FOR THE PARTY AFTER - Bed Head TIGI After Party

We have all been there, we go out and party all night then have to wake up early to be somewhere early.  But your hair, the one which smells like alcohol and cigarettes are not going to pass the boss's sniff test.  So I have a temporary solution.  Of course use your dry shampoo.  But afterwards use this product, Bed Head TIGI After Party.  It is smoothing cream for silky, shiny, healthy looking hair.

Press Sample Purchased by Me

It is the perfect party favor!  It is a styling aid for de-frizzing hair and can be used for any length or texture of hair!  To control the funky fly-aways and silk-ify your hair by smoothing on dry hair and carrying on with your day or party for that matter.

As you know I live in New Orleans and every year we get heat along with humidity.  When using this product, my hair stays relatively frizz-free all day. This lightweight cream adds shine and keeps hair soft, much better than the "crunchy" feel you get when using gel or mousse. I have made a few impulse TIGI buys in my time and find that sometimes the products have annoyingly sweet and somewhat chemical smells, and the products themselves have not wowed me.  This is different. The smell is sweet, but not annoying. I literally just put a tiny dab and run it through my hair--simplicity itself.

I have tried so many different hair care products but this one by far is the best for those who color their hair all the time and want their hair to be soft enough to run their fingers through! It will also give your hair a shine. You must get this!!

You may purchase Bed Head TIGI After Party at most pharmacies as well as Ulta (www.ulta.com) or www.drugstore.com.

Having a difficult time looking for the right brush which will give you a natural, soft-focused finish?  Urban Decay's Good Karma Optical Blurring brush is your answer.  Skin tone looks smoother than with sponge application, and the densely packed shape distributes product very evenly.  Fine lines seem to disappear.  And like all of the Urban Decay Brushes, it is cruelty-free.

I totally love this brush!  I use the Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush for not only foundation powder, but with liquid foundation. I put the liquid foundation onto the back of my hand and then dip the brush into the foundation.  I swirl the product all over my face, and it blends the foundation into my skin absolutely flawlessly with minimal effort.  There are even zero patches!   If you have some blemish areas, I would stipple the product on then swirl on the rest for a beautiful finish.

Now, the brush head looks small but this actually works really well to maneuver around the nose and eye areas.

I have had it for about two months now, and it is in perfect condition, same as when I bought it. It is soft, fluffy, and applies my foundation delicately and evenly. The Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush allows you to put a thin layer of foundation on and keep it all even.  I give this brush a shampoo once or twice a week and it withstands that.   This is a really soft, dense brush and for the price, you can't beat it. It is a great quality and beautiful piece for your makeup bag.  It truly has become a tool necessary for creating a flawless face.

You may purchase Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush for $25.00 at Sephora (www.sephora.com); Ulta (www.ulta.com); Urban Decay (www.urbandecay.com) and www.beauty.com.

OUI TO LIERAC DÉMAQUILLANT VELOURS - Lierac Velvet Cleansing Melting Oil/Cleansing for Eyes and Face

We all know the French are authorities when it comes to skin care.  So when I came across this product in Paris last year I bought it and loved how it felt on my skin.  When I got home, I immediately Googled the product, and yes it was available in the United States.  So on to my review of this product.

Lierac is a silky soft cleansing oil which is ideal for all skin types.  It has a lightweight texture that transforms into a milky emulsion upon contact with water to gently remove makeup and other impurities without stripping essential moisture from your skin.  Ecoskin complex blends probiotic botanicals and honey extracts to maintain your skin’s lipid barrier and prevent dryness and irritation. Macadamia and jojoba oils promote a soft and glowing texture.

Lierac immediately smoothes and softens.  It leaves your skin perfectly cleansed, and the Jojoba Oil calms and provides protection.  It is alcohol and paraben free.

To use, shake well before application. Apply to dry skin and massage gently with fingertips, then emulsify with a little water.  It can also be applied with a damp cloth. After application, rinse with lukewarm water.  It is ideal as a makeup removal.

