Saturday, April 30, 2011

Review- Academie Hydraderm Gentle Peeling Cleanser 2 in 1







Combines cleansing & exfoliating properties into a single action. Mildly exfoliates the upper layer of skin,,Instantly recovers & retains essential moisture. Provides long lasting & abundant hydration.


My skin's been fighting a pretty nasty allergic reaction for the past few weeks. At first, I thought the widespread breakout would clear up on its own (magically? haha), but that didn't happen. Three weeks later and no signs of healing, I had almost resigned to visiting a dermatologist. Yet, wow, after trying this sample of Academie's Hydraderm Gentle Peeling 2 in 1 Cleanser this week, my skin is miraculously clearing up! I am awe-shocked too, as nothing that I tried at home worked, except this beauty wonder. I was starting to get worried that the breakout would soon become out-of-control and start scarring, but the reversal of my skin within the past few days is simply amazing. Not only am I looking to repurchase this as soon as possible, but the cleanser itself is soo nice and beautiful. My skin looks incredibly clean and fresh, as if I had just had a facial mask, but it's just the cleanser reaching so softly into the skin and clearing away all impurities and leaving a brighter healthy surface. Having sensitive skin and being prone to random breakouts sometimes, I feel this is one facial cleanser I simply can't go without! For me, it worked on clearing up my allergic reaction when nothing else could, and at the same time, make my skin look even better and purer than it has in a while. This is definitely a must buy, for sensitive types (and all beauty mavens too), without a doubt!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Review - Lash Control Mascara

An innovative, squeezable mascara package which allows you to continuously regulate the desired amount of mascara product on the brush.



The built in wiper sleeve at the mouth of the mascara tube is easily manipulated.... Now your brush can be BOTH AN APPLICATOR AND LASH SEPARATOR.


STOP SCRAPING IT OFF OR WIPING WITH A TISSUE. JUST SQUEEZE. ITS THAT SIMPLE.

When I first saw this mascara, I was like "whaaaaaaaaaaaat is going on there?" See that purple part up there in the photo? It's flexible, like a jelly shoe. You squeeze that part as you're pulling the brush through, and it controls the amount of mascara that stays on your brush. (Thus the name, clearly.) Now, I love mascara almost more than anything (not pie, though, never pie). But I've never really had an issue with the amount of mascara on my brush; I've never been one to wipe it on a tissue or scrape it on the side of the tube. So I'm not exacly

If you have done either of those things, give Lash Control a try. It's perfectly serviceable mascara - nothing groundbreaking, but certainly good, long-lasting mascara with a helpful gimmick that for some of you might be a very helpful thing. It runs about $16, so it's on par with a department store brand. I tried the purple, which is the volumizing version, but it also comes in a waterproof version (blue) and a lengthening version (pink), so pick your poison.

Review - Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque



  • Alpha and Polyhydroxy Acids offer anti-aging benefits to decrease lines and wrinkles and plump the skin in a powerful peel off mask
  • Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone help reduce the look of wrinkles
  • Gluconolactone, a potent Polyhydroxy Acid decreases lines and wrinkles by strengthening the skin and building the dermal matrix so skin appears fuller and plumper
  • Vitamins A and E and a Pro Vitamin B Complex moisturize while Antioxidant Pro-Vitamin C helps to defend against free radicals
  • Polyhydroxy acid is also a gentle exfoliant and natural antioxidant andimproves the skin's clarity, luminosity and refines pore size, leaving skin truly refreshed and rejuvenated

Oh my god, girl, you do not even know how much I love a peel-off mask. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. Even when I was a pre-teen, before the ravages of mild to moderate acne, I used to love just slathering that gel on my face, letting it dry while I watched an episode of Full House, and then peeling it off and rolling it into little balls.
This mask is a little fancier than the Drug Emporium (RIP)-purchased masks of my youth, but it is just as satisfying. As you can see from all the science talk up there, this mask has a bunch of stuff in it to make you look prettier than you already are (I assume Beautifile readers are the prettiest). But what I care about more is: how does it feel on my face? This mask feels SOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOD, like you are putting pudding on your face, but then it gets tight and makes your pores feel really small (I'm not even sure how it's possible to feel that, but trust: that's what it felt like). Anyway, I really liked it, but I would so not pay $30 for it. But this Amazon seller claims to have it for $6.49, which, I don't know, but try it, I guess? I hope you don't accidentally waste $6.49! I cannot vouch for them, so let us know how it does if you risk it.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Review- Jo Malone Limited Edition Tea Cologne Collection- Sweet Lemon & Earl Grey & Cucumber


