beauty corner

June Ipsy Bag 2014

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Nothing quite brightens my day like seeing that pink bubblewrap envelope from ipsy. This month’s theme is Pretty in Paradise and is all about achieving that gorgeous summer look. I’ve been trying out these products for a few weeks, so here’s my verdict on June’s ipsy bag.

As most of you know, ipsy is a service that for $10 a month sends you 4-5 sample or full size beauty products. Ipsy also provides discounts from many of their monthly products, which is a heady drug for us beauty addicts. In the three months I’ve been an ipsy subscriber I have really enjoyed the service and trying new things. If you’re interested in joining up, use this link here to get started.

June Ipsy Bag

June Ipsy Bag

Every once in a while my inner label whore wants attention, and boy is she happy right now! This month’s ipsy bag was specially designed by Rebecca Minkoff to coordinate with her 2014 summer collection. I can’t afford anything else this woman creates but dang does it feel good to have this little makeup bag. And it’s really adorable. Not too thrilled by the zipper location though; it sometimes makes larger products awkward to fit into the bag. Ipsters also receive 20% off at rebeccaminkoff.com. Super win!

OleHenrikson Truth to Go Wipes ($9.00 for 10 cloth pack): These citrus scented cleansing wipes feel like a luxury item for a somewhat reasonable price. The texture is kind of thick and fluffy for a makeup remover wipe, so I want to call them a cloth. It may seem like a strange distinction but I think it’s one worth making here. With most makeup remover wipes I feel like it’s just step one and I still need to wash my face after. These OleHenrikson wipes/clothes  actually do the full job. I took them on a road trip recently as my only cleansing method, which could have been risky but paid off.  I wouldn’t recommend using only these clothes long term, but for a weekend away or a night where you just want to hit the hay these are perfect. I might repurchase these for travel, because of the ease and small package size, but I can’t really support this price for everyday use. If you’re an ipster you can get 20% off your order if you share your email address though so that might be worth it.

Jessie’s Girl Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in black ($6.99):  I’ve never used a felt tip eyeliner before, so this was a lot of fun to try. This is the greatest wing-making tool I’ve ever used. The control with this product is amazing. The design of the tip kind of looks like a calligraphy pen, so you can create a super thin line or go thick. It glides on  and then dries quickly. It also lasts all day long and doesn’t even think about smudging. I have to use my strongest makeup remover to get this stuff off at night.  Some liquid eyeliners have a hint of a sheen or a wet look to them, but this Jessie’s Girl liner is a luscious matte. The price on this liner is also lovely. I will definitely be purchasing Jessie’s Girl Liquid Eyeliner again in the future. Ipsters also receive 20% off any purchase at the Jessie’s Girl site.

NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair ($5.00): I’m always excited to try a new NYX product! Like most brands there are some hit or miss items in their range, but the Butter Glosses are almost unanimously beloved. This is my first try with the Butter Glosses and I absolutely buy into the hype. The color I received, Eclair, is a light pink or barely nude. I feel a little bit like Bridgitte Bardot with the shade and high sheen. Overall the gloss is fantastic but doesn’t become sticky with wear. You do need to reapply every few hours–I wouldn’t call this formula longwearing–but your lips will feel plush and moisturized for hours after it wears off. That’s a fair trade to me. And the smell is delicious like vanilla sponge cake. For $5.00 this is worth every penny. I will be getting other shades of this in the near future. Ipsy subscribers will also receive  30% off on NYX stick blush.

Marc Anthony True Professional Dream Waves Beach Spray ($3.79 for travel size. $8.79 for full size): My hair is stick straight and notoriously refuses to hold a curl. So naturally I’ve always wanted glorious waves. I had high hopes for this product, mostly because the phrase “dream waves” are in the title. The bottle says to spray into hair either wet or dry, scrunch your hair for texture and volume, then let dry. Now true to form, my hair refuses to give into my desire to have mermaid locks. However, this ended up being a wonderful volumizer. So while I didn’t get beach waves from this product, I did get fullness and a bit of added body. Dry shampoos have never really worked for me because they tend to make my hair greasier, but this beach spray is a more effective solution for my hair’s needs.  I haven’t used this product often in the last few weeks but I will keep it around for when my hair is looking particularly flat. I would repurchase this product and if you’re an ipsy subscriber you can now get $1.00 off the full size at Walgreens.com

Lash Out Mascara by Be A Bombshell ($15): This is the most expensive product in my ipsy bag?? Kind of disappointing. I have some incredible mascaras from the drugstore that are less expensive and do a better job i.e. L’Oreal Miss Manga, Maybelline the Falsies, or even e.l.f. waterproof  and lengthening mascara. Even after three coats my lashes do not have much added length or volume. It’s a very dry formula, and so it is also prone to flaking. There are few products out there that I truly am disappointed with, but this Lash Out mascara is absolutely one of them. Ipsters can get 30% off purchase and a free Beach Please blush, which is a good deal if I weren’t so upset with this mascara.

