some affodable but amazing make up remover or facial cleaning wipes check out the Target brand (now called Up & Up) unscented baby wipes.

-hypoallergenic real-cloth wipes
-alcohol free
-natural aloe and Vitamin E
-cushiony texture for superior cleaning

I saw this idea from someone else on a make up board and forgot about it until we ran out of baby wipes for my nephew. I promply thought of these and ran off to get them. I think everyone uses make up wipes at some point, but a lot of brands do run kind of expensive for these tiny packs of only 20 or 30 wipes, or super expensive for packs of 100.

The Target brand baby wipes comes in packs of 88 for $1.97. I believe there is a jumbo pack of around 300 for about $4 and small pack of 40 for $1.27. Each cloth is really long, one side is textured the other is smooth. The unscented kind have no smell at all. I've used them on my eyes with zero irritation. I've used them to take off lip products and there is no taste left over. What I love most is that there is no residue left over on my face. Any other wipe I've used leaves my skin feeling damp and tacky like I didn't rinse off my cleanser all the way. These Target wipes leaves my face feeling very clean like I just got out of the shower. I also use these to clean my make up brushes and wipe down any powder from my vanity area.

Easy Flacky/Itchy Scalp Fix

All my life I've had oily hair. About 24 hours after I wash it it's greasy and gross again so I usually wash it every night. However there are days when I get home too late or I'm just too tired to wash it so I'll put it off for a day. You'd think with all the grease I wouldn't have a problem with flakes but it actually creates them because the extra "moisture" on my scalp makes that skin come off and I end up with white bits in my hair. The extra oil makes my scalp itchy too so scratching it makes even more flakes.

There are plenty of products out there that are marketed towards this problem and its hard to know whats going to work for you, but there is something so simple that my mom's been using on me since I was a kid that I always come back to: Apple Cider Vinegar.

Yup, the smelly brown stuff that anyone with a nose should fear.

When ever I start getting a flaky or itchy scalp I get a big cup and fill it with 1/3 Vinegar and 2/3 warm water. I put it on in the shower and let it sit while I wash my face. Then I rinse it out and use my usual shampoo and conditioner. This totally cures the itching and stops the flakes. It does leave your hair smelling for a while so don't do this if you're going out in a few hours.

I believe you can get this at most grocery stores. Be sure to use a organic/natural brand like Bragg's as others can be dilluted and have added chemicals which may make them less effective. You want the purest form you can get.

Apple Cider Vinegar is also good for curing ring worms (soak a cotton ball and tape it on), relieving a sore throat (gargle & spit, don't swallow), and many other things (my mom uses it to clean our bathroom and kitchen floors).

Mascara: The 3 month rule.

One of the most commonly advertised "rules" for mascara is that you're suppose to throw it out after 3 months. The reasoning behind this is that bacteria gets in the tube and can infect your eyes.

Is this a genuine issue, or is it a marketing scam to get you to need to buy more mascara, thus giving cosmetic companies more money?

I believe its the latter.

Lets look at this bacteria issue for a moment.

1) How would it get inside your mascara? Every tube of mascara I've seen has a tiny opening with a rubber stopper that prevents too much product from getting out, and basically anything else from getting in. You can't put any dirty fingers inside, and you're probably not going to spit in it or blow dirty air inside or something. The only place the applicator wand touches is your eyelashes. I can only speak for myself, but I usually put on eye makeup after washing my face, so theoretically I don't have germs in my eyes when I put my mascara on. On that note, your eyes don't make bacteria all by themselves, and they have a natural way of flushing out anything that isn't suppose to be there (tears!).

2) If it did get bacteria inside, so what? There's bacteria in the air, which gets in your eyes. Its on our fingers, which come into contact with ours eyes and mouths all the time. If you get an eye infection I think its more likely that it'll come from your fingers then your mascara. I got pink eye once when I was 10, and I never used any form of eye make up back then. I haven't had any eye infections since then and my current mascara's are between 2 & 3 years old.

3) Don't we do the exact same thing with lip gloss? We put the same wand on our lips and back into the tube everyday. As long as it doesn't go bad people generally use the same lip gloss for several years or until its used up. If there is bacteria its not going in our eyes, its going in our mouths which to me sound a lot worse. No one's telling us to throw out our lip gloss after 3 months because it might make us sick.

