Review: CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara

The amount of subjectivity in the beauty world is enough to give me a headache sometimes. It's difficult enough to find a good product review, but it's harder to find an objective one - or, at the least, one that will admit it's biased. This can make for a very hard time deciding whether to buy a product or not.

Sometimes, you just have to try the damn thing for yourself. This is what I decided must be done about CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Blasting Mascara, because the reviews on the web were so varied, it was impossible to determine whether it was some new holy grail mascara or just another budget bomb. (Seriously, look up any reviews for this product. Totally mixed.)

Product Description: "Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look." --CoverGirl.com

Price: $7.00

The mascara comes in a BIG (as in huge) orange tube, with a large plastic applicator brush. Some complain it's too big for their dainty little hands, but to that I say: suck it up. (Just kidding!) It's really not a major issue that will hinder your application abilities THAT much, if at all, in my opinion.

The only negative aspect of the brush size is that, because it doesn't taper at the end, it can be difficult to apply product to smaller lashes or those at the edges of your eyes. With a little care and patience, however, it can be done.

After applying a few coats, my lashes were thick, bold, and dramatic-looking. The brush, when used properly, does a nice job of separating the lashes. The formula is not 100% clump-free, but I wouldn't say it clumps easily, either. When my lashes looked like they needed some separating, I ran the brush through them again, and that usually did the trick. You can also use your own lash brush, of course.

I experienced no flaking for several hours I wore it, whereas some did. If this is an issue for you, consider the waterproof formula instead. The mascara may not hold your curl perfectly; if this is the case, you can try over-curling before applying so that the difference is only subtle. I personally saw very little change throughout the day, but the formula can be a bit heavy for others.

Verdict: A volumizing mascara that's fun for your lashes, purse, and wallet - it's not amazing or the next big thing, but it adds some great dramatic effect and completes any bold eye look. The brush design leaves a little to be desired, and flaking or uncurling is possible (isn't it with most mascaras?), but nothing negative stood out strongly to me. In short, I like it and it likes me.


(Once again, photos will be put here later. Need working camera :)

Did you like this mascara? Hate it? Be sure to tell me about it!

Feeling Better

Hi guys! I hope you had a great week.

Anyway, I'm feeling much better now, so regular posting will resume shortly! I'm very happy people have continued to visit, though. Thanks everyone. :)

See y'all soon! I have a lot to write about next week!

Sick Week

Hi everyone. :) If you didn't catch the note at the top of the page, I've been really sick this week, so I haven't been posting much of anything. Please bear with me while I recover, and hopefully, I'll be back in business soon. Thanks for visiting!

My 5 Beauty Crimes

I was tagged by Fabu-LESS Beauty to list my five biggest beauty crimes! ♥ Hope I don't gross anyone out too much, haha. Sorry in advance.

1.) Lip abuse - as I've mentioned before, I lick my lips too often, and am trying to avoid biting or peeling them when they're dry. It's really hard!
2.) Over-exfoliating - Well, it depends on who you ask, but sometimes I exfoliate once a day. Some people say this is "too much." I don't think so... :P
3.) Expired products - I've definitely kept too-old products before, and have only recently started tossing them. At least I didn't use them!
4.) Eyebrows - I don't get them waxed nearly as often as I should, and I've never found a good color to fill them in with. I need to start caring about them more.
5.) Nails - I use nail polish remover once a week or more sometimes, which is bad news for them. I try to compensate by always wearing my Sally Hansen nail treatments, though. :)

I don't think I have anyone to tag, unfortunately, because my blog is so new and I don't have any regular readers yet. :') But thanks anyway!

Urban Decay Spring Cleaning Sale

Urban Decay, one of my favorite (but hardly budget) cosmetics brands, is holding a "spring cleaning" sale in which their discontinued items are being sold for 50% off! Much more affordable, don't you think?

Up for grabs are over 50 items, including cream shadows, lip colors and glosses, and perfume oils.

The sale is only while supplies last, so if you've been itching to get your hands on some Urban Decay, why not take advantage of this lovely sale? :)

Review: Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara

When it comes to mascaras, it seems that there are always plenty of promises made - but very few seem to really deliver their bold claims, especially when it comes to drugstore and budget mascaras. Sadly, for me, this is one such mascara.

