NYX makeup remover review

NYX Eye & Lip Makeup Remover

Product description: So long smudges and hello clean and smooth skin! Extra gentle yet strong enough to rid of all the hard-to-remove makeup on your eyes and lips. The formula is an emulsion of gentle cleansers fused with oils and extracts from rice and soy bean and contains orange and papaya fruit extracts. Cleanse, nourish, and purify your face with NYX Makeup Remover. You deserve it.

Ingredients: Water, Cyclomethicone, Isohexadecane, Butylene Glycol, CI61565, Sodium Chloride, Poloxamer 184, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Extract, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Crtrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange), Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract

Pros: it looks super cool! :P, effectively removes all kinds of makeup, smells nice (citrusy)

Cons: leaves an oily film behind (it does dry though), leaves a bitter taste if used on lips

What I thought about it: For only $6, this is worth it. It looks so cool in the bottle! It's like when you mix oil and water together... except the "oil" is blue (: Then you just shake the bottle until the contents mix. It smells super good, due to the fruit extracts in it. It removes most traces of makeup relatively well. It does leave an oily film behind (it does not feel too oily when applying), however, this dries and disappears after a bit, leaving skin soft and smooth. I still would cleanse after using this though. My mom used it to take off her lipstick and it worked well, but it left a bitter taste in her mouth. So that's the only downside to this m/u remover. I wouldn't say that this is a GREAT m/u remover, but it does the job well.

EOTD: subtle smokey eye

Decided to finally document a look I do often... a basic, subtle smokey eye. Atm, one of my eyelids still has more creases than the other (the left eye in the pic) so it's a little irritating to apply e/s ><

I don't use brushes to apply my eyemakeup, I use sponge tip applicators. However, I do use a brush to apply highlight colors below the brow and for blending harsh edges. It's just easier for me. This is the basic way I apply any e/s. Like I mentioned, I don't like going too far above my crease and I don't like using too much color. Since I normally wear glasses, I don't make a big deal with blending and such. So looking at my naked eyes = EW xD lol.






What I used:
- Geo circle lenses in Angel brown
- Eyeko cream as an e/s base
- Sheer, shimmery silver color from Sephora Color Play Palette as a highlight
- Matte, medium dark gray (drugstore) e/s on lids and above crease
- Matte, black e/s from Sephora Color Play Palette on inner & outer corner of lid only
- NYX felt tip liquid eyeliner on top & bottom outer lashline
- Rimmel Exaggerate black pencil eyeliner for tightlining
- Light dusting of EDM powder e/s in "Frost bitten" in crease

NYX felt tip liquid eyeliner review

THIS IS THE GREATEST INVENTION EVER. In the liquid eyeliner world (: I am SO satisfied and pleased with this product. On the packaging, it's called "One day tattoo" and this is no joke. The regular liquid eyeliner (the skinny brush kind) I normally use isn't the simplest to apply, smudges easily, dries slowly, and is gone by lunchtime. This one, however, really lives up to its name!

NYX Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner

Product Description: A liquid eyeliner with a specially designed felt brush that releases just the right amount of color for precise and dark lining. Long-lasting, won't flake or smudge.

Ingredients: Water, Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Laureth-21, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiorin Protein, Perilla Ocymoides Extract, Propylparaben, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Methylparaben. May contain: Neheneth-30, Alcohol, Sodium Polyaspartate, Ethylparaben, Disodium Edta, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Iron Oxides, D&C Black.

Pros: SUPER easy to use thanks to the fine tip pen style, rich, dark color, doesn't smudge, lasts all day, dries quickly, inexpensive for the quality.

Cons: since it lasts so long, it's a bit hard to take off without rubbing a lot (this is why I need to find a better m/u remover!)

What I thought about it: Using this is so insanely easy. It's like drawing with a marker pen... on your face. Compared to the regular kind of liquid liner with the skinny brush, this is 100 times easier to use. It does NOT smudge at all since it dries quickly (which might not be good if you make mistakes... so practice!) and lasts all day. The color doesn't flake or fade at all. The downside to this great factor is that it's harder to take off without really rubbing it off :( Which is why I'm still on my quest for the best m/u remover EVER :P

It's relatively inexpensive; only $7 which is well worth it for the quality. It glides on smoothly without any pulling or tugging and can be used to create a precision line or a thicker line in deep, dark color. I found that for me, it doesn't really stay on the bottom lid too well (I had to fill in some eyelash spots), but nothing too unbearable since I don't normally line my waterline anyway. It comes in 3 colors; dark brown, extreme black, and jet black. I got the jet black since the extreme black swatch on NYX's website looks a little blue :/ and the dark brown looked a little light. However, I'm thinking about buying the dark brown one in the future. I did a quick job this morning (excuse the messy half-done makeup :P) just to show the dark, deep color, and precision line. No smudges!

UPDATE!
I got this in Dark Brown too. Here is a swatch! I like it a lot... it is a lot more natural and subtle than the Jet Black.

NYX concealer in a jar review

I do believe I've found my HG concealer (for now?). This is definitely worth it for the price, quantity, and quality.

NYX concealer in a jar

Product description: NYX concealer jar provides long lasting and natural coverage of discolorations and imperfections without looking caked on or clumpy. Super-concentrated so just a little will do the job.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil, BHT, Microcrystalline Wax, Nylon-66, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Silica, Butylparaben, Fragrance, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Ceresin, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/ Hexarosinate, Polyethylene, Sorbitan Sequioleate, Tocopheryl Acetate. MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Chromium Oxide Greens, Ultramarines.

Pros: cute packaging, only $5, conceals dark cirlces pretty darn well (considering I have HORRIBLE dark circles!), a little bit goes on a long way, lots of product.

Cons: the jar isn't all too hygenic, contains mineral oil, isn't too smooth atm, has a slight smell.

