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!!!

HUGE COLLECTIVE HAUL!!!

I know I've been away for a while now. I've been busy with school. As the semester winds down there is just so much that has to be done, so many tests. I'm almost out for the winter holiday break, but I promise to update as much as possible, especially since I do so much hauling over the holiday season. I have three hauls to share with you, all done on Black Friday. I though I'd share! Individual reviews are coming soon!

First up: MAC

I got the Smoky Thrillseekers pigment set and the 219 brush. I don't have pics yet, but I'll be posing a review for these tomorrow!

Next up, the Body Shop. Prepare yourselves cause this one's gonna be BIG!!!

The Body Shop had a 3 for $30 sale. You could pick three full size items (excluding gift sets) and each would only cost you $10.

I got:
Body Butter in Satsuma (sooooo delicious!!!!) ($20)
Tea Tree Blackhead Exfoliating Wash ($13)
Nature's Mineral's SPF 25 Mineral Foundation ($25)

Just these three items should have cost me $58, but I got them for only $30!!! In addition, they had a special, where you get a silver purse filled with a lot of full size and sample size (but mostly full size!!!) products for only $25! I don't see it listed online, but I know that they still have it in stores, but now it'll cost you $50 instead of $25.

Here's what's included:
Body Butter in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $20)
Carrot Moisture Cream (Full Size, $8.99)
Body Scrub in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $20)
Lip Balm in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $8)
Soap in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $5)
Bath & Shower Gel in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $13)
Peppermint Intense Foot Rescue Cream (Full Size, $18)
Hemp Hand Protector Cream (Full Size, $10)
Home Fragrance Oil in Jolly Orange (Full Size, $7.50)
Nail Buffer ($3)
Nail File ($3)
Bath Lily ($3)
Bath Brush (Large, $9)
Body Butter in Shimmer Coconut (Sample, .35 oz, $?)
Vitmin E Moisture Serum (Sample, .06 oz, $?)
Christmas Ornament ($?)
Purse ($?)

The ad claims that you're getting a $175 value for $25, but the products add up to $128.49. I suppose they included the cost of the samples, the purse, and the ornaments, to get their figure of $175, but they're pretty cheap. Either way, you still save a TON of money, even if you purchase it now for $50 and I highly recommend you do!!!

And finally, a small haul a Target:

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation in 100 Ivory
Maybelline Color Sensational Gloss in Sugared Honey
L'Oreal Color Riche Lipstick in 745 Sugar Plum

That's all for now! Of the three, the only one I actually saved on was the Body Shop haul, but it more than made up for everything else I bought!