October Sayonara Products

This month I finished up a whopping fifteen products; more impressive than that,eleven are cosmetic items! I have mentioned in other posts that I have really buckled down on makeup spending, buying only the products that I need, have thoroughly research, and/or have been really craving for a long time. As such, I am hauling less and focusing on and using up what I already have more! Here are the products that I said goodbye to this past month:

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in Medium Light

As far as drugstore concealers go, this is one of the best that I have found. It is really creamy, has nice coverage, and lasts all day when set with powder. It works best on blemishes but this wouldn't be my first pick for dark circles- it tended to cake up a little and crease under the eyes, and doesn't have the peachy undertones to really cancel out the blue. I have a few other concealers to use up, but I would consider purchasing it again.

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original, minis x2

I received both of these mini PPs in palettes and have bee amazed by how long they have lasted me! UDPP is the only primer I have ever used or tried, and I haven't felt the need to look elsewhere because it does what it is supposed to do- make shadows more vibrant, prevent creasing, and prolong wear time. I replaced these two empties with a full-sized version in Eden, as seen in my recent Sephora Haul.

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm

Remember when everyone was raving about these? There is a lot to love here- all natural, organic, fun and unique packaging, tasty flavors. I wouldn't say this lip balm provided the most hydration to my lips, but it certainly got the job done! I used this until the sphere was flat, and then using a toothpick I dug out the rest of the product and mixed it with sugar to make a lip sugar scrub.

Almay Makeup Erase Sticks

My mom gave these to me to throw in my purse, but I found that these were most helpful in the mornings to clean up residual eye makeup that transferred to my lower lash line. The stick of the q-tip is filled with makeup remover, and when you snap one of the cotton buds off the liquid saturates the other end. These were nice to have, but not an essential for me. 

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel

This is just plain ol' witch hazel in a convenient squirt bottle. After washing my face I would load a cotton pad up with witch hazel and clean off any residual makeup, especially in my hairline. This did the trick, and it also did a decent job of shrinking my pores. I'll buy witch hazel again, but to save a few pennies I will just get the generic bottle.

Bath & Body Works Midnight Pomegranate EDT

I picked this up in one of my mad hunts to find my signature scent, and it just didn't work out. Although I always received compliments when I wore it, I personally found it too sweet and fruity.

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Press Powder in Buff

I kept this in my purse to touch up throughout the day, and it was fine for a quick blot. However, as a setting powder this was pretty low performing- my skin was shiny within a few short hours, and reapplication lends itself to looking cakey.

Cover Girl Professional Natural Lash Mascara in Clear

I used this to set my brows, and it served me just fine! However, I have found another affordable clear mascara (Maybelline Great Lash) that has a smaller brush that is easier to tame my brows with, so I won't be repurchasing.

NARS Orgasm Illuminator

As a highlight and gel blush, I personally found this product pretty pointless. The gel was too thin, and once applied the pretty pinky gold shimmers were all but blended away. However, I did like this mixed with my foundation. I typically opt for matte finishes because they control oil better, but for a little luminosity I liked to mix this in. I did purchase a full size of this in Copacabana after falling in love with the color and reading that the formula was thicker than Orgasm's. Updates on that soon!

Estée Lauder Double Matte Foundation in Cool Dusk

While researching Double Wear the SA provided me a sample with Double Matte as well. In short, this was a let down: though it gives excellent coverage, it fails to control oil, it looks mask-like, and leaves you white cast in photos. Read the full review here.

Sephora Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer in Medium Peach

On its own, this is not a superior product. It is a little oily and provided almost zero coverage. However, I liked to mix this with my Revlon ColorStay for a more natural finish. I recently replaced this with Tart'es Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer, which I am loving so far so expect a review soon!

philosophy vanilla birthday cake shower gel

This was my birthday gift from Sephora, and it really did smell like cake! I enjoyed this while it lasted, but I don't want to smell like cake all the time. 

LORAC Perfect Lit Oil Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight

This little deluxe sample lasted me almost a full year, and I vacillated between love and ambivalence. At times I wouldn't think it wasn't anything special, but in comparison to other, lower-end highlighters I can tell how soft, smooth, and natural it applies to the skin. No big shimmers here, just a nice lit from within glow. 