What I thought about it: This concealer is the best I have ever used. I've read plenty of rave reviews about this so I decided to try it out for myself. It comes in a cute little glass jar (unhygenic to dip your fingers in, so use a brush). There's a lot of product in there and since you only need a little bit, it'll last a super long time. I only use about 4 dots under each eye to conceal my dark circles. Since mine are REALLY bad, this works relatively well to cover them. Setting the concealer with some powder does the trick. Since my product is still new, it doesn't go on quite smooth yet (I might need to warm it with a blow dryer first), but it is blendable enough. If you only use JUST ENOUGH to conceal imperfections, it won't look cakey, but I can tell that if you layer it on too much, it definitely will.

I have only used this to conceal my dark circles even out the skin tone on the bridge of my nose... NOT on blemishes or pimples. I'm a little wary to try that since it contains mineral oil which clogs your pores and can cause breakouts. However, I haven't had any skin irritation yet, so that's a good sign. It also has a slight perfumey smell, but it isn't unbearable imo. Also, the undertones in this concealer don't match my skin perfectly, but it's barely noticeable. It's available in 12 shades, 3 of which are color correctors (yellow, green, and lavender). I got "beige."

Neutrogena Healthy Skin VisiblyEven cleanser review

Ok, so I've come to the conlclusion that ALL Neutrogena cleansers that say they "foam," DO NOT foam >: Not that I care or anything, since ALL Neutrogena cleansers that say they exfoliate and smooth; do so VERY well. Anyway, I just bought this new cleanser and I've been using it for a couple days now. It's nothing to really rave about, but it works fine.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin VisiblyEven Cleanser

Product Description: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Visibly Even Foaming Cleanser is a dermatologist tested facial cleanser that gently exfoliates to refine skin texture for a more even-toned, radiant complexion as you cleanse. This cleanser contains a combination of Essential Soy, a natural skin brightener, gentle exfoliators and Vitamin C to: Remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil. Help even skin tone. Improve radiance. Rinses clean and leaves skin soft, smooth and healthy-looking. Non-irritating. Gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycol Distearate, Lauric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyethylene, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Cetyl Alcohol, Soybean Seed Extract (Glycine Soja), Ascorbyl Glucoside, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Grapefruit Extract (Vitis Vinifera), Butylene Glycol, Morus Bombycis Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Titanium Dioxide, Fragrance

Pros: light-scented, smooth, milky texture, super gentle exfoliating beads, leaves skin soft and smooth, no adverse reactions.

Cons: contains parabens, is slightly more milky than other Neutrogena cleaners, hasn't seemed to noticeably improve my skin tone.

What I thought about it: I decided to buy myself another cleanser since I gave the hubby my Anti-wrinkle/blemish one (which was working good for me). I think I've tried this a long time ago but I wasn't too sure, so I figured what the heck, I'll just buy it and see how it goes. Overall, this is a decent cleanser. It doesn't foam but does leave skin smooth, soft, fresh, and clean. I wouldn't say it's really improved my complexion, texture, or radiance radically, but it hasn't irritated my skin either (I thought it would, since there's so many acids in this). Also, I might have to use it much longer to see results. I did notice that after using it for about 4 days, the skin around my forehead and nose became a bit shiny. I'm not entirely sure that it's because of the cleanser or not. Either way, this cleanser is still good for making your skin soft and clean.

It's a lot more milky than other Neutrogena cleansers I've used, and it tends to come out in a thin ribbon of product, so a whole lot more than you expect comes out. It has a soft scent, which is not bad. Plus, the exfoliating beads are VERY gentle (unlike their scrubs). I find that Neutrogena's scrubs are better for me in giving that glowy look rather than this cleanser.

Avon look alert eye brightener review

So, I ordered this concealer pen from Avon and it came in on my birthday. I was debating between getting this one for $3.99 or the Anew one (for wrinkles and fine lines) for $8. I got this one. I've been using it for about 3 days... and it's nothing to brag about.

Avon Look Alert Eye Brightener

Product Description: Light-reflecting pearls appear to dispel dark circles, fade away fine lines and optically airbrush imperfections...visibly gives eyes a brighter outlook. Dot and blend Eye Brightener under eye, from inside corner out. Wear alone or under foundation. .04 oz. net wt.

Ingredients: click here for a list.

Pros: goes on smooth, blendable, relatively inexpensive, portable twist-pen design.

Cons: only comes in 4 shades with pink undertones (except for illuminating pearl), coverage is VERY sheer, does not cover dark circles very well on its own, the twist pen has problems, shimmer particles?

What I thought about it: Since it was pretty cheap, I wasn't too upset with the results. I haven't tried Avon's concealers before so this wasn't a good first product to try, I suppose. I like that it comes in a twist up pen which is easy to store and small enough to fit anywhere, but it has problems. After pre-use twisting, the product comes out. However, I've found that the next day I want to use it, the product dries up and you have to do a lot of twisting again. One twist gets nothing, until you get to 5 twists. Then A LOT of product comes out :( Too much; and there's no way of seeing how much is coming out up until that point. Then, you cap it, and the next day, the extra product has already dried up. So that's kind of a waste.

Coverage-wise, it is VERY sheer and cannot conceal dark circles by itself. Also, my skin tone doesn't quite match with the pink undertones (I've found that most of Avon's skin tone products are more pinkish than anything). However, the coverage is buildable and blendable, but applying too much ends up looking cakey. It worked best for me to pat and smooth on a thin layer to conceal as much as possible, then go over it with my EDM pressed powder... this works pretty well, but I'd rather have a concealer that covers better than this one without looking heavy or needing to set powder over it. Also, there are shimmer particles in this! I cannot decide if this is a good or bad thing. They don't show up too much around my eyes but when I swatched it on my hand, it was noticably glittery.

