Friday, June 27, 2008

Fiberwig Mascara in Pure Black

I was excited to try this. The claims on the packaging are bold to say the least. "Beyond mascara." "It's paint-on false eyelashes!" I have been known to wear faux eyelashes on a few occasions so I was skeptical that mascara could mimic my falsies. Unfortunately, I was correct. I wasn't really impressed at all. The formula was nice and creamy, easy to apply yet I didn't get that doe eyed look and it definitely didn't seem to outperform any of my other mascaras. Maybe it's just me?

Friday, June 20, 2008

Jergens - Natural Glow

Jergens
Natural Glow & Natural Glow Express

I was excited to test these two products out for several reasons. Who doesn't love the thick, soothing feeling of Jergens? Firming & tanning lotion all in one? It sounded too good to be true. The Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer works to improve skins elasticity and tint your skins color over the course of about a week. The Natural Glow Express gives color to your skin in just 3 days (without firming qualities). I tried both lotions over the course about 2 weeks. The Daily Moisturizer goes on thick with a subtle tanning-bed kind of smell. After 1 week, I may have had a little color, but nothing to write home about. The Express version smelled better and gave me a little more color, but not in 3 days. It was about 5 days before I could tell. As the directions said on both bottles, I waited for several minutes before dressing. Sometimes this is a little inconvenient when trying to get to work in the morning. I did end up with some brownish-orange marks on my camis. I also made the mistake of putting the Express on the tops of my feet. After 2 days, I had slightly orange feet. It went away after a couple of days. Luckily, I remembered to wash my hands after applying. The best part about this lotion is that your skin is smooth with a nice little shimmer to it. I actually like using it when I already am a little tan. My tan looks better and I sparkle.

EO Body Lotion

EO
Body Lotion
Jasmine

EO lotion is an all-natural product made from organic oils and herbs. If you have read my blog about the EO shampoo and conditioner, then you know that EO is earth-friendly and people-conscious. (If you haven't read that blog yet, you should!) The everyday body lotion is very thick (almost like a body butter), with a potent jasmine smell. A little lotion can go a long way. I put it on my shoulders that were peeling from being out in the sun, and was amazed at how it covered and soothed my skin. I personally like the strong jasmine smell. This lotion will be great to use during those harsh winter months when I feel like I have scales instead of skin. Thank you EO for making affordable, environmentally friendly products that work!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Lips: Tarte-- 24/7 lip sheers with SPF 15

Tarte
24/7 lip sheers with SPF 15

I got
Thursday in the Sephora Sun Care pack & fell in love.
It is a very subtle color, just enough to make it look like my lips have a natural tint (as opposed to pale & non-existent). Keeps my lips soft & protected from the sun. It's my new summer staple.
There are the days a girl needs a little added oomph in the lip department. That is why I went out & bought
Friday! Friday's a lovely berry color, you can put on just enough for a stain, or go whole hog & layer it up for a deep, dark look.
The color stays, the soft stays-- I hope that means the SPF stays. Comes in 11 shades- I want to try Monday & Tuesday & Saturday...


Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Avene Thermal Spring Water

Not sure exactly where to post this, it could also go in the Lotions & Potions blog. It is multi-functional;)

Avene Thermal Spring Water is spray-on water.
It sounds ridiculous, but it feels so good.
It is hot & sticky here, and the Avene sprays cool & clean.
I like to spray before bed, when I'm overheated...
Yes, I know it's just water, but it is fancy French mineral water.
I don't care how big a sucker this makes me, I am all about this little can of water & it's cooling effects!

I am addicted! I wish it came in a gallon size.

Primer + SPF: Alison Raffaele

Alison Raffaele
Primer: Acne Response Formula with spf 15

Not really sure if this qualifies as lotion/potion or make up, although it is technically a pre-foundation... I don't wear foundation, so I'm putting it here!

I was dubious, all this face-primer. Does anyone really have time for yet another step in the morning routine? However, this is worth it!

A couple of squirts of this smooth cream leaves my face feeling soft & protected. It feels like silky velvet, so nice! And it has zit-killers & anti-oxidants! What more does a girl need?

After a couple of weeks, I have noticed improvement in my skin texture & complexion. It's like magic. Thank you Alison!

P.S.: Free of nasty junk & environmentally responsible! Not animal tested:)

Monday, June 9, 2008

Avene oily skin products

AVENE
Cleanance soap-free facial cleanser
Cleanance anti-shine regulating lotion
These 2 products seem to work well enough, but I had to stop using them after a couple of tries, as the scent is VERY powerful. Not a bad smell, smells like the Gap Heaven perfume, but too much for me!
The cleanser is concentrated, so you only need a bit. The container with its twisty-dispensing is really cool, but hard to work with wet hands.

Cleanance acne spot treatment
Nice, not too harsh anti-zit cream with salicylic acid.
Smells so neutral, it's almost a non-scent.
Works well.

Murad Sunblock/Bronzer


Murad

Okay, great color.
No weird smell.
However, the color comes off on EVERYTHING!
It says to wait for the product to dry-- I gave it 7 minutes the 1st try, 15 the next, still have bronzed clothes, car seats, office chairs...
I used just enough to cover, not even full amount recommended for proper SPF coverage.
What gives?

Scrub: Be. Fine Pore Refining Scrub

Be. Fine
Pore Refining Scrub
Very Nice! Pleasant, actually.
Not at all rough, a very refined scrub.
Skin feels clean & healthy after using this, not raw or overly tight.

Mask: Be.Fine--Warming Clay Mask

Be. Fine
Warming Clay Mask
Pros:
  • Goes on nicely
  • Smells good (light, earthy, fruity)
  • Warming sensation not too warm
  • Seems to clear up blackheads on nose & weird chin zits
Cons:
  • Does not rinse off easily
  • Leaves face coated in oil/waxy stuff

I like the during part of this mask, but I wind up washing my face afterward to try & cut through the oil/wax. The water beads up on my face when I am rinsing off. Am I doing this wrong?

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Lip Balm: Bag Lunch's Strawberry Milkshake


Strawberry Milkshake Lip Balm
Who isn't always on the lookout for a yummy, moisturizing lip balm? This stuff works and the taste is enough but not overpowering. It's waxy yet just enough to cure a case of the chaps. It's in my work bag and it'll stay there.
And check out the website. It's indie owned and operated with a poster gallery and pics. You can even request custom balms. Sweet.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Laura Mercier - Tinted Moisturizer

Laura Mercier
Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
Nude

Don't be scared off by the color - this blends perfectly for fair skin that's been slightly sun-kissed - even though it looks dark before application. Goes on easily and smoothly - I squirted a dime-size amount into my hands and rubbed on. How's that for effortless?
A little concealer under the eyes and over any blemishes, and this is the perfect foundation alternative for summer. Lasted through a lazy Sunday afternoon nap, so the staying power is there for sure. If you're oily, might want to dust on some transluscent powder to polish off your look.