Brilliant or Dumb?

After chatting up a stranger in the nail aisle in Wal-Mart about how she likes the Impress Press On Nails....I came across some BoD? products. Brilliant Or Dumb?

First up....

 The Brush Guard  $5.50 for the set of 6

The name says it all. These are brush guards! Circular nylon netting to keep all your makeup brushes in tact. 

At first I thought....who reeallly needs these?? Who can't shape their brush back to form after washing it??

Then I had a commercial-like bubble over the head with montage playing moment of all the times my brushes have dries in weird angles or just not perfect enough for my Virgo eccentricities. 

Then I flipped to the back.

Travel and storage.

Damn Brush Guard. You got me. 

I can't count how many times I've had a moment of panic as I almost, or do, get a makeup brush caught in a zipper of a cosmetic bag when traveling. And for that alone, I would buy these.  I didn't pick them up, but I will in the future. 

This set contains 1 XS, 2 S, 2 M and 1 Large. Not a bad deal for $5.50! (also on Amazon for $5.50 + free shipping if you're into the online shopping like I am)

Conclusion: BRILLIANT! 

On to the next one (gratuitous jay-z link)...

The Beauty Spoon $5  

available online for $10 for a 2 pack of this size and a larger size

Yes. My first thought was a sarcastic Weekly News Update reeaallly?!

Now, I've actually seen a different version of this, a much smaller, thinner version somewhere a while ago, but I never looked into it and quite forgot about it. Until I saw this. 

I'm a store a bottle upside down type of girl. At least one product a day is something I get to by banging an open bottle against the palm of my hand like the new chimp at the zoo. But that's what I've done my whole life so I never bothered to think I needed to change that.  (unless I get diagnosed with some sort of hand ailment from all the bottle bashing that leads to a subsequent Lifetime movie about my hand struggles)

But isn't 'bottle bashing' normal?? It's part the process.

UNLESS, it lets me get that last bit of conditioner that sits that the top of the bottle during my bottle bashing routine that I just can't quite reach.  

Hmmm....maybe this isn't such a bad idea!  

This size is the small and there is a larger one for bigger bottles, like shampoos and lotions. I wish they had another size with a smaller spatula head because I really need this more for my small facial product containers in which this wide head won't fit. So I will wait until they come out with that to put into a combo pack. Until then, I'll stick to my cavewoman carpel tunnel. 

Conclusion:  dumbish....but brilliant! 

My #1

Since I showed you my extendable mirror that has become indispensable to me, I thought I'd share with you another Top 5 Beauty Tool. In fact, this might just be my #1. (subject to change, as I am a lady and  hold that rite)

Sonia Kashuk Dramatically Defining Eye Lash Curler $8.99 at Tarjay!

 Yes. The beloved eye lash curler.

This one piece of beauty equipment is single handedly responsible for making men confused and scared of all things beauty related and has beaten women around the globe into thinking there just aren't destined to look their best. 

I'd love to tell you that this isn't for everyone. I'd love to tell you that this is a mastery tool. But I'd be lying.

You need this!

This is the one thing in your makeup routine that shouldn't change. Everything else can come and go. Everything.  You can change out your foundation. You can skip the blush. You can bronze yourself into a Snooki-orange for all I care, but for the love of all my Gods, get an eyelash curler. And more importantly. MASTER IT! 

This is going to take some practice, and maybe even a few different brand of curlers, some cuss words and a few tears. But with time and practice and the right tool, you will be forever hooked and angry at yourself for not using one sooner. I guarantee it. 

 A lot of the ones I tried had a very shallow curve to them, which made it very hard for me to use them. It would only get the front lashes and going back over would result in kinks or pinching when trying to get the edges. This Sonia Kashuk one has a nice deep curve which makes for a much better curl. 

I actually bought the Revlon curler over a year ago and loved the curve of it as well as how it curled, but TWO of them slightly broke after just a week. The top metal piece would slide right off the posts on either side every time I would go to curl. This Sonia Kashuk is made differently so that the metal piece is actually IN the metal post, so that it can't go anywhere. Smart Sonia. Very smart. 

Even if you're not a makeup girl, I urge you to try one! It takes practice, but it's instant gratification!! Even without mascara!! 

Curled lashes makes your eyes bigger, brighter and more defined.  (It also keeps my lashes from rubbing on the lenses of my glasses every time I blink which drives me insane!...bonus!) 

I couldn't take any decent enough pictures for a tutorial, so I'll do my best in describing the best way to use one.

