Zing Zang Zoom!

Day 34: Origins GinZing Eye Care
By Cavewoman

First of all, I have to write a few words to explain this review. I wasn't going to review this product, and I did not want to review any other Lauder company products either. I'm mad at Lauder right now. The company has chosen to discontinue my beloved Prescriptives line. I want to boycott them and not use any more Lauder products. My favorite eye care product has been Prescriptives Vibrant C For Eyes for many years. I have a few backups, but once it's gone, I will have to look elsewhere and I know there won't be anything comparable to the Vibrant C. It has just the right moisturizing effect, and that little bit of glow really brightens my eye area. It was perfect for my eye-area skincare needs.

But my curiosity got the best of me. I can't remember how I heard about Origins GinZing For Eyes, maybe in a magazine ad or an editorial layout on new skincare, or maybe on MakeUpAlley, but the promise of de-puffing and brightening the under-eye area had me wondering if this new eye product would be a good substitute for the PX. After all, it is a Lauder brand. Maybe, just maybe, there could be similarities in the formulas. And so I purchased it.

My eye-care needs are not extreme. I don't have wrinkles (well, maybe some fine lines, but nothing too severe or noticeable) and other than the dry skin issues of a post-menopausal woman living in Northeast Ohio (and surviving one of the worst cold snowy Winters on record) I don't need anything super-heavy or thick. Just a little moisture. I do admit to being intrigued over any products that promise a brightening effect. The words "brightening" or "luminizing" always have me wanting to try.

GinZing is a lovely, lightweight gel-cream product that promises de-puffing and brightening. I was wondering if the product would be similar to the old No Puffery, an Origins product that I used to use when I did have puffy eyes. I took No Puffery to a women's retreat weekend at my parish, and all the weepy women borrowed it from me and declared it to be a miracle! I think the formula changed soon after that, because my next No Puffery purchase just did not seem to be the same to me. I'm sure that's happened to many readers here, all of a sudden that perfect product just didn't seem to work as well as it used to.

I love the texture of GinZing. It is light and airy, almost liquidy, absorbs instantly, and has a soft and unoffensive fresh-fruity scent. I don't mind scented products for the most part, and the scent is gone in a few seconds after applying. The product dries quickly on the skin and leaves a subtle dewy appearance. It's not sticky at all, and I was able to apply my undereye concealer within less than a minute. I noticed the de-puffing effect soon afterwards. It wasn't drastic or life-changing, but the area under my eyes appeared smoother and more firm, and the little crinkly lines did look diminished, although not totally erased. That doesn't bother me. I have to say that the GinZing did help the concealer to stay on all day and not crease.
The second time I tried the GinZing, I used it all over the eye area and not just on the under-eye area. It felt cool, refreshing, and clean. My eye area looked like I'd had a good night's sleep! I can't say it changed the effect of my eye shadow that I applied over top of the GinZing, but it did seem to help keep my shadow in place longer. It almost worked like an eye primer. My eyes looked bright and alert, even though I felt neither of those things that particular morning!

So there, I have done it. I have recommended to you a Lauder brand product. If you have minimal eye-area issues, no severe wrinkling or lines, and no terrible dryness around the eye area, this product would be something to try. I wouldn't say it has any big moisturizing effect, but it does everything that it is supposed to do. It's not a substitute for my Prescriptives, but it's close. I'm glad I tried it. The cute little jar is a half-ounce and retails for just under $30.
Back to the boycott.

Disclosure: This product was purchased by the reviewer
Credit: Cavewoman for Blogdorf Goodman
Melanie Parker for I Married A Witch

Annie Versus The Volcano

Day 33: Giorgio Armani Crema Nera Obsidian Mineral Regenerating Cream and MAC Volcanic Ash Line by Annie

There was a trend in skincare that seemed centered on rare minerals from exotic active volcanoes. The most glamorous product hailed from Giorgio Armani. Crema Nera is formulated based on volcanic petrified lava rock from the Sicilian Island of Pantelleria. The texture of the cream was very butter-like. It was not whipped like most of the regenerating creams I have tested throughout the 40 day project. It smelled and looked exactly like Shea butter. The cream felt smooth on the skin in a very silicon way. I checked the ingredients and spotted "dimethicone" and paraffin. It did have a very waxy, lard-like vibe. Crema Nera felt more like a primer than a skin treatment. My personal results were not good. I experienced slight irritations after the first application. This centered along the jaw line. The irritations ranged from minor itching to redness. With long term use, I had issues with clogged pores and general skin flare ups. I gave up after just one month.
When it comes to my skin...I am a quitter.
Once a series of zits appear, I am throwing in the towel and flashing a deuces sign.

MAC released a handful of limited edition volcano based products. They might have made your bath tub a disaster area but the results were immediate and beneficial. The collections sold out quickly. My personal favorite was the Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. It is a charcoal color and smells like soot with lemons. It has some light, yet surprisingly creamy lather action. I did not expect suds or my skin to feel moisturized to the tenth power.
It rinses off with minimal effort but leaves the tub looking like an octopus lost a wrestling match. The ink-like mud gets everywhere.
The sugar granules are not uniform in size. You will encounter beads that feel quite sharp like an arrow head. I think it is much too rough to use on the face. I prefer to use it as a shower treatment for the body.


The Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask provided an intense rush of warmth that is disconcerting. I have used thermal masks before but this one really delivered on the heat. The heat level is one step below jalapeno. The heat is fleeting and less than one minute. Many reviewers on Makeupalley stated that the heat returns during rinsing. I never was able to get the fire back. I left the mask on for only five minutes. I never felt brave enough to go any further.

The results from use is squeaky clean skin with no skin irritations. Pores are flushed out. Both products were limited edition and are fetching high prices on Ebay.

Are they worth the $100 bids?
I have to say no. They were worth the original price and deserving to be made part of the permanent MAC skin care line.

Let us know what quirky ingredients delight or annoy you in the comments. Feel free to gush or vent.

Disclosure: I purchased the MAC Volcanic products at my local MAC counter. The Armani cream was a large sample from a Saks Fifth Avenue event.
Credit: Blogdorf Goodman and Melanie Parker/ Veronica Lake in I Married A Witch.

The Best Hand Cream

Day 32: Estee Lauder's Re-Nutriv Intensive Smoothing Hand Cream
By Annie

I have been an Estee Lauder fan for many years. I love everything from the makeup to the fragrances. The skin care has always been exceptional and award winning. But there is a gem in the Lauder family that you might not be aware of. This magnificent product is Estee Lauder's Re-Nutriv Intensive Smoothing Hand Cream. The results are delightfully shocking. The cream is miraculous and life changing.

