makeup – Page 9 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

In the beauty cabinet – face time product review!

I love a tinted moisturizer for winter.

This is a follow up to my recent post about BB creams (beauty balms). I’m now going to speed things up a bit & fast forward to the latest face craze – the CC cream. Basically the beauty companies have added color & correction to the mix. Confused? You would have to try several brands to know the difference.

I have now had the opportunity to test out the Olay Total Effects CC Cream – 7 in One Tone Correcting Moisturizer with Sunscreen (Light to Medium) for a.m. use only.

It is said to fight the 7 signs of aging: ~~only 7?~~ 1) reduce the appearance of fine lines, 2) nourishing moisturization for a radiant, healthy-looking glow, 3) subtle lifting & hydrating for firmer skin appearance, 4) brightening which improves skin surface dullness, 5) improves texture for smoothe and even skin, 6) minimizes the appearance of pores and finally 7) tone enhancement which helps to balance color and reduce the appearance of age spots. A lotta claim for one 50 ml. pump bottle.

I can’t vouch for all seven claims but I was pleasantly surprised by this product. It appeared to match my skin tone very nicely as it melted right in, it moisturized well & covered tiny imperfections. The added SPF is a bonus – for winter it should be sufficient. Anything below SPF15 doesn’t really do anything. Anything above 30 isn’t necessary. Of course I still needed to use a little bit of primer (for shine) around the nose area but it covered better than any of the BB creams I tested. It was similar to the BB’s in hydration and coverage but appeared to brighten & camouflage more like a tinted foundation. The price is very reasonable and the company has been around for a long time. Their product line is impressive as far as drugstore selections go and ‘as good’ or ‘better’ than many department or beauty store brands.

There may be something better out there in the CC department but right now I’m satisfied with this product. Let’s face it – there is no “one” magic do-all face cream is there? If you know of one please tell me. In the meantime this does the trick (almost) for my sensitive combination skin.

$22.00 at drugstores like Walgreens in the U.S. and approx. $25.00 in Canada.

The best deal: Costco now has a special two-pack on for about $35.00 which you can split with a friend.

Directions: apply liberally and blend evenly with your fingertips for natural, sheer coverage. Use it alone or layered under your favorite foundation for more coverage if need be.

Have you tried BB’s or CC’s? Which do you prefer or can you even tell the difference?

FUN

In the beauty cabinet – cheap thrills

Beauty editors are particularly choosy about what products they spend money on. After all they get a lot of freebies, however they do admit – why splurge on a pricey eyeliner when there’s a $1 one that does the trick?

image from totalbeauty

Something to consider especially since we tend to spend a lot of $$$ on products. If you are going to shell out the big bucks, do it on something that benefits your skin — like an ultra moisturizing lipstick or an anti-aging cream and/or serum. But trendy, wear-once-in-a-while colors & some other face/body/hair care products? Those are your cheap thrills. Here are some to consider from Allure “best of beauty”

These 15 products belie their rock-bottom price tags (all are $10 or less) beautifully. Available at most drugstores in the U.S.

MAKEUP

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer, $3.99. The Spanx of primers: It firms, evens, and is so lightweight you won’t even notice that you’re wearing it.

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder, $3.99. Swirled together, the ribbons create a rose-gold blush; used individually (wet or dry), they make lids glisten too.

NYX Matte Bronzer, $9. Shimmer-free and available in five sun-kissed shades, the powder makes it easy for every woman to have a believable bronze. The extra-large pan means you can keep the charade going year-round.

Mark “just pinched” instant blush tint in Berry, $8.

This cool raspberry sinks into skin for that proverbial glow, and doesn’t go MIA like so many cream blushes.

Rimmel London Glam’Eyes HD Quad Eye Shadow in Black Cab, $5.99. Blended together, the four shades strike the ideal balance of sparkle and soot for sexy smoky eyes. Use as liner too.