The Maybelline Define-A-Lash Washable Lengthening Mascara somehow managed to receive a huge amount of hype, but didn't live up to any of it, in my honest opinion. I even used the mascara for several months, with a variety of different application techniques; the results were always the same. I have no idea how or why Allure (my favorite beauty magazine) gave this product four separate awards.

The packaging, which is a sleek, bright, lime green tube, might have drawn me in. Or maybe it was the claim of a "zero clump mascara that creates stunning length with clean definition." Either way, I decided to give it a fair trial run.

Price: $7.95

Results: Where to start with this one? The flexible brush is kind of fun at first, but you'll discover it's so flimsy that it can be difficult to use. It can take a while to get the hang of it, and the makers suggest you "roll the brush upwards" instead of, say, using the zig-zag method to apply. Even Maybelline acknowledges it's awkward to use, huh?

The formula is very thin, meaning one coat won't do much. I noticed a little added length, but this mascara does absolutely nothing for volume (they needed to make a whole separate product for that, and they did - I won't even bother trying it). As for being clump-free... not so for me, even when I applied just one coat as instructed.

I tried wiping excess mascara from the brush first, and while it helped a little, it did still not live up to the no-clump guarantee. Besides, the effect wasn't very dramatic or "stunning" either way. I could hardly tell I was wearing the stuff, nor did I ever receive a compliment on my lashes, as I usually do when wearing mascara. I don't think anyone else noticed, either. Is that a good or a bad thing? Hmmm...

Overall, the product seems incredibly overhyped and completely unimpressive. I wish I'd taken Maybelline up on their money-back guarantee months ago, but I was stubborn and wanted to make it work for me. Sigh.

Verdict: Save your money here, ladies, unless you're looking for a light mascara that may or may not work for you or own up to its advertising. This does give a very natural, daytime-lash look, but that also translates to little difference in length or definition and none in volume. Just don't expect anything dramatic... or much of anything else. I'd call it mediocre at best.

Did this mascara work for you? Tell me about it!


This post will be updated later with my before & after pictures. :) Stay tuned for more mascara reviews this week.

Happy Easter!

I hope you've all had a lovely spring day - happy spring! :)

Sorry about the delay with posts this weekend. I've been a bit busy with family and still being a little under the weather, but will try my best to resume tomorrow.

Talk to you all later! And please do leave me a note if you stop by. :)

DIB: Radian Skin for Spring, Part 2

Welcome back to BBB for the next part of my spring guide for healthy, glowing skin... on a budget, of course. ;)

If you're wondering what this is about, be sure to check out part 1 on cleansers here, which also explains the inspiration behind this series.

Here's part 2. Enjoy!

Moisturize
The next step, of course, is to keep your skin well-hydrated and moisturized. Drinking plenty of water helps refresh and clear your skin from the inside out, but our skin still needs more help to combat dryness, the sun, and the effects of aging. And because our face shows signs of aging most, we need to put special emphasis on the delicate, exposed skin there! Moisturized skin glows and looks healthy and beautiful, and many companies are releasing products with added brightening benefits - light reflectors, diffusers, etc. Some even include SPF and anti-aging ingredients. If you're looking for beautiful skin, why not try one of these radiance-targeted products?

Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer ($15.99) comes with either SPF 15 or SPF 30 UVA/UVB sun protection and natural ingredients such as soy, known to have moisturizing, smoothing, and tone-evening effects on skin. Great for sensitive skin, it's also oil-free and is clinically proven to even out skin tone and discoloration, smooth texture, and improve radiance in four weeks. These products are a little on the pricier side, but you get more product than with most other brands - 4 oz. with the SPF 15, and 2.5 oz. with the SPF 30. In the long run, it's a good value because they will last you for months. (I personally used one of Aveeno's moisturizers for over half a year.)


If you're looking for a little less moisture and a lot more glow and shimmer, Neutrogena Illuminating Whip Moisturizer ($12.99) is a super-lightweight, oil-free, illuminating moisturizer with SPF 20. It has a large amount of mica for an intense brightening effect! Applying foundation or powder might be recommended if the effect is too powerful for your look and taste.

