Tag Archive | product reviews

Nail Stamping-Oh how I love thee!

Dec24

Happy Saturday!  I did a post on this nail stamping kit recently, but I bought another one, and just had to share. I bought this one at Ulta for $12, (I had a coupon, it’s normally $15).  Well, it seems Ulta doesn’t carry these anymore. Caption Art Screens Nail Stamping this is the website that has kits that contain 24 designs for $30.  I’m so glad I got them when I did.

I put this design on last Saturday, and touched up the tips twice.  I used drugstore polish, and Julep Oxygen Nail treatment as a base coat.

If you want to try something fun with your nails, I highly recommend this stamping kit.  Super easy to use, and lots of fun designs.

nail-stamping-part-2-12-24-16

nail-stamping-party-squad-12-24-16

Here are the different polishes I used. The blue is Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel in Cyantific Method, two coats, and Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Black Satin. Also my favorite top coat by Sally Hansen Insta-Dri.

nail-stamping-part-2-12-24-16-jpg-1

I just love how this looks, and I get lots of compliments.  I can’t wait to try the other 22 designs from my kits.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Dec. 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Dec15

Happy Thursday!  I recently updated my Ipsy profile, and I’m so glad I did.  They have more options now than they have had in the past.  I’ve had my Ipsy subscription since they started I think about five years ago. It’s only $10 a month, and you always get at least two full size items.

This month’s bag is carpe p.m. I have to say I’m digging everything I got.

Let’s dig in. First item Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream is a deluxe sample size at 1.5 ounces. I have naturally curly fine hair, so I’ll be anxious to try this out. Value $1.85 USD. Next up Hikari Iris Liquid Eyeliner full size- a pretty deep purple liquid eyeliner with a super sharp point. Value $15 USD.

NYX Prismatic eye shadow in Bedroom Eyes full size- a beautiful bronze shadow that will look great on my blue eyes. Value $6 USD. Smashbox Insta Matte Lipstick Transformer deluxe sample valued at $12 USD. Now this is one cool product as it turns any cream lipstick into a matte lipcolor.  It can also be used around the lips to decrease lines and prevent lipstick from bleeding. Being a mature gal, I will really appreciate this. Can’t wait to try it.

Last, but not least I got REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask deluxe sample valued at $18 USD. It’s rated well and I can’t wait to try it. The overall value was $53 USD, not bad for $10!

Here is the eyeliner and eye shadow swatched.

ipsy-dec-2016-glam-bag-swatch

The bag is super cute too, and could be used as a wristlet. It’s fuchsia with a metallic handle and pony faux fur. Sorry it’s sideways.

ipsy-dec-2016-glam-bag-wristlet

 

What did you get in your Ipsy December bag?  Thanks for stopping by.

Laura Geller Baked Blush N Brighten Dupe

Dec11

Happy Sunday! Being a snowy day today, I went shopping. I had to make my second Ulta trip this week because I needed to pick up something for my co-worker. Months ago I got a Laura Gellar Baked Blush N Brighten in Tropic Hues from Ipsy.  I really like the color and was contemplating buying a full size which is $28.  I have a 20% off coupon for my entire purchase that I’m holding out buying anything until I have a ton of stuff to buy. Since I’m a platinum rewards member at Ulta, my 20% off coupon works for prestige brands.  Anywho, I was looking at some clearance items and found the almost exact color by Palladio. I’m guessing Ulta won’t be carrying this line any longer since everything was on clearance.  I do see they carry this at Sally Beauty Palladio Herbal Baked Blush in Blushin’ for $6.99.  I paid $1.79 at Ulta.  I was able to compare the two colors at the store.

Holy cow!  They are almost identical. The swatch looks a wee bit different, but they look the same on.

laura-gellar-blush-dupe-12-11-16-jpg-side-by-side

laura-gellar-blush-dupe-12-11-16

Such a pretty peachy color

This is such a nice color on my pasty white skin.

laura-gellar-baked-blush-tropic-hues-12-11-16-jpg-3

Still have Bell’s palsy so no smile and a half assed make up job.

 

palladio-baked-blush-blushin-12-11-16

Thanks for stopping by.

Sephora Play-Nov. 2016

Nov20

Happy Sunday!  I got my second Sephora play bag, and I’m so digging it. This month’s bag is Best in Glow.  I got five deluxe samples and a fragrance sample.  The cost is only $10 a month.  All of the items are available from Sephora.  This is a huge advantage over my Ipsy subscription, as some of their items are not readily available. Now if Ulta would only do a beauty box, I would be in heaven.

One of the best things I like about the Sephora Play is the detailed description and use of products guide included each month.  You know exactly what to do with each item.

