Author: Lindsay

Garnier Refreshing Gel Cream

So, I always say “better late than never” – but finding the ideal summer product goodie in September is not the best timing.  I am a fan of most Garnier products.  Even my dermatologist recommends the line as a cheaper alternative than the product lines he sells in his office.  Both the Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew The Brusher Gel Cleanser and Fructis Nutrient Spray Triple Nutrition have a spot in my routine.  Thus, I was pretty excited to try the Refreshing Gel Cream.  Even in early fall, the gel was not moisturizing enough for my relatively normal skin.  I would venture to say this might work really well for those of you with oily skin.  But I would snap this up in a second on my way to the beach for the weekend.  After a hot day in the sun, the refreshing gel would hit the spot.  Well, at least I got the info out there for those of you headed for a winter resort destination!  

Maybelline Colorsensational Lip Color

A word of caution just in from our valuable makeup market analyst… Mom!  While Mom has done a great job at sniffing out some surprisingly good drug store lip color, this one was a disappointment.  Blame it on the genetics, but both Mom and I are in search of a neutral pink shade with a gloss appearance and lots of staying power.  We both love the Armani gloss and lipcolor.  This Maybelline Lip Color fell short, delivering less thickness than a “tube of chapstick” and short lived color.  Steer clear of this bargain lip color… even it is not worth it.

 

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation

I love having my makeup done professionally, so it wasn’t a hard sell when the bride asked if we wanted an artist to help the bridesmaids before her wedding.  But I was unexpectedly impressed when the artist turned to MAKE UP FOR EVER.  She used HD Invisible Cover Foundation.  The pictures turned out flawless.  According to Sephora.com, “this foundation creates a soft-focus effect, which is designed to meet the coverage concerns of those in the spotlight. It leaves your complexion with such a flawless finish, it can withstand bright or harsh lighting.”  And I can say honestly, we did not look like we had a ton of makeup on.  It was, in fact, invisible in the photography.  It lasted all night and was sweat-proof during the steamy ceremony.  

L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base

I am not usually one for primers and other peripheral steps in the makeup process. But a recent reading of a review for Studio Secrets Base made me want to run out and buy it right away. I am always plagued by the dark under eye circles. I have loved both La Mer and Chantecaille concealers. By adding the base under by eyes first, my skin was smoother. Concealer stayed on longer and looked more natural. For a drugstore product, Studio Secrets Base really performs. I am making room on my upcoming trip in my paired down makeup bag for it as my new “must have”. 


Drugstore Dry Shampoo

I am terrible at giving myself a blow out. It never comes even close to what a professional can do. So I would do everything in my power to make that professional blow out stretch a couple of days. My search for the best dry shampoo has covered the globe and price ranges. So, I was thrilled to see the positive reviews and Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo and Waterless Foam. Don’t bother running out to the drugstore though. The dry shampoo left my hair feeling some version of brittle. I still had hope for the waterless foam which I tried a couple weeks later. It made my hair sticky. So, save your money and buy some baby powder… still what I find to work the best.

Un Jardin Sur Le Nil Cologne by Hermes Eau De Toilettes

I was not the girl who loves the flowery scents. My friends from high school would tell you I was always with DK Cashmere Mist (still a favorite to this day). Given that I come from a Grandmother who loved Opium, I might be overcompensating by seeking out light and refreshing perfume. But on that note, I happened across a perfect summer scent yesterday. It has all the organic and herbal notes to make you feel clean and not weighed down. But still comes across as fresh and young. I was left sniffing my wrist the rest of the day – probably generating much confusion at Starbucks and the Apple Store.