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.
Product Reviewed: Ole Henriksen's Anti-Ageing Starter Kit
In the interest of full disclosure, I have to start off by admitting two things: 1) I am a kit junkie--I will buy nearly any product that comes in a 'kit' of some kind. 2) I am biased in favor of Ole Henriksen products (but for good reason--this stuff really works!)
Okay, now that I've gotten that out in the open, let me tell you how much I LOVE Ole Henriksen's Anti-Ageing starter kit. I bought this kit for the first time a little over a year ago, as a kick-start to my skin care regimen. I bought the kit again to take with me on vacation. I loved it when I first tried it, and I love it even more now. For starters, it's an amazing deal ($68 for roughly a month's supply of six anti-aging products). Also, the line is all natural and contains the ultra effective African Red Tea. As a treat, the products all smell amazing.
Here's the breakdown by product:
African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser: If this cleanser were a man, it'd be the strong yet sensitive type. This cleanser removes make-up yet is still gentle enough for even the most sensitive skins. Works amazing with a Clarisonic, and leaves skin feel cleansed and hydrated. No wonder it won an All Natural Beauty Award.
African Red Tea Face Mist: This is the only product in this set that I would not consider a must-have. This tonic (aka toner) includes African Red Tea, white tea, and pomegranate to tighten pores, hydrate and calm skin, and leave you glowing. While this mist feels and smells great, I don't really notice much benefit from its use, and tend to skip the toning step of my cleansing routine.
Sugar Glow Face Scrubs: Not everyone is a fan of facial scrubs (admittedly, some can be abrasive and rough, or even cause micro cuts in the skin that breed bacteria and lead to break outs). This scrub is gentle and sugar-based. It purifies skin by removing dead skin cells, while simultaneously brightening and providing antioxidant protection. Use 2-3x/week in the morning for a glowing complexion.
Express the Truth Cream: This is an absolutely AMAZING night cream. It absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling immediately softer. It's nourishing and rich, yet not too heavy for combination skin types. This moisturizer is packed with protective ingredients to prevent aging as well as age reversal ingredients and peptides to firm and lift. (I have two creases on my forehead that drive me crazy, and I noticed a decrease in their appearance after using this cream for three weeks.)
Visual Truth Eye Cream: All the protective and anti-aging benefits of the face cream, with added ingredients to promote skin elasticity and bolster the resiliency of delicate eye tissue. (Again, after using this eye cream for several weeks I saw a noticeable reduction in fine lines/wrinkles and puffiness. Thank you, Ole!)
Feel the Difference Perfecting Mask: This mask delivers a cooling and firming sensation while dousing skin with essential vitamins, anti-oxidants, and African Red Tea. This mask is a real treat for your skin, and works for all skin types.
Okay, after all that....bottom line: Great value, phenomenal all-natural products, visible results. Um, what more do you want??
Product Reviewed: Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation
I recently picked up a Laura Mercier Mineral Powder to bring with me on a three week vacation. The powder can be used wet or dry and claims be able to provide coverage ranging from light to full. I was happy with the versatility of the coverage. (Especially on a vacation, being able to customize a single product to achieve multiple looks is key!)
I will say that I am never a big proponent of sponge applicators, but Laura Mercier specifically recommends using a sponge, so I used the sponge included with the powder. The sponge sufficed for the three week trip, but became caked with product. I would have to beg to differ with Laura and recommend using a brush for this powder.
I was disappointed in the rate at which I used up the powder. I didn't wear it every day (and I didn't apply it too heavily), yet after only two weeks the product was about 1/3 gone. At $40, I would've expected this powder to last much longer.
I also like that the formula includes ingredients designed to mimic skin's natural composition, as well as the fact that the powder has an SPF of 15.
That being said, I wouldn't buy this powder again. I didn't fall in love with it, and for the price it was not a great value.
Tip: You can wash Laura Mercier sponges in order to keep them clean. (Especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin types, keep sponges clean is essential.)
Product Reviewed: Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer
I feel like I just had a fight with a best friend. I love the Hourglass line. I assumed I love the concealer as much as the rest of the Hourglass complexion collection. I was wrong. After reading about all the benefits of this concealer, I was excited to give it a try myself. Not only is this concealer free of the usual suspects (parabens, sulfates, and synthetics); but it also contains Vitamin E to soften and protect skin. Sounds great, right? Not so fast...this concealer is nice and creamy, but doesn't provide exceptional coverage. Not only is the cover not what I expected, the Hidden concealer did provide much in terms of staying-power either. I had to reapply the concealer multiple times throughout the day and never felt confident in the coverage provided. Sorry, Hourglass...I hope we can still be friends, but I gotta say this concealer is a let down.
Tip: Apply concealer after foundation. Using a concealer brush (or your finger) pat concealer onto areas of concern, and blend away the edges.