Geo Circle lens review

So, I just received my circle lenses yesterday. I ordered mine from Phyllis @ Makeup For Life. They were $30, shipping and handling included. I got Geo Brown, both in 00 power (so I could wear them with my glasses & since I don't know my perscription ><). And I'd have to say, I'm definitely satisfied with them. The only trouble I had was with opening the bottle :S Here's instructions that I SHOULD have read lol. The top cap was hard for me to pop off (I am SO weak lol) and it didn't break the aluminum ring the whole way. So I had to rip it off with my fingers and scissors, which worked pretty well; except for the fact that I cut myself on the aluminum, twice xD

Anyways, these are actually more comfortable than my regular contacts! Wth? Yes! I thought I'd have trouble with them since they are larger than normal contacts, but they are actually pretty comfortable and don't irritate my eyes. I've had a lot of trouble with perscription contacts in the past, so this was a surprise. This color is GREAT for a natural look. It really gives a clear, doll-eyed look that widens your eyes and makes them appear bigger and brighter. They're cute but I don't think I'll wear them everyday, just because contacts are a hassle for me to put in, take out, and clean all the time :P I'm very lazy like that. These will last up to 1 year with proper care.

I like these a lot, and I'm thinking about getting other colors; maybe green or purple. They are actually very natural looking. However, I'm not sure when is the next time there will be more ordering opportunities. I was going to try buying some from SGlenses, since their prices were on the inexpensive side, but apparently their sales are closed :( Anyways, I'll be on the hunt for other places to order circle lenses.

ULTA nailpolish review

I have 4 Ulta nail polishes that I've received as gifts (why all pink? Idk). I figured I'd post a little bit about them. They are $5 from Ulta's website.

The two ones at the right are original formulas, and the two on the left are different. "Princess" is Super Sheer, and "Sweet Nothing" is Salon Formula.

The weird thing about the two in the middle is that they used to be the same color. They are both "Sweet Nothing," but the one on the right changed color over time. However, the consistency did not change; it's still usable... so I'm wondering what happened to it. This didn't happen to any of my other Ulta polishes. I'm not sure if this is just something that happens over time.

"Princess" is, like it says, a sheer pink color with gold tones. It's a pretty color. "Sweet Nothing" looks french manicure pink in the bottle but is a VERY sheer wash of pink that appears more clear, if anything. It's a nice everyday look. "Diva" is a pearlescent soft baby pink shade with glitter. It's a cute color.

Ulta nail polishes are pretty good, considering I usually have issues with nail polishes. Every one I've ever used doesn't dry fast, needs a lot of coats, stays tacky, chips easily, dries up in the bottle, etc. These dry relatively quickly and last a long time without chipping. The polish does tend to clump if you do to many coats (but what nail polish DOESN'T), so I usually only do 1 coat, which is enough. The polish goes on smoothly and easily, and doesn't get tacky on the brush. I've had these for YEARS and they haven't dried, separated, changed consistency, or color (except for Sweet Nothing) like all my other polishes have done.

What is PA++?

I posted this in my review of ZA's two-way foundation, but I figured I might as well give it a post on its own so I can link it:

WHAT IS PA++?
"PA is a different indicator of protection for the skin. It's usually found after the SPF number. SPF is a sun protection factor of UVB rays. PA is used to measure the protection factor of UVA rays. I don't think they have means of measuring or studying the degree of UVA rays and how quickly they can be absorbed into the skin so they can't numerically tell you how much protection is in them exactly. There are 3 degrees of PA which are PA+, PA++, and PA+++. Of course, the higher the plus, the more protection."

Many asian makeup and skincare products contain atleast PA++.

I miss ZA NY's two-way foundation :[

ZA NY's two-way foundation used to be my HG pressed powder foundation a couple years back, until I found out they stopped selling their products in Hawaii and Australia. Why? I have no idea. Currently, ZA cosmetics are currently only available in: China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam. WORST THING EVER. It was only $12 which is relatively reasonable, considering how expensive worthwhile foundations usually are. The best part about these foundations? THEY HAVE SPF 20 and PA++!!!

I also used ZA's True White two-way foundation, but I found the original one to be my favorite. The original two-way foundation has 8 shades, while the true white has only 4 shades (pinkish undertones). However, the true white really did give a nice whitening and brightening effect to my skin while retaining the same finish as the original. But I didn't like it as much because of the limited variety of shades.


On the skin tone scale (when I was using this) I used a No. 34! Wtf? Yes, I was THAT tan :P But with my current skintone, I'm probably around a No. 22 (I can range between pink-yellow undertones for some reason). The only place I could find this was from this ebay seller who was very professional about answering the questions I had about it. Unfortunately (for me and my wallet), it runs for $25.55 with $5.55 shipping from Singapore w/o tax. So a bit over $31 for only the refill, NOT the entire case with applicator sponge. Again, unfortunately for me, I threw away my case and sponge after I used all the foundation because I assumed ZA would always be around :(

Anyways, I figured I'd go over some of the points that made this foundation my all-time favorite (unforgettable!) while I ponder whether or not I should place my order :(

ZA NY TWO-WAY FOUNDATION

Product Description: A two-way powder foundation that can be applied with or without water. Achieves bright, smooth skin while simultaneously protecting the skin from UV attack. A natural finish that lasts for hours.

Pros: comes in a cute, slim compact with a squishy soft sponge applicator, reasonable price, gives a silky smooth, long lasting matte coverage, hides imperfections, redness, dark circles, evens skin tone, has spf 20 and PA++, doesn't make skin look dry, controls oil, wide variety of shades for yellow and pink undertones.

Cons: the pan is a bit small... it still lasts pretty long though.

What I thought about it: This was the BEST foundation I have ever tried from my experience! Just read the Pros :D The coverage was GREAT for concealing redness and dark spots while not looking heavy or cakey; just smooth, fresh, and clear. It was also the longest lasting wear I've ever had that controlled shine all day. I MISS IT SO MUCH! :(

ZA NY TRUE WHITE TWO-WAY FOUNDATION

Product Description: Inhibits melanin production while providing the skin with solid protection from UV rays. Thoroughly covers up even conspicuous pores and dullness while achieving a natural finish with a fabulous clarity.

Pros: brightened and whitened my skin tone and complexion after continuous use + the same pros as mentioned above.