Not so much with the killer deals this month, but that’s probably because of the designer makeup bag. Overall, I’d give this bag a 3 out of 5 bubbles (I’m trying this system out. Too corny?). My favorite of the bags so far was April. The value of June’s bag is $39.78, which is the least value I’ve received thus far. But it’s still a worthwhile value and a great service.

Ipsy link: http://www.ipsy.com/r/7zfy

May Favorites

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I had to think long and hard about my favorites for May.  There were so many amazing products I’ve tried this month but these six really stand out. Some are old favorites and some are new finds. Let’s get to it!

Everyone on the internet loves this thing.

Everyone on the internet loves this thing.

 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer ($8.99):

First of all, why do these products need to have lengthier names than the size of the darn packaging? Labels aside this concealer earns every bit of hype the internet has given.  I’ve had this product for several months and hadn’t really used it that often because of the sponge. The sponge was cute, it was soft, but it had to go. The application with the sponge was more difficult for me and clogged up easily. So I ripped the darn thing off this month and it changed the way I use this concealer. I just turn the dial and use my pinky to apply product under my eyes. This Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer is better than any high-end product I’ve tried thus far and it’s phenomenal for contouring. I use the shade fair and have hardly gone a day without using this lil’ guy. Somewhere along the line I lost the proper cap, so I snapped on a cap from a travel size hairspray bottle in order to preserve the illusion of cleanliness. Classy, I know, but it’s the best I can do at the moment.

A new find from my old stash

A new find from my old stash

 

Clinique Color Surge Eyeshadow Duo in Starstruck/ Golden Lynx ($20):

Now this duo no longer exists in it’s current form since I got it a few years ago. That being said, I highly recommend Clinique shadows. They’re finely milled shadows that have a great color payoff. I recently picked up the Starstruck/Golden Lynx combo from my newly organized makeup stash and fell in love all over again. I’ve used this duo for the last week and a half solid. It’s perfect for a natural look with the light shade on the lid and the warm brown shade blended into the crease. You definitely need a primer with these shadows though. They’ll stay all day if you use a primer but tend to fade by themselves. Right now, Clinique has comparable shades on their site and the closest seems to be Like Mink. These duos are so easy to throw on, so they’re worth investing in.

Sample sizes are so much fun.

Sample sizes are so much fun.

 

Hey Honey Take it Off Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask ($35):

I have been on a major mask kick lately, and this is hands down my favorite. I got this sample of Hey Honey in my May ipsy bag and have been using it weekly ever since. You lightly moisturize your face before application and then lightly moisturize after you peel the mask off. My skin feels so happy and clean after I use this product. A full size retails for $35 and since I’m still working through the sample three weeks later, the price is probably worth the amount you would get. It doesn’t take much of this clear gel to cover your face. I use this maybe once a week and use a different mask as well, but Hey Honey has been a valuable addition to my routine.

Newest Obsession

Newest Obsession

Ulta Extreme Wear Mousse Blush in Peach Glow ($8.00):

Until this product, I had never tried a cream or mousse blush and I am now a convert. This formula is so silky with a hint of a shimmer, but dries to matte. Applying it with your finger is easy and the finished look has the appearance of a natural flush. The range has four colors which would work for a variety of skin tones. I also have the Nude Glow and love that as well. I tend to use the Peach more often with my fair skin, but the Nude is great for sunny days. The staying power with this is also great–your blush will still be there at the end of the day. Such a fan!

Don't judge. Just love.

Don’t judge. Just love.

 

Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster ($9.00):

Ladies, you know summer can be cruel to your bikini line.  No matter what your hair removal strategy is, the skin on your inner thighs is sensitive and prone to irritation. I cannot recommend this product enough. Now, it doesn’t eliminate all your problems, but as someone who has struggled with bumps and redness for years this is a lovely solution. Suggested use is for everyday, and I’d say I use it every other day. I’m still seeing positive results though. You might have a bit of a sting at application if you just shaved/waxed/whatevered but other than that no pain or lingering discomfort. I’m already feeling more confident as bikini season approaches. You get fifty pads for just under $10.00, which is so worth while for the result.  I got my Bump Blasters at ulta.com and will definitely keep up with using this for months.

