Friends Showin Me Some Love!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Benefit Lemon Aid

It's kind of funny.  I usually do a quick scan on the internet to see what other reviews say about a product before I post it on here. No one ever agrees. Ha!  I don't care.  This is one of my favorite's in my make-up drawers.  I use it every day now.  I feel like I stumbled onto something great when I bought this on a whim at Sephora one day. I think it was around $20.  I think it's gonna last foreva eva eva. Hip Hip Hooray!  My eyelids need some color correcting and primed before I put on eyeshadow if I want it to stay put longer than 2 hours.  My eyelids have this reddish tint that needs covering instead of the black or blue some people fight.  Probably comes with age. So - This stuff works!  It also seems to be an instant eye lift to my eyes. YAY!  I will say that it is very yellow when you put it on your eyelids at first...a bit alarming. :-)  But - your eyeshadow softens it and you can never tell it's there once you have eyeshadow on.  Bonus for me is that it doesn't crease...melt...or look cakey. That might be a bonus for you too. :-)  My eyeshadow stays on for a really long time...I only have to lightly freshen once during the day if I use this. I will admit putting on all the primers and putting on your make-up takes extra time...but, it seems worth it to me to make my make-up last and last and last....Primer...another word for the concept Energizer Bunny.

So...final word on this from me...
this one is a keeper and will be on top Must Haves for me. 
Yeah, I like it THAT much.

In other news...today is the first day of Spring and it is snowing here in smallish town Missouri. Farewell to the crocus and daffodils that had been blooming in my yard! Ack!  Oh well - it will be sunny again soon.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

L'OREAL Studio Secrets Professional Primer


So.........yesterday i was at Target picking up some laundry detergent...and thought...hmmm....i will head over to the make-up...i am almost out of foundation...and, want to try something new. i like what i have been using...but, not sure it will be good for summer.  ANYWAY.....i stumbled on this new primer by L'Oreal.  I like some L'Oreal products...so, thought I'd give it a try. 

Cost:  $10.99 at my Target here in smallish town Missouri

Here's what L'Oreal says...

Discover the secret to perfect skin texture. Introducing Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base for instant smoothing results. Get the perfect skin texture, instantly and all day. The silky, lightweight formula glides onto skin and minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Skin looks and feels smoothed and resurfaced. The result—a unified matte finish that’s flawless.
Suitable for all skin types. Dermatologist tested. Non-comedogenic.

Science Behind the Beauty

Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base boasts a high elastomer content, which gives the primer its unique, cushiony texture. The unique, creamy formula smoothes on easily to disguise fine lines, wrinkles and pores, while a combination of soft, light powders gives skin a matte look and silky finish. The formula is 100% oil- and fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. Dermatologist tested.



Here's what I say...

I put it on last night before heading out for the evening.  It was pretty smooth. Not cakey feeling.  Kind of has a thick lotion appearance and feel, but it goes on easily.  I am a big believer in primers...so, I've tried a few.  This one seems like it's going to be awesome!  It definitely worked last night. I will try it for a few more days to make sure...but, I think this is a keeper. I will do a follow up later...but, I am definitely not taking it back immediately. YAY!
 
Cons:  I am not sure it is going to last too long...meaning, I think it will need to be replaced often. hmmm....
i don't love that, but it's part of the deal.

I also bought "a new to me" foundation to try.  I think I like it. I need to try it out a little more before I say.  It was also at Target.  I have been wanting to find a "cheaper" every day foundation...so, we'll see.  Last time I tried a foundation by this company - even though I liked it...my face started having more break outs...that is a definite NO Likey.

Anyway - give the primer a whirl and let me know what you think.