Product Reviewed: Tarte 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation
Dear Tarte...will you marry me? I want to spend the rest of my life with this brand. The newest addition to the Tarte foundation family is no exception. This full-coverage foundation is great for all skin types and offers a natural-looking full coverage. Of course, the 12-hour foundation contains the brand's signature ingredient, Amazonian Clay, which adapts to provide maximum benefits for any and all skin types. The 12-hour foundation wears like a champ. It's survived long work days, late nights, and intense workouts. The formula is sulfate, synthetic, and paraben free; and addresses skin concerns such as pore size, unevenness, and texture. Seriously, Tarte, you are all I've ever dreamed of in a brand.
Tip: Apply this foundation with Tarte's Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush (pictured above) for an absolutely velvety smooth perfected finish. Doesn't hurt that the brush feels utterly delightful as it caresses your face. (Think I'm exaggerating? Give this brush a try, and see if it's uber-soft bristles don't make you swoon.)
Product Reviewed: Anastasia Highlighting Brow Kit
Anastasia is undeniably THE go-to brow line. Founder Anastasia has been shaping the brows of celebrities for years. Her product line allows you to achieve salon-quality shaping at home. This brow kit showcases what Anastasia does best: shape/color and highlight. The brow powder trio fits all shades so you'll always look natural. (Bye-bye mismatched brows!) The highlighting trio contains silver, gold, and rose shimmer powders that will compliment any eye shadow look.
I much prefer using powder to pencil--it gives more control and precision, and also provides a more natural texture. Set this powder with a clear gel (Anastasia's Clear Brow Gel gives great hold without any crunchiness or white residue.), and you'll be set from coffee to cocktails!
The highlight powders add the perfect amount of shimmer to lift brows and brighten the eye area. Adding shimmer just under the brow will make any dramatic eye look more wearable by balancing darker shadows. Shimmer can also be applied just above the outer half of your brow, or into the inner corner of your eye, to add additional brightness.
Tip: To give brows the most natural look, use a slightly darker powder on outer half of the brow, and a slightly lighter shade to fill in the inner half. This will mimic the natural shading of brows.
Another Tip: If you're not a shimmer kind of gal, try using a lighter matte shadow under brows to create a lifted look and add lightness to avoid overly-heavy eye shadow looks.
Product Reviewed: Benefit "Hello Flawless!" Oxygen Wow Liquid Foundation
Benefit Cosmetics is the epitome of sass. From its packaging to its clever product names, Benefit is one of the most unique cosmetic lines out there. Their latest foundation is no exception. The Oxygen Wow foundation's list of benefits is even longer that its mouthful of a name. SPF 25+++ protects skin from sun damage; a vitamin, mineral, and peptide complex plumps up skin and adds radiance; and a hyaluronic complex boosts cellular respiration. These same ingredients also combat aging. It's no wonder Allure magazine named this foundation 2012's Best Brightening Foundation.
Tip: Oxygen Wow tends took look yellow/orange at first, but once you apply and blend it, the shades have a very natural tone. Don't try matching on the wrist, use the cheek or jaw to find your most true match.
Product Reviewed: Sephora Collection Outrageous Volume Mascara
Sephora's namesake product line is a go-to for affordable, quality, and on-trend products. The brand's latest mascara was fell short of my expectations. The rubber brushes short bristles are designed do douse lashes with a heavy dose of color and pumped-up volume. Unfortunately, the heavy formula overwhelms lashes leaving them looking clumpy and weighted-down. (I kid you not, when I used this mascara it was so heavy it condensed all lashes into three giant claw-like clumps.) The rubber bristles are too short to effectively comb through and separate lashes. I love the idea that the formula includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate lashes, but the uncomfortably heavy and unattractively clumpy formula make this mascara a no-go for me.
Tip: If you're looking for a volumizing mascara with a rubber brush, try Buxom's Buxom Lash. It's been a consistent best-seller and achieves all that this Sephora mascara it shooting for.
Product Reviewed: Korres Holiday 2011 Guava Indulgences Kit
I bought this kit as a Christmas treat for myself months ago. Since then, I've been enjoying Korres' luxurious natural body products. The light guava scent leaves me feeling fresh and relaxed. The scent is light enough so as to not mix with any perfume I might add. The body butter absorbs instantly and leaves skin feeling velvety soft for hours. The body wash works up to a rich lather. Both body butter and body wash last FOREVER! The Lip Butter is nice, but not life-changing. I wouldn't buy it by itself but in a kit, why not! These Korres products are all paraben, sulfate, and synthetic free. Shea butter softens, moisturizes, and rejuvenates skin. Almond, sunflower, and avocado oils provide nourishment to improve skin elasticity and smoothness. I look forward to the delicious scent and luxurious texture or Korres' body products after each and every shower!
Tip: Transform your body butter into a body shimmer by adding an illuminizer or shimmer powder into the lotion before applying. This look is especially sexy during the summer when you're showing a little extra skin.
Product Reviewed: NARS Pore Refining Primer
This is one of the most liquid-y primers I've ever tried. Not necessarily bad, just different. I liked the fact that the primer promised to address pores as well as fine lines and wrinkles. At first I was disappointed by the small bottle, but found that a little goes a very long way. I've heard relatively positive things about this primer, but myself had a reaction to it. Every time I use this primer, I break out. Not ideal. The texture isn't heavy, and the formula is fragrance free yet somehow this primer and I can't seem to get along. Luckily, I didn't fall in love with the texture so no big loss. Overall, impressions I get from clients seem to be mixed. Overall rating: Mehh....
Tip: For those with sensitive or reactive skins (prone to irritation and/or reactions), do a patch test on a small area of your face to test for sensitivity. If you want to jump right in, be sure to only try one new product at a time so as to not overwhelm your delicate skin. Additionally, by only trying one new product at a time you'll be able to quickly isolate the genesis of any problems that may arise.
Product Reviewed: Revlon ColorStay
Disclaimer: Normally I am vehemently opposed to using drugstore foundation. Why? Several reasons: 1) Less expensive formulas tend to have a lot of cheap "filler" ingredients, many of which are not good for your skin. 2) Even as someone who works with foundation on a daily basis, I find it nearly impossible to determine a good match through without a tester. 3) At drugstores, you can never be sure how long the product has been sitting on the shelf. 4) Not all drugstores have a flexible return policy, meaning you could get stuck with a few foundations you don't love before finding your match. (Even at less than $15 each, it's still a risk.) Ok, so now that I've come clean about my anti-drugstore-makeup bias, let tell you Revlon ColorStay has changed my world.
The consistency of the foundation was nice and creamy, and provided excellent coverage without being heavy. ColorStay has a natural finish, and wears well throughout the day. Flexible coverage allowed me to apply heavier in areas where I need more coverage and lighter in areas where I don't need as much help. I particularly like that Revlon has created two ColorStay formulas: one for combination/oily skin and one for normal/dry skin. I chose the oil-free formula for oily/combination skin. So far, so good in terms of breakouts (I was worried it would be comedogenic.) I must say, I owe Revlon on apology on this one--ColorStay was $15 well spent.
Tip: If you're having trouble guessing your correct color through the bottle, go for a color with neutral undertones. Unless you know you have warm or cool undertones, a neutral foundation is a safer bet.
Another tip: Make sure to wear an SPF with this foundation, as the 6 SPF it provides is negligible.
Product Reviewed: Sephora by OPI, Meet Me at the Disco
This new polish is the PERFECT glitter polish! A lot of glitter polishes are pretty stingy with the glitter, and leave nails looking relatively bare. Not this pretty little polish! Meet Me at the Disco delivers an opaque layer of sparkle in just one coat. (I used two coats in the picture, in order to even out coat and add a little extra pizzazz). Even with two coats, my at-home mani was dry in less than five minutes. After a full day of work, not even a chip. Best part is, this polish goes with everything--it has silver and iridescent flecks so it reflects a prismatic shine of all colors. Absolute bling.
Tip: Add Meet Me at the Disco to your existing by painting glitter only on your ring fingers. It's a more subtle shine, and so trendy right now!
Product Reviewed: Josie Maran Argan Oil
This product is the perfect example of when practice deviates from theory. In theory: oil breaks up oil, making oil-based skin care products great for all skin types, including oily skins. In practice: oil + oil = more oil. The Josie Maran Argan Oil, while claiming to be perfect for all skins types, is realistically only suitable for drier skins types. I have combination skin myself, and found that even on drier areas (such as my cheeks) this oil took forever to absorb and left me feeling sticky, shiny, and uncomfortable. That being said, clients with drier, more mature skin seem to find that the oil absorbs nicely and leaves skin feeling hydrated. While I appreciate and understand the science and theory behind using oil-based products on all skin types, I can't say that I've seen this theory work on too many clients (or myself!). I do like the Argan Oil on dry elbows, cuticles, or even on the ends of my hair in a pinch; but unless you have dry skin I'd keep this product off your face.
Tip: Josie Maran's line is renowned for its conscientious business model. The Argan Oil is native to Morocco; and Josie Maran purchases all Argan Oil directly from women's cooperatives in Morocco at fair wages, ensuring that the women are justly compensated. Josie Maran also strives to protect the environment and is dedicated the environmental irresponsibility. I may not love the Argan Oil, but I can't help but love her business ethics!
Product Reviewed: Korres Mattifying Primer
Korres is an all-natural skincare and cosmetics company founded in Greece. Korres recently added this mattifying primer to its Pomegranate line. The entire Pomegranate is designed to mattify and target pore size. This primer is nude and should blend into any skin tone. (I've only only tried it on myself and clients with fair-medium skin tones, however.) This primer is water-based, non-comedogenic, and very lightweight. It will balance skin tone and texture, minimize the appearance of pores, and control oil and shine throughout the day. I especially love using this primer with tinted moisturizers and light foundations, as the primer is likewise lightweight yet balances skin tone to perfect skin's appearance. Ingredients such as witch hazel water will tighten pores while removing dirt and impurities. The rice starch will absorbs oil will also soften skin. This is the perfect primer to keep skin looking fresh during even the stickiest days summer!
Tip: For added results, Korres recommends using this primer in conjunction with the Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Treatment. Apple the treatment each morning after moisturizer and before primer. As a bonus, you can also use the treatment on top of makeup throughout the day.
