Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup, $12

I've never been much of a foundation kind of girl, but lately I noticed that it really can create a nice, clean palette--as a start--and can also help my blush go on more evenly and stay longer. And it's all about that sweet glow, amirite? Of course, being new to the game, I wanted one that wasn't too expensive and also wouldn't clog my pores. What's the point of foundation if it makes your skin worse? I decided to try Neutrogena's SkinClearing Liquid Makeup, which contains salicylic acid to help treat breakouts. At $12, I knew I wouldn't be too upset if it didn't work out; plus, if I did love it, it would be affordable enough to buy regularly.


I chose Natural Ivory for my pale-ish skin. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to blend. It's smooth and creamy--not sticky or pasty--and matches my tone perfectly. Once it's on, it doesn't feel like I'm wearing heavy makeup, which is super important for me. I need my skin to breathe!

So, does it really clear your skin? Well, I'm not sure if it will actively get rid of a pimple, but it definitely will not make things worse. It does a nice job of covering blemishes while still looking natural (as long as you don't pile on too much) and keeps my oily skin in check (which is a task in itself!). That being said, if you have skin that's on the drier side, this may not be the best product for you. I've found that any dryness is highlighted with this makeup--a light moisturizer underneath certainly helps it go on more evenly. So, it's really made for normal to oily skin.

Final verdict
Cost: $12, and readily available in many stores. Not bad!
Coverage: Medium. Still looks natural, but just more even-toned. I wouldn't suggest putting on too much, though--it can start to look fake.
Texture/feel: It's creamy and easy to blend. Once on, it feels light and smooth. I like to use a light moisturizer underneath just to get a nice, even base.
Skin-clearing?: Well, it controls my oily skin and lets it breathe, but I'm not counting on it to get rid of my blemishes. It certainly is better than heavy, cakey makeup that suffocates your skin. I think it's best for people with normal to oily skin.
Repeat offender: So far, this has been my favorite foundation. It's affordable, super easy to put on when I'm half-asleep in the morning, and helps me feel more confident about my on-the-problematic-side skin. I'm on my second bottle now, so I'd say yes!

CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Under Eye Concealer, $5-$7

Well, the going to bed late and waking up early has caught up with me. I needed a quick way to make me look more awake, so I bought some CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Under Eye Concealer (I think the shade is called Creamy Natural). It's packaged like lip gloss with a sponge-tip applicator, which makes it more portable and easy to use than a tube.

The concealer works really well. It's smooth and soft, and blends in evenly. A little bit goes a looong way with this stuff. Use less than you would think at first and then add more if you need it. It covers pretty well, so you probably won't have to use a lot. Like all face makeup, it's going to look more natural when used sparingly.

Final verdict
Cost: $5-$7.
Texture: Smooth and silky, and blends easily. It covers up the darkness under my eyes evenly.
Color: I was able to find a color that matches my skin tone pretty well, though they seem to carry only light to medium shades.
Repeat offender: I would definitely buy this again. It's a good concealer, and helps my eyes look a little more awake!

-T

Classic SGB: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner, $5-$8

If you're gonna trust anyone regarding eyeliner, trust Mirna. This is a perfect staple that's available everywhere and is reasonably priced.


This is by far my number 1 go-to eyeliner. I have been using this eyeliner for years and have tried others that are similar but none of them ever compare. Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner is a twist-up eyeliner that does not even require sharpening (but comes with a small sharpener anyway!). I hate hate hate to sharpen eyeliner pencils. I feel like I always end up wasting a bunch of pencil and/or always screwing it up and breaking the pencil somehow. When I look for an eyeliner it definitely has to be the retractable kind.


I use this eyeliner almost daily. I like to try different eyeliner (obviously) but I always come back to this one as my main product. The Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner often comes in a two pack (as pictured) so I always try to buy a few since I know I will be using it often. The two pack is also usually priced about the same as the single pencil.


