Welcome back to my first look at the Sally Hansen Natural Cosmetics line, inspired by Carmindy! Here is part 2, as promised, showcasing the nice eye and lip products to be offered. Inexpensive eyeshadow primer, anyone? :)
You can take a look at Part 1 here.
Enjoy!
Fast Fix Eyeshadow Base - $7.99
This may be a good "fix" for those who love Urban Decay Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance, but can't afford the price tag. A creamy nude base that prevents creasing and fading, and helps shadows to last all day. It contains similar ingredients to other eye and facial primers, meaning it could easily work just as well as its more expensive counterparts.
Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palette - $7.99
These shadow palettes include three different colors - lid, crease, and highlighter - in a compact with an applicator brush. No wild colors to be seen; only very natural, earthy tones and neutrals to complement your skin. Available in eight varieties.
Always Perfect Liquid Eyeliner - $7.99
I love a good liquid eyeliner, and this one could be promising. It's only offered in "black onyx" right now, but the claims of a "petite, tapered brush" catch my eye. Any girl knows that the brush that comes with the eyeliner is just as important as the formula itself! So if it applies well, it's noteworthy in my book. Maybe they'll consider a waterproof formula as well, and additional colors.
Lift and Define Mascara - $7.99
Offered in black and brown, this mascara also features a small, tapered brush. The formula is self-building for a customized look - choose how natural or dramatic you want your lashes to be.
Color Comfort Lip Color - $9.99
Soft, smooth, and moisturizing color that glides on and wears long. In 21 beautiful shades packed with emollients, ranging from light pinks and roses to neutrals and reds, all gorgeous.
Natural Shine Lipgloss - $7.99
Twelve colors offer a slight, never gaudy, shimmer to the lips with a silky-smooth formula and long-lasting shine without a sticky mess. No crazy sparkle here; just natural, flattering color.
That concludes my first look at this amazing line of natural beauty-enhancing cosmetics! If you have already tried, or plan on trying, any of these products, please be sure to let me know how you liked them! I'm very curious, and of course, will attempt to get my hands on at least a few of these items whenever budget (or super-sweet boyfriend ;) permits. Wherever you shop, keep an eye out for coupons to use!
Thanks for joining me today. See you next time!
Again: the Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetics Inspired by Carmindy line is now available at CVS, ULTA, Rite-Aid, and Longs Drugs. You can also check out a great review of some of these products at Beauty and Fashion Tech.
Images: ulta.com
First Look: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetics, Part 2
First Look: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetics, Part 1
Hi guys! You know I have to be really excited about something to take a huge study break and write about it... :)
Have you heard that Sally Hansen and Carmindy (make-up artist of "What Not to Wear" fame) have teamed up to create an incredible cosmetics line? It's true - and the great thing is that these products are intended to enhance a woman's natural beauty while remaining completely paraben-free.
Needless to say, I'm in love!
Here's a quote from the line, Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetics Inspired by Carmindy:
"The Natural Beauty products are formulated with minerals, natural extracts and active botanicals including soy, bamboo, papaya and mango. The line offers 106 skus in 16 product categories, ranging from foundation, powders and blush to lip products, eyeshadow palettes and mascara. Prices range from $7.95 to $12.95."
Unfortunately, I've been able to find a very minimal amount of information on this line; so for today, I'll only be able to provide some photos, prices, and short product descriptions.
Among the most exciting products are the foundation primer and eyeshadow base, but I've heard wonderful reviews about nearly everything in the collection so far. It also includes foundation, shadows, mascara, blush, bronzer, powder, lipstick... you name it. And of course, my favorite, lip gloss!
Now, before I go any further, let me say that yes, these products cost a little more than some drugstore cosmetics. However, I've heard the quality is fantastic, and quite comparable to higher-end brands. I can't support these claims myself yet, but I will definitely be trying many of these products in the future (and reporting my honest findings here, of course)!
Here's part one; part two will be posted tomorrow with more. Today is all about the face products. :)
Luminizing Face Primer - $9.99/.5 oz
A light, silky primer that doubles as a luminizer, for refining and preparing skin for foundation and extending the wear of makeup. Looks like a wonderful, affordable alternative to Smashbox Photo Finish primers! I can't wait to try and compare!
