Good glossing

Product: Slip Gloss
Made By: Garden Botanika
Price: $9.00 (on sale)

I received "My Pretty Pink Box" full of samples and goodies a couple of weeks ago, but I've been so busy I haven't gotten to trying anything in the box until this past weekend.

Of course, I went for the lipstick sample first. Lipstick, gloss, balm, whatever, is the one product I can never get enough of. I haven't used any Garden Botanika products in a long time -- probably since their store in my local mall closed -- so I didn't have high expectations for this being anything more than your average lip gloss. What a nice surprise it was when I put it on and I thought to myself immediately "Now I see why they call it Slip Gloss." It applies with a typical lip gloss wand, but it goes on very light and very smooth. No stickiness or goopiness. The color is very sheer and the shine is nicely subtle. It is also odor and flavor free which I prefer. My only complaint with this product is lasting power. I didn't last more than an hour. I guess that is to be expected of something so sheer and light, but it would require a lot of re-application.

Honestly, I don't know where to buy Garden Botanika products besides their website these days, but if you happen to come across it, I recommend it. Based on this experience I would definitely give other Garden Botanika products a try too.

In need of energy

Product: Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Made by: Bliss
Price: $52.00

At Christmas my good friend Becky gave me a wonderful box full of sample sizes of Bliss products. One of my favorite items in the box was this mask. As you can see by the price it is a bit on the expensive side so I have used it sparingly, but when I do, I really like the effect.

This morning I had to get up extra early to go to an all day conference for work and I thought that I could definitely use a little extra help so I started my day off with this mask. It only takes 5 minutes and it feels really good. The bottle pumps out a liquid, but it turns into a foam as you massage it into your face. Once it gets all foamy, you leave it there for 5 minutes, rinse it off and then apply toner and moisturizer. It is one of the easiest masks I have used and it really rinses off easily too. No worries about leaving a little behind.

Even after spending 8 hours in a crowded auditorium with no natural light and even under the harsh industrial bathroom lights, my skin looked fresh and not tired/long day looking. I will definitely use it again before my next long day. I am sure that will be some time this week!

When my sample size bottle runs out I think I might spring for the full-size because this stuff is really great.

Concealment needed

Product: Acne Treatment Concealer
Made by: Murad
Price: $21.00

I have to admit I had a bit of a breakout across my chin last week. In the midst of my breakout I ran out of my usual acne fighting concealer. When I tried to order more, I discovered, much to my dismay that it was discontinued. But I did not despair long because one quick trip to Sephora.com and I decided to order Murad's Acne Treatment Concealer.

This is the first Murad product I've tried and based on this initial experience, I would definitely try some of their other products. The first thing I liked about the acne treatment concealer is that it is available in different shades. The typical kind available at a drugstore are usually only available in one shade which is usually too dark for me. (I don't have very light skin, so I often wonder who that shade is right for, but that is a problem for another day.)

The product comes in a stick about that is a little wider than a pencil eraser. It is a little wider than I would prefer, but tt is very simple to apply by just swiping the stick over the areas that need concealing and then blending with your finger tips. It blends smoothly and doesn't dry caky or flaky which is very good. I covered it with some pressed powder and I was good to go.
It lasted for the better part of the day so no midday re-application was necessary. That was good since it does have Salicylic Acid in it and too much of that tends to make my skin very dry and flaky. I'm not sure if it really helped to clear my acne, but it did cover it without causing any more and that is good enough for me.

My Pretty Pink Box

I made a fun discovery this week through Twitter -- My Pretty Pink Box.

My Pretty Pink Box sells a box of beauty samples every month. Every month the box is filled with different samples, full-size products, and special discounts from retailers. I was lucky enough to order the May box before they sold out. The list of products included looks great and I can't wait to get MY pretty pink box and check it all out. I will sure to report on all my discoveries.

A little shine, a little sparkle

Product: Tricolour Lipglass in Triple-Yum
Made by: MAC Cosmetics
Price: $17.50

For me, lip gloss has two important qualities: consistency and color delivery. Consistency is important because you don't want something too sticky, but you do want it to maintain its shine. Color delivery is important because you don't want too much color with the shine of the gloss or you start looking way over-done. At the same time you do want some color -- if it is too sheer you may as well just get clear gloss.

I haven't used any MAC lip gloss (or as they call it, lipglass) products in a few years now and I am pleased to say that they have come a long way with consistency. The Tricolour Lipglass applies with a wand and it is neither to thick or too thin and it isn't very sticky either. It feels very good on and stays looking fresh for a good couple of hours.