The eyeliner claims to last up to 16 hours, but I can testify that it lasts LONGER than 16 hours, especially when used with a primer. Although it does not say it on the front of the packaging this eyeliner is actually always waterproof. I've said this before but I usually have makeup on when I go to the gym in the evening (I don't apply it for the gym I swear--I'll admit I do touch up sometimes--yikes!) but it does not move at all even with all the sweating! I also want to note that while I was writing this review I drew a little line of eyeliner on my hand and a few minutes later tried to rub it and it did not budge at all.


The tip of this eyeliner in not very thick and if you practice it enough you can definitely get a handle on how to achieve a thicker or thinner line. I find that it has a very versatile tip that is controlled by the pressure you apply and how close you hold the pencil to your eyelid. Overtime the technique you develop will help you control the pencil even better. I can pretty much apply this stuff in the dark. The eyeliner pencil is soft so you can either layer it on or use just one stroke and blend it with a brush to "smear it." Even though the pencil is soft, it is not weak. What I mean by this is that it doesn't break if you apply a lot of pressure to it like some other retractable pencils do.


Final verdict:
Cost: The Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner is priced between $5 and $8 depending on where you look. Like I mentioned above, I recommend the two pack because it is a great value and you will have some eyeliner when you run out of the first pencil!
Tips: Do not roll up the pencil too much but don't keep it too low either. You should have the pencil rolled up around 4-5 millimeters (you don't need to measure I'm just estimating). The pictures of the pencil in this post are a good example.
Does the pencil actually go on black?: The pencil is a true black. It does not go on light black--I've had this happen with other brands it is so NOT COOL. I feel very strongly about my black eyeliner dammit.
Repeat offender: If Revlon ever stopped making this I'd wear black for 40 days straight. No really, I swear by this stuff.
-M

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, $3

I've started to wear nail polish often, and I've found that my nails are starting to get weaker. I decided to try Sally Hansen Hard as Nails after reading favorable reviews on nail blogs. It's very reasonably priced for what it promises to do--strengthen your nails and prevent chipping, splitting, and cracking. It smells really strong, but it's very easy to put on and dries really quickly.

I've been wearing it under my nail polish for a while now. I've noticed that it acts as a really good base. No matter what color I use, it definitely stays on longer when I have this on underneath. By itself, it makes my nails look clean and shiny. And when I have it on, I feel like maybe my nails are growing stronger and breaking less. But when I take off my nail polish, I see it: peeling. This happened every time, even after clipping and filing the broken parts and trying again.

Final verdict
Cost: $3 is a good deal.
Base: It works as a really good base and keeps my polish from chipping (noticeably).
Strengthener?: I did not find it to actually strengthen my nails. Once I took my polish on, I could see my nails peeling!
Repeat offender?: I wouldn't buy this again. Part of me is tempted to keep using it because it keeps my color on for a long time, but the peeling is gross. And I have this bad habit of picking my nail polish off when I get stressed, and this stuff will take your nail along with it! I think I'm going to try taking my vitamins on a regular basis and maybe giving my nails a rest.

-T

Skintimate Shave Gel in Flirty Mango, $3-$5

I'll admit--I hate shaving my legs. I hate shaving in general. I wouldn't mind it so much if it didn't take so long and if my hair didn't grow back in half a second. But, it's summer, and it's something I feel I gotta do. Usually I'll just bootleg it by shaving with body wash or conditioner, but I decided to get some actual shaving gel this time. I got Skintimate Shave Gel in Flirty Mango.

I love the way this smells! It's ridiculously sweet, maybe too sweet for some people, but I'm into it. It kinda smells like a fruity milkshake. Mmmm.

The shaving gel starts out as peachy-pink and as you lather it, turns into a rich foam.

I really love that the tiny little bit of gel can turn into a ton of foam. The foam's super soft and rich, so you don't need to use too much. After using it just once, I could tell this is much better than what I had been using. Shaving was more comfortable and my skin felt softer afterward. I've been using it consistently and I can see a difference after I shave: my skin seems happier, less agitated.

