Is That...? Oh, God! *Gasp* NOOO!!! Part III: L'Oreal Youth Code Power Trio

Well, it's been three weeks with the L'Oreal Youth Code Power Trio, and I have what I think are some interesting results. Let's have a look, shall we?

First off, let me mention that I quit using the cleanser, as it didn't work worth a flip, and I also used a pore clearing mask and an exfoliating mask to try to undo the damage. The cleansers that I have used instead have been the Olay makeup removing wipes and the Olay Regenerist exfoliating cream cleanser (which is what I used prior to the L'Oreal). The end.

So, here are week 2 (right) and week 3 (left):

It's very subtle, but there is some change. The skin's texture is smoother, and pores are less pronounced. The crease is still there, and while it's more noticeable in the week 3 picture, it does appear to be shallower. As with last week, these photos were taken in the same room, with the same camera, and the same settings.

For a more dramatic difference, let's compare week 1 (left) with week 3 (right):

Wow. The skin's texture is significantly smoother and brighter, pores are noticeably minimized, and everything seems firmer and lifted. The area around the nose also appears a lot drier, however.

As I've stated, the cleanser didn't actually clean, but it does look like the serum and moisturizer are doing something for me. My thoughts on those products have not changed, and you can read a full run-down on them here. All in all, I've got to call this a win, and I intend to repurchase the serum and moisturizer when I run out of the travel sizes.

Have you guys tried anything like this? Did it work? Please share in the comments.

Is That...? Oh, God! *Gasp* NOOO!!! Part II: L'Oreal Youth Code Power Trio

Okay folks, it's been a week. Let's check in and see if the L'Oreal Youth Code Power Trio has made any progress on my wrinkle-ette. You can find my first impressions from last week here.

On the left, we have a photo taken last Monday. On the right, we have a photo taken today. The crease in question is the faint marionette line. Personally, I think it may have lightened some. It doesn't appear to be quite as pronounced in the second photo as it is in the first. It's not gone, but it appears to be better. My skin's tone and texture also seems to have improved, with increased brightness and a firmer appearance. Pore size looks about the same. Lastly, my skin feels noticeably softer. Photographs were taken in the same room, with the same lighting, by the same camera, with the same settings. Positioning is as close to the same as I could manage, and no makeup or products were on the skin at the time. I'm trying to be scientific, y'all.

For the past week, I've solely used the L'Oreal. I've washed my face with the cleanser, applied the serum, and followed with the moisturizer twice a day, religiously. No other skincare products were used, save for a few makeup remover wipes of various brands, but more on that in a minute. Based on the results above, I can definitely see where its claims have merit.

Now, for the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Good: The products are seemingly effective, thus far. All three of the products have pleasant fragrances and textures. The price point is affordable and the product is readily available at Walgreen's and Ulta. The trial sizes are large enough to get a good idea of its effectiveness. I've used this for a week, and have at least another week's worth left.

The Bad: The cleanser just flat-out doesn't work. To prove this, I give you Exhibit A, a Yes To Grapefruit facial wipe used after cleansing with the L'Oreal:

That's not clean, y'all. In addition to the eye makeup (which I kind of expected), there's also face makeup. I don't wear much face makeup (mostly BB creams or powder foundation), so there wasn't much there to remove in the first place.

I also don't feel like the moisturizer hydrates very well. I've experienced some dryness around the nose, and noticed a dull cast once my makeup was applied. My makeup hasn't changed, so I feel the need to attribute that to the product.

The Ugly: I broke out. Not much, and nothing a little spot treatment couldn't fix, but I did break out. Normally, my skin stays pretty clear unless it's that lovely time when we'd all like to sing a rousing chorus of "I Enjoy Being a Girl". This wasn't that time. I shouldn't have broken out.

Overall, I really do like this set. I think that it did what it said it would, and I have every intention of purchasing the full sizes of the serum and moisturizer. I will not, however, use the cleanser anymore. I need something that deep cleans and exfoliates, though I do wonder if the L'Oreal would work better with a Clarisonic. I will also, most likely, mix a little argan oil into the moisturizer to boost the hydration level. For now, I'm chalking up the breakouts to the lack of actual cleansing from the cleanser.

Tune in next week for the dramatic conclusion!

January Favorites

This month has flown by!!! I'm sorry for the sporadic posting, but here's to getting back on track! Today, I have a list of favorites for the month, and I have to say, I surprised myself with some of these. I bet they surprise you, too. Let's have a look, shall we?

Eyes
Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Inked in Pink
These cream shadows are utterly amazing. I think I may like them even better than their high-end counterparts! This pink is shiny, rosy, and makes for a beautiful wash of color that lasts until you take it off. For a five-minute face, this is ideal. I've already picked up the (less wearable, but just as gorgeous) blue metallic shade, and am seriously considering a few others.

MAC Apres Chic Eyeshadow in Ice
I've been using this in the inner corner, and it gives just enough warm sparkle to brighten up your look without reminding everyone of Tinkerbell. The color reminds me of snow, but snow that's looked at from inside a warm cabin, while you drink a cup of cocoa. If that makes sense. Which it probably doesn't.

Lips
Homemade Brown Sugar Lip Scrub
DO NOT BUY LIP SCRUB, PEOPLE!!!! Take a tablespoon of butter, melt it, and add just enough brown sugar to make a thick paste (around three tablespoons, give or take). Rub on lips. That's it. The butter is moisturizing and the sugar is rough and, well, scrubby. It takes off dead skin like a dream, and tastes good enough that you could spread it on toast--literally. Best of all, it's pretty much free. Keep the rest in the fridge to use later. I made this to use during filming, since I was in red lipstick, and we all know how pretty red lipstick looks on flaky lips. Our leading man used it, too, and threatened to take it home with him.

Face
Josie Maran Argan Color Stick in Love
This product kept showing up on my radar, and I finally had to try it out. Now, I'm in love. This is the best stick blush I have ever used! The color is very natural, it blends like a dream, and the staying power is pretty darn good, compared to other stick blushes. I also feel like I'm doing something good for my skin when I use it. Again, for busy gals, this is a must-have. You don't even need a highlighter with it!

Tarte 12-Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface
This is not the most fantastic, life-changing blush ever (see above), but I find myself reaching for it more and more. The color is a beautiful, cool pink, and the texture lends itself to blending into the skin. It's just a really good, pigmented, serviceable blush.

Skin
Olay 2-in-1 Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths
These removed greasepaint. Game. Set. Match.

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
I've been using this in conjunction with the overnight peel, and I do think my dark spots are *slightly* lighter. It's only been about a month (which, yeah, I know they said results in four weeks, but let's be real, here), so I'm still on the fence, but the moisturizer is really good, regardless. It's lightweight, smells like apples, doesn't leave my skin looking shiny, and doesn't break me out. If it lightens up spots, that's just gravy.

MVP
Urban Decay Naked Basics
I can not believe I'm adding this to favorites, much less inventing a new category for it! The thing is, hardly a day has gone by that I haven't used this palette. A matte highlight here, a sheer wash of color there. Need a satin inner corner? How about a blending color, or a smudgy liner? Naked 2 and W.O.S. are getting some serious love these days, and the palette is on the fast track to making the Best of 2013 list. I'm shocked, but it's just that functional.