Jo Malone is a young company, only having been around since the mid 1990's but it has definitely distinguished itself as the quintessential British luxury line. Their theory is that you are able to create your own bespoke fragrance by combining their colognes into something which is uniquely yours. Their fragrances are all ethereal and breezy enough to be wonderful by themselves but also fantastic together.
In light of the pending British nuptials the company has dedicated their windows to the affair for the next week, with lovely images of their newest creation Sakura Cherry Blossom and the names of the lucky couple. Just to remind us that they are really, really British they have also decided to come out with a Limited Edition Tea Cologne Collection. The fragrances are all reminiscent of the countries favorite past time: tea. I love it! how playful and fun....
The colognes that I got to review are Sweet Lemon a beautiful sugary blend of lemon, bergatmot and apple on top a heart of Pineapple and freesia and a beautiful base of cypress and white musk. This is by far my favorite, being sweet light clean and fresh. If you have ever loved (like me) fragrances heavy on the pineapple please try to find this fragrance somewhere! The next is an interesting combination of Earl Grey and Cucumber. Personally I might never, ever put a piece of cucumber in my tea, but you know I'm just not that adventurous! The fragrance, though, is very nice not personally my first pick as I prefer something either spicier or sweeter ( I LOVE their Pomegranate Noir and Nectarine Blossom and Honey.) It is a pungent blend of Bergamot and Water jasmine a heart of cucumber and a base of sweet beeswax and Vanilla. Next time you are in a hugely over-priced tea shop smell their most expensive Earl Grey and there is this fragrance, maybe up the floral quotient a smidge, but there it is! Actually I think that they might have a problem with the fact that these fragrances are so limited..... And can I say that I love the fact that I am able to put some lemon on my tea!
The biggest complaint that I had was that the fragrances tend to go away pretty quickly but when I added my body cream (Nectarine Blossom and Honey of course) they really lasted much longer.
I will say that I absolutely love this company and all of their fragrances, and I love how interactive and fun they try to be with the world of perfume. Definitely worth checking it out!

Review - Votivo Reed Diffuser


$40.00
Fragrance Time: 4 Months - 7.3 oz

A savory blend of tart red currants and golden fruit glaze ladled over coarsely ground vanilla bean ice cream and served along side of raspberry filled sugar cookies… the original Red Currant.

I love diffusers for many reasons. The most important reason is because they generally last a long time. This diffuser from Votivo is no different. I've had it for more than three weeks and its barely 1/4 the way through. The scent is Red Currant. I put this one in my bathroom because I have three kids and a husband, our bathroom gets a lot of traffic!
I was pleasantly surprised with the smell. Its very light, but at the same time you can detect it as soon as you enter the area. The price might throw you off a bit, but think about the amount of time that it will last you. I've used cheaper diffusers in the past that have lasted much less than three weeks.
Just like all Votivo products, the packaging is very pretty and the diffuser itself is very well made and includes their classic little silver tag on the front. I really love Votivo for offering a variety of different scents that I might have never tried before. They are very exotic in that sense.
After all, variety is the essence of life!

Melissa says: I also had the reed diffuser in Red Currant. First, it's a simple splash of luxury in my bathroom. I love the scent and how it makes a subtle, fresh smell. Both my male and female friends thought it was great because it's not overpowering or abrasive. I've had my diffuser in my bathroom for 3 weeks know and think it will last a long time. I do think it's worth the price too. Plus, Votivo candles are packaged so well, and look so good, you'll be ready to pay for quality. Also, I'm thinking that this will make a very good Mother's Day gift!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Review - Votivo Fragrance Mist


4oz $18.00
Indescribably complex yet simply by nature, Clean Crisp White defines the scent of our memories and a lifestyle worth wishing for: sun dried white sheets billowing in the crisp springtime morning, uncontrollable giggles as freshly bathed little bodies run thru the house, and an overwhelming aroma of nothing but clean. Ahh the simple luxuries of life.

I am very big on scents. Some of my favorites are vanilla, strawberry and coconut. With that said, I've never really branched out of those flavors when it comes to air refresheners. I am so glad that I got introduced to Votivo fragrance mist in Clean Crisp White. OK, so the name is a little strange. When you spray it, you will think of a freshly washed and ironed white shirt. The smell is clean but not too overwhelming.
What I like about this fragrance mist, is that it blends well. Its so light, that it virtually mixes in with any other scents. Even yucky bathroom odors. The price tag is a little steep but it just takes a few sprays to make the room nice and fresh.
I also want to add how absolutely adorable the bottle is. It has a silver cap with a little silver tag hanging down with the name of the scent.

