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Monday, December 31, 2012

Review: Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation

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I was very excited to find this foundation the other day in Walgreens ( I live in Walgreens to pick up medicine). I also found a new mascara, concealer balm and eyeliner that I will be reviewing! This foundation claims to be long lasting, a primer and a concealer all in one. Oh! And it is supposed to be shine free. Those are pretty strong claims.

Interestingly, it has ensulizole (also known as Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid), in it for broad spectrum SPF 20. I am happy that it has at least that much, over the usual SPF 15. The sunscreen agent, formerly known as phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid. Ensulizole is the established name that must be used on sunscreen labels (Source: www.fda.gov). It is primarily a UVB-protecting sunscreen agent, providing only minimal UVA protection (www.paulaschoice.com). It is usually paired with another sunscreen agent and feels lighter on the skin. It is used because it provides a non-greasy finish. Titanium dioxide is listed as an ingredient, but not for a sunscreen agent.

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Swatching, you can see that the foundation is very thick. I picked up 805 Ivory. When spread out the foundation looked very thick and the coverage looked good. I had hopes for it on my face. I then applied two good sized pumps on my Beautyblender sponge and used dots on the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. I always spread out from the inside outwards. The foundation is one that is long lasting, so you have to work quick. I did find that it didn’t dry as quickly as I expected. Unfortunately I didn’t get the coverage I expected either. I might have to try more pumps? I really don’t have much to cover up, there are some freckles up on my forehead and a red patch on my chin from a previous pimple, but I expected those to be covered. I ended up using concealer for the red patch. And you will see the freckles in the photographs. I was kind of disappointed. The color match was great though, not too yellow or too dark.

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As you can see from the photos above, there is fairly good coverage from the foundation.The best thing is the coverage can be increased without the foundation feeling cakey. I wouldn’t give it 5/5, more along the lines of 4/5. I ended up using the Cover Girl Olay Concealer Balm I am going to review for the red patch I mentioned. In the last photograph you can see the freckles on my forehead (all due to sun damage from my youth, I’m not a real redhead). The primer idea? One of the top ingredients is dimethicone. So it has some slip to it. However, usually with a primer you want it to dry down first so your skin is ready to receive the foundation. Instead with this, the dimethicone is acting to provide the slip in the foundation. I would think your skin still needs a moisturizer if it is dry. Not so much if it is oily.

Mainly what I like about this foundation is that it is a long lasting one. I need a good one for spring and summer. And it is light, the coverage can be light or heavy as needed. It did have a matte effect the majority of the day (until evening). For me this falls in the top 20 of my favorites right now. Really thing only thing that I didn’t like was that I needed to use the concealer. Otherwise I think it is not bad. This foundation is one of their better ones ($9.79 at drugstores such as Walgreens). Finally!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Review: L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara

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I try a lot of mascaras. (It’s hard not to when there is a new one every month in the drugstores!) My eyelashes are really light blonde and very thin. They are not terribly long but not really short either. The reason I try a lot of mascaras is I am searching for the Holy Grail of mascaras. I may have come close. I was given L’Oreal’s Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara to try. I thought, well, I will try it and see what happens. Wow. This mascara turned my lashes into beautifully long, lush lashes with just a few sweeps.

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If you look at the brush you can see that it is long and thin. That way it can sweep the mascara onto all of the lashes. I found that I needed at least two coats of it, sometimes three. But that didn’t bother me. The end products was well worth it. This mascara has an exclusive Lash Hugging brush with 200 bristles that shape and simulate the eyelid to capture every lash.

L’Oreal intends the mascara to be like liquid extensions in a bottle. In one motion of the brush the lashes are captured and defined. The brush lengthens the look of each lash for a lash extension effect. The formula coats each lash from root to tip. Lashes are clump-free, flake-free and smudge-free. It is ophthalmologist tested and has been allergy tested. The mascara is suitable for sensitive eyes and is safe for contact lens wearers. Below are various photographs of my eyes without mascara, of a L'Oreal mascara that provides great volume and the Shocking Extensions mascara, to show the difference in length and volume.
 