Instructions:

With your eye shut, but not scary movie squeezed shut, put the curler at the base of your lashes, at your eye. Relax. Squeeze the tool so it shuts. You don't have to squeeze with all your might. Just get it closed, and then squeeze just a bit more. Release the curler, slide it away from the base just a tiiiny bit and squeeze again. Do this 3 or more times along the lashes until you reach the ends.

The end!! 

PRO TIPS:   

1. Curl your lashes BEFORE mascara.  

2. If you're not getting a curl, heat up the tool a bit. A hair dryer for a few seconds will do the trick! 

3. Try a few brands if you're not getting the hang of it or if you're making the same mistake over and over.

4. Don't be afraid to get to a beauty counter and ask them to show you! If that still weirds you out, phone a friend! (totally relevant reference) Find someone you know who uses one and barter a tutorial with whatever you have available...who doesn't love a good brownie barter??

Who's The Frack-ing Fairest Of Them All?

Ali can sit on her bed and put her make up on in the mirror of a compact. Fascinating. The Indian can put eyeliner on her lower and upper waterline with one hand and doesn't even need a mirror. Fascinating.

There are not things I can do. I'm a lean right into the mirror kind of girl. Maybe it's my appalling eye sight, maybe it's just habit, maybe it's because it's what my old sister did. I can't be sure, but I don't think there's going to be a 20/20 investigation about it.

I've always had a mirror in a hallway, or on a door or somewhere I could walk right up to so I didn't have to bend my short torso over a sink to apply anything to my face. But in the last few years I've upgraded to what I now behold as one of my Top 5 Essential Beauty Tools.

I present.... The Frack. 

Some might call it a shaving mirror. Some might call it an extendable mirror. I now call it family. 

The Frack extends, it swivels, it tilts, it magnifies! ALL for the low low price of $4.99!!!

One side is a regular mirror, and the other side is a 2.5x magnifying mirror. The entire mirror extends, plus is moves back and forth for getting it exactly where you need it to be and where you need it to not be when not in use. Plus the mirror itself does a full swivel action. Basically, every part of this moves! Which is perfect for my short height, but great for the normal heighted people who come to my bathroom. 

Although I have done my makeup in compact mirrors, I really hate it. And if this only costs 5 bucks, I shouldn't ever have to again! (Proven by the fact that I already broke the first one and replaced it.)

I'm lucky enough to have an Ikea close by, so I can pick these up anytime. If you don't, I suggest busting out that Ikea Wish List and get online shopping. If not, you can find alternatives at big box stores everywhere, but most come with a much higher price tag. 

WARNING:  Objects seen up close may not be what you expected. I'm only suggesting the mirror, not that you'll be happy with what you see magnified 2.5 times. 

The Rest Of My Fruit Basket

So I found a serum in grapefruit that I like. So you know what that means.

Get ALL the grapefruits!!

Left: Yes to Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Body Creme $10

Right: Yes to Grapefruit Exfoliating Body Wash

Ok, not all the products.  

Dark Sport Correcting Body Creme. I love this stuff. It took me a while to realize that I need less than half of what I really think I need, which is why I went through the first tub so fast. But mostly I was slathering it on because I'm head over heels about the smell!  You would think I'd be sick of it by now. Nope. Never! 

It's a basic white creme. No extra nonsense of dyes and it sinks into the skin pretty fast.  What I was surprised about was that this is actually really moisturizing and I don't have to layer anything else on top! When I started using this when it was still cold out. Although, here in New England, any month can be a cold month now that seasons mean nothing.  So I was assuming I would have to cap this off with some Aveeno or something, but I don't! It keeps my skin smooth and hydrated and smelling delicious! 

Like the serum, this is suppose to help correct dark marks. I don't think any product is going to just erase things. Products help, that's the best they can do. (insert proverb about a fish and a tree or a rose or something)  I have pleenty of dark marks and scars, old and new, that could use correcting.  I had a lovely fresh burn on my forearm from baking cupcakes in March that I've noticed has lightened up considerably since I've been using this. It's definitely speeding up the process for me!  It's also lightened a few leg wounds I've received over the years in the ongoing battle of Me Vs. Furniture & Anything That Could Hurt Me. (I'm losing) 

Exfoliating Body Wash. This I picked up fairly recently when I was on the search for my 2nd tub of body creme.  This stuff makes me happy. Especially during morning showers because I am anti-morning. Through and through. But the smell of this just puts a smile on my face. It's actually a different scent than the other products. This has a lot more other citrus scents in it, I get a lot of tangerine and orange. It's kind of beachy and happy and it screams summer! 