I think its pretty illogical to think your mascara is going to breed some horrible bacteria after 3 months. Like I said above, all of my current mascaras are a few years old and I haven't had any problems. I have yet to have one dry up. I've only in my life used one mascara up and that took a few years and was one with the lash primer on one side & the mascara on the other so it was half what you get in a normal mascara. There has only be one mascara that I thought went bad, but it was 5 or 6 years old and I didn't remember if it smelled bad to begin with or not.

This is just my opinion. You don't have to hold onto your mascara until the end of the world like me, but don't toss out something that still works great and waste that money.


This look here was done with my 3 year old Maybelline Great Lash mascara, it still looks great right? Look no germs...

Review: ELF Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging 5 out of 5
Price: $1
Size: 18 pads
Where To Buy: Eyeslipsface.com
Would I buy Again: Yes

Our unique fragrance free formula allows you to quickly and easily remove your make up while leaving your face fresh and clean. Eighteen pads are conveniently packed in a travel case that lets you easily store the pads in your travel case or everyday bag.

Directions:
Smooth pad over closed lid and lashes. Tissue off lashes before reapplying makeup. Leaves eyes feeling fresh and clean. Recommended for use with e.l.f. Earth & Water Mascara Duo and e.l.f. eye makeup.

I really love these eye makeup remover pads. They are so great at removing makeup and I don't have to rub over the same area again and again to get everything off. It says is doesn't have a fragrance but I think is smells like baby whipes. The pad is very thin but it picks up a lot and its very sturdy. The only thing I would complain about is that after I use it my eyelids are a little sticky (like my eyelid just sticks together a bit) so I need to rinse with water. Also it doesn't 100% remove mascara but I'd say it gets 80-90%. It would be really great if elf made a jumbo or refill pack because it only holds 18 pads.

PROS:
-gentle baby whipe smell
-cleans makeup off fast with no rubbing
-pad is thin but very sturdy, won't fall apart
-doesn't burn or irratate eyes
-package is very small and portable

CONS:
-leaves skin a little tacky/sticky
-doesn't completey remove mascara

Review: NYX Round Lip Gloss (with swatches)

NYX girls new lip gloss. 36 pretty new shades to highlight that sexy pucker of yours. Feels silky smooth, long lasting, and the color in the bottle is the color on.

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Price: $3.00 - $2.00
Size: 0.085 oz
Where To Buy: nyxcosmetics.com / cherryculture.com / shopcraze.com
Would I Buy Again: Absolutely!

---------

I'll keep it short and sweet. These are the best lip glosses I've even tried. Not only are they a great price, but they have a great texture & pigmentation, are long lasting, and have a good smell/taste.

Note: these were reformulated a few months ago to fix the packaging and change the smell from lemon to sherbet.

PROS:
-most are very pigmented, the sheerer ones are layer-able
-very affordable
-wonderful texture, not too thin or thick
-long lasting
-good range of colors and finishes
-cute packaging
-smells good, like sherbet ice cream
-not sticky
-some have lots of shimmer, some have none, there is something for everyone

CONS:
-if you don't like the smell of sherbet ice cream you may not like the these


click to enlarge




Cafe Latte, Pinky Natural, Pink, Soap Opera Queen






INGREDIENTS:
Microcrystalline Wax, Polyisobutene, Vitamin E, Silane, Minteral Oil, 2-ethylhexyl Palmitate, Gelled Hydrocarbons, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Fragrance. MAY CONTAIN: Mica, Titanium Dioxide/Ci77891, D$c Red No.6 Ba Lake/Ci15850:2, D&cRed No.27Al Lake/Ci45410:2, Iron Oxide Red/Ci77491, Iron Oxide Black/Ci77499, D&c Red 7 Ca. Lake/Ci15850:1, Iron Oxide Yellow/Ci77492, Fd&c Blue No.1 Al Lake/Ci42090:2

Review: MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Size: 1 oz
Price: $28.00
Where To Buy: maccosmetics.com
Will I Buy Again: Yes, for sure.

A skin-protecting cream with SPF 50. Applies under makeup to prime the skin for the sun. Featherweight, fast-absorbing, oil-free, invisible. Will not affect the look, texture or long-wear integrity of your makeup. Specially formulated with oil-absorbing powder, helps prevent oil breakthrough. Provides high-level broad spectrum sun protection. Worn daily helps guard the skin against discolouration, premature aging, dryness and other effects of sun exposure. Suitable for all skins.