The Lauder PR team generously sent a full tube of this cream in a package. I passed this cream along to my mother. My mother had survived a bout of breast cancer. The treatment and stress of it all left her skin in a terrible state. Her hands suffered the most. They looked like the hands of a scullery maid from a Dickens novel. They were beet red. They were rough. So rough that they looked and felt like sandpaper. Her nails, once her pride and joy, were short and brittle. Her hands looked painful. They were painful. I noticed that she had taken to hiding them in public. She was embarrassed by their state. Her hands showed everything she had been through.

The first time she slathered the Lauder hand cream she cooed. The cream was an instant balm. Over a course of just one day the cream did serious magic. Her skin was dramatically different. The redness dissipated. The appearance of crepiness was smoothed away. My mother was so delighted and hopeful.

After just two weeks, the improvement of the skin texture was simply outrageous. Gone were the flakes, calluses and deep cuts. They were healed and felt silky smooth. Her hands also looked dramatically younger. This was just an added benefit. The most important thing was that her hands were pain free and looked better. She was able to do simple chores without wincing. She was able to wave and shake hands. No more embarrassment.

The cream retails for $45 for 3.4 oz at your local Estee Lauder counter.

I know the price is quite hefty.
It is worth every coin.
Truly.

What is your favorite hand cream? Let us know in the comments.

Disclosure: Estee Lauder provided a press sample of this product initially.

Afterwards...I have purchased every tube with my own money for my mother.

Credits: Estee Lauder and Melanie Parker/Veronica Lake in I Married A Witch

Drugstore Deals and Steals

For March 28th Through April 3rd 2010

Target

Revlon: Super Lustrous lipstick or ColorStay 12-hour eye shadow is priced at $4.99Revlon PhotoReady liquid makeup is priced at $9.99
ColorBurst lipstick is priced at $6.99
Neutrogena: Acne Therapy System is priced at $17.99

Kmart

Revlon: 33% cosmetics
Almay: 33% off cosmetics
Maybelline: 33% off eye and face cosmetics
Sally Hansen: 33% off on nail color, treatment and lip products
Earn $3 awards when you buy $15 of Revlon, Almay, Maybelline or Sally Hansen cosmetic brands.

Rite Aid

Neutrogena: buy 1, get 1 50% off on face, lip and eye cosmetics
Buy 1, get 1 50% off on skin and bath care
Physicians Formula: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on foundation, powder, concealer or blush
Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on lip products
Sally Hansen: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on lip products
Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on foundation, powder, concealer or blush
$1 Manufacturers coupon in most Sunday papers for Great Lash Mascara. Coupon is good for the purchase of two Great Lash mascaras.
Almay: $1 Manufacturers coupon for $1.00 off on all Almay eye cosmetics
Zeno: $10 coupon for Zeno Hot Spot Blemish Clearing Device
Clear & Clean: Save $2 coupon for skin care products
Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics

Walgreens

L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on lip colour or eye cosmetics
Bare Naturale foundation, concealer, powder, blush or Visible Lift foundation are priced at $9.99
Neutrogena: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on sun care
Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
Melot: 33% off skin care
Perlabella: Dual Peptide Hyaluronic or Retinol Pearls are priced at $9.99
Cetaphil: Lotion, Cleanser or Cream 16 oz is priced at $7.99
Clean & Clear: 20% off skincare
Olay: 20% off Starter Trio kits

CVS

Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on all foundation, powder, blush, concealer, nail or lip products with CVS card
Olay: Total Effects is priced at $18.99 with CVS card
Cetaphil: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on Cetaphil products(excludes bar soap)with CVS card
Lumene: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on skin care with CVS card
RoC: Extra $5 CVS bucks awards for Retinol Correxion products with CVS card
Maybelline: 40% off foundation, powder, blush or concealer with CVS card
CoverGirl: Spend $20 and get $8 extra CVS bucks when you purchase ANY CoverGirl cosmetics with CVS card
L'Oreal: Save $5 on eye shadow, liner or Voluminous mascara with CVS card
Neutrogena: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics with CVS card
Sally Hansen: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on nail color or treatments with CVS card
Zeno: Hot Spot Blemish Clearing Device is priced at $34.99 with CVS card

Turn on Your Bright Lights: Part 3:

Day 30: MAC's Lightful Foaming Creme Cleanser

by Annie

This is a whipped, mousse-like creme cleanser formula. The color of the cleanser is a lovely opalescent white. Not that the color matters in the scheme of things. This pearl effect just caught my eye. Lightful Foaming Creme Cleanser leaves the face feeling tighter and so darn clean. For the last few months, I have been using oils, so I had missed this freshly scrubbed feeling. You truly only require a small dot or dollop of the product. Anything larger than a dime is a waste. It lathers quickly. It removes every ounce of foundation, powder, and blush. It leaves the skin freshly scrubbed with no film, irritations or redness. Skin feels smooth and moisturized for hours. There are no dryness issues.

The formula contains a host of potassium,tourmaline, silk powder, and various extracts of green tea, cucumber, apple, sea whip and roots.

It retails for $24 at http://www.maccosmetics.com/ and at MAC free standing stores.

Overall, I have been very impressed with the Lightful product line. It is worth seeking out!

Disclosure: I purchased this at my local CCO store for $19.25

Credits: MAC and Melanie Parker/Veronica Lake in I Married A Witch

The Third Miracle

Day 29: First Aid Beauty
by Tania Sanchez

Look, I know the readers of this blog are looking for serious sainthood in their skin cream. As in Vatican-verified miracles. Well, the only miracle I’m asking for is that I get some moisturizing without irritation. Do I ask the impossible? Because I am dry, dry, dry. And then there’s my little moody skin problem. I don’t mean I get a zit once in a while or it stings when I wash my face. I mean if I put the wrong thing on I get eczema from forehead to collarbone, which I then have to attack with Protopic. And what is Protopic? Oh, it’s a chemotherapy drug, which they use to treat recalcitrant face eczema. If I don’t treat it, or I optimistically treat it only with shea butter and prayer, my eyelids peel. My forehead comes off in sheets. I look like I’m molting and going for my next instar on my way to pupation. The itch is so profound it feels as if I am being eaten alive by subdermal beetles. If I let it go too long, I have to take oral steroids. That’s Prednisone. It makes you hungry and puffy, you put on weight, and then you get actual ‘roid rage where you scream at your husband because he folded the kitchen towels wrong (and if you take it too often, say hello to osteoporosis). Also, after my skin calms down, because I am a brown person, I get to enjoy the sight of dark patches where the damage was for several months.

