Product Review: Urban Decay's De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

Product Review: Urban Decay's De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

Cost: $29
Where to Purchase: Ulta, Sephora, any Urban Decay Counter
Claims: Made especially for oily skin, the high-tech ingredients in our weightless mist control shine and keep your makeup as you applied it all day long!

Thoughts: I've been using this product for 6 weeks now. And I am addicted. I cannot leave the house without it. It's amazing how this stuff seriously controls the oil on my cheeks. I have combination skin, my cheeks is the one area that I get pretty oily, by the end of the day I'm usually looking like a light ball unless I re-touch. With this stuff I don't have to. I just don't look oily, what it does is that it creates a dewy sort of natural look. I'm half-way done with my XL large bottle, and I have purchased a travel size one already.
How I use it: Spray on face BEFORE you apply any makeup or primer, then once you've finished your makeup spray once more.

Rating:A+

Product Review: Murad's Oil-Control Mattifier SPF15

Product Review: Murad's Oil-Control Mattifier SPF15

Cost: $39.50
Where to Purchase: Sephora
Claims:  A three-in-one moisturizer that mattifies immediately, controls oil for up to eight hours, and effectively reduces breakouts.  

Thoughts: I'm at a big of an impasse for this product. Because of the simple reason that until I decided to do this review I was completely unaware that this is marketed as a 'moisturizer' and a 'break-out' preventer. I had simply thought of this as a mattifier and an oil-control product. Which for those two specific reasons, this is brilliant on my combination skin. I apply a small amount on my cheek area, where I'm oily at and I've found that it keeps the shininess at bay for the longest our of all my previously used mattifiers. However, if we're to take into consideration that this is supposed to moisturize AND prevent breakouts then I don't know how I feel about. I would definitely NOT use this as a moisturizer and also depend on it for reducing breakouts. 
How I use it: I place half a dime-size amount on my cheeks, rub it in circular motions until it blends into skin. I apply this before concealer or foundation.

Rating: C - for false advertising

Haul: Ulta 6/29/12

Haul: Ulta 6/29/12

I had been waiting to go to Ulta and use my 20% OFF entire purchase coupon I got in the mail and today was the day. The coupon expires tomorrow so USE YOURS!

I ended up getting a few things which I wasn't willing to pay the full price for and ended up getting it discounted.

Here we go:

• Real Techniques Blush Brush - I'd been waiting for this one to come back in stock because BOTH my Ultas were always sold out, imagine my luck that I not only finally found it but I was able to use my 20% coupon on it!
• Regular Price: $8.99
• With Coupon: $7.20
• Saved: $1.79
• Real Techniques Powder Brush - I really needed a large nice sturdy brush for my loose setting powder, the one I have is very old and needed replacing so this was a justifiable purchase.
• Regular Price: $9.99
• With Coupon: $7.99
• Saved: $2.00
• Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Polish in 'Parrot' -This was on a whim but to my defense, I don't own this shade of green and it was on clearance!
• Regular Price: $7.00
• Sale Price: $3.99
• With Coupon: $3.19
• Saved: $3.81
• Philosophy Purity Face Cleanser - I've been courting the Philosophy products lately, wanting to try them out but finding it really hard to pay full price for them. So I decided to go for the travel size of this cleanser and see how I like it.
• Regular Price: $10.00
• With Coupon: $8.00
• Saved: $2.00
• Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Nail Strips in Take the Stage - I'm addicted to these but not to their price so I only get these when on sale or on clearance which this was! This is a beautiful black with tons of silver glitter - perfect for a night out or a party!
• Regular Price: $8
• Sale Price: $4.99
• With Coupon: $3.99
• Saved: $4.01
• Neutrogena Shine Control Liquid Makeup - This was a whim, I'll admit because I really wanted to try it just to test out if it really could control shine so I will be testing this out and most likely posting a review. Right off the bat I can see a problem in this - they only have 4 colors! 4 COLORS!! I'm NW25 and I got their darkest in Natural Beige.
• Regular Price: $13.99
• With Coupon: $11.19
• Saved: $2.80
• Amazing Cosmetics, Amazing Concealer in Med Beige - This claims to be the best concealer IN THE WORLD. Ok, challenge accepted! This was another whim. I fully didn't go in to buy this but I've been a little obsessed with under eye concealer and I've heard such good things about this that I just had to try it. Plus I got to use my coupon on it!
• Regular Price: $28.00
• With Coupon: $22.40
• Saved: $5.60

