Wednesday, September 30, 2009

End of the Month Lemmings, September

Just a few things I want, but am not sure I will actually get.  I enjoy reading others writing these, so I thought I would try it out myself ^_^.

1) 500-point reward from Sephora: Kat Von D Rock 'N' Roll Eyeshadow Palette


image from sephora.com


I have heard mixed reviews about Kat Von D, mostly things like it is just repackaged Sephora brand stuff.  I have tried Sephora brand things (eye makeup remover, a couple eyeshadows, some brushes), and can't say that is a horrible thing, but the price is a little high if that is true.  I have enough points to try this out, but am wondering if it is worth $500 of past purchases to get it.  I might want to keep those points for deluxe samples instead.


2) Speaking of Sephora, I also am lemming their Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain.


image from sephora.com


I actually meant to pick this up the last time I was in there (months ago, now), but forgot it ;P.  I liked the texture, and the color was great for my NW20 (when tannish) skin.  For $10, it's a good deal, especially when compared to Benefit's Benetint, which I just didn't like, since it was too watery.

3) Make Up Forever HD Invisible Cover Concealer


image from sephora.com



The applicator for this is mainly why I want it so badly.  I mean, I bet they make a good concealer, but just look at it!  No brush, no doe foot, it's like one of those Japanese lipglosses with the silicone applicator (which is probably where they got their idea, honestly).  I have to check this out in person.

4) NARS Artist Palette, Essential Eye and Doucers de Paris


image from narscosmetics.com


I love the few eyeshadows that I have from NARS, and would love a palette to get the most for my money.  These are definitely some high priced lemmings, though, and most likely will never actually own one *le sigh*.

5) L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara


image from .loreal-paris.co.uk


I have been wanting this one since I heard about it months ago.  Basically a cheaper version of the Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara (or their new Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Mascara, I haven't heard which one they are trying to imitate).  I've heard the formula is not as good, but for something that costs a fraction of the price of the original, I would say it might still be worth it.  Word has it that this item is arriving on this side of the pond come November, so US people, keep your eyes open!
Edit: Apparently this is already available at CVS online and Walgreens online, just no one has it in person (in my area, and I've checked a lot of stores).  Either they got early stock online, or this is coming out sooner than I heard!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Biore DETOXIFY Daily Scrub/Daily Recharge


image from drugstore.com

What they say:
"Biore DETOXIFY Daily Scrub combines gentle cleansing ingredients with spherical exfoliating agents to deliver the ideal amount of daily exfoliation, removing surface toxins from skin and revealing a fresh glow everyday.

Dematologist-tested and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
Hypo-allergenic and oil-free"

What I say:
This is a wonderful scrub, but very very mild (at least for me).  When I first got this, I thought that it would be much more abrasive, and able to, well, scrub more.  Don't get me wrong, for an everyday scrub you don't want a lot of abrasiveness, I just had it in my head that I would be able to feel it at all.  So what did I do when I couldn't?  Took my Clarisonic to it, hehe.  This is the scrub that I pair with my Clarisonic, to acheive my once a week-2week exfoliation of doom.  To say it's awesome at that is an understatement.  Not only is my face cleaner, but it is soooooo smooth when I'm done.  This also foams up quite a bit when paired like that, so it can get in your nose if you are not careful....

The smell reminds me of prickly-pear and apples, or something like that.  It smells fruity to me, but I really like it.  It has a creamyish texture, and is white with little spots when you squeeze it out.  Also, sqeeze tube!  I am always a fan of convenience, and not having to worry about getting water in your tube of exfoliator is a good thing.  When it comes time to rinse it off, like all scrubs, the little scrubbers can be a bastard to get, but the rest of it just comes right off, no residue.  This cleans well enough on its own that I don't use a facial wash when using this (except if I'm wearing makeup).

Until I find a better weekly scrub, this is my HG.  For a daily scrub though, I think you can find better.

5/5 weekly if paired with a Claisonic brush (or toothbrush), 3.5/5 daily scrub

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

MAC: Style Black is live!


image from maccosmetics.com


I know, I know, MAC collection, like that's something interesting anymore (I swear they mate like rabbits), but I did find this collection to be interesting, in at least the sense that it isn't the same old Deep Truth and pink lipsticks that they normally release.