October Favorites!

It's the end of October, and that means it's time for FAVORITES!!! *insert Kermit flail here*

We all have lives, so let's skip the small talk and get straight to it!

Skin
Clean & Clear Oil-Free Dual Action Moisturizer
While Thomas and I were in Orlando, we realized that the car trip had left both of us with really dry skin that was beginning to break out. We had to run in a Walgreen's anyway, so I had the chance to pick up something, anything, that could help. This was cheap, and we were desperate. Now, I'm happy to say that I have a new favorite basic moisturizer. It doesn't have any anti-aging benefits, but my skin feels great, and breakouts have been at a minimum. Added bonus: it leaves a cooling sensation as it sinks in.

Face
Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation
Ulta sent me a 20% off anything in the store coupon, so I bit the bullet and bought this. My only complaint about this foundation was that it didn't hold up to heat and humidity, but now that it's cooler and drier, that's not really an issue. Ever since I tested this, I've found myself comparing other foundations to it. Now, I could spend the next however long and however much money trying to dupe this foundation, or I could just buy it and be happy. I just bought it, and I've been happy as a clam with it ever since. It's gorgeous, and I highly recommend it.

Eyes
E.L.F. Disney Villains Palette, Maleficent, Night Villain Shadows
As weird as this may sound, and as difficult as it may be to believe, I've been reaching for this more than any other palette, recently. I don't even keep it in a drawer; it's right there next to my brushes. Misfortune, Diablo, and Forest of Thorns are three absolutely beautiful, pigmented, buttery shadows, and they work perfectly for Fall. The rest of the shadows...eh, I could take or leave. These three, I'm really hoping E.L.F. decides to sell as singles. They're amazing.

Lips
Urban Decay Lipsticks in Sellout and Midnight Cowboy
I am ill that these have been discontinued, and I'm really angry at myself for snapping up three colors while they were three bucks apiece on the Urban Decay site. I had no idea I'd like them so much!! The packaging is so vile that I barely have words to describe my hatred, but the lipsticks are glorious. They're moisturizing, wear well, and the colors are simply beautiful. Of the three I purchased, Sellout and Midnight Cowboy have made it into the daily rotation. Sellout is a warm neutral rose, and you can still find it online (see the link). Midnight Cowboy is a glittering nude that also makes a lovely topcoat over other colors. I like it over Dervish lipliner from MAC, but normally wear it on its own. I can't find it anywhere, but if you know of a good dupe for it, please share with the rest of the class.

Nails
Sephora by O.P.I. in Leotard Optional
Sephora by O.P.I. in Blasted Gold Glitter
I've been wearing these together, and love the birch bark effect it leaves on my nails. Leotard Optional is a plummy nude, and the Blasted Gold Glitter is...well, blasted gold glitter.

Other
International Delight Creamer in S'mores
It looks like chocolate milk and tastes like graham cracker. I can't stop drinking it!!!!

I hope you enjoyed this, and have a safe and happy Halloween! If you're in the Northeastern region, and are duking it out with Bad Sandy, please know that you're in our thoughts. Good luck, and be careful.

A Quick, Cheap Fix: E.L.F. Tinted Moisturizer Review



Photo Credit: eyeslipsface.com



On a whim, I picked up some E.L.F. Tinted Moisturizer the last time I was in Target. I've been doing the sunless tanner thing, and am just a little too dark for my Too Faced Beauty Balm. I've also noticed that my Garnier BB Cream has started to look a little greasy. I have to tone it down with a pretty heavy-duty matte powder, which kind of defeats the point of having a BB Cream, really. I'm wondering if, perhaps, I've reached that point in the tube where all the illuminating ingredients have settled. In any case, I needed something for my slightly less-ghostly-than-usual skin, and it needed to be cheap. I saw this product for $3 and figured, "what the hey?"

You know what? It's actually not bad. I've given it two days of wear, and I'm really happy with it. Here's a breakdown:

Packaging: The moisturizer comes in a really nice, black inverted tube with flat-top cap. It looks high-end, reminiscent of NARS or MAC. You can see the product's shade through a small, clear strip on the front. My only gripe is that my cap didn't fit quite right. It's closed and secure, but it sits at a strange angle. Not a big deal, but I thought you should know. 9 out of 10.

Texture: I really like the consistency. It might be a bit thin for some, but right now, it's so hot and humid that I'd wear tinted water if I could. I've just used my fingers to apply, and the moisturizer absorbs nicely. Best of all, you don't need to use another moisturizer with it. Believe it or not, some tinted moisturizers just don't do the trick on their own. This one leaves your skin nice and hydrated. 9 out of 10.

Finish: There doesn't appear to be any shimmer in this product (none that I've noticed, anyway), and I've only needed to lightly brush a little mineral powder over the top to set it and my concealer. Light coverage. 10 out of 10.

Ingredients: It's not paraben-free, but it does contain Aloe, Cucumber, and Vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains SPF 20. 7 out of 10.

Shades: Here's the kicker. There is a wide range of shades, from Porcelain to Espresso, and at only $3 each, you can afford to buy more than one shade and custom blend. Sadly, they all have a slight yellow cast to them. For me, that's not a problem, as I have yellow undertones, anyway. However, if you're rosier or more neutral, you can pretty much hang it up. It's not going to work for you. I have no idea why E.L.F. does this, but I've noticed in their other face products, too. 5 out of 10.

Price: For $3, you get .25 ml. I've heard complaints that that's too small of a size, but my normal face moisturizer costs $18.99 for .50 ml. The E.L.F. gives you half as much, but at a mere sixth of the price. I'd say that's pretty darn fabulous. 10 out of 10.

Final Verdict: 8.3 out of 10. I like it. Whether it's to get you by, or you just want a decent tinted moisturizer for a budget price, I recommend it.

I'm wearing "Nude", the second lightest of the seven available shades (over two coats of sunless tanner. I'm that pale. Oh, look! Tanner lines around the bridge of my nose! Yay! *sigh*).

Other Products Used:

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in Light

E.L.F. Mineral Foundation in Warm

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden

Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Free Love

Buxom Stay There Eye Shadow in Mutt
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Whiskey

Buxom Buxom Lash Mascara

E.L.F. Brow Kit in Medium

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

NARS Blush in Super Orgasm (sorry, Mom!)

Buxom Stay There Eye Shadow in Cocker Spaniel (as Highlighter)

Burberry Lip Mist in Copper

I swear, it doesn't look like that much on the counter!!

***UPDATE!! Spend $20 at eyeslipsface.com TODAY (6/21) and get a free mystery bag worth $20! Use code BDMYSTERY at checkout. 4 random winners will receive a $50 gift card in their bag!

Dear Easter Bunny, I'd Like Psychic Abilities and a Tan



Photo Credit: Superdrug

 So...a couple of weeks back, if you remember, I posted about Too Faced's Beauty Balm. I said that it was awesome and I loved it, and that its price was really reasonable, especially when you took into consideration the fact that there wasn't a drugstore beauty balm on the market.

The next day, Garnier announced their new beauty balm. I kid thee not. Like to have spewed my coffee all over the television screen.

