{Tip Thursday} 5 Ways To Make Your Skin Care Products Last Longer

Another new segment! I think Tip Thursday's will allow me to give a lot of info and tips concisely and quickly! Let me know what you think, whether or not these hints are helpful, and if you have any hints yourself!

1. Apply your lotion, cream, or body butter on damp skin after a shower. This is a biggie for me. When you do this, the product of your choice spreads easier so you get the same result with a lot less product and hassle. This is especially true with some body butters (like the Bodycology ones) that are very thick. The only reason I use so much is because otherwise it is very difficult to spread on the skin. This also works with facial skin care. Simply apply your moisturizer after cleansing, without drying your face in between.

2. Use less product. This one is a no-brainer. Your skin can only absorb so much. When it comes to moisturizing your face, consider this: at the most, you should need no more than about a dime sized amount of moisturizer to cover your entire face. I use a gel moisturizer, and that is usually enough to get not only my face but also my neck as well. Unless you have a very thick moisturizer, this amount should be more than enough. The excess moisturizer you apply to your face and body only sits on the surface (or gets absorbed by your clothes) and goes to waste.

3. Reuse bottles that come with pumps. I find this particularly helpful with thin lotions (like St. Ives or Vaseline) that come on a squeeze tube. I find that it's a lot easier to not only use (because you don't end up with a greasy bottle), but it's a lot easier to get to all of the product. What I do is I squeeze as much of the lotion as I can into clean bottle and then I cut it open and use a spatula to get to the rest of it. Then, when the pump bottle is almost out, all I do is remove the pump and prop it upside down onto a little sample jar/container to catch the lotion the pump couldn't get too. This way I waste the least amount of product possible. If you can, find a nice clear pump dispenser. I had an old Taylor of London Rose lotion that I finished. It came in a clear bottle and I've been refilling it ever since. It makes it a lot easier to see when you've used up all of the products.

4. Purchase moisturizers that suit your needs. If you have very dry skin, don't buy a light lotion that you will have to constantly use and re-buy. Instead, purchase a thicker cream or body butter that you will need to use less of to get the same results. You will end up saving a lot of money this way.

5. Massage moisturizers into your skin. So many people I know just quickly slap on the cream and then forget about it. Taking an extra minute to massage the cream into the skin ensures that more of it gets absorbed into the skin and goes on more evenly. In addition, it will get absorbed into the skin faster and give you the full effect of the moisturizer.

Next week I'll be talking about ways to reduce the oiliness on your face that don't involve using makeup! Stay tuned!

News!!!

I now have a Tumblr, Twitter, AND a Formspring!!! All of the links, along with my e-mail are in the side bar! All of them are still works in progress, but they're getting there! Check them out, subscribe, and lemme know what you think!

Monday Makeup Motivation

I'm starting a new segment about makeup applications, some current some past, that I find gorgeous. I couldn't think of another way to include them in the blog, but lately I've seen so many pictures of makeup that inspires me so much! This absolutely stunning image, for instance, is from Guerlain's Spring 2011 collection promo! There's something about the combo of liquid liner, gray shadow, and slightly purplish lip that looks so beautiful!!!

More to come!

Review: Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Groupie

Just in time for the holidays, especially New Year's, I thought I'd do a review on this glitter liner I got as a gift a little while back. I know that New Year's Eve is when everyone breaks out the silver, the shimmer, the glitter and I thought I'd give you a review on something that works very well for the type of product it is.


The shade I got it in is Groupie, a glittery (well, obviously, lol!) pale pink.


Isn't it stunning!? There's also a pale golden shade that I've been eyeing.

The brush:

I really like the brush on just about all of Urban Decay's liquid liners. I usually don't like the brushes that come with liquid liners. They tend to be too thick for my liking as well as carry too much product making application messy. I usually use my own small liner brush with them. I don't have to do that with this liner or Urban Decay's regular liquid liners. The brush is very thin and is just flexible enough to make lining very easy.

Some swatches:

As you can see, it is just glitter suspended in a clear gel of some sort.

