Showing posts with label Loreal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Loreal. Show all posts

August Sayonara Products

 By the end of each month, I am astonished by how many products I finish up and it always seems that I run out of everything at once. On one hand, empty bottles assure me that I am actually using the products I spend my hard earned cash on; on the other, it can be a little overwhelming to need to replenish my stash of products all at once. I said sayonara to a whopping thirteen products this month!

 Yes to Tomatoes Daily Volumizing Conditioner
Of all of the natural conditioners I have tried, this one is by far my favorite (read my full review here). However, I wouldn't say it is a miracle product. In fact, I was seduced back to the dark side, at least temporarily, and picked up non-natural shampoo and conditioner (from the John Frieda Sheer Blonde line, which made my August favorites list). I am still on the hunt for a superior natural shampoo and conditioner- suggestions?

Macadamia Healing Oil Healing Oil Treatment
This small 1oz. bottle lasted me about 3 months- while I didn't use it daily at first, I really started to fall in love with this product just as it was getting low. It smells divine and keeps my hair hydrated and frizz-free. I am not sure I want to invest in the full sized, $25 bottle just yet, so I am on the hunt for a cheaper alternative. I am curious about VO5 Miracle Concentrate. Or should I bust out some cash and try out the classic Moroccan Oil? What do you all suggest?
 
 Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara
There are things I really like about this product: I can layer and layer and layer this mascara without it getting clumpy, it doesn't flake, and it offers nice length and respectable volume. However, it doesn't hold a curl very well and can leaves my lashes a bit heavy and stick like if I apply too many coats. I just opened a backup of this that I need to move through, but I don't think I will repurchase after that.

Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black
As of now, this is my HG mascara although I am still curious to try others. Voluminous Carbon Black offers incredible volume, but the formula is a bit finicky- one coat too many can leave you with clumpier lashes than the late Tammy Faye Baker. I wish this was a bit more lengthening as well, but I would still buy this again.

Sephora Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer
I have a full sized bottle of this and just wanted to get this little deluxe sample out of the way. On its own, this is a ho-hum tinted moisturizer- but then again, I prefer more coverage and oil control than a tinted moisturizer can typically provide. However, I mix this daily with matte finish full coverage foundation (either Revlon ColorStay or Estee Lauder Double Wear) to achieve a lighter, more natural finish. 

Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer
 I received this in my Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic kit. "That Gal" is a thick, creamy pink primer that initially made me very hesitant. I assumed a brightening face primer with thick, creamy formula would clash with my oily skin and exacerbate the appearance of shine. However, I really grew to love this primer. It gave me a non-shimmery, lit from within glow that made my matte foundations look more natural, and I never noticed a problem in terms of oil-control. I have a hard time dropping the cash for a full sized bottle of this, but I would consider it in the future.

Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil
By now we have all been informed enough times about the miraculous benefits of argan oil, so I figured this product would blow me out of the water. I received this in a Sephora kit in the winter, but couldn't imagine using it any other time of year except the summer. Since I couldn't imagine applying this to my  face, I rubbed this onto my legs when wearing skirts and shorts. It left a nice sheen but nothing that I couldn't achieve with a bit of my standby coconut oil (which smells way better anyway). Once rubbed in, the bronzing effect is not even visible. This one isn't worth the investment for me.
 AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask
As an oily skinned babe I love a good mud mask, but this one didn't wow me. I was really perplexed by the instructions, which insist you wash off the mask only 2 minutes after applying it. I liked that this has a slight exfoliating effect while rinsing it off, but I wouldn't seek this out in the future.

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Hydrating Lotion
This is some good stuff. My partner and I have moved through several bottles of this natural facial lotion- it is gentle enough for his hypersensitive skin and light enough for my oily prone skin. It is incredibly hydrating, quick to soak into the skin, and has a lovely cucumber scent.

Pangea Organics Facial Toner
Love love love this product, but I don't love the price. I received this deluxe sample in a Birchbox and quickly used it all up. It is an amazing organic toner that helps remove any grime my cleanser left behind and preps my skin for my lotion. Also, a quick mist sets makeup and refreshes skin. However a full sized bottle is $28, which means I will be searching for a more affordable option.
fresh Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum
I have complained here before on how difficult it is to find women's fragrances that are warm and earthy or aren't cloyingly fruity and flowery.  This one is different, and venture I say this may be my "signature scent." It is an alluring citrus scent with notes of wine- yum!

Korres Fig Shower Gel
My partner and I both love the earthy, dark, and slightly sweet scent of this shower gel, and the fact that it is all natural makes me even more excited. I cashed in my Birchbox points before I canceled by subscription and picked up a full sized bottle of this.

Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails
 This got a bit thick towards the end, but overall I love this stuff. I apply it on clean nails underneath a base coat and it keeps my nails incredibly hard and strong. Try it out!

What did you use up in August?


Fierce Femme FOTD: Deathly Hallows

I love sleep too much to make the midnight showing, but the day after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows P. 2 premiered I hit the theater, my pals and I giddy as could be! In my "punk" younger years, the image I had of the HP phenomenon was of nerdy 8 year old kids with lightening bolts scribbled on their foreheads waiting outside of the local bookstore for an obscene number of hours for the latest book installment. Thankfully I grew out of that narrow-minded thinking because now I am totally enamored with the Harry Potter series, although I was late catching on! This post is a little late, but here is the look that I wore to the movie showing! By the way, the movie was AH-MAY-ZINNNG!

