Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme

The website claims:   Highly saturated liquid-to-matte formula, Soft, velvety finish with bold, opaque color.  This revolutionary, highly saturated liquid-to-matte formula dries to a soft, velvety finish for fuller-looking lips. Its double-sided, flexible plush applicator hugs the contours of lips, working to lock in bold, opaque color. Non-sticky, smooth and ready for all-night wear (up to 16 hours!)

I like all of Milani’s lipsticks and Milani Amore Matte Lip Crème is no exception.  I have found that for under $9 and a tube of lip balm, I get the same effect of my favorite Chanel lipstick.  The matte finish dries out the lips, which I don’t care for, but by adding a clear lip balm on top, it lasts longer than regular lipstick.  And it can be found at the local drugstore or chain superstore.

It comes in a variety of shades:

  

                             Milani Amore Matte Lip Crème is a keeper!

Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub

The website claims:   Got combination skin? This new easy-to-use, powder-to-foam formula with natural baking soda is effective at removing dirt and oil, but gentle on skin. Dial up or dial down this scrub's intensity by adding water: pH Balanced Formula, Oil-Free, Dermatologist Tested and Powder Scrub Activates with Water.

I’ve been using this product for over a month and can vouch for it being a great product.  My skin hasn’t looked this good in a while.  Pores are small and blackheads at a minimum.  I recommend Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub. 

You can find Biore products at local drugstores or chain stores for under $10 for a 2-3 month supply.

Revlon PhotoReady™ Eye Primer + Brightener - .08 oz

I purchased Revlon PhotoReady Eye Primer at the local drugstore for $12 to use under my eye shadow.  I like the applicator, but both times I've used it, it flakes into little balls and doesn't seem to stick.  I tried applying with a brush and a sponge - same result. This is a product I think I'd pass on.

Simply Straight™ Ceramic Straightening Brush

I broke down and purchased the Simply Straight Hair Brush because my local CVS had them and I had a $10 off purchase coupon.  The website promotes it as a wonderful ceramic brush that straightens your hair easily without damaging or burning it. Perfect for hair of all types, this brush features ceramic-wrapped bristles that warm up quickly.

I washed my hair and let it air-dry so the natural curl and frizz where at its highest.  I ran the brush through my hair as instructed with the bristles facing out. The device is a little heavier than a curling iron. I have to admit it worked and in less than 10 minutes I had straight, frizz-free hair! 

So for less than $30 I have another great styling tool that worked for me.  You can get them online or at a variety of chain or discount stores.

tarteist™ lash paint mascara

Love, Love, Love Tarte's new Lash Paint Mascara.  Website promotes it increases lashes by 2700% - not sure about that - but love the way it thickens and lengthens my lashes without lumps and clumps.  


This is my new FAVORITE!  Comes in jet black for $23 at Tarte website or Ulta.

Nuance Salma Hayek Long Lasting Eyeliner Pencil, Volcanic Black

 

Also on my new favorites list is Nuance Salma Hayek Long Lasting Eyeliner Pencil, Volcanic Black.  A deal for under $10 at CVS.  Felt tip and applicator are easy to use and glide over eyelid.  This one is a keeper!

The website promotes it as:  Calming Chamomile has a fresh effect on skin with its moisturizing properties. The thin tip allows for precise application of long-lasting color that perfectly defines eyes throughout the day. Safe for even the most sensitive eyes.

Stila - Color Balm Lipstick

I am loving my new Stila - Color Balm Lipstick. 

It is creamy, feels great on my lips and lasts longer than the average lip balm.  The price is $22 and comes in 19 different shades, depending on where you purchase it. This one is a winner.

Sephora website promotes it as:  A creamy lip color with the full pigment-load of a lipstick, the nourishing properties of a balm, and the shine of a gloss. Featuring a luxe, satin finish, Color Balm lipstick offers excellent color payoff, subtle shine, and phyto-derived emollient properties that deliver hydrated and healthy lips. Naturally cooling peppermint oil provides a fresh and rejuvenating sensation, while exclusive sunflower-based polyglycerides smooth lip contours and add volume and definition to lips. A handy mirror on the top of the cap makes on-the-go application a snap. Formulated WITHOUT:  Parabens, Sulfates or Phthalates.