Finally found my brush cleaner.

Finally found my brush cleaner.

 

BH Studio Pro Makeup Brush Cleaner ($14.95)

I clean my brushes thoroughly about once or twice a month with a DIY method, but have been looking for a good in between uses brush cleaner. FOUND IT! I grabbed it at the BH Cosmetics website, and right now they’re having a bit of a sale, so you can get this big ole’ bottle for $9.95 here. I keep a towel near my makeup and spray the fabric 3-4 times then gently swirl the dirty brushes on the towel. The excess product comes right out and leaves my brushes with a faint, fresh citrus scent. Then let the brushes air dry and you’re ready to use again. This cleaner even works wonders on my foundation brushes where I use my liquid foundations. Even though the suggested use is the 3-4 sprays, a little bit goes a long way here. So happy with this brush cleaner!

 

There are my beauty favorites for May. Hope you enjoyed and be on the lookout for my May empties post.

What’s In My Travel Bag?

/ caitlinemccann / 4 Comments

I just got back from a weekend at home in St. Louis, Missouri for my grandparent’s 50th anniversary. It was a really special weekend for my family, since we rarely can get all of us together. Congratulations, Grandma and Grandpa! And of course, it was Mother’s Day too. Love ya, Mamma!

When I do weekends away, I usually try to minimize my makeup to the essentials. My makeup had to suit going to church service, family photos, and Sunday brunch. All slightly fancy things.

So here is a peek into my makeup bag from a weekend home.

It may not look like it, but believe me this is minimalist makeup packing for me.

It may not look like it, but believe me this is minimalist makeup packing for me.

There are some good ole’ drugstore basics here like an Oral-B toothbrush in a $1.00 travel case, my travel size Degree Women’s deodorant, my Venus razor, and my Target up & up makeup remover wipes.

Makeup wise there are also some drugstore goodies. All of mine were purchased at my local Walgreens. Two of them, I have already mentioned in previous posts: the Rimmel Scandaleyes Nude Kohl eyeliner and the Wet n’ Wild Eye Shadow Primer in For my Primas.

The other two drugstore goodies are the Revlon Age Defying CC Cream in Light and Maybelline 24 Hr Color Tattoo in Sunwashed Sky. I am obsessed with these two products. The Revlon CC Cream is so light and natural looking, I can even use it without a primer. Plus it has SPF so I can leave the house quickly and feel confident that I look good and am being kind to my skin. The limited edition Color Tattoo is quickly becoming one of my favorite bases. Post-primer, I glide Sunwashed Sky over my lids and it works as a single shadow look or blends beautifully with grays or purples.

I also brought a single shadow stick from City Color’s Bronzy Shadow Pencils Pack. The shade is Charcoal Grey and is super blendable. I love using this creamy pencil along my crease over Sunwashed Sky. Which is why I brought my Bare Minerals Crease Brush with me. Soft, circular motions blend the cream shadows together for an easy, stunning smokey eye.

Urban Decay’s Naked Palette was a valuable addition to my travel bag. I used the shade Buck to fill in my brows. Then I used Half Baked, a shimmery golden shade, on my lid, and Smog, an olive-y brown with shimmer, on the crease. There are endless looks with these Naked palettes, which is what makes them so perfect for traveling. Even though I appreciate that the palette comes with a brush, I like having a variety of choices. So, I also brought a Sephora travel brush set. My Mom got these for me years ago, but there is still a comparable set available. Let me tell you, it got a ton of use this weekend.

Ever since it arrived in last month’s ipsy bag, I’ve been loving my Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide On Eyeliner in Black Velvet. It goes on smooth and makes even a novice beauty lover look like a pro. I’ve written about this product more than once, so I’ll just let it be awesome all on its own.

Then there is the Pond’s Clarant B3 Moisturizer. This little travel size product is packed full of vitamins and helps correct dark spots. My skin feels petal soft when I put this on for the night. At home, I don’t use it every night but it is in my rotation.

Another recent obsession is my Ulta Extreme Wear Mousse Blush in Peach Glow. I had never used a cream or mousse formula blush before. Consider me a convert because this is the best thing ever. It glides on, feels silky smooth, and actually lasts all day. For my fair complexion the peach shade gives a natural-looking healthy glow. Then I would dot my sample size of Benefit’s Highbeam along my cheek bones for extra sheen.

For lips, I brought my go-to basic, Clinque’s Chubby Stick in Curviest Caramel. The perfect warm neutral shade that goes with any look. More lipstick than gloss, but there is a nice buttery texture that leaves your lips happy.