L

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Maybelline SuperStay 24HR Make-up Review & a eyelash curler tip


Maybelline SuperStay 24HR Make-up



What Maybelline says about the product:


-SuperStay™ 24HR Makeup stays comfortable and 
  looks naturally flawless all day
-Micro-Flex formula provides 24-hour wear and No Transfer
-Withstands heat, sweat and humidity
-Oil-free, dermatologist tested, fragrance-free. Suitable for all skin types





I am not gonna lie!  I am always trying to find the dream foundation at "Wal-Mart prices".  Always!  I've tried a boatload of different ones.  All us girls must be trying to do this same thing.  I even would like it if I could find one I "mostly love" so that on days where I am just running around town or want a little coverage when I go to the gym...I could use my cheaper foundation...and then I would use my "more expensive but worth it" foundation for the times when I want my make-up to look really great.  Every time I do this...I am disappointed over the long term.  I know I am not the only girl who is searching.  The other day I ran into a gal (at Target) I know who was returning some foundation that she was trying out and hoping it would be "the one". So.....before I review this...I just want to remind you friend that I am a middle-aged woman...my skin does not respond as kindly to make up as it did when I was younger...I can't really just wear anything and it be awesome!  I don't want just a sheer coverage...that means things show through...aging skin needs to be covered up a little more.  It's all smoke and mirrors here girls. :-)  And...then here's the other issue...if you put too much coverage on...then your skin shows every wrinkle or hair and it looks caked on.  YUK A DUCK A DOO!  

drum roll please.....

Here's the short answer....I took it back.  I did not like it.  Did you know that if you buy make-up at Wal-Mart or Target and you don't like it...you can take it back?  Well, you can. 

Here's the long answer.  I tried it 3 times.  I think I tried Sand Beige.  I can't remember.  It wasn't really the color that bugged me.  What bugged me that was as soon as I put it on it looked liked it kind of oxidized in places on my face....before I put any powder(Bare Escentuals Tinted Mineral Veil) over it.  It was comfortable, and it went on very easy.  Maybelline SuperStay 24HR Make-up did not have a bad cheap make-up smell! Whew! I hate that smell.  I think it stayed on fairly well...but, not like a dream answer. I definitely don't think it stayed on for 24 hours by any means.  I worked out one day at the Y pretty intensely and let's just say I got a good sweat on.  When I got in the car I did a little inspection...and I didn't think I looked like I still had foundation on. I also totally had make-up transfer onto my cell phone...ew!  So, all in all - i wasn't impressed.  I kicked it to the curb.  I read other reviews about this product, and they are mixed.  So - you might love it...but as for me...

...I'll keep searching.  

OK - now for the Tip!

This is a GOOOOOOD one!


I read this tip in MORE magazine...and it works works works!  Heat the curling end of your eyelash curler for about 4-5 seconds with your blow dryer.  Touch the curler to your arm to make sure it's not too hot...it is metal...it just needs to be slightly warm.  Then curl your lashes with your warmed up curler.  It works so well!!! Try it! Your lashes will thank you. 



Tuesday, February 9, 2010

MAC Fluidline Eye Liner




I tried several different types of gel eyeliner before i would spring for the MAC Fluidline Eye Liner.  MAC Fluidline currently comes in 6 colors.  Cost is $15. each.  I LOVE this stuff!  It goes on easy with a brush, and stays on all day.  Make Up that is long wearing is pretty much mandatory for me. I don't love to primp and reapply all day.  This stays on...and on...and on. I have even slept in it before and it will still be there in the morning.

I have Rich Ground (a copper metallic color), Blitz & Glitz (black w/a little pearl), and Waveline (Navy).  My next purchase in this line will be the Macroviolet.

I've had my eyeliners for about 4 months and wear it most days...and there is still a lot left.  So...this will last awhile.

I use my eco tools angled brush to apply this. I get these at Target, and I will review them soon.  I haven't used the MAC brushes yet...so, I can't really say much on those yet.

Anyway...on a scale of 1 to 10...with 10 being best. MAC fluidline eye liner is a big fat 10!  Skip over the cheaper ones and go buy this.

Ciao Bella!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Welcome Ladies!

Back in my teens and 20's I was interested in all things girly and happily stayed up on anything to do with make up and fashion...fast forward!  Marriage, 2 sons and a lifetime of loads of responsibilities I realized that some of the things I use to enjoy so much -  I was completely out of touch with now.  This is my journey of make up, fashion and all things girly.  Come along with me as I play with new and old make up products, techniques and dip my toe back into the pool of fashion.  Love to hear from you as often as you can.