 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil in Zero

This liner is among many bloggers' favorites, and I enjoyed it, too. Zero is very black, and the formula is incredibly creamy and easy to apply yet sets quickly and is long lasting. The only problem I had with this is that it didn't last on my waterline as long as I expected. I would repurchase this, put the price is pretty steep. I am testing out the Milani LIQUIF EYE Metallic Eyeliner Pencil in Black to see how it compares.

Phew! That's a lot!

What did you finish up this past month?

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Posted in Almay , Bath and Body Works , Cover Girl , EOS , Estee Lauder , Lorac , NARS , philosophy , Physicians Formula , Revlon , Sayonara Products , Skin Care , Urban Decay

July Sayonara Products!

Can you believe it is the last day of July? Where is our summer going? As we say goodbye to this month, I am also saying goodbye to a handful of products. Once again, for some empties it is good riddance and for others it is a regretful goodbye (until I repurchase, that is!). Here are the products that I finished up this past month.

Too Faced Lash Injection

I bought this mini from Sephora just to try it out, and I am glad I never invested in a full-sized tube. For me, this mascara was nothing special. The bristle brush is big, fat, and dense, which I like, but it took too much work and too many coats to achieve the length and volume I seek. On top of that, it left my lashes stiff and had an unpleasant flowery scent. Goodbye!

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

Burt's Bees is notorious for making great lip balm. I love that this is all natural and that it leaves my lips tingling a bit. The only thing I wasn't fond of was the tin packaging- next time I will opt for a stick instead for easier, more sanitary application.

fresh Cannabis Santal

As I have mentioned before, I really dislike traditionally feminine and flowery fragrances for myself. Instead, I opt for more earthy and spicy scents, and Cannabis Santal is right up my alley. No, it doesn't smell like what you are thinking of, naughty girls! Cannabis Santal smells like incense but isn't over powering. 

Yes to Carrots Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser 

For intensive exfoliation this is too gentle for me. It is better as a daily cleanser, but as it is cream based it is not best suited for my oily prone skin. I love the natural Yes to brand, and I think this is a good product for someone with very sensitive, or normal to dry skin. For myself, however, I'll pass. See my full review here.

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo

This is the first dry shampoo I have ever tried, and I don't know how I lived without it! This summer essential has been great for sprucing up oily roots and adding volume.

EOS Shave Cream in Vanilla Bliss

Another product I am sad to see go. This shave cream is incredibly moisturizing and smells divine. Plus, EOS is a natural brand! Read my full review here. 

Suave Max Hold Hairspray

This can lasted me more than a year because I don't use much product on my hair. Nothing special, but this hairspray got the job done and was really cheap.

Yes to Tomatoes Facial Hydrating Lotion

Panic struck my heart when I pumped out the last of this lotion! I reviewed it here, but in short, this is the first lotion that I feel was formulated with my skin type and needs in mind. It sinks in quickly, hydrates and balances well, and doesn't leave a greasy residue. Oily prone divas rejoice!

Yes to Blueberries Intensive Repair Serum

This product is part of Yes to's anti-aging line, so this was a preventative product for me. Although I don't yet have wrinkles to tackle, nightly use of this product really improved the condition of my skin. It was more radiant and smooth, and I could tell that it was helping to repair damaged tissue and increasing surface skin cell turn-over.

philosophy purity made simple one-step facial cleanser

I thought I would hate this cleanser, but it wasn't half bad. My skin needs a product that is better at oil control, but I can say that this made my skin baby smooth. Read more on it here. 

Maybelline Define-a-Brow Pencil

At first I was really disappointed in this product; so much so, in fact, that it made it into my May Flunkies list. Although the shade is a great match for my brow color, the pencil crumbles easily and is difficult to keep sharply pointed. Over time, I learned to work with enough to use it up, but I won't be repurchasing.

What did you use up this month?

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Posted in Batiste , Burt's Bees , EOS , fresh , Maybelline , philosophy , Sayonara Products , Suave , Too Faced , Yes to Blueberries , Yes to Carrots , Yes to Tomatoes

Coral Fever: Lips

This is the first instillation of a three part mini-series about one of the hottest color trends of the spring: coral! The coral trend manifest itself in many shades from bright oranges, true corals, light peach, and various red/orange/pink/peach hybrids. This post will be focused on coral lips, and the next two will be on coral cheeks and nails.

Here are the lipsticks I own in the coral range. Click images to enlarge:

With flash, from L to R: Victoria's Secret Perfect Lipstick in Heartbeat (limited edition Spring 2011 Love Me Wild collection); Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Coralberry; Revlon Moondrops Lipstick in Blase Apricot; Revlon Super Lustrous Matte in Smoked Peach; Revlon Super Lustrous in Siren; E.L.F. Mineral Lipstick in Party Pink.

Close up with flash, from L to R: Victoria's Secret Perfect Lipstick in Heartbeat (limited edition Spring 2011 Love Me Wild collection); Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Coralberry; Revlon Moondrops Lipstick in Blase Apricot.

Close up with flash, from L to R: Revlon Super Lustrous Matte in Smoked Peach; Revlon Super Lustrous in Siren; E.L.F. Mineral Lipstick in Party Pink.

• Victoria's Secret Perfect Lipstick in Heartbeat (limited edition Spring 2011 Love Me Wild collection)-Heartbeat is an awesome peachy nude. It definitely is lighter than my natural lip color, but it doesn't give me the dreaded corpse lip effect. In the photo with flash it appears to lean more pink than I think it does in real life. It is a creme formula and has a pretty moisturizing, glossy finish. I want to pick up a backup of this since it is from a limited edition collection.

No Flash

With Flash

• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Coralberry- This is one of my most worn of this lot. Coralberry is a creme orange coral with strawberry pink undertones. I have been loving it so much the past few weeks, particularly when paired with a neutral eye, that it was featured in my April Favorites & Flunkies. 

No Flash

With Flash

• Revlon Moondrops Lipstick in Blase Apricot- I bought this because I heard it was a decent dupe for MAC's Vegas Volt. Although I can't compare the two for myself, I can say that this is a phenomenal shade. Blase Apricot is the perfect pink/orange hybrid. Though it is bright I still find it a wearable shade for the day. The flash photo of this looks almost identical to the flash photo of Coralberry, but Blase Apricot is much brighter and more orange than Coralberry. The formula of this is my favorite of the bunch; it is very moisturizing and even hours after application the color looks creamy.

No Flash

With Flash

• Revlon Super Lustrous Matte in Smoked Peach- This one of the most unique shades of the bunch, and I honestly haven't ever seen anything close to this combination of color and formula. Smoked Peach is the only matte shade of this set, and is a true peach (leans orange, not pink). As a variation from the expected nude, I like to pair this with a smokey eye because it brings some color without overwhelming the look. 

No Flash

With Flash

• Revlon Super Lustrous in Siren- This shade is not for the faint of heart! Fierce femmes who are not afraid to rock' a bold, almost neon lip will swoon for this bright creme true orange. The formula doesn't amaze me, but it has good staying power on my lips and it not very drying. I love to wear this whenever I am wearing anything leopard print- I feel like it has a vintage retro vibe while still being modern.

No Flash

With Flash

•  E.L.F. Mineral Lipstick in Party Pink- If you are looking at all of these shades (particularly Siren) and find them too bold, E.L.F.'s Party Pink might be more up your alley. It is a peachy shade that leans pretty far to the pink side. However, the flash photo looks more pink than it does in real life. Next to the Revlon Moondrops Blase Apricot formula, this is the second most moisturizing formula. However, I find that it also has the shortest wear. But as the cheapest and the most wearable of the lot, it might be a nice subtle pinky peach to check out.

No Flash

With Flash

Here are some side-by-side swatches to compare. From the Top to the Bottom: Party Pink, Siren, Smoked Peach, Blase Apricot, Coralberry, Heartbeat.

No Flash

With Flash

Lastly, you are going to need a great lip balm, lip liner, and lip gloss to go along with your coral lipstick. Here are my recommendations that match any of the above shades:

Swatch with flash of liner and gloss.

