I had a mini-lapse in judgment last weekend and dropped a nice chunk of change at the LANCÔME counter.  I didn’t mean for it to happen; I was there with my mother, who had scheduled a facial the last time we went to the counter.  While I was waiting for her to finish her facial done, the associates demonstrated several products for me.  I loved all of them, but I bought just a few (seven, to be correct).

HYPNÔSE Baby Doll Lashes in So Purple!

One of the products I wanted to buy – HYPNÔSE Baby Doll Lashes in So Purple!—was out of stock at that particular counter.  After a few calls to other stores from the awesome associates at LANCÔME, I received my mascara in the mail three days later.

I have to admit, I’m in love.  I’ve had plum and purple mascaras before, but I change up my make-up routines and bounce between colors.  After being on a pretty steady kick of black mascaras through winter, I was excited to have a colored mascara.  I was especially excited because purple and

plum mascaras complement my hazel eyes.

Like the HYPNÔSE Star mascara, Baby Doll Lashes has a cone-shaped applicator, which is great for applying mascara to ends of lashes.  This product is meant to lift your lashes, making your eyes look bigger, hence the “Baby Doll” name.  The purple color of Baby Doll Lashes is one of the more vibrant ones I have encountered.  Benefit also makes a

purple mascara, BADgal Lash in Plum, which is a darker, more muted plum compared to the Baby Doll Lashes.

Cone Shaped Applicator for HYPNÔSE Baby Doll Lashes

Personally, I like to add this mascara after I add on my black mascara, and focus the purple one near my ends and towards the corner of my eye (opposite of the tear ducts).  Using both the black and the purple adds some contrast and dimension to your eyes by adding a surprise kick of color.  People will focus on your eyes and they won’t know why.

Have you

ever had any experiences with colored mascaras? Share your thoughts with me @LizKlassner

I’ve heard a lot about the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product and when I saw a sample size at Ulta near the check out, I snatched it up. By the way, don’t

you just

love all the goodies they put near the registers?!

I picked up the sample size because I wasn’t sure I would like it and spending $11 for the 2 fl.oz. size sounded much better than the $20 for the full size.

It somewhat boggles my mind how a a think conditioner-like formula can work as a spray, but this stuff works really well. I have really thick hair and the detangling aspect of this spray is really helpful. Also, this product smells amazing, which is always a plus.

The 10 things this product claims to do are:

• Repair dry damaged hair
• Adds shine
• Smoothes and controls frizz
• Seals and protects hair color
• Flat iron spray and thermal protector
• Detangles
• Stops hair breakage
• Creates silkiness
• Enhances natural body
• Prevents split ends

P.S. Since I mentioned Ulta above, I wanted to let you all know that OPI polishes are now available on their website…pretty exciting!!

-Lauren

Back in November I posted about the upcoming Urban Decay Naked Basics palette…and of course I picked it up! I was getting tired of all the shimmery shadows in my makeup collection, so an almost all matte palette was just the thing I needed.

Urban Decay (UD) says the following about this palette: “Naked Basics is more than just the long-awaited, multipurpose MATTE companion to Naked. It’s the palette EVERY woman needs in her beauty arsenal. With six stripped-down, Nakedly neutral shadows, it has everything you need for the perfect neutral matte eye—including four totally new and exclusive shades.”

The Naked Basics palette contains six shadows. UD describes the shades as the following on their website:

• Venus: soft, off-white demi-matte
• Foxy: cream bisque matte
• W.O.S. (Walk of Shame): very light nude matte
• Naked 2: taupe matte
• Faint: warm, dusty brown matte
• Crave: deepest, darkest brown/black matte

I still have yet to get the Naked 2 palette, but right now that is wayyy down my wishlist because I really want the UD Glinda palette.

Have you picked up the Naked Basics palette?

-Lauren

Before jumping into this post, I just want to say I’m so sorry I’ve been MIA recently. But I’m back with a new post about the recently very hyped Revlon Nearly Naked foundation.

Photo via cvs.com

I have to admit- I have not tried very many drugstore foundations, but with all the rave this foundation has been getting I just had to jump on the bandwagon.

I picked up shade 110 Ivory, which is the lightest shade and it matches my skin perfectly. The Nearly Naked foundation line has 16 shades to choose from and you can find which shade will match you on the Revlon website. This foundation also has SPF 20 in cialis online it.

Revlon describes this foundation as “makeup so refreshingly light, it melts right in, creating a fresh even look. So the only one that knows you are wearing makeup is you. Blends seamlessly, buildable coverage.”

This description is pretty spot on and it feels like you don’t have any makeup on. The coverage is on the more light-to-medium side, but does a good job evening out my skin tone.

Before:

After:

Also, the stay power of this foundation is pretty good. After 8 hours it looks a bit faded, but almost the same look when it was applied.