L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Mascara – A unique formula of panthenol and ceramide-R builds and thickens voluptuous lashes while conditioning them, so they remain supple and healthy. An exceptionally plush brush is designed to glide on just the right amount of mascara without clumping or flaking. Non-irritating, fragrance-free formula is safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers. Price: About $6 USD / $8 CDN. Overall: A great everyday mascara! Super black, holds a curl but just not as waterproof as expected.

Vaseline Lip Therapy in Cocoa Butter. So rich and effective, a pot slightly bigger than a Tootsie Roll is all you need to keep lips, cuticles, and even elbows smooth this winter.

SKIN

Pond’s Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser. So many all-in-ones fail to do much of anything. This mix of kaolin, microbeads, and shea butter smooths and soothes as well as three separate products.

Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. These alcohol-free wipes erase the smudgy signs of a late night faster than it takes to chug a glass of water. Keep them on your bedside table.

Ambi Skincare Fade Cream. This hardworking cream plays offense (breaking up dark spots with 2 percent hydroquinone) and defense (protecting with

sunscreen).

HAIR

Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Condition. Reforms the most overprocessed hair yet won’t overwhelm fine and frizzy types.

NAILS

Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer (shown here in Keep Up the Flame). Mint green, canary yellow, silver-flecked navy—there are certain trendy polish shades you want to play with before committing. At this price, you easily can do both.

BODY

Jergens Crema Hydrating Coconut Milk. So deliciously tropical, we half expect this vitamin-E-enriched moisturizer to be packaged in a hollowed-out coconut.

St. Ives Naturally Smooth Hand Cream, $2.99. This heavy-duty hydrator absorbs in seconds, so it leaves our hands (and iPad screens) grease-free. And it has just the faintest floral-citrus fragrance.

Aveeno Active Naturals Hydrosport Sunblock Spray SPF 30. A beach-bag essential: The clear spray clings to even soaking wet skin while the potent broad-spectrum sun protection swims laps around similarly priced sunblocks.

ANY OTHERS we should know about?

FUN

Beauty with Benefit

Beauty Products

GLAM up & Away at airports - with the Pink Bus kiosk. If you can buy cupcakes and tacos on the go, why not satisfy your hunger for makeup!? That's exactly what the company thought. — **GLAM up & Away** at airports – with the **benefit** Pink Bus kiosk. If you can buy cupcakes and tacos on the go, **why not satisfy your hunger for makeup!?** That’s exactly what the company thought.

Have you ever been to the tiny Benefit flagship store in Mill Valley, California? It’s so cute, mostly pink, very inviting & attention grabbing (as most of their product line is) at the same time – I dare you to walk by without stopping in. Then you’ll come out with at least two products in your bag that you can’t wait to try on. They’re one of the most fun cosmetic lines out there with many excellent products. Let’s narrow a few down because Winter is almost upon us and our skin tends to get dull and dry. We need a pick me up in the complexion department. Granted, these 3 products do “almost” the same thing with a slight twist so you really don’t need all three – maybe just one or two. ~~Okay all three!~~

Highlighting the “HALL OF FAME” Highlighters

watt’s up!

soft focus highlighter for face – Why we love it!

The soft focus highlighter turns “watt” ya got with a delicate champagne glow that’s gorgeous. With a cream-to-powder finish…it’s a switch on “wow” for all complexions. You’ll adore the smooth applicator & luminous sheen.

Who else loves it!

2011 Real Beauty Gold Star Award, Best Makeup Products from 2011

How to apply

Glide on cheek & brow bones…then sculpt with its soft glow blender for YOUR perfect gleam. Can be applied solo or over existing makeup.

high brow

a brow lifting pencil – Why we love it!

This soft brow highlighting pencil is your instant brow lift! Perfect for all skin tones, the linen-pink highlight hue adds a lifted look to the entire eye area. It’s never been easier to raise a brow…or two!