Your Skin Makeup - $12.99
Available in 12 shades, this liquid foundation is intended to give a natural finish with a weightless feel. Colors are a little limited for darker skin, but I'd like to see how this compares to my current HG foundation (my CoverGirl TruBlend, of course).
Fast Fix Concealer - $8.99
This blendable cream concealer comes in six shades with different purposes. Four colors - light, medium, medium deep, and dark - can be used for general concealing for your skin tone. Also available is a brightening concealer and the yellow-colored "all over neutralizer." I can't honestly tell how well these will match most skin tones, since they look both dark and very yellow-based, but I'd be willing to give them a try.
Luminous Matte Pressed Powder - $11.99
A pressed powder that gives a shine-free look, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores, and adds radiance to your complexion. Available in one neutralizer and five shades ranging from light to dark.
Truly Translucent Loose Powder - $12.99
Easy application and sheer, flawless coverage are boasted by this translucent loose powder - along with a no-hassle application. Comes in six shades and a neutralizer.
Sun Glow Powder Bronzer - $12.99
A fine, soft powder bronzer for a natural and long-lasting glow - in two shades, Spring (light) and Summer (dark). The three colors in the compact's design blend together for a natural finish.
Sheerest Cream Bronzer - $11.99
A "customizeable," creamy bronzer so you can add as much color as you want, where you need it, and build up your glow as much as you wish. In three shades - Havana Glow (light), Miami Glow (medium), and Rio Glow (dark).
Natural Beauty Powder Blush - $10.99
"Jet-milled," blendable, light color is sheer perfection for cheeks. In Cherub, Ethereal, and Poppy, three gorgeous shades to give you that natural-looking flush.
Sheerest Cream Blush - $8.99
The cream version of the powder blush - the only info on colors I can find is that shades include Flush, Ginger, Rosy, and Ethereal - but it's supposedly also easily buildable, blendable, and sheer. Cream blushes are usually lovely products, though, and I'm sure these are no different.
Stay tuned for part two tomorrow! Don't worry, I already have it written up. :)
The Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetics Inspired by Carmindy line is now available at CVS, ULTA, Rite-Aid, and Longs Drugs. You can also check out a great review of some of these products at Beauty and Fashion Tech.
Images: ulta.com
Review: Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara
Back when I was on my mascara kick, I made a few purchases that I was eager to test and review. At the time, this product was brand-new, and I hadn't seen any reviews of it yet.
Here's a look at Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara, the newest of the brand's mascara products. I bought mine in "black/brown," and it is available in three shades.
There's nothing particularly spectacular or eye-catching about the packaging, but I was interested in the "400%" volume claim and the formula with olive and almond oils. I figured it was worth a try.
Product Description: "This lash-enhancing mascara instantly builds lash volume by 400%. The patent-pending formula with a touch of olive oil penetrates and helps plump the core of each and every lash. The Visible Volume Brush coats and builds even the smallest lashes with rich, volume-building color. No clumps, smudging or flaking!" --Neutrogena.com
Price: $7.99
Results: The mascara wand is the traditional bristled kind; big, very thick and soft. However, because of this, it doesn't do anything for separating lashes or removing any clumps you could have - you'll likely need a lash comb for that.
The good news is that I experienced very minimal clumping and no flaking. Also, the olive oil formula is likely to be very healthy for your lashes, and would be a good conditioner for them over time.
The mascara brushes on clean, but lashes can stick together. Sadly, I saw no amazing volume here. There was a difference, but nothing significant. I was also expecting my lashes to be much softer than they were, since Neutrogena seems to be marketing this product as a more natural-looking, natural-feeling alternative to others. My lashes still felt a bit stiff, though, which was a turnoff. And without the volume promised, I felt a little cheated. It's definitely good for a natural look, but this seems contradictory to the advertised 400% volume increase.
My lashes don't usually respond well to volumizing mascaras in general, so I was underwhelmed by this one as well. It's decent, but nothing great if you're seeking a look that's natural AND full of volume. It just doesn't quite live up to expectations.
Again, on the up side, I imagine the olive and almond oil are very gentle and have heard they could help improve the condition of your lashes over time; so if you don't mind the lack of volume, this could be a great mascara choice for you. In general, it just didn't stand out much with its lackluster results. I will continue to try it, though, and keep you updated. :)
(Pictures will be available soon, when I'm not so busy, of course.)
