‘beauty/makeup’ Category

26 August 2010

Review: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

By: Jessica B.

Holy schnikes, it’s been almost a month since I updated here. Sorry guys! I’m behind on movies, behind on everything. I did not mean to leave this for so long!

I’m catching up on movies starting this weekend so to tide everyone over, I’m reviewing a product I’ve been using for a few weeks and absolutely love!

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

How much it costs: $6.99

Where you can buy it: Neutrogena.com, CVS, Target, Walgreens

What I like about it: I wear a lot of make up. I have layers of foundation, SPF, primers, etc. on my face, and I always had a difficult time finding cleansers that actually removed the make up without leaving a tint on my towels. I hate the feeling of my face not being clean and with a lot of expensive facial make up removers (including Clinique), that’s how I felt. I love how light and foamy this feels against my skin. I apply it to my dry face and it immediately removes the makeup while I massage it in the skin. I don’t even need to let it sit for very long on there, and it just washes right off. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and oil-free so it’s good for sensitive skin types like me. My face really feels clean after using this (thank goodness!)

What I don’t like about it: Honestly, not that much. The only annoying thing was that each retailer adjusts the price on this a little bit, so while it’s $6.99 at Neutrogena.com and Walgreens, some stores sell it for up to $8 because, well, they can. But really, that’s the only downfall I’ve seen.

Final verdict: If you’re looking for a good make up remover that doesn’t break the bank, I recommend this.

Do you have trouble getting all of your make up off at night? What are you using?

09 May 2010

Review: CVS Ultra Dry Sheer Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

By: Jessica B.

Hi everyone! I know it’s been a while since I posted but between work and vacation, I’ve been a bad movie reviewer. BUT that will get back on track here very soon! Iron Man 2 is on my list to see ASAP.

And since I’m just back from vacation, I had to write up a product I used during my trip and loved. SPF and sunscreen is a must for me and my super sensitive skin but I hate wearing beach sunscreen when I’m not at the beach because it’s greasy. So I’m bad about wearing it on my non-beach time, which means I tend to get sunburned a little bit more than I should.

Until now!

CVS Ultra Dry Sheer Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

How much it costs: $7.99

Where you can buy it: CVS, CVS.com

What I like about it: It’s very light and spreads generously on the skin. Plus, being so light, it absorbs easily and  really leaves the skin feeling soft. I always felt with regular sunscreen that it didn’t moisturize as well but this does  both and really left my skin feeling nice. I also didn’t feel like I needed to re-apply right away and that even with  sweat, it didn’t run down or off my skin easily. Which is nice. Also, it does really give a nice SPF protection with no  chemical scent. I only got sun where I didn’t apply this and the rest stayed protected, despite long hours in the hot  sun. Plus, it sells in a 3oz tube so you can put it with your quart-size carry on toiletries. Oh and it’s light enough to  apply on your face too.

What I don’t like about it: Because it absorbed so easily, I had to immediately start spreading it once I put it on so be ready to move fast! That’s not a very bad thing but made certain parts of my arms more protected than others :)

Final verdict: Love. I plan to get more from the upcoming Vegas trip for Bloggers in Sin City and carry it with me.

Are you an SPF addict?

15 April 2010

Review: BADgal lash mascara

By: Jessica B.

I love mascara, which I know I’ve said several times here. Well a few weeks ago, I wandered into Sephora, aka the makeup holy land, and was looking to try something new. I change mascaras like I do socks. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I get to try new stuff and pick what I really love and what won’t work for me.

No joke, sometimes I pick mascara by the product name and packaging. I’m such a visual person that I respond to that well.

And on that point, I’m giving a little review of my most recent mascara purchase from Sephora: Benefits BADgal lash. Crack that whip!

Benefit BADgal lash mascara

How much it costs: $19.99

Where you can buy it: Benefit.com, Sephora, Macy’s

What I like about it: It doesn’t clump really at all, which is great. It applies evenly, easily and gives my lashes nice length. Plus, it comes in different colors, including blue, which I’m very intrigued by! I normally just wear black mascara but I would like to branch out. Plus, the mascara removes easily without flaking or looking tired after a long day.

