Tag: mascara

All Star Products to Prep For a Big Event

We are in the throws of wedding season! And even if it isn’t your big day, I am willing to bet you’ve got some big social event on your calendar. I’ve come across a couple products that are game changers in bringing your best and brightest for those special events.

After using the GO SMiLE Double Action Whitening System, I was on the hunt for something that could help maintain my new white smile. Naturally, I turned to GO SMiLE again and have been using their ‘Truly Whitening™’ Toothpaste System. This kills two birds with one stone – brush as usual just as you would with your regular toothpaste. And just as effectively as a whitening strip but without the hassle, the paste works to remove stains. The two-tube system allows the use of whitening ingredients at a more powerful concentration that single-tube toothpastes simply can’t match.

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System is one of those truly unique products. At first I thought this was just a mascara that sought to give false-like lashes. But not so. The three-step system actually is Flexistretch™ nylon lash fibers with a base and top coat. The activating mascara base and top coat is designed specifically to melt and seal the Flexistretch nylon fibers. These are truly special occasion lashes, wildly thick and long, without the price or mess of traditional false lashes.

Hampton Sun Serious Shimmer Cooling Spray – Bronze leaves skin looking sexy while still nourishing. To enhance that summer glow, this spray is slightly cooling with Hampton Sun’s classic, beachy scent. Aloe Vera, chamomile, and vitamins A through E hydrate skin, while shimmer leaves a very sheer shine on the skin. Use over time to improve the look of skin long-term.

Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme has been helping me heal dry, styling-fatigued hair. Providing a heavy duty dose of moisture, I use this as a pre-shampoo. You can also keep it handy at the beach or pool to protect hair from chlorine, salt and heat. My hair has less frizz and is super silky and smooth. Not to mention looks healthier and less damaged.

Crafted by a smaller indie brand, L.A. Christine N°3 Berry Face Oil uses the power of the Scandinavian Lingonberry, one of the most unique berries in the world. Dr. Oz calls it the new “Superfruit” because it is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories – plentiful organic acids, vitamin C and beta carotene. My skin has been more nourished and smoother since I’ve been using this both morning and night – just a couple drops and pat into your skin. Plus, makes for a great canvas for makeup.

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.

Budget Beauty Buys

I’m back on Great Day Green Country on Tulsa’s FOX23 this morning to share all my new favorite finds from the drugstore aisles. Everything from a new awesome mascara to some seriously revolutionary hair care lines, there are some great beauty finds at low prices.

CeraVe Facial Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50 will have fans of this dermatologist recommended brand thrilled. This sunscreen is powered with physical only blockers, limiting irritation. It also comes in stick form, which dries clear, preventing that dreaded white cast.

L’Oreal EverCurl is the first ever drugstore hair care line especially designed for curly hair. Check out my giveaway here to win the entire line! I’m giving away three gift baskets. Did I mention Jordin Sparks is a fan?

Simple Skincare Radiance Cleansing Wipes have become such a staple for me. This new version promotes a radiant complexion. And they are so perfect for those nights when you are just too darn tired for the whole skin care routine.

Nexxus Youth Renewal is part of one of the hottest beauty topics these days. Backed by some serious scientific research, these formulas adresss the eight signs of aging hair. The Elixir is especially exciting as a versatile styling agent that can give immediate results.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara was recently introduced to me by my dear friend, Jessica. Whoa – she was right! This mascara blew me away. The large fluffy brush gives you soft and full lashes that go on for miles.

KORRES Volcanic Minerals Volumizing Mascara

I remember my first experience with KORRES – I was trolling the aisles of Sephora with my good friend in New York City on a winter day about 10 years ago. We stumbled across a small display with the most decadent body butters (which I was hooked on for years). Since, I’ve fallen hard Korres Lip Butter in this shade. And now you can add a mascara to that growing list.

First, a little about KORRES. The company is rooted in Greece with a commitment to natural skincare, color and body products. Evolved from the oldest homeopathic pharmacy in Athens, KORRES today strives for environmentally friendly formulas.

Their newest mascara is derived from volcanic soil to give the deepest, darkest color. While the product discription talks a lot about volume, I’ve found length is where this formula prevails. The glossy, luminous finish with a natural look is perfect for the spring “not too done” look. It leaves my lashes feeling conditioned, but still wears well throughout the day. The tapered brush head has cross-hatch bristles, making it easy to get even those small lashes in the bottom inner corner.

Polymers derived from Sunflower Seeds adds luminosity and depth to deep obsidian black color. Cotton extract mimicks the strength of cotton fibers, improving the strength of your lashes while you wear the mascara. And Vegetal Waxes, Thyme Extract, Quackgrass, and Marine Algae extracts condition and hydrate.

Available at Sephora.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

The Late Winter Eye in Five Steps

Sometimes, I get in a makeup rut. But sometimes that is only because it works so darn well for my mood, season, trends, etc. I’ve reached for these same five products so many times over the last couple of weeks, I had to share.

note: I know so many artists suggest applying foundation and concealer after eye makeup because of fallout. But for some reason, I just have a hard time evaluating when I don’t have a clean complexion. Plus, for this simple look, you don’t have too much risk for rogue eye makeup. So after foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer and/or powder… here’s what’s next:

1. First, I use this to prep the eye and eliminate any redness in my eyelid.

2. I love eyeliner… a lot. And I use two different eyeliners because they do two very different things. First up, Dior Crayon Waterproof Eyeliner in Trinidad Black. I use this just like a Kohl eyeliner. I push the pigment into the base of my lashes on the under side. My technique is closing my eyes around the pencil and dragging it outwards. This takes practice but ensures even and quick application. Then I make sure to apply on my waterline on my lower lid.

