February 2011 Favorite Products :)

Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with any of the companies or brands mentioned.  All products were purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

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John Frieda's "Sheer Blonde Go Blonder" 

Please read my previous blog for a more detailed review of this product.  In summary:  I love it and highly recommend it.  Has saved me some $$.

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MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural (my shade - medium plus) 

It seems that I've been quite rushed in the mornings and haven't had time to use liquid foundations (for me it takes longer to apply and buff out)  It gives me medium to full coverage and I don't really find the need to use a concealer when I use this product.  I apply the product with a flat top buffer brush  from coastalscents.com. 

I get a natural looking coverage and it doesn't settle in the fine lines..(ok, we'll call them wrinkles).  Lasts for about 1/2 my day and then I reapply.

I use over a face primer (Smashbox Photofinish) and moisturizer.

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 MAC's Viva Glam Gaga Lip Glass  

Love this color.  It's kinda scary pink when you look at it but when applied it's a beautiful pinky pink with bluish undertones.

I've seen this worn on a variety of skin tones and my personal opinion is that the color looks amazing on everyone.

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Roux 233 Repairing Conditioner 

I've only been using this product for 2 weeks but had to include in my February favorites because I just can't contain my love for it any longer.

My hair (up until a couple of days ago) needed to be cut so badly.  I hadn't had a hair cut in 5 months and my hair was F R I E D.  It looked like straw, was coarse to touch and was breaking every time I put a comb or brush to it.

One of my Facebook friends had posted she purchased this from Sally Beauty Supply and she loved it.  I ran down the next day and purchased Roux 233 and jumped in the shower and used it.  I left it in over the recommended 3 minutes and then rinsed.  I applied some leave in conditioner (a Nexus product I'm not in love with) and then blow dried and straight ironed.  WOW WOW WOW, immediate results!  My hair was considerably softer to the touch and LOOKED softer as well.  My boyfriend even said that my hair looked softer!!  For him to say ANYTHING about my hair is in itself a miracle so I KNOW the product made a difference. 

I've been using everyday since the day of purchase and I love love love it!!  Definite must have for me.

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MAC Holiday 2008 Smokey Eye Palette  

YES, this was a limited edition product and NO it's not available through MAC any longer.  You may be able to find it on Amazon, E-bay, Makeup Alley, etc... however, PAAALEASE be careful when purchasing makeup products over the Internet, you can NOT be assured of their authenticity and it is always a risk.

I have pretty much used this palette every single day for the last month.  It has perfect "neutrals" in it and one silver shimmery color which I tend to shy away from (you're not supposed to use shimmery eye shadow when you're 40 something I guess.  It accentuates the tiny lines..but whatever)  The palette holds the following colors:  Scant (Upper left),  Gorgeous (Upper Right), Satin Taupe (Middle Left), Ambiance (Middle Right), Dark Devotion (Lower Left), Carbon (Lower Right). 

Here's how I generally use the colors: (over painterly paintpot) Scant on the lid, Gorgeous on the inner corner, Satin Taupe on the outer 1/3, Dark Devotion on the "outer v" area and Carbon in the outer corner and under lower lashes. 

This palette allows me the freedom to do, dark smokey eyes, neutral eyes, shimmery going out looks, etc... and it's sooo easy to use because ALL the colors I love are in one convenient palette and it saves me the time going through my MAC palettes looking for that certain color.  (even though my MAC palettes are somewhat organized)  It's also great for traveling and fits in to any hand bag, purse or clutch nicely.  (The little applicator brush it came with hit the garbage can immediately though) 

I actually found this palette in my local Cosmetic Company Outlet about 4 months ago and picked one up as a spare.  Hopefully you can do the same!!  LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

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Benefit Stay Don't Stray primer for concealers and eye shadows.

  

Does anyone remember Benefit's F.Y. Eye Primer?  I loved that stuff.  I actually still have some because I bought up what I could find when I got the horrible news that they were discontinuing this product.

I waited for their replacement and they came out with Stay Don't Stray.  I bought it right away and at first was not impressed at all BUT I have since learned how to use it and OH MAN can I tell ya' I'm LOVING this as a primer (for eye shadow only...I have not used it under my eyes as a primer for concealer.  I'm afraid of it seeping into and accentuating those "fine lines" under my over 40 eyes).

This product is going to last me forever and a day and will unfortunately probably go bad before I can actually use it all.

This is where my problem lied with this product when I first purchased it.  It has a pump action applicator and the amount that is released with a full pump is ridiculously too much product for what I use it for.  It takes the teeniest, tiniest little pump of product... literally like the size of a medium point pen head to accomplish the task.

I dab the little teeny amount on the middle of my eye lid and dab it all over the lid and up to my brow bone.

The product not only keeps my shadows in place for the majority of my day but it cancels out any redness and conceals the little purplish veins I have on my lids.