•  EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Summer Fruit- Of course this has no color, but this all organic, nourishing balm is in the most adorable coral packaging! Prep your lips with this to eliminate dryness. 
• Loreal Crayon Petite Automatic Lip Liner in Warm Corals- This liner is super long lasting and is a true coral. I have worn it with most all of the lipsticks mentioned. For the lighter corals, I blend out the liner a bit to soften the line.
• Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Coral Reef- This is a pretty pigmented gloss on its own, but adds a sweet coral shine to any of the above lip colors. I apply this when my lipstick starts to dry out or wear off to revitalize it.

*Phew!* That's a lot of coral! So have you caught coral fever? Which coral lipsticks have you been loving?

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Posted in E.L.F. , EOS , Loreal , Revlon , Victoria's Secret

April Favorites & Flunkies

Where did April go? I spent most of this month in front of a computer screen finishing up my MA paper (and taking a blogging break every now and then, of course). This past few weeks I was introduced to a few fantastic products, as well as a few disappointing ones. So what have I been loving and regretting?

Favorites:

 

•  Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 674 Coral Berry- I have been wearing this shade all month. Coral Berry is a rich creme orange coral that leans towards a strawberry pink. It definitely isn't a subtle lip,  but it is totally wearable, especially when paired with neutral eye looks. This coral has ushered in my spring in a sophisticated, juicy way!

•  Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gash- Metallic rust red might not sound like the most flattering shade for your lids, but I am finding this shadow really versatile. I have rocked a few smokey eye looks with this, but it is also nice blended into the crease for an interesting contour (check out my Fierce Femme FOTD for an example). More detailed images and a swatch can be found here. Green eyed babes like me will particularly love this.
• Slathin & Co. Candle in Salty Carmel from Bath & Body Works- We all know that Bath & Body Works sells some awesome candles, but in my opinion this one tops them all. Salty Carmel is an fantastic scent to start your warm season with. It smells just like going to the fair as a kid! Absolutely delicious!
• Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge- I had heard raves about the Beauty Blender, and while I do not know how this compares, I have been loving this blending sponge. It doesn't eat up much product and gives me a natural finish without compromising on coverage. The little pointed end makes it ideal for applying foundation around the nose or concealer under the eyes. This has totally replaced my old foundation brush.
•  Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment- A dime size of this on my wet hair keeps my long locks manageable and fizz free. With continued use I can tell it is improving the texture of my hair and keeping it moisturized. It doesn't leave me feeling greasy, and smells divine. The price tag for the full bottle of this is steep, but a little goes a long way and for the quality seems completely worth it.
• LAVANILA The Healthy Body Butter in Vanilla Lavender- This came in my April Birchbox, and I am definitely going to invest in a full sized bottle of this. It is moisturizing and soaks into my skin quickly. Also, I love that LAVANILLA is natural and packages their body butters in sanitary tubes instead of tubs like other brands. I associate lavender with sleep, so I keep this by my bedside table to apply at night. I am interested it trying out other scents as well.
• Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum- This stuff has totally transformed my foundation. This combo skinned babe now can have longer-wearing foundation, oil control, and a subtle luminous finish. Check out my full review here.
• Zoya Pasha- This month I have picked up quite a few polishes, but I can't help but come back to this one. It is a gorgeous silvered taupe with mushroom, almost purple undertones. Check out my full review and swatches here.
• E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner in Black- I wasn't too fond of this at first, but have really gotten into this liner this month. It is creamy and easy to apply, and once it dries this stuff doesn't budge or flake. I have been using it to line my upper waterline and it lasts all day.
• EOS Shave Cream in Vanilla Bliss- My legs and underarms have never been softer or more closely shaved. I can't find anything to dislike about this natural, deliciously scented, smartly packaged product. Check out my full review here.
• EOS Lip Blam Smooth Sphere in Summer Fruit- This lip balm makes me want to abandon all of my others. Clever packaging, hydrating, natural, great taste- I love it! Check out my full review here.
• Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy- I am not even tempted to buy another blush in the near future, unless it is other shades of this Tarte blush. The formula is that amazing, and Tipsy is an awesome coral for spring. My full review and swatches can be found here.

