Friday, April 30, 2010

Snapware Storage Container, $6.99


So I bet you are wondering, why the hell is Mirna reviewing Snapware, has she given up on makeup and dedicated herself to storage units and will now be reviewing them? Yeah, I know you aren't wondering that buuuut I am reviewing this nifty storage case because it is PERFECT for storing makeup, and trust me I need help with organization!! I bought this beauty from Target, they come in a few different colors but I went with the magenta. Unfortunately, they don't have a link to it on their site so if you want this you will have to scope out the organization section at Target, near the crafting stuff (like sewing machines, etc).


I store these cases on my bathroom sink, one on each side. They come with three interlocking trays and two magenta inserts that each have three smaller compartments. I took out the inserts because nothing I have was small enough to fit in them, plus I like being able to see everything out in the open. You can use the inserts to store cotton balls or small makeup brushes.


On the top trays I keep the items I use most often, in one I have my most used eyeshadows and palettes and in the other tray I keep all the things I go to almost daily (blush, mascara, eyeliner, blemish stick, you get it). These are awesome because they are clear and easy to see everything you have and they are plastic so if you spill you can clean it up easily! The other trays I have split up into categories, I have a tray for lipgloss and lipstick; face stuff (blush, bronzer, primers); eyeshadows, mascaras, and eyeliners; and finally one full of samples I get when I purchase products from Sephora and elsewhere.


I like this storage method best for many reasons. Number 1, it is cheap. Number 2, it doesn't take up a lot of space but provides a lot of storage. Number 3, I get to be OCD about how I organize my makeup. You really don't need any other reasons do you? Soon enough I'm going to have to buy another one like this! I have a giant one for my nailpolish collection, maybe one day I'll show you guys that too : )


Final verdict:
Cost: $6.99--I like.
Is it functional?: Definitely guys! It keeps your makeup clean and organized. I used to just store stuff in makeup bags and eventually something would spill or break and get gunk on everything else in the bag. This way it all just sits neatly in the trays. You can also store this under your sink or in a closet and just bust it out when you are ready to get dolled up!
Repeat offender?: I will definitely stick to storing my makeup like this for a long time. If you can't find this particular kind of storage case, just check the craft aisles and storage aisles of stores like Target. These kinds of trays are targeted for crafting storage so you can definitely find them in a lot of stores.

So how do YOU organize your loot? If you get something like this, take some pictures and show us what you do to stay organized!
-M

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder, $30

I bought Urban Decay's De-Slick Mattifying Powder on a whim. I had a Macy's gift card and decided to spend it on something I probably wouldn't normally buy--$30 face powder fell into that category. I have combination skin and get self-conscious about it getting oily in my T-zone, but I hate wearing any kind of face makeup (usually feels too heavy and fake). I also have the suspicion that my bangs are looking gross by the end of the day because of my oily forehead. With the warmer weather coming along, I felt like this was a good time to try it out.

The compact is really pretty--clear purple with silver designs of skulls and filigree (much like the Ammo Eyeshadow Palette). The compact is bigger than I thought it would be, basically about the size of my palm. The mirror is a really good size. I feel like for $30, it better be big!

It comes with a flat sponge that's rubbery on one side and cushiony white on the other.

I like the sponge. It fits nicely in the compact and makes it easy to dab at or sweep across your skin. But as you can see, it's already getting dirty, even though I just use it on my bare skin. I feel like if you used it over foundation, it would definitely change the color of that cushion pretty quickly.

The powder is pure matte white, translucent when it gets on your skin--unless you get a little powder-happy, then you're definitely gonna see some of the white build up. But hey, if you're going for the super pale look, might not be a bad thing! It has a kind of tea tree oil scent, probably to aid with the mattifying.

This stuff definitely mattes out the shine. This morning I put it on in the sunlight so I had a nice glare on my forehead (ugh lol) and I could see a distinct difference between where I put it and where I didn't. To my surprise, it made a noticeable difference under my eyes as well. I think something about the lavender-white tone helped chill out my undereye darkness. I also tried it out one day when I skipped my shower (gross, I know, but anything for the blog!) and was kind of surprised with how I didn't look like a complete greaseball. And it might actually help the oil buildup on my bangs--no real definitive evidence, though.