Highly recommended!

 

That's it for my February 2011 favorites.  I'm sure I could add more but I need to get this blog posted before it's time for my March favorites!

If there are any products you would like for me to use and review, please let me know and I will make it happen.

See you in the next post!

Jeanine

LOOKING FOR A GOOD LEAVE IN CONDITIONER

I have but one little follower but expect to have more some day :)

I would like recommendations for a good leave in conditioner, for color treated hair that won't leave a greasy build up feeling.

Please comment and let me know your thoughts.

Thank you in advance :)


Jeanine

URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE - JUST ORDERED MINE!!

THE EVER SO POPULAR URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE..IN STOCK RIGHT NOW ON URBANDECAY.COM

So it's been about SIX MONTHS I've been trying to get my hands on this bad boy and I FINALLY clicked at the right time and I just happen to have a little bit of money in the bank.  (Just so you know, I already feel guilty for buying this instead of spending the money on bills..ughhh the regret)

I have heard SO many amazing things about this palette from personal friends, beauty blogs and the youtube beauty community.

I should have it in 5 to 7 days and can't wait wait wait to use it!

I will review as soon as I feel I've used it long enough to give a detailed review.

I'm so excited, I just had to share the news!!  (Doing the happy dance which oddly enough resembles the pee pee dance)

Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with Urban Decay and all opinions expressed are my own.  Product was purchased with my own hard earned money.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Controlled Lightening Spray - Quick Review

Simply stated... I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!

I color and highlight/low light my hair.  In a perfect world I get my touch ups about every 6 to 8 weeks and trim.  Due to current financial circumstances, coloring and cutting my hair is on the very bottom of my priority list :(

My roots had grown out about 2 inches and I was starting to look like a white trash strung out meth addict on an episode of cops.

I kept going toward the hair color aisle at CVS, would pick up the different boxes of hair color, pick one I thought I would like, get half way to the counter to buy it and then chicken out.  I have NO idea how to color my own hair.  I have so many colors going on (dark dark dark brown, almost black underneath in the back of my hair, a blonde base and two shades of blonde streaky highlights) so needless to say, I have no idea how my hair would react if I did it myself.  I was getting more desperate every time I looked in the mirror and saw the 2 + inches of dark roots.

I picked up a beauty magazine (and I can't remember which one) and featured and reviewed by it's editors was the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Controlled Lightening Spray.  The editors loved it and said they noticed a considerable difference in their hair color after 3 uses and after 3 weeks of continued use, roots were barely visible.  What was even more exciting was the price, TEN BUCKS!!

The next time I was in CVS I made it a point to seek this product out and purchase it.

Here's what the JF website says about the product (www.johnfrieda.com):

"Versatile, patent-pending formula with citrus and chamomile works with styling heat to gradually lighten and brighten for a natural-looking, blonder blonde. Contains thermo-protectant. Patent-pending technology combines fixative and conditioning polymers that retain hydrogen peroxide, allowing for control of lightening. Visibly lightens in 3-5 uses."

I love this product because not only does it lighten my hair but it provides a heat protectant as well.  My hair is pretty damaged right now and I can use all the help I can get until I can save enough pennies to get my hair cut and this product is an absolute life saver.

I used the product for about 1 week every day and saw results within 2 applications.  After 1 week, my roots weren't completely hidden but the color was visibly lifted to a lighter shade.

I didn't want to over do it so I started using it every other day to maintain the color.  It's been about a month now and my roots have pretty much blended in with the rest of my hair color and looks natural.

When I first picked up the product I thought "Sun In" (I just dated myself I'm sure) and was a little bit scared I'd turn my hair orange.  No worries, not even remotely close to the Sun In product.

Bottom line, definite re-purchase.  Great product, does as advertised and affordable.

Can be purchased at most drug stores, www.drugstore.com, etc.  Coupons available.  Price range $7.00 to $10.00.

All opinions expressed are my very own.  I am not affiliated with John Frieda and the product mentioned was purchased by me with my hard earned pennies and nickels.

Benefit "Hoola" Bronzer - Quick Review

I can't even begin to tell you how long I looked for a bronzer like this.  I wanted something to tone things up a bit (I'm fair) without over doing (Snooki style) and NO SHIMMER.

Shimmer, Shimmer, Shimmer!!  I couldn't find a good matte bronzer WITHOUT SHIMMER.  It was driving me CRAZZZZZY and then I met Benefit's Hoola bronzer (Part of the "Box-O-Powders" collection).

It comes as pictured above (I threw away the applicator brush that comes with it and generally use the Sigma F20 for application (pictured below) Go to www.sigmamakeup.com for this brush and other amazing brushes.

I concentrate the bronzer "E3" style on my forehead, temples, under cheek bones and under jaw line and then give a light dusting to the rest of my face.