So this is not some little cosmetic vanity pursuit. This is a medical problem.

For a while I’d settled on Estée Lauder’s Vérité, an extremely mild line, far too expensive, which boasts of using no emulsifiers, since, according to Lauder, emulsifiers may make it easier for irritants to cross the skin barrier. I have no idea if this tale is any more scientifically valid than any of the other cockamamie skincare stories these companies dream up. All I know is that it has no fragrance and it feels cool and soothing, and it brings me the moisture without the problems.

But their moisture relief creme is $50 for 1.7 ounces. Which I move through in less than a month.

As a mere writer, and not a fictional Carrie Bradshaw writer capable of buying dozens of $400 shoes per year, I felt this expense could not possibly be warranted. Also, as a woman, I can never stop trying new things. So I moved on to Clinique’s Comfort on Call, a soothing balm with a butter-like consistency, olive-oil based. Cheaper? Yes. More effective? No. It was soothing, did not flare up my eczema, but alas, it brought on the zits. Tricked by Paula Begoun’s general praise and the company’s allergy-tested shtick, I tried several other Clinique formulas—Youth Surge (disaster), that yellow stuff (pointless oil slick), Even Better (stings! holy Moses, it stings!), Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer (rash!)—and decided to cut that out. I tried a few nature-lovin’ hippie concoctions (Burt’s Bees, JASON, plain jojoba oil and vitamin E, Jurlique) to no avail.

I had entirely given up on finding anything new when Vérité was sold out everywhere and I was forced to try one more time. And there it was, in Sephora: First Aid Beauty, aka FAB.

FAB’s Ultra Repair Cream ($28 for 6 ounces!) is the cream of my dreams. I use it as a night treatment and for emergency dry patches. There’s no fragrance, no useless essential oils that might as well be live bees for all the good they do me. It contains good old colloidal oatmeal, that mainstay of DIY eczema emergency treatments and the effective ingredient in super-soothing drugstore favorite Aveeno, plus allantoin, a good anti-inflammatory soother. I ignore the eucalyptus oil, which could irritate, because it doesn’t me, but if you have a eucalyptus problem, avoid. There are ceramides, as in my favorite body cream Cerave, which is the only thing I put on after a shower these days. And for further barrier protection, there’s my old friend, dimethicone, which first did me so much good in Cetaphil, and which helps caulk up my skin’s patchy wall against the world. Hello, favorite ingredients!


I grabbed a tub of Ultra Repair before we took the kids skiing on their February break, fully expecting the combination of transatlantic plane ride (dry, dry, dry) and winter mountain air (thin atmosphere, UV damage, cold) to ruin my life. It never happened. I slicked on the FAB cream morning and night and carried it with me for the dryness emergencies that rarely emerged. It was just perfect. I had no trouble at all. No flakes, no redness, no itch. I beat the sun with a Lancôme 50 SPF lotion, and that was it.

My skin felt so nearly normal, I thought maybe I was cured miraculously and that my good fortune had nothing to do with the product at all. To test this exceptionally stupid theory, an airport security check robbed me of my jar of Ultra Repair, which I had mistakenly left in my carry-on bag, and which was way too big to take on board. I bought some innocuous scent-free moisturizer at a Greek pharmacy to hold me over for two weeks, while L was collaborating with a colleague in Athens. I could have joined a leper colony without skepticism by the end of my own experiment. As soon as we got back home, I bought another jar of FAB and went entirely back to normal.

I also noticed FAB had launched a daily face cream. At $18 for 2 ounces, I wasn’t sure it was as great a bargain as the jar cream, but it turns out I use but a wee amount (three pumps) to cover face and throat in the morning, and so far it works a treat. Again, it uses ceramides to keep skin soft and healthy.

FAB’s prices, in this delirious post-Creme-de-la-Mer era, are perfect for our lousy economic times. Their creams moisturize and cause no inflammation, which is all I ever wanted. And even though I never asked for any such thing, I see a reduction in the fine lines around my eyes and mouth, although maybe that’s just because I’m more cheered up and don’t spend so much time staring with despair in the mirror wondering where it all went wrong.

Anyway, please go out and buy a tub. That’ll keep them in business, which will keep me out of the doctor’s office. And that’s my entire reason for writing this article.

Disclaimer: I bought all this stuff myself at full price.
Credits: Melanie Parker/Veronica Lake in I Married A Witch
and Sephora

Turn On Your Bright Lights: Part 2

Day 28: MAC Lightful Charged Essence Serum
by Annie

I am very late to any kind of gushing over MAC's Lightful skin care line. MAC Lightful was an Asian exclusive that started appearing on the US shores in 2009. Clearly, I was in some kind of cave in 2009. I do not remember any whispers or shouts concerning the release. I stumbled across a treasure trove of product at my local MAC free standing store. I purchased the toner and this serum under the guidance of my SA.

The serum's texture is odd. It feels slippery and slightly clammy. It leaves you with the impression that you might have grabbed your hair gel instead of your skin care treatment. This was unnerving. Just one dab or dollop from the silver pump and it covers the entire face. It dries quickly and leaves the skin feeling tacky. I ignored this and applied my moisturizer over the serum. This is when the "magic happened".
The serum appeared to reach out and grab the moisturizer.
It took over 30 minutes for my moisturizer to settle before I applied my foundation. My skin was hydrated to the point of dewiness.

I also tested this serum over my primer. Then I applied my foundation. Crazy results. My foundation is flawless. No wear or tear after 8 hour work day. No slipping issues.

MAC Lightful serum is available online at http://www.maccosmetics.com/
It retails for $40.

Has anyone tried the MAC Lightful series? What are your favorite products? Let us know in the comments.

Disclosure: I purchased this serum at a freestanding MAC store.
Credits: MAC and Melanie Parker/Veronica Lake in I Married a Witch.