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In the photo above you can see that these are my lashes with out mascara. As you can see, there is not much there. The eyes kind of disappear without any mascara there at all.

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Above, this is me wearing L’Oreal’s Voluminous Power Volume 24HR Black Smoke, a close view. Granted it is a great mascara. It gives wonderful volume. But it doesn't really give enough length
 
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Here you can see the final product. My eyes with L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara. See how it makes the lashes sweep up and out? It really changes the look of the eyes.

When I put this picture up on Facebook as a profile picture I was surprised to get so many likes and comments about how nice I looked. It was all in the eyes and how open they looked. I love this picture of myself.


L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara is available at all mass drugstores for various prices, but it is also available at ULTA for $9.99. I would purchase this one, which is telling you something. I almost never purchase, because I have so many new choices in mascaras these days. The other one I like a lot I also discussed here, L’Oreal’s Voluminous Power Volume 24HR Black Smoke. It’s nice when you want volume but it cannot beat L’Oreal’s Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara when you want long pretty lashes.

(This product was given by consideration)






Friday, December 28, 2012

The Stuff You Need: Ole Henriksen’s truth is in the eyes

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Recently I had noticed that there were a couple of very tiny lines right under my eyes. Being that I am 41, I guess I should come to expect that. Well darn it, I can expect it but I don’t have to live with, am I right? Luckily I am trained in skincare and I find it easier than most people to navigate the labyrinth that is the skincare industry. Most people find it daunting to have to go through and look through hundreds of products and ingredients to decide what will and will not work for certain areas.

I have found the best product for these tiny lines under the eye! Seriously, I am not joking. Ole Henriksen’s truth is in the eyes is the most amazing little tube of wonder!!!! This product is labeled as an eye peel concentrate that helps fatigued and wrinkled eye tissue. It helps dark circles, smoothes fine lines, illuminates and optimizes the skin’s elasticity under the eyes. I saw results after just one week. It may be used morning and night, as I did in the beginning. Then use a regular eye cream with it.

The main ingredients in the peel are glycolic acid, lactic acid, algae extract, rice bran, soybean protein and Vitamin C. The acids help to exfoliate skin and reduce/prevent wrinkles. Algae extract helps to boost collagen production. Rice bran and soybean protein help  to strengthen the under-eye tissue and improve circulation to reduce dark circles and puffiness. The Vitamin C helps to lighten, brighten and tighten skin.

I am very happy with this product and it will become a staple of my skincare regimen.  That is not something that I say lightly. Not only did it get rid of the tiny fine lines I mentioned, but it got rid of my dark circles too. Underneath my eyes I need almost no concealer! I test so many products that very few make it to “staple” status. Ole Henriksen’s truth is in the eyes is available through SEPHORA and www.olehenriksen.com. The truth is in the eyes peel is $42.00. That may seem like a lot, but it is a clear gel and you only need a tiny amount for each eye. It is applied underneath each eye, patted gently outward. The 0.50 oz. tube will last a long time. I wouldn’t be writing about it if I didn’t think it was truly the stuff you need…

 

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Win A Bottle of Dobel Tequila ($70) and a Perry Farrel Photo Book!


We are giving one lucky U.S. reader a high end leather bracelet and a special edition photography book from legendary music industry photographer Danny Clinch featuring amazing photographs shot at the inaugural Lollapalooza Festival in Sao Paolo, Brazil with Perry Farrell. Also this person will win the big prize, a bottle of Dobel Tequila worth $70!
To enter for the giveaway, please be 21+, and live within the United States, and sign in via Facebook in the widget below. Only individuals that “Like” Maestro Dobel Tequila will be eligible. 





















