Saturday, April 30, 2011

Clinique Daily Protective Base: Another Redness Solution

**Scheduled post: Wendy is moving!**

Today's review is for a product that I have used steadily for nearly a year now and am absolutely in love with. You may remember my Clinique Redness Solutions cleanser review and how it really helped to clear up the problem areas on my face. Well, I've got something that I use daily to help protect my skin from the sun, make my foundation last longer, AND conceal redness... how cool is that?!

























Let me start off by saying that this will be a rave review. This product has become a part of my daily routine.



















Clinique describes this as "Protects skin from the UVA/UVB exposure that can aggravate skins with Rosacea or reactive redness. Does it without chemical sunscreens. Comforting, oil-free makeup primer with a sheer green tint visually corrects redness, evens skin tone. "

You get 1.35oz for $18.50, which has lasted me for well over a year on near daily use.

Swatches:










































It's hard to see on my skin but when applied to my face, the green tone helps to counteract the natural pink/red in my skin and visibly brightens the area. I can't say that if you apply it to a pimple, it's going to counteract that... but as an all-over cream, it definitely does it's job.

There's a slight fragrance but it's quite fresh smelling... almost like cucumber mixed with something else. It's not unpleasant and it hasn't gotten sour over the year I've had the tube... it also fades after application.

In terms of feeling, this feels like a thick moisturizer. It thins out once it hits your skin but a little definitely goes a long way. The amount you see in the swatch is the amount I would use to cover my entire face!

The spf 15 could be higher, of course, but I love that it's an easy step for me in terms of applying sunscreen and also helping my makeup to last longer. The green tint in this helps make my skin look more flawless once I've applied my makeup. As I wear powder, this helps that powder to last throughout the day (we're talking at least doubling the wear time from 4 hours to a minimum of 8) by providing a slightly tacky base that is still comfortable to wear.

What else can I say? This is truly an amazing product. I just bought a new tube of it as mine is getting quite low. I will also occasionally mix it with a tinted moisturizer and I'll get an absolutely dewy, glowy finish. Further, get this: it lasts ALL DAY. Tinted moisturizers are notorious for fading quite quickly and this will help it to easily last through my work day. If I want to really make it last, I'll layer this on first, then my tinted moisturizer, and finally my Mac MSF Natural over top of that. We're talking 12 hours of coverage there... no oilyness or fading whatsoever.

Definitely two, three, four thumbs up for this product. If you've been wanting to try a foundation primer and don't like a heavy, silicone feel, this is for you! I love that it multitasks and I think it'd be great for any of my readers - those with redness especially, but even those without (you're still getting a makeup base and sunscreen together!)

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Spring/Summer Want List

Trying something a bit different as I can't do much in the way of makeup posts right now due to our move! We're moving on Saturday so hopefully I can get back into posting once I have my vanity all nice and set up :)

I'm trying to work on some reviews, too, so stay tuned!

For now, I'm just posting a bit of a spring/summer wish list... mostly clothes but I'll probably toss in a few other bits. As a response, be sure to tell me what you're lemming!








































Expanding Horizons Tank, $48.00, Anthropologie

Not much to say about this one -- I like the styling and the color, and generally this type of shape flatters my figure. Too bad it's kinda pricey!








































She Shells Tank, $78.00, Anthropologie

OMG, love love love LOVE this. I love seashels and the styling would, again, be good on my shape. Hopefully this goes on sale!








































Sunny Soirees Dress, $148, Anthropologie


I'm not normally a fan of yellow but I absolutely love this. Not sure about the shape so it'd have to be tried on... but either way: love it.








































Gull Wing Dress, $168, Anthropologie

I've always wanted a red dress and this is so gorgeous! Definitely watching this for a sale.





















Floral Halter Neck Sundress, £24.99, New Look

It's so vintagey and RED! :) Hopefully they still have it when I visit (and maybe on sale?). Not sure about the back as it's a cross back, I'd have to see if I can wear a bra with it still.

























Mint scalloped hem dress, £50, Dorothy Perkins

I LOVE their clothes. Can't wait to go shopping there... mint is a color that I had to try on to realize that it looked good on me!

























Washed Voile Embellished Shirt, £14, Select

I'd really like a nice tunic top but haven't had luck finding one that quite suits me :(. I like the embellishment on this one and the rolled sleeves.























Vero Moda Full Chambray Skirt, $50.20, ASOS

I love skirts with buttons down the front and I also really like the grey colour of this! I just hate ASOS's prices...




















Belted Button Front Romper, $32.99, Charlotte Russe

I'd really like to have a romper but my thighs aren't really good for them. This looks like it could be long enough on my legs though and I love the belt. Might be worth a try-on as the cheaper ones I've tried were too thin and short.

























