Thursday, May 31, 2012

Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Eye Shadow in Bad to the Bronze - Review, Photos, Swatches & EOTD

Bad to the Bronze ($6.99) is one of those shades I've been wanting to pick up for a very long time now. It is a gorgeous, pigmented, metallic bronze with a soft and smooth texture.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadow in Bad To The Bronze

Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadow in Bad To The Bronze Pic



Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadow in Bad To The Bronze Best Drugstore Eyeshadow

The color looks a lot like MAC's Woodwinked in the pan but, they turn up differently on the lids. Woodwinked has a duo-chrome quality that this one doesn't. Bad to the Bronze is still a fantastic base for shades like Woodwinked and also amazing when worn by itself. Since it is very metallic and pigmented, I have to be extremely light handed else, it ends up looking very frosty on me. I like to use a fluffy brush like the MAC 217 or my fingers to blend it in. The texture blends like a dream and stays put for hours together.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadow in Bad To The Bronze Swatch





Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eye Shadow in Bad To The Bronze EOTD

If you tend to gravitate towards nudes or bronzy browns, Bad to the Bronze is excellent to have in your stash. It is quite versatile and looks great by itself all over the lid or with a darker shade along the crease. If you have medium/dark skin tone, just be sure not to go overboard unless, you don't mind the frosty look.

Have you tried the Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Eye Shadows?

BITE Beauty Lip Rouge in Geranium

BITE Beauty Lip Rouge ($22) is a multi-tasking cream product formulated to be used on both lips and cheeks. It is formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Fragrance and Synthetic Dyes.





"Geranium" is a light, rosy pink that goes on much sheer and lighter than how it looks in the pan. It is not the most flattering color on me since it looks rather cool-toned on my complexion. Texture wise, the lip rouge is a little dry initially but gets warmed up with use, blending well onto skin. It does not have any shimmer and doesn't enhance large pores which is a huge plus for someone like me. When used on the cheeks, it requires quite a bit of prep work and leaves a slight dewy finish. On the lips, it works great during summer but you may still need a lip balm in winter since it enhances lip dryness quite a bit. I prefer using it as a base for powder blushes, since it lasts about 5 hours, holding the powder product in place. I wouldn't recommend using it on it's own unless you don't have a problem with cheek products lasting not more than a couple of hours.





Overall, although it is a multi-tasking product, the Lip Rouge works well in conjunction with other products than on its own. When used as a cheek product, it requires quite a bit of prep work without which it gets a little difficult to blend. It is a good one to keep in your purse since the small size and the mirror comes in handy while doing touch ups.

Available at select Sephora stores and online at Sephora.com

Have you tried the BITE Beauty Lip Rouge?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation SPF20

The Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation ($34) is a fairly new self-adjusting powder foundation with SPF20 from Josie Maran. The foundation comes in three shades(Fair/light, Light/Medium & Medium/Dark) and is supposed to be used over a cream foundation/tinted moisturizer or alone, on it's own.







The rose-gold packaging is absolutely gorgeous, just like most Josie Maran products. The foundation comes with a sponge but, I like to use a fluffy powder brush instead since I prefer wearing this over another product that by itself. I use it like a setting powder over a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer. The powder has medium coverage and doesn't feel cakey or heavy at all. Light/Medium is a good match for me and adjusts really well to match my skin tone without being too light or too orange. However, the powder tends to enhance dry, flaky spots if any so, be sure to moisturize well. There's also a little too much of fall out with usage which makes this not so good to travel with.


Click to enlarge
 








Overall, Josie Maran's Matchmaker Powder Foundation is a pretty good setting powder for summer that feels light and comes with sun protection. I'm also happy with how well it self-adjusts even though there aren't too many shades to choose from. I just wish they improve the packaging to make it more travel-friendly.

Have you tried the Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

LUSH Ayesha Fresh Face Mask

Ayesha ($6.95) is a fresh face mask from LUSH made with a nice blend of Asparagus, Fresh Kiwi, Fullers Earth and Honey. LUSH calls Ayesha as a "mask designed for those times when you want to make a quick difference to your face, for a night out".

