Showing posts with label Beauty Products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty Products. Show all posts
Magic Wands
Stay tuned for my update on the
My Must Haves: Volume 5
Time for another installment of my ever-changing list of necessities. To view previous picks, go here.
TIGI Bed Head Hard Head Hair Spray
This hair spry is strong enough to hold my curls for hours, but on the flip side, it doesn't make my hair crispy or sticky and untouchable.
Vaseline Aloe Fresh Protecting Body Lotion w/ SPF 15
During the summer I like to sit outside during my lunch break, which means I must wear SPF. I don't like applying regular sunscreen on my body during the day when I'm at work, because it can get on my clothes, and smell like I should be at the beach, not the office. I like this light, fresh-smelling lotion, which contains SPF.
I use this every single day. Its not too thin, like many regular moisturizers and its not as thick as regular foundation. It has a slight sheen, and I've been told on more than one occasion that my skin is glowing, when that's all I've been wearing. And of course, the SPF is a necessity.
An absolute MUST. I go through so many cans of it. It gets rid of greasies and adds volume and texture without a powdery look. A life saver on days when I haven't washed my hair and is also great for touch ups mid-day when heading from work to drinks. It comes in 3 different scents, all of which are quite pleasant.
TIGI Bed Head Hard Head Hair Spray
This hair spry is strong enough to hold my curls for hours, but on the flip side, it doesn't make my hair crispy or sticky and untouchable.
Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mascara
As I've mentioned before, I am always trying new mascaras, looking for the perfect one. For now, this is it. While I'm normally not a fan of rubbery applicators, this one is different for some reason. Perhaps it's because the its thin and bristles are two different sizes. It's also flexible and soft. The results are long, clump and flake free lashes.
As I've mentioned before, I am always trying new mascaras, looking for the perfect one. For now, this is it. While I'm normally not a fan of rubbery applicators, this one is different for some reason. Perhaps it's because the its thin and bristles are two different sizes. It's also flexible and soft. The results are long, clump and flake free lashes.
I've used the matte Urban Decay Primer Potion for quite some time and have given it rave reviews. This shimmery primer delivers the same, just with some color and shine. Sometimes I just use it alone as a simple base. Other times I layer shadow over it and it stays all day without creasing.
Vaseline Aloe Fresh Protecting Body Lotion w/ SPF 15
During the summer I like to sit outside during my lunch break, which means I must wear SPF. I don't like applying regular sunscreen on my body during the day when I'm at work, because it can get on my clothes, and smell like I should be at the beach, not the office. I like this light, fresh-smelling lotion, which contains SPF.
We all know Anastasia is the authority on brows. I've used the Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil and Brow Ex-press in the past, but this newer addition is a dream. It goes on really easily and precisely, looks natural and is long lasting.
Luscious Lashes {Hopefully}
During my lunch break last week I strolled down to Makeup Mandy eyelash bar and makeup studio and accidentally ended up purchasing Dea Bella Eyelash Conditioner eyelash conditioner.
I had been wanting to try a lash enhancing product for a while and just hadn't got around to purchasing one, so it wasn't entirely and impulse buy, but it definitely wasn't as thrifty purchase (although, it was less expensive at Makeup Mandy than on the Dea Bella website).
The one I planned on buying was Beauty Society 'Enormous Lash' Eyelash Enhancing Serum, as my friend tried it and said it worked, but it was sold out during the Nordies sale online. Osmotics 'FNS Nutrilash' Lash & Brow Enhancer, Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Night Time Eyelash Conditioning Treatment, StimuLashFusion Intensive Night Conditioning Lash Enhancer, Talika Eyelash Lipocils and RevitaLash Eyelash Conditioner are other brand I've heard/read good things about. Latisse is getting a lot of press, but I heard it can be irritating and can change the color of your lids - scary! And, it's more of a hassle since it's a prescription treatment.
Anyway, the gal I purchased the Dea Bella from said their customers have been getting great results. You just apply it every night at bedtime and should see longer and stronger lashes in a few weeks. She also said it works on brows, which I was very happy about. I'd been using Anastasia Brown Enhancing Serum but haven't really noticed any change. Tonight will be my fourth application, so I'll let you know if I see any results in a month or two.