When I did my research, the reviews were mixed.  Personally I liked the product.  I found it to be very gentle on my skin and would recommend it for that reason.

You may purchase Lierac Démaquillant Velours for $26.00 at DermStore (www.dermstore.com) and Skinstore (www.skinstore.com).

Dr. Brandt Light Years Away Whitening Cream | Is it worth the price?

There are a lot of whitening creams on the market.  Dr. Brandt's Light Years Away Whitening Cream is one of them.  It is an an intensely moisturizing whitening cream that controls discoloration while promoting a more even skin tone.  This intensely moisturizing whitening cream targets and controls hyperpigmentation, and fades existing discoloration while preventing new dark spots.  It also contains moisturizers like Hyaluronic Acid and botanicals like Lavender and Honeysuckle Extract to make this a product that encourages healthier, as well as lighter, skin.

It is recommended that you apply Dr. Brandt Light Years Away Whitening Cream to your face and neck twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.  It is also recommended that you use a 30 SPF or higher sunscreen to aid and preserve the lightening effects. 

But does it work?

Some of the advantages of this product is that is was developed by a dermatologist and has some great moisturizers. 

I would not recommend this product to a friend.  It is VERY expensive.   I could barely find any reviews for this product, making that much more difficult to recommend this product.  It has lavender oil which can irritate some people's skin.  The jar packaging is unsanitary and may cause the active ingredients to oxidize, rendering them ineffective.

You may purchase Dr. Brandt's Light Years Away Whitening Cream for $110.00 at The Skin Store (www.skinstore.com); Sephora (www.sephora.com) and Derm Store (www.dermstore.com).

THE REAL PUSH-UP LINER | Benefit's They're Real! Push-Up Liner Lash Hugging Gel Liner Pen

I did not hear of Benefit's latest gel eye liner pen until I was wandering in Sephora and saw it.  It looked cool, and when I read the description of the product I decided to purchase it.  Unlike many of the make-up bloggers and those who give tutorials on how to make a cat eye, I have yet to master this.  And I am o.k. with this.  As long as I could master a regular gel liner look, I felt as if I could blog about this liner.

According to the package of the product, it is 91% long wearing, 81% waterproof; 86% lashline hugging and 84% of the customers stated it made their eyes look visibly longer.

It has a rubber tip with a hole in the middle.  You twist the base to push up the gel liner to the tip.  Then slowly guide the tip along your lash line.  The color is a very deep black with no shine. There is no mess because the texture is a lot like a gel product.  However, it is not messy like some of the other liquid, pen-style liners.  The product stays where you put it and gives you time to smudge the liner until it sets.  It does not budge at all, which is pretty incredible considering my eyes tear like crazy from allergies. When you're done, it looks absolutely spectacular with mascara......almost like you're wearing false lashes.

I never would have thought you could create a product that is as user-friendly as liquid liners but as opaque and waterproof as gels. And yet here it is - They're Real seems to be a cute little baby of the two, inheriting mostly the best features from both parents (or worlds should I say).

Because I just recently starting using it, the one thing I don't know about is how long the pen will last, in other words how long it will take to dry up or go through all the product.

In the end, I think I will give this product an A.  I like what it has to offer and have been pleased with the results.

You may purchase the Benefit's They're Real Push-Up Liner Lash Hugging Gel Liner Pen for $24.00 at Sephora (www.sephora.com); Ulta (www.ulta.com); and HSN (www.hsn.com).

OH LORD, RELEASE ME | Philosophy's Just Release Me

How many of you are still in search of a good eye make-up remover?  You know, the kind that is not oily and leaves no residue behind.  Well ladies, I have found what you are looking for...Philosophy's Just Release Me eye make-up remover.  Your eye make up remover can be spackled on, and this eye make-up remover will take off your make-up.  The product is fragrance free too, for those with allergies.