I also cashed in some of my Ulta Rewards and they took off an extra  $3.00 from my total. A total savings of $25.01!!!! Seriously, I basically got the Amazing Concealer for free!

I shall be, believe it or not, heading back to ULTA on Sunday because their July sale begins where nearly all of their drugstore brands are BOGO50%OFF. I shall share my next haul then! :)

Product Review: Organix Brazilian Keratin Theraphy Shampoo & Conditioner

Product Review: Organix Brazilian Keratin Theraphy Shampoo & Conditioner

Cost: Around $6 each
Where to Purchase: Drugstores, Walmart or Target
Claims: An exclusive blend of antioxidant rich cocoa nut oil along with lush keratin proteins to strengthen and soften the hair, while organic avocado oil and cocoa butter smooth the cuticle for straight, strong tresses, adding a brilliant glow and luminescent shine. Sulfate & sodium free.

Thoughts: I purchased this pair because I wanted to know what this entire sulfate & sodium free bandwagon was all about. At the recommendation of another blogger I went with the Keratin Theraphy formula of Organix. I finished both bottles to their entirety and despite it not being the worst shampoo/conditioner I've ever tried it certainly wasn't the best. It was OK, it didn't do anything special for my hair and quite honestly my hair is not that hard to please. I have long fine wavy hair, which as long as I condition it looks good but I just didn't see it be more straight. It still frizzed when the weather got bad so I think I might try another one of the line and get to you all with my thoughts.
How I use it: Shampoo and condition every 2 days.

Rating: C+

Product Review: Everyday Minerals Flat-Top Brush

Product Review: Everyday Minerals Flat-Top Brush

Cost: $12.99
Where to Purchase: Everyday Minerals
Claims: Perfect for even full coverage powder applications. The Flat Top Brush is ideal for powder application as its unique flat top shape is excellent for providing buildable yet seamless coverage to the face. Just apply the powder using short “buffing” strokes from the face to the jaw line.

Thoughts: This brush is just dreadful for applying mineral powders - in my opinion. However, it is BRILLIANT for applying liquid foundation. It's such a dence small brush that it is my go-to for travel as it fits in the palm of my hand and just applies my foundation to create such a perfect 'airbrushed' look. I've had mine for over 2 years, using it nearly everyday and NEVER shed, always cleaned well. I love it so much that I buy it for friends for Christmas and their birthdays and have converted them all of this little brush.
How I use it: I warm up my liquid foundation in my back of my hand and then dot it all around my face. Then I take this brush and using a combination of the stippling method and circular movements I work it well into my face. Clean the brush in gentle shampoo at least once a month.

Rating: A

Product Review: E.L.F.'s Studio Blush in Fuchsia Fusion

Product Review: E.L.F.'s Studio Blush in Fuchsia Fusion

Cost: $3
Where to Purchase: Target or online
Claims: The soft sheer texture blends into the skin for a silky finish. Designed to be worn alone or layered for more depth. Highlight your complexion with a subtle healthy glow!

Thoughts: I wanted a hot-pink Barbie Pink blush for a minute now yet I was very reluctant to spend $40 on a NARS blush or a MAC one so I decided to give a try to these E.L.F. blushes. I had been meaning to try them out already but had not justified yet another blush considering I already have so many. For $3, I was not disappointed. These blushes are EXTREMELY pigmented, even if you're not into the bright cheeks like the 'Fuchsia Fusion' there's 10 other colors that might do for a more natural glow depending on your skin color. On me, it's stayed on all day and now I'm considering checking out other colors that I yet do not have. Another brilliant product from E.L.F!
How I use it: Using either a MAC 108 brush or a Sigma F40 I apply the powder on the apples of my cheek.