As part of the Dove Energy Glow line, the Brightening Moisturizer with SPF 15 is another lightweight formula, but with a very subtle shimmer - just the right amount to be noticeable worn alone, but natural-looking. This item is also becoming hard to find, but I picked up one of the last at my local ULTA the other day for about $10. I loved this product because I received some compliments on my glowing skin while using it last year, so I wish it hadn't been discontinued! I guess I'll have to try one of these other moisturizers instead. :) If you find it, though, it's probably a good choice for oily/combo skin or those who live in less dry climates, since it feels very light.


Going back to Olay, their Definity Deep Penetrating Foam Moisturizer has been receiving hundreds of rave reviews - which is good, since the $24.99 price tag is not something to take lightly for us budget beauty babes! This moisturizer is especially good if you have discoloration and sun damage on your face, working to even out tone and brighten while protecting and smoothing. The slightly tacky feel may take a little getting used to, but it could very well be worth it if this moisturizer delivers the glowing results everyone has been talking about! Some also say it works well as a primer for your foundation. It's even being compared to more expensive department store products, some going so far to say that it works better. And there's a lot of scientific evidence to back up the effects of some of its ingredients.

As a side note, though, results aren't always immediate - they are for some, but not everyone - so it may require patience on your part. Olay suggests eight weeks of use to begin seeing results.

Unfortunately, this product does NOT contain an SPF, so it's essential that you apply one (15+) separately over it! However, the Corrective Protecting Lotion with SPF 15 ($22.34, drugstore.com) does work to achieve similar results as the foaming moisturizer while protecting against future damage. It might also be the better alternative of the two, if you're unsure whether the consistency or feel of the foam will bother you or not.The Olay website also suggests that you can layer the two products for ultimate radiance and protection... but that requires both products, which are not cheap - and who knows whether layering the two would actually make a significant difference.

A smart idea would be to obtain some free samples first - such as from Wal-Mart or Target - and check out the products for yourself.

As usual, if you have already tried any of these, have found something else that makes you glow, etc., drop me a line here and let me know! I realize I can't cover every brand or product in one post, but I'm always looking for more good info.

Tomorrow we'll conclude with all the extras - home treatments, eye products, and more.

Splurge of the Month - Smashbox, Urban Decay

After my little Spring Break trip last week, it turned out I had more extra cash left over than I thought - as well as another paycheck waiting for me. :) Since I've been fairly good at staying away from expensive products lately, I ended up treating myself a little more than usual... oops, hehe.

I decided to purchase some high-end basics, namely primers, since low-end versions of these products can be difficult to find. I also have very, very fussy skin that does not seem to enjoy my make-up nearly as much as I do, so I've been desperate to improve and ease application lately.

At Sephora, I picked up some cult classics: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (Light, $36), and the full version of Urban Decay Eyeshadow Potion Primer ($16). I purchased the Smashbox primer even after hearing about the Monistat alternative I wrote about, because I decided I would try both products for an extended period so I could decide for myself which was truly the better buy.

So far, I'm not completely blown away by Smashbox; while it does smooth my face and help my foundation go on nicer, it's not as flawless and perfect as one would be led to believe. I'm wondering if the condition of my skin has anything to do with that, though.

Since I'd used up the travel-size Primer Potion that came with last month's buy, I knew I had to get more. This stuff is amazingly addictive. My shadows have stopped creasing, fading, flaking, smudging, looking dull... and application has been so much easier. I love it, really I do. While I don't love the price tag or the wasteful packaging, my hope is that I won't have to buy another bottle for some time. In the meantime, I'll stay on the lookout for a cheaper equivalent. I'm praying it's out there somewhere.

To conclude this month's splurge report: if you get the chance to obtain some Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, try it out first - ask a Sephora rep for a sample - and see if you love it, too, before buying. The jury's still out on the Smashbox foundation primer, though, and once I try the alternative, I'll be able to give a better report.

DIB: Radiant Skin for Spring, Part 1

If you've been keeping up with beauty blogs lately, you've surely heard about the re-launch of the MAC Strobe Collection. Perhaps you've even considered purchasing one or more products in the collection. Which is fine, by the way... if you can afford the price tag and a potential break-out. At $15-30 per item, it isn't terribly expensive by "high-end" standards - however, and with no disrespect towards MAC, these products haven't received great reviews in the past, and the effects are only temporary for your skin.