Do you own this mascara? What do you think of it?
Image: drugstore.com
Urban Decay Friends & Family Discount Event
If you haven't heard yet, for this week only (4/21-4/30), Urban Decay is holding their Friends and Family sale event. Receive 30% off online purchases with use of the code FFA30 at checkout, and as usual, shipping for orders over $75 is free.
Hurry on over to urbandecay.com to take advantage - remember, it's only for one week! Another great chance to get UD cosmetics at a more affordable price. :)
Have fun!
Tip of the Day #4 - Trade, Don't Toss
If you shop online often, it's probably happened at some point or another: you've gone through the trouble of placing your order and waiting for it to arrive, only to find out it wasn't what you had hoped for. (This can happen with offline shopping too, of course.) Maybe that shadow wasn't as pigmented as you thought, or that lipstick is way too dark for you. Or, "When will I ever get the chance to wear this?"
Whatever the reason, every woman at some time will end up with a product they aren't happy with. What's a girl to do? Get a refund (if possible) and ship it back? Let it decay at the bottom of your makeup pile? Worst of all, just toss it out?
A new approach, swapping makeup, has been gaining popularity lately. It may sound a little gross, but trading cosmetics is actually an excellent way to get exactly what you want while ridding yourself of something you don't. And in many cases, products are unopened or barely touched, if at all. You list what you're willing to swap, and search for a product you want; either you or another person will make an offer, and when you both come to an agreement, you can exchange by mail. How cool is that?
There are two great places I know of to swap makeup online: MakeupAlley and MakeupTalk.
MakeupAlley is a large community that is well-known for trading. There are several great features, such as a feedback system, wish lists, searching by member, brand, or category, and places to keep track of transactions. If you have doubts about the integrity of a swapper, you can check their ratings and feedback, and items are usually listed with descriptions, conditions, and/or photos. You're guaranteed to find exactly what you're looking for, and at the same time, help someone else as well. Also check out the forums, reviews, and other places. :)
MakeupTalk is very similar to MakeupAlley, only more forum-based. It also has its own swap center, and with the corresponding boards on the forum, communication is made easy. The features are similar, with wish lists, notepads, searches, and personal records. This is also a fantastic site for reviews, and the huge community leaves the forums busy 24/7. You can also find tutorials and special privileges when you become a member - so if you want to get to know people before swapping, this is the best place to do it!
I hope that was useful to some of you, and that the next time you get stuck with a product you don't like, you'll consider giving trading a try!
First Look: ULTA Spring Color Collection
Remember when I mentioned the ULTA Spring Color Collection in my last entry? Well, I was really determined to get it for myself. :) I guess this also counts for my "splurge of the month," since I'm on such a tight budget now! Haha.
Anyway, today I'd like to show you everything it has to offer, because I really like what they've included (I think it's better than Sephora's Spring Collection, to be honest, and much cheaper). I can't say I'll be using everything, but the collection has me set with eye shadows for the entire season!
Here's a quick overview:
• 36 eye shadows
• 4 blushes
• 1 bronzer
• 15 lip colors
• 1 eye shadow base
• 2 full-size lipsticks
• 3 mini lip plumpers
• 1 lip liner
• 1 eyeliner
• 1 mirror
• 1 bronzer/blush brush, 2 lip brushes, 8 shadow brushes
First, we'll take a look at my favorite part of the box, the eye collection! Let me say it again: there are 36 shadows! There are four sections, and a shadow base in the center (which looks a little iffy to me because it's not sealed in any way), with eight brushes. All shadows appear to have a slight shimmer, and are well-coordinated for mixing and matching!
Colors are listed from top to bottom, left to right.
#1 - BrownsTruffle • Aztec Gold • Terracotta
Rose Dusk • Vanilla • Cafe Ole
Golden Olive • Cashmere • Chocolate
#2 - Purples and GraysPlatinum • Poolside • Lavender
Peacock • Iceland • Zephyr
Goddess • Wildflower • Galaxy
#3 - Blues and GreensSage • Radiant • Green
Key Lime • Silk • Lush
Sea Breeze • Turquoise • Fetish
#4 - Pinks and PurplesPink • Sherbert • Amethyst
Chiffon • Cherry • Purple
Lilac Mist • Tempted • Vineyard
Next up are the bronzer and blushes. Since there is only one bronzer, not everyone will be able to use it. :( But there are four blush colors, which is a better range, at least. The two bottom colors look like they could actually be used as bronzers...
