Beauty Care Products Review

Laura Mercier Lingerie Eye and Cheek Palette

2012-01-26T16:22:00.002-06:00

On my last trip to Sephora, I picked up this BEAUTIFUL Laura Mericer Eye & Cheek Makeup palette. The first thing I love about this palette is that all the colors are great, not just a couple of them. I hate when I love a couple of colors in a compact but don't like the rest of them, it feels like such a waste of money. In this palette, everything is wearable. The other thing that I like is that the compact only has eyeshadow and blush. I already have so many compact wear I love the eyeshadow but am not too crazy about the lip gloss that they include.

This set contains:

- 6 x 0.05 oz Eye Colour in Buff Pearl, Tawny Apricot, Rich Cocoa, Pale Pink, African Violet, Black Plum
- 2 x 0.11 oz Second Skin Cheek Colour in Rose Desire, Fresh Peach

The eyeshadow is a mix of matte and shimmery colors. This eye & cheek compact is limited edition so pick one up soon!

no! no! 8800 Face and Bikini Professional Hair Removal Kit

2012-01-23T22:33:00.003-06:00

So, I finally bought no! no! after debating it for quite some time now. I have dark, course hair. So, hair removal is a constant issue for me. I've tried pretty much everything over the years, but it was mostly short term hair removal and nothing that was more long term. I've been seeing infomercials on this hair removal product forever but wasn't so sure about it, especially since it's not really cheap.

So, I used no!no! hair remover on my face first. You have to hold it in a certain position so it's not like you just place it on your face and move it around, it takes a little work. Your hair starts to burn (which you have to keep in mind when considering using this - dealing with the smell of burning hair). You just keep going over the entire area until you pretty much get all of the hair.

Of course you can use this everywhere on your body, not just your face. What this product promises is no regrowth after continued use. I haven't used it long enough (just tried it a couple of weeks ago) to let you know what I think about long term results. But, I am quite happy with it so far. It is much easier than other types of hair removal and isn't painful like other types. After you use the device to burn the hair off, you have to use the smoothing pads to get a smooth surface.

The kit, which seems like the best deal, includes the no! no! professional hair removal, 2 different tips for different parts of the body and after treatment cream which smoothes and moisturizes the skin. If your looking for a long term product for hair removal, you should give this a try.

HANA Shine Shield Thermal Hair Protectant

2011-11-30T22:57:00.001-06:00

If you straighten your hair, either with a flat iron or a blowdryer, you need something to protect your hair from the heat and also add shine. I really haven't come across a better hair serum for this purpose than the one from Hana. Hana Shine Shield is an amazing product from a hair product line that is committed to safe, effective heat styling. Shine Shield is a thermal serum that can be used as a leave-in conditioner - it is lightweight and is not greasy.  It also protects and strengthens your hair whether you use it with a flat iron, hair dryer or alone. Shine Shield contains the natural magic of Jojoba oil for its superb qualities of deep moisturization, fast absorption into hair follicles and scalp, and unparalleled shimmer & shine.

My hair is frizzy on it's own so I definitely have to use some product and either straighten or blow dry my hair just so that it looks normal - and nice!  I've tried so many many hair protectants, sprays, mousse and serums, but never got the shine. I used this for the first time the other day and its exactly what I've been looking for in a hair product.

Another huge plus, it smells great and I cant believe how nice it makes my hair look and feel. I am so tired of trying all of these products that smell bad and are either drying or sticky and leave your hair feeling stiff or dull.

Do yourself a favor and visit HANA online at http://www.hanasalon.com/.  Take a look at this and their other great products as well like their styling tools. I have their hair dryer and it is probably the best hair dryer I have ever had, I love it!

You can visit here if you would like to buy the Best Flat Iron available http://www.misikko.com/best-flat-iron.html

Visit here if you would like to check our their amazing Hair Dryers like the one I have http://www.misikko.com/hair-dryers.html

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

2011-11-20T23:09:00.001-06:00

I saw a commercial for this anti-aging night time cream and figured I would try it out. I was running low on face cream anyway and figured this would be a good time to try something new. This deep wrinkle cream from RoC is Hypoallergenic Oil-free Non-comedogenic (so it won't clog pores) and is dermatologist tested. It claims to be an intensive anti-wrinkle treatment that works through the night, visibly reducing expression lines and deep wrinkles.

After using this cream for a few days, my face and neck were itching because they were so dry. While this cream goes on smooth and isn't sticky, it is very drying. I don't have sensitive skin, in fact, it's a bit oily. So, you would think the drying effect would help with my oiliness. Instead, it actually made my face very dry and irritated. If I were to have sensitive skin, I can only imagine how irritated my face would have been.

While this cream is not too expensive, it just didn't work for me. The ingredients are quite strong and drying. It might work for some people, as I did see other good reviews online, but not for me.

Too Faced Sweet Dreams Makeup Collection

2011-11-09T19:34:00.001-06:00

Too Faced Cosmetics has a beautiful new compact that is a holiday color collection of Too Faced's most popular shades and luxurious formulas. This fabulous set of makeup consists 15 pigment-drenched ethereal shadows, a full-size Shadow Insurance primer for crease-proof, long-wearing benefits, two beautiful blushes, a sunny bronzer and a warm, golden highlighter for the flawless complexion. The colors in this compact are just great, you can create so many different looks that you definitely won't get bored with this set for a long time. The packaging is also beautiful, as this set is packaged in a large, mirrored, decorative palette with a pull-out drawer containing get-the-look cards that help you put different looks together.

I am just so happy that I bought this - It was definitely worth the money. The eyeshadow colors are perfect and there are endless looks that you can create from neutral daytime looks to sexy evening looks. The makeup quality is also very high. Also, the colors seem like they would work well with almost any skin tone.

I have been buying combination sets from all different brands for many years and this one is by far one of the best I've ever had. Besides the beautiful packaging, everything in the set is extremely pigmented and worth the money. You should definitely pick up of these up immediately, if you don't get one for yourself it's also a great gift for the holidays!

Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder Review

2011-09-24T23:50:00.000-05:00

I was looking for a pressed powder compact and wanted to try a drugstore brand to see if I could find somthing that I like and maybe save a little money, especially these days. Lately, there seems to be a lot of new products out there so I thought it would be a perfect time. I decided on the new Fit Me! pressed powder makeup from Maybelline after seeing quite a few commercials.

There are quite a few colors to choose from so that you can find a great color for your complexion. That was one of the main reasons I switched to department store makeup years ago - because it is just so hard to find a nice color that makes you look natural and not made up. Nobody likes that line that you see between your face and your neck showing everyone that you are wearing the wrong color of makeup. But, we all know how expensive pressed powder can be at the department store and I was looking forward to finding something that I can switch to and maybe save some money.

I applied the pressed powder with my makeup brush instead of the powder puff because that's how I like to apply my powder. The pressed powder goes on really nice and smooth and gives a descent amount of coverage. I always like my pressed powder to give me just enough coverage to look natural and even out my skin tone since I don't wear foundation. This powder does just that. It isn't shimmery, but I noticed a nice dewiness that I didn't expect. So when I am in a hurry or when I don't want to wear too much makeup - like when I go to work, I can even skip my bronzer and it still looks great.

I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised with the Fit Me pressed powder. I wasn't expecting to like it so much. Plus, at around $8 or so (depending where you shop) you can't go wrong. This is a great compact for a drugstore brand and if you go through pressed powder like I do, you won't spend a small fortune buying it.

New Dior Eye Shadow Palette for Fall

2011-08-20T23:58:00.002-05:00

Fall is one of my favorite Seasons because I love the change in the weather and the crisp cool air. The other thing I like about Fall is the new make up that comes out. This year, the make up is nothing less than fabulous! One item that I really love is this new eyeshadow palette from Dior called Blue Tie Palette.

This eyeshadow palette consists of smoky silver and navy shadows and it comes in a beautifully sleek metal compact. All of the colors are great, it's not like some of those palettes where you only like one or two colors in the compact. You will definitely enjoy all of them. The eyeshadow goes on smooth and really lasts throughout the day. These colors are so perfect that they will look great on any skin tone.

There are other items in this Blue Tie Collection such as lipstick and nail polish so that you can tie your look together. Definitely check out this fabulous new Fall collection by Dior, you won't be disappointed.

Hello Kitty Graffiti 5-Piece Makeup Brush Set

2011-08-14T00:00:00.004-05:00

Hello Kitty made this cool set of makeup brushes that go along with this graffiti inspired brush case. There are 5 travel size brushes included in this set, they include: Face brush, Eyeshadow brush, Shader/Blending brush, Angled eyeliner brush and lip brush. You also get the case, of course, to hold the brushes in.

The brushes are synthetic and are very soft. Each case is unique as it comes in one of a kind art work. It comes with a plastic cup so that you can remove it and clean it, which is cool. I absolutely love the brush colors - I think they're just so cute. Each brush is labeled for what you would use it for, just in case someone isn't sure which brush is which.