All entries MUST be submitted by midnight on January 7th. The final recipient will be chosen at random.
And don’t forget, once you have “liked” the Dobel Facebook page, you can then download Jane’s Addiction’s latest album, The Great Escape Artist, FOR FREE courtesy of Dobel Tequila and the band’s legendary front-man Perry Farrell.



a Rafflecopter giveaway





Sweepstakes

Review: Anastasia Beverly Hills Hypercolor Brow & Hair Powder

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Dip dyed hair is all the rage right now. However, have you thought that maybe you wanted to have the dip dyed ends but not have it as permanent hair? Or, isn’t it a little expensive to keep up with? Anastasia Beverly Hills has come out with a great solution to this!

They have created 5 Brow and Hair Color Powders that you can use in your hair for one day and then wash out! It’s not chalk, but powder. The five colors are: Teal Tornado, In The Pink, Megawatt Green, Ultra Violet and Electric Blue. To use it’s very easy. Prep hair with glossing cream or leave-in conditioner. Then section hair. Sandwich hair between fingers and glide the Hypercolor Brow & Hair Powder on. Set with hairspray. To use on brows, prep with brow fix or light wax. Apply Hypercolor Brow & Hair Powder. Set with Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel or Lash Genius Clear Waterproof Topcoat.

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Above you can see my daughter without the Hypercolor Brow & Hair Powder in her hair (I chose her because my hair is very red and might not show the color.)

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I used gloves and applied the Hyper Violet in her hair. You do have to use a towel around the person who is receiving the color. First I used some leave-in conditioner we had. It did make the color adhere better. Her hair is very long and thick, making it a job of getting the section she wanted done. We ended up using a lot of the color. That was kind of disappointing. Next time I would choose a smaller section or keep it for dip-dyed ends only. She was very happy with the results though. I like the In The Pink color and we are going to try that the next time. My daughter is very excited with these. She is 11 and thinks that these are fun. She doesn’t want to use them on her brows though. (I think that will be for an older crowd)

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Hypercolor Brow & Hair Powder is a nice, fun tool for a different look. It can be used by kids or anyone looking for something new and exciting. Currently it is selling at Ulta, $12.50 for each color.

(This product was sent for consideration)

Review: KatVonD True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Saint

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KatVonD is a famous tattoo artist, born is Mexico. She had a famous television show “LA Ink”, that show off the world of tattooing in Los Angeles. When I first heard that KatVonD would have a makeup collection at Sephora, I balked. I was expecting a subpar offering. What Sephora got however is great line of pigmented shadows, creamy pigmented lipsticks and an all around fun line. I own three of the True Romance eye shadow palettes. I don’t think I would own that many if they were pretty crappy.

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The True Romance Palette has 8 eye shadows that are more of a neutral tone than her other ones.  With this palette you can do a neutral smoky eye or a nice sweet innocent eye. The eye shadows are as follows: Heavens (shimmery creamy golden white), Enjoy the Silence (shimmery gold), <3 (glittery pink ), Downtown (shimmery golden pink), Sunny (shimmery medium gold), Pray For Me (shimmery taupe brown), Bookworm (glittery dark brown) and Caravaggio (matte dark chocolate brown). This palette is a fun palette. The shadows are extremely pigmented, as is normal with her eye shadows. They are soft and creamy. There is little to no fallout. I found that they went on easily over my Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance and didn’t crease all day. I like this palette and recommend it to anyone who doesn’t mind a good dose of shimmer!

I am going to show you 2 looks. One is a smoky eye and the other is a sweet, innocent eye. There is such a variety of colors in this palette that you can do either.

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For this look I used Pray For Me in the crease, Bookworm on the outer edge of the eye and under the eye to line. I used Sunny on the lid and <3 under the brow. To line the upper lid I used MAC’s Superslick Liquid Liner in Defiantly Feline. For mascara I used L’Oreal’s new Voluminous Power Volume Black Smoke. On my cheeks I used Benefit’s Coralista blush and on my lips I used Illamasqua’s Intense Lipgloss in Artifice.

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For the look I am wearing today I used: Downtown in the crease, Pray For Me on the outer edge of the lid and under the eye to line. On the lid I used <3. Under the brow I used Heavens. For mascara I used another one of L’Oreal’s new mascaras (they have a lot of new ones, as does Maybelline), Telescopic Shocking Extensions. On my cheeks I used Pixi’s All Over Magic Rose Radiance. And on my lips I used SEPHORA + Pantone Universe Rose Dawn Gleaming lipgloss.