LUSH Ayesha Fresh Face Mask

LUSH Ayesha Fresh Face Mask Review



Ayesha has a much stronger smell compared to the other LUSH fresh face masks I've tried.  If you are very sensitive to fragrances, you may want to take a whiff before trying it out. The texture is smooth, not very chunky and easy to spread. Since it is clay based, it dries pretty fast, after about 10-15 minutes. While I did not see much of an improvement in my fine lines or skin texture, I must say that Ayesha is a pretty refreshing mask to try especially when you have been out in the sun a lot and want something to soothe and cool you down. The fuller's earth in Ayesha also helps draw out impurities. It does have a tendency to dry skin out a little bit so, be sure to follow up with a moisturizer. If you have oily/acne prone skin, Ayesha will help balance skin out very well.

LUSH Ayesha Fresh Face Mask Reviews Blog


Overall, I like to use Ayesha this time of the year since it may be slightly drying for me in the winter. Don't expect miracles but, it sure is very refreshing, soothing and perfect to slather on after a long, hot day! As with all LUSH Fresh Face Masks, there are no preservatives so, be sure to store it in the fridge.

Have you tried Ayesha Fresh Face Mask from LUSH?

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Smashbox Limitless Cream Eye Shadow in Amethyst

The Smashbox Limitless Cream Eye Shadow ($19) in Amethyst, part of the Summer 2012 collection promises 15 hour wear time with a soft, velvety finish. These cream eye shadows come in 12 shades that range from shimmery, light shades to bold, darker shades.





'Amethyst' is a shimmery plummy purple that has a beautiful, soft & smooth finish. The creamy texture glides effortlessly on lids with or without a primer. I like to use my fingers most of the time and a fluffy brush at times when I want to tone down the pigmentation a little bit. The color is bold, vibrant and turns out just like how it looks in the pot. The packaging feels quite heavy, just like other cream eye shadows from Maybelline, MAC and Benefit. I find that these don't crease very much even without a primer but, they tend to fade after about 5 hours. With a good base, they don't budge and the color stays as fresh and vibrant as it does when applied.




Overall, they are quite pricey but well worth the price tag considering how well they perform. Amethyst is a shade that looks amazing even as an eyeliner along the upper and lower lash line. Amethyst also works as a fantastic base for quite a few plummy/purple shadows by making colors pop and boosting wear-time.

What are your thoughts on the The Smashbox Limitless Cream Eye Shadow?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Dr.Brandt Flexitone BB Cream

Dr.Brandt's Flexitone BB Cream($39) is a self-adjusting BB Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF30 protection. The BB cream comes in one shade and claims to adjust according to your skin tone for flawless, even coverage.








The texture of this BB cream is very different from the others I've tried. It comes out like a mousse and turns into a cream once you start blending. You'll only need a tiny bit for the entire face and neck since it has quite a bit of coverage. If you have a lot of blemishes to cover, you may still need a concealer on those spots but if you like sheer-medium coverage, this one takes care of that. As far as the self-adjusting claims go, this one really lives up to that. You may need a little bit of blending to perfectly match it to your skin tone but eventually it does so without leaving a whitish cast. I am quite tan at the moment and this one perfectly adjusts to my skin tone. However, it also leaves a greasy film that needs a good blotting powder or loose powder on top to take the shine off. I love dewy finishes but, this one was a little too shiny and if you have oily skin, it may not help keep the oilies at bay. The BB cream also has a strong sunscreen smell that stays on for quite sometime.




Overall, if you have oily skin that tends to get shiny as the day goes by, this may not be your cup of tea. But, if you can control the shine from this BB cream with a good dusting of powder and your skin tends to be uber dry even in summer , this is a good one to try out since it has pretty good coverage, self-adjusts and comes with sun protection. I've been using it for a couple of weeks and haven't noticed any visible brightening effects but if I do, I'll be sure to report back!

Availability : Select Sephora stores nationwide and sephora.com, select Macy’s stores, and at www.drbrandtskincare.com.

Have you tried the Dr.Brandt Flexitone BB Cream?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick

The Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain ($7) is one of Revlon's newest launches that I've been testing out for a few days now. The Balm Stain is a retractable chubby stick, similar to Clinique and Tarte's version and makes for a nice lil' multitasking product.