How to apply

Apply pencil under your brow following the arch. Lightly blend.

high beam

luminescent complexion enhancer – Why we love it!

This satiny pink liquid highlighter accents cheek & brow bones for a dewy, radiant glow. Use as a spot highlighter over makeup or wear under complexion products for subtle luminescence. It’s the “supermodel in a bottle!”

Who else loves it!

2012 TotalBeauty.com Awards, readers’ choice for best highlighter

How to apply

Dot and blend over makeup on to cheek and brow bones, or anywhere you want a glance to linger.

Available at Sephora & most major department stores.

*NEW – Glam Up & Away: with vintage pink bus beauty kiosks coming to airports across the U.S.

Whoever said you can’t get your Benefit faves on the go clearly had never met a woman in 2013! Taken from their blog:

Think back to your last 4-hour flight… you arrived at your destination wearing workout pants, hair in a messy bun, and skin feeling dry & lifeless. Let’s face it, you were more Page Six tragic than celebrity jet-setting status.

Landing into 25 locations before the end of 2013. – See more at: http://blog.benefitcosmetics.com/2013/09/28/glam-up-away/#sthash.2AYHQMHl.dpuf

FUN

Beauty with Benefits – lash serum product review

RapidLash® Enhancing Serum

Last week I sampled the latest mascaras from too-faced. Ones that help to temporarily lengthen and thicken your lashes, but what’s all this hype about lash renewal serums? – the ones that promote your very own lashes to grow gradually over time? Some people claim to see longer lashes in about four weeks, with full growth at 16 weeks. I had to check it out.

By now everyone has heard of that other famous lash product called Latisse. I was curious to try it but decided against it. The reasons are such: 1) my own lashes are adequate enough. 2) Latisse is a prescription drug. 3) The effects of Latisse are not permanent and the drug can cause eye or eyelid discoloration (although it’s very rare) 4) Average Price: $125.00. I have heard that it definitely works.

We do not know exactly how LATISSE^® works; however, we believe it does so by increasing the growth cycle (anagen) phase of your eyelash hair cycle. Anagen is the growth phase of all hair. We believe that it increases the length of the anagen phase and the number of hairs in this growth phase. It’s easy, the treatment you apply yourself each evening to the base of the upper eyelashes.

Then I went to Costco in the U.S. and saw Rapidlash, a very similar product but you don’t need a prescription and the cost was significantly less at $49.95. Definitely worth the splurge – adequate is never enough right? So here’s what I found:

Friday, September the 13^th was exactly 8 weeks since I first started to apply it – at night only. I took before and after photos and it appears that my lashes increased by about 25%. By the end of the first week of November it will be 16 weeks and more than enough time to give a full product review since this product claims that you can see results in as little as four weeks.

This is what the company has to say (not sure about the part that you may never need to wear mascara or eyebrow pencil ever again):

RapidLash® Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum

Enhance the appearance of lashes and brows with RapidLash® Eyelash Enhancing Serum. Infused with proteins, vitamins and powerful polypeptides, RapidLash conditions and moisturizes like no other product on the market. Contains Hexatein™ 1 Complex, an exclusive formula unique to RapidLash®. This effective product provides protection against breakage and naturally supports the appearance of healthier and more voluminous looking lashes and brows. You may never need mascara or an eyebrow pencil again! Innovative high-performance formula helps improve the appearance of your lashes and brows. The appearance of seductive looking brows and lashes in 4-6 weeks. Powerful polypeptides provide effective protection against breakage and naturally supports more voluminous looking lashes. Vital proteins and vitamins promote shine and suppleness Hexatein™ 1 Complex: A unique blend of lash enhancing ingredients exclusive to RapidLash® with six benefits specifically designed to target eyelashes from every angle: Polypeptides, comprised of beneficial amino acids, help protect against breakage and support more voluminous-looking lashes, Biotin (Pro-vitamin B7 / Vitamin H / Coenzyme R), an essential factor in maintaining healthier-looking, youthful lashes, Panthenol (Vitamin B5) helps coat the lashes and seal in moisture and nourishment for improved overall appearance, Amino Acids help replenish the building blocks of lashes by boosting the protein structure and resulting in healthier-looking appearance of lashes, Soybean Oil, rich in vitamins, helps impart sheen and luster to lashes making them appear lush and beautiful, Pumpkin Seed Extract, high in zinc, EFAs, amino acids, vitamins and phytosterols, helps balance and enhance more voluminous-looking appearance of lashes.