For me, it's the perfect shade (again, I'm fair skinned but I believe it would work with most any skin tone as long as you use a light hand or a bit heavier hand)  and the product itself stays in place for most of my work day.  (I apply moisturizer, face primer, foundation (sometimes liquid, sometimes powder) bronzer, blush and lastly a setting powder).

I'm not a fan of the packaging though.  It's awkward to put in a makeup bag and it's cardboard packaging so if for some reason you keep your bronzer on your bathroom sink (like I do) and water gets on the sink and seeps under the box (like happened to me) the packaging is ruined (I saved the product though).  I just feel the packaging is a little bulky.  Cute, but awkward.

I feel like you get A LOT of product though.  I've had mine for about a year and haven't hit pan.  I use the product EVERY DAY.

Pricing: Generally $28.00

Can be found at www.benefit.com, www.sephora.com, www.ulta.com and wherever Benefit products are sold.

This is a "must have" for me and is DEFINITELY a "I will re-purchase" item.

All opinions are my own.  I am not affiliated with Benefit Cosmetics or Sigma Makeup.  Products mentioned were purchased by me with my own hard earned pennies.

Sally Beauty Supply - Salon Care Apple Pear Shampoo & Conditioner Quick Review

Well, there comes a time when not every product you try works out.  Unfortunately, this was one of those times.

A Facebook friend of mine posted a rave review about the Sally Beauty Supply item Roux 233 hair repair conditioner and how much she loved it.  My hair is in really really bad shape right now and I've been trying everything under the sun to help until I can get a hair cut so I ran down after I read her post to buy the Roux 233 and at the same time, purchased the Salon Care Apple Pear Shampoo & Salon Care Apple Pear Conditioner, both in the 1 gallon size (I think it was $9 something with my Sally's discount card).  The reason I bought these is because A)  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the smell of the product and B) I assumed that they were salon quality for some reason.  I just wasn't thinking.

I also justified the purchase with the price.  I go through A LOT of conditioner as well as shampoo.  I have 3 daughters and we go through a lot of hair care products.  I was excited to find something that I could buy in bulk that was affordable and hopefully of good quality.

All 4 of us have used the product several times and with the same disappointing results.

Shampoo:  Like I said, the smell is amazing but that's as far as anything good to be said for this product will go.  The shampoo has very little lather and I felt like I was using two to three times the amount of product I would normally use just to get my hair washed.

Conditioner:  Again, amazing smell but again disappointing results.  I also had to use a lot more product to get the conditioner distributed throughout my hair.  I felt like it just kind of sat in one place and was hard to distribute.  After I let the conditioner sit a while in my hair I rinsed it out thoroughly.  I went to style my hair as usual and I had the WORST greasy build up in my hair.  I actually had to wash and condition my hair with other products after I got out of the shower.

I gave these products a weeks worth of my time and I'm over it.  The greasy build up is the worst feeling and looks horrible.

This is a definite not going to re-purchase item for me :(  (Review of the Roux 233 later.  So far I'm really liking it, but want to give it more time for a better review)

Sigma Makeup Brushes - Quick Review

Cosmetic brushes are as important as the makeup product you are using.  Use a bad brush and you end up looking like a poorly painted wall with streaks or like you have mustache hairs growing out of your eyelids.

I can't tell you the exact date or how long they've been around, but about a year ago I started following the Youtube buzz on Sigma makeup brushes.  "Dynamic duplicates for MAC brushes at a fraction of the cost."

I became intrigued because I have spent a small fortune on brushes by MAC, Bare Minerals, etc., so I entered EVERY Sigma brush give away the makeup gurus from Youtube were having and after not winning, I broke down and bought the complete kit without brush roll.  (Pictured here..note: I bought mine prior to the numbering change that Sigma did.  They at first had the same number as MAC brushes with an "SS" in front of the number ) It was love at first application.

Prior to purchase, I had figured the hype about how much like MAC brushes was just that...hype.  I was wrong AND had spent sooooooo much less that I would have had I bought the MAC equivalents.

When they arrived, I washed them (baby shampoo...more on washing and care of brushes in future blogs).  I had minimal shedding, about the same as any MAC brushes I've owned and seriously, I found the brushes equivalent to and in some cases BETTER than my MAC's.

Sigma actually improved on some of what I considered design flaws in MAC brushes.  For instance, the MAC 252 for eyeshadow application is a flat brush with an oval tip.  For my eyelids, this brush is just HUGE and applied eyeshadow in the places I didn't want it.  Sigma kept the same shape of the brush, which I liked but made it smaller.  The application is perfecto!!

I would list the prices here of the brushes, but there are so many products you really need to check them out for yourself.

Visit:  www.sigmamakeup.com

I am not affiliated with Sigma Makeup.  All opinions are my own and the products mentioned were purchased by myself with my own hard earned money.

See you in the next blog!