Drugstore Deals and Steals

For March 21st through March 27th 2010

Rite Aid

Maybelline: 40% off cosmetics
Almay: Buy any Almay foundation and get concealer for FREE.
$5 single check rebate available for a purchase of two. See store for details.
CoverGirl: Buy 1 CoverGirl mascara and get 2nd one for FREE
Buy 1, get 1 50% off on lip cosmetics
St Ives: Buy any St Ives body wash, lotion or facial product and get 2nd one for FREE
Prestige: Buy 1 Prestige eyeliner and get a single eye shadow for FREE
Derma: Buy any Derma skin care product and get a Daily Vitamin cleanser for FREE
Physicians Formula: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
L'Oreal: skincare is on sale for $14.99
30% off on lip or face cosmetics
Neutrogena: Triple Moist hair care is $5.99
Aveeno: hair care is priced at $5.99

KMart

Wet N Wild: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on cosmetics
CoverGirl: 30% off eye cosmetics or Olay Regenerist eye roller
Physicians Formula: 40% off on cosmetics

Target

Fekkai luxury hair care is priced at $21
Clean & Clear: 1.7 oz Clean & Clear Finishes moisturizer is priced at $6.99
Aveeno: Ageless Vitality system is priced at $39.99
Maybelline: Instant Age Rewind makeup is priced at $8.99
L'Oreal: Double Extend Lash Boosting Serum is priced at $12.49
RoC: Deep Wrinkle 1 oz daily moisturizer or night cream is priced at $19.99

Walgreens

Revlon: Coupon for $2.99 nail color or care. Sale ends 3/27/10.
Almay: $3 off on eye cosmetics
CoverGirl: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on eye cosmetics
Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on foundation,concealer, powder, blush or nail color
Yardley: $69 for bar soap
RoC: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on skin care. Excludes Brilliance.
Mederma: $5 off on Stretch Marks Therapy skin care
Olay: Quench Body lotion is on sale for $7.99. FREE Olay Quench In-Shower body lotion with purchase.
Neutrogena: $4 off Instant in store coupon for Rapid Clear 7 Day Acne intervention or Complete Acne Therapy system.
2 for $12 on acne or Cleansing skin care. Excludes kits and devices.
L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics, skin care or Sublime Self Tanner

CVS

Olay: Extra CVS $5 Bucks reward on 2 for Body Wash 23.6 oz or plus ribbons 18 oz with CVS card
Complete Defense 2. 5 oz, Age Defying anti-wrinkle cream or lotion 3.4 oz is priced at $12.99 with CVS card
CoverGirl: Spend $10, get $3 extra CVS bucks when you purchase these CoverGirl products with CVS card
1. CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Corrector, concealer or sculpting brush for $10 with CVS card
2. Clean liquid foundation or pressed powder is priced at $6 with CVS card
3. CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless foundation is priced at $12 with CVS card
4. TrueBlend foundation, powder or blush is priced at $8 with CVS card with CVS card
Physicians Formula: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on Mineral Wear makeup with CVS card
L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on face, eye , lip or nail cosmetics with CVS card
All Skin Genesis, Age Perfect Pro-Calcium or Collagen Filler is priced at $14.99 with CVS card
Neutrogena: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on foundation, powder, blush or concealer with CVS card
Wet N Wild: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on eye cosmetics with CVS card

Botanical beauties

Day 27: Pai Skincare
by Jessica M

Pai is a small, London-based company that specializes in natural skincare. “Pai” means “goodness” in Maori (the indigenous language of New Zealand), and these lotions and potions are certainly crammed with goodness: they’re concocted from plant-derived ingredients, mostly organic, and they exclude petrochemicals, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, propylene glycol, artificial coloring and artificial fragrance.

Camellia & Rose Cleanser is a core product in Pai’s simple, less-is-more regimen. It’s a lotion-like product featuring rose water and camellia oil to restore and “feed” the skin, plus sweet almond oil and shea butter, lavender and geranium essences for their purifying
effects (and their natural scent), and lactic acid derived from sugar beets. I usually prefer facial soap or a foaming cleanser, but I like Camellia &Rose Cleanser as a makeup remover, especially for eye makeup. I apply it gently to the eye area and wipe it off with a damp cotton ball, and it dissolves all my eye cosmetics without any mess or irritation. (£20/$32)

I’ve used Pai’s Echium Eye Cream all winter, and it has kept the delicate skin around my eyes soft and smooth, even during the windiest, driest weeks. It’s a deceptively light-textured cream, rich in omega-3 ingredients (specifically, gamma linolenic acid and stearidonic acid), thanks to its nourishing bouquet of botanical elixirs, including borage oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, manuka oil,
shea butter, rose water, and more. (£24/$38)

I’ve also been happy with the Bergamot Lip Balm. It’s a 100% organic blend of beeswax, cocoa butter, and almond oil, with a light fragrance of bergamot oil; its waxy consistency makes it an excellent bedtime treatment. (£6/$10)

Pai also sells a range of moisturizers for various skin types, and a few skincare accessories such as muslin cloths for facial cleaning. If you’re curious, check out the free skincare sample pack: trial-size pots of cleanser and moisturizer, shipped for approximately $10. I’m surprised that no U.S.-based retailers have picked up the Pai line yet; it’s probably just a matter of time.

Visit the Pai website: http://www.paiskincare.com

Disclaimer: these products were purchased by the reviewer
Credit: press image from the Pai website
Melanie Parker/Veronica Lake in I Married A Witch

Drugstore Cowgirls

Day 26: Drugstore Greats!
by MUA's Cavewoman

For as long as I can remember, I'd never used any other eye makeup remover other than Almay Non-Oily Eyemakeup Remover Pads. They were superb. There was no reason to even look anywhere else. I'd be receiving those little gift with purchase bottles from Clinique or Lancome and I'd promptly toss them into the "makeupalley swap extras" box and never even tried them. Almay pads were the ne plus ultra. It is a rare and wonderful thing to find a product that works so well that you just don't even have any interest in trying anything else.

Until THAT DAY. The day when the product you've known and loved seems a bit different, something's off, something's wrong! What happened? Reformulation. A company takes over another company. Somebody somewhere along the line decides that in order to be productive today, he or she should mess with something they already have in the product line. And then that day comes when you re-purchase that beloved product and it's just not the same as it always was. That's what happened with Almay, and that had me searching for a suitable substitute. I wasn't happy.

At the drugstore there are plenty of little bottles of makeup remover and a few pad-type jars to choose from, but I wasn't finding anything that worked as well as the old Almay. Then I found these two products, and purchased them to give them a try. I was almost ready to give up and just hit the department store counters (which means spendy-time, usually.) I'm happy to report two excellent eye makeup removers that you can find at the drugstore (check out the weekly sales on blogdorf on Sundays!) that are great finds!

Wet N Wild is the notoriously cheap makeup line that actually has plenty of really nice products. For just a few bucks, you can fill up your makeup bag or vanity table and have some inexpensive fun. I was surprised to see the eyemakeup remover on the rack at my local drugstore, and I think it is because it must always be sold out! And no wonder. A few drops of this non-oily remover on a cotton pad, a few swipes per eye, and all my mascara disappeared without a trace or a smear. No eye stinging, either. It is perfect for removing gel liner and your basic everyday non-waterproof mascaras. The best thing is that it leaves absolutely no residue at all, so you can refresh and re-apply your eye makeup quickly if you have to. I love it!