Average Customer Rating:

4.5 out of 5 (out of 164 reviews)

FUN

What’s better than SEX? – mascara magic product review

In the beauty cabinet. We’re talking about mascara.

Wow; if the names alone don’t get you then the new crop of lengthening, thickening and now false lash extending mascara will. I’m comparing a product called ‘Better than False Lashes’ to a product called ‘Better than Sex’ – both from “Too Faced” which is a great line. I was curious & wanted to try both so I went into Sephora mascaraless, tried one on my left eyelashes & the other on my right eyelashes. It was the only way to really compare.

One thing I did not do was curl the lashes first which is always better. Also the little brushes they give you for sampling aren’t up to par – but still you get the idea.

First, Better than Sex Mascara is really not Better than real Sex…..

& hopefully you don’t really believe that although it is a very nice thickening mascara. Let me say that L’Oréal Voluminous for about $25 less is almost as nice. But we do tend to get caught up with names (orgasm blush anyone?) It does work though. The sales person (who will go nameless to protect the guilty) was wearing Voluminous while directing me to ‘Better Than’ which should give you a hint.

The winner – Better Than: I’ve never worn false eyelashes or have ever had lash extensions but know many women who have. They look fantastic but I can’t be bothered applying fake lashes that I’ll most likely rub off. The ‘better than false eyelashes’ (but how would I really know) seemed like a good alternative.

The three step program comes in a kit which includes a black mascara that acts as your base and top coat and a small tube full of tiny white nylon (teddy bear like) fibers that stick to your own lashes. First, you apply the base coat which goes on easy like any everyday black mascara. Next, the magic happens. You apply 1-2 coats of the nylon fibers which are also applied like a mascara & they adhere to your lashes making them feel thicker and longer (although they’re white until you apply the top coat). Last, you apply another coat… or two of the black mascara and then you really see longer, thicker lashes. Best part – no glue required!

INSTANT (well, almost) GLAMOUR!

**See next week’s review of rapidlash – eyelash renewal serum.

FUN

Beauty Product Review – PRIMER Time

Artists prime their canvas before painting to prevent the oils from seeping through – that is exactly what a primer does for your face. Makeup artists have been using primers for years on models and actors to help create a smooth surface before applying makeup.

I’ve been using a primer since before I even knew what a primer really was. Before all the hype and before every single makeup company decided to jump on the bandwagon and create their own. My very first one was 1) Clarins Lisse Minute – Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Makeup Base – approx. 35.00.

I was game to try anything from the luxurious French skincare company since my mom used the line. I liked the oil free, silky smooth texture that glided on and seemed to hide pores and imperfections. Best of all it completely toned down shine in the T-zone which is what sold me on it in the first place. Makeup applied very easily over top. It became a skincare staple.

THEN the others came into play. I sampled a lot of them at different price points – many are capable but the ones below along with Clarins are my TOP “Hall of Fame” choices:

2) La Roche Posay Anthelios Daily Anti-Aging Primer with 50 SPF Sunscreen – approx. 39.99.

I loved it – felt like cashmere. The only problem is that if you already use their tinted mineral sunscreen for face with SPF 50 (which I do) they tend to cancel each other out. For winter I might re-consider when switching to a lower SPF day cream.