I prefer to put my makeup on with my regular sized brushes for my daily routine but these brushes are perfect to throw in your purse for touch ups or for travel. You can get them at Sephora for $49 so they're definitely a great price for 5 brushes and a case!

Eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm Review

2011-07-11T17:44:00.003-05:00

I have been wanting to try this lip balm by eos for so long but never got around to it. Well, I recently got one and I think it's one of the better lip balms that I've tried. Eos lip balm sphere is 95% organic and 100% natural. It has shea butter and vitamin E, as well as jojoba oil and antioxidants. Their products are also paraben, gluten, petrolatum and phthalate free.

First of all, for under $4, you get a lot of product. It comes in this cute little sphere that you twist open to apply. The lip balm goes on very smooth and feels great. I have the one pictured, Summer Fruits. There are 5 flavors total: Summer Fruits, Sweet Mint, Medicated Tangerine, Honeysuckle Honeydew and Lemon Drop with SPF 15.

The lip balm is very descent for the price. It's definitely not like your usual drugstore chapstick. It also isn't as rich as some of the more expensive lip balms out there. It seems to dry out in a short amount of time. It is a fun little lip balm though at a great price.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray Review

2011-06-16T02:34:00.006-05:00

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is a saltwater based styling spray that adds a certain texture to your hair to give you loose waves. It adds volume and fullness to give you that look like you were at the beach all day.

The best way to use this Surf Spray is to add it to damp hair and let it air dry. If you get some frizz, which I did, just add some serum. You can even add serum before the spray to make sure you get as little frizz as possible.

This is the perfect hair styling product for the summer to get that great look like you were at the beach all day and you had the wind blowing through your hair. Another plus is that it smells great!

Maybelline Coupons

2011-05-26T17:52:00.003-05:00

I have been looking for a new compact to try and wanted to find a less expensive brand, like a drugstore brand, instead of a department store brand. I've been seeing commercials for the new pressed powder compact from Maybelline called Fit Me and I think I want to try it.

The cool thing about drugstore brand makeup is that you can usually find coupons and discounts for your purchase. I searched for a coupon for Maybelline and only found some at their website. I didn't find any specifically for the Fit Me Pressed Powder that I want but there are some others in case you're interested.

Either way, I will try the new makeup compact and post a review on it later.

Ole Henriksen Reviews

2011-05-24T21:51:00.006-05:00

I previously posted a review on an Ole Henriksen moisturizer after I first discovered this amazing brand. I have to say that the moisturizer I reviewed is probably one of the best skin creams that I've used.

I have recently been using this cleanser from Ole Henriksen called African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser and I love it! This creamy antioxidant facial cleanser is strong enough to even remove makeup without stripping your skin. This cleanser is all natural, refreshing and smells great. I use it along with the Pick Me Up Face Tonic.

Along with the cleanser, I have been using this awesome toner by Ole Henriksen called Pick Me Up Face Tonic. This refreshing toner makes your skin feel clean and fresh without giving you that dry, stripped feeling that most toners do.

I have noticed, after using this for a couple of weeks, that my pores look smaller - which I love! I use the cleanser, toner and moisturizer as part of my nightly routine and my skin has never looked better. I am very happy with the products that I've tried so far from Ole Henriksen. This skin care line is all natural, high quality and reasonably priced. Considering the sizes of the product containers, you really are getting great value for amazing beauty products.

HANA Air Professional Hair Dryer

2011-05-03T02:14:00.006-05:00

I have just used the best hair dryer ever !!! I recently got this Hana air professional hair dryer from Misikko.com and I absolutely love it!

This is a professional salon tested and salon recommended hair dryer that dries your hair up to 60% faster than your typical hair dryer. Not only is that great when it comes to saving time, but more importantly, it causes less damage to your hair since it locks in moisture. The longer you take to dry your hair, the more damage you're causing, which leaves your hair looking dry, brittle and frizzy.

This hair dryer has Ion technology which conditions your hair and reduces static. It also has Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide technology which promotes healthier hair. It has a beautiful sleek black finish and feels very lightweight. The motor is also much quieter than a lot of hair dryers that I've had, which is also nice.

I really love how my hair looks after using this hair dryer. I used some mousse for curly hair with the low setting to get my hair wavy (which is how I normally wear my hair). I like the results with this dryer much better than when I use my old one with a diffuser. My hair looks more hydrated and not so dried out. When I was using my diffuser, it took a while to dry my hair which left it looking dry and frizzy.

The Hana Air Professional Hair Dryer is not cheap, but you will definitely get what you pay for - you will NOT be disappointed. It will help you style your hair quicker and give you amazing results. To get this amazing hair dryer, go to http://www.misikko.com/hair-dryers.html or visit http://www.misikko.com if you're looking for hair straighteners instead. They're having a sale, so don't waste any time if you're in the market for some great hair styling tools. While you're there, make sure you read the reviews for the Hana hair dryer - I have never seen a product that has reviews that are all 5 stars!

Dove Visibly Smooth Deodorant

2011-04-23T20:59:00.003-05:00

I have been wanting to try this Dove deodorant that is supposed to minimize underarm hair for a while but never got around to it. I was using it for some time now in order to give a good review on their claim that hair will grow back noticeably less.

Well, after using almost the entire stick, I really don't notice any difference. I still have to shave my underarms pretty much as often as I had to before I started using this deodorant. It does, however, go on smooth and doesn't make your clothes white - which is really annoying. It also seems to keep me fairly dry throughout the day.

All in all, it's a descent deodorant for a descent price. It just doesn't make much of a difference as far as making underarm hair less visible over time as I am almost finished with the entire stick.

Bare Escentuals Firming Eye Treatment

2011-04-12T18:11:00.004-05:00

I have been using this new eye cream from Bare Escentuals' new line of skin care products that I mentioned in my last post. As I mentioned, Bare Escentuals came out with some great skin care products that contain active minerals just like their fabulous line of makeup. This line of skin care doesn't contain any Parabens, Sulfates or Synthetic dyes or fragrances like other products out there, making it great for your skin.

Using this eye cream everyday for almost 2 weeks now, I've noticed the dark circles under my eyes looking a bit brighter and less noticeable. I've also noticed that the area around my eyes looks more plump, making the fine lines around the eye area less noticeable. This cream goes on very smooth and isn't sticky at all. It absorbs quickly as well so it won't take any longer to do your usual skin care routine or makeup. It's also great under my concealer, which a lot of eye creams are not - they tend to be sticky and make the concealer go on terrible or clump.

This is a great eye cream at a very reasonable price - $28, which is inexpensive compared to a lot of eye creams out there and you will get the same results or better. You can buy it online from www.bareescentuals.com or at Sephora.

2011-03-14T21:47:00.002-05:00

If you like Bare Escentuals Mineral Makeup and skin care products, you'll be excited to know that they are launching a new 8 piece line of bareMinerals skincare products that consists of moisturizers, cleansers and skin treatments.

This new skin care line is made with 100 % pure RareMinerals and has only the best ingredients for your skin. These products will help increase cell turnover and help you have fewer lines and wrinkles. The cleansers remove makeup, dissolve impurities and rebalance your skin to give you a soft and smooth complexion.

Another plus about these products is the price, much more reasonable than most brands available today. You can buy yours today at www.bareescentuals.com. Stay posted for some more reviews once I am able to try some of these great skin care products.

Ole Henriksen Beauty and Skin Care Products

2011-02-21T21:23:00.002-06:00

I found a new brand of skin care products that I absolutely LOVE ! I recently went to Sephora to look around and got a couple of samples of moisturizer from this brand that I really never heard of. When I was doing my usual routine that night, I decided to try it out. I got a sample of the anti-aging cream called Sheer Transformation.

This cream goes on so light and feels great. It soaks in your skin right away and doesn't feel greasy or sticky at all. It spreads so smooth, not like some creams that I've tried. As I am getting older, I don't really want to use a mositurizer that is difficult to apply because I don't think I should be rubbing my skin that much anymore and possibly cause wrinkles or my skin to stretch. That's why I love this cream so much, it really goes on great.

Another huge plus, Ole Henriksen's products have natural ingredients which I really like. I've mentioned before that I really love when I can find great products and they're all natural. Sheer Transformation is supposed to help fade discoloration, hyperpigmentation, sun spots and age spots as well as smooth fine lines and help prevent further damage. I can't wait to see how well this works because I actually have some sun damage on my face from tanning.

I can't wait to try more products from this awesome skin care line and post my results. You should definitely try something from Ole Henriksen, you won't be disappointed.