Cons: limited variety of shades + the cons mentioned above.

What I thought about it: The coverage of this was the same as the original two-way foundation and it did have a subtle lightening effect on my skin after using it for awhile. The only downside is that there are only 4 shades available and they ran a little pinkish imo so it was slightly too light for my skintone. However, it wasn't that bad and it still gave the same flawless, smooth finish.

Also, if you don't know what PA++ is, here's what I found on Yahoo!Answers:

"PA is a different indicator of protection for the skin. It's usually found after the SPF number. SPF is a sun protection factor of UVB rays. PA is used to measure the protection factor of UVA rays. I don't think they have means of measuring or studying the degree of UVA rays and how quickly they can be absorbed into the skin so they can't numerically tell you how much protection is in them exactly. There are 3 degrees of PA which are PA+, PA++, and PA+++. Of course, the higher the plus, the more protection."

You learn something new every day (;

Sephora makeup remover & toner review

So I figured it's about time that I do my review on the toner and makeup remover that I bought from sephora.

SEPHORA BRAND FACE SOOTHING TONER

Product Description: What it is: An alcohol-free toner for dry skin. What it is formulated to do: Completes makeup removal, in addition to toning and softening the skin, leaving it clean, velvety soft, supple, and radiant. What else you need to know: Tested under dermatological control.

Active ingredients:

-Litchi Extract: Antioxidant with hydrating, softening, and antiaging properties.
-Peach Extract: Refreshing, softening, and anti-irritation properties.
-Pro-vitamin B5 : Nourishing, softening, and anti-inflammatory.
-Glycerin: Moisturizing agent; helps prevent skin dryness.

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Parfum (Fragrance), Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Buteth-3, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Triethanolamine, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Tributyl Citrate, CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 42090 (Blue 1).

Pros: big bottle, lots of product for only $4, nice, light smell, it's PINK :D, instantly softens and smooths skin, doesn't leave it feeling tight.

Cons: none.

What I thought about it: at first, I was a little wary that this toner would add unnecessary moisture to my skin since it is formulated for dry skin. But, I was pleased with the results of using this toner. It made my skin nice and soft without leaving that "tight" feeling you usually get after using toner. However, I guess I really wouldn't know whether or not this would make my skin oily after continuous use (I don't use it regularly, only when I feel like it :P). It doesn't have any strong alcohol scent, it's light and fresh scented. Plus, there's so much, so it'll last a looong time. It's effective at moisturizing, smoothing, and softening, as well as removing leftover traces of makeup after regular cleansing. I would definitely buy this again since it's so cheap and such good quality.

SEPHORA FACE PURIFYING MAKEUP REMOVER

Product Description: What it is: A non-oily, alcohol-free makeup remover for face and eyes. What it is formulated to do: Cleanses, removes makeup, and gently purifies the skin. What else you need to know: Non comedogenic. Tested under dermatological control.

Active Ingredients:

-Cornflower Water: Softening, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties.
-Zinc: Sebum-regulating properties.
-Pro-Vitamin B5: Nourishing, softening, and anti-inflammatory.

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Centaurea Cyanus (Flower) Water, Zinc Gluconate, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben.

Pros: effectively removes makeup, only $2.50, not oily

← Cons: the bottle is not as big as advertised! Has a VERY LIGHT chemical smell that stays on your fingers (wash it off!)

What I thought about it: I was disappointed that the bottle is nowhere near as big as it appears in the picture on Sephora's website, but it's no biggie. I usually use my own cosmetic wipes (will review soon) so I gave this to my mom to try out. I did try it though, and I'd have to say this is probably the best m/u remover I've used so far (I haven't tried that many lol). It is not oily at all and removes all traces of makeup perfectly. It says "no rinse" but I'd cleanse after anyway. It doesn't leave skin tight, dry, or oily either. The only downside is that there is a light chemical scent to it that lingers on your finger unless you wash it off (found that out last night lol). It's not that big of a deal, but I figure some people wouldn't like that. However, for only $2.50, it's definitely worth it.

And here's the other samples I ordered, figured I'd get some Dior Shine and Giorgio Armani Addiction for the hubby (not pictured). And I also got some samples of Laura Mercier skin care Face Polish and Korres Sugar Crystal Cream that I'll try out and review sometime soon.

NYX Small concealer brush review

So I've heard some decently good reviews about NYX Professional makeup brushes, but not enough to convince me without trying them for myself. I figured I'd get a small concealer brush, since I wanted to have one for powder and one for liquid foundation/concealer and I already have one for powder. I got the small concealer brush for around $5.

The packaging is lovely (excuse the chipped nailpolish), and the brush itself is sleek and simple. Me likey. The bristles are soft, firm, and compacted. Great. However, the worst thing happened when I first used them to apply Benefit's Erase Paste (DARN YOU, BENEFIT!)... the bristles separated into little sections! WTF?! I even tried washing them, reshaping them, and letting them dry overnight. The next day, the bristles were still separated. Now, it seemed like there could have been a lot more bristles compacted into the ferrule... a little strange, hrm?

Now, the brush hasn't been rendered completely useless; it's just not that great for applying, well, ANYTHING anymore. I just use it to dab concealer here and there and blend it with my finger instead of the brush. Maybe later I'll try the larger concealer brush which is a little more expensive... I'm hoping I will not get the same results as with this brush. I'll make my final verdict on NYX brushes after I try out a few more. But for this one, I would NOT purchase again because of what happens and I kind of prefer my brushes to be a little fuller than this one.

Sephora Color Play palette review & swatches

M = Matte, S = Shimmer, F = Frost, H = Highlight

(It was hella cold tonight, so I have goosebumps :P)

The greens had the most variety of shades imo and was the most pigmented.

Nice rich browns & cranberry colors.
But the two highlight colors were very similar.

More browns with mauve tones.
The 2 highlights and matte shade on the right were very similar.

The purple shades were also quite pigmented with lots of variety.
However, the middle shimmer and end highlight were very similar.

