Tuesday, July 19, 2011

What's on my Make-up Wishlist?

Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Someone recommended this on Twitter when I asked what's everyone's favorite eye liner. This one's reviews look pretty promising.

Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner Even though I'm a big fan of Bobbi Brown Gel Liners, and MAC Dipdown Fluidline, I keep hearing how great Clinique's Cream Liner is. At $15 a pop, it's not bad at all. I'd love to give one a try sometime soon.

Nars Douceur Powder Blush I'm not really sure why I want this all of the sudden. It never really sparked my interest when it launched - but lately I've been really into more natural shades and by the looks of it, Douceur (soft pink brown) looks like a great every day color. What do you think? Anyone own this?

Nars Loose Powder I've realized that I don't own enough setting powders (LOL) and I'd like to explore my options. Nars Loose Setting Powder seems to be a favorite among many - except for the terrible packaging.

La Mer The Powder Some say it's the best setting powder ever? I'd love to be the judge of that..... when I have some extra cash.

Illamasqua Fable Lipstick This has actually been on my wishlist for a long time and I don't know what I'm waiting for. Check out the Google results by clicking here. You can not tell me it's not a gorgeous pink.

Nars Super Orgasm Lip gloss Boy, I want a lot of Nars, don't I? Tanya Burr made me want it after watching her collaboration video with two other gurus called "All Time Favourite Makeup Products".. You can view it here. It looks so pretty!

MAC 109 Brush Someone please talk me out of this. I really don't feel like spending $32 on a brush right now. I purchased Sigma's F05 - supposedly the dupe for the 109 and I don't think it's anything that special. I never owned the 109, so I can't compare.. but everyone seems to love the 109, which makes me want it too. ☺

Essie Fiji and Sand Tropez Tan and Light Pink, can't go wrong with my favorite colors!

Winner of my G'adore G'taime Giveaway!

Again, I'd like to thank everyone for participating in my giveaway for the lovely G'adore G'taime Flower Fascinator Hair Clip! And of course, thank you Gerry for making this giveaway possible! You rock!

I really appreciate you all giving feedback on Gerry's Etsy Shop and giving ideas on what kinds of things you'd like to see in her shop! All of your input was very helpful!

There were a few entries that had to be disqualified because they were after the deadline. I felt bad about disqualifying them and was going to let the entries slide, but I realized it would be unfair to others that may have wanted to enter but missed the deadline. There was also one entry that was Anonymous, so I had to disqualify that because they didn't leave a name or e-mail, so if I announced the winner as Anonymous - anyone could claim to be that person. For future contests, if you leave a comment as Anonymous, please leave your name or e-mail!

As usual, I used random.org to pick the winner. 
Woohoo! Maricel, you're the winner! 

I already announced the winner on Facebook, and you responded so I'll be e-mailing you shortly!!

Thanks again for entering!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Randomness + A couple of reviews to look out for: Made from Earth Facial Serums!

Hey Everyone!

I hope you're all having a wonderful Monday!

Since Monday's are always the most dreaded day of the week (since it's the farthest day from the weekend), here's a cute little "Monday Humor" comic..
Haha! I hope you're not looking like Janice.. unless you had a "fun" weekend and rolled out of bed this morning - then kudos to you.

My day was a little brighter this Monday morning because my dear postman brought me a small package (yes, we're talking about mail). Inside were a couple of goodies from "Made from Earth". Made from Earth is a skincare company that specializes in Chemical-free, Organic skincare products. You can read more about them on their website http://www.madefromearth.com.

I got a hold of their Rosehip + Hibiscus Facial Serum as well as the Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum. Now, you all know from my recent Skincare reviews that I love my Reviva Labs, but I'll be taking a short break to try these products out and I'll have a review for them soon!


Lastly, I'd like to thank those of you that entered my recent giveaway! I'll be announcing the winner shortly!

MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder Review!

mac studio careblend powder review

MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder

Formulated to provide a smooth, virtually invisible, fresh-looking finish, this soft, cream-like powder is carefully blended to provide the skin with extra care, nourishment and comfort. (MAC COSMETICS)

"Studio Careblend Pressed Powder provides sheer to medium coverage with perfect skin adhesion that helps to create a more flawless, refined look to skin. Studio Careblend Pressed Powder’s versatility allows users to apply it alone, over moisturized skin, atop foundation to set, or simply to touch up and perfect skin throughout the day." - Nick Gavrelis, Vice President, Global Product Development (read more here)

MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder is available in eight (8) shades: Light (soft pale beige), Light Plus (pale golden beige), Medium (soft creamy beige), Medium Dark (caramel beige), Medium Plus (tan beige), Dark (deep caramel), Medium Deep (rich golden tan) and Dark Deep (rich golden bronze).