Sometimes a girl just has to wear waterproof mascara. I'm long past the crying-over-he-done-me-wrong stage of my life, and I don't go to weepy movies, but there are occasions (a family wedding, or a special event at my church) when I just know the flood watergates will open and the tears will come spilling out. Waterproof mascaras are terrible to remove, especially if you don't have an oil-based or dual-phase remover. Soap and water won't cut it. And cleansing creams work, but wow, that's just asking for a goopy mess and possibly blurry vision for hours afterwards. When I spotted the L'Oreal Clean Artiste at the drugstore, I thought it would be good to have this on hand for those occasions when I do wear waterproof mascara.


It wasn't long before I got to put it to the test. I wore my weep-proof DiorShow Waterproof mascara for one of those occasions, and when I got home, I took out the Clean Artiste, gave it a good shake, and dispensed some drops onto a cotton pad. I started swiping away at the mascara. It took two or three pads to do the job, but sometimes waterproof mascara smears on the removal and it takes another pad for eye-area cleanup. But all traces of the mascara were gone, and no blurry eyes or irritation resulting from the removal process. It's not something I do very often, as I've said, but I am glad to have this little tool in my arsenal when I need it. It does leave residue on the skin, so after the removal I go over the entire area with the Wet N Wild on a cotton pad, and that removes everything that remains on the skin from the Clean Artiste.

These two little drugstore gems are nice, inexpensive alternatives to the old Almay pads. I don't know who decided they needed to be "new and improved" but those scratchy new pads feel like grocery bag material, and the new formula is irritating, too. I'm glad to have found new things that work well for me. And, the price is right. Even righter when they're on a weekly special!

Disclosure: These products were purchased by the reviewer
Credit: Cavewoman for Blogdorf Goodman
Melanie Parker/ Veronica Lake in I Married A Witch

It's Friday I'm in love

Day 25: PS I Love You from Bath & Body Works
by MUA'S Cavewoman

If you can walk out of a Bath & Body Works store without a big heavy bag full of goodies, you are a stronger person than I am. Quality products, enticing scents, pretty packaging, and frequent specials have me well-supplied with body care items, and backups of my backups!

Now that Spring is officially less than a day away, I am hoping I won't need the heavy-duty creams and lotions that I've needed over the past several months. I present to Blogdorf readers the prettiest little group of rose-scented body care items that have helped me get through the dry-skin days of this past Ohio Really Bad Cold Snowy Icy Winter.

PS I Love You is a captivating scent from Bath & Body Works that I would say is truer to the real perfumer's art than some of this company's other offerings. This is what I love about B&BW. There is something here for everyone. From invigorating citruses to sensual woods, it's all here, reasonably priced, and ready to go to work for you. The formulas are solid performers. Nothing disappoints. I fell in love with PS I Love You during one of their big sales (you know what I mean, buy two of these and get one free, buy this and get that free, etc. etc.) and gathered up a nice array of products in this fragrance. When Winter hit hard, I was glad I had a stash of these emollient and softly-scented products to soothe my dry skin and make me feel a little pampered in the process.

This particular fragrance contains my beloved rose,along with peony, orchid, jasmine, lilies, all in a base containing sandalwood, amber, patchouli and musk. There is even an Eau De Parfum to finish off the body care ritual and keep the scent going all day.

The hand cream comes in a small tube that is purse-friendly and the formula is totally non-sticky, with no residue left behind at all. It absorbs super-fast and is great in between water-related chores around the house, or to use when out and about and hands start feeling dry. The body butter in the little jar is perfect for the most parched legs, elbows and knees. It is the richest formula offered by B&BW and feels luxurious and soothing. And the tube of body lotion is large and easy to dispense with the flip-top cap, I like this as just a basic all-over lotion. It leaves my skin softly scented and ready to get dressed for the day, with nothing left behind to stain or mark my clothes. After a while the scent of these body products disappears, and won't interfere with my fragrance of the day. This is characteristic of most of the B&BW fragranced body products and a huge selling point for me personally. Sometimes I want the scent to linger, and most times I don't.

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works fragrance? What products do you like best from this company? Tell us about them!

Disclosure: This product was purchased by the reviewer
Credit: Cavewoman for Blogdorf Goodman
Credit: Melanie Parker/Veronica Lake in I Married a Witch

Day 24: La Mer's The Regenerating Serum
By Annie

The Regenerating Serum is the latest product from La Mer. The creation process took four years and a gaggle of physicists, marine botantists, and biologists. The Regenerating Serum contains a high concentration of La Mer's Miracle Broth and the new Regenerating Ferment. The ferment is derived from marine plant stem cells. These plants are lab harvested for their ability to combat stress. The Regenerating Ferment triggers natural production of collagen and elastin. Skin looks rejuvenated in just one day. I can testify to this specific claim. The serum seemed to plump up my weary skin. Skin looks dewy and rehabilitated.

Long term usage promises diminished lines, wrinkles and pores. If you read my blog on the regular, then you know that my pores give me stress. This product appears to make my pores look less deep. Today my pores are sufficently plugged by my UD primer! My foundation looks fresh after a rough morning. I even received a workplace compliment on my makeup today. This is a rare. Very rare.

I have been using this serum for over a month. I was gifted with a generous lab bottle from La Mer. I use the serum after cleansing and toning with MAC Lightful products. It leaves the skin feeling "cashmere like" instead of silky. There is no slip. My skin feels soft and hydrated.
I did have some issues with sensitivity around the nose area. I experienced a slight twitter but no redness or break outs.

The serum is available at your local La Mer counter at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Visit http://www.lamer.com/ for more details. It retails for $250 for 1 oz.

Disclosure: A lab bottle was provided by La Mer.

Credit: La Mer

Credit: Melanie Parker/ Veronica Lake in I Married A Witch

Big Pimpin: High End Skin Care

Day 23: Sensai Premier The Body Cream

By Annie

This is packed with 20 ingredients from the science of Sensai Cellular Performance body care series along with the Sensai Premier line. It smells like a jasmine grove and feels like melted butter. I can not attest to long term benefits. I was lucky to test it from a handful of sample jars. My skin did feel silky and was perfectly fragranced.
Seriously...the scent is what makes it worth testing.
Kanebo might have their own secret jasmine fields.

Some of the ingredients worth mentioning:

Sensai Premier Seaweed Extract: This ingredient is from the sea of Japan and a common note in Kanebo skincare. It is supposed to improve moisture absorption and helps with skin regeneration.

Koishmaru Silk Extract is another Kanebo ingredient. This is from a cocoon and is the reason why all Kanebo skincare feels so amazing. It feels so luxe and almost textile-like. I have tested oodles of skincare but no products feel like this.

Bukuryo Extract: This is extracted from "oriental medicinal shelf fungus". This might not sound good but it is supposed to prevent excess water retention.

Hydra Firming Booster is from the Kuwa shrub. This is a healing herb that helps boost collagen synthesis in the dermis.

This retails for $400 and is available at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys NYC and at Takashimaya New York. Call 866-271-6815 or check out http://www.kanebo.com/

Disclosure: Sample jars were provided by Kanebo and a gift bag from Bergdorf Goodman.

Guess who is one of the new faces for Rimmel Cosmetics?

Zooey Deschanel.
I just love her and think that a cosmetic contract is long OVERDUE.

What other stars should have beauty contracts? Let us know in the comments. Personally, I am stunned that Blake Lively is not selling shampoo, razors or Victoria Secret anything.

Credit: Youtube
She & Him In The Sun

Skincare Finds from Etsy

Day 22: BathLife on Etsy
by Jessica M

I first started browsing on Etsy.com when I was looking for vintage jewelry, and then I discovered that the site also carries hand made bath and body products. Danger ahead, I thought. Too much temptation. Then again, I noticed, most of the choices didn’t look very unusual or appealing: lots of pre-blended scents and pre-made bases, too many cheap ingredients.

BathLife is one of the noteworthy exceptions that I’ve come across. As you can guess from the name, this seller (basically, a lovely lady named Kimberlee) carries plenty of scented soaps and body butters.For me, though, the real draw is its smaller line of “specialty products” for the face. They’re effective, they're a pleasure to use,they’re packed with natural ingredients, and they’re fairly priced.

Here are three products that I’ve ordered and reordered from BathLife:

FaceTime Gentle Makeup Remover: This mousse-like pink cream works to dissolve makeup (perfect for days when I'm wearing long-wear foundation) while it also provides light exfoliation. Pink clay gives it its rosy color, and macadamia butter creates a fluffy texture. Ground adzuki beans and joboba beans scrub the surface of the skin ever so gently, while shea butter and babassu butter keep things soft. The scent is a refreshing note of geranium essential oil. Just a fingertip of FaceTime is enough for each use; I spread and massage it over my face, rinse off, and then use my regular cleanser.($3.75 for a .5 oz. trial size, $9 for a 2 oz. jar)


Purify Facial Soap: This plain-looking bar has become my favorite nighttime cleansing product. It's a gentle facial soap spiked with Dead Sea clay, which (according to BathLife) has a "high content of over 26 minerals, algae, sodium, and sulphur." Purify gives my oily skin a deep-cleaned feeling, but it doesn't leave my face feeling stripped or tight, since it also contains macadamia oil, grapeseed oil, and olive oil for nourishment. Skin needs a diet rich in fatty acids, just like the body does!($3.75 for a 2 oz. bar, $6.95 for 4 oz. bar)



Detox Purifying Facial Mask: Once a week, I apply this mask for even more thorough cleaning. It's easier on my skin than some of the clay masks I've used in the past, and it has a nice, simple ingredients list: Dead Sea clay, dark cocoa powder, and aloe powder. The clay’s detoxifying effect is balanced by the cocoa powder’s antioxidants and the aloe’s soothing properties. I mix a teaspoon of Detox with a teaspoon of water (you could also use honey or plain yogurt, for added moisture), apply a thin layer to my face, and let it dry for ten minutes. It's also fun to use, because it looks and smells just brownie mix when it's wet!($13 for 2 oz.)

I've been happy with all my orders from BathLife, since Kimberlee also offers excellent customer service (and cute packaging) for all her handmade products. Do check out her site at http://www.etsy.com/shop/BathLife if you're in the market for some new natural skincare.

Disclaimer: These products were purchased by the reviewer
Credits: Images via BathLife on Etsy
Credit: Melanie Parker /Veronica Lake in I Married A Witch.

Turn On Your Bright Lights: Part 1

Day 21: MAC Lightful Foaming Creme Cleanser by Annie

I have coveted this skincare series from MAC for quite a while. I spotted it ions ago in an Asian cosmetic magazine. So imagine my surprise, when I spotted Lightful at my MAC free standing store in Cleveland. I was chatting about dazzleglasses when my eye spotted familiar looking silver canisters and jars. I blurted out " Hot Damn...Lightful" and made a mad dash to the display. The SA, Jen, is used to my ADD and beauty enthusiasm. She was my old MAC SA from Youngstown. This release flew under my beauty radar. I do not remember getting this press release in 2009. Because if I did....I would have gushed all summer long.

Lightful is beyond MAGNIFICENT. It is a whitening product. I know there are justified arguments about this trend in skincare. However, I am a pale girl that actually would like to be more ghost-like. I covet the skin of Dita Von Teese and MUA's Nova Baby. I want to wear Nars Snow powder.

Lightful's Foaming Creme Cleanser is a thick, mousse-like, slightly pearlized cream. It puts you in the mind of La Creme Yogurt Vanilla Mousse. The fragrance is very fresh-like. You will only need a dime size amount of product. Anything more is truly excessive and a waste of the product. It leaves the skin refreshed and slightly tighter. The key selling point to this series is how it makes your skin feel. The softness is unparalleled. It will make you shudder.

I did not purchase the whole Lightful line so I can not attest to it's ultimate goal as a skin lightener. I can agree that your skin will feel incredible, your complexion will improve in tone and brightness and skin irritations will be held at bay.
It is a hidden gem in the MAC skincare line.
It is 100% worthy of lemming status and everyone needs to try it.

The availability appears to be in MAC free standing stores, the MAC and MAC Pro website and if you are lucky... at the CCO. I purchased this product at the Aurora Farms CCO for $19.25.
The regular price is $24.

If you have tried any of these products let us know in the comments.

Disclosure: I purchased this cleanser at a CCO store.

Credits: Blogdorf Goodman

Credit: Melanie Parker /Veronica Lake in I Married A Witch.

Give Me Liberty or Give Me....

Nada Because The Collection Is Sold Out....

MAC and Target's Liberty Collection are tragically sold out online.
All those lemmings from eyeshadows to dresses have been gobbled up by the fast and clever people.
The lollygaggers....that means me and some of you...are left pining over what could have been.

Run to your counters as soon as you can. Grab what is left.

Let us know your favorites from MAC Liberty in the comments.

And also feast your eyes on Target's Liberty Bike

It is so damn girly I can not stand it! It is also only $169.99 online.
That is not such a hefty price when I compare it with some of my perfumes.

Watch her run with ribbons undone

Day 20: Olay Body Wash Plus Body Butter Ribbons

By Annie

This is a highly moisturizing shower product. It is ultra thick with jojoba butter. The texture is pudding-like and could do double duty as a shaving cream. The main selling point is your skin feels so outrageously soft and moisturized after just one use. It is like there is a moisture barrier that the elements can not penetrate.

Olay's Butter Ribbons really delivers on a dramatic change in your skin's texture. This is a magnificent shower product for anyone who endures intense winters. The scent is Olay-like. It smells like the skin care. It retails for $4.99 and can be located at your local drugstore.

Let us know what your favorite moisturizing shower gel in the comments!

Disclosure: This product was provided by Devries.
Credit: Blogdorf Goodman
Credit: Melanie Parker/Veronica Lake in I married A Witch

Title: Tori Amos

Drugstore Deals and Steals

For March 14th Through March 20th 2010

Walgreens

Revlon: 40% off cosmetic or implements
Olay: 10% off on ProX skincare
Neutrogena: Buy 1,get 1 50% off on cane or cleansing skin care
Rimmel: 50% off cosmetics

Rite Aid

L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on eye cosmetics
Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on ColorStay cosmetics and beauty tools
Almay: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on foundation, powder, concealer or blush
There is also a $5 single check rebate offer on a purchase of 2 Almay products. See your local store for deets.
Jane: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
Bonne Bell: Buy 1, get 1 50% off cosmetics
Olay: There is a $20 Manufacturers Rebate with a purchase of $50 of Olay PROx skin care products. See www.olay.com for details
Nivea: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on bath or body care

Kmart

Maybelline: 33% off on lip or nail products
Milani: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on cosmetics
L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
Buy 1, get 1 50% off on selected skincare

Target

Olay:4 oz Olay Complete is $6
Maybelline: Lash Stiletto Voluptuous mascara is $6
CoverGirl: Simply Ageless Blush or corrector is priced at $10

CVS

Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on all Revlon foundation, powder, blush or concealer with CVS Card
Limit is 6
Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
CoverGirl: Extra CVS $3 Reward for purchase on Outlast or Shineblast lipcolor, lipstain or lip gloss with CVS card
Sally Hansen: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on nail color with CVS card
Milani: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on eye or lip products with CVS card
Get $5 Extra CVS bucks with a purchase of Aveeno Ageless Vitality or Neutrogena Clinical or ROC Brilliance with CVS card

Bendels and Tarte

A Prairie Perfume Companion

High Line by Bond 9

Spring is really coming. You can smell it in the air. It is a mixture of damp earth and grass. This gets me in the mood for spring fragrances. I put away the incenses and thick ambers and fully embrace the flowers. I want to smell pretty.

High Line is bringing the pretty. This fragrance was inspired by the High Line park system. This green sanctuary hovers 30 feet above the street level of the meatpacking district. Wild flowers pepper the railroad tracks and concrete planks. Bond wanted to create a fragrance that captured the park setting amidst the city grit.

High Line is a green fragrance. It is not a traditional grass scent. This is not the freshly mowed lawn from your back yard. The grass is called Purple Love Grass. It is a prairie land perennial. It is dry and hay-like. This note is evident throughout the drydown of the fragrance.

As it settles, an earthy rose and Indian Rhubarb note appear. Rhubarb smells like a tarted up strawberry.

The middle stage of High Line is aquatic. It smells like water. Nothing like the Hudson. It does not smell like grime or metal. More like a pond filled with lily pads. Very prairie marshland. This watery vibe is created with sea moss and musk notes.

The finale is a heady mix of woods.

The official list of notes are bergamot, purple love grass, indian rhubarb, red leaf rose, orange flower water, tulips,grape hyacinth, sea moss, teakwood, musk and bur oak.

High Line will be at Bond counters at Saks Fifth Avenue this month. A 50 ml bottle will retail for $145 and a 100 ml bottle will retail for $220. Visit www.bond9.com for details.

Disclosure: A sample vial was provided by Bond 9
Credit: Bond 9

At The End oF The Ocean

Day 19: Lush Ocean Salt Scrub
By MUA's Cavewoman

With sunny days lately in Ohio and the hope of Spring arriving soon, I'm trying to de-Winterize my parched skin and get ready for pretty dresses and bare legs. My poor legs haven't seen the light of day in many months. As I was digging around in my stash of skincare and body care items, looking for my Origins True Grit Fruit Slough, but I must have used it all up. But I found my LUSH Ocean Salt Face And Body Scrub and headed to the shower to polish up the legs. I needed some serious scrubbing. The usual shower gel and nylon scrubby puff just were not going to be enough.Ocean Salt is a gritty, serious tub of skin smoothing fabulousness. The scent is invigorating and fresh, minty and limey and coconutty all at the same time. Winter doldrums and dull skin are in for a big purge.

One little pinch of this scrub is enough for each leg and knee. Elbows and arms too! This scrub works wonders on problems big and small, washes away easily, leaving the skin feeling renewed and clean. It's a spa treatment right there in your own shower! I love the pretty blue-green color. This tub weighs 8.8oz and retails for $33.95. Before you say "ouch!" on that price, LUSH products are definitely pricey, but they deliver what they promise, they're highly concentrated, and last a very long time. I can't say that my legs are daylight-ready just yet, but we're getting there, one scrub at a time.

Lay Your Hands On Me

Day 18: Dior Creme Abricot
By Cavewoman

De-Winterizing my skin does not stop with face and body. The cold and snowy weather, along with some pretty big life stress, has taken its toll on my hands and especially my nails. I don't think they've ever looked this bad, and I have not worn nail polish in many months while I wait for the damage to grow out. In the meantime, I'm resolving to take better care of my hands and nails.

My Mom was a hairdresser when she was a young woman. I remember watching her nail ritual and being fascinated with what she did to keep her nails and hands looking so beautiful. She would take an orangewood stick, a little jar of Revlon nail cream, and work the cream into her cuticles, pushing back with the stick, and then massaging the cream into the nail and cuticle area. When she was finished, she'd take her little bottle of bright red Charles Of The Ritz nail polish, and with three swipes on each nail, she'd paint my nails. I felt like a princess.