Rating: B+

Product Review: TruBlue SPA Super Rich Foot Cream from Bath & Body Works

Product Review: TruBlue SPA Super Rich Foot Cream from Bath & Body Works
 
Cost: From $6-$20
Where to Purchase: Bath & Body Works
Claims: Shea Butter provides supreme moisture to dry, thirsty skin.Thick, skin-drenching formula.

Thoughts: When I was much younger, and I won't claim how much - I used to buy this FANTASTIC foot cream from Avon that used to cost $2.99. Those days are gone, that cream was replaced by something fancy that doesn't work and every since then I have been on the hunt for the replacement peppermint cream of my youth. I thought I had found in The Body Shop's Peppermint Cooling Foot Rescue Treatment. However, the fact that that stuff comes in a little tub makes it impossible for me to consider it a daily quick fix to my dry heels. I have very dry feet, not a day can go by without moisturizing them or they will begin to flake. So when I decided to give this Super Rich Foot Cream a try I was transported to that cream from Avon I used to love. Granted, a decade later the price is considerably much more, but it has the same nourishing effects. The mint is perfect, the consistency is so rich and thick, you only need a little dollop.
How I use it: After each shower a rub about a dime-size amount in each foot. Then I walk around in thick socks while I get ready in the morning, this helps the skin really absorb the cream.

Rating: A

Product Review: L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse in Sunset Angora (#176)

Product Review: L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse in Sunset Angora (#176)

Cost: Got mind for under $8 at Target. ULTA is more expensive unless you get the BOG1/2OFF

Where to Purchase: Spotted at Ulta and Target

Claims: Delivers a feather-light finish without being sticky or heavy. Available in 16 different shades.

Thoughts: I bought this on a whim, an unexpected one since I had been so disappointed with the lack of pigmentation found in their 'theBalm' series. Once I tried this out I was utterly in love. This lipstick has not left my purse all month. It just leaves the most perfect peachy-coral tint on my lips that is quite flattering on my skin tone. Needless to say, I'm making a list to pick up a few more colors in Target, if I can actually find them since they seem to be flying off the shelves.
How I use it: User over lip-liner.

Rating: A+

My Photos:

Product Review: Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

Product Review: Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

Cost: $6
Where to Purchase: Drugstores, Walmart, Target
Claims: Moisturizes and softens cuticles with Sweet Almond Oil and Cocoa Seed Butter, Nourishes brittle nails with Vitamin E and Sunflower Oil

Thoughts: I had been looking for a nice compact cuticle oil to carry with me when I spotted this on in CVS. I have pretty dry hands and nails so my cuticles are often dry and turning an ashy white. So each morning, and I will admit to doing this while stopped at the red light, I pull this out and rub this solid cream, working it into my cuticles. It's like an instant little manicure. It moisturizes them and they stay this way for quite a few hours, I seldom reapply during the day.
How I use it: It's a solid balm, almost like a hardened chapstick so I just rub the balm with the palm of my index finger and work it around the cuticle of each of my fingers until it sort of 'melts' into the skin. It has a fresh lemon scent. 

Rating: A

Product Review: MAC Riviera Life Lipglass

Product Review: MAC Riviera Life Lipglass

Cost: Around $15.50
Where to Purchase: MAC counter
Claims: Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Tinted Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It's pigmented, very shiny and can impart subtle or dramatic colour.

Thoughts: The Reason I chose this lipglass versus the other ones in the collection is because I felt that I didn't have anything like it. Henceforth, I tend to use it more because I don't forget in my sea of nude glosses or baby pink ones. It's a bright orange that when blended out looks like a bright coral, just perfect for the season and matches the majority of my Summer wardrobe. I've been carrying this baby in my purse since I got it.
How I use it: I apply it over MAC's Thrills lipstick or simply on its own.

Rating: B+

Product Review: Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask

Product Review: Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask

Cost: Around $3
Where to Purchase: Any drugstore, Walmart, ULTA etc.
Claims: Helps dry up pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores.