I get all warm and fuzy just thinking about this primer. I have very oily skin, I've tried a few primers, different foundations, face powders, whatever, and none have been able to do what MAC's Prep + Prime SPF 50 has done for me.

Oil Control: When I'm not wearing primer my skin becomes oily 4-5 hours after applying foundation (sometimes sooner on bad days), and by 3 or 4 pm I have to blot (I just use tissue). When I wear the Prep+Prime my skin gets a little 'dewy' after a few hours but it rarely gets to the point when I feel like I need to blot. Even if its 10 o'clock at night, my face will still look only dewy or just slightly oily.

Foundation Wear: My usual face products are Revlon's Colorstay Foundation, followed by a pressed powder. I apply my foundation right after the primer because it CS is easier to blend with something else underneath. With the Prep + Prime my foundation lasts all day and if there aren't any lines around my nose or mouth (from smiling).

Breakouts & Pores: I almost always have one or two new zits everyday, and I don't find this to have affected my skin in that way at all. I usually just use the primer on my forhead, nose, & cheeks, and my breakouts are always around my mouth and cheeks. So this primer hasn't made me breakout more or less. Also its never clogged pores or caused any other skin irritations.

Application & Removal: The formula is light and easy to apply. I just use a little dot for each cheek & one for my nose and forehead. I've found using a bit more makes it work even better at controlling oil. This washes off just fine with my Olay face cleanser (it has little exfoliating beads), I don't have a problem with this staying on my face when I don't want it there.

Packaging: This comes in a little sparkly black tube that is narrow on the top and has the opening on the bottom. Its only 1 ounce, which I think it a rip off for $28. Also I think it will be a pain to get all of the product out when I start getting to the end. I would probably cut it open if not for the fact that I would not be able to take the empty tube back to MAC for a free lipstick or whatever. I only use the primer on days when I know I'm going to be away from home all day, otherwise I feel like I'm wasting it and I don't want to have to rebuy this all the time.

PROS:
-controls oil
-wears well under foundation
-no funky smell
-SPF 50
-doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts

CONS:
-expensive for such a small amount
-packaging could be better

Review: Rimmel Stay Matte + SkinPure Complex Foundation

Quality: 2 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Price: $7.99
Size: 1 oz
Where To Buy: any drugstore
Would I Buy Again: No, I took it back.

Shine control formula for 12 hours matte coverage. With Skin Pure Complex for a visibly purified complexion and gentle botanical extracts to help soothe sensitive skin. Oil-free. Non-comedogenic. Non-acnegenic. Fragrance free. Paraben free.

I so wanted to like this foundation but there were several things that didn't workout.

First the lightest shade 100 Ivory was way to dark for my skin. In Revlon's ColorStay foundation I'm their lightest shade (also called Ivory) but this foundation would match their Buff or Sand Beige shade. This might work for me in the summer if I tanned a bit.

Second this did nothing to keep my skin matte. My face got oily quickly (like in 2-3 hours) and later in the day I noticed I had lines of foundation on the sides of my mouth where your cheeks crease as you smile.

Coverage was light-medium, which doesn't work for someone like me who has a lot of redness from breakouts. My pores also seems to stand out a bit more.

All in all it really didn't work for me so I returned it. However this did work well for Tanya from The Pink Train Case so I'm sure it would work for others.

PROS:
-the packaging is really nice, I like the slim tube better then the square or round jars other foundations come in and the opening points down so you can get all of it out
-no smell
-cheap price

CONS:
-bad color selection
-didn't control oil for me at all
-foundation creased/moved

Review: Jane Aqua Ceuticals Sheer Tinited Moisturizer SPF 30

Quality: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Size: 1.5 oz
Price: $6.99
Where To Buy: Walgreens, Rite Aid
Will I Buy Again: Yes!

I saw it at Walgreens and just had to try it. I don't usually do inpulse buys but I figured since I've never use a TM before I could try this out and wear it to the gym at the very least.

This is the first tinted moisturizer I've ever tried, so perhaps I don't know what I'm missing but I love this product! I know I'm going to use it tons in the summer when my family has swim/birthday partys (which is very often May-August).