This collection is about black in all its various forms, including the much anticipated re-release of their Volcanic Exfoliator.  Still, it is a little bit disappointing of a collection, since everything is so sheer, and I really didn't think that was the point of this collection.

BTW, if you are looking for a black lipstick, I say skip Black Knight from this collection, and get Penelope from NYX instead.  Black Knight is $14, Penelope is $1.50-$4, depending on where you get it, and looks to be just as pigmented, if not more so.

The glimmerglasses, while sheer, do look interesting, since they can darken lipsticks/glosses that you might already own (or are planning on owning).  The eyeshadows, on the other hand, are just the same old mineral, baked eyeshadows with too much glitter and fallout to really work with unless you wet them down, not really interesting thing MAC has been releasing lately (run on sentence of doom! Imagine a rant, with fast talking).  Don't get me wrong, I like MAC, but really, the collections are becoming just a blur, and the product I didn't like before just changes colors and comes back again (with a vengeance!... Sorry...)

What to get from this collection, in my opinion:
Blackware Glimmerglass (plain black, good for layering, not really opaque enough, though) ($18)
Blackfire Glimmerglass (black with pinky-red glitter)
Volcanic Ash Exfoliator ($19.50)
Volcanic Thermal Mask ($19.50)

Maybes:
Black Greasepaint stick (if you are into that sort of thing, it looks gorgeous) ($17.50)
Bat Black Cream Colour Base (again, if you are into that sort of thing) ($16.50)
Midnight Media Mattene (burgundy undertones make this not a true black, and a little easier to wear)  ($14.50)

Skip:
Bling Black Glimmerglass (too sheer)
Black Knight (NYX is cheaper, and just as good, if not better) ($14)
Black Cream Colour Base (unless you really really need a just plain black base)
Night Violet Mattene (seriously, you can dupe this with a better formula, for cheaper)
All the mineralize eyeshadows (fallout, looks like colors you can create or dupe (Blue Flame looks too much like Deep Truth... again!)) ($19.50)

Sorry for the collection recap, but I had been looking forward to this one since they announced it, and to see how mediocre it was after all that time, I just had to write something.  Seriously, not one plain, opaque, black lipgloss out of the entire collection?  I thought this was your answering call to YSL and others for the Fall season?!

Collection score: 3/5.  Interesting enough to look at in person, but not something to pine over if you miss out.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Dior lipgloss Rose Minaidiere / Clutch Pink 517

 
image from sephora.com, note, this is not the actual color!
swatch image from beauty.dior.com


Price: $25.50 for 0.21 oz (compare to MAC lipglass at $14 for 0.17 oz)

What they say:
"Presenting 100% couture color and shine that just won’t quit: Dior’s lastest high-tech, high-fashion gloss comes with an innovative brush applicator so that color glides on precisely and stays put while its ultra-light, non-sticky formula instantly pumps up the volume and softens the lips. Brilliant!"

What I say:
I love this gloss!  I had read many reviews online for this gloss, and everyone basically had the same thing to say; it's gorgeous, non-sticky, but expensive.  I would have to agree with that 100%.

The color is like a warm baby pink, and while it shows very light pink shimmer in the tube, it is completely unnoticeable when worn.  This gloss is one of the non-stickiest I have every worn/seen, but keep in mind that also means that it will not last through a hurricane.  I noticed no smell, and no flavor, both major pluses for me.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I love some smells, but I would prefer nothing to the possibility of a horrible combination, or a possible smell of doom (the one so strong that it never goes away, and gives you a headache).

The tube on this gloss is sleet and sophisticated, while at the same time being practical and sturdy.  This gloss has a brush style applicator (which I prefer) so there is a lot of control.  The gloss is a little on the thin side, though, so watch out around the edges of your lips, or you might be in for a game of "get the gloss of my skin."  It claims to plump lips, but this is in the style of Japanese lipglosses that use the light to make lips appear to be larger than they really are.  Still, that means no chemical reactions, and personally I think those are the only kind of "plumpers" that work (since normal ones, like DuWop do nothing for me).  This is a moisturizing lipgloss (yay!) so you don't need to worry about layering this over a lipchap or any kind, but I would make sure your lips aren't dry and flaky.