Final verdict
Cost: $3-$5, depending. They seem to have sales a lot, too.
Smell: Sweet. Super sweet. Crazy sweet. I love it, but I'm warning you.
Texture: Soft, rich, luxurious. And a little bit goes a long way.
Repeat offender: I'll definitely use again. My skin has been smoother and softer since I started using it. Give it a try!

Have a great 4th of July weekend!

-T

Wet 'n Wild Wild Shine Nail Polish in Black Creme, $2

Sometimes in the middle of summer I suddenly feel this need to wear black. I don't know what it is--I know it's hot as hell out but my mind's like, "Dye your hair black! Wear black clothes! Boots would be so hot with this outfit!" I'm ignoring the boots thing for now (watch me bust them out the first 60 degree day) but I decided to go along with the goth vibe with some black nail polish. I was in CVS so I grabbed some Wet 'n Wild Wild Shine nail polish in Black Creme--just your normal, everyday black nail polish.

I'm not that good at painting my nails but I'm getting better. I put on a base coat (OPI 3-in-1, not yet reviewed), did 2 kinda-thin layers of color, let each one dry in between, and used a topcoat. They turned out alright--the edges were still a bit messy but overall I was proud of it. I took some artsy photos, including this one:

Sexaaay. Love those rings! Anyway, before I could get some clearer pics, it started chipping. Here are my nails two or three days later:

Gross. Now, I'll admit I'm not the most careful with my nails, but this polish just couldn't keep up. Oh well. Maybe I'll keep it for my toes (which chip much less) or as a base for more exciting topcoats.

Final verdict
Cost: $2 or less at most drugstores.
Texture: The color is good--only 2 coats are needed, and that's only if you want it super black. It's a bit liquidy, which made it difficult for me to get a clean edge.
Durability: Eh. It lasted a good day or so, but then started chipping.
Repeat offender?: Probably not. I'll use it because I don't want to waste it, but I think I'll stick with higher quality nail polishes for my inner goth needs. I might use this as a base--maybe glitter will extend its staying power.

-T

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $5-$6

The first day of summer was just a few days ago, but already this heat and humidity is getting to my skin. I don't know if it's like this where you are, but around here it has been relentlessly hot. I've been using the Urban Decay oil blotting powder to control my everyday shine, which has been working really well. But sometimes, like if I'm going to be outside for a little bit, my face just sweats right through it (sexy, I know). This is when I break out my old friend--Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets. I've used other ones in the past but these work just as well as any expensive sheets I've tried.

These are great because there are 50 sheets in a small, flat container that fits in any purse, pocket, or makeup bag. It has a little piece of doublesided tape that automatically picks up a sheet every time it closes.

Tada! Don't worry, I'll spare you the dark blue spotted result of my greasy forehead. Just trust me that these thin little sheets soak the oil right out of your pores and leave your skin feeling smooth. You can use them on your bare skin or over makeup, so they're useful no matter your beauty routine. Using these not only takes the shine off immediately, but also leaves my face feeling cleaner at the end of the day.

Final verdict
Cost: At around $5, how can you go wrong?
Do they work?: They totally work! When I know I'm going to be hot and feeling gross, I always keep these near me. You can see the evidence of it working right on the sheet. Don't be afraid to use two if yours becomes kinda, uh, see-through.
Convenience: They're faster and easier than powder, and you don't need a mirror to use one. Just remember to throw it away when you're done!
For everyone: Male or female, heavy makeup or none at all--everyone who gets a little shiny can use these.
Repeat offender: I've been buying these off and on since middle school, so yes I will continue to! I don't think I'll need them too much when the air gets drier and cooler, but I can definitely use them for the rest of the summer.

-T

L'Oreal HiP Studio Secrets Shocking Shadow Pigments, $9-$12

Well, I tried High Intensity Pigment's cream eyeliner a little while ago and didn't have that much luck with it. In the same trip to CVS I grabbed one their Shocking Shadow Pigments in Exciting.