3. I dug this gem out from my archives a couple weeks ago. I had forgotten how lovely it is! Using this brush, I apply Estée Lauder Pure Color Gelée Powder Eyeshadow Cyber Copper just up to my crease. That’s it! I’m all about simple when it comes to eyeshadow. If I am feeling motivated, I use this shade on my brow bones for a highlight.

4. And now for my second eyeliner. The NARS ‘Stylo’ Liquid Eyeliner in Carpates is a dream to use. The liquid stays put and the well designed pen allows for precision in both thick and thin lines. I place the pen just on the top of my lashes, right at the root, all the way across my lash line. If you are a cat eye fan, add a flick at the end.

5. Last but not least, mascara. I am a big believer in drugstore mascara mostly because I am vigilant in tossing a tube after three months. CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara, Water Resistant in Very Black is my current favorite. I get loads of volume and length but induvidual lashes still look feathery and separated.

The final look:

Speaking of Dior, attention Dior fans and Tulsa readers: today marks the launch of Spotlight on Dior, a make-up collection designed to compliment Raf Simons’ first ready to wear line for Christian Dior.

The collection is available exclusively at Saks and features:

Diorshow Art Pen, a high precision, felt-tip eyeliner for creating the perfect catwalk eye
Dior Twin Set Eyeshadow Duo in Fishnet Black, shadow stick and blending powder in deep black
Diorshow Flash Corrector Pen, a correcting pen that removes makeup mishaps in a single swipe
Diorshow Mono Eyeshadows in shades of purple, orange, crimson, aqua and shimmering white
Dior 5-Couleurs Eyeshadow in Iridescent Leather
Dior Vernis in shades from from cool aqua to bold purple

Come celebrate the launch at Saks Fifth Avenue Tulsa on Saturday, March 16 from 10 to 5 pm. Enjoy wine and sweet treats and get Beauty advice from Regional Dior Artist, Erik Martinez. To book an appointment with Erik or learn more about the Spotlight on Dior Collection, please contact Amanda Viles, Saks Fifth Avenue Marketing Director at 9183.744.0200 ext. 203.

Maybelline New York The Rocket by Volum’Express Mascara

I have mascara attention deficit disorder. Frankly, I am trying something different in the interest of reporting and reviewing. But I am also on that quest for a great drugstore mascara. Guys, I think Maybelline’s Rocket is my holy grail right now.

The Rocket builds volume right from the first application. The glossy black formula thickens each last from root to tip with a unique gellant formula. While my lashes are long, they can be thin – so this is the precise effect I’m chasing after. But as the lashes build up volume, the finish still looks natural and not clumpy.

Now, plastic brushes aren’t my favorite. For some reason they don’t feel as good going on as a big, fluffy natural brush. But this guy has a rigid core, allowing me to really get at the root of each lash. The tiny, short bristles are what minimize clumping. I guess I need to start giving these plastic brushes a chance.

During the day, I’ve been sticking to one coat. In the evening, I am able to amp up the application for an almost doll-like effect. Either way, I get zero fallout. I’ve been using Blackest Black (non-waterproof). Next time you’re at your drugstore, I highly suggest snagging one of these. Or, you can order one here for $6.29.

Beauty Myths Busted

Today, I am back on Fox 23’s Great Day Green Country to talk about beauty myths. Now, I am one to say there are no “rules” in beauty – what works for you is always the right answer. But I believe busting these five fallacies will really shake up your routine in the best of ways.

1. MYTH: Use mascara to the last drop. TRUTH: Mascara should be tossed every three months. Germ issues aside, mascara formula can dry out, resulting in suffering performance. To get the lushest, silkiest lashes, keep that tube fresh. Drugstore mascaras are outstanding for those who don’t want to splurge on something used for a short time. Try Maybelline’s new The Rocket Mascara and Volum’ Express Mega Plush Mascara.

2. MYTH: Rub in your perfume after you spray pulse points. TRUTH: The rubbing action crushes and corrupts the fragrance. Instead, spray on your neck and wrists and let dry for 30 seconds. I also love to spray perfume in unexpected places like my hair (don’t go too wild – it can dry hair out) and the back of my knees (for a more subtle scent).

Foundation

3. MYTH: Foundation should be matched to your jawline, forehead, cheek or anywhere on your face. TRUTH: Foundation should actually be matched to your neck as it is representative of your true coloring. Not only will this prohibit a line where your foundation ends and your neck begins, but the shade will look more natural.

Shampoo

4. MYTH: You should wash your hair every day. TRUTH: Washing hair strips natural oils, making hair more brittle and dry. Shoot for 3-4 times a week, workouts permitting. I found that my hair became less greasy the less I shampooed as time went on. In the mean time, dry shampoo can really save the day. Spray on dry shampoo and wait five minutes for it to “activate”. Then work through your hair with fingers or a blow dryer.

all images from Pinterest