Description: For the 1st time, ANTHELIOS 50 combines broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with Cell-OX Shield™ antioxidant technology in a primer that is clinically proven to instantly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, dark spots, and redness. Suitable for all skin types.

Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen & a transformative light-weight texture has won the following Awards:

2012 Elle Beauty Genius Award
2012 Redbook MVP Beauty Award: Best Primer

3) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Primer – approx. $10.00 at drug stores nationwide.

For the price this stuff is excellent! Reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores and imperfections, while enhancing skin’s radiance. A subtle pink tint adds a youthful glow. Apply all over face, after moisturizer and before foundation. Suitable for all skin tones and types.

4) On the higher end I love Micabeauty Cosmetics 100% Mineral Makeup Perfecting Primer.

This gel formula is beautiful but pricey. MicaBeauty’s light-weight Perfecting Makeup Primer with its gel like finish enhances skin texture and primes it for makeup application. The Perfecting Makeup Primer glides on easily creating a protective layer on your skin, allowing foundation to go on easily and last longer. Our velvety formula creates a perfect canvas for foundation and blush application, keeping makeup in place and looking fresh all day long. Price – $129.95. Take 20% off with mention of this blog. Link: http://www.intrigueimports.com/product_info.php?products_id=311

Do you use a Primer – if so, which one?

FUN

In the Beauty Cabinet – Chic Cheeks

Feeling Flush?

If you want to PERK UP your complexion in an instant then applying a swipe of blush will do the trick. With so many varieties on the market how do you decide which one works best? Powder, cream, liquid, shimmer, bouncy (yes there is one) or stick. The answer is there is no “one” that is “the best” – there are several so it comes down to personal preference and most woman have experimented with several sorts and brands. I’ve already done the homework.

Wearing blush should look subtle and simulate a natural glow. All of these shown here will do just that with the slightest application. Here are my picks:

If you prefer LIQUID:

by Terry Rose de Rose Fluid is a sheer liquid formula so a very tiny dab on the finger goes a long way. It smells beautiful like crushed rose petals because it IS made of crushed rose petals. The only problem is that it’s not available in Canada. In the U.S. you can buy it only at Barney’s (New York, L.A., Las Vegas or online at byterry.com)

If you like POWDER with soft, sheer color & a hint of highlights:

BB Shimmer Brick – This shimmering, brush-on powder in five shades creates a soft, rosy glow. Works well with neutral, pink and rose blush shades.
Apply by sweeping the Face Blender Brush through all five shades of Shimmer Brick Compact and dust lightly on cheekbones after blush (or use alone if you like it barely noticeable). Focus on applying shimmer on the top of cheekbones – where light naturally hits the face – for the most flattering look.

If you prefer a PEACHY Pink with golden shimmer then go for NARS “Orgasm” – a bestseller.

It will give you that….well you know…that LOOK!

If you prefer a CREAM that stays put:

NARS the Multiple Stick – a multi-tasker for cheeks, eyes and lips. It applies easily with just enough creaminess in the consistency for effortless blending. I personally find it a bit drying for lips and depending on the shade I would not wear it on the eyes either. Copacabana and Luxor are 2 shades which are best for highlighting areas such as the cheekbones and browbones. They have little/no visible colour, but have a gorgeous pearlescent shimmer.

I have Portofino but you can also get: Copacabana
Luxor
Maldives
Orgasm
South Beach
Malibu
St Barts
and the 3 limited edition Multiple Tints that came out last year: Beverly Hills, Turks & Caicos and Cadaques.

Bobbi Brown & Nars cosmetics are found at Sephora & other fine department stores. Available atHolt Renfrew in Canada.

If you prefer NATURAL minerals:

choose Micabella Mineral powder blush:

This rich, dusty rose pigment with a hint of shimmer is made of 100% natural mica that looks gorgeous & also highlights the cheeks. It offers natural full spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen protection, free of the toxic chemicals, paraben preservatives, synthetic dyes and harmful fillers found in most commercial, non natural cosmetics.