I carried on her tradition in my early adulthood, with Dior Creme Abricot. I had beautiful natural nails that would grow out as long as I wanted them. I don't know why I stopped using it. When I wanted to start again, I found that Dior had discontinued the product and I couldn't find it anywhere. I tried the Revlon, but it did not seem as nourishing as the Dior.

Recently I was browsing the Dior section on the Sephora website, and I noticed that Creme Abricot was back! Click! I ordered two of them, one for Mom and one for me. Perfect timing, here as Winter draws to a close and my hands can't be hidden much longer in gloves.
As soon as the order arrived, I dug in my old manicure set for an orangewood stick, and set to work. The apricot oil in this cream smells divine. Many nail care products are formulated with apricot oil, it seems. Must mean that it's good for the nails.

The results are coming along, but I'm asking alot from this jar. It is helping to relieve the dryness and flaky raggedy cuticles. My nails are growing out with a healthier look and I notice less ridges too. I have high hopes that soon my nails will be worthy of a bright red polish.
There is something very soothing and womanly about sitting down with the Dior Creme Abricot, the orangewood stick, and a cup of hot Earl Grey tea, and just taking a bit of time to take care of myself. I'm so happy that Dior has brought back this great treatment. I noticed the jar and the orangewood stick on my Mom's kitchen table. She's using it daily, too. She loves tea way more than I do.

Disclosure: This product was purchased by the reviewer
Credit: Cavewoman for Blogdorf Goodman
Credit 2: Melanie Parker/Veronica Lake in I Married a Witch

Newsies

You get your picture in the papes, you're famous.
You're famous, you get anything you want.
That's what's so great about New York.
(quote from Newsies 1992)

Day 17: MAC Prep+Prime Skin Refined Zone and Prep+Prime Skin Filler Base

MAC is known for their color products. All of us have experienced the lemmings craze over a limited edition eyeshadow or lipstick. Right now the beauty junkies covet Ripe Peach.

I feel that MAC skincare gets the "bum rush" when it comes to attention. The line is vastly underrated and not appreciated. The Lightful series has changed my life. The Volcanic line was pure genius.
The new Tabloid Beauty collection contains two new products worthy of a fuss. They are Prep+Prime products.

Prep+Prime Skin Refined Zone is a treatment product that is supposed to reduce the appearance of visible pores. I can not resist a pore product!
This little skin diddy promises to:
1. Reduce clogged pores by 25%.
2. Reduce the appearance of pore size by 32%
3. Improve smoothness and skintone by 26%
4. Reduce Sebum by 24%

It has a silicon texture with the scent of witch hazel. It leaves the skin feeling outrageously soft. and smooth. It has flushed out my pores of toxins. Like a skincare colonic. My pores have not disappeared or left the building. They just look less crater like. This product retails for $19.50.

Prep+Prime Line Filler Base is a product that is slated to improve and diminish lines within 8 weeks. I have only been testing it for half that amount of time. There is some blurring of my laugh lines. Nothing dramatic. It works as a great primer product. My foundation does not cake or settle into my pores or creases. The ingredients are filled with the "cones". There is a one called Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone. This made me think of vinyl records. I am hoping that my readers will get this reference. I beg you to please refrain from asking "what are records?" in the comments. I will feel so old.
Other ingredients are caffeine, Glycerin, Silica and Sucrose.

This product retails for $19.50.

The Tabloid Beauty collection also boasts 6 Pro LongWear Lustre Lipcolour and 10 Pro Longwear Lipcolour products. The packaging is fun with fonts and graphics from the "rags" or Tabloid papers.

Visit http://www.maccosmetics.com/
for more details about these products along with the Tabloid Beauty line.

Disclosure: A press sample of this product was provided by MAC Cosmetics
Credit: Blogdorf Goodman

Never Mind The Bullocks

"Did I really earn this, or did I just wear you all down?"


Makeup Artist: Angela Levin

Beauty Inspiration:

"Tonight was Sandra's big night and she was in a happy, ethereal mood. I
wanted her to look like the true movie star she is, so we went with modern
classy Hollywood - dewy skin, soft eyes, and a bold classic red lip."

Beauty Tip:

Angela prepped Sandra's skin with CHANEL Sublimage Fluid. She then used a
foundation brush to apply CHANEL Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup
in Shell all over the face. Angela created a structured brow with the soft
brown powder in the limited edition Les Regards de CHANEL Palette. She
lined Sandra's eyes with the darker brown shade in the same palette.
Finally, she applied three coats of CHANEL Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in
Noir for sexy, glamorous lashes. To create the real focus of Sandra's look
- a gorgeous, bold red lip - Angela applied CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in
Paris. She finished the look by gently dabbing a bit of the same lip
colour on the apples of Sandra's cheeks - Angela's signature makeup trick.


Dress: Marchesa

Description: A silver beaded column gown with embroidered illusion bodice

Interesting tidbit: The dress was picked out by Sandra Bullock's oldest stepdaughter.


Hair: OMG....how AMAZING was Sandra Bullocks hair! I dream of having my hair that well behaved and healthy.
Her hair was the result of Fekkai products. I will need to revisit the line after this.

HAIR INSPIRATION:

Adir Abergel wanted to bring back simplicity, with Sandra’s sleek and straight down-do. The strong side part created beautiful lines to compliment her dress. He modernized the texture of the hair by creating a sleek look, with a slight wave at the end.

HOW TO GET THE LOOK: Conditioned hair is very important for any sleek style. Abergel used FEKKAI ADVANCED GLOSSING SHAMPOO AND CONDITONER, leaving the conditioner on for 15 minutes. He then rinsed and towel dried the hair. Then he parted the hair in a deep side part. Adir recommends following the arch of your brow to choose where to part your hair. He then took a large FEKKAI ROUND BRUSH and blow-dried the hair completely straight, making sure the roots were flat. Then spray with FEKKAI SHEER HOLD HAIRSPRAY to 2” sections of hair from roots to the end and use a flat iron to get a bone straight effect. To finish the look, Abergel took a 1 1/4” inch curling iron and lightly curled the ends of the hair for a nice slight wave and tucked the bangs behind the ear. To complete the look he added the FEKKAI SILKY STRAIGHT IRONLESS SMOOTH FINISH SERUM to create a sleek finish.

THE PRODUCTS ALL BY FEKKAI: Fekkai Glossing Shampoo ($23), Fekkai Glossing Conditioner ($23), Fekkai Extra Large Round Brush ($65) Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray ($23), Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum ($23)

Credits: Celebutopia, Chanel PR, Fekkai PR and Marchesa PR