To be honest, it does its job adequately but in actuality it's no miracle worker. You do have to reapply throughout the day. I feel like it takes the shine away but not necessarily the actual oil. I mean, my skin feels velvety, but it's almost like I can still feel the oil underneath. I'm glad I have it because it's gonna come in handy in a lot of situations, but I wouldn't have spent $30 on it if I didn't have the gift card. There are probably cheaper products that would do a comparable job (other blue-tinted powders, blotting sheets, etc.).

Final verdict
Cost: $30 is a bit much for a product that didn't really "wow" me. You do get a lot, though, and it will probably last a pretty long time. At least the compact is pretty and the mirror's big.
Skin type: Oily to super oily. I have some dry skin on my nose (stupid allergies) and it made the powder show up a lot.
Mattifying?: It works--it takes the shine down. But it doesn't really absorb the oil. You will probably have to reapply a couple times through the day.
Repeat offender?: While I'm happy to have it and will probably use it until it's gone, I'm not sure if I would spend $30 on it again. I feel like I could get a cheaper product to do basically the same job.

On a side note, they have released De-Slick in a Tube. Check it out at their site. Nylon likes it, but it has some mixed reviews on Sephora.com. I'm glad I got the powder instead of the "gel" though--it seems like you get more and can use it when needed.

-T

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo, $4.99


Recently I felt the need to use a clarifying shampoo since I shower daily and shampoo and conditioner definitely buildup. So I went to Whole Foods to search the natural shampoos because those are usually the ones I use. But to my surprise I only found one clarifying shampoo and it smelled like straight lemon juice, and frankly I don't want my hair to smell like lemons. So that was a fail and I took myself to CVS. I saw this box with a clear shampoo and I immediately knew it was what I was looking for. Obviously the packaging is screaming out that this is a clarifying shampoo, hence the simple box and clear bottle filled with clear shampoo.


I gave the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo a shot and I've got to tell you, I'm not disappointed at all! The product is gentle and does not leave your hair feeling stripped and completely dry (this has been my experience with other clarifying shampoos). Rather, it worked like a regular shampoo would and it even has a nice mild fresh scent. It says to use it once a week instead of your regular shampoo and it will actually help your everyday shampoo work better. I definitely felt that my scalp and hair was "clarified" after using this shampoo. One thing though, obviously everyone has different kinds of hair so this might work differently for you.


Final verdict:
Cost: $4.99-$7, it is priced differently everywhere. It isn't too bad and even though the bottle is kind of small you will only need one for a while since you are only supposed to use it once a week.
Effective?: I definitely saw less of a "residue" from my previous shampoo and conditioner treatments. I use natural shampoos but since I wash my hair daily these even tend to build up.
Repeat offender?: Definitely. I think this will be my go-to clarifying shampoo.

-M

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Trader Joe's Tea Tree Oil Pure Vegetable Soap (bar), $1.50


I went to Trader Joe's the other day and decided to try their Tea Tree Oil Bar Soap. I love TJ's, love their oatmeal soap, and really love tea tree oil. A lot of all-natural beauty products (especially soaps and shampoos) contain tea tree oil--it's a natural astringent, is antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and may even have some of the same skin-clearing benefits of benzoyl peroxide (thanks, Wikipedia!). Plus, it's $1.50 for 2 bars--what do you have to lose?


I loooove the smell of tea tree oil. The first time I smelled it was when I got pure tea tree oil to clean my belly button ring (lol). I opened it and was like, "Whew!" It's strong! But there was something in it that is really clean and natural--nothing smells quite like it. The fragrance is much less intense in this bar soap compared to the pure oil, but still is distinct. The soap smells nicely in the shower but doesn't leave much of a lingering scent.

This vegetable soap is all-natural and contains no animal byproducts (and, of course, there's no animal testing). A lot of all-natural soaps don't really lather that much, but this one soaps up really nicely. I used a loofa (mesh sponge thing) and was surprised at how much lather I got out of it. It left my skin feeling tight and clean--I used it after working out and it felt like it really cleaned away that yucky, sweaty feeling.

