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Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara, Carbon Black 06
First to recommend
Description
When I think of Neutrogena, I admit that mascara is not the first thing that comes to mind, which is why I've probably never tried one from this line before. But in a quest to find more and more drugstore, budget-friendly products (that work really well!), I was excited when I was asked to give this a go.
I have to say this mascara not only met my expectations but exceeded them for nice volume and a pretty, every day effect. The packaging is unique, with a separate tube for the mascara and the brush placed separately. When I opened the package, I unscrewed the mascara tube then placed the brush inside of it. The brush on the mascara wand is VERY large, and the mascara formula itself is a "drier" one.
With the larger brush, I found that it did an excellent job of coating each lash. I got a fairly dramatic increase in volume without any clumps, and it really opened up my eyes. I was able to control the brush well and could sculpt my lashes easily. The mascara defined and separated my lashes very nicely and there was no flaking during the day. My lashes don't feel all dry/hard or "crunchy" (which I hate!) once the mascara dried.
I also loved the fact this formula has olive oil and nutrients to condition my lashes. At night the mascara came off easily (I used the waterproof version, but they also have a regular version). All in all, this is a perfect mascara for those of you looking for a nice, healthy, lush everyday lash look. This is easily one of the best drugstore mascaras out there right now. (via Palacinka)
Updated Apr 21, 2009
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Creme de la Mer, The Body Refiner
First to recommend
Description
If we were told any other skin care brand had actual diamonds (1.75 carats of pure diamond dust) in their body scrub, we would either 1.) not believe them or 2.) think it was just a publicity stunt and not effective.
However, this is Creme de la Mer - and you know how we feel about Creme de la Mer.
Suffice it to say the diamonds, sea mud, tourmaline and all the other fabulous elements that went into making this body refiner are as effective and luxurious and all of our other favorite La Mer products (Check out our Best of La Mer This Next List!)
The scrub is very soft and pliable and very lightweight. As soon as I applied it to slightly dampened skin, I noticed the sparkle (diamonds!) and liked that it had a significant amount of tightly packed fine grains that gave me a fantastic scrub.
After rinsing off the scrub, my skin was not only smoother and baby soft, but I actually felt and saw the moisture that had been put back into my skin - it was glowing and I didn't have to use much post-shower body moisturizer at all. I used this 2x week for several weeks and was just so excited by the results.This is a phenomenal product, and absolutely what I would expect from the geniuses at Creme de la Mer! If you are looking for a little self indulgent body care purchase for yourself this spring, this is the one. (via Palacinka)
Updated Apr 6, 2009
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Hissyfit Body Double Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30+
First to recommend
Description
I've been in a bit of a body moisturizer rut lately, so this came at the perfect time for me. I wanted a great feeling, great smelling, light but super moisturizing product - that also has SPF for at least moderate daily outdoor exposure.
Body Double, from new Australian skincare line Hissyfit, hit the mark in all the categories above for me. I loved the creamy, silky light texture of the lotion and the fragrance is really nice! It's a little sweet/a little tart - (think a Creamsicle) from the blend of Vanilla, Almond, Orange and Grapefruit extracts it contains.
After applying 1x day after a shower my skin was noticeably softer and smoother, but without a trace of greasiness. The lotion absorbed quickly but had a nice "moist" effect that I liked. I was left with a subtle sheen on my skin and with regular use I could tell that my skin was really supple throughout the day. It's a nice size for travel and I found it was very concentrated to a few pumps went a long way to make it budget friendly as well (via Palacinka)
Updated Apr 6, 2009
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Marc Jacobs Splash - Cucumber
First to recommend
2 people recommended this item
Description
I know I like the taste of cucumbers, but some of the cucumber scented beauty products that I've smelled over the years just didn't capture that essence for me, so I put the concept of cucumber fragrances in the back of my mind.
That is until now. I recently had the opportunity to try the limited edition Marc Jacobs Splash - Cucumber . I was so amazed at how fresh, clean and crisp it smelled - and actually reminded me of how I feel when I eat cucumbers (it's not an exact copy - but rather a really smart and modern scent influenced by the essence of Cucumber).
The top notes are very light and refreshing - a watery cucumber and linden flower are what jumped out on my skin first. I got grassy notes as well which were subtle and blended well with the cucumber and flower notes. Perfect for warm spring and summer days.