Pretty blue shades. The two matte colors on the left were very similar.

A variety of shades here. Lots of neutral gray and bluish tones.
I was pleased with the white... it's very matte and shows up well.

On to the lipgloss! Cool tones (nothing I would use, personally :P)

Warm/neutral tones. The three in the middle were very similar.

The bronzer was a little dark for me, I probably won't use it much. I labeled in the picture that the shimmery pink was more of a highlight color; it's actually very nice and subtle. The shade to the left of that was VERY sheer and the one next to it was VERY pigmented. Neither really match my skin tone, but they still are pretty.

The size relative to my hand

INGREDIENTS

Eyeshadows:
Talc, Mica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Magnesium Stearate, Hydrogenated Polysiobutene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate May Contain: Titamium Dioxide (CI 77891), Black Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Yellow Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Red Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ultramarine (CI 77007), Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140).

Lipgloss:
Polybutene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Bees Wax (Cera Alba), Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phenyl Trimethicone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Microcrystalline Wax, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera)Wax, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate May Contain: Titamium Dioxide (CI 77891), Black Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Yellow Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Red Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Mica (CI 77019).

Blush:
Talc, Mica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Magnesium Stearate, Hydrogenated Polysiobutene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate May Contain: Titamium Dioxide (CI 77891), Black Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Yellow Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Red Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140).

Bronzer:
Talc, Mica, Magnesium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polysiobutene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate May Contain: Titamium Dioxide (CI 77891), Black Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Yellow Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Red Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ultramarine (CI 77007), Chromium Oxide Green (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140).

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Overall, I'm really happy with this palette. Although the shadows are not as pigmented as let's say... MAC; they are still pretty colorful and show up well, which is good since I'm partial to more sheer shadows and I doubt I'll be using blues and greens every day. This is just fun to play with. In general, the last three shades in each column were the most pigmented and showed up quite bold. I'd compare them to Urban Decay's matte eyeshadows, except not as smooth. The highlight colors in the top of the columns and other lighter shades tended to be very sheer and very similar to one another, as well as a bit frosty (I don't really use much frost/shimmer). The lighter shades (not highlights) were on par with NYX e/s pigmentation... which is pretty good. If used with a primer, the colors are much brighter and more vibrant, so even the sheer colors can be put to use.

I thought the lipglosses would be rock-hard but they were actually smooth and creamy. I didn't apply any to my lips so I'm not sure if they dry them out or not (I'm assuming they do). The lipglosses are somewhat sticky, but not too bad. I'm not a fan of the reds/pinks, but the neutral shades are nice.

The only complaints I have are that when I received this and opened the palette, it had a really strong perfume-y smell (don't know how to describe it better) that lasted for a few days. This wasn't that bad though. Also, the shadows, blushes, and bronzer are all very powdery, so the palette gets messy easily; but this is nothing that isn't cleaned easily; and lastly, there are no names or numbers of the shades incase you wanted to buy them inidivually. However, for only $22, this is definitely a steal and then some; especially for 36 eyeshadows and 12 lipglosses of good quality.

Benefit Erase Paste review

Although I've heard people rave about this concealer, it didn't impress me. In fact, it kind of disgusted me. I got a sample size of the medium color from my last order from Sephora and I was rather looking forward to using it. However, when I did use it, I was very, very, VERY, dissatisfied with it. I mean, it has its good points, but not many.

Product Description: What it is: A brightening camouflage for the eyes and face. What it does: Benefit Erase Paste is a concentrated, creamy, blendable concealer that instantly brightens and camouflages all-in-one. It has an innovative formula which makes sure signs of stress and fatigue are a thing of the past. These three brightening neutral shades give every gal correction perfection.

Pros: coverage can be built up from light to heavy (a little goes a long way), did seem to brighten undereye area a bit.

Cons: VERY thick, weird pinkish undertone (only 3 shades available: light, medium, deep), lots of rubbing/tugging to apply... it does NOT go on smooth and blendable, emphasized the dryness and fine lines around my eyes A LOT (dried to a powdery appearance).

What I thought about it: Although the coverage amount is definately something to be happy about, the application is not. My eye area already has enough fine lines and darkness and having to rub and tug this thick stuff around was not fun. It's just too damn thick to blend easily. Plus, even the medium tone did not match my skin tone well... yellow tones are better for me and better for concealing. This had a pinkish undertone. After smoothing it out the best I could, I noticed right away that the dryness around my eyes was very emphasized. It also settled into my fine lines after awhile and overall just looked gross. I will give that it did brighten my eye area, but I was not able to fully conceal my undereye circles because of the fact that I didn't want to have to apply more and have to rub and tug it around. However, this is a better spot concealer for pimples or red spots. I think people with minimal dark circles and without dry skin would probably fare better with this concealer. According to Benefit, this can also be used all over the face. However, I would not do this since it's so thick... it seems highly likely that it would clog your pores :X

edit/ I tried liberally applying some moisturizer around my eyes before applying the erase paste today, and it smoothed and blended a LITTLE better, but not much. The effect was still the same and it still dried to a powdery and dry appearance.

On another note, all of Benefit's products are hella expensive. Idk about their other products, but the tiny Erase Paste pot is NOT worth $26 imo unless this REALLY works well for you. Boi-ing is only $18, so I might try that one later on.

website:
http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/

Urban Decay family & friends event

URBAN DECAY FAMILY AND FRIENDS EVENT!

Get 30% off on your order from April 6-17.

Enter code FNFS9 at checkout and hit "redeem coupon."

Take advantage of this while it's still around (;

What is alpha/beta hydroxy?

I've been wondering this for some time, as 2 of the cleansers I use contain beta and alpha hydroxy. Turns out, beta hydroxy is just another name for salicylic acid. Here's some other info I found interesting:

Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are derived from apples, ginger, oranges, grapefruit, sugarcane or willow bark, and will gradually peel off the top layers of dead skin and minimize wrinkles.