The nice people over at word-of-mouth marketing agency, BzzAgent, must have somehow psychically sensed my predicament, because my email immediately dinged with a campaign invitation. They sent me a full-size bottle to test, saving me the $12.99 I would have, otherwise, felt compelled to spend after telling all you lovely folks that such a thing didn't exist. I swear, I have got to invest in a crystal ball.

So, how does the drugstore brand fare? Well, let's break it down:

Packaging: The tube is nothing special. It's simple in style, but neat and clean, and a lovely pale bronze. I especially like the inverted, hygeinic design, and that it holds a generous 2.5 oz. 9 out of 10.

Application: I squeezed a little onto the back of my hand, and noticed right away that the balm had a very thick texture--almost as rich as my heavy-duty foundation-plus-primer formula. However, the product applied very smoothly with a foundation brush, sinking into the skin quickly. 10 out of 10.

Appearance: Now, this is where things get a little dicey. Shade aside, the balm's finish was sheer and slightly dewy, and very, very pretty. My skin looked clear and even, but not made up, which is perfect for Spring and Summer. There's even a hint of caffeine in the balm, which wakes up the skin for a subtle glow. The problem comes in when you take the shade into account: it didn't match. The shade I was given was "Light/Medium", and was about a shade too dark, and just a tinge too yellow for my fair skin. Unfortunately, my only other shade option in the Garnier line is "Medium/Deep", which would be entirely too dark for me. That's it. Two shades. If you fall somewhere in that limited spectrum, you could buy both and mix them together for a custom color, but if you fall on either outer end of the range, you're pretty much S.O.L. I'm hoping that over the course of the Summer, as I gain more color, I might eventually be able to wear this. We'll see. 6 out of 10.

Photo Credit: BzzAgent

Wear: I popped a little powder over the top, just to tone down the shine a bit. One mid-afternoon blotting and an early evening powder touch-up, and this looked beautiful all day. In other words, it performed as well as my much pricier luxury brand balm. That kind of hurts my soul... 9 out of 10.

Price: Okay, this depends on how you look at it. Yes, you do get 2.5 oz (one full ounce extra than my almost any other brand), but if you are not an exact match to one of the two shades available, you have to buy both shades to custom blend your own. And yes, each shade is considerably less expensive than any other brand on the market, but if you have to buy two...well, that eats into the savings, now doesn't it? 5 out of 10.

Final Verdict: 7.8 out of 10. The range of shades is beyond disappointing, but if you can wear it, there's not a better deal out there.

Frugal Friday, Plus This Too Faced Stuff Is Da "Balm"!

*Editor's Note: The author apologizes for the horrible title. She couldn't help herself. Trust that she is truly humiliated. Thank you.

Today's Frugal Friday Deals!

Smashbox: Free FULL-SIZED Photo Finish Lid Primer with any order of $65 or more. Offer expires at 2pm PT today! Use code EYEPRIME at checkout.

Old Navy: Use code ONEXTRA15 to take 15% off your entire purchase. Ends at midnight tonight. (Everyday Steals and Jeans not included)

Bath and Body Works: Take an extra 20% off your purchase with code ENJOY20. A printable coupon is also available for in-store savings. Expires 2/26/12.

Photo Credit: Too Faced

This is February, right? I didn't skip forward to May, or anything like that, did I? I ask, because the temperature was in the seventies this morning. Yesterday, I wore flip-flops, and the humidity was so high I didn't even bother fully drying my hair. There was no point, since it was just going to look damp and frizzy no matter what I did to it.

Makeup, schmakeup. When the weather's like this, all you can do is slap on some waterproof mascara and lip balm, then say a prayer and hope for the best.

The thing is, I would like to make it through the day without traumatizing small children. I don't want them to point, then run screaming to their mothers. I needed something just to even out my skin and give my eyeshadow and blush a base to stick to. My tinted moisturizer decided to turn orange on me, so that was no good, and foundation is flat-out too heavy for this humidity. It would melt right off my face, but only after clogging all my pores. No, thank you. This left me standing in my JCPenney's teeny-tiny Sephora with very few choices and absolutely no clue. Thankfully, between the online reviews I found with my smartphone (greatest invention ever) and the incredibly helpful salesperson, I realized what I needed was a beauty balm, and that Too Faced's version might be my best bet. The salesperson even color-matched me, which was beyond appreciated. I'm terrible at colormatching myself. I can help other people, but for some reason, I fancy myself about two shades darker than I actually am. Call it wishful thinking...anyhoo, moving on.

Here's what Ulta has to say about it (I know, I got it at Sephora, but I'm all for giving folks options):

Instantly impart a healthy glow and improve skin's appearance with sheer luminosity and a concealing, buildable tint. Soothing, oil-free moisture, antioxidants and SPF protection help to improve skin's condition and prevent future damage. This super-advanced, multi-benefit time saver from Too Faced streamlines your routine, giving you 'better than real' skin in just one step!
Enhance: Ideal balance of exceptional, buildable color, sheer texture, and light diffusion for a flawless-looking complexion.
Perfect: Minimize fine lines and wrinkles to create a smooth canvas for a more youthful appearance.
Nourish: Oil-free moisturizers condition and hydrate while chamomile extract soothes.
Protect: Antioxidant vitamins A & E, Ginseng Root and Ginko Biloba fight free radical damage and protect skin's integrity.
Prevent: Contains a non-chemical SPF 20 UVA/UVB multi-mineral sunscreen to prevent premature aging.

This sounded like exactly what I needed. I got the moisturizer I originally wanted, but with a slightly heavier consistency for better coverage (which, let's face it, I need. I am *shudder* over thirty...). I don't really have any fine lines, and my only wrinkles are on my forehead, but I'll take any and all help in keeping those at bay. SPF is a must, and I'm loving that the product is full of vitamins and antioxidants. Anything that could keep me from turning into a prune is more than welcome on my face. I've now had a few days to live with the product, so let's break it down, shall we?

Packaging: The product comes in an iridescent blush, beautifully decorated, hygienic squeeze tube. The cap screws onto the bottom of the tube, allowing the product to stay near the applicator for easiest access and least amount of waste. It also looks precious on my counter. 10 out of 10.

Application: I apply this by squeezing a small amount onto the back of my hand, then using a Real Techniques (review to come) foundation brush to work the product into my skin. You could also use your hands, though, if you were in a hurry or didn't have an available brush. Either way, the product applies quickly and effortlessly. 10 out of 10.

Appearance: The nice lady who colormatched me sent me home with Vanilla Glow. This is the lightest of the only four colors available: Cream Glow, Nude Glow, and Beach Glow. Vanilla matches my skin tone perfectly, but I'm not sure if that's because these colors are so sheer that they'll blend with a wide range of tones, or if I just got lucky. I recommend you try this on first, just to be sure. I found that the product was sheer enough for skin to show through, but still provided a reasonable amount of coverage. Honestly, I looked as polished as I normally would with a foundation, but didn't really look like I was wearing foundation. I just looked like I had really good skin. Concealer was necessary for under the eyes and to cover a little redness around my nose and chin, but that's the norm for me, even with heavy foundation. These are named "Glow" for a reason, though. While I didn't find this to be as shimmery as a few user reviews pointed out, there are light-reflecting pigments, which keep this from having a matte finish. I would call it "dewy", which is nice. I dusted a little powder over the top and was good to go. 9 out of 10.