Bronzer(It's a little light here because of camera flash.)
BlushesGirlie • Afterglow
Tender • Sun Kissed
Tender • Sun Kissed
Now to the lip color section. This is the one I'll probably use the least, since I've never been a fan of lip palettes. But who knows, maybe I'll change my mind!
Top:Frutti
Petal
Sugar
Princess
Passion
Pouty
Bottom:Pink • Muberry Shimmer • Razzleberry
Goddess • Blush Coral • Dacquiri
Nude Shimmer • Iced Cappuccino • Romantic Red
Goddess • Blush Coral • Dacquiri
Nude Shimmer • Iced Cappuccino • Romantic Red
Last but not least, the bottom tray pulls out to reveal more lip products! Included are three mini plumpers, two lipsticks, a lip liner pencil, and... an eyeliner pencil? I guess they had nowhere else to put it. ;)Lipsticks
Flirty Pink • Sheer Pout
Lip Plumpers
Nude Glow • Glisten • Bella
I'm picky about my lip plumpers, so I'll probably just use these for the color - all three look like they have a nice, subtle shimmer - but I may use the lipsticks and liners.
Overall, there are some amazing colors and products in here. I know I'll be playing with this for quite a while, and am already having fun creating some pretty spring eye looks. :) I'll post any decent photos I can get, too.
Remember that the ULTA Spring Color Collection is only $14.99 with coupon through 4/19! After that, it's about $18 - still a steal. :)
Enjoy!
Want swatches of any of these products? Leave me a note!
ULTA 20% Off One Item Sale & Spring Collection
Time for another ULTA sale update! :)
ULTA is offering 20% off any one item, online and in-store - click for printable coupon - through 4/19 only.
Also, check out this deal: ULTA's Spring Collection is an amazing $14.99 with the 20% off coupon. Valued at $175, this gorgeous 65-piece collection includes:
• eye shadows
• blushes
• bronzer
• lip colors
• concealer
• full-size lipsticks
• mini lip plumpers
• mirror
• brush
Everything you need to create your best spring looks! I love ULTA's shadows, and can't wait to get my hands on this kit to try the other products! It would be hard to find a better deal on quality makeup elsewhere, trust me. This is a fantastic value.
Off I go to ULTA! :)
Review: Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
Have I ever mentioned how much I love scrubs? Yes, it's true. I adore them. And I really love a good facial scrub.
Lately, I've been using Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub. I've wanted to try it long before I ever mentioned it in my Radiant Skin articles, by the way. While I don't think my skin requires much brightening (it's about as white as it can get), it can look a little dull sometimes. I was looking for a gentle, everyday scrub that would still be effective at evening out texture and giving me a little more radiance.
Product Description: "This daily facial scrub helps improve skin tone, texture and clarity to reveal brighter, more radiant skin. This unique formula combines natural soy extracts with smooth, round microbeads to gently exfoliate while you cleanse, leaving skin soft, smooth and even-looking. Good for everyday use and gentle enough for sensitive skin."
Price: $7.50/5 oz.
Other: Soap-free, oil-free, noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic.
Results: First, this scrub definitely lives up to its title of a daily facial product - it's very gentle, and since Aveeno products are made to be good for sensitive skin, you can bet it won't irritate or hurt. (Yes, I've actually experienced pain with some scrubs!) While I did feel a slight tingle during the first few applications, there was no major redness or negative reaction.
The scrub is very much like a liquid cleanser with exfoliants, allowing it to glide easily over wet skin without any discomfort or irritation. It's very simple and pleasant to massage in, and has no overpowering fragrance (another good sign for sensitive skin). There's no oily residue left after, and it won't dry out most skin types.
The microbeads are my favorite part of this product. As opposed to many other scrubs with big, jagged, harsh particles for exfoliating, this scrub contains very fine - nearly invisible - round, microbead exfoliants. Because there are so many, though, it still does a great job at gently removing dead skin, dirt, makeup, what have you.
Note, though, that this is not meant to replace your "heavy-duty" exfoliator that you might use once a week or every few days - and this will not create an immediate, significant change in your skin's texture, clarity, or brightness. Used daily, however, it's intended to gradually smooth and brighten.