What really lured me into wanting Careblend is the claim that it doesn't look powdery and it isn't drying. Not to mention the amazing rating on Makeupalley (4.4/5 with an 86% re-purchase rate based on 79 reviews). I had a little bit of a tough time trying to pick a shade for my current NC30 skintone - I was debating with Light Plus (mainly because it has some good golden tones), Medium or Medium Dark. I figured that since they are sheer, there will be a little room for error, but my favorite MAC Sales Assoc. informed me that they do indeed pack pretty good pigment, so I played it safe and purchased Medium. I purchased this powder to solely use it as a setting powder. Other powders I'm currently using for a quick dusting across my face are Chanel Double Perfection Compact, MAC Studio Fix Powder or Rimmel Stay Matte Powder (I also love MAC Blot Powder, but I'm currently out of it).

MAC Studio Careblend Powder in Medium
Medium is a good match for my skin. It lacks yellow though if you're medium skinned and particular about having the right amount of golden in your foundation or powder. I compared it to my MAC Studio Fix Powder in C3 for reference. Of course, C3 has a stronger yellow tone as all "C" powders do in the SF Powder range.

The consistency of this powder to the touch, feels like your average powder. Studio Fix Powder actually feels softer to the touch. But, once smoothed on the skin, Careblend feels much smoother, whereas Studio Fix feels a bit dryer and powdery (ironic, huh?) The powder isn't completely sheer - it does have some pigment, so if you have relatively clear skin and need little coverage and oil control, this can be worn alone. I like using a large fluffy powder brush such as my Sigma F30 (FAV) and swirling the product all over my face to set my foundation. If I want a little extra coverage, I'll use a more dense brush such as my Sephora Pro Platinum Bronzer Brush or a standard Kabuki. The finish with this powder indeed is not powdery at all. It gives a velvety satin finish that even reminds me a bit of my beloved Chanel Double Perfection Powder.

Here's a little comparison. You can see a big difference in the finish of Studio Fix and Studio Careblend. Studio Fix is much more dull and powdery, whereas Studio Careblend has a bit of luminosity.
Left to Right: MAC Studio Fix Powder in C3, MAC Studio Careblend Powder in Medium and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium/Natural & Shimmer (the medium/natural side) Limited Edition
I don't need all that much oil control, just a little bit in my t-zone, and this keeps my skin from getting shiny throughout the day very well. Based on some reviews I've read, some don't recommend this powder for those with oily skin as it may not control oil well enough, but I've also read that some oily skin found it works great. The reviews are pretty mixed. I think it would work particularly well for those with dry skin as contains moisturizing oils (Safflower, Meadowfoam & Olive) as well as Shea Butter and it doesn't seem to accentuate dryness. I really love this powder and will continue using it for an all over setting powder. I still plan on purchasing MAC Blot Powder as well because I like to have a powder on hand that won't deposit any color (mainly to powder my under-eyes).

MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder is $23 for .35 oz, $4 cheaper than MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish (plus Careblend has a mirrored compact & powder puff, the MSF has neither). It's slightly more expensive than MAC Blot which is $23 for .42 oz (.07 oz more product).

.35 oz really isn't a lot of product, and with the silkiness of this powder, you can probably easily go overboard with it without realizing. When I used my MAC Blot Powder daily, I would hit pan very quickly with it, so I'm going to make sure to use my Careblend sparingly.

What's your favorite setting powder?

Sunday, July 17, 2011

My Favorite Nars Eyeshadows!

My Favorite Nars Eyeshadows

I wanted to do a post today about the Nars eyeshadows I own. Although my collection is pretty sad (these are the only ones I own!), it's because they are pretty expensive ($23 a pop) and I only treat myself to a shade every once in a while. 

I own five (5) shades in total: Galapagos, Bali, Coconut Grove, Night Clubbing and Mekong.

Galapagos is a warm, bronzed-brown with gold shimmer.
Bali is a neutral taupe brown with a matte finish.
Coconut Grove is an intense neutral deep brown.
Mekong is a brown black with reddened-brown shimmer. When applied dry, it almost looks black. I recommend using this shade wet to see the true color, or over a brown/copper base.
Night Clubbing is a black infused with gold shimmer. The mixture of the gold and black give off an almost olive appearance. I also recommend using this one wet, or on top of a golden cream shadow/base.