Available online under Mica Beauty at intrigueimports.com

If you prefer a GEL formula and/or an inexpensive but effective drugstore brand:

Then choose Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush with a revolutionary new texture that springs back when you touch it. • Lightweight like a powder, yet melts seamlessly into skin like a cream. • Natural sheer wash of color that is buildable for greater color intensity. A good value.

Okay I admit to having ALL of these shown here – for the reasons mentioned & for days when I want to try something different. You can trust me (I don’t know why you wouldn’t) on this – ALL are Fabulous!

p.s. I bought the Maybelline because I wanted to find out if it really bounced back – it does.

Is there anything else I should know about?

FUN

Drugstore Diva – ScandalEYES

P.R. – Scandal Eyes from Rimmel

I really like easy eye pencils. Fat or thin, high-end to low, I don’t care as long as they work well.

Recently I purchased the ones shown here from Rimmel for about $5 each – all three cost less than the price of one that I’ve bought from places like Sephora. Nice range of colours too.

This eyeliner is extremely soft so it goes on nicely and stays put for hours. I would recommend using the white to rim the inside of your lower lashes for a bright-eyed look, the golden/beige for the lids to open up the eye and the vibrant blue on the upper lids very close to the lashline to make your whites look whiter. What I’m finding out is that maybe I need more sleep but in the meantime these help.

Have you tried them? What else would you recommend?

FUN

P.R. – I like to put Cake in my Hair

Product Review – Cake dry shampoo.

I love cake in all its forms – flourless, vegan, fully loaded, red velvet & with lots of icing. Now I can put cake it in my hair.

Tell me you haven’t tried dry shampoo! Maybe you haven’t found the right one yet. Who washes their hair every single day anymore? We’re constantly on the go, washing daily will dry out your hair and styling all the time is a pain. Enter dry shampoo – not like the old days.

I think it’s a must unless of course you break out a sweat like crazy. For non wash days I just sprinkle a little cake satin sugar glistening dry shampoo on my roots, work through a little with my fingers & let sit a few minutes before brushing out. It doesn’t really clean your hair but it will take away the greasy look for emergencies or just days when you want to give your hair a rest. It also smells nice – a bit like icing sugar. The packaging is very so-so but the product works. Available at Sephora for $20.00

Can you believe they have a dry bar at Sephora? I’ve been wanting to try “Oscar Blandi” but the girls at S convinced me that cake works better for less $ – so far so good. This was their TOP pick (at least for now).

If you’re looking for something a little less pricey then try the volumizing spray from John Frieda which works fine for about $7.00.

Have you tried these?

Which ones would you recommend?

FUN

IN the Beauty Cabinet – Product Review – working 24/7

Focus on URBAN DECAY

With NEW glide-on 24/7 Eye Pencils that come in 40 highly saturated shades. I bought one recently and just got another for 100 points at Sephora – “smoke” a nice deep grey color, not so harsh as black. A super Sephora selection.

What I love is that they stay creamy for blending and dry to a waterproof finish that won’t budge. And as they say in the packaging “the shade range is insane!” Crazy-vivid brights, shimmering metalics or wear-anywhere neutrals. Something for everyone. Choose from every texture imaginable, from micro-sparkle to matte. You can get addicted to the names alone – perversion, smog, bourbon, hustle, corrupt, desperation, freak, psychedelic sister, etc.

Another Urban Decay Staple is the 24/7 concealer pencil. Don’t you just love makeup pencils?

The creamy formula dries matte and stays put (but only on dry skin and not 100% of the time). It’s still nice. Because it’s a pencil, it’s easy to apply with precision.

With so many choices available it’s nice to sample different products and not stay always with the same brand. For someone who sells beautiful mineral makeup and doesn’t even wear much makeup to begin with I sure have a hefty stockpile. That’s what women do. How about you?

Check out Mica Beauty at http://www.intrigueimports.com