Wear: I was shocked. Even in this crazy humidity, with the product already being "dewy", I've only had to do minor powder touch-ups around the 8 or 9 hour mark, with a quick blotting around hour 6 or 7. That's pretty darn impressive. 9 out of 10.

Price: This seems to be universally priced at $32. Believe it or not, that's on the lowest end of the specialty brand beauty balm spectrum (and I haven't found any drugstore brands), and it's toward the lower middle of the specialty store tinted moisturizer scale. You get 1.5 oz., which is pretty standard. Yes, there are cheaper drugstore brands for tinted moisturizer, but if you're looking for a beauty balm, this is not a bad deal at all. 9 out of 10.

Final Verdict: 9.4 out of 10. Nice coverage, decent wear. I have absolutely no complaints, and for what it is, you can't beat the price. Seriously. I tried.

My Own Magnetic Marvel and Some Random Observations

Months ago, I posted about this brilliant makeup magnet board I found at Laura Thoughts. Well, as it turned out, my ten year-old, might-as-well-be-blood niece (who shall remain nameless, since she Googles herself constantly) needed something to get all of her glitter lip gloss and hair ribbons up off of the floor. Guess what she's getting for Christmas!



The camera on my phone really sucks.

 Yeah, I made that. Go ahead, be impressed. I'll give you a second to take it all in.

Truth be told, once I had all of the pieces, the whole thing took maybe half an hour to put together, and that's only because I had to stop to play with all of the cute little glitter skulls and sparkly rhinestones (and you should have seen my precious husband trying to help pick out girly fabric and shiny decorations! He's a good boy, that one. I think I'll keep him).

Here's the breakdown:

• The frame and glitter spray paint were on sale at Michael's. I replaced the glass with...
• Sheet metal from Lowe's. It comes pre-cut, so I got an 18x12 to fit the frame perfectly. Then...
• The fabric was a pre-cut scrap from JoAnn's. Seriously, I never picked up scissors for this thing. Instead of using adhesive, I simply taped the fabric onto the metal so my niece can switch it out if she changes favorite colors again.
• The chain for her hair ribbons, skulls, and foam initial were also on sale at Michael's. I hot glued the skulls in place, and the chain and initial onto strong magnets from JoAnn's.
• The rhinestone accents were some I already had, and came from Michael's. They're also hot glued on.
• The End. Easy Peasy.

I won't say the total cost, because the niece's mom reads this, and also because it will vary from board to board, since not all decorations are equal. I'm just so tickled at how cute it turned out, and really hope the li'l bit likes it. If not...dibs!

In other news, recently, I've run across some items that, while I've formed definite opinions, didn't really warrant whole reviews. Considering it's stocking stuffer season, and these fit that description, I thought I'd give some nutshell overviews of a few of these products:

Urban Decay Lip Junkie: I'm currently obsessed with this product, especially the color "Naked", but there are lots of great lip glosses out there. What makes this special? Well, I looked in the mirror this morning and was actually startled at how much my lips had plumped up since I started wearing this almost daily. It is noticeably different. This is one lip plumper that really does work. And with that, I am now re-evaluating my thoughts on Bigfoot, Nessie, and the Easter Bunny. $19, Sephora.

Olay Total Effects Body Wash: Skip it. It's oily, oddly textured, and broke me out. Plus, it smells weird. Strangely, it has great reviews, but my personal experience (over several weeks) doesn't jive. $6.79, Ulta.

Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Moisturizer: Tried them both. You know what I said about the Olay? See above and save yourself some trouble. I'd never thrown away full bottles before, but there was no one I disliked enough to pawn them off on. $9.99-$14.99, Ulta. (By the way, I really like Ulta! It's just chance that the two things I didn't like could be found there! I promise!!! We just got an Ulta, and I may move into it!!)

Buxom Amplified Lash Mascara: This is really cool. Because the brush has adjustable lengths, you get three mascaras in one. You can use the long brush for volume, shorten it for length, or use both for length and volume. Ingenious, and with the same great Buxom formula and pigmentation you've grown to love. $22, Sephora.

Lastly, Blogger has decided that I don't have permission to comment on my own blog. I guess I did something wrong, and I'm being grounded. Well, I won't stand for it! I'm rebelling and sharing my comments right here! So there!

Christine: Welcome aboard! I'm so glad you're enjoying the blog, and bless your heart for thinking I'm funny! I hope you enjoy your Unii palette, just please make sure to keep a tissue folded in it. It'll help with shifting during travel, and will also keep dust off the mirror.

Noniek: I really wanted to do some swatches, but the lighting I had to deal with was so bad (as evidenced by the photos I did take) that it seemed pointless. I do plan to go back and add some, though, so please check back soon!

Alrighty! I think that makes up for the long weekend, wouldn't you say?! I hope everyone had a fabulous Turkey Weekend. Stick around for some holiday ideas and gift guides!

Nothing a Good Mai Tai Probably Couldn't Fix

Photo Credit: Sephora

Okay. The picture round-up is currently on-going, so I'm going to have to put off any Disney tales till next week. I know; you're heartbroken, but I'm sure you'll find a way to get by.

I will say, that after three full days of sweating glowing in the hotter'n Hades beautiful Florida sunshine, I could literally feel the dirt invading my pores. I could see the clogs. That's bad. I did the best I could to combat the elements: drank lots of water, scrubbed my face at least twice a day, used tinted moisturizer instead of foundation, and tried to let my skin breathe as much as possible. It didn't matter. I am so broken out, people are mistaking me for a high schooler. Of course, I'm sure my being short isn't helping with their confusion.

As soon as I got home, I washed my face (again), and slathered on my Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque. True to form, it cleared out a significant amount of clogged pores and blackheads. Still, my face was in a state of trauma. You don't think about the wringer your skin goes through while you're laughing it up in the Happiest Place On Earth (okay, I know that's Disneyland, but same deal). We've established there's the heat and sweat and dirt...fine. There's also greasy food (which, I know, dermatologists have said that the grease you put in your stomach doesn't affect your skin...try eating pizza without getting some on your face. I dare you), drastic changes in enviroment (a/c in the car, airplane atmosphere, getting on and off rides, fog machines, wind machines, etc.), sleep deprivation, too many cokes and not enough water, little germy kids with little germy hands that touch all the same things you touch...I could go on, but you see my point? Even after the masque my skin was still screaming.

Yesterday, I happened upon Ole Henriksen's Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask. According to Sephora:

This potently calming blend of lavender, papaya enzyme, blueberries, and blackberries gently polishes the skin, relieving facial stress and delivering smooth results.

Well, that sounded like it might help. There was a fantastic sale, so I snapped this puppy up for only six bucks.

So, last night, after work, I put on my jammies, washed my face and pulled my hair back, opened up the jar and spread the contents all over my face. Then, I sat down to relax and watch some television.

The Good: The scent. Wow. This mask has a very strong lavender fragrance, but not a fakey, chemically one. This is real lavender, and it is extremely calming. The gel mask is downright frosty, and there are also no parabens, sulfates, or artificial colors. In fact, there's no color at all. It's clear, which also keeps you from having that whole Wicked Witch of the West thing going on.