First, you must shake the bottle before use.  Place some of the liquid on a cotton ball and swipe across your eye.  BAM!  No more make up.  This is one of the best eye make-up removers I have used.  I have tried many drugstore brands which promised to remove every stitch of eye make-up.  These brands lied to me.  None of the drugstore brands were as gentle and effective as the Philosophy Just Release Me eye make-up remover.

The product contains natural aloe, cucumber extracts, and chamomile.  These ingredients help make it so gentle that even people who wear contacts can take off their make-up without worry.  I am a contact wearer, so I have to be careful about what I put on my eyes.  This formula is very soothing and works to calm and refresh your eye area.  I have never had a problem using this product in conjunction with my contacts.  It gets every speck of eye make-up off my eyes and never leaves an oily residue. The best part about it is that I hardly have to tug on my eye area to get off the make-up.

Philosophy's Just Release Me eye make-up remover is wonderful and removes the toughest of eye make-up easily.  It is just that simple.  I will definitely purchase this product again.

You may purchase Philosophy's Just Release Me for $18.00 at Sephora (www.sephora.com); Ulta (www.ulta.com) and www.drugstore.com.

TONE & CORRECT - ELF Tone Correcting Powder

Ever want to tone down the shine on your face, but at the same time get rid of that redness or shallowness?  Well, I found the powder for you.  It's ELF Tone Correcting Powder.  I use this as a setting powder.  When I use it under my eyes, I get a "lightened" appearance.  I also use it around the area of my nose where there is some redness, and the redness is reduced.

Right after I put on my concealer, I put on ELF'S Tone Correcting Powder to make the areas more natural.  A little bit of powder goes a long way. This pressed powder lets you get the right amount of powder on your brush for the areas that you need.

I use the green shade on any dark redness I may have on my face.  I use the yellow shade under my eyes after concealer, and it helps to cover up my dark circles, and helps my concealer last longer.  I mix the blue and pink to create a lavender shade that can be used as a powder highlighter. 

Using this ELF powder after placing on your foundation will make your face nice and matte, and it will have good staying power.  Even though it is inexpensive, this product delivers a lot of bang.

The packaging is nice and sleek.  It does what it says, and gives you the flawless look that you always wanted.  As I said, it corrects redness.  It also corrects yellow, orange and gray pigments.  The application is easy, and there is a large mirror that is unlike any other compact powder.  The only problem I have found is that the product does not come with an applicator.

You may purchase the ELF Tone Correcting Powder at www.eyeslipsface.com for $3.00.

GET ACTIVE AND BLOCK THAT SUN - Frezyderm Active Block SPF 25 Anti-Aging Photoprotective Cream

So we all know that we have to wear sunblock when we go out.  But what we don't want is that thick, goopy sunblock so that when we apply it, it feels as if we as are spackling it on our face.  But I have come across a facial sunblock that works.  It is Frezyderm Active Block SPF 25 Anti-Aging Photoprotective Cream.

The product is formulated with peptides for the activation of genes youth.  It provides photoprotection with UVA and UVB  sunscreen filters, hyaluronic acid (gel used to treat wrinkles and folds), and anti-aging agents to ensure the complete care against the first sign of aging.  It helps prevent the first signs of aging, and helps to keep the skin on your face and neck smooth, firm and young.  It also increases the metabolic and regenerative functions of skin cells.  IT REDUCE WRINKLES!  Praise the Lord!

It is a special anti-aging day cream in that it contains moisturizing ingredients in addition to sun protection. Frezyderm is completely integrated to protect against fine lines, wrinkles and dull complexion.  When you start using this product, you will see your skin maintain a smooth, firm and youthful appearance.

Frezyderm, Active Block SPF 25 Anti-Aging Photoprotective Cream comes in a 50ml container. This is the first time that I recommend something you have to purchase from overseas. I recommend going to the UK Amazon website to purchase it.  It is available at www.amazon.co.uk for UK£20.15.

IT IS VERY ESSENTIAL - Murad's Essential - C Cleanser

I have blogged about other facial cleansers, but I have used this before and felt the need to share how great this cleanser is.  It cleanses and purifies environmental damaged skin by washing away environmental impurities, and restoring moisture to dehydrated skin.  I have blogged and blogged about my dry skin.  This cleanser really helps, and I have used it for months with great results!

