A friend posted an SOS this AM on Facebook: “What is your favorite eyeliner?” I didn’t have to think too long before I gave my resounding answer. I have been testing out Trish McEvoy Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner Pen and I can safely call it my current favorite.
Now first before I go on… the price. This is a bit of a doozy at $48. But I beg you to think of this more as a skin care product that doubles as makeup. And, to me, that makes the price more palpable.
The precision of the pen is nimble enough for a fine line. But even a thicker, “cat eye” look is achievable. The pigment is such that I don’t get any of that greyness that can be found so often in liquid liners.
The real highlight is the formula’s lash building properties. The conditioning action can lead to fullness and additional length in just 15 days. I have been using the liner for a couple weeks and have noticed a more defined look to my lashes even when I am not wearing the liner.
And when I do wear the liner… I get a full day of pigment which is something I haven’t found with other liquid pens. The formula is water-resistant so plan on using eye makeup remover (I like this one).
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
I’ve been battling some serious fine lines around my eye area. They aren’t super pronounced, but I know now is my chance to stave off any major wrinkles. Welcome to your mid-thirties, Belle Belle! So I decided it was time to really dive into the world of eye cream. I’ve selected my favorites for particular concerns whether you have fine lines like me, battle puffiness or get those dreaded dark circles. Let me know if you have any other superstar favorites I missed in the comments below!
I mention the Opal first because I use this tool with all the creams and serums tested below. I adore Clarisonic so no surprise that their tool for the eye area was equally impressive. The micro-massage (which is super-gentle) drives active ingredients into skin. Amplifying infusion with the vibration equals quick results. The Opal runs on a one minute cycle and I have to say it is actually fun to use. The rubbery applicator tip is gentle and keeps the amount of product to a reasonable level – something I found difficult when using just your finger. My only beef? I wish there was a beep when I needed to switch to the other eye. So I just do a full rotation (one minute) on each eye.
I adore this new eye cream from bliss. Part of their active 99.0 line, this treatment is professional-grade without being irritating. It manages to fight all the concerns mentioned above. And nourishes my dry and thin skin. It is a one-stop shop for those who want to address a range of concerns.
Major kudos for releasing something specifically for women (and I guess men!) in their 30s. This workhorse fights free radicals around eyes and lips and soothes sensitive areas where signs of aging first appear. The consistency is very light, making it perfect for those with oilier or combination skin. It is my lazy girl answer for nights you just can’t don’t have the energy.
I fell hard for Cindy Crawford’s skin Meaningful Beauty back here and the price point takes the sting out of a normally very expensive product. She developed her line with a dermatologist and the active ingredients really work to tighten and lift. The small tube is perfect to throw in a travel bag or purse. And it works beautifully to refresh under eyes at the end of a long day before cocktail hour.
SkinCeuticals is always my pick for people who want powerful formulas. Usually the line is a little irritating on me, but this balm from SkinCeuticals was surprisingly gentle and nourishing. I loved the anti-inflammatory nature and soothing chamomile that fought my redness like a champ. I felt refreshed and smooth a full day when using this balm.
I used to think StriVectin was a gimmicky brand, but after trying so many of their products, I am seriously obsessed with their ability to fight a wide variety of skin concerns. I don’t usually have puffiness, but I went though a phase of terrible allergies recently and this was the only eye treatment that got those puffs to calm down. My eyes were immediately “deflated” for lack of a better word. And that’s not all. The formula contains retinol – a workhorse against lines and hyper-pigmentation. And it isn’t irritating.
When I feel like I need to baby my under eye area, this is what I reach for. The silky serum smooths skin and plumps any dehydrated areas. And when I say “silky” I mean literally. The serum contains Persian Silk and is perfect after a sleepless night or one too many cocktails. It just feels sooo good to use.
Murad’s standout focuses on radiance by boosting collagen production. The tangerine butter brightens the eye area and leaves youthful baby-soft skin. And a bonus point – if you like using eye cream on lids like I do – this one is gentle enough to be used over the entire eye area.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
Hope you guys are having a great week. Mine happens to be fairly stellar at work. And personally, a bit rocky. But I am so tremendously grateful for this little blog and this little life carved out here in Oklahoma. I seriously have reverse Seasonal Affect Disorder – I don’t know anyone else who gets happier with the end of Daylight Savings.
As a side note – no, I promise I am not goth – but my fabulous coworker and friend commented to me today how I always wear black. Or rather… her words were “black is a serious part of your color palette.” Plus, I am seriously often rocking the messy bun. The above reminds me of the look I go for every day at the office.
It doesn’t make sense to call ourselves ugly, because we don’t really see ourselves. We don’t watch ourselves sleeping in bed, curled up and silent with chests rising and falling with our own rhythm. We don’t see ourselves reading a book, eyes fluttering and glowing. You don’t see yourself looking at someone with love and care inside your heart. There’s no mirror in your way when you’re laughing and smiling and happiness is leaking out of you. You would know exactly how bright and beautiful you are if you saw yourself in the moments where you are truly yourself.
While I have always loved Fresh and have purchased a few of their lip treatments, I have never managed to accumulate the whole collection. Or even try out every single shade they offer (they are kind of hard to find here in Oklahoma). But I have adored the lemon bar scent and rich balm. And the color is always the perfect tint.
Recently, a new fresh (pun intended) tube landed on my desk in their latest shade. Don’t expect a diminutive color with Fresh Sugar Tulip unlike some of their other versions. Tulip is a strong and bold buildable pink – but the perfect pink (dare I say). It is shocking and sophisticated all at the same time. Despite the time of year, I can’t help but to keep swiping on this cheerful color.
Plus it makes my dry lips feel so so good! Smelling just like a dessert, I get a sugary and lemon scent. The balm is powered by sugar which happens to be a great humectant, sealing in moisture. Meadowfoam, black currant seed and grapeseed also work to nourish and protect. Major bonus points for SPF 15 to shield our most delicate skin from harmful rays.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
Exciting news! Murad has picked me to be one of their ambassadors. While I have been a fan for a number of years, I am getting a fabulous opportunity to check out so much of their product range. Let’s just say I am really impressed and I cannot wait to share my favorites with you. But there has been one standout so far, and I had to share given the changing of the seasons.
Until recently, my favorite Murad product was this one (the most effective non-prescription sun damage product I’ve tried). But with my dry winter skin already in full force, the Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture is my new pick.
Not only is my skin left nourished, but my redness clears and I find there is a healthier tone. Just a little goes a long way with this balm that really packs in hydration without being greasy. What I find most unique is the immediate effects, particularly under makeup. I am guessing this is due to the Collagen Support Complex and avocado, sunflower, and olive fruit oils (my skin loves oils).
The balm is also powered by a technology: RepleniCell turns water into a “performance hydrator.” Skin attracts, binds and retains water contributing to an addicting plumpness. And now it is safe to say “I am not scared of you, dry wintery skin!”
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
Okay, I am such a curmudgeon. I really don’t care for Halloween. But the kiddos are coming to the office today to trick or treat and I am oddly excited to hand out candy while getting stuff done in anticipation of the weekend.
Now, if I could somehow pull off a way to replicate the above look, you better bet I would embrace the All Hallows’ Eve and hit the town. We shall see what happens. For now, this is “End of October Day” and “Stanford Plays Oregon Tomorrow Day” in this house. And so, here are my favorites from around the web this month:
