Beauty

Makeup Be Gone!

July 8, 2008

I know this might come as a suprise since I am a self-proclaimed beauty product junkie, but I have never used makeup remover prior to last week. While I was at my friend’s house, I used her Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover and have been obsessed with it ever since. You guys know how much I love mascara and eyeliner so it’s quite unbelievable that it’s taken me so long to use products that are actually made for taking off makeup.

Now I can easily remove my 2 coats of mascara without worrying about the black stains that I’m creating on all of my face towels. This is like the best discovery ever; I don’t think I’ll ever go back to my old-fashioned way of vigorously rubbing with warm water again!

Do you use makeup remover daily?

I guess they all do the same thing, but check out some of these:

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover available at www.drugstore.com for $7.99

Too Faced Lash Injection Antidote Gel Eye Makeup Remover available at www.sephora.com for $23.50

The Balm Balms Away Eye Makeup Breakup available at www.beauty.com for $19

Prescriptives Better Off Fast Acting Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover available at www.prescriptives.com for $18

Physicians Formula Eye Makeup Remover Pads available at www.drugstore.com for $5.99

Jane Iredale the Skincare Makeup Magic Mitt available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $15

Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover available at www.clinique.com for $15.50

Model Co. Liquid Buds Makeup Remover available at www.beautyhabit.com for $12

Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover available at www.nordstrom.com for $16.50

Lancome Bi-Facil Makeup Remover available at www.lancome.com for $26

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Category: Beauty, Makeup Remover | 24 Comments

Eye-Catching Lines

June 26, 2008

When you want to make your eyes appear wide-eyed and bright, reach for a liner. Using liner is essential to defining eyes and making them pop with a flattering look. While some BGs prefer to use liquid liners for a more precise line, others might opt for more user-friendly kohl pencils – I’ve used both.

For the daytime applying liner to the upper lid is key, while using it on the top and bottom for special outings, nights out on the town or dinner dates creates a more glamorous appearance. Although black is the most popular shade for us BGs, some makeup artists taut white liner a la 1970s as a must-have because it opens the eyes making them appear bigger and brighter.

No matter what liner you use, always choose a waterproof formula to help prevent smudging.

Would you ever try white eyeliner? Do you prefer liquid or pencils? What’s your favorite brand?

Check out some of these:

Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Bronze Collection available at www.sephora.com for $35

My absolute favorite, Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black available at www.drugstore.com for $6.47

Urban Decay Liquid Liner available at www.sephora.com for $18

Lorac “Front of the Line” Waterproof Liquid Liner available at www.sephora.com for $20

Laura Mercier Creamy Cake Eyeliner in Caviar available at www.sephora.com for $22

Keyvn Aucoin Beauty Kohl Eye Pencil available at www.sephora.com for $24

Jane Iredale the Skincare Makeup Eye Highlighter Pencil in White/Pink available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $15

Clinique Eye Defining Liquid Liner available at www.clinique.com for $14.50

Covergirl Outlast Smoothwear All Day Liner available at www.drugstore.com for $6.29

Having a small, MAC pencil sharpener handy is always a good idea – available at www.maccosmetics.com for $3

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Category: Beauty | 18 Comments

Double-Duty Moisturizers

June 19, 2008

I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of foundations; but tinted moisturizers with SPFs are nice alternatives. These light-weight formulas do double-duty because they act as an SPF moisturizer, which protects your skin from the sun, as well as provide a bit of coverage. They’re especially great to use during the summer when you don’t want to apply a heavy base. With tinted moisturizers, you can forgo your foundation, which allows your skin to breathe. Plus, you can still maintain a fresh and sheer look without looking “made-up.”

The best part is that they’re just like us BGs, you can find them in all shades!

Have you ever used tinted moisturizers?

Check out some of these:

Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 available at www.sephora.com for $30

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer available at www.walgreens.com for $10.99

Laura Mercier Oil-free Tinted Moisturizer available at www.sephora.com for $42

Lancome Aqua Fusion Continuous Infusing Tinted Moisturizer available at www.dillards.com for $37

Jane Nearly Foundation Tinted Moisturizer available at www.walgreens.com for $4.99

Jane Iredale the Skincare Makeup Dream Tint Moisturizer available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $36

DuWop Revolution Face Tint Moisturizer available at www.beautyhabit.com for $29

Skin Tint Moisturizing Treatment SPF 30 available at www.sephora.com for $42

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Category: Beauty, Tinted Moisturizers | 21 Comments

Happy Feet!