I had a friend with oily skin who tried this product and had very good results as well.  After and a few weeks, her skin was flat and there were very few pimples and whiteheads.  Around that "time of the month" she may break out, but after using this product the whiteheads had disappeared.

I find that it does not strip my skin and is moisturizing.  It has made my skin clearer and more bright.  There is a nice citrus smell which I find to be refreshing and calming.  It feels as if I am giving myself a facial everyday.  It removes my makeup, impurities, oil and dirt and makes my skin feel so very silky.  There are no dramatic/magical results, but it does not harm my sensitive skin.  My skin has not looked better.  I would definitely recommend this cleanser as a general cleanser for those with sensitive skin.  It is a great, clean, effective product.

You may purchase Murad's Essential - C Cleanser for $36.00 at Sephora (www.sephora.com); Ulta (www.ulta.com) and www.murad.com.

THE IT LASH - Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara

I have always loved the Christian Dior mascaras.  For a very long time I used the Diorshow Blackout mascara.  I really liked the dramatic look it gave my lashes.  After Diorshow Blackou,t I tried Benefit's They're Real.  Benefit's mascara was good.  It did what it promised and made my lashes long and luscious.  Now Dior has it's new mascara and it is to die for!  Dior Addict It-Lash is super fantastic.

 One coat looks great, but wait until you try two coats......absolutely sexy.   

This volumizing mascara comes in four colors; black, purple, pink and blue.  I chose the black color, which is pitch black, vibrant and glossy.  The brush is silicone with a "ball" tip (see photo below) in order to get the inner and lower lashes.  Benefit had the same kind of brush, but for a couple of dollars more you can get a mascara that allows for easy application, volumizes without clumping, and separates and defines every lash.  The formula is easy to layer for high volume.  The formula is also water soluable, which allows for easy removal.  The container is similar to the other Dior Addict lipstick and lipglosses, with the small silver ball decoration at the top.

Sorry Benefit, but you have been replaced.  I will continue to buy Dior Addict It Lash because of the lack of clumping or running and easy removal.  Overall it is a great mascara and one great deal!

You can purchase Dior Addict It Flash for $26.00 at Sephora (www.sephora.com); Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com) and Macy's (www.macys.com).

OH SO CREAMY - NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

I don't know about you, but finding the right concealer can be very time consuming.  It can't be too light or too dark.  It can't be too thick or too thin.  You want to save money, but don't want a cheaply made product.  I believe I have found the right concealer.  It is NARS' Radiant Creamy Concealer.  I read about it in an article in Allure magazine (I forget which issue), and thought I would give it a shot.  I was very impressed.

The product is very creamy, has excellent coverage, a good range of colors, and is long lasting.  It is a doe-footed applicator, which I personally prefer.  The color I used was Custard, a medium shade.  The shade is close to the color of my skin.  Personally, I rather use a concealer which is closer to my skin tone because I found that I get better coverage. Blending the concealer is a breeze with either your fingers or a brush.  It covered the redness around my nose and even the darkness under my eyes.  I have used it during a break-out and you could not even tell something was there. Just plain, flawless skin.  When using the product under my eyes, I do use a good eye cream mainly as skin care.  It has nothing to do with the product itself, but I found that it does help prevent any creasing.  I then set it with powder.  Afterwards, I go about my day.  I usually don't wear foundation unless I am going out for the evening.

I am always looking for a high quality concealer, and this is spot on.  I would recommend this concealer to anyone in search of something with medium to full coverage.

You may purchase NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer for $29.00 at Sephora (www.sephora.com), Nordstrom's (www.nordstrom.com) and Neiman Marcus (www.neimanmarcus.com).