Now the price... $25.50 is a lot of money, I'm not going to lie.  Also, there are other glosses, and other companies, so it's not like you are stuck with only this option.  I know lots of people say that NYX gloss is wonderful (depending on the color), and at a fraction of the price, it might be more worth it to get many of their glosses for the same price.  Personally, I think the texture, combined with a pretty color, and no smell makes this a worthy gift to yourself (or others).

4.5/5, will probably repurchase, if I have the extra cash

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Bargain Hunters: Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Sale!



If you recall my earlier review of Giorgio Armani's Lip Wax, you will recall that I loved it, but the price is a little steep.  Well, here's your chance to nab stuff at a reduced price!  Perfect for those of you looking already for holiday gifts, and no one will ever know that you got it on sale.


I have heard very good things about their Eyes to Kill palettes, and their other lipsticks.  Also, you might want to check out their bronzer, which is expensive, but supposedly really nice, and non-orangey (even though summer is leaving us, it is still a nice thing to pick up whilst you can).  Just remember, this sale only lasts until 9/18/09!


I might be picking up some more lip waxes, myself, and maybe a new palette.


Happy hunting!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Bargain Hunters: Sephora Favorites Splashstash Waterproof Deluxe Sampler

 
image from Sephora.com

This set contains:
- 0.1 oz Tarte Lights Camera Splashes
- 0.169 oz Too Faced Mini Lash Injection
- 0.1 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Smoky Lash
- 0.85 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Sens'Eyes Makeup Remover
- 0.025 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes
- 0.03 oz Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Electric
- 0.26 oz Urban Decay Big Fatty Waterproof Mascara


Price:  ($65 Value) (Original Price $36) going for $18 now on sephora.com
I was browsing the sales on Sephora.com (something I do from time to time when bored, just to see what's there) and came across this set.  According to what I can see, this sale is only available online, so people buying it in person are still paying the original price of $36.

This is a great way to try different mascaras.  Not only do you get a decent number of days out of each sample, but if you end up not liking one, how much money did you really waste?  For instance, a normal Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner is .04oz for $17, while this gives you a .03oz one for $2.85 (if you aren't doing weighted).

If you are interested in trying non-drugstore brand waterproof mascaras, I think this is a great set to test out.  As I stated before, each sample is only $2.85, and if they are anything like the samples from their other sets, should last a decent amount of time.  You have to keep in mind these are samples, though.  Don't be one of those people who gets a samples kit, and ranks it poorly because of the fact the mascaras aren't full sized, kek.  If you are interested, though, you better stake your claims now, before these are all gone.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Clarisonic

 
image from clarisonic.com
Price: $149 the Mia, $195 for Classic, $225 for PLUS, Single Brush Head $25

What they say:
"Clarisonic is the sonic technology proven to gently yet effectively loosen dirt and oil to clear your pores. The Clarisonic Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. In just 60 seconds a day, the Clarisonic micro-massage action cleans more than twice as effectively as manual cleansing.

Clarisonic Sonic Cleansing Benefits

  • Removes 6x more makeup than manual cleansing
  • Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
  • Cleanses so well that products absorb better
  • Gentle enough for twice daily use
  • Helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
  • Helps reduce the appearance of visible pores
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles"
What I say:
I originally got the Classic a few years ago as a gift, back before they lowered the prices.  This is a good brush.  I wouldn't say it's the end all be all of facial brushes, but I do think it is nice, and might be worth getting the Mia (the cheapest) if you have the money.

Some things about this.

1) This does help with exfoliation.  I combine my mild exfoliator with my brush, and it really really really works.  So much that I only do this about once a week, maybe a little longer.  I don't know how well this removes makeup, since I use oil cleanser and I don't mix it with this brush.

2) You can get the same effect, in a way, with a electric toothbrush.  In fact, you can use your own toothbrush, and just dedicate a brush head for your face.  You might also get a similar effect with a hand brush (the ones that you used to be able to buy at The Body Shop).

3)  The brush heads should be replaced every 3-4 months... Honestly, I go longer, I just sanitize it every now and again.  If it doesn't look like it's worn, I keep using it.