Super by Dr. Perricone

2011-01-21T13:38:00.003-06:00

Sephora has this amazing new line of skin care products by Dr. Perricone. This line of skin care is derived from all of the amazing superfoods from around the world. The products consist of cleansers, moisturizers, treatments and serums. I love the packaging, it seems geared towards younger women, in my opinion.

I bought this lunch box set which has a cleanser, detox elixir and moisturizer. You can get all 3 items for $65! This is a great deal for Perricone products, which you know are quite pricey. I have always like Dr. Perricone products but his line of skin care is a bit expensive for me. So, I really love that there is actually a line of skin care from him that is more affordable.

The products smell great and I am very happy with how my skin looks. My complexion looks really smooth and toned. This is a great way to try a few products at a great price, since it would cost more to buy everything individually. Definitely a great set to buy and try some amazing products from Dr. Perricone. I am always into using beauty products that have superfood ingredients like these do.

Korres Brightening and Anti-Aging Rose Collection

2010-12-25T14:18:00.003-06:00

Sorry I haven't made a post in quite a while but I've been job hunting and that definitely took up all of my time. But, that's over and I was able to go to one of my favorite stores - Sephora - and pick up some great stuff at a great bargain.

I don't like using the same products all of the time, even if I really like something. I just get bored with the same stuff everyday. That's why I'm always looking for new things even when I do find something that works. So, I was ready to try a different skin care regimen and was really interested in this Korres Brightening and Anti-Aging Rose Collection. First off, the price is amazing - $ 54 for 6 items! You get: Wild Rose Moisturizer, Wild Rose Serum, Wild Rose Mask, Rose Showergel, Rose Body Butter & Wild Rose Lip Butter.

Everything smells great and they're full of antioxidants from the rose flower. I never knew roses had antioxidants in them. And, being Korres products, they're all natural - which is great. All of the products also contain Vitamin C which is really great for your skin since it increases radiance , revitalizes and smooths out skin texture.

I have been using this for a few weeks now and I really love it. I have combination skin so I do get pimples occasionally and this stuff has really helped keep my skin more clear. My skin tone also seems more even and my face looks really smooth. All of the products in the set are great, there isn't even one that I don't like. Korres really knows what they're doing, I really haven't tried anything from them that I don't like.

You should definitely try this set, it smells great, it's all natural and it's a great deal. If you were to buy 6 items separately (from any brand), it would cost quite a bit. For $ 54, you really can't go wrong with this skin care set from Korres.

2010-11-14T23:15:00.004-06:00

If you love natural and organic products, you will definitely love EO Products. EO has these amazing soaps, bath & body, shampoos, conditioners and even home cleaning products. I have been using their hand foaming and liquid hand soap, hand sanitizer gel & hand sanitzer spray.

I have the foaming hand soap in lavender & vanilla and grapefruit & mint. The lavender & vanilla smells so calming and wonderful. The grapefruit & mint smells invigorating and fresh. I also have the liquid hand soap in french lavender and peppermint & tea tree. The french lavender is also very calming and just smells beautiful. The peppermint & tea tree smells fresh and energizing.

I have the sanitizing hand gel & spray in organic lavender. It's not like other hand sanitizers that leave your hands sticky after you use them. EO's sanitizers are moisturizing and dry quickly, they also smell great and don't smell like alcohol.

EO's products are all natural and organic, with ingredients like aloe vera, essential oils, organic extracts and botanicals. Not only do their products smell amazing, they're great for your skin too. You can order their products from their website www.eoproducts.com or you can even pick up their products at Target. The next time you're at Target, pick something up, you definitely won't be disappointed. I can't wait to try more of EO's products.

Fresh Brown Sugar Lip Polish

2010-11-01T22:39:00.003-05:00

No matter how much lip balm I use, I have a problem with dry, chapped lips. With the colder weather coming, I have been looking for something that will help me with my dry lips. I finally found something that is a huge help, it's from Fresh - Brown Sugar Lip Polish.

I already loved the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment but I haven't bought it in a while (which is probably why my lips got so dry in the first place. So, when I went to pick up a tube, I found this lip polish that I just had to try.

It has a great texture and isn't too abrasive. It removes just enough of the dry skin without over doing it, which is what I am usually afraid of when I use any kind of scrub. It has a great scent, and doesn't taste bad either.

You can pick yours up at Sephora for $22.50. It might seem a little steep, but you really don't need to use a lot, a little goes a long way. When you're done, use you Fresh Sugar lip treatment for an amazing treatment, or just use your favorite lip balm. If you don't, your lips might feel a bit dry since you removed a layer of skin.

Neutrogena Wave Sonic

2010-10-04T22:05:00.003-05:00

The Neutrogena Wave Sonic is a hand held vibrating cleanser that fits perfectly in your hand. It comes with foam pads that have wonderful Neutrogena soap on them. To get started, you just wet the soap pad and turn on the Wave and start cleansing your face. When you're done, you just throw the pad away. So simple, so easy to use.

The soap on the pads is mild and smells great. Also, the vibration of the Wave is not too strong, it's perfect. This makes it safe enough to use everyday without stripping your skin. I have been using this on my face for about 1 week now and I just love it! It keeps my skin smooth and looking fresh. It also seems to control breakouts, maybe because it cleanses the skin so well.

The Wave Sonic is so compact that it fits anywhere and is also great for traveling. It also removes makeup very well, which is important since some cleansers really don't. This definitely makes it less boring to wash your face. All in all, it's a great buy and I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

Reviva Labs ~ Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Cream

2010-09-16T12:27:00.002-05:00

I have been using this great moisturizer from Reviva Labs that treats past & future skin damage overnight. This cream has all of the necessary ingredients like Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C Esther to fight free radicals & skin aging along with DMAE to firm, tighten & lift your skin. It also contains Allantoin & Aloe Vera to soothe your skin and give you a nice healty glow.

I have been using this for about 2 weeks and I am very happy with the results. I have noticed this one area on my face (where I have some sun damage from tanning) fade a little bit. I can only imagine how it will look the longer I keep using this. I thought the cream was a little heavy at first, but it completely absorbs into your skin. It doesn't leave your face sticky like most moisturizers do, which is nice when it's warm outside. It's also moisturizing enough for the winter when you need a heavier cream.

You can buy this at revivalabs.com for only $23! Definitely a lot less than many department store brands. This is an amazing price for an amazing skin care product that helps us fight future skin aging and even repair skin damage.

Get Some Amazing Simulated Diamond Earrings for FREE !!!

2010-09-08T20:40:00.002-05:00

There is this amazing new website where you can get a beautiful pair of earrings for free (which look just like diamonds by the way) and you only have to pay shipping. All you have to do is mention their site on your blog or website.

Here's the website: http://www.diamondearrings.org

So, basically, for less than $4, you can get a great pair of studs that look like real diamond earrings. My sister thought they were real when she saw them. Check out the site and get a pair, you will NOT be disappointed!

Olay Total Effects Cream Cleanser + Blemish Control

2010-08-26T22:47:00.003-05:00

I didn't realize I was almost out of my usual facial cleanser so I just went to CVS instead of going to the mall to pick something up real quick. I haven't tried a store brand in years and kind of wanted to see what was out there lately. I noticed this cleanser from Olay, Total Effects Cream Cleanser + Blemish Control and was really interested in trying it since I love the Total Effects body wash from Olay (which I discussed in an older post).

I have been using this for about 1 week or so and I love it! I haven't had much luck with store brands which is why I started buying department store stuff for the last few years. But I have to say, I am very impressed with this cleanser.

First off, it helps keep your skin clear since it has salicylic acid. This is important to me because I still get blemishes here and there and I'm in my 30's. It also keeps your skin nice and toned, which I really love. It's a bit moisturizing, which I don't care for now since it's Summer, but that will be great for dry winter air. This cleasnser is also supposed to fight signs of aging, but since I really don't have lines yet, I'm not sure if it works in that aspect. But, since it's great otherwise, I have no doubts that it is anti-aging.

The other great thing about this Olay cleanser is the price, around $8. Definitely cheaper than the department store brands and you can't tell since this is really a great cleanser that I will definitely continue using.

Dior ~ 5- Colours Iridescent Eyeshadow

2010-08-04T21:30:00.002-05:00

I absolutey love Dior makeup. They have some of the prettiest makeup and compacts that I have seen. Their new eyeshadow palettes are no exception. Dior came up with iridescent eyeshadow, which is so silky and easy to apply. You can definitely notice the difference, it blends beautifully.

A lot of eyeshadows take quite a bit of work just to blend the colors so that you have that perfect look - Not this one. The colors are so blendable that it's amazing. Dior is calling this new look Wet Reflect Technology.

You have 9 beautiful compacts to choose from. Like most of Dior's eyeshadow compacts, you get 5 shades in each. All perfectly paired to give you the best look possible. My favorite palette is Earth Reflection. I'm not sure where you'll find all of the color choices besides Dior.com. Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's each carry only a few of the palettes. The compact is a bit pricey ($58), but I noticed that expensive makeup lasts quite long and you definitely notice the difference in quality!