The Alpha's (AHA): One of the alpha hydroxy acids found in cane sugar, sugar beets and unripe grapes, glycolic acid, is an odorless, crystalline compound used to control the acid/alkali balance and also as an exfoliant, It works easily into the skin to break up, and remove, bonds of dead skin cells.It has been said that loosening these bonds stimulates the body's built-in dead-cell elimination, or sloughing off, process, making way for new skin cells to emerge and for fine lines to be smoothed over. The use of these alpha hydroxy acids has also been shown to reduce skin discoloration and to even out pigmentation.

The Beta's (BHA): Salicylic, benzoic and buteric acids -- all beta hydroxy acids -- are also reported to be excellent exfoliators, and are often combined with alpha hydroxy acids for their synergistic, complementary activities.

The "hydroxys" have also been shown to help those with oily and acne-plagued skin, since dead skin cells are no longer able to clump up around hair follicles and compromise the natural drainage of the oil-secreting (sebaceous) glands.Citric acid is another hydroxy powerhouse, one extracted from citrus fruits. These fruits are rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, including rutin, which are said to strengthen the small capillaries that provide nourishment to the skin.

The main difference between alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acid is their lipid (oil) solubility. Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble only, while beta hydroxy acid is lipid (oil) soluble. This means that beta hydroxy acid is able to penetrate into the pore which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore. Because of this difference in properties, beta hydroxy acid is better used on oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads. Alpha hydroxy acids are better used on thickened, sun-damaged skin where breakouts are not a problem.

Examples:
Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub contains BHA.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-wrinkle Anti-blemish scrub containts AHA.

source:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FKA/is_n4_v58/ai_18178328/
http://dermatology.about.com/cs/skincareproducts/a/aha_2.htm

What are parabens?

The notion of having possible carcinogens in your makeup and skincare (as well as food, hair, and body products) is a disturbing one. Ever since I actually decided to read the ingredients in the products I buy, I've found that parabnes are contained in almost every single one. If you don't know what parabens are, here's a little 411 on the topic. My views in regards to this issue are still a little up in the air, but I'm pretty wary at this point, no matter how small the risks are.

WHAT ARE PARABENS?

Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic industry. About 90% of all skincare and cosmetic products contain parabens. Preservatives are used to prevent bacterial growth and prolong the shelf-life of products. Typically, more than one paraben is used in a product and they are often used in combination with other types of preservatives. This allows the use of lower levels of parabens while increasing preservative activity. Parabens are widely used because of their efficacy as preservatives, their low cost, their long history of safe use and the unproven efficacy of natural ingredients like grapefruit seed extract.

Here’s a list of the different types of parabens:

- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben

- Methylparaben

- Propylparaben

- Isopropylparaben

- Benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)

- Methyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)

- Ethyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)

- Propyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)

- Butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)

- Parahydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)

- Parahydroxybenzoate (p-hydroxybenzoate)

Parabens are used in:

- Cosmetics

- Shampoos
- Commercial moisturizers
- Shaving gels
- Cleansing gels
- Personal lubricants
- Topical pharmaceuticals
- Toothpaste

- Deoderant

- Food items

The controversy

However, controversy over paraben use in skincare and cosmetics has risen due to suggestions that parabens may cause cancer, accumulate in tissue and influence estrogen levels.In 2004, a study was published saying 20 different human breast tumors were tested and parabens found in all of them. However, no one could explain why they were there and whether normal tissue had parabens. The study didn’t determine if the ingredient was the cause of the tumors.

In 2005 the USA FDA (Food and Drug Administration) declared that parabens in the concentrations found in skin care products and cosmetics (up to 25%, but typically 1%) pose no logical risk to the consumer.In 2007, a French study suggested that parabens may accumulate in tissues. In the study, 0.45 mg of parabens was applied to the skin’s surface every 12 hours for 36 hours. The results showed increased quantities of parabens moving across the skin barrier for the first 24 hours. They also showed that parabens applied to the skin had no cumulative effect after 36 hours.

A 2002 study showed that 0.1% butylparaben in the daily diet reduced sperm production. However, this is hundreds of times more than the average skin care product application over the entire body. This means that it is impractical to assume that skincare products can reduce sperm production in humans.

Do All Cosmetic Companies Use Parabens?

Not all cosmetic companies use paraben preservatives and many have announced plans to stop using them now that questions have been raised about their safety.

Alternative Preservatives

Other effective preservatives like DMDM Hydantoin or Kathon have potential safety issues too, while Hydroxymethylglycinate can irritate the skin and the eyes. Other alternatives like grapefruit seed extract, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E), vitamin A (retinyl), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) don’t work too well.

Conclusion

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) reviewed the safety of methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben in 1984 and concluded they were safe for use in cosmetic products at levels up to 25%. Typically parabens are used at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.3%.

Source:

http://beautifulwithbrains.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/the-parabens-controversy/

http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2007/06/21/what-are-parabens-and-why-should-you-avoid-them/

More reading:

The FDA's entry on parabens
http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/cos-para.html

Wikipedia's entry on parabnes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabens

Are parabens really dangerous?

http://thebeautybrains.com/2006/05/02/the-perils-of-parabens/

Companies that don't use parabens

http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org/Pages/ParabenFree.html

1 Litre of Tears

Has anyone else heard of/watched this movie-series? I just watched it over the past few days. It's the most heartwrenching/warming story I've ever heard:

"Based on a true story, One Litre of Tears is about the life story Kitou Aya (1962-1988) a girl who had an incurable disease called Spinocerebellar Degeneration Disease (also known as SCA type 2; spinocerebellar ataxia type 2) at a young age of 15. Although the girl in the drama - Ikeuchi Aya, lived in the 21st century, her character was based on Kitou Aya's life, how she struggled and fought her disease and how she wrote her deepest thoughts until the last day she could hold a pen. Before she died, her writings were published including the poems she wrote while she is staying in a school for the disabled. This gave new hopes to people who suffers the same disease as she did and soon Aya received letters of appreciation and thanks from those people. At the age of 25, she succumbed herself into a sleep where she could no longer feel any pain.Ichi Rittoru no Namida is a heart-warming drama that will make people happy for the simple fact that they are alive, and will give hope to those who suffers from diseases and will make them think positive about living instead of giving up easily."