I'm not sure why but I was under the impression that HiP's colors were generally matte. When I picked this up though, all I could see was the beautiful purple-pink-white iridescence. And if you know me, you know I can't resist anything that sparkles.

The color is predominantly white with a pink iridescent shimmer.

The eyeshadow is a loose powder in a tiny little 0.05oz. jar, which can get a little messy if you're not careful with it. Make sure it's closed all the way but don't close it too tight (stripping the inside)--I've learned from past (dumb) experiences! But, this closes pretty securely, so I'm not really worried about it leaking.

One thing that made me okay with paying $11 for eyeshadow is the free brush. It's a pretty good size (especially for the small container) and is soft. It grabs the powder well and makes it easy to apply.

As you can see, the color shows up really well. It would work great for any part of the eye (lid, eyebrows, corner) and as a highlighter. It blends well and seems really subtle at first, but then sparkles when you turn.







Final verdict
Cost: $9-$12, depending on where you get it. (Look for it and other colors on Amazon for around $9).
Color: Wow, the color is incredible! Dynamic, iridescent, and subtly dramatic (what a great oxymoron). If all the colors have this much life, I'll buy 5 more.
Easy to use: The brush it comes with is a great size--much bigger, softer, and more useful than most free eyeshadow brushes. The powder goes on easily and blends and builds well.
Repeat offender: I'd definitely buy this again! I want to go out and try other colors, too. HiP, you disappointed me with the cream eyeliner, but this totally makes up for it.

-T

CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion, $7-$8

I have sensitive eyes, so I can never wear waterproof mascara. I actually have a lot of problems with regular mascara, especially if it stiffens your lashes and flakes everywhere. But, I've had pretty good luck with CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion mascara--doesn't hurt my eyes at all!

Is it just me or are tubes of mascara getting bigger and bigger? The brush is pretty big too. I actually ended up poking the end of it onto my eyelid twice when I first used it, but I got used to it quickly and it didn't happen again (thankfully).

CoverGirl claims that this mascara will lengthen, define, and thicken your eyelashes. Well, it definitely lengthens and defines. As you can see in the pic above, the plastic brush has really tiny bristles that catch even the measliest of lashes. There are no clumps at all, so your lashes separate nicely. But, I wouldn't say that it thickens your lashes that much, if at all. If you're looking for length, thickness, and definition, or just for really thick, dark lashes, this isn't the mascara for you.

What's great about this is that it leaves my eyelashes feeling really soft, and it doesn't flake at all. It comes off pretty easily with water and doesn't feel like it's going to pull my lashes out. And actually, it doesn't really smudge that much either (a little, but not that much).

Final verdict
Cost: $7-$8, available at drugstores, Target, Amazon, etc.
Texture: No clumps at all. It leaves my eyelashes feeling soft and doesn't flake on me. Really comfortable for my sensitive eyes.
Fusion?: It claims to do it all--lengthen, thicken, and define. It lengthens and defines pretty nicely, but does not thicken.
Repeat offender?: I don't think I'd buy this again. I'm happy that it doesn't bother my eyes, is easily removed, and doesn't smudge too much. And it works well for a clean, daytime look. But it didn't really deliver on its promise to do all 3, and I was really hoping for thickened and defined lashes. Ah well, I'll use it until it's done.

-T

Olay Quench Body Lotion - Ultra Moisture, $9

I got a sample of Olay Quench Body Lotion - Ultra Moisture when I bought my Olay Body Ribbons body wash (the one with the mica) over the weekend. Don't you just love free samples? Anyway, the full size (12 oz) is about $9 (but they have some great deals on Amazon, as always). Plus, Mirna mentioned wanting to try their tanning lotion so I thought I could at least try their regular lotion and see how it is.

Its scent is like the typical lotion smell--not overpowering, but definitely feminine. It's a pretty thin lotion but soaks in really quickly. It didn't leave me feeling greasy and seemed to moisturize. Seems like a really nice summer lotion.

Oh! Wanna know the best part?