Avon ANEW REJUVENATE Night Sapphire Emulsion

2010-07-11T20:25:00.003-05:00

I have never used any Avon beauty products. I'm not sure why, maybe because you can't buy it from the store and return it if you're not happy. But, I really wanted to try this new moisturizer that I saw on a commercial. They claim that you'll look 5 years younger after 14 days. First off, the price is great, $30 for a nighttime moisturerizer. It's not cheap, but it's a lot less than most of the creams at the department stores.

So, there are 3 different creams, one if you're in your 30's, 40's & 50's. I purchased the ANEW REJUVENATE Night Sapphire Emulsion for women in their 30's. It's a nice gel cream that goes on really smooth. After about 2 weeks, I can really notice a difference. My pores look smaller and my face is nicely moisturized all of the time, which does make you look younger. Big pores make you look older and your skin looks blotchy. This cream totally fixes that! I am really happy with this moisturizer and am so glad that I tried it. I definitely have a different opinion of Avon and look forward to trying out more of their products.

Pixi Eyeshadow Compact

2010-06-26T21:45:00.003-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I have been really busy! I did, however, have a chance to pick up some new makeup on my latest trip to Target. I was at Target and I started looking at all of the cool makeup that they have now. They have some really nice stuff lately from makeup artists, it looks like the kind of makeup that you would find at the mall.

So, I came across this brand from London called Pixi. They have some really cute makeup. I absolutely fell in love with this eyeshadow. The compact I bought (pictured above) is Bitter Sweet Cacao and it is beautiful! It goes on great and blends well (not your usual drugstore makeup for sure). The compact isn't cheap - it's $28, but it's really worth it. You get 8 colors of eyeshadow so that you can create a lot of different looks.

Pixi also carries really pretty lip gloss, plumping lip gloss, bronzer, eyeliner and some really cute lip/cheek balm. That's about all I can remember right now. I want to pick up some lip gloss next time, they didn't have the color I wanted.

Janson Beckett - Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer SPF 40

2010-06-11T22:32:00.002-05:00

I have been using this SPF moisturizer from Janson Beckett for a few weeks and am quite happy with it. This sun block goes on smooth and doesn't feel sticky like most sun blocks do. It's more like a regular daytime moisturizer than a sun block.

It makes your face look great and feel soft. You can wear this alone or under your usual moisturizer, but with an SPF of 40, it really isn't necessary. Makeup goes on fine over this, actually even better than some moisturizers I have used.

Sometimes, I wear this if I want to tan or just as my usual sun block under makeup. Either way, this is a great product. You can get it at www.janson-beckett.com for $ 34.95.

Olay Total Effects Body Wash - Exfoliate & Replenish

2010-05-29T00:21:00.002-05:00

I recently bought the new Olay Total Effects Body Wash and it is amazing! It is probably one of the best shower gels I have ever used. First of all, it smells great. It lathers up really well and you don't even need to use a lot of it. The little exfoliating beads feel good too. Here is the description from Olay:

Improves elasticity
Relieves dryness
Deeply moisturizes
Brightens dull skin
Evens skin tone
Smoothes rough skin
Minimizes the appearance of dry lines

It is definitely a body wash worth trying. I have never seen any body wash that had this many benefits. It was a bit pricey when it first came out, but I've been seeing it on sale a lot lately, especially at CVS. Get something great for your skin - you deserve it!

Lancome Gift with Purchase at Macy's !

2010-05-17T23:43:00.004-05:00

Macy's is giving away a great gift with purchase for Lancome. If you spend $32.50 you can get a 6 piece gift of some of their great products. I mentioned a couple of great beauty products from Lancome before.

One skin care product that I love from them is their Pure Focus matifying toner. This is great for making pores look smaller and keeping your skin matte instead of getting oily. I wanted to mention this toner again because summer's coming, and this is a great toner to keep your skin looking good during the hot summer months ahead.

The beauty product I really love from Lancome is their Genefique serum. I also wanted to mention this product again from a previous post because of the warmer weather ahead. When you don't feel like slathering on your usual moisturizer when it's hot outside, instead of skipping out on moisturizer, use a serum. I know how much I don't like putting moisturizer on when it's hot and humid so I just skip it altogether. When I bought this, I would just use this instead of a heavy face cream and it was great.

New Interactive Skin Care Website

2010-05-11T23:04:00.003-05:00

You might have seen the blidget on my blog from myskin.com. This is a great new website where you can input information on your skin type and what kind of products you use and get recommendations on skin care and beauty products. You can also post reviews for others and read reviews on products that you might have considered trying.

It is really easy to sign up, just type in your email and a password. I was using the site the other day to see what it's all about and it's pretty cool. Based on my skin type and the products that I reviewed, it gave me recommendations on other products that I might like. You can also gain access to many skincare blogs and experts.

So sign up and give it a try, it's definitely something you haven't seen before.

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Spray Gel & Hairspray

2010-04-29T21:54:00.004-05:00

My hair is pretty weird, I can either wear it wavy (with the use of products), or it can be kind of straight. Since I prefer it wavy, I am always looking for products to help me fix my hair without a whole lot of effort or hassle.

I wanted to try Tousle Me Softly from Herbal Essence because I saw it in a magazine. I tried the spray gel and flexible hold hairspray. On damp hair, I sprayed the spray gel all over, after using a little bit of frizz serum, and then I blow dried with a diffuser. When my hair was dry, it was kind of wavy - not too bad. Then, I sprayed my hair with the flexible hold hair spray. I did this in the evening because that's when I usually fix my hair.

In the morning, I needed some aerosol spray to touch up my hair and set it, but otherwise it wasn't too bad. The waves are quite nice and you don't feel like you have a lot of product in your hair, it stays pretty soft. I needed the aerosol hair spray to kind of keep the waves though.

All in all, my hair looked pretty good and smelled amazing. I don't know if I would only use this, I would probably alternate between this and mousse. It just doesn't give you a head full of wavy curls, you mostly get these loose/casual waves.

Givenchy 'Ange ou Démon - Le Secret' Perfume

2010-04-23T00:33:00.003-05:00

I think I found a new favorite perfume !!! If you haven't already smelled Ange ou Demon by Givenchy, you must ! This perfume is so perfect, it's feminine, light, fresh - just beautiful. I didn't think I would find a perfume as amazing as Flowerbomb, but this one is pretty close. I am very picky about perfume, it's not easy for me to find one that I love.

The only thing that isn't so great is how expensive it is - $73 for 1.7 oz & &95 for 3.4 oz. Since it is quite pricey, ask for a sample. I always do this at Sephora because that way I can spray a new scent on in the morning and see how I like it throughout the day. Plus, if you can't spend the big bucks on perfume, it's a great way to get some free samples of it every time you go to the mall.

Either way, you should definitely try this amazing perfume. There have been quite a few good ones lately. Usually, I can't find more than 1 or 2 perfumes that I like at a time, but there are some great ones lately.

Victoria's Secret UR Sweet Body Glow Moisture Cream

2010-04-14T22:18:00.002-05:00

I probably found the best smelling body cream ever! It's called Cupquake from Victoria's Secret, from the Beauty Rush collection. This body cream smells like vanilla frosting, it's amazing. Not only does it smell great, but it's a great moisturizer too. It's a shea butter lotion and it has shimmer it in.

They already pulled it from the shelves but it is still available at victoriassecret.com. You can get 3 for $25. If you don't feel like ordering online, they said they're going to bring it back for the semi-annual sale in June. Whether you order it or wait to get it at the store, you should definitely get some. They have the thicker body cream or the lotion. The lotion doesn't have the shimmer like the body cream does. All 3 smell good, but I LOVE Cupquake, it's the best.

Why Buying Diamonds Online Is Cheaper

2010-04-09T23:36:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for someplace to invest in these chaotic financial times, you are probably looking at gold and diamonds. For gold, you have a choice of gold stocks, gold jewelry, and certificate of deposits backed by gold. If you’re looking for loose diamonds, you’re going to get them from a retailer (and pay a heavy mark-up), or you’ll end up buying them online, where you can get them wholesale.

Why Online Sales Are Less Expensive

The very first reason you’re sure to get a better deal online is the sales model. In a retail store, sales people work on commission and they are sure to want to sell you the most expensive diamond they can to get a larger commission. Online, there are no sales people, and instead you get to browse an inventory via a search engine that allows you to search for exactly what you want, even if you want to do it by price tag. In a retail store, the price tags are often hidden under the jewelry so that you have to ask them to bring them out. In this way, you will probably eye something outside your budget and then the sales person can urge you to buy it anyway! Talk about pressure!