 Flunkies:

•  Revlon CustomEyes Mascara Waterproof in Blackest Black- The only reason I bought this is because I had a CVS coupon for it, a tactic that unfortunately sucked me in. The selling point of this mascara is that the brush is 2-in-1: with a twist of the dial, the wand changes between 2 settings, one for "Length & Drama" and the other for "Length & Definition." More like "Spikey & Clumpy" and "More Spikey & Clumpy." Total gimmick! The formula isn't bad, so in the spirit of Project 10 Pan sometimes I apply this as a first coat and use another mascara with a better brush as the second.

•  Yes to Tomatoes Deep Cleansing Facial Pads- I love the brand Yes to Carrots so this is upsetting for me. To be fair though, I am almost certain that the reason this product is sub-par is my own fault. I should have know better than to pick up an item like this from the discount bin at Walgreens, because I discovered at home that all the pads were totally dried up! I might give these another go, but pick them up from YTC directly.
• E.L.F. Super Glossy Lip Shine in Goddess- This sticky, cough syrup flavored gloss does not make me feel like a goddess. Good thing it was only a buck! Read my full review here.
• E.L.F. Essentials Natural Lash Kit in Black- These lashes are inconsistent, leaving me with one fluttery cute eye and another crazy, blinking doll one. Read my full review here.

Pheww! So there it is! What are you loving and regretting this month?

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Posted in Bath and Body Works , E.L.F. , EOS , Favorites and Flunkies , LAVANILA , Macadamia Natural Oil , Revelon , Sonia Kaschuk , Tarte , Urban Decay , Yes to Tomatoes , Zoya

EOS Review: Lip Balm Smooth Sphere in Summer Fruit & Shave Cream in Vanilla Bliss

As I mentioned in my recent Yes to Carrots Haul, I have been making a serious effort to replace my skincare and body products with natural and organic alternatives. Project 10 Pan should help me move through my stock of non-natural products so I can make the full transition. Switching to natural products has not been easy for me: trustworthy natural brands are few and far between (some brands market themselves as green, but actually pack their products with parabens, etc), they tend to carry a higher price tag than non-natural and non-organic lines, and in my experience their products can be pretty hit or miss.

Before I embarked upon Project 10 Pan, I picked up two EOS (Evolution of Smooth) products. So far, I am really pleased with them and I am excited to try more from EOS. In stores I have found limited EOS products and scents, while their website lists many more- hopefully more of their products make it to shelves near me eventually. Here is what I have so far:

EOS Lip Balm Smooth Sphere in Summer Fruit

First of all, can we talk about the packaging of this lip balm? Too flippin' cute. I can't even handle it. All of my stick lip balms are totally jealous...they with they were as rotund as my EOS. Beyond being adorable, the packaging is smart. The little finger indent on the side makes for easy opening, and the domed balm makes application fun and easy, even in the curved inner corners of my lips. The flavor I have is Summer Fruit. I usually steer clear of fruity flavored lip products for fear of the dreaded fake, cough syrupy taste, but this tastes juicy and not overly sweet. And it is USDA certified organic! I am swooning! The only thing that could make this balm better in my book is if it had SPF in it.

EOS Shave Cream in Vanilla Bliss

A few days after I found and fell in love with the balm, I stumbled across the EOS Shave Cream at my local Target. I am not a fan of the gel-to-foam shaving creams, and lathering up body wash does not provide the moisture my sensitive stems and underarms require. I cannot rave enough about this product- the cream is thick, rich, and incredibly nourishing to my skin. Although I do it out of habit, I do not even feel the need to apply lotion after using this product. The razor burn that frequented my underarms is but a thing of the past. Like the balm, the packaging is great- the pump dispenser makes use in the shower hassle-free. Additionally, this stuff smells amazing- the vanilla is warm and not overpoweringly sugary. Although a rich scent, it is also surprisingly clean.

All products featured were purchased with my own money, and I am in no way affiliated with or being compensated by EOS. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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Posted in Bath/Shower , EOS , Lip Balm , Natural Products