The Bad: I had a hard time washing the mask off, and really, I couldn't tell if it did anything to my skin. I followed up with a moisturizer, partially because you should always follow a mask with a good moisturizer, and partially because my skin felt really dry. That's not a good sign when it's supposed to be a hydrating mask.

The Ugly: Normally, this is priced at $32. That's insane.

I'm going to give this another go. The directions said it could be used 2-3 times weekly, so it may just be very gentle. If nothing else, twenty minutes of inhaling lavender might relax me enough to not care about my skin anymore. I say, for six bucks, it's worth a second look. For $32, I suggest you keep your money and look elsewhere.

Final Verdict: It'll calm your nerves, but not necessarily your face. 4 out of 10.

The Price of Convenience: Philosophy Hope In a Tinted Moisturizer

Photo Credit: Sephora

I did not want to like this. Not at all. Thirty-eight dollars for tinted moisturizer is highway robbery, no matter how fabulous it claims to be. And it is fabulous, no question about it. Oh, I really did not want to like this, and now I am in a quandary.

You see, when I placed my Sephora order for Mom's Mother's Day gift (I got her one of those sunscreen kits, since she would live by the pool, if it were possible), I had the option to try a deluxe sample of Philosophy Hope In a Tinted Moisturizer. I've been on the hunt for a good tinted moisturizer to get me through the Summer, so I figured, "why not?" I've all but replaced my Benefit Some Kinda Gorgeous with CoverGirl NatureLuxe (I know! It's drugstore! How could it be better than Benefit?! It just is, and I love it), but it's still a little heavy for 90+ degree, humidity-laden days, especially if you put it on over an anti-aging moisturizer and a primer--even a light one (SPF is built in, thank God. One more layer might kill me). I used to be a Stila tinted moisturizer devotee, but they changed the formula and I haven't had a chance to try the new product. So, basically, I'm at square one. I've used Hope in a Jar before, and had great success with it after a long, drying, cross-country flight. I also knew that I could use this in place of my normal anti-aging moisturizer without losing any benefits. I just had no idea the Philosophy was thirty-eight freaking dollars. Oh, how I wish I'd known...

Anyhoo, the Light to Medium sample came in, and I was able to give it a good go yesterday. I had errands, then work, then I went power walking for a couple of miles outside in the unforgiving heat and humidity. Just for extra fun, I left off all primers, too. I'm evil like that.

First off, I cringed when I first saw some of the actual product. It looked orange! I actually started humming "Oompa-Loompa Doopity Doo". Adventurer that I am, though, I patted the moisturizer on. I patted because this is a fairly dry moisturizer, and if you try to smooth it on, you end up pulling your skin. This does not mean it isn't hydrating! It just means that you won't end up with a greasy face, which is good. Amazingly, the orange disappeared, and the color blended perfectly with my skin tone. Aside from an even complexion, I couldn't tell I had anything on. This is also good. If I had to complain about anything, my skin looked a little dull. More on that later.

I applied the rest of my makeup as usual, and went about my day. I did notice, about mid-day, that my eyeshadow creased a tad, but was easily smoothed out. After my walk, I fully expected to have no makeup left (at best) or look like Tammy Faye Bakker (at worst), but was delighted to note that my makeup looked okay. It wasn't fresh as a daisy, but it had stayed put.

This morning, I did the same thing, but went ahead and used eyeshadow primer. I also took a very small amount of my Benefit That Gal Brightening Primer and patted it on top of my moisturizer. This added a lovely glow that took care of the dullness, without smearing an entire layer of goop on my face.

So, in a nutshell, you can skip the sunscreen and anti-aging moisturizer and still reap the benefits. I had luck without primer, so you may be able to skip that, too. This product works to make your skin better than it was before you put it on. Technically, it's the same price as a slightly larger tub of Hope In a Jar with SPF 25, but I still think the price is excessive.

Final Verdict: 8 out of 10. It's a great product that definitely saves you steps in the morning. It's just too darn expensive.   

Summer Lovin': Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter

Photo Credit: Sephora

Um...I think I may possibly have found the quintessential Summer scent.

You're welcome.

The last time I placed a Sephora order, a little impulse buy popped up on the checkout screen. For five bucks, I could try a 2.5 oz tube of Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter. Now, lately I've been a Jergen's girl with Victoria's Secret dabblings. However, it's practically Summer (heck, we're already hitting 90s down here. It is Summer), and nothing screams beach-chic like coconut. Considering how much I was already spending, I figured, why not?

I have not been disappointed.

Here's what Sephora has to say about it:

Pacifica's Indian Coconut Nectar is full of good-for-you organic ingredients and natural essential oils. Inspired by travels to faraway destinations, this warm fragrance is at once sensuous and fresh. It blends coconut, delicate vanilla, and creamy vetiver with exotic floral accords of ambrosia to leave skin beautifully scented.

*Fun fact: Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar products are 100% vegan.

Now, for my take:

Let's start with the packaging, first. The tube is really pretty. It's decorated in gold, turquoise, and an orangey-red, in a style that, while I'm sure they were going for Indian-inspired, really just makes me think of "It's a Small World" at Disney World. Not that that's a bad thing. I happen to like the ride. The design is very sweet, and adds a little bit of exotic spice to my dresser. I'm still not a big fan of tube dispensers for lotion, but if I'm stuck with one, at least it's cute.

The lightweight lotion goes on very dry, but a little bit covers a lot of real estate. You don't need a handful of lotion to cover a thigh. Really, the equivalent of about two fingertips takes care of mine. Also, don't let the dryness of the lotion fool you into thinking it isn't moisturizing. It is. Trust me. My arms and legs feel like satin, and I didn't have to wait forever before getting dressed. I also haven't worried about it sweating or sliding off in the crazy heat and humidity. In this case, the dryness is a plus.

I adore this lotion's scent. It's really more of a spicy vanilla than coconut, but there's enough coconut to give off a sexy, tropical vibe. Thomas said he really liked it, and that I smelled like cookies. I'm guessing coconut macaroons. The scent is not overpowering, but it is noticeable, and lasts for hours. I'd suggest tossing it in a beach bag for after your post-swim shower. That way, after the suntan lotion is gone, you can have a similar, slightly more sophisticated scent for the rest of the day.

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar also comes in solid, roll-on, and spray perfume forms, as well as an 8 oz. tube of body butter. $5-$22, Sephora.

Ah, the magic bag o' samples! How I thought I missed you. Turns out, not so much. You see, while most samples are either lovely or simply ineffective, a few have turned out to be truly awful. Today, I experienced such a...treat...

I pulled Fresh Soy Face Serum out of the magic bag. I now hate the magic bag. Here's what Sephora has to say about the serum:

This fast-absorbing formula is packed with amino-acid-rich soy proteins, which retain moisture, stimulate collagen synthesis, and encourage cell turnover to encourage smoother, firmer, more radiant skin. It is further enriched with hibiscus peptides to soften expression lines, anise fruit extract to smooth the skin, and cucumber extract to calm and soothe. Soy Face Serum is clinically proven to immediately reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and provide long-term firming, hydrating, smoothing, and brightening effects.