'Lovesick' is a medium fuchsia with teeny tiny shimmer. From the look of the tube, I expected it to be more of a medium pink but, the color inside runs slightly brighter than the color of the tube. Texture wise, the balm stain feels a little dry initially but goes on smooth and nice once you start using it. I warmed it up a little at the back of my hand after which it was a lot more easier to use. If you have extremely dry lips, you could benefit from using a lip balm underneath especially during winter. The pigmentation is amazing here. You could layer it for a bright pop of color or wear it as a stain. It looks glossy once applied and dries down to a semi-matte finish which I love. The minty smell stays on for a while and fades quickly but, the balm itself is very long-lasting. I get about 5 hours after which Lovesick leaves a gorgeous looking pink stain and fades without drying my lips out!




Overall, the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain is a fabulous drugstore buy from Revlon that I would absolutely recommend. I would definitely try a shade or two more. Maybe some of the lighter pinks and corals.

Have you tried the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains?

Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Fierce

The Intense Lipgloss in Fierce ($20) is a bright, blue-toned purple lip gloss, released as part of Illamasqua's Human Fundamentalism Collection. Fierce is very opaque and goes on just like how it looks in the tube.



As for the texture of this intense lip gloss, I have no complaints! For a gloss that is so opaque, it does not feel heavy or very sticky. The pigmentation is amazing and the brush applicator is perfect for opaque glosses like these. It has a strong sweet fragrance which I don't have a problem with. If you have a problem with scented lip products, this is something to keep in mind. My only gripe with this lipgloss is that it tends to migrate and bleed a little. And since the color is quite intense, it is not a very pretty sight.












Fierce might not be an everyday shade or something I'll reach out to often but, the smooth texture and the way it feels makes it a great gloss. That being said, if you want to add a nice pop of color and love bright purple lips, Fierce is worth looking into.


What are your thoughts on Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Fierce?


Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

OneRepublic partners with Ralph Lauren for the exclusive release of “Life in Color"

In celebration of the launch of The Big Pony Collection for Women, pop rock group, OneRepublic has partnered with Ralph Lauren for the exclusive release of “Life in Color.” Granting a previewed sneak peak of the band’s newest song (which will not be released to the general public until Summer 2012), this vibrant track serves as the theme song for the fragrance’s commercial film and digital campaign shot by renowned photographer and filmmaker Bruce Weber.  This artful video and song truly bring the dream world of Ralph Lauren to life. 



Check out the song and video here.

Have you tried any of Ralph Lauren's newest Fragrances?

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Preview - bareMinerals Supernatural Collection

A lil' preview of the bareMinerals Supernatural Collection for Summer 2012. The collection features 2 new Marvelous Moxie lipglosses, 2 new Ready Eye shadow quads, Blush in Awestruck, 2 Round the Clock Waterproof Eyeliners and 2 already existing permanent shades of the Pretty Amazing Lip Colors.
























Marvelous Moxie Lip Glosses in Free Spirit and Dreamer ($18 each) - New Shades

Top - Dreamer, Bottom - Free Spirit




















Blush in Awestruck ($18) -  New Shade



























Ready Eye Shadow Quads in The Rare Find and The Happy Place ($30 each) -  New shades

L-R : The Rare Find, The Happy Place

Pretty Amazing Lip Colors in Savvy and Bravado ($16) - Re-promote


                                                                   L-R : Savvy, Bravado

Review & swatches coming soon! See anything you like?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Barielle Professional Protective Hand Cream

Barielle Professional Protective Hand Cream($8 for 2.5 oz) is an intense treatment for dry, chapped hands. This intense cream enriched with Vitamin E is a great hand treatment especially when the weather gets really cold and dry.




The first thing I noticed about this cream is the pleasant, soothing smell. The smell lasts a really long time and since it is very soothing, I love to massage this in when I give myself a manicure at home. The texture of the cream is neither too thick nor very watery and spreads really fast. It also sinks in quickly without much greasiness. Keep in mind that it does have mineral oil listed as one of the top ingredients and since I'm not slathering it on my face, I don't have much of a problem with that. It keeps hands moisturized for about a couple of hours so, it works best during the day or when you need a good dose of moisture after washing hands, doing the dishes etc.




Overall, the Barielle Professional Protective Hand Cream is a nice smelling hand cream that comes in a convenient travel size and takes care of dry skin very well. Just be sure to re-apply or like me, use it to give yourself a massage after a quick mani.

Have you tried the Barielle Professional Protective Hand Cream?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.