P.S. The bag is from a limited edition Carolina Herrera set that were at Target a few years ago. The set has three different patterns and three different sizes, all reminiscent of 1920’s art deco. The set was a gift, but you could probably still find it on eBay.

That may sound like a long list, but I promise this is me packing light.

If you’re interested in me doing a full product review of any of the makeup I took on my trip, please let me know in the comments.

April Empties

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Since my last post was about my favorites for April, I wanted to do a companion post about which products I have finished off this month. There is something unbelievably satisfying about finishing off a bottle/jar/pan of your goodies. Even if you hated the product in question, it feels good  to use it up.

I’m going to take a moment to explain my philosophy about hair products, face cleansers, and other body products. Build up happens, people. Your shampoos, deodorants, cleansing oils, etc. do great things for your bod, but your skin naturally builds up a tolerance to their composition and positive effects. It only gets worse when you miss some products and don’t wash them all off. One of the ways I avoid build up long-term is by changing up my regimen when I run out of a certain item. Unless I am madly in love with a product, I won’t immediately re-buy something but I would definitely put it back in the rotation.

So my system for empties is Buy Now, Buy Later, or Let It Go.

 

Ice Shine 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner from Pantene Pro-V

Shampoo bottles make me feel particularly accomplished when I reach the end.

Ice Shine 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner from Pantene Pro-V–$4.99

I’m such a lazy creature when it comes to hair maintenance. Ergo shampoo/conditioner combos are my favorite. The formula is creamy but not heavy like some conditioners and it left my hair feeling squeaky clean. Shine-wise I felt that it gave a natural gloss straight from the shower but was not something that lasted 24 hours like the bottle claims. I’m more excited that I get to try a new shampoo than I am by the product in general.

Shampoo purchases are such commitments because this thing is going to be in your shower for months. While I will readily return to the Pantene brand, I think the Ice Shine is a Let it Go.

 

Obviously, I have already repurchased this charming soap. Spoiler alert!

Obviously, I have already repurchased this charming soap. Spoiler alert!

Tea Tree Rx Bar from KIND–$7.50

I zoomed in so you can see all the great details of this company. 100% natural and eco-friendly. They also donate $0.10  per bar sold. KIND soap is based in my home town of Webster Groves, Missouri, so I’m even more of a devoted customer since I like to support small businesses. My skin is really sensitive and acne-prone so the tea tree soap helps soothe my skin and reduce redness. The scent is refreshing in the shower but fades pleasantly, so that you feel crisp and clean. It won’t overpower your perfume or other body sprays either. KIND has many other types of products and scent ranges; think a small-scale LUSH. I’d also highly recommend the eco-Bag for soap ($5) no matter what kind of bar you’re using to fully utilize every last inch of your soap.

Not only have I repurchased this Tea Tree soap, or rather my Mom keeps me in stock out here in California, but I usually have an additional bar in reserve. Buy Now, for sure.

 

My favorite razor for summer and all my shaving needs.

My favorite razor for summer and all my shaving needs.

Venus Spa Breeze Refill Cartridges–$20.99

This is going to sound weird, but these things smell like a My Little Pony I used to have as a kid. And who doesn’t want to smell like one of those magical creatures? The smell doesn’t last though, which is OK because you don’t want all your shower scents to be at war. I’ve tried a lot of Venus razor products and for whatever reason, this specific brand does not irritate my skin.

If I can manage repeat uses without my skin freaking out, it’s a Buy Now.

 

Not quite empty yet...but I'm like a week away so I'm counting it!

Not quite empty yet…but I’m like a week away so I’m counting it!

Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub–$6.99 at Target

So many hyphens in one product title! Worth it though. Nice cream base with little exfoliating beads. My skin feels…relieved after. Maybe that’s not the best description but you’re taking off dead skin cells, which lightens the load of your skin. It’s taken me a long time to get through this product, but I’m a fan of the results.

This is a great exfoliator for teens and young adults with troubled skin, but I’m excited by the prospect of trying something new. This Power Scrub is a Buy Later.

 

The companion to the scrub above.

The companion to the scrub above.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash–$6.99 at Target

If the scrub from above interests you, then you also need to check out this cream wash. I’ve been using both for years and the results were great through cystic breakouts or mild blemishes. I like to start my morning with the Cream Wash. Smooth and refreshing with a hint of invigorating cool.

Much like the scrub, I would say Buy Later on the Cream Wash.

 

New favorite makeup wipe.