Colored Trench coat (This one is now discontinued, from Lauren Conrad for Kohl's)

I actually tried this coat on in store and it was too big, even in the smallest size :( I needed a petite in the smallest size, and it may have been alright. Unfortunately this brand doesn't do petite.























Decree Hook and Eye Cami, $17.99, JCPenney


I've always loved corseted type things and this is adorable! I saw it at the store but didn't try it on for some reason.



























Rocket Dog Oak T-Strap Heels, $56.99, ShopRuche

I love the vintage style of these and the woven thing they've got going on. I'd like to find a pair of sandals with that woven, lacey style but can't!






















LifeStride Ariel Sandal, $39.95, DSW

Something like this only a little cuter. Maybe I'll find something in England!




















Grey Blossom Bib Necklace, $7.50, Charlotte Russe

I've been into bib necklaces for a while and like that this one isn't too over the top. I have a beautiful multi colored one but it's so large and long that I have nothing to wear it with :(






















Union Jack Tapesty, $39.00, Urban Outfitters

Naturally.






















Alice Tea Party Pillowcase Set, $34.00, Urban Outfitters

OMG. That is all.




















Dr. Jart+ Silver Label Rejuvenating BB Cream, $27.99, Amazon.com

I've been really into keeping my skin fresh lately and as I love tinted moisturizers, I've been wanting to try this. There's an American version out in Sephora but I've heard it's quite watery and not as good. I need to track down the original Asian version.
























Copco Strawberry Teakettle, $29.99, Target

I posted this on Twitter a while ago... Gwrraawrrr want so bad. My husband wants a more functional one for boiling water so I don't know if I'll get this. It would sure look cute in my kitchen though!



















Zombieland Blu-Ray, $11.99, Amazon.com

I saw this at someone's house and thought it was great! Locally it's about $22.99 so I've been haunting my local discount movie store to try and find it. No luck yet. Since Amazon has it so cheap, I may order it from there!





















LCD TV. We still don't have one... gotta have something to watch the blu-rays on! My husband and I are quite picky about the price and we just haven't found anything in our range that is worth the price. Almost got one from Walmart but when I put it into my online cart, it went out of stock as I was entering my shipping details. Really irritating.





















Last, but not least... London :) I can't wait to visit in May and get to see this view again! I'm really excited to go around the castles and wander the streets again... it's so much fun and very different to life over here.

Anddd... I'm done. I think. :)

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Inglot Look #1: Spring is Definitely Here!

I haven't played much with my Inglot palettes because I have this thing where I won't toy with something I'm unfamiliar with if I'm low on time. I'm in a rush most mornings to get out on time so that my husband isn't late (we carpool) so that means usually relying on stuff I use all the time and am comfortable with.

Well... boredom at work ended in this. I like the Inglot shadows, they need a good base but they are easy to blend out. It took a little work to pack on the lighter purple, but I like the overall look.

As for the lipstick, I picked it up last night looking for another "my lips but better" shade. I tend to buy really vibrant lipsticks and then have no natural looking ones. Needless to say, I love it! I wanted something like:




















I love the shades of lipstick she wears, even though she's blonde... so that being said, Cover Girl Lip Perfection in Darling would be good on a blonde ;-)

FACE:
- Physician's Formula tinted moisturizer in fair to light (review coming)
- Mac MSF Natural in Light Medium
- Maybelline SuperStay Concealer in Cream
- Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Light
- Maybelline Dream Mousse blush in Peach Satin

EYES:
- Too Faced Shadow Insurance
- Inglot eyeshadow 60A
- Inglot eyeshadow 14AS
- Inglot eyeshadow 72A
- Inglot eyeshadow 15AS
- Inglot eyeshadow 395P
- Physician's Formula black gel liner from blue eyes set
- Maybelline Define a Lash Volume

LIPS:
- Cover Girl Lip Perfection in Darling
















































































Just as an additional thing, I'm posting my outfit of the day (mostly so my friend Amanda can see the dress we talked about on Facebook, haha)

Cardigan: No idea, maybe Papaya
Dress: Forever21
Tights: Target
Shoes: Target

Quick Post: Great Deal at CVS for Physician's Formula

This is a super fast post but I didn't want to post until I knew for sure that the coupon doubling would work...

There is a $5 off coupon for Physician's Formula floating around the net:

http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/eyebooster-coupon-3-1.pdf

(Credit goes to Priscilla )

This is $5 off EACH ITEM PURCHASED, so you can print out as many coupons as you like.

Next, CVS is having a 40% off Physician's Formula sale through Sunday (4/24)... guess what? You can combine them.