Instead of spending about $75 (the price of the cream, liquid, and one lip balm) on this collection of light-diffusing creams, why not do it budget instead and invest a little in improving the appearance AND health of your skin with long-lasting benefits? I'll tell you how.

There are plenty of products available now to brighten and smooth skin and give you a radiant look, both above and below the skin's surface. Here are some great alternatives to the MAC Strobe Collection; a new look at cleaning, moisturizing, and skin care; and some tips from yours truly for beautiful skin this spring - or any time of year!

Today we'll look at brightening products by Aveeno, Olay, Neutrogena, Dove, and others. I hope you enjoy, and feel free to comment with your own tips, experiences, questions, etc.! Here's step one:

Cleanse
This may seem like a no-brainer to some, but there are honestly a good number of people out there who don't wash their face often enough (sometimes never outside of the shower!). Why is cleansing so important? Your skin is exposed to make-up, dirt, naturally produced and other oils, and who-knows-what else from the environment, day to day. If you aren't removing all these impurities from your skin on a daily basis, your complexion is going to be dull! (This is also caused by a lack of exfoliation, but we'll discuss that later).

The time of day you choose to cleanse is up to you, but once a day at least is a must. More than twice a day is generally not recommended, to prevent irritation and worsening of acne and sensitivities.

Always make sure to remove your make-up before going to bed each night; and if you choose not to cleanse at night as well, then make-up wipes might be a good option for you. These wipes sometimes come dual-textured, with a rough and smooth side for cleaning, light exfoliation, and removal of make-up. I don't recommend them as a replacement for washing all the time, but they can be used in place of your second facial cleansing, such as in the evening if you choose. :) Some of my favorites are Biore Daily Cleansing Cloths ($6.99 for 30) or Olay Daily Facials Hydrating Cleansing Cloths ($5.99 for 30).

Now, since we're talking about achieving the look of smoother, brighter, more radiant skin, many companies have begun to offer cleansers that aim to not only clean, but brighten and smooth your complexion.

Some great cleansing products to try on a small budget:

Neutrogena Illuminating Foamy Cream Cleanser ($7.99) is new from Neutrogena as part of their Illuminating product line. This oil-free, rich cleanser cleans away dirt, oil, and make-up, while minerals and fruit extracts "boost surface luminosity" and condition. Soft microbeads provide gentle exfoliation to keep skin looking vibrant!

One of my personal favorites is Dove Energy Glow Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser. Sadly, this product is a bit harder to find these days, but I love it. It's ultra-creamy and has a lovely light scent. Its super-fine exfoliators feel great on your skin, not harsh, as they banish complexion-dulling dirt and contaminates from your face and smooth beautifully. Dove also makes their own Energy Glow Brightening Facial Cleansing Pillows ($4.99 for 14), with vitamins and energy-filled moisturizers to brighten and smooth; these might be easier to find in stores, and have a similar effect as the face wash.

Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub contains natural soy extracts and microbeads to smooth, brighten, and clean thoroughly, but is gentle enough for daily use and sensitive skin - it's soap- and oil-free, as well as hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic.

If you're feeling more adventurous (and have a bit larger budget), check out Olay Definity Illuminating Cream Cleanser ($8.99, Drugstore.com) or Penetrating Mousse Cleanser ($9.99, Drugstore.com) for deeper daily cleansing. While a little pricey for a drugstore brand, this line from Olay has been receiving a lot of attention lately for its breakthrough technology and effectiveness! They are said to remove micro-residue and penetrate deeply while hydrating to "instantly illuminate" skin, and contain ingredients like glucosamine, which is shown to help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out discoloration (as well as possibly help UV-damaged skin).

Now that you're all clean and glowing, stay tuned for Part 2 on Moisturizers! Coming tomorrow. :)

ULTA Easter Gift

Time for another ULTA gift update. Aside from the 14-piece gift they are still offering through March 22 (see post here), they have a new gift offer for Easter!

