Sunday, July 31, 2011

NYC Smooch Proof 16Hr Lip Stain

NYC New York Color Smooch Proof 16HR Lip Stain stays put, providing a sheer to intense flush of color that sticks around longer than most guys in the City. This is no on-again, off-again relationship. Color stays faithful for up to 16 hours. Looking for happily ever after for a very happy price? Let your lips do the charming!

I suppose a true test of something called "smooch proof" is to smooch someone for a while to see if it really stays on. I don't have anyone handy to test this theory, but I can definitely tell you that it did not uphold the 16-hour promise even with zero smooches. I put it on before I left my house - and because it's a stain, my lips looked a bit dry, so I used a gloss over top as well - and by the time I was enjoying my customary 10am iced coffee, it needed a touch-up. More than a touch-up, really. It ended up making my lips look flaky and weird, like I'd eaten something berry-colored about 3 hours prior and then forgot to wash my face. No me gusta. NYC has some great products, but unfortunately this isn't one of them, for me at least.

Sultana says: I tried this in a color called Freesia. On the outside, it looks like a pinkish-purplish mix. However, when it goes on the lips its more of a berry color. Its very pretty. I am going to have to agree with my fellow blogger above that it doesn't last long. I did all my normal everyday activities with this on. including, chewing gum and drinking coffee. The color faded in less than an hour. I will say that the price is spectacular and there are a variety of shades. So if you have to apply an extra couple of times a day, you really dont lose that much. Make sure you apply on clean, dry lips for the best results!

Trish says: I'm the kind of person who tries to make any beauty product work- even if it's the wrong shade or a strange consistency- I'll mix it up with something else just to try to keep it usable. I don't know about this lipstain though. The color lasted okay for me, I wasn't expecting too much (from reading the reviews here) maybe an hour tops...I also mixed it with my favorite lipstick hoping it would combine the best of both worlds, but not really...my lips felt tighter and drier and different for the duration and while there was some tint to it, I'm not sure if the end result justified the strange feeling. There may be some more creative ways to make this stain work, but as is, this is a tricky one for me.

Friday, July 29, 2011

NYC Show Time Volumizing Mascara


  • Dual Power Complex strengthens and thickens lashes 
  • Volumized lashes up to 8 times without clumping 
  • High Control Brush separates and builds instant volume for a fabulous and all-out-drama look 
  • Flake-proof and smudge-proof for an all-night-long glamorous look 
  • Ophthalmologist tested 
  • Suitable for sensitive eyes and lens wearers 
I feel like every New York Color (NYC) review goes about the same: "this product is way cheaper than it normally would be, and yet it's totally serviceable and fine." With that in mind, here's another one.

This mascara is a great everyday mascara. No clumping, a sturdy wand, and good coverage. I actually got it mixed up with a bunch of samples of different Sephora mascaras and used it thinking it was one of those, and when I realized it was the NYC, I was like "daaaaaaaang this is good." And it's like $4. Awesome.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Motives by Loren Ridinger Rich Formula Lipstick in Go Red



Get a gorgeous, sexy pout with Motives® by Loren Ridinger lip treatments, lipsticks, lip crayons, and shines. From our exfoliating Lip Pumice and Hydrating Lip Balm to our creamy Lip Crayons and Rich Formula Lipsticks you are sure to have beautiful, unforgettable lips.


Motives® is passionate about giving back. We are proud to be teaming with the American Heart Association to launch “Go Red” – a fabulous new lipstick that you can feel good about flaunting. 25% of “Go Red” proceeds for one full year will be donated to the American Heart Association Miami Chapter. Because doing good and looking good are always in fashion.

I'm not big on lip stuff. You wouldn't know it to look in my purse, which has a wide variety of glosses, balms, and color, but it just never became a thing I liked. I feel like I forget to reapply, and then I look more disheveled instead of less. However: this lipstick is so creamy and wonderful, with such high pigment, that I might be a convert. And the color? The color is amazing!

Okay, I just wanted to show off my new bangs

This is the Go Red color, which supports the American Heart Association Miami chapter as you read above. I love love love this color. It's a true, slightly cool red that's good for this pale-skinned brunette and would work well on others with blue or pink undertones (olive-skinned gals, I'm sure there's another color that would suit you). I put this on this morning and it stayed put and fresh-looking for hours (until I had to eat some brownies). At $14, it's not drugstore prices, but it's under what you'd pay at a department store and is really high quality. We'll see how deep my love of this runs when it comes time for me to replace it, but for now - I'm sold!

