Product Reviewed: Too Faced's Tanning Bed in a Tube
I'm not sure if Too Faced still makes this particular self tanner, and I can understand why. As far as self tanners go, this particular product is utterly "eh." Not impressive, but not the worst thing ever...hence, "eh." The smell is tolerable as far as self-tanners go. The color isn't bad (aka not Snooki orange), but not very noticeably golden either. Sometimes I'll apply the tanner and not notice any color at all. Not worth the time it takes to apply. So there you have it...thoroughly blah. Verdict: If it's free, sure take it. But at $28? Pass!
Tip: Before applying ANY self tanner, make sure you are well exfoliated. If you plan to use self tanner on your face, don't forget your ears and neck/decollete. Stay tuned for more self tanner reviews and more helpful hints to keep your faux glow believable!
Product Reviewed: Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara
Anyone familiar with luxury and high fashion knows the name Yves Saint Laurent. Everything from shoes to clothes to make-up, YSL epitomizes luxury. At $30 this mascara certainly carries a luxury price tag. But does it live up to the YSL standard? In my experience, no.
The Volume Effet Faux Cils promises intense, dramatic lashes in a single stroke. Both the formula and the brush are unique. The brush is comprised of nylon fibers of varying diameters in order to deliver exceptional volume. The Triple-Flex Complex formula provides a film agent to intensify, a conditioning agent to curl, and a fixing agent for staying power.
Great pedigree, but this mascara just doesn't deliver. The brush hairs seem disorganized, with uneven and clumpy fibers. The formula add to the clump-factor by gouping onto lashes and applying too heavily. To be fair, this mascara has supposedly won an award, so it would seem others are having better luck.
Tip: Stuck with a heavy, clumpy mascara? Instead of tossing it, use it as a second coat to take lashes from day to night. Apply the heavier mascara over a dry first coat, and only to the tips of lashes. Keep the heavy mascara in your purse or desk at work, so you'll always be ready for an impromptu happy hour.
Product Reviewed: Clarisonic Acne Brush Head
I've already told you how great the Clarisonic Mia is (Missed my review? Read it here: http://prettyprettyproducts.blogspot.com/2012/04/product-reviewed-clarisonic-mia.html). Clarisonic recently released a new brush head to accompany its fleet of facial brushes. The Acne Brush Head is perfect for acneic or sensitive skin types. Rounded, more flexible bristles provide a softer, more gentle clean. The brush still delivers deep cleansing and exfoliation with anti-bacterial technology, but the Acne Brush Head specializes in cleansing delicate skins or skins with active blemishes. This brush is not just for the acne-prone--I prefer the feel and lather this brush head offers. If you've been loving your Clarisonic, but are looking for a gentler cleanse, try the Acne Brush.
Tip: Replace your brush heads every three months. Instead of buying single brush heads at $25/each, pick up a double pack for $40.
Product Reviewed: Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion
I'm always skeptical of products that promise to boost hair's volume instantly. (This particular product promises a 17% increase in thickness.) Having had good luck with other Aveda hair care products, I recently gave Aveda's Hair Potion a try. Two days later (don't judge me for not washing my hair every day), my hair still feels thicker at the roots. This product made my hair easier to style, added noticeable volume to the roots, and absorbed all oil! Talk about a time saver! I recommend this styling product to anyone looking for a root booster, dry shampoo, or texturizing product.
Tip: DO NOT SHAKE THIS PRODUCT! Before application, give the bottle a 360 degree turn. This will mix the product just slightly. (If the product comes out as a paste it is too mixed.) Product should apply as a true powder. Next, hold the bottle several inches from scalp and puff small amounts of powder at roots. Do not apply to wet hair.
Product Reviewed: Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara
I can't think of a single girl who can make it through summer without relying on a good waterproof mascara. (No, raccoon eyes do not compliment your tan...) Thankfully, Tarte offers a waterproof version of its bestselling mascara that will deliver looks and staying power. Just like the original, this waterproof version will lengthen, volumize, curl, and condition lashes. This product is the Renaissance Man of mascaras--it does it all. But will it survive a day in the pool? YES!
Lights, Camera, Splashes is the ONLY mascara I trust from a day of water fun. Believe me, I put this baby to the test: I swam under water, rubbed my eyes, spritzed my face, etc...and not even a single smudge. Really. (Sound to good to be true? I agree, which is why I had to try it myself to become a believer.) My lashes look separated, lengthened, volumized, and SMUDGE-FREE beach day after beach day.
Tip: If you can't bear to part with you every day non-waterproof mascara, try layering a waterproof formula as a second coat (at least on tips) to help minimize smudging.
Another tip: You'll want to use a waterproof makeup remover with this mascara. My favorite: Make Up Forever's Sens'Eyes.
Product Reviewed: First Aid Beauty's Aloe + Soothing Gel
Feeling a little fried after this weekend's beach getaway? Avoid looking and feeling like a boiled lobster with First Aid Beauty's Aloe + Soothing Gel. This gel is an absolute lifesaver after a day in the sun. The cooling sensation provides instant relief to stressed out skin while ingredients such as Lady's thistle and silymarin calm reactive skin and reduce inflammation. A must-have for any beach bag, this gel beats out generic aloe vera formulas by being free of sulfates and synthetics which can irritate already angry skin. A must-have for any summer vacation!
Tip: This gel is also great to soothe skin after cosmetic treatments, waxing, or shaving.
Product Reviewed: Dior Extase Mascara
The Extase mascara is the little brother of the cult classic Diorshow mascara. Like most little bothers, the Extase competes for a piece of the Diorshow spotlight. While the Diorshow may be the most popular of the Dior mascara family, my favorite is the Extase. This mascara is unique in so many ways. The tiered brush brush lashes outward creating a fanned-out look, while simultaneously clinging to even the tiniest lashes to deposit formula and create intense volume. The Extase formula expands by up to 50% as it dries, leaving lashes noticeably thicker and longer. The formula also contains restorative ingredients to rebuild and fortify damaged lashes. At $28.50, this mascara is on the higher end of the price spectrum, but in my opinion it far out-performs other luxury mascaras both from within the Dior line and from competitor lines such as Yves Saint Laurent.
Tip: If you're looking to layer this mascara, be sure to allow for the the Extase formula to dry between coats. The formula is designed to expand as it dries, so layering while wet can lead to a clumpy situation.
Fun Fact: The tiered brush was modeled after the tiered couture dresses created by House of Dior fashion. In fact, the entire Dior beauty line incorporates elements of Dior fashion. Each Dior cosmetic product feels like a little piece of luxury.