All in all, a lovely daily scrub that is perfect for frequent use, sensitive skin, and mild but efficient exfoliation. I can't back up its claims of improved clarity or skin tone, but I definitely enjoy its effectiveness and how non-abrasive it is while it cleans and smoothes my fussy skin.
Feed is Up and Running!
If you haven't noticed yet, there are a few new small additions to the side bar! :)
Bare Budget Beauty's RSS feed is up and running, courtesy of FeedBurner.com. What does this mean for readers? You can quickly and easily receive blog updates directly to your e-mail or feed reader, such as those on Google, Yahoo!, and many other sites. (Feed readers display the feeds you're subscribed to in one convenient page. :) If you're still confused, check out the wikipedia entry on web feeds here.)
Thanks for your continuing support!
National Toss Your Makeup Month
If you haven't heard already - either by internet, taking a trip to CVS lately, or picking up the May issue of Good Housekeeping - May is National Toss Your Makeup Month.
Clever marketing tactics aside, this is a great opportunity for the many of us who often forget that it's essential to our well-being to get rid of dated cosmetic products, which can harbor a variety of bacteria, germs, and other unpleasant things.
When do you toss what, though? Here's a little refresher, courtesy of CVS and Good Housekeeping.
It’s time to toss your:
- Mascara after 3 months to avoid bacteria & maximize performance.
- Skin care products after 6 months when ingredients degrade.
- Sunscreen after 6 months to ensure UV protection.
- Liquid foundations after 6 months to prevent breakouts and irritation, and your loose and pressed powder foundations after 2 years.
- Powder eye shadow after 2 years, cream eye shadow after 6 months, and eye liner after three months to avoid bacteria.
- Nail polish after 1 to 2 years.
- Lipstick after 2 years to avoid bacteria & preserve moisture.
Of course, what kind of promotional event would this be without a sale? CVS is offering 20% off online beauty purchases through 4/18/08, and in-store, you can earn "extra bucks" on products by Garnier, Nivea, and Essence of Beauty. Get full details on the promotion here.
You can also find a link to the full article here, which has interesting information about how cosmetics age, so to speak, and why.
Pretty smart idea on behalf of CVS. But I'll admit I'm a sucker for those savings!
Tip of the Day #3: Favorite Affordable Cosmetics
Today, I'll provide a list of my favorite affordable brands and where to get discounted and cheap cosmetics. :) Many of you may know of these already, but if not, here are some new places for you to look.
Cherry Culture - this website features quite a few lesser-known brands, but many have great prices. Dedicated to brands with bright colors, high quality, and great packaging, you're sure to find something you like here. This is also a great place to buy NYX cosmetics.
discount.makeup.com - mentioned briefly in my last post, this website has some wonderful brands and makeup at discounted prices, sometimes up to 20% or more. Selected products from MAC, Stila, Bobbi Brown, and many others can be found here for those of you girls who still like to enjoy your high-end makeup.
E.L.F. - while I haven't shopped this line myself, I plan to in the future. The most amazing thing about this company is that everything is sold at a mere $1. Hard to believe, but true! Additionally, I've heard the quality of the products is pretty good. And did I mention you can create your own custom color palettes?
L'Oreal HiP - known for having some wonderful MAC knock-offs, this line is a bit on the expensive side, but has some amazing products. They're worth a look if you can find them on sale or discount. My recommendations are the shine-struck lip color, shadow duos and pigments, glosses, and liners. Gorgeous colors everywhere, but the selection needs to be expanded! (Thanks for the suggestion to include this, Fabu-LESS Beauty!)
Milani - though this line is for "multicultural" skin tones, you can find some fantastic makeup here. Their eyeshadows have been creating a buzz lately, packed with pigment and nicely priced while resembling products from higher-end brands. I love the focus on color and quality here!
NYX Cosmetics - this company has become well-known for its high-quality, affordable cosmetics. Some have found that their colors and products are quite similar to those of MAC, Urban Decay, and other more expensive brands. They're definitely worth looking into for their eyeshadow, lip products, brow kits... though they have nearly everything! Brushes, too!
Outlet Bound - I picked this tip up from a beauty forum - a great way to get usually pricey cosmetics for excellent prices is to check out cosmetic companies' outlet stores! Go to the website and do a search for either Lancome or Estee Lauder, and see if there's an outlet in your area! These are two of the biggest cosmetics companies there are, so you're bound to find some great things, including discontinued and limited edition products.