Review- Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque




Mature or prematurely-aging skin

A powerful masque of concentrated antioxidant vitamins to help skin recover from damage while enhancing barrier properties and promoting healthy tissue regeneration. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Just as our bodies could use multivitamins, I'm starting to believe that our skin sure can benefit from some good ones as well! After using this multivitamin recovery masque from Dermalogica, I've noticed a more improved skin tone and overall smoother surface. It's light and goes on very easily, absorbing deeply into the skin and after the 10-15 minutes, my skin looks radiantly brighter and softer and yes healthier too in a short amount of time. Think of it as a rejuvenating and replenishing masque for the skin that soaks up all sorts of needed goodness to soothe the skin, heal and repair, while also smoothing the surface for a clean and purifying effect. The best part is that my skin does look brighter and healthier and it really does feel a lot a better. If you want a detoxifying masque that is also nourishing and gentle, this Dermalogica recovery masque does the job.


Saturday, April 23, 2011

Review - Brush Off Makeup Brush Cleanser





Compare the Brush Off Way to the old way of washing your brushes with soap and water, leaving them to dry overnight and hoping they will be dry before you need them. Chances are you put off cleaning your makeup brushes because of the hassle.


If I'm anything at all in life, I am lazy. I don't like to do anything extraneous if I don't need to. Mostly this means that I tend to put off doing my laundry (as I am doing currently) until the last possible moment, causing me to buy additional underwear instead of just washing the ones I have. It also means that I basically never ever wash my makeup brushes. This is bad for a variety of reasons, mostly that they get gunky and gross and might have beasties in them that will make you sick. Brush Off is a cleanser with SECRET INGREDIENTS (the website says it has alcohol and an anti-bacterial agent) that you spray on and wipe off with a tissue. I am also constantly running out of tissue (again, the laziness), but I happened to have some on hand when I tested this. It works far better than I anticipated, cleaning my gunky eyeliner brush with ease. The nicest thing by far is that because it's alcohol-based, the brushes dry fairly quickly and are usable again within minutes.

Sultana says: I never thought I needed to clean my makeup brushes. Then I took a look at the ones that I had. It wasnt a pretty sight. On my face brush, there was gunks of dried up powder. It was disgusting!
I think Brush Off is amazingly simple, also taking into consideration Ive never really done it before. From what I have heard from my friends that are makeup artists, it can be very hard work! I am really glad that the first time I did it, it went off without a hitch!

Trish says: I'm a bit like Movie Maven - a little, okay a lot, on the lazy side when it comes to cleaning (and/or repurchasing) my makeup brushes. Although for a germaphobic, sensitive skin type like me, I probably should be more high maintenance about this! I truly have tried washing my brushes before - with gentle soap and water- and the results were disastrous. I ended up throwing away my semi-cleaned, yet rather defunct brushes in the end. After trying the Brush Off cleanser, I feel that many of my makeup brush's problems have been solved! All you have to do is spray the bristles with the cleanser, wipe away the excess with a tissue, and you're done! Just like that. It dries within a few minutes and you can repeat the process for a thorough cleaning, if needed. Not only am I lazy, but also impatient, so cleaner brushes within minutes seem to win me over instantly. Having bacteria-free, almost like-new brushes feels wonderful, but even better is that for each spray bottle sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated to the early detection Cancer Schmancer cause. For makeup junkies, this makeup brush cleanser is not only a good deed, but also a beauty kit delight!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Review- Votivo Candles






In case you still haven't found a suitable present for that oh-too-hard-to-shop-for loved one (who already has everything!), I would highly recommend a Votivo Dalian Candle. The packaging is incredibly unique and stylish and the candle comes in a decorative (ceramic/glass?) case that is both amazingly sturdy and elegant, making it a welcomed addition to any home or bedroom space. According to the site, the burn time runs around 50-60 hours, and all of it is blanketed in a sensual fragrance that is both soft and subtle, as well as delightfully pleasing. Not too overpowering, but gentle enough to create a warm and beautiful atmosphere. What makes this candle a wonderful gift is the outstanding packaging coupled with the quality fragrance. I tried the Vanilla Bergamot Blossom, which for fans of vanilla scents, would totally delight.


While $40 for a candle is little steep, Votivo does offer other gorgeous scented candles for less, around $14-25. Such as the featured French, Aromatic and Color Lines below.