I tested it last night and it definitely worked. I got the tinted moisturizer for $3.99 which is normally $14.99! Those little heart imprint blushes? $2.50. Seriously, it's a pretty awesome deal. So, if you have a CVS near you, print out a load of these coupons and stock up on some awesome, cheap makeup :)

(My recs would be the gel liners -- they are really fantastic. The tinted moisturizer is really nice but I bought the lightest and it's nearly too dark for me, and I'm in NC20 in Mac)

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

First Look: New Darling Girl Cosmetics! (FOTD)

I got my Darling Girl goodies in the mail on Friday and hadn't had much chance to play with them until today! Even though I got a ton of pretty stuff, I was immediately drawn to 2 of the free samples that Susan gave me... which were both pink. It was quite unusual for me to immediately pick pinks to use first, but whatever, I went with it!

There will be a more in depth review when I've had a chance to properly swatch and test everything... I may have to get a full size of Plum Blossom, it's seriously beautiful!

FACE:
- CoverGirl Aqua Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer in Fair to Light
- Mac MSF Natural in Light Medium
- Maybelline SuperStay Concealer in Cream
- Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Light
- Mac blush in Breezy (review coming)

EYES:
- Too Faced Shadow Insurance
- Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy
- DG Plum Blossoms eyeshadow
- DG Shower of Flowers eyeshadow
- DG Beginnings eyeshadow
- WetnWild random purple eyeliner
- Ulta random light pink eyeshadow (think it's just called Pink)
- Maybelline One by One mascara

LIPS:
- Mac Violetta lipstick
- DG Blue Suede Shoes Holo Gloss








































































































How awesome is the holo gloss? So pretty! It REALLY sparkles in the sun!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Bright Red Lips FOTD

I could have made this part of the Bright Lips series but I feel like being annoying. It's a red lip FOTD :)

Nothing too special on the eyes, I was low on time so that meant quick, messy winged liner (used plum)... today I used gold liner on the lower lashline as well. Pretty cute effect, though it makes my eyes look weird in photos!

This lipstick = LOVE. I've worn it three times now and I think it's seriously a great red for the price. It's a bit messy (you can see that from my haphazard application) as it stays wet for a few minutes before drying. Anyway, for 99 cents, this lipstick seriously LASTS (there are pics!)

FACE:
- Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Base (review coming)
- Mac Studio Fix Powder in NC20
- Maybelline SuperStay Concealer in Cream
- Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Light

EYES:
- Too Faced Shadow Insurance
- Revlon Vintage Lace eyeshadow
- Stila Convertible Eye Liner in Berry
- Ulta Gold eyeliner
- Maybelline Lash Stiletto in black

LIPS:
- Prestige Auto lip liner in Red Brick
- WetnWild Silk Finish lipstick in 552A (Just Garnet)
- NYX gloss in Chandelier (just in the center)


































































About 6 hours after application, I ate lunch messily and took photos after I was done. This lipstick clings on pretty well! I had some fading in the middle of my lips but I hadn't applied it so heavily there. (Below photos are indoors, with flash)


































Lastly, my outfit of the day. I did the makeup based on the outfit, which is slightly vintagey. Neither are with flash, but the bottom one has the classic 'Myspace angle' to try and show the print of the dress better.

Dress: YesStyle
Leggings: Forever21
Bracelet: Charlotte Russe
Belt: Target
Shoes: Target
























Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Makeup Stash Clearance! (Updated 4/13/11)

4/4/11: Still tons of items left!

Oh yes, it's time... time to raise money for my trip to the motherland England in May. Most of these are neglected items that I can't see myself using anytime soon and they deserve to be in a loving home!

If an item has a price and "shipped" next to it, that is the price you will pay me in total to get the item to you if you are in the United States. If you're international, I will let you know the shipping price through PM or email.

I would prefer for people to gift me the money on Paypal to avoid fees, but if you're uncomfortable with that, I will invoice you. If it's a transaction over $10, there will be a $1 PayPal fee invoiced along with the item and shipping.

I'm not charging a flat rate for shipping... shipping will be whatever I pay for it. I will be able to tell you the exact cost prior to invoicing or you gifting the money as I have a postal meter at my work to weigh things.

You can leave a message on this blog post, contact me via Twitter (CydonianMU), Facebook (Turtle Beauty) or email (guitarsoloist07 at yahoo dot com) to negotiate prices!

Onto the sale! PHOTOS AVAILABLE BY REQUEST.