Larger Inventories Make for Better Deals

A regular retailer will only have the inventory that is in their store. Online stores can partner with various vendors to locate all kinds of diamonds in different price ranges and of different quality. By cutting out the middleman (the retailer) you can locate diamonds online at wholesale prices, without having to have a wholesale license to buy! If you subscribe to their sites you can even get notice of special sales and promotions and it’s far more convenient to buy online than offline. It’s not a matter of wasting gas to check out what’s in the store. Instead, you just hop online, browse an inventory of thousands of diamonds online, and get the best deal you can without even walking outside your door.

Parisienne Yves Saint Laurent

2010-04-02T23:20:00.003-05:00

I am absolutely in LOVE with the new Yves Saint Laurent fragrance Parisienne. It is definitely one of my favorites. I am very picky when it comes to perfume, there aren't that many that I like. I have been looking for a new fragrance because lately, I only like Flower Bomb and it's all I wear. So, when this came out, I wanted to give it a try.

It is such a beautiful and feminine fragrance. It is a floral fragrance and is not too heavy (like some perfumes that are way too strong). It's kind of delicate and it just smells exquisite. At first, I asked the girls at Sephora to make me a sample so that I can try it outside of the store. To me, it's easier to see if I like a fragrance when I try it at home for a couple of days. At the store, I spray on so many perfumes that it's hard to tell if I really like something.

Also, Nordstrom is offering a pretty sweet deal for Parisienne right now. You can get a 3oz. bottle of perfume, travel perfume & a lotion for $85. That is the same price for just 1 bottle of the 3oz. size, so that is an amazing deal. If you can, you should at least get a sample of this. You won't be disappointed.

L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

2010-03-22T22:25:00.003-05:00

I bought this Loreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara because I always wanted the one that Givenchy made but didn't want to spend that much money on it. So, when this one came out, I figured I would give it a shot.

I always thought the the old fashioned, long mascara brushes were a bit large and scary. Who hasn't poked themselves in the eyes ??? But, after using this mascara wand, I think that I prefer the older versions.

First of all, with such a short brush, you have more of the stick, which is full of mascara and it touches your lashes while you're trying to apply. This causes major clumps of mascara that gets on your lashes. So, while you're trying to get rid of the globs of mascara, you make a mess. Plus, the brush is quite small, so it takes longer to apply mascara to all of your lashes and it's pretty hard to get them perfect because before you're even done, the mascara is drying.

Needless to say, I'm quite disappointed. I thought it was long overdo that new mascara wands were made but I think the old ones were pretty great compared to these little brushes that just make it take longer to apply your makeup. Definitely not worth the hassle, especially when you're trying to get ready for work in the morning.

2010-03-21T23:11:00.003-05:00

It seems like I always have to switch the cleanser that I use because whenever I find something good, my skin gets used to it. So, since my skin has been acting up for a little while now, I decided to try Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Foam cleanser. I was constantly getting little pimples all over my forehead and around my chin, which is quite embarassing when you're in your 30's.

I tend to stay away from products that are specifically geared towards acne because they usually tend to dry out my skin. But, since I was kind of desperate, I went ahead and bought this cleanser. Suprisingly, it doesn't dry out my skin and within a couple of days, it really started clearing up my face. My skin started to look so much smoother. After I noticed such a difference, I was disappointed that I was so used to how my skin was looking, that I didn't know how bad it actually was. After about 2 weeks now, my face looks great.

I am so impressed with this cleanser that I'm going to buy the Acne Solutions toner too. I can't wait to see if my skin gets even better. I just really hope that my skin can stay this way and the products don't lose their effect, otherwise, I'm going to have to look for something new again.

I added the Clinique Acne Solutions kit in my widget to the right of this page, under my 'followers' in case anyone is interested in buying it. I like that I can just click on it and order quickly. I have a new job and can't really make it to the stores that often anymore, so it's really convenient.

NEW - MAC 'Give Me Liberty of London Collection'

2010-03-12T00:17:00.004-06:00

Mac has a very cool new makeup collection. The colors are very cute and fun, just in time for Spring. This is a limited edition makeup collection that consists of 4 new lip colors, 4 new tinted lip glass colors, 5 new eye shadows shades, 2 new blush shades, 2 new beauty powders & 2 nail polish shades.

All of the compacts and packaging is so cute. You definitely need to pick up some items from this collection, it's so worth it!

Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner

2010-03-06T22:44:00.003-06:00

Lately, my hair hasn't been looking so great for some reason, so I was looking for some new shampoo and conditioner. I'm not sure why, but it looks really dry and flat. I have wavey hair so I thought I would give the Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner a try. I have heard about Ouidad for a while now and have been wanting to try their products.

I must say that after washing my hair just once, I can notice a big difference right away. My hair is so much fuller and it looks really moisturized. Usually, I don't notice such a huge difference right away with hair products, but this time, I did. I can't believe that one wash can make such a noticeable difference. I am definitely impressed.

I just ordered the Ouidad Curl Confidence starter kit. I was debating if I should order it or not (after seeing the infomercials), but this shampoo and conditioner made up my mind. If you haven't seen the infomercial, the Curl Confidence set has some styling products that are essential to create natural and healthy looking curls. You get the 3 products, a wide tooth comb, DVD and a deep moisture treatment (for life if you're on auto-ship).

I'll definitely let everyone know how it works after I get it and give it a try. I'm really exited after trying their shampoo and conditioner.

NARS 'Spring 2010' Collection

2010-02-26T18:08:00.004-06:00

Another great makeup collection this Spring is from Nars. I particularly love the new shades of the glitter pencil that they have. It is a chunky pencil that comes in 6 cool colors.

The color is a little on the transperent side so it's nice and subtle. I love the black one called Area. It is black with gold glitter - very cute. You just have to make sure you don't apply the pencil too heavy because it's easy to put too much on since it's a bigger pencil than usual.

The other items in the Spring collection are pretty much what Nars usually sells - there are just newer colors for Spring.

Dior Lace Collection - Spring 2010

2010-02-18T19:37:00.003-06:00

There is a ton of fabulous makeup coming out this Spring. I absolutely LOVE all of the amazing and beautiful products from all of the great brands out there.

I have mentioned a couple of products that I bought from other Spring collections and today, I wanted to mention the new Dior Lace Collection.

This season, Dior was focusing on elegant & sensual colors that will flatter everyone. All of the face and eyeshadow compacts are embossed with lace - making them so pretty!

The colors are absolutely amazing! I especially love the eyeshadow compact that I bought (pictured here), called 'Coquette 743.' The colors in this compact are gorgeous & timeless. This is definitely one of my new favorites.

This collection consists of: 2 eyeshadow compacts, highlighting powder, blush, tinted lip balm, 28 Dior Addict Lipcolors, 18 Dior Ultra-Gloss Reflect & 2 nail polish colors. The items range from $21 - $58, not cheap - but so worth it!

FREE Lancome Gift with Purchase From Macy's !!!

2010-02-12T20:06:00.002-06:00

Macy's is giving away this beautiful 7-piece Lancome gift if you spend $32.50. You get to choose which anti-aging moisturizer & serum set you want. Plus, if you spend $55, you get the extra limited edition color design lip colors (full size) & eyeshadow quad (your choice of cool pinks or warm browns).

Definitely a beautiful gift set. Lancome has some of the best beauty products & moisturizers around.

THE GIFT CONSISTS OF:

DÉFINICILS Mascara, BI-FACIL Eye Makeup Remover, 2 JUICY TUBES in Fifth Ave Frosting & Tickled Pink and a LANCÔME Signature Cosmetics Bag.

CHOOSE YOUR ANTI-AGING MOISTURIZER AND SERUM:

RÉNERGIE Treatment and NEW RÉNERGIE MICROLIFT R.A.R.E.™ Lifter
or HIGH RÉSOLUTION REFILL-3X™ Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen and HIGH RÉSOLUTION COLLASER-5X™ Serum
or NEW ABSOLUE PRECIOUS CELLS Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen and ABSOLUE ULTIMATE ßx Serum

Bobbi Brown 'Cabana Corals' Collection

2010-02-06T15:59:00.006-06:00

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has a beautiful new Spring makeup collection. The collection ranges from pink corals to nude corals, so there is something for everyone. Corals are some of the prettiest shades of makeup because they are so flattering. They complement almost any skin tone.

I personally love the Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick compact. It gives you a soft, warm pink glow. This is great for the winter when you're a little pale and even in the summer like you would use a bronzer. It is such a beautiful shimmer compact.

The new coral collection also has some beautiful lipsticks and lip glosses, as well as a rouge pot. Such a fabulous spring makeup collection, I can't wait to see what other makeup brands will come out with for Spring!

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure

2010-01-28T20:53:00.002-06:00

I bought this new nail polish from Sally Hansen called Complete Salon Manicure. I love doing my nails but don't always have the time to do a base coat, color & top coat. If I'm lucky, I have enough time to do a coat of color & a top coat.