You can choose five items from a small, cute collection of items - ranging from lotions to bath fizzies to lip glosses, to name a few - for just $10, and then pick one of two sweet "Easter baskets" to bring it home in!

This offer is also through March 22, so have an adorable Easter and head to ULTA for this deal. :) Be sure to check out their other cosmetics sales going on now, too!

DIB: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

"You want me to put WHAT on my face?!"

I know what I'm posting about is nothing new (the secret's actually been out for a few years), because it's spread all across the internet by now - but it certainly has me intrigued! And because we like to do it budget around here, we're going to take a look at a very interesting knock-off of the pricey Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

Someone, somewhere, discovered that Smashbox Photo Finish Primer has ingredients that are incredibly similar to - get this - a drugstore female hygiene product. I know, I couldn't believe it either. Would you dare to try it? More importantly, would you dare to put the stuff on your face?

Some swear by this product, called Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel. Others have gone so far as to say it's better than Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. Crazy? Maybe, maybe not... but if you don't want to shell out the cash for Smashbox (or any other high-end primer out there!) and want similar results, this could be the alternative for you!

Smashbox has been the go-to company for foundation primers, even being labeled the "primer authority," for makeup lovers and artists alike for some time now. The product claims to reduce the appearance of pores, smooth the face, and fill imperfections, creating a clean canvas for makeup and a flawless application for foundation.

Let's look at a side-by-side comparison:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isopropylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorium (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Propylene Glycol, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Water

Price: $36.00/.93 oz


Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trisiloxane

Price: $6.99/1.5 oz

Not much different, right? Smashbox's list has a few extra ingredients and oils, but some insist these don't make much difference (while some do).

Let's remind ourselves that the gel is NOT a product that is at all related to what Monistat is known for (yeast infection treatments). In addition, you get much more product for an incredibly cheaper price.

Have you tried this yet? Would you recommend it? Is it just plain crazy?

Hey - if the price is right, and it works... I just may consider returning my new purchase.

What do you think, budget beauty buyers? :)

I Won Something!

If you keep up with Spoiled Pretty, one of my top favorite beauty blogs, you might know that the author holds weekly giveaways. I've been entering nearly every week for the last few with a hope-filled heart, and this time I actually won! I'm so excited. :)

The prize package I'm getting is the full product collection from Chloe & Jane:
Super Moisturizing Body Wash
Pure Sugar Body Polish
Super Amazing Hand Soap
Ultra Smooth Body Butter
Xtra Hydrating Wonder Lotion

What's really exciting is that the company makes all-natural products! I can't wait to try them. I think I'll get the First Bloom scent. ;)

And despite that these may not exactly be super budget buys, I'll be sure to try, review and report back on these wonderful items for any curious readers! They look positively delicious already!

Thanks again to Daneen at Spoiled Pretty and Chloe & Jane! So much love; it really did make my day. :)

Now, since I'm feeling under the weather, excuse me while I celebrate with a nice big bowl of soup.

Review: Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm

I have something to confess: I'm a chronic lip-licker. I can't help it, and I don't often notice it, unless I happen to catch myself. But I know I'm always doing it, because my lips are dry, dry, dry. (It might also have something to do with the desert air, but I know cold, windy weather is not a factor at all.)

Since dry, peeling, flaky lips are often a problem for me, I am constantly in search of THE perfect lip balm. And I may have finally found it, or something close, with Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil. Trust me, I've tried a lot of lip balm.

To clarify, I've never been a huge fan of Burt's Bees lip balms in the past. I've tried both the beeswax and honey varieties, and while they were refreshing, I didn't like the waxy, heavy feel. And, honestly, they didn't do a whole lot for my lips in the end. I can't even recall what drew me to this new balm of theirs, but I'd been eyeing it in the store for only a few days before I gave in and purchased it. The price seemed right, and the word "pomegranate" was just calling out to me.

Product Description: "This replenishing and hydrating natural lip balm is infused with the antioxidant goodness of Pomegranate oil. It replenishes moisture and restores texture to reveal smooth, healthy lips, and coats them for a smooth, even-toned appearance." -Burtsbees.com

Price: $3.00

Other: 99.6% Natural

Results: Mmm. The moment I applied this to my lips, the cinnamon and pomegranate cooled them, and left a spicy fragrance that I didn't mind at all. The balm felt very refreshing overall, and I noticed a difference in the smoothness of my lips instantly.

