Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category

Beauty on a budget

I love makeup, skincare, and all things beauty.  But I’m no snob. I’ll shop anywhere for the best products, from Sephora and MAC to Walgreens and Target. So when I FINALLY came across some e.l.f. products at my local Target, I jumped at the chance to try a few of their ridiculously cheap goodies.  I snatched up e.l.f.’s Cream Eyeliner in black (after finally finishing my Smashbox liner), the Essential Fan Brush, the Zip Zapper, and a Studio Lip Stain in Birthday Suit (a bubble gum pink that truly makes a statement).  First, let’s talk about the Studio Lip Stain.

The Studio Lip Stain is double-ended.  On one side is a super-pigmented stain, and on the other is a moisturizing clear gloss with Vitamins A and E.  You can apply just the stain for a matte look, or layer the gloss over for a luscious lip.  Birthday Suit is a gorgeous, bold color that looks fabulous in the tube, and horrific on me (it makes me look like a budget Barbie doll).  (more…)

Score One for Eyebrow Aficionados!

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, so I guess that makes the eyebrows the gorgeous curtains enhancing the window’s beauty? Err, maybe that’s a bad analogy.  But you get the point.  Eyebrows are a hugely important part of the face.  They can make you look polished and powerful, or scared and sloppy.  But getting from scared and sloppy to polished and powerful can be tough without the right tools.  That’s why I like Sephora’s new waterproof Retractable Brow Pencil.  The pencil comes in four shades: Honey Blonde, Nutmeg Brown, Rich Chestnut and Midnight Brown.  Those with black hair should purchase Midnight Brown and apply with a heavier hand.

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Get the Wonderbar for 20% Off!

You know how I swear by the Wonderbar? It is my go-to for clear, soft skin.  Well from now until September 5th, you can get 20% off your entire online order by entering the promo code goodbyesummer at checkout!  This is the perfect time to stock up on the skincare staple, or buy gifts for the holidays (I know Christmas is 3 months away, but it’s never too early to start shopping, right?).

Just go to www.wonderbarusa.com to get your discounted Wonderbar today.

* To check out my review of the wonderful Wonderbar, click here.

Got eczema? Get Lubriderm!

I’ve suffered from acne ever since puberty, and I can tell you from experience that it ain’t pretty! But there are tons of products out there that are made specifically for acne-prone skin.  But what about those who suffer from other skin problems, like eczema? Eczema is due to a hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term inflammation.  Most eczema treatments are pricey, or require a prescription.  But there is something you can buy that will reduce inflammation and calm hypersensitive skin – Lubriderm’s Intense Skin Repair Body Lotion.

According to my cousin Shannon, a long-term eczema sufferer, Lubriderm’s Intense Skin Repair Body Lotion is “phenom.”  Shannon’s  been getting horrific eczema on her hands for quite some time and has tried everything (including prescriptions) to stop the spreading and to heal her hands. Nothing has worked, except this lotion.  My cousin Stephanie also used this lotion on her new tattoo, and it worked like a charm!

So if you’re suffering from dry cracked skin, or even eczema, try Lubriderm’s Intense Skin Repair Body Lotion.

Where to find it: Pick up a 16 oz bottle at your local drugstore or big box store for $7.99.

A mineral makeup that fights the oilies?

I’m an unapologetic mineral makeup enthusiast.  For me, its the only way I can avoid chemically-induced breakouts.  Sure, I use non-mineral makeup on my eyes, lips, and brows, but when it comes to my skin, mineral makeup wins.

So when my trusty Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation was discontinued (AGH!!!), I was forced to find an alternative.  Now I’m not against department store foundations, I’m simply skeptical.  I’ve tried a few mineral foundations from Sephora, but none of them were significantly better than their drugstore counterparts, and cost about 3x more! So when I needed a new foundation, I decided to peruse Walgreens first.

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