Wet 'n' Wild - widely available in drugstores and full of variety, WnW has some great products. Some are on the poor side in terms of quality, but others are awesome (try the eyeshadows and lipsticks!) and the price can't be beat. I recommend steering clear of the Wet Shine Nail Color, though.
That's all I have for today. I'll always be adding more information like this as I come across it!
Be sure to leave a comment if you know of any good budget cosmetics I missed!
Makeup.com MAC Sale - 25% Off
If you haven't heard already, discount.makeup.com is holding a MAC sale right now! 25% off their supply of MAC products.
Selection is a bit limited, but you can still get some great deals on great makeup - eyeshadow singles for $10.50, pigments for $14.50, etc.
In addition, for a limited time, shipping is free for orders over $60, and you can receive a free 9-piece gift with orders over $75.
As always, I'll be keeping my eyes open for more sales. :)
DIB: High-End vs. Low-End Foundation
You've probably heard it before - expensive doesn't always mean better. (Or maybe you've heard expensive IS better.) Of course, being on a budget, I've found this to be true time and time again for cosmetic products. That's why I do what I do here. :)
Recently, I've been trying out two different foundations - both high-end and low-end - to see if the pricier brand truly was better in terms of quality, wear, and coverage. Surprisingly, though, this was not the case at all. Here, I report my findings to you, uncovering the pros and cons of both products.
Naturally, everyone's skin will react differently to cosmetics, but this is based solely on my personal experiences with them.
***
First up, the high-end foundation!
While venturing to Sephora post-Christmas with a gift card, I decided that investing in a good, quality foundation would be beneficial to me. Seeking good coverage and an oil-free foundation, I was recommended Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation in Porcelain Ivory. It comes in 12 shades, is oil-free and layerable, and contains antioxidants to help counteract harmful effects of the environment.
Price: $42/1 oz.
This foundation looked fine on me in the store. The lighting in the store, however, isn't exactly true to real life. The foundation still felt soft on the skin and gave a nicely matte finish with great coverage, but did not appear natural on my face. When I got home and tried it for several weeks after, it turned out to be too dark and yellow-toned for my skin. The entire line is yellow-based, which is meant to "accommodate most women to help them achieve the most natural, no-makeup look." However, no matter how thinly I tried to apply the product, it was very obvious it did not match well.
In addition, I found the foundation difficult to blend and spread with both a foundation brush or a soft makeup sponge, despite varying the amount of product and using my Smashbox Photo Finish Primer with every application. I have a feeling this is at least partially due to the fact that it tends to dry quickly. It didn't apply well to the drier areas skin on my face (I actually have combination skin), and thus had an uneven appearance that was overall a bit unappealing.
In the end, this might work better for my skin if I get a little more tan, or if my skin miraculously becomes only one condition all over. Other than that, though the coverage was good, I found it hard to use and blend.
***
So what about the low-end foundation?
Next, I searched the local drugstore for a promising find, and got one - CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup in Ivory. (Note that there have been some complaints about the new formula, but that I had no such problems when I used it.)
TruBlend is meant to be super-blendable, natural-looking makeup with light to medium coverage - depending on how heavily you apply and whether you layer. It's intended for normal skin, but is still oil-free, and even in my oilier areas I noticed only minimal shine and no greasiness. I didn't wear powder over the foundation, either, though the TruBlend line also includes matching concealer, powder, and blush.
Price: $6.99/1 oz. - on sale at CVS, usually about $8.00
This foundation was such a relief to use after my past problems with many other products, including the L'Oreal TrueMatch I used to purchase. It does have a very liquid-like consistency, moreso than other thicker foundations, but this helps it glide on skin and blended amazingly well for me, even in my dry areas that are usually so hard to cover.
The most obvious con of this foundation is that it is a little on the "sheer coverage" side - it won't mask major imperfections, but when layered, does a great job of giving a natural-looking, soft finish. Note that it is not completely matte as long as it's drying, and can look just a little dewy at first - so if you're worried and prefer 100% matte, layering powder over it is definitely suggested.