Here's what I have to say:

I have no idea if this stuff works. It could be the freaking Fountain of Youth, and I'd never know because it smells too bad to use regularly. I opened the little foil packet, fully intending to only use a small amount so I could experiment over the course of a few days. As soon as I tore open the package, I was hit with the smell. I can't properly describe this smell with words. It wasn't chemical. This was a rotting, rancid, completely organic smell. Think of an old salad that's been in the trash can too long. I smeared some on my face, started to put the rest of the serum away, and just said, "to heck with it," and threw it out. It was too disgusting to keep. I will say that the serum absorbed quickly, as I was able to immediately coat my face down with moisturizer in an attempt to mask the odor. Maybe it works; maybe it doesn't. I'm not spending my money on rotten salad juice to find out. $45, Sephora.

Wow, It Sure Has Been a While

Alrighty, folks! Let's end this week with some updates:

Jewelmint

The Aurum Necklace
Photo Credit: Jewelmint

A few days ago, I posted about a new jewelry-o'-the-month club, Jewelmint. Well, I bit the bullet and joined, mostly just to see if it was really all it claimed to be. Just so you know, it is. The day after I joined, the site emailed a 50% off coupon to me. This, by the way, is the only non-purchase related email they've sent, so I'm not getting spammed multiple times daily (you hear that, e.l.f.?). There was a piece that I was eyeing, so last Thursday, I used my coupon and ordered the Aurum necklace, a multi-strand gold necklace with two little gold nugget accents. My expectations were fairly low, as I've mail-ordered jewelry before, and it's never what the picture leads you to believe.

Fast forward to Tuesday. A beautifully packaged parcel arrived in the mail from Jewelmint--four whole days before it was supposed to!--containing an even lovelier, well-made, ready for gifting jewelry box. I opened the box to find a printed placard bearing the piece's description (straight off the website, but still a nice touch), a protective piece of heavy-duty foam, and an absolutely gorgeous necklace. As I mentioned earlier, mail-order jewelry has never been what the picture led me to expect, and this was no exception; this necklace was better than I expected.

The clasp is slightly larger than usual, so I can actually take the necklace on and off without any outside help. It's also constructed well enough that I don't worry about it opening unexpectedly, or breaking while I'm trying to manipulate it. The necklace itself is gold-plated, which keep it from looking like painted metal (you hear that, Forever 21?). I wore this with a low-cut tank top, and the overall look was very sexy. The next day, I paired it with a navy and white striped top for a nautical look. Today, I'm sporting the chains with a white tee and jeans. Basically, it works with everything, and I may never take it off.

As for the website, I've had zero trouble managing my account or looking at pieces. The ordering process was simple, and tracking info was emailed to me and placed in my "jewelry box" (where they stash info about all the pieces you've purchased). Shipping was quicker than expected, and I'm thrilled with my purchase. Should I choose to order next month, I can, or I can skip by simply pressing a button.

Thus far, Jewelmint has exceeded my expectations. Bottom line, it's an inexpensive, easy to manage way to expand your jewelry wardrobe. The pieces are well-crafted and look high-end. Packaging is exquisite, and eliminates much of the need for gift wrap.

Final Verdict: I'm in love, and going so far as to post the link on Facebook. I never do that. Give it a shot. 10 out of 10. 

Jergens

I'm at the end of Week 2 using Jergens Skin Firming Daily Toning Moisturizer, and I'm still noticing subtle improvements. I'm still not where I'd like to be, smoothness-wise, but the results I have seen keep me optimistic.

Temporary Verdict: Still working, and it ain't over till the fat lady...well, isn't. 8.5 out of 10.

Fekkai

Wow. Boy, am I behind. Way back in August, I tried a sample of Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream (and misspelled it, I'm sorry), with the promise of a follow-up after continued use. As I can't seem to find the follow-up, I'm going to assume I never wrote one. Oops. In my defense, I had a movie in post-production, a CD in production, a husband looking for a job, and...oh, who am I kidding? I forgot. Plain and simple. I apologize.

So, better late than never, here you go:

If you recall (or go back and re-read), I was less than thrilled with the product. It smelled odd, and while my hair did end up shiny and soft, I wasn't sure how much of that was the cream and how much was due to my new shampoo and conditioner.

Zip ahead to now. I've been using that shampoo and conditioner religiously since then, and my hair loves them. That said, around here, we don't need a groundhog to tell us when Spring is coming. People just wait for my hair to frizz up, then they know it's okay to start planting their gardens. I am also in desperate need of a hair cut and color, so I needed a product that would battle the frizzies and add a healthy dose of shine to punch up the color.

Therefore, knowing what my hair looks and feels like with that shampoo/conditioner combo alone, I had my control group, and only needed to toss in a variable (the glossing cream) to perform a truly scientific experiment.

Process: I washed my hair, conditioned it, added in about two pea-sized amounts (my hair is really, really long, right now), combed, and blow-dried. Repeated the process two days later, then again two days after that. Did not notice the odd smell this time.

Results: My hair was significantly smoother and softer, with some added shine. Not "Brilliant Glossing" shine, but light did reflect. The first time, I added too much to the front of my hair and it looked greasy, but I learned from the experience and now concentrate the product on the ends. The frizziness was greatly reduced, though now I can really tell how badly I need a haircut. Overall, styling has improved, both in ease and in finished look.

Final Verdict: I bought a trial size for $9 at Sephora. I'm not calling this a wonder-product, but it should definitely make Spring and Summer humidity a little less scary. 7 out of 10.

Slim Pickings

Photo Credit: drugstore.com

The other day, I walked through Target's sliding glass doors, and immediately felt a cold chill shimmy up and down my spine. As I shivered, I looked to my left and saw row upon row of multi-colored sugary chicks, ducks, and bunnies. To my right, a half-dozen racks of the skimpiest bathing suits known to man. Spring is here. I'm going to have to wear *gulp* SHORTS! ARGH!!!

Before you argue that I might be able to get away with capris or something in a nice linen, let me remind you that I live about as far South as one can get without swimming or entering another country. We have what is known as a "semi-tropical" climate. That sounds nice, doesn't it? "Semi-tropical". It makes you think of relaxing on sugar-sand beaches, sipping a fruity, rum-filled concoction while the sound of tin drums lilts past on a breeze. IT'S A LIE! Yes, we have a gorgeous beach and plenty of rum, but there is no breeze. None. Ever. We occasionally have wind, but that's a whole 'nother deal. There is heat. There is humidity. There is sweatin--er, glowing, and praying the air-conditioner doesn't go out like it did last year. There is the knowledge that you will have to change clothes at least once during the day, and most likely take two showers. I honestly believe that the Alabama Welcome Center should issue all tourists a pair of flip-flops and a personal fan upon crossing the border, along with a heartfelt, "Good luck, you're gonna need it." And that's just May. By August, it's a wonder we're all not in jail for indecent exposure.

No, shorts, skirts, rompers, and sundresses make up my closet during the Spring and Summer months. As I've already broken out the capris and tank tops, it's becoming painfully obvious that the next step will be sunless tanner and an increased diet and exercise regimen. I also thought that it might be a good time to address the, admittedly minor, cellulite on the thighs. It's not bad, but it's got to go.