June 18, 2008

Now that summer is officially only a few days away, it’s time to sport those cute toe-baring shoes if you haven’t already! In order to wear your killer gladiator sandals or fabulous peep-toe pumps with confidence, having a nice pedicure is mandatory. Having chipped polish and ashy heels is not a good look and can take away from your overall BG chicness.

Do you give yourself at-home pedicures?

Check out some of these products that will keep your feet pretty:

Just for You Pedicure Implement Kit available at www.sallybeauty.com for $9.99

Winning Nails Fun-shaped Toe Separators available at www.sallybeauty.com for $1.99

Homedics Pedicure Spa Salon Foot Bath with Heat available at www.ulta.com for $49.99

Tweezerman Glass Pedicure File available at www.tweezerman.com for $15

Bliss Super Slough Scrub available at www.drugstore.com for $34

Skin Free Sweet & Smooth Sugar Scrub available at www.drugstore.com for $15.99

Olay Body Thermal Pedicure Foot Treatment available at www.drugstore.com for $9.99

Lippman Collection Nail Polish Sampler Kit available at www.victoriassecret.com for $6.99

Heel-to-Toe Sure Grip Toenail Clipper available at www.sallybeauty.com for $2.99

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Category: Beauty, Pedicures | 24 Comments

Zit Zapper

June 11, 2008

Some products get a lot of hype, but don’t always live up to their expectations. At first, I thought that was going to be the unfortunate scenario when I tried Mario Badescu’s drying lotion. This pink potion has been lauded in tons of magazines as the go-to-product for pimple prevention, which made me want to try it even though I’m well past the acne-adolescent years. In fact, after having it in my possession, I found myself waiting for one of those pesky imperfections to emerge. I never thought that I’d actually be anticipating the arrival of a pimple, but I couldn’t wait to try it – eventually I got that opportunity.

After dabbing a bit of the lotion directly on the zit with a Q-tip, I let it sit overnight. The next morning I was not impressed. I thought that it would have miraculously disappeared, but that was not the case. Usually when products don’t meet my expectations the first time, I usually toss them aside; but my ugly pimple made me reach for the drying lotion again. After applying it again the second night, by the following morning my blemish was just about gone! I was glad to see that this heavily praised product actually works (for me at least).

Have you ever tried this product? What do you use to get rid of unsightly whiteheads/blackheads or are you one of those lucky few who never get blemishes?

Drying Lotion available at www.mariobadescu.com for $17

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Category: Beauty, Mario Badescu, Product Review, Skincare | 18 Comments

Do You Believe in Miracles?

June 4, 2008

Some women might hope for a miracle when it comes to their hair. Luckily, for those who are not pleased with the condition of their tresses, Dr. Miracle’s hair care products are the answer! I suffer from extra dull and extremely dry hair due to my relaxer; so when I have the opportunity to try something that claims to put an end to my despair, I’m all for it.

Recently, I tried Dr. Miracle’s Oil Sheen spray and the Intensive Healing Oil treatment. I was pleased with both products! Although both worked wonders, I’d have to say that my favorite was the Oil Sheen. It gave my hair a fabulous sheen, without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy. Plus, it didn’t have a super fragrant smell, which is always good since a lot of their other products have an intense smell.

I know that there are so many hair care products out there so when I find something good, I must share it with you guys! Have you ever tried any of Dr. Miracle’s products? If so, what do you think of them?

Oil Sheen Spray available at drugstores nationwide for $7.99

Intensive Healing Oil Treatment available at drugstores nationwide for $8.99

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Category: Beauty, Dr. Miracle's, Hair | 24 Comments

Banish Oily Skin on the Blot!

June 3, 2008

We have all heard about having a nice dewy glow, but there’s a big difference between looking like you just returned from the beach with glistening, sun-kissed skin and just being plain and simple – oily!

I don’t know about you, but my skin can become quite “dewy” throughout the day, especially, during the warmer months.

That’s why I NEVER leave home without blotting papers. You can dab these tiny, oil-absorbing tissues on your face for an instant matte-finish while leaving your makeup intact and complexion flawless! Plus, they can easily fit into your purse or desk drawer for easy touch-ups.

There are some things that a girl can’t live without and for me blotting papers are definitely one of them!

Do you use any products to control unwanted shine?

Check out some of these cute oil-blotting packages:

Too Faced Re-Fresh Oil-Blotting Papers available at www.sephora.com for $12