It's hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to pick one, I'd probably pick Coconut Grove. It's the most pigmented and deepest brown I own. I barely have to touch the shadow and I'll get amazing color payoff. But, that's the case with almost all of Nars shadows.


NARS Galapagos, Bali, Coconut Grove, Night Clubbing and Mekong Eyeshadows


I use all of the shades quite often, with the most often used shades being Coconut Grove and Galapagos. They work so perfectly alone or with an additional highlight shade. 

I really enjoy using all of these shadows and I have so many more on my wishlist! 

Here's what they look like swatched:
Swatches from left to right: Bali, Coconut Grove, Galapagos, Mekong, Night Clubbing.

(swatches in same order as above)

I cropped out my eyes from an older FOTD where I was wearing Night Clubbing all over my lid. It's super dark, but also works great as a liner.

Do you own any Nars shadows? Are there any you'd recommend? 

MAC Cajun Magically Cool Liquid Powder Review, Photos and Swatches!

MAC Cajun Magically Cool Liquid Powder

Product Description: A silky, feather-light powder, formulated with 70% water, dusts on to the skin as a cooling mist to set and enhance the look of any foundation. Beyond sheer: light-reflecting and translucent. A virtually invisible way to add luminosity and a soft radiant glow to the skin.

Magically Cool Liquid Powders are available in three (3) shades: Truth & Light (Sheer shimmer that reflects silver and pink), Honey Rose (Sheer rosy beige with multi-dimensional shimmer) and Cajun (Sheer bronze shimmer that reflects gold).

I already own Honey Rose, which I purchased in early June, and it became one of my favorite/must-have products for the cheeks. So when recently I had the opportunity to get a hold of Cajun in a swap, I went for it.

Like mentioned, Cajun is a sheer, bronze shimmer that reflects gold. The description is very accurate, It looks a little dark and ruddy in the jar, but once swatched the golden hues really come out. It's a bit of an orangy bronze, somewhat similar to the color of Chanel Bronze Universel. There is a slight golden sheen, but it can only be really seen when the product is applied heavily.

READ MORE FOR A REVIEW, SWATCH AND TIPS ON APPLICATION..

Review: Reviva Labs Makeup Primer!

Reviva Labs Makeup Primer
 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Apply over moisturizer or instead of moisturizer. Lines fill in, pores are concealed, excess oil is controlled. Skin so touchable, so silky smooth, you will find it hard to believe.

INGREDIENTS: 



I love products with such short ingredient lists! Nothing unneccesary. It's non-comedogenic and fragrance-free - so, there are less irritants for your skin.

READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND MY REVIEW!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

GIVEAWAY: LAST DAY!

 My Giveaway will be ending tonight at 11:59 PM CST! Please enter, it would be greatly appreciated as the prize was made special just for you! Anyone can enter - it's open internationally!

CLICK HERE to Enter!

Review: Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Our highest-potency daily moisture booster! Reviva Labs has now compounded a higher level of premium Hyaluronic Acid into a precious fluid that can help raise skin's moisture level to fill-in furrows, plump up tissues and tone-down lines. Apply under creams in the evening or alone to hydrate skin. If also seeking firmness, alternate with our DMAE Firming Fluid. Benefits: Unlike products that depend on moisture in the air, HA can help hydrate skin even in dry climates or heated rooms that rob skin of moisture. (REVIVA LABS)

INGREDIENTS:

A little background information on Hyaluronic Acid used in Cosmetics:
(You can skip this and scroll down directly to my review) 
-The use of hyaluronic acid in both the cosmetic and medical industry is gaining momentum as its properties of scar reduction and aiding wound and ulcer healing are becoming well known. Cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin allowing it to appear smoother and more radiant.
 -Hyaluronic acid (HA) can absorb over 1000 times it weight in water allowing it to hydrate to skin and other areas that it contacts.