It really made me think about how much more I should appreciate life, since it can be taken away at any given moment. We should live life to the fullest and do things to the best of our abilities... we wouldn't want to have regrets in the end. As said by Kitou Aya, ""People shouldn't dwell on the past. It's enough to try your best in all that you're doing now."The theme song, "Only Human" by K is simple and beautiful. Listen to it - I'm addicted right now.

BB Cream

I want to try this skin cream/foundation I just discovered here: Makeup For Life - read it, she has a great beauty blog. It's called Skin Food BB Cream. These 3 are as follows: Aloe sun, Mushroom Multi-care, and Ginko green. I'm leaning towards wanting to try the Ginko Green one:

"The Gingko Green BB cream, which is one out of the three BB creams Skin Food makes, contains green tea, gingko leaf, vitamin B and lecithin to provide both skin protection and skin correction. Basically, what that means is it has the properties of both a makeup and a skincare product. It can even out skin tone, camouflage undereye circles, acne scars and add radiance to the skin without the heavy mask-like effects of a foundation. Prolonged used of the product will also help improve the overall texture of the skin and fade scars caused by acne."

Sounds good to me. Only trouble is, that on Skin Food's website, it's like... over $30. The Mushroom one is over $60... wtf?! Idk what I should put on hold, the La Mer eye concentrate or this? Such hard decisions. Either way, I'm hoping to get the two within the next month or so to try it out.

Easy Linguini and Chicken alfredo

Anyone tried Ragu's Cheesy Alfredo Sauce? IT IS GREAT! I just ate it today with some linguini noodles and chicken.... this is a great fast and easy meal if you don't feel like cooking. Plus it's so simple, quick to prepare, and super tasty.

EASY LINGUINI & CHICKEN ALFREDO

What you need:
• Ragu Cheesy Alfredo Sauce
• Linguini noodles
• Breaded chicken tenders (I used Tyson)
• Shredded parmesan cheese

What to do:
• Cook the noodles following the instructions (I used leftover noodles, so no cooking for me! Haha)
• Drain the noodles & put them back in the pot.
• Cook the chicken following the instructions. The Tyson chicken is 25 minutes at 425 degrees.
• When the chicken is done, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Pour/spoon as much Alfredo sauce as you want onto the linguini and mix it up.
• Add the chicken and mix that in.
• Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese on top and mix that in.
• If it's not heated or melted enough, I put it in the microwave for a minute or two.

AND YOU'RE DONE! ENJOY (:

Easy flatbread pizza

Okay, so now that I've sufficiently ranted and beauty blogged enough, I figure I'd post another super-simple snack recipe. My mom just bought some tandoori nan flatbread, and I decided to make a pizza with it.Here's a little info on what tandoori nan is, since I've never heard of it before either! :P It's super soft and great as a pizza crust, but toasts up nice and tastes great.

This flatbread resembles the classic nan baked by hanging the dough ball onto the walls of earthen tandoor ovens. This versatile oval flatbread is excellent with savory Indian curries, but is equally enjoyable for sandwiches, wraps, pizzas and even cut up with dips for appetizers. This ever popular flatbread is featured in many Indian, Pakistani and Pan-Asian restaurants throughout the United States. Fully cooked; simply warm in the oven, heat on a griddle pan or microwave in seconds. No Trans Fats. 100% Vegetarian. Kosher Parve. Each loaf (piece) is approx. 10 inches x 4 inches.

Anyways, here's how you can make this yummy snack :D

EASY FLATBREAD PIZZA

What you need:
• Tandoori nan flatbread
• Pizza/Tomato sauce (I like Prego)
• Shredded cheese of your choice
• Other toppings, if you want

What to do:
• Spread as much sauce as you want onto the flatbread.
• Top with as much shredded cheese / toppings as you want.
• Pop in the toaster oven & bake for ~10 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

AND YOU'RE DONE! :D See how easy that was. Now you can eat.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-wrinkle cream review

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS STUFF.
Enough said. Review time nao plz!

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-wrinkle cream

Product description: Neutrogena Healthy Skin® Anti-Wrinkle Cream is a daily moisturizing cream clinically proven to start to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in one week. It also helps prevent premature signs of aging from the sun for healthier, younger-looking skin. Oil-free, Hypo-allergenic, Fragrance-free, Alcohol-free (contains no drying alcohol).

Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Ensulizole (1%), Octinoxate (6%)Inactive Ingredients: Water, C12 15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Retinol, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Cetearyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polysorbate 20, Methylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, BHT, Carbomer

Pros: after just one use, skin is noticably smoother and softer, formula is light, absorbs quickly, no bad smell, a little goes a long way, has spf 15 and retinol, with continuous use, skin tone and complexion becomes VERY even, smooth, and glowy.

Cons: the tube is kind of small for the price ($13), may POSSIBLY cause temporary irritation (if this happens, use every other day until your skin can tolerate it, then use every day).

What I thought about it: This is by far the BEST moisturizer I have ever used. It's lightweight, easy to apply, non-greasy/sticky, absorbs quickly, and gives lasting moisture and protection without feeling heavy or oily. At first, I thought that it will run out quickly, but just a pearl sized amount of this is enough to cover your whole face, so it should last quite awhile. The sun protection is definitely a plus.

After only one day of using this cream, my skin became smooth and soft. I did notice however that the second day I used this cream, I got two small itchy spots on my cheek and the next day, one of them became a small pimple. However, I cannot totally attribute this to the cream because I wasn't eating too healthy at the time :P Despite this, over the course of my 1 week testing period, the improvement in my skin from day 1 to day 7 was unmistakable. By about the fourth day, my skin looked better WITHOUT foundation imo. My complexion was THAT much clearer; totally smoothed, toned, and softened with a healthy glow. I used the cream occasionally over night, which helped totally eliminate the dry spots I had been suffering from around my nose, forehead, and chin.