Sultana says: Anyone that has read my previous posts knows that I am all about lipstick/lipgloss/lip balm! I believe every woman, no matter what skin color; should have a signature red lipstick. This shade is just that for me. When I want a rich, silky, knock out red then I wear this lipstick. Let me elaborate on the price a bit. So its $14 but in this case you may not necessarily be paying for a name, but you are paying for quality and also a good cause. Ive found Motives cosmetics to be extremely good quality. You can just tell by the way the case is.

When you order from Motives thru MarketAmerica.com, you get cash back thats good towards other purchases. No, you dont have to sell anything! You just have to create an account!

If there is one thing you try from Motives, let this lipstick be it. You will love the color and you will feel good about spending a little extra to give back to a great cause.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Review- Whish Sugar Scrub


Renew and polish your skin with Three Whishes Sugar Scrub. A unique combination of brown sugar, raspberry seeds, bamboo powder, and organic sugar cane extract combine to create a very pleasant experience. This combination is extremely effective in removing dead skin cells while polishing and refining the new skin that is left showing. Your skin will glow and feel renewed after just one use!


Being that I'm not rolling around in the sand at the beach all summer, nor am I doing anything extra to get that perfect sun-kissed tan, this Whish Sugar Scrub is definitely making up for my lack of a glow! After just one use, I noticed right away that my skin looked so much brighter and clearer, and now I remember what my dull looking skin looked like before the scrub. I tried this all organic and natural sugar scrub in Lavender and the scent was absolutely swoon worthy! There's no skimping here on scent, quality or effectiveness. The consistency is really nice thick and rich, and the sugar granules contained aren't too fine nor too coarse, just the right amount exfoliation needed to get gorgeous glowing skin and fast. The best part to me is that the scrub holds up really well, it's not slippery nor drippy, but deeply moisturizing and makes my skin much silkier by far. I figure since we can't beat this heat, well, might as well join it and show some skin that looks and feels just as bright and glistening in this very hot summery heat. This Whish Sugar Scrub is a real go in my opinion!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Review- Matis Paris Age Preventing Primer



Prime your skin for perfection with this anti-aging primer from Matis Paris. AvantAge Initial- Age Preventing Primer is formulated for all skin types to prevent visible signs of skin aging. Longevity Complex boosts the synthesis of proteins, as Protective Complex shields free radicals and prevents protein glycation. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly, creating an even canvas for flawless, long-lasting makeup application.

When it comes to anti-aging skin care, all I really want is something that truly works! I'm so happy and pleased to say that this Matis Paris Age Preventing Primer delivers! It's cooling on the skin and gentle all around, but the noticeable difference is truly remarkable. I concentrated the primer on my "problem areas" focusing on the noticeably fine lines, and somehow they radically softened and easily disappeared. My skin looked incredibly smooth and polished (in a desirably good way) and more youthful and sleeker. With results such as these, it's hard to imagine needing any other gel or primer to look younger. One product, such as this, can resolve my pre-wrinkle worries. I even skipped days to see how much of a difference it made and noticed that wearing this primer really did erase those fine lines. The beautiful part is that this primer lasts all day and feels so nurturing on the skin, it's the least one can do when it comes to providing healthy looking skin. Definitely worth checking out, as I love this primer so much and its beautiful anti-wrinkle results!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Review- Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Truly Translucent Loose Powder




Although the packaging is pretty simple, I really do like this translucent powder from Sally Hansen's Natural Beauty line. I tried the loose powder for Light/Medium types and it provided just the right amount of coverage in a well-matched shade for me. (I am more on the medium side, but this worked). Usually I skip heavy liquid foundations when I'm out running errands, but I do resort to a minimal and light mineral foundation powder to get me through the day. I'm finding that this loose powder alone provides just as good coverage as any mineral foundation and I'm loving how soft and smooth my skin appears. I also like the thick sponge as I noticed it absorbs and sets the powder into the skin easily. With ingredients such as pomegranate and papaya extracts, as well as bamboo powder and antioxidants, it's no wonder my skin felt lighter, as well as well-nourished, while wearing this powder. My skin can get oily sometimes and I found that this powder thoroughly absorbed excessive shininess, while also providing a smooth surface. For everyday wear, this Sally Hansen Natural Beauty powder held up!