Thoughts: This is the green mask that your mother, grandmother and aunts used before you. It's that basic green mask and there's a reason it has stayed around for so long - it freaking works. This is intense, it's not for sensitive skin but it really cleanses and clears up acne. A good way to use it if you don't have the time or the patience for a weekly mask is use it as a spot treatment for pimples or your nose.
How I use it: I apply a thin-to-medium coat of this all over my clean face and just leave it on for 20 min. It's a bit of a challenge to remove with warm water but once you do your face feels and looks so rejuvenated. Try also like I mentioned, as spot treatment.


Rating: A

Product Review: LORAC's Behind the Scenes Eye-Primer

Product Review: LORAC's Behind the Scenes Eye-Primer

Cost: Around $21
Where to Purchase: ULTA, Sephora
Claims: Behind The Scenes Eye Primer is a crease-resistant formula that holds pigment in place for long-lasting, stay-true color. It easily glides on the eye lid and the silky-smooth finish minimizes flaws and imperfections on the lid.

Thoughts: I'll start off by stating that I've just bought my second tube of this. It's by far my favorite high-end primer. Probably my favorite primer ever. The plus: the squeezy-tube, the smooth formula that you only need a tiny bit of, and honestly, if I didn't wash my makeup off at night I could sleep and this sucker would keep my eyeshadow on all night. I think the most important thing to take into consideration when using an eye-primer is that you cannot - I repeat - cannot apply powder over you lid before you do your eyes. Keep your powder away from your lid so that the lid still has that 'sticky' feel from the foundation/concealer or just your moisturizer. When I do other people's makeup I use this even bridal makeup lasts thru the photos, hugs and dancing. Seriously great stuff.
How I use it: Apply small amount over lid, blending with ring finger until lid is nice and 'sticky'.

Rating: A+

Product review: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

Product review: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

Cost: $42

Where to Purchase: Sephora or Cosmetic Counters
Claims: This Sheer Glow Foundation enhances, without masking, your overall natural complexion. The weightless formula hydrates the skin while complexion brightening properties improve skin brightness, radiance, and texture, leaving skin with a luminous, sensual glow.

Thoughts: Foundations are a tricky thing; it might work just like it says it should for some people and for other people is a bust. I have combination skin and I don't need a lot of coverage so that the medium coverage that this provides is just the right amount. Basically, like many people before me, I absolutely love this foundation. It doesn't feel thick or heavy, it doesn't melt off my face with this Florida heat. It's hands-down my favorite Spring-Summer foundation. I've been using it for a little over a month now and I can soberly say that I will definitely be repurchasing it. Now, I heard that Neutrogena has one that gives this one a run for its money so I shall be getting that one and testing it to see if it's true and perhaps do a comparison. My biggest complain about this thing is the lack of pump and I can't get it at Sephora, they don't carry it you can only find it online. Seriously, NARS? Seriously?
How I use it: I mix this with MAC's stobbing cream on the back of my hand and work it with my fingers until the foundation mixture warms up. Then I place dollops all over my face, using a flat Kabuki brush like the Sigma F80, then I work it into the skin. I also sometimes use my beauty blender sponge and it works just as well. I then set it with a translucent setting powder.

Rating: A+

Product Review: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Product Review: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Cost: Around $8
Where to Purchase: Any drugstore, ULTA, Sephora, etc.
Claims: Specially formulated to penetrate through nail lacquer to the base coat forming a single solid coating over the nail plate for a much more durable finish. Guaranteed not to yellow while leaving nails silky, stronger and resistant to chipping and peeling.

Thoughts: One year later after purchasing this product, about 10 bottles and endless manicures - this stuff is brilliant. I do not know what they add to this, be it cement - I don't care. The formula is so brilliant it's inconsequential to me. I add this to semi-dry nails and within 60 seconds it's dry to the touch and in 20 min I can do my dishes. It's incredible. I've converted many people to it. I really don't have time to sit around so this is my pal. I admittedly take it with me to the salon and hand it to Lily, my nail beautician, because unless I have this with me my polish will chip and it will take entirely too long to dry.
How I use it: Apply over semi-dry nails.