The product claims to "coat" the lips, but the moisturizers feel fairly light, not terribly greasy or heavy as I've experienced with Chapstick and other brands. You won't find any petroleum in this balm, either, which is great (petroleum isn't the best thing to slap all over your skin).

When worn overnight, I woke up to smoother, softer lips. When worn under my glosses and lipsticks, they applied more smoothly and didn't dry out.

The balm looks dark red in the tube, but don't worry - it applies completely sheer. Then again, my lips are naturally similar in color to the balm. I did test it on the skin of my wrist, though, and saw barely a hint of color deposit. :)

Some may not enjoy the feel of this balm, but it's all a matter of personal taste; trial and error. Personally I'm a fan, and found it to be a great texture and consistency for my dry lips. The smell was noticeable, but not extreme or suffocating (though my boyfriend thinks it's strong), and the smoothing and hydrating benefits have been wonderful so far. And with a $3 price tag, my lips and wallet agree that this product pays for itself!

If you're suffering from chapped, dry lips, you may just want to stop by your local drugstore and give this one a try.

Spring Break!

Just a quick heads up - I won't be in town from March 10 to March 14 for my Spring Break. I'll be hitting the beaches of California (with proper sun protection, of course) and, unfortunately, won't be able to blog during the time I'm away.

Before I leave, I'll try to hurry and finish up the entries I've been working on for you. ;)

If you're looking for some fantastic beauty blog reads, though, why not check out the Beauty Blog Network?

Have a wonderful week, everyone, and remember - no overpriced beauty products!

Clearance Report #1

Hi everyone :) I hope you're all well. I've spent some time scouring the makeup aisles and websites to bring you this month's clearance report - letting you know what products may be found super-cheap due to being on clearance, discontinued, etc. Check your local drugstore! (If you have one around, I think Walgreens has some of the most amazing clearance prices, FYI!)


Isadora
All cosmetics at Walgreens stores


Jane
Sheer Protection Formula Makeup SPF15 (certain shades)


Maybelline
Expert Wear Eye Shadow Duos, Trios, & Quads (certain shades)
Express Makeup 3-in-1
Foreverstrong Nail Polish
Lash Discovery - Waterproof
Moisture Whip
Moisture Extreme Lipcolor (certain shades)
Salon Expert Nail Color (certain shades)
Shiny-licious Lip Gloss (certain shades)
Wet Shine Lipstick
Wet Shine Diamonds Lipstick
Wonder Finish


Prestige
Blushing Duo - Blush/Highlighter
Multitask Wet/Dry Foundation


Rimmel
Cool Shine Lipstick
Lasting Finish Lipstick
Rich Moisture Cream Lipstick


Sally Hansen
Diamond Strength No-Chip Nail Color (certain shades)
Diamond Lip Treatment (certain shades)
Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear (certain shades)
Maximum Collagen Lip Treatment
Manicure/Pedicure in a Minute


Did I miss anything, or are there some deals going on that you know about? Be sure to drop me a line; I'd love to hear about your budget finds!

CVS Beauty Sales - Through 3/8/08

I really, REALLY apologize for not getting the word out on this sooner! I just went to CVS for the first time in a while tonight, and they are having some amazing sales on cosmetics of many brands - Maybelline, L'Oreal, Covergirl, you name it!

A ton of products at certain stores are buy one, get one free. At some stores, some are buy one, get one 50% off. I admit I went a little overboard tonight over at the L'Oreal HIP section ;) But I love their gorgeous shadows and glosses - and the high pigmentation and quality are very reminiscent of MAC, but much cheaper! Especially with these fantastic prices!

Remember the Sally Hansen Lip Lab products mentioned in my last post? Those have also dropped down to a much nicer $5.99 as well!

So hurry on over to your nearest CVS for the buy one, get one free deals now - sadly, only through Saturday, March 8th! Go go go! Be beautiful for less! :)

First Look: Sally Hansen Lip Lab

Sally Hansen has 10 new products out now, just for lips, from their Lip Lab Collection. These products look like an attempt to keep up with some higher-end companies with similar items,but for a much cheaper price. They address everything from aging to sun protection, plumping to repair. And there's even - get this - a primer and a custom-shade lip gloss! (Yes, just like Smashbox!)