Another swatch:

It's sooooo pretty!!! I love pale pinks and lately I've been loving anything with glitter and sequins on them. I went through a huge matte phase these last couple of years, but lately I've been craving glitter, haha! As you can see from the swatches above, the liners are on the sheer side, but really I think this a good thing because I think most people who wear this liner want just a hint of glitter, not a straight line of just glitter. If you do want a more opaque look it's easy enough to layer this liner. just give it a few seconds in between layers to dry a bit. What really impressed me was the lasting power of this liner. It stayed put all night! I was worried that I would end up with glitter all over my face, but I didn't have to worry at all! This liner is perfect for glamming up a simple look or just going out for the night. At $18 it isn't cheap, but then again you probably won't be using this everyday so it should last you a long while.

As much as I love this liner, I do have to warn CONTACT WEARERS that glitter liners, or any kind of glitter product, around the eyes isn't a good idea. I actually ended up giving this to my sister because it got into my eyes and I ended up ruining a pair of contacts. If you're careful and don't rub/touch your eyes you may get away with wearing this liner, but I don't recommend that you risk your eyes. I wore the liner on the upper lash line and then I also put some on my lashes for a bit of extra oomph, which is what I think did me in. I had a couple pieces of glitter end up in my right eye and let me tell you, it wasn't fun. If you do wear this liner with your contacts, I highly urge you to completely wash all of your eye makeup off before going to bed. And don't just use a wipe because you may end up rubbing the glitter into your eyes. Try using a liquid makeup remover on a cotton bud. This works best for me. If you don't wear contacts and are looking for something to give your eye makeup a little punch on New Years Eve, I highly recommend this one!!!

Info:

Price: $18 (for .25 oz)

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Polyethylene Terephthalate, Propylene Glycol, Glycerine, Acrylates Copolymer, PVP, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Polyurethane-11, PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben.

Disclosure: This product was given to me as a gift for the purpose of my personal use. If you have any further questions about disclosure, feel free to ask in comments!

Merry Christmas!

I sincerely hope that all of you have an amazing holiday season! Have fun, indulge, and most importantly, may you and your families stay safe!

A little holiday gift from me, a song from one of my favorite bands, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. If you don't like holiday music, try this band. They are awesome!!!

This is Christmas Cannon Rock! Enjoy!

Review: CoverGirl ShineBlast Lip Gloss in Sparkler

A long overdue review. I was sent a sample of this review back when it first came out and just never got to it. Better late than never, though!

This gloss is from CoverGirl's ShineBlast range.

The big innovation is the brush:

Looks like a normal brush, doesn't it? It's not.


It curves, and is a bit wider on the front--it has a flat, slanted circle (it's hard to describe) that has three slits that hold more product and is supposed to sculpt your lips. I'm sorry to say, but the only good thing about this gloss is the applicator. Too bad the formula ruins its effect. A thicker formula would have been much better.

I wanted to like this product sooooo much, but I can't. I know it may seem like I'm picking on CoverGirl because so many of my reviews are negative, but really, this gloss just isn't cutting it.

To give you some idea of how disappointing this gloss is, here is what mvetsen

from Philadelphia, PA wrote on the CG site in the review section for this gloss: "I bought this lip gloss - color # 9300 in one of the Wallgreens located in NE Philadelphia. The problem is that I can not return it - I live far away." Kinda mean, but true and funny, lol!

Here's a swatch on my lips:

Ok, where to begin? Right off the bat, where is the color!? There is almost no pigmentation. Sparkler, the shade I was sent, is one of the darker ones in the range (at least in the tube), but on the lips it's almost clear with a bit of sparkle. That brings me to my next question: where is the shine!? CG promises 4x the shine with this gloss, but frankly, it's not there. Also, the formula is way, WAY to thin and smells very strongly of chemically fruit. This is a problem I have with all of CoverGirl's glosses. I keep buying them thinking that the shade may makeup for the lack of staying power and the smearing, but no, it doesn't! Not even close! A big problem with the thin formula is that it smears and melts off the lips any time you smack your lips. If you look in the pic above, you can see it outside of my lip line on the upper lip from when I smacked. My lips felt gooey and messy :( The applicator is also supposed to sculpt your lips, but with such a thin formula, it is a waste. Furthermore, the thin formula makes a mess out of the packaging.