Overall, this foundation is very nice and affordable ($10). The only downside is the packaging because I hate that I have to pour the product out and the cap can be hard to get on. But I can get past those minor issues I have and will continue to use this foundation.

Next I want to try the Revlon Colorstay foundation! I also really want to get the Nearly Naked pressed powder, but haven’t be able to find my shade anywhere that I’ve looked.

Have you tried Revlon’s Nearly Naked foundation? What do you think about it?

Recently, I made a trip to MAC, hoping to find a few new eye shadows

and maybe a lip gloss.  Well, I got all of that and one of MAC’s paint pots, Painterly to be exact.  At first, I thought it was an eye shadow primer, and I was ready to decline; I have so many primers that range from drug store brand to high end that it would be a shame to buy another.  However, after talking with one of the store attendants, she told me it’s highly pigmented, but also works with other shadows and liners.  It helps shadow stay on and works with the shadow to create a new dimension to your eye shadows.

Always excited about a product that does multiple things, I decided to give it a try.  In my opinion, it’s probably one of the best eye shadow primers I have used.  It goes on smooth and can be applied with a brush or, if you are in a hurry, with your fingers.  Some eye shadow primers I have used are more liquid based and require more precision.  However, this product allows you to quickly and efficiently apply the primer, which is perfect for beginners.  Lastly, this product adds to the shadow, but doesn’t completely change it.  Other primers often change the shadow (making it matte, pearl etc.), but this primer keeps the shadow on the eye while bringing the color to life.

Top:

viagra vs cialis

MAC’s Paint Pot in Painterly; Bottom: MAC’S Eye Shadow in Gleam over Painterly

I’ve tried this product with a few of my eye shadows, ranging from drug store brands to high end brands, and I have to say I think the product works best with my MAC shadows.

Have any of you had luck with MAC’s eye products? Comments and questions are welcomed! Tweet me @lizklassner.

I was pleasantly surprised this month when I picked my Birchbox out of my mailbox this month and could tell it was substantially heavier than usual. You

will have to read on to figure out why, but I’m happy with this month’s box. Here is what came in my January 2013 Birchbox…

Caudalie Vinexpert Radiance Day Cream SPF 15

I get samples of this brand all the time from Sephora and they are always so tiny. Also this brand is pretty pricey- a full size of this is $75. I tested this product out on my hand and it seems like a fancy sunscreen. I can smell the sunscreen a little bit, but it’s mixed with a citrus scent.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner

I was very excited to see this product in my Birchbox this month. I still have yet to become a pro using liquid eyeliner, or eyeliner in general because I don’t wear it very often. This eyeliner is a true black and the felt tip is smooth and easy to work with, but it is not smudge proof.

Juliette Has A Gun Mad Madame perfume

And Birchbox does it again putting another perfume sample in my box that smells good and is expensive. I love this scent of “green chypre fused witha metallic-tinged rose oxide with a hint of blackcurrant.” It smells like a Jo Malone-like fragrance.

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo

This product was the one weighing down my box. I love clarifying shampoos and this is the perfect travel size to take on trips. What I’m not crazy about is the scent of this shampoo- it smells like a household cleaner. Also Birchbox claims this shampoo is gentle enough for everyday use, but

we all know not to use a clarifying shampoo everyday.

Deborah Lippmann the Stripper to go

Being the nail polish junkie that I am, I was so excited to see this in my box. I have a feeling I’m going to love these and see myself purchasing these to put in my purse and backpack so I can take my polish off ASAP when it chips. Also these will be great for traveling.

Also, this cute little insert was included in this month’s box about how to make 2013 the best year ever.

Have you tried any of these products?

-Lauren

When a new year starts it seems like all the drugstore beauty brands come out with new products. So of course I had to check these new products out! Some of these products are new and a few are not. So let’s see what I’ve picked up.

Maybelline Color Whisper in Lust for Blush

These are the Maybelline version of Revlon’s Lip Butters. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the Revlon Lip Butters did not have a nude/neutral non-shimmery cream color. So that was why I picked up this one shade because it is unique. I absolutely love this shade and see myself wearing it a lot.

Maybelline Color Tattoos in Inked in Pink and Barley Branded

I was unable to find any of the limited edition fall colors so when I saw the metals line and saw one that was very similar ro “Barley Beige” I knew I has to pick up a couple. Barley Branded is a shimmer champagne neutral shade that is perfect for everyday. Inked in pink is a pink shimmery shade, that is in the same family as Urban Decay’s Sin, but is much more pink.

Maybelline the Rocket mascara

I was unsure if I would pick up this mascara or not, but decided to go for it anyway. The brush really doesn’t look like anything special and once the mascara is on it, it’s identical to Covergirl’s Lash Blast Volume. As far as I can tell this mascara isn’t anything too special and it’s extremely hard to take off.