What I don’t like about it: As I mentioned in past mascara reviews, I wish this was a little thicker. It gives great length, but not the thickness I hoped for, even though the Sephora girl said it was very comparable to DiorShow. Personally, I don’t totally see it, but I wasn’t unhappy with this purchase. After a few uses, it got easier to get great definition on the lashes. You will need a lash separator after, but fortunately, it won’t clog up the wand.

Final verdict: I’m glad I got it but will likely be going back to Diorshow, which I’ve been the happiest with to date. And the price difference isn’t enough to let my frugal nature take over.

What about you? Are you a Benefit fan? Or do you drawn to or purchase cosmetics based on the packaging and product name?

21 February 2010

Review: CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara

By: Jessica B.

Don’t faint, this is NOT a movie review. Due to weekend travel, I’m a little behind on them so I’m back to reviewing items I love!

I’ve mentioned that I love mascara and after treating to Diorshow, I thought I would try another drug store brand. So I’ve learned that I want a lengthening and volumizing mascara. And the CoverGirl commercials for LashBlast totally reeled me in, so I picked some up and got to applying it right away.

Here are my thoughts:

CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara

How much it costs: $8.99

Where you can buy it: CVS, Walgreens, Target and other major drug store retailers

What I like about it: The wand. Seriously, that thing could be used as a weapon. The Maybelline mascara I previously reviewed has a similar one and it really does catch every single lash, which is great for me. It separates well (better than my Sephora brush) and adds length to the lashes right away. I can definitely tell a difference after I apply it and it goes on easily on lower lashes too.

What I don’t like about it: I wish it was a little thicker. I like full, long lashes and this definitely delivers the latter, but I wish that it would add more fullness too because to achieve that look, I have to put on a few layers of the mascara. Plus, the little prickly ends of the mascara can also poke you in the eyes a little bit so be careful.

But overall, I like this and would buy it again. I have a feeling though that my next mascara purchase will be a little bit of a splurge, between Bad Girl Lash or Lash Stiletto, both really intrigue me!

Do you usually mix up your mascara brands or do you pretty much buy from the same line?

08 December 2009

MAC Tinted Lipglass

By: Jessica B.

Every single one of my eyeshadows are from MAC. Why? I feel it has the biggest variety of colors and wears/lasts really well.

And one reason I’ve stayed with MAC for so long is the MAC Gives Back program, which it started to reward long-term fans and help the environment. If you bring in six (6) MAC makeup containers to a MAC store or retailer, you get a free lipstick or lipgloss of your choice. Sure, the payback isn’t the same as the investment you put in when buying those six products, but it’s better than just tossing them out and it allows you to try something new and fun. After a LONG time, I finally took in my MAC products to give back and opted to go with a lip gloss (shock!)

Choosing lip glosses from MAC is sort of like finding a needle in a haystack because there are so many but here’s one I liked.

MAC Tinted Lipglass

How much it costs: $14

M310

Where you can buy it: MACcosmetics.com and MAC counters and retailers (Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, etc.)

What I like about it: Again, MAC has a variety of colors to pick from, some more subtle and vibrant than others. I purchased the Pink Poodle color, which looks shockingly pink in the container but it is a lot tamer on the lips. The Pink Poodle color is described as “pink fuchsia with pinky-goldshimmer.” Yeah it’s pretty bright, but I like a bright pink lip over red because of my skin tone. The color spreads really well without looking or feeling greasy. Yes, it does leave a bright color outline behind on cups or mugs so you’ll have to re-apply often but it’s fun and nice to know that you can get the bolder colors without it being too much on the skin. It gives a great shine without being too much and you can wear it on its own or over lipstick which is nice to have it be versatile too.

What I don’t like about it: It does rub off easily and when the lips are dry, it can feel a little cakey on the lips but it’s fun to wear out and is small enough to fit in just about any purse.

So overall, I’ve been happy with it and it goes really well with my MAC Sun Tints too.

What color lipstick or lip gloss do you always buy? For me, it’s pink all the way :)