GET THAT SHEER TRANSFORMATION | OleHENDRIKSEN Sheer Transformation Oil-Free Perfecting Creme

So everyone knows just how difficult it is to find a good moisturizer.  Lord knows I have tried many products to find "The One."  Well I was speaking to an employee at Sephora, and she introduced me to OleHENDRIKSEN Sheer Transformation Oil-Free Perfecting Creme.  It repairs skin with vitamin C complex, licorice root and pea extract.  There was no tingling sensation, just a smooth and light application.

From first glance this product looks like a typical thick white cream which will clog your pores, but it does not.  The moisturizer is an oil-free, light weight moisturizer as it gently exfoliates and even fades dark spots.  I truly love this stuff.  It feels so silky and amazing going on.  It is my current daytime summer moisturizer.  It has a very light texture and is very hydrating on my dry skin.  It even smoothed out dry, rough patches on my face.  This has a very high concentration of vitamin C, which helps boosts my skin defenses against sun damage.  I wear it under my foundation everyday.  If you have oily skin fear not.  This product will not break you out.  And if you have oily skin that is craving moisturizer, I do recommend this product.  I wish that this product came in a pump, but since it is in a jar, it does allow me to get all of the product out of the container. I also like that it is unscented and not greasy to the touch.

You can purchase this product at Sephora (www.sephora.com) $14.00-$58.00 (0.5oz to 2.5oz) and Skinstore (www.skinstore.com) $40.00 (1.7 oz).

BE A LIPSTICK LEGEND -Smashbox's Be Legendary Lipstick in Honey

Every woman is in search of the perfect lipstick:  one that is not too creamy, not too dry, not too pigmented, but not too sheer.  Well, I believe I have found a good balanced lipstick that you won't mind trying. It is Smashbox's Be Legendary Lipstick.  I chose the color Honey.

The Be Legendary lipstick is long-wearing and feels moisturizing.  The color Honey is a more natural shade.  I have medium toned skin, and it pairs well with my skin tone.  It is a great mix of pink and beige.  It gives enough color so that the lipstick does not disappear into my skin tone or make my skin appear dull. The lipstick has a slight tacky, creamy feeling, which stays on your lips for hours.  Now I am a great fan of MAC's lipstick, but I almost prefer this lipstick than MAC's lipstick since it stays on longer.  There is a very slight vanilla scent, but it is almost undetectable.  That is great for people who have allergies.  I highly recommend this color if you are looking for a nude tone which won't wash you out.  Plus, you will not be reaching for your Chapstick when you wear this lipstick!  If you think the lipstick is too sheer for your taste, do not worry.  Coverage is buildable and will remain natural looking even with the added coverage.

I love this lipstick, and will absolutely be buying more shades.  As an added tip, if you find this lipstick to be too moisturizing, pat you lips with a little powder for an instant matte look.

Smashbox's Be Legendary lipstick may be purchased at Sephora (www.sephora.com) and Ulta (www.ulta.com) for $20.00.

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE IS NOT A BAD THING AFTER ALL | Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Color Pencil

During my recent trip to Sephora, I came across the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics display.  I have passed by it many times before, but this time I decided to stop and look.  That is when I came across their eyeliner pencil.

The liner that I chose was the color Tarred, a deep black color.  I absolutely love this eyeliner.  You won't believe how this creamy liner glides across my lid. There was no skipping or tugging. The color is super pigmented and does not feather.  There are some people that state it lasted all day long.  Mine lasted nearly ten hours before needing a touch up. Not too bad for my taste.  The pencils are not only for the eyes, it can be used for the lips and body too!  The colors range from everyday naturals to bright hues.  And if you are an animal rights advocate, you feel good about using this product.  It is 100% vegan and cruelty free, something I feel strongly about. 

There are 12 colors for the eyes, lips and body.  I should state that most of them are safe to use on the eyes, lips and body, but there are some colors that can only be used on the body and lips.
 
The eyeliner reminds me a lot of the Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner.  The consistency of the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is excellent.  It is a fantastic find and I would recommend it to a friend.  This product can be purchased at www.sephora.com or at a Sephora store.