It's a thinner consistency than most exfoliating washes I've used in the past, but it has tiny tiny pieces of pumice in it. They're almost particles. You can't see it in the wash in your hand, but once it's on your skin you feel the scrubby action. Yes, that's a high end beauty biz term. Scrubby action.  Thankfully, it's not course and scratchy, it's pretty relaxing and doesn't irritate my skin at all.   There's no residue left behind, no sticky feeling, no scratched up skin. It leaves my skin feeling soft and clean.  This is definitely my summer scrub. 

Now the only problem is the rest of the products in this line....do I try them all at once, or space them out?  

I Say Yes

Though I become very loyal to certain brands or products, I can't seem to squelch the urge to try new things!  Despite that, there are still some things that I buy over and over.  If I buy something twice, then I know we're meant to be! .... At least for a while.      

I bought this serum months ago and have been loving it! And recently I went and bought a second!

Yes To Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Serum $20

You may have heard of the Yes To brand. First it was carrots, now they've moved on to many fruits and veggies! I'm glad they went with grapefruits because I've always completely loved the smell of grapefruit. Especially in beauty products! I spent years using the Neautrogena Body Clear body wash in pink grapefruit not for it's acne fighting properties, but because it smells like grapefruits! 

It makes me happy. 

So here's how this serum stacks up.

It's in a nice light plastic package. Nothing easy to break. Nice pump dispense. Except that if you do a full big pump, will you get enough product for about 3 days.  This is a little goes a long way product. 

With most serums, you do have to move fast, and this is no exception. There's no lollygagging in seruming! 

Now, when you see it, it's not....appetizing. It comes out looking like yellow snot. Sorry for that visual, but it's true. But what it lacks in curb appeal it more than makes up for in scent! 

It's a very slick consistency and because of that, I find it a bit cooling on my skin when I get it on.  It takes a few seconds to sink in, so sometimes I stand in front of the fan, and that really ups the anti of cooling effect.

There's a bit of learning curve with how much to use on your face. If you use too much, it will begin to get flaky once it dries. Or bead up under your moisturizer. But all that wipes away pretty easily. I find I don't have to do that if I use the least amount I can to cover my face and give it a full minute, maybe 2, to sink in. 

I wasn't expecting this to work as fast as the Murad Lightening serum, but I did have a dark mark on my cheekbone when I began this product and I can say it's helped lessen that mark faster than it would have on it's own. I do have darker skin, and I do scar extremely easily and for an extremely long time, so any time shaved off is really great for me.  Obviously, other people will have other results. 

A few times I switched back to my Olay Regenerating Serum, and I noticed that my skin didn't look as hydrated, and had a more dull appearance. Once I went back to this serum, it was just.....aaaahhhhhhh. 

I don' t know if it's the natural fruit extracts or what in this, but once this sinks into my skin, it makes my skin appear smoother than the Olay serum. I can tell especially on the very tops of my cheeks, close to the nose. That whole area looks like my pores are tighter and my skin is much smoother. 

The Olay serum is also very silicone based, and especially in the warmer climate coming up, my makeup sits on the Grapefruit serum much better. 

Bottom Line: I think this serum is really great on my skin. It keeps it looking hydrated, smoother and tighter and actually is helping reduce my dark marks and making my skin brighter. And the oh so lovely smell is a wonderful bonus!

Did I mention that it's only costs 1/3 of the Murad serum??

I'm A Greedy Gus

Shout out to Big D, aka my grandmother, for teaching me that phrase and countless other gems!

But yes. It's true.  I'm a Greedy Gus.  Because June's Birchbox arrived!!!

It actually got here last week, 2 hours before my shipping notification email came.  I'm not complaining. That was awesome.

June's Birchbox is titled Wanderlust.  

Because aren't we all itching to get somewhere this time of year?

1. Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo: a 2.5oz sample is a simple stubby travel bottle. The no fuss label makes me think this is meant for business! It says it has moisturizing Indian fig extract and olive oil.  

Are my homeland figs moisturizing?? I need to look into this. 

The label itself says for dry & frizzy hair. Oh, I'll be the judge of that, for sure.  The scent hits me at first like dish soap. Seriously, a dish soap. I can't put my finger on which one. So at first it's like...uh oh, but if you can get past the first 2 seconds, you can start smelling other things. Citrus and just light, very clean...something.  It's not bad! I could dig this. 

2. Davines Love Smoother Conditioner: Now this one says for Harsh & frizzy hair. I don't know that means. I've never heard of anyone refer to hair as harsh.  Is my hair harsh?? How do I find out?? Don't fail me now, Google!  I can't sniff this one because it's in a sealed little pack. 

3. Davines Oi/Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion: Well this sounds promising! It says it contains Roucou oil. You're killin me June Birchbox!! I have lots of things to Googlize. This says it's an "antioxidant-packed potion to instantly tame frizz and strengthen hair over time."    