Review- Alpha Hydrox Sheer Silk Moisturizer



A lightweight, intensive moisturizing formula that helps skin maintain its optimal moisture balance as it softens, smoothes and improves skin's condition and texture. Active Oxygen stimulates collagen & new cell growth. Vitamin E&B5, Soy and Green Tea effectively nourish & protect. A broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 sunscreen blocks dangerous, wrinkle causing rays. Skin-enhancing light diffusers give skin an immediate healthy glow (with or without makeup.)

I'm a huge fan of sheer and light moisturizers, especially ones that are highly softening, while also absorbing thoroughly on to the skin. This Alpha Hydrox Sheer Silk Moisturizer sure does rank favorably for me! I love how quickly it sinks into my skin and the illuminating glow adds a brighter look to my overall skin tone. It's high on delivery as far as moisturizing capability goes, and it doesn't add any extra heaviness or thickness on top of that. I really have no complaints at all with this moisturizer, it's my go-to choice for everyday wear, especially when I want to wear something light with SPF 15 coverage. Usually when it comes to skincare, I prefer that it feels as minimal as possible, yet still have healthy looking skin, and this is one of the moisturizers I constantly reach for to create that desired effect. I'd definitely recommend it as a lovely moisturizer with satisfyingly visible benefits!

Sultana says: I definitely agree! This is one of the best moisturizers I have used in a while. It is very light weight and I love the fact that it has sunscreen in it. It does manage to somehow give your skin a kind of iridescent glow. It really goes on smoothly. This has become one of my daily staples.


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Review - adesign Pointed Crease Brush

EyeFinish: Grade 'A' goat hairShape: Tapered bulletUse: This brush applies and blends eye shadow into the crease.
$20 00



OK so I am a little torn on this. First of all let me state that this is one mean blending machine! If you want a killer smokey eye, this is the brush you want to use. It fits into the crease of your eye so easily and blends the color well.



Two things I don't like about this:



Its made of Grade A goat Hair



&



Its $20





I don't know how I feel about the goat hair. Its a little odd. I really like the brush, but would I spend $20 dollars on it? That is the reason why I am torn. If you own a lot of makeup or are a makeup artist, this would be a brush you should invest in. However, I am not too sure if the everyday woman would buy this.





Review - LipSense Classic Color in Crimson Red







The premier product of SeneGence®, LipSense® is an amazing departure from conventional lipsticks, stains and colors. It should only be applied on clean, dry lips. Your perfect pout is waterproof and will not kiss-off, smear-off, rub-off or budge-off! We challenge you to put your pout to the test - kiss away! Create your own recipe for beauty and customize your color palate by combining shades that are rich and solid, sheer and shimmery, vibrant, shiny or frosty. LipSense® liquid lip color comes in a beautiful .25 oz tube.

$22 (for one Lipsense, one GLossy Gloss & One Ooops Remover)


I was super excited to try this product. I remember when I was 16, I begged my Mom to buy me something similar from one of those home shopping channels. It was so bad. It was like pure alcohol. It smelled gross and flaked off pretty quickly.


I thought that since more than ten years passed, they would be able to make a product like this that was dramatically improved. Sadly, I was wrong. I tried this many times. It kept getting dry and would just flake off. The smell is very strong. It worries me that you would need a remover for lipstick, but I never even had to use it!


I think that there are regular drug store products out there better than this. I hope others have had better experiences.






Sunday, May 8, 2011

Review- Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss



Drench your lips in luminous color and shine with LIP ENHANCING GLOSS. This ultra-moisturizing gloss keeps lips soft, smooth, and naturally plumped for hours. Now in 3 advanced color formulas for a range of dazzling looks. Enhance your lips like never before. Winner of Allure Magazine's Editor's Choice Award for Best Lip Gloss.


I tried Smashbox's Lip Enhancing Gloss in a deep rosy pink called Candid and love the texture of this gloss! It's so rich and moisturizing without being sticky or messy to apply. The color itself is very sheer and light, but the glossiness and shine sure do make up for the lightness in this lovely gloss. It lasted for just a few hours, nothing too long nor too short, about average in duration. The greatest feature of this line though, is how gorgeous it looks (and feels) on and how well it stays in place...no need to worry about messy lip gloss lips and runny edges! If you want a lip gloss that truly looks pretty on and is super smooth and easy to apply, then this gloss ranks among one of the more solid and dependable choices around!