SUMMERTIME TRAVEL - OLAY FOAMING FACE WASH

I don't know about you, but when I travel I am somewhat hesitant about bringing my more expensive face care products.  I worry that I am going to forget that expensive face wash and moisturizer at the hotel, or that it gets lost along with my luggage. So I like to travel with products that are good, but don't cost a great deal of money.  One of the products I use to clean my face is Olay Foaming Face Wash.  It is made for sensitive skin, fragrance free and 100% soap free.  Therefore, my face doesn't feel as if my skin has been sanded down with sand paper.  And for those with oily skin, it will definitely help balance your skin.

Olay Foaming Face Wash Directions for Use

On occasion I have used the cleanser with my Clairisonic.  I have gotten great results.  It really helped get rid of those dead skin cells, and left my skin smooth and clean.

You also get a lot of product for your money.  The Olay Foaming Face Wash costs $4.99, and comes with 7.0 oz of cleanser.  And as much as I love my Philosophy Purity, you have to admit that if you accidentally leave this in your hotel room, you are not going to feel it in your wallet as much.

Bottom line, if you are on a budget or just don't want to travel with your expensive beauty products, I recommend that you give this cleanser a try.  Olay Foaming Face Wash is gentle and not greasy.  It improved my skin texture and left it feeling clean and moisturized.  This cleanser can be used on all types of skin, even oily and dry.  Also, since it does not have any fragrance, it is that much more gentle on your skin.

The Olay Foaming Face Wash may be purchased at your local drugstore, www.ulta.com and www.drugstore.com.

Happy travels!

Wet N' Wild Megalength - Does It Do Its Job?

While shopping at Wal-Mart the other day, I came across this mascara; Wet N' Wild Megalength Mascara.  It promised 80% longer looking lashes in just one sweep, and at $2.97, how could I go wrong?  Well, sometimes you get what you pay for, and in this case it held true.

Now don't get me wrong.  I was not expecting miracles at $2.97.  But I was hoping for a little more than what I got.  The packaging was not very impressive. I have never been a huge fan of plastic bristles for mascara.  I find that it underachieves, and you never get a fully polished look.  With the Wet N' Wild Megalength Mascara I found the wand to be very flimsy.  My lashes were separated, but I did not think that my lashes appeared longer than they usually do.

My lashes are naturally dark, and I like mascaras that make my lashes appear darker than they are without mascara.  I noticed with this mascara there was very little intensity in color.  Yes, the mascara was black.  But I disagree with Wet N' Wild when it calls this mascara "very black."  When looking for a dark mascara, I think of Maybelline's GreatLash or Tarte's Amazon Clay mascara.  But in this case, the color was just plain old black.

There is one redeeming quality about this mascara.  While it does not work for your upper lashes, it works well for your bottom lashes.  The small bristles work well at getting the bottom lashes to show.  Sometimes with an average size wand, I have problems getting my bottom lashes to show as well as my upper lashes.  So if you are like me, with mouse like bottom lashes then go pick up a tube of the Wet N' Wild Megalength Mascara.

In the end, if you are searching for a good quality mascara that lengthens your upper lashes I would pass on this mascara.  However, if you are planning on using the mascara for only your bottom lashes, then I would recommend the Wet N' Wild Megalength Mascara.

Leave of Absence

I apologize for not writing sooner.  I am going to need to take a leave of absence until Feb 3, 2013 for personal reasons.  I hate having to do this as I have come love all my viewers but this is something I need to do.  I hope you understand and wish me luck.
Thank you and I will see you Feb 3, 2013.

Erica

MARVELOUS! - bareMinerals Hot to Trot Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss set

I know that the holidays are over, but I just had to write about the bareMineals Hot to Trot Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss set.  So far, I really like this set.  Usually when I put on lipgloss and try to have a conversation, the lipgloss is gone as soon as I am finished speaking.  With the Hot to Trot Marvelous Moxie, I do not have this problem.  I can have an actual conversation without worrying about reapplying my lipgloss after the conversation is over.