New favorite makeup wipe.

Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes with Cotton Extract–$6.00

I didn’t think any makeup wipe could supplant my Neutrogena ones. But this sensitive formula is so light I can clean my eye makeup off without any burning sensation. The Neutrogena wipes always left me rubbing my eyes. The Burt’s Bees wipes are also 99% natural, so it makes sense that they’re gentler on my skin. The results are just as good as other wipes too. I’m a big fan of the cotton fresh scent as well. Easy to use, effective, and better for your body than harsh chemicals. Good all around.

Pretty plain that my answer will be Buy Now.

 

Those are all the products I’ve finished up this month. Wishing you the joy of finishing old favorites and finding new ones this spring!

April Beauty Favorites

/ caitlinemccann / 3 Comments

April has flown by, which is a shame because it is such a lovely month. The weather is gorgeous: warm and breezy without being overpowering. In a way, that’s also my makeup philosophy for spring. I want my face to feel light, fresh, and colorful without being too loud. Here are my favorite beauty products that help me achieve that April freshness.

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1. It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner Plus Keratin : You know how luxurious and shiny your hair feels when you leave the salon? This product absolutely extends that feeling. After I shower, I pop my hair into a Turbie-Twist and go about my business for a bit. Then before I bed down for the night or leave the house for the day, I spray the Miracle Leave-In product lightly over my hair and brush it through. After three weeks of doing this, my hair is healthier, shiner, and softer. And it smells lovely. My boyfriend has even commented on how nice my hair smells. Can’t beat that. This little 4 oz. bottle can retail upwards from $18.99 depending on where you buy it, but I’d say this product is worth it.

2. Voluminous Power Volume 24H Mascara: According to its description, this mascara is infused with collagen. The goal there being fuller, plumper looking lashes. I’m not a scientist, but goal achieved. It’s also just fine for sensitive eyes. I use the color Black Smoke and love how full my lashes look. The volume is definitely there too. Maybe not the most natural look out there, but I favor this mascara for nights out. For $7.95, I’ll take it over false lashes every time.

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3. Clinique Quick Corrector in Light: THEY NO LONGER MAKE THIS PRODUCT. Talk about trauma. People are selling this for over $25.00 on eBay when it originally retailed for around $15. I have been hoarding this little tube in my drawer for a while now. And, yes, I know makeup can expire. But the Quick Corrector still gets the job done. I use it more now for highlighting than for straight concealing. The creamy consistency and full coverage are perfection. The light tone is also an ideal brightner. If anyone has found a dupe for this one, please let me know!

4.Wet N Wild Take on the Day Eye Shadow Primer: This little nugget is part of Fergie’s Center Stage collection and is titled For My Primas. I know there are some lovely eye primers from brands like Urban Decay (I have a sample pot next to my bathroom sink), but for those budget conscious beauties, this Wet N Wild primer is an ideal substitute. It has a light color that creates a lovely base for shimmer and matte shades alike. A tiny dot covers my lid and I don’t see creased color in the mirror hours later. It’s a must have for $4.99.

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5. Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Apple Pink: I’ve already raved about this product in my ipsy bag review, but I have been using this lip balm several times a week since the bag arrived. The color is exactly the shade of pink that I love. It’s more of a lush peony shade than apple. The little lip brush adds a precision element to application and the matte formula also moisturizes your lips. Some mattes look cakey, but this one just settles on to look natural. Grab yours for $19.00 here.

6. NYX’s Eyebrow Push-Up Bra: Go ahead, take a second to giggle at the name. I certainly did when I saw it in stores last month. The brown half of the pencil is a universally flattering shade to fill in your brows, and the pink side highlights underneath your brow and inner eye corners. My Mom once told me that one day I would care about the illusion of fuller brows, and that day has come. This pencil is easy to use with instant results. It fills in my brows and looks utterly natural, and the highlighter portion gives the brows a natural lift. For $10.00, it’s a must for a fresh face.

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These are my ultimate faves for creating a fresh look this April, but they’re great products that will carry me through other seasons as well. Hope you enjoyed my April Beauty Favorites!

April Ipsy Bag 2014

/ caitlinemccann / 2 Comments

I’ve got an addictive personality. And it doesn’t seem to extend to drugs or alcohol. But movies, books, and clothes? Most definitely. Makeup can now be added to that list of goodies.