Final verdict
Cost: $1.50--are you kidding? That's nothing! Totally worth it.
Smell: I love the scent of tea tree oil, but it may not be so great to everyone. Try smelling some before you buy it. (They have the oil at TJ's, but smell lightly!)
Clean feeling: This soap left me feeling clean and left my skin feeling tight. I think I could probably even use it for my face if I'm feeling really oily (with some light moisturizer).
Repeat offender: I would buy this again. It's a deal and it's a great, cruelty-free soap. Yay, TJ's!

-T

Monday, April 26, 2010

Yoga-ta Get This Blue! OPI Nailpolish, $4-$8


Even though this blue nailpolish is from the OPI India Spring collection a few seasons back I felt the need to review this since I just got it. I think when the collection was initially released I wasn't so into the idea of blue nails but they have become a staple in my look lately. There are just so many different shades of blue to choose from and this one is a lovely deep and dark blue that looks great on fingers and toes.


Doesn't this blue kind of remind you of a refined version of the classic blue nailpolish by Wet N Wild? I am also thinking this will look really good with some silver sparkles painted over. This shade makes me think of a night sky and frankly if a nailpolish can capture that, I want it! The cool thing about OPI nailpolishes is that even though they have different collections every season they still manage to stay around for a long time. I've noticed that buying OPI polishes from Amazon is pretty awesome because they are priced at least half off, I even see some that are priced around $2 which is pretty legit!


Final verdict:
Cost: You can find this priced between $4 and $8 on Amazon or around the internet or different beauty stores.
Will it translate between seasons?: I definitely think that this is one of those shades that will look really good in the winter and in the spring/summer. It gives me a sort of bohemian dreamy vibe.
Repeat offender?: I can see myself wearing this shade a lot in the next coming months so definitely!
-M

Friday, April 23, 2010

What I'm Wearing - 4/23/10


Hey lovelies! I tried a new eye makeup technique over the weekend and wanted to show you. (Click on any picture here to make it larger.)

I'm wearing:
-Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original (top and bottom)
-Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Freakshow (we've mentioned Urban eyeshadows a few times here--these are their super vibrant ones)
-Almay Liquid Liner in Black (not yet reviewed)--top lid
-Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (mentioned here)--inner rim
-Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula in Black Onyx
-Nars Orgasm blush

Love the eyeshadow--dark and sultry, but super vibrant and purple. Tip: For some reason, you MUST use the primer potion with this shade. I wore it once without it and it just didn't work. In the container it looks almost black, but actually has a lot of color. The website describes it as having a "red sheen"--I don't really see what they mean, but I guess it is a more red shade of purple than a blue shade.

Using the angled brush from the EcoTools Bamboo set, I smudged some eyeshadow on the outer edge of my lower lash line and connected it with the eyeshadow on top. I kept my eyeliner super thin.

I really liked the effect--super dark on top but not too dramatic on bottom, which stopped it from being too over top. My eyes still looked awake, so it worked for daytime.

Have a great weekend!

-T

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume Waterproof Mascara in Very Black, $4-$10


As promised to two loyal readers this week, I've got a mascara review, a waterproof mascara review to be more precise. I love to try different mascaras each time I run out because unlike other beauty products it seems like most mascaras are truly unique formulas. The one I picked up is Maybelline's Waterproof Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara in Very Black.


Alright so here is the rundown, this product promises "zero clumps," "clean definition," and "voluptuous volume." Do we get all 3 promises? Not so much, but two out of three isn't so bad. You definitely get "clean definition" and "voluptuous volume" because this baby goes on thick and dark. I really love the look of super dark voluptuous lashes and the "clean definition" is referring to (in my opinion) the fact that this stuff dries super fast. But "zero clumps" is something to argue. Ok so I'll give them this, there are no clumps on the brush, because as you can see it is one of those new plastic brushes with the little plastic spikes sticking out as opposed to a traditional brushey-brush (technical word, I know!). But clumps definitely appear on the lashes after a few layers of mascara. I like to layer mascara on a few times, and around the fourth brush stroke this mascara starts to clump. It isn't a horrible problem because I've been dealing with clumping since I started using mascara, I don't really see it as a product turn off.