I had been wanting to try a lash enhancing product for a while and just hadn't got around to purchasing one, so it wasn't entirely and impulse buy, but it definitely wasn't as thrifty purchase (although, it was less expensive at Makeup Mandy than on the Dea Bella website).
The one I planned on buying was Beauty Society 'Enormous Lash' Eyelash Enhancing Serum, as my friend tried it and said it worked, but it was sold out during the Nordies sale online. Osmotics 'FNS Nutrilash' Lash & Brow Enhancer, Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Night Time Eyelash Conditioning Treatment, StimuLashFusion Intensive Night Conditioning Lash Enhancer, Talika Eyelash Lipocils and RevitaLash Eyelash Conditioner are other brand I've heard/read good things about. Latisse is getting a lot of press, but I heard it can be irritating and can change the color of your lids - scary! And, it's more of a hassle since it's a prescription treatment.
Anyway, the gal I purchased the Dea Bella from said their customers have been getting great results. You just apply it every night at bedtime and should see longer and stronger lashes in a few weeks. She also said it works on brows, which I was very happy about. I'd been using Anastasia Brown Enhancing Serum but haven't really noticed any change. Tonight will be my fourth application, so I'll let you know if I see any results in a month or two.
Bronzed and Moisturized
I love a nice tan, but have been trying to limit my sun exposure, so I've been trying out different gradual self-tanning moisturizers throughout the past couple of years. I like moisturizers much better than full-on self-tanning sprays and lotions, as those dry out my skin, often become blotchy, uneven or orange and the they stink. While many of the moisturizers don't smell that great, some aren't too bad and I can bare the scent at night. Of all I've tried, I think there is only one I am willing to wear during the day, however. Generally they all give even color and are more subtle than those that are strictly self-tanners. Here are my reviews on the tanning moisturizers I've tried - all from the drugstore or supermarket and under $10.
My top 2:Nivea Body Sunkissed Firming Moisturizer
I really like the color the Nivea moisturizer gives, and it didn't take long to build color. The scent isn't nearly as bad as some of the others, but I still don't think I've ever used it during the day, as it does have a slight self-tanner odor. I didn't notice any firming action going on with my skin, but its a pretty good moisturizer and absorbs quickly.
Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion
By far the best smelling out of the bunch. I can't even detect any self-tanner scent. Its a really good moisturizer that absorbs quickly and the consistency is more like a "regular" lotion. Natural looking color.
And the rest:
Olay Body Touch of Sun Daily Body Lotion
The Olay Touch of Sun doesn't give the best color out of the bunch. Definitely not a golden hue. I would say its more yellowy. The smell is alight - I didn't mind it when I first put it on, but then it seems to intensify.
Hawaiian Tropic Island Glow Daily Moisturizer
Hawaiian Tropic Island Glow's scent is more tolerable than some of the others. The color is fine, but it wasn't very noticeable and took a while to appear.
Dove Energy Glow Beauty Body Lotion
I do not like the smell of the Dove Energy Glow. The lotion is thinner than I prefer and doesn't feel that moisturizing. It gives okay color.
Banana Boat EveryDay Glow, Tinted Moisturizing Lotion
I like the color the EveryDay Glow gave me. Again, it had a tanning smell, but it wasn't awful, but also wasn't pleasant enough for me to use during the day. It absorbs easily and feels moisturizing.
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Jergens Natural Glow is the one I've used the most, only because of the color it provides. I really can't stand the scent anymore though - it's too strong. I only use this one before bed and I can't wear the same PJ's the following night because the smell is still lingering. It also takes a while to absorb and can be slightly greasy feeling.
More of the Blues
My newest nail polish obsession is OPI's Russian Navy. When I was applying the first coat I was a little wary of the color, but after the second coat I was sold. It's a gorgeous deep, inky, indigo - not tacky, teenage, 1990's blue. There is a slight purpleish shimmer, but again, it's tasteful, not tacky.