It sparkles. Whaaaaat. They don't advertise it at all but it's full of little silver sparkles, like really fine fairy dust. So I guess it fits that I bought it with the mica body wash!


Final verdict
Cost: $9 for 12 oz is very reasonable. Available at drugstores, Target, Amazon, etc.
Texture/smell: Typical lotion--smells a little perfumey, isn't too thick, soaks right in.
Surprise sparkles: Olay, why didn't you tell me this lotion would leave me covered in tiny little sparkles? No, no, I'm not mad, I love it! It just threw me off when I walked outside and wondered how I managed to roll around in shimmer before I left the house.
Repeat offender: I would buy this again. It's a good lotion and I'm really into the shimmery glow. As with the body wash, it's not extremely noticeable, but it's definitely there if you look. Fun!

-T

L'Oreal's HiP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner, $10-12

I've heard a lot of good reviews about L'Oreal's High Intensity Pigment (HiP) line, so I decided to try their cream eyeliner. I chose this beautiful dark teal color with a metallic sheen. I figured teal would be a good way for me to wear a blueish color (the green in my eyes generally clashes with blue or navy).

The cream eyeliner comes with a tiny angled brush that does more harm than good. It's okay that it's a small size, but the brushes are really bushy. This does not lend itself to good control. Don't worry--I keep my Sephora angled brush handy just in case. The review must go on.

The eyeliner itself is kinda of dry and clumpy. It didn't go on easily. It took me a long time to get a nice clean and even line.

But look at that color! It's so pretty. It's really bright and has a slight metallic shininess. The color reminds me of teal corduroys. Goes great with my eyes, too! And (worn over primer obvs) it's lasted all day with no smearing or running. Just sucks that it took so long to get to that.


Final verdict
Cost: $10. Not exactly cheap. I'd gladly spend $5 more a high-end one.
Texture: Dry, clumpy. Not as rich and creamy as Clinique's.
Color: But oh, the color is amazing. It's really pretty.
Repeat offender?: No, I wouldn't buy this again. I'll use it on occasion because the color is so pretty, but I'll make sure I have some time to sit and do it. It sucks because it doesn't smear or run, and the color is great, but it was a pain to put on! But, I did buy one of their loose eyeshadows . . . we'll see if I have more luck with that later.

-T

Almay Smart Shade Concealer, $8-$10

Almay Smart Shade Concealer is interesting--it's one of their products in the Smart Shade line, which claims to have the ability to "sense" the color of your skin and adjust itself to blend in flawlessly. Therefore, it comes in only 3 colors: light, light/medium, and medium. I chose light.

The product starts out nearly white. It comes in a small container with a needle-point nozzle, all signs that point to "use a small amount." It's very thin and liquidy, making it easy to spread out and blend. It feels smooth and dries quickly, almost like a tinted moisturizer.

The color isn't quite as yellowy as in the photo (I also put on a ton here), but it does have a slightly yellow tone that works well with my skin and I think helps to mellow out redness.

It's sheer coverage--no stage makeup here. For someone like me who never wears heavy face makeup, I think it works really well. I've used it under my eyes (dark circles), my nose (red), and my chin (blemish scars). I feel like it gave an overall cleansing effect, like my face looks more alive but you can't really figure out why.

Final verdict
Cost: $8-$10, depending on where you get it. Available at CVS, Walmart, etc.
Color changing: It actually does change and blend into my skin--pretty cool! It has a slightly yellow tone, though, which might not work for all skin types.
Coverage: Fairly sheer, like a tinted moisturizer. Good for those who just want a little, natural-looking fix. It also has SPF 15 (always a plus for me).
Texture: Soft, nonoily, blends easily, and dries quickly. It feels like my skin can breathe through it (not cakey at all).
Repeat offender: Yes, I would buy this again. It gives me just the amount of coverage I'm looking for and has a great texture. Plus, I put it right on top of some zits and it didn't make them worse, so I know it's not clogging my pores. I'm interested to try their Smart Shade blush--it's, like, the future, man!

-T