Final verdict:
Cost: You can find this priced between $4 and $10. I found it on Amazon for $4.99 and on Drugstore.com for $6.99 (with a buy 1 get one 50% off special). Not bad.
Brush functionality: I love the long and thin shape of the brush. If you look carefully it has an hour-glass shape with a point at the top, designed to hit even the shortest lashes. I think the brush's design is definitely a winning point for me here.
Does it clump?: If you layer it on too thick (as I tend to do) yes it does clump.
Is it waterproof?: Yes, I went to the gym with it on, even took a shower with it on and it stayed in place. After getting wet if you touch it with your fingers it does flake off, but it doesn't run down your face like in the movies. Also, it dries on thick and hard, so you aren't going to have soft lashes.
Repeat offender?: I don't tend to repeat mascaras but this is a pretty good deal, it is a big bottle what will last a long time and it achieves the promised look. I dig it.

PS--In honor of Earth Day Drugstore.com has a special 40% off on green and natural product, thought I'd share that with you guys! I noticed some Burt's Bee's products are in this sale too so stock up if you are into a specific one!

-M

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

tokidoki Prisma Lip Gloss, $15

(tokidoki Prisma Lip Gloss in Arlecchino)

When I saw the new tokidoki makeup line (exclusively at Sephora) I freaked out. I love anything tokidoki--bags, clothes, Hello Kitty collaborations, you name it. And now makeup! I knew I had to get something immediately. I have a lot of eyeshadows and eyeliners, so I decided to review the Prisma Lip Gloss (instead of the adorable Cromatico eyeshadow in the heart and crossbones container...which I haven't bought yet but I'll probably get soon).


Oh tokidoki, you know me so well. I'm the biggest sucker for good packaging, so I was enamored with the designs on the outside of the plastic box.


The shade is called Arlecchino, and is a bright fuchsia.


One of the most exciting things about the lipgloss is the lid--it's a little plastic box that contains one of the characters. I chose Arlecchino because I just love that crazy multicolored ninja eating ice cream. The description on Sephora says that it's a snowglobe but that's not entirely true--there's no water in it. But, there is a ton of heart and crossbones confetti. It makes a really fun noise when you shake it.


Wee!

*ahem* Anyway.

The applicator is this interesting little plastic paddle, almost like what they use to wax your eyebrows.

It's really soft and bendy. Applying the lipgloss is almost like using a spatula to ice a cake.

So how's the actual lipgloss? It's super glossy (high sheen, no sparkles), almost sheer, smells like blueberries, is not too sticky, and seems to last a good amount of time. I can already tell this is going to be my default summer lipgloss.

Final verdict
Cost: Some people might think $15 is a lot for lipgloss but since this is a specialty, I think it's worth it. Plus, it's significantly bigger than I thought it would be, so I can see this lasting a long time.
Adorability: Oh man, this thing is cute. It's like having a cute toy and makeup all in one. And you get to choose out of 16 different characters.
Color: Even though the lipgloss I chose is super bright fuchsia in the container, it's mostly sheer with a hint of pink (which I prefer). From the comments on Sephora it seems like the other colors are like that too. Don't be afraid to choose what character you want--you'll probably end up with a nice, mostly clear gloss.
Smell/texture: It totally smells like blueberries (all of them do). It's not too sticky and the shine lasts a while--it's lipgloss so it probably won't stay on forever, but it has pretty good staying power.
Repeat offender: I love this and I'm so happy I bought it. I would buy more characters if I was a lipgloss junkie! I want to try out their other products as well; I know Sephora wouldn't carry tokidoki if it wasn't up to their quality standards!

Now if you'll excuse me...

*shakeshakeshake*


-T

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Revlon Colorstay Soft & Smooth Lipstick, Smooth Nude, $7-10


I mentioned last week about Ulta having a sale on certain "drugstore" makeup brands like Maybelline and Revlon, well I couldn't resist my own tip so I swung in there Friday night and picked up a couple of things. A lot of readers have requested that we do more drugstore brand makeup reviews so I got a few things that might satisfy that. This Revlon Colorstay Soft & Smooth lipstick in Smooth Nude was part of my loot.