The glosses are pigmented, glossy, thick and sticky.  Once the lipgloss is on your lips, you will feel a slight tingling sensation as your lips become plump with a wonderful minty smell and flavor.  The set has six lipglosses ranging from a shimmery nude to a dark berry color.

From Left to Right: Maverick; Crowd Surfer; Smooth Talker; Firecracker; Smarty Pants and Dreamer

The bareMinerals Hot to Trot Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss set is equipped with a slight slant which allows you to you saturate your lips with color in a single swipe.

The six piece collection leaves you with lush, pouty, fuller-looking lips, complete with a luminous shine.  How can you resist lipgloss like this?  Personally, I like this set and would recommend it to a friend.

The bareMinerals Hot to Trot Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss set retails for $25.00.  It may be purchased at Nordstroms, Ulta, Dillard's and www.bareesscentuals.com.

REVENGE IS MINE! - DERMAdoctor Wrinkle Revenge 1

Want to start the process of getting rid of those breakouts?  Wrinkle Revenge 1 is calling your name.  The facial cleanser rescues you from the ravages of daily life that can prematurely deprive it of youthful, vibrant glow.

This is actually a great cleanser for people with oily skin.  I will, however, tell you now that it will NOT stop your face from producing oil.  However, it will help you with your break-outs.  The secret to all of this is the glycolic acid used in the product.  For years glycolic acid has made break throughs for those who have oily skin.

To clean your face with this product you must first always remember to start off with a dry face with no makeup.  If you have makeup on, try using your favorite oil mix cleanser, pat your face dry, and then use the DERMAdoctor Wrinkle Revenge 1 facial cleanser.  Always remember to use this product on a dry face because using it with water will neutralize the glycolic acid, and you will have a useless product.  I should note that glycolic acid is not known for sudsing up, so do not expect suds like some other cleansers on the market.  After washing, you can always use a serum or moisturizer.  After using the DERMAdoctor several times, some users have seen their skin clear up and have a youthful glow.

TIP:  If you are worried about your sensitive skin, I would go to a store which retails this product (i.e. Sephora) and request a sample of the DERMAdoctor Wrinkle Revenge 1.  The sample is free and you do not lose any of your hard earned money.

DERMAdoctor Wrinkle Revenge 1 retails for $25.00. It may be purchased at Sephora, Macy's, Nordstrom and www.dermadoctor.com.

TOO FACED CANDY BAR POP-OUT MAKEUP PALETTE

As you have already noticed, this palette is not the same Candy Bar as seen in most stores.  This Too Faced Candy Bar palette comes with an IPhone 5 Series case.  Since I am an Android phone user, I do not get to use this, so it will be passed down to a good friend (I feel so left out).  The palette comes with 11 eyeshadows, one bronzer and one blush.

From the outside, the palette looks like an unwrapped chocolate bar.  On the inside, the entire palette has been infused with cocoa powder, giving the palette a sweet smell of hot chocolate.  YUM!  The palette is  just small enough to fit in your purse.  But just because it is small do not think it comes packed with as much finesse as the larger chocolate palette.

11 Eyeshadows

Blush and Bronzer

This palette creates a nice neutral day look to a smokey-eyed, sultry evening look.  The colors are highly pigmented, but there was a little fall out with the eyeshadow.  The matte colors and the shimmery colors blended well, and went on without creasing.

The palette includes Too Faced's famous bronzer Chocolate Soleil to help give you that sun-kissed glow in this harsh winter weather.  Also, the palette has a pinkish-coral blush.  The blush is nice, but since I cannot wear coral well, it really doesn't fit me.

The pans area is a little small, and I did have some problems with colors mixing together.  But overall, this palette is good.  I would gladly carry it in my purse for a touch-up or to create a look to go out in.

The palette retails for $25.00.  It may be purchased at Ulta, Macy's and www.toofaced.com.

BRIGHT UP YOUR LIFE - Pop Beauty Eyeshadow Palette

Looking for a palette to help you achieve an everyday look to a smokey eye for night?  Then this palette of bare must-have eyeshadows will make it easy to bring out and enhance the natural beauty of your eyes.