Mac Items:

- Golden Lemon Pigment, BNIB (1/2 tsp may be taken out for me, will decide at time of sale) $18 shipped
- Thrills lipstick (To the Beach collection, discontinued), used 3-4x $15 shipped
- Mineralize Skinfinish in Petticoat (used 4-5x lightly) $25
- Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio in Togetherness (used 2x) $15 shipped
- Vestral White nail polish, BNIB $11
- Violet Fire nail polish, BNIB $11
- Boy Bait Cremesheen Glass, BNIB $16 shipped
- Peachstock (Liberty of London), BNIB $15 shipped
- Banshee eyeshadow, BNIB $13 shipped
- Minted Eye Kohl (3x used) $10 shipped
- Dirty Plum (Liberty of London), BNIB $19 shipped

Other Brands (Eyes):

- Stila Backstage Palette (all colors used 1x), $12 shipped
- WetnWild Color Icon 6 Pan Palette in Sugar Plum Fairy (used 1x, I have the new 8 pan so I don't need this), make an offer
- Urban Decay Revolver eyeshadow, in pan (matte, used 1x) $10 shipped
- Ben Nye Turquoise eyeshadow (used 1x, bottom is a bit roughed up), $10 shipped
- MeMeMe Baked Eyeshadow quads: Ocean Eyes (never used), Goddess Eyes (1x), Electric Eyes (never used), $8 each shipped
- NYX Jumbo Pencils in Black Bean and Lime (both used 1x), $4 each shipped or $7 shipped for both
- Sephora Eye Brightening Pencil (used 3-4x), $5 shipped
- Maybelline Ultra Liner in Black (used 2x), $3 shipped
- Urban Decay 1999 24/7 pencil (mini size, used 1x) $3.50 shipped
- Bare Minerals glimmer loose eyeshadow in Azure (2x), $5 shipped
- Barry M Dazzledust in LED#2 (rare, discontinued, used 2x), $5 shipped

Cheap Items that must be purchased with something else:

- NYX Medusa Round lipstick (used 2x for swatching), $3
- Milani Royale lipstick (used maybe 1x), $2
- Fyrinnae Lip Lustre in Romantique (used w/ brush 2x), $4
- WetnWild Natural Blend Lip Shimmer in #107, possible Cocoa. I bought the wrong shade. $2
- e.l.f. Duo Shadow Cream in Sugar Cookie (swatched), $1
- NYX White eyeshadow (2x), $2
- Evil Shades Cuticle Balm sample (pretty good amount, see picture), $2
- Fyrinnae Archmage eyeshadow sample, never used $2
- e.l.f. Mystic Moss single eyeshadow (swatched), $1

Nail Polishes:

- OPI Shim-Merry Chic (used for 1 mani) make an offer
- China Glaze Ick-A-Body from Halloween 2010 (brand new, I have another one) make an offer
- Ulta Professional in Jaded (brand new) $3 shipped
- Revlon Gold Get 'Em (1 manicure), $3 shipped
- Revlon Gumdrop (1 manicure), $3 shipped
- LA Splash Golden Coral (brand new) $3 shipped
- Sally Hansen XTreme Wear in Sunkissed and VIP Pink (1 manicure), $2 (I have some other XTreme Wears I may be willing to sell, if interested... PM me)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Hard Candy Fox in a Box Review + Swatches

I FINALLY found one of these at my local Walmart after over a month of looking... it wasn't like I was checking every day, but if I was in there, I'd check to see if they had any. I finally saw this and one of the duo bronzer things and decided that the blush color would be more flattering on me.

One of the blogs I read regularly reviewed a lighter shade here: http://productrater.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-hard-candy-smooth-talker-blush.html (Justine is awesome, check her blog out!) and so I became interested that way.

























First off, how CUTE is the packaging? I'm a sucker for polka dots and the little box is just adorable.























A comparison to my hand so you can see how tiny the box is. I have small hands (read: I have to buy children's gloves) so this little box is just perfect for traveling.



















The box opens via magnetics to reveal a little square pan with 4 different shades of 'blush'. There's also a little brush attached to the inside but it honestly looked scratchier than a mountain man's beard... so I left it there. The box closes magnetically and is pretty secure. The outer packaging is cardboard, but I don't feel like it's crazy flimsy... just lightweight. This contains 0.20oz (5.7g) of product, which is a pretty decent amount for such a small little box. The price is around $6, it may be higher in some areas but as my Walmart is always destroyed, the price tags are always missing.

I got the shade Spicy & Sweet which looked dark in the pan but lightens up on application.























I swatched each section separately and then along the bottom did a swirled swatch:






















As you can tell, the farthest right shade is the dominant color in the palette while the one next to it helps to lighten it and make it glowy/shimmery. I don't see much of the two left shades, I guess the brown intensifies the shade and the lighter shade neutralizes red tones? Not sure to be honest.

This looks really lovely on the skin and is well-pigmented without making you look like a clown. I can give it a good swirl with my powder brush maybe twice and then apply it, and it's just the right amount and blends easily. I get pretty good wear out of it... about 6-8 hours before I see any noticeable fading. I use a foundation primer so I'm guessing that helps it to last longer. Even when it does begin to fade, it leaves a nice glow behind.

















































Top photo is with flash and bottom is without. I don't have any foundation on in either pic so my face is a bit blotchy, but you get an idea of the color at least.

Overall, love this. Great blush for the price and the size is perfect for traveling! Recommended for purchase :)