I've explained before that I'm new to the lipstick game so each lipstick I buy is a new experiment. I definitely like this color a lot, it is something good for every day wear. It has a slightly matte look to it, but a lot of nude colors do. On my lips it gets a little dry after a while, a friend of mine suggested that I should use lip liner in a similar tone and line my lips, then draw in my lips with that color (as a base) so the lipstick stays on longer. I haven't tried this yet but I trust this friend because she can rock red lipstick like nobody's business.


Tip:I have a soft spot for nude colored lips, there is just something super feminine and sexy about a nude lip, and it is kind of weird because "nude" isn't even really a color! Although some people might be worried about looking washed out or alien-like with a nude lip there are a few tricks around it. I suggest to pair nude lips with a dark smokey eye, this balances two dramatic looks perfectly. Another way around this is to apply a clear gloss over the nude, that way, even if you have light eye makeup you can still balance with a shiny nude lip, not just a bare palette.

Final verdict:
Cost: You can find it on Amazon for around $7.99, or Ulta for $9.99 (they currently have a buy 2 get 1 free promotion going on). I suggest waiting for a sale, or grabbing a Revlon coupon for your local drugstore. Paying full price for this would be silly since Revlon seems to always be on sale.
How often do you have to reapply?: I had to reapply a few times throughout the day. It stays on, but it also flakes. This could be my dryish lips or my lack of lip liner but reapplication was necessary. But lets be real, does anyone know a lipstick that DOESN'T need reapplying throughout the day?
Is it worth it?: I got mine for about $4, and I will continue to use it regularly, even if I have to reapply so yes it was worth what I paid.
Repeat offender?: If another color really appealed to me I would definitely try it again. Lipstick can be expensive so having some cheaper brands mixed in your collection would be nice for the wallet.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Maybelline Pure Concealer Blemish Treatment Stick, about $5


Unless I had a really terrible zit, I was always hesitant to put makeup over it--I would generally just dab it with the blemish stick and try to forget about it. I was always under the impression that makeup would make it worse. That's why I was really excited for Maybelline's Pure Concealer Blemish Treatment Stick. It's a concealer stick (basically like an eyeliner pencil but for your face) that contains salicylic acid, so it covers your zits as it treats them.

The coverage is about as good as any concealer. It works really well when covering smooth surfaces, especially those painful underneath zits that are red and shiny and awkward. It does less well on pimples that have been popped and scabbed over--not a smooth surface, so the makeup doesn't blend as well. But, I have found that it does reduce redness and make my blemishes calm down a bit, all while giving me a little coverage...which is better than what other concealers do! Unfortunately I don't think they sell it anymore as a new item, but it can be found on Amazon for cheap.

Final verdict:
Cost: I think it was around $7 originally, now about $4-$5 on Amazon.
Coverage: Average--not spectacular but adequate. Does its job.
Salicylic acid: This makeup impressed me because it has ingredients to heal the problem, instead of making it worse. You don't have to choose between letting the skin heal or keep it looking good.
Repeat offender: I would buy this item again--I've kept it in my purse for emergencies and it has definitely come in handy. I don't think Maybelline still sells it but it's available through Amazon.

-T

Friday, April 16, 2010

Sweet Stuff

Hey guys we have some cool newz! We created a Facebook fan page for everyone who can't get enough of the blog already--or we hope...lol. Check out the Sweet Glow Beauty Page on Facebook!

(Click here and it will take you to the page!)

On our Facebook fan page we are planning on having discussions, links to some cool makeup products we find, promotion codes, and we really want to get to know our readers better! For anyone who is comment shy on the blog, the Facebook page might be a better place for you guys to tell us about some products you have tried or things you want us to try. We keep hearing our friends tell us about product they have bought that we reviewed in the past or products their friends have bought since we gave them positive reviews, so we want to know your experiences (and, yes, we are enablers).