Even though the glass case is not as elegant or as striking as the sexy black Dalian line, the aromatic scent remains just as beautiful and powerful, as well as fragrant throughout the entire burn time, (which also runs about 50 hours).





So if you have any last minute shopping to do, and want to give a memorable gift that is sure to please for hours, these Votivo candles are definitely worth checking!


(Available at Ricky's as well as Whole Foods!)
Deedlejuse Says: Helloooooo world! I haven't posted in much too long! So this candle is absolutely wonderful. I know a $40-50 candle sounds like a lot, but for a soy wonder of this caliber I would definitely throw down that kind of loot. It burns clean, with no soot or anything at all. The packaging, as was mentioned above is to die for. Seriously as I was unpacking my box, as I always do, I was thinking about good openers. My first thought for this candle was: Love, seriously. Then I burned it and I have to say I am not dissapointed at all! I love LOVE this candle, not only because it is so nice burning, but because sometimes I need a little pamper. A little pamper is necessary, and if I have to throw down $40 so be it!

Melissa says: I have the Smoke on the Water candle and love that it smells just like it! The scent is soft and powdery and lingers even when the candle isn't burning. This is so important because so many candles have a faint smell. Like Deedlejuse, the packaging in beautiful and makes it a great experience. Also, a little burning goes a long way. Since this is a lux, and pricey candle, you may want to burn it for a short period of time (as long as it burns to the last outer ring) and let the scent stay for days to come!


Hillary says: I too have the Votivo Smoke on the Water and brother does it last! Not only does the candle itsself last an insanely long time (I'm not so sure my husband isn't switching them on me), the scent is powerful without being sickening. I.E. you know when this candle is/ has been burning. This is the candle to beat all candles if for nothing else than the fact that my Smoke on the Water candle has been open and sitting on my coffee table for months, I have it lit right now and it smells exactly as it did the day I first lit it. I know Votivo candles may initially cause some "sticker shock" upon looking at the price, but this candle is the equivalent of 10 regular candles in that a "regular" candle only really fills the room when you initially light it, maybe two times if you are lucky. When you break it down, I'd rather invest in a Votivo than more of another candle.



Sultana says: I agree with everyone, this will last a very long time due to its slow-burning abilities. I have this in the Tuscan Olive. I have never seen a candle that has such a nice texture. Its almost like a lip balm. If you swipe off a little piece and rub it together, it will dissolve. Which is amazing. I love the light scent that this has to offer. Its not over or underwhelming. The price is a bit much, but mostly because I am not into candles.


However, I do have many friends that are candle fanatics. I will definitely recommend this brand to them.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Review- Softlips PURE Lip Polish


Sweet! A gentle, natural, exfoliating lip polish with organic coconut flakes and sugar leaves with the perfect polished pout.

I consider my lips one of my greatest features. Its hard to say this without sounding full of myself, but they really are plump and pouty and soft. So I do try to maintain the natural softness, with lots of TLC. Softlips PURE Exfoliating Lip Polish totally fits the bill. The gentle little grains slough off dead skin leaving your pout nice and supple. The texture is perfect - not too rough or greasy, and it doesn't crumble all over your lips when you try to put it on. Also the light, sweet, coconut smell is amazing! The best part is at $5.99 a pop its a steal, and a little bit goes a long way so this will last you a while.

Melissa says: I agree with Malikah, this is a great investment. I honestly never exfoliated my lips until I tried this product. Now, it's right next to my toothbrush and I slough up my skin every other day! It's kinda hard not to want to try it because the coconut flakes taste so good! Really though, it does a good job of keeping my loops smooth and looking fresh. Also, at $5.99 it's a small investment for a great outcome.

Trish says: This little pot of Softlips Lip Polish feels like pure luxury! I love that it is 100% natural and contains both organic coconut and sugar components. The exfoliating scrub does work, so I've learned to apply it sparingly over my lips, but afterwards, all the dead skin (ewww, I know) and flakiness goes away nicely and my lips are much softer and more polished, making it the perfect canvas for a nice lip gloss or sheer lipstick. I also use this at the end of the day sometimes to scrub off any residual lipstick and daytime wear. This polish is definitely worth it for a little maintenance and a lot of pampering!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Beauty Deal Alert: Birchbox!