The skin is the largest organ in the body comprising about 15% of the body weight. Roughly 50% of the Hyaluronic Acid in our body is found in the skin. Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen are vital to maintaining the skin’s layers and structure. It is the collagen that gives the skin its firmness but it is the HA that nourishes and hydrates the collagen. Imagine the collagen as the stretchy fibers that restore the skin back to shape when stretched. Collagen is like a rubber band but stretch that rubber band a million times, like what we do with our skin and without any moisture. Eventually that rubber band gets over stretched (saggy) and dried out and will most likely break. This is much the same way the collagen in our skin reacts leaving our skin dry and wrinkled. Now imagine that same rubber band stretched a million times while under water the whole time. Chances of that rubber band drying out and breaking are minimal. Consider the Hyaluronic Acid as the water that keeps the collagen moist and elastic. Collagen is continuously surrounded and nourished by the gelatinous HA substance. Young skin is smooth and highly elastic because it contains high concentrations of Hyaluronic Acid, which helps skin stay healthy. As we grow older, the body loses its ability to maintain this same concentration in the skin. With decreasing levels of HA in the skin, so goes the ability of the skin to hold water. The result, the skin becomes drier and loses its ability to restore itself. Hyaluronic acid acts as a space filler by binding to water and thus keeping the skin wrinkle-free. (DermatologistRx.com)


The more I'm advancing into the world of Skincare, the more I'm learning about the individual components of popular skincare products. Hyaluronic Acid is something that I have never really heard of prior to using this serum. I researched a little bit and browsed my favorite makeup community forums and found that Hyaluronic Acid is really sought-after for those with dry skin. It can be taken orally as a pill or in the form of a serum, cream or toner. Although I don't have dry skin, I thought it would be a fantastic serum to try to keep my skin hydrated 24/7. I do once a while have a little dryness from using harsh cleansers (such as African Black Soap) or exfoliation, that will typically occur around my mouth and chin area. Usually if that occurs, it will be fixable within a couple of days with a good moisturizer. I have been using this serum for 4 weeks now, 1-2 times daily, using 1/2 a pump each application. The consistency of the serum is very light and is kind of like a runny gel. One applied to the skin, it seems to distribute well all over the face. I'll never have to go back for more. It may feel sticky for about 15 seconds, but the stickiness goes away completely within 30 seconds and you are left with hydrated skin. The serum doesn't leave any traces of product left on the skin's surface so you are able to layer a moisturizer over it fine or even your makeup. What's different about Hyaluronic Acid than a standard moisturizer is that it really works within your skin. It won't give your skin the illusion of moisturize with an oily residue. You may not notice it right away if your skin is dry, but after continued use you will see the results. Since using this product, I haven't had one instance of dryness. My skin is always hydrated and radiant. Crazily enough, I have smile lines that drive me insane because many times my foundation will settle in the fine lines and I'll have to touch up with powder a couple times throughout the day. My makeup hasn't seemed to settle at all in those lines since I've been using this. Also, the little corners around my nose are typically a little dry and now they are completely moisturized. Hydraluronic Acid has now become a staple in my everyday skin routine and I don't want to be without out it! The price of this serum is $20 for 1 oz of product. It may be a little pricey, but it's something that works well for me and I will continue purchasing it once I run out. Like I mentioned, I've used the serum for 4 weeks, sometimes twice a day and I have 2/3 product left. The bottle should last me for 2 more months. So, a little over $6.60 a month - it's completely worth it.

PROS: Ease of use - It distributes well & works quickly without residue. You can apply it and don't have to sit and wait for it to absorb before you apply your moisturizer or makeup. You can really apply it and be done. No smell, it's transparent and is non-irritating. It keeps my skin feeling fresh, hydrated and plump!
CONS: I really can't think of any cons for this product - it's fantastic!
PACKAGING: I really like the packaging for this product. It's a glass bottle with a quality pump, in which you can control how much product you want to dispense.
OVERALL: I just wanted to make clear that this is a serum. Therefore, it's a treatment for your skin. A serum shouldn't be your moisturizer. You should use a separate moisturizer after applying any skin treatment - especially if you are prone to dryness. My skin type is normal, sensitive (acne-prone) with very little oiliness in the t-zone. It didn't take long for this product to work for me. It may differ if you have a different skin type. I think this is a fantastic product for your skin and should be incorporated in your skincare regime (whether it be in the form of a vitamin, etc) especially if you suffer from dryness - but I believe all skin types can benefit from it!
 

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for free for consideration. This review is completely honest based on my individual experience in using this product.

Friday, July 15, 2011

NOTD: Forever 21's Love & Beauty Lavender!

