Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder

One could say I have “reactive redness”.  That seems like a not so nice way of saying I have a lovely reddish tone to my skin, especially in the winter.  I don’t really like the idea of using a green pigmented cream or concealer (just seems too artificial).  So when Clinique launched the advertising campaign for their Redness Solutions lines, I though they could be on to something.  I picked up the loose mineral powder.  It has a nice consistency, no smell and is oil-free and talc-free.  And it did a fabulous job of eliminating the redness in my skin. It did slightly dry out my winter skin and the loose powder is hard to travel with.  But I plan on picking up the pressed powder for the summer when my skin isn’t so parched.

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes

This is my new travel staple. I absolutely hate to check luggage for short weekend trips, so this is a great face cleanser solution you don’t have to fit in those charming plastic baggies. I particularly like the Yes to Cucumbers line by Yes to Carrots because it is calming, but still exfoliates and rejuvenates. What could be better after being on an airplane? The smell is clean and natural, while not being overwhelming. The Towelettes remove dirt, sweat and even eye makeup. They are especially handy for those evenings you are too tired to even contemplate the whole face routine because they are so quick and easy to use.

Gillette Mach3 Shaving System

Do you remember your first razor?  Well, I do. Weird, I know. It was the round one with the neon disk in the center.  I guess my obsession with cosmetics and products spills over into the beauty tools category too.  My dermatologist recommended this razor as the absolute best.  Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles (i.e. 17 blades, huge moisturizing strip, etc.), it has the best performance around.  Leave it to the men to have the best razor and not tell the ladies about it.  Plus, I like its clean and metallic design – doesn’t make me feel so silly and prissy about shaving my legs. 

TEMPTU RETOUCH Powder

This wand looked deceivingly simple and convenient.  Alas, it was not.  It took for-EVER to get the powder out to the applicator.  The brush was cheap and actually irritated my skin. I used the translucent shade and it was certainly colorless (and without effect).  Probably because so little powder was on the brush, it wasn’t able to banish shine or set my other makeup. In a word, “SKIP”.

MAC Wonder Woman Spirit of Truth

While I am excited about the concept of this collection, I wasn’t really sure it would be my thing.  But I am totally excited for this nail polish:

The navy blue Spirit of Truth is definitely on my shopping list!

tarte Lock & Roll 12-Hour Eyeshadow

This shadow promises to lock in color with a two-step application process.  On one end of the wand is a cream shadow that comes out on what looks like a lip-gloss brush.  After applying the cream color, you switch to the other side and apply a powder with a roller ball. Only problem is the brush is unwieldy and imprecise.  The roller ball comes out with big chunks of powder.  If you can get it on correctly, it does have staying power.  However, you have lost about 30% of product in the messy application process.  I appreciate that this product does quality for Sephora’s natural seal, but it doesn’t do much good if it is a mess to apply.