With this polish, it's so easy - You get all 5 Steps of a Salon Manicure in 1 Bottle. With one swipe of the brush, you get a Base Coat, Strengthener, Growth Treatment, Color and Top Coat. It really doesn't get easier than this!

I bought the 'Shell We Dance,' it's a pale pink (my favorite, classic look). I got my bottle at Target for about $6.50, which isn't too bad. I love the color and the wide brush makes applying so easy and smooth. Great product - you should definitely buy it!

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer Spring 2009 Collection, Love Your Life

2010-01-21T22:55:00.003-06:00

I just bought this amazing nail polish from Opi Nicole. The color is called 'Love Your Life.' It is a very light clear pink that has multi-colored glitter and these adorable little pink hearts!

I haven't seen a polish this cute in a really long time. It looks great alone and you can put it over any color. I wish I was able to find a bigger picture so you could see it better but I couldn't.

The polish is almost clear, although it looks like a really, really light pink to me. The hearts are adorable, there just the perfect little size and color. They don't look cheesy because they're subtle. I absolutely love this polish - I think it's my new favorite.

L'Oreal Go 360 Facial Cleanser with Scrublet

2010-01-19T15:07:00.002-06:00

I bought this new Loreal facial cleanser because I love anything that can help with large pores and oily skin. This is an oil free cleanser that you use with the built in scrublet.

This is a deep cleaning cleanser that unclogs pores, removes oil, dirt & makeup. It helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes.

The scrublet is super soft and flexible. It activates the cleanser and creates a great lather. The scrublet helps unclog pores and once you're done, your face looks so much smoother.

I love how my face looks after I use this cleanser. My pores look smaller and my face feels clean. There are 4 types of cleanser to choose from: sensitive, deep cream cleanser, deep facial cleanser & deep exfoliating cleanser (which is what I bought).

You should definitely pick up this cleanser - you can find it almost anywhere for around $5 - $7 (depending on what store you buy it at). I bought mine at Ulta on sale for $4.99!

CHANEL Spring 2010 Makeup Collection

2010-01-10T23:52:00.003-06:00

I am so excited about all of the beautiful new spring makeup! I had to let everyone know about this amazing spring makeup collection from Chanel. For Spring, Chanel's collection if focusing on neutrals. I absolutely love neutrals, it's my favorite look for makeup. I also really love Chanel since it is by far some of the best makeup ever. I really haven't seen neutrals this beautiful in quite some time.

Once again, Chanel has made some of the most beautiful makeup and as always, their collections are classic and timeless.

The collection consists of:

Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder
Natural Finish Pressed Powder
Powder Blush
Sheer Illuminating Fluid
Quadra Eye Shadow
Precision Eye Definer
Glossimer (Lipgloss)
Nail Colour
Extreme Shine Nail Lacquer

The radiant glow highlighting powder is a limited edition, so you would definitely not want to miss out on this beautiful makeup. I am going to get as many items from this collection as I can and I hope you can too!

Korres Body Scrub

2010-01-10T04:24:00.004-06:00

I bought this body scrub from Korres recently and used it a few times. Korres products usually don't smell too nice but I like the fact that they are natural and good for your skin, so I figured I would give this scrub a shot.

First of all, the smell is not that great. I usually like my beauty products to smell nice so that I enjoy using them. As far as the scrub goes, it's not that exfoliating. I don't know if it's just too weak for me, but it doesn't really feel like it exfoliates much.

After using this body scrub a few times I have to say that I am not happy with it. It doesn't smell good, doesn't exfoliate good and definitely isn't worth $17. It definitely has to go back, I wouldn't recommend buying this product.

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

2010-01-07T00:23:00.005-06:00

I have been using this lotion from Skin MD called shielding lotion which can be used on face, body & hands. This is a natural lightweight lotion which is hypo-allergenic, fragrance free, paraben free and dermatologist tested.

It's supposed to help the skin restore itself and enhance it's protective functions. It's also supposed to help the skin heal itself naturally and regain a youthful appearance. I have been using this lotion on my arms and hands. I have had a problem with bumps on my upper arms for quite some time and have tried tons of lotions but nothing really ever worked for me.

I used this lotion for about 1 1/2 weeks and was quite surprised that my arms have totally cleared up! My arms have not been clear in I don't even know how long - that's how long it's been. This lotion is very lightweight and soaks in quickly- you're not left with any greasiness or residue.

You can buy this amazing lotion at http://www.skinmdnatural.com/ (I'm not sure what stores you might be able to get it at). It's about $18 for a 4oz bottle which is a great deal for this lotion. If you have dry skin or you don't like really heavy lotions, especially with summer coming in a few months, you should definitely try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion - it's a great product.

Lancôme 'Pure Focus' Pore Tightening Toner with Matifying Powders

2009-12-28T03:08:00.003-06:00

I have always had a problem with large pores. No matter what facial cleanser I tried or what type of exfoliator I used, nothing really helped. I bought so many beauty products that claimed to be pore tightening (drugstore & department store brands) but I never noticed a difference.

I have been wanting to try a new toner lately (I was using Clinique for a while). Nothing was wrong with my Clinique toner but I get bored with products - even if I like something. Plus, the Clinique toner didn't seem to do anything amazing - it just tingled when I would use it but I didn't notice much else. So, I have been looking for a new toner for a while and came across Pure Focus from Lancome.

I really like how Lancome described this toner - skin purifying, pore tightening & matifying to help shine disappear for fresh matte skin. The matifying part really sounded great because on top of having large pores, I have oily skin -especially on my t-zone, so I bought it.

Well, I have been using this toner for about a week and I am shocked that my pores actually look tighter already!!! I am so happy - it also keeps by face looking less oily. To me, when your pores look smaller, you look a little younger. I absolutely love this toner! Another bonus is that it isn't too expensive - $24.00 If you have a problem with large pores & oily skin, you should definitely try this one - I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Plus, if you buy Lancome from Nordstrom & spend $50, you get a beautiful eyeshadow compact (pictured below & ONLINE ONLY). So, if you're looking for a new toner or just want to try this fabulous toner, order it from Nordstrom online and get a great gift as well. I was searching all of the department stores to buy my toner from and maybe get a gift with purchase, but nobody is giving any gifts lately - not sure why.

NEW Covergirl Smoky ShadowBlast Eyeshadow

2009-12-23T00:27:00.002-06:00

Covergirl has this awesome new eyeshadow to help you do a smoky eye look. There are 2 sides to this cool eyeshadow stick. One side is specially shaped to spread the color on the eyelid and the other side is tapered to line above the lashline and to contour.

I bought the Onyx/Smoke pencil combo. It is so pretty and easy - I didn't know you can apply eyeshadow this easy. Usually, my makeup routine takes about half an hour. This helps me do my makeup so much quicker. I was looking for a way to do my eyeshadow quicker for those days when I don't have as much time. Now, instead of not doing my makeup at all when I'm in a hurry, I just use this - I LOVE it!!!

I'm sure the price varies from store to store, but I found this on drugstore.com for $ 8.50 which isn't too bad. Definitely a lot cheaper than most department store eyeshadows.

Philosophy Eye Hope™ Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream

2009-12-14T20:13:00.003-06:00

I was waiting to try Eye Hope from Philosophy for quite some time, but I had to finish an eye cream that I was using plus many samples. I finally bought this eye cream about 1 month ago and I absolutely love it.

Eye Hope is an anti-aging eye cream that also helps with puffiness and dark circles. Since I have dark circles no matter what I do, I had to try this. I always thought that I would just never get rid of my dark circles, because I have tried so many eye creams and I never saw any change.

When I first applied Eye Hope, I noticed that it tingles a little. It didn't bother me, but people with sensitive skin might have more of a burning sensation. To me, it makes me think that it's working. I like the way it goes on, not too greasy - but not too thin either.

After using Eye Hope for a while, I noticed that the circles under my eyes were not as dark anymore - yay! I'm so happy that an eye cream finally works for me and does what it says. The skin around my eyes looks moisturized and healthy and my dark circles look much, much lighter.

I would definitely buy Eye Hope again since this is an amazing eye cream. I love Philosophy beauty products because for me, they pretty much always do what they claim to do and I love that!

Makeup & Beauty Product Christmas Gift Ideas !!!

2009-12-11T23:51:00.011-06:00

Hello Everyone!

I was searching the internet for gift ideas for all of the Makeup & Beauty Product lovers in your lives. I was looking for gifts that were not just one item, but something a little more interesting, like gift sets.

You can find sets everywhere like Nordstrom, Bloomindgales or Macys, but I found quite a few gift sets at Sephora. Some of them aren't even too expensive and they are very cute makeup or perfume sets that anyone would love! Hopefully, this can give some of you gift ideas if you're having a hard time finding things for everyone. Just go to Sephora.com like I did!

2009-12-08T09:37:00.004-06:00

I know I mention these gift sets all of the time, but I love them. I hope these posts are helpful because I am always searching store websites looking for great ones - and I found another one.

Macy's is offering this beautiful Lancome train case but this time it's not free - it's $52 (with a Lancome purchase). This could be a great gift for yourself or someone else who loves makeup.

It comes with a great eyeshadow compact, lip gloss, lipstick and more. Lancome is one of my favorite brands because of the quality of their great products.

If you love Lancome beauty products or you know someone who does, you should definitely get this.

Viktor & Rolf 'Flowerbomb' Perfume

2009-11-30T22:52:00.002-06:00

Flowerbomb Perfume by Viktor & Rolf is probably one of the best fragrances ever! I LOVE this perfume, it is my "go to" scent. When I'm not sure what to put on, I always put on Flowerbomb.

This perfume is so feminine and sexy. It lasts all day without having to put on more. You can find it online for less, but just be careful that you're not ordering a "tester" bottle. Now, Nordstrom is offering this gift set though, which makes the price a little more bearable. It's $105 and it includes: eau de parfum (1.7 oz.), body cream (1 oz.) and shower gel (1.7 oz.).
A $123 value.

If you haven't tried Flowerbomb yet, you definitely should, you'll love it!!!

Estée Lauder 'Color Spectacular' Collection

2009-11-24T01:59:00.002-06:00

Nordstrom is offering this beautiful makeup collection from Estee Lauder for $55! All in a must-have cosmetic traveler with a companion makeup case and great standup mirror.

Collection includes:

- Deluxe Eyeshadow Compact with 15 coordinating shades (Sugar Cube, Ivory Box, Honey Drop, Lavender, Chocolate, Tea Biscuit, Copper Penny, Petal, Mulberry, Pale Moon, Cinnamon, Apricot and Mocha Cup in Pure Color Eyeshadow, plus Sage Duo in Estée Lauder Signature Eyeshadow).- Deluxe Face Compact (Estée Lauder Signature Silky Powder Blush in Rosewood and Nude Rose, and Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer).- Four Pure Color Long Lasting Lipsticks (full-size, in Candy, Rose Tea, Fig and Tiger Eye).- Three Artist's Eye Pencils (great for smoky eyes, in SoftSmudge Black, SoftSmudge Brown and Slate Writer).- Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara (10-day supply, in Black).- Lash Primer Plus (10-day supply).- Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (3.4 oz.).- Four deluxe makeup brushes (powder, blush, lip and eye).- Look Book with tips on creating four fabulous looks.- Golden standup mirror.- Cosmetic traveler case.- Companion makeup case.
A $340 value.

Very beautiful set, great for yourself or as a gift !

New Velvet Amber Blackberry at Victoria's Secret

2009-11-16T11:11:00.005-06:00

I just bought the new Velvet Amber Blackberry Fragrance Mist from Victoria's Secret. I love this stuff! It smells so beautiful and isn't overpowering. The whole collection is adorable.

The best part - it's only $25!!!

I fell in love with how subtle the mist is but they also have a parfume as well, it's $45. The lotion smells great too.

Plus, if you buy something from Victoria's Secret for the month of November, you'll get a secret santa gift card. They are worth at least $10 and go up to $500! How can you not buy something ???

Clinique 'Superbalanced' Powder Makeup SPF 15

2009-11-11T02:37:00.005-06:00

I went to Nordstrom to get this new Clinique powder after I saw it in a magazine. It says it will keep oily areas more dry and dry areas more comfortable which sounded great for my combination skin.

The compact grinds the makeup for you so that you can apply it with your brush, it gives you fresh shaved mineral powder. It comes in 8 colors and lasts for 8 hours, which is great. It is an amazing face powder and I love it. If you love Clinique, you'll love this makeup. If you haven't tried Clinique makeup and beauty products, you definitely should.

Another great bonus is the amazing free gift Nordstrom is giving away when you spend $25, it's a Trina Turk designed makeup bag with very cool Clinique deluxe samples (pictured below).

Dylan's Candy Bar Coconut Bon Bon Ice Cream Sugar Scrub

2009-11-02T11:14:00.003-06:00

I just have to tell everyone about Dylan's Candy Bar beauty products. I tried the Coconut Bon Bon Ice Cream Sugar Scrub and it is amazing. It has Jojoba Beads, Pumice, and Vitamin E so it makes your skin really soft. It is so cute in it's little ice cream container and it smells awesome!

I love how it makes you smell like candy and leaves your skin really smooth. You can get it at Sephora for $20 which is not bad for a body scrub, many of them sell for a lot more. They have so many amazing scents and other products as well. There are shower gels, body butters, body lotions and lip balm.

New Chanel Fall Eyeshadow Compact

2009-10-27T21:55:00.003-05:00

Look at this beautiful Chanel eyeshadow! It's a gorgeous new compact for Fall that can be applied wet or dry, depending on how dramatic you want your look to be.

It's made with organic derivatives so it's smudge proof and long lasting, which is great. This eyeshadow is made to hold up well in high temperature and humidity.

As always, Chanel has made another great and timeless eyeshadow compact. It's available at Nordstrom for $60.

2009-10-20T11:25:00.007-05:00

Mac Cosmetics has an amazing new holiday collection called Magic, Mirth & Mischief. The makeup is so beautiful. I listed some of my favorites below but there is so much more to this makeup collection. You have to check out this collection, you'll love everything like I do!

This is my favorite eyeshadow from the collection, I just love the colors.

This is my favorite lip palette, the colors are amazing!

I just love this makeup brush set with the beautiful little bag that they come in.

Luna Twilight Makeup

2009-10-18T21:10:00.002-05:00

Nordstrom carries Luna Twilight cosmetics collection—for perfectly blood-stained lips and more. This makeup has great colors for fall. They have a DuWop lip venom stain that is perfect for the season or for Halloween parties!

This makeup collection consists of a lip stain, lip gloss, eye & cheek palette, body glow, face glow, blush, eyeshadow, mascara & lipstick.

You have to check out this collection, it's great!

Laura Mercier Master Toolbox

2009-10-16T12:35:00.002-05:00

Look at this gorgeous Laura Mercier eye & lip palette. This is available this holiday season and is a must have! You have the best eye & lip colors that will go with everything.

This is so versatile, you can mix the eyeshadows & lipsticks and you get an amazing black turquoise eye liner. This 2 tier palette comes with an eyeshadow & lip brush.

You can get this beautiful palette at Nordstrom for $65!!!

2009-10-05T17:24:00.002-05:00

Bloomingdale's is giving away this very cute Lancome gift if you spend $35. You can pick from neutral or cool shades...very cool!

Love Lancome and love the free gifts you get from them, very deluxe samples...so worth it.

2009-09-29T10:08:00.002-05:00

If there is one thing I can't get enough of, it's eyeshadow! I love beautiful eyeshadow compacts, especially nudes. I also like mixed compacts because they do the hard part for you of deciding which colors are compatible.

This new Bobbi Brown customizable 3 pan palette is amazing! You have a set of warm & cool eyeshadows along with a pot of rouge. Plus, it comes with an eyeshadow brush (Bobbi Brown has great makeup brushes). It's limited edition and available only at Nordstrom (for $60 -which is great for this much makeup).

I love limited edition makeup because it's always something unique. The only think I hate is that you can't find it again. So, when I see something this fabulous, I have to get it right away! If you love Bobbi Brown products like I do, this great compact is a must have in your beauty kit.

FREE Clinique 8-Piece Gift !

2009-09-20T14:59:00.004-05:00

Bloomingdale's is giving away this beautiful Clinique gift set with a Milly bag if you spend only $25!!! This makeup bag is soooooo cute! The free gifts are some of Clinique's best products.

I love Clinique products. Clinique is great for anyone with sensitive or easily irritated skin. I love how my skin looks when I use Clinique, it's always even toned, moisturized and you look great!

If you're new to Clinique, it's good to try their products when they offer one of their great gifts so that you can try a few things without having to buy them. If you already love Clinique, make sure you get this cute bag & amazing samples!

Great beauty product giveaway!

2009-09-17T10:22:00.002-05:00

There is this great giveaway going on now by Gem. It's so easy to be a part of, you just have to be one of her followers and then just post the giveaway on your blog. This ends on Sept. 27 so join NOW!

Bobbi Brown Nude Eye Palette

2009-09-11T18:34:00.002-05:00

If you love nude eyeshadow (like I do), you'll love this nude palette from Bobbi Brown. It can be hard buying nude eyeshadow. Either they're too light (and you can't see anything) or they have a weird color (like an orange hue).

This palette is perfect! You have 6 colors to choose from (not the usual 4) and they are all beautiful. You can easily change your look from day to night. The other cool thing is that you can replace the duo that you use the most since the compact has 3 separate pans. You can replace the pans with eyeshadow or blush and make your own customized compact.