I have not had any really adverse effects with this cream, and I will continue using it off and on from now on, since my skin has really toned and smoothed out; I don't think I need to use it everyday. Overall, this cream is GREAT! The best I have ever used.

Urban Decay eyeshadow & UDPP review

So I've been waiting to try UD's infamous UDPP and eyeshadow... so here's my review on what I got.

Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow in "Shakedown"

Product Description: By popular demand, we created new Matte Eyeshadows that are sexy, sophisticated, and never dull. The collection comes in a wide variety of shades—from blendable earth tones to vibrant bursts of color. Pigment-rich with an ultra-soft texture, Matte Eyeshadows are low in binders, so payoff is amazing and never chalky! The classic Urban Decay subway token is dressed up with a gunmetal finish so you can tell them apart from your other Urban Decay Eyeshadows.

Ingredients: Talc, PTFE, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Stearate, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Sorbic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Boron Nitride Triclosan, Butylparaben. All Shades May Contain: Mica, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 77266 (Black 2), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), CI 77289 (Chromium Hydroxide Green), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 lake)

Pros: GREAT staying power, rich, deep, pigmented color, super soft and silky, smooth application, only takes one swipe for long-lasting color, doesn't crease.

Cons: A little on the pricey side for e/s (but worth it), color might be too opaque for people that like sheer e/s, contains talc, parabens, possibly bismuth oxychloride, and yellow 5 :(

What I thought about it: This is by far the best eyeshadow I've ever used. Like I mentioned, the staying power and rich color is excellent, however, it is a little too opaque for me since I'm more partial to sheer shades. This is still achievable though, I just apply less shadow with a lighter touch. The shadow is silky soft, but not powdery, and doesn't crease. "Shakedown" is a beautiful netural mushroom brown/taupe color that is great for an everyday look. I was debating between buying this one, "Nude", and "Secret Service", but I concluded that Nude was too light, Secret Service was too dark, so Shakedown was just right.

The only thing I have to complain about this e/s is that it talc is its first ingredient and it also contains a lineup of parabens, as well as possibly bismuth oxychloride (can cause breakouts and irritation) and yellow no. 5 (can possibly cause a variety of health effects: click). Not to mention it's $16... not something I can buy all the time. It's still a great eyeshadow, but I don't use it every single day because of the cost and I'm a bit wary of its ingredients.

Urban Decay Primer Potion (sample size)

Product Description: This miracle eyeshadow primer is unmatched by any other in the beauty industry! The genie in this bottle fulfills three wishes: eyeshadow that lasts, more vibrant and lasting color, and absolutely NO creasing. Apply Primer Potion to lids before shadow application. It dries down almost instantly (and invisibly), creating smooth lids that are super powered eyeshadow magnets. The formula is full of silicone, which you beauty mavens know makes for a smooth and silky application. Packaged in a pretty genie bottle, our Potion applies with a magic wand and flocked applicator.

Ingredients: Isododecane, Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trihydroxystearin, Triethylhexanoin, Isopropyl Lanolate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Stearate, Propylene Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Cera Alba (Synthetic Beeswax), Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Methicone, Isobutylparaben. May Contain: Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride)

Pros: makes staying power MUCH longer, easy to apply, goes on smooth, creamy, not sticky, doesn't crease or flake.

Cons: take a look at the ingredients. Also, the packaging design is a NO-GO. If you want to get the most of your product, you have to break open the bottle. Dries fast.

What I thought about it: this was nothing short of what I expected of my first shot at UDPP. I hear a lot of people rave about it and it doesn't disappoint. But, like what everyone says, the biggest disadvantage is the packaging, which doesn't allow you to use all the product you can without breaking the damn thing open. The wand applicator is also unhygenic if you want to share this with others.

As for the staying power, it's quite obvious if you take a look at the swatches. Even after I used m/u remover, the swatch with UDPP still stayed on pretty strong. Although UD's eyeshadow is already richly pigmented, using UDPP under it really intensifies the color (the pictures don't do it justice), which is something I don't need much. So I would only use UDPP if I REALLY needed some extra staying power (which isn't very often). However, it is a good thing to have in your makeup collection, as it comes in handy from time to time.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-wrinkle Anti-blemish scrub review

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-wrinkle Anti-blemish scrub

Product Description: Neutrogena® Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish™ is the first foaming scrub to fight pimples and the signs of aging for clearer, younger-looking skin. Treats and helps prevent blemishes. Salicylic Acid, a proven blemish fighting ingredient penetrates deep down into pores to remove dirt and oil.
Reduces appearance of fine lines. Gentle microbeads sweep away dead skin cells and help hydrate skin. Alpha Hydroxy works deep in the skin's surface to smooth fine lines.

WARNING! Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

Pros: smooths and softens skin, exfoliates, leaves skin feeling clean, clean, and with a healthy glow, has acne medication & AHA

Cons: a little harsher & doesn't smell as good as Neutrogena's Gentle Scrub, a little pricey, can cause sunburn (although I have NOT had any adverse effects)

What I thought about it: I bought this to go with my Healthy Skin Anti-wrinkle cream, and I'd have to say that this is a good pairing. I use this scrub off and on throughout the week, and I haven't had any adverse reactions to it; no breakouts, no irritation, no dryness, and no redness. It works great at smoothing and softening my skin (I LOVE exfoliant scrubs... maybe a little too much lol) and leaving it glowing and healthy looking. It is not as gentle as the Deep Clean gentle scrub, but it isn't TOO harsh. I just don't scrub my face with too much pressure and it does the job without irritating my skin. It also doesn't smell as good as the Gentle Scrub, but that's not a big deal. This was $9... which is kind of pricy but not too bad. You pay for what you get and this is a great exfoliating scrub to use a couple times a week to rejuvinate your skin.