CHANEL ROUGE Complete Care Lipshine

I was excited to see that Chanel just came out with a lipshine.  Their website boast:  The intensity of a lipstick, the shine of a lipgloss and the comfort of a lip balm — all in one creamy yet lightweight formula. This innovative formula is enriched with nourishing Apple Seed Extract and hydrating Jojoba Oil and Coconut Oil, Silk Powder, Beeswax and special ingredients help visibly smooth, plump and add brilliant 3D shine to the lips. A spectrum of eight irresistible shades features pinks, reds, nudes and corals. In a convenient, twist-up ‘stylo’ form to write your colour signature. 

Although in my opinion Chanel offers one of the best all day lipsticks - Rouge Double Intensité Ultra Wear Lip Colour, I have found their other lipstick products lacking.  The Complete Care Lipshine is no exception.  It goes on smooth and silky and seems to disappear just as quickly.  For the same price - $37 - I’ll stick to the one that lasts - ROUGE DOUBLE INTENSITÉ ULTRA WEAR LIP COLOUR.

New - Caress Body Wash

The commercial for Caress Fine Fragrance Body Wash caught my eye.  I picked up the Adore Forever fragrance at the grocery store for under $5.  I am in love – I do not care for strong fragrances and run from the perfume pushers at department stores, but this one is subtle but lasting.  I will be sure to try out the fragrances.

Innisfree Korean Skincare

The highly recommended products from Innisfree have been a success with my adult acne.

Innisfree Jejubija Anti-Trouble Facial Foam - Enriched with torreya seed extract from pure Jeju island. Jejubija Anti-Trouble helps control blemish for clear skin.  The refined and foamy lather thoroughly removes pore impurities as it prevents and relieves skin trouble. A complex composed of natural originated ingredients such as natural originated salicylic acid, panduratin, and rose crystal that helps to relieve skin trouble. 750ml for $7.75.

Innisfree Jejubija Anti-Trouble Skin - A toner made from natural Jeju torreya for treating blemished skin! The outstanding healing effects of the torreya seed oil help troubled skin.  Contains natural salicylic acid for exfoliation and blemish care.  The naturally fermented alcohol soothes skin and 100% Natural essential oil: The scent of pine, juniper berries, and the forest comforts your mind and body. 200ml for $12.80.

Innisfree Bija Trouble Lotion - With torreya seed oil and green complex helps to clear and treat troubled skin with its outstanding healing power. Applied after toner and smooth over the entire face.  100ml for $15.

I use the Facial Foam with my Clarisonic Facial Brush, follow with the toner and finish with the Trouble Lotion.  I have to say, any kind of blemish was gone by the next morning and I haven’t had any issues in the two weeks I’ve been using these products.  I use the Trouble Lotion every other night, as I did experience peeling around the corners of my nose and chin. 

For the price and results I’ve experience, I would recommend this product line.

Korean Argan Oil Silk Hair Mask Pack

I have read a lot of reviews regarding products used and produced in Korea so I decided to order some and try them out.  I purchased a variety of different brands which included: a lip balm, a facial cleanser, a facial toner, a blemish free moisturizer and the hair mask – all for under $50 shipped on Amazon.com.

My Skinfood Argan Oil Silk Hair Mask Pack arrived the other day.  The advertisement promoted: A hair mask with argan oil and silk that transforms dry, damaged hair into healthy, shiny tresses. Argan oil nourishes hair and increases the moisture content.  18 amino acids, proteins, and peptides in silk replenish lost nutrients. Unfortunately the directions listed in English were very vague, and the rest where in Korean, so I had to google product use.

The tube of 7 ounces/200g was only $14.80 with free shipping (2-3 weeks because I wasn’t aware of US website).

Basically it is a deep conditioner that is applied after shampooing and left on for 5 minutes.  The product is very thick and creamy without a strong smell and with my shoulder length hair I only need a quarters worth.  I worked it through my hair, let it sit until finishing my shower and rinsed.  Did the usual blow dry and a sweep with the Instyler.  My hair is so shiny and frizz free.  I’ve used it three times and results are always the same. 

I am giving my girlfriend who has very processed hair a weeks’ worth to sample.  Will see how her hair turns out.

Skinfood offers a wide variety of products and I look forward to trying some others.