This compact is a must-have for anyone's makeup bag, especially for fall.

Choose your FREE sample with any 2-piece Chanel Skincare Purchase!

2009-09-06T02:05:00.003-05:00

Macy's if offering a choice of one of these deluxe Chanel samples if you spend $45.

Chanel has some amazing products, it's always great when you can get some Chanel freebies.

Laura Mercier Soufflé Body Crème

2009-08-27T23:10:00.004-05:00

This body cream is amazing. It smells great and soaks in without feeling greasy. The beautiful smell lasts all day. It feels so rich when you put it on.

All of them smell amazing but I love the French Vanilla, it's the best! It's $55 but it lasts for quite a while - it's so worth it!

You can order it by clicking on the picture in my carousel to the right of the page, it's so easy.

Lancome Gift!

2009-08-21T22:44:00.005-05:00

Lancome is giving this great gift at Macy's if you spend $29.50. Like I said before, this is a great way to try new products if you're not familiar with a brand. If you already love Lancome, like I do, you'll love the great freebies!

Laura Geller - Eye Rimz

2009-08-15T22:02:00.002-05:00

This is a baked eyeshadow that has several colors mixed together to create a unique look each time. I have this one (potion) but there are 4 to choose from.

It comes with a little brush so that you can easily blend and apply. Potion is a blend of black, deep violet and pearl. Sometimes it looks like a smoky charcoal color and sometimes it looks like a dark purple. It is such a cool eyeshadow and looks great.

You can get it at Sephora and it's only $26!

Nordstrom Gift

2009-08-07T23:54:00.004-05:00

Nordstrom is giving away this great gift if you spend $100 (on fragrance or beauty products). It has some great samples from some of my favorite products.

St. Ives Microdermabrasion Scrub

2009-08-07T23:45:00.003-05:00

I have tried many facial scrubs over the years, some of which were very pricey, but I always come back to this one because it works the best!

This scrub gets rid of blackheads and leaves my face looking younger and refreshed instantly. It also works great on your entire body, I've used it from head to toe. You're left with a wonderful scent afterwards as well.

The best part is that it is only $ 7.99 (or less).

CHANEL Vitalumieries Cream Concealer SPF 15

2009-07-30T22:25:00.007-05:00

This Chanel concealer is the best concealer that I have ever tried! It is smooth and creamy so it goes on great. You get the little brush to apply it so that you don't have to rub or dab it on with your finger (because you know that can cause wrinkles!).

It doesn't settle into fine lines like some concealers do, it blends perfectly. It doesn't really look like you have any on. It looks great under your makeup and doesn't have any weird tint that some concealers do.

It is a bit pricey (around $52) but it lasts forever - I can't even tell you how long I have had mine. You apply exactly how much you need since you use the little brush, you don't end up wasting any since you don't use your fingers.

Clinique Moisture Surge

2009-07-28T22:36:00.005-05:00

When Clinique came out with Moisture Surge, I wanted to try it because I love Clinique products. Of course, this was another great product from Clinique. Moisture surge is a gel like cream that you can use over moisturizer or on bare skin. It's very lightweight and instantly hydrates your skin when you need it.

I use Moisture Surge when it's a little too hot for any other kind moisturizer but I don't want to skip and not put on anything at all. It feels light and isn't greasy, plus it absorbs right away.

In the winter, I use it over my moisturizer when my skin gets dry. Sometimes, when it's so cold and it feels like your moisturizer just isn't enough, this stuff is great. It's kind of like a multi-purpose moisturizer.

This is a great cream to have instead of having so many different jars of cream because you never know what you'll need everyday. Plus, this isn't as expensive as many of the regular beauty creams are (1.7oz. is $34 & the big 3.4oz. is $46.50). So, you can have your favorite moisturizer and keep this for whenever you need it.

Another great Estee Lauder gift

2009-07-28T22:30:00.003-05:00

Nordstrom is giving away this Estee Lauder gift when you spend $29.50. It has cute makeup bags and really nice makeup. Like I said before, this is a great way to try out new products. Even if you're not happy with what you bought to receive the gift and return it, you get to keep the stuff. If you already like certain brands, this is a great way to get freebies!

Free Estee Lauder Gift at Macy's

2009-07-26T19:22:00.002-05:00

Macy's is offering this great Estee Lauder gift if you spend $29.50. Estee Lauder has some great products and this tote & makeup bag are cute. I love getting these gifts because it is such a great way to try new products.

Chanel Les Quatre Ombres Eyeshadow

2009-07-26T02:35:00.005-05:00

This Chanel eyeshadow is probably one of my favorite eyeshadows! I bought the compact in Dunes (not pictured), it is more of a neutral palette. This compact has a combination of matte and shimmery colors, not like some compacts where you either have only matte or only frosted colors.

This is what makes the colors so great together because they blend so beautifully. It's hard to work with some compacts because if all of the colors are matte, it sometimes looks like you didn't put any eyeshadow on. If all of the colors are shimmery, it looks ends up looking like more of a 'night time' look that you probably weren't going for. That doesn't happen with this compact, no matter how you apply it, you look great.

For a more natural look, you apply the eyeshadow dry, like you normally would. For a more dramatic look, you can wet your brush or the applicator and the colors will go on a bit darker. It's also long wearing so you don't have to worry about reapplying it. And it's great in humidity too! It's also Ophthalmologist tested so it's safe for women who wear contacts.

It is a bit pricey ($56) but it is so worth it. Chanel has 12 color palettes in this collection and they are all classically beautiful. I haven't found many eyeshadow compacts that are perfect like this one is, and I've tried tons of them!!!

2009-07-22T04:14:00.008-05:00

Today, I wanted to talk about Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate. I bought it as soon as it came out. I just had to try it with all of the great things they were claiming it would do and because Lancome has some amazing beauty products and cosmetics. The price was a bit high, but I thought it would be worth trying.

Lancome claims that you will notice a difference as soon as you put it on. I mostly noticed that my face seemed softer. The next couple of days, I noticed my skin starting to look a little more even-toned. I was pleasantly surprised that I could notice a difference after just a couple of days (after trying tons of products that don't do what they say at all). I have also been using it once a day instead of two, just because it's easier for me. They suggest putting it on twice a day for best results.

The next couple of weeks were different - my face looks slightly more toned, I'm having less breakouts and even though I haven't been tanning - my face has a nice, lightly tanned color to it (like a healthy glow).

I am stilling using Genifique after about 4 months now (it's a serum so a little goes a long way) and I LOVE it! My face looks great, my pores look smaller, I have an even-skin-tone and I barely break out anymore. I have a healthy glow and feel more comfortable without any makeup on because my skin just looks better. Before, I would always feel better wearing makeup when I left the house.

I think Genifique is definetly worth the money. You'll love the way your skin looks and feels. It is a bit pricey, but it does last. I've been using mine for a little over 4 months and still have almost half a bottle left.

Lancome Gift

2009-07-20T16:59:00.003-05:00

Lancome is giving away this free gift at Nordstrom if you spend $29.50. I always love the free gifts from Lancome, they have great samples and always give some type of make up bag or tote bag - like they are now. Lancome has some amazing products and this is a great way to try them!

philosophy

2009-07-20T01:01:00.004-05:00

I am sure by now you have heard about Philosophy. Well, I recently tried their products and I am in LOVE! I have never used anything that makes my skin look the way it does when I use this stuff. Their facial cleanser, Purity, is great. It makes your skin look beautiful and even-toned. It doesn't leave your face squeaky clean like some cleansers do. Purity is a 3-in-1 (cleanser/toner/mositurizer), but it's not oily or heavy, you can still use your moisturizer afterwards without it being too much. Their face cream, Hope in a Jar is a lightweight cream that moisturizes your skin and also gives it an even tone. This moisturizer is great, it's not heavy and it absorbs nicely, some face creams leave your face greasy which can be annoying.

Philosophy products don't have the harsh chemicals that some products do. So, not only do you look great but it's good for your skin too! You can try all of Philosophy's best sellers (like I did) that come in a Best Sellers Collection. That way you get a smaller size of their most popular products. You get the skincare, micro facial scrub and a small bottle of Amazing Grace, their amazing shower gel/bubble bath/shampoo. I love this shower gel! It makes your skin so soft and you can still smell the fragrance later on. Once you try Philosophy, you'll get hooked - just like I am!

LAVANILA - The Healthy Body Butter

2009-07-19T14:38:00.002-05:00

This awesome body butter smells amazing and is not too thick and greasy like other body butters are. I have been using this cream for a while now and I love it! It absorbs quickly so you don't feel sticky afterwards. It has a subtle scent (not overwhelming like some creams) so you can layer it with a fragrance or wear it alone. The other great part - it's all natural. It's loaded with natural ingredients and antioxidants so it's great for your skin! My favorite is the Vanilla Cocunut.