The dry down creates a very pretty, light woodiness which was not powdery or overbearing. It was uplifting and yet comforting at the same time. Since it's splash, this is not a very long lasting scent, but I found that it was great to apply in the morning, the afternoon for a pick up if I was able, and at the end of the day. It's so delightful I loved applying it anyway!
If you are looking for something refreshing that is not a citrus or a fruity floral this is perfect. This can be worn on all occasions and will be just the scent you want when it gets super hot this summer and your sweeter, heavier perfumes get stifling.
Another plus - the bottle is large enough that you can use it daily and really have it around for a long time. I used it 2-3 times a day for weeks and still have a large amount left in the bottle. You can also use this during the day by decanting some from the large bottle into an atomizer.
Since this is a limited edition, I suggest getting a bottle (or two) for the soon-to-be-here warmer days ahead or for your tropical get aways! (via Palaicnka)
Updated Apr 6, 2009
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Clinique Quick Blush: Pronto Pink
First to recommend
Description
There are innovations in the beauty world every day. Some more worthy of mention than others- and this powder blush, housed in the cap LID of Clinique Quick Blush is one of them.
This was so perfect for all the on the go moments on my life. The blush and brush are inside of a chubby silver cylinder. I just twisted the cyliner to allow the brush to reach the powder blush inside the cap on the other end. The color, Pronto Pink, is a medium rose pink (cool) with light shimmer. It gave me a beautiful healthy flush. The staying power was good, and I generally added a little in the evening if I was going out for a little more pop.
This is a very pretty, uncomplicated pink that many women can wear, and would work best up to a Kerry Washington shade. The brush itself is very soft but firm, and deposited the perfect amount on color on the brush - amazing! The Quick Blush tube is the perfect size and very lightweight.
The pretty shade and wonderful application method make this one of my favorite new items for the spring, and will be perfect for summer get-aways! (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 22, 2009
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Dove go fresh Body Mist, Energizing Grapefruit & Lemongrass Scent
First to recommend
Description
LOVE, bracing, energizing scents in the morning -
Grapefruit/Lemon/Citrus notes are what I reach for time and time again. Now I've discovered a great drugstore product that gives me all of that AND a bargain that can reach for all the time!
Dove go fresh Body Mist, Energizing Grapefruit & Lemongrass Scent is a great, clean fragrance that was not too strong or overpowering - but still bright, clear and noticeable on my skin.
I found that the trick to getting this body spray to really have staying power (remember: body mists are really not meant to be long lasting fragrances), is to apply body lotion first, right out of the shower, so skin is very moisturized, then I sprayed two rounds of the mist on my pulse points (wrist, inside elbows, backs of knees). Note: Dove also makes a line of products in this scent which you can also use to layer - body wash, bar soap and deodorant.
This is a spot on multi-citrus scent that refreshes and energizes - perfect for spring/summer and also post work out or plane travel. Since it's fairly small it's also easy to put in your purse if you want to refresh at the end of the day - the scent is that lovely that you really will want to -- like I did almost every day! (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 22, 2009
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Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick
First to recommend
Description
For a convenient way to touch up discoloration, blemishes and under eye circles, nothing beats Bobbi's new Face Touch Up Stick!
This concealer is in a small twist up stick which I would apply directly if I was on the go, or with the touch up brush by Bobbi Brown. The stick offers medium coverage and the texture is extremely creamy and hydrating. I used this in the Honey shade and it was a perfect match. It was easy to blend and had great lasting power. If I was able to apply power to set, I got great coverage throughout the day. On the go without powder, I certainly got staying power for 4-5 hours. There was no slipping, flaking or melting.
This is the perfect product to use for those of you that just have small spot coverage needs for general daily use. Perfect for travel and throwing into your bag because of the size. I love it and will always have one of these with me. (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 22, 2009
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Smashbox 'Muse' Artist Eye Palette
First to recommend
Description
My first thought when I saw the packaging and shades in this eye shadow palette was "How Pretty!" -- and after using it I had the very same thought.