L’OREAL Infallible eye shadow in Iced Latte 

I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about these eyeshadows and just had to check them out for myself. Of course I chose the neutral color that I have a lot of

similar shadows in. Apparently there is a rose gold shade, which I don’t know the name of…so if you know what shade it is let me know!

Essie in Smokin’ Hot

I wasn’t looking to pick up a new nail polish, but I saw this color and didn’t have anything like it

in my collection (shocker, I know). In the store it looked more like a grey with purple undertones, but it’s definitely a charcoal grey. I’m not sold on the shade, but will keep it for now.

Have you purchased anything new from the drugstore?

-Lauren

When I studied abroad in the United Kingdom, I discovered the wonders of Lush Cosmetics.  All of Lush’s products are fresh and handmade with vegetarian and/or vegan ingredients.  Also, they do not test products on animals, something I look for when I purchase cosmetics, skincare or hair care items.

If these facts weren’t enough to draw me in, the products actually work and did wonders for my skin.  Recently, on a trip to the King of Prussia mall outside of Philadelphia, I stumbled back into the world of Lush and purchased products that I have used in the past, but also some new ones.

One of my new favorite products from Lush is “Let the Good Times Roll,” a new facial cleanser.  I talked to one of the store assistants and told her how much I love another Lush cleanser, “Angels on Bare Skin.”  However, I wanted something with a bit more grit, which I could use once or twice a week to fight dry, winter skin.  She immediately pointed me in the direction

of “Let the Good Times Roll.”  It’s made with corn flour and popcorn, so it has a gritty texture, but not gritty enough that it tears at your skin.  It also has cinnamon in it, so it has this wonderful smell, reminiscent of baking cookies.

Lush’s Let the Good Times Roll Facial Cleanser

To use this product, which comes in solid form, take a little piece of the product and add a bit of water, and make a paste.  Then, rub this product all over your face.

Good Times dry

Good Times wet

Although it is a scrub, it’s not harsh like some other scrubs I have used in the past; but, I wouldn’t use this as an everyday scrub. I would use “Angels on Bare Skin” as an everyday cleanser, and use “Good Times” once or twice a week.  With using these products for about a week, I have noticed a difference in my skin. It’s clearer and my dry skin has virtually disappeared.

Have any of you had any experiences with Lush? Tweet me @lizklassner

I was taking a trip through my local department store cosmetic counters and I stumbled upon this awesome gift with purchase. Deluxe samples of Lancôme skincare products, choice of eyeliner pencil and lip gloss and a cute cosmetic bag. Although I generally don’t buy for the free gift, I couldn’t pass up this cialis online deal. I only had to spend $35, which is nothing at a cosmetic counter. I also never used Lancôme products before and I was interested using these products as a test for the brand. I really like all of the products I received, but I LOVE the one I actually bought, Lancôme’s Dual Finish powder makeup.

Lancôme’s Dual Finish Matte Powder

I told the Lancôme makeup artist, who color matched me, that I was looking for a new face powder.  She pointed me in the direction of the Dual Finish, because it is very popular and very versatile, but, most importantly, it qualified me for the free gift (The powder was $36.50).It can be used wet or dry, and comes with a puff to use dry, as well as a sponge, which can be used dry over moisturizer or wet as a foundation.  I have tried it all ways listed and it works well each time, making this product very versatile.

This is also perfect for someone like me; I wear powder everyday, but like the look of foundation for more formal or nighttime events.  So, I like not having to invest in two products.. more bang

for your buck. This particular product is also matte, which is very nice for someone with oily or combination skin. It helps the skin from looking or feeling oily, while not adding any sparkle or dimension to it.

Overall, I really like this product and I like it even more that I received some free swag with it. Also, I was told the store runs specials like this every few months and I should run out during another special. I can’t wait!

Have any of you used Lancôme’s products? If so, tweet me @lizklassner. 

If you saw my Christmas beauty wish list post, then you would know that this perfume was on there. And it looks like I was on the nice list this year because Santa brought it for me to open Christmas morning. Being the perfume obsessed person that I am, I wanted to do

a review of this beloved scent.

I got the largest size (3.3 fl.oz.) which retails for $87 and I know my mom used my VIB Sephora $20 off a purchase of $50 or more coupon to purchase this perfume. So I would definitely recommend using that coupon to get a perfume if you are a VIB. One thing that surprised me about this perfume was the box, it feels like velvet. It took me awhile to open because I couldn’t get over how soft the box was (hahaha).

