Monday, May 30, 2011

NOTD: Milani 3D Holographic Nail Lacquer in HD!

Three (3) Coats of Milani HD.
Milani HD is a silver shimmer holographic. It's very sheer with one coat, which was a slight disappointment as it appears to be opaque from the bottle, but it is fairly opaque with three coats. In between coats, the formula dries quickly, so it's not really a pain to apply. It is a nice layering polish as well. I'm sure it would look great applied over a silver, black, blue, (or any) polish. The holo effect is not bad. Indoors, the color looks like a light silver with fine silver glitter. The holo really pops in bright lighting or the sunlight.

I purchased this polish at CVS for a little under $5.

Do you own any of the Milani Holos? Which is your favorite?

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Follow up/Update: Bare Minerals Naturally Luminous Neck Cream + Interview with my Mom!

BareMinerals Naturally Luminous Extra Firming Neck Cream
Last month I was given the opportunity by QVC to try out a few new products from Bare Minerals. The products are sold together in the "Naturally Luminous Advanced Treatment Collection with RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex" 3-piece set. The set included a cleanser, face and neck cream. View my original post here.

I mentioned that I would hand over the neck cream for my mother to use because I, at 22 don't need any tightening of the neck. Well, I did just that and told her to make sure to apply it every day and I'll report back within a few weeks to see how well it has worked.

The product claims - "Firm, tighten and improve skin texture and smoothness with this naturally luminous, extra-firming neck cream that targets the special needs of the delicate skin around the neck and decollete. Powered by our proprietary, 100% pure RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex, this clinically proven, all-in-one cream locks in moisture to restore a youthful, lifted look and helps defend against daily environmental stressors."

Bare in mind, because this product is fairly new, there aren't many reviews for it. I checked makeupalley as always, and there are only 4 reviews for the product. Three of the four reviewers claim that it's an excellent moisturizer, but does falls short in the "firming" department. One of the four claims their skin looks "more supple and firm". Click here to read the detailed reviews. QVC has many more reviews, which can be read here.

I asked my Mom these questions. 
Q #1: Absorbency. How well does it absorb into your skin? Are you able to clothe right away? Does it leave your skin feeling tacky?
A: It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave my skin feeling tacky as when I would apply a heavy cream. I can clothe right away without worrying about it getting all over my clothing.
Q #2: Texture. What would you describe the texture like? Would you prefer it to be thicker or thinner?
A: It's very light and creamy. I like it exactly as it is. It's not too thin like other moisturizers I've used and it's not thick. I think it's perfect. It doesn't feel heavy on my skin.
Q #3: Lasting Power. Do you feel it keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day?
A: Yes, for 24 hours.
Q: Are you sure? You can be completely honest. You can tell me if the product sucks.
A: No really, here feel my skin. (Wow, her skin feels soft! LOL)
Q #4: Skin Texture/Improvements. Have you noticed any changes in your skin? Does it feel tighter? Softer,  Etc?
A: Well, I thought that it started working well right away. I can't really say if it has tightened or firmed my skin, but my skin feels "plump" and hydrated. I had a small line across my chestbone, and I can barely see it now. 
Q: So would you say it worked well as an overall good moisturizer?
A: Yes, I think it did more moisturizing than firming. It made my skin feel very soft and supple - I love it.
Q #5: Would you re-purchase it once you're done?
A: Yes, can you buy it for me for my birthday??? (haha!)

Here are a couple of photos I snapped of my Mom's neck/chest. She is 57 years old by the way.
Both photos, May 29, 2011.
Overall, this seems like a very nice moisturizing neck cream. If you buy the cream separately, it's $38 for a 1.7 oz container. The 3-piece set is $36, and the neck cream is 1 oz. My Mom has been using the 1 oz container of neck cream just about daily for one month and she still has half of a container left. I think the price is fairly reasonable, but I do think there are of course lower priced options out there that will moisturize your skin just as well - considering, this product didn't seem to "extreme firm". Also, with any skincare product, "Your mileage may vary", meaning everyone won't have the same results. With the really positive reviews on QVC, it seems like it has worked well for many. 

I hope this follow-up helped, and if you have any questions or product recommendations, post in the comments below!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

NOTD: China Glaze Secret Peri-wink-le!

Two (2) Coats of China Glaze Secret Peri-wink-le and One (1) Coat of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat
China Glaze Secret Peri-wink-le is well, the color periwinkle. It's a lavender-blue or pastel indigo. I suppose it depends on what lighting you're looking at the color, whether it appears more blue or purple. My camera doesn't photograph blue-purples well, but I think in person the color is the slightest bit more purple.

The formula is pretty decent. It's creamy, applies easily and dries fairly quick. I did find the 2nd coat to apply slightly streaky, and I could have done with three coats for full opacity.

Overall very pretty color and will look great paired with the neutral colored clothing I tend to wear most of the time. I actually purchased this polish last summer and never wore it until now.. funny, huh?

What's on your nails?

Friday, May 27, 2011

Advice from Wayne Goss on how to make your make-up last!


In this short video, Wayne talks about a big mistake many of us do when we apply our makeup. We combine two things that don't mix. Water and oil. For example, an oil based primer with a water based foundation. It sounds like a good idea - but water and oil don't mix, right? Maybe your foundation has too much "slip" to it, and transfers too much throughout the day. Is it really your foundation to blame? Or is it your moisturizer, primer? Well, it's something we all know from Science 101, but I never thought about applying that knowledge to makeup. 

I thought this vid was really interesting and it made me wonder. 

What do you think? Do you think it makes any difference? Agree/Disagree? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!