First up,  Cover FX Illuminating Primer a glow inducing , silicone-free primer preps skin with a light-reflecting mineral complex and helps eliminate dullness. I can’t wait to try this, as my skin has gotten dull as I’ve gotten older.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet- okay, you had me at Vinosource! A rejuvenating and lightweight luscious gel cream that hydrates and softens skin while visibly calming redness and congestion. This moisturizer has ingredients that are unique to Caudalie’s skincare collection. Organic grape water, a mineral rich elixir and grape seed polyphenols.  I hear the box of wine in the fridge calling my name.

Laura Mercer Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold-Multipurpose, high-pigment eyeshadow stick glides on and blends easily for transfer proof, all-day wear. Not only can this be used as a eye shadow, but also an eyeliner and highlighter.  I love multi purpose sticks.

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink-Hydrating, glossy lip gel visibly plumps lips with a lustrous sheen and always flattering hot pink hue-no sticky light pink color, easy to wear alone or over lipstick.

Glamglow GravityMud Firming treatment-Peel off mask turns a brilliant silver when applied and uses targeted ingredients to make skin appear firm and toned. I need a 55 gallon container of this bad boy, I want to use it on my entire body.

Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace- Channel the scent and feeling of a chilly evening spent by the fireplace with this warm, woody scent for both men and women.

 

Curel Hydratherapy Review

Nov8

Happy Tuesday!  Winter is coming to Wisconsin, and I’m not thrilled. Being a menopausal middle aged woman, I have some dry, crinkly, crepey  skin.  My skin literally went from pretty decent overall, to this tissue thin looking old lady crap. It’s bad enough that my muscle tone went to all to heck, now my skin is getting super dry too.

Well dry skin,  Curel Hydratherpay Wet Skin Moisturizer you rock!  I hate putting on lotion after I shower because well, I’m lazy. I finally have my snooze button pressing down to four times, it use to be seven times. (I hate mornings)

curel-hyrdatherapy-11-8-16

This is a game changer.  You use this lotion in the shower.  You don’t have to rinse it off, nor be careful when you dry off.  You don’t need to use a lot either.  A quarter size will cover your whole body.

Here’s what Curel has to say:

Why Wet Skin?
After showering, your pores are open, providing an easy pathway for moisture to absorb into just-showered skin. Curél® HYDRATHERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER, with Advanced Ceramide Complex, penetrates deeply into the skin’s surface bringing moisture to the source of dryness. It absorbs immediately and with continued use will end your dry skin!

Why Ceramides?
Ceramides, naturally present in healthy skin, are vital building blocks to maintaining skin’s moisture barrier. When ceramides are lost, skin becomes dry and damaged. Curél® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER, with Advanced Ceramide Complex, penetrates to the source of dryness, helping to replenish skin’s ceramide levels and repair the moisture barrier.

  • Water activated moisture works deep into skin’s surface
  • Helps repair moisture barrier
  • Contains our proprietary Advanced Ceramide Complex
  • Immediately Absorbs
  • Completely Greaseless
  • Skin feels 3x more hydrated instantly
  • Fragrance Free
  • Dermatologist Recommended
  • Received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™
ingredients review
I bought mine at Wal-Mart for $6 for 8 ounces. Their was a $2 coupon attached, so without the coupon it would have been $8.  It is well worth it, and I will purchase it again.
Thanks for stopping by.

 

Julep Nail Color

Nov2

Happy Wednesday!  My nails were so long until I went on vacation recently.  I cut them down before we went, and three weeks later they are finally growing in.

Here’s a really pretty sparkle color by Julep in Ebony.  I got it free with this month’s Julep box.  I signed up for three months, and this was my last one. I like the polish, but the boxes are a bit pricey ($20USD) per month.  You can pick your products which is nice.

This is only one coat, over a medium blue I already had on.  Julep Ebony It girl.  It’s a graphite holographic polish.  It’s really cool. It’s on sale for only $4.99.  Julep is some of the best polish I have ever used.  It stays on well, and is deeply pigmented.

The POREfessional Face Primer by Benefit

Oct16

I’ve never really had a problem with big pores.  I take good care of my skin, so large pores were never an issue for me. Until menopause came knocking at my door.  Now I seem to have them on my nose. I’ve tried several different products, but nothing seemed to work.

I got a sample of The Pore Professional when I bought some Benefit products a few years ago.  I never really used it, and basically forgot I even had it. For whatever reason I looked on the Ulta website and watched a video on how to use this primer.  Turns out I was using it all wrong. Now that I learned the correct way to apply it, I love it.  It also works well for lines under your eyes, and other wrinkles you might have.  A little goes a long way.  It retails for $31 for .75 ounces. The trick is to dab a little of the product on your pores, you don’t need very much, and rubbing it in doesn’t work.

Here’s what Ulta has to say about it:

“Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals.

The POREfessional is the #1 best-selling Prestige Face Primer in the US*

*Source: The NPD Group, Inc. / BeautyTrends, US Prestige Makeup Item Dollar Sales, January 2015 – December 2015”

I’ve purchased various Benefit gift sets over the years, so I have enough to last me for a long time.  I will definitely fork over the $31 when all my little tubes run out.