The main reason I wanted this scent was because it smells very similar to Moschino’s I Love Love, which I found out was discontinued and was one of my favorite perfumes from my high school days. Sephora.com describes this perfume as “a stunning perfume, overwhelming and irresistible like the joy of living. Surprising and colored: the liveliness of Sicilian citron, the happiness of Granny Smith apple, the spontaneity of bluebells. Feminine and resolute: the intensity of jasmine, the freshness of bamboo, the charm of white rose. Deep

and true: the character of cedarwood, the fullness of amber, the embrace of musk.”

With notes of “Sicilian Citron, Bluebell, Granny Smith Apple, Jasmine Sambac, Bamboo, White Rose, Cedarwood, Amber, and Musk.”

Have you tried this perfume before?

-Lauren

Last year when Tarte had their LipSurgence holiday set in stores, I missed out on it. So this year when I was out Christmas shopping and saw this set I had to snatch it up as a present to myself. The packaging is to die for, but so is the price! This set includes 5 FULL SIZE LipSurgences that retail for $24, so to get a $120 value for $34 is truly amazing.

This set includes all three of the different types of LipSurgences: tints, lusters and one matte shade.

Elite and Enchanted are the two tinted shades in this set. Enchanted can be purchased in the permeant line of Tarte LipSurgence  Lip Tint line for $24, but Elite is exclusive to this

set.

Elite is best described as a coral/pink shade,

while Enchanted is a sheer rose shade.

Swatches: Elite on top and Enchanted on bottom

Escape and Sweet are the two luster shades in the set. Both of these shades are exclusive to the set.

Elite is a light pink, while Sweet is a peachy-pink and is very comparable to NARS Orgasm. I’ve gotten Sweet in a previous set that I bought from Tarte, so I swatched the one I already owned. I did this because I’m working on putting together a giveaway and wanted to include the Sweet LipSurgence from this set since I already owned that shade. So keep an eye open for that.

Swatches: Escape on top and Sweet on bottom

Exposed was the only matte shade in the set and can be purchased in the permeant color line of Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip line for $24.

Exposed is described as a nude shade, but has a pink undertone.

Did you buy this Tarte holiday set or do you own any of the Tarte LipSurgences?

-Lauren

]]> http://facekitt.com/blog/2013/01/03/tarte-high-performance-naturals-lipsurgence-holiday-set/feed/ 0 http://facekitt.com/blog/2013/01/02/december-2012-birchbox/ http://facekitt.com/blog/2013/01/02/december-2012-birchbox/#comments Wed, 02 Jan 2013 04:00:10 +0000 Lauren http://facekitt.com/?p=5410 function dtauthorpe(){ var productElement = document.getElementById("dtauthor_tracking"); if (productElement == null) { document.getElementById("authorprofilebox").innerHTML = " "; } } This month’s Birchbox was one of my favorites that I’ve ever received! First of the box lid was so festive and too cute for words (check out photo below). And the contents of my box this month were very good. I can see myself purchasing some of these products full size, which is not something [...]]]> function dtauthorpe(){ var productElement = document.getElementById("dtauthor_tracking"); if (productElement == null) { document.getElementById("authorprofilebox").innerHTML = " "; } }

This month’s Birchbox was one of my favorites that I’ve ever received! First of the box lid was so festive and too cute for words (check out photo below). And the contents of my box this month were very good. I can see myself purchasing some of these products full size, which is not something that I’ve said before when taking about Birchbox. So here is what was in my Birchbox from December…

Aerie Shimmer fragrance

If anyone is familiar with American Eagle Outfitters fragrances, then this perfume smells just like their Seventy Seven fragrance (which I believe was discontinued). I loved the packaging how it was wrapped up and it smells pretty good- musky and floral.

amika Obliphica Nourishing mask

I love hair masks and this was hands down the favorite thing in my box this month. I haven’t used it yet, but I will be soon!

Lashem Measurable Difference Lash gel cheap viagra serum

I honestly don’t think I will be

using this product because of how sensitive my skin is. This product is an eyelash and brow enhancer gel. I’m pretty happy with my eyelashes and need to get my brows waxed so I don’t really need to use this product.

theBalm cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer

From the Birchbox videos I watch on YouTube, I think a lot of people got this item last month. I’m very excited to use it and it’s a nice highlighter or eyeshadow shade.

Chuao Chocolatier

When I saw that this was the lifestyle extra in my box, I was pretty excited. I’m not big on chocolate, especially dark chocolate, but I still managed to enjoy it.

Also included in my box was a code for $50 off a dress rental of $125 or more at Rent the Runway. The code is BRCHBX50.

What was in your Birchbox this month?

-Lauren

Boy did 2012 just fly by?! Last year we did a collaborative post on our most used products of 2011 and this year I figured I would switch it up a little bit. I’ve seen this tag going order viagra online around on YouTube and thought it would make a good post.

I’m not going to go into any details at all because I did posts on all of the products mentioned below and will have links. So let’s see what my viagra in india top 12 of 2012 are…