4) I'm not sure about the newer versions, but the older versions you have to look at the front of the device after use to see if it needs to be recharged (the lights flash), or you have to remember how many minutes out of its maximum you have used up.  This can be a little annoying.  It also take a long time to charge, but it holds charge well.

5) So far I cannot say it reduces pore sizes, reduces wrinkles, or gets rid of oily/dry patches.  I think this is more a marketing ploy, but I could be wrong.

6) It is completely waterproof!  That right there might be an incentive for some of you, since you can multitask and clean your face while in the shower.  Also, if you dedicate a head, you can use this on your body, which is nice.

So there you have it.  It is a decent brush, and might help with claims beyond its cleaning ones, but honestly, I doubt, if it does it at all, that it helps a great bit.  If you want to see how this works, get an electric toothbrush and try that out.  Granted, the head on this is much much larger, so less stress in one area, and it is faster to clean your face, but it will give you a decent idea.

So do you need this?  No.  Is it nice to have?  Yes.  Is it worth its price?  I don't think it is.  The Mia is the best deal, so go with that one if you are looking at all.

3/5

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Rimmel Primer

 
image from rimmellondon.com

Price:  $7.59 1 fl oz.

What they say:
"Create a perfect canvas for foundation application. - Skin Perfecting primer smoothes and evens out your complexion - prolongs the wear of your foundation - Minimizes Pores"

What I say:
Let me start this out with saying IT'S ORANGE!  Seriously orange, like what the heck orange.  I mean, you would think they would have other color options, or something...

Okay, now that that's over, on to the rest of it.  First impressions first.  While being orange, it actually blends in!  I know, surprising, isn't it?  I did notice a little more warm cast to my face after application, but it somehow seemed to go away after a minute (or that could have just been the lighting, or me getting used to it).  It was a little hard to blend, but really what primer isn't a little annoying, and my foundation did blend on top of this nicely, without pilling or being a brat.  Lastly, I did notice that my pores were nicely filled in, and not as noticeable.  This is nice for me, because I have huge, oily/combo skin pores of doom.

Past first impressions: I wore this from 3pm to 9pm, along with the Rimmel Stay Matte Clarifying Foundation, and can't really decide what to say about it.  It melted along with the foundation, but doesn't melt like the Wicked Witch (read: horrible ring of doom).  It did seem to keep my pores from looking like pools of muck, and did come out when I went to clean my face.  Did it make my foundation last?  Hard to say.  I personally don't think that any primer really makes foundaiton last longer, it just makes it melt or integrate into your pores slower, and there is a real difference.

So, like the Rimmel foundation, I would have to say this is just decent.  Unlike the Rimmel foundation, though, I will have to say it might be worth it.  There are very few primers on the market, especially ones that are as easy to get, and cheap.  If you find this on sale, and happen to be in need of a primer, it might be worth your while to test it out.

3.5/5

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

NYX Round Lipstick Penelope

 

Sorry for the used look of this one, but I just had to rip into it as soon as it arrived ^_^.

This is the new Penelope.  The old Penelope looked like a dark plum color online, but they recently redid the color (according to the NYX Cosmetics website).  I love this lipstick, and this color.  The lipstick is moisturizing, opaque, creamy, and non-drying.  The fact that it is so cheap is amazing, considering how much better it is to some high-end lipsticks I own.

The color is black.  Not dark plum, not dark blue, black.  One coat of this lipstick makes you have black lips, but slightly transparent (if that makes sense).  One coat it if you want a little red to show through, but this is still opaque.  Two coats, and you want a shiny, true black lip.  This is surprisingly forgiving, considering the color, and I was able to clean up mistakes without staining the skin around my lips.  Since this is such a deep color, beware how your skin looks, and also how chapped your lips are.  This is a definition un-forgiving color, and you will have to work it.  That said, I am in love.  Besides Halloween, when cheap cosmetics come out with their version of black lipstick (always crappy formulation, and always LE), it is impossible to find a true black.  Now, with YSL, MAC, and others making their versions (still LE), NYX has decided to make their own, and considering it took over an already-existing name, let's see if it in permanent.

So will I repurchase?  Yes, if I run out.  Otherwise, No.  This is not something to wear everyday for me, so we'll see, but for about $2 (even 4, sometimes), it is totally worth it.

5/5