After applying two layers on the first day, my boyfriend wondered if I was even wearing makeup - he couldn't tell! This foundation comes in 15 shades, and I found it to be much less yellow on my skin, more neutral. It was also quite a bit lighter than the Laura Mercier, which was also a huge relief for such a pale girl like myself! It matched perfectly!
The product applied well with both a sponge and a brush, and again, blended so well into my skin. If the coverage was a little heavier and the formula just a little thicker, it would satisfy more people. As it stands, it's still most likely my favorite (or close) of all the liquid foundations I've tried.
***
So, there you have it - the low-end product gets my vote! I gave both a fair trial run, and actually purchased the Laura Mercier long before the CoverGirl so I could have enough time to use and evaluate it properly. In the end, though, the CoverGirl simply had better chemistry with my skin, which requires good blendability, neutral tone, and a natural-looking finish with decent coverage. For the time being, I may have found my new HG foundation. ;)
In the future, I will be trying the Laura Mercier foundation a bit more to see if it behaves differently, and I might even give her tinted moisturizer a try when I have the money (I've heard good things). For now, however, I'm loving my CoverGirl.
Swatches:
Left: CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup in Ivory; Right: Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation in Porcelain Ivory
(Please note that the CoverGirl was not completely dry, so it looks more shiny than it would normally.)
Left: CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup in Ivory; Right: Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation in Porcelain Ivory(Please note that the CoverGirl was not completely dry, so it looks more shiny than it would normally.)
Posting Less :(
From now until October, it looks like I may be posting a little less often than I'd like.
This is because my budget will be extra-tight during the next sixth months - to be honest, I might not be able to spend next to anything on new cosmetics or myself. This makes me really sad, since I love doing reviews so much. :(
At least this means I'll have to come up with even more ways to save money and buy cheap, lol!
If you have suggestions or requests for other things you'd like to see here in the meantime, please be sure to tell me! I'd love to hear it, and am always looking for new ideas.
Sincere apologies,
JennBee
Spa Week: April 14-20
Have you made your appointment for Spa Week yet?
If you're here and a regular reader, there's a small chance you've never stepped foot in a spa. Or maybe you have, but only for the occasional treat or indulgence. Maybe you just can't afford all those insanely expensive treatments and services on a regular basis - who can?
Well, if you haven't heard yet, Spa Week is coming April 14-20!
What is Spa Week?
Select spas around the nation choose a few signature services - usually 2-3 per location - and present them to the public at a special promotional discounted price of $50 for the entire week. This can be an incredible discount for some services, which can go well over $100 normally.
The point is to make spa services available and affordable to the masses and to encourage healthy living for everyone.
If you've never gotten a massage, now would be the perfect time to book that appointment - the benefits are wonderful, and you might not know what you're missing! Other services being offered may include pedicures, manicures, facials... even advanced skin treatments like microdermabrasion and laser hair removal!
Check out the Spa Week website, browse the spa locations in your state, and enjoy being pampered like the princess you are for cheap. Hurry and book your appointment today, before someone else does. :)
I'm totally excited!
Great Reads: Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me
When at the bookstore the other day, I headed straight to the (small) beauty section in hopes of finding a book with some great makeup looks and tips. After browsing and looking at nearly every book on the shelf, however, I set my eyes on something that looked to be far more promising and useful - something that could potentially save me a good deal of money.
I picked up Paula Begoun's Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, a comprehensive guide packed with information, advice, and insights to the beauty industry and cosmetics as well as thousands of product reviews from nearly every major (and many non-major) brand currently available. The book is enormous, spanning nearly 1200 pages - the bulk of which lies in the reviews.
The author's objectives are to expose the frequent falsehoods and truths behind the misleading claims made by cosmetics companies. She thoroughly examines jargon, ingredients, myths and claims, and her reviews go in-depth to examine the effectiveness and reality of products.
This guide truly is amazing - and I would honestly recommend it to any woman today who invests in the beauty industry.
That being said, it is not without its drawbacks; some reviews and advice must be taken with a grain of salt. The reviews are largely based on ingredient content, and Paula criticizes harshly where this is concerned. The guide would be extremely beneficial to those with sensitive skin, because so much attention is given to skin irritants and harmful ingredients.
In addition, although the reviews seem well-backed with solid research and information and are detailed and balanced, the author unashamedly demonstrates bias towards her own products, including glowing reviews of everything in her cosmetics and skincare line, Paula's Choice. This may not sit well with some readers, but, I think, can be forgiven. To counter this bias, there are plenty of products outside her brand that receive her strong approval and fair recommendation.