* * *

Another somethin new: Sometimes it is hard to take a photo of us wearing the makeup we are reviewing that day. Trust me, taking pictures of your eyelids can be really hard. So every once in a while when we are having a particularly good makeup day with some products we have previously reviewed, we are going to post some pictures. For example:


Products I'm wearing: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Tarte eyeshadow (not from this palette), MAC Penultimate Eye Liner, Benefit A Litte Bit BADgal Lash Mascara, and you can hardly see it here but I have Nars Deep Throat Blush on as well.


* * *

And because you read this whoooole thing, here is a really sweet deal that you probably shouldn't pass up! Ulta.com is offering 40% Revlon, Almay, Maybelline, and Ulta cosmetics here! You also get 3 free samples with all orders and not to mention $3.50 off any purchase of $10 or more by using the code: 40140. Yeah here we go again, enabling.

-M & T

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin, $10

Testimonial: Last August, my skin started breaking out for no reason. And when I say "my skin," I mean everywhere--my face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. I've always had acne-prone skin (mostly my chin and--yes, I'll admit it--my back), but I had never gotten anything on my shoulders. All of a sudden I had all these little bumps, and they wouldn't go away. I went to a dermatologist, who barely looked at me and gave me all these topical treatments. Nothing worked. My skin was getting worse--breaking out even more and getting extremely sensitive. I was mad. She told me to buy a cleanser that was about $30. It seemed to work okay but nothing magical. One day I left it at my boyfriend's house and I had nothing to use. My brother had some Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin that I never felt like trying but now, I needed something. I'm glad I tried it because this stuff is GREAT.

Cetaphil's Daily Cleanser is clear, thin, and slippery (I know, I know, weird word choice, but you know what I mean!). I use about 2 pumps per area; its thinness makes it easy to spread out a small amount. It foams a little bit but not too much. While I was using it for the first time I thought, "There's no way this is doing anything." It's so gentle and non-irritating--but don't let the gentleness fool you! Right after the first wash my skin felt clean and tight (you know I love that feeling). I had washed my face at night and the next day my zits and pores were smaller (the very next day!). I kept using it and after a week or so the bumps on my chest and shoulders were gone, and my face and back look better than they have in a loooong time.

Cetaphil has greatly reduced my breakouts and made the ones I do get smaller and less lingering. I do recommend using a moisturizer afterward because it leaves your skin kinda dry. I'm also going to try a new exfoliating scrub to add to my routine--while this is an awesome cleanser, it doesn't do much for blackheads, and I feel like I need some dead skin scrubbed off. More on that later!

Final verdict
Cost: $10 for a 16 oz. bottle is a great price, especially compared to high-end brands and that $30 stuff the dermatologist made me buy. And it lasts a long time!
Skin clearing: OMG, my skin is much happier. It soothed my pissed off skin and shrank my pores. But, maybe I'll add a scrub to take care of my blackheads.
Skin type: This one is made for normal to oily skin. I have sensitive combination skin and this is perfect for me. They also have a Gentle Skin Cleanser for very sensitive skin (skin conditions like severe acne, rosacea, or eczema, even for children).
Repeat offender: Yes! If you have troubled skin and nothing is helping, give this a try. I will buy this again and again and recommend it to everyone.

-T

PS, back to makeup: Sephora.com is selling this Smashbox Cream Eyeliner set for only $15! Want want want.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion, $7-9

burtsbees2

The first time I smelled this lotion I was at my friend’s house on a hot summer day. We were just hanging out getting ready for some thing or another and we “borrowed” her sister’s lotion. My reaction? The smell, oh the smell, the sweet milk and honey smell is what did me in, and the next day I had to have my own bottle.

This lotion is formulated for the sensitive and soft skin of a baby so you can imagine the gentleness. The lotion is not too thick but don’t let the more liquidy-texture fool you, it hydrates just as well as a super thick lotion, but since it is an all-natural product many of those thickening agents are left out. I think it is a perfect light weight moisturizer for the summer when you don’t want to feel a gooey buildup on your skin. I would also highly suggest this for anyone who has an issue with sensitive skin, even on the front of the bottle it says “for sensitive skin of all ages.”