Are you guys aware of Birchbox???? I just learned about it on my favorite blog The Hairpin, and it sounds amazing. There is a whole YouTube phenomenon that are just videos of women opening their Birchboxes. I like this one, because she explains how Birchbox works, and she has great brows. Also she says something super-adorable at 2:40:



Essentially, you pay $10/month to receive a box of surprise samples (and these look like deluxe samples) of beauty products, based on a beauty profile you fill out.

I literally cannot tell you how excited I am about the prospect of receiving surprises in the mail that might include mascara.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Review- Prive Concept Verte Shampoo and Conditioner Travel Kit

Concept Vert products themselves are eco-friendly. The sulfate and paraben free product is enriched with pure organic extracts including Amazon Açaí and Babassu Oil to rejuvenate the hair with antioxidants and strengtheners as it gently nourishes and cleanses. Privé's Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner have also undergone color testing and have proven to preserve color-treated hair up to 44% with use. Unlike many commercial hair cleansers and conditioners, these products do not contain commonly used artificial ingredients such as sulfates, gluten, phthalates, DEA, TEA, mineral oil, paraffin, PABA, paraben, or artificial coloring.Anyone that reads this blog regularly knows there is a special place in our hearts for eco-friendly products.  I, personally, also have a special love for Prive Haircare, thanks to the combination of their wonderful performance and "green"-ness.  The geniuses at Prive have  now made your travel case a little more green as they've launched- get this- travel versions of  Prive Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner that one fills oneself from the full sized canister. "Big whoop," you're thinking. Oh but there is whoop! Concept Vert comes in pressurized (in an Earth friendly way) containers that dispense the product as a gel (sort of like a shave gel) that expands when you rub your hands together. Another bonus, you only need to use a little to do even long hair.






With this travel set you get a full sized container of shampoo and one of conditioner as well as (2) travel sized empty containers and a tool which allows you to fill the travel sizes from the full sizes. So along with all of the benefits I've already listed, you can also carry enough shampoo and conditioner in your airline-approved quart sized bag to last you for at least a month even if you wash your hair every other day. The travel sized containers can be used again and again and when your full sizes are empty, send/bring them back to Prive Salon or their PR firm and they will use them to make new bottles. They recycle the whole bottle, so nothing goes to waste. I'm keeping the travel bottles in my shower for the sake of space, but you can bet money on the fact they'll be coming with me on many trips to come!


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Review - Smashbox Photo Finish Primer


"Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity, our best-selling primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. In a new square airless pump for freshness to the last drop. $36.00" I always use a primer and this one is great. I use one little pump in the am over my sunscreen and I find once it’s absorbed my foundation and concealer are locked into position for all day wear. No wearing or riding in the fine lines. I can’t live without this stuff and I will repurchase when I run dry. I believe this primer is for any gal that is looking to achieve a better finish to their look. This primer really blends with your foundation. I highly encourage checking this out!

Hillary says: Two years ago, if you had told me I needed to use foundation primer, I would have thought you were nuts. Then I tried foundation primer & discovered that a good one (like this one from Smashbox) can make your foundation last all day. But not all primers are alike- not by a long shot. Smashbox's primer actually enhances your skin's condition while you wear it with a bevvy of anti-oxidants to fight free radicals. It applies effortlessly and as far as I can tell, application is fool-proof. You only need a tiny amount (1 pump) and I like to wait a few minutes before I apply my liquid foundation (the directions don't say you have to, but I like to give it a minute to settle). It makes my foundation, be it liquid or mineral, cover so much more evenly and stay on all day without settling into any cracks or crevices. The primer also fights the "cheek foundation wear off" I always used to get. I also use it under my eyes and on my eyelids. My concealer, no matter what brand, used to collect in the line under my eyes, but no more. You may think you don't need foundation primer, but I swear, give Smashbox Photo Finish and you'll wonder what you did without it (that goes double for those of us over 35 or with enlarged pores).


Sheba says: I had no idea what a primer was until recently. Once you just try a good one (Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is definitely one of the BEST) you will never be without one in the future. Perhaps you think it is just one more item to spend money on -- you won't mind spending the money for the results once you see them. Your skin actually looks 'finished' and ready for the makeup you are applying. Many people think applying a primer to a wall is a waste of money -- until they see the results after they use it and apply the new paint over it. It is the same principle here. Your makeup will look so much better because your skin has been primed. It is smoother looking and feeling and the make up just enhances that new improved base that it has. Make up stays on longer and does not gravitate towards the little smile lines around your mouth and eyes. Your pores seem to appear less noticeable. It just gives your face the perfect canvas to apply your make up to.