The Naturally Bare kit is anything but boring!  It is shimmery but definitely not overkill.  The shadow is highly pigmented and does a great job at half the price of the Naked palette.  The colors blend well and worked nicely into my skin.  Also, the shadows stayed in place without creasing or smudging.  The colors are great and diverse. The consistency is fantastic and the shadows went on easily.

Let's talk about the packaging.  It is slightly flimsy and the shadows come in your standard round pots.  The bottom is rubber, which is a change for me.  I did find that it trapped dirt and smudged easily.  But that's the bottom where you hardly anyone looks.

I would recommend this to a friend.  The colors are great and easier on the wallet than some others you may find.  However, if you are not a fan of shimmer, then you may not want to buy this palette, but you may find something with the other two palettes.  I am a huge fan of this palette.

The Bright Up Your Life Naturally Bare palette retails for $24.00.  It may be purchased at Ulta, www.beautybridge.com and www.birchbox.com.

STICK vs. BRUSH. WHO WILL WIN? Covergirl+Olay Concealer Balm and Becca Radiant Skin Creamy Concealer

Two concealers.  One in a brush format, the other in a stick format.  So which one is better?

I will start with the CoverGirl+Olay Concealer Balm.  I have to admit that I have become obsessed with finding the right concealer.  So far, I have not found a good concealer.  I really don't have dark circles to conceal, but I want something that will give me a finished, flawless look.  I saw a good review of the CoverGirl+Olay Concealer Balm and decided to try it.  What sets this apart is that it really goes on like a balm.  It is very creamy and soft.  Lately when I have used a concealer, it gets cakey.  It does not matter what serum or how much moisturizer I use.  But with this product I did not experience any caking.  It went on smoothly, and it evens out and finishes my skin tone.

Now what about Becca Radiant Skin Creamy Concealer?  Well, in one word it sucked.  When I initially used the concealer, it took a long time for me to get the product on the brush after turning the bottom.  Afterwards, when I applied the product, it came on so thick I could not blend it.  It settled into every crack and fine line on my face.  It was not a pretty sight.

In the end, CoverGirl+Olay Concealer Balm wins.  You don't always have to spend a lot of money to get great results.  So save some dollars and go and get  your CoverGirl+Olay stick.

CoverGirl+Olay Concealer Balm retails for $10.49. It may be purchased at WalMart, Target and your local drugstore.

Becca Radiant Skin Creamy Concealer retails for $32.00.  It may purchased at Sephora, www.dermstore.com and www.beccacosmetics.com.

HOURGLASS VEIL MINERAL PRIMER

First, I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  I wonder what this year will bring?

Almost everyone today uses some type of primer before using their foundation.  But since there are so many primers on the market, which one is the best to use?  Try Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer has an SPF of 15 and is also a corrector.  The primer is white, looks and feels like a lotion.  But when you put it on your face....OH MY LORD!  It is so soft and silky making your face feel luxurious.  For those that have oily skin, your face will feel less oily and more fresh and dewy looking.


There are other pros for using this product.  It will mask your pores and will help control shine in the T-zone area.  The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is water resistant which makes your makeup last all day.  It is fragrance free, and you only need a little bit when applying, so your bottle will last longer.  Also, when you use the product and place your foundation on top, the foundation will feel smooth and silky.

The primer is in a sleek glass bottle and comes with a dispenser.  It dries quickly and doesn't feel sticky when applied.  The trick to using this product is to let it dry BEFORE you apply your foundation.

I found the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer to be matte.  It perfected my foundation, helping it last for hours.  If you are oily the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer will help your foundation go on smoothly.  If you have dry skin, I suggest putting on your favorite moisturizer first and letting it dry.  Then put the primer on and let that dry.  Finally, put on the Hourglass primer.

The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer gave me a flawless glow, and I am sure it will do the same for you.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer 1 oz. retails for $52.00.  It may be purchased at Sephora, Barneys New York and www.hourglasscosmetics.com.