I stumbled upon ipsy via Facebook; my friend and stylist posted about her glam bag and I was immediately intrigued. For those of you who haven’t heard about the glory that is ipsy, it’s a monthly delivery service where you receive 4-5 sample or full size beauty products for $10 a month. Your premier products come in an adorable makeup bag that fits the month’s theme. Each bag is somewhat personalized to your beauty interests since you take a quiz, and your product reviews impact future bag items. As an ipster a.k.a. glam bag subscriber you can also get discounts and free samples from the brands in that month’s bag. Super bonus, it’s created by beauty guru Michelle Phan!

Ipsy is an addict’s paradise because it’s so darn affordable. The proof is in the proverbial pudding: this is my first month as an ipster and I could not be happier! For the month of April, the theme is Beauty Rocks as an homage to the kicking off of music festival season. My bag came in about a week ago, and I’ve been playing around with the products to share my reviews with you. So here we go!

Follow me on Instagram @caitlinemccann

Follow me on Instagram @caitlinemccann

So this little bag has already made its way into my purse as a permanent addition. Coincidentally, the blue-violet tone of the bag matches my purse, and the kind of vinyl material seems like it would be an easy clean-up in case of spills. It’s also pretty unique with its square shape. It hold quite a bit of stuff too.

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Apple Pink. First of all, I’m such a fan of the way this product is designed. The conical-shaped top actually has a little lip brush in it so you can apply the balm with more precision. While it may appear that there isn’t much balm in the bottom tub, a little bit of this stuff goes a long way. The balm is wonderful: highly pigmented, with a matte finish, and it doesn’t dry out my lips. I’ve used this lip balm multiple times in the last week or so and the Apple Pink shade is perfect for spring. This is a full size product that regularly retails for $19. I want to finish up with this balm (I’m really trying not to go purchase crazy here) but I could easily see myself buying more Cailyn Tinted Lip Balms in the future. With 18 shades in the collection, there is a color here for everyone.

Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment. Cover FX has a whole line of primers that are specified for your skin needs, but I’m glad I received this one. Not only is the matte finish quite nice, but this primer has micro exfoliating beads that help treat and prevent breakouts while smoothing fine lines. I’ve never seen a primer make higher claims. I’d have to use it more often to see if it really delivers. And while I still prefer some other primers, I’m not mad at this one either. Ipsy members received a travel size, but the full size product runs to $38. I’m going to keep using this primer, but I’m on the fence about whether or not I would shell out for it once the travel size is gone. Still, nice stuff!

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil in Black Velvet. This sample is exciting because it’s a brand new product from Urban Decay. My expectations were high because UD has such a good reputation in the beauty world. And I was not disappointed! The Velvet Glide pencil is a true black shade that feels creamy and light. It smudges well if you want it to, but stays put if you don’t. It really does hold long-term too, so the 24/7 is not just a flashy name. A full size pencil costs $20, but the travel size is about the same size as some of my drugstore liners so it feels like a great deal. If I ever use the stuff up I would definitely commit to a repurchase.

City Color White Gold Shadow & Highlight Mousse. Holy Moly! I just looked at the City Color website and this amazing little thing is only $3.99. FULL SIZE. If you like shimmery lids, this is absolutely the shadow for you. I’ve never seen another product with this kind of texture: it kind of feels like Jet-Puffed marshmallow creme. I realize that sounds weird and potentially off-putting but it feels great on the lid. And the golden hued shimmer is an excellent accent or as a base shade. I haven’t used it as a highlighter because I don’t like that much shimmer for highlights. But as a shadow, I am on board! Will definitely re-buy when I hit pan.

KISS Looks So Natural Lashes in Shy. These false lashes also retail for $3.99, but I’m less excited about them than I am about the white gold shadow. Don’t get me wrong, the lashes look lovely in their little box, but I’m still a bit intimidated by the concept of falsies. I’ve been told they’re easy and once you start using them, you never go back. But I’m content with my regular mascara at the moment. These will languish in a drawer until I muster up the courage to try them someday. Until then, they were kind of a wash. Still, I can’t be upset because I am thrilled with the other lovelies in my ipsy bag!

For $10 I got all these products sent to me in the mail–in a pretty pink bubble-wrapped envelope, by the way. The bag items at full price would retail for $84.98. Not too shabby, eh?

If ipsy sounds like your kind of thing, then feel free to use the link below to get you started. I get these spiffy things called ipsyPoints that I can potentially use for free stuff, you get a glam bag…it’s a win-win.

http://www.ipsy.com/r/7zfy

 

e.l.f. Haul and Review

/ caitlinemccann / 12 Comments

As you might have noticed I’ve been slowly exploring the realm of beauty blogging. Part of that is trying to bring you more reviews when I come across products I love (or hate). Recently, e.l.f. had a deal where if you spent over $25 they would include a spring showers gift. If you love makeup but don’t like stretching your wallet too far, e.l.f allows you to play around with color and finishes without feeling guilty. Their products retail for anywhere from$1 to around $30, but the higher price items are usually package deals and sets. So for a total of $34 I got all the goodies you see below, which includes the spring showers gift set.