This is a wonderful palette to achieve a nice soft pastel effect (which means if you are looking for very bright, intense eye shades this is not for you). There are 10 shades included, all very neutral, spanning from very wearable greys and light pinks to deeper purples, blues and browns*. All of the colors were silky smooth and easy to blend, and upon application, I noted that they were all nicely subduded and had a lovely "soft glow". The shadows are soft, smooth, pigmented, and not chalky despite them being pastels, which was very impressive.
The eyeshadows were very wearable and perfect for everyday looks or for a more casual evening eye. The effect is sheer and though they are pigmented and you can build the color, it's more luminescent. There is a light dusting of shimmer in the shadows that is perfect. I loved that no matter what combination of shades I used, everything blended nicely together and gave me a lovely look. The colors lasted throughout the day with a light layer of primer with no creasing or fading.
The shadows are very close to their regular sized shadows and the palette also includes a nice brush. The purple and brown shades in particular were my favorites and I got a lot of different looks from them. Beause of how neutral and soft all of the shades are, this will also work for all skin tones! The palette is great for travel and perfect for a quick dash of color in the morning that you don't have to think to hard about and then get out of the door!
*The neutral (not too cool or warm) colors included in this palette are : Biscuit, Chocolate, Soft Green, Dark Celery Green, Light Silver Blue, Dark Blue Grey, Sheer Lilac, Deep Orchid, Rose Copper, Coffee. (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 22, 2009
Carol's Daughter Essential Serum
First to recommend
Description
This serum, part of Carol's Daughter's "Bring in the Moisture" new skin care line, is really a wonderul combination of hydrating, fragrant oils which I loved applying and was extremely effective at moisturizing my skin.
I used as directed, after cleansing my face, adding a few drops (just 2 or 3 drop are all that's needed for the face) in my hands, rubbing them together and then applying to my face in a circular motion. I concentrated on my cheeks, forehead and outer eye area where I have the most dryness and fine lines. Please note: because of the types of oils contained within the serum (Essential Oils of Ylang-Ylang, Carrot Seed, Patchouli, Calendula, Peppermint, Rosemary and Fennel), it is very fragrant . I happen to enjoy scented products and this one is lovely, but if you are extremely sensitive to smells this may not work for you.
After just the application of the serum my skin's appearance improved. The drier areas were hydrated without any heavy or greasy feel or appearance, and it worked well with a light layer of moisturizer over it for particularly cold/dry days. I used this day and night for several weeks and loved not only how great my skin looked, but really appreciated all the natural oils that it contains.
I was a little worried that the oils would cause issues with my makeup application or staying power, but in fact it made the makeup even easier to apply and my skin stayed hydrated all day, so my foundation/powder in particular, remained in tact as well. This is a wonderful product for drier skins and I can't wait to see what the rest of the Bring in the Moisture Collection has in store. (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 15, 2009
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Sephora: Benefit Cosmetics Coralista: Blush
2 people recommended this item
Description
I happen to love coral cosmetics shades. Benefit's Coralista face powder combines the best features of the color with some really pretty extras that I loved.
This shade is very pigmented and has the perfect amount of pink and orange that made it work with many different skin tones among our Palacinka testers. On very warm skin tones there was a bit more orange that popped out and on cooler I noted the pinks. This color worked well on shades as wide ranging as those similar to a Catherine Zeta-Jones through an Iman. I loved how flattering it was and how brightened up my face instantly.
It should be noted that this is, in fact, a face powder, and not a blush. This just means that while you can certainly apply directly on the cheeks with a blush brush, as I did at times, it's really meant for highlighting the temples, cheekbones, bridge of nose and even brow bones. Please note: it looks VERY bright in the box, but it is light and sheer going on. There is a medium level of fine shimmer effect. With a light layer of the powder, it didn't produce a super bright color, but rather a glowing shimmer effect. (This means that it is perfect for using along with your favorite blush as well). However, because of the pigments, it's still a buildable color and if you like, with additional applications, you can achieve more of a true rich, deep color shade, which looks fantastic on skin tones in the Serena Williams range.
The island themed box packaging is adorable and quite large, so this will last a fairly long time. It also has a really nice light citrus scent which I found refreshing. This is a wonderful additional to your makeup collection for Spring and you will definitely use it for seasons to come! (via Palacinka)
Updated Mar 15, 2009
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