Here's a look at the new products. I'll be sure to give a full review of anything I buy (I already own the Overnight Lip Recovery ;).



Volumizing Lip Shield
"Plumping Color + SPF 15 Protection"

Available in eight shades, this sheer-color formula is meant to hydrate, moisturize, and protect. It contains an SPF 15 to shield lips from the effects of the sun and help prevent signs of aging. Claims to have a "soft shine finish" with a hint of color.



Gentle Plumping Lip Treatment
"Gain Without the Pain!"

This gloss just sounds too good to be true! A yummy vanilla flavor, shiny reflective gloss, and "time-released hydrospheres" for plumping = perfect, pretty, pain-free volumizer. I wonder if it works? I definitely want to give this one a try!



Prep & Perfect Lipcare
"The Ultimate Base Coat for Lips"

I'm convinced this is one of the most exciting products to emerge from this company - a lip primer and conditioning treatment in one! It supposedly keeps color locked on and prevents fading and feathering while hydrating and treating lips to prevent dryness. With so many expensive lip primers out there right now, this is just what we need!



Lip Blush Plumping Balm
"Custom Color Complex adapts to your natural liptone for a look that's yours alone"

If you haven't heard of this concept yet, it's gaining some buzz in the beauty world: products that apply clear or white, and change to a "custom" color that complements or matches your skin tones, lip color, etc. The first product to use this technology for lips was Smashbox O-Gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss ($22), but it looks like Sally is also hopping on the bandwagon. Will these two products be comparable? At less than half the price of O-Gloss, Lip Blush is practically a steal! This balm also claims to plump and condition lips with ingredients like peptides and antioxidants. I'll definitely have to do a side-by-side experiment!


PM Lip Plumper
"Wake Up to Fuller, Plumper, Shapelier Lips"

A plumper for bedtime - apply before bed, and wake up to fuller, softer lips? What a fabulous concept. With retinol and a collagen-enhancing peptide complex, moisture is trapped and you get prettier lips while you sleep the night away! Easy!




Satin Effects Lip Gloss
"It's like Satin Lingerie for Lips!" - LOL, I totally did NOT make that up!

I already love most of SH's glosses, but this new satin effects gloss seems like it would look AND feel gorgeous! In ten beautiful shades, it leaves a shine and finish that's supposed to be reminiscent of satin. Hot! And isn't the bottle cute?

Lipnotic Gem Gloss
"Multi-dimensional reflectivity on lips"

I'll be the first to say this product looks a bit like a souped-up version of their Diamond Lip Treatment line. However, I think the shine with this gloss is meant to be different; more glassy and smooth, less... sparkly? I'm not entirely sure, but we'll see. :) It does look very pretty, at least.

Line Fix Lip Repair
"All Day Lip Care for Mature Lips"

This product looks like an upgrade of their Line Freeze and Peptide Line Treatment products, claiming to hydrate, renew, and repair lip aging and help fill lines and reduce their appearance.




Overnight Lip Recovery
"Revitalizes and Repairs Lips as you Sleep"

A super-moisturizing formula with vitamins and yuca treats lips while you sleep. Conditions with a lightweight barrier to keep moisture in. I love these kinds of treatments! Expect a full review later. :)




Complete Care Lip Therapy
"The Complete Recovery Treatment for Problem Lips"

The all-in-one product that treats, renews, and protects. Claims to reduce the appearance of aging, protect against moisture loss, and revitalize. Everything problem lips like mine are craving! I would've bought it already if I could find it in the store...




The product descriptions sound pretty neat, right? Well, if you're enticed, here's the sad part: you should probably wait until they go on sale. These new advanced treatments aren't exactly cheap, running about $10 for 0.5 ounces of product. Ouch! Still, a LOT more affordable than their high-end counterparts.

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for any Sally Hansen sales at the drugstores for you, though - that's what I'm here for, after all. ;)

UPDATE 3/06/08 - At CVS you can now purchase products from this line for $5.99!