This product comes in 4 shades: Fair (very fair, pink or porcelain undertones), Light Warm Tones (beige or yellow undertones), Medium Warm Tones (mediterranean, tanned complexion) and Dark Tones (deep, warm complexion). I use the lightest which is suppose to be for fair/pink toned skin but its great on my light neutral/warm skin.



PROS:
-SPF 30, protects your skin
-paraben free
-has green tea and white tea extracts
-gives good light to almost medium coverage, I have huge pores, uneven skin, and breakouts but I feel ok going out in just this (i.e the gym, quick errands, or beach/pool)
-makes my skin a little glowy
-gives light oil control, not as much as my normal foundation but I can just rinse my face mid-day and re apply which is good because you need to touch up sunscreen anyways
-makes a nice base for regular foundation, my foundation goes on really nice over it
-you get a very good quantity for the prize, 1.5 oz for $7

CONS:
-strong sunscreen smell when you put it on and take it off, but I kind of like the smell of sunscreen

INGREDIENTS: Active Ingredients: Ethylhexl Methoxycinnamate, 7.5% Benzophenone-3, 6.0% Ethylhexl Salicylate, 5.0%. Other ingredients: Agua, Dimenthicone, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearate, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Gylcerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Iodopropynl Butylcarbamate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract. May contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide.

Review: Wet N Wild Mega Liner in Turquoise

Dramatic eye emphasis in a single-stroke
Long-wear, quick-dry formula applies thick or thin
Fast-drying, non-caking color glides on smoothly, resists running
Liquid eyeliner formula is perfect for detailed, pinpoint perfect applications and true artistic interpretation.

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Size: 0.12 ounces
Price: $2.99
Where To Buy: any drugstore

Firstly, the color is called Turquoise, but its actually green. I don't get how WnW made this mistake, but whatever. Secondly, I love, love, LOVE this eyeliner! It is the prettiest shade of green.

PROS:
-The little brush is fantastic at getting thin, smooth lines with little effort.
-Said little brush is good at getting a nice wing, something I've never been able to get before.
-The color goes on super bright the first time, and it dries quickly.
-It doesn't fade or come off during the day. Even at the end of the day it hasn't moved when the rest of my eye shadow is a oily mess in my crease.
-It washes off easily with just water.

CONS:
-The only thing that bugs me is that the bottle is so small. If you're a person that wears liquid liner everyday and if this was a staple color (like brown or black) then it probably would be used up in 3-4 weeks.

Over all I adore this liner, I adore the color, and I plan to get the blue, brown, and black Mega Liners.

top: tkbtrading Mermaid's Gold
bottom: NYX Purple

This was my first time using, so I was a bit more sloppy.

Review: St. Ives Mineral Clay Firming Mask

This mask contains a firming clay that lifts away dead skin cells leaving skin feeling firm without drying. Herbal extracts deep clean while stimulating collagen production so skin looks replenished and younger, not dry and dull.





Quality: 4 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Size: 4.75 oz
Price: around $4
Where To Buy: any beauty supply store

This is my happy alternative to the Queen Helene mask. Its a lot more gentle but still leaves my skin feeling cleaner.

Directions: For best results, use in addition to your regular facial cleanser when you need an extra deep clean. Before using, cleanse face. Then apply a thin and even layer avoiding eyes, lips and hair. Once mask is completely dry (could take up to 10 minutes based on thickness of application), gently rinse with warm water. In case of contact with eyes, flush thoroughly with water.

PROS:
-Smells earthy, in a good way.
-Makes my skin feel warm, but not uncomfortable.
-Skin glows a little bit after using it and feels very clean.
-The mask is creamy and easy to squeeze out of the tube.

CONS:
The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have anything that fights breakouts. Also this makes my skin a little more oily too, but not as much as the Queen Helene mask.

Ingredients: Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Bentonite, Stearic Acid, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract (Sunflower), Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract (Matricaria), Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract (Rosemary), Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Lecithin, Caffeine, Dimethicone, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Phenoxyehtanol, Methylparaben, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance (Parfum), Blue 1 (CI 42090)

Review: Avon Satin Deluxe Blush

click to enlarge


Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 4.5 out of 5
Size: .20 oz
Price: $10
Where To Buy: Avon.com

Ultrafine domed pressed powder perfect for blending. Wear alone or together.