Final verdict:
Cost: Priced between 7 and 9 dollars, one 7 oz bottle will last you a while. You can also find this bottle of lotion with a pump sometimes, to make it easier to apply.
How does it smell?: The smell is pretty mild but definitely noticeable. It has that soft and fresh scent that many baby products contain but it also has a hint of milk and honey in my opinion. There is actual buttermilk in this product (it is in powdered form so don’t worry you don’t have to refrigerate or anything lol) so there is a creamy and sweet element added.
Repeat offender?: Yes, I love Burt’s Bees products in general and once I am out of the Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion I will definitely pick up another bottle.
-M

PS—There is a Clinique sale on Gilt.com today starting at noon! If you don’t have an account leave a comment with your email or email me at sweetglowbeauty [at] gmail.com and I’ll send you an invite!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, $42

Let me just say upfront: I don't like foundation. Sure, I'll wear some under my eyes if I feel like I look tired (which, uh, has been like everyday lately) or in a futile attempt to cover a bad zit, but I can't really do the all-over thing. Feels too heavy and I feel like it always looks fake, especially up close. So, I chose the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer as a free sample from Sephora because I figured this would be the closest to foundation I could bring myself to wear.

(Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Nude)

I must admit, this stuff is pretty nice. It's really thin, making it easy to blend a thin layer on my face. I was surprised by the coverage--it made a noticeable difference in evening out my skin tone. It felt light and soft, and I actually forgot I was wearing it. (Note: As with all face makeup I've tried, it did make my blemishes look, well, like I had tried to cover them with makeup. So, no exceptions there.) And, I learned that the color of blush really pops when applied over a nice base.

Final verdict
Cost: $42. Ow. Maybe if the price was, like, $30, which is still a lot, I'd be willing to pay for it. But $42 is just too much.
Coverage: Even though it's just a tinted moisturizer, it still evened out my skin tone noticeably. Plus it has SPF (even though it's just SPF 20, it's better than nothing!) and comes in a ton of shades.
Texture/feeling: This was my favorite part--it felt really light and soft. My boyfriend couldn't tell it was there.
Repeat offender: Well, if I had a ton of money then yes, I would recommend this. But, I just can't bring myself to spend that much!

-T

Sephora deal: This one is open to anyone with a Beauty Insider card (if you don't have one, sign up! It's free and you earn points toward samples!): 15% off your entire Sephora.com purchase with the promo code MADNESS. Good April 12-19.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Sephora by OPI, Ocean Love Potion, $9


For my birthday one of my best friends included the equivalent of crack for me in my gift—OPI nailpolish. She shares my addiction to the polish, though hers might be slightly further along than mine (lol girl together we probably have the whole damn collection) so of course she picked out a color I didn’t have and it is also something I don’t have ANYTHING like. Ocean Love Potion is a gorgeous turquoise meets robin’s eggs blue meets amazing.


The color looks best with two coats, and is really rich. Sometimes darker colors have that thin quality but this one does not at all, two coats and you can’t see any sheerness or anything. I’ve topped it with Wet n Wild Mega Last Quick Dry topcoat. This polish is bright and colorful without being obnoxious and definitely gives the warm weather vibes. As you can see, I keep my nails short most of the time (this is because they just start breaking after a certain length) but I think it looks pretty good on a short nail and could look just as good on long nails.

So said friend and I have been scoping out the Sephora site/stores (DC area and NY—I told you we have problems hahah) for a few weeks waiting impatiently for their Havana Nights collection. The colors are available to drool over here but they haven’t been released yet! If you like this Ocean Love Potion color you should see this collection coming up. There are a lot of different blue and green varieties that I am definitely going to be acquiring and a lovely coral that I think will be perfect for the summer! Watch out for reviews on those coming up in the near future my lovelies!

Final verdict:
Cost: $9, the standard cost for Sephora by OPI polish.
How rich is the color?: The color is definitely noticeable and rich. Can be used as an accessory without actually having any jewelry on.
Repeat offender?: Is the sky blue?
-M