Overall, this guide is an excellent one to own. You can consult it before considering making any beauty purchase, especially for those over-hyped, overpriced products that are almost never what they're made out to be (and she'll tell you why). You don't have to make your decision based solely on her advice, but it helps to know the opinions of a professional and exactly what goes into a product and what it really does and doesn't do. You won't agree with her on everything, but that makes this no less of a worthy read.
In the end, Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me has the potential to save you tons of time, money, irritation, and a lot of false hope. At $24.95, the book doesn't necessarily run cheap - but when you consider the sheer volume of useful content and what it can do for you, it will likely end up paying for itself with one skipped product purchase. And this kind of integrity in the industry is one of the most beautiful thing of all - even if it is clear that she is, indeed, very proud of her own products, as is stated in the book's disclaimers.
Budget beauty buyers - add this to your wish list. :) Or, for $24.95 a year, you can subscribe to Paula's online review and information database, Beautypedia.com, which contains all the information of the book and is updated weekly.
You can purchase Paula's book on her website and in many major bookstores.
Happy reading!
Blogspot vs. Wordpress
What do you guys think about the two main blog hosting sites? I've been looking into switching to Wordpress, because it looks like it has more features. However, I've noticed more people seem to use Blogspot/Blogger.
Thoughts? :)
Tip of the Day #2: Drugstore Ads
If you frequent your local drugstore for many of your cosmetics purchases, you'll notice it usually has some kind of sale on different brands and products that change weekly or every few weeks. These make for some really great deals, but it can be hard to find out what's on sale and when if you aren't stopping by too often. Who has time to waste on an extra errand these days?
Fortunately for us, major drugstores have begun to make their weekly ads available online for viewing. Simply type in your zip code at any of these websites to view the ads for your local store:
CVS/pharmacy
Longs Drugs
Walgreens
(Sorry if I'm missing any major drugstore chains - we only have CVS and Walgreens where I live. ;)
Better still, on the CVS website, you can sign up to receive an e-mail notification whenever new ads are posted! You don't even have to check the site until you know a new ad is up.
Happy shopping. :)
EOTD: Blue and Gold Eyes
Last night, my boyfriend took me out to a nice dinner. Since I just recently made my first MAC purchase, I decided to take advantage of it and try some new things.
I'm all about the blues lately with my eye makeup, so I wanted something colorful, but still subtle enough for evening. :)
This was done using mostly high-end makeup, with a little drugstore mixed in.
Please excuse the poor photo quality and my horribly unkempt brows, lol. I know, I need to get them done again.
On Eyes:
MAC paint pot in Rollickin'
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Urban Decay shadow in Peace
Urban Decay shadow in Honey
Urban Decay shadow in Graffiti
L'Oreal HiP bright shadow duo in Flamboyant
L'Oreal HiP color truth eyeliner in Black
L'Oreal HiP color truth eyeliner in Navy
CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara
I'm not yet too talented with makeup application and colors, which is why I don't have a lot of pictures, tutorials, etc. in my blog yet. I'm not entirely confident with what I'm doing, but if it's requested, I might start doing more stuff like that. :)
Now excuse me while I run away from the camera for a few more months... eep!
Tip of the Day #1: Cotton Balls
Welcome to your budget tip of the day, another new feature from yours truly. :) It won't exactly be daily, so I guess the title is a little misleading, but I'll put a new one up whenever I have something to share. My goal is to give readers simple, everyday tips to help keep wallets happy.
Tip of the Day #1: Cotton Balls
Have you noticed your liquid cosmetic products - toner, make-up remover, nail polish remover - being used up at a very fast rate? It might be because you're using cotton balls to apply your product.
Since cotton balls are very absorbent and round, you can't cover much area and too much product ends up where you can't use it, such as in the center and fluff of the ball.
Instead, switch to cotton pads or cosmetic rounds. Try Johnson & Johnson Cosmetic Rounds (80 for $2.49, drugstore.com). I suggest avoiding those made by Rite-Aid, which are thin and may fall apart very easily.
Cotton rounds may seem like the lesser value when compared to the quantity in a bag of cotton balls, but in the end, you'll be helping your products last much longer and be more efficient for you.
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