After a few minutes of research on Total Beauty (my go-to site for user reviews), I had my skin-firming cream choices down to four: Nivea, Almay, Olay, and Jegens. Each had great reviews and was featured on the site's top skin-firming creams list, and they were all in the very budget-friendly $7-$12 range. Whichever was in stock was the one I'd go with.

That turned out to be the Jergens ($7.49, drugstore.com). I took it home, and used it the very next day after my shower. According to Jergens, this product:

"Reduces the appearance of cellulite for visibly firmer skin. Jergens^® Skin Firming Daily Toning Moisturizer gives cellulite-prone skin a more toned and tightened look.

• Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite
• Exclusive anti-cellulite Firm Perfecting^® Complex is comprised of six key ingredients known to improve skin's resiliency, elasticity and firmness including collagen, elastin and ginseng."

According to me: I have been using this product for a week. Obviously, that's not enough time to see full results, but it is enough time to evaluate the rest of the products attributes. So, let's do that.

Texture: This is a very lightweight lotion, which is perfect for this climate. The last thing you want is a heavy cream melting and dripping down your thighs. It's un-ladylike. However, for such a light lotion, it is very moisturizing. My skin feels hydrated and fresh. My one qualm would be that, while the lotion is not at all sticky or tacky, it does give your skin a slight amount of traction. I had a devil of a time pulling my jeans on this morning. They weren't tight jeans, and I'd given the lotion a good ten minutes, or so to dry. Verdict: 8.5 out 10. (Would have been 9, but I was late for my voice lesson because of it. That's not cool.)

Scent: There's not one, really. If you try very hard, you can almost smell a vague, but fresh and clean fragrance. I love this, because it doesn't compete with my perfume. Verdict: 10 out of 10.

Skin-Firming Properties: Now, as I said, a week isn't long enough to truly make a stand on this. Also, there is nothing, aside from surgery, that will truly remove cellulite. The best I can hope for is some smoothing, so the dimples aren't as noticeable. Please note, I'm nowhere near the "cottage cheese" level of cellulite. I'm more like a nice brie: a little soft, a little squishy, but relatively smooth. Plus, brie just sounds nicer (and tastes amazing baked with a little strawberry preserves or caramel sauce and some pecans...which is probably why my legs look like this to begin with). Anyhoo, I've applied the lotion to my entire body once daily, taking extra care to massage a little extra into problem areas (thighs, bum, stomach, and upper arms). I can honestly say that I have notice a slight difference. My skin feels smoother in those areas, and the overall tone is improved. Are the dimples still there? Well, yes, of course, but I can tell that there is hope for the overall appearance. The dimples may never go away, but at least there's a chance they'll lighten up enough to not be embarrassing. Verdict (for the moment): a very optimistic 6 out of 10.


Temporary Verdict (as I will update this in the future): 8.2 out of 10. Very promising, and a darn good lotion either way.

Great Rack You Got There

This morning, I laid out the most beautiful steaks to cook for dinner tonight. As I have mentioned, I'm a horrible cook, but these were too pretty to pass up. As I was setting the frozen beauties on the counter, I thought, "oh, a nice glass of wine would be fabulous with these!" Then, I looked over to the wine rack in the corner of the dining room, and noticed that it was completely and totally empty. The horror!

Okay, so there's actually no horror. It stays empty. It's the cutest little wine bottle-shaped metal wine rack, and I think it's held a grand total of two bottles of wine in the three years we've had it. I have a tendency to just transfer the bottles from the bag straight into the fridge. Oops. However, there was nothing in the fridge, so I had no choice but to hope that the wine fairy might have left a bottle in the rack. No such luck.

Not a problem. I live across the street from a big box store with a grocery section, so I drove 30 seconds, picked up a bottle (no, I won't tell you what because it doesn't technically go with steak, and it's embarrassing. Let's just leave it with the fact that I don't like red wine. At all), got carded (yay!), and went back home. Then, I shoved the bottle in the fridge. *Sigh* When will I learn? Next time, I'll pick up two bottles, so one has to go in the rack. Seriously, there is nothing sadder than an empty wine rack.

Of course, if I had this wine rack, I doubt I'd have any problem keeping it filled, if only to have a reason to play with it! RFID technology (method of automatic indentification, using tags or transponders to remotely store and retrieve data) organizes your bottles with ambience-enhancing color-coded lights. Plus, your collection can be accessed and monitored from your computer, even if it's kept in an off-property location, like a storage locker.

Photo Credit: geeksugar

So, for the past month or so, I've been giving Olay Total Effects Daily Moisturizer a whirl. I liked the stuff I'd been using, but ran out and couldn't find any more, so the switch was necessary, but with reluctance. Now, I'm nearing the end of the bottle, and have to decide whether to continue with this, or see about finding something else.

As of right now, I'm planning to continue with this, and I'll tell you why: It works. Plain and simple. There's a reason the brand has been around for ages.

When I started using this, I had deep creases beginning to form on my forehead and chest. I tried wrinkle filler (spackle)--a joke. I tried a serum, and it may have lightened the creases, or it may have just diffused the light around the area. I really couldn't tell you for sure. In any case, it wasn't enough of a difference to document. This morning, after several weeks of using the Olay, I noticed that my forehead wrinkles were significantly lighter. They're still there, but I don't feel like I have to wear my bangs "just so" to cover them. I also had to actually search to try to find the wrinkles on my chest. These were deep enough that I tried filler on them, folks, and now I can't find them. If that's not proof, I don't know what is.

Yes, this stuff is heavy, and yes, the perfume smell is a little much (though, it does come unscented, now), but you know what, I can deal with it if it reverses damage to this extent. If you're on the hunt for wrinkle relief, this is one worth trying. $18.99, Target.

Movies, Makeover, and Mom

My poor husband has been editing our movie pretty much 24/7 since we got back from vacation, and I'm afraid his eyes are going to turn square from staring at the screen.  To give him a break, we're having a "Let's Go See Some Movies That Aren't Ours" weekend.  We're hitting Scott Pilgrim on Friday and The Expendables on Sunday.  Considering I'm a huge Edgar Wright fan (Shaun of the Dead!  Hott Fuzz!  Spaced!  Yarp!), and grew up thinking that poor John McClane couldn't buy a decent Christmas, I'm psyched.  But you'll notice that Saturday is left blank.

Saturday, Mom and I are having a mother-daughter day for her birthday.  We're hitting Eat, Pray, Love to stare at the pretty scenery and watch physical proof that Julia Roberts has actually eaten some form of food in her entire life.  Before that, though, we're taking an up-till-now unplanned trip to Sephora.  See, Mom came over this morning and made the fatal mistake of borrowing some of my makeup. 

I have created a monster.

In what took maybe 3 minutes (that's a serious maybe), I used five products (four of mine and her own lipstick) that left her ooh-ing and aah-ing and telling me that it didn't matter how much they were, we were getting them.  This is my "I'll Spend Money on Everyone Else in the Entire World Before I Even Think of Spending it on Myself" mother.  I love it.  Mom's getting something nice for herself, and it's about time.  (Yes, I know you're reading this, Mom, and I don't care.)

So, here are the four wonder-products that, apparently, rocked my Mom's world.  Please remember, I am not a makeup artist.  This took no time, at all, looked awesome, and if I can do it, you can do it.  Anyone can do it.  I'm fairly certain a trained monkey could figure this out.