My e.l.f. haul. All this for $34.

My e.l.f. haul. All this for $34.

These beauties all arrived Thursday, and I spent this morning playing around with most of this bounteous haul. Some of the products I have immediate pro or con reactions to and others might need a longer look-see before I can make final judgement, but here are my initial thoughts for you.

Eyeliner and Shadow Stick in Green/Moss. I am madly in love with this product after one use. This green shadow is amazing. It’s more of an olive-y green but it’s also super blendable. The formula is creamy and highly pigmented too, plus it lasted through an afternoon in the California heat. The liner is alright–you’ll have to keep layering it on for definition. Both have a hint of shimmer but it’s not overwhelming, so if glitter isn’t your thing don’t panic! The best part? The stick is $3. For my look below I used the shadow as a base, covering my whole lid, and then lined my eyes with the moss shade.

Little Black Beauty Book Warm Edition. I used three colors from this palette and since there are no labels, I’m just going to describe them. On the inner third of my eyes I used an olive toned gold (looks a bit like fool’s gold on the lid), which added some shimmer. I also bought two brushes from e.l.f. not pictured above. Using one of these blending brushes, I took a matte brown and placed it on the exterior corner of my eye is a v-shape. Then for highlights I used a bone shade along my brow. The colors in the palette are a lot of fun and I’ll definitely play with them more–some of them seem to fade faster than others. The beauty book was part of the spring showers free gift but the palette with 48 shades retails for $6.

Waterproof Lengthening &Volumizing Mascara. At first I was a tad hesitant about the mascara because I’m a loyalist to my Neutrogena Healthy Volume. But this stuff might just win me over (not enough to change over completely but enough to add the e.l.f. to my rotation). The brush is more narrow than the average volumizing mascara. The formula itself doesn’t feel heavy and it didn’t flake off or smudge. I’m pleasantly surprised since I didn’t actually purchase this mascara; it was in the gift set. Normally it retails for $3, so give it a shot.

The full look.

The full look. Check out ‘dem freckles!

Makeup Remover Pen: LOOOOVE. Have you ever gone a bit overboard with your eye shadow or lost control of your liner? It’s tricky to fix your mistakes once you’ve applied foundation, concealer, shadow, etc. This thing completely obliterates errors. I was able to sculpt the exterior shape of my eye shadow for a more pro look. I would highly recommend this pen! And it retails for $3! Get on it, ladies!

Poreless Face Primer. I’m becoming a primer convert. I can be kind of lazy with foundations and such, so the added step of primer always seemed painful. I dig this Poreless Primer though. It takes care of pores and fine lines, giving you a natural, flawless finish. When I first put it on it felt a tad waxy but the feeling disappears once the primer sets up, leaving skin quite silky. I used my Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream for a foundation, and frankly it’s never looked better. I credit the primer for the extra oomph. Retail: $6.

Baked Blush in Peachy Cheek. Jury’s still out on this one. Pigmentation is medium strength and the peach color is nice, but I’m not yet ready to commit or quit. This was also part of the gift set so maybe my ambivalence stems from not having chosen it myself. I’ll keep you posted. If you’d like to check it out for yourself, it’s only $3.

Baked Highlighter in Pink Diamonds. Another gift set surprise. It arrived broken but that sort of thing has never stopped me. It gives a subtle shimmer so I brushed it along my cheekbones. Ultimately, I didn’t love or hate this product. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, but it will get used nonetheless. Retail: $3.

An everyday look for spring.

An everyday look for spring.

Mineral Lip Liner in Peachy. I’ve never been a big lip liner person, but I decided to give it a shot. I wear a lot of nude shades, so the peach seemed like a natural fit. Not sure how I feel about this one. I mean…it works. Will it make it into a daily rotation, probably not. And the running e.l.f. theme, $3.

Matte Lip Color in Coral and Rich Red. Matte is such a beauty trend right now! So that’s what got me to purchase the Rich Red color. The coral, luckily enough, came in the spring showers set. I am such a gloss girl, even my lipsticks are on the buttery side, so it felt a bit weird to have “dry” lip. I used the coral shade in today’s look and I’m not mad at it. Good color. Didn’t dry my lips out. But it also didn’t last more than an hour, hour and a half tops. So you’d have to reapply. I haven’t tried the rich red shade yet but I’ll let you know if there are any differences from color to color. Guess what? These are also $3 a pop.

Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick in Movie Star. How sweet is that color name? Even though I’ve been on a nude kick for my lips, I adore a good red shade. Especially if it’s more of a blue-red. I think the product title is a bit of a misnomer, because it feels more like a balm. I wore this color yesterday and it lasts fairly well, but it has more of a sheer coverage. The formula left my lips feeling straight up juicy. You might want to reapply every few hours though. If you’re interested in this Gloss Stick it costs $2 individually or you can get it online in a three-pack for $6.

Lip Exfoliater. Well I’m definitely a fan of the concept. All year long I struggle with chapped lips. I moisturize them. I drink enough water. And still my lips flake up. I put this on before bed last night and then again this morning: you apply using a circular motion and then dab off any grit left behind. It’s not an immediate transformation but I can tell it’s gradually working. Lips are not chapped today! So far soooooo good. I’m going to keep up the routine and see what happens long-term. Grab yours for $3.

Daily Brush Cleaner. Not a happy camper with this one. Where it was most obviously not working was with the highlighter. The brush I used is still tinged pink and I need to wash it properly. This cleaner is supposed to help you go between brush washes, which I would love to be able to do. It’s also scented, and I’m not sure if I like that. I’ll give this another shot, but I think it’s a bust. Luckily, this was only $3 so I can’t be too upset. But I am disappointed.

Some stuff I didn’t really mention: The brushes (blender and smudge) seem nice. They’re not the highest quality and are a little scratchy, but they do the trick for $3. I also received a Hypershine Gloss in Flirt as part of the spring showers promotion. I haven’t tried the gloss yet but I don’t have high hopes for it. I’ve had e.l.f glosses in the past and haven’t been too impressed with their longevity or color. But, hey, it was free.

Holy Moly that was a long post! And a lot of makeup! Overall, I’m quite pleased with my e.l.f. haul and so is my wallet. Everything I purchased came from their online store, so prices might vary if you buy elsewhere. Hope you enjoyed my rambling reviews. More beauty posts to come, but likely not so lengthy.

 

Product Review: Tom’s Deodorant

/ caitlinemccann / 1 Comment

I can’t say that I’m the most health conscious person out there. I’m a hardcore carnivore. I’m a Coke addict (just to confirm, we’re talking glorious caffeine, not white powder). And my favorite form of cardio is a marathon day at the mall. At the same time, I recycle, buy free range eggs, walk everywhere I can instead of driving, and avoid veal and lamb (no babies in my diet!). So occasionally my better impulses win out.

My most recent attempt at positive change happened in the deodorant aisle at Walgreen’s about a month ago. I’ve been hearing rumbles about aluminum in big brand deodorants, and let’s face it, aluminum does not sound like something you should be slathering all over your armpits. So faced with the wall of choices at my drugstore, I noticed the Tom’s of Maine brand and its emphasis on a more natural personal care. Their Original Care deodorant is aluminum free and unscented, so it seemed like a good way to branch out into more healthy product use.

Picture above taken from the Tom’s of Maine website.

There are a lot of good things about Tom’s of Maine Deodorant. Their website shares every ingredient and explains the purpose of everything that goes into their products. There are no artificial preservatives, fragrances, or colors either. Original Care deodorant is also cruelty free, encourages recycling in both pre and post product use, and supports sustainable practices. All commendable, but unfortunately I’m not 100% convinced by the results.

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been using Original Care for about a month and while it works just fine for day-to-day use, I would not recommend this product if you plan on doing heavy activity. When I work out or it is hot outside, I sweat profusely. At the end of an average day, I smell fine and have no issue with Tom’s, but at the end of a day of exertion I’m a little too smelly for comfort. While Tom’s of Maine does make an antiperspirant, it uses the dreaded aluminum so it might be a give and take sort of thing.

I would cautiously recommend Original Care to someone with the caveat that you know your body better than I do. If you sweat often and are concerned about B.O., this is not quite the product for you. But if you’re only a  mildly sweaty gal and don’t struggle with a…personal musk, shall we say…then you should give this natural product a try. I’m all for making positive changes in your daily life, but this one just wasn’t for me. Moving forward I will keep using the Tom’s of Maine deodorant for my run of the mill days, but I also bought some Dove deodorant for the rougher days on my itinerary.

Does anyone else out there know of a good aluminum free brand that handles B.O. better?