Wigging Out
Fiberwig goes on very easily and dries quickly without clumping. It takes a few applications because its fine and not thick. However, since it dries so fast, doing so itsn't as difficult as with gooey mascaras. Once applied, lashes are lengthened and separated and there's no smudging or flaking throughout the day. Washing it off is a breeze, and it comes off in pieces/chunks sort of, as opposed to running down and smearing on your face. Surprising at first, but so much better than the messy removal of other mascaras.
Helping Hands
As requested, I am doing a posting devoted to hand creams. Since I am not particularly well-versed on this subject, I asked some friends for their personal faves....
Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is Shelby's #1 hand moisturizer and I think it might just be my next purchase for the winter months. Its is a thick, rich formula offering all-day care and protection by forming a "glove-like" barrier against moisture loss.
A couple of Christmases ago my sister gave me L'Occitane 100% Shea Butter and its been on my bedside table ever since. Because its rather thick and semi-greasy, I only use it at night. Its great for hands and feet.
Since I like the L' Occitaine 100% shea butter for night, I think the Shea Butter Hand Cream - Travel Size would be perfect for the day. The creamy balm is enriched with 20% shea butter and contains honey, almond, and coconut oil.
I know many people with extremely dry skin, my sister included, Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Creme has been in her arsenal for as long as I can remember. In addition to helping dry skin, its also good for those with eczema.
If you look in my purse right now, you'll find GapBody mini hand cream in Loveshack. The cream, which contains cocoa seed butter, hazel seed oil and milk thistle, comes in eight delicious scents. It makes my hands super soft without the stickiness and greasiness of some creams .
Lisa's (aka Marge) pick for dehydrated hands is Nivea Creme . Its the same good 'ol Nivea, but in a smaller, more portable tube. Great for hands and all over.
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream is a favorite of both Shelby and Jamie and has always been a constant in my grandma's medicine cabinet. Started by Norwegian fisherman, this cream is super concentrated, so you only need a dab. There are over 200 applications in one 2 oz. tube!
Bath & Body Works® Signature Collection Hand Cream in Sensual Amber was Erin's (aka Coffey) pick. Dating back to junior high, Bath & Body Works' lotions and creams have always been in my product collection. They always have such yummy fragrances and Sensual Amber is definitely one of the best.
Jackie's favorite for dry hands is Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter, a fresh, citrus-scented body butter, enriched with antioxidant vitamins A and E and arnica extract.
Christy's hand cream of choice is Acca Kappa White Moss Hand Cream , which is rich in vitamins A and E, karite butter and aloe vera. Its also formulated with sweet almond oil and enriched with Allantoin, which helps speed up cell regeneration.
Dove Pro Age Hand Cream is a new product I've seen, but was brought back to my attention by Jamie. Its supposed to even tone & texture and aid in the disappearance of age spots and wrinkles. It also contains SPF 5. I always put SPF on my hands when in the sun, its one of the first places your age truly shows. I guess you're never too young!
To soften her intensely dry skin, Brooke uses good 'ol Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and couldn't live without it. Though I don't use it on my hands, I do use it on my eyes every night to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Its also a a good eye-makeup remover and helps with diaper rash.
Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is Shelby's #1 hand moisturizer and I think it might just be my next purchase for the winter months. Its is a thick, rich formula offering all-day care and protection by forming a "glove-like" barrier against moisture loss.
A couple of Christmases ago my sister gave me L'Occitane 100% Shea Butter and its been on my bedside table ever since. Because its rather thick and semi-greasy, I only use it at night. Its great for hands and feet.
Since I like the L' Occitaine 100% shea butter for night, I think the Shea Butter Hand Cream - Travel Size would be perfect for the day. The creamy balm is enriched with 20% shea butter and contains honey, almond, and coconut oil.
I know many people with extremely dry skin, my sister included, Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Creme has been in her arsenal for as long as I can remember. In addition to helping dry skin, its also good for those with eczema.
If you look in my purse right now, you'll find GapBody mini hand cream in Loveshack. The cream, which contains cocoa seed butter, hazel seed oil and milk thistle, comes in eight delicious scents. It makes my hands super soft without the stickiness and greasiness of some creams .