1)  Benefit Erase Paste in Medium. 
2)  Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in R.S.V.P.
3)  Nars Powder Blush in Orgasm (I didn't name it).
4)  CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara in Very Black.

Photo by Sephora

Mom already had on a little bit of foundation, so I didn't mess with that.  I used a concealer brush and applied the teensiest amount of Erase Paste under her eyes.  Seriously, this stuff is so concentrated that it doesn't take much at all to make a huge difference.  Then, I used an eyeshadow brush and applied the Cream Eyeshadow to the lids and up to the brow bone.  R.S.V.P. is a rosy champagne color that added just a hint of color to her olive skintone.  I brushed the Nars blush onto the apples of her cheeks, then added the mascara to her upper lashes.  That's it.  The end.  Ta-da.  There's nothing to this, folks.  It was easy, took no time, and I had a chance to make my Mom's day.  That's always a nice thing.

Photo by Sephora

As for the price tag, seeing as she wears the medium shade of Erase Paste, she can get a set from Sephora(online only) with deluxe samples of the Erase Paste, the Cream Eyeshadow in R.S.V.P., and a bonus deluxe sample of Stay Don't Stray Eyeshadow Primer for $10.  The samples are huge, so they'll last for a while.  The mascara is $8.29 at Target.  The big ticket is the blush.  It's $26 at Sephora, but completely worth it.  It's a universally flattering peachy pink, and looks totally natural.

So, there you go.  Happy, pretty makeup in no time flat.  Oh, and if you need brushes, I highly recommend these from E.L.F.  They're inexpensive (like, $3 a piece inexpensive) and fantastic.  I've had mine for about a year, and as long as you keep them clean, they'll last for a good long time. 

In other news, I am never going to get through these samples.  Never.  To recap, I went through a freebie phase, where I absolutely hoarded samples.  Now, I'm on a mission to actually use all these samples, and today's random reach into the magic bag o' samples brought Murad's Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30.  It's very thick and rich, and, at first, smells just like a freshly cut orange.  Unfortunately, as you rub it into your skin it begins to release a much different aroma.  A much more unpleasant aroma.

See, back in college I wound up with the worst case of laryngitis ever.  Normally, that's problematic enough, but for a vocalist, it's devastating.  My teacher and my doctor both suggested I try Throat Coat, an herbal tea with slippery elm, licorice, and a whole bunch of other truly disgusting ingredients.  It did the trick, but I have never been able to get that smell out of my head.  Murad Essential-C smells exactly like Throat Coat, and I've been just a little bit (physically and psychologically) miserable since I put it on.

As for the moisturizer itself, I have no complaints.  It goes on smoothly, absorbs well, left my skin looking soft and hydrated, and my makeup went on easily with no clumping or smearing.  It's a very effective moisturizer, however, I'm don't see where it's any more effective than a good drugstore brand, and at $60 retail (Sephora.com), I want it to knock my flip-flops off.  Oh well, you win some, you lose some.  Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Sampler Platter: StriVectin Instant Moisture Repair

Photo by Sephora

I started cleaning out some drawers and cabinets at home, and quickly realized that I am, literally, drowning in samples.  I have a drawer full of little packets, a tupperware container I cannot fit a lid to, a few little doo-dads on the kitchen counter, and probably a dozen little swatches in my makeup case.  Samples out the ears, and many of them, I'd wager, for products that no longer exist. 

It all started a couple of years ago, when the Today show did a segment on finding freebies.  Honestly, it just sounded like fun, so I found a few sites and started signing up for stuff.  For Halloween, we had tons of granola to hand out (oh, that went over well...).  Somehow, I ended up with several magazine subsciptions (yay!), a whole lot of Kotex (yay?), and a kitchen table full of creams, lotions, and potions I had no use for.  I admitted I had a problem, apologized to those I love, and quit cold turkey.  

Enter Sephora, with their "3 Samples With Every Order" policy.  Oh, good Lord, here we go again!  I know you can opt not to add any samples to your order, but when you're already paying for shipping, it's not really like you're getting them for free.  Right?  I mean, how else are you supposed to know what new stuff works for you unless you try it?  Right?

Yeah.  Um...I never tried any of them.  Well, maybe one out of every ten or so.  Of course, I'm not counting the deluxe (bigger) samples.  Those were tried out immediately, probably because they were big enough that I could use the sample longer and really decide if I liked it.  The little packets are one shot deals, and sometimes it takes longer to make an informed decision.  Yeah, that's probably the reason.

Well, no more!  Upon seeing my enormous beauty sample stash, I decided it was time I made good on my intentions and actually used them.  They're doing no one any good sitting around, untouched.

So, with that, here is the first of a series of sample reviews.  Mind you, these are off only one or two applications of each product.  Who knows how well they'd work given more time.

Now, today's victim:  StriVectin Instant Moisture Repair.  Retails at $59 for 2oz.  Sephora.com.

According to StriVectin: 

Instant Moisture Repair is not a traditional moisturizer; it is a clinically proven reparative formula that targets the sources of dehydration, working above and below the surface, to reverse a dry, deflated complexion. Results are immediate and long term; within the first hour, moisture increases up to 30 percent, to levels found in healthy, young skin. With continued use, oligopeptides and tetrapeptides stimulate the production of new derm-elastic fibers to rebuild skin's natural moisture cushion. Skin is left soft, smooth, supple, and youthful

We'll see about that.  (heh, heh, heh)

I just turned (*gasp!*) thirty, so now is the time for me to really amp up my skin-care routine, and add in some anti-aging products.  God, it galls me to even write that!  Luckily, my family tends to have really good genes when it comes to aging.  My mom still gets carded on occasion, and my grandmother had the most impossibly soft skin ever, so my chances are pretty good.  Still, a girl can't be too careful, and I'll take all the precautions I can.

When I first opened the package, I noticed the strong fragrance.  It's a little medicinal and floral, all at once.  Thankfully, it lessened quickly, and eventually disappeared.  The lotion went on smoothly (I used the entire package) and absorbed well.  It left my skin feeling smooth and moisturized, and my primer, Benefit's That Gal, worked well with it, though I noticed in a user review that Smashbox's primer does not. 

Honestly, it's lotion.  That's it.  It left my skin more moisturized than it would have been without the lotion, but I didn't notice any plumping, or any other "immediate" results, other than my skin being less dry than it was before.  Perhaps it's because my skin wasn't dry or deflated to begin with, or maybe it takes time to really make a difference (though that negates the whole "results are immediate" part of their claim), but I just didn't see anything miraculous enough to make me want to pay $59 for 2oz. of lotion.

For my money, I'll stick with my Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Moisture Cream (yes, they fit that all on the label).  $11.99, Buy.com.  It's 1.6oz instead of 2oz, but considering you can buy 5 of the Garnier for what one StriVectin costs, I'd call it a fair trade.  It leaves my skin moisturized and ready for makeup, smells a little like apples (to me, anyway), and I haven't shown any signs of wrinkles, yet.  I've used it for a couple of years, and have never once considered using anything else, except for this experiment, and I'd recommend it to anyone. 

I have no idea what I'll pull out of my magic bag o' samples tomorrow.  Oh, here I go being adventurous again.  Lord, help us all.