Can you see the gloss all over the outside? Bad, bad, bad. I tend to get it on my hands when I apply it. This also begs the question of the size. The retail price of this gloss (at least where I live) is $8.99 for 0.13 oz. WHAT!? To give you a comparison, their WetSlicks Fruit Spritzers are 0.44 oz and $4.99. Big difference! For $9, I expect a lot more, especially since it was developed by the legendary Pat McGrath.

Info:

Price: $8.99

Ingredients: Polybutene, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Octyldodecanol, Triisodecyl Trimellitate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Capric/Caprylic Triglycerides, Silica Silylate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Fragrance (Parfum) (Parfum), Butyl Methoxydibenzoykmethane, Propylene Carbonate, Propylparaben, Pentaerithrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mica, BHT, Di Calcium Phosphate, May Contain (+/-): Carmine, Red 28 Lake, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Red 27 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Red 7 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 6

Disclosure: This product was provided for consideration. This blog is not compensated for writing reviews. All opinions presented stem from personal experience. If you have any further questions about disclosure, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

Review: The Body Shop Body Butter in Satsuma

I first heard about this body butter from a friend of mine. I'd never really stepped foot into The Body Shop before and just thought that their products were just like those from Bath and Body Works, which I have a ton of. She bought this stuff and let me get a whiff of it...and I was a gonner, lol! This is one of my favorite body butters. I had the smaller size, but on Black Friday decided to get the full size.


It contains satsuma oil. If you don't know what that is, don't worry cause you're not alone. I had to Google it, lol! Satsuma is just another type of orange. I guess that's what they put into this stuff to make it smell sooooooo delicious!


It looks kinda strange, but that's only cause it was lying on its side in the bag. As soon as you open the container, the aroma of tangerines/oranges hits you and oh man, it smells soooo good. If you don't believe me, just stop by a Body Shop store and sniff for your self. I've never really been fond of fruity smells--I'm more partial to minty or fresh ocean/linen smells--but this stuff smells like no beauty product I've ever smelled before.

Some closeups on the texture:


And closer still:

I find the texture of this body butter to be lighter than other body butters. Usually with body butters, they're very thick and greasy. I have one from Bodycology that, if I turn it upside down, it doesn't fall out of the container. This stuff, if you try that, will. It's much thinner than most body butters, but no less moisturizing. In fact, I think this one does a much better job and leaves my skin feeling less greasy.

On the hand:

Can you tell how it almost looks like a lotion?

Rubbed in:

It leaves my skin feeling very moisturized, but not as greasy as other body butters in the past. Another thing I like is that it absorbs VERY quickly, but still leaves my skin feeling moisturized all day long. I tend to get ashy skin, especially in the winter. I'll put cream on and a couple hours later my skin is dry again. This stuff works all day long. Also, I'm sure that people worry about this clogging pores, but I haven't really had a problem with that. Usually I only use body butters on my legs and fore arms, never my shoulders or neck because I worry about getting acne there, this stuff doesn't break me out. It leaves my skin feeling sooooo soft and I always get compliments on the clean, crisp orange scent. The only downsides to the product are the hefty price tag ($20 for 6.7 oz) and, if you don't like strongly scented body products, the smell. But if the smell doesn't bother you, The Body Shop frequently has promotions and sales during which you could get this for a lot cheaper. I got mine for $10! Definitely my favorite body butter ever!!!

Info:

Price: $20

Ingredients: Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Citrullus Vulgaris, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lanolin Alcohol, Fragrance, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Reticulata (Satsuma) Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citral, Tocopherol, Benzyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Sodium Hydroxide, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citronellol, Geraniol, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700).

Disclosure: The product featured in this review was purchased by me for the purpose of of my personal use. If you have any more questions about disclosure don't hesitate to ask!

New Layout!

Trying out a new layout! I know, I've made a lot of changes to the blog in the past couple of months and I'm sorry for the inconvenience. It's taken me a while to find something I really like. Let me know what you think in comments!

Pictures Of My Black Friday The Body Shop Haul!!!

This isn't a new haul, but rather pictures of my last haul from The Body Shop on Black Friday! It is of epic proportions, haha! I don't think I've ever bought this much skin stuff in one day, lol! Here goes!