It's a very small packet, but I'll give it go one day.  When my Moroccan Oil isn't looking. 

4. This might be my faaaav! LAQU & Co Lil' Lip Duo: This fat little lip pencil isn't like the rest. I can't compare these to my beloved tinted balms, because it's not! This comes out like a full satin finish lipstick! The color is amazing and rich and very pigmented, with one swipe I have complete full lipstick!  But, like the tinted balms, it's still got the mintyness that I love!  Recap; hot pink lipstick, in a small lip pencil, that is creamy and minty and feels amazing. There is nothing not to love here.

If you're hip to the Birchbox and have 'liked' their facebook page, then you already know that this product is exclusive to Birchbox and was one of the products that every member in June received! Birchbox sells these in a duo pack, exclusive to Birchbox, for $16! The one I received is called Pink Man and here's a photo to demonstrate just how awesome these colors are for every skin tone! 

5. Furlesse Elevens Frown Line Reducing Patches: So these are suppose to be patches that you put in certain spots on your face that reduce the appearance of lines as you sleep. This pack of Elevens is for the frown lines between your eyes. They have other patches; Crows, obviously for eye lines ; Lip-sticks, for lip and expression lines and Rows, for the forehead lines. 

I don't exactly have these lines, yet, so even if I try these, I'm not sure I could review them very well. 

There are 3 patches in this trial pack and each is shaped like an open Japanese fan. Just the right shape for between the eyes! Now I just have to find someone to try these out....

6. Color Club Nail polish: This is actually Birchbox + Color Club, who have come together to make a Wanderlust Collection just for Birchbox! And I am ecstatic about this color! It might not read very well on screen, but in person this color is a neon peach. And I am in such lust with it!   I have quite a few nailpolishes. More than I should, and of those, most are brights. This is the one color I don't have and I'm beyond excited to wear it! 

Again, if you were hip to The Box, then you would know already that every box contained one of the Wanderlust Collection polishes. I'm so happy I scored the one wanted.  50cent Bubble Prize Machine Vindication!!

7. To round out the Wanderlust box, Birchbox sent along 5 postcards of different cities around the world. Each one has a little blurb on the bottom called One Perfect Day where it gives you a great day's itinerary for each city.  Who doesn't love postcards??

If you're still unsure if you want to sign up for a Birchbox of your own, let me just say this...

DO IT!!!!   Seriously...have you not been paying attention?? Did you not see what I've been getting??

Just click on this link and sign up. It's 10 bucks. That's less than 2 fancy coffees.  And you can stop them at anytime! You know you want to!

It's Simple Really

I really thought I posted about this product already, but I guess it was just in my head.  I do that a lot.

I came across a list of beauty products at the end of 2012. Things that were suppose to be great to try in 2013. I've made my way through a good number of the products, the ones I wanted to try anyways.  This was on that list.

Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make-up Remover Pads $4 at Walmart, can go up to $6 at other retailers

This is the first item I was able to find on my List of Tries. And it might be my favorite. 

It's a small pack of wipes, about the size of a pack of cards, but more square. I wanted to try these because it's much easier to travel with wipes than it is with a bottle of liquid remover. 

Each pack comes with 30 wipes and they are a good size. I was expecting small oxy pad sizes. (do they still make those?? poor teens) 

One side is a smooth texture and the other is more waffley. The waffley side is actually softer on the skin and I use that side more. 

The large size means I can easily take both my eyes off with one pad. And it's easy! There's no tugging and rubbing. No scratching and pulling. If I'm wearing a lot of makeup, I hold it to my eye for a few seconds, then do the Remover Wiggle, that's where you just shimmy the pad over your eye just a tiny bit, just to loosen everything up, then just wipe away! 

I know...grooosss. But this is the ugly side to the glamorous world of makeup. 

And this was just after a 'regular' I'm running out the door with only eyeliner and mascara day!

The best part is this contains no alcohol and no oil. So I'm left with just fresh, clean skin. Nothing oily, nothing dry and cracky. It doesn't irritate my eyes or contacts and it doesn't burn! There's not really a scent or anything. There are no perfumes. There's really very little that could irritate your eyes! 

This is my second pack. And I picked up another back up pack when I saw them on sale a few weeks ago. 

I still use my beloved Rimmel Remover. But I use that more for spot cleaning, like when I'm doing cat eyes, or when I just have some left over makeup that needs to be taken care of and I don't  want to waste a full wipe.  Both feel equally good on my eyes.  But Simple wins juuuuust by a hair only because these packs won't get me pulled aside at airport security.  Not that it matters. I always win the free baggage check!