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

Classic SGB: EcoTools Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set, $13

We have yet to find other tools that are this soft and yet don't fall apart. Even the more expensive ones fall short!


I've bought a few makeup brush kits in my life, and have had my share of disappointment--the bristles fall out, the metal part comes off, or they're just not that soft. I started to think, "Are there brushes out there that are high quality, soft, not too expensive, and maybe even earth-friendly? Is this too much to ask for?" Then, Mirna showed me this brush set from EcoTools.

For $13, the EcoTools Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set comes with a blush brush (pictured here), eyeshadow brush, angled brush, eyelash brush, and concealer brush--the 6th piece is the holder that keeps everything organized and protected. It even comes in a resealable plastic pouch (I put the brushes in it when I'm traveling).

These brushes are soft. I mean, really soft. And they're made really well--I haven't had any problems with bristles falling out or anything like that. They're cut evenly, which then distributes color evenly, and the handle is light and durable. Quite possibly the most exciting part is that they're earth-friendly: the handle is made from bamboo (low-impact resource), the aluminum on the handle is recycled, the roll is made from cotton and hemp, the pouch it comes in is totally reusable, and the bristles are synthetic and completely cruelty free. Awesome.

My cat approves.


Final verdict
Cost: Probably the best brushes you can find for such a low price. The cost of one Sephora brush gets you the whole kit! Totally worth it. Plus, it's available at a ton of places like Target and Walmart.
Quality: No one would believe you paid less than $20 for these. They are soft, work well, and are easy to use.
Guilt-free: Cruelty-free, natural and recycled materials, how can you go wrong?
Repeat offender?: If I somehow break one I'll definitely buy more in the future, but they've lasted me a long time! The holder really keeps them neat and clean, and after a year or so I haven't run into any problems. Makes a great gift!


-T

Classic SGB: Nars Orgasm Blush, $25

Our most favorite blush of all time. We try different ones and just keep coming back. I've had this same one since January and it barely looks used, even though I pile it on everyday without fail! Worth every penny. Plus, what other blush has a callout in a Drake song? -T


I knew about Nars’s Orgasm blush long before I ever used it. Orgasm is like the iphone of the makeup world, the hype surrounding it is deserved. The name Orgasm is pretty memorable, because lets face it, sex sellz. So over the summer I decided to try out the Nars Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer duo, the gift set even came with an Orgasm shade nail polish. From the first time I used it I knew that this blush would replace any other blushes I have ever used. Not only does it color your cheeks but it makes your skin actually glow. I have always wanted to achieve that perfect polished glow on my cheekbones but I never thought that a blush would help me achieve it. But I guess with a name like Orgasm the glow better be included.


I put this on last when I’m getting ready in the morning, but it can also be the only thing you put on. Sometimes I’ll come home from work looking mad tired, and I’ll just brush some on and look awake again, it truly is the finishing touch. A few light sweeps of this and your skin already looks better. I admit, I go a little heavy on the blush in the morning because I figure I’ll touch my face a million times before I even step out the door but I never feel like I’ve caked it on. Its texture is light enough that you can wear it in the summer and not feel like you have anything on your skin. The color is marketed as being sheer but I would say it’s more complex than sheer. Sheer sounds like pantyhose--Orgasm is thigh highs. It’s a layered mix of pinks, golds, and corals, with a sheen and a sparkle, and no overpowering colors.

How to:
1. Using a basic blush brush, put a little or a lot of blush on the brush.
2. Tap excess blush off of brush.
3. Smile and brush on apples of cheeks. If you want an extra glow move from the apples up your cheekbones (this is what I usually do).

Final Verdict:
Cost: $25
How long the makeup stays on: The product is pretty good at staying on most of the day, it definitely fades in color throughout the day but there seems to always be a hint of the glow on your skin. I usually reapply a few strokes in the afternoon if I really want some color in my skin.
How long the actual product lasts: I’ve had mine since June and use it daily and it is nowhere near close to being done. This stuff is pretty potent.
Repeat Offender?: Yes, definitely, more, please.

-M

Classic SGB: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $18

Oh primer, how did we ever live without you? Just stocked up on another bottle in original, which has become my latest favorite because I can wear it all over my eye--invisibly!

Available in Original (nude) and Sin (shimmery)


(Urban Decay potion in Sin)

If there is one makeup product that we could never give up it would be this. The years before we discovered this primer were full of creased eyelids, smeared shadow, and colors not living up to their potential. Not only does it work with great eyeshadows, it will actually improve the color and staying power of lower quality eyeshadows. The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer comes in two different shades, Original and Sin. The Original is pretty much a sheer nude base without any particular color so once blended in it’s invisible. The Sin shade is a shimmery mix of pink and gold tones while still remaining a pretty neutral base color that will coordinate with any eyeshadow just as well as the Original. It’s packaged to resemble a genie bottle, with a sponge-tipped angled wand as an applicator. It’s easy to use, lasts a long time, and is definitely worth its price. No lie, this stuff will last through a humid day, an evening of partying, and even a full night’s sleep without budging.



To use, first unscrew the applicator, take it out, and wipe the excess on the rim. Apply a good amount over your entire eyelid (and even under your eyelid, if desired). Using your finger, blend the primer until even. Wait a few seconds for it to dry, and then pile on the eyeshadow and eyeliner like crazy. Wait a few hours, check the mirror, and check the freshness.

Final verdict:
Cost: $17 (for regular bottle)
Does it keep its promise?: YES.
How long the actual product lasts: If used on a daily basis one of the original sized bottles lasts at least 6 months.
Repeat Offender?: We will never wear eyeshadow without it. Tell all your friends.

Ulta and Sephora have some great deals on the larger sizes.

-M & T

OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat, around $10

As you know, a good base coat and top coat can help keep your nail polish looking nice for a while. I decided to try OPI's Start to Finish because it's 2-in-1: base and top coat. I love the convenience of just having the one bottle. Plus, they have this one which is Formaldehyde Free--that's always good, right?

This stuff smells a little strong but is really easy to use. OPI's amazing brush shape means that you need only one to two quick strokes to get it across your whole nail. It sweeps over your nail completely and fills in the ridges, drying quickly and cleanly. Just a couple of minutes and you're ready to put on your polish, or go out with clean, natural-looking nails.

It works nice as a top coat, too, and I've noticed that is it good at keeping my nail polish from chipping. It adds a nice glossiness that some colors lack.

Final verdict
Cost: Around $10, depending on where you buy it.
Convenience: It's nice to have the first and last steps in one bottle. The brush is wide and it dries quickly, so I'm done in no time.
Lasts: It does help in keeping my nail polish on longer.
Repeat offender: I'd buy this again. It is a little more expensive than a bottle of nail polish from OPI, but I use it with every manicure. My favorite part is that it dries quickly and evenly--perfect for my messy, impatient self!

Next week we're going to take a break from reviewing new products and instead re-post some of our faves. Have a great weekend!
-T

Victoria's Secret Sunkissed Bronze Instant Self Tan Lotion with Tint, $12

I'm starting to crave cold weather, sweaters, boots, and jackets but I have to check myself and realize there is still a whole month of summer left! So it definitely isn't too late to give you all a review of a new self tanner that I tried out from Victoria's Secret. I was at a wedding not too long ago when I saw someone who had a really awesome tan and I asked her if she had gone on vacation or something. She laughed and told me no, that she used Victoria's Secret Sunkissed Bronze Instant Self Tan Lotion with Tint. I filed this under "products I have to try" in my head and went along to the open bar.

Every year I like to kid myself and think that my pale body will tan evenly, but it never does. I picked up this self tanner for $12 at Victoria's Secret and tried it on my legs.

Here is kind of how it went:

• Whoa this is has a strong smell.
• This is really thick.
• Ew is it not drying?
• Whoa, I look tan!!
• Whoa I'm still looking tan (4 days later).

Obviously, this stuff is nowhere near a natural product. It is full of tons of crap, half of which I won't even pretend to maybe know about. It has a pretty strong smell, but what self tanner doesn't? It kind of takes a while to dry so this isn't for the impatient (read: Me). But it does work! It definitely gives you an even non-orange glow that I haven't really achieved with any other self tanners. To be honest, I only used it once and kind of just accepted the fact that I'm not patient enough to tan. I think that this is definitely a great product for people who are into tanning, want a nice even glow but don't care to go tanning or lay under the sun, and surely for people who already use self tanners.

Whaaat the what?

DEFINITELY WASH YOUR HANDS FAST!!!

Final verdict:
Cost: $12, or 2 for $20 on the Victoria's Secret site.
Does it work?: Yes this stuff works! You have to make sure to apply it evenly and be very patient because it takes a while to dry. Don't go wearing white pants or shorts after you put it on either, it will mess them up like no tomorrow.
How long does it last?: My "tan" lasted a good 5 days! It fades slowly but I also didn't reapply. I only put it on once and it lasted, had I reapplied it probably would have just gotten darker.
Repeat offender?: If I really felt like I needed a glow I would definitely use this. It is a bit of hassle because of the smell and the drying but it delivers the results.

-M

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick, $18

I love lipstick--in theory. I think it makes a woman look so put-together and fabulous. But, to be honest, lipstick kind of scares me. Plus, everything I've read says you have to use lip liner, so that just adds another level of complexity. That doesn't stop me from wanting to try it, though. I bought Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick because it's lip liner, lipstick, and plumper in one. I figured this was a good first step.


The Buxom Lip Stick is basically shaped like a fat lip liner. The bottom end is a built-in sharpener to keep the point. The color I chose is Bombay--a natural rose shade, not dramatic but definitely adds a lot of color to your face.

The shape is great because it lets me have a lot of control (especially useful for a novice like me). The lipstick itself is really creamy and soft--the color goes on really easily as a lip liner and as a lipstick. The first time I used it I kind of just colored in my lips like it was a marker. This time, though, I dabbed it on gently in little strokes. I found this to make it last longer, I guess because I didn't put on too much. When you first put it on, you can feel a slightly cool tingle. I'm not sure how much this actually plumps because lipstick makes your lips look bigger anyway, but it's pleasant.

I found it to last pretty well, especially with a little primer (I used Urban Decay's). It lasts longer than other lipsticks I've tried (though you will still have to touch it up every so often). It does get a little dry though, so I recommend using a lip gloss over it if that bothers you.

(Looks nice with just mascara)
(Or with a simple line of black on top)
(A little darker in warmer lighting)

Final verdict
Cost: $18, but you're getting lip liner and lipstick in one. Plus, it is a pretty good size.
Color: The color I got, Bombay, is really natural, pretty, and flattering. They have 12 shades to choose from, so I'm sure you could find one that works for you.
Texture: Really creamy and soft. It gets a little dry after a couple hours, but I think some lip gloss could help with that.
Repeat offender: This is really the only lipstick I've been able to use with any success. All in all I'm really happy with it. It's much easier to use than a typical lipstick and it works as a liner too, so one less thing to worry about! I'm not sure how much it plumps, but that's not so important to me. It lasts longer than other lipsticks I've tried, and the color is great. I'll definitely try it in other shades.

-T