Thanks for stopping by.benefit-the-pore-professional-10-16-16

 

 

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Powder Foundation

Oct16

Happy Sunday!  I’m finally getting back into the  swing of things after being on vacation for 10 days.

Being an avid beauty junkie, I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing. About two months ago, I started using Maybelline Superstay Better Skin skin transforming powder in Classic Ivory.  I purchased it at Ulta for $10.99.  I try to use a foundation with an SPF of at least 30, along with a moisturizer with at least a SPF of 30 every day as well. This foundation does not contain any SPF. It has Salicylic Acid  and promises to transform your skin in three weeks.

Here is the description from Ulta’s website:

What if a powder could cover like a foundation and control shine all-day?

“Superstay Better Skin Powder covers like a foundation. It uses a unique blend of soft, finely-milled powders to deliver all-day complete coverage that feels lightweight and breathable on skin.

In addition the powder’s creamy texture blends seamlessly and gives all-day oil control for a shine-free finish.
Finally, the formula contains skin-clarifying salicylic acid, which is proven to reduce the appearance of imperfections, pores and unevenness while flawlessly covering.”

You can adjust the coverage easily by how you apply it.  If I want more coverage, I use the sponge applicator that came with it.  I prefer using a kabuki brush, as it’s a much lighter coverage.

I was leary of the Salicylic Acid being too harsh for my mature skin.  I’ve never had a problem with acne, and I know this ingredient works well for that.

I have to say  I’ve been very pleasantly surprised with this product.  Not only does it give me all day coverage, but I do feel my skin has improved.  I have very nice skin for my age, and don’t need too much coverage. The picture below was just taken last week, we were on vacation in Central America, so I have a bit of a tan. It lasts all day, and I never need to touch it up.

I have some color (IE spots), as I just returned from vacation.
Easy to carry, includes mirror

If you are looking for a nice drugstore brand powder foundation, this is a real winner.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

October 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Oct14

I haven’t written an Ipsy review for months.  The bags I’ve been getting lately have been nothing special.  I was actually thinking of cancelling my subscription, but it’s only $10 a month and I’ve been getting it for years.

This month’s bag certainly made up for those recent stinkers.  Each bag has five items. The cosmetic bag is super cute with a Halloween theme. The bag was designed Valfre https://valfre.com/.

Let’s start with my favorite item this month. It’s a full size roller eau de parfum of Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker.  Its .34 ounces and retails for $20.  When I first opened it, I didn’t like it.  Then I put it on, holy cow, it smells wonderful. A wonderful crisp floral for fall.

Next up, an eyeshadow in Satin Taupe by BeauteBasics.  It’s a pretty shimmery taupe that really makes my blue eyes pop. It stays on all day.  I couldn’t find a retail price for the single shade, but it appears to be full size.

I got a full size Essence Superfine Eyeliner pen in black, which is waterproof.  It retails for $2.99.  Essence is a great drug store brand that is super affordable.  I’ve been using the nail polish for a few months and at $1.99 each, it’s a bargain.

Cosmoholic Liquid lipstick in Mysterious Mocha retails for $24.99, a pretty brownish color which would be flattering on any skin tone. The case has a built in mirror, which is always a plus.

Last but not least a deluxe sample of Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil .5 ounces.  It retails for $48 for 5.1 ounces, I valued the sample at $5.50.  I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s rated well.

ipsy-october-2016-glam-bag-10-14-16A great value at over $53 for only $10.  Way to go Ipsy for October 2016. Ipsy

Super Nail Swiss Silk Nail Wraps

Sep11

If you like long nails like I do, this product is a must.  I discovered these years ago.  I’m still on my original package.  I just purchased another one yesterday because I had a coupon for 15% off my entire purchase at Sally Beauty.

Super Nail Swiss Silk Nail Wraps are $4.99 for a package of 40.  They come in various sizes and are self adhesive. They are pre-shaped in a nail shape, so you don’t have to trim too much off.  I have broken nails completely off and have been able to save the nail.  Lately I’ve been using several layers to make my nails super strong. I cover the entire nail with the wrap, then cover completely with brush on nail glue. Let dry, then apply more nail glue.  You may need to buff them with a fine grade nail file. I then apply my favorite basecoat, also available at Sally Beauty. Gelous Nail Gel basecoat for $5.99.  It’s a thick basecoat,  but it’s the best I’ve ever used.

I currently have three nails with silk wraps on them.  I’ve had up to five nails at a time with the wraps. They are awesome! For extra strength, I brush nail glue behind the nail with the wrap.  Just make sure when you change polish to use a non acetone polish remover.  Otherwise you will weaken the nail wrap.super-nail-swiss-silk-9-11-16

 

julep-jenna-randi-9-9-16

Guess which nail has the wrap?? It’s my middle finger.