The color delivery for this product isn't quite as successful. The three colors in the tube seem like a great idea, but it is made so the darker shade is at the bottom of the tube, the middle of the tube has the middle shade and a very light sparkly color is at the top. By the time you pull the wand up through all the shades most of the dark and middle shades get left behind and you are left with mostly very sheer color. I am hoping that the more I use it the more the colors will mix together, but right now the color is very, very sheer and I prefer a bit more color. That being said, too sheer is definitely better than too dark.

Overall I give this gloss good marks because of its consistency and lasting power. It would be very nice over a lipstick as well.

Just Mascara

Product: Dazzle Lash (in Black Dazzle)
Made by: MAC Cosmetics
Price: $12.00

The product description on the MAC site says that Dazzle Lash mascara...

...instantly creates a starburst dazzle effect. The trick lies in a new compact-sized, slightly sculpted brush applicator that singles out and pushes lashes to go bigger, bolder, longer, with a plush, glamorous curve.

It sounds very exciting, right? But I have to admit to disappointment upon receiving this product. It is ultimately just another mascara. The wand is nice, but nothing really special. The sculpting must indeed be "slight" because I can't really see what they mean. And I didn't notice a "starburst dazzle effect." (Admittedly, I am not sure what they mean by that either.) That's not to say it isn't nice mascara, but it is just as nice as any of my other preferred mascaras.

The mascara itself is a nice, rich black color. It applies thick, but not too clumpy. One coat was enough for a pretty natural look and 2 coats was slightly more "made-up" looking. If you happen to be shopping in MAC and need mascara, go for it, but if you have a brand you already love, don't switch for this one.

Mousse from Across the Pond

Product: No7 Stay Perfect Eye Mousse
Made by: Boots
Price: $7.99 (at CVS)

I was browsing the cosmetics aisles of my local CVS and I found myself attracted to the new Boots section. Boots is a British brand that lately has been made available at U.S. CVS stores. I haven't tried any Boots products before and this was a pretty good introduction.

The Stay Perfect Eye Mousse comes in 4 colors. I chose lilac. It comes in a small tube and you apply it with your fingertips. I was a little concerned about how thick it would be, but it went on very lightly thus living up to its name as "mousse." It is very easy to apply, in fact. The color was not too overpowering with a nice iridescence. The lasting power wasn't the best as most of it was gone by the time I got home, but it did stay on for most of the day. The product claims to be waterproof, but there was almost none left when I washed my face that night and it all seemed to come off easily with regular face soap and water.

Overall I give this a thumbs up and think it is definitely worth a try.

The Basics

A lot of women who don't wear much or any make-up feel like they don't know where to start when they decide they would like to try some make up. My good friend Becky was in just that spot so a couple of weeks ago when we were in Sephora together she asked me to help her put together the basics. I was delighted and practically ran her through the store before she had a chance to change her mind. And not because I think she needed make-up because Becky is gorgeous without it, but because I was delighted at the idea of picking out a bunch of products at once and ones that would only enhance her gorgeousness.

We started with under eye concealer. Becky has very fair skin and therefore the under eye circles sometimes show. Under eye concealer is a product you shouldn't skimp on otherwise it just creases or doesn't really work. I recommend: Clinique's All About Eyes Concealer.

Apply this concealer like you would under eye cream patting it gently from the inner corner to the outer corner of your eye until it is all blended in.

Because Becky has such beautiful fair skin, she doesn't need any real foundation. I suggested she just use Get Even by Benefit Cosmetics. It is a light pressed powder that just evens everything out without really covering. It is easy to apply with the enclosed sponge and you just sweep it around your face.

Next we went back to the Clinique section to choose a mascara. There are a lot of good mascaras out there right now, but for basic mascara I go with Clinique's Naturally Glossy Mascara in Jet Black. In most cases black is the right color for mascara. Only those with really fair hair need a lighter color.

For blush we chose Blush Me! Trio by Sephora. I think blushes that combine colors give the most natural look. Instead of a sweep of one color you get a few blending together and it blends into your face more naturally.

Important for blush application is the right brush. I like a big, soft brush like Sephora's Rounded Powder Brush. They can be expensive, but since they last for years, it is worth it. Just don't forget wash them with some mild hand soap once a month or so.

Last, but certainly not least, is lipstick. Becky already had a tube of Nars lipstick so we didn't pick out anything new on our shopping trip. However, for those new to lipstick or never happy with what they get, I suggest you start by choosing sheer lipsticks (look for it to say "sheer") that are close to your natural lip color. If you like the look of gloss you can be a bit more experimental with color, but stick to the lighter shades. As you experiment more you can get more adventurous.

One of my favorite natural shades of sheer lipstick is Dolce Vita by Nars. My favorite lip gloss is Stila's Lip Glaze which is available in a variety of sheer colors almost any of which could be considered neutral.

So, those are the basics in my book. Any questions or comments?

Drugstore Surprise

Product: CoverGirl Simply Ageless Foundation
Made by: CoverGirl & Olay
Price: $13.99 (at drugstore.com)

I'm often a bit of a snob about foundation and prefer the department store brands to the drugstore brands, but I was attracted to this new product from CoverGirl so I decided to give it a try. Surprisingly I was not disappointed. CoverGirl and Olay have come up with quite a nice new product.

The CoverGirl Simply Ageless Foundation is a creamy foundation that is made with Olay Regenerist Serum. (The Olay is supposed to help the make up from settling into lines and wrinkles. I think the lightweight formula helps with that too.) The result is a smooth and easy to apply foundation that feels as good going on as a moisturizer with a cool light texture. Ease of blending means it goes on quickly. A variety of shades make it easy to find the right one. It offers light to medium coverage that lasts a good 4 hours or so and comes with an application sponge, but I recommend using one of those triangular make up sponges instead for more control of application.

Next time you're in your drugstore of choice, I say give it a shot.

The Perfect Original

Product: ChapStick Classic
Made by: ChapStick (owned by Wyeth)
Price: $1.89 (at CVS.com)

Awhile ago there was an article in the NY Times about skin care products and the thrust of the story was dermatologists saying all the expensive creams and potions are really not worth it and all you really need is some mild soap to clean your face, moisturizer, and sunscreen. I would add ChapStick to that list. It is the perfect lip balm -- often imitated, but never, in my opinion, surpassed.

I don't ever leave home without it.

Zit Zapper

Product: Drying Lotion
Made by: Mario Badescu
Price: $17.00

Since I hit puberty I have been in search of the perfect zit zapper -- the one that makes them disappear over night. The closest I've come is Drying Lotion.

It is not an anti-moisturizer as the name implies, but, in fact, it is a pimple healer. And it really, really works! I am prone to occasional pimples (not regular acne) and I have tried a lot of these so-called "spot" removers. Most of them don't really seem to work, but this stuff is like a little miracle. Apply this stuff before bed and in the morning any pimples are either gone or really significantly reduced. I've even started putting it on in spots where I think I might be getting a pimple. It is something that has to be worn at bedtime because it is a pink solution that has to be washed off. Also good to note, because you only apply it on the spot, your skin doesn't get all dry and flaky.

At $17 for a small bottle it does sound expensive, but one bottle lasts me at least 6 months.

Just the Essentials

Product: bareMinerals Get Started Kit
Made by: Bare Escentuals
Price: $60.00

The kit includes:

• 2 shades of bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation
• Mineral Veil finishing powder
• Warmth All-Over Face Color
• Flawless Application Face Brush
• Handy Buki Brush
• Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush
• In-depth How-To Guide that details every product and how to best apply your bareMinerals

A good friend recently turned me on to the bareMinerals line and I admit I was skeptical at first, but the products actually work quite well. I don't like to wear liquid foundation because I don't need much coverage, but traditional powder compacts tend to wear off so quickly. bareMinerals foundation is a happy medium and you can put it on lightly or add more layers as you like. Plus, I don't know how, but it is SPF15 which is always a good thing.

I bought the starter kit and it comes with 2 shades of foundation, something called Mineral Veil which is a finishing powder, 3 different application brushes, and warmth face color. I have mostly used the foundation shade that is best for me and the warmth face color which is a really nice kind of blush.

The starter kit also comes with an instructional DVD and I know it sounds silly, but it is quite helpful. I watched the entire thing and I am glad I did.

My only complaint with these products is that they don't go on in a hurry. On those morning when I literally only have 5 minutes, I can't spend the time on it or I'll never even get to the mascara before I have to run.

Magic Potion

Product: Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Made by: Urban Decay
Price: $17.00

Eyeshadow Primer Potion claims to do what many products have claimed before. The difference is that this stuff actually works!

Urban Decay's claim:

This miracle eyeshadow primer is unmatched by any other in the beauty industry! The genie in this bottle fulfills three wishes: eyeshadow that lasts, more vibrant and lasting color, and absolutely NO creasing.

It goes on quickly and easily although I recommend blotting it on with the wand and then smoothing it out with your finger. It dries quickly and does not affect the color of your eye shadow.

When I bought it I was highly skeptical of its ability to make my eye shadow last without creasing, but being the sucker that I am, I was grabbed by the marketing and bought it anyway. The first day I used it my expectations were low. I put my make-up on at around 7:30AM as I do most mornings and I was absolutely shocked to look in the mirror at around 5PM and see that I still had eye shadow on my eyes. No creases either. Amazing!