Another keeper

InStyler Ionic Styler Pro Hot Brush/Flat Iron

According the website:  The InStyler Ionic Styler Pro replaces 4 different styling tools: Flat Iron, Curling Iron, Round Brush and Styling Wand. The Dual Ionic Ceramic uses ceramic heat combined with frizz-fighting ionic molecules to transform dull, frizzy, lifeless hair into healthy-looking, shiny hair full of body. The Cool Touch Ionic Bristles allow you to style hair with complete control, no burning of fingers, ears or forehead. Close the unit and use as a brush to smooth hair, add volume and create curls. Open and use the tourmaline ceramic professional quality flat iron to straighten hair. The InStyler Ionic Styler Pro has multiple settings and auto safety shut-off.

This has become my favorite and only styling tool on my vanity.  It does everything and truly leaves your hair shiny and frizz free.  

I originally saw this at Ulta for $59.95, but bought mine at Bed, Bath & Beyond, as I had a 20% off coupon. This one is worth the money!

Bumble bbrepair

I received my sample of Bumble Bb Repair Cream in my monthly Birchbox. I've been using it for a week and have to say this is a product that may be worth the money. My hair is shiny, soft and silky and has great body after blow drying. A bit pricey at $31 for 5 ounces but my little sample has gotten me through 7 blow dries.

Instyler Multi-Purpose Hair Iron

I have two In-stylers - the original version which I loaned to a friend after I purchased the one that dry's your hair as it curls, straightens and de-frizzes leaving it full of shine.  It really does work and every girl should have one.  Worth the money and one device will do all you need.

EYEKO Fat Liquid Eyeliner

Received a full sized sample of Eyeko LONDON Fat Liquid Eyeliner in my monthly Birchbox.  It really does offer a bold eyeliner if you can operate it.  It took me a couple of times to draw a straight line and found it impossible to get a narrow tip under my eye without removing most of it.  

I found different prices ranging from $14-$18 at a variety of online beauty stores. If you are good at applying liquid liners, this might work for you.

Their website offers a variety of different products that I am tempted to try.  

L'OREAL Colour Riche® Balm

The Colour Riche Balm has to be one of my favorite colored lip balms on the market.  It is smooth, creamy and most importantly - thick on your lips.  It makes dry lips feel wonderful.  Comes in 6 different shades and runs $7.99 at drugstores.

Burt's Bee Lipstick

I am loving Burt's Bee products.  So far they work the best for the money.

As I love lipstick, I went to three different drugstores to find the newest lipstick - and I am not disappointed!  It comes in 14 shades - I bought two - and costs $9.99 a tube.  Claims to moisturize for 8 hours with a variety of natural ingredients.  It is a winner in my book!

L'OREAL Infallible® Le Rouge

Bought a tube of Infallible Le Rouge in Rambling Rose,  as they claim it will last 10 hours.  I put on this morning over a lip liner.  After two hours my lips where outlined in lipstick, but the center part of my mouth was devoid of color.  It is very dry and I was constantly licking my lips to moisturize them.  I looked like a clown.  I think I'll need to put a lip balm over the top if I use again and see how that goes.  It does come in 20 colors and runs $9.99 at drugstores.  If you don't mind dry lips, it might work for you!

New REVLON Products

Revlon has come out with five new mascaras.  Since I want length and volume, I purchased the Volume+Length Magnified with my CVS 25% off coupon.  The cost averages $8.99 at drugstores. Can't say it did anything for me.  Three coats to even see a difference in my lashes.  Not doing it for me!

I do like the Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor.  It is a nice alternative to a gloss, which I usually don't use because they are so gooey.  Comes in 8 different shades and is $8.99 in drugstores.

Tata Harper - 100% natural and nontoxic, antiaging skincare products

The packaging caught my eye.  I decided to try Tata Harpers natural skincare Discovery Kit for $68, as the whole product line is an investment of $540.  

There is enough product for 1.5-2 weeks of use.  Love the smell and texture of the Regenerating Cleanser and the Resurfacing Mask.  The moisturizer and serum are a bit greasy for me.  The eye creme is a small sample and I ran out within 3 days.  I cannot really tell any difference in my skin over the week I've been using it.

I don't think I would spring for the whole line but might consider the price for the cleanser.