Rating: A+++

Product Review: Nexus Comb Thru Hair Spray

Product Review: Nexus Comb Thru Hair Spray (Natural Hold Design and Finishing Mist)

Cost: Around $11
Where to Purchase: Beauty salons or Ulta
Claims: Comb Thru Natural Hold Design and Finishing Mist gives you the confidence to create and re-create a flexible style with remarkable fullness and shine. Hair remains in place with a natural hold that lasts.

Thoughts: I love it. I first purchased the small travel one just to see if it even worked and after using it one time, having it on all day I went straight back to Ulta and got the large bottle. This stuff works incredibly well. It holds my curls without them being crunchy or hard, no white flakes and the day after my hair doesn't feel stiff like I doused it with hairspray and I don't feel the need to wash it, I can just re-style it.
How I use it: I spray on my hair after I've finished using the curling iron to it. Once the spray dries, which is pretty quickly, I comb my fingers thru it. The waves lasts all day and well into the night without having to re-spray.

Rating: A+

Product Review: Rusk Designer Collection Thick

Product Review: Rusk Designer Collection Thick

Cost: Around $6
Where to Purchase: Found mine at TK Maxx.
Claims: Gives incredible body, volume, and added texture from the inside out. Becomes invisible in the hair.

Thoughts: I've nearly used an entire bottle of this and though I don't walk around with 80's big hair, it does give it a boost. However, despite the initial boost as the day wear on my hair deflates once more. I think this would work if you're going out for dinner at night where you only need 2-3 worth of volume, I don't recommend it for all-day use. My hair doesn't feel thicket but it does get a big of volume to it.
How I use it: I spray my roots with it, generously, when the hair is clean and wet. Blow-dry as normal.

Rating: B

Product Review: Lush's Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask

Product Review: Lush's Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask

Cost: Around $6.95
Where to Purchase: Lush Stores
Claims: Prevent disasters by taking regular care with our deep cleaning blueberry mask, Catastrophe Cosmetic. The little blue bulbs are packed with vitamins, with a gentle calamine base to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Use this one weekly as a deep cleansing treatment to kick off your regular skin care routine.

Thoughts: I've been a big fan of the Lush masks already but I had yet to try this one. I wanted to try a new one so one of my local associates recommended this one when I told her I was prone to hormonal breakouts and also when I traveled so she conceded that they might be do to stress. I used this mask for the past 2 weeks twice a week. I have one more try left and I must say it's definitely in my top 2 Lush Face masks. My skin just really responds well to it. The only negative I have to throw out there is the scent. I really dislike the smell of this but it does calm the red area around my breakouts and it leaves the skin feeling very rejuvenated. I look forward to this mini-SPA after a long day at work.
How I use it: You must keep this product refrigerated. I apply the product evenly on clean face avoiding eyes and mouth and I keep it on for 15-20 min. I rinse it off, pat my face dry and apply my favorite nighttime moisturizer.

Rating: A

Product Review: Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing and Makeup Remover

Product Review: Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing and Makeup Remover

Cost: Around $7
Where to Purchase: Any drugstore
Claims: Completely cleans skin and removes makeup in one step without stripping skin's natural moisture. This Peruvian Tara seed bionutrient rich cleanser leaves skin soft and rinses clean. Developed for gentle eye area.



Thoughts: After using up nearly an entire bottle of this I must admit that I never thought I would rely on a cleanser to remove all of my eye makeup. I've officially thrown away all of my 'eye-makeup-removers'. For the past month and a half I have been washing my face with this, one pump, and I must say that this stuff really does cleanse all my face.
How I use it: One pump of the product, I wet it slightly and lather it on my hands before I gently work it on my dry face. After working it well into my skin, over my eyes to get rid of the makeup then  I rinse. Pat dry and use your favorite night cream. Since I see this more as a makeup remover and cleanser I only use this product at night.


Rating: A+