I am really loving Avon's Satin Deluxe blush. There are 4 color choices, Bronzing Duo, Mauve Duo, Natural Duo, and Pink Duo. I have the Pink duo, which as you can see in the photo above has a light pink side and a dark pink side. The light pink is quite shimmery and good for highlighting, while the dark pink side is almost matte. Usually I wear the two together. This blush is very pigmented so use a very light hand. The first couple times I wore it I put on too much and looked a bit like a clown. Now I know to do just one light sweep across each color and blow/tap off the extra.

PROS:
-You get two colors
-Both sides are very pigmented
-The colors are easily blendable
-The blush is very soft

CONS:
-My only complaint is that when I open the lid I'm afraid that my finger will slip and scrape holes in the blush. Its more my fault then theirs, so I only docked half of a point

Review: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Mint Julep Masque
-Helps dry up acne pimples
-Rinses away blackheads
-Helps shrink large pores

The original natural home treatment, developed by a dermatologist, that will actually dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and even help shrink enlarged pores.

Simply apply Mint Julep Masque to your face and neck. Within minutes it firms and hardens, as its suction action draws out waste matter from the pores. Minutes later, rinse the masque away with warm water and a washcloth. After the masque is removed your skin will feel clean...refreshed and smooth.

Even for people who are fortunately free of skin problems, Mint Julep Masque is a refreshing facial treatment that relaxes tired muscles and eases tension lines on the face and neck.

No animal testing. No animal ingredients.

Quality: 1 out of 5
Packaging: 1 out of 5
Price: $4
Where To Buy: Walgreens, Rite Aid, other beauty supply stores.

Directions: Cleanse face and neck thoroughly. Apply masque generously and allow to dry for about 15 minutes. Leave on problem areas overnight, if desired. Remove with warm water and a washcloth.

I thought this stuff was going to be ok, but I'm not very happy with it. I've had it for a long time and each time I go to try it again I'm disappointed.

CONS:
-First off, it looks, smells, and feels like tooth paste. Thats not a good thing for a face mask, really.
-Secondly, the first time I used it it burned like hell, I spent five minutes fanning my face before it got to be moderately ok. Every time I've used it its burned, and my skin isn't even sensitive.
-Third, I saw no difference in my skin or pores afterwards.
-Fourth this makes my skin 3x more oily then it normally would be, and that will go on for at least 2 days after using it. Since I'm already very oily this is BAD.
-Its also a major pain to get out of the tube. I have to literally crush this against the counter with my fist to get anything out. Its very thick.

PROS: I can't think of even one. I know this works for a lot of people, but it does nothing for me.
Ingredients: Distilled Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Sulfur, Chromium Oxide Greens, Fragrance, Methylparaben

Review: Mark Kiss Therapy Lip Balm in Sheer Peach

Help condition and soothe your lips with this blend of rose extract, honey and vitamin E that adds a sheer wash of color.

Quality: 3 out of 5
Package: 4 out of 5
Size: 0.42 oz
Price: $4
Where To Buy: Avon.com or Mark.com

This Super Smoothing lip balm comes in a cute coral colored tin. You'd expect it to smell like peaches because of the name but it actually smells very strongly of roses and you can smell it while wearing it. It doesn't have any color at all, I swatched it on my arm but it was totally clear so I didn't bother taking a photo. The balm is a bit thicker and heavier then I like, but its not sticky. I don't think it does all that much in the way of moisturizing so don't get it for that purpose. I prefer apply it with a brush.

All in all, I probably wouldn't buy this again. I like the packaging but the balm doesn't do anything for me.

Review: Jane Blushing Cheeks Blushes

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Size: .12 oz
Price: $4
Where To Buy: Walgreens, Rite Aid, Wal Mart. Almost every week at least one of those places has it BOGO too.

Lord I LOVE these blushes! For a super cheap drug store brand, Jane has sure impressed me (and many others) with these little pots of heaven! I think there are 8 shades in all, they are just $4 and incredible quality.

Blushing Earth Sheer is a hot pot of gorgeous peachy coraly goodness! I can't even begin to describe how beautiful this blush it. There is a very fine shimmer, but its not very noticable when you're wearing it. This goes on semi sheer but is buildable. I just get a lovely glow when wearing this. This is my favorite blush out of all the ones I own.

Blushing Blossom is a great soft cool pink blush. It has no shimmer. You only need a little bit to get good color. This is my 2nd favorite blush.

Blushing Petal is a great muted pink blush with a little bit of peach. There is no shimmer. Great color payoff.