The Verdict on KatVonD’s True Romance Eye Shadow Palette”

Pigmentation: *****

Fallout: *****

Wear: ****

Smoothness: *****

Blending: ****

The KatVonD True Romance Eye Shadow Palette is a great buy. It is available from SEPHORA for $34.00. I love a good palette that has great pigmentation, smooth eye shadows and that have little to no fallout. This palette also has enough variety in color to do a number of different looks. I have two other of these palettes, the Beethoven and Poetica. And please, I would like to hear feedback from anyone who has purchased them too. Thanks!

 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Review: Mama Mio’s Lucky Legs

 

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Ever since I had some nerve issues in my legs, I have had terrible nerve pain that never lets up. My legs get tired and are in pain almost all day long. Recently I was given a bottle of Mama Mio’s Lucky Legs to try. Wow. I couldn’t believe the difference in how my leg felt. It is not a painkiller, not by a long shot. But it did act as a pick me up for the tired and heavy feeling I have in my leg after a long day of walking on my legs. I used it on both legs. I walk with a cane and both legs get tired, one from the nerve pain and one from the need to keep balance for the other one.

Mama Mio’s Lucky Legs is a light serum rich in V-Tonic, a blend of safe essential oils (such as lemon, which is purative and stimulating) that are combined with menthol, spearmint and lemon plus soothing lavender, chamomile, Aloe Vera and yarrow to make the legs feel light and so lucky! It is designed to lighten the step and cool the legs and feet. It is safe to use when pregnant, a huge plus since pregnant women get an awful swelling of the feet and ankles. The V-Tonic is very stimulating to the circulatory system. Menthol is cooling and anti-bacterial. Spearmint is cooling, fresh and helps reduce dilated capillaries. Chamomile is healing, reduces puffiness. Aloe vera is calming, moisturizing and balancing. And finally, yarrow is astringent and antibacterial. All of the ingredients have been chosen to really help each other

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Apply one or two pumps from the knees to the toes, and you will feel a blast of instant refreshment. It sinks in quickly, leaving no sticky residue. Use daily if your legs are especially achy. This treatment has instant and cumulative effects, so use daily to see the most benefit. It leaves a subtle shimmer on the skin. Keep a bottle in the work bag and apply before you go out at night for instant refreshment from a hard day’s work!

I found the aroma extremely pleasing and uplifting. After applying Mama Mio’s Lucky Legs my legs felt instantly cooler and yes, even lighter as the box claims. That is due to the menthol and spearmint. It doesn’t matter because I didn’t feel as much fatigue. This is the perfect product for those who are diabetic (check with your physician first), pregnant, or like me. Mama Mio Lucky Legs is available here: http://www.mamamio.com/us/body/lucky-legs.html for $19.50 with free delivery. I would also like for you to know the Mama Mio story: Four beauty experts got together and formed a company they believed in with products they wanted to use, for issues they wanted to overcome and products they wanted to feel good about. Currently they have over 40 products spread out in facial, body and pregnancy categories.

(The above was sent for consideration)

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Holiday Deals: Excuses to Use Your Gift Cards!






















I’ve got some hot deals for you that you may not be able to resist! Take a look at all the links and deals to see what you want to get. Happy Holidays!