Satsuma Body Butter!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Jolly Orange Body Butter

Carrot Moisture Cream


Nature's Minerals Foundation


Jolly Orange Body Scrub


Jolly Orange Lip Balm


Jolly Orange Soap


Jolly Orange Bath and Shower Gel


Tea Tree Blackhead Exfoliating Wash


Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue Cream


Hemp Hand Protector


Jolly Orange Home Fragrance Oil


Coconut Shimmer Body Butter Sample
Vitamin E Moisture Serum Sample


Sparkle Nail File
Printed Nail Buffer


Ceramic Ornament


Bath Lily and Large Bath Brush

It cam with a bag, which I don't have a pic of, but all of these pics were taken with the bag as a backdrop! It's a really pretty silver color. Reviews are coming soon!

Early Christmas Gift!!!

So the other day a friend of mine gave me my Christmas gift early cause she's leaving on vaca for the next month to Italy (so jealous!). I know, not really a haul, but I thought I'd share anyway!

Here's what she got me:

Urban Decay Glitter Eyeliner in Groupie
Sephora Brand Cream Liner in Made in Manhattan
Sephora Brand Bronzer in Bahamas

I've kinda been wanting to try these, especially the two liners, so I was really happy. I'll be posting reviews soon! Especially on the liner!

Review: Mac Smoky Thrillseekers Pigments

First review from my Black Friday hauls!!! I got Mac's Smoky Thrillseekers mini pigment set. I have to say that these are stunning! You get five mini pigments for $32.50, definitely a value!


L to R: Jigs & Jive, Blue Brown, Naked, Reflects Blackened Red (glitter), Dark Soul.

Some swatches (sorry for blur):

Top to Bottom: Reflects Blackened Red, Dark Soul, Blue Brown, Jigs & Jive, Naked.


L to R: Naked, Jigs & Jive, Blue Brown, Dark Soul, Reflects Blackened Red.


L to R:Naked, Jigs & Jive, Blue Brown, Dark Soul, Reflects Blackened Red.

First off, one def plus for these is versatility. Included are shades that you can use for an everyday look or a going out look. I know a lot of people are concerned about Blue Brown looking too strange, but although it is duochrome, the teal shimmer is very understated when you blend. I've been using Naked all over the lid and brow and then putting a bit of Blue Brown into the crease. You can't really see the blue until I move my head and catch the light. I'm very fair, so if I works for me (pretty much casper, lol!) it should work for someone with a darker complexion. I've actually been getting a lot of compliments and a lot of people have asked what I've got on my eyes, which is always nice! My favorite of the bunch is the Reflects Blackened Red. It's gorgeous!!! I don't have anything like this in my collection. I wore it out to a party the other night just over a smudged black shadow stick (from NYX) and it was so glittery and shiny. My eyes looked wet/sequined! And it makes my blue eyes pop! I highly recommend this set. My only complaints are the small vials --very difficult to get product out sometimes when I'm in a hurry, and the fact that except for Jigs & Jive, all of the colors are permanent. If you already have some of these, it may not be worth buying this set. If you're new to pigments though, I highly recommend!!! And this is one of the Mac holiday releases that actually saves you money!!!

Info:

Price: $32.50

Ingredients: Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. Pigment may contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Carmine, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Chromium Oxide Green, Chromium Hydroxide Greens, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Manganese Violet, Ultramarines, Bismuth Oxychloride, Red 7.

Disclosure: The products featured in this post were bought by me for the purpose of my personal use. If you have any further questions about disclosure, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

The Body Shop Holiday 2010 Deals!

I posted by Black Friday Body Shop haul earlier and I figured I'd also post some more of their holiday 2010 specials for those of you that are interested!

This is the special I bought with my 3 for $30. My pic below wasn't so great, but the one above shows everything very well! The $25 special was for only Black Friday, and only if you spent $30 or more, but when I went back later they had the same bag for $50. I don't know if there's a minimum amount you need to spend to get the stuff for $50, if it's a nation wide event, or if they've even got any more left, but it's worth checking out in my opinion.

Smaller specials:



I know there are more, so check out there website if you're interested (clicky here)!
Let me know if any of you checked out the Body Shop on Black Friday!!!