Trish says: Yeah, you can pretty much believe all the hype! I love this foundation primer so much, I'm already thinking of re-buying it just as I write this! As soon as I applied Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer, I notice that my skin started to look a lot smoother and softer almost instantly. Once I added my normal foundation over it, I had completely flawless looking skin! Double the results for coverup! I get complimented on my skin complexion on days wearing this primer and what might come off as naturally flawless skin is actually this miracle primer in bottle! But, shhh, let's keep that a secret between us! ;)



Sultana says: I was so happy when Smashbox came out with the Oil-Free version of this primer. I have very oily skin and just about anything will make me break out. Recently I found out I have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Without getting too detailed, some of the symptoms are: Oily Skin & persistent acne. Yes, I know! YUCK. Thankfully there are great medications out there!


Primer has become a part of my daily routine because it just makes your makeup look finished. It doesn't feel heavy on my skin and it doesn't cause breakouts!!!!!!! Thank you Smashbox!!!!!!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Review - Lip Fusion Conditioning Stick SPF 15


A minty, moisturizing lip balm that plumps, hydrates, protects, and imparts a hint of tint. What it is formulated to do: This lightweight, delectable, luxurious lip essential is made with nourishing oils and creamy butters that provide the perfect level of comforting hydration, along with SPF 15. It works to soothe cracked or chapped lips without being sticky or tacky, and comes in a convenient "retractable bullet" format for on-the-go application. Doses of AmpliFat™ and marine collagen filling spheres help to increase lip fullness, immediately and over time.

What can I say? I love a good Lippy! My lips for the past few weeks have been unbearably chapped and cracked. I tried everything, glosses, sticks, all to not too much avail. They soothed for a few, but ultimately they didn't do too much. Then I tried my Lip Fusion Conditioning Stick, and Voila La! Soothed, happy, more conditioned lips. It smells great, doesn't dry out quickly, has the much needed SPF to keep my pout looking good (and a full range of tints to choose from that make your pout looking good), and in essence just really works. This will definitely be part of the new routine going into the summer. All in all, I am in love. Annnddd lets face it the packaging is wicked cute too! Sultana says: Anyone that knows me, knows that I live for lip balm/gloss! I fear that my lips will get too dry all the time. I have at least two lip products in each of my jackets! I don't mess around when it comes to my lips! Why? Its simple, my lips are well, big. I am not kidding you. Yes, I grew up with many nick names. Ahem, I choose to not share them. Anyway, when I buy a lip balm I always rate it on how it makes my lips feel and how it smells. This gets an A for both factors. It smells really good and when it goes on, it tingles just a bit. Now I know I have big lips and they dont really need to get any bigger. Thankfully, I didn't see a drastic difference. So don't worry about looking like you just got a collagen injection!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Review - Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner


Our new waterproof long-wearing liner provides bold definition that won’t smudge or budge for up to 8 hours. This creamy, easy-to-apply formula contains vitamin E and jojoba oil to moisturize and protect. The cap houses a unique built-in sharpener so you’ll always have the most precise application.

$19.00

So, I got this eyeliner in both Onyx a very intense black as well as Black Violet a beautiful smokey purple which is the perfect addition to any smokey eye. I already loved the actual product as it is really much more intense than a lot of other liners I have tried recently. The purple is so in this year and you can wear it with both lighter shades to add a little drama or bolder shades to add another dimension of color. Then as I was researching the product for you I found that what I had been sent was actually a sample size of the liner (really I could'nt figure out why it was so small, but it fits in my make-up case quite nicely.) In the full size liner, which I think is a steal for $19, (please don't chintz on your liner people, a little extra dough goes a REALLY long way) actually comes with a built in sharpener and is I assume the normal length. These two little gems have solidly secured themselves a place in my daily routine, and I think they will do the same in yours!

Trish says: Smashbox's Limitless Eyeliner really is limitless! I tried the pencil in a deep charcoal grey called "Graphite" and love the smokey color and rich pigment. The awesome part, besides lasting all day without any running (which ranks really high on my list), is its versatility! The silky point allows me to create a line that is super clean and precise, at the same time, if I wanted to smudge it and create a smokey effect, it's surprisingly easy to do! I'm not the most skilled with pencil eyeliners, but this particular one makes creating a variety of looks so easy and simple. Plus, as I mentioned before it lasts for hours and the integrity of the pencil remains true and in tact for the duration. It's a beautiful eyeliner with so many options, I'd definitely recommend picking your favorite color and having fun with creating a variety of looks.