Molton Brown

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW
Molton Brown's Winter Sale is NOW ON!
Here's what you've been waiting for, our sale has launched exclusively online with up to 50% off SALE plus limited edition offers.
Vibrant scents of Australian eucalyptus oil and Japanese yuzu fruit come together in this lively unisex body wash set. Ideal for refreshing tired bodies.
Bold. Energetic. Steamy.
This body wash tag-team is ideal for the busy man who likes his little luxuries. Choose between woody silverbirch bark or invigorating suma ginseng root from Brazil.
Warm. Hearty. Bold.
Refreshing cassia bark with crisp lime. Say hello to your new gym bag essentials. With our multi-purpose hair and body wash and deodorising body spray, you can keep clean and scented, from tip to toe.
Motivating. Energising. Assured.
Women's Traveller:Was $55.00 Now $41.25
Six travel-sized women's bath & body and hair products in a clear airport security bag - ideal for traveling, for the gym or as a gift.
Creative:
Specific creative is available on the network. Here is an example. For bespoke creative please get in touch
As always, the usual extras still apply:
• FREE US Shipping on $75 Spend
• FREE 1 fl oz Mini MB Bottle on every order
• FREE Gift Box (if it's not already boxed & beautiful)


BlissWorld.com
Every third product free!
Shop any Bliss, Laboratoire Remède and Elemis products today and get every third product free with code 3FOR2HDAY! Hurry, this promo is only valid from December 26 through December 31, 2012!


The Body Shop
40% OFF promotional code
Code: NEWYOU
Valid: 24th – 14th January
Terms and Conditions: This promotional code entitles the holder to 40% off their online purchases at www.thebodyshop.com between 12 noon on 24th December and 12 noon on 14th January. This offer excludes the purchase of (a) SALE (b) charitable items; (c) Love Your Body™ membership cards ; and (d) gift cards. This offer cannot be redeemed in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion including the 10% Love Your Body™ membership discount. The promotional code must be registered at the time of purchase, by clicking on ‘use promotional code’ on the basket page. The promotional code is not available through The Body Shop At Home™ or in The Body Shop® stores.

Too Faced Cosmetics

Pacifica

BH Cosmetics

Murad

QVC

Walgreens

Sunday, December 23, 2012

The Holiday VoxBox From Influenster!

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If you have never been on www.influenster.com, you need to get over there now. This site is similar to Klout but way better! On Influenster, you fill out tasks and earn “badges”. You can write reviews of products, such as beauty products like I like to do. Sometimes they send you VoxBoxes, like the one I am going to discuss today. These are completely free and all you need to do after earning one is to fill out a mandatory survey. However, to keep earning the VoxBoxes, it is suggested that you keep filling out badges, surveys, etc. on the site.

The VoxBox I am going to discuss today is the Holiday VoxBox. This one has several items from different manufacturers that are so interesting for the consumer to try. When I opened it I was so excited because I had actually never tried any of these items before.

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The first item is a certificate for $25 off a purchase off shoes from Sole Society (www.solesociety.com). This site has a number of different types of shoes, boots, booties, pumps and flats. They even have my size, which is 11!

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Natural Energy Eboost is a blend of vitamin and minerals, green tea and green coffee that gives you extra energy. This packet is pink lemonade flavored. All you need to do is add water. It is sugar free, has stevia extract for flavor.

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Quaker Real Medleys was a surprise. Now, this was the one I was really excited to try. I adore oatmeal and this looked so yummy. A cherry pistachio blend, how could you go wrong? You can’t! So good!!!! Now I have to go and buy this at the supermarket. Definitely a good way to try new things.

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The Goody QuickStyle is was another thing I had wanted to try. Supposedly this brush helps your hair dry 30% faster. I have thick hair and it did help my hair dry faster. I am happy to have this now. Definitely a good buy if you want to try it!

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Yay a beauty product! This is NYC’s Liquid Lipshine in Nude York City. A great nude lip color for just about any skin tone, except very dark skin tones.

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Finally, Kiss Nail Dress. I don’t put polish on my fingernails. It says you can put these on you toe nails. I am going to have to try that and see. I am going to save these for New Year’s Eve. They are party nails, black with gold swirls. So beautiful.

I am in love with the VoxBox! I am also addicted to the Infuenster website. There is always something there for me to do, like a review or answer questions. Go there and take a look around. You may never leave!

 

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Review: SEPHORA PRO Palette in Warm #SEPHORA #PROPaletteinWarm

(product photo courtesy of www.sephora,com )  SEPHORA PRO Palette in Warm $68.00 This deluxe eyeshadow palette with 38 warm color...

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