What I Used
Face
Revlon ColorStay Foundation in Medium Beige
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer in Light
elf HD Powder

Cheeks
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Exposed
Lorac Perfect Lit Oil Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight

Eyes
UDPP
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese (depotted)
elf Mineral Eyeshadow in Angelic (shimmering white; inner corners)
elf Mineral Eyeshadow in Smoldering (silvery pewter; lids and lower lash line)
elf Mineral Eyeshadow in Seductive (matte black; upper lash line, outer v, lower lash line)
elf Cream Eyeliner in Black (upper lash line, tight line, and water line)
Loreeal Voluminous Carbon Black (upper lashes)
Mybelline Lash Stiletto (lower lashes)





Lips
elf Lip Liner and Lip Brush in Natural
Sephora Collection Lip Attitude in 19 Innocent Beige (depotted)


My partner and I waiting for the movie to start!
Did you see HP and the Deathly Hallows P.2? What did you think?


July Favorites & Flunkies


July was a really exciting month for me! Not only is July my birthday month, but I made a big change and moved to a new state! As far as makeup goes, I didn't haul much but I had a blast rediscovering some oldies but goodies in my collection. I had been in a bit of a makeup routine rut that finally broke this month. Here is what I have been all about this month, along with two flunkies that disappointed me.

 Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gash
Gash is a shimmery, coppery dark red with a slight metallic sheen. It looks a little intimidating in the pan, but it is a really divine and versatile shadow. This month I have been blending this in to my crease for an interesting take on a smokey eye. Or when I am feeling really dramatic, I pack this all over the lid- sounds scary but it looks awesome, and really makes my green eyes pop. 

Urban Decay Naked Palette
An old favorite that I fell out of the habit of using my UD Naked Palette until just recently. This month it has definitely made a comeback- it has been ideal to create bronzed and golden eyes that are perfect for summer. I have been particularly loving Smog, Half Baked, and Darkhorse.
 
 Essie Topless & Barefoot
For the first part of summer I was obsessed with bright colors- especially coral and orange. This month, I have opted for more subtle and sophisticated nudes and pastels. Topless & Barefoot is the perfect nude for me, and made for an awesome birthday manicure.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Mint Sorbet
This is a recent purchase and unfortunately I forgot to snap a picture of my mani while wearing this. I have been craving a pale mint green and was debating between this and Essie Mint Candy Apple. I picked Mint Sorbet because the Essie one is a touch more blue. Mint Sorbet has a really delicious creamy finish and looks great against a tan.

Sephora Sculpting Disk- Bronzer section
Bronzer has been a must-have for me this July, and I have been adoring  the one in the Sephora Sculpting Disk. I already used all of the translucent powder, and the highlighter is just so-so but the bronzer is perfection. It is a matte brown that doesn't lean orange and is great as an all over setting powder or contouring shade.

 MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2
When I first bought this, I was afraid it was too pale and gave me the dreaded concealer lips. Now that I have a bit of a tan, this lipstick is the perfect nude. It is a creamy beige that doesn't lean pink with an amplified finish. 

e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick in Runway Pink
I rediscovered this lipstick this month and it has been my go-to shade. It is a gorgeous creamy pale pink that goes with most any look.
 
 Maybelline Lash Stiletto
  I bought this during massive CVS haul and paid less than a quarter for it so I figured it was worth a shot. I don't particularly like this for my top lashes because it doesn't deliver the volume I seek, but it is superb for the bottom lashes. The wand is small and slightly pointed making it ideal for reaching those small inner corner lashes, and the lengthening formula gives a doll-like look. 

Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black
I have been trying out a few mascaras lately, so this old favorite fell to the bottom of my collection. I started using it regularly again this month and it makes me wonder why I even bother to try other mascaras! The formula is truly volumizing without getting too clumpy, and the consistency only gets better with time.

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top Brush
I received this in a Makeup Alley swap and it is a much welcomed addition to my brush collection. It is technically a blusher brush, but I have been using it to buff in my liquid foundation. The bristles are really soft and dense and delivers an almost airbrushed finish.

Korres Fig Shower Gel
I  received this in my July Birchbox and was so excited to try the Korres brand. I love that this is all natural and lathers well, and the fig scent is right up my alley: earthy, dark, and slightly sweet.

ybf automatic eyebrow pencil in universal taupe
 This was also a recent Birchbox goodie, and has been a trusty addition to my daily routine. This pencil is soft with nice staying power, a good match for my brow color, and the spoolie on the end is handy.

Unfortunately, July also brought me two flunkies:
Benefit Coralista
I might get some grief for this one, but I wasn't all that impressed with this cult favorite. This was a 100 point perk at Sephora, and never one to say no to a coral blush I snagged it. The color is nice, but not too unique in my opinion. But what really gets me is the smell! It is strongly scented, and the sweet sugary perfume lingers on my skin. Yuck.

alba Coconut Creamy lip balm
I loved this when I first picked it up for just a few cents during my CVS sale haul. I love that it is all natural and I am obsessed with anything coconut. But because it is made of mostly natural oils, this baby cannot hold up to heat.  A summer day in my purse and this lip balm was totally melted. I do like this, but sadly it has to live my by nightstand and stay indoors. 

What have you been lovin' this month? Any flunkies to report?


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.

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