Lisa's (aka Marge) pick for dehydrated hands is Nivea Creme . Its the same good 'ol Nivea, but in a smaller, more portable tube. Great for hands and all over.
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream is a favorite of both Shelby and Jamie and has always been a constant in my grandma's medicine cabinet. Started by Norwegian fisherman, this cream is super concentrated, so you only need a dab. There are over 200 applications in one 2 oz. tube!
Bath & Body Works® Signature Collection Hand Cream in Sensual Amber was Erin's (aka Coffey) pick. Dating back to junior high, Bath & Body Works' lotions and creams have always been in my product collection. They always have such yummy fragrances and Sensual Amber is definitely one of the best.
Jackie's favorite for dry hands is Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter, a fresh, citrus-scented body butter, enriched with antioxidant vitamins A and E and arnica extract.
Christy's hand cream of choice is Acca Kappa White Moss Hand Cream , which is rich in vitamins A and E, karite butter and aloe vera. Its also formulated with sweet almond oil and enriched with Allantoin, which helps speed up cell regeneration.
Dove Pro Age Hand Cream is a new product I've seen, but was brought back to my attention by Jamie. Its supposed to even tone & texture and aid in the disappearance of age spots and wrinkles. It also contains SPF 5. I always put SPF on my hands when in the sun, its one of the first places your age truly shows. I guess you're never too young!
To soften her intensely dry skin, Brooke uses good 'ol Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and couldn't live without it. Though I don't use it on my hands, I do use it on my eyes every night to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Its also a a good eye-makeup remover and helps with diaper rash.
My Must-Haves Vol. 3
I've used Tweezerman tweezers for years. My mom initally got me hooked on them and now I can't bare to use another kind; others simply don't compare. The tweezers come in all sorts of colors - I like to get them in bright colors so they're easy to find in my makeup bag.
I always have a tin of Smith's Rosebud Salve or Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm in my purse and gym bag. They're silky and smooth and smell nice, but subtle. It gives lips a little bit of a tint, but not a lot. I also use it on my cuticles when they're dry. Apparently, the Rosebud Salve (not the minty one) is also a good cure for diaper rash.
Olay Complete Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion w/ SPF 15 is what I use every morning under my makeup. Its oil-free, really moisturizing, not too thin or thick and doesn't make me feel shiny or like I have a layer on my skin - all the things I look for in a daily moisturizer, with the addition of an SPF, which as we all know, is a must.
A few times a week at night I use Pond's Dry Skin Cream on my face, neck and chest. Its super rich and thick and is hopefully warding off dry skin and signs of aging
I am always trying new shampoos and conditioners, but Pureology Antifade Complex Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner is my favorite. I love the minty aroma and the tingly feeling it gives my scalp. I use the hydrate system but they have others for volume, straightening and more - all for color-treated hair. My hairstylist uses this product and told me a hint she learned, that you only need a small amount, the size of the 4 circles embedded in the bottle
My Must-Haves Vol. 2
As previously mentioned, I am a product and cosmetics junkie. Or should I say connoisseur.... So I thought I'd do another edition of some of my favorite items.
In the past I've stayed away from tinted moisturizers; mostly because I thought they didn't provide enough coverage and/or were too shiny. However, now I am a loyal user of (oil free) Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
When it comes to concealer, I just can't seem to find the perfect one. Benefit Boi-ing is nearly there. Its creamy and glides on with ease - much more so than sticks, which in my opinion, can be noticeable or too thick.
One lovely summer day in '06, my friend Jackie and I stumbled into Barneys New York and happened upon the Sue Devitt Counter. Before this, I'd never 
tried Sue Devitt products - normally I gravitate towards more eye-catching, less basic looking packaging when trying something new, but the people at the counter sucked us in. Unsure 
what we thought, they convinced us into getting our makeup done. The end result was fabulous makeovers in pretty colors just perfect for our friend's up-coming wedding. Afterward, we both "accidentally" spent quite a bit of money on our new found lovelies. Our favorite was this E-Z Shadow . Its a glimmery powder you can simply roll on lids. For more intensity, I like to press on to lids with a flat brush. Fingers work too. My favorites are Nara (top) - a sparkly gold, Bambari - a glittery bronze and Hopetown - a shimmery, less glittery plum.
Our next favorite item from our excursion was the Eye Intensifier Pencil. Its a thick enough to be used as a shadow, yet thin enough to be used as a liner. There is a great little smudger at the opposite end of the stick. Its really long lasting and waterproof, but comes off easily. It goes on really smoothly and is perfect for inner eyelids. I have it in Tanzania, which looks great with the golden and bronze E-Z Shadows and Pointe-Noire, a basic black.
Tanning Bed in a Tube by Too Faced is a new favorite of mine. Its a body bronzer and self-tanner in one. Usually, because of the way they smell, I can't bare to wear self-tanner any time other than when I am sleeping and not sniffing. However, Tanning Bed in a Tube smells pleasant and tropical and isn't overpowering.
b.e. by becker.eshaya is one of the most recent perfumes I've purchased. Its floral and clean, but not too light. I especially love the 7.7 ml fragrance pen. So simple to just grab it out of your purse and roll it on when you're on the go. Especially great for travelling.
In the past I've stayed away from tinted moisturizers; mostly because I thought they didn't provide enough coverage and/or were too shiny. However, now I am a loyal user of (oil free) Laura Mercier Tinted MoisturizerWhen it comes to concealer, I just can't seem to find the perfect one. Benefit Boi-ing is nearly there. Its creamy and glides on with ease - much more so than sticks, which in my opinion, can be noticeable or too thick. 
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Lounge is one of the most interesting colors I've come across. It looks different every time I use it and I always get compliments whenever I wear it. Its a super smooth, pearly, shiny, brownish, reddish, green. Paired with other shadows and liners, you can increase and change the hue you want more of.
One lovely summer day in '06, my friend Jackie and I stumbled into Barneys New York and happened upon the Sue Devitt Counter. Before this, I'd never 
tried Sue Devitt products - normally I gravitate towards more eye-catching, less basic looking packaging when trying something new, but the people at the counter sucked us in. Unsure 
what we thought, they convinced us into getting our makeup done. The end result was fabulous makeovers in pretty colors just perfect for our friend's up-coming wedding. Afterward, we both "accidentally" spent quite a bit of money on our new found lovelies. Our favorite was this E-Z Shadow . Its a glimmery powder you can simply roll on lids. For more intensity, I like to press on to lids with a flat brush. Fingers work too. My favorites are Nara (top) - a sparkly gold, Bambari - a glittery bronze and Hopetown - a shimmery, less glittery plum. 
Our next favorite item from our excursion was the Eye Intensifier Pencil. Its a thick enough to be used as a shadow, yet thin enough to be used as a liner. There is a great little smudger at the opposite end of the stick. Its really long lasting and waterproof, but comes off easily. It goes on really smoothly and is perfect for inner eyelids. I have it in Tanzania, which looks great with the golden and bronze E-Z Shadows and Pointe-Noire, a basic black. 
I am always buying and trying new mascaras. I have at least three in rotation right now and have two more in their packaging, just waiting for my current ones to run out.
I really like Sue Devitt (notice a theme?) Water Resistant Mascara. Its conditioning and doesn't make my lashes dry or the mascara crumbly or flaky as many often do. It removes with ease too, which is not common for most waterproof mascaras.
For lengthening I like Urban Decay Skyscraper Mascara. Its not super dramatic and is perfect for every day wear.
Tanning Bed in a Tube by Too Faced is a new favorite of mine. Its a body bronzer and self-tanner in one. Usually, because of the way they smell, I can't bare to wear self-tanner any time other than when I am sleeping and not sniffing. However, Tanning Bed in a Tube smells pleasant and tropical and isn't overpowering.b.e. by becker.eshaya is one of the most recent perfumes I've purchased. Its floral and clean, but not too light. I especially love the 7.7 ml fragrance pen. So simple to just grab it out of your purse and roll it on when you're on the go. Especially great for travelling.
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