Two (2) Coats of Love & Beauty Lavender Nail Polish & One (1) Coat of Seche Vite Top Coat
Two (2) Coats of Love & Beauty Lavender Nail Polish & One (1) Coat of Seche Vite Top Coat
Essence Lavender is a milky, mid-tone, dusty lavender purple. It's not as pale as most of the lavenders I own, which I'm actually pretty happy about because I don't need so many of the same nail polish shades.

I love the formula on this one - it applied opaquely with one coat, so worst case scenario, if you're running out the door without your nails polished, you can quickly paint your nails and be done with one coat and not have to worry about sheerness or a streaky mess. I applied two coats, and it came out perfect!

I'm currently on the lookout for my summer favorites. What are some of your favorite nail polishes or nail trends? Let me know in the comments below! ☺

Also, if you haven't already, please enter my GIVEAWAY by clicking HERE! It will end Saturday, July 16th at 11:59 CST. Please enter!

Reviva Labs Light Skin Peel Review!


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: "Peeling" is a European term for one of the most unique European items in the entire cosmetic field. THIS IS NOT A HARSH CHEMICAL PEEL. It doesn't "peel skin" as we know it, but gently lifts off more hardened, dried skin cells than can be achieved by scrubs or any other "exfoliating" product. Dead-cell accumulation prevents treatment products from penetrating and keeps skin tone from looking fresh and vibrant. For aging and problem skin, PEEL is absolutely vital; it offers multiple benefits, which one can see and feel with just one application. Used by Europe's top Skin Treatment Specialists as a supplementary cleansing step in any skin care program. Any skin type, any age, can benefit from a once-a-week "Peel". Our Peel ingredients also stimulate the deeper new cells to move upward at a faster rate - causing the skin surface to look tighter, clearer and healthier. (REVIVA LABS)

 INGREDIENTS:


I have been using the Reviva Labs Light Skin Peel for the past 4 weeks, once a week. Like mentioned in the product description, this doesn't actually "peel" your skin, it's more of a mask. The consistency is a little strange - it's a little liquidy, but dense like bread dough before it has set. It has a very "spicy" scent, very reminiscent of pizza spices or oregano. Maybe it's the oil of thyme in the ingredients list? To get some product out, I prefer using a spatula for sanitary reasons and then smoothing the product all over my face. The instructions state that it should be left on for 3-5 minutes, so I usually always leave it on for 5. Once it's on my face, I can really smell the alcohol in the product. It seems a bit strong at first, but it goes away. Its pleasant to have on the face, as it doesn't seem to stiffen my face much or cause tingling, burning, etc. After 5 minutes, I will try to peel it off, but each time I've used this, I wasn't able to peel it off. It didn't matter if I put a very thin layer or thick layer, the mask doesn't completely dry in 5 minutes in order for you to peel it off. It does peel off on tiny areas such as the chin, but on my cheeks, I had to use a wash cloth or exfoliation brush. In a way, I like it because you get a little extra exfoliation from the gritty crushed almonds, but it's also somewhat a pain. The instructions do state though to remove it with your fingers, dry towel or cosmetic sponge. That doesn't work that well because residue will be left behind on the skin unless water is used, and it doesn't state to use water. Afterward, my skin feels very fresh, cool, clean and slightly tight. I then as always, continue with a moisturizer and go to sleep. In the morning, my skin looks fresher than the day before and my pores look reduced. The lasting effect is a few days. It is a nice peel/mask, but I do think it's a little expensive at $20 per 1.5 oz.

PROS: Takes little time (3-5 minutes), didn't bother my sensitive skin despite the high content of alcohol, wasn't drying, soothing, made my pores appear smaller and brightened my overall complexion after each use.
CONS: I think a misconception about this product is that it's called "Light" Skin Peel, and some people take that as it will "Lighten" your skin, but there are no claims that it will lighten. It is also called a "Peel", but as I mentioned, this doesn't peel your skin, nor does it peel off after 5 minutes. I think the name doesn't suit the product at all and it would better off called "Brightening Mask" or "Revitalizing Mask" so the consumer won't expect lightening or peeling - they will expect to use a mask that will freshen up their complexion, which is what this will do.
PACKAGING: The packaging is good, the only thing that would make it better is if it came with a small spatula to scoop the product out, or if it came in a squeeze tube. It gets a little difficult to get product out, especially when you're close to the end.
OVERALL: Overall, I do really like this mask and I will continue using it once a week to freshen up my complexion. I will definitely be using it a night before I want my skin to look in tip top shape. Although I do think it's expensive at $20 per 1.5 oz, you can see after 4 uses (maybe even 5) that I barely made a dent in the product. This will indeed last a long time, and it doesn't expire until 2014.

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for free for consideration. This review is completely honest based on my individual experience in using this product.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

My Nars Blush Collection Review, Photos and Swatches!

 Nars Powder Blush Overview

For a while, I was pretty obsessed with Nars blushes. Nars is one of my top favorite brands, and it's always a brand I like going to when I want to treat myself to something I'll really love and enjoy. The products ooze quality with the ease of application as well as the very rich pigmentation.

Nars has a good variety of blush shades - not as excessive as MAC, but they have all of the basic shades. There are currently 23 in total - Sex Appeal, Amour, Angelika, Deep Throat, Dolce Vita, Douceur, Exhibit A, Gilda, Gina, Lovejoy, Luster, Madly, Mata Hari, Nico, Oasis, Orgasm, Silvana, Sin, Super Orgasm, Taj Mahal, Taos, Torrid and Zen.

I remember when I first discovered Nars blushes (I was 18 or 19) and couldn't get over the fact that they were bold enough to name a blush Deep Throat and Orgasm. Okay, Orgasm isn't that bad, but Deep Throat? I mean, I'm not offended - but if someone was to ask me in public what blush I was wearing.. I would totally act like I didn't know the shade. What if they never heard of Nars and thought you were making fun of them? "I love your shade of lipstick, what is it!?" "Money Shot." "Oh. K.. Thanks?" "What about your blush?" "Doggy Style."

Nars Blushes are a bit expensive at $27 per .16 oz. Typically brands have higher costs due to expensive packaging, but there's really nothing special - or expensive about the packaging of the blushes. The good - They are very thin, lightweight and have a mirror. The bad - the rubber material gets incredibly dirty (not aesthetically pleasing one bit) and it's a little flimsy. Some of my mirrors have become a little loose. Also, if you're not a fan of shimmer, you may want to look elsewhere because most of Nars blushes contain a little bit of shimmer. Although none of them are really frosty - lots of them have fine shimmery sheens. A great thing though about Nars blushes is the uniqueness of the shades and the high pigmentation. Yes, they are expensive - but I can't imagine ever finishing one Nars blush in a year.. with the exception of Orgasm because it's slightly sheerer than the rest.

I've accumulated nine in the past few years and several of them don't get enough use because the particular shades I own aren't practical for every day. My favorites, which are used often are Madly and Lovejoy. I also have my eyes on Douceur, Taj Mahal, Desire and Gina. (You can view swatches of all shades on KarlaSugar by clicking here.)

Reviva Labs Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Cream Review!!

Recently, I got the wonderful opportunity to try out a few skincare products by Reviva Labs. Reviva Labs is an all natural skincare brand that can be found in professional skin care salons and health food stores worldwide. Read Reviva Labs ABOUT US page for more details about the brand.

Throughout the week, I'll be posting reviews for all of the products I've tried, starting off with the Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Cream - which happens to be my favorite! 


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Reviva Labs now offers a new answer to helping firm, tighten and "lift" skin with DMAE...as Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C Ester fight free radicals and future skin aging. As a special Reviva boost, this dramatic trio is encased in a soy liposome for deeper, time release action during the night. Allantoin and Aloe Vera are added to soothe and calm stressed skin, contributing to a healthy, vibrant glow. For supple, more youthful looking skin, it's another major advance in the battle against skin aging. Benefits: helps improve skin tone and glow as its powerful antioxidant action fights free-radical damage. As your body rests during the night, you have hours of uninterrupted replenishing nutrients that help tighten and "lift" skin to treat the effects of time as it helps fight future skin aging. (REVIVA LABS)

INGREDIENTS:
 







Pft, I'm almost offended you'd ask! (I'm completely joking) It was pretty much love at first application with this cream. I've known the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid and Ester C for your skin when used topically, or orally (in the form of a pill) for a couple of years now. I discovered the benefits after reading Nicholas Perricone, M.D. The Wrinkle Cure. Although it was something that really interested me, I kind of tossed the info to the side as finding products that combines both ingredients wasn't something very easy to find at the local drugstore. This cream combines both, as well as DMAE, also known as "Dimethylaminoethanol" (Yeah, you wonder why it's abbreviated) which is a popular ingredient used in anti-aging skincare for it's "lifting" properties.

Being I'm 23 years old, I don't need any "extreme" lifting, but I what I expect out of a good cream is for it to even out my skin tone as well as skin texture, keep my skin hydrated and repair any moisture loss from using any harsh cleansers or exfoliants and make my skin soft to the touch. Is that all too much to ask?!

This particular cream is best when used at night to I've your skin several hours to drink up all of the good vitamins and repair your skin. For nighttime, I prefer a product that's a bit heavier than a day cream, but isn't too greasy where it will leave my pillow an oil slick. This particular cream is really light and fluffy - it's not heavy or oily. Once applied to the skin, the texture is incredibly silky and creamy. It doesn't leave the skin shiny, greasy or tacky. It feels a little moist for about a minute and then it almost completely absorbs. My skin type is normal to combination, but at times I can have a little dryness due to harsh cleansers, exfoliants or even the weather. This cream always fixes that by the morning. I'm always excited to look at my face every morning to see how radiant my skin is. The results when using this is always consistent. I wake up with baby soft skin, an even complexion and a glow from within. With most creams, the full benefits can be seen when used after your skin has been exfoliated to soak up all of the ingredients to the fullest. I like using my Olay Pro-X at night and this cream right after. I've been using it daily for around 3-4 weeks now and my skin is in great shape.

Lately, I've found that I can get away with wearing less makeup and lighter coverage foundations. What's even cooler than that is I've received a handful of compliments on my skin in the past month - and it may not seem like a big deal, but I never really receive compliments on my skin.

I've tried several creams by several brands - Estee Lauder, Clinique, Ponds, Olay, Neutrogena, Etc and this cream is by far my favorite. Of course, with any product what may work for me, may not work for you.. So I'm not saying to go run out and purchase this cream, but it is a product I do recommend trying if you're looking for a good, hydrating cream. I don't like to go a day without using and I will purchase another one once mine has almost finished!

PROS: Lightweight, Hydrating, Fragrance Free, Doesn't clog my pores or break out my sensitive skin, gives my skin a radiant appearance. The price is $23 for two ounces, which I find very reasonable. With daily use, it should last me around three months. There is also an expiration date listed on the product.. and I love when products list expiration dates to know that the active ingredients in the product are still active.
CONS: About the actual product, I can't find any cons. The only cons may be that the packaging is a tub (many prefer a pump for sanitary reasons), but I personally don't mind. Also, the product may be a little difficult to find (most likely will have to order online).
PACKAGING: It could be improved with a pump - but it doesn't bother me at all that it's in a tub. Most creams are anyway. It comes with a little stopper lid, so I like to scoop product off of that each time rather than dipping my finger directly into the tub.
OVERALL: I think this is a fantastic cream for all skin types. Highly recommended!




Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Testing out Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation!


I got a hold of a couple sample packets of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua a couple of weeks ago and finally decided to try it out today. When I asked for a sample, I expected they were going to pour some product directly from their counter tester bottle, but they actually had sample packets of each shade. I was a little disappointed because the packets are so small, I figured I'd need both to cover my face. With the little bottles they fill up from the testers, they can typically last me a week - sometimes more if I'm lucky.

Anyway, the Sales Associate matched me to B30 Beige Sable. My shade in the regular Vitalumiere is 40 Beige. Right away, I noticed that B30 looked a little light, but when it was applied to an area of my face, it was undetectable. I'd say it's a good MAC NC30 color match.
I've read several reviews for Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, and the majority of the reviews stated that this particular foundation looks best when applied with the fingers. I tend to use more product when I use my fingers, and considering I only had a couple of small packets, I wasn't about to waste any product. I first moisturized my face with a little DDF Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew and then I applied the foundation like I normally would any foundation. I squeezed out a small amount and placed a dot on each cheek, nose, chin and forehead. Then, with my Sigma F80 brush, I lightly buffed it in my skin with small circular motions. I then placed a tiny bit more product on my cheeks to build the coverage and again, buffed it in with my brush.

The consistency is a bit different than any foundation I think I've tried. I figured because it's water based, it would be really thin and watery. It's incredibly light and has an airy, whipped texture. Once applied to the face, you can really tell it water based because it has that slight cooling sensation of water. The color seemed to oxidize slightly after a few minutes, but it didn't oxidize too dark, orange, etc. The color is perfect. I was a little surprised by the coverage. It evened out my skintone beautifully and even covered my blemishes pretty good. It's a light coverage and can be layered easily to medium coverage. The finish is a lovely illuminating satin. I'm wearing it right now and it still looks great after almost 7 hours, with the exception that my chin and nose has become a little shiny.

Really loving it so far - and I'm pretty confident that I'll be purchasing it for my summer foundation! I'll have a FULL review to come later!

FACE: DDF Ultra-lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Light & Medium (mixed 50/50) applied under my eyes
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B30 applied with my Sigma F80 Brush
Chanel Bronze Universel/Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer applied with my Coastal Scents Tapered Duo Fiber Brush

BROWS:
MAC Espresso Eyeshadow
ELF Eyebrow Treat and Tame in Medium

EYES:
Urban Decay Naked Palette ("Naked" and "Buck" blended in my crease and smoked outward, darkened my outer V with "Smog") 
Nars Coconut Grove Eyeshadow lined my upper and lower lashline
Wet n Wild Silent Treatment Trio applied the pink browbone shade to my lid
Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy Eyeshadow applied on my lid over the Wet n Wild shadow, and my inner corners
MAC Blackline Pearlglide Eyeliner on my waterline 
Covergirl Lash Perfection Mascara
Revlon Beyond Natural #91169 False Eyelashes snipped in half

LIPS:
MAKE UP FOREVER Aqua Lipliner in #4C
OCC Lip Tars - Divine and Hush mixed 50/50
Sally Hansen Lip Inflation Extreme Lipgloss (clear)


Hope you all have a wonderful night! And, if you haven't already, please check out my giveaway HERE!

Monday, July 11, 2011

NOTD: Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Mellow Yellow!

Three (3) coats of Essence Mellow Yellow & One coat of Seche Vite Top Coat.
Three (3) coats of Essence Mellow Yellow & One coat of Seche Vite Top Coat.
Essence Colour & Go Nail Polish in Mellow Yellow is a cream formula pale yellow. It's a perfect summer statement color that will add a bright pop of color to any outfit.

I've always liked yellow nail polishes, but every time I end up purchasing yellow, I'm never satisfied with it. One thing I've learned about yellow polishes is that the more pastel they are, the better they look on my skintone. This particular polish is almost in between pastel yellow and yellow. I was hoping it would be a little more white toned, but I like it.

The formula of this polish was streak city with the first coat, but evened out by the second. With the second coat, 95% of the streaks were gone, but I opted for three coats for full opacity. 

I'll probably wear this polish only once more before summer is over, so it's not really a bad investment for 99 cents!

The lovely Lisa Eldridge sporting yellow nails in her Quick Pick-Me-Up video

Essence can be found at ULTA stores or online at ULTA.com.

Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Star Review with Photos & Swatches!

Dior Amber Diamond

Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Star

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: A light-filled pressed powder enriched with Jeweled Microdust™. These five micro-shimmering tones set off sparks of brilliance, highlighting your complexion. The ultra-fine, super-blendable formula virtually fuses with your skin for a sheer, radiant luminosity. (SEPHORA)

Dior Diorskin Shimmer Star is available in two shades: Amber Diamond and Rose Diamond. They are both highlighting shades, but because Rose Diamond contains pink tones, it can also be considered a blush.

Amber Diamond contains five stripes of warm frosty shades: An ivory with golden-yellow frost, champagne, tan, bronze and golden peach. When all of the shades are swirled together, it creates a beautiful warm, champagne/tan glow.

Dior Amber Diamond

I tried comparing it to other highlighters of mine, but it's actually very different than anything I own. The only thing I could compare is the first strip of color is almost identical to Nars Albatross or MAC Vanilla Pigment. From the looks of it, it may be comparable to Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips or Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick, but from swatches I've seen, Amber Diamond seems a little less frosty & subtle. To be honest, at first I figured this highlighter was overrated. To me, it didn't look like anything special I should go run out and buy - but after trying it, I see what all of the hype is about. It is frosty - but when applied to the cheeks, it's so subtle and it almost becomes one with your skin. It's easy to blend and gives the prettiest glow that's not overpowering. (No disco ball, here!)

Yesterday my Mom had asked me what I have on my cheeks that's so glowy, so I handed her the highlighter to test out herself and she loved it. Right after, we went grocery shopping and this woman stopped us in the middle of the aisle and was like "Is this your daughter!?" Caught completely off guard, we nodded and smiled politely, and she was like "No wonder! She has your glowing skin!" She actually went on for a couple minutes and mentioned how nice it must be to go to Wal-mart and get